Getting a job in a slow economy can be a tough task

Getting a job in a slow economy can be a tough task. Though there are jobs out there to be found, it can be tough competition and you need to be prepared. Here are some tips on how to find job opening and do your best to get the job.

SEARCH FOR THE JOB: First you need to know what you are good at. If you have a degree, then you already know what field you are looking to land a job in. If you do not have a degree, you need to make a list of things you can do and have experience with, then start searching for those types of jobs. Start by searching for a job in the local newspapers and online at job websites. Go to your local job and family services office and let them know your job qualifications and experience. Get a list of any job fairs coming up that you can attend. Let them know your contact information and what type of jobs you are looking for and interested in so that they can contact you whenever they have those types of jobs come available. Also, network with family, friends, and past co-workers. Always ask them if they have heard of any new jobs that you could qualify for and ask them to keep you updated on any new jobs that they hear of.

PREPARE: Once you have found a job to apply for you want to be prepared. Have a well written cover letter and resume prepared to hand out any where at any time. Search online for "sample" cover letters and resumes if you are starting from scratch and don't know where to begin. You can find some very good templates by searching for "sample resume" or "sample cover letter". Make sure your cover letter and resume are top quality. Once you have typed them up take them to the job and family services office and have someone proof read them and let you know what you can change to improve their quality.

INTERVIEW SKILLS: Again the job and family services office in your area is a good place to see about classes they offer or if they know of any that you can take to learn interview skills. You can also look online for questions frequently asked in interviews and practice answering those questions in a mirror or with another person. An interview is somewhat like taking a test, the more practice the better you are at acing it.

Never Give Up! The Best is Yet To Come!!

With all the wonderful things! to consider! now is not the time to give up but to press on! Kind of like the Frank Sinata Song the Best is Yet To Come!

How to Remain Active and Positive during Unemployment

By Enlightened1


It can often be disheartening being out of work, and the drudge of searching for a new position may be tedious and somewhat depressing, especially if this process stretches on over a series of months. While these down times may not be altogether unavoidable, they can be lessened. Stay active and stay sane.

Step1 Organize. Keeping your job search results and the positions you apply to neatly filed, along with information on the companies or organizations researched, will not only help to maintain focus but will serve as a reminder when those calls start coming in later. It will also be a way of keeping track of your activities. This way at least, you’ll be able to see the day’s productivity.

Step2 Attitude determines action. Try to maintain an upbeat attitude. While your primary focus should be your job search, don’t ignore the urge you may have to take a break intermittently. This will help in maintaining morale and you can return to your search refreshed.

Step3 Learn a new skill. There may be new skills that can distinguish you from other candidates in the workplace. Now is the time to sharpen those job skills or even learn new ones which may further your career or open other opportunities.

Don't Worry Be Happy!

Here's a little song I wrote
You might want to sing it note for note
Don't worry, be happy
In every life we have some trouble
But when you worry you make it double
Don't worry, be happy
Don't worry, be happy now

Don't worry, be happy Don't worry, be happy
Don't worry, be happy Don't worry, be happy

Ain't got no place to lay your head
Somebody came and took your bed
Don't worry, be happy
The landlord say your rent is late
He may have to litigate
Don't worry, be happy
Don't worry, be happy

Don't worry, be happy, Don't worry, be happy
Don't worry, be happy, Don't worry, be happy

A fanatic is one who can't change his mind and won't change the subject.

A fanatic is one who can't change his mind and won't change the subject.
- Winston Churchill

I guess I am a fanatic about recruiting, training and being prepared. After thousands of interviews with potential candidates what I notice is
that the candidates needs to try become a fanatic about researching the dream job and become a student of the company and the value they can add to the potential firm.
It is my job as an employer, recruiter to tell the story about the company and sell the candidate. My biggest advice is ask yourself a question before each job interview? How can I set myself apart from the other candidates? what will it take for me to be successful. Alot of candidates are interviewing me at the same time. So I try to share as much information about the position as I possibly can.

It is ok to be a fanatic about something that means alot to you.

Fly Like an Eagle!!!!!!! Add your References to your Resume

I want to fly like an Eagle let your spirit carry me. In these wonderful days of summer we are taking time to reflect about our career decisions and the economy and our search for "new" ventures, "new" friendships, and "new" ideas.

How to Identify, Present & Leverage Your References
To Land the Job You Want

References are one part of the job search process over which you have complete control. Why, then, don’t we spend as much time and effort compiling our references as we do our resumes? Solid references can make that critical final difference, so it’s important to line up references who will help you seal the deal. Here’s how to get the most from your references:

Create a professional references document.
Prepare a separate document listing three to five references, being sure to include their name, title, company name, company address and work phone number. In parenthesis you may indicate your relationship (for example, supervisor, peer, internal client). Include your own contact information at the top of your Professional References document the same way you do at the top of your resume. Don’t send it with your resume unless specifically asked to do so by the employer—but do take a copy to your interview.
Assume references will be checked.
Most companies do check references these days, so you need to choose the right contacts—those who think positively about your work and who are easy for prospective employers to reach. Use only business or professional references unless an employer asks for personal or character references. Include at least one current or former superior, one peer and one subordinate. Clients, customers or others familiar with your work can also serve as credible references.
Ask permission.
Make certain the references you choose remember you and are comfortable speaking on your behalf. Be sure you have their correct contact information. Discuss your job goals with them. Refresh their memories of your qualifications and instances when you demonstrated skills the employer desires. Give each a copy of your resume so they have something to refer to when contacted by an employer.
Choose appropriately.
Someone who can vouch for your technical abilities may not be the best person to speak about your managerial skills. Try to select references based on the requirements of the job you are seeking.
Be courteous.
If you’re conducting an active job search, rotate your references so that the same two or three people won’t be contacted by every prospective employer. As another courtesy, you might ask them to write a recommendation letter (or draft one yourself for their review and signature). Many times this will meet the need and may help reduce the number of calls.
Stay in touch.
Ask your references to let you know if someone contacts them for information about you, be sure to let them know when you land a job, and don’t forget to thank them for their help.
Your resume should include a statement that “References are available upon request.” It’s a good idea to take the time early on to identify your references and develop your Professional References document. Having people on your side who are well-spoken, accomplished and know the quality of your work is a real plus during your job search, and can help keep your career in gear!

Do you have a job that’s just like everyone else’s? Are you looking for a nine-to-five…but wish you weren’t?

I thought this was a really good article to share:

Do you have a job that’s just like everyone else’s? Are you looking for a nine-to-five…but wish you weren’t? Do you wish there was another option, one that would lead to an exciting, unique, and fulfilling line of work? I recently interviewed more than 100 people who currently hold their dream jobs as research for a new book called How’d You Score That Gig?. These individuals, who are travel journalists, event planners, fashion designers, forensic scientists, interior decorators, internet business owners and more, have one thing in common – persistence.

As unattainable as a dream job might sound, with the right amount of forethought and preparation, you can make the move as well. Here are six tips to get you started:

1) Learn about yourself. Take time to do a self-assessment of your values, how you like to work, and what you’d be compelled to do even if you never got paid. Research careers and industries that map to your skills and interests. Hit the Internet, set up informational interviews, take relevant coursework, and arrange to go onsite at a company in your chosen field.

2) Don’t be deterred by a lack of experience. In developing a resume and other promotional materials for the field you want to pursue, think about how your current skills and talents apply to the responsibilities you’ll hold in the new job. For example, knowledge of project management, client relations, information technology, and sales will take you far in most types of careers.

3) Ease into a new career one foot at a time. Perhaps this means earning a paycheck at your current job while doing a part-time internship in your new field or taking an adult education class or workshop on the weekend. The only way to find out if you’re passionate about something is to try it – ideally with as little risk as you can manage.

4) Remember that any progress is good progress. Even confident people stay in unsatisfying jobs because they feel safe, and because they’re afraid of making a bad decision. But in the quest to uncover a source of meaningful work, though, your worst enemy is inertia. Make an effort to do one thing, like e-mailing a networking contact or attending an event – that moves you a bit closer to your big picture goal.

5) Start early. Twenty and thirty-something’s have more flexibility when it comes to test-driving different careers. The process of self-discovery is much easier when you’re unencumbered by family responsibilities and substantial financial burdens, and when you haven’t yet reached a level in a career where it’s tougher to turn back. That said, it’s never too late to pursue your passion. More and more baby boomers are leaving the world of traditional employment for alternative career paths that will fulfill them well into retirement age.

6) Have realistic expectations. Even if you’re lucky enough to hold your dream job, there’s no such thing as the perfect work situation. Every job has its ups and downs, and aspects we love and aspects we don’t love. And dream job doesn’t mean “cushy” job. As your mom always told you, anything worth having in this world requires some effort. There will be some days you feel like shutting the alarm off and going back to sleep, but many more where you feel more energized by the prospect of work than you ever thought possible!

Alexandra Levit is the author of How’d You Score That Gig: A Guide to the Coolest Careers - and How To Get Them . She speaks at corporations, universities, and conferences around the country about workplace issues facing young employees, and her career advice has been featured in more than 800 media outlets including the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, the Associated Press, ABC News, and National Public Radio.