Careers in Information Technology, new 2004 edition!

Over the past year and despite economic uncertainty, businesses have gradually expanded their use of information technology. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the economy will add more than one million new software engineering, computer support, and system administrators to the work force by 2010.

For more information, check out WetFeet.com

50 Tough Answers to 50 Tough Interviewing Questions

Thanks to Curt for the Contingent Workforce.org link!

Take Control of Your Time and Take Control of Your Life

Yahoo Groups is an excellent source for networking and job leads. Here are just a few of the available resources on Yahoo Groups:

• Jobs
  
• Job Search Support
  
• Computer Jobs
  
• Jobs in IT
  
• PHP Job Leads
  
• 495 High Tech Networking
  
• LCN Group
  
• Marcom Jobseekers
  
• MBA Jobs Network
  

Welcome to JobFinder.com One stop shopping for your internet job search. This web site consolidates search results from a number of major search engines, and best of all, it's free!

JobMarket! Your #1 Local Job Source for the Dayton and Miami Valley Area

I've seen printed ads for this all over the Dayton area, and I guess it's about time I posted the link here!

2004 in (p)review

It's the time of year when we focus on New Year's resolutions. I came across an approach that Mel at Mystic Musings takes that I really like. Rather than list all the things she needs to do better in the coming year, she projects herself to the end of the year and makes a list of all the great things she did. The year in review...or maybe that should be the year in preview.

I gave it a try myself on my blog. It was an interesting experience, and definitely feels more positive than "I'm going to do this, this, and this better this year." In a way, stating each of the things in the past tense went a long way towards making them more real.

The Occupational Adventure (sm) Blog

Gratitude

I've been sending off some emails here at the library (home PC is broken) to some of my networking contacts for their help this past year.

Virtual Networking in the New Year. Here are some resources where you can network with other job seekers, online.


TheSquare.com: Smart Networking.


Yahoo! Groups : jobsearchsupport


Monster: Vent


Monster Networking


Quintessential Careers: Key Career Networking Resources


Quintessential Careers: Networking Do's and Don'ts


Other excellent sources for networking include professional organizations, your college's alumni association, and of course, anyone you have ever worked with or met in a professional context. If you know of any other networking resources online, please add them in the comments sections.

Happy New Year to All Readers of Get That Job!

And best wishes for success in the upcoming year!

The age-old question answered: Is Any Job Better Than No Job?

Resume and Cover Letter Guide

About.com has some excellent articles on resume writing, job search methods and more.

CNN.com - Dell cancels Indian tech support - Nov. 26, 2003: "AP) -- After an onslaught of complaints, computer maker "


Score one for keeping jobs in the US!

CNN Money: Vanishing Jobs

The subtitle for this article says: "Structural change in the economy means many jobs are never going to come back."

I agree. I believe that the recent economic downturn and its subsequent recovery will mean not only that some jobs will never exist again, but also that new ones will be created.

The Online Job Search Companion | Pam Dixon

This site has a fairly comprehensive list of job sites, associations and other career related resources which may be worth checking out. List includes regional job databases, high tech jobs, best sites for new grads and more.

Fast Company Now: What Happens When Your Job Is Taken By Someone in India or China? III

Blogging Increases Your Work Drive

John Moore cheers for what blogging has done for his enthusiasm at work:

I admit - prior to this FC Now guest host gig I was a blogging neophyte. I had read the occasional blog but never had I participated. That was then, this is now.

I am now a blogging convert. All praise due to blogging!

Seriously, this week has done wonders for my work drive. I haven't been this engaged at work in years. I credit blogging to helping me make sharper, more strategic decisions at work this week. And, I have been a better, more consistent mentor/teacher to my direct reports.

Other people get fired over blogging (see Blogger's "How Not to Get Fired Because of Your Blog").

I haven't read much of FastCompany this week to understand what it is about John's job that has got him so enthused, but it sounds worth looking into, doesn't it?

Thanks to Ian for pointing me to the link!

BLOGGER - Knowledge Base - How To Get A Book Deal With Your Blog

I think I could do this.

GFN Career Centraal

There are over 1600 jobs posted on GFN.com, the "alternative" job search engine.

'Tis the Season to Be Networking

Last week I mentioned this, yet I think the folks over at WetFeet.com say it even better:

It can be hard not to feel like a Scrooge when you're still trying to find a job during the holidays—you're poring over job listings and sending out resumes while everyone else is taking time off, shopping for gifts, and planning holiday festivities. But don't cry "humbug!" just yet.

For want of a permalink, head over to the post dated December 8, 2003.

Five Myths About Holiday Job Hunting via an emailed newsletter from Execs-Direct.com

by Sinara Stull O'Donnell

When I was an executive and a corporate recruiter, I found that December was my busiest and most stressful month. It's no exaggeration to say I often made job offers on Christmas Eve and came in the day after Christmas to do the paperwork so that an employee could start Jan. 2.

Yet, the misconception that nobody hires in December is common, as is the poor advice that "you might as well take the month off." It may seem counterintuitive, but the opposite is true.

Holiday job-search myths have been around for a long time and are repeated like mantras, but shatter when scrutinized. Consider the following:

Myth No.1: "Nobody hires in December"

December is still a month employees are being paid to work. There are five reasons companies may hire in December:

1. Many companies must spend the money in their budgets before the end of the year. Hiring "heats up in December because hiring managers are trying to reach deadlines to use budgets," says Susie Basanda, principal of Basanda Consulting, a recruitment management company in Ventura County, Calif.
2. People tend to want to tie up loose ends before the new year. Hiring managers, human-resource representatives and executive recruiters are like the rest of us who have that feeling of urgency as the year-end approaches. If there are unfilled positions on their staffs, hiring managers naturally want to fill them.
3. Positions open up in late November or early December because many professionals quit their jobs this time of year. As David Knowles, a senior recruiter with Excel Unlimited, an executive search firm in Houston, says, "The holidays can bring on a time of longing to be closer to family, roots and people. If no bonus is involved, people often will quit Dec. 1, and give two weeks notice so that they can be with family for the holidays."
4. Headhunters are more motivated to place candidates before the end of the year. Almost all executive recruiters are paid on commission. This commission is based on fees their company earns for placing professionals. What helps the December job seeker is that this commission rises based on overall yearly billing. One might start the year at 30% and graduate to 60% by December. The catch is that it goes down to 30% again Jan. 1.
5. Strong companies often want to start the new year with a bang. "Companies that are forecasting profits want to have key people in place to start the year off well," says Knowles.

Myth No. 2: "You won't find the job you really want in December"

You're just as likely to find the job you really want in December as in any other month. One reason is because you won't have as much competition, says Judy Kneisley, senior vice president and general manager for outplacement firm Lee Hecht Harrison Inc. "Because so many people believe in the myths, it's a perfect time to be out there," she says. It may sound logical that only losers would be desperate enough to look for jobs during the holidays, says Knowles, but "the fact is that winners are looking in December." Winners don't give up.

Myth No. 3: "Nothing ever happens after Dec. 15, so you might as well leave town"

Most recruiters advise job candidates to be flexible in scheduling interviews and meetings around the holidays. Eberhart goes a step further and advises candidates to avoid taking weeklong trips during the holidays. Basanda once held a round of interviews New Year's Day.

Myth No. 4: "Even if an employer has an opening, the hiring manager won't have time to meet with you"

The interviewing process can be slower during the holidays because of the number of days people are out of the office. But, as Basanda says, the process "will slow down but it doesn't stop."

Myth No. 5: "You'll have a better chance if you wait until the first of the year"

If employers have a need, they don't care whether it's January or December. "[Hiring] isn't focused on the time of year. It's focused on need," says Keith Mills, vice president for Aaron's Automotive, a manufacturer in Springfield, Mo.

Ms. O'Donnell is a free-lance writer and a career consultant in Springfield, Mo. This article was abridged from CareerJournal.com.

The Monster Blog

Rebecca says:

Welcome to the Monster Blog! This blog is dedicated to helping job seekers by providing career advice, tips, news, and information.

I'm a content producer at Monster, and while I will be providing links to useful Monster content in this blog, I will also be pointing to news and information from around the Web.

Thanks to Curt for the info!

Deloitte Fast 500: Technology Fast 50 - Search: "The Technology Fast 50 is a listing of the 50 fastest growing technology companies in a given geographic area based on five-year percentage growth"


Here's an interesting resource. Deloitte's Technology Fast 50 is a listing of the 50 fastest growing technology companies in a given geographic area based on five-year percentage growth. Select any region and year to get the list of growing tech companies in your area.

FunJobsReview.com - Realistic Reviews of Online Job Opportunities I came across this web site, served up by Google Ads. I thought it was actually sort of interesting, to see a 3rd party site that rates & reviews all of these "get rick quick / get paid to surf / get paid for your opinion" web sites. Personally, I always look at these as being a scam, but then again, I guess you never know...

MSN Women - Article: 8 Ways to Love the Job You Have

Now... if I only had a job to love!

Advice From Successful Job Seekers: Don't Neglect Your Network

by Caroline Levchuck (via My Yahoo! Daily Tip)

Curtis Potter wasn't even actively seeking full-time work when he was appointed creative director of an advertising agency. He credits his new job to his solid professional network.

Potter had left his most recent job on good terms and had stayed in touch with his boss when he moved cross-country.

"I would visit whenever I went back to the West Coast and have dinner with him when he came to New York," said Potter.

Potter also built a strong network in and around New York City.

"A former colleague from a local agency called me and told me about the opening, and I sent my resume in. She talked me up to her bosses and they reviewed my resume. It turned out that they knew my previous employer," said Potter.

"I had two strong references going for me -- a former colleague and a former boss. The agency interviewed tons of people, but I think these connections made all the difference," said Potter.

This is great news.

Success Quotations

Speaking of success, here are some quotations: QuotesBlog Google Search

Blog Housekeeping

I'm revising the blogroll, which you see on the left hand side. Cleaning it up, adding new sites, removing old sites, etc. It will be up sometime between now and when Jesus comes (*g*). Okay, before 2004, hopefully.

Job Hunting Success Story

Sue T. responded to a recent post and shared her job hunting success story:

Cheers !!!

I finally got a job!!

I got my job through a website called www.jobs.net.

I was doing my daily job search at my local workforce one in Florida, and I stumbled across this website, which I'd never heard of before. I decided to check this site out, and I found a position called yacht finance specialist (a.k.a administrative assistant). The funny thing about this position was it posted on August 18, 2003, and it was still on their site on November 12, 2003. I called the employer, and the reason why they did not find anyone was because none of the other candidates had passed the credit check. The company is owned by a bank, and passing a credit check is required.

In the post to which Sue responded, we posed some specific questions. Below we've listed the questions along with her answers.

• What position were you applying for?
  Administrative Assistant
• How did you contact the particular company?
  I called the company and then faxed them my resume
• Describe the interviewing process.
  It was pretty simple. They were only interested in me because they had already posted this position on careerbuilder.com and had not yet found anyone qualified for it.
• Did you work part-time or as a contractor/consultant with the company before being hired?
  No
• How long was the process from your first contact with the company to your first day of work?
  I interviewed for the position on November 18th. I returned on December 1st and was hired after I found out I passed the credit check.
• Describe your emotional state during the process. Were you anxious? Excited? Stressed? Impatient? Frustrated? Let us know.
  I kept wondering why the credit check was taking so long.

F**k That Job! takes a humorous look at the job market, highlighting the unusual, unreasonable, even ridiculous job postings out on the internet. From a Craig's List post "seeking a workaholic (and I mean workaholic) who is interested in total immersion in their job (if you are not inclined to this requirement with 24/7 availability do not respond to this ad)" to the jobseeker who is auctioning himself on eBay, this web site got a chuckle or two out of me.

VistaPrint Free Business Cards

When you're out networking for your next job contact, it's a good idea to have a personal business card handy. One method I've seen which is particularly interesting is to include sort of a mini-resume - some bulleted highlights of your specific job skills or areas of expertise.

The essentials to include on a networking business card include:
Name
Phone
Email address
Web site (where hopefully a description of your talents and your resume can be found)
Depending on your area of expertise, including a title or functional area might also be a good idea (i.e. Marketing Professional, Quality Specialist, Technical Consultant, etc.).

Re: the above noted URL, VistaPrint offers "free" business cards for the cost of shipping only (about $5), but these cards do include a text ad for vistaprint on the back. You can also print up cards on your personal printer (ok as long as you have a real paper cutter - the perforated edges on preprinted business card stock a la Paper Direct is sort of tacky), or check out your local Kinko's or Mailboxes Etc for low cost card printing options.

Yahoo! Groups : jobsearchsupport
Newsgroups, Yahoo Groups and Job related discussion boards are an excellent way of networking online with other job seekers, sharing support, job leads, search ideas, and more.

Dice.com - Job search for Technology Professionals
Today, I read through my automated job search agent for DICE.com, and found no less than 5 job postings by recruiters for the SAME JOB. 5 out of 21 jobs returned works out to roughly 25% of my time wasted reading the same job description.

The thing that I've learned about many of these recruiter posts is that if you do a little bit of research, often you can find the employer on the web and apply for the job directly. Since recruiters charge a fairly hefty percentage for their services, it makes me wonder whether employers are using them at all these days, or if they give preference to candidates that come to them directly, without the extra price tag.

This is not to say that I haven't found jobs through recruiters in the past - just that in today's market, I'm wondering whether they are still of any use...

Job-Searching During the Holidays

If you're looking for a job, then the holidays present some great opportunities to continue your job search. During the various get-togethers, you can network with those around you. Friends, family, and so on. Check out some past posts related to networking (Google search results).

Why? A simple question
a post from the Occupational Adventure (sm) Blog

I should preface this post with an explanation that I am a Passion Catalyst (sm) - in short, I help people identify their passions and create careers that ignite them.

When it comes to finding your passion in your career, there's no way around it. Self-exploration is where it all starts.

Want a short, simple way to squeeze exponentially more insights from those self-exploration efforts? The secret word o' the day is...

"Why?"

Just that one little word, vigorously applied, will give you incredible insights.

For example, take a look at a commonly recommended question for finding your career passion..."What do you love doing?"

A valuable question, but by itself it falls far short of the insights that could be gotten by following the answers up with, "why?"

Because "what" you love doing isn't the whole story. You can say, "I love doing _____," but whether you're conscious of it or not, what you really mean is "I love doing _____ because _____, _____, and _____." You and I could say we love the exact same thing, and the underlying reasons might be completely different.

Asking "Why? What is it about it that is so enjoyable?" lets you dig down and find the underlying characteristics of the things you love doing. Once you know those, you can start trying to incorporate them into your career, whether by making small changes where you are, or identifying a whole new direction.

Job Search Tracking - Keeping It All Straight

Does anyone else remember a time when you send in a resume and literally count the minutes between the time it was sent and the phone ringing? Well, back in the day, it was just not as difficult to track the old job search. A binder, a spreadsheet, even your Sent Mail folder would do.

When I embarked upon my most recent job search, just over a year ago, I realized that none of these methods were quite right. I kept
bookmarking job descriptions on the big job boards, only to go back later to find they had been removed. In order to better track the specifics of the jobs I was applying to, I ended up developing a very simple web-based job tracking system where I could store all of the job related information in one place (including the resume and cover letter I sent it), and retrieve it on demand. After using the application for several months, I turned it into a free public job portal so that anyone can use it.

With all of the job related web sites out there, I'm surprised that no one has done this until now. The closest thing I've seen has been on private career center sites which provide some job search tools for their paid clientele. Other than that, there are some sites that let you track the jobs you applied to through their interface, but none of them let you track all of your job inquiries, regardless of source. If you've seen anything else like it out there, please let me know. Also, if you'd like to share how you're tracking your current job search, please add a comment below.

Should You Tell Your Employer That You Have AD/HD?

The previous post is one of many examples that show that having ADHD affects how one performs in the workplace. This article explains, with specific examples, that it may or may not be in one's best interest to disclose to an employer:

The answer is, it depends on the facts of the individual case. Generally, we recommend disclosure of AD/HD to an employer if (1) you can document AD/HD, and AD/HD is a disability under the law in your case, (2) you are qualified for the job, and (3) you need job accommodations that are reasonable.

The writers share instances when you should not disclose ADHD along with when and how to disclose.

Guidelines for Succeeding in the Workplace with AD/HD crossposted to Journey Inside My Mind

This document, provided by the National Resource Center on AD|HD, a program of CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder), is an excellent resource for individuals such as myself, who deal with the symptoms of AD/HD every day. The entire guide is available for downloading as a PDF file, too.

The symptoms of AD/HD create special challenges for the adult in the workplace, just as they do for the child in school. To date, very little research has been conducted that provides adults with AD/HD empirically-based approaches to understanding and coping with workplace issues. Until scientifically-based guidelines are available, it may prove useful to follow the procedures commonly used by career counselors to guide individuals in selecting a job and coping with AD/HD on the job. This information and resource sheet will:

• offer tips for improving on-the-job functioning
• describe the rights of individuals under the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
• provide guidelines for making career choices

The assistance of a career counselor or a psychologist, social worker, or other health care worker with career counseling training is extremely helpful in understanding and maximizing these factors. Some individuals, however, may be able to carry out the steps discussed in this information and resource sheet with the help of questionnaires, checklists, and suggestions given in the career counseling books on the reference list.

E-mail Can Be Key to Employment

Yahoo! HotJobs offers helpful advice on using email effectively in your job search.

Jobs Growth in Nov. Slower Than Expected

While that doesn't sound too encouraging by itself, I'd like to point to these paragraphs from the article:

The jobs market has been a weak link in the recovery, with companies hesitant to hire new, full-time workers out of concern that the improvements wouldn't last. Instead, employers worked their employees longer and harder, sending productivity to a two-decade high last quarter.


In Friday's jobs report, the services sector continued to drive employment gains, with health care and social services jumping by 25,000 in November. Hotels and lodging facilities created 13,000 new positions. Hiring also occurred in education, government and professional and business services.


In the goods-producing category, construction employment was up last month by 10,000.

Articles such as these are meant to describe overall trends, from a macroeconomic perspective. Jobs are available, and your particular circumstances may or may not be affected by what's reported nationally.

Go Get That Job!

Wanted: Your Job Hunting Success Stories

However it is that you got to this weblog, I'm encouraged that you've stopped by. Hopefully, you'll find what you're looking for.

Now, let me take this moment to ask you for something. I want to let others know about how you have successfully found a job. This may sound odd, especially if you're currently between jobs. Nevertheless, you probably have had a job before, and I (and I'm sure that many others) would like to know how you got it.

It may be your current one or a previous one - it doesn't matter. I want to encourage other job seekers with your success. You will receive no reimbursement from this, except for the gratification that your story has helped to inspire countless others who are where you once were.

Be specific, but don't mention any company names. That may sound like a contradiction in terms, and you may disagree with this approach - let me know and I may reconsider. Instead, use a generic title, such as "software development consulting company", "global consumer products company", and so on. If you would like some help, then let me know.

I will only use your initials or first name and last initial when presenting your success story. I am specifically interested in answers to the following:

• What position were you applying for?
• How did you contact the particular company?
• Describe the interviewing process.
• Did you work part-time or as a contractor/consultant with the company before being hired?
• How long was the process from your first contact with the company to your first day of work?
• Describe your emotional state during the process. Were you anxious? Excited? Stressed? Impatient? Frustrated? Let us know.

So email me your job hunting success stories at danimal0416[nospam]@yahoo.com(remove the [nospam], of course), and we'll get them published here at "Get That Job!"

Thanks!

Guest Bloggers and Other Contributors

I'm encouraged to have found some folks who are interested in guest-blogging or otherwise contributing to the content of this blog. Hopefully we'll be hearing from these individuals very soon!

To find out how you can contribute to this weblog, head over to the archive page for instructions.

About.com Career Center

From the folks at About.com, your guide to the Internet, comes the About.com Career Center, with info about job searching, jobs, resumes and cover letters, compensation, references, and more! Thanks to Curt Rosengren for the link.

A Job-Hunting Success Story

This person's story indicates that you can get a job, even in a tough market, because people are still retiring, quitting, and getting fired from their jobs. Also, new jobs are being created.

By the way, I'm interested in hearing your job-hunting success stories! What advice can you offer, based on your success, to others? Please share your thoughts! Contact me at danimal0416 at yahoo dot com, with the subject heading of Job Hunting Success Story, or something similar.

Cheers!

How to Negotiate Freelance Writing Rates

You’ve taken the plunge: You’ve quit your nine-to-five job to become a freelance writer. But the joys of being your own boss soon give way to the sober realization that you’ll have to negotiate your salary on a regular basis. Do you know the best ways to maximize your earnings? The tips in this article could help.

Yahoo! News - Many Retailers Hiring More Holiday Help

Some of them even plan to keep the help around.

Nine Things You Should Never Say In An Interview

Avoid the interview pitfalls as part of a strategy that sells your strengths and assets. Read the article.

So, How's Business?

Business at the hotel is very slow right now, and that means that I'm not working. I stopped by the Spaghetti Warehouse to see if they are hiring (they're not), and I spoke to one of the regular customers at the Dublin Irish Pub, who said that the line for bartending there is pretty long. I think I want to find a place that's closer to home yet, so that I wouldn't have to drive. I could take the bus or even walk.

The things people come up with...

I've heard it said that for a joke to be funny, there must be an element of truth to it. IreneQ's humorous post speaks truth as it relates to her profession:

Sometimes I wish I had a more ordinary job. You know, something like being a doctor or an accountant or a computer programmer. You say, "I'm a doctor," and that's more or less the end of that line of conversation. But just try to say, "I'm a journalist," and see what happens! read more...

Greater Dayton IT Alliance Survey Question

I subscribe to a weekly email from these folks. Today's email had this survey question:

Would you advise an American teenager to study computer science at college?

Job Strain, Insecurity Hurt Health

Via WebMD:

Researchers say [that a new study by the National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health at The Australian National University is] one of the first studies to look at the impact of the fear of job loss on health and the findings suggest that job insecurity can have potent health effects, both alone and in combination with other types of job stress.

In February I mentioned another article from WebMD suggesting that Depression could cost you your job if you don't seek help for it.

Take care of yourselves.

Two Years and Going

Mike recently noticed that it's been two years since he'd been laid off. It prompted a career move that's done him well.

Worst Jobs You've Ever Had

I suppose that it's not uncommon for anyone to take a job that, for whatever reason, becomes like a "thorn in the flesh." Sometimes these jobs are necessary just to make ends meet; one might even call them "survival jobs."

These jobs are are the ones that, long after leaving them, we often reflect on them and say, "That was one of the worst jobs I've ever had."

Rasmus recently started a new job, and he's mentioned that the work schedule is placing a heavy burden on his ability to stay up with his ability to succeed at school:

I have a simple job: Wipe that desk, vacuum this floor, clean this bathroom. Anyone can do it and the pay is fair. But six hours five days a week is affecting my schoolwork. I'm not home 'til midnight, and though I'm extremely tired, I still need an hour or so to settle down. At school, I'm so tired, I can hardly finish a sentence, much less listen to what anyone else have to say, and doing projects is out of the question. It's not working.

His experience reminded me of a job I had as a security guard while in college. I initially took the job because I would have time to sit and do homework. But I soon realized that it would be an extreme test of endurance and stamina.

After a full day of school on Friday, which began at 7 AM, I went to a part-time job at a hardware store from 5 PM to 9 PM. Immediately after that, I went to my security post, and I worked from 11 PM to 11 AM on Saturday

By the time I returned home, I'd been awake for almost 29 hours straight. All I could do was sleep until I had to wake up to go back to the 11 PM to 11 AM thing from Saturday night to Sunday morning.

I had a different post that I would go to from about 11:30 PM Sunday night through 8:30 AM Monday.

While I learned a lot about myself during this time, I'd still have to say that it was one of the worst jobs I've ever had.

>> What about you? What are some of the worst jobs you've ever had? (No company names, please.) You can leave your comments here or send me an email at danimal0416 at yahoo dot com. I will assume that your comments are worthy of posting here unless you specify otherwise.

Online Career Information Center

I recently received the following email:

Hello,

We have new job openings in the Dayton area and we are writing to ask for your permission to send you these job leads.

If you would like to grant us your permission, please click on the following link, or copy/paste the link into your web browser to complete the authorization form.

<--link not included here on purpose-->

We are looking forward to working with you and building a good, long term relationship.

Sincerely,

E-online Career Info Services

-----
Note:

You are receiving this invitation because you were in response to our employment ads posted in a newspaper or on the Internet, or your were referred this item by a friend.

If you are no longer available, please kindly ignore this email, or reply to this email with Subject: NotAvailable.

We will not contact you again.

My first thought was to ask, "Is this a real thing or is it just spam?" I decided to head over to the main domain in the URL, and it *appears* to be legitimate. I have no real need for the services they provide -- mainly job search information and *supposedly* job leads in my area. I'm not signing up for it. At least not now. Head over if you wish:

Online Career Information Center

Seasonal Employment, Part 1

We've been slowly unpacking the rest of our stuff. I say 'we', but I really mean my wife Jennie. One of the items she found is fond reminder of a job I had at Christmastime while in college.

A clipping from the December 24, 1993 front page of the Cincinnati Enquirer contains a photo of me. The caption under the photo reads as follows:

Dan Johnson, Jr., a senior at the University of Cincinnati, helps Logan Abner, 2, put money into the [Salvation Army] kettle at the Madeira Kroger store Thursday. Johnson plays the saxophone to lure donations.

The photo was taken by Glenn Hartong, and it shows me bundled up, wearing a Santa cap, with my alto saxophone hanging from my neck, helping Logan put his coins into the kettle.

I remember that job fondly. I needed it to have money for rent and stuff. The folks at the Madeira Kroger warmly welcomed my music. Every so often, as I would get cold, I'd go inside for a break. The crew of cashiers would ask me to play "O Holy Night" for them. I did, and everyone applauded. I was grateful to be able to cheer them up.

I also recall being encouraged by one of my friends' mom. I actually knew her because she took a class with me in college. She lived in Madeira, and once, on her way out of the store, she handed me a cookie and cup of hot chocolate. How very thoughtful!

I read in this past Sunday's classifieds that the Salvation Army is looking for talented musicians to man their kettles again this year. It something to consider.

crossposted to Journey Inside My Mind

Nurse-Recruiter.com

Nurse-Recruiter.com is one of the top Internet Job Boards devoted exclusively to nursing professionals. The goal is simple: "to help bring nurses and healthcare employers together."

Veterans Job Information Fair

I found a flier with this information as I was leaving work, and I knew it deserved to be included here. - Dan

DoD Civilians, Spouses, and Family Members are also welcome

This Thursday, 13 November 2003, from 10 AM to 2 PM

Hope Hotel
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base
For additional information, please call Sabine Benson at 937.656.0940 or Dave Thomas at 937.656.0939

Sponsored By:

Clark County Veteran's Office
Greene County Veteran's Office
Montgomery County Veteran's Office
Ohio Department of Job and Family Services
Veterans Readjustment Counseling Center
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base

Change One Thing...

Mike over at _monk recently reflected on his career change. At first he thought his time in his earlier career was a waste, but then he concludes:

then i realized, without the background in business i wouldn't be who i am. i prob would not appreciate what a great job teaching is and would prob not be as effective of a teacher (to the degree i am effective). as anyone who has ever wrote a computer program or read about chaos theory (or seen a bad sci-fi movie) knows changing one small thing in a complex system (such as life) often has wide reaching and unexpected consequences...

Amen to that.

Things 'They' Don't Tell You About Unemployment

Carla from Across the Pond shares her and her husband's experiences with being unemployed in the UK. She also points to OddTodd's "Laid Off: Help Wanted" cartoon.

I posted some comments to her post and recommended that she have her husband check out Dick Bolles' Job Hunter's Bible. It's the online companion to his book What Color Is Your Parachute? 2007: A Practical Manual for Job-Hunters and Career-Changers (What Color Is Your Parachute), which is republished every year. There is a wealth of advice on how to conduct an effective job search, including the Fairy Godmother Reports: a comparison of what you hope to find and what you actually get; how effective it all is; and some words to remember.

For example, there's the Fairy Godmother Report on Job-Listing Sites.

The Career News

TheCareerNews.com website boasts itself as "The Latest News, Tips, and Tools for Your Career."

Effective Communication is Key to Effective Job Performance

So, if you're in the hunt for a job, or if you're just wanting to become better at the job you have, then head over to this Chicago Tribune article, provided via Yahoo! HotJobs. Among other things, it involves

• body language
• listening
• vocabulary
• organizational culture, and
• workplace diversity

The State of Geek: Part 1 -- Temp Job, No Health

This informative, insightful article from Shelley Powers at Burningbird examines how things are in the job market for IT workers now and in the future. She basically says it's going to hell in a handbasket.

I also found the accompanying comments well worth the read, too. Especially Phil Wolff's (He writes for emblog and a klog apart.).

Here are a couple more links to Phil Wolff:

• Where does IT go from here? (his comments to the Burningbird article)
• The 'Bloggers For Hire' section

Some Quotations To Start Off The Week

• "Sometimes you just have to take the leap, and build your wings on the way down." - Kobi Yamada
• "What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?" -- Dr. Robert Schuller
• "We possess such immense resources of power that pessimism is a laughable absurdity." -- Colin Wilson
• "We must travel in the direction of our fear." -- John Berryman

Quotations via QuotesBlog

Interview Tricks Are No Treat

This past Saturday I mentioned that employers are using psychological testing in the interviewing process. Basically, I think it's best to do your best and be honest during them, since it's really hard to prepare for them.

Not quite the case for the typical interviewing questions, however. I had mentioned the "What is your biggest weakness?" one. Then today I spotting this MSN Careers article with some advice on how to prepare for this and other tough interviewing questions: Interview Tricks Are No Treat

Yet More Unemployment Claims Weirdness

Okay, here's what you do. Head over to the original post and read it. Then start to wade through the comments. But be careful, since some folks have inadvertently posted their comments more than once.

Personally, I haven't taken the time to try to understand what the current unemployment statistics mean for job seekers.

The Justice Dept's Attorney Workforce Diversity Study—Uncensored

The Memory Hole has posted a copy of the Justice Department's Attorney Workforce Diversity Study (6MB). I haven't read it myself (6MB is a lot for a dialup connection!).

Please send me any comments you have after reading the study or about the study.

Found via BlogDex.

Psychological Tests Becoming Big at Work

A recent study states that one in three employers is using these tests in the hiring process. ABCNews has the details... And here's a quote from the article:

Long popular in Europe, the tests are now becoming more common among U.S. and multi-national firms keen on determining what kind of workers their employees are, how well they'll get a long with others and whether or not they're suited for a particular job.

Some other headings in the article include

• Top to the Bottom Testing, which talks about how these tests are being administered for CEO candidates as well as sales associates for a retail chain;
• Seeking the Emotionally Intelligent, which describes how tests are being done to assess a candidates disposition and how he or she may work with others;
• The Writing's on the Application, which shares how some companies are using handwriting analysis to "help weed out applicants who might be untrustworthy, or to hire people who have qualities like integrity or reliability."

For the job seeker this presents some challenges. When I went through job outplacement, I was taught how to answer interviewing questions in a way that would project a positive impression of myself to the interviewer. For example, one of the common questions was about my biggest weakness. The way to answer this question is to talk about a weakness and turn it into a potential strength.

I would think that the best strategy for these psychological tests is to be completely honest in answering the questions. Trying to answer a question based on what you think the employer wants to hear may not be in your best interest. In addition, it's difficult to discern how a potential employer will use the results of such tests. They may perceive answers to questions differently from how you do, for example.

Just be honest and do your best.

"Not everything faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced." -- J. Baldwin, via QuotesBlog - growing wiser on the wisdom (or stupidity) of others

Use 'Trioing' to Help You Change Careers

It's an exercise to help you identify the skills you most enjoy using:

Here's how to "trio": Gather two friends or other people you trust. Identify several instances when you achieved something you were proud of. Write down those experiences. Then examine them to pinpoint what skills you used to achieve those successes.

By sharing ideas with your two friends, you can uncover skills that you didn't realize you had. Your friends can help confirm your strengths and skills too.

eclecticism > Of blogging and unemployment

Michael is now unemployed, having lost his job at Microsoft for something he posted on his blog. His experience and the related comments of others to his post more than adequately illustrate the need to be careful about what and where you post to your personal weblog.

It's hard not to be enthusiastic and want to share with others what you're working on, yet I see the need for restraint, especially when it comes to information that may put your employer at a competitive disadvantage.

Good luck, Michael, on your search for a new job. We're here for you, if you need help.

Good advice for telecommuting

There are some moments when it's better to let others' words speak for themselves. This is one of those moments.

When Will You Change Jobs?

That's right. I said, 'When'. Gone are the days of the womb-to-tomb jobs that used to exist. Maybe some are still around, perhaps.

So, you want to succeed in the 21st Century Workplace? The key, according to the folks at WetFeet.com, is identifying and developing skills that will easily fit into other roles. Check it out:

• Skills: Your Key to Success in the 21st Century Workplace

Profile of an Associate in the Consulting Industry

Via WetFeet.com comes this interview with Anna Kapoor, who says, among other things:

I have had the opportunity to manage a client team of 20 people to work on implementation of the recommendations that were made by our team. I don’t sit in my office doing spreadsheets all day.

Read more...

Searching for a Career Abroad?

WetFeet.com > International has everything you need.

Job Sites for Writers

WritersDigest.com has categorized the 101 Best Websites for Writers for 2003. Among them are several job sites for writers. Thanks much to Jenny, the Creative Tech Writer, for pointing me to the link.

Using Lunch Time Productively

John Sumser of CandidateVoice.com writes:

Looking for work at lunch is a time honored tradition.

Yet, since work done on company computers, even during personal time, is being monitored, one must use caution.

Refer to the article to see what Sumser recommends.

Laid-off take survival jobs to pay the bills

USA Today reports that "more workers who find themselves unemployed are turning to survival jobs, taking hourly or part-time work to make ends meet as the economic rebound drags on." The link above contains several anecdotes from individuals who have done this. Also mentioned is the employment site SnagAJob, which has just earned a spot on the blogroll, once I figure out what happened to my ability to add to the Jobs blogroll.

How's It Going?

I've been browsing some other folks' blogs, and I've noticed that two of the folks on my blogroll (not the one for this blog, but for the others) are looking for work. One lives in England, and the other lives in Denmark.

Rasmus, the fellow from Denmark, writes:

I seriously and without a doubt need some extra income. I'm not at the point, where I'm seriously considering the many offers, I recieve by spam-mail, but almost!

This got me to start thinking about different things I've done to raise money and other odd jobs I've had.

I remember, in 1998, I had a technical interview at a local restaurant just after having donated plasma. I had the bandage wrap and everything. I had been trying to get a job at this consulting company, and I think that the interviewer might have simply had pity on me, having seen the extent I went to get money. Whatever the case, I got the job.

In college I responded to an ad in the campus newspaper from a downtown department store looking for folks to play Santa during the Christmas season. Yes, Virginia, I was Santa Claus! (chuckles to self)

What are some things you have done to get a job or produce income for yourself?

Can an 'inside' job candidate be risky business?

Joan Lloyd is a management consultant, executive coach, trainer & professional speaker, whose column "@Work", appears on bizjournals.com. In this column she explores the advantages and disadvantages of being an inside candidate for a job. Go there...

The Commute

I read in a recent copy of the Dayton Business Journal that the Dayton area is one of the best areas in the country as far as commuting times is concerned. I also recall hearing that Atlanta is one of the worst.

Commuting distance is definitely something to consider in your job search. Relocation may or may not be feasible, and the total amount of travel time during the day can be prohibitive in some cases. Or not.

Not since I was in college have I had a job where I didn't need to drive at least a half hour to work. It was great to take the bus where I needed to go and not have to pay attention to traffic, etc.

For my first job out of college, I travelled one hour one way to work for almost three years. When I got a consulting job, we moved halfway between the consulting territory, yet I still had assignments that meant at least a 40-minute commute.

Of course, if you work from home or telecommute, your commuting time is only the time from the bedroom to the office or wherever you do your work!

Long, Overdue Addition to the Blogroll: Resumé to Referral

I met Teena Rose at a job fair last year, and, in addition to a free resume critique, she pointed me to her company's website and let me sign up for a free email newsletter. I have yet to tap into the depth of knowledge available there.

You Guys are Wonderful!

I started this weblog in July of 2002, and I never would have thought it would be getting as many visitors as it has been. I hope that you are finding the information helpful. Please feel free to drop me a line to let me know what you think!

How to Get Out of a 'Dead-End' Job

From Fortune.com's Ask Annie column:

The first step, say the authors of an intriguing new book, is to let people know you're looking for bigger challenges. Then, learn to spot opportunities around you.

The article also contains a place for discussion, along with some additional advice, etc.

Back by Popular Demand: Seasoned Professionals

Via UPI:

Older workers shoved aside during the dot.com boom are now finding jobs more quickly than younger workers, according to a survey released Tuesday.

Read more...

Also, check out Senior Success: News for working seniors and interviews with successful seniors who show the way to career and life enrichment.

What's in a job description?

Gentle readers, I now refer you to this post from Ian McKenzie, who quotes another writer. It is rife with interesting prose such as the following:

Employment ads are often written in a vague yet perky manner designed to make a 9-to-5 job replacing disinfectant cakes in urinals sound like a torrid affair with Catherine Zeta-Jones.

That Bartending Gig

... is about to get better. More to come in a few weeks or so.

In related events, I stopped by the bartending school to talk with the owner about some unfinished business between us. She was on her way out, so I told her I'd email her so that we could discuss what to do.

Markets and Jobs for Writers

From the About page:

"WritersWeekly.com is the highest-circulation freelance writing ezine in the world, reaching more than 70,000 writers each week. It has been published continuously since 1997."

Check out the links and other information about how to make money through putting your writing talent to work.

crossposted to Streams of Consciousness

Governor Taft's Third Frontier ~ Issue I

Hear from Bruce Johnson, Director of the Ohio Department of Development who will discuss Issue I, a state ballot initiative that is proposed to commit $1.6 billion to the Ohio Third Frontier Project and create thousands of high-paying, high-tech jobs. Issue I is the final component of a comprehensive economic development initiative that ultimately will invest $6 billion in Ohio. Through the Third Frontier Project. Ohio will build world-class facilities, support biomedical research and early stage capital funds, and provide low interest loans for job creation and advanced manufacturing.

Date: October 21, 2003
Time: 3:00 p.m.-5 p.m.
Location: 1900 Founders Drive, Kettering, OH

RSVP by Friday, October 17, 2003 to Brenda Blank:
Email: brenda@theresearchpark.com
Phone: 937-252-5906 Ext. 2.

Source: GDITA Events Weekly Update Email

Please RSVP by October 17th, 2003

October Casual Networking Event: Wings and Wireless

From the Greater Dayton IT Alliance event page:

Come join us at Buffalo Wild Wings for Wings & Wireless Connectivity.

Thursday, October 16, 2003 from 5 to 7 PM at the Buffalo Wild Wings located near I-675 and Wilmington Pike.

Look for more details, including a link to a map, at the page linked in the title of this post. They have said that registration is closed, but walk-in attendees are welcome.

Jobs Are Coming

So saith a story published by Christian Science Monitor via ABC News. The article starts off:

It's small comfort to people who need a job now, but experts say there's a dramatic labor shortage looming in the United States. read more...

Something to think about as you file your next unemployment claim.

New to the Blogroll: The Occupational Adventure (sm) Blog

Curt describes his blog as

An ever-unfolding mixed bag of nuts, loosely clustered around the the central theme of Occupational Adventure - that is, a career that really gets you juiced.

Curt's blog has been added as part of the "one good link deserves another"/"reciprocity" policy of this blog. Thank you.

Ready for a Career Change?

MSN Careers has some advice for anyone who is contemplating making a career change. The article includes "10 actions characteristic of a successful career changer."

Keeping in Touch

In general I think I've done a poor job in keeping in touch with people from high school, college, and former workplaces. Yet I'm beginning to see some changes to that, thanks to the ability to develop and maintain a web presence. The most recent example follows.

I recently posted something about one of my former college classmates in my blog "Journey Inside My Mind." The post refers to a band he was the drummer for, called "Deus Ex Machina." I checked that blog's referrer logs, and I saw that someone did a Google Search for his name.

I wondered if he had done the search on himself (I do this sometimes, too.), and thought that maybe I could track him down if he has any other internet presence. It turned out that he does. He's a drummer for a different band now, called "Chrome." I sent him a quick email, and I look forward to his reply.

Persuasion

Ian posts some relevant thoughts from Dale Carnegie's book:

Worker blogs raise some company concerns

Blogging on the job has both proponents and opponents, as this article from USA Today illustrates. Be careful about your time blogging on the job; it may come back to bite you if you're not.

Long Time, No Blog

Well, it's been about a week since I last posted. A classmate from high school contacted me recently. He works for Stelter and Brinck, Ltd., a company that manufactures industrial process heat equipment. I mention the company name, not because they're hiring or anything like that; I don't really know.

I guess I've posted it here to show that I've tried to make it easy for people to stay in touch with me, and it's encouraging to see it paying off.

More news about the job market

I just finished reading this article from the Business section of USA Today. Most of it contains information I've already mentioned here, yet there are some unique aspects that still deemed it worthy of a link here.

As I read the article, I found myself trying to look between the lines to see where and how the information conveyed helps me as a job seeker (Even though I currently have a job, I still find myself wanting to behave as though I'm still looking, albeit not as aggressively.). How does this same information I've read before affect my job search in the short term and long term?

I used to work for an IT consulting company. I now work at a hotel as a bartender. I like the change, but more specifically, I like that I'm making money to help support my family. I was willing to take this job, even though I don't get paid the same income I had as a consultant.

One thing I know the condition of the economy and job market has affected me is that I've had to seriously examine the kind of work I used to do and ask myself if I wanted to continue down that path or pursue something different. I think that a number of individuals are in the same situation.

So, read the USA Today article with a grain of salt, and use what you learn to help you figure out what you can do to improve your job situation.

As always, comments are welcome and appreciated!

U.S. Labor Department Announces Grants to Promote Women in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Occupations

WASHINGTON, Oct. 1 /U.S. Newswire/ -- The U.S. Department of Labor today announced $1 million in grants to benefit women entering nontraditional occupations. The grants will go to 10 community-based organizations, which will help employers and labor unions recruit, train, hire and retain women in apprenticeship and nontraditional jobs.

"This Administration is committed to helping women learn about the opportunities available and the fields of work, where long-term careers can be realized," said Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao. "From carpentry to masonry, more and more women are putting in long hours of training or retraining, and taking pride in the fact that their work is helping to make America greater."

The Women in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Occupations grantees are: Oregon Tradeswomen, Inc., Portland, Oregon; Tradeswomen, Inc., Oakland, California; Women in Non-Traditional Employment Roles, Long Beach, California; Nontraditional Employment for Women, New York, New York; Women's Resource Center, Grand Rapids, Michigan; Montana Job Training Partnership, Helena, Montana; HRC, Inc., Wasilla, Alaska; Northern New England Tradeswomen, Inc., Essex Junction, Vermont; Chicago Women in Trades, Chicago, Illinois; and Area Resources for Community and Human Services, St. Louis, Missouri.

The Women's Bureau administers the grants with the Labor Department's Office of Apprenticeship Training, Employer and Labor Services. Additional information regarding nontraditional occupations for women can be found on the Women's Bureau website at: http://www.dol.gov/wb.

Source: U.S. Newswire

Handling Awkward Interviewing Situations

MSN Careers offers some advice on how to handle awkward interviewing situations, with a specific look at three scenarios.

An Interesting Dream

I had an interesting dream yesterday. I dreamt that I was asked to help out with an software application I worked on some time ago, and I was able to offer some preliminary help on the spot. This application was the most recent one I'd worked on last winter, and I didn't realize it was a dream until after I woke up. I guess that's usually how it happens, huh? One thing interesting about it was that I was using the computer used by another client manager from a project I'd worked on several years ago.

I guess this stays true to the tagline of my other blog, "Journey Inside My Mind": My dreams are weirder than yours.