The way you blink may be freaking people out

The way you blink may be freaking people outThe way you blink may be freaking people outIf you want to know what someone is really thinking, look them in the eye. Specifically, keep track of how much blinking theyre doing. Career experts and studies have shown that this is where we reveal ourselves, whether we want to or not.It also may be where we lose the opportunity to make friends any unusual pattern in blinking - too much, too little, strangely timed - can freak other people out.Too many blinks indicates stressWe dont just tend to blink when we look at something bright. We also start blinking excessively when were under pressure. For hiring managers, its something to watch out for in job seekers.If youve been making great eye contact the whole bewerbungsgesprch and suddenly start blinking rapidly - more than 70 blinks per minute- when asked a question, this can indicate stress and a desire to avoid the truth, body language expert Patti Woodtold the Houston Chronicle.Too few b links indicate lyingExcessive staring is a bad sign too in workplace settings. When you stare at your interviewer unblinkingly, you may be lying, according to experts.As Lillian Glass, a behavioral analyst who has worked with the Federal Bureau of Information put it, When people tell the truth, most will occasionally shift their eyes around and may even look away from time to time. Liars, on the other hand, will use a cold, steady gaze to intimidate and control.A 2008 study had similar findings, and found that liars blink less while lying, and start blinking rapidly after the lie. The studys lead author, Sharon Leal, suggests that the staring is a form of liars controlling the situation liars will be more inclined than truth tellers to monitor and control their demeanor so they will appear honest.As for the rapid blinking after the act of lying? Leal suggests that it may be a release of energy after the tension of lying.Its as if your eyelids cramp with the effort of lying and need to stretch.We blink when we want something out of sight, out of mindHave you ever seen someone do a slow blink after hearing something terrible come out of someones mouth? I certainly do it when I wish to forget what I just heard. A 2010 study found a reason for why we do this to block out information. In the study, neuroscientists tracked peoples blinking as they were reading a book, and they found that we blink more when were not paying attention.What we suggest is that when you start to mind-wander, you start to gate the information even at the sensory endings - you basically close your eyelid so theres less information coming into the brain, one of the studys authors, neuroscientist Daniel Smilek, said.In these cases, blinking is a way to create a tiny physical barrier between us and the outside world. A tiny nope to whatever you just heard.However you blink, realize that after reading this, you may start counting them, as I do now. One, two, three. Am I anxious, under stress o r a liar?

How to integrate search, email and text for better recruiting

How to integrate search, email and text for better recruitingHow to integrate search, email and text for better recruitingHow to integrate search, email and text for better recruitingWe just had our 100thmonth of continued job growth.That makes for a job market in which the best candidates have seemingly limitless options, and recruiters have to work double-time to turn the tide in their favor.Technology certainly helps even the odds by making it easier to find and communicate with the best talent in the most efficient way.But as most TA professionals know, managing so many digital moving parts efficiently email, search, text, and social, for starters can be overwhelming.In order to maximize your tech stack and processes, its all about integration figuring out which tools work best with which candidates and at which time. And, making sure that your candidates know that there is a human recruiter behind it all.Here are some best practices to help you integrate the digital and human sides of your recruiting campaigns and be mora efficientConsider your audienceWhen youre trying to integrate all of your tools, it might be helpful to know that you dont have to useallof the tools forallof your roles.If Im recruiting blue collar maintenance technicians, they might not have active LinkedIn profiles, says Ashley Inman, special expertise panel member with SHRM, so I might try to get to those candidates via text message.This is where creating candidate personas can help.For example, there are generational differences that can help dictate the best ways to connect with particular candidates, says Eric Dickerson, managing director, senior practice leader, Kaye/Bassman International Corp, a recruiting and executive search firm.Millennials are truly tech natives for whom texting might be second nature, while prior generations are tech adopters who might prefer more traditional outreach like email, he explains.Thats why you need to have the different avenues, because there are certain candidates that will not respond to a phone call, but they will respond to a text, he says.The level and type of role can also impact which channels you rely on, says Dickerson. If youre looking for midlevel or senior level people, in those cases you should be doing a lot of touch.That is via email, with text, then with not just phone conversations but it will be video conversations as well, he says.No matter who your target audience is, though, you need to be respectful of candidates time and desires. Be sensitive to how they prefer to be contacted, says Dickerson.I would not recommend blasting everyone in a text, he adds. However, some candidates will appreciate a quick, but personal, just checking in text.Focus on timingTiming is everything when it comes to connecting with candidates, says Liesl Bernard, CEO of Cannabizteam,an executive search and staffing firm for the cannabis industry.Candidates of all levels appreciate quick response and direct feedback on their ap plication status, rather than left wondering if they are currently being considered for a position or not, she says.This is where deploying automated responses and messages can help tide candidates over until you can make time for more human interactions.The method of communication is not as important as the outreach itself, and the preference on communication channel varies from candidate to candidate, says Bernard.Inman suggests trying to orchestrate your work week to coincide with how your job seekers like to engage and if you have a platform that can help you manage it all, even better.For example, while the mornings might be when they are most receptive to email and texting, you can use your afternoons to get your social sourcing messages scheduled, she says.Toward that end, she also recommends reading up studies that indicate the best time of day to push out on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn messages, so that youre posting at the highest engagement times.As for phone convers ations, Inman suggests scheduling them mid-week when professionals are more likely to have time to connect.Customize messaging by role and channelCanned messages can be very effective when used in initial outreach if there is a larger potential candidate pool, says Bernard, but when you have a narrower focus, personalization is the way to go.Customized messages are more effective when recruiting top-quality talent, and this especially true for passive candidates who are currently employed and satisfied with their position, but may be open to new opportunities, she says.However, any recruiter that follows through with consistent candidate communications will stand out, she says.You also want to speak to the candidates motivations.You really want to think about how your message fits with the type of candidate youre profiling to figure out which aspect of the company brand you want to market, says Inman.Youre not going to target a senior level professional by touting the cool office pe rks that youd market to a prospective intern, for instance.Lastly, pay attention to the platform youre using, says Inman.You cant just copy and paste your email blast onto a text message and expect it to work. You have to adapt your message to the appropriate length and tone so it feels natural on each channel.Get as centralized as you canThe ability to integrate multiple platforms so you can track everything on one dashboard can be a game changer, if youre lucky enough to have it.For instance, Bernards team tracks all candidate outreach using a customized CRM solution, which integrates multiple online platforms and sources using custom APIsThis centralized solution not only improves the overall efficiency of our teams, but also provides visibility throughout the team and company to not duplicate our efforts in targeting potential candidates, she says.If you havent had success at integrating your various recruitment efforts, help is here.Monsters new Searchplatformintegrates its ver y robust search tool along with direct messaging email and texting capabilities, and social integration to access a candidates entire digital footprint. It aims to help recruiters streamline the way the search, review, and connect with candidates.

Learn How to Use Nonverbal Communication at an Interview

Learn How to Use Nonverbal Communication at an InterviewLearn How to Use Nonverbal Communication at an InterviewWhile on a job interview, you might think that if you have the best answers to the interview questions, youll get the job, but that isnt necessarily the case. A big part of the success of your answers is actually nonverbal communication. This includes your body language and what is known as paralanguage the elements of your speech besides the words, such as your intonation, speaking speed, pauses and sighs, and facial expressions. Nonverbal communication also includes your attire and grooming. Nonverbal communication is as important, or even more important than, verbal communication. The interviewer will be observing your nonverbal communication throughout the entire interview. If yournonverbal communication skillsarent up to par, it wont matter how well you answer the questions. Nonverbal Communication Matters Nonverbal communication matters as soon as you walk in the schreibstube door. If you come to an interview reeking of cigarette smoke or chewing gum, you will already have one strike against you. Too much perfume or not enough deodorant wont help either. Not being dressed appropriately or having scuffed shoes will give you a second strike. Talking on your cell phone or listening to music while waiting to be called for the interview may be your final strike. Whats important when interviewing is to appear professional, attentive, and confident throughout theinterview process. How to Prepare Remember that the image the interviewer has of you when she first meets you is the one that is going to last. If youre slouchy, sloppy or messy, it wont matter how well you answer the interview questions. You are not going to get the job. When practicing for an interview, work on your nonverbal communications as well as your other interviewing skills. It could be what clinches the job offer for you.You can practice with a friend orinterview coachwho co nducts a mock interview and gives you feedback. You can also film yourself and review your nonverbal communication. Before you leave for the interview, make sure you aredressed professionally, are neatly groomed, your shoes are polished, and you havent overdone the perfume or aftershave (none is better than too much). What to Bring to an Interview There are things that you should bring with you to the interview and the things that you need to leave at home. Following the advice in behauptung lists will help improve your nonverbal communication Portfolio or pad holderwith a copy of your resume and a list of references on quality paperWork samples (if relevant)Notepad and penBreath mint (before you enter the building)Women extra pair of pantyhose (keep in your briefcase or car) What Not to Bring to an Interview Cell phoneGumCigarettesCandySoda or coffeeScuffed shoes, messy and/or not-so-clean clothes While You Wait The way you sit in the lobby, the way you greet the recept ionist and the interviewer, and the way you wait, will all have an impact on whether you are going to be considered for the job. Be friendly and pleasant, but not overbearing. If you need to wait, sit quietly (no phone calls) and patiently. Shake hands with the interviewer. Your handshake should be firm - not sticky or wimpy. To avoid sweaty palms, visit the restroom, wash your hands, then run them under cool water prior to the interview. Keep your palms open rather than clenched in a fist and keep a tissue you in your pocket to (discreetly) wipe them. Nonverbal Communication During the Interview Make eye contact with the interviewer for a few seconds at a time.Smile and nod (at appropriate times) when the interviewer is talking, but dont overdo it. Dont laugh unless the interviewer does first.Be polite and keep an even tone to your speech. Dont be too loud or too quiet.Dont slouch.Do relax and lean forward a little towards the interviewer so you appear interested and engaged.Do nt lean back. You will look too casual and relaxed.Keep your feet on the floor and your back against the lower back of the chair. Pay close attention to the interviewer. Take notes if you are worried you will not remember something.Listen.Dont interrupt.Stay calm. Even if you had a badeanstalt experience at a previous position or were fired, keep your emotions to yourself and do not show anger or frown.Not sure what to do with your hands? Hold a pen and your notepad or rest an arm on the chair or on your lap, so you look comfortable. Dont let your arms fly around the room when youre making a point. Nonverbal Communication at the End of the Interview Before leaving the interview, be sure to give the interviewer another firm handshake and smile. On your way out, say goodbye to the receptionist or anyone else you spoke to during the interview. Your verbal communication is important too.Dont use slang. Speak clearly and definitely. Remember your manners and thank the interviewer for taking the timeto meet with you.

How to Propose Change at Work - The Muse

How to Propose Change at Work - The MuseHow to Propose Change at Work What is it about humans and change? We dont just avoid it, we downright fear it. Especially when it involves the office, a place that thrives on routine, schedules, and managers saying, Thats just the way we do things around here.As anyone whos ever tried to enact changes in the workplace knows, its incredibly difficult to convince the people around you its a good idea. But, what if you see a way that things can be done differently, mora effectively, or more profitably? Well, one option is to write it off and just complain to yur co-workers Nothing here is ever going to change. Or, you can go make it happen. Professionally, of course. So, the question becomes, how can you become a change agent at work, responsibly and respectfully?Heres a four-point plan for staging your revolution in a way that will get you the results you want. So now you can go beyond just talking about what would make your company better- and a ctually get it done. Step 1 Get Feedback on Your IdeaOur ideas sound really great, especially when theyre bouncing around in our own heads. Thats why you need to reality-test your idea before letting it see the light of day and figure out if its actually a good one.Embrace the naysayers. If your idea isnt an immediate winner among your colleagues, dont just write them off as dream-stompers who fear change. Listen to their perspectives, and use their objections to strengthen your idea. Their reservations may point to holes in your plan. Shore up the foundation, and then give them credit for contributing to the idea. (Thats called a win-win You get support for your ideas and you make your co-workers feel appreciated.)Even if you got a lot more negative feedback than you anticipated, trust your gut. Entrepreneur Seth Adam Cohen says he always asks himself, Do I believe in this? Is there passion there? If you can answer yes, then keep moving forward. Just remember that you have to be ab le to stand firmly behind your idea if youre going to communicate its value and drive its implementation. Step 2 Get Your Co-workers on Your SideFor a long time, people believed that leadership needed to spearhead and guide the implementation of change in the workplace. However, a bottom-up approach is often more effective when innovation is truly the goal. When you build a bottom-up consensus, you are enlisting ideas from everyone the change involves, specifically the people who are actually doing the work in question. As you test your idea, these are the folks who can offer experience-based feedback. Theyll also be the people to support your idea when you bring it to the higher-ups. To employ a bottom-up strategy, think in terms of collaborations. Invite your colleagues to join you in your revolution. Give them individual tasks and let them participate in the discussion about how you will define the changes success. This strategy demands that the process be completely transparent, from budgets to schedules to results.Step 3 Appeal to Loss Aversion to Convince Your Superiors Its the Right MoveLoss aversion is a common psychological bias that speaks to our innate desire to avert loss by being willing to take a risky action. (Think about the person who continues to gamble in an effort to make up for the loss incurred from the first bet placed- even though the odds are stacked against him.) This phenomenon has even been seen in nations foreign policies. The United States was found to invest more effort in disputes that were framed as potential losses. What does this mean for you?Your idea could win over your superiors if you appeal to their willingness to accept the risk of trying something new because it could avert further losses. To do this, provide evidence of the existing problem and the current loss in time, money, productivity, or morale thats happening as a consequence. Then, outline how your solution is worth the investment in time and resources. Since this is a serious conversation, you want to treat it as such- meaning, dont make your pitch as you walk to lunch with your manager. Instead set up a meeting and make sure your conversation hits three points the current problem, your solution, and your plan. For exampleAs you know, the teams recently struggled to complete their quarterly sales goal. I think this is due to the database system were currently using- its slow and its hard to track individual progress. Ive done some research and found a few other options that look much more user-friendly. While they all cost a little bit more money than what were spending now, theyre so much faster that my projections show us actually increasing sales by 20%. Id like to set up a trial period for my team this month, track our results, and see if it does make us more efficient.Step 4 Be Prepared for People to Freak OutWe all fear change, right? We may say we embrace it, but in the back of our minds, theres the scary unknown lingering like a monster under the bed, waiting to grab our ankles. Daniel Lock, an expert on change management, suggests that we dont exactly fear change itself. We fear and dislike ambiguity. When you come up against resistance, look at it not as a rejection of your idea, but rather a reaction to the ambiguity in the process and the unknowns that exist.To address these, present a clear plan that outlines how you see your idea rolling out sustainably, beyond the testing period. Add easy-to-understand visuals, relevant projections, and statistics wherever possible. Bonus If you can show that the current workflow will not be disrupted, it will give your manager peace of mind as you get your plan moving.To go make change at work, you must be strategically brave. You also must be smart. You know your management. If they like to be kept in the loop, make sure you stay in close contact and report on results as you implement your idea. Otherwise, take a cue from Grace Hopper, the woman who coined the phr ase, Its much easier to apologize than it is to get permission. Let me know if this inspired you to go rogue at work. Tweet me AmandaBerlin.Photo of plant growing courtesy of Shutterstock.

The priceless lesson for living your best life from a 4-year-old

The priceless lesson for living your best life from a 4-year-oldThe priceless lesson for living your best life from a 4-year-oldWhat do you love?

The Resume Template 2019 Cover Up

The Resume schablone 2019 Cover Up Details of Resume Template 2019 While there are lots of expert CV and resume writing services available on the web, and theyll certainly do the task for you, it is going to cost you to get it written for you in particular. Utilizing an editor that specializes in editing job search documents may give you a leg up on the competition. If its not pertinent to the job which you want to know mora about, skip it. To increase your odds of finding the job, here are a number of tips on how best to create a mistake-free resume to apply to new jobs with. There are many free creative resume vorlages its possible to use, allowing you to focus your energy on everything else you have to do. Whats more, you can change the photos, colours and other stuff in accordance with your need. You can locate the great free resume from among literally hundreds and thousands of potential ones. A few of the vorlages are free while others cost a couple of dollars. Onl y professionals in some specific careers should look at utilizing a graphical resume konzept. Bear in mind, when choosing a resume, pick a design that sits most in accord with the sort of job or business you are applying for. Your data analysis skills ought to be top quality permitting the clients to take an educated choice. Most free templates are made to be specific to certain industries, so its well worth browsing through the choices available that suit the work sector you wish to work in. Resume Template 2019 - Overview Fortunately, you can make the very best use of totally free templates that are available on the internet. Absolutely free Qr code resume template for virtually any work seeker. Absolutely free printable resume template with creative and easy design. This template is devoted to the UX designers. What Is So Fascinating About Resume Template 2019? If youre applying to a huge corporation or an extremely traditional firm, you are going to want to pick a templ ate which also feels traditional. When youre asking for a job which relies on the strengths of the person, you require a resume template which you can inject a little more personality into to make it pop. To begin with, perhaps its time to evaluate your current resume to ensure youre not committing any cardinal sins. A template will inform you all of the relevant data that you ought to be mentioning in your CV, with particular reference to the type of position you are trying to get. The peak of your resume should includecritical keyword phrases and a fast snapshot of your core strengths, Leavy-Detrick states. The manual will help you through the procedure, with captions that tell you what things to write in each provided field. Theres so many to pick from in his package that theres no use in describing a few of the features, since youll certainly be able to get what you need within. Once you have selected your perfect resume template from our selection, follow our absolutely free expert guidance about ways to craft the great modern resume. Knowing just the proper combinations and making sure before each shift or work day that all equipments are in prime form and all the appropriate buttons are pressed is the sign of a genuine professional. No matter which sort of work youre searching for, the Gabriella professional resume template is a fantastic alternative. No need to acquire fancy paper as itll be expensive and totally unnecessary. Make certain you trim any extra paper which may be sticking out if need be. The Number One Question You Must Ask for Resume Template 2019 A free resume template is a kind of basic sample for a resume that an individual might want to develop. An expert sometimes takes a great template and make tweaks here and there to match her or his requirements. A timeless style resume template is also simple to customize. Fortunately, there are various publishers around whove created incredible resume templates for fast editing and formatting in Word. Totally free visual resume template that have cover letter. The advantages of utilizing a template The obvious reason behind using a template is the way quickly and easily you are able to put your resume together. Things You Should Know About Resume Template 2019 Once you are finished with selecting the appropriate resume template word, its time to make an application for the proper jobs. In the calendar year 2019, its expected that resumes are less challenging to read. A template may be a one-page resume, or a two-page resume, but until you understand what you need to spend the resume you dont understand what length will work best. Fantastic templates will also lead you through the resume-building procedure, which is particularly helpful if youre new to the procedure for building an effective resume. Choosing Good Resume Template 2019 Because you dont for relevant experience to summarize, you will highlight transferable skills from different place s. Some templates are good enough to land an outstanding job since they expertly showcase your abilities. If youve got such abilities, make certain to list them in the resume and youll definitely stick out from the competition. A lovely, minimal and user-friendly template you can edit depending on your abilities and experience. Using Resume Template 2019 Doesnt matter what job you are searching for and what type of experience youve got behind you back a suitable format of resume 2019 is what would enable you to win a competition. The ideal thing is that you will be in a position to write all of your content in the resume, without cramping it Dont make the error of answering each job posting with the exact same generic resume. You just dont have any reason to mention why you left your last job. If you locate a couple of templates whose designs you love, mix and match till you locate a format which works for getting your message across. Massive number of design style will guarantee you will discover a resume template that fits with your taste. This template is the ideal way to produce the very best impression. Each one of our creative style templates offer you a perfectly balanced mixture of personality, professionalism and some style.

How to Maintain Control of an Interview - Spark Hire

How to Maintain Control of an Interview - Spark HireAs an employer, you have the upper hand on any candidate who comes through the doors of your business. You are in a familiar atmosphere and they are not. They are most likely nervous and anxious about doing their best and impressing you and you have the luxury of being the one to fire off questions. However, employers also know that, for one reason or another, a job seeker can inadvertently dominate a job bewerbungsgesprch, leaving you feeling that youve been given an inadequate idea of their qualifications and suitability for the position. Here are a few ideas for maintaining control of an interview so it is a productive experience for you and for your company overall.Give Some Basic InstructionsWhile a basic interviewing format should be known to most people, it is helpful to put the candidate at ease and explain how you will be conducting the interview. If youll be taking copious notes throughout the interview, explain that youd like them to answer your questions, and that youll be writing while they speak. If youre conducting a behavioral interview, it may be beneficial to briefly explain what kinds of answers you are looking for. Explain at the outset when the appropriate time will be to ask questions of their own. Doing so establishes you as the partie in charge of the progress of the interview.Focus on Smooth TransitionsAsk them to summarize and make clear transitions to new questions for them. Throughout the interview, the candidate will obviously be looking to you to move the conversation along. In their nervousness, some candidates can be prone to rambling and waver off topic. In such a situation, you could offer a summary of their answer such as, So, I hear you telling me that X was difficult under your last employer, but that you were able to complete the project by doing Y. Similarly, offer a transition into the next question How did your employer respond to that, and was it beneficial to the comp any in the end? As the one in charge, you show your confidence and your control over the situation by jumping in and moving the interview along. Thank them for their answer and be frank about the need to go to the next question.Demonstrate Interview ConfidenceShow confidence from the first moment. Just as the candidate is hoping to impress you by the strength of their handshake and steady eye-contact, impress upon them your confidence and knowledge early on as well. Show that you are prepared and anticipating their interview by telling them so and giving a firm handshake of your own. You can also display your confidence and control by adhering to the level of professionalism within the office. Be prompt about the time youve committed to spending with a candidate and stick to your interview guidelines.How do you maintain control of an interview? We want to hear what has worked for you. Share in the comments

Short Term Jobs Make My Resume Look Bad

Short Term Jobs Make My Resume Look BadShort Term Jobs Make My Resume Look BadPresenting a string of short-term jobs on your resume is a common problem. You separate from your most recent significant role, and, typically while job searching, you take on a gig to fill your time and pad your wallet. The pro in this scenario is that you were active and productive. The cons, however, can be several the job is outside your traditional career path the job welches at a much lower level than your experience warrants, or the job welches for a friend who has a company or consulting firm. Lets talk about how to position a short-term or multiple short-term roles on your resume.If the short-term role was in your industry and at your levelThats good news The best option is likely to present this time as a consulting engagement. Consulting is a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate to the audience reading your resume that your expertise is still useful and valuable in the marketplace.The key with co nsulting is detailing the actual projects or engagements. There is nothing worse than a resume by Jane Doe that starts off with JD Consulting, 2016 to Present Participated in a series of technology projects for small and mid-sized businesses. When that is followed up with zero detail, it falls absolutely flat.Instead, treat every project like a bulleted achievement. Specificity is important, so that you position your consulting time as bona fide work. Present a description of the client, what they called on you to do, what you actually did, and the quantified results.If the short-term role was outside your traditional career pathThis scenario requires evaluating a couple time factors a) how long you were in the role and b) how long it has been since your prior, regular position ended. If the short-term position was less than 3 months ago, and your regular position ended 4 months ago, it may be best to simply omit the short term role, then bury the dates indicating your regular posit ion.Whats also important here is not distracting your audience from your primary message. If youre an IT Director who happens to have a love and natural talent for the arts, and your short-term role was assisting curating a museum exhibit, that would be too distracting from your IT achievements and expertise.The best way to present your time spent would be to showcase it as additional employment or a professional endeavor in a separate section towards the end of your resume.If the short-term role was at a lower level than your experience warrantsWorking at all, even if its at a lower level, is typically a positive point to present on your resume. Just as you can bury the dates for when your last regular position ended, you can also bury your job titles. Both simply require formatting the resume so that the material you want to bury is neither in bold, nor separated out along the right or left margin we dont want it to attract the eye too easily.When presenting a role lower than wha t youre used to, make sure to concentrate on specific achievements, particularly if you were able to contribute ideas, processes or tools that were new to the organization. Emphasize any numbers you can that indicate the impact you were able to deliver.If the short-term role was at a friends company or consulting firmToo often, the tendency is to downplay this because it was just work for a friend. However, reconsider that stance. No one in your audience knows that this is your friends company, only you do. Youre not hiding anything or holding back information in some unethical manner. Simply treat the short-term employment like it was with any other employer.Present what you were called in to do in the first place. Friend or not, the owner of the organization needed your particular brand of expertise for a specific reason. Discuss your scope of responsibility, and, as always, present your specific, quantified achievements.In many cases, short-term work can be showcased to your bene fit. Bottom-line temporary work beats having no work every day of the week. Additionally, there may be a point at which you can leverage the contacts you made during that assignment in order to land your next permanent role.

A Look Ahead to 2012 Tax Changes for Small Business

A Look Ahead to 2012 Tax Changes for Small BusinessA Look Ahead to 2012 Tax Changes for Small BusinessA Look Ahead to 2012 Tax Changes for Small BusinessApril 2, 2012With the 2011 tax deadlinebehind us, and special Recovery Act incentives phasing out, small geschftslebenes need to reassess their strategies for upcoming 2012 tax changes.Equipment deductions, new reporting requirements and a whopper of a tax credit are all on the table.Here are five key 2012 tax changes of Federal tax law provisions for small businesses.What a Boon Small Business Health Care Tax leistungspunktWith unemploymentdown substantially from its peak, even very small businesses should consider offering at least partially paid health insurance, to retain high potential employees.The good news is that, if conditions are met, small employers can claim a tax credit of up to 35 percent of the employee premiums they pay in 2012.Add in a deduction for the remaining 65 percent of employer-paid premiums and your company could get back in tax savings more than half of what you invest in this coveted employee benefit.Even better news the maximum Small Business Health Care Tax Credit is scheduled to rise to 50 percent on Jan. 1, 2014.If you can clear all the hurdles on an ongoing basis and sustain paying for half or more of the premium, its a great credit, says Tim Gagnon, CPA, a hochschulprofessor at the College of Business Administration at Northeastern University.The Incredible Shrinking Section 179 DeductionThe Section 179 deduction for tax year 2012 should be filed under half full, half empty. For tax year 2011, business could immediately deduct up to $500,000 in certain business equipment purchases, rather than depreciate it over a period of years.For 2012, the ceiling on this deduction drops to $139,000 still a generous amount for a very small business. And its a brass ring to grab before the maximum deduction drops again, to $25,000 in 2013.New for 2012 real estate no longer qualifies for th e Section 179 deduction.A Smaller Bonus for Small BusinessThe bonus depreciation deduction is also taking a haircut in tax year 2012.This business deduction, which applies after youve maxed out your Section 179 deduction, enables you deduct up to 50 percent of certain equipment investments, up to a total of $2 million for both Section 179 and bonus deductions. Thats down from a 100 percent bonus deduction for tax year 2011.Keep in mind that a big current-year deduction, however enticing, isnt always superior to depreciation over the long haul. Consult with a tax professional.The government is providing ansicht generous incentives, says Mike DAvolio, a senior tax analyst at Intuitin Mountain View, Calif. You just want to know how generous they are for your particular situation.A New Reporting Requirement Form 1099-KDoes your small business accepts merchant credit or debit card payments or payments via online networks, such as PayPal?If so you may need to update your bookkeeping and a ccounting systems to keep on top of new IRS reporting requirements for these transactions, according to Gagnon.When youve gotten over your headache from trying to understand what the IRS has to say about the new 1099-K requirements, consult with your tax professional.Keep an Eye on Perennial Tax ExtendersBecause of Congresss annoying habit of repeatedly renewing dozens of tax incentives for just one year at a time, small business owners need to keep an eye on these so-called tax extenders.The largest of these tax savers, the research and development tax credit, has faced an up-or-down vote annually for about 30 years, creating economically destructive uncertainty among business owners.The RD tax credit seems likely to be extended, but who knows, says Valerie Colin, senior vice president with accounting firm Gumbiner Savettin Santa Monica, Calif.Tax extenders of particular interest to small business include a 15-year write-off period for restaurant and rental-property renovations and a $1,000 credit for new hires and the 100 percent exclusion of gains on small business stock.Keep up with legislative action on the tax extenders by subscribing to IRS newsletters or asking your tax professional. And dont forget to check on changes to state and local tax law.Disclaimer All tax laws are subject to change. None of the information provided herein constitutes legal or tax advice on behalf of the author or Monster.

Salaries Are Up for Mechanical Engineers

Salaries Are Up for Mechanical Engineers Salaries Are Up for Mechanical Engineers Salaries Are Up for Mechanical EngineersIt is a pretty good time to be a mechanical engineer.Salaries are rising, according to a new ASME survey that shows the zentralwert total primary compensation for mechanical engineers in 2016 is $124,000. This builds on information showing base salaries have risen between 3.5 percent and 5 percent per year from 2013 to 2016.Experience counts too. Those MEs with more than twenty years of experience have a zentralwert income of $144,644. But entry-level engineers should not complain. The survey shows those beginning their careers earned a median primary income of $73,079. More than nine in 10 full-time ME employees are offered health insurance by their employers.The 2017 Salary Survey of ASME members measured only salaries and compensation in the U.S. Responses were garnered from 1,661 members, or 3.4 percent of those queried. The results reflect changes from the 20 13 Salary Survey, which was the last such survey conducted.Income by length of experience, 2017 vs. 2013 (full-time salaried only).Compensation varies depending on multiple factors, including education, experience, disciplines, geography, and gender. The typical respondent is a white male in his late forties with at least a bachelors degree who has been employed in an engineering-related positon for 20 or more years, including senior-level responsibility with supervisory tasks.Those with a Ph.D earned the highest median income of $155,000, followed by those with either an MBA or Masters degree in mechanical or other engineering discipline, at $125,000 or more. The largest percentage of respondents said their highest degree is a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering, earning a median income of $118,000.Mechanical engineers with a professional engineers license earned a median income of $133,000, nearly $16,000 more than those lacking the PE license.It is an exciting time to b e an engineer, says Charla K. Wise, president of ASME. The demand for engineers continues to grow, and many stimulating job opportunities are emerging.LucrativeThe most lucrative areas are in nuclear, petroleum, chemical, utilities, and consulting practices, according to the survey. Mechanical engineers with training in nuclear and petroleum/chemical disciplines earned the highest median income of $145,000 and $144,000, respectively. Conversely, those with academic training in computer science/engineering and mathematics earned the least, at $92,181 and $100,509, respectively.The results confirm strong demand for engineering services, especially in petroleum and offshore oil production. The authors also point to nuclear engineering, where the power industry wants engineers knowledgeable in in modular systems and other new and nontraditional technologies that could bring electric power to countries in need.Among ethnicity types, Asian or Pacific Islanders showed a median income of $1 30,000, while Hispanic respondents earned a median primary income of $119,750.Increasing demand for engineering services in overseas markets, especially in China where energy and transportation development continues at a fast pace, pushes higher salaries in those markets. But they do not reflect a labor shortage in the U.S., according to the survey.Male-Female Wage GapThe gender gap also is apparent as the median primary income for females responding to the survey trailed those of men, $103,500 to $125,000. The survey notes male respondents have been employed longer in an engineering-related position, a likely factor in the discrepancy in incomes. An overwhelming 92 percent of survey respondents were male. That reflects ASMEs membership worldwide, 6 percent of ASME members are female.Not surprisingly, compensation also correlates between job levels and functions. MEs in the role of executive, president, or owner had the highest median income, $227,500. Those at the next level of dir ector or vice presidents showed $175,000. Junior engineers earned $70,850.For those whose roles were identified as general and technical management, primary income is reported at $160,000 and $149,753, respectively.RegionallyRegionally, the survey follows the nine U.S. census divisions. Those in the West South Central, South Atlantic, New England, Pacific and Mountain regions reported income above the national level. Those is the East South Central, East North Central and West North Central reported primary income of $115,000 or less.New Mexico, New Hampshire and Florida reported the highest incomes, $157,400, $148,550 and $147,813, respectively. Mississippi, Nebraska and Tennessee have the lowest incomes, $91,615, $95,500 and $99,878, respectively.For metropolitan areas, the highest salaries reported are in Hartford, CT, $158,500 Los Angeles/Long Beach, $155,811 San Jose, CA, $155,000 and Albuquerque, NM, $153,783. The lowest median incomes are in Grand Rapids, MI, $99,000 Salt Lak e City, UT, $99,200 and Louisville, KY, $104,500. Many of the highest incomes were reported along the East and West coasts.The survey, designed to be interactive with individual engineers, is available online. Results are entered into two distinct interactive salary calculators. The Regression Salary Calculator uses regression analysis, allowing one to calculate individual results for thousands of possible employment situations. The Searchable Survey Data Tool allows the user to create customized aggregations of the survey results. These salary calculators will enable mechanical engineers to compute their salary based on their very specific, individual circumstances, location, experience, licensings, and others. The salary survey will be repeated annually to update the calculators with the most up to date data accordingly.For comparison, a 2017 survey of civil engineers by the American Society of Civil Engineers found the median pre-tax income in 2016 for civil engineers was $101,00 0. cousine salaries rose between 4 percent and 5 percent each year since 2014, according to the survey. Professional licensure increases the median salary to $108,000. Civil engineers with a bachelors degree have a median salary of $93,000 those with a Masters degree earn $101,100. The male-female pay gap also exists for civil engineers female civils earn $83,000 compared to $101,400 for male respondents.Despite discrepancies, mechanical engineering remains an attractive field where qualified engineers continue to be in demand and are rewarded for their work. For Further Discussion It is an exciting time to be an engineer. The demand for engineers continues to grow, and many stimulating job opportunities are emerging.Charla K. Wise, ASME President