Career Online Blog!

The Top 3 In-Demand Education Jobs

2012-02-26T03:50:00.006-08:00

There are a lot of people who are on the lookout for education jobs. Despite the fact that there is a high unemployment rate, you will be pleased to know that there are still a number of education positions that are available. If you find it a really profitable and rewarding profession, you will be surprised at the huge number of companies that are looking for educators.

As a matter of fact, there are several people who find that they can look for a job in this field if they go to another place. This is a common thing among the educators who live in the United States. Since they cannot find a job in the tough economy, they make it a point to go to other parts of the world to look for jobs. As such, they are able to expand their horizon and find a job that's waiting for them.

Even though there is a huge demand for teachers and educators, there are still other fields of teaching where these people can get a job in. Since there is such a huge demand for the people who work in this field, it is important to know that you can easily find a job in this profession. When you are able to do this, you get to find a high paying job that is right for your career. Here are some of the jobs that you can find in the education field.

Literacy Teachers

Also known as GED teachers, literacy teachers are always in demand. This is because these teachers are qualified to teach both kids and adults. Because there are so many students who are preparing for the General Education Development Test, they need to find teachers that will help them get a good score in this test. This is where the demand for good teachers come in.

Coaches

Aside from teachers, the education field is also looking for more coaches who will help students in a certain sport. While this field did not seem to be important before, it is now considered as an in demand field that will help students get the help they need. For the past few years, coaches have been sought after by several learning institutions.

Administrators

The many child care and pre-school centers in the world are always looking for administrators who can help them. The main goal of these people is to help tutor the kids in both academic and non academic programs.

With the huge demand for the above mentioned fields, it is easy to find education jobs that are fit for you. The best way you can find such jobs is to use your computer and make an online search.

The internet is vast and never ending information even for Education Jobs and other Job opportunities you can apply. Job search is now made easy in Australia by http://www.jobsjobsjobs.com.au/

The Resume Career Objective - A Guide to Getting It Right!

2012-02-25T07:05:00.006-08:00

The resume career objective-a guide to getting it right and moving ahead of the competition.

One key to making your resume stand out is to tailor your objective in your resume to the job opening. Once you've drafted the basic job or career objective it's vital to tailor each objective to match as closely as possible to the employer's needs. If you are changing careers it is even more critical to get the drafting of your objectives in line with the employer's needs.

Even though your qualifications and experience may demonstrate you are a perfect fit for the job, if the recruiter is not impressed with your career objective, your resume may not get read any further and you're out of the game before it gets started.

The objective section of the resume should be one paragraph of one to four sentences and located under your personal contact information and be above the fold.

First, you want to lead the reader directly to the job position you are applying for and tell them why you are uniquely qualified for the job. Also, you want to tell them how it all fits into your career goals.

A one size fits all jobs career objective will just not work. Maybe you'll get lucky and hit the bulls eye, but more likely your resume will end up in the do not contact file. It's always better to give the prospective employer what they want.

Use the keywords in the job announcement to tailor your objective to match the required qualifications and experience. Spend some time building your own career objective-never copy something from the internet and expect it to do the job for you.

Your career objective should be unique to you that positively sells the employer on how close your background matches his requirements. Get your relevant experience and what you have to offer in front of the employer so you have maximum impact.

Therefore, a well written resume career objective statement is concise, effective and contains the following:

1. Resume Location: Top of resume behind your contact information. You are looking for maximum impact to lead the reader into reading the rest of the resume.

2. Structure: Your layout of the career objective should tell the employer what you are looking for, clearly without any fluff. It is no place for you to discuss your long-term career plans or where you want to work.

3. Abilities you bring to the job: Quickly give 2 or 3 examples of your achievements as they relate to what the employer is looking for. Highlight what you have to offer. Use keywords that are in the job announcement. If the employer is looking for someone to lead teams, you've successfully managed teams, and if the employer wants someone with three years of a specific experience you've got the experience. If you are changing careers focus on what you will do in the future rather than emphasize what you did in the past.

4. Career Objective length: One to four sentences in a short paragraph works best. Your job objective should cover a short clause; mid-paragraph highlights your achievements and experience and finally something about other skills like leadership.

5. Keep it professional: It should demonstrate your ability to communicate, keep it tight and to the point. Pack as much as possible in a small space but keep it readable and focused on what you have to offer.

We could provide you with a roomful of resume career objectives in a variety of careers and jobs. They may be helpful providing ideas but the critical thing to understand is the career objective must reflect you and not some cut and paste effort. Moreover, failing to address the specific employer's needs will usually result in failure.

You will have worked to hard on your resume than to neglect this important aspect of a winning resume. Get the career objective on your resume right and you'll move to the next level in the hiring process.

For more about job hunting, career change planning and how working your career plan can help you find your dream job in a career that you'll love. Discover up to date ideas and tips at http://careersafter50.com. You'll find informative articles on career planning and job hunting along with stories of individuals just like you who successfully made after 50 career changes.

Published At: The Resume Career Objective - A Guide to Getting It Right!

Job Interviewing and Self-Promotion

2012-02-25T03:29:00.003-08:00

Any career search, especially the interviews, can be anxiety-producing and nerve-wracking, but when you change your perspective slightly and look at job interviewing from a different angle, it can suddenly seem a lot easier to deal with.

Thinking through the process

When you're thinking about career search, you're naturally thinking in terms of going out and hunting down a job and convincing the hiring manager that you're the right person. The focus is on the search, and then on the interviewer when job interviewing, rather than on you and what you can do.

Of course, some people are very uncomfortable with the idea of promoting or marketing themselves and you may be one of these people. But the fact is, when you interview for a job, you must put yourself forward as the best candidate, even if you secretly believe that there may be someone applying for the job that's more qualified, more experienced or a better fit.

If you're not willing to step up and endorse yourself as the best choice, it's going to be hard for anyone else to take you seriously and believe you're the right person to hire. Put like that, this is obvious, but when it's phrased as "You have to promote yourself," it's harder to grasp.

Arrive Early

One of the most important things to do when job interviewing is to arrive on time. And on time doesn't mean at 11 for your 11 o'clock interview. Actually, you are better off arriving 5-10 minutes earlier. If you have to, take the time to drive out to the interview location ahead of time in order to know the exact directions as well as the time it will take you to get there.

During the Process

During the job interview process, be sure to relax and remain as calm as possible. If you have to, take a moment to regroup when nerves build up. Maintain eye contact with the person interviewing you at all times. Pay attention such that you do not forget the question you have been asked. Be sure to listen to the entire question before you respond.

Don't be afraid to show your interviewers what you already know about the company. While responding to questions during the job interviewing process, be sure to relate what you know about the company to your answers. In addition, match your career accomplishments to the qualifications that the position requires. Be sure to follow up on the interview with a thank you note to reiterate your interest in the vacancy.

After the Interview

After you interview for a job you're often eager to hear how it went. Did you get the job? Will you get called for a second or third interview...thoughts continue to race through your head but at least for a moment your anxiety is released. Employers often take a lot of time before they decide to hire someone. This means you will, likely, have to wait longer than you want to find out if you landed a job, so don't get overly concerned if you don't hear back immediately. I recommend sending a thank you note to all the members of the interview, this can be done via email or with a thank you card or letter. When sending a letter or email make sure you address the person by their title and do a quick spell check to ensure proper spelling and send the thank you letter within 24 hours of your interview to keep your name in the mind of the interviewer. Also make sure you have included your name and contact information as well as a few sentences on why you feel you are a great candidate for their opening. Lastly don't over press the issue, as professionals we can get busy if you have not heard anything back after two outreach attempts don't become a pest by continuing to call and leave messages.

Career Connex is the leading social networking and career site dedicated to connecting Job Seekers and Students with Employers, Educators and other professionals offering job opportunities, mentoring, coaching and networking in their respective careers. For more information visit http://www.careerconnex.com

Published At: Job Interviewing and Self-Promotion

Job Seekers - 11 Critical Success Factors!

2012-02-24T22:02:00.007-08:00

Critical Success Factors Exist in Everything We Do; How Are Yours When It Comes To Your Job Search?

Critical success factors apply to everything we do in life and our job search is no exception. Have you ever taken time to categorize and understand what job search, not employment, but job search skills you must have to be successful?

Critical Success Factors

The Critical Success Factors that a job seeker must possess include:

The ability to move on and leave the past behind you.
The understanding that spending your time blaming something or someone will not move you forward.
A personal network that can be tapped for information and help.
The ability to grow and develop a network where sharing and caring are mutual.
An appearance and wardrobe that are appropriate for the opportunity. If you are not sure what is appropriate, contact someone that works there or camp out in the parking lot and observe the people coming and going.
A specific goal. If you present as a "jack or jill of all trades" that will be the type of job and pay level that you receive.
A value proposition. What makes you different and sets you apart? Why should the hiring manager; hire you?
A resume that tells the YOUR story.
Interviewing skills.
A learning mentality
A Social Networking presence that compliments YOUR resume.

This next section addresses a couple of these success factors in more detail. Watch for future discussions of the remaining factors.

My Job Is Gone - Now What?

Many jobs that disappeared will never come back. Either they have gone off-shore, been replaced by technology, or it was determined they did not provide the value to keep them. This does not mean that the person in the job was not valuable, but that the position did not provide the necessary value.

If your job was out sourced overseas or replaced by technology; you must be looking at how you can transition your skill set to another career. You may find a similar position, but chances are that, at the new company, the position will eventually be replaced and in the meantime the pay is most likely not at your previous level.

You Must Constantly Be Updating Your Skills

We all must be continually updating our skill sets. If you are not moving forward, there is no standing still; just falling further and further behind. The ball is truly in your court and you must make the most of it. You can ONLY do this by building your skills.

Continuing education speaks to recruiters and hiring managers. They want to know that they are hiring someone that cares about their own well being! If you are not working to improve your skills, do you really care about YOU? Are YOU important to yourself? If you do not care about yourself, why should the believe that you will care about your job and their business? The action of not participating in self improvement speaks volumes.

Copyright Tom Staskiewicz

About the Author

"Who Knows You?" and "Are You Attracting the Attention You Want?" Following the critical success factors can help you get the following you want and create the brand you need.

Get Our Tips and more at UPPROACH

Published At: Job Seekers - 11 Critical Success Factors!

5 Effective Work Habits For Fresh Graduates

2012-02-22T22:16:00.000-08:00

Being new in the working world, I am sure you are eager to show off your new-found skills and knowledge. However, out there in the working world some basic work effective habits can increase your productivity. By being consistently effective at your work increases your chances of success in your career.

The 5 effective work habits are:

1. Volunteer for Assignments

One of the best ways to signal that you are a keen learner and are not afraid of hard work is to volunteer for assignments. Especially assignments that no one seems interested to do. However, before that do assess your own skills and knowledge to see if you can confidently accomplish it. If you are confident in completing the task in full and perfection, go ahead and volunteer for it.

However, do remember one thing. Under promise and over deliver on the assignment you volunteered. Do not be too confident that you turn a perfect opportunity into mess. Once you start the project, see it till the end. You would be seen as someone who is courageous enough to take on additional assignments. You would also be seen as someone who follows through in your work. This is the first habit you need to internalize.

2. Be Nice to People

I am sure we have all heard this often enough. Be nice to people regardless of their rank and designation. It sounds philosophical but when you are nice to people they go out of their way to help you. And being new in an organization you would never know what sort of help you would need. Colleagues often like to work with nice talented people. When you have this effective work habit you increase the chances of people wanting you to work on their team.

Being nice to people is just common courtesy. There is nothing extra ordinary about this particular habit that you need special skills. A smile in the morning and a "Good Morning" is a good start. In this day and age, people working in pressurized environments often use stress as an excuse when they blow up. Is this necessary? Nice is often reciprocated by nice. In fact, it can lower your stress level.

3. Prioritize Your Work

We all love to start work on things that are close to our hearts. However, often these may not be the most urgent and important in our list of tasks in the workplace. When you select things you are more interested in rather than work that is more important or urgent, you lower your chances of success.

Have a list of things to do according to its strategic importance to your company. Know your role in completing the tasks at hand in order to achieve that corporate goal. When you prioritize your work, you are more productive and that increases your chances of career success.

4. Stay Positive

As someone new in the working world it is very easy to feel down because you are new. You are not used to the work system. You have new people to deal with and people in the working world who behave very differently from school. It takes a lot of getting used to. There will be office politics to deal with regardless of how little.

Be above all these and stay positive in the face of challenges. When you are positive you remain focused on your goals. You make better decisions and therefore become more productive.

5. Highlight a Problem but Bring Solutions

The last effective work habit of the five effective work habits is to bring solutions each time you highlight a problem to your boss or management. You need to remember that when you bring problems and not solutions, it is often construed as complaining.

To avoid that label, offer solutions. A range of possible solutions also indicates to your boss that you have thought this through before approaching him/her with a problem. Have in mind a recommended solution amongst those you suggested.

These are the 5 effective work habits I constantly drill into new employees who are fresh graduates in our company. At first glance, these may seem like common sense. However, in actual working environment people tend to sometimes forget these very basic effective work habits, and don't practice them often enough. Internalize these and consistently practice them to increase your chances of success.

Long Yun Siang or Long, as he is popularly known runs http://career-success-for-newbies.com with his wife Dorena as their way of paying it forward. Their website based on their real life experiences - provides tips, tools and advise for newbies pursuing career success. Download a FREE copy of their mini eBook titled Career Success Recipe for Newbies at the website now.

Career Management: Protect Your Future!

2012-02-18T04:23:00.000-08:00

Just like we wear a life vest when out on the water, have you though of taking the same approach with your career? As you plan your career and work on improving your skills and documenting progress and accomplishments so to must you take ongoing action to protect your career.

Effective career management does not mean building a moat around you career and retreating into the castle. You must take a pro-active approach and be aware of what is happening in the economy, how it impacts your industry and company.

Too often with an industry downsizing or outsourcing those affected seems surprised that it could happen to them. Yet the signs of possible future actions that would hit them were all around.

Even if you are working in a field that may be looked upon as secure (IT, engineering, etc.) they are not immune to changes, layoffs or even companies closing. Another bitter pill to swallow in managing your career is working for a company that is not growing but rather spends an inordinate amount of time counting paper clips.

If you see the possibility of negative things happening in your industry and there is a likelihood the wave will roll through your organization the time to begin to take action is well before the event.

Here are some proactive career management actions you can begin doing right now.

1. Go back over the past two years or so and organize and list all of your accomplishments. Going forward keep a current file on accolades and accomplishments. Make them quantifiable and show the benefits and value to the employer. Study the writing of a resumes and cover letters that will showcase your accomplishments.

2. Take an audit of you career related skills. Are there any gaps in your skills or something that you need to get current on? Perhaps, you've done some career research and you plan on changing career directions. Now is the time to plan on building appropriate skills and qualifications for the proposed new career.

3. If your industry looks like a dead-end, begin studying other related industries that can use your skills. Research other companies and organizations in your area. Don't forget to look carefully at smaller companies, non-profits and if appropriate government agencies.

4. If you may face a change in circumstances, now is the time to look closely at your finances. Reduce debt, postpone major purchases and build a robust rainy day fund.

5. Build you network. Become more active in a career or industry related association. Start a contact data base of those in your network. Help others in their career planning and job hunting. Actions in this area now could pay dividends in the future.

6. Research and start a small home based business. There are many opportunities in this area. One started selling on ebay and earns over $1000 a month working 10-15 hours a week, another sells affiliate items and earns up to $500 a month just working a couple of evening a week. Whatever direction you take, this will improve your financial situation and give you more options. Who knows, it could grow into a full-time type income.

Now with these actions in managing and protecting your career, you will not be totally immune to layoffs and other external changes in your career, but you'll have developed a greater measure of safety. Moreover, now your viable career management plan will put you in charge of the situation rather than your career being starved by the slow drip-drip of circumstances outside of your control.

John Groth has changed careers seven times during his working life. Learn more about changing careers, career management and career planning at http://careersafter50.com. Discover how others over age 50, built winning career plans and found the right careers by effective career planning after 50.

Published At: Career Management: Protect Your Future!

5 Reasons You May Want that Temp Job

2012-02-11T20:25:00.000-08:00

People often view temp jobs with a little bit of distaste when it comes to job hunting. The positions tend to get overlooked because they aren’t a permanent solution for people in need of a job. However the temporary position could be just what you need to take your resume from an average level to an awesome one, so the next time you start to skim over that potential job remember these reasons why it could be opening doors for you:

Gives Experience

No down time between jobs

Usually flexible

Could lead to a full-time position

Networking

Temp jobs can be just the stepping stone you need to catapult yourself into a new career. Don’t discredit them before giving them a shot – it could open just the door you need.

Author Bio:

This is a guest post from Laura Backes, she enjoys writing about all kinds of subjects and also topics related to internet service providers in my area. You can reach her at: laurabackes8@gmail.com.

8 Steps to Building Outstanding Work Ethic & Reaping Excellent Results

2012-02-05T07:09:00.000-08:00

The 8 Steps listed below when applied properly and consistently will increase your production in any business or organization by volumes. These 8 Steps are a part of a marketing system that has been tested and proven to work successfully among some of the top sales teams in the world today. For best results share with groups and work together.

One step at a time is the best we all can do and good habits yield better fruits in due time, every time.

Step 1 to Building Outstanding Work Habits is Have a Positive Attitude

Have you ever heard that the attitude comes before the pay check? Well having a positive attitude is essential for your success in all areas of your life. Your attitude is the posture in which all of your customers and prospects see you. You can't have a bad attitude and reap good results. People join people, not programs. Enthusiasm and excitement moves merchandise and compels visitors to want to optin to your website. Now of course you know that optin's are your best online buddy and when you move merchandise you make money. Your attitude is the billboard of your business. So smile, put up a happy profile picture, show you since of humor and do not express negative attitudes in the online world of commerce.

Step 2 to Building Outstanding Work Habits is to Be Prepared

Being prepared starts so early in the morning that we can qualify it as last night. See, last night I showered, had my cloths ironed, my briefcase and tech equipment were set by the door in preparation for a successful today. Being prepared allows more time and activates; speedy results. Eating breakfast and setting goals daily and nightly prepares your mind to reach the result. If you don't have a goal how do you expect to score? So prepare to be successful in all areas of your life.

Step 3 to Building Outstanding Work Habits is to Be On Time

To be on time is to be early and to be early is to be on time. Punctuality is synonymous with reliability. There have been times when I have cut off deals or just not participated with individuals because they were late for an engagement. Being early can qualify you for many rewards and it shows that you are dependable and trustworthy. Being on time also reduces stress because you won't have to rush so much. if you need to hit the snooze button three times and you need to set you clock forward several minutes then do it.

Step 4 to Building Outstanding Work Habits is to Work With 100% of Your Effort

Contrary to popular belief multitasking will dilute your results. For excellent results the key is concentration. Let your attention be absorbed into your present activity. You can detach and reabsorb your attention but invest 100% of your awareness to what your hands are into. Be mindful of your goal and focus. F.O.C.U.S. Follow One Course Until Success. By investing 100% of your attention you ensure quality returns.

Step 5 to Building Outstanding Work Habits is to Work the Territory Correctly

In direct sells and direct marketing you know that the territory or the "T" is not the cars or the buildings but it is the people. The same is with digital marketing. Just because you have 10 different accounts open on 10 different social networking sites doesn't mean that traffic will come pouring into your personal website. Work the "T" properly; fill your profile with relevant information; your real hobbies and interests. Make friends, send real comments and messages. Once you've uploaded videos and posted blogs to your space prospects become friends and friends will become members, customers or affiliates. The industry of digital marketing still comes down to sales and rather door to door, phone to phone or profile to profile when you make a friend you make a sell. So work the territory properly for best results.

Step 6 to Building Outstanding Work Habits is to Maintain a Positive Attitude

Okay, now it's the middle of the day or night, nearly the end of the season and your results aren't quite coming how you expected them to. This is where Champions are made and victims are scammed. Maintain a Positive Attitude! Do you really want what you've been reaching for? Are you still committed? Maintain a Positive Attitude! Step 7 will help you to uphold your vision but it is imperative that I say this again Maintain a Positive Attitude!

Step 7 to Building Outstanding Work Habits is to Know WHY you are here, and WHAT you are Doing

Why are you reading this article? Why have you been surfing the web looking for opportunities to build your finances? The economy's at a very peculiar time, okay. You don't like your boss or your job, that's a good reason too. But your Why has to drive you when situation seem bleak, when activities appear dreary and when you feel like giving up. Your Why needs to be bigger than a lack of resources and it should involve blessing someone. Your purpose will drive you from the energy in and of itself when you have no energy left.

Knowing what to do combined with a solid reason for why you are doing it can cause you to become invincible. Communicate with your team; your recruiter, your up-line, your trainer, your sponsor, your boss or your Facebook friends... You are moving into a leadership position so what you must understand is the game that you are playing.

Step 8 to Building Outstanding Work Habits is to Take Control

This step can indeed advance you tremendously in your career and your life it also happens to be my favorite step. You must take control of you opportunity; take control of your marketing; take control of your finance; take control of your attitude; take control of your time; take control of your ignorance and get some knowledge; take control of your future; take control of your life.

This article has been produced for readers who are looking to increase their production in the workplace particularly in sales and marketing but these principles are not limited these areas alone. I hope that this information has been helpful. Feel free to share this article with your friends and co-workers.

Author: Keenan Dijon, Social Entrepreneur and Digital Marketer. CEO of Dijon Digital, Keenan has had experience and good results in the sales industry. If you would like more tips or information visit [http://www.DijonDigital.com] Our Marketing has an International Reach with a Personal Touch

Published At: 8 Steps to Building Outstanding Work Ethic & Reaping Excellent Results

Career Book Review - 101 Ways To Make Yourself Indispensable at Work by Carol A Silvis

2012-02-04T20:48:00.001-08:00

Today's workplace continues to evolve, becoming more mobile and individualized. Employers are looking for savvy professionals with a can-do attitude, determination and motivation to meet their needs. Tighter job markets require you to have a plan for career accomplishments.

Following is the last of three articles summarizing "101" career books published by Course Technology. A different author highlights what it takes to achieve professional success in the 21st century for each book. Here, it's businesswoman and educator, Carol A. Silvis. Her book is entitled 101 Ways To Make Yourself Indispensable at Work.

For over two decades, Silvis has trained adults in how to get a job, keep and enjoy it and get ahead. She has a master's degree in Adult Education and is an associate director and department chair at a prominent business institute. She also gives talks and workshops to organizations on a variety of business topics.

Opening, Silvis lists all 101 ways to make yourself indispensable at work, for easy reference. Nine chapters categorize her tips with their succinct, important message.

Chapter 1 is entitled "Surpass the Competition." Among its eight pointers are:

Gain a Competitive Edge. You need a competitive edge to keep your job and earn a promotion in a tough economy. If you're not getting the results you'd like from your job, consider your output. Do you stand out among company employees in a positive way? Do you need to make any changes in your behavior, work habits, and productivity to become an outstanding employee?
Be Self-Reliant. Self-reliant employees free up the boss so they can tend to other matters. Once you're trained, know your duties, and how to complete them, do the work with minimal supervision. Trust your own judgment and skills. "Having the ability to work independently sets you up for promotions by demonstrating your self-reliance and confidence," says Silvis.

"Build Positive Work Habits" is Chapter 4. Here, sixteen tips comprise its message.

They include:

Give a Good Day's Work. While you are at work, do your work, and give it your full attention and effort. Complete assigned tasks with efficiency, accuracy and expediency. Observe others who do similar jobs and compare your productivity to theirs. Is there a way to measure your output against workers in similar jobs? Do you accomplish more than they do? Are you as accurate as they are? There will be days you may feel tired, irritable, or bored. The professional moves past these feelings to continue performing his job to the best of his ability.
Do Not Complain. Enthusiasm is contagious; unfortunately, so is complaining. If you do have a legitimate problem or complaint, you should try to propose a solution when you bring it to the attention of someone who can do something about it. Avoid constant complainer mode by searching for the positive aspect of any given situation. Fear of layoffs or company closings during economic downturns can place undue stress on employees who are concerned about keeping their jobs. Negative comments and complaints only heighten the anxiety and worsen the situation. Therefore, it is critically important to maintain a positive, upbeat attitude.

Jay Miletsky, author of "101 Ways To Successfully Market Yourself," credits Silvis's Chapter 8; "Strategies for Success," which he uses in its entirety as Appendix F. Key tips include:

Learn How to Advance within the Company.
Be a Representative for Excellence.

Chapter 9 concludes the book and is titled "Have a Plan." Its eight tips include:

Set Personal Goals. What do you want to accomplish in your life? What is your motivation for what you want? Without clearly defined goals, your path of success will be uncertain. Set short-term goals that start from the day you create them through the first year or two, and set long-term goals that cover from five years through your entire lifetime. Set the bar higher than where you are now and surpass what you have already achieved. When you set personal goals that work toward increasing your job satisfaction and advancement, be sure they align with your career aspirations.
Be Aware of Office Politics. Anywhere people gather together, politics will come into play, which is especially true of the workplace. It is the way people interact. "Many people try to avoid "playing office politics," but it is nearly impossible to do it, because they are dealing with people," says Silvis. There is a good and bad side to office politics. To stay on the "good side" be sincere, honest, reliable, helpful and agreeable.

Exercises and self-evaluation forms throughout the book promote critical thinking, stimulate creativity and identify areas where improvement will enhance your career success.

With 101 tips, it's inevitable that you'll see your own work behaviors reflected, both good and bad. Read Silvis's book, and you'll finish with a renewed perspective on the workplace and your role in it.

"101 Ways To Make Yourself Indispensable at Work"" is an invaluable read for both novice and veteran workers. Conjoined with Course Technology's "101 Secrets To Career Success," by Rashika Fernando, and "101 Ways To Successfully Market Yourself," by Jay Miletsky, they make an influential triad of career-based reading. One or all three books would make great gifts during the approaching holidays, birthdays or graduations.

Employers could benefit by bulk purchasing Silvis's text for employee distribution. Or, consider starting a business book library/book talk at work, and include Silvis's text in the collection. Open discussion among workers could spark a rejuvenated awareness and approach to the workplace.

Challenging times or not, "101 Ways To Make Yourself Indispensable at Work," emphasizes the workplace agreement to be compensated for an honest day's work.

To view all Course Technology books, including Professional, Technical and Reference, visit http://courseptr.com/.

Timothy Zaun is a blogger, speaker and freelance writer. Visit him online at http://timzaun.com.

Published At: Career Book Review - 101 Ways To Make Yourself Indispensable at Work by Carol A Silvis

Top Tips For Doctors to Have More Work Life Balance

2012-02-04T07:25:00.000-08:00

Doctors have extremely busy lives and one of their biggest challenges is finding some balance between the all encompassing demands of the medical work and finding time for other parts of life including their own needs as well as those of their partner, family, friends and community.

Doctors very often do not have good work life balance because working as a doctor tends, before you know it, to take over most of your waking hours.

If you are a doctor who wants to have a wonderful work life balance but can't get started then here are some tips to help you do so.

The twelve biggest challenges for doctors to find more balance in their lives are:

Goal setting
Time management
Work life Balance
Self care
Environment and behaviour
Capability
Beliefs and Values
Identity
Purpose
Communication skills
Stress management
Creativity

STEP 1: Set goals - Vital to set SMART goals so you can be very clear about what you want

STEP 2: Manage time - essential for making space for a new life to happen

STEP 3: Balance work and life- there is more to life than work. Bring more balance into your life.!

STEP 4: Care for yourself - Decide what you have forgotten to do lately and make a commitment to improve your self care

STEP 5: Environment and behaviour - Notice how small changes in your environment and your behaviour results big positive effect on your well-being.

STEP 6: Skills needed - you may need to learn some new skills and you may need to teach some skills to people around you so you can delegate more.

STEP 7: Beliefs and Values - recognise that some beliefs are powerful enough to stop your change, yet beliefs can be changed.

STEP 8: Who are you? - You are not your job or profession. You can be you without the label. Notice how your ideas about who you are might be stopping you doing what you want and define your identity.

STEP 9: Purpose - Discover why you are here and by doing this you can be motivated to achieve your purpose.

STEP 10: Communicate effectively - You need to be able to communicate what you want to do when it affects others. Learn how to do this more effectively

STEP 11: Manage Stress - Stress happens. Discover some techniques to reduce or get rid of it.

STEP 12 Be Creative and Take Action - Nurture your creativity. This may have been dormant if your job has encouraged you to follow rigid procedures. Do more creative pursuits and most of all take action on all the other steps.

Download free report with 7 strategies for change from: http://www.thedoctorscoach.co.uk.
Susan Kersley is a retired doctor who became a Life Coach. She writes books and articles for doctors: 'Prescription for Change - for Doctors who want a Life,' and 'ABC of Change for Doctors,'

Salary, Raises, & Perks: Negotiate to Get Paid What You're Worth

2012-02-04T01:32:00.001-08:00

Salary negotiation requires preparation and good timing. It's important to determine your salary needs and research the market value for the job you want. Timing is critical for negotiation. Discussing salary requirements too early in the interview process can jeopardize your chances of getting the salary you deserve. Failure to negotiate could result in losing money.

Market Value

The negotiation process begins by determining what salary you need. Prepare a detailed outline of your expenses. Next determine the market value of the job for which you are applying. Research similar positions with other companies and jobs requiring comparable experience. Information can be gathered from classified ads, competitors, informational interviews, and web sites.

Win-Win

Be polite and professional during negotiation. Try to impress to the employer that your goal is a win-win situation. It is your job to convince the employer that you are worth more than they are offering. Be prepared for objections by talking about how your past accomplishments benefited previous employers.

Wait

Never bring up salary until an offer has been extended. At that point, the employer has decided that you are the best person for the job, giving you bargaining power. If the employer brings up salary before an offer has been made, be prepared with a response. For example, "I need to know more about the job responsibilities before I can talk salary." If the position is newly created you could say, "Since this is a newly created, position, I'm sure you have a salary in mind."

Start Higher

When you have determined an acceptable salary, start negotiating higher than you think the employer wants to pay, and then go to a middle ground. If the employer offers you $50,000 and you want $55,000, ask for $58,000 and then work backward toward your target salary.

The employer may offer you some reasons for not wanting to give you the requested salary. Again, be prepared with a response. If the employer tells you their budget won't allow an increase, negotiate some perks such as flex-time or an early salary review. If the employer tells you that you would be earning more than others at that level, point out that you should earn more, because you're worth more. Another option is to ask for a different job title so that you'll fall into a higher salary range. Be sure to mention that you will take on some additional responsibilities to compensate for the higher salary.

Perks

If the employer can't increase the salary, be creative and look at other ways to boost your compensation package. You could ask for extra vacation days. Another option is to ask for an early salary review. Request that you be given a three-month review. If your performance is satisfactory, ask that you receive your annual raise at that time. Other options to consider include: a one time sign-on bonus, flex-time, or a shorter work week.

Get Paid What You're Worth

Why should you negotiate your salary? You have a right to be paid what you're worth and what the market supports. Records indicate that 60 percent of all negotiators get more than the initial offer. If you don't negotiate, you'll lose money, since each annual raise is based on the amount of your starting salary. For example, suppose you were hired at $30,000 per year, without negotiating. Had you negotiated you may have started at $32,000. Based on a five percent salary increase each year, you would lose more than $26,000 over ten years.

Finally, salary negotiation isn't reserved for the corporate world. People in all types of industries can successfully negotiate their salary. Remember, you are negotiating for your future!

Joan Runnheim, M.S., is owner of Pathways Career Success Strategies (http://www.pathwayscareer.com). She has over 10 years of experience helping people take charge of their career. Joan specializes in helping professionals navigate a mid-career transition, whether its a career change, job change, or career advancement.

Before establishing her private practice, Joan worked in both the for-profiit and not-for-profit arenas. Her first-hand experience with lay-offs, career change, and job search allows her to 'put herself in her clients' shoes.' She serves clients from a variety of fields, including IT, healthcare, and sales and marketing.

Joan is a Certified Five O'Clock Club Career Coach and a Certified Career Management Coach. For the past five years she has served as a career advisor for Monster.com.

Start to take charge of your career with a complimentary 15-minute career coaching session (http://www.pathwayscareer.com) and our monthly career newsletter

Published At: Salary, Raises, & Perks: Negotiate to Get Paid What You're Worth

How to Protect Your Executive Brand During a Job Search

2012-02-03T21:13:00.000-08:00

It’s not easy to come up with ways to remain relevant as an executive who is in between jobs. It's very important for executives to constantly work on their brands, and this is especially true for executives that are currently between jobs.

While it’s not exactly easy to build and nurture your brand, it’s easy as pie to ruin it. With just a few misguided errors, the brand you’ve worked so hard to build could easily crumble, that is, unless you remember to do the following…

Always Plan Your Next Move

Instead of jumping on an exciting venture – with your name attached – that sounds too good to be true, take time to look over the situation, make sure it’s right for you and determine whether it should be your next move. Regardless of how long you've been an executive, if you're trying to grow a brand, you've got to be extremely careful about where (and how) your name appears.

Showcase Your Resume

Your resume may come in the form of a CV, resume profile or LinkedIn page. However, you want to show it off to the world, make sure that you do so to allow people to see what it is that makes you such a great voice in your industry.

Don’t Be Afraid to Be Yourself

Sometimes, as people begin to build their executive brand – especially on the Internet – they tend to fold under the pressure of others who have opinions of how they should think. Don't think in this way. If you appear indecisive or wishy-washy, employers in particular won’t see you as a steady force and someone who will be able to made solid, unfaltering decisions when the time comes.

Remember to Bring in Reinforcements When Necessary

Sometimes building your brand requires that you enlist others to help you get your name out there. You might have a friend that works as a reporter. If your friend says he could help you anytime, see if you could have a profile or article written about you to get your name out there. Or if you have a friend who is a board member for a local charity, you may be able to organize an event where you will be the keynote speaker. Getting your name in front of others isn’t always easy, but it’s simpler when bringing in reinforcements.

Share What You Know

Probably one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself and others when building your brand is to offer advice to others. An online blog is a great place to do this. You don’t have to pay a thing to get one started and can draw an audience that will come for your advice as often as you give it – a great way to show credibility.

There’s nothing greater than being able to build your brand to help you in your job search. You'll also learn about yourself, and this might be one of the biggest benefits to building your brand; with the right approach, your next job will be right around the corner.

About Heather Eagar: Are you an Executive in need of a job? Be sure your resume is the best it can be. Choose a company that specializes in executive resume writing and that is best for you and your situation. Do it today at http://www.ResumeLines.com

Job Security and Success - 5 Tips

2012-02-03T07:12:00.000-08:00

Sweaty palms, butterflies-in-the-stomach, and nerves on edge, many a professional worrying about job security is called into the boss' office wondering if he or she is in for good job news or, more likely, bad news. That daunting feeling and lack of security is unnecessary for confident employees to both survive and thrive as a success at their jobs. You too can walk into job interviews, business meetings, and job evaluations with confidence when you practice 5 simple attitudes in your work life. Implement these tips to discover job security and continued success!

1. Be Enthusiastic.

Studies show that over 70% of Americans dislike their job; therefore, a little enthusiasm goes a long way to set you apart as a valuable member at your office who is willing to contribute to your company's success. Energy and an enthusiastic mindset toward your job will give you an uplifting presence at your workplace. When approaching tasks, even the mundane ones, keep a positive, can-do, success driven attitude.

A point of caution: Over-enthusiasm or feigned enthusiasm will be quickly perceived as fake and annoying by your co-workers and job supervisors, and it reveals a lack of security - so be sure to maintain a professional, appropriate level of energy at your job.

2. Be a Learner.

Your positive attitude should translate into becoming an aggressive learner at your job. Acquiring new skills, increasing your knowledge in your field and even learning more about the success of your competition will make you a valuable asset to your company's success. If you are an aggressive learner, you do not have to be a "know-it-all," for intentional competence and understanding will be evident in the way you work - whether you talk about it or not! An attitude of learning gives you the tools you need for success in your office.

3. Be Teachable.

Learning and teachability on the job can go hand in hand - but there is a difference between the two! What defines teachability is the willingness to take correction well. While learners pursue positive change by their own volition, being teachable requires the humility to be instructed by a superior or even a peer.

When you take into account the ideas and suggestions of your peers, you can gain valuable insight into the "blind spots" of your job performance of which you may not have been aware. Even more importantly, listening to your supervisors' instruction and correction can save your job! Job security and success are directly linked to teachability.

4. Be a Team Player.

In kindergarten, most report cards listed a check-box for, "Played Well with Others" - that "box" still exists in the work world. As you accomplish both daily tasks and long-term projects at your job, do not simply work for your own success but aspire to make others a success along with you. Being a team player both builds you a positive reputation of success with your co-workers and allows you to stand out as a leader to your supervisors. Leadership skills always increase job security.

When working with other members of your business team who do not act like team players, think of ways to positively motivate them to get involved. If a coworker is simply not interested in making your team a success, distance yourself from that person. He or she may be paving the way for future negative repercussions both at work and in life.

5. Be Excellent.

Every project you are assigned at your job is an opportunity to "wow" your boss! While your job supervisor may not acknowledge your every success, a strong track record of excellent work (rather than just adequate) positions you as an incredible asset to your company, and provides you with continued success and increased job security. Furthermore, excellent work will set the pace for your co-workers -- and companies need pace-setters!

To determine if your work is excellent or not, ask yourself these questions:

Have I met the standards and goals of my job supervisor?
What can I improve on this project?
Would I be proud to share this project with someone I deeply respect?
Have I received feedback from others about this project?
Have I creatively exhausted my resources to really make this project "wow" others?

Answering these questions will give you an accurate estimate of the excellence and success of your project. For more ideas about how to "wow" your boss, check out this book.

A enthusiastic attitude, an aggressive commitment to learning, humble teachability, and the ability to work in a team with excellence are all key strengths you can develop to greatly increase your job security. Overall, a positive attitude gives you an edge that will set you apart from your peers, and a teachable disposition towards co-workers and employers allows you to benefit from mistakes to ultimately achieve success in your job. Learn to adapt these attitudes, and commit to practice them in your workplace for long-term job security, confidence, and success.

If you lack job security, or if your workplace does not offer affordable dental coverage, you may want to investigate a discount dental plan to ensure the safety of your teeth. To find out more, visit http://www.1dental.com/

Published At: Job Security and Success - 5 Tips

Entry Level Jobs: How To Get Your Foot In The Door

2012-02-03T01:17:00.000-08:00

Getting an entry level job can be a difficult task even when you're a recent graduate armed with a diploma or degree and figure that you're ready to take on the corporate world.

If only someone in the corporate world would give you a chance to get your foot in the door though…

Getting a job isn't necessarily a case of sending off some resumes and waiting for the calls to come in.

Too many job searchers fire off a dozen or more resumes to hiring managers and sit back and expect that their door will be broken down by companies begging them to take a job with their company.

The Internet has made it very easy for everyone to fire off resumes left, right and centre so hiring managers have had to invent new ways to weed through the hundreds of applications they might receive for each job they advertise.

One way to get past finding your resume in the junk folder of the hiring managers you've emailed is to take another approach to try to get your foot in the door.

Consider finding some decision makers in your chosen field and contact them to ask for help. Tell them you're a recent graduate and are trying to get your foot in the door. Don't ask for a job, but request their help.

Ask who they'd suggest speaking with in your industry who might open some doors for you.

People generally like to help other people even if it means simply pointing you in the direction of someone else who can help you further. If you're lucky, you'll find someone who remembers how difficult it was when they were searching for their first job and will be willing to give you some advice.

Look for professional organizations or trade groups that represent your profession who might offer some advice, too.

Don't forget to utilize your college or university's placement center as well. Any job search advice they can provide might be just what you need to get your foot in the door.

The more avenues you pursue, the better your chances of getting a job.

Carl Mueller is an Internet entrepreneur and professional recruiter who has written an ebook for career-minded individuals: http://www.RecruiterSecretsRevealed.com

Top Ten Public Speaking Tips

2012-02-02T07:17:00.000-08:00

So you've got to give a speech in public? Once your stomach stops churning, here are some public speaking tips that should make your job easier.

1. Outline your speech

Write out what you are going to talk about. Your outline should cover all the points you want to make in your speech. Ideally in a reasonably logical order.

2. Make notes

One of the easiest ways is to use old-fashioned 3x5 index cards. Each one should have a bullet point on it that you can expand on. If you're using a PowerPoint slide show then this should give you the basis for your notes.

3. Practice your presentation

Stand in front of a mirror and practice your speech. If you're likely to be embarrassed, do this while no-one else is at home. Speaking out loud is a necessary part of this practice. Sure, it may be uncomfortable the first few times you try it but you'll get better as you go along. Note where you stumble – this gives you pointers for where you need to change your speech slightly.

4. Talk to one person

It doesn't matter whether you're talking in a business meeting with one other person or addressing hundreds or even thousands of people. Talk as though you are talking face to face with one person. Apart from anything else, you've done this all your life so it should be easier. If you've got a large audience, focus on one person and talk to them.

5. Stay away from humor

Unless you're a renowned after dinner speaker, humor is best left out of your speech. Not everyone shares the same sense of humor – otherwise Friends and South Park wouldn't both still be on air – so keep it out of your presentation.

6. Don't fidget

If you've got a podium then there's a natural place to put your hands. If you haven't, be aware of what your doing with your hands and don't fidget with them or gesture too much. Fidgeting makes you look nervous!

7. If you stumble, carry on

Most of your audience will be relieved that it's not them giving the speech. If you stumble, recover as fast as you can. Do your best not to get flustered and make sure you keep your place in your speech so you can recover from any glitches quickly.

8. Keep it short

Unless you've been told that you absolutely have to speak for a set amount of time, stick to the idea that less is more. Don't bore your audience. Ideally they should be wanting more when you've finished your set speech.

9. Don't resort to alcohol

Tempting as it may be to have a shot of something before you take to the stage, it's better to be 100% sober and in control.

10. Ignore distractions

Unless the fire alarm has just sounded and you all need to leave the building, keep going! Keep your speech going as planned. Don't panic if one or two of your audience walk out – they may just have had an urgent message or need to answer a call of nature. And make sure your cell phone is turned off as well!

About Trevor Johnson: Get more public speaking tips and lots of useful public speaking strategies to make your next speech memorable.

Career Opportunities for Administrative Assistants

2012-02-01T21:38:00.000-08:00

Who is not familiar with the office secretary? Traditionally, a secretary used to be a conservatively-dressed women buzzing around in the office performing a whole gamut of tasks that ranged from making coffee to scheduling appointments.

However, with improvements in technology, the role of a stereotypical secretary or "administrative assistants" as they are now called has undergone a facelift. It has become a lot more sophisticated over the years and much of the work that was earlier the reserve of managerial staff is now being entrusted with administrative assistants.

This obviously means that the future looks promising for these professionals. In fact, the Department of Labor ranks this profession as one with the largest number of job openings over the next few years.

Duties of an Admin Assistant

Administrative assistants are the men and women who shoulder the responsibility of ensuring optimum operations in an organization. They are the eyes and ears of an organization and perform a range of clerical and administrative duties including, but not limited to:

Planning and scheduling meetings
Organizing and maintaining files
Planning and coordinating events
Fixing appointments and interviews
Conducting research and managing projects
Making travel arrangements for staff
Making preparations for corporate guests
Communicating with the office staff
Taking care of business correspondence
Making food and transport arrangements
Stocking and maintaining inventory

Safe to say, administrative assistants and secretaries are the proverbial cogs in the wheel that keep a business running smoothly and efficiently.

Career Paths for an Admin Assistant

Under the broad title of administrative assistant are a number of professionals who have very specific duties either on account of the industry they work in or due to the nature of admin support they provide. If you're interested in a career as an admin assistant, you may also want to explore these careers within:

Executive Assistant: They perform a combination of ordinary and complex administrative and secretarial tasks for a high-ranking executive or a group of executives in an organization. Their duties include reviewing reports, preparing meeting agendas and statistical reports and other such tasks.

Legal Assistant: They perform highly specialized jobs that require knowledge of legal jargon. Under the supervision of lawyers and/or paralegals, legal secretaries prepare legal documents, conduct research, review journals, etc.

Medical Assistant: In addition to the usual administrative tasks like transcribing dictations and maintaining patient records, medical assistants are also qualified to perform basic clinical duties in a doctor's office, hospital and other healthcare facilities.

Virtual Assistant: The job profile of a virtual assistant is virtually the same as an administrative assistant with the only difference that they work remotely from a home office.Virtual assistance is emerging as one of the more popular telecommuting jobs out there!

Personal Assistant: These professionals provide support to an individual within an organization, hence the title. Personal assistants or personal aides assist an individual in business as well as personal tasks.

Project Assistant: Project assistants are hired to provide support for a specific project. They perform a variety of administrative and project-related tasks from the time it goes on floor until its successful completion.

Accounting Assistant: As the name suggests, these professionals support the finance department of an organization by performing a variety of accounting related tasks.

Receptionist: Often the first person an employee and/or visitor encounters on entering an office, the main job of a receptionist is to answer phone calls, greet guests and direct them to their destination, and respond to queries about the organization.

How to become an Admin Assistant

The path to becoming an administrative assistant is pretty straightforward. Although there are no formal educational requirements and even high school graduates may qualify for some entry-level positions, but that may be easier said than done in today's job environment.

The best shot a person has at becoming an admin assistant is by completing a post-secondary administrative assistant training program. Vocational schools and community colleges offer such training programs that provide the skills for the job.

In addition to administrative assistant training, individuals may also benefit by taking Microsoft Office courses as job prospects are projected to be best for those who are efficient at using computer software applications.

Legal, accounting and medical secretaries may need to take additional courses that provide them the knowledge of industry-specific terminology. Specialized certifications are also available for these professionals as well as virtual assistants and secretaries that can help them secure the bright future this profession promises!

Nancy is a 35-year old stay at home mom of two. She worked as a medical assistant for five years before taking a break to be with her children. Her experience as a medical assistant gave her valuable insights in to the medical billing and coding industry, which she likes to share with others through her writing. Medical billing and coding programs often find mention in her writings. Her expertise in Medical billing and coding training stems from her extensive research on the subject.

Her other interests include gardening and baking. She stays in Cleveland, OH with her husband and two daughters.

Published At: Career Opportunities for Administrative Assistants

Registered Nursing Jobs For Making a Difference

2012-02-01T03:53:00.000-08:00

A nursing job is always a wonderful career to have. Think of all the people you can help while getting paid to do it. That is what is called a good example of “killing two birds with one stone.” Yes, a registered nursing job can be demanding and stressful but in the end, it is the results that matter.

You are able to not only make a difference in your life, but also touch and change the lives of others. This is probably one of the greatest rewards of this career. However, there are other benefits you can get from this job. Listed below are just some of the notable benefits can expect to get from a registered nursing job.

Salary

Since nurses are in high demand, it means the salary is quite high as well. The approximate income of just an average nurse can be as high as $40,000. Keep in mind that if you practice and study advanced nursing, then in the future, you might have a shot at being a nurse manager. A nurse manager makes around $65,000 annually.

High demand

As stated earlier, this kind of medical job is in high demand so it is not that big of a problem if ever you want to move to a different location. You will always have many options available to you if you ever feel the need to change to another nursing career. It also means that you will feel more secured in the future in regards to your career's future.

Schedule

Another wonderful aspect of a registered nursing job is the flexibility of the times that you work. If you want a full-time position, it is no problem. You can either work in the morning or at night.

If you want to work part-time, that is not a problem either. You can choose the best shift that works for you, making it easier for you to plan the rest of your day.

And if you ever feel the need to study again to enhance your nursing knowledge, you can always opt to be a contingent nurse and choose your own work hours.

Life lessons

This might not be something you expected on the benefits lists but it needs to be said due to the fact that it actually does benefit you in one way or another. Consider this for a moment. If you have a greater understanding of death, you will also have a higher respect for life. And that means life in totality. You will see the world in a whole new perspective. This is greater than any material benefit you will ever get. A nursing job is a career option that is hard to pass up.

Even though a registered nursing job might be one of the most demanding jobs out there, this type of career path is also one of the most fulfilling. So go ahead and make a difference in the lives of others. Change your life and others by becoming a registered nurse.

About Karen P Williams: If you're looking for information about CNA Certification & Training, we have more great tools and resources on our website http://www.yourcnatrainingguide.com

Six Virtues to Practice For Job Search Success

2012-01-31T19:27:00.000-08:00

Looking for a job can be disheartening. With high unemployment rates, there are far too many people for too few jobs. So how do you stay positive when you send out resume after resume and get no responses? How about when you've gone on 20 interviews with not one job offer? What about the financial hardships of having to use your 401k to pay bills, and barely being able to pay for the mortgage?

With no prospects of a job in sight for many, people can feel a range of emotions from frustration to disappointment to despair. So how do you stop the job search blues from taking over? One way is to become consciously aware of certain virtues you can practice that can help fight negative emotions and move you closer to finding a job. Focusing on these virtues will help place your attention on what's possible for you instead of on your troubles. Here are six virtues that, if practiced, will become more of a way of life.

1. Perseverance

As months pass, and even years, the will to go on may get harder and harder. You also may feel that you can't look at one more job board or type one more cover letter. But the mindset it takes for a hiker to climb a mountain like Africa's Mount Kilimanjaro at 15,100 feet, is what it takes, particularly in this market, to land a job. Keeping your eye on the goal, and becoming unstoppable in the quest to reach the top can mean the difference between success and failure. No matter how many times you get rejected, or how much financially you are suffering, or how fed up you become, perseverance will get you a job.

2. Courage

Maya Angelou said this about courage: "One isn't necessarily born with courage, but one is born with potential. Without courage, we cannot practice any other virtue with consistency. We can't be kind, true, merciful, generous, or honest." Think about the courage it takes to speak the truth to someone even though it may hurt his or her feelings, or to be kind, even if you think it might offend someone. It also takes great courage to keep sticking your neck out there to find a job, when the results seem futile. But practicing courage helps you to press on and face the next interview and the next one, and the next one to eventually achieve your career goal.

3. Confidence

When a job loss happens, your confidence is shaken, understandably so, and while the job search continues and more rejection follows, confidence can suffer even more. But knowing that rejection is part of the process and not personal can make you stronger and more resilient. It's easy to lose sight of your talents, strengths and experience when you receive little validation or acknowledgment. Focusing on your abilities and the value you will add to potential employers will boost and maintain confidence. Posting daily reminders or saying affirmations relating to your abilities, or visualizing yourself in your next job happy and fulfilled can help you to stay motivated.

4. Hope

Without hope searching for a job would be next to impossible. Hope is the fuel to keep you going in the darkest of times. Hope that your next job is right around the corner and it's just a matter of time. Remain hopeful by thinking about what's possible for yourself and your career and not on what's not happening for you. Every part of the job search has value even if it doesn't feel that way. Through the practice of hope, our journey can become lighter as we shift our focus from our hardships to our wishes.

5. Faith

Faith that you will find a job and really believing this in your heart, even when there is no evidence that this is true, is an enlightened way of thinking. Having faith is the understanding that whatever happens there is a good reason for it, even if you don't know it at the time. Who would have thought that when you got laid off from your last job, that it would lead to a more fulfilling and joyful career? Or catapult you into your own business? Trusting in a something that you may not like initially is the perspective of true believers who have faith in the journey and in what life holds for them.

6. Gratitude

The practice of gratitude can have a significant impact on a person's well-being. There is always something to be grateful for in life. It isn't always easy to see this, especially during hard times, but grateful people, according to scientific research, experience higher levels of positive emotions, cope better with stress, recover more quickly from illness, and benefit in greater physical health. Having an attitude of gratitude, as the term has been coined, shifts our mental focus from negative to positive. Positive thinking, as we well know, has transformative powers. Practicing gratitude in life and during the job search is a powerful tool to help us prevent negative emotions, focus on what's working and make positive change.

Magic is believing in yourself, if you can do that, you can make anything happen. ~Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Stacey Porto, CC, is a certified life, career and business coach, graduating from the Life Purpose Institute of San Diego, CA. She is founder of Virtues for Life, http://www.virtuesforlife.com, a website designed to inspire and coach people in becoming their personal best through the daily practice of virtues, and, consequently, leading more extraordinary lives. She is also President of Gateway to Success Coaching, where she helps people achieve success in life and career.

Published At: Six Virtues to Practice For Job Search Success

Your Career Objectives: Who's in Charge?

2012-01-31T09:38:00.000-08:00

Your career objectives: Who's in charge of your career?

If you've worked for several employers and possibly in more that one career you know how important it is to keep up with technical changes in your career, new advancements in your industry and your continuing career growth and development.

Although many companies realize how important it is to stay competitive through added training of their employees many do not have the resources to cover all the needs of their staffs.

So the proper obligation to advance and grow your career and keep up with the related knowledge rests with you. Here are some ideas to advance your professional and career growth:

Life-time learning: The key to reaching your career objectives and building your skills is a robust plan of life-time learning and self-study.

With the internet the source of information is almost limitless. Briefly, here are some starting points to consider:

1. Keep up with your career and industry by reading at least one all-purpose business magazine and one industry publication. Use your down time, like waiting or your lunch hour, to keep current with your reading. Whenever you come across something of interest, summarize it and send it other members of your department and your boss.

2. Plan to read at least one career or business related book each month. Whenever possible add another book of topical interest.

3. Discover on-line learning. There are literally dozens of distance learning courses. Many are free, on video and podcasts. Make it a point to keep abreast of what is available and build this important learning resource into your plan. The positive impact on your career will be swift and immediate as you learn new skills, improve your strengths and eliminate areas of weakness.

4. Your learning should never stop. Your local junior college and university has a roomful of continuing education courses. Many can be completed with only one classroom session a month with the balance online. Moreover, some can lead to career related certifications. Others include learning a new language, expanding on computer systems and software skills or just exploring information for a possible career change.

Learning from others: As you get more involved in your professional association look for someone who can advise you about your career and your overall career objectives. Be considerate of their time and plan on meeting periodically to review your progress and to work through issues that may have cropped up.

Within your company, your career association or in your volunteer work you will be working with and observing others who are very successful in one or more phases of their careers. Whenever possible ask them for some time to explain and show you how they reached the top of a particular skill.

If it's some study or practice they suggest add the items to your study plan. Keep them involved in your progress.

In addition, if you see someone who is routinely unsuccessful at some activity that of course is something to stay away from.

If you get stuck in some aspect of your career, you can always find someone who can give you advice and counsel on that particular issue. Career coaches are everywhere, talk to others and get their recommendations.

Get your boss involved: When you have an outline of your career development plan drafted; plan a meeting with your boss. Discuss your overall goals and how and when you expect to achieve them. Get feedback on your priorities and carefully consider any suggestions your boss may have.

Going forward keep your boss informed as each planned milestone is reached and any other achievements related to your career plan.

Learning from outside activities: If your career has a local career based organization, you can profit in a variety of ways. It's a great opportunity to network. Local meetings have speakers where you can learn more about your career and industry related trends.

You should be able to participate on committees and assist in membership drives and conferences. Many professional groups have training courses and possible certifications.

Newsletters, emails and websites will keep you current on news important to your career. Also, there will be opportunities to write articles for the newsletter and website.

Another valuable outside activity is volunteering and working with others. You expand your network of contacts and build important skills such as; leadership, teamwork, marketing and communications.

Summary: Your career plan is a long-term commitment. Stay flexible and adjust your goals as your interests and skills change. Your career success goes beyond a particular job as you are constructing both a career and a life.

John Groth has changed careers seven times during his working life. Learn more about changing careers and career planning at http://careersafter50.com. Discover how others over age 50, built winning career plans and found the right careers by career growth after 50.

Published At: Your Career Objectives: Who's in Charge?

The Five C’s To Building A Career You Will Love

2012-01-30T19:53:00.000-08:00

If you have clarity about what you want and need in your life, you are more likely to get it. This is as true for your career as it is for other things in your life. However, most people spend more time researching and evaluating a car purchase, than they do on that very important thing in life - a career.

When it comes to your "life's work," you can significantly increase the odds of building a career you will love by taking a few simple factors into account. These include being clear about what you want to do, where and with whom you want to do it, and what you want to get out of it as well as what you are willing to give up in return. However, this is not the way most people approach their career.

Unfortunately, many of us don't plan our careers, we just take jobs. And even when we do some planning, we base our decision on only one or two factors, when there are other equally important things to consider.

When asked about your particular job and career choice, it's likely that you respond with one or two of these statements:

- "It's a great place to work" (culture)
- "The guy I'll be working for seems really nice"(command)
- "The people are fun" (comrades)
- "The pay is really good" (compensation)
- "I'll get to do what I want" (contribution)

The problem is, just one or two of these criteria are typically not enough to keep us excited about our choice, and soon we find ourselves not enjoying our work. This is because, although we love the pay, our boss is a jerk, or we’re not getting to do the tasks we enjoy, or something else we overlooked, is now an issue.

You can avoid this problem by getting clear about the 5 C's of your career from the beginning. It's important to know what matters to you. Here are some questions to consider:

1. Culture - In what kind of company do I want to work? - Large or small? Public or privately owned? Nurturing environment or "sweat shop? Fun or serious?

2. Command - For what type of boss/supervisor would I like to work? - Warm and friendly or distant? Micro-manager or hands off? Dictator or leader?

3. Comrades - With whom do I want to work? - Team players or mavericks? Highly social or indifferent? Helpful and supportive? Shared work ethic?

4. Compensation - What would I like my financial package and other "benefits" to be? - How much money do I want to make? Do I want professional growth and development? Would I like to work on a commission basis? How important is recognition to me?

5. Contribution - What would I like to give in my work? - Do I need to make a difference in the world? Do I need to express myself creatively? Do I need to take on a lot of responsibility? Do I want to lead or manage people?

The 5 C's raise your awareness and ultimately improve your job satisfaction, because you're more likely to be doing and experiencing what you love, than taking what you can get.

Although you can't control all these aspects of your career nor the people in it, being clear will help you ask better questions and do better research as you evaluate your career. The key is in getting the most you can, and also agreeing with yourself that what you are able to get is what you truly want.

To request a more complete list of questions to consider as you evaluate your five C's, email Dave Lindbeck at dave@instepcoaching.com.

About Dave Lindbeck: Dave Lindbeck, Business and Career Coach - InStep Coaching - Success strategies for professionals in Financial Services, Real Estate and Technology - Learn more @ www.instepcoaching.com. P.O. Box 7221 Phoenix, Arizona 85011

Illegal Job Interview Questions: What to Do When Asked

2012-01-30T03:14:00.000-08:00

As an employer, it is important, if not imperative, to ensure that you are hiring qualified individuals who can perform competently and contribute to the company. However, many of the questions often used to determine an applicant’s competency and ability to do the job are actually unlawful, and many of the inquiries mentioned below may amount to federal or state constitutional violations. Therefore, hiring parties should be aware of those questions that are inappropriate or illegal, and they should learn how to rephrase these inquiries in ways that will allow them to obtain the information they want, while not offending or violating the rights of the candidate. Moreover, prospective employees should also make themselves aware of such unlawful questions, and of the employer’s purposes for asking them. This way, they may either refuse to answer the particular question or redirect the question in a manner that will allow them to provide the information sought without having to disclose the things that they do not want to, or even have to, reveal. An employment lawyer should be consulted for more information.

Equal Protection Clause

If the hiring party is not a private employer, it may be subject to the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment or the Due Process Clause of the Fifth Amendment (applicable to the federal government). For example, if an applicant is discriminated against on the basis of a fundamental right or suspect classification, the employer’s explanation for doing so will be evaluated under a strict scrutiny standard, which is the most exacting form of judicial review. If a quasi-suspect classification is involved, such as gender, intermediate scrutiny will be used, and if the classification does not affect a fundamental right or involve a particular classification, the rational basis standard will apply. In order for strict or intermediate scrutiny to be used, there must be intent on the part of the public hiring agency to discriminate. Intent may be proved by a law or policy that is discriminatory on its face, a discriminatory application of the policy, or a discriminatory motive behind it.

Questions involving a person’s citizenship or place of birth are unlawful and involve discrimination as to national origin.1 In fact, although the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 requires hiring parties to confirm the legal status of newly hired employees, a legal alien may not be discriminated against on the basis of citizenship.2 Therefore, rather than disclosing their national origin, potential employees should simply answer with whether or not they are legally entitled to perform work in the United States.

An employer may not ask questions regarding marital or family status.3 The motive behind such queries is generally related to the presumption that women are typically the primary care givers, a role which may affect their presence and tardiness in the workplace.4 The fact that such questions are usually asked only to females makes them clearly unlawful.5 A more appropriate way of forming the question may be, “Is there anything that would interfere with your regular attendance at work?” Moreover, candidates who are asked about their marital or family statuses may choose to respond by saying, “If you are concerned with whether there is anything that may prevent my regular attendance, I can assure you that I will have no problem being present and on time.” Similarly, employers may not ask about an applicant’s maiden name or spouse’s name, as they are irrelevant to job performance and could be used to discriminate on the basis of gender, religion, or national origin.

First Amendment (applicable to the states through the Fourteenth Amendment)

Generally, public entities may not infringe on a person’s First Amendment right of association or religion unless particular criteria is met and justifications are valid. Therefore, it makes sense that an employer may not ask what clubs or organizations an applicant belongs to, or whether he or she attends church.7 If an employee is asked such a question on a job application or during an interview, he may wish to mention any professional or trade groups to which he belongs, and that are relevant to his ability to perform the work, since this is probably why the employer asked the question in the first place. Further, questions about race and religion are off limits as they may deter an applicant whose religion prohibits weekend work.8 If a question like this is posed, the applicant should inform the employer whether he can be available, and the employer should indicate that the business makes reasonable efforts to accommodate religious practices.

Both employers and job applicants alike should consult an employment lawyer to learn more about what questions are considered unlawful. An employment lawyer may also have more suggestions as to how to formulate questions and answers in a more appropriate manner.

About the Author:

Marcelo Dieguez is a practicing lawyer at Diefer Law Group and specializes in employment law and as a sexual harassment lawyer in Orange County and throughout California.

Photo: Ambro / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Four Steps to Move Forward Confidently After a Job Loss

2012-01-28T07:27:00.000-08:00

You never thought it could happen, but suddenly, your company have decided that they cannot keep you any longer, due to various reasons like the company is not making profit or economic downturn and etc. You are one of those who would be laid off.

Your first reaction would be: What will happen to your family? What will happen to your future? How are you going to manage your financial obligations (if there is any)? Maybe you are devastated and traumatized. Whatever your reaction, it's perfectly natural to be unsettled, insecure and be at a loss.

Take control of the situation and manage crisis effectively. Turn your destructive fear into constructive action. Here are four steps you need to lift yourself and turn the loss of your job into crafting your niche that even your former employer will envy.

1) Turn Rejection into Motivation

Did your former employer appreciate your talents, skills and commitments? Probably not. You may be overlooked for a well- earned promotion to a less dedicated, less qualified and less experience co-worker.

Take heart, do not be discouraged. It is not that you are not good, you have your unique strengths and capabilities, it is just that sometimes you may not be valued for all the contributions and personal sacrifices that you have made.

Take account of your skills, accomplishments, achievements and know the value that you can bring to the organisation, see yourself in a new position with many learning opportunities waiting for you. Be humble, but think like a winner. Don't throw yourself in frustration or self pity. Take control of your own life and show them what you are made of.

2) Embrace Change

How successful a person can be will be determine on how adaptable they are in embracing change. Start by identifying your niche. Explore the uncharted territories and opportunities available. Set goals and plan your route in advance. After you have set your goals, execute your plan consistently. Think not about all you have lost, focus instead on the possibilities ahead.

3) Take control of your destiny

Your future and your destiny is in your hand. It is not the responsibility of your employer's, your spouse's or the government's.Success is the ability to design the life you want to live.

If your employer does not give you an opportunity to develop and grow in the organisation, it does not mean that you should accept and live up to their plan. Live your life not by default, but by your own design. Take charge of your life!

Recognise that the choices you make today will impact your future. A positive action today, even a tiny step, could lead you to a very positive tomorrow.

4) Develop a strategy confidently

Have the courage to clearly define your life in your own terms, have a clear purpose, setting realistic goals and choose a vocation that align with your passion, life purpose, core competence and values. Having the right mind set and making the right decision leads you to experience a lifetime of joy and growth doing the things you enjoy. Well defined strategies and crystal clear goal can help you soar to greater heights and be more successful than you used to be!

Conquer Your Fear, Take Charge and Move Forward Confidently!

Regina Cho is passionate in helping people and believes in making a positive difference for the community. As a career consultant and coach she works with individuals with diverse employment backgrounds (those who are employed as well as unemployed). She helps people with job searches, provide career guidance and assist them with their resumes. You can sign up for Career Guidance tips Free videos at http://www.career-passion.com/

Published At: Four Steps to Move Forward Confidently After a Job Loss

Five Quick Tips for Effective Networking in a Job Search

2012-01-27T19:47:00.000-08:00

Networking to find a job is very effective. It works especially well when you make it easy for your network to help you. Here are some tips to do it for the best results.

1. Start with your "natural network." You have good friends, former colleagues, current colleagues you trust completely, and family members. These are the first people with whom you can network. They know you, you know them, it's relatively easy to ask them for help. See below for the help you will request.

Later you will branch out, contacting people you know less well and contacting people two or three degrees of connection away from you. I believe a successful networking meeting is one where you walk away with at least one more person to contact who could help you in your job search.

2. Clarify what you want to do for work in an "intention statement" so you can communicate it easily and quickly to people in conversation and via e-mail.

Use your written intention statement in emails to people, to help them help you.
Rehearse your intention statement verbally, putting it into colloquial language so it sounds natural yet clear when you are talking to someone.

3. Tell people exactly what you want them to do for you. This insight comes from my background raising tens of millions of dollars through direct mail. If you don't tell people what you want them to do, they won't do it. No one is a mind reader. It's called the "Call to Action" or CTA. Here are the exact words you need to say:

"Would you be willing to introduce me to people you think could give me advice and guidance on my job search?"

"Introduce me" says you want them to write an e-mail, make a phone call, or cross the hall to pave the way for you to then make contact.
"Advice and guidance" leaves people off the hook for recommending you for an actual job. That might be awkward and people might say "no" or that they don't know anyone. You are not asking for a job, you are asking for their wisdom. It appeals to the ego, too - who doesn't like giving advice and guidance?

A variant of this is "would you be willing to introduce me to that person?" when they suggest a specific name. If they are not willing to introduce you, then ask if you can use their name in the email you plan to send. If they're not willing to do that either, then you will be making a "cold call" and will have to build in a lot of flattery to your request.

4. Ask for 20 minutes of someone's time, preferably in person, to get their advice and guidance on your job search.

20 minutes is long enough to be serious, yet not so long that someone can't spare it. Stick to the 20 minutes unless the other person insists. Show you care about them and their time.
Ask for an in-person meeting so you can impress them with your demeanor, appearance, and intelligence. Personal connections get people more invested in helping you, when you make a good first impression.

5. Complete your resume well before you start networking. Every networking request must be accompanied by or followed up with a resume that represents you as completely capable and qualified for the work you want to do.

Attach to e-mail requests for advice and guidance.
Send it to your friends with your intention statement.
Bring an extra copy of it to your in-person meeting.
Have it ready to send at a moment's notice when someone suggests you contact so-and-so.

If you don't have a great resume before you start networking, you may blow an opportunity because you take too long to contact someone.

Last word on networking: Ask for help, not for a job. People rarely have jobs. Friends rarely hire friends. People hate being put on the spot. And you are looking for your "right fit" job, not just any job. So be strategic about your job search by using networking to reach the people who can hire you for that right fit work.

Julia Erickson coaches and teaches people to find and do their "right fit" work - work they love and want to do again. Visit her blog, http://www.myrightfitjob.com, for practical guidance and tips about job search, career management, and how to be happy in your work. Her e-book, available on her website, will guide you on your own search to find and get your "right fit" work. Follow her on Twitter @juliaerickson for useful tips on job search, careers and leadership. Her Facebook page is http://www.facebook.com/JobSearchSuccess.

Published At: Five Quick Tips for Effective Networking in a Job Search

5 Helpful Rules to Successful Job Interviewing

2012-01-27T09:18:00.001-08:00

Getting a job these days is a job in itself. With so many people out-of-work or downsized for some reason, every job opening is a hot spot where as many as several hundred applicants may gather.

How can you stand out in an interview situation like that? Here are five helpful rules to successful job interviewing:

1. Do your homework

To be fully prepared for the job interview you will need to do your homework. These days that means all sorts of interview preparation. To start you off you might show interest in a company that is hiring by researching the company. Some job interview tips suggest you do this after you have been asked to the interview. I disagree. I think it is important to look at the company before you even send them your resume.

Why? Because you might find that your skills wouldn't be a good fit or you might discover that several of your skills would make you an excellent candidate as you examine the company. You will know just which of your skills to showcase when you adjust your resume for that individual company.

2. Request an informational interview

The next step might be to request an informational interview with someone working at the job or area you are interested in. Decide what information you want to know that was not included on the company's website. Choose a person you want to interview and how to contact that person. You can request an interview over the phone, in person, by letter or by a social contact in your network. Phone interviews should be no longer than 5 minutes and in-person ones from 15 to 30 minutes.

3. Practice answering questions in mock interviews

After you have sent in your resume and you are asked to come for the actual interview, you still have much preparation to make. Most employers ask the same basic questions with very definite reasons behind them. Until you are able to leave the impression of self-assuredness, you need to practice answering the questions in mock interviews.

4. Be prepared to ask your own questions

The person who is being interviewed is entitled to ask a question for every question he or she is asked. For example, after saying why you think your skills would be useful to the company, you can ask something like, "do you see how my skill set would benefit your company?"

5. Write a thank you note and do your follow-up via a phone call

At the end of the job interview ask if you can contact the interviewer in one week to see how the job search is going. Remember to collect business cards from everyone who might be at the interview and write thank you notes within 24 hours of the interview.

These five helpful rules to job interviewing will help you stand out from the crowd. For information on interview questions and why the interviewer asks them, you might want to look at some resources available on the internet, such as self-help books.

A Mullen has been writing for two decades. Mullen's website Self-Help Discovery covers self-help reviews on a wide range of topics, including information on successful job interviewing.

Construction Jobs - Tips for Success in Construction Job Opportunities

2012-01-27T04:36:00.001-08:00

Infrastructure is one of the most booming industries of the day. Money is freely flowing in as more and more realtors are reaping huge profits from this business. Not just the private sector but even the government seems to be taking keen interest in infrastructure. The private realtors take it from the profit from the profit point of view whereas the government seems to want to generate more construction related employment. Whatever the reasons might be the truth stands that all this add up to create a great employment for construction employees. Here are a few tips which will come handy in succeeding in construction job opportunities.

Online Offers:

Recession is just over and the period of the blowback still seems to loom large. It is real tough to locate a good employment in these troubled times unless you have a strategy. The internet can prove to be the best thing for your rescue here. There are numerous sites some of the construction companies other job search engines which specialize in locating construction jobs. You might also find some great job offers in newspapers and directories but consider internet as your first option.

Work with realtors:

There are many types of construction jobs available with realtors today. Some of them include that of framers, trim carpenters and roofers. Many of these jobs require expertise as the workers have to work real hard in difficult situations. In the beginning of your career you can actually start working with real estate agents as then you will have a job security coz of the enormous bulk of work they always have.

Fine tune resume:

Research well on the internet for job opportunities and keep visiting hardware stores from time to time. Realtors usually drop in their cards for applicants to find work with them. Building supplies is again a good place for locating an entry level construction job. Keep your resume updated at all times and drop it in at as many places possible. The resume should be specially designed to suit the requirements of the construction company.

Be flexible:

Do not restrict yourself to just one type of construction job. You might have more experience in one field than the other but multi-tasking always sells like hot cakes. Keep learning new things on the job and if you become so flexible then it will be an easy thing to approach recruiters with a resume.

Summer jobs:

Summer jobs are available in construction too. There are regular advertisements in all media sources related to such jobs. All you need to do is to keep your eyes and ears open. The internet will again prove very helpful here. Be it full time construction jobs or part type ones there is a huge demand for all.

The duties you will face in one company might not be the same in another company. Construction management jobs are quite challenging and will require you to control a huge mass of workers in a particular project. Construction superintendent jobs are quite popular too. Just customise your resume in a way as required by the recruiters and keep following advertisements. You will find a job real soon.

To learn more about finding construction jobs, please visit http://www.constructioncrossing.com/lcjobtypelisting.php and sign up for a FREE trial to gain access to ALL of the many exclusive job listings we offer in the construction profession. Silas Reed, Writer for ConstructionCrossing, writes articles that inform and teach about different construction job profiles and tips.

Published At: Construction Jobs - Tips for Success in Construction Job Opportunities