Career employment blog

Monday, April 30, 2007

Your Greatest Tool- Career Services

Career services are often overlooked by students, but they actually offer some of the most important services at your university, and generally, the service is absolutely free. Why do they get so little attention? Some students don't know about them while others believe that they can only help if you haven't chosen a major. In fact, they can be your greatest tool for success.

Career Choice Assistance

First, let's talk about the most well-known role of career services. They help people who don't know what they want to do figure it out. They offer self-assessments and interest batteries in order to help confused students choose a career. Career services can also help set up shadowing opportunities so that students can see whether they would really enjoy a specific career or whether they should keep looking.

Learning Assessments

Career services is also the department that generally takes over study skills and learning assessments. They are available to help you determine how you learn and strategically create study plans and help you develop study skills based on the results.

Job Fairs

Career services also host school wide job fairs. Employers from all over the area, and maybe even all over the country, show up at these job fairs to recruit the best and brightest students. They also conduct interviews on the spot many times, so if you head to one of these career fairs make sure that you look your best and that you're prepared to interview if asked.

Interview Training

One of the more interesting jobs that career services takes on is that they host interview training. They will actually walk students through practice interviews and train them in proper etiquette and style. If you know exactly which company you will be interviewing with, they may even make sure the information fits the possible job opportunity.

Workshops

Career services usually offers free workshops and seminars on a variety of topics. Whether they talk about writing a cover letter or creating an effective resume, these workshops are certainly worth your time. The career counselors have worked in the field long enough to know exactly what you need to do to be successful.

Take Advantage of Career Services

Career services is certainly the most overlooked resource at most schools. Be sure to take advantage of them at your school. They are more than willing to help; the service is free; and you can get great advice and direction by just walking in the door. So head there today, and maximize the career services department at your school.

Labels: , , ,

Saturday, April 28, 2007

Career Joy - Step Three in Aligning Body, Mind, and Work

Our doubts are traitors and make us lose the good we oft might win by fearing to attempt.
- William Shakespeare

Step Three to Achieving Career Joy - Take Inventory

Now that you have spent some time living with the idea that you deserve more out of your job and your career and you committed to giving yourself some time each week to go back to the things you love, you are ready for the next step. Step number three is to take inventory.

Sometimes just the idea of making a change is scary and when you feel overwhelmed it is easy to forget all of the little pieces that could actually make this possible. Fear creates doubt and it clouds your vision so much that you can't see what you have done and even more importantly what you are capable of. Completing an inventory will help you get clear on the state of your life right now and what you need to do to get it where you want to be.

So, I suggest creating an inventory of the 7 key areas of your life: physical, mental, spiritual, social, financial, career, and family/relationships.

The following are some questions to help guide you:

1. On a scale of 1-10 how happy are you with this aspect of your life?

2. What are some recent successes you have had in this area of your life?

3. What have you struggled with in this area of your life?

4. If you could wave a realistic magic wand, how would you like this area of your life to be? How would you want it to feel? To Look?

5. What do you think has gotten in the way or is getting in the way of you getting everything you want in this area of your life?

6. Do you have any sort of plan to get you what you want?

7. How would you feel if you had this aspect of your life exactly how you wanted it?

8. How will you feel if you are in the same position with it 3 months from now? 6 months? a year?

9. What is it worth to you to get everything you want?

10. What support systems are in place to help you get there? If you can't identify one, what could you do to find one?

That should be a start and if you really pay attention, it will take you quite a while to complete your inventory. But, you will be amazed at how much you will learn about yourself if you take the time to do it and how much closer you will feel toward achieving your joy by the time you are finished. Stay tuned next week for step four.

Labels: , , ,

Thursday, April 26, 2007

Has Hiring Really "eVolved"

Video Killed the Radio Star – Computers and Technology Killed HR

MTV hit the airwaves and changed everything. The same goes for the World Wide Web. However, the ripple effect of technology and mass communication can sometimes build to the magnitude of a tsunami. Computers, software, e-mail, and the Internet, are tools that are allow us to work significantly faster. But are these electronic resources ("e" tools), keystrokes, and clicks helping us work smarter as well?

e-ffect on Hiring

With the advent of on-line job boards, kiosks and automated job applications, and the saturation of personal computers, the HR recruiter's role looks much differently today than it did ten years ago. In the late 90's, these e-resources were out there, but primarily used for professional, management, and administrative positions, and certainly not in the numbers they are today. Back then, resumes were primarily received in the mail, printed on quality paper, the same way it had be done for decades. For entry-level positions, a job seeker didn't sit at a computer to apply for work. They actually visited the company of interest and applied on-site instead of on-line. So last century!

e-Recruiting

Most companies, regardless of size, "post" their positions on line. Today, even entry-level openings are listed on Internet job boards such as Monster, CareerBuilder, HotJobs, and hoards of local sites. It's cheaper than print advertising, has a broader reach, is easier to design and edit, and has a much longer shelf life. The e-listing provides all the essential details of a help wanted ad: a job description, qualification requirements, and directions on how to apply. Most often, applications are accepted using an e-process (attach a resume or complete an on-line form). The recruiter collects files that would have equated to stacks and piles in the paper resume days, and very easily reviews, decides, and stores applicant data in lightning speed time.

e-applying

On-line searching and applying is a breeze for the job seeker as well. With very little up front effort, anyone can post a resume on-line (templates are available for those that don't have a resume), do a keyword search to narrow down the opportunities, skim through the job description for relevant information, and simply click "apply now" to send a previously created/saved resume and cover letter. Gone are the days of picking up the five pound Sunday paper, reading every ad in the help wanted section, circling prospective opportunities in red, printing a copy of a resume, and addressing an envelope and sending it on its way. Applying for just a handful of jobs could take hours. Realistically, the majority of today's application on-line submittals take less than one minute each. What an efficient process for both parties. Quick, easy, cheap. Effective?

e-fficient (aka Lazy)

Companies that post positions on job boards get flooded with candidates in the form of emailed resume attachments or on-line application data (or both). Within seconds, the experienced recruiter can scan a few lines (usually the summary of skills and most recent position), and move from one applicant to the next until they find what they're looking for. They barely read, rarely print, and hardly ever reference them again after we've moved on at the initial submittal phase. After hiring for one position, and recruiting for a similar, they simply start the collection process again verses reviewing old files.

Applicants that apply on-line hunt and click in great volume, with great ease. Like the quick scanning recruiter, they too barely read what's on their screen. A few of the details matching their interest are enough to send a resume with one click to see what happens. They click until something sticks. If you ask your average job seeker what companies they've applied to, and what the position titles were, very few would have recollection of those details. There's no need. If a recruiter contacts them, they simply check the posting site's database of "applications sent", and are able to pull up all the information. Genius!

Going Back to Effective, Not e-ffective

The bottom line is that technology and job boards have made the lives of the employer and potential employee easier, and certainly will not be going away any time soon. Competitive powerhouses like Monster, HotJobs and CareerBuilder are constantly refining their systems and features to be slicker than ever. However, what is gained in timesavings and pain staking processes, for the recruiter and the applicant, is lost in personal first impressions.

I predict that your savvy recruiter, myself being one of them, will soon stop playing the Oz-behind-the-curtain role, and will go back to grass roots recruiting. Old fashion methods of actually seeing the person face-to-face, shaking a hand, reviewing a printed copy of a resume, and having a conversation are too effective to become obsolete.

Employers will open their doors for that type of interaction with open houses, job fairs and walk-in schedules. And those job seekers that take the time to suit up and show up will get more attention than those that one-clicked on-line. Certainly it takes more time, more effort and more resources, but ultimately the net results will be quicker hiring processes and better selections based on people qualities, not data. Job seekers will be able to showcase their interpersonal qualities, which are the true strategic advantage of being the right fit.

Labels: , , , , , ,

Tuesday, April 24, 2007

What Types of Nursing Jobs Are Out There?

The field of nursing has expanded over the past several years. There are now many options and career paths that you can choose with nursing degrees. Here are some of the most popular nursing jobs that are being pursued.

Critical Care Nurse. A critical care nurse works with the sickest of the sick patients in the hospital. This type of nurse is stationed in ICUs (intensive care units) or CCUs (Critical care units) and provides care for patients who are undergoing serious, life-threatening illnesses.

Anesthesia nurse. An anesthesia nurse assists in operating rooms to provide anesthesia to patients who must undergo surgical procedures.

Oncology Nurse. An oncology nurse takes care of patients who have cancer.

Cardiology Nurse. A cardiology nurse assists in providing assessment and care to patients with heart problems.

Gastroenterology (GI) Nurse. A GI Nurse helps to care for patients with stomach problems during diagnostic procedures and treatment.

Psychiatric Nurse. This type of nurse helps to provide care for patients who have mental illnesses.

Pediatric Nurse. A pediatric nurse specializes in the care of children.

Geriatric Nurse. A geriatric nurse specializes in the care of elderly persons.

Operation room nurse. This type of nurse assists in surgical procedures.

Emergency room nurse. This type of nurse works in the ER and helps in emergency and life threatening illnesses and injury situations.

Traveling Nurse. This type of nurse travels to various health care settings. Travel nurses are among the highest paid and in high demand of the various nursing jobs.

These are some of the most popular and traditional fields available in nursing, but there are still many more. Most of these positions, in addition to a nursing degree, require additional specialized training.

Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Thursday, April 19, 2007

Getting Paid To Do Surveys – You Can Start Getting Paid To Do Surveys TODAY!

Are you ready to begin Getting Paid To Do Surveys? Well, this is a great place to start, because there are dozens of companies waiting to help you begin Getting Paid To Do Surveys. The question remains though, if I want to begin Getting Paid To Do Surveys, where do I start? This article will raise 3 important questions to help you determine if you can begin Getting Paid To Do Surveys.

Getting Paid To Do Surveys - Question #1 - Do you have the time?

As with most things in life, there is no such thing as a free lunch. As you begin Getting Paid To Do Surveys, you will soon realize that this is no "get rich quick" scheme. Before you get disappointed though, I can tell you that you can begin Getting Paid To Do Surveys and you can earn a VERY good living doing them. All from the comfort of your own living room! You just need to make sure that you can devote at least a couple of hours a week.

Again, just like all other jobs, the more you work, the more you will make. As you begin Getting Paid To Do Surveys, you have an incredible opportunity to earn anywhere from $20 to $150 per hour and at that rate you won't ever need to work another 40 hour week!

Getting Paid To Do Surveys - Question #2 - Can you finish a project?

When you sign up with companies to complete a survey, test a new product, preview a new movie trailer or participate in a focus group, that company is expecting you to complete the project. The companies that will offer you this kind of work, allowing you to earn anywhere from $20 to $150 per hour, are looking for people who can take a job, complete it and then report back to them, without any kind of reminder or prompting.

As you begin Getting Paid To Do Surveys, you soon realize that you are your own boss. You can work from the comfort of your own home (in your pajamas even!) and you get to set your own hours. Within this framework or model, there is never anyone looking over your shoulder to make sure you are completing your job. But, if you expect to earn this kind of money regularly, you need to establish that you are reliable.

These companies are all working on a schedule and they expect their "field testers" to be self motivated individuals capable of finishing the tasks that are given to them. If you are the kind of person who is not able to complete tasks and projects within a given time frame (you are usually given 3-5 days to complete them), then perhaps this plan to begin Getting Paid To Do Surveys is not for you.

Getting Paid To Do Surveys - Question #3 - Do you have a reliable computer and internet connection?

The fact that you are reading this article right now, makes this a moot point. But, having a dependable computer and internet connection is very important in this business as you start Getting Paid To Do Surveys. You will use your computer to log onto the sites to find the work, you will use your computer to fill out the surveys and you will use your computer to report your findings back to the company that is paying you. As you start Getting Paid To Do Surveys, you will become very used to working with your computer. There is nothing worst than having to use a computer or internet connection that is constantly needing repairs, so make sure your main tool, your computer and connection are up to par.

There you have it. Three simple questions to ask yourself to find out if you are ready to start Getting Paid To Do Surveys. Time, drive and a decent connection to the internet is all it takes to help you Getting Paid To Do Surveys. Have fun!

Labels: ,

Tuesday, April 17, 2007

Careers in Aviation and Aerospace - Excitement Awaits You

Whether you are trying to figure out what to do when you "grow up," or you are looking for a new career, one exciting choice to consider is a career in the aviation and aerospace field. This is a field that is not for the faint of heart, but if you love excitement, this just may be a career you will enjoy. While this is a great field to get involved in, a great deal of preparation must be made if you want to have a successful career in this field. There are many positions available, and money to be made, so why not consider what this career has to offer you. Positions Available

There are many different positions available in the aviation and aerospace field, and all are unique and exciting. One career that many think of when they talk about this field is an airline pilot. Some pilots work for private companies, while others have the opportunity to work for larger airline companies. There are airline pilot positions that deal with transferring people, while others may mainly transfer various goods.

Another great career in this field is being an airline stewardess or steward. This career is exciting and allows you to meet many people and to see many places around the world. There are also jobs available for airline mechanics, who deal with the mechanics of airplanes and ensure that they are safe for flight. Inspectors also are important in the airline industry too.

Traffic controllers have important jobs in the aviation and aerospace industry and they have the responsibility of communication with pilots and making sure that landings and takeoffs occur as smoothly as possible. Other great careers in this field include flight engineers, avionics technicians, avionics technologists, and even astronauts.

Education Needed

There are various levels of education needed in this field, depending on which career you happen to choose. While many companies do not require airline attendants to have a college education, there are specific class that they must take, including classes in airline regulations, CRP and First Aid classes, and other certifications depending on their employer.

Pilots, on the other hand, usually require a great deal more education than do airline attendants. While you at least have to be a high school graduate to be a pilot, most employers actually prefer those who have at least two to four years of college as well. A pilots license must be acquired as well, which will include many hours of flying, both with an instructor and on your own, and passing a physical as well.

Astronauts require a great deal of education as well. Usually they are required to have various bachelor degrees in fields that include physical science, engineering, biological science, and mathematics. A vision test is also required before you can become an astronaut. After astronauts become candidates, then they actually have to complete an entire year of training before they can actively take on this job.

Making Money

The amount of money that people in this field makes varies largely by the type of career they choose as well. As a general rule, pilots will make between $40,000 to $150,000 a year, depending on how long they have been flying and what companies they work for. Flight attendants make significantly less, but they still usually make between $16,000-$30,000 when they are first starting out, and then as they become more experienced they may even make up to $75,000 a year. Astronauts actually do not make as much as many people think, with their average salaries running between $39,000 and $78,000 each year.

Great Companies to Work For

There are many great companies to work for in the aviation and aerospace field as well, both in Canada and in the United States. When you are looking for a company to work for, be sure to consider their pay rate and the benefits that they have to offer. Some great companies to work for in the United States include Lockhead Martin, Spirit Aerosystems, and American Airlines. Some companies to consider if you want to work in Canada include Cornwall Aviation, West Wind Aviation, and North West Geomatics.

Labels: , , , ,

Sunday, April 15, 2007

5 Steps To Getting A Job As A Video Game Tester

There are a few basic steps that any die hard gamer can follow to get into the world of testing video games for a living. If followed, you will far exceed the competing applicants. Remember that every gamer would love to be paid to play video games and you must apply as much vigor to each job application as you do to playing games for fun.

So let's break it down. Below I have listed the 5 basic steps to getting a job as a video game tester.

1. Get some gaming experience. This is one of the most important steps and it is actually the easiest. It can be unpaid beta testing or just your own personal experience. As long as you have some accomplishments that any gamer would envy, chances are you can consider that experience in some form or fashion. But again, if you can get any unpaid beta testing under your belt, you are ahead of the other applicants. Unpaid beta testing positions are easy to come by and they are posted all over the Internet. Just think, who wouldn't want to hire someone to test their games for free?

2. Prepare a resume. This is key. Without this marketing tool you will have nothing to showcase your talents. Many gamers underestimate the power of a good resume. Remember that this is your first impression so you had better make it a good one. Applicants do not get scheduled for interviews by putting together a shabby resume. Now granted a game testing position is entry level, but with so many gamers competing for the very same job an outstanding resume will clearly make you stand above the rest. You must take the time and effort to put together a resume that is not just a piece of paper, but you're skills and abilities.

3. Decide what game company you want to work for and do your research. Every gamer has one console that they prefer over others. If that is the case, then it would make sense that you would want to work for a game publisher that distributes games for that console. I mean if you're not enjoying the job, then what is the point? Game testing is not always an easy job so you had better enjoy what you do. Once you decide what types of distributors you want to work for, then you need to do your research. Find out all you can about the company. What are their goals? What do they expect from their employees? Does it seem like it will be a good fit for you?

4. Apply for the job. Once you figure out whom you want to work for, finding the job posting is fairly simple. Most major game firms have websites containing their current job postings. Just find the one that suits you, and apply. Be sure to use a text version of your resume if you are applying online. If you use a word version, chances are it will not come across properly on the employers' computer screen and you could seem unprofessional. You should also consider starting the application out with a cover letter that clearly shows what it is you're looking for and what you have to offer the company. Once you apply you should always follow up with the employer. You can contact the HR department to find out the status of your application at any time. Be proactive in your search for this dream job.

5. Be prepared for the interview process. When you do get selected for an interview, walk in prepared. You know how capable you are and what you have to offer so just go over that all the day before the interview on paper and make sure you have your answers ready before you walk through that door. Review key points like your ability to find bugs in games, why you have chosen this employer, why you would love the opportunity to test games, etc.

Getting a job in the game industry is not always easy, but if you work hard, follow up and apply yourself any gamer can land a testing gig. Commit yourself to achieving this goal, and it shall be.

Labels: , , ,

Wednesday, April 04, 2007

How To Find Legitimate Online Jobs Work From Home Opportunities

The online market research statistics show that every third
internet user tries to find online jobs work from home
opportunities. Sadly a great number of these people failed
and lost money. But the good news is that you can get great
online opportunities doing a complete research.

There are numerous legitimate online jobs work from home
opportunities on the network market, but the problem is how to
find them. There are many ways to find legitimate online jobs,
if you want to find these legitimate online jobs, then you need
to start by join online jobs work from home forums.

In these online jobs forums you can get very helpful information
about where to find legitimate online jobs work from home
opportunities the best way to start your research is reading all
the information that you will find there, and then you can make
several questions, you can also find legitimate online jobs in
these forums.

Another way to find legitimate online jobs work from home is
looking at the major freelance websites, they have many legitimate
opportunities to offer you, some times they will ask you your CV,
because some jobs require experience. This is the best way to avoid
scams and to find a legitimate job online.

Many people have found great online jobs in these major sites, now
is your opportunity. Remember that online jobs work from home offer
many advantages and the principal advantage is the freedom that you
can have working from home without any boss to follow, this is the dream
of almost everyone.

Monday, April 02, 2007

Real Estate Underground

Who Else Wants The Complete, Step by Step, No Brainer Formula For Successfully Investing In Real Estate...Even If You Have Horrible Credit, No Credit, No Experience and Very Little Money? Dear Friend,

If you're looking for proven methods to buying real estate without using any of your own credit or without tying up a lot of cash, then listen up because this will be the most important letter you've ever read.

Finally - A behind the scenes look at the Under Ground World of Real Estate Investing...
I know you've seen a lot of other sites claiming you have the ability to be a billionaire with real estate in 90 days or something to that effect. Which, we both know is just plain hype. We both know that anyone that makes these claims are just a bunch of damn liars.

I know you're sick and tired of the claims from the nuts on television and the internet. I understand that you feel like you gotta go buy a new pair of boots just so you can wade through all the "crap" that they are shoveling you. Well, now you can climb 'outta the boots, because I am gonna give you something totally different.

How about the Real Estate Underground secrets to real estate investing from someone that's actually done it?
Have you ever wondered if some of these speakers actually do what they teach? See, here's the fact about real estate investing. It's one of the hottest topics on the internet today. There are millions of people searching all over the internet looking for the latest ways to do real estate deals. And as a result, magically there are now all of these 'self proclaimed gurus' on real estate topics, when in actuality there are probably only a handful that have done deals on a regular basis.

Who Else Wants To Know How I've Cranked Out Deal After Deal Without The Use of Banks?

Here's the bottom line: I know this business and I know how to create large chunks of cash with Real Estate. As a matter of fact, I am really good at it. And I will show you how I've done it in my new book, "The Real Estate UnderGround" The Complete Guide To Uncover Massive Profits In Real Estate This Month Without Credit, Without Banks, And Without Begging Anyone for A Loan!

The fact is regardless of what you may have heard, you don't need any credit, and very little money to get started. I show you how I've creanked out deal after deal and the lessons I've personally learned from my 5 plus years in the business. Now, this is not some theoritical bull shit either. I give you real case studies of deals that I've actually completed that you can learn from.

let me tell you what this system is
Not About...
It's not about buying properties for rentals

It's not about fixing properties up

It's not about repairing leaky toilets

It's not about qualifying for any loan

It's not about dealing with tenants

It's not about going into debt to buy properties

It's not about sucking up to bankers

It's not about becoming personally liable for any debt.

Its not about becoming a 'slum lord'

When you Order you also get 5 BONUES and my %100 60 day money back GUARANTEE!