The Gradlife - Five benefits of being a Christmas temp

The Gradlife - Five benefits of being a Christmas temp by Lydia Randall Christmas work love it or loathe it?So, for many of us we are now well into the Christmas spirit, and as the year comes to an end, we’ll soon be wrapping up our last few weeks of Christmas temp work.At this point, you may or may not have determined whether this job bought you some Christmas joy, by lifting your spirits as well as your bank balance. Or you may have been less fortunate and found yourself being well-and-truly Scrooged over.But, whether you loved your Christmas job or you loathed it, I’m here to bear some good news and inform you of some of the benefits from having worked over the festive period and how you can make the most out of it.1. TrainingIn most instances, you should have received some form of training, whether it be greeting customers, till-training, or even window displays. By being in any role, there will always be something you can learn and adopt into your day to day life.For example, by being in a customer service role, you’ ll likely have learnt how to engage with a diverse range of people. This is also something you can turn into a practical skills which you can never have too many of on your CV.How to make the most of training: Simply, begin by identifying all you may have learnt. Make a note of all them, so you do not forget. Make what you learn a skill, and finally add that skill to your CV.2. Self-discoveryOne thing you’re guaranteed to get from Christmas work is a sense of whether a job is for you or not. Some may ask, but how will you know? Well, ask yourself how does it make you feel, and do you feel of value? Are you passionate about the work doing, or the company youre working for? And finally, does it bring you fulfilment?If the answer is yes on all counts, then it is likely that this is the area or industry for you. Though this may not be the exact role or company you’ll continue to work for, this experience will help give you a strong indication of where your strengths are.How to make the most of self-discovery: If you’ve made a good impression, your manager may be willing to keep you on, or let you know of any future opportunities. However, my biggest tip would be to try and ensure that you sustain that relationship so you don’t go out of mind.However, this is not an excuse to become a stalker, simply ask for an email address, and maybe send an email asking how things are and reiterating your interest every few months.3. Working in a teamAs a Christmas temp, you’ll usually be working within a large group of people. This is a great way to exercise your ability to listen, co-operate, support and effectively communicate, which are all crucial attributes for almost every role.By working alongside so many diverse personalities and people, it’ll teach you how to interact and engage with a lot of different people, but more importantly for those who are shy or reserved, it’s a fantastic way to overcome any social anxiety that you may have.How to make the most of working within a team: For many of us, we tend to naturally form friendships with those who are most similar to us. This is not the best approach, particularly when talking about the workplace, so do your best to engage with everyone â€" there’s so much you can learn just by speaking to someone new, and who knows you could end up forming bonds that you never expected.Learning to get along with any and everyone is an ultimate tool because the employer will always be looking to see whether you would be able to ‘fit in’ with their company culture.4. Preventing gaps in your CVOkay, so I am sure we all know what a CV is (if not, try our free CV template seamless). But if you have a few gaps in yours, it can lead to some pretty awkward interview moments â€" not to mention stand out to recruiters for the wrong reasons.The best thing about working over Christmas is you can avoid any gaps, and help justify the time that otherwise may have been unproductive or just not well spent.H ow to make the most of preventing gaps in your CV: So, for those who may have gaps in their CV, my best tip will be to try and minimise the time frames as much as possible. The first thing you do will be to identify the gaps and examine the reasons why those gaps exist.Next, ask yourself, during those periods of time were you ever involved in anything productive no matter how big or small, and if so were you able take something positive from it. If you can confidently say yes, then do not panic, just elaborate on the various activities you took part in and the key lessons or skills you took from it.There may be some who have legitimate reasons for certain time gaps, if that’s you then please do not worry or feel under pressure, simply be transparent with the employer, should they ask you why and I am sure they will appreciate you all the more.5.  Lifetime  friendshipsMy final tip for the benefits of working over the Christmas period is the special memories you may make, and the lo vely people who you will meet.My first Christmas temp job was for a shoe company in Bluewater, and it was the first time I can truly recall where I was in an environment where I do not know anybody. And, although I was nervous and even shy, I couldnt afford to let that takeover. So I was forced to come out of my comfort zone, and speak to my colleagues and of course the customers.There will be many opportunities that may come your way, and they are likely to come by or through the people you know, so it’s important to put yourself out there, but to conduct yourself in a professional manner and to enjoy the short time and make the most of it.How to make the most of lifetime friendships:  Simply, try not to lose touch. You just never know where that relationship will take you, or what doors it just might open for you. Some of my best friendships were formed as a Christmas temp â€" so never rule it out.Finally… For those of you who are adamant that this is not a career worth pursu ing, or who don’t get kept on for a permanent position, then there is still a huge benefit. How?Well, now youre just that little bit clearer on what you like and dislike. So, you’ll know what role to steer clear from.Lastly, you were still able to learn some valuable skills and experience, and add to your CV, which will always be a benefit. If you’re lucky you may have even been able to secure yourself a good referenceStill searching for your perfect position?  View all of our current vacancies nowFind a job What Where Search JobsSign up for more Career AdviceSign up for moreCareer Advice Please enter a valid email addressmessage hereBy clicking Submit you agree to the terms and conditions applicable to our service and acknowledge that your personal data will be used in accordance with our privacy policy and you will receive emails and communications about jobs and career related topics. Features Graduate advice

What is on Your Medical Resume?

What is on Your Medical Resume?You will never know if a prospective employer ever read your medical resume if you never send it out. Make no mistake about it, your medical resume needs to be read. An in-depth look at what is on your resume can help a prospective employer quickly decide whether or not to interview you.In an initial glance at your resume, do you actually know what it is all about? Are you making the most of your chances by making certain key information on your resume visible? I have personally seen several medical professionals fall short of the mark when it comes to their professional resume. Their first impression was certainly poor.This is where medical resumes may be different. There are many questions and answers available that may help you establish a clear idea of what is on your resume. These are also essential elements that make your medical resume look professional and help to get you a professional, qualified medical position.Keep in mind that if you have s pent a considerable amount of time and effort over the years serving as a nurse on a full-time basis, you might want to include that experience in your resume. What about those that are employed at home, that is, working from home? This type of employment does not immediately make you qualified for a medical position, but it could lead you to being a professional caregiver, therefore, would make you qualify for a position in the field of medicine.Most medical schools have a relatively high demand for skilled and qualified faculty. It is difficult to obtain employment without specialized training. The potential salary should be addressed on your resume. Do not hesitate to clarify your educational qualifications and credentials when addressing this element.Your years of experience with the school should be outlined as well. In addition, how many graduate students, post-graduate students, adjunct faculty members and fellows are employed with you currently? If there are a number of thes e individuals, you could possibly be the person that can meet the needs of the school. Some of these individuals will be looking for a new position.The career goals listed on your resume will be very important. There is a good chance that some of your career goals could be fulfilled by a school or institution that is close to home. This will give your prospective employer an idea of what your ultimate goals are and possibly lead to a professional position that is closer to your family.The common knowledge that a major factor to many medical professionals is that they need a continuing education that includes continuing medical education for one reason or another. Many times this is done through the school. However, there are also other sources available that can assist the medical professional in this area. Some of these would include a local community college, an organization that offers continuing education courses, certain hospital and nursing homes offer these courses, and there are even some continuing education centers at some medical facilities.

A Candid Job Advert for Working in Recruitment

A Candid Job Advert for Working in Recruitment Viral comedy. Did any of you see the job advert written by American business owner, Justin, advertising for a chef for his eaterie in Clarkston? If you haven’t read it yet, it has gone viral across the globe. Truth hurts. And the reason for this global interest, aside from his target audience within the catering world, is he writes with such candour and brutal honesty, that the words are a total contradiction of how an employer should write a job advert that appeals to potential applicants. He talks about being able to manage his wife, who is ultimately the “boss” (OBVIOUSLY), however the part that made the recruiter in me roar, was his reference to cover letters and CVs: Succinct covering letters and CVs are encouraged, with the brusque businessman implying that previous recruitment processes have involved reading too many prolix applications: “If you have one that says youre a ‘hard-working team player that can also function well alone’ and that you ‘value customer service and punctuality’ I will stab myself in the face with a pencil and nobody will get a job … Last time I was hiring for a place I got over 400 CVs. You know how long it takes to read 400 CVs? Too damned long. So dont waste anyones time. Honesty pays. Justin shows his humour though and he ultimately wears his heart on his sleeve; What you cannot do is be a pain in my balls because my life savings is on the line and I have to work with my wife all day so I don’t have time for any primadonna bulls**t. He finishes off the comical job advert with a bribe of beer if you stick with his job. I bet he was swamped with applicants. And so to recruitment And so I shared this humorous “interjection” in my recruitment day, as many did, on my social media links including LinkedIn with the title as a question, “who dares me to write a job ad this candid about recruitment?” And someone dared me. And I must fulfill my obligation now so here is a job advert written about a recruitment consultant role, hopefully written with equal bullishness, brutality and hopefully irony. Wanted!  Recruitment consultant. Hours of work:  Must be prepared to work every hour God sends, 24/7. The fact is, your phone will never leave your side; you will go to sleep with it, checking for last minute emails from candidates hoping they won’t cancel their 7.30am interview on you. You will check it as soon as you wake up in the morning to make sure the candidate who is due to start doesn’t back out with a “Dear John” email at 6am. Don’t make any social plans during the week as you will spend the whole time popping out to take candidates’ interview feedback in the hope you can move with momentum and make a placement. You will never have a 9-5 job again as the reality is, you have to be at the beck and call of your candidates and clients, regardless of the sector you recruit in. Your friends will just “tut” and roll their eyes when you dash out of the pub to take a call at 9pm, as at the end of the day, that call could be worth £$ £$ thousands £$ £$. Holidays:  You will officially get 20-25 days over the year, although the likelihood is, your employer will then ask you to save 5 of those for Xmas week if you are lucky enough to have Xmas off! And then the 3-4 weeks you have left over the rest of the year, you will be made to feel guilty about taking the time away from your desk- and woe betide you if you actually have activity happening whilst you are away. Forget someone looking after it as you would. Your colleague may promise to look after it for you, but the reality is, they have their own desk to run so yours gets minimum attention. So if you have time off, you risk coming back to a cold start and a blank month.  If you choose to work over your holiday, you will spend your days at the beach pretending you are not checking your phone for feedback. In some companies you may be forced to actually go on holiday with them as a so-called “incentive”. So not only do you have to work with these people, some of whom you detest, b ut when you have worked your socks off all year, you then get to spend your leisure time with them too â€"GREAT. Work environment:  The role, if you are lucky, involves getting out and meeting people face to face. If you are lucky I said. In reality, I don’t want you to get up from your desk, stay on the phone all day- if you don’t like making outbound calls, this is not the job for you and make more calls than anyone else. And calling your mum/gran/sister does not count. There may be white boards on the walls, there will be a bell in the corner for you to ring when you make a deal- so if you don’t ring it, everyone knows you haven’t billed yet. There may be quotes and motivational signs everywhere, but don’t be fooled. The only thing anyone is looking for, is for your revenue up on that board. There will be a communal kitchen where we even provide fruit, cereal, drinks and snacks. So basically, don’t even think about having a lunch break or leaving before 7pm. We will celebrate success on a Friday with drinks in the office which we will provide. (But all you will want to do is go home and celebrate your success alone with your real friends) Remuneration:  So here is the deal. I will advertise this role at £X$ but at interview actually offer you 5k less just to test your commitment. Then I will tease you with an incentive to increase it after you pass your probation. I will also sell to you our commission structure which is really great and our top billers earn over 6 figures. (But what I haven’t told you is that this is their total earnings since they began working here 4 years ago.) and my commission structure IS amazing. But it is SO complicated, you need to have a Masters in maths to work it out. HOWEVER, the directors have the right to alter the commission structure at any time, without prior consent or notification to any of the staff. Minimum requirements:  I need you to have a sense of humour, as my god, you will need it on bad days. You will need to be resilient and work harder than you have ever worked before. Seriously. You need to be able to read people, think ahead and foresee human behaviours before they even know what they are thinking. You must be able to work as part of a team and yet inherently be really selfish. You must be driven and ambitious but be aware, so is everyone else I employ. You must have an incredible memory so you can recall peoples stories and be creative in order to embellish slightly if you cant quite recall why they left that last job. You must be paranoid as this will keep you on your toes.  You must love picking up the phone and speaking to people. A love of business is essential, as I don’t want someone who just asks “have you got any jobs?” You cynical old bird, Lysha. Now reading this, I have shocked myself at how cynical I am. And I am not actually. I love recruitment so much â€" I love it more every year I spend in it and this is my 18th year, and I am a passionate ambassador and advocate for our wonderful industry. The recruiters I meet on the whole are wonderful- full of personality, testimony to how balanced a true recruiter actually needs to be. Passionate, caring, considerate, successful. Insightful to their sectors, knowledgeable  , fearless about just getting on with it (I thought I would define that in advance of Mitch Sullivan asking), informative and proactive. Evolving into a marketeer but still salesy at heart. Well presented, polished yet approachable and engaging. Phew! What a hybrid human we have become! The basis of what this parody job advert for recruitment is based on all the stereotypical bad places to work; I personally, as a R2R, choose to partner recruitment companies who offer great environments and career opportunities. And I am proud to be their R2R partner. Have you often thought job adverts should be written with more honesty or did Justin and my parody go a step too far? As ever, I love to hear your comments and am always grateful for your Twitter RT, LinkedIn and Facebook shares. @LyshaHolmes

Take A Timeout to Rethink Strategy - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

Take A Timeout to Rethink Strategy - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career Updated October 16, 2019 Small children are given a timeout to rethink what they just did, and athletes take a time-out to regroup and restrategize. The rest of us can also benefit by rethinking what is currently in play. Make it a habit to frequently leave the computer behind and to take  the time to exercise or enjoy nature with a hike or bike ride. When you are out and about, ideas seem to flow. It is the relaxed state of mind that invites new thought to arrive and ponder. And most often, the time is extremely well-spent. Free Spirit vs. Stress Should you instead decide to stare at the computer while struggling to improve upon what is in place, it becomes a tremendous drain on time and energy. Everything seems to stall. Worse yet is when negative self-talk may kick in, and then doubt soon follows. It becomes a downward spiral only to realize motivation deflates. One might think that these breaks in the day affect productivity. However, there is an efficiency to be found by stepping away. Being relaxed makes room for new thought and an improved way to proceed. Motivation renews and as you return to the computer, you will quickly regain the lost time as progress advances. Heads will turn by your progress along with your admired personal brand.  Give yourself permission to try Time-Outs. No doubt there were times when you have been stuck or made little advancement during the day. The stalled work was probably very frustrating. Should wasted time be a reoccurring problem, consider revising current habits. Do You: Force yourself to stay in place until an idea comes to you. Waste considerable time while feeling stuck. Believe you can be more productive and it’s time to try a time-out. Try an experiment the next time you feel a stall beginning to take place. Move away from your computer, and if at all possible, leave the premises. Be observant of where you are and what’s going on around you. Allow your mind to drift for a bit. As you come back to mentally review  where the stall is occurring, it’s likely new ideas will come to light. By the time you return to the office, a surge of motivation to restart will be yours. Your mind reset is very similar to a computer reboot. We each need downtime on occasion to speed up results. When you find yourself staring at the computer, give yourself permission for a time-out. Revitalize energy with exercise. Sales Tips: Visit the gym or enjoy the great outdoors. Shut off your working brain to enjoy your surroundings. Allow new thought to visit your mind. Think about your friends and colleagues. Review where you are in your career and where you want to be. Implement changes to make the journey more enjoyable. Focus on your preferred ideas while returning to the office. Restart your computer. Get back to work with your revised plan. Celebrate Success! Following these guidelines will lead you to the Smooth Sale!

How to Brush Up on Writing Skills For Resume

How to Brush Up on Writing Skills For ResumeIt is not a good idea to brush up on writing skills for resume when you are going to apply for a job. Your first job is a little over one year and with the huge influx of resumes this year, your chances to get a callback may be slim to none. It is advisable to brush up on your writing skills so that when you do apply for a job, it does not come as a surprise that you have written several resumes in the past year.The job market is still recovering from the recession and writing skills are essential if you are going to find employment. If you brush up on your writing skills for resume this year, you can expect to land a job immediately. You should only make the choice to brush up on your writing skills for resume when you are certain that you will not be hired at any other time during the year. Once you are certain that you will not be hired in the next two months, then you can take a little time off to brush up on your writing skills for res ume.Your goal when you brush up on your writing skills for resume is to bring to light your strong and interesting writing abilities. Your resume will speak for you and show the hiring manager how much you have accomplished throughout your resume. By brushing up on your writing skills for resume, you are showing your employer that you are confident and that you know what you are doing when it comes to making a resume.When you are applying for a job, you want to do all you can to create an impressive resume that will showcase your writing skills. You want to highlight your experiences and knowledge in your chosen field. Brush up on your writing skills for resume so that you can show the hiring manager that you are ready to bring your knowledge and experience to the next level.When you are applying for a job, you want to be sure that your writing skills are up to par. Brush up on your writing skills for resume this year and expect to land a job within the next two months. When you are going to apply for a job, your resume is going to speak for you and showcase your writing skills.You want to make sure that your writing skills are up to par and that you brush up on your writing skills for resume so that you can prove that you are confident and know what you are doing when it comes to making a resume. You can apply for a job this year and brush up on your writing skills for resume. When you brush up on your writing skills for resume, you are showing the hiring manager that you are confident and that you know what you are doing when it comes to making a resume.The type of job you are applying for will determine your writing skills. You want to brush up on your writing skills for resume this year and demonstrate to the hiring manager that you are confident and that you know what you are doing when it comes to making a resume. When you brush up on your writing skills for resume, you are showing the hiring manager that you are confident and that you know what you are doing when it comes to making a resume.Brush up on your writing skills for resume this year and take advantage of a job where you will be able to do so. As you brush up on your writing skills for resume, you will want to showcase your strong writing abilities. When you apply for a job this year, your resume is going to speak for you and showcase your writing skills.

Very Late in Life Career Decision Questions [Podcast] - Career Pivot

Very Late in Life Career Decision Questions [Podcast] - Career Pivot Episode 30 â€" Marc and Elizabeth answer some of your career decisions question you might make very late in life! Description: In this episode, Marc answers very late in life career decision questions with his trusty sidekick, Elizabeth Rabaey. You can learn about her career pivots in Episode 020. Listen in, for ideas to pivot your career very late in the second half of life! Key Takeaways: [2:11] Elizabeth shares her story, and how Marc has helped guide her to her latest pivot, which has worked out well. Elizabeth invites listeners to listen to Episode 20, and connect with her on LinkedIn to share experiences. [3:23] Q1: I am 70 and retired when I was 52. I had a long career as a programmer and project manager. The money is starting to run out, and I need to go back to work. What do you think I should do? Download Link |iTunes|Stitcher Radio|Google Podcast|Podbean|TuneIn|Overcast [3:40] A1: There are three factors. He retired about 1999 from a large technology company. He thought his retirement money would last forever, but the Dotcom bust blew that away. He also retired very young, without a plan. His skills are very stale. His network is largely retired, also. The technology space that he knew no longer exists. [5:14] Marc told him to find a problem to solve, and that started his brain going. He has entrepreneurial tendencies. Marc wanted him to find a problem he could develop into a business service or product. He has Social Security, so he’s not going to be out on the street. After 18 years being unemployed, at 70, no-one else is going to invest in him. [6:48] His most valuable skills acquired over the last 18 years have been the engineering things he has done on his property. He liked that answer, because it got him juiced. It’s never been easier to be an entrepreneur. Marc has a friend who has products manufactured in China, and has them shipped directly to Amazon Fulfillment. [9:51] Q2: I am doing informal research on analytics career paths. My company puts analytics professionals on a business management track. I understand some companies offer higher analytics professional positions. I want to continue to develop as an analyst. Do you have any ideas on a career path? [11:11] A2: IBM and other companies started doing this in the mid-90s. This gentleman is in his early 60s. Working for a government contractor. The company needs him in business development (sales) to get more contracts. They will not invest in his analytics career. They might invest in Millennials. [12:45] Marc asked him, “What do you want to be doing in five years, and what do you have to do to get there?” It could be retirement, it could be consulting, it could be getting certified to teach classes. This man is in supply chain, and that skillset will be needed in the automation world. [15:40] Marc will be doing a series of blogposts on “How will automation, AI, and robots destroy your career?” One of those will touch your career. There is a retail crash as a result of competition from Amazon and similar online companies. [17:06] Q3: I have spent the last 15-20 years as a lecturer at a public university. I feel like the future looks dim, as they continue to cut costs, move to part-time adjunct professors, and move coursework online. Where does someone like myself go? I’m very late in my career, and I think I’ll be pushed out soon. What should I do? [17:31] A3: This is a composite of three conversations Marc had, all fit the same profile, 50 and above, and had the same circumstances. They had stayed at the university because of the tremendous amount freedom it offered. They took the summer off to pursue mission-driven endeavors. They enjoyed flexible office hours. [18:16] People from a college teaching environment typically do not make very good employees. Marc suggested to one to find a problem to solve, and look at stair-stepping his way to a new business (See Episode 14 with Taylor Pearson). The second case was in liberal arts. Marc steered him to UpWork and FlexJobs to do freelance while working. [19:16] The third individual was a dean at a public university. Many people in higher education receive enjoyment from the mentoring aspects of their jobs. That is not found in the corporate world. Look at Episode 3, with Joel Dobbs. Joel has a portfolio career; part of it is mentoring executives. He also teaches, and consults to companies. [20:25] The dean needs to determine what people will pay him in the private sector, and how he gets into it. He has some of the connections required, and needs to find which ones will work for him, and start working the relationships. [21:00] Marc did not tell any of these to go find a job. Elizabeth suggests embracing the change you face, and now is the time to do it. The transition will be difficult, but once you pass through it, it will be a great opportunity to do whatever you have always wanted to pursue, and still maintain control over your schedule. [21:48] Marc says the getting out of higher education or high school teaching is challenging. Plan for the long haul, and don’t expect it to happen tomorrow. Stairstep your wait out over a year or two. Do something on the side, as the Millennials do. Mentioned in This Episode: Careerpivot.com Contact Marc, and ask questions at: Careerpivot.com/contact-me Episode 020 Elizabeth Rabaey Elizabeth Rabaey on LInkedIn Roger Whitney’s Retirement Answer Man The Smart Passive Income Online Business and Blogging Podcast What Color Is Your Parachute? by Richard N. Bolles Chris Farrell’s Unretirement Podcast Episode 014 Taylor Pearson UpWork FlexJobs Take a moment â€" go to iTunes, Stitcher, or Google Play. Give this podcast a review and subscribe! If you’re not sure how to leave a review, please go to CareerPivot.com/review, and read the detailed instructions there. Like what you just read? Share it with your friends using the buttons above. Like What You Read? Get Career Pivot Insights Check out the Repurpose Your Career Podcast Do You Need Help With ...

Standing At The Unemployment Threshold To Oblivion - Pathfinder Careers

Standing At The Unemployment Threshold To Oblivion - Pathfinder Careers Standing At The Unemployment Threshold To Oblivion By Kfengler (Own work) [CC-BY-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)], via Wikimedia CommonsStanding at the unemployment threshold to oblivion? Has your unemployment  been going on for a while now and are starting to feel like the world is against you? It might just be true. Researchers report finding the first hard evidence of bias against the long-term unemployed. In 2011, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission conducted a study which found that people who were unemployed 18 months or longer were much less likely to be interviewed than someone with a much shorter time between jobs, according to HR Magazine (Jan. 2013). So why exactly do companies hesitate in taking a closer look at people who have been on unemployment? Many hiring managers cite concerns about the unemployed having lesser qualifications, or at the very least, not up-to-date with what is transpiring in their industry. Unfortunately, this is a very unjust attitude as many people caught up in the layoffs are highly skilled workers and were simply the victims of economic circumstances, versus under-performers. So what are some ways to overcome those perceptions of unemployment? Here are 5 tips to help get out from underneath employer bias against the unemployed: 1) Volunteer.  By volunteering in your target field, you can actually change your resume header for your employment section.  Instead, use RELEVANT HISTORY which does not explicitly state work which is a way to then include a new job record of your relevant volunteer experience. But make sure to actually indicate that you were a volunteer, such as Volunteer Office Manager.  You can include dates, and more importantly, ask to take on additional responsibilities or projects so you have ownership of outcomes that you can report back in your resume.  This can inject your career with some much-needed forward momentum, and remove employer doubts about your abilities and job knowledge, and help get you out of unemployment. 2) Network. Find out where these decision makers hang out, and insert yourself into those networking circles. If they get to know you personally, youll have a better chance of removing any walls of preconception that they might have about your unemployment circumstances. 3) Accept contract or temp work.  Some is always better than none, and while it might not be your ideal situation, sometimes, taking a long-term view of how an extended period of employment might have on your career prospects might mean taking on less-than-optimum positions. Just to keep ones hat in the proverbial ring. 4) Position yourself as a niche expert then propose a job.  If you do your research right and can uncover/identify a compelling need for a company to use your services, you can make them want to hire you badly enough that they will overlook any unemployment gaps. 5) Get to know people at your target company.  Erasing the cold unfamiliarity of applicants that know nothing about the company or have no internal connections can help unemployed job seekers catapult over what previously seemed to be unbridgeable gaps in work history.  If someone knows you and has rapport with you at your target company, they will be more likely to be motivated to act on your behalf. The more you can do to demonstrate activity in your career field during periods of extended unemployment, you can keep yourself in the game. The trick is to never stop moving the more active you are, the more momentum you have that propels you forward.

Life Balance - Hallie Crawford

The Modern Balancing Act Achieving Work/Life Balance Tired of teetering out of control? Do you feel overwhelmed by your work, home, and family responsibilities? Are you frequently stressed because you can’t get everything done? If your life seems like a circus: juggling work, home, and family responsibilities you’re not alone. Many people just like you feel like their life is leading them, instead of them leading a purpose-driven life and choosing where they spend their time. So, who’s running the show? Is it your smartphone, your laptop, your boss â€" or you? If your answer is something else than you it’s time to get back in the driver’s seat! Life balance is a buzzword these days for good reason. It’s a chronic issue that comes up in conversation because quite simply, life has become harder to manage. With email, smartphones, and everything else demanding our attention it’s no wonder we get bogged down in to-do lists and at the end of the day, we dont know where the time went. We’re expected to work faster and more efficiently, plus we’re more accessible than ever because of new technology that allows us to work or communicate from anywhere. Information comes at us faster than ever and this trend shows no sign of stopping. The problem with your life being out of balance is: You’re not focusing your attention and time where you want to, and not living the life you want to live. It feels like your life is on autopilot; like someone else is driving the bus and you are not in control. When you feel pressured to handle so many tasks and have so many demands on your time, you lose creative thinking and effectiveness â€" not to mention becoming physically exhausted. The flip side of this issue is we all want greater fulfillment in our lives and careers than ever before. It’s no longer acceptable to punch a time clock at the same job for our whole lives and wait until retirement to have fun. We want fulfillment and balance now. I’ve noticed through my career coaching practice that, while people are craving greater balance, they are having more trouble achieving it. So what can you do to create balance in your life today? Here are some tips: Step One: Make a list of the different areas of your life where you’re not spending as much time and energy as you’d like. For example, if you’ve lost touch with friends and family or aren’t connecting with them as frequently as you want to, put that down. Come up with at least three areas that need work in terms of your time and attention. In each of these three areas, identify one action step you can take in the next week to improve upon that area. Will you make a commitment to call one friend in the next week or spend time with at least one family member? Make the action step simple, realistic, and give yourself a deadline. Taking one step in each of these areas will create greater balance in your life. Continue to do this every week until you develop a habit of attending to the areas of your life that are important to you. Step Two: Learn to balance work and personal time. If work is one of those areas that’s taking over your life, try some of these techniques to better manage your work time and attention. Turn off your smartphone and/or email when you need focused time to work on a project. Set your email settings to only check emails when you press send/receive, not every time an email comes through. Some inboxes also have the option to pause your inbox until you are ready to see new emails.  Having the email buzz at you whenever you receive a new message is incredibly distracting. Turn off your voicemail or email chime on your phone. Make a commitment to only check your voicemail and email twice a day at certain times. Prioritize your tasks on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis. Consciously choose where you focus your time and energy. Plan ahead. When you know a big project is coming up, plan for how you need to spend your time and delegate other tasks as necessary. Don’t wait for crunch time to re-arrange your priorities. Set boundaries. For example, decide how late you are willing to stay at work each night and how frequently this will happen. Before you dive into a task, determine how much time you can and will spend on that task. Set a goal for yourself, you’ll be more likely to achieve it. Your action steps don’t have to be complicated; they simply require time for self-reflection and a true commitment to implement. When you create greater balance in your life you will experience greater fulfillment, effectiveness, and productivity. You will be less stressed and won’t get sick as often. And most importantly, you’ll be leading the life you want to lead! We hope this is helpful to you! The career coaches at HallieCrawford.com.