Posts tagged Career
Our Favorite Career Books
Mar 5th
There are tons of career books that you can use as resource while job hunting, so much so that searching for the right book can be a job in itself. Here’s a list of a few books to try. See which one speaks to you and use it to help you land your dream job.
What Color is Your Parachute? By Richard Bolles
This book, which has sold over 11 million copies in 26 languages, has had huge success for good reason. Dick Bolles constantly updates the book as the job seeking field advances and changes. There’s some great advice in here for job seekers of all ages at all career levels. This book includes worksheets, tools and exercises, making it a fun, interactive tool for soul-searching.
You Majored in What? Mapping Your Path from Chaos to Career By Katherine Brooks
This is for anyone who gets the question, “What are you going to do with that?” Katherine Brooks tailors her career advice to recent college graduates with liberal arts degrees. Learning how to transition into the “real world” without a direct career path can be difficult, but Brooks encourages recent graduates to “celebrate their education” and “embrace the chaos” of the job world.
Choose a Career and Discover Your Perfect Job: 105 Tips on Work Attitude and Motivation By Gary Vurnum
This interactive book outlines what Vurnum deems the best way to pick a career. His career test encourages readers to identify their own strengths and weaknesses, thus sorting out a good professional fit. Vurnum also uses advice from his own experience as an online self-improvement expert. This book is informative and transformative – a great way to determine what you need to change in order to find the career you love.
Get the Job You Want, Even When No One’s Hiring
By Ford Myers
Myers’ book helps dispel the myth that you can’t get hired in a bad economy. Myers concedes that this is one of the toughest job markets in recent history, but he offers advice on how to search for a job in unconventional ways. Additionally, he provides a “Job Search Survival Toolkit” to supplement his advice in the book.
100 Job Search Tips From Fortune 500 Recruiters
This is a great career read for readers on a budget because it is available online for free. You can read the book online here: http://www.emc.com/collateral/article/100-job-search-tips.pdf. The book outlines an insightful collection of stories and advice from people who have been in the recruiting field and know what real employers look for in candidates. How can you turn down such valuable advice for free?
| Print article | This entry was posted by pyramid-admin on March 5, 2013 at 3:32 pm, and is filed under Chronicles For Candidates, Human Resource, Weekend Homework. Follow any responses to this post through RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site. |
2 Approaches to Keeping Your Career New Year’s Resolutions
Jan 7th
Are you looking to start off 2013 with a new job, career change or possibly that long awaited promotion? We all make New Year’s resolutions, even if we don’t want to admit it out loud. Many of us have those resolutions focus on our careers. As we all know though, it is much easier to make our lists than to stick to them throughout the year.
One approach, as mentioned by Careerealism, to sticking to your resolutions is to assign them into different goal levels: immediate goals, short-term goals and long-term goals. This is a great way to lessen the anxiety over your resolutions and make them look more feasible.
A second approach is to maintain your motivation and drive throughout the year. Don’t succumb to a negative and/or defeated attitude. Only you can make the change you want in your life. As with the idea of the goals list, write down a motivational statement to go along with your resolutions.
Look into developing and enhancing skill lets relevant to your job or desired career. There are many opportunities out there by way of workshops, training courses and books. If you’re not sure where to find these, try looking into local Meetup groups. Another tactic for maintaining motivation is to surround yourself with ambitious people. Speakers, such as Jim Rohn have affirm the law of average, that you are the average of the five people you hang out with most
You may decide you want to modify your career resolutions. This is completely acceptable. Don’t stick to your resolution for the sake of committing. Sometime our goals change, just be sure not to lose sight of your drive. It’s a new year and the perfect time for a fresh start.
| Print article | This entry was posted by pyramid-admin on January 7, 2013 at 2:19 pm, and is filed under Chronicles For Candidates, Inspiration. Follow any responses to this post through RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site. |
Not Sure If You’re Ready for a Career Change?
Dec 7th
Are you considering a career change, but not sure if it’s the right move for you? Make no mistake, this can be a challenging time and you want to weigh all of your options carefully. Should I quit myjob to dedicate my time to a job search? Should I go back to school? Should I just remain where I am? These are all common questions that might be running through your head.
To bring some clarity and a starting point, here are 5 questions to ask yourself from Forbes when considering a career change:
- Am I happy?
- Do I feel challenged every day (and more often in a good way than the opposite)?
- What do I love about my job/life? What do I wish I could change?
- Do I see a path for growth in my current position? If so, what does it look like?
- What things are most important to me in a job (i.e. flexibility, autonomy, money, recognition, working with creative people)?
Don’t just answer these out loud. Write them down, read them, step away and reflect. You might be surprised at your answers.
If you aren’t sure about quitting your job or can’t afford to do so, set up Google Alerts and/or sign up for job notification emails from corporate job boards to keep current. Another great way to stay under the radar while working and deciding a career change is networking. Set up for after work events, establish rapport and keep in touch.
Remain level headed, don’t make any rush decisions and consider all of your options and you will make the right decision.
| Print article | This entry was posted by pyramid-admin on December 7, 2012 at 12:47 pm, and is filed under Chronicles For Candidates. Follow any responses to this post through RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site. |
How to Go About Asking for a Raise
Sep 24th
At some point in your career you are undoubtedly going to want to ask for a raise. The question then becomes “how do I go about asking?” First things first, you need to know the market rate for the position and industry you are working in so you know what to ask for.
Most people answer this question by browsing websites that provide salary information, but it is important to keep in mind that these sites don’t account for the fact that job titles and job responsibilities vary by company and industry. A more reliable alternative is asking other people in your field for their opinion. Remember, you’re not after one specific figure. You’re looking for patterns and trends to inform your decision.
Timing is a key factor. You must know the best time to ask for a raise. Generally one should wait one year for their first raise within a company. Build up a case to present when you ask for the raise. You want to be able to show prior accomplishments, targeted goals and your worth to the company. When you make the request make sure you have a list proving your irreplaceable value.
Rehearse your request before you place it and be prepared for a “yes” and “no” response. If the answer is no, ask your employer why you have been turned down and what you can do to earn a raise in the future. Also, understand that sometimes a raise just isn’t in the budget. In the event that this happens, ask if there are any other rewards or compensation methods.
| Print article | This entry was posted by pyramid-admin on September 24, 2012 at 2:30 pm, and is filed under Awkwardly Asking. Follow any responses to this post through RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site. |
Networking: Online and Local Events
Aug 17th
U.S. unemployment and underemployment statistics are still a major issue effecting job seekers in our economy. Fortunately with the rise of social media as a job searching tool in recent years, sites such as Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter make the job hunt more accessible.
Make a list of target companies that offer roles on your projected career path. Follow them on Twitter and LinkedIn, and “like” their Facebook pages. This is a great way to stay up to date on the latest highlights, job openings and fillings. You should also check to see if you are connected to current employees at a company of interest. You may surprise yourself and discover you have a strong 3rd party connection somewhere.
It may also prove beneficial to reach out to individuals on already on your desired career path – perhaps friends of friends, college alumni, etc. Ask questions about how they arrived where they are now and advice you can follow to get there. You can also ask if they can refer you to another professional, but do not be straightforward and ask for a job on the spot. Remember, social networking is here to provide you some extra ease for connecting with business professionals and finding you a career – use it wisely.
Don’t rule out attending events in your area because you have an online presence. One on one interaction is always an added plus when networking. You have the ability to leave someone with a more memorable impression of you.
Here are some great rules when networking at an event:
- Try to avoid idle chatter. Sincere interest in the other person is the objective.
- If you want a successful event, talk your server staff, the event manager, the valet, not just the attendees.
- Try to speak positively—whether about other people, the event you’re at, or even the conversations you’re in.
- If the conversation has run its course, graciously exit. Then be the first with a follow-up email, a thank-you note, or an appreciative call.
For more rules to follow when networking, click here.
| Print article | This entry was posted by pyramid-admin on August 17, 2012 at 11:45 am, and is filed under Networking, Social Media. Follow any responses to this post through RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site. |
Are You Taking Chances to Find Your Dream Career?
Aug 13th
Many of us are searching for our dream career and some of us aren’t sure what that is yet. If you haven’t found it you should continue working while you discover what this job is for you. The best way to go about this search is to work various jobs to find out what you enjoy and best suits your skills. A great suggestion from Careerealism.com is to make a list of your five favorite jobs, and alongside each one, list its attributes and benefits. There should be patterns that you can draw from to move forward in your search.
You want to be careful your resume doesn’t look too job hoppy though. You should be genuinely interested in jobs you take on your search for your career and give them a good amount of time before dismissing it as not a good fit for you. If this tends to be a problem you experience then a career coach might be a reasonable option to consider. A coach can help you look for a new direction within a career and help you work through those boring aspects of a job.
Fear is a huge factor that intimidates us from going after of dream career. Fear of failure, fear of rejection, fear of networking – these are all valid fears that can limit of growth. You shouldn’t let fear rule you. Do not allow fear of the unknown prevent you from going for what you truly want in life. In the end you will only come out stronger, regardless of the outcome. The more you overcome your fears the easier it will become.
| Print article | This entry was posted by pyramid-admin on August 13, 2012 at 10:37 am, and is filed under Job Search. Follow any responses to this post through RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site. |
Balancing Your Work and Personal Life
Jul 27th
Time is your most valuable asset – every moment of your time matters. Balancing a career and personal life is a common challenge for more people. It is important to stress the impact that can be made from even the smallest of changes in your everyday life.
There are several small changes you can make without significantly altering your lifestyle.
- Be grateful for what you have in your life. When you wake up in the morning take a moment to relax and reflect.
- Working out with friends, family or partners is a great way to spend some time together and stay in shape.
- Set a time to make a daily phone call to your kids.
- Clarify your work hours and expectations with your boss to prevent any potential misunderstandings.
- Social with your colleagues in and out of the office when the opportunity arises.
For more changes, click here.
Remember, work doesn’t have to be your life. The key to a balanced life is getting 8 hours of sleep. The importance of a proper amount of sleep cannot be stressed enough. We’ve all said “I work all the time and can’t catch up on life and sleep”. Sometimes it can seem like we have to do absolutely everything on top of a full word load. The best way to take control of your time is to know what you must do. Take a moment and try to enforce the above tips into your day.
| Print article | This entry was posted by pyramid-admin on July 27, 2012 at 9:09 am, and is filed under Time Management. Follow any responses to this post through RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site. |
Using Social Networks to Find Job Openings
Jul 2nd
Did you know a recent survey found that over one-third of U.S. companies have Facebook in their sites as the primary tool for social recruiting in 2012? Job seekers will see substantial developments in social this year.
Data from Jobscience’s research shows:
- Social recruiting isn’t going away anytime soon
- Facebook is the most important social recruiting tool behind LinkedIn
- LinkedIn is anticipated to be the most used tool for recruiting with 57 percent of respondents expecting to use the tool more than job boards, email marketing, and referral programs
- Twitter is the least important social network for recruiting
Online recruiting research lab Potentialpark found that HR professionals prefer interacting with students, graduates and early career professionals on Facebook.
- The corporate career website continues to be the hub of top employer’s talent communication online and offline
- Mobile media still has some catching up to do – only 21% of global top employers have a mobile careers websites or career related app
- Microblogging and blogs are effective niche channels
Using social networks to find candidates for current job openings has become a common strategy for recruiters. For more information on this subject, visit Jobscience’s blog. To see a list of the Top 15 in Online Talent Communications and additional statistics from Potentialpark, click here.
| Print article | This entry was posted by pyramid-admin on July 2, 2012 at 11:07 am, and is filed under Social Media. Follow any responses to this post through RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site. |
When Being Late Is Not An Option
Feb 24th
Do you find that you’re always running late? Have you come to terms with this or have you tried a number of anecdotes to cure the spell of tardiness?
Unfortunately, all hiring managers and recruiters do not accept late candidates. Of course there are extenuating circumstances, but that is only in rare cases.
In an effort to help you land a job and subtract being late as one of the reasons you bomb the interview, here are some tips to help you in the future.
- An obvious solution would be to set an alarm. Even if you have to set an alarm to remind yourself to set an alarm – do whatever it takes to remind yourself to not be late!
- Stop trying to squeeze in other things. If you scheduled a time to leave, leave at that time. Always factor in obstacles along the way.
- If you’re a visual person, write it down. A schedule and calendar should keep you in check.
- If you are worried about being too early, don’t worry! You can always bring a book, camp out at a coffee shop, or if it’s a nice day, do some laps around the block.
There really is no excuse when it comes to being late. What are some tactics you utilize to make sure you’re always on time? Please post your comments on our Facebook page.
| Print article | This entry was posted by pyramid-admin on February 24, 2012 at 8:07 pm, and is filed under Chronicles For Candidates, Interview, On The Job. Follow any responses to this post through RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site. |
How Do You Measure Success?
Jan 31st
Some measure success by the amount of money they make, their job title, or by the things they own. While the aforementioned items may provide a feeling of achievement, these are just “things” and the feeling you get from them can be fleeting.
Inc.com has pointed out some great questions to ask yourself in order to gauge your success throughout a given day. The website even states “Ask [these questions] at the end of each day and I absolutely guarantee that you’ll become more successful.”
There are ten questions listed on Inc.com, however, we have listed our top five picks.
1. Have I done something today that improved the world? You can volunteer your time or make some donations to a charity or a homeless person on the street. Think outside the box.
2. Have I conditioned my body to be more strong flexible and resilient? Your body is your temple. Treat it that way. Get moving by running and walking. Feed your body fruit and vegetables and take care of yourself.
3. Have I avoided unkind words and deeds? At times we may feel frustrated, mad or short tempered. Don’t give in to these feelings by taking it out on others. Take deep breaths and be kind.
4. Have I reviewed and honed my plans for the future? Whether you’re searching for a job, planning your day at work, or making plans with friends, honor your commitments and work hard to achieve them all.
*And our favorite…
5. Have I felt grateful for the incredible gift of being alive? Complaining about the things that plague us are easy. We tend to get lost in the bad things that happen to us. Take a moment to give thanks for all the beauty in the world and the love in your life. Doing this will increase your good mood and help you let go of all the bad surrounding you.
Even if you don’t believe this will lead to success, it doesn’t hurt to live a healthier life mentally and physically. This way, when you go in for your next job interview, you are positive, happy and ready for your next challenge!
| Print article | This entry was posted by pyramid-admin on January 31, 2012 at 6:11 pm, and is filed under Chronicles For Candidates. Follow any responses to this post through RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site. |
