Kids Say The Darndest Things

My kids are no longer kids but mature young women. They still say the darndest things though. I was headed back from my weekend visit to St. Mary's/ Winnecucca UMC and called my younger daughter, the California army wife, to check in.<br /><br />I told her about my time in Winnemucca, but she was amused by the name. "It's named for a famous Paiute Chief," I told her. Evenutally, I learned she thought I had been saying:<br /> "Run-amok-a."

Kids Say The Darndest Things

My kids are no longer kids but mature young women. They still say the darndest things though. I was headed back from my weekend visit to St....

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Employers Finding Ways to Deal with the Economy

<a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/xq/ar5b0rl778m0cr8tp8xq.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/xq/ar5b0rl778m0cr8tp8xq.gif" style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br /><div>Employers Finding Ways to Deal with the Economy by Matt Ferguson, CEO of CareerBuilder.com<br /><br />Entering the third quarter, employers everywhere are still feeling the effects of the current economic climate. Companies are finding ways to deal with the downturn, however, and a few are even increasing head count. A new survey from CareerBuilder and USA Today, conducted by Harris Interactive, examines how employers are handling the recession and their expectations for staff levels and compensation in the upcoming quarter.<br /><br />Although the most recent numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show lob losses are moderating, the job market is not likely to experience significant job creation through the rest of 2009. Most employers expect their staff levels to remain the same this quarter, according to the survey. Businesses will continue to be conservative in their hiring and maintain focus on existing human capital.<br /><br />Quarterly hiring<br />In the second quarter of this year, 64 percent of employers reported no change in head count and 18 percent said they increased staff levels, which is a 13 percent increase from the first quarter. Seventeen percent of businesses reduced their number of full-time workers, marking progress from 26 percent that made cuts in the first quarter.<br /><br />In terms of hiring this quarter, 68 percent of employers said they don't expect to increase the number of full-time, permanent employees in the third quarter. Fifteen percent, however, say that they will be increasing staff levels and 10 percent expect to make some cuts.<br /><br />Hiring by region<br />Eighteen percent of employers in the Northeast and the South plan to increase full-time, permanent head count in the third quarter. In the West, 13 percent of hiring managers have plans to recruit, little change from the second quarter. The ongoing challenges within the manufacturing sector, however, caused the Midwest to drop from 14 percent to 11 percent of<br />employers who are hiring. Eleven percent of hiring managers in the Northeast, West and Midwest expect to trim staffs, compared with 6 percent in the South.<br /><br />Compensation in Q3 2009<br />Employers continue to be conservative with pay increases this quarter, as only 41 percent of employers expect to increase salaries for full-time, permanent employees -- unchanged from the second quarter. But 47 percent of employers expect no change in compensation levels and only 7 percent expect a decrease.<br /><br />Of employers who are increasing pay, 28 percent estimate the amount will be between 1 and 3 percent; 12 percent expect an average raise of 4 to 10 percent, while only 1 percent expect raises to be 11 percent or more.<br /><br />How employers are managing the economic downturn<br />The challenging economy is causing employers to rethink ways in which they can save money and retain employees. Here are six ways employers are attempting to do so:<br /><br />1. Postponed start dates<br />In an effort to secure talent while delaying expenses associated with hiring new staff, 8 percent of employers have presented job offers with postponed start dates this year. Of these employers, 42 percent provided a pay incentive, while the remainder did not.<br /><br />2. Furloughs<br />Furloughs, or temporary layoffs, have been seen more and more in the past year. Ten percent of employers have instituted mandatory furloughs for employees over the last six months. The majority of furloughs were one week or less, while 28 percent were one to two days.<br /><br />3. Pay cuts<br />An unfortunate, but often necessary, way to contain costs is by implementing pay cuts, which 16 percent of employers have employed in the last six months. Of those who instituted cuts, 28 percent said all salaries were reduced by 5 percent or less, while 33 percent had decreases of more than 5 percent. Thirty-nine percent reported that cuts varied according to salary and/or title.<br /><br />4. Hiring freezes<br />Although job losses are trending downward, some employers are still unable to create new positions within their organization: 69 percent of employers reported a continued suspension of hiring this quarter.<br /><br /><br />Forty-four percent of employers have instituted a hiring freeze over the last six months, but of these employers, 31 percent stated that they will be hiring going forward.<br /><br />5. Revised sick policies<br />Thirteen percent of employers are changing their sick time or paid time off policies in order to cut costs this year, offering fewer days, not allowing days to roll over or limiting the amount of days that can roll over.<br /><br />6. Fewer perks and benefits<br />This year has caused 43 percent of employers to cut employee perks and benefits, mainly in bonuses, 401(k) matching and medical coverage. Other areas affected are free condiments, employee incentive trips and academic reimbursement.<br /><br />Matt Ferguson is the CEO of CareerBuilder.com. He is an expert in the state of the job market, employment trends, hiring practices and workplace issues.<br /></div><br /><div>It doesn't hurt to look! <a href="http://www.mygvbiz.com/getrich">www.mygvbiz.com/getrich</a> Become an Independent Distributor Today!</div>

Employers Finding Ways to Deal with the Economy

Employers Finding Ways to Deal with the Economy by Matt Ferguson, CEO of CareerBuilder.com Entering the third quarter, employers everywhere ...

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Breaking the Résumé Rules

Breaking the Résumé Rules by Joe Turner, the "Job Search Guy"<br /><br />If you've read books on résumé writing, you might be confused by all the rules. In fact, during my weekly résumé writing teleseminar, I correct a lot of misinformation.<br /><br />With the economy in the toilet these days, the last worry you need is whether you have the correct indent template or that you aren't using this year's approved action verbs. It's imperative that you deliver the right content to push a hiring manager's buttons now.<br /><br />Forget the "rules." Here are the critical points you must address in your résumé:<br /><br />Answer the employer's most important question<br /><br />Most rules fail to address the critical question: WIIFM, or "What's in it for me?" This is the employer's primary question in a tough economy. If your initial paragraph doesn't immediately answer this question, your résumé won't last 20 seconds with the person who's reading it.<br /><br />A résumé is a selling document. Unfortunately, judging from the advice I've heard and the "professionally written" résumés I've read, it's obvious that many résumé "experts" have never sold a product or service in their careers. If they had, they would realize now, more than ever, that it's about money not mission statements.<br /><br />For this reason the opening statement on your résumé must develop the reader's immediate interest and entice them to learn more about you. Drop the long-winded paragraphs filled with "results oriented" and "proven track record" clichés. Instead, address the specific benefits you bring to them. In today's recession, that means a short personal brand statement that clearly summarizes who you are, your biggest strength and the primary benefit you bring to an employer.<br /><br />Prove it<br /><br />In the past you could sell yourself by promoting your skills and length of service in a profession or job. Those days are gone. Today, you must sell results. When you sell your skills, you're selling a commodity. It's likely hundreds (if not thousands) of other job seekers have your same or better skills. Here's the problem: when you sell skills, you've reduced yourself to a commodity and commodities always sell for the lowest price.<br /><br />So get yourself out of that commodity game.<br /><br />Today, you need to sell results by speaking the employer's language, which is "return on investment" or ROI. If you can't do that, you can't answer their question, and you've lost their interest. They will move on to the next résumé.<br /><br />List specific, measurable results of activities performed for your employer or client. Place these activities in their own section under your personal brand statement. This strengthens the statement with measurable evidence including examples of problems that you've solved.<br /><br />Don't tell too much<br /><br />Employers are typically going to look for the top three to five candidates. They'll weed out large numbers of résumés in the initial process, looking for an easy way to eliminate you. Don't give them a reason by telling too much, confusing them or taking them off track. These are called "screenouts." Yet I still see résumés that were written heeding the advice of "experts" to include too much information.<br /><br />Here's the point: Your résumé is not a dossier. It's a sales document. Your résumé's only purpose is to get the reader to pick up the phone to call you. You're only applying for one job title. If the résumé doesn't clearly explain why you're the best project manager, executive assistant or purchasing agent, then get rid of the information or minimize it because it doesn't belong there.<br /><br />As a recruiter, Joe Turner spent 15 years finding and placing top candidates in some of the best jobs of their careers. The author of "Job Search Secrets Unlocked" and "Paycheck 911," Turner also hosts his weekly Job Search Guy Radio Show on JobRadio.fm as well as other locations. You'll find free tips and advice on landing a job in this tough economy at: http://www.jobchangesecrets.com.<br /><br />It doesn't hurt to look! <a href="http://www.mygvbiz.com/getrich">www.mygvbiz.com/getrich</a> Become an Independent Distributor Today!

Breaking the Résumé Rules

Breaking the Résumé Rules by Joe Turner, the "Job Search Guy" If you've read books on résumé writing, you might be confused by...

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Best Part-Time Jobs for 2009

<a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/0s/ar5b7b36hvwyfzhqhz0s.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/0s/ar5b7b36hvwyfzhqhz0s.gif" style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br /><div>Best Part-Time Jobs for 2009 by Rachel Zupek, CareerBuilder.com writer<br /><br />The new year is often brimming with resolutions, goals and hope for a good year, personally and professionally. One way to make those hopes a reality is to improve your financial situation.<br /><br />But how can that happen when so many people are getting laid off and companies are cutting budgets, bonuses and salary increases?<br /><br />One way to boost your bank account is to take on a part-time job, which is defined as a position that requires working fewer than 35 hours per week, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. There are currently 25.5 million part-time workers, according to the BLS. In November 2008, the number of people who worked part time for economic reasons, meaning that they would like to work full time but couldn't because their hours had been cut back or because they were unable to, rose to 7.3 million.<br /><br />As workers everywhere feel the effects of the slowing economy, more and more workers are turning to part-time work for help. The number of people looking for part-time work rose to 1.5 million in the third quarter of 2008, compared with 1.3 million in the first quarter.<br /><br />If you're looking for a way to boost your income, either by working part time in addition to your full-time job or as your only source of earnings, here are 10 part-time jobs that earn great wages, will experience job growth or have a large number of available job openings, according to the BLS.<br /><br />Keep in mind, these jobs won't come easy -- you'll still have to earn any necessary credentials or training to obtain these positions. But, we guarantee your work will be worth the extra money.<br /><br />1. Massage therapist<br /><br />Part-time projection facts*:<br /><br />· Almost 42 percent of all massage therapists worked part time in 2006.<br /><br />· Employment for massage therapists is expected to increase 20 percent from 2006 to 2016.<br /><br />· Job growth for massage therapists is expected to be faster than average with very good job prospects, particularly for those seeking part-time work.<br /><br />Salary: $19.39/hour**<br /><br />2. Fitness worker<br /><br />Part-time projection facts:<br /><br />· Many fitness jobs, such as trainers or exercise instructors, are part time.<br /><br />· Fitness workers should have good opportunities due to rapid job growth in health clubs, fitness facilities and other settings where fitness workers are concentrated.<br /><br />· Fitness worker employment is expected to increase 27 percent over the 2006-2016 decade.<br /><br />Salary: $15.86/hour<br /><br />3. Bill and account collector<br /><br />Part-time projection facts:<br /><br />· Many collectors work part time or on flexible work schedules.<br /><br />· Employment of these workers is expected to grow by 23 percent through 2016.<br /><br />· As cash flow becomes more important in business, companies are placing greater emphasis on collecting unpaid debts sooner, making job prospects favorable.<br /><br />Salary: $15.21/hour<br /><br />4. Librarian<br /><br />Part-time projection facts:<br /><br />· More than 20 percent of librarians work part time.<br /><br />· Despite slow economic growth, many librarians are expected to retire in the next decade, creating a large number of job openings.<br /><br />Salary: $25.41<br /><br />5. Nursing aide<br /><br />Part-time projection facts:<br /><br />· Nursing aides held approximately 1.4 million jobs in 2006.<br /><br />· Employment of nursing aides is expected to grow faster than average in the next decade.<br /><br />· In 2006, 23 percent of aides worked part time compared with 15 percent of all workers.<br /><br />Salary: $11.50/hour<br /><br />6. Receptionist and information clerk<br /><br />Part-time projection facts:<br /><br />· More than three of every 10 receptionists and information clerks work part time.<br /><br />· More than 200,000 new jobs will arise for these workers over the 2006-16 period.<br /><br />· Receptionists and information clerks are expected to increase by 17 percent from 2006 to 2016.<br /><br />Salary: $11.82<br /><br />7. Dental assistant<br /><br />· About 35 percent of dental assistants worked part time in 2006.<br /><br />· Employment is expected to grow 29 percent from 2006 to 2016.<br /><br />· Dental assistants are estimated to be one of the fastest-growing occupations over the 2006-16 projection period.<br /><br />Salary: $15.52/hour<br /><br />8. Teacher assistant<br /><br />Part-time projection facts:<br /><br />· Teacher assistant employment is expected to grow by 10 percent between 2006 and 2016.<br /><br />· Approximately four in 10 teacher assistants work part time.<br /><br />· Teacher assistants held 1.3 million jobs in 2006.<br /><br />Salary: $21,580/year<br /><br />9. Cashier<br /><br />· About 46 percent of all cashiers work part time.<br /><br />· Opportunities for full-time and part-time cashier jobs should be good because of the need to replace the many workers who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force.<br /><br />Salary: $8.84/hour<br /><br />10. Bank teller<br /><br />Part-time projection facts:<br /><br />· One in four tellers worked part time in 2006.<br /><br />· Employment should grow by 13 percent between 2006 and 2016.<br /><br />Salary: $11.36/hour<br /><br />*Projections according to the BLS.<br /><br />**Mean hourly wage, according to the BLS.<br /><br />Rachel Zupek is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. </div><div> </div><div>It doesn't hurt to look! <a href="http://www.mygvbiz.com/getrich">www.mygvbiz.com/getrich</a> Become an Independent Distributor Today!You can learn more by calling: 712-432-0211 Enter Pin 429281# Hear a recorded message or...Call in to a LIVE CONFERENCE CALL: 212-796-1700 Enter Pin 2120# (11AM or 3PM or 9:30PM Central Time 7 DAYS A WEEK!) </div>

Best Part-Time Jobs for 2009

Best Part-Time Jobs for 2009 by Rachel Zupek, CareerBuilder.com writer The new year is often brimming with resolutions, goals and hope for a...

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Help Spread the Word!

Did you know there are several ways to keep up-to-date regarding the career advice and job postings here at Job Fair USA!<br /><br />1. Receive once-a-day updates (with ZERO SPAM) simply by entering you e-mail in the box on the left-hand-side of the BLOG. You can always unsubscribe any time with ZERO hassels. We respect your privacy so NO ONE gets your e-mail, but us and if you want to opt out you choose to do so with just a click.<br /><br />2. If you're using a "Reader" you can subscribe and read posts as they appear. Again, you can do this on the left-hand-side of the BLOG.<br /><br />3. Do you own your own site or BLOG? You can put our widget, which you can see on the left-hand-side of the BLOG on your site or BLOG. Just click the "Get Widget" at the bottom of the feed and copy and past the code. It will provide your visitors with a reason to come back to your site or BLOG! <br /><br />Our job search and career advice is powered by one of the most respected sites on the Internet, CareerBuilder! You can search more than 100,000 current jobs and apply for FREE at Job Fair USA!<br /><br />Thank you and we hope that you find Job Fair USA helpful.

Help Spread the Word!

Did you know there are several ways to keep up-to-date regarding the career advice and job postings here at Job Fair USA! 1. Receive once-a...

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How to Answer Salary Questions

<a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/zc/ar5f2mm63mxjpptyrczc.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/zc/ar5f2mm63mxjpptyrczc.gif" style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br /><div>How to Answer Salary Questions by Anthony Balderrama, CareerBuilder.com writer<br /><br />Americans aren't keen to discuss money. We like making it and we like spending it, but money doesn't belong in polite conversation. It sits on the shelf of forbidden topics, alongside politics, religion and sex.<br /><br />Yet, one of the requisites often found on a job posting is, "Include salary history."<br /><br />You haven't even met anyone at the company yet and you're expected to divulge information only you and your bank account know? How rude.<br /><br />Like it or not, salary talks are part of job hunts, and often they arise in the early stages of the game. For a topic as sensitive and tricky as money, how should you proceed?<br /><br />And what if you don't?<br />When a job posting tells you to include salary history or requirements on your résumé, you have only two choices: do it or don't. Sure, you can ignore it or dance around it by writing, "Salary to be commensurate with experience and responsibilities." That doesn't change the fact that you haven't handed over any hard numbers. And that's fine, as long as you realize you might remove yourself from the running, says Sue Fuller, director of talent management for EDL Consulting.<br /><br />"When a job posting requests salary history, the purpose is to identify candidates who are in a viable compensation range," Fuller says. "In these instances, it is important to show salary history. Otherwise, the risk is to be excluded from consideration."<br /><br />Job seekers aren't hesitant to hand over financial information only due to manners; they are afraid to hurt their chances of getting a good salary or even the job. For example, if your current income is higher than what this job will pay, the employer might assume you won't take a salary cut and remove you from the pool of applicants. Conversely, if your salary is well below this job's rate, the employer can lowball an offer. Either way, you lose.<br /><br />The interview<br />Even if you're able to sidestep the issue during the application process, you might encounter it during a phone interview. Unless you like long, awkward silences, you'll have to address the issue.<br /><br />"The best answer is to tell the employer what you are currently earning [or most recently earned]," Fuller suggests. "At that point, compensation is not at a negotiation stage; it is at the information gathering stage. This is an important distinction to understand."<br /><br />If you're asked what you expect to earn, not what you did earn, Fuller recommends you give a realistic range for the position. This gives the employer an idea of what you want and can lead to a discussion of whether that pay aligns with what he or she had in mind.<br /><br />Regardless of when the topic arises, Fuller stresses that job seekers be honest about their salary history. Employers can verify your salary in a matter of minutes these days, so lying only serves to make you look bad. Just because you give a high number doesn't mean the employer will match the amount, Fuller says.<br /><br />The real purpose of salary talks in the beginning is to get a clear picture of what you're worth and what the company can offer. This is why Fuller advises as much flexibility as possible on your part.<br /><br />"When an offer is made, the candidate can negotiate several tangible and intangible factors that may include a six-month review, incentives, benefits, career development and/or flexibility," Fuller says. "Candidates should realize that value proposition [is about more] than just dollars and that companies will reward employees who perform."<br /><br />The dos and don'ts<br />As with any portion of a job hunt, there are bad signals you can send to an employer and vice versa. For example, you don't want to show up wearing beach attire to an interview. At the same time, you don't want to work at an office where all the employees looked unhappy and terrified of the boss. Salary talks have similar red flags.<br /><br />"During salary discussions, an employer does not want to hear about financial pressures candidates may have, such as debt, loans or, especially, maintaining a lifestyle," Fuller cautions. "Showing an appreciation for the tangibles, intangibles and the big picture will go a long way. [Also], employers will screen out candidates who are all about the money and not about the contribution and advancement of the organization."<br /><br />But be wary of employers during these conversations. You need to trust what you're being told; otherwise you probably don't want to work at the company.<br /><br />"Candidates who cannot establish trust with an employer about the role, the expectations, the compensation and the future outlook should not accept an offer with an employer," Fuller says. If you have no faith in what you hear, can you imagine what it will be like to work for this employer every day?<br /><br />Anthony Balderrama is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com and its job blog, The Work Buzz. He researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>It doesn't hurt to look! <a href="http://www.mygvbiz.com/getrich">www.mygvbiz.com/getrich</a> Become an Independent Distributor Today!You can learn more by calling: 712-432-0211 Enter Pin 429281# Hear a recorded message or...Call in to a LIVE CONFERENCE CALL: 212-796-1700 Enter Pin 2120# (11AM or 3PM or 9:30PM Central Time 7 DAYS A WEEK!) </div>

How to Answer Salary Questions

How to Answer Salary Questions by Anthony Balderrama, CareerBuilder.com writer Americans aren't keen to discuss money. We like making it...

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Top 10 Ways to Use Your Female Advantage in Business

<a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/ht/ar5d48w6tqvkb9vd12ht.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/ht/ar5d48w6tqvkb9vd12ht.gif" style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br /><div>Top 10 Ways to Use Your Female Advantage in Business by Catherine Kaputa, Author "The Female Brand: Using the Female Mindset to Succeed in Business"<br /><br />The conventional wisdom has been that women have trouble succeeding because they don't act like men. But playing it like a man doesn't work because it brands you as tough and aggressive. And it's stupid for the most basic reason. We're not men. And that's an advantage.<br /><br />It's common sense to be authentic, and it's smart branding. Your personal brand must come from who you are and what makes you tick -- including your strengths and aptitudes as a woman.<br /><br />Here is my top 10 list of how to use your female aptitudes to increase your success in business:<br /><br />1. Turn up your empathy quotient (EmQ)<br />Women are strong in empathy thanks in part to higher levels of estrogen and oxytocin. So it's no wonder that when President Obama cited "empathy" as a key factor in his selection of a Supreme Court justice, the four finalists were women.<br />How to leverage empathy: Be approachable and empathize with the feelings of others. People will feel understood even if you are giving them bad news! You can use empathy to build consensus around a common goal.<br /><br />2. Create an appealing package<br />Studies show that attractive people not only make more money, they are viewed as smarter, more productive, and even kinder than others. Women have an advantage because we have more "visual packaging tools."<br />How to package yourself: Don't mimic the male model -- that's so 20th century. Use the French women's model: Dress like a woman and accentuate your best features. If you don't have the body of a fashion model, do something wonderful with your hair and clothing. Develop a distinctive look with a signature color, accessories and so on. Work on your posture and how you move.<br /><br />3. Reach out and connect<br />Women have the social gene and an innate ability to build relationships and connect with people, studies show. Women are natural-born networkers, team builders and relationship mavens.<br /><br />How to use people power: The larger your network, the more career capital you'll have. So don't just use your people power to develop deep relationships with a few; use it to also develop a broad network of more casual acquaintances with all types of people.<br /><br />4. Speak with panache<br />Women routinely outscore men on oral and written tests because they use both hemispheres of the brain -- left and right -- to process verbal and emotional messages.<br /><br />How to use your verbal agility in the workplace: Use your verbal skills to speak up: Ask great questions and listen actively. Hone your business conversation and presentation skills. Pitch yourself for a move up or a lateral move with interesting "stories" about your past performance.<br /><br />5. Be inclusive<br />Choosing inclusion over exclusion is a powerful female strength. In today's modern, global companies, the ability to work well with diverse groups will set you apart.<br /><br />How of leverage inclusiveness: Encourage different perspectives and offer goodwill to everyone -- friends and foes. Cultivate strong alliances and be loyal.<br /><br />6. Read between the lines<br />MRI imaging and other brain research show that women are much better at picking up subtle emotional messages than men are. Women can pick up body language and are able to detect unspoken signals of unhappiness, frustration, and confusion.<br /><br />How to leverage emotional intelligence: Look beyond verbal messages to the real message people are conveying in meetings. If something feels uncomfortable or incomplete, act on your intuition and follow up with a phone call.<br /><br />7. Empower others<br />Studies show that women tend to work together collaboratively, empowering different members of the team to contribute and accomplish tasks. So rather than seek power over others, the female leadership style seeks to empower others.<br /><br />How to leverage the female leadership style: Create teams and a personal "board of directors" who can advise you -- and be sure to include men too. Give public credit to other people when they contribute.<br /><br />8. See the big picture<br />Women tend to take in various perspectives and consider a larger framework when solving a problem or making a decision, while men's style of problem solving tends to be more linear and transactional.<br /><br />How to leverage big-picture thinking: Use your problem-solving style to uncover risks and opportunities, and bring more creativity and innovation to your work.<br /><br />9. Be likeable<br />Women's gifts for relationships, compassion, connection and empathy make them the more likeable gender. And let's face it, the workplace is a personality contest too, so likeability is a key factor in success.<br /><br />How to leverage likeability: Smile and be positive -- as opposed to being serious and stern -- and you will win over business fans and be more influential in your work.<br /><br />10. Brand yourself<br />Use the nine female aptitudes listed above to brand yourself for success.<br /><br />Catherine Kaputa is a brand strategist, speaker and the founder of SelfBrand LLC (www.selfbrand.com), a NYC-based personal branding firm. Her newest book is "The Female Brand: Using the Female Mindset to Succeed in Business" (Davies-Black, 2009, http://www.femalebrand.com/). Her previous book, "U R a Brand! How Smart People Brand Themselves for Business Success," won the Ben Franklin Award for Best Career Book, 2007.<br /></div><br /><div>It doesn't hurt to look! <a href="http://www.mygvbiz.com/getrich">www.mygvbiz.com/getrich</a> Become an Independent Distributor Today!You can learn more by calling: 712-432-0211 Enter Pin 429281# Hear a recorded message or...Call in to a LIVE CONFERENCE CALL: 212-796-1700 Enter Pin 2120# (11AM or 3PM or 9:30PM Central Time 7 DAYS A WEEK!) </div>

Top 10 Ways to Use Your Female Advantage in Business

Top 10 Ways to Use Your Female Advantage in Business by Catherine Kaputa, Author "The Female Brand: Using the Female Mindset to Succeed...

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Six Steps for First-Time Job Hunters

Six Steps for First-Time Job Hunters by Kate Lorenz, CareerBuilder.com Editor<br /><br />Congratulations, you've done it! You made it through college, have your degree in hand and are finally ready to make your mark. You are now in the real world and it's time to get your professional life started. If you are in the middle of this crossroad, it can be scary, exciting, confusing, overwhelming or all of the above. Following are some steps to make a successful college-to-real world transition.<br /><br />Step 1: Pinpoint Your Direction.<br />After four (or five, or six) years of college, you are completely certain about what you want to do, right? If not, now is the time to determine what your strengths are and identify what kind of careers suit you. Are you someone who loves to be around people? Or are you happier crunching numbers or creating computer programs? Consider all of your strengths, weaknesses, likes, dislikes and interests when thinking about your career plan. Read about fields that interest you and talk to others who are doing jobs that you find interesting. Focus your direction on positions and fields that match your interests and talents.<br /><br />Step 2: Do Your Research.<br />It is vital to learn as much as you can about the companies that interest you and to consider all of your options, says Pam Webster, a recruiting manager for Enterprise Rent-A-Car. She should know: Enterprise is the nation's largest recruiter of college graduates. "You should be open-minded about opportunities in companies and industries you might not have thought of before," she says. Once you have identified companies that you want to target, Webster suggests looking at their Web sites, reading news articles and talking to current employees to learn as much as you can. "You also need to look at a company's stability," she says. "Is the company going to be there for the long term?"<br /><br />Step 3: Assemble Your Toolkit.<br />It is important to have the right tools for any task. The tools needed for a job search are a résumé, cover letter and a portfolio of your work. Take the time to develop a résumé and cover letter that clearly convey your strengths and experience. Here are a few tips to remember:<br /><br />Think about the type of résumé you need. A functional résumé, which highlights your abilities rather than your work history, is a good choice for first-time job seekers.<br /><br />Focus on accomplishments and results you have achieved, rather than simple descriptions of experiences.<br /><br />Use action words in your résumé and cover letter to describe your experiences, such as "initiated," "produced" and "managed."<br /><br />If you are low on practical work experience, look to your part-time work, school activities or volunteer positions. "Evaluate all of your experience and translate how it applies to any job you might apply to," Webster says.<br /><br />Step 4: Network.<br />One of the most important tasks in any job search is networking. Take advantage of any resources you have, including your school's career placement office, friends who graduated before you and are already working, friends of your parents, former professors, and neighbors. Send e-mails to ask if your contacts know someone who can help you. Pass your résumé around and ask others to do the same. Call your contacts to see if they know someone who works for a firm you are interested in joining.<br /><br />Step 5: Play the Part.<br />If you want to join the professional world, you need to act -- and look -- the part. Buy a business suit and wear it to all of your interviews. "Make sure your e-mail address and voice mail greeting are appropriate," Webster says. That means if your e-mail user name is "crazygirl2005," you might want to get a new account. Webster says you should also remember to be professional at home. "Be prepared for a phone call or a phone interview at any time," she says. The more you play the part of a well-trained professional, the more people will see you as a professional.<br /><br />Step 6: Don't Give Up.<br />The real world can be a real challenge. Set realistic expectations and recognize that you will probably have to start at the bottom and work your way up. You will likely face rejection as you start looking for your first full-time job, but everyone goes through it. Just remember to be proactive, be persistent and remain confident that there is a great job out there for you!<br /><br />Kate Lorenz is the article and advice editor for CareerBuilder.com. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.<br /><br />It doesn't hurt to look! <a href="http://www.mygvbiz.com/getrich">www.mygvbiz.com/getrich</a> Become an Independent Distributor Today!You can learn more by calling: 712-432-0211 Enter Pin 429281# Hear a recorded message or...Call in to a LIVE CONFERENCE CALL: 212-796-1700 Enter Pin 2120# (11AM or 3PM or 9:30PM Central Time 7 DAYS A WEEK!)

Six Steps for First-Time Job Hunters

Six Steps for First-Time Job Hunters by Kate Lorenz, CareerBuilder.com Editor Congratulations, you've done it! You made it through colle...

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Wake up Diana: you're killing yourself

I was going to title this post "Wake up America", but it's really me that needs a wake-up call. America will have to take care of herself.<br /><br />While I was in Tulsa I noticed an unusually large portion of the population was extremely fat. Morbidly obese would be more accurate. I only make note of this because I could easily be in the category of morbidly obese. I have it in me to weigh well over 300 or even 400 pounds. My highest weight was 245 but I know myself well, and my love of food and lack of willpower could easily be the death of me. By the way, Oklahoma is the sixth fattest state, and it was pretty obvious there's a problem.<br /><br />After I wrote my earlier post I finished off the Seafood Alfredo from yesterday and had a large piece of carrot cake with ice cream. I took another nap. I got up around 3pm and got dressed for the gym. I didn't want to go. I felt sluggish and tired. Every fiber of my being said "Just skip the gym today. You already blew it with what you ate today." Even my husband encouraged me to stay home (shame on him).<br /><br />I managed to get in my car and drive towards the gym. Then I remembered there really wasn't any healthy food at home to eat. I stopped at the grocery store to stock up before I went to the gym.<br /><br />As I walked into the store, in front of me walked two extremely heavy people. A man and a woman, each probably around 350 to 400 pounds. The man could barely walk, limping with each step. He looked like he was about 30 years old. There was a woman with them in an electric cart, with oxygen tubes in her nose and a tank of oxygen in the basket of the cart. She was easily over 400 pounds. I'm pretty sure she was younger than me, maybe 50.<br /><br />Once inside the store I was surrounded by extremely heavy people. It was the strangest thing I've ever seen. Everywhere I looked almost everyone weighed well over 300 pounds. I'm a pretty good judge of weight since it's been my obsession my entire life so I'm not exaggerating on the size of the customers in the store.<br /><br />It was like a message from God as I walked around the store. I could hear that voice in my head screaming at me, "THAT COULD BE YOU!" as I encountered each overweight person. I watched them struggling as they walked. Most of them were moving slowly, as if each step hurt them. I remember at 240 pounds I felt like each step was torture. I could feel their pain.<br /><br />The entire experience was surreal, almost like a Twilight Zone episode. After I got my groceries I went straight to the gym. I piled all the frozen stuff together in the trunk of my car and didn't even care if it melted a little. I was going to the gym right then, nothing was going to stop me.<br /><br />I'm home from the gym and still a little in shock over that weird experience in the store. It was my wake-up call. I can see how easily I can slip and fall back into old bad habits. One day leads to two, two to three, etc. You know how that story plays out. We all do. Been there too many times. History will NOT repeat itself this time.<br /><br />I'm in this for the long haul. I feel my determination coming back, my resolve to stay strong and beat this thing. I will not kill myself by eating myself to death. I will NOT do it.

Wake up Diana: you're killing yourself

I was going to title this post "Wake up America", but it's really me that needs a wake-up call. America will have to take care...

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Home Sweet Home

I finally got home yesterday after getting stuck in Dallas on Friday. The flights were full so I celebrated my birthday at an airport Holiday Inn Express. Sucks to be me sometimes. <br /><br />I was too tired to be sad about it, although it was the first birthday in my entire life that I spent alone. My coworker asked what was he, chopped liver? We had dinner at the Sheraton next door and toasted my birthday with diet coke. It was certainly not my most memorable birthday. It ranks right up there for worst birthday ever with when my entire family and my friends forgot my 16th birthday. That's a long story that I actually hadn't even thought about in years, until Friday.<br /><br />It was an incredibly long week, but our software passed certification. Just barely, with a few tweaks that have to be made this week before it can be deployed, but it passed. I guess I still have a job.<br /><br />Yesterday was a belated birthday celebration, starting with my husband meeting me at the airport with roses. That was sweet but sort of embarrassing. He's never done anything like that before so I don't know what came over him. <br /><br />It was a day with too much food, starting with breakfast at 13 Coins. My husband made my favorite dinner, Seafood Alfredo with king crab, scallops and prawns. Carrot cake with butter pecan ice cream for dessert. All delicious, all bad for me. I feel like the Goodyear Blimp today, and I doubt it's just the sodium. <br /><br />I've been trying all day to drag myself to the gym. I'm so tired I just want to curl up into a ball and sleep, which is exactly what I've done. It's 1:30pm, and I'm finally up, thinking about actually getting dressed and going to the gym. <br /><br />I know this week is going to be tough. Back to eating healthy, eating less and my regular exercise routine. Back to my life. Regardless of how hard it's going to be, I'm thrilled to be home.

Home Sweet Home

I finally got home yesterday after getting stuck in Dallas on Friday. The flights were full so I celebrated my birthday at an airport Holida...

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Planning des permanences - Semaine du 10 au 14 août 2009

<BR><br /><h2><strong><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 113%;color:#005c9b;" >Permanences</span></strong></h2><ul><br /><li><strong><a href="http://www.egee.asso.fr/">EGEE</a></strong><br />- lundi 10 août de 13h30 à 17h<br /><br /><li>Le <strong>Conseil Général du Loiret</strong> sera présent dans les locaux de la Maison de l'Emploi du bassin d'Orléans<br />- le lundi 10 août de 13h30 à 17h,<br />- le mardi 11 août de 9h à 12h30 et de 13h30 à 17h,<br />- le mercredi 12 août de 13h30 à 17h,<br />- le jeudi 13 août de 13h30 à 17h,<br />- le vendredi 14 août de 13h30 à 17h.</li></ul><br /><h2><strong><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 113%;color:#005c9b;" >Ateliers</span></strong></h2><ul><br /><li><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Utiliser Pôle-emploi.fr</span> - vendredi 14 août de 10h à 11h30<br /><li><strong><a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2009/07/atelier-situtilises-tu-trouves.html">Sit'Utilises tu trouves</a></strong> - vendredi 14 août de 14h à 16h30<br /></li></ul>

Planning des permanences - Semaine du 10 au 14 août 2009

Permanences EGEE - lundi 10 août de 13h30 à 17h Le Conseil Général du Loiret sera présent dans les locaux de la Maison de l'Emploi du b...

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The Inevitable Happens At Last

It finally happened. After 19 months, the inevitable. Today, I pulled the diocesan car (still held together by duct tape) into a parking space at the Gold Country Inn in Winnemucca, the space beside a 4 x 4 pick-up with Utah plates and “R E I Drilling” on the side. I parked, opened the door, and stepped squarely into a substantial pile of equine excrement.<br /><br />There was grace. This morning, while hurriedly dressing to get to McCarran Airport, I considered wearing my usual airport sandals with the Velcro straps. But I reconsidered. “One cannot go to Winnemucca in Velcro sandals,” I thought -- rightly. So I was wearing my boots from Nocona Boot Company in Nocona, Texas – home of best all round rodeo cowboy Larry Mahan. I may be a drugstore cowboy, all hat and no cow, but those boots come in handy.<br /><br />Now the flashback: Last Saturday, I spent an arduous but productive, exciting, hope-lifting day in Reno with the Strategic Planning Team. They did a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) Analysis of the Diocese, then developed an action plan for evangelism – ways the diocese can help parishes share the gospel in their communities. Good stuff. Great team. Thanks to Darrell Spencer for making it happen.<br /><br />Then Linda and I drove to Incline Village for the next day’s visit. But there was no room in the Inn anywhere in Nevada near Incline. So we went to King’s Beach. There was only one place with a vacancy and it was nowhere Joseph would have taken Mary. So it was on to Tahoe City, California. Desperate we stopped at a place that was not so much a motel as a group of tourist cabins – Morelatos Lakeshore Resort. The desk clerk was a young lady from Russia. Actually she looked like she was from an early Bond movie. Her name was Olga and she had an accent to match. If I were more of a Sean Connery or even a Pearce Brosnan, she might have called me “James” and we would all be in a lot of trouble. As it was, I was just the old country parson. She told me all about studying public relations in college back home in Russia and how she was here for an advanced program in PR. I told her all about being bishop of Nevada and she gave us a discount. It was a very nice place but there were no lampshades. Incongruous. We spent the evening watching one of our favorite films, Men In Black.<br /><br />The next day was a landmark occasion. We consecrated the church building at St. Patrick’s. The congregation has been worshiping there several years. But this year they paid off the mortgage so we could consecrate it as holy and wholly unencumbered ground. This frees St. Pat’s to devote half its income to community ministries (following the good example of St. Christopher’s, Boulder City) and become in Fr. Jim Beebe’s words, “the church for others.”

The Inevitable Happens At Last

It finally happened. After 19 months, the inevitable. Today, I pulled the diocesan car (still held together by duct tape) into a parking spa...

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The Pitfalls of Telecommuting

The Pitfalls of Telecommuting by CareerBuilder.com<br /><br />When we think about telecommuting, we often focus on the blissful freedoms that come with it. Freedom to set our own hours, raid the refrigerator... even take early morning calls in our underwear. There are other conveniences as well: no more rush hour traffic and more time for family interaction.<br /><br />Yet as great as all that sounds, telecommuting can have its drawbacks, as well. Here are some of the challenges telecommuters face as well as suggestions for how to overcome them:<br /><br />Family "Turf" Problems.<br />When your family or significant other(s) are not used to having you around the house, your sudden and constant presence can cause tension and disruption. Children who are used to having the run of the house can resent having to stay quiet and out of the telecommuter's work area. Spouses forget that the telecommuter is actually working and can shift an unreasonable amount of household responsibility upon him or her.<br /><br />To avoid these types of tensions, set up your workspace in a quiet area away from the central traffic of the house. Establish work/life boundaries. And don't even think about trying to work and watch small children at the same time! Let the other members of your household know that even though you're home, you're on the job and need to block out eight or nine hours to complete your daily work.<br /><br />Social Isolation.<br />Some telecommuters find they miss the social aspects of working with other people. Irline, a copywriter and new mother, thought working from home would be ideal, because she could be close to her daughter during the day. However, once Irline began her arrangement, she no longer found her job satisfying; she missed the collegial atmosphere of her office and said her work suffered. "As an extrovert, I get energy from those around me," Irline reflects. "I thrive on social interaction... being able to wander down the hall and kick around ideas with my co-workers helps my creativity and keeps me charged."<br /><br />While some people can compensate by keeping in contact by phone or e-mail, others need social contact on a frequent basis in order to work productively. Irline ended up going back to the office and telecommuting just one day a week.<br /><br />Staying Focused.<br />Some find it difficult to work from home because it is full of distractions and diversions but devoid of anyone to manage them and keep them on track. Neighbors drop by to chat, the school calls for volunteers or a particularly juicy episode of Oprah is airing. Only the most organized, independent and disciplined of workers will be successful telecommuting.<br /><br />To stay on course, keep in close contact with your boss and co-workers to ensure you meet their expectations. Develop a regular routine and set goals and deadlines for completing your work. Find ways to reward yourself for being productive.<br /><br />Being Visible.<br />Still others are concerned that by not physically being in the office they will be forgotten or overlooked for plum assignments and promotions. To make sure you don't become a case of out-of-sight/out-of-mind, make yourself available for meetings, conferences and industry events. Schedule a lunch date with your boss and co-workers at least once a week and keep your boss apprised of your progress and accomplishments.<br /><br />And finally, don't let concerns of telecommuting become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Remember managing your career is more about performance than presence.<br /><br />It doesn't hurt to look! <a href="http://www.mygvbiz.com/getrich">www.mygvbiz.com/getrich</a> Become an Independent Distributor Today!You can learn more by calling: 712-432-0211 Enter Pin 429281# Hear a recorded message or...Call in to a LIVE CONFERENCE CALL: 212-796-1700 Enter Pin 2120# (11AM or 3PM or 9:30PM Central Time 7 DAYS A WEEK!)

The Pitfalls of Telecommuting

The Pitfalls of Telecommuting by CareerBuilder.com When we think about telecommuting, we often focus on the blissful freedoms that come with...

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What the Class of 2009 Will Earn - College Graduates Finding Bright Spots in Dreary Economy

What the Class of 2009 Will Earn - College Graduates Finding Bright Spots in Dreary Economy by Brad Dunn, PARADE<br /><br />The Class of 2009 has been watching the job market disintegrate since senior year began.<br /><br />The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) released another round of discouraging data in early May. Fewer than one in five graduates who are looking for jobs have found one, and employers are planning to hire 22 percent fewer graduates this year than they did last year.<br /><br />On top of that, the worst job market in 25 years has brought of a sense of déjà vu to households across the country. Many of the estimated 1.6 million students graduating college in May and June have parents who went searching for their first jobs in the equally dismal early-1980s. It's an economic rerun for the whole family.<br /><br />"You are graduating into a world of anxiety and uncertainty," Vice President Joe Biden told graduates of Syracuse University. "But these are the moments you can embrace ... only a handful of us ever get a chance to actually shape the course of history."<br /><br />History might need shaping, but now is a great time for graduates to embrace the positive. The numbers aren't all bad.<br /><br />For one, bachelor's degrees are still vital for landing jobs. According to the U.S. Labor Department, the unemployment rate among four-year college graduates between age 20 and 24 is 6.1 percent, while those with only high-school diplomas is 19.6 percent.<br /><br />Serious job hunters also can take advantage of their fellow graduates' idleness. Right now, fewer students are seeking jobs than in years past. By this time in 2007, about 64 percent of graduates had begun looking for a job. In 2008, about 67 percent had begun. This year, only 59 percent have launched a job search. That's about 130,000 fewer people competing for work.<br /><br />"Whether they've decided to delay their careers because of the economy or don't realize how tough the job market is, fewer grads have started job hunting," said Andrea Koncz, employment information manager at NACE.<br /><br />Another silver lining: Several industries actually are planning to hire more graduates this year than in 2008, including transportation, utilities and alternative energy.<br /><br />"The big openings right now are in the solar industry. Anything green," said Eric Lochtefeld, founder of University of Dreams, an organization that seeks internships for students. "The nice thing is there's not a huge level of experience expected because it's a new sector."<br /><br />Uncle Sam is also hiring. U.S. and state governments are planning to hire 6 percent more college graduates than last year, and federal are offering up to 60,000 internships.<br /><br />"Not only is the government hiring, it's providing salaries and benefits in line with the private sector," said Tim McManus, vice president of education and outreach at the Partnership for Public Service. "We're in a unique time and place in this country. Graduates who used to look for careers on Wall Street, for example, are now seeing that they can have a greater impact in government."<br /><br />For graduates who have landed jobs, how much are they earning?<br /><br />To date, the average job offer to a 2009 graduate with a bachelor's degree is $48,515, down about 2 percent from last year, according to NACE. (Parents who got their first jobs in the early 1980s had it slightly better. The average job offer for the Class of 1982 was $22,450 -- or, adjusted for inflation, $49,485).<br /><br />To be sure, an entry-level salary of $48,000 seems high in this economy. However, that amount represents only the one in five graduates who have already been offered employment, and pre-graduation job offers tend to come from relatively lucrative industries, including engineering, computer sciences and health care.<br /><br />In specific fields of study, NACE found that the average job offer was $58,438 for engineering students; $57,693 for computer science students; $46,973 for business students; and, $36,807 for liberal arts students.<br /><br />What about all those government jobs? McManus said most graduates with bachelor's degrees receive a base starting salary from $33,000 to $42,000, plus "locality pay," which raises it between 13 percent and 34 percent depending on the cost of living where they work.<br /><br />Job seekers' increasing reliance on technology also gives graduates an opportunity to set themselves apart. Those who apply old-fashioned job-hunting techniques have a better chance of outmatching those who rely solely on online submission forms.<br /><br />"Students say all the time, 'I submitted my resume online and I never heard back.'" Lochtefeld says. "The best advice that I can give to students is stop playing the numbers game. Things that worked 20 years ago before the Internet -- direct contact, person-to-person networking -- still work today."<br /><br />It doesn't hurt to look! <a href="http://www.mygvbiz.com/getrich">www.mygvbiz.com/getrich</a> Become an Independent Distributor Today!You can learn more by calling: 712-432-0211 Enter Pin 429281# Hear a recorded message or...Call in to a LIVE CONFERENCE CALL: 212-796-1700 Enter Pin 2120# (11AM or 3PM or 9:30PM Central Time 7 DAYS A WEEK!)

What the Class of 2009 Will Earn - College Graduates Finding Bright Spots in Dreary Economy

What the Class of 2009 Will Earn - College Graduates Finding Bright Spots in Dreary Economy by Brad Dunn, PARADE The Class of 2009 has been ...

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Beware of Hidden Interview Pitfalls

Beware of Hidden Interview Pitfalls by CareerBuilder.com<br /><br />Suit. Check<br />Two hours of company research. Check<br />Three hours practicing answers to interview questions. Check<br />Extra copies of resume. Check<br />Fancy leather folder thingy to hold extra copies of resume. Check<br />Limp, wet handshake. Huh?<br /><br />All the expert interview advice and all the practice in the world still might not prepare you for hidden traps that can trip you up and foil your job interview.<br /><br />Weak Handshake<br />Science backs up what the etiquette books have been saying all along, that a firm handshake helps make a good first impression for both males and females. A University of Alabama study found there is a substantial relationship between the features that characterize a firm handshake (strength, vigor, duration, eye contact and completeness of grip) and a favorable first impression.<br /><br />The proper handshake should be firm, with an energy that communicates sincerity, strength and professionalism, says Dianne M. Daniels, a certified image coach and author of Polish and Presence: 31 Days to a New Image. Extend your arm with your hand outstretched with thumb straight up. Slide your hand into the other person's until your webs touch and give a firm, not squeezing, pump.<br /><br />Not Asking Questions<br />Not asking an interview questions sends a signal that you don't know enough about the business to ask an intelligent question, or it shows that you don't see yourself within the environment of the company. At best, it shows a lack of creativity. Your questions do more than show your interest; they can also provide valuable information you can use in assessing the job.<br /><br />If you are a good listener, you should be able to follow up on something the interviewer said during your visit. Ask him or her to expand on what was said. This shows you were attentive and also shows where your interests lie.<br /><br />Most career counselors advise applicants to have a number of questions rehearsed and ready to go. Many of the prepared topics will be discussed during the course of the interview, but there should be some left over at the end. Have several ready so you can return the serve.<br /><br />Employment Background Check<br />Statistics show that the number of companies conducting background checks is growing. For some jobs, screening is required by federal or state law. For others, it's a way for employers to learn more about each candidate and ensure the hiring decisions they make are good ones.<br /><br />Some employers will use your credit history to gauge your level of responsibility. Whether a valid assumption or not, employers who run credit checks are likely to believe that if you are not reliable in paying your bills, then you will not be a reliable employee. Unfortunately, a bad credit report can work against you in your search for employment.<br /><br />So you won't be surprised, you can do your own check and make sure the information is correct. Order a copy of your credit report, check court and DMV records and ask to see a copy of your personnel file from your old job. One option CareerBuilder.com offers is SureCheck, which enables job seekers to increase their marketability by pre-screening their own personal histories and credentials for potential employers.<br /><br />Brainteaser Questions<br />Tell me about yourself. Why does this job interest you? How many quarters would you have to stack to reach the top of the Empire State Building? Designed to measure candidates' intelligence, creativity and analytical skills, brainteasers and logic questions often involve obscure subjects.<br /><br />Recruiters aren't that concerned with whether a candidate comes up with the precise answer, but rather insight into their thought process and whether they work thorough problems in a logical manner.<br /><br />These types of questions are meant to make you think on your feet; the trick is to start big and take it one step at a time. The only sure-fire way to fail at these questions is to be stumped. Offer up your ideas even if they seem bizarre.<br /><br />It doesn't hurt to look! <a href="http://www.mygvbiz.com/getrich">www.mygvbiz.com/getrich</a> Become an Independent Distributor Today!You can learn more by calling: 712-432-0211 Enter Pin 429281# Hear a recorded message or...Call in to a LIVE CONFERENCE CALL: 212-796-1700 Enter Pin 2120# (11AM or 3PM or 9:30PM Central Time 7 DAYS A WEEK!)

Beware of Hidden Interview Pitfalls

Beware of Hidden Interview Pitfalls by CareerBuilder.com Suit. Check Two hours of company research. Check Three hours practicing answers to ...

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Should You Pursue an Online Degree?

Should You Pursue an Online Degree? by CareerBuilder.com<br /><br />Education or experience: Many people find that their career reaches a plateau and that employers place greater value on employees with a higher level of education or one more relevant to the modern workplace. Anyone that has ever been passed over for promotion only to find a college graduate in the post will know how frustrating it can be.<br /><br />An online degree offers the perfect solution. There are a huge variety of degree programs available on-line which can be pursued to bachelor's, master's or doctoral level. Professional qualifications are also attainable via the Internet. With the advances in information technology over the past decade, there is no reason to get stuck in a rut. Whether it is nursing, education, business management or information technology, a development of an existing career or a whole new departure, there is an online program to suit you.<br /><br />Advantages of online education<br />Few adults are able to return to college to pursue further education --they have jobs and families to support. Even on-campus adult education programs can be unfeasible for some. Consequently, adults seeking access to continued education are increasingly turning to online programs. The freedom to study how and when they want is essential.<br /><br />Many professionals work irregular hours or travel as part of their job. An online degree program allows study wherever and whenever a busy schedule allows. Even if you are living abroad, you can gain a degree online from an American university. The convenience and accessibility of an online degree makes it easier than ever to learn while you earn and enhance your career prospects.<br /><br />The value of education<br />Employers are not necessarily at fault in placing such value on a higher education. Degree programs are often vocational, providing students with broad, practical, up-to-date understanding of certain industries and equipping them with the skills and expertise that are in demand within them. Such graduates are assets for companies seeking a competitive edge in their sector.<br /><br />You can develop the skills that are rewarded through an on-line degree program. It is worth the investment, but there is no need to worry if you can't afford the fees. Financial aid is available in many cases, especially for active or retired US military personnel.<br /><br />Online degrees versus traditional programs<br />People that have been out of education for some time often worry that on-line degrees are less highly regarded than traditional, on-campus qualifications. This may once have been the case but online degree programs are now rightly perceived to be topical, challenging and highly relevant. They are designed with the needs of working adult learners in mind and are developed in consultation with experienced professionals in industry and business to ensure that students learn concepts and methods that are immediately applicable in their work environment.<br /><br />Technology has progressed so that quality and content do not need to be sacrificed to allow for flexibility and accessibility. And, in a technological age, the ability to complete a degree online is an asset. Employers are likewise impressed by the initiative, ambition and self-motivation demonstrated by an employee who takes advantage of the Internet to develop their knowledge and their career. It is important to ensure that the degree you pursue is from an accredited university so that it will be treated with respect by employers. Gaining accreditation is a difficult and costly process so it is a good way to identify legitimate universities.<br /><br />Enhance your career prospects<br />Online education provides access to learning that would otherwise be inaccessible to many people. Web-based programs present a flexible, independent learning opportunity that fits the schedule of busy people and complements their experience. It is time to re-gain the advantage so get started today.<br /><br />It doesn't hurt to look! <a href="http://www.mygvbiz.com/getrich">www.mygvbiz.com/getrich</a> Become an Independent Distributor Today!You can learn more by calling: 712-432-0211 Enter Pin 429281# Hear a recorded message or...Call in to a LIVE CONFERENCE CALL: 212-796-1700 Enter Pin 2120# (11AM or 3PM or 9:30PM Central Time 7 DAYS A WEEK!)

Should You Pursue an Online Degree?

Should You Pursue an Online Degree? by CareerBuilder.com Education or experience: Many people find that their career reaches a plateau and t...

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It's my party and I'll cry if I want to

Today is my birthday. I'm officially 54 years old. For months I've been saying I'm almost 54 so it doesn't feel like a big shock.<br /><br />I don't feel like I'm 54. I feel like I did in my twenties, maybe even better now because I didn't exercise much in my early twenties. Back then I was always doing crash diets, trying to lose 10-20 pounds. My goal weight was 125 (I'm 5' 6" and the closest I got to that goal was 127 in my 40's, not realistic). I was kind of an idiot about health. I really wanted to be skinny, not healthy. <br /><br />I definitely feel smarter about a lot of things in life, and I'm not as shy as when I was younger. I believe in a healthy lifestyle instead of focusing on being skinny. Overall I'm a much happier person now that I was in my twenties. Of course, I didn't appreciate my youth, but then, who does? <br /><br />I'm still in Tulsa, hopefully heading home tonight. It's been an intensely stressful week. I went to the gym last night, but didn't go inside. Instead I sat in the parking and had a good cry. <br /><br />I've been practically joined at the hip with my coworker. Breakfast, lunch, dinner together. All day in the lab working through problems. We get along really well, being the same age and the having the same interests (he's a bit of a health nut but loves to eat just like me). We had our first argument last night about a work problem. Not a screaming match or anything like that (I save those for my husband). It was just a disagreement that I could see made him angry. It was totally work related, but it made me feel bad. He's a coworker first, friend second. I'm the project manager, he's the developer. There are bound to be clashes. <br /><br />After my good cry in the gym parking lot (I need to grow thicker skin) I decided not to work out. The first time this week. I stopped at Walmart on my way home and bought cookies and milk. I ate half a dozen cookies in front of the TV. I woke up this morning feeling much better, but too late for the gym. <br /><br />I can't wait to go home. I'm tired, I miss my cat and my husband (not necessarily in that order), and I miss my routine. Happy birthday to me.<br /><br />Oh - my birthday present to myself is going to be roller blades. I've been wanting them forever. Hope I don't fall and break a hip.

It's my party and I'll cry if I want to

Today is my birthday. I'm officially 54 years old. For months I've been saying I'm almost 54 so it doesn't feel like a big s...

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"Tell Me About Yourself" The Toughest Question in the Interview

"Tell Me About Yourself" The Toughest Question in the Interview by Don Straits, CEO and Dragon Slayer, Corporate Warriors<br /><br />When you, as a job seeker, are asked the most common, and toughest, interview question, "Tell me about yourself," your answer can make or break you as a candidate. Usually job seekers will respond with their "30 second commercial," and then elaborate on their background. While almost every career book and career counselor will tell you that is the appropriate response, I totally disagree.<br /><br />Many people fail in their job search because they are too often focused on what they want in a job including industry, type of position, location, income, benefits, and work environment. Their "30 second commercial" is centered around this premise. The commercial describes the job seeker's career history and what they are looking for. Too often, this is in direct contrast to what employers are looking for.<br /><br />There are two dominant reasons why job seekers are successful in the job search. The first is focusing on the needs of the organization. The second is focusing on the needs of the people within that organization. In this article, we are going to examine how to focus on the needs of the people within organizations. This will assist in rethinking your response to that all-important question, "Tell me about yourself."<br /><br />In order to learn how to respond to the needs of the interviewer, let's first learn more about ourselves. We can then apply that knowledge about ourselves to knowing how to understand and respond to the needs of others.<br /><br />Most social psychologists recognize four basic personality styles: Analytical, Amiable, Expressive, and Driver. Usually, each of us exhibits personality characteristics unique to one of the styles. However, we also possess characteristics to a lesser degree in the other styles. To determine your unique style, you can take a Myers-Briggs assessment or go to the following site for a free Keirsey Temperament Sorter assessment test: www.keirsey.com<br /><br />Here are the characteristics that are most commonly associated with each of the styles:<br /><br />Analytical:<br />Positive Traits: Precise, Methodical, Organized, Rational, Detail Oriented<br />Negative Traits: Critical, Formal, Uncertain, Judgmental, Picky<br /><br />Amiable:<br />Positive Traits: Cooperative, Dependable, Warm, Listener, Negotiator<br />Negative Traits: Undisciplined, Dependent, Submissive, Overly Cautious, Conforming<br /><br />Expressive:<br />Positive Traits: Enthusiastic, Persuasive, Outgoing, Positive, Communicator<br />Negative Traits: Ego Centered, Emotional, Exploitive, Opinionated, Reacting<br /><br />Driver:<br />Positive Traits: Persistent, Independent, Decision Maker, Effective, Strong Willed<br />Negative Traits: Aggressive, Strict, Intense, Relentless, Rigid<br /><br />Gaining an in-depth understanding of your personality style has enormous value in your career as well as your personal life. However, our focus today is learning how to use this knowledge to make you more successful in your job search.<br /><br />Once you have learned about your own style and have studied the other styles, I encourage you to have a little fun in trying to determine the styles of others. When you meet someone for the first time, try to identify his or her style within the first two minutes. You can often identify styles by observing a person's demeanor, conversation, body language, appearance, and possessions.<br /><br />To demonstrate what I mean, let's take some examples from the business world. While there are always exceptions, generally speaking the styles fit the example.<br /><br />Analytical Style: Financial Manager (or programmers, engineers, and accountants). They like systems and procedures. They are slow to make decisions because they will analyze things to death?but their decisions are usually very sound. They prefer working independently and are usually not very good in team environments, but they are also dependable. They buy cars with good resale value and great gas mileage. They are conservative dressers. At the party, they want to know why so much money was spent on Michelob when we could have purchased Busch. They come to the party with their laptops.<br /><br />Amiable Style: Human Resources Manager. Very people-focused. They are dependable, loyal and easygoing; very compassionate. They will give you the shirt off their backs and the last nickel in their pockets. They are good listeners and value team players who don't "rock the boat." They are usually conformists and followers?rarely leaders. They avoid conflict and are not good decision makers. They drive four-door sedans or mini-vans to take the kids to sporting events. They usually clean up after the party is over.<br /><br />Expressive Style: Sales Manager. Very outgoing and enthusiastic, with a high energy level. They are also great idea generators, but usually do not have the ability to see the idea through to completion. Very opinionated and egotistical. Money motivated. They can be good communicators. They prefer to direct and control rather then ask and listen. They drive red convertibles with great stereos; to heck with the gas mileage. They come up with the idea for a company party, but never help clean up. They are on their way to another party.<br /><br />Driver: Corporate CEO. Intelligent, intense, focused, relentless. They thrive on the thrill of the challenge and the internal motivation to succeed. Money is only a measure of success; it is not the driving factor. They are results/performance oriented. They have compassion for the truly disadvantaged, but absolutely no patience or tolerance for the lazy or whiners. They drive prestige cars, not because the car attracts attention, but because it was a wise investment. They want to know why we had a party; what were the benefits of the party, and did we invite the banker?<br /><br />Ok, now you are really getting some insight into your style and the style of others. It is time for the interviews. Throw out your 30-second commercial. Think on your feet.<br /><br />You will be interviewing with the human resource manager, the finance manager, the sales manager, and the CEO. The first question each of them will ask you is: "Tell me about yourself." How should you respond? Remember the second reason for succeeding in a job search: focus on the needs of the people in the organization. Here are just a few examples of how to respond to that question:<br /><br />"Tell me about yourself?"<br /><br />Response to Finance Manager: "I have been successful in my career by making well-thought-out decisions based on careful analysis of all factors. I approach problems with logic and sound reasoning. I would enjoy working with you in developing the appropriate systems and procedures to make our two departments function efficiently together."<br /><br />Response to Human Resource Manager: "My career has been characterized by my ability to work well with diverse teams. I seek out opportunities to involve others in the decision-making process. This collaboration and communication is what has enabled me to achieve success in my department. People are the most valuable resource of any organization."<br /><br />Response to Sales Manager: "Throughout my career I have always adhered to the principle that everyone in the organization must be sales-focused. My department is always trained in customer service, providing outstanding support to the sales team and to our customers. Without sales, the rest of use would not have a job. I look forward to helping you drive sales in any way possible."<br /><br />Response to CEO: "I have achieved success in my career because I have been focused on the bottom line. I have always sought out innovative solutions to challenging problems to maximize profitability. Regardless of the task or challenge, I always established benchmarks of performance and standards of excellence. I have never sought to maintain the "status quo." An organization that does not change and grow will die. I would enjoy working with you to help define new market opportunities in order to achieve the organization's goals."<br /><br />In each instance, we responded to the "needs of the individual." It is almost guaranteed that, when you respond appropriately to the diverse needs of the different managers, you will become the standard by which all of the other candidates will be measured.<br /><br />I challenge you to learn about your personality and leadership style, learn about the styles of others, and learn how to think on your feet when responding to questions. Whether you are seeking a job or you are gainfully employed, by understanding the needs of others you will become a more valuable person, employee, manager and leader.<br /><br />--------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />Don Straits, CEO and Dragon Slayer, Corporate Warriors<br /><br />Don is recognized as a nationwide authority on contemporary job search strategies and technologies for executives. His organization produces world-class online multi-media resume portfolios and provides out-of-the-box coaching for his/her clients. Don can be contacted at don@corporatewarriors.com or (916) 630-4545. Website: www.corporatewarriors.com.<br /><br />It doesn't hurt to look! <a href="http://www.mygvbiz.com/getrich">www.mygvbiz.com/getrich</a> Become an Independent Distributor Today!You can learn more by calling: 712-432-0211 Enter Pin 429281# Hear a recorded message or...Call in to a LIVE CONFERENCE CALL: 212-796-1700 Enter Pin 2120# (11AM or 3PM or 9:30PM Central Time 7 DAYS A WEEK!)

"Tell Me About Yourself" The Toughest Question in the Interview

"Tell Me About Yourself" The Toughest Question in the Interview by Don Straits, CEO and Dragon Slayer, Corporate Warriors When you...

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Hot Tips and Cool Tricks to Drive your Job Search

Hot Tips and Cool Tricks to Drive your Job Search by Donald Straits, CEO and Dragon Slayer, Corporate Warriors<br /><br />Grab a cup of coffee or a nice cool drink, get settled in front of your computer, put your thinking cap on, and now let's go to work. Print out the following list of hot tips and cool tricks. Now as you read each one, think about how the tip or trick applies to your search situation. Type out your ideas so that you can organize them and put them to work for you. They may not all apply, but guaranteed, you will see opportunities to change your job search strategy.<br /><br />Some of the ideas are out-of-the-box, innovative tips and tricks that break traditional rules. The other ideas may be very traditional, but are worth repeating. Many people are not using these basic, extraordinarily important, concepts. For example. Proofread. Proofread. Proofread. I look at dozens of resumes every day, and almost every resume has mistakes in grammar, punctuation or spelling. It is a death sentence for the job seeker.<br /><br />1. Don't be trapped in the traditional one- or two-page resume "box." Make a powerful first impression with a comprehensive portfolio, including a two- to four-page resume, key accomplishment summaries (one page each) and statements of industry, company, or functional job insights. Integrate graphs, tables or charts throughout your resume or portfolio.<br /><br />2. Avoid these common resume mistakes: weak demonstration of results, disorganized, run-on or wordy sentences, and too much irrelevant information such as long lists of coursework, certificates and personal family history. Most importantly, avoid the use of "half-sentences" that only tell what you did and do not define the results you achieved. Once again, avoid misspellings, typing errors and grammatical blunders that are far too commonplace.<br /><br />3. When posting your resume on CareerBuilder.com, consider taking advantage of the "upgrade" so that your resume always appears near the top of the list. All postings appear in chronological order with the exception of the "upgrades" which get priority placement. Without the upgrade option, your resume will quickly appear down further on the list because of the huge volume of postings. It is worth the minor investment.<br /><br />4. The primary reason why most job seekers fail in their job search is that they are too focused on themselves (job title, responsibilities, compensation, location, growth opportunity, and status). The job seekers who achieve success in their job search are focused on the needs of the organization to which they are applying and the needs of the people in that organization.<br /><br />5. Don't be trapped by looking backward at your last position with regret or anger. Eyes forward with enthusiasm, energy and confidence for the new opportunities that lie in the future!<br /><br />6. After you suffer a job loss, do not "retreat" or "escape" behind the doors of your house. The exact opposite should be the case. Seek out every opportunity to expand your network through new friends. Become active in professional organizations and community groups. Meet new people in social and athletic situations; engage those people in conversations on how you can help them and then they, in turn, will help you.<br /><br />7. Get organized and committed. The biggest mistake most people make is finding excuses for not being active in their job search. Develop a daily working plan and stick to it!<br /><br />8. Here is a tip that breaks the rules: Do not develop a 30-second "commercial" that tells people about yourself. Too often, that "commercial" sounds "scripted" and it rarely is suited for every situation. Rather, think more about the individual to whom you are speaking, what his/her needs are, and how you can help him/her, given your leadership and expertise. Example: If you are talking to an HR person, talk about team building, collaboration and being open to ideas. If you are interviewing with a sales manager, talk about your energy, drive, new products, sales opportunities and how everyone in the organization should be considered part of the sales team. If you are meeting with an analytical type of person (i.e. financial or technical manager), talk about the importance of systems, processes, details, organization and procedures. If you are meeting with a senior department head, talk about the importance of generating bottom line results.<br /><br />9. Don't think so much about how to answer tough questions. If you are a talented, you will have the ability to think "on your feet" and answer those questions. More importantly, think about what kind of tough questions are important to ask. Asking penetrating questions demonstrates your expertise and job insights.<br /><br />10. When responding to questions, tell great stories that illustrate the point you are trying to make. Answering a question with facts and figures touches the interviewer's mind. However, if you answer questions with a great story, you touch his/her heart. Once you touch someone's heart, you've got him/her "in your pocket."<br /><br />11. When you define your career, think in terms of your leadership and contributions to the bottom line. Do not think in terms of job history, experience, or skill set.<br /><br />12. When you prepare for an interview, go beyond the traditional company research. Develop a list of key insights into emerging trends, opportunities, issues, and challenges for the industry, company or position. Your insights or viewpoints will demonstrate your leadership and vision. Also do field research. Talk with employees, customers, vendors and write out the summaries of your research. The knowledge you gained will give you an edge over other job seekers.<br /><br />13. When networking, instead of talking about yourself, ask questions that identify the needs of the people with whom you are talking. By understanding their agenda, you are more likely to come up with the right responses to their questions. It is commonly accepted that great conversationalists do the least amount of talking but ask the best questions.<br /><br />14. If you are over 40, hit the books and become contemporary in state-of-the-art concepts for your industry or functional area. Many mature job seekers are passed over because they are not up-to-date. Also, regardless of your industry or position, become proficient in current computer technology and applications. If you don't heed both of the above suggestions, you will discover you will soon no longer be marketable<br /><br />15. To secure a position, your ability to do the job is only a small piece of the total puzzle. Hiring managers are more interested in the following: initiative, willingness to accept responsibility, ability to grow within your job and the company, your ability to assume authority when required, your respect of authority, your level of expertise, your ability to manage and lead others, your ability to work in a team environment, a personality that demonstrates self-confidence, the courage to make tough decisions, compatibility with the corporate culture, and your demonstration of high energy and enthusiasm.<br /><br />While the above cool tips and hot tricks only scratch the surface, they will help you rethink your search strategy and get you pointed in the right direction. We all know that today's job market is tough, so the message is persistence. Get focused, implement great strategies, and stay motivated. Hang in there. You are going to succeed.<br /><br />--------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />Don Straits, CEO and Dragon Slayer, Corporate Warriors<br /><br />Don is recognized as a nationwide authority on contemporary job search strategies and technologies for executives. His organization produces world-class online multi-media resume portfolios and provides out-of-the-box coaching for his/her clients. Don can be contacted at don@corporatewarriors.com or (916) 630-4545. Website: www.corporatewarriors.com.<br /><br />It doesn't hurt to look! <a href="http://www.mygvbiz.com/getrich">www.mygvbiz.com/getrich</a> Become an Independent Distributor Today!You can learn more by calling: 712-432-0211 Enter Pin 429281# Hear a recorded message or...Call in to a LIVE CONFERENCE CALL: 212-796-1700 Enter Pin 2120# (11AM or 3PM or 9:30PM Central Time 7 DAYS A WEEK!)

Hot Tips and Cool Tricks to Drive your Job Search

Hot Tips and Cool Tricks to Drive your Job Search by Donald Straits, CEO and Dragon Slayer, Corporate Warriors Grab a cup of coffee or a nic...

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What's Better: Send an E-mail or Talk Face-to-Face?

What's Better: Send an E-mail or Talk Face-to-Face? By Kerry Patterson, co-author of the national bestseller, 'Crucial Confrontations'<br /><br />In today's well-connected world, hi-tech gadgets and gizmos can help us communicate more easily. Technology has made communication nearly instantaneous, incredibly convenient and enormously accessible. But has it somehow made us less effective communicators? Should we monitor our method of communication more carefully? Does it really affect our messages?<br /><br />The answer to all of these question is "Yes" -- especially when you consider that many of us are already far too savvy at finding ways to avoid face-to-face conversations that involve strong emotions or high stakes.<br /><br />When it comes to resolving broken promises, violated expectations or bad behavior with someone at work, resorting to hi-tech methods like e-mail, voice mail or text messages can amplify our problems.<br /><br />For example, a subordinate leaves a vague excuse on your voice mail after missing a key deadline, or a colleague e-mails your error-filled report to your boss instead of confronting you directly.<br /><br />According to a recent survey by VitalSmarts, a corporate training company, more than 87 percent of those polled admit that using hi-tech means to resolve a workplace confrontation has not been effective in their experience. Moreover, 89 percent say e-mail, text messaging and voice mail can get in the way of good workplace relationships.<br /><br />Even though the majority of respondents agree that we shouldn't be so indirect in our communication with co-workers, the question remains: When does ease and security trump the need to talk face-to-face?<br /><br />Regardless of the circumstances, people should think twice before pushing the "send" button and consider what they want long term -- even if the way to get there isn't always the easiest.<br /><br />Anytime non-verbal signals are important in deciphering the message, the news is particularly bad or sensitive, negative feedback is being delivered or differing opinions will ensue, face-to-face communication is a must. Consider the following:<br /><br />Giving delicate feedback.<br />Good example: You meet one-on-one to tell someone he has a hygiene problem. Any delicate or controversial conversation requires a tête-à-tête.<br />Bad example: You send a group e-mail to the whole team and announce, "One of you really needs to bathe more often."<br /><br />Working through a long-standing gripe.<br />Good example: You set aside a time and calmly and professionally discuss something that has you concerned.<br />Bad example: You e-mail a list of 'The Top 10 Reasons Everyone Despises You.'<br /><br />Confronting someone who has not delivered on a promise.<br />Good example: As soon as you find out someone has let you down, you factually describe what you expected and what you got. You don't wait and let it fester.<br />Bad example: You send this person a text message that asks: "How come you aren't as reliable as most people around here?"<br /><br />Delivering a controversial message.<br />Good example: You're going to reject a direct report's proposal -- one she has worked on for months. She deserves a complete explanation as well as an opportunity to engage in two-way dialogue.<br />Bad example: You leave her a voice mail saying, "Remember that proposal you came up with? Well, we rejected it. By the way, don't forget the boss's birthday lunch this afternoon."<br /><br />Delivering bad news.<br />Good example: When letting someone go, you treat the bad news as bad news. You allow the other person to show their concern and emotions.<br />Bad example: You send a singing e-card -- "Ta-da ta-da ta-ta: You no longer work here!"<br /><br />Kerry Patterson is co-author of the New York Times bestsellers 'Crucial C<br /><br />It doesn't hurt to look! <a href="http://www.mygvbiz.com/getrich">www.mygvbiz.com/getrich</a> Become an Independent Distributor Today!You can learn more by calling: 712-432-0211 Enter Pin 429281# Hear a recorded message or...Call in to a LIVE CONFERENCE CALL: 212-796-1700 Enter Pin 2120# (11AM or 3PM or 9:30PM Central Time 7 DAYS A WEEK!)

What's Better: Send an E-mail or Talk Face-to-Face?

What's Better: Send an E-mail or Talk Face-to-Face? By Kerry Patterson, co-author of the national bestseller, 'Crucial Confrontation...

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