Underemployment Job Hopping

Underemployment Job Hopping Friday I read an interesting article in local newspaper titled Should you look for a job even if you already have a good one? (disclaimer: I know both the reporter (in person) and the person he interviewed (by email)). One snippet: It used to be that staying with one company for your entire career was looked upon as a sign of strength and loyalty. These days, most companies look at it as a bad thing. What?  Why?? Because most companies are idiots. Seriously, cant most companies make up their minds about this?  Is it okay, or not okay, to have multiple jobs?? Maybe they are catching up with the times and realizing that in todays world people tend to have a varied work history (as opposed to, say, 50 years ago!). I want to pull more out of the article, and what Hilbig is saying (hes just the messenger), but I am to fired up (annoyed) at his conclusion and Ill just sound like a big whiner/ranter.  You can read his thoughts here. Here are the three takeaways from the article: Dont overdo it. Hilbig says the best period to stay in one place is 5 to 7 years.  (hes been in his current role for 16ish years :p). That sounds nice, if you can plan it that way, but what about people who work at companies that have major issues and a transition is forced upon them (aka layoffs)?  I know people who have worked at a new company every year they take a risk on a company that turns out to fail, or downsize an entire department its not a personal thing anymore, its how companies operate. You have to socialize. This is called networking.  Im not sure if socialize was Pauls word or Daves word but personally I think there is a significant difference between networking and socializing.  Socializing, to me, is like hanging out.  Its casual and should be fun, or a time to unwind.  Networking has more of a purpose and a strategy.  It doesnt just happen to me, I have to prepare for it and follow-up from it. Dont burn a bridge. Dave says: there are still some bosses that will take it personally if you leave their company. Those few will likely never consider hiring you back. Hilbig says you will have to judge for yourself what kind of temperament your current boss has. A few thoughts here.  First, if the boss is that petty then you probably wont want to work for them anyway.  This is not 6th grade! Another thought, though, as a boss/employer/owner, is that Im emotionally involved in this, putting 200% into my business, and if you walk away on me I take it personally.  Its an emotional breakup and you are essentially dumping me.  So of course there are going to be feelings.  (Im not saying that totally reflects me but I am saying there are feelings about this breakup, and there might be a good way and a bad way to break up!). Heres my question: If you are doing things wrong (like job hopping too often), HOW CAN YOU COMMUNICATE THAT ON A RESUME OR IN AN INTERVIEW?  There has to be a good way! Underemployment Job Hopping Friday I read an interesting article in local newspaper titled Should you look for a job even if you already have a good one? (disclaimer: I know both the reporter (in person) and the person he interviewed (by email)). One snippet: It used to be that staying with one company for your entire career was looked upon as a sign of strength and loyalty. These days, most companies look at it as a bad thing. What?  Why?? Because most companies are idiots. Seriously, cant most companies make up their minds about this?  Is it okay, or not okay, to have multiple jobs?? Maybe they are catching up with the times and realizing that in todays world people tend to have a varied work history (as opposed to, say, 50 years ago!). I want to pull more out of the article, and what Hilbig is saying (hes just the messenger), but I am to fired up (annoyed) at his conclusion and Ill just sound like a big whiner/ranter.  You can read his thoughts here. Here are the three takeaways from the article: Dont overdo it. Hilbig says the best period to stay in one place is 5 to 7 years.  (hes been in his current role for 16ish years :p). That sounds nice, if you can plan it that way, but what about people who work at companies that have major issues and a transition is forced upon them (aka layoffs)?  I know people who have worked at a new company every year they take a risk on a company that turns out to fail, or downsize an entire department its not a personal thing anymore, its how companies operate. You have to socialize. This is called networking.  Im not sure if socialize was Pauls word or Daves word but personally I think there is a significant difference between networking and socializing.  Socializing, to me, is like hanging out.  Its casual and should be fun, or a time to unwind.  Networking has more of a purpose and a strategy.  It doesnt just happen to me, I have to prepare for it and follow-up from it. Dont burn a bridge. Dave says: there are still some bosses that will take it personally if you leave their company. Those few will likely never consider hiring you back. Hilbig says you will have to judge for yourself what kind of temperament your current boss has. A few thoughts here.  First, if the boss is that petty then you probably wont want to work for them anyway.  This is not 6th grade! Another thought, though, as a boss/employer/owner, is that Im emotionally involved in this, putting 200% into my business, and if you walk away on me I take it personally.  Its an emotional breakup and you are essentially dumping me.  So of course there are going to be feelings.  (Im not saying that totally reflects me but I am saying there are feelings about this breakup, and there might be a good way and a bad way to break up!). Heres my question: If you are doing things wrong (like job hopping too often), HOW CAN YOU COMMUNICATE THAT ON A RESUME OR IN AN INTERVIEW?  There has to be a good way!

Free Online Resume Writing Tools That Can Help You Create a Winning Resume

Free Online Resume Writing Tools That Can Help You Create a Winning ResumeIf you're searching for online resume writing tools that will help you get the job of your dreams, then it is probably time to start using more than just your eyes. With all the free tools that are out there, it is actually a little hard to know where to start. For the job seekers that are looking for free tools, but still want to be able to produce a professional looking resume, here are a few that you should keep in mind.If you are not sure how to write a resume, it's probably because you have no idea what it entails. A resume is what you use when you are applying for a job. It needs to be the best resume you can possible produce and all candidates would want to do this. If you know how to write a resume, it won't be very hard to do. There are many options for you to choose from.When you are writing your own words, you need to keep your eye on the target. Be sure that your resume is catchy, clear, and appeali ng. You can use templates as well to help you write a good resume. In fact, using templates is one of the best online resume writing tools you can use.There are thousands of employers that read hundreds of resumes per day for many different points of view. They will notice any mistake in grammar or spelling. By using a template, you can still write your resume very well. If you are unsure of what is needed for your resume, these templates are perfect.Even if you cannot afford a computer, having a good resume written in MS Word is all it takes. You can easily use MS Word to create a good resume. You can also use it to convert your Word document into a PDF format. This way, you can easily email your resume to various employers. Resume writing tools allow you to have more control over the resume you produce. For example, you can save as PDF, which means you can open it up with Microsoft Word. You can save your resume as a Word file or even a PDF file. As long as you know the format of your resume, you can use all of these different formats to help you create a good resume.The Internet has become a great resource for the information online. Most people use the Internet to search for products, services, or other information they can find online. If you are looking for free resume writing tools, online resumes or resume creation tools, you can find them on the Internet.There are thousands of articles available to help you learn more about finding information online. This is one of the best free resume writing tools you can use to get more ideas on how to create your own work experience resume.

Five Essential Pieces of Research

Five Essential Pieces of Research Here are five pieces of essential research you should do before you interview with a company.  Get to know the company and its products.   Use the local business journal to search for articles about the company over the past couple of years.   Pay special attention to information about expansion of locations or product lines, and changes in senior management. Read through the company’s website to understand its culture.   Its mission, values and key marketing messages to customers are vital to understanding the corporate culture.   Take a look at the Careers page â€" it will give you an idea of what the company values in employees and in some cases, what the hiring process will be.   Reading the annual report will help you understand the company’s financial position and its goals for the coming year. Study industry trends.   Spend some time reading about customer, product or regulatory trends that may be affecting the company over the coming year.   How is customer spending affecting the way retailers or restaurants package their offerings?   How will new consumer regulations affect the banking and credit industries?   How will Asian currency policies affect the shipping industry?   You get the idea. See if you know anyone connected to the company.   Use social networking sites and business articles to see if there’s someone in or near the company who might give you information about the corporate culture, issues the company is currently facing, and future plans.   If you have a good relationship with that person or you worked together in the past, consider asking him or her to serve as a reference. Understand your market value.   Use sites like Monster.com and Salary.com to benchmark your current or last salary and benefits.   These sites will also help you understand where your educational or professional credentials position you in the marketplace.  

Ready for Change, Positioned for Success Habits of Successful Business People

Ready for Change, Positioned for Success Habits of Successful Business People It’s clear that people who are able to use their talent, intellect, and determination to translate a good idea into a successful business are doing something right. They observe habits that keep themselves and the people around them positioned for success, and it goes beyond waking up early every day and avoiding procrastination. A successful business person must be able to adapt to change, a characteristic that some are born with and others learn over time. Adaptability is important because technology continually evolves, your customers’ needs and wants change, and the economy and business environment are always in flux. If you want to be ready for change and positioned for success, here are the habits of successful business people youll want to emulate. Funding Funding is the lifeblood of any business, and extra funding is often needed for things such as payroll, especially for a new business venture trying to stay positioned for change. If delving into the company’s savings isn’t an attractive option, consider securing a small business loan, though it’s important to do so on terms that won’t undermine your long-term growth plans. Be explicit about the terms of such a loan and keep a close eye on the current interest rate, which will be affected by everything from credit history to the nature of the loan itself. Stressing Value Adaptability makes it easier to focus on those things you need to strive for each day. Key among these factors is to emphasize value in everything you do during the course of a day. Working toward value in customer service, communications, product development and improvement, and process efficiency can help you remember everything that’s important to your business, and no detail is too small where success is concerned. Value is what customers demand, it’s what investors expect, and it’s what you need employees to work toward. Be a Good Teacher Business executives are often great motivators or great at selling, but they also need to be effective at imparting business values and company objectives to those who are involved in making it happen. It’s important to explain why something should be done a certain way in order to truly motivate employees, as it’s easier to buy into a goal once you can see it and understand it. Business people who expect those who work for them to truly take ownership of their role or project must be able to teach why this aspect is so important. Go After the Tough Stuff First Many successful business people find it helps to get an early start on the day and begin making headway on their to-do list before getting pulled into meetings and side discussions. It also makes sense to work on difficult tasks early when you have more time to concentrate without distractions. Clearing out the difficult stuff early makes time for “big picture” thinking that an executive must do to cope with change and find new avenues for growth. Build Your Stamina Being a leader is physically demanding, and you need to build stamina to help maintain what can be a rugged pace. This should include taking good care of your body by eating right, getting enough sleep, and finding time for exercise. It’s an investment that you must make in yourself, though a busy schedule and the demands of a growing business don’t always help. Try including exercise into your schedule so you’re incorporating it into your daily routine. Observing good habits as a business executive means taking good care of yourself and maintaining the stamina you need to succeed. It’s also about creating an environment in which those around you can grow with an understanding of how their efforts impact the company’s bottom line. Effective leadership involves imparting that knowledge and teaching others to embrace change and the need to be positioned for success. This guest post was authored by the staff of Fundera.

Resume Writing Services - What Are the Benefits?

Resume Writing Services - What Are the Benefits?A website called Resume Writing Services offers a large number of resume writing services that can help you get the job of your dreams. Although, it is the same companies with many clients and we all want the same result.Resume writing is not something new in the market. Even when the internet was just new in the market, there were many people who still wanted to have their resumes written by an experienced professional. Because of the necessity of the job market, most people started to hire a professional resume writer for this purpose.In addition, these professionals are now available at affordable rates. Some companies have recently come up with deals that allow you to have your resume written for a cheaper rate. This also gives you more freedom when you need the resume in a short time frame. And the main idea is that it has proved to be quite effective.There are certain individuals who lack sufficient time in order to do their own r esume. Therefore, these services are a boon for them. They can use the professional services and can have their resume or cover letter prepared in just a matter of hours. What's more, they do not have to spend so much money on the materials in order to get the same kind of professional.Some of the benefits that you can expect from using the services of these professional resume writers are that they do not offer customized resume writing. As long as you are aware of the kind of skills needed for the job, you can have your resume made by the company at a low price. They also provide samples which will give you the idea about the quality of work that they can do.On the other hand, most of the professional resume writers are trained to write resumes in the French language. They are skilled enough to have it translated into the other languages if the need arises. This can prove to be advantageous for you as you will be able to present yourself with a professional image and will be able to qualify for the job in time.There are some additional benefits that you can expect from using these services. They will come up with an impressive resume that will help you land the job. This can be of benefit to you because you will not get hired by the first company that you contact. Instead, you will be approached by a number of firms that want to interview you.This can prove to be a very good thing for you because you can further your career advancement by landing several jobs in the near future. Also, you will not need to settle for the low quality services offered by those other resume writers. You can hire the best services in the market and have your resume prepared well.

How to Practice Meditation at Work 4 Essential Ways Are Now Revealed! - CareerMetis.com

How to Practice Meditation at Work 4 Essential Ways Are Now Revealed! You may have already come across of the essential benefits of meditation. From boosting our energy, the lessening of stress and anxiety, all the way to letting us to be more grounded and focused, engaging ourselves with meditation has now become more of a requirement than a hobby especially in this busy, hectic world.Of course, everyone must have already known that this practice can all be done more fruitfully in a place that is all calm and collected. But what if I told you that meditation can actually be done in a location that spells stress, often populated, and ultimately radical â€" your workplace.evalYes, the word is out. Your office is now considered a suitable place to practice meditation. At the top of its benefits, it’s believed that meditating in a workplace comes with some of the most rewarding gains not only to your work output at hand but also to your general well-being.Today, we’ll look into optimizing these benefits by walking you through on how you can incorporat e meditation right in the confines of your office space.First things first: Find that special spaceAlthough this search may puzzle you at first since our idea of workplace is always that occupied, most of these locations today come with designated areas in which employees can actually have a sense of calm and quietude.If these are not available, make certain that you locate a place where you can conduct meditation with a considerable degree of serenity.Look for a place that can accommodate your size, with or without chairs, and should absolutely not have any distraction like installed phones. Some meeting rooms that are not occupied can also be used for this kind of purpose.Now, if your workplace really doesn’t offer any of these, a nearby park that is free from passersby will also suffice.Allocate a timeOnce you’ve found this place, start scheduling some time for this activity. In this regard, it’s important to note that you don’t have to be on all fours when allocating tim e for meditation. You can start at your most convenient allocation if you must and work from there.evalIn my case, I first started with 30 minutes, which could either be too long or short for some. As long as you’re comfortable with the time and you’re not rushing or delaying yourself, this activity should work.Keeping it simple and easyThere is definitely no need to rush perfecting your meditation with chants and all the accompanying shenanigans especially when you’re doing it at the office. In fact, you’re encouraged to keep it all simple and easy.Chade-Meng Tan, a mentor of mindfulness techniques at Google, has shared that having a goal of “just one good breath” a day is already sufficient. From there, you can work your way up as long as you’re comfortable and convenient with it.You see, meditation at the office simply doesn’t require you to pull out all the stops. All you need is one simple breathing and you’re all good.4 more ways to meditate at workeval1. The power of hydration and gratitudeevalDo you want to show more gratitude to your mind and body? Try drinking more water. In case you’re still one of the few who didn’t hear about the good news: waterdoesn’t only replenish life each time you drink it, it also allows you to maximize your life in a grand scale. But you may now be asking: how does water benefit meditation?It’s simple: water is everything to meditation. It grounds, cleanses, calms, and replenishes you, aiding you to be at your best when you’re already practicing meditation.2. The perks of getting inside a bathroomYou must have already noticed why humans adore heading to a bathroom: we all need a refresher. Bathrooms can be one of the most suitable meditation places at work â€" just don’t abuse your time in it! At least twice a day, you may retreat into this place, in a bathroom stall perhaps, and practice meditation for five minutes.Breathe. Stretch your arms and move your toes. And if you’re feeling ambitio us, do this with your entire body as long as you get the feeling of being calm and grounded afterwards.3. The art of living in the presentWhile we’re discussing the sense of being grounded, it’s important that you’re all calm and collected when you’re practicing meditation at work. Many may find this challenging as the word “work” along can bring your mind anywhere but to your present self. Do this to challenge yourself and believe me when I tell you that the benefits are worth it!Here’s how you can remain grounded at work for just two minutes: Begin by closing your eyes every morning and afternoon for at least one minute. Conjure up a radiating light going inside your body, effectively bridging it right on the surface and to the sky if you must.Once imagined, consider practicing sets of breathing techniques until you feel that you’re ready to face your work and day again.4. The wonders of natureThere is always something about nature that keeps us all mindful and gro unded. The hush of rustling leaves, the scent of clean air, you name it, each of these sensations touches our mind and soul like nothing else. And so, this is where meditation comes into the scene.As it is, it is suggested that you develop your very own space that cultivates nature and Earth right in the very confines of your office.evalBe it a rock garden beside your monitor or a standalone plant greeting you beside your cubicle, these nice touches should be able to bring you a sufficient amount of calm and nature.Concluding thoughtsThere is definitely more to meditation than just settling on a yoga mat and practice some breathing techniques at home. No, meditation can also be enjoyed while you’re at your office.And the good news is, the benefits are even more rewarding especially when they’re done with just about the right dose of discipline and patience.

Video Interview Killed The Candidate Star

Video Interview Killed The Candidate Star Video Interview Killed The Candidate Star Pssst! Wanna know a secret? I LOATHE doing videos. Put me on stage speaking in front of a crowd of 2,000+ people: No problem. Put me in front of a video camera by myself: I turn into a blithering idiot. So yeah, I know how it feels. Video is not easy (well, maybe for some); for most of us, not so much. Recently, a former client contacted me and said that she had her first video interview and it turned into a disaster. To use her direct quote: “What a train wreck. I hope they get a very big bowl of non-virtual popcorn before they watch it, because they are going to be more entertained than the latest Adam Sandler movie.” I am guessing that she is not alone in feeling this way about video interviews. Because most of us don’t appear in front of video cameras on a regular basis, having this unfamiliar perspective can throw you off your job interview game. Sort of like the Buggles’ song, “Video Killed the Radio Star,” you might be the best candidate star, but if you can’t carry it through video, your job prospects might be killed right then and there. So let’s talk about getting prepared and literally setting the stage for a successful video interview. Rehearsal. Any good actor knows the value in rehearsing. It’s a way to train your mind to get into the role. To perform your best, you need to get familiar with the material, and that means rehearsing your script. Don’t have one? No worries. Let’s break down the rehearsal script for a video interview: Build the set. Take a look around you. What is in the background of the video interview screen? Do you have piles of papers nearby? Is the cat walking back and forth in front of the camera? Is there good sound proofing so any sounds outside of the room seep into the video interview? Remember, people are looking at you, but also everything else in the video feed you are providing them, and using clues provided to learn more about you. So make your set as distraction-free as possible so you can concentrate on the conversation at hand. Opening scene. Be clear on who is initiating the video call, so you don’t end up in an awkward situation where no one is calling anyone else. A miscommunication could end up setting off the video interview on a strange and disconcerted note. Set the stage. Ask a friend to practice with you using the video camera. You’ll get used to how it works, whether there is a delay or not (which can be disconcerting), and get used to your interview surroundings which you will be performing. Your props. What will you have at your fingertips during the video interview? Notes, information about the target company, questions you want to ask, and key points you want to make are great props (off screen, of course). Closing scene. How you close out the interview is important. A video interview closing scene can be horribly awkward so be ready to close out the conversation with a final thank you, and then make sure your video is turned off before you make any post video interview comments. Lights. Too many times, people rely on the lighting coming from their computer screen, and what happens is that in a video interview, they look positively ghostly (and ghastly) to the viewer.   Work on bringing in some soft lights that don’t glare and warm up the scene. Camera. Get the camera angle right so that you aren’t providing a surgeon’s view of your nostrils to the interviewers.   Above your head with some head room is great, and make sure your shoulders are visible to provide some balanced framing. Important note for preparing for a video interview: set up your camera / microphone, and make sure all software is updated / camera functions are operating at least an hour before the scheduled interview time. If you do run into problems, you’ll at least have some time to troubleshoot. It might be a good idea to talk to the interviewer before the heavy questions start to determine what the plan might be in case technology breaks down. I.e.: “As much as we all love the Internet, what would be a good telephone number to reach you in case this connection gets lost?” Disaster averted. Another thing: if you find yourself getting distracted by looking at yourself on camera (some programs like Skype provide 2 screens- one of you and one on the interviewer’s side, the minimize the window with your feed. Action. If you know your material, have a comfortable / familiar place in which to interview, and have made sure all of the technology is working, the rest of the video interview is all about you in action, which would be like any other interview. The moral of the story: Don’t let a video interview kill your candidate star.   You’ve got this. It’s really a matter of being more prepared than an in-person interview.

Finding a Career You Enjoy-Career Contrast List - Hallie Crawford

Finding a Career You Enjoy-Career Contrast List Career contrast list When asked what they want in a job or career, many people have trouble identifying what they want, but they can identify what they don’t want. That’s actually a start Begin to determine what you do want in a job by developing a career contrast list. a. Ask yourself: What isn’t working for you at your current job? Think about the people, the environment and the job responsibilities and write down whatever comes to mind on the left side of a piece of paper. b. Once you’ve identified what you don’t like, start a contrast list to the right of this list, and write down the opposite of each item you don’t like. For example, if you don’t like working on the same project on a regular basis, what would you rather have? Identify what you DO want with a statement like: responsibility for a variety of projects at the same time, or working with short-term projects that only last 2-3 months. c. Next think about anything you do like about your current job, and n ote those on your “want” list as well. This list is the beginning of the process to help you define what you want in a job and can be simple, it just takes some time to think and reflect. Get in touch with me if you’d like more support on finding a fulfilling career path. hallie@halliecrawford.com. www.HallieCrawford.com