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.


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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.


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