Make Yourself Indispensable to Your Employer

Make yourself indispensable to your employer by going the extra mile. Take a tip from these tips:

• Volunteer to do something extra
• Be accountable for your actions
• Be flexible
• Show up for work everyday and be punctual
• Look for ways to save the company time and money
• Get along with coworkers, supervisors, and customers
• Do your best work; be quality conscious
• Avoid gossip and the rumor mill
• Ask, "How can I help?"

A little extra effort can go a long way towards boosting your career to the next level.

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.

Assess Those Career Goals

How are the career goals coming along? Many people forget about their New Year's resolutions about now, so let's focus instead on goals. In keeping with the career theme, here are tips for setting career goals for 2011:

• Assess where you are at the moment in your career--are you satisfied in your position or do you want to move up or move out?
• Assess your skills and education as needed to advance in your position or to change careers.
• Research applicable positions and companies.
• Set specific goals that will lead you to your career desires.
• Keep a positive attitude with regard to attaining your goals.
• Take charge and do something to move yourself toward your goals--sign up for a class, send out resumes, research companies, network, schedule interviews, and so forth
• Assess your progress and make adjustments when necessary.

With planning and action, you have a good chance to reach your goals.

Give Employers What They Want

In keeping with the theme of getting a job, let's take a look at what employers want. Employers want to hire dependable, enthusiastic people who will give a full day's work. Here are some tips to convince an employer you are the right person for the job:

• Maintain a record of dependability and good attendance at your current job.
• Be able to convey your assets and accomplishments within a few minutes.
• Match your skills to the employer's needs.
• Research the company and be prepared to discuss your findings during the interview.
• Demonstrate your willingness to try new things.
• Practice time management and organizational skills.
• Maintain a positive attitude and demonstrate your willingness to get along with others.
• If you working in a multi-generational workplace, mention your ability to get along with people of all ages.
• Take an active part in your self-development through training and updating skills.
• Join a professional organization in your field.

Push yourself to the top of the competition by showing the employer you are the right person to hire.

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.

Putting a New Year in Perspective

I am ending the year with some tips for keeping your life in balance.

• Take stock of your activities to be sure you are spending sufficient time in all important areas of your life--work, family, spiritual, and extracurricular activities
• Renew relationships with relatives and friends you have not been in touch with for a while
• Purge excess belongs and donate them to charity
• Meditate
• Exercise
• Create a workable budget
• Volunteer
• Devote time to your hobby or favorite activity
• Start a gratitude journal and write in it daily
• Read a few good books
• Listen to uplifting music
• Be flexible
• Let go of worries and stress
• Keep a sense of humor
• Share with others
• Establish priorities and eliminate things that do not add value to your life
• Strike negative words from your vocabulary
• Forgive
• Take it one day at a time

Happy New Year!