Saturday, October 22, 2011

How to Survive Being Laid Off From Your Job

Laid off, downsized - whatever word you call it, losing your job is arguably one of the most traumatic events that can occur in one's life. Unfortunately, it has become quite commonplace in today's economic environment. My goal here is to offer some useful pointers and relay some insights from my own personal experiences to hopefully help you get through this situation, and to emerge a better, stronger person.

Don't Panic

Chances are that you will experience shock, anger, and maybe even depression to a certain degree. These are normal feelings, and in my opinion, they should be acknowledged and dealt with. With that said, it's important not to panic. Fear can immobilize us and cloud our thinking processes - neither of which is very helpful. Although as a single parent, I can certainly identify with the fear and deluge of questions about how you'll make it financially, you cannot afford to let fear cause you to make rash decisions about your future.

You'll most likely have some well-meaning friends or family who will urge you to jump right into your new job search immediately. I understand the rationale behind this, which is that you don't want to wallow in self-pity. I definitely agree. However, it will serve you much better to use the downtime you now have to engage in some serious self-reflection. Exactly how much time to take will depend on your personal circumstances, and I'm certainly in no position to give a timeframe here. You know better than anyone else how long you'll need. The point to take away from this is to seriously ask yourself what you'd truly like to do with your life from here on out. It could be that you've been accepting jobs that you really didn't like out of what you perceived as necessity. Do you want to continue along that path, or pursue a career that fulfills you? Once you figure out what that is, (and don't rush the process!) make it happen.

Dust Off Those Old Dreams

One of the biggest motivators to starting your own business is finding yourself without a nine-to-five. I can attest to that personally. So ask yourself: Has being self-employed been your dream? Or perhaps you had a "side-hustle" while you were employed. Now that you have the time on your hands, why not turn it into a full - time venture? And don't let a lack of funds stop you. Good old sweat equity and resourcefulness will at least get you started. To quote Nike: Just do it! Whatever it is, whether it's completing your college degree or starting your own catering business, you can now use the time and energy that you devoted to working for someone else to invest in yourself. Take the necessary steps to make the dream reality. If there are others who will be affected by your decision, such as spouses and children, by all means, clue them in. Hopefully, they will provide their support and encouragement.

Tips to Surviving a Layoff

Surround yourself with lots of positive energy. This comes from supportive friends, family, and sometimes even total strangers who just happen to be in the same boat as you. On a personal note, I leaned more heavily than ever on my Faith to get through it. That's very individual, but the point is to plug into the positive so that you may get on with the business of moving on. Here are a few helpful tips to getting through a layoff successfully.

· Volunteer. One of the best ways to take the focus off of your own situation is to focus on helping others. Go online or to your local library to find out where the available opportunities are to volunteer your time and talents.

· Once you're ready, ask for help in your job search. Ask friends and family if they know of any job openings. If you're looking to switch careers, look into going back to school or maybe entry - level positions that will get your foot in the door.

· Get out of the house. Staring at four walls every day would depress anybody. Get out and mingle! Hit Starbucks, go to the local park, have lunch with a friend. It will do wonders for your mood, and get you motivated. This is also an excellent opportunity to use your networking skills.

Final Thoughts

Being laid off does not - I repeat NOT - mean that your life is over. It means that your life is changing significantly, yes. But how you react to it makes all the difference. It's all about perception. If it is perceived as an opportunity instead of an unfortunate event, then you can turn it into a stepping stone to something better.

If it weren't for my layoff, I probably wouldn't have written this article, started this blog, or decided to grow my resume writing business full - time. It just goes to show: you'd be surprised how setbacks can turn into setups for success.

Marsha owns and operates Key Image Resumes in Phoenix, AZ, a professional resume and curriculum vitae writing service. She brings five years of expertise to the table, and believes in the importance of using the ever-evolving talent acquisition trends to better position you for success. She specializes in individuals who have been downsized and who wish to leverage their skills in order to make a transition into a new career. Key Image crafts targeted resumes to help market your skills and accomplishments successfully. Marsha's creativity and desire to help connect people with fulfilling careers helps her stand out from the rest.

For a professional resume or CV consultation and rewrite, visit: http://www.keyimageresumes.com/let_s_get_started.html today.


http://EzineArticles.com/6504663

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Starting a New Job - 6 Tips for First 90 Days

If you just got a new job, congratulations! This is a tough market, so getting a job is definitely an achievement. Now another type of work begins. The first 90 days on the job is critical to building a strong foundation for success at your new company. You may say, what do you mean? I know how to work. I would say I am sure you do but starting a new job involves more than just hard work.

Starting a new job also needs to include implementing a jump-start plan that helps shape key people's first impression of you. First impression is key because once they have that impression (either positive or negative), it will become your reputation. That reputation is hard to change unless you do something drastic later on. Here are six tips on how build a great reputation in the first 90 days of a starting a new job.

Determine what kind of reputation you want to build: Ask yourself what you should be known for? What qualities are the most critical for success in this job? For example, a Director should try to build a reputation that includes ability to think strategically, get results, facilitate cross functional communication, etc...; an Analyst should try to build a reputation for learning quickly, having always a positive attitude, is detailed oriented, etc...
Know who are the "key people" in this company that should have a good impression of you. Obviously this includes your boss, but there are many more. For a Director of Marketing of a small company for example, it would be the Chief Marketing Officer, all peers that are cross functional leads in sales, technology, product management, website, plus perhaps the other C level executives as well. For an Analyst, it will be your boss + perhaps anyone you have to interact with frequently to get your job done + even your peers, especially ones that already have a good reputation. They may also have your boss' ear (meaning your boss may ask for their opinion of you).
Spot situations in your job that builds your reputation: In the first 90 days of starting a new job, whatever you need to deliver for your job, hit it out of the park even if you have to work extra hours. On top of that, spot opportunities to help before you are asked. For a Director, most likely you would need to come up with an assessment of the current situation and plans on how to improve. Why not propose it to your boss and let him/her know when you can deliver that? You will come across as taking initiative and have a chance to demonstrate how strategic you are. For an Analyst level, proactively update your boss on your progress and set up meetings to get support if needed. You will make his job easier and every manager loves a self-sufficient team member.
Connect with "key people" - schedule "meet and greet" (lunch, coffee break, short meetings) with each person separately so they know who you are. Figure out whether there is a need to do a regular meeting with them depending on their preference and your job. Everyone appreciates a proactive person. Once you did achieve something (e.g. created a plan), you can copy these "key people" to get their feedback. It's a subtle way to involve them and build a good reputation for yourself. Also socialize - go out to lunch and happy hours with co-workers and "key people." If someone likes you personally, it's easier to build a good reputation for your work as well.
Get to know your bosses working style - as important as it is to build a good reputation with all "key people" when starting a new job, your boss is probably still the most important as he/she controls much of your promotion, evaluation, etc.. It pays to figure out quickly his style - what works, what doesn't work, pet peeves. It's even ok to initiate a meeting to discuss this for half an hour and ask him how he likes to work with you. Again you are making it easy for him and that is always a good thing.
Spend time to get up to speed with all the context: This means not only understand your role and what you need to do, but also understand key histories of decisions and any related information or departments that affect your job. Ask lots of questions. A new person gets a lot of leeway to ask questions in the first few months. So go ahead and ask. It's better than assuming any day.

Obviously, I don't mean that you can slack off after the first 90 days of starting a new job, but once you build a good reputation, you just created some room for yourself to protect against any mistakes you may make in the future. I hope these simple but critical tips will help you jump-start your job success. I look forward to your comments. I am always in your corner.

- Lei

Lei Han - Career Strategist
Marketing Executive
Stanford Undergrad
Wharton MBA
15 years of business experience
I am passionate about helping you find, excel, and enjoy your careers. Check out my career advice blog - http://bemycareercoach.com/ - over 120 articles related to career development, job search, soft skills development, and work life balance.


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Monday, October 17, 2011

On the Job Harassment - When It's Not All Fun and Games Anymore

August 19, 2011

Have you ever felt uncomfortable at work? Is there someone you work with that you feel intimidated by to the point of actually being fearful of them? If you have ever experienced any of these feelings then you may have been the victim of on the job harassment.

Your workplace, although it might not be your home, is still a place where you have every right to feel safe in and be able to focus on your job instead of how you are treated by other employees. You and your fellow employees should complement each other as you work together and you should never have to work in an environment where you feel bullied, discriminated against or where you feel that you can't speak your mind for fear of retribution.

What Is On The Job Harassment? - Basically, on the job harassment is when a coworker might touch, hit, punch, feel, fondle, caress, maul or lick any part of your body in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable. While contact is not always necessary and there are guidelines and books written on the subject, if a coworker does something that you feel fearful of speaking about with them or a third party, then you have probably been harassed.

There might be times when your harasser might say that the contact or comment was welcomed. But instead of blaming yourself or feeling as if you are trapped, just think about this. If you were close enough with this coworker then you wouldn't have a problem with telling them to knock it off. The important aspect of any sort of harassment is how you feel and not what your harasser thinks since many harassers or bullies are very good at manipulating and your particular instance of on the job harassment probably isn't an isolated case.

What You Can Do About On The Job Harassment - While you might wish to just sweep it all under the rug or hope that your coworker or boss just forgets about it or never does it again, this is seldom the case. Your first step towards resolving the issue and getting back to living your life and loving your job again should be to confront your coworker. If this is an isolated case and a simple misunderstanding then talking with them should set them straight and there will never be such a misunderstanding or any form of harassment again. This might make things a little weird for a while between you and your coworker or boss but they will get over it or they can deal with option number two.

Option number two can also be your primary option if you truly feel fearful of retribution or you just don't want to deal with the situation. After all, you are there to work and there are people like your Human Resources person, who is trained to deal with harassment and that is who you can go to with your concerns if you feel fearful of talking with your harasser.

A skilled HR person will know how to handle things and if there is retribution for talking to someone in human resources about the incident then you have another problem that you can talk to HR about. In situations that involve harassment your concerns should be kept anonymous and a good HR person will be able to handle things so you shouldn't feel as if you did something wrong or be perceived as a rat or tattle tale.

Harassment is a serious problem and one that often carries the penalty of immediate termination in most companies. You have been hired to do a job and so has your coworker. Part of your job is not to feel intimidated or demoralized in any way and your coworker was not hired to harass employees. You have the right to work in a place that is safe for you both physically and emotionally and that is your employers responsibility to maintain a peaceful and safe place for you to do your job free from on the job harassment.

For further information on how to file a formal claim with the Equal Employment Opportunity commission, click HERE.

Erica Davis, President & CEO
Diamond Hospitality Services, Inc.
Visit us at http://www.diamondhospitalityservices.com/ for more information on how we can help your business save with outsourced personnel services.
Visit our blog to stay updated on the latest articles, discussions, and more: http://www.diamondhospitalityblog.com/
Providing you with service that shines!


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Saturday, October 15, 2011

Criminal Justice Report Writing: Easy Strategies for Effective Sentences

Many police officers find report writing a frustrating task--and not just because reports take up so much of their time. A big complaint is that the final result is so unsatisfactory (a problem echoed by their supervisors).

Why do so many intelligent men and women have difficulty with report writing, and what can be done about it?

One easy strategy that many officers overlook is to simplify the sentence structure: Start every sentence with a person, place, or thing, and insert a period when you come to the end.

To put it another way: Many officers are much better writers than they (or their supervisors) think. Problems arise when a tired officer coming off a stressful shift tries to write the kinds of elaborate sentences that are best left to novelists.

Here's an example:

Four CDs were recovered from the defendant, which he had conceal those items by stuffing them inside his jacket. SYNTAX PROBLEMS

Problems abound here: the -ed ending is missing from "conceal," the which clause is awkward and misplaced (it should come right after "Four CDs"), and the report doesn't state who took the CDs away from the defendant--an omission that could cause problems later, if the case goes to court.

Recommendation: Write shorter sentences, and start each one with a person, place, or thing. (In a police report, it's usually best to start with a person.)

When we follow this advice, we come up with something like this:

I recovered four CDs from Johnson. He had stuffed the CDs inside his shirt. PROFESSIONAL SENTENCES

Simple, elegant, and--most important--efficient.

Officers sometimes object that writing "I" and using names violates objectivity. Not true. A dishonest person can write "this officer" and "the defendant" just as easily as an honest person.

Read the sentences below. Can you tell which one was written by a dishonest officer?

I looked through the open door and saw a man with his hands around a woman's neck.

This officer proceeded to observe the scene through the open door, noticing said victim was standing there with the hands of said defendant around her neck.

Of course you can't. Honesty, integrity, and professionalism are the result of a personal commitment. They can't be attained through verbal tricks. (And did you notice that the second version took longer to read? That could be an issue if you're preparing for a court hearing.)

Here are some simple principles that can make you a more efficient and effective report writer:

1. Start each sentence with a person, place, or thing. (In most reports, you'll be writing about people.)

2. Use timesaving words like I, me, and the names of suspects and witnesses.

3. In general, put only one fact into each sentence.

4. End each sentence with a period.

Those four principles can help you avoid a host of syntax problems and tangled sentences. Other benefits are less time spent writing reports (and, if your supervisor is a stickler, rewriting them). Most important, you'll have the satisfaction of writing like a true professional.

Jean Reynolds, Ph.D. is Professor Emeritus at Polk State College, where she taught report writing and communication skills in the criminal justice program. She is the author of seven books, including "Police Talk" (Pearson), cowritten with the late Mary Mariani. Visit her website at http://www.yourpolicewrite.com/ for free report writing instructional resources. Go to http://amzn.com/0578082942 for information about her book "The Criminal Justice Guide to Report Writing for Officers."


http://EzineArticles.com/6508826

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

What Gets You Out of Bed in the Morning?

I have been been working in Corporate world for over 20 years and what I have learnt over the years through research and when asking people why they studied what they did and what they dream about doing with their lives are usually two very different things. It concerned me greatly and still does every single day, that people are led into a society which does not encourage passions to be explored, but rather to conform to the requirements of a rather limited choice.

Some don't know what they would do and others are studying and have studied what they have been told to study, in order to make a living, raise a family and have a decent retirement. So, most of us go through life, saving for retirement and seeing work as just that "work" and not something that could be enjoyed immensely while offering a specific benefit to society purely by using our unique talents and gifts.

A lot of people have not had the benefit of career guidance or a discussion on what it is they really love to do and where they feel they could add value to society by doing what it is they are innately best at.

If some of you did become what you dreamed you would, then you are one of the lucky ones. For those who didn't...spend a few minutes considering the reasons. What were those reasons. It could have been financial, family influence, or just not knowing how to get there on your own. It could be many things.

Our beliefs and approach to careers create barriers to human potential, tapping into your potential through your passion leads to continuous happiness and living in the present moment. Enjoying every day instead of the "dread" of going to work each morning.

When your life is transformed at a deep level there is a subtle, yet instantaneous transformation taking place.
Being able to make better decisions by thoroughly understanding the underlying reasons for choosing the career and study, or further study. Explore current ideas, perceptions, industries and how to envision, develop and progress in a new or altered career direction. Empowering yourself with the tools that will assist you most effectively for success in today's world.

We spend anything from 8-14 hours or more per day at work, everyday of our lives except perhaps weekends. Disliking your work can be very demotivating and adds ongoing pressure and stress.

It does take time and loads of courage to try and make a change of career, looking for a job is a job in itself but it is worth it!


http://EzineArticles.com/6506275

Sunday, October 9, 2011

3 Benefits Of Going To Teach In The Middle East

Teaching abroad can be an amazing opportunity. While some experiences of teaching abroad are universal, others are completely unique to the Middle East. If you're interested in learning more about how you can teach in the Middle East, consider these specific benefits.

Experience A New Culture By Going To Teach In The Middle East

Learning about how others live is an experience in itself. There is new food, new currency, a new language, new religious customs and more. Going to teach in the Middle East can be an amazing experience but before you go, you'll want to make yourself comfortable with some of the most common cultural differences.

For instance, using your left hand in the United Arab Emirates is considered offensive and unclean so you'll want to eat, gesture and shake hands with your right hand. Shoes are typically removed before entering someone's home and the thumbs up sign can be considered inappropriate. Those who follow the Muslim religion do not permit pork, products made from pigs and alcohol.

Many men walk hand in hand (this is considered a sign of friendship) and greet each other by giving kisses on each cheek. Men will shake hands with other men, but some men will not shake hands with women so it's best for a woman to wait for a man to offer his hand first. Attire should be conservative and both men and women should be covered. Local customs dictate that women wear longer skirts and cover their shoulders, but it's possible to find other non-natives who don't follow local customs. It's considered respectful -- however, it's not always necessary to wear native clothing as long as you're dressed modestly.

The Opportunity To Travel To Other Countries

If you decide to teach in the Middle East, you'll have the chance to travel to countries such as Saudi Arabia, Oman, the UAE and others. This experience is one that not many other people get to have and you'll be able to see sights like the pyramids at Giza, the Dead Sea, Jerusalem, the lost city of Petra and more.

It's important to remember that many of these countries are predominantly Muslim and care should be taken if you're interested in traveling to Israel. Security in Israel is tight so expect to be questioned about your motives. Don't take this personally and answer their questions truthfully and professionally and you won't have an issue.

Experience Boosts Your Resume

Whether you're interested in teaching as a career or just want to teach in the Middle East as a short-term job, the experience can add a definite plus to your resume. If you can teach in the Middle East with people who don't speak your language in a region that's known for conflict, you can likely handle any problem or issue that comes your way later in your career.

Teaching in this region comes with a number of rewards, both tangible and intangible. If you're interested in experiencing a vastly different culture, traveling the region and adding valuable experience to your resume, consider doing a little research to see if this is right for you.

Chris Harmen writes for the American International Development Council, an organization that helps westerners teach in the Middle East. AIDC connects teachers who want to go to Abu Dhabi to teach with jobs.


http://EzineArticles.com/6513527

Friday, October 7, 2011

What Is Required of a Dental Assistant

The dental industry is one of the fastest growing industries in the country today. Because of this fast growth and popularity, it is also opening up many job opportunities as well. A dental assistant is one of those opportunities that anyone can work without having to go through all of the schooling that a dentist has to go through. Here is a brief article detailing the dental assistant and their roles in a dental office.

The primary job of a dental assistant is to help the dentist perform his procedures. This could be anything from helping the dentist with major dental work to arranging files and paperwork in the office. Whatever it is the dentist needs you to do to help with their day that is what you will have to do.

Primarily, these individuals can be expected to prep patients before they are seen by the dentist. As a dental assistant you will also likely have to make sure that all of the dental instruments are clean, sterile and in working condition. Then once the dentist is ready to perform a professional teeth cleaning, you will need to stand around and hand the dentist the proper instruments as he or she calls for them.

Another basic function that comes with this job is filing paper work and giving instructions to the patient before and after they are seen by the dentist. This includes checking the patient in and arranging a follow up visit or taking appointments as needed.

The also usually deal with sales associates and order dental equipment and supplies. This means ordering simple items that need to be stocked like toothbrushes, mouthwash, fluoride, and dental floss. It also requires keeping the more expensive instruments up to date and ordering things like water picks and electric brushes, drills and other high-tech instruments. Everything will have to first be approved by the dentist of course.

These are just a few of the basic functions that come with the job. There may be many more duties you will have to perform depending on what the dentist needs you to do.

In order to work for a dentist as their assistant, you will first need to get an accredited degree. This varies from state to state, but there are schools that offer associates degrees for people that want to work in this field. Then, because there is such a high demand for this job, you should get some experience working in a dental office as this will really help you get hired.

Working as a dental assistant is a rewarding and high paying occupation. Find out where to start your dental assistant training and even where you can use online dental assistant programs to earn accreditation from home.


http://EzineArticles.com/6514673

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Working in a Warmer Climate

Dreaming of working in a warm climate where the sky and sea are light blue? Given any chance most of use would answer "yes" when asked that question, it sounds wonderful compared to the gloomy UK skies that we work under on a daily basis. It also sounds a bit too good to be true and when that happens it usually is!

Points To Consider

Now although the job offer might sound perfect with no hidden extras be careful. The perfect job is very hard to find and if it were that easy, we would all be moving abroad to work and live. Do your research, not only on the job but also on the location. Moving to the middle of nowhere might appeal now when your current neighbours are being particularly noisy but will it still appeal when you are finding it difficult to buy groceries for the lack of shops?

Saying Goodbye

Are you willing to say "goodbye" to all that you know and love? Oh sure you can visit on holidays but essentially you will be living abroad. The safety net of familiar faces will vanish until you make new acquaintances, but it is not simply friends and work colleagues that will be left behind when you move but also family. We all need a friendly person and a shoulder to lean on in time of a crisis, remember that to begin with you will be alone.

Stability

Find out how stable the job will be, there is no point going through all the turmoil of moving only to discover that the position is only temporary, or that there are no firm plans for it to continue. You need definite proof, if possible that the job offer is a long-term arrangement and when you move your life to suit the position it will remain yours for the foreseeable future.

Affordability

Very often accommodation is cheaper abroad but ensure you have a spare room for the family members and friends you have left behind. Do not automatically assume your children are going to be happy to share a room either especially if they are used to their own rooms. Explain the living arrangements prior to arriving at your new home to give them an opportunity to adjust. Children can be more resilient than we give them credit for at times and you might be pleasantly surprised with the outcome, just be honest with them from the beginning.

To Summarize

So in summary, although a job abroad may initially seem like your idea of heaven think carefully before you take the leap. Nobody's saying that it is not a good idea or that it will not work because it could just as easily turn out to be the best move you have ever made, just ensure you carry out some extensive research on the job position itself, the company the offer is with and the location.

Wondering how to find a job abroad? Are you leaving the army and wondering what your options are?


http://EzineArticles.com/6510247

Saturday, October 1, 2011

A Master's Degree Is the Path to Career Advancement

An education in a specific area of the field you are working in can help catapult you to higher positions, whether that position is in the company you are currently working for, or a brand new company. You can choose to take courses online, if you need to maintain your current position, or you can take classes at a traditional college. Many colleges will offer night courses to get through a masters degree, but it may take slightly longer doing it this way. A Master's degree is, however, one of the best ways to improve your quality of life and learning. Choose a path of career advancement that will suit your own schedule and budget.

Having a masters degree opens up many doors that were not open to you before earning such a prestigious degree. You will notice that once you have the knowledge you need and the qualifications to do the job, potential employers are more likely to notice and appreciate your skills. Being able to put the successful completion of a Masters degree program on a resume boosts the chances of getting the job you desire.

When employers see that a candidate has completed advanced schooling, it creates a solid and responsible impression in their mind of you and your qualifications, especially if you were able to excel and get very good grades. It shows that you have the fortitude to finish what you start and the drive to follow your dreams, and well as the intelligence required to get it done. When employers see this kind of dedication on a resume, and see evidence of said qualifications during an interview, they are more likely to hire. These employers are also more likely to distribute promotions and raises to deserving employees who have been working in their company for a while.

Advancing a career comes down to gaining extra knowledge in a specific area through higher education, additional training or both. Companies will sometimes pay for their employees to go back to college or to take additional training in their field so that they will be kept up to date on all the latest information, procedures and techniques. These companies want their employees productive so that they are better able to benefit the company with their skills. If they have been working in an established career for a long time, the company executives, managers and supervisors will know the employee well enough to understand their flaws and their qualities. They will know what the employee needs to work on in order for them to become an indispensable asset to the company's success.

Aveta Solutions - Six Sigma Online ( http://www.sixsigmaonline.org/ ) offers online six sigma training and certification classes for lean six sigma, black belts, green belts, and yellow belts.


http://EzineArticles.com/6514547

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Ways To Improve Employee Performance

When workers begin to fail at their performance it could be for a few reasons. They may be handing in assignments late, failing to complete tasks or not taking the initiative that is required. When an employee is not meeting the standards that they should be, top supervisors can figure out the root of the problem

Root problems could exist that may be contributing to the employee's lack of performance. A supervisor may look over the expectations and determine if the employee is fully aware of what they are supposed to be doing. Supervisors can assess their expectations to ensure that they are clear, concise and accurate.

Measurable charts can often help people stay on track with their work. Managers should determine if there are visual charts and programs in place to keep people on track with their projects and work. There are computer programs that managers can acquire to help workers stay on target and stay organized.

Incentives can also help keep workers on top of their work. Some companies have bonus systems in place that are well-charted and available for other workers to view. These incentives may be in the form of monthly or yearly bonuses, extra time off, or even gifts or vacations. Workers may have to reach certain targets in order to receive the bonuses that are available to them.

When work is failing, managers can also determine if the employee is effectively breaking large jobs down into smaller ones. There are certain ways to handle projects and tasks that can help people stay organized. A manager can figure out if their employees are doing their tasks properly and are staying organized throughout the process. Managers may also have additional resources to give out to employees that may require further help. Information may be given out to workers who need motivation and more instruction. Material can be given out with clear expectations on how the worker can improve their performance.

In some cases, an employee might not meet their expectations because of a lack of training or experience. If a person was hired for a job without the proper qualifications, their work may suffer. Managers can assist poorly trained staff, by giving them the guidance and tools that they need to succeed. Additional training may have to be recommended to properly train the employee. These training sessions could come in the form of online training or part time courses.

Employee performance can be observed and reported through team meetings. Supervisors should stay on top of employees to monitor their success and watch out for unsatisfactory work. If staff work is not meeting the expectations of the company, the employee can be notified along with professional suggestions on how to improve. When suggestions have been made to an employee, improvement should be made within a measurable amount of time.

Aveta Solutions - Six Sigma Online ( http://www.sixsigmaonline.org/ ) offers online six sigma training and certification classes for lean six sigma, black belts, green belts, and yellow belts.


http://EzineArticles.com/6514531

Monday, September 26, 2011

Baby Boomers and the Self-Destructing Corporate Workplace

In the early 1990s I recognized an emerging and disturbing trend in all too much of corporate America. What had once been a good place to work was becoming increasingly pressured and ugly. Pay and benefits were declining. Work demands for excessive hours were escalating fast.

The environment seemed to be descending into a dark, corrupt, toxic atmosphere that felt like a forced-labor-prison-camp-in-cubicles in cubicles; same-think, double-talk and "Corporate McCarthyism" ruled the day. Morals, ethics and a sense of fair play became an "Achilles Heel." The Machiavellian weasel-types seemed to rise to the top since they were willing to sacrifice everything on the Altar of Corporate America, including their ethics, health and family. Too many companies were turning into "Enrons-in-waiting."

As I scanned the global economic horizon for possible causes of this apparent de-evolution, I saw an emerging trend.

• America was going the way of the British Empire. We were headed into continuing contraction, and our standard of living would only decline.

• We were already in World War III, but it was an economic war with China, and we were not only losing, we were losing badly.

• We were giving away our manufacturing jobs, which were once the economic engine that drove America and served as the lifeblood of the middle class.

• The middle class in America would be destroyed by globalization, coupled by the growing ineptitude of our polarized, partisan, irrational two-party political system.

• I would lose my job, along with the high pay, good benefits and beautiful office that went with it. My like-minded friends and allies were either being forced out or leaving, and there were certain things I could not sacrifice on the altar of corporate America.

• In our lifetimes we would experience a global depression that would make the Great Depression look like a cake walk. It would be precipitated by the collapse of the U.S. economy, and when the thunderclouds of the gathering perfect storm finally broke loose, it would hit on quadruple fronts:

o The decline of the U.S. "empire," now that our post WWII advantage was gone.

o An economy built on a foundation of sand: rampant, debt-ridden consumerism, an entitlement mentality that permeates all levels of society and rabid, unfettered greed.

o An increasingly inept, broken political system in the throes of ever-increasing dysfunction, steering us towards the abyss.

o The innate, blind American egoism, that somehow we are smarter or better than the rest of the people in the world.

Much of what I foresaw has came true... or dangerously close.

If you're a mid-range baby boomers (born around 1955) you have been caught in the perfect storm of globalization, the off-shoring of our manufacturing jobs and the subsequent destruction of our own middle class. Multiple severe market crashes have destroyed our 401Ks, and now we anticipate the impending collapse of both the health care system and social security, as we face age discrimination.

While some early baby boomers (born around 1946) may have made it to the goal line with their retirements and health care intact, the late baby boomers (born around 1964) may have time to adjust to this brutal new world order and recover financially before they become "old."

But many mid-range baby boomers are in deep trouble and will end up working until they die on their feet. That is, if they can find any work. Or they may end up on welfare, if it still exists. There is little worse than being old, sick, decrepit and destitute. Unfortunately, this reality is likely for many mid-range baby boomers, especially those being shed from the contracting corporate world like fleas from a dying dog.

There is an alternative, but it demands that we re-create ourselves and our livelihoods. Most of all, it demands that we let go of our industrial-age entitlement expectations. We can take this adversity, flip it over and turn it into prosperity, if we choose to transcend our self-imposed limited thinking. And, with vision, purpose and passion, we can create a livelihood that is in alignment with our values, priorities and dreams.

If ready to escape unemployment or that corporate job you hate and create prosperity with purpose, passion and honorable profit, I invite you to get your free copy of my Manifesto, Mid-Life Recreation, here: http://www.sjhealey.com/manifesto

It will help you find the hope and direction you need to re-create your life and your career in a way that is aligned with your values, priorities and dreams.


http://EzineArticles.com/6506569

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Business Leadership and Motivation Training Helps You Advance in Your Career

It can take just as much work to advance your career as it took to start it, but the results can be well worth the effort. Career advancement involves solid business leadership and motivation training and a desire to advance in your chosen career or explore new career options.

These four basic career advancement concepts will help you gain career success.

1. Speak from a financial perspective.

The more you advance in your career, the more financial responsibilities you will be given. When presenting your financial accomplishments, you want to be as specific as possible. Don't just say you can do this, this and this. Explain your value to the company in clear terms with real examples. Show how you can secure additional funding, gain new resources, stay on or under budget, and find the right people to help accomplish this.

2. There is No "I" in Team

As tempting as it is to take full credit for every achievement, it is important to show that you can work well with others. Every decision you make should be for the benefit of the company and your co-workers. It shouldn't be all about your advancement. By building positive relationships, you will emphasize your leadership skills and ability to focus efforts to accomplish a task.

3. Do Your Best Now

It is important to do the best you can do right now. Taking on added responsibilities without being asked and doing more than what is expected of you will likely make you stand out from the crowd. You will soon become an asset to the company. This often leads to more challenging projects and tasks.

4. Think Outside of the Box

It is easy to go along with what everybody else is doing. However, being creative and unconventional in your approach to business tasks is the difference between a leader and a follower and can actually make you more valuable to a company. Approach each situation from a different perspective. Leaders set trends; they don't follow them.

A big part of my program is to encourage clients to write down ways that these business leadership and motivation training techniques can be immediately used in their current careers. Using the this last concept as an example, a client might write:

• Go back and look at an unfinished project from a new perspective.

• Document ways to save money on a future project.

• Clearly show how a new approach to an existing problem can work during the next project meeting.

It doesn't take long to master these techniques. However, it is important to get started now. My business leadership and motivation training, along with a desire to set yourself apart from the crowd, will give you all that is needed to advance your career.

Joel Garfinkle is a convention, conference, and special event speaker who has worked closely with thousands of executives from large companies such as Proctor & Gamble, Cisco, and Morgan Stanley. Find out how you can get him to speak at your next business convention by visiting his website at http://www.joelinspirationalspeaker.com/.


http://EzineArticles.com/6492781

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Four Tips To Advance Beyond Medical Assisting And Receive Better Pay And Benefits

In the health care industry, medical assistants are important members of the medical team. Doctors need them to stay organized and sane at the same time. Some doctors even claimed that they cannot perform well without the help of their trusted medical assistants. Truly medical assistants have very important roles to play in hospitals, clinics and other specialized areas.

Although the medical assisting profession is a very lucrative and productive career, there is still a chance for career growth and receive better pay and benefits. To advance beyond the medical assisting careers, here are some tips to do so:

Discover Your Professional Goals
During your free time, try to find out your short-term and long-term goals. This is for the purpose of motivating and redirecting yourself to the path you want to take later on. If you are feeling a little bored of your everyday routine work, this is a great opportunity for you to assess and find out what you really want to do. Examine yourself what you are passionate about. Perhaps you like children and you are good with children even in dispensing of medicine. Know if you want to enroll in nursing school and take supplementary classes on Pediatrics. Or maybe, you are happy with your clerical and administrative duties. In that case, find out if you can have additional classes or seminars on accounting and bookkeeping to help further your career.

Familiarize Yourself With Medical Terminology and Medical Diseases
True enough, doctors and nurses need medical assistants to help in the managing and administrative aspects. However, there may be times when the tasks and duties of MAs become very habitual. If this happens to you, do not complain. Instead, be proactive and study the different cases and learn from the conversations of doctors and nurses. At home, if you have time to spare, you can browse on several medical books to help you understand what the medical team is discussing. If you have a friend or relative who is a doctor, you can ask about the usual medical procedures or anything about medicine from drugs to the usual treatments.

Talk To Your Boss
If you are fan of pep talks and long discussions then talk to someone about your concerns. If you want to know more how you can improve your career and the options you have the best person you can approach is your boss. Your boss can provide you with the right perspective, motivation and he or she is the best person to help you with your concerns. He can provide inside advise and the things you ought to know about career advancement.

Broaden Your Horizon
For you not to stay in your current position for the longest time, you can attend seminars even those not related to medical assisting. If doctors invite you to a medical pep talk or rally, you might as well attend. These seminars can help you to expand your knowledge and to learn new skills. Do not close your mind to any possibilities. If there are computer classes that you are invited to, attend and learn from that class. Who knows? You can be the next medical secretary or unit clerk.

Medical assisting is a smart career choice. Medical assistants have opportunity to grow and to advance in their careers. If you wish to go beyond medical assisting and receive better pay, consider the tips above. Do not be afraid to learn new things. People should be continually learning and growing. Do not be stagnant and find ways on how to improve yourself and your career.

Medical assistant jobs are highly in demand. Find out how the medical assistant diploma can be favorable when you click on the links now.


http://EzineArticles.com/6511672

Monday, September 19, 2011

What Beliefs Drive Your Career Search?

This isn't a question about career strategy -- how you'll take your career from where it is to where you want it to be. It's a question about the underlying beliefs that guide you as you try to create career fulfillment.

Here's what it comes down to: Are you a jigsaw puzzler, or an equestrian?

The Jigsaw Puzzler
Intentionally or not, you may believe that to find the right place to land in the world of work you must fit what you can do or have done into the appropriately contoured space in the jigsaw puzzle of available jobs.

Ten or fifteen years ago this approach stood a good chance of succeeding. Chances are, it's the model you inherited from parents and teachers. You would expect to conduct a career search by scanning job postings looking for one that fits your skill set. You'd analyze your resume for transferrable skills and look for industries or careers that would utilize them. You'd probably be selective based on what looked interesting or attractive to you, but you'd be guided primarily by what fits with your experience and skills.

Today, in a vastly different employment environment, this approach still has a place. Window shopping on job boards will give you ideas you wouldn't have thought of, inform you about how an industry of interest structures its personnel needs, and -- perhaps most important -- it can jumpstart your optimism about finding more fulfilling work.

But it has a significant drawback, a subtle assumption I'm strenuously challenging when I hear it in my clients' thinking: namely, that your success will depend on how well you can match an employer's requirements. This places you in a reactive rather than proactive position, requiring you to massage the mix of what you have done or can do into a compelling resume and hoping it matches what the hiring manager has in mind.

The Equestrian
Better suited to the 21st C. global workplace is the equestrian. In this belief system, you know yourself to be sitting atop a dynamic, powerful energy -- your commitment to express and grow your talents. Your responsibility is to take the reins, sensitively but firmly, encouraging the best use of that energy and taking charge, moment to moment, of direction, pace and destination.

If this approach sounds more strenuous, even more risky, you're right! A decision to take control of your career destiny cuts both ways: more at risk, more to gain. But understanding the implications of the changed work environment in effect make the decision a no-brainer.

Employers can no longer afford to offer long-term security in exchange for company loyalty. They must attract employees with versatility, creative problem-solving, and unique combinations of skills and strengths in order to keep pace with the rate and scope of change. Career search strategy must be positioned to demonstrate how a candidate stands out, rather than how s/he fits in.

If you've kept an eye on these changes in the workplace, you know that the most highly sought-after candidates are those who can demonstrate creativity, individuality and unique combinations of strengths and talents are highly sought after by employers. This means that the full complexity of You, all that makes you who you are and unlike anyone else, can -- and must -- be carefully identified and articulated. It places you firmly in the saddle of your career, fully appreciative of the power and energy beneath you, knowing how to assure its health and vigor, and able to navigate changes in terrain in fine attunement with that power.

What are the concrete actions the equestrian takes to keep his/her career fully vital and heading in the right direction? Peter Weddle, in his Career Fitness program, outlines five activities to exercise on a regular basis.

1. Continue to learn
Don't overestimate the value of your years of work experience. It will get outbid every time by state-of-the-art knowledge and skills. Acquire them and deliver them now, in your current work.

2. NetWork
Focus less on meeting large numbers of people and more on increasing your visibility as a knowledgeable and widely respected professional.

3. Cross-train
Be prepared to adapt to a complex and rapidly shifting work environment. Develop multidimensionality. Combine a specific specialty with diversity in how it's performed (e.g. a variety of communication skills) or apply a primary skill (e.g. sales) to more than one product or industry.

4. Keep your bags packed
Expect change rather than hoping for stability. Keep one eye on the path ahead to increase your ability to direct the next transition so that it serves your long-term career plan.

5. Tend your soul
Your soul is uniquely yours and is also your link to the rest of humanity. Recognize that its brilliance is sustained by a larger vision of career success than personal gain, one that includes a share of responsibility for social/global/environmental betterment. Commit to specific "for the health of my soul" goals and integrate them into your career plan.

While none of these steps is easy to integrate into an already demanding schedule, they will serve you in the long run. If you substitute one activity within each heading for activities you've been doing to try to shore up job security or to sidestep the winds of change, you will not only be better prepared but you will feel better - more confident, more in charge. If you're unsure how to implement these recommendations in your own situation, seek the assistance of a career professional.

Would you like some suggestions for soul-nurturing activities? Go to http://www.successfromtheinsideout.com/resources.html and scroll down to "Soul Nourishing Sites".

Nina Ham, internationally certified career coach and licensed psychotherapist, is Principal of Success from the Inside Out. Her company guides midlife professional women to create careers that keep pace with their personal expansion and reflect their new priorities. Subscribe to the free monthly Career Search Tips and her free quarterly ezine.


http://EzineArticles.com/6498605

Friday, September 16, 2011

Nursing - A Profession Revolved Around Helping Others

Did you know what you wanted to do from a young age? I didn't, but I always admired my friends who would declare from elementary school on that they would be a (fill in the blank) one day. It would be several years after I graduated high school when I finally figured out what my calling was in life.

When I was 26 I fell ill; I could not move my legs or properly speak. I spent months in the hospital only to find out that I had a very rare disorder that affected one in a million people. I spent nights in the hospital listening to the nurses make their rounds, and they would always stop on my floor because they knew I would be awake and able to chat for a bit.

I went a while with no diagnosis, thinking the worst. I thought I may never be able to walk again. There were nodules on my spine causing pressure and blocking the nerves from communicating. I spent my days lying in bed watching TV. My daily visitors were my husband, mother, and sister. Besides them, I got to know the nurses who worked in the hospital very well. As I lay in my hospital bed week after week, they would show so much compassion. One nurse would come in and wash my hair in a bowl for me. It's amazing the comforts we take for granted daily.

In my darkest hours, I was surrounded by friends and family. My new friends and family included the nursing staff at the hospital. I knew from that point on that if I was to recover I would move on to be a nurse. Before I fell ill, I was working as an office clerk in a local accountant's office. Although I was happy and liked those who I worked with, I had no college degree or chance of moving forward.

I soon began to walk with the help of physical therapists and in-home care nurses. When I returned from months in the hospital, I was just glad to sit on my own couch again. There were no immediate plans to return to work at my office. I left my position out of necessity and began to recover from home. I began to entertain the idea of enrolling in an online college degree program.

Although I could walk, I could not yet drive. I spent many hours watching TV and surfing the internet. I decided that when I did return to work, I wanted to join a network of professionals who had a reason to go to work in the morning. I thought about all of the nurses in the hospital who helped me through my stay. I later enrolled in an online Bachelor's degree program to earn my nursing degree and become a registered nurse.

After graduating, I felt so positive about life and my career. I began working at my daughter's school as a nurse and was able to show children the same kind of compassion that the nurses in the hospital showed me when I was ill.

You don't have to know what you want to be in life at a young age, or even when you graduate from high school. In fact, some people never figure it out. I was lucky enough to find a calling out of a devastating situation, and for that, I am grateful for the college degree in nursing I earned that helped me realize my goal.


http://EzineArticles.com/6511722

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Overcoming Tough Interview Questions

There is no doubt that job interviews are stressful. Across the board, from Healthcare Management to Information Systems Management professionals-there typically is a common thread of interview questions asked by a prospective employer. You only get one chance to "wow" the hiring manager-so why not practice your way to interview perfection. This article will demystify common interview questions and help prepare you for interviewing success using helpful interviewing strategies including the S.T.A.R. (Situation, Task, Action, and Result ) method.

"Tell me about yourself"
Although this question sounds simple enough, many interviewees struggle with this question because they are not sure the type or amount of information to share. Essentially, the answer to this question should be your 'elevator' speech and should last between 30 seconds and two minutes. Remember, although the hiring manager is asking about you, they are inquiring only about your professional history-not personal milestones. They do not want to know where you are from, if you have a family, your marital status, or what you like to do in your free time. They essentially want to know about your educational and career successes, and professional goals. Examples are education, internships, volunteer work, and professional association memberships.

A great suggestion is to write out your 'elevator' speech well before your interview and practice, practice, practice! That way, you will know exactly what you are going to say and will not feel like you're rambling on about yourself with no direction.

"What do you know about the company?"
Essentially, the hiring manager wants to know if you have done your homework on the organization. Do you honestly want to work for this specific company, or are you just out applying to every job that you see? By doing your research before hand, you will also be able to ask specific questions about the organization. For example, if there is a change in senior leadership, you will be able to note that when speaking with the hiring manager and ask the follow up question on how/if that will impact the way in which the company operates. It is imperative to do your research on the organization before going into an interview to really demonstrate your commitment to be hired.

"What are your salary expectations?"
The dreaded money questions! It is taboo for an interviewee to ask how much the position pays, but undoubtedly, the interviewee will be asked about the prospective employee's salary expectations. To be prepared to answer this question, it is very important to do your research. You may want to check a variety of sources such as salary.com, indeed.com, and bls.gov, to be able to come up with an appropriate salary range. You do not necessarily have to answer with a specific dollar amount, but at least be prepared to share a range that you are comfortable with.

"Walk me through your resume."
This question sheds a lot of light on the frequency and reason you change jobs. This question elicits a great answer to how you handle change and stressful situations. If you move for minor reasons, the company may think you have a difficult time handling change and stress.

Make sure you explain each job you've held and why you left. A common mistake for interviewees is to read through the entire resume word for word. The person you are interviewing with can read, and they want you to give them a little more "color" about your professional history.

"Why should I hire you?"
This is your opportunity to sell yourself! Talk about your talent, skills, knowledge and highlight your strengths. As the Company, they want to hear that both parties are on the same page. The Company is looking to hear from you, why you truly feel you are the most qualified candidate. Your response should align with your previous answers.

"How would a reference describe you/your work ethic?"
The company wants to know what type of working relationship you had with your previous boss and coworkers. This question can also call out individuals who are not team players or comfortable handling difficult situations. However, when answering this question correctly, it can showcase your strengths. Remember, when the company checks your references, you want to make sure the answer provided is consistent with what your references provide.

"Tell me about a time when..."
It can be said that the best predictor of future behavior is past behavior; therefore, more and more employers are using behavioral-based questions to learn about past situations interviewees have encountered, how you handled those situations, and what the outcomes were. Questions like, "Tell me about a time you demonstrated communication skills," or, "Tell me about a time you solved a difficult problem that could have had a big impact," are two examples of behavior-based questions that are frequently used. These queries can easily be the most difficult during your interview if of you do not know how to properly approach them, and haven't done your homework before the interview.

In order to cover everything the interviewer wants, answer behavioral based questions using the S.T.A.R. method: Situation, Task, Action, and Result. First, give the interviewer the background information (situation). Then, explain the task you were given to complete (Task), and then discuss the action(s) you took to tackle the undertaking (Action). And finally, describe the end product of the result.
Here is an example of a behavioral based question and an answer using the S.T.A.R. technique:

Question: Tell me about a time you demonstrated leadership skills.

Answer:
S: During my last quarter of school, I completed an internship at Memorial Hospital in the Health Information Management department. I was the first and only intern the department had ever had, and they decided they wanted to continue with an official internship program.

T: In order to successfully launch this program, my supervisor asked me to create and administer a training curriculum for the new, incoming interns.

A: To complete this task, first, I outlined all the procedures the new interns would need to learn about like HIPAA standards, how to operate the 10-line phone system, and how to use the health record index and storage system. Next, I created a three day training agenda covering these topics. Finally, I facilitated it to four new interns.

R: The training was a huge success. On a survey completed after the training, all four interns rated the program a 10 out of 10 in the areas of usefulness and creativity. In addition, each intern rated my communication and leadership styles as "Excellent."

Some of you may be thinking.... How could I possibly cover all these areas when put on the spot during an interview? The answer is preparation. You know the position and field you are going for, so think about the key skills and qualifications the employer may be looking for. Pay attention to the job description. If the qualifications list "strong oral communications skills" then you can probably guess that the interviewer will ask you about your oral communication skills during the interview. Therefore, doing your research beforehand will allow you to anticipate the questions hiring managers may ask and if you can anticipate the questions, you can prepare answers based on situations in your work, school, or volunteer experiences that can speak to those skills. Create a list of great experiences that you want to share or could pull from during an interview, and practice explaining those experiences using the S.T.A.R. method.

"Why did you leave your previous position?"
Employers ask this question to avoid a mis-hire. Asking this question allows interviewers to learn about your desires or intentions the new position. You must be prepared to answer this question with brevity. If you start rambling on as you answer, it may seem like you're hiding something.

Think about what excites you about the position you are interviewing for. Here are two more things to remember when preparing for this question, along with some examples of "bad" and "better" answers:

1. Don't bad mouth your previous employer or boss
Bad: "My supervisor never gave me a chance to spread my wings. He was a micro-manager and had me doing the same projects over and over. I'm looking for a position where I can have some independence and be trusted."

Better: "In my previous position, I did not create and implement multiple projects both independently and as a team. With this new position, it appears as though I will be able to experiment with variety and creativity."

2. Don't lie... be honest...(just not brutally honest)

Bad: "I was fired because my supervisor thought I didn't have the entrepreneurial spirit required for the position. I didn't make enough cold calls, and I had a hard time closing deals with clients because I wasn't sold on the product myself."

Better: "It was decided that I was not the best fit for the organization. I was having difficulty making my sales goals each quarter, and they really needed someone who was passionate about sales. That is why this new position is exciting, because it focuses on customer relationships and satisfaction rather than on selling and transactions."

Elizabeth Lintelman is the Manager of Career Services at Rasmussen College, a private, regionally accredited school. Elizabeth has more than nine years experience in management, recruiting and career advising. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Minnesota, Carlson School of Management and is currently attending the University of Scranton for her Master's degree in Business Administration.


http://EzineArticles.com/6507030

Thursday, September 8, 2011

How to Write an Effective Academic Cover Letter

Many of us wish to pursue a career in the education industry. We wish to work as a faculty, librarian, exam controller, etc. All these jobs come under the academic field. While applying for these jobs along with your resume, you also need an academic cover letter.

A cover letter is basically a document attached with your resume. This document is your first point of contact with the employer. You do not get to communicate directly, face-to-face with the employer, but you can communicate using this cover letter. The basic purpose of a cover letter is helping your resume get a preference over the others. It helps you to present yourself to the employer in a crisp and precise way. One must remember that your resume has all your professional and qualification details. Thus, do not mistake your cover letter for your resume.

Do not start mentioning all your qualifications and experiences in this letter. This letter is like an answer to the employer's job requirement put forth in the advertisement. Thus, try to convey to the employer how you satisfy his/her requirement via this letter. This helps him/her decide whether it is worthy to look at your resume.

To help you write an effective academic cover letter, the instructions given in the paragraphs below will prove quite helpful.

Tips for writing effective cover letter:

• Use a formal letter format. The cover letter should be precise and to the point. It is written for professional purposes. It must thus be as per the formal letter format. Since you are applying for the academic field, you cannot afford to mess up with the format of the letter. You are expected to know the basics. Also, typos or grammatical errors are not acceptable. If you are not very confident about it, get it written from someone, or get your letter checked from someone who is good at it.

• The first paragraph should be your introduction. It should not be more than 2-3 lines. The next paragraph should let the employer know your reason of interest in the organization. This needs some research about the organization. Let the employer know why you think, this particular organization suits you, and how you both benefit from it.

• In the next paragraph, speak about your relevant skills and experiences. Do not start mentioning all the organizations you have worked for. These details are in your resume. In turn, you can write, 'With a work experience of 5.2 years in managing the operations of various organizations, I will bring along with me my expertise and learning from this experience'. This statement will answer the employer, and convince him/her that you should be given a preference over others.

• In the last paragraph, request an action from the employer's side. Request him/her to call you for an interview. Also, remember that it is very important to thank the reader. A simple line 'Thanking you in anticipation', reflects your politeness and etiquettes.

These tips will help you write an effective academic cover letter. There are many samples of academic cover letters available over the internet. These samples can be used by you for writing your cover letter.

I am Felicia John and working as a job consultant.I am expert in Writing academic resume cover letters and provide guidance for the same.


http://EzineArticles.com/6505208

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Searching For A Legal Job?

These days quite a lot of people have been showing interest in Legal Jobs. There is plenty of recruiting talent and legal recruiting agencies available across markets. If you are one of those keen folks who intent to pursue a career in Law and look out for legal job opportunities, it is important for you to know ways to identify the right legal recruiting firm. This article will guide you through the process of identifying the right firm for a legal job.

Become organized professionals
Remember that efficiency always lies in the attorney's capability of driving home their point and facilitating delivery of justice without any causal delays from their part. While searching for a legal job, make sure to be the type of professionals who are organized and care for the clients.

Building required skills
If you are studying law, make sure you work every semester at some type of summer associates to be competitive. To acquire a legal job and to avoid being overlooked by the employers, you must build a skill set that is attractive to the type of employer you desire.

Build a credible, competent resume
Resume is an important document that cannot be considered as 'extras' while searching for a legal job. Style your resume exclusively to the opening and make sure you highlight your core competencies that directly satisfy the necessities listed in the job description.

Conduct the right search
After you have built a credible, competent resume make sure you are positive in conducting the right search that suits your profile. If you are still studying, your job search should be a consistent part just like your curriculum. Even while doing this, be particular about applying to the legal job that meets your profile requirements rather than just doing it for the sake of it.

Build relationships and extend your network
Preparing a credible resume and conducting the right search is just not enough while searching for a legal job. Build your network with employers in the legal field because most employers believe in hiring someone they know personally or recommended by someone they know and trust, over a stranger. Meeting attorneys and developing relationships with them in a relaxed mood and environment is a good way to exhibit that you have initiative and intellectual curiosity.

Make your target purposeful
Rather than using the usually unsuccessful approach, research employers that best match your skills and areas of interest. There are legal job search websites which allow you to conduct searches on law firms by practice areas and locations. You can then create a list of opportunities that best match your criteria.

Faithfully follow-up the applications
Finally, it might many a times become difficult for your resume to be noticed by the employer because of the requirement of every open position by hundreds of job seekers. A simple phone call or email shall help you distinguish yourself from the countless other resumes an employer receives. A simple faithful follow-up will help you stand out from the crowd and get an edge over the others.

Matinez Betheliza - Ph.D. - Organizational Psychology. Provides you with a deep level of insight into your career direction and career development.


http://EzineArticles.com/6505339

Saturday, September 3, 2011

Buying a Franchise to Secure a Job In a Recession Could Be a Mistake

In times of recession when people cannot find a job, often they get stressed out, and they look towards franchising. As a former franchisor, I did note that we had increased franchise inquiries during times of recession when people could not find work. I always thought this was problematic, because even though we had a great business model which did actually do okay during a recession, our franchise offerings were not exactly recession proof. Perhaps you could call them recession resistant, but that's about it.

What I'm saying to you is this; it always seemed to me that it was a mistake for franchise buyers to try to buy franchises in lieu of finding a decent job with a steady paycheck during a recession. However, I guess when a franchise buyer is at the end of their rope, cannot get employment in corporate America, the concept and idea is intriguing. Still, I believe buying a franchise to secure a job in a recession could be a horrible mistake for many people, and if you have a few minutes I would like to explain.

You see, during a recession it's harder to make money in a small business, the consumers are not spending, and therefore the franchisor's business model will not perform at optimum. Whereas it is true that you could find a location to lease at a lower rate, hire a contractor for tenant improvement at a lower price, and find some really talented employees that you may not be able to find otherwise, there is that problem with challenges of cash flow. Anytime you run a small business cash flow is king, and in a recession there's less cash to go around.

Some would contend it is better to buy a franchise at the bottom of a recession, as the competition is dying out, leaving more customers for you. While this is true, it also puts your back up against the wall as you're getting started with fewer sales. One benefit you could say would be the fact that if you are on a learning curve in a new industry, after you've purchased a franchise and need to have an opportunity to learn the business before things get too busy, and get yourself established before things get hectic as they might at the top of the business cycle.

Still, a franchise buyer needs to ask themselves why they are buying a franchise and they need to consider the reality that they may not be making enough money to pay themselves an adequate paycheck for many months after starting. They will need additional money for cash flow and that money has to be borrowed, and therefore, it also has to be paid back. I just hope you will consider all this and think on it before you go out and commit yourself and obligate yourself to hundreds of thousands of dollars in loans.

Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a Nationwide Franchise Chain, and now runs the Online Think Tank. Lance Winslow believes writing 24,500 articles by August 24th or 25th will be difficult because all the letters on his keyboard are now worn off now..


http://EzineArticles.com/6508329

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Work Placement Issues Resolved With Sound Reasoning

Business owners depend on placement companies to fill their hiring needs with little hassle. Many people will find permanent work through a business that places them in job positions. The people who do this work will initially interview the candidate to find out exactly what they can and cannot do. This is also a time when they evaluate the employee to see if they will be a good match with the company and its already established employees. Personality is sometimes taken into consideration.

Some placement companies are better at spotting good employees than others. Their main job is to find a position that matches their client's needs; so therefore, both the employer and the employee are equally considered. Some placement companies are temporary and will put someone in a job for, at the least, one day. The positions they offer can sometimes become permanent if that person performs well while in the position. This is something that the employer usually notifies the placement company of early on, so that they know whether to be looking for someone who wants long-term work or a less permanent position.

Permanent position offerings mean that the placement company representative must be somewhat more diligent about who they choose to send out. It may be their prerogative to place people in these positions, but they do not want to keep putting the wrong people in the wrong positions. This can result in a bad reputation for the placement company. Clients will go to other placement agencies if they feel they cannot trust the one they have been using to send them reliable, qualified personnel who do not have an abrasive personality.

When a company is working with clients who do not want permanent positions and only wish to fill in for temporary work, they should concentrate on the temporary employee's skills and the jobs that are available.

Temporary employees do not have to be the friendliest people in the world, but they must be able to work with others; it always helps to have a positive attitude. This is true of all employment opportunities, even temporary work. Many times, people turn to temporary work because they have personal responsibilities that prevent them from having what many consider "normal" job hours and responsibilities. Thankfully, this works out well for everyone involved when companies need extra help in the short term. If you are someone looking for temporary work, or if you are a business owner looking for a temporary employee, look no further than a work placement agency or company for assistance in your search!

Aveta Solutions - Six Sigma Online ( http://www.sixsigmaonline.org/ ) offers online six sigma training and certification classes for lean six sigma, black belts, green belts, and yellow belts.


http://EzineArticles.com/6514503

Monday, August 29, 2011

So You Want To Be A Freelance Writer?

Are you confused whether to choose writing as a full time profession or just as 'a hobby to fill my free time?' A career in writing is crucial. It the ability of the writer to, not only think of creative ideas or rather creative topics, but it is also his job to arrange those ideas word by word in a sequence to make a meaningfully acceptable literature. The literature which does not make any sense is not considered valuable.

Many industries have a great demand for freelance writers thus pushing people to writing jobs as a means of making money.

A career in freelance writing is a job that permits you to have flexibility to work at home on agendas that you set for yourself. While it may seem effortless, it actually takes immense hard work and time to construct this kind of career.

To begin your career as a freelance writer, it is important that you keep your current job, at least as part time. Though there is no doubt that you can earn a good living out of this career, it will take some time for you to develop your unique skills in the writing job. One very important thing, for people who want to build their career as writers, not only as a full time profession, but also as freelance writers, is that you should develop the good habit of reading editorials as well as fiction so as to brush up writing abilities.

Some people think that a freelance job is easy. However, it does definitely take a lot of work. You will have to do your research, and spend time writing and editing your own work.
Now, no one says you're going to make a lot to live on with this writing job, but if you do what you love, the success might just follow.

If you want a career in freelance writing that is worthwhile and triumphant, look for opportunities that come your way. There are various jobs waiting outside the door. All you need to know is which one to choose from the bunch of options that will be available to you. Make sure you take the right decision because this will decide the future of your career.

Here stands the truth that 'you would never know unless you give it a try', isn't it?

And moreover, what does it cost you to try? Nothing more than a computer, an internet connection, and time.

Matinez Betheliza - Ph.D. - Organizational Psychology. Provides you with a deep level of insight into your career direction and career development.


http://EzineArticles.com/6487181

Friday, August 26, 2011

Benefits of Job Evaluation

Many companies advertise job vacancies whenever there is shortage of employees in an organization. With a large number of college and university graduates, such companies receive lots of applications from job seekers. To settle for the best individual, a company may conduct job interviews based on a successful applicant's CV. However, this is not enough and it is essential for a company to conduct job evaluation in order to determine an absolute worth of a job. From an applicant's CV, it is easy to tell the kind of a person a company is about to employ and for more consistency, when it comes to salaries, job evaluation is essential as it reduces inequalities in employee salary structure.

Its helps a company get the best employees

Different jobs in today's age require competent individual who can deliver the best services. Specialization is therefore a key factor that enables an employer to choose a suitable person to fit in the organization. Job vacancies attract a large number of applications and through job evaluation, it becomes easier for an employer to filter applicants by settling for those who are specialized in different fields. It plays a crucial role in selecting individuals who are better placed to deliver services that meet and surpass market standards.

It helps cultivating a good working relationship between new and old employees

An attractive CV from an application is very important as it provides information on educational background of a person among other relevant details. However, job interviews only provide a guide towards choosing a competent individual but not choosing a person who will work well with other employees harmoniously. In this connection, job evaluation is very important because many controversies are minimized. With professional job evaluation, it becomes simple to maintain congenial relationship between new and old employees in a company irrespective of academic and salary differences. Therefore, as an employer, it is essential to carry out proper job evaluation apart from normal employment routines.

Its vital in Standardization and relevance of new vacancies

Job evaluation is also very essential for Standardization and relevance of new vacancies in an organization. When it comes to standardization, it helps an employer to offer suitable salaries to each employee. Standardization can never be achieved without job evaluation, and an employer has to be keen enough to avoid unnecessary salary differentials at place of work. What's more, it helps both a job applicant and an employer to understand the relative value of a job. When both come to an understanding, a better relationship is also built between an employee and his or her employer where both will work for the benefit of the organization.

Free cover letter examples can be found on our cover letter forum.


http://EzineArticles.com/6482693

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

General Duties of a Medical Transcriptionist

A medical transcriptionist performs a variety of important duties. They are responsible for turning doctor's notes, usually done on an audio device, into text via a computer. When the doctor gets through seeing a patient, he or she will make notations on a voice recorder and then transfer the notes to the transcriber who will then type out everything the doctor has to say on to a word processor.

These word processor files can then be printed and stored as paper work under the patient's name, and they can also store them as digital files on the clinics computer system. This way they can transfer them to hospitals or other medical clinics with ease if that patient needs the files transferred.

In order to work in this lucrative career that allows you to work from the comfort of your own home, you will need to obtain a medical transcription certification. The accreditation will not require you to do any post graduate work beyond a 4 year bachelor's degree. In fact, you won't even need a 4 year education, although it may help.

A medical transcription qualification is made with a 1 or 2 year associates degree. There are many schools throughout the country that teach medical transcription and you can even earn this accreditation by taking online courses as well.

However, earning your associates degree will not guarantee you a job working as a medical transcriber. Many of the recruiters for hospitals and other medical clinics also like to see a few years of on the job experience included with the certification. Here are a few other skills you will need to work on in order to get into this field.

You will need plenty of computer skills and understand the basics of how to operate word processor software programs. The more efficient you are with computers and computer software, the faster you will be able to dictate files and get more work done. Speed, accuracy and efficiency are exactly what these recruiters are looking to hire.

With that being said, your typing skills must be good to great. As a medical transcriptionist, your primary job will be typing on a computer and you can bet that the hospital or medical clinic that you apply to will certainly be testing your speed and efficiency on a keyboard.

Although working this career won't pay you as much as being a doctor or as much as many other vocations within the medical field, it will pay enough to live comfortably. The best part though is the fact that you get the wonderful opportunity to work from home and on your own time.

Learn how to obtain your medical transcription certification so you can start your work in this high-rewarding career. Start medical transcription at home today and earn your certification from the comfort of your own home through online courses.


http://EzineArticles.com/6514623

Friday, August 19, 2011

Dealing With And Improving On Rejection In A Case Interview

Rejection is tough, and particularly so in the world of consulting. Case interviews are one of the much more typical areas in which consultant hopefuls get rejected, and also the hours of preparation spent getting prepared for it can appear both wasted as well as painful looking back from a rejection slip.

Nevertheless you are able to hardly give up on your career choice, so you need to prepare for the subsequent case interview. Suggestions on how to cope with the rejection of a poor interview and enhance next time are all useful for your future attempts.

Asking for Feedback
The first thing you need to do after being rejected from a case interview is to write to the interviewer, kindly thanking him/her for his time and asking politely for feedback on your interview. Merely stating your name and interview date and asking for constructive criticism ought to do, stating which you would like it to be able to improve upon subsequent time. Feedback from the actual interviewer is priceless simply because it'll give you insight into what exactly your interviewer saw that was great, what needed improvement and what was (possibly) just dreadful.

Practicing to Enhance
As soon as you know what went wrong, the subsequent step is to go back into the intensive preparation exercises you did before the first case interview and use that criticism to your benefit. When you have presentation issues, practice in front of the mirror or record your presentation. If your insight and hypothesis formulation is lacking, get to work! You will not have the ability to afford bombing too many case interviews before you begin running out of firms to apply with, so fast improvement is vital for nailing the interview the subsequent time.

The Subsequent Case Interview
Putting in several much more hours on enhancing what you needed to enhance on is fantastic, but the next case interview is fast approaching. To steer clear of becoming scared of failing and messing up on accident, use your practice to calm you into confidence. Remember which you have worked on what needs improvement, you didn't do fairly so bad in the initial one, and this is an entirely various firm and different interviewer to impress. It is very essential to keep from becoming frustrated or anxious, as which will read during the case interview like a lack of confidence and also the inability to carry on the interpersonal skills required for a consulting job.


http://goarticles.com/article/Dealing-With-And-Improving-On-Rejection-In-A-Case-Interview/5171377/

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Medical Assistant Job Requirements

A medical assistant is a vital member of the medical team. They assist the physician with administrative and clinical procedures. Of course the level of responsibility given to each MA depends on their level of education and training.

So what does a medical assistant do? And how can you become a CMA? Let's take a look at the answers to these questions in the following article.

Work Environment

Most medical assistants (also known as MAs) work in the office of a physician. They often work for an internist or family practice physician.

Medical assistants do exactly what their name implies - they help with medical related duties. They may be required to perform administrative duties, clinical duties or both. Clinical procedures may include taking a patient's blood pressure, pulse and temperature.

Specializing

Other than working for a general practitioner, many CMAs can choose to work for a podiatrist or optometrist. You'll want to have some experience in these specialties before applying for a job. Familiarity with the anatomy of the foot may be needed to work in a podiatrist's office.

MAs who work with eye doctors should be well-educated about the anatomy of the eye. Since optometrists often sell glasses in the office you may need to employ some of your sales skills to convince a patient to make a purchase.

Extra Skills

Medical assistants can perform the basic job requirements in just about any medical office. But if you wish to kick things up a notch, you should consider getting certified in a few special procedures. Among these are taking x-rays, monitoring EKGs and phlebotomy. Training and certification commonly won't take more than a few months. The more qualifications you get, the better your job will be and you'll be on track to making even more money. And who doesn't want to earn more money!

Medical Assistant Certification

What should you keep in mind prior to signing up to become a medical assistant? It's crucial to have a fondness for people since you will be working with many of them every day. It would be helpful to have an interest in the medical field since you will be working in that environment.

Most employers want their medical assistants to become certified. Earning your certification requires that you acquire a measure of training first.

The second step is to take the American Association of Medical Assistants test. Then you'll be a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA). Your employer will be able to give you more responsibilities and you'll be eligible for a higher pay - how great is that!

Not only are medical assistants a valuable part of the medical office, they also serve the community by helping people on a day-to-day basis. Whether you sit behind a desk all day or help patients with clinical procedures you will always find your job challenging and rewarding. If you're interested in this career, don't hesitate to find a school near you and start your training now!


http://goarticles.com/article/Medical-Assistant-Job-Requirements/5172161/