Getting Jobs by Glyn Jordan

What if you are the Interviewer?

2012-01-29T11:18:00.000-08:00

During my human resources classes, I encourage students to stand-up and walk around to the other side of the desk. Frequently, students only consider a situation from a personal point of view.

When difficult decisions are required such as reduction in staff or reassignment, it is easy to take the side of an employee. Many applicants view a job as “what’s in it for me” (WIIFM). However, the hiring manager is asking himself/herself the question, “Will this person assist me in accomplishing my assigned objectives?”.

I am suggesting that as you enter an interview situation that you consider the needs and temperament of the interviewer. You should focus on how you can contribute to the success of the organization in general and to the hiring manager in particular.

You need to be specific about how your prior accomplishments and experience will be beneficial to the hiring company.

I am not suggesting that you blow your horn loudly; however, emphasizing your relevant strengths during the interview would be a good strategy.

Have you ever considered moving to the other side of the desk? What is that old expression about walking a mile in someone else’s moccasins?

Thanks.

Glyn

Blue-Collar Workers in Short Supply

2012-01-22T12:54:00.000-08:00

An article in The Dallas Morning News – January 22, 2012, edition on page 6P, “In short supply: blue-collar workers” by Joel Kotkin discusses the need for skilled workers.

Kotkin quotes Karen Wright, CEO of Ariel Corp of Mount Vernon, Ohio, “My biggest problem isn’t the lack of work; it’s a lack of skilled workers. We have a very skilled workforce, but they are getting older.”

The article is very persuasive about the lack of skilled workers in the U.S. Kotkin writes “the oversupply of college-educated workers is especially striking when you contrast it with the growing shortage of skilled manufacturing workers.”

What is the message for job seekers? As you search for jobs, you should consider skilled positions. If organizations are in need of such workers, perhaps training positions are available.

I think that the term blue-collar has a demeaning connotation in that if implies only manual labor. The term skilled-worker invokes a very different image and should be used by organizations seeking employees.

If you are unemployment with a college degree, I suggest that you should consider skilled worker positions.

Thanks.

Glyn

Merit Badges Replacing College Diplomas?

2012-01-21T10:03:00.000-08:00

An article in The Wall Street Journal January 21, 2012, edition on page C3 by Jeffrey R. Young, “Merit Badges for the Job Market” got my attention.

Young suggests that college diplomas could be replaced by merit badges as evidence of the competence of a job seeker. Mr. Young compares such experience badges with merit badges earned by Boy Scouts. The article states that many educational reformers feel that the standard certification system no longer works on today’s fast changing market.

Such merit badges could be earned via the Internet. Peter Thiel, a founder of PayPal, offered selected students $ 100,000 not to go to college. He challenged recipient to start a company instead of sitting in a lecture hall.

“Today, the Internet provides universal access to books and lectures and a fluid social network to that lets any 19-year-old with an idea to find rich investors or flash a resume to potential employers.”

The article reminds me of Michael Dell and Bill Gates who have done fairly well being college drop-outs; however, it is interesting to note that Young who wrote the article has a law degree from Stanford University.

I am thinking that your resume should include all badges that you have earned. Further, I do not think that having a college degree is a disadvantage to finding employment. Merit badges may be a great advantage and perhaps an organization’s employment decision tie-breaker.

Please share your opinion about badges with readers of this blog.

Thanks.

Glyn

Consider Being A Personal Virtual Assistant?

2012-01-15T11:55:00.000-08:00

An article in The Dallas Morning News – January 15, 2012, edition on page 1J, “A Virtual Way to Assist Employer” by Christine Durst and Michael Haaren of Creator Syndicate answers a reader’s question about opening a home-based business. The reader had 10 years experience as an administrative assistant.

Using the acronym PVA (personal virtual assistant), the writers suggests that executive level personnel typically have a great need for someone to handle many scheduling and personal tasks that executives often have. Further, authors make the point that an independent contractor removes the requirements for payroll taxes and benefits that accrue to an organization’s employees.

In addition our organizational culture seems to have removed “girl Fridays” from the workforce. Have you asked someone to pick-up your cleaning or bring you coffee lately?

Beginning in the 1990s, the PVA industry has its origin in countries including India, Philippines, and Australia. However, the field is just beginning in the US.

If you enjoy taking care of details and errands for others, I think that you might consider becoming a PVA.

Please share with readers of this blog your opinion about PVAs.

Thanks.

Glyn

Life’s Routines and Finding Employment

2012-01-08T10:17:00.000-08:00

Recently I have been thinking about how our lives are replete with daily and weekly routines. Do you have such routines that occupy your time?

For example, on every Wednesday my wife and I go to North Dallas Shared Ministries (NDSM) where we volunteer our time to assist people in need. Wednesday afternoon my wife attends a meeting of ladies in our condo who discuss various current events and share a drop of wine and some nibbles during their discussions. Fridays are spent volunteering by my wife at NDSM and for me at SCORE. Saturday includes breakfast at Angela’s. The Sunday schedule always includes church followed by lunch at the Corner Bakery, Fernando’s, and Houston’s. My Mondays frequently included the grading of papers from my Thursday night class. Tuesdays typically includes lunch at the Black Eyed Pea.

As you can see, we are retired; however, I recall that days during my full-time work were also filled with routines. So I am thinking that job seekers may have also become trapped in a nest of routines. My concerned here is that staying with unsuccessful routines while not mentally challenging may not result in finding employment. I have heard many people say that continuing to do the same thing again and again and expecting different results is one definition of insanity.

So what is my message? I encourage all job seekers to review their weekly activities. Change something! There are numerous suggestions for job seekers contained in my blogs. I suggest that you make a weekly schedule that includes measurable job seeking activities. Each Monday or perhaps Sunday night, you should review the results of last week’s accomplishment and planning activities for the coming week.

By developing a measurable work-plan, I think that you will greatly improve the possibility of becoming employed. Do you have routines that may inhibit your ability to become employed?

Thanks, Glyn

New Year’s Day 2012

2012-01-01T12:10:00.000-08:00

Do you consider New Year’s Day a time to start anew, or do you consider New Year’s Day simply a time to continue your existing path?

I suppose the answer to this question is that it depends. If you are pleased with your life and want it to continue with perhaps only some minor course corrections, then you should continue as you are. However, if 2011 has not been particularly kind to you, perhaps it is time to redefine your action program.

For individuals who are seeking employment or are unhappy with their present situation, New Year’s Day can be an opportune time to change the strategy used to obtain a satisfying employment and life. Here are my suggestions for you to use in developing a new strategy:

1. Objectives - What – It is important that you clearly define your objectives for 2012. Objectives should meet the SMART test - Specific, Measurable, Acceptable, Reasonable, and Time-Based.

2. Strategy - How – Based on your defined objectives, you should develop strategies for achieving your objectives.

Developing a strategy without first establishing clear objectives is the same as choosing a means of transportation for taking a trip before deciding where you are going. Here is an example that you might use as you develop your own strategy:

Objective:

Specific – A position in retail – sales or operations

Measurable – Hours per week in focused job search - 25 hours, Contacts per week - 5, interviews per week - 2, job offers - 3

Acceptable – Criteria for yourself, family, and others – relocation, shift work, travel required

Reasonable – What were your previous earnings salary range for position you are seeking

Time-Based – Typically you can expect one month search time for each $10,000 per year target salary

Strategies: This blog contains numerous ideas for identifying job opportunities and obtaining job offers including resume preparation, Internet searches, and interviewing skills. I continue to recommend extensive use of networking among friends, family, job fairs, nonprofit organizations, previous work relationships as a proven strategy for becoming locating and landing a job.

These steps may seem like too much work; however, give them a try and measure your results.

Best wishes for a successful 2012! Please share your job search successes with readers of this blog.

Thanks, Glyn

Christmas Day, 2011

2011-12-25T15:44:00.000-08:00

What memories do you have of Christmas Day?

I grew up on a small farm near Hubbard, Texas, about 75 miles south of Dallas. My mother and her two sisters and their families always spent Christmas Day together. We opened our presents on Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day was a day filled with food including turkey and dressing, candied yams, green beans, salad, and desserts of all types.

After lunch, the men frequently began to play “42”, a game using 28 dominoes. The women cleaned the kitchen and discussed the problems of the day or wondered about the actions of neighbors and friends. Then they would model their Christmas gifts. We children played with toys Santa had delivered and games such as hide and seek.

Have thinks changed? For my wife and me, spending time with our children and grandchildren are the highlights of the season. The food is still wonderful. Throughout the year, my wife buys special gifts for our grandchildren as we travel on cruises and car trips. These gifts are hidden in our home on Christmas Eve. Gifts for each grandchild are hidden in a designated room and the search begins! The fun is watching the grandkids searching for their gifts. Even though the children are now much older - some are 21 – they insist on this gift searching tradition. Being with family and attending Christmas Eve church services are the memories that I will keep.

On reflection, I don’t think that things have really changed that much. The Day reminds me of family members that are no longer here that I miss especially this Day. All in all, however, I think that today is even better than the “good old days”!

Please share your Christmas memories with other readers of this blog.

Thanks, Glyn

Making a List and Checking It Twice!

2011-12-18T12:06:00.000-08:00

Two articles in The Dallas Morning News the December 18, 2011, edition on page 1J: “Don’t Stop Looking During the Holidays” by Cheri Butler and “Pros and Cons of Putting Off Job Search” by Lindsay Novak of Creators Syndicate, deal with the issue of stopping job searches. Both articles encourage job seekers not to delay their job searches by taking time-off for the holiday season or a sabbatical after completing school or leaving a job.

I am not Santa, but I suggest that job seekers make a list of things that you could do during the Christmas and holiday seasons. Below is my suggested list for job seekers:

1. During family gatherings, discuss your situation with relatives. You may be surprised at the possible contacts you may discover.

2. When attending social gatherings, work the room, introduce yourself around, and start conversations concerning work-related subjects.

3. At your church or volunteer organizations, determine if they have job counseling or networking meetings.

4. While visiting shopping malls, check to see postings for open positions.

5. Of course, you should spend time each day with our friend the Internet. In this blog I have posted many sites for job seekers.

If only one of these ideas encourages you to continue your job search, I will be pleased.

Please share with readers of this blog your list of suggestions for job seeking during the Christmas – holiday season.

Thanks.

Glyn

A Time to Share!

2011-12-11T13:50:00.000-08:00

As we enter December, we begin seeing opportunities for us to help the less fortunate. Many organizations have Christmas Trees with the names of children as well as senior adults attached with a message containing individual wishes for Christmas. What is special about this season of the year?

I personally begin thinking of family traditions and my father, mother, and brother who are no longer with us. I have many memories of visits by Santa Claus and surprises presents. This Christmas my wife and I will enjoy the company of our son, daughter, their wife and husband, and five wonderful grandchildren. We are all in good health and have fulfilling lives. We are blessed.

I know for the unemployed this is a difficult time. Funds to purchase gifts may be limited and feelings of self-pity may creep-in. My suggestion is that you seek others who are less fortunate and be a friend to them with acts of kindness such as serving meals and giving clothing. Everyone appreciates being told that their friendship is important.

Please share with readers of this blog your special memories of the season.

Thanks.

Glyn

What Do You Bring to the Table?

2011-12-04T10:26:00.000-08:00

While speaking with my classes or providing job counseling to clients, I frequently ask them what they are bring to the table. When you visit Las Vegas or another center for gambling and sit at a gaming table, the dealer will ask what are you bring to the table. If you are short or void of funds, you may be politely asked to vacate the seat.

Frequently as job seekers consider possible employers they focus on what the employer will provide them. I am thinking that is the wrong question. The important question to be answered is what you will provide the hiring organization.

As you seek employment, I suggest that you develop a list of reasons why you should be hired to fill the open position. You should approach the situation with a positive can-do attitude with specific examples of your experience and accomplishments. Remember you can accept or reject a job only after it has been offered. Your primary objective in a job seeking activity is to receive a job offer. Once you have the offer, you have the option to accept or reject it.

As a job seeker, what are you bringing to the table?

Thanks.

Glyn

More Discussions Focused on Home-Based Businesses

2011-11-27T11:20:00.000-08:00

An article in The Dallas Morning News –November 27, 2011, edition on page 1J, “Six Unusual Home-Based Businesses” provides the following examples of home-based businesses:

1. Bottled art: Laura Bergman turns pieces of broken glass into homemade jewelry. www.bottledupdesigns.com

2. Shop fashionably: Alexandra Suzanne Greenawalt, a freelance, personal stylist and fashion expert based in New York City takes clients out shopping or advising them ‘in their closet’. www.alexandrastylist.com

3. All about cats: Lynn Maria Thompson’s business, Old Maid Cat Lady, offers products for cats and people who love cats. www.oldmaidcatlady.com

4. Invisible writer: Judy Katz is an experienced ghostwriter. She has ghostwritten or edited over 22 books. www.ghostbooksters.com

5. That’s the shot: Steven Holtzman and his father have been running West Coast Aerial Photography, Inc. from a home office since 2001. www.photopilot.com/blog

The article states that the above list is just a sampling of hundreds of specialties that are Internet home-based business. You can review more examples of home-based businesses including open jobs at (Rat Racer Rebellion). www.ratracerebellion.com

Please share with readers of this blog your experience with a home-based business and if you find this blog helpful.

Thanks.

Glyn

Make a Job of Your Avocation!

2011-11-21T09:38:00.000-08:00

An article in The Dallas Morning News –November 20, 2011, edition on page 1J, “It’s Never Too Late to Follow Your Dream” by Lindsey Novak of Creators Syndicate suggests that it is never too late to purse your dream job. The article quotes a reader who states that friends say that changing careers late in life is a big mistake, and with this economy people should be satisfied with the job they have.

The article got me thinking about avocations. When talking with my students or clients, I suggest that if they are bored with their present jobs and are not giving it their best efforts, they should consider spending time with their dream job, hobby, or consider starting a small business. Energy not being used can be redirected to challenging tasks that are very satisfying. Who know? Maybe your performance on your current job will be improved!

I am a retired computer person, but I continue to teach at the University of Phoenix and do volunteer work at SCORE and the North Dallas Shared Ministries. Maybe this blog will eventually make me a millionaire! Please share with readers of this blog your thinking about avocations.

Thanks.

Glyn

More Resume Writing Tips

2011-11-13T11:43:00.000-08:00

A fellow job counselor of mine, Bob, at North Dallas Shared Ministries, www.ndsm.org, sent me the following tips about resume writing which were written by www.monster.com. You can find addition resume writing tips my clicking on the red letter link words.

By Charles Purdy, Monster Senior Editor, Monster

Your resume needs an update -- that is, if your resume is like that of most people, it’s not as good as it could be. The problem is language: Most resumes are a thicket of deadwood words and phrases -- empty clichés, annoying jargon and recycled buzzwords. Recruiters, HR folks and hiring managers see these terms over and over again, and it makes them sad.

Wouldn’t you rather make them happy? It’s time to start raking out your resume, starting with these (and similar) terms.

1. “Salary negotiable”

Yes, they know. If you’re wasting a precious line of your resume on this term, it looks as though you’re padding -- that you’ve run out of things to talk about. If your salary is not negotiable, that would be somewhat unusual. (Still, don’t put that on your resume either.)

2. “References available by request”
See the preceding comment about unnecessary terms.

3. “Responsible for ______”

Reading this term, the recruiter can almost picture the C-average, uninspired employee mechanically fulfilling his job requirements -- no more, no less. Having been responsible for something isn’t something you did -- it’s something that happened to you. Turn phrases like “responsible for” into “managed,” “led” or other decisive, strong verbs.

4. “Experience working in ______”

Again, experience is something that happens to you -- not something you achieve. Describe your background in terms of achievements.

5. “Problem-solving skills”

You know who else has problem-solving skills? Monkeys. Dogs. On your resume, stick to skills that require a human.

6. “Detail-oriented”

So, you pay attention to details. Well, so does everyone else. Don’t you have something unique to tell the hiring manager? Plus, putting this on your resume will make that accidental typo in your cover letter or resume all the more comical.

7. “Hardworking”
Have you ever heard the term “show -- don’t tell”? This is where that might apply. Anyone can call himself a hard worker. It’s a lot more convincing if you describe situations in concrete detail in which your hard work benefited an employer.

8. “Team player”
See the preceding comment about showing instead of telling. There are very few jobs that don’t involve working with someone else. If you have relevant success stories about collaboration, put them on your resume. Talk about the kinds of teams you worked on, and how you succeeded.

9. “Proactive”
This is a completely deflated buzzword. Again, show rather than tell.

10. “Objective”
This term isn’t always verboten, but you should use it carefully. If your objective is to get the job you’ve applied for, there’s no need to spell that out on your resume with its own heading. A resume objective is usually better replaced by a career summary describing your background, achievements and what you have to offer an employer. An exception might be if you haven’t applied for a specific job and don’t have a lot of experience that speaks to the position you’d like to achieve.

Please let me know if this information is helpful as you develop or update your resume.

Thanks!

Glyn

Finding Jobs Through-out the World

2011-11-09T15:07:00.000-08:00

I received a complimentary email today about this blog from Serg, an employee of the Jooble Company. Jooble.com is a web site that provides job listings for the United States and many other countries. More information about Jooble can be found by contacting: Ladoburn Holdings LTDKimonos, 43AP.C. 3095, LimassolCyprus.

Listings of US based jobs can be found at www.jooble-us.com.

Please let me know if you find this site helpful.

Thanks!

Glyn

Ideas to Improve Your Resume

2011-11-06T13:10:00.000-08:00

An article in The Dallas Morning News –November 6, 2011, edition on page 1J, “7 Tips to Strengthen Your Resume” by Cliff Garinn lists ideas that strengthen resumes.
I think that an important point to remember is that a resume is not a job description. A job description details the tasks and responsibilities for a particular position; a resume should identify an individual’s strengths and accomplishments while performing such tasks.

When possible, a resume should be tailored to specifically describe how an applicant meets the posted job requirements. It is a good idea to use the terms used in the job posting in the resume. Often resumes may be scanned and analyzed by computer software that selects the resumes to be read by a recruiter.

Of course many job applications are Internet based requiring job seekers to fill-in blanks. I encourage job seekers to have critical job information such as employment dates, skills, and personal references summarized on memo pad.

Do you think that resumes and cover letters are becoming less important since so many organizations are seeking applicants via their Internet sites?

Thanks.

Glyn

Seasonal Work and Picking Cherries

2011-10-30T13:08:00.000-07:00

When I was posting the blog about seasonal home-based work, I was thinking about an article that I just read about the need for seasonal workers in many areas of U.S. agriculture. Increased action by governments to control illegal workers has resulting in shortages of agricultural workers in many areas within the U.S.

I support such action and am wondering with our high levels of unemployment, why U.S. workers cannot meet these demands. I recognize that the agricultural jobs require skill and experience; however, both can be achieved by U.S. citizens. Perhaps the pay is insufficient to attract workers to temporarily relocate to the work areas. But if the financial losses are significant, perhaps the operators may be willing to pay wages that will attract workers.

My wife and I were in Oregon in August and visited The Dalles which just completed its annual cherry harvest. A waitress at a restaurant told us that the area was filled pickers that return every year for the cherry harvest. I am sure California, Texas and many other states depend on such migrate labor during critical harvests. Is this shortage of seasonal workers a problem that can be solved or reduced by U.S. workers?

What do you think? Please share your thoughts with readers of this blog.

Thanks.

Glyn

Home-Based Seasonal Work

2011-10-30T10:57:00.000-07:00

An article in The Dallas Morning News – October 30, 2011, edition on page 1J, “Apply Now for Home-based Seasonal Jobs” by Christine Durst and Michael Haaren of Creators Syndicate provides the following links to jobs available for seasonal workers:

1. http://bit.ly/tEDdC8 - 1-800-FLOWERS is looking for home-based agents.

2. http://bit.ly/s4TSaz. - Arise hires home-based independent contractors for a major tax software company.

3. http://bit.ly/qQzzYP - VIPdesk hires home-based agents and concierges as employees as customer service agents to handle its Eddie Bauer account.

4. www.aplineacess.com/en/ - Alpine Access 1,000 home-based customer service representatives.

The article provides the following advice to job seekers for home-based seasonal jobs:

1. Apply early

2. Be flexible and available

3. Present a positive, can-do attitude

4. Emphasize your customer service skills and experience

5. Be a great performer once you have landed a job!

As the Christmas season is upon us, now is a good time to pursue seasonal job opportunities – either home-based or on-site.

Please share your thoughts about seasonal home-based jobs with readers of this blog.

Thanks.

Glyn

Cover Letters and Thank You Letters

2011-10-23T12:26:00.000-07:00

An article in The Dallas Morning News – October 23 2011, edition on page 1J, “Is ‘Cover Letters: Elements of Style” by Cliff Garinn states that a cover letter gives an applicant another change to emphasize what he/she can contribute to the target organization. Below are some of Garinn tips:

1. No spelling or typing errors

2. Address the letter to an individual who makes the hiring decision

3. Write letter in a personal style

4. Refer to specifics about the organization and the open position

5. Indicate understanding of the how you meet the job requirements qualifications

6. Ask for a response by stating you are looking forward to a meeting

I have found that a written response following an interview or any communication from the target organization is most important. Immediate after the meeting, you should send a thank you letter to the interviewer containing specific references to your conversation. Perhaps an email to the interviewer is sufficient. Anyway, I think that your communication should indicate your interest in the opportunity (assuming that you are) and that you look forward to the next meeting.

What suggestions do you have concerning cover letters and thank you responses?

Thanks.

Glyn

Try the Employment Guide Website!

2011-10-16T15:17:00.000-07:00

Every time I search the Internet for sites to assist job seekers in finding jobs, I find even more sites. Today I am reviewing http://www.employmentguide.com, a site that provides the facility to search by job type and location.

Please give this site a change to assist you in your job search and give me post your comments in this blog for others to read.

Thanks!

Glyn

Internet Links to Home-Based Jobs

2011-10-09T14:31:00.000-07:00

An article in The Dallas Morning News – October 9, 2011, edition on page 1J, “Five Home-Based Jobs with a Social Side” by Christine Durst & Michael Haaren of Creators Syndicate contains the following Internet links to sites that provide job listing for home-base jobs:

www.Narms.com I think that this link to the National Association for Retail Marketing Services website is very rich with many additional links to jobs and related information related to home-based businesses.

http://assemblersinc.net

Assemblers, Inc. is a leading provider of merchandise assembly, installation, delivery, and repair services that operates throughout the Southeast United States.

www.taskrabbit.com

This site has coverage only in a few cities; however, it provides leads for errand runners and other task-handlers and may provide ideas to job seekers.

Please comment in this blog if you find these links helpful to your job search.

Thanks.

Glyn

More Job Openings than Qualified Candidates!

2011-10-09T11:00:00.000-07:00

I attended the 5^th Annual Technology Trends Conference at the Hilton Dallas Lincoln Centre Hotel on October 7, 2011. Many knowledgeable executives, educators, and professionals discussed what the future may hold for new developments in technology.

One speaker stated that there was no shortage of jobs today, but there is a shortage of qualified candidates for the open jobs. I have been thinking about this statement all week and am wondering if the statement is actually true. As a job counselor at the North Dallas Shared Ministries, I visit with many unemployed that have been unsuccessful in finding jobs. Where are these job openings I wonder?

I have spent much of my business career with organizations that focused on increasing the productivity of workers by automating routine tasks such as answering telephones, posting payments to accounts, storing and retrieving business records. Many of the remaining or restructured jobs required specialized skills and/or critical thinking. So what is the take-away message to job seekers?

I encourage job seekers to take maximum advantage for their experience and knowledge. If there are no jobs in their field of expertise, then they need to find fields in which their experience can be transferred. Many departing military personnel face this situation. Another point is that if you have no specialty, you should seek the training to build your own specialty. For example, there are many jobs available for driving commercial vehicles. Why not attend drivers training and secure a commercial drivers’ license. As an information systems person, I suggest that you become proficient in commonly used software products including the Internet.

Do you think that there are many jobs not being filled because of the lack of qualified job seekers? Please share suggestions to job seekers how to secure these unfilled jobs.

Thanks.

Glyn

Doing What You Love?

2011-10-02T11:41:00.000-07:00

An article in The Dallas Morning News – October 2, 2011, issue edition on page 1J, “Is ‘Doing What You Love’ Good Advice?” provides an example an out of work person who has a hobby of building wooden outhouses. The person, after several false starts, draws over a million viewers and $ 100,000 of ad revenue from a YouTube posting.

I am sure that there are many examples of hobbyists who have converted their passions into money making endeavors. Probably there are even more examples of individuals who have tried and failed to make a commercial go of their hobbies. So what is the message from this idea?

I think that if you have a passion for a craft, musical talent, or technical skill perhaps you should try to leverage your passion into a money making enterprise or job. If you dream of success, you will never achieve your dream if you do not take the risk.

The Internet has proved to be fertile ground for planting seeds of innovation. Who knows, you may be able to reap an abundant harvest of your hobby or passion? I hope this metaphor encourages you to action!

Please share your ideas about “making hay from your hobby” with readers of this blog.

Thanks.

Glyn

Internet Job Search Engines

2011-09-26T12:11:00.000-07:00

Below is an updated list of Internet Job Search Engines:

http://www.beyond.com/

Beyond.com claims to be the "largest network of niche career communities" on the Net. It essentially hooks together different organizations like PRJobForce.com and PhillyJobs.com all in one place, which makes it easy to find leads in your community.

http://www.careerbuilder.com/

As the Web's biggest job site, CareerBuilder gets more than 23 million visitors a month. The company has been around since 1995, and has developed an incredible network of listing sources and job search centers since that time.

http://www.craigslist.org/

The granddaddy of online classifieds gives those who are focused on searching for jobs within their communities an easy way to look. It might be one of the least-polished entities listed here, but the sheer number of local job listings makes up for it.

http://www.hound.com/

Hound's search engine shows jobs from employer Web sites only. In theory, this cuts out duplicate listings and shows opportunities that are not posted on other job boards.

http://www.indeed.com/

Indeed works as an aggregator for listings from major job Web sites, company Web sites, associations, and other online sources. Its simplicity and ease of use are its best features.

http://www.jobcentral.com/

JobCentral is a service formed by a nonprofit consortium of U.S. corporations like IBM and Dell, which makes it ideal if you're looking for corporate job listings.

http://www.jobserve.us/

JobServe claims it was "the world's first Internet recruitment service." In 2008, JobServe advertised more than 2.5 million jobs across 15 industry sectors.

http://www.linkedin.com/

Best known for being a social network for professionals, LinkedIn also has thorough job listings, some of which are exclusive to LinkedIn.

http://www.monster.com/

In addition to being arguably the best-known global job-listings site, Monster also offers advice on resumes, interviewing, and salary information.

http://www.oodle.com/job/

oodle, which specializes in online classifieds, includes a job classifieds section that finely cuts job opportunities down to job title, category, industry, and company. Did you know, for example, that Best Buy has nearly 10,000 openings?

http://www.ontargetjobs.com/

onTargetjobs owns a lot of smaller niche sites like BioSpace.com and MedHunters.com. Its expansive niche database allows users to find compatible job listings more easily than with general sites.

http://www.simplyhired.com/

SimplyHired is similar to Indeed, as it also aggregates listings from major job Web sites, newspapers, company Web sites, and associations. However, the site goes a little deeper and allows users to send their resumes out for posting on five other sites for free.

http://www.snagajob.com/

SnagAJob is basically the antithesis of sites like TheLadders and Execu|Search, as its focus is on hourly employment only. The site has partnered with companies like 7 Eleven, Red Lobster, and AMF, to bring the most up-to-date hourly job openings.

http://www.theladders.com/

This job site has branded itself as the place to look for $100,000+ jobs only. Job seekers have to pay $30 per month to fully take advantage of the site's services.

http://www.trovix.com/

Trovix's free search engine makes the job-search process more personalized. Users input their work experience and qualifications and the site matches results to what info they have given. Trovix also has an innovative feature called Job Map, which allows you to type in your location and see on Google Maps how many jobs are available in your area.

http://www.tweetmyjobs.com/

One of the newest sites to take advantage of social media, TweetMyJobs supplies Twitter users with instantaneous job listings that are derived from TweetMyJobs' Job Channels.

http://www.usajobs.com/

USAJobs is the official job site for the U.S. government. With the government looking to significantly increase spending during the next few years, looking at federal jobs might not be a bad move if you're in a tough place.

http://hotjobs.yahoo.com/

As one of the biggest job sites on the Web, HotJobs distinguishes itself by focusing on features such as status (which shows how many times one's resume has been viewed) and the ability to block companies from seeing your resume.

You can access the following link for more information about the above sites:

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2342783,00.asp#fbid=R0kuJ7iUl8e.

Please post comments about any of these sites on this blog.

Thanks.

Glyn

Jobs Opportunities in North Dakota!

2011-09-18T11:37:00.000-07:00

Recently I become aware of the many job opportunities in North Dakota primarily because of developments in the oil industry. An article in the September 18, 2011, edition of The Wall Street Journal on page C1, “There Will Be Oil” includes the following statement:

“In 2003, the Bakken formation in North Dakota was producing a mere 10,000 barrels of oil a day. Today, it is over 400,000 barrels, and North Dakota has become the fourth-largest oil-producing state in the country. Such ‘tight’ oil could add as much as two million barrels a day to the U.S. oil production after 2020 – something that would not have been in any forecast five years ago.”

Another article in same edition of The Wall Street Journal, “State Jobless Rates climb As Governments Pare Back” states:

“North Dakota has the lowest unemployment rate in the nation – 3.5% - thanks to a small population and booming industries tied to natural resources. Nebraska and South Dakota also have rates below 5%.”

At dinner with some friends last Saturday, I asked my friend, who is purchasing oil leases in North Dakota, about the economic climate there, and he confirmed the boom that is well underway. He also cautioned about the approaching cold weather season which will slow things down a bit. A cursory review of job postings on the Internet finds many job opportunities.

I recognize that many folks do not want to leave the comfort of their present surroundings; however, if you need and want a job or you have to go to work, I suggest that you consider investigating employment opportunities in North Dakota.

Please share with other readers of this blog information or experience you have concerning job opportunities in North Dakota.

Thanks!

Glyn

911 Job Opportunities!

2011-09-11T12:10:00.000-07:00

Where were you on Tuesday, September 11, 2001? I was completing my workout at the Cooper Aerobatic Center in Dallas. I remember being drawn to the TV in the locker room which displayed pictures of New York City and the World Trade Center. At that minute I had no idea about the significance of this event.

I was wondering during this day of remembrance what new jobs have been created as a result from the 911 events. As you would expect many of the new jobs are related to public security and our protection including police forces and the US military services. In addition, new products are now in the market including alarms and security devices.

To locate more jobs and product opportunities, I suggest you use the following search arguments on Google, Bing, Yahoo, or other search engines:

911 jobs, 911hotjobs, 911 products and the like

Please share your ideas about locating 911 jobs and products with readers of this blog.

Thanks!

Glyn