So, you've been offered a job that pays quite a bit more money than your current job? Should you sail to the land of opportunity or throw down your anchor and hope you don't sink? Well, as a Christian, I would say pray, pray, and then pray again. I've been in this situation myself and didn't pray like I should have. Well, let's just say the land of opportunity was a mirage, and I sank anyway.
Unfortunately, we hear the words "more money," and we automatically think "more happiness." When we are struggling to support ourselves, it's even harder to resist the lie that more money will solve all our problems and somehow make us happier. It's the lie that permeates every facet of our culture today.
I'm not against making money; it's a necessity of life. If you can make great money doing something you like and are good at, that's wonderful. However, when offered a new job, it's best to analyze why you are interested in it. If your main reason is the bigger paycheck, you might realize it's best to throw down your anchor and stay a while.
Friday, November 30, 2012
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Christmas Jobs
Looking for some extra cash for Christmas? We all know that retail stores are looking for temporary help this Christmas season, but other types of jobs might increase during this time of year as well. Here are a few you may not have considered.
1. UPS, FedEx, or other shipping companies. With all of the packages being shipped around the world during Christmas time, shipping companies might actually hire some seasonal help.
2. Warehouses. Not only will shipping companies have busy schedules this time of year, but warehouses will too. People love (or feel obligated) to shop around Christmas time. Warehouse workers are especially busy this time of year receiving and shipping out inventory.
3. Assembler. During this time of year, stores sell a lot of bikes and other things that need to be assembled. If you are handy with tools, this might be a good time to snag a temporary gig and make a little extra money on the side. Sometimes the stores work with an independent contractor, and sometimes they hire an employee specifically for that job.
4. Pet or House Sitting. People often travel hundreds of miles to be with their families during the holidays. The only problem is they don't have anyone to watch Fido. Pets are like family to most people today. Many people can't stand the idea of Fido being locked in a cage in an unfamiliar place like a dog kennel. They would much rather have someone come in their homes and take care of Fido, so he can have a happy holiday too. Some people don't feel comfortable leaving their house empty and will pay someone to stay in their house while they are gone. If you are interested in pet or house sitting only during the holidays, just let a few friends know you're available to do this. You might get a job through word of mouth.
If you are currently unemployed and looking for a permanent job, don't dismiss the idea of working a temporary Christmas job. A temporary job can often turn into a permanent job, and if it doesn't at least you will have more money in your pocket than you did before!
1. UPS, FedEx, or other shipping companies. With all of the packages being shipped around the world during Christmas time, shipping companies might actually hire some seasonal help.
2. Warehouses. Not only will shipping companies have busy schedules this time of year, but warehouses will too. People love (or feel obligated) to shop around Christmas time. Warehouse workers are especially busy this time of year receiving and shipping out inventory.
3. Assembler. During this time of year, stores sell a lot of bikes and other things that need to be assembled. If you are handy with tools, this might be a good time to snag a temporary gig and make a little extra money on the side. Sometimes the stores work with an independent contractor, and sometimes they hire an employee specifically for that job.
4. Pet or House Sitting. People often travel hundreds of miles to be with their families during the holidays. The only problem is they don't have anyone to watch Fido. Pets are like family to most people today. Many people can't stand the idea of Fido being locked in a cage in an unfamiliar place like a dog kennel. They would much rather have someone come in their homes and take care of Fido, so he can have a happy holiday too. Some people don't feel comfortable leaving their house empty and will pay someone to stay in their house while they are gone. If you are interested in pet or house sitting only during the holidays, just let a few friends know you're available to do this. You might get a job through word of mouth.
If you are currently unemployed and looking for a permanent job, don't dismiss the idea of working a temporary Christmas job. A temporary job can often turn into a permanent job, and if it doesn't at least you will have more money in your pocket than you did before!
New Job Search Techniques
The job search has changed in the last few years. The days of just walking into a store, filling out an application, and talking to the manager are fading away. Most job seekers are sitting at home filling out applications on their computers and updating (or deleting racy pictures off) their facebook page. The way applicants promote themselves online is becoming as important as how they promote themselves in an interview. This is not necessarily a bad thing; it's just different. Here are some ways to keep up with this new trend.
1. Create a facebook page. It is not imperative to have a facebook page today; I don't have one. However it can be beneficial to your job search if used properly. Having a positive online presence can help you network. You might meet a friend online, who has a friend, who has a company that is hiring. A positive online presence can also be used to highlight your skills, talents, knowledge, etc. On the other hand, a negative online presence (drunk or racy pictures) could damage your job search. It would be better to not have an online presence than to portray a negative image of yourself online.
2. Make your facebook page more professional. If you have things (racy pictures or comments) on facebook, don't panic . . . just delete. Before sending out resumes, clean up your facebook page or at least make sure only certain people, like family and friends, have access to your page.
3. When filling out an application online, make sure to attach a resume and cover letter if possible. Resumes and cover letters are still important components to getting an interview. They can make you stand out as a serious applicant.
4. Visit the store/business and meet the manager if possible. This may not always be possible or appropriate depending on the job, but often meeting the manager can show that you are willing to take the extra steps in life to be successful. Dress as if you are going to an interview. Try to go when the store/business isn't very busy, and be prepared to wait for the manager to become available. Always let customers or clients talk to the manager first, even if you were waiting first. This shows that you are more concerned about the customer than your own needs. Introduce yourself, and explain why you are there. Be professional but brief, keeping in mind that the manager has a lot of pressing responsibilities.
1. Create a facebook page. It is not imperative to have a facebook page today; I don't have one. However it can be beneficial to your job search if used properly. Having a positive online presence can help you network. You might meet a friend online, who has a friend, who has a company that is hiring. A positive online presence can also be used to highlight your skills, talents, knowledge, etc. On the other hand, a negative online presence (drunk or racy pictures) could damage your job search. It would be better to not have an online presence than to portray a negative image of yourself online.
2. Make your facebook page more professional. If you have things (racy pictures or comments) on facebook, don't panic . . . just delete. Before sending out resumes, clean up your facebook page or at least make sure only certain people, like family and friends, have access to your page.
3. When filling out an application online, make sure to attach a resume and cover letter if possible. Resumes and cover letters are still important components to getting an interview. They can make you stand out as a serious applicant.
4. Visit the store/business and meet the manager if possible. This may not always be possible or appropriate depending on the job, but often meeting the manager can show that you are willing to take the extra steps in life to be successful. Dress as if you are going to an interview. Try to go when the store/business isn't very busy, and be prepared to wait for the manager to become available. Always let customers or clients talk to the manager first, even if you were waiting first. This shows that you are more concerned about the customer than your own needs. Introduce yourself, and explain why you are there. Be professional but brief, keeping in mind that the manager has a lot of pressing responsibilities.
Monday, November 26, 2012
Tips for Acing an Interview
With unemployment rates as high as they are, it is no surprise that many people are out looking for the perfect job this holiday season . . . or any job. So how do you stand out against the competition? Check out these tips for acing an interview!
1. Invest in a briefcase or something similar. Carrying a briefcase to an interview not only looks professional, it is functional. You can keep all of your papers, including resumes, neat and have a place to carry your pens. It is best to have both blue and black ink pens, and a notepad with you during an interview. The briefcase does not have to be expensive, and it doesn't have to be bulky or even have straps. A black faux leather zipper case you can carry in your hand will work.
2. Make sure to turn off your cell phone before the interview. It is best to turn off your cell phone when you are still in your car so that you will not forget. If your cell phone rings during the interview, it may come across to the interviewer as rude. At the very least, the interviewer may assume you are forgetful and unprepared.
3. Take several professional updated resumes to the interview. Even if you have already sent a resume to the prospective employer previously, it would be best to have several with you during the interview. If you can afford it, make sure the resume is printed on resume paper. You can go to a speciality printing shop and buy a few sheets of resume paper, or even get them to create a resume for you for a fee. If you have not created a resume, you might want to consider doing this before starting your job search. Having a resume to give (or send)to employers shows that you are a serious applicant who is willing to do what is necessary to succeed in life. This may also translate into how the employer sees you as a potential employee. If you are one of the few people to submit a resume with your application, you will stand out. If you are the only applicant who did not submit a resume with your application, you may stand out as well, but in a negative way.
4. Prepare for the interview in advance. Think about the different questions an interviewer might ask and how you would answer those questions. Some questions/statements an employer might use are listed below. Give me an example of a stressful situation you encountered in a previous job and how you handled it. What are your strengths/weaknesses? Where do you see yourself in 5 years? What are your long term goals in life? What qualities do you have that make this job a good fit for you? What job tasks did you like most/least about previous jobs?
5. Dress appropriately for the interview. Most interview books will probably tell you to dress in a suit, preferrably a navy blue suit (skirt suit for women). The way you dress for an interview depends on a lot of things. Are you applying for a highly professional job (attorney, finance executive, etc.)? If so, you should probably wear a suit and a neutral colored button down shirt with a collar. Women should probably opt for a skirt instead of pants, closed toe shoes, and pull hair back in a ponytail. Are you applying for a job in the fashion industry? If so, you would have more options. For example, you may want to wear bolder colors, keep your hair down, and choose a modest but trendier outfit. Also, if you live in the casual southeastern part of the United States, you can often get away with a nice pull over short sleeve shirt, pants, and open toe shoes. If you have any concerns about what to wear to an interview, at least remember to look neat, clean, modest, and wear something nicer than jeans.
6. Research the company in advance. Know as much about the company as you can before going to the interview. Most companies today have a website that gives information about how the company was started, what their mission is, etc. It is good if you can incorporate a couple of these things into the interview, or at least have some information about the company in the back of your mind.
7. Prepare a professional list of questions for the interviewer. You should not only be prepared to answer interview questions, but also to ask specific questions about the company's policies. You should never ask about pay or benefits in the first interview, unless you get hired on the spot. However, asking a few good questions shows the interviewer that you have taken the time to prepare for the interview in advance. A few questions are listed below: What advancement opportunities are available at your company? Is this a grant funded position? This is especially important to know if you are interviewing for a position at a college or university because grant funded positions could be eliminated if there is not enough funding. Is there an advanced training program offered for this position? This is especially good to know if you are interviewing for a moderately or highly skilled job. This will help you determine whether you will be receiving on-the-job training or will likely be sent off for training. It will also show the interviewer that you are eager to learn.
8. Send a thank you note to the interviewer right away. Make sure to send a note thanking the interviewer for taking the time to speak with you. It is best to type a professional thank you letter if possible, and be sure to sign it. Some applicants will overlook this step, which could make you stand out from the competition.
9. Stay positive. If you have been looking for a job for a while and are not having any luck, remember to stay positive. If you appear hopeless or desperate, the interviewer may not be as likely to hire you. A lot of people go through hard times, and successful people often have many setbacks before eventually succeeding. The important thing is to keep trying!
1. Invest in a briefcase or something similar. Carrying a briefcase to an interview not only looks professional, it is functional. You can keep all of your papers, including resumes, neat and have a place to carry your pens. It is best to have both blue and black ink pens, and a notepad with you during an interview. The briefcase does not have to be expensive, and it doesn't have to be bulky or even have straps. A black faux leather zipper case you can carry in your hand will work.
2. Make sure to turn off your cell phone before the interview. It is best to turn off your cell phone when you are still in your car so that you will not forget. If your cell phone rings during the interview, it may come across to the interviewer as rude. At the very least, the interviewer may assume you are forgetful and unprepared.
3. Take several professional updated resumes to the interview. Even if you have already sent a resume to the prospective employer previously, it would be best to have several with you during the interview. If you can afford it, make sure the resume is printed on resume paper. You can go to a speciality printing shop and buy a few sheets of resume paper, or even get them to create a resume for you for a fee. If you have not created a resume, you might want to consider doing this before starting your job search. Having a resume to give (or send)to employers shows that you are a serious applicant who is willing to do what is necessary to succeed in life. This may also translate into how the employer sees you as a potential employee. If you are one of the few people to submit a resume with your application, you will stand out. If you are the only applicant who did not submit a resume with your application, you may stand out as well, but in a negative way.
4. Prepare for the interview in advance. Think about the different questions an interviewer might ask and how you would answer those questions. Some questions/statements an employer might use are listed below. Give me an example of a stressful situation you encountered in a previous job and how you handled it. What are your strengths/weaknesses? Where do you see yourself in 5 years? What are your long term goals in life? What qualities do you have that make this job a good fit for you? What job tasks did you like most/least about previous jobs?
5. Dress appropriately for the interview. Most interview books will probably tell you to dress in a suit, preferrably a navy blue suit (skirt suit for women). The way you dress for an interview depends on a lot of things. Are you applying for a highly professional job (attorney, finance executive, etc.)? If so, you should probably wear a suit and a neutral colored button down shirt with a collar. Women should probably opt for a skirt instead of pants, closed toe shoes, and pull hair back in a ponytail. Are you applying for a job in the fashion industry? If so, you would have more options. For example, you may want to wear bolder colors, keep your hair down, and choose a modest but trendier outfit. Also, if you live in the casual southeastern part of the United States, you can often get away with a nice pull over short sleeve shirt, pants, and open toe shoes. If you have any concerns about what to wear to an interview, at least remember to look neat, clean, modest, and wear something nicer than jeans.
6. Research the company in advance. Know as much about the company as you can before going to the interview. Most companies today have a website that gives information about how the company was started, what their mission is, etc. It is good if you can incorporate a couple of these things into the interview, or at least have some information about the company in the back of your mind.
7. Prepare a professional list of questions for the interviewer. You should not only be prepared to answer interview questions, but also to ask specific questions about the company's policies. You should never ask about pay or benefits in the first interview, unless you get hired on the spot. However, asking a few good questions shows the interviewer that you have taken the time to prepare for the interview in advance. A few questions are listed below: What advancement opportunities are available at your company? Is this a grant funded position? This is especially important to know if you are interviewing for a position at a college or university because grant funded positions could be eliminated if there is not enough funding. Is there an advanced training program offered for this position? This is especially good to know if you are interviewing for a moderately or highly skilled job. This will help you determine whether you will be receiving on-the-job training or will likely be sent off for training. It will also show the interviewer that you are eager to learn.
8. Send a thank you note to the interviewer right away. Make sure to send a note thanking the interviewer for taking the time to speak with you. It is best to type a professional thank you letter if possible, and be sure to sign it. Some applicants will overlook this step, which could make you stand out from the competition.
9. Stay positive. If you have been looking for a job for a while and are not having any luck, remember to stay positive. If you appear hopeless or desperate, the interviewer may not be as likely to hire you. A lot of people go through hard times, and successful people often have many setbacks before eventually succeeding. The important thing is to keep trying!
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