15 ways to overcome procrastination and get stuff done

Toot your own horn to get ahead in your career

Toot your own horn to get ahead in your career Dec 8, 2014 64Views 1Like 0CommentsShare on LinkedInShare on FacebookShare on Google PlusShare on Twitter So often when I work with clients I find that one of the most difficult things I ask them to do is to think about what makes them stand out from other candidates. The questions and answers may be slightly different depending upon if we are working on a resume, LinkedIn profile, interview preparation, or
career planning. Read more...

Make it a Giving Holiday with an E-Gift Card for Career Services

Do you have a friend, relative, or loved one who is out of work, under-employed, or just plain miserable at work?
Give them a gift that will really mean something and get the new year started out on the right foot…

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Post by Professional, Rehab, and Occupational Services.

DelMarValous

Many of our DelMarVa neighbors come here as a part of a retirement plan, but may not have much of a plan at all.  Dreams of enjoying life near the beach or in more rural areas may have been dampened by the unexpected expense of actually living here full time.  Or, worse, by boredom!

Many of my 55+ clients are bored and miss the social aspects of working. However, there are not a lot of jobs out there and the ones that are available are quickly snapped up.

Read More

JUST SAY NO!: Address on your resume, that is...

I just finished a familiar conversation with a new resume client that went something like: 

CLIENT:  My address is missing from my resume!  I have never seen a resume without a street address.

CAREER COACH:  Resumes are so public these days...  I am advising my clients not to include their street address unless it is required and provided to a specific employer.  Unless you want your home address posted all over the internet? 

CLIENT:  That makes sense; I don't want my home address posted on the internet.  I haven't really seen that many resumes anyway....Thanks!

Your home address may not be all that difficult to find anyway (I suggest you look), but do you really want to spoonfeed additional information to would-be identity thieves?  Rapists? Stalkers? Old loves? (ok, possibly one or two, but...).

The bottom line is you don't need to include a street address unless it is requested.  If you are applying for a government position or an academic program, you may want or be required to include it.  Otherwise, City and State are probably enough. 

With our global economy shrinking the way it is - it may not even be necessary to list a location, especially if your field IS global or internet-based.  Like anything else you include in your resume, you should ask if the information:

1. Adds value to the resume
2. Is meaningful to the reader
3. Adds to the message you want to send

Save your valuable resume real estate and make your name and/or other contact information stand out more, if nothing else.  Above all, be mindful and safe about what you share on the internet; it could mean your money or your life (literally)!

What should you expect when working with a recruiter?

At some point, many job seekers consider working with recruiters, but don't know what to expect.  Here a is an infographic that spells things out!

The Home Office Revolution Infographic

Practical tips for getting started using LinkedIn

 LinkedIn can seem mysterious or even  daunting when you first start using it - there are a lot of features that you can use to your benefit.  But, if you have just created your profile or  are revisiting LinkedIn after initially setting up a profile you never revisited, you may be thinking what now?  (If you need help creating or optimizing your LinkedIn account, let me know!)

 To get started you don't need to use every feature or spend hours everyday on LinkedIn. A few minutes each day will result in staying more current and more connected without too much trouble  Here is some basic info on how to use LinkedIn:

To benefit from LinkedIn you will really need to start being more active and share information frequently – even if it is just sharing something someone else posts.  I always make sure to post lots of stuff my clients can share with their “connections” just to stay on their radar; it also helps attract new contacts as they find you via your similar posts.

For example,

you might share an article on career management from me to one

of your connections, who in turn may share it

That second  person may be someone who 

has an interest in managing his or her career

and would like to do business with you

but only found you via me, who has nothing to do with your industry!

More here:

http://www.deborahshanetoolbox.com/the-linkedin-daily-workplan/

Take Care and Talk to You Soon!

Mary Sherwood, MS, CDMS, CCM
Occupational Consultant Phone 302.644.1827

Mobile:  410.444.1989                                                     

Schedule Time or Write a Review

Website: www.Life-Works.Info

www.about.me/marysevinsky

Let’s Connect:

LinkedInTwitter
Facebook

Careerealism

JOB SEARCH FOR THE REST OF US Group on Linkedin: http://lnkd.in/dB5sATb

Mary Sherwood Selected as Community Partner at next Delegate Sponsored Job Fair

Thank you Delegates for allowing me the opportunity to contribute career education and resume review!

Carper, Coons, Carney to host job fair in New Castle County on September 5

Delegation hosting job skills workshop leading up to job fair

Wilmington, Del. – To take advantage of the nation’s continuing economic recovery and to assist local businesses in helping them find employees, U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons, and U.S. Representative John Carney announced today, in partnership with Brandywine Counseling and Community Services, they will host a job fair on Friday, September 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Delaware Technical & Community College Wilmington campus (333 N. Shipley Street Wilmington, Delaware 19801).

A day prior to the job fair, the delegation will host a job skills workshop from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Wilmington Library (10 East 10^th Street). The sessions will cover resume building, interview skills and dressing for success. There will also be a room arranged like a job fair for participants to get a feel for how a job fair works. Community partners who are hosting the seminars include Career Team, Mary Sherwood and One Village Alliance.  Read More

New Logo

Click on the logo above to visit our home page: www.life-works.info

Interview Soft Skills: What no one tells you

Rather view the video? Click here.

If you are looking for work, you no doubt have read many articles about how to interview, how to answer interview questions, and what not to do in an interview.  These are the nuts and bolts of what you need to know to be successful in an interview, to be sure!

But, what is not so often discussed, written about, or even thought of is what I think of as “Interview Soft Skills.”  These are the skills that you and others may assume you already have or no about.  Many of the clients I work with, though don’t.

If you haven’t interviewed in a while or have never interviewed (believe it or not I have some clients who have been lucky enough to glide through several jobs without a formal interview), you will certainly want to review these soft skills and make sure you are on point for your next interview.

Hopefully it isn’t tomorrow.  The time to be preparing for an interview is well before you are scheduled for one.  If you want to nail your interview then you start preparing for the interview when you start looking for a job!

Here are some of the soft skills you need to be hired after your next interview. Links to full article to read more on Examiner.com are included:

Preparing for an interview is not enough – you really need to over prepare. Interview Tip #1.

Take notes and plan ahead for taking notes during the interview Tip #2.

Have appropriate, comfortable clothes to wear Interview Tip #3.

Interview Tip #4 stresses the importance of visiting the location the day before.

 Tip #5 is relax – you just can’t cram for an interview.

During an interview it is important to breathe – to avoid saying um and to calm your nerves Tip # 6.

Tip #7 Strike a pose  gives tips for managing awkward moments or long pauses.

Smile! To put the interviewer at ease and to come across as pleasant Tip #8. 

Tip #9 -  Ask questions to lay the groundwork for a conversational interview.

Watch your body language Tip #10.

Videos corresponding to each tip can be found on Youtube.com and Slide Share.

Good Luck!

Here is a list of resources for possible interview questions and other resources:

Articles in my blog

Articles on CAREEREALISM

Articles on the Web

Interviewing Soft Skills: The very basics of interviewing

Many experts talk about how to answer interview questions and, a few, how to dress or write a thank you note.  But, if you haven't interviewed for a while (or ever), you may want to make sure you have the very basics of interviewing - Interview Soft Skills.

Here is a series of articles I wrote for examiner.com.  Corresponding videos are available on Youtube.  Practice - really over-preparing (see Interview Tip #1),  Prepare your notes (Tip #2), Have appropriate, comfortable clothes to wear (see Interview Tip #3), Interview Tip #4 shared the importance of visiting the location the day before, and Tip #5, was to relax. They all addressed preparation and tips for before the interview.  Tip # 6 (Breathe), Tip #7 Strike a pose,  Tip #8 Smile,  Tip #9 -  Ask Questions and Interview Tip #10 (Watch your body language) deal with that nerve racking During-The-Interview period.

I hope you are preparing for an upcoming interview and find this information helpful.  If you need help, just let me know!  Email me. Good Luck!

Here is a list of resources for possible interview questions and other resources:


Articles in my blog
Articles on CAREEREALISM
Articles on the Web

Mary Sherwood Sevinsky

Mary is a CAREER AND OCCUPATIONAL CONSULTANT who is masters-prepared and certified. She is a business owner with nearly 20 years of experience in Corporate Management, Career Assessment & Counseling and in writing Career Articles and Educational Materials.

She has worked as a CORPORATE MANAGER experienced in hiring, firing and managing a staff of professionals with a multimillion dollar budget. She enjoys WRITING AND EDITING and has spent many years developing Marketing Materials and Presentations, Writing Proposals and Plans, and Conducting Staff Development Sessions in addition to working as a vocational consultant. Learn more about Mary and her services: www.life-works.info.

Delaware Congressional Delegation Job Fair

Thursday September 4^th

Job Skills Training Workshops

10am-2pm

Wilmington Library

***The purpose of the workshop is to provide job seekers with information on interviewing, dressing for success, and resume building in preparation for Friday’s job fair.

Friday September 5^th

Congressional Delegation Job Fair

10am-2pm

Delaware Technical and Community College, Wilmington

U.S. Senator Christopher A. Coons

1105 N. Market Street Suite 100|Wilmington, DE 19801

302.573.6345|website: coons.senate.gov

See the latest at http://coons.senate.gov/blo

Learn or Burn

For years, I and a select few of my colleagues, have wondered, debated and discussed why some professionals seek out educational opportunities inside and outside their organization and others just don't. 

Read More

Mary Sherwood Sevinsky

Mary is a CAREER AND OCCUPATIONAL CONSULTANT who is masters-prepared and certified. She is a business owner with nearly 20 years of experience in Corporate Management, Career Assessment & Counseling and in writing Career Articles and Educational Materials.

She has worked as a CORPORATE MANAGER experienced in hiring, firing and managing a staff of professionals with a multimillion dollar budget. She enjoys WRITING AND EDITING and has spent many years developing Marketing Materials and Presentations, Writing Proposals and Plans, and Conducting Staff Development Sessions in addition to working as a vocational consultant. Learn more about Mary and her services: www.life-works.info.

Injured Worker Help Desk: VOCATIONAL SERVICE PROVIDER MARYLAND & DELAWARE

Injured Worker Help Desk: VOCATIONAL SERVICE PROVIDER MARYLAND & DELAWARE: Professional, Rehab, & Occupational Services   Mary Sherwood Sevinsky, MS, CCM, CDMS I wanted to take a moment to update you on our recent activities and make sure you have all my contact info....Read more

Job Rejection - what can you do to get over it?

When you are sitting home alone, unemployed, it is easy to lose perspective and confidence.  Like the miner below, you might be tempted to throw up your hands and just give up.  Here are some great tips for recovering your confidence and momentum for your successful job search

Take Care and Talk to You Soon!

Mary Sherwood, MS, CDMS, CCM
Occupational Consultant Phone 302.644.1827

Mobile:  410.444.1989                                                      

Schedule Time or Write a Review

Website: www.Life-Works.Info

www.about.me/marysevinsky

Let’s Connect:

Twitter
Facebook

Careerealism

JOB SEARCH FOR THE REST OF US Group on Linkedin: http://lnkd.in/dB5sATb

What's holding you back from taking risk?

You Fear Hearing: You Suck. Here’s Why it's Holding You Back

Think about it. You may be allowing this single, powerful thought to keep you from “putting yourself out there.” Are you?

For you, “putting yourself out there” or “sticking your neck out” might mean:

Read More:  https://www.linkedin.com/today/post/article/20140623210127-27012930-you-suck-here-s-why?trk=prof-post

My Dad Taught Me to Drive My Career

Mary Sherwood Sevinsky

www.Life-Works.Info

Author: Xposeld

I don’t think it would shock my father to find that I am probably not much better a driver today than when he taught me to drive: First on a conversion van with “three on the tree,” then our huge woodsided station wagon. It started when I was fifteen. At the time we lived in North Dakota and the age for a learners permit was lowered so that the farm kids could drive the family truck and work on the family farm.  

Read More....

This client made my day

What a nice note from a recent client!  

"Mary you've made all the difference in my world! You've been invaluable to me, honestly. And you made me look interesting without being JUST a caregiver. I'm overjoyed !!!"

A little background:  This nice lady contacted me a few months ago for help with her resume, but decided to go with another expert.  She emailed me last week for advice as she was not comfortable with the work the other expert did for her.  The "final" resume made her seem more like a hospital administrator than the patient care provider she is.  

When writing a resume you must be accurate - the job seeker will potentially have to answer to or give examples of each statement included.  It is also important to keep a client's essence or personality when developing a resume to avoid it coming off as canned or templated. 

This note made my day.  I hope you have a good one too! 

CAREEREALISM's Happy Grad Project

Thrilled to have my article "What My First Client Taught Me About Career Happiness" on the first day of a month long HAPPY GRAD PROJECT!  If you are a new grad this year or love one make sure to check out the advice, tips, and resources offered through CAREEREALISM - start with my article ensure a great start. Read more http://www.careerealism.com/career-happiness-first-client/

Job Search Guide - Why You’re a Boring Candidate Radio Interview

by Mary Sherwood Sevinsky and Tim Muma  Thursday, April 10, 2014

I was recently interviewed by Tim Muma  on The Jobs Network.  The show is now up on their site and on iTunes. Below is a link to the episode page on their website, which I encourage you to share on any websites

and social media you use.

To find it on iTunes, just search the iTunes Store for “LJNRadio: Job Search Guide” and click on the artwork. It’s number two on the list as of right now. Why You're a boring Candidate Radio Interview on ITunes 

Here is the link:  Job Search Guide - Why You’re a Boring Candidate Radio Interview.  Enjoy!

Job Search Guide E-Book

JOB SEARCH FOR THE REST OF US

INTERACTIVE GUIDE FOR JOB SEEKERS AND CAREER CHANGERS

Looking for a new job can be stressful even under the best of circumstances.  When you have experienced a life changing event, such as a downsizing or work related injury, job search can be especially challenging.  You are already experiencing a major life event which is compounded by the fact that there is little information and even fewer practical resources to help you…. Until Now!

This book will provide you with the basic information and resources that you need to get back to work after a work loss, injury or sudden disability of any sort. It combines information, worksheets for your use, and resources that you can use to get your life back.  Free online access to all exercises and resources and additional information is included.

If you are a career coach, vocational counselor or professional you will benefit from the third party validation provided as well as the resources, handouts, and exercises you can provide to your clients depending on their needs and where you are in your work with them.

Perfect for dislocated workers who haven't had to job search recently, new grads, moms, retirees, and veterans returning to the workforce, injured and disabled workers or anyone who has not been on the job market in the last few years. Practical, step by step advice with handouts, exercises, and resources.  EARLY ORDER DISCOUNT:  This concise yet comprehensive guide has just been submitted for publishing and is available at a discounted rate for a limited time.  It will be available in the next few months on Amazon for $21, But you can buy either the entire book ($15) or specific sections ($5).    Read Excerpt Below.

Options

  Job Search Guide $15.00 USD  Job Search Section 1 $5.00 USD  Job Search Section 2 $5.00 USD  Job Search Section 3 $5.00 USD  Job Search Section 4 $5.00 USD  

Your Order Delivered via Email

REVIEWS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

This book is a great tool for those who face the challenge of returning to the workforce, particularly after a life-changing injury. Career change can be a stressful time for anyone but for those who face the daunting task of overcoming physical barriers, the process can become overwhelming. This book provides assurance to those going through a similar situation and delivers a framework for the overall job search process. The author is very experienced and knowledgeable in this area and provides a simple guide for those who need a lot of instruction and guidance but also for those who are seeking some general advice. I would recommend this tool for anyone who faces the challenge of today's labor market and especially for those who will be overcoming new physical challenges.

Julie O, Vocational Counselor specializing in returning the unemployed to Work for 15 years

More Reviews and Recommendations:

(http://www.slideshare.net/msevinsky/job-search-fortherestofustestimonials)

HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE

This guide was developed for a job seeker to use on their own or with a vocational counselor, case manager or career coach. Read more:

Job Search for the Rest of Us!: Job Search Guide E-Book: JOB SEARCH FOR THE REST OF US INTERACTIVE GUIDE FOR JOB SEEKERS AND CAREER CHANGERS Looking for a new job can be stress...

Job Search Group - Get help with Job Search and Ca...

Join me online or in person to get the answers you need to succeed in your career or job search! 


Next In Person Group:  5/1/14 at 2 pm

Next Online Group: 5/2/14 at 11 am

Hope to see you there!

www.Life-Works.Info 

In Interview Tip #1

Job Search Group - Get help with Job Search and Career Planning

Join me online or in person to get the answers you need to succeed in your career or job search! 


Next In Person Group:  5/1/14 at 2 pm

Next Online Group: 4/25/14 at 11 am

Hope to see you there!

A $350 Flounder, the Boston Marathon, and Other Good Things

So happy to be back at my desk after a longer than expected trip out of town!  As is often the case, not every part of our vacation went smoothly.  In the end, everything worked out fine, if only after a bit of rocky road...

At one point our decision was between springing $17 for a surf fishing license or paying for a seat on a fishing boat with an experienced fisherman.  We opted for the "sure thing" as we were unfamiliar with fishing in that area.  

As luck would have it, it was the worst day the captain had ever had fishing.  We might have chalked this up as a fish tale if several people hadn't limited out just two days before with the same boat captain.  We caught a very respectable flounder, which we catch at our own home this time of year.  As you probably guessed, we spent over $350 on that fishing trip, including the hotel or pizza we ordered for dinner.

THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A SURE THING.

We had wacky weather - rain, wind, clouds and cold, especially for Florida.  But, we had warm clothes packed.  We had our hearts set on frog legs, but didn't end up with them.  We missed our plane home and had to stay overnight in another hotel and rent yet another car, reschedule our Monday workday, and eat food we never would at home.

But, we had a great time the last few days seeing familiar relatives and meeting "new" ones.  We flew home yesterday, seated behind a family with young kids who had just come from Disney world who were eating Easter candy.  

THERE IS NO PLACE LIKE HOME

While in the air over 30,000 men and women finished the BOSTON MARATHON - unbelievable! So many dedicated and brave people worked hard over the last year to be BOSTON STRONG.  One young woman, who lost her leg in last year's bombing had recovered enough to join in for the last half mile - others "took back" the finish they didn't have last year. 

For me, things usually look mostly rosey - the glass typically half full.  But, it is hard to keep perspective sometimes when we are in the midst of our own problems.  If you are struggling look around.  It is likely that there is someone nearby to remind you that our problems will pass as they always do and we will somehow be better for it. 

IT'S YOUR LIFE AND IT'S IN YOUR HANDS

Job Search is Sales. Sell yourself to get hired

By Mary Sherwood Sevinsky

MS, CCM, CDMS

Looking for work when you don't have a job can be incredibly lonely and unrewarding. Many employers don't send acknowledgement notices via mail, email, fax or phone like they did in the good ole days.  Read More Here

Mary SherwoodSevinsky

Mary is a CAREER AND OCCUPATIONAL CONSULTANT who is masters-prepared and certified. She is a business owner with nearly 20 years of experience in Corporate Management, Career Assessment & Counseling and in writing Career Articles and Educational Materials.

She has worked as a CORPORATE MANAGER experienced in hiring, firing and managing a staff of professionals with a multi-million dollar budget. She enjoys WRITING AND EDITING and has spent many years developing Marketing Materials and Presentations, Writing Proposals and Plans, and Conducting Staff Development Sessions in addition to working as a vocational consultant. Learn more about Mary and her services: www.life-works.info.

Walking - Back on Track!

It felt good to get out walking today - it feels like it is finally spring!  Here is a little clip of my walk on give it 100:

(1) Give it 100 - Mary Sevinsky - Walking

Trade Secrets: The Best Vocational Schools

Could Vocational Training be for you? Something to consider!

Trade Secrets: The Best Vocational Schools

Why You're A Boring Job Applicant | CAREEREALISM

Tips to jazz up your job search ....

Why You're A Boring Job Applicant | CAREEREALISM

Mary Sherwood Sevinsky

Mary is a CAREER AND OCCUPATIONAL CONSULTANT who is masters-prepared and certified. She is a sole-proprietor with nearly 20 years of experience in Management, Career Assessment & Counseling and in writing Career Articles and Educational Materials. 

She has worked as a CORPORATE MANAGER experienced in hiring, firing and managing a staff of professionals with a multi-million dollar budget. She enjoys WRITING AND EDITING and has spent many years developing Marketing Materials and Presentations, Writing Proposals and Plans, and Conducting Staff Development Sessions in addition to working as a vocational consultant. Learn more about her and her services: Www.jobsearchfortherestofus.com

Read more at http://www.careerealism.com/why-boring-job-applicant/#CXyU8blIeZBzhlwW.99

Garden From Garbage

From Black Thumb Gardener

.... My new project! Unbelievable - My daughter, Hope sent me a link about a story sharing how you can grow food from kitchen scraps.  There are a number of articles online about this and all seem relatively simple.  

I read a number of them (click here for the whole list), but liked the one from Black Thumb Gardener as it listed 17 foods you can grow from scraps. Directions included.

Start with a list of produce you use a lot and read about how to grow those to start.  Supplies are simple:  Jars or pots, water, dirt, pebbles, and toothpicks is about as complicated as it gets.  I am feeling confident.

Personally, I am starting with onions, lettuce and celery since I have those on hand now. We also use them regularly, so it would be nice to have a bunch on hand.  Look for more about how this project progresses - I can wait to see!

What will you start with? 

Let me know!

Mary is a CAREER AND OCCUPATIONAL CONSULTANT who is masters - prepared and certified. She has nearly 20 years of experience in Management, Career Assessment & Counseling and in writing Career Articles and Educational Materials. Besides several blogs, Mary also writes career related articles for Examiner.com and Careerealism.com.

She has worked as a CORPORATE MANAGER experienced in hiring, firing and managing a staff of professionals with a multimillion dollar budget. She enjoys WRITING AND EDITING and has spent many years developing Marketing Materials and Presentations, Writing Proposals and Plans, and Conducting Staff Development Sessions in addition to working as a vocational consultant. Learn more about her and her services: www.Life-Works.Info

Read more at http://www.JobSearchForTheRestOfUs.com