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Take This Job and…Re-staff ItArticle Category : Others Deciding to leave a job isn’t easy. In fact, quitting a job requires courage, especially in today’s soft economy when the unemployment rate has reached 6.4%. However, in a tight job market, some people consider leaving their jobs without having another "lined up". When after a careful evaluation of emotional and financial considerations you determine that leaving your job is your best option, you may find that you will have a hard time getting support from your family, friends and colleagues. The moment you tell others that you are considering leaving your job, their immediate reaction will be, "Don’t leave your job if you don’t have another to go to." Yes. The ideal situation is to leave a job when you have a perfect career opportunity. But life doesn’t always hand you a magic bullet. Sometimes you have to take a risk, and that’s when conventional wisdom must be put aside to improve the prospects for your career. Your decision to leave should be based on the expectation that better opportunities await you. You may be ready to move on when:
Once you have made the decision to resign, plan for the following:
Possible exit interview questions include: What were the factors that contributed to your accepting a job with our Company? Were your expectations realized? Has that changed? What constructive comments do you have for management with regard to making this a better place to work? Why are you leaving? What would have kept you here? What do you expect to find somewhere else?
Most important of all, do not burn your bridges. Keep your resignation professional and brief. About The Author Recognized as a career expert, Linda Matias brings a wealth of experience to the career services field. She has been sought out for her knowledge of the employment market, outplacement, job search strategies, interview preparation, and resume writing, quoted a number of times in The Wall Street Journal, New York Newsday, Newsweek, and HR-esource.com. She is President of CareerStrides and the National Resume Writers’ Association. Visit her website at www.careerstrides.com or email her at careerstrides@bigfoot.com.
Article Category : Resume Standards While most professionals hire a professional resume writer, some draft their own resume. People who write a lot for business usually have more success in putting together a sharp, focused presentation; still, anyone can learn the basic steps to prepare his or her own resume.There are three major differences between a “strong” resume and an “o.k.” resume: 1. FORMAT AND PRESENTATION DETERMINE WHETHER THE RESUME IS READ The average resume is scanned, not read, for only 8-15 seconds. It either creates a strong impression to the reader immediately or it is set aside. It is similar to the impression you make on the interviewer. Therefore, make sure your resume is wearing the equivalent of a “business suit” and not jeans and flip-flops! Choose a format that complements your career goal. If you are seeking a job in your field and have experience, use a chronological resume. This resume starts with your most recent job and works backward. Conversely, if you are seeking a new type of work, you may want to consider the functional/combination resume. This style groups your skills together and includes a short chronological work history at the end. Other ways to insure that your presentation gets noticed include:
2. ACCOMPLISHMENTS TELL WHAT YOU’VE DONE; RESPONSBILITIES STATE WHAT YOU WERE SUPPOSED TO HAVE DONE Not all accomplishments have to be big, but they have to show that you got results as you carried out your responsibilities. Often, they are something you are proud of or, they can simply quantify what you have done on a daily basis. Many of your routine activities can be quantified and written as accomplishments that demonstrate your experience and knowledge, and proof of how you’ve HELPED the company! Here are some things to consider when naming accomplishments. Quantify whenever possible. For instance, did you:
3. AVOID COMMON ERRORS IN RESUME WRITING Many job seekers either don’t know or don’t understand the many items that do not belong in a resume. They include the following:
About The Author Recognized as a career expert, Linda Matias brings a wealth of experience to the career services field. She has been sought out for her knowledge of the employment market, outplacement, job search strategies, interview preparation, and resume writing, quoted a number of times in The Wall Street Journal, New York Newsday, Newsweek, and HR-esource.com. She is President of CareerStrides and the National Resume Writers’ Association. Visit her website at www.careerstrides.com or email her at careerstrides@bigfoot.com.
Article Category : Others I generally shy away from using the word “networking” when it comes to our business. As professional “headhunters”, we are constantly practicing and performing the art of networking in our daily operations. Many only consider the subject of networking when they are either seeking a new job or seeking new business opportunities. From our perspective, networking should be a daily event in your life. Networking is the art of building relationships that create benefit for yourself. Here are three tips to becoming a top notch “networker”.1. Develop an “Elevator Speech”: The theory goes that if you were to get into an elevator with a key decision maker and they asked you what you did, you should be able to respond in a concise and articulate statement that would conclude before you reached the bottom floor. The elevator speech is a brief statement of both fact and “tease” meant to open up the potential for future discussions or business development. The elevator speech(s) should be well rehearsed and roll off your tongue as if it were second nature. Ideally, you should have a couple of different versions of your elevator speech. You should be able to tailor it depending on the group or individual you are speaking to. This is a must for the savvy networker. 2. Give first, expect second: Successful networking depends on the ability of both parties to see value in continuing the relationship. Value given first will generally be reciprocated. Understanding what you can bring to the table for the other person is critical here. Through careful listening you can begin to understand what others see as your value proposition. Take the initiative and volunteer advice, knowledge or other valuable information first, without being asked to do so. Once you have demonstrated that you can provide value, the other person or party will have reason and call to reciprocate. Giving first is a primary building block to successful networking. 3. Follow through and be consistent: Good networking relationships last the test of time. Why? Because both sides follow through with their commitments and remain dedicated to the relationship. A savvy networker understands that being able to “count” on someone is critical to the network. Knowing that the other person is there for you through thick and thin is a key building block to beneficial networking. Take the time to examine and evaluate your current network. You can always improve on your networking skills. In the end, an established network will pay dividends today and tomorrow. Executive recruiter William Werksman is a frequent columnist to job boards including www.NevadaJobBoard.com addressing both the candidate’s and employer’s perspective. Werksman’s expertise has been featured in business magazines, national newspapers and television news segments. His firm, Resource Partners, is recognized as the leading source of specialized and executive talent in the Casino and Gaming industry. He manages a staff of recruiters out of his firm’s Las Vegas, Nevada headquarters. He may be reached at: Bill@CareerInsider.com jobs, careers, resumes, employment, interviews, job offer, hiring, recruiters, headhunter
Article Category : Recruiters Press 1.0 A timely reminderIn a recent decision in a New South Wales court it was found that an employee was psychologically injured and that contributing factors such as not having a job description and controlling management behaviours were responsible. The employee was subsequently awarded $500,000.00 for psychological injury. Not having a clear job description can lead to significant expense, declining morale and uncertainty. In this is the case, you the employer is the party that will be penalised and the courts’ will not display leniency for ignorance or busyness. 2.0 The Job description A job is a collection of tasks and responsibilities that an employee is responsible to conduct. Job descriptions are lists of the general tasks and responsibilities of a position. Typically, they also include to whom the position reports, specifications such as the key responsibilities and qualifications and experience needed by the person in the job and can sometimes includes the salary range for the position. Job descriptions are usually developed by conducting a job analysis, which includes examining the key tasks necessary to perform the job. The analysis looks at the areas of knowledge and skills needed by the job. A typical job description is used for advertising to attract an employee to fill a position, or to set the boundaries and parameters of the particular position that you want filled. However, many job descriptions are not framed well and this includes, not worded a job description in a manner such that the employee’s performance can be measured and leaving out key flexibility clauses. It is not uncommon for a person to write a position description, hire the employee and then have the employee refuse to do the banking because banking was not incorporated in their job description. In cases where the dispute has gone legal the employee has a good chance of winning. It’s all in the documentation. When drafting a job description it is paramount to include a flexibility clause that will allow the employer the right to direct the employee to perform other work that is within their recognized skill set. 3.0 What should I include in job description Your job description is an important document that needs to set out a number of key matters. 3.1 Purpose of the position The purpose of the position summarises the key reason the position exists within the organisation and a short paraphrase of duties the incumbent is required to understand and take responsibility for. 3.2 Position reports to Having stated professional boundaries is an important part of the organisation and employees understanding in who they report to and what they are responsible for. This prevents any misunderstanding which in the event of dispute will work against you if you do not have it documented. 3.3 Key responsibilities This section of the job description details the main tasks that the employee is accountable and responsible for. It should include the macro items however some employers like to include the micro detail as well. Of paramount importance is point four of the example (you may be required to undertake a variety of tasks, both skilled and semi-skilled, or carry out some other task which is not specifically within your traditional role provided the task is within your core skill competencies and legal requirements). This gives you flexibility to direct your employee to undertake other work not detailed in their job description. We are now living in an age of discontinuous change where today’s tasks change tomorrow and this gives you the flexibility to grow with those changes. 3.4 Core Skills Core skills are those skills and experience that the incumbent will need as a minimum to perform the job in a professional and responsible manner. As such, you need to take particular notice when interviewing a perspective employee in ensuring they really do have these attributes. Research has discovered that up to 35% of qualifications, memberships and experience written on a resumes are false. This includes Masters and PhD degrees. Before giving the position to someone reference check carefully. Recently we assisted an Accountant whose employee warranted they had the skills and passed probation and then after probation dropped the ball. If a perspective employee signs off to say they have these skills and afterwards displays the contrary you have common law and industrial rights that protect you. 3.5 Occupational Health and Safety Occupational health and safety is a big ticket item of the industrial agenda today. To many lives lost, over 500 lives lost each year to industrial accidents. Most job descriptions do not contain reference to the employer and employee working within the framework of health and safety and do so to their peril. By including this clause, by induction and training you are able to demonstrate your commitment to health ad safety. 3.6 Sign off Sign off demonstrates that the employee has the core skills, experience, and safety awareness to carry out key responsibilities. In the vent of a dispute this is critical. You can find more information at www.biz-momentum.com EXAMPLE ABC ACCOUNTS POSITION DESCRIPTION Senior Receptionist PURPOSE OF THE POSITION: To effectively and in a timely manner undertake the duties of senior receptionist providing secretarial, clerical, financial & administration services to ABC Accounts. To assist with other duties as directed by your Manager. POSITION REPORTS TO: Administration Manager KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: NO: DUTIES 1. Perform reception duties including answering the telephone in a timely manner, directing client queries to the correct person, screening calls and representing the company in a professional manner. 2. Provide support to the Manager as required including compiling letters, memorandum and reports, screening incoming correspondence and arranging appointments for clients. 3. Process cheques and payment advice associated with the organisation’s creditors, debtors and invoices and other accounts payable and receivable in a timely manner. 4. In addition, you may be required to undertake a variety of tasks, both skilled and semi-skilled, or carry out some other task which is not specifically within your traditional role provided the task is within your core skill competencies and legal requirements. CORE SKILLS: 1. Minimum of 4 years experience in an accounting firm 2. Minimum of Advanced Diploma of Accounting or other professional education approved by ABC Accounts. 3. Display a professional and courteous manner in representing the organisations core value of excellence in customer service. 4. Ability to remain calm under pressure and effectively manage multiple tasks and deadlines. 5. Experience in compiling letters, memorandum and reports, making appointments and dealing with sensitive organisational issues with confidentiality and discretion. 6. Able to demonstrate a high level of experience and literacy in computer software applications such as Microsoft Office and computerised accounting software. 7. Able to work within the policies and procedures of ABC Accounts. OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY STATEMENT Assist the ORGANISATION to create a safe and healthy working environment by working safely, using equipment provided and following instructions given for health and safety purposes and immediately reporting any unsafe working practices or hazardous working conditions. I certify that I have read this Position Description have the core skills to carry out these duties contained herein and have had any questions or concerned answered to my satisfaction. EMPLOYEE SIGNATURE: _______________________________ EMPLOYER SIGNATURE: _______________________________ Philip (Phil) Lye is Managing Director of Biz Momentum providing professional services in human resource management and employee relations (HR / IR Matters), training your people to work with you, ‘coaching you’ to be a better executive and commercial business consultation. Phil is a ‘keynote-speaker’ who speaks with passion on subjects like ‘kindness and the bottom line’, ‘last one standing’, ‘down and outers and up and outers’, ‘more from less on your bottom line’ as well as a diverse range of other topics. Phil started his working career as the ‘postage clerk’ in banking and finance rising through various business opportunities to CEO and CFO of two companies before leaving to start his own business in 2002. Phil holds qualifications in Accounting, Leadership, Human Resource Management & Industrial Relations. For more information and assistance http://www.biz-momentum.com
Article Category : Resume Standards Writing a cover letter to send with your résumé can be both confusing and frustrating. What exactly should you say? Are you saying too much? Are you only speaking about your needs vs. the company’s needs? Oh, what to do! In this “short” piece, I will list some ideas on how to craft your cover letter. I have also provided some important links — for additional assistance — particularly if you find yourself still needing outside help.Basics * A matching business envelope {#10} is acceptable. Tri-fold your copies separately; when you place the cover letter inside the envelope, make sure that the letter is shown first [when you lift the flap of the envelope up] followed by your résumé. Fold it so that your name and contact information is the first thing the recruiter sees. If you choose to use a kraft envelope make sure that is no smaller than 9×12 or bigger than 10×13. Place an attractive computer generated label on it with your return address shown appropriately. If you must write on it, PRINT your information and do not be fancy. Remember: you want the post office and the company’s mailroom to be able to read what you wrote! Otherwise, important time may be lost in the process. * If you are emailing your information make sure that the job listing stipulates that attachments are okay. If not, don’t you dare send attachments! Instead, within the body of an email message you can write your cover letter [a brief introduction] and then cut and paste your résumé. I cannot tell you how many files never get read when the person does not do as instructed. You can also follow up and mail in a hard [paper] copy if an address is provided. Beginnings * Match the header on your résumé with the header on your cover letter. They can and do get separated! An example header should look like this: Jane Doe * Put today’s date on the cover letter. * Next, include your contact’s information, which can include: Ms. Ellen Snow – Dear Ms. Snow: Body * Keep in mind that your cover letter must not be lengthy. You can say all that must be said in no more than three, maybe four, brief paragraphs. * Here is a sample: Attached, please find a copy of my résumé for your review. I am interested in the position of corporate flight attendant listed online at www.flybynight.com. I believe my three years of international flying experience along with my culinary background and language skills makes me the ideal candidate to serve FlyByNight’s distinguished clientele. Currently, I work as an independent contractor and have flown to top destinations in Europe as well as throughout the U.S. and Canada. FlyByNight’s need for a dependable, trained, and highly experienced team player is exactly the type of position I desire. I look forward to meeting with you in person to discuss your particular needs and how I can help FlyByNight successfully carry out its mission as the best operator of private jets in the world. Feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience; I can be reached at 919-555-1212 or by on cell phone at 919-555-1213. Byes * Sincerely, Jane Doe Leave 3-4 lines from your “Sincerely” to your name. Your closing shouldn’t include other words including Regards [too plain], Cheers! [too British], Love [too personal], etc. Remember, this is a business letter. In summation, keep it short and specific. Have three or four main points you can emphasize about your strengths, particularly, those points which match with the points listed by the company in their job details. In this particular case the candidate emphasized her culinary, language, and international travel experience, as well as her availability. All four points were stressed in the company’s job listing which read: “…international jet operator is searching for an experienced cabin attendant. This position involves serving our on demand charter clients from east coast locations to destinations in the U.S. and abroad. Must have exceptional food service skills. Current training with FACTS, FlightSafety or similar training vendor; French or Spanish language skills: a plus… You cannot avoid talking about yourself, but you can control how you talk about yourself. Do not… 1. …beg for an interview. 2. …mention money or benefits. If the job listing “demands” that you list your salary requirements, simply state that salary is negotiable. 3. …overly boast about your skills: think about what the company’s needs are, do you think they care that you were the recipient of an NBAA scholarship? It is, however, okay to list scholarship awards on your résumé. 4. …name drop. Unless, you already come highly recommended by someone they know and like. Your mentor may be well known in this industry, but not universally liked. You can use them on your list of references, however. Jane Doe March 21, 2005 Ms. Ellen Snow Re: Corporate Flight Attendant Opening [this is optional, but it can be helpful especially if the company has multiple openings available.] Dear Ms. Snow: Attached, please find a copy of my résumé for your review. I am interested in the position of corporate flight attendant listed online at www.flybynight.com. I believe my three years of international flying experience along with my culinary background and language skills makes me the ideal candidate to serve FlyByNight’s distinguished clientele. Currently, I work as an independent contractor and have flown to top destinations in Europe as well as throughout the U.S. and Canada. FlyByNight’s need for a dependable, trained, and highly experienced team player is exactly the type of position I desire. I look forward to meeting with you in person to discuss your particular needs and how I can help FlyByNight successfully carry out its mission as the best operator of private jets in the world. Feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience; I can be reached at 919-555-1212 or by on cell phone at 919-555-1213. Sincerely, Jane Doe Matt manages the Corporate Flight Attendant Community, the #1 resource center for business flight attendants online. You can visit his at http://www.corporateflyer.net or go to the message boards directly at http://www.cabinmanagers.com
Article Category : Others In today’s employment environment, HR managers are faced with the monumental duty of hiring and maintaining, as well as the ongoing development, of employees. But the single most difficult task lies first in hiring the right people.Not only are prospective employers faced with the largest available potential workforce since the Second World War, but, as things have become more sophisticated, so have the deception techniques of those who would shaft you and your company. Negligent hiring, sexual harassment, and frivolous employee lawsuits have increased sharply in recent years, as have the incidents of workers’ compensation fraud and employee theft. What Can You Do? In the area of hiring the most qualified candidate for the job, there are the reference checks, the employment and education verification and the background check. A good background check should include thorough candidate identification, financial and driving histories and criminal convictions at any and all court levels. Sounds simple, doesn’t it? Unfortunately, it isn’t that easy. Today, you must conduct as thorough a check on the company doing your screening as you would on screening your candidates. Why? As mentioned, a lot of little companies have sprung up touting the wonders of overnight background checks, some of which could be illegal. A number of these firms, which rely upon database research to compile the background data, without so much as a verification of the information, discovered. Case in point. A well-known HMO recently settled out of court with a group of families, two of whom suffered the loss of their mothers because a psychopathic orderly took it upon himself to call patients and tell them that they had cancer. Two women committed suicide and fourteen others sought serious psychiatric help to get them through the problems that didn’t really exist. Yes, the HMO did indeed do a background check ? one that was low-cost and was ordered on a computer screen. No record was found, and the candidate was hired. No one took the time to learn that this individual had just been released from prison in Massachusetts one year before for doing the same thing at a Boston-area hospital. In this case, the HMO saved a few dollars on the background, but the result was a $14 million settlement! When hiring a background check firm, look for stability, longevity, a good track record, and one that isn’t afraid to refer you to any of its clients. Look for professional memberships, and above all, find out how they do their criminal conviction research. If they do it by database or computer, you could be better off if you stay away. Thomas C. Lawson, CFE, CII is President and Founder of APSCREEN International, the world’s leading full service Consumer Reporting Agency since 1980. Lawson is called “one of the real pros” as he has helped to reshape laws including those for employment screening, permissible credit reporting, asset discovery and fraud examination. Tom is a Life Member of: ACFE, ASIS, SHRM, PIHRA, PNRRA, PRRN, CII, WAD, WIN, FCAOC and OCEMA.
Article Category : Interview Tips Going for a job interview can be a harrowing experience. The reasons are varied: A job applicant may not have the necessary relevant working experience or may be worried about the inability to answer difficult questions. Even the pressure of needing a job to pay for the living expenses can cause a job applicant to “freeze” or go numb with anxiety during the interview.Being appropriately attired and well groomed is a definite must. Punctuality is also an important criterion. Here are some more pointers to help make your job interview a relaxing and effective experience. Speak Clearly: The interview is going to be a useless exercise if the interviewer cannot make out what you are talking about. Thus if you are nervous, take a deep breath and focus on the interview questions. Don’t rush through your answers or make unqualified statements. Most interviewers take down answers just in case a group of job applicants are short-listed. Bring Supporting Documents: Remember to bring supporting documents that you did not include in your initial resume. This can be a letter of commendation, ECA achievement or even the journal of an overseas field trip. These documents can supplement your strengths and provide a positive impression to the interviewer that you can provide intrinsic benefits to the workplace. Don’t Rebut the Interviewer’s Questions: It is rude to rebut the interviewer’s questions. Here is a case in point: The interviewer asks you about your achievements in school ECA and your curt reply is that the information can be found in your resume. The interviewer may have the intention of hiring you and wanted you to elaborate more on your other achievements to confirm that his decision is sound. Give Consistent Answers: When answering the interview questions, you must remember to be consistent. Do not make unsubstantiated statements because you will have a high chance of singing to a different tune in another related interview question. This may reflect that you are not serious about getting the job, which may not be your intention. Think “Team-Player”: Do not get too caught up with your achievements and forget that you are working in a team. The “team player” concept is important. Thus your strengths must be relevant to helping your department excel in what it has set out to achieve. Show That You have Researched About The Company: You must do some groundwork before your interview. It is essential that you find out about your job specifications and about the industry competitors. This will put you in a good position when you are asked about how your strengths can benefit the organization and department. Importance Of Skills Upgrading: During the interview, you should also convey the message that skills upgrading is important to you. This gives the interviewer the positive impression that you will continually improve yourself, which will provide direct rewards to your organization. On the other hand, the interviewer is also reminded of your expectation for his organization. Your Salary Expectations: During the interview, you may be asked about your salary expectations. It is good practice not to reveal a figure but provide a range. You can justify by saying that you are willing to accept the lower end of your salary expectation if there are other fringe benefits or training programme. Ask For Clarification If Necessary: Do not feel ashamed to ask for clarification if you do not comprehend the interviewer’s questions. You can politely ask him to re-phrase the question. This is much better than providing an inappropriate answer. It also shows that you have initiative. Thank The Interviewer: No matter how the interview turns out, remember to thank the interviewer for providing you with the interview opportunity. It does not take too much effort to be courteous. Who knows? Your paths may meet again. About The Author Colin Ong TS is the Managing Director of MR=MC Consulting (http://www.mrmc.com.sg) and the Founder of the 12n Online Professional Networking Community (http://www.mrmc.com.sg/12n) - colin@mrmc.com.sg
Article Category : Resume Presentation, Career Management These days most people accept that jobs are not for life anymore. People are more mobile and much more likely to change jobs every few years and even careers a number of times throughout their lives. And it is increasingly common that we may also find that we need to change jobs because of retrenchments, redundancies and closures. Having confidence in your skills and experience and your ability to deal with the challenges of starting over can give you a greater sense of confidence about your career, and whatever life brings your way. Get support. Surround yourself with family and friends and let them know your situation. Stay in contact with those you care about and continue your usual social activities. Although you might not feel like it, now is not the time to avoid people or stop socialising. Your support crew will help you to stay motivated and positive and they’ll keep their eyes open for opportunities for you. It’s not about you. Jobs, not people, are made redundant. Redundancy is now a common term and accepted as a part of modern working life. It’s not a reflection on you or anything you need to feel ashamed about. Set up a HQ. Create an environment that it conducive to your job-search project. Set up a basic office at home that includes access to a phone, stationary, postage supplies, computer and printer. If you have small children or pets keep them out of this area and ask your children not to answer the phone while you are job searching. If you are basing yourself out of a job café or other facility, be prepared. Make sure that you have the tools you need to apply for jobs that appeal to you, including an up to date resume, referees and an email address. Create an up to date resume. Create a captivating covering letter. Provide a detailed description of the achievements in each of your roles and the timeframes you have been in the role. Provide all contact details including phone number (land line and mobile), email and where possible a fax number. If you don’t have a fax at home, find someone close to you i.e. local business and ask them if you can use their number. Get out. Become involved in local networks and community events. Investigate groups that meet regularly in your area and get involved. This is a great way to meet new people, make new contacts and find out about jobs that are available close to home. Mind your language. Avoid using negative words such as ‘unemployed’, ‘on the dole’ and ‘I can’t find a job’ and replace them with positive perspectives such as ‘I will find a job suitable for me’. Stay well presented. It only takes seven-seconds to make a first impression. Make the most of your seven-seconds by smiling when you greet someone. Invest in a good suit, if you don’t have one, borrow one for interviews; polish your shoes and ensure that your hair is clean and tidy. It’s easy to get out of the good-grooming habit when you don’t have to do it every day. Remember how important is it both to your self-esteem as well as to people’s first impression of you. Stay motivated. Finding a new job is hard work; treat it as you would any work assignment ? your fulltime job is finding a new role that you will enjoy. Just as with any job it can be frustrating and especially disappointing when you receive ‘rejection’ letters. Prepare yourself for the fact that you will receive these. They are not personal. Focus on keeping your goals in your mind and remind yourself constantly that there is a role out there just for you, it’s only a matter of time until you find it. Neen is a Global Productivity Expert: by looking at how they spend their time and energy ? and where they focus their attention ? Neen helps people to rocket-charge their productivity and performance. A dynamic speaker, author and corporate trainer, Neen demonstrates how boosting your productivity can help you achieve amazing things. With her unique voice, sense of fun and uncommon common-sense, Neen delivers a powerful lesson in productivity. Find out more at http://neenjames.com/.
Article Category : Career Management Feeling that it never works is not a good excuse. You may even remember last year not getting past February. GOOD intentions. NO success. Don’t quit! Every year has a new beginning for each of us. Keep on working at it.NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS You knew that was coming. Wipe the slate clean for 2004. Most of us had a few UPS and some had more DOWNS. There is real power in your mind. Think positives even when it is most difficult. Negatives are destroyers that pull us down into the abyss. Actually, you can make resolutions EVERY day. Hop out of bed with a great attitude. Begin by saying, “Good morning, God, what are you and I going to do today?” It may surprise you. Negative folk say, “Good God, it’s morning!” You decide! DON’T QUIT I know! Last year just left you defeated. Every change you were going to make fell by the wayside. None of your resolutions got done. Maybe you OVER reached. Be more reasonable. Don’t expect big leaps. Bite off the challenges in small chunks rather than going for the boulder. Success is closer than you think. One step at a time. You can become the happier, healthier person that you envision. All of us like to improve. There’s a sincere desire to learn. To stick with our new diet. To work out at the gym or go to aerobics. Walk a mile each morning or night. Our goal is to eat right; live right; exercise and be our very best. OVER ZEALOUS Suddenly, I’m going to change my habits. Our resolutions fill a complete page. All the things we haven’t been doing. Beginning tomorrow. You have just programmed failure into your New Year’s resolutions. Too much at once. None of us can handle it. Put down one or two life changing challenges. Maybe you can take on another one or two in another month. Don’t overwhelm your psychic all at the beginning. Stretch your goals over time. First, write down your new passions. A full page of resolutions is too much. Select those with the greatest benefit. Leave the others for now. Don’t expect perfection. Good intentions pave the road but you need to allow for a detour along the way. BUILDING NEW HABITS Your real goal is to develop new habits. Replace the old ones. NO exercise turns into some exercise. Eating too much turns into pushing away from the table sooner. Drink more water, less cola. Putting your spouse before the children or grands. Doing fun things together. Go to the movies. Out to dinner. Long weekends to the mountains. Don’t expect “old habits” to suddenly disappear. They are still lurking. Trying to get back into first place. Wanting to mess up your plan. Few things are more rewarding than reaching your goal. Even if it takes longer than you expected. Moving in the right direction counts for success. Reach for incremental mile markers. Each step takes us closer to our destination. PAYDAY IS COMING – Keep that in mind. Not necessarily money. A much BIGGER benefit. You quit SMOKING because (you don’t want to increase cancer odds; your breathe is cleaner; clothes no longer smell stale; eat in nicer places; kicked a bad habit, etc.) Go on a DIET because (clothes look nicer; you look nicer; you feel better about yourself; cost less for food; and?..) Quit drinking because?. (Don’t want DWI risk; no more acting a fool; risky addiction and family loss; and?) Bad habits are hard to break. Only YOU can make the decision. No one can do it for you until you decide. Many times our “bad” habits are patterns of behavior. Smoking gives us a break and often it comes with dinner and a drink. Must be a social issue. Everyone else is doing it so we “do it” to be “accepted” within our social group. SUCCESS TEAM All of us need support when striving to reach goals. Find those with the same mindset and desire to change habits. Working out is always easier in a group. To quit drinking is easier with NON drinkers. Non smokers help us kick the nicotine habit. Cheerleaders are needed. Keep it up! Don’t quit. Hold on to your goals. Accountability keeps most of us on track. Do something nice for yourself when you reach incremental levels. Buy yourself a new suit or a new dress when you drop a full size. Make every step a recognizable achievement. Eat at a new restaurant. Go to the movies. Treat yourself to a massage. Relax and enjoy the NEW you. One last admonition. HAVE FUN! In the end (December 2005) you can look back with pride on the success you have enjoyed in the last 12 months. ACTION TIP: A better YOU and ME is worth the investment. Set reasonable goals. Bite off in small incremental pieces. Look for the BIG pay off. Get a support TEAM. Reward yourself for each success level. HAVE FUN in the process of changing your habits. Don Monteith spent 32 years in the Staffing Business. His firm placed thousands of job candidates in their dream job. Today, he shares his expertise. Learn more by visiting his website at: http://www.HowToGetYourDreamJob.com
Article Category : Resume Presentation >Gone are the days of the bland, generic one-page resume. Employers these days are more impressed by a resume that is customized and they tend to give jobs to interviewees that have a bit of knowledge about the company.By doing your research, you’re showing initiative, which impresses potential employers. It will also help you decide whether or not you would feel comfortable working for the company, and would fit in with others at the office and the overall atmosphere. Researching the company can also help you ace the dreaded job interview, since it will give you an idea of what you want to communicate, and how you can incorporate that sentiment into the company philosophy. Overall, it will decrease stress levels because you’re already just a bit more prepared than the average applicant. So relax? and start your research! Here are five tips to customizing your resume: 1- Visit the company’s website: read past the obvious introductory pieces. Pay special attention to the layout and design- they should give clues as to the type of company it is. If possible, familiarize yourself with the key players in the company. 2- Go beyond the company site: Google the company name, and read some of the recent news articles, annual reports or any other relevant information you can find. 3- Seek out the competitors: talk to anyone you know who works for one of the competitors to find out how your potential employer is viewed in their industry. 4- Inquire around the water cooler: ask your friends and co-workers what they know about the company. 5- Pick up the phone: call the company, and ask the receptionist their views on the company, including dress code, organization, leadership style, and overall office atmosphere. About The Author Jessica Klein is a member of the ‘Mount Real Research Team’, whose aim is to seek out and distribute business information to the virtual public. She is a freelance writer based in Montreal, Canada who loves writing about anything from accounting to zebras. For more info about Mount Real, visit www.mountreal.com.
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