12 Tasks That KILL Your Job Search Before Noon

12 Tasks That KILL Your Job Search Before Noon Excellent article on Business Insider titled 12 Tasks That Killer Employees Always Finish Before Noon I love this article. It includes suggestions such as: #1 make a to-do list the day before, #4 exercise (to improve energy and mood levels) #7 arrive on time (imagine the stress saved!) #10 avoid morning meetings read the entire article here. Here are my 12 tasks that KILL your job search before noon are you doing any of these? Check Facebook. Time waster that will suck you in to irrelevant places. Get caught up in LinkedIn News articles. Interesting, but wont necessarily help you network into your target companies.  Time suck. Browse through irrelevant tweets. I used to do this, to see what was going on in the world. Waste of time. Look at blog posts from family, friends, etc. Fun.  Time suck. Sorry. You are not on salary to read your family and friend posts. Read the local news website. Time suck.  Not relevant to your job search usually.  You can justify it as staying in touch with current events, but you are spending valuable time doing that and not calling people you need to call. Sleep in late. Whatever late means to you.  I have found sleeping in late disrupts my day and before I know it, its afternoon and I am BEHIND on what I hoped to accomplish that day. Skip exercise (same as the original post). What job seeker doesnt need an improvement in energy and mood??  Seriously, do it.  Daily. Pass on your routine (same as the original post). Most people who start a job search are floored by how unstructured their day and life is.  I give you permission to create your own routine and structure and then stick to it.  Some of you need structure to the minute, others just  need daily goals.  Either way, create a routine and honor the routine. Not journal. Im becoming convinced that journaling is the gateway to peace, your soul, and sanity.  Therapists regularly recommend journaling to cope with issues.  Leaders have journaled.  Some do it for their kids and grandkids, others just because.  Having blogged for 6 years I can attest that journaling (which Ive realized is blogging, for me) has perhaps saved my life. Im going to do more personal journaling, as Ive finally seen the value in this, and wish I would have done it many years ago. Avoid making the phone call youve been putting off. I get it, you are chicken.  But get over it and pick up the phone.  Every day. Just once a day. Get that off your list. Applying to jobs online. You complain about the resume black hole, yet you keep hucking your resume into it.  Its time to listen to everyone and spend more time networking than applying. Unusual housework, honeydo list items, handyman projects. These need to get done, but treat your job search like a full-time job and schedule time for the other stuff, just like you did before.  Im not saying to let things go but schedule your priorities. Hey, Ive been there.  I wasted time.  Hours, days.  I still do, sometimes.  Im not pointing fingers, but if you have an opportunity to change your situation, I want to help, and I hope this list is helpful. 12 Tasks That KILL Your Job Search Before Noon Excellent article on Business Insider titled 12 Tasks That Killer Employees Always Finish Before Noon I love this article. It includes suggestions such as: #1 make a to-do list the day before, #4 exercise (to improve energy and mood levels) #7 arrive on time (imagine the stress saved!) #10 avoid morning meetings read the entire article here. Here are my 12 tasks that KILL your job search before noon are you doing any of these? Check Facebook. Time waster that will suck you in to irrelevant places. Get caught up in LinkedIn News articles. Interesting, but wont necessarily help you network into your target companies.  Time suck. Browse through irrelevant tweets. I used to do this, to see what was going on in the world. Waste of time. Look at blog posts from family, friends, etc. Fun.  Time suck. Sorry. You are not on salary to read your family and friend posts. Read the local news website. Time suck.  Not relevant to your job search usually.  You can justify it as staying in touch with current events, but you are spending valuable time doing that and not calling people you need to call. Sleep in late. Whatever late means to you.  I have found sleeping in late disrupts my day and before I know it, its afternoon and I am BEHIND on what I hoped to accomplish that day. Skip exercise (same as the original post). What job seeker doesnt need an improvement in energy and mood??  Seriously, do it.  Daily. Pass on your routine (same as the original post). Most people who start a job search are floored by how unstructured their day and life is.  I give you permission to create your own routine and structure and then stick to it.  Some of you need structure to the minute, others just  need daily goals.  Either way, create a routine and honor the routine. Not journal. Im becoming convinced that journaling is the gateway to peace, your soul, and sanity.  Therapists regularly recommend journaling to cope with issues.  Leaders have journaled.  Some do it for their kids and grandkids, others just because.  Having blogged for 6 years I can attest that journaling (which Ive realized is blogging, for me) has perhaps saved my life. Im going to do more personal journaling, as Ive finally seen the value in this, and wish I would have done it many years ago. Avoid making the phone call youve been putting off. I get it, you are chicken.  But get over it and pick up the phone.  Every day. Just once a day. Get that off your list. Applying to jobs online. You complain about the resume black hole, yet you keep hucking your resume into it.  Its time to listen to everyone and spend more time networking than applying. Unusual housework, honeydo list items, handyman projects. These need to get done, but treat your job search like a full-time job and schedule time for the other stuff, just like you did before.  Im not saying to let things go but schedule your priorities. Hey, Ive been there.  I wasted time.  Hours, days.  I still do, sometimes.  Im not pointing fingers, but if you have an opportunity to change your situation, I want to help, and I hope this list is helpful.

Why You Should Take a Trip to Norway

Why You Should Take a Trip to Norway Icy glaciers, glorious mountain peaks and endless breath taking views of isolated rugged terrain, if you’re wanting to experience some of the most awe-inspiring beauty that the natural world has to offer, Norway is the only place to visit.  Whether you’re an adventure seeking explorer or on a quest for culture wanting to experience Scandi city life, Norway has the perfect balance of the two. Here are the main reasons why you should take a trip to Norway: The Fjords The Norwegian Fjords are the iconic cobalt blue lakes surrounded by stunning green cliffs often pictured on postcards as the symbol of Norway. The wild and sublime Norwegian landscape feels like its own ginormous universe unconnected from the rest of the world when you’re sailing around the lakes and are a must visit destination for those seeking the ultimate in natural peace and tranquillity. Oslo If you’re more interested in experiencing Scandinavian city life and looking for a more cosmopolitan break, a trip to the country’s metropolis Oslo is definitely worth a visit. Although notoriously expensive, Oslo has the ultimate Scandi chic vibe. Its minimalist architecture is surrounded by beautiful scenery, making it a really unique city. Packed with cute cafes, great museums such as National Museum of Contemporary Art and an ever growing live music scene, you’re sure to be impressed. The Northern Lights The most famous reason tourists tend to visit Norway is to see the incredible Northern Lights. The natural phenomenon of the Aurora Borealis   which lights up the skies in an array of dazzling colours between October and March are a definite Norwegian highlight. Most people head to the North of the country for the best chance of seeing them in Alta. You can visit Alta with Wexas for an amazing price and you’ll get a guide to help you best find the most spectacular views of the lights. The Polar Night In the very North of Norway in the archipelago that is Svalbard, between the months of November and February you can experience the polar night. Another natural wonder, the whole of Svalbard is completely without daylight for a whole three months-a unique experience as a result of Norway’s geographical location so close to the Arctic Circle. Most residents tend to enjoy the island for a few years then move on due to the extreme climate but it’s a place definitely worth visiting to experience something so different to our normal life. These are just a few reasons why you should take a trip to Norway now to experience some of the most incredible natural sights the world has to offer.

What is the Best Type of Organization for You to Work In - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

What is the Best Type of Organization for You to Work In - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career Part of your personal branding is the type of company you choose to work for. Exciting small start-ups seem promising and progressive but on the other hand a legacy company offers proven systems, procedures and security. To compare and decide what is right for you, consider the differences: The Small Start-Up Firm This type of company is likely to have: • A sense that no one is really in charge • A sense of chaotic growth (say, from a staff of 14 to a staff of 400 within 12 months) • Lots of wasted money (usually the investors’ money) • No time to train you • Little stability • Limited support resources • Fourteen-hour days, seven days a week • Zero vacation or free time • No clear payroll or human resource policies • No clear practices • No one to complain to • No experienced managers as mentors • More openness between management and rank file • Increased speed of project execution • Shorter time for advancement • Increased risk of failure The Blue-Chip Legacy Company This type of company is likely to have: • Opportunity at almost every level • Resources • Profitability (more likely, but not guaranteed) • A proven reputation • Security • Stability • A large peer group of colleagues • Experienced managers as mentors • Assistants • Vacations • Longer wait for advancement • Greater chance of ultimate success Both types of organizations have a time and a place in a career. The trick is to pick the right time and place for yours.

Social Media Friends, an Oxymoron - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

Social Media Friends, an Oxymoron - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career Short of being a known serial killer who’s lost his Internet privileges, anyone can get introduced to you. You’re probably on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook, and otherwise connected in much less than six degrees to every soul on the planet, with more being born every day. Isn’t that why you’re building your personal brand? What do you make of these “connections” or offers of “friendship?” And, do you really feel “followed?” on Twitter? I’ve actually been followed in real life and they arrested the guy. It was scary. I wish Twitter had chosen another word. The definition of friends has changed? Certainly, these relationships start off feeling contrived, mostly because they aren’t earned. It’s like sitting on a bus last Tuesday, and because there were other people on that bus, inviting those people â€" and people who know them to a reunion the following week where you all share your personal photo albums. Only, the reunion is held in a complete stranger’s house in a town you only pass through when you’re bored or can’t sleep, and someone keeps shouting: Lose Weight Fast! or whatever messages you get on Facebook. I may just be feeling this now because a bunch of people who know people who know me requested my friendship on Facebook today.   Some of them took unfortunately scary photos, not Halloween scary, just unattractive. Not everyone is photogenic or realizes a photo is worth a thousand words about your personal brand, so these may actually be extremely good-looking people in real life. But, I felt obligated to click on their faces in order to scrutinize who were our alleged mutual friends. Turns out each request came from a person who is a friend of a friend of a friend of mine. I have slowly inherited other people’s friends, and probably so have you. So, I welcomed everyone to read my angry posts about healthcare and the war, as well as what I occasionally cook for dinner or feel you should know about the weather in Southern California. You know, my posts. Build the bridge to make it real What’s it going to take to really connect and warm up to the people we’re linked to or following as we build something real from our personal branding efforts? It’s probably like real life. We’re probably going to have to care about each other. Argue a little. Be bored but still willing to listen. Occasionally, be shocked. Just like we are with our real friends. But, we have to work to bridge that empty feeling factor.   So much personal brand outreach feels like getting the can without the Coke inside. The worst for me is my LoserIn groups, which is what LinkedIn groups feel like, since 98% of the questions my fellow group members ask are getting goose eggs in terms of response. Sometimes I feel bad enough for the person who’s posted the question, that I give a pity response. That’s like pity applause when the only people laughing during Jay Leno are the people he pays, like Kevin Eubanks. And by the way, what a lonely, empty hour that is! I did some pity watching one night, but ran out of pity before the first commercial. Jay Leno isn’t funny, but he plays the part of someone who should be funny. He is sort of funny looking like most comedians are. He has a prepared monologue filled with snipes about men sleeping with women who aren’t their wives. He has the same tiresome celebrity guests who couldn’t possible enjoy making the rounds of these shows, and a band leader. This is a show just filling airtime. Results or just activity? A lot of social media sites are the same. They are filling airtime. They really aren’t helping most people do the work of personal branding, which is to make a lasting impression and engage an audience. My real friends will help me move my couch. My real connections will tip me off about a great new supplier or potential client. I bring soup to my real friends who are ill. I tell my real network about job openings they can apply for and new projects they can bid on, and encourage them to use my name if it helps their cause. I think this would be a good week go through your friends, followers and connections list and see if there’s anything you can do for anyone. You might make a real friend, which could just be more valuable right now than the financial ROI we’re all waiting to see come from personal branding and social media. Author: Nance Rosen is the author of Speak Up! Succeed. She speaks to business audiences around the world and is a resource for press, including print, broadcast and online journalists and bloggers covering social media and careers. Read more at NanceRosenBlog. Twitter name: nancerosen.

5 LinkedIn Writing Tips To Get Your Resume Read

5 LinkedIn Writing Tips To Get Your Resume ReadIf you're looking for some resume writing tips on LinkedIn, then read on. These five LinkedIn tips will get you going right away on your way to getting the job you've always wanted. Try these tips and you'll be well on your way to landing that dream job.When sending your resume on LinkedIn, start off by answering your recent messages. They are a great way to learn about what's really important to people and what they're most interested in knowing. This is a great place to start if you're trying to build a career or move up the ladder in your current job.At any time during the day when you're not working, find an opportunity to give feedback. Try doing it in as creative a way as possible. After all, it's only human nature to feel comfortable sharing information with others. With this information, you can learn more about your potential employers than you ever could in a non-LinkedIn setting.The next LinkedIn tip is to post relevant, usefu l information on your profile. Provide everyone with useful links, resources, and resources that they can use on a daily basis. These are things that will stand out when search engines come to look at your resume. Include these tips and you'll be well on your way to getting that new job you've always wanted.LinkedIn is great because it's free. But if you're serious about landing that dream job, you have to treat it as if it were a personal business. You'll need to treat it as one if you want to get the success you're looking for.Always check your profile on a regular basis. Ask friends and family members about you or your organization if you have any questions. This will help youto improve your image and boost your career opportunities.Remember that your online reputation is everything. If your resume looks professional and that you're someone that people can rely on, then you can rest assured that you will be seen as a professional and as someone that people trust. Don't neglect yo ur reputation, because you don't want to give yourself the chance to be passed over for a better candidate.These LinkedIn writing tips are for everyone. It doesn't matter whether you're using this as your first time on the job or your fifteenth. These tips will work for everyone no matter how old they are.

Mt Kilamanjaro Challenge for Amnesty International - Jane Jackson Career

Mt Kilamanjaro Challenge for Amnesty International - Jane Jackson Career I am honoured to support a colleague and friend, Tony Wright and his team of intrepid climbers, in their challenge to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in August to raise money for Amnesty International.   Here are details of the Kilimanjaro Challenge for Amnesty International.                                                                                         In August 2012, Tony Wright and his team will attempt to climb Mt Kilimanjaro (nearly 6000m) to raise $40,000 and awareness for the work of Amnesty International.   They expect to endure extremes of heat and cold, physical and mental exhaustion and risk altitude sickness.So why…?As a coach and career consultant, Tony Wright has spent his life encouraging others to set stretch goals. So here is his, a rugged challenge, which requires mental as well as physical stamina.   The discipline and perseverance needed will push him beyond his comfort zone and show him some of what he expects others to go through in their own ways.   With Emily, his stepdaughter, her partner Kambiz (ex refugee now Australian citizen) and family friend, Isabel, and with Susan, his wife, contributing her energy and drive, he will experience sustained supportive teamwork in training and climbing.   As a grandfather who has never been a father, he is keen to be part of a family team, raising $40,000 for Amnesty International focusing on two crucial issues for Australia today, refugees human rights and indigenous rights.   And, of course it will be an adventure!  Follow his progress and support him on the team website www.teamkites.com.au which will provide details of events and opportunities to donate.

The Count Down To Christmas and Perhaps a New Job Under Your Tree

The Count Down To Christmas and Perhaps a New Job Under Your Tree It is December 1st and the first snow has fallen!So far, Black Friday is behind us and Cyber Monday too. Hopefully, you picked up an outstanding bargain, if not, never fear. Sometimes the greatest gifts are the ones that come from the heart. Instead of getting wrapped upin shopping (excuse the pun) for gifts this year, think about giving your time instead. Who needs your help, your time, your love, your attention? Give generously of yourself. Make this Christmas or holiday other-centric. A picture is worth a thousand words. Photos,in frames or albums, make the most meaningful gifts. Does your family have old movies or slides? Convert them into a usable format for all to enjoy. Write a memoir of your favorite memory and box it up with a nice ribbon to give to someone who will cherish it. Send Christmas cards and write apersonal message inside each one.This year, include college friends, distant relatives and others you have lost contact with. Food cupboards and kitchens need volunteers to help distribute food. There are thousands of non-profit organizations that are struggling financially this year, ask how you can help one that is important to you. Dont over-commit yourself. As you scurry around these next 24 days, consider every moment outside of your house an opportunity to meet new people. Be inquisitive. Be other-centric. Forget about your frustrating job search and focus on learning about other people. Enjoy this season of giving. Savor each moment, each experience. Sometimes the most wonderful things happen when we dont expect them!