Job Fairs - A Different Approach
By Sid | September 3, 2008
By Aaron Boyce – www.abworkshopsarethebest.com
Job Fairs are one of the worst time wasters that have ever befallen a jobseeker. You wake up early, get professionally dressed, compile your resumes, and head off to the event, ready to speak with the employers. Not So Fast! As you turn the corner, you see a line the size of a football field, chock full of job hopefuls like yourself. Do the math – 100 employers inside; 2000 jobseekers outside. Someone is going home unhappy. But not you, you think, as you take your place in the line from Hades. 45 minutes later you are inside and ready to speak with the employers. Not So Fast! There are at least 20 – 30 jobseekers already there. You see a company you like and you squeeze in, ready to speak with the employers. And you do – for all of two minutes (if you’re lucky). Meanwhile, the employer is being distracted by the ten other candidates asking him questions, by the cute girl who just passed by, and by the clock that is beckoning him closer and closer to the lunch line. After a few hours of this, the job fair is closing and you haven’t even completed half the room. Okay, the employers you did speak with all have your resume. So you go home and wait for them to call you. The (not so happy) End. There has to be a better way. Try these seven tips.
1. Find out who will be in attendance before you go to the event. You can plan a strategy around this information.
2. Arrive no more than an hour before or after lunch. Like all of us, food has a way of stopping the brain from working and the ears from listening.
3. Walk around the room first without speaking to anyone. See where the employers are that you want to speak with. If you do see an employer that you covet, and they are available to speak, you may break this rule.
4. Stand in front of the employer you are speaking with. Coolly block their vision away from the crowd and onlookers. Speak clearly and with purpose. Look them in the face and they will respond back.
5. Get their business cards. Ask if they are the person in charge of the particular department of position you will be applying for. If not, ask for the name and write it on the card. Pick up as much information from the table as possible. Even pick up stuff that does not directly pertain to you. Everything you can know about the company will help you get the job.
6. Give them your business card. You don’t have a business card? Make one and bring them. By the way, the card I mean is a mini-resume that you can distribute along with your resume.
7. Send everyone you speak with a thank you note. Employers at job fairs NEVER get thank you notes. When they do get one (from you) they will seek you out.
These seven steps will guarantee that your adventures in Job Fair Land will provide a rewarding experience that will ultimately lead you to employment.
Aaron Boyce, founder of ABworkshops, national columnist for examiner.com, and author of four publications, travels across the country spreading his message of success through self-motivation and self-awareness. A stutterer since the age of nine, Aaron had overcome the pain of rejection, humiliation, and self-loathing to become a powerful, motivational, and dynamic speaker and trainer on the issues of career development and employment. His message, <successful people make life happen for them; they don’t let life happen to them>, has informed, inspired, and entertained thousands of motivated people nationwide. You can reach him at: aaron@abworkshops.com; www.abworkshopsarethebest.com; toll-free 1-866-745-6966.
Topics: The Workplace | No Comments »
Has Littlewhiteebook.com Come Back Lately?
By Sid | August 30, 2008
Well, apparently www.littlewhiteebook.com is live again. But, it is going to be quite interesting to watch precisely how Little White attempts to come back.
Previously they stopped doing business with no notice making some webmasters’ membership angry and aggravated. But, because they did have a useful book they have a big factor going for them, although they have a decent amount of negative strikes.
Is it possible for them to return quietly? Pay attention to what past business partners have to say both pro and con.
Topics: The Workplace | No Comments »
Uk Job Applications Should Be Considered
By Sid | August 21, 2008
When you start your search on the web for London jobs, you will see that the range of jobs in the UK is endless. There are many places you can visit and see if you can find the right job that is fit for you. All of these jobs that are available on the British websites cover a wide range of all the different sectors.
All that you have to do is search for the best vacancy that is right for you, then register and with that information you can just wait until you get news from the employers. This is the best thing that you can ask for and statistics show that there are more than 60 000 job offers that are waiting just for you to give them the green flag; no matter what job you are searching for.
All of these UK jobs that are available on the British websites cover a wide range of all the different sectors and these jobs are usually being listed according to sectors and the region where the job is. The sectors include jobs available like: banking, finance; call centers, electrical, defense, legal, management, web development, pharmacology, teaching, chemical, engineering, logistics, etc. This is one part that these websites show; there are also options like catering, home care, childcare traveling jobs.
The shiny side about making use of the web is that you can sit in your house without having to go to the UK yourself. You can just browse through all of these websites, complete the online job application and then the choice is up to you if you want to say yes or no to the job. If you get employed, then you will sit with the greatest of joy, because this does not only mean cash, it also creates a feeling of satisfaction. Another thing, always make sure that you check out the number of employee turn arounds in the company, because this is worth noting.
The web is one of the reasons why the UK is so successful, because the UK has a wide span of knowledge that are being brought to the forefront. This creates a feeling of unity and that is why more and more people go to the UK to be part of that experience.
Without you even knowing it, the numbers of jobs that are available in the UK are changing by the minute. So if you want to become part of this UK experience make sure you start your search immediately, because you never know when some company will contact you regarding the job of your choice.
Topics: Job Applications | No Comments »
Learn More About Ad/hd
By Sid | August 20, 2008
What is Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD) is a condition that can make it hard for a person to sit still, control behavior, and pay attention. These difficulties usually begin before the person is 7 years old. However, these behaviors may not be noticed until the child is older.
Doctors do not know just what causes AD/HD. However, researchers who study the brain are coming closer to understanding what may cause AD/HD. They believe that some people with AD/HD do not have enough of certain chemicals (called neurotransmitters) in their brain. These chemicals help the brain control behavior.
Parents and teachers do not cause AD/HD. Still, there are many things that both parents and teachers can do to help a child with AD/HD.
How common is Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
As many as 5 out of every 100 children in school may have AD/HD. Boys are three times more likely than girls to have AD/HD.
What are the signs of AD/HD
There are three main signs, or symptoms, of AD/HD. These are:
• problems with paying attention,
• being very active (called hyperactivity), and
• acting before thinking (called impulsivity).
More information about these symptoms is listed in a book called the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), which is published by the American Psychiatric Association (2000). Based on these symptoms, three types of AD/HD have been found:
• inattentive type, where the person can’t seem to get focused or stay focused on a task or activity;
• hyperactive-impulsive type, where the person is very active and often acts without thinking; and
• combined type, where the person is inattentive, impulsive, and too active.
Inattentive type. Many children with AD/HD have problems paying attention. Children with the inattentive type of AD/HD often:
• do not pay close attention to details;
• can’t stay focused on play or school work;
• don’t follow through on instructions or finish school work or chores;
• can’t seem to organize tasks and activities;
• get distracted easily; and
• lose things such as toys, school work, and books. (APA, 2000, pp. 85-86)
Hyperactive-impulsive type. Being too active is probably the most visible sign of AD/HD. The hyperactive child is “always on the go.” (As he or she gets older, the level of activity may go down.) These children also act before thinking (called impulsivity). For example, they may run across the road without looking or climb to the top of very tall trees. They may be surprised to find themselves in a dangerous situation. They may have no idea of how to get out of the situation.
Hyperactivity and impulsivity tend to go together. Children with the hyperactive-impulsive type of AD/HD often may:
• fidget and squirm;
• get out of their chairs when they’re not supposed to;
• run around or climb constantly;
• have trouble playing quietly;
• talk too much;
• blurt out answers before questions have been completed;
• have trouble waiting their turn;
• interrupt others when they’re talking; and
• butt in on the games others are playing. (APA, 2000, p. 86)
Combined type. Children with the combined type of AD/HD have symptoms of both of the types described above. They have problems with paying attention, with hyperactivity, and with controlling their impulses.
Of course, from time to time, all children are inattentive, impulsive, and too active. With children who have AD/HD, these behaviors are the rule, not the exception.
These behaviors can cause a child to have real problems at home, at school, and with friends. As a result, many children with AD/HD will feel anxious, unsure of themselves, and depressed. These feelings are not symptoms of AD/HD. They come from having problems again and again at home and in school.
Topics: Job Applications | No Comments »
It’s Easy To Go Soho With Office Depot Coupons
By Sid | August 19, 2008
There’s no place like home - even when it comes to business. In fact, with unemployment rocketing past the roof and corporations ruthlessly downsizing, the concept of the SoHo or Small office, Home office holds a definite appeal, more so because of the many Home Depot Discount Coupons that would lets one transform living and working space at minimal cost. To the laid-off careerist, the anxious second-job careerist, and the enterprising little self-starter with a dream, the home office is a desirable alternative to the nine-to-five option or subsequent lack thereof.
SoHo-lovin’
If you’re thinking of setting up shop at home, you are in good - and large - company. In 2006 alone, about 20 million people around the world did home work. Why this dramatic surge in home businesses?
For one, a home business is a low-risk venture. You don’t have to pay extra for rent, and renovations - should you undertake any at all - would be inexpensive, thanks to Office Depot Coupons. For another, you can operate your business with only one staff: you. The third reason makes just as much sense. With a home business, you can literally fuse together the different aspects of your life. You can work longer hours yet take time off to play ball with your son whenever you feel like it.
S Is for SoHo (and Success)
Perhaps the biggest motivating factor to the SoHo-trend is the success many entrepreneurs are having. Shawn Nelson was 18 years old when he decided to make the LoveSac just so he could watch TV more comfortably. Whether he used Office Depot Discount Coupons or not, no one knows. What is known, though, is that he bought yards upon yards of vinyl, turned this into a baseball shape, and then spent the next three weeks stuffing it with all the soft materials he could find. When he finished his 7-foot wide LoveSac, people loved it and started placing orders. Guess where Nelson made the orders. That’s right, from his very own SoHo right at his parents’ basements. Today, the LoveSac is a 50-outlet-strong furniture company.
Does this mean you should leave your job now, rearrange the furniture, and shop for office staples using your Office Depot Discount Coupons? It depends on what works for you. The risks you take should balance out with the potential payoff. With a SoHo, your workdays could easily spill into long nights, but after all is said and done, who’s keeping count? You work at home, and home is where the heart is.
Topics: The Workplace | No Comments »
Private Eye Career - What You Need To Know About A Career In Private Investigation
By Sid | August 18, 2008
While competition is strong for private investigation jobs don’t be discouraged but encouraged by this.
A private investigator career is a smart choice because it’s an industry which continues to spurt upwards in popularity and this is no surprise give the stae of society today. One area of private investigation which is gathering pace is online investigations.
In fact, it’s becoming more and more sophisticated and getting training in this area would be to your benefit.
One of the big attractions of a private eye career is the variety it can offer. Yes, sitting at a computer all day may be a popular preference for many but for those who crave a little “adventure and danger” then working out in the field conducting physical surveillance work is what draws them to the P.I. world.
There are definite skills which will help you make an initial impression on employers and enhancing these will not harm your prospects at all.
4 Common Skills Of A Private Eye
So what skills do you require to make an impression as a private eye? Let’s take a look at some of the obvious:
- communication skills
- not phased by confrontation
- be able to make quick decisions
- have a good interviewing technique
These are just some of the skills but they encompass a wide cross section of sub-categories. Many people will possess good ability in one or the other and if you can demonstrate this to an employer then you will increase your chances of landing that all important first job.
Private Eye Training
There is a feeling that taking an online course will be your ticket into the world of private investigation. You need to realize there are two types of online courses.
Banking your chances on starting a private investigator career by simply buying an online ebook and thinking this is all you need will not impress a prospective employer.
On the other hand, there are some excellent online courses which are more detailed and intense and your first port of call should be your local college or university who administer courses for third parties.
You’ve probably heard that no formal education is required and in a sense this is true but if you have a qualification in an area of study relating to anything which could be utilized by an agency then you will have more chance of being offered a starting position.
Topics such as forensic science, criminal justice, computer science and personal protection are recommended and getting training in these areas can only enhance your chances of winning a job.
A private investigator career is a popular choice at the moment with the industry experiencing faster job growth than most. Competition is becoming fierce for jobs so the better trained you are the better your chances of landing the job over the next person.
Topics: The Workplace | No Comments »
Eight Tips To Avoid Application Hardship
By Sid | August 15, 2008
By Aaron Boyce (www.ABworkshopsarethebest.com)
You submitted a fantastic resume with a great cover letter. They call you for an interview and hand you the dreaded application for you to fill out right there, right now. As innocent as this seems, the application process is where employers weed out the weak from the strong, the knowledgeable from the uninformed. Like everything in life, the more you know, the more you will be able to rise above your competition. So here are some tips on filling out that application.
Always bring with you a working pen, filled with black or blue ink. In fact, bring two. This way, you won’t have to ask the front desk person for a pen because your ink ran out.
Bring a copy of your resume with you whenever you anticipate filling out an application. When the application asks for information like work experience, education, dates and details, you’d need not cast your eyes up to the sky in your futile efforts to remember this information. You simply pull out your resume and copy the information practically verbatim.
Be sure to write neatly, clearly, and legibly. No matter how profound the information, your application will have a difficult time being considered if the employer is having a difficult time understanding it. Print your responses; never write in cursive.
Remember, you are being watched. So as you fill out the application, do not slouch in your chair, do not take up the whole table, and do not sigh and complain about having to fill out a stupid application since you already turned in your resume.
Read the application before you begin filling it out. A common mistake that jobseekers make is that they fill out the application before they look it over. What that leads to is the “OOPS” factor, as in, oops, I wrote my name in the wrong place, or oops, I wrote in the gray area.
Write within the space allowed. Plan the size of your text so that you don’t write too large and run out of space or too small and have too much space left. There’s not many things tackier than running out of space and completing your answer on the side of the box.
When completing the experience section, be sure to include your most relevant experience first. Use the language the company used in their help wanted ad, company brochure, website. The more you sound like them, the more you sound like what they are looking for.
If you are one of the thousands of “lucky” people who have barriers, such as felony conviction, termination, or medical induced work stoppage, you might consider including a three paragraph letter explaining your situation with the application. This letter will discuss the particular barrier and how the barrier would not affect your work performance.
In my ABworkshops, we discuss the power of the application and how a strong tie-in with your resume and cover letter will lead you to employment success. Join me on the road to your success.
Aaron Boyce, founder of ABworkshops, travels across the country spreading his message of success through self-motivation and self-awareness. A stutterer since the age of nine, Aaron has overcome the pain of rejection, humiliation, and self-hate to become a powerful, motivational, and dynamic speaker and trainer. You can reach him at: aaron@abworkshops.com; www.abworkshopsarethebest.com; toll-free 1-866-745-6966.
Topics: Job Applications | No Comments »
12 Steps To Employment Success
By Sid | August 12, 2008
by Aaron Boyce (author of Jobseeker No More - aaron@abworkshops.com)
1. Know Thyself. Before you put yourself out there looking for a job, know who you are first. What do you like to do versus what you do NOT like to do. If a genie came to you and gave you one employment wish, what would you be doing? Take an assessment test, if necessary, to determine this information. What do you want to do? “Anything” is not an option.
2. Know Your Value. Whether you have 20 years experience or none; a college degree or a GED; 2 hands and two legs or not; you have value to somebody. You are valuable to an employer. The keys to employment success is 1. find out what your value is and 2. promote this value. Suppose you want a job at Denny’s. They have two positions open; hostess (greeting and seating customers, handing out menus, talking up the specials) and janitor (making sure the place is clean and neat). Which of these two jobs are most valuable to the restaurant? The average person would say the hostess because “customer service” is important. I agree. However, isn’t customer service also making sure that the customer has a good, safe, and clean dining experience. In fact, before the customer sees the hostess they will form an opinion of the restaurant based on how it smells and looks. Therefore, the janitor is performing the most important job which incidentally is customer service. My point? Know what value you bring to the employer based upon their company needs. Which leads to number 3…
3. Know the Ultimate (and secondary) Goals of the Company. Every company, every organization, every nonprofit must have the same ultimate goal to survive. To Make Money. Without money coming in from somewhere, the company cannot pay its employees, keep the lights on, have computers, telephones, paper supplies, etc. Without money, the company cannot serve its customers well for long. They cannot meet their secondary goal which is to …protect and serve; feed the homeless; educate the children; design great fashion, etc. However, both goals are and should be important to the individual company. Therefore, these goals should be important to you as well. Know the goals of the company and then determine if you can help them reach those goals.
4. Know the Company Thoroughly. You need to know eight things about the company to maximize your success in working there. 1. The Company itself. How big is it? What do they do? How many employees? Are they listed in the SEC? 2. The Industry. What type of industry? Is it a thriving industry? Where does the company rank? 3. The Position. What will you be doing? What salary? What hours? Any overtime? 4. The Workplace. Where will you be working? What are the working conditions? 5. The People. Who are the owners? Who are the management? Who will you be working with? 6. The Community. Is the company respected by the community? Does the company respect the community? Does the company give back to the community? 7. The Technology. Does the company keep up with modernization? Can you grow as the company grows? Does the company make your job easier and more efficient with use of technology? 8. The News. What has the company done lately? When and how are they in the news? The more you know about a company, the greater your chance of getting the job you want.
5. Know Your Competition. What are the others doing who covet the same job as you? What have the successful candidates done to get their jobs? How can you be better than the average candidate?
6. Know How to Market. The successful candidate is not always the one with the most education or experience; it is the one who marketed themselves the best. Marketing is a major part of success. McDonalds, Coca-Cola, Ivory Soap all purveyors of effective and extensive marketing. Understand this the more people who know that you are seeking employment, the greater your chance of getting employed. The more people you tell, the more people who will know. This is no time to be shy. Word of mouth, resumes, cover letters, and thank you letters are all effective marketing tools. To be a bit different, try these: personal internet websites, business (employment) cards, billboards, television advertisements, and portfolios. Use your deal making skills to negotiate a price you can handle. Remember to barter if possible.
7. Know to Network. An important part of marketing, so important it has its own section. Get away from the personnel department and go to places that have people doing people things. Library, sports bar, club, church, entertainment event, etc. These people have conversations with other people about all kinds of things. In the midst of these conversations, business tends to get involved. Their business and their needs. Considering that many of these people just happen to be owners, managers, personnel managers, general managers, department managers, etc., your chance of getting them your information is extremely good, if you have left a good impression. Which would lead to number 8…
8. Know Stuff. Nobody wants to hire a dummy. Few people want to hire those that only know about their job and nothing else. Successful people are well-rounded people. When you are out there networking, you can’t be effective unless you can engage in meaningful conversations. During interviews, it would be difficult to be memorable unless you can speak effectively. To do this, you must know stuff. Magazines, the internet, newspapers, television, radio, other people are all great ways to get to know stuff. The more you know, the more you flow.
9. Know the Purpose of the Interview. The purpose of the interview is to do and say anything to hopefully get this all important person sitting at the other side of the table to (thank God) pick me over the millions of other applicants desiring to work for a minimum wage job with no benefits, right? Or is it simply a conversation between two business people talking about business (their business) and how you can help them reach their goals. Take the pressure away from yourself. Imagine that you have come across a person in need of assistance. You cross the street to help. Since you are a stranger, they will ask you questions before they decide to let you help them. You, in turn, ask them questions to determine if you are able to help them. When this is done, both you and the person needing help determine if this is possible. In this scenario, exactly when are you nervous? So, the primary purpose of the interview should not be to get the job (waaaay too stressful); instead make the primary purpose of the interview to be extracting information. In this case, whether you get the job or not, you have succeeded in reaching your goals.
10. Know How to interview. Don’t chew gum. Ask to sit. Dress for the interview, not for the position. Don’t bring a friend. Remember that the interview begins in the parking lot. Use your inside voice. Don’t get too friendly. Don’t tell too many jokes. Smile. Be warm. Share information. Tell stories that relate to the company.
11. Know the Rules of the Game. If the company has a dress code, know it and follow it. If the dress code conflicts with your personal statement, do not apply for that position. If the company stresses punctuality over creativity, then be a dullard who’s always on time. Not really, but you get the idea don’t you?
12. Accept Temporary Setbacks. It is okay to fail. Ask Michael Jordan, Thomas Edison, Bill Gates. They have all failed at least once in their lives. A wise man once said “One who has never failed, has never tried.” Failure is a sign of movement, a sign of ambition. You can’t fail sitting home on the couch eating chocolate candy you reach that couch every time. But when you put yourself out there, you take a risk. However, that risk is minimized because you have gone out there correctly, using this twelve step program. Let me leave you with this last thing…
Success comes to those who journey past the obstacles, failures, and naysayers.
In his workshop, 12 Steps to Employment Success, Aaron Boyce brings to life all of the above topics. You can reach him at aaron@abworkshops.com, check him out at www.abworkshopsarethebest.com, or call him toll-free at 866-745-6966.
Topics: Job Interviews | No Comments »
Office Renovation For Dummies
By Sid | August 12, 2008
Your workstation. It’s the place where you spend the bulk of your time in outside of home. It’s the place where you’re forced to succumb to wage slavery for several hours a day for most of the week. It’s the place where you drag your arse off to every day without an end in sight. Indeed, it’s a place of misery and despair, and you’re stuck there for the rest of your life - or at least, until you can get your pension.
Well, if you’re going to be spending countless hours in the office, why not make it more your own? After all, heaps of paperwork, drab furniture, and generic supplies will only contribute to the general depressing feel of the place. Indeed, you’ll be surprised to see how some changes here and there will make your office a better and more inviting place for you. And though an office overhaul probably won’t do wonders to your productivity, it can at least improve aesthetics. Plus, you’ll be able to make use of the Office Depot coupons gathering cobwebs in one of your desk drawers.
So before you go shopping, here are some things you should get to start your new project. C’mon. You know you want to.
1. Color.
There’s nothing like a splash of color to give your drab workstation some much-needed charm. The brightness will also do your stress levels a load of good. This doesn’t mean that you should start painting your cubicle’s walls a bright canary yellow. Somehow I don’t think that’s going to go over well with the rest of the workforce.
To add color to your work life, invest in a print reproduction of an artistic piece that caught your eye, and hang in on your wall. Make it two, if you have space. These will give you something else to look at, rather than another one of your boss’ useless memos.
2. Knick knacks.
A very good way to personalize your workspace is to decorate the area with personal things. This is not to say that you should display your entire collection of Barbie dolls or stuffed animals.
Consider a cute little pillow to make your chair more comfy, or a funky cup to drink your morning coffee from. You can even use your coupons for Office Depot to get a nice little stapler, or a scented notepad, or even a fluffy pen. This is a great way to show off your personality.
3. Organize.
There’s nothing more depressing than a messy desk, and if you want a reason to love your workstation, you better start getting organized. And though this is something you can’t get with Office Depot coupon codes, this is really non-negotiable. You can, however, use ‘em coupons to get yourself a new shelf, or folders and binders aplenty to help you get organized. That’s a good start.
Indeed, let your personality shine through with your new and improved workstation. Before you know it, your cubicle will no longer be a prison, but a sanctuary.
Topics: The Workplace | No Comments »
Snelling Staffing Services Excels In Employment Franchise Arena
By Sid | August 8, 2008
One of the oldest and biggest staffing companies in the United States, Snelling Staffing Services is acclaimed for offering effective placement solutions on temporary, permanent and temp-to-hire basis. Established way back in 1951, the concept has been franchising for the past 5 decades and has opened around 150 franchised units and nearly 50 company-owned units to date. The employment and personnel field is such a franchise arena, which is professionally rewarding as well as personally fulfilling. And which concept can be a better choice as franchisor other than Snelling Staffing Services? Owing to its proven business model and distinguished brand-name, you will soon attain franchising glory in this booming industry.
If you have some experience in the fields of sales and management and have worked in the employment industry before, then you are most eligible to become a franchisee of Snelling Staffing Services. Once you qualify as a franchisee of this concept, you will be provided with unparalleled training at the high-tech facility of Snelling in Dallas, Texas. Computer workshops, interactive sessions, live telephone labs etc. are included under the extensive training program, conducted by the experts of Snelling University. Through its Intranet, the franchisor arranges for virtual classes too.
Besides the training, there are several other factors that have made Snelling Staffing Services such a coveted franchise opportunity. 100% payroll financing, legal, human resource and in-field support and invoice and back-office processing assistance are just a few of them. Then there’s provision for unrestricted sales territory and you can also make best use of the franchisor’s effective risk management and marketing programs. You can take part in various regional meetings and national conventions too. The flexible royalty program of Snelling Staffing Services can also be of immense help. So, what are you waiting for? Markets are currently available all over the nation. Hurry up!
If you want to get further information about this franchise concept, click on the following link: http://employment-personnel-franchises.brandexpansion.com/snelling/
Topics: The Workplace | No Comments »