Meet Deadlines - Increase Your Efficiency

Another tax year is closed. Hopefully, everyone met the deadline. Meeting deadlines is a workplace priority. Here are some tips on meeting deadlines and sticking to those busy schedules.

• Prioritize. No one has time to do everything, so it is necessary to arrange a to-do list according to one’s priorities.


• Work on one task at a time until it is finished if possible. Switching from one task to another causes a lull in productivity. The mind has to re-familiarize itself with each task when switching.


• Eliminate distractions. This includes internal and external distractions.


• Work efficiently. Is there a better way to do a task than the way it has always been done? Can you prepare in any way before beginning the task?


• Make decisions quickly. Explore all options and commit to a plausible action to resolve the problem.


• Develop your skills and keep up with technology that will help you complete tasks.


• Just do what needs to be done.

Taking the initiative, working efficiently, and doing everything necessary to meet deadlines will pay off in a big way.

Polish That Resume - Meet Employer Needs

The unemployment rate dipped slightly this week. Now might be a good time to dust off the resume and re-circulate it. Whether you are looking for a new job or hoping to snag a better one, you need to be able to bring value to the company in order to be considered for an interview.

Take a good look at your skills. What do you do best? What is the company looking for in a job candidate? Do you match the company's needs? You should concentrate your search where your skills match the employer's needs.

Think about your work history. Have you included all tasks you have completed that bring out your best talents and abilities? Did you receive any special recognition or awards? Were you promoted? How was your attendance and punctuality? Were you a team player? Can you work with little or no supervision?

By thinking about what employers want from their employees, you can better prepare a resume to fit those needs and perhaps score an interview.

Polish Your Resume to Boost Your Interview Opportunities

Looking for a new job or wanting to change jobs? Here are some tips for preparing a resume that will get you noticed:

• Use a heading that includes your name (typed in bold and capitals), address, phone number (where you can be reached easily), and a professional-sounding email address.


• Limit the resume to one or two pages--employers do not have time to read through several pages no matter how much experience you have.


• Use a current style--check one of the many resume books or find a sample online.


• Instead of using an objective, prepare a summary of your skills and accomplishments in two or three sentences.


• List your work experiences chronologically backwards, highlighting accomplishments instead of just listing tasks.


• Make sure your achievements stand out--you don't want them to be overlooked.


• Show that you can deliver results and solve problems--demonstrate your skills through examples.


• Use numbers, dollars, and percentages where possible.


• Customize the resume to the specific ad you are answering or to the position you want.


• Eliminate personal information such as health and marital status.


• Proofread carefully and then have someone else proofread for you.

Once you polish your resume, send it out to as many places as possible. It cannot do the job if it is not circulated.

Make Yourself Indispensable on the Job

Continuing with the "hang onto your job" theme, I have added more ways to keep your job and get ahead in the workplace.

• Speak kindly to everyone--every day.


• Go above and beyond for your customers. If there is something special you can do, do it.


• Go above and beyond for the boss by making yourself valuable to him or her.


• If you must offer criticism, say something positive first.


• Update your professional image.


• Maintain a positive attitude at all times.


• Maintain a "successful" mindset.


• Make a plan for your advancement and write steps you can take toward that goal.


• Look for solutions to problems.


• Hone your leadership skills.


• Stay away from troublemakers and gossips.


• Be a results-oriented employee.

Taking appropriate steps today can lead to a rewarding career tomorrow.

Find a Job You Will Like

You can do a few easy things to ensure you will like your job and the work you will be doing.

• Decide the industry you would most like to work in and the type of work you would like to do
• Assess your skills and training to determine if they fit the position; if not, acquire the training
• Write a resume tailored to the company for which you would like to work and the type of position you want
• Network
• Polish your professional image
• Practice interviewing skills

By matching yourself and your skills to a position, you are more likely to enjoy your job and find workplace success.

Top Ten Job Tips

Here are my top ten job hunting tips.

• Network--tell everyone you know that you are looking for a job.
• Use a modern resume format that makes your achievements stand out.
• Focus your resume on the job for which you are applying--customize.
• Research companies before the interview--check their websites.
• Be prepared--practice interviewing with a friend.
• Focus on jobs that are appropriate for you rather than applying to everything.
• Continue to learn and grow professionally.
• Embrace technology--update your skills.
• Work on keeping a healthy body and mind.
• Dress for success.

Putting forth extra effort can pay off in big dividends with the right job for you.

Resume Tips

Since January is the start of a new year, many people will be looking for a job or changing careers. In this turbulent economy, that may seem like a daunting task. Here are some tips to put together a winning resume for your job search.

Even if you are not currently searching for a job, you should always keep your resume updated.

1. Keep your resume to one or two pages; employers are time strapped.
2. Instead of a job objective, briefly profile your achievements in a sentence or two.
3. Use the keywords from the job description or from your particular industry.
4. Locate important information in a prominent place where employers will see it during a 30-second scan of the resume.
5. Quantify whenever possible--use numbers, dollar amounts, and percentages.
6. Do not overuse fancy fonts, underlines, bullets, bold, boxes, tabs, etc.
7. List a professional email address.
8. Never lie or exaggerate your experience, skills, achievements, or education.
9. Do not list references on the resume; prepare a separate reference page.
10. Customize the resume to fit the job description.
11. Always send a customized cover letter with the resume showing how your qualifications meet the employer's needs.
12. Print the resume on quality paper; and proofread carefully checking spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

A well-prepared resume just may get you that job interview.

Career Resolutions

Christmas with all its hustle and bustle is over. This weekend we will celebrate the end of one year and the beginning of another. What a great time to make those resolutions! This blog will be devoted to career resolutions. If you are looking to start a new career, implement some of the following strategies in to your job search to increase your chances of success:

• Develop a positive attitude
• Assess your personal characteristics and your skills
• Let your enthusiasm show during every interview
• Make a good impression with your resume, cover letter, and interviewing skills
• Learn about the company you are applying to and be ready to discuss that knowledge during the interview
• Dress for success during the interview
• Choose references carefully
• Keep up with the latest technology
• Utilize online employment sites by posting your resume
• Joined LinkedIn and create a professional profile
• Join online job boards and participate
• Network with everyone you know and everyone you meet
• Join a professional association and attend meetings regularly

Treat your job search like a job. Put the necessary time into your search.