Sunday, December 29, 2019
More than half of active job seekers would take a pay cut for the perfect job
More than half of active job seekers would take a pay cut for the perfect jobMore than half of active job seekers would take a pay cut for the perfect jobHow far would you go for the perfect job?Professional staffing and search services providerAddison Group recently releasedthe second round of results of its fourth annual Workplace Survey,which found that 54% of active job seekers would take a pay cutfor employment at a company whose mission aligns with their beliefs, compared to 30% of overall participants who would do the same.One thousand full-time and part-time white-collar workers in the U.S. participated in the survey. Here are some of the results.Heres what else people would give up for the right jobThe research foundthat 80% of active job seekers and 67% of all respondents would take fewer office amenities for the right job, while 72% of active job seekers and 49% of the whole pool would take a lengthier commute.Seventy-one percent of people looking for a new position and 55 % of respondents overall said theyd be willing to work on holidays, while 70% of those looking for new employment and 57% of people overall said theyd work on the weekend.Frequent job-hopping has become the norm in todays employment market,Tom Moran, CEO of Addison Group, said in a statement. The survey shows that candidates are as career-oriented as ever, with the desire to challenge themselves at work, and put in the extra hours to advance, he said.Heres why people are seeking new jobsThe report showed that the number one reason active job seekers are looking for a new position is for salary/compensation, with52% of people in that category.Among others in this bunch, 40% wanted more challenges, 31% werent fans of their current work, and just 16% didnt like their current companys mission.Heres how different generations are feeling about their careersThe researchalso featured results on how people think their careers are going, with 69% of millennials, 63% of Generation Xers, and 34 % of Baby Boomers agreeing that I am worried that I should be doing more in my career now to get where I want in the future.Sixty-four percent of millennials, 59% of Generation Xers, and 46% of Baby Boomers said that theyre heading toward their dream job.
Tuesday, December 24, 2019
Sneaky Ways to Work Better With a Difficult Co-worker
Sneaky Ways to Work Better With a Difficult Co-workerSneaky Ways to Work Better With a Difficult Co-workerThe colleague with the uncomfortable sense of humor. The client who has zero concept of personal space. The assistant who chatters non-stop. When you find yourself teamed with someone whose work style- and, well, personal habits- couldnt be further from your own, its tempting to just put your head down, and (as cordially as possible) tune out his or her differences.And while this may help you get your work done without ruffling any feathers, it does nothing to help you build a connection. A better approach? Do your best to try and get on his or her wavelength, which will not only help you work together more effectively, itll impress everyone around you. Read on for the dos and donts of working with someone with a difficult personality. Dont JudgeBy glossing over a difference in work style- or getting frustrated by it- you lose the opportunity to gain more insight into the person youre working with. Instead, try to take a step back, and instead of judging someones behavior, consider where he or she might be coming from. That colleague with the awkward sense of humor? Ask yourself why he might be cracking those jokes. To break the ice? To help illustrate a point? Just because? By stepping outside of judging his sense of humor and focusing on where the jokes find their way into conversation, you will be able to develop a plan of action to work together more effectively. On that noteDo Give Them What They NeedIts true that you cant always change someone elses behavior, but you can often change your own. So, once you know (or have guessed) where someones quirks might be coming from, look for ways you might be able to mitigate them. That meeting attendee who always speaks first and loudest? Perhaps she fears not being heard. By making an effort to listen extra carefully and using check-back-in phrases like, I think youre saying you can allay that insecurity and m ove forward.As far as the assistant who is always chattering away about the latest celebrity gossip? She may simply want to build a beyond-the-9-to-5 relationship with her colleagues. Try adding some pop culture mavens to your Twitter feed and engaging in an exchange about Kimyes wedding plans or Kates latest dress. After a few minutes of bonding, suggest you both get down to work. Do Adjust the CircumstancesStill cant figure out where someones coming from? Focus on how you can shift the environment youre both operating in. If, for example, close talking makes you uncomfortable, dont choose a crowded coffee shop for a meeting. Anyone who has an issue with auditory discrimination will need to be as close as possible to hear you over the music, the people ordering, the five tables around you, and so forth- so instead scout out a location thats equally convenient but boasts a quiet atmosphere.Or, lets revisit the client with no sense of personal space who manages to take over your offi ce when she comes in for a meeting. If you cant get to your notes because theyre buried under the jacket she flung on your desk, find a polite way to mention it. Perhaps begin with, Could I hang your coat for you? This can be applied to other scenarios as well. Ask yourself what you can do to make the overall environment as conducive to a comfortable work environment as possible- then do it.Dont Gossip After the FactOkay, isnt one of the benefits of working with someone colorful that you get some great stories? And doesnt a little water cooler gossip build camaraderie among colleagues? Yes and sure, but remember that any points you gain dishing about the other persons eccentricities will cost you the relationship youve been working so hard to build with him or her.If you do foster a great connection with someone legendarily hard to reach, your colleagues will likely be curious. Just go out of your way to avoid framing it as I totally handled working with that person, and instead cho ose, I just learned that hes not a fan of meeting over meals- and its definitely helped us communicate better. Working with someone who is known for being difficult doesnt have to be, well, difficult. Be focusing on the other person in a positive way, you can make constructive strides in your working relationship- and your overall office happiness.Photo of people working courtesy of Shutterstock.
Thursday, December 19, 2019
Police Officer Career Advancement Timeline
polizze Officer Career Advancement TimelinePolice Officer Career Advancement TimelineWhile there are many great reasons to choose to work in law enforcement, one reason, in particular, comes to mind the tremendous potential for good officers to make their way up the chain. You can use this police officer career timeline to get a better idea of what you can expect as you are promoted and how long it might take to reach your career goals. Starting at the Bottom Police Academy Training Everyone hasto start somewhere, and for police officers, that is thepolice academy. Expect your police academy training to last approximately six months. During that time, youll receive basic law enforcement training to prepare you for the next step in your career field training. After the Academy Police Field Training As grueling as the academy training is, the field training officer program is that much more difficult. During your FTO period, which will probably last between 8 and 12 weeks, youl l need to put all of your academy training into practice. Everything you do will be evaluated to make sure you really have what it takes to do the job of a police officer. If you make it, youll move onto your next step probationary solo patrol. The First Year as a Police Officer Your first full year as a solo patrol officer will be full of learning opportunities. This is where youll really start to learn the jobwhen you have to make decisions all on your own and be ready to be accountable for them. During your first year, youll probably be on probation, which means you can still be dismissed rather easily and wont have any rights to grieve your firing. During this phase, your supervisor will watch you closely to make sure youre able to doyour job safely. Lateral Moves Police Specialty Positions Policies will vary from department to department, but a year or two after youve completed your probationary year, you might be eligible to make a lateral move into a specialty post, s uch as the K-9 unit. This might be as a detective or investigator, a training officer, a member of SWAT, or many other specialized positions. If youre really serious about taking your career as far as you can go, its a good idea to get exposure to the many different units in your department. Moving Up the Ranks Becoming a Police Sergeant You can expect to be ready for your first step into the supervisory ranks anywhere between 5 and 10 years into your career. As a police sergeant, youll be responsible for supervising officers. That means monitoring their calls, inspecting their cars and uniforms, giving advice and guidance on how to handle situations, and providing much-needed discipline and oversight in the day-to-day functions of your squad. Law Enforcement Middle Management Once you make sergeant, promotions may come more quickly, depending on how you perform. Often all that is required is a year in grade from sergeant up. Your next steps will be as a lieutenant and then captain, typically middle-manager ranks. Lieutenants and captains provide oversight for their districts. Lieutenants run shifts supervising multiple sergeants, and captains handle to overall operations of an entire district or precinct. You can reasonably expect to make lieutenant between 7 and 15 years of becoming an officer, and a captain between 9 and 20 years, depending on your department. Taking Command The Upper Ranks Upper managers - majors, lieutenant colonels, commanders, or assistant chiefs - set goals for their commands and provide leadership and direction for their members. To make yourself eligible for a command level position, youll need to hone your skills as a middle manager and work your way into one of several law enforcement leadership programs. Typically, upper managers in police departments may have anywhere from 15 to 25 years of experience. Hail to the Chief This is where the buck stops. As the highest-ranking officer in the department, you are ultim ately responsible for how your officers perform. Making chief will require an extensive resume and education. Often, youll need 20 years or more experience before you would be considered, including several years in management and upper management positions.
Saturday, December 14, 2019
Protect Your Full-Time Job While Working a Side Hustle
Protect Your Full-Time Job While Working a Side HustleProtect Your Full-Time Job While Working a Side HustleSo, youre ready to join the gig economy, but you arent ready to leave your full-time job. Well, take heart, because you arent alone. An Intuit study found that among all side-hustling Americans, 41 percent also have traditional part- or full-time jobs. Side hustling in your spare time is a great way to supplement your income and even transition into business ownership, so its elend surprising that its so common in todays workforce. Still, many side-hustlers with full-time jobs share a common worry What happens if your babo finds out? If you share that concern, take these steps to protect your full-time job while pursuing your personal ambitions. Review Your Company Policy on Side Jobs Theres a decent chance that your company hasnt directly shared its feelings about side hustles, but that doesnt mean you shouldnt check. Begin by reviewing the legal documents you signed when you joined the company, which may include Employment contract This agreement outlines the terms and conditions of your employment. Put simply, it states what you and your company can expect from one another. This includes your salary, the terms of your employment (i.e., full-time, part-time, contract, etc.), the hours in a typical workweek, responsibilities, benefits, and yes, loyalty expectations. Many companies, especially start-ups, are wary of employees who split their focus with another job, regardless of whether you manage it in your free time. Comb the language to learn whether your boss has already taken a stance on this issue. Non-disclosure agreement Companies have a right to protect their profitability, and a non-disclosure agreement prevents employees (past and present) from sharing sensitive information like trade secrets, business strategies, income reports, and other internal data. As a freelancer, benefitting from your inside knowledge is legally risky, and its wise to insulate your side gig from unethical business practices.Non-compete clauses This contract protects your employer by limiting your ability to compete with them in the same industry after you leave the company, usually for a specified period of time. State laws oftenaffect the enforceability of NCCs after you leave your job, but youll run into serious risks if your side hustle and current position share any common ground. Read the language carefully and consult an attorney if you need clarification. Respect Your Companys Time and Resources Its no secret that employers monitor their staffs online activity. While your boss may not mind a few wasted minutes on Facebook, running your business on company time is another story. Using your work computer to manage side hustle clients or run your e-commerce site is a big no, especially if youre doing it at work. When you mix professional time, you run the risk of being found out via tech monitoring- or worse yet, by a boss looking ove r your shoulder. Be respectful of your companys time and resources by taking your gig ambitions offsite and using your own tools to succeed. That means steering clear of the office supplies, printing services, software licenses, and even your workplace laptop. Using these resources is probably a clear violation of your employment contract, and even if its not, put yourself in your bosss shoes and make the prudent choice. If you cant avoid your side business during the day, take your personal computer to a coffee shop over lunch. That said, its also a good idea to lock down your businesss social media activity during work hours to avoid the appearance of misusing your time. Dont Recruit Coworkers We all make friends at work, and while you might be tempted to involve your coworkers in your personal business, think twice before acting. Your workplace peers signed the same legal contracts with your employer, and involving them would put both of your jobs in jeopardy. Just as you sh ouldnt use company office supplies and resources, you also shouldnt rely on Dave from accounting to set up Quickbooks for your side gig. Theres good news when it comes to keeping your pen out of the company ink The gig economy has millions of other freelancers for you to connect with. Consider outsourcing your needs to fellow pros using Fiverr, TaskRabbit, or other gig job site. This strategy will help you establish connections, grow your side business, and avoid compromising your full-time job. Talk to Your Boss Keeping a secret usually means living with stress, and hiding your side hustle might not be worth the mental anguish. Assuming you havent violated any company policies, your boss might be open to your freelancing ambitions. If you have a good working relationship, consider scheduling a meeting in the interest of transparency. Highlight the reasons you started a side business and make it clear that your role at the company comes first. If talking to your boss seems overw helming, run your concerns past the HR department, highlighting your desire to respect company policies and behave honestly. Side hustling can a lucrative and fun way to enhance your life, and a few safeguards can help things run smoothly. Arrange your priorities and protect your full-time income along the way.
Monday, December 9, 2019
Ruthless Word Resume Template Strategies Exploited
Ruthless genau Resume Template Strategies Exploited Then you likely may end up excluding some important places and which includes other folks which are not that essential. As soon as you add your private stamp to it through imputing your distinctive abilities, professional experiences, and wording, it is going to stand from the crowd for all of the perfect factors. Theres no doubt that a resume which is both cohesive and professional will have a much better probability of standing from the crowd even supposing its made utilizing a template. When youre in work hunt, nothing can help you more than an impressive resume. Bear in mind that your resume is your very first line of defense in regards to landing your iabsprache job. At the moment, your document is prepared to be edited Please get in touch with us if there are any issues with our files, or in case you just require help editing your resume Most resume format word file available for free download so make certain not to wast e cash with the notion of getting a better choice. The Pain of Word Resume Template Even in the event youve got the smartest resume template in the Earth, applying for roles on the internet can ensure it is hard to be noticed. Job specific trends of resumes allow health professionals to list all their credentials in 1 area on the resume. Developing your resume is vital. The Simple Resume Download In Ms Word may also be structured in the way which best presents your abilities and experience. The New Fuss About Word Resume Template Word Resume templates are complete with the full outline structure and the majority of the content that produces way for a powerful resume in an issue of only two or three minutes. Employing a template can lessen the quantity of time youve got to spend formatting your document, which makes it possible for you to concentrate on adding content and polishing your resume. Word Resume templates are simple to find or spot online and can be downloaded fo r more use. Utilizing a resume template is getting an acceptable and smart practice for numerous factors. You may also download the resume as a PDF file if this is a better choice for your requirements. All you need to do is simply edit the document to include your own personal info. You can opt for chronological, functional together with modern resume formats. A good resume would aid with that. Heres What I Know About Word Resume Template There are more than only a couple of pointers which you have to remember and fully adhere to when designing a resume even when youre employing a readymade template. Sometimes all you will need is a timeless style template thats clean, clear and right to the point. You also receive a feeling of what information you dont have to include. By making use of a template, you receive a feeling of what information to include in your resume and the way to arrange it. The Chronological Resume indicates the precise timeline of somebodys job histor y and illustrates their abilities and experience. If you want to stick out from the remaining part of the applicants and tailor the application specifically to the role youre applying for, then a resume is a fantastic way to do that and gain an interview. There are lots of openings waiting for the proper candidates, and tons of prospective employees trying to find openings pertinent to them. Its very essential to know the sort of resumes preferred by the establishment that you need to work for. Ensure it is clear what sort of job that you are interested in and what you can offer to the employer. Might it be attractive enough to secure you a job. You just need to select your template This template is appropriate for general use. It is made by Microsoftitself. This template and the subsequent one are made by the very same one who produced the initial two templates in classic section. Word Resume Template and Word Resume Template - The Perfect Combination Business cards are al so included to finish the look. To locate the Word resume templates supplied by Office Online, you will want to make certain your PC or laptop is linked to the web. In other words, employing a no cost Christmas Card Templates For Word speeds up the practice of producing a winning resume and ensures that it is going to stick out in the application procedure. The cost-Free Christmas Card Templates For Word can likewise be structured in the way which best presents your abilities and experience. As soon as youve logged in, you will be taken to the most important landing page for Microsoft Word Online. Microsoft Word resume templates are the most often used tool in the work hunting. Moreover there are several resume templates Microsoft Word to pick from it is really hard to land on that 1 link which will actually get the job done for you. Modifying a Microsoft Word resume template is straightforward and makes the work search process a good deal simpler.
Wednesday, December 4, 2019
Why Almost Everything Youve Learned About Resume Writing Services Bay Area Is Wrong and What You Should Know
Why Almost Everything Youve Learned About Resume Writing Services Bay Area Is Wrong and What You Should Know Many people have various opinions concerning where to place the contact details in a resume. Contact Shimmering Careers if youd like to discuss how we will be able to help you find and secure the career you desire. Its hard to settle on a service to purchase your essay from. Since you are able to see, students will definitely face a number of challenges should they wish to turn into a member of the buy essay club. Resume Writing Services Bay Area - the Conspiracy Covering your very own previous tasks assist the employer figure out what type of worker youd prove to be. To put it differently, you could be highly qualified for a ort but because you didnt use the correct keywords your resume may not find a second appearance. Sometimes your resume requires a couple of minor tweaks and occasionally it needs an entire overhaul. Can Turn Into a Permanent Opportunity On the flip side, if you find that you truly delight in taking on an executive role at a particular company, often times you may end up taking on the opportunity permanently. The more work that you put into getting to be aware of the new career, the more you will boost your odds of convincing an employer that youre no newbie within the field you aspire to be part of. Right off the bat, you are aware that the sort of job which youre vying for is more difficult to obtain than others. Even though you can brag and compose every single of your work and feel taller than ever bur it isnt the expert method of resume writing. As you may be aware, the web is presently a main factor in any executive job search. Completing work search within the San Francisco region grows more confusing with the great number of job boards. Bay area resume that youre the perfect resume. Bay Area and San Francisco resume writers already utilize possibilities to make money and help job hunters to generate effecti ve resumes and receive their dream job. Most recruiters will begin with a quick Google search to learn about candidates, and your profile will provide you with a huge benefit. If you dont understand how to get going on your job search, I can provide help Resumes must be spectacular enough to find the interest of the recruiters. Resumes of all of the people associated with a geschftlicher umgang come under the class of business resume whether hes an owner, manager or finance officer. Finding the very best San Francisco resume writer can be hard. You are able to now understand the description of your existing status. Possessing an infectious personality can surely help you have the job.
Saturday, November 30, 2019
Buying High School Student Resume Examples
Buying High School Student Resume Examples High School Student Resume Examples Explained Now, when you have worked work during your teenage decades already, we normally tell you to compose a resume summary. Even in case you have had a work before, you cant imagine how youre able to make that one job fill an entire page. Even in the event that youve never held an official job, its still true that you have life experience thats applicable to the work search. It is possible to also leave off any jobs that are entirely unrelated to the job that you desire. Even if one isnt required, its generally a great idea to send a brief cover letter together with your resume. A term design has become the most perfect kind of protection and is a very clear assurance strategy. A great method to start on your resume as a high school student is to take a look at examples of resumes and read tips about what to include and the way to format your resume. You can locate a variety of great, totally free schablones that are simple to work with for your high school resume. Especially for a first resume, utilizing a template is an excellent idea. Consider what youll be putting on your resume, and select your template accordingly. You are able to download your own at no cost by clicking the images below. You high school guidance office might also have resources about how to compose a high school resume. High school students may require a resume to submit an application for work or as an element of a university application. Most high school students have a tendency to submit an application for a food services position. Additionally, too many college students will also learn about student loans and rates of interest, but again, lots of people have done the very same so as to pursue their dream of higher education. When searching for employment as a high school student, it might help let employers know you will be a dependable, positive add-on to their small business. As a high school student, employers dont expect you to develop into an authority in your work in a week. They can learn all they need to know about a candidate from their school performance, so your Education section needs to reflect well on you. Most employers arent expecting you to get extensive experience because an internship is generally the very first experience students have in their area. For activities, you may include things you have done or are doing that show a prospective employer what youve been involved things outside school over the last couple of years. Assume, youve got multi year home loan or house advance. If for no other reason, obtaining the resume will enable you to easily finish all the on-line profiles teams require prospects to finish. Though you might bedrngnis have a work history or lengthy collection of impressive degrees, you can definitely find something to include. Now you have the school hiring managers attention you dont wish to lose it. Typicall y, you will want to use a mixture of soft and difficult skills. If you would like to turn into a high school principal, you can begin acquiring the qualification and skills you need now to produce the leap when youre ready. You may be an excellent team player. Sharing your awards and achievementsacademic or otherwiseproves you can possibly make positive contributions and can help you stick out above other candidates. Career Objectives are excellent for resumes with a particular purpose. See the included Internship resume for a complete example. Please dont hesitate to reach out when you have any questions regarding my background. Writing a resume summary statement could be the most crucial part of getting your resume prepared to submit to possible employers. Your resume will be broken into sections. Utilizing a student resume template can help you save you time and effort and offer you ideas on which sections to include and the way to complete them as a way to pull in the appropriate employers. All About High School Student Resume Examples No matter whether the back up plan meets the claim, in case it takes a lengthy investment to fulfill the claim its positively not an alluring circumstance for group of the protected to be in. However tempting it may be to stretch the truth, lying on your resume is always a poor idea. The main point is that you really have much more experience than you might imagine you have.
Monday, November 25, 2019
Registration Closing Soon for E-Fest Student Competitions
Registration Closing Soon for E-Fest Student Competitions Registration Closing Soon for E-Fest Student Competitions Registration Closing Soon for E-Fest Student CompetitionsJan. 27, 2017 This year, the Society is introducing three new global events for engineering students - ASME E-Fests (Engineering Festivals) - that are intended to combine learning opportunities revolving around design, advanced manufacturing and robotics with social activities and entertainment. The three E-Fests, which will be held in the United States and the Asia Pacific region, will also serve as the new locations for the regional rounds of ASMEs premier student competitions the Student konzept Competition (SDC), the Old Guard Competitions, the Human Powered Vehicle Challenge (HPVC) and the Innovative Additive Manufacturing 3D (IAM3D) Challenge. Interested students should act quickly, however, as the deadlines for entering the SDC, the Old Guard Competitions and the IAM3D Challenge are fast approaching. Reg istration for the HPVC is now closed.The first of the three new student festivals, E-Fest Asia Pacific, will take place from March 3 to 5 at the LNM Institute of Information Technology in Jaipur, India. E-Fest West will be held from March 17 to 19 at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. E-Fest East will take place from April 21 to 23 Tennessee Tech University in Cookeville, Tenn.Entries for the Student Design Competition, the annual contest that gives ASME student members the chance to design and build solutions to a range of design problems, are still being accepted for all three E-Fests. The deadline to enter the competition at E-Fest Asia Pacific is Feb. 10, while the deadline to enter the SDC at E-Fest West is Feb. 24. The deadline to register for the SDC at E-Fest East event is March 31. For mora information on the Student Design Competition, or to submit an entry, visit https//www.asme.org/events/competitions/student-design-competition. Keynote speakers at the three ASME E-Fe sts will include Anil Kakodkar (top), Eva Hakansson (middle) and Amy Elliott.Theres also still time to register online for the Old Guard Competitions taking place at the three E-Fests. The Old Guard Oral Presentation and Technical Poster Competitions each present students with an opportunity to sharpen their communication skills by delivering concise and effective presentations in front of an audience. The deadline to enter the Old Guard Competitions at E-Fest Asia Pacific is Feb. 10. The deadlines to register for the Old Guard Competitions at the West and East events are Feb. 24 and March 31, respectively. To learn more about the Old Guard Competitions, or to register, visit https//www.asme.org/events/competitions/old-guard-competitions. While the deadlines to enter the IAM3D Challenges at the Asia Pacific and West E-Fests have passed, students can still sign up to take part in the competition at E-Fest East. The deadline to register for the E-Fest East round of the competition, in which students use their advanced manufacturing skills to re-engineer existing products or create new designs, is March 3. For more information, or to register, visit https//www.asme.org/events/competitions/iam3d-challenge.In other E-Fest news, keynote speakers for the three festivals have been announced. Anil Kakodkar, Ph.D., the former chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission of India and former director of the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Trombay, will give the keynote address at E-Fest Asia Pacific. The keynote speakers for the East and West events will include Eva Hakansson, Ph.D., creator of the worlds fastest electric motorcycle, and Amy Elliott, Ph.D., staff researcher at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the project lead for the worlds first 3D printing vending machine, the DreamVendor.For more information on the ASME E-Fest program, or to register for the festivals, visit http//efests.asme.org.
Thursday, November 21, 2019
Steps to Writing an Amazing Band Biography
Steps to Writing an Amazing Band BiographySteps to Writing an Amazing Band BiographyMusician biographies are deceptively difficult to write. Your band biography is your way of introducing yourself to both fans and music industry types. You need to strike the right balance between providing useful information and going into so much detail no one makes it past the first paragraph. Know Who the Band Is That may sound like a pretty easy thing, but is it? If you are a solo musician or if you are part of a distinct group that makes up a band, its simple. But what about the keyboard player who always plays on your records and at your live shows but hasnt officially been asked to join the band? What if you write all the songs and think of it as your project, but you always have the same musicians backing you up? Before you can write a bio, you need to know whose bio youre writing, so decide who gets a bio mention and who is essentially a session musician. Pick an Approach There are t wo main ways to write a musician bio The Straightforward Approach Just the facts, maam/sirThe Not Straightforward Approach Creating a story/characters The straightforward approach is much easier. You explain your inspirations, accomplishments and offer a little bit of background information, end of story. The not straightforward approach can be very effective but is VERY hard to pull off. Instead of offering the real story about band members, you create a fictional account of some sort about the band and about the musicians. Pros and Cons to the Straightforward Approach Taking the straightforward approach to your bio is the easiest way to go. First, it is the easiest to write You dont have to get caught up in trying to be clever without being corny all you have to do is stick to the facts. Also, your bio will give journalists all of the info they need to write about you without having to do a lot of research. This alone can make the difference in getting a review of your band an d not getting a review. The con is that your bio will be a lot like everyone elses, so you may have a hard time standing out. Pros and Cons to the Not Straightforward Approach The con is that this kind of approach can be extremely difficult to pull off. Creating a story about your band can come off as cheesy, pretentious and just plain dumb. You could generate a lot of eye-rolling, and you risk getting people to write about you for all of the wrong reasons. Why would anyone do this? Well, because when it works, it REALLY works. An example is Belle and Sebastian. Early in their career, the band hid behind short stories for bios and press releases and masks in press shots, but they did it with a lot of charm. It only increased their popularity. Highlight the Important Info This step is where youll make the really crucial decisions about your musician bio. What matters and what doesnt? Band bios should be short (one page), so youve got to use your space wisely. What do you want people to know? What is going to make them want to listen to your music? The best bios highlight musical accomplishments and musical influences and then add some color with a personal story or two. Think of what you want to know about the musicians you like or what you expect to learn when you read about a band in a magazine, and then include that same information in your own bio. Write and Edit Constantly It might not be fun, but you should play around with a few drafts of your bio. Your first draft will usually contain some info that you could probably leave out. Try to distill your message down to the really good stuff so that you leave your readers intrigued, not bored. Its also good to get a few outside opinions on your bio before you run with it. Get a few friends who are willing to give you constructive criticism and let them read it through. Dont departure at Birth The worst mistake musicians make in their bios is telling their story from birth. Theres no need to go into so much detail. No one really needs to know that you played the lead role in your grade schools production of The Sound of Music. Stay on point about the things youre doing now, and save the rest for your memoirs. Update Your Bio Frequently On a similar point, keep your bio updated as new things happen. If you record a new album, play a big show, get an award, or anything else of note, make sure you add it to your bio.
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