Archive for May, 2009

PostHeaderIcon Choosing the Perfect Job

Once you have already defined what the perfect job is to you its time to begin
looking for positions that meet those requirements. The way you do that is by
putting all of your attributes together and connecting them with available positions.
You want to be realistic when you take this step and not try to find the job that
includes every attribute on your list. What you want to do is find something that
closely matches what you perceive to be the perfect job rather than trying to find
something that has everything you want.

One of the problems many people run across when they are looking for the perfect
job is expecting too much. For example, you may feel you are worth 30,000 as an
experienced administrative assistant but there may not be available positions to
support that. Be willing to accept less than what you want in order to get into the
position of your dreams. That does not mean you have to take something you do
not really want but you do want to leave some leeway for compromise.

In order to make the right decision you want to look at the list you have made of
attributes you seek in a job. If you have not already done so, identify them by
importance. There will always be some things that you absolutely must have and
others than are negotiable. When you are in the process of identifying what is the
perfect job for you never identify only those factors that are absolutely necessary
always leave room for negotiation. If youre looking for something that will allow
you to telecommute half of the time be willing to settle for one or two days a week
instead of pushing a position aside because it doesnt offer as many days as you
would like. There are many different ways to negotiate for a job but not all of the
areas are negotiable.

With the job market currently at such a low point it is ludicrous to think you are
going to get everything you want. You may have an idea in your head about how to
get the perfect job but when the economy shows there are more people looking for
job than there are available jobs you will find you have to make more sacrifices.
Instead of risking not obtaining the job that may indeed turn out to be your perfect
job be willing to reduce the number of mandatory options on your list.

PostHeaderIcon How to Start a Career in Massage Therapy

Massage therapy can offer senior citizens a number of benefits that will greatly improve their sense of health and wellbeing. As the population continues to age, it is important to consider ways that we can work to improve the lives of those affected by the passing of time. A number of studies have shown that massage therapy can have a direct impact in managing the effects of aging. It has also shown promise in bringing comfort to those suffering from arthritis and other physical ailments.

As people age, they naturally become less active. This lack of physical activity can lead to the onset of other conditions which, if not dealt with, can greatly reduce their quality of life. The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) has been promoting the use of massage therapy for some time now. According to a recent study, there is a general awareness of massage therapy but a lack of understanding of its direct benefits.

In the case of senior citizens, there are a number of benefits that be derived from therapeutic massage. According to the Touch Research Institute, it is extremely useful in the treatment of Alzheimer’s patients, as it can facilitate relaxation and communication. In the case of arthritis sufferers, it can greatly assist in pain management and help increase range of motion. It also triggers natural joint lubrication, which is extremely important for those suffering from arthritis.

Massage therapy has also shown promise by helping to increase strength and muscle coordination. It can also greatly improve one’s posture by reducing muscle tension, which has the added benefit of assisting seniors with a higher quality of rest. Massage has also been known to boost one’s natural energy levels, along with their mental awareness. Study after study has shown that there is a place for massage therapy within the health care community.

More and more people are becoming aware of the benefits of massage therapy. In an age where the common approach to pain management has been dominated by the interests of the pharmaceutical industry, massage therapy has shown to be an effective and natural solution to the ailments associated with process of aging. If you or a loved one are interested in learning more about the benefits of therapeutic massage, please visit the website mentioned below.

PostHeaderIcon 7 Easy Steps to Improve Your Interviewing Skills

In the midst of technological advancement nowadays, the “back-tobasics” rule still applies when it comes to getting hired for a job. It
does not matter if you are planning to apply for a million-pound company or a small, independent firm. When you face an interviewer,
it all boils down to how you present yourself. This is the deciding factor whether you will get hired or not.

So you have distributed your resume to prospective employers and you have determined the correct job to apply for. The next step is to
schedule the job interview.

You can make the acquaintance of the assistant or the receptionist when you schedule for the interview, either by phone or personally. Be
friendly and polite, as these people might provide information that can be essential to getting that job or, even just give you a background of
the company or your prospective boss.

Finally, you show up for the interview. The basic traits of being prompt, how you speak and carry yourself
and even how you dress are all factors that contribute in making a lasting impression that will eventually get you hired.

PostHeaderIcon How To Stand Out In The Jobs Crowd

Have you got what it takes to secure an executive role? Job hunting is stressful. Just spending time looking for appropriate jobs in the paper or on the internet is frustrating and you know that when you find one or two executive appointments that you want to apply for, you will be up against a lot of competition.

Standing out from the crowd is important at every stage of the process. From your CV to your final interview, you want to be the candidate that impresses. Whether this is your first executive position, or you are a seasoned senior manager, you still need to make your application and interview different enough to secure the job.

If youre dealing with an executive recruitment agency, there are three key areas where you need to be on top of your game in order to increase your chances of success:

1. On the Phone

Often, your first direct contact with a recruitment firm is on the phone. A telephone interview is a real test of your skills, because you cant use eye contact of body language to reinforce what youre saying; you have to rely on being prepared, focused and flexible so that you create a great impression.

2. Your CV

The key here is to focus on your achievements and experience, making everything you put on your CV directly relevant to the position. The internet is awash with information on how to make your CV more presentable, but there are some key points to remember:

Keep it short
Keep it relevant
Put your contact details at the top
Focus on things you’ve achieved, rather than your skills

3. Your interview

The interview for an executive appointment either as a preliminary with the recruitment agent or a first or second interview with the company is your best opportunity to show that you will be an asset to the business. Self-confidence is important, but not to the point where it could be viewed as arrogance. Use positive language and positive body language, give examples to show how you have achieved results in your current position and ask intelligent questions. Make sure you have researched the company well before your interview and double-check the requirements of the job.

The executive appointments market is a competitive one, and following these steps could increase your chances of success.

PostHeaderIcon Here are 7 easy steps on how you can improve

Here are 7 easy steps on how you can improve your interviewing skills:

1.) Prepare for the interview.
First, dress appropriately. Once the interviewer walks into the room, oronce you walk into the room to be interviewed, your appearance will be the first thing to make the impact. Dress appropriately, check your grooming and mind your posture. Read the chapter on dressing for
success!Second, practice basic courtesy. Know where the interview will be held and be there with ample time to prepare yourself before the scheduled interview. Turn your phone off to avoid unnecessary distractions.

2.) Research.
Use all your resources to make sure that you know the basics about the company. You would not want to be caught unprepared when asked about how you heard or what you know about the company that you are applying for.
Learn about your potential employer. In your mind, develop a clear picture of the company profile. Make sure that you prepared answers to a few basic questions, but do not sound scripted. This happens when you rehearse what you will be saying word for word. It is enough that you have an overview of what you will impart to the interviewer, and it is better to be spontaneous.

3.) Be cool.
Step forward so that you are now seated and the interview is about to begin. Make a great first impression by maintaining eye contact, giving the interviewer a firm handshake, a friendly smile and a polite
greeting. Sit only when you are asked to do so and do not forget to thank the interviewer for taking time off of his or her busy schedule to interview you.
Make sure to start on a positive note and set the proper expectations.

4.) Do not sell yourself short.
In the course of the interview, answer the questions briefly and accurately. The key is to be honest. Make sure that as a prospective employee, you impart to your future
employer what you really are and what you can do for the company, not the other way around. Stay positive and do not give a bad impression about your previous employer.
If you are applying for your first job, do not let your lack of experience hinder you from gaining the advantage against more experienced applicants. What you lack in experience, make up for in confidence and
eagerness to learn. You may also put yourself in the employer’s shoes. Ask yourself, if I were on the other side of this desk, what qualities should I look for in
a potential employee? Would I profit if he works for me and can he contribute to the development of the company? Do not be afraid to sell yourself but do not be overconfident. Just
project an air that you are sure of yourself and your capabilities.

5.) Ask questions.
Should you encounter a difficult interviewer, do not be intimidated. one who does not let you put in a word edgewise should be lightly reminded that you should do most of the talking since he is the one
who needs to learn more about you.

6.) Wrap it up.
As you near the end of the interview, make sure that all bases are covered. Now is not the time to discuss or even ask about the salary and the benefits that you will receive once employed. There is ample
time for that once you do get the position and you are discussing the
job offer. Wrap things up by summarizing your strengths and pointing out your positive traits. Finally, as you end the interview, make sure to thank the interviewer again for his or her time, thus leaving a lasting
impression.

7.) Follow up.
Send that all-important thank you note after the interview. Thank the interviewer for the time that he took with you and for giving you that
opportunity. Make sure that you know who to contact for follow-up of
the results.

PostHeaderIcon How to Search for a New Career Before Giving Up

How to Search for a New Career Before Giving Up Your Old One

Are you thinking about changing careers but scared to blindly jump into something new? Are you not sure where to start? Most people are unhappy and frustrated with their current job, but dont know how to create a plan to move into a new career.

If you are lost about where to start, and not sure what career would interest you right now, think about your hobbies. What did you love to do when you were a kid? If you love books, maybe you would like to work in a library or bookstore. If you are good at math, consider an accounting position. Thank about how you would spend your time if you didnt have to work to earn a living.

Taking a class to learn a new skill is now easier than ever. Most colleges offer online courses that will allow you to work at a time convenient for you. You will have specific deadlines to meet just as if you were in a classroom, but you are able to work at your own pace and within your own weekly schedule.

Try something new, even if youre not sure if you would like it. Learn photography, update your computer skills, or take a yoga class. Even if you wind up hating it, you wont know if you dont try.

If you have an idea about what you would like to do, why not work at it part-time? Suppose you work in the medical field now but think you now want to work with animals. You could get a part-time job working in a veterinarians office or a kennel. There are plenty of part-time gigs you can do at night or on the weekend. Of course, youre giving up some of your free time, but isnt this a small price to pay to test the waters before making the plunge to full-time? Starting out part-time for an employer is one of the best ways to work into a full-time position later.

Volunteering is always an option. While you are helping others, you are also finding out if something is right for you. How about coaching a sports team at your kids school? Could you tutor someone who doesnt know how to read?

Maybe you wont wind up changing careers after all, but instead build a part-time business that allows you to be creative and express yourself. If you play the piano, could you give personal lessons? If you are good at crafts, why not sell yours online? If you love dogs, maybe you could be a pet sitter for your friends and neighbors.

The possibilities are endless if you just use your imagination. As long as you are doing something that feeds your soul, you are spending your time on a worthwhile cause- yourself!

PostHeaderIcon How to Say, Yes, I Accept Your Job Offer!

A sample job acceptance letter should be kept on the computer of job seekers to be customized for a new situation and used when it is needed. A job seeker should also know how to use it, and when to use it. With that in mind, a sample letter follows.

Date
Name of Hiring Manager
Company
Address
City
Zip

Dear Hiring Managers name,

It is with great enthusiasm that I accept your offer for employment with Xyz Company. I look forward to a long and mutually profitable relationship, and will do my best to live up to the faith that you have shown in me through your decision to invite me to become a part of the team here at Xyz.

Im excited about the prospect of contributing to the great success the company has had and look forward to this opportunity. You will recall that my experience includes sales, marketing and business management. Im sure my skills will translate well to the excellent environment at Xyz.

Again, I thank you for your time, for the confidence youve placed in me, and for this wonderful opportunity to join the team.

Sincerely,

John Doe

Youll notice that this sample letter is short and to the point. It thanks the person who did the hiring without being sloppy or overly sentimental. It also congratulates the hiring manager on making a wise decision and choosing the right person, but in a way that is matter of fact, and does not seem like bragging.

It is always a good idea to keep your acceptance letter based on factual, short, precise, and a bit formal. You are in the early stages of the work relationship you are forming at this new company, and want to put your best foot forward. This letter will help you do that. Youll probably be excited and nervous after being accepted for the new position, and writing a sample letter before you are hired will allow you to do your writing with a clear mind, undistracted by concerns about what you will wear that day, or anything that came up in the conversation. Using a letter like this is an example of doing your homework and being a smart job seeker. In fact, you should also keep a sample cover letter, sample follow up letter, and a sample thank you letter for after the interview in your documents folder of your computer, ready to customize as the need arises.

Smart job seekers do everything they can to present themselves in the best possible light. That extra effort is what makes the difference between a low paying job with little satisfaction and a well paying start at a new career. Using samples of these documents youll use in a job search just makes sense and will help you on your way to that satisfying new career.

PostHeaderIcon How To Run A Flight Attendant Job Search

You know that it’s the job for you. You’ve done all the reading, and you understand that working as a flight attendant isn’t all glamour and excitement. You know there’s hard work and commitment involved, and that the money – well, no one becomes a flight attendant to get rich, after all. It doesn’t matter – you’ve got your mind made up, and you’re about to embark on a flight attendant job search. Here are some tips on conducting a flight attendant job search that will help you find the jobs that you want to apply for.

1. The major airlines are only 10% of the field for your flight attendant job search.

There are over 60 small and mid-size airlines in the United States – over 80 if you add Canadian based airlines as well. While the major airlines have cut back on hiring and have even furloughed flight attendants since 2001, the small airlines are thriving. If you’re looking to work with fractional operators and charter services, the flight attendant job search possibilities are even broader. The jobs are out there – you just need to expand the scope of your job search beyond the Big Six.

2. Don’t overlook traditional job hunt methods in your flight attendant job search.

Yes, they do advertise in the local paper’s help wanted sections. You’ll also find recruitment ads for the airlines in industry publications, so if you’re serious about finding a job as a flight attendant, get yourself subscribed to aviation newsletters and magazines.

3. Harness the power of the Internet to get your flight attendant job search into high gear.

Do check the usual suspects. You’ll find listings for flight attendant open houses and job openings on Monster, HotJobs! and other Internet job sites. You’ll also find listings for flight attendant job opportunities on some of the major newspaper’s want ad pages.

But don’t stop with the job listings on the job search engines. Because aviation is so industry specific, you’ll find the biggest concentrations of job openings and listings on aviation industry specific sites. A simple search for ‘flight attendant jobs’ will pull up several job search sites specifically for those in aviation. Check them out carefully and join one or two. Even better, find a discussion forum for flight attendants and join that. You can post questions, read information from working flight attendants and keep your eyes peeled for announcements of open houses.

4. Apply on the company web site.

Many airlines now have a link for you to upload your resume when you’re doing a flight attendant job search. While they may not be hiring when you check, enter your information anyway so that they can send you an invitation when they do mass job interviews and informational meetings in your area.

5. Networking is still the number one way to find a job.

Like any other job, it’s often who you know that gets your foot in the door in a flight attendant job search. Let people know you’re looking – let everyone know you’re looking. You might never know that your great Aunt Lucy’s next door neighbor’s daughter is a flight attendant if you don’t mention that you’re looking for a job working for an airline – but it just might be your ticket into the industry.

Whatever you do, do treat your flight attendant job search seriously. Look at the ads daily, and be sure to have a professional resume and cover letter ready to send out to any job openings that you find.