Created by CakeClaudia Goldin recently became the first solo woman to win a Nobel prize in economics, and her award-winning research focused – fittingly – on women's employment and pay. Her work highlighted the fact that even now there still exists a substantial pay gap and a problem with gender equality in the workplace. The issue of gender inequality in the workplace is still topical in 2023. Low wage roles are still on average occupied by more women, while men are overrepresented in executive roles. The UN estimates it will take 108 years to close the gender gap, an unacceptable delay that impacts women, companies, and society. How can we make faster progress to reduce gender inequality?Table of Contents: What Is Gender Equality in the Workplace?The Benefits of Gender Equality at WorkThe Current State of Gender EqualityHow to Promote Gender Equality in the Workplace?The Future of Gender EqualityWhat Is Gender Equality in the Workplace?Gender equality in the workplace is established when everyone, regardless of gender, has equal access and opportunity to thrive at work. Gender inequality can occur as the result of pay disparity, unequal promotion, and sexual harassment, among others. Tackling gender inequality is an important part of improving diversity, equity, and inclusion at work. As more companies focus on curating an inclusive and diverse work culture, it’s crucial they include women in their considerations, to improve equality. Equality in the workplace is important for societal progress but also for companies. Women have enormous potential and their underrepresentation in higher wage roles or executive positions is a loss for everyone. Women shouldn’t be expected to wait another century for equality in the workplace, and we should all take steps to improve women’s outcomes now. The following are some of the components to gender equality in the workplace: Equal pay for equal work Women have always struggled to get paid equally for the work they do. Although the gender pay gap is closing, it will still take decades to be fully equivalent. Equal access to opportunities Equal access is another important part of equality in the workplace. This means that women should be considered equally for advancement, promotions, and roles they are qualified for. Zero Tolerance for Discrimination and Harassment Women have long had to tolerate harassment and gender discrimination in the workplace, which can take many forms. Flexible Work Arrangements Since the biggest challenge to gender equality in the workplace is child rearing, flexible work arrangements are crucial to establishing equity and supporting parents. Diverse Leadership Women are often left out of promotions and executive roles for many reasons, and upper leadership is dominated by men in every sector. Less gender disparity in leadership roles is another key part of workplace equality.📚Further reading:How to be a Good Leader: Guide to Mastering Leadership!Training and Education Education directly impacts gender equality in the workplace. Male dominated fields aren’t short of women due to a lack of ability or interest, but because women are discouraged from pursuing education in those fields in subtle ways. Pay Transparency One way to combat the gender pay gap is with pay transparency. This openness to scrutiny encourages more fair and equal pay. Gender equality in the workplace is important not just for workers, but for companies too. The larger societal implications of gender inequality are tangible, and the merit of establishing gender equality at work is something everyone should be aware of.The Benefits of Gender Equality in the WorkplaceWhy is gender equality important in the workplace? While establishing greater workplace equality is good for individual women, the effects of gender inequality are much larger than any one person. Increasing gender equality leads to safer, more stable societies. Not to mention, underpaid women meeting their full potential can increase GDP by nearly 30% globally, translating to huge economic gains for communities.Beyond the impact on society, corporations profit from gender equality in the workplace as well. Here are just a few of the benefits of decreasing gender inequality at work: Enhanced diversity and inclusion Diverse and inclusive work cultures create countless opportunities for companies and individuals to grow and learn. Improved performance Gender inequality affects a company’s bottom line. Companies with more female executives are nearly 20% more likely to have better business outcomes. Attract top talent Companies with more gender diverse hiring practices open themselves up to applicants with incredible talent and experience. Increased employee engagement An inclusive and equal workplace increases morale, which leads to engaged and productive staff. Reduced turnover Staff who are treated and paid equally regardless of gender are less likely to leave their positions, resulting in lower hiring and training costs for companies. Enhanced reputation Companies who have established gender diversity in the workplace also benefit from a greater reputation in their industry. This can lead to more opportunity, more clients, and attract more talent. Increase market reach Improving gender diversity in the workplace can also increase your audience. Women at every age are consumers and potential clients, and employing other women who understand their unique needs can only grow your business. Improved decision making Diversity and gender equality in the workplace can also lead to better decision making at all levels. When people from different backgrounds can contribute to company decisions, they can use their unique perspectives to arrive at unexpected conclusions.The Current State of Gender Equality in the WorkplaceWhat is today’s state of gender equality? When it comes to gender inequality in the workplace, statistics don’t lie. Globally, the gender pay gap is only about 70% closed, leaving much room for improvement. Even in the largest global economies, women make 88% of a man’s salary. One reason for this entrenched inequality is the gender disparity in leadership roles. Although many women have ambitions for leadership, when it comes to promotions, almost half of all women in senior roles feel it was harder getting promoted compared to their male counterparts. This is reflected in the current stats: although American women make up nearly half of all entry level positions, they are in less than a third of all management roles. Discrimination and bias contribute greatly to gender inequality. Here are a few examples of gender inequality in the workplace and their impact on people and organizations. 1. The gender pay gap is a real and ubiquitous source of gender inequality. Even in the same roles, within the same company, with the same responsibilities, women make less than men. In Denmark, women make an average of 7% less, while in Japan, that gap is as high as 26%. 2. Promotion can be subjective, and thus impacted by bias. One study showed that, although women had higher performance ratings than their male coworkers, they were given lower ratings for their potential, the result of which was that women were 14% less likely to be promoted. 3. Microaggression can impact women and their experience of gender equality in the workplace. These can come in the form of comments or behavior that create a toxic and frustrating work environment. For example, women might be subjected to pet names, feedback such as ‘too bossy’, or inappropriate touch. 4. Gender inequality often trickles from the top down. The leaders of an organization create their work culture and set policies, so if that leadership is lacking gender diversity, they are more likely to act on bias, or to overlook the needs of women in their company. 5. The decision to start a family impacts both men and women when it comes to work, but women are much less likely to be offered a promotion following the birth of a child. In fact, pregnant women are judged to be less committed to work than non-pregnant women.How to Promote Gender Equality in the Workplace?There are many ways to advance gender equality in the workplace, and it’s time to look at a few initiatives in greater detail. Leadership Development Programs Companies can play an active role in nurturing female leadership by providing development programs for women in their employment. Programs might include mentorship or extra training to help women meet their full potential and accelerate their growth toward a promotion. Educational Initiatives An organization that’s committed to equality in the workplace should offer training and workshops on gender equality. This could include programs on unconscious bias or general DEI training and should be available to everyone. Recruitment Targets One way to combat gender inequality at work is to commit to recruiting women for roles or departments that have less female representation. Set clear goals for meeting a minimum target and look for creative ways to recruit women. Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) ERGs are a good step to improving gender equality in the workplace. These groups foster connections between underrepresented workers by examining current workplace practices and brainstorming solutions for existing problems. Promotion Transparency Promotions can unfortunately be biased, and one way to ensure they are fairer and more equal is to have a clear and transparent rubric for promotion that is merit-based. For example, a promotion based on target performance is a potential way to exclude gender from consideration. Equal Opportunity Statements Your company should have a clear statement on equal opportunity, and it should be publicly stated in job posts and on company websites. This encourages women to apply and increases accountability. Parental and Caregiver Support Gender inequality can in part be attributed to child rearing, so providing resources for working parents is a good step toward gender equality in the workplace. Support can look like on-site childcare or even discounts and referrals to services. Consider how the roles in your organisation can be modified to be hybrid or work from home. Review and Update Policies Every organisation should regularly review their policies and make changes as necessary. Gender-related issues like discrimination can develop over time, and your approach can change as you learn and grow. Feedback Mechanisms Employees are a good source of information on their work culture and the effectiveness of diversity initiatives. Establish a way for employees to give their feedback on gender bias or discrimination at work. An anonymous reporting system is one way to allow reporting without fear of retaliation. Equal Representation in Committees and Panels Women should be represented in leadership roles so their input can go into decision making, especially when it comes to policy changes and promotions. Look for ways to increase female representation on committees and panels. Gender inequality in the workplace doesn’t just impact women. Clearly defined gender roles affect men and non-binary people as well. Gender non-conforming people are just as likely to be passed over for promotion, or to face discrimination at work. And men suffer from the weight of gender inequality in nuanced ways. For example, men are indirectly discouraged from taking paternity leave, something that is seen as traditionally female. Gender inequality has far-reaching consequences for everyone.The Future of Gender Equality in the WorkplaceThe future of gender equality looks bright, and recent developments have improved women’s outcomes at work:The gap between men and women’s access to education narrowed, and women are more represented in post-secondary programs than ever before.The recent movements against discrimination and harassment at work have shed light on important women’s rights issues.Men have also benefited from increased equality, embracing their roles as parents and are more likely to focus on their families, allowing women to pursue their work goals with more support. Technology has contributed to decreased gender inequality in many ways:The rise in remote work allows people to work while managing their responsibilities at home, an opportunity that also decreases women’s exposure to workplace harassment.Remote learning has given women the opportunity to upskill and improve their chances at promotion.The use of AI in developing hiring tools has helped reduce bias and increased opportunities for women.As technology continues to evolve, we may see gender equality in the workplace improve faster than we imagined. Despite our recent advancements, women will continue to experience challenges in gender equality in the workplace and will need to work as hard as ever to close existing gaps:As task automation increases, more women risk losing their jobs than men, and will need to look for ways to transition to more skilled labour.Women will also need to improve their tech skills, to open themselves up to the ever-growing, but still male dominated, technology sector. Gender inequality in the workplace is a real problem that impacts individuals, companies, and communities. Gender equality can be achieved with equal pay and access to opportunities, and the benefits can include increased company performance and more engaged staff. Although gender equality in the workplace statistics can be grim, countries and corporations are making progress toward a better future, and your own contributions at work can make a real difference.With Cake, a free resume builder and portfolio builder, we provide you with hundreds of resume templates (free download) and various job resume examples that help showcase the best you. Landing your dream job will be a piece of cake!Create Resume--- Originally written by Tiffany Quinn ---

Created by Cake You'll learn:How to write a professional handyman resume? What is the best resume format for a handyman?How to make a handyman resume template?Top 10 handyman resume dos and don'ts Handyman resume sample Handymen, also known as fixers or handyworkers, are either contract workers or members of the maintenance department. They perform a wide range of repairs and maintenance duties for homeowners and businesses, for example: Fixing plumbing, electrical, and safety systemsProviding clients with advice and guidance on maintaining their appliancesHandling the lightning installation and carpetingRepairing equipment and various machines and appliances In general, people tend to call for a handyman when they are in need of household repairs, whereas a contractor is involved in large projects such as building and construction. With thousands of job hunters each month, a great handyman resume can help you attract the employer or clients and get hired. To get you started, this article will show you how to build one and provide you a polished handyman resume sample. How to write a professional handyman resume? Step 1: Write an eye-catching headline for a handyman resume. The resume headline should summarize the candidate's expertise and include keywords relevant to the position. When well-branded, it effectively grabs the reader's attention. Examples of a headline for your handyman resume: Office Handyman with vast experience in cafe engineering operations.Handyman housing assistant with knowledge of preventive maintenance procedures.Texas-licensed Handyman with extensive experience in handling a variety of household repairs and installations. Step 2: Craft a professional resume summary statement. The resume summary is where the employer can get a quick idea of your skills and achievements. Thus, a well-written handyman resume summary statement can motivate them to read the rest of your handyman resume. Great examples of a handyman resume summary:Dedicated and helpful handyworker with 5+ years of experience in mechanical repairs, equipment refurbs, and warehouse racking mods. Willing to do shift work, weekends, or off-hours if needed.Office handyman with 7 years of hands-on experience in performing standard maintenance on equipment associated with grounds, buildings, lighting, and machinery. Committed to exceptional workmanship and following safety regulations.Handyman assistant with a proven ability to assist in general repair and maintenance tasks for restaurants, coffee shops, and bars. A team player with 3+ years of experience in providing assistance. Strongly self-motivated, hard-working, and eager to learn. 📝 Learn how to write a resume summary with no experience here:Summary for Resume｜Examples, Templates, Writing Guide. Step 3: Include key skills in your handyworker resume. It's important to list key skills relevant to the job opening as this can present you as the right fit to the employer. What you may not know is they are also expecting to see both hard and soft skills on your handyman resume. Hard skills are the technical skills required to accomplish the tasks and duties of a specific job, whereas soft skills pertain to one's personality traits.Below is a list of skills for a handyman resume:Hard skillsHVAC systemsSMEDSetup reductionKanbanPainting technologyLighting fixture maintenanceCAD softwareOSHA-trainedSoft skillsPositive attitude Communication skills Problem solving Attention to detail Organizational skills Multi-tasking Time management Collaboration Step 4: Tailor the handyman resume to the specific job. If you want your job hunting to be efficient, don't see preparing your resume as a one-time experience. Instead of proving that you can be qualified in general with a generic resume, put extra effort into tailoring your handyman resume. That way you can strongly state that you're the right fit for the job opening.For instance, a self-employed handyman resume and a resume for those hired by a company will not be the same.📝Note: Focus on the handyman resume summary and work experience sections to make them well-matched with the job. Step 5: Proofread your handyman resume. You've made an effort to make a convincing handyman resume. Don't forget to do a final check for the file name, typos, grammatical errors, etc. What is the best resume format for a handyman? Three basic types of resume formats commonly used by job seekers are chronological, functional, combination, or targeted. Review the job description and yourself as a candidate to decide the most suitable type for your handyman resume format as each of them is used in different contexts. 1. Chronological resume formatWhat is it? This is the most popular type of format, starting with the most recent job.Who should use it? Job seekers with a solid history of employment2. Functional resume formatWhat is it? This type puts a focus on the applicant's skills rather than their work experience.Who should use it? Those who want to change their jobs or have been through a career gap3. Combinational resume formatWhat is it? This is the hybrid version of a chronological resume and a functional resume. The applicant can feature their skills while demonstrating their work experience.Who should use it? Those who have experience in the field or a diverse skill sets How to make a handyman resume template? Unlike resumes for creative jobs, you can easily create a handyman resume template on your own. 1️⃣ Microsoft WordHow: Choose the template that you like and simply insert the text into the Word file.💡 Tips:Cover essential sections (Personal Contact, Summary, Work Experience, Education, and Skills)Optimize the handyman resume format for ATSUse easy-to-read fonts (e.g., Times New Roman, Cambria, Calibri, and Arial) 2️⃣ Online Resume BuilderHow: Create an account on CakeSelect the template that you prefer among already-made templatesSimply add, remove, and edit the layout to make your professional handyman resume template unique💡Tip: Take a look at Cake articles to get yourself useful writing tips and find great resume examples. Cake provides the best handyman resume templates formats for handyworkers to showcase their skills and experience. Sign up to create the best handyman resume.Now!Try It Out Top 10 Handyman Resume Dos and Don'ts ✅ Dos:Tailor your handyman resume and include relevant information that helps create a picture of you as a suitable candidate for the vacancy. If you're not sure what information should or should not be mentioned, read through the handyman job description carefully.Adding quantifiable and measurable achievements is one way to pique the recruiter's interest. Difficult as it may seem, this is the most effective and convincing way to demonstrate your competence. So, let the numbers tell the story.Optimize your handyman resume for ATS because numerous companies use it to deal with high volumes of job applications. An ATS-friendly handyman resume should cover all must-have sections, stick to text, especially keywords from the job description, and avoid graphs.Choose the right handyman resume format for ATS optimization and a good presentation of your strengths. The design should be simple, neat, and easy-to-read for the reader.Use action verbs in the handyman resume such as conducted, offered, repaired, inspected, performed, serviced, collaborated, etc. Also, make sure to match the verbs with the handyman job description. ❌ Don'ts:Mix up a resume with a CV because they differ in length, purpose, content, and layout. Since CVs are commonly used in academia, medicine, or science fields, you may consider preparing a handyman resume instead. Read about the differences between a CV and a resume: What Is the Difference Between CV and Resume?Write an old-style resume objective statement through which the reader can't clearly see your career goals and desire for the job. For example, try to draft an objective statement for handyman resumes like “General Handyman looking for a position at ABC Inc. to apply my broad experience in furniture assembly repair, light fittings, and grounding work.”Disclose confidential information about previous employers or clients in your handyman resume. That can bring you trouble regarding legal issues and indicate that you’re tactless and unprofessional.Include unnecessary personal details that might lead to discrimination such as height/weight, social security number, marital status, race, religion, etc.Send the resume as a Word doc.Due to formatting issues that often occur while opening a Word file, you should consider submitting a handyman resume PDF instead. Handyman Resume Sample Zach PullmanHandyman Supervisor with Excellent Fabric Maintenance Skills Chicago, IL(+238)[email protected] Summary Professional handyman with 6 years of experience in furniture repair installation, light fittings, grounding work, and geyser repair. In-depth knowledge of painting technology and preventive maintenance process. Strong attention to detail and exceptional interpersonal communication skills. Work Experience Facilities Maintanance Supervisor, Interis Inc., Chicago, IL12/2016 - 12/2020 Trained new hires and led a team of 5 handyworkers.Supervised the tasks within the team, including plumbing, finishing carpentry, tile, and brickwork.Enhanced work safety by making sure the whole team was following all safety procedures and modeling the behaviors related to such. 0 accident occurred at the worksite.General Handyman, Interis Inc., Chicago, IL 7/2014 - 10/2016 Maintained clean, organized, and safe work sites on a daily basis.Performed routine carpentry work in the repair and maintenance of 7 five-star hotels in Chicago.Supported 20+ plant improvement projects through moving machines, installing pipes fixtures, and preparing crypts for entombments. SkillsHard SkillsFamiliarity with apartment unit layouts and infrastructuresCNC operationSMEDSetup reductionKanbanSoft SkillsGood communication skillsProblem solvingDetail-orientedFlexibility Organizational skills CertificationACHP Certification Education Calhoun High School, Port Lavaca,TX2009 - 2013 --- Originally written by May Luong ---

Created by CakeIn this article, we'll cover:Steps for crafting an art director resumeWhat to include in an artistic director resumeAdvice for crafting the best art director resumeHow to write an art director cover letterArt Director Resume SampleVersatility, design, conceptualization, creative thinking, as well as communication skills, are skill sets that need to be highlighted when seeking art director job vacancies. Art directors observe with a keen eye for details and know the importance of prior research in any work to be done. Art directors might be confused with an artist or a designer. In fact, art directors often lead artists and designers, acting as communicators with creative and aesthetic aptitudes. This article will cover all you need to know for crafting an artistic director resume that would be considered a “masterpiece”.Steps for crafting an art director resumeThere are fundamental steps when it comes to crafting an art director resume. Here are 6 steps to know when crafting an artistic director resume: Step 1: Learn the differences between an art director CV and an art director resume. Curriculum Vitae (CV) and resume are both documents detailing your career but are clearly different. An art director CV deals with all aspects of your life. On the other hand, an art director resume displays your qualifications for a job. If you go through an art director CV sample, it can even surpass 10 pages; while an art director resume does not exceed 2 pages. In the vast majority of Asia, Australia, and North America, an art director CV is a preferred choice for academia, while an art director resume is preferred when it comes to job applications. Step 2: Go through some art director resume examples online. Take a look at some art director resumes samples on the web and observe any aspects you may like. You can adjust and reword your artistic director resume based on your observations for better improvement. Step 3: Modify your artistic director resume for the job position. Highlight the most relevant responsibilities or skills from the job requirements and include them in your art director resume. Step 4: Pick the right format for your art director resume. Choosing a format for your art director resume relies on where you stand in your professional career. Let’s take a look at 3 types of art director resume formats: Chronological format: - Displays most recent position first - Ideal for directors with plenty of work historyFunctional format:  - Highlights skills and experience  - Ideal for career changers or professionals with employment gaps (for example if you are crafting a junior art director resume as it emphasizes skills and key qualifications from a few years of experience)Hybrid/combination format: - Combines elements from a chronological resume and a functional resume, emphasizing skills while also showing work history.There is no “best format” in general when crafting an art director resume as it depends on your background. Step 5: Proofread.Check your art director resume thoroughly for any errors and be sure you have all the necessary details. Step 6: Craft an art director cover letter. Your cover letter can portray your key qualifications, projects, and passion in ways a common resume cannot do. What to include in an artistic director resumeCrafting an art director resume may look dull for art professionals, but it is a simple task if you follow a structure and its guidelines. Here is a thorough explanation of each section of your artistic director resume.1. Resume ProfileA resume profile in an art director resume contains your full name, phone number, email address, LinkedIn profile, and/or your work portfolio. Make sure your details are up-to-date and avoid putting irrelevant personal details such as salary, marital status, religion, etc. 2. Resume HeadlineThe headline in your art director resume is your “artistic banner” in a single sentence. Insert a highlight or achievement you think employers will find interesting.Art director resume headline examples:Senior Art Director Resume: "Art Director and Web Designer With over 15 years of experience"Integrated Art Director Resume: "Artistic Director Who Provided Concept Design For a $1.6M Retail Contract" 3. Resume Summary (Summary Statement)Now it is time to choose between a resume summary or a resume objective for an art director resume. A resume summary or summary statement is a short paragraph summarizing your skills and relevant experience from past positions in your career. If you are making an art director resume with plenty of experience, using a summary over a resume objective will be more appropriate, as a resume summary clearly shows your value from past work experiences. It is usually composed of sentences detailing your skills, past role duties, years of experience, and accomplishments. Art director resume summary examples:Art professional with 8 years with excellent skills in customer relations, project management, copywriting, proofreading, and crew management. Proven experience to take full charge of tasks by combining such skillsets with meticulous attention to detail, constructive communication, and strong core principles.Creative art director and graphic designer with 6 years of experience. Proven experience in working with editorial design, creative projects, and marketing campaigns. Effectively collaborated with web design teams to develop brand consistency for XX company. 4. Resume Objective (Career Objective) Using a resume objective in an art director resume is a great way to match with the company by stating what you seek in your career based on the skills and qualifications you currently possess. If you just have a few years of experience or you are changing careers, a resume objective for your art director resume is more appropriate.Art director resume objective examples:Artistic professional with 4 years of experience in a wide range of revenue-generating design projects, from start to execution. Seeking to work with an organization that promotes high-quality goods and services while simultaneously helping to achieve and exceed goals and objectives for brand awareness and sales revenue.Art directing professional with 2 years of experience supporting directors and department teams for various types of multimedia production. Strong interest in bringing creativity to social media campaigns and projects. Looking to help content designers produce authentic and impactful social media content. 5. Skills Individuals in creative industries have to display their skills in an art director resume. Examples of skills for art directors' resumes:Hard skills:Adobe Illustrator,Adobe Photoshop, Art Direction, Dreamweaver, Concept DevelopmentSoft skills: Attention to Detail,Stress Tolerance,Cooperative,Out-of-the-box thinker 6. Work Experience For each organization you have been employed, include the following:Job titlesName of organizationDates of employmentDuties and responsibilitiesAwards or accomplishments Example of "work experience" in an art director resume:Assistant Art DirectorBellonova Corp.08/2017 - 01/2021Supported project managers and web strategists in ensuring that the creative design and functionality matched the client's goals.Oversaw all facets of digital projects from conception to implementation, including conceptualization, customer service, and project launch.Guaranteed that all client goals were fulfilled by directing and producing creativity for assigned projects. Directly involved in more than 200+ projects. 7. Education In an artistic director resume, the education section contains the name of the university or school, degree or diploma obtained, and years of study.Example of "education" in an art director resume:Bachelor’s in CommunicationsNorthwestern University 2014 - 2018 Advice for crafting the best art director resumeTake a look at the following recommendations if you want to make an art director resume that stands out from the competition. ✅ Make your art director resume tailored to the job. Make adjustments in your art director resume based on the job description for a better match. ✅ Craft an ATS-friendly art director resume. ATS (Applicant Tracker System) is a tool that organizations use to screen job applicants when they receive a large number of resumes. In order to make your art director resume pass the ATS, use a simple format that is easy to read, such as a chronological resume format, and avoid charts and graphs. ✅ Insert keywords.As previously stated before, adopt keywords from the job description so that your skills and qualifications show relevance towards employers. ✅ Quantify your work results. Numbers and measurable outcomes show your skills and capabilities much better than generic adjectives, so do include these in your art director resume. ✅ Use action verbs. Action verbs gives your art director resume an extra edge when listing your responsibilities and achievements.✅ Include your portfolio. Don’t forget to include links to all your personal work and projects for employers to see your artistic work.📚 Further reading:How to Write An Impressive Art Director Portfolio [With Examples] How to write an art director cover letterAn art director cover letter is made up of the following parts:1. Header:Your contact information goes here. This includes your full name, email, and phone number.2. Introduction:Briefly introduce yourself and state the position you’re after. 3. Motivation:Involve your desire to work there and how you align with the organization on goals and aspirations. Search for what the organization stands for and try to speak to those values.4. Qualifications:To prove that you are the right person for the job, talk about your past work experiences, skills acquired, and what you achieved during that time. You can elaborate on details that aren’t shown in your art director resume.5. Closing:Restate you are the best person for the position and that you are looking forward to learning more about the company and the position. Art Director Resume Sample Alice KoArt professional Involved In 150+ ProductionsMobile: (+34 000-3281Email: [email protected]LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/aliceko Resume Summary Art professional with 6 years of experience specialized in film, television, and theater projects with extensive experience as an art assistant and artistic director. Proficient in editing audiovisual works, preparing props materials, and designing all kinds of scenographies, decorations, and settings. Work ExperienceArt DirectorNewArt Inc.  Aug. 2016 - Aug. 2020 Coordinated the administration of the artistic section of the company.Managed schedule and art budget of more than $2 million USD for the creation of projects for the organization.Managed materials and props for more than 100 different productions. Junior Art DirectorGuajira Productions July 2014 - Aug. 2016 Collaborated with various departments such as Video Production, Campaigns, and Social Media, leading to the development of video material and copywriting ideas.Created highly targeted ideas and tactics that are fresh and appealing to the target audience.Assisted senior art directors in the coordination of 50+ artistic productions. SkillsHard skills:Logo Design,Visual Design,Copywriting, PhotoShop, IllustrationSoft skills:Leadership,Attention to detail, Teamwork, Self-starter, Communication skills EducationRadboud University MA in Creative Industries 2020 - Present Florida International University Bachelor Degree in Communications2012-2016 With Cake’s resume builder tool, resume templates and resume examples, you could showcase your best qualifications to land your dream job. Try making a resume online (free download) now!Create resume--- Originally written byJosé J. Rosales ---

Created by CakeResumeYou'll learn:How to write a research assistant resume?What to put on a resume for a research assistant?Tips for writing a great student research assistant resume?How to write a cover letter for a research assistant position?Research Assistant Resume Sample Researching is no easy task; it's time-consuming and requires a lot of effort to complete due to its challenging nature. Thus, plenty of research managers or college professors will employ research assistants to aid them in research projects in academic and private research settings. In addition to researching through various means, research assistants might also provide operational and administrative support, such as maintaining website content, attending project meetings, and act as a communication channel between the research managers/college professors and the parties involved. Regardless of the type of research assistant resume you want to make, may it be a legal research assistant resume, a biology research assistant resume, or a psychology research assistant resume, a precisely tailored research assistant resume is vital to ensure that you move to the next step of the recruitment process. How to Write a Research Assistant Resume? Your resume creation process will be more than simply figuring out the needed skills for a research assistant resume. Other factors need to be included and considered, such as your career objective as a research assistant and crafting a specifically tailored research assistant cover letter to go along with your resume. This information can make your resume-making journey a smooth sailing one. Step 1: Understand the differences between a Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a resume. It's easy to confuse a research assistant CV and a research assistant resume because these two terms are frequently interchanged.A research assistant CV …is more detailed and has a simple structureis over 2 pages longand mainly used in academia, medicine, or science fields Whereas a research assistant resume…Emphasizes relevant information for a specific jobWithin 2 pages longUsed for a job application 📝Note:Ensure to double-check the research setting (i.e., academic or private research) and the job advertisement to see if they are requesting a research assistant CV or a research assistant resume and format yours accordingly. Step 2: Choose the right research assistant resume format. Research recruiters are busy people; due to the number of applications they receive, they can only skim through resumes for relevant information. Formatting your research assistant resume clearly and properly can help research recruiters find your applicable information in a jiff. There are 4 types of format that can benefit your resume for a research assistant position: chronological, functional, hybrid/combination, and targeted. Choose a format that is relevant to the research setting, context, and your research experiences and abilities. Step 3: Look up research assistant resume templates examples online as references. An excellent first step that you can take when creating your resume is to look up research assistant templates and research assistant resume examples online as references. These online references will have strong points to emulate and weak points to avoid putting your research assistant resume. Step 4: Tailor your research assistant resume for the position. One of the biggest no-noes when applying for research assistant job positions is to submit a multipurpose resume. It would be unwise to use an undergraduate research assistant resume to apply for a research assistant position that requires candidates to submit a graduate research assistant resume, even though they are both student research assistant resumes. Pick phrases or keywords from the job ads and include them in your resume. You should also opt to list duties relevant to the position and not every single responsibility you've had. Step 5: Craft a research assistant cover letter. A cover letter is the first document in your application that the hiring manager will see. Thus, like your research assistant resume, you should tailor your cover letter for every application. A cover letter is where you should convey your passion and showcase how your skills, experiences, achievements, and profile fit into the role. Step 6:Proofread. A research assistant's role is very academic based; you want to proofread your research assistant resume and ensure that no spelling or grammatical mistakes exist to uninspire confidence in the research recruiters. What to Put on a Resume For a Research Assistant? When trying to figure out the best way to structure and fill out your research assistant resume, you might overlook and miss out on including some details that should be in your resume.Your research assistant resume should contain: 1. Resume Profile (Personal Information) ✅ Always INCLUDE: Full nameProfessional title can give your prospective employer an idea of how experienced you are as an electrical engineer.E-mail addressPhone numberAddress (city, state, and country) 🚫 Do NOT include: Current salaryPutting out a number too early may lessen your bargaining power when negotiating your salary (it also seems unprofessional to do so).Social Security number/National Insurance NumberOnly required AFTER you get hired for administrative and legal purposes. Avoid including your SSN or NIN to prevent yourself from being exposed to potential identity thefts or scams.Sexual orientation, race, marital status, photograph, date of birth, nationality, gender, and religion. ❌ Your private life is irrelevant to the job position, a professional company would never ask candidates for this information. Exclude them to avoid potential hiring bias and discrimination. 2.Research Assistant Resume HeadlineA resume headline is a one-line and concise description of yourself at the top of your research assistant resume. It should quickly inform the recruiter of who you are, your strengths, achievements, and relevant experience as a research assistant. Use keywords from the job ad to further enhance your resume headline. Research assistant resume headline examples: Diligent, Detail-Oriented Molecular Biology Research Assistant with 2+ Years of ExperienceHardworking Psychology Research Assistant Who Have Published More Than 2 Peer-Reviewed Journals 3. Research Assistant Resume Summary A professional summary for a research assistant should be a continuation of your resume headline, being 2-3 sentences long. It should contain your research assistant background, skills, experience, and qualifications. Research assistant resume summary example: Detail-oriented and analytical psychology research assistant with 2 years' experience in academic settings, specializing in behavioral and cognitive psychology research. Highly adept at conducting interviews and database management. 4.Research Assistant Resume Objective Your resume objective can be incorporated in your resume summary and should answer the question, "what is my career objective as a research assistant?" Research assistant resume objective example: Highly efficient and analytical legal research assistant with currently pursuing a master's degree in corporate law. Have proven outstanding writing ability and design studies and assessments to identify legislative patterns and issues. Seeking to take on further responsibilities in an academic setting. 5. Skills for Research Assistant Resume A research assistant requires a wide array of hard skills and soft skills to satisfy the job expectations; they are also a direct indicator of your potential fit for the position you've applied to. Ensure that the skills that you put in your research assistant resume are relevant to the job context. Skills for research assistant resume examples:Technical skillsData entryMicrosoft Excel WordResearchSoft skillsAttention to detailAnalytical thinkingPublic speaking 6. Work Experience An essential section of your research assistant resume will be your work experience. As a research assistant, this section can be an indicator to recruiters of how well you handled your previous responsibilities. Research assistant work experience example: Clinical trial research assistant, XYZ Pharmaceutical May 2012 – June 2013Assisted in the management of medicinal supplies and shipmentsAided in the clinical research studies on a new paracetamol drug 7. Education Due to the academic nature of a research assistant's job, education would be held to a high degree. This is especially crucial as it can boost your resume, especially if you're building a student research assistant resume or a research assistant resume with no experience. Include your school or university, degree, major, coursework, year of graduation, honors and awards, GPA, and extracurricular activities (if applicable). 8.Additional Information: Academic Awards As previously iterated, a research assistant's job is very academic. Thus, any academic awards you have received before (i.e., Honor Rolls, scholarships, subject-related awards) can help (especially for undergraduate research assistant resumes or entry-level research assistant resumes) if you outshine other candidates. Tips For Writing a Great Student Research Assistant Resume Tip 1: Customize the resume for research assistant positions.As previously mentioned, it's best not to use the same research assistant resume for multiple applications, no matter how similar the positions and/or the job context are. Adjust your resume accordingly to the job ad to exclude irrelevant details and include relevant factors. Tip 2: Use keywords (from the job description) in your research assistant resume.As previously mentioned, it's best not to use the same research assistant resume for multiple applications, no matter how similar the positions and/or the job context are. Adjust your resume accordingly to the job ad to exclude irrelevant details and include relevant factors. Tip 3: Quantify results in your research assistant resumes. Quantifying your results and achievements in your resume speaks volume to the recruiters; it makes your accomplishments look more apparent and more convincing. Tip 4: Choose an ATS-friendly resume layout. Fancy research assistant resume templates may look appealing, but it's best not to use them as applicant tracking software (ATS) cannot identify templates with too many visuals. Tip 5: Adopt resume action words (verbs).Action verbs can instantly grab an employer's attention. Tip 6: Show how you contributed to the research processIt's not easy to show a concrete proof of your work as a research assistant; thus, when you're filling out your experience section, you want to make sure you state how you've contributed to the research process instead of merely listing your responsibilities. Wondering if your resume is working against you? Our AI-powered tool identifies weak spots and shows you exactly how to fix them.Find Weak Spots How to Write a Cover Letter For a Research Assistant Position? First impressions never have a second chance, more so in the eyes of a hiring manager. As the first document, a potential employer will look over when reviewing your research assistant resume, a strong cover letter to help you stand out from other candidates while indirectly building rapport with the hiring manager.Though there is no specific format for a cover letter, a good research assistant cover letter should include:Contact details and basic personal details to identify yourself (i.e. your name, e-mail, and phone number).Utilize the company website, the hiring manager’s LinkedIn profile, etc. to know more about them and the company. Greeting the recruiter with the right name can leave a lasting first impression in their mind. State who you are and the position you’ve applied to.Explain why you are applying for the job and what you can contribute to the company.Show why you are the perfect candidate for the position by elaborating on 2 to 3 of your relevant skills and experiences.End the cover letter in a polite tone, thanking them for their time. ✨ First impressions never have a second chance, more so in the eyes of a hiring manager. As the first document, a potential employer will look over when reviewing your research assistant resume, a strong cover letter to help you stand out from other candidates while indirectly building rapport with the hiring manager. Research Assistant Resume Sample Taylor CornellDetail-Oriented, Analytical Biology Research Assistant with a Keen Interest in Molecular Biology Mobile: (+44) 790-683-245-0Email: [email protected]: Linkedin.com/in/taylorcornell Summary Motivated and ambitious biology research assistant currently pursuing a master's degree in forensic molecular biology and 2+ years of experience in assisting research projects involving isolating DNA, RNA, and protein. Seeking to join The George Washington University's DNA Research Team to leverage my biology knowledge and further enhance my research skills. Work Experience Biology Research Assistant, Imperial College London June 2017 – July 2019 Assisted in a research project involving the isolation and purifying of DNA, RNA, and protein.Counted the number of colonies when a metabolic compound is added to salmonella to see if there is mutation with 97% accuracy.Used CRISPR to cut out CRE protein and used the guide RNA to knock out a gene.Conducted an experiment to overexpress CRE protein and see which experiment leads to the progression of pancreas-specific cancer.Lab Research Assistant Imperial College LondonMay 2016 – June 2017 Assisted in the management of lab supplies and equipment.Performed quality control of cell lines.Performed lab experiments such as sample preparations, data collection, and experimental designs. SkillsData entryMicrosoft Excel WordDNA and RNA analysisAutoradiographyStatistical and Graphical Data AnalysisTeamworkAnalytical ThinkingTime-ManagementResearchPublic Speaking Education MFS in Forensic Molecular Biology, The George Washington University2019 - PresentBSc Biological Sciences, Imperial College LondonConcentration in Business Analytics2016 – 2019Academic Award: Dean's Honor Roll, President’s Undergraduate ScholarshipsGPA: 3.95/4.0 --- Originally written by Patricia Rosita ---

Created by CakeBeing a nurse is a noble and difficult job. Many people may not realize it, but being a nurse requires a lot of hard work, commitment, and includes a number of duties including: Caring for the patients. Communicating with doctors and other healthcare providers. Looking out for the patients; checking their vitals on a regular basis and administering medicine. Conduct physical exams. Analyze the physical and mental needs of the patients. Staying up-to-date with the latest developments and healthcare, medication, treatment plans, etc. So basically there are a whole lot of responsibilities than normal people can actually account for (but a nurse can). With competition getting ever so fierce in the medical industry, it is becoming increasingly important for the nurses to have their nursing resume optimized as per the modern standards. A single job opening can attract as many as 250 applicants, where only 2% of them will go through the interview process and only one will be able to secure the job. To secure your position among that 6%, you need to have your new nurse resume composed adequately with the right keywords and content. You need not just the right content, but the right length and design that serves the intended purpose. In this piece, we will be going through the steps that will help you design a nursing resume ideal for a nursing applicant.You'll learn:How to Write a Nursing Resume?What to Put on a Nursing Resume?Tips for Writing the Best Nursing ResumeHow to Write a Cover Letter for a Nursing Role?Nursing Resume Sample How to Write a Nursing Resume? Listed below are a few fundamental steps that are sure to help you create an excellent resume for a nursing job.Step 1: Know the difference between resume and CV. We often use resume and CV interchangeably, but have you ever wondered what is the difference? A resume is basically a single (or at max. two) page summary of your work experience and background experience that is relevant to the job you are applying to. It is made to emphasize a specific job role and required during the general job application process. It has a number of design choices in terms of layout. Whereas a CV (curriculum vitae) can be longer and includes a lot of information including job/work experience, academic qualification/achievements, publications, etc. It is most relevant when applying in the academic field or for specialization and has a simple structure. Step 2: Choose the right nursing resume format. Since for a nursing job, you need a nursing resume, so you need the right nursing resume format or layout. These includes:While applying for a nursing job, a professional nursing resume is essential. You need to use the right nursing resume format and layout. There are 4 main resume formats for nurses: Chronological resume format: frequently used, everything laid out in reverse chronological order. Functional resume format: skill-based resume format, emphasis on the sills of the applicant. Hybrid/combination resume format: combines both, chronological and functional. Targeted resume format: specifically designed for a specific company or job position. Step 3: Look up nursing resume templates examples online. As a reference for either a new nurse resume or skilled nursing resume, it is best to first conduct some online research. This includes looking for the right resume format, content, and design. You should also be looking for relevant keywords to help your nursing resume stand out from the rest, especially if this is a new grad nursing resume. Step 4: Tailor your resume for the nursing job. The position you are applying for may have some specific requirements. Maybe they need someone who has good communicational skills, or someone who has served in a particular area pertaining to nursing. If you tailor your nursing resume accordingly, you will significantly increase your chances of landing an interview. Step 5: Craft a job application letter for nurses. Never forget to draft a nursing cover letter.This is one of the most common mistakes made by the majority of applicants that can costs them a potential job they may be ideal for. So keep it in mind that your nursing resume must be accompanied by acover letter. Step 6: Proofread your nursing resume cover letter. You want your nursing resume and nursing cover letter to be perfect, don’t you? So always proofread a few times before you decide to finally send it out. Make sure there are no careless mistakes here and there, for they can have a really devastating effect on your nursing resume.What to Put on a Nursing Resume? Now, let’s get what you should be putting in your nursing resume. A nursing resume is composed of different sections and each section has a vital purpose that it serves. Before we got in the depth of it, we will tell you what ‘not’ to include in a resume for nursing job. This includes: 1. Resume Profile (Personal Information): This section provides the recruiter with the essential information about the applicant. The section should include:Full name Professional title Email address Phone number Address (complete address is optional) Additionally, you may also put: Personal Website LinkedIn URL Other necessary personal info Things "not" to include in a nursing resume: Sexual orientation Marital status Current salary Race Date of birth Gender or belief/religion Here’s an example of delivering your personal information just right:Nursing Resume Profile Example:Name: Jane DoeProfessional Title: Nurse Leader"A passionate professional about reducing healthcare inequalities and willing to go the extra mile to ensure fairness for all the patients. More than 10 years of experience, currently completing a Master Degree to become an Executive Nurse Leader."Email: [email protected] | Contact no.: 123-456-7890 | Address: Area, Country| LinkedIn Link | Skype ID2. Resume Headline: Putting out a catchy headline is the best way to make your nursing resume stand out. Think of it as a resume for your resume. How to write a catchy nursing resume headline? Highlight your biggest strength or achievement. Make it sound catchy and clever. Make sure it is at the top of your resume. The headline should be compact, concise, yet impactful. Be sure to make it all caps with the relevant keyword inserted. And write a few at that so you can decide on one that sounds just right.Have a look at the example below:Nursing Resume Headline Example:Senior Nurse Care ManagerCommitted Registered Nurse (RN)Compassionate Pediatric Nurse with 10 Years' Experience3. Resume Summary: A resume summary describes your entire nursing resume in just a few easy lines. A well-written summary will immediately grab the attention of a recruiter and make you immediately stand out. How to write a professional nursing resume summary statement? Read through the job description. Pick the most relevant nursing skills and experience. Assemble your qualifications. Pro Tip💡Keep the profile summary concise and structure it properly with an emphasis on the experience.Be sure to include your: Awards Soft/technical skills External achievements Educational background Resume Summary Example for Nurses:Service-minded PeriOperative Registered Nurse with expertise in evaluation, monitoring, and health assessment. Skilled at building rapport with the patient and working efficiently with a wide range of physicians, technologists, nurses, and staff. Proactive and resourceful with superior work ethics.💡 A few more ideas to spice up your profile summary on a nursing resume: Resourceful and capable of multitasking.Proven record of responsibility and reliability.Ability to meet a variety of diverse needs in varied situations.Extensive knowledge of relevant medical procedures and products. Capability of developing a bond with the patient, their family, staff members.Dedicated individual with a reputation for performing beyond the call of duty. Strong analytical skills as per the need of the situation and implement appropriate interventions. 4. Nursing Resume Objective: A resume objective helps to capture the attention of the recruiter. Although it is not compulsory but helps a candidate stand out. Be sure to place it where it can be immediately visible.Is an objective statement necessary on a resume?A resume objective delivers numerous benefits including: Making your resume ATS friendly. An opportunity to get noticed by the recruiter. Highlights the achievements of the applicants. Be sure to showcase your traits and specify your experience when writing the resume objective. It can help your highlight your career goal and personalize your statement. Adding the name of the company you are applying for in your nursing resume objective can help you stand out.Career Objective Example for a Nursing Resume:"Dedicated Registered Nurse with ten years’ practical experience, now seeking a Pharmaceutical Sales Position that will make use of comprehensive healthcare training, excellent communication skills, and sales-directed prioritize action." 5. Skills for a NursingResume: This is the most important section on your nursing resume which the recruiter will be most interested in. It will help the recruiter determine whether you are the right fit for the job or not. It is also beneficial for people fresh in the market and lack experience to put in their resume. A skilled nursing resume is basically a functional resume. 3 simple steps to write the nursing skills section: Learn about job requirements. List down all the relevant nursing skills you possess pertaining to it. Filter irrelevant stuff and write down the skills that are suitable in your resume. 4 ways to write down your nursing skills: A simple bullet list. Expandable bullet list. Skills integrated with experience. Categorization. What are some relevant skills to put on a nursing resume?Microsoft OfficeOrganizational In/Outpatient CarePre/Post-Surgical CareWound Cleaning/CareNG Tube Insertion and RemovalInfection Control StandardsFlow Sheet ChartingMinor Surgery AssistanceCustomer ServiceSpecimen Collection/SamplingSterilization TechniquesVenipuncture/Blood DrawPain Management Try to keep your skills section short, relevant, and legible. Be sure to include both hard and soft skills, and double-check the job requirements. Avoid overused buzzwords (quick learner, passionate, highly motivated, etc.) and skills that are a bit too common to stand out (online research, etc.). 6. Work Experience on a Nursing Resume: Employers require employees having an experience that is relevant to the position or the role offered. For that, it is essential that the experience section must be written to highlight all the important aspects of work history.Try to add at least two relevant and latest work experiences.Be sure to add: Name, state, and titles held at the previous organization of the employment. Starting and end date for the period of employment. A brief description of the skills that meet the requirements for the job you are applying for. 📗 Notes: The format you use for work experience matters (organization/location/role/dates or any other). The experience is tailored as per the prospective role. It highlights your accomplishments, professional trajectory, and sells them. Creates a lasting impact with the right choice of words. Nursing Resume Work Experience Example:Registered NurseABC Hospital, Jan. 2015 - Present Maintained all confidential personal files, licenses, and CRP compliance records.Recorded patient medical history, vital statistics, and test results in the medical record.Liaised between patient and physician to ensure patient comprehension of treatment plans. Interviewed patients to obtain their medical information and measure vital signs, weight and height.Possessed sound, ethical, and independent decision-making ability consistent with medical protocols. Prepared rooms, sterilizing instruments, equipment, or supplies and ensure that the stock of supplies is maintained. Administrated medication, performed all tasks with a patient-centered focus while seeking opportunities for improvements of processes and treatment. 7. Education: Education helps in creating relevance to the role you are applying for. Keep important section in your nursing resume such as: Degree Major(s) Graduation year School attended Honors and awards earned Additionally, you can include; GPA Minors Extra-curricular activities Licenses and certifications Education Section on Nursing Resume Template:[Degree type] – Nursing[University Name][starting year –graduation year] 8. Extra Information on Nursing Resume: This includes: Awards HobbiesLicenses ReferencesCertifications Items listed above can all be added in the nursing resume where there is space available for them and they are not interfering with the existing content and sections. Some of these can also be integrated existing content. For instance, certifications and awards can be added to either academic or professional achievements given the relevance. Similarly, references can be added at the bottom of the experience section.Tips for Writing the Best Nursing Resume Follow the below-listed tips to make your nursing resume truly stand out and capture the attention of the hiring manager.1.Customize the nursing resume for the job. The better it is customized for the role, the better your chances of landing an interview. So optimize your nursing resume by researching the hospital/facility you are applying at. Make a list of most relevant job experiences and put in the most noteworthy achievements at front. 2. Use keywords (from JD) in your nursing resume. You have a limited window to catch the attention of the recruiter, so utilize keywords that are appropriate and belong in your resume. They are a sure eye-catcher and makes it easy for the recruiter to skim through the resume. 3. Quantify results on your nursing resume. Long descriptions are often overlooked, numbers on the other hand grab attention and state a lot more in much less. Therefore, use statistics to showcase your achievements and expertise. 4. Choose an ATS-friendly nursing resume format. Making your resume ATS-friendly will make it easier for you to apply for positions at international corporates. ATS-friendly nursing resumes have a simple yet powerful layout that compact and contain all that is necessary instead of excessive gibberish. 5. Adopt nursing resume action words. Nursing resume action words or verbs can easily be searched online and incorporated in your resume. Doing that will make your nursing resume seem more powerful and professional, thus, making it stand apart from the rest and much more attention-grabbing. 6. Add in your most impressive achievements/experience. Nurses encounter numerous situations where they are responsible for saving lives. It all depends upon how well they are able to handle and understand a situation and respond to it adequately. As a nurse, if you have had such an encounter, putting them in your nursing resume can help you land a job.How to Write a Cover Letter for a Nursing Role? A nursing cover letter should always be customized for the place of application and comprise of the following:Contact Details A brief introduction that lets the hiring manager know who you are. Motivation or the intention to apply. This will help you make a good impression on the recruiter and showcase that you have already conducted your research before applying. Qualifications, that will immediately make it clear that you have what it takes to get this job done. That you are academically and professionally suitable for this job. A closing that will prompt the recruited to move to your resume with enthusiasm in hope of finding a candidate that is a perfect fit for the job. Nursing Resume Example Sophie GarciaCommitted Registered Nurse (RN) [email protected] 601-4363-466 Professional Summary Ambitious certified senior nurse with extensive experience in patient care and administrative function of the hospital. Strong professional skills accompanied by the capability to evaluate and advocate for the needs of the patients. Proven history of cultivating strong patient rapport for the provision of exceptional care and patient education. Work Experience Massachusetts General Hospital (Boston)RN – Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Jan 2013 – Mar 2015 Coordinated treatment with multidisciplinary healthcare team members to attain optimal health and continuity of care. Provided inpatient nursing care as well as outpatient medical care administration to the patients receiving treatment for any condition. Delivered acute and ambulatory nursing care for adults and children, ranging from wellness visits and routine health exams for the treatment of illnesses, injuries and life-threatening conditions. Boston City HospitalStaff NurseApr2015 - Dec 2021Delivered acute and ambulatory nursing care for adults and children, ranging from wellness visits and routine health exams for the treatment of illnesses, injuries and life-threatening conditions. Education 2008– 2012, BSN in Registered Nursing University of Illinois at Chicago SkillsHard skills:Emergency care Monitoring and checking vital signs Patient safety Patient and family education Soft skills:Work ethics Teamwork Time management Communication skills Problem-solving Critical thinking To wrap things up, given below is an example of a nursing resume that is based on the things covered thus far and a great aid to help you design your own nursing resume.

Like all interviews, a successful business analyst interview requires careful preparation on both sides. Interviewers should have a good sense of what traits and skills they want to evaluate in interview, while prospective business analysts should be prepared for a range of questions that test technical and soft skills. Business analyst interviews can be fairly comprehensive and may occur over multiple stages, including pre-screening, technical assessments, a standard interview, case studies, and a final hiring team interview. This article will outline the interview questions one can expect for a business analyst role, including technical, behavioural, and scenario questions. We'll discuss tips for performing well in an interview, providing valuable information to job seekers. This article may also provide background for employers who are looking for advice on the right questions to ask in a business analyst interview. Table of Contents Technical Business Analyst Interview Questions Behavioural Business Analyst Interview Questions Scenario-Based Business Analyst Interview Questions Business Analyst Interview Questions on Current Trends 3 Tips to Prepare for a Business Analyst Interview and 3 Mistakes to Avoid Conclusion Technical Business Analyst Interview Questions Technical interview questions test business analysts' hard skills and are a crucial way to demonstrate expertise and experience. Review some of these common technical questions to prepare for a business analyst interview. 1) What software or tools do you prefer to use in business analytics? This question tests a job seeker's familiarity with some of the most common business analyst tools and software, such as Trello for project management, Visio for modelling, SQL or Excel for data analysis, and various communication platforms. 2) What is scope creep and how do you manage it? This is a good way to evaluate a business analyst's understanding and management of project scope. To answer, start by describing how you'll ensure project requirements are understood before it starts, and how you plan to establish a control process. The emphasis should be on communication and monitoring. 3) What is SRS, and how is it different from BRD or or FRS? This question is meant to establish a business analyst's understanding of the different documents required for software development. A Software Requirement Specification (SRS) will specify software requirements, both functional and non-functional. This differs from a Functional Requirement Specification (FRS), which defines the functions and features of a software system. A Business Requirement Document (BRD), on the other hand, highlights business needs along with project and business objectives. 4) What project lifecycle models do you like to use? This business analyst interview question helps hiring managers understand an applicant's critical thinking skills in their approach to problems. Interviewees can elaborate on their preference for hybrid models, waterfall, iterative, or agile methodology. 5) How do you manage any incomplete data in your analysis? This type of question is a good test of analytical skills, and how a prospective business analyst approaches problems. Interviewees can describe how they'd approach gap analysis, how they assess the impact of the missing data, and which data imputation techniques they'd use. 6) How would you use SQL to solve a complex data problem? Understand the business requirements by communicating with business stakeholders, and analyze the database schema to understand the relationships between tables. Describe how you'd write SQL queries, and which process you'd use to validate the results. 7) How do you decide which key performance indicators to use for a project? This helps interviewers understand whether an applicant can successfully align performance metrics with the organization's goals. Start by describing how you'd understand business objectives and identify relevant metrics. Be sure to mention that your KPIs will be measurable and specific, and selected after consulting with stakeholders. 8) How would you approach creating a workflow diagram for a new business process? This question analyzes the applicant's ability to present and gather detailed information from multiple stakeholders. The interviewee should demonstrate how they would define the scope of the process, identify key elements, and validate their drafts with stakeholders. Be sure to outline how you'd draft the diagram and which tools you'd use.9) Can you explain what a use case is, and how you'd create one for new software? Interviewers may ask this question to establish the applicant can ensure that candidates meet user needs. Elaborate on use case, specifically how it explains how users interact with a system. Be sure to explain your process for establishing goals for users, defining main and alternative flows, and creating user stories. 10) What is the difference between waterfall and agile methodologies? Explain how waterfall methodology is a sequential process with fixed requirements, while agile methodology is a an iterative process with flexible requirements. If suitable, outline their pros and cons, such as predictability vs collaboration, and which projects they're suited for. Advanced technical skills questions can be the most challenging part of an interview process. Follow these tips to ensure the best answers to any technical business analyst interview questions. Review key technical tools and concepts: Anyone applying to a business analyst job must ensure they have reviewed essential technical concepts. This ensures there are no gaps in their knowledge and refreshes their understanding. Practice explaining technical topics clearly and concisely: This ensures you can answer technical questions confidently. Come prepared with previous project diagrams and reports. This will allow you to demonstrate your previous work, provide a visual representation to help your explanations and demonstrate your preparedness. Behavioural Business Analyst Interview Questions Behavioural questions examine an applicant's past to see how they've used their skills or how they carry themselves professionally. Check out these 10 behavioural business analyst interview questions.1) Have you experienced working alone and as part of a team, and which do you prefer? This question is a good test of an applicant's teamwork and communication skills. If possible, highlight times that you have worked in both collaborative and independent environments, and describe how you adjust your approach in both scenarios. 2) Tell me about a time you experienced unexpected challenges in a project. How did you manage them? Unexpected problems are common, and so is this interview question. Start by describing the problem, followed by your approach. Use this opportunity to highlight your critical thinking skills, and how you communicated successfully to reach solutions. 3) Describe a time you managed conflict between colleagues or project stakeholders. These business analyst interview questions are meant to establish an applicant's negotiation skills, especially since this is an overlooked soft skill in business analysis. Describe your process, which may include facilitating discussions, arranging a mediation meeting, and finding common ground. 4) Have you had a manager you felt was a good leader, and what important leadership qualities did they possess? Prospective business analysts may encounter this question when interviewing for a role with growth potential, as it evaluates their priorities when it comes to leadership. Try to emphasize leadership skills like good communication, and creating a supportive and collaborative team environment. 5) Do you typically communicate with your team verbally or in writing, and why? A business analyst will likely be expected to communicate both verbally and in writing, so it's appropriate to explain your skills in each area, and when you would use each style of communication. 6) Tell me about a time you had to manage a challenging relationship with a supervisor. This question may come up in an interview to evaluate your approach to conflict. Rather than emphasizing the traits of difficult project managers, focus on how you managed your response and continued to meet your professional goals. 7) Have you ever taken a mentoring role with a colleague, and if so, what skills did you focus on developing? This is common interview question to analyze teamwork and leadership skills. Past mentorship may be formal or informal, but in either case focus on your approach in offering guidance and giving constructive feedback, supporting a mentee's growth in key areas. 8) How did you handle a situation where a colleague proposed an idea that you believed would be ineffective? Collaboration is an important part of a business analysts position, and this question tests an applicant's approach to teamwork and conflicting perspectives. Emphasize that you listened carefully to a colleague's perspective and remained respectful and supportive while providing feedback. 9)Describe a time you worked on multiple projects with short deadlines. How did you manage the responsibilities? Multitasking is bound to come up in an interview for a business analyst position. Answer by describing your process to prioritizing tasks based on impact or urgency. Highlight project management skills like creating task schedules, and establishing communication with project stakeholders. 10) Walk me through how you've communicated bad news to a client in the past. Unforeseen issues in business analysis projects are common, and so is this interview question, which looks for honesty in an applicant's approach. In your answer, describe how you'd would first assess the issues to understand them fully, before meeting with a client to clearly and transparently explain the problem. Behavioral interview questions will focus on past experiences to judge an applicant's experience, skills and knowledge. Check out these tips to maximize your past experience in an interview: Use the STAR method: Given these business analyst interview questions focus on past experiences, the STAR method is an effective way to answer. Start by describing the Situation you were in and the Task you had to do. Explain any Actions you took, and end by describing the Result of your decision. Highlight relevant outcomes and experiences: Throughout your business analyst career, these types of scenarios will be frequent, and drawing from personal experience is essential for these business analyst interview questions. 📚 Further reading: Interview Question: Why do you want to work here? Sample Answers Tips Scenario-Based Business Analyst Interview Questions Scenario interview questions are meant to shed light on how a prospective employee would react in different situations, with an emphasis on the future over the past. See this list of common scenario-based business analyst interview questions. 1) How would you communicate data problems and solutions to stakeholders without technical expertise? Data analysis can be confusing for people without a technical background, but a business analyst will frequently share their business analysis perspective with untrained individuals, like stakeholders. Emphasize how you would use visuals and plain language to communicate your ideas, while leaving time for feedback and questions in your presentation. 2) How would you address any mistakes you make? These types of business analyst interview questions are a good way to discover how an applicant would respond to mistakes. In your answer, make sure you highlight how important is to learn from errors and communicate openly with project management. 3) How would you identify stakeholders for a software development project? Stakeholder analysis is an important part of a business analyst role, so this question may come up in an interview. Use this opportunity to explain how you would consult with project managers and sponsors, and identify business processes impacted by the software development. Mention the use of visuals like a stakeholder map to organize your findings. 4) What is your strategy for communicating with stakeholders? Business analysts will communicate frequently with stakeholders, so this business analyst interview question is a common one to evaluate communication skills. Explain how you would better understand business operations and needs, as well as stakeholder's unique preferences. Include your process for communicating complex business requirements and data without being too technical. 5) How do you adapt to changes in project requirements? A project's scope is likely to change over its duration, so this important question analyzes an applicant's change management skills. In your answer, include how you would assess the impact of change on project scope and timeline, update plans, and communicate changes with any important parties. 6) Walk me through the steps you would take to conduct a requirements-gathering session. This question will assess an applicant's knowledge of typical business processes and their attention to detail. Describe the steps you typically take in requirements gathering, including identifying and communicating with participants, guiding discussions and documenting requirements.7) How would you adjust your approach to difficult stakeholders? A business analyst is bound to encounter stakeholders with more complex needs and concerns, so this question is a good way to assess skills in communication. Answer this interview question by emphasizing the use of empathy and active listening to better understand a stakeholder's concerns. 8) Your client is aiming to enter new markets. What feasibility analysis approaches would you use to support them? This scenario-based interview question is a common way to assess an applicant's business knowledge and experience. In your answer, explain how you would start by identifying the client's business goals. Highlight different market research methods, such as focus groups, that you could use to gather both quantitative and qualitative data. Emphasize SWOT and financial analysis in your answer. 9) How would you prepare analytical reports for a client? Analytical reporting is a regular task for business analysts, making this a common question in an interview. Outline the elements of a report, including a summary of findings, data visualizations, and recommendations. 10) Describe how you would approach prioritizing competing demands in a project. This is a common scenario for business analysts, and the question aims to evaluate an applicant's critical thinking and organization. Interviewees should explain their process of assessing the impacts of each demand, consulting with stakeholders, and using prioritization techniques to rank demands. Given scenario questions are hypothetical and meant to evaluate quick thinking over past accomplishments, they can be hard to answer at the moment. Try the following to improve your answers to scenario-based interview questions for business analysts.Prepare answers to likely scenario questions: While you can't predict what scenarios may come up in the interview, it's a good idea to review common questions and practice responses so that your answers come quickly in the moment.Emphasize critical thinking and decision-making skills: These questions test critical thinking and problem-solving, so your answers should reflect what interviewers are looking for. Provide structured, logical responses to hypothetical scenarios: When practicing for scenario-based questions, craft a structured answer that clearly hits key points in the question without extraneous detail. Business Analyst Interview Questions on Current Trends Given that data analysis trends are moving quickly with new technology, questions about current trends are important in a business analyst interview. Review these questions on present trends to prepare for a business analyst interview. 1) How do you stay current on new trends and technologies in business analysis? Questions like these test an applicant's awareness of new working software and evolving technology. Be sure to emphasize the different ways you stay informed, such as industry blogs, conferences, publications, and networks. If you've done any recent coursework, highlight it here. 2) What are some new technologies you think will influence business analysis in the next couple of years? There is plenty of new tech aimed at improving business analytics, but interviewers may be looking for answers about AI and machine learning, automation platforms, and advanced data visualization. 3) How do you integrate artificial intelligence and machine learning into your analysis workflows? Given the rise in the use of AI in business analysis, this is a likely question in an interview. You may touch on how you use machine learning to automate different processes, identify patterns, or increase data accuracy. 4) Can you discuss a recent data analysis trend that has influenced business decision-making? There are many possible answers to these kinds of business analyst interview questions, so it's important to prepare something you're comfortable with. For example, you can describe recent trends like real-time analytics for faster decision-making, augmented analytics to automate data preparation, and self-service analytics to empower businesses to be more independent. 5) How have you adjusted your business analysis approach to accommodate the increase in remote work and virtual teams? As remote work is increasingly common, this interview question evaluates a candidate's approach to change and familiarity with new tools. Emphasize the use of virtual collaboration tools and cloud-based sharing for documents, as well as frequent and clear communication with team members. There are several ways you can successfully prepare for these business analysis interview questions on current trends: Research new trends and tools: Applicants looking for business analyst positions should familiarize themselves with new technology and tools in business analysis. This helps you prepare for interview questions and keeps you competitive in a dynamic industry. Network to stay current on trends: The best way to stay abreast of changes in the market is by keeping connected. Attend workshops or conferences and join forums and online groups to get new ideas. Showcase adaptability skills: Even a senior business analyst should look for ways to demonstrate that they can adapt to new tools and trends. Adaptability skills may include showing how you've learned a new software or system or describing any recent upskilling or coursework you've done. 3 Tips to Prepare for a Business Analyst Interview and 3 Mistakes to Avoid Business analyst interview preparation is as important as the interview itself. When preparing for an interview, consider the following tips: Research the company: It's best practice to research a company before the interview, to get a good sense of their work culture and expectations. What you learn about the organization will inform and shape your interview answers. Review job description: Before an interview, check back on the job description. Pay attention to things like keywords, selection criteria, and relevant experience, as this will give a strong indication of what skills and traits the organization is looking for, to tailor your responses. Practice common questions: Ideally, answers to interview questions should be smooth and thoughtful. Some people prefer to prepare for interviews by practicing their answers to the most common questions, making for more seamless responses in the interview. When preparing for an interview, be aware of some of these common mistakes to avoid: Being unprepared: Business analyst interview preparation is just as important as the interview itself. It's best practice to come to an interview with examples of previous work, as well as preparing answers to expected interview questions. Forgetting to ask questions: Job seekers frequently focus on their answers to questions, but its also important to prepare some insightful questions for the interviewer. This shows careful thought and your enthusiasm for the role. Neglecting soft skills: Often, interviewees overprepare for technical questions and forget about soft skills, like communication and critical thinking, but these are bound to come up in an interview and may be crucial to your success. Conclusion A business analyst interview will have multiple steps and a variety of questions for applicants. Some of the interview process will be devoted to technical skills, but the interview will also include behavioral and scenario questions as well as questions on current trends. Whether you are the interviewee or the hiring manager, it's essential to prepare for a business analyst interview well in advance, to ensure a smooth and successful meeting. While getting ready for an interview, check out some of Cake's other articles on interview preparation guides and job seeking tips. —Originally written byTiffany Quinn —

10 Networking Events for Professional DevelopmentMaking meaningful connections with people in your industry, whether it be colleagues, managers, or like-minded individuals, can allow you to smoothly level up in your career. This can be done via networking events, a skill which is needed in order to develop as a professional. Networking can assist you in establishing and maintaining valuable connections, seek opportunities, and gain insights into your industry. With 85% of jobs being filled via networking, knowing how and where you can network will be useful in your job search. There are plenty of ways to network online, but did you know there are career networking events as well? Today, we’re going to help you learn how and why you should network, as well as provide some tips on where you can get started with meeting people.Table of ContentsWhat Are Networking Events?Types of Networking EventsHow to Find a Networking Event?How to Prepare for Networking Events?Conclusion What Are Networking Events? Networking events are events held with the purpose of connecting with other professionals in your industry. At networking events, people will interact and socialize with each other, sharing ideas, stories, and career advice. By becoming closer with certain connections, you can learn valuable insights about a career or industry you are interested in, and leverage their knowledge to help you in your career. Attending networking events is either in-person, online, or hybrid, depending on their theme or purpose. To improve your networking experience, it is essential to find networking events that align with your career goals and interests.10 Types of Networking Events 10 Types of Networking Events There are plenty of different types of networking events for you to build connections at, and they also differ depending on your career or industry. If you’re looking to attend a networking event, consider one of these: Industry Specific Gatherings These are networking events that are related to a specific industry – for instance, IT, banking, or software engineering. These event attendees usually have a guest speaker, sponsor, or activity for the attendees to experience, such as a masterclass or QA session. Aside from networking, attending in-person events can provide you with unique insights and expose you to a variety of industry leaders and career opportunities which you might not be familiar with. Engaging in these events fosters meaningful conversations with professionals in your field. Conferences and Seminars Conferences and seminars are usually held to foster information sharing or project/product unveiling for attendees. Although these are not held exclusively for networking, you can also build professional connections by attending these. These events are often open to the public, and by attending you can also learn about industry and product trends, which can help you in your job, especially if you work in a technology-based field. Professional conferences and industry conferences are excellent opportunities to meet new contacts and stay updated on the latest developments in your field. Speed Networking Events Similar to speed dating, speed networking events are held to encourage more connections between industry leaders, recruiters, and job seekers. Speed networking is designed for brief exchanges with others, so preparing your pitch, self-introduction, and some business cards is required. Aside from gaining new connections, speed networking events are ideal if you want to get your business or product out to new people, build relationships, work on your social skills, or learn more about a specific industry. Participating in this type of event can be a great way to gain a new skill in networking. Alumni Networking Events Alumni events are held for those who have graduated from a specific college or university’s department or program. This type of networking event often involves guest speakers, keynote speakers, or activities and is a way for alumni to reconnect with each other. Networking here can be slightly easier, as you will already have something in common with the other attendees! These events might be sponsored as well, so you can gain some insight into industry leaders. Aside from networking, you can expect a guest lecture or QA session during the event, helping you to build professional relationships. Roundtable Discussions Roundtable discussions are usually academic events, where members of a research project gather and discuss important insights they gained through their projects. However, these don’t always have to be academic in nature – some roundtable discussions are general career-themed discussions led by a company or industry board. In some ways, a roundtable discussion is like a live podcast. After these discussions, there is usually a lunch or coffee hour for attendees to mingle with each other – this is where you can network. Aside from networking, the roundtable discussion is a great opportunity to hear insights and reflect on big topics in your industry. If you are a leader or manager, these are especially valuable, as many also include a QA session at the end. Workshops Workshops are often held to upskill or update information related to your career. By attending a workshop, you will gain valuable tangible skills to take back and implement into your work. However, these events can be all day and often include lunch and coffee breaks, where you can networking opportunities with others. A workshop often involves discussion and teamwork activities, where you can share ideas. Participating in small group activities or discussions within smaller groups can be particularly beneficial for those who are new to networking, as it provides an easy way to build your skills. Career Fairs Career fairs are a great networking event with a variety of people. The main focus of a career fair is to be exposed to a range of potential job openings, companies, and recruiters, so you can very easily and naturally practice networking. Universities often hold career fairs, so make sure you regularly check to see if there is one held near you. Aside from networking, you can expect to learn valuable information regarding your ideal career and potentially talk to some hiring managers or recruiters to receive feedback on your CV or resume, potentially leading to a new job. Virtual Events/ Webinars Some companies, businesses, or industry boards will hold webinars as a way to connect with those interested in joining their company. Sometimes these webinars are focused on a specific topic or skill, and other times they are general informational talks. Usually hosted by a recruiter or leadership team member, these webinars include audience participation or discussion. You can turn these webinars into virtual networking events by inviting other attendees to add you on LinkedIn or Cake Meet. Additionally, you can share a reflection on your LinkedIn profile about what you have learned during the webinar, and thank the hosts by tagging them. A post like this will boost engagement on your profile, and allow you to network by putting yourself out there! Participating in online forums related to your industry is another excellent way to expand your network. Furthermore, attending an online event can help you stay updated with industry trends and connect with professionals worldwide. Breakfast/ Luncheon Events Some industry boards, organizations, or chambers of commerce will hold breakfast or luncheon networking events, as a way of encouraging collaboration or gaining new clients. Attendance can require joining their organization or becoming a member of their mailing list; however, this is usually free. This is a great way to meet a few people who are like-minded or are in a similar industry to you and are often short 2-3 hour events that don’t require attending a talk or lecture. You can gain valuable insight into the industry or career you are in by attending these meetings. Happy Hour Networking Events Happy hour networking events are usually held after the workday is over, so you can attend without being absent from work. These events encourage networking with others, as they have a relaxed atmosphere and are not entirely dedicated to upskilling or information sharing. They are slightly more informal events, but you can expect to meet many diverse people there. This is a great way to build social skills if you are shy or new to networking.How to Find a Networking Event? If you are interested in attending a networking event, you will need to check your area for opportunities. There are plenty of networking events, but knowing where to seek them out can be a challenge. Some ways you can find a networking event near you include: Social Media Companies will often post about their networking events on both professional and personal social media platforms. You can search “networking” and your city to narrow down events near you. Some social media platforms you can utilize include: LinkedIn: following leading recruiters, recruiting agencies, industry boards, organizations and chambers of commerce will allow you to keep up-to-date with networking events. You can also join alumni groups on LinkedIn to make sure you are notified when alumni events are held.📚Further reading: How to Find Recruiters on LinkedIn - Unlocking Your Career Connections [+ Tips] Facebook: Many companies will post their webinars, conferences, or career fairs on Facebook, so you can stay up-to-date with them as they are posted. Many local areas have their own dedicated Facebook group for specific industries or even just networking-focused groups. Consider joining them and discussing with other members to see if you can gain new connections. Twitter: Conferences, events, and online webinars are often advertised on Twitter, especially for academics. If you are an academic, or you are self-employed, a presence on Twitter is especially useful for virtual networking.📚Further reading: 10 Best Professional Networking Sites To Expand Your Professional Network Community Bulletins/ Local Events Your community bulletin board, local newspaper or events calendar will likely have some events for you to utilize in your networking. Check local community boards for events for you to mingle with others and establish connections. Industry-Specific Websites Some industries have dedicated boards or organizations for professionals to keep updated on the latest industry trends. Check these or sign up to their mailing list so you can be notified of upcoming networking events. Some industry-specific websites could be related to: An accredited profession e.g. accountingWomen in STEMOrganizations for specific regions Ask Around Ask colleagues, friends, family, or people you have previously networked with if they know of any networking events. The people closest to you know you well, and will likely be able to recommend some events that would suit you the best. You never know unless you try!How to Prepare for Networking Events? Being prepared at a networking event can help you ease nerves and ensure smooth interactions. By being prepared, you will come across as more confident with others, and allow for a good first impression. Here is our guide for preparing for a networking event: Research Research the event and its attendees, such as speakers, sponsors, leaders, or company representatives. Make sure you also are familiar with the hosting organization, its background, and how it relates to you. All of this can be found on the event website, as well as the websites of the related companies. Prepare an Elevator Pitch An elevator pitch is a short overview of your background, experience, and career, as well as what you are looking to achieve in the future. If you have a specific product or project you are working on, introduce it during your pitch. An elevator pitch should be less than one minute long and should be practiced in a way that sounds natural, compelling, and concise. An elevator pitch is not a monologue to recite to others, but should instead be a way for you to naturally and professionally introduce yourself. Update Your Business Cards Make sure your business cards are up-to-date and professional. Check your email, name and number are all correct, and that the card represents you in a professional manner. Ensure you keep your business cards somewhere where they are kept pristine, such as in a wallet or card case, and keep enough on you so that you can provide one when needed. Plan Your Attire Choose an outfit that is professional yet suitable for the event. Make sure your clothes are cleaned, ironed, fit well, and look professional ahead of time, and schedule any dry cleaning or other tailoring services if needed. In general, business casual is appropriate for a networking event. Make sure your hair and makeup are in good condition as well. Prepare Questions Make sure you have some open-ended questions you can bring with you to foster natural conversations with people at networking events to network effectively. Open-ended questions are ones that cannot be answered with a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ – and instead open up discussion with others. Choose a selection of questions for a variety of people and scenarios, as well as what your answer would be should they choose to ask you. Some open-ended questions include: Nice to meet you, how did you find out about this event?What did you think of the speaker we listened to earlier?What was the most valuable skill you have learned recently? Conclusion Networking events are opportunities for you to meet others in a similar career or industry and develop meaningful relationships with them. By making strong relationships, you can then assist each other in your professional development. You can also use networking as a way to gain insights, seek opportunities, or pitch yourself to people, ultimately leveling up your career. There are plenty of events you can network at, in-person and online, and you can find out about these events by looking at local job boards, social media and asking others. Coming prepared to a networking event will allow you to ease nerves and make a confident first impression, and you can do so by being organized, making an elevator pitch, and thinking of some open-ended questions. To learn more networking tips, head over to Cake and read up on ways you can develop in your career!Cake is a free resume maker and portfolio builder that provides hundreds of resume templates (free download) and various job resume examples to help showcase the best you. Landing your dream job will be a piece of cake!Create Resume --- Originally Written by Bronte McNamara ---

Not too long ago, nearly every company expected employees to sit in a cubicle from 9 AM to 5 PM. While forward-thinking companies had already recognized some of the limitations of this style of company culture, the COVID pandemic forced businesses worldwide to realize the power and impact of workplace flexibility. Today, when people decide where to work, they consider more than just pay and retirement benefits. Factors like how often they need to come into the office and whether they have the option of a four-day workweek play a significant role. Flexibility in the workplace is no longer a luxury; it has become a vital concept that companies must embrace to remain competitive.Table of Contents What Does Flexible at Work Mean? How to Demonstrate Flexibility at Work Conclusion What Does Flexible at Work Mean? There are two primary ways flexibility can be implemented in the workplace: 1) Time Flexibility Flexible work environments value employees' contributions regardless of whether they work in a traditional office setting. Many employees experience higher job satisfaction when given the option to work remotely. Not being tied to a specific work location reduces stress and makes tasks like childcare more manageable. Remote work doesn’t necessarily mean working from home; employees can choose to work from various remote locations, such as cafes, libraries, or co-working spaces, even while traveling. There is a growing demand for more flexible working hours. Popularized in parts of Europe, working longer hours over four days can free up time for a three-day weekend. This approach has proven to boost productivity and is increasingly seen as a significant benefit for attracting top talent. Time flexibility also includes greater control over when to start and end the workday. The traditional 9-to-5 schedule has been the standard for decades and doesn't suit everyone. Some people are more productive working 7-to-3, while others prefer starting at 10 and finishing at 6. Allowing employees to set their own schedules is a win-win for everyone: it increases productivity while ensuring happier employees. 2) Task Flexibility Workplaces that foster trust and empower employees to take ownership of tasks and deadlines can significantly enhance work flexibility. Providing employees the option to participate in specific projects is becoming increasingly common. Job sharing is one such example that promotes collaboration and boosts productivity. By sharing tasks—whether through short-term collaborations or long-term arrangements—employees can learn from one another and accelerate lagging projects. Part-time work also gains new value when combined with job sharing. Traditionally seen as less desirable, part-time roles now offer opportunities for two employees to split responsibilities. One may handle the majority of the workload, while the other provides part-time support. This approach enhances employee engagement, fosters collaboration, and ensures a fair distribution of tasks. Agile work methods, popular in the tech industry, are another effective approach to task flexibility. While more traditional industries like law and finance may resist change, adopting elements of Agile practices can improve efficiency and adaptability. How to Demonstrate Flexibility at Work But in order for employers to allow you to have flexibility in location and time, you must demonstrate that you are trustworthy and capable of finishing work within the deadlines. Here how you can demonstrate your flexibility skills 1) Adaptability in Tasks: Grow your skills by participating in different projects. The reason employee experience is so highly valued is that it demonstrates a worker’s ability to handle a wide range of challenges effectively. Volunteering to contribute to teams outside your area of expertise shows that you are a team player and provides an opportunity to learn about fields where you may have less experience. A key aspect of becoming a project manager, for example, is understanding the speed and capabilities of various employees. Participating in different projects gives you a better sense of what can and can't be done and what to expect reasonably. This, in turn, helps you manage your time more effectively. 2) Time Management: A crucial aspect, especially for companies with many remote employees, is coordinating everyone's schedule. Becoming a good manager in the post-pandemic world means being able to organize people who are on different work schedules. Two employees may be working in different time zones, or one employee prefers working during the morning while another starts closer to noon. More flexibility has its own complexities when it comes to management, which is why those who can structure their team and colleagues are going to be valued as top talent. Software like When I work, provides enough features for an individual to complete most of their tasks. These types of software can be used to create precise schedules and form task lists, highlighting the most urgent priorities. 3) Communication Skills: Social adaptability is the most effective way of becoming flexible. Passivity in communication can lead to confusion regarding the progress and timeline of specific tasks. Without face-to-face interaction, it’s important to proactively communicate with your manager and colleagues throughout the day. Sharing updates on your progress, as well as that of your teammates, is crucial. It’s also essential to understand everyone’s availability. Keeping key stakeholders in the loop can be as simple as sending an email or a message on Slack. Even on platforms that track when your tasks are complete, it’s still useful to notify them directly when you’ve finished. Additionally, if you believe you’re going to miss a deadline, it’s always better to inform others as soon as possible about when you expect to complete it. This saves people the hassle of chasing you down to get an update on your progress. 4) Collaboration and Teamwork: Feedback loops are critical for identifying any weaknesses or communication gaps. Having a team that can provide constructive criticism and spot errors will save everyone time in the long run. The top workplaces have adaptable employees who adjust to their team's needs. Becoming a flexible worker means being the person who can step up and fill any gaps, demonstrating the value you bring to your company. The existence of remote working does not eliminate the need for teamwork. More than ever, companies are prioritizing people with a history of strong teamwork. People who can adapt to others' schedules are becoming increasingly important. Multitalented employees are starting to gain more value than specialists. Those who can quickly adjust their roles are invaluable in navigating the dynamic changes involved in long-term projects. 5) Maintaining Work-Life Balance: An emerging downside of remote work is the lack of separation between a proper workspace and living space. People who work from home may feel like they are always at work, as their bed and work chair now serve similar functions. Inevitably, this pressure can lead to stress and burnout. It’s important to establish boundaries on where and when you can work. Having a designated work area inside your home is a great tool. If you don’t have the space for a proper office, you can use a small table or any area that is not typically associated with relaxation. Establishing hard rules, such as no work after 8 PM or blocking notifications from your work email, Slack, and other business apps, can be practical measures to give yourself peace of mind. There are also issues of lack of focus during work hours, as you may feel enticed to do chores or scroll through your phone more without the stress of a supervisor. Becoming productive requires a consistent work environment and proper organization. Some jobs are more demanding than others; an entry-level investment banker, for example, may not have these options. However, for the most part, you can separate your personal life from your work. Good organization can also benefit your personal life. Scheduling time to socialize or engage in hobbies can pay off in the long run and prevent you from becoming a workaholic. Conclusion Flexibility in the workplace means being able to handle a variety of issues that may arise. Demonstrating to your employer or colleagues that you're capable of assisting with any task has become a key asset in today's work environment. However, flexibility isn't solely about how employees can benefit employers. Companies must also incentivize high-quality employees by creating an attractive work environment. Flexible work arrangements and hiring remote or hybrid employees are crucial for fostering a better work-life balance. People's well-being is increasingly becoming a significant factor in where they choose to work. The key to seeing the bigger picture is to increase work flexibility. There are countless tools available to improve your management and communication skills. Don't hesitate to make a change toward becoming a more flexible worker.Want more career advice? Follow Cake for more. We offer many career tools—online resume builder, portfolio maker, AI cover letter generator, and more. Sign up today! — Originally written by Chris Grudge —

Are you in tune with the keyword for the future of the workplace - DEI? In today's rapidly changing work landscape, the significance of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives (DEI) shall not remain as a mere buzzword; it's a transformative force in the modern workplace. DEI initiatives are about fostering an environment where all employees feel valued and empowered regardless of their background. In this article, we will answer your question of “What is a good DEI initiative?” by exploring the essence of DEI and its pivotal role in achieving organizational excellence, and provide you with practical diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace examples for successful implementation in your company. If you are applying for work in companies that accentuate DEI, you might want to learn how to prepare for DEI interview questions.Table of ContentsUnpacking Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the WorkplaceThe Advantages of Embracing DEI in the WorkplaceImplementing Effective DEI Strategies in the WorkplaceReal-World Success Stories: DEI Initiatives in Prominent CorporationsEmbracing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: A Pathway to Organizational Excellence Unpacking Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the Workplace In today's dynamic work environment, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) have emerged as essential components of a thriving and forward-thinking workplace as a guiding philosophy that transforms organizations into inclusive and equitable spaces where every individual can contribute their best. McKinsey found that companies in the top quartile for gender or racial and ethnic diversity are more likely to have financial returns above their national industry medians. Gartner shared an interesting finding that 75% of companies with “frontline decision-making teams reflecting a diverse and inclusive culture” exceed their financial targets. Before we continue further, you might want to know the answer to the question: what are diversity, equity, and inclusion? By understanding them individually, you will also be able to understand the difference between diversity, inclusion, and equity, and how they complement each other in practice. Diversity Diversity is the cornerstone of DEI initiative, encompassing the myriad of characteristics that make individuals unique. Embracing diversity not only reflects the mosaic of society but also fosters creativity and innovation. For example, a diverse team may include individuals from different cultural backgrounds, leading to a broader range of perspectives that can fuel problem-solving and creativity.📚Further reading: Methods for Diversity Hiring – Best Practices Tips Equity Equity within the workplace is all about ensuring fairness and justice. Disparities and inequalities may manifest in various ways, from unequal pay scales to limited access to career advancement opportunities. Recognizing these disparities and actively working to rectify them is a core tenet of DEI initiative. For instance, implementing pay equity initiatives to close gender pay gaps demonstrates a commitment to workplace equity. 📚 Further reading: A Short Guide to Gender Equality in the Workplace Inclusion Inclusion is the practice of creating an environment where all employees feel welcome, valued, and empowered to contribute their best. Inclusive practices can range from accessible facilities for individuals with disabilities to fostering a culture where diverse voices are heard and respected. For example, mentoring programs that connect employees from different backgrounds can promote a sense of belonging and inclusion. A common question that arises in understanding DEI is the difference between diversity and inclusion. Diversity is about the representation of different groups in the workplace, while inclusion is about creating an environment where everyone, regardless of their background, feels welcomed, respected, and able to contribute meaningfully. Both diversity and inclusion are crucial components of DEI initiatives, and they work together to promote fairness, equity, and positive outcomes within organizations. The Advantages of Embracing DEI in the Workplace Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the workplace are an investment in the prosperity and sustainability of any organization. By fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace, businesses unlock a multitude of benefits that positively impact their bottom line and overall success. Why is diversity, equity, and inclusion important?Benefits of Embracing DEI in the Workplace 1. Enhance Creativity and Innovation DEI initiative brings together individuals with unique backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. When employees from different walks of life collaborate, they approach problem-solving from various angles, leading to fresh ideas and inventive solutions. 2. Improved Employee Morale and Retention Inclusive workplaces create a sense of belonging and psychological safety for all employees. When individuals feel valued and heard, their job satisfaction and morale soar. Employees who believe in the organization's commitment to DEI initiative are more likely to stay, reducing recruitment and training costs. 📚Further reading: 10 Employee Retention Strategies for Your Company in 2023 [+ Examples] 3. Attract Diverse Talent Organizations that prioritize DEI initiative naturally become magnets for diverse talent. Diverse teams are seen as more attractive workplaces, which increases the chances of securing top talent in a competitive job market. 4. Reduced Discrimination and Bias DEI initiatives actively work to reduce discrimination and bias within the workplace. By implementing policies and practices that promote fairness and equal opportunity, organizations create environments where discrimination is less likely to occur. 5. Increased Social Cohesion When people from diverse backgrounds work together harmoniously, it creates a positive work culture characterized by mutual respect and cooperation. This social cohesion contributes to a more pleasant and productive work atmosphere, where everyone can thrive. 6. Enhanced Decision-Making and Problem-Solving Diverse teams often make better decisions and solve complex problems more effectively. The inclusion of varied perspectives helps identify blind spots, consider multiple angles, and arrive at well-rounded solutions that can lead to more informed and strategic decision-making within the organization. 7. Market Expansion and Customer Loyalty Embracing DEI initiative can also broaden a company's market reach. When an organization reflects the diversity of its customer base, it is better equipped to understand and meet the needs of a wide range of clients which can lead to increased customer loyalty and market expansion. Implementing Effective DEI Strategies in the Workplace Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion policies are most effective when they are systematically integrated into an organization's practices and culture. Here, we explore several best practices that can help guide you to learn how to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace: 1. Diversity in Recruitment and Hiring To conduct a diverse hiring process, organizations should use diverse recruitment sources, implement blind recruitment techniques, and establish clear diversity goals. Additionally, fostering an inclusive interview process and offering training to reduce unconscious biases among hiring teams can promote equitable hiring practices. This diversity implementation since the beginning of the HR process will result in an ideal diverse workforce in the long run. 2. Provide DEI Training for All Employees, Including Leadership HR practitioners shall come up with a definition of what is DEI training before offering DEI training to all employees, from entry-level staff to leadership as a pillar of the implementation in the long run. DEI training for leaders should set the tone by actively participating in training and demonstrating their commitment to DEI. Additionally, DEI training for employees in general should cover unconscious bias, microaggressions, and cultural competency, empowering employees to recognize and address biases and discrimination. 3. Promote Pay Equity To promote pay equity in the DEI program, organizations should regularly conduct pay equity audits to identify and rectify wage gaps. Transparent salary structures and standardized job classifications can help ensure fairness in compensation. Promote policies that emphasize equal pay for equal work, and actively address any disparities that arise. 4. Mentorship for Underrepresented Groups Establish mentorship programs that specifically target underrepresented groups within your organization. Pairing employees with mentors who can provide guidance, support, and career development opportunities can help bridge the representation gap and empower diverse talent. 5. Form Employee Resource Groups or Affinity Groups for Underrepresented Employees Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) or affinity groups provide a space for underrepresented employees to connect, share experiences, and advocate for their needs. These groups can be instrumental in fostering a sense of belonging and driving DEI initiatives within the organization. 6. Leadership Development Programs with DEI Components Incorporate DEI policy components into leadership development programs to ensure that leaders are equipped to champion inclusivity and equity. Training for leadership should focus on fostering diverse and inclusive teams, addressing workplace discrimination, and creating equitable career advancement opportunities. 7. Create a Culture of DEI DEI initiative should be embedded into the organizational culture. This includes promoting inclusivity, celebrating diversity, and holding employees accountable for their behavior and actions. Leadership should set an example by championing DEI and creating an environment where all employees feel valued. 8. Inclusive Communication Establish clear guidelines for inclusive communication, ensuring that all messages are respectful of diverse perspectives and backgrounds. Encourage open dialogue and active listening, and use inclusive language that reflects the organization's commitment to the DEI program. 9. Accessible Work Environment for All Employees Make physical and digital work environments accessible to all employees, including those with disabilities. Ensure that facilities, communication tools, and technology are designed with accessibility in mind, allowing all employees to fully participate in the workplace. 10. Flexible Holidays for Diverse Team Members Offer flexibility in holiday observance to accommodate the diverse cultural and religious backgrounds of your team members. This demonstrates respect for individual beliefs and promotes a more inclusive environment. 11. Success Metrics of DEI Implementations Success metrics in DEI policy implementation at the workplace are crucial as they provide quantifiable evidence of progress and help organizations assess the impact of their initiatives. Organizations should consider a combination of quantitative and qualitative measures, align them with their specific DEI initiative goals, and regularly review and adjust these metrics to ensure they accurately reflect progress and outcomes. 12. Consistent Progress Updates Regular progress updates in DEI program implementation at the workplace are vital to track the effectiveness of initiatives, identify areas needing improvement, and maintain accountability. They provide a transparent and measurable way to assess the impact of diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, ensuring that organizations stay on course toward their goals and continuously evolve to create more inclusive environments. Real-World Success Stories: DEI Initiatives in Prominent Corporations To truly grasp the transformative power of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives in the workplace, it's valuable to examine the experiences of prominent companies that have successfully implemented these strategies. Two noteworthy examples of diversity, equity, and inclusion in prominent global corporations that have made significant strides in this realm are Google and Intel. Google: Championing Diversity and Inclusion Google, a tech giant renowned for its innovation and global reach, has taken a proactive approach to DEI. The company has implemented several initiatives aimed at increasing diversity within its workforce, dating as early as 2015 when the first head of diversity was hired. A look at their 2022 report on DEI initiatives are:Hiring: The company has instituted programs and partnerships to increase the diverse hiring of underrepresented groups in technology, such as women and people of color from the Latin and Black communities. Retention Progression Google encourages continuous exploration to ensure employees feel included, for example by providing mentorship programs, more healthcare resources for parents, and even reaching out to outside the company by providing training programs and resources for minorities. Representation Reaching out, Google spent nearly $1.5 billion with diverse suppliers and through Latinx Founders Fund, startups and entrepreneurs from underrepresented communities were supported. Flexibility Hybrid work is made to be more inclusive and accessible for employees from various backgrounds with different needs. Google has brought flexibility to classrooms and workplaces through their products. Belonging Innovation Google fosters its employees in gaining a sense of belonging with the aid of innovation. For example, in Brazil, Google tripled the representation of employees with disabilities, and launched real-time, live captioning (generated by real people), live audio-descriptors, and sign language interpreters for all office-wide meetings. This case study demonstrates that DEI initiatives are not just altruistic endeavors but also smart business strategies. Google has reaped the benefits of increased creativity, innovation, and employee satisfaction by prioritizing diversity and inclusion. Their experiences serve as inspirational examples for organizations seeking to create more equitable and inclusive workplaces. Embracing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: A Pathway to Organizational Excellence In the journey to transform workplaces into inclusive and equitable spaces, we've explored the vital concepts of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Here, we summarize the key takeaways and emphasize the importance of prioritizing DEI efforts in your organization. Key Takeaways: DEI Is Essential for Success: DEI is not just a moral imperative; it's a strategic advantage that drives creativity, innovation, and employee satisfaction.Diverse Perspectives Fuel Innovation: Embracing diversity of thought and background enhances problem-solving and innovation, giving your organization a competitive edge.Inclusivity Drives Employee Morale: Inclusive workplaces boost employee morale, leading to higher retention rates and lower recruitment costs.DEI Attracts Top Talent: A commitment to DEI attracts diverse talent, enhancing the quality and depth of your workforce.Equity Reduces Discrimination: Promoting equity within your organization reduces discrimination and bias, creating a fair and just workplace.Social Cohesion Matters: Inclusive workplaces foster a sense of community and cooperation among employees. We encourage you to make Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion a fundamental part of your organizational culture. Embrace the best practices of DEI initiatives to create inclusive communication, and offer accessible work environments, like how the leaders of industries like Google have been doing for the past decade. Enjoying this article? Follow Cake, an international talent platform that empowers professionals worldwide. By following our blog, you can continue to upskill and gain knowledge about the latest trends in recruitment and HR practices! With Cake, aresume builder, we provide you with hundreds ofresume templates downloadand a wide variety ofgreat resume examplesthat help showcase the best you. Landing your dream job will be a piece of cake!Create Resume — Originally written by Wendy Chang —

Keeping your employees satisfied with their jobs is key to business success. Employees who are happy in their workplace are more likely to be committed to their company, more productive, and better performers overall. Your employees' perspectives, feelings, and struggles in their jobs are known as the employee experience, and understanding this is key to keeping your employee engagement up. With almost half of all workers feeling their workplace experience is different from what was promised, understanding your employees' experience is key. We're going to define employee experience and provide you with tips to improve employee experience, as well as strategies to evaluate and measure employee experience strategies. Table of Contents What is Employee Experience? Crafting an Effective Employee Experience Strategy How to Improve the Employee Experience Conclusion What is Employee Experience? From recruitment to exit interviews, the employee experience refers to how an employee experiences every part of the employee lifecycle. Some aspects of an employee's experience are experienced rarely (such as onboarding), while others are experienced daily (overall company culture), but the overall picture of an employee's experience will greatly affect their job satisfaction. It is well known that job satisfaction affects productivity and retention; therefore, providing an overall positive employee experience is key to improving business performance and gaining a competitive advantage. Priortising your employee experience is key to maintaining a productive workplace. As employee experience involves every aspect of an employee's interaction with their company and job, it can be difficult to narrow down what plays a role. Employee experience is influenced by a number of factors; and starts even before hiring an employee. Some factors which greatly influence an employee's experience are: Onboarding: Job postings, interview rounds, the hiring process, and onboarding training are candidates' first impressions of a business. People like hiring managers and training managers play a significant role in creating a positive initial impression of the company's employees' experience. Improving the experience of new employees will allow you to improve retention rates and ensure they are engaged through every stage of the employee life cycle.Company culture: Workplace culture is something that an employee experiences daily throughout their tenure with a company. A positive, supportive workplace environment is key to a positive culture and arguably plays a significant role in the overall employee experience. The attitude of other employees, managers, and business leaders will greatly influence culture. Culture is experienced in every stage of the employee journey, so making sure you have a solid and positive culture is foundational to the employee experience. Goals and Metrics: A positive employee experience trickles down to all aspects of the business, including productivity metrics and output. In order to ensure a productive workplace, maintain a positive customer experience, and have a team of happy employees, setting reasonable and effective goals and metrics is key. If employees are pressured by unreasonable goals and metrics, the overall employee experience will be poor. Likewise, if your company is too focused on performance and output, and performance management feedback is always about your company's numerical goals, your employees will feel undervalued and not engaged in their role.📚 Further reading: How Promoting Mental Health in the Workplace Benefits Both Employees Businesses Crafting an Effective Employee Experience Strategy In order to improve the employee experience, you must first reflect on your company's current workplace culture, environment and goals. Improving the employee experience is about making employees feel like they are appreciated, valued and well-supported in their roles. Taking ownership over any pitfalls in your company's current employee experience will allow you to make specific and effective improvements. Having an open mind in this process is essential. Creating an effective employee experience strategy includes the following steps: 1) Understand Employee Needs Improving the employee experience means making changes that employees need and want. To do this, you must first understand your employees' perspectives and what they need. You can gather this information by connecting with your employees and giving them the opportunity to advocate for their needs. Some methods of gathering employee feedback include employee surveys, focus groups, or one-on-one meetings to listen to employee concerns. Your employees are a diverse group of people who will all have their own unique needs and preferences. By giving every employee the opportunity to speak their mind, you might see some similarities or themes in the employee feedback your company is given, allowing you to make effective changes. Some employee needs might be different to what you are expecting. Some needs of employees that might not be apparent to you include diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, employee access schemes, better training and professional development initiatives. By gathering insight, you will be able to implement changes and motivate your employees in the way that they actually need and want. 📕 Further reading: Master DEI Training: Empower Employees and Transform Your Workplace 2) Develop a Strategic Plan Drafting a strategic plan with well-thought out steps is key to implementing changes to your employee experience effectively. Having detailed instructions and goals at every step of your plan will allow you to easily prioritise tasks, and also allows you to effectively review and reflect on your strategy later. Some steps for developing a strategic plan to improve the employee experience include: Goal Setting: Goal setting is an essential part of your plan to improve the employee experience, as every step will be centred around achieving those goals. You can craft your main goals based on the employee feedback you gathered before. Narrow down the common pain points that most employees brought up and combine them to make a list of goals. Business Goals: In addition to using feedback, you can consider your company's goals for the business. Aligning the employee experience strategy to your company values and business goals will give you a boundary to work within, making your strategy more specific and actionable. For instance, if you received a lot of negative feedback about employee training, you can set a goal to improve training programs. If a business goal is to improve employee retention, you can combine both of these goals together to see if improving training programs increases employee satisfaction and retention rates.Identify Stakeholders: To ensure you have a well-rounded plan, bring in some key leaders from the business to be stakeholders in your plan. Consider including team leaders from various departments in your plan, so they can help implement the day-to-day goals of the strategy in their teams. Likewise, team leaders can assist in employee experience management by checking in with their staff to collect feedback. Set a Timeframe: Your employee experience strategy should be confined to a specific timeframe, in order to make sure goals are reasonable and can be measured and evaluated later. For example, you could implement your employee experience strategy quarterly, measuring and evaluating its success at the end of every quarter. Every quarterly strategy could focus on a different aspect of the employee journey, allowing you to focus more on specific goals. Some key areas to focus on in your strategy include onboarding, professional development, work-life balance and employee recognition. Communicate: Your strategy can then be drafted into a communication plan, so all employees and key stakeholders are aligned with the strategy. Make the communication plan easy to read and understand, and include the overall goals of the strategy, expected outcomes and measurements for success. How to Improve the Employee Experience Improving your employee experience will allow you to foster a workplace of engaged employees who are also striving towards improving business outcomes. Successfully providing a positive employee experience is a win-win situation for both the business and it's employees, so working towards developing an retaining happy employees should be a top priority. We've come up with some areas of your employee's experience which might need some work: 1) Creating a Positive Workplace Culture A positive company culture is incredibly influential on the employee experience. Company culture does not just refer to the atmosphere of the physical workplace or office space your employees come to daily, but also includes the attitudes of senior leaders, hr leaders, and the way employees feel coming to work every day. A company with poor company culture will likely have poor employee engagement, as employees feel dissatisfied and unmotivated in their role. Fostering a supportive and inclusive culture is key to improving overall company culture. When employees feel as though they belong, and are well supported, employee engagement will increase. In order to effectively improve the culture of your workplace, leadership needs to become involved to help by setting an example. To understand your employee's perspective and perception of the company culture, you can collect their opinions with employee experience surveys. To get an honest review, make sure your surveys are anonymous and do not collect any employee data. You can also work on improving employee engagement as you try to improve employee experience. Employee engagement refers to how committed an employee is to the goals of a business and to their work. Engaged employees are likely having a positive employee experience, so you can measure these two together to see if your strategies are effective. Doing regular employee engagement surveys will allow you to review your employee engagement strategies and see if there is any positive change. Another way you can gather insight is through company review sites, where previous staff will share their opinions on their employee experience, including everything from the work environment, their employee journey for a specific role or department, to their employee satisfaction. 2) Enhance the Physical and Digital Work Environment As we mentioned, the employee experience is not just related to the company's physical workspace where your employees come to everyday, but also the digital workspace, too. Optimizing the physical work environment can enhance productivity, improving better business outcomes, and make your employees feel welcomed and supported. To improve your physical office environment, consider giving your employees an allowance for office supplies, or a reimbursement scheme so employees can buy the items they need to enhance their workspace. If your team is working remotely, you can again survey employees and ask for their opinions on how to make the employee experience better. This is especially important for remote work or hybrid offices, and for providing an exceptional employee experience. To ensure that you are maintaining trust and communication with your employees, avoid implementing any surveillance-style digital tools, and instead focus on improving employee satisfaction and business performance.📒 Further reading: How to Manage a Remote Team - A Guide 3) Professional Growth and Development Aside from providing a comfortable working environment, professional development opportunities are key to improving employee experience and enhancing employee retention rates. Continuous learning and opportunities for career development and progression are key to ensuring you are fostering a workplace of dedicated employees. Providing these professional development opportunities also gives your company a competitive advantage when it comes to hiring, as research shows that opportunities for growth are a primary motivating factor for candidates seeking a new job. Providing development opportunities can also allow for improvements in employee engagement, as employees will be more involved and invested in their career. Some examples of professional growth and development opportunities include mentor programs, courses to learn new skills, and opportunities for collaboration and promotion within the company. Creating distinct progression plans, providing career development opportunities provides employees with a sense of job security, improving motivation and leading to more engaged employees. 4) Implementing Recognition Programs Recognising employees who go above and beyond is key to keeping employees happy and satisfied in their role. Employees want to be recognized for their hard work and efforts, so providing recognition and award programs can be one way to improve your employee satisfaction. On an individual level, you can provide feedback and appreciation in annual performance reviews, or increasing an employee's annual salary based on their performance. More widespread recognition can be achieved with annual award ceremonies, where business leaders recognize stand-out employees for their efforts. 5) Measuring and Optimizing Employee Experience After drafting your goals for your employee experience strategy, you now need to decide ways to measure it's success. Your measurements for success will depend on the type of goals you decide on, but some common ways to evaluate your goals for your employee experience include: Key Metrics and KPIs: Metrics and KPIs are great for collecting raw numerical data. With key metrics and KPIs, you can directly compare a change in scores and easily make conclusions on the effectiveness of your employee experience strategies. Some key metrics and KPIs you can use when drafting your employee experience framework are: Employee engagement scores: Use a numerical scoring system in your employee experience surveys and compare results pre and post strategy changes. You can set a specific goal for improvement, or aim for overall increased employee engagement scores. Some questions you can include in an employee engagement survey include their commitment to the company, whether they are proud of their work, if employees feel appreciated in their role and whether they wish to develop their career with your company. Net Promoter Score: This is a way to measure employee satisfaction, based off of whether your employees would recommend your company as a great place to work. This is a great way to gather employee sentiment and can be used as a way to check-in on the overall employee experience of your company. Some questions which you can include in your Net Promoter Score survey include whether employees feel appreciated, how satisfied they are with pay and benefits, and how likely they are to recommend a job at your company to others. Turnover Rates: Turnover rates can indicate poor employee experiences, and provide insight into specific issues within a business. Some features of turnover rates you can focus on include average tenure of new hires, turnover frequency in the different stages of the employee lifecycle, and satisfaction scores across the employee journey. These will give insight into where the issues are for every stage of an employees tenure. Productivity Levels: Measurements of productivity will depend on the specific output of your business. Some productivity metrics you can measure include inbound and outbound call frequency, revenue per employee, average time to complete tasks, customer satisfaction rates, and various ratios of input to output. All of these metrics can be used to gather baseline data prior to implementing an employee experience strategy, and guide your goal setting when drafting the strategy or employee experience framework. 6) Continuous Improvement Employee experience strategies should be constantly reviewed and improved based on employee feedback and the results of your strategies. Make changes and iterations of your employee experience strategy to optimize the business impact of your strategy whilst keeping employees happy. Always continue to engage with your employees about their employee experience and find ways to enhance employee engagement where necessary. Some ways you can keep your employees involved in the process is to ask for feedback about employee experience initiatives implemented during performance management meetings, and take note of their answer. You could even do this in the hiring stages too, by sending out a candidate feedback survey to anyone you interviewed or to new hires to get their initial impression of your workplace. Employee experience is something your workplace will have to constantly work on, and make effort to review and change strategies based on feedback. Conclusion The employee experience directly affects your company's output, retention and productivity; therefore, cultivating a positive employee experience is key to improving the overall outcomes of your business. Improving the employee experience starts with evaluating your employee life cycle, and identifying any key issues in retention or performance. Collecting data with employee experience surveys can allow you to gain insight into areas of that need improvement. After recieving feedback, you can align the goals of the company to the feedback you received from your employees to create a detailed employee experience framework. Make sure you include specific goals and KPIs you want to measure so you can evaluate the effectiveness of your efforts to improve your employee experience. If you want to get more tips on improving your workplace and employee experience, you can check out Cake for more free resources. Cake provides free insights, articles and information for employers, HR leaders and businesses to improve their workplaces.Cake is a free resume maker and portfolio builder that provides hundreds of resume templates (free download) and various job resume examples for job seekers. We also provide various solutions to companies who are looking to hire the best talent!Post Job for FREE—Originally written byBronte McNamara —