Asking for a raise can make most people very anxious. Learning the right and wrong times to ask for one can help cut the anxiety level in half. A lot of people are afraid to ask for raise in fear they may be fired or let go just for asking for an increase in pay. Truth is, if your boss lets you go for asking for a raise, chances are that is not the real reason he/she is letting you go. More than likely you don't deserve the raise and asking for one has just set your boss off, because of your audacity.
A couple of good times to ask for a raise are when you have done something good on the job. Hopefully you are already doing a great job. Coming in to work on time or early, not taking too much time off and performing well are just few examples. Let's say you saved your company a lot of money by finding a better, cheaper place to purchase office supplies, or you cinched the big million dollar deal. I think your boss will be thinking highly of you and be willing to increase your pay.
Another instant that would be a great time to ask for a raise is when you know you have consistently done an awesome job. If you are always going above and beyond the call of duty, coming in under budget or what ever the case may be pertaining to your job. Your employer sees and hears a lot more than what you give them credit for, therefore they know what kind of job you are doing, whether it be good or bad.
These are some scenarios when it probably wouldn't be a good idea to ask your boss for that elusive raise. If you haven't been on the job for at least a year, you should not be asking for an increase in pay. You should have already negotiated your salary when you were hired. Being on the job less than a year is not a good time to be renegotiating more money. Wait a while.
If you know you haven't been performing well for whatever reason, you should not be asking for a raise. That would be one of those times you might be let go for doing such. Also if you know the company you are working for is struggling financially, it would not be a good idea to ask for an increment in pay. They basically wont be able to afford to, no matter how good of an employee you are. Make sure your boss is in a good mood. If you know he/she is stressing out or maybe having problems at home, you might want to hold off on asking for more money.
Just use your common sense on when you should ask for a raise. You will pretty much know how well you are doing and the financial stability of your company to know when the best time would be to get that little extra in your bank account.
Tuesday, 28 August 2012
Top Ten In-Demand Jobs in Australia
Studies have shown that fifty four percent of employers in Australia have difficulties getting manpower to fill key positions in their organizations, due to an acute shortage of skilled personnel. This increases the availability of jobs for migrants from overseas, and is one of the reasons why skilled workers are in great demand in this country.
There are many websites that outline employment opportunities in Australia. Those who need information about immigration to Australia for work can check out details in the Australian Government website. Many people from surrounding countries choose to work in Australia because of the enviable lifestyle, and all the modern conveniences and comforts that are available in plenty here. Australia also has a pleasant climate and provides many opportunities for sightseeing, cultural exploration, and other interesting activities.
Here are some of the most sought-after jobs in Australia.
1. Business Analyst: A business Analyst is a person, who analyzes the existing or ideal organization and design of systems, including businesses, departments, and organizations. The skilled business analyst has myriad job opportunities in Australia. The business analyst should have skilled knowledge in programming, engineering and so on.
2. Project Managers: A project manager has the responsibility of planning, execution and closing of projects, relating to construction industry, architecture, computer networking, telecommunications or software development. Key responsibilities include creating clear and attainable project objectives, building the project requirements, and managing the constraints of the project management triangle which are cost, time, scope and quality.
3. Recruitment Consultants: Recruitment refers to the process of attracting, screening and appointing qualified persons for a job and this job can be easily obtained through a recruitment consultant. A consultant works with client companies and builds relationships to gain a better understanding of their recruitment needs and requirement.
4. Business Development Managers: A Business Development Manager- also known as a business planner or economist - must have good knowledge of management theories and the best practices for the organization's success. The Business development manager runs a business on a day to day basis and undertakes responsibilities such as the analysis and investigation of economic conditions, conducting research in the market, creation of goals and objectives etc.
5. Receptionists: A receptionist is a person who takes on official/administrative support responsibilities. The job description includes answering visitors' inquiries, directing visitors to their destinations, sorting and handling out mail, answering incoming calls, setting appointments and so on.
6. Payroll Officers: A payroll officer has to handle timekeeping and payment processing, and great attention to detail and accuracy are needed throughout the position. Payroll officers deal with company employees and Internal Revenue Services to make the records and tax information accurate.
7. Management Accountants: Management accountants have the duty of accounting at different levels. They have to take care of management accounting, cost accounting and cost management etc.
8. Financial Accountants: Financial accountants deal with financial statements for decision makers such as employees, owners, suppliers, banks etc. Most of them have to work directly for companies performing internal financial duties.
9. Registered Nurses: A registered nurse is a nurse who has graduated from the nursing program from a college or university and passed a national licensing exam. They have a wide opportunity in Australia and many nurses are migrating to Australia for job opportunities. Once they have completed any nursing bridging programs, then they will be eligible for becoming a registered nurse in Australia.
10. Account Payable Officers: The account payable officer handles the payment services and disbursements to vendors and is separate from the payroll department.
There are many websites that outline employment opportunities in Australia. Those who need information about immigration to Australia for work can check out details in the Australian Government website. Many people from surrounding countries choose to work in Australia because of the enviable lifestyle, and all the modern conveniences and comforts that are available in plenty here. Australia also has a pleasant climate and provides many opportunities for sightseeing, cultural exploration, and other interesting activities.
Here are some of the most sought-after jobs in Australia.
1. Business Analyst: A business Analyst is a person, who analyzes the existing or ideal organization and design of systems, including businesses, departments, and organizations. The skilled business analyst has myriad job opportunities in Australia. The business analyst should have skilled knowledge in programming, engineering and so on.
2. Project Managers: A project manager has the responsibility of planning, execution and closing of projects, relating to construction industry, architecture, computer networking, telecommunications or software development. Key responsibilities include creating clear and attainable project objectives, building the project requirements, and managing the constraints of the project management triangle which are cost, time, scope and quality.
3. Recruitment Consultants: Recruitment refers to the process of attracting, screening and appointing qualified persons for a job and this job can be easily obtained through a recruitment consultant. A consultant works with client companies and builds relationships to gain a better understanding of their recruitment needs and requirement.
4. Business Development Managers: A Business Development Manager- also known as a business planner or economist - must have good knowledge of management theories and the best practices for the organization's success. The Business development manager runs a business on a day to day basis and undertakes responsibilities such as the analysis and investigation of economic conditions, conducting research in the market, creation of goals and objectives etc.
5. Receptionists: A receptionist is a person who takes on official/administrative support responsibilities. The job description includes answering visitors' inquiries, directing visitors to their destinations, sorting and handling out mail, answering incoming calls, setting appointments and so on.
6. Payroll Officers: A payroll officer has to handle timekeeping and payment processing, and great attention to detail and accuracy are needed throughout the position. Payroll officers deal with company employees and Internal Revenue Services to make the records and tax information accurate.
7. Management Accountants: Management accountants have the duty of accounting at different levels. They have to take care of management accounting, cost accounting and cost management etc.
8. Financial Accountants: Financial accountants deal with financial statements for decision makers such as employees, owners, suppliers, banks etc. Most of them have to work directly for companies performing internal financial duties.
9. Registered Nurses: A registered nurse is a nurse who has graduated from the nursing program from a college or university and passed a national licensing exam. They have a wide opportunity in Australia and many nurses are migrating to Australia for job opportunities. Once they have completed any nursing bridging programs, then they will be eligible for becoming a registered nurse in Australia.
10. Account Payable Officers: The account payable officer handles the payment services and disbursements to vendors and is separate from the payroll department.
Tweeting and Termination: It Can Happen to Pilots!
I recently discovered Facebook. I know what you're thinking, "Where have you been?" I will have to admit, it is a lot of fun to see what all of my friends are doing. By the same token, I'm still not a huge follower of any of the social networking sites due to privacy. Needless to say, I have been very guarded with my photos and personal/family information with regards to the social networking scene. Just as I started to "loosen up" and thought about posting some family trivia to my Facebook page, I received a call from a seasoned Captain that stopped me immediately in my tracks.
For simplicity sake we will call this person John. John stated that he had recently been fired from a long-term flying job because of a situation in his background that he had been so careful not to disclose to any of his co-workers and especially his employer.
Four years ago John was arrested and convicted of a crime. He did exactly what the court required, completed his probation, paid his fines and then retained a lawyer to have his records expunged. Because of the expungement proceedings, John felt that he could keep the embarrassing matter to himself and not have to discuss it with anyone, ever again.
Last month, as John was preparing for one of his trips, he received a call from his Chief Pilot. John was asked to stop by the office before checking in for his shift. John was greeted by the Chief Pilot, the Director of Operations, and the Director of Human Resources. After sitting down, John was handed a piece of paper that had been printed from the internet.
John was devastated to realize that his arrest and conviction had been discovered by a coworker and had been passed along to the Chief Pilot. What is even more amazing was how this co-worker had been able to find out this information.
Apparently John's arrest took place in a small town where EVERYTHING gets written about in the local paper. An acquaintance of John's, saw the small town article and asked another friend about it on Facebook/Twitter. Before long, several people on Facebook/Twitter were talking about the incident and one of the Friends of a Friend happened to be a co-worker of John's. As a result, the co-worker did some Googling on John and found the article regarding the original arrest. The co-worker then passed the information on to the Chief Pilot. Unfortunately, John was terminated on the spot.
Facebook, Twitter, and the Internet are all wonderful tools that allow us to learn, work, research and communicate with the rest of the world. The problem is that most everything is recorded on the internet. Whether it is pictures of our new baby, a snow storm in the Northeast, a School Teacher wins an award in the South, or a local resident gets arrested in a small town. Once the information is captured by the Internet, it is permanent; there is no getting rid of it. Never assume that just because your paper records have been expunged or sealed or because you have not spoken to anyone about the matter, that a situation will go unrecognized.
The good news is that John was able to find another flying position. With a lot of hard work, he was able to present himself and his past situation in a manner that allowed his current employer the opportunity to see that while John had made a big mistake he was well worth the effort for training and employing.
While this story is not meant to have you feeling like you are under a microscope, it is meant to make you think. With the anticipated hiring expected in the aviation community for this fall, there are some areas where pilots need to be cautious. Remember that potential employers are internet savvy. Use discretion in what pictures you post and what you say on your social networking pages. Do a Google/Facebook/Twitter search on yourself and see what others might find. If you have difficult areas in your background, be prepared to discuss them openly, take responsibility, and have your documents in order. And remember, being a pilot doesn't mean you have to be perfect, it just means that you have to prepare accordingly, present your background appropriately and accept responsibility for your actions.
Cage Consulting
720-222-1432
http://www.cageconsulting.com
For simplicity sake we will call this person John. John stated that he had recently been fired from a long-term flying job because of a situation in his background that he had been so careful not to disclose to any of his co-workers and especially his employer.
Four years ago John was arrested and convicted of a crime. He did exactly what the court required, completed his probation, paid his fines and then retained a lawyer to have his records expunged. Because of the expungement proceedings, John felt that he could keep the embarrassing matter to himself and not have to discuss it with anyone, ever again.
Last month, as John was preparing for one of his trips, he received a call from his Chief Pilot. John was asked to stop by the office before checking in for his shift. John was greeted by the Chief Pilot, the Director of Operations, and the Director of Human Resources. After sitting down, John was handed a piece of paper that had been printed from the internet.
John was devastated to realize that his arrest and conviction had been discovered by a coworker and had been passed along to the Chief Pilot. What is even more amazing was how this co-worker had been able to find out this information.
Apparently John's arrest took place in a small town where EVERYTHING gets written about in the local paper. An acquaintance of John's, saw the small town article and asked another friend about it on Facebook/Twitter. Before long, several people on Facebook/Twitter were talking about the incident and one of the Friends of a Friend happened to be a co-worker of John's. As a result, the co-worker did some Googling on John and found the article regarding the original arrest. The co-worker then passed the information on to the Chief Pilot. Unfortunately, John was terminated on the spot.
Facebook, Twitter, and the Internet are all wonderful tools that allow us to learn, work, research and communicate with the rest of the world. The problem is that most everything is recorded on the internet. Whether it is pictures of our new baby, a snow storm in the Northeast, a School Teacher wins an award in the South, or a local resident gets arrested in a small town. Once the information is captured by the Internet, it is permanent; there is no getting rid of it. Never assume that just because your paper records have been expunged or sealed or because you have not spoken to anyone about the matter, that a situation will go unrecognized.
The good news is that John was able to find another flying position. With a lot of hard work, he was able to present himself and his past situation in a manner that allowed his current employer the opportunity to see that while John had made a big mistake he was well worth the effort for training and employing.
While this story is not meant to have you feeling like you are under a microscope, it is meant to make you think. With the anticipated hiring expected in the aviation community for this fall, there are some areas where pilots need to be cautious. Remember that potential employers are internet savvy. Use discretion in what pictures you post and what you say on your social networking pages. Do a Google/Facebook/Twitter search on yourself and see what others might find. If you have difficult areas in your background, be prepared to discuss them openly, take responsibility, and have your documents in order. And remember, being a pilot doesn't mean you have to be perfect, it just means that you have to prepare accordingly, present your background appropriately and accept responsibility for your actions.
Cage Consulting
720-222-1432
http://www.cageconsulting.com
Monday, 27 August 2012
What You Should Know Before Contacting a Recruiter
Considering contacting a recruiter to find out about new opportunities in your field?
Many job hunters assume that forging connections with recruiters will put them closer to lucrative, high-level positions that aren't otherwise advertised.
However, a successful recruiter-job seeker relationship doesn't just happen. It's important to understand the relationship among all involved parties (the recruiter, company, and you), get your resume in top shape, and to be ready to deal with potential objections.
These insider tips will help you be ready to work effectively with a recruiter--with better results for your job search:
1 - Recruiters often source candidates that have been there, done that.
Career professionals and executives that have followed a straight-line, traditional career trajectory (and very few job changes) are the best candidates for working with a recruiter.
The reason? Recruiters are hired by companies to identify talent among leaders who can demonstrate commitment to a specific type of career or skill set, with steady advancement toward a senior-level role in their particular field.
Therefore, if you're trying to switch between one job type to another, or you've hopped among different employers frequently, you'll often fare better by contacting employers to present your skills directly.
2 - A recruiter's mission is to focus on the needs of their client companies.
What many job hunters fail to grasp is that recruiter job orders often contain specific detail on the background, education, career history, and competencies of the ideal candidate.
Depending upon the recruiter's relationship with their clients, they may not be able to convince the company to take a chance on your background--especially if it's not in line with these requirements.
A recruiter must not only be comfortable with the strength of your credentials, but confident that you represent a true personality and leadership fit within their client companies.
After all, the recruiter's professional reputation (and future commissions) are riding on their ability to supply the all-around perfect candidate.
3 - Your resume must be ready for presentation to their clients.
Too often, job seekers dash off a resume to recruiters that undercuts their abilities--making it difficult for the recruiter to promote the job hunter as a viable candidate.
If your leadership resume hasn't had a review from colleagues or a resume professional, it can be worth your time to request a critique or suggestions.
Some recruiters even refer their clients to career coaches or executive resume writers that can elicit a strong brand message on the resume.
Former co-workers or bosses can often see qualities in your background that you're too close to realize, and their recommendations can make the difference in the response you receive from a recruiter.
As a job hunting method, working with recruiters can be very effective, but only if you go in with an awareness of your role, fitness as a candidate, and realistic expectations.
Many job hunters assume that forging connections with recruiters will put them closer to lucrative, high-level positions that aren't otherwise advertised.
However, a successful recruiter-job seeker relationship doesn't just happen. It's important to understand the relationship among all involved parties (the recruiter, company, and you), get your resume in top shape, and to be ready to deal with potential objections.
These insider tips will help you be ready to work effectively with a recruiter--with better results for your job search:
1 - Recruiters often source candidates that have been there, done that.
Career professionals and executives that have followed a straight-line, traditional career trajectory (and very few job changes) are the best candidates for working with a recruiter.
The reason? Recruiters are hired by companies to identify talent among leaders who can demonstrate commitment to a specific type of career or skill set, with steady advancement toward a senior-level role in their particular field.
Therefore, if you're trying to switch between one job type to another, or you've hopped among different employers frequently, you'll often fare better by contacting employers to present your skills directly.
2 - A recruiter's mission is to focus on the needs of their client companies.
What many job hunters fail to grasp is that recruiter job orders often contain specific detail on the background, education, career history, and competencies of the ideal candidate.
Depending upon the recruiter's relationship with their clients, they may not be able to convince the company to take a chance on your background--especially if it's not in line with these requirements.
A recruiter must not only be comfortable with the strength of your credentials, but confident that you represent a true personality and leadership fit within their client companies.
After all, the recruiter's professional reputation (and future commissions) are riding on their ability to supply the all-around perfect candidate.
3 - Your resume must be ready for presentation to their clients.
Too often, job seekers dash off a resume to recruiters that undercuts their abilities--making it difficult for the recruiter to promote the job hunter as a viable candidate.
If your leadership resume hasn't had a review from colleagues or a resume professional, it can be worth your time to request a critique or suggestions.
Some recruiters even refer their clients to career coaches or executive resume writers that can elicit a strong brand message on the resume.
Former co-workers or bosses can often see qualities in your background that you're too close to realize, and their recommendations can make the difference in the response you receive from a recruiter.
As a job hunting method, working with recruiters can be very effective, but only if you go in with an awareness of your role, fitness as a candidate, and realistic expectations.
Massage Therapist Career: Advantages and Disadvantages
A career as a massage therapist can be extremely rewarding. The work you perform can be very fulfilling, as you get the chance to directly and positively impact someone's life. You also have the opportunity to start your own practice, where you have total control over the hours you work and the money you make. However, while you are thinking about all of the benefits to this career, you also need to take into consideration that, like any other career, there is a potential downside associated with a career as a massage therapist. These disadvantages can be experienced by both, the therapist working herself or, one working in a spa or medical facility. Below, you will read about some of the advantages and disadvantages you should consider as you learn about how to become a masseuse.
Massage Therapist Advantages
Schedule. One of the great benefits of this career is that the job is not your typical 9am-5pm. As a practitioner of massage therapy, you have a lot of flexibility concerning the hours you're available to work. If you open up your own private practice, you have total control over when you work. If you choose to work for someone else, you'll discover that many therapists work part-time. This will allow you to schedule your appointments in the evenings, or even on the weekends.
Mobility. You don't have to worry about being tied down to one specific area. Because there are so many places where a therapist can work, you have a lot of freedom in moving around and getting to experience the different work environments. Spas and medical facilities exist all across the country. You won't have any problems finding work, should you need to relocate.
Money. A job in this industry can be a very lucrative one. The money you can potentially earn depends on a number of factors. As mentioned previously, if you open your own practice and work for yourself, you can choose how much to charge for your services. Also, depending on how many different types of massage therapy (modalities) you specialize in, you can potentially earn more money. As a masseuse, you also have the opportunity to earn tips. As your experience and reputation go up, so too will your earnings.
Massage Therapist Disadvantages
Long Hours Standing. This job is one that can be physically taxing on your body. As such, it is not hard to get burned out. If you're constantly seeing patients and performing services, without taking breaks, you're more prone to injury. Performing massages can be very hard on your hands and upper extremities. Mostly, injuries fall into the category of overuse. As such, you'll want to ensure you enact the proper amount of self-care as possible. Seeing as how a career as a massage therapist demands a lot from you, you need to make keeping yourself healthy a top priority.
Money. We're talking about money again. The money you earn as a licensed masseuse can also be a disadvantage. This business is client-based which means your pay is directly affected by the number of clients you see. Less clients means less money. To prepare for when you're not bringing in as much money, you'll want to make sure you're good at budgeting and saving. If you can, and are interested, try to seek out spas that pay therapists by the hour.
Unrealistic Client Expectations. Some of your clients may expect for you to completely rid them of their pain and discomfort. Given that this is an unrealistic expectation, massage therapists can be negatively affected as this can result in dissatisfied clients. It will be your duty to correct the clients beliefs so as to not have them expecting permanent healing. It might help to discuss everything up front before beginning treatment. Remember, you're reputation plays a huge role in building up your clientele.
As with any career, there are advantages and disadvantages. Make sure you are interested in this career because you enjoy helping people. Becoming a massage therapist for the right reasons will go a long way towards having a great career. Good luck as you continue to learn more about how to become a massage therapist.
Massage Therapist Advantages
Schedule. One of the great benefits of this career is that the job is not your typical 9am-5pm. As a practitioner of massage therapy, you have a lot of flexibility concerning the hours you're available to work. If you open up your own private practice, you have total control over when you work. If you choose to work for someone else, you'll discover that many therapists work part-time. This will allow you to schedule your appointments in the evenings, or even on the weekends.
Mobility. You don't have to worry about being tied down to one specific area. Because there are so many places where a therapist can work, you have a lot of freedom in moving around and getting to experience the different work environments. Spas and medical facilities exist all across the country. You won't have any problems finding work, should you need to relocate.
Money. A job in this industry can be a very lucrative one. The money you can potentially earn depends on a number of factors. As mentioned previously, if you open your own practice and work for yourself, you can choose how much to charge for your services. Also, depending on how many different types of massage therapy (modalities) you specialize in, you can potentially earn more money. As a masseuse, you also have the opportunity to earn tips. As your experience and reputation go up, so too will your earnings.
Massage Therapist Disadvantages
Long Hours Standing. This job is one that can be physically taxing on your body. As such, it is not hard to get burned out. If you're constantly seeing patients and performing services, without taking breaks, you're more prone to injury. Performing massages can be very hard on your hands and upper extremities. Mostly, injuries fall into the category of overuse. As such, you'll want to ensure you enact the proper amount of self-care as possible. Seeing as how a career as a massage therapist demands a lot from you, you need to make keeping yourself healthy a top priority.
Money. We're talking about money again. The money you earn as a licensed masseuse can also be a disadvantage. This business is client-based which means your pay is directly affected by the number of clients you see. Less clients means less money. To prepare for when you're not bringing in as much money, you'll want to make sure you're good at budgeting and saving. If you can, and are interested, try to seek out spas that pay therapists by the hour.
Unrealistic Client Expectations. Some of your clients may expect for you to completely rid them of their pain and discomfort. Given that this is an unrealistic expectation, massage therapists can be negatively affected as this can result in dissatisfied clients. It will be your duty to correct the clients beliefs so as to not have them expecting permanent healing. It might help to discuss everything up front before beginning treatment. Remember, you're reputation plays a huge role in building up your clientele.
As with any career, there are advantages and disadvantages. Make sure you are interested in this career because you enjoy helping people. Becoming a massage therapist for the right reasons will go a long way towards having a great career. Good luck as you continue to learn more about how to become a massage therapist.
Over 50s - 7 Steps to Get Through The Job Interview
OK, you've done all the hard work like kicking your CV/Resume into shape and guess what it worked! The letter has dropped through your mailbox inviting you for a job interview and now you're feeling nervous about how you are going to perform.
First of all you have to congratulate yourself! Yes, you've made it to the job interview... a small miracle when you're over 50 and all the young college students and hundreds of university graduates are pouring into the job market.
You should be feeling proud of yourself that you have been successful and invited for a job interview at over 50, but there's still a few things worrying you. For example, what you should wear, what type of questions will they ask you, how can you convince them you are the perfect candidate for the job?
OK, at this point it's best to put your mind at rest, you're not the only one who is having those pre-interview nerves! But follow these simple instructions on your big day and you should feel a lot more confident:
1. It goes without saying you have to be punctual, do a demo run at the same time you are expected to arrive for your interview so you can judge the traffic.
2. First impressions DO count (not matter what anyone else tells you!) so make sure you have a smile on your face and look happy to be there.
3. Dress accordingly. This may mean hanging out near the entrance of the place you want to work around lunchtime and taking a sneak peek at what the staff are wearing. Do they seem very formal like the legal and finance professions with dark suits? Or are they more casual like the media or creative arts sectors? Whatever they are wearing you need to make sure you fit in... but remember, you have to get the job first so dress up for your big day, not down.
4. Make eye contact, but don't get into a staring match. They want to give you a job remember, they are on your side.
5. Listen very carefully to the interviewers questions. Most of them will be geared towards them discovering:
- Can you DO this job?
- How WELL can you do the job?
- Will you FIT IN here?
6. When you reply make sure you are telling a story with a beginning, middle and an end. For example, use the STAR format which mean you follow a tested format for giving an example:
S = Situation (where did this example happen?)
T = Task (what were you doing?)
A = Actions (what actions did you take?)
R = Result (what happened in the end?)
7. At the end of the session make sure you thank the interviewers and mention again how keen you are to work for their company.
First of all you have to congratulate yourself! Yes, you've made it to the job interview... a small miracle when you're over 50 and all the young college students and hundreds of university graduates are pouring into the job market.
You should be feeling proud of yourself that you have been successful and invited for a job interview at over 50, but there's still a few things worrying you. For example, what you should wear, what type of questions will they ask you, how can you convince them you are the perfect candidate for the job?
OK, at this point it's best to put your mind at rest, you're not the only one who is having those pre-interview nerves! But follow these simple instructions on your big day and you should feel a lot more confident:
1. It goes without saying you have to be punctual, do a demo run at the same time you are expected to arrive for your interview so you can judge the traffic.
2. First impressions DO count (not matter what anyone else tells you!) so make sure you have a smile on your face and look happy to be there.
3. Dress accordingly. This may mean hanging out near the entrance of the place you want to work around lunchtime and taking a sneak peek at what the staff are wearing. Do they seem very formal like the legal and finance professions with dark suits? Or are they more casual like the media or creative arts sectors? Whatever they are wearing you need to make sure you fit in... but remember, you have to get the job first so dress up for your big day, not down.
4. Make eye contact, but don't get into a staring match. They want to give you a job remember, they are on your side.
5. Listen very carefully to the interviewers questions. Most of them will be geared towards them discovering:
- Can you DO this job?
- How WELL can you do the job?
- Will you FIT IN here?
6. When you reply make sure you are telling a story with a beginning, middle and an end. For example, use the STAR format which mean you follow a tested format for giving an example:
S = Situation (where did this example happen?)
T = Task (what were you doing?)
A = Actions (what actions did you take?)
R = Result (what happened in the end?)
7. At the end of the session make sure you thank the interviewers and mention again how keen you are to work for their company.
Sunday, 26 August 2012
Over 50s - 4 Essentials To Include on Your CV/Resume
It's really hard to have worked all your life then at the age of 50 plus you find yourself suddenly being laid off or facing redundancy. Just the thought of having to write a CV /Resume when you are over 50 can often bring you out in a cold sweat.
But let me reassure you, it's not as difficult as it might seem, as long as you follow these four simple rules. Remember, you are the expert on you! Yes, that's right there's no-one knows you better than you. But, you may find it hard to be objective, especially when you are in panic mode, so it's a good idea to sit down quietly and be objective about all you have to offer a future employer in the way of your experience, skills and knowledge.
Here's a few essentials you absolutely must include on your CV/Resume to stand a chance of getting to the front of the ideal candidate pile. Remember, most busy hiring professionals only glance at your application for a few seconds initially, so you have to make sure you have the essential information right in front of them to stand a good chance of being invited for the job interview.
Creating a CV/Resume from Scratch
The four essentials you need to include are:
1. Your contact detail
Many people forget to add the all important contact details such as, your name, your telephone numbers both home and mobile, your email address (make sure it is one you check often!).
2. List all your relevant key skills for that job role
Your prospective employer is searching for someone who can do the job with the least amount of effort or training. So you need to ensure you are including the relevant skills for that job. You'll often find these skills listed in the actual job advertisement. For example, if you are applying for a job as a health care worker you should be including skills like effective communication, attention to detail, ability to work with little supervision.
3. Your work experience
One of the strengths you have being over 50 is your past experience. Think about it, all the college students and graduates have very little in the way of real work experience to show prospective employers, so this is where you need to shine. List your factual employment history showing dates and job titles.
4. Your education and qualifications
If you're over 50 you really don't need to go way back to your school days, employers are more interested in what you can do for them today, rather than what you studied thirty years ago. Include your highest qualification first, or the one which is most relevant to the position you are applying for.
But let me reassure you, it's not as difficult as it might seem, as long as you follow these four simple rules. Remember, you are the expert on you! Yes, that's right there's no-one knows you better than you. But, you may find it hard to be objective, especially when you are in panic mode, so it's a good idea to sit down quietly and be objective about all you have to offer a future employer in the way of your experience, skills and knowledge.
Here's a few essentials you absolutely must include on your CV/Resume to stand a chance of getting to the front of the ideal candidate pile. Remember, most busy hiring professionals only glance at your application for a few seconds initially, so you have to make sure you have the essential information right in front of them to stand a good chance of being invited for the job interview.
Creating a CV/Resume from Scratch
The four essentials you need to include are:
1. Your contact detail
Many people forget to add the all important contact details such as, your name, your telephone numbers both home and mobile, your email address (make sure it is one you check often!).
2. List all your relevant key skills for that job role
Your prospective employer is searching for someone who can do the job with the least amount of effort or training. So you need to ensure you are including the relevant skills for that job. You'll often find these skills listed in the actual job advertisement. For example, if you are applying for a job as a health care worker you should be including skills like effective communication, attention to detail, ability to work with little supervision.
3. Your work experience
One of the strengths you have being over 50 is your past experience. Think about it, all the college students and graduates have very little in the way of real work experience to show prospective employers, so this is where you need to shine. List your factual employment history showing dates and job titles.
4. Your education and qualifications
If you're over 50 you really don't need to go way back to your school days, employers are more interested in what you can do for them today, rather than what you studied thirty years ago. Include your highest qualification first, or the one which is most relevant to the position you are applying for.
Friday, 24 August 2012
Over 50s - 7 Steps To Plan Your Career Change
I was browsing through some old newspapers recently and came across an interesting article in one of our national UK newspapers discussing how many people over 50 feel they are in the prime of their lives.
In fact, one in five workers, who are less than a decade away from retirement age, are seriously contemplating a career change to fulfil a lifetime job ambition.
Could this be you?
More than a quarter said they want more job satisfaction in their next career, and that means doing something "more worthwhile".
Believe it or not the majority - 61 per cent - wanted the chance to acquire new skills like construction, education and the creative arts were the most sought-after job areas followed by sport, leisure and the media.
Could this be your opportunity to finally follow the path of your dreams? It may sound really far-fetched to change your career at this late stage in your life, but all you need to do is follow this easy step-by-step approach:
1. You need to find what you're passionate about, what do you love to do?
2. Identify your transferable skills, these are the skills you can take from job to job
3. Take a reality check, let's face it if you are scared of heights you can hardly be a mountain guide, right?
4. Would your present company give you some time off, unpaid leave or a sabbatical so you can go off for a few weeks/months and really research your new career?
5. Are you prepared to make the sacrifices needed to change your career, or perhaps even start from the bottom as a newbie again in your new profession?.
6. Never, ever focus on your age - it's you as a person people see, not the year you were born
7. As Helen Keller said, "Life is either a daring adventure... or nothing at all!" don't let the rest of your life be about nothing at all.
In fact, one in five workers, who are less than a decade away from retirement age, are seriously contemplating a career change to fulfil a lifetime job ambition.
Could this be you?
More than a quarter said they want more job satisfaction in their next career, and that means doing something "more worthwhile".
Believe it or not the majority - 61 per cent - wanted the chance to acquire new skills like construction, education and the creative arts were the most sought-after job areas followed by sport, leisure and the media.
Could this be your opportunity to finally follow the path of your dreams? It may sound really far-fetched to change your career at this late stage in your life, but all you need to do is follow this easy step-by-step approach:
1. You need to find what you're passionate about, what do you love to do?
2. Identify your transferable skills, these are the skills you can take from job to job
3. Take a reality check, let's face it if you are scared of heights you can hardly be a mountain guide, right?
4. Would your present company give you some time off, unpaid leave or a sabbatical so you can go off for a few weeks/months and really research your new career?
5. Are you prepared to make the sacrifices needed to change your career, or perhaps even start from the bottom as a newbie again in your new profession?.
6. Never, ever focus on your age - it's you as a person people see, not the year you were born
7. As Helen Keller said, "Life is either a daring adventure... or nothing at all!" don't let the rest of your life be about nothing at all.
PMP Practice Questions Help You to Pass the Real PMP Exam
Unlike the way it was previously, there are presently numerous resources available on the Internet to be utilized by students to help them prepare for PMP exams. The PMP exam can be a challenging task though this cannot be compared to the benefits of passing this exam. Getting PMP certified puts you on high demand almost instantly especially in the world of project management.
It is therefore a rewarding experience to go through the PMP study effectively and pass the exam. The main reason for PMP fail is ignorance of the need to undertake adequate PMP preparation. A good number of students are not informed on the latest resources accessible on the internet especially the PMP practice exams. This is why they continue to utilize certain archaic approaches and resources that do not add any value as regards to carrying out substantive PMP study and preparation.
There is now an opportunity for you to get closer to the actual PMP after you make use of the PMP practice exams. These PMP practice exams provide you with a real feel of the actual exam. The questions are structured in a similar format to the main exam and thus enable you to get the real feel of the PMP exam before coming to it. Each one of the PMP practice exams contains an exact number of questions, just like in the real examination. The test exams are timed. Nevertheless, the PMP practice tests make use of several dummy questions.
The main aim of the PMP practice exams is to assist you establish how well prepared you are set for the PMP final examinations. Timing also enables you to measure your own speed during the answering of the questions. Subsequently, this will help you to work at improving your areas of weakness. Therefore, by attempting the PMP practice exams, you are increasing the probability of succeeding in the PMP actual exam.
After sitting for the PMP mock exams, you will receive a well detailed result analysis. It is from this detailed analysis of the results that you will be able to realize your key areas of weakness before you decide to focus on those areas in your PMP preparation interests. The place of getting ready in anticipation for excellence is extremely essential. You just need to put in additional efforts.
Additional resources are in the form of practice questions that are freely available to students online. In case there are things you do not understand properly, how about teaming up with fellow students and tackling the questions together? Numerous students have benefited immensely from group work. Many students will not get the PMP fail due to anything else except ill preparation.
You should not mind a lot on the cost of PMP practice exams because you can get these exams from a number of websites at discounted rates. These are prepared by experts and professionals who are certified and are willing to help you carry out a meaningful preparation for your PMP exams. You can take the PMP practice exams as often as possible to build your confidence as you approach the final exam.
It is therefore a rewarding experience to go through the PMP study effectively and pass the exam. The main reason for PMP fail is ignorance of the need to undertake adequate PMP preparation. A good number of students are not informed on the latest resources accessible on the internet especially the PMP practice exams. This is why they continue to utilize certain archaic approaches and resources that do not add any value as regards to carrying out substantive PMP study and preparation.
There is now an opportunity for you to get closer to the actual PMP after you make use of the PMP practice exams. These PMP practice exams provide you with a real feel of the actual exam. The questions are structured in a similar format to the main exam and thus enable you to get the real feel of the PMP exam before coming to it. Each one of the PMP practice exams contains an exact number of questions, just like in the real examination. The test exams are timed. Nevertheless, the PMP practice tests make use of several dummy questions.
The main aim of the PMP practice exams is to assist you establish how well prepared you are set for the PMP final examinations. Timing also enables you to measure your own speed during the answering of the questions. Subsequently, this will help you to work at improving your areas of weakness. Therefore, by attempting the PMP practice exams, you are increasing the probability of succeeding in the PMP actual exam.
After sitting for the PMP mock exams, you will receive a well detailed result analysis. It is from this detailed analysis of the results that you will be able to realize your key areas of weakness before you decide to focus on those areas in your PMP preparation interests. The place of getting ready in anticipation for excellence is extremely essential. You just need to put in additional efforts.
Additional resources are in the form of practice questions that are freely available to students online. In case there are things you do not understand properly, how about teaming up with fellow students and tackling the questions together? Numerous students have benefited immensely from group work. Many students will not get the PMP fail due to anything else except ill preparation.
You should not mind a lot on the cost of PMP practice exams because you can get these exams from a number of websites at discounted rates. These are prepared by experts and professionals who are certified and are willing to help you carry out a meaningful preparation for your PMP exams. You can take the PMP practice exams as often as possible to build your confidence as you approach the final exam.
What You Should Know Before Contacting a Recruiter
Considering contacting a recruiter to find out about new opportunities in your field?
Many job hunters assume that forging connections with recruiters will put them closer to lucrative, high-level positions that aren't otherwise advertised.
However, a successful recruiter-job seeker relationship doesn't just happen. It's important to understand the relationship among all involved parties (the recruiter, company, and you), get your resume in top shape, and to be ready to deal with potential objections.
These insider tips will help you be ready to work effectively with a recruiter--with better results for your job search:
1 - Recruiters often source candidates that have been there, done that.
Career professionals and executives that have followed a straight-line, traditional career trajectory (and very few job changes) are the best candidates for working with a recruiter.
The reason? Recruiters are hired by companies to identify talent among leaders who can demonstrate commitment to a specific type of career or skill set, with steady advancement toward a senior-level role in their particular field.
Therefore, if you're trying to switch between one job type to another, or you've hopped among different employers frequently, you'll often fare better by contacting employers to present your skills directly.
2 - A recruiter's mission is to focus on the needs of their client companies.
What many job hunters fail to grasp is that recruiter job orders often contain specific detail on the background, education, career history, and competencies of the ideal candidate.
Depending upon the recruiter's relationship with their clients, they may not be able to convince the company to take a chance on your background--especially if it's not in line with these requirements.
A recruiter must not only be comfortable with the strength of your credentials, but confident that you represent a true personality and leadership fit within their client companies.
After all, the recruiter's professional reputation (and future commissions) are riding on their ability to supply the all-around perfect candidate.
3 - Your resume must be ready for presentation to their clients.
Too often, job seekers dash off a resume to recruiters that undercuts their abilities--making it difficult for the recruiter to promote the job hunter as a viable candidate.
If your leadership resume hasn't had a review from colleagues or a resume professional, it can be worth your time to request a critique or suggestions.
Some recruiters even refer their clients to career coaches or executive resume writers that can elicit a strong brand message on the resume.
Former co-workers or bosses can often see qualities in your background that you're too close to realize, and their recommendations can make the difference in the response you receive from a recruiter.
As a job hunting method, working with recruiters can be very effective, but only if you go in with an awareness of your role, fitness as a candidate, and realistic expectations.
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