The John Tesh Blog

7 steps to take this month in your job search

Maybe it's a little extra income for the holidays you're looking for, or maybe you fell prey to an economic driven layoff from your old job. It might be a case of kids well on their own way, and you feel ready, at last, to re-enter the workforce. No matter where your job  search falls right now, though- here is a new month, full of possibilities, and 7 specific things you can do this month to get yourself back on your feet, from Jean Chatsky, career and money expert for Oprah.com.

Ask anyone with a great job how they got where they are, and you'll probably hear that they got very lucky. But successful job hunters make their own luck with hard work and lots of preparation. You can use the strategies below to make sure you've got the essential ingredients for a fruitful job search—a killer résumé and sharp interviewing skills. Looking to help your kids find a good summer job? We've got some advice for that, too, and now's the time to prepare for the end of the school year.

Create a Killer Résumé
Your résumé is your chance to make a great first impression. That single piece of paper (or, these days, that one e-mail attachment) will determine whether or not you get an interview. Dust off an old copy and add any new experience or skills that you've acquired since you last looked for a job. If you've been out of the workforce, consider adding any volunteer work you've done or classes you've taken that have helped you hone in on an existing skill or learn a new one.

Share a copy of your updated résumé with your friends and family, and get their input on how you can make it sharper and more compelling. Pay special attention to the questions they members ask. If you find you need to explain or amplify a certain item, it may mean it isn't as clearly written as it could be.

Practice Interviewing
You may think that the best interviewees think quickly on their feet and come up with smart, insightful answers (and they do), but for most of us, interviewing is like playing a musical instrument—it takes plenty of practice. Setting up informational interviews with former colleagues, acquaintances and friends of friends in industries you're interested in is a great way to polish your interviewing skills. So is role playing with friends.

Before you head into an interview, tell your family who you'll be interviewing with and what you know about them and the company they works for. Have members take turns asking you questions they think your potential new boss will have on their list. After you answer, ask for feedback on what you could have done better. By the time you get through that exercise, the actual interview will be a piece of cake!

Susan Strayer, a career coach and author of The Right Job, Right Now, suggests job hunters create an inventory of stories that they can rely on during an interview. Think of several successful projects you've completed, times you've taken an important role in your employer's success and praises you've received from bosses or clients, and be ready to briefly retell those experiences at the appropriate moment.

Help Your Child Get a Summer Job
If you have a high school or college-age child who's looking for summer work, he or she will need a sharp résumé and good interviewing skills. To help them find leads for great summer jobs, don't forget your local network of family members, friends and teachers, says Randall Hansen, founder of Quintcareers.com, a website for young job seekers. In addition, have  your child check out websites such as CoolWorks.com, SummerJobs.com and  ResortJobs.com, all of which list lots of temporary positions at resorts and summer camps throughout the country.

Create a Network
Think of your friends as an instant job-hunting network that can provide ideas, advice and contacts you need. Then, branch out to family and former colleagues, says Robin Ryan. Tell everyone you know you're on the hunt and ask them for names of acquaintances that might be able to help you. Go on as many informational interviews as you can possibly manage. True, there may be no openings, but you'll have made an in for when a position is available. The person you're interviewing with may very well know others in their industry that you should also talk to. Plus, you'll brush up your interviewing skills.

Target Your Search
Although it's tempting to answer dozens of want ads and send your résumé to everyone you know, the quality of your applications, not the quantity, is what will get you results, says Robin Ryan. "You can spend 20 or 25 hours a week looking for a job—after that you're wasting your time," she adds.

Determine the industries and businesses you're most interested in (and best qualified for) ahead of time and concentrate on those contacts and openings first. Remember, targeting also means adding a personal touch. Always send a well-tailored cover letter with your résumé—no form letters or mass mailings.

Use the Internet Wisely
Sites like Monster.com and CareerBuilder.com can give you a great sense of what types of openings are available and what kind of salary range you can expect. And, it certainly can't hurt to answer ads that appeal to you. But answering blind ads shouldn't be the bulk of your search, says Susan Strayer. So often you hear nothing back. Posting your résumé on these sites can also be a waste of time. Better to look for openings on the websites of companies and industry associations that you're interested in.

Be Patient

It generally takes three to six months for people to find a job, says Robin Ryan. The wait can be frustrating, but the process gives you a chance to really evaluate what kind of job is right for you. Devote yourself to this process as though it is your full time job; find a way to network (which might mean finding a way to volunteer your way into networking, temporarily); rest, and treat yourself to some daily exercise (since you do have, for the time being- the time to give to it.

And- have a wonderful Monday; welcome to November!

John

Email John:  johnsblog@teshmedia.com

Check out the new John Tesh Social Network. You can connect with new friends, post your own blog, visit various forums, upload your favorite John Tesh music and share your photos.  To learn more about how to join, click here.

Flu season DON'Ts, and some delicious DOs, too!

Flu season isn't just looming...it's here, and all the headlines are screaming about swine flu – or H1N1. In fact, experts say it could get worse very soon- they're looking for spread of the virus to peak in the next 2-3 weeks- then shortly after, it'll be full steam ahead with seasonal colds and flu. So, here are the flu-season DON’Ts you need to know, courtesy of WebMD:

• DON’T expect a regular seasonal flu vaccine to protect against swine flu. Scientists are hard at work on a separate vaccine. You’ll want to get that when it’s available, but also, you need to get vaccinated against regular flu, which kills about 40,000 people in North America each year.
• DON’T count on a face mask to prevent swine flu. According to the Centers for Disease Control, masks aren’t effective against transmitting viruses - so they won’t help you avoid catching the illness. The CDC does recommend wearing a facemask to avoid spreading germs if you’ll be in close contact with other people. Also, if you wear a facemask, don’t reuse it. Wear it once and then throw it out.
• DON’T hold or attend a swine flu party. At these so-called “parties,” the guest of honor has the H1N1 virus. The supposed logic behind this idea is for everyone to catch the virus so they’ll build up immunity to it. It’s a bad idea, because there’s no way to know whether the swine flu will be serious or fatal to anyone at the party, or anyone they infect. So DON’T intentionally spread the virus.
• DON’T leave home if you’ve got flu-like symptoms. Fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, fatigue, chills, headache, and vomiting could all be symptoms of H1N1. So stay home, and avoid infecting others. The CDC recommends waiting at least 24 hours after your fever breaks.

Like we’ve talked about before here,, the best way to avoid catching the flu this season is to wash your hands (use hand sanitizer when you're unable to lather up), and get a regular-season flu shot. 

But did you know how much you can bolster your body's first line of defense- your immune system- to fight those viruses, including H1N1 swine flu? Great DO advice from AOL Health- it's simply adding certain foods to your diet:

"We're not sure of all the reasons why our bodies break down, but we do know that food can absolutely help to build us up," says Bonnie Taub-Dix, R.D., spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association and weight-loss expert in New York City. "It's so important to prevent illness to begin with by getting enough rest, exercising regularly, following a healthy diet and not skipping meals. These are sure-fire ways to help boost your immune system," she says.

"There's no single food that will do the trick," she says. "Variety is important." Here, Taub-Dix's top foods for flu season.

Garlic
Chopping garlic releases allicin, a sulfer-containing compound that houses a potent antioxidant, says Taub-Dix. "Antioxidants protect cells from free radicals that can damage them, making it harder for cells to fight disease," says Taub-Dix, who suggests adding fresh garlic to sautéed vegetables.

Yogurt and Kefir
Embracing certain kinds of bacteria can actually help your immune system. Yogurt (look for cartons that say they contain "live, active cultures") and kefir, a fermented milk drink made with kefir grains, all have probiotics or "good" bacteria.

In a recent study, probiotic bacteria was actually found to increase the body's immune response to viruses that cause common infections like colds and flus by boosting T-cell production. Yogurt is also high in vitamin D, says Taub-Dix. A separate study found low levels of vitamin D to be associated with a heightened risk for respiratory infections like the flu.

Brazil Nuts
These large nuts are rich in zinc, a mineral known to improve the number of infection-fighting T-cells that also has antioxidant properties. Zinc deficiency has been linked to decreased response to vaccination and impaired immune cell function, especially in the elderly. But don't overdo it: A few of these provide enough zinc for the day, according to Taub-Dix.

Tea
Tea is rich in polyphenols, chemicals found in plant foods that act like antioxidants to protect cells. And while green and white teas are particularly potent, all teas will have some benefit, says Taub-Dix. 

Lean Protein
"Protein is important for tissue repair," says Taub-Dix, who recommends proteins like white meat chicken, low-fat cheese or cottage cheese. Low amounts of protein have also been found to impair the immune system and have negative effects on T-cells.

Citrus Fruits
No surprise here. Taub-Dix recommends pink grapefruits, oranges and mangoes, which are all rich in the antioxidant vitamin C, something our bodies don't produce or store on their own. And says Taub-Dix, "Studies have shown it can decrease the duration of a cold or flu-like symptoms."

If you do begin experiencing flu-like symptoms see your doctor. "Even though I believe that eating these foods regularly can help you stay healthy, they're not a substitute for seeing your health care provider for proper medication when needed," Taub-Dix says.

Arm yourself now with some of this stuff- and with a vaccine (get it?)- it's gonna be a battle, and YOU'RE going to beat the flu this year!

John

Email John:  johnsblog@teshmedia.com

Check out the new John Tesh Social Network. You can connect with new friends, post your own blog, visit various forums, upload your favorite John Tesh music and share your photos.  To learn more about how to join, click here.

Tweet, tweet. Sounds pretty harmless...but maybe not.

It's advice we've been getting much more of in the last decade- be careful what you send in an email. But today's advice has basically foregone email- now we're told to watch our tweets! Even President Obama cautioned students to be careful what they post on Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, and any other social networking site. WalletPop and personal finance experts Ken and Daria Dolan report how social media can be costly to you in ways you may not have realized.

Lawyers Love Facebook

Are you about to be involved in a divorce or taken to court? You may want clean up your Facebook page.

Lawyers and private investigators routinely troll social media sites as part of their research for any case. Such sites are a treasure trove of evidence, especially when they are looking to:

Hunt down alimony. An ex-husband says he can’t afford alimony but tweets about his new job or raise or his brand new car.

Collect evidence for a custody case. A women fighting for full custody of her children claims she doesn’t drink or smoke, yet posts a picture of her smoking at a bar on her Facebook page.

Prove harassment or fraud. Copies of nasty or threatening messages left on an ex-boyfriend’s Facebook page make great evidence.

Your Resume Isn’t the Only Thing Employers Scrutinize. A recent study by Harris Interactive found that 45% of the employers they questioned are using social networks to check out job candidates before hiring them. That’s a pretty significant percentage. But here’s an even more surprising number: 35% of those employers decided not to offer a candidate a job because of what they found on an applicant’s social networking page.

Bad-mouthing your last boss online? Posting questionable pictures? If you are on the job hunt, be sure to review your pages and profiles and make sure there isn’t anything there that can cost you a job.

Burglars Are Fond of Your Constant Updates. Would you stand up in the middle of a crowd of strangers and announce that you’re leaving on vacation for three days and then tell everyone your address? Of course not, but that’s exactly what you are doing if you share such information online.

Burglars are now using Twitter to find victims. One Arizona man tweeted to 2,000 followers that he was heading out of town and came home to find someone had broken in and stolen thousands of dollars worth of video equipment he used for his business.

Even saying you are running to the mall, going out to dinner, etc. is too much information.

Prepare for Bigger Insurance Premiums. A leading insurer in England warns that social media users could face higher insurance premiums because of the added risk they face from burglary.

Legal & General insurance believes that burglars use social media sites to “shop” for victims. Posting photos of your home enables burglars to know whether you have any security features or what you own that’s worth stealing. Plus, your posts reveal other details, such as whether or not you have a dog to fend off intruders or if you constantly let people know when you’re out of town, that can affect the chances of you filing a claim.

Teenagers are especially likely to reveal personal information, leading the insurer to warn parents that they could face higher homeowner’s insurance premiums if their children are online.

Tweets Can Get You Fired. A waiter in Beverly Hills was fired recently for one of his Twitter updates (called Tweets) about an actress, who the waiter claimed skipped out on her bill and didn't leave him a tip. He said her agent later paid her bill. The waiter was fired two weeks later.

That may seem like an extreme case, but people have been fired for blogging about work, blogging while at work, even for calling in sick and then posting on Facebook. One woman was fired for badmouthing the boss on Facebook because she forgot she had “friended” her boss and he could see everything she was saying. Oops.

If you are using any social network, assume your boss is watching everything you say and do!

Social Networkers Are an Identity Thief’s Dream. Social networking is a dream come true for identity thieves -- millions of people sharing endless amounts of personal information right out in the open. According to PC World, 33% of social network users have at least three pieces of information posted that could lead to identity theft.

Think about the types of things people share on social media sites…their birthday, address, kid’s names, pet’s names, mother’s maiden name, previous address, where you went to school. Besides being used to steal your identity, this information can also give thieves the answers to some of the most common security or password questions used on your personal accounts.

Yes, social networking is about sharing, but that doesn’t mean you can blindly violate basic rules that help protect you from ID theft.

Let’s Go Phishing on Twitter. Just last week, Twitter users were the target of a huge phishing scam. Scammers sent direct messages (DMs) or Tweets that included a generic message such as “You’re on this video” or “I think I see you here” in order to get people to click on a link.

The link took those who clicked on it to a fake Twitter page that asked them to log in with their username and password …which the scammer then used to hijack the victim’s account.

Twitter Can Be Infectious. Fake Twitter profiles have been used to spread malicious software (known as malware).

To lure in victims, scammers use fake celebrity profiles or news about celebrities. The posts look legit, but infect your computer with malware that lets the scammer use your computer to send spam, install spyware, steal your identity or launch attacks on other computers.

The IRS Wants to “Friend” You. As state budget get increasingly pinched, internal revenue agents are getting more aggressive in their pursuit of tax revenue. In fact, some states are even using information posted on sites like Facebook and MySpace to track down tax dodgers and dig for unreported income.

In Minnesota, tax agents reportedly levied back taxes on a long-time tax evader after he announced on his MySpace page that he was moving back into the state and would be working as a real estate broker. While the IRS refuses to say whether or not they are using social media to find tax evaders, it’s best to assume that they’re watching everything you post. Makes you want to be a little more careful the next time a stranger asks to “friend” you, doesn’t it?

Let's finish with a few "rules of the social media road":

• Be choosy about your friends.
• Don't tell strangers no one's home.
• Don't tell strangers your name of address.
• Don't accept gifts from strangers- or the links you need to click to accept the gift.
• Put yourself in someone else's shoes- the someone who may have an ulterior motive.
• Lock the door behind you- review and/or activate security settings for your account that most social media have in place.
• You don’t need to quit Twitter or Facebook now that you know about the dark side of social media. Just think...before you tweet.

John

Email John:  johnsblog@teshmedia.com

Check out the new John Tesh Social Network. You can connect with new friends, post your own blog, visit various forums, upload your favorite John Tesh music and share your photos.  To learn more about how to join, click here.

Is honesty the best policy- when it comes to making a mistake at work?

Uh-oh. Friday afternoon came, and you realized- too late- an important piece of information that should have been included in a report that your boss is giving today. Wow- what to do? Well, first, take a deep breath. And read on- this is just a terrific, look-you-straight-in-the-eye set of guidelines if you've...screwed up by Eve Tahmincioglu, who writes a weekly career column for MSNBC.com.

If the captain of the Titanic had not gone down with the ship, would he have blamed the iceberg for the disaster?

Probably not, because it would have been considered "dishonorable" for a longtime veteran of the sea like Capt. Edward John Smith to throw off the blame, says Carol Tavris, a social psychologist and co-author of "Mistakes Were Made (But Not by Me): Why We Justify Foolish Beliefs, Bad Decisions, and Hurtful Acts."

But today, she adds, accepting responsibility for our mistakes has become passé in politics, finance and the workplace in general.

Just look at the financial sector's collapse: too few have lined up to take the fall for Wall Street's fall.

Richard Fuld, a veteran of 158-year-old Lehman Bros., was CEO when the company collapsed in spectacular fashion in September 2008. He testified before Congress recently and blamed the implosion on everything from short selling to the government. He maintained that his decisions and actions as the leader of the firm "were both prudent and appropriate."

So what does a high-ranking CEO, or even a  rank-and-file employee gain by admitting a mistake and taking the blame? Depends.

Should you fess up or deny?
On the surface, it seems Fuld has little to lose, since he is walking away with nearly $500 million in compensation earned during his tenure at the company.

That said, there could be a hidden cost to admitting any error.

"What do we think of CEOs hiding from responsibility?" asks Angie Morgan, co-author of "Leading From the Front: No-Excuse Leadership Tactics for Women."

"Their personal integrity has gone away," she said. "Respect is the ultimate reward you can get as a leader."

In general, does it help or hinder a career to admit mistakes and take the blame? Should you fess up -- or deny, deny, deny?

There is no easy answer to these questions, experts say. It all depends on a number of factors:

·  The gravity of the mistake you made.

·  How you approach fixing or resolving the mistake.

·  And most importantly, how understanding your managers are when it comes to screw-ups.

When Morgan was an officer in the Marine Corps deployed in Australia, she made some mistakes.

On one occasion, she sent two Marines under her command into the Outback without radios or any communications tools. When they didn't return that evening, she realized their lives could be on the line.

She immediately told her commanding officer her mistake.

"He then relayed the news via radio to units in the Outback, trying to locate the last unit that came in contact with my Marines. He utilized his communication channels to get a sense of where they were last seen, which allowed him to send out Humvees in those areas to try and locate them," she recalls. "His actions were immediate."

After the Marines were found, she adds, she and her commanding officer "discussed my role in the situation and what I should have done to ensure that the situation never had occurred in the first place."

Morgan learned a valuable lesson.

"When you acknowledge mistakes, you can start looking for solutions," Morgan says.

Lin Grensing-Pophal, an HR management expert, recalls one of her past employees who made a big blunder.

The employee, a copywriter, worked on a major direct-mail initiative for Grensing-Pophal that involved more than 250,000 mailers to promote a bankruptcy book to lawyers.

"I was sitting in my office one day when she came in with a copy of the brochure and announced: 'I've made a very big mistake.' She then proceeded to tell me that instead of listing the book price as $265.00 it was printed as $26.50."

But the employee already had an action plan. "She had looked into a couple of alternatives for correcting the error. We could reprint at a cost of X, or she had found a service that would affix stickers over the price to correct at a cost of X. She offered to have the cost of correcting the error taken out of her salary," she explains, adding that the company did not dock her pay.

Three things that impressed Grensing-Pophal:

·  "She immediately came to me to admit her mistake."

·  "In reality, this mistake was owned by several people. She was the copywriter, but the proofing process we had in place involved the product manager as well as a proofreader. She didn't even bring them into the picture -- she took full responsibility."

·  "She came in with a solution in hand. She didn't just dump the problem on me."

Grensing-Pophal says that ever since, she's tried to use this same approach whenever she, herself, makes a mistake,and sees such times not as opportunities to criticize or place blame, but truly, to learn and improve."

Learning from a mistake
That's something children are supposedly taught from a young age -- how it's important to learn from your mistakes. But too many times, rather than hearing what they should do, children see a very different story when it comes to the adults in their lives screwing up, says "Mistakes" author Tavris. The message that becomes apparent to children is that making mistakes translates to stupidity or incompetence.

That is the wrong approach, she says. "People who are able to admit mistakes don't see those mistakes as a reflection on their own character and ability," she says.

The ability to admit a mistake may also depend on your own conscience, adds Paul Facella, CEO of consulting firm Inside Management.

"I think it depends on your own tolerance. If you can live with yourself and sleep at night knowing you made a mistake, more power to you," he says. "I would be waiting every day with bated breath wondering when the ax was going to fall."

Facella, who is also the author of "Everything I Know About Business I Learned at McDonald's," says he was lucky enough to work in an environment as an executive at the fast-food chain that made employees "comfortable" about admitting mistakes.

"In most situations, if people are honest and explain what they did, and it had no true malicious intent, then most organizations will acquiesce and like that," he says.

It's all about weighing the consequences. "You can't be stupid about this," he advises. "If it was an honest mistake and your appetite for holding something like that back is not strong, I would go with your gut, pick a time and place, and explain it to your managers."

Legal implications
Part of the issue today when it comes to accepting blame, he continues, is the legal implication of doing so, which could mean everything from a loss of bonuses or even jail time.

Tavris believes the fear that you'll be fired or derail your whole career for telling the truth, however, is overblown.

"If you are a good employee, hard-working and care about the quality of your work, and make a rare mistake, then I think admitting it is the best thing to do," she says, so long as you offer corrective measures when you disclose the fumble.

And accepting blame may actually help your career.

"People like working for someone they can trust," Simons says. "And if you have an employee who tells you they screwed up, then you know you can trust them."

There's a payoff on both sides, he says. But, he stresses, "It's naïve to say telling the truth will always serve you well. You have to be able to read if those around you, and the company you work for, are worthy of the truth."

And if there's a young person looking to you for lessons on how to handle mistakes, you'll find that you become worthy of the influence you have, and really, mean what you say. Welcome to a new- honest- week!

John

Email John:  johnsblog@teshmedia.com

Check out the new John Tesh Social Network. You can connect with new friends, post your own blog, visit various forums, upload your favorite John Tesh music and share your photos.  To learn more about how to join, click here.

Finding the right job for you

Are you telling yourself that a job just doesn't exist for you right now- you've been trying, for crying out loud, and nothing. Zip. But deep down inside, you know you have to keep  trying to find work, right? You, my employment seeking friend, may be suffering from many serious blows to your professional esteem. Jean Chatzky is a regular contributor to O Magazine, and introduces some pretty probing questions to ask yourself if you're struggling to land a job that's right for your life. Use the questions to get insights into your fears and anxieties about job hunting so you can help yourself get over them.

1. How do you feel about job hunting? Do you love the thrill of the hunt, or do you simply dread the whole idea?

2. How did you feel in the past when you didn't get a job you really wanted? How did you feel when you turned down a job offer? (Jean Chatzky's take: The rejection involved in a job hunt can be devastating. And sometimes getting a job offer that's not right for you and having the courage to turn it down can be just as excruciating. Try not to let past experiences cloud your outlook for the future. That was then and this is a whole new you.)

3. If you're not currently employed, how long have you been out of the workforce? What skills and talents can you bring to your search from the non-work activities you've been doing?

4. What's your definition of a dream job? (For Jean, she says it's a position that pushes her to stretch to be her best while still offering enough flexibility to spend time with her kids. She fully acknowledges that sounds impossible! But Chatzky challenges that you'll never know what you can get unless you ask. When she was hired for a staff position on a large personal finance magazine, her kids were young and there was no way she could stick around the office for late-night closes. But her bosses set her up with a computer at home so she could close pages after the kids went to bed- a deal Chatzky believes she never would have gotten if she hadn't asked.)

5. What skills do you have to offer? What weaknesses do you have to work on?

6. Have you ever been fired? How will that experience affect this job search?

7. What's your biggest fear/anxiety about re-entering the workforce/getting a new job? What strategies can you use to overcome these fears?

9. What type of new job will best help you achieve your financial goals?

10. Who might be able to help you with your search? What's the best way for you to expand your job-hunting network? 

Ask, answer, and be honest...if only with yourself. Coming to terms with some issues at work in your heart and mind could be the first big break you need...great job, next.

John

Email John:  johnsblog@teshmedia.com

Check out the new John Tesh Social Network. You can connect with new friends, post your own blog, visit various forums, upload your favorite John Tesh music and share your photos.  To learn more about how to join, click here.

Keep your job search UP, in an economy that's DOWN.

Remember back when you were still in school? Your career? Well, easy enough- there's a job just about anywhere you looked! And if, for whatever reason, you didn't like the job; they didn't like you...whatever (say, that can be a really annoying word)- there's always another one around the corner, right? Hmm...not so much the case in the last couple of years, is it?

If you're searching for a job when the economy is down, understand that you need to boost your job-hunting skills, author Richard Bolles says. "Jobs do open up; jobs do fall vacant—maybe not in your former specialty, maybe not even in your geographical area, but nonetheless there are jobs out there, even during hard times," he says. "It just takes greater job-hunting skills to find them."

Richard, author of What Color Is Your Parachute? 2009: A Practical Manual for Job-Hunters and Career-Changers, shares advice on how to search for a job and have a good interview when economic times are tough.

To develop better job-hunting skills, start by assuming that the task of finding a new job is yours, Richard says. "You are in charge," he says. "Don't wait for the government—or anyone else—to come and save you."

Have the willingness to work hard at your job hunt. "Don't just give it 'a lick and a promise' and then give up," Richard says. "Working hard means putting in time—lots of time. This also means using more than one job-hunting method to find those jobs that are out there."

Take the time to do an inventory on yourself, Richard says. Make a list of what you have to offer to the marketplace. If you think you know yourself so well that you don't need to do this kind of homework on yourself, think again, he says.

Update your knowledge. "Go beyond what you learned about the job hunt back in high school or, worse, out 'on the street,'" Richard says. "The job hunt is one of the most studied human activities there is. You've just got to familiarize yourself with that research. The life you save will be your own."

Research the specific position. If you do this before you go on the interview, you'll be able to talk about why the job interests you, Richard says. Also, ask about what kinds of skills the job demands. Try to talk about how you have those skills and experience. "In the old days, it was sufficient for you just to claim certain skills; now, in what are called 'behavioral interviews,' employers want you to give evidence," Richard says. "You should do this in the form of a story, or stories, which have the framework: problem, action, results."

Gauge how well the interview is going. You can tell if an interview is going well by watching the time sequence of the employer's questions, Richard says. If the interviewer's questions stay rooted in the past, like "Tell me what you've done," then things have not gone well, he says. If the questions end up being mostly rooted in the present, for example, "What are your favorite hobbies," things are going better, Richard says. Only when they end up being firmly rooted in the future, like, "Where do you see yourself five years from now?" can you assume the interview is going very well, he says.

End the interview appropriately. If you decide you're definitely interested in the job and the interview has gone well, Richard says to end the interview by asking, "Based on all that we've talked about, can you offer me this job?" "The worst they can say is 'No' or 'Not yet,'" he says. "But it's amazing how often that closing question of yours turns the interviewer from 'I'll call you next week' to 'Yes, I do want to offer it to you—when could you start?'"

So when can you start...with a refreshed and positive look toward the job you want? Today? Absolutely. Enjoy your weekend-

John

Email John:  johnsblog@teshmedia.com

Check out the new John Tesh Social Network. You can connect with new friends, post your own blog, visit various forums, upload your favorite John Tesh music and share your photos.  To learn more about how to join, click here.

Feeling a little too crowded in "your space"?

Feel like you're running out of space for all your stuff? LifeOrganizers.com is behind these 10 simple ideas for using your space more effectively. 

1. INSUFFICIENT OR INEFFECTIVE? Do you have insufficient storage space or ineffective storage space? There's a big difference. Insufficient storage space means you don't have enough space for your things. Ineffective space means you have enough space for your  things, but you're not making the best use of that space. Most closets and cabinets have the volume to hold twice as much as they are usually constructed for. And you probably have quite a few nooks and crannies for storage that you haven't even thought of. Of course, it's important to make sure you don't have things you don't like, things that are outdated, things you could be donating- but it is also important to have effective storage space for the things you do like and enjoy.

2. ADD-A-ROD. Looking for extra storage space in your closet? If you have the type of closet with two+ walls for hanging clothes, on one wall hang a rod at head height for long clothing (dresses, pants, etc.). On the other wall, hang two rods- one above the other- for shorter clothing (shirts, skirts, blazers, etc.) In other words, you're not restricted to only one clothing rod.

3. INSTALL SHELVES. Most shelves can be moved up-a-notch or down-a-notch. If you have three inches of space above your linens, you may consider adjusting the shelf so the shelf below it has more space. Or, perhaps you can add another shelf in between. Plastic, multiple level shelves are wonderful for kitchen cabinets. And corner shelves are great for picture frames, knick knacks and other small treasures.

4. USE STORAGE UNITS. Storage units, which can be picked up from housewares or hardware stores, are great space savers. Your spices can be removed from drawers and placed on a spice rack. There are racks for canned goods that, when a can is taken from it, the next can in line rolls forward. Some of these hold over 40 cans! Ice cube trays are inexpensive storage containers for smaller items such as earrings. There are coffee tables on the market with storage space hidden inside. Under bed containers are perfect for storing quilts and linens. Be creative and make use of these great tools!

5. DON'T FORGET ABOUT WALL SPACE. Look around and you're sure to find quite a bit of empty wall space. There are many uses for this new-found space. Pots and pans can be taken out of cabinets and hung on walls. Tools can be placed on peg boards. Shelves can be installed for picture frames and knick knacks. Many stores now carry corner shelves that can be installed in a snap.

6. PUT FREQUENTLY USED ITEMS WITHIN ARMS REACH. Whenever possible, store regularly used items where you use them most. You can, pretty easily, create a toilet paper holder on, say, the back of a bathroom cabinet door with just a small dowel, 2 nails and 2 loops of rope. It holds three rolls of toilet paper, and it's right near the area it's needed most. You shouldn't have to walk from one room to another to retrieve items you use every day. Store linens in the bedroom. Store videos near the television. If you use the scissors in the office area and in the sewing room, have two pairs of scissors, one in each room.

7. ADD-A-DRAWER OR SLIDING SHELF. Many hardware and housewares stores carry drawers that can be installed underneath a cabinet. These are great if you have a home with limited drawer space. In addition, you can also install shelves under cabinets that slide out when you need them, and slide back in when you're finished with them.

8. KEEP YOUR DESK CLEAR. A clear desk is directly related to your productivity. You will get more done, if you're not constantly under a pile of papers and files. A sturdy, full-suspension filing cabinet is a must for any home or office. Portable file boxes that hold hanging file folders also come in handy. There are plenty of storage choices for CD-roms and diskettes. Desk supplies belong in an on-the-desk caddy or in trays inside your desk.

9. REARRANGE. Everyone is different, and has different needs. Make your home or office work for you. What if you, for example, have a dining room that you never use- even when you have company over? Maybe your friends and family gather, typically, in a large and inviting kitchen you do have, so you'll not ever be likely to start using your dining room. Next, maybe you've got your home office trapped down in your dark basement.  Starting to see the connection here? Rearrangement, my friend, is in order here, to turn that dining room into your new office. Using all your space efficiently requires new thinking about your surroundings to make them work for you, even if they seem a little out of the ordinary.

10. ROTATE. You may have many items you love in your home or office, but not enough space. Rotate them. In other words, keep some things in storage for a month or two and display some of your things. Then, once that time is up, make the switch. The items on display go into storage; the items in storage go on display.  You use all your things- just not all at once- pretty neat idea!

And the neatest thing?  A newly efficient space that makes you feel good, and that makes you, and your family, work more efficiently all the way around!

John

Email John:  johnsblog@teshmedia.com

Check out the new John Tesh Social Network. You can connect with new friends, post your own blog, visit various forums, upload your favorite John Tesh music and share your photos.  To learn more about how to join, click here.

Labor Day- facts to share

Today is Labor Day.  It's a day to commemorate an end of Summer, a beginning of another school year, and if you've got a parade, a picnic or a festival lined up today- Hooray!  It is, also, a national holiday to celebrate the American worker.  Today's celebration of Labor Day is, no doubt, ironic for some; frustrating for many.  For millions, it's a day just like any other, with no job from which to receive this paid holiday, and few opportunities looming on the horizon.  Indeed, countless workers today, while grateful for the job they have, still suffer stress and worry about the security of their employment.  No one is unaware of the challenging times our country is facing, from the burst of the housing bubble to an economic turndown that has seen a jobless rate nearing 10%.  Fifteen million Americans are without jobs, and employment forecasters don't see a quick return to previous employment levels for several years to come, though our economy is showing signs of a slow repair.  Wow.  What's to celebrate?  Plenty.  We are a country created and supported by visionary leaders and citizens, and a country populated today by people who still believe in, and work to maintain, those core principles.  This Labor Day may hold its share of irony, but I want to put my hope in a future where there is great reason for all to celebrate "the American worker" in years to come. 

So how, exactly, did we see the beginning of Labor Day?  The U.S. Department of Labor provides this history:

Labor Day: How it Came About; What it Means

Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.

Founder of Labor Day

More than 100 years after the first Labor Day observance, there is still some doubt as to who first proposed the holiday for workers.

Some records show that Peter J. McGuire, general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners and a cofounder of the American Federation of Labor, was first in suggesting a day to honor those "who from rude nature have delved and carved all the grandeur we behold."

But Peter McGuire's place in Labor Day history has not gone unchallenged. Many believe that Matthew Maguire, a machinist, not Peter McGuire, founded the holiday. Recent research seems to support the contention that Matthew Maguire, later the secretary of Local 344 of the International Association of Machinists in Paterson, N.J., proposed the holiday in 1882 while serving as secretary of the Central Labor Union in New York. What is clear is that the Central Labor Union adopted a Labor Day proposal and appointed a committee to plan a demonstration and picnic.

The First Labor Day

The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City, in accordance with the plans of the Central Labor Union. The Central Labor Union held its second Labor Day holiday just a year later, on September 5, 1883.

In 1884 the first Monday in September was selected as the holiday, as originally proposed, and the Central Labor Union urged similar organizations in other cities to follow the example of New York and celebrate a "workingmen's holiday" on that date. The idea spread with the growth of labor organizations, and in 1885 Labor Day was celebrated in many industrial centers of the country.

Labor Day Legislation

Through the years the nation gave increasing emphasis to Labor Day. The first governmental recognition came through municipal ordinances passed during 1885 and 1886. From them developed the movement to secure state legislation. The first state bill was introduced into the New York legislature, but the first to become law was passed by Oregon on February 21, 1887. During the year four more states — Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York — created the Labor Day holiday by legislative enactment. By the end of the decade Connecticut, Nebraska, and Pennsylvania had followed suit. By 1894, 23 other states had adopted the holiday in honor of workers, and on June 28 of that year, Congress passed an act making the first Monday in September of each year a legal holiday in the District of Columbia and the territories.

A Nationwide Holiday

The form that the observance and celebration of Labor Day should take were outlined in the first proposal of the holiday — a street parade to exhibit to the public "the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations" of the community, followed by a festival for the recreation and amusement of the workers and their families. This became the pattern for the celebrations of Labor Day. Speeches by prominent men and women were introduced later, as more emphasis was placed upon the economic and civic significance of the holiday. Still later, by a resolution of the American Federation of Labor convention of 1909, the Sunday preceding Labor Day was adopted as Labor Sunday and dedicated to the spiritual and educational aspects of the labor movement.

The character of the Labor Day celebration has undergone a change in recent years, especially in large industrial centers where mass displays and huge parades have proved a problem. This change, however, is more a shift in emphasis and medium of expression. Labor Day addresses by leading union officials, industrialists, educators, clerics and government officials are given wide coverage in newspapers, radio, and television.

The vital force of labor added materially to the highest standard of living and the greatest production the world has ever known and has brought us closer to the realization of our traditional ideals of economic and political democracy. It is appropriate, therefore, that the nation pay tribute on Labor Day to the creator of so much of the nation's strength, freedom, and leadership — the American worker.

And it is appropriate to hold out hope that if you are searching for a job this Labor Day, that you'll be celebrating your status as an American worker long before our next Labor Day.

Happy Monday to you-

John

Email John:  johnsblog@teshmedia.com

Check out the new John Tesh Social Network. You can connect with new friends, post your own blog, visit various forums, upload your favorite John Tesh music and share your photos.  To learn more about how to join, click here.

Everyone feels the impact of a layoff- especially a wife.

Getting laid off is a highly stressful event, and not just for the person losing their job, but for the entire family. According to an article in Time magazine, wives really feel the  impact. Take Sarah Janosek, a 47-year-old hospice nurse and mother of three in Austin. Her husband, a software engineer, was laid off earlier this year. She says when she first heard the news, it was devastating. Like many wives who work, Janosek brought in about one-third of the family’s income. Now, she was the sole breadwinner. She was able to increase her work hours, and her husband got a little contract work — but she says it’s hardly solved the problem, and she’s still angry about it.

Recent data shows that more than two million American women are married to someone who’s been handed a pink slip during this recession. Compare that to the 1.4 million women who’ve lost a job, and it seems that the majority of women are battling the recession not as a laid-off worker - but as the spouse of one. In the last year, over 71% of layoffs fell to men.  Alan Pickman is a psychologist and author of The Complete Guide to Outplacement Counseling. He says a wife’s response to her husband’s lay-off may be even more intense than his. That’s because often, wives feel powerless — both about the job loss as well as the family’s future. She can’t pick her husband’s next job for him – he has to get it himself.

Wives who work have a bit more control over their finances - but not much. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, not only are married women working fewer hours per week than before the recession began, but their hours are at the lowest point since 1964 - the year these numbers started being tracked. So, women are finding ways to cut the family budget. Air-conditioning is used less, trips to the movies are cut, new clothes are postponed, and family dinners are eaten at home. This all adds up to extra work for wives. For example, more home-cooked meals means more dishes to wash, and keeping worn-out clothes means more mending. So if you’re a man looking for work, just keep in mind that your wife does understand the stress you’re feeling. Probably more than you know.

Keep in mind- hard as it seems sometimes, that what you're both going through is temporary.  A husband getting back to the same kind of work he had may not be in the cards just yet; in fact, it may still be some time before he is back to work at all, but keep in mind that you are a team, which absolutely requires working together FOR one another, and not against.

Believing in one another, and your future prospects, is always an option; despair takes up way too much room in our hearts.  Have a great weekend- 

John

Email John:  johnsblog@teshmedia.com

Check out the new John Tesh Social Network. You can connect with new friends, post your own blog, visit various forums, upload your favorite John Tesh music and share your photos.  To learn more about how to join, click here.

The best interview you've ever had- here's the how-to

Almost any new situation for you- you're about to make a first impression.  And, whether it's a social or professional situations, that first impression counts! If we're talking here about an interview- make it a deal-maker...not breaker. Whether on the phone or in person, NESStaffing gives us some important things to consider for the impression you will make. For in-person interviews, here are some hints:

The Night Before

• Make sure you've done your research on the employer. Read the employer profile and visit the employer's website.
• Prepare a list of questions that were not answered by your research.
• Think about the possible questions the interviewer may ask and consider your responses.
• Put your list of questions, a copy of your resume, and the job description (if available) in a folder to take to the interview. Also bring original licenses, copies of diplomas and pertinent certificates, and names of references and/or copies of reference letters or performance evaluations.

The Day of the Interview

• If possible, wear a suit or, at least, a suit jacket. First impressions are lasting – Err on the side of overdressing.
• Be on time. Punctuality is all-important. If anything, be early.
• Be prepared to complete the employer's own application form when you arrive. (They may require an application form in addition to your resume.)
• First impressions count with everyone you meet, so be courteous and friendly with all the people with whom you interact.
• Go to the interview alone. Arrange babysitting, if you have young children, and if a friend or spouse accompanies you, they should not accompany you to the interview room.
• Don't be a no-show. If you are no longer interested or are unexpectedly unable to attend, be professional and give the employer the courtesy of a telephone call to say so.

The Interview 

• Shake hands, make eye contact, and smile. Sit straight and naturally in the chair.
• Let the interviewer direct the conversation.
• Think of the situation as being before a judge: don't talk too much – stick to answering the questions clearly. Ask your own questions, when they are relevant to the conversation.
• Use concrete examples to demonstrate your skills and experience.
• Be prepared to answer the following questions: Have you ever been convicted of a crime for which you haven't been pardoned? Can you show proof of your eligibility to work in this country? Can you perform the job's essential function? These questions are legal, and an employer has a responsibility to know. In the unlikely event that illegal questions (about your plans to have children, your sexual orientation, your religious beliefs, etc.) are asked, indicate as politely as you can that these questions are not relevant or legal (except in rare cases, such as in applications for overseas jobs; in these cases, if you don't answer, you may not be considered for the job).
• If you had difficulties at a previous job (with the work, the staff, the pay, the hours, etc.) and are asked, explain your position honestly and frankly. Your ability to get along with people will be a key consideration in the hiring decision.
• Unless the interviewer brings it up earlier, leave salary and benefits discussions to the end of the interview. At this time, do not be afraid to ask questions that are of real concern.
• In salary discussions, try not to be too specific regarding your expectations. If they are too high, you will eliminate yourself from consideration. If they are too low, you risk underselling your abilities. Don't make a final decision until you have considered the specifics of the job, the salary, the full range of benefits, and the cost of living. If you have to spend $300 a month in parking fees, the job may be less attractive than a job where parking is free or paid. If you want to do a Master's degree and an employer offers tuition reimbursement, then the perks can add up, particularly if it's on an after-tax basis.

The End of the Interview

• If you are interested in the job, but the employer does not make an offer during or at the end of the interview, inquire about the next steps in the process and when you might hear from them. Make a summary statement about the job and why it would suit your interests and abilities.
• If you are offered a position, thank them and ask for some time to consider the offer. Ask permission to contact them with additional questions. Even if you think you are not interested in the job, it would be best to consider your decision outside of the pressure of an interview – what is it about the job that is making you think it's not right? Is there a trade-off of any kind (e.g., a slightly lower salary but better hours)?
• If you are asked to come back for another interview, write down the name of the person with whom you are going to meet, the time, and the interviewer's telephone number and email address. (You will want all of this information at hand, in case you have to reschedule your appointment).
• Thank the interviewer.

After the Interview – Give Yourself a De-Briefing

• Make notes about what points you made, what points you wish you had made, and what points you wish you hadn't made.
• Ask yourself if you learned all you needed to know about the position.
• Did you talk too much? Too little?
• Did the interview go well? How do you know? Did you feel relaxed, confident? Did you share a laugh with the interviewer? Did you get the impression the interviewer was attentive, interested, enthusiastic, encouraging?
• Think about the interview objectively. Remember: practice makes perfect and interviewing is no exception.

Interested in the job?

Be sure to write a thank you- email at the very least!
Not Interested?

Write to the interviewer and make a summary statement about the positive aspects of the job, then clearly (and tactfully!) point out why it is not what you are looking for. Be explicit about what you are looking for. The interviewer may have such a job in the future.

Always do research in advance and take every interview seriously: show you have knowledge of the employer and the ability to articulate your experience, skills, and goals. Being prepared allows you to ask better questions and demonstrate your interest to the employer...which, could mean what for you?  Let's say it together:  THE JOB!

Good luck-

John

Email John:  johnsblog@teshmedia.com

Check out the new John Tesh Social Network. You can connect with new friends, post your own blog, visit various forums, upload your favorite John Tesh music and share your photos.  To learn more about how to join, click here.