Friday Follow Up September 14, 2012

Monday Mission September 10, 2012

Today really feels like fall and underlines the change of season that is coming imminently!  Change can be both exciting and scary - something to look forward to or dread.  How you view it makes all the difference in the world.

If you have been injured at work you may find yourself feeling forced to make a career change.  Typically this is not met with a positive attitude.  You likely loved your job, did it well, and planned to continue performing as long as you could.  It was known and ….Read More

tuesday, SEPTEMBER 11, 2012

Job Search Tip of the Day Ask For Letter of Reference

When you are job searching and preparing for interviews, it can be helpful to secure Letters of Reference from prior employers.  If possible, obtain one from each supervisor.  If not, one can be a coworker, preferably in a higher level position than the one you held.

Preparing a personalized template for each contact will increase your chances of obtaining a helpful Letter of Reference in a timely manner….Read More

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2012

Job Search Tip of The Day Review or Set Goals

Ideally my job tip of the day would be that you review and (if necessary) revise your goals.  However, I know that not everyone has identifiable, attainable, and/or realistic goals.  Certainly, if you have been injured and are facing a return to work after medical recuperation you may not have had the opportunity to think about what you will do.

So, if you haven't set any - let's….Read More

 

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2012

Job Search Tip of the Day: Learn Something New

Chances are good that you miss the water cooler or pre-job chats if you have been off work after an injury.  When we work with other people, whether in a construction job or at an office, we have the opportunity for incidental learning that comes with simple contact with other human beings.

Often these chats revolve around….Read More

New Format Announcement

I have been working hard to get some good content online and posting Monday through Friday at least.  The approach I have been taking it to post "Job Tips" which has really worked out great.  The site has really fleshed out and there is some good, helpful content to help guide you in your job search and career planning efforts.  I hope you agree!

Going forward, I will be using an editorial calendar of sorts and will follow this format:

1. Monday Mission which will be goal oriented, specific guidance for the week.
2. Tuesday Tip will be a tip or trick that you can use to enhance your work on your career goals.
3. Wednesday Wisdom will include inspirational quotes or thoughts to keep your spirits up!
4. Thursday Thought will be an anecdotal story or summary of work with a client that may be helpful to hear.
5. Friday Follow Up will be a round up of the posts for the week and any other tidbits I happen along.

This is not to say I won't post additional information that I might think helpful or interesting!  As always I welcome your feedback, comments and questions!

Take care and I will talk to you soon,  Mary

Job Search Tip of the Day: Learn Something New

Chances are good that you miss the water cooler or pre-job chats if you have been off work after an injury.  When we work with other people, whether in a construction job or at an office, we have the opportunity for incidental learning that comes with simple contact with other human beings.

Often these chats revolve around current affairs or local issues.  At times, the discussion may devolve into pure gossip.  Sometimes you are able to find out about an upcoming event or something you didn't know.  If you are like other people, you keep track of these tidbits to share with friends or family later in the day.

But, if you are out of work and sitting in front of a computer all day and chasing employers down on the phone, you may feel you don't have much of interest to discuss after a while. There is only so many ways to say, "I'm not in too much pain today." or "I sent x number of resumes and had a hard time following up on last week's applications."  It is hard to make it sound interesting, even on a good day!

Making time during the day to learn something new will not only give you something interesting to discuss at the dinner table or at a networking meeting. It will keep you sharp and provide a sense of mastery that you may be missing. In a job search it is hard to see progress until you get an interview or a job offer (unless you use an online tracking system).

Some ideas of things you can do to learn something new and feel like you have something to share with others, at home or in pre-interview small talk, include:

Foreign Language - http://www.LiveMocha.com
Typing - http://www.nimblefingers.com/0_min.htm ORhttp://www.powertyping.com
Computers - http://www.gcflearnfree.org/ComputerBasics 
Microsoft Office Software - http://www.gcflearnfree.org/office  OR http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/training-FX101782702.aspx
Current Affairs - http://www.usatoday.com/ or your local newspaper

Check with your local library or community center or try: http://www.discoverahobby.com/learncalligraphy.htm for a variety of hobbies that can keep your brain working, including:
     Calligraphy
     Painting/Drawing
     Music
     Dance
     Sports

Not convinced?  Here is an article on more benefits of life-long learning.  Enjoy!

Other articles that may be of interest:

Injured Worker Help Desk: What You Can Learn from Labor Market ...

Jan 21, 2012

What You Can Learn from Labor Market Info. By Dawn Rosenberg McKay, About.com Guide January 17, 2012. I recently read that architecture is the worst career to choose these days, thanks to the housing bust. The truth is if ...

http://www.injuredworkerhelpdesk.com/

Injured Worker Help Desk: Monday Mission July 30, 2012

Jul 30, 2012

What do you already know about the company? What information is available on its website? Do you have access to the mission statement or other financial information or goals? Summarize what you know and are able learn ...

http://www.injuredworkerhelpdesk.com/

Guest Post: The 15 Best Certificates for Today's Job Market

Aug 30, 2012

We've picked out 15 of the most helpful certificates to have in today's job market, from health care to IT, and even construction. Read on to learn about some of the very best certificates you can earn for finding a job today.

http://www.injuredworkerhelpdesk.com/

Injured Worker Help Desk: Volunteer to Work

Jul 16, 2012

Learn new skills. You may not be current with the current computer software, techniques, or theories being used in your targeted industry(ies). You may never have had the opportunity to use or practice skills employers are ...

http://www.injuredworkerhelpdesk.com/

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Job Search Tip of The Day Review or Set Goals

Ideally my job tip of the day would be that you review and (if necessary) revise your goals.  However, I know that not everyone has identifiable, attainable, and/or realistic goals.  Certainly, if you have been injured and are facing a return to work after medical recuperation you may not have had the opportunity to think about what you will do.

So, if you haven't set any - let's set some!  If you have, let's review and make sure that your are on the path to achieving them.... Goals are a great way to keep you moving in a positive direction, especially in the face of adversity.

It is fine to start with career goals, but would encourage do so in other areas of your life.  After reading this article, you should be able to communicate your career:

Long term goals (10 + year career or self employment, etc)
Mid term goals (career change that will lead to your long term goals)
Short term goals (steps that will allow you to reach your Mid and Long term goals)

When setting your goals, be as specific as possible.  Write them down and post or save them somewhere that you will see them regularly.  It helps to have someone else read them or if you don't have the courage, read them aloud to make sure your goals are clear. 


How will you know when you reach your goal?  It is vital that you have some sort of number, event, or signal that you have been successful in attaining your goal.  It is also important that these are your goals and not due to someone else's influence or goals for you. 

Are your goals realistic?  This can be a career planner's biggest stumbling block.  Try to take a step back and think objectively.  This is an excellent time to consult someone you trust or an expert whom you can consult.  As an aside, I think of the Chinese man I heard about who spent ten years of his life with the goal of using playing cards cards to slice more fruit and vegetables than anyone else. Who's to judge? 

Once you have your long term goal(s) set, it is important to set the annual,monthly, weekly, daily goals that will help you move toward long term or mid term goal(s).  You will need to be clear on how these lesser goals are relevant to your long term goal to keep yourself moving forward. This especially important if you are "stuck" in a job or program that you dislike, but if endured will reward you by moving you closer to the long term goal. 

Finally, each of your goals should be accompanied by a realistic time frame.  These can be adjusted, but should be used to motivate you to stay on track with your lesser goals.  It is easy to have time slip away on you only to find that YEARS have passed without your working toward your short term goals.

Here is an excellent article I often use to get my clients started with their goal planning.  I think it does a great job breaking things down and giving you a road map on how to set long and shorter term goals. 

These are your goals, you own them! That having been said, I am available via email (or phone or internet meeting if you need) to help you work on these if you need me.

What are your:
Long term goals (10 + year career or self employment, etc)?
Mid term goals (career change that will lead to your long term goals)?
Short term goals (steps that will allow you to reach your Mid and Long term goals)?
I'd love to hear from you!

Other articles that may be of interest:

Injured Worker Help Desk: Job Search Tip of the Day Follow up

Aug 03, 2012

That will surely ruin any chance they might have had to be interviewed and potentially offered a job, they think. Job search is partially a numbers game: The more you do to work toward your goal the better your chances.

http://www.injuredworkerhelpdesk.com/

Injured Worker Help Desk: Injured at work - What now?

Jan 01, 2012

What you can do: Have a goal, complete with time frame, and steps that you can take toward that goal. Make your goal more specific and meaningful than “Get a job.” For example, will you settle for any job right now and then ...

http://www.injuredworkerhelpdesk.com/

Injured Worker Help Desk: 5 Reasons Why Nobody Should Job ...

Jan 05, 2012

When we started this FREE career advice blog a couple years ago, our goal was to create the most effective job search and career development self-help guide available online. Today, we have over 100,000 readers who ...

http://www.injuredworkerhelpdesk.com/

Vacation Vocations... How to live and work in a resort area

May 11, 2012

When planning goals it is most often easiest to start with the long term goal and then back up to identify each step you need to take to reach it, followed by when you could hope to accomplish each step. You may be able to ...

http://www.injuredworkerhelpdesk.com/

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Job Search Tip of the Day Ask For Letter of Reference

When you are job searching and preparing for interviews, it can be helpful to secure Letters of Reference from prior employers.  If possible, obtain one from each supervisor.  If not, one can be a coworker, preferably in a higher level position than the one you held.

Preparing a personalized template for each contact will increase your chances of obtaining a helpful Letter of Reference in a timely manner. Preparing this loose draft will also prepare you for your next interview by reminding you of your dates of employment, skills, and achievements.

Requesting a Letter of Reference from each employer has other benefits as well:

• Enhances your portfolio which may also include, resume, awards, certificates, samples
• Provides you with a reason to contact people you have lost touch with and keeps you connected
• Gives you something positive to focus on during those tough times
• Puts you one step ahead of other candidates who may not have taken this extra step
• Prepares your references in the event they are called to supply a verbal report

Presenting a Letter of Reference or two will go a long way toward impressing your potential employer and will take the mystery out of what they might find if they call your references!  You may also want to read, "How to write a letter of reference."

What do you want your references to say about you?

Job Search for the Rest of Us!: Job Search Tip of the Day: Revisit ...

Aug 08, 2012

Chances are if you are job searching you have given some thought to who you might use as a reference. You should have a list of 10 people and their detailed contact information to meet the requests of various employers.

http://www.jobsearchfortherestofus.com/

Job Search for the Rest of Us!: Monday Mission June 18, 2012

Jun 19, 2012

Letters of Reference. At this point, you should have AT LEAST a draft of your cover letter, references sheet, and letter of reference completed. Ideally, you should be in the process of obtaining one or more letters of reference to ...

http://www.jobsearchfortherestofus.com/

Job Search for the Rest of Us!: Job Search Tip of the Day: Make a list ...

Aug 10, 2012

Still others will be able to serve as a reference. For now, just make the list or access it if already done. Once your list is done add all the contact information you have/know for each person. Review the list and determine how ...

http://www.jobsearchfortherestofus.com/

Job Search for the Rest of Us!: Job Search Tip of the Day: Practice ...

Aug 01, 2012

ILLEGAL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS. In the past month or so, we have reviewed: Interviewing. Cover letters. Letters of Reference. At this point, you should have AT LEAST a draft of your cover letter, references sheet, and letter .

http://www.jobsearchfortherestofus.com/

CHANGE IS GOOD....

Monday Mission September 10, 2012

Today really feels like fall and underlines the change of season that is coming imminently!  Change can be both exciting and scary - something to look forward to or dread.  How you view it makes all the difference in the world.

If you have been injured at work you may find yourself feeling forced to make a career change.  Typically this is not met with a positive attitude.  You likely loved your job, did it well, and planned to continue performing as long as you could.  It was known and comfortable.

When you are forced to make a change, it may be difficult to find the proverbial silver lining. That having been said, there are some positive things that may come from changing careers (forced or otherwise!):

1. This may be the first time you have been able to consider what YOU would LIKE TO DO.  Chances are you got your first job by chance, maybe through a relative or friend.  You may have changed employers or jobs as other opportunities presented themselves.  But in all likelihood you didn't plan your current career path. Now you can take the time to consider an plan a new path - you never know, you may find another job or career that you will like just as well. 
2. Making one change often prompts you to examine other aspects of your life.  What other things have you not really given thought to?  Paid attention to? Ignored? This might be an opportunity to improve other parts of yourself or life as well.
3. Making a change can keep your mind alert.  Often, when you do the same things the same ways, your mind fills in the blanks easily.  Your mind isn't challenged and pushed to perform at its best.  Neither are you! Try to think about different things or the same things differently.  
4. Change can rejuvenate your relationships.  If you have been looking for work for what seems an eternity your relationships may be suffering for it.  Think about those around you - loved ones and close friends.  How can you change your interactions for the better? 
5. Ask yourself how you deal with change.  Is your approach helping or hurting? How can you modify your approach to benefit yourself and those around you?
6. Understanding that you control how you handle change can really help you deal with it.  Try to focus on the things you can control and face the change before you with a positive mindset if you want to make the most of it. 

How do you handle change?

Other articles that may be of interest:

Injured Worker Help Desk: Resume Tips for a Career Change

Feb 01, 2012

Looking for work can be difficult in the best of times…these are not the best of times. Advice about résumé writing abounds and experts offer astoundingly different opinions. How is a job seeker to know which advice to follow?

http://www.injuredworkerhelpdesk.com/

Injured Worker Help Desk: Best Advice on a Career Change

Feb 11, 2012

Changing careers means leaving behind a piece of your identity – your “I'm a lawyer” response to the “what-do-you-do?” question. It might mean admitting to yourself that you made a mistake with an initial career choice.

http://www.injuredworkerhelpdesk.com/

Injured Worker Help Desk: Drastic Career Change at 50 Years Old

Jan 21, 2012

Working to get People Working....Information and Resources for those injured at work as well as those needing to make a career change. ... Drastic Career Change at 50 Years Old… Should I Bother? - http://pulse.me/s/5cUjz. Posted by Mary ...

http://www.injuredworkerhelpdesk.com/

Injured Worker Help Desk: 6 Simple Intentions Can Change

Jan 05, 2012

Mary Sevinsky did an absolutely wonderful job making my resume professional and more comprehensible. I am now proud to give my resume to employers! Due to the fantastic job she did, I have a new job that I am excited to ...

http://www.injuredworkerhelpdesk.com/

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