Journey

Google it.

By Job Journey on Friday, July 8, 2011

goo•gle – transitive verb: to use the Google search engine to obtain information about (as a person) on the World Wide Web

Google is no longer just a trendy title, especially in an ever-changing digital world. The term has become synonymous with an Internet search and is used so often that it was added to the Oxford English Dictionary in 2006. In the workplace a quick Google search can help you get your job done, when it comes to certain research or solutions.

Most casual Internet surfers utilize Google by typing in a few words in the search bar and hope what they’re looking for pops up. They can waste precious time if what they are looking for isn’t obvious or popular.

Computer whizzes can giggle at a frustrated basic searcher’s expense. Admittedly, I sometimes sarcastically send a pre-searched link from www.letmegooglethatforyou.com to show how easy a search can be if you know how to really use Google.

Here are a few quick tips to help you transform from a hapless Internet newbie, to an unstoppable information-gathering wizard, or at least a knowledgeable Google searcher with a lot more time to spare.

Narrow Your Search
Google will search for the exact phrases inside quotation marks. If you were looking for information about temporary work, rather than typing the words temporary work into the search bar, try putting the words in quotation marks.

Example search: “temporary work”

Using the plus and minus signs will also help narrow your search. Add them to words without a space in front of them to include or exclude specific words from your search.

Example search: “temporary employment” +retail

Search for File Types
There is also a wealth of information not contained on online websites. A lot of info can be found in pdf documents, word files, powerpoint slideshows, etc. You can hunt for these by typing in filetype: into the search bar. When downloading files though, always be sure to avoid suspicious websites that might be harmful to your computer.

Example search: “interview etiquette” filetype:pdf

Search within Websites
If you’ve located a website you believe contains the information you need, but can’t wade through pages and pages of information, try using Google to search within the site. Simply add site: followed by your website link into the Google search.
Example search: cover letters site: http://blog.expresspros.com/

Use OR to Replace Keywords
By putting the word or between two words, Google will interchange those two keywords in your search.

Example search: How to write a résumé or cover letter

Don’t Let Inactive Websites Stop You
Occasionally, webpages might crash or go out of service. If the information you are looking for is located on an inactive website, try clicking the cached link next to the Google link. This accesses the stored web cache

Use Google as your Toolbox
Need to check your calculations or forgot a unit conversion? Google has you covered. Type in the information you need into the search bar and Google will handle the rest.

Currency
Do you need to find the exchange rate from US dollars to the Euro? There is a converter built into Google.

Example search: 10 usd to euro

Units
Making something for an office luncheon and can’t figure out the recipe? Google can make the conversion for you.

Example search: tablespoons to “2 cups”

Time
Google can even tell you the exact time in any time zone.

Example search: time Surfers Paradise, Australia

Calculator
If you need to check your calculations and can’t find a calculator, just use Google.

Example search: 5*20=

Knowing how to find the information you need can be indispensable to your current position or your job search. Being able to find or gather information quickly can be just as important as recalling it from memory.

With such a powerful tool like Google at your fingertips, knowing the right shortcuts can make life so much easier and save your invaluable time. Soon enough, you can even Google how to surf the web like an expert on your own and avoid being left in an analog world.

Master Résumé Writing in Three Easy Steps

By Job Journey on Monday, July 4, 2011

Writing your résumé is one of the first and most difficult steps you will take in your job search. One of the toughest challenges in résumé writing is condensing all you want to say into a few, short sentences. But, in order to approach the task like the best of the résumé professionals, you’ll need to rethink the goals and rules of a résumé.

Don’t Focus on Your Responsibilities
A résumé is not your life story. The only thing you should include on your résumé is achievements. Think of it this way, anyone can do their job, but only a small percentage of the population can do their job well.

The best way to showcase that you did your job well is from your achievements. Strive to make your achievements quantifiable, meaning they can be measured. Your accomplishments should be specific to your former position but also valuable to your new employer.

It’s hard to see you were a “good team player” on your résumé unless you can say you “joined an under-performing team and helped that team beat production delivery dates by two weeks.”

Don’t feel pressure to put anything other than achievements on your résumé. Think of anything that isn’t an achievement as a waste of space. Because you don’t know what a hiring manager will look at first – and if you have 10 great achievements and three previous job descriptions, the hiring manager may only read those three lines and toss your résumé. Think big and remove non-achievement statements.

Think of Your Résumé as a Marketing Document
Your résumé doesn’t need to be a historical statement but, rather, a marketing document. The best marketing documents show the product in the very best light, which means using objective tactics to make you look great.

Here’s an example: You join a retail store that just launched a new product. The product, being new, has a multitude of problems and the company is forced to hire someone to handle customer questions and calls. You start fielding the calls, work quite a bit of overtime, and eventually increase customer service satisfaction by 10%.

When writing the résumé, market your ability to perform customer service, be flexible during company crises, and increase customer satisfaction. Notice how much more effective that is than simply saying you “answered phones for a retail company?”

Remember, marketing requires some creativity and thought. Although it is important to quantify your success, be sure not to exaggerate or lie during this process. You are marketable enough without needing to stretch the truth.

Don’t Give Everything Away
The point of a résumé is to get someone to call you. Although you want to show your best on a résumé, you don’t want to show it all.

Hopefully, your résumé is not the only chance you’ll have to sell yourself to a hiring manager. During an interview, you will have a much more in-depth opportunity to highlight your strengths, achievements, and goals.

Knowing this, only put your very best achievements on your résumé. Leave the hiring managers intrigued, with questions that still need to be answered. This is the perfect way to impress and snag that follow-up phone call.

Crafting the perfect résumé is not an overnight thing. Résumés should be updated and maintained throughout your career. Remember to focus on your greatest achievements, market yourself, and leave your audience wanting more, and you’ll be sure to land your next interview.

Career Advancement Job Interviews New Job Tips

Top Elevator Speech Blunders

By Job Journey on Thursday, June 30, 2011

The term “elevator speech” has become widely used in the business world yet many job seekers are still unsure of its meaning. The idea of an elevator speech is to have a prepared presentation that grabs attention and says a lot in only a few words. Your core message should market yourself and/or your business in a way that makes your audience want to know more, rather than less about your professional endeavors.

With the pressure to craft something that conveys a huge impact in a short amount of time comes the opportunity for some mistakes. However, by being aware of these common elevator speech blunders, you’ll be well on your way to gaining the attention and respect of your next audience.

Not trying
The most common mistake is also the most simple to avoid; when it comes to elevator speeches, not trying is simply not good enough. Typically the thing that holds individuals back the most is their nerves.

Nerves can be addressed by practicing your elevator speech as much as possible. Your speech doesn’t have to be the exact same each time, but it should include key points that captivate your audience. These points can be researched, prepared, and shaped as you progress in your career. Remember that you are not guaranteed a perfect elevator speech simply by practicing – but the more thought and time you put into your elevator speech, the more likely you are to yield successful results.

Not preparing
Oftentimes, when someone asks what you do for a living, the response is typically your job title or position, “I’m an artist – or a teacher – or a receptionist.” Your audience will most likely say, “That’s nice,” and discontinue conversation. Instead, use words that interest your listener and force them to ask more questions.

Instead of simply saying you work in IT, respond with something that highlights your accomplishments like, “I work with small businesses that are struggling with computer problems.” Your audience’s ears will perk up immediately. Make each line you deliver effective. Remember, you only have a few seconds with your audience, so make sure your time is well spent.

Not relevant
Although stating you work for a company that has been in business for 60 years and it’s located off Main Street may identify your business’ location, it doesn’t tell your audience what you do to bring value to the company or how the business impacts the community. Remember, you have a very limited amount of time during an elevator speech. Avoid details that don’t add value to your position or that are irrelevant to your job duties.

If you open your speech with broad, vague information, your audience is likely to tune you out and may potentially miss something of interest to them.

Elevator speeches are becoming more and more common in business’ fast paced environment. Although the idea of describing your career in a few short moments may be daunting, it is something that will be easier if you practice, prepare, and know the relevancy of your message.

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The 5 Worst Things to Do During a Meeting

By Job Journey on Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Whether they’re scheduled on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis, almost all careers require at least some meetings every now and then. When acting purely as an attendee, it’s important to be engaged, participatory, and interested in the topics discussed. However, when you’re leading meetings, there are a few more responsibilities to keep in mind. The following examples are some things to keep in mind, and avoid, for the next meeting you run.

Don’t wing it
Olympic swimmer and champion Mark Spitz once said, “If you fail to prepare, you’re prepared to fail.” Walking into a meeting with no game plan could make you appear disorganized and uninterested in your topics of discussion. And, your teammates will feel like you don’t value their time.

Having some notes, points to highlight, and questions to ask is important to have beforehand. But should your meeting go in a different yet productive direction than you initially planned, go with the flow. Those in the meeting will be able to tell the difference between zero planning and necessary spontaneity that often comes with interactive meetings.

Don’t over-share
There is such a thing as over-sharing in the meeting world. While you may have the best intentions at heart, telling your teammates every detail, thought, and plan is often unnecessary and boring.

During your preparation stages, establish the highlights of each topic. Make note of what is most relevant, interesting, and important for your audience to know and leave out all the extra details. If you’re worried you may have missed something, feel free to ask if anyone has questions when all is said and done. The majority of the time, if an audience member needs clarification or further instructions, they will ask you during or after the meeting.

Don’t get distracted
Answering a phone call, text, or email during a meeting may at times be an utter necessity, but the majority of the time, it’s just plain rude. Your audience will see your communication with others as a distraction and lack of commitment to your presentation. Make it a priority to silence your cell phone, put it away, and ignore it until the meeting has concluded.

If for some reason you are expecting a call during a meeting (i.e.: you have a sick relative or are expecting a call from upper management) explain to your audience beforehand that you may need to step out for a moment but will return promptly. Your teammates will be much more understanding of your distraction if they know it’s for good reason.

Don’t run late
Be aware and respectful of your teammates’ time. If your meeting has a specified time restriction, honor it. Those in the meeting will be appreciative that you respect their time and, will in turn, respect what you have to say. Sometimes running a few minutes over is unavoidable, but consistently holding your audience late is disrespectful of their time and other job duties. Realize that although your topics of discussion may be important and relevant, there are other tasks your audience needs to work on throughout the day too.

Don’t disregard common courtesy
Eating during a meeting is not only disrespectful, but off-putting. If you are in a boardroom setting with nine teammates and decide to open a bag of chips while delivering a message, it becomes a distraction and not very pretty to watch. Of course, some meetings occur over breakfast and lunch where eating is, obviously encouraged, but for the majority of the time, it’s best to eat while on your lunch break.

If your meeting is expected to take up the majority of the day, coordinate snacks or meals for everyone in attendance, with specified break times allotted in the agenda. The only thing worse than watching someone eat is watching someone eat when you’re hungry. This simple gesture will show your teammates you have their best interests at heart.

Meetings are an everyday occurrence in the business world, no matter what your field. And most likely, you will all have to participate in them in some capacity. Keeping the preceding five tips in mind will help you deliver a message without distraction, offending your audience, or embarrassing yourself.

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Learning from “The Office”

By Job Journey on Thursday, June 23, 2011

Co-workers and employers are two aspects of work that add to company morale, fun, and sometimes challenges. Whether your office is a close-knit group who thrives off of collaboration or one that encourages independent work, there is much to be learned from those you work beside day in and day out.

One of NBC’s most popular shows features a cast of unique and entertaining characters that represent what full-time work can sometimes be like. “The Office” follows Dunder Mifflin Sabre, a paper and office supply distribution office based in Scranton, Pennsylvania. While each episode depicts a mundane storyline, countless viewers have found comfort and humor in the familiarity that is “The Office.”

Although each character on the sitcom has their faults, they each have some qualities we can emulate. Whether you showcase your individuality, love for life, or strength while at work – there’s an office character out there for you to learn from.

Dwight Schrute
Known for his love of bears, crime fighting, and leadership, Dwight is by far one of the most eccentric of the Dunder Mifflin Sabre crew. Dwight is the top salesman and former acting manager for the office. Despite his achievements, he receives little recognition from his co-workers because of his lack of social skills and common sense. However, Dwight does an excellent job of remaining true to himself. He holds a specific set of personal and professional standards, rarely straying from them. While it’s always a good idea to leave the throwing stars and other weapons at home, there is one lesson we could all stand to learn from Dwight. Know what it is you stand for and don’t back down from it. Dwight’s antics are unpredictable but always very “him.” While his odd interests sometimes isolate him from the office, he doesn’t allow his individuality to hold him back. His stability and openness with who he is forces his co-workers to know the true Dwight – no matter how different he may be.

Michael Scott
Michael served as manager for the Scranton branch for seven years. His zest for life, though admirable, often gets him in hot water with his corporate office and employees. Michael’s tendencies to pull inappropriate pranks, offend his employees, and create awkward situations are only outweighed by his love for life and his employees. Michael takes a vested interest in the well-being of those around him; throwing birthday parties, teambuilding events, and seminars. Michael’s heart is in the right place and his employees know his interest in their lives is sincere. His approach to work reminds viewers that life is meant to be enjoyed, even while at the office.

Pam Beesly Halpert
Pam began her time at Dunder Mifflin Sabre as the receptionist, often indicating her desire to move ahead in the corporate world. She spent the first five years during her stay at Dunder Mifflin Sabre hoping for a promotion, while never voicing her goals to upper management. Eventually, Pam gained her voice as well as a new position as the office administrator. Pam is perhaps one of the most relatable characters as she struggles with developing confidence and authority in the business world. Her transformation into a leader in the office is one we can all look to for guidance and encouragement. Although it took her years to develop courage, Pam eventually took control of her own career by developing her leadership skills, asking for promotions, and taking charge.

“The Office” is one of television’s most successful shows and for good reason. It follows characters we all can relate to while inspiring viewers to have a more meaningful office life and career. Although each character on the show has serious faults, they all also have positive beliefs and behaviors we can glean from.

Let’s be honest, our co-workers have the ability to make us better or drive us crazy during the work day. Different personalities alongside deadlines, projects, and stress can bring out some challenging scenarios. Remember to look for the positive in each person who you encounter at work. Sure, your cube mate may have an odd fascination with crime fighting but at least he’s true to who he is and gets his work done.

Career Advancement Job Interviews New Job Tips

Ramp Up Your Stalled Summer Job Search

By Job Journey on Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Today marks the official first day of summer with many individuals still looking for that perfect summer job. The national unemployment rate has risen to 9.1%, leaving many seeking seasonal or part-time jobs feeling frustrated and lost.

So, what can you do to reignite your stalled summer job search? Whether you’re looking for a seasonal position, or a career in your desired field, keep the following tips in mind.

Your job hunt is your job.
When on the lookout for a job, treat your job hunt as if it’s your full-time job. The majority of job seekers send out a number of résumés and then wait for companies to contact them.

Be proactive in your search and follow up with organizations you haven’t heard back from. Sometimes all it takes is a simple phone call to check on the status of the open positions to get the hiring process started.

Treating your job search like a full-time job will encourage you to build momentum, become more invested in the process, and even get a few offers from interested companies.

Revamp your résumé.
Reassess your cover letters and résumé to highlight specific skills you’ve developed in previous positions, rather than just listing work history. Tailor each cover letter and résumé you send for the specific position or company you are applying for. Taking a little extra time during the application process will add a touch of sincerity employers will not take lightly.

Quantify your achievements on your résumés. For example, if you helped reduce costs or increased sales at your last position, say so. Naming your achievements will be far more impressive than only listing former employers.

Work on your online presence.
Broaden your networking contacts online to ramp up your job search. Having a LinkedIn profile can be an excellent tool to refer hiring managers to during the interview process. However, know that your online presence will be viewable by potential employers so manage it closely.

Use social media to expand your contacts, but avoid the pitfalls that typically come with it. Don’t publish suggestive pictures of yourself, offensive tweets, or even status updates complaining about your current employer. Remember that anyone interested in hiring you has the ability to find your online presence, so use social media with caution.

Summer is associated with relaxation, heat, and seasonal jobs. Knowing that employers will have many candidates to choose from, it’s important to not allow a few stalls in your job search to keep you down. Persevere throughout the bumps and trials that come with job hunting and you’ll have much to celebrate this season.

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Mentor Up: How to Pick the Right Mentor

By Job Journey on Thursday, June 16, 2011

Whether you’ve been working for several years or are just preparing to enter the career world, traveling the path alone can be risky and hard. Surrounding yourself with people who can directly and positively impact your career is one of the key steps to take in any employment opportunity. Research shows protégés report more promotions, higher incomes, higher job and career satisfaction, and greater job involvement and commitment to a company than those not being mentored. Considering the benefits of having a mentor, the next question is how to get one. But, before asking someone to be your mentor, you need to know what to look for. So, here are some important aspects to consider in your quest for a great mentor.

Finding the right mentor.
A mentor is meant to challenge you. Do some research and find high-level managers or peers with more work experience than you. These individuals should be successful in their field, highly respected, and an all-around positive role model. Although it may be intimidating to approach such an esteemed and experienced professional, it’s important to surround yourself with people who have more knowledge than you do. The purpose of a mentor is to teach, counsel, and guide you to intelligent and beneficial career moves. Find someone who can help do just that.

Asking to be mentored.
Obviously, when selecting someone as your mentor, you need to ask them first. Begin by sharing with your potential mentor how they’ve already impacted your career, how you respect them, and why you want to learn from them. The more interest you take in a potential mentor, the more likely they will be to return the favor. However, you aren’t just asking them to guide you – you are asking for a major commitment. Make sure your mentors are willing to share their skills, knowledge, and expertise with you. Select people who seem to take a personal interest in helping you succeed rather than people who will toss you aside when their schedule gets hectic.

Having multiple mentors.
Because you’ll be choosing mentors for different qualities that put them at the top of their field, choose several. Leaders, although they may tell you different, have very little spare time to devote to full-time mentorship. Consider looking for someone in your own department, someone in another department of your company, someone in your field but with a different company, or someone that leads a charity organization you’re involved in. Having diversity in your mentors will provide you with relevant, yet different, opinions. Consider your group of mentors as your very own board of advisers.

Giving back.
Finally, remember that people don’t mentor just to be friendly. Mentoring can take a considerable amount of time, energy, and effort. Ask your mentor what you can do to help them. For some, simply seeing your appreciation and loyalty may be enough. For others, they may want to see you volunteer your time to mentor someone too. What’s most important is showing the initiative to give back to the mentor rather than simply taking from the relationship.

Moving up in an organization is increasingly challenging, however, having the right mentors by your side can help you climb the corporate ladder to success. Surround yourself with the highest quality people to create your own network of professionals.

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