The Career Centre provides a variety of services and resources that support students and alumni in their career exploration, planning, job search and career development.
Showing posts with label Career Success. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Career Success. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
The Green Energy Industry in Ontario
Did you
know that Ontario has one of the largest demands for “green collar”
jobs? With the Green Energy and Green Economy Act, released in
2009, Ontario has increased its focus on renewable and clean energy, energy
conservation, and the need for jobs in the related fields. This act is
expected to create at least 50,000 new jobs in the green energy industry, which
is promising for students and recent grads. On top of the jobs created by
the Green Energy and Green Economy Act, many workers in the industry are
looking at retirement within the next ten years, creating even more potential
positions. According to Eco-Canada
Environmental Careers Organization, renewable energy is within the top five
green sectors with job vacancies. Some vacancies within this sector
include: quality control management, security advisor, mechanical service
technicians, and wind technicians. Renewable and green energy includes
things like hydropower, solar energy, wind energy, biofuels, and many others.
If this is the sort of thing that interests you, it is definitely worth a look!
Monday, February 11, 2013
Making It Big Monday
The Interview Checklist
The goal of a selection interview is to predict the on-the-job performance of each applicant in order to select the best person for the available position. A handful of "on-paper" qualified candidates are interviewed to clarify their skills and experience and to assist their personal suitability to the position.An interview should be viewed as an opportunity to show an employer what you have to offer, rather than as a nerve-racking ordeal.
Use this list to help with pre-interview planning.
Be Prepared- Know where the office is and how you are going to get there on time; getting lost will only add to your anxiety level.
- Take time to choose appropriate attire (preferably the day before) and groom carefully -- appearances are important!
- Learn about the organization; the employer will want to know why you want to work there and how you think you can contribute to the organization's overall goals.
- Identify the relevant skills and experience you can bring to the job.
- Prepare two or three questions to ask the interviewer; avoid asking about benefits until you have been offered the job.
- Arrive 5 to 10 minutes before your appointment time.
- Shake hands firmly with the interviewer when you are introduced and again when the interview concludes.
- Do not smoke, chew gum or drink tea or coffee -- even if you are invited to do so.
- Maintain eye contact with the interviewer; otherwise, you will give the impression that you are disinterested or untrustworthy.
- Try not to fidget; it will distract the interviewer from what you are saying.
- Allow the interviewer to take the lead; do not interrupt when she/he is talking.
- Answer questions clearly and concisely; do not ramble.
- Pause to construct a thoughtful answer; do not blurt out the first thing that comes into your mind.
- Attend to the interviewer's body language and other cues to sense when the interview is concluding; do not linger.
- Thank the interviewer for her/his time before leaving.
- Convey your strengths and abilities without appearing boastful or conceited; do not exaggerate your qualifications.
- Answer the questions honestly, rather than telling the interviewer what you think she/he wants to hear; you do not want to succeed in getting hired for a job for which you are not suited!
- Do not hesitate to show your (genuine) enthusiasm and engaging personality and... remember to smile.
- Volunteer information only if it is positive and pertinent.
- Watch for opportunities to sell your skills.
- Avoid using negative terms. Substitute the words "challenge" or "opportunity" for the word problem.
- Never forget that your objective is to get a job offer.
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Top Job Thursday
Your day is now complete. You’ve been to the Job Fair; you visited all the
booths and handed out dozens of résumés. Now what? Time to build a
follow up plan. Here are some ideas:
Get organized. Take some time to review your conversations, look through literature that you picked up, and make notes for each company, recruiter and opportunity. If you are missing contact information for someone you met, do some internet research to find it.
Apply online. Many people feel that a recruiter may be brushing them off by asking the candidate to “go to the website” but they are not! Hiring companies are subject to many regulations regarding tracking job applicants, and to be considered a candidate, you need to be recorded in their system. Get that online application submitted!
Send a thank-you note. Personal preference varies on whether email or hand written is better. Email is quicker, but it’s pretty cool (and unusual) to get a hand written note. Thank the recruiter for their time and try to mention something specific to your conversation that will help them remember you. Emphasize your interest in the company and position. Based on your conversation at the Job Fair, ask about follow up, and if appropriate, ask for an interview!
Stay in touch. Again, use your judgment based on the information that you learned from the recruiter. Do they have an immediate need? Will the process take several weeks? Follow up by email at the appropriate interval to stay top of mind as a motivated, proactive candidate.
To view the original article CLICK HERE
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Tip Tuesday
How to Prepare for a Job Fair
Job Fairs are an excellent way to meet a large number of potential employers at one time. Job Fair attendance is useful because it gives you an opportunity to network, pass out copies of your resume, and improve your communication and interview skills.JOB FAIR TIPS
- Research Companies – Do your homework. Visit the Career Services Career Fair website for a list of participants to find out in advance who will be attending the Job Fair. Visit the organization’s web sites or read current business articles to learn more about their products, missions, annual budgets, and organizational structure. This will enable you to ask better questions of the company representatives.
- Prepare Your Resume/Portfolio – Bring lots of copies of your resume. Have your resume reviewed prior to the Job Fair. Bringing a few selected work samples can make a positive first impression on a prospective employer.
- Present a Professional Appearance – Dress up. Conservative, tailored, business-like clothing is best. Pay close attention to personal hygiene and grooming. Minimal make-up and jewelry. Avoid perfume and/or cologne. Recruiters are watching and listening to determine if you act professionally. Smile.
- Check Your Attitude – Be optimistic, but have realistic expectations. You will meet employers who are interested in hiring in your field. There may not be immediate vacancies, but when openings occur, the employer will think of you because of your first impression.
- Practice Your Introduction – Is your handshake a “floppy fish” or a bone-crunching experience? Practice your handshake. Rehearse a brief introduction. Be able to tell the employer about your immediate career goals.
- Have strategies – Make an “A” list (favorites/must meet) and a “B” list (nice to meet – if time permits). Go to a few “B” list employers first to practice your introduction and questions. Then you’ll be warmed up and feel more confident when you will meet your “A” list recruiters.
- Avoid long lines – Don’t stand in long lines. Check out the companies without a lot of people lined up. Try to meet the recruiters during down times (especially in the morning or lunch time). You’ll get more of their attention and be able to learn more about the company and hiring opportunities.
- Gather information - Request a business card from each employer or ask for their name and title. Pick-up all company literature so you can review it after the job fair.
- Follow-up After the Interview - Follow-up within a week with a letter to each employer that you met. Include the date and time you met, a review of one or two of your primary qualifications with a reference to your knowledge of the company and a request a formal interview.
Monday, February 4, 2013
Making it Big Monday
Career and Job Fair Do's and Don'ts
Here are the keys for students and job-seekers to successfully navigating a career or job fair. Follow these simple rules and guidelines and you should achieve success in this important strategic tool of job-hunting.
- Do have a specific strategy for maximizing your time at the event. And don't bother spending time with recruiters from companies that do not interest you.
- Do pre-register for the event, and do attempt to get the list of attending companies before the career fair.
- Don't eliminate companies because they are recruiting for positions outside your field; take the time to network with the recruiter and get the name of a hiring manager for your particular career field.
- Do attempt to research basic information about each company you hope to interview with at the job fair. A common career fair question from recruiters is, "Why do you want to work for our company?"
- Don't just drop your resume on the recruiter's table and walk off.
- Do prepare a one-minute "commercial" that focuses on the unique benefits you can offer the employer -- a version of your elevator speech. And do be prepared for common interview questions.
- Do be prepared to talk about your work experiences, skills, and abilities. And for college students, do be prepared for a question about your GPA by some recruiters. (And do use the GPA -- overall, college, major -- that makes you look the strongest.)
- Don't be afraid or intimidated by the recruiter; he or she is there to do a job -- to meet and screen potential candidates.
- Do have a few questions prepared for each recruiter, but don't ask questions that any good job-seeker should already know, such as "What does your company do?" Do check out these Questions to Ask at Career and Job Fairs.
- Do say the recruiter's name several times during your conversation, even if you have to keep glancing at the recruiter's nametag. And do get a business card (or at least contact information) from each recruiter.
- Don't forget to eliminate such bad habits as playing with your hair, chewing gum, fidgeting, rocking from side-to-side, acting distracted, rubbing your nose, etc.
- Do remember all the keys to successful interviewing, including a firm handshake, a warm smile, eye contact, and a strong voice.
- Don't use filler words such as "um", "like", "you know."
- Do bring enough copies of your resume to the career fair. And do bring different versions of your resume if you are searching for different types of jobs.
- Do take advantage of the time you have to build rapport with each recruiter, but don't monopolize their time.
- Don't ever just walk up to a booth and interrupt a current conversation; wait your turn and be polite.
- Do dress professionally -- conservative is always the safe choice. And do wear comfortable shoes.
- Don't waste the opportunity to network, not only with the recruiters, but with fellow job-seekers and other professionals in attendance at the career fair.
- Don't ever say anything negative to the recruiter about your college or previous jobs, companies, or supervisors.
- Do be sure to ask about the hiring process of each company, but don't ask too many questions about salaries, vacation time, and other benefits.
- Do take the initiative and ask about the next step in the process. And do be prepared to follow-up all job leads.
- Do be sure to follow-up with each recruiter. Some experts say to call and leave a message on their voicemail right after the job fair, but at a minimum you should send each recruiter a thank you letter.
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Tip Tuesday
How to Land A Job BEFORE You even Graduate - 34 Tips and Resources1) Figure it out. The first step in landing that job is figuring out what it is that you want to do! It may seem heavy, but you got to start somewhere. If you're already in school, you have a sense of what industry you'd like to work in (or your hopelessly lost!). Start with that and explore what options you'll have working in that industry at the entry level position.
2) Know the job. After you figure out the kind of job you want, you need to know what the job entails. Learn as much as possible about the job so you can focus on learning and obtaining the skills needed to fulfill the duties required. If know exactly what an employer will be looking for, then it'll be much easier to have it come interview time.
3) Make sure you're qualified. Now that you know what the duties are, it's time to assess your skills. Do you have what it takes to get the job done? Will you be qualified at the time you graduate for this position? There's no point in preparing yourself for a job you can't even get. Know what you're capable of doing and find a job that fits.
4) Take the right classes. The earlier you figure out what kind of job you want, you'll have the opportunity to take the right kinds of classes while in college. It's never a good idea to spend tens of thousands of dollars on your education if it's not focused on a specific end. Plan in advance and take courses that fit into your job description.
5) Take your education seriously. Again, don't waste your money on education if it's not going to be put to use. While you're there, pay attention as much as possible to what you are learning; it not only will prepare you for the job you'll soon have but also give you a taste of what you'll be doing, and will show when you start your career.
Work Experience
6) Get a part-time job. Employers will want to see at least some experience. Even if mommy and daddy are taking care of you like the spoiled little brat that you are, consider having a part time job while in school. The pay might not be great, but at least you'll show some responsibility to any future employers.
7) Make it relevant. Now that you've decided to get off your butt and get a job, think about getting a job that will teach you skills you can use in the future. Don't get a job working in a warehouse doing physical labor if you plan on having a career in sales. Know what basic job principals you need work on and find a job to help strengthen them.
8) Don't get fired. It's bad enough that you only have so little experience up to this point. What's even worse is not having good responsible experience. Getting fired from a job that anyone can do (including a monkey) just shows how irresponsible and immature you are. If you're going to get a job, take it as seriously as possible.
9) Leave a impression. Be the best you can be! Every part time job you have, no matter how insignificant it may seem, plays an integral role in how you develop as a worker and employee. As you succeed in small doses, you grow more confident in your abilities which in turn makes you do an even better job. The cycle of confidence will show later on in the job hunt.
References
10) Get to know your teachers. Leaving an impression with your teachers is just the same as making nice with an employer. Teachers are experts in their field, and if you can get in on your teacher's good side (or even befriend one), they'll prove to be a great personal reference later in the hiring process.
11) Find a mentor. Take the time to seek out those in your community who share similar interests or even more so work in the same industry that you are trying to get into. You're bound to find someone who you can grab coffee with here and there who's willing to share some tips and information on how to get your foot in the door.
12) Connect with your peers. Make sure your fellow students and friends are aware of your job plans. You might connect with a few that are interested in getting a similar job and can assist you in the process. While you my face some competition, use it to your advantage by keeping an eye on their moves; you can learn a lot from them.
13) Network with everybody. That being said, get out there and start networking! It's kind of a sad truth, but much of life is not based on how smart you are or what it is you know; it's who you know that gets you the good job. Locate places where people of similar interests hang out (happy hours are a good start) and make your face a familiar one.
Activities
14) Have a hobby. You've got to do something with yourself other that working and sleeping that you enjoy (and no getting drunk is not a hobby as much as we all tell ourselves it is!). Try to take your hobby to the next level and compare it to the job or industry you're getting into. Can you find any similarities?
15) Join an organization. There are many organizations and associations located in your area. Find one that you can enjoy being a part of or better yet, find a club that people with influence frequent. Use these events to find common ground with people and plant the seeds for possible job opportunities in the future.
16) Play sports. Almost any job you'll ever get will deal heavily with your ability to work with others. What better way to showcase these abilities than to excel at a team sport? You don't have to be some amazing athlete to play in a sport, and don't always worry about being the all-star. Become an unsung-hero type and it will build character.
17) Share Your Talents. Are you an artist or musician? What kind of gifts do you have to bestow upon the world? Put your artwork in galleries or play a concert at the local coffee house. It will shine on your resume the next time you have an interview, and show potential employers that you have multiple talents and aren't afraid to use them.
Reputation Management
18) Know your criminal record. Have you had any tickets or violations in the past? Know what your criminal record is in case someone checks you out and brings it up in front of you. Never try to hide from any law-breaking you may have committed, but rather be aware of your past and prepared to discuss any details should someone bring them up.
19) Use Google Alerts. A great way to keep on top of what is being said about you online is to use Google Alerts. What happens is, anytime someone blogs about you or mentions your name, Google will know about it. They'll send you emails once they find something! It's also a great way to keep updated about news and events in your industry.
20) Be aware of social networks. We all have MySpace and Facebook accounts; be wary of what pictures of you there are or anything else that may prohibit you from getting hired at a future job. Most of these networks have options to close pages off so only "friends" can view your personal profiles.
21) Get Published. A fantastic way to show your expertise in your industry is to get published either online or in a magazine. Do some research and find out who hires freelance writers; or, you may be able to get published by donating an article. Either way, it's a great tool that any employer would be impressed with.
22) Pay Your Bills. Many employers don't run credit checks on you, but in today's day and age, there's bound to be all kinds of snooping around into your personal life. Make sure you don't have any outstanding tax liens or collections agencies chasing you down for debts you haven't paid.
Self Promotion
23) Build a website. Trust me, if you start a website now that describes your career and accomplishments, you'll definitely reap the benefits once interview time comes around. Many employers are using the web to do background checks on prospects; use your website to make a name for yourself online.
24) Blog as much as possible. Add a blog or use blogging software to maintain updates on your website. Discuss your targeted industry as much as possible. Provide helpful information or talk about how a certain task could be done better or in a different way. This will prove your passion for the job in addition to your knowledge.
25) Create a podcast. Record a podcast every now and then that takes your discussion further. Much like getting published, you could have your podcast published on other sites and blogs and keep track of how many times the podcast was downloaded. Interviews with others in your industry provide great content for a podcast.
26) Shoot a video. Grab a friend and a video camera and shoot a quick introduction to yourself and your website. Amid the hundreds if not thousands of paper resumes an employer has to go through in their lifetime, you're bound to make a big impression by hosting a welcome video on your site.
27) Have business cards. Remember those networking events we discussed earlier? Joined an organization? Have a friend of a friend who knows someone at the place you're trying to work at? Get some business cards printed with your contact information and web address to show everybody you mean business.
28) Run and advertisement. Take the business card to the next level and purchase a small advertisement in your local paper. You could offer a service that plays into the career you're about to get into and maybe even get some freelance work you can use to build up your resume.
29) Use pay-per-click. Anyone can run an affordable advertisement using Google or Yahoo. Target specific keywords that are used often in your target industry and raise some eyebrows online. You could even target your ads geographically if you had different locations in mind.
Find the Job
30) Join Linked-in. Think MySpace for professionals. The more people you meet using Linked-in that already have a presence in your industry, the more chances you have to landing that dream job right off the bat. Simply another way the Internet is changing the way employees get found and hired.
31) Search Online. Start using Monster.com and other online job search services. Post your resume with your targeted graduation date. You never know when a potential employer could be out looking for you, and it doesn't mean they won't give you a shot just because school's not over with.
32) Grab the Yellow Pages. Search the Yellow Pages for companies in your area that you'd consider working for. Contact them and send the your resume, letting them know what your intentions are in the future. They might offer you an internship which you can turn into a full time gig once you graduate.
33) Check out Craigslist. New job listings are posted every day on Craigslist; take advantage of it. Try to find opportunities whenever you can, just to see if someone will bite. Try to get as many interviews as possible; even if you don't get hired, each one will prepare you for the next.
34) Pick up the paper. Lots of employers still use the classifieds to find employees. Don't rule it out when looking for a job opportunity. Get out there, pick up the phone, and get that big job before you even graduate!
To view the original article CLICK HERE
Monday, January 28, 2013
Making it Big Monday
If you are about to graduate from college, you may be a little apprehensive about entering the work force. After all you have been a student for several years and it is now time to enter the real world. Landing a college grad job does not have to be a challenge. There are some things that you can do prior to graduation to get you on the fast track to getting a job as a college graduate.
**Set a goal**
First, you will have to set a goal for yourself and figure out what you are going to do when you do graduate college. Do not just settle on anything just because it generates the most income. However, you do want to get a job that requires a college degree also known as a college degree job. With that said, you should pursue a career field that you are passionate about.
**Complete internships**
Complete internships before you graduate college. This will increase your chances of getting a college degree job in your field. It is good if you could do multiple internships with companies in your field. For instance if your field is accounting, see if you could intern in the payroll department of a company.
**Produce a strong resume**
Once you have in mind the job you want to pursue start by circulating your resume to companies that you have a desire to work for. Make sure that you have a polished resume with your most strongest information about yourself at the top. If you can follow up with these companies with an informal meeting, do so. That way they can actually have a picture of who you are instead of just reading everything from your resume. Remember sometimes competition is fierce so you will want to stick out in the crowd.
Complete internships before you graduate college. This will increase your chances of getting a college degree job in your field. It is good if you could do multiple internships with companies in your field. For instance if your field is accounting, see if you could intern in the payroll department of a company.
**Produce a strong resume**
Once you have in mind the job you want to pursue start by circulating your resume to companies that you have a desire to work for. Make sure that you have a polished resume with your most strongest information about yourself at the top. If you can follow up with these companies with an informal meeting, do so. That way they can actually have a picture of who you are instead of just reading everything from your resume. Remember sometimes competition is fierce so you will want to stick out in the crowd.
**Attend job fairs**
Go to job fairs as often as you can. Sometimes employers will interview prospective employees on the spot.
**Send resumes to non-advertisers**
Send your resume to places even if they are not advertising for a job. When a position does come up, you could be one of the key people that the employer interviews. This has happened to people before and they subsequently get the job because they are not competing with a lot of people for one position.
Go to job fairs as often as you can. Sometimes employers will interview prospective employees on the spot.
**Send resumes to non-advertisers**
Send your resume to places even if they are not advertising for a job. When a position does come up, you could be one of the key people that the employer interviews. This has happened to people before and they subsequently get the job because they are not competing with a lot of people for one position.
**Do your research**
Research the company prior to going to an interview. Come to the interview on time. Have a few questions prepared to ask the interviewer.
**Network**
Lastly, make sure you get the word out that you are looking for a job and that you will be a college grad soon. Go to your college career center. They are a valuable resource on resume building, interview advice, and job seeking strategies.
To view the original article CLICK HERE
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Top Job Thursday
(spread out over 2 week period, check next Thursday for the next installment)
Here are certain jobs that nobody dreams of doing when they grow up. “Somebody’s gotta do it”, but that doesn’t stop people from praying that “someone” won’t be them. What’s surprising, however, is how much money some of these stigmatized jobs actually pay people who man up and do them. So if you’re on the fence about where your financial future is headed, stop and consider any of the shockingly lucrative jobs that follow.
[NOTE: We realize that there are, technically, people who do want these jobs. The point is to spotlight jobs with stigmas attached to them that pay more than the typical person would think.]
25. Crab fisherman
Featured on the Discovery Channel’s hit TV series “Deadliest Catch”, the job of crab fisherman is often called the most dangerous in America. Fishing in frigid Alaskan waters, these brave spirits weather stormy seas, below-freezing temperatures, and the heartache of being away from home for months. The short crab season makes it imperative that they catch as many crabs as possible during that short window. However, this can become astonishingly lucrative once one gets the hang of of it. According to one estimate, even a somewhat experienced crab fisherman can catch as many as $50,000 worth of crabs in an 8 week period.24. Gastroenterologist
Gastroenterologists are seen by almost every patient they treat as a necessary evil. This is unlikely to change, as virtually no one gets excited about going in for a colonoscopy or an invasive prostate exam. Worse yet, almost all of a gastroenterologist’s time is spent performing these same, routine, unchanging procedures that everyone dreads having. The only saving grace appears to be the eye-popping salary. According to Salary.com, a gastroenterologist can earn as much as $269,500 per year.
23. Podiatrist
Podiatry is another lucrative yet otherwise unappealing wing of medicine available to the open-minded job seeker. While Salary.com clocks the annual earnings potential of a podiatrist at $149,527, it will come at a steep price. Should you undertake this career, your days will be spent on such enthralling, rewarding tasks as dealing with ingrown toenails, bunions, and ulcers. As if that weren’t enough, you will also be snickered at by the elite “real doctors” (ie, those with MD degrees) while you toil away as a lowly DPM (Doctor of Podiatric Medicine.)22. Accountant
Often stereotyped as “bean counters”, the accountant is seen as the prototypical “boring” person. Spending the workday digging through hordes of numbers, in a cramped office, under buzzing flourescent lights is just not what most people bargained for. Fortunately, this creates a massive opportunity for those who don’t mind such things! If you’re the kind of person who loves numbers and the quiet peace of being left alone, accounting could be a great fit. The average starting salary for an accountant is roughly $41,000, while the best and most experienced are known to pull down salaries of $200,000 or more.21. Commissioned salesperson
90% of the job-seeking public have zero interest in jobs without a base salary. “Why would I work somewhere that doesn’t even guarantee me a paycheck?” is the common refrain. However, those who are bold and confident enough to take on a commissioned sales job can make an extremely comfortable living by doing so. The most successful salespeople at car dealerships, electronics stores, and investment banks, for example, regularly drum up $100,000 or more per year in commission.20. IT Employee
The term “IT employee” is a broad catch-all that encompasses programmers, network administrators, database engineers, and virtually any other job function pertaining to the use of technology. The demand for those skills has steadily risen since the 90′s and there seems to be no end in sight! Fortunately, there may not be as much competition for these jobs as you might think. Despite the average $103,400 salary, many people simply do not want to spend the day in an office cubicle.19. Roughneck
For an average salary of $46,867, a roughneck can look forward to 12 hour days spent beneath an enormous oil drilling rig. There, they will find the work environment so noisy that they only communicate using hand signals, the air filled with swirling toxins and chemicals, and the most dangerous, backbreaking labor saved especially for them. A typical roughneck might find himself changing scalding hot drill pits or connecting new sections of pipe to one another. Those who can prove themselves capable of these tasks can rise to earn as much as $100,000 for specialized “supervisor” positions.18. Crop duster pilot
Most people get their pilot’s license to realize their lifelong dreams of taking to the air and soaring high above the lowly ground below. Crop duster pilots, on the other hand, are a slightly different breed. Instead of cruising through the clouds, a crop duster pilot must skillfully navigate his small craft at a dangerously low level, making sure to avoid power lines and fence posts along the way. If he can survive this and continued exposure to toxic chemicals, an experienced crop duster can rake in up to $80,000 per year17. Iraq private security contractor
“Private security” makes most people think of the rent-a-cops who used to bother them as kids at the local shopping mall. In Iraq, however, the job description takes on a totally different (and dangerous) meaning. As a private security contractor in that area, people are literally asked to shield traveling diplomats and politicians from hostile enemy fire. And despite hundreds of private contractor deaths since the beginning of combat actions, people are still signing up in droves to collect the $10,000 per month fees. If you are willing to become a human shield to make a decent living for a while, this could be the opportunity you have been waiting for!16. Trash collector
Being a trash man is a “somebody’s gotta do it” job if ever there was one, but depending on where you live, it can be a very high-paying gig. WikiAnswers.com clocks the starting salary of a New York City trash collector at a very respectable $80,000. The salary seems to decline the further south you go, bottoming out at $35,000 in Pensacola, Florida. Still, $35,000 right off the bat is nothing to sneeze at for emptying trash cans into a big truck.15. Truck driver
Driving a truck might be the only job on this list that is actually proven to shave 10-15 years the average male’s life. The combination of constant driving, sleep deprivation, and fatty convenience foods take a hefty toll on a truck driver’s body and mind alike. The upside is the pay and job security. The average truck driver earns $43,200 without the need for a college degree or extensive training. As drivers become more experienced and establish good safety records, salaries as high as $85,000 are possible.14. Crime scene cleaner
While the hit show “CSI” has kindled interest in this career path, serious potential applicants should know a few more things about their “dream field.” In addition to mopping up blood, the day of a crime scene cleaner can also include ripping up carpet and floorboards, working in extremely tight spaces, and unearthing bodily fluids and evidence from asbestos-filled buildings. Crime scene cleaners who are lucky enough to get called into a drug lab will get the extra joy of gingerly handling combustible chemicals and compounds while they strive to do their jobs. If none of this phases you, however, an average salary of $50,400 is yours for the taking.13. Sewer inspector
The unpleasant nature of this job should need no explaining, but suffice it to say that sewer inspectors should expect to work in dark, damp, cramped spaces filled with rats, cockroaches, and a never-ending flood of human refuse. It is through this maze of filth that sewer inspectors crawl in efforts to find and repair cracked, clogged pipes or passageways. While the starting salary for this position is not very high ($34,960), salaries as high as $61,000 have been doled out to people who are brave enough to stick with it and become skilled.To view the original article CLICK HERE
Monday, January 7, 2013
Making It Big Monday
Be a leader in your career
To stay on top of your profession, set up a plan with these five strategies
Many professionals are busy with their respective roles in their workplaces.
If you want to stay on top of your career and be visible to your top management for career advancement, you have to do more than just being busy.
If you want to become a leader in your career, you must have an unwavering belief that you can indeed achieve that goal.
It is evident that those who set a plan in place and work the plan get farther faster than those who don’t.
There are five key strategies for career success:
Steven Covey, in his bestselling The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, gives evidence of the importance of visioning success.
He identifies Habit 2 as “Begin with the end in mind”.
He explains that all things are created twice — first in the mental world, and second in the physical world.
Most actions that fail, fail in the first creation.
Here are three simple ways to set a vision:
It is about understanding your unique attributes — your strengths, values and passions — and using them to separate yourself from your competitors or peers.
Here are three simple ways to build your brand:
It is more than just attending company functions or participating in projects.
Get yourself on the radar screen and make meaningful contributions to people who could be influential to your career.
Three simple ways to get you known in the organisation are:
Gain the skills and knowledge needed to contribute greater value to your employer.
Author and social philosopher Eric Hoffer said: “In times of drastic change, it is the learners who inherit the future. The learned usually find themselves equipped to live in a world that no longer exists.”
Don’t wait around for your employer to tell you what to get trained in.
Look at people who are your role models in your career path.
Three simple ways to create your own training plan:
Who do you have in your life that has your best interests at heart, with absolutely no ulterior motives?
Here are three simple ways to get supportive people:
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If you want to become a leader in your career, you must have an unwavering belief that you can indeed achieve that goal.
It is evident that those who set a plan in place and work the plan get farther faster than those who don’t.
There are five key strategies for career success:
Set a vision
You need to create your own set of objectives and life goals.Steven Covey, in his bestselling The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, gives evidence of the importance of visioning success.
He identifies Habit 2 as “Begin with the end in mind”.
He explains that all things are created twice — first in the mental world, and second in the physical world.
Most actions that fail, fail in the first creation.
Here are three simple ways to set a vision:
- Self-coaching questions (What does your ideal work environment look like? What work activities are you enjoying?);
- Set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Acceptable, Realistic and Tangible); and
- Create a Vision Board — a simple yet powerful visualisation tool that activates the universal law of attraction to begin manifesting your dreams into reality.
Personal career branding
Personal career branding is a way of clarifying and communicating what makes you different and special, and using those qualities to guide your career or business decisions.It is about understanding your unique attributes — your strengths, values and passions — and using them to separate yourself from your competitors or peers.
Here are three simple ways to build your brand:
- Be passionate (Be enthusiastically engaged in what you do);
- Deliver value (Contribute to the bottom-line success of an organisation); and
- Be a blessing (Be a pleasure to work with).
Network effectively
I am sure a lot of people know the importance of networking. But what is its true essence?It is more than just attending company functions or participating in projects.
Get yourself on the radar screen and make meaningful contributions to people who could be influential to your career.
Three simple ways to get you known in the organisation are:
- Be on your supervisor’s radar screen first;
- Volunteer to present your ideas to the management; and
- Be available — if possible, sit in on important meetings.
Create your own training plan
To stay relevant, you need to pursue your own professional development plan.Gain the skills and knowledge needed to contribute greater value to your employer.
Author and social philosopher Eric Hoffer said: “In times of drastic change, it is the learners who inherit the future. The learned usually find themselves equipped to live in a world that no longer exists.”
Don’t wait around for your employer to tell you what to get trained in.
Look at people who are your role models in your career path.
Three simple ways to create your own training plan:
- Evaluate current skills with present job requirements (Are there any gaps?);
- Search appropriate training catalogues or check online for new courses or skills that will benefit your career plan; and
- Request training on a quarterly basis.
Get supportive people
Always surround yourself with supportive people — coach, mentors, peers and friends — and carefully limit your contact with “energy-draining” people.Who do you have in your life that has your best interests at heart, with absolutely no ulterior motives?
Here are three simple ways to get supportive people:
- Work with a coach (Many others have a coach, why not you?);
- Find a mentor (Make sure the potential mentor has the right experience and insights); and
- Gather your resources (What kind of support will enable you to make the changes happen?).
To view the original article CLICK HERE
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Tip Tuesday
There are many ways, but listed below are some that comes to mind. You can use these actions that will inevitably position yourself as a leader at work without being too obvious about your ambitions.
Take Responsibility
You want to be a leader at work, learn to take responsibility for anything that has your fingerprint on it. That means, as long as you participate in the project, you have a hand at the failure of the project.
Learn to take responsibility for not just the good things, but even bad ones. Admit to your mistakes because it’s okay to be wrong. You cannot learn if you have not made any mistakes.
Believe in Win-Win
A rising tide lifts all boats – always think win-win. It exists. Just because the world thinks the business world is nasty, and that you need to be manipulative and maneuvering to win, you need not participate in it.
In fact, make it your contribution not to be nasty and bullying in your ways. You want to be a leader at work, believe in your hands as leader to change the world.
The power of positive influence you have on the people around you and the power to inspire people to greater heights is in front of you.
Push the Envelope
Try new things. Take some risk. Make yourself uncomfortable. Do the things that may risk making you look foolish – what do you have to lose? Leaders take risks. They are not afraid of doing what they believe.
What do you believe in that you are willing to take some risk? To be a leader at work, you need to take even simple risks like taking on the project no one wants.
Do it, Write It
I have often said this. This world is full of people who talk too much and don’t do enough. If you want to be a leader at work, act upon something. Work that plan.
If you have any ideas that are simmering in your mind, write it down. It doesn’t matter if it is not a plan yet, just write it down.
If you don’t write it down, there is no one to present to and there is no record of the idea. How can it count? If you want to be a leader at work, you have practice writing down everything.
See Opportunities Everywhere
There is no need to create opportunities for yourself to lead. The opportunities to lead are everywhere. You need to be mindful of these opportunities.
I have just mentioned one earlier. Are there any opportunities to take on the project no one wants? If you don’t see opportunities everywhere, you are missing the point.
Be Open
Be open to criticism, otherwise you are just living off yourself. What does it mean? When you are open to feedback, you are being fed ideas from others that are free. Often times, these ideas come from people smarter than you. They will give you tips on how to improve and how to be better.
That’s what a leader needs - constant feedback. You need feedback to be a leader at work, otherwise you are “feed-own” (I just created that word to mean feeding yourself) and you will go hungry soon. With no new ideas, a leader dries up.
Give, Give, Give
That’s how you open up. Pour out all you got from inside you. Give all you have ideas, thoughts, plans. Feel the vulnerability and learn to like it. When you pour all your ideas out you will need new ones. Where do new ideas come from? From critics who want to tear you down, from well-meaning supporters and from people you least expect.
More comes back to you. You have more to input. It enriches you. That’s how you become a leader at work.
These are the seven actions to position yourself as a leader at work. You want to be a leader at work? Do not be afraid of taking risks. You have more to gain than lose when you open up.
To view the original article CLICK HERE
Monday, December 10, 2012
Making It Big Monday
5 Ways to Get the Job You Want -- in Any Economy
With all the bleak economic news and reports of massive layoffs, it's easy to lose sight of an exciting fact of work: There have never been more opportunities and possibilities for talented people than exist today. The rate of new business formation in the United States has passed more than 1 million new companies per year. Employers everywhere are looking for bright, resourceful and committed people to help their businesses grow. The best way to help the best companies find you is to become a self-directed job searcher.
Regardless of your employment experience, your target industry or the economic climate, you can get a job -- a great job -- if you are willing to work hard and know how to work smart. Here are some of the very best ideas, strategies and methods for putting your career back on the fast track.
1. Take control of your career
The average person starting work today will have 11 full-time jobs and as many as five different careers over the course of his or her lifetime. To weather the storms of lifelong career change, you must be proactive, not reactive.
Begin by seeing yourself as self-employed. See yourself as the president of a company with one employee: you. See yourself as having one product to sell in a competitive marketplace: your personal services. You are completely responsible for research and development. No matter who signs your paycheck, you are always on your own payroll. This attitude is the starting point for getting the job you want for the rest of your career.
2. Take stock of yourself
Before you go out and look for a job, do some self-reflection. Make a list of all the things you can do for which someone would be willing to pay. What have you done especially well at your previous jobs? What sort of activities in your work and your personal life do you most enjoy? The good news is that you will always do the very best at something that makes you the happiest. To help yourself follow the right career track, describe your ideal job. The greater clarity you have about exactly what it is you want to do and how much you want to earn, the easier it is for someone to hire you.
3. Understand the job market
All labor, including your own, is subject to the economic law of supply and demand. The only way to ensure you get a rewarding job is by doing something important for which there is a demand in the marketplace and in which you are difficult to replace. A change in technology, consumer preferences or the economy can make a particular talent or specialty obsolete almost overnight. You must continually upgrade your knowledge and skills and adjust your efforts so that they conform to the needs of the current job market. In a free society such as ours, everybody works on commission.
4. Don't mistake unemployment for a vacation Look at your job search as a full-time job, taking 40 to 50 hours a week. Get up and get dressed each weekday morning as if you were going to work, eat a light, high-energy breakfast and then get going. Looking good and staying productive not only improves your attitude, but also impresses other people, both those inside your own house and those on the outside. Remember, you should never see yourself as unemployed. You are a fully employed person in a temporary state of transition.
5. Sow seeds everywhere Most of the jobs available are not advertised. They are hidden and waiting for you to discover them. Along with regularly surfing Internet job sites, be sure to list your qualifications and interests on every site that might attract employers seeking someone like you. Visit community job fairs and talk to exhibitors. Keep an eye out for news of new product releases and then seek out key people in the company. A business expansion represents job opportunities. Gather information about a prominent individual in an organization you would like to work for. Ask that person, by phone, by e-mail or in a letter, to grant you a 10-minute informational interview. Almost invariably, your interest, knowledge and gratitude will pay off in a job offer.
To view the original article CLICK HERE
1. Take control of your career
The average person starting work today will have 11 full-time jobs and as many as five different careers over the course of his or her lifetime. To weather the storms of lifelong career change, you must be proactive, not reactive.
Begin by seeing yourself as self-employed. See yourself as the president of a company with one employee: you. See yourself as having one product to sell in a competitive marketplace: your personal services. You are completely responsible for research and development. No matter who signs your paycheck, you are always on your own payroll. This attitude is the starting point for getting the job you want for the rest of your career.
2. Take stock of yourself
Before you go out and look for a job, do some self-reflection. Make a list of all the things you can do for which someone would be willing to pay. What have you done especially well at your previous jobs? What sort of activities in your work and your personal life do you most enjoy? The good news is that you will always do the very best at something that makes you the happiest. To help yourself follow the right career track, describe your ideal job. The greater clarity you have about exactly what it is you want to do and how much you want to earn, the easier it is for someone to hire you.
3. Understand the job market
All labor, including your own, is subject to the economic law of supply and demand. The only way to ensure you get a rewarding job is by doing something important for which there is a demand in the marketplace and in which you are difficult to replace. A change in technology, consumer preferences or the economy can make a particular talent or specialty obsolete almost overnight. You must continually upgrade your knowledge and skills and adjust your efforts so that they conform to the needs of the current job market. In a free society such as ours, everybody works on commission.
4. Don't mistake unemployment for a vacation Look at your job search as a full-time job, taking 40 to 50 hours a week. Get up and get dressed each weekday morning as if you were going to work, eat a light, high-energy breakfast and then get going. Looking good and staying productive not only improves your attitude, but also impresses other people, both those inside your own house and those on the outside. Remember, you should never see yourself as unemployed. You are a fully employed person in a temporary state of transition.
5. Sow seeds everywhere Most of the jobs available are not advertised. They are hidden and waiting for you to discover them. Along with regularly surfing Internet job sites, be sure to list your qualifications and interests on every site that might attract employers seeking someone like you. Visit community job fairs and talk to exhibitors. Keep an eye out for news of new product releases and then seek out key people in the company. A business expansion represents job opportunities. Gather information about a prominent individual in an organization you would like to work for. Ask that person, by phone, by e-mail or in a letter, to grant you a 10-minute informational interview. Almost invariably, your interest, knowledge and gratitude will pay off in a job offer.
To view the original article CLICK HERE
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Tip Tuesday
How to Deal With Favoritism at Work
Favoritism at work, whether real or perceived, can throw a wrench in team development and damage team and company morale. In most instances, favoritism results from poor management skills, such as the inability to relate to employees or a lack of interaction with all team members. Learning how to deal with favoritism in the workplace can help you deal with adversity and meet challenges head-on along your career path.
1 - Take note of the situation. Consider if the favoritism is perceived or real. For instance, some workers may appear to receive preferential treatment at work; however, those in charge may simply see them as weak in certain areas and in need of additional help or guidance.
3 - Build relationships with a diverse group of people, including employees and supervisors in other departments. Take part in company outings and attend company-sponsored trainings and team-building programs. Making your work and dedication known to others within the organization is the goal of branching out and networking within the company.
4 - Strive for excellence. Set your own goals and consistently challenge yourself to meet, or even exceed, them. Keep working toward your goals and eliminate the need to rely on your supervisor's friendship. Let your behavior, actions and habits related to your job performance speak for themselves and help propel you forward in the organization.
5 - Speak with human resources or a trusted manager when blatant favoritism occurs. Voice your concerns and provide any information relevant to the situation, such as a personal account of specific events. When voicing a complaint or concern, keep the conversation focused on specific examples and refrain from attacking anyone. Ask for advice on handling the situation while human resources personnel or management investigate the claims.
To view the original article CLICK HERE
Monday, December 3, 2012
Making It Big Monday
How Does Favoritism in the Workplace Affect Other Employees?
Employees might be professional, qualified and experienced, but they're still human and still susceptible to emotions better left outside the workplace. Jealousy, anger, fear, sullenness and worry can occur in business environments at any time, but these negative emotions are exacerbated when favoritism takes place. Before indulging in workplace favoritism, consider how your actions might affect other workers.
Favoritism
To view the original article CLICK HERE
Favoritism in the workplace means giving preferential treatment to one or more employees. Preferential treatment can be intentional; for example, an employer could assign the choicest responsibilities to the most veteran worker or hotshot upstart by explaining that his abilities justify the extra attention and tasks. Preferential treatment can also be subconscious; for example, employees might notice that an older male supervisor seems to treat young female workers with friendly smiles and encouragement while benignly ignoring male workers in the hallways.
Resentment
One of the primary effects of workplace favoritism on employees is resentment. Workers feel that, no matter how hard they work, it won't matter because preferred employees will always get better benefits, more attention and greater opportunities. Employees often resent the special worker, treating her with unkindness and gossiping about reasons for preferential treatment. Workers also resent their employer, becoming less willing to participate actively in the company mission.
Lower Motivation
If employees feel that they're being passed over for new responsibilities or promotions because all goodies are funneled toward favorite workers, lower motivation results. Employees slack off, taking less care with assigned duties and being more reluctant to volunteer for additional tasks. This results in lower productivity, missed deadlines and lower overall morale.
Litigation
Employees sometimes take legal action against employers who engage in egregious favoritism, citing preferential treatment based on gender or ethnicity. If workplace favoritism is widespread, for example, an employer offers preferential treatment to workers based on sexual favors, employees could cite a hostile work environment. This can lead to serious repercussions, including court fees, restitution awards and loss of professional reputation.
Steps
If you're an employer engaging in preferential treatment of employees, it's time to stop. Signs that you're promoting favoritism include spending extra time with preferred workers, overlooking mistakes made by favorite employees and assigning perks to employees because you like them. If you're an employee working in an environment where a boss is practicing favoritism, double-check your impressions by looking for specific examples of preferred treatment. Once you've confirmed that this is a problem in your workplace, visit the personnel department with your examples. Explaining the situation in a concise, professional way gives you more credibility; be careful not to make rash accusations.
One of the primary effects of workplace favoritism on employees is resentment. Workers feel that, no matter how hard they work, it won't matter because preferred employees will always get better benefits, more attention and greater opportunities. Employees often resent the special worker, treating her with unkindness and gossiping about reasons for preferential treatment. Workers also resent their employer, becoming less willing to participate actively in the company mission.
Lower Motivation
If employees feel that they're being passed over for new responsibilities or promotions because all goodies are funneled toward favorite workers, lower motivation results. Employees slack off, taking less care with assigned duties and being more reluctant to volunteer for additional tasks. This results in lower productivity, missed deadlines and lower overall morale.
Litigation
Employees sometimes take legal action against employers who engage in egregious favoritism, citing preferential treatment based on gender or ethnicity. If workplace favoritism is widespread, for example, an employer offers preferential treatment to workers based on sexual favors, employees could cite a hostile work environment. This can lead to serious repercussions, including court fees, restitution awards and loss of professional reputation.
Steps
If you're an employer engaging in preferential treatment of employees, it's time to stop. Signs that you're promoting favoritism include spending extra time with preferred workers, overlooking mistakes made by favorite employees and assigning perks to employees because you like them. If you're an employee working in an environment where a boss is practicing favoritism, double-check your impressions by looking for specific examples of preferred treatment. Once you've confirmed that this is a problem in your workplace, visit the personnel department with your examples. Explaining the situation in a concise, professional way gives you more credibility; be careful not to make rash accusations.
To view the original article CLICK HERE
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Tip Tuesday
Effective time management is a primary means to a less stressful life. These practices can help you reduce your stress and reclaim your personal life.
Do you find yourself overwhelmed by the number and complexity of projects that need to be completed at work each day? As the day flies by, do you often feel as if you haven't paid enough attention to each task because other tasks keep landing on your desk, co-workers interrupt you with questions or you can't get it all organized?
You probably know that managing your time effectively will help you get more done each day. But it has important health benefits, too. By managing your time more wisely, you can minimize stress and improve your quality of life.
But how do you get back on track when organizational skills don't come naturally? To get started, choose one of these strategies, try it for two to four weeks and see if it helps. If it does, consider adding another one. If not, try a different one.
- Plan each day. Planning your day can help you accomplish more and feel more in control of your life. Write a to-do list, putting the most important tasks at the top. Keep a schedule of your daily activities to minimize conflicts and last-minute rushes.
- Prioritize your tasks. Time-consuming but relatively unimportant tasks can consume a lot of your day. Prioritizing tasks will ensure that you spend your time and energy on those that are truly important to you.
- Say no to nonessential tasks. Consider your goals and schedule before agreeing to take on additional work.
- Delegate. Take a look at your to-do list and consider what you can pass on to someone else.
- Take the time you need to do a quality job. Doing work right the first time may take more time upfront, but errors usually result in time spent making corrections, which takes more time overall.
- Break large, time-consuming tasks into smaller tasks. Work on them a few minutes at a time until you get them all done.
- Practice the 10-minute rule. Work on a dreaded task for 10 minutes each day. Once you get started, you may find you can finish it.
- Evaluate how you're spending your time. Keep a diary of everything you do for three days to determine how you're spending your time. Look for time that can be used more wisely. For example, could you take a bus or train to work and use the commute to catch up on reading? If so, you could free up some time to exercise or spend with family or friends.
- Limit distractions. Block out time on your calendar for big projects. During that time, close your door and turn off your phone, pager and email.
- Get plenty of sleep, eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly. A healthy lifestyle can improve your focus and concentration, which will help improve your efficiency so that you can complete your work in less time.
- Take a time management course. If your employer offers continuing education, take a time management class. If your workplace doesn't have one, find out if a local community college, university or community education program does.
- Take a break when needed. Too much stress can derail your attempts at getting organized. When you need a break, take one. Take a walk. Do some quick stretches at your workstation. Take a day of vacation to rest and re-energize.
- Ask for professional help. If you're too frazzled to think about trying any of these tips, it's time to ask for help. Does your life feel totally out of control? If so, contact your employee assistance program (EAP) at your workplace for assistance, or discuss your situation with your doctor.
Monday, November 26, 2012
Making It Big Monday
Time Management in The Workplace: 5 Quick Tips for Newbies in the Workforce
As a newbie in the workforce, time management in the workplace is an important skill that you must possess. It can determine the not just your career success but your work life balance.
Being new in the workforce, sometimes it can get quite stressful especially when you are learning new roles and responsibilities. You need to juggle a few things at the same time and you also seek to have a life out of the office.
Completing jobs assigned in the workplace in the highest standards is a key determinant of career success. This is where time management in the workplace comes into play.
These are some time management in the workplace tips you should be conscious of if you want to increase efficiency:
1. Understand Roles
Be sure you understand your own role and responsibilities in the office. This helps when work is assigned to you. Being new in the workplace - you may not know what is needed and expected of you. This can cause delays and hence hamper your efficiency.
Have you been given a job scope? If it is a special project for which you have been pulled in, do you know what are the expertise expected of you? Clarify to avoid wasting time. The first time management in the workplace advice is to understand your roles and those of your colleagues.
2. Do The Important And Urgent First
The second time management in the workplace tip is to prioritize your tasks at hand. Inevitably, you will be asked to complete a few tasks at the same time. There will also be situations where colleagues or clients would come in with last minute requests.
Prioritize your work. Do not overwhelm yourself with too long a to-do list. Many newbies pursuing career success make the wrong assumption that the more they complete at work the better it is for them. This is not necessarily so. Too long a to-do list may cause you to procrastinate on starting the work.
3. Do Not Waste Time
One of the biggest mistakes with a to-do list is that there is no time allocated for each task. I often make this mistake early on in my career - a list of to-do things but without an estimated time attached to complete each of them. Hence the list becomes a source of stress at the end of the day.
I also realize that it wastes a lot of time. You end up pending too much time on a task that may have needed less time than what you have spent to complete.
Time management in the workplace includes being conscious of time robbers. For example, taking long tea breaks, long smoking breaks, chatting on the phone and surfing on the Internet. Realize that these ‘luxuries’ have a price tag attached to it – your career success.
4. Do It Right The First Time
How many times have you seen fellow colleagues fighting mini crisis that can be avoided if only someone gets it right the first time? Whatever you are doing, get it right the first time. Have a high personal standard that says nothing leaves your hand unless you know you have done your best.
This time management in the workplace tip while easy to understand, is not easy to practice. Chances are that as a newbie pursuing career success you will have a tendency to rush through your work assuming that speed is a surrogate measurement of efficiency. Not so, quality of work is important too.
5. Do It Now
Another common time management mistake for those new at the workplace is procrastination. There are many causes of procrastination. If you feel you have the necessary time management skills but still find yourself procrastinating then you may want to find out the causes and address them.
One quick and simple way of time management in the workplace is to do the task immediately. Do not over rationalize and craft the perfect plan. A good plan executed today is better than an excellent plan not executed at all.
To view the original article CLICK HERE
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Tip Tuesday
7 tips for balancing school, work, family... and everything else in your life
The danger in trying to do it all is that you risk things falling through the cracks. This can be especially true for women trying to go back to school.
The good news is that there are ways to make it work.
I recently spoke with life and career coach Meredith Haberfeld, founder of Meredith Haberfeld Coaching. She had a lot to share about ways to help balance school with work, family, and life.
Check out these 7 tips for balancing it all.
Tip #1 - Set attainable goals.
Pick realistic goals and focus on accomplishing them. Every success could give you more confidence to tackle the next goal.
If you can only manage to fit one business class into your busy schedule, for example, then just take one class and give it your full attention.
"When a goal seems big and daunting, one of the smartest places to start is to break it into the different pieces that will build toward the goal," says Haberfeld. "When you break it into smaller bits, each bit is more manageable."
Tip #2 - Make a schedule.
Ever feel like there aren't enough hours in the day to get everything done?
Try sitting down with your schedule to get a handle on how much time you actually have. Look for the pockets of time between your professional and family obligations and see where you can plan in the time you need for homework.
"That small amount of planning makes the experience of dealing with a full life profoundly more manageable and fulfilling," says Haberfeld.
If your day still feels too hectic, consider going to sleep and getting up earlier. You might be surprised at what you can accomplish in the hour or two before the rest of the house wakes up.
Tip #3 - Stay organized.
"A place for everything and everything in its place" may sound simplistic, but the benefits of keeping your physical space organized go far beyond simply knowing where your car keys are hiding.
"Having our physical space organized makes thinking easier... When our physical space is hectic, our thoughts are more hectic," says Haberfeld.
If you're feeling overwhelmed, Haberfeld suggests spending fifteen minutes to organize one small area in your home or office. It might be just the thing you need to bring order to your thoughts as well.
Another tip: Don't forget to keep your calendar updated. If you can see deadlines coming, you're more likely to prepare ahead of time and save yourself from pulling an all-nighter to finish a project or cram for a test.
Tip #4 - Take breaks when you need them.
Going back to school is a big commitment - whether you're in a medical assisting certificate program or a bachelor's degree in business.
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Tip Tuesday
Setting long-term goals and creating a plan for achieving them are important for career growth, but small changes to your daily routine can have a big impact on your professional prospects, too. Following are nine simple -- yet often overlooked -- actions that can help you advance professionally.
1. Speak up.
Actively participating in office discussions demonstrates your enthusiasm and interest in the company. Before you attend meetings, review the agenda and prepare a few points of interest on the topics to be addressed. While you don't want to talk to hear yourself speak, do not hesitate to share your ideas when you have something valuable to add.
Actively participating in office discussions demonstrates your enthusiasm and interest in the company. Before you attend meetings, review the agenda and prepare a few points of interest on the topics to be addressed. While you don't want to talk to hear yourself speak, do not hesitate to share your ideas when you have something valuable to add.
2. Sit in the 'hot seat.'
Did you know that where you sit in a meeting can determine if you get a plum assignment or not? Choosing a seat near the meeting leader signals your support and helps ensure you're seen and heard. And by placing yourself at the center of the action, you're likely to participate more.
Did you know that where you sit in a meeting can determine if you get a plum assignment or not? Choosing a seat near the meeting leader signals your support and helps ensure you're seen and heard. And by placing yourself at the center of the action, you're likely to participate more.
3. Exercise your bragging rights. You may have heard the phrase, "It's not what you know, it's who you know." But in the office, it often comes down to who knows you. Imagine the executives in your company are having a meeting to decide who will work on a high-profile project. Would anyone in the room mention your name? If not, you've got some self-promoting to do. E-mailing a weekly status report to your boss detailing major accomplishments or volunteering to present your group's milestones at a meeting are easy ways to increase your visibility.
4. Go beyond the call of duty. Another way to raise your profile is to assist colleagues with their workloads or take on tasks outside your job description. You might, for example, volunteer to serve as a trainer during new-hire orientations, lead the internship program or help organize the company's annual team-building event. These types of duties may not seem glamorous, but they're often near and dear to executives' hearts, and they force you to move out of your comfort zone.
5. Accept credit graciously.
When someone compliments you for doing a good job, how do you react? If you typically shrug it off and say, "It was nothing," you may be leaving the door open for someone else to steal your thunder. Try instead, "Thank you. I'm glad the hard work paid off," or "Thanks. I'm really pleased with the way it turned out, too." Just be careful about accepting credit that's not yours -- it's a sure-fire way to create tension and animosity among your teammates.
When someone compliments you for doing a good job, how do you react? If you typically shrug it off and say, "It was nothing," you may be leaving the door open for someone else to steal your thunder. Try instead, "Thank you. I'm glad the hard work paid off," or "Thanks. I'm really pleased with the way it turned out, too." Just be careful about accepting credit that's not yours -- it's a sure-fire way to create tension and animosity among your teammates.
6. Shoot the breeze.
Did you know the gift of gab can lead to improved work performance? Forty percent of workers polled by Robert Half International said water cooler conversations increase productivity by providing opportunities for employee bonding. In addition to engaging in occasional chit-chat with your co-workers, be sure to partake in company gatherings, such as the annual picnic or holiday party, and team-building activities. Through these informal events, you can develop camaraderie with other employees and make valuable new contacts within the organization.
Did you know the gift of gab can lead to improved work performance? Forty percent of workers polled by Robert Half International said water cooler conversations increase productivity by providing opportunities for employee bonding. In addition to engaging in occasional chit-chat with your co-workers, be sure to partake in company gatherings, such as the annual picnic or holiday party, and team-building activities. Through these informal events, you can develop camaraderie with other employees and make valuable new contacts within the organization.
7. Eat, drink and demonstrate proper dining decorum. The business lunch is becoming increasingly common, so it's in your best interest to learn proper dining etiquette. Being rude to wait staff or arriving late, for example, may cost you; these were cited as the top business blunders a professional can make during a lunch meeting by executives surveyed by Robert Half. Ordering the rib platter (or equally messy foods), constantly checking your cell phone or broaching business matters before orders are placed can also be a recipe for disaster.
8. Make more meaningful connections.
Conferences and industry events are great opportunities to network, and there are a few tricks to help you make good first impressions. For example, wearing your name tag on the right side, near your shoulder, makes it easier for others to see and remember your name as they shake your hand. Using the back of people's business cards to write information about them, such as their interests, also will help jog your memory after the event and provide motive to follow up.
Conferences and industry events are great opportunities to network, and there are a few tricks to help you make good first impressions. For example, wearing your name tag on the right side, near your shoulder, makes it easier for others to see and remember your name as they shake your hand. Using the back of people's business cards to write information about them, such as their interests, also will help jog your memory after the event and provide motive to follow up.
9. Give thanks.
If someone recently helped you -- perhaps your neighbor alerted you to an employment opportunity or a friend proofread your résumé -- let the person know you appreciate the support. Take a few moments to write a short, sincere thank-you note. The respect, kindness and personal touch will create an indelible mark in your recipient's mind and improve the chances he or she will help out again.
If someone recently helped you -- perhaps your neighbor alerted you to an employment opportunity or a friend proofread your résumé -- let the person know you appreciate the support. Take a few moments to write a short, sincere thank-you note. The respect, kindness and personal touch will create an indelible mark in your recipient's mind and improve the chances he or she will help out again.
To view the original article CLICK HERE
Monday, November 5, 2012
Making It Big Monday
Advance Your Career: Tips To Help You Stand Out In Your Profession
During the course of my career I was able to compile tips, techniques, and strategies which I feel can serve to advance one’s career and help you to stand out at work. I have to admit it was only through trial and error that I was able to put these things into practice. You make plenty of mistakes but you never give up you always want to try and move forward. It’s only through perseverance and determination that you are able to accomplish those things that seem impossible at times. Here are some attributes that have served me well in my pursuit of success.
Number 1. Know yourself – your strengths, abilities and limitations. Once you know your major characteristics you will be able to pin point the career path you should take and put all of your energy attention and passion into that endeavor. There is nothing worse that giving something your all while you are speeding along on the wrong career path, putting all your talent and ability to work doing things that you can never be the best at.
Number 2. Be a prudent risk taker – Think Big. To stand out at work and get ahead of the times calls for you to take risks. You should take risks only when they have been well thought out and planned. Never go hap hazard into any venture will out giving it some thought and developing a plan of action to get there. You also have to think big. When you develop a plan of action it should encompass the entire organization, or an entire department. It should never be just about you. Think big and try to develop win/win situations whenever possible. Think in terms of impacting the entire organization.
Number 3. Set Goals that Stretch You. You have to get out of your comfort zone. Establish some goals that are attainable with effort. When you have goals that stretch you chances are you’re excited, enthusiastic, passionate, and energetic in the pursuit of those goals. Goals that are easily attained don’t ignite any type of fire within.
Number 4. Keep your horizons and interest broad. Never limit your career perspective and outlook. There are always other possibilities and different roads to travel. Learn new things at every opportunity because you never know when your increased knowledge base is going to enable you to take on greater responsibility in the form of a promotion.
Number 5. Learn from failure and mistakes. It’s okay to fail and have set backs. Every person that has achieved any type of note worthy success will tell you that they have failed not only once but sometimes three or four times. Use your failures as learning experiences that catapult you forward to take on the next challenge. Make amendments and adjustments based on the lessons learned from
past failures. Never let failures impede your progress.
Number 6. Remember the first person plural – think in terms of we. Share your best demonstrated practices with your co-workers, teammates, department, and the entire organization if possible. When you help another person meet their goals and objectives it in turn helps you achieve the career advancement you seek. Always look for ways to help others.
Number 7. Keep your sense of humor. Never get characterized as a person who can never have fun or is always serious. You can be perceived as unapproachable and this can limit your career advancement and keep you from getting ahead and standing out.
Number 8. Develop your interpersonal skills – communicate well. It is imperative that you enhance your ability to communicate. Look for ways to improve your presentation skills. If you are able to communicate with every level of employee within an organization, including upper management, this will do more to help you stand out.
Number 9. Work hard – very hard. Be the first one to work and the last one to leave. When you work on a project try to get it done efficiently and effectively. Make working hard a habit. Become known as the person who works harder and smarter than all others within your department.
Number 10. Be committed to the vision. Find ways expand on the company vision or mission. Be exceptionally committed to the cause.
Number 11. Share the responsibility and the credit. Look for ways to recognize your peers, and upper management. Be quick to praise others for their accomplishments.
Number 12. Keep your word. Develop a reputation for integrity and honesty. Do what you say you will do. Others will begin to trust you and look to you for answers and you will become known as a person with a good reputation.
Put these things into action consistently and you will begin to stand out at work in the sight of all involved.
To view the original article CLICK HERE
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Top Job Thursday
Labor Jobs
Mike Rowe of the popular TV series "Dirty Jobs" says, "Tradesmen need fans, regular people who understand the magnitude of their work, the impact of their chosen profession, and the importance of their skill." What this country needs, according to Rowe are more people willing to take the time to master heating and air-conditioning, electricity, creating solid foundations, smooth roads, and functional plumbing.
Ross Porter, President of IRWIN Tools based in Huntersville, North Carolina asserts, "A job in a skilled trade is a solid, decent and admirable way to support a family. To work with one's hands-to build something-always has been and always should be commendable."
Are you interested in earning high pay while working with your hands? Here's a list of the top 10 most highly-paid jobs that have the most potential for growth, according to PayScale.
1. Wind Turbine Technician
Average Salary: $67,500 per year
Wind turbine service technicians, also called wind techs, are responsible for repairing and maintaining the complicated machinery inside wind turbines. Their work can be as simple as changing light bulbs or as complex as repairing a circuit board. The field is so new there isn't an official certification track yet, however according to the American Wind Energy Association, the amount of energy provided by wind turbines grew by 39 percent each year between 2004 to 2009. Get ready to be blown away by your pay. With five to eight years of experience some techs can earn over $84,000 per year.
2. Plumber
Average Salary: $51,600 per year
This career is about much more than fixing leaky toilets. Plumbers install and repair the water, waste disposal, drainage, and gas systems in residential, commercial and industrial buildings using a variety of materials from copper to cast-iron. They must be able to follow building plans or blueprints and instructions from supervisors, lay out the job, and work efficiently with materials and tools. There's room for creativity as plumbers have become more involved in the design process of water and waste systems. No wonder highly-skilled professionals can take home over $92,000 per year.
3. HVAC Controls Technician
Average Salary: $51,000 per year
Without workers skilled in the science of heating, air-conditioning and refrigeration systems, we wouldn't be able to control the temperature, humidity, and the total air quality in residential, commercial, industrial, and other buildings. They also help with the storage and transportation of food, medicine, and other perishable items. Many HVAC technicians will specialize in either installation or maintenance and repair, but must first train to do both. High school students interested in this career should take courses in shop, math, mechanical drawing, applied physics and chemistry, electronics, blueprint reading, and computer applications.
4. Elevator Mechanic
Average Salary: $49,900 per year
Mechanics are responsible for assembling, installing, maintaining and replacing elevators, escalators, chairlifts, dumbwaiters and moving walkways in new and old buildings. They must complete a four-year apprenticeship offered by local joint educational committees representing the employers and the union-the International Union of Elevator Constructors. The good news is that job prospects and salaries are looking up in this industry. Top earners make about $96,700 with over five years experience.
5. Maintenance Supervisor
Average Salary: $48,800 per year
You'll find maintenance and repair workers in almost every industry, and with them comes their supervisor. Responsibilities include supervising, troubleshooting and project management of machines, mechanical equipment, buildings, plumbing, electrical, and air-conditioning and heating systems. Many supervisors get their start right out of high school. Courses in mechanical drawing, electricity, woodworking, blueprint reading, science, mathematics, and computers are useful and education at a technical college is an important part of training.
6. Construction and Building Inspector
Average Salary: $48,000 per year
Got an opinion on those potholes on the interstate? How about your neighbor's sloping porch? If so, a career as an inspector is right up your alley. You'll examine buildings, highways and streets, sewer and water systems, dams, bridges, and other structures for compliance with building codes and ordinances, zoning regulations, and contract specifications. About 44 percent of inspectors worked for local governments but plenty of home inspectors are self-employed and make their own hours.
7. Project Supervisor, Construction
Average Salary: $46,600 per year
Independent types who want to manage a team and a project yet still work for themselves will be in good company as the BLS finds over half of construction supervisors are self-employed. Far from working alone, managers work with owners, engineers, architects, and others to coordinate and supervise construction from the concept through final build,the project gets completed on time and within budget.
8. Bricklayer
Average Salary: $46,200 per year
Talk about staying power: the buildings, fences, roads and footpaths crafted by brickmasons, blockmasons, and stonemasons often outlast the individual because of the durability of concrete, stone and brick. The work itself ranges from simple masonry on walkways to complex installations of exteriors on a highrises. Training often happens on the job as an assistant to carry materials, move scaffolding and mix mortar. Learning restoration skills such as cleaning and pointing are essential to becoming a full-fledged craftsman. Registered apprenticeship programs usually last between three and four years.
9. Refrigeration Mechanic
Average Salary: $45,600 per year
You won't have to worry about becoming a desk jockey if you pursue a career as a refrigeration mechanic. Your "office" can be in any number of places including homes, stores, hospitals or factories that need installation, service, and repair of refrigerating systems. On the job, mechanics are required to read blueprints, design specifications, and manufacturers' instructions to install motors, compressors, condensing units, evaporators, piping, and other components. Systems must also be charged with refrigerant and checked for proper operation and leaks.
10. Biomedical Equipment Technician (BMET)
Average Salary: $45,500 per year
If you are fascinated by how things work, this could be the job for you. BMETs maintain, adjust, and repair every kind of healthcare machinery from patient monitors and defibrillators, to X-rays, electric wheelchairs and eye testing equipment. With the strength of the healthcare industry, this is a great occupation to pursue. Be prepared to head back to school if you want to work in this field. Employers generally prefer applicants with an associate's degree in biomedical equipment technology or engineering. Go for a four-year degree if you want to advance.
To view the original article CLICK HERE
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