Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Vacation

I have been vacationing since August 11, driving across the United States. I just spent five days in Hollywood visiting my son. Everyone should take time to sit back and relax or see the sights. By refreshing ourselves, we can enjoy our work more and be able to give our best.

I will be posting more job related information and inspirational tips next week.

Saturday, August 6, 2011

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.

Monday, August 1, 2011

Thinking Positively in a Negative Economy

How is your work attitude? Being out of work or stuck in a dead-end job is not the way most of us envision our work life; but in a poor economy, every employee must work hard to maintain a job or to land a new one. Unemployment or underemployment, however, can be devastating to self-esteem. That means each person in these situations will also have to work harder at maintaining a positive attitude. There is no other choice if you hope to be successful at work.


  • Do not berate yourself if you have no job or a low-level position; rather, remind yourself that most people go through several jobs and careers.

  • Do not tie your self-worth solely to your work; consider the sum of your talents, skills, and unique experiences.

  • Believe in yourself and your competency; upgrade your skills if needed.

  • Develop positive work habits.

  • Strategize ways to find more meaning in your work or more meaningful work.

  • Tell yourself you can conduct a successful job search.

  • Display enthusiasm during an interview and while you are working.

  • Set goals and persist in achieving them.

  • Be grateful.

  • Surround yourself with upbeat, positive people.

  • Call on your network when you are feeling down or when you need help with a job search.

  • Be positive; a positive attitude will help you move forward; replace negative thoughts with positive ones.

  • Become a problem solver.

  • Do something to improve your situation.

  • Make friends on LinkedIn and other professional networking sites.

  • Focus on what you have control over; forget about what you cannot control.