Advices for you career

How To Become A Wedding Planner

2009-12-09T16:45:00.000-08:00

How to become a wedding planner, where do you start? Firstly you have to be passionate about organising parties and love all the little details, if that is you then you are in the right place.
I started my wedding planning career in 1997, a month after I got married and found I just loved talking weddings and helping others plan their big day. I was working in a big 4 star hotel and had graduated with a degree in Hospitality Management. Since then my event management skills have taken me to working in Europe and the UK, I have organised huge corporate functions to small family events and loved every minute of it. In 2006 I decided to go it alone and set up my own event company it was the best decision for me and now along with planning exhibitions I also get the chance to help brides and grooms plan their big day, and save them money!
My advice would be to get as much experience as you possibly can before you launch yourself as a wedding planner. Help family and friends organise their celebrations, it doesn't have to be a wedding, all event management experience helps. Keep notes on all of the ideas that come up, I find it best to have seperate files on suppliers, venues and procedures. I have a checklist that I use for all of my weddings to ensure I don't miss anything.

While you are gaining experience and contacts think about whether you need any professional training. Check out local colleges and online event management courses, there are even wedding planner courses - these are specific to weddings and if you want to build on your confidence they could be worth investing in.
As with all business start ups it is worth writing a business plan to see if this is a viable option for you. You don't want to pay for training and spend valuable time if this is not going to provide you with an income.
Questions to ask yourself are;

How many weddings can you manage in a year? There are 52 weeks in a year but the summer wedding season is the busiest. Will you be able to organise and manage more than one wedding a week? Remember it is best to start off planning fewer while you build up your business.
Can your local economy support a wedding planner? The national average wedding cost is over £20,000, a wedding planner normally charges around 20% but an average is just that, what is the average cost of a wedding in your area? How much will your local brides and grooms pay for your services? Don't know - then ask them, most brides and grooms love talking about their wedding day!
How many weddings are there in your area in the year? Gain stats from your local registery office.
Have a think about what your unique selling point (usp) is, mine as you can see is cheap, are you an expert of jewish, christian, hindi, muslim weddings or humanist or gay weddings. Would your usp provide you with enough business?
Your costs will be pretty minimal as you are not having to buy any goods before you pay for them - all the costs will be your clients. Your biggest cost will be your marketing/ advertising, I have found being online really helps my offline business. The great thing about being online is that you can generate extra income on top of your usual wedding planning business with adverts and an online shop!
Other ways to advertise your business are by building relationships with other local vendors, word of mouth is one of the best ways to get bookings. Ask existing clients if they have any friends or family that are getting married soon. You could attend wedding fairs but I don't find them cost effective for
the amount of business that you get, however when you first start out it is worth going to build public awareness. Write articles for local publications, become their expert on weddings, this all increases your profile. Register with local wedding directories. I have found all these help my business grow!
Now then what are you waiting for? You are ready to fly, you know how to become a wedding planner!

Suzanne Daykin is owner of http://www.cheap-wedding-solutions.com
Suzanne has spent the last 12 years working in the Hospitality Industry as a wedding planner and event manager. Organising thousands of functions from small personal parties to large corporate product launches in the UK and Europe. Currently a work at home mum, Suzanne set up her own event company in 2006 and now looks to help future brides and grooms save money when they are planning their wedding.
Make it look like you spent thousands with simple Cheap Wedding Solutions http://www.cheap-wedding-solutions.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Suzanne_Daykin

By Suzanne Daykin

Online Job Search - Resume Submission Secrets

2009-12-09T16:42:00.000-08:00

Follow the rules when submitting a resume for consideration by a possible employer or job-bank. Address prospective employers through the resume submission channels and in the formats that they request. Those aspects of resume submission will usually vary employer by employer and by job site. Don't be creative with their processes. Many of us are tempted to embellish and send five references - when the employer only asks for three, as one example - or, as happens frequently, a job candidate will submit their resume to an employer in a document file format that doesn't match what the employer uses, so no one at the company can read it. Follow procedure.
Sometimes you will be instructed to send your résumé in the body of an email, and not as a file attachment. Sometimes, the request is to send the resume only as a file attachment, and only as a ASCII-text file. Sometimes you'll be asked to submit your credentials via a online submission form, or other alternate method. Requirement change frequently, so you have to be adaptable. The variances in file type requests are prompted by many considerations - bandwidth usage, how a company may distribute resumes they collect, sometimes it's for computer virus management - as viruses often ride in on email attachments, to name just a few of the reasons you should follow resume submission guidelines thoroughly. And though it may be hard to accept now, there will come a time when all the cool custom design work you put into your résumé - if you did - will never be seen.

More often than not, employers want text-only resumes. No colors, or background patterns, or digital artwork. Plain text. If you are unaware of the mechanics of saving your files as text-only files, or other text formats, or how to prepare your résumé for scanning and database inclusion, ask someone with some computer savvy to explain it to you and walk you through the procedures. Or search online, where there are many free tutorials on those topics These are not difficult tasks to perform or learn. And you will use such basic digital skills time and again in a modern job search.
On the other hand, there are times when a company will request your résumé be sent as a MS WORD file, which is not a text-only document. So it makes sense for you to have your résumé ready as a text-only file and as a MS WORD document too. A MS WORD document has a file name that ends with the file suffix ".doc". The text-only ASCII file ends with a ".txt" after the dot. These two file formats will allow you to ship your resume as either a ASCII or MS WORD format, if requested. Whatever format the employer asks you to use, it is the system they have devised to process applicants quickly and efficiently. By complying with their requests, you help keep their workload to a minimum, and you show your own willingness to be polite, cooperative.
Another choice, ask the potential employer if it's okay to send your resume the easiest way possible - copy/paste your résumé directly into the body of an email. Eliminates the need for attachments. Once you do that, your brief comments at the top of the email become like a brief, basic cover letter, leading the reader directly into your resume, which resides below.
One job search strategy has job seekers sending resumes to multiple contacts within the same company. In some cases, that is a viable approach to market one's skills. But be aware, sending copies of your résumé to multiple persons in the same company is now beginning to be seen as a breach of 'netiquette.' Get permission first. If you are requested to submit your resume via email, don't send it by standard post too - unless requested. Should you make changes to your résumé, submitting a single second copy is acceptable, as long as the body of the email that carries the attachment explains that there are revisions, and points out to the reader where he or she may find them in the body of the résumé. You should also feel free to resubmit your résumé after ninety days if there is no immediate progress. Most companies purge candidates from their "active" databases in cycles of ninety days, so quarterly submittals will keep you current in the database of a company for which you have a strong desire to work.
Smart job seekers should realize there are some critical requirements for submitting resumes online, whether via web form, email, as a file attachment or some other method. Do it wrong and your resume is lost or side-tracked. Do it right and your resume is to the hiring decision maker by morning. The resume submission strategies outlined in this article may seem to exert a weak force on your job search universe. When you consider how many things can go wrong in a job search - sometimes it's as if gravity itself steps in and pulls your job search to the ground fast, or propels it forward at a sprint, depending on what balance and focus you exert. Same holds true for resume submission. Attend to details. Follow the rules.
GOOD LUCK IN YOUR JOB SEARCH

Mark Baber has 20 years experience as an Executive Search recruiter. For job search assistance, forward your resume to Mark at: http://www.mcbaber.com
Mark is Recruit Consultant to http://www.JobNewsRadio.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Baber

By Mark Baber

50 Must-Do and Must-Know Tips For a Successful Job Search

2009-12-09T16:35:00.000-08:00

You've heard the expression, "Getting a job is a job." No one knows more than you how many hours a week it takes searching, researching, applying, interviewing, reflecting, and so on, to get a job. It's not easy; but it was never intended to be. The harder the job, the harder it is to get the job. Essentially this means that if you are an entry level employee, it should be a fairly reasonable process. But if you are at mid-career and have held significant authority and responsibility, it's going to be a more lengthy and sophisticated course.
As someone who has been in the staffing industry for more than 18 years, I wanted to share an "insider's perspective" on what every job seeker should know about the process. I'm continually amazed that potentially great candidates for my jobs simply don't represent themselves as well as they could by not playing by the job-search rules. Yes, I agree there should be room for creativity in the process, and what works for one might not for the other, but there are some general rules that apply 99% of the time. Here are 50 recommendations to apply to your search:
The First Step - a Killer Resume
1. Don't worry about it being one page. Since most resumes are emailed and rarely printed, it's not a big deal to have a two-page document. Be sure to have your contact information at the top of the second page as well. You could possibly need a third page, but try to avoid that.

2. Put the best information at the top. Since resumes are viewed electronically (most often using MS Word), the top half of the first page is what is in view when the recruiter reviews your resume. If the most relevant and most compelling information isn't in that partial view, it is often not even opened or printed.
3. Replace your "Objective" with "Summary of Qualifications". That way you don't have to customize your resume with each position you send it for. This information is more meaningful to the reader as well. List your top professional skills at the top of the resume so it's the index to the rest of the document.
4. List your most recent job first. Resumes should list work history in reverse chronological order with the most recent at the top. Typically you would go back through the last ten years, but that's up to you based on how related and impressive your older jobs are. The point is that you don't have to go back to the jobs you had in high school.
5. Balance tasks with accomplishments. Recruiters want to know what you did, but not on a micro level. It's not necessary to list each and every task you do in a day. A general summary of your key responsibilities is important to have on your resume. Additionally, a bullet or two about your results as related to your tasks proves your success in your role.
6. Accomplishments should include quantifiable information. Include specific values in your statement (i.e. dollars saved, percent of increase or decrease, numbers of employees supervised, etc.). This information adds validation and credibility to your employment history and can really set you apart from others.
7. Save some information for the interview. Think of your resume as the Cliff Notes of a great book. You are just presenting the important highlights. The details and stories associated with the content are meant to be discussed in the interview.
8. Format your resume so it's easy to read. A plain font like Arial or Century Gothic is easy on the eyes. A "curly font" like Times New Roman can be distracting and busy looking. A font size of 10 to 12 works best. White space is important, so keep your margins to an inch on all sides.
9. Include Searchable Keywords. Most recruiters use keywords to search for resumes on the job boards and in their own databases. If your resume does not include the keywords they are using in their search, it won't pop up. Read job descriptions for your skill set and add recurring words from the description to your resume. Keywords usually are specific to education, equipment, and job titles. So, if the position required a bachelor's degree and experience with Vertical Milling Machines as an Industrial Engineer, the words bachelor's, Milling, and Engineer would be used to search for resumes.
10. It's okay to double dip. Most resumes are emailed these days, but why not use an old-fashioned technique of mailing a nicely printed hard copy as well? The extra step will serve as a reintroduction of your credentials and also show you are willing to go above and beyond to get the interview.
Don't Skip the Cover Letter
11. Have one. Whether you choose a full letter or a detailed email message, it is important to customize your resume by adding a specific message when you send it. This is an easy way to stand out as so many people simply attach their resume and do not bother to outline their experience.
12. Correlate what they want with what you have. Read the job description and requirements thoroughly and write three key bullet points that match their information with yours in your cover letter. This makes it easy for the reader to determine your qualifications quickly.
13. Use sir names. It is appropriate to refer to the recruiter or human resources representative by Mr. or Ms. in your written communication. Until you meet personally and are given permission to call them otherwise, it is best to be more formal.
Attention to Detail Goes a Long Way
14. Make finding your resume easy. When submitting your resume by email, include the title of the position you are applying for in the subject line. You can also include a short tag line that catches the eye. For example, Customer Service Manager-10 years experience in multi-channel center. And use your full name as the file name for your resume document so it can quickly be referenced.
15. You shouldn't be crazylazy@yahoo.com. Be sure your email address is appropriate for a job search and not personal. You can get additional email addresses at most domains like AOL, Yahoo, and Gmail.
16. Use a header for your contact information. Include your name, phone number, and email address at the top of each page of your resume. Especially at job fairs, resumes with multiple pages can easily be separated.
Where to Search
17. Surf the Net. A company with 100 or more employees is highly likely to post their position on one of the major job boards like Monster, CareerBuilder, HotJobs, and/or Craig's list. Be sure to get your resume posted to all those sites, so it can be searched by as many recruiters as possible. But, when searching through job postings, just use a site like Indeed.com which pulls positions from all the boards. That way you only have to visit one site to get the benefit of all of them.
18. Read the Sunday paper. Yes, printed Help Wanted ads are used less now that the Internet is so integrated for job searching, but smaller employers still use this resource since licenses for posting on the major job boards are expensive.
19. Stop in the CareerCenter offices. These state funded and operated centers offer one-stop information on getting a job, opportunities for training, hosting on-site interviews and job fairs, and networking opportunities. Plus, their services are free. Make it a point to visit a CareerCenter at least once a week during your search.
20. Brave your way through a job fair. What a great way to hit up a slew of employers all in the same day. Yes, you have to repeat your story and schmooze the whole day, but the efficiency is worth it. Don't pass by any booth without stopping to ask, "What kinds of positions are you hiring for today?" Employers are paying to be there and are interested in seeing many candidates. It's win-win to at least make an introduction with every employer there.
21. Spread the word. Connect with former coworkers and managers, friends and family, and just about anyone who knows people. Let them know you are in the market for a great job and give them permission to share your resume. Follow up with an emailed copy so they can easily forward it to their contacts.
22. Tap into social networking. Using sites like LinkedIn.com is helpful for researching positions, companies, and the people who work at them. Get your profile posted for free and join groups associated with your industry and interests.
Be Prepared for Being Screened on the Phone
23. Even though it's on the phone, it's still an interview. Recruiters often call candidates whose resume initially matches their requirements to get further information and make a decision about inviting them to an interview. Play the part and represent yourself in the same way you would if sitting in front of your interviewer.
24. Be sure the timing is right. If a recruiter calls you unexpectedly and it's not a good time, politely offer to call them back later in that same day. That way you can focus without distractions; they understand you have a life. Plus, you'll have time to review the details of the position and the company and collect your thoughts before returning the call. Better yet, when you are in job search mode, let your calls go into voicemail so you can take control of the return phone call.
25. Be a compelling communicator. Since there is not an opportunity to see facial expressions and body gestures on the phone, your voice qualities have to be top notch. Sounding confident, interested, cooperative, and pleasant is a skill that is worth practicing before going live.
26. At the balance of power. You are not in the driver's seat with the interview process. Let your interviewer guide the call and ask the questions. At the end, if they invite you to ask any questions, always find out what the next step of their process is. Close the call by thanking them for their interest and expressing your own.
Ace the Interview
27. Knowing a little means a lot. Visit the company's website and be familiar with their products or services. Determine what makes them different from others in their industry. That way when the question, "What do you know about our company?" comes up, you'll have a great response.
28. Dress the part. Keep the "one-up" rule in mind. Always dress at least one step up from what you would be wearing on the job. It's far better an option to be overdressed than it is to be underdressed, so respect the process and your interviewer by suiting up.
29. Go with your "Sunday Best". You never know what the taste of your interviewer will be, so it's always best to be conservative in your style and color choice. You can't go wrong with a solid color suit or separates and a button up shirt or blouse. Avoid open toe shoes and over accessorizing.
30. Arrive 10 minutes early. Not a half hour early. Not 10 minutes late. Ten minutes is enough time to settle down a bit before you actually meet. If for some reason you will be late, realize you have possibly blown the interview, but make a phone call to explain your situation.
31. Make a powerful introduction. Set the tone for a great meeting with a warm handshake, look in the eye, "happy to be here" smile, and "Hello, Mr. Insertnamehere, it's nice to meet you." Regardless of gender, it is proper in a business meeting to greet your host with a handshake. It should be appropriately firm and use the full hand.
32. Bring additional copies of your resume. This shows your interviewer that you are prepared and resourceful. Plus, now you get to show off that baby in its intended form; resume paper still exists.
33. Be polite. Wait to be shown where to have a seat. Don't put your personal belongings (ex. Padfolio, keys, and resume copies) on his/her desk without asking first. Accept the glass of water if offered. You may need it since you will be doing most of the talking, and being nervous can make you choked up and dry.
34. Honesty is always the best policy. A good part of the interview is centered on your work history. Be honest about your skills, contributions, and reasons for leaving. There is a way to present even not-so-pleasant situations in a reasonable and understandable way. Covering up, omitting information such as work history, or lying is sure to come to light eventually.
35. Show interest. When the interviewer is talking, you want to show signs of engagement by looking at him/her directly, nodding in acceptance, smiling, and showing interest. You can be enthusiastic without looking excitable. You want the vibe to be positive and open, so approach the meeting as such. Your body language will follow your mindset.
36. Don't wear out your welcome. You'll know when things are wrapping up. Have a few questions saved for the end, but don't go on too long. Most interviews are less than an hour, and often the interviewer's schedule includes more appointments after yours.
37. Ask the "must know" question. It is important that you know what the next step is in their hiring process. Often, more than one interview is required to get the job. Ask about the hiring process and when you can expect to hear from them next, and confirm that you have provided enough information to be considered for the next step.
38. Leave a lasting impression. There is no better way to do this than to shake their hand, thank them for their time, and express your interest in all that you heard. Saying something like "I am very excited about this opportunity and look forward to hearing from you by Thursday." reinforces your interest and confirms the timeline for next steps.
Following up is a Forgotten Art
39. Send a thank you note or email. This is as obsolete as rejection letters have become. But, it's one more opportunity to make a positive impression, so why not do it? As many times as you can get your name in front of the person responsible for hiring you, do it.
40. Follow up after a reasonable amount of time. Hiring the perfect fit takes time. But, if it's been more than a week, or later than you were told you'd be contacted, you should send an email to express your interest in the position and ask for information on where they are in their process. It's a good idea to attach another copy of your resume to this message.
41. Say thank you to "No, Thank You". If you get word that you have not been selected to move to the next step, reach out once more to thank the interviewer for his/her time and valuable information. You might have missed this opportunity, but additional contact could keep the door open for future positions.
Some Harsh Realities
42. It's a competitive job market. You read the job description and consider yourself perfect for the position. The problem is that others will feel the same about themselves. The way to stand out is by not only having all of the skills required of the position, but some additional or unique qualifications as well. Maybe your education is from an impressive university; perhaps your longevity is legendary; it could be that your accomplishments are more striking than most. The only way to know is to send your resume and cover message and point out those distinguishing features. It's okay to feel confident about your specialized skills and showcase them in this process.
43. Fast is not always fast. The advent of Internet recruiting has a down side - quantity verses quality. Recruiters get flooded with response immediately after posting their position. Their job is to filter the random to get to the right one, and that can be an exhausting and time consuming process. Keep track of the resumes you've sent and follow up after a week if you have not received a response.
44. A resume black hole does exist. Some companies have sophisticated applicant tracking systems, and others are quite unorganized and amateurish with their hiring process. It is not unusual for resumes to get overlooked or misfiled. If you feel truly qualified for the job and a week has gone by without a response, resubmit your resume and cover letter.
45. You are likely to not get any response to most of your resume submittals. Rejection letters faded away several years ago because the task of sending them became overwhelming due to the volume of candidates generated from Internet recruiting methods. Again, if you feel the position perfectly suits your background, follow up with another copy of your resume after a week has gone by. For added follow up, mail a printed copy as well.
46. Recruiters and Human Resources representatives often do not fully understand the job description. They may hire for every position in the company, so it's understandable they can't be an expert on the requirements for each job. Here is where LinkedIn.com can be helpful. If you have not had any response to your resume, and you feel you are truly qualified, search the company name on LinkedIn.com and consider sending it to someone in the company who may better understand your qualifications. It's a risky move, and could ban you for life with that recruiter, but it can also be a bold and resourceful move that gets you to the next step with the right person.
Preparing for the Emotions Involved with the Process
47. First there is the Fun Phase. When you first start your job search, it can be very exciting. There are a lot of positions out there, and so many seem to be a perfect fit for you. You spend time thinking about what's next, and how great it's going to be, which is very enjoyable. Bask in the fun phase; it usually doesn't last very long.
48. Then you move into the Frustrating Phase. After sending out countless resumes and getting no response, it's easy to get frustrated and annoyed. You attend every job fair and have circled through your network more than once with no job offers. No news is not good news in the job search process. Allow yourself permission to be in this phase, but pull yourself out quickly because it can be very defeating.
49. The worst is Futile Phase. When things aren't going your way, you start to give up because of your lack of controlling the process. You feel depressed and useless. The best way out of this downward spiral - be useful. Volunteer some of your time, tackle that list of things you've wanted to do around the house, take a break from the job search process for a few days and enjoy time with your family. Again, accept this phase as part of the normal cycle, but be aware of when you are in it and what it takes to get you out of it.
50. And then it's back to fun. The timelines associated with each phase vary with every person. It's okay to move through them at your own pace. It's helpful to have a good support system in place and to talk to others who are in the same situation. As much time as you can spend having fun with the process, the more productive you will be. Getting a job is a job-but it can be an interesting, informative, and inspiring one if that's the way you choose to work it.

Carol Albert is the Director of Operations for The Eastridge Group of Staffing Companies in San Diego, California. Carol has worked in the staffing industry for 18 years and has been responsible for the selection processes for hiring literally tens of thousands of individuals. Carol has served on several boards associated with workforce development, and has volunteered her time as a trainer and consultant for groups including Outplacement Firms, CareerCenters, Adult Education Programs, High School Career Days, Military Transition Programs, and Welfare-to-Work Workshops.
Visit [http://www.thereyougrow.com] for more information.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carol_Albert

By Carol Albert

Build Your Career Decision By Decision

2009-12-09T16:29:00.000-08:00

Do you dislike making decisions and avoid the challenge whenever you can?
Take heart. Look around and you will find you have plenty of company.
Management psychologists Irving L. Janis and Leon Mann say people tend to be
“reluctant decision makers” because they are “beset by conflict, doubts and worry.”
They explain that people “seek relief by procrastinating, rationalizing and denying
responsibility” in making choices.

This human tendency creates a big vacuum. Its name is opportunity!
"Organizations cannot function, certainly cannot succeed, without good decision-
makers. Organizations reward those men and women who are willing and able to fill
those roles," according to Ramon Greenwood, senior career counselor at
http://www.CommonSenseAtWork.com
Therefore, opportunities are available for those who are willing and able to come to
grips with decision-making. It's the very essence of management. Success depends
on being confident and reasonably comfortable with the process. Of course,
success also requires a good batting average of right decisions. That doesn't mean
you have to be right all of the time; it means be right more often than wrong.
Why People Shy Away From Decisions
It helps to understand some of the reasons why people dislike making decisions.
All decisions encompass some degree of irrevocability. Once a decision has been
made there is no returning to square one. There is a price tag attached to every
decision. There are bound to be winners and losers.
Decisions expose us to attention. We may lack confidence in our ability to make
decisions. We may not know how to make decisions.
These facts of life breed the kinds of stress that make some people so
uncomfortable they had rather let others call the shots and take home the rewards.
Others are willing to stick their heads in the sand and let the issues go unresolved.
How To Make Better Decisions
You can improve your tolerance for making decisions and do a better job at it by
embracing a few common sense ideas.
It is important to realize that although each decision carries with it certain
consequences, no outcome is likely to be the raging success or the unmitigated
catastrophe we tend to imagine.
You will not be a good decision maker if your goal is always to avoid losing rather
than always trying to win. Nobody in his or her right mind can expect to be right
100 percent of the time. Besides that, as I have already said, you don’t always have
to be right in order to come out an overall winners.
You can’t afford to be defensive about decisions that turn out to be wrong. When
you are wrong, and you will be from time to time, admit it and go on.
If you want to be a good decision-maker don’t get hung up waiting for all of the
facts before coming to a conclusion. Satisfy your self that you understand the issue
and have weighed all of the options. Test the alternative solutions among those who
know the situation and will be impacted by the decision. Decide. Act.
Learn to trust your intuition. Hunches are not random bolts out of the blue. They
are rooted in all the knowledge and experience you have accumulated in general
and with regard to the issue at hand.
Decisions surrounding major issues should be broken into smaller, manageable
parts. Take the parts one at a time; come to conclusions in sequence.
Resist being pressured into making a decision before you are ready to decide and
act. All problems do not require immediate answers. Sometimes issues resolve
themselves or just go away.
Don't base decisions on popularity. Or on friendship.
Make Decisions To Grow
Nobody says you have to play the game as decision makers. But before deciding
your role, but keep in mind how the real world works.
Organizations grow and profit only to the extent that their managers make good
decisions. Therefore, ambitious organizations need and will pay to get men and
women who can make decisions. People who have that ability are in limited supply.
This means there are opportunities to gain positions of leadership and earn the
material rewards that go to those persons who have the ability and courage to make
decisions.
The choice is yours. Make a decision today.
For more information on achieving success in the world of work visit
http://www.CommonSenseAtWork.com

Ramon Greenwood is former senior vice president of American Express; a professional director for various businesses; a consultant; a published author of career related books and a syndicated column. Senior career counselor for http://www.CommonSenseAtWork.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ramon_Greenwood

Have You Ever Asked Yourself - Are You Working With Purpose?

2009-12-09T16:24:00.000-08:00

What was your number one purpose at work today? Was it to get there on time? Or maybe to leave on time? Did you complete assigned tasks or gossip? Did you avoiding talking about sports, or did you waste your work day away? Brian Tracy said, "Work all the time you're at work." So, the question you need to ask yourself is this, "Do you work with purpose?"
A lot of people are having a hard time finding employment for two reasons. The first reason is they didn't get better at their job. They didn't utilize self-study opportunities. I know this fact from my own personal experience. I had several years to study for the CompTIA Security+ certification or even the CISSP. At that time, I never got around to it. Then, I found myself jobless, looking long and hard for a job that would recognize my military experience and post military work experience, without any certifications. I had little to no luck. As I sat home, unemployed and desperate, I thought to myself, "If I get hired, if I get this next job, I promise to study and get certified!" It was just like the the old story about the man who was freezing, looking at the wood stove and said, "if you give me some heat, then I'll put some wood in!" I searched and applied for several positions with no success. Only when I "networked" a position did I get an interview. Finally, I got hired, but with low pay. Then found myself in a role training someone with a "cert" who was making twice as much as my salary. This was possible, simply because they had a security certification and I was still "planning" on getting one. And there I was, training the guy!

Get better in your career field, or get left behind. If you stay at your current skill level, and technology keeps changing, you're not maintaining, you're not even keeping up! My advice to you is simple - study, take computer based training courses (CBTs), attend free webinars, join organizations, volunteer, read, study in your car with audio tapes - do something, do anything...or get left behind.
The second reason people have a hard time getting hired, is they don't work with purpose. Working with purpose, in any job, takes some effort on your part. Ok, it takes a lot of effort, but the reward is priceless. Begin by keeping your focus on the task at hand. Complete assigned projects, research information and get answers on your own, and most important...help others succeed. Stay focused. Use focus as your tool to maintain purpose in your career. As Brian Tracy says, "become a Go Giver, instead of a go getter." Next, volunteer for special work assignments. Show your boss you are willing to work hard and have the ability to take on more responsibility. You'll make his or her life easier and can use this opportunity to excel and learn. Lastly, improve your speaking skills to be able to communicate your new found knowledge in better ways to your peers and managers. Communication is key to helping others succeed, relaying ideas, and moving up in your field!
You'll find working with purpose is rewarding in many ways. By becoming an on purpose performer, you'll help others succeed, improve you're knowledge-skills-and abilities, and create the foundation of success. Enjoy the "Go Giver" attitude as you automatically prepare yourself for promotion and become a subject matter expert (SME) in your field. And as an added benefit, have great skills to add to your resume! Remember, get a certification (or two), work with purpose, stay focused, and you will truly enjoy your career!

Ben Rivera, CISSP, is a U.S. Air Force veteran, and former government contractor and civil service employee. Ben has over 9 years of experience writing resumes and interviewing/gaining security and network security positions. With this knowledge, he began helping others gain successful careers by coaching and mentoring security professionals. He is the owner of http://www.CoachSecurity.Info

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ben_Rivera

Salary Calculations

2009-12-07T19:34:00.000-08:00

Calculating one's salary can seem like a daunting task. However, using the following key points will boost your confidence and prepare you for salary negotiation. For the novice employee, newly unemployed or recent college graduate, salary negotiation is an important part of the interview process but also the most dreaded. Many people are unaware of a position's salary and end up selling themselves short. Others overshoot their monetary compensation requirement and lose out on a good job. There are numerous resources online to help you figure out what a salary should be but don't be afraid to ask an employer or recruiter what the salary range is for a specific position. The keys points I will discuss in this salary calculation article are; what your personal needs are; establishing a salary range and performing a search to determine the most accurate salary for a position.

What you want and what you need is rarely the same thing when it comes to an hourly or annual salary. Your priority will be to cover all your bills and be able to deposit a comfortable amount of money into your savings account. Create an itemized list of all your monthly expenses. For a more accurate estimate, you can write down what you spend for an entire month. It is suggested at this point to note areas of potential savings. Do you spend five dollars a day on coffee? If so you save money by making your own at home. Be realistic in your financial goals. When determining your desired salary for a position also factor in your qualifications for the role. Once you have this figure calculated move on to formulating a range within which your desired salary will fall.
If you already know how much you need and how much you want, why should you have a salary range? Because providing one specific number does not give your potential employer room to work with. This is a business profession courtesy. Not only will you give the employer something to work with, but you will have an idea of what to expect. Two important points to remember when creating a salary range are where your ideal figure will be positioned and how wide the range should be. Depending on your industry, education, experience and the company, try to keep your salary range between $5,000 and $10,000. Your desired salary should fall at the bottom of the range. For example, if your desired salary is $60,000 consider a range between $60,000 and $65,000 or $70,000. If the employer offers you the minimum you will still be at your ideal salary. Let's be serious here, how many times does an employer offer you the maximum salary for a position? Be realistic, be professional and be tactful.
The final point to take into consideration when calculating a salary requires you to do some research. This is by far the simplest step. Unless you are pursuing a never before heard of position that was just created by a company from another planet, you should be able to find the salary range for your position online based on geographic specifications. Simply type in "salary calculator" in your favorite search engine and you will be presented with numerous results. Online jobsites are also a reliable source for salary calculations. It's important to equip yourself with the right resources and tools in today's tough job market. Know how to discuss money, benefits and more when interviewing for a job.

Anifa Williams is an aspiring author with several years resume writing experience. She is an advocate of utilizing natural remedies for optimal health and healing. Her website offers book marketing strategies, health and nutrition facts and a job and career guide. For more information you may visit the site at http://anifawilliams.blogspot.com/.

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Considering a Career in Computer Programming

2009-12-07T19:29:00.000-08:00

As long as technology continues to develop, the demand for trained and skilled professionals in the IT sector will continue to thrive. Businesses and industries are always searching for professional programmers in departments like administration, security, and management. The growth of the Internet has seen a rise in wireless operations, networks, and client/server developments. With technology rapidly changing, the need for computer programming jobs is expected to increase to fulfill the growing demand.
As a programmer, your responsibilities evolve continuously. When choosing a computer programming degree, look for a course that is up to date with latest developments, advancements and equipment. In order to succeed, programmers need to constantly brush up their skills and knowledge in the field. Job applicants can also enhance their chances in the competitive job market by becoming certified in various languages. Many computer programming degrees also train their students for relevant certifications.

So, what exactly do computer programmers do? In short, they develop the instructions and languages that computers need to function smoothly. These functions could range from a short program to a lengthy process that could take a few years to create and implement. Programmers are also responsible for testing systems for errors and resolving issues and problems that may crop up. This process involves the use of complex technological codes or languages. Most programmers know and specialize in a variety of languages. Programmers may also be called to write manuals and instructions for other program users of a particular system or mainframe.
Many computer programmers work on a contractual basis or independently as consultants. Companies that require professionals specializing in a particular language or application may then outsource the job to computer programming consultants. Contracts could run into a few weeks to more than a year so commitment levels on such jobs are extremely demanding and high.
Programmers can be categorized into applications programmers or systems programmers. Applications programmers are those that create and modify programs for a specific purpose or cause. Systems programmers on the other hand work on a larger scale and deal with developing computer networks and operating systems. They are responsible for the effective functioning of computer hardware as well. With the rise in software packages, a new breed of software development programmers has emerged. They work with other programmers in order to create customized or packaged software such as games and other programs used for financial management and educational purposes.
Computer programmers account for nearly one and half million jobs and the numbers continue to grow. Computer programmers are required in telecommunications, management, education, the government and finance, to name a few. If a degree in computer programming is what you think you want to do, you can be sure of one thing - there's a bright and lucrative future for such candidates.

Stevens-Henager College was established in 1891 and is distinguished as one of the oldest colleges in Utah offering degree programs, both on-campus and online for Master's, Bachelor's, and Associate's Degrees. Working professionals can enhance their career and qualifications with the in-demand online degree programs offered by Stevens-Henager College.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Scott_H_C

Advice For Career Changes

2009-12-07T19:25:00.000-08:00

Changing careers can be a very difficult, especially in this uncertain economy. Your reason for changing careers will have a lot to do with how well you transition. Are you changing industries or just positions? Are you staying with the same company or moving to another organization all together? Have you made this decision because you want a change of pace or is the change based on unemployment?
In human nature it is a given when we are forced to take an action not otherwise considered, resentment may become a factor. Your attitude towards your career change will make or break your experience. Be sure you are at peace about the decision. Even if it is not your decision try to accept the potential benefits that will come from the change. Common career changes include industry change; position change and entrepreneurship.

Changing industries can be the most complicated. If you have 5, 10, 15 or 20+ years working in a particular industry, you might feel out of your comfort zone in a new industry. Not to worry however. If you are going to a new industry with the same position or title, then you will only have to become familiar with a new commodity and company. In such cases your acquired skills are transferable and the transition will be a smooth one for you. Your focus will be to learn and understand the product or service your new company offers. If your new position and company have nothing to do with your experience then you will need to prove how your experience and education can be used to succeed in the new role.
A new position within the same company or the same industry is the easiest of career changes to make. This means you already have a solid understanding of your industry and will only have to become more familiar with a new aspect of the business. Moving laterally within a company, adds to your overall experience, creates job security (can I say that in November 2009?) and keeps your benefits in place. You now meet the requirements for your old position and the new one. In addition, it always looks good on a resume to show that you took on more than one role in a company. Though a lateral move might not come with more pay or perks, it will certainly give you a new perspective, challenge and perhaps keep you employed if your old department is being phased out.
Entrepreneurship isn't normally considered a career change, but it is. If for any reason you have decided to leave your full time or part time position to start your own business, then you are indeed changing careers. You may be branching off from your current occupation, or a side gig has turned into a full time opportunity.
Whatever the reason, I congratulate you. A career change to entrepreneurship can be extremely smooth if you were conducting business part time before taking to the next level. If your venture is brand new, be sure to conduct a lot of research. Most people don't start businesses they aren't familiar with, so I'm sure you have more than an inkling of what you're doing. My only suggestion for such a transition is to be organized to help keep your costs low. Overhead alone can be enough to keep a new company from breaking even, making a profit and staying afloat.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anifa_Williams

Find Out How to Be a Detective

2009-12-07T19:05:00.000-08:00

In order to find out how to be a detective, you would have to spare some time for performing research on the Internet. You would have to research for knowing about how to investigate about different types of criminals. If you want to find out how to be a detective then you would have to find any online training course in order to learn how to perform an online investigation. The comprehensive online training courses are good enough to make you a perfect investigator.

While I was trying to find out how to be a detective, I find numerous good courses on the Internet. I did not take only one course; I took multiple courses because I wanted to know each and everything about online investigation. These online training courses were really helpful for me and I was able to become a perfect investigator. Now I would recommend to everyone to use these online courses for learning how to investigate on the Internet. By learning this, you would also be able to know which resources you should use for your investigation. The online courses only recommend tested resources so there would be no chances of problems in your research.
The ultimate goal for everyone who wants to find out how to be a detective would be knowing the tricks and tips to perform a good research and that could only be learned from someone who has already been doing this or anyone who has been providing services to teach you how to do it. You can research on the Internet to know all that stuff but it would take a lot of time for you to be able to recognize what is right and what is wrong. If you have time then it is okay but if you want to get the things done immediately then you should take any online investigation course.
Spending time on the Internet to get some free tips or free resources would not be a good use of your time. So, I will recommend everyone to stick with a good online investigation course and go through it to learn the ups and downs of researching on the Internet. The online courses are not too costly, some resources would charge you less that $50 and I am sure that anyone would not have any problem with this small cost for becoming a good detective.

This author John Hill. has been writing to help know how to become a private investigator. He intends to make the people able to perform online investigation. For further information on this, visit his websites how to be a detective and finding arrest records.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_K_Hill

Sanitize Your Online Profile Before Applying For a Job

2009-12-07T18:53:00.000-08:00

You've just come across a listing for your dream job, so naturally you're in a hurry to submit your resume. But before you do, have you remembered to sanitize your online profile?
Not that long ago, it was hard for human resources (HR) departments to judge you based on anything more than your resume, your references and their face-to-face interviews with you. It didn't matter how many times you were drunk in college, or how many pranks you pulled in your fraternity, or how disrespectful you were of authority. There were no records of your youthful indiscretions (unless you were particularly bad and were arrested by the police!) and you could safely sweep it all under the rug as you matured and went out into the "real world".

Those rules don't apply today, however. In early 2009, for example, one published study reported that at least one third of HR managers were looking at the profiles of job candidates on such popular social networking sites as Facebook and MySpace before deciding whether or not to proceed with a job interview. This trend is accelerating, in fact, and is already much higher in the tech community. Vetting someone based on their online profile is becoming quite routine at many companies, where it's viewed as yet another tool in the arsenal to find employees that match the existing corporate culture.
That's why it's important for you to look at your existing online profile before applying for any jobs. Start by searching for your name on Google. Does your Facebook profile show up? Can anyone view it? What do they see? If there's anything there that might deter an employer from considering you, get rid of it. Do the same for all the online communities you use.
Don't rely on privacy settings, either. Many people are happy to add HR recruiters as "friends", making it possible for them to see the profiles of "friends of friends" that would otherwise be closed to them.
Watch out, also, for forum posts. If you list extensive experience with something on your resume and are seen asking a very stupid question about that topic in a popular forum, the HR screener may think you're lying about that experience. Oops!
Not everything can be removed from the Web, so in some cases your best defense is to go on the offensive and create a brand new electronic identity for yourself. Sanitize as much of the old stuff as you can, then abandon those accounts and email addresses and create some new ones to take their place. Don't lie, but be careful about what you add -- and who you associate with -- to the new profiles.
Don't forget to spend some time creating profiles on career-oriented sites like LinkedIn, as the HR screeners look at these sites, too. Your complete resume should be found on these sites and it should match what you're submitting to the companies, although it can be more extensive. Solicit personal recommendations or endorsements whenever possible, and be sure to link out to any websites or blogs (if you have them) that demonstrate why you'd be an asset to any company looking to hire you.
Like diamonds, the Internet is forever. But you can chip away at the rough edges to reveal something beautiful underneath.

Eric Giguere is a co-author of Programming Interviews Exposed, the book that shows you how to land your next programming job by passing the technical interviews with flying colors.
Besides giving career advice, Eric also writes about other topics. Be sure to read his no-nonsense guide to dog fence if you've got a dog who likes to dig!

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