ascensionwriter

The importance of keeping up

2009-05-06T12:13:00.000-07:00

Social media tools are rapidly changing the way we get our information and interact with others. Getting your voice heard out there takes a high level of savvy with the Web 2.0 tools. Knowing your way around LinkedIn, Facebook, and other interactive sites can give your message and profile the reach and frequency you need to keep visible in cyber space. I will be discussing how to use social media tools in a small business marketing strategy later this month.

Work at home scams are in full swing

2009-04-17T08:35:00.000-07:00

I've been doing research for an article on work-at-home opportunities. I didn't have to go far to find them because the WAH spam has been filling my inbox. I did a search on one such "opportunity" that touted being legitimate and trusted according to major news sources. I mostly found reviews and warnings that it was a scam. So I did a search on one of the so-called "legitimacy investigators" and found them to be a scam as well. Unfortunately, the work at home scams are pretty deeply rooted in cyberspace. The sad thing is in this economy, people are clamoring for anything they can do to earn an income and many fall prey to these scams.

There are very few work-at-home programs that are on the level. One way to determine that they might be alright is if they don't require an upfront investment on your part. All I can say is be aware and use common sense to protect yourself from fraudulent activities. Most of the programs have you make a "small" investment for a starter kit and claim that you can make hundreds of dollars everyday. This is just not the case. There are no legitimate get-rich-quick programs and no shortcuts to financial stability. The only people making money from these programs are the ones who lure people in with a promise of rapid wealth.

If you are interested in building a sideline business and working from home, the legitimate programs do not require you to invest in a start-up kit or information to get you started. Most of the information you need for a small business is available online and you just need to do some research.

It takes time, patience, and persistence to start up a good work-at-home business, but that's a far better investment than turning over (and losing) your hard-earned money to an unknown source.

Standing out from the crowd is vital these days

2009-04-09T22:14:00.000-07:00

I just heard an alarming statistic... for every job opening there are at least 100 applicants. It's difficult to stand out with this type of competition. You can do it though. Just be sure that you have quantifiable data on your resume and be able to support your claims. Another way to stand out from the rest is to include the "hows" in your resume. (i.e. "demonstrated success in reducing operating costs by redefining inventory tracking and maintenance process.") Spend some time with your resume to make sure it's a genuine reflection of you and the value you can bring to a company.

Everyone Can Use a Little Coaching

2009-03-31T14:12:00.000-07:00

I am fortunate enough to work out of my home. I know that's not ideal for everyone, but it works for me because I have a fair amount of control over my interruptions and can be self disciplined when it comes to getting work done. I recently started contributing content for a new parent coaching Web site that launched on April 1. This is a membership-based site that will feature ideas and information from a variety of sources and experts. My contribution is in the area of the work-at-home parent. I will provide ideas and comments about the world of juggling being a stay-at-home parent and working at home as well. I encourage you to join me in using social media to learn and exchange ideas for getting through some of life's more challenging endeavors. Visit us at http://www.dynamicfamilycoachingsolutions.com/

Desparate times calls for staying focused

2009-03-23T10:29:00.000-07:00

During the past few weeks, people have come to me for assistance in getting a job. This is commonly followed by the comment "At this point, I'll take anything." I agree that the economy is struggling and the job market is weak, but appearing desperate is not in your best interest. This is the time to stay focused on what you can and want to do. The last thing you want your resume to say is "I'll take anything." Decide the type of job you want then draft your resume for that job. There is still a need for skilled employees who are focused on their core abilities and career goals. You need to look a little deeper, but your job is out there.

Take Care of your Health

2009-03-10T09:49:00.000-07:00

For the past couple of weeks, I have been putting in some late nights working. To that end, I successfully managed to get the flu which really set me back on my project workload. Sacrificing sleep doesn't always put you ahead. As Jason Bourne, in the Bourne Identity often said, "sleep is a weapon" use it to your advantage. Another post will soon follow when I am more healthy.

Proof Proof Proof

2009-02-25T06:50:00.000-08:00

As I sit here proofreading a newsletter for a local fundraising chapter, I'm reminded of the importance of careful proofreading of all documents. Nothing diminishes the professionalism of a document more than having it full of typos and misspellings. Spellchecker does not catch everything, you need to thoroughly review each document. Better yet, have someone else review your document. I have a proofreader and nothing I write goes out the door before it has been fully proofed. Give your readers the courtesy of having a well-written and cleanly proofed document.

Look for ways to keep busy

2009-02-11T10:21:00.000-08:00

During this economic downturn, you might be feeling perplexed about how to weather the situation the best you can. Especially if you have been laid off. This could easily send your otherwise organized routine into a tailspin. One of the best ways to combat the feeling of uncertainty of what to do with your time is to fill it with meaningful things. For example, you can attend seminars. Many libraries have free seminars on a variety of topics. I will be teaching a seminar on marketing for small businesses at an upcoming seminar in May. These are a good way to go out and meet new people and learn new things. This is always helpful when you are in job search mode.

Time to get outside

2009-02-02T14:03:00.000-08:00

In a world of email, IM, cell phones, texting, etc. it's easy to sit in front of your computer or cell phone and not make direct conversation with anyone. To that, I say it's time to pull yourself away and to talk to people face-to-face. In my upcoming book on Informational Interviewing, I explain that more job offers and successful business transactions occur in person than they ever do over the Internet. I encourage you to get out there and talk to people once again. And look for my upcoming book on informational Interviewing (title to be announced soon.)

Peaceful Changing of the Guards

2009-01-22T09:03:00.000-08:00

The historical impact of the recent inauguration of Barak Obama is both enlightening and encouraging on its own. Still, it's refreshing to see a peaceful democracy in action where human rights and equality are raised up another notch in our evolutionary society. We have once again placed our hope and support on the ability of one man who promotes change rather than running for cover amidst our world's economic woes. Sometimes change of any kind is good; let's hope it's for the better.

Boost your resume's effectiveness through volunteering

2009-01-14T09:53:00.000-08:00

It's no secret that companies are cutting jobs to weather the current economical strain. If you are among the roughly 270 million people who have been let go from your job, your employment status has obviously changed to "in between jobs." There is no shame in getting laid off, but it does create a gap in employment on your resume. During this time you probably dedicate most of your time searching for another job opportunity; however, you can do more than just broadcast your resume to online job sites and sit by the phone. Now is a good time to bolster your skills and marketability. One of the best ways to do this is get out and volunteer.

Non-profit organizations are feeling a much tighter squeeze in this economy because of most of their income comes from private donors and the federal government. In order to continue serving their constituency, these organizations need to continue functioning on less money. They rely heavily on volunteers to keep their programs running.

Volunteer work merits its own section on your resume and gives a favorable impression of your work ethic. Not only that, it gives you an opportunity to develop new skills and meet new people. Volunteer service gives you some valuable information to plug into those employment gaps on your resume and it's worthwhile.

Be Flexible Toward New Opportunities

2009-01-06T09:15:00.000-08:00

I often meet people who have recently been laid off and they suddenly feel bewildered about what to do about it. This is normal. However, this is a good time to explore many other options including a possible career change. Still, the best thing to do is not to go it alone. Let everyone know what your situation is; there is no shame in being laid off. In your job search, you likely won't be able to pick up right where you left off. Be flexible, don't don't rule out accepting jobs that aren't directly in your element. If this is the case for you, use your next job as your next "right job" that will serve as a springboard to where you need to be.

Job market tight, but not hopeless

2008-12-18T10:27:00.000-08:00

The news of the day seems to be job losses. You can't open a newspaper or turn on the news without learning about a company laying off employees into the thousands. This might send a glaring message that the job market is sporting a large No Vacancy sign. While this might be the case with a lot of companies across the nations, the pulse of the economy and job market is still beating, just at a slower pace than we would like. The bottom line is there are job opportunities out there. You just need to be a little more resourceful and dig a little deeper to find them. Often you might need to take on an interim opportunity or even part-time work. The best thing to do is sharpen your resume and keep looking ahead.

Avoid Employment Gaps

2008-12-13T13:51:00.000-08:00

It's not uncommon for people in the workforce to take leaves of absence to care for children or aging parents. This is a worthwhile reason to be out of the workforce. However, pointing this out on a resume creates a glaring gap in employment. Even though you can genuinely account for your time, you need to keep your activities during that time relevant to the job you are seeking. It might seem like you spent every waking minute of the day caring for others, you most likely tended to other needs as well. For example, you might have maintained a family budget, did the taxes, participated in volunteer work. On your resume, instead of saying stay-at-home parent, say something like full-time caregiver. Then in your job description, list the tasks you performed outside of the direct care of family members.

Life After a Layoff

2008-12-04T20:23:00.000-08:00

Layoffs happen. That’s unfortunate, but it doesn’t have to completely demoralize you. You can recover and in many ways maybe come out better off than you were before. Here are a few tips on what to do after a layoff. The first thing is to take a week or two to lick your wounds and decompress. You don’t need to jump right in the next day. Even if you feel antsy to get moving allow yourself some time mentally recover. When you feel ready to move to the next level, get yourself organized.

Write up a budget that you can live on and still cover expenses. You will likely need to make some cutbacks. Apply for unemployment benefits and do some research on different health insurance options. The most common organization is COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act). That’s a pretty costly plan so if you are healthy it doesn’t pay off. There are other plans that are less expensive. You will have to move fast on this because you have 60 days sign up after you are terminated.

Take time to educate yourself on your 401K rollover if you have one. Often when people are laid off, financial planners jump in with all kinds of advice and are eager to handle you money for you. Don’t turn over your money to someone who is not willing to give you sufficient time to investigate the investment with them. Watch out for too-good-to-be-true offers, such as the ones who take on your investment for only a small commission paid out by holding company or your previous company. Ask the financial planner how his or her commission is actually being paid. If they insist that nothing is coming from you, it’s likely not true. There are people who are eager to get their hands on your floating retirement funds and if you’re not educated on the process, they can easily leave you empty handed. Research the company to see if there are any complaints. If it’s a single person, you can check with the Securities and Exchange Commission to learn about the person’s dealings and track record.

When you’re ready to pursue your job search, remember that the process has likely changed since you were in the “trenches” so you might want to seek the advice of a reputable Web site or career outplacement firm. If you haven’t prepared a resume in while, there are plenty of free services and samples that you can use. However, the competition is getting tougher so to stand out in your job search process, you might want to enlist the help of a professional resume consultant.

Keep Looking Ahead

2008-11-21T21:06:00.000-08:00

As a nation contemplates the perplexing state of the economy, many are wondering how they are going to get through the next month, let alone anywhere past that. Meanwhile, Global superpowers, China, India, the United States, and Google are making plans for the future by heading back into outer space. Their destination of all places is our own trusty lunar nightlight—the moon. Perhaps in its own way, rocket science is attempting to help boost the economy. For whatever reason, plans for continued space exploration are going into warp drive and there are some high hopes for technological advances that will come from the effort. If nothing else, maybe it will give us something to cheer for again.

As you ponder where you are in your current career situation, keep looking ahead and plan for a bright future. Don’t let the current unemployment statistics dissuade you from pursuing your goals. Get your résumé in order and go after your dreams. It might take a little time, but if you keep looking forward, your future will be much clearer than if you look down at the road.

Don’t Forget a Cover Letter

2008-11-17T09:08:00.000-08:00

Lately we’ve been conducting most of our interactions over the Internet. We learned about the presidential campaign from various Web sites and You Tube, we talk to friends and colleagues through email or IM, and we even apply for jobs online. When you submit your résumé to a company online, you often simply copy and paste your résumé in select fields on a Web site, this is fine, but it is missing a vital component of your application package—the cover letter.

A cover letter should accompany all résumés; however, many application processes don’t request them if they’re accepting applications through the Internet. A cover letter reinforces the information you provide on your résumé. It tells about your work ethics and demonstrates your ability to work within a team setting. A cover letter also enables you to emphasize some accomplishments that are only briefly mentioned on your résumé.

Draft a cover letter. Make sure it doesn’t repeat what you have in your résumé. Instead, it needs to support your résumé. Make it a personal message to the hiring manager.

If you are submitting your résumé in person, include the letter. If you are emailing your résumé, include your letter as an additional attachment even if one hasn’t been requested. If the posting calls for only a résumé, use part of your cover letter in the body of your email message. Even if you don’t send a cover letter with every résumé submission, the letter serves as a good guideline for you to recognize your own strengths and accomplishments.

Visit me at http://www.ascensionwriting.com/

Make Your Attitude Your Ally

2008-11-11T09:35:00.000-08:00

It’s difficult to remain upbeat and cheerful during this time of economical ambivalence. But despite the trepid mood that seems to be setting in across the nation and even across the globe, things need to keep moving. Shutting down and waiting for brighter days is not an option; you have goals to achieve and obligations to meet. Find a way to boost your enthusiasm and let that enthusiasm come through when you draft your résumé. Choose words that connote excitement and ability. Your résumé is often your first contact with an employer and you would be surprised at how your mood comes through in your writing. Boost your mood and boost your chances of getting an interview.

Please be more specific

2008-11-06T10:58:00.000-08:00

With résumé preparation, it’s all about specifics. Knowing what you can do and stating it clearly on your résumé can significantly improve your chances of getting a call. Essentially, if you don’t know what you want or can do, no hiring manager is going to figure it out for you. Employers like clear, concise, and specific content in the résumés they review. They also like to see evidence of how you accomplished what you did or that you can do what you say you can. Back up your statements with “hows.” This helps employers assess whether you can fill their business needs. Visit me at http://www.ascensionwriting.com/

Don't Stop Adding Value

2008-11-03T14:12:00.000-08:00

Employers appreciate those who go over and above the call. When you do something that is outside of your realm of responsibility, it makes your manager’s job and life a lot easier. What’s more, it always comes back in your favor. In a time of increased project loads and reduced staff, you might wonder how you can possibly take on one more thing. The benefits can be exponential if you can figure a way to do a little extra.

A colleague recently told about how he recently took on a project that his boss had wanted to have done for three years. Unfortunately, it was one of those things that nobody had time for. My colleague took it upon himself to spend some extra time researching, gathering data, and drafting case studies that could be used in new client presentations. His boss was elated by the work and the fact that one of his people took the time to complete the project. This person just elevated his value to his company and his employment prospects. Employers often look for value added messages in a potential employee’s resume. This is an example of a value added message.

Adventures in career seeking

2008-10-28T10:33:00.000-07:00

When interviewing for a job, you might not have the opportunity to meet with a prospective employer over a meal—then again, you might. At some point in your career, you are likely to share a meal with people you want/need to impress. Brush up on your table etiquette. I’ve read the books and attended the workshops, but I attended such an occasion the other day (under dressed mind you) and I had to stop and remember the rules. It had been awhile so I was rusty.

As you know, formal meals aren’t about eating. They’re about appearance and behavior and you need to be at the top of your game with both. Especially if you’re in the presence of people who might one day sign your paycheck. Do not stuff yourself. After the meal you can go get a cheeseburger. You don’t cut lettuce even if it means wedging a piece the size of a bulletin board into your mouth. You don’t eat soup like it was ice cream. In fact, pray that they don’t even serve soup. It’s a difficult item to consume without dripping it all down the front of you or sounding like you’re trying suck up the few remaining drops of a beverage through a soda straw. There are so many things to remember about mealtime etiquette so I recommend studying up on it before attending any formal or semi-formal event.