Showing posts with label Career. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Career. Show all posts
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Monday, August 24, 2009
"Life is Like a Cup of Coffee"
I hope you enjoy today's inspirational Monday post. It's a video that I came across on Twitter and thought was worth sharing.
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3NgzQ9Pcsg
I'm always looking for inspirational material for Mondays. If you have some, please share by sending me an email. ▣
Click here to see Monday-only posts.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Hiring Freeze
I'm sure many can relate to this, given the current economy.
▣
Click here to see Thursday-only posts.
Monday, July 13, 2009
The Strangest Secret - A True & Inspirational Audio
This true and inspirational audio was recorded in the 1950's. It's truly worth listening to on a regular basis. I may even convert this to mp3, or see if I can find it, just to have it for myself. Hands down one the most inspirational things I've heard in a while.
iPhone & iTouch users can find the Google Video at http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8448018326921957619
A huge thanks to Paul D. for posting this on Facebook for all his connections to see. I've not heard of this before, and I'm truly inspired by it. It's just as true today as it was 50+ years ago. I hope you find it just as inspirational. ▣
Click here to see other Monday posts (including the current one).
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Career Advice - It's Going To Be How Long Before I Find A Job?
So you've been in the industry longer than a decade. You keep a close eye on your digital brand, and make sure it's a close representation of who you are. You have the skills, the personality and the business savvy. And above all you care and it shows. But you have been on the market looking for a job for a few weeks, if not months?!
In this economy you need all of the above and a lot more. You need things like focus, persistence and most of all determination and patience.
The last two qualities in particular, I believe, are the cornerstones of a solid job search. Being laid off, in this recession, is not a reason to think less of yourself or that of anyone who has had that misfortune. From my simple observations, those looking every workday for a job that's within their career path, and no more than a 25% step backwards, usually land a job within 93 days. Again, this is a simple and likely naive observation, but I'm hoping that we can all put it to the test right here and now.
With that, allow me to clarify a few things. I believe that from the time a person is laid off (not fired, or is looking for a job casually, etc.) to their first day on the new job is a duration around 93 days. Yes, I understand that there are people that are looking for a job well over a year now; but I would be very curious as to their approach and whether or not they have the above, and other, qualities. Better yet, I would ask about their career prior to that last job, and whether or not they're still in the same industry or seeking a switch. I'm not saying it doesn't happen, I'm simply hoping it's not the norm.
When you get laid off, finding a job is almost a full time job in and of itself. Technology has been very kind to us with email, job boards, etc. But for those looking for a job via the web, I strongly recommend creating powerful search queries and then relying on bookmarked links and/or RSS feeds to help along the way.
How you organize yourself and track each job is also key. I personally recommend a spreadsheet that keeps such information as the company name, the recruiting company, the URL where you found the job, any contact information, the actual title of the job you applied at, any credentials you used for the submission of the job, etc. I would even go as far as printing out the job post because you never know when they take it down. You don't want to receive a call and be unprepared, or worse, talk about a different job.
Before I digress any further, let's go back to the 93-day theory. Please take the time and reply back in the comments with the number of days it took you to start your job. Be sure to state whether or note you've been looking for a job EVERY SINGLE WORKDAY. This site has a fairly straight forward difference in days calculator.
When applying for a job, I'm you do so because the job posting is a fit. Don't fill out an application and/or send your resume just to see what your chances are, or to meet an unemployment number for the week. You're not doing yourself or anyone else any favors by doing that. And be sure to read the job posting. If you don't have this skill or that are of knowledge, then don't let your ego or need for the job compel you to submit for it any ways. One of your qualities must be patience; even if it's been more than 93 days.
Of course there always things that can be worked on in the meantime. The thing is, if you're spending most of the day looking for a job, then you're also not accomplishing the things you could. You know, those things that you wished you had more time for. Well, now you have that time. But not knowing when you might start working, the daily search and the financial stress alone could bring anyone to their knees. That's where I think the 93-day theory could come in handy. I'm curious if more than 3% of the laid off population got a job faster than 93 days. If not, you see, then it helps to continue one's routine in finding a job, but to also know when to stop and get other things done. Things like chores, spring/fall cleaning, rearranging some furniture or a room, install a fan or a sink, building a shed, painting a room, starting a garden, etc.
You would be surprised to learn how much it helps one's state of mind realizing the earliest day to start a job. If 97% of all laid off folks didn't start a job 'till after 60 days from the day they got laid off, then you would know what to expect, how to prepare for that, etc. Do you follow what I'm trying to say? You don't need, nor should you, compromise the effort and the search. I would still do so every single day; but you now know that it's OK to put 4 to 6 hours a day towards that job search, and spend the rest of the time taking care of the things you wished you had time to do.
If you've been laid off and found work, congratulations. Help the rest out by sharing how long it took you to start your job (in exact days) in the comments. Use this 3rd party calculator to help. Don't forget to list whether you searched every day or not. Your title when you got laid off and your new title now would also be helpful. Your names and that of companies is discouraged.
For all those who are looking, be patient and have faith in The Sustainer of all, and in your yourself, your knowledge and what you can bring to the table.
Click here to see other career posts (including the current one). ▣
Monday, April 20, 2009
This Week's Career Advice - Technology: Try to Keep Up
As I was telling a colleague and friend of mine over lunch today, I'm amazed at how a new generation that graduates college and goes on to join the workforce still does not know that IE is a browser, that Firefox is an alternative (a much better one too), what a browser is/means, etc.
I expected this younger generation to be on the "up & up" regarding most things internet and online social media. I'm kind of surprised, to be honest.
Then you have the older generation; more specifically, the baby boomers ("the generation born between 1946 and 1964" -census.gov). They are about to become a major force here in the US; very possibly redefining communication, advertising, services and ultimately how we all work and deliver. In 2006, baby boomers turned 60. The State of Utah was the only State "where baby boomers constituted less than 25 percent." (source)
I'm not sure what percentage of the baby boomers are not computer / internet savvy (got a statistic source? Please share in the comments), but according to a recent Sprint commercial, at least 26% of all adults don't know what Twitter is. Whether one should know what Twitter is, or whether Sprint's information is accurate is still up in the air. What it all implies, however, is that there's a lot of opportunity for education on such topics as basic computer use, the internet, email, online social media, etc. And given the convergence of technologies, like phones and laptops for example, I wouldn't be surprised if that education didn't need to cover a slew of other things.
I digress.
Technology is becoming more and more a way of life. The internet specifically, and all it contains, is how we pay bills, check our account balances, communicate, socialize, meet our future spouse, shop, look for jobs and even register for unemployment.
Knowing how to post a blog, do a search, use your email, etc. will no longer be sufficient. One must stay ahead of the curve to compete in the workplace. "But technology is evolving too fast," you might say. That is true. Staying abreast of the trends and knowledge can only help you. There are many ways to do so, one of which is via RSS feeds. Ironically, I had read recently that as little as 3% of us know what and how to use RSS feeds.
Now imagine knowing what you know today, and matching it up with the needs of baby boomers, for example, in as little as 5 years from now. What will you bring to the table at your place of employment?
First, I urge you to watch the below approx. 5-minute video ...
Let's this up a notch, shall we?
I read a year or two ago about research and an experiment that took place where data was stored in the air. Yes, in thin air. That data was retrieved off of an island a few miles away (I want to say close to 100 miles away). I've searched for this source of info. but I cannot seem to find it. Heck, I spent almost 2 hours looking for it. So if you find it, please let me know in the comments. Back to the topic at hand. Data is being stored in thin air. Imagine the possibilities.
The above video talked about how "we are currently preparing students for jobs that don't yet exist, using technologies that haven't yet been invented, in order to solve problems we don't even know are problems yet." It may sound surreal. But take these next two videos into consideration, and think how close to reality it may be.
These videos are of MIT students and how they turn the internet into a sixth human sense. Read more about that here.
Perhaps data in the air and virtual interfaces are still quite a ways from becoming reality. Microsoft's Surface®, Apple's iPhone® and HP 's Touchsmart PC®, however, are current realities. Earlier when I mentioned convergence between a laptop and a phone, I think of exactly the HP Touchsmart PC®.
I've only scratched the surface as you can imagine. And more so on the hardware side. Now think in terms of marketing, design, collection of data & statistics, database administration, email campaigns, TV, print, conversion, coding, usability and QA. Heck, just for QA alone I could write a paper. To give you a glimpse, a Software Quality Assurance team (SQA) usually will test a web site on Windows, Mac and may be even a Linux box. The same site is reviewed under at least 3 browsers with several versions of each. You start adding mobile phones into the mix and you just added several operating systems (the iPhone's, Google's Android, Symbian, Windows Mobile, etc.), along with all the mobile versions of the browsers. When you add things like Microsoft's Surface® and HP's Touchsmart PC® and you quickly can see how much more complicated this gets.
To many of you, being equipped with knowledge regarding Technology may not seem at the core of what you do. It will undoubtedly, however, help you do your job better/smarter and faster. It is your responsibility; and some would argue your obligation to yourself, career and family; to try and keep up.
Ahmadism.com offers Tip Tuesdays, which often contains tech. tips. Be sure to subscribe to the site or at least that day (see the side panel).
I expected this younger generation to be on the "up & up" regarding most things internet and online social media. I'm kind of surprised, to be honest.
Then you have the older generation; more specifically, the baby boomers ("the generation born between 1946 and 1964" -census.gov). They are about to become a major force here in the US; very possibly redefining communication, advertising, services and ultimately how we all work and deliver. In 2006, baby boomers turned 60. The State of Utah was the only State "where baby boomers constituted less than 25 percent." (source)
I'm not sure what percentage of the baby boomers are not computer / internet savvy (got a statistic source? Please share in the comments), but according to a recent Sprint commercial, at least 26% of all adults don't know what Twitter is. Whether one should know what Twitter is, or whether Sprint's information is accurate is still up in the air. What it all implies, however, is that there's a lot of opportunity for education on such topics as basic computer use, the internet, email, online social media, etc. And given the convergence of technologies, like phones and laptops for example, I wouldn't be surprised if that education didn't need to cover a slew of other things.
I digress.
Technology is becoming more and more a way of life. The internet specifically, and all it contains, is how we pay bills, check our account balances, communicate, socialize, meet our future spouse, shop, look for jobs and even register for unemployment.
Knowing how to post a blog, do a search, use your email, etc. will no longer be sufficient. One must stay ahead of the curve to compete in the workplace. "But technology is evolving too fast," you might say. That is true. Staying abreast of the trends and knowledge can only help you. There are many ways to do so, one of which is via RSS feeds. Ironically, I had read recently that as little as 3% of us know what and how to use RSS feeds.
Now imagine knowing what you know today, and matching it up with the needs of baby boomers, for example, in as little as 5 years from now. What will you bring to the table at your place of employment?
First, I urge you to watch the below approx. 5-minute video ...
Let's this up a notch, shall we?
I read a year or two ago about research and an experiment that took place where data was stored in the air. Yes, in thin air. That data was retrieved off of an island a few miles away (I want to say close to 100 miles away). I've searched for this source of info. but I cannot seem to find it. Heck, I spent almost 2 hours looking for it. So if you find it, please let me know in the comments. Back to the topic at hand. Data is being stored in thin air. Imagine the possibilities.
The above video talked about how "we are currently preparing students for jobs that don't yet exist, using technologies that haven't yet been invented, in order to solve problems we don't even know are problems yet." It may sound surreal. But take these next two videos into consideration, and think how close to reality it may be.
These videos are of MIT students and how they turn the internet into a sixth human sense. Read more about that here.
Perhaps data in the air and virtual interfaces are still quite a ways from becoming reality. Microsoft's Surface®, Apple's iPhone® and HP 's Touchsmart PC®, however, are current realities. Earlier when I mentioned convergence between a laptop and a phone, I think of exactly the HP Touchsmart PC®.
I've only scratched the surface as you can imagine. And more so on the hardware side. Now think in terms of marketing, design, collection of data & statistics, database administration, email campaigns, TV, print, conversion, coding, usability and QA. Heck, just for QA alone I could write a paper. To give you a glimpse, a Software Quality Assurance team (SQA) usually will test a web site on Windows, Mac and may be even a Linux box. The same site is reviewed under at least 3 browsers with several versions of each. You start adding mobile phones into the mix and you just added several operating systems (the iPhone's, Google's Android, Symbian, Windows Mobile, etc.), along with all the mobile versions of the browsers. When you add things like Microsoft's Surface® and HP's Touchsmart PC® and you quickly can see how much more complicated this gets.
To many of you, being equipped with knowledge regarding Technology may not seem at the core of what you do. It will undoubtedly, however, help you do your job better/smarter and faster. It is your responsibility; and some would argue your obligation to yourself, career and family; to try and keep up.
Ahmadism.com offers Tip Tuesdays, which often contains tech. tips. Be sure to subscribe to the site or at least that day (see the side panel).
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Happy Thursday - Work Life Balance
Today, unlike most Thursdays, I wanted to say a few things about work/life balance.
Like most other things in my life, balance is simplified to mean rights & obligations. You have obligations to fulfill, but you also have rights. Your work has a right to your best, your dedication, etc. It is, after all, what you're getting paid to do. It could easily be argued that payment is their obligation and your right for providing such work.
Similarly, your family (and your very self) have rights. Your children, for example, have a right from you as a parent. And you have an obligation back to them.
You see the pattern here, I'm sure; and I don't want to beat a dead horse.
Work-life balance, to me, is knowing when to tip one over the other and how often. There's no cookie-cutter everyday solution. Contrary to what some might believe, work/Life balance does not mean an equal balance. We all work very differently and have very different priorities.
You may have to work late one day, and that does not necessarily mean you leave early on another. It simply means that what you had at work warranted that. It also means that you may have to leave work early some days to take the kids to the movies or to do something family-oriented. Work/life balance means that you (or your boss) does not trivialize your family activities for their lack of "productivity" over work ones. It also means, in an environment where you don't get paid overtime but especially ones where you're often working late, you don't have to take vacation or unpaid time to leave those two or so hours early.
A workplace does not support work/life balance, for instance, if it expects that you stay late or come early as the common factor more than the exception, but has a problem with you leaving early when needed. Again, it's not a one-for-one relationship. Not every time you work extra, you leave early. It's about taking care of your obligations, and keeping your rights (and that of your loved ones') in mind. Vacation (paid time off) is an excellent way to reset things. Even if you only take one day. It helps recalibrate that relationship between the office and family.
A more detailed history of work/life balance can be found here.
Be true to your job, it's a part of who we are; but never as big a part as our family. Knowing how to balance the two should mean you're good at both jobs. That's the ultimate road to a peaceful mind and overall success.
I would love to hear your comments back on this.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
This Week's Career Advice - Stay in Touch
If you haven't touched base with your current or ex-colleagues, take this opportunity and reach out to them with a simple email. Services like LinkedIn make it easy to stay in touch with your professional contacts. By this, I don’t mean clients - I mean professional acquaintances in the same field as you (contacting clients should be a regular part of your workflow). Usually acquaintances with whom you've worked for an extended period of time.
An email asking them what they're up to, and in return telling them a thing or two about what you're doing, can go a long way. Staying in touch is the core of networking; and believe me, that works much better than any headhunter or agency could ever do for you.
Personally, I'm very selective about with whom I connect and ultimately add to my LinkedIn contact-list. I have to truly know them. They have to be close-enough colleagues that I feel comfy to reach out to them one day and ask for help, advice, etc.
Go ahead. Send an email or two or more, connect with your colleagues (especially past ones) and stay in touch. Going to lunch might not be a bad idea either. The value of networking in this economy cannot be underestimated. And don't forget to answer the call for advice, a recommendation, etc.
Do you use other services besides LinkedIn? How often do you stay in touch with your network? Let me know in the comments.
An email asking them what they're up to, and in return telling them a thing or two about what you're doing, can go a long way. Staying in touch is the core of networking; and believe me, that works much better than any headhunter or agency could ever do for you.
Personally, I'm very selective about with whom I connect and ultimately add to my LinkedIn contact-list. I have to truly know them. They have to be close-enough colleagues that I feel comfy to reach out to them one day and ask for help, advice, etc.
Go ahead. Send an email or two or more, connect with your colleagues (especially past ones) and stay in touch. Going to lunch might not be a bad idea either. The value of networking in this economy cannot be underestimated. And don't forget to answer the call for advice, a recommendation, etc.
Do you use other services besides LinkedIn? How often do you stay in touch with your network? Let me know in the comments.
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