Careers Hot Trends

Archive for November, 2007

I don't know about you… but I'm pretty tired of hearing about how you can "follow your dream" in three or four easy steps. I've seen plenty of people leap before they sufficiently looked –and end up dissatisfied or broke, or both. I've also had clients come to me after reading a hot, new book or attending a workshop. And they still can't figure out what it is they want to do for a living.

While many Americans realize that Social Security won't provide them with enough income to get by, most people might not realize just how inadequate Social Security checks are. According to the Social Security Administration the average Social Security check today is for under $720.00 a month, which equals approximately 50% of the averages retiree's budget. The other percentages amount to this, 23% is attributed to ongoing employment, and the final 27% represents Personal Savings /Investments.

In today's global market, the challenge is always to stay competitive by creating a more efficient work environment. For more than a decade, technology has been touted as the obvious answer to help increase productivity. At the same time, I find it strange when I read that Americans are working longer hours and dealing with more work-related stress than ever before.

Whatever happened to all the dreams? The wants, the desires, the hopes, the cravings, the appetite, the passion? The aspirations of youth? Where did you go? Whatever happened to you?

Last night a footballer gained admittance to the football folklore of Spain. He burst onto the field in the dying minutes of the game and scored twice to rescue his team from a hopeless situation.
Well so what, we hear you say.

In 1992 Julen Guerrero was a household name. An attractive, talented, insightful footballer who magnetised the crowds and naturally had those with big cheque books drooling for his signature. Everyone wanted to sign him.

Dan's audio Turning Your Passions into Profits is one of the best I've listened to when it comes to providing some great ideas for starting a small business. I'm a firm believer that a person should always look at themselves first, before making a decision as to what type of business they want to start. Typically, people who succeed in business do so because they are passionate about what they do; however, passion is not always the sole determining factor in whether a small business makes it big or goes "belly up".

1. Choose Your Format Correctly - There are two main resume formats - chronological and functional. If you are seeking a job in a field in which you already have work experience, you will probably want to choose a chronological format where you will be able to showcase your job history. If, however, you want to transition into a different field, you definitely need to use a functional format. This will allow you to focus on your strengths and transferable skills and not box yourself into a certain field.

For many people, interviewing is not a natural act any more than going on a blind date is. You are asked a bunch of questions about your work. You answer them. They ask a bunch more; you answer them. You're graded on your performance (you receive a job offer or not). Yet interviews are predictable processes and as such can be planned for

What does an employer want to know about you?

1. Do you have the skills to do the job that needs to be filled?
2. How will you fit in with my company?
3. If I hire you, are you someone I will need to worry about?