Thursday, May 15, 2008

5 Ways to Prepare for a Job Interview

1. Practice makes perfect. Make a list of potential questions you believe you will be asked at the interview. Review books at the library and bookstores for information on tips for successful interview techniques.


2. Use online search engines to find more information.
Popular interview questions include: What skills do you have to offer our company? What have you achieved in your career that has made a difference? What is an experience that you found rewarding?


3. Ask someone to do a mock interview with you.
Practice answering questions that you think may be asked. This will ease apprehension and boost your self-confidence. It will also give you instant feedback and allow you to think about how you will answer.


4. Do some digging.
Become knowledge about the company where you are seeking employment. Conduct an informational interview to gain background information on the company before you apply for a job. Research their mission so thay you can ask intelligent questions. Researching a potential employer can also help you to determine whether you and the company will be a good fit.


5. Review your assets.
Make fresh in your mind the reasons why this potential employer shoud hire you for the job. Don't be afraid to talk about prior job successes and to stress how you made a difference.



© Copyrighted by Annmarie Edwards 2008


Wednesday, May 7, 2008

6 Ways to Job Search

By Annmarie Edwards

Job searching the right way can land you the job you seek. Job search begins with you. Knowing what you want, coupled with doing a self assessment, network with people in the field, create a short-and-long term goal, compile a skill list and finally, make a list of your experiences are things to do to help you find the job you seek.


Here are 6 tips to job search:


1. Knowing your self is the first step to job search. You have to know what kind of person you are, what kind of setting you are looking to work in, what you have to give and what your expectation of the job you seek. Importantly, during your job search, think about what is in it for your prospective employer. Knowing yourself is crucial to job search. This is a time to get a grip of your perspective by seeing everything as a whole and not in parts.

2. Conduct a self-assessment. You can contact a career consultant to begin this process or you can research self-assessment tools that are available online. (http://workforce.assessment.com/Default.asp)

3. Define long-and short-term goals. These targets are important for forming a plan of action. Include personal and professional goals on your list.

4. Brainstorm and compile. Make a list of your experiences and achievements and include those that relate to the type of joy you are seeking. Don't be afraid to think outside the box and highlight leadership, creativity, or versatility. (Refrain from listing religious or political affiliations unless you are certain that they would enhance your chances for consideration.

5. Create a skill list. It is important to outline skills that apply to the type of job you are seeking. For example, if applying for an administrative position, your desktop publishing experience, typing speed, communication skills, and leadership roles would be important to include.

6. Network with people in your field. An active and growing professional network is critical. Tell everyone you know that your are available for hire, and ask your contacts to share any news of opportunities. Place more emphasis on hidden markets – unadvertised opportunities.

Finally, remember job search takes persistence, don’t give up, continue to job search until you find the right job. Good luck!

Copyrighted © 2008 excerpted from 50 Proven Strategies to Maximize Your Job Search by Annmarie Edwards.


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Thursday, May 1, 2008

How to create a dream map

Motivation is the driving force behind people's dreams and aspirations. Creating a dream map will solidify one's dream in bringing it into focus. Emotion and gratitude are essential components of manifesting dreams and aspirations. Christopher Westra (www.IcreateReality.com) is an expert on the use of "Holographic Creation" in manifesting your desires. I find his book "I Create Reality Beyond Visualization helpful in helping me becoming focus on what I want to manifest in my life. So far it is working. Here are some tips in creating your reality

6 Steps to Create a Dream Map

1. Think of what you want to create first before you begin.

2. Get a notebook and look for pictures that represent your dreams.

3. Cut the pictures out of magazines or newspapers and arrange them in your notebook.

4. Give each picture a heading. For example, career, vacation, opportunity, investment, house, community involvement etc.

5. Set goals on the time you want to achieve these things.

6. Go to a new page and label it gratitude. Begin to think of the things you want to acquire and write all the emotions that are related to them. For example, career, the emotion could be thankfulness. You could write I am thankful for my new job that is coming to me. I see myself advancing in my new job. I have a new burst of energy and I am happy and well. Put all your emotions in this exercise and see what happens.

Affirmation helps to set the tone when doing a visualization exercise. Always affirm positive things. Keep in the positive zone by listening to upbeat music and affirm your belief on a daily basis. It is always a good idea to begin your day with a positive affirmation. For example, my favorite one is "I am creating and living my dream. I am in tune with my purpose." Stay tuned for more affirmation.

About the author

Helping the downtrodden, worldwide, gain the ability to fend for themselves is an all-consuming passion of Mrs. Laughing Pants’ creator and alter ego, Annmarie Edwards, now a resident of North Carolina.

http://mrslaughingpants.typepad.com/mrs_laughingpantsnewsstor/


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