Tip of the Day

Phone Interviews

Treat a phone interview like an important meeting with someone who can change your life--because it just might be.Sit up straight (you may even prefer to stand) because it makes your voice resonate more effectively.

If you plan to use a cell phone, have a friend call you for a practice run to make sure the connection is good. And be alone for your interview. You wouldn't go to a professional meeting with your mommy by your side or a puppy in your lap, would you?

Finally, make sure your outgoing voicemail message sounds professional. (And if you don't know exactly when the interviewer will call, refrain from answering your phone with "Duuuuude!" during the window of possibility.)

http://hotjobs.yahoo.com/career-articles-job_search_tips_how_to_nail_a_phone_interview-1427

Mentoring Monday

Learn to accept and give feedback

The good news in a mentoring relationship is that you will receive feedback and insight from a knowledgeable and caring colleague.This feedback will confirm if you are on the right track.

But sometimes the feedback will be less than flattering. You need to be receptive to both kinds, positive and negative, and learn to accept feedback that's intended to improve your performance or your work.

The key is to learn to listen carefully to this constructive feedback, make adjustments, then seek more feedback so that you can continue to improve yourself.

http://sciencecareers.sciencemag.org/career_magazine/previous_issues/articles/2009_08_14/caredit.a0900101

Freelance Friday

Take your Job seriously

Some people tend to think that freelancing is a walk in the park. These usually don’t make it for long, basically because they’re wrong. Make sure to take your job 100% seriously and do your best when you’re working. The second you notice you’re not giving all you can, your efficiency has dropped a whole lot. So make sure to remind yourself of why you’re doing this and do your best to stay focused while at work.

http://www.1stwebdesigner.com/development/tips-boost-freelance-efficiency/

Tip of the Day

Sell Yourself

Learn the fine art of self-promotion. If you have had major accomplishments or created successful programs, make sure people know about it — especially those in influential positions who could help you advance professionally. Let it be known that you are seeking a promotion or the next step up in your career.

http://www.allbusiness.com/human-resources/careers-career-development/11128-1.html

Tip of the Day

Sharpen your people skills

Strong interpersonal skills play a crucial role in gaining the respect of your boss and coworkers; they will also attract the notice of outside influencers who might open new doors of opportunity for you. Be friendly, outgoing, and personable. Listen carefully to people, and practice being a clear and effective communicator.

http://www.allbusiness.com/human-resources/careers-career-development/11128-1.html

Freelance Fridays

An important part of freelance work is the passion you bring to each new job. Along with this passion you have the opportunity to bring about new challenges, new personalities and new rewards!

Tip of the Day

Take some time and volunteer

The career centre has recently obtained a new resource for the centre and it involves volunteering, if you would like to volunteer and are not quite sure where then come on in and check out the book of opportunities for student involvememnt. Volunteering is a great way to expand your network and even gain experience in your field of choice.

So come on in!

Work Abroad Wednesday

Are you interested in working abroad but don't know where to start? Check out the 'Work Abroad' board located across from the Awards office. Still looking for direction? Stop by the career centre and browse our bookshelves or speak with an advisor!

Tip of the Day

Be Prapared

Have a telephone answering machine or voice mail system in place and sign-up for a professional sounding email address. Put your cell phone number on your resume so you can follow up in a timely manner. This job search toolkit will help you get everything you need set for your job search.

http://jobsearch.about.com/cs/jobsearchhelp/a/jobtips.htm

Mentoring Monday

Put the decision on the mentee

Allow the mentee to seek out the mentor(s) if and when desired.
By far, the most effective approach is for the mentee to know the names of 2 or 3 people, and to reach out if and when input is needed—to one or to all.


http://www.businessweek.com/managing/content/dec2008/ca2008125_084437.htm

Freelance Friday

A great way to 'learn the ropes' in terms of photography and journal freelance work is to follow their work through blogs, websites, magazines and newspaper articles! If you have an idea of the style of work you are interested in... research where to find it! Read it! Follow it! Learn from it!

Tip of the Day

Pick the right Tools in your career


Pick the tools you can handle.

You can build your future career using a lot of different tools. Studying at School is easy. Taking a full master degree is more complicated.

You can add a lot to your career by studying books and tutorials.Doing short time courses with certification tests might add valuable weight to your CV. And don't forget: Your current job is often the most valuable source of building new skills.

Don't pick a tool that is too heavy for you to handle!

http://www.w3schools.com/cert/career_tips.asp

Tip of the Day

Sharpen Your People Skills


Strong interpersonal skills play a crucial role in gaining the respect of your boss and coworkers; they will also attract the notice of outside influencers who might open new doors of opportunity for you. Be friendly, outgoing, and personable. Listen carefully to people, and practice being a clear and effective communicator.



http://www.allbusiness.com/human-resources/careers-career-development/11128-1.html

Mentoring Monday

Give back and get more

Mentors don't usually ask how the mentoree has benefitted from the relationship. Take the time to share examples and to say "thank you" on occasion, and you'll often find that the mentor will give more without your having to ask. Sharing how a mentor has been helpful in the past gives the mentor guidance on how to be helpful in the future.


http://www.management-mentors.com/resources/april-2009/

Freelance Friday

Are you interested in freelance work? Have you decided to take the giant leap and become a freelance writer? Here are some important markets to consider when deciding what type of work you are most interested in!

Web Development & Design
Customer Service
Software Development
Administrative Support
Sales & Marketing
Networking & Information Systems
Design & Multimedia
Business Services

Tip of the Day

Fulfill your Current Job


Your current job might be best place to start your career.

It is often very little that separates successful people from the average. But nothing comes free.

If you do your job well and fulfill your responsibilities, this is often the best way to start a new career.

Talk to your supervisor about things you can do. Suggest improvements. Offer your help when help is needed. In return ask for help to build a better career. It is often possible - right inside your own organization - especially if you have proved to be a valued employee.

http://www.w3schools.com/cert/career_tips.asp

Work Abroad Wednesdays

Interested in working in the UK?
Check out the UK Border Agency website for tips on all the 'how too's'.
www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/

Tip of the Day

Build a Good Network

Your next career step might arise from your contact network.
Did you know that more than 50% of all jobs are obtained from contact networks?

If you have a good contact network, it is also a good place to discover future careers, to explore new trends, and to learn about new opportunities.

Spend some time building new contacts, and don't forget to maintain the ones you already have.

One of the best ways to get serious information from your network is to regularly ask your contacts how they are, what they do, and what is new about their careers.

http://www.w3schools.com/cert/career_tips.asp

Mentoring Monday

As a mentee, you need to be in the driver's seat of your mentoring relationships--not in the passenger seat while your mentor makes all the important choices about your career. To have that control, you need to do a personal inventory and know your career goals. You need to be able to articulate where you would like to go over the next period of your career and beyond. Once you've articulated your goals clearly, your mentor will be better able to advise and guide you on possible steps and opportunities.

By knowing your goals, you will be in control of the path that you choose to take--and are more likely to be satisfied with your career decisions.


http://sciencecareers.sciencemag.org/career_magazine/previous_issues/articles/2009_08_14/caredit.a0900101