CAREER TIPS FOR THE REAL WORLD !

Want to know were are you on your career path? Take a few career tests!

noreply@blogger.com (Medini Pradhan) — Wed, 6 Jun 2012 09:10:00 -0700

Graduating from college can be daunting. Most of the new graduates kinda know where they are headed. But what if, you are one of those recent graduates who wants to explore another career path? What if the studying you have done is not what you really wanted to do in the first place. Don't fret!!

Here is a fabulous way to to help you discover your unique career path.

Career Clothes For Successful Women

CareerPath® offers scientifically proven and reliable career tests to help you on your unique career path. The variety of career tests offered provide you with a customized tool, depending on where you are on your career path, and what area of your career you are looking to learn more about. Whether it be deciding what career to choose, assessing options for a career change or learning about different career choices, CareerPath® offers assistance with different career tests. Your path to career discovery begins here – start with a career test now!

I have no affiliations with CareerPath.com but I loved the tests. Try them.
http://www.careerpath.com/career-tests/

Break The Mold ! Tweet your CV!

noreply@blogger.com (Medini Pradhan) — Wed, 16 May 2012 09:32:00 -0700

In today's fast paced society where there is information overload, unorthodox out-of-the-box thinking can land you a job. Like tweeting your cv. This unusual way of using social media makes using the conventional way of using email and phone calls....boring! Read Alicia Wood's article on how Greg Jericho lands a job via Twitter!!

Just the job: the tweet CV - applying for work in 140 characters by

Could you sell yourself in 140 characters?
by By Alicia Wood of My Career.com.au

Microblogging site Twitter is favoured for its brevity, but it could also land you a job. The Guardian reported this week that media executive Alan Geere asked budding reporters to apply for a job by tweet.
In his blog, Mr Geere said: "I'm fed up wading through turgid 'letters of application' and monstrous CVs outlining an early career in retail handling and a flirtation with the upper slopes of the Andes."

Greg Jericho, perhaps best known by his Twitter handle @GrogsGamut, knows the value of Twitter in wrangling a job offer. He has more than 8000 followers – among them politicians, journalists and academics – and has attracted praise as well as censure for his incisive political commentary.
Last month, he quit his job as a public servant, and will soon begin working as a researcher for the new Chaser project – The Hamster Wheel.

He credits Twitter with getting him the job.

Read more of her article here. http://content.mycareer.com.au/advice-research/cover-letter/applying-by-tweet.aspx

Recruiters Reading Resumes..what, why, how...

noreply@blogger.com (Medini Pradhan) — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 12:48:00 -0700

How long recruiters actually spend reading resumes? Well with so many floating around, Laura Adams writes "Even the most qualified candidates with the strongest qualifications sometimes get bypassed by recruiters when they are looking to fill an open position. Why is this? Don’t recruiters want to interview and hire and the best of the best?

The answer to this question is, of course, yes! Recruiters are reviewing the resumes of submitted candidates to determine which individuals appear, on paper, to be a potential match for the position. But considering that a recruiter may get dozens, if not hundreds, of resumes for a single job opening, there is little time to carefully dig through each individual resume to see if a candidate has the “special something” the employer is seeking." more here

Recently in the Business Insider, Vivian Giang writes about :What Recruiters Look At During The 6 Seconds They Spend On Your Resume - she says....

Although we may never know why we didn't get chosen for a job interview, a recent study is shedding some light on recruiters' decision-making behavior. According to TheLadders research, recruiters spend an average of "six seconds before they make the initial 'fit or no fit' decision" on candidates. The study used a scientific technique called “eye tracking” on 30 professional recruiters and examined their eye movements during a 10-week period to "record and analyze where and how long someone focuses when digesting a piece of information or completing a task."

Read more here!

How to find a job in this tough economy?

noreply@blogger.com (Medini Pradhan) — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 10:41:00 -0800

How to find a job in this tough economy?

Finding a job in a booming economy is easier than the economy that we are in today. When things look down and no one seems to be hiring that is when you need to take a harder look at your options, your training and try to reinvent yourself in 3 ways.

1. Try to take the classes or courses that will enhance your resume
2. Try to connect with as many colleagues and former employers not only though networking sites but in person
3. Look for jobs in the most unconventional places like Twitter and Corporate Facebook pages.

You will be surprised as to the difference you will make in the way you feel and the results you will get when you do all three.

Here are a couple of links that will help you do just that

10 Top ideas to get a job in this lousy economy
Books on jobs in a bad economy

The most effective way to get a job in this economy

noreply@blogger.com (Medini Pradhan) — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 22:44:00 -0700

Abridged: Today MSNBC

LOS ANGELES, CA -- Lost your job? Join the club. Better yet, join the party. As unemployment numbers hit historic highs, "pink slip" parties are popping up in big cities around the country. Hundreds of axed employees are going to happy hour meet-and-greets, where one can enjoy a drink and discuss career prospects with eager recruiters.

People are finding creative ways to stand out above the pack. In order to get a job in this economy, people have to get out there. And while there are no guarantees of gaining anything more than good conversations and a few contacts, some pink slip attendees have had success in finding new employment. Pink slip parties offer those on the prowl for jobs a chance to share information among themselves.

"If you take your network and compare it to the network of a total group, you get access to more people - if you can help each other, it's a win for everyone," said John Challenger, CEO of outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas. Pink slip parties are just one extension of social networking. Whether online or in person at networking events, many agree that these one-on-one connections have stood the test of time as the most effective way to get a job.

2 Very Important Tips For Starting A Business in Your Home

noreply@blogger.com (Medini Pradhan) — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 09:31:00 -0800

For more and more people, home is not only where the family is - it's where the business is! I have ben doing business for the past 12 years from home and I love the flexibility and convenience. During the last 20 years, large numbers of people have chosen to market their skills and talents from home. Recent studies estimate that as many as 20 percent of new small business enterprises are operated out of the home, and this trend is growing. Many home-based businesses are even started on a part-time basis and then expand into full-time businesses as the market for the business develops and grows.

Why a home based business?

People are attracted to home based businesses for many different reasons.

They include:

Experiencing the personal satisfaction of making their own decisions
Expressing their own ideas and being their own boss.

Those starting home-based businesses come from many different groups, such as homemakers, single parents, youth, dislocated workers, hobbyists and people interested in adding to their incomes. The entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well even in this economy...actually especially in this economy.

First have a mission statement or vision for your business.
Make a business plan. Every business should have a business plan, including a home-based business.

The best place to get started with that is the Small Business Website.

http://www.sba.gov/

They have detailed instructions on how to get started in your state. With references to laws, policies and procedures.

Are you stuck for words and ideas for your resume?

noreply@blogger.com (Medini Pradhan) — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 08:52:00 -0800

Are you stuck for words and ideas for your resume? Ever wonder when you are going to start on your resume? Well, here is a good site to get you started. It has a lot of free resume templates based on the job. One good book I would recommend is the Resume Magic: Trade Secrets of a Professional Resume Writer. It has a lot of very insightful tips and tricks, so that you can churn out a great looking resume.

Writing an exciting resume that catches the attention of hiring managers is not an easy task. Employers are looking for capabilities and concrete examples of skills and abilities such as organizational leadership and involvement, a strong work ethic and a sense of commitment. Be detailed when describing your accomplishments. If you have had internships, summer jobs or academic accomplishments, make sure to include this experience on the resume. It may seem as if it is not important but its exactly the opposite.

Another favorite book of mine is Resumes For Dummies The Dummies series, as much as it is simple it can bring to light the many small details that you can take for granted. The Resume Handbook: How to Write Outstanding Resumes and Cover Letters for Every Situation is yet another good read. It can help you to get your resume up to par so that once in the hands of interested employers you will get immediate feedback and interviews.

The One Question Your Resume Must Answer

noreply@blogger.com (Medini Pradhan) — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 08:17:00 -0700

I found this article by Joe Turner very interesting. He says "Hiring managers are looking for one element that will make them stand up and take notice of a candidate. That one element is a strong benefit to the employer. When you provide an employer benefit, you speak their language. They want to know more. Unfortunately, too many resumes lack this."

Yes, we are told to talk about ourselves when we write a resume but the "how-to" is definite noticed in the example that Joe outlines below.

-----------------

Two Approaches

Here is an example. Suppose you have the skill: "Excellent oral and written communication skills."

How can we answer the question, "So What?" in the mind of the employer?

Here's how: Offer an example of how you've used these skills in your job to the benefit of your employer by writing an employer benefit bullet like this:

"Wrote and presented successful training program for 155 company new-hires, resulting in measurable gains in company's inventory efficiency over 12 month period."

The first example statement is a cliche. The second statement leaves no room for doubt: This candidate can communicate orally (in front of a group, no less) and in writing.

----------------

His article is a great eye opener for those who would want to tweak their resume for far better results in the work place.

As a recruiter, Joe Turner has spent the past 15 years finding and placing top candidates in some of the best jobs of their careers. Author of "Job Search Secrets Unlocked," Joe has interviewed on radio talk shows and offers free insider job search secrets at jobchangesecrets.com.

Here is the article in its entirety

http://hotjobs.yahoo.com/career-articles-the_one_question_your_resume_must_answer-477

The Brazen Careerist the blog that is about a different kind of carreer advice

noreply@blogger.com (Medini Pradhan) — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 05:54:00 -0800

I love reading The Brazen Careerist the blog that is about a different kind of carreer advice. Written by Penelope Trunk. Besides this fabulous blog she has a book out called the BRAZEN CAREERIST. If you are looking for a job then this is one book I totally recommend.

Here is part of her interview on Amazon where you can find her awesome book.
Brazen Careerist: The New Rules for Success
Q: What makes your career advice different?
A: I explain why old advice - like pay your dues, climb the ladder, and don’t have gaps in your resume - is outdated and irrelevant in today’s workplace. I have a reputation for giving advice that is counterintuitive but effective, like take long lunches, ignore people who steal your ideas, and stop vying for a promotion. Both the New York Times and Business Week cited my writing as especially in tune with today’s new workplace.

Also, I am known for test-driving my advice before spewing it. In my personal life, I routinely (often awkwardly) demonstrate buzzwords before they buzz, like the quarterlife crisis, portfolio career, and shared-care parenting. My own career choices have been featured by Time magazine and the London Guardian as examples of the new issues people face at work today.
............................................................
So read her blog for some fresh new ideas for your job search. a good read !

3 TIPS for Writing or Re-writing your RESUME !

noreply@blogger.com (Medini Pradhan) — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 12:28:00 -0800

If you are writing your resume for the first time or want to re-write your resume, there are a few good places to start. Yes, it is one of the most BORING things to do as you have to go back and recap your LIFE and put it neatly on paper or nowadays online.

Resume-Help.org says "Keep in mind, your resume is a marketing tool to get you in the company and in front of the decision maker. Once in, you will need to do the sales pitch, and close the deal. With that said, you don't need to go into detail about every accomplishment in your resume. Strive to be clear and concise, as the purpose is to generate enough interest in you to have an potential employer contact you for an interview."

3 TIPS for Writing or Re-writing your RESUME !

Open up a Word doc and start putting down JOBS and DATES ! It is important to be accurate.
Take the time before you start your resume to form a clear and obtainable objective.
For the first time Resume writer like a college graduate, Kate Lorenz of CareerBuilder.com has outlined "Seven Things to Know Before Writing Your First Résumé"

Making the web work for you...Work The WEB !

noreply@blogger.com (Medini Pradhan) — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 10:52:00 -0800

In order to make the web work for you when you have lost your job or are thinking of quitting !
Make the web work for you by WORKING THE WEB ! Here are 3 points to ponder and work on !

Start a blog that "glorifies your skills" Toot your own horn, no one is going to do it for you cause you know yourself the best !
Use CraigsList for finding a job in your city, town. Look in the classifieds or make your own ad and show that your skills are available.
Use www.Ladders.com for professionals that are looking for executive positions. Make sure you look at the resume keyword list, which is like an SEO tagging of your resume. This will help your resume pass through the first level of approval, which is usually scanned by a computer.

Personal time management skills with To-Do Lists

noreply@blogger.com (Medini Pradhan) — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 01:17:00 -0800

Personal time management skills are essential skills for effective people. People who use these techniques routinely are the highest achievers in all walks of life, from business to sport to public service. If you use these skills well, then you will be able to function exceptionally well, even under intense pressure.

One way to achieve this is with To-Do Lists

By keeping a To-Do List, you make sure that you capture all of the tasks you have to complete in one place. By prioritizing work, you plan the order in which you'll do things, so you can tell what needs your immediate attention, and what you can quietly forget about until much, much later. Start with the most important tasks at the top of the list, and the least important tasks at the bottom.

Here are 3 FREE online To-Do list tools

Orchestrate uses a unique method to help you organize your to do lists. Rather then simply allowing you to create a list, it lets you create multiple lists each with their own name.
Ta-da List, is a to do list and nothing more. It’s clean and simple, gets right to the point, and only provides feature that you actually need.
Remember the Milk is a more feature packed task management solution. It allows you to organize your tasks into tabs and tags, make time specific tasks with automatic reminders and repeat intervals, and even has collaborative features.

Are you TWITTERING? You should if you want to network and find a job!

noreply@blogger.com (Medini Pradhan) — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 03:18:00 -0800

Tired of the online resume posts ? Cant find anyone to talk to to get yourself in a new job...then its time to TWITTER yourself into a new job.

What is TWITTER ? Twitter is a mini-blogging application that you can use to send quick messages out to friends, family and anyone on the web and via cell phones.

You can use Twitter to communicate "What you are doing", "Where you are headed" etc. Great place to promote products, share your ideas - quick and easy. In this day and age of "way-too-much-info" you want quick and easy spurts of info to keep you connected. So twitter about yourself and someone will find you....instead of the traditional - other way around.

Is an image consulting business right for you?

noreply@blogger.com (Medini Pradhan) — Wed, 7 Nov 2007 07:56:00 -0800

Ok so you have spent all your time learning how to impress others. Well you have all those tips under your belt. And you still cant find a job....

Well, good looking ! Why not make a career out of being an " Image Consultant"

Article from http://www.atotalwaste.com/getajob/imageconsultant.html

You might have seen them while watching TV shows such as Extreme Makeover, Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, or What Not to Wear. Or you might have heard that Martha Stewart should have used them to give her advice on how to look sympathetic to a jury.

We’re talking about Image Consultants, and they have one of the hottest new businesses today.
Also known by such titles as wardrobe consultant, fashion stylist, or makeover consultant, image consultants are paid to show people how to create a fabulous impression. They might recommend wearing different colors or new styles, go through closets to toss out clothing that isn’t working, shop for a new wardrobe, and put together incredible outfits. They might advise a change of hairstyle, makeup, or grooming.

However, image is more than physical appearance. In addition to how someone looks, we also form impressions based on how someone talks and behaves. So image consultants may also advise people on their vocal communication (voice, grammar, vocabulary, etc.), non-verbal communication (handshakes, posture, eye contact, etc.) and etiquette – from dining to cell phones.

Most image consultants also develop a network of strategic partners they can refer clients to, such as hair stylists, makeup artists, nutritionists, dentists, personal trainers, plastic surgeons, and voice coaches.

Image consultants offer the kind of advice that can help people land a job, get a promotion, find someone to love, or just feel good about themselves.

It’s no wonder they are so well rewarded, typically earning at least $50 per hour advising individuals how to present a better image. A particularly lucrative avenue is presenting training programs for corporations. Image consultants can earn thousands of dollars a day teaching seminars on dressing professionally (including dos and don’ts for casual Fridays), telephone etiquette for customer service staff, communication skills for new supervisors, and other topics.
TIP: If you are one of the rare few who think image doesn’t matter, try shopping at a fine store dressed in what you would normally wear to clean your basement or move furniture. Then visit the same store looking well-groomed and wearing your best suit. Chances are the staff will treat you quite differently!The first step to becoming an image consultant is to decide what kind of services you want to offer. You could specialize in wardrobe or fashion consulting, offer advice on communication skills and etiquette, or be a makeover consultant who gives feedback on “the whole package.”

The next step is to get some experience. While there are a variety of books and training programs you can use to quickly learn the basics, nothing beats hands on experience. Offer free makeovers for friends and family members who will agree to let you take “before and after” photos. You can then put the photos in a portfolio or on a web site to help you get paying clients.
There are many types of clients who use the services of image consultants, including: women who want a new look, job-seekers, corporate executives and their spouses, beauty pageant contestants, lawyers and their clients, cancer survivors, television personalities, transgender individuals, politicians, and singles seeking a partner.

“It is a great time to get into the field,” says celebrity image consultant Gloria Starr. A 20 year industry veteran who has helped shape the image of clients such as Destiny’s Child, 3M, and Celebrity Cruise Lines, she shares expert advice on how to get started in the FabJob How to Become an Image Consultant.

“This is the busiest time in my 20-plus years. People are looking for the edge in business,” says Starr. “Presenting themselves for success by dressing well and using appropriate business and dining skills opens the doors for greater recognition and success.”

Is an image consulting business right for you?

Skills that can help you succeed in this career are a strong visual sense as well as excellent communication skills. You must be able to diplomatically tell someone what they need to improve about their appearance.

Image consulting is a service business so it doesn’t require a large investment to get started.
You can start part-time while working at another job.
To be credible, you must have a professional image yourself.

Tapping into the 'hidden job market'

noreply@blogger.com (Medini Pradhan) — Tue, 2 Oct 2007 08:55:00 -0700

If you're currently in the job market, here's the little known secret to tapping into the most lucrative, yet hidden jobs available.Even in this economy, there are still millions of great jobs out there. It's just that many of the best ones never make their way to the classifieds. Instead, they're taken by people who know about them before they're ever advertised.

Imagine how great it would be if you had thousands of friends who'd always tell you about unadvertised jobs that you're perfect for. As they say, it's not what you know it's who you know. The secret to getting the unadvertised jobs is to make friends out of really good recruiters. And not just a few, but LOTS of them.

Here's why, and how you do it:Recruiters, otherwise known as headhunters or search consultants, are hired by companies to find candidates to fill open positions. These jobs are often never advertised. But the secret of how to best use recruiters is to first realize that contrary to popular believe, you aren't their employer. They don't work for you in the traditional sense. They don't wake up and say, "I'm going to do everything I can to find "x" a job."This is an important fact that most job seekers don't understand. The key to maximizing recruiters is to understand the following:

Recruiters don't find jobs for people -- they find people for jobs. It's an important distinction to understand if you want to get a job through a recruiter. In other words, recruiters service the companies who will pay them today. And unless you're paying a recruiter out of your pocket today, don't expect them to canvas the world to find you a job. You'll only be disappointed.

Recruiters will be interested if a paying client has offered to pay them if they can find someone with your skills (or they believe they'll soon be asked to fill a position for a client who generally likes people with your skills). So to get the hidden jobs, you have to realize it's a numbers game and you must play it well by getting your resume to as many recruiters as you can, that specialize in people with your skills, in your field and in your geographic area.

You can search the Internet and find various lists of executive recruiters. However, they're not well organized, complete or easy to find. It might take you a great deal of time. It's never too late or too early to start networking with recruiters in your area who specialize in people like you.

Excerpt from : The Career News

Telling Good Stories...Are you good at that?

noreply@blogger.com (Medini Pradhan) — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 11:44:00 -0700

Acing interviews is like being able to spin a great story about yourself to the big boss behind the desk. Making them believe in you and your abilities.

When someone says, "Tell me about yourself," they don't want to hear you rattle off a list of what you've done or what you've accomplished. Telling stories about yourself takes practice. So the length of your story will depened upon the time you have for the interview.

If you have only a few minutes, color your life in a way that the person listening to you will remember what you just said. Practice the answer to this very "STANDARD" yet very very important question numerous times before you go for any interview. Do it aloud and you will see how you sound to yourself.

I have been asked that many times...here is one of my many responses...

..well, I love to create and I have created a website for Indian Cuisine & Culture Made Easy in the United States, which has recipes, cultural tid-bits and a wealth of information on India. Also, since creativity is my passion, I create Elegant personal and corporate Gift Baskets that people love to give or get that are filled with some very yummy goodies.

Mind you I did write the "schpeel" down and altered it many times before it flowed as if it were not practiced. So sit down and write your "schpeel" and practice the story of your working life so far....interview related, and see how much easier your next interview is.

Fun Careers With An Information Technology Degree

noreply@blogger.com (Medini Pradhan) — Wed, 23 May 2007 06:21:00 -0700

Note : This article caught my eye, as everyone wants a fun career, and nowadays this is realy really possible. With the technology boom and the infinite oportunities because of the new Web 2.o there are careers you would not have taken into consideration years ago. Enjoy !

Fun Careers With An Information Technology Degree
by: Andy West
Reprinted with permission : ArticleCity.com

Are you a technology junkie? Do you have all of the newest gizmos and the most modern cell phone? Do you shake with excitement and anticipation every time a new game system is released? Are you the one your friends call when they have problems with their new laptops?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, it is time put your love of technology into a fun and rewarding career. Don't you think it's time you received an information technology degree? An information technology degree will give you the opportunity to turn your hobby into an exciting career. Computer programming, network security, and network engineering are just the tip of the IT iceberg. With an associate's degree in information technology, a successful, not to mention fun filled, future is practically guaranteed.

So what are your options? Your career selection is almost limitless. There is an IT job for all individuals who want to have a fun career, as well as earn a substantial living. The career title Webmaster has a nice ring to it. The Internet is hotter than ever. Everyone wants to be online. Whether you own a small business, such as a pet boutique, looking to expand your clientele by advertising your unique wares online, or a huge international non profit association seeking to explain your mission statement in order to solicit more donations from the tech savvy crowd, you need a web site. As a Webmaster, you will always be in demand. This is why an information technology degree will guarantee you a gratifying career. It's really that simple. With an IT degree as an Internet Webmaster, you will be qualified to build, fix, and expand sites on the Web. Graphic designers are artists who use mostly computer technology to design marketing materials, magazine layouts, websites, logos for businesses, and much more.

So, as long as there are magazines, newspapers and web sites, graphic designers will be in demand. In fact, according to some researches, graphic designers are among the five design professionals that are anticipated to have the newest positions available through 2014. Some individuals are employed as graphic designers after receiving their bachelor's degree, but to receive the best paying, more technical jobs, an information technology degree is necessary. By attending a school that offers an IT track, you will receive all of the software certification necessary to become proficient graphic designer. Do you love playing video games? Why not use your imagination and skills to create your own games? With an IT associate's degree you could concentrate on designing your own video games. When you choose this field, your will be offered a well rounded curriculum that teaches the basics of artist design, project management, digital content creation as well as the more advanced courses in 3D modeling and character design. Imagine playing video games as a career. It is definitely possible when you assert yourself and earn your IT degree.

As fun and exciting as all of these fields of information technology are, earning your degree is hard work. You need to be dedicated to the world of IT because there are always going to be other people fighting for the same jobs you will be striving for. However, the IT world is expanding daily, and more and more jobs are becoming available. Be a part of the web and earn your information technology degree today.

About The Author
Andy West is a freelance writer for Virginia College. Virginia College offers many Information Technology Degree programs. Please visit Virginia College at http://www.vc.edu/site/department.cfm?deptID=2 to select the IT program that is right for you.

Office Romances become more common place

noreply@blogger.com (Medini Pradhan) — Wed, 2 May 2007 08:25:00 -0700

Abridged: Knowledge@Wharton

In a study conducted by the Society of Human Resource professionals and the Wall Street Journal's CareerJournal.com, 40% of employees surveyed said they had had an office romance at some point in their careers -- a finding replicated by three other recent surveys conducted by private companies. One of those studies, by career website Vault.com, also reported that 19% of employees admitted to having office "trysts," with venues ranging from "the boss's office" to "in my car driving to meet a customer."

Funny video - Free Love Freeway - Office Romance

While that last finding might raise some eyebrows -- and prompt you to knock next time you open the supply closet -- the overarching frequency of office romance should not come as a surprise, says Deborah Keary, director of human resources at the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). "The workplace is the new neighborhood. People spend an enormous amount of time in the office, and if romance is going to happen, it will happen there," she says.

Demographic trends feed the phenomenon, note Keary and others. With the average age of marriage increasing, young employees are more likely to be single. As women continue to join the workforce and rise through the ranks, they are more likely than ever to be working shoulder to shoulder with men. Employees have become more confident about pursuing office romance and less careful to some degree about concealing it. In fact, 76% of employees surveyed in a joint Lawyers.com/Glamour magazine survey, said workplace relationships were more common than they were 10 years earlier.

At Askmen.com Curt Smith writes
http://www.askmen.com/dating/curtsmith/getiton10.html

Young professionals often spend more time at the office than at home. Consequently, there are a lot of single men and women who don't have the time to meet new people. Naturally, they seek their potential partners within their surrounding environment -- the office. Single people feel that work is a natural place to meet new people. After all, you spend at least 40 hours a week there, with individuals of similar backgrounds and interests. Relationships with co-workers can be especially tempting because hard work doesn't leave much time for socializing.

The 6 Risks of Office Romances, by Karen Card
http://hr.blr.com/whitepapers.aspx?id=75365
Karen writes about the 6 risks of an office romance !
Good article !

Analyze your career !

noreply@blogger.com (Medini Pradhan) — Sat, 7 Apr 2007 09:09:00 -0700

Try this webiste to analyze your career.....

Career Change? Do You Have a Job – Or a Career?

You have a job – but do you have a career? Are you happy with where that career track is taking you? Have you considered a career change?

If your answer to one or both questions was 'no' or 'yes, but...' or just 'well...' – welcome to the crowd.

A lot of us get through life with work that is 'good enough.' 'Good enough' work pays the bills. It provides security. It involves spending 40 hours a week or more on activities we don't mind, with people we like well enough. But 'good enough' work can't provide us with the pleasure and satisfaction we seek out of life.

Some of us even stay in jobs we hate. We feel trapped and unhappy but hesitate to try something else because we are afraid of being without income, or we don't think we can do any better, or we simply don't know what our options or even our preferences are. What many people don't realize is that career changes are becoming more and more popular as we are looking for better opportunities in the work place.

TOP 10 things your boss hates about YOU !

noreply@blogger.com (Medini Pradhan) — Mon, 2 Apr 2007 15:53:00 -0700

This article hits the nail on the head when it lists the top ten reasons your boss would hate you. Do you know what they are?

Yup this one made the front page of DIGG !

Overworked, mistreated and underappreciated? Think you're the only one with a right to complain? Think again. Mira Katbamna reveals 10 things your boss hates about you !

In short they are.... but you HAVE TO READ THE ARTILCE to understand why !

Lateness
Lack of initiative
Too much initiative
Bitching and whining
Disloyalty
Lack of passion. Or interest
Trying to be their best friend
Petty lying
Childishness
Wanting their job

Dressing the Indian Working Woman !

noreply@blogger.com (Medini Pradhan) — Tue, 27 Mar 2007 08:05:00 -0700

Dress up for success
By: Nirralee S.Mehta

The new millennium working Indian woman definitely needs to appear right, feel right & deliver right. With the incredible rise of MNC’s & working women in India, there definitely is a great need for a wardrobe makeover. The professionalism the women of today display in the office must translate in their dressing. What to wear for work, from where will I get it, why r women in west always dressed so chic…. Aren’t all these questions we ask ourselves very often? Yes, we do. Indian fashion world still needs more practicality, more stylizing, & of course more awareness.

What you wear to work is arguably the most important part of your wardrobe. You may think this sounds presumptuous and work should count more than your wardrobe, but it is a proven
scientific fact that your dressing can effect your career future. Your appearance can be the
difference between getting that promotion and being stuck in the same position forever.
Till now, corporate wear has not been addressed in India-no one has educated the new breed of
professionals on the appropriate look and style. Check out the following pointers to make sure
your work attire doesn't let you down. And as for the inspired shopping expedition that will follow reading this article, heed my advice-Think in term of outfits when you shop, and be practical.

Ask your self some questions:
• Do you have anything you can mix and match with it? Does it match your lifestyle?
• Will it be comfortable, nonchalant, and easy to wear?
• Is it machine wash or dry clean only?
• Is it of good quality? Quality counts, it is better to have four or five mix and match out fits
of quality, than 8 or 10 'steals.'
• Is the colour right for your skin tone?
• Is the fit proper to suit your body type?

Clothes Styles and Body Shapes
• Avoid high collar shirts, it shortens your neck.
• Tight tops with short sleeves and breast pocket are detracting from your figure. The torso
can be shortened or narrowed with seam lines, belts, bows, and collars.
• Avoid bold prints, animal prints, bold stripes, & bright colours.
• Play more with pastel shades, like, black, white, brown, beige.
• Do not forget to accessorize yourself with a scarf, a formal purse of the same pastel
colour plate, & most important of all that will give you a confidant look will be your shoes.
• When buying pants be sure they fit well. Flaws in figure are emphasized in a pair of pants
that may go unnoticed in a skirt.

Petite women.
Petite women need to keep clothes in line, slim narrow belts. A slight contrast in colors and fitted lines will flatter you endlessly. Also stay with fabrics that are soft and flowing that fits well. Over powering prints should be avoided.

Tall women.
Tall women can indulge in wide belts, avoid tight clothes and skirts that are to short or to long.
Tall women should play down their waist by wearing their blouses over the pants and skirts and
avoid tight belts.

Hip heavy triangle woman.
A hip heavy triangle and round full figured women can use clothes with vertical lines to make an
up and down illusion. V-necks and skirts with slits up the sides are also good. Clothes with small padded shoulders should be chosen . Too big pads will make you look like a foot ball player.
Wear long tops that go passed your hips. Choose jackets, tailored suits and shirtwaist dresses
with straight, classic cuts.

Hip heavy women should choose lighter colors on top, this brings eyes up. Wear dark stockings
and avoid patterns. Select vertical, fluid patterns and avoid bulky fabrics. Adopt the just below the knee look in dresses and skirts. Choose accessories close to the same color clothes you are
wearing including shoes. This gives your body an unbroken slimmer look. Avoid very wide
pinafore skirts. Stay with straight or Aline skirts.

Top heavy woman.
The top heavy body types need to choose long jackets without shoulder pads. Do not wear
blouses with fancy details and ruffles. Do not wear clingy fabrics on top, choose darker colors on
top. Do not wear tops that are to light. Tops with dolman or raglan sleeves and ones that fit loose and slims down to hug the hips and waist are good.

Wear pants or skirts that are pleated to bring the eye down. Choose thin materials like cotton, or cotton jersey. One color dressing will also be thinning. Flat shoes are best unless you are short,
then wear heels. If your legs are in good shape shorter hem lengths will draw attention away from your top.

Rectangular type woman.
The rectangular type can accentuate curves by wearing jackets or tops that hug the waist. Use
patterns in your tops or bottoms to add dimension. Round out the neckline with necklaces,
scarves and other accessories.

Style tips
• Know your body type; do not get carried away with the trends and go overboard for office
wear.
• Avoid chunky and flashy jewellery.
• Prefer high heels to flats.
• Prefer A-line or straight fit skirts to trousers.
• Be more feminine with the taste of clothes you select.
Following some of these tips should bring about a definite change in your personal style. Once
you start on the path to self-awareness in your dressing, you will feel a surge of confidence in
yourself. And the compliments coming your way won’t hurt either!
A
bout the author:
Nirralee Mehta, a fashionista from Mumbai went to London to study the art further, and has now returned to revolutionise the fashion industry in India. Studying in one of the most prestigious schools- The London University Of Fashion, which is right in the middle of the stylish districts of Bond & Oxford streets, was her dream come true. Having had numerous successful exhibitions in Mumbai between 2000-2002, and having designed for celebrities, she knew that as a designer she was accomplished.

www.fibre2fashion.com/industry-article

Top 7 Quotes for Leaders to Remember & Use

noreply@blogger.com (Medini Pradhan) — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 12:51:00 -0700

I love to speak and do a lot of it for my classes, but it is important to grab the audience in the first few minutes of your speeh. And the best way to do this is by using a great quote !
Here is an article by : Kevin Kearns is President of Kearns Advantage

The Bible is a great place to find quotable wisdom. One of the things I like about the Bible is that it tells you to "think on these things." It does not say, "read this, say to yourself 'yeah, I like that' and then forget all about it in your life." My intention with these quotes is that you read them, remember them, and use them!

Teamwork: "Michael, if you can't pass you can't play" -Coach Dean Smith during Jordan's freshman year at UNC. Why I love it: it points out so clearly that even a superstar needs to work as a team player. Their great individual accomplishments mean little if they do not help the entire team succeed.

Leadership: "Leadership is not magnetic personality - that can just as well be a glib tongue. It is not 'making friends and influencing people' - that is flattery. Leadership is lifting a person's vision to higher sights, the raising of a person's performance to a higher standard, the building of a personality beyond its normal limitations" -Peter F. Drucker. Why I love it: isn't obvious?

Action!: "You can't build a reputation on what you are going to do" -Henry Ford. Why I love it: even the most talented people with the best ideas will not accomplish great things if they do not take action.

Normal: "The only normal people are the ones you don't know very well" -Joe Ancis. Why I love it: everyone, no matter how polished on the outside, has moments of fear and doubt. Nobody has it all together all of the time. The leaders you look at with admiration, deal with the same things as you.

Change: "Sometimes things change Daddy" -Maren Kearns (7 years old.) Why I love it: my daughter said this to me when I commented to her "but I thought you didn't like her very much." Her statement is true in the business world. Everything is the way it is until it isn't. Then it is another way. Be it lazy employees, poor performance - sometimes things change. In many cases, a leader like you can be the catalyst of a positive change!

Sincerity: "Always be sincere, even when you don't mean it" -Irene Peter. Why I love it: this quote reminds me to let things go. Even when I shouldn't, even when I am right and they are wrong, even when they did it on purpose. Letting things go means that I do it "sincerely." It does not mean that I let it go only on the outside while I do a really bad job of faking nice.

Gossip: "A rumor without a leg to stand on will get around some other way" -John Tudor. Why I love it: people often reinforce gossip with the belief that if there wasn't at least some truth in it, then it would not be spreading. This quote points out that gossip does not need truth to live. All it needs is a willing transport system. As a leader, you must set the example.

Kevin Kearns is President of Kearns Advantage, a leadership coaching company. Kearns Advantage has a proven track record of developing strong leaders. Kevin holds a Master of Science degree in Organization Development and is a member of the Coachville Graduate School of Coaching. Subscribe to Kevin’s free leadership newsletter at http://www.kearnsadvantage.com.

10 Majors That Didn't Exist 10 Years Ago

noreply@blogger.com (Medini Pradhan) — Fri, 23 Mar 2007 06:59:00 -0700

Just like new career choices here are 10 new majors that have come into existence as society and technology has advanced. Bridget Kulla has done a great job highlighting them.....

by Bridget Kulla

Want to try something new? Really new? That list of majors in the course catalog isn't static. As technology advances and business evolves, fields of study that weren't imagined or that may have been limited to a few specialized classes emerge as full-blown majors. Check out these ten fields of study that hardly existed a decade ago:

1. New media

Online media is one of the fastest-growing areas of journalism. New media majors combine traditional journalism studies with courses on the design and management of digital media.

Some programs, such as the new media program at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, concentrate on computer skills and design of online media. Other programs, like the one at Indiana University/Purdue University, Indianapolis, integrate communications and digital skills.

2. Biotechnology

Biotechnology combines biology and technology to solve agricultural, food science, and medical issues. It is an interdisciplinary field and is often combined with a business degree, as in the joint degree program at Johns Hopkins University. Most biotechnology degrees are at the master's level, yet bachelor's degrees in biotechnology, such as the one at Delaware State University, are starting to emerge as this field becomes more in demand.

Related fields include bioinformatics and biomedical engineering.

3. Organic agriculture

The first organic agriculture program in the United States began at Washington State University (WSU) in 2006. Demand for those knowledgeable in organic agriculture is growing. "Large corporations increasingly are interested in meeting the nation's growing appetite for organic foods [and] are seeking employees who understand organic agriculture systems," says Dr. Cathy Perillo, coordinator of WSU's organic agriculture program, in a press release.

This major is not widespread, but other institutions are looking into adding an organic agriculture degree program, including the University of California, Davis. The University of Florida (an MSN Encarta advertiser) also launched an organic agriculture major in 2006.

4. Homeland security

New degree programs in homeland security have been established since the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Homeland security majors study everything from psychology to disaster relief and federal law to handling hazardous materials. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security offers scholarships and fellowships for homeland security majors and runs an intensive 18-month degree program at the Center for Homeland Defense and Security.

Homeland security education is expanding rapidly at community colleges. Close to 85 percent of students trained in homeland security-related fields graduate from community colleges, according to the American Association of Community Colleges.

5. E-business/e-marketing

This field focuses on buying, selling, and marketing items on the Internet and may also include communicating with customers, employees, and business partners. Demand for employees in this field is expected to grow faster than average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Degree programs in e-marketing are usually in universities' business schools and are more common at the graduate level. Some schools, such as the University of Akron, offer bachelor's programs in e-marketing, while others, like Missouri State University, offer a minor for business students.

6. Computer game design

Students playing video games in their dorm rooms can now avoid a lecture from their parents by majoring in computer game design. Computer game design programs were nearly nonexistent a decade ago. Today more than 150 colleges offer programs and courses in game design.

Some programs, such as the program in computer games development at DePaul University, focus on the programming of games while others, like the game art and design program at the Art Institute of Phoenix, concentrate on the visual design. Michigan State University is launching a Serious Game Design master's degree program in the fall of 2007 for students with "a desire to create and study games which change the world." The International Game Developers Association offers resources, including a scholarship, for students interested in game design.

7. Forensic accounting

The controversy surrounding recent corporate scandals has drawn attention to the expanding field of forensic accounting. While it has existed for many years, forensic accounting is now the fastest-growing field of accounting. Forensic accountants are like money detectives--they investigate suspected financial mishandling and assist in legal matters. Forensic accountants must have a broad understanding of business practices beyond standard accounting skills.

Bachelor's degrees in forensic accounting, like the program offered at Franklin University, are required for most careers in this field. Students can also earn a master's degree and post-graduate certificate through a program like the one at West Virginia University (an MSN Encarta advertiser).

8. Human computer interaction

Human computer interaction (HCI) majors focus on designing ways to improve human experiences and work practices with technology. HCI investigates the impact of technology on individuals and organizations. While courses in this field have been offered since the 1960s, degree programs in HCI have been growing. Human computer interaction majors are usually located in schools of computer science, but studies are multidisciplinary.

Most HCI programs are at the graduate level, such as the program at Iowa State University, but some, including the HCI program at the New Jersey Institute of Technology, have a bachelor's degree program.

9. Society and the environment

Society and environment majors study the interactions between society and the environment. Degree programs in this field go by slightly different names, like Indiana University's joint environmental science and public affairs degree and Columbia University's climate and society program. Students in these majors apply social science theories to environmental issues. Most programs are at the master's degree level, but programs such as the one at UC-Berkeley offer undergraduate degrees as well.

10. Nanotechnology

Developments in technology have made it possible to control matter at smaller and smaller levels. The field of nanotechnology works with systems at the molecular level and can be applied across many different disciplines, including physics, engineering, and chemistry. Interest in nanotechnology is growing and is being encouraged by the National Nanotechnology Initiative, organized in 1998. Most nanotechnology programs are at the graduate level, but several programs provide a background in nanotechnology studies, like the bachelor's program in nanosystems engineering at Louisiana Tech University.

Panel Interviews - An Intimidating Position To Be In !

noreply@blogger.com (Medini Pradhan) — Tue, 20 Mar 2007 11:57:00 -0700

In a panel interview, two or more interviewers play off each other while taking turns asking you questions. A panel interview is appropriately nicknamed a "tag-team interview".

It's primarily to see how well you handle stress while facing a "firing squad". A panel interview also measures how you interact with different people, especially your future bosses, work peers, or both.This kind of interview is conducted by an interviewing panel that is made up of the supervisor and some members of the team. The interview panel can also consist of top level CEOs although this depends the kind of position you are applying for.

I had faced a Panel interview once in my career and it can be pretty intimidating. In fact it was a panel of 8 people. I am usually great with a bunch of people but, being starred down by 16 eyeballs was surely not fun, especially since I could not see everyone's reactions to my answers. At this point you have to go with your gut. Just be yourself, afterall the fit for the job has to be both ways !

You will be asked questions from all the panel members, sometimes the same question by different panel members. It is difficult to build the kind of connection with the interview panel as you can in a one on one interview.

You can buy time by asking your own questions. You should always remain calm and composed during a panel interview. Take a breath and even count to five (in your head), if you see the situation getting out of hand.

Bring a Cheat Sheet as it is a great way to relive the stress of remembering all the dates, names etc. Your interviewing “cheat sheet” should focus on key assets you’ll bring to the position.

Take Names and Use Them as people like to hear their name during a conversation. It’s important to know who is interviewing you, so ask their names and write them down within your notes — in order of where each is seated. Don’t be afraid to use their names or ask questions throughout the process.

Top 7 Ways To Use Your Intuition Within Your Job by Dan Knapp

noreply@blogger.com (Medini Pradhan) — Thu, 15 Mar 2007 07:11:00 -0700

Human beings come equipped with an intuitive sense. Many people ignore or reject the intuitive sense and their lives lack for the bounty it can provide.

Our world requires you to make decisions fast and you have little room for error. At the same time, you don't have many of the facts you need to decide as well as you would like. Yet, some people thrive while others flounder. Why? In many cases, using your intuitive ability makes the difference in mastering the real world.

Intuitive ability comes with the human condition. As with mathematics, chess, golf or cooking, the more you use your intuitive talent, the more skill with it you develop. As with gravity, you can claim it doesn't exist but violate it at your peril.

In this Top 7 list, you will learn seven basic applications for intuitive capacity and two basic ways to approach the development and use of your intuitive ability.

Part I - Environmental Scan

In this part you will specifically define what you want. The act of specific definition will tune your senses to detect your targets easier and quicker:

Information. Examples: marketing ideas, process improvements, demographics of your target market, accounts payable, accounts receivable, threats to your business.

Customers. Examples: clusters of your target market, changing needs, different applications of your product or service.

Opportunities. Examples: franchising opportunities, new products to bring to market, new customer problems, investment vehicles.

Once identified, preferably in writing, you will notice your information, customers or opportunities in circumstances where in the past you would have missed them. Once you notice, make note and take action. You will find the information, customers and opportunities quite tailored to your needs.

Part II - Dealing with Uncertainty

When you encounter uncertainty, your first step usually consists of imposing logic and deterministic techniques to select the most rational solution. Good as far as it goes. Your challenge is that in looking at options, you become mesmerized by their intended results.

Along with intended results, every decision made also falls victim of the law of unintended results. These are results, both good or bad, but unanticipated, that come from your decision.

Your intuitive ability allows you to select options based upon the combination of the intended and the unintended results. Of course, this assumption requires a leap of faith. Start with low risk opportunities to apply your intuitive ability and learn to trust it before betting the farm on a major decision. At the same time, check your current decisions with our intuitive skills and, if you see a conflict, try to resolve the conflict before committing resources. You must first learn to recognize your intuitive input and second you must develop the confidence in yourself to respond with your intuitive input.

Remember when you had a decision to make and all the facts supported a course of action? Deep down you had a feeling that the decision, although rational, was wrong. Did you go with your "gut feel" and later find the almost-chosen option would have been a disaster. Or, did you ignore the gut feel and encounter the disaster?

In each of the following applications, the system works the same. First, ask yourself if you have enough options! If you think you need more options, insist on obtaining more before committing to any course of action. Second, step away from the heat of the moment and ask yourself which option would really be best for you. Your first reaction is the right answer!

Decision making. Are you deciding a yes-no issue; a choice between two options; a choice among three or more options; or a choice where there are no clear options? Once you structure your decision and identify proposed courses of action, ask yourself which one really would work best. Go with that choice.

Problem anticipation. Ask yourself what can possibly happen. Once you have a slate of possibilities, ask yourself which one(s) really poses a serious threat. Take precautions against that threat.

Reading people. When conversing, what do you think about what the other person is saying? Keep in mind, they may be entirely sincere - just wrong. Reading body language helps detect lies, intuition detects honest mistakes. Use your intuition to ask additional questions or ask the other person to clarify their points. If a question comes to mind, immediately ask it. If the point seems vague, immediately ask for clarification.

Setting priorities. Yes, you can set relative priorities using whatever system works for you; but did you get the priorities right? When you set your relative priorities, ask yourself if you need to make adjustments. Go with the revisions your intuition feeds to you.

Intuition works for you, just learn to receive the message and take action on that message.
Dan Knapp, Personal & Professional Coach. Visit Dan's Web page www.danknapp.com for schedule of free teleclasses, subscribe to the free monthly newsletter "Tips from the Coach," read articles and complete mini-courses in personal development. Email dan@danknapp.com for direct contact.

Dan Knapp
Personal and Professional Coach
Achieve Your Goals - Grow Your Business
Dan@danknapp.com www.danknapp.com
407 679-9134 Orlando, FL

Source: http://Top7Business.com/?expert=Dan-Knapp