Saturday, May 30, 2020

JibberJobber It How JibberJobber became a verb

JibberJobber It â€" How JibberJobber became a verb Today I was making some notes in my calendar about pinging someone next year and in the notes of the calendar event I put: JibberJobber it. And then I cracked up.  This came out of nowhere, but it makes sense.  Heres what it means:  Just like you might google it to learn about something, I wrote JibberJobber it to learn more about the person I am going to reach out to. Like you, I am busy and have things coming at me from every angle.  Not only am I busy, I have a lot of things I do just like you. In a couple of months I might not remember who the person is or why I need to reach out to them.  But if I JibberJobber it I will find her contact info in JibberJobber, and more importantly, what our conversations were to get to that point. I doubt this will catch on because Google It is three syllables, and JibberJobber It is five syllables so it might just be too long, but you can be assured that Ive done it for years, and Ill do it for years to come! JibberJobber It â€" How JibberJobber became a verb Today I was making some notes in my calendar about pinging someone next year and in the notes of the calendar event I put: JibberJobber it. And then I cracked up.  This came out of nowhere, but it makes sense.  Heres what it means:  Just like you might google it to learn about something, I wrote JibberJobber it to learn more about the person I am going to reach out to. Like you, I am busy and have things coming at me from every angle.  Not only am I busy, I have a lot of things I do just like you. In a couple of months I might not remember who the person is or why I need to reach out to them.  But if I JibberJobber it I will find her contact info in JibberJobber, and more importantly, what our conversations were to get to that point. I doubt this will catch on because Google It is three syllables, and JibberJobber It is five syllables so it might just be too long, but you can be assured that Ive done it for years, and Ill do it for years to come!

Tuesday, May 26, 2020

The art of quitting

The art of quitting One of the most overlooked skills in the workplace is figuring out when to leave. Of course, there are the obvious situations, like when a boss is losing his mind, or a company is about to go under. But most situations arent so black and white. The best way to figure out what to do next is to envision what youre trying to accomplish. Then you can see what the process of separation might look like and what you might end up with when you move to another job. Here some tips on how to do just that: 1. Dont quit to make yourself happy. A job cant make you happy. Happiness doesnt come from making more money or creating the perfect design or being right about the marketplace. Happiness comes from the relationships you make with other people. So work doesnt make you happy, but it can make you unhappy. If your boss is setting goals you could never meet, or not setting goals at all, it could be so frustrating that youll be unhappy. Or if your commute is more than 45 minutes, you probably have so little control over it that the uncertainty is adding enough stress to your life to make you unhappy. These are reasons to change jobs. But if you have a job where you have challenging goals that youre able to meet, ask yourself if you should be changing your personal life and not your job. Because the connection between work and happiness is overstated. 2. Quit as a personal growth opportunity. The days of stable jobs and corporate loyalty are over. Today, people change jobs constantly. So the best way to create stability in your career is to depend on your ability to get a new job when you need to. The people with the best skill sets have the most flexibility when it comes to changing jobs. Which means that you need to be building your skill set constantly. If youre in a job that has a flat learning curve, try to get a project that will challenge you. Or try to get your boss to pay for training. But if you cant do that, its time to quit. Personal growth isnt just the key to getting a six-figure career. Its also the key to keeping yourself engaged in your work and employable in the marketplace. 3. Use quitting as a networking opportunity. The minute you quit, your relationship with your boss changes. Now youre equals. Now youre two people who work in the same industry and are part of each others network. When you tell your boss you just got a better job, you immediately become more appealing to him or her as a networking opportunity. Manage this moment carefully, and you and your boss will be able to help each other for many years to come. As Ive written here  before, forget things like exit interviews those never help anyone. After all, if the company were really interested in what you have to say, they wouldve asked you while you were an employee. So stick to the positive stuff. Be gracious and grateful even if youre not feeling a lot of gratitude, you can find something positive to focus on. Quitting is a great moment in your career to build new bridges for yourself, but you need to have a solid plan for how to  manage the situation well. 4. Dont feel guilty. Even though todays 20-something workers change jobs every 18 months, they typically feel guilty about giving notice. This strikes me as a new phenomenon. As a Gen-Xer who graduated into one of the worst job markets in history, I gave notice with glee, because the jobs I had in my 20s were mostly lousy. Today, though, young people have unprecedented opportunity in the workplace, and often their bosses make a big effort to retain them. So it makes sense that quitting will be difficult. But  people who quit dont need to feel guilty. If youre quitting because of a new growth opportunity and your boss cares about you, he or she will congratulate you and ask you to keep in touch. And when it makes good sense for you to take a new job and youve been a good employee, quitting is likely to go smoothly.

Saturday, May 23, 2020

The 10 Strangest Things Candidates Have Done in Job Interviews

The 10 Strangest Things Candidates Have Done in Job Interviews Wed all love to walk into a job interview cool as a cucumber and wow our interviewer with our natural air of confidence  and charisma; however for a lot of us this vision  is something of a dream, as the mere thought of an interview brings us out in a cold sweat. A lot hangs on the success of a job interview, so its understandable that it can be a stressful experience. From worrying that we havent prepared enough, to panicking about the interviewer not liking us, there are countless  factors that can turn us into a nervous wreck and nerves can make us do strange things. Perhaps not usually as strange as this though CareerBuilder have released a new list of some of the strangest things that recruiters have experienced candidates do in a job interview. Heres what topped the list: Candidate took a family photo off of the interviewer’s desk and put it into her purse. Candidate started screaming that the interview was taking too long. Candidate said her main job was being a psychic/medium and tried to read interviewer’s palm, despite interviewer’s attempts to decline the offer. When asked what her ideal job was, candidate said “painter of bird houses.” (Company was hiring for a data entry clerk.) Candidate sang her responses to questions. Candidate put lotion on her feet during the interview. When asked why he wanted the position, candidate replied, “My wife wants me to get a job.” Candidate started feeling interviewer’s chest to find a heartbeat so they could “connect heart to heart.” Candidate had a pet bird in her shirt. Candidate took phone interview in the bathroom â€" and flushed. Image: Shutterstock

Monday, May 18, 2020

What Did You Learn in 2009

What Did You Learn in 2009 Today my Twitter friend @MattFagioli posed the question/tweet: What did you learn in 2009?   Something you didnt realize in 2008. I couldnt answer the question in a tweet because my answer would far exceed 140 characters. Where do I begin?   Here are a few bullet points of what Ive learned this year, but Im way more interested in what YOU learned this year, so please comment back and let us know! 1.   Not everything goes as planned.   I ended a relationship and moved out of the apartment  my ex  and I shared only  6 months into our 1 year co-signed lease.   2. Standing up for what you  believe in is worth any and all consequences, expenses and inconveniences.   I moved out within 3 hours  of calling my Mother and telling her, Mom, today will be my last day in this apartment and my last day  in this relationship.   Im not sure how the hell Im going to move all of  my shit out of here  by this afternoon, but Im doing it.      I moved back to my parents house that day, and enjoyed a four hour/day round trip commute  for over three months.   It was worth every penny and minute of inconvenience.   It was not cheap to make this decision (I continued paying rent while I didnt live there)  and it wasnt convenient either, but it was the right thing to do and my life has changed for the better because of it. 3. Staying true to yourself is freaking amazing. Looking back on that relationship, I realized that a part of me had died.  I decided that was the last time Id ever invest my time in situations or people  which are not  aligned with my values.   I decided that from now on, Im in the drivers seat.   My personality, ambitions  and crazy quirks are not going to change, and if you dont like it, WAHHH!   Too bad. NEXT! 4. Knowing what you want is so important.   If you dont know who you are and what you want, youll take anything you can get (whether it is in regard to friendships, dating, jobs, etc).    Taking whatever comes because you dont know what you want  will ultimately result in stress, anxiety and feeling lost.   This is every twentysomethings big challenge: trying to asnwer that very question of who you are and what you want. 5. Little things are big things. I can go on and on about this one.   I started a new relationship and a new job in 2009 and its crazy how many little things were stressing me out that I didnt even realize.   Also, the smallest things mean so much to me: emails from you guys, tweets, thank yous, laughs with friends, (my puppy)  Giadas little  tirades. 6. Go with your gut.   Thank God I did. 7. Nurture your friendships and think of  them as family. And my theme for 2010?   Get comfortable being uncomfortable.   If you keep doing the same things, youll keep getting the same results.   No need for that. What did YOU learn in 2009? Rock it in 2010 guys!

Friday, May 15, 2020

What is a Good Objective When Writing a Resume?

What is a Good Objective When Writing a Resume?Many students, recent graduates and even established professionals that are applying for a job may be struggling to answer the question 'what is a good objective when writing a resume?' When they write their resumes, they probably do not think about the purpose of the resume. They are more concerned with how to make their resume stand out from the many others that are also being mailed out.A good objective when writing a resume, should always begin with a statement that summarizes the reasons why you want the job. The reason should give the reader a glimpse into your personality. There should be a clear-cut list of accomplishments, but no one wants to see a list of 'College Degree' next to their name.You must give them some direction as to how they can find out more about you, and if you have any personal achievements. You must state that you have a degree, an experienced resume, and a solid work history. All of these will help the reade r determine if you are the right candidate for the job. If the employee does not know what this resume is all about, it may cause him or her to lose interest in your resume and possibly even pass you by.The key to writing a resume that stands out is to use the objective when writing a resume. The reason is that it allows the candidate to talk about themselves in their own words. This allows you to capture the very essence of the person and the message that is written on the resume.Once you know how to write a resume that has a strong objective at the beginning, the next step is to focus on what skills and abilities are necessary for the position that you are applying for. The skills and abilities can be things like good organizational skills, experience in sales, communication skills, and so on. You need to make sure that you focus on those qualities in your resume that will help you get the job that you want.If you take the time to focus on this you will be able to write a resume t hat is good for learning by thinking and how to write a resume that helps to answer the question of 'what is a good objective when writing a resume.' The goal of the resume is to get the employer to hire you. It is the job of the resume to convince the employer to hire you based on what you have to offer. It is your sales job.Don't be tempted to just put together a resume without thinking about the questions that are asked on the resume. The employer will be interested in learning how you will solve problems and work with others, not just tell them that you want the job. The resume needs to show the hiring manager exactly what you are able to do for the company and what you can do for the organization.When you learn how to write a resume that offers an objective, you will be prepared for the questions that the hiring manager will ask when reviewing your resume. Then you will know exactly what the interviewer is looking for, and what you can do to give them what they want.

Tuesday, May 12, 2020

Career Paths for History Degree - CareerAlley

Career Paths for History Degree - CareerAlley We may receive compensation when you click on links to products from our partners. Many students choose to pursue a degree in history with little thought as to where they are going next. While certainly a rigorous course of study, the degree field offers little guidance as to where a student can go next. Fortunately, there are options out there they just take a bit more work to find. History degree holders often find employment in the fields of education, law, and in facilities with a strong historical foundation. Teaching It is not a stretch to say that most students who go into the field of history do so to teach on one level or another. The history degree is a requirement in many states for those who want to teach History or Social Studies courses, leading to students who pursue the degree either alongside an educational degree or as a prerequisite for a Masters of Education. Teaching is also at the university level, though this usually takes a commitment to a phD program to accomplish. Whether on the secondary level or in college, though, a History degree is a valid start to a career in education. The Law A less obvious, but surprisingly common, career for those with a history degree is one in the field of law. A history degree is one of the most commonly held degrees by law students, and for good reason. The history field prepares scholars not only for the lengthy hours of research required in the field of law, but also helps to acclimate students to the process of thinking about both sides of an issue. Coupled with the fact that most history classes give students the ability to read relatively dense and confusing text with some degree of ease, and it becomes easy to see why so many history students pursue law school. This is perhaps the most lucrative use of a history degree, though it does require further schooling. In addition to standard legal work, history students have a particular advantage when it comes to legal scholarship. Those who never wish to enter a courtroom can find employment researching legal history. Constitutional scholars are in especially high demand in some law schools, while many lawyers turn to specialists for help in determining the origins behind specific precedents. While not quite lawyers, these history scholars can make a solid living through their work. Historical Employment Other history degree holders make a living actually working with history. There are many individuals who work in various capacities in museums, for example, from tour guide to directors. Others might work a historical sites, helping with the maintenance of historical objects or providing research data to help others better understand the significance of a particular object or location. Still other history degree holders pursue careers in historical foundations or groups, helping to shape the state of modern historical discourse while pursuing their own passions in the field. These careers are perhaps the purest applications of a history education, though the careers are often hard to come by for those who do not have experience. If you choose a degree in History, it is generally wise to specialize in a particular era or type of history. This will allow you to better market your skills, as well as to focus your own studies. Getting a job with this sort of degree may not always seem easy, but getting yourself on the right path early on can make the process less difficult. In the end, finding a career with a degree in History is something that simply requires hard work and determination just as it does with any other type of degree. Author Bio Ryan Ayers is a writer who creates informative articles in relation to education. In this article, he describes careers paths with a history degree such as a Norwich University masters degree in history online. This is a Guest post. If you would like to submit a guest post to CareerAlley, please follow these guest post guidelines. Good luck in your search. Joey Trebif

Friday, May 8, 2020

3 Ways To Keep Your Job Search A Secret

3 Ways To Keep Your Job Search A Secret 3 Ways To Keep Your Job Search A Secret One of the good things about being unemployed is that you have plenty of time to look for a job. One of the bad things is that being unemployed makes you less attractive to some employers. While it may not be fair, many employers prefer to hire candidates who are already employed. But looking for a job while working full-time has its own set of obstacles. Because looking for a new opportunity is a job in itself, one challenge is finding enough time. But, perhaps the biggest problem is making sure your boss doesn’t find out. But there are ways to keep your job search a secret. Dress A Little Better If you’re in looking for a new opportunity while gainfully employed it’s likely you’ll be either sneaking to interviews during your lunch hour or scheduling them for right after work. Unfortunately, when you work in a super casual office, wearing your “going to an interview” outfit is sure to raise some red flags. The easiest way to avoid this is to upgrade your wardrobe at least one month before starting a job search. Begin by switching casual slacks for your standard jeans once or twice a week. Bring a tailored jacket occasionally, even if you don’t wear it most of the day. If you do this consistently no one will bat an eye when you come to work dressed for a job interview. Don’t Attract Attention On LinkedIn Besides coming to the office in “job interview” attire, a sure signal that you’re looking for a new opportunity is a flurry of activity on your LinkedIn profile. If you’re like most people your LinkedIn profile has been dormant for months, maybe even years. Now that you’re looking it’s time to add those missing jobs and fill out the job descriptions. You might even get around to that Summary Section you’ve been meaning to write. While updating your LinkedIn profile is a good thing, it’s essential to keep those posts under the radar. So before you do anything, go to your “Privacy Settings” page and “Turn off your activity broadcasts” under “Privacy Controls.” Keep Your Job Search Quiet It bears repeating that you should NEVER use your company computer during your job search. Today, most employers monitor their employee’s activities, including reviewing their email accounts and checking their computers. You don’t want to be called into the boss’s office after he’s finished reading your emails to recruiters or discovered you’ve been researching resume writers by reviewing your search history. It’s also critical to be careful who you tell. Even your strongest supporter may mistakenly let your secret slip. Or they may share it in confidence with someone else, who shares it with someone else, etc. Before you know it everyone is aware that you’re looking for a new position. Also, think carefully about what you spill on social media. You never know who will see those posts complaining about your job or excitedly sharing about your recent job interview. If you’re employed be grateful. Not only do you have a job, but you are more attractive to many potential employers as well. One of the keys to a successful job search is to keep things confidential until you have another offer. However, by taking a few steps to keep things quiet you can help ensure your boss won’t find out until you tell her you’re leaving. If you’d like to work with Annette Richmond, a certified resume writer, LinkedIn Profile writer, and career consultant, please schedule an introductory call to discuss your needs.     You will be able to access Annette’s calendar to choose a day and time that works for you.