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As a resource to all current and prospective students, Allied Schools, Inc. has developed this blog to bring relevant information into your lives. Use this blog as your "career guide," turning to Allied Schools Career News for industry updates, career trends, and job search advice. We thank you for visiting!
It may come as a surprise, but most small-business owners say that attitude is more important than a solid set of job skills when it comes to looking for new employees. They're not saying that they don't consider job skills important; however, first and foremost, they want their employees to have positive attitudes.
You can probably relate. Nobody wants to be around someone that is negative or complaining all of the time. This ideal incorporates into the workplace. A positive attitude fosters a positive work environment. An upbeat employee is more likely to be productive, motivated and well liked.
How can you project a positive attitude?
Put on a happy face - You can't help but feel good when you smile. It is also contagious. When you smile, your co-workers will smile and so on. There will be positive energy in the office.
Focus on the task at hand - Don't think about what went wrong yesterday. We all make mistakes. If you give your work 100% of your attention, you will have the concentration to do a good job.
Stop the complaining - We all experience things that we do not agree with or do not like. However, instead of lingering on the negative, choose to forget about it and move on. A positive front will go further to advance your career.
Create an inviting work space - You can create a positive work environment by keeping things organized. Clutter often leads to frustration and missed deadlines. Also, add a favorite photo or keepsake.
Keep a positive outlook - Look at each day as a new challenge. By focusing on the positive, you will be more likely to get excited about work. Think of all the possibilities the day has to offer.
A positive attitude is important, but it isn't everything. There are many qualities that add up to a successful employee. Remember to practice good work habits, follow directions, and use competent communication skills. It is also essential to dress suitably, use appropriate behavior, and demonstrate good job skills and knowledge of work operations.
Remember that a good attitude can get you ahead, while a bad one might stifle your chances for success.Labels: Career Builder, Career Guide, Job Success
The Internet seems to be everywhere. You shop for gifts online, download your favorite music online and communicate with friends online. What about finding a job online? It is estimated that as many as 70-80% of job vacancies are never advertised through traditional means. Posting your resume online can increase your exposure to potential employers.
When you post your resume online, you can use it to easily apply for jobs. Even if you're not actively looking for a new job, having a current resume online means employers looking to hire candidates can find you. You might find yourself faced with an exciting new opportunity.
It's usually very easy to post your resume online. Oftentimes it's just a matter of cutting and pasting your existing resume content onto a job search site. You can also create a resume from scratch. You will have the tools to create an effective resume and make the necessary changes to your resume as your job or experience changes. See how many times your resume has been searched and viewed!
Most job search sites will allow you to conduct a confidential job search. You can post a resume and market your skills and experience to employers, while withholding your identity. Those that are interested will still be able to contact you by email or phone in a confidential manner.
Tips for an Effective Online Job Search
- Search all job postings, even older ones - You might miss out on a job opportunity if you stick to only new postings.
- Don't search for a job while at work - Companies can monitor your activity.
- Don't just focus on big job boards - Keep in mind that smaller industry-specific sites can be helpful too.
- Don't submit your resume for more than one position with the same employer.
- Be patient.
The Internet provides job seekers with options. If you are in the job market, you should consider posting your resume. It gets your resume in front of potential employers and makes it easier to apply to a lot of jobs within your field. Labels: Career Builder, Resume
Career Guidance: Distance Education and You
You've decided that you want a change. Maybe you want to start a new career or advance your current situation. However, you might work, have family responsibilities, or live far away from a school. What do you do?
Distance education enables you to complete your coursework away from an actual school campus. Think of it as a virtual classroom. You independently prepare for a new career through online or traditional home study courses. This enables you to be in charge of your future, with the ability to make your own decisions regarding every aspect of your education.
In today's society, distance education is becoming a necessary alternative to traditional face-to-face instruction. With a greater percentage of students balancing academics, careers and families, there is a growing need for different educational methods.
Benefits of Distance Education
Distance education is on the rise. With availability, enrollment and course offerings dramatically increasing in the last decade, there is a greater need for quality home study programs. More individuals are taking advantage of the distance learning option.
It provides you with the following benefits:
- Flexible schedule - learn on your own time and at your own pace.
- Convenient setting - attend class from almost any location.
- Accessible materials - retrieve class materials at any time.
- Relevant content - gain real-world experience.
- Ease of use - easily access course materials.
- Work/family balance - keep your job and maintain the responsibilities in your life while you train.
Start your new future today. Enroll in a distance education program!Labels: Career Builder, Continuing Education, Distance Education
Career Guidance: Industries at a Glance
Be informed! It is important to do some research before you change jobs or embark on a new career. You don't want to choose a field that is shrinking, or pick a job that will be obsolete in a year. You need to plan ahead to ensure that you make an informed decision.
Choosing a career is one of the most important decisions that you will face. It affects almost every aspect of your life – financial, professional and even personal. So before you pick up the classifieds or search for job leads on the Internet, do your homework.
Consider -- Is there positive growth in the industry? Will there be opportunities in your field five years from now. Do you need formal training?
Take a look at some of the top-performing industries:
Medical - The medical industry is projected to have the strongest employment growth of any industry within the next decade. Continued advances in technology, as well as a growing population, will spur this growth and create opportunities for well-trained individuals. There will also be more opportunities to record, transcribe and manage data as older individuals require greater numbers of medical tests, treatments, and procedures. The number of group practices, clinics, and other health care facilities will increase at a steady rate.
Business - The business industry is projected to have stable growth over the next decade as it continues to expand and provide additional employment needs. Opportunities will be greatest for well-rounded individuals that possess knowledge of computer software applications and office machinery, and demonstrate solid communication skills. Employers will seek individuals that have the ability to perform multiple tasks. There will be an ample amount of full- and part-time jobs as well as temporary positions.
Real Estate - The real estate industry is projected to experience an increase in employment opportunities over the next decade as a growing population has a greater housing need. With a robust economy, individuals will be more likely to buy a new house, or invest money into a secondary residence. There will be a greater need for agents and brokers if low interest rates continue to spur market activity. Flexible work hours and high earnings potential will draw more people into this profession.
Information on career outlooks, wage data, industry forecasts and employment rates is readily available through the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
All of the programs offered by Allied Schools are within industries that have a positive career outlook. What does this mean for you? By enrolling in Allied, you get the skills and training to work in growing and profitable fields. Make the right choice!Labels: Business Career, Career Builder, Medical Career, Real Estate Career
Career Guidance: Seven Steps to Job Search Success
During the course of your job hunt, it's difficult not to get discouraged at some point, especially if you've been searching for longer than a few months. Sending out resumes by the truckload and going on countless interviews without any offers can take its toll. When it seems like nothing is working, here are a few steps you can take to get your stalled job search back on track!
Get Organized - Keep a record of your contacts, the companies you've sent your resume to, and notes from your interviews. Set aside an area at home and designate it as your Job Search Headquarters.
Re-Evaluate Your Resume and Cover Letter - If your resume isn't generating phone calls for interviews, then maybe something's wrong. Get an unbiased opinion. Have someone else check for typos and grammatical errors. Perhaps in your cover letter, you're not selling yourself enough. Take a long, hard look at what you send out to companies. First impressions count!
Find Quality Leads - Part of your frustration may stem from sending out too many resumes! Avoid the urge to send out a hundred "blind" resumes a week addressed to Whom It May Concern. Take the time to research the company - get the name of the hiring decision-maker and find out if there are job opportunities within the company. You'll get better results with 10 solid leads, rather than a hundred random resumes.
Practice Interviewing - Try a mock interview with a friend. Anticipate answering tough questions like the dreaded "Tell me about yourself."
Follow-Up - Always send a thank you note after the interview. If possible, call if you haven't heard from the interviewer. Let them know you're still interested in the position!
Do Something, Anything! - If you're unemployed, try temping or volunteering part-time. You can gain valuable experience working for temp agencies or non-profit organizations. Add it to your resume!
Maintain a Positive Attitude - This is by far the most important step. You've read those articles that tell you to "keep your chin up", but the bottom line is, most interviewers can smell desperation a mile away! If you walk into an interview thinking "they won't hire me", chances are you'll be right.Labels: Career Builder, Job Interviewing, Job Success
Career Guidance: The Four P's of Job Success Professionalism - Personality - Punctuality - People
People in the marketing field know the four P's of marketing: product, price, promotion and place. Today I share with you the four P's of job success. I'm sure it's not a surprise to anyone that a person's job success depends on many different factors. Some of these factors we cannot control, but many of them we can. If we have the ability to help ourselves and take charge in our career, why not do so?
Professionalism: Be proud of who you are and present that image to your employer.
During the initial interview, your interviewer will be looking for certain characteristics. He or she will note how you talk, how you hold yourself. Do you have a firm handshake or do you constantly avoid eye contact? These may be of little significance to you, but to a future employer these signs show who you are and what your work ethic is. Professionalism spans beyond the quality of work you produce. It plays an integral part in your interactions with other employees and customers. Remember, who would you want representing you?
Personality: Having a good personality doesn't mean we have to be the class clown or prom queen (or king).
Personality is your key to winning people over. Having a genuine love of people will help you build relationships with your customers and coworkers. Be kind, courteous, friendly, and patient with those around you. If you are a new hire at a company, don't walk into your workplace with an air of arrogance. Humble yourself in front of others and be willing to learn from those who have years of experience. Likewise, if you have been an employee of a company for many years, be willing to adjust to new people and new trends. No one likes to work with the office grump!
Punctuality:This is very simple.
No matter what your schedule is like, no matter how insignificant you think it might be, BE ON TIME. There is no excuse to be late. It looks bad and it shows a lack of respect for all parties involved.
People:Learn to like people even if you don't.
Nothing in this world can be achieved without the help of others. You will learn to depend on others in your personal and professional life, and every one of the P's mentioned in this article will assist you in working well with others. Starting a new job requires integrating your own personality with the personality of your coworkers. If you are still in the interviewing process, show your future employer that you appreciate the chance to work one-on-one with others. People skills sell! Labels: Career Builder, Career Guide, Job Success
Career Spotlight:Customer Service + You = Career Success!
Good customer service is necessary for business success. The way a business treats its customers directly affects its sales numbers and return business. Business owners and managers know the importance of customer service quite well and implement programs at every level of business to ensure customer satisfaction. This includes hiring employees who know the value of customer service and, more importantly, know how to properly deal with customers.
What is Customer Service? Customer service involves more than just smiling and greeting. It involves attention, concern, retention, assistance, and more. Most importantly, good customer service creates positive word-of-mouth. Having positive word-of-mouth from past customers is the best kind of promotion any company can have. That's why employers prefer to hire employees who have proven customer service skills, and can help create positive word-of-mouth for a company.Labels: Career Builder, Customer Service, word-of-mouth
Career Guidance: Don't Be a Character – HAVE Character
Have you ever heard the old adage: "Your word is all you have?" It's true. What good is anything we say or do if we don't have the trust and respect of others? Building character is like setting the foundation of a house; brick by brick we firmly plan ourselves in society, gaining the trust, respect, and responsibility we deserve. No matter what career we choose to embark upon, whether it's medical, real estate, or business, we need to present ourselves as stewards of society.
Recent ethical scandals have placed a black cloud over the business community. Shareholders and employees alike look to their management with skeptical eyes. We have been forced to think that all management is out for themselves. This is not true. For every bad corporate manager, there are a thousand great ones.
Present yourself to your future employer in the light that you would like to be seen in.
Interviewers are looking for ethical and responsible employees who take the welfare of their company and coworkers seriously. When in an interview don't act like a character and present yourself in a foolish manner; have character and prove to your interviewer that you are a highly ethical employee who follows the rules, takes the welfare of the company seriously, and is dedicated to being a good example for the team.
When you first introduce yourself to a manager be sure to look them straight in the eye and say hello. Thank them for the opportunity to interview with their company, and show them that you are a serious contender for the job. Take your interviewer seriously and they will take you seriously. When asked to explain who you are and what you do, tell them you are a highly ethical professional with experience and dedication in your field. Prove to them that you consistently present your team and managers with the highest level of integrity and believe that your professional standards are as high as your personal ones.
Character counts; build your career on a foundation of dignity and trust and it will last a lifetime.Labels: Career Builder, Career Guide, character
Career Guidance:
Networking is the key to success in a marketplace filled with new technology and ever-changing skills. Every job seeker needs to have a Rolodex of contacts they can turn to for ideas, references, and possible job leads. Studies have always shown that "knowing someone" is the key to getting that dream job. For many people networking is one of the most difficult tasks involved with job hunting. We like to stay in our comfort zone going out only for the occasional cup of coffee or lunch meeting. Sound familiar?
The staff at Allied Schools knows that our career training will give you the tools that you need to succeed! However, knowing the ABC's of networking will give you the upper hand:
A - APPRECIATION
Whenever you come into contact with a person who is willing to assist you, always show your deepest appreciation. People tend to help others only when they feel their efforts are being appreciated. In today's fast-paced impersonal world, a simple thank you note or gesture of gratitude goes a long way. No matter how technologically oriented our world gets, people still need people. Honing your people skills will give you the corporate edge. Appreciate others and they will in turn appreciate you!
B - BOLD
Don't be afraid to be bold. Get out there and shake a few hands. The only way people are going to know who you are is if you initiate contact with them. It can be intimidating; we've all gone through this. Getting out of your shell and being bold in your interactions with others will help you build a diverse and strong network of contacts. No matter how insignificant your relationship with a person may seem, you never know when the most basic of relationships will yield the richest of results. As the old adage goes, the squeaky wheel gets the attention.
C - CHARACTER
When you get right down to it, the only true asset any of us has is our word. Without our word we are nothing, and without character we cannot become a model for others. In the networking world, people recognize those that have character.
Now, that doesn't mean that you tell jokes or have the most "colorful" personality. Character means that you do what you say, and you mean what you say. Networking with people you cannot trust or depend on is a pointless endeavor. Your job as a job seeker is to make people know that you are a person of character. You are a person they can depend on, and you will stand true to your ideals!
Now that you have the ABC's of networking, start on your networking activities with confidence and a clear objective. Allied is here for you every step of the way giving you the tools and techniques that you need to succeed in the day and years ahead.
Labels: Career Builder, Career Counseling, Career Guide, networking
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