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!

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.

Enjoy the Season

The holiday season is upon us again. It seems to come around faster and faster each year. That should be a clue that perhaps our lives are too busy. Do yourself and your loved ones a favor by taking some time to take time.

• Remember to take time to be with family and friends and enjoy their companionship.
• Listen to carols and enjoy the decorations.
• Instead of thinking of all you have to do for the holidays as a chore, enjoy the beauty of the season and the fun holiday activities are meant to bring.
• Visit a shut-in or someone who is lonely.
• Bake some cookies or make fudge.
• Entertain dressed in your best attire.
• Attend to your spiritual side.
• Spread love and cheer wherever you go.

Balancing work, play, spirituality, and physical well-being is the best way to enjoy the holiday season and life in general.

Tis the season. Slow down and enjoy.