Empowerment Notes: Growth Project

Ignore These 8 Job Hunt Resources at Your Own Risk

This is a post I wrote a few months ago for another blog I own.

There are some resources that are favored by some job hunters which are overlooked by others. Are you using all the resources available to you? It can only help. Here are 8 resources you can use in your job hunt.

 

• Local newspapers (online and offline) - look for news about new businesses opening or companies moving into your town.
• Forums - you can really utilize any forum to network and find out about available opportunities.
• Career websites - Yahoo! HotJobs, Monster.com, and Job.com are a few good choices.
• Job boards - Like career websites except more of a classified add type of site where jobs are posted with contact information. Craigslist is a good source.
• Job fairs - Monster has a great searchable directory for job fairs where you can meet employers      face to face.
• College notice boards - you can find great jobs along with other things that may interest you there
• Word of mouth - get the word out to all your friends and family regarding your job hunt. Some companies reward their employees for finding qualified candidates.

 

There are many other resources out there which should all be taken advantage of. I guess it just depends on how much you need a job.

How To Improve Your Public Speaking Skills

One of the most useful skills to have in business is the skill of public speaking.  Many people desire to be great speakers, but never have the opportunity.  Some people are fearful of speaking in front of a crowd while others simply need to learn.  The best way to learn as well as overcome your fear of public speaking is to take a public speaking class.  Many public speaking classes are offered and they can all be researched and found on the internet. 

Here are a few to get you started:

Dale Carnegie Training Institute - Public speaking training courses for those seeking individual attention, personal direction, and advice about your presentation style.

Public Speaking Training Institute - Public speaking training skills seminars across the US &  Canada. Overcome the fear of public speaking.

Toastmasters International - Non-profit organization developing public speaking and leadership skills through practice and feedback in local clubs since 1924.

When you do find one that may work out for you, it is critical that you go and sit in a class before joining.  This will allow you to get a good idea of what public speaking classes entail and how they are conducted.  Take some time to do some research and find the right public speaking class for you.

On Vox: I Am Back To Voxing

It has been a while but I am back on Vox.  I have decided to post articles and blog posts that have nothing to do with Empowerment Notes: Growth Project on Vox.  I guess I will log all the articles I like to read through my RSS Feeds there as well.  Take a moment to stop by.

Originally posted on jdlusan.vox.com

How To Be Productive At Work

Many of us who do not own businesses have no choice but to hold a job.  It is important to the wellbeing of us and our families.  If we do not work we may not eat.  It is how a majority of us feed our families.  Our focus should always be to do the best we can at our jobs.  Unfortunately, you would be surprised to know how many people don't do the jobs that they are paid to do.  I have seen people fast asleep at their desks.  I have also seen people take so many cigarette breaks such that smoking has allowed them a total of two lunch periods.

If we truly appreciate our jobs we will make the most of it.  We will increase our value at work if we become more productive.  Instead of focusing on how unproductive we are, here is how we can make a difference at work through being productive:

Get to work early.  It is great to get to work on time.  It is better to be early.  How great would it be for you to get to work even before your boss does?

Leave work late.  Now we don't need to do this all the time, but we should try to stay back late in order to get our work done.  Don't leave today's work for tomorrow.

Take on extra projects.  Does your company have a need that is not being met?  You try to meet it.  If put forth the effort and do not succeed, you may still be recognized for those efforts.  If you do succeed, however, you will be a star.

Stay healthy.  Productivity takes energy.  Find out the best way for you to increase your energy.  Eat well, exercise often, and get enough rest.

Be diligent.  Find out how you can get the job done faster.  This will allow you to get even more done.  If you are focused and you do not waver or find excuses to not do the work, you will get more done.  Create new ways of doing your job.

In our current economy we have to do what we must to maintain and even increase our worth at our jobs.  Too many of us are losing our jobs.  Some of us lose our jobs for reasons we can't control, but others of us lose our jobs because of irresponsibility and a lack of being productive.  Companies are in business to produce.  Are you on the team in aide of that productivity?

Chose Your Words Carefully

Be careful how you chose your words.  We are often unaware of just how much of a difference our words can make in the outcome of our life.

Sometimes holding your tongue in a difficult situation can be daunting.  There are times when I know I should "bite my tongue" and not say a word, yet it is as if my tongue is about to be bit right off.  It is a matter of self control and character I suppose.

It is good practice to make sure we understand the benefits as well as the repercussions of what is coming out of our mouth so we don't end up regretting what we say.  It is important to think before we speak.

In addition, we must be aware of how what we say will be interpreted.  This is a main component of our communication as we may think we are making sense while our audience may understand something contrary to what we intended.

Our tongue is a dangerous tool which can be used to build up as well as tear down.  It must be used with great diligence and skill.  Otherwise we risk living with the damage it has done.