#Skill development network

[theambitiouswoman]

100 Words You Can Incorporate Into Your Speech To Sound More Elegant ✨

(Common word - Alternate variation)

Beautiful - Exquisite

Happy - Ecstatic

Smart - Intelligent

Big - Enormous

Small - Petite

Good - Excellent

Bad - Deplorable

Nice - Gracious

Tired - Fatigued

Old - Ancient

Rich - Affluent

Poor - Impoverished

Happy - Joyful

Sad - Melancholic

Hot - Sweltering

Cold - Frigid

Busy - Prolific

Loud - Vociferous

Easy - Effortless

Difficult - Arduous

Fast - Swift

Slow - Languid

Brave - Valiant

Funny - Witty

Rich - Opulent

Poor - Indigent

Old - Vintage

New - Novel

Strong - Robust

Weak - Feeble

Pretty - Alluring

Ugly - Unattractive

Clean - Immaculate

Dirty - Sullied

Happy - Jubilant

Sad - Despondent

Young - Youthful

Old - Antiquated

Big - Colossal

Small - Minuscule

Fast - Rapid

Slow - Sluggish

Brave - Fearless

Funny - Hilarious

Clean - Pristine

Dirty - Filthy

Strong - Stalwart

Weak - Debilitated

Happy - Content

Sad - Poignant

Confusing - Perplexing

Typical - Quintessential

Many - Myriad

Everywhere - Ubiquitous

Contradictory - Paradoxical

Showy - Ostentatious

Insightful - Perspicacious

Arrogant - Supercilious

Obscure - Esoteric

Flatterer - Sycophant

Favorable - Auspicious

Joking - Facetious

Indescribable - Ineffable

Wordy - Verbose

Respected - Venerable

Worsen - Exacerbate

Short lived - Ephemeral

Help - Facilitate

Sneaky - Insidious

Confuse - Obfuscate

Begin - Commence

End - Terminate

Start - Inaugurate

Get - Obtain

Give - Bestow

Make - Fabricate

Break - Shatter

Fix - Rectify

Use - Utilize

Look - Gaze

Find - Discover

Tell - Narrate

Ask - Inquire

Leave - Depart

Buy - Procure

Show - Exhibit

Think - Contemplate

Put - Position

Need - Require

Stop - Halt

Talk - Communicate

Like - Adore

Help - Assist

Call - Summon

See - Perceive

Tell - Enunciate

Go - Traverse

Tell - Express

Have - Possess

Feel - Experience

[thepersonalwords]

Sometimes we meet folks who appear rather plain, yet when they speak from a heart of service, love, compassion, and wisdom, they instantly become respected favorites.

Susan C. Young, The Art of Being: 8 Ways to Optimize Your Presence & Essence for Positive Impact

[gem-femmes]

How to Subtly Push Back in a Negative Job Interview

My inspiration for this career guide is a hostile job interview a few years back. I fumbled it because I was unprepared.

At the time, I was taking a break from the family business (I've since returned full-time), going out in the world and doing my own thing.

I met this business owner at a gala. I had already been aware of the company's reputation as one of the best in their field. We hit it off immediately. It turned out they were looking for a freelancer with my exact skillset for an ongoing project.

I went in for an interview a few days later. I tailored my presentation to their company and needs, as I usually do.

I made an effort to prepare. Overall, I expected smooth sailing as I had already made a good impression at the event. I was armed with tons of relevant experience, skills, and portfolio.

Long story short, the owner was absent that day. I was interviewed by other senior staff who, much to my surprise, went for the jugular: a stress interview.

The problem was that we were discussing a freelance project, not a permanent position with the company.

In that context, the stress interview technique was misguided at best. It showed me that they didn't understand the freelance relationship and had unrealistic expectations. Working with this client would likely be a nightmare.

Freelancers have other options, and we are looking for clear, professional, and mutually respectful interactions.

That was definitely not the case.

I was just trying to get a feel for the project, but the interviewers seemed determined to neg me.

I was angry at myself for fumbling that interview.

Not because they didn't choose me for the project. The interview was a huge red flag 🚩, so I was no longer interested in working with them anyway.

No, I disappointed myself by being powerless, not knowing how to push back in a professional way.

I was clueless as to how to defend myself without burning bridges. The latter is relevant because I might eventually have to deal with that company again in our family business.

I vowed to myself that the next time this happens (because it will), I will be prepared. So I brainstormed some sentences to flip the script when it's all stick and no carrot.

💬 1. Ask Direct Questions

"I’m sensing there are some concerns here. Could you share what specific qualities or experiences you’re looking for that you feel I might not meet?"

Translation: Let’s see if you can back up your negativity with something concrete.

💬 2. Highlight Their Approach

"I’ve noticed this interview has focused a lot on challenges and potential negatives. Is there a particular reason for that?"

Translation: Why so serious? Let’s balance this conversation out a bit.

💬 3. Turn the Question Around

If they hit you with something overly harsh, try, "That’s an interesting perspective. How does your team typically handle situations like this?"

Translation: Let’s talk about how you guys deal with these issues. I’m curious.

💬 4. Reframe the Situation

"It sounds like this project has a lot of potential challenges. What support does the team offer to ensure success?"

Translation: If you’re so worried, how about telling me how you plan to help?

💬 5. Emphasize Your Professional Standards

"I always strive to maintain a high standard of communication and professionalism in my work. What’s the typical communication style within your team?"

Translation: Let’s make sure we’re on the same page when it comes to professionalism.

💬 6. Use Silence Strategically

After a particularly harsh question, pause before responding. Let the silence do the talking.

Translation: Silence can be louder than words—let them sit with their negativity for a moment.

💬 7. Seek Clarification on Their Concerns

"It seems like there are some strong concerns about this role. Could you clarify what the biggest risks you see in bringing someone on for this project are?"

Translation: Spell out your concerns. Let’s see if they’re really justified.

💬 8. Politely Challenge Assumptions

"I’m curious about the assumptions behind that question. Could you elaborate on what led you to ask that?"

Translation: What’s the real reason you’re grilling me here?

💬 9. Redirect to Your Strengths

"I appreciate the focus on potential challenges. However, I’d love to highlight how my previous experience with [specific example] directly aligns with this role."

Translation: Let’s get back to what I bring to the table.

💬 10. Exit Gracefully

"It seems like there may be a disconnect in expectations. I believe it’s important for both parties to feel positive about a collaboration. Perhaps it’s best if we reconsider if this is the right fit."

Translation: I have options. If you don’t see my value, I’m out.

Use these techniques wisely, and you’ll not only navigate tough interviews with grace, but you might even leave the interviewer rethinking their approach.

After all, your career is all about knowing your worth and choosing who you want to work with. ✨

[agileseen24]

"From Passion to Profession: Steps to Enter the Tech Industry"

How to Break into the Tech World: Your Comprehensive Guide

In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, the tech industry is thriving and full of opportunities. Whether you’re a student, a career changer, or someone passionate about technology, you may be wondering, “How do I get into the tech world?” This guide will provide you with actionable steps, resources, and insights to help you successfully navigate your journey.

Understanding the Tech Landscape

Before you start, it's essential to understand the various sectors within the tech industry. Key areas include:

Software Development: Designing and building applications and systems.

Data Science: Analyzing data to support decision-making.

Cybersecurity: Safeguarding systems and networks from digital threats.

Product Management: Overseeing the development and delivery of tech products.

User Experience (UX) Design: Focusing on the usability and overall experience of tech products.

Identifying your interests will help you choose the right path.

Step 1: Assess Your Interests and Skills

Begin your journey by evaluating your interests and existing skills. Consider the following questions:

What areas of technology excite me the most?

Do I prefer coding, data analysis, design, or project management?

What transferable skills do I already possess?

This self-assessment will help clarify your direction in the tech field.

Step 2: Gain Relevant Education and Skills

Formal Education

While a degree isn’t always necessary, it can be beneficial, especially for roles in software engineering or data science. Options include:

Computer Science Degree: Provides a strong foundation in programming and system design.

Coding Bootcamps: Intensive programs that teach practical skills quickly.

Online Courses: Platforms like Coursera, edX, and Udacity offer courses in various tech fields.

Self-Learning and Online Resources

The tech industry evolves rapidly, making self-learning crucial. Explore resources like:

FreeCodeCamp: Offers free coding tutorials and projects.

Kaggle: A platform for data science practice and competitions.

YouTube: Channels dedicated to tutorials on coding, design, and more.

Certifications

Certifications can enhance your credentials. Consider options like:

AWS Certified Solutions Architect: Valuable for cloud computing roles.

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): Great for cybersecurity.

Google Analytics Certification: Useful for data-driven positions.

Step 3: Build a Portfolio

A strong portfolio showcases your skills and projects. Here’s how to create one:

For Developers

GitHub: Share your code and contributions to open-source projects.

Personal Website: Create a site to display your projects, skills, and resume.

For Designers

Design Portfolio: Use platforms like Behance or Dribbble to showcase your work.

Case Studies: Document your design process and outcomes.

For Data Professionals

Data Projects: Analyze public datasets and share your findings.

Blogging: Write about your data analysis and insights on a personal blog.

Step 4: Network in the Tech Community

Networking is vital for success in tech. Here are some strategies:

Attend Meetups and Conferences

Search for local tech meetups or conferences. Websites like Meetup.com and Eventbrite can help you find relevant events, providing opportunities to meet professionals and learn from experts.

Join Online Communities

Engage in online forums and communities. Use platforms like:

LinkedIn: Connect with industry professionals and share insights.

Twitter: Follow tech influencers and participate in discussions.

Reddit: Subreddits like r/learnprogramming and r/datascience offer valuable advice and support.

Seek Mentorship

Finding a mentor can greatly benefit your journey. Reach out to experienced professionals in your field and ask for guidance.

Step 5: Gain Practical Experience

Hands-on experience is often more valuable than formal education. Here’s how to gain it:

Internships

Apply for internships, even if they are unpaid. They offer exposure to real-world projects and networking opportunities.

Freelancing

Consider freelancing to build your portfolio and gain experience. Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr can connect you with clients.

Contribute to Open Source

Engaging in open-source projects can enhance your skills and visibility. Many projects on GitHub are looking for contributors.

Step 6: Prepare for Job Applications

Crafting Your Resume

Tailor your resume to highlight relevant skills and experiences. Align it with the job description for each application.

Writing a Cover Letter

A compelling cover letter can set you apart. Highlight your passion for technology and what you can contribute.

Practice Interviewing

Prepare for technical interviews by practicing coding challenges on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank. For non-technical roles, rehearse common behavioral questions.

Step 7: Stay Updated and Keep Learning

The tech world is ever-evolving, making it crucial to stay current. Subscribe to industry newsletters, follow tech blogs, and continue learning through online courses.

Follow Industry Trends

Stay informed about emerging technologies and trends in your field. Resources like TechCrunch, Wired, and industry-specific blogs can provide valuable insights.

Continuous Learning

Dedicate time each week for learning. Whether through new courses, reading, or personal projects, ongoing education is essential for long-term success.

Conclusion

Breaking into the tech world may seem daunting, but with the right approach and commitment, it’s entirely possible. By assessing your interests, acquiring relevant skills, building a portfolio, networking, gaining practical experience, preparing for job applications, and committing to lifelong learning, you’ll be well on your way to a rewarding career in technology.

Embrace the journey, stay curious, and connect with the tech community. The tech world is vast and filled with possibilities, and your adventure is just beginning. Take that first step today and unlock the doors to your future in technology!

contact Infoemation wensite: https://agileseen.com/how-to-get-to-tech-world/ Phone: 01722-326809 Email: info@agileseen.com

[genuflectx]

Maaan I love the optimistic advice "keep practicing and you'll get better at art" as much as the next artist, but it always rubs me the wrong way when that evolves into "just keep practicing and you WILL 100% succeed and CAN get into the industry."

It changes from good general advice to implying you're just doing something wrong if still haven't "made it" yet. Not in the industry? Well, you just haven't worked hard enough, obviously, as if there aren't plenty of other factors that play into "succeeding” in a highly competitive industry like art.

Don’t let advice that’s supposed to be encouraging turn into something discouraging 😭

[femmefatalevibe]

Hi femme! I was wondering if you could do something about not talking shit and staying out of drama? Tysmmm I love what you do and you're so amazing <33

Hi love! Thank you so much! This comment made me smile from ear to ear <333

I would say there are a few easy motivators to opt out of gossiping/stay out of drama:

Staying silent in the realm of gossip/drama/people talking shit saves your reputation by default. Opting out of drama is one of the best PR campaigns you can implement for yourself. This strength allows you to pursue/strengthen opportunities, connections, and relationships with those who succumb to this low-brow energy and no longer have access due to their desire for instant gratification

Remember that any energy and time spent investing in drama/gossip correlates to less energy/time you can spend working on yourself, your goals, and the things you enjoy. With this in mind, involving yourself in gossip sounds like a lose-lose situation to me

Staying out of negativity will almost certainly lead you to be a more positive person by default. Like attracts like at the end of the day. Don't let other people's drama, hangups, or issues get you down. You deserve better than that

Hope this helps xx

[asaraviapt]

[EN] How to Follow Folks On LinkedIn Who Don’t Repeat “Rejection is Redirection.”

Lord give me patience–if I hear one more person telling me that “rejection is redirection” I’m blocking them before Twitter takes away the feature. 

… Okay, that may be extreme–but I want to start off this post by asking folks to refrain from that advice. I don’t have to remind other game developers how messed up the job market is, but I can say this much: I know a thing or two about job hunting. 

It takes time. Patience–a lot of it. Some studios ghost their applicants, others spend four months debating on who to grant that first interview–without guaranteeing a second or third round. Having been both a recruiter (and currently searching for a writing role) I picked up a few bits of trivia that I wish to share with others. 

First: Remote Networking Events:

Discord is going to be your best friend, along with other tools. It’s accessible, and offers a more casual environment than LinkedIn. Before naming a few networking events, here’s a few things to bear in mind:

Always have either a Sticky Note or WordPad that includes your preferred name, pronouns, a brief two to three sentence introduction on who you are and what sets you apart, along with your social media links and portfolio for potential recruiters to reach out to you. 

Take a deep breath. I know it can be daunting to put yourself out there, but in a job market full of so much competition, it’s the best way to gain an upper hand. 

Set up reminders and be efficient. 

Remember that everyone is human. This may sound like a weird one, but you’d be surprised at how often folks place game developers on a pedestal either because of the studio they work in, the awards they have won, etcetera etcetera. The best conversations and connections emerge from just relaxing and having a fun time with folks! 

Eventbrite.com Go on www.eventbrite.com and include the “remote” filters and free admission. Add key words such as “game developer meeting” or “game developer networking” for example. If you wish to get more specific, add the title you wish to have and see if you can meet folks who specialize in your field who can offer advice on how to break into the field. 

PowerToFly. Here, you can upload your resume and state where in the tech industry you would want to specialize in.

THIS WEEK they will have an event featuring to assist folx with visible and invisible disabilities from August 23, 2023 until August 24, 2023. You can sign up here: https://powertofly.com/events/virtual-job-fair/?utm_campaign=Sunday%20B2C%20Newsletter&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=270953365&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_HrFZZIbObYArT2rnkBkTW0QMv-gHNY9LDc0LIp0pfCuFHnk01A0sqaz1W7KeYORbvHtSVX7R0gO4XKS_MfGeRqYdpog&utm_content=270926294&utm_source=hs_email

Similarly, there are events hosted by PowerToFly for members of the LGTBQIA+ community, the BIPOC community--all of which are free, the calendar with the dates is on their website.

LinkedIn Audio Events. These are great events to not only meet recruiters and employers from various studios, but also greet other fellow job hunters. The best part about this industry is the camaraderie and support–find someone who could give you a job, or find someone who could give you tips on improving your resume. 

List of LinkedIn Creators with Events: 

Aida Figuerola (https://www.linkedin.com/in/afiguerola/) 

Upcoming Event on August 22, 2023: https://www.linkedin.com/events/gamingbackstage-de-iwithjasmina7097554161021415424/

Justin Williams 

Previous Event: (Remember you can rewatch it, and take note of the advice provided by recruiters in AAA studios!) https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinalanwilliams/recent-activity/all/ 

Amir Satvat (https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirsatvat/)   

Amir has the Amir Awards, and often features creators helping the video game industry–additionally, he has an organized spreadsheet with video game job openings AND mentorship opportunities. 

Here is a link to the job directory from August 13, 2023. You’ll notice how often he updates it. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/amirsatvat_friends-i-am-pleased-to-present-the-august-activity-7096622772239388672-dCRh?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

If you are job hunting, you can submit your most recent/updated resume–there are recruiters and employers that observe Amir’s database to find candidates. .

Last but not least, there is a network of mentors willing to help with specialized fields, giving industry advice, resume writing assistance and more–all of the details are on Amir’s page and posts. 

Arin Goldsmith (https://www.linkedin.com/in/arin-goldsmith/)

Previous Event: (https://www.linkedin.com/events/7090354190849323009/comments)/

A unique component in the gaming industry is how professionals are encouraged to have their own brands–and Arin provides excellent advice. When searching for a job, it helps having a platform so that whenever someone is looking for a game developer, they know they have to reach you because only you can do a certain thing–and that’s what should be on your portfolio, brand, etc. 

Though not a recruiter, Arin also provides excellent advice to folks who have 0 experience in the gaming industry but wish to use their transferable skills in the development of video games. 

List of Creators on Twitter With Great Advice: 

A brief sidenote: hashtags will be your friend when looking for jobs. Every social media platform has an algorithm that detects what content you interact with the most, so if you constantly like posts from recruiters, or posts that have keywords like your dream job title, department, field of study–those posts will be pushed to your feed more often than others. 

Some platforms allow you to follow hashtags and set up alarms–so, follow the hashtags involving your field of study and see a few freelancing opportunities come up!

Okay, now about creators:

Javiera Cordero: An amazing producer, Javiera created a Notion template that has saved my life–and job opportunities. 

The link is: https://javieracordero.notion.site/Job-Application-Manager-fce5406854f0475aa21d5fcd9fa5e668

It has several categories including “preparing”, “applied”, and “interviewing.”

Additionally, there are:

Cover Letter samples.

Dozens of job sites.

Websites for marginalized communities.

Possible Interview Questions

And more! (gracias Javiera <3)

Should I post “that”?

“My journey with X has ended.” “Unfortunately, I have been affected by layoffs.” “I’ve been trying to keep it together for the past few months, but I need help…”

Posts of this nature have increased exponentially. I’ve had to write some–and I encourage everyone to do the same, and I know it is not easy.

It’s not easy to be vulnerable, especially in front of many professionals.

But some of them may be your future coworkers–if you need help, tell your network. Not to mention, that if you have not come across a job for a while this lets recruiters know why there is a gap on your resume. It was not due to a gap year, it was due to a recession and a million other things. 

How do I reach out?

Reach out to folks who are in a role similar to what you are striving towards. As a narrative designer, I often try to connect with other narrative designers–mainly because they have the best dad jokes and D&D campaigns, but I digress. 

Apply to as many studios as you can, then head to LinkedIn. Look up the studio, and see if there are any of the following:

Alumni from your alma mater. 

Folks in your specialized field.* 

Mutual Connections. 

First, reach out to mutual connections. See if they are willing to introduce you to someone in the studio you just applied. Or, try and meet up with someone who you went to school with–share stories and inside jokes from the institution, and if the subject of employment comes up, use that as a segue to explain your situation. 

Do not cold call people with messages like, “Do you have a job for me?” It’s not a good look–and, again, people are human. They will know when they are being contacted because of their job title–so avoid that. 

*Yes, there is a lot of support in the gaming community. But it does not always happen–sometimes, if someone has little to no social media presence, no profile picture it may be for a reason. Understand that there are times where game developers are, unfortunately, treated poorly by gamers and decide to limit what messages they can accept. It’s all about getting a hint, basically–but digitally.

Anyways, be nice! Don’t weird any game developers out and get that job. 

[shiraru]

I’ve been hitting my ocs with the Disney channelfication ray on Twitter lately

[phoenixsavant]

TopSkills Thursday: Part 4

This week, in the executive dysfunction series, we’ll look more closely at an important area, managing finances. As always, these are ideas, and they may not work for you. Hopefully, they’ll spark some thoughts of your own. Whichever is the case, I hope you’ll at least be inspired to continue your search for solutions. Financial management is a hard topic to write about. Lest anyone think I…

[theambitiouswoman]

How To Improve Your Social Skills 💬🥂📱✨

Pay close attention when others are speaking. Show that you're engaged in what they are saying, maintain eye contact, and providing verbal cues like "I see" or "interesting." Ask questions.

Good eye contact shows interest in the conversation. But avoid staring excessively in a frozen state, as it can make others uncomfortable.

A warm smile and open body language can make others feel more comfortable around you.

Work on your conversational skills, including starting and ending conversations, asking open ended questions, and finding common topics of interest.

Try to understand and empathize with the feelings and perspectives of others. This helps create trust.

Small talk is essential for building rapport. Practice starting conversations with light, non controversial topics and gradually steer them toward more meaningful subjects.

Confidence is key to effective social interaction. Work on building your self esteem and self confidence through self affirmations and positive self talk.

If you experience social anxiety, try deep breathing exercises or, visualization. Try to focus your attention on something. I used to have a lot of social anxiety so I would hold a drink in my hand to keep me centered and focused.

Familiarize yourself with cultural and social norms to ensure you're behaving appropriately in different situations so you don't look out of place or rude.

Social skills are like any other skills; they improve with practice. Start with friends or in less intimidating social settings to build your confidence.

Pay attention to nonverbal cues such as body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice. These signals often convey more than words.

Avoid dominating conversations. Give others the chance to speak and actively listen when it's their turn.

Show respect for others by using polite language, saying "please" and "thank you," and being considerate of their feelings and opinions.

Having a broad range of interests and knowledge can give you more to talk about and connect with others over. Learn, learn, learn.

Ask friends for feedback on your social skills. They can help pin point areas you can improve upon.

Join clubs, groups, or activities that relate to your interests. This helps you meet new people and practice social skills in a comfortable setting.

Observe individuals with strong social skills and learn from their interactions. Note how they engage with others and start to incorporate some of their techniques.

[vanilla-voyeur]

Piggybacking off the 10% of jobs that care what school you went to. Those jobs only care if you went to an elite university. They see some no name state school as equal prestige as your community college. The people considering community college aren't also looking at Harvard.

Community college is not lesser, you can still get a good job, and you can transfer to a 4-year school with significantly less debt than the people who started as a freshman. Heck I know someone who started at community college and got their PhD at Stanford so community college doesn't necessarily lock out the fancy schools.

every year we have to say it

[protocolbangalore]

Enhance your career with effective communication. Learn tips on feedback, email etiquette, teamwork, and building trust. Click here

[financia012]

Where Will I Be in 2027? My Vision as a Blogger and Web Developer

Thinking about where I’ll be in 2027 fills me with excitement and motivation! ✨ As a blogger and web developer, I have big dreams for the next few years—from expanding my blogging platform 📝 and mastering new tech skills 💻 to connecting with other creators 🤝 and building a strong portfolio 🌐. In this post, I’m sharing my vision for the journey ahead, including plans for personal growth, career development, and creative projects. I hope it inspires you to think about your own future goals, no matter what field you’re in! 🚀

What will your life be like in three years? Introduction: Dreaming Big as a Digital Creator As I look ahead to 2027, I’m excited by the possibilities that lie before me as both a blogger and a web developer. The digital world is constantly evolving, and being a part of it as a creator means I have endless opportunities to learn, grow, and make an impact. By defining my goals today, I’m creating…

[destkelamedia]

Adapting to Change: Future-Proofing Your Career in a Rapidly Evolving Job Market