Career Tips

Career Change - Find a Role Model

2008-02-15T15:56:00.000-08:00

If the effort involved in career change is proving difficult, think about finding a role model. When you are working full time and a change of direction means studying or learning new skills, you could find yourself becoming tired and consequently be tempted to give up.

Looking at how other people have become successful, often against the odds, can really boost your morale and motivate you to go the extra mile. So if you don't already have a role model, it could help enormously to find one.

Are there well-known people in your chosen field who have fought against adversity in order to succeed? If not, it isn't crucial to find someone in the same career, just someone who inspires you. You can find inspirational stories all over the place - in the community in which you live, through your church or community organizations. Local newspapers often write about people who have succeeded despite illness, disability or adverse circumstances. Alternatively, you can search online to find good examples of people who have shown great determination and succeeded in very difficult situations.

A great way to find role models is by taking a trip to the local library or bookshop and browsing through the biography section. This will help you identify good role models - the type of people you admire and enjoy reading about. There are many famous people who have overcome enormous problems, but many ordinary people as well. They may, for example, be contributing to society by helping others or being involved in a charity, despite suffering from a debilitating illness. Others will have risen to the top of their careers or created successful businesses in spite of poor education and lack of financial or emotional support.

Reading about the success of others can also be exciting and entertaining - a welcome relief from your routine, which will not only inspire you, but also refresh you.

Need some inspiration to keep you on track? Click here to download my free e-book.

Waller Jamison is a careers advisor who has made several career changes and understands the obstacles and how to overcome them.

Taking Charge of Your Career Development

2008-02-15T15:53:00.005-08:00

By Alisa Blum, MSW

How often do you work day in and day out without thinking about what you like or don't like about your job? Are you working in areas that maximize your strengths, develop your skills, and ultimately lead you to your goals? Most people don't give conscious consideration to these aspects of their work and find themselves dissatisfied and unmotivated.

When we raise our career development needs to a conscious level, we can figure out how to make our careers more satisfying.

Here are some tips to evaluate your career development needs:

¢ At the end of each day, make a list of what you liked and didn't like about your job. After one month, read your daily lists and look for common themes. Brainstorm how your can do more of what you like and less of what you don't like to do. ¢ Ask yourself the following: In what areas do I feel the most successful? What am I naturally drawn to do? What activities make me the happiest? What activities make me feel the most satisfied? Do I have the opportunity to do what I do best every day? ¢ Envision what you want to be doing in the next 5-10 years. What can you start doing now to move toward your goals for the future?

After you have completed this self-evaluation, plan a meeting with your supervisor. In this meeting it will be important to communicate the following: How do your career goals fit with your organization's vision and mission? How can you do more of what you want to do and make your organization more successful and/or profitable?

As you make time for an in-depth reflection about your career development needs, you will be able to articulate your needs and ultimately have a satisfying and productive career.

Alisa Blum is President of Alisa Blum & Associates, training and consulting company specializing in helping organizations develop a motivated & productive workforce. Training programs are offered both live and via webinar. More information can be found at http// http://www.retentionsolutions.org Alisa can be reached at (503) 524-3470 or alisablum@earthlink.net.

International Business - Expatriate Compensation

2008-02-15T15:53:00.004-08:00

Is there any Human Resource department in the country that would take a request to assume responsibility for budgeting an employee's housing, furniture, utilities, transportation and education expenses seriously?

Many HR departments not only entertain such requests, they actually fulfill them - often without even being aware of it.

This "budgeting" is an insidious part of many companies' approach to compensating expatriate employees. In an effort to reward employees for their willingness to leave home, companies offer a variety of payments to supplement base salary, much of it designated for specific purposes, such as housing or education. The result is that the company, in effect, assumes responsibility for managing the employee's finances.

Although the intent of such payments is laudable, the reality is that the system generally results in greater overall expense - sometimes to the point that the company's original intent in establishing an overseas operation in the first place is undermined.

Today's competitive economy offers companies the perfect opportunity to reassess the situation and put the responsibility of budgeting back where it belongs: in the hands of employees themselves.

The balance sheet has a long history in expatriate compensation practice. It was designed to provide a no loss-no gain adjustment for overseas costs that exceeded those in the United States. In theory, positive differentials were applied when costs were higher and negative or no differentials applied when costs were lower.

The balance sheet as currently used, however, may have fundamental flaws that contribute to the failure rate of employees assigned abroad, the substandard performance of many employees and the failure of US multinationals to achieve planned objectives in their overseas operations.

Moreover, these compensation policies are a source of discontent among repatriated employees returning to the United States after assignments in which housing, transportation, schooling, club membership, and other expenses were partially or fully reimbursed.

When those reimbursements and basic overseas incentive pay are eliminated, the result is often a financial shock from which returnees never fully recover.

Most US multinationals justify the added expense to project a quality image overseas or in the belief that most Americans are highly inconvenienced on foreign soil simply because the place is different.

Expatriates should be additionally compensated for their willingness to leave family, friends and familiar surroundings on the company's behalf, but existing programs have created three general problems:

• Inappropriate lifestyles,

• Dysfunctional distractions from the job and,

• Intensified repatriation issues.

Inappropriate lifestyles. Under balance sheet compensation policies, an employee assigned overseas receives an itemized printout of allowances from his or her company.

The printout prepared by the HR organization varies from employee to employee based on job title, US base salary, family status and country of assignment. These data reflect living costs (food, services, housing, transportation and so forth) and are generally expressed as differentials above those of a typical US family of the same size as that of the expatriate. The company normally obtains such data from outside consultants who specialize in balance sheet estimates.

The problems that emerge from this itemized, inflexible method of providing expense allowances come from the fact that the estimates for living abroad are not the ceilings but, effectively floors. Thus, if the balance sheet prepared by the company and its consultants allocates $2,000 per month for housing, that amount dictates the type of housing sought regardless of whether less expensive accommodations could have been found. The same hold true for other areas - such as transportation, club memberships, etc.

What this means is that the majority of expatriates opt for maximum allowances. Americans assigned overseas not only live better than expatriates from other countries with whom their companies compete - but far better than most local nationals in similar positions.

These relatively high allowances remove the incentive for Americans abroad to save money by investigating the local marketplace, using the same services as colleagues at work, or purchasing local products.

The effect, furthermore, is more than financial. The key to successful adjustment overseas is acclimatization and the ability to blend in with the local culture, economy and lifestyle of the indigenous population, or at least that part of the population touched by the day-to-day work assignment.

It is a curious anomaly that US companies focus a good deal of time and money on orientation and cultural training, only to provide a compensation package that reinforces directly contradictory behavior.

Dysfunctional distractions. The balance sheet has created a new kind of game between employees and the home office - one that is unknown in domestic compensation practices and can be a serious distraction overseas.

Because the balance sheet provides allowances based on a typical family and uses approximations of US quality or equivalence overseas, it is, of course, subject to interpretation. Furthermore, because savings are unlikely to accrue to employees, it is therefore in the employees' best interest to ensure that interpretations fall in their favor and that all allowances are maximized.

This generally begins an ongoing dialogue with the home office that lasts throughout the tour and covers topics ranging from what kind of housing can really be located (as opposed to what the consultant reported) to who will pay to replace the light bulbs in company-owned lamps.

The result is that the balance sheet approach places employees in an adversarial relationship with the home office as they strive to obtain what they perceive to be their best deal.

Repatriation issues. The item-by-item balance sheet approach to expatriate compensation, with no incentive for choosing less expensive lifestyle components, is the underlying reason most Americans live better abroad than they could on an equal salary at home.

When incentive pay and other bonuses are added, overseas compensation can reach sufficient heights to create a severe sense of economic letdown when employees are repatriated.

A primary reason for this certainly is the better-that-average conditions that expatriates become accustomed to overseas. Families sometimes leave behind mansions staffed by inexpensive servants to return to ranch style homes where god forbid, they have to do their own cooking. Executives who went to work in limousines return to taking commuter trains; and club memberships taken for granted are no longer available.

In addition, the inflated lifestyle of Americans working abroad may include many non-financial advantages. In some nations, for example, employees and their spouses receive invitations to black-tie affairs, socialize with leading figures in government and the arts, and are routinely accepted as elite people in the community. Back home, their status may not be so exalted.

As a rule, HR has found that the longer a person is abroad the harder it is to adjust to life upon returning to the United States.

Conclusion

The basic objectives of any compensation program are to attract, retain and motivate. In expatriate compensation, it is time to return those basics.

The balance sheet and its subsystems of charts, graphs and cost studies have changed the focus of many of those who go overseas from job performance to an endless pursuit of, "What's in it for me?"

Companies claim that without the existing programs no one would accept an overseas assignment. Yet often these are the same companies that complain about the constant carping of their overseas work force. Clearly the wrong people are being sent overseas (many may accept assignments with the unspoken intent of financial gain) with the wrong compensation package.

The answer is simple: no nonsense compensation that provides a US base salary and a tax-equalized, all-inclusive living allowance. Such an allowance would be based on job title (salary grade), family status and assignment location. The disposition of the living allowance would be at the sole discretion of the expatriate and would, in effect, place the family, not the company, in the center of lifestyle decisions.

By removing an emphasis from piecemeal payments for such expenses as housing and transportation, the company could begin identifying a move overseas as just another relocation, focusing on job challenges and growth opportunities instead of greed.

As an added benefit, companies might save as much as 25% in expatriate expenses without materially affecting expatriate lifestyles. Those savings, coupled with fewer e-mails about who owns the light bulbs, should make any HR executive smile.

Mr. Michael A. Conway holds a BS in Aeronautical Engineering and a Master's in Business Administration. After a distinguished career with one of America's largest corporations, Mr. Conway established a consulting company and for the past 15 years has worked with both local and international clients in the Middle East and Far East. His focus is on Strategic Planning, Organization Design and Human Resource Development. He has more that 12 published articles on Human Resources and International Business.

Interviews - Coaching Your Way to Success

2008-02-15T15:53:00.003-08:00

You have applied for a job with your great resume and cover letter. Finally the phone rings and you are short-listed for an interview. Now the preparation really begins. How do you prepare yourself?

Anxiety, loss of confidence, concern over making a good first impression, not knowing what to expect, feeling like you know so little about the company, wondering about the competition are things that weigh heavily sometimes. Do they need to come into play?

Have you ever thought interviews could be fun? Just like dating? In many ways they are similar. You are going to meet one or more representatives of a company to see if you like who they are, if your values are similar, if what they advertised or say they are looking for is really what they want. You get to come into their environment, check it out, and see how well it fits. You also get to present yourself as you wish.

The attitude we use to approach a job interview is our choice to have. It might lead to a good match and hence a job offer; or it might just lead to an increase in your network and a new friend. Either way you meet new people, do some research on a company, and observe yourself exploring opportunities.

Interviews really need to be conversations, good quality dialogue that is meaningful, valuable and helps both parties determine if the match will be right. if you approach an interview with the intent of having a good conversation it might help you relax just a little and not feel like it is a lopsided situation. A colleague of mine told me she approaches an interview with a goal to find out as much as she can about the other person and in many ways uses gentle coaching questions that illustrate her curiosity and ability to listen and integrate.

Companies are pouring considerable resources these days into recruiting. Some areas are in high demand and some are not. Your unique skill set and experience coupled with your potential are what you have to offer. You may have multiple offers or you may find yourself looking for months for the right position. Either way how you approach your interview is a first impression, on both sides. How impressive are you and how impressed are you by the company with their recruitment process. Interviews should be informative, and the best ones should make you feel like the people are real and that you think not only that you could contribute but that you could have some fun along the way. Prepare for your next interview in a way that fits exactly who you are- this will ensure you find a good match.

Debbie Payne, MA is a Leadership and Organizational Learning Consultant. She has worked both within organizations as an employee and as an external consultant. In addition to leadership development, business coaching, and workshop design and facilitation she provides career coaching to help people see and represent themselves effectively during job transitions. For more information please see http://www.dpleadership.com

10 1/2 Tips To Finding A Better Trucking Job

2008-02-15T15:53:00.002-08:00

If you're looking for a career in the transportation field, specifically as a truck driver, then there are a number of things you should keep in mind. Truck drivers are in high demand with a lot of companies, but the trick to finding a better job with better pay starts before you interview. It starts before you apply. It starts before you make a phone call.

There are a lot of openings, but few companies that are willing to pay a driver the top dollar for their miles. However, if you're careful, and follow these steps, you'll be well on your way to making more money, being home more often, and getting better benefits for you and your family. These days, it's not just about your driving experience that will lead you to a better truck driving opportunity, it's a bigger professional picture that if you make sure to do some of these recommendations, you'll get the job that you've been working for, for so many miles. Take a second, you deserve to know:

1. Make Sure You Have A Job Now. Imagine you're the recruiter. Do you want to hire someone that doesn't have a job? Potential hires are "hotter" prospects when they're currently employed. This means the new company has to make a better offer to steal you away from your current employer. Plus, if you have a job now, you don't have to worry about going without a paycheck.

2. Get Your Work History Together. Most employers will require all necessary info regarding your previous three (3) employers - minimum. Most of them also require your previous three (3) years worth of employers. If you've had several jobs, you'll need to be able to provide the names of the employer and supervisors as well as the phone number and addresses for all the companies. Yes, it's a chore to dig up, but it's worth it. Also, type it up or get it typed up so you have something professional to present to a new employer. This is one of the most overlooked aspects of truck driver jobs hunting.

3. Check Your DAC History. Your DAC driver history is a transportation company's way of checking your driving history before checking your MVR (motor vehicle report). It's a good idea to know what the recruiters see when they're looking up your info. Disputing your DAC can be a chore, just FYI, in the event something is incorrect. However, you knowing what's on there also means you don't go into a conversation or interview not knowing information, about yourself.

4. Check Your Personal Driving History. That's right, your personal driving history. It might show something different - could be good or bad - than what your DAC history or MVR shows. The best way to find all the info, and find it for FREE, is call your insurance company. The company that insures your personal vehicle has access to all of your info and can quickly and freely tell you all the info that's associated with you. Again, you knowing all the available info prepares you for any question you might be asked.

5. Make Sure Your CDL Is Current. Too many drivers try to find a job and realize that their CDL (commercial driver's license) is expired. Just how in the world is a trucking company supposed to hire a driver that does NOT have a current CDL? That's an impossible question that is asked but goes unanswered every day. This is something painfully obvious, but lots of to-be drivers don't have a current CDL.

6. Get Added CDL Endorsements. Yes, it's some extra cost, an extra test periodically, but high dollar freight takes a higher level of insurance which means the driver will be held to a higher standard of knowledge. Tanker drivers make more than van drivers. HAZMAT freight drivers make more than flatbed. Double and triple endorsements mean you can haul more freight, meaning you can make more $/mile.

7. Don't Have Your CDL? If you're going to school or to get training to obtain your CDL, you need to be aware of all of your options. Some of the big companies actually have their own school, will train you a minimal expense, and guarantee you a job when you graduate. However, they do sometimes require you to drive for them for a certain amount of time - which is fair - considering they footed the several thousand dollar bill of you obtaining your CDL. You might also go to an independent school or a lot of junior colleges have CDL training programs. You might have to get a loan or pay out of pocket, but you're on your own in terms of deciding you drive for in the coming months and years upon graduation.

8. Get Current on DOT and HOS Requirements - Both Federal and State. The federal regulations don't always exactly line up with the state regulations. You need to know the different rules of the road and rules of cartage for the freight, truck, time, speed of delivery with regards to the states you're traveling through because regulations can change just by crossing a state line. But, if you know this info in advance, you'll have a more successful driving career, because you'll know info other drivers don't. It might seem boring to research, but exceptionally helpful in a sticky situation.

9. Join Your State's Trucking Association. Every state has one and the dues are usually pretty reasonable. You can stay current on regulations while also learning the whos and whats of your state with regards to trucking. Again, this is info that you never know when it'll help you out. Also, if you get involved - even a little bit, you'll meet a lot of people with a lot of connections to the trucking industry, and that can quickly lead to better employment opportunities.

10. Be Extra Careful Driving. This is THE most obvious thing to keep in mind when trying to get a better trucking job. Think about it, safe drivers, with safe driving histories, get the best jobs. Why? They take their time, do what their asked, and do it without damaging cargo, equipment, or the company's name. You do that and you'll be the one getting the better pay, better home time, and bigger bonuses.

½. Do Some Research. You need to know what opportunities are out there. You need to know the names of the companies that are hiring. Go to your local truck stop and find some of the digest magazines, they're covered with advertisements. But if you really want to know all the trucking jobs info quickly, use the Internet. Go to a search engine and search for some companies or find a site that lists lots of companies that are hiring truck drivers. You can contact them, read about them, or apply with them, all from the convenience of your home. Imagine if you got a list of trucking jobs offers to choose what's best, versus, having to call a company and settle for what they give you. Also, when you interview, get a haircut first, shave, and dress up a little. You only get one opportunity to make a first impression, so be sure to make a great one.

Yes, this is a bit detailed, but it's also truth. Pay attention to some details, some small things, and you'll get big rewards. I've worked in the trucking advertising industry for about 8 years and these are just some of the general helpful hints that recruiters look for that drivers don't pick up on. If you'll cross all your I's and dot all your T's you'll be sure to be rewarded. Best wishes to you in you trucking career!

About The Author:

Kyle Jernigan

I work for an online truck driver recruiting and advertising website - http://www.hiringtruckdrivers.com - Truck Driver Jobs.

I like Alabama football, turkey hunting, and just anything having to do with watersports.

Careers in Acupressure Today

2008-02-15T15:53:00.001-08:00

Today's massage therapy and holistic health schools provide some of the most in-depth bodywork training to date; including hands-on instruction geared toward careers in acupressure and other advanced massage therapy.

Though there are some minor technique differences between acupressure and Shiatsu, one can agree that bodywork therapies like these and other natural healing modalities are on the rise as a widely-accepted form of complementary healthcare. This is also one of the many reasons why individuals are gaining interest in careers in acupressure and massage therapy.

Currently, there are a number of massage and acupressure certification programs that enable graduates to earn entry-level careers in acupressure as private practitioners, in health spas, wellness clinics, and even in holistic veterinarian offices.

While no two bodywork training programs are the same, acupressure courses may involve practical instruction in its various forms; including Jin Shin Do, Tuina, and Shiatsu. Though acupressure is a gentler massage therapy technique, it is actually more similar to acupuncture as practitioners follow much of the same theories and principles associated with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and energy healing practices.

Once you've successfully completed all occupational training requirements (often including basic sciences in anatomy, physiology and pathology), you can actively pursue professional careers in acupressure; or if you are already a licensed massage therapist, adding acupressure as one of your client services could definitely enhance your business and health benefits to those clients.

Today, professionally licensed massage therapists and individuals who have established careers in acupressure stand to earn a comfortable living; and with the increasing demand for specialized natural health treatments like shiatsu, aspiring practitioners can certainly anticipate a diverse range of career opportunities.

If you (or someone you know) are interested in finding programs in acupressure, let professional training within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore careers in acupressure near you.

NOTICE: Article(s) may be republished free of charge to relevant websites, as long as Copyright and Author Resource Box are included; and ALL Hyperlinks REMAIN intact and active.

Resource Box: CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd - Freelance Writer and Web Consultant for HolisticJunction.com, in association with CollegeSurfing.com - Educational Resources for Careers in Acupressure, Massage Therapy Schools, and other healing arts programs.

Career Change - How to Stay Motivated

2008-02-15T15:53:00.000-08:00

If you have decided to change career and are struggling to stay motivated, keep your eye on the goal. Everyone gets discouraged from time to time when working towards a major life change and it's important to remind yourself why you are doing it.

Ask yourself why you chose this particular goal and what the benefits of achieving it will be. What will happen if you do reach your goal? and perhaps more importantly what will happen if you don't?

Is anyone throwing cold water on your dream? You may find that not everyone around you is as supportive as you'd like them to be. This is usually because they aren't happy themselves and perhaps haven't got the motivation or the courage to make a move. Often this is subconscious, and they may be totally unaware of the fact that they are sending out some negative vibes in your direction! So it's important that you don't take this to heart.

Don't forget that you are the best judge of what is right for you. Only you can decide which career to follow and ultimately, if you are happy in your job, you will be much more contented with your life and this will rub off on those around you. You'll be a better friend, partner or parent if you are happy.

So remind yourself why you are changing career, that you will have a more satisfying job, using your talents more effectively. Perhaps you'll be able to travel, learn new skills or meet interesting people and do exciting new things. Then think about what you'll miss if you stay where you are.

When the going gets tough, hold on to your goals.

Want some advice to help you follow your dreams, without giving up the day job? Click here to download my free e-book.

Waller Jamison is a careers advisor who has made several career changes and understands the obstacles and how to overcome them.

Career Tips: How To Start A New Career

2008-01-25T15:09:00.000-08:00

These days most people accept that jobs are not for life anymore. People are more mobile and much more likely to change jobs every few years and even careers a number of times throughout their lives. And it is increasingly common that we may also find that we need to change jobs because of retrenchments, redundancies and closures. Having confidence in your skills and experience and your ability to deal with the challenges of starting over can give you a greater sense of confidence about your career, and whatever life brings your way.

Get support. Surround yourself with family and friends and let them know your situation. Stay in contact with those you care about and continue your usual social activities. Although you might not feel like it, now is not the time to avoid people or stop socialising. Your support crew will help you to stay motivated and positive and they’ll keep their eyes open for opportunities for you.

It’s not about you. Jobs, not people, are made redundant. Redundancy is now a common term and accepted as a part of modern working life. It’s not a reflection on you or anything you need to feel ashamed about.

Set up a HQ. Create an environment that it conducive to your job-search project. Set up a basic office at home that includes access to a phone, stationary, postage supplies, computer and printer. If you have small children or pets keep them out of this area and ask your children not to answer the phone while you are job searching. If you are basing yourself out of a job café or other facility, be prepared. Make sure that you have the tools you need to apply for jobs that appeal to you, including an up to date resume, referees and an email address.

Create an up to date resume. Create a captivating covering letter. Provide a detailed description of the achievements in each of your roles and the timeframes you have been in the role. Provide all contact details including phone number (land line and mobile), email and where possible a fax number. If you don’t have a fax at home, find someone close to you i.e. local business and ask them if you can use their number.

Get out. Become involved in local networks and community events. Investigate groups that meet regularly in your area and get involved. This is a great way to meet new people, make new contacts and find out about jobs that are available close to home.

Mind your language. Avoid using negative words such as ‘unemployed’, ‘on the dole’ and ‘I can’t find a job’ and replace them with positive perspectives such as ‘I will find a job suitable for me’.

Stay well presented. It only takes seven-seconds to make a first impression. Make the most of your seven-seconds by smiling when you greet someone. Invest in a good suit, if you don’t have one, borrow one for interviews; polish your shoes and ensure that your hair is clean and tidy. It’s easy to get out of the good-grooming habit when you don’t have to do it every day. Remember how important is it both to your self-esteem as well as to people’s first impression of you.

Stay motivated. Finding a new job is hard work; treat it as you would any work assignment – your fulltime job is finding a new role that you will enjoy. Just as with any job it can be frustrating and especially disappointing when you receive ‘rejection’ letters. Prepare yourself for the fact that you will receive these. They are not personal. Focus on keeping your goals in your mind and remind yourself constantly that there is a role out there just for you, it’s only a matter of time until you find it.

Neen is a Global Productivity Expert: by looking at how they spend their time and energy – and where they focus their attention – Neen helps people to rocket-charge their productivity and performance. A dynamic speaker, author and corporate trainer, Neen demonstrates how boosting your productivity can help you achieve amazing things. With her unique voice, sense of fun and uncommon common-sense, Neen delivers a powerful lesson in productivity. Find out more at http://neenjames.com/.