Career Development and Business Management Resources

No matter where you are in your professional life, career development is an important consideration. Whether you're just getting started, an established professional, or even an entrepreneur, it's important to keep up with changes and advancements in your chosen occupation. It's also important to have access to resources that can help you be prepared for new opportunities.

Resources for Job Seekers

If you're looking to start your career or change careers, examples and samples of different resumes, cover letters, and reference letters can help you make the best first impression.

Resume Tips and Templates

Your resume is your first opportunity to let a potential employer know who you are and why they should hire you. Knowing the different types of resume formats, like chronological or functional, by browsing blank resume forms is a great starting point. Once you determine which type of resume best shows off your skills and abilities, you can look at samples of that type of resume. They type of job you are applying for also helps determine which type of resume you create. An accounting resume template gives you space to highlight your financial abilities while student resume samples or a waitress resume template focuses on your general skills.

Job Application Supplemental Materials

Before employers read your resume, they might want to see a resume cover letter that sells who you are. Cover letters can focus on your accomplishments, company research, or the specific job requirements from the job listing. While you'll write your own cover letter, you might need to know how to request a letter of recommendation as another supplemental material for your job application.

Job Interview Tips and Advice

HR professionals can offer a lot of advice on resume and interview dos and don'ts because they've seen it all. When interviewing, be professional at all times, but also make sure you know your rights. There are illegal interview questions like "Are you married?' or "How old are you?" that seem simple to answer, but don't actually require a response if you'd prefer not to answer.

Advice and Resources on Professional Development

As a business manager or administrator, it's your job to engage in professional development and help employees do the same. Professional resources on business management and career development can help your whole company achieve success individually and as a team.

Leadership Styles and Practices

Business leadership styles range from laissaiz-faire to autocratic and are dictated by the individual's personality and the business type. If you've made your way to a leadership position, it's important to understand your own leadership style and the impact it can have on your job. Check out the habits of an effective business manager like effective communication and reliability to see where you're doing well and what areas you might need to improve.

Employee Development Strategies

Just as you develop yourself professionally, employee development is important because skilled employees can do a better job and if they feel like you're investing in them, they'll invest in their work. Approaches to employee development include everything from cross training and mentoring. You need to utilize programs and strategies that work best for you and your employees. Fun activities like business training games give employees the chance to share what they've learned from a training while team building activities for work help foster a collaborative atmosphere.

Lifelong Professional Learning

Ongoing growth and development is the key to long-term professional success for both individuals and companies. Look for new and exciting ways to engage your employees or update your own resume and you'll find more satisfaction in your work.