The Obnoxious Guide to Environmentally-Safe Job Hunting

The Obnoxious Guide to Environmentally-Safe Job Hunting 4 For Blog Action Day 2007, thousands of bloggers tried to raise other people's awareness about the Environment. 17 Ways To Save the Planet A Bit Move to an environmentally-cleaner city than yours. Job search from there. Rearrange your work area for maximum natural light. Aood metric is whether you can see the recruiter's eyes on the other end of the phone line or not. If you need artificial light, only use fluorescent lighting, but not Off-White or WinterFresh White; try to find the ultra-rare Holy Grail White. You need a computer to read these tips, so get a refurbished machine before someone else throws it in a landfill. If you can't find one before this Blog Action Day thing is over, then at least buy an Energy Star-certified system. Make sure your job search computer is setup to waste as little electricity as possible. Not using it to job hunt will help tremendously. Also acceptable â€" not even turning it on. Have a current-sucking CRT monitor? Save electricity by searching the Internet with Blackle instead of Google. Have an LCD monitor? Search the Internet with Google instead of Blackle. Like night and day. Turn off your computer when not actively using it and/or when people are spamming you. Before is best. Go gadget green with rechargeable batteries in your wireless mouse, MP3 player or USB all-nighter coffeemug warmer without batteries. If you get thirsty while working, forget bottled water, drink tap water. If the tap water is brackish, don't. Avoid printing out CVs and cover letters unnecessarily. Try to anticipate in advance whether companies will need them or not. Better yet, decide instead for them and then go look someplace else where you're really needed and likely to be appreciated. Use recycled paper or ultra-expensive African non-tree paper. Or just stick with recycled paper. Recycle any rough copies or other document drafts that you no longer need. Bonus points if they contain your address or other identifying details. Mega bonus points for a credit card number or classified information that you put in the trash. Job hunt from home. If you have to go out, walk. If you don't want to sweat, use public transportation; take an electric bus or hybrid train. If you have to drive, get a hybrid car. If that's a challenge, carpool. Best of all- carpool in a hybrid. Wear a solar-powered jacket wherever you go, toting a solar-powered backpack containing a solar-powered flashlight. Look out for a solar-powered CV. Get a solar or wind-powered charger for your cellphone. Get used to walking with one arm held above your head. Before your next job interview, only shower with hot water from your solar-powered water heater (dud shemesh in Israel). If you don't have one, use your neighbor's shower. Reduce CO2 emissions by closing your mouth when walking to your next interview and from your next interview. How about your own environmental job search tips? This article is part of TheWritersManifestoBlog group writing project about tutorials.

How Employer Branding and Recruitment Fell in Love

How Employer Branding and Recruitment Fell in Love Reality check! Are you aware that recruiting has changed? Gone are the days of “Post and Pray”: where you post a job listing and wait for the swarm of candidates to come a runnin. Todays recruiters have bigger, better technology but we also have a veritable firehose of candidates to deal with. The baby boomers are retiring in droves and while we have a large market of graduates stepping up to the plate, we are still seeing candidate shortages across the board. This coupled with the changing attitudes toward work of the millennials vs. those exiting the workforce, it can leave recruiters with a difficult job to find the right fit. The job market has shifted and new methods of recruiting are coming in to play in todays market, companies have to bring their A-game if they want the top players. The bottom line question here is: “Where does recruitment marketing fit  in to your overall corporate recruiting strategy?” Lets get something straight: posting a quirky job listing is a far cry from using recruitment marketing in your recruiting strategy. It is no longer enough to slap a mission statement on some branded frisbees, companies are stepping up and presenting their own unique experience to candidates in a competitive fashion. This is not about gimmicks or tactics, its about a total strategic effort that begins with recruiting. This next generation of candidates dont necessarily expect more from the company that they choose to work for, but they are most certainly on a hunt for something different than their predecessors. So do a deep dive (first) into what makes working at your company different. If the answer is nothing, change that before embarking on any recruitment marketing plan. Some questions to whet your appetite: What can a candidate expect to learn? What sort of work-life support do you offer? (This doesnt have to mean work from home, it can mean having a playroom in the office or letting the volleyball team take off at 3pm on Thursday as long as their tasks are done) How will a candidate be treated by their manager? Their team? Their executive? What kinds of projects will they be working on? Once you are in tune with what you have to offer, you need to align it with what your target candidates really want. You cant do that without research. Demographics are playing a huge role in how employers craft their branding initiatives nowadays and the findings are not only surprising to even veteran researchers, they are changing on a regular basis. Know your target market:  What might work for some, wont work for others. Does your set of candidates put an emphasis on social media freedom, salary, vacation time, or something as small as dress code? Know what theyre looking for, and let them know you offer that. Present an all around brand experience. Even before the interview, the candidate should have a clear picture of your company culture and employer brand. You should be blaring your message on social media, job listings, your website and employer branding videos. This all ties in to recruiting the right people for the right job and creating a synergistic work environment. Strategic communication is crucial during the employer branding experience. Keep it real:  Yes, a big part of this process is to attract the talent that you want and need, however, be honest about what you really are. Dont present a 9-5, suit-wearing, clock-punching business as a fun-loving, jeans-wearing environment. The goal here isnt to misrepresent yourself in order to get those great candidates, it is to present yourself in the best light and let them know what you can offer them. If you are rigid and demanding, thats okay. But you need to ensure that you balance it with the positive sides of that equation, like ambitious, driven and unparalleled. Dont forget the website!  The website is hugely important in candidate experience, especially the latter stages.  We dont so much as walk into a burger joint without yelping it, you know theyre going to be all over that website. Make sure that it is authentically representing you. Its not enough to have a nice, easy to navigate site, your career portal should really reflect how you wish to be seen by candidates and in turn, show them what its like to work for your organization. How do you do this? By taking advantage of how simple its become to take pictures, upload videos and write posts about the burning questions in your candidates minds. In this new climate for recruiting, employer brand plays a huge role. This new workforce has a, “the ball is in my court”, mentality and its showing. They will hold out and hunt around until they find what theyre looking for. Are you it?

You will like your job more if you make a friend at work

You will like your job more if you make a friend at work Heres some advice for those of you who dont like your job: Maybe your job is not your problem. Maybe its that you are not trying hard enough to make friends at work. People with one friend at work are much more likely to find their work interesting. And people with three friends at work are virtually guaranteed to be very satisfied with their life. These are some of the findings Tom Rath reports in his new book, Vital Friends: The People You Cant Afford to Live Without. As a longtime Gallup employee, Rath draws on a massive number of interviews conducted by this polling organization. Rath says a friend who can change your work environment is someone you spend a lot of time in a relationship with. And you are probably making a difference in that persons life, too. If the person were gone, work would be less fun. Nikhil Rajpal, at Project: Think Different identified a best friend at work immediately: My friend Will and I go to lunch together every day. When work gets tough the friendship makes it easier to get through the day. When one of us is stressed or had too much work one of us buys the other coffee and we walk around and talk about it. Rath has identified eight different friendship roles. No single person can be all these roles at once, and the fatal flaw people make in relationships is asking that of one person often a boss or a spouse. A navigator, for example, is someone who is like a mentor. You dont need to have regular conversations with the person, but when you do, they are very meaningful in your life. A connector is the type of friend made famous by Malcolm Gladwell, in The Tipping Point, for being able to give you a network. And a champion is the type of friend who thrives on your accomplishments and happiness. The threshold for gaining the benefits of health and life satisfaction from friendship is three or four friends. Here are some steps to make those friends: 1. Identify someone appropriate. When I was in human resources I had a lot of confidential information, so it was no surprise that I became friends with the executive assistant for the CEO, who also had a lot of confidential information, says Heather Mundell, career coach and author of the blog Dream Big. 2. Be open. On the Internet, where ranting is de rigueur, it would seem that half of all workers are surrounded by idiots. This way of thinking will not find you friends. We like to think we can size someone up in ten seconds. But often our opinions of people change over time, says Mundell. 3. Make time for face-to-face contact. If someone stops by your cube and says do you have few minutes? Its nice if you do. Be a good listener, says Mundell. Over time, problem solving together and venting will lead to building trust. You should stop by peoples cubes and shoot the breeze, too. 4. Choose your surroundings carefully. Find an office that encourages friendships the structure of workspaces, the quality of common areas, the size of the well-stocked fridge all these factors can contribute to making an office full of friendships. Rath found that you are three times more likely to have a close-knit workgroup if the physical environment makes it easy to socialize. 5. Find coworkers with shared vision and values. This situation is probably most common at a nonprofit like Project: Think Different: Everyone is linked together based on a passion for what were doing, says, Raipal. We all have a strong desire to change messages in pop culture. 6. Shift your focus away from yourself. People spend so much time trying to manage themselves, says Rath. Formal education focuses on mastery of topic areas, and graduate school allows you to focus on your own interests. But when it comes to improving our lives, writes Rath, its the energy between two people that makes a difference. This is going to be a big change for most people. Most workers do not make friends at work. But without a best friend at work, the chances of being engaged in your job are slim. So maybe you should put aside advice about finding the perfect job by searching want ads for your calling. Instead, look for a job and an office that facilitate relationships; friendship is your calling.

Keeping up with the Jennifers and Jolies

Keeping up with the Jennifers and Jolies Todays post is by Gabriela Vega. In today’s society with the numerous magazines covering the world of women’s fashion, countless television shows featuring vain reality stars and limitless red carpet coverage scrutinizing the clothing of celebrities, it is easy for a woman to get overly-wrapped up in concerns about her clothing, jewelry and shoes.   Our society seems to be dedicated to the acquisition of stuff.   However, focusing all of your energy on such acquisitions can have negative effects that, in the long run, influence your quality of life. Now, I am the last person to tell others how they should or should not comport themselves.   Growing up in my family, as new immigrants, we lived simply. My mother would buy us some new clothes at the local discount store at the beginning of the school year and then add winter pieces during Christmas.   My parent’s motto to financial education was, “we cannot buy that, period.”   No further explanation was given.   Needless to say when I got to college and discovered the world of credit cards and “free money,” well, I thought I was on my way to making it.   Now, I was never Confessions of a Shopaholic bad.   But, last month as I paid off the last of my credit card debt, I realized the numerous ways in which acquisition mode effected my life. Emotional Effects I’m sure you have experienced it before; your boss is a pain or you are in a dating black hole and you decide that you need a ‘pick me up.’   The quickest way to turn your frown upside down is to head for the nearest department store shoe (or purse, or make-up, or clothing) section for a little ‘shop therapy.’ You step inside, smell the new leather and see the rainbow of colors and array of styles.   You pick up a pair of red, four-inch stilettos and all of a sudden all of those words that you could not say to your boss or the guy with whom you just broke up disappear.   You try them on and they make your legs look incredible.   You know that you have to experience this feeling again.   Because you don’t get paid for another two weeks, you decide that you will put them on your credit card.   You reason that this would have been the amount that you would have paid for a therapist or that they are an investment that will ultimately help you land that next job and you take them home. Unfortunately, come Monday you still have to deal with the same boss or when the weekend comes, you don’t have a date and you are back in the same spot.   Spending money, can give you tremendous high, particularly when there are other things that are trying to bring you down. Eventually, in order to get the same satisfaction you must spend more and do it more often.   Guess what?   That is the sign of an addiction.   Unfortunately, over-spending is accepted and, even at times, encouraged (anyone remember President Bush saying it was patriotic to spend?) The reality is that the shop therapy good feelings never last and you must still face that which is bothering you. Financial Effects If you have ever put anything on a credit card that you could not immediately turn around and pay off, you must know that the big ticket purchase you made will cost you more than the price tag (I’m not a mathematician but here is a simple example.)   With interest rates and even annual fees, a $1,000.00 purchase can eventually cost you anywhere from $1,150.00 to $1,220.00 (for credit cards with interest from 15% to 22%, which are average rates of interest) and that is just for one year. If you are a person that must continuously shop to repeat the same emotional high described above, your debt can quickly get out of control. Without careful monitoring, you will end up maxing out one or more credit cards.   Add that to only the minimum payments and you have dug yourself a nice hole.   After all, the minimum payment is only enough to pay that month’s interest rate plus a little extra.   Thus, you continue to pay on the same debt without seeing a significant drop.   As a smart, professional woman you would never let a business operate in this manner and you know what?   Neither should you. Creating a Recovery Plan All of this happened to me.   Finally, I got to the point that I decided that I would not allow myself to continue on the same cycle.   For me, it was additionally difficult because unless I had monthly amounts automatically debited from my checking account, I would sometimes forget to pay on time, which only led to more fees.   So here is what I did. 1. Accept that you are going to feel ‘poor’ for a while. If you are committed to becoming debt free, you may have to come to terms with the fact that you may not have disposable income for a while.   Thus all of those wonderful extras to which you have become accustomed to must go.   Monthly manis, pedis and facials, gone.   A new pair of shoes every month or dinner and drinks with your friends every Thursday night, gone.   But, and this was important for me, realize that this is your choice and that you are on your way to true financial independence.   This will give you the resolve and strength to say no whenever your friends want to meet for a lunchtime pedi. 2.   Begin to pay everything on time. Whether you are like me and you need things to be placed on automatic withdraw or not, making timely payments is critical to success because otherwise you are stuck with extra fees that ultimately begin to incur interest themselves (debtors are so clever.) 3.   Pay more than just the minimum. Whatever your minimum payment, resolve to pay a minimum of three times above that.   For me, it was beneficial to actually seeing amounts cut down at a rate that made me feel like there was a light at the end of the tunnel.   Plus, the more you see your debt reduced, the more you likely you are to become even more aggressive and pay quicker. 4.   Pay the cards with the highest interest rate quicker. As I stated before, I am not a mathematician.   But, it doesn’t take a mathematician to figure out that if you have a credit card with a 22% interest rate and one with a 15% interest then the 22% credit card has to become your top priority.   For this reason, if you need to shift the amounts you send, say four times above the minimum rate and two times the minimum rate then by all means, go for it.   Once you pay off the higher rate card, send all of the money that you were sending to that credit card to the other(s.) 5.   Consider Interest-Free Credit Cards. If you receive a viable offer for a “no interest for a year” credit card then consider transferring all or a bulk of your debt to that card.   Once that is accomplished, determine how much you need to pay each month before the end of that year and pay it.   For example, if you have $5,000.00 of debt transferred to an interest free for a year credit card you will have to pay $416.67 per month in order to get it paid within that year.   But, beware of these cards, as sometimes they will add all of the interest back if you do not pay them off within the year. Whatever, you decide to do remember you are a smart, strong career girl and as with all trials and tribulations that you have faced, this one too shall pass. What tips do YOU have for those struggling with debt?

Do You Have What It Takes To Become A Nurse - CareerMetis.com

Do You Have What It Takes To Become A Nurse Photo Credit- flickr.comThere is a severe lack of homegrown nurses in our country at the moment. Some experts think some people shy away from the career because of the amount of training involved. Others say that nurses don’t earn enough money.Whatever the reason, many unsuitable people also start their training every year and stop after a couple of months. So, with that in mind, this article will discuss what it takes to excel in that profession.By the time readers leave this page, they should have no doubts in their minds about whether they are suitable or not.1) An empathetic natureevalevalThere can be no getting away from the fact that nurses have to spend a lot of time will sick people. Those individuals need to come across as caring and understanding.So, the role is only suitable for those who would consider themselves to have an empathetic nature. While nurses have many tasks to undertake, one of the most important is making patients feel comfortable and happy.That is never going to happen if the person struggles to see things from another’s point of view. So, anyone who wants to work towards that career goal should take a long and hard look at their personalities.2) A willingness to learnPhoto Credit â€" Flickr.comGetting qualified as a nurse is a brilliant idea because there is a shortage in this country. Still, it can take between three and five years depending on the specialist field the individual selects.However, there are many different options on the table when it comes to the way in which those people get their qualifications. Traditionally, most students would head off to university. That isn’t always possible when we consider the fact that many folks have responsibilities at home.So, it makes sense that many potential nurses now opt for online MSN nursing programs. They allow candidates to complete the courses at a time that suits their routines. It’s the perfect option for anyone who has children at home.3) A good work ethicNurses hav e to work long hours most of the time. They also have to help out with a variety of different jobs around the hospital. So, it stands to reason that successful people will require a good work ethic.evalNurses often have to:Converse with patientsWork with childrenTake bloodPerform medical testsAssist doctorsDeal with relativesComplete paperworkAdminister medicationMany nurses also work more than sixty hours every week. During busy periods, some professionals might work for more than eighty hours during the week. Be prepared for a working schedule of that nature because it tends to happen a LOT.Anyone who can place a tick next to each of the qualities mentioned in this post should have what it takes to become a nurse. Of course, successful candidates will also require perfect spelling and number skills. Nurses often have to record readings and other information.If they make mistakes, those individuals could put a patient’s life at risk. If any readers think they are suitable for the role, they should put the wheels in motion as soon as possible.evalHopefully, those people can begin to contribute towards providing better health care for every member of our society. Good luck!

Truth and meaning - The Chief Happiness Officer Blog

Truth and meaning - The Chief Happiness Officer Blog Heres a thought: Truth is something you find. Meaning is something you create. Because a truth youve just created, can hardly be said to be a truth. Truth is something you find outside of yourself. And because meaning that comes to you from outside of you does not mesure up to meaning you create yourself for yourself from what happens around you. And it just struck me, that if the meaning you create for yourself is not based on truth it must be a flimsy and vulnerable thing indeed. Or what do you think? Thanks for visiting my blog. If you're new here, you should check out this list of my 10 most popular articles. And if you want more great tips and ideas you should check out our newsletter about happiness at work. It's great and it's free :-)Share this:LinkedInFacebookTwitterRedditPinterest Related

August Workshops - CareerEnlightenment.com

When you come to my hour long Career Searching with Social Media workshop, you get valuable information that you can take home and use that night. This is not going to be a Data Dump, nor will it be a sales pitch. Ill be teaching real content that will help you get job interviews faster.We will Cover:Health checklist for your LinkedIn profile: I’m sure you have LinkedIn by now, or at least know what it is. But is your profile in tip-top shape and is it getting you interviews. We’ll talk about some simple things you can do to improve your response rate.I’ll share with you ninja techniques for finding the people you want to target on LinkedInWe’ll tie it all together and go through some real steps to turn your online relationships into off-line job interviewsI’ll introduce you to VisualCV, which will help you differentiate yourself from the other candidatesYou’ll get to take home a Social Media Cheat Sheet that you can refer to later, in case you get stuckTo get updated on the workshop schedule each month, sign up below and I will PERSONALLY email you with the latest workshop announcements:Next 2 Hr Comprehensive Training Scheduled for Sept 9th, 2009I just checked out the space for our next 2 hr comprehensive workshop and its AWESOME. FREE coffee, great atmosphere, easy parking.Sept 9th, from 6pm to 8pm at Umpqua Bank (3606 SW Bond Ave. Portland, OR 97239) For more information or register to secure your space