While meeting a person for the first time, you might have often noticed that after the perfunctory introduction and handshakes, the question that is often asked is, ‘So, what do you do?’  The answer that you give is what will shape the rest of the conversation and help the other person form an opinion about you. A career is not only the means to earn money but also plays a very large influence on how a person is viewed in the society. Choosing a career is often one of the most important decisions that one needs to make. If a mistake is committed while choosing a career it can have a disastrous impact on one’s life.

A career is much more than just a job that helps one earn a lot of money. Even though that is one of the most important reasons for having a job, it can be seen that people who earn a lot of money need not be satisfied with their jobs. So job satisfaction is an undeniable factor that needs to be considered while choosing a career. Doing a job that you love will help you forget the tensions and stress that come with the job. As long as you love what you are doing, you can stick to the job for a longer time, perform better and even ensure that you remain happy. So while choosing a career make sure that you do not follow the herd and choose something that others are choosing just because it is seen as lucrative. A job market is highly flexible and trends tend to change all the time.

Choose a career that you love. There are ways of translating your love for a particular activity into a career option. For instance, if you love cooking, you could go to a culinary school and develop skills in cooking. If you love music, you can enroll in music schools that offer academic courses in various disciplines of music. If you love video games you can even opt for video games designing, which in this age of gaming devices is a very lucrative career option. A note of caution, the fact that you love something need not make it easy to learn. You may face many obstacles that you will need to overcome with your dedication and perseverance.  You must meet people who are working in the same field that you are interested in and ask their opinion. Since they have already traveled the same route that you are planning to take, they will be able to help you.

It also needs to be mentioned that there are a very few lucky people that truly enjoy their jobs. Following one’s passion is not something that everybody can afford to do. In such a case you can always do the job that is available and yet prepare yourself for a better career option. In this age of the internet where education is possible anywhere and at anytime, one can hold onto one’s job, support one’s family and use the spare time to get educated in the field of one’s preference. As mentioned above, doing something that one loves will not make the job easier. It will only make the job more bearable because the passion that one has will help ignore the problems that arise. Unless you love what you do, you will continue to live an unfulfilled life where the only saving grace will be the occasional bonuses or paydays. Make sure that you love your job; otherwise your job will never love you back.

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Taken from: Guest Post (article, By Robert Lebel), Google (images).

Resume is something, which creates your first impression before your prospective employer. The smarter your present yourself over your resume the better would be the probability of being called up for the interview. One of the important aspects of resume is the career objective, which are basically 1-2 sentences that summarize your career objectives.

You would often see these lines being placed at the top side of your resume just below your name and contact details. Though you may find certain experts not feeling the need of this particular practice, however, there are many who claim that the career objective is an integral part of any competent resume and hence shouldn’t be avoided. The career objective you put in your resume should be specific, interesting and accurate.

Any dull, fabricated or vague kind of career objective would simply hamper the interest of your potential employers in your job application.  When it comes to writing down effective career objective, you can find a couple of smart tips and tricks, which can help you to write effective one or two liner career objectives. A few of these are as discussed below:

Carry out research.

Research is the key to produce high quality and effective kind of career objectives in your resumes as it helps in putting the right lines for your prospective jobs. Research also helps in knowing the needs and requirements about the jobs of your prospective employers. The more effective and closely you are able to target the needs of your potential employers the better and smart would be the outcome. Start finding out jobs that interest you and the ones, which are as per your dream jobs.

Now compare these ads and job requirements as per the common job needs and the required educational qualifications. You are supposed to benefit your potential employers and of course not the other way out. Avoid the resume objectives, which can talk about your working preferences as well including seeking for a team oriented work environment, which foster the professional development, etc.

Evaluate your credentials.

As per your research you need to know to evaluate the same along with knowing the objectives of your potential employers. Apart from described qualifications, you also need to check whether you are able to add bonus in your profile. In case, if you are seen lagging behind in any of the required area, you are supposed to fill the gap with certain other credentials amplify. In case, if you are seen having a tough time while evaluating your skill sets, don’t shy away from getting professional help.

You can even think of consulting your instructors, colleagues and supervisors and they can help in suggesting the right qualifications and tips to compose the right career objectives. Also, you need to assess your performance evaluations. Lastly, don’t forget to carry out the performance evaluations and yes also find what others are saying regarding your skill sets followed by jotting down the list of top five or six marketable credentials.

Communicate the value you are able to the table.

The other important step is to simply craft some of your top most credentials into your resume summary. Do keep in mind that your career summary should be able to help the hiring manager to review if you should be called for the interview.

Do keep in mind that you must include a synopsis of your career achievements in or to showcase that your commitment to results is very much transferable to your next potential employers as well. The idea is to let your employer know that you would help to sort out their problems. Lastly, you need to pose one important question, what are the ways in which you can help your potential employer to benefit their businesses from hiring you.

Add a headline.

The headline or the resume title simply helps in hooking up your reader and thus compels people to read on. The headline you put in your resume must be able to include your job opening targets along with the way you are going to benefit the company if they are hiring you. In other words, the headlines should simply speak the gist of your heart and the things you expect from the potential employers.

Proof read, refine and make your headline perfect.

The impression you give to your potential employer or any other similar kind of people would last for long. Can you call the career objective in your resume positive and flawless? Does the tone of your career objective is effective and appropriate for the chosen niche area in your career. Make sure you simply avoid the generalized statements like good communication skills and interpersonal skills or simply the empty spaces, as these things would fail to deliver the message across.

Final word.

Including career objective is an important step, however, when it comes to composing the same, you need the right ideas to do the same. The above are some of the best tips and tricks, which can help you in doing the same.

Taken from: Guest Post (article, By Kelly Marsh), Google (images).

If this economic recession has taught us anything, it’s that the employment market in this country can be incredibly fragile. These days, times are tougher than ever. There aren’t enough jobs to go around. It’s not unusual to see forty or more graduates applying for a job as a shelf stacker – that’s how difficult things have become. Yet, there are still opportunities out there and you can still be the one who grabs them.

The thing that drives today’s job market is relevance. You must have the right kinds of skills and you must be able to wield them in a more useful manner than anybody else. In today’s world, career success is all about having what the other guy doesn’t. Here are some useful tips that you can use to help you find a new job.

Resilience Is Key.

It’s true, job rejections aren’t very nice. Unfortunately, they’re something that we all have to deal with sometimes. No matter how many employers or interviewers tell you that you’re not right for them, you must never lose your self confidence or stop being brave enough to apply for jobs, says TV personality Dr Phil. It might be a long time before you get where you want to be, but it will happen if you want it bad enough. Your hard work will pay off, if you can exercise some patience. Brush those rejections away and remind yourself that the perfect job is out there somewhere.

Make Your Own Opportunity.

It can be extremely difficult to maintain your self confidence after being made redundant or being forced to confront an unexpected dismissal. Yet, out of misfortune comes opportunity. Plenty of people have struggled with redundancy, only to later find that it was the best thing that ever happened to them. If you can’t find the right position, why not create your dream job? You might want to set up your own business, says HowStuffWorks.com journalist Danielle Fisher. You might want to try your hand at a bit of freelancing. You might even dream of inventing something that will one day change lives. You’ve seen Dragon’s Den – you know the score. It won’t be easy, but it could be the right career path for you.

Utilise Your Contacts.

You should never be afraid to ask the people around you for help. We all struggle sometimes and we all need a little assistance from time to time. Ask around – find out if anybody knows anybody who knows about an unfilled position. More often than not, you’ll have a family member or friend who has heard about a job vacancy that would suit you or you may take advice from Hales Group for top quality, reliable recruitment services and employment advice. As long as you have split from your previous employer under amicable circumstances, it can be a good idea to ask him or her whether or not there are any vacancies in any other company branches. Ask a family member or partner to proofread your CV and cover letter before you send it.

Beware Of Social Media.

Whether it’s fair or not, employers regularly check out the social media pages of interviewees. Your online profiles should always be set to private – otherwise, the details of your life are out there for everybody to see. It’s not such a big problem when you’re working with colleagues that are also friends. Yet, just because that picture of you mooning at pedestrians on your last holiday in Tenerife makes the people at your old workplace smile, doesn’t mean a potential employer will find it quite as amusing. Don’t get over anxious about your online presence, but do be cautious when you’re applying for new positions. You can never tell just how far an interviewer will dig.

Taken from: Guest Post (article, By Caitlin Shrader), Google (images).

Ever wondered why British people use CV (curriculum vitae) and Americans use resumes for seeking a job? Although there are significant differences between the documents, people around the world use them inter-changeably. Know the major differences between the two documents before applying for a job or grant.

1. Definitions.

A resume is a short or not more than two page summary of your relevant skills and achievements. Although the exact length of a resume is not fixed, in general it should not be too long, unless in rare exceptions and highlight a candidate’s qualifications and skills. The main purpose of a resume is to make a candidate stand out from the competition. It includes relevant information such as your past education, current and past employment experience, required skills and abilities for the given job and additional achievements, certificates and recognition that can add to the overall appeal.

A curriculum vita is very similar to a resume. It is longer than a resume and lists all your accomplishments and information, even if they are not directly related to the position or purpose in question. CV is traditionally used within the academic community. It carries additional information such as earned degrees, teaching and research experience, presentations, publications, honors, affiliations and projects done. Unlike a resume, a CV tends to provide much more information about your academic and professional achievements.

2. When to use what.

Resumes are generally used when people apply for business positions. Each time a candidate applies for a job; his or her resume should be rewritten to reflect skills, experience and credentials that will be ideal for that particular position. For example, if a candidate were to simultaneously apply for two different positions- a science teacher and a designer, he or she would likely add different qualifications in each resume.

A curriculum vita is used when applying for a faculty, research, or leadership position at an academic or scientific organization. Other areas where curriculum vita is used include international job applications, clinical or scientific applications. This is the reason for a CV to be two to three pages while the resume would not go beyond one page i.e. any big data.

3. Differences by location.

The general rule to follow here is that if you are applying for a post in America, use a resume. If you are applying anywhere else in the world, use a CV. However, if you are looking for an academic position, or for a grant, it is better to use a CV, regardless of your location. Things are further confusing by the rising popularity in the UK of short CVs which are short and are similar to a resume.

One of the goals to use a short CV was to highlight it from the rest, but almost everybody copies this and it no longer has the same benefit as it used to be. As a result people are sticking to the conventional style of CV for the same objectives that it disappeared in the first place. Whether you choose to follow the popular method or stick with old style is up to you.

However, it is safer to have both versions and decide which one to send out on a per-company basis. Take some time and carefully write yourself both a resume and CV so that you’ll always be ready with the appropriate document to hand, whatever you are asked for. Copywriting agencies can get these documents ready for you. If you can’t afford for a copywriter, take a look at some CV and resume samples and incorporate their features into your writing.

4. Main Features.

A resume is a short and concise document at its best; the employer will spend a minute or so viewing your qualifications. It would contain of only what is strictly required to the job applied and nothing unimportant things. It is more important to craft all the information in one page. A resume normally is not accompanied by a cover letter because the main reason you’re presenting the resume is fast processing, hence a cover letter would defeat the purpose.

A CV is an in-depth document that can be lengthy and it contains a high level of detail about your achievements, a great deal more than just a career biography. The document is presented in reverse chronological order (i.e. the latest achievements first). Start by preparing a list of all your background information, and then organize it into categories. Make sure to add dates on all the publications you add. The CV is normally accompanied by a cover letter, which summarizes the information it contains. Any changes in your profile are made in the cover letter.

5. Styles.

A resume can be written in three different styles:
• Chronological resume- which represents your skills and main achievements,
• Functional resume- which mainly focuses on your skills and experience,
• A combination of both- which gives equal importance to both skill and achievements.

A CV usually can be written in three different styles:
• Functional CV,
• Targeted CV,
• Performance CV.

Taken from: Guest Post (article, By Kelly Marsh), Google (images).

Getting back into work after having a baby can be difficult at the best of times; as well as juggling work and childcare, you also have to make sure that you’re covering enough hours to make things viable, while also working out total income between you and a partner. There are several different approaches that you can take to starting a new career, which can include work based learning schemes that can help you to get your foot in the door within a particular industry.

Your first steps to getting back into work should involve reviewing your past experience and skills, and producing an up to date CV and cover letter; contact any old employers to get references, and see whether or not you can get a longer recommendation letter if you’ve been out of work for some time. When looking for a new job, think about whether you need your weekends free, and if you can avoid working nights so you can be back to pick up children from childcare or school.

One option that’s worth looking into are work based learning schemes. There are a wide range of courses that can allow you to train and receive a qualification while completing hours for a business; the professional qualifications that you can earn through work based learning can enable you to create a clear career path, rather than just trying to earn enough of an income to get by on.

In terms of available schemes, courses like apprenticeships offer 30 hours a week of work with additional theory and training courses. However, remember that you may start on a slightly lower salary for an apprenticeship than a full or part time job, and that you’ll have to weigh up the benefits of training and a long term apprenticeship contract against this. There are also a range of short courses available that provide less of a commitment, and can allow you to improve your skill set while you work, or when you’re trying to get back into employment.

Short courses can include everything from basic IT skills to completing training in health and safety, or in catering. These courses are often flexible in terms of the hours that you have to complete, and can be structured around your own schedule if you have problems getting away on certain nights of the week. Courses like a NEBOSH General Certificate in Health and Safety can make you more employable when you’re looking for work, or more likely to receive a promotion in your exiting workplace.

Look at what courses are available online through training providers, and attend careers fairs and days organized by colleges to give you an idea of what work based learning schemes are available. Remember to target a certain degree of flexibility if you’re not sure about your time commitments, and check whether or not there are any opportunities to apply for funding for courses. Getting work and training through a course can ultimately help you towards improving your prospects for a new career.

Taken from: Guest Post (article, By Sophie Wiggins), Google (images).

Consciously or not, most people still judge employees by their perceived contributions. There are several ways you can appear to be more productive:

1. Arrive Early.

This has always been the key to impress a boss who is concerned with your inputs. Since it is so hard to predict when traffic will be bad or your bus will be late, sometimes the only way to ensure you are always on time is to arrive early. Arriving before your bosses will give them an impressive notion of your work ethic.

2. Dress Well.

It is probably subconscious, but people who are more nicely dressed than their peers are perceived as being better workers. Be careful not to take this too far. Observing a higher dress code will stand out as an obvious attempt at flattery. For example, if no one else wears a tie, then you shouldn’t. If they do, then wear a nice, clean one.

3. Use Your Computer Like a Pro.

Nearly all jobs, even labor positions, now require the use of a computer. Using your computer quickly is the technological equivalent of walking quickly. Here are some tips to improve computer performance and productivity.

4. Leave Your Baggage at Home.

If they could, every interviewer would ask if aspects of your personal life are going to distract you and your co-workers and hurt office productivity. The ideal employee is completely dedicated to the job and has no personal life. Although that does not describe a normal human being, you can still do your part to keep your personal life personal.

Do your best not to publicly share problems with your co-workers. Telephone calls to your family and friends should ideally take place in private. Short of a genuine emergency, do not rely on your personal life as an excuse for any issues related to job performance. Strive to be your office’s lowest contributor of drama.

5. Stay Focused.

Don’t be seen paying your bills at the office or aimlessly surfing the web. Long chats with your co-workers about non-work related subjects can only reinforce the image that your mind is elsewhere.

6. Stay Positive.

If you don’t like your job, constructively approach those who can help you. Offer specific remedies rather than general complaints. Frame your solutions as being in the best interest of the company, not your personal well being. Do it privately and never complain about your job publicly.

7. Be Incredibly Honest.

Never lie about any aspect of your job or your co-workers, even when the truth is embarrassing. Being caught in even the smallest lie can destroy your credibility when it matters the most.

8. Stay Late.

Don’t leave the office before your bosses leave. Even though this can be extremely inconvenient at times, it shows them that you are working longer hours than they are, and it exudes a sense of respect. Leaving early every day reflects a lack of passion about the position and a lack of desire to take on additional projects.

9. Walk Quickly Around the Office.

My grandfather taught me this trick a long time ago. When you need to speak with other colleagues, get some water, or even use the restroom, do it quickly. When you are noticed, it will always seem like you are very busy at your job. People who do not look busy are the first people looked at when firing employees.

Taken from: moneycrashers.com (article, By Jason Steele), Google (images).

The opportunity to make a good first impression is very small. In fact, most people know if they like you or not within 10 seconds of meeting you, according to published reports. And, if you're interviewing, that first 10 seconds is vital.

In order to make a good impression in an interview you need to have good body language, communication skills and confidence. Most service members already have these attributes. But, if you need a refresher course in "how to make a good first impression" here are four ways to make the most of that first 10 seconds, according to Hopkins-Business Communications:

1. The eyes have it.

Great eye contact is a must during job interviews. When you meet someone for the first time, look directly in his or her eyes. In fact, try to notice interviewer's eye color and you'll find yourself involuntarily smiling. The interviewer will pick up on that and pick up on your mood.

2. Don't worry, be happy.

Let's say that you got in a slight fender-bender before the interview. If you go to the interview upset the interviewer will pick up on your bad mood. Try and take a few deep breaths before you go into an interview and think positively.

3. Mirror your interviewer.

Adjust your posture, voice and gestures to those of the interviewer. Speak at their pace and volume level. This will help establish a rapport with the other party.

4. Focus on your communication skills.

Nervousness might make you talk too fast. When you're asked a question, take a few seconds to think about your response before you answer. What's more, try to avoid sounding rehearsed. Try to make your answers more conversational. And, watch out for your non-verbal cues such as jittery movements or twitching. Your body language can say more about how nervous you are than your answers.

Ten seconds can feel like a lifetime in an interview. But if you use these tactics you can leave the interview knowing that you made a great first impression.

Taken from: military.com (article, By military.com), Google (images).

Building a good management team is a prerequisite for a successful company, internally and externally. Companies can fail if their senior team does not know how to manage people at all levels.

1. Leadership.

Quality leadership can affect the whole body of the team and is vitally important within a senior role. Leaders are the medium through which goals are expressed, hopes and expectations channeled and conflicts diffused. Look for this quality and ensure that the candidate gives you examples of how he/she has achieved effective leadership skills.

2. Teachable.

An effective leader is not only a pathfinder, but also someone who is willing to listen to colleagues and learn from them. This is vital if you do not want managers who think they know it all.

3. Embrace change and manage change.

You need a management team that will not only embrace change but also manage change. Effective communication is the key here and it is essential that the management team be able to think ahead of the game, anticipate employee dissatisfaction, recognize and manage their expectations or concerns and most important, think of ways to deal with their problems in a positive manner, so that the team are up for the challenge.

Also opening up communication alleviates fear and ensures that the employee feels part of the decision-making progress.

4. Getting the “right” people.

Plan your recruitment strategy from the outset and develop a recruitment time-frame which allows you to search for the “right” people. So who then is the “right” person?

When building a good management team you need to look at the candidates who are likely to excel in the following four areas:

a. Planning and administration.
b. Problem solving.
c. Leadership.
d. General management people skills.

You also need to assist if the candidate is to slot into the culture of the organization and enhance the environment so that employees will not want to leave. Use all sources within the market place to identify the key individuals who could make up your management team.

5. Team player.

Are they team players? It is about individuals working together to accomplish more than they could alone and then sharing the rewards. However, it is not just a question of strength of numbers. This is achieved by pooling, harnessing and exploiting the resources available to the team- individual strengths, skills and experiences.

Therefore you need to ensure that you have a balance within your management team. You do not want an individual who demands total autonomy and is protective about their work areas as this causes conflict.

6. Passion for their role and motivation.

Motivation is a key to success in any role, so you need someone who has a real passion for their work and believes in what the company is doing. This is arguably one of the most important areas of responsibility for a manager and in turn will create a positive environment and motivation for their team.

7. Empowerment.

You need managers who can empower people to do a job and also they need to be able to delegate effectively. This not only enables them to be able to concentrate on the projects that they need to manage, but it also really encourages employees to believe that the management trust them to get on and be part of the decision making process.

8. Take ownership.

You want employees at management level who really “feel” that they are part of the company and are committed to deliver the results required for the organization to succeed.

9. Be progressive.

They should be able to receive constructive criticism and feedback and not ignore it, but respond in a positive way and make any necessary changes required. At management level they should not fear making changes within the company if the company is to move forward.

10. Reward and plan.

Succession planning is a critical aspect when looking at building a management team. This can also be a positive way of keeping and motivating the senior team. Developing, maintaining objectives and goals should always lead to reward.

Taken from: parfreymurphy.ie (article, By parfreymurphy.ie), Google (images).

Whether you love 'em or hate 'em, most employees strive to impress their bosses whenever possible. From baking cookies to inviting them to your holiday party, there's no limit to what employees will do to get noticed.

1. Arrive early.

Punctuality says a lot about a person. So often we begin a job making a great impression by arriving at least 15 minutes early to our interview. But after getting settled into the routine of a job, it's easy to let certain things, like timeliness, slip through the cracks. Impress your boss by arriving early. Not only will he or she take notice, but you'll love how much more work you can get done with that extra time.

2. Be assertive.

Impress your boss with your leadership skills. Instead of waiting for an assignment to come to you, be proactive. Raise your hand and ask a question in your next meeting with your boss and team. Your boss will appreciate your effort and confidence.

3. Challenge them.

Yes, they're your boss, but that doesn't mean you can't question them in a respectful way. Don't be afraid to play devil's advocate in order to make the most of your brainstorming session. Keep in mind your boss hired you because he or she respected you and your skills.

4. Go the extra mile.

Now, we're not suggesting you kiss up to your boss, but a little extra effort goes a long way. Ask him if he'd like a coffee since you're running out anyway. Stay late one night to make sure her presentation is perfect. Simple gestures will demonstrate your loyalty and dedication to your boss and to the company.

5. Take one for the team.

Nobody wants to attend a weekend trade show, right?! But it's not like you do it all the time either. Step up and be a team player whenever possible. Your boss will appreciate your effort and positive attitude.

6. Think outside the box.

If everyone always agreed with the boss, there wouldn't be much room for creativity and advancement. Go ahead and impress your boss by sharing all of your ideas, even the crazy ones! He or she will get a kick out of thinking outside the box for a change. Who knows, you just may spark a new trend!

7. Learn a new skill.

Showing interest in new work skills demonstrates to your boss that you care about your job and about the quality of work you produce. Aim to take one or two new classes each year in order to continue growing as an employee and team member.

8. Be the bigger person.

As tough as it is, do your best not to give in to the temptation of office gossip. Your boss will appreciate your self-censoring and respect for the feelings of your co-workers.

9. Dress the part.

Impress your boss by dressing in a professional, yet chic wardrobe. Consult your employee handbook if you have any questions about what's deemed appropriate attire. Rule of thumb: If you have to ask, it's probably not office-ready!

10. Listen.

Sometimes your boss simply needs you to listen. Do your best to back off from asking too many questions and practice being a good listener. He or she will enjoy venting, and you'll appreciate gaining insight into his or her world.

Taken from: sheknows.com (article, By Kristin Chessman), Google (images).

Securing a job is only one step in the right direction. After a successful job interview, the new employee will be concerned about making a good impression with their colleagues. Will they fit in? Will they be well liked? All of these issues can run through a person's mind when they first start out.

1. Arrive on time.

Good first impressions count when going along to a job interview. But they also count when starting the job. New employees will make a good impression if they arrive at work on time. People who are habitually late do not set a good example.

Other colleagues can feel resentful of people who are late, but are still paid the same as them. This can be avoided if new employees get to work on time and leave on time, rather than early.

2. Breaks.

Do not take too many breaks at work. If you only have one 15 minute break each day, do not abuse the system and take a 30 minute break. This applies for smokers and non-smokers alike. People who take too many breaks are perceived to be lazy, selfish and inconsiderate.

This will not bode well with other colleagues and management will not be pleased to hear of employees who waste their time.

3. Eat lunch with other colleagues.

Are you used to visiting a drive through restaurant at lunchtime and then eating lunch off your lap in front of the computer? If so, you can still break this habit and join other colleagues in the break room and eat lunch alongside them.

This will give you the opportunity to relax and get to know the other people you work with. Ask them about themselves and show an interest. Before long, you will have a good working relationship with your colleagues.

4. Be friendly.

Even naturally shy people can make a good impression at work by being friendly toward their new colleagues. A simple smile and greeting each day can open up the way for more meaningful conversation later on.

It also helps to make the work environment more relaxed and friendly. That does not mean that everyone needs to become your friend. There is a difference between being friendly and expecting your job to provide you with a new circle of friends. It will not always happen. That is why it is a good idea to look elsewhere for friends.

5. Be positive.

No one likes to listen to a negative person at work. Even if you have had a bad day, try to speak in an up building and positive manner, rather than grumbling to other colleagues. A negative person will not fare too well at work and will often be avoided.

People have enough personal concerns to deal with without having to listen to someone at work making them even more miserable. Employees who are successful at making a good impression at work are a pleasure to work with and are more popular and well liked by their colleagues.

It is so much easier to work with friendly, diligent people than it is to be around those who are anti-social and negative. When you work with good colleagues going to work each day is more of a joy than it is a chore.

Taken from: voices.yahoo.com (article, By Sophie Spyrou), Google (images).

1. Put the name of a mutual contact in the first sentence.

This is the ideal way to start a cover letter, because it immediately sets you apart from the pile of applicants who have no relationship to the employer.

2. Tell a story, if you can.

That is a tall order for most of us, but if you can relate your desire for the job to an experience or anecdote in your life, do it.

3. Near the beginning, briefly summarize your career.

In one or two specific sentences, describe your work experience.

4. Illustrate your qualifications with examples.

Give concrete specifics of achievements that illustrate how you could advance the company's agenda.

5. Conclude by saying when and how you'll get in touch.

In your last line, tell the recipient when to expect to hear from you.

Taken from: finance.yahoo.com (article, By Susan Adams), Google (images).

If this molasses-like economy is making your career progression look less like a race up the corporate ladder and more like you have a deathly fear of heights, landing a new job can present a wonderful opportunity.

Make up for time spent in the same position by doing everything you can to earn a job promotion, pronto. Here are five tips.      

1. Remember What Your Boss Likes.

If your boss likes having you around, he’s going to keep you around. One trick is to notice his interests and be positive.

“A boss can say, ‘I’m going to see the Red Sox this weekend.’ An employee who isn’t thinking will say, ‘I hate that team,’” says Mark Jeffries, communications consultant and author of The Art of Business Seduction: A 30-Day Plan to Get Noticed, Get Promoted and Get Ahead.

Instead, if you know your boss is going on a business trip to Boston, a better approach would be to say, “Hey, maybe you can visit Fenway,” Jeffries suggests.

2. Pick Projects for Maximum Impact.

If your instinct is to jump on everything, you’ll seem desperate and spread yourself thin. “If you say yes too much, your performance will drop,” says Larry Myler, business strategist and author of Indispensable by Monday: Learn the Profit-Producing Behaviors That Will Help Your Company and Yourself.

“If you say no, you don’t look like a team player.” Find out what opportunities are most profitable -- and visible -- for the company and snag those. If you’re overwhelmed, ask about priorities. Then, suggest how to delegate what’s on your plate.

3. Aim to Hang with the A Team.

Don’t make any BFFs your first day. “Take your time and get to know everybody,” says career coach Adele Scheele, PhD, author of Skills for Success and Career Strategies, who suggests focusing on forming alliances with established players.

“You have to build strong relationships with your bosses, for it is they who will promote you if they think you are enough like them to belong to their hierarchy," Scheele says. Still, be pleasant to all. “If you’re new and not friendly, people can gang up on you,” she says.

4. Make Your Boss Look Good.

In school, your instinct was to garner accolades for your work. In business, your goal should be to make your boss get recognized for doing his job well, which he’ll remember come promotion time.

“Find out how your boss is judged and how he gets a bonus,” Myler says. Generally, these are financial targets, so do everything in your power to help him hit them.

5. Be Indispensable.

Whether it’s inventing a new program that will save your firm money or becoming a client’s go-to person, put your boss in a position where he can’t afford to lose you. Document your successes. “If you’re only on email, no one knows what your client contact is like,” Jeffries says.

“You want to be visible by racing out because you have lunch with a client or vocal by talking on the phone. The trick is to get people to come to the conclusion that you are successful without bragging.”

Employ these strategies to secure a strong foothold in this shaky economy. When the opportunities for getting promoted start to solidify, you could be the first in line to move up.

Taken from: career-advice.monster.com (article, By Amy Levin-Epstein), Google (images).

At this time of the year and all year long, networking is key to your job search success. You've heard of the hidden job market, but maybe you didn't know that it doesn't necessarily refer to hidden jobs.

Rather it refers to how the most-successful job seekers connect with decision makers and convince them to create a job that doesn't already exist.

How can you take advantage? Debra Feldman, the "JobWhiz" and an executive talent agent skilled in helping people network with purpose to access hidden jobs, suggests these five tips to create your own "career insurance:"

1. Target your connections.

Feldman says: "Be selective, get to know and become trusted by individuals who can either hire you or recommend you to a hiring authority."

How? You should work on creating and enhancing targeted relationships with people who can help you achieve your career goals. For example, Feldman suggests you identify people at your current company or at other target companies who hire for the role you seek.

Then, ask a mutual contact to introduce you. According to her, it's always best to have a third party introduce you to avoid making a cold call.

If you don't have a direct connection, use social media tools to attract hiring managers. Demonstrate your expertise online and via in-person discussions at conferences or events if possible.

2. Be visible, available, and accessible where your target employers can find you.

You need to be where your contacts spend time. This includes online and in person "places;" if LinkedIn is the go-to social networking site within your industry, make sure you have a complete profile and update your status on a regular basis. Participate in and contribute to relevant LinkedIn groups.

Feldman suggests you make a point to attend industry conferences, so you have a chance to make a good impression. It's even better if you seize the opportunity to make a presentation, organize an event at the conference, or blog or tweet about the program.

If you read industry publications, correspond with authors, comment on ideas, and share links with your connections. No doubt you'll attract attention and make a positive impression.

3. Look for opportunities to be helpful.

Remember, networking is a two-way street ; don't forget to make an effort to give back. "Don't wait to be asked to contribute your knowledge or expertise," Feldman says. "Be generous before you expect anything from anyone who might be able to help you."

When you assist by providing on-target information, useful resources, an introduction to another person, or suggest a job opportunity, you help solidify your networking relationships.

4. Volunteer.

This formalized way of giving back is a great way to demonstrate your abilities and trustworthiness to your network before you actually need their help or anything from them.

"The better your personal contacts know your strengths and believe in you as a person as well as a professional, the more likely the people in your network and their connections will go out of their way to help you someday," Feldman reminds job seekers.

"When you volunteer, you provide consistent opportunities for your network to see your skills at work."

5. Keep in touch.

Once you connect with the right contacts, enhance your relationship via one-on-one correspondence. Leverage virtual conversations into a reason to meet up in person.

Feldman suggests you "transform a telephone relationship into a real life exchange. Among virtual contacts, surprise them with a direct message, an unexpected phone call, post card, text, invitation, gift, etc. to stay top-of-mind."

"Don't take a break once you land a job," she adds. "Like all insurance, you get it in case you need it so it's there when you do need it. Your connections are a good investment and will help you find a new job in the future."

It's too late to start networking once you need a job, so maintain your network and you won't be sorry.

Taken from: finance.yahoo.com (article, By Miriam Salpeter), Google (images).

Think going back to school is the only way to "up" your earning potential? Think again! Hitting the books doesn't always lead to an increase in salary but it definitely leads to an increase in debt. Learn how to boost your pay, network effectively, and develop new skills - without stepping foot in the classroom.

Alexandra Levit, author of the Blind Spots: The 10 Business Myths You Can't Afford to Believe on Your New Path to Success, and Alison Green, the blogger behind Ask A Manager, weigh in on how to maximize your money-making potential whether you're seeking a promotion or hoping to land a new gig.

1. Be Proactive.

Instead of asking your boss what tasks you should add to your to-do list, come to the table with suggestions in mind.

2. Ask for a Raise.

Before asking for a raise, make sure you deserve one. Don't approach your boss with this request until you pinpoint specific reasons why your performance warrants a pay increase. Schedule a follow-up meeting after a strong performance review to discuss the possibilities of a higher salary.

3. Switch Fields.

Look for openings that already align with your skill set but in a more lucrative industry.

4. Tailor Your Application.

Market yourself specifically to each job application by highlighting the skills most relevant to that position.

5. Don't Be Timid.

When you get a job offer, negotiate your salary. A simple sentence can often land you a bigger package. Speak with people in the field to research how much you'd expect to earn at your job in your geographic area. Stay away from consulting websites - they're frequently inaccurate.

6. Take on More Responsibility.

Make sure you can handle assigned duties before speaking with your manager about taking on additional projects. If you are confident about your performance, phrase your request as a question, not as a demand.

7. Ask for a Second Opinion.

Consult with someone in your field who regularly reviews resume to ensure yours is current. Update your resume to include any relevant unpaid work, such as volunteering.

8. Grow Professionally.

Take on a project outside your area of expertise. If a specific topic interests you, ask your manager if you can attend meetings pertaining to that discipline.

9. Nail Your Performance Review.

To prepare for a performance review, evaluate your work over the past year and remind your manager - informally or formally - about any notable contributions. During the review, mention your goals for the upcoming year.

10. Get Promoted.

Present your manager with quantifiable details about how your accomplishments benefited the company during your review. This could help argue your case for a promotion.

11. Donate Your Time.

Volunteer work can help build your aptitude in disciplines in which you may have limited experience, such as sales, marketing, and client relations.

12. Start a Side Business.

Something you may consider second nature, like your ability to organize, or crafts that you make in your spare time, could actually be a money maker. Try turning your hobby into a small business such as opening an Easy shop to sell handcrafted jewelry or marketing your skills on sites like TaskRabbit.com.

13. Network Smarter.

Use LinkedIn to cultivate a network. Make connections, join groups, ask for recommendations, and participate in conversations related to your field.

14. Get Social.

Join a professional organization. Attend meetings and assist with events where you can meet similar professionals in your region.

Taken from: shine.yahoo.com (article, By JuJu Kim), Google (images).

Like the first day of school, the first few days of a new job can be absolutely nerve-racking. Among the butterflies of a new job, like what to wear or where to park, making a good impression probably tops the list of anxieties.

Colleagues' opinions are often set early and can greatly impact your achievements at work. So, how can you set yourself up for success on day one? Here are four tips on how to make a good impression in a new job from four successful women.

1. Be curious.

It's not enough to come early, stay late, dress nice, and act polite, says Kat Cole, Cinnabon president. "You don't stand out if you do that," she explains. "You do stand out if you're naturally curious, respectfully curious." She advises to ask questions and inquire why things are done a certain way.

2. Eye contact, a smile, and a good handshake.

"Brave" producer Katherine Sarafian explains that it seems so simple, but not enough people do it. "It's so easy to connect with people -- a little physical, a little eye, and a little voice," she says.

3. Understand expectations.

Retired Four-Star Army General Ann Dunwoody says to let people know who you are and what your expectations are. Of course, it's also important to understand the expectations of your boss. Ann explains, "So there's no mistake in what your duties are going to be and what your success looks like for you in order to fulfill your boss' mission."

4. It's not about you.

On the first day of a new job, it's simply not about you. Mary Ellen O'Toole, an FBI profiler, says it's about the other people at the job and eventually, it will come back and be about you. She advises not to arrogantly walk into a new job, feeling entitled. "People don't like that," she explains, "and you are not going to have the opportunities that you wish you did 25 years down the road."

Taken from: shine.yahoo.com (article, By Secrets To Your Success), Google (images).

Need a job and feeling a bit apprehensive about going on an interview? You're not alone. According to the Bureau of labor statistics, unemployment for adult women was at 7.7 percent in February. Many women are out there doing the same thing.

The good news is, you can stand out from the other applicants just by being outstanding. You need to WOW them!

Here's how:

1. Have a clear, concise, WOW resume.

An exceptional resume with easy-to-read font and the most important information spelled out first is essential for getting the interview in the first place.

If you can afford it, hire a professional resume service. Their mission is to make you look good no matter what your age or background, so the cost is worth it. Don't have the extra cash? Google do-it-yourself (DIY) resume services. (See below)

2. Dress to WOW.

First impressions are vital, so it's important that you capture their attention the moment you walk into the interview. Whether it's a casual or formal environment, professionalism, confidence, and individualism are a must.

A red suit or another WOW color shows confidence. Not that bold? Opt for a bright blouse beneath a black blazer or a snazzy scarf.

Note: don't dress like you're going out on the town unless you would wear the same outfit to work. Leave the leopard-skinned stilettos at home.

3. Arrive Early to WOW.

This is especially important. You'd be surprised at the casualness of some candidates who drift in 10 minutes late. Arriving a few minutes early will display a strong work ethic and your interest in the position.

Not sure of the location? Do a dry run drive by the day before. One thing you don't need is sweat rings because you got lost. Not a WOW factor you want to display.

4. WOW them with questions.

Interviewers like a person who shows interest in the company. Have questions prepared before hand to ask about the organization.

And always follow up on questions or points they have for you. This way you will know exactly what they expect from you and you from them. If you don't have knowledge about, say, a software program, let them know you're willing to learn anything needed in order to excel at the job.

5. Send a thank you note.

Make sure you grab an email address from your potential boss before leaving the interview.

Sending a follow up email thanking them for meeting with you and, once again, expressing your interest in the job might be the WOW element that makes you stand out from the rest.

Most importantly, if you don't get the job, don't blame yourself. Just move on to the next interview. Be strong and confident even if you don't feel it inside. You can do it.

Good Luck!

Taken from: shine.yahoo.com (article, By Vonnie Kennedy), Google (images).

Workplace motivation is one of those interesting things. We think it should just drop out of the sky like magic but it never really does. We also don’t really think about how to create motivation for ourselves. However, we really can create it with the right tools.

First, let’s get on the same page about what motivation is. Motivation is what causes you to take action. Clearly, you’re at work so you do have some motivation because your action is going to work and performing your job. What we are talking about is feeling engaged and inspired about the actions you do take.

Let’s look at some of the tools you can use to get fully engaged and motivated in the workplace:

1. Change.

There’s nothing like changing things to really get the juices going. You don’t want to change things just for the sake of changing; however, you want to change things that don’t work well.

With that, you must have a vision of what the right outcome would be and then you apply your steps to create the action for change.

2. Goals.

Many times, the lack of motivation is due to a lack of direction or goals. Sit down and figure out what would really get you up in the morning and make that your goal.

Having a goal isn’t enough, though. It has to be a goal that you yearn for or have some emotions about. Once established, put together a plan for how you will achieve your goals.

Also read the article 6 tricks to motivate yourself to work harder.

Keep in mind SMART for goals = Specific, Measurable, Actionable, Resonate, Time bounded if you really are going to shot for something worth having.

3. Be Accountable.

The vast majority of us want to do things but we’re really lazy about doing them. It’s often easier to diet or workout with someone because we have a person that is looking for us to perform. Find someone to hold you accountable to yourself and be willing to trade off the favor.

4. Clean Up Your Own Internal Litter.

We all have baggage, but sometimes we have so much of it cluttering up our life that it bogs us down and we fail to see what’s possible.

5. Surround Yourself With The Right People.

Yes, your mother was right… it is important to hang out with the right people. In this case, hang out with people who are inspired and motivated as it will be contagious.

6. Research The Issue.

Find out from others what motivates them. In the process, you may hear something that would really be great for you. Don’t be afraid to copy what works.

7. Cop An Attitude.

Motivation creates more motivation. Look for it and it will be there. We often get hung up about our ability to control things in the workplace. The one thing we can control is our attitude and approach to various workplace challenges.

Also read the article motivation for work.

These tools for workplace motivation are simple to do which means there is nothing but you holding you up from trying them.

Taken from: careerealism.com (article, By Dorothy Tannahill-Moran), Google (images).

Feeling low on motivation? Use these sure-fire techniques to recharge your batteries. Success takes time–sometimes longer than you'd like. If you're not careful, it's easy to become discouraged, and that makes it harder to achieve the success you deserve.

Here's a simple, seven-step plan to get your mojo back:

1. Define your purpose.

Why are you working? Why are you doing this work? Only you can answer these questions. Some individuals are drawn to certain kinds of work, while others are individuals are simply looking for a payday or to feed their families. No purpose is inherently “better” than any other–but you need to know your purpose, so that the prospect of fulfilling of that purpose keeps you motivated.

2. Tie your purpose to your company's goals.

Now that you’ve identified why you’re working, deliberately envision your company's offering (what it makes, provides or sells) as the vehicle through which you can fulfill your purpose. The more closely you associate, in your mind, your purpose with your company's product, the easier you’ll be able to motivate yourself to do what’s necessary to get your job done.

3. Tie your purpose to your team's success.

If you're working with other people, they're depending upon you to get your job done. Fulfilling your purpose thus helps them become successful too–which means that you're having a positive impact on other people's lives.

4. Create ambitious goals for yourself.

Now that you’ve got everything aligned, it’s time to set ambitious goals that, if achieved, will create success for yourself, your products, and your company. Pick exciting goals that will will inspire you to achieve them.

5. Create a workable but flexible plan.

Now that you've got goals, create a step-by-step plan that constantly brings you closer to your goals. That will help you build additional confidence, commitment and the feeling that you’re in control of your destiny. Hint: If you aren’t sure how to build a plan that will work, get the help of somebody who’s already achieved what you want to achieve.

6. Take massive action, starting now.

Success is now just a matter of executing that plan, adjusting as necessary to achieve your goals. To start on the right foot, as soon as your write your plan, immediately take some action to achieve that plan. Motivation feeds on action. You want to build momentum that will continue to carry you toward your goal.

The main point here is to do all of this consciously, to make certain that everything in your work life is aligned.

Taken from: inc.com (article, By Geoffrey James), Google (images).

You're moving up on the job, thanks to your hard work and rockin' ideas. It never hurts to make a few allies along the way, though. We picked the brains of a few powerful women and career experts to get their advice on work friends you need to have to help advance your career.

1. The Interns.

The interns might just be students now, but think five or 10 years down the road. They'll eventually be your colleagues-and might eventually be your "in" at a dream company.

2. The Office Gossip.

You know the type-she spends working hours doing everything but work. She might annoy the crap out of you, but she knows stuff-like who's leaving, who's being promoted-that you can use to strategize your own move up in the company.

3. The I.T. Girl.

Being the I.T. person at any company is a pretty thankless job-after all, you probably only talk to her when you need your computer fixed. Get friendly with her, though: You'll get your requests processed faster-and she'll probably give you a few tips to keep it from happening again, leaving you more time to wow your boss.

4. The Office Manager.

Like the work gossip, being friendly with the office manager means you'll get the inside scoop about upcoming job openings and other happenings in the office. She also orders everything for the office-including the goods you need to make it through a challenging project-so she should be your new BFF.

5. The Developer.

You have this great idea for a new software program that is sure to make bank for the company, but it requires a ton of legwork to get up and running. The problem? The development team-like I.T.-always has a ton of projects running. Get on a first-name basis with the team and your projects might get bigger priority over others.

6. The Male Colleague.

We're all for making nice with the women in your company, but getting the perspective of a trusted-and platonic-male co-worker can give you the different perspective you need to work through problems in your job.

7. The Boss's Assistant.

Want a chance at that cushy corner office? You need to get in good with the boss' assistant, says career coach Isha Cogborn. This super-organized colleague knows everything about her boss's schedule-and your meetings won't happen without her. Heck, she'll even bump you up the calendar if she likes you enough.

Taken from: shine.yahoo.com (article, By Meagan Morris), Google (images).

When you meet someone for the first time or simply pass a stranger on the street, it's human nature to make assumptions about them: He's conceited and lazy, she's rich and friendly, that little girl is a huge brat. And you may have wondered what people think of you the first time they lay eyes on you.

"When it comes to appearance, how you put yourself together matters more than being conventionally pretty," says Brandy Mychals, author of How to Read a Client from Across the Room (McGraw-Hill, 2012). "A job interview can be over before you even sit down because the person has already made snap judgments."

Some of the ways others come to those opinions aren't what you may expect. Check out these five things people rate you by so you can make that tenth of a second count and wow everyone at first sight.

1. Your feet do the talking.

You can never have too many shoes-and people judge you based on every single pair. In a study published in Journal of Research in Personality, researchers found that people could accurately guess a stranger's age, gender, and income simply by looking at what was on their feet. They also associated certain personality traits with different shoes.

More masculine-looking pairs were thought to be worn by less agreeable people, while stylish or attractive shoes were assumed to be donned by rich, conscientious folks. And people rocking those ankle boots that are so in right now came across as aggressive.

2. Cosmetic powers.

Brushing on a little shadow or blush can not only up your attractiveness factor, it can make you appear more confident. In a 2011 study funded by Proctor & Gamble and performed by Harvard University, people said women wearing a little makeup were more likeable, competent, and trustworthy than those with bare faces.

But don't use a heavy hand with that eyeliner: Too much makeup still made women attractive, but they also seemed untrustworthy and dishonest, especially when participants only got a quick glimpse of the woman.

3. Grin and bear it.

Your dentist is about to become your most popular medical practitioner. Earlier this year, Kelton Research conducted a study funded by Invisalign where more than 1,000 people were shown pictures of men and women's teeth.

Those with straight smiles were perceived to be happier, smarter, and more successful and popular than those with crooked teeth.

Thirty-eight percent also said crooked choppers would kill the chances of a second date, and almost half said that when two job candidates had the same skills and experience, one with straight teeth would be hired over one with crooked teeth.

4. The clothes make the woman.

While Hillary Rodham Clinton rocks the pantsuit-and certainly nobody would doubt her confidence or competence-showing a little leg (tastefully, of course) may work better for you.

Women in skirt suits were thought to earn more money and be more confident than those in pantsuits in a study conducted at the U.K.'s University of Hertfordshire. The researchers say the skirt balances professionalism with attractiveness without being provocative.

Wearing the right outfit can also change your self-perception, researchers at Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management found. Students who wore white lab coats while doing a scientific experiment performed better than those in regular clothes.

5. Take up space.

Simply standing tall can speak volumes. According to a 2011 study published in Psychological Science, so-called "posture expansiveness"-where you open up the body and occupy space-not only makes you appear more confident and authoritative, you actually think and act that way.

Posture matters even more than your title: It gives you a sense of power, no matter where you line up on the totem pole, researchers say.

Taken from: shine.yahoo.com (article, By Jené Luciani), Google (images).