Successful Blog

4 Keys to a Better Employment Search

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application-1915345_640Having trouble locating the job you want? If the answer is yes, you are not alone.

For millions, the thought of finding the ideal employment opportunity can be frustrating.

As an example, if desperate to pay your bills, you are more than likely going to take the first position out there. In doing so, you may find yourself stuck in a job that is both stressful and frustrating. You could also end up in a situation where boredom sets in. As that happens, you could find it impacting your job performance.

If your employment search is coming up empty, what options are on the table moving forward?

Know Where the Work is

For starters, your job search may be teetering on the edge because you’re looking in all the wrong places.

For instance, are you following the right employment and job market info in your search? If not, you are less likely to locate the ideal job situation.

Keep in mind there are countless online and offline services out there to educate you on where the jobs are. With that information in-hand, you are in a better position to nab the job you want.

With that in mind, take these four keys to heart:

  1. Attitude

First, a positive attitude is a necessity when search for new employment.

If you go into the process with a lackluster attitude, the results tend not to go your way. Be sure to stay positive throughout the experience. Yes, there are going to oftentimes be some down points, but keep your ultimate goal in mind.

You also want to show off that positive attitude when going on interviews (see more below). If a prospective employer sees you are not all that interested in the position, it more times than not will show.

  1. Personality

Everyone has their share of bad days from time to time.

With that in mind, it is crucial that your real personality shines through when you interview for a job. Go into each interview with excitement and a desire to show the interviewer that you want to work for them.

Unfortunately, too many people show up at interviews with less than stellar actions. From little interest to having not researched the company (see more below), they fall flat.

Always remember that you should never burn bridges on an interview.

Even if you do not get the position, thank your interviewer for taking time out of their schedule to meet with you.

You might very well discover that a future position with the company can come your way. This is because of a solid interview you had the first time around, yet did not get the position.

  1. Research

While you are not taking a quiz in high school, a job interview is a test or sorts. As a result, you need to have done your homework on the company and what it does.

As an example, how silly would you look if you went into an interview and did not understand the following?

  • What the company does
  • What are the duties of the person they will hire for the job opening?
  • How long the company has been around

Always be sure to read up on any company you’re going to interview with.

By being knowledgeable about the company and the opening, you improve your odds.

  1. Determination

There is a good chance you’re not always going to get the job you want the first time around. With that in mind, will you stay determined to keep shooting for your goal?

With countless job seekers, you have to remember that there are only so many positions one can fill. With that being the case, you’re not guaranteed anything.

For instance, what if you want a job with a certain company and you interview, yet they hire someone else? Do you write that business off moving forward?

Remember, there is always the chance the person they hired won’t work out or will go elsewhere sooner than later. By staying engaged with that company, you could end up working there.

Ways to go about this include:

  • Following their job boards
  • Dropping the H.R. person an occasional email to see if they still have your resume on file
  • Improving your work skills so you are an even better option the next time around when they have an opening

The employment search can be a challenge.

That said are you up to the task?

Photo credit: Pixabay

About the Author: Dave Thomas writes about business topics on the web.

Is Your Past Keeping You from Your Future?

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binoculars-1209011_640When you are looking for a new job or even trying to hold on to the one you have, should you have worries about your past?

For some, skeletons in their closet can end up being much more damaging than they first may think. As a result, they end up not getting the job they want. In fact, their career goals may disappear because of their past.

Given today’s digital age, it is easier than ever for people to run into trouble due to the Internet. If someone digging on you finds some information they don’t like, will they use it against you?

To do your best to avoid any major roadblocks in your career, try and see what people are saying about you.

Knowing What is in Your Record?

When you are thinking about pursuing a new job or even maintaining the one you have, don’t let your past stand in the way.

To know what others may have discovered about you, the time may be now for performing a background check.

By doing such a check, you can see if one or more things are hindering you from getting where you want to be in your career.

Have you ever considered doing a license plate search? If not, doing one may surprise you.

A few unpaid tickets in your past could come back to haunt you in more ways than one. Not only may authorities be seeking you, but what if you apply for a job that involves driving a company vehicle? If you have one or more unpaid traffic tickets, they could keep you from getting that position.

Even if a background check or license plate search doesn’t show any gaffes, take stock moving forward. You may have been setting yourself up for trouble and not even realizing it.

So, what are some things that could be preventing you from moving forth with your career? Among them:

  • Attitude – Do you have a negative attitude towards work and co-workers? Although you may not admit to this, it may very well be the one thing holding you back. If it is, better to change it now and not regret it later. Although you do not have to be a cheerleader at work, you should take each day as a chance to improve you and the company.
  • Effort – While no one expects you to work 80 hours a week, do you have trouble making it even through 40 hours? If so, it can end up reflecting in a bad way on your performance. In some cases, employees must go that extra mile because a project needs to get done for a client or clients. As such, it is important that you are willing to roll up your sleeves and work whatever is necessary. In doing so, you will oftentimes catch the eye of your employer too.
  • Goals – Although employees should not use any job as a stepping stone to the next one, many do. That said having career goals is critical to your ability to succeed. As an example, don’t come across as someone who thinks they know it all. Face it; even employees in the workforce for decades are still learning on a daily basis. This is especially the case given the ever-changing role of technology at many jobs. Always make it your goal to improve your skills year after year.

In looking to secure your future, make sure your past doesn’t end up holding you back.

Photo credit: Pixabay

About the Author: Dave Thomas covers business topics on the web

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Learning Chinese Pays Benefits

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the-chinese-wall-2174275_640With the business growth China has seen, it only makes sense that many businesses have an eye on the Orient.

If a business is setting up shop there, they want to make sure employees they bring in know language and culture. With China the second largest economy, there are opportunities for foreign investment.

With that in mind, how are you best-served as someone traveling to China to do business or study?

Going Online to Begin Your Journey

Like with much everything else in life these days, using the Internet to help guide you is a great place to start.

The worldwide web has an infinite amount of information, some of which can be beneficial to employers, employees, students and more. By tracking down the right info, you can put yourself in a better position to succeed at home and even abroad.

If you’re an employee or student who will be traveling to China, don’t wait until the last-minute to learn. Being prepared ahead of time can give you an advantage over others.

Among the areas of most importance:

  • Language
  • Culture
  • Laws
  • Finding medical help if necessary

By using the Internet, you will be better prepared to take on any challenges you will face in your new home. Whether going to China on a temporary or long-term basis, educate yourself on this part of the world.

With Chinese lessons online, you can educate yourself before arriving there.

When you team up with the right learning tool to learn Chinese, look for one that offers the following:

  • Teachers instructing students in Chinese as a second language and Chinese literature.
  • Instruct you in Chinese online as they would if you were in attendance in a classroom.
  • Online hours that meet your schedule needs.
  • Affordable pricing.

Keep in mind that you need a laptop or desktop computer, a headset, and the ability to connect to the web. Once those needs are all met, you’re on your way.

Making Your Life Work in China

When relocating to China or any other country for that matter, be sure to assimilate to the local culture.

Not only is it important to learn the language, but also the cultural differences.

From greeting locals to words that could be offensive, do your best to educate yourself.

It is a good idea to try and reach out to people you may know in the U.S. from China or the country you plan to live in. By talking to them, you can pick up some tips on your upcoming travels.

Among them:

  • How to greet locals.
  • What parts of the country you will be staying in are the safest to travel to?
  • What foods and entertainment will most likely meet your tastes?
  • Where to go if you are in need of medical or legal help.

If the time comes for you to relocate to China or elsewhere in the world, educate yourself as much as possible.

In doing so, your experiences are much more likely to be positive ones.

Photo credit: Pixabay

About the Author: Dave Thomas covers business topics on the web.

 

 

If you’re not learning, you’re dying

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Summer is here, and kids everywhere are bursting out of the classroom with glee. They can’t wait to jump into the pool, play ball with their friends, and forget about the Causes and Effects of World War II.

I remember that feeling well.

But I also remember a point, a few years after college, when I realized I could just decide to learn about something. For the pure joy of understanding something new. For the happiness of unexplored territories in my brain. For the Trivial Pursuit points.

We’re so lucky to live in a time when the world’s knowledge is literally in our laps. I can use my little MacBook Air to visit the Louvre, find out what cryptocurrency is, or learn Italian.

I actively seek out opportunities like that because it helps to punch through the comfort zone of the familiar.

Although there doesn’t have to be a reason for learning new things, it definitely helps me in my work life. A richer inner life leads to richer conversations, stronger relationships, and more empathy for the people I encounter day-to-day.

Last year, I participated in a book trade through Facebook, in which you were to send a favorite book to someone on a list, and you would receive several books back from others who were participating. It was thrilling to receive a stack of books that strangers found important in some way. There was fiction, non-fiction, and several books I never would have thought to pick up on my own (The Birth of the Modern, anyone?). It was fantastic.

I dearly hope someone starts a book trade again this year. And if you’re invited into one, say yes.

If you’re a regular reader of this blog, you are probably a lifelong learner already. Let’s enjoy the adventure of life together!

Online Resources for Lifelong Learning

Khan Academy – I’m currently doing “Pixar in a Box, the Art of Storytelling.” This site is free, but you can donate to support their work. Lots of subjects are offered, including math, science, and humanities.

MasterClass Online – Would you like to learn comedy from Steve Martin? (Yes I would.) For about $90, you can have at-will access to classes ranging from fashion (Diane Von Furstenberg) to novel writing (James Patterson). Students get video content, workbooks, a community, and tools specific to the course as well.

Duolingo – Abbondanza! There are so many languages available for free on this engaging site that you might have trouble deciding which one to pursue. I’ve brushed up my college Spanish, and learned enough bits of Irish to make my grandmother proud.

Codecademy – If you’d like to be a bit nerdier, Codecademy offers simple courses for various coding languages. I can vouch that it’s user-friendly; I did the HTML/CSS course a couple of years ago and it was a great foundation.

eHow – Escaping the bounds of traditional courses, eHow includes “how to make bacon jam,” and “how to make a round towel.” Each mini-tutorial is contributed by members of the site, so quality can vary, but in terms of browsing around to find something interesting to learn, it’s gold.

What are you learning right now? Please share your resources in the comments, too, so we can all learn along and live life to the fullest.

 

Author’s Bio: Rosemary O’Neill is an insightful spirit who works for Social Strata — makers of the Hoop.la community platform. Check out the Social Strata blog. You can find Rosemary on Google+ and on Twitter as @rhogroupee

 

How to Balance Your Life and Work

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balanceMany working individuals, may they be employees or managing their own business are in constant search for the solution to have that work-life balance. Often due to the demands of work and business, time spent on leisure, health and family are jeopardized unintentionally.

But can we be faulted if all we are striving for in working the hours is still for the family’s sake, to gain financial security and guarantee our family’s and children’s future? To ensure that basic necessities are at least covered?

There is no doubt that the efforts we put in our business or work comes with plenty of benefits for the family. But we should not forget that when we decided to have a family, we have the duty of care – give it the same time and attention we give our jobs.

As much as you crave success in your professional life, so should you in the family life. And the consequences of not doing so may be devastating, with relationships and home life adversely affected. But is it possible to achieve that balance? Many believe so and those who have claimed they were able to strike that situation are healthier, happier and more fulfilled.

Here are some tips on how to stop that guilt creeping and put an end to the battle between your work and family life.

Edit your life

Stop and think what is eating up your time in a day, in a week and in a month. Is it the regular meetings of being part of that team building committee at work? A book club?

Volunteering is a good thing but if you are at the time of your life when you barely see your kids or  have a good chat with them about school, then you better shuffle your priorities real soon. Perhaps you can skip that golf game with workmates every weekend. Often, gaining that extra hours in your day makes a huge difference.

Use that time saved to have a picnic or watch a movie with family instead. Do not be afraid to edit your lifestyle. As the more you have on your plate, the more you get tired and stressed and the less time you have for family fun.

Schedule

Once you narrowed down the essential activities, schedule them properly and be sure to stick with them. Use one diary and avoid having a separate diary for work and personal. This way, you can see clearly what time and days are for family affairs.

Schedule your professional work and other extra curricular activities around that family time, and not the other way around. Be diligent and consistent. It may be torturous and inconvenient at first, but soon you’ll get used to the change and the way you move appointments around.

Automate as much work as you can! You cannot be everywhere doing everything. ResultsFirst has a great guide on marketing automation: Check it out!

Be Incommunicado

One of the disadvantages of modern gadgets is they give you a false sense of needing to be accessible to workmates 24/7. Recall how our working parents and grandparents seem to have the time to dilly dally at home on weekends and evenings? Because they didn’t have mobile phones then that rings at the worst time nor emails that beg to be replied to. Do not let technology rule or ruin your life. Implement a no cellphone rule at family dinners and let business mates know.

This gesture will let your family and kids know that your utmost attention is with them at that time or day. Plus, it will help you relax and be less anxious about business matters even for a while.

Ask a mentor

Words of wisdom from people who you deem highly from work or personal relations are great to guide you in the process of finding the right balance in your life. Seek help and let them know your worries and ask them how they were able to manage family and work fairly. Recognize that it takes time to find the equilibrium you are looking for. Be patient and consistent with your goals and one day you’ll get there.

So strike the balance now. Remember that building a career or a business is as important as building your family relationships. And wouldn’t it be better if you can achieve two successes at the same time?

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Get Your Career Back on Track after a Serious Incident

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car-wreck-1618179_640For many workers all across the nation, their jobs are their lifelines.
Stop for a moment and think about where you would be if you were not working.
Among the factors to consider:

  • Money – How would you support yourself without a regular job? For most people, the answer is they would not be able to. Even if they are in a low paying job or jobs, that works keeps them off the streets.
  • Career – Any significant breaks in your working life can lead to more problems. Many employers will avoid individuals who have sizable gaps on their resumes. As a result, it can be hard to get back into the working field.
  • Trouble – Without a regular work routine, would you end up getting into trouble? For some folks, too much free time on their hands can be trouble.

For you to avoid your career get sidetracked, you need to see that your work life stays together.

That said a serious incident in your life can derail your career at the snap of a finger.

If that happens, will you be able to rebound?

What Kind of Events Can Derail You?

Among the types of serious incidents in life that can derail your work life:

  1. Accident

If you’re hurt rather seriously in an accident, the ripple effects can be tough to overcome.

You are trying to get your physical and mental health back, two tasks that can be difficult to achieve.

Making matters worse is when the accident wasn’t even your fault.

For instance, did the driver who injured you get away?

Unfortunately, hit-and-run accidents are all too common nationwide.

If there is no police report, you already are behind the eight ball. Were there any eyewitnesses or video evidence? Again, if you can’t find either, where do you turn for help?

If you were able to catch the vehicle plate of the hit-and-run driver, you at least have something to work with.

License plate searches following a vehicle accident can help you out. In finding the other driver, police can look for damage to their vehicle. They may have also sought medical attention right after the accident.

Even though it may seem at first like a long-shot, be sure you exhaust all your options.

Not only has someone hurt you and, they may have put your career on hold for a significant amount of time.

  1. Illness

A serious illness is another obstacle you might need to overcome to get back to work.

Examples of this can include treatments for cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

While many employers will work with employees, some may choose otherwise.

If you find yourself dealing with that latter, you may have to fight for your job through the legal system.

As if the physical suffering from cancer isn’t bad enough, now you’re dealing with the mental stress too.

The best thing you can do is focus on your health.

Yes, your ability to work is important, but how can you do a good job if your health is far from what it should be?

If you do get a serious cancer diagnosis, take time to sit down with your employer and discuss your options.

By being upfront, there’s a good chance you two can come to an understanding to benefit both parties.

  1. Death

Losing a loved one can be one of the hardest things many people deal with on a regular basis.

Not only is there the physical loss of having that person in your life, but also the emotional fallout.

Any point in the day can remind you of that person. When that occurs, the thoughts are happy ones. Even when they are, yet, it can give you a sense of grief and loss.

Although some people are able to immerse themselves in their jobs to dull the pain, many others can’t.

If you are having trouble focusing on or even going to work after the death of a loved one, don’t be afraid to seek help.

By getting things off your chest, you can bring some comfort to the situation.

Sure, you will likely never get over losing that individual.

That said you will be able to get back some semblance of normalcy in your life, including in the workplace.

Photo credit: Pixabay

About the Author: Dave Thomas covers business and career topics on the web.