Latest Career Articles

Facing Job Loss

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 02:11:13 -0600

Many questions on the Interviewing message board have shown some of our readers' problem in getting a search after leaving or losing a job. But according to me it may be useful for us to start a job at the beginning.

One thing is very clear about the work culture of the new millennium is that nearly all work is now short term, frequently even careers themselves. You have to prepare for change whether it suits your style or not. If we mention the current statistics so we can see that almost all say that the average job is only about three to four years now, but if we talk about 15 years ago when the average tenure of the job was 10 years.

It will be better if you understand that there will be an emotional roller coaster, most severely during the first few days. This ride will include lots of depression, apathy, denial, anger and then some more anger. One degree or another degree everyone goes through this stage. And I just don't understand that why people don't believe in this thing.

It is not good to call everyone you know and start sending out resumes, answering ads, and calling recruiters. Because most of the times you are not prepared for the start a search after a separation. Don't do a job search "on the rebound". You'll probably say things that you will wish you hadn't. But it is good to share your true feelings about the situation with only a few people- maybe your close friends or your family members. You don't want everyone to avoid you ("Uh oh, here comes the whiner..."). Now is the time to adopt the marketing stance that your career - no matter how you perceive the reality - has been sunshine, light, and success. And you want everyone to know about those successes.

Calling to everyone you know is NOT networking. Networking is a indirect relationship building, quite a different thing.

Develop a target. Years ago, in my private practice, I was deluged with people announcing, "I want to be in TV." I never knew what does that meant.... did it mean television repair? Developing a target is the centerpiece of beginning your search. What is the job function- specifically? What is the desired culture? Geographic location? Size of organization? Do you want to start your own business? Consult? Do you have Dot-com-Virus? This may all involve some extensive self-assessment, with or without outside assistance - but it's necessary.

And then, of course, you need to research your target

It is good to stick on the marketing plans which you have created. Work the system; there are no shortcuts, except for the occasional bolt of lightning. Discipline and consistency this two things account for a lot in this process.

Be flexible. If you're seriously listening while developing those relationships, your target might adjust and shift.

If you are creating daily structures and devise techniques for stress improvement then it is good because its not a terrible thing to do something that you enjoy during this period, something that you couldn't do while working full time.

If you are loosing a job or leaving a job it doesn't mean the stigma it used to, except in your own mind. Its part of the culture now which everyone has to face one day.

Hiring Trends In The Fashion Industry

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 02:13:23 -0600

Networking

If you ask from the fashion industry people you will find that there are many people who dreamed of working there all their lives and people who got caught into their position by chance. One associate designer said that to get into the creative end of the industry, proper education is must. You need to study designs for this. On the other hand technical people like buyers and inventory planner, are more likely to be fallen into their jobs. Although fashion professional agreed that having industry contact is much more important than having talent. "To find a job," reveals an employee from federated, "It's very important to use the people you know. I found my first job through contacts next job through exploratory notes and third was luck-- I got it out of a newspaper advertisement. I'd say my first job was the easiest to find."

While many people -- and fashion students in particular -- might feel dismayed by this need to know the "right people," one insider says worry is unnecessary. Students always think that they cannot make connection when they cannot make connection when they are in the college, says a career counselors from a top university from a top New York fashion school. This is totally a myth actually. Connection is al just another word for relationships. Because you have relationships with other students, professors, career counselors, the school administration and many others. At fashion school many teachers have their relationships with previous experience in the fashion industry. An acquaintance at your school or workplace might prove to be a good source of information. To find a right kind of job search for you it is important to discuss your job search with the people you know -- and with the people they know. Inquire about the openings and request informational interviews. It is good if the fashion students will attend as many college-sponsored events as possible and seek relevant internships. After a fashion internship has ended, they should keep in touch with their managers. A fashion career counselor confirms, "Those who serve as intern advisors often grow very fond of their interns. They want to know that you've graduated; they want to help and advise you."

Internships

Most of the fashion internships are in design, marketing and production - and unpaid. Like in the entertainment industry work experience is much important then actual education. You will need some education to get in the door, but after that your resume or connection will get you further. It is better to get an internship or even a part time job in sales or merchandising to get started if you want to go into fashion or retail industry. Each experience on your resume will help you to get a job next time. Although many internship are posted in publication section , and many internship searches are self directed because many are never publicized. But if the position is at a popular company or designer, the internship will never be posted since everyone want it on his or her resume.

Make sure to show your desire to learn and help the company-- even if you think that your level of responsibility is not as high as you would like. Once you are in the company you can easily find out the other openings in the company even if these openings have not opened yet. Make our resume in such a way so that you get the interviews and introduction. Even if your initial job in the fashion industry may not pay you well. There are several options here - you work to get the experience or to learn enough to start your own business. If you thinking of the latter one then take any experience you can. It will pay off later.

Take initiative

While different fashion positions requires different skills, most insiders agree that the industry calls for initiative, patience and a strong degree of independence. One insider said that it is good to have a mentor who will teach you all the things and also push you. Despite the prestige and job satisfaction insiders have their gripes. One informant says that its too competitive both within the industry and within the office. Sometimes people become unethical they might give you the commitment but after that they drop the ball. Sometimes clients cancel the order and then I face the loss. Its a huge time commitment which offers another contacts in buying. I often started early and then stay late-- and I also travel a good part of the time. You lose perspective after so many hours." A different buyer adds, " I often spend 12 hours at work and eat lunch at my desk. Burnout. There's a lot of burnout."

Getting the job, acing the interview

There are two school of thought in regard to moving up the fashion ranks. Some insiders said that if you want to see yourself high it is necessary to switch companies. According to one knowing source Many companies have non mobile positions where employees are pegged in their certain roles. In other words if you are an assistant of the company everyone will perceive you as an assistant only. If you want to increase your ranks, you have to be hard worker, know the right people or lie on your resume, says one informant. I was a hard worker and I had a great boss who served as my mentor. By staying right where I was, I ended up moving up into key roles."

Once the job interview has been arranged for the company candidate should do the extensive research.

Examine the company literature and read the company web site is a good option. Just see the most recent articles on the company development. Some insider's advices that it is good if you go to the library of a fashion school and then ask somebody if you don't able to find information. It is good if you ask the employer that how they work and what they do exactly. Last but not least go and shop the brand or retailer. You should know this thing that what type of Product Company deals in. Also research the company biggest rivals. General knowledge of key fashion players is also important. Insiders recommend brushing up on your mental database of trendsetter: Prada, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Donna Karan, Alexander McQueen and Ralph Lauren, among others.

Always establish a rapport in front of the person who is interviewing you. You cant be bump on a log answering question, even if you have a great resume and portfolio. Your resume is also about fit so let your personality also show through. She also continues that it is not good if you ask about the salary on the first round of the interview. It is good if you ask intelligent question about the company, position and even the interviewer experience. Even if you lack experience in a particular area, an employer may hire you if he or she thinks you are quick and willing to learn.

Insiders recommends a careful consideration when it comes on dress code. The person who is taking your interview always see that what you are wearing and how you wear it. With the same logic, one theatrical designer has advocated the careful observation about your clothes. While everybody knows that this situation not always hold true but it is always advisable to dress well when you go for an interview. Another insider quoted " Nothing out of the norms, unless you are aspiring to be a fashion designer and the organization conduction interview is looking for out of the league and futuristic looks." Good Tip - Be overdressed rather than under dressed.

Executive Job Search Advice - How To Look For Executive Jobs At Job Fairs

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 02:21:44 -0600

Diving in and attending job fairs is always the best way to go about mastering them. However, this does not mean that you shouldn't prepare yourself before heading out to the nearest expo in town. Every job fair has a set of similar, basic elements or processes that require your attention. The most vital of these are the distribution of your resume and your ability to network with company employees on the spot.

Working for a company is not only about your computer skills such as Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word. Teamwork is an important aspect this aspect is closely observed by the recruiters at the job fairs; they definitely check your social skills.

Researching companies in advance will be helpful for you to increase the interaction capability with representatives. You want to give an impression on the company by asking relevant questions and you don't want to sound that you are not aware what you getting. Information can be collected through finding official websites, Googling the name of the company, or linking from job-fair websites (such as www.jobconcierge.com's job-fair page: http://www.jobconcierge.com/job-fairs) which may be used by you for finding job fair in the first place.

Once you have finished speaking with each company, you should not forget to pick up business cards before leaving. On the back of the business cards and immediately after each event (perhaps in your car or once you've arrived home), take notes about personal and professional details that you learned about each recruiter. It will be difficult to remember what you talked about after two or three days go by. You will want to use the cards and notes later for follow-up letters or name-referencing in future interviews. For job search advice and follow up letters advice, be sure to check out the JobConcierge's Best Job Search Advice on the Internet (http://www.jobconcierge.com/best-job-search-advice)

Finally, once you have left the career fair and taken your notes, be sure to send thank-you letters to the representatives with whom you spoke. They will serve as another signal that you are interested in working for the company. You can let them know that you appreciate their time and are enthusiastic about the opportunity to work for them in the future. The thank-you letter should not be sent any later than 48 hours after your interaction with the representative. It is a common and professional courtesy that is generally expected of all serious fair-goers. So whether you're looking for advice on general job advice, job fair advice, or thank you and follow up letters advice, JobConcierge's free job search advice is the right place comes to start your executive job search. With any luck, those good impressions-combined with a strong, targeted resume-will convert your job-fair effort into a new career.

Tips On How To Find Prepare For Executive Level Job Interviews

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 02:17:25 -0600

Consulting firms generally include case questions in their interviews. In these questions you are asked to think through some "real-world" questions, usually one with which you're totally unfamiliar! You should approach these to demonstrate your problem solving opportunities. They also try to pressurize you usually through silence or confrontational questions, to see how you react. Answer pleasantly and calmly, ignoring the provocation.

Second interviews involve often a daylong series of discussions with potential supervisors, co-workers and other managers or department heads. In disciplines like education, you may be asked to bring a portfolio or to prepare and deliver a class while being observed by other professionals. Some organizations also administer tests or give tours. The JobConcierge Best Executive Recruiters list is a free list of recruiters and headhunters who help anyone find jobs, including executive jobs and executive level jobs.

Maintain your enthusiasm with each new person you meet. A group may interview you. If possible, learn the name and title of each member of the group before the interview. This will allow you to know with what orientation or area of interest each person approaches the meeting. It is best to know this in advance of the interview day. Handle this situation in much the same way as if there were only one interviewer, taking care to direct your answers toward each person in the group. If you are asked the same question for the sixth time, remember that the person who asks has not yet heard your answer. When you arrange the visit, make sure that you understand who will pay for travel arrangements, how they are to be made, and what records you need for reimbursement.

Occasionally, second interviews include group interviews in which several applicants for the same position are presented with a problem to solve or subject to discuss as a group. The interviewer merely observe. In this case, keep in mind that you are being evaluated in terms of how you interact with the other members of your group. Recognize that you will be visiting a working organization and the people you see may not be able to devote exclusive attention to you. Don't take it personally if an interviewer takes a call; pick up the thread of the conversation when the interviewer is free again. On-site interviews often include meals. Follow your hosts' lead, both in ordering and in deciding whether to talk about work-related or casual topics. These meals are part of an evaluative process, whether or not they appear informal.

Maintain eye contact and return a firm handshake if a hand is extended, close the interview with the same enthusiastic and energetic style with which you approached it. Be aware of signals that indicate that the interview is over. An interviewer may stand or express appreciation for your time. This is your clue to close the interview. Express your enthusiasm for the organization and, if you are interested in the position, ask the interviewer when a decision will be made and when you may call. Send a thank-you note following each interview. For more job search advice and job interview advice, check out the JobConcierge Best Job Search Advice on the Internet. JobConcierge collected some of the best job search advice on cover letter tips, career change advice, networking advice, video resume tips and ranked the best articles on the executive job search website.

Choose the right agency for health care job

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 02:59:22 -0600

Looking for a stable job? Be it permanent, per diem, or part time, being associated with a staffing agency is always the better choice. Along with doctors, teachers, administrative assistants and Web designers, staffing agencies are great for flexibility and filling specialized positions. A lot of companies these days rely heavily on staffing companies to meet their staffing requirements. There are a lot of staffing companies which cater solely to the corporate. They know the requirements very well that the candidate these staffing companies recruit would best suit the needs of the corporate.

Likewise, the medical industry too depends on staffing agencies because they know these recruiters will locate and place qualified personnel for permanent, contract or per diem positions. So whenever these medical facilities have job openings, they rely on medical staffing agencies to help meet their needs. Gone are those days when you had to stick on to a company for ages. These kind of thoughts are outdated and do not fit into the success criteria anymore. With many corporate struggling hard to keep themselves in business, people prefer to work for a medium sized company which has a reputation of keeping its employees happy. In such situations it would be better to approach a staffing company, who’ll be the best choice to get yourself into a new job. They can be relied upon when there is a need for both a position and relocation.

Health care staffing companies are on the rise thanks to the unending list of diseases and illness that inspire more and more health care facilities to be open in every part of the world on a rapid pace. The demand for healthcare professionals has been ever growing and never seems to end. This is a primary reason why there are a lot of health care professionals in the making and the best of them get placed in the best hospitals for a very fat pay check. Earlier there used to be only female nurses, but of late there has been a steady increase in the number of male nurses as well. Agencies which specialize in health care staffing would have to select a candidate using a far greater care as it requires high levels of commitment and professionalism.

Health care staffing services allow better flexibility as far as contract work, assignment and job location for travel nurses or per diem staff. People prefer to accept smaller assignments comprising of few weeks rather than having to remain in one position or location for a year or more. They have the option of choosing different assignments in different locations, thereby eliminating the factor of getting monotonous, working at the same place. This option will help the health care professionals like nurses see a steady flow of jobs now and in the future.

Getting associated with a health care staffing agency can turn out to be a useful link for permanent employment, if you choose. These agencies offer a wealth of knowledge about health careers, ongoing and future trends, in addition to skills and certifications that employers want. Moreover, a health care staffing agency will be able to offer highly competitive wages, which will provide not only financial opportunity but also advanced employment preferences.

More info Visit http://www.newageclinical.com

Learn How To Write A Functional Resume

Sun, 13 Dec 2009 02:32:08 -0600

These days, knowing how to write a functional resume is more important than ever. Of course, the information on your resume is important, but also the format, look, and feel of that resume is just as important. With employers often going through hundreds of applicants in the job market right now, you need a resume that really grabs their attention.

The appearance of your resume not only denotes your ability to produce such a document, but also makes the difference whether your resume is looked at or immediately set aside. No matter how impressive your background, if the employer does not pick up the resume to read it, the job is gone.

In regards to functionality, remember that the resume is to be functional for the reader, not you. So, while you may be outgoing and fun, now is not the time to show your eccentric side. Use clean spaces to separate each line, generous margins, clean and clear font type, be sure the document appears balanced, and make sure it is all very organized. Organizational skills are important to businesses, and you want the potential employer to recognize that they are important to you, too.

Make sure that the final product is error free. This means checking and re-checking facts, grammar, and spacing. One typo can be the difference between landing a new job and being tossed aside for a similar candidate without any resume errors. Moreover, do not use self-congratulatory language. A resume is not the place to sing your own praises. List what you have accomplished, and then let the employer determine how grand it all is.

In regards to the elements to include in your resume, use your best judgment. The most common, for which your employer will want to compare you against other applicants, include: contact information, job objective, educational background, employment history, and references. Only include things like GPA, if they are applicable and will work to your favor, which usually means above a 3. 5 GPA. Including honors and awards is great, if they are relevant and you have space for them.

Your entire resume should only take up two pages. Three is acceptable, but only in dire situations. A cover letter is always helpful, too, but if you only submit a resume, following these rules will increase your odds of landing that perfect job.

What Does It Take To Become A Qualified Domestic Energy Assessor

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 20:31:26 -0600

An energy inspector would have to undergo some lectures and workshops and also a practical training session to become a certified domestic energy assessor. There is also a provision of having one-day workshops split into smaller groups. This workshop also involves one-day long practical visits for home assessment of energy.

The groups are taught how to use software for assessing energy, and how to utilise the software to measure and record dimensions with a greater accuracy. Through these training sessions, candidates learn to identify the various elements of construction and to understand their description. The job of such an energy inspector is to assess the health risks and safety of property and its occupants.

The training of an energy inspector would have all the knowledge about energy inspection and also would give additional skills and knowledge. The inspector would be expected to know about the residential complexes and also about renewable sources of energy that can be used for these buildings. In addition, the inspector would have to know about how to identify and deal with constructions that do not meet standard requirements. An energy assessor should also know about energy auditing.

The energy inspector is also expected to know how to handle the systems of solar energy utilisation, air conditioning, heating and hot water.

An energy assessor, after proper training, should be capable of managing the EPC and recommending different measures to be implemented along with the products to be used in order to improve the energy scenario in their homes.

The training of an energy inspector would also need to have a VRQ assessment to meet the requirements. There are various types of software available to help you with your training and you can access and update yourself with them online.

The training process would also need to judge if the trainee is adept at business and interpersonal skills along with technical compliance. This latter would adjudge if you are capable to prepare, inspect and complete the EPC or energy performance certificate for residential areas.

Once the training is finished, there come exams that would lead to the award of a certificate. A self-test facility is also available to evaluate his or her knowledge in all the areas of their work. The Self-test is not compulsory, but it is a useful tool to practise on before actual examination. It would help to identify the scope of improvement before you take the exam.

In order to meet the standards, the assessor needs to comply with many requirements. These requirements involve the development of good work relationship with fellow workers, customers and interested parties like vendors. The assessor would also need to prove that he or she is able to manage the given resources efficiently and is able to work towards self-improvement. The professional and ethical attitude of the candidate would also be adjudged.

These requirements are over and above the essential qualifications with which the candidate proves the capability to be an energy assessor.

This career is bound to be more popular the world over because the Law is going to make it mandatory to have domestic energy assessments, and there is a hike in oil and gas prices everywhere. Therefore, those who need the services of domestic energy assessors would include the Government and property-owners including individuals and companies.

Therefore, if you are thinking of choosing a career as an energy assessor, now is the best time to think it over. Not only will the profession be in demand, it would offer competitive salaries, too.

Plumbing Training Helps To Change Career

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 19:40:12 -0600

Before making plumbing a career choice, first, we need to understand who a plumber is and what he does. The plumber is someone who plans the layout of the pipes in our home and builds plumbing systems, implements the layout, maintains it by regular visits and repairs the plumbing. Plumbing is an invaluable service and it is not surprising that it has come up as a very fine career alternative for interested and skillful persons. Gone are the days when people used to look down on plumbing as a career. A plumber's expertise is valued and is very much needed. These days, there is an acute shortage of capable plumbers and this can work to your advantage as your earning potential will increase due to this shortage. However, like in other professions you need to have a dedication to excellence and dexterity along with excellent work ethics, to be successful in this area. To become an expert in this field, you need to join a teaching course so that you can get the required proficiency and also a degree to show in the market as this is always favored in today's world. If you opt for plumbing as an occupation, then you must join some teaching course to become good plumber. There are a number of institutions that offer various training courses.

Sometimes it becomes very difficult to get an entrance to these colleges, as there are a number of tests and discussions a candidate has to go through. The tests evaluate the applicant's capability to work on simple numerical problems; these are followed by general tests that check the measurement and computation ability of a person as applicable to the plumbing profession. The duration of the training course is approximately 3 years, and consists of 144 hrs of theory classes. In a few countries, the length of this course is 4 to 5 years. There are a few institutes that offer short-term courses too; such courses are of 2 to 5 days duration only. There are also courses that will make you a professional in as little time as six weeks. You would, in fact, be functioning as a self-engaged plumber after completing this course successfully, and the best part is that your past job experience does not matter, as your trainer would educate you on all you require before you begin a career as plumber.

On an average the fees for these courses varies between 3000 - 6000 pounds, which is a significant amount, but you should consider this as an investment into your own future. Once you become a qualified plumber, you can easily recover the costs. These plumbing training courses will ensure that you know everything that you need to know about plumbing, right from theory to practical applications. The training is extremely essential since plumbing is a hands-on job.

On the completion of the plumbing course, you would be awarded with a nationally recognized City and Guilds (6129) Plumbing Certificate.

Is It Now The Time To Change Your Career?

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 18:24:53 -0600

Are you tired of going to work every day doing the same job with no advancement or raise in sight? If so, you are among good company. People all over the country are in this same position, wanting a challenging, exciting, and rewarding career. If you are just starting out in the work place, the most important thing you can do is create a career plan. However, even if you have been working for many years, you need a plan so you can achieve your goal of working for a great company, having opportunity for growth, being paid a good income, and having the option of working in a pleasant work environment.

With planning, whether to prepare for a first-time job or to change career, you need to complete a self-assessment. This would reveal numerous personal things that could be beneficial in securing the right job. For instance, you would need to identify your interests, skills, aptitudes, and even values. In addition, you need to determine the role you want to play within a company, the type of work environment you prefer, and the needs you have to grow. All of this becomes your reality, helping you understand the job you would like most, or considerations to change career.

After going through this exercise the next step of securing a job or to change career options, is to match the answers of the self-assessment to potential career opportunities. This would require you to conduct research, looking at a variety of occupations. We suggest you look at those that coordinate best but also what you find interesting. Then, with several on a list, evaluable the options and slowly weed out anything that does not work. You should also look at alternative options, which would give you more occupations for comparison.

Once you have some ideas of what you want for a first job or career change, you need to create a powerful resume, one that will highlight your strengths and downplay your weaknesses. The resume should include any past employment, to include company, position held, and length of employment, as well as special training, consisting of boot camps, college (certifications and/or degrees), workshops, seminars, etc. If you are not comfortable with writing a resume, you can hire a professional for a reasonable price.

In addition to your own research and a strong resume, you might also consider talking to a professional career developer. This person understands what it will take to be hired when first entering the workplace, as well as provide guidance as to areas you might investigate if you want to change career. This person would offer valuable tools and resources as well, which would look at the answers of the self-assessment and then offer recommendations.

Going through the process of preparation is a key element of success. The outcome is identifying the types of careers that suit you, those that would promote success in the form of hire and growth. If your focus is more on the process to change career, depending on the industry interested in, you might want to go through special training and/or education prior to sending out resumes. That way, you present something to prospective employers that would give you an edge over the competition.

Maid Agency in Hong Kong - Things To Look For

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 04:08:23 -0600

Getting a housekeeper is hassle-free when you use a maid agency in Hong Kong. This means that you can leave your house anytime, confident that it will be all tidy and neat when you get home in the evening.

You must know, however, that choosing a particular maid agency to deal with can be quite difficult as there are so many agencies to choose from. To narrow down your choices, you can perhaps focus on those agencies that have been around for a long time and which are operating legally and actively.

Always keep in mind that an ideal maid agency in Hong Kong has your best interest in mind. It will not hide anything from you; in fact, everything should be disclosed in a contract, and this you must always insist on seeing. If you find it difficult to understand the terms and conditions, ask a lawyer to explain it to you.

There are some agencies that require at least a thirty day period before you can return the maid if you are not satisfied with her services at all, but this is not a mark of a good agency. If you are dealing with an honest agency, it should not prevent you from terminating the services of the maid at once. Also an ideal agency should never burden you with the board and lodging of the maid before you have even taken her into your house.

Then, of course, you must have a basic knowledge of the rates of maid agencies that are in Hong Kong. The rates do vary from agency to agency, and it doesn't always mean that if an agency charges less, it's a good find. In many cases, actually, you have to pay more to experience great service. Nonetheless, when you find the right maid agency in Hong Kong, you'll be willing to pay almost anything.