Making It Big Monday

10 Tips to help you with Time Management at Work

1. Carry a schedule and record all your thoughts, conversations and activities for a week. This will help you understand how much you can get done during the course of a day and where your precious time is going. 
2. Appointment books work. Schedule appointments with yourself and create time blocks for high-priority thoughts, conversations, and actions. Make sure you have the discipline to keep these appointments.
3. Plan to spend at least 50% of your time engaged in the thoughts, activities and conversations that produce most of your results.
4. Schedule time for interruptions. Plan time to be pulled away from what you're doing. 
5. Take the first 30 minutes of every day to plan your day. Don't start your day until you complete your time plan. 
6. Take five minutes before every call and task to decide what result you want to attain. This will help you know what success looks like before you start. 
7. Put up a "Do not disturb" sign when you absolutely have to get work done.
8. Practice not answering the phone just because it's ringing and e-mails just because they show up. Disconnect instant messaging. Instead, schedule a time to answer email and return phone calls.
9. Block out other distractions like Facebook and other forms of social media.
10. Remember that it's impossible to get everything done. 

To view the original article CLICK HERE

Fun Facts Friday

Don't answer any questions like these job candidates did! 

Q. What five or six adjectives best describe you?A. Really, really, really, really, really cool.


Q. Why should I hire you?A. Because they say you should always hire people who are better than you.

Q. What do you remember about your life as a child?A. The courts promised to suppress all that after I turned 18. Why do you want to know?

Q. Did your grade-point average reflect your work ability?
A. Absolutely. Maximum results for minimum effort has always been my goal.

Q. What can you tell me about your creative ability?A. I think my answers to most of your questions are pretty good indicators.

Q. Tell me about you as a team player?A. Teamwork is OK, as long as other people don't get in the way.

Q. How do you define a "problem person"?A. Anyone who disagrees with me.

Q. Do you consider yourself to be a smart person?A. No. But I'm the only person in the world with that opinion.

Q. Describe your management style.
A. Don't do anything you can make someone else do for you.

Q. What is your greatest weakness?A. Three-foot putts for par.

Q. How do you handle change?
A. I usually put it in a jar in my sock drawer.

Q. Can you supervise people?
A. Sure. Tell people what to do, then kick their butts if they don't do it.

Q. How do you go about setting an example?A. I never let anyone catch me sleeping in my office.

Q. Are you a good communicator?A. Huh?


To view the original article CLICK HERE

Top Job Thursday

Why Become a Social Worker?

Here are just a few reasons:

Helping Others
As a social worker, you are able to have a positive impact on the lives of the elderly, the disadvantaged, children, or other individuals. You will help people find solutions to poverty, divorce, addiction, emotional distress and more. Since social work has the potential to be emotionally draining, an individual interested in this field tends to have a true desire to help others.

Job Growth Potential
Social work has the advantage of promising job prospects. Employment opportunities for social workers are expected to increase at a faster rate than average for all occupations through 2016. The most promising area of job growth for social workers is working with the elderly or working in rural areas.

Furthering a Cause You Are Passionate About
You may have an interest in becoming a social worker to pursue a cause that is meaningful to you. Social workers sometimes have experienced their own tragedy or triumph and are driven to share their knowledge with others. Pursing a career in social work may provide you with an outlet in which you can help countless others overcome comparable obstacles.

Embracing Curiosity about Human Behavior
Some social workers want to understand what drives human behavior and the decisions people make. A social worker is typically fascinated by human behavior and social ills within his community, and has a talent for problem solving. You may have a natural curiosity about the world and the people around you.

Personal Fulfillment
For the right candidate, social work is high rewarding and meaningful. It is an ideal career for an individual who can be fulfilled by giving of him/herself in a stressful yet gratifying job environment.

To view the original article CLICK HERE

Weekly Feature Wednesday

Position Type: On-campus Summer Employment
Job Title: Career Peer Advisor
Job Location: 2H3
Employment Category: Administrative (Office/Support)

Job Description: Career Peer Assistants are students employed by the Loyalist College Career Centre to expand and support the services offered by the Career Centre to the student body of Loyalist College. Career & Peer Assistants are to provide career advising, resume and cover letter critiquing, complete numerous tasks and projects as well as support their fellow colleagues.

-Work on special assignments and projects as needed (i.e. research projects)

-Serve as a liaison/ambassador to students groups across Loyalist campus, informing individuals of Career & Alumni Services and programs

-Provide general advice to students on career related topics

-Answer telephones and direct inquires within the office

-Keep bulletin boards current

-Assist with occasional maintenance of the Memorial Grove

-Update and maintain social media within the Career Centre

-Conducting phone calls to alumni

-Update contact information

-Provide résumé/cover letter critiquing for students and alumni

-Provide assistance to students and alumni using Career Cruising

-Promote and attend special events hosted by the Career Centre

Job Requirements: -Must be a Loyalist College Student in good academic standing.

-Work Study approved.

-Excellent communication skills.

-Ability to work cooperatively in a team with peers and colleagues.

-Confidence in self and ability to help others.

-Enthusiastic, motivated, self directed

Application Procedure: Employer Email
If by email, send to: lwoolven@loyalistc.on.ca

Organization: Loyalist College
Division: Career Centre
Job Contact: Francine Short
Contact Title: Office Coordinator
Phone: (613)969-1913 ext. 2449
Email: fshort@loyalistc.on.ca
Address:

Wallbridge-Loyalist Road

P.O. Box 4200
Belleville

Application Deadline:
Apr 20, 2012 11:59PM

Tip of the Day Tuesday

Top Phone Interview Tips!

• Use a landline.You don’t want to risk having problems with cell phone service. It is irritating for employers to conduct interviews if the call breaks up frequently or is dropped completely.

• Keep your materials handy. Its good to lay everything out in front of you, including your resume, notes about your career objective, and a pen and pad of paper for taking notes.
• Steer clear of distractions. Find a quiet place to interview and stay there! There shouldn’t be any noise in the background to distract you or your potential employer.
• Speak slowly and clearly. When you speak to people face-to-face, you are able to understand what they are saying more clearly because you can see their mouth move. So in a way, you are reading their lips! Neither you nor your potential employer will be able to do this over the phone though.
• Remember – you can’t be seen. That means that anything you say cannot be interpreted by your body language. Beware of jokes or sarcastic remarks. Maintain your professionalism; stay on target with the interview topics and focus on key information.
• No eating, drinking or chewing gum! This is self-explanatory. However, you should eat beforehand to get your brain going and so you can focus properly.
• Prepare questions ahead of time. Just like in a personal interview, prepare a few questions to ask your potential employer at the end of your phone interview.

To view the original article CLICK HERE

Making It Big Monday

Having a Positive Attitude at Work: 6 Benefits

1. Less stress. To begin with, it’s healthier for you and everyone around you. Studies are showing that stress can bring about various physical and mental problems (ex. insomnia, fatigue, depression, bodily aches and pains, stroke and more) You need to nip it in the bud now to avoid problematic side effects.

2. Happy peers. Your stress level will certainly effect those around you. Improving your emotions will have a ripple effect that will have a good influences everyone you come in contact with.

3. Job security. A bad attitude can get you fired, so take a deep breath, and take a break. An employee who gets the ball rolling and keeps everyone on track is an asset to a company.

4. Boundaries. Having a positive attitude is not only necessary for your health it is also required to enjoy life. But you will have to take steps to get to your happy place. You may not have the career you dreamed of but it is important to stay upbeat and make the best of every situation.

5. Empowerment. There will be times when you’ll have to deal with tasks you don’t enjoy, deadlines, and rude co-workers or managers. An excellent way is to empower yourself by saying no if the task is too much or if you are unable to complete it (or ask for some backup help). It’s not easy, but it may help in the long run.

6. Control. You control your life, your path, and your decisions (including, often, how you feel). So don’t be afraid to leave your job and look for something better.

To view the original article CLICK HERE

Fun Facts Friday

Hilarious Resume Blunders!

• “Objective: What I’m looking for in a job: #1) Money #2) Money #3) Money.”
• “As indicated, I have over five years of analyzing investments.”
• “I procrastinate, especially when the task is unpleasant.”
• “Personal interests: donating blood. Fourteen gallons so far.”
• “References: none. I’ve left a path of destruction behind me.”
• “Instrumental in ruining entire operation for a Midwest chainstore.”
• “Finished eighth in my class of ten.”
• “Note: Please don’t misconstrue my 14 jobs as ‘job-hopping’. I have never quit a job.”
• “The company made me a scapegoat, just like my three previous employers.
• “Marital status: often. Children: various.”
• “Interests: Gossiping.”
• “Reason for leaving: I thought the world was coming to an end.”
• “Reason for leaving last job: They insisted that all employees get to work by 8:45 am every morning. I couldn’t work under those conditions.”
• “Qualifications: I have guts, drive, ambition and heart, which is probably more than a lot of the drones that you have working for you.”
• “Awards: National record for eating 45 eggs in two minutes.”
• “Objective: To become Overlord of the Galaxy!”

To view the original article CLICK HERE

Top Job Thursday

Benefits of Becoming a Nurse

Job Security
Even during the recession, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported an increase in health care jobs. By 2018, there will be more than 580,000 nursing positions.

Flexibility
The nature of nursing care is that it is needed all the time, and everywhere. As a result, you can opt to work full time, part time or per diem on day, evening or night shifts.

Options
Nurses fulfill a variety of roles within each specialty. Experienced nurses are in high demand in many non-traditional settings as well. In nursing, it’s possible to explore other options without jeopardizing your career progression.

Make a Meaningful Contribution
Nurses routinely make meaningful contributions to the lives of patients and their families. The work you do on a daily basis, though frequently stressful and repeatedly frustrating, has a real impact.

Lifelong Learning
The science of nursing is always advancing, and a successful nursing career requires a commitment to learning and openness to change.

Variability
In nursing, you can count on the unexpected and the unpredictable, which can keep things interesting.

Competitive salary
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean national nursing salary is $67,720, but the range is highly variable depending on location, educational level and role.

Portability
Nursing is a career that you can take with you wherever you go.

Challenge
Nursing can challenge you intellectually, emotionally, and at times even physically, but challenges are what can keep you motivated.

Trusted
Since 1999, nurses have been ranked as the most trusted profession.

To view the original article CLICK HERE

Weekly Feature Wednesday

Position Type: On-campus Summer Employment
Job Title: Public and Media Relations Work Study Student
Job Location: 3H1
Employment Category: Public Relations/Communications/Advertising/Media
Job Description:

• Work and collaborate with the Media Relations Specialist and other members of the College Advancement & External Relations team
• Write traditional PR materials such as media pitches, grad profiles, case studies
• Write new media materials for social media outreach
• Create and manage administrative activities such as media lists, editorial calendars, awards calendars, and communication calendars
• Research and track trends in the news as they relate to College stories
• Assist with media monitoring and fulfill general office duties such as data entry

Job Requirements:

• Excellent writing skills
• Highly organized
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Ability to multitask well and follow direction
• Demonstrated interest in the public and media relations industry
• Creative
• Comfortable working with a variety of social media outlets

Organization: Loyalist College
Division: College Advancement and External Relations
Job Contact: Kerry Lorimer
Contact Title: Media Relations Specialist
Phone: (613)969-1913
Email: klorimer@loyalistc.on.ca
Address:
Wallbridge Loyalist Road
Belleville

Application Deadline:
Apr 20, 2012 11:59PM

Tip of the Day Tuesday

Quick Resume Fixes

1. E-mail address
It is critical that your e-mail address be both professional and simple. "Partygirl7" or "masterhacker9" may lead some employers to question your credibility or commitment to your search. Long addresses or those that use a long series of numbers invite an employer to question your sense of judgment. Sticking with just your name is usually best.

2. List phone number with professional greeting
You may think that your 3-year-old's rendition of 'Itsy Bitsy Spider' is an adorable greeting for your outgoing voice message, but a prospective employer might not agree. Record a professional greeting on your answering machine instead.

3. Edit, edit, edit!
Nothing will kill your chances for an interview faster than a resume or cover letter with an error. Such mistakes give the impression that you are not detail-oriented and that you do not take pride in your work. Spell check and proof-read! Usually getting a friend to read through helps as well.

4. Exclude personal data/hobbies
Whenever you introduce personal data on your resume, you create an opportunity for bias. Information about a religious or political affiliation could also slant someone's opinion of you. It's always best not to include any personal information altogether.

5. Stay clear of templates
Boring! Nothing says "cookie cutter" applicant like a template resume. None of the information jumps out at the reader. The goal of your resume is to present your qualifications in a unique and memorable way.

6. Check resume margins
Margins should be at least one inch all around. If you make your margins smaller, parts of your document may be cut off when it is printed, copied, or faxed.

7. Length
The rule of thumb for resume length is one page for every 10 years you have worked; but this is just a guideline. However, if your greatest accomplishments occurred 10 years ago and aren't showcased until page three, consider a section on page one with the heading "Selected Accomplishments."

8. Look for too little or too much white space
Too little: White space is important on a resume. A resume without white space suggests clutter and chaos.
Too much: Some people make the mistake of creating a resume that is a page and a half or a page and three lines on the second page. That's a lot of white space and it gives the impression that you've run out of things to say.

9. Check consistency
The visual image your resume conveys is paramount. Using bullets, capitals, italics, and boldface type are all techniques for making key information stand out. Whatever formatting styles you choose, strive for consistency.

10. Drop "references available upon request"
Writing the statement "References available upon request" is dated and unnecessary. Save the space for something more interesting.

To view the original article CLICK HERE

Making It Big Monday

Tips for Your First Job

1) Get the lay of the land. What are the written and unwritten rules? How are you fitting in? How are you not? You can learn to understand the dynamics at your company to help fit in.

2) Understand the demands. Once you understand your role and responsibilities in the organization, try to get a handle on the demands that are placed upon your supervisor and your colleagues. How do all these people impact your work life?

3) How will you be evaluated. It is crucial that you and your supervisor understand what measures will be applied in evaluating your performance. It’s a wise idea to have talks on your performance.

4) Create value. A company hires you to make them money, save them money, solve problems, design a new system etc. Determine the best ways you can contribute value for your department and for the company. Always be looking for opportunities to communicate your value. Go beyond your job description.

5) Make up your own “board of directors.” Create a network of mentors and advisors within and outside of the company. Identify a few people whom you can confide in and seek advice.

6) Take advantage of educational and training opportunities. Keeping up with current trends in your field is essential. Take course work that will help you to perform your current work better or that will prepare you for your next level of assignments. Get advice from your supervisor and mentors as well.

7) Network. Your colleagues and contacts in the profession, along with mentors and supervisors, will be valuable folks to have in your professional directory.

8) Be charming and fun to be around — but also driven. This is often a fine balancing act. You want to take your job seriously and perform assignments that will be perceived by others as value-added. Also, take on challenges that others might avoid. People who are good communicators seem to also be good at developing people skills.

9) Start looking for your next promotion, job or new employer just before your first-year anniversary. Although you don’t want to job-hop, chances are your first job out of college will be good for about one to three years at best. It takes the average person about three-to-six months to find a new position, so plan ahead.

10) Balance. Young professionals tend to work very hard on their first jobs, often burning the midnight oil. Be careful not to burn out in your first job. Remember to play and have fun!

To view the original article CLICK HERE

Fun Facts Friday

Have Fun At Work! Here's A Few Ways How:

Meeting Bingo - Make bingo cards with a list of phrases that are commonly used in meetings such as:"can I get back to you on that?", "touch base", "game plan", "mindset","mission statetment" and so on. Take these to meetings and distribute among your fellow employees. The first to tick off 5 words shouts 'BINGO!' and wins.

Boss Tennis - In this game your boss is the 'ball'. On occasions when your boss comes to your desk for something, in the rules of boss tennis, once he's finished with you, you must send (volley) him to some one on the other side of the room. They must volley him back to someone on your side of the room, and so on, until someone 'misses'.

Who Said That? - If one member of a meeting is attending via a phone conferencing system, put a stupid mask over the speaker phone. Eg: Darth Vader, Buzz Lightyear, Aladdin... just for a little fun!

Waiting, waiting... - Get hold of as many pairs of boots and trousers as you can. Arrange these in the toilet cubicles so that it looks as though all the cubicles are occupied. Leave them there and watch the line up grow.

Pardon Me - See how loudly you can get people to talk on the phone by saying that you can only just hear them.

Chair Olympics - Swivel chair with wheels Olympics makes for endless possibilities.

On Hold - We all know how annoying being on hold can be. Speak to your telecommunications department and get them to change the on hold music to a comedian's stand-up routine.

B-Ball League - Every team needs a competition. Introduce the game of bin basketball. Each participant gets points for getting their trash in the bin and points vary according to the distance that it is thrown.

To view the original article CLICK HERE

Top Job Thursday

5 Reasons To Become A Professional Photographer

1. Believe in yourself

Believing in yourself is not only a prerequisite for success in business, it’s the most important ingredient for happiness in life. People look up to those with the confidence to try new things. If you decide to leap into self employment, you can lay a path for your own success and inspire others.

2. Technology

Camera and digital imaging technology these days is incredible. Software programs are much farther and more advanced now than they were a few years ago.You can get you hands on DSLR cameras or other pro level gear at ease.

3. Write off and Travel

Buy a new camera? Purchase photoshop? Travel to the mountains? You can write it off! As long as you spend your time shooting stock. The benefits are awesome!

4. Limitless customers

The world is a much bigger place now than it ever was and with the internet, finding new clients is a cinch! No matter what kind of photography you do, there are customers who want those images. It not always easy to find them, but with hard work anything is possible!

5. Work for yourself

You create your own schedule. This gives you the flexibility to make time to do more things that you love. Spend time with your family and friends or take a day off. Or, you can work overtime and love it! Nothing beats being your own boss.

To view the original article CLICK HERE

Weekly Feature Wednesday

Job Title: Registered Early Childhood Educators

Position Type: Contract

Job Location: Toronto

Employment Category: Social Service/Recreation/Health

Job Description: The Whitney Child Centre requires Registered Early Childhood Educators for September 2012

Contract positions: September 2012 – June 2013
May lead to permanent positions.

1. Full time preschool teacher
2. Full time preschool/school age teacher: maternity leave
3. Part time toddler teacher, 3 hours per morning.

We provide very competitive salaries, and a fabulous team teaching environment. We believe in a play based curriculum using the ELECT framework and an Emergent Curriculum approach.

Job Requirements: We are looking for ECE’s who have a passion for their chosen career.
Dynamic staff who are interested in actively and creatively programming to meet the needs of our children and their families.
Staff must have strong communication skills in English, both verbal and written.
French would be an asset.
Staff must be committed to team teaching and excellence in child care.

Additional Application Information: Interested candidates may apply by sending their resume and covering letter to:

Kim Challenger
Whitney Child Centre
119 Rosedale Heights Drive
Toronto, Ontario
M4T 1C7
wcc@on.aibn.com

Candidates will only be considered if they submit a resume complete with a covering letter. In the covering letter please indicate why you believe a play based environment is an important aspect of your teaching style, and explain how you would incorporate the ELECT framework in your programming.

No faxes please.

Organization: PCPC: Parent Co-Operative Preschool Corporation

Application Deadline:
May 02, 2012 11:59PM

Tip of the Day

Top Tips for your First Day!

1. First impressions: First opinions are often based on appearance and body language. Wear clothes that are appropriate for the workplace.
2. Get prepared: Background reading that can be done before you start will help you. Go on-line and read about the company.
3. Confidence is key: Remember that they liked you enough to give you the job. Confidence is an important quality for career success.
4. Listen: Listening lets you discover as much as possible in the first few weeks. Listen and learn!
5. Be organised: Complete one task at a time, in order of priority.
6. Handle tough jobs first: Knowing how to prioritise your everyday jobs is an important part of being successful.
7. Keep healthy: Keeping fit and healthy at work can be challenging. Stay fit by exercising and eating balanced meals.
8. Fins a mentor: Keep an eye out for a manager you think will make a good mentor. Mentoring has loads of benefits, from having someone you can run your ideas past to a person who helps direct and advance your career.

To view the original article CLICK HERE

Making It Big Monday

Teamwork AT Work! The Benefits:

Exploring Creativity
While working in a team you will never be alone, you will always have some or the other person to suggest you good things. Suggestions and advice can be very beneficial!

Fast Learning
You tend to learn things at a faster rate when working as a team. The experiences and knowledge of the older team members help you to grasp new concepts quickly. It is also a bonus for you as you avoid mistakes at work.

Building Bonds
Continuous interaction with the team members helps build a strong bond between each other.

Healthy Competition
At work people may be competing with each other and hoping to excel but at the same time they are helping and assisting each other at work!

Workload Distribution
Working in a team has an advantage of the workload getting distributed among all the team members. With work properly distributed, you can concentrate on a single activity.

Increased Speed of Work
With many people handling a single project and doing the assigned work properly, the overall work speed increases.

Job Satisfaction
Teamwork is one of the most important reasons for employee job satisfaction. This is because working in a team improves employee performance. It also makes your work enjoyable!

By Ujwal Deshmukh. View the original article CLICK HERE

Fun Facts Friday

Unusual Interview Mistakes

Don't make the mistakes these candidates did!

• Candidate provided a detailed listing of how previous employer made them mad.
• Candidate constantly bad mouthed spouse.
• Candidate threw his beer can in the outside trashcan before coming into the reception office.
• Candidate hugged hiring manager at the end of the interview.
• Candidate ate all the candy from the candy bowl while trying to answer questions.
• Candidate blew her nose and lined up the used tissues on the table in front of her.
• Candidate talked about how an affair cost him a previous job.
• Candidate had a friend come in and ask “HOW MUCH LONGER?”
• Candidate brought a copy of their college diploma that had obviously been white-outed and their name added.

To view the original article CLICK HERE