Friday, August 31, 2012

Job Search Tip of the day: Step away from your desk!

It is Friday afternoon and hopefully as beautiful a day for you as for me!  Do yourself a favor and walk away from your desk and get out to do something NOT related to job search.  Even I do this.... really!  You can too!

Taking a break from something can rejuvenate your spirit and mind and allow you to be even more effective when you go back to the task at hand.

Focus on where you are, who you are with and what you are doing as you do it - make sure not to let your mind stray to anything related to job search, employment, career planning, etc.

Enjoy the rest of your day and have a successful week of job searching NEXT WEEK!



Other articles that may be of interest:

Aug 15, 2012
Do yourself and your job search some good by taking a break every hour or so. ... You will find you are more productive and relaxed if you take regular breaks, but the effects of a walk outside can't be beat! Posted by Mary ...
Aug 02, 2012
You will find you are more productive and relaxed if you take regular breaks, but the effects of a walk outside can't be beat! Posted by Mary Sherwood at 12:08 PM · Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to Facebook ...

Thursday, August 30, 2012

Job Search tip of the day: Focus on what you can ...



Personally, my view is that it is easier to start back on the path to RETURN TO WORK by first determining what you can CONTROL.   Little, if anything, can be gained by spending energy on something you cannot, yourself, control.  It is hard enough to handle the things you CAN control, let the rest go… Those of you who are religious may receive strength from The Serenity Prayer, those opposed, from The Secular Serenity Prayer.  You can find both versions here.

I met with an injured worker recently who wrote me two emails within 24 hours that both ended with, “So, I assume they don’t want to hire me.”  Unwritten, but definitely there was: Because of my injury….    He was so focused on his injury and the resultant disability that he assumed that everyone else is too.  In both cases he was expecting action from the employer that may not have been realistic. 
What we choose to focus on correlates directly to what we see in terms of options. The narrower our focus, the less there is to see. Cup your hands around your eyes and describe what you see – the computer screen?  A piece of paper?  The floor?  Whatever your answer, it is a mere fraction of what there is to see.   There are options and opportunities out there that you will never know about because of your FOCUS.
As adults, we structure our days around our work schedules and identify ourselves as what we do.  Think about it.  When you meet someone new do you say, “Hi, Joe Smith, I am trying to teach myself Spanish and am taking piano lessons in my spare time.”  No.  We typically will say something like, “Hi, Joe Smith, I am a Plumber.  What do you do?”


When someone is unemployed, through injury or otherwise, they often lose this sense of self, which includes:
o    Esteem
o    Confidence
o   Identity           
o   Reliance
o   Determination
This area of loss includes so many aspects that it requires separate treatment.  In short, if a worker has been injured he or she may become almost paralyzed – not sure what to do or in which direction to turn.  I hear, “I can’t…” so many times a day it makes me crazy (it may explain a lot, actually!).   I hear myself say, as many times a day.  “Focus on what you CAN DO and/or WANT TO DO.”

For many of the people I work with, activity helps them to FOCUS and to feel hopeful. First consider, what is in your control – your ACTIONS.  If nothing else, you have control of this.  Next, what do you want?  If it is like most of the clients I work with the answer is to RETURN TO WORK. The very next step then is to figure out what YOU CAN DO (physically, mentally, in terms of your skills, anything you can think of).  Finally, JUST DO IT (thank you NIKE).

So what can you do to regain these important parts of yourself if you have been injured at work, have been disabled, or are looking to make a career change?  It may not be easy, but it is possible:
           
·        Focus on what you CAN control
·        Think about what you WANT or CAN do
·        Set short and long term GOALS
·        Determine what you NEED to attain your goals
·        Ask for HELP
It may not be possible for you  to get back on your feet and back to work alone – you may need assistance, as we all do from time to time.  Talk to your family, friends, co-workers and seek out expert help.


Other articles that may be of interest:

Aug 24, 2012
When you are out of work, you need all the positive interaction you can get. Employers are impressed by people who can persevere. You want to give the impression you can deal with anything - nothing is going to get you ...
Aug 01, 2012
If you have gaps in your work history or are making a career change it is especially important that your answers are positive and convincing. With the competition in today's labor market, you cannot afford to leave a shadow of ...
Aug 03, 2012
A person following up will find out very quickly they are not able to reach anyone in any positive way that will be helpful. This may feed into those who fear rejection, but shouldn't bother those fearful of looking pushy! Besides ...
Aug 10, 2012
Positive and Upbeat; Caring and Supportive by nature; Have recently been out of work or helped another who was unemployed; likable - just hearing their voice might be a pick me up. It is easy to lose touch with people on ...

Guest Post: The 15 Best Certificates for Today’s Job Market

GOOD Education recently asked the question, “Is the certificate the new college degree?” We’re inclined to say that it’s a likely possibility. With the rising cost of college tuition, the lengthy process of study, and the lack of available jobs for graduates, more and more students are becoming turned on to the idea of a short, sweet, and cheap certificate instead of a college degree. At the same time, others seek out certificates to bolster their existing degrees, launching them into new employment opportunities.

However students are using certificates, there’s one thing for sure: they’re on the rise, and they offer opportunities for lots of great jobs. We’ve picked out 15 of the most helpful certificates to have in today’s job market, from health care to IT, and even construction. Read on to learn about some of the very best certificates you can earn for finding a job today.

Other articles you may be interested in reading:

Mar 08, 2012
My client reported his passport was expired, but he had a birth certificate and his license (of course). I released him with a handshake and hearty congratulations to his new role asWORKER. We were both quite happy.

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Nominate Injured Worker Help Desk


Please take a moment to nominate www.InjuredWorkerHelpDesk.com  

as 


Suggest you might mention it is the  Best Website for 
Injured/Disabled Worker's job search 

Tweet @JacquelynVSmith  OR  Email careerwebsites@forbes.com

Thank you!

Monday, August 27, 2012

Thank you notes are a MUST DO


Job search tip of the day: Meet someone new


Meet someone new - don't just introduce yourself and move on.  This strategy will do little or nothing to further your cause.  What is your cause?  To meet someone new AND step away with each of you knowing at least your full name and a little something about who you are.

To illustrate:  My husband and I were at an event for a business celebrating their first year anniversary.  He said to me, "George is here."  At a loss, I asked, "George who?"  No answer.  "Will I recognize him?" and from my husband, "Yes."

I looked over his shoulder, "Oh, that guy!"  I recognized him as someone we run into throughout the region, but whom we only know as George.  A friend came up and greeted us.  "Hey, did you see that guy George is here?"

Will filled him in on our cavernous knowledge of him and our friend agreed, "I see him everywhere, too. He is in sales or marketing or something and tries to glad hand himself around.  You know to get contacts."

Before we knew it, George himself walked over greeted me warmly and shook my hand.  He proceeded to chat up my two male companions on his way to the men's room.  Are knowledge was not increased by this exchange and he will continue to be known to us all as That-Guy-George.


Don't be That-Guy-George!  Go out of your way to meet and get to know someone today.  If you can do this every day, so much the better.  Meeting someone knew can do a few things to help you in your job search:
  1. Give you something else to think about besides your job search.
  2. Stimulate your brain 
  3. Keep your social skills fresh
  4. It may give you the opportunity to help him or her with an issue he or she may have
  5. It may be that this person can help you in your job search or with another issue
  6. Help you feel connected
  7. Give you something else to talk about besides your job search, "Guess who I met..."


For ideas on how to meet other people see my other articles on volunteering, taking a walk, networking and others.  Here is a short list to get you started:


Aug 24, 2012
Working to get People Working....Information ... People like to interact with happy people. ...Employers are impressed by people who can persevere. ... Part of the reason for this is that other people will react differently to you.
Feb 09, 2012
Working to get People Working....Information and Resources for those looking for work as well as those needing to make or manage a career plan. Pages. Home · About Mary Sherwood Sevinsky · Job Search Resources · The ...
Aug 10, 2012
Some people you know will be a help to you by supporting you emotionally. Others, may know someone who knows someone who may be interested in hiring you. Still others will be able to serve as a reference. For now, just ...
Aug 06, 2012
Unfortunately, some people's view of success may affect the way we treat each other. Alain de Botton is a philosopher who has his own idea of success. In the following video, he explains how society's view of success can ...
1
2
3
4
5


Friday, August 24, 2012

Job Search Tip of the Day: Smile

Smile!  No, really smile - like you mean it.

Have you ever been out somewhere and come across someone who you just thought to your self, "What a sad sack. I wonder what his problem is?"  I know I have.

There have also been those times that I have caught sight of my reflection unawares and was shocked to find all my troubles on my face. Or heard my own voice with the weight of the world dragging it down.

You have a lot to worry about if you are out of work.  That is a given.

However, you will do yourself a HUGE favor if you put on a smiley face!  Here's why:

People like to interact with happy people.  When you are out of work, you need all the positive interaction you can get.

Employers are impressed by people who can persevere.  You want to give the impression you can deal with anything - nothing is going to get you down.

Pretty is as pretty does.  Not right away, but eventually, you will feel happier if you act happier.  Part of the reason for this is that other people will react differently to you.

You will feel better.  When you use the muscles in your face it will change how your body actually feels - releasing endorphin an serotonin, that make you feel more relaxed and can even effect pain.

You will look younger.  Smiling lifts your face and makes you appear not only younger, but happy and healthy.

Whether it is in person or on the phone, you will just get further if you have a smile on your face!


Thursday, August 23, 2012

Job search tip of the day: Cold call employers

I know.  I just heard the mass grown from the thousands reading this!:-)

In all seriousness this is the hardest thing to convince job seekers to do, but can be one of the most important!  There are several reasons to cold call an employer:

1. To obtain information about:
  • Unadvertised openings
  • Contact names and/or preferences
  • Hiring practices in general
  • Unadvertised internship or community group opportunities
  • Hiring trends - types of positions, how often they hire, when they might hire next
  • Industry trends
2. To cultivate a relationship, start with the receptionist!  In fact, you can sometimes gain a lot of information from the automated message and/or phone tree announcement.  You might go so far as to seek out a mentor with a company near you that is in an industry for which you would like to work.

3. To hone your communication skills and increase your self confidence in interacting with others in a professional way.  We all get a little lax when we are at home speaking only with friends and loved ones who already know us and our situation.  Speaking with employers will keep you sharp and comfortable talking with "strangers."



It is well worth the time and effort to take this step in your job search, but how do you get started?

  • Make a list of employers you would like to contact
  • Generate a script or at least a goal of your conversation
  • Obtain contact information for each
  • Research each for as much information as you can gather - cold calls sometimes result in impromptu interviews!
  • Plan a block of time to make the calls
  • Just do it! 



1 hour ago
Wednesday: Cold calls and practice interviewing, other job seeking skills training. Thursday: follow up calls with any outstanding employers, work force technology job search. Friday: Networking – Call friends and identify ...
Aug 16, 2012
Gives you something else to think about for a change; Allows you to get out of the house and at least to the post office; Encourages communication - you will likely get a email or call to thank you; Solidifies networking - it never ...
Aug 06, 2012
You were assured they would call you in the next few days, weeks, hours, etc… You really ... The employer may very well call you and offer you the job as you (and he or she) expects after such a good interview. The issue is ...
Aug 03, 2012
If everything else is equal, the employer will be more likely to call an applicant with whom he or she has interacted in some way than with one he or she has not. 3. Impression. Employers, regardless of industry, are looking for ...
1
2
3

Job search tip of the day: Create a job search schedule


It is important to organize your efforts and cover all your bases in job search - even more so than when you were working!  There is nothing worse than finding out about the perfect job AFTER it has been filled by someone else. You certainly don't want to miss following up with a company about a position you would really like to work for.

A schedule can help make sure you are varying your job search methods and sources as well as following up and networking. It doesn't have to be anything fancy - it can be as simple as making a list of things you need to do and sources of jobs and divvying them out over the course of the week.

Having a schedule also ensures that each day will be different and give you some relief from the non-responsiveness of your computer! It is important to write your schedule out and to refer to it the evening before and the morning you start your job search.  Have it available throughout the day to help you stay focused.

If you are somewhat easily distracted or find yourself spending more time on some tasks than others make a more specific schedule for yourself.  You may even need to tie a reward to completion of certain tasks, like making following up calls.

Make a schedule and stick to it - you will find a job before you know it! Here is a suggested schedule I give my clients to get them started:


Sunday:  Review and apply to help wanted ads online and/or in classifieds (If your local paper comes out on a different day, start this schedule from that day and change the below dates accordingly…)

Monday:  Call those ads that request a call and obtain directions/additional information for ads asking to apply in person

Tuesday: Apply in person, return calls of employers who called, attend any job development / training meetings, review job seeking skills material online/participate in groups

Wednesday:  Cold calls and practice interviewing, other job seeking skills training

Thursday:  follow up calls with any outstanding employers, work force technology job search

Friday:  Networking – Call friends and identify employers who are hiring.  Call and follow up with Staffing agencies you registered with.






Aug 09, 2012
For example, I organize my lists according to whether or not they can be done at the computer, on the phone, or in the car (errands). I tend to do things when I am in the mood or have a chunk of time, so this makes sense to me ...
Jul 20, 2012
You should use the job logs provided to organize yourself so that you are calling on each employer applied to the previous week. You may ... http://www.jobsearchfortherestofus.com/ · Job Search for the Rest of Us!: Your ...
May 07, 2012
You should use the job logs provided to organize yourself so that you are calling on each employer applied to the previous week. You may also have a small batch from prior 2 or 3 weeks that you will want to try to follow up ...

Monday, August 20, 2012

Monday Mission August 20, 2012


Think about how your life will be when you return to work.  Be realistic.  If you have been off work for a while you will likely have a period of adjustment - typically two weeks to a month. Everyone deals with the transition back to work differently, but here are a few things to think about and/or to prepare for:

  1. You may have some physical discomfort.  Talk with your doctor about taking an over the counter anti-inflammatory around the clock for your first two weeks.  Even if you do this, you may have some discomfort as you will be doing things that are different than you are used to doing. This is normal.
  2. You may find that you feel more "stressed."  This is because you are not used to juggling a job with other responsibilities. You may also really want to do well and/or fear you may not be able to "cut it."  Put any fears aside and make sure to develop a routine that makes sense BEFORE you go back to work.
  3. You may find that your family and friends are reacting to you or behaving differently.  Just as an injury impacts your entire life, so does return to work!  Cut yourself and those around you some slack. Your children may act out because they miss you and are not used to going to a babysitter.  Your spouse may feel neglected or lonely.  Open communication will help alleviate some of these issues.
  4. You may overcompensate in the workplace, either physically or in terms of activity to "prove yourself."  Don't give in to the temptation to do this.  All new employees require a learning curve and no matter the position, no one expects you to sprint the entire marathon.  Take your time to learn your job, get to know the people and the culture and how you fit in.
If you use your head and take it easy on yourself and others you will move through this adjustment phase just fine.  Remember that you may have some physical, emotional, or relationship discomfort  for a little while.  If you accept this is normal you will move through this phase a little quicker and easier.



Other articles that may be of interest:

Jul 31, 2012
Reading about your own industry or one that you might like to transition into can keep you abreast of needs or opportunities that you might be able to fill. It can keep you one step ahead of your colleagues (or boss). This can ...
Jul 31, 2012
Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to Facebook. Labels: career advice, career change, career planning, career transition, delaware, injured worker, job search, labor market survey, mature worker, over 50 ...
Jul 18, 2012
Can any important work be done without you, and is a smooth transition possible at the moment? Review your contract- If you signed a contract of employment, what are the terms when it comes to quitting? Even if you didn't ...

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Job search tip of the day: Send a thank you note

Sending a thank you note to someone who has helped you either in the past or recently can really brighten your day.  It will provide you with a brief diversion from your routine that can accomplish a number of things with one simple act:


  1. Gives you something else to think about for a change
  2. Allows you to get out of the house and at least to the post office
  3. Encourages communication - you will likely get a email or call to thank you
  4. Solidifies networking - it never hurts to remind someone you are still out there
  5. Provides a sense of accomplishment and involvement
It doesn't take long and you AND the other person will feel good about it!




Aug 10, 2012
With only one submission of my resume, I have a temporary job at Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC). The job I received is a wonderful opportunity that will look great on my CV for future Universities. Thank you ...
Aug 08, 2012
With only one submission of my resume, I have a temporary job at Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC). The job I received is a wonderful opportunity that will look great on my CV for future Universities. Thank you ...
Aug 06, 2012
With only one submission of my resume, I have a temporary job at Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC). The job I received is a wonderful opportunity that will look great on my CV for future Universities. Thank you ...
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Job search tip of the day: Stretch every hour

Sitting at the computer applying for jobs can put a strain on your body and mind.  Do yourself and your job search some good by taking a break every hour or so. Set a reminder in your calendar or use a kitchen timer if you need to.

Here are a few simple things you can do:

Eyes - focus on something far away.
Hands and wrists - interlace your fingers and turn inside out, pushing away from yourself. Let your arms hang down and shake your hands loosely.
Neck - tilt your head forward, back and to each side several times.
Back - stretch your hands above your head and clasp them, then lean to each side several times. Put your hands on your hips and bend forward and backward several times.
Legs - lift each knee to your chest and hold several seconds; do this a few times. Lunge forward several times on each leg.
Mind - think about a pleasant memory, vacation or a loved one.  Go outside and walk around the block!

Now you should be ready for a more productive hour of job search!



Other articles that may be of interest:


Aug 02, 2012
You will find you are more productive and relaxed if you take regular breaks, but the effects of a walk outside can't be beat! Posted by Mary Sherwood at 12:08 PM · Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to Facebook ...
Aug 16, 2012
Gives you something else to think about for a change; Allows you to get out of the house and at least to the post office; Encourages communication - you will likely get a email or call to thank you; Solidifies networking - it never ...
Aug 07, 2012
just let them know you may take a few notes to remember the important information they are giving you! Bring 7 resumes if they told you 5 people - you will want one for yourself that is exactly like theirs to refer to so you don't ...
1
2
3
4
5

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Job search tip of the day: map out your ideal work day



Whether you Considering a career change or looking to change employment, your first step should be to think about how you want your work day to be.  As adults, we spend at least a third of our day working. Get few of us give much thought to planning our careers.

Most often, myself included, we have just kind of "lucked into" this or that job or career.  What's more, once in a position, we often count ourselves lucky to be among the employed. We don't have it so bad...

If you are reading this it is likely that you are at least wondering what else might be out there. If you are unemployed you might be tempted to disregard this article entirely.  DON'T.

You will be far more successful in your job search if you know what you want and are eager to pursue it.  Without a focus of some sort, you will be more likely to miss out on opportunities for pursuing what could be your dream job.

Stop what you are doing now and jot a few notes about what you would like your workday to be like.  Would you prefer to work:

Days or nights
In an office or at home
For a large corporations or a small business
Alone or as part of a team
On the phone or in the field
With people things or information
Getting your hands dirty or dressing up every day
At a predetermined rate or sky's the limit commission
In a position of responsibility or following directions

These are just a few of the questions you can ask yourself to begin planning a satisfying career. Not down even more ideas as you come across jobs that pique your interest. Once you have a focus don't be afraid to look beyond what you are currently searching for and assess what opportunities make sense given where you want to go.

It's your journey.  Why not make the most of it?



Friday, August 10, 2012

Job Search Tip of the Day: Make a list of everyone you know

I often ask my clients to do this when I first start working with them... I am often met with resistance! It usually takes a couple of sessions and some nagging for job seekers to understand how important this step is in finding a job!

Save yourself the trouble - just make a list of everyone you know.  It might take a couple of days of walking around with the list so that you can write everyone down, but that is ok.  If you have a contact management program or address book, even better!

This list will be your anchor in weeks to come.  Some people you know will be a help to you by supporting you emotionally.  Others, may know someone who knows someone who may be interested in hiring you.  Still others will be able to serve as a reference. For now, just make the list or access it if already done.

Once your list is done add all the contact information you have/know for each person.  Review the list and determine how each person might help you and label them accordingly.  For those that you have labelled fill in the missing contact information.

Set aside a couple of hours one day a week to network with those people on your list that you feel might:

  • Work somewhere you would be interested in working
  • Know a lot of people 
  • Be active in groups - civic, business and industry, non-profits, etc
  • Respect enough to consult for advice on how to conduct your job search

Go out of your way to stay in touch with and even (gasp!) enlist support from those on your list that are:


  • Positive and Upbeat
  • Caring and Supportive by nature
  • Have recently been out of work or helped another who was unemployed
  • likable - just hearing their voice might be a pick me up 

It is easy to lose touch with people on your best day.  When you are out of work and not feeling at the top of your game it is very difficult to reach out to others and even harder to ask for help.  BUT, it is crucial that you work to do so - it will keep you sane and help you find your next job!



Other articles that may be of interest:


13 minutes ago
A schedule can help make sure you are varying your job search methods and sources as well as following up and networking. It doesn't have to be anything fancy - it can be as simple as making a list of things you need to do ...
Aug 16, 2012
Gives you something else to think about for a change; Allows you to get out of the house and at least to the post office; Encourages communication - you will likely get a email or call to thank you; Solidifies networking - it never ...
Aug 09, 2012
Once you have identified your categories label each task with the first letter of the appropriate category: J for Job Search, N for networking, etc. Now that you have each task on your list assigned to a category tear out that page ...
Aug 10, 2012
Ignition Alley took all the best elements from coffee shops, networking groups, fitness clubs, and offices, and brought it all together into one space, offering a variety of amenities to meet the needs of its members. Although ...

My Blog List

Follow me on Google +

Popular Posts