Secrets to Jobs

Lifestyle Tips

2012-01-03T11:01:00.000-05:00

Image by ToniVC via Flickr

Everyone needs tips to help for being super busy or sick or you have a disability. These few instructions will help make the most of time; no matter the situation. The full post is here.

Make time worthy decisions about :

Clothing
Food
Pain Relief
Beauty

How to Play: The Game of Work

2011-07-10T12:16:00.000-04:00

I like to compare rules of social institutions to board games. It helps me to remember that I must play by their rules to succeed on their grounds. This is the second post of the series.

To play a game to win you must be clear on your objective and it is not the same for everyone. The long version of this post can be located here, but I will give you some examples below.

Need someone else to pay for your college - look for employers that pay or provide partial payments for higher education of their employees
Need good benefits - look for employers that specifically have good vacation, sick days, health insurance packages

Identify the players of the game here (long version).

Welcome to the Game of Work

2011-06-13T05:43:00.000-04:00

I like to compare rules of social institutions to board games. It helps me to remember that I must play by their rules to succeed on their grounds, do well for myself while ensnared in their trap. This is the basis for my new pieces on the work game.

On my other blog, I wrote an article about the players of the game with their roles. Look their for the long explanation, but here is a little snippet.

Influencer

Busybodies

Co-worker

Works in your department

Boss Boss

Holder of real authority

Your boss

Controls your raises, time-off

Communicating at Work: Principles and Practices for Business and the Professions

Blog post on The Other Therapy- It's not a shrink

Learn a New Language Secret

2011-04-12T13:31:00.000-04:00

Learning a foreign language can help open job opportunities. This article is about learning Chinese, but the basic principles can work for learning any language. Substitute the language you want to learn and the same rules apply.

Those that like Asian culture may consider the task of how to learn Chinese. Some people are intimidated about learning a new language, but they do not have to be. Learning traditional or simplified Chinese is a rewarding goal to become multi-lingual. The directions below will prepare you for learning the language of China and

Taiwan

To learn Chinese, you will need:

Language course (local or immersion)
Learn Chinese books
Other Chinese speakers
Time to Practice

Get some class. Most people follow the how to learn Chinese thrill by taking a language course. Try a local college or high school to find beginner courses, with language schools being an additional option.
Take a trip. Go on vacation while reaching the how to learn Chinese goal. Enroll in an immersion program in China or other Chinese speaking area. Immersion programs surround the learner in the target language for daily activities.
Use books. Search for foreign language texts at bookstores and libraries. Studying how to learn Chinese requires knowing vocabulary and grammar basics. Language books provide the basics that help with communication skills.
Talk a lot. Speaking with others in the same language is an important part of how to learn Chinese. Listening and communicating is necessary when acquiring new language skills.
Practice often. Daily reviewing of Chinese vocabulary will help with learning the language. Frequent practicing will keep new skills fresh and less likely to forget.

The above suggestions apply to studying Chinese and other languages. Apply one or all of them to learn a new language.

I Quit My Job.. Now What!

2011-03-23T01:13:00.000-04:00

So, you quit your job and don't know what to do next. The situation can be fixed somewhat. On my other blog, I wrote a post that detailed what to do and say (correspondence). I will give you the short version.

Write a letter of resignation. Send it in the mail after you quit. They still will put it in your file.
List a good reason for quitting. Think of a respectable answer, be creative.

Working and Having an Illness

2011-03-13T19:22:00.000-04:00

It can be difficult to work while having a chronic conditions. Ailments such as arthritis and migraines can make it difficult to stay employed. I wrote here about how to work while having an illness. Below I will list a few points made on the other blog. For more details, view the entire article here.

Know Your Limits

Find out what you can do by yourself and with help
Think if medications help you do more

Get Out the Box

Ditch the standard 9 -5 gig
Find jobs that work for you
Consider part time or seasonal work

Make Your Resume Better

2011-03-06T23:28:00.000-05:00

Improving your resume can help with attracting more interviews and obtaining a better job. On my other blog, I wrote an article about different ways to make your resume better. I give examples on that post, but here I will give you a few of the steps. This is the quick and dirty option, for more tips and explanations check the original post.

Make a different resume for each career title. List the skills and attributes that the employer is looking for.
Use past reviews to find out what you are good at. Look at what previous supervisors praised you on, and use that.

Update your resume and use spell check. An outdated work history won’t help you and errors in spelling look unprofessional.
Try a thesaurus to find synonyms and add variety to words on your resume. Buy it at a dollar store or apply the feature on word processing software.

The Merchandising Job Secret

2011-01-21T22:16:00.001-05:00

A Secret Job

Did you know that Merchandising is the hidden job market? This industry works to keep consumers purchasing products from retailers. They record information on displays to entice more sales and report the data. People who are merchandising are the ones that when you ask for help in a store their response is “I don’t work for (name of the store)”.

Jobs in merchandising are at all types of retail establishments including supermarkets, gas stations and movie theaters. Some assignments are routinely completed on a weekly basis while others are a one-time special assignment. Greetings cards, holiday ornaments, books and magazines are included in this category.

Mystery shopping is a cohort of merchandising. They are different industries that both involve retail establishments. As a mystery shopper, while purchasing items detail is reported on customer service.

Why Do Merchandising or Mystery Shopping?

People who like to work solo and make their own hours do well in merchandising and mystery shopping. If you are a self-starter that doesn’t need direct supervision then this industry is for you.

What Skills Do I Need ?

People that are computer literate and have an internet connection are qualified to work in this field. The physical ability to stand on feet, stoop and bend are required. Basic counting and multiplication skills are also needed.

An example of merchandise positions

Field Service Representative – collecting information at store displays (by using a hand held scanner), promotional and seasonal products.

Auditor – Records quantity of specific products

Product Demonstrator- Demonstrate and allow sampling of products

Installers- Set-up or re-arrange new displays

Seat Counter – Counting of chairs in a theatrical release

How do I find these jobs ?

Most companies have websites to apply, but it’s better to find a job board that includes all. The best is a website called NARMS; fill out a profile and start your search. Another good source of information is the Volition forum.

A few merchandising companies: Marketforce, Acosta Retail Service, ATA Retail Services

A few mystery shopping companies: Goodwin & Associates, Trensource, Sights on Service Inc

Find the seasonal work secret

Being a Temp Can Give You Freedom

2011-01-16T18:00:00.001-05:00

Find Work Through Temporary Agencies (1)

Have you ever wanted to live the casual but gainfully employed life that is seen on television or movies? Well, I did it and it’s one of the best working experiences of my life. I would work a month or two full-time (with overtime) then I would take a week or two off. I certainly am not a bigwig or own a company, but a worker who values their time. The information below is how I created a work when you want system.

I used temporary staffing agencies to work when I wanted. The key to doing this successfully is persistence, do not slip or it could workout badly for you. The following information can be used for anyone who uses staffing agencies.

Throw a wide net. If physical conditions are not a problem, then register for warehouse and clerical positions. Light industrial work includes labeling boxes and other factory type work; therefore, keep that door of options open. Those who cannot type or lack computer experience, but can count and read will find file room jobs easily.

Time is on your side. List all times that you can be consistently at work, including weekends and all shifts. The goal for temporary work is to work hard for a few months and then take time off. Anyone can work hard for a short period, but the long durations bring burnout. The more available you are increases the likeliness to find many work opportunities.

No location limits. Consider all areas of your metropolis for work; do not put limits on just particular side of town. If you use public transportation, then know the routes before accepting an assignment. Those living in small towns might consider looking for work in the neighboring city.

Be a job whore. Enroll at various employment agencies to find as many jobs as you can. The registration is conducted at the agency, after that it’s all telephone communication from there. Consider going to an agency out of your way if they are known for placing many employees. Keep in touch with agencies and let them know your availability status.

Leave an impression. The key when signing up with a new company is to stand out from the crowd. Arrive early wearing professional clothing (warehouse work included), smile and use good grammar. Always appear eager to work and bring a resume along with past employer information and references. Prepare yourself for answering the most common interview questions.

Ace the test. Assessments are what agencies use to figure out your skills. Prepare ahead of time for alpha-numeric typing and filing. Brush up on simple math concepts such as subtraction, addition, multiplication and division. The goal is accuracy along with speed.

Stay clean. Drug testing is common practice for staffing agencies. Be upfront about not being able to pass a test, no one likes wasting their time. There are products that advertise they beat the test, but why bother. Be realistic about your own situation.

Hair Follicle Cleanser Shampoo Hair Drug Test Detox Cleaner

Why You Should Work For The Government- Job Hustle

2010-11-30T23:46:00.000-05:00

Numerous people avoid working for any type of government-related agency; which is a shame. The idea of working for a state or federal institution is disregarded by many. Large numbers of people dislike the government and working for them is strictly not allowed. A large segment of the populace is ignorant of the fact that there are good reasons to consider a job with the government.

Find the Merchandising Secret

Putting personal gripes to the side may be worth it to get a job with good perks. Consider what you can gain from a position with this ‘entity’ and not enter political references.

The Book of U.S. Government Jobs: Where They Are, What's Available & How to Get One (10th edition) (Book of US Government Jobs)

Top Reasons to Work for the (State or Federal) Government

Job Security – Government workers are overwhelmed with work that is never completed. Even those that attempt to stay on top usually fall behind due to lack of staff or large workloads. For the prospective employee this equals to a secure job position.
Cost of Living Increments- In prosperous times, federal employees receive an additional amount to their salaries noted as cost of living. This event happens after congress has agreed on and passed the budget. This pay is not guaranteed and many not happen during a recession.
Education Pay – Various state and federal employee programs pay for college classes taken. Different departments may have specific rules, but at least a partial amount of tuition may become paid from an employee program.
Low Termination Rate – A ‘myth’ with government employment reflects how difficult it is to get fired. In some situations, this may be true, because as long as you show-up then you keep your job. The unwritten rule is that many state and federal departments are used to complacency (laziness) among their employees.

Federal Government Job examples

Federal Jobs http://www.usajobs.gov/

District Court

U.S. Bankruptcy Court http://www.uscourts.gov/Careers.aspx

Immigration Office

Social Security Administration http://www.ssa.gov/careers/

State and Local Government Job examples

Welfare offices

Community Programs

State college and universities

Public Defender

Child Support Office

Coping With A Job You Hate

2010-11-21T22:20:00.000-05:00

Everyone at one time or another find themselves at a job they hate, but can not leave. Either it is a bad time to leave or you have contractual obligations. i.e.: they paid for your education or you took out a 401k hardship loan.

You could be angry and make everyone else angry but let’s not. Instead find a way of diversion from thinking of this place you want to leave but can’t. A few coping exercises can help you make the best of a bad situation.

Find options to avoid the misery of staying at a job that is not the best fit. Keep yourself and those around you in good spirits; although this may take some practice. Search for the right distraction or muse to keep yourself at least somewhat satisfied.

A unique special something - Find an item or some peculiar whatever... and leave it at the job. Therefore, you only see that special item while you are at the workplace. Look for an interesting place near your job to visit during lunch breaks. Is there a special coffeehouse? Nice store or park you can look at to rejuvenate during the week.

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Switch-up environment – Park in a different spot for a change in scenery and walk around spots that make you smile or relax. Find other people to hang out with; someone you think is interesting but haven’t made that friendly gesture yet.

Effortless Relaxation (Relaxing music plus subliminal affirmations)

Do something - Look into transferring to a different department or position. Make sure it is a good change for you; snoop around and find out about the atmosphere and people. Do some research about wage information; money should not be a surprise.

Get some class – Most large companies offer computer, human relations or other classes for free to employees. Take a few classes to learn a new skill or meet new people. If the company pays for college classes, then go for it but don’t forget the fine print. You may need to retain employment upon the company paying for education.

Find the Merchandising Secret

The Secrets of Seasonal Work

2010-11-07T19:41:00.000-05:00

Now is the time to look for temporary seasonal employment. You may ask why bother with a short-term work assignment? The reason is that even in a tough economy people will shop. A benefit of living in the United States is that we are a people of commerce; we shop when we have money and when we do not.

What is Seasonal Employment?

Seasonal or holiday work is when companies hire extra workers for the holiday season. Companies start hiring mid-October and work continues for up to a week after Christmas. An added bonus is that many companies offer holiday workers employee discounts.

Top 3 Reasons to Try Seasonal Jobs

Access to an abundance of hours. Retail stores and other businesses have extended hours during the Thanksgiving/Christmas season. Places open earlier and stay open later which equals to more opportunities to earn money.
Plentiful work available. Many types of job industries hire for the holiday season. No one who is looking for work should limit themselves to just retail. Think outside of the box for places to find work.
A money making opportunity. The most important of all reasons to try seasonal work is that it provides a means to pay bills. Earning an income represents the goal of obtaining any type of work.

Where to find seasonal employment

If you don’t know where to look for holiday employment, then look at the section below for a starting point. Don’t limit your search to just these; expand on the types of businesses these examples represent.

· Retail- Job prospects include cashiers, the sales floor and overnight stocking positions. Every store from Toys R Us and Target to Walmart and Dollar Tree need workers for the increase of shoppers.

· Delivery/Logistics – The increase of packages sent and delivered equates to hiring more people to ensure the task is completed. The United Parcel Service (UPS), Federal Express (Fed Ex) and the U.S. Postal Service all hire seasonal workers during their peak season. Positions include clerks, package handlers, drivers and drivers’ assistants.

· Work from Home- The under the radar at home job market employs holiday workers, as well. Customer Service Representatives at home work assignments at large companies like West At Home (http://www.westathome.com/) that employ for ShopNBC and Toys R Us. Another business that employs work from home workers for the holidays is Meijer stores (toll free number (800) 619-0111).

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In Closing

I hope that my secrets of seasonal work can help you in finding a job. Remember to look in places besides stores to find the right position for you.

The Nonprofit Job and Its Secret

2010-09-25T19:15:00.000-04:00

non profit worker

If you want to work for a company that helps others, then working for a non profit agency is a great option. Fight the burnt -out hippie image of the nonprofit worker to look at this overlooked job sector. The hidden secret is that they have perks that you can benefit from.

What is a nonprofit?

A not for profit agency is one that is set-up for a purpose and not to make money (profit). Think about agencies whose aim is to help the community or a particular segment of the population. Example: Children – YMCA, YWCA

Places to Find Nonprofit Job Leads

computer keyboard

Start looking at the areas in your community of places that are hiring. Look on the internet, but don’t expect large ads due to limited funs. Search for places that specialize in nonprofit job postings similar to idealist.org, opportunityknocks.com and notforprofitnews.com.

The Job Secret

Many places offer free or reduced services to employees. An example is if you need after-school care for a child, then work for a company that provides that service. In the example, you achieve two goals: making money and child care.

The secret is not limited to those with children. Many nonprofit agencies receive donations of food, free event tickets, gift cards and other valuable items. Some YMCA’s give employees free memberships. Another classified tidbit to working for a non-profit agency is paid training. They pay you to attend seminars, certification and educational classes that you reap all the profit.

The Nonprofit Career Guide: How to Land a Job That Makes a Difference

Pay Information

Wages for these types of employers vary with location and type of position. No longer is the moniker that all not for profits pays low. Find out if the perks make up for a lower wage. Investigate a bit to find out their pay scale.

Good luck on your job search and include non profit job boards!

Learning Skills For and Finding Office Work Secret

2010-09-24T23:42:00.000-04:00

Are you tired of warehouse work or maybe want to leave retail? Office or clerical work definitely has benefits – indoors, computers, and normal hours. If you have never worked in a office before, then you may need to learn some clerical skills. I did a post awhile ago that can help with where to look for office work.

Office positions can be an advantage if you are looking for a salaried job, paid holidays and health insurance. Even those without computer experience can work in file or mail rooms as a starter position.

Good Luck!

Acquire Office Skills Article

Search for Clerical Jobs Article

The Purpose of This Blog

2010-09-24T21:28:00.000-04:00

I'm the go-to person in my friends circle regarding finding jobs. At times, it has been something just to meet my immediate needs and pay bills or a place to stay a while. Regardless I am good at telling people what to do to keep a little change in their pocket or a house over their head.

This is not about going back to school (done that) or finding the perfect job (though you might). I will give no fluff advice on getting your paper.