QWERTY

Well there has been a lot of typing this week at Your Admin Assistant as we have had a big transcription job to complete for one of our clients.  This led me to thinking about the QWERTY keyboard and how archaic this keyboard really is for the modern age.

The original keyboard and typewriter were invented in the 1860’s by Christopher Scholes in Milwaukee, USA.  The first typewriter was designed in an A-Z key fashion but on the first typewriter the hammers kept jamming when the keys were hit because some keys (vowels for instance) are used more than others.  So Mr. Scholes redesigned the keyboard and this is how QWERTY came about; to ensure that there was an efficient distribution of the mechanical hammers and then the jamming would not occur.  In the 1930’s August Dvorak from Washington University redesigned the keyboard to allow the home keys to be used more for the vowels, for example ‘e is used more than ‘d’.  But this has not really taken off, largely because the QWERTY system has become ingrained in modern culture and is so familiar.

However with the modern use of computers and laptops this is now old fashioned but we have all stuck with the QWERTY keyboard.  However it really is not very ergonomic and efficient and the other thing that is difficult to learn is that you type the keys on a slant.  I wonder sometimes if I should make my fortune by redesigning the keyboard!

The first typewriter and also the Dvorak keyboard images are shown below.

First Typewriter

Dvorak

Yorkshire Business Market

It is now only a week to this exhibition at the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate (Monday 27th April 12-6pm) and with a little help from my handyman Donald (who has been very ingenious) I have now decided on a final display which will hopefully look good on the day.  The event is now full for exhibitors so it looks like being a busy day and there is a good mix of businesses from both the public and private sector.  The link for the exhibition is http://www.yorkshirebusinessmarket.org/

If you are coming along pop by and say hello!

Microsoft Office 2007

I had another client on the telephone to me this week in despair about Microsoft Office 2007.  It is the same complaint as the others I have had from clients – the new user interface or the screen dashboard to you and me!  If you are used to Microsoft Office 2003 it is quite a learning curve with gallery, ribbon bar and contextual tabs.  Where is all the functional streamlined toolbar and menu you are used to?  Why do they have to complicate something you have learnt and then throw something in that on the face of it seems quite complicated. 

Another of my clients said why do it when it is a recognised brand.  Fine to upgrade and add better functions/security but don’t make it difficult for the core audience.   I do think however if you are completely new to computers it is good as it shows helpful options particularly with the gallery and tabs however if you are a regular Office user these can actually be very distracting and unhelpful as you already know the functions.

Well the good news is that help is hand,  Microsoft have brought out an add-in that will show the traditional classic version on Office 2007.  It is not very visible on their site however and naughtily it comes at an additional cost – £18.  However if you are upgrading you might be best buying it as you may find it will save you lots of time and headaches!!

The link for the add-in purchase is here http://www.addintools.com/english/menuoffice/default.htm

Creating The Perfect CV

Recently, possibly reflecting the job market, I have noticed an increase in enquiries concerning CV’s.  As one client said to me “what I need is someone to give it that extra polish”,  a service we are happy to supply. 

With the internet there is a wide resource out there offering templates and advice about CV’s but the only person that can genuinely make sure your CV is right is YOU because it reflects you.  Sometimes however we are shy about stating our skills and attributes but a good CV should be about selling yourself to your new employer.  Think of it like a present with the best wrapping paper, ribbon, bow and tag! 

Some key things:

• Keep it ideally to 2 pages however, if you work in IT or Science for example, you may need to put in more detail about your qualifications or experience.   If you need to show more specific detail you could perhaps use an appendix to attach to the basic CV, it makes it reader friendly
• Have a good opening profile about about you, the role you are seeking and some relevant key skills
• Good spacing, clear headings, good grammar and correct spelling is a must
• Try to think of the employer as you put it together – a cliche but in the words of Sir Alan Sugar – why should I hire you?  What improvements or successes have you had?
• A standard font throughout, I have spoken about font before and Verdana is very good for reading on a computer
• Show your community activities and some personal interests, it helps pitch you as a rounded person.  Several years ago in my CV I mentioned that I acted in Murder Mystery Dinners and it always elicited positive interest at interviews and was a conversation opener
• If you can get your Word CV converted to PDF it will retain the formatting and style when you email it across
• There are some very good books available as a resource or invest in a professional service, it sometimes helps as my client said “to give it that extra polish”

Looking for a new job is not easy, it requires time and persistence.  Try to do something everyday to keep you motivated, put up a planner to chart your activity and if you can pair up with another person as it can help to have another pair of eyes and also you can pool ideas and resources. 

Good luck and remember sell yourself!