As I begin today with this post, I realize how many months have passed since I last communicated with everyone.
I have to say, that I truly found it difficult to "keep a stiff upper lip" and encourage everyone to press forward looking for a job as the prospects for finding employment continued to dwindle and it became much more difficult for everyone of all age groups to find a decent paying position.
I was reading a report today where it stated that the time between 2007 and 2009 was the worst downturn in employment since the 1930's. That all sounds fine and dandy but to those who continued to want employment and are still unable to find employment from 2009 to the present, it just sounds like fake rhetoric. I'm so glad that the report now says we are once again back up to the employment level that we were at prior to the recession. Sounds well and good, but what about all the years since the beginning of the "recession," as the article calls it, where there has been no additional growth? To me and anyone else who has been looking for work, it is like being at the bottom of a well, with a ladder where the rungs are broken and continue breaking out from under you. One step up and you fall back down two or three!
The report stated that there is now 37.2% still who are unemployed and many of those have totally given up searching for work. The article was lamenting that those in the baby boomer era who are either old enough now to retire or in their mid to late 50's are finding it very difficult to locate meaningful employment along with those in the 18-24 age bracket. One of the problems for the older worker is that the employer is unwilling to pay them their actual worth, considering that they have been out of work for several years, expecting them to take deep cuts. It is so much easier to hire one or two younger people who would equal the pay required for the seasoned worker and train them. Also their insurance costs would be drastically less and they most likely would be assured of having them around as an employee for much longer than the older worker.
So yes, anyone over 50 is still having a very difficult time trying to find proper, well paying employment even though there seems to be a light at the end of the tunnel with more people finding employment. If you are going to be lucky enough to locate work, be prepared to take a healthy pay cut from what you were earning, especially so if you have been out of work for more than six months. I've not been able to comprehend how some employers think that just because you have been out of work for a few years, means you have not retained your education and ability to work with others. Granted depending on your area of expertise, you may need to brush up on certain aspects of your job, if you are in areas where licensing regulations may change or where there are many advances in technology. But to be expected to rehire in at half of what you were making? I do believe a drop that steep in salary is uncalled for.
Also current reports are that even college graduates, two years out of college, are still depending on their parents or other family members for some type of financial assistance. Students were tracked and surveyed who started college in 2007 up through 2013 for these statistics. Not only are they postponing marriage but also having children and owning a home. Even a percentage of them stated that living on their own was unimportant, which I found very interesting.
Of those surveyed, only 49% of the graduates stated they were working a full-time job and of those, approximately half said they still had to rely on family for financial support. With the full time workers, they earned between 40K and $60K a year, while part time employees were earning between $25K and $40K. The burden of their student loan debts and a poor job market is holding back many "life decisions" that would have normally been made by now in this age bracket. The average graduating college student had approximately $30K to pay out in student loans. When I see that figure, on top of normal living expenses, it is no wonder that they are postponing leaving the "family nest" in order to reduce their monthly living expenses.
As you continue your search for work, use every resource possible and turn every stone because job hunting today is so different than it was just five to six years ago. Today, the magic word seems to be networking. Let every friend and associate you know that you are looking for work. You never know who might know someone who is looking for a person with your education and experience. For example, do you get your car repaired by a specific mechanic or use the same barber to cut your hair, or the same dry cleaners for your clothes? What about letting the people at your church know ? Do you have a social group such as being on a bowling team or bridge group? What about sports activities with your children? Every single person in those environments knows other people who just might need a new employee in their business.
Showing posts with label job hunting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label job hunting. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
Friday, December 31, 2010
Happy New Year Everyone
Ready………….Set………. GO!
Just a few more hours and this year will be history! If you are like me you are glad it is coming to a close and praying that the coming year is going to be better.
If you are still out there looking for work, I hope that you went ahead and did some job hunting before Christmas and that you are doing so right now as well! Chances are there are going to be some openings in January and companies will be collecting resumes right now.
Many companies laid off people in December, especially if they had no intentions of keeping them this coming year. By doing so, before the first of the year, they will not have to continue to carry their records on their books this coming year. Companies are famous for layoffs about two weeks before Christmas!
If you are still not employed, take this time to reevaluate your needs vs. your desires as far as your salary requirements and the types of positions you are looking for. Take stock of your actual needs. Can you cut some more corners in the way of expenses in order to be able to accept a lower salary? Are you now willing to relocate? Take a job that doesn’t have the fancy job title that you think you need to have?
Predictions are that the job market is going to be a tough one for several more years and there will be an abundance of available workers to fill even the most menial positions.
It appears that there are going to be some sectors that will have increasing needs for qualified employees. Expect there to be increased hiring in the health care industry. This will include everything from nurse’s aids, LPN’s, RN’s and PA’s in various types of employment settings from nursing homes, traveling nurses, and hospitals to doctor’s offices and the new types of housing developments where there are assisted living facilities as well as full care facilities in one location. Elder care is going to be on the increase as our aging population continues to grow.
In the past I would have suggested that there is always a need for teacher’s assistants, teachers, firemen, policemen and other types of law enforcement personnel to work in the jails and the court systems, or any position in a government setting, But with cuts in funds to operate these needed facilities at all levels of government, I would not recommend these occupations at this time. The coffers are hurting at city and state government levels as well as at the federal level. Many City and State governments are reducing services because of lack of funds to cover salaries.
Once again, brawn power over brain power may well be in demand. There will continue to be needs for good auto mechanics, plumbers and electricians. Not necessarily plumbers and electricians for new home construction but for taking care of needed repairs in existing homes. There may also be a demand for construction people who are good in handling remodeling repairs and changes to existing homes. Many people are deciding it is much more practical to put money into remodeling their existing homes rather than to try and purchase a new home in the present housing market. Again, look to an increase in work for the elderly who have decided to “age in place,” either out of choice or necessity. There will be work to do in making homes more wheelchair accessible, which will include widening doorways, adding safety bars in bathrooms and ramps outside to eliminate the need for navigating steps.
There is still work that will be available working on the Internet. Whether it is signing up to do surveys, which will bring in some money depending on how many you do per day, or writing articles for companies who will pay you to do so. You might also want to start a blog, such as this, where you share information with others and have affiliate marketing ads on your site that might be of interest to your readers. You won’t get rich quick but over time you might find this to be a nice source of some extra income and have an enjoyable time doing it.
Just a few more hours and this year will be history! If you are like me you are glad it is coming to a close and praying that the coming year is going to be better.
If you are still out there looking for work, I hope that you went ahead and did some job hunting before Christmas and that you are doing so right now as well! Chances are there are going to be some openings in January and companies will be collecting resumes right now.
Many companies laid off people in December, especially if they had no intentions of keeping them this coming year. By doing so, before the first of the year, they will not have to continue to carry their records on their books this coming year. Companies are famous for layoffs about two weeks before Christmas!
If you are still not employed, take this time to reevaluate your needs vs. your desires as far as your salary requirements and the types of positions you are looking for. Take stock of your actual needs. Can you cut some more corners in the way of expenses in order to be able to accept a lower salary? Are you now willing to relocate? Take a job that doesn’t have the fancy job title that you think you need to have?
Predictions are that the job market is going to be a tough one for several more years and there will be an abundance of available workers to fill even the most menial positions.
It appears that there are going to be some sectors that will have increasing needs for qualified employees. Expect there to be increased hiring in the health care industry. This will include everything from nurse’s aids, LPN’s, RN’s and PA’s in various types of employment settings from nursing homes, traveling nurses, and hospitals to doctor’s offices and the new types of housing developments where there are assisted living facilities as well as full care facilities in one location. Elder care is going to be on the increase as our aging population continues to grow.
In the past I would have suggested that there is always a need for teacher’s assistants, teachers, firemen, policemen and other types of law enforcement personnel to work in the jails and the court systems, or any position in a government setting, But with cuts in funds to operate these needed facilities at all levels of government, I would not recommend these occupations at this time. The coffers are hurting at city and state government levels as well as at the federal level. Many City and State governments are reducing services because of lack of funds to cover salaries.
Once again, brawn power over brain power may well be in demand. There will continue to be needs for good auto mechanics, plumbers and electricians. Not necessarily plumbers and electricians for new home construction but for taking care of needed repairs in existing homes. There may also be a demand for construction people who are good in handling remodeling repairs and changes to existing homes. Many people are deciding it is much more practical to put money into remodeling their existing homes rather than to try and purchase a new home in the present housing market. Again, look to an increase in work for the elderly who have decided to “age in place,” either out of choice or necessity. There will be work to do in making homes more wheelchair accessible, which will include widening doorways, adding safety bars in bathrooms and ramps outside to eliminate the need for navigating steps.
There is still work that will be available working on the Internet. Whether it is signing up to do surveys, which will bring in some money depending on how many you do per day, or writing articles for companies who will pay you to do so. You might also want to start a blog, such as this, where you share information with others and have affiliate marketing ads on your site that might be of interest to your readers. You won’t get rich quick but over time you might find this to be a nice source of some extra income and have an enjoyable time doing it.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Wild Wacky Ways To Promote Yourself
Unemployment continues to climb and with each passing week that you are out of work, it becomes harder and harder to find a new job. It is expected that an additional 12,000 people will soon be joining you on the streets as the stimulus money that was used to create jobs in the private sector runs out. Employers will no longer want to continue keeping those workers on their payroll if the government is no longer picking up the tab for their salaries.
So now you have even more people, out there competing and you have not had a single bite on your applications and each passing week you are becoming more frantic about finding a position. So what are you going to do now? Have you posted your resume on every job board on the internet that you can think of? If not, get busy and do so. Are you using your social media sites to their full capacity? If you have a Face Book account but don't have a My Space or Linkedin account be sure to set one up. Post your resumes on your My Space and on your Linkedin account.
You can also create a blog and post your resume, set up several at different blogging websites. There are also places where you can create a free website, go ahead and take advantage of those locations.
Are you using your networking resources? Old classmates that you have stayed in touch with or have reconnected with through Face Book, My Space or Linkedin? Have you thought of asking other professionals that you know who might possibly know someone else that could create a lead? This would include ex-coworkers, others at competitor companies that you know in the same industry that you were in before being laid off, your minister, your dentist, your doctor, your insurance man and your neighbors. Spread the word to everyone you know that you are searching for a new job.
If you were in any type of management or executive position prior to being laid off, contact a "head hunter" personnel agency. Let them know right up front that you will not pay their fee to find you a job, that a company worth working for will be willing to pick up the tab to get someone with your skills. Oh believe me, they will try to get you to agree to pay either all or part of the fee, but tell them absolutely not. Stroke their ego, tell them if they are good at their job, then they know the company will pay!
If you attended or graduated from college, go see their alumni department for some assistance and leads. Ask someone to look over your resume and cover letter and make suggestions on how you might improve both for today's job market.
If you are just answering classified ads or sending out letters of inquiry for a position, you are losing out on the chance to be seen by a prospective employer. Get off the couch and go after that job you want!
Get dressed up in your interviewing clothes, grab your portfolio, fill your briefcase with resumes and put on your walking shoes. Make a list of companies in your city where you feel that your qualifications can be utilized. Map out your route and hit the trail! Start out early in the morning, say around 8:30AM and plan to keep going to different locations up until 11:30AM. Take a lunch break and then hit the trail again from 1:30PM to 3:30 or 4:00PM at the latest. Do this on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Mondays and Fridays are terrible to try and get anyone to speak with you! Don't just "drop off " your resume, ask to speak to someone in the Personnel Department. Let them know you are looking for work and ASK if they presently have or anticipate having any positions available that can use your background. Summarize your best skills to tell them about and ask them to accept your resume for consideration when they do have positions become available.
Get really inventive and creative like some of those on Wall Street when they got laid off. They made "sandwich boards" with a summarized resume written on it and stating that they were looking for work. At this point, you need to do whatever you can to get an interview!
So now you have even more people, out there competing and you have not had a single bite on your applications and each passing week you are becoming more frantic about finding a position. So what are you going to do now? Have you posted your resume on every job board on the internet that you can think of? If not, get busy and do so. Are you using your social media sites to their full capacity? If you have a Face Book account but don't have a My Space or Linkedin account be sure to set one up. Post your resumes on your My Space and on your Linkedin account.
You can also create a blog and post your resume, set up several at different blogging websites. There are also places where you can create a free website, go ahead and take advantage of those locations.
Are you using your networking resources? Old classmates that you have stayed in touch with or have reconnected with through Face Book, My Space or Linkedin? Have you thought of asking other professionals that you know who might possibly know someone else that could create a lead? This would include ex-coworkers, others at competitor companies that you know in the same industry that you were in before being laid off, your minister, your dentist, your doctor, your insurance man and your neighbors. Spread the word to everyone you know that you are searching for a new job.
If you were in any type of management or executive position prior to being laid off, contact a "head hunter" personnel agency. Let them know right up front that you will not pay their fee to find you a job, that a company worth working for will be willing to pick up the tab to get someone with your skills. Oh believe me, they will try to get you to agree to pay either all or part of the fee, but tell them absolutely not. Stroke their ego, tell them if they are good at their job, then they know the company will pay!
If you attended or graduated from college, go see their alumni department for some assistance and leads. Ask someone to look over your resume and cover letter and make suggestions on how you might improve both for today's job market.
If you are just answering classified ads or sending out letters of inquiry for a position, you are losing out on the chance to be seen by a prospective employer. Get off the couch and go after that job you want!
Get dressed up in your interviewing clothes, grab your portfolio, fill your briefcase with resumes and put on your walking shoes. Make a list of companies in your city where you feel that your qualifications can be utilized. Map out your route and hit the trail! Start out early in the morning, say around 8:30AM and plan to keep going to different locations up until 11:30AM. Take a lunch break and then hit the trail again from 1:30PM to 3:30 or 4:00PM at the latest. Do this on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Mondays and Fridays are terrible to try and get anyone to speak with you! Don't just "drop off " your resume, ask to speak to someone in the Personnel Department. Let them know you are looking for work and ASK if they presently have or anticipate having any positions available that can use your background. Summarize your best skills to tell them about and ask them to accept your resume for consideration when they do have positions become available.
Get really inventive and creative like some of those on Wall Street when they got laid off. They made "sandwich boards" with a summarized resume written on it and stating that they were looking for work. At this point, you need to do whatever you can to get an interview!
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Drastic Times Call For Drastic Measures
Our present high unemployment situation doesn't appear as if it is going to change in the near future. Published government reports say our present unemployment stands at 9.5% slightly down from previous months, but this report came out prior to the laying off of all the temporary jobs that were created for US census takers, which has now been completed and those people are once again back in the unemployment pool. The July statistics will be published on August 6th and I personally expect to see that figure rise back up to double digits.
Drastic times call for drastic measures in trying to get back into the employed sector. Therefore I am going to make some suggestions that hopefully will help you keep your present skills polished while you are attempting to get back into the brick and mortar sector of employment or perhaps sharpen some of your own personal skills allowing you to stay self employed and working from home. For those of you who feel that raising buffalo or bees is a little to adventurous for you, why not look at your other skills.
Finding a job or new career is like having a job in itself. It takes time, research, organization, determination and needs to be done every day, from 9am - 5pm, just as if you were actually employed at a company. The average length of being unemployed has increased dramatically over the past two years. The expectations of meeting your old salary requirements or increasing your salary requirements are out the window. The longer you are unemployed, the more you can expect your beginning salary with a new company to decrease from what you once were making. I don't mean to burst your bubble and your expectations, I am just the messenger, reporting to you what I've been reading. If you have been astute in your "homework" of job hunting, you know exactly what I am saying because you have read it also.
Take Inventory of your skills
Take a sheet of paper and fold it lengthwise down the center. On the left side, starting with your last position of employment, list the name of the company and your job title. On the right side, I want you to list all the skills that you used to perform that position.
I want you to work backwards, through all of your jobs, from the time you started working.
Look for the common denominator of skills that you used in each of those positions. Those will be your primary skills .
Now I want you to take a notebook or create an excel spreadsheet on your computer, or a folder where you can keep track of your work search information. List the last 5 jobs that you have had (don't be concerned about how many years ago some may go back) Not only do I want you to list the company's name but I also want you to list the type of company that it is.... IE: retail, manufacturing, engineering, etc.
Next you are going to use the businesses section of your telephone book. Start at Z, yes that is what I said, start at Z and work your way back to A. Most people when they job hunt, start with A and miss out on some great opportunities back at Z! As you review the names of the companies, think about how that particular company could use your skills in their organization. Start writing down names of companies, their address and phone number. Next column, list the skills that you will prompt to them. Next column will be reserved for a contact name at the company, small column to place a check mark saying you have either sent or given them a resume in person, with the date. Make a column where you can write up facts that you have learned about the company itself (this will help you during the interviewing process). Next column is where you list your interviews, the name of the persons you interviewed with and your impressions. Last column, place the date and a check mark for the Thank You note that you are going to write them for the interview. Some people don't think that a thank you note is important, but I can tell you from personal experience, as well as what I'm currently reading even now, this is one thing that is really looked at favorably in the interviewing process.
As you continue your search for permanent employment, don't be afraid to contact the companies that you have interviewed with or those that just say they have no openings at the present time, sending them a letter offering your services and skills as an independent contractor on an "as needed" basis.
Following Up
Following up after your interviews is very important. When you interview, one of the questions that you do need to ask is in what time frame are they planning to make a decision about this position. If they say they are going to make a decision at the end of a month, there is nothing wrong wit contacting the company at the end of that time frame to verify that they have closed out the position and have made a hiring decision. There is always a chance that they didn't have enough qualified applicants and are leaving the position open for additional applicants. This is a good way to get your name back in front of them and tell them that you are still interested in the position. Ask them to review your resume and application and ask if there is any specific skills that you don't have that they are looking for to fill that position. Let them know that you would be willing to acquire those skills in order to be considered for the position.
Most people who have crafts and hobbies always have materials around and if you get things ready now, they could be a source of income for you. Many small boutiques are now finding that their customers really appreciate having handcrafted items and are drawing on local artisans for merchandise. This could actually end up being a full time employment if you are lucky to make that type of connection.
Drastic times call for drastic measures in trying to get back into the employed sector. Therefore I am going to make some suggestions that hopefully will help you keep your present skills polished while you are attempting to get back into the brick and mortar sector of employment or perhaps sharpen some of your own personal skills allowing you to stay self employed and working from home. For those of you who feel that raising buffalo or bees is a little to adventurous for you, why not look at your other skills.
Finding a job or new career is like having a job in itself. It takes time, research, organization, determination and needs to be done every day, from 9am - 5pm, just as if you were actually employed at a company. The average length of being unemployed has increased dramatically over the past two years. The expectations of meeting your old salary requirements or increasing your salary requirements are out the window. The longer you are unemployed, the more you can expect your beginning salary with a new company to decrease from what you once were making. I don't mean to burst your bubble and your expectations, I am just the messenger, reporting to you what I've been reading. If you have been astute in your "homework" of job hunting, you know exactly what I am saying because you have read it also.
Take Inventory of your skills
Take a sheet of paper and fold it lengthwise down the center. On the left side, starting with your last position of employment, list the name of the company and your job title. On the right side, I want you to list all the skills that you used to perform that position.
I want you to work backwards, through all of your jobs, from the time you started working.
Look for the common denominator of skills that you used in each of those positions. Those will be your primary skills .
Now I want you to take a notebook or create an excel spreadsheet on your computer, or a folder where you can keep track of your work search information. List the last 5 jobs that you have had (don't be concerned about how many years ago some may go back) Not only do I want you to list the company's name but I also want you to list the type of company that it is.... IE: retail, manufacturing, engineering, etc.
Next you are going to use the businesses section of your telephone book. Start at Z, yes that is what I said, start at Z and work your way back to A. Most people when they job hunt, start with A and miss out on some great opportunities back at Z! As you review the names of the companies, think about how that particular company could use your skills in their organization. Start writing down names of companies, their address and phone number. Next column, list the skills that you will prompt to them. Next column will be reserved for a contact name at the company, small column to place a check mark saying you have either sent or given them a resume in person, with the date. Make a column where you can write up facts that you have learned about the company itself (this will help you during the interviewing process). Next column is where you list your interviews, the name of the persons you interviewed with and your impressions. Last column, place the date and a check mark for the Thank You note that you are going to write them for the interview. Some people don't think that a thank you note is important, but I can tell you from personal experience, as well as what I'm currently reading even now, this is one thing that is really looked at favorably in the interviewing process.
As you continue your search for permanent employment, don't be afraid to contact the companies that you have interviewed with or those that just say they have no openings at the present time, sending them a letter offering your services and skills as an independent contractor on an "as needed" basis.
Following Up
Following up after your interviews is very important. When you interview, one of the questions that you do need to ask is in what time frame are they planning to make a decision about this position. If they say they are going to make a decision at the end of a month, there is nothing wrong wit contacting the company at the end of that time frame to verify that they have closed out the position and have made a hiring decision. There is always a chance that they didn't have enough qualified applicants and are leaving the position open for additional applicants. This is a good way to get your name back in front of them and tell them that you are still interested in the position. Ask them to review your resume and application and ask if there is any specific skills that you don't have that they are looking for to fill that position. Let them know that you would be willing to acquire those skills in order to be considered for the position.
Most people who have crafts and hobbies always have materials around and if you get things ready now, they could be a source of income for you. Many small boutiques are now finding that their customers really appreciate having handcrafted items and are drawing on local artisans for merchandise. This could actually end up being a full time employment if you are lucky to make that type of connection.
Monday, June 21, 2010
What Color is Your Parachute Revisited
Don't worry folks, I haven't forgotten about you!
I have finished going through all the exercises in the book, What Color is Your Parachute. I am finding it quite interesting on how some of my answers have changed over the years. The last time I used the book, I was in the middle of some major career changes. I was getting away from doing accounting type work where I had to do accounts payable and accounts receivable along with collection work and I made the switch to more creative endeavors which included selling and marketing and then getting into the personnel field full time. Later on I made another change to where I ended up in business for myself for about 3 years, where I was able to really get into a lot of creative design work, making gift baskets and the marketing end promoting the business. I even decided to try my hand at a year of substitute teaching after I retired.
Now that I no longer have children to support, being able to pursue my creative endeavors seems to be coming to the forefront. It is time to really do the things that I enjoy doing, be able to make some money while doing it but really enjoy the feeling of fulfillment that comes with following your passion.
I went to the library and picked up a current copy of What Color Is Your Parachute and I am so glad that I did. They have really revised this to the current job hunting market and there are references in there for you to get some of the evaluation tests on the Internet as well as an entire section on how to incorporate the Internet into your job search but also advising you not to limit yourself to that type of job hunting only. They also advise you on how to use the Internet to gather information about the companies that you are interested in interviewing with. If you are presently unemployed and working with your state unemployment office and they haven't advised you to get this book, they are missing the boat! Please, beg, borrow or purchase this book!
I can not stress enough the importance of adding this book to your own personal library! Let it guide you as you go through this very new job interviewing and hiring process.
So what have I learned? I am a creative, detail oriented, organized, self-motivated writer and teacher. I enjoy sharing information with others and seeing them be able to utilize what they have learned in order to be successful. I am at that stage in my life where I don't want to make a lot of money, I just want to live comfortably.
What are your traits, temperament and personality type:
Check out www.personalitypathways.com by Myers-Briggs for your personality type.
Then go to their home page www.myersbriggs.org for their testing resources.
You can go to www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/JTypes2.asp for some free tests that are loosely based on the Myers-Briggs tests.
Another good free test is the Keirsey Temperament Sorter at www.keirsey.com. This is also similar to the Myers-Briggs test.
Transferable skills tests for you to consider taking:
You can find some good sites to assist you determine what these are and even which job titles these skills will fall under. For a good test that will help you determine your transferable skills and a check list for you, check out the State of Wisconsin's Department workforce website at www.dwd.state.wi.us/dwd/publications/223e_28a.htm. Now this site will not point you to particular jobs but it is a very good site for you to check your skills at.
If you want something that will point you to particular jobs, try this www.vocrehab.com/webtsa.htm . You will need to register to use the site but the first transferable skills test is free.
Another site that you need to register at is the Career Tests at Hot Jobs but it also is free and very good. http://hotjobs.careerid.com/articles.html.
If you are just out of college or wanting to consider a new career field, I would suggest you take some of these tests. You will probably end up with some "light bulb" moments, pointing you in directions for a new career path that you might not have even considered before.
I have finished going through all the exercises in the book, What Color is Your Parachute. I am finding it quite interesting on how some of my answers have changed over the years. The last time I used the book, I was in the middle of some major career changes. I was getting away from doing accounting type work where I had to do accounts payable and accounts receivable along with collection work and I made the switch to more creative endeavors which included selling and marketing and then getting into the personnel field full time. Later on I made another change to where I ended up in business for myself for about 3 years, where I was able to really get into a lot of creative design work, making gift baskets and the marketing end promoting the business. I even decided to try my hand at a year of substitute teaching after I retired.
Now that I no longer have children to support, being able to pursue my creative endeavors seems to be coming to the forefront. It is time to really do the things that I enjoy doing, be able to make some money while doing it but really enjoy the feeling of fulfillment that comes with following your passion.
I went to the library and picked up a current copy of What Color Is Your Parachute and I am so glad that I did. They have really revised this to the current job hunting market and there are references in there for you to get some of the evaluation tests on the Internet as well as an entire section on how to incorporate the Internet into your job search but also advising you not to limit yourself to that type of job hunting only. They also advise you on how to use the Internet to gather information about the companies that you are interested in interviewing with. If you are presently unemployed and working with your state unemployment office and they haven't advised you to get this book, they are missing the boat! Please, beg, borrow or purchase this book!
I can not stress enough the importance of adding this book to your own personal library! Let it guide you as you go through this very new job interviewing and hiring process.
So what have I learned? I am a creative, detail oriented, organized, self-motivated writer and teacher. I enjoy sharing information with others and seeing them be able to utilize what they have learned in order to be successful. I am at that stage in my life where I don't want to make a lot of money, I just want to live comfortably.
What are your traits, temperament and personality type:
Check out www.personalitypathways.com by Myers-Briggs for your personality type.
Then go to their home page www.myersbriggs.org for their testing resources.
You can go to www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/JTypes2.asp for some free tests that are loosely based on the Myers-Briggs tests.
Another good free test is the Keirsey Temperament Sorter at www.keirsey.com. This is also similar to the Myers-Briggs test.
Transferable skills tests for you to consider taking:
You can find some good sites to assist you determine what these are and even which job titles these skills will fall under. For a good test that will help you determine your transferable skills and a check list for you, check out the State of Wisconsin's Department workforce website at www.dwd.state.wi.us/dwd/publications/223e_28a.htm. Now this site will not point you to particular jobs but it is a very good site for you to check your skills at.
If you want something that will point you to particular jobs, try this www.vocrehab.com/webtsa.htm . You will need to register to use the site but the first transferable skills test is free.
Another site that you need to register at is the Career Tests at Hot Jobs but it also is free and very good. http://hotjobs.careerid.com/articles.html.
If you are just out of college or wanting to consider a new career field, I would suggest you take some of these tests. You will probably end up with some "light bulb" moments, pointing you in directions for a new career path that you might not have even considered before.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Dress For Success
When applying for a job, even if you are just dropping off your resume, be sure to always dress as if you were actually going in for an interview. Your first impression is so important, so be sure to dress accordingly.
I want to share with you a story of exactly how important this is. When my son was a senior in high school, he saw an ad in the paper for a position in the warehouse/delivery department of one of the major department stores in Austin, Texas. He had been working part-time for several years as well as helping in our family owned business from the time he was about 14-15 years of age. So I helped him put together a resume, documenting his experience.
That afternoon he was headed out the door, dressed in a pair of nice blue jeans and a buttondown shirt, to take in his resume and apply for the position. I told him he would make a better impression if he would dress in his suit and of course his response was, "Mom, this is for a job in the warehouse." I told him that was fine, if they asked him when he could start work, tell them you have workclothes all ready in the car, just give you time to change.Reluctantly, he went back and changed into his suit.
When he arrived at the store, he took a seat in a room filled with many other young men, all dressed in jeans and tee shirts. A young woman, came into the room and went over to him and said, "You must be here applying for the position in the men's department, follow me please." So rather than tell her he didn't even know there was an opening in that department, he went ahead and followed her into an interview room. It turned out that the position in the men's department had not even been advertised yet! But because of the way he was dressed, he impressed them. His resume, even though short of retail experience, except for working for a small mom and pop burger place and helping with our family business, where he would occassionally speak with our clients about the products we offered, and his good grades at school and participation in a service organization, was enough experience to get him hired.
Arriving home after his interview he told me he had gotten a different job than he had actually gone in to apply for. It started out at more money than the warehouse positon, he would also be able to earn commissions on his sales over and above his base salary. Besides that, he would be able to get discounts on any purchases he would make in the store.
It doesn't matter if you are male or female, it is always very appropriate to wear a suit to an interview. If you do not have a suit, wear a nice jacket of some kind. I have seen women wear a nice blazer combined with a skirt and blouse, or over a dress to make it look more professional. I have also seen men wear a nice sports jacket with a pair of Dockers or a nice pair of jeans with a dress shirt and a tie. Be sure that your shoes are polished and the heels not run down because you will be evaluated from the top of your head to your feet the minute the interviewer approaches you to shake your hand.
Speaking of handshakes, if necessary, practice shaking hands with someone. Be sure you have a nice firm handshke, not overpowerig to where you are going to crush the other persons hand and not wishy washy like a limp dead fish!
Be sure to make eye contact with the person you are meeting and if he has approached you but hasn't called you by name, introduce yourself, now is not the time to be shy, be confident as you approach them, put out your hand to shake their and say "Hi or hello, I'm John Doe or my name is Jane Doe."
If you find yourself out in the market place looking for a new job after having been employed for many years by your former employer, you are going to find that the interviewing process has changed alot in the last few years. It used to be you could go in, apply for a position and usually walk out employed after that one interview. Not any more! Many companies in larger cities now use a multi interview process, beginning with the Human Resource department interview. They then make their recommendations to the different department heads as to candidates warranting additional interviews in the hiring process. This could be anywhere from 3-4 additional interview steps to go through. You would meet with the department head, then be intereviewd by the person who would be your immediate supervisor. In some companies you will be interviewed by serveral people all at the same time. Those can be intimidating, since you are basically surrounded by chairs filled with people who will be your immediate supervisor,as well as several department supervisors. They want to see how well you fit into the structure of the company and can work with different departments that interact with one another.
I want to share with you a story of exactly how important this is. When my son was a senior in high school, he saw an ad in the paper for a position in the warehouse/delivery department of one of the major department stores in Austin, Texas. He had been working part-time for several years as well as helping in our family owned business from the time he was about 14-15 years of age. So I helped him put together a resume, documenting his experience.
That afternoon he was headed out the door, dressed in a pair of nice blue jeans and a buttondown shirt, to take in his resume and apply for the position. I told him he would make a better impression if he would dress in his suit and of course his response was, "Mom, this is for a job in the warehouse." I told him that was fine, if they asked him when he could start work, tell them you have workclothes all ready in the car, just give you time to change.Reluctantly, he went back and changed into his suit.
When he arrived at the store, he took a seat in a room filled with many other young men, all dressed in jeans and tee shirts. A young woman, came into the room and went over to him and said, "You must be here applying for the position in the men's department, follow me please." So rather than tell her he didn't even know there was an opening in that department, he went ahead and followed her into an interview room. It turned out that the position in the men's department had not even been advertised yet! But because of the way he was dressed, he impressed them. His resume, even though short of retail experience, except for working for a small mom and pop burger place and helping with our family business, where he would occassionally speak with our clients about the products we offered, and his good grades at school and participation in a service organization, was enough experience to get him hired.
Arriving home after his interview he told me he had gotten a different job than he had actually gone in to apply for. It started out at more money than the warehouse positon, he would also be able to earn commissions on his sales over and above his base salary. Besides that, he would be able to get discounts on any purchases he would make in the store.
It doesn't matter if you are male or female, it is always very appropriate to wear a suit to an interview. If you do not have a suit, wear a nice jacket of some kind. I have seen women wear a nice blazer combined with a skirt and blouse, or over a dress to make it look more professional. I have also seen men wear a nice sports jacket with a pair of Dockers or a nice pair of jeans with a dress shirt and a tie. Be sure that your shoes are polished and the heels not run down because you will be evaluated from the top of your head to your feet the minute the interviewer approaches you to shake your hand.
Speaking of handshakes, if necessary, practice shaking hands with someone. Be sure you have a nice firm handshke, not overpowerig to where you are going to crush the other persons hand and not wishy washy like a limp dead fish!
Be sure to make eye contact with the person you are meeting and if he has approached you but hasn't called you by name, introduce yourself, now is not the time to be shy, be confident as you approach them, put out your hand to shake their and say "Hi or hello, I'm John Doe or my name is Jane Doe."
If you find yourself out in the market place looking for a new job after having been employed for many years by your former employer, you are going to find that the interviewing process has changed alot in the last few years. It used to be you could go in, apply for a position and usually walk out employed after that one interview. Not any more! Many companies in larger cities now use a multi interview process, beginning with the Human Resource department interview. They then make their recommendations to the different department heads as to candidates warranting additional interviews in the hiring process. This could be anywhere from 3-4 additional interview steps to go through. You would meet with the department head, then be intereviewd by the person who would be your immediate supervisor. In some companies you will be interviewed by serveral people all at the same time. Those can be intimidating, since you are basically surrounded by chairs filled with people who will be your immediate supervisor,as well as several department supervisors. They want to see how well you fit into the structure of the company and can work with different departments that interact with one another.
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