Writing resumes and cover letters may be basic tasks to an experienced career professional. The repetitiveness of sharing common instructions could cause boredom or, worse, disengagement from the helping role. One solution might be to present the material in new ways, such as using video or creative images on slides or print materials. Certainly technology has taught practitioners that new techniques can be applied to an “old dog”! And summer is the perfect time to freshen up your work! ~ Melanie Reinersman, editor@careerdevelopmentalliance.com
Photo by Cristina Anne Costello from Unsplash
FOCUS ON: Make Old Experiences Seem New
Practitioners who change their view of repetitive experiences may relieve boredom. Finding novel ways to approach old tasks can help someone rediscover elements of joy from the initial experience. When enjoyment declines due to familiarity, seek the rare solution of interacting in a new way. Read more from Science Alert.
FOR PRACTITIONERS: Using Technology to Enhance Presentations
Sharing job search basics with the help of a few technological tools may ease or even enhance the task for the practitioner. Start by building confidence and presentation skills with Yoodli. Then practice your reading with a teleprompter on your computer called CuePrompter. Finally use Nearpod.com to create interactive lessons, videos and gamification. Read more tech tips in Career Convergence.
CAREER SPOTLIGHT: Cartoonist
A cartoonist utilizes drawing, design and artistic skills to create comics or animated videos. They may be self-employed or work for film studios, print media corporations or social media departments. Practitioners may want to consider hiring a cartoonist or illustrator to add interest to job search presentations. Such graphics provide humor and conversation starters. For example, the NCDA publication, “A Case Study Approach to Ethics in Career Development” (2nd ed.; Makela & Perlus, 2017) includes sample ethics cartoons, which can freshen up the topic of ethics among colleagues.
JOB SEARCHING: Organizing Job Clubs
Career professionals may want to take the lead in starting job clubs for the people they serve. By facilitating group sharing, providing information and handling logistics, the professional can aid the increase of participants’ job search skills and confidence. Job clubs should be organized around set objectives and include time for participants to share their successes. Read more from Human Solutions.
TOP TEN: Creative Presentation Ideas
Relationships are built through effective presentations. Engaging presentations affect listeners. Creative ideas include using vintage visuals, collage, isometric illustrations and stop-motion effects. Read all ten from Explain Ninja.
QUOTES
“We become what we repeatedly do.” ~ Sean Covey
“The quickest way to become an old dog is to quit learning new tricks.” ~ Kenneth L. Higbee
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