Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Career

What Every Manager Ought To Know Why The Employees Leave The Company:

Don’t blame it on anyone else if the employees leave the company. Look into yourself. Have you been acting like a good leader
One of the biggest research done by the Gallup Organization, compiled in a book titled First, Break All the Rules by Marcus Buckingham and Curt Coffman, states that if you want to know why those good employees leave the company, you should look into the manager.

Employees don’t simply leave the company they have been working for just because of the money. And, actually, it’s not the company that they leave, it’s the working unit, the manager.

How does that happen?

Let’s say that the company gives generous pay, benefits and training, and somehow the employees are satisfied with that. Yet, this company has no good manager to lead and handle these people.

A bad manager doesn’t know how to treat their subordinates well enough. They don’t realize that good employees are the biggest assets for the company. Yes, there might be many people out there looking for jobs, yet, these managers don’t count the expenses the company has to spend on recruitments and trainings. Plus, the possibility that the good employees leave the company for the competitors. They don’t consider the loss that company might have to suffer.

That is why it is necessary for employers/managers to learn more about tips on handling employees. They have to understand how to build employees’ sense of belonging towards the company, how to create a comforting atmosphere so that the employees feel at ease in staying at the company and most important, how to praise the employees.

Those tips are not only good to retain employees but also good to augment their performance. The employees’ satisfaction will surely affects their way of work and eventually affect the company growth.

What Makes Your Job Search Go ‘Round:

It’s no secret: your job search can be a drag. And it can be very draining on your psyche. Maybe if we go in-depth to see what really is all involved in a job search and what it entails, it’ll help you gain perspective.

The Mental Preparation

Yep, you have to be in the right frame of mind for a job search. If you’re not then it can mean a very stressful and tense time for you. It can also cause you not to put your best work into your job search.

Let me explain this last point. If you’re dreading doing something, what do you tend to do? Do you procrastinate? Do you just hurry through it and not really take the time to care how good it is? This is where the problems start and that’s why you have to begin your job search with enthusiasm and hope for the future.

Job Search Document Preparation

A good job search needs a good resume and cover letter. Let me correct that: it needs a GREAT resume and cover letter. Have you ever known anyone to be very successful in their current job and then you catch a glimpse of their resume when they start job hunting and you’re stunned by how…amateurish it looks? Now, you know that this person is successful in his own right but looking at his resume, how would any future employer know that?

This happens more than you know – at all career levels. It also makes your job search stall before it really can even get started.

Interview Skill Preparation

If you don’t know the walk and talk, then how do you plan on landing the job you want? Getting comfortable in an uncomfortable situation is crucial to your job search success and can determine whether your job search lasts two weeks, two months or two years.

Knowing that, why do so many job seekers take this part of the process for granted? People seem to feel confident in their abilities to convey all the important messages that will help get job offers. They ‘know’ the things to do and things not to do. Are you overly confident? Maybe now is the time to freshen up your interviewing skills.

Talk to Everyone

When you’re job hunting, everyone you meet can be your friend. What I mean is that you never know who knows someone who knows someone who is hiring for a position that would be perfect for you. Having that inside tract is a great way to really boost your success rate of landing job offers. If the hiring manager knows someone who knows you, then you must be okay, right?

Your job search is not over until you have accepted a job offer. So if you still don’t have one in hand, keep applying for job openings that are appealing to you, that you’re qualified for and that you feel is a good step for your career. And don’t stop until you have reached your goal of a better – more rewarding – job.


All You Need To Know About Side Jobs:

Just like a wife who doesn’t want her husband to cheat. That is how a company looks at the side job you’ve been doing. If you ask for their blessings, you wouldn’t get it.

Yet, when there is a will, there is a way. If you decide to do it, be smart about it.

However, take some time to review the agreement you signed when you first entered the company. Isn’t there stated that you are asked to be devoted to the company and not to work for other part?

Why should there be such a rule?

They have reasons, of course. The company wants you to focus on your job. You are commanded to give all your time and to concentrate only for the sake of your tasks.

If the employee has another job or business, his/her focus will be divided. This might cause the employee’s bad performance which affect the company’s as well. What if the employee gets sick out of too many side jobs? His/her main job will also be affected.

The other reason is related to the company’s top secret. Just like a family, every company has also a top secret that cannot be shared with anyone, especially the competitors. That’s why, an employee, as a part of the family, is asked to keep the secret. The way is by locking the door to side jobs.

Yet, mostly, the company is wise enough. The employees would be given other additional benefits that can avoid them from taking side jobs. It is some kind of a compensation out of their loyalty to the company.

However, if you still do it, is it legal?

If in the agreement it is clearly stated that the employee must not break the commitment by working for other party, then you are breaking the rule. And, if the company finds it out, they have all the right to give you the pink slip.

Yet, if it not clearly stated, you’d still have to play ‘safe’ so that you can do both works well.


Why You Should Become A Nurse:

Introduction

Are you deciding on a career? Would you like to serve humanity, be paid well, have flexibility in scheduling, and opportunities to travel? If these perquisites seem interesting to you, then you should consider becoming a nurse. Nurses are well needed in America, and along with other careers such as fire fighting and policing, is one of the most noble job choices.

Fast facts about nursing

- Nursing is the largest health care profession

- There are currently more than two-million jobs for registered nurses in the U.S.

- The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment for registered nurses will grow faster than the average of all occupations through 2008.

- Nursing students comprise more than half of all health care students.

- Nurses are the largest single component of hospital staff.

- Wages for registered nurses are above average, especially for nurses with additional education and training.

- Starting salary for a registered nurse varies between $30,000 and $45,000 per year, depending on geographic location, type of nursing, and level of education.

- Schools of nursing are noticing a decline in enrollment.

- The total population of registered nurses is growing at the slowest rate in over twenty years.

- As a result of fewer new nurses, the average age of registered nurses is increasing.

Why nurses are in demand

- Increased number of elderly patients
- More acutely ill patients
- An aging nursing workforce
- Increased retirement rate of nurses
- A decline in student nurse enrollment

The perks of nursing

- Healthcare costs are rising. Physicians are spending less time with patients. The role of a nurse is evolving into educators and providers of direct care.

- The shortage of nurses is projected to grow to over 800,000 in the next 15 to 20 years. The shortage is causing a dramatic increase in nurses’ salaries. Hospitals and other facilities are offering signing bonuses, cars, childcare, and housing assistance.

- Nurses truly make a difference in the lives of people. This presence of altruism is a factor missing from many jobs.

- It is never too late. Many people look for second jobs and second careers. Many nursing schools are offering accelerated 12-18 month programs.

- Nursing is not just for women. Many men are becoming nurses.

- Salaries are rising for nurses, and as an added incentive, many facilities offer time flexibility.

- Nurses have the option of working in a variety of facilities. Nurses are needed in hospitals, schools, physician’s offices, hospices, etc. Nurses are also needed to work with lawyers, insurance companies, sales reps, and clinical researchers.

- Nurses have the ability to travel extensively. Some agencies have systems where nurses are placed in other geographic locations for short and long-term periods.

Conclusion

There are many reasons to attend nursing school, or if graduated, go back to nursing school for additional education. It is a noble profession that offers intrinsic as well as extrinsic rewards. Are you happy in your current position? Do you want to make a difference? The door is open.


Here Are Some Facts About Being Well Organized:

A person not being organized would find more troubles than those who are. It is better to be organized, or even to be well organized.

By organizing your life, you are minimizing the complications and helping yourself live an easy life.

There are several things in your life that might need to be organized:

• Your time and schedule. By organizing the use of your time and your daily or weekly or monthly schedule, you are making the best out of it. If you’re an employee, it helps you be more productive and effective, also ease your road to success.

• Your home. Some people are too lazy to clean up the house. Can you imagine the mess they might be creating? Can you imagine how depressing the condition is? Not only it’s unclean, it will also be difficult for those living in the house to locate their belongings. If you can create a schedule to do cleaning up or if you can manage your stuff in order, things are a lot easier. And, of course, it lessens stresses. Please remember that a house is a place where you find peace and comfort.
• Your future. Yes, your future. Make a list of what you would like to do in the next 2, 3 or 5 years. This is to help you decide your priority. That way, you can picture your future in a clearer way.

• Working space. How can you work in a messy place? You’ll find it hard to concentrate. It must be difficult to find your stuff. Then, you will be less productive, less effective. And, that can shut in your way to success. On the contrary, if your desk is clean and your papers are well organized, you can easily locate them. The road to success is only an inch away.


How To Begin Your Interior Design Career:

Is it your dream to have an interior design career? If so, you need to have a plan to achieve your goal. Where are you going to go to school, should be the first question you ask yourself. Have you done any research on Interior Design schools in your area? If you have found a school, research it thoroughly. What do Professional Interior Designers think of the school? Does it have a good record of accomplishment in graduates getting work in the Interior Design field?
Speak to a Professional Interior Designer; ask them how they got their interior design career started. What school did they attend? Was it difficult in finding work once they graduated? Did they volunteer their services in order to gain experience? Another important aspect to consider is will you be able to attend school in person or do you need to take an online degree program instead. Many Interior Design students keep a full time job and take an online degree program from an accredited Design school. It is something to consider if you need to keep working to pay the bills or support a family. Do not give up on your dream!

We already know that you want an Interior Design career, but do you know what Interior Design is all about? Do not think that this career is all about being creative all day long. It is also not about choosing pretty colors and working with amazing fabric either. Interior Design is about selling the client on your ideas, organizing every detail and making sure that the client is completely happy when the job is finished. An Interior Designer must work with the local municipalities to make sure all building codes are adhered to, and accurate records must be kept regarding the entire job from beginning to end. Other important tasks that the designer is responsible for include negotiating with contractors and making sure they get the job done properly and on time. Dealing with problems is a daily occurrence for Interior Designers, what do you do when the painter does not show up? It is the Designers job to make sure everything comes together smoothly.

Once you have finished your education, your Interior Design career will likely begin as a junior designer or assistant designer. As your career advances, you could end up as a senior designer, a project manager or even a partner in a design firm. Another option for your design career is to become a self-employed interior designer.

To give yourself an advantage over other aspiring interior designers, it would be prudent to learn as much as you about computer aided drafting software. Knowledge of this type of computer program could start you off at a higher pay scale. You can aid your interior design career by taking some marketing or sales courses since interior design is more about selling and marketing than anything else is. If you really want to improve your sales pitch to prospective clients, take some acting classes.

I hope that this information has not dissuaded you from seeking your dream of an interior design career.

How To Get A Government Job:

Government jobs are very sought after because they offer better job stability and benefits than many comparable jobs in the private sector. However, many people are intimidated by the fact that they don’t know how to navigate the process of getting a government job. Don’t let fear of the unknown eliminate a fantastic opportunity! With an understanding of how the process works, getting a government job will seem like a walk in the park.
Finding Government Jobs
The first hurdle you have to cross is locating government jobs for which you are qualified. Because government jobs are not always posted in the same formats – or in the same places – as jobs in the private sector, most job seekers overlook them entirely.
Vacancy Announcements
An ad for a government job is known as a “vacancy announcement.” These announcements list more than just the basic information that you would expect to find in a normal job ad. For instance, a vacancy announcement usually includes:
• Basic information
• Who can apply
• When they will start accepting applications
• When they will stop accepting applications
• Pay range
• Series and grade
• The highest grade level (promotion) available in the position
• Job duties
• Basic qualifications
• Required knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs)
• How to apply
• Conditions for employment
• Standard legal information
Where to Search
Vacancy announcements for government jobs can be found in a number of places:
• USAJOBS – The official website, which is maintained by the United States Office of Personnel Management, lists all government jobs open to the public. Access the site at http://www.usajobs.gov/.
• Individual government agencies – To make sure you don’t miss out on the jobs that aren’t announced to the public, you can contact the agencies directly. A complete list is available at http://www.usa.gov/Agencies/Federal/All_Agencies/index.shtml.
• Newspapers and job fairs – Don’t overlook the normal avenues available to job seekers! Job fairs are a particularly good resource, as many agencies attend the fairs intending to fill a position.
Applying for Government Jobs
Applying for a government job is a little more complicated than for a job in the private sector. Your resume will need to follow a special format, and you may have additional forms to submit with your application. In addition, most vacancy announcements include KSAs that applicants need to address.
Federal Resumes and Forms
You usually have two choices when applying for a government job: Submit a form application, or submit a resume. The form OF-612 is the one you should use in lieu of a federal resume. However, read the vacancy announcement carefully, because sometimes a vacancy may require the submission of specific forms – whether or not you submit a resume.
If you use a federal resume, it must include the following subjects:
• Personal Information – The normal contact information, plus your SSN, veterans’ preference, and federal status
• Job Information – The title, series, grade, and job announcement number of the job you are applying for
• Summary of Experience – An easy-to-scan summary for the convenience of hiring managers
• Professional Accomplishments – Similar to the “Work Experience” section of a regular resume, but with salary information, average weekly hours, and supervisor’s name and number
• Education – Similar to the “Education” Section of a regular resume
• Training – Training and/or certificate programs you have completed that pertain to your career
• Other Qualifications – Separate sections for any awards, certifications, publications, and presentations that pertain to your career
KSAs
“KSAs” refer to the knowledge, skills, and abilities a position requires. Many vacancy announcements list KSAs that must be answered in writing along with your resume or OF-612. When writing answers to a set of KSAs, be sure to:
• Be complete and concise. Hiring managers expect you to fully answer the KSA, but they don’t want to wade through a lot of fluff.
• Echo the wording used in the vacancy announcement. Using the same terminology for specific skill sets draws an instant comparison between the position requirements and your qualifications.
• Quantify your accomplishments. Make an impact by reporting a specific dollar amount, number of hours, or percentage.
• Make your KSA easy-to-scan. The main points of your answer should be easily found at the top of the page, with more specific details listed below.
What Happens to Your Application?
The process of applying for a government job is easier when you know what to expect. Unlike a regular job, a government job requires that your application be sent through several stages of review: A human resources team will check to see that you are qualified for the position, after which a panel of experts ranks all the qualified resumes. Only the top-ranking resumes are then forwarded to the hiring manager.
Most government jobs offer an automated system for checking up on the status of your application. If not, you can call the agency, but make sure you wait three weeks from the closing date listed on the vacancy announcement.
Interviewing for Government Jobs
Interviewing for a government job is much like interviewing in the private sector. However, because the stakes are often higher and the competition more stringent, you may feel there is more pressure on you to perform well in the interview.
Preparation
Nothing improves your chances of interviewing well like a little preparation. Although you can’t anticipate all of the questions you will be asked in an interview, there are a few that you will almost surely be asked.
For instance, most interviewers will start out an interview by asking you to tell them a little about yourself. This is not meant to be answered on the fly. Since you know you will be asked, prepare a short synopsis about your education, your career, and your goals. The more you practice this ahead of time, the more smoothly you can answer in the interview, and the more your confidence will show.
Follow-Up
One fatal error many job seekers make is failing to follow up after an interview. Hiring managers want interviewees to follow up afterward, as it gives them an idea of who is truly interested in the job. Sending a short thank-you note via snail mail or email is sure to leave a lasting impression.
In addition, a thank-you note gives you the opportunity to add information about your qualifications that you feel did not get adequate coverage in the interview. You can also ask the hiring manager when you should expect to hear from them regarding the position.
Negotiating Job Offers
With any luck, you will soon get a call with a job offer. While the laws regulating government jobs do not leave much room for negotiation, you will have a little leeway to negotiate the salary and benefits offered.
The important thing to remember, though, is that you did it. You impressed Human Resources, the panel of experts, and the interviewers and/or hiring manager well enough to garner a job offer. At this point, you can look back on your job search, remember how much you dreaded it, and smile – because you now know that getting a government job is not as difficult as you had imagined.

Can Free Interior Design Software Help Your Business Or Career?
Interior Design software can get quite expensive. Hence, students and designers are always looking for free interior design software. People want their design software to be robust whether it is free or not. Ideally, the software must be able to provide you with online 3D design graphics for the home and office designer.
Typical free interior design software should work similarly to the expensive software programs. The software should allow the potential client to plan and design his or her own office and home interior spaces.
A good software program will give the interior designer a competitive advantage if the client can design a living space using the software on the Interior Design website. Once the client sees what their new look will be, that will increase the chances of the Interior Designer securing a new client.
Potential clients are demanding to see the 3D designs from several different angles, this your software program must deliver otherwise you could lose customers. If you are going to be a successful designer then you need to stay up to date with the latest software whether it is free interior design software or not.
Free interior design software will help you create custom specification sheets for specific interior design jobs and track budgeting numbers so you and your client know how much the project will cost. You will be able to share project information with co-workers and vendors to help with the design of the project. Additionally, your vendors will be able to provide prices based on your 3D layouts.
Some free interior design software is only free for a short time period in order for the buyer to test it out before buying. If software is given away free then there are likely other items the company will attempt to sell to you in order to make money.
Interior design software will show the user many different ways that money can be saved by re-organizing many of the more labor-intensive aspects of design jobs that can really slow you down.
Free interior design software may come with several modules such as a kitchen-planning center, bathroom-planning center, exterior-planning center and even a bedroom-planning center.
What interior design software does is it allows the professional to work with improved accuracy for their budget plans and provides the user with better means of communication with your team. By implementing software into the design process professionals can modernize their approach to layouts, room colors, furnishing layouts and almost every important aspect of the entire design process.
Whether you are a professional designer, student, dealer or sales representative, working with the rights tools such as free interior design software allows them to manage projects efficiently.

5 Ways Your Cover Letter Says, ‘I Don’t Want This Job’:

Cover letters can be a great way to get employers to notice you. Of course you always want to send one but what are some ways that your cover letter can actually hurt your chances of getting interviews?
1) You use ‘Dear Sir or Madame’ as your salutation.
It can be a lot of work to find out the name of the hiring manager or the person that your resume is being sent to. However, if you do, it will put you in the good graces of the hiring manager…at least to start off with.
2) The reader is left with the question of what job you are actually applying for in their organization.
You need to state the title of the job somewhere on your cover letter. It can be as a title or in the first paragraph. Hiring managers don’t want to guess which job you want. If they do, then you’ll likely get passed up for interviews.
This is another way you can personalize your cover letter. If you use the exact title for which they are hiring, then they’ll know that you took the time to tailor it just for them.
3) Your cover letter addresses none of the job requirements.
One way to really impress an employer is by their specific needs they listed in the job posting. This is where you can completely personalize your cover letter. Check out your achievements from your resume and see what is applicable to their needs. Pull a few and reword them a bit to add them as a bullet list on your cover letter.
4) You end it with a passive call to action. You want to make the Hiring Manager do the least amount of work as possible in order for you to get an interview. One of the ways you can ease their burden is by calling them to follow-up. State that you will call them in a certain amount of time – say one week or on a specific date – and be sure to do it.
Don’t worry about coming across as to aggressive. It’s acting proactively which employers think highly of and you can expect them to take note. Of course they may call you even before you get a chance to give them a ring, but that’s a good thing.
5) No contact information.
I know you’re saying ‘Give me a break!’ It seems like that’s common sense, right? Not necessarily. Sometimes when job seekers create their own resume package, they only put their contact info on their resume, not their cover letter. But what happens if the two get separated and your resume accidentally gets tossed? Your desire to get an interview just got tossed along with it.
Paying attention to detail will go far when you’re job hunting. Don’t be in such a rush that you forgo some of these pointers. Take your time to do it right and you’ll find yourself getting many more employers wanting to meet you.

The Secret Of Successful People:

There are many people out there who can grab a success, yet, you wonder when your turn will come.
Are you waiting for your turn? Do you think those people were just waiting for their turn to come?
No. The answer is a big big NO.
They worked hard for it. Success is not luck. You have to work on it.
Not knowing how to? Check out these simple tips you can do to improve yourself and guide yourself to the road of success:
• Be positive. Be optimistic. See everything positively. Look for ways to move forward. Don’t focus on disappointment or negative feelings. Try to see failure or stumbling blocks as temporary, something that you will soon recover from.
• Learn and learn. Learn from your failure. Learn from other people who have set their feet on the path of success. Never stop gaining knowledge from every aspect of your life.
• Minimize your self-doubt. This is beyond important for anyone willing to be successful. Try not to have doubts on yourself.
• Be willing to change. Change is important. Dare to make any necessary changes in your life for a better result.
• Focus. You need to focus on the present and future and your tasks. Stop looking back. Even if you have to, you do it only to learn from it.
• Build a good reputation. Try to be honest and trustworthy. People won’t work with those who are dishonest and unreliable. Try to make people trust you, both personally and professionally.
• Be energetic. Be as healthy as possible. With a vigorous body, you can do everything with ease. You can move without problem. And, people have more faith in you. If you look weak and seem like someone who can barely do anything, your clients or bosses won’t trust you with jobs.
• Be passionate. Having passion over your work is the most important factor for a success. If you don’t, you will unlikely to do the other steps above.

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