How to get a job

5 Ways to Get a Job in IT

2011-08-31T01:51:00.002-07:00

"I am interested in IT, I always have been, and would love to work in the industry - but how do I get my foot in the door in the first place?".
This is a very common question that I hear a lot. Here are my 5 most important tips:
1. It is all about Customer Service Skills
I can not stress this point enough. Having good customer service skills puts one in an excellent position to kick start their IT career. A job in a call centre is an ideal way of getting your foot in the door to start your IT career, and a great part time job while you are at Uni/Tafe. While starting off on a IT help desk would be favourable (e.g. Telstra Bigpond technical support) it does not necessarily have to be an IT help desk. A call centre job in any company will allow you to learn the underlying business and prove yourself, and at the same time gain that vital experience that is so highly sort after in the IT field. Such a job positions you to move up (or sideways into the IT department) from your help desk/call centre role. The same concept applies to admin work - it is just as effective to get your foot in the door. To get these initial jobs, it is vital that you have good customer service skills.
Thankfully, customer service skills (and experience) are not all too hard to come by. Most of us would have had part time work through high school or university. In my case my part time work at a fast food restaurant through school was enough to land me a help desk job at an internet service provider. Never underestimate the ability to sell your customer service skills on something as simple as that.
2. Work on your communication skills (oral and written)
It still amazes me the number of times I'm told "For an IT guy you have really good communication skills" or "Wow, I'm surprised someone in IT can write so well". While it's somewhat stereotypical to assume that just because someone works in IT their communication skills will be poor, it is true to the extent that it is rare to find someone in this field who is an absolute technical genius in conjunction with having truly amazing communication skills. That is not to say that such a person does not exist, but rather, that it is a rare combination to find. As such, if such a person exists, any smart employer would snatch that person up quick.
The ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical people is something of a prerequisite these days for a career in IT. You will see this requirement listed for almost every IT job (just take a look at Seek or any other job search site). While some people find these skills come naturally, others have to work on it. There is a lot of good books on developing these skills if you are so inclined.
3. Network and Socialise
"Yes I know him I worked with him at my last job!" is a phrase I hear a lot in conversation these days. IT appears to be an industry where a few key players will have a significant impact on their respective fields. Likewise it is also an industry where people will tend to work a variety of different roles and hence move around quite a bit. There is a very good chance that you will encounter the people you work with at the start of your career again at a later stage of your career. IT is a field that at times can create the illusion that it is not what you know but who you know. Thus it is important to make yourself known and build a reputation, and make an effort to get to know as many people in your field as possible. Make sure they remember you (for all the right reasons of course!).
Likewise socialising is key. You may be great at your job but it is the ones that seem to get along well with everyone that get ahead quicker. It still amazes me how some people, who may not particularly got along too well with each other at work, can get along so well after work over a drink. For the outgoing people this all comes easy, others need to make an effort. This is an important aspect though, not only for the sake of networking, but also a fundamental key to enjoying your work.
4. Education is important, but experience is vital
If you are interested in IT you are probably already aware of the discussion forum Whirlpool. In the job forum I see so many posts asking about what certifications one should do to kick start a career in IT (Cisco, Microsoft etc.) or what course to do at Uni/Tafe. I have found that some of the most talented people in the IT field have almost zero qualifications and are experts in their field due to their vast experience (a learning by doing kind of approach). Albeit this is indeed quite rare. While I agree that it would be virtually impossible to grow your career in IT these days without Uni/Tafe qualifications and/or vendor certifications the point I want to make is that experience is still key when starting out. There have been recently numerous IT training programs offered by companies charging exorbitant amounts of money guaranteeing you a job in IT at the end of the program. Ironically most of these programs would simply put you into a call centre job afterwards anyway (if you were lucky). Avoid - apply for the call centre job yourself and save the money.
This is not to undermine the importance of education, it is without a doubt very important, and necessary these days to build your career in IT. It is important though to keep in mind the strong value of experience in this industry - after all if I was looking to fill a Desktop support role and had to choose between a person with a PhD in Network Engineering, with a vast array of vendor certifications but zero experience, and a person with a few Microsoft certifications and 5 years experience on a help desk - well, the person with the experience is going to get the job 90% of the time. Get the experience and exposure, and at the same time work hard on your education. Again a part time job in a help desk/call centre environment while you are studying is a great way to achieve this.
5. Diversify your skills at first, specialise later
This tends to occur somewhat naturally. When you start your IT career doing support type roles there is an expectation for you to be able to support an array of different systems, software etc. This generalist approach is important to getting jobs early in your career and is also a great way to learn - after all you want to increase your exposure to as many different things as possible to learn as much as you can. Once you have a solid foundation in IT and the career path seems to be clearing up is when you can start specialising. Hopefully by then you have had a taste of the various aspects of IT, and have decided on what it is you want to become an expert at. "Jack of all trades, master of none" is a phrase that I hear thrown around a bit in this industry. While you don't want that later on in your career, I genuinely believe diversification is beneficial when starting out. Be a sponge, and absorb all the knowledge you can.

OzMoneyBytes strives to present topics and issues relevant to investors, analysts, or those who simply share a keen interest in the financial and information technology sectors in Australia. The author seeks to provide the relevant issues at hand, which might not always be easily accessible to those residing outside of Australia. It is envisioned that succinct, relevant information on the Australian financial and IT sectors from those close to the action at hand would be invaluable to not just those abroad, but also present a fresh view for readers locally.
The author of OzMoneyBytes has completed a Bachelor of Commerce from an Australian Group of Eight University with a major in Corporate Finance and a Minor in Business Law. He currently is employed in the IT industry with over 6 years experience in his particular field.
Please visit http://www.ozmoneybytes.com for more articles like this.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6301312

How To Get a Job As a Computer Programmer

2011-08-31T01:51:00.000-07:00

General preparation is the second step to take in the process of securing a job as a professional computer programmer, the first step being to do your preliminary research. You do preliminary research in order to home in on exactly what material you are going to prepare during the general preparation stage.
General preparation is about acquiring the appropriate knowledge and behaviors required to get through a job interview. The goal here is twofold. Firstly you want to know what your potential employer expects you to know, as a prerequisite to giving you a job. Secondly you need to behave in the appropriate manner in which your employer expects you to behave, in order to feel comfortable about working with you.
The problem many people face here is that they try to run before walking. They leap straight into general preparation without a proper reconnoiter. Those who have done the appropriate preliminary research will find that they have a much clearer idea of what general preparation to carry out as part of their campaign.
As always the nature and quantity of general preparation required will depend on whether you are at the beginner, intermediate or advanced stage of your computer programming career.
In this article I will be focusing on the general preparation required for the beginner. In part two and three, I will provide more specific tips and pointers for those who are at either the intermediate or advanced stage of professional computer programming.
General Preparation for the beginner
As a beginner having done your preliminary research you will have a degree of clarity surrounding the kind of role you want to pursue as a professional computer programmer.
So what are you going to do now?
I would recommend that you approach the problem from three different directions.
1. Get technical training in the languages and operating systems required to perform on the job.
2. Acquire information regarding the business domain of your target corporations.
3. Get interview training targeted specifically around the kind of job you are going for.
Technical Training
As a beginner you should have an awareness of your favored learning style. How best do you learn? Do you work better in a group? Or are you more amenable to one to one coaching. Alternatively are you adept at picking things up simply by reading books or web site postings?
Consider carefully before voting with your wallet with regard to any expensive courses which promise instant results. From my personal experience I have found that it takes a lot more than a course to perform at the level of expertise required as a professional computer programmer.
Also consider carefully before embarking on a buying spree of either electronic or physical books around your subject. I know a self-taught Java developer who prided himself on how little he actually spent on books. He was skilled at trawling through web sites and downloading all the free information required to grow his expertise.
The benefit of buying books directly is that if you buy the right books by the right authors you could save yourself a considerable amount of time. With the adroit use of Google you can usually determine whether or not others have found a book useful.
For me personally the most effective way to acquire technical knowledge has been to work with people who already have this knowledge while supplementing this coaching with additional reading of recommended material.
Learning about the business domain
As a professional computer programmer you will not be programming in isolation. There is usually a purpose or reason why you will be tasked to program. This may seem like stating the obvious but even experienced programmers sometimes make the mistake of not learning enough about the business of their clients
Many years ago I was trying to land my first computer programming job with an insurance company. Following my instincts I called the company switchboard and asked to speak to somebody who could give me details about the company such as when it was founded etc. This was in the days before internet browsers and indeed Microsoft Windows. The helpful people I spoke to send me a brochure containing detailed information about the company's prime business areas.
Armed with this information I attended the job interview and got the job.
Nowadays with the internet at your disposal there is hardly any need to make phone calls to get this kind of information about the business institutions you are looking to work with.
Getting interview training
This can be a tricky one. If you have never been interviewed before for a computer programming job, then you might find the experience quite daunting. Ultimately experience is the best teacher here. It will get better with practice. You can however short-circuit this process to a certain extent by focusing on interview skills and being aware that you must not take this for granted. Your trustee internet friend can serve up websites, chat forums, articles and books around how to improve this process.
Do you know anybody close by who has travelled this route before? Seek them out and over a coffee (paid for by yourself of course) pick their brains.
There are also actual courses you can attend to improve this process but please tread carefully so you don't get fleeced.

Philip Ade is a professional computer programmer and has been working with a variety of computer programming languages in a variety of industries for over 20 years.
To find out more about how to get started as a professional computer programmer please visit http://www.software-development-success.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Philip_Ade

Perfect Job for Mom - Internet Marketing

2011-05-27T21:34:00.000-07:00

Not all part time jobs can be suited for stay at home moms. There are certain types of part time jobs that that fit into the category of a perfect job for mom. They are perfect and an excellent choice because there is no hourly commitment or schedule and can be applied while babies are sleeping or during breaks from doing the laundry.
There are very strong ideals that stay at home moms have, and that is that they want to raise their children. They do not want somebody else to be the ones who do so. In fact, stay at home moms want to be able to spend quality time with their family and be part of their little ones daily lives. Is that so terrible? No, and feminists should not dare criticize mothers who want to stay home. Now, just because a mother chooses to be a stay at home mom, does not mean that she can not work from home as well. Nowadays with the Internet it is not only possible to find a great job for mom that works around her schedule, but many mothers are interested and seeking a business to start from home. Just because a mother chooses to stay at home it does not mean that she cannot also be successful in the business world.
One great business to start from home or job for mom, is the setting up of an affiliation with a large company with a high demand product. This is also called "Internet Marketing" Essentially these opportunities are a small business, however unlike trying to set up a normal business trying to find products etc. This business requires hard work only at the beginning. Once set up correctly this type of business only requires good maintenance. That is why internet marketing is a perfect job for mom.
By joining an affiliate program you get instant access to a company and its product and all its marketing materials and carefully developed strategies at your disposal. Moms have so much to accomplish and so little time! But there are plenty of short cuts in this business, and when one uses the proper tools and software available one can accomplish so much with just a click of a button, and see some great results.
With internet marketing, stay at home moms, can succeed and build themselves a lucrative business. Not to mention that this field is also very challenging and demands creativity. Perhaps it is not for everyone. But it certainly is a job for mom to consider if she is seeking a career that can offer her a great income.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6260613

Scientific Writing - Job Skills

2011-05-15T19:38:00.000-07:00

To translate something highly technical to a language that is understood by a lay man requires a high degree of skill. This is what scientific writers do as a part of their profession. A lot of people are into such kind of scientific writing jobs and this enables them to bring to terms very complex matters to the people who do not comprehend technical and scientific jargon. Scientific jargon or technical terms are something that are very essential to communicate the crux of such issues; but the talent here lies in how well to communicate this in the most effective manner so that the message is driven home. Writers of this sort need to be able to present facts in a manner that is not obtrusive and also in a manner that offers as much truth and as much detailed an insight as possible.

Scientific writing on the other hand also means to ability to document well the happenings that are highly scientific and technical in nature. It encompasses writing in newsletters, magazines, trade publications, journals, etc.

To be a good scientific writer you need to have the following -

The writer needs to have good knowledge about what to write
The writer also needs to have equally good knowledge on how well to communicate the matter
Not only these, the writer also needs to possess the knowledge about the target audience to whom the article is directed; because the effectiveness can be judged based on this.
The writer needs to be well aware of technical details and words used to produce essential explanations and justifications that are needed.
Above all, the writer needs the intensity and the urge to be curious and learn the happenings of an event in order to write about it in the best possible manner.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4016351

Benefits and Risks of Internet Marketing Jobs

2011-05-10T01:19:00.001-07:00

If you are a graduate and looking for a job then, first place where normally people search is internet and if you happen to have a marketing degree, you will be thinking about an internet marketing job. This is the idea because these days there is lot of debate going on about earning from home; people are earning without any doubts. The question which I will answer today is how much can one earn from these home based internet marketing jobs? The question might seem simple but the answer is really complicated and I will try to discuss it in this article in-depth.

If you have a little bit of experience in marketing field, a survey has proved that you can earn almost more than 10 to 20 thousand dollars. This is a very reasonable amount of money if you get this by sitting at home and working. However, there are some risks in online jobs and one of them is competition as there are people who have been doing this for years and they do not allow new job seekers to grab that money very easily. The best solution to this problem is to start early. By that I mean when you are in college then, start doing some part-time online marketing job. This will give you some experience under your belt and by the time you get your degree in your hand, you will be able to know the market well and it will become easy for you to find steady opportunities.

Moreover, it is often said that online jobs are not safe. That is, in online marketing jobs, whether you will earn a lot or nothing. This is also considered a risk which you have to live with if you totally depend on internet marketing job for your living. There is no doubt that internet marketing jobs are beneficial as they make you earn money while you are at your home; however, they are risky because they are not 100 % secured.

Vaine Loera is very passionate about Internet Marketing as well as busy entrepreneur. She enjoys teaching and mentoring in Internet Marketing area.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5819892

Where Do Veterinary Technicians Work

2011-05-02T23:01:00.001-07:00

So just where do veterinary technicians work? This is an important question to answer if you're going to be training and working in this industry. You might assume that the only place you can get a job as a veterinary technician or technologist is at a veterinarian's office, but this is far from true. While many vet techs do work at veterinary offices, there are many other places they can work as well.
The basic job of a veterinary technician is to act in the same function a nurse does to a doctor; the doctor being the veterinarian in this case. Vet techs do not need to complete bachelor's degrees as nurses do, though. They can complete their training in less than two years and begin working in the field. Veterinary technicians often work in private veterinarian practices, performing clinical work such as conducting tests to diagnose illnesses. This may involve taking blood and other samples, using x-ray machines, preparing tissue samples and using test tubes. Technicians in veterinary offices also keep records, file paperwork, make appointments, answer phones and greet pet owners as they arrive. In this type of setting they are normally working with small breeds of domesticated animals such as dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, guinea pigs and lizards.
Some veterinary technicians also work with larger animals such as horses, sheep and cows, since there are veterinarians who specialize in these farm animals, especially in rural areas. Veterinary technologists, on the other hand, might work in research centers where they give animals various medication, take notes, record information and complete tasks such as weighing the animals, taking blood, sterilizing equipment and taking care of the animals. There will be lab technicians, doctors, scientists, veterinarians and other professionals working alongside the vet tech in this type of setting.
There are many different places where vet technicians and technologists work. There are jobs for the government, in the livestock industry, in pharmaceutical research and many other categories. While the vast majority of veterinary technicians do work in veterinarian's offices, this is far from the only option in this career world.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5789878

Is An SEO Job Right For You

2011-05-02T01:43:00.000-07:00

Search Engine Optimization or SEO could be the right job for you.
When you go on Google or other search engines like Bing and Yahoo and put in a search term (keyword) the search engine searches their billions of indexed pages, decides what pages are most relevant to your search term and shows them in order of relevance.
The ranking of a keyword is known as Search Engine Optimization or SEO. It's been estimated that the #1 ranking for a specific keyword can result in up to 40% of those searching for the keyword click through to the site. The lifeblood to any commercial site is traffic and the search ranking is a function on how much free traffic the site receives.
First page rankings in Google and Yahoo can provide an increase in free traffic with a corresponding increase in sales and profits. Marketing a web site through focused SEO can provide a strong return on investment for many web-based businesses.
A SEO job involves a variety of skills and functions. It begins with keyword research. What are people looking for in the search engines? The keywords and key phrases used in the search are analyzed to determine their frequency, how much competition, and their match to the proposed content of the planned web site. A number of closely allied phrases are planned for each page of the site. The selected phrases are then naturally included on the content of the page.
The second step in the SEO process is increasing the supposed authority of the site. This is accomplished by adding one way links coming into specific pages of the site. Links vary in value, but in general the more incoming links the higher the page will rank.
Incoming links can be attracted in a variety of ways but usually can be accomplished by creating content that spreads around the internet. It can include articles, blog comments, blog posts, videos, directory listings and other comments about the site.
Getting into SEO can be done in a variety of ways. Many start by learning to optimize their web sites. They find the right combination of keyword phrases and over time analyze their traffic. They learn to use the latest in software that automates some of the functions. Attending conferences is another route to pick up valuable SEO strategies.
Others find jobs in small local companies that specialize in doing SEO work for local organizations. A small but growing industry has started helping local companies rank well for localized search terms. To rank high for the term "insurance broker," would be extremely difficult but to rank for the term "Independence Missouri insurance broker" with some work would be doable.
Entry level SEO jobs are advertised in online job postings and there are a few agencies that specialize in placing candidates in online marketing positions.
It's surprising the range of skills needed to succeed in a SEO position. It is a job that is constantly changing. You need good analytical skills. Many times you'll be asked to produce appropriate content. So you must be a good writer and communicator.
Other times you'll be asked to sell your skills and the value of the function. Since many of the positive results are achieved over time this requires a complete understanding of the steps necessary in successful project management.
A basic understanding of HTML and web design would also be valuable. You'll need to keep up with changes in social media sites and other developing internet ideas to bring your best to the job.
SEO positions and the successful application of effective SEO principles can pay well. The jobs can range from running a one person local SEO business helping local businesses rank well for local search. Next might be a smaller company specializing in SEO with a wider group of clients. Also, it could be a full service web design firm with a SEO department. Or it could be a larger organization, where you work in the marketing department, and build traffic for a number of websites.
As your skills increase and you build a successful track record, your compensation will increase as you add value to an organization's web marketing efforts.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6218261

Job Outlook for Veterinary Careers

2011-04-22T06:00:00.001-07:00

If you are thinking of going into the veterinary field, you're probably wondering about the job outlook for veterinary careers. Job outlook is something that any prospective student should be concerned about. This will determine what your future will look like when you get out of school and how difficult your job search will be. Fortunately, the job outlook for veterinarians and veterinary assistants looks very positive for the coming years.
The job outlook for veterinary assistants depends on the job outlook for veterinarians, obviously, because there has to be a veterinarian in order for there to be an assistant. Veterinary assistants do things like answer phones, clean exam rooms, disinfect cages, feed animals, provide post-operative care for animals and schedule appointments. Employment for veterinarians is expected to grow at a faster pace than most other occupations in the next ten years or so. Right now veterinary assistants earn an average wage of around $11 per hour, but with industry-wide job growth this is expected to improve as well. And since this career does not require a college degree, many people are able to qualify for these jobs with a high school diploma or only some college.
The job outlook for veterinarians is excellent. In 2006 the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated that employment for veterinarians would increase by 35 percent over the following ten years. The employment opportunities are especially good in cities and suburbs where a lot of pet owners live, but there are also job opportunities for veterinarians in rural areas where there are a lot of ranches and farms with large animals. There are veterinarian jobs with the federal government as well.
There are many reasons to go into the veterinary industry. Most people choose to enter these professions because they love animals and enjoy the work, and obviously these are good enough reasons. But knowing that there is an excellent job outlook over the next decade or so makes it an even better time to make the move into veterinary medicine and begin doing what you love for a living.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5195242

Pre-Employment Background Check on Yourself

2011-04-02T18:51:00.001-07:00

Background Checks are pretty much a part of modern living these days. They serve numerous types of purpose, ranging from private and personal stuff to business and professional due diligence. One area where it clearly proliferates is in employment screening and it is not difficult to reckon why. First, the price of negligent hiring is getting prohibitive, second, there is increased necessity or even requirement these days and last, it does not take much so why not?
There is huge protest over the practice of background check in general by privacy activists. The diametric balance, or counterbalance between the Right to Information and Privacy Acts was always going to be tricky from Day 1. For example in employment background checks, it is often debatable whether what is being checked has relevance. However, current legislations seem easy on the employers, leaving plenty of room for maneuver in their favor when disputed or challenged. There are also loopholes to get around obtaining consent to conduct a check in the first place or even disguising an adverse action resulting from it. Fortunately, there is a good way out.
The best thing to do in protecting our interests is to run a Defensive Employment Background Check on ourselves whenever we are job-hunting or under review by our current employer for misconduct, promotion or other personnel matter. The information resource should be the same or equivalent to the one engaged by the employer. With it, we will be able to see how we stack up in official perception and rating. If there are inaccuracies or inconsistencies, especially those to our disadvantage, we can take action before we get burned.
What can go wrong will go wrong, at the worst moment. They may be due to human errors or oversight, incomplete or out-dated information, mistaken identity or identity theft and so forth. Whatever the case is, we wouldn't be oblivious to the damage or victimization and would be well-prepared to face up to issues if necessary. And if we do turn up something unfavorable but true from the self-check, we get a chance to fix it ahead.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/904486

Tips for Dealing With Change in Life and Growing From It

2011-03-22T04:25:00.000-07:00

At times when I have struggled in the past through my life it has been due to taking responsibility for issues that were not my concern and were not mine to be dealing with. Over time, I've learned to become aware of that, but as with all lessons, it is a continual learning process that needs a reminder from time to time.

In order for there to be a balanced flow in relationships, be those at work, in families, in groups or clubs, there needs to be a demarcation line with regard to responsibility. If that does not occur, there is a danger of manipulation and devaluing of a persons contribution.

Ultimately, we all have been granted responsibility for the way we live our lives. At time we need guidance. In extreme cases, personal responsibility is taken from us to a degree for our and others protection. Being sent to gaol for instance. When corrective action has been taken and been effective, responsibility need to be gradually retuned to the individual in order for them to grow.

What do you take responsibility for?
Are those responsibilities truly yours or do they belong to someone else?
Has someone ever breached your boundaries and taken away responsibility from you unnecessarily?
If so, how did that feel?..... angry? Hurt? Demotivated? Loss of personal confidence?

Speaking of boundaries leads me on to another related subject of spiritual boundaries. Now I realise and respect that some people don't feel spiritual and I don't wish to suggest anyone should be spiritual. However, if you are a spiritual person, or spiritually sensitive, do you set boundaries around that?

What I am talking about here is this.

Personally, I am spiritually sensitive and know that I need to be careful in that regard to what is around in the spiritual realm. On that matter, I know what is, and is not good for me. I'm also aware that some people are more spiritually sensitive than I am and set tighter boundaries than me. Furthermore, some are less so etc.

In times of trouble, have you considered what may affect you, not only in a worldly way but also in a spiritual way? Lets call it gut feelings or intuition.

Put yet another way, this comes down to trusting our own (well thought out) judgment. Sometimes we can be wrong and that is just fine. It is part of the learning process.

Jobs Online For College Students

2011-03-09T00:10:00.001-08:00

There are plenty of jobs online for college students but most of them take too much time, pay too little money, or are scams. Below are 3 of the best student jobs online for college students that I know of. I have had personal experience trying all 3 of these and ultimately even made one my career.

WRITING ARTICLES was one of the best student jobs online for college students when I first started earning money online. Several websites and other individuals pay you anywhere from $2-$15 to write articles that fulfill certain criteria. If you can pump out 1-2 articles a day that could amount to $500 for you every month, but the problem is the amount of time needed to do this consistently

FILLING OUT SURVEYS is one of the many jobs online for college students and it can be very boring so it might not be one of the best student jobs, nevertheless, it brings in steady income once you find a site that puts up regular well-paying surveys. These are mostly easy to find on the internet but the amount of time spent might not be worth the little bit of money that you get.

Of all the jobs online for college students, I would say this one ranks in the best student jobs for sure. Any idle time spent on the computer watching videos and listening to music can be used to build up an affiliate marketing campaign. The start-up time which can take a month or so may show no results, but after pumping out a few articles and making a few sales this becomes a real gold mine. AFFILIATE MARKETING in fact, became my profession. The only drawback is the start-up time, though later on a single campaign can bring in a lot of money with literally no effort. Great for a summer job.

Of all the jobs online for college students only some pay worthy dividends for the time spent working. While writing articles and filling out surveys can all bring in steady income the most worthwhile and the best student jobs can be affiliate marketing and other internet marketing endeavors. Be sure that you're prepared to put in the required time and work, for whichever online job you chose to pursue. Also be weary of what kind of returns to expect and the rest will fall in place.

Good luck with finding the best student jobs online for college students.

How to Get a Job Without a Resume

2011-02-24T04:29:00.001-08:00

I'm an Executive Coach, I do a lot of work with extremely talented people, just like you, who want to find a new job. When a new client hands me a resume first thing and asks me what I think, before I know anything about him or her, something in my gut seizes up. I know it's gonna be a hard slog because "The System" has already crushed their soul.

So, why do resumes exist? Because they served a purpose, once, I guess. To be honest I don't know. They don't serve a purpose now, but all sorts of systems (for example, the key-word scanner) have grown up around them, and everyone has bought into the belief that this is how you get a job. At best, a resume serves as talking points, after you have already secured a meeting with someone. At worst, it is the tool The System uses to exclude you.

I hear your objections already! "But Dave, every employer demands one!" OK, fine, how is that working for you? If you sent a resume to CareerBuilder or the HR department and got an interview, then a job, stop reading this, you know some magic that I don't and I can't help you. In fact, you can teach us how to do it! For the rest of us, who have sent hundreds of them out into The Void, hoping for a job, and heard nothing back, I am going to show you another way...sort of.

I'll start with the bad news. By definition, I can't give you a checklist for what to do. If I could, everyone would follow it and then it would stop working. So, you need to fill in the details yourself, and then go DO IT. That requires initiative, creativity and courage, which I know you have, so you'll be fine.

Still with me? The good news is, I will give you the high-level idea, and some examples. I will also offer you 20 minutes of my time if you contact me (info at the bottom of the page) to flesh out the specifics that might work for you. So how do you get a job without a resume? You demonstrate that you are extraordinary, that you have initiative, creativity and courage and use them in service to others. Let me give you some examples. If you are in corporate training, instead of sending a resume to the training department of every firm in town and then waiting patiently for a response, you could...

· Choose a topic you are passionate about, then offer free workshops (in-person, or webinars or teleconferences, whatever you like) · Create an online course and put it on a website (put the website on your business card and e-mail signature, of course) · Write a short (10 - 30 page) eBook that addresses some problem or opportunity faced by the people you want to work with, and circulate it to everyone you know · Offer to teach or mentor friends, colleagues, neighbors on a topic where you have expertise and passion · Be a speaker or panel member at a conference or other industry event, or give a talk at your church or Kiwanis Club · Get on the school board and bring your expertise to bear on the challenges the schools are facing

OK, that's fine for a trainer, what about an IT guy?

· Create a fun piece of software such as an iPhone app, game, productivity tool, etc, and give it away (be sure it has your contact information in it somewhere) · Participate actively in an industry association, perhaps even join the board · Create a great website for a non-profit or small business · Post lots of helpful notes on the user boards · Be IT support for your friends and colleagues (if you help someone rescue a corrupted hard drive with crucial data on it, or get the servers back up, you are THE HERO, but you already know that)

How about for an accountant?

Offer a talk to the local Chamber of Commerce on tax planning or avoiding audits or better cash management
Do your church's bookkeeping
Write a 2 - 3 page white paper on some area of your expertise and circulate it to everyone you know
Set up QuickBooks for a non-profit
Become the Campaign Treasurer for a candidate for political office

You get the idea, I hope. What are the common themes here?

· Anybody can do it, but most people don't · You are creating something that doesn't already exist (shows creativity, initiative, responsibility, courage) · You are willing to be memorable and to take risks (confidence, courage) · You are giving away for free something that you really enjoy doing (commitment, passion, engagement)

The last point is huge. Most job-seekers want to GET, but not you, you are GIVING! That immediately separates you from 95% of your competition. Plus, you can only GIVE something you already HAVE, which means that if you offer a lot, you must have a lot to offer, and that is VERY attractive. Plus, and this is the big one, the very act of giving makes you stronger. Think about that for a second. Every gift makes you stronger, so the more you do it, the stronger you get. You are gaining experience and practice actually doing something you love, as opposed to getting experience writing resumes (yuck!) In contrast, most job-seekers get discouraged and weary, and their skills degrade. They actually get weaker as time passes, unlike you.

Lastly, a resume merely describes what you can do, and therefore it is not very persuasive. Little things like typos or a gap in your work history can sink your candidacy before They ever get to see what a great person and employee you are. Not to mention, people "fudge" on resumes. The above activities showcase you actually doing something, producing a deliverable, demonstrating talent, so that others can experience your skill and passion for themselves, and that is far more compelling. Smart salespeople often give away a free sample of their product, and that makes you want more, right? Sometimes talking about it isn't enough, you need to show them the REAL DEAL, which is impossible on a resume!

So, when you want a new job, rather than dusting off your resume and inserting lots of "action" verbs while noodling with the margins and trying to make your job sound important, get creative and get out there and be so memorable and so generous with your time and talent that employers are in a bidding war for you!

Special Thanks to Seth Godin, his new book, Linchpin, helped to crystallize these ideas for me, and to my coach, Ariadne Moisiades, who dared me to come up with a fun title for a white paper.

3 steps to find a job

2010-12-25T19:03:00.001-08:00

How to find a job - Looking for a job is like playing in an Olympic sport-it's competitive, hard, and without the proper training and skills, you will surely lose. The change in the economy and the sudden boom of individuals who are looking for a job has turned job hunting into a competition which can bring you down to your knees. It's not as easy as applying for a job, attending your interview, getting accepted, and signing a contract. You have to fight your way through hundreds of would-be employers and eager applicants falling in line and battling their way to the position you are aiming to get. To get that position you're aiming for, here are 3 easy yet very effective steps to follow.

Step number one on how to find a job: try all the means to know what jobs are available. There are many ways in order to for you know which companies are looking for prospective employees and exceptional applicants. Online job searching, networking, and cold calling are only some of the ways in which a person can find any possible job vacancies. The internet provides various sites where you can look for job vacancies. These websites even sort the list in different categories such as positions available, skills required, location and even years of experience.

You can also ask your friends who are working in different companies and ask a favor to know if there are job openings available with their present employers. In this manner, you can spare yourself from the hassle of visiting company offices if different locations. And lastly, try cold calling. Get a list of contact numbers of different companies you are interested in. Call each company and ask information regarding job openings and position vacancies. Once you get the particular details, religiously follow up your application and keep an eye on companies which offer job opportunities.

Step number two: once you know the particular companies who have job vacancies and offerings, choose the position or job you want to apply for. Instead of looking for a job first and letting your personal skills fit in to the job description, do it the other way around. It is important for you to know your skills and the things which you are good at. Once you know yourself, look for a job that best suits your skills. Apply for a job where you think you can excel at. In this way, you will learn how to love your job and the job will turn out easier because you have the required skills that can answer to the employer's call.

Step number three: strike while the iron is hot. Immediately apply for the job you've chosen. Prepare all the things that you need-your resume, application form, and attitude. Once you have all the necessary things when applying for a job, waste no time and visit the employer. The best time to apply for a job is when the company needs it the most. Following these steps on how to find a job can make your job hunting easy and stress-free as well.

How to Find Your Next Job

2010-12-08T18:16:00.001-08:00

You've always known that networking is a necessary part of any career path, and it's even more important when you're searching for a job. But you don't want to waste your time and effort on meaningful contact with everyone you know or come across in your search, because you don't want to apply for just any company with a job opening. For your best results, you want to focus your efforts on a few individuals at a few great companies. It's a precision strategy to land the job you really want.

How to find the best people to contact

The best place for you to find the specific people you need is on LinkedIn. LinkedIn is, hands down, the best online resource for job seekers. Search for company pages, find the relevant managers at those companies, search their individual pages on LinkedIn, and see what they're up to. Find the groups that those people participate in, and participate yourself. Provide valuable content a couple of times a week so that they get to know your name-and feel like they know you.

What do I mean by content?

· Great books you've read

· Conferences you've attended (or are coming up)

· Blogs or websites you've found

· Some relevant information/resource that can help them solve their problems (Put yourself in their shoes and think "if I were in that spot, what would I be interested in seeing?")

How to communicate so that you steer your networking efforts in the right direction

After you've posted within the group for a few weeks, then you can contact the individuals you're interested in, using LinkedIn, and ask if they would be interested in staying in touch with you on LinkedIn. Connect with them and build them into your network. Maybe find them on Twitter. Your goal is to interact with them in a social way, and then at some point, you can say, "Hey, I'm really interested in your company. I understand that you occasionally hire people like me, and I would love a chance to pick your brain about that." Most people will agree to meet you, especially if you offer to buy them a cup of coffee (or even lunch).

How focused networking can get you referred into your next job

Here's the best part: if you've done your job and laid the groundwork for a good networking relationship, it's entirely possible that if they don't have a job to offer you, they'll know someone who will-and you'll get referred into your next job.

How to Get a Job Without a Resume

2010-11-24T04:02:00.000-08:00

I hate resumes. In fact, other than resume writers, I don't know anyone who actually likes them. How can I reduce my experience, my talent, my passion, my genius (yes, you have genius too!) to a couple of sheets of 8.5" x 11" paper and use that to justify why you should give me a job? I can't. That's why I hate them. That's probably why you hate them, too. Even recruiters hate them, because they get SO MANY, and most are a waste of their time.
I'm an Executive Coach, I do a lot of work with extremely talented people, just like you, who want to find a new job. When a new client hands me a resume first thing and asks me what I think, before I know anything about him or her, something in my gut seizes up. I know it's gonna be a hard slog because "The System" has already crushed their soul.
So, why do resumes exist? Because they served a purpose, once, I guess. To be honest I don't know. They don't serve a purpose now, but all sorts of systems (for example, the key-word scanner) have grown up around them, and everyone has bought into the belief that this is how you get a job. At best, a resume serves as talking points, after you have already secured a meeting with someone. At worst, it is the tool The System uses to exclude you.
I hear your objections already! "But Dave, every employer demands one!" OK, fine, how is that working for you? If you sent a resume to CareerBuilder or the HR department and got an interview, then a job, stop reading this, you know some magic that I don't and I can't help you. In fact, you can teach us how to do it! For the rest of us, who have sent hundreds of them out into The Void, hoping for a job, and heard nothing back, I am going to show you another way...sort of.
I'll start with the bad news. By definition, I can't give you a checklist for what to do. If I could, everyone would follow it and then it would stop working. So, you need to fill in the details yourself, and then go DO IT. That requires initiative, creativity and courage, which I know you have, so you'll be fine.
Still with me? The good news is, I will give you the high-level idea, and some examples. I will also offer you 20 minutes of my time if you contact me (info at the bottom of the page) to flesh out the specifics that might work for you. So how do you get a job without a resume? You demonstrate that you are extraordinary, that you have initiative, creativity and courage and use them in service to others. Let me give you some examples. If you are in corporate training, instead of sending a resume to the training department of every firm in town and then waiting patiently for a response, you could...
· Choose a topic you are passionate about, then offer free workshops (in-person, or webinars or teleconferences, whatever you like) · Create an online course and put it on a website (put the website on your business card and e-mail signature, of course) · Write a short (10 - 30 page) eBook that addresses some problem or opportunity faced by the people you want to work with, and circulate it to everyone you know · Offer to teach or mentor friends, colleagues, neighbors on a topic where you have expertise and passion · Be a speaker or panel member at a conference or other industry event, or give a talk at your church or Kiwanis Club · Get on the school board and bring your expertise to bear on the challenges the schools are facing
OK, that's fine for a trainer, what about an IT guy?
· Create a fun piece of software such as an iPhone app, game, productivity tool, etc, and give it away (be sure it has your contact information in it somewhere) · Participate actively in an industry association, perhaps even join the board · Create a great website for a non-profit or small business · Post lots of helpful notes on the user boards · Be IT support for your friends and colleagues (if you help someone rescue a corrupted hard drive with crucial data on it, or get the servers back up, you are THE HERO, but you already know that)
How about for an accountant?

Offer a talk to the local Chamber of Commerce on tax planning or avoiding audits or better cash management
Do your church's bookkeeping
Write a 2 - 3 page white paper on some area of your expertise and circulate it to everyone you know
Set up QuickBooks for a non-profit
Become the Campaign Treasurer for a candidate for political office

You get the idea, I hope. What are the common themes here?
· Anybody can do it, but most people don't · You are creating something that doesn't already exist (shows creativity, initiative, responsibility, courage) · You are willing to be memorable and to take risks (confidence, courage) · You are giving away for free something that you really enjoy doing (commitment, passion, engagement)
The last point is huge. Most job-seekers want to GET, but not you, you are GIVING! That immediately separates you from 95% of your competition. Plus, you can only GIVE something you already HAVE, which means that if you offer a lot, you must have a lot to offer, and that is VERY attractive. Plus, and this is the big one, the very act of giving makes you stronger. Think about that for a second. Every gift makes you stronger, so the more you do it, the stronger you get. You are gaining experience and practice actually doing something you love, as opposed to getting experience writing resumes (yuck!) In contrast, most job-seekers get discouraged and weary, and their skills degrade. They actually get weaker as time passes, unlike you.
Lastly, a resume merely describes what you can do, and therefore it is not very persuasive. Little things like typos or a gap in your work history can sink your candidacy before They ever get to see what a great person and employee you are. Not to mention, people "fudge" on resumes. The above activities showcase you actually doing something, producing a deliverable, demonstrating talent, so that others can experience your skill and passion for themselves, and that is far more compelling. Smart salespeople often give away a free sample of their product, and that makes you want more, right? Sometimes talking about it isn't enough, you need to show them the REAL DEAL, which is impossible on a resume!
So, when you want a new job, rather than dusting off your resume and inserting lots of "action" verbs while noodling with the margins and trying to make your job sound important, get creative and get out there and be so memorable and so generous with your time and talent that employers are in a bidding war for you!
Special Thanks to Seth Godin, his new book, Linchpin, helped to crystallize these ideas for me, and to my coach, Ariadne Moisiades, who dared me to come up with a fun title for a white paper.

Thank you for your time and attention, it is our hope that this information proves helpful to you If you would you like to reprint something you read here, please do. It's all copyrighted, so you MUST include my bio and link. Please, no changes without my review: Dave Kaiser is an Executive Coach, Speaker, and Author who helps "normal" people get extraordinary jobs that utilize their talents and passions. Contact him today for a complimentary 20-minute strategy session in which you will identify your ideal job and the barriers that stand in your way of getting it: Dave@BigAndBoldCoaching.com.

How to Get a Job Without a Resume

2010-11-24T04:01:00.000-08:00

Offer a talk to the local Chamber of Commerce on tax planning or avoiding audits or better cash management
Do your church's bookkeeping
Write a 2 - 3 page white paper on some area of your expertise and circulate it to everyone you know
Set up QuickBooks for a non-profit
Become the Campaign Treasurer for a candidate for political office

Career Choice For Psychology Students After Graduation

2010-10-22T05:50:00.000-07:00

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

For psychology students concern about their career choice in this seemingly hard moment for securing jobs, there's an alternative career which you can still work closely in your area of expertise. In this golden era where internet is one of the most widely used communication tool, you can provide your psychological services online.
Affiliate marketing is the best platform for you to do that. Although it rings a selling bell and you are not into sales and marketing, the selling tactics is completely different from the real world salesperson, and it doesn't involve selling at all, at least on your part.
People have problems, all sort of problems such as eating disorders which usually have a psychological component. With affiliate marketing what you really need to do here is to lead those people to a product or services that might help them solve their problems.
There are many products and services being offered by established health organisations and certified psychologists. And many offers affiliate program or partnership program for you to join which is free. Once you are affiliated to these products or services you can spread the words about the product using various affiliate marketing techniques.
One of the technique is to write a series of articles that contains tips and advice on you area of expertise and within your article's content there is a link to your website or blog. Yes, you will need a website or blogging platform to run your affiliate business.
Giving tips and advice is not a problem for you since you have plenty of resources since your are in college and you also have the internet. Simply use the search engines to search a related topics.
When these people are brought to your website, you will suggest to them a product or services that might help them solve their problems which ever it might be. Without actually mentioning that you are affiliated to the said product, you should suggest them to click on the link(which is your affiliate link) to the product's website. Once they are there, you don't have to do anything.
Now the product's website will do the selling for you highlighting the benefits or whatever offer they have for these people. If they are interested they can proceed to payments which mostly through credit cards.
You will be paid a percentage of commissions at the end of the month. Commissions varies from 3% up to 50% or more depending on the product.

Does Your Job Make You Sick

2010-10-18T23:10:00.001-07:00

At some point in your career you've probably worked with someone who just couldn't seem to stay healthy. At first they just call in sick a time or two... then it's much more frequent... then, they've missed so much work they start to worry about staying employed, so they start coming sick to work... then they infect others (maybe you), and it starts to become apparent to everyone that the situation just isn't working out. In some cases, there's something at the workplace that doesn't agree with the person (maybe they're allergic to something in the building). But in many cases, the body's ailments start in the mind. That doesn't mean the person isn't truly sick and truly suffering. They are. But it could mean that it isn't the workplace, but the work itself, that doesn't agree with that individual.

Not all jobs are healthy for all people. These days, when a general mood of worry and anxiety is on the rise in many industries, your job could start making you sick before you realize what's happening. If you're starting to miss work, or if you notice that feelings of dread and anxiety seem to precede or accompany your bouts of illness, it could be the beginning of a pattern. But don't just quit. First, undertake three courses of action that might help you get healthy and happy with your work.

Start by refocusing on your personal health habits. The big five are the habits I refer to as The NEWSS, and making changes in your Nutrition, Exercise, Water intake, Sleep, and Supplements can take you far in your quest to revitalize yourself. What changes can you make right away? Here's a quick suggestion on each of the NEWSS practices: replace two snacks a day with fresh fruit or fresh veggies... go for a fast walk each day before lunch (try to work up a sweat for 15 minutes)... get a water bottle and count how much water you drink, and make sure it's at least two liters every day... take an herbal sleep aid at bedtime (including such herbs as Valerian) to make your sleep more restful... and get at least one good multi-vitamin to supplement your diet (a liquid nutraceutical is best).

Along with your new physical health focus, think about how you can start a business on the side which might provide you with a back-up to your job. These days, you can start an internet business with very little investment of time, energy, and money. Look for a good platform that can teach you how to do business online, and for a community of entrepreneurs that can help support you as you get the enterprise off the ground. The mental strength you can draw from knowing you have a good back-up plan might be exactly what you need to get through this bad patch at your day job... and if it doesn't work out, it can make your transition to another job (or to becoming a full-time entrepreneur) much easier.

Finally, I always advise my coaching clients to keep a journal, and now is a great time to start doing some reflecting and writing. Journal your health habits (I give myself a weekly score on each of the five NEWSS practices, and try to make sure I score at least 80 out of 100 points on each every week). It's also a great idea to journal the progress of your side-business. Finally, do some reflecting on your day job, and make sure you write down your thoughts and feelings. Why do you think your job's making you less healthy? What are you worried about... is it just one person, or one project, and might you survive that challenge? What do you love about your job... why were you so happy when you landed the job? Journaling can really help you get some perspective by rising out of the day-to-day "incident reporting" that your brain can't avoid doing, focusing away from what you have to put up with at work and toward the reasons that make it worth putting up with.

At the end of the day, you may conclude that you can't stay with your current job... healthy people ultimately seek healthy environments, and they seek jobs in which they can thrive and succeed. But don't pull the plug before you've tried some other things that might rekindle your vitality in your current role. Things change fast these days. Whatever's changed to make your job unhealthy may well change again before too long; and you might find the changes you've made to your personal vitality give you a whole new outlook. Your next job may end up being the one you have right now.

Healthy People Seek Healthy Environments

by Michael D. Hume, M.S.

Job Search Secret Weapon

2010-10-06T02:20:00.001-07:00

When it comes to your job search, networking is the fiercest tool in your arsenal. No other technique even comes close. Why? For starters, many job openings are not ever advertised. New openings are discussed at the coffee machine and spread by word of mouth. People will ask around the office if anyone knows anyone with the qualifications for the open role. A memo might be posted directing people to submit resumes to Human Resources. It is by networking and knowing people that you gain access to these unadvertised jobs.
Secondly, networking gives you the opportunity to develop personal relationships, which are always key when it comes to making hiring decisions. It makes sense - who would you rather bring in for an interview - the associate of someone you already know, like and trust or someone you only know from a paper resume? Networking helps make sure you're on the short list when it come to filling open jobs.
Where to network? How about everywhere. Check websites and local papers for networking events in your community. Look for gatherings of people in the field you wish to be in, including trade associations and clubs. You can even network at social events, just keep in mind that people are there for a different reason so your approach will have to be more casual. You can really network anywhere if done right.
Since unemployment is not the easiest thing to discuss professionally or socially, keep it positive regardless of your circumstances. Talk to people about what they do and what you do. Highlight your specialties and what you are looking for in the next step of your career. Know what one thing they can do to help you and be ready to tell them if they ask.
You can add that if they don't know of anything now, just to keep you in mind. That means they'll need a way to get a hold of you, so be sure to have some attractive business cards printed up with your contact information. By getting this information out about you, you are recruiting others to help with your search. You are no longer looking alone.
Keep in mind networking can be a process because people like to really know people that they recommend for a job. Invest the time. If your resume comes with the endorsement of someone on the inside, you will be strongly considered for the job. Make sure you're leveraging the power of networking when it comes to your job search.

©2010 Catherine Lang-Cline, Portfolio Creative, LLC.

I Need a Job Fast

2010-09-30T23:48:00.001-07:00

Are you out of work? Have you reached the point where you are thinking, 'I need a job fast'? Discover how to get a job in 17 days.

The unemployment rate in the US has soared to over 7%. And it is estimated to the rate will approach 9% before year end. With these sobering statistics in mind, what is a person to do if they've lost their job in this tough economy. How do you stand above the crowd and get a job, ANY JOB, in this ugly economic environment?

If you've lost your job, and are beside yourself, thinking, 'I need a job fast,' what are the best strategies to find another job in a reasonable amount of time? Begin your job quest by writing a quality application. To get help you in composing a high quality application, read through examples of cover letters and applications written by others. You will easily learn what to do, and more importantly, what not to do. It is very important to master this step before sending your application and cover letter to prospective employers.

Before you get overly excited and try to cram up all your highest achievements into your cover letter, it is best to determine what you want the employer to know about you. Too much information will bore the reader, while too little, or irrelevant information is a quick way to get your packet trashed. You want to make your information stand out above the rest. It is best to keep your cover letter at one page. It is best to keep it short and to the point.

Remember that the employer will hire you for one reason only. That reason is to do a job for the company and fulfill the company's needs, not the other way around. With this being said, do not discuss why you need the job, how desperate you are, or how the job would help resolve your financial problems.

Be objective, formal, and sincere. Keep the concepts contained in your cover letter clear, concise, and to the point. Make sure your letter is grammatically correct and free of punctuation and spelling errors. If necessary, ask a friend to read it after running it through your spelling checker. Using these techniques, you will be saying, 'I got a job,' instead of 'I need a job fast.'

Top Psychology Career Options

2010-09-29T02:13:00.001-07:00

Psychology is sometimes perceived as a "young" field in the area of human behavioural studies but it has in fact been around for almost 125 years. It is a field that primarily concerns itself with both the biology and sociology of human behaviour. The field is also home to some of the top career opportunities available today. if you are looking to make a career in the field of psychology then here are few most popular career options that you can look at:
School Psychologist- Over the last few years, this career option in psychology has gained enormous popularity. Today many schools across the world are utilising the skills and training of school psychologists. Many school psychologists go into this area of psychology as they wish to work with "early interventions with young people".
Forensic Psychologists - These are psychologists that apply psychological principles to different legal issues. Their expertise is often vital in court. They often carry out research on jury behaviour or eyewitness testimony. These days, many forensic psychologists also train in both law and psychology. The demand for forensic psychologists is also very high.
Clinical Psychologists- These professionals generally perform their key role in mental health clinics, hospital settings or private practice. Their key role revolves around the assessing, diagnosing and treating clients suffering from psychological disorders. Today it is considered as one of the single largest employment areas within the field of psychology.
Sports Psychologists - This is another career option that has also gained in popularity and up-coming as a major career option. Their role revolves around helping athletes or sportspeople in refining their focus on competition and winning. They motivate competitors and utilise methods that assist in how to deal with the anxiety and fear of failure that can often come with sports. In the last few years, as sports become more competitive this psychological field has also become more and more popular.
Industrial-organisational Psychologists - This field primarily concentrates on workplace behaviour. Today many companies use industrial organisational psychologists to boost their employees' productivity.
Research Psychologists - As the name suggests they primarily carry out research at corporations, non-profit organisations or for the universities. They usually look at the patterns of humans' behaviour and try to study variations of effects of drugs, motivation, neurology, genetics and similar other factors.
These are some of the career options in the field of psychology that have gained wide popularity in recent years, so if you are looking for a career in psychology these are some of your options.

Career Planning - How to Choose A Career Path

2010-09-28T05:49:00.001-07:00

With the great number of career opportunities that abound, a lot of individuals are left perplexed in making the final decision on how to choose the right career for them. However, there is always a way that can be pointed out as a career planning advice to help you get away from the pressures of picking the career that is rightfully for you. The first thing that should come into your mind is the reality that sometime during your lifetime you may across with the day that you feel that the career you chose earlier is not suitable for you. This is something that you should not frustrate about because it is normal to make mistakes being human that you are. The most important thing is that you keep away from playing to be "Jack of all trades and master of none!" This article will try to provide you with some useful career planning tips to make the task of choosing the path to a career a less overwhelming journey.

The first step to take as part of your career planning guide is to identify your strengths, abilities and what interests you. To do this appropriately, you need to write down all your interests in a sheet of paper. Spend time going over it and arrange them according to your preference. With each of your interest, write down the skills that you have for each interest. This would provide you an idea on where you stand best. You see, being interested is not enough; you should also have the skills and abilities so as to be successful in that particular career.

If you are quite unsure on where to start seeking the guidance of a career counselor would help you come up with a better career planning strategy. These professionals are trained in this aspect and can help you discover where the right path you should start on. You need to understand that being talented in a particular area is not surefire guarantee that you are destined for it. It is also important that you have enough understanding on what are the essential career requirements for that particular choice of you. You might not be clearly aware of this but a career coach or counselor is armed with sufficient information about requirements of different careers.

Once you have clearly identified the career you want and should pursue, it would be worthy if you could take up an internship in that field prior to immediately plunging on it full time. In doing so, you will be given the chance to have sufficient exposure to the field and widen your network with people of the same career. This would give you a clearer and wider spectacle making you decide if this is something you really want to do or something that you could face doing. In the event that you feel you are not happy with it, you can simply beg off and quit instead of immediately rushing things and then find yourself trapped into it.

Career planning may be easy on some while it can really be cumbersome for other groups of individuals. However, failing on your first career choice does not mean the end of the world, you can always opt for a career change and learn from your mistakes until you get to the career that you love and know you would excel in.

How To Write A Resume For A Job That Will Get You Noticed

2010-09-27T02:09:00.000-07:00

Image via Wikipedia

You can learn how to write a resume for a job. Like any skill, this one just takes a desire and determination to develop. Writing your resume is an important part of the job search process. You want it to give the hiring staff a great impression of you when they read it. Your resume should tell them exactly why you are the best possible choice to fill their open position. There are several ways that you can create a resume and each has their own benefits and downfalls.

The first option is to write your resume from scratch. While this option does give you freedom to set it up as you wish and to include what you wish, there are a lot of pitfalls that you can fall into. For example, many people set up their resume from scratch just like they learned in school. This makes for a very common looking resume that is set up just like many of the other applicants for a job. This will definitely not get you the attention that you deserve from the hiring staff at the company you have applied to.

The next option is to use a resume template. These templates have been designed by people that have worked in the hiring field for many years. Their setup is great but again, it is something that many people may have taken advantage of as well. Also, the templates make it difficult to change or to revise so that it is more unique. You do not have the ability to mix it up or to use your own flare in the preparation of the resume when you use a template. Individuality is what will get you attention. Using a template can make your resume stand out from those that are written from scratch and it will definitely look nice.

The last and most preferred choice is to use a software application to write your resume. Software applications provide you with more freedom in the design of your resume and it makes the process very easy as well. Many people struggle with creating their own resume because they cannot figure out the best way to express their abilities and talents and they are not really comfortable with telling employers about how great they really are. Using a software application to get the job done will provide you with a step by step guide to creating the resume that will speak volumes to the employer that is reviewing it. This really is a great option when it comes to creating your resume for submission.

Anyone who applies for a job is looking for the same outcome, to get hired. If you put the right practices in place in creating your resume you are sure to find that you have been successful in standing out among the other applicants for the job.

You may decide to go with the option of creating your resume from scratch. Just be careful that your spelling and grammar are correct and remember that you are probably using a format that many others are using as well. You have to make the content shine because the format will most likely be too similar to get you noticed.

If you decide to go with the resume template you will have found a way to save time but you may have chosen to use a process that many other applicants are using as well and you may find that the formatting is a little too restricting.

The best choice, based on how easy they are to use in general, is to use a software application to create your resume. You are sure to find that you can do exactly what you have set out to do, impress the hiring staff and get the job that you are interested in.

How to Find SEO Jobs

2010-09-24T00:03:00.000-07:00

If you've spent any time on the Internet (and these days, who doesn't), you're no doubt familiar with Internet search engines such as Google, Yahoo and Bing. But who determines which sites come up first when you search for a particular subject? That ranking is based on search engine optimization (SEO) and you can be a part of this lucrative field if you know how to find SEO jobs.

A general Internet search is the first step in how to find SEO jobs. You will find literally thousands of listings for companies seeking SEO experts, from consultants to SEO strategists to actual content writers. So a basic rule would seem to be simply to apply to the many positions that seem to crop up everyday. You can try a wide approach to simply get your foot in the door, or if you have in-depth experience, you can opt for an upper level career in SEO.

A second approach in how to find SEO jobs is to partner with a web design firm. While many companies focus on the look and operation of their official website, they soon find that an SEO expert is the person who will make the site actually get noticed. By making a connection with a web design firm (preferably one that does not already have an SEO professional), you can ask them to include you in their discussions when they start to build a new website for a client.

Freelance SEO work may be more your style. If you don't like the idea of being tied down to one firm, considering selling your services out to whomever you wish at any time. The freedom to pick and choose your own "boss" is often a plus for an SEO professional who possesses the ability to write about a wide variety of subjects. And in a tough economy, when companies may be reluctant to hire full-time workers, a freelance SEO professional may have a better opportunity to earn a comfortable living.

The easiest way to find SEO jobs is on a specialized SEO jobs board; these sites usually let you bid on a job that is posted by a company or webmaster so if you take care when placing your bid you should soon find some good SEO contracts.

Looking for a Job Online

2010-09-20T21:16:00.000-07:00

Looking for Qualified Job Candidates? Check the Internet.(Brief Article): An article from: Canadian Manager

Why Search For A Job Online?

Here is a statistic to give you an idea of how big the online job industry is. Certainly it is very hard to quantify the overall number of resumes on the Internet. Monster.com has about 54 million resumes in its database and CareerBuilder.com has about 14 million. But how does this information benefit you? Here are a few key areas:

1. Jobsites have huge databases of up-to-date jobs, which allow keyword searches just like you would with a search engine for information.

2. Unlike traditional newspaper job searching, you can save your profile, resume, applied jobs, and set alerts for newly posted, categorized jobs to be emailed to you.

3. You can transmit your saved resume to any number of jobs instantaneously by turning on the auto-apply feature.

4. You are least likely to lose a new job opening (through alerts to your mailbox).

5. You get to use their resource center to refine career skills, choices and get tips on preparing for interviews. You can find highly specific job postings, such as careers in Six Sigma on online jobsites.

6. Above all, it provides functions to search by city, state and/or industry.

Which Ones To Use; There Are 1000's Of Jobsites!

Not one jobsite publishes all the jobs available. It is also not practical to upload your resume to all of them. Having said that, the top 5 job sites publish almost 80% of job vacancies. Here are the top 5 jobsites nationally:

Top 5 Jobsites

The rankings of these sites are not based on just one criterion. The number of vacancies posted is the most important one among them. The rest of the reasons include how user-friendly the site is for both job seekers and employers and whether they charge a fee for their services.

1. Monster.com. The most popular international database of job openings with highest number of resumes.

2. CareerBuilder.com now stands at number 2. It provides fantastic search functions and is very user-friendly.

3. America's Job Bank connects you to state job banks in addition to others. Search options include Military Occupation Code or Job Number search. Free.

4. Yahoo!HotJobs.com is a new entrant to the list and is promoted by Yahoo! You must see to believe the speed with which you can conduct searches and the options available from one of the pioneer of search technologies.

Why Do Employers Post Their Vacancies Online?

Almost for the same reasons that you go to search for a job online. The ease and speed of posting as well as the ability to sift through and short list candidates are the top reasons that employers post their job vacancies on online job boards. Above all, they know that in this age and time, all the best candidates are online too.

How to Get a Job in Computers

2010-09-19T06:27:00.003-07:00

Drawing board

First ask yourself what you love to do then ask yourself what you are good at. Be honest. If your passion and skills relate to technology, then you might enjoy a career in computers. The following objectives will help you stick to your plan.

1st objective: Decide what you want to do

The internet is a great resource to learn about different jobs in the computer industry and to read about successful professionals (e.g. the Wiki family offered a wealth of information for this article). You can visit a college or technical school to get more in depth information about specific careers, understand how to maximize your talents and skills, and discover what jobs will have a high demand in the future. After gathering and analyzing the information, it will be easier for you to find a career that matches your passion and skills.

2nd objective: Explore The Field

Many tools and applications can be downloaded from the internet for free. These will allow you to gain perspective on the specific computer field of your choice. Play with them for a while; see if they are fun, interesting and challenging. If they are then buy a book and dig a little deeper. If you decide the field is too technical or that you are not creative enough, go back to the drawing board.

3rd objective: Learn From Experienced Professionals

Build a network of family members and friends who work in computers. They can help you understand complicated concepts, lead you in the right direction or might even introduce you to someone who is more knowledgeable than them. Do not be afraid to ask questions, professionals respect people who base their arguments on facts rather than emotions.

4th objective: Certify Your Knowledge

Enroll in courses that offer training in the area of your choice. You will not only acquire practical skills but also be able to expand your career network. Classes will prepare you for the exams that certify your knowledge and skills for specific software. You can refer to these certifications as proof of your skills. Continue to build your network by meeting people that know more than you do and learning from them.

5th objective: Gain Practical Experience

By now you have acquired theory that needs to be put into practice. Use your spare time to work on small tasks that will benefit your friends or family members, or volunteer to help in community projects. This will help you to gain experience and promote your skills. Do not expect to be hired; try to open doors and windows for future opportunities.

6th objective: Get Educated

Getting a bachelor's degree increases your career options. Schools spend much of their resources researching the industry and figuring out what type knowledge students need to be successful professionals. You will be able to choose electives to reinforce your weaknesses or enhance your strengths. Most schools have career centers that offer advice to graduating seniors.

7th objective: Get an Interview

Promote your skills with a factual and organized resume and pass it on to your professional network. Hiring managers are usually swamped with resumes and prefer to ask coworkers for referrals. You can also search for 'jobs in computers' on different job boards and send unique cover letters and detailed resumes to the job openings that interest you.

8th objective: Get Hired

For the interview, or interview process, prepare for different questions and scenarios. Be honest and give factual and thoughtful responses. If the manager does not ask what you want to earn, do not make it your main concern; let the interview go its course. If you feel confident towards the end of the interview, you may ask the hiring manager what he considers an adequate salary range for the job in question.

Keep Growing

Once you get a job you must work hard to keep it. Experts agree that the best way is to keep growing. Do not limit yourself; keep building your professional network and learning from people who know more than you. Read books, get educated and remember: you can always go back to the drawing board.

Looking for a Job Online

2010-09-17T00:56:00.001-07:00

Looking for a job online? Well, youare not alone. In fact, you are among the new breed of millions of job seekers who are hunting for their next job online. If someone were to argue that online job sites are little more than hot air, you only need to compare the success rate of offline job hunting efforts with that of online job hunting.
Why Search For A Job Online?
Here is a statistic to give you an idea of how big the online job industry is. Certainly it is very hard to quantify the overall number of resumes on the Internet. Monster.com has about 54 million resumes in its database and CareerBuilder.com has about 14 million. But how does this information benefit you? Here are a few key areas:
1. Jobsites have huge databases of up-to-date jobs, which allow keyword searches just like you would with a search engine for information.
2. Unlike traditional newspaper job searching, you can save your profile, resume, applied jobs, and set alerts for newly posted, categorized jobs to be emailed to you.
3. You can transmit your saved resume to any number of jobs instantaneously by turning on the auto-apply feature.
4. You are least likely to lose a new job opening (through alerts to your mailbox).
5. You get to use their resource center to refine career skills, choices and get tips on preparing for interviews. You can find highly specific job postings, such as careers in Six Sigma on online jobsites.
6. Above all, it provides functions to search by city, state and/or industry.
Which Ones To Use; There Are 1000's Of Jobsites!
Not one jobsite publishes all the jobs available. It is also not practical to upload your resume to all of them. Having said that, the top 5 job sites publish almost 80% of job vacancies. Here are the top 5 jobsites nationally:
Top 5 Jobsites
The rankings of these sites are not based on just one criterion. The number of vacancies posted is the most important one among them. The rest of the reasons include how user-friendly the site is for both job seekers and employers and whether they charge a fee for their services.
1. Monster.com. The most popular international database of job openings with highest number of resumes.
2. CareerBuilder.com now stands at number 2. It provides fantastic search functions and is very user-friendly.
3. America's Job Bank connects you to state job banks in addition to others. Search options include Military Occupation Code or Job Number search. Free.
4. Yahoo!HotJobs.com is a new entrant to the list and is promoted by Yahoo! You must see to believe the speed with which you can conduct searches and the options available from one of the pioneer of search technologies.
Why Do Employers Post Their Vacancies Online?
Almost for the same reasons that you go to search for a job online. The ease and speed of posting as well as the ability to sift through and short list candidates are the top reasons that employers post their job vacancies on online job boards. Above all, they know that in this age and time, all the best candidates are online too.

Signs You Are Ready For a Career Makeover

2010-09-15T22:25:00.001-07:00

Image via Wikipedia

Most of us at one time or another feel we are ready for a move or change with our career. The signs show up in different ways for each of us, based on where we are, what else is going on in our lives and what we want for ourselves. Here are some signs that it may be that time for you:

You are bored - your spark/passion for your work has gone out or may never have been there in the first place. You may not exactly be unhappy but are not very excited either. Perhaps you go through the motions but find no real reward of fulfillment. Emotionally it may feel like a neutral state. You may find yourself watching the clock, waiting for the day to end and if feels like it takes forever.

You are restless - there is nowhere else to move or grow within your current role or organization. Maybe you have tried it all, added responsibilities, sought new projects or initiated a few. You believe you have tapped your potential as far as it can go in this place and are looking beyond your horizon for what's next. You may feel impatient, wanting your "what's next" to be here right now.

You are too comfortable - having done the same thing the same way for too long. You have created and nurtured this "safe" place of familiarity which for a while was very nice, a great fit in fact. But now it feels a bit stifling and stagnant. You may not be sure what could be next, and may even be a bit fearful to upset the secure environment you took such care in creating and protecting.

You have not grown - you have stayed in the same role, same responsibilities for too long. You wanted to move up but due to external or internal boundaries have not made the leap. Different than too comfortable, here you most likely have your sights set on where you want to be and may even have attempted a move, but feel you have run out of opportunities.

Your lifestyle has changed - and your current career no longer fits, or worse is at odds with it. Starting a family, going green, living a simpler lifestyle - whatever choices you have made in your life suddenly do not fit with your role, industry or responsibilities. It may feel like you suddenly need to try harder to feel like this career fits.

Your priorities have changed - what drove you to achieve this level of success no longer is top priority and you need a new "driver". Whether it was money, fame, prestige, or giving back that inspired your choices, perhaps those reasons no longer offer the same pull. You may not have even realized priorities have changed, but noticed something is different.

Your environment changed - through merger, acquisition or your organizations growth, the place you work for no longer aligns with your values and needs. This includes working with a new boss, focusing on new organizational priorities and initiatives. It may feel very like you are suddenly being asked to compromise what matters most to you.

How to Get a Job in Gibraltar

2010-09-11T06:12:00.000-07:00

Image via Wikipedia

Office workers in suits and ties smartly wander up Main Street, mingling incongruously with the shorts and t-shirts of day visitors to the Rock.

If you want to work in Gibraltar, business generally revolves around several key sectors: tourism, banking, online gaming, accountancy and all the various legal and IT services that these require. There are also various opportunities for more casual employment in bars and restaurants throughout town.

Around 20,000 people are permanently employed in Gibraltar, consisting of both locals, and foreigners living just across the border in Spain.Over 50% of Gibraltar's school leavers go on to further education in the UK, more often than not returning to the Rock once they have qualified. This conveniently means that local UK trained professionals are readily available to run local businesses, the most common being law, business and accountancy graduates..

Neighbouring Spain has earned a relatively poor reputation for the lack of good job opportunities, low wages and generally inferior employment conditions and contracts, so many people come to Gibraltar in search of a comparatively stable and professional environment. Here they can enjoy a Mediterranean lifestyle, crossing the border as often as they like, while benefitting from the reassuring 'Britishness' of Gibraltar's working and living environment.

Gibraltar mirrors the UK system in that you will not normally be dismissed without being given the legally required notice and pay off, in accordance with your contract. This rather obvious professional courtesy is often ignored in Spain, leading to many a story of poor treatment, particularly amongst expatriates.

If you are looking for work in Gibraltar, it's worth giving your details to the recruitment agencies that will send you updates on the latest vacancies to suit your particular skills.

List of Gibraltar recruitment agencies

Recruit Gibraltar

Corporate Resources

Recruitment Gibraltar

Quad Consultancy

Ambient Jobs

Wemploy Recruitment

When seeking employment, however, physically being in Gibraltar, buying the local paper, The Gibraltar Chronicle, speaking to people and keeping your nose to the ground will prove invaluable, as will directly sending your CV to the Human Resources departments of major firms. If you are not yet in Gibraltar, try browsing through its online magazines such as The Gibraltar Magazine, Insight Gibraltar and Gibraltar Finance for a good feel of the business market and lifestyle you are contemplating joining:

Work Permits, ID Cards and Residence Permits

EU members: As a European Union member, Gibraltar allows people from other member states and Switzerland to go there to live and work without work permits. You will need an ID card to live and work on the Rock and for this you'll need to go to the Civilian Registration Office, Secretaries Lane.

You will need:

Passport

2 x passport photographs (full face and with mouth closed)

GBP 5

If renting property: rental agreement for the next min. 6 months

If owning property: Deeds of the property

Employment and Training Board (ETB) Contract

TIP: You'll normally need to wait a long time to be attended. Go armed with a book or music, as well as plenty of time and patience.

Non-EU members: You'll need to prove to the Gibraltarian employment officials that there is no local willing or capable of undertaking your work. If you or your employer can satisfy them of this fact, you will be issued a work permit for up to 12 months. Your employer will need to apply for your work permit prior to the start date of employment.

Until 31 December 2011, as 'new' EU members, Bulgarians and Romanians will need to obtain the work permit prior to commencing employment in Gibraltar. If you are from either of these two countries, you will not need a work permit to get another job in Gibraltar, provided you have worked an initial minimum uninterrupted period of 12 months.

Residence Permits: are not required if you are Gibraltarian or a British citizen. People from other EU member states need the Residence Permit to live and work in Gibraltar and you'll be issued these provided you prove you are not a burden to the state. Non-EU members might find it more difficult to obtain the Residence Permit because they must first produce a work contract, something that can only be issued if the employer can prove no Gibraltarian or EU citizen is as able to do the job.

Find Out How to Get a Veterinarian Job

2010-08-18T06:43:00.001-07:00

Image via Wikipedia

To forge a career in animal medicine takes more than just a liking toward animals, it also requires an understanding of many sciences and how they relate to animals, as well as the ability to set aside feelings to address issues as they arise. For example, for those who weep at the sight of a wounded animal, this career path is most likely not the right course for you. Jobs in animal medicine also tend to be very hands on, so people who don't like to touch animals or get their hands dirty might consider one of the many other animal-related career options available.

Most veterinarians, alternative medicine veterinarians, zookeepers, veterinarian technicians, wildlife rehabilitators, animal behaviorists and pet therapists possess some sort of background education in and passion for science, as well as specialized schooling. In the case of veterinarians, they must attend one of the close to 30 schools in the United States that meet accreditation standards set by the Council on Education of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). These schools require a bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college as a prerequisite, as well as the passing of one of the standardized tests often required for specialized medical schools. After receiving a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M. or V.M.D.), they also must acquire a license to practice in the state they wish to work.

While veterinarian technicians may not have as much schooling to get through as veterinarians, they still play critical roles in animal care working under the guidance of licensed veterinarians to perform vital tasks. They also must attend special schools, in this case one that offers a veterinary technician program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). The path to becoming a technician also requires clinical, hands-on experience in the form of an externship, preceptorship or practicum. Most states also require veterinary technicians to take and pass the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners test, and they may also sometimes be required to pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination.

Alternative medicine veterinarians focus on holistic medicine, but their educational background starts off much the same as that of garden-variety veterinarians. Where they differ is in the study of herbs, acupuncture, homeopathy, and even veterinary chiropractic care. These sub-specialties are all studied extensively before being practiced, and most alternative medicine veterinarians are also members of the American Holistic Veterinary Medicine Association and certified through the Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy.

Research veterinarians can often be found in the classroom setting, sometimes even teaching those studying the field of veterinary medicine. Where research veterinarians differ is that they focus not only on animal but also on human health problems. Biomedical research is another career path for research veterinarians.

Wildlife rehabilitation is an option for those interested in animal medicine, as it blends biology and animal anatomy in a real world setting. Although most wildlife rehabilitators aren't veterinarians, they often work side by side with veterinarians to chart a course of treatment and help with animal trauma recovery. Most wildlife rehabilitators belong to the National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association and the International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council, and they are required to be licensed in the state in which they work, a license that is specific to the animals found in that state only.

Often looked at as the psychologists of the animal world, animal behaviorists focus on what animals think and feel, observing animal physiology and behavior to make assumptions about said animals and their specific behaviors in certain situations. Animal behaviorists need extensive education in animal studies, including biology and anatomy, as well as research experience. A bachelor's degree is the minimum requirement for an animal behaviorist, with a concentration in biology, microbiology or ecology. Some also belong to the Animal Behavior Society and are certified through them in applied animal behavior. (Sometimes, veterinarians choose to specialize in animal behavior, which requires a veterinarian degree, a two-year residency under the supervision of a veterinary behaviorist, and the passing of an exam to become an American College of Veterinary Behavior, board certified veterinary behaviorist.

Animal physical therapy is another career option, as it combines chiropractic care and physical therapy to help animals recovery from injury or illness, as well as managing chronic conditions. Animal physical therapists are typically certified in canine rehabilitation, or else study for and become licensed physical therapists specializing in the treatment of animals. This career requires a master's degree in physical therapy with an emphasis on animals. You must also pass a state licensing exam to practice physical therapy.

If you're looking for a career in animal medicine, there are plenty of options. Most require years of schooling, but all are definitely rewarding career paths.

Some Features of Home Based Business

2010-08-12T04:25:00.000-07:00

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

Earning extra money besides having a regular income is never a bad idea, and in these modern times, it is not uncommon to see people doing "side" activities besides holding a regular job.
The reasons for doing that are various; firstly, we live in a world of FEE based work, which is rapidly taking over the retro concept of SALARY based work. Secondly, given the temporary nature of most jobs these days, coupled with the fragile economic situation (the recent financial crisis for e.g.), it is never a bad idea to have an extra source of income, and lastly, given the rapid advance in IT and communication esp. in the last decade, one can easily find jobs over the internet and earn some cash.
Let's talk about the topic at hand, namely working from home. With the coming of internet (as previously mentioned) and esp. faster broadband connections, it is all the more attractive and lucrative to work for someone, sitting maybe, a whole continent away. Add to that, the online money transfer protocols (PayPal, Money Booker etc), it makes it even easier to get a job done and get paid instantly.
What are the kinds of jobs a freelancer can do from home? Well, MANY!
One can design WebPages for someone, write source code for developing software, help with tutoring of various subjects, provide assistance to individuals in areas like proof reading, translations, collecting data, doing online surveys, data entry, online advertising, project some group/company on social networking website etc.
Simply put, the areas where one can find work are boundless.
Another thing is that you don't have to be an "expert" or a "professional" to earn money sitting at home, (although being one can certainly increase the amount you earn). If you are, say, good at cooking, you can earn money by writing recipes for some online chef!
If you are good at accounting or finance, you can verify balance sheets for some small business, if you're an engineer, you can help a student with his assignments / research work, and the list goes on...
How much can one earn doing business at home depends on how much time one is willing to spend. You can easily make between $50 and even a grand monthly!
To wrap it all up, doing business from home is good and fun ways to make money, where one can spend his/her free time being creative and useful, and of course, there is always someone willing to pay for that!

What Does Work Mean to You

2010-08-12T04:24:00.000-07:00

Whilst having lunch in the financial district of London yesterday I overheard a conversation between two male office workers. They sat on the table next to me in their suits and ties discussing how tough their respective work environments were. There were tales of late nights and aggressive meetings. Running through the conversation was a strong misogynistic streak describing, in unflattering terms, the office "birds" It made me feel pretty depressed. For them I guess work means macho, traditional, aggressive and power. It's a world away from what work means to me.
Afterward I walked from the City district with its imposing offices, traditional Roman-esque facades and almost phallic skyscrapers, to Clerkenwell, where I had a meeting with a very different client. Here there are many creative businesses such as designers, digital agencies and architects. The offices are on a smaller scale and are modernistic and funky. Many are built in converted warehouses. The people walk around with open necked shirts, jeans and trainers. In the space of half a mile how people translate the word "work" changes quite dramatically.
What do you visualise when you think of that word "work". Are you wearing a suit or an Hawaiian shirt? Are you in a cubicle in an office or in a converted barn with a colourful desk and big sofas? Are you bored or are you lost in doing something you love? Are you laughing with colleagues or competing against them?
How I lived my work life is something I started thinking a lot about in my early 30's. At the time I was very unhappy with my job and I began to examine why that was. I think, like many people, I had taken my ideas of what work should be from my father. He had a very traditional suit-wearing office job. He left the home at 7.30am and arrived back around 7pm each night looking bedraggled and tired. It said to me that work was routine, traditional, tiring and something to be endured. And that was certainly what I had created for myself by the time I was 32.
I realised that things needed to change and a friend of mine recommended that I read a career-coaching book called "What Colour is Your Parachute." I am personally very cynical when someone tells me a book has "changed their life", but...for me...this one did. Through a series of self-analysis exercises the book helps you to become aware of what work you would like to do. It gets you to examine what are your favourite places to work, what are your interests and field of fascination, what sort of people do you like working with, what are your values and goals, what are your favourite working conditions, what sort of salary do you want to earn and what sort of skills you like to use.
Doing the exercises took me several weeks, but the results were enlightening. It helped to reveal many career blind spots - for example I had never considered how important the actual work environment was to my happiness. The exercises revealed that I preferred a quiet environment, working with people I liked and variety in my work location. At the time I was working in a noisy open plan office, with lots of pretty unpleasant people and I went to the same place each day. No wonder I hated it!
The process of reading the book has taken me from a place of deep unhappiness in my work life to a situation now, ten years on, where I love what I do.

I now run Orgtopia, work with many interesting clients, do stimulating work, in a whole variety of countries and when I'm not at clients sites or training rooms - I am in a nice quiet office overlooking a peaceful garden!

Whether you use a book like "What Colour is Your Parachute" or just take some quiet time to think, looking at how you interpret the word "work" in your life - as I have found - can be a very worthwhile process.

Advice For the Unemployed

2010-07-31T18:57:00.002-07:00

Get out of the House. Use the library or rent office space. If necessary arrange for research, secretarial and phone services.
Keep active. Utilize talent. Benefits. Exposure to potentially valuable people and a boost in self-esteem from earning at least a small wage..This is very important!
Concentrate job-hunting efforts. More than 80% of managerial positions are filled through recommendations. Direction: Cultivate friends and acquaintances, and let them know you are actively looking...Make a list of the people you know, where you know them from and where you are now..
Make a list of companies you are interested in. Get information about them..Become better known in your field..Go to business-related lunches and social activities. You may learn more at lunch with a beginner in research than by talking to a secretive senior executive..Bottom line, steer a sane path in the job market through self-evaluations.
Prepare for job interviews by practicing with your spouse or friend..Talk about your achievements without sounding too modest or too arrogant...If possible, find out about the person who will actually be conducting the interview. Reveal the knowledge little by little, in a flattering way, as the interview proceeds..
At the interview: Maintain eye contact. Avoid smoking and drinking, even when invited to do so. Never knock competitors. More important. Never arrange interviews for Friday afternoon or Monday morning.
Recommendations: Ignore most help wanted ads and all blind ads,, Eliminate: The personnel manager, who usually has no authority. Also: the resume, job application and screening interview. Why: None of these is a chance to top management.

Get to Work

2010-07-31T18:57:00.000-07:00

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

The son of Jim Crow survivors I was raised to believe an opportunity is all you get in life, and you're lucky to get that. But as long as I had that opportunity, was willing to work hard and had a plan, I would succeed. I believed it because it was true. The economy has had its ups and downs, since I joined the workforce in 1980 at the tender age of fourteen, but I have never felt as much anxiety over my ability to gain or maintain employment as I feel today.
By 2010 standards, I was spoiled. It seemed as though jobs grew on trees. During school breaks I worked in fast food, bused at chain restaurants, delivered pizza, sweated through humidity and ninety plus temperatures for a moving company, and worked on a street crew for the gas company. By the time I graduated from college I had some experience to pad a resume and references to prove I was worthy of employment.
Today's teens face a much different reality. According to National Public Radio, the unemployment rate for teens is at a record high, 75% nationally for teens actively searching for work. As the national unemployment rate continues to hover around nine percent, young people are competing with more experienced applicants for jobs I once considered only part time work to help me through school. "Basically, people's careers stall before they get actually start and the research shows that this has a long term, negative impact on their life time earnings," stated Aldernon Austin of The Economic Policy Institute.
President Obama's job stimulus program has and will create work in certain pockets, but it will not be enough to quench the thirst of millions of unemployed. Most financial prognosticators predict unemployment will continue to be a problem for two to three more years. No one has a crystal ball, but today more than ever it's better to be prepared. Eventually, companies will begin to hire again. The more skills you acquire in your time between employments, the better off you'll be. It could help, and it certainly wouldn't hurt.
What can young people do to improve their chances when even in good economic times they are likely the last to be hired? One solution, seek out publicly funded work project and job training programs. Congress is currently working on a proposal for an eight billion dollar youth job training program. Volunteer work, especially for teens that don't have the burden of paying bills, provides an opportunity to experience all aspects of business from marketing to sales, while gaining organization and people skills. Talk about perfect padding for a resume.
In today's work climate it is imperative for anyone, young or old, who is job searching to be diligent, even tenacious, about exploiting available resources. Get online and let your fingers do the walking. Seek out free job training programs. Downtime is the perfect time to improve your computer skills or take a class that will enhance your job skills. It tells the world that even in the worst of times; you maintained the determination to focus on your career. If I were a prospective employer, I would look for people who tried to improve themselves, those who continued to work hard, even though they weren't receiving a pay check.
Although we are competing against each other for jobs, we are all in this thing together. Consumer spending is the fuel that runs our financial system. Unemployment is the catalyst that can lead our economy into a tailspin. We work better with each other than against each other.
Mark Miller

Mark Miller earned a bachelors degree in psychology from Wake Forest University. He has been employed as an elementary school teacher, a children's case manager for a mental health services company, a primary counselor in a detention facility for teenage boys, and a family services counselor for child protective services. He currently works with at risk teens as a teacher in juvenile justice facilities.
Miller's experience working with children and young adults who have endured grave adversity inspires him to write novels that explore the struggles young people face.

Teen Jobs - Hard Work Pays

2010-07-31T18:54:00.001-07:00

If you are a teen or young adult starting out in an entry-level, keep in mind the saying "hard work pays." It may be years before you get the corner office and the cush career, but in the mean time you can show that you are willing to pay your dues by starting out in some of the standard, entry level jobs. The good news is that these new jobs are always in demand and because turnover can be high (because employees are moving up the ladder, you can land one of these positions without too much trouble.
Cashier: A store that sells products or services to the public needs cashiers. From fast food chains to fashion stores, a number of smiling, cheerful employees are always required to ring up the customer's purchase, place it in the bag and offer a receipt. Often, the cashier will be the "face" of the store, the only person with whom the customer has contact, so being friendly and helpful is a must.
Childcare Assistant: Many schools, churches and camps need trustworthy individuals that can help take care of young children. You may assist with games and activities or prepare and clean up the snack - the sure thing is, the day won't be boring. Landing one of these jobs may be easier if you contact a church, school or program you are affiliated with and where everyone already knows of your glowing reputation. And, a plus is that if you do a great job, parents may also ask you to babysit or be a nanny in their personal home.
Food Service: Restaurants and fast food chains require large numbers of team members to make their operation flow smoothly and are a big source of new jobs. Working as a hostess, busboy or even waiter can be a great entry-level job for teens and young adults. Often you earn a small base rate and then can make extra cash in tips - a great reason to smile and make the guest experience as wonderful as possible. A plus about food service positions is that they are not a 9-to-5 job which works well for a student's schedule.

Todd Denning
Resume Locker
Resusme Locker is your career home page. Create, improve, and store your resume online. Free recruiter blast to thousands of recruiters and free resume upload to over 10 leading job boards at Resume Locker http://www.resumelocker.com

How To Get A Job In The Fashion Industry Even During The Recession

2010-07-28T01:47:00.000-07:00

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Today a friend from who worked at a Designer Apparel company called me somewhat depressed. His company closed their showroom and he has been out of work for 4 months without any prospects for work. I felt his pain and asked him to join me for lunch so we could figure out his next step. Over lunch I asked him how he was feeling. Frustrated, concerned, worried, and wondering if he would find work were some of the emotions. He did everything you are taught to do when looking for a job. He had called everyone he knew, went on line to see what jobs were posted, sent resumes everywhere, but to no avail. Well, my first step was to change his attitude. Because feeling the way he was feeling was not going to help him one bit. Then I asked him where the opportunity was in this challenge? How could he turn it around so that his next position was perfect and soon? By the time we were done he had the beginnings of a great plan which if he follows through (which knowing him I believe he will) could give him his own business, that he would love, with the potential to earn oodles of money. I also told him to get the book "The Success Principles" by Jack Canfield to help him bring his plan to fruition. Which brings me to the basic concept which is: "Where is the opportunity in every challenge that you have?" Remember the right attitude is a big part of succeeding.

With the economy being what it is today every industry is fighting for survival and the fashion industry is no exception. Fashion is the only industry where styles go "out" of fashion and then they come back "in". In a sense it is a very volatile and fickle industry. And in to this whirlpool of movement and the ins and the outs of fashion came The Recession.

With this economic scenario what is a person to do? Jobs are essential as more often than not, based on the take-home people are paying off mortgages, credit debts and loans. All your regular tried and tested ways of getting another job when the job market is so tight are sometimes in vain. You would really then need to sit back and take a long hard look at your methods and come up with something where you get a job and one that you enjoy that meets your career expectations.

Finding a job during recession need not mean you have to compromise to an extent you feel you are short changing yourself. It just means you have to find a way to get a foot in the almost closed door and make it open for you. Employers are now looking to boost their revenue potential and one way you could present yourself as a potential candidate is to focus on companies that are still growing. If your resume highlights your successes rather than your oh-so long list of qualifications then you stand a better chance at getting the second call. "Over-qualified" is a curse during recession because the more your degrees and diplomas the more prospective employers feel you are looking for a large pay package. Don't forget, people are still buying clothes, shoes, handbags whatever just not as much. The fashion industry cannot come to a grinding halt we just have to continue wading their way through the recession period so cost cutting is paramount in our thinking.

You want that job and you want that the employers should notice your resume among the thousands they receive. Don't fall in to the old trap of sending out a standard resume to a large number of companies. Doing this means you have given all companies an open invite to your resume thereby negating its potential value and you are commoditizing yourself. Your resume needs to stand out.

Jamie Varon 23, had her heart set on working at Twitter. She already applied for a position on the companies website. She had asked a friend at Google to put a good word in for her. She even showed up at the company's web site with a bag of cookies in an effort to charm the recruiter into meeting with her. All to no avail. What she did next was sheer brilliance. She created a web site called twittershouldhireme.coom which included her resume and recommendations plus a blog which detailed her quest. Within 24 hours the company contacted her and she had a meeting set up at Twitter. She also received two job offers from other tech companies that had noticed her site. Talk about thinking outside the box. This is the kind of thinking you need to do in order to stand out from the crowd.

Your first move should be to make a list of what kind of job you really want. Design the job in your head. Than write down what it looks like down to the details of what you will be doing each day, how you will dress, and what you will be paid. Don't let fear take over. By taking time off to detail what you are looking for you are giving yourself a vision of what your next job is. Than start looking at companies that fit the bill. Once you have narrowed them down to the top 15 - 20 companies, next start your campaign to find a job in those companies. Again be creative, look for companies that are doing well and growing. There is always someone doing good business in every kind of economy.

Four years ago I found myself unemployed. The division I ran for 17 years was being closed and there wasn't another position being offered. This was a crushing blow as I thought of this company as my home. While I was incredibly upset on the day it happened the next day I found myself excited by the possibilities. Wow, I could reinvent myself. Four years later I have an even better position as President of a major celebrity brand with a very successful company making more money than at my previous company. Again having the right attitude is a major part of the process.

The next step is your resume. Seek help from professional resume writers. Remember if you reveal everything about you in the resume then you are giving the reader an open invite to make snap decisions. Matters are complicated enough what with your resume having to clear three levels in one go, the junior HR recruiter who is working on key words, the next level manager who is looking for experience and skills and finally the actual recruitment person who has to ensure you are the right foot for the shoe. A sluggish economy requires that your resume must fit every framework. Be exact and not vague in detailing your eligibility. They are looking for people who can think on their feet and offer viable solutions not general ideas.

Your aim is to let your prospective employer know you are flexible, your experience can only bring positive results to your new job, you are able to read situations, take required action and get positive results whenever the need arises. If you feel you can start at a lower salary for a short period on the condition that you will get an increment when the economy settles, be open to it. This indicates your willingness to adjust to the constraints the company is facing. It is always more important to take the best position than the most money as that is what will make your career more successful. In the fashion industry there are always people jumping from job to job with no staying power. Those peoples career always self destructs eventually. You need a home not just a paycheck. The money always comes as you grow in your career.

Now you have the interview. What are the next steps? You need to sell yourself in the interview the same way you would sell any product. Make a presentation on how you would benefit the company and fulfill their needs. Do your research. Know the company, know the job and it's requirements and than show how your experience and strengths would solve their challenges. Show examples of how you have done this in the past. Be open and friendly in an interview and do not bring up any negative points. Do not tell them how hard it is to find a job, do not trash your old company or boss. Be very positive. Prospective employers want to work with pleasant people. I always wonder about negative people and have never hired one. I look for people who really want the job but are not desperate for the job.

Employment Background Check Procedures

2010-07-23T23:23:00.000-07:00

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The importance of pre-employment background checks
Finding the right people to work for you has never been an easy task. Everyone is good at something but you have to determine if they are likely to be good at doing what you want them to do. Not only that, you must also make sure that they are going to fit in with your organization and current staff. This is why having good employment background check procedures is essential whenever you are hiring new workers.
It might come as a surprise that the relatively simple process of checking the background and references for a prospective employee is often done poorly or not at all. Checking someone's background can tell you a lot about someone and confirm that they are telling you the truth. Yes people do lie on application forms for all sorts of reasons and the problem is on the increase.
Get permission from the candidate
To avoid future legal problems you should make sure that your candidate has signed a comprehensive waiver allowing you to obtain any private information that you may require. It is best to use a statement prepared by a legal expert for this purpose but it is standard procedure so it should not be a problem.
Background checks and reference checks
It is very common to confuse employee reference checking with employment background checking but they are in fact, very different. Reference checking is the process of actually talking to people, ideally 3 people, who have had a business relationship with the candidate in the past 7 years.
Checking someone's background is more to do with checking that they are who they say they are, verifying all certificates and licenses and searching for any criminal records or arrest warrant and other information that they may have conveniently forgotten to tell you.
Here are some of the more important checks for your background procedure.
Court records
Check with state or county court records in all the places that they have lived or worked in the past few years. This might uncover criminal records or arrest warrants etc. You should also check in states and counties adjacent to where they lived or worked also.
Motor vehicle checks
If the job might involve driving of any kind then you must see the drivers license and verify that it is valid with the issuing authority.
Credit checks
Credit checks should be done where appropriate but unless the job involves handling or controlling money in some way then such checks will usually be of little value. How an employee handles their own money may have little or no influence on how they perform their job.
Licences
You should check that all relevant certificates and licenses are valid. It is amazing how often this crucial step is ignored even when it involves doctors and lawyers and other professionals whose credentials should not be taken for granted. All it takes is a quick call to the issuing authority.
Academic credentials
Sometimes I think that everyone except me lies about their academic achievements on their resume. They do it and get away with it because employers don't include it in their employment background check procedures and if they do then it usually gets ignored. You should at least check that the qualification claimed was in fact obtained by calling the issuing body ask asking for verification.
Fast background checks with public records
Before you start phoning around or commissioning an employee screening services you should first check them out online. Why? Not because it will give you all the answers but because it is quick and easy and could confirm at least some of the information that you have been given. It might also highlight areas where you need to challenge the candidate or seek further validation.

Start your employment background checks with comprehensive public records searches in criminal records, arrest warrants, court records and other vital information.

Stretch Your Unemployment Dollars

2010-07-23T23:21:00.000-07:00

So you have been on unemployment for quite some time now and it is going to run out. What do you do? Well, let's hope that the senate passes a bill extending your unemployment benefits! The vote is due in the senate any day and the White House is predicting that the vote will pass.

In the meantime, there are measures you can take to help stretch your dollars:

1. You could try the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (most of know it as Welfare). Each state has different requirements and qualifications for this program. You would need to check your state to see what is needed but the program can help not only with food but also with financial assistance and job searching. It is certainly worth checking it out.

2. Maybe you tried that program and still do not qualify? Try the food stamp program in your particular state. Again, each state has their own guidelines but it is always worth looking it up and seeing if you qualify.

3. Another place to consider is your local food bank. Most areas have a food bank - usually housed in a local church and supplied for by the local community. Yes, again there are restrictions to food banks but they probably are not as restrictive today as they were two years ago.

4. There are so many programs out there just waiting for people to take advantage of them. Many areas have federal programs for laid off workers. A good site to use to check some of these out is About.com. It is summertime, it is hot but you are afraid to run the AC because of the cost? Check out some of the home energy assistance programs.

5. Maybe you have lost your health insurance. So many programs abound for that, too. Most states have programs to at least help take care of uninsured children. Don't be too proud to check them out.

6. What about 2-1-1? This was a new one for me but, according to About.com, this service is being led by United Way and is there to assist people in all areas of community life including job searching. Find the local 211 in your area and check it out.

7. It is so hard job hunting during the summertime when the children are out of school. Check your local church. Some of them will offer childcare for free while you are interviewing for a job. And you can return the favor by taking a time slot and watch others' children so that they have the same opportunity.

There are so many programs and other assistance out there. All you have to do is swallow your pride and start searching. Sure, we hope the economy turns around soon but we still have to live while waiting for that to happen!

Understanding the Basics of an Employment Contract

2010-07-23T23:20:00.000-07:00

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If you are getting ready to hire somebody and think you might need an employment contract it is important to ensure that you do some research before you proceed. An employment contract offers both you and your employee a certain amount of protection and spells out important boundaries and rules associated with your agreement to employ a particular person. If you have never had to use an employment contract then a good place to start is with a sample employment contract.

A sample contract can serve two purposes, one is a contract that is already drawn up by your company and is offered as a sample to the prospective employee to review. This allows the employee to decide whether these terms are things that they can accept and whether they really want to work for this particular company. A sample is also a document that you can download off of the Internet if you are in charge of making up an employment contract and are unsure how to go about doing so.

When creating an employment contract there are a number of different things you will want to include in your contract, it should contain all of the important details about your company as well as where the employee will be working within the company and what their official job title will be. Salary should be discussed as well as any pay raise scales that are in effect for this position and any types of vacations or bonuses that are offered as a part of the benefits package.

You will want add in a work schedule as it applies to the job, any benefits that are offered with the position and when they are available, what the probation period is if there is one, and of course when the employee will start work. There are a number of other details you may wish to add to the contract that are specific to the job being offered. It is important to start out with a sample contract that you give to the employer simply because if there are to be any negotiations in the terms of their employment it needs to happen before the final contract is drawn up.

A sample employment contract is a useful tool that can help spell out the specifics of employment as well as offer an opportunity for employer and employee to decide on the smaller details of the contract. Used correctly there should be no doubt left for either party as to what is expected under the terms of employment.

Get a Job in Medical Device Sales

2010-07-19T22:06:00.001-07:00

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Medical device sales is a hot sales category. Because it's hot, you're going to have some competition to beat to land the job. But never fear-the medical sales recruiter has a strategy for you!

1. Know what's going on in the market with medical device companies.

First, you have to understand the job-the sales process involved in these types of sales, how hospitals buy medical technology, how to deal with doctors, and how health care reform is going to change the game.

Next, know what companies you're looking at: I have a list of the Top 100 Medical Companies that you can sign up to receive for free, with a section devoted to medical device companies. Also, consider looking at the financial world's picks for best health care stocks to give you another perspective.

Finally, look online for general information about what's going on in medical devices today. There's a lot of churn in the job market for medical device sales professionals in 2010, but still great jobs to be had. Check out the job boards of medical sales recruiters to see what's available.

2. Know what you're going to need to bring to the table.

A medical device sales rep is positioned as the expert on new products and technologies for surgeons, specialists, and executive-level clients in hospital administration, and is often required to be present during procedures in operating rooms. So not only do you need a scientific background with a strong understanding of mechanical concepts and technology, you'll need high-level selling skills, high energy, and probably a strong stomach!

If you see that you're lacking in some area, then fix it-take some classes, do some reading, or try a field preceptorship (a.k.a. job shadowing or a ride-along) to enhance your knowledge of the job. Taking the initiative on these items communicates that you are willing to do what it takes to be successful. (If your problem is the stomach thing, you're on your own.)

3. Know what it takes to be a stand-out candidate.

* Research what interview questions to expect and how to create and show your brag book and 30/60/90-day sales plan. Using these kinds of tools in the interview will make a difference in how you're perceived as a candidate. And, because you have to research the industry and the company to prepare for them, you're better prepared to have an interview conversation.

* Research transition strategies for landing a job in medical sales. If you've got the scientific background, it's possible to add some sales training in the form of books or classes. If you've got the sales experience but not the technical background, it can be a little harder--just because there's such a broad scientific and technical knowledge base required to be a great rep.

* Find a career coach to hone your skills as a candidate and interviewee. An objective, experienced career coach can save you a lot of time and frustration in your job search. Take advantage of it.

There are hundreds of articles you can find online about how to land a job in medical sales, and I encourage you to read them. The more research you can do into career field you'd like to transition into, the better. It might not make sense to some people to do that much work before you even get the job, but actually, that's what's going to make it more likely that you get the job you want.

Interviewing Success Strategies

2010-07-19T06:03:00.000-07:00

Employers can tell which job candidates have done company research and which ones have not. Candidates who can offer information about the organization's mission statement, growth expectations and/or major competitors are the ones who will be most likely to find themselves receiving job offers.

Find out as much as you can about the company. At the very least, check out their web presence. The more you know about the company, the better prepared you will be and the more likely you will be to succeed during the interview. You are certain to be more confident and prospective employers will take notice.

Here are two good reasons to perform company research: One reason to find out more about the prospective employer is to determine if you want to work there. Not all positions are created equal. Another reason is to be able to respond appropriately in the interviewer when you are questioned.

Here are some things you should know. Consider each of the following questions carefully. If you are asked these questions in an interview, how well will you be able to respond?

These questions are about the company itself:

• What do you know about our organization?

• How well do you think our company is positioned for the future?

• Why do you want to work here?

• If we don’t accept you for this position, is there another department you like?

• Do you think you will fit in well with our corporate environment?

• What do you know about our products/services?

• How will you contribute to our corporate goals?

There are many places to do research to find out the answers to these and other important questions. One of the easiest, of course, is the internet. Many companies have their own websites, so you can find out a great deal of information there.

Another way to find out about a particular organization is to review news articles and PR websites for recent activity regarding the organization. Anything of major concern will be noted in the news/media.

Another place that is often overlooked, but most likely has more information than any other source, is your local library. When you visit just ask the librarian to point you in the right direction. It may take a little more legwork, but the information is usually more abundant and better organized than any web search.

Some companies will be easier to research than others. Public companies are easier to find information about then private companies. Privately held firms are under no legal obligation to make their financial statements public. Any organization that has publicly traded stock must disclose certain pieces of financial information per the Securities and Exchange Commission, so you will find information readily available on them.

Research is important if you want to be prepared for the job search process. Find out what you need to know in order to make informed decisions. If you want to get the job offer, you have to make sure you know what the company is all about.

Interview Questions

2010-07-19T06:00:00.000-07:00

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Whether you are preparing to interview, preparing to be interviewed, or just interested in conducting a quick self-analysis, the following topics tips will help you develop a perspective.

PREPARATION

If you are preparing to conduct an interview, begin with a clear definition of the roles and responsibilities for the position. Create a list of requirements, objectives and priorities associated with the position and use this as a guide to create specific questions for the TOPICS below.

If you are preparing to be interviewed, research the job description and the company profile thoroughly. This information can frequently be found on the company web site. Develop a list of potential responses and also create your own questions to ask about the position role and responsibilities as associated with the TOPICS listed below.

Even if you are not prepared to conduct an interview, or to be interviewed, you can review your current career roles and responsibilities to reflect on the following TOPICS.

TOPICS

What have you learned from your previous success?
Can you identify significant achievements that highlight your talents, skills and capabilities?
How can this knowledge and experience be leveraged to develop future success?

What have you learned from your mistakes?
Can you identify decisions or circumstances that you might change if given another opportunity?
How can this knowledge be applied to mitigate future risks?

What have you learned from your experiences and industry knowledge?
Can you identify personal experience and perspectives that make you unique?
How can unique experience or industry position be used as a strategic advantage?

What have you learned from other people?
Can you identify skills or knowledge that you have acquired from other experts, peers or mentors?
How willing and able are you to learn from the expertise of others?

What have you taught other people?
Can you identify specific skills, motivation or direction that you have shared for a positive influence to others?
How do you contribute to the community and improve your environment? How willing are you to share your knowledge?

What behavior did you learn as a child?
Can you identify specific characteristics that would best describe your behavior?
How would you describe your work ethic?

REFLECTIONS

Every individual is a unique blend of talent, skills and experiences. Character traits can be acquired or learned over the course of our childhood, education and careers. These character traits can contribute to success, reduce risk and be used to enhance the environment around us.

In some cases conflicts may arise as a result of different character traits. For example, one person may have experience shaped by previous achievements or errors that have not been experienced by another, creating significantly different perspectives. In some cases the disparity may be related to work habits or personality traits that were learned as child and not easily changed or influenced in the work environment. These conflicts can be mitigated with a better understanding of the experience that shapes another's perspective. During the interview process it is the obligation of the interviewer and the individual being interviewed to determine how well the personal experience, knowledge and character match between the person and the position. This increases the potential for future success.

If you reviewed the questions as a personal assessment, it can be a meaningful review to reflect on your contributions, motivation and impact on your environment. As a unique blend of talent, skills and experience, you have the opportunity to share something of yourself with those around you. In return, you have an amazing opportunity to continually develop your personal knowledge by learning from the unique experiences of those around you. What you do with these opportunities will shape your character and your potential for the future.