The Job Seekers Secret Weapon MENTALITY

The Job Seekers Secret Weapon MENTALITY Ive seen this US News article floating around LinkedIn Groups: Job Seekers Secret Weapon: Mobile Devices, Not the Web Ive become disillusioned  multiple times over the concept of a secret weapon, silver bullet, etc.  While reading some comments about this article, which mostly say um yeah, that is not a secret weapon, its just a tool, Im also replying to an email in my inbox by a guy who had the interview of his dreams, for the job that would be IT!!!, and he didnt make it past the interview.  He was, in my own words, devastated. I say my own words because Im reminded of the interview of MY dreams.  This was the one I really wanted, in my job search.  It was at a company that was funded, and doing cool stuff.  I would work with other people who had more depth than me in project management, and learn a lot from them.  The hiring manager was a lying narcissist, which I found out later, but he had worked at Microsoft and was apparently an awesome person to have association with, professionally.  Everything about this job was right (except the pay was a little lower than I wanted, but I could live with that).  What I didnt know was that the company would fail in a few months, but the founders would move on to found the hottest company to come out of Utah in a long time and wealth would follow for many people. Ill never forget the devastation the morning I checked my email, expecting a wed like to meet with you again, or you are the one here is what we are offering. I wholly expected the get a job offer.  In my dreams, literally, I started doing the job already. I was already planning projects and working on things. but the email I got was very short, something along the lines of: Weve decided to go with someone else. I thought no, I KNEW the job was mine.  And then that single email took it all away.  It was the lowest, darkest part of my job search.  I couldnt talk, I couldnt function. I couldnt stand to look at my stupid tracking spreadsheet one more time, or make a call, or send another email, or even look at the rest of my inbox.  I couldnt move forward.  I put on my walking shoes and got on my treadmill and was numb.  I tried everything, did everything, and was sure it was mine, and it wasnt with no explanation, and no reason. Devastation. Of course, I eventually pulled out of that dark place.  And now, eight years wiser, I can see that if there is any single silver bullet, or secret weapon, it is the mentallity that you have.  Perhaps youll call this attitude.  You know, the Never, never, never, never give up type of attitude. Its hard for a depressed person who seems to be taking three steps back for every step forward to think about the never giving up.  Its hard to think about just keeping your chin up while you wonder if youll ever land a professional job again. Its hard to not focus on how many days or weeks you have left before your pitiful savings dries up, and then you lose what your home?  Cars?  Stuff?  Family?  Its hard to think about your accomplishments when you are mentally struggling to survive, like a diver whos lungs are about to burst, but they are too far away from the surface of the water, and all they want is oxygen.  The only thing that matters to the diver is breathing. I felt like that all I wanted was respite from worrying about whether Id ever get a real paycheck again. Where I was mentally, or my mentality, was so harmed and dark that it effected my ability to do a real job search.  My networking sucked because I didnt draw people to me.  And they didnt think I was mentally healthy enough to get an introduction or referral. I could list all the things that this effected, but if you have read this far then you know.  Personal relationships, your work ethic, your ability to move to the next task it was all hampered. If there is a secret weapon, it is to somehow adjust your mentality, or attitude.  The secret weapon is not in technology. I dont know how YOU will shift or change your mentality.  I know how it happened for me: one day I found a little bit of HOPE.  I had lost all hope, and when I got the idea for JibberJobber, I got hope.  And it came abundantly. HOPE is the reason I wrote 51 Alternatives to a Real Job.  I dont expect you to do any of the 51, but I want to give you HOPE so that you might say Im ready to step out on a limb and do something empower myself, and not have one job be 100% of my income.  When you have control over a tiny bit of your overall income, even just 1% of your income, you can have HOPE.   When you give control of 100% of your income to your employer, you cant have hope in anything more than they will treat you right. I learned, the hard way, that hope is misplaced. Some of you will find hope in a coach or counselor.  There is NOTHING wrong with this.  Find that person who knows the paths better than you do.  Find a specialist.  It might be a friend who will coach you for free.  It might be a professional coach that charges you money.  Either way is OKAY. I think this is the best, and most important, secret weapon and silver bullet.  The change in mentality. Thoughts? The Job Seekers Secret Weapon MENTALITY Ive seen this US News article floating around LinkedIn Groups: Job Seekers Secret Weapon: Mobile Devices, Not the Web Ive become disillusioned  multiple times over the concept of a secret weapon, silver bullet, etc.  While reading some comments about this article, which mostly say um yeah, that is not a secret weapon, its just a tool, Im also replying to an email in my inbox by a guy who had the interview of his dreams, for the job that would be IT!!!, and he didnt make it past the interview.  He was, in my own words, devastated. I say my own words because Im reminded of the interview of MY dreams.  This was the one I really wanted, in my job search.  It was at a company that was funded, and doing cool stuff.  I would work with other people who had more depth than me in project management, and learn a lot from them.  The hiring manager was a lying narcissist, which I found out later, but he had worked at Microsoft and was apparently an awesome person to have association with, professionally.  Everything about this job was right (except the pay was a little lower than I wanted, but I could live with that).  What I didnt know was that the company would fail in a few months, but the founders would move on to found the hottest company to come out of Utah in a long time and wealth would follow for many people. Ill never forget the devastation the morning I checked my email, expecting a wed like to meet with you again, or you are the one here is what we are offering. I wholly expected the get a job offer.  In my dreams, literally, I started doing the job already. I was already planning projects and working on things. but the email I got was very short, something along the lines of: Weve decided to go with someone else. I thought no, I KNEW the job was mine.  And then that single email took it all away.  It was the lowest, darkest part of my job search.  I couldnt talk, I couldnt function. I couldnt stand to look at my stupid tracking spreadsheet one more time, or make a call, or send another email, or even look at the rest of my inbox.  I couldnt move forward.  I put on my walking shoes and got on my treadmill and was numb.  I tried everything, did everything, and was sure it was mine, and it wasnt with no explanation, and no reason. Devastation. Of course, I eventually pulled out of that dark place.  And now, eight years wiser, I can see that if there is any single silver bullet, or secret weapon, it is the mentallity that you have.  Perhaps youll call this attitude.  You know, the Never, never, never, never give up type of attitude. Its hard for a depressed person who seems to be taking three steps back for every step forward to think about the never giving up.  Its hard to think about just keeping your chin up while you wonder if youll ever land a professional job again. Its hard to not focus on how many days or weeks you have left before your pitiful savings dries up, and then you lose what your home?  Cars?  Stuff?  Family?  Its hard to think about your accomplishments when you are mentally struggling to survive, like a diver whos lungs are about to burst, but they are too far away from the surface of the water, and all they want is oxygen.  The only thing that matters to the diver is breathing. I felt like that all I wanted was respite from worrying about whether Id ever get a real paycheck again. Where I was mentally, or my mentality, was so harmed and dark that it effected my ability to do a real job search.  My networking sucked because I didnt draw people to me.  And they didnt think I was mentally healthy enough to get an introduction or referral. I could list all the things that this effected, but if you have read this far then you know.  Personal relationships, your work ethic, your ability to move to the next task it was all hampered. If there is a secret weapon, it is to somehow adjust your mentality, or attitude.  The secret weapon is not in technology. I dont know how YOU will shift or change your mentality.  I know how it happened for me: one day I found a little bit of HOPE.  I had lost all hope, and when I got the idea for JibberJobber, I got hope.  And it came abundantly. HOPE is the reason I wrote 51 Alternatives to a Real Job.  I dont expect you to do any of the 51, but I want to give you HOPE so that you might say Im ready to step out on a limb and do something empower myself, and not have one job be 100% of my income.  When you have control over a tiny bit of your overall income, even just 1% of your income, you can have HOPE.   When you give control of 100% of your income to your employer, you cant have hope in anything more than they will treat you right. I learned, the hard way, that hope is misplaced. Some of you will find hope in a coach or counselor.  There is NOTHING wrong with this.  Find that person who knows the paths better than you do.  Find a specialist.  It might be a friend who will coach you for free.  It might be a professional coach that charges you money.  Either way is OKAY. I think this is the best, and most important, secret weapon and silver bullet.  The change in mentality. Thoughts? The Job Seekers Secret Weapon MENTALITY Ive seen this US News article floating around LinkedIn Groups: Job Seekers Secret Weapon: Mobile Devices, Not the Web Ive become disillusioned  multiple times over the concept of a secret weapon, silver bullet, etc.  While reading some comments about this article, which mostly say um yeah, that is not a secret weapon, its just a tool, Im also replying to an email in my inbox by a guy who had the interview of his dreams, for the job that would be IT!!!, and he didnt make it past the interview.  He was, in my own words, devastated. I say my own words because Im reminded of the interview of MY dreams.  This was the one I really wanted, in my job search.  It was at a company that was funded, and doing cool stuff.  I would work with other people who had more depth than me in project management, and learn a lot from them.  The hiring manager was a lying narcissist, which I found out later, but he had worked at Microsoft and was apparently an awesome person to have association with, professionally.  Everything about this job was right (except the pay was a little lower than I wanted, but I could live with that).  What I didnt know was that the company would fail in a few months, but the founders would move on to found the hottest company to come out of Utah in a long time and wealth would follow for many people. Ill never forget the devastation the morning I checked my email, expecting a wed like to meet with you again, or you are the one here is what we are offering. I wholly expected the get a job offer.  In my dreams, literally, I started doing the job already. I was already planning projects and working on things. but the email I got was very short, something along the lines of: Weve decided to go with someone else. I thought no, I KNEW the job was mine.  And then that single email took it all away.  It was the lowest, darkest part of my job search.  I couldnt talk, I couldnt function. I couldnt stand to look at my stupid tracking spreadsheet one more time, or make a call, or send another email, or even look at the rest of my inbox.  I couldnt move forward.  I put on my walking shoes and got on my treadmill and was numb.  I tried everything, did everything, and was sure it was mine, and it wasnt with no explanation, and no reason. Devastation. Of course, I eventually pulled out of that dark place.  And now, eight years wiser, I can see that if there is any single silver bullet, or secret weapon, it is the mentallity that you have.  Perhaps youll call this attitude.  You know, the Never, never, never, never give up type of attitude. Its hard for a depressed person who seems to be taking three steps back for every step forward to think about the never giving up.  Its hard to think about just keeping your chin up while you wonder if youll ever land a professional job again. Its hard to not focus on how many days or weeks you have left before your pitiful savings dries up, and then you lose what your home?  Cars?  Stuff?  Family?  Its hard to think about your accomplishments when you are mentally struggling to survive, like a diver whos lungs are about to burst, but they are too far away from the surface of the water, and all they want is oxygen.  The only thing that matters to the diver is breathing. I felt like that all I wanted was respite from worrying about whether Id ever get a real paycheck again. Where I was mentally, or my mentality, was so harmed and dark that it effected my ability to do a real job search.  My networking sucked because I didnt draw people to me.  And they didnt think I was mentally healthy enough to get an introduction or referral. I could list all the things that this effected, but if you have read this far then you know.  Personal relationships, your work ethic, your ability to move to the next task it was all hampered. If there is a secret weapon, it is to somehow adjust your mentality, or attitude.  The secret weapon is not in technology. I dont know how YOU will shift or change your mentality.  I know how it happened for me: one day I found a little bit of HOPE.  I had lost all hope, and when I got the idea for JibberJobber, I got hope.  And it came abundantly. HOPE is the reason I wrote 51 Alternatives to a Real Job.  I dont expect you to do any of the 51, but I want to give you HOPE so that you might say Im ready to step out on a limb and do something empower myself, and not have one job be 100% of my income.  When you have control over a tiny bit of your overall income, even just 1% of your income, you can have HOPE.   When you give control of 100% of your income to your employer, you cant have hope in anything more than they will treat you right. I learned, the hard way, that hope is misplaced. Some of you will find hope in a coach or counselor.  There is NOTHING wrong with this.  Find that person who knows the paths better than you do.  Find a specialist.  It might be a friend who will coach you for free.  It might be a professional coach that charges you money.  Either way is OKAY. I think this is the best, and most important, secret weapon and silver bullet.  The change in mentality. Thoughts?

How to Write a Resume For an IT Professional

How to Write a Resume For an IT ProfessionalWriting a resume for an IT professional is more complex than for the general population. For one thing, their skills and experience are all in one place. There are many areas of expertise that an IT professional can specialize in and some of them include network administration, security management, desktop computing, programming, networking, development, server management, and software engineering. If you are trying to figure out how to write a resume for an IT professional, here are some tips that will help you along the way.It will help to realize that when a company hires a new hire, they don't expect you to know everything about the company. That means your resume needs to be tailored specifically to your experience. Even though it may seem like the resume can be general, it isn't. The company needs to know what you can do and not expect you to know everything. Your abilities should be such that they can easily see what you can do.Most companies are only interested in a couple of types of people. While there are those who excel at different skill sets, those that are hired are going to be people who have an aptitude for specific types of work. You should understand this as a starting point when you are trying to write a resume for an IT professional. Your capabilities should match the company's needs, so that your resume is very targeted.Another thing to keep in mind is the job responsibilities that you are most familiar with. Whether you are most familiar with SQL servers or building servers, you should highlight that knowledge when writing a resume for an IT professional. Using all of these points can really help you see what you can do and help you make the best impression possible. By knowing what you are capable of doing, the recruiters can get a good idea of what kind of person you are, without having to hire you based on everything you know.Speaking of experience, you should be able to offer a bit of experi ence that can help the company see how well you can perform in their company. What experience do you have relating to what they are looking for? Even if you are very familiar with an area, it doesn't hurt to have something that shows off some additional knowledge.One of the ways to make sure that you have more experience than everyone else in the resume is to go back and review your past jobs. You can even look at old resumes to see what you were doing when you first started a career in IT. If there are any skills you might not have previously known about, be sure to put them in.It might seem obvious, but writing a resume for an IT professional should reflect your personality. When you are able to craft a resume that includes your strengths, your interests, and even your hobbies, you will be able to see more potential. Remember that people who have already been looking at your resume will be able to tell a lot about who you are, which makes it essential that you emphasize your posit ive attributes.When you are trying to write a resume for an IT professional, you can get help from anyone who has worked in the field. Be sure to ask those who worked at large companies before and those who have worked at smaller ones. They should have a great deal of knowledge to offer you and can help you write a resume that is geared towards the right type of candidate. Remember, everyone's goals are different and the benefits of this differ greatly.

Guest post The trend is choosing a temp job over a full-time job

Guest post The trend is choosing a temp job over a full-time job This is a guest post from Ali Brown. Two months ago, I wasnt satisfied with my job. I was a communications/administrative assistant. Id been with the company almost two years, and it was clear there were no opportunities for advancement. So, just weeks after turning 26 years old, I went to a temp staffing agency and I took a temp job.. Im not a risk taker, and I was hesitant because accepting the new job meant giving up paid sick time, vacation time, and health insurance, which my employer paid for, and I have no guarantee that Ill be employed in January. But the enjoyment I have after a 10-hour day confirms that I made the right choice. And Im not alone. Nearly 28,000 people became temporary workers in September, and I dont think its all due to people not being able to find full-time work. I think its because in many cases, a temp job is better than a full-time job. I know no one dreams of being a temp worker, but it might be the best alternative in todays economy. Heres why you should do what I did: 1. Focus on building your resume. Presently, I work with HTML and XML for a well-known Internet retailer, instead of answering phones and ordering office supplies. My temp job is better for my resume because Im building skills. The full-time jobwas a dead end. The skills Im acquiring make me more qualified for full-time jobs I want, at this company or other companies in Seattle. 2. Think of your network in a job, not your longevity in a job. A temp job where you do interesting stuff with interesting people is better for your network than bad full-time job. Right now, I enjoy my work much more than what I was doing before, so I have a better disposition for meeting people in my professional life. Studies rarely cite long-term viability as a key component of job satisfaction, but liking who you work with always makes the list. My coworkers are intelligent, highly motivated people who take initiative and theyre young. Everyone in my department is under 35, including my boss. The company culture is driven and innovative. Ideas are encouraged. The department has expanded greatly within the past year, so a lot of people are new. They are learning what works together, and working very, very hard to accomplish common goals. 3. Get your own health insurance. When I was a kid, health insurance through my moms job was too expensive, so I didnt have insurance until I was 22, when I started my first job after college. My previous employer paid for my health insurance, which I think is rare. I knew I wanted health insurance, even if it was less coverage than I had before. I did the math, and purchasing my own health insurance was several hundred dollars cheaper than a monthly COBRA payment. Now I pay for a plan with a higher deductible and fewer benefits, through the same health insurance company. I dont have dental or vision coverage, so Im relying on the glory of being 26 and generally healthy. 4. Shore up finances. I can defer student loans while Im unemployed, and save almost $300 a month by doing so. And I can file for unemployment. After this, I will be able to cover rent and groceries, but nothing else. So I think Ill be able to scrape by for a few months, or Ill take a retail job with a significant pay cut, while I look for suitable full-time work. 5. Look for stability somewhere else. The stability of my personal life counters my unstable work life. Having a long-term boyfriend who is supportive helps keep me calm and look at the big picture. My friends, also in their 20s, are trying to find what work they enjoy, and what they want from their careers. We commiserate about working jobs we dont like to pay the bills, and celebrate promotions or new jobs. Having a sense of community makes a big difference. A supportive social circle counters the weight of looming unemployment. This is a guest post from Ali Brown.

Cuba What You Need to Know Before You Go

Cuba What You Need to Know Before You Go The island country of Cuba is located only 90 miles off the coast of the United States, but it’s borders have been all but closed to the majority of Americans due to the tensions between the governments.  For most Americans, visiting Cuba has never been a possibility.   President Obama became the first president since Calvin Coolidge to step foot on Cuban soil. With the tensions slowly ebbing  as new policies are accepted,  more Americans are considering visiting Cuba. But there are some things that need to be taken into consideration before packing your bags and heading out if youre a United States citizen. 1: What qualifies for a trip to Cuba? While American’s are able to visit, Cuba has still not been opened up for tourism. There are 12 specific categories that you still need to qualify into before getting the chance to visit. If you’re there for an athletic event, performing in a concert, or perhaps working on a humanitarian project or doing professional research, along with a few others, there is nothing to worry about.  As of this writing, according to the U.S. Embassy in Cuba, These 12 categories include: family visits; official business of the U.S. government, foreign governments, and certain intergovernmental organizations; journalistic activity; professional research and professional meetings; educational activities; religious activities; public performances, clinics, workshops, athletic and other competitions, and exhibitions; support for the Cuban people; humanitarian projects; activities of private foundations or research or educational institutes; exportation, importation, or transmission of information or information materials; and certain authorized export transactions. The application to visit Cuba allows you to self-declare which category you fit into, and according to American officials, there is little policing. But keep in mind that if you dont meet the requirements, youre technically in violation of U.S. law. 2: What can’t I do in Cuba? Don’t be expecting to visit Cuba  for a purely pleasure trip. Tourism is still off limits, so  you’re there for business, scientific, or educational purposes.   You do need to show that your trip helped  benefit the Cuban people.  That being said, there aren’t any strict regulations about taking some free time to enjoy a mojito on the beach. If you visit attractions of cultural significance, converse and interact with locals, and keep a journal of your activities, youre probably going to meet the requirements.  An excellent interactive map of attractions and activities can be found on  autenticacuba.com.   3: How can I get there? Travelling to Cuba until recently meant jumping through  numerous  hoops. When flying, travelers would have to fly through a third country because of the restrictions placed on the United States. With the new policies and regulations there are multiple flights a day hitting the Cuban airports out of Miami.  Even more destinations like New York, and Orlando are hoping to join the ranks. Luckily, if you aren’t too keen on long flights over the open waters, you have nothing to worry about since the flight from Miami to Havana is only 45 minutes before you’re safely back on dry ground. And, the first cruise ship visit is set for early May. 4: Where can I stay in Cuba? Since the small country has been run by a single family for many decades, a lot of hotels  aren’t up to the standards that American travelers might be used to.  Marriott, Starwood, and AirBnB have all announced plans and progress towards official presence in Cuba, but for now dont expect either the quality or selection of better lodging  to which you may be accustomed. Because of the state of the infrastructure, you can expect to be disconnecting from the real world for much of your stay. Expect to be off the grid while in Cuba. Internet connection is slim to none, while phone service is even more rare. Roaming doesn’t cover the island, so public phones are necessary for emergency phone calls. While there are a few internet hotspots around, don’t expect it to be that fast Wi-Fi that you have at home.  In short, keep your expectations low and allow yourself to be pleasantly surprised if something better happens. 5: How can I make sure I help the people? Because of the communist government, it is natural to wonder if the revenue that you feed into Cuba will actually reach the hands of the people. There are a few ways to help the people out. When you’re looking for a place to stay, look up a casa particular.  Those are private homes that are willing to take in visitors.  Unlike most of the hotels, they are not government run, meaning that a larger percentage of the price goes into their pockets, not the governments.  These can be found online, similar to AirBnB.  Be sure to check ratings and use all the due diligence you normally, and perhaps a little more. In addition to having a private place to stay, you can also choose dining at paladars.  These  are privately owned restaurants where you can  enjoy an authentic Cuban meal.  They vary in size, so depending on your own preferences you can enjoy a quaint family-style meal or a more formal setting. With the popularity of places like these the government has said that it plans on closing some of the government owned eateries, meaning there will be more places like the paladars to eat as time goes on. 6: What is there to do in Cuba? While it’s been stated many times that American’s can’t visit the country for purely tourism purposes, there are still amazing sights to see while you’re there. From the many white sand beaches that surround the island, to some of the historic buildings and plazas such as Plaza de la Caterdal, Old Square ( Plaza Vieja), and Old Havana. There are also places like the University of Havana, Habana Vieja â€" which is home to many 20th century homes and buildings, and you might even be lucky enough to visit Ernest Hemingway’s home, Finca Vigía, where he lived from 1939 through 1960. There are many more things to do, such as learning how to salsa, watching live music, and enjoying authentic street food throughout your visit. Of course, part of your documentation of your approved status should include taking lots of pictures.  Still, be sure to respect any local regulations or taboos about photography. 7: When is a good time to go? While the door has only just been opened, it seems that more and more people are flooding onto the island.  Whether to see it for the first time, as many Americans are, or from other parts of the world wanting to experience it before the country becomes too influenced by the United States. So the choice is to venture out now and see Cuba before it becomes more commercialized, or wait until tourism expands.  Later, there will be more amenities.  Now, the cultural experience may feel more truly authentic. 8: Other tips and tricks There are always little tips and tricks when visiting a new place, and Cuba is no exception to this. Small things like only drinking bottled water, not exchanging the USD while in Cuba, and other such things are what you need to know before going there. Some of these you can only learn after experiencing it yourself, others are common knowledge. One such thing that you need to be aware of is that Cuba has two different currencies.  The locals  refer to both as pesos. So when paying for something, make sure that you ask which currency it is.  The National Peso (CUP) or the Convertible Peso (CUC) values do vary quite significantly.  Become familiar in advance and avoid confusion and misunderstandings on your spending. Take some snacks with you, but check to make sure that they are allowed. Because Cuba has been isolated from American culture, you won’t find many of the same treats that you enjoy on a daily basis. Public transportation is the best way to get around, whether in a bus that goes from major cities, or taxis that are around the cities themselves. The taxis will be quite different than what you see in New York or London or Paris. Of course, if you’re only staying in Havana, it is a very walkable city and you will find everything within short walking distance.  Many areas are safe and can be more fully experienced and appreciated on foot. Because the gates to Cuba have been opened, the younger generations will get to experience history as they open wider and wider. With hope, the more trusting Cuban officials become, the less restrictions will be in place. Of course there is always the concerns about  Americanizing the country.  There is fear of tourism ruining the culture that has kept them alive for decades.   But there is an upside to the influence: the potential for greater prosperity in a country that has struggled with poverty. Trying  to learn some of the language, Spanish, will not only show respect for the local culture, it will make your stay more pleasant.  While most of Havana won’t play tricks, there are the scam artists, and even a little familiarity with the common language will help. According to the U.S. Government,    licensed U.S. travelers to Cuba will be able to bring back $400 worth of goods and merchandise, of which no more than $100 can consist of both alcohol and tobacco products. Cuba is known for its cigars and rum.  With so much to choose from, it may be difficult to decide which delightful Cuban treasures you want to bring home. This May Be The Perfect Time For Visiting Cuba For Unites States citizens in particular, traveling to Cuba now represents a rare opportunity to experience an exotic Hispanic culture unspoiled  by Western commercialization.  Even with the known inconveniences, it seems to be an opportunity you dont want to miss. Cuban Sunset Nick Kenrick

Writing a Resume on Notepad

Writing a Resume on NotepadWriting a resume on notepad is one of the most popular methods of organizing information. A notepad is an inexpensive way to keep your resume organized. While notepad may seem like just another pad of paper, they have many uses and can be used for almost anything.Most of us are afraid of doing a pricey job because it seems difficult. This is why you may consider other methods like using a high-quality notepad or perhaps printable templates. While these methods work fine, it is far easier to do a little research and find the best of all of them!Writing a resume on notepad is a tried and true method of organization. No matter if you are applying for the job of your dreams or simply looking for a job that will allow you to spend more time with your family, the notepad can be used to organize and create a great resume. Simply put, it's one of the most popular methods of organization. Why not capitalize on it? You never know when the chance of a job application or in person interview might arise.No matter what type of business you are running, chances are you can organize a few basic documents and keep them organized in one of your filing cabinets. This doesn't mean that you cannot find that missing resume, application, or letter that you need. Instead, keep them organized with a notepad or even computer programs. Most professionals agree that computers are the best tool for keeping these types of documents organized.Even if you are starting from scratch, there are many templates available for both the personal and professional world. In order to start, you will need to print off some basic templates that can be used by both the newbie and veteran applicants. Although it does take some time to go through all of the different pages of templates, it can help you create a positive first impression. As a professional, it is important to remember that you do not want to seem rushed or unsure of yourself.The first benefit is that it allows you t o be creative with your resume. While you may only be allotted one page, many times you will find that one template can become overwhelming when printed out and used by a group of people. By printing out these templates you can easily mix and match the format of each resume.Being professional means being trustworthy. If you don't trust yourself, you won't be able to trust anyone else. Most likely you are looking for a job to better yourself, so make sure you have a good resume on one of those notepads!After researching these many benefits, the next thing you should do is find a professional search engine. Using a search engine can help you find local job agencies that can organize your resume for you. From there, it is up to you to use that notepad to place in your references and build that relationship!

Professional Resume Writing Service - Is it Worth It?

Professional Resume Writing Service - Is it Worth It?Professional resume writing service should only be considered when a candidate chooses to take the step to have a professional writing firm to come up with their resume. It is always wise to hire a resume writing service when you find yourself applying for many different positions on your own and the need to write a resume is a must. You will find that hiring a professional is a good idea as they are trained to customize your resume and you will be able to get the job done.A professional resume writing service can be a big help for job seekers. These services work in conjunction with potential employers and will assist you in creating a great resume. They will go over your resume carefully and present you with suggestions that will help to improve the resume that you create. A professional will work with you on the writing and on the resume, helping you achieve the best results possible.When you go through a professional to write y our resume, they will take the time to sit down with you and examine your resume in depth. This is a time for the two of you to discuss the work experience and education that you have so that they can identify what you need to include in your resume. They will then provide you with their input and give you advice about how to structure your resume so that it is both professional and attractive.A great example of a resume that came out of the creative minds of a professional is Michael Schaff's Mastering the Professional Resume. The book goes into great detail about the steps that a resume should follow and how to create a great resume that will get you the job. This is one of the many great examples of professional resume writing services that are available today.When you consider a professional resume writing service, you will find that they are very professional and detailed in their approach. This is the best way to go when you are trying to create a resume that is perfect for yo u. When a person is inexperienced, the first draft is often something that is not professional and does not reflect who you are as a person. These professionals are experienced and know exactly what needs to be included in a resume and how to format it correctly so that you can stand out from the crowd.Another advantage of using a professional resume writing service is that they are able to understand your skill set and their skills. If you have specific skills that are going to be important to a particular position, they will be able to target these skills and include them in your resume. They can also make suggestions for what you should include to make the resume appealing to a potential employer.A professional resume writing service will be able to tailor your resume for you. They can take the information that you give them and create a resume that is suitable for you. A professional is well-trained in how to create a resume that will stand out and be able to attract the attenti on of the hiring manager.The best way to select a professional resume writing service is to do some research and find one that you feel comfortable with. A written work sample will allow you to see what the service has produced and see if the services are competent in what they do. It is not always necessary to hire a writing service unless you are completely satisfied with their output and the way that they go about creating your resume.

Honey, Does This Job Make Me Look Fat

Honey, Does This Job Make Me Look Fat CareerBuilder recently released a survey stating that 44 percent of workers surveyed claim they have gained weight at their current job and 54% attributed their weight gain to sitting at their desk most of the day. Other factors that respondents believed contributed to their weight gain included:Stress-related eating â€" 37 percent Eating out regularly â€" 23 percent Skipping meals because of time constraints â€" 19 percent Workplace celebrations (potlucks, birthdays) â€" 18 percent The temptation of the office candy jar â€" 16 percent Pressure to eat food that co-workers bring in â€" 10 percentI recently had a conversation about on the job healthy eating and fitness habits with Stephanie Mansour, a health and fitness expert and facilitator of corporate wellness programs for top firms like GE, owner of Step it Up With Steph, and featured trainer on Chicago-based weight loss reality show Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is.   She offered these tips for managing your waistline on the jo b.Dont forgo breakfast and a mid morning snack in favor of a huge lunch where you are likely to be so hungry that you overeat. Its best to eat 5 small meals each day to keep hunger pangs at bay and keep blood sugar levels stable.Schedule your exercise time in your calendar like you would any other important appointment.If you plan to go out after work with colleagues, schedule an exercise session first. Yoga can help you become more mindful in your eating and cardio exercise will help you burn some of those extra calories you may consume while you are out with colleagues.If you dont have time to go to the gym during your workday, run up and down the stairs a few times or do some stretches in your chair or at your desk.If you plan to exercise during your lunch hour but dont want to return to the office drenched in sweat, wear a headband to absorb sweat or perform yoga or Pilates exercises that work the muscles without working up too much of a sweat.Make each decision separate from th e last one. Just because you began the day eating badly doesnt mean you have to finish the day that way.Stephanies client on Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is lost 83 lbs. in 12 weeks while working a high-powered stressful job that requires a lot of travel. You can watch her journey here.

How veterans can find civilian jobs -

How veterans can find civilian jobs - Making a career change isnt easy, and its especially challenging when youre transitioning from a military to a civilian environment. You need to showcase why you are qualified for the targeted job, even if your past experiences do not identically match the employers requirements. Adding to the complexity, most employers are not familiar with military service, positions, jargon or acronyms, so it can be even more challenging for veterans to make a strong case. However,  job-seeking veterans can take steps to help make the transition into civilian positions as smooth as possible. Identify your skills.  Evaluate your military service. What did you do on a daily basis? Make a list. Once your list is complete, pair skills you used with each task. Pay special attention to your transferable skillsâ€"the ones you can easily use in different organizations. For example, if you were an infantryman and your main responsibilities were related to combat missions that do not easily correlate with civilian jobs, youll want to dig deeper into your skills. Dont just think about what you didâ€"ask yourself how and why you were successful. You could highlight your abilities to quickly assess and respond to a situation, focus on how you thrived in an exceptionally stressful environment, and point out that you worked well with a team while demonstrating leadership. Youll want to look for jobs requiring the skills you identify. Note your accomplishments.  Do not underestimate the value of awards and accolades you received, but do translate them into terms non-military personnel will understand. Note the award name with a brief description of why you received it. If you do not have specific honors, think about praise you may have received from a superior or member of your platoon. Did an officer comment about how you are always planning ahead or mention a specific detail you can share with your targeted employer? This information will be helpful in determining your next career steps. Get my free white paper:  5 Mistakes Preventing You From Landing a Job This Week   Focus on what you enjoy doing.  Dont ignore your soft skills, or emotional intelligence. For example, are you a good communicator? Do you have a knack for leading teams? Maybe youre a great negotiator. Identify your best skills and include these on your list. Research potential opportunities.  Once you have your lists, plug your skills (your keywords) into job-board search engines to see what types of positions come up. For example, you may search for supervise, oversee projects, or leadership.   Keep an open mind and see if there is any pattern or type of job that keeps coming up. Make a list of job titles and company names.  Was there a particular industry that appeared repeatedly in your results? Continue to search online for more information about those fields or organizations. Inform your network.  Once you know what you want to do, be specific when you describe your goals to your network. Dont just say you are looking for a job. Its tough for people to help you without detailed information and a focal point. Tell your friends and contacts the names of companies and positions that interest you. Be specific. For example, Im hoping to find a sales position in a high-tech field. Do you know anyone working in X, Y, or Z company who might be willing to meet me so I can learn more about their organizationsâ€"even if they arent currently hiring? Follow up by asking for an informational meeting. Translate your experience.  A common problem for job-seeking veterans is helping civilian, non-military hiring managers understand their work history. Be sure to avoid military jargon in application materials and describe your past experience in laypersons terms. Ask a non-veteran friend to read your resume and application. Can he or she describe what you used to do? If not, revise your materials and be sure to focus on the skills you used, not just the things you did. Consider using this template to write some of your resumes bullet points: Used _____, ________, and _______ skills by (doing what?), resulting in (list an accomplishment). Always try to make the information you list as relevant as possible to the employers you identified. Be sure to include specific, quantifiable points in your descriptions.  For example, do not assume the reader will know how many troops you led based on your rank and title. Whenever possible, incorporate percentages, dollar amounts, and numbers in your resume. Paint a vivid, relevant picture to help the hiring manager envision you doing the job. Tell your story.  In an interview, be sure to describe your experiences in a way that a layperson will understand. Avoid military jargon and acronyms, and give examples relevant to the job you want. Have three or four stories in mind to illustrate your accomplishments and describe how you overcame challenges and solved problems. Following these steps from the exploratory through the interview stages of job hunting will help you identify and compete for suitable opportunities. For many more insights and suggestions about job search, please review my other blog posts.