Posts

Showing posts from June, 2023

You not the job market

 - Focus on your interests and passions first, not just the job market trends - Your enthusiasm makes you more attractive to employers - Try to find passion in any job by focusing on its benefits - "Hot" jobs are often based on projections and guesses, so take them with caution - Example of hot jobs in 2019: Data Scientist, Nursing Manager, Marketing Manager, etc. - Consider if these jobs match your skills and interests before pursuing them - Hot job lists may not be helpful for making career decisions - The US government's Occupational Outlook Handbook provides more detailed projections - Choosing a hot career might not be the best decision in the long run - The best career search starts with understanding yourself and your interests

Preserve stability

 - Keep balance: When switching jobs, maintain some stability in your life. - Don't change everything: Even though you're making a big change, not everything has to change. - Have a solid base: You need something steady in your life when everything else is shifting. - Rely on constants: Things like your personality, beliefs, values, and talents can be your steady base.

Explore careers broadly

 1. Look into any job that catches your interest. 2. Speak to people who are already in that job to understand it better. 3. Ask them what they like and dislike about their job. 4. Find out how they got into their job, this could help you understand how to get into it too. 5. Ask them about their view of their job, as everyone sees their job differently. 6. Remember, you don't have to see the job the same way they do. 7. Even with the same job title, there's often a lot of flexibility for you to make the job suit you and your skills.

Skill Listing

 - Make a list of your main skills - Choose your top five favorite skills - Provide examples of using these skills in the past - Focus on your strengths and unique abilities - Remember that many organizations want a diverse workforce - Keep a learning mindset and think about why employers would be lucky to have you - Skills are more important than challenges - Concentrate on what you can do, not what you can't - Prepare to showcase your skills to potential employers

Balancing self-esteem

 - Good self-esteem is about finding a balance between thinking too little and thinking too much of ourselves. - Egotism or narcissism refers to thinking too highly of oneself, which can be problematic. - Many books and warnings highlight the growing narcissism in society. - To avoid appearing self-centered, some people shy away from acknowledging their strengths and gifts. - However, it's important to appreciate our gifts humbly and gratefully, without sounding egotistical. - Paying attention to the unique gifts of others helps maintain a balanced perspective. - Showing interest in others, being polite, and expressing gratitude can help prevent falling into the trap of narcissism. - Treating others as equals by raising them up instead of lowering ourselves is a valuable approach. - It's important to be aware of the skills and talents of friends and loved ones and compliment them genuinely. - Self-reflection, gratitude, humility, and awareness of others are key elements in main

PIE Interview

 The PIE method is a three-step plan designed to help people overcome shyness and get ready for job interviews. It stands for: 1. P - Practice (or Pleasure) Interviewing: In step, choose a subject that you enjoy talking about, which is not related to your career. Find someone who also likes this subject and have a practice conversation with them. This helps you feel more comfortable talking to people one-on-one. 2. I - Informational Interviewing: In this step, you talk to someone who works in the job or field you are interested in. This helps you learn more about the job and decide if it is something you want to do. 3. E - Employment Interviewing: This is the last step, where you have an interview with a person who can give you a job in the area you are interested in. The PIE method helps people gain confidence and improve their ability to have interviews by starting with easy conversations about subjects they like and slowly moving to more formal interviews about their career goals. B

Overcoming Shyness

I. Understand Your Shyness II. Work with Your Strengths III. Practice Self-Compassion IV. Rehearse and Prepare V. Use Prayer / Mindfulness Meditation VI. Pursue What You're Enthusiastic About

Equal opportunity based on skills

An expat lady was having a hard time finding a job. She felt sad and useless because she didn't get any phone calls from the job ads she applied to. But then she found a book for job seekers and spent three weeks reading it and doing the exercises. She learned more about herself and felt ready to try looking for a job again. She used the book as a guide and got two job offers in just two weeks. She picked a job at a small company that paid well and had a flexible schedule. The employer was honest about their work environment and what they expected from their employees. This helped the woman decide if the job was right for her. The story shows how important it is to know yourself, talk about what you can bring to a job, and find a job that matches your values and needs.

Working after jail time

If you have been in jail before, you might find it difficult to get a job because of background checks. However, there are many resources available to help ex-offenders find jobs. It's important to use all the help you can get, like asking people you know or going to organizations that help ex-offenders find jobs.  Some countries are changing their laws to make it easier for ex-offenders to get jobs. You should check the rules in your city to see if this applies to you.  There are many resources available to help ex-offenders find jobs. For example, Mark Drevno has written a book called Jails to Jobs. He also has a website that helps with finding employment and removing tattoos.  There is also a free workbook available online called the STEP AHEAD Workbook, which can help with finding a job. The US Department of Labor's CareerOneStop website also offers guidance and support for ex-offenders, including videos and a downloadable PDF of state resources.  HelpforFelons.org offers i

Ex-soldiers don't shoot their co-workers

 - Veterans, also known as ex-soldiers, often feel undervalued by employers. - Some employers have biases against hiring veterans due to misconceptions about PTSD. - However, there are employers who prefer hiring veterans. - Veterans have advantages when applying for government jobs. - Veterans can seek employment assistance from their VA office. - Joining support groups can help veterans connect with others facing similar job-search challenges. - Veterans should avoid using military jargon in resumes and interviews. - Translating military experience into civilian terms is important. - Employers value leadership skills, goal-setting abilities, and a strong work ethic.

Education level

 - Employers may have two biases: thinking you lack the skills needed for the job or thinking you have too much experience and will be bored or want more money. - If they think you have too much experience, you need to explain why you want the job and offer a clear explanation of why you are seeking this position. - If they think you lack the skills, you need to be clear about the skills you possess and provide proof that you can perform them as well as someone with a degree. - Having a portfolio or other demonstration of your skills can be helpful. - You should express a desire to learn and build skills as needed and inquire about on-the-job training or additional education. - Regardless of future learning opportunities, you must demonstrate your ability to perform the duties of the position and hit the ground running when you are employed.

Age is only a number

 - Age discrimination can work both ways, with insults directed at both younger and older workers. - Some employers may be skeptical about hiring younger workers, concerned about work ethic, job longevity, and training needs. - Baby boomers may find it hard to find a job in their retirement years, and may need to keep working longer than expected. - Workers are legally protected from age discrimination, but may still encounter it. - Employers may be concerned about energy, flexibility, and salary expectations when hiring older workers. - Persistence and a positive attitude can help job hunters of any age succeed.

Be ready with answers

 - When looking for a job, there may be obstacles related to work, such as changing fields, moving to a faraway place, or changing jobs too often. - It's important to understand what the employer might be concerned about and be ready to explain your work history in a positive way. - Emphasize what you did well in your previous jobs and what you hope to achieve in the new role. - If you left jobs quickly, talk about your desire for a long-term opportunity. If you're searching for a job far away, express your willingness to do online interviews and travel if needed.

Unemployed for too long

 - Some employers may not want to hire you if you have been out of work for a year or more. - Don't give up, keep looking for employers who don't have this prejudice. - Prepare a story that talks about the positive things you did during your time out of work. - Focus on the things you learned, the skills you gained, volunteer work you did, or family responsibilities you managed.

Disability is not inability

 - Companies are recognizing the value of hiring people with disabilities and have special recruitment programs for this purpose. - Neurodiverse individuals with conditions like ADD and autism can excel in jobs that require focus and attention to detail. - Disabilities do not determine a person's career suitability as everyone has their own strengths and abilities. - Professional evaluations and vocational rehabilitation offices can help individuals find the right job fit. - Vocational specialists provided by insurance companies can assist in finding new employment after an accident. - Seek medical advice and explore new technologies or treatments if a disability seems to limit one's dreams. - Resources like the Job Accommodation Network and professional associations offer information on accommodations and support groups. - Support groups can provide emotional support and potential job opportunities. - Consider alternative careers aligned with personal interests if a disability