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.

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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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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