Always Late Dont Let It Hurt Your Job Search

Always Late Dont Let It Hurt Your Job SearchAlways Late Dont Let It Hurt Your Job Search6It turns out that your chronic lateness may not be your fault. In a recent story called This Is Why Youre Late All the Time (And What to Do About It), it was revealed that lateness might not be a sign of some innate sense of superiority. It might just be that you were born that way.Author Diana DeLonzor has conducted studies about people who perpetually run late, and herbei findings are surprising. Whereas most people assume that late people dont care about their lateness, most late people actually seriously dislike being late, but cannot seem to do anything to change it because its an in-born trait.And if you thought lateness rears its head in adulthood, think again. DeLonzor discovered that lateness starts in early childhood. Certain traits- such as low self-control, anxiety issues, and even thrill-seeking- are all linked towards the tendency to run late. While some people like the idea of havi ng a ton to do and having to finish it all ASAP, there are others who consistently over-schedule themselves to the point of running late.No matter if you have a hard time guesstimating how long it will take to complete a task or if you blame your lateness on everyone but yourself, there are ways to tame your tardiness. Heres howBe realistic.You think you can answer 27 emails, organize your master closet, and get in a 60-minute workout- all before breakfast. Instead, decide how long it will take to do something- and then double the time. Its also a good idea to remove any extra items from your to-do list. That way, you will feel a sense of accomplishment without feeling overwhelmed.Make a list.Being late is stressful. So change your attitude about lateness- permanently. Write down all the good things that come with being on time, such as arriving to your job einstellungsgesprch ahead of time, relaxed and ready to win over that prospective boss. Being mindful of the positives can help motivate you to be on time.Turn back time. If you still find yourself running late all the time, you need to readjust your schedule- and the way you view time. For example, if you have a job interview at 230 p.m., tell yourself that its for 200 p.m. (Or earlier, depending on how late you typically run) By tricking your brain into thinking that your appointments are earlier than they actually are, youll ensure that youre going to arrive on time- all the time.Lateness may be a pre-determined trait, but it doesnt mean that youre destined to always be late. By making modifications to your schedule and your mindset, youll ensure that your life- and your job search- always run smoothly. And on time.Readers, do you feel like youre always late? Has it affected your job search at all? Let us know about your experiences (and what youve done, if anything, to conquer your lateness) in the comments section below

Tips to Stop Procrastination

Tips to Stop ProcrastinationTips to Stop ProcrastinationProcrastination is when you find reasons to put off things for another time. It is an inefficient way to handle your life because you are essentially borrowing against time in the future when tasks will eventually have to be handled. In addition, putting something off until a later date can have negative consequences. For example, waiting until the last minute to pay off a debt that doesnt arrive at the debtor on time, can result in a late fee. Or, not having your car tuned up in time and then breaking down in the middle of nowhere. When You Are Not Procrastinating At one time or another, tasks may be put off until a later date for a variety of reasons that have nothing to do with procrastination. To manage our lives, its important to prioritize items of importance, meaning that some items will need to be handled at a later date. Also, sometimes its necessary to put things off because something mora important needs attention in the present, or because waiting could actually lead to a better outcome. However, if you are a habitual procrastinator, especially about specific tasks, you need to consider the cause. When You Are Procrastinating If you routinely put things off until later, you will probably discover that its for an emotional reason rather than just plain laziness. Avoidance If you dislike talking to a particular client because a five-minute phone call becomes a 30-minute call, you may choose to delay returning it. Instead, call after hours and leave a message or email your response. This may not resolve the issue- at some point, you will still have to talk to the client- but it does buy you more time, as the client will need to return your call if they need more information. Resentment Many people put things off because they resent having to do them, especially if they should be someone elses responsibility. Delaying a task wont get it finished and will only add to your frustration. You ha ve two choices You can opt to do it yourself to get it finished or you can pass it on to someone else. In the work world, you may be asked to perform tasks that seem unfair or outside of your job description. Let go of any resentment and do whatever is asked in a timely manner. Delaying tasks until a later date will only hurt your career. Job Dissatisfaction If you are unhappy in your current position and are seeking another job, continue to do what is required in an efficient, timely manner. If you put things off because you are unhappy, you can end up on probation, getting demoted, or even let go. How to Avoid Procrastination These guidelines can help you handle tasks efficientlyPlan your day along with the tasks that need to be completed.Set small goals and check off those that youve accomplished.Avoid finding reasons to delay tasks.Understand that you will feel less burdened once they are completed.Prioritize tasks according to their size and importance, so they are more managea ble.Let your supervisor know if you are overburdened with tasks.Ask for assistance from co-workers, friends, and family. The Bottom Line If you procrastinate often, you are not managing your time wisely, as you are adding to your workload burden with each task you put off and are making it more difficult to complete these tasks in the future. Create positive habits by prioritizing tasks and completing them before they pile up and become unmanageable.

Is Texting an Acceptable Job Search Tool

Is Texting an Acceptable Job Search ToolIs Texting an Acceptable Job Search ToolYou might use your phones web browser to scroll through job listings. You may have even used apps to apply for a position or two. You check your email inbox on your phone to see if youve heard from any employers, and maybe even call them to schedule interviews. In short, you use lots of features and tools on your phone in your job search- except for maybe one texting.Texting during your job search is still a grey area. Is text an acceptable job search tool? elend really, says Jackie Ducci, CEO and founder of Ducci Associates, a talent acquisition agency in Washington, DC. It is rarely, if ever, a good idea for a candidate to text a potential employer during the job search process, says Ducci.Here are some reasons why you should skip sending that text- unless youre explicitly asked to do so- and what you should do insteadTexting is too informal.You text your best friend. You text your partner to bring hom e bread. You text your kid to find out what time he needs to be picked up from soccer practice. For the most part, texting is used as a quick- and very informal- way to communicate. If you opt to text an employer, it could give the impression that the candidate is too flippant, which is not an attractive trait says Ducci.Its a missed opportunity.Even if you feel a bit shy to actually get on the phone and talk with an employer, you should. Sending a text can be a missed opportunity for a job candidate to communicate with an employer. Says Ducci Getting on the phone can continue to foster a deeper, more human relationship with the potential employer. A text only conveys a brief bit of information, but speaking on the phone gives you the chance to let an employer hear your voice- and more importantly, what you need to say.You dont know how the person feels about texting.While most people might swear by texting, others might take offense to receive a text message on their phone. Even if there is nothing technically wrong with sending a text, why take such an informal route when there is no upside in doing so? says Ducci. After all, you never know how your text will be perceived by a potential employer, so its best to err on the side of caution and skip the text.You can text an employer ifThe only real reason to text someone during your job search is if the person has already texted you first. For example, if the employer texts you first for the purpose of conveying or seeking specific information (e.g., to confirm an interview time or confirm an interview location), then its perfectly fine to text back. But anything more than that should warrant a more professional, human communication.

The best money management tips to help create financial peace

The best money management tips to help create financial peaceThe best money management tips to help create financial peaceNot everyone needs to be a financial wizard, but everyone should be armed with the best - and simplest - money management tips.And these straightforward items do bedrngnis require you to be a genius or some math connoisseur either.Instead, these tips about money are things anyone can apply and become quite comprehensive with.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreansicht tips are also what got me on track to eliminating $50,000 in debt and achieve a65% savings ratewithout becoming extremely frugal or having a six-figure salary.This doesnt mean you wont get confused at times or be unsure about something, but thats part of the learning process of financial literacyHowever, the goal of these tips below is to help you feel less stressed and more at peace with your fin ances.Lets dive inBudget, But Dont Get Lost In the Spreadsheets and NumbersIm the guy who really dislikes budgeting and staring at numbers daily to see what was spent. But, I still think its important to know how to budget and create one if you are truly just getting departureed.The trick is to not get caught up in fancy spreadsheets and obsessing over the numbers daily.It can be a distraction from the real financial work and can cause you to get frustrated.Create a simple budget (monthly expenses, monthly income), stick to it, put it away, review monthly or yearly, adjust, and repeat.No need to complicate it or be obsessing over every cent.Master Your Credit Score For Future EndeavorsWhether you know it or not, yourcredit scoresplay a huge role in your current and future finances.This is especially true when you try to get a mortgage with low interest, applying for an apartment, getting approved for credit cards, etc.Having a poor score can make your life more challenging (like get ting approved for loans), so its good to start monitoring your scores for free while correcting and improving your scores.If you are looking to monitor your scores and get free recommendations, Id recommend trying Credit Sesame. It wont harm your scores to check, and you can learn how to get the highest score possible.Make Your Savings and Life Happens Funds Work For YouWe all know the importance of saving money and having a life happens fund (you may call them emergency funds, but not everything is an emergency).And although saving money is great, you also want to put that money to work for you a bit.This doesnt mean investing in stocks or datenbankindex funds (you could later once you have a good buffer saved), but you should still collect some interest on that money.That way, youre building some extra cash while it is sitting in savings.Most banks have a pretty dismal interest rate these days, but there are many banks improving that.Some are high-yield online savings accounts, wh ich can average higher than 2%.Doesnt sound like much, but most banks have fractional percent interest rates or maybe around 1%.Plan for Retirement ASAP (Even If You Cant Contribute Much)Ill worry about it later is a classic excuse, especially for younger people just starting their professional careers.But this mentality is what creates future headaches when you do get closer to retirement or when planning for it.Your company 401k (or if you use an individual IRA), should be started as soon as possible.Even if you cant afford to put much in or you dont really understand how it works, just get started.You can always adjust, learn, and contribute more as time goes on.Compound interestgoes to work for you the longer your money is invested and the more you put in.By worrying about it later, you may have to contribute 2x, 3x, or maybe even more to catch up to where you should be had you started early.Too many times older people have said, I wish I started sooner.Use A Debt Payoff Strateg y And Stick To ItThedebt crisis in Americanonly continues, whether from student loans or high-interest credit card debt, most people will have some in their lifetime.The best thing you can do is start to pay your debt down with a payoff strategy you choose.By this, there are different payoff methods like debt snowball, debt avalanche, balance transfers, etc.The goal is to find the one that best fits your situation and appeals to you the most, then stick to a consistent payoff.If you are looking for more information about debt payoff strategies,this articleis pretty good.It may focus more towards credit card debt, but some of these can apply to student loan debt as well.Prioritize Your Spending, But Dont Cut Out All Lifes EnjoymentsYou know the advice many financial gurus tout, Cut out your daily latte and youll be rich in 5 yearsFalse.Yes, it can save you some money every year if you do cut that out, but if its something you enjoy, then dont feel ashamed for your small purchases.Im all for prioritizing your spending, but small purchases are not going to be financially life altering.Instead, you want to focus on cutting housing costs, food costs, and other large purchases.Those areas will keep larger sums of money in your pockets in the long run.Downsize your apartment or house if need.Start couponing, buying in bulk, or looking for ways to save money on food (like cooking and less going out to eat).If you see something you want that is a big purchase, really think if it is necessary (like buying a new TV, getting a new car, etc).Ask For The Raise That You Probably DeserveIf you are working hard and are doing awesome work for your company, you deserve a raise.And sure, you probably get that small annual raise.But what good does that really do on your finances?Most likely, it keeps up with rising costs of bills and inflation.However, if you wouldask for a raise(like 5-10% more), this could elevate your financial life a bit further.Maybe that helps you pay down d ebt faster, increases your savings, or helps you contribute more to your retirement investments.And a lot of times, your manager is willing to give you a higher raise if you simply ask and present your reasons as to why you deserve it.Start-Automating Your Savings If NeedGoing to start this one off with some honesty.I do not currently automate my savings.Oh, yes you are probably thinking, HypocriteBefore you leave an angry comment to call me out, I use to automate my savings but I no longer do this.Over the years, Ive developed good financial habits and discipline that I do not schedule automatic savings.Instead I manually do this, but I never miss my bi-weekly contributions.I like having more control and some weeks Im switching up what goes where.But, if you are just getting started or know you have challenges remembering to save first, then automate.Your savings and retirement contributions will be systematic and you dont have to login or remember too.Net Worth Management is Not J ust For The WealthyMost people do not want to look at their net worth, either because they are scared of the results or think it only matters for wealthy people.But, monitoringyour net worthis actually a great influencer for your money management, no matter what level of wealth you have.Your net worth is important becauseIt can help you identify where you spend too muchHelps you review your assets (investments) and liabilities (debt)Shows your goals, if you are on track, and encourages saving moreManage your net worth for free and keep track of your spending by utilizingPersonal Capital. It organizes the big picture of your finances in one place.Dont Let Credit Cards Control Your SpendingWhen it comes to debt and high interest, credit cards can get a schwimmbad rep.But, they also are great for when you need to make a purchase, establishing credit, getting cash back, and other rewards.The real challenge is,you should be in control of your credit card(s), not letting them control you. Credit cards can quickly become your worst enemy because you can turn to credit when you dont have the cash.Its okay from time to time, as long as you can pay off the balance.A common scenario when you run out of cash, you turn to your credit cards without considering whether you can afford to pay the balance.This is how your high interest debt can snowball.Train yourself to not use credit cards on purchases you do not have the money for, especially when they are only for items that provide temporary instant gratification.Final ThoughtsLike most things in life that you want to get good at, you have to practice and work towards your goals consistently.Managing your money and finances is exactly the same thing, you get better and learn more as you build good habits.Many of the above money management tips will feel weird or will force you to think differently at first.That may lead to some frustrations in the beginning, but your future will be better off.Just picture how it will feel g etting the above organized and it becoming second nature to you.Now, instead of stressing and getting anxious about finances, youll feel more at financial peace.This article first appeared on Invested Wallet.

Want to Know More About Cashier Description for Resume?

Want to Know More About Cashier Description for Resume? Cashier skills are essential, for instance, accurate counting of money, making change and the capacity to balance the money drawer at the finish of the day. Cashiers learn everything at work, including how to operate a cash register and speak about the corporations products. A conscientious and well-trained cashier should take care of plenty of chips and cash in a shift without making errors. The Truth About Cashier Description for Resume When working with the customer the Cashier is forecast to issue a receipt for those products they sold them, together with issuing refunds for returns and giving credits when its due to be able to help your customer with the correct transaction. She is one of the more important links between the client and the business. She must place the items on a scale to get an accurate weight and must enter the code corresponding to the product so that the register knows the proper amount to charg e. Supermarket cashiers scan or enter the cost of all items at the register as a way to ascertain the sum of money the customer owes. Probably in the area of 12,000-18,000, but, because fruchtwein commis chefs remain in the role for a few years, theres a discrepancy in salaries since they become more experienced. Cashiers ought to be excellent communicators. They are trained on the job. What you ought to do is to show employers the reason that you are a very good match for the job position youre applying. Make sure you have tailored your work experience section so as to fit the job which youre applying for. The application is the fashion you make it in, though. If you prefer to make it seem more appealing, youve got to highlight your strongest skills and accomplishments that may help set yourself apart from different individuals that are applying for precisely the same type of positions. Under the job section, you truly feel free to list jobs, volunteer work and others. If in any instance you havent held a present job, you dont need to mention that, just incorporate any volunteer work youve done before. The job of cashier consists of many things and its job of accuracy. A cashier clerks responsibilities will change depending on the kind of business they are working for, but there are a couple core responsibilities that are quite typical of the job. Youve got to mention your work objective. The ability to do physical labor for lengthy intervals is a must-have for the position. The work description of a head cashier demands excellent interpersonal abilities, attention to detail, and a dedication to customer satisfaction. The Bizarre Secret of Cashier Description for Resume The shop cashier job description is strictly a work responsibility list for those cashiers working in a shop. Many use the function of cashier to begin their career in a particular sub-industry of retail. The head Cashier might realize that they are responsible to continue to keep records for the entire shift. The cashier job should be described in a couple of circumstances. If thats the case, your closest Walmart might be searching for you. Furthermore, there are some of different ideas for you to produce the very best cashier resume. Poker rooms frequently have bonus and tournament payoffs that the cashiers will be at fault for handling. Many casinos will merely accept personal checks with an established account which has been verified. Ensure youre dressed nice. Cashier typically dont need much difficult abilities and its sometimes hard to stick out from applicants. Cashiers should know about basic mathematics since theyll be handling money. They are an essential team member in any retail environment. Therefore, youve got to list all the responsibilities in the work description, so you may relay the precise job type to the candidate when recruiting. You can also use the exact same to tell a new recruit about the work profile. Caregiver resume contains all the very important info, recruiters might want to understand. Candidates and probable employees check the work description initially and then take a look at your organization profile. There are bedrngnis any formal education requirements to be a cashier. Most cashiers frequently have to devote additional hours at their workplace for many explanations. Because it is a store near campus, they expect to employ a great deal of students. Finding a job as a supermarket cashier does not need schooling or any certification.

Smiling Your Way to the Top

Smiling Your Way to the Top I wont tell you that a simple smile will nab you a Bentley and ensure that you have good looking kids, but there are some actual, proven benefits to rocking a smile wherever you go. There is real science behind this age-old trick of the trade, called facial coding. Negative facial expressions, like frowning, and positive facial expressions, like smiling, have been found to alter moods. The Duchenne SmileThe Duchenne smile is what you could call a real smile. When we are flashing a genuine smile, our facial muscles are involved all the way up to our eyes. This smile lasts longer, and actually produces a change in brain activity, resulting in a better mood. You might have recognized the name Duchenne as it relates to his work in the discovery of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Yeah, real science here people.Smiling and StressThese changes in mood exhibited by people who freq uently smile also affect health. According to Rodger Dooley, marketing pro and Forbes contributor, Smilers exhibitedlower heart rate levels after completing a stressful taskcompared to subjects who assumed a neutral expression.Duchenne smilers actually have lower stress numbers than the social smilers. According to Rebecca Maxon of Fairleigh Dickinson UniversityWorkplace stress costs U.S. employers an estimated $200 billion per year in absenteeism, lower productivity, staff turnover, workers compensation, medical insurance and other stress-related expenses. Considering this, stress management may be business most important challenge of the 21st Century.The ending may be a little dramatic, but it does stand to reason that smiling can potentially do wonders for your professional career. Work is full of stressors, and smiling is a proven stress reducer. In fact, Sarah Pressman of the University of Kansas saidThe next time you are stuck in traffic or are experiencing some other type of stress, you might try tohold your face in a smilefor a moment. notlage only will it help you grin and bear it psychologically, but it might actually help your heart health as wellFake It Till You Make ItMost of us worked in some kind of food service or retail job during our college years. Smiles were a part of the uniform. It is a pretty common phenomenon for stressed out, hung over college students to show up to work in a horrible mood and leave with a fresh and positive outlook. Its because we were forced to smile at customersIt turns out that even a disingenuous smile can make a positive difference in mood and stress reduction. On the other hand, frowns are tied to the opposite effects. So ,why not smile? Dooley said, The smile doesnt have to be based on real emotion faking it works.When Youre Smilin, the Whole World Smiles with YouWho could argue with such wise words from Mr. Louis Armstrong? Those arent just lyrics research shows that the emotions that facial expressions convey are actually contagious. According to a Spark People article, Studies show that something as simple as seeing a friend smile can activate the muscles in your face to make that same expression, without you even being aware that you are doing it.When the people around you are happier, they carry less stress, theyre mora productive and they just plain like you more. These all sound like the traits of someone you might want to keep around the office.Smiling has been known to convey traits like confidence, stability and conscientiousnessagain, traits that employers and co-workers respect and gravitate to. Donning a smile in the office can reduce stress, create a positive environment through emotional contagion and even have positive effects on health. As cheesy as it sounds, smiles are free, so try it out.

Video Building on our Heritage Turbo Expo Keynote

Video Building on our Heritage Turbo Expo Keynote Video Building on our Heritage Turbo Expo Keynote Video Building on our Heritage - Turbo Expo KeynoteThe ASME 2015 Turbo Expo program opens with keynote presentations given by prominent experts from the turbomachinery industry. Richard (Ric) Parker, Director of Research Technology Rolls-Royce Group Chris Lorence, General Manager of Engineering Technologies GE Aviation, and Walter Di Bartolomeo, Vice President Engineering, Pratt Whitney Canada will address the important keynote theme Building on our Heritage. The three leaders of gas turbine OEMs will reflect on how their own company has built on its heritage over the last six decades, clarify how that heritage impacts the way they work today and share their vision for the future. We build on our heritage in many ways. The research reported at this conference is very different from the research presented at the first Turbo Expo. However, there is a direct link, and by reflecting on h ow gas turbine technology has changed over the last six decades we can better envision how it will change in the future. The copyright of this program is owned by The American Society of Mechanical Engineers.

Re-Entering the Workforce After a Break - FlexJobs

Re-Entering the Workforce After a Break - FlexJobsRe-Entering the Workforce After a Break 66There are all sorts of reasons for being out of work starting a family, helping care for a sick parent, just needing a break, and of course, losing a job. No matter your reasons for being unemployed, when you arethinking about re-entering the workforcethe job search process can seen daunting. If youve been out of employment for a period of time, there are several specific dos and donts for re-entering the workforce.We spoke with three collegiate career counselors who work with unemployed professionals to get their advice for re-entering the workforce after a break.Starting Your Job SearchWhen youre just starting your job search, its important tocreate a foundation by really analyzing what you want out of your future job.When Amy Soricelli, the Director of Alumni Career Services atBerkeley College, sits down with a person re-entering the workforceThe first thing I ask a returnee to do is to ma ke a list of what he/she is looking for in order of importance. What is the reason for the return? Then, we can strategize from that point depending on the most importantneeds first ( for instance, some need money, some need benefits).What job seekers might notlage realize is thata variety of free resources exist to help them in their search.Prospective employees should first visit their states workforce services department in person or online. Here they can research which jobs are in demand, view average salaries and even apply to open jobs. College grads can check with their schools Career Services departments as many schools offer lifetime placement assistance to their graduates, says Scott DeCloedt, the Associate Director ofCareer Services at Broadview University. This is a great resource for people re-entering the workforce.Resumes and Cover LettersTodraw attention away from your work history gap, and toward more relevant information, its important for people re-entering the wo rkforce to place emphasis on other areas.Resumes with large gaps of employment should be tailored to give emphasis to items other than employment history. Make the objective or summary, relevant skills, and any community or volunteer work the focus of the resume. Job seekers should always tailor their resume and titelbild letter to speak directly to the skills and experience called for in the job description, recommends DeCloedt.Deborah Smith, the Coordinator forCareer and Employment Services at San Jacinto CollegeSouth, recommendsusing a functional-style resumeto focus more on what you have done than on when you did it. A functional resume is a great way to de-emphasize gaps in employment since the emphasis is on skill sets instead of dates. Above all, honesty is essential. If the gap has been extensive, the job seeker may want to consider including a letter of explanation with their resume and cover letter.Professional NetworkingPeople re-entering the workforce after a break shoul dsurroundthemselves withtheir professional peers.Smith recommends joining professional organizations, and if possible, look for a mentor who is well respected and willing to guide and coach you in your new career.Professional networking websites like LinkedInallow returning professionals to network online, building and reconnecting with their network, and finding new job opportunities through people and companies theyre already familiar with. Soricelli recommends that all her alumni clients create a LinkedIn profile as one of the their first job searching steps.Job InterviewWhen you sit down for a job interview, it can be tempting to talk a lot about the reasons for your unemployment. However, even though it can be easy to become negative, especially if youve been unemployed and struggling to find work for a while,its vital that you remain upbeat during the job interview.Says Smith, The candidate must remain positive about their situation anddemonstrate what skills/experiences they gainedduring their period of unemployment. Positivity draws the interviewer in, whereas negativity, even when its understandable given the circumstances, naturally pushes people away. Keep your answers positive and forward-thinking.Minding the GapSoricelli also recommends that professionalsreframe their gap entirely.The gaps in ones career are never really complete gaps.Were they involved in their childrens school? How? What committees were they on? Did they volunteer? Do temp or contract work? If there are no outside activities then we would explain the gap with simple sentences like 1978 1985 HomeMaker Responsibilities included but not limited to the scheduling and care of three (3) children ages 8-13.And if you dont have any non-work experience yet, theres no time like the present tostart filling your gap.Smith advises, One of the best things you can do while unemployed is to embark on some volunteer/community experiences. That not only strengthens your resume, but also demons trates that you were proactive during their unemployment. Focus on the present and identify ways to become actively engaged in your job search and career decision making.If youre ready to see what sorts of flexible jobs exist for people re-entering the workforce, check out latest job postings available in over 50 career categoriesand ranging from entry-level to executive experience.

Employers can ban Muslim headscarves, top European court says

Employers can ban Muslim headscarves, top European court saysEmployers can ban Muslim headscarves, top European court saysOn Tuesday, a 15-judge panel of the European Court of Justice ruled that private employers are allowedto ban their employees from wearing visible religious symbols, includingMuslim headscarves like the hijab or khimar.In its ruling, the EU court said that banning a Muslim headscarf didnt constitute direct discrimination based on religion or belief if the company had an internal rule banning any political, philosophical or religious sign.In other words a European company can ban women from wearing headscarves for religious reasons - if it also bans, say, necklaces that depict the Christian cross.No official policy on religious symbols, no banThe important point If a company doesntalready have an internal policy on religious symbols, it cannotforce its employees to take off their headscarves.The issue of headscarvescame under ECJ jurisdiction after top courts in Fr ance and Belgium asked for advice on how to handle the cases of two Muslim women seeking to wear headscarves at work.In Belgium, receptionist Samira Achbita was fired after more than three years at G4S when she wore a headscarf to work. G4S had an official policy that required neutral dress when an employer had a role dealing with customers.The ECJ ruled that G4s was within its rights to dismissAchbita because it had an official image neutrality policy in distributions-mix before it made its decision to fire her.In France, design engineer Asma Bougnaoui, was fired by her firm Micropole SA after a customer complained that his staff had been embarrassed byher headscarf. Here, ECJ ruled that an employee cannot be fired because ofa customer complaint.In short, if the ban is part of a consistent internal policy and not just a one-off result of one complaint, its now allowed.Belgium does not have federal rules banningreligious symbols at work. Meanwhile, France already bans workers from w earing anyreligious symbol in public sectorjobs under the countrys rule of lacit, or secularism, although it is rarely enforced.The ruling immediately alarmed anti-discrimination groups. The European Network Against Racism saidthe landmark ruling was dangerous over its definition of who or what gets to be considered neutral.SpokeswomanJilly Pascoet told BuzzFeed News, We believe neutrality is in the tafelgeschirr you are giving and the way you doing your job, and not because of your appearance.Workers can still wear religious symbols in the U.S.The U.S. currently bans workplace religious discrimination.Under the 1964 Civil Rights Act, U.S. employers cannot fire or refuse to hire, or discipline a personbecause of religious practices like wearing a hijab, unless the employer can show that it offered a reasonable accommodation.The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission also notes that employers cannot show disparate treatment or retaliate against any employee who wears religious garb or complains about religious discrimination in the workplace.Theres no guarantee, however, that those laws or rules will remain in place as is the case with all legislation, those rules can be changed by Congress and the White House.