Thursday, November 21, 2013

Winning Resume – Thumbtack Spotlight

Winning Resume - Thumbtack.com

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Something is lacking, [though] they may not know what! Always, they are very surprised at what I come up with for them!
Read More:  Winning Resume – Thumbtack Spotlight

Or,  request help with your LinkedIn, Resume or Cover letter

Share a comment, thought or question or just email me your resume for a free and confidential review.

Take care and make it a great day!

Monday, July 29, 2013

JOB SEARCH FOR THE INJURED: An interactive toolkit to help injured workers RETURN TO WORK


Job Search for the Injured
Interactive guide for career changers

The bulk of the online and print resources for job seekers seem to be geared more toward executives, upper level management, sales and/or college graduates.  This book is for those who need to make a career change due to work injury, disability, unexpected job loss and who don’t necessarily fit into one of the above categories….Job search for the rest of us!

Mary Sherwood Sevinsky, MS, CDMS, CCM
7/29/2013



INTRODUCTION                                                                            

Looking for a new job is a stressful proposition under the best of circumstances.  When you have experienced a life altering event, such as a work related injury, job search can be especially challenging.  You are already experiencing a major event coupled with the fact that there is little information and fewer practical resources…. Until Now!

This book will provide you with the information and resources that you need to get back to work after a work related injury, motor vehicle accident, or sudden disability of any sort. It combines information, worksheets for your use, and resources that you can use to get your life back.

Inside, you will find sections including:
      Coping with job loss
      Self-assessment
      Job searching after a physical change
How to complete an application
Resume development
      Cover letter development
      How to interview
      Networking
      The hidden job market
      The importance of follow up
      Thank you letters
      Salary negotiation

Links to additional resources and updated information are provided as well as free access to www.injuredworkerhelpdesk.com.

REVIEWS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
This book is a great tool for those who face the challenge of returning to the workforce, particularly after a life-changing injury. Career change can be a stressful time for anyone but for those who face the daunting task of overcoming physical barriers, the process can become overwhelming. This book provides assurance to those going through a similar situation and delivers a framework for the overall job search process. The author is very experienced and knowledgeable in this area and provides a simple guide for those who need a lot of instruction and guidance but also for those who are seeking some general advice. I would recommend this tool for anyone who faces the challenge of today's labor market and especially for those who will be overcoming new physical challenges.
Julie O, Vocational Counselor specializing in returning Injured Workers to Work for 15 years

How to use this guide:  You may know some of what you need to be successful in your job search, but missing even a small element can negatively impact your ability to locate a job.  You are encouraged to read and discuss all of the sections to ensure that you have all of the information you need to mount a serious job search campaign.

The book is divided into four sections that can easily be completed in four days or four weeks, depending on the needs of the reader.

Areas are provided for you to jot notes, thoughts and questions (see Note/Thoughts below).  Similarly, Questions with lines for writing answers are also provided throughout. Worksheets and handouts are listed at the end of this book under Downloads and Links on-line. Please use this guide to work with your vocational expert or mentor.  If you don’t have a vocational or career expert or mentor – consider getting one!

TO RESERVE A COPY:  email me:  lifeworks@mail.com 

      

Friday, July 12, 2013

Use LinkedIn to Network for a New Job

Job Search for the Rest of Us!: Use LinkedIn to Network for a New Joblients often ask "How do I use LinkedIn to find a job?"  Typically they have spent time on their profile, but can barely remember their log in (if at all) and/or password.  In shorts, they "Set it and forget it." The next question they ask why they are  not getting any "hits."

I ask these quick questions to get them started in the right direction:

1. What are you trying to accomplish on LinkedIn? Enhancing your professional knowledge and/or creds? Networking to see what might be out there/meet new people?  Finding a job? Selling a service (whether you are employed or self employed).  Other?  Only you  can decide!

2. Closely related to number one: Identify your target audience - who are you trying to connect with? Employers? Colleagues? Customers?

Once you have answered thee questions, follow a few simple tips:

1. Develop a plan for connecting with those you have identified as  Read More

THANK YOU!


Wednesday, July 3, 2013

In Today's Job Market EVERYONE Needs a Resume

Everyone should have a current résumé ... In today's job market you just don't know what change may come your way - good or "bad."  Here are some sample résumés to get you started.  Let me know if I can help!  

Friday, April 12, 2013

Job Search for the Rest of Us!: #FF #Follow Up #Friday April 12, 2013

Here are some great career related articles shared by some of my esteemed colleagues this past week...


12:42 PM  -  Public
Why are Career Professionals STILL making these FOOLISH Mistakes in Today's Job market? http://thecareerengineers.wordpress.com/2013/04/11/tces-top-10-ways-to-not-get-hired-and-stay-broke/
A bona-fide TCE Career Pull-up Post: I've just created a new TCE math formula for winning a great career opportunity! Here it is -- getting hired is 80% (Engagement/Hu

12:37 PM  -  
HootSuite
  -  Public
3 Steps To Landing Your Public Relations Dream Job http://ow.ly/2w8bDq
Public relations is a growing industry that can offer a rewarding career--how can you tap into it? Here are three steps to land the PR job of your dreams.

Monday, April 8, 2013

Job Search for the Rest of Us!: BE PERSISTENT IN YOUR JOB SEARCH FOLLOW UP


Many job seekers fear follow up.  Others just get stymied by the methods some employers use to block applicants from wreaking havoc on their workdays.  The hiring process is difficult for employers too!  They are running a business and performing their own duties.  In addition, now they are reviewing hundreds of resumes and fielding just as many calls.
If an employer says no phone calls, though, that may just mean he or she doesn't prefer phone contact. Certainly it
http://www.morguefile.com/creative/Dzz
means they do not want every applicant to call and follow up on their resume submission.  As an applicant, you may need to get creative to ensure your application has reached the right person and to glean the information you need to secure an interview!
No phone calls does NOT mean no emails, faxes, or mail.  A postcard to a bus manager means they don't even have to open an envelope to read your message.  If an ad does not say no phone calls, you may still have difficulty determining who the hiring manager is, when interviews will begin, and how best to impress the employer. 

A receptionist or automated phone system may be "employed" (pardon the pun!) to keep you and your follow up efforts at bay.
To overcome... Read More:  Job Search for the Rest of Us!: BE PERSISTENT IN YOUR JOB SEARCH FOLLOW UP

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Job Search for the Rest of Us!: HOW TO JOB SEARCH WITH LINKEDIN

TUESDAY TIP

Before you begin job searching on LinkedIn, be sure your PROFILE is as complete as possible and that it clearly communicates your skills, brand and credentials.  Do as much as you can on your own, then ask colleagues or trusted business associates to review for their input.  Next, seriously consider hiring a career expert who can very often bring your PROFILE to an entirely higher level.  Most clients indicate it is well worth the time and limited cost it takes to polish up your online presence in this pivotal site. 

Once you are satisfied that your PROFILE you ... READ MORE Job Search for the Rest of Us!: HOW TO JOB SEARCH WITH LINKEDIN: TUESDAY TIP Before you begin job searching on LinkedIn, be sure your PROFILE is as complete as possible and that it clearly communicate...

Monday, March 18, 2013

Job Search for the Rest of Us!: Monday Mission

Job Search for the Rest of Us!: Monday Mission : How to job search: putting the pieces together. Job searching is a lot like putting an ea...Continue reading:  Job Search for the Rest of Us!: Monday Mission

Monday, March 11, 2013

Job Search for the Rest of Us!: JOB SEARCH LIKE MATT KENSETH

 MONDAY MISSION

http://www.morguefile.com/creative/southernfried 
A few years ago I started watching Nascar.  Just casually really.  My brother loves it and my husbands enjoys it when we remember there is a race and turn it on.  I have to confess, the accidents are very exciting! I was very happy to see Matt Kenseth won yesterday's race - and on is birthday!

But I digress...Matt Kenseth.  I began rooting for him after I saw him in a race a while back.  His car was completely smashed and inoperable.  He had his crew pit get right to work on it even though it didn't seem likely he would be able to resume this race. 

Monday, March 4, 2013

Job Search for the Rest of Us!: HOW TO JOB SEARCH



MONDAY, MARCH 4, 2013


HOW TO JOB SEARCH

MONDAY MISSION
A Simple Job Search Schedule

http://www.morguefile.com/creative/shebaduhkitty
Sunday:  Review and apply to job listings online and/or in classifieds (If your local paper comes out on a different day, start this schedule from that day and change the below days accordingly…).  

Monday:  Call those ads that request a call and obtain directions/additional information for ads asking to apply in person.

Tuesday: Apply in person, return calls of employers who called  Read more:  Job Search for the Rest of Us!: HOW TO JOB SEARCH:


Tuesday, February 19, 2013

WHAT IS THORACIC OUTLET SYNDROME


According to the Mayo Clinic, "Thoracic outlet syndrome is a group of disorders that occur when the blood vessels or nerves in the thoracic outlet — the space between your collarbone and your first rib — become compressed. This can cause pain in your shoulders and neck and numbness in your fingers."
Sometimes an injured worker will develop this after an injury or trauma to the neck and shoulder area.  There can even be a long delay between the trauma and onset of symptoms.  Motor Vehicle Accidents and repetitive use are also potential causes for this syndrome. 
Physical therapy and treating the pain can often resolve the issue.  Your physical therapist will work with you to improve over all posture as this may help lessen numbness and pain in your arm and/or fingers. Nerve gliding is a necessary exercise that can be painful to perform, but benefits you in the long run as it loosens the nerve and may eventually relieve the compression. 
If physical therapy does not relieve the symptoms surgery may be recommended.  However, the surgery is considered risky and should be carefully discussed and considered. 
If you have been diagnosed with this syndrome or plan to seek care because you think you may have it, be prepared by having a list of questions to ask your doctor.  The Mayo Clinic provides a comprehensive list.  Not all will apply to you, but refer to it and decide which are important for you to discuss with your doctor. 
There are actually several types of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, depending upon involvement of nerves, veins and arteries, or and undetermined involvement.  For this reason it can be difficult to diagnose and several tests may be necessary to determine what is causing your symptoms.  
After a physical examination, your doctor may send you to one or more specialists. You may have to undergo tests including vascular scans, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), MRA (MRI with contrast), ENG (nerve conduction velocity). 
Your doctor or the specialist may do some physical tests which require you to move in specific ways meant to reproduce the pain symptoms. While painful, this can give the doctor more information on what may be causing your symptoms and aid in developing a treatment plan for you. 
If you have Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, you will need to do a few things to keep the symptoms at bay, even after physical therapy.  It is important to:
  1. Maintain good posture to reduce the compression on nerves, veins and arteries
  2. Take regular breaks when working
  3. Practice relaxation techniques to keep your muscles from impinging the outlet
This Syndrome can be painful and frustrating, both to live with and to diagnose and treat.  If you are having symptoms don't delay talking to your doctor about them and be persistent.  If you need to, consider changing doctors or getting a second opinion. 
Be your own medical advocate, educate yourself, and ask plenty of questions! 

Monday, February 18, 2013

Job Search for the Rest of Us!: LOOK TO THE PAST

MONDAY MISSION

http://www.morguefile.com/creative/richard_b
A career plan or goal is necessary if you want to move forward.  If you have not already done so, you can look at your labor market for ideas about career direction. 

Or, you can look at your previous jobs or employers. How you have felt (or in some cases still feel) can provide clues to the type of tasks, environment, supervisor, or position you might do well in.
Consider each and ask yourself some basic questions:

  1. Which job(s) did you like best and what specifically did you like most about each?
  2. How did you “land” your jobs in the – think about how you found them, interviewed and what got you the job offer.
 Read more:  http://www.jobsearchfortherestofus.com/2013/02/look-to-past.html 

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Job Search for the Rest of Us!: DON'T BE GOOD

THURSDAY THOUGHT ...BE BETTER; BETTER YET - BE THE BEST! I love this quote by Abraham Lincoln.  Mainly, I think because it speaks to th...Read more:  Job Search for the Rest of Us!: DON'T BE GOOD

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

MONDAY MISSION February 11, 2013

 Often, unemployed job seekers set a long term goal of to "get a job." If you are employed and looking for work you may think your goal is to "find another job" or to "get a better job." A more definitive goal with clear cut time frames will ensure you know when you reach your goal.   Read More:  Job Search for the Rest of Us!: VISUALIZE YOUR IDEAL WORK DAY

Thursday, February 7, 2013

HOW TO PREPARE FOR COURT

http://www.morguefile.com/creative/potbelly11
If you have been injured at work, chances are good that you will need to attend a hearing or present in court as a part of your case. This prospect can be very nerve-racking and you may feel a bit nervous or overwhelmed at the thought - that is okay!

There are a few things you can do to make things go a bit more smoothly:


  1. Dress appropriately.You may not have a closet full of suits or dresses. Think about what you would where to church or a funeral.  Consider borrowing appropriate clothes or visiting a thrift store if you can't afford to buy something new. 
  2. Bring a pad an pen.  You may have to wait at times and jotting notes or writing messages to your support person may help pass the time and calm your nerves.
  3. Ask your representative what paperwork you need to bring and make sure you have this ready to go the day before. 
  4. Leave your cell phone and other electronic devices in the car.  Many hearing venues will not allow you to bring any electronics into the building - just leave them in the car!
  5. Leave your sunglasses in the car, but bring your reading glasses.  The last court hearing I attended banned sunglasses on top of the head and even asked you to remove eyeglasses stored there.  You may need to read, so if you wear reading glasses bring them.
  6. Food and drink are also not usually allowed.  It is tempting to bring a water bottle and you may feel like you need one, but it is often not allowed.  There usually are water fountains and restrooms - locate these upon arrival!
  7. Arrive early.  You may know exactly where you are going and think you allowed plenty of time, but you don't know what you will find INSIDE the building.  Often everyone is given the same hearing time and a line is formed to check people in. Allow more than enough time so you don't get frazzled.
  8. For other tips on how to prepare for court:  http://injurylawyerfinder.com/ten-tips-testifying.htm 
What will you do to prepare for court?  Comment below or email me

Other articles that may be of interest:


Nov 09, 2012
They can sometimes be tilted to trick the observer into believing what they'd like to believe. However, in the past few weeks, I've been hearing from staffing agencies, HR Technology vendors and analysts alike that hiring is up.
1

Job Search for the Rest of Us!: KNOW WHAT YOU WANT

THURSDAY THOUGHT  If you are looking for work unexpectedly, it may be the first time you have actually had the opportunity to consider what you would like to do and what employer you would like to work for.  Take a few minutes and do this! Read more:  Job Search for the Rest of Us!: KNOW WHAT YOU WANT

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Job Search for the Rest of Us!: ASSESS YOUR GOAL

TUESDAY TIP

Job Search for the Rest of Us!: ASSESS YOUR GOAL: Are your goals realistic?  This can be a career planner's biggest stumbling block.   Try to take a step back and think objectively.   This ...Read More

Monday, February 4, 2013

Job Search for the Rest of Us!: REVIEW OR SET YOUR GOALS

 MONDAY MISSION


 http://www.morguefile.com/creative/vicky53 MONDAY MISSION
If you read my series on interviewing you may already be thinking about the questions that employers may ask you. One question is almost universally posed, albeit in different forms Read More: Job Search for the Rest of Us!: REVIEW OR SET YOUR GOALS

Friday, February 1, 2013

Job Search for the Rest of Us!: #FF #FRIDAY #FOLLOW UP

Job Search for the Rest of Us!: #FF #FRIDAY #FOLLOW UP: Here are some great posts I shared by great career experts – enjoy! Interview: Here and now »  # THURSDAY   # THOUGHT  Whether you are...

Monday, January 28, 2013

Job Search for the Rest of Us!: INTERVIEW SERIES IV

MONDAY MISSION



 LIAR, LIAR PANTS ON FIRE – NEVER LIE IN AN INTERVIEW!
http://www.morguefile.com/creative/xenia
It is imperative that you are always honest in an interview setting. Not only can even small fibs trip you up during the interview or in subsequent interviews, but it may be grounds for termination after hire. If your past is not perfect you may be tempted to shade the truth to enhance your chances of getting a job. This never works.
Make sure that your career and potential employer choices are realistic considering any blemishes in your background. If your choices are realistic, but blemishes in your background might prove challenging then develop answers to address those areas in a way that seems positive. Honesty in general is important to many employers, regardless of the industry or your circumstances.
  1.  Have you ever lied? This very open ended question Read More:

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Job Search for the Rest of Us!: SHUT UP AND LISTEN TO GET YOUR NEXT JOB

http://www.morguefile.com/creative/Alvimann
If there was only one tip I would give an interviewee hoping to get an offer for a JOB it would be:

LISTEN.

Many people today do not know how to listen.  Instead, we are caught up in appearances, what WE want to say, thinking about what is coming NEXT. So how do you listen?  REALLY LISTEN?
  1. Be quiet and allow time after the question before you answer
  2. Concentrate on what the interviewer is asking you
  3. Think about what the interviewer is really asking you (subtext)
  4. Think again about how you want to answer
  5. Don't be afraid to ask for clarification
  6. Practice active listening at home, on the job, and with friends
  7. Learn more about Active Listening from one of my favorite Sources MindTools or a new site Study Guides and Strategies
  8. What tips or tricks do you have for active listening? 
Read more:Job Search for the Rest of Us!: SHUT UP AND LISTEN TO GET YOUR NEXT JOB

Monday, January 21, 2013

Job Search for the Rest of Us!: INTERVIEW SERIES PART III

MONDAY MISSION

 IRRELEVANT, IRREVERENT, OR ILLEGAL

So many candidates forget to pay attention to their hallway behavior, or the behavior pre- and post-interview from the parking lot in and back out onto the street. You should be aware of not only your presentation and behavior, but what you communicate as well.
http://www.morguefile.com/creative/nancybechtol
Employers may feel strongly about issues that are not necessarily legal or even relevant to ask in an interview. You may be caught off guard if you don’t think in advance about how to handle this type of query. Arrive with an agenda (the skills and abilities that match what the employer is looking for) and communicate that agenda at every possible opportunity.
Read more: Job Search for the Rest of Us!: INTERVIEW SERIES PART III

Friday, January 18, 2013

Job Search for the Rest of Us!: #FF #FRIDAY #FOLLOW UP

The Works Top #Job stories via @FlynnMJ1 @Webcasteye@StevenWal @careerealism The Works http://ow.ly/gTqov 
#JobSearch for the Rest of Us #Thursday Thought: Prepare for an#interview the day before - Use these #Tips!… http://goo.gl/Ibqcx 

 CV REJECTED BECAUSE OF FONTS? Your choice of font (or typeface) on a CV or Resume is as important as how you choose…http://goo.gl/VnkeA 

10 Professional Resolutions For.... Read more: Job Search for the Rest of Us!: #FF #FRIDAY #FOLLOW UP

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