Thanks for all your help and advice that you gave me about writing my resume and preparing for an interview.  Because of you, I was able to professionally present myself to the company.  I studied the companies products and was able to talk to the hiring manager about them.  They were impressed. They hired me on the spot.  Thanks again.  C.R. July 10, 2010

The attendees were enthusiastic and had solid results with increased confidence, more interviews and job offers.Please invite me to teach the “Get Hired!” Workshop Series at:● Your Workplace… if employees are being laid off ● Employment Security Office ●  Place of Worship ●  High School ●  DSHS Office ●  DVR Office ●  Association Meeting ● Youth Group

I asked my  “Get Hired!” students  to answer this question…..“Was the material presented, applicable or useful to you?…this is what they wrote back:

“I have gotten a lot of interviews with the help.”

“Yes – provided vital information on what employers want.  In addition to looking at a new way to writing a resume.

“Everything was great, particularly ideas about resumes, online applications, interview skills assessment.”

“It gave me a template of things that have worked for me.”

“Where to find job definitions & how to answer “sticky” questions in interviews – every session had highly useful info.”

“…it’s very inspirational and keeps me focused.  I’ve kept the handouts close at hand, any questions I have they’re addressed.”

“Knowing what my goal is helps – & I Love the support…& learning new info and skills at the Get Hired Workshop.”

“Great “Nuts & Bolts” info plus a positive attitude!  All is good & when I am feeling a little stuck – the weekly group really helps!!!”

“Always beneficial!  Thank you!”  The stylized resume is great!

“Yes, great energy and invited class participation.”

“Great energy & great tools!”

“Crista was Full of good IDEAS and knowledge.  Have Received a Job offer and a Business Opportunity.  I got the Positive Energy Flowing.”

Now my comment:  ….there is a job for you in this economy, and a way to capture it.  If you are not living in the Seattle, WA area to attend a workshop, but would like my best guidance on how to acquire a job – select one of the Job Search Guides and put it to use.   A few changes in the way you are applying for jobs, the way you are interviewing and the way you are thinking…can make all the difference in your results.
My very best to you and make it a good week!  Crista

Dates:   August 12, 13 and 14  Time:  7pm – 8:30pm

What:   Free 3-Part Workshop Series for Parents and Teens

Location:  Body Song Conference Room / Seattle, WA

Bodysong Healing & Arts Center www.bodysongcommunity.com

943 N 89th St          Seattle, WA 98103          (206) 523-2313

Wednesday and Thursday August 12 and 13: “Resumes that = Interviews”.  You and your teen will create a resume, step-by-step.  This experience is a true confidence-building exercise that is pure gold.  The Workshop will help parents, also, in understanding the skills that their child innately possesses.  Your child’s unique skills are so important for her/him to talk about, embrace and clearly share with employers.  The Workshop reveals what your child will encounter  in the hiring process and how to present their abilities in their resume.

Friday August 14:  “Mining the Hidden Job Market”  7 to 8:30 PM

In the past, 80% of jobs were unadvertised.  This workshop will explore how to find hidden jobs in this economy.

Please sign up today.  Parents and teens …this one’s for you!

Reserve your seats!

by Calling: (425) 246-2235 or  (206) 523-2313

See you there  :  ) Crista

That could mean that you are thinking you are “too old”…

or

That could mean that you are thinking you are “too young”…

What is the truth – really – ?

Well, it’s true that employers will think that you are older, when they meet you…or younger, when they meet you.  That’s true.  And, here’s the bigger truth:

Employers will hire you because you have the skills they want. (Yesterday in the grocery store, I encountered a new employee…75 if she was a day…and what a smile.  Amazing smile.  Customer service was all over her.  75. )

Employers hire you because you have demonstrated an interest in them! You have done your research and can express to them how your skills will support their business growth, work culture, vision and future.

Employers hire you because you can get along with difficult employees and difficult customers…and you are not a pain in their backside…you contribute to a harmonious work team.

Employers hire because you know how to work. Either as an employee in the past – with consistent work history -  as a volunteer or intern contributor to events or projects -  or as a student in school who is working at getting an education.

Employers hire because you will take care of their customers,  ensure that they have a great experience and return to do more business.

Employers hire because references have said you do a good job.

As you read the list above…rank yourself.  If you have a problem in any of the areas above – seek guidance.  If you can’t solve problems in the workplace…learn how to do this now.  If you can’t find references that are current…find co-workers, or vendors from your last job that you know today…and get a reference from them.  If you have not been in the job market for a long time…look at your activities and pull out the skills you have been using advocating for elder parents, teaching children at home,  working in the rotary club…it all counts.

Your negative thoughts will create results and your positive thoughts will create results.  Solid results, either way.

Train your mind to cooperate with you.

Go forth and re-program!     :  )   Crista

If you are in this situation today…I’ve been there.   I understand what this feels like and the uncertainty of this circumstance.  There is a job search strategy that  worked for me.  If you reply, I’ll go into detail about it.  But here is the strategy:

Accept any job.  Accept anything.

At the same time, volunteer where you enjoy giving your energy and time, even a few hours per week.

Why accept any job?

Your next employer will need a current reference: When you are working – for anyone, you are demonstrating your ability to work:   it is the proof that you have a work ethic, a willingness to learn new things, a willingness to be supervised, human relations skills and customer service skills – your next employer needs to see this.

When you are offered an interview it is because you will have the skills to do the job…but the current  reference will tell the employer  today if you can cooperate with others, communicate with others, be on time, learn and provide customer service and have the confidence to do what is necessary.

You are generating some income, even if it is a small amount.  Get some money coming in to pay for some basics: food and living expenses. Takes a little of the pressure off.

Next:  Look at the volunteer organizations you’ve considered before.  Volunteer there now.  If you are receiving unemployment, this is a perfect time to volunteer, during job search.  Why?

Working professionals with a civic commitment always volunteer.  In the midst of projects, community events, fund-raising, they get to know their team…and networking naturally occurs.  People will learn that you are job searching and start to help you.  You will gain friends, some support and referrals in the process of volunteering.

In closing, you can follow through with everything I recommend above…but be unsuccessful IF you do not tell people you are looking for work.  You must seize the opportunity to explain your job goal, when you are asked.  Talk openly about your skills.

It’s not a weakness to be unemployed.  It is a circumstance.  Just is.  You are changing this.  People will respect that you are willing to work at any job.  So will your next employer.

Crista

Each area that I’ve listed is an industry with many clusters of jobs under its umbrella.  This creates jobs and meets a need for you or your community.

You many not be employed today, because you are not seeing the skills you have that make you employable, in one or more of these industries.

I would encourage you to try a 5 minute experiment that will not cost you a dime.  It will show you skills that you have…that you didn’t know about.  When you see your skills – you will change your mind about yourself.  Your resume will change, what you say in an interview will change…and what others’ think about your ability to help their business will change.  All because you understand your skills: what you have to offer.

Here’s the experiment:  Think of a title of a job that you want:  Paralegal, Marketing Manager, Cook, Nursing Assistant, TV Broadcaster, Farmer, Ecologist, Astronaut, Executive Director, Pre-School Teacher,  Geologist, Pilot…anything.

Next:  Go to Careerinfonet on the web.  Type Careerinfonet into your Address Box exactly as I have written this.   Click on Occupational Profile, Again Click on Occupational Profile and select an industry.  Find the job title in that industry – or enter it into the Search Box, if it is not on the list.  Select the state you live in.  A job description of your job will open up – with tons of information.    This final step is the gold mine:  read the “Tasks” list.  These are the skills for this job.

How many of these skills do you have now?  Do you have more skills than you thought you had?  Recognize the skills that you have.

You can recognize and offer  skills to an employer that you can perform today from the past:   from middle school and high school, volunteer work, employment, a family business, a project you were involved in, teaching yourself something new, or  college class/es.

The Task List in careerinfonet, will show you acquired skills that can employ you, that you’ve forgotten.

What if you read the Task List, and find that you only have a few of the skills – for the job that you want?  Build them now.  2-year Colleges will admit you to gain your  skills.   Education will pay off.  During the time you are building your skills to get your job…you have a choice to volunteer in your future job.  50% or more of volunteers or interns are offered jobs where they volunteer.  I experienced this in my career.

Understand the skills you have.  This can help you in getting work now.  You have  skills that are valuable to others.

- Crista  6/24/09 (Summer!)  ♥