Tips on handling morning rush madness when youre a working mom

Tips on handling morning rush madness when youre a working momTips on handling morning rush madness when youre a working momFor working mothers, trying to get yourself and your kids ready, and get out the door on time takes a lot of juggling and planning. Its essential to keep an organized morning routine to avoid surprises, but sometimes you also need a little luck.Your toddler might be moody and just wont cooperate in doing the simple task of dressing, or you cant seem to find your keys.Here are some time-saving tips to handle the morning rush madness.Wake up early enough and make your bedMaking the bed automatically sets the tone for a productive day. It will be the first task of the day which youll finish successfully, so it will give you extra motivation to see it nice and tidy. It builds the momentum to move on with the other tasks of the morning.Make sure you feel mora awake with a cup of coffeeThis step is quite important for a good start of the day Its even scientifically pr oven that caffeine helps with the feeling of grogginess you feel in the morning. Plus it makes you feel less tired, which can often happen to a new mom that wakes up multiple times at night with her baby OR to a mom that had extra work to do from home and stayed up late.Once you drink your coffee and the caffeine is absorbed into the bloodstream in the brain, various aspects of brain function like memory, mood, energy levels, vigilance are improved. And all of us could use an energy boost to start the dayIf youre not a coffee person, you can still have your beverage of choice. Lemon water is also filled with antioxidants.Maintain a consistent routineMake every step of the morning predictable to yourself and your kids. Consistency is key when trying to make habits, especially when it comes to kids.Pre-preparation is crucialAlways prepare lunch boxes for you and the kids the night before. This way you only pick them up before leaving the house.The weekend is your friendThe preparatio ns that you do on your days off work are lifesaving for the busy week that comes ahead in the life of a working mother. Use it to plan outfits for the whole week. This way you dont lose time every morning figuring out what to wear, or looking for those black tights, OR the worst for ironing.Also, use the weekend to go grocery shopping in order to make sure you have all the basic food items for lunchboxes and breakfast you usually use every morning.Know where everything isPlace everything in the same distributionspolitik every day. Keep the lunch boxes close to the refrigerator and your diaper bag to give to the nanny somewhere in sight. As for jackets, backpacks, and shoes, keep them near the front door. And dont forget about your purse, phone, and keys. Take special care in especially knowing where your keys are One misplacement and there go 5 minutes of precious time looking for them.Assign responsibilities to spouse and kidsAll of you are in a rush to go to work/school/kindergart en, so all of you should help out in making the process easier. One can help with breakfast, one can help with setting the table, and so on. But dont hesitate in asking for help.Breakfast rulesKeep breakfast light with as few used dishes to clean as possible. Also, dont let your kids use electronics in the breakfast table. Itll slow them down. Watching cartoons in their iPads will cozy them up too much that theyll eat slower. Plus theyll want to finish the episode, which is out of the question because time is limited.Apart from your kids, you need to go tech-free too. Try to keep your phone on sleep mode until after 8 when you leave the house for work. If you work from home or have a part-time job that starts later, then the better for you you are more flexible in making your own tech rules.Try to make mornings playful for kidsTalk with them about their daily agenda, but also try to make morning as fun as they can be for them. If you put too much pressure on them, they become even m ore sluggish and unmotivated. Having to convince them that they have to get dressed in other clothes besides pajamas makes it harder for us to handle the morning rush madness. Instead, make games like Whos getting dressed faster? Losing in this game works perfectly for usLearn to do a staple under-10-minutes hairstyle and light make upKeep a routine that works for you the simpler, the better. Besides, only looking well put together is enough for going to work. Keep the dark eyeshadows that take long to blend for evening occasions.Also, make sure to keep the products youre taking with separately in a small bag. Dont forget the hair ties having to look for one when in time pressure is frustrating.Make a DIY kitchen command centerYou can use a large calendar where everyone writes their plans for the month so that there are no surprises. This way if they have afterschool activities that you have to drive them to, you know. You can put To-Do list stickers on the side too.Take the time on a weekend to also arrange a couple of organizers under the calendar board as space where you sort out everything and know where they are when you need them. This way you have all your necessities handy before leaving the door.Make a mind list and double check it before leaving the houseThe final tip for when there is enough time left is double checking if you did everything and have everything picked up. Nothing worse than having to drive back home when youre already short on time because you forgot to pick up something, is there?Mornings arent supposed to be torture. They should be something you look forward to and enjoy, which you will once you create a morning routine that works for you as a mother and for your kids. As soon as you do, be consistent with it, and it will become a habit mornings wont be madness anymore, although they alliterate.Ujbardha Bekolli is a writer for SAHMjobs a job portal designed to bring together stay at home moms and recruiters. The platform also brin gs helpful articles in the Blog section regarding mothers who want to return to the workforce.

3 Invaluable Career Lessons Every Leader Could Learn From My Interns

3 Invaluable Career Lessons Every Leader Could Learn From My Interns3 Invaluable Career Lessons Every Leader Could Learn From My InternsI have a special place in my heart for interns and all the optimism and fresh perspective they bring to the job. Recently, with college students finishing their internships and going back to school, I reflected on the unique value that internships offer for both the intern and the company. Theres no doubt internships can be incredibly valuable to someone in terms of helping inform what she wants her career to be. And, as importantly, what she doesnt want her career to be. Ive written in past blogs about how two internships shaped my career in a significant way. The first one- at a major Wall Street law firm- showed me that despite the prestige and great money the job offered, I actually wanted to launch my career in a different way. And I arrived at that conclusion because my other internship (at a international multi-line insurance company in Conne cticut) offered me immediate exposure to many areas of the business and allowed me to gain mora substantive responsibilities much more quickly.But internships can also be a valuable surce of insight, perspective, and even career advice for the people who employ them. Ive made it a habit of spending time with the interns at Fidelity to get feedback about their experiences- what delights them in the corporate setting, what frustrates them, and what would energize and inspire them to do their best work. It never fails- I always leave those sessions with new learnings and perspective on how we can enhance the associate experience.Their feedback can also be channeled into great career advice for anyone who takes the time to really listen and learn from interns. These are some of the observations I had this year.1. Be Open to Learning Something New Every DayThe interns I spoke with this year- both individually and in group settings- were so open and candid. They wanted to offer their pers pectives on how to make things even better and understand how they could add value every day. They were intensely curious, not taking anything as a given, and thereby stretching the boundaries of conventional thinking- which is a necessary precursor to creativity and innovation.Leaders at all levels can learn from this genuine level of openness- they dont have all the answers. In fact, one of their very important obligations is to ask really good, penetrating questions in order to push the thinking and boundaries of the organization. And another obligation is to be open to feedback and fresh ideas, and to empower people to act on these positive ideas. The traditional command and control style just wont work in fruchtwein organizations anymore. In this fast-paced and quickly changing world, strong leaders will need to demonstrate the intense curiosity that these interns bring to the table. It can be uncomfortable for many leaders to make this transition. In order to do so, you have t o admit you dont have all the answers, and you have to allow yourself to empower the people around you to act on their good ideas, instead of simply looking to you for answers. It requires that we check our egos and pride at the door and invest in the best ideas and perspectives of every team member.By being a leader whos open-minded and willing to listen and learn, youll sharpen your vision, connect more deeply with those around you, and empower your people to make a real difference.2. Get Real- Less Bureaucracy and More ActionThe traditional corporate practices that are now second nature for so many of us are completely foreign to interns. I heard some common refrains from interns, such as, Why are there so many meetings? Why arent there more informal and unscheduled discussions? Why do things feel so complex? Why cant we break down the cubes to allow ideas and discussion to flow more freely?Of course, theyre right. Fortunately, Fidelity has taken this feedback to heart and were w ell on our way to busting bureaucracy and creating a more energizing work environment. And we need to continue working at it. Bureaucracy is the enemy of progress and empowerment. It sucks energy and creativity from people and inevitably slows things down. I wholeheartedly embrace the energy and spirit that interns bring forward to liberate us from bureaucracy. Their fresh perspective not only keeps us honest, but it prevents us from thinking too small or acting too incrementally. 3. Climbing the Corporate Ladder Is Not What it Used to BeCompared to seasoned employees, interns are much less likely to focus on where theyll be in X years or what the promotion plan is. Some of that is to be expected, but I think theres something deeper afoot. Interns (and Millennials in general) are more focused on enhancing their skills than their titles. They intuitively grasp the fact that the world is quickly changing and they will need a diverse set of skills to enjoy a long and successful career. Theyre open to the jungle gym approach to development instead of the hierarchal ladder.Once again, I think theyre on to something. While ambition and career development are clearly very important, theres a new world order developing before our very eyes, and the traditional approach to career growth is narrow and limiting. Ive had multiple discussions with interns and our own employees about the skills needed for future advancement. Ive encouraged them to learn the basics of coding (at a minimum) and to have an internship that provides digital immersion of some sort.Establishing a broader foundation of skills will serve you well in this quickly evolving world.Chart Your Own CourseExperience and expertise are important in any career. And if you have a job, youll inevitably gain both. But the mindset you choose to employ throughout your career is yours and yours alone. Consider what your intern brought to the table- optimism, exuberance, energy, excitement. Theyre qualities anyone co uld benefit from.This article was originally published on LinkedIn. It has been republished here with permission.Photo of meeting courtesy of Hero Images/Getty Images.

After Your Resume is Tailored, Make Sure Your LinkedIn Profile is Too

After Your Resume is Tailored, Make Sure Your LinkedIn Profile is TooAfter Your Resume is Tailored, Make Sure Your LinkedIn Profile is TooMost people understand the importance of creating a strong resume reflects their professional strengths. However, many overlook their LinkedIn profile. This is a huge mistake when you consider that about 95 percent of recruiters utilize LinkedIn as a major sourcing tool to find candidates. In todays digitally savvy world, LinkedIn is just as crucial as your resume. Here are some tips to help you create a LinkedIn profile that gets you noticedAdd a Professional PhotoBe sure to add a professional headshot or a photo that looks like one. Make sure its at least 200200 pixels as anything smaller may look blurry. If you dont add a professional, high-quality photo, you may be missing out as those who add one get 21 times more views and messages than those without a photo or a photo that appears unprofessional.Use Keywords in the Skills SectionEvery day, r ecruiters run keyword searches on LinkedIn to find viable candidates. LinkedIn allows you to add up to 50 keywords in the skill section so take advantage of them. Several examples of keywords include financial planning, event marketing, taxes and design engineering. These keywords can easily describe your experience and skills.Incorporate Specific Accomplishments Under Previous PositionsWhile its important to describe your responsibilities at previous positions, doing so may not necessarily impress recruiters. If youd like to stand out from the crowd, mention specific numbers and accomplishments under your previous positions. For example, you may say something like Increased revenue by 55% in 2017, or Trained and supervised five junior account managers.Create an Eye-Catching HeadlineThe text that shows up below your name on your LinkedIn profile is known as your headline. Think of it as a small 120 character advertisement that conveys who you are and what you do. An example of an ey e-catching headline is Design engineer helping retail clients exceed their goals.Interested in LinkedIn Services? Contact ResumeSpiceIf you are seeking professional assistance with your LinkedIn profile, ResumeSpice can help Call us at 832-930-RESUME or fill out our online contact form. We look forward to hearing from you

Apply Now to Become an ECLIPSE Intern

Apply Now to Become an ECLIPSE Intern Apply Now to Become an ECLIPSE Intern Apply Now to Become an ECLIPSE InternDec. 9, 2016 ASME is now accepting applications for the Early Career Leadership Intern Program to Serve Engineering (ECLIPSE) program - a unique opportunity for early career members of ASME to learn first-hand about the inner workings of the Society. If youre interested in applying for the 2017-2018 program, now is the time to act. The deadline to submit an application for the program is Jan. 3, 2017.Once accepted to the program, each ECLIPSE intern is assigned to a specific unit of the Society for a one-year term, during which he or she will work closely with a dedicated coach from ASME leadership to complete one or more projects. Society units ECLIPSE interns may work with include the Board of Governors, the Volunteer Orientation and Leadership Training (VOLT) Academy, Engineering for in aller herren lnder Development, Technical Events and Content, Standards and Certification, and Government Relations, among others.ECLIPSE interns will have the chance to travel to meetings and participate in workshops and training sessions to build leadership skills, which will serve them in their professional and personal lives. There is a wide range of opportunities for interns to network among themselves and with senior Society officers to see how they can incorporate the ASME experience into their career development. In addition, past ECLIPSE interns have gone on to serve in leadership positions within ASME, such as member of the Board of Governors and member of the Committee on Finance and Investment.The ECLIPSE program is open to ASME members with three to 10 years of professional experience as an engineer who have previous experience serving on an ASME section, division, institute or committee and the ability to work on volunteer projects and attend required events. Interns are expected to attend the ASME Annual Meeting in June and the International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition (IMECE) in November, as well as a second Annual Meeting at the end of their term as intern.Applications are due Jan. 3, 2017. Candidates will be notified of the status of their applications by the middle of February. For more information on the ECLIPSE program, or to apply, visit go.asme.org/ECLIPSE.

Study For peak creativity, brainstorm ideas and then forget about them

Study For peak creativity, brainstorm ideas and then forget about themStudy For peak creativity, brainstorm ideas and then forget about themTheres a way to get your employees to be super-creative, researchers have found. Brainstorm a plethora of ideas even the bad ones then retreat, leaving the ideas alone for an incubation period before returning to them later.In the tests the researchers ran on their subjects, this method was found to be more effective than rewarding employees using pay incentives based on the number of ideas generated, or the most creative ideas generated, or a fixed wage to generate ideas. The people who were rewarded for churning out ideas, good or bad, were the most creative every time.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreResearchers from the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin and the Gies College of Business at the university of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign published their findings in the March 2019 issue ofAccounting Review.Creativity is notlage instantaneous, but if incentives promote enough ideas as seeds for thought, creativity eventually emerges, said Steven Kachelmeier, co-author of the study, in a release.Incubation timeThe incubation period is key, Kachelmeier said of the tests the researchers conducted. Creativity does not respond to raw effort, as he wrote in the study. Priming the pump is important. In the study, subjects were taken on a 20-minute pleasant walk around campus before returning to their tasks.You need to rest, take a break and detach yourself even is that detachment is just 20 minutes. The recipe for creativity is try and get frustrated because its not going to happen. Relax, sit back, and then it happens.You might also enjoyNew neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds10 lessons from Benja min Franklins daily schedule that will double your productivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people

Uncommon Article Gives You the Facts on Best Font for a Resume That Only a Few People Know Exist

Uncommon Article Gives You the Facts on Best Font for a Resume That Only a Few People Know Exist Ideas, Formulas and Shortcuts for Best Font for a Resume In case the employer utilizes scanning software, the program might not be in a position to read your resume and that may damage your odds for an interview. There is a good deal of cool fonts you may be tempted to utilize for your resume since they look both appealing and professional, but should you want to guarantee your document will translate well on Windows and Mac PCs, it is suggested to choose one which is available on both operating systems. Well, its helpful for your application, because it is going to make your resume more attractive and simple to read. Your resume should seem like an expert document, not just a bit of paper which has been stuffed with as much content as humanly possible. The Ultimate Best Font for a Resume Trick It is very important that when writing your resume, you must allow it to be right rega rding its resume font and size. You arent likely to discover a better font. In addition to that, you receive the free resume fonts and icons you see here so you are going to be capable of making something similarly great. When you experiment with unique fonts, you will notice their size differs. What Has to be Done About Best Font for a Resume Before You Miss Your aussicht As a rule of thumb, the font you ought to use for an executive resume ought to be clear, scalable and legible. Keep in mind the message you would like to convey with your resume. You will have more to sort through, but a lot of them are also available freely to the general public. There are two audiences you need to impress when you produce your resume. The content has become the most important aspect. If you get a huge font, it is going to look as if you are working to fill up space on the webpage, and you probably are. There are many pretty fonts, but should you combine them lubberly the entire work w ont be well worth any attention. Ruthless Best Font for a Resume Strategies Exploited The mentioned three are a few of the most well-known fonts you want to think about when selecting font structure for your CV. The very best font pairs agree with one another. If you are searching for an old-style font, you should think about using Garamond for your resume. Finally, irrespective of which font you use, make certain you size it appropriately. Some resume fonts have to be avoided in any respect costs. Whichever font you select, remember to keep consistent. Choosing your perfect resume font is dependent on particular facets. There are quite a lot of fonts for you to select from, and that may make selecting a font for your resume equally as challenging as writing it. Ideas, Formulas and Shortcuts for Best Font for a Resume The incorrect font could signify the difference between success and failure in regards to securing a work interview. If youre asking for a conventional job in a conventional industry, then Garamond is undoubtedly a great option to remember. Details of Best Font for a Resume For example, you should not expect to not be taken lightly, if you use Georgia size 28. If you are searching for a very simple font that looks nice and professional, Georgia is undoubtedly a fantastic selection. Accordingly, so as to move forward in the hiring procedure, you need to always use the ideal font size and style for your resume. You may be thinking of decreasing the size of the font from 12 to 8 so as to fit more info. In addition to font selection, additionally, it is important to consider different things having to do with the font. Sans-serif fonts, on the flip side, do not own a small tail, making them a lot more distinct from one another. Thefont you pick for your resume wont be the conclusive factor for the recruiter, but nonetheless, it certainly plays into the choice. Most professionally-designed resumes utilize color. Your CV is your v ery first impression, and you would like to produce an excellent first impression. In much the same style, a poorly presented CV can ruin your odds of being shortlisted for interview even if youre the very best candidate for the job.

5 Recruitment Strategies to Effectively Hire Generation Z - Spark Hire

5 Recruitment Strategies to Effectively Hire Generation Z - Spark HireIts in recent times that recruiters have considered millennials suitable candidates beyond entry-level roles. And lately, a fresh pool of talent has been emerging in the market. If you are looking for a steady stream of talented candidates for the future, then look no further than Generation Z. To make sure your roles start filling up fast, its important that you develop an effective recruitment process to drive the right talent to your organization. However, hiring Generation Z requires you to put in a little extra effort into your recruitment strategies, especially since the market is getting very competitive. Heres a deeper dive into 5 recruitment strategies to use when hiring Generation Z1. Understand Their AmbitionsMembers of Generation Z are likely the youngest applicants in your talent pool and some might even still be studying. But dont take things at face value. Generation Z has their careers planned out t heir minds. Right from an internship to their first job, its only a matter of time until they land their dream job. Entry-level positions are what they look for and are willing to work their way up. Some might even job hop a little or start their own business. Hiring TipUnderstand your candidates ambitions so that you can tell them exactly how a current position can get them closer to their dreams. Give them examples of previous or current employees who have taken up a similar role to reach where they are today. Ask candidates about the skills they want to learn and give them a realistic timeline of how long the climb up the ladder will take. Show them whats in it for them and everything the job has to offer. 2. Check if the Role Aligns with Their PersonalityBecause Generation Z is so career-focused, it takes more than just a competitive salary to get them to work for you. Not many of them find money a driving force to stay with a company. Generation Z will prefer a role that aligns with their personality and professional goals. Hiring TipWhile entry-level candidates may not have great pay, good employers can successfully retain happy employees who fit their company. For instance, a paralegal can work their way up to become a lawyer. Or a content associate can become a content head. 3. Let Them Know How They can Add ValueGeneration Z candidates want their careers personalized. This elusive group wants to customize their own career paths and would prefer writing their own job descriptions. Generation Z belongs to the breed of humans who have always thrown the rule book out of the window. They desire a variety of options, with the opportunity to spread their wings and fly when its right. Hiring TipOne of the biggest benefits of entry-level positions is that prior experience is not required. Let them know the roles your company can offer and how Generation Z candidates can tap on this opportunity. Make them understand how they can work on a contract basis without the need for a long-term commitment. 4. Communicate Your Companys ValuesGeneration Z wants an opportunity to make a difference in the workforce. Sure, they enjoy a friendly work environment, flexible work schedules, and mentorship. But a job that makes a difference to peoples lives will boost their desire to work harder. They want their values to align with the company theyre associated with. Hiring TipEmployer branding plays a massive role when communicating your companys values and demonstrating its role in society. Promoting volunteering for charities and how employees can support a cause are ways to attract Generation Z. 5. Use Social Media as a Recruiting ToolGeneration Z was born into the age of technology. And they cant imagine a world where smartphones and Facebook dont exist. Its the most popular tools they have been using to look for jobs and explore careers. Since they spend so much time online, they are inclined to understand simple and easy-to-digest content. Hiring Ti pStaying online to connect should be an integral part of your recruitment strategy when hiring Generation Z. Post your job openings on social media and convey a powerful employer brand. Provide the right kind of information to these candidates so that they can make an informed decision. Wrap-UpTheres tight competition for quality candidates, so stay ahead of the game. Make sure you address the exact needs of Generation Z. Take a thorough look at these points and build your strategy around them and youll soon have the right candidates coming on board. About the AuthorKelly Barcelos is a progressive digital marketing manager for Jobsoid Applicant Tracking System. She is responsible for leading the content and social media teams at work. Her expertise and experience in the field of HR enables her to create value-driven content for her readers both on Jobsoids blog and other guest blogs where she publishes content regularly.

What to Include on a Resume as a Budding Remote Employee

What to Include on a Resume as a Budding Remote EmployeeWhat to Include on a Resume as a Budding Remote Employee8Thats why, when tailoring your resume for a work-from-home position, youll want to highlight the strengths and experience you have that prove you will make you a fantastic and successful remote employee.Include these abilities in the skills section of your resume, or incorporate them into your summary of qualifications. Then, whenever possible, be sure to add concrete examples from previous work, educational, or volunteer experience in your resumes professional history section to show your strengths in action.Below are some of the fruchtwein important skills as a budding remote employee, along with some ideas for what to include on a resumeTime Management SkillsWhile time management is necessary for nearly every workplace, its particularly crucial in a virtual environment where you, alone, are often responsible for planning your workday. Employers want to know that you wil l be able to manage your time effectively without the structure of a traditional workplace.To illustrate your stellar time management skills, include specific examples in your resume of your previous time managementsuccesses, such assetting and reaching a goal on time, managing deadlines, establishing your own schedule for a particular project, or completing any project independently.Consider introducing your time management accomplishmentswith verbs likeprioritized,scheduled,planned,outlined, monitored, and organized.Initiative and Self-DisciplineWhether you are working as part of a virtual gruppe or tackling a project solo, you will probably be expected to work independently much of the time as a remote employee. Therefore, self-discipline and initiative are key to staying focused and productive throughout the workday.Some examples of initiative and self-discipline at work includegoing beyond expectations to solve a problem, volunteering to take on extra responsibility, maintainin g a consistent workflow over time, or staying current in your field through continuing education.To highlight your ability to take responsibilityand get things done, use verbs like initiated, implemented, developed, established, executed, managed,advanced, coordinated,demonstrated,pioneered, spearheaded, upgraded,sustained, set up, identified,and maintained.Resourcefulness and Problem-Solving SkillsWorking independently also means remote employees have to be resourceful enough to handle any problems that come up when a supervisor or coworker isnt available to offer immediate guidance. Virtual employers want to know you can think critically in these situations to address the problem yourself or remain productive in other ways until the issue is resolved.Some concrete examples of problem solving and resourcefulness that you might add to your resume are successfully handling a challenging customer, resolving a technical issue, or finding new ways to make a process more efficient.Some v erbs to introduce your previous problem-solving accomplishments include reconciled, rectified,refined,revitalized, streamlined,strengthened, transformed, optimized, revised, solved, analyzed,adapted,resolved, and simplified.Communication SkillsTelephone and electronic communication of all kinds become particularly important when applying for a remote job because this is likely how you will interact with other people in the organization most of the time. Hiring managers want to know that you will be able to relate effectively with clients, coworkers, and company leadership, even if you never meet any of them face to faceTo show you can communicate clearly in various environments, include specific examples in your resume of your previous communication successes, such as successfully negotiating an agreement, mentoring a coworker or intern, composing written materials, facilitating a workshop, or public speaking.Some great verbs for talking about communication abilities includepersuade d, communicated, composed, drafted, convinced, presented, reported, publicized, arbitrated, conveyed, corresponded, mediated, formulated, marketed, and synthesized.Want more resume-writing guidance? Check out tips from a professional resume writer or get inspiredby looking throughafewexamples of resumes for flexible jobs.

The Impact of an Underscore in Film and TV

The Impact of an Underscore in Film and TVThe Impact of an Underscore in Film and TVAn underscore is the music or sounds that play in the background of a scene in a television show or movie. Creating an underscore is a nuanced art form. It requires a careful understanding of the action on the screen and the importance of the scene in the overall narrative.? In Film Underscoring is the music underneath all of the dialogue and action on the screen. It does notlage stand out on its own it is fairly unobtrusive and may unconsciously go unnoticed, even as it helps shape the tone of the scene. Techniques When creating an underscore, the volume is pivotal to creating its effect. During a scene of heavy action, for example, the volume may be raised to create a sense of urgency. During emotional moments, the underscore may be played softly behind the dialogue. The music typically needs to be not distracting, so underscores are not usually very catchy or jarring. The music tends to be instrumental, without any spoken words, so as not to disrupt the dialogue and action on screen. String instruments, such as the violin or cello, are commonly used for underscores as they can be played softly, without interrupting the rest of the scene. The Process Composers of underscores are typically brought in towards the end of a project after the show or movie has been filmed and edited. The composer views a rough cut of the film and talks with the director about what is needed in terms of tone and style. Then, the composer goes back and makes notes on each scene, including the cue times, transitions and key dramatic moments. This process is known as spotting. With those notes, the person in charge of underscoring will write the necessary music, determining different sounds for different scenes. They then work with an orchestra or band to record the music. This is often done with the orchestra performing in front of a large screen playing the film, so the composer and direc tor can see how the music syncs with the film and its tone. Afterward, the composer works with sound engineers and editors to digitally alter the music files as needed so they can play softly in the background. This is an intensive process that plays a pivotal role in a films development. In some rare cases, the director will ask a composer to begin the score before filming, and the story will be edited to fit the music, rather than the other way around. This is more common in heavy dramas, where the music plays an essential role in portraying the emotions onscreen. In Scenes When done well, underscores are not typically noticed, but they help complement and deepen the intensity of scenes. When done poorly, they can completely wreck the moment. Music that is too loud or too fast can make a love scene unintentionally funny, and music that is too slow or soft can make an action sequence boring. Underscore Versus Soundtrack While an underscore is instrumental and is designed to complement the story, the soundtrack usually contains other songs than the score. These songs typically are louder or more jarring and often contain lyrics. They are meant to stand alone, while underscores are part of the movie or show as a whole.

How to Define Your Company Culture

How to Define Yur Company CultureHow to Define Your Company CultureWeve written at length about the value of presenting a clear company cultureto prospective employees. Your company culture can be a great resource for winning over excellent candidates or clarifying the best fit for your organization. However, in order to achieve these goals its important that your company culture be well-defined and unique. Contrary to what many modern hiring pages might have you think, company culture is not one-size-fits-all. It may be tempting to describe your work environment in complimentary terms, but descriptions such as positive and energetic are not definitive enough and will come off as generic and inauthenticor possibly even too good to be true.If you find it difficult to pinpoint exactly what drives your company culture, ask yourself these two questionsWhat common trait do all of our successful team members possess?Were not talking about a collective obsession with Downton Abbey. Instead, reflect on personal characteristics that bring your team together and contribute to the overall vibe of your workplace. Do serious and dedicated employees tend to flourish at your company? Or do you find that your team has embraced a light-hearted and quirky approach to absolutely everything? Or perhaps youre proud of the mix of employees youve recruited, and its their embrace of diversity and differentness that sets your company apart. Theres no universal right answer theres only the accurate description of the most suitable employee for your company. Does our current company culture have a realistic opposite culture?A true company culture is descriptive about what your company values, not simply complimentary about your environment. Make a list of 10-15 attributes that describe your company culture, then read the list and cross out the terms that dont have a realistic opposite state. For example, no company is realistically pursuing the opposite culture of positive and energetic (AKA negative and slow). Thats not a culture thats a description of your environment. A more realistic company culture would indicate what your company is trying to achieve, such as Social justice-minded team members with a passion for volunteer service, or Health care providers dedicated to dignity in old age. Both of these examples leave room for a realistic opposite company culture where different individuals would thrive, such as a team that isnt motivated by social justice or a team that is passionate about adequate health care for children rather than dignity in old age. The purpose of defining your company culture is to make it more obvious to prospective candidates whether or not theyd be a good fit for an open position. Your goal is not to sell your company as the perfect place for everyone to work but to make it clear to a select, elite few that its the best place to work for them.