Monday, July 30, 2012

The Top Ten Success Don'ts


Every person out there, especially you, has his/her own special abilities and potential to achieve whatever they set their mind to….
 Sadly due to the wrong mindset, that true potential is never reached. There are many reasons why most us in our own minds are unsuccessful. But I am going to express what I believe are the top ten. I want to share them with you so you can become aware of them, and ultimately drop some of these habits or traits, whatever you want to call them. Lets get started right now.

10.Procrastination
Yup, everyone knows their guilt in this area. If there is an important task you must get started on, by all means, START NOW! Not tomorrow or a month from now, right now! There will never be a perfect time or place to start, so start now! I honestly believe that procrastination causes time to speed up. You say "Okay, I'll start next week", next week comes "okay next week" and so on. Whatever the task is, it is always on the back of your head. And you know you were supposed to start last night. No more of this, this has to change. This is one of the first crucial steps to doing anything, do it right away!

9. Comfort

Think of where you are at in your job. Whether you like it or not it's money right? And for the time being, it sure beats getting a whole new different job starting form square one, when your already at square 9 or 10, right? As well as the fact that for many of you it has taken quite some time. 1, 3, 8, 15, 20 years to establish yourself, which you do not want to go to waste, correct? We can safely agree that you are for the most part comfortable with your situation. You do not feel the need to go outside of your comfort zone and try something new or different. If you want to accomplish things for your SELF, and not your BOSS, you have to be willing to sometimes venture outside of the comfort zone.

8.Fear

One big reason we as human beings choose not to go outside our comfort zone is fear of the unknown. Whether it be fear of loss, change, or fear of fear itself, no one will give it a try. This is how fear, comfort and procrastination team up and stop you from ever stepping up to the plate, let alone getting started. IF you let go of fear, the sky's the limit. The biggest risk is not taking one!

7.Overwhelming

Getting started is just the first small hump with even bigger ones to follow. Seeing where you need to go, and seeing all the obstacle obscuring your view can be too much too handle sometimes. Most of the time success, however you define it, is a far, far, far path, the kind that makes it easier to just turn around and go back. You must learn to break a big task into smaller steps that can be completed daily.

6. Boring effect

If you do not make what your doing fun and interesting, you will become bored with it and eventually withdraw completely form your task. You might even have to question whether it is a smart move to even consider going on with certain tasks you might be doing, because deep down it is not something in your heart that you enjoy doing or can tolerate. Be creative as to not lose interest, and always follow your heart.

5.No Urgency

Treat the tasks you complete yourself like the tasks you do for your job. If you hope to make a big change with where you are in your life, you must place whatever that is in high regard. When it comes to yourself, it's very easy to hold low importance on tasks beneficial for you. There is no pressure to get them done, usually there is no pay, and you don't have to report to anyone. It's very easy to forget about. If you want big change, treat it with bog importance.

4. Unaware of self-improvement

I had a friend who wanted to become an entrepreneur and quit his job. He had goals of making $60,000/yr form his own business. As soon as you set a goal such as that, you need to acquire the right mentality and responsibility to live up to it. But he was still heavily involved in his job and took his business lightly. There would be no way for him to be making that kind of money with the mindset he had at the time. The only way he can make that a reality is to become more professional and have a higher self-esteem, which he did not care about. Bettering yourself in the best ways possible towards your success, is the only way to success.

3. Short-term thinking

The only way to ultimately get by in this world is to look at the big picture. Nothing happens overnight, even the lotto (you have to wait 3-5 weeks after you claim the money). Many people today fall victim to wanting results NOW, and if that doesn't happen, they are thru with whatever they signed up for. Do you honestly think Bill Gates got what he wanted in one year? Absolutely not. It took him more than a decade to get to where he is and maintain it. He knew he had to stay in for the long run and make decisions based on that.

2.Absence of knowledge

Knowledge is an important key to whatever you do. Everyone wants to be able to instantly transform and have the type of skills they've always wanted without the hard work and research. Even worse, trying to start a certain task or job without acquiring the proper skills can waste money, time, and effort. Do not pursue something you cannot do. Countless times have I come across individuals who not only foolishly jump in head first without proper knowledge, but they also have a certain air about themselves and feel they can do it on their own without anybody's help. In the end, they eventually got frustrated, and moved on to something different. Make sure you seek the help you need beforehand and acquire the skills needed to start your task.

1.No Clarity

This is the single most devastating business killer of them all. 85% of new businesses fail in the first 3-5 years of business. Either there was not any clarity, or they did not change what they needed to stay clear. Do not venture into the void if you are not clear on exactly where you want to go. Having no clarity will only cause you too shoot shots in the dark, not knowing what you are trying to hit.

Your outlook on life should be clear and long term, but that doesn't mean you lose focus on daily tasks. If you really elevate yourself in these areas, and are willing to make changes, I'm sure you will accomplish whatever it is you set out to do.



Friday, July 27, 2012

How Facebook can actually help you find a perfect job of your dreams?


Facebook may sometimes look like a way to simply post some pictures, chit chat with loved ones or tell your friends about your birthday, but on the other hand it can be useful in your professional career…..

 Facebook allows job seekers tap an informal network of friends or friends of friends who can play a vital role in creating success. The collections of friends you have on Facebook are more likely to have your back.

How to take benefit from it?

Modify your avatar In an online search, your avatar is usually the first thing that a potential employer sees on Facebook. So if you are in search of employment, it is significant to have a professional avatar, which can help you get hired. You should get a custom avatar which should include your contact information and it should let people know that you are looking for a job. In addition, your profile must be kept secret; it just should contain the information of your email address and the history and experience of jobs so that recruiters can reach you directly.

Make use of your status 

Using you status is a good way to tell your Facebook friends that you are looking for a job. For instance, refer to your own website, which features samples of your work and curriculum resume, or ask them to write you an e-mail if they are be acquainted with any of a good lead. Be specific when you tell your friends about what type of job or company you’re after. It will make it easier for them to help you out. We suggest that during your job search use your status to update your friends on how it goes. Do not flood friends with all the little details; try to make every status conversational and optimistic.

“Keep it real” but never get yourself appear like a saddest and most hopeless person alive.

Take out an ad of Facebook 

When you complete you degree and graduated from university, you wish to get hired for a job, so at that time you can take out an advertisement on Facebook to target the desired companies. The advertisement is seen to the Facebook users. Once you click on the advertisement, users can refer your personal website that contains your curriculum resume/CV. After that each company will be able to inform that your resume is passed on to their Human Resources department and or wish to meet you. Facebook is the fastest and easily useable platform which contains a number of job opportunities for everyone like you.

Companies where you desire to work:

Since most companies have a presence on Facebook these days, by clicking on the “like” button on the fan page of any company will be the signal that you are interested in doing a job there. In addition, it is a simple way to learn about the latest news and happenings in the company, It can be helpful with interview. Also remember some companies also place their available jobs on their page.

Always Keep it genuine 

As we all know that Facebook is a less formal network, people expect to see a more relaxed part of your personality so there is no need to bestow a professional tone. Try to present a casual as well as professional and responsible personality. It will give a great effect.


Friday, July 20, 2012

Advice And Tips On Avoiding Interview Disasters


There are definitely things that you can do to avoid minor mishaps which could ultimately blow an interview…..

 Become familiar with these 7 potential interview disasters so you can prevent them from obstructing your path to that ideal job.

Showing up late is both rude and inconsiderate. Is this the first impression that you want to leave with a potential employer? Map out your route and try it out before the interview. Plan on being at least half an hour early to your appointment. This will provide a buffer to protect against wrong turns, traffic jams and all the other mishaps that may befall you. If you arrive early, you can use the time to calm your nerves.

Many a nervous candidate has been known to accidentally call the interviewer the wrong name. In order to avoid this disconcerting faux pau, find out who you will be speaking to before the interview. Memorize the name(s). If this information is not available prior to the meeting, then write the person’s name on your notepad as soon as you sit down for the interview. If you do slip-up, do not make a huge fuss. Apologize quickly (and sincerely) and move on.

Choose your words carefully. Avoid impulsive answers; the first thing that pops into your head may not be the best response. Remember, it’s ok to pause if you need some time to think. Feel free to say "that’s a good question; let me take a moment to think about it." This demonstrates that you think before you speak. Is your everyday speech peppered with expletives or other potentially offensive phrases? If so, take care to avoid these during your meeting.

Interviews are stressful situations for even the most qualified candidates. This tension can lead to candidates freezing up during the meeting. Alleviate some of the expected stress by practicing mock interview questions. Have a friend conduct simulated interviews. If possible, have him/her conduct the interview in a variety of manners including reserved, rushed, and disinterested. This way you will be better prepared for whatever the interview may bring.

Nature has a funny way of acting up at the wrong moments. Fortunately, you can help prevent these unwanted incidents. Avoid the awkwardness of a growling stomach by eating a few hours before the interview. Be careful in what you eat and drink in the 24 hours prior to the interview. Do not overindulge; an upset stomach or hangover is formidable distraction.

The interview is no place for humbleness. Too much modesty can make you appear introverted or lacking confidence. Don’t be afraid to be your own cheerleader. Prior to the interview, make a list of your accomplishments both personally and professionally; practice talking about them. Have a friend listen to your answers as you practice. This will help prevent you from crossing the line between justifiable pride and boasting.

No one wants to work with a stick in the mud. With this in mind, how can you prevent from appearing lukewarm? Smile and maintain eye contact. Sit forward in your chair. Avoid speaking in a monotone. Be positive in your responses.

By preparing yourself against these potential interview disasters you are one step closer to getting the job of your dreams. Remember sometimes it really is the little things that make the difference.
,

Sunday, July 15, 2012

Locating the Job You Want


Most small companies are not household names. They tend to advertise jobs locally, their businesses often are quite specialized, and typically they don´t have a human resources department to promote them...

Small companies are forming at rapid rates and are generating most new jobs in the US. Use local resources (such as radio and newspapers) as well as your contacts and Web sites to learn about small employers hiring needs.

The Internet has created profound opportunities for all companies, large and small, to publi cize themselves and their job openings. If your resume is posted on major search engines, any employer can easily find it. Also be sure your networking efforts include both large and small employers.

Posted Jobs
A posted job is one that´s advertised or somehow actively publicized by an employer to encourage applications — usually to fill the position as soon as possible.

Job postings can be direct or indirect: 
·         Direct postings are job descriptions that are made public, either broadly or narrowly. Printed announcements often are internal postings on traditional or electronic bulletin boards to inform current employees. Jobs may be directly posted externally on the Internet, usually in the company´s Careers or Employment section. Ads in local and/or national news­papers, journals and magazines (such as Chemical & Engineering News), data banks, or other Internet lists are also examples of direct postings.
·         Indirect postings occur when an employer provides information about job openings to a third party — temporary employment agencies, headhunters, or faculty. Sometimes an available job will be intentionally leaked out to generate appropriate candidates. Jobs announced at employment clearinghouses sponsored by professional societies (ACS, Eastern Analytical Symposium, Pittsburgh Conference, and many others) are considered indirect postings because you must attend to learn about them.
In addition, vendors at trade shows and technical meetings often have job opportunities to discuss, even if the opening isn´t posted publicly at all. (Remember that many vendors are small companies.)

Finding Posted Jobs
For directly posted jobs:
·         Visit your sources regularly, including newspaper or magazine ads, Internet web pages, your network members, bulletin boards, and so forth.
·         Identify those jobs that seem to match your values, drivers, and skills (see Chapter 2).
·         Follow instructions in the ad exactly to apply for the job and line up an interview.
Because they are readily available to any applicant, competition is heavy for directly posted jobs. To find indirect postings, you must go where the postings are placed: 
·         Call or visit temporary agencies and headhunters in your area to ask about jobs; remem ber, many temporary agencies have national and regional job lists, as well as local ones.
·         Go to meetings that feature employment clearinghouses and visit the exhibitions area, where vendors display their products (for example, the ACS Career Fair occurs at the semiannual ACS national meetings).
·         Keep resumes or business cards with you and hand them out.
·         Try to interview on the spot — encountering a potential employer in person can be a great advantage in the job search process.
Many candidates use these techniques, so your competition will be heavy for both directly and indirectly posted jobs, too. 


Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Key Salary Negotiation Technique


Here's an ideal scenario: After a grueling number of job interviews with a prospective employer who is hiring someone for the job of your dreams, you're again meeting with the hiring manager when she turns to face you and gives you the job offer, but at a salary below what you had expected. You are still excited, elated actually, but what you do next could have consequences for years to come.

Even if the job offer is acceptable to you, most career experts agree that you should take the time to clear your head and consider the offer -- away from the pressure of an interview. So, make sure to thank the interviewer for the job offer and express your interest in the job and the company, but ask for some time to consider all the details.

But what if the offer is unacceptable to you? If it really is one of your dream jobs -- or even simply a job you really want -- you should consider moving into the negotiation phase by making a counter proposal to the employer. That's what this article is all about -- taking you through the key negotiation strategies you should apply and providing you with one key tool -- the counter proposal letter -- as a means to negotiating a better offer for yourself.

Key Salary Negotiation Strategies

1.             Delay salary and benefit negotiations for as long as possible in the interview process. You’ll have more power to negotiate when the field of candidates has been reduced to just you -- when the employer is completely sold on you as the best candidate for the position.
2.             Remember that you'll have your greatest negotiation leverage between the time the employer makes the original offer and the time you accept the final offer. Once you accept an offer, you have little to no room to negotiate.

3.             Don't negotiate at the time the initial job offer is made. Thank the employer for the offer and express your strong interest and enthusiasm in the job, but state that you'll need time to evaluate the entire compensation package. Most employers are willing to give you a fair amount of time to review -- and if you run across an employer who wants a decision immediately, consider long and hard whether you want to work for such a company.

4.             Do your research. The greatest tool in any negotiation is information. Make sure you have done a thorough job of determining your fair market value for the job you are seeking, the salary range of the job for this specific employer, and geographic, economic, industry, and company-specific factors that might affect the given salary. Also try to obtain information on the employer's standard benefits package so that you have information beyond salary.

5.             Just do it. While a large percentage of corporate recruiters (four out of five in one study conducted by the Society for Human Resource Management) are willing to negotiate compensation, only a small percentage of job-seekers actually do so. You don't have to be an expert negotiator to get a sweeter deal; you just need to know the rules and strategies of negotiation.

6.             Negotiate to your strength. If you are a smooth talker (an extravert), call the employer and ask for a follow-up meeting to discuss a counter proposal. If you communicate better in writing, follow our guidelines for writing a counter proposal letter (below).

7.             Always ask for a higher salary (within acceptable limits) than you are willing to accept so that when the employer counters your proposal, the salary should be near your original goal. And when possible, try and show how your actions (once on board) will recoup the extra amount (or more) that you are seeking -- through cost savings or increased sales revenue, productivity, efficiencies.

8.             If the salary you're offered is on the low end -- and the employer has stated that salary is not negotiable (probably due to corporate salary ranges or pay grade levels), consider negotiating for a signing bonus, higher performance bonuses, or a shorter time frame for a performance review and raise. Always negotiate base salary first, and then move on to other elements of the job offer.

9.             When presenting a counter proposal to the employer, be sure and include a few benefits that are expendable so that you can drop them in a concession to the employer as negotiations continue.

10.           Remember that even if all salary issues are "off the table," there are still numerous other benefits you can negotiate, such as moving expenses, paid vacation or personal days, professional training, and more. See the sidebar for the entire list of negotiable items.

11.           Never stop selling yourself throughout the negotiation process. Keep reminding the employer of the impact you will make, the problems you will solve, the revenue you will generate. And continue expressing interest and enthusiasm for the job and the company.

12.           If you have no intention of accepting the company's offer, don't waste your time or the company's by entering into negotiation. Negotiation is a process designed to find common ground between two or more parties.

13.           If you have multiple job offers, don't put the companies into a bidding war for your services; it rarely works out.

14.           Don't enter negotiations with the wrong attitude. Always have in the back of your mind that your goal with these negotiations is a win-win situation. You want to get a better deal, but you also need to let the employer feel as though they got a good deal as well.

15.           Given a number of factors, such as the strength of the economy, the size and vitality of the company, and the supply of job candidates with similar qualifications, some employers simply will not negotiate.

16.           Never make demands. Instead, raise questions and make requests during negotiations. Keep the tone conversational, not confrontational.

17.           Be prepared for any of a number of possible reactions to your counter proposal, from complete acceptance to agreeing to some concessions to refusal to negotiate.

18.           You have to be willing to walk away from negotiations. If you don't have a strong position (a good current job or one or more current or potential job offers), it will be harder for you to negotiate. If you really need or want the job, be more careful in your negotiations.

19.           Once the employer agrees to your compensation requests, the negotiations are over. You cannot ask for anything more -- or risk appearing immature or greedy and having the employer's offer withdrawn or rescinded.

20.           Always be sure to get the final offer in writing. Be extremely wary of companies that are not willing to do so. Note: one advantage of writing a counter proposal letter is that you list the terms of the offer in your letter.


Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Make Extra Income From Home Jobs


Everyone knows how to do something. Believe it or not, there are still people who don't know a thing about using the web……

 And even if that was the only thing you knew, it would still be something you could use to teach others and make extra income. So I'm sure you know a lot more than just how to search the web. So let's look at different ways you can use what you know and transform that into a way to pay the bills.

1. Tutoring

There are companies that are willing to pay you to work from home and tutor people. You can even do a Google search and you'll find companies on your own as well as on the RatRaceRebellion.com website. You can gain experience working with one of these companies or even volunteering at a youth program, local school, or non profit organization. Then market yourself as an expert in whatever field you tutor in. Make bulletin postings, classified ads, circulars and you can even add yourself to the Yellow Pages.

2. Teacher

Just like there are online schools, there are online teachers as well. KeyStone High School, for example, hires teachers to work from home and there are literally hundreds if not thousands of high schools, universities, and independent course programs that employ in the same manner.

3. Training

Earn extra money training company employees in skills not currently offered. You can market your clients through a direct mail campaign and follow up each mailing with a phone call. Offer in person meetings for a chance to display your talent and market your abilities. Another idea is to partner up with others offering similar training and you can spread the training time over a 5 day period; increasing the rate of pay and acquiring awesome career experience.

4. Test Coach

Many people are confronted with tests and have a hard time passing. From the GED, SAT, ACT, CLEP, the BAR and more. If you can train others to prepare for a test, why not make money doing so? Advertise your coaching abilities in school bulletins, school papers, and online ads where students hang out.

5. Mentor Modestly

When venturing into something new, we all wish for support we can talk to as well as learn all of the ins and outs with. Such people are not always easily accessible. This is where you come in. Say you've been successful in stocks. Why not offer to take someone under wing, teach them enough about the subject to send them packing; all the while collecting a modest fee for your efforts.

There are many more opportunities that you can conjure up to keep you busy and on your way to earning a living from home. Stop waiting. Stop dreaming. Start planning and finally start living.

Sunday, July 1, 2012

Be Confident On Your New Job


True, the economy is not at its high point, not even close but that doesn't mean it is all doom and gloom….

 It just means that perhaps it is time to dig in your heels and take a more realistic approach to your situation.

 In my experience, job-seekers who take the statistics to heart and follow the jobless reports too closely set themselves up for psychological torment and a sense of hopelessness. Whether you are unemployed or want to change jobs, don't let fear scare you away. After being turned down for job after job, rejection can really take a toll on your self-esteem. Shut the TV off, stop watching the news about the unemployment numbers, and start promoting yourself. Take steps to package yourself as attractively as possible.

If you are unemployed, think of creative ways to use your time and give your resume an extra punch. Let hiring managers know you haven't been sitting at home licking your wounds. If you are currently employed, these job-search strategies can work for you as well:
Consider part-time volunteer activities that still allow enough time to mount a strong career-search campaign.

Choose organizations that are relevant and can add value to your experience.
Participate in online courses or undertake a self-study program if you can't afford formal training.

 Use some of the more proactive strategies to land a job. Don't take the same approach as others by simply applying online to postings. Most jobs are actually never posted on job boards or websites. Instead, decide what jobs you can realistically attain, and go after those. Even if they aren't in your previous salary range, consider swallowing your pride and weighing new alternatives, particularly if you have been unemployed for a while.

Research employers to target.

Evaluate companies in your geographic region. Jobs may be available that are not advertised.
Make a list and send a well-written, error-free resume with cover letter via multiple avenues.
Go back to traditional US Postal mail (a.k.a., snail mail) to get you noticed when email becomes a black hole.

 Network, network, network!! Oh, and did I say network. Use social media resources like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to connect with former coworkers and colleagues. Your connections just might know someone who would be interested in your skills. Participate in discussion groups and add your input. Do whatever it takes to get your name out there and make people aware that you are a potential asset. Adopt an attitude of optimism; let go of fear and move forward.

 No matter what the current odds, people are getting new jobs every day, and you can be one of them!