Saturday, December 24, 2011

11 Things You Should Never Put on Your Resume

Yahoo! Finance - Financially Fit: "Somewhere between 95 to 99% of resumes have stuff that shouldn't be on there," Eli Amdur, senior coach and adviser from the Amdur Coaching and Advisory Group, told us. "The general rule is if you put anything on there that distracts the reader from your real accomplishments, then don't do it. Resumes need to be concise and clear."
We've compiled some tips from career experts to make sure your resume steers clear of the trash pile.

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Who's Hiring? Not Who You'd Expect - WSJ.com

Who's Hiring? Not Who You'd Expect - WSJ.com: "But a closer look at hiring provides a more nuanced picture. Some industries have significantly boosted employment over the past year while others continue to shed workers. To be sure, even those adding jobs are hiring far fewer than would be needed to put America's 14.1 million unemployed back to work."

Saturday, July 2, 2011

North Dakota, Spurred by Energy and Ag Boom, Has 3.2 Percent Unemployment - Yahoo! Finance

North Dakota, Spurred by Energy and Ag Boom, Has 3.2 Percent Unemployment - Yahoo! Finance: "For at a time of stagnant wages and a high unemployment rate, this vast, lightly populated Peace Garden State is one of the few places in America where jobs are plentiful.
In May nonfarm payroll employment was up 4.3 percent from the year before, and the unassuming state sported a gaudy 3.2 percent unemployment rate. In several counties, the rate is below one percent. The state jobs office has 15,205 listings, up 64 percent from May 2010. North Dakota, which is one of the smallest states by population (about 670,000) and one of the largest geographically, has .7 unemployed persons for every job opening. In the U.S., the labor force participation rate is an anemic 64.2 percent. In North Dakota, it stands at 74 percent."

Friday, July 1, 2011

Need An Income? Is Telecommuting Right For You?

Many of us now live at least partially in a virtual/digital world; much of business is now conducted in and through the electronic superhighway. Where you live is often less important than what you can do; if you can do it on your computer, over the internet, or sometimes even through the various mail and shipping services. In order to profit from this change, you must have imagination, skill, the ability to “think outside of the box” and a sometimes a bit of entrepreneurship. These characteristics may even be more important than technological savvy, which can be learned or even provided by someone else.




Use the search engine below to type in a type of job, work, or skill you have to offer; but the limit is not there for if it’s a great idea, you have the requisite skills and motivation, and if there is a market, you can make it happen.

Just type in the type of work you can and are looking to do.
For example: English Korean Translation, Billing, Collections, or Transcriptions

Romney to Obama: Quit golf course, work for jobs | Reuters

Romney to Obama: Quit golf course, work for jobs Reuters: "'Obamanomics is not working,' Romney said, standing in a weed-strewn back entrance to the shuttered American Metal Works plant Obama had visited in 2009 as a potential symbol of economic renewal. It closed early this year.
Taking aim at an issue that could be Obama's key vulnerability in the 2012 election, Romney also launched a 40-second Web video blaming the Democratic president's economic policies for 100,000 job losses in Pennsylvania."

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Degrees That Employers Want - Yahoo! Education

Degrees That Employers Want - Yahoo! Education: "Come graduation time, the English major, history buff, computer whiz, and business student all look alike in their caps and gowns.
Their job prospects, on the other hand, look very different."

Saturday, April 2, 2011

resume-rules-fact-fiction: Personal Finance News from Yahoo! Finance

resume-rules-fact-fiction: Personal Finance News from Yahoo! Finance: "For better or worse, the job market has certainly changed during the past few years. As such, the practice of looking for a job has evolved as well -- so much, it seems, that what was once considered a best practice can now in fact cost you an interview. What tried and true résumé rules have become obsolete post-recession? MainStreet talked to some experts find out what exactly has changed."

Saturday, January 22, 2011

Need some extra cash?

Recently I was speaking with a co-worker whose youngest son is attending college. Last fall he needed some extra cash and dutifully looked for work; but like many at this time in our history, he was unsuccessful. Finally after some disappointment and frustration he decided to put out fliers to do yard work. Before long he and a friend were as busy as they wanted to be and making quite a bit more money than they would have in a job.


Remember, if you are out of work, perhaps what you REALLY need is not a job; but money and the things money can buy.

Many years ago I taught an intense six week seminar on finding a job, making money, and turning your life around. It was called the New Opportunities Workshop and averaged about 18 hours a week for six weeks. The workshop was developed initially for single adults with disabilities; but eventually included many single parents, all receiving financial assistance of some kind or another.

About half way through the workshop we would do an activity where everyone would brainstorm in small groups about ways they could bring in some extra cash. Just $50.00 in the next two weeks. There were no constraints and when the groups reconvened to share their ideas, they had thought of plenty of ways to make the money…invariably including some which were illegal. Brainstorming is supposed to be lighthearted and fun, opening the mind to possibilities, so that was OK.

After the brainstorming we issued a challenge and told everyone that if they could somehow make just an extra $50.00 (or more) in the next two weeks, without it being from a relative by doing something legal and ethical, we would match the $50.00 (if they made more we only matched the $50.00). Almost everyone found a way to bring in the extra $50.00. Some even created and grew small businesses out of the effort.

Through the course of the workshop, about 1/3 found employment, started a small business, or just found ways to bring in the money. About 1/3 ended up receiving some kind of disability assistance and about 1/3 moved, got married, or we just lost track of them. Of those who found ways to make money, many had never worked before. The activity opened their eyes and their minds to the possibilities and power of making money.

You can do the same thing. Get together with a small group of friends, or perhaps even just one other friend…or make comments below. Start brainstorming on things you could do to just bring in an extra $50.00. You don’t need to make it a big amount to start with, start at just $50.00. Then go do it. Give it some time to work. If it doesn’t work at all over the next couple weeks, try something else. Even in this rough economy, there are still things people want or want done, there is still some money out there to pay someone to do, make, or find and sell it, and perhaps you are the person who can fill than need…and make the money.

One more thing…sometimes you can even fill a need the other person doesn’t even know they have right now.

Thursday, January 13, 2011

SEVEN ESSENTIAL ACTIVITIES IN TIMES OF EXTENDED UNEMPLOYMENT

1. Continue to look for work. Devote at least some time every work day to finding employment.


2. Improve your job and interpersonal skills. This can be done through classes, reading, and/or additional experience (including volunteer work).

3. Volunteer. Spend some time every week volunteering someplace. This keeps you busy, helps you network and make additional contacts, and in many situations helps improve your employability by building additional skills.  Volunteering also helps you to stay in the habit of going to work and sends a powerful message to your future employer, that you can get up, go to work, and get along.

4. Improve your resume, job finding, and interview skills. There are many free ways to do this, from articles you can read, to free classes, to getting with friends (preferably who have been in a position to interview people for employment) to practice interviews.  Network and find out who knows about job openings.

5. Find something you can do on a part time basis to bring in even a little extra money. This helps to keep your mind sharp and creative and helps you to learn to think outside of the box. It also helps to have a little extra cash. Brainstorm with some friends about all the different legal ways you could bring in some extra money. Thousands of people have supplemented their income this way and many large businesses were started this way.

6. Do things to reduce your stress.

7. Become politically involved to help improve the economic climate without becoming obsessed.

Friday, January 7, 2011

Job Search? 4 Tips to Get a Great Job in a Big Hurry - CBS MoneyWatch.com

Job Search? 4 Tips to Get a Great Job in a Big Hurry - CBS MoneyWatch.com: "Frustrated by the miserable job picture? The good news is that even though things are bad, they’re picking up. The government recently reported that unemployment claims dropped below 400,000 for the first time since 2008"

Five job-search habits that are keepers

Five job-search habits that are keepers: "Habits can be a double-edged sword, some are great and others can be your worst enemy, keeping you from achieving your career dreams. This is a good time to look at your habits and jettison those that do not add depth to your career growth and enhance your job search.
When you think of a job search, think in terms of many pieces that are combined with a personalized touch to form your introduction. These include: Chemistry, work experience, and a communication style that makes you unique. While everyone has a unique job-search experience, there are core habits that create a solid foundation that every successful job seeker has in common."

Five job-search habits that are keepers

Five job-search habits that are keepers: "Habits can be a double-edged sword, some are great and others can be your worst enemy, keeping you from achieving your career dreams. This is a good time to look at your habits and jettison those that do not add depth to your career growth and enhance your job search.
When you think of a job search, think in terms of many pieces that are combined with a personalized touch to form your introduction. These include: Chemistry, work experience, and a communication style that makes you unique. While everyone has a unique job-search experience, there are core habits that create a solid foundation that every successful job seeker has in common."