Tuesday, September 4, 2007

Why Your Next Job May Be A Mistake! The Non-Job Alternative

If you're in the job market, don't risk making a big mistake! Check out the non-job alternative before you make a move.

OK. So you're looking at finding another job. But have you ever considered that this may me exactly the right time for a non-job alternative? Let me show you what I mean.

First of all, just exactly what is a non-job alternative?

Well, the easiest way to look at it is as a work activity which replaces or enhances your job-related income. For example, getting into business for yourself.

Now, before you click to something else, just consider this. The opportunities for making good money in a business of your own, full-time or part-time, are astronomical right now. And, if you narrow your thinking only to a business you can run from you home . . . well, things really begin to get interesting.

But let's narrow the non-job alternative focus either further. Today, without question, the most unique and lucrative opportunities are the ones where you use you computer to run an online e-business. Why is this such an exciting option?

Because you can get into without fuss, quickly and with a modest investment of time and money. In other words, if you can use your computer for browsing, emailing or gaming, you've already got the technical skills to run an e-business successfully.

Part of the reason for that is because of the tremendous advance in e-business technology--just in the past couple years. For example, there are turnkey programs that have done all the programming you need. These amazing internet resources can have you up and running in a matter of minutes because all the hard work is already done for you.

And the variety of non-job alternative e-business opportunities is incredible! In fact, I've never seen anything like it. But you have to be careful.

Unfortunately, there are scams out there. So you need to explore your non-job alternatives with intelligence. Don't jump into anything without checking out the business plan carefully. Make sure it can verify what kind of money you can make. And that it has a long-term track record of success.

Be sure the e-business plan you're considering has a money back guarantee. In other words, you want the chance to try it on for size say for a month. And if it's not working the way you expected, you can get your money back.

However, you also must be realistic. Nothing is going to happen if you're unwilling to invest some time and energy, especially learning how to market and sell your product or services. After all, we're talking about a business here. A stagnant business is no business.

On the other hand, if you never consider a non-job alternative, you'll be missing out on one of the great movements of the 21st Century!


http://www.articleblender.com/Article/Why-Your-Next-Job-May-Be-A-Mistake---The-Non-Job-Alternative/89128

Questions On Job Hunting

Okay so you have already graduated. You have passed your finals, breezed through all your classes and finished your thesis. Now what?

Welcome to the real world.

Now everything becomes even harder. With thousands of students graduating every year, it can be extremely hard to find a good job. It takes a combination of good grades, excellent credentials and job hunting skills to land a job that others will envy!

Below are just some of the frequently asked questions about job hunting. Read on and you might learn a thing or two that can help you get your dream job.

What do I need to prepare?

Although application requirements will vary from one company to another, there are basic things that a job applicant need to have. The first thing is of course the resume, which will basically show your capabilities and your credential.

The resume is one way to put yourself across and promote yourself without having to brag. The resume will include your education, your previous job experience if there is any, your skills and your achievements. Everything can actually be found in the resume.

Is a cover letter really necessary?

The cover letter will basically state the position that you want to apply for in the company. It is also used by personnel managers to gauge your language abilities as well as how well you compose a correspondence.

Do I need a portfolio?

If you are in the creative fields or the fields wherein you have to produce sample works such as in advertising, arts, journalism and other areas, you need to create a portfolio of your most recent works. Even if you have not worked yet, the projects that you have done in your class and in your school organization is already enough.

Do I need to inform the people in reference list?

It is a good idea to inform people that you are going to use them as your reference. This way, they will be able to prepare just in case they are contacted by potential employers.

How do I look for jobs?

Most job postings can be seen in newspapers. Here you will find the job positions available as well as the requirements for the job. Most companies will ask applicants to respond by sending a cover letter as well as their resumes, which will be evaluated. Successful applicants will be contacted for interviews. Some companies also use the World Wide Web to look for applicants. They post job openings on their websites. This is actually one of the ways that companies make sure that their candidates are internet savvy and computer literate.

There are also job search engines that can help those who want to apply for jobs. The process is actually pretty simple. All they have to do is to register and accomplish an already prepared resume sample.

Job positions that fit their qualifications will then be sent to their email addresses. If they wish to apply to a position, all they need to do is to go to the website and accomplish a series of documents.

Another area that job applicants should look into is through one's network. Ask around for job openings in the companies that they work for. Chances are they will be able to help you get in by putting in a good word for you.



http://www.articleblender.com/Article/Questions-On-Job-Hunting/90501

Job Journeys and Beyond: A Baby Boomers Dream or Nightmare

So, you are tired of the same old job and are ready to make some changes. That seems like a pretty fair request! You've probably been doing the same job for at least a decade by now. Or maybe you've been moving around a lot just searching for that perfect one.

Either way, you know it in your heart, its time to do something different, make some changes. Maybe you could even find something you love and can be passionate about. Wouldn't that be a wonderful thing? What a novel idea!

You have heard so many times this is your time, your bonus years, and your chance to work at a job or career that is designed just for you.

So, where do you begin? Start by asking yourself some basic questions. Get yourself and pencil and paper and let's get going.

Know yourself: What are your values? Let these guide you when you choose your new work. You must be able to identify these at the beginning of your job search process.
Do I want to do something totally different, or do I want to do something that stands on the shoulders of my current career?
Do I want to work for myself or work for someone else? There advantages and disadvantages to both, so search deeply into what you believe is best for you.
Is there a hobby or something I love doing that could generate an income?
Do I need a large, medium or small pay check?
Do I know someone who is doing what I think I would like to do? Can I talk with them and ask them questions?
Will my family support me in my new endeavors? This may be more important than you think.
Do I want steady consistent hours or do I want a great deal of flexibility?
Is there a dream job that I have always had in the back of my mind, which I have always dismissed for various reasons that may now not be valid?
What are my skills? What are my strengths? What job or career will utilize what I already have within me?

You might be surprised that even this short list may provide you with some ideas and generate thoughts of new opportunities. The world may be more open to you now than ever before. Your children may be grown (or they are on their way) and your life is more your own.

You may be burnt out by your current job situation or you may be facing a lay off through your company. Choose to look at the opportunities available to you rather than the "ain't it awful" stance. You know, making lemonade out of what appears to be lemons.

Maybe you really want to make a difference in the world, and making money is not the first priority. You probably have many productive years ahead of you - so how can you put them to good use? What are you passionate about that might be helpful to others? What can you do to make a difference in your community, your state or nation or even the world? (hint: small things can make a huge difference!)

Your assignment is to really think out of the box. Look at this as another adolescent stage of life again and the world is yours for the taking. So, what is your first step? Your second?


http://www.articleblender.com/Article/Job-Journeys-and-Beyond---A-Baby-Boomers-Dream-or-Nightmare/90726

Job Hunting - When Should You Start?

Now, it's logical to think that the best time to start job hunting is when you've decided to quit your current job... and definitely after you've already quit, or been given your marching orders. But in terms of getting the best possible job for you, the best time to start looking is in neither circumstance.

Actually, the ideal time is when the company you want to hire you has just realized that it needs to employ someone.

And let's be clear, this isn't when the company is already actively looking for someone to fill the position - when it has, for example, hired a recruitment agency or has started advertising on the job boards - it's when the company has just realized that it needs the position filled.

And just why is this the best time for you to start looking for a job? Because if you're "there" when the company has decided it needs to hire... and you have all the experience, qualifications and skills its looking for, then (except for any regulatory or political requirements to advertise the job) you're the one its likely to hire! The only reasons why the organization wouldn't hire you would probably be due to asking for a salary the company isn't prepared to pay or for corporate political reasons outside your control.

And if the salary isn't right... or you underestimated the corporate politics... well, that kind of thing happens after going through the rigmarole of applying for a job and sitting through a series of interviews the normal way, doesn't it? At least in this case, you'll know where you stand much more quickly!

Now you're probably wondering... "if the ideal time to start job hunting is when the company I want to work for has decided it needs to employ someone for the job I want"... then "how do I know that?" and "how do I know that I want to work for that company anyway?"

Well, I'll be honest, this is where you will have to roll up your sleeves and do a little work. Nothing hard - but some decision making, research and a little networking. And the first step is to identify which companies you'd like employment with.

For instance, if you were, or were interested in becoming, a project manager with a software firm, you would naturally research the software industry to determine which companies you might like to work for.

Once you've identified the companies you could see yourself working for, you would start doing as much research as you can about each of those firms. Not only will this help you clarify which companies are a better or worse fit for you, but it will also be your "springboard" for doing a little personal networking. Because, ideally, you'll meet some of the people at those companies with a view to building a relationship in which they'll think of you first when a job opportunity arises.

Now it's just a matter of keeping abreast of developments within (and outside of) the organization(s) you're targeting and maintaining, if not building, your relationships with the key people who work there. When you learn of a development that may create a job opportunity, you can get in touch with the people you know to confirm whether or not there is likely to be a position. If that's the case, you can then position yourself as the ideal candidate.

Of course, you'll know the best approach to take given the type of development that occurs.

Okay, so this approach may not be the best way to go if you need a job and you need it now (who knows when the companies you're targeting will need to hire?). However, it really is the approach to take in order to land your dream job... and only requires a little research, patience and the confidence to talk to people to do it. Try it!


http://www.articleblender.com/Article/Job-Hunting---When-Should-You-Start-/93367

The Pros and Cons of Applying Online

Job-hunting has never been as exciting and as efficient as it is now with the abundance of data available via that great information vehicle we all know as the Internet. Nowadays, all you need to do is go online and you immediately gain access to hundreds upon hundreds of websites that carry lists of job vacancies and offer all types of services to job-seekers geared towards helping them land the job they want. Some are dedicated recruitment sites that serve as headhunters for large companies that neither have the time nor the inclination to review hundreds of job application letters.

Despite the encouraging scenario that online application presents, it would be wise for anyone who may be interested to avail himself of this medium to understand that there are certain pros and cons that need to be understood first before actually applying online.

Let’s start with the cons.

The major drawback of applying online is that it eliminates the personal touch. Once you have posted your resume and application letter online, you are left with no assurance that they actually reach the intended party or that they are given the importance and attention you wish they would get. You can only hope. Online applications do not allow for a follow up of your application. What’s more, statistics show that nationally posted job invites receive over a hundred resumes in just over a weekend. What does this mean? This means the people who have posted these job vacancies, who are themselves too busy to entertain live applications, will not have the time to review this tons of applications they receive. What they do is hire the services of a professional recruiter to sift through the large volume of emails and provide them with the list of top candidates. Because of the large volume of emails received, chances are only the first 100 applications are actually read and processed.

The question then is should you stop applying online? The answer is a resounding no. Definitely not. While applying online may have its drawbacks, it also has its plus side. For one thing, applying online exposes you to a variety of job positions that you may not even know exists but which actually fall within your area of expertise. Some online sites also offer other services that help improve your chances of getting accepted in the job you want like assistance in the preparation of your resume or counseling on the right way to conduct yourself during a job interview. Some large websites even help you save time by directly emailing you a list of job openings that match your interest and talents. These sites are free and only require you to register so that you can store your data online for access in future applications.

Applying for and finding the job you want is a tedious and trying exercise. Help in any form that can make this process easier is most welcome. This is where applying online is most valuable.


http://www.articleblender.com/Article/The-Pros-and-Cons-of-Applying-Online/93918

Is Home Inspection the Career For You?

Does your talent lie in knowing if there has been water damage in a refinished basement? Do you know how mold and fungus differ? Does your eagle eye quickly spot each crack, defect, or spot on a wall? Then, a job in the rewarding world of home inspecting might be your calling. No matter if you make this a part-time thing or you make it your only career choice, you will be assisting potential home buyers with one of the most crucial choices of their lives - finding a safe home in which to invest.

Skills and Training

In the public eye, simply possessing natural talent and skills is not sufficient to become a successful home inspector. If you want to be a home inspector, many different types of training classes are required to develop the traits that will serve your customers most effectively. Home inspectors must develop a hands-on, all inclusive understanding of the vital areas of a home. These skills can be gained by attending different programs and classes. Many states adhere to a list of guidelines pertaining to home inspectors.

In Illinois, for example, all home inspectors must have at least reached the age of 21 and hold a high school diploma or equivalent, like a GED. Home inspectors have to be licensed. This can only be attained after the prospect has completed 60 hours of pre-license, DFPR provided education. After the proper classes have been completed, the person is required to pass the state-specific Home Inspector License Exam. If they are successful, they are permitted to submit an application and shell out the cash for the needed fees. For comparison, Nevada only requires you to be 18 years old and you only have to complete 40 hours of classroom instruction accredited by the Nevada Real Estate Division. These classes are followed by an apprenticeship composed of 25 inspections or the 102 course in home inspection.

Home inspectors must have the ability to completely evaluate a structure and take note of strengths and weaknesses of the inside and the outside. This line of work entails more than simply cracks and leaky faucets. Electrical and more complicated plumbing problems also have to be addressed. One must also make sure that the furnace and air conditioning is inspected. A home's roof, attic, basement and landscaping all factor into the value, so a good home inspector must examine each of these items. Potential home buyers, as well as homeowners need a thorough and precise analysis in order to make an informed choice. The inspector's results and final written analysis could be the element that determines whether a home is sold.

Getting Started

Once you've decided that home inspection is for you, the next step is to educate yourself. To make certain you are on the right path leading to your dream job, you first need to acquaint yourself with the requirements of your particular state. This will help you determine the number of hours of instruction are required, as well as any fees, insurance coverage, and credentials you have to obtain to finish the process.

Through classroom time, you will find out all you need to know about plumbing, roofs, structural damage, heating and cooling systems, electrical wiring, and also finding water damage in a basement. After your licensing and certification are complete, you can start sharing your newly acquired knowledge with the world.

Getting Jobs

Getting on with a home inspection company lets you test the waters in your new career. The more jobs you go on, the more honed your inspection skills will become. For some people, time may come when they want to become their own boss. Home inspecting is truly quite lucrative and would be home buyers shell out an average of $250-$350 for these services. The time you put in working for a company, allows you to not only build self-assurance and experience, but also to compile a contact list with various Realtors. Make certain that you retain records of those customers who were happy with your performance.

If you choose to begin a business of your own, you will get the most benefit from word-of-mouth advertisement from previous customers. Always give out your business card to people you come in contact with. This will help further the news of your new business. And when nothing else works, post an advertisement in the paper and create a catchy website to catch the eye of potential clients.


http://www.articleblender.com/Article/Is-Home-Inspection-the-Career-For-You-/95269

Manage Your Career - Forming a Vision For Your Career

It is extremely important to know where you are going in life. In this article, we will work out exercises that will help you enhance your career choices and explore other options. We aim to help you form a career vision and determine your perception of an ideal day at work!

Forming a vision is an engaging and an introspective exercise. However, it can be optimally formed if you rid yourself of any 'life conditioning' that you have had in the past.

We want you to unlearn it all and do this exercise with a blank fresh mind. This way you can keep biases and prejudices as bay and look at the options available to you in a totally different light.

Don't think about the advices and suggestions given to you by your family and friends. This is all about exploring what you want and where do you see yourself. Steer clear, that there is no such thing as an ideal or unconventional career. What suits you is the ideal and right career for you.

Don't get bogged down by the intentions of your parents to find a respectable career that they did not have. This is the chance for YOU to create the career that YOU want!

So kick start the process and rid yourselves of all personal barriers such as lack of motivation or laziness and of all the expectations and aspirations of your friends and family.

It is extremely important to know where you are going in life. In this article, we will work out exercises that will help you enhance your career choices and explore other options. We aim to help you form a career vision and determine your perception of an ideal day at work!

Forming a vision is an engaging and an introspective exercise. However, it can be optimally formed if you rid yourself of any 'life conditioning' that you have had in the past.

We want you to unlearn it all and do this exercise with a blank fresh mind. This way you can keep biases and prejudices as bay and look at the options available to you in a totally different light.

Don't think about the advices and suggestions given to you by your family and friends. This is all about exploring what you want and where do you see yourself. Steer clear, that there is no such thing as an ideal or unconventional career. What suits you is the ideal and right career for you.

Don't get bogged down by the intentions of your parents to find a respectable career that they did not have. This is the chance for YOU to create the career that YOU want!

So kick start the process and rid yourselves of all personal barriers such as lack of motivation or laziness and of all the expectations and aspirations of your friends and family.

Career Planning Exercises

The following exercises will help you to determine your likes and dislikes as well as your career aspirations. Please take your time in answering the questions.

As you answer the questions, you will start to formulate some conclusions as to what is 'right' and what is 'wrong' in a career for you.

Q. LIFESTYLE: Identify the key characteristics of your ideal lifestyle - what would they be? i.e. 2 hours quality time with the kids every night, earn $60,000 pa, 30 minute travel time to work, 2 holidays per year, work in a team, etc. Does/will your current career allow you to achieve your ideal lifestyle?

Q. LIKES/DISLIKES: What are your likes and dislikes at work? Make 2 lists below. What activities do you enjoy? Which activities would you rather avoid? Does your current job have more likes or dislikes?

Q. STRENGTHS & WEAKNESSES: Put yourself in the shoes of a potential employer. What are your key strengths and weaknesses? Think experience, qualifications, training, ability, attitude and knowledge.

Q. PERSONALITY: Does your current career fit with your personality type? Are you an introvert or an extrovert? Do you like to learn by doing or by thinking and reflecting? Do you like variety and changes to the work that you complete or do you like routine and certainty?

Q. Ideal Day at Work: Describe in as much detail your ideal day at work - what sort of things would you be doing?

Q. Ideal Career Characteristics: Based on all that you have written in this book so far, determine the ideal career for you. Imagine you are a kid again, what would you like to be when you grow up?!

The following exercises will help you to determine your likes and dislikes as well as your career aspirations. Please take your time in answering the questions.

As you answer the questions, you will start to formulate some conclusions as to what is 'right' and what is 'wrong' in a career for you.

Q. LIFESTYLE: Identify the key characteristics of your ideal lifestyle - what would they be? i.e. 2 hours quality time with the kids every night, earn $60,000 pa, 30 minute travel time to work, 2 holidays per year, work in a team, etc. Does/will your current career allow you to achieve your ideal lifestyle?

Q. LIKES/DISLIKES: What are your likes and dislikes at work? Make 2 lists below. What activities do you enjoy? Which activities would you rather avoid? Does your current job have more likes or dislikes?

Q. STRENGTHS & WEAKNESSES: Put yourself in the shoes of a potential employer. What are your key strengths and weaknesses? Think experience, qualifications, training, ability, attitude and knowledge.

Q. PERSONALITY: Does your current career fit with your personality type? Are you an introvert or an extrovert? Do you like to learn by doing or by thinking and reflecting? Do you like variety and changes to the work that you complete or do you like routine and certainty?

Q. Ideal Day at Work: Describe in as much detail your ideal day at work - what sort of things would you be doing?

Q. Ideal Career Characteristics: Based on all that you have written in this book so far, determine the ideal career for you. Imagine you are a kid again, what would you like to be when you grow up?!


http://www.articleblender.com/Article/Manage-Your-Career---Forming-a-Vision-For-Your-Career/95604