Moving Forward

I attended a seminar where I had the opportunity to be in an intimate setting with professionals who were 10+ years in their careers. I remember one of the professionals on the panel saying, "Once you begin your career, it is wise to tread lightly. As a beginner, your role is to be a sponge; talk less, be less opinionated, and listen more. Be the one that always wants to be a part of a new learning experience within your company." Be wise in every opportunity that you have and operate in excellence in all things!
After researching steps and consistent methods you can take to never stop going higher in your career, I stumbled across two articles that gave me great advice:

1. Embrace the power of positive thinking
2. Distinguish your long and short-term goals
3. Follow trends within your particular industry
4. Keep your resume updated and ready
5. Develop more skills
6. Continue to cultivate your network, it is also a good idea to network within your current workplace, and
7. Keep your eyes and ears open

Keep in mind, that although you may be new (well some of you reading this may be seasoned, regard this as well!), that does not mean that you cannot plan for the future! Never stop planning to move forward!

Click on the links below to further read the posts about how to move forward in your career!

Sources: Five Ways to Keep Your Career Moving Forward
6 Tips for Moving Your Career Forward

Good luck and be EXCELLENT!

Until next time!

Learn & Practice Professionalism

In a previous blogged [Professionalism: A Guide to Business Etiquette] I quoted:
“Professionalism is knowing how to do it, when to do it, and [then] doing it.” -- Frank Tyger.
Although there are many definitions, even quotes and theories, of professionalism, there is one definition that stuck out to me: a high level of excellence going above and beyond basic requirements. In your every day life you should practice professionalism.

[Side note]: One thing that hinders certain people (esp. young adults) from being professionals is their perspective of professionalism. They think "oh, I don't like dressing like that" "I would prefer to do the bare minimum" "does it really take all of that??" Okay, well...YES, you must dress professional. YES, you must put forth more effort than you would like to. YES, it DOES take all of that. Change your way of thinking and you will change your life!

 

I recently read an article focused on the reason college students and young adults do not take professionalism and the professional world seriously: "One of the big problems that we face with students is convincing them that what happens in college classrooms is very similar to what happens in the world of work. For example, they assume that once they get into the workplace, they won’t have to work with people who fail to carry their weight on a team project. Perhaps we should invite them to observe faculty committees. A lot of students also think it doesn’t matter if they miss deadlines, come late to class, regularly request a bending of the rules, or text while someone else is talking. In some cases they might know these things are unprofessional, but the actions become justified in the student’s mind because they’re doing them in class, not at work... The reasons for deadlines, attentive listening, careful editing, respectful disagreement, and being punctual may not be obvious to those who think college classrooms operate on a different plane than the real world." (Helping Students Learn to be Professional). Professionalism begins in the classroom. Why else would there be career development services on campuses, career fairs, and seminars that outline the importance of professionalism? Why else would rules, regulations and deadlines be put in place? Why else would you have maybe five or six classes per semester that you have to juggle? College develops determination, time management, responsibility, open-mindedness, soft skills, strong work ethic, leadership, enthusiasm, interpersonal communication skills, listening skills - the list goes on. Equip the professional inside of you!



Learn and practice professionalism! Imagine having the required level of core competencies that it takes to work a job but not the professionalism that your potential employer needs and desires in a candidate. Become the person they MUST hire!

 

 

 

 

We will discuss more with the next post on PROFESSIONALISM!
"You have the POWER to be EXCELLENT in every area of your life. Start TODAY!"

Until next time!

JOB OPPORTUNITIES - HUNTSVILLE, AL!!!!!!!

* I got my listings from http://www.indeed.com *

 

 

Good luck and be EXCELLENT!

Until next time!



----------------------------------

 

ACCOUNTING MAJORS

 

CHEMISTRY MAJORS

 

ENGINEERING MAJORS

 

LOGISTICS MAJORS

 

MATH MAJORS

 

COMPUTER SCIENCE MAJORS

 

Professionalism: The Importance of Networking

To network is to meet and cultivate relationships with individuals who could help you gain experience and recognition in your field. These individuals that you connect with could start and/or ultimately further your career.
I'm sure we all know networking is important, right?! I so often hear the cliché "it's not WHAT you know but WHO you know" but I recently read in an article "it's NOT about who you know, but who KNOWS YOU" (Importance of Networking). So let's network!

"Networking provides the most productive, most proficient and most enduring tactic to build relationships. To succeed you must continually connect with new people, cultivate emerging relationships and leverage [to use as an advantage] your network" (Importance of Networking). No has ever reached success by themselves! There is someone who wants to help you build your platform. Connect with them!

The same article lists many benefits of networking:

1. Learn dynamics within your industry
2. Establish your business contacts
3. Get “plugged in” to your community
4. Seek new career opportunities
5. Facilitate win-win relationships
6. Create your referral networks
7. Accelerate your professional development
8. Develop knowledge resources

Create business cards and start networking! You can network anywhere! I was once told to always keep a paper and electronic copy of my resume at all times, so I will tell you the same thing. You may not always have a paper copy but, being a tech-savvy generation, keep it on your phone, iPad, or whatever you carry around with you. Networking is vital to success because people are more likely to take interest in you when someone else is talking about you.
Happy networking!

Good luck and be EXCELLENT!

Until next time!

OUCH! That Hurt!!

Feedback and Criticism can hurt!

You may feel like it is a sucker punch to your pride, worth, and ability. After all, you dedicated a lot of time to this project!

We all say we want feedback but not many of us know how to digest the criticism and some of us would rather do without.

First and foremost, if it isn't constructive, it isn't worth listening to! But when someone genuinely provides feedback you must not only ingest but properly digest the information.

Feedback and criticism are intended to broaden your thinking, sharpen your skill and talent, and make you re-evaluate some things by acknowledging a different perspective. But it will be damaging if you do not know how to embrace it and use it wisely.

There is an article that gives you steps on how to embrace feedback and criticism:

1. Proactive listening

2. Never argue; just say thanks

3. Evaluate it, slowly

4. Be mindful

 

Click --->

How To Receive Feedback and Criticism

to learn the details of Kevin Kruse's article

that will help you in, not only your professional, but personal life.

 

Be open to feedback and criticism,

learn how to operate in it in a healthy way,

and allow it to work for you!

 

 

 

 

Good luck and be EXCELLENT!

Until next time!

 

Professionalism: First Impressions

Have you been making the right first impressions?

We all know the saying "first impressions are everything!"

It's either a hit or miss.

First impressions include:

appearance, approach, 

attitude/personality, and conversation.

First and foremost,

if your appearance is not excellent

then everything else does not matter.

If your personality is bland or

your conversation is inappropriate for the setting,

your excellent appearance will not matter.

 

Mickie Kennedy published a post on professional development titled

"Do You Make a Good First Impression?"

In this post, Kennedy details the rules of the first impression:

1. Set the Tone the Morning of

2. Craft the Right Appearance

3. Monitor Your Interactions

CLICK THE TITLE OF KENNEDY'S POST ABOVE

(in quotation marks) and

read the post on making the right

first impression!!!!

 

 

 

 

We will discuss more with the next post on PROFESSIONALISM!
"You have the POWER to be EXCELLENT in every area of your life. Start TODAY!"

Until next time!

Challenge Yourself!

"You will never fulfill even a fraction of your potential by sticking to the safe and comfortable" (Rosengren, 2010).

 

 

CHALLENGE YOURSELF!

If you are a young student, eager and excited about all that life has to offer, keep that excitement about life and channel your energy into what makes you happy. What is your passion? What do you enjoy doing? What is that thing that you think you could do for the rest of your life, no matter the pay? DO IT!

What is happening now-a-days is adults are settled into a career that makes them unhappy and they wish that they could do something differently. You become frustrated, bored and angry and it begins to carry over into your personal life. (Side note: Relationships have been said to end because of frustration due to work life). But it is never too late! Start by changing your perspective which then allows you to change yourself and your way of thinking which leads to you changing your situation!

"If you don't change yourself then you can't change your situation" (Laroya, n.d.).

 

CHALLENGE YOURSELF!

 

Adults: Take on that New Career Challenge! You owe it to yourself! Now, I am not saying go to work, flip over your desk and yell "I QUIT!!!!!!" (YIKES!) but begin to venture into your avenue of interest while you work. It will come a time when you will be able to remove yourself from this unhappy place and operate in your passion. You owe it to yourself to take on a new career challenge!

"When it comes to experiencing frustration, disappointment or boredom in a career, chances are you are not on the right professional path; you should do what makes you happy, not just something that provides you with a paycheck to survive. As such, I would like to encourage everyone who is dissatisfied with their career to consider why they deserve making a change in where their professional development is headed" (Gilmore, 2014).

In the article "3 Reasons Why You Owe it to Yourself to Take on a New Career Challenge", Rachel Gilmore details three reasons you should consider that will put you on the path to freedom and happiness in your professional life:

1. You Deserve to Indulge in Your Passion

2. You Deserve Financial Freedom

3. You Deserve to be Happy

 

 Young Adults: Begin now with the pursuit of happiness! At this age, you are probably working a starter job but do not be discouraged! This is only the beginning. Do not look at your current job as a career but as a stepping stone and a necessary position to fulfill your needs right now. Pursue your passion while working your starter job! Operate in that passion, be excellent and market yourself!

 

CHALLENGE YOURSELF TO

GROW (ARISE; BECOME; MATURE; EXPERIENCE),

CHANGE (TRANSFORM),

DEVELOP (EXPAND; ADVANCE; PROGRESS), 

AND INNOVATE (CREATE; GIVE BIRTH TO; PIONEER)... 

BE THE BEST YOU THAT YOU CAN BE!

 

 

 

 

Good luck and be EXCELLENT!

Until next time!

Interviewing Tips from an Interviewing Expert!

Interviewing Tips: What Hiring Managers REALLY Want From You

 

Click the link above! ^^^^

This article on Career Corner details an interview involving an interviewing expert!

Find out what goes on in a manager's head,

what they are looking for,

and how to ace an interview!

You could very well benefit from

Michael Neece's insider knowledge as

he covers:

"Tell me about yourself",

"Explain the gaps in employment",

the "hidden hiring criteria", etc!

 

 

 

 

Good luck and be EXCELLENT!

Until next time!



Professional Development: Experience

It is true -- some things are better learned through experience. You could read books, take classes, watch countless videos but until you have experience you'll never really know and understand. Professional development is one of those "experience-needed" things. Yes, you may take a class, sit through a seminar, take a few notes but there is so much more to be done. Why do you think while in college they stress to you the importance of having at least one internship or co-op experience on your resume?

"Experience is the best teacher. Always is and always has been. On the job experience in the real world. Getting your hands dirty and your feet wet. Observing how things are done, right or wrong, then trying it on your own. Trial and error. That’s the secret to all learning. It’s also the secret to making it big in this world" (Source: Tobak, 2014).

 

Simple steps to experience!

• Whatever your field of interest is, get a mentor and develop a professional relationship.
• Contact a business that relates to your field and ask for volunteer opportunities.
• Join a club that relates to your field of interest and MAKE THINGS HAPPEN. Later advance to an officer/board position (secretary, treasurer, vice president, president).
• Try hard to get internships and/or co-op.

Click this link ---> Take Control of Your Professional Career to read more tips on professional development. A great read and note worthy.

If you already consider yourself a professional, you can always be a better you. If you think it's too late to start now, that is a myth. Take control of your future and take advantage of the unlimited resources that are at your disposal.

We will discuss more with the next post on PROFESSIONALISM!
"You have the POWER to be EXCELLENT in every area of your life. Start TODAY!"

Until next time!

Interviews: What NOT To Say!

In interviews you get asked tricky questions:

"What can you bring to this company?"

"What don't you like about your current position?"

"Why should we hire you?" ETC!

Enough to make you want to scream or even worse, freeze up and start rambling on and on with the first words that come to mind!

Don't fret!

Forbes has posted an article to help prepare you for the anxiety of an interview!

In this article (click link --->) 

Avoid Saying This During Interviews

author Lisa Quast talks about the tricky questions hiring managers will throw at you and gives incite on how to catch those curve balls instead of getting a bruise.

It never hurts to prepare for interviews. Look up interview questions and practice your answers. Yes, you can be excellent in planning for interviews as well.

Happy reading!

 

 

 

Good luck and be EXCELLENT!

Until next time!

AAMU GRADUATE STUDIES!!!!!!!

Presently, we have a special incentive for those who apply to and enroll through the AAMU School of Graduate Studies.

For the first 15 individuals who respond to your correspondence, we will be offering them a 16% TUITION ONLY DISCOUNT. They must apply and be accepted in the university to qualify for this tuition discount and must reference that they were prompted to apply through your correspondence. Additionally, the student must enroll in at least 6 credit hours a semester to be eligible. The participants in this program may apply at this link (http://www2.aamu.edu/gradschool/online/login.asp).

Just to share more specifically with you the types of students we would like to engage; we are interested in talking with students who want to major in our MS programs in:

-        Social Work (their undergraduate majors could be sociology, history, religion or criminal justice);

-        Urban Planning  (their undergraduate majors could be sociology, history, English, Interdisciplinary Studies, Mass Communications, religion or criminal justice);

-     Biology (undergraduate major should be Biology, or Chemistry);
-     MS/PHD Physics (undergraduate program should be physics, chemistry or biology);
-     Materiel Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science (the undergraduate major should be in the sciences or mathematics);
-     MBA Business Administration or MBA with a concentration in Logistics (Business Administration); 
-     MS/PHD Food Science (the undergraduate major should be in the sciences or mathematics);
-     MS/PHD in Plant and Soil Sciences (the undergraduate major should be in the sciences or mathematics); Psychology (Psychology); 
-     Elementary Education/Secondary Education/ Physical Education/Counseling and Guidance (undergraduate degree in Education, or physical education); and
-     Communications Specialist (the undergraduate major should be Mass Communications, English, Marketing, Business Administration);
-     Agribusiness (the undergraduate major should be in the sciences, business or mathematics).  


If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me via the methods listed below.


Very best regards,

Mr. Bradley T. Davis
Alabama A&M University
School of Graduate Studies
Coordinator for Recruiting/Marketing
P.O. Box 998
Normal, AL 35762
(256) 372-5266 Office
(256)-929-8452 Cell
(256) 372-5269 Fax
www.aamu.edu  

Good luck and be EXCELLENT!

Until next time!

JOB OPPORTUNITY!!!!!!!

Subject: Job Opening for Basic/Entry-Level Engineer
>
> MTS will be looking to hire a basic engineer on our contract here in the next couple of weeks who is a recent Engineering/Computer Science/Math college graduate.  I just checked, and here is the link to the job description and the "Apply" button.
>
> http://mtsappsvr-02.mts-usa.com/Careers/careers.aspx?adata=EDziTbmknksiMYzXdrR%2bf8A8JfwEYLiMJAvlKEnbrnAFuLB04Pi5rqR7Eh0m3gawFdEmDN%2b910Hm5gfFaxVjTNJoWWyKQiGlzBkAcYrSoCUeEClixmW71UjWWMZVAyd7uqfhVw%2fnRXnEFHlPtStLGnYC1vSQeGIRkWwSGsmM43896qnj7IbkKoNSHn2%2fxkyGhW0DnUEAZtvaw1iBsAOtOC0%3d
>
> Thanks!
> Manufacturing Technical Solutions, Inc. (MTS) Systems Analyst
> 7047 Old Madison Pike, Suite 302
> Huntsville, AL 35806
> www.MTS-USA.com

Good luck and be EXCELLENT!

Until next time!

Redstone Arsenal Will be hosting a Job Fair!!!!!!!

I received this information in my email earlier today!! Please read the information and govern yourselves accordingly!!
----

Subject: Redstone Arsenal to host a Job Fair June 25
>
> Redstone Arsenal Will be hosting a Job Fair
>
> The Garrison Directorate of Human Resources, Transition Assistance Program (TAP), is hosting a Job Fair on Wednesday, 25 June 2014, from 10:00 a.m. to
> 2:00 p.m. at The Overlook.  The event is targeted for our transitioning military members, but anyone with access to the installation that's looking for a job is welcome to attend.
>
> Companies that will be participating are:  AAFES, Alabama Career Center, BBVA Compass Bank, Boeing, CPAC, Cummings Aerospace, Davidson Technologies, Dynetics, Intuitive, Linde, Lockheed Martin, MSB Analytics, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, Still Serving Veterans, University of Alabama-Birmingham, UIC Maint & Mfrg Co, URS, Verizon, VRIDE, Wyle-CAS, and Yulista.
>
> There will also be an area for job seekers to have their resume reviewed by volunteer business leaders.
>
> If anyone has any questions about this event, please contact luis.f.ortega.civ@mail.mil

Good luck and be EXCELLENT!

Until next time!

Professional Development

They say what goes in our mind never comes out the same. Hence the reason why perceptions are formed. The way we think is powerful. So powerful that Forbes decided to post a blog informing us of "The 10 Thinking Errors That Will Hold You Back In Life":

1) All-or-Nothing

2) Overgeneralizing

3) Filtering Out the Positive

4) Mind-Reading

5) Catastrophizing

6) Emotional Reasoning

7) Labeling

8) Fortune-telling

9) Personalization

10) Unreal Ideal

"Changing the way you think takes a lot of effort initially, but with practice, you’ll notice big changes – not just in the way you think, but also in the way you feel and behave. You can make peace with the past, look at the present differently, and think about the future in a way that will support your chances of reaching your goals" (Morin, Amy. "The 10 Thinking Errors That Will Hold You Back In Life").

Change your thinking and you'll change your life. To read the post in greater detail click here.

 

 

 

 

 

Good luck and be EXCELLENT!

Until next time!

BECOME A VOLUNTEER!!!!!!!

How Working for Free Pays Off!

 

There is nothing wrong with working for free.

Take a look at the great perks that come with VOLUNTEERING! Click the link above and get in the spirit of volunteering!

 

 

 

 

 

Good luck and be EXCELLENT!

Until next time!

Tea and a Chat: Professionalism [Pt. III]

"People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care"

- David H. Maister

 

 

"What is a cover letter?

A cover letter is a document sent with your resume

to provide additional information on your skills and experience.

A cover letter typically

provides detailed information on why you are qualified for the job

you are applying for.

Effective cover letters explain the reasons

for your interest in the specific organization

and identify your most relevant skills or experiences"

- Source: Cover Letter, Alison Doyle

 

 

The Importance of the Cover Letter (CLICK HERE]

The link above explores the importance, rules to keep in mind, format, and examples of a cover letter!

"...It's not unusual for job seekers to treat the cover letter as an afterthought. They've put so much time and thought into their resume that they may view the cover letter as nothing more than a required but unimportant attachment. In actuality, this introductory document can be instrumental in helping your resume leap to the top of the pile. The importance of a cover letter cannot be overstated" (Half, Robert. Importance of a Cover Letter). Finding a job has turned into a "competitive market". If you want to at least make the "I'll consider looking into these resumes" stack then submitting a cover letter may be the one thing that gets you in the door. "So, is a cover letter important? Most definitely – especially if you want to be in the running against those who are taking the initiative to submit one" (Half, Robert).

What David Maister said is indeed true: "People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care". It is worth the time and effort! If you be excellent in preparation you may impress an employer! Don't wonder "what if..." or "maybe I should have..." - DO IT! Click the link above! Compose your cover letter today, keep it on file and manipulate whenever you're applying for different positions.

 

 

 

We will discuss more with the next post on PROFESSIONALISM!
"You have the POWER to be EXCELLENT in every area of your life. Start TODAY!"

Until next time!

JOB OPPORTUNITIES IN HUNTSVILLE, AL!!!!!!!

 

CLICK HERE TO APPLY!

 

There are many more opportunities posted (Monster.com). If you'd like, you can create an account, set up your profile and begin networking and searching. Worth the time and effort! Happy hunting!

 

 

Good luck and be EXCELLENT!

Until next time!

Professionalism: A Guide to Business Etiquette

“Professionalism is knowing how to do it, when to do it, and [then] doing it.” -- Frank Tyger

 

etiquette - the customary code of polite behavior in society or among members of a particular profession or group.

The Etiquette Advantage in Business: Personal Skills for Professional Success, a 338-page book centered around minor improvements that could help you in the world of PROFESSIONALISM. This book composed by four descendants of Emily Post, an etiquette doyenne, tackles instances that involve our every day life: cellular phone usage, social networking, gender identity and mix of generations in the workplace, etc. Below are just a few keys I wanted to pull out.

Cellular phone usage:
"...We silence our phones during meetings, refrain from blabbing about private matters where others can overhear us and try to keep our voices down to a reasonable level. But many of us violate one of the rules: don’t use your phone if there is the possibility someone around you will be bothered by it..."
"It is incredibly disruptive and undermining when people are texting, emailing and instant-messaging while a meeting is going on... A phone out on the table is like a ticking time bomb. You and your companions are just waiting for it to go off and it says to the people you are with that your phone is more important than they are...in an ideal world, we [should] silence and stow our devices during meetings and meals."

Social networking:
"The "bulletin board rule": don’t post anything on a social media site that you wouldn’t tack up to the office bulletin board for anyone to read. Know that even with privacy settings, your social media messages are never private and don’t ever use social media to gripe about bosses, colleagues or clients."

Gender:
We are in a generation where everyone believes in being eccentric and bold about their lifestyle. So what do you do when working with someone who is homosexual, queer, transgender? "...Use the pronoun that reflects what the person is wearing. Or just ask, what pronoun would you like me to use?"

Generations/Chivalry:
Women tend to be "overly independent" in this day and age. With an "I don't need a man for anything", "I can work just as hard as the next man" attitude, how do you handle a man that is chivalrous? Men, how do you respond to a woman that doesn't respect your chivalry? Women, how do you handle a situation where the man doesn't display the chivalry that you're accustomed to?
(Men) Simply continue to be polite in spite of. (Women) If he opens the door, walk through and say "thank you". If he doesn't open the door.... Well, "it is what it is". No need to be offended either way it goes, we are in a different generation! You guys aren't dating, just simply co-workers headed to work.
This chapter also discusses how to work with those that are of a different generation. "Be cognizant of different communication habits, they advise. The oldest generation grew up with face-to-face meetings, Baby Boomers are used to land-line phone calls, Generation X likes email and millennials prefer texting. It helps to keep all this in mind and when necessary, step outside your comfort zone and try using the communication mode that the other person expects."


Click the link for source of all quotes in this blog post & the full article: A Guide to Business Etiquette


We will discuss more with the next post on PROFESSIONALISM!

"You have the POWER to be EXCELLENT in every area of your life. Start TODAY!"

Until next time!

GA TECH RESEARCH INSTITUTE - JOB OPPORTUNITY!!!!!!!

Georgia Tech Research Institute has just posted a new position, "System Software Engineer - Huntsville, AL (Research Engineer/Scientist I or II) ASL 698", which may be of interest to you.

Visit Georgia Tech Research Institute to view the position and submit an application.

Good luck and be EXCELLENT!

Until next time!

Tea and a Chat: Professionalism [Pt. II]

“In business 'professionalism' is not a tactic but a moral value.” -- Amit Kalantri

Today's post on PROFESSIONALISM: BASIC RESUME!
(Notice I didn't say brief!)

In Part I [link to Part I in case you missed it ;)] of learning about PROFESSIONALISM we discussed appearance and behavior! Hopefully, you guys took the minor steps towards being a better you and with this post we can move forward!

When it comes to composing your resume please understand that there IS a RIGHT and WRONG way! Below I gave you the BASIC format of a proper resume! 
 
The top, centered part of your resume is listed: YOUR NAME, PHYSICAL ADDRESS, CONTACT NUMBER, YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS.

Luther Skeelwiser

0605 Pavement Str

Huntsville, AL, 35762

(334) 555 0275

luther.skeelwiser@gmail.com

 

(your name should be slightly larger than the information below it!) 

 

 
The main headings are:

• OBJECTIVE - here you are to write a brief statement that details what you are looking to learn.

1. "Seeking a position that will sharpen my retail and customer service skills";
   
2. "Seeking an internship in Civil Engineering that will aid in developing skills and applying core knowledge"

• EDUCATION - list your level of education from most current to recent. It is advised that if you are at junior level or higher in college, it is no longer necessary to list your high school! When listing your schools please spell out the name, location of school, list your attendance dates/graduation dates/anticipated graduation date, your concentration and the degree you plan to receive

1. Alabama A&M University, Normal, AL, B.S. in Logistics, Anticipated graduation December 2015 (of course, not in that format!)

• ACTIVITIES/HONORS - this is your time to shine! What are you involved in/extracurricular activities? Do you have any awards, medals, certificates, etc. Did/Do you have any leadership roles? If you have recognitions that relate to the job you're applying for, PLEASE list them!

1. Logistics Club (Spring 2014)
   
2. Poetry Club, Secretary (Spring 2014)
   
3. Trail Blazers Club, Treasurer (Fall 2013)

• WORK EXPERIENCE - list your work experience beginning with your most current along with brief details about your duties. List location and start date to end date or if you're presently working at that location then you'd simply put the start date "to Present".

• SKILLS - another opportunity to shine! It is advised to list skills such as: computer software, leadership skills, job related skills!

1. Sales, Organizing, Stocking, Software: Microsoft Word, Excel, Access

• REFERENCES - you may have been told that you can simply put "Upon request" in this area BUT understand that listing references is very important depending on the job you're applying for. Also, pay attention to what the employer is looking to receive from you! If they ask for references, GIVE THEM REFERENCES! No less than three! Your references should include their name, title in your life (manager, mentor, etc) and/or the organization/institute, their email address, and their telephone number.

 
Putting together your resume is not a hard task! If you need help, ask! When applying for a job online, more than likely there will be a section that awards you the opportunity to upload your resume. UNDERSTAND THAT YOUR RESUME WILL EITHER MAKE YOU A PART OF THE STACK OR A PART OF THE TRASH! It is important to master resume writing!

It is also important to always keep a BASIC resume on file so that you can simply go to and "manipulate" it. Of course you're going to want to alter your resume whenever you're applying for different jobs!
Our next post(s) will discuss more on manipulating your resume and composing your cover letter!


We will discuss more with the next post on PROFESSIONALISM!

"You have the POWER to be EXCELLENT in every area of your life. Start TODAY!"

Until next time!

Tea and a Chat: Professionalism

“In order to understand the true importance of professionalism, the first step is to understand what it means. One good definition goes something like this. Professionalism is adhering to a set of values which include meeting professional obligations, conducting oneself according to formal and informal codes of conduct, and meeting the expectations of everyone with whom we come into contact as part of our business role... A wealth of behaviors: respect, punctuality, confidentiality, focus, etc..."
(Source: Keys to Operating a Successful Business: Important of a Professional Image)

Today's brief post on PROFESSIONALISM: INDIVIDUAL BEHAVIOR & APPEARANCE!

The way in which you act and present yourself can create lasting impressions that will have an impact on those you interact with. Also, you never know when a potential employer is watching! Be gentle, kind, approachable, try your best not to be heard before you're seen. Such excellent behavior has to be practiced and it begins with small steps:

• Use a professional email address
• Create a professional voicemail message. First impressions make a huge difference and often this is the first interaction someone may have with you. “Dude” or “yo” type language is inappropriate. This also applies when you answer your phone.
• Make your smile your best accessory
• Dress the way you want to be remembered. Not necessarily business attire everyday BUT (ladies!) let's try less cleavage, not too many inches above the knee, only natural hair colors (if God would not create a child with the color, it isn't natural. A baby has never come out of the womb with pink, blue, or yellow hair!) and (males!) pants around the waist, if you must wear ear rings please be decent, neat facial hair, no crazy hair styles or colorings. (Both genders) Also, when it comes to piercing, please be wise: facial piercings and numerous ear piercings are not professional. If you have "manageable" tattoos (as in, they can be covered) then manage them first, ask about them later!

 

Understand that you are a walking, talking, breathing BRAND. You make a name for yourself by the exemplification of your every day behavior and appearance. Would an employer be able to trust you with their brand?

 

We will discuss more with the next post on PROFESSIONALISM!

"You have the POWER to be EXCELLENT in every area of your life. Start TODAY!"

Until next time!