In response to Andrew's entry on "One Year", I think that is great that you've been at your present job for a year so far. I've been told by many people, mostly family members and friends, that when I get hired at a company, even if it's not where I want to stay for the rest of my life, I should stay there at least one year to gain experience.

If it happened to be that I would be there longer than one year, that's good because other employers see that as dedication and that the candidate has experience. I have some friends that have had many jobs in just one year and to me, I don't think that looks as well as having just one job in your field. By staying at your job for a year or more shows the experience you've gained. Perhaps, by staying a year or more at your job gives you a chance to really learn, not just about the company, but also about yourself. It will help you see if you really like it and where you want to go from there.

I've been at my job for about six months and each day I keep on learning. Even if I do the same thing every time I'm there, I learn a trick to do the work faster or learn how to do something that I didn't know how to do before. Granted, I've been there six months, usually only one day a week, but still, it's experience I've gained. It's better than not working there at all.

The other thing that counts, is that when the other secretaries at the law office couldn't work, I covered for them. I could be doing something else, but I tell myself, I need the experience and it actually does look good on my resume. You never know what "little thing" will get the company to hire you. It could be just that.

Posted by Jill E on February 25, 2007 at 7:57 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

I was just reading over some pamphlets from the career services department at my alumni, and it said that 80% of jobs are never posted. Why is that? Is it because the employer wants the job seeker to "find" them? If they needed to fill positions, don't you think that they would advertise them? Also, when I had an interview with the federal government, the team of interviewers told me that my resume is what got me there. So, if that is true, why haven't other employers contacted me for an interview if the federal government did? I don't think it's common that the government would interview someone if they didn't think they were qualified.

I've asked myself these questions and I can't figure out what I'm doing wrong. I think the much of the problem is that I live in a small town with not many job opportunities and that there isn't much demand for creative writers, and if there is, there is too much competition. I have little experience.

For now, I'm not doing much job searching. In the past, I've spent hours online, reading the newspaper, networking, etc. and it has gotten me nowhere. I think that is a sign that I'm supposed to stay where I am now and try to gain some experience.

Posted by Jill E on February 21, 2007 at 1:06 PM | Leave a Comment (1)

I recently read that most people ignore job references until near the end of the job search. Here's a quote that provides thought on them, "I'll get to it when they ask for them, but right now I have more important things to do." This may be a common attitude, but if used correctly, references can be used to give you a more productive job search. I'll remember that. If prepared in advance, references can speed up the final stages of the job search process, and help get your job search off the ground.

Here is the preferred order of sources a potential employer may look for:

1. Professional
2. Extracurricular Advisors
3. College Administrators
4. College Professors
5. Personal Professional Acquaintances

There is one major exception to this order and that is when your personal professional acquaintance has a connection with your potential employer, a.k.a. "pulling strings". In this case, the PPA moves to the top of your list of references. By the way, it is recommended to leave off any personal acquaintances and religious acquaintances.

For the benefit of all potential job candidates, I would love to hear from anyone who has an opinion of this order of sources, as well as leaving off other acquaintances.

Posted by William F on February 21, 2007 at 10:47 AM | Leave a Comment (1)

I have been at my current job for one year now, and I have been thinking a lot lately about where to go from here. And about how hard it is to believe that it has actually been that long.

Is that enough to ake it and run with it? Hard to say. One year is more than enough experience for some, and not nearly enough for others. And does taking what you can get and then putting in your two weeks look good on a resume? They must certainly see it a lot, but that does not necessarily mean they will not care.

Is the time really right for it? It is not that bad of a job, the one I am at now. So where is the harm in staying on for a bit? It is cozy, relatively simple and stress-free and pays decently. There must be something better out there, and obviously I am not going to quit until I find it. Quitting now would be pretty stupid, with no job lined up or anything.

A lot of questions with no easy answers, nor any definitive ones. At least there is time enough to think, plan and look. Perhaps I ought to be thinking about those questions instead of writing about them?

Posted by Andrew S on February 18, 2007 at 6:51 PM | Leave a Comment (1)

An article I read from The Career News on Monday warns online job seekers to be careful. Our resumes are often filled with personal information, and you never know who is reading them. In addition to addresses, phone numbers, and e-mail accounts, other information such as your educational background and previous employment may open up the door for prying into private information. It's true that we want employers to see our resumes, but at the same time we want to keep them out of the hands of the wrong people. Any details such as the school you attended can be used by an imposter to obtain your home address or your social security number.

I know what you're probably thinking; if you don't put enough information on your resume, you may not get a lot of feedback. Maybe so, but I guess if you wow an employer with your resume, you'll get your fair share of offers. According to one expert, finding the right balance between what you put on your resume and protecting your personal information is the key to success. He says if done correctly, posting your resume online can be a safe and effective way to find a job and control your career.

Posted by William F on February 16, 2007 at 11:17 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

For the last few weeks, I have been working more at the lawyers office. I'm still not 100% comfortable there, but I'm starting to get used to it each day I'm there.

In response to a blog back on the 9th by a fellow candidate, I am afraid to be in a work place where I would have more responsibility. I rarely have been in that type of environment before and when I am, I tend to lack confidence. I wish I could see how others (my boss and co-workers) see me and know what they are thinking as I work with them. How do I gain the confidence I need to work in that type of environment, especially in a law office where my work must be accurate?

On the otherhand, I have been asking more questions when I'm not sure about something, but I don't want to be looked down upon because I do so. I feel as if I'm bothering my boss by asking questions because he is quite busy, but all in all I feel that I'm supposed to be at the firm right now. I need the experience, even if it's only one day a week and more days when I'm needed.

So many of my classmates from high school and college already have found jobs in their field and it makes me wonder when my day will come. But back to the article submitted on the 9th, I was a good student back then, at both stages and I've always have done the best I could. The skills and knowledge are there, I just need the experience. The more time I spend at the firm, the more I'll gain experience, even if I decided not to be a legal secretary later in life, it will still give me experience to do something else just as valuable.

Posted by Jill E on February 15, 2007 at 12:48 PM | Leave a Comment (1)

Workplace romance is a fitting topic with Valentine’s Day almost here. To do it or not to do it is the real question and the real answer: think twice about it. I could just be biased because of the personal accounts I’ve witnessed, or because where I work seems to be the capital of fraternization, but really it’s just made me think about the issue a lot more. Helped me come to my own healthy conclusions and these are what I share now.

So, in my experience (again, not personal experience, but eye-witness accounts) something you have to sneak around to do to “not get caught” is honestly way too much stress to put yourself through. Every workplace has its gossip—inevitable—and the juiciest gossip is definitely whom sees whom after hours. No one wants his or her personal lives critiqued, laughed at, or even frowned upon at the proverbial water cooler. It sucks to be the object of ridicule, and for all you entry-level jobsters out there, this is not a good foot to put forward.

Another issue you should contemplate while thinking of Deborah or Fred’s dreamy eyes is do you think it will really last? Fine, none of us can answer this question with any certainty at the earliest stages. Some of us may even think it will, since we are, perhaps, blinded by that euphoric high of someone new. I recommend that you DO think of it if it’s a workplace romance. It’s hard to sit next to so and so, work with so and so, be cordial to so and so…if things fall apart.

A particular family member of mine is going through something similar to this, and it’s not pretty. In public, no one can tell. When no one is around he gets really nasty to her, bordering on harassment. Imagine dealing with something like this. Your options are: to report it, ignore it, or leave. She’s tried all of these recourses except leave since she has bills to pay. Quite an uncomfortable situation and she’s not the first nor will she be the last. I say remember these considerations when contemplating a workplace romance:
1) You WILL be the “talk of the town.” Now, do you mind?
2) If worse comes to worse can you afford to leave and start over or do you have a thick skin?
3) Are you good at playing hide and seek?

If you say puh to these considerations and still want to pursue that special someone remember workplace etiquette. Stealing away romantic moments when you are on the clock I can safely say is frowned upon. Being a bit too amorous at a meeting or simply at that water cooler may not be the best bet. Save your romantic time for when you clock out, it’ll save you a headache. Other than that I say good luck, more power to you. Just remember a workplace romance can quickly become a workplace nightmare. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Ps. I didn’t forget about the boy/girlfriend working as the new employee (they actually were listening to all that gushing about how great your job is). But that’s for the next issue…

Posted by Samantha T on February 13, 2007 at 9:05 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Is anyone out there afraid to move forward with your career? You might have some concerns about obtaining more responsibilities in the workplace, say if you became a manager. Do you find yourself asking, "Can I really do this?" A thought of stumbling in a bigger position may scare you. If any of this describes you, don't worry; you are not alone. We all have a fear of failure at some point in our lives. Here are some questions to think about when the fear of failure enters your mind, which causes you to ask, "What if I fail?"

1. What's the worst that can happen?
2. What is the likelihood of that happening?
3. If the worst happens, how bad is it really?
4. What's made you successful in the past?
5. How often did you really fail?

Also, it is important to have good mentors and co-workers around you to help you with the transition into a new job. Remember, if someone is thinking about hiring or promoting you, they must believe you can provide some benefit to that company. Thomas A. Edison may have said it best: "If we did all the things we are capable of doing, we would literally astonish ourselves."

Posted by William F on February 9, 2007 at 10:27 AM | Leave a Comment (1)

Finally, I am getting some much needed experience. I have been working at the attorneys office more and more lately. I have been filling in for the other secretary from time to time whenever she cannot make it to work. I'm not used to being at the office more than one day a week. I start to panic when the phone rings off the hook, when clients come in, and when I am doing my own work. How do I keep my anxiety to a minimum? I want to do a good job and I don't want to mess anything up, especially legal papers?

I have worked for the attorneys going on six months now. I would like to use the attorneys for references for potential jobs in the future. Is it too soon to ask them to be a reference for me? I try to keep in communication with them by asking questions whenever I don't understand something, but sometimes I feel as if I am a "slow learner" and I'm not picking up on things as fast as I should. But I do feel that since I am usually only at the office one day a week (except in special circumstances like the present) I am doing well. (At least I hope so!)

Posted by Jill E on February 6, 2007 at 10:29 AM | Leave a Comment (1)

According to a recent newsletter from The Career News, finding top level positions in the corporate world may be easier to come by. The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the number of management and executive positions across the country to increase by 13.6% this decade. In 2010, this new growth could create over 5 million new management and executive jobs.

The number one industry benefiting from the rise of these positions is the technology industry. It is expected that in the next 10 years this field will offer job searchers the most opportunities in management. Even though technology may be the number one industry for growth, it is not the only one offering job candidates a chance to move forward in their careers. Other opportunities can be found in health care, real estate, sales, associations, non-for-profits, human resources, accounting, as well as more fields and industries.

It is good to know that management and executive positions are increasing and exist everywhere. Of course, time and patience are necessary to find the "right" positions, but they are available. So, how can any of us get these top level positions? You need a powerful resume and cover letter and to figure out the best ways to market yourself. Finally, begin your search and see what happens.

Posted by William F on February 5, 2007 at 11:54 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

Finding a groove is so important. What is a “groove” anyway? Well, to me a groove is adapting. Finding a way to exist in a fashion that excites you heightens your experience and makes you an all around happy and productive person.

A groove is more than a routine because a routine is something that can bore you; something one engages in just to get through or to get by (at least in my case). I often create a routine to help me accomplish tasks and duties, oftentimes to even remember that I have to do them. Yet a groove is more of a feeling. It allows you to do all that a routine allow you to do but you feel good about it. The whole point of a groove is to erase boredom. It gets you up, gives you energy, drive, motivation and stamina. It’s the icing on the cake. We all have obligations we must attend to and your groove is your inner cheerleader, helping everything fall into place. You know when you are not in a groove because you’re stagnant, in a doldrums-like existence. Just like you know when you are in your groove or that you need to get your groove back.

No one groove is the same and it pays to take notice of it. For me, my groove involves the gym. A nice productive workout about 30 minutes a day keeps me within my groove. Whatever the day brings, as long as I get my cardio and/or weights in I am good to go. I can accomplish anything…quite the queen of the world. Now THAT’S how everyone should approach the day.

Posted by Samantha T on February 4, 2007 at 6:25 PM | Leave a Comment (1)