In these days of financial meltdown, many people may be facing the threat of being made redundant. All over the UK and the US many people are finding that their jobs at insecure as companies cut costs in order to deal with the credit crunch.
If you think your job is at risk, the worse thing you can do is sit and worry and wait for the sword of Damocles to fall. No matter what fate may bring, you need to remember that you are always in charge of your own life, and you can choose how you respond and what action you take.
Response and Action are the two areas I am looking at in this article. The former is to do with your attitude, and the latter is to do with what you actually do. Both are of vital importance in dealing with any situation in life.
Firstly, remember that feelings of anger and frustration, no matter how understandable, are never constructive and have no benefit to you whatsoever. Let go of any resentment you might feel about your employers, and take responsibility for your own life.
Worrying about something that might happen is also unconstructive and disempowering. When you worry you give your power away to the whims of fortune.
Embrace the idea that change can be a positive thing if you choose it to be so. Losing your job may be the opportunity to re-think your life and move on to something even better. Many people who thought that this kind of change was a disaster, have looked back later on and realized it was the best thing that could have happened to them. If you remain positive about the possible change, you will open your mind to new opportunities and ideas so you can create something wonderful out of what you might be thinking of as a disaster.
Change can be frightening, but if you choose to see it as a learning opportunity, you will always create it as a win/win situation.
Secondly, be pro-active. Instead of waiting for something to happen to you, start taking charge and decide what you will do should the worst happen. Make a list of the things you love doing, your skills and experience.
Research your options and think about how you could turn these things into a new career - perhaps you might decide to use your redundancy payment to start your own business. Working at home is something that more and more people are turning to and it also means you can spend more time with your family.
If you really do not know what you would do if you lost your job, or you do not have the confidence to go it alone, or find the career you really want, it might be a good idea to hire a life coach while you still have a regular income.
A professional career coach will help you to get clarity about what you want out of your life and career, and will also work releasing any self limiting beliefs that are preventing you from confidently choosing the career you want. A life coach will also help you to set some goals and create a plan of action so that, whatever happens, you will know where you are heading.
Being made redundant is no joke. It has happened to me twice in the past, so I know how it feels! However, if you can remain positive and be prepared for the possibility, it does not have to be a dreadful experience, and you may even find it leads you to a new and better life.
Ros is a professional career coach and also runs her own online business.
Ros's coaching site is at Career and Home Business Coaching
Find opportunities at her website at Financial Freedom Online
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rosamunde_Bott
Tuesday, 10 November 2009
Friday, 6 November 2009
Construction Jobs UK - Jobs in Construction August 2009 Update
With statistics form the Office of National Statistics the recession has accounted for one in seven redundancies in the first six months to the end of March, August has seen a fluctuation of trends within the construction industry.
A main highlight for the construction industry in August was a pledge from central government to bring forward £3bn of public spending from 2010-11 to the current year to mitigate the impact of the downturn in private construction spending which nevertheless seems to be failing to find its way to the building site.
According to the FMB (Federation of Master Builders), recovery of the construction industry's continues to be stalled due to a lack of available mortgage lending. In essence this means that fewer new housing projects are being started as well as the additional costs that house builders are up against at the moment. The CPA (Construction Plant hire Association) sympathizes with this trend, agreeing that part of the problem stems from large amounts of government money being spent on buying unsold housing stock for conversion into social and affordable housing.
On the other hand however it’s not all doom and gloom. New figures from the government showed a stark 63% increase in the number of building projects starting up during the second quarter of 2009. August has also seen a sharp boost in construction jobs in many parts of the UK. In particular the north-west of England shows promising signs of recovery as Bootle-based CC Geotechnical invests £70,000 on a new geothermic drilling rig. With growing emphasis placed on renewable technology, this will ultimately boost the amount of construction jobs in the area.
Further encouraging news to the construction industry come with the news of about the creation of 430 jobs in construction with sale of Haymills group building company based in East Anglia. The sale of Haymills to the multinational construction firm Vinci will also see a number of construction jobs being created in Cheshire, with the launch of a new major bio-energy plant.
Even through the tough time brought about due to the recession, the construction industry continues to show promising signs of creating new jobs in construction.
JobsGroup.net operates leading niche jobsites, including the market-leading jobsites for engineering jobs and construction jobs in the UK.
A main highlight for the construction industry in August was a pledge from central government to bring forward £3bn of public spending from 2010-11 to the current year to mitigate the impact of the downturn in private construction spending which nevertheless seems to be failing to find its way to the building site.
According to the FMB (Federation of Master Builders), recovery of the construction industry's continues to be stalled due to a lack of available mortgage lending. In essence this means that fewer new housing projects are being started as well as the additional costs that house builders are up against at the moment. The CPA (Construction Plant hire Association) sympathizes with this trend, agreeing that part of the problem stems from large amounts of government money being spent on buying unsold housing stock for conversion into social and affordable housing.
On the other hand however it’s not all doom and gloom. New figures from the government showed a stark 63% increase in the number of building projects starting up during the second quarter of 2009. August has also seen a sharp boost in construction jobs in many parts of the UK. In particular the north-west of England shows promising signs of recovery as Bootle-based CC Geotechnical invests £70,000 on a new geothermic drilling rig. With growing emphasis placed on renewable technology, this will ultimately boost the amount of construction jobs in the area.
Further encouraging news to the construction industry come with the news of about the creation of 430 jobs in construction with sale of Haymills group building company based in East Anglia. The sale of Haymills to the multinational construction firm Vinci will also see a number of construction jobs being created in Cheshire, with the launch of a new major bio-energy plant.
Even through the tough time brought about due to the recession, the construction industry continues to show promising signs of creating new jobs in construction.
JobsGroup.net operates leading niche jobsites, including the market-leading jobsites for engineering jobs and construction jobs in the UK.
Thursday, 5 November 2009
How to Get a New Job in Times of Recession
The last two years have been nightmarish for those who were looking for a new job. Not only have the job vacancies dried up, but also there has been an exodus of professionals to the already over-populated world of the jobless. The global economic crisis has manifested itself in the form of pink slips in most of the industries. At a time when experienced people are losing jobs, how is one going to find a new job?
However, the crisis has not halted the recruitment process entirely. There have been a number of new recruits entering their companies each month. It is true that they are not being offered the high salaries their seniors got at the start of their career. Still, getting a job with slightly lower salary is far better than not getting a job at all.
Here are a few time-tested tips that would help a person in finding a new job - irrespective of the financial scenario.
Networking
Everybody knows that one can land plum posts with the help of a good network of friends. However, very few people manage to maintain a good network of friends. It is true that in the hectic work environment, it is difficult to keep track of friends. One can make use of email, social networking websites, and mobile phones to keep a growing network of friends. However, it has to be noted that ideally one should take steps to keep in touch with friends during good times. Frantically contacting the long forgotten friends during times of recession may not go down well with all.
A good network of friends is especially helpful for recently pink-slipped people. While entry-level jobs are often advertised in the media, the senior positions are mostly publicized through word of mouth or e-mails. Therefore, if you are looking for a senior position and are willing to take a small cut in salary, your network of friends might help you find a suitable job.
Scanning The Media
There is some good news for all job seekers - newspapers and jobsites still carry job advertisements and classifieds, despite the doomsday predictions triggered by recession. So, a jobseeker should religiously go through all the available newspapers for finding a suitable job vacancy. In addition, one can register in various jobsites. Most of these websites send details of new job vacancies to the e-mail inbox of the registered users.
How To Apply
It is extremely easy to apply online. You need only one or two mouse clicks. However, you should not apply for the posts which you have no realistic chances of getting. Analyze your skills and preferences and make a short list of jobs that you are interested in. Also make sure that you are sufficiently qualified for the job. If you lack in that front, try to enroll in a short-term course to get a reasonable understanding about the job and the necessary certification.
Your application should have a clear and concise covering letter and a detailed CV. You should have a genuine and straight-forward CV, which gives an account of your capabilities and attitude. A good CV can create a good first impression about the candidate, which can help him or her greatly to obtain a new job.
James Copper is a writer for http://www.worklearn.co.uk where you can find information on getting a new job
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Copper
However, the crisis has not halted the recruitment process entirely. There have been a number of new recruits entering their companies each month. It is true that they are not being offered the high salaries their seniors got at the start of their career. Still, getting a job with slightly lower salary is far better than not getting a job at all.
Here are a few time-tested tips that would help a person in finding a new job - irrespective of the financial scenario.
Networking
Everybody knows that one can land plum posts with the help of a good network of friends. However, very few people manage to maintain a good network of friends. It is true that in the hectic work environment, it is difficult to keep track of friends. One can make use of email, social networking websites, and mobile phones to keep a growing network of friends. However, it has to be noted that ideally one should take steps to keep in touch with friends during good times. Frantically contacting the long forgotten friends during times of recession may not go down well with all.
A good network of friends is especially helpful for recently pink-slipped people. While entry-level jobs are often advertised in the media, the senior positions are mostly publicized through word of mouth or e-mails. Therefore, if you are looking for a senior position and are willing to take a small cut in salary, your network of friends might help you find a suitable job.
Scanning The Media
There is some good news for all job seekers - newspapers and jobsites still carry job advertisements and classifieds, despite the doomsday predictions triggered by recession. So, a jobseeker should religiously go through all the available newspapers for finding a suitable job vacancy. In addition, one can register in various jobsites. Most of these websites send details of new job vacancies to the e-mail inbox of the registered users.
How To Apply
It is extremely easy to apply online. You need only one or two mouse clicks. However, you should not apply for the posts which you have no realistic chances of getting. Analyze your skills and preferences and make a short list of jobs that you are interested in. Also make sure that you are sufficiently qualified for the job. If you lack in that front, try to enroll in a short-term course to get a reasonable understanding about the job and the necessary certification.
Your application should have a clear and concise covering letter and a detailed CV. You should have a genuine and straight-forward CV, which gives an account of your capabilities and attitude. A good CV can create a good first impression about the candidate, which can help him or her greatly to obtain a new job.
James Copper is a writer for http://www.worklearn.co.uk where you can find information on getting a new job
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Copper
Wednesday, 4 November 2009
Make Money With No Job - Discover the Secret
Many people that go online always wonder how can they possibly make money with no job. I know when I first started I was wonder myself the same thing and it was not until I was able to discover the secret that I was able to be successful. It is very possible for you to make money with no job when it comes to going online. But remember that this does not mean that you have to work the putting the time and dedication that it needs.
I can honestly tell you that I have been able to do hours upon hours of my business and it can be considered that I was making money with no job. The best way to make money without having to have a job is to go online and find a program or business that you like and enjoy doing on a daily basis.
Lets be honest here, nobody likes their job and always look for ways to avoid it. The perfect way to do this is to go online and start your business but remember that you still need to put in the work every single day if you want to succeed.
Having a business is a lot different having a job you have a lot more responsibility. But if you start a business that you have a passion for it will not feel like a job and you will actually enjoy doing it. Taking the right steps in building your business the right way will pay off in the long run.
So here are the steps you must take:
First you have to find a program that you have a passion for and you actually like promoting. Once you have done this the next step is to find a way to promote it and my suggestion if you are just starting out on the Internet is definitely article marketing. This is a free way of not investing any money and instead investing your time. The last step will be to just keep doing the promotional method on a consistent basis because the more you do it the more results you will see.
Making money with no job is very obtainable, the link in the resource box below will give more insightful information that will be beneficial for you to know.
Does your JOB let you work in your underwear? Mine does, let me show you how you can make an extra $3,905 every month like clockwork for FREE from the comfort of your home utilizing a secret Make Money With No Job marketing strategy from the Creator of http://www.WorkInYourUnderWear.info
Willox Perez is a veteran internet entrepreneur who is revolutionizing the way most people make money today. He teaches simple techniques that anyone can use to put extra cash in their pockets from their homes.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Willox_Perez
I can honestly tell you that I have been able to do hours upon hours of my business and it can be considered that I was making money with no job. The best way to make money without having to have a job is to go online and find a program or business that you like and enjoy doing on a daily basis.
Lets be honest here, nobody likes their job and always look for ways to avoid it. The perfect way to do this is to go online and start your business but remember that you still need to put in the work every single day if you want to succeed.
Having a business is a lot different having a job you have a lot more responsibility. But if you start a business that you have a passion for it will not feel like a job and you will actually enjoy doing it. Taking the right steps in building your business the right way will pay off in the long run.
So here are the steps you must take:
First you have to find a program that you have a passion for and you actually like promoting. Once you have done this the next step is to find a way to promote it and my suggestion if you are just starting out on the Internet is definitely article marketing. This is a free way of not investing any money and instead investing your time. The last step will be to just keep doing the promotional method on a consistent basis because the more you do it the more results you will see.
Making money with no job is very obtainable, the link in the resource box below will give more insightful information that will be beneficial for you to know.
Does your JOB let you work in your underwear? Mine does, let me show you how you can make an extra $3,905 every month like clockwork for FREE from the comfort of your home utilizing a secret Make Money With No Job marketing strategy from the Creator of http://www.WorkInYourUnderWear.info
Willox Perez is a veteran internet entrepreneur who is revolutionizing the way most people make money today. He teaches simple techniques that anyone can use to put extra cash in their pockets from their homes.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Willox_Perez
Tuesday, 3 November 2009
What Are the Best Ways to Improve Your CV in One Move?
Most people will advise you on which fonts to use and how to word thing but although these points are important there's is one major feature of a CV that sometimes gets over looked. The cover letter: it may feel as though this is an empty gesture and any potential employer will just look at your CV for the relevant information but in a recent survey as many as 40% of employers have overlooked a CV without a cover letter because of the lack of effort.
So it is crucial to include one to be a serious contender for any job but what is it that the employers are looking for in a cover letter? Find out the specific person or department who will be dealing with the applications and address the letter to them.
This is your chance to give a basic introduction to yourself and it can either grab someone's attention or bore them senseless, so keep it short and punchy, give your current job title or last job title and give a general description of the tasks involved. Give any professional qualifications that have lead you into this field.
I gained a two year diploma in customer services from Any College and have worked in the customer services industry for the last 6 years. I have recently been made redundant from A Bank PLC where I was a Customer Support Manager dealing with customer complaints, overseeing a team of customer services and general office duties.
Then offer you're plans for your career development.
So.. I am hoping to continue in the field of customer relations as I feel that interacting with clients in a difficult situation plays to my interpersonal skills. I have plans to attend a course in problem solving should I be unable to find work at this stage.
Then talk about why you want to work for them, do a little research into the company and find out what they have been doing recently and make sure they know that you know.
I am really interested in working at Travel Anywhere Inc as I would be an ideal candidate for the Customer Support Supervisor with my previous work experience and qualification. I have very strong people skills, natural problem solving skills and am calm and professional in any crisis. I believe that Travel Anywhere Inc have joined with the Flights All Over The World Company and will be increasing their standing in the holiday industry and I would like to be a part of this exciting expansion.
The pleasantries:
I look forward to hearing from you soon with regard my application and can be reached via email or my mobile.
Don't start with a description of why you are writing to them as technically they have requested this information via their advertisement, they would know you applying for a job but putting a REF: with the official title, that will make it clear, should they be advertising more than one position. Sign off with how you're are contactable so that you will seem keen and ready for the interview.
Marie is a passionate careers adviser who likes to help many jobless and unemployed people with skills re-training. Marie works for RecruitmentRevolution.com who are an online recruitment agency in the UK.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marie_Warren
So it is crucial to include one to be a serious contender for any job but what is it that the employers are looking for in a cover letter? Find out the specific person or department who will be dealing with the applications and address the letter to them.
This is your chance to give a basic introduction to yourself and it can either grab someone's attention or bore them senseless, so keep it short and punchy, give your current job title or last job title and give a general description of the tasks involved. Give any professional qualifications that have lead you into this field.
I gained a two year diploma in customer services from Any College and have worked in the customer services industry for the last 6 years. I have recently been made redundant from A Bank PLC where I was a Customer Support Manager dealing with customer complaints, overseeing a team of customer services and general office duties.
Then offer you're plans for your career development.
So.. I am hoping to continue in the field of customer relations as I feel that interacting with clients in a difficult situation plays to my interpersonal skills. I have plans to attend a course in problem solving should I be unable to find work at this stage.
Then talk about why you want to work for them, do a little research into the company and find out what they have been doing recently and make sure they know that you know.
I am really interested in working at Travel Anywhere Inc as I would be an ideal candidate for the Customer Support Supervisor with my previous work experience and qualification. I have very strong people skills, natural problem solving skills and am calm and professional in any crisis. I believe that Travel Anywhere Inc have joined with the Flights All Over The World Company and will be increasing their standing in the holiday industry and I would like to be a part of this exciting expansion.
The pleasantries:
I look forward to hearing from you soon with regard my application and can be reached via email or my mobile.
Don't start with a description of why you are writing to them as technically they have requested this information via their advertisement, they would know you applying for a job but putting a REF: with the official title, that will make it clear, should they be advertising more than one position. Sign off with how you're are contactable so that you will seem keen and ready for the interview.
Marie is a passionate careers adviser who likes to help many jobless and unemployed people with skills re-training. Marie works for RecruitmentRevolution.com who are an online recruitment agency in the UK.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marie_Warren
Monday, 2 November 2009
Career Experiences in the Interim Management world
Interim Management can often be a very exciting and rewarding career. Benefits include working in various business environments, being able to have some control in one’s working life, including being able to have breaks between assignments.
There can, of course be negative aspects too, including having highly pressurised working environments, potential insecurity and the separation from family life.
Here are just a few typical examples of ‘Interim Management’ roles.
A manufacturing director with some managing director type roles was made redundant when his company was taken over. He subsequently floated his C.V around and it was noted by a search and selection company, who sent it to their ‘Interim Management’ department. They contacted him and thus followed a lengthy career in ‘Interim Management.’ He enjoyed the excitement of the work and tackling specific problems, which had to be solved rapidly. He remained working in this area for several years. It suited him to have breaks, after assignments so he could spend time with his family etc. However he was very aware that no matter how he felt about his own ability,’ you were only as good as your last job.’
It’s usual to set up a limited company as the ‘self-employed’ life brings with it lots of paperwork and accounting, this can be tricky initially, as when working for a large organisation, there is always someone to see to supplies, stationery and post etc., It’s useful therefore, to be handy to the local post office.
Another ‘ Interim’ candidate initially started as a management consultant, but didn’t actually find the work stimulating as he didn’t like having the ‘hands-off’ experience. He thus enjoyed the stimulation provided by the ‘Interim Management’ lifestyle. He felt it was rewarding to go into different organisations and cultures, leaving a much better environment than the one he initially found. He discovered too, that the brief he received from the client’s company chairman or CEO didn’t necessarily fit the circumstances he hitherto found. Being an outsider one is able to view everything dispassionately and are able to bring a new understanding from the situation. There can of course be downsides too, to this way of life. There is normally a very high workload initially and there is a certain amount of working against the clock and information needs to be gathered very quickly as an ‘Interim Manager.’
Specific skills are required for success. Broad experience is needed for the discipline and you have to be extremely self-sufficient. When you have a view of what is needed to be done, you must be prepared to put it forward, defend it and make it happen. There can be no compromises. A secure emotional and financial backing is needed to be able to demand the assignment being done in a certain way, without compromise; if not liked, volunteer to be shown the door!
Another example of an ‘Interim Manager’ was a graduate in mechanical engineering. His career progressed through a series of positions in sales, product development and general management. He landed his first Managing Director’s job in 1978. Several more MD positions followed afterwards. He then decided to look for for a non-executive directorship through venture capitalists, but found a taste in ‘Interim Management.’ When a venture capitalist firm asked him to TEMPORARILY run an investee business that was in trouble, he never looked back; as soon as he had the work he thought that that was the life for him.
He was constantly busy for a further three years. His various ‘Interim Management’ roles required him to :- streamline businesses, put under-performing operations into shape prior to sale, design and implement wholesale business reorganisations, conduct business audits and develop and implement new marketing and operating strategies. The life suited him. He liked the buzz of tackling difficult problems that he hadn’t created and so then the business could be handed over, giving time to wipe hands and go off to play golf for a week or two, after which someone proposes something new and exciting. It is interesting and stimulating work. The greatest gap between roles was for months and the shortest, two weeks.
‘Interim Management’ is a far from easy job, being extremely demanding and maintained that his twelve years ( before he retired ) was the equivalent to about 20 in terms of mental energy. It was similar to running a hundred miles an hour for too long – you run very fast, then have a period of relaxation and then ‘you run like hell again’ You have to be able to walk in on the first day, for people to say “this chap knows what he’s talking about.” One has to be an extremely good communicator and listener. On entering an assignment encouragement is needed for people to talk about the situation, so that you can quickly gain insight as to what’s going on. Together with broad experience, accountancy expertise is essential for an ‘Interim’ managing director. An ‘Interim Management’ career is invaluable training for the non-executive role,
There are certainly more sacrifices that have to be made in exchange for the benefits of excitement, challenge and variety; as with other careers,’ Interim Management’ isn’t for everyone, but those up to the challenge can expect plenty of fulfilling work.
J Hadley writes on behalf of Executive Interims - Supply Chain Practice. See: http://www.executive-interims.co.uk
There can, of course be negative aspects too, including having highly pressurised working environments, potential insecurity and the separation from family life.
Here are just a few typical examples of ‘Interim Management’ roles.
A manufacturing director with some managing director type roles was made redundant when his company was taken over. He subsequently floated his C.V around and it was noted by a search and selection company, who sent it to their ‘Interim Management’ department. They contacted him and thus followed a lengthy career in ‘Interim Management.’ He enjoyed the excitement of the work and tackling specific problems, which had to be solved rapidly. He remained working in this area for several years. It suited him to have breaks, after assignments so he could spend time with his family etc. However he was very aware that no matter how he felt about his own ability,’ you were only as good as your last job.’
It’s usual to set up a limited company as the ‘self-employed’ life brings with it lots of paperwork and accounting, this can be tricky initially, as when working for a large organisation, there is always someone to see to supplies, stationery and post etc., It’s useful therefore, to be handy to the local post office.
Another ‘ Interim’ candidate initially started as a management consultant, but didn’t actually find the work stimulating as he didn’t like having the ‘hands-off’ experience. He thus enjoyed the stimulation provided by the ‘Interim Management’ lifestyle. He felt it was rewarding to go into different organisations and cultures, leaving a much better environment than the one he initially found. He discovered too, that the brief he received from the client’s company chairman or CEO didn’t necessarily fit the circumstances he hitherto found. Being an outsider one is able to view everything dispassionately and are able to bring a new understanding from the situation. There can of course be downsides too, to this way of life. There is normally a very high workload initially and there is a certain amount of working against the clock and information needs to be gathered very quickly as an ‘Interim Manager.’
Specific skills are required for success. Broad experience is needed for the discipline and you have to be extremely self-sufficient. When you have a view of what is needed to be done, you must be prepared to put it forward, defend it and make it happen. There can be no compromises. A secure emotional and financial backing is needed to be able to demand the assignment being done in a certain way, without compromise; if not liked, volunteer to be shown the door!
Another example of an ‘Interim Manager’ was a graduate in mechanical engineering. His career progressed through a series of positions in sales, product development and general management. He landed his first Managing Director’s job in 1978. Several more MD positions followed afterwards. He then decided to look for for a non-executive directorship through venture capitalists, but found a taste in ‘Interim Management.’ When a venture capitalist firm asked him to TEMPORARILY run an investee business that was in trouble, he never looked back; as soon as he had the work he thought that that was the life for him.
He was constantly busy for a further three years. His various ‘Interim Management’ roles required him to :- streamline businesses, put under-performing operations into shape prior to sale, design and implement wholesale business reorganisations, conduct business audits and develop and implement new marketing and operating strategies. The life suited him. He liked the buzz of tackling difficult problems that he hadn’t created and so then the business could be handed over, giving time to wipe hands and go off to play golf for a week or two, after which someone proposes something new and exciting. It is interesting and stimulating work. The greatest gap between roles was for months and the shortest, two weeks.
‘Interim Management’ is a far from easy job, being extremely demanding and maintained that his twelve years ( before he retired ) was the equivalent to about 20 in terms of mental energy. It was similar to running a hundred miles an hour for too long – you run very fast, then have a period of relaxation and then ‘you run like hell again’ You have to be able to walk in on the first day, for people to say “this chap knows what he’s talking about.” One has to be an extremely good communicator and listener. On entering an assignment encouragement is needed for people to talk about the situation, so that you can quickly gain insight as to what’s going on. Together with broad experience, accountancy expertise is essential for an ‘Interim’ managing director. An ‘Interim Management’ career is invaluable training for the non-executive role,
There are certainly more sacrifices that have to be made in exchange for the benefits of excitement, challenge and variety; as with other careers,’ Interim Management’ isn’t for everyone, but those up to the challenge can expect plenty of fulfilling work.
J Hadley writes on behalf of Executive Interims - Supply Chain Practice. See: http://www.executive-interims.co.uk
Wednesday, 28 October 2009
Seven Steps Toward Making a Good Impression In a Job Interview
Seven Steps:
When you get started on the right foot the interview will flow easily. This is one impression you cannot leave to chance.
1. Appearance counts. When you look good, you feel good. Make sure you look groomed and neat. If you were a book, would someone be attracted to your "cover" and want to pursue you further?
2. Your clothes and accessories should be conservative and neutral, rather than wild and loud. Your clothes are your packaging and should not take attention away from the product.
3. Non-Verbal Communication sometimes conveys a stronger message than verbal communication. When you slouch, whether you're sitting or standing, you are saying volumes about you and your confidence level. Sit up straight (like your mother always told you to). When you stand make yourself as tall as possible with � shoulders back and head held high.
4. Eye contact and smiles can indicate a confident and upbeat attitude. You will notice that many job postings ask for "enthusiasm and energy." This is a good opportunity to demonstrate your social and interpersonal skills, as well as your excitement about the opportunity you are interviewing for.
5. The handshake sends a strong tactile message. If you have particularly sweaty hands try using a deodorant gel (anti-perspirant) as a lotion. Your hands will feel soft and smell good. Try this before the interview to see if it works for you.
It is important that your grip demonstrates confidence. A firm handshake, not a bone-crushing grip, will indicate self-assurance. Reach your hand out palm sideways and grip the hand, web to web. Try it, you will see that your hand closes over the palm of the hand. When you squeeze the fingers, it can hurt, especially if you are wearing rings.
6. Your voice and the volume of your speech convey a strong impression. Whether it is a phone interview or a face-to-face interview, it is important that you speak with enthusiasm and energy. Use a firm voice to demonstrate your confidence. If you speak in low tones the impact will be weak and ineffective.
7. Your vocabulary reveals your communication skills and ability to interface with people �especially people you've not met before. The words you choose will indicate your education and training, as well as your knowledge of the industry you are applying for. It is important to use "their" words and talk "their" talk.
Practice the impression you are making with someone you trust to give you objective feedback. You are at the interview to make a sale - an important sale - and the product you are selling is YOU.
Carole Martin is America's #1 Interview Coach. Celebrated author, trainer, and mentor, Carole can give you interviewing tips like no one else can. Her workbook, "Interview Fitness Training" has sold thousands of copies world-wide. Sign Up to Receive Free Weekly Interview Tips at The Interview Coach
Tuesday, 20 October 2009
How to find a new job 2
In Part 1 "5 Job Tips - How to Find a GREAT New Job" You did some soul searching created some lists - ending up with a list of marketable skills. Got that in front of you now? Good. Here are 5 more job tips to turn that list of skills into a great new job.
1. Narrow your Search
Now you need to match those skills with the kinds of jobs that will pay for them. Keep in mind there are lots of skills that transfer well to other jobs. For example:
I once ran across someone who helped her husband build a Real Estate brokerage. After 5 years, he left her and filed for divorce. She was devastated and jobless. Her instinct was to limit herself to real estate work but her skills took her far beyond that....
She was great at marketing and could use those skills for any small business.
She could manage any office - especially personal service types like insurance and investment fields.
She could set appointments. Do phone work, web design, handle advertising, bookkeeping and a host of other tasks.
The question she should have been asking is... which of those valuable skills does she want to offer and to whom?
Do a bit of brainstorming to come up with some kinds of jobs that may need the skills you have to offer.
2. Set Your Sights
By now, you should have a list of the kinds of jobs available. Next, make a list of potential employers. Again you want your list to be as broad as possible and include as many potential employers as you can.
After you've drawn up a list as extensive as possible - you should arrange them from most desirable to least. Don't worry - you need not write the list in stone so you can always change the order... or even cross some employers off entirely if you like.
3. Interview Prospective Employers
From the list of potential employers, you want to narrow down your search again to a short list of potential employers. Forget about job postings. You are going after the job you want - "job openings".
Decide what companies you want to work for and why. Make sure you know what you like about these companies. Keep your eyes wide open here. Not even the "Best Place to Work in America" is perfect.
Now order your list from the most desirable to the least. Start at the top and begin your research. You want to know as much about the position as you can.
Talk to people working in the department. What's it like working in this position. What do you like about this company? How does it compare to other companies?
Talk to the department head. Ask him/her about job duties, work environment, expectations. Your purpose is not to ask about a job but to research the kind of position you want to pursue.
If they are "not hiring" then find out if they anticipate an opening and if so when? Ask about the industry in general - is there a demand for skilled people? Is the demand expected to increase to decrease? Why?
Remain undaunted if they claim to have no openings right now. Most any decent company wants to grow. Growth means expansion and expansion means jobs.
If there is any interest in your skills at all, ask the department head they would like to see your resume and offer to submit it to their human resources department. (Or if they are small - right to the person you are talking too!) If they say "yes", submit the resume with a sticky note saying "Ms. X said she wanted to see this when you got it" or something so they are sure to forward it.
4. Tailor Your Cover Letter and Resume
When submitting your cover letter and resume - be sure to focus on the skills they are looking for. If they want someone to answer the phones - emphasize your phone skills! If they don't mention typing skills, it may not matter how great yours are.
For each job you decide to go after - you should have a resume and cover letter targeted for the requirements of that position. Make sure the employer sees up front that you have exactly what they are looking for!
At this point if you find yourself explaining why they should consider you in spite of your shortcomings - it may be time to reconsider your qualifications. Remember - the point here is to target jobs you are highly qualified for. If you find yourself lacking skills then you should either adjust your focus or improve your skill set.
5. Make the Wheel Squeak
Be sure to follow up with a thank you card and a phone call. While you don't want to become a pest, make it clear you want to work for this company and why.
If you know anyone who works for the company then they may be able to give the inside scoop on news. The more information you can get the better. Stay patient. The more desirable the company and the job, the willing you should be to bide your time.
Landing the exact job you want may not be easy but the payoff is worth some extra effort. As a bonus, this extra work may pay off with some surprising rewards you never thought possible.
You may find the company you were originally high on isn't all that. BUT there' a position open now at an even better firm. Plus once you can present a knowledgeable and enthusiastic prospect to a potential employer - you can suddenly find yourself as a "hot property".
The employer may be willing to go all out to bag a trophy employee - you!
Remember this ball started rolling because you decided to pursue something you would enjoy doing instead of settling for "whatever". In the end you will be happier and your new employer will be overjoyed to have an enthusiastic employee who really wants to be there.
Now take this 5 job tips along with the first set of tips and land that awesome job!
Find more job search tips here
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Hundley
1. Narrow your Search
Now you need to match those skills with the kinds of jobs that will pay for them. Keep in mind there are lots of skills that transfer well to other jobs. For example:
I once ran across someone who helped her husband build a Real Estate brokerage. After 5 years, he left her and filed for divorce. She was devastated and jobless. Her instinct was to limit herself to real estate work but her skills took her far beyond that....
She was great at marketing and could use those skills for any small business.
She could manage any office - especially personal service types like insurance and investment fields.
She could set appointments. Do phone work, web design, handle advertising, bookkeeping and a host of other tasks.
The question she should have been asking is... which of those valuable skills does she want to offer and to whom?
Do a bit of brainstorming to come up with some kinds of jobs that may need the skills you have to offer.
2. Set Your Sights
By now, you should have a list of the kinds of jobs available. Next, make a list of potential employers. Again you want your list to be as broad as possible and include as many potential employers as you can.
After you've drawn up a list as extensive as possible - you should arrange them from most desirable to least. Don't worry - you need not write the list in stone so you can always change the order... or even cross some employers off entirely if you like.
3. Interview Prospective Employers
From the list of potential employers, you want to narrow down your search again to a short list of potential employers. Forget about job postings. You are going after the job you want - "job openings".
Decide what companies you want to work for and why. Make sure you know what you like about these companies. Keep your eyes wide open here. Not even the "Best Place to Work in America" is perfect.
Now order your list from the most desirable to the least. Start at the top and begin your research. You want to know as much about the position as you can.
Talk to people working in the department. What's it like working in this position. What do you like about this company? How does it compare to other companies?
Talk to the department head. Ask him/her about job duties, work environment, expectations. Your purpose is not to ask about a job but to research the kind of position you want to pursue.
If they are "not hiring" then find out if they anticipate an opening and if so when? Ask about the industry in general - is there a demand for skilled people? Is the demand expected to increase to decrease? Why?
Remain undaunted if they claim to have no openings right now. Most any decent company wants to grow. Growth means expansion and expansion means jobs.
If there is any interest in your skills at all, ask the department head they would like to see your resume and offer to submit it to their human resources department. (Or if they are small - right to the person you are talking too!) If they say "yes", submit the resume with a sticky note saying "Ms. X said she wanted to see this when you got it" or something so they are sure to forward it.
4. Tailor Your Cover Letter and Resume
When submitting your cover letter and resume - be sure to focus on the skills they are looking for. If they want someone to answer the phones - emphasize your phone skills! If they don't mention typing skills, it may not matter how great yours are.
For each job you decide to go after - you should have a resume and cover letter targeted for the requirements of that position. Make sure the employer sees up front that you have exactly what they are looking for!
At this point if you find yourself explaining why they should consider you in spite of your shortcomings - it may be time to reconsider your qualifications. Remember - the point here is to target jobs you are highly qualified for. If you find yourself lacking skills then you should either adjust your focus or improve your skill set.
5. Make the Wheel Squeak
Be sure to follow up with a thank you card and a phone call. While you don't want to become a pest, make it clear you want to work for this company and why.
If you know anyone who works for the company then they may be able to give the inside scoop on news. The more information you can get the better. Stay patient. The more desirable the company and the job, the willing you should be to bide your time.
Landing the exact job you want may not be easy but the payoff is worth some extra effort. As a bonus, this extra work may pay off with some surprising rewards you never thought possible.
You may find the company you were originally high on isn't all that. BUT there' a position open now at an even better firm. Plus once you can present a knowledgeable and enthusiastic prospect to a potential employer - you can suddenly find yourself as a "hot property".
The employer may be willing to go all out to bag a trophy employee - you!
Remember this ball started rolling because you decided to pursue something you would enjoy doing instead of settling for "whatever". In the end you will be happier and your new employer will be overjoyed to have an enthusiastic employee who really wants to be there.
Now take this 5 job tips along with the first set of tips and land that awesome job!
Find more job search tips here
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Hundley
How to find a new job 1
Laying the groundwork
Job hunting can be tough. Whether you just started looking for a job or you've been searching for jobs for months No matter where you are in your job search chances are you've felt like you ran smack dab into a brick wall at least once. These five job tips are designed not only to help you break through that brick wall but to help you land a job you'll really like. Ready? Great! Here we go...
1. Get Serious
But you ARE serious... right? This may seem like a strange tip to land a job. Of course you are. By "get serious", I'm talking about making a personal decision. Up until now, chances are, you've been looking for "a" job. "A" as in "any job" or maybe "any job you qualify for". Well forget that.
From now on burn this idea into your head: you are going to land an incredible job, a great job, an amazing job. From this point on you refuse to settle for anything less than the best the world has to offer you. Got that? Good. NOW you're serious!
2. Take Stock
Right now is the perfect time to take a good look at your past. Make a list of your dreams, desires and wishes. Go all out. Don't pull any punches.
List all your past jobs - big, small, good and bad. Don't leave anything out here. For each one write down all the details you can remember about each. What you liked, what you didn't like and so forth. Write down what you accomplished in each position. Try to include as much detail as possible. If there are any facts you can document then do it.
What you should end up with is the most complete job history you've ever had. Don't worry if it's a book. No employer will ever see all of it.
In the end you should have everything you've ever done or wanted to do at your fingertips. Take as much time as you need for this.
After you've finished with paying jobs, do the same for your school career, any volunteer work, and your hobbies.
Include everything. Sweep out those corners. Become your own best detective. Remember this is serious stuff.
3. Get Organized
Maybe you're a natural organizational freak. If so then you've probably already done everything in this section. But I'm guessing you'll check just to be sure. Right? And if you're NOT "super organized" - now's the time to get your ducks in a row.
Now you want to organize all of this. I won't tell you how. Just arrange it all so it makes sense for you. Looking ahead you're going to make a list of the tasks you like to do so it may help to keep this in mind.
4. Do Some Weeding
You need to make four lists.
Things you like doing
Things you do NOT like doing
Things you are good at
Things you stink at
Feel free to modify the titles of the list to suit you. Notice everything will end up on two lists. If you need to make some "in-between" lists of things that don't fit these categories - go for it.
Now make a list of things you are good at and you like doing. Go ahead and make another list of things you like doing and would like to learn to be good at it if you wish.
Okay, you need to make one more list - an important one - your list of marketable skills. The goal here is to make this list as long as possible. The more marketable skills you list the more options you'll have available. Reality may may present some trade-offs. If you want to be a police detective, you're going to have to do paperwork.
5. Get Focused
Now you have a list of marketable skills to offer potential employers. Now you have some real choices to make. If your number one marketable skill is something you love doing, you'll spend most of your time using this skill in a job and it's in great demand - you're set. This kind of "fit" simply won't happen for most of us. From here we will take this list and start matching it jobs where you can spend as much time as possible doing what you love while minimizing the time spent on more unpleasant tasks.
If you want a great job - take action. These job tips won't help you a bit if you never take out a pen and paper. In the next installment, I'll show you how to turn this list into the kind of job you've always dreamed of having.
Find more great job tips here
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Hundley
Job hunting can be tough. Whether you just started looking for a job or you've been searching for jobs for months No matter where you are in your job search chances are you've felt like you ran smack dab into a brick wall at least once. These five job tips are designed not only to help you break through that brick wall but to help you land a job you'll really like. Ready? Great! Here we go...
1. Get Serious
But you ARE serious... right? This may seem like a strange tip to land a job. Of course you are. By "get serious", I'm talking about making a personal decision. Up until now, chances are, you've been looking for "a" job. "A" as in "any job" or maybe "any job you qualify for". Well forget that.
From now on burn this idea into your head: you are going to land an incredible job, a great job, an amazing job. From this point on you refuse to settle for anything less than the best the world has to offer you. Got that? Good. NOW you're serious!
2. Take Stock
Right now is the perfect time to take a good look at your past. Make a list of your dreams, desires and wishes. Go all out. Don't pull any punches.
List all your past jobs - big, small, good and bad. Don't leave anything out here. For each one write down all the details you can remember about each. What you liked, what you didn't like and so forth. Write down what you accomplished in each position. Try to include as much detail as possible. If there are any facts you can document then do it.
What you should end up with is the most complete job history you've ever had. Don't worry if it's a book. No employer will ever see all of it.
In the end you should have everything you've ever done or wanted to do at your fingertips. Take as much time as you need for this.
After you've finished with paying jobs, do the same for your school career, any volunteer work, and your hobbies.
Include everything. Sweep out those corners. Become your own best detective. Remember this is serious stuff.
3. Get Organized
Maybe you're a natural organizational freak. If so then you've probably already done everything in this section. But I'm guessing you'll check just to be sure. Right? And if you're NOT "super organized" - now's the time to get your ducks in a row.
Now you want to organize all of this. I won't tell you how. Just arrange it all so it makes sense for you. Looking ahead you're going to make a list of the tasks you like to do so it may help to keep this in mind.
4. Do Some Weeding
You need to make four lists.
Things you like doing
Things you do NOT like doing
Things you are good at
Things you stink at
Feel free to modify the titles of the list to suit you. Notice everything will end up on two lists. If you need to make some "in-between" lists of things that don't fit these categories - go for it.
Now make a list of things you are good at and you like doing. Go ahead and make another list of things you like doing and would like to learn to be good at it if you wish.
Okay, you need to make one more list - an important one - your list of marketable skills. The goal here is to make this list as long as possible. The more marketable skills you list the more options you'll have available. Reality may may present some trade-offs. If you want to be a police detective, you're going to have to do paperwork.
5. Get Focused
Now you have a list of marketable skills to offer potential employers. Now you have some real choices to make. If your number one marketable skill is something you love doing, you'll spend most of your time using this skill in a job and it's in great demand - you're set. This kind of "fit" simply won't happen for most of us. From here we will take this list and start matching it jobs where you can spend as much time as possible doing what you love while minimizing the time spent on more unpleasant tasks.
If you want a great job - take action. These job tips won't help you a bit if you never take out a pen and paper. In the next installment, I'll show you how to turn this list into the kind of job you've always dreamed of having.
Find more great job tips here
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Hundley
Redundant
If you are told that you are going to be dismissed for redundancy reasons, what are your legal rights? You need to consider whether the redundancy is a genuine redundancy and whether the payment offered is fair. This article should help you to do that.
Reasons For Redundancy. The general reason for redundancy is that your employer wishes to reduce their work force. This can happen when the business is closing down, or the job that you undertake is no longer a necessary part of the process due to efficiency improvements.
It will not count as a redundancy if your employer immediately replaces you with somebody else. This could lead to a larger compensation claim for you.
The Three Main Reasons For Redundancy. The three valid reasons for redundancy are:
1. Your employer stops carrying on their business (this does not include when they transfer it to a new owner); 2. Your employer stops trading from the location where you are employed and moves the business elsewhere; and 3. Your employer's business no longer needs any employees or as many employees as it needed before (normally due to changes in the processes).
Redundancy normally happens when your employer has to cut costs to make the company viable and profitable. Obviously in testing economic times, redundancies are far more prevalent and a lot of people will lose their job by way of redundancy.
Duty To Consult. If your employer is considering making twenty or more employees redundant within a 90 day period this is known as a collective redundancy. In these situations they have to consult with employee representatives to discuss who should leave.
Individual Redundancies. In all other cases where less than twenty people are being made redundant, your employer has to follow the correct redundancy procedure which includes:-
Selecting the employees fairly; Warning you and consulting you about your redundancy; Your employer taking reasonable steps to find employment for you elsewhere; Providing you with the correct amount of redundancy pay and notice; and Your employer must consider any other alternatives to redundancy.
What Should You Do?
If you believe your employer has failed to follow the correct procedure or that the reasons provided for redundancy are not genuine, you should consider taking legal action. You could take a claim to the Employment Tribunal or you could instruct a specialist employment solicitor to investigate the redundancy and to advise you whether you can make a claim for compensation.
The Work Ethic are Employment Lawyers Edinburgh. Looking for an Employment Law Solicitor?
Nick Jervis is a consultant to the Work Ethic.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nick_Jervis
Reasons For Redundancy. The general reason for redundancy is that your employer wishes to reduce their work force. This can happen when the business is closing down, or the job that you undertake is no longer a necessary part of the process due to efficiency improvements.
It will not count as a redundancy if your employer immediately replaces you with somebody else. This could lead to a larger compensation claim for you.
The Three Main Reasons For Redundancy. The three valid reasons for redundancy are:
1. Your employer stops carrying on their business (this does not include when they transfer it to a new owner); 2. Your employer stops trading from the location where you are employed and moves the business elsewhere; and 3. Your employer's business no longer needs any employees or as many employees as it needed before (normally due to changes in the processes).
Redundancy normally happens when your employer has to cut costs to make the company viable and profitable. Obviously in testing economic times, redundancies are far more prevalent and a lot of people will lose their job by way of redundancy.
Duty To Consult. If your employer is considering making twenty or more employees redundant within a 90 day period this is known as a collective redundancy. In these situations they have to consult with employee representatives to discuss who should leave.
Individual Redundancies. In all other cases where less than twenty people are being made redundant, your employer has to follow the correct redundancy procedure which includes:-
Selecting the employees fairly; Warning you and consulting you about your redundancy; Your employer taking reasonable steps to find employment for you elsewhere; Providing you with the correct amount of redundancy pay and notice; and Your employer must consider any other alternatives to redundancy.
What Should You Do?
If you believe your employer has failed to follow the correct procedure or that the reasons provided for redundancy are not genuine, you should consider taking legal action. You could take a claim to the Employment Tribunal or you could instruct a specialist employment solicitor to investigate the redundancy and to advise you whether you can make a claim for compensation.
The Work Ethic are Employment Lawyers Edinburgh. Looking for an Employment Law Solicitor?
Nick Jervis is a consultant to the Work Ethic.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nick_Jervis
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