How to Recruit Using Pinterest [3 Top Tips]

How to Recruit Using Pinterest [3 Top Tips] The CV is now a very old fashioned way of understanding what personality and talents a candidate has nowadays its all about Twitter feeds, Instagram photos and Pinterest boards. Pinterest boasts over 12 million users and (according to RJMetrics) is retaining and engaging users as much as 2 to 3 times as efficiently as Twitter was at a similar time in its history. The site is also responsible for sending more referral traffic to websites and blogs than Twitter, Google+ and LinkedIn all combined so could be a great source for initially attracting talent to your job spots. 1. New Position? New Board! Pinterest users can create boards to organise their photos into different themes and events, so when you have a new job to fill create a new board! Fill it up with pins (which can be photos or videos) that explain your job in interesting ways a good example is when  Work Club were looking for a new Creative Director. They used images and graphics from popular films (such as Jaws and Saving Private Ryan) as well as some of their own branding to tell a story of the job, instead of just one simple graphic full of words. You want a user to stumble across the board and have a something to follow something that is interesting, amusing and trendy (trendy is what Pinterest is all about). However, boards dont have to just be used for jobs. You could create boards that show the perfect elements of an employee at your company (or the perfect elements that you want to see from a candidate), or a board that gives a photographic tour of your office, introduces the members of your team (or recruitment team especially if people are going to be engaging with them during the process) the possibilities are endless! Why not promote your companys culture and values through Pinterest? 2. Be Creative, Trendy and Social When pinning to Pinterest, use both types of media available photos and video and make sure that they are different to each other.  Pinterest is all about getting repins (the same as retweets on Twitter) and being trendy. The biggest demographic of users is woman aged 25-34, so post the job boards, but also make yourself relevant to Pinterest make some boards about fashion trends, travel trends etc. As with all social platforms you need to be social! As well as creating boards and posting jobs, make sure you comment, like and re-pin other users content. That way you may even catch the attention of a possible candidate, who will check out your boards and maybe follow you. 3. Links and Description One of the best features of Pinterest is the linking feature and use it to your best ability. Above every pin, there is a from link (seen right), which will link to an outer website. In the example to the left, it links to the workshop page that the video promotes (Pinterest shortens all web addresses to just the first part). Ensure everything on your board is linked back to your website make every pin link to the job application/description if on a job board, and back to your general website if on any other board. These links can be edited properly by clicking Edit Pin on any of your pins. You want users to click the link to see more, and possibly stumble across your website its free advertising! In addition, add a description that holds all the keywords for your job, pin or photo and this way your pins are more likely to turn up in search results if someone is looking for that certain job! Conclusions With over 100 million users, Pinterest is a whole another place where possible candidates could find your job positions. By using these tips and creating boards, pinning interesting and relevant media, and linking and describing properly you could catch the eye of the perfect candidate that may never have seen your position in the first place. Have you used Pinterest to recruit? Any success? Let us know in the comments below! RELATED:  How To Use Pinterest for Social Recruiting [Cool Example]

Why You Should Try A Cruise Vacation This Year

Why You Should Try A Cruise Vacation This Year Taking cruise holidays is a growing fad as they combine both luxury travel and the chance of sampling wonderful, exotic travel destinations. That said, Thomson cruises are perfect for holidaymakers who want to  experience top-notch entertainment, spacious living, and value for money that no other cruise company can offer. The following is an outline of a few reasons why you should try going on a cruise vacation this year: They are family friendly Taking a cruise vacation is always fun if you wish to travel with your family. This is because they are able to cater to people of all ages and lately, most cruise ships have been upgraded to suit those travelling as a family. The upgrades include teen hangout areas away from kids’ facilities, video game areas, and also family friendly pools. Prices have also been adjusted likewise, with some cruise lines giving discounted rates for kids and others even offering free sailing for children below a certain age. You get to visit several travel destinations One of the main thrills of a cruise vacation is that you get to check out several travel destinations. The stopovers in particular are usually carefully selected by the cruise liner to give you the best holiday experience, and of course you can always pick out the cruise route covering that destination that you have always wished to visit. They have wide range of fun activities Most current cruise ships have something for almost everyone. As such, you can indulge in activities such as wine-tasting, attend a dance workshop, do a bit of yoga, learn a new language and more, while travelling. The wide range of activities also means that you can always rest assured that while you are pampering yourself for example at the spa, your friends, spouse or family if travelling with any are equally having a good time. Cruise ships are like floating cities If you choose to go on a cruise vacation, you are usually guaranteed that you won’t lose communication or everyday fun stuff and necessitates. This is because today’s cruise ships have modern technological facilities such as satellite TV, Wi-Fi, and cell service and also sell the basic items that you are likely to forget to pack. Moreover, most are equipped with a medical centre in case you are in  need of medical attention. The above are just a few of the many reasons as to why you should go on a cruise holiday. As highlighted, a cruise vacation is ideal for almost anyone. So if you get the itch to jump on board one and have the time and resources, why the hell not? There is no reason to hesitate booking a cruise vacation this year if you are considering taking one.   Already on vacation and still want to go on a cruise?   No problem, try a dinner cruise!

6 Hobbies That Can Make You Money on the Side - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

6 Hobbies That Can Make You Money on the Side - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career Work consumes life for at least eight hours a day for most folks. You put in whatever your best effort is for the day and head home in the hopes of a good meal and rest. Where is the rest of your life? What do you do with your spare time? Eight hours of sleep, eight hours of work and the addition of other responsibilities, such as family, can make you feel like you don’t have anything that qualifies as personal time. But it’s possible to have a hobby, make money and still enjoy “me time.” Hobbies Benefit You in Many Ways A post-work routine should add to your life, instead of being a way to zone out of life. Escapism can be both an art and an adventure when you take on a new hobby, and earning pocket money doesn’t hurt, either. One survey found professionals listed hobbies as one the top three things that made them happy outside work life. When you don’t effectively relieve your stress, you increase your risks of high blood pressure, lowered brain activity and cancer. Hobbies also add to your transferable experience and help increase your odds of getting and keeping a job. If you participate in a group hobby, you meet more people and build your networking potential. It takes 66 days to establish a new habit, and in that time, you can benefit your total health, enjoy personal time and develop professionally, too. Try out these eight hobbies to enrich your life and your pockets. Making Art Is your inner creative unleashed, or blocked? When was the last time you sketched, doodled or let your pen meander across a blank page? It’s literally therapeutic â€" you slow down in the moment and sketch it all out. Making art builds self-esteem, reduces stress and helps you work through tough emotions. It inspires others. People sell art in various ways. Check around your area for local visual art nonprofits, and join up to learn more and gain exhibition opportunities. Submit to calls for art. Offer to do pet portraits or sketch favorite cartoon characters for a reasonable price, not leaving out taxes, supply costs and the value of your time. If you’ve ever flipped through an adult coloring book and thought to yourself, “I could make something like this,” go for it. Start producing or revising your sketches now. Blogging Blogging is like becoming an artist. You do it for the passion of sharing knowledge and self-expression, because you won’t make money overnight, and you may not make money at all. What do you love? You can write about anything, but it needs to be specific and to reflect who you are. For instance, your niche might be an intersection of gardening as a coping mechanism for anxiety and everything in between. Your posts should remain consistent in length and timing. Post at a regular time of the week to build your audience’s trust. You probably won’t see cold hard cash in the beginning, for months or even years. The success of monetizing your blog depends on several factors, and search results provide loads of varying and overwhelming information. You can sell private ads, or monetize with pay-per-click or ads where you pay per number of impressions. Most start with affiliate links. Many bloggers include affiliate links in a natural, ethical and relevant way in their posts. They earn a percentage of purchases made as a result of those clicks, but the percentages vary. Amazon has an affiliate program, but you can also partner with mid-sized businesses that have affiliate programs, especially if you value the mission of a business. That drives home transparency and authenticity points for you as a blogger to the reader. Coin Collecting Many people think of a grandfather figure as the type who collects coins, but this hobby is for anyone â€" you can make more than a pretty penny at it, too. The first rule of thumb in coin collecting â€" just because a coin is old doesn’t mean it’s worth money automatically. Six factors determine the value of a coin: authenticity, alteration/cleaning, year/mint mark, condition, grade and quality. eBay, Coin Auctions and similar sites help judge a value range, but it’s best to get assistance from an experienced coin collector and appraiser. They should have at least 10 years of experience in their background. Keep your coins archived and displayed safely. If you want to sell them, you can auction them off as well. Upcycling Ever had to force yourself to step away from a deal at a thrift shop or antique store? Have you regretfully walked away from a piece of furniture abandoned on the curb with loads of potential? Give in to your urges to upcycle, because you’ll have fun, hone your creative skills and pass on creations for cash to those will appreciate your hard work. A dresser becomes a bookshelf or reading nook. You save a worn and torn heirloom through the power of reupholstering. Don’t let items build up in your home, but start one piece at a time and see if a friend or family member falls in love with your creation. Go from there. Tutoring Do you love to teach, but never got the degree? You can still lend your skills and knowledge through volunteer efforts in afterschool programs and through in-home or remote tutoring. What’s your subject area? Once you have experience, set a reasonable fee and advertise at local colleges and coffee shops. Many tutors also find websites to offer their services for a company, or set up their own website and branding. Social Dancing Love to move and groove? Take social dancing lessons in Latin, blues or swing. Over time, you will build up your skills and may apply to be a teacher as well or start your own venture. Dancing offers many health benefits, including increased strength and flexibility, reduced stress levels and boosted energy and concentration. You also make new friends! Don’t come home and crash, only to move on to the next boring day. Increase your health and happiness by developing a better post-work routine. You can enrich your life and your pocket when you get a hobby. Reawaken old interests and create something new. Share your passions and talents, and others will take note.

Want To Be In A Good Mood Eat These Foods!

Want To Be In A Good Mood Eat These Foods! A number of lifestyle factors can contribute to depression, but one that’s often overlooked is what you put in your mouth. “Diet plays a huge role in depression,” says with  Dr. Christopher Calapai, D.O., a New York City Osteopathic Physician board certified in family and anti-aging medicine. Do you crave sweet, salty, and fatty foods when you’re feeling blue? You’re not alone. But, says Dr. Calapai “If we eat better foods like lean proteins, whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, and fish, we short-circuit the junk food cravings and have higher energy levels and sharper mental focus. Vitamin D Obtained from sun exposure; fortified breakfast cereals, breads, juices, and milk.   Vitamin D is required for brain development and function. Deficiency in this “sunshine vitamin” is sometimes associated with depression and other mood disorders. Smart Carbs Can Have a Calming Effect Carbohydrates are linked to the mood-boosting brain chemical, serotonin. Experts arent sure, but carb cravings sometimes may be related to low serotonin activity. Choose your carbs wisely. Limit sugary foods and opt for smart or “complex” carbs (such as whole grains) rather than simple carbs (such as cakes and cookies). Fruits, vegetables, and legumes also have healthy carbs and fiber. Tryptophan  (protein sources including turkey, beef, eggs, some dairy products, dark, leafy greens): An amino acid, tryptophan is a precursor to serotonin. It’s not well understood, but low tryptophan seems to trigger depressive symptoms in some people who have taken antidepressants.  Increase your intake of B vitamins People with either low blood levels of the B-vitamin folic acid, or high blood levels of the amino acid homocysteine (a sign that you are not getting enough B6, B12 or folic acid), are both more likely to be depressed and less likely to get a positive result from anti-depressant drugs. In a study comparing the effects of giving an SSRI with either a placebo or with folic acid, 61% of patients improved on the placebo combination but 93% improved with the addition of folic acid.  Boost your serotonin with amino acids Serotonin is made in the body and brain from an amino acid called tryptophan. Tryptophan is then converted into another amino acid called 5-Hydroxy Tryptophan (5-HTP), which in turn is converted into the neurotransmitter serotonin. Tryptophan can be found in the diet; it’s in many protein rich foods such as meat, fish, beans and eggs. 5-HTP is found in high levels in the African Griffonia bean, but this bean is not a common feature of most people’s diet. Just not getting enough tryptophan is likely to make you depressed; people fed food deficient in tryptophan became rapidly depressed within hours. Up your intake of chromium This mineral is vital for keeping your blood sugar level stable because insulin, which clears glucose from the blood, cant work properly without it. In fact it turns out that just supplying proper levels of chromium to people with atypical depression can make a big difference. Select Selenium-Rich Foods Studies have reported a link between low selenium and poor moods. The recommended amount for selenium is 55 micrograms a day for adults. Evidence isnt clear that taking supplements can help. And its possible to get too much selenium. So its probably best to focus on foods: Beans and legumes Lean meat (lean pork and beef, skinless chicken and turkey) Low-fat dairy products Nuts and seeds (particularly brazil nuts but no more than one or two a day because of their high selenium content) Seafood (oysters, clams, sardines, crab, saltwater fish, and freshwater fish) Whole grains (whole-grain pasta, brown rice, oatmeal, etc.) Caffeine and Sugary Foods Caffeine may be difficult for many people to completely eliminate from their diet. However, it is good to only have caffeinated drinks in moderation, particularly when you are experiencing depression-like symptoms. Caffeine can disrupt sleep patterns and make you feel anxious, both of which won’t help your depression. People who drink more than 400 milligrams of caffeine a day, the equivalent of four cups of brewed coffee, should consider cutting back. About Dr. Christopher Calapai Dr. Christopher Calapai, D.O.  is an Osteopathic Physician board certified in family medicine, and anti-aging medicine. Proclaimed as the The Stem Cell Guru by the New York Daily News, Dr. Calapai is a leader in the field of stem cell therapy in the U.S. Dr. Calapai received his medical degree from New York College of Osteopathic Medicine and he consults in Manhattan with practices on Long Island, in East Meadow and Plainview. He has appeared on News12 and in the pages of 25A Magazine and Social Life Magazine. His stem cell treatments have achieved remarkable results in clinical trials on patients with conditions as varied as Alzheimers, arthritis, erectile dysfunction, frailty syndrome, heart, kidney and liver failure, lupus, MS and Parkinsons. Want more great tips on choosing the foods that boost your mood?  Check out these videos! Image credits: Main.

How To Use LinkedIn For Career Building

How To Use LinkedIn For Career Building Originally Published hereSocial media can be a very powerful booster for your career and you don’t have to be in social media marketing or similar to reap the benefits of it. In particular, LinkedIn is becoming more and more powerful as a tool to build your personal brand and career in general.LinkedIn is not only about hunting jobsevalAt the core, LinkedIn is a professional networking site where most people join thinking they will get spotted for their next job opportunity or knowing that regardless of what job they apply for someone will check their LinkedIn profile.evalHowever, LinkedIn has become a lot more than that. It’s a site where business partners are found, deals are made and where previously unknown professionals can build a reputation within their field as an expert or at least someone who can bring different perspectives to the table.Using myself as an example I can openly say that I have never gotten a job through LinkedIn. In fact, I can say that I am happily empl oyed in a company where I have been for the past almost 9 years. So why bother with LinkedIn if you’re happy in your job and don’t even see yourself changing jobs?Learning, development and building a reputationI have followed a very specific strategy for more than 3 years now and it has certainly developed me as a person and a professional. It has also helped me perform even better in my job. My strategy has evolved as LinkedIn evolved so I wouldn’t have imagined when I started in 2012 where it has taken me now.Let’s take a look at my strategy for career building on LinkedIn and later discuss how you can do it as well.Share content that I found interesting for my networkParticipate in group discussions where I could either learn about new topics or contribute with new knowledge to other professionalsStart posting content on LinkedIn when it opened for publishingBuild a following by engaging with the readers and learning about how to get the most exposure for each postSounds simple enough, right?How do I execute this strategy?As always there is strategy and execution. Above is not rocket science so it all lies in the execution.A. First of all, you need to do a lot of reading,evaland I suggest you build a reading list of various sites where interesting content is posted on a regular basis. No matter what industry you are in these sites are there and if you need help building your list give me a shout and I can give you a few tips. It’s also important that when you share content you write your opinion about it or do it by asking a question. Then you show your network what insights you have to offer in a very short form.B. Second, you need to join as many relevant groups as possible. Definitely exploit that you can join 50 groups. Joining groups gives you two distinct advantages. 1) you can learn from other members of the group and 2) you get to showcase your own knowledge when other members post questions or links to articles. Through active participati on in groups, you will also build a larger network and form connections with professionals outside your immediate network.C. Now for the big step i.e. publishing your thoughts on LinkedIn. evalThis is the scary part for many as first of all they don’t think they have anything relevant to say. One million publishers have already said it all, right?While this might be true actually the same questions are asked over and over again so there are always new people to impress with your knowledge + you’re great at what you do so why not start there?Write about something you feel at home in from work or otherwise in life I can’t tell you exactly what you need to do to get featured but I have shared a handful of tips in some of my previous posts and latest in “How Is Your Social Media Business Going”.Once featured it’s not a sure-fire ticket to stardom but featured posts get significantly more views, likes, comments and shares. My growth is close to exponential in all categories t hanks to being featured often.After a while or maybe immediately people will start reaching out to you for your input on their business model, how to tackle various problems or even ask you to publish articles in magazines or other sites. Sure people might also contact you with job opportunities and all that stuff you’re probably also dreaming about.Rome wasn’t built in one dayAll of this doesn’t come immediately and while today you might want to go straight to publishing you have to have enough confidence in yourself that you can keep up with your posting schedule. The worst thing that can happen is that you start out with a couple of posts and then nothing for months.People don’t like quitters so make sure you can stick with it. Here you can really use a large network of professionals feeding you content and going through the full strategy will get you that. As said it’s taken more than 3 years for me to get to this point and there is so much more for me to do. I will so on reach 50,000 views in total on my posts. Some achieve that in a single post.evalHowever, I have had the pleasure of speaking at conferences, writing articles for magazines, being referenced by other sites when topics I write about are being discussed etc. All of this because of LinkedIn and a clear strategy of what to use it for. So the question is what will you use it for?Are you using LinkedIn to build your career or are you still uncertain on what you need to do? Let’s continue the talk when you leave a comment or if nothing else like or share to spread the word!