Saturday, May 30, 2020

My daughter cut her own bangs (related to your job loss)

My daughter cut her own bangs (related to your job loss) My three year old daughter cut her own bangs this week. Actually, the appropriate word is not cut, it is butchered. Just like every other kid in the world, she found some alone time with a mirror and scissors, and she had just seen my wife trim her bangs.  So it was something she wanted to do. At first she was pretty proud of the job she did.  But as people started noticing and talking about it (with a snicker here and there) she started to realize that her haircut wasnt cute and she started to really worry about it.  Tears flowed again and again, and it was clear she was pretty traumatized. In her young mind she figured she had done a horrible job, and all the world knew it, and many would laugh at her. It was devastating. Just like my job loss, and your job loss.   I remember the feeling of thinking I had a big sign around my neck that people would look at.  I dont know what the sign said but it was something like: Loser. Unemployed. Unemployable. Broken. Jobless leper. You know what?  I was wrong to have thought that.  Just like my daughter was wrong to have thought her haircut was the end of the world.  Let me tell you why. Her hair is amazing.  She has this wild, curly hair that is I dont know how to describe it other than it is beautiful, like a lions mane (okay, you really have to appreciate lion manes, but work with me here).  We get a lot of compliments about her hair, and Ive loved it from the beginning.  It really is awesome. Because she has these big curls, and her hair is seemingly unruly, there really isnt a rhyme or reason to any particular style she has.  She only ever has one style, which is best described as  awesome. Those unruly curls, however, have completely diminished anyones ability to see that she butchered the first 2 inches of what used to be hair (it is very, very short). YOU JUST CANT TELL. Same with my job search. I had that imaginary sign, and it devastated me, and I felt like an outcast, and that was not doing anyone any good.  Im sure it hurt how I presented myself at networking meetings, in interviews, etc. But it JUST DIDNT MATTER. Especially now, in todays economy, those things JUST DONT MATTER. Dont let your imaginary sign hamper your road to success take it off and throw it in the imaginary garbage can, and move on. My daughter has moved on from the drama of this event, and she is back to normal.   When you are back to your normal self youll perform much better. My daughter cut her own bangs (related to your job loss) My three year old daughter cut her own bangs this week. Actually, the appropriate word is not cut, it is butchered. Just like every other kid in the world, she found some alone time with a mirror and scissors, and she had just seen my wife trim her bangs.  So it was something she wanted to do. At first she was pretty proud of the job she did.  But as people started noticing and talking about it (with a snicker here and there) she started to realize that her haircut wasnt cute and she started to really worry about it.  Tears flowed again and again, and it was clear she was pretty traumatized. In her young mind she figured she had done a horrible job, and all the world knew it, and many would laugh at her. It was devastating. Just like my job loss, and your job loss.   I remember the feeling of thinking I had a big sign around my neck that people would look at.  I dont know what the sign said but it was something like: Loser. Unemployed. Unemployable. Broken. Jobless leper. You know what?  I was wrong to have thought that.  Just like my daughter was wrong to have thought her haircut was the end of the world.  Let me tell you why. Her hair is amazing.  She has this wild, curly hair that is I dont know how to describe it other than it is beautiful, like a lions mane (okay, you really have to appreciate lion manes, but work with me here).  We get a lot of compliments about her hair, and Ive loved it from the beginning.  It really is awesome. Because she has these big curls, and her hair is seemingly unruly, there really isnt a rhyme or reason to any particular style she has.  She only ever has one style, which is best described as  awesome. Those unruly curls, however, have completely diminished anyones ability to see that she butchered the first 2 inches of what used to be hair (it is very, very short). YOU JUST CANT TELL. Same with my job search. I had that imaginary sign, and it devastated me, and I felt like an outcast, and that was not doing anyone any good.  Im sure it hurt how I presented myself at networking meetings, in interviews, etc. But it JUST DIDNT MATTER. Especially now, in todays economy, those things JUST DONT MATTER. Dont let your imaginary sign hamper your road to success take it off and throw it in the imaginary garbage can, and move on. My daughter has moved on from the drama of this event, and she is back to normal.   When you are back to your normal self youll perform much better. My daughter cut her own bangs (related to your job loss) My three year old daughter cut her own bangs this week. Actually, the appropriate word is not cut, it is butchered. Just like every other kid in the world, she found some alone time with a mirror and scissors, and she had just seen my wife trim her bangs.  So it was something she wanted to do. At first she was pretty proud of the job she did.  But as people started noticing and talking about it (with a snicker here and there) she started to realize that her haircut wasnt cute and she started to really worry about it.  Tears flowed again and again, and it was clear she was pretty traumatized. In her young mind she figured she had done a horrible job, and all the world knew it, and many would laugh at her. It was devastating. Just like my job loss, and your job loss.   I remember the feeling of thinking I had a big sign around my neck that people would look at.  I dont know what the sign said but it was something like: Loser. Unemployed. Unemployable. Broken. Jobless leper. You know what?  I was wrong to have thought that.  Just like my daughter was wrong to have thought her haircut was the end of the world.  Let me tell you why. Her hair is amazing.  She has this wild, curly hair that is I dont know how to describe it other than it is beautiful, like a lions mane (okay, you really have to appreciate lion manes, but work with me here).  We get a lot of compliments about her hair, and Ive loved it from the beginning.  It really is awesome. Because she has these big curls, and her hair is seemingly unruly, there really isnt a rhyme or reason to any particular style she has.  She only ever has one style, which is best described as  awesome. Those unruly curls, however, have completely diminished anyones ability to see that she butchered the first 2 inches of what used to be hair (it is very, very short). YOU JUST CANT TELL. Same with my job search. I had that imaginary sign, and it devastated me, and I felt like an outcast, and that was not doing anyone any good.  Im sure it hurt how I presented myself at networking meetings, in interviews, etc. But it JUST DIDNT MATTER. Especially now, in todays economy, those things JUST DONT MATTER. Dont let your imaginary sign hamper your road to success take it off and throw it in the imaginary garbage can, and move on. My daughter has moved on from the drama of this event, and she is back to normal.   When you are back to your normal self youll perform much better.

Tuesday, May 26, 2020

On the Job by Anita Bruzzese Is the Sound of Your Voice Hurting Your Career

On the Job by Anita Bruzzese Is the Sound of Your Voice Hurting Your Career You may be surprised the first time you hear your own recorded voice. Who is that person who sounds like Daffy Duck? Why didnt anyone ever tell you that your voice makes you sound like a third-grader? Is your voice really so high-pitched its a wonder dogs arent howling for miles around? While everyone is taken a bit by surprise to hear his or her own voice, most people just shrug it off or try to convince themselves they dont soundthatbad. The problem is that your voice makes an impression on others, just as the clothes youwearor your body language convey a message about you. If youre working with a remote team, the impact of your voice is even greater as others cant can observe your body language or see your facial expressions. In theworkplacethe quality of your voice can be a deciding factor in your degree of success, says Leonard Mlodinow, author ofSubliminal: How Your Unconscious Mind Rules Your Behavior. The pitch, timbre, volume, speed, and cadence of your voice, the speed with which you speak, and even the way you modulate pitch and loudness, are all hugely influential factors in how convincing you are, and how people judge your state of mind, and character. Thats why you cant brush off the impression your voice makes on others. So, just as you put time into your professional dress, conduct andpresentation skills, you need to devote more energy into improving your voice. Studies show that, just as peoplesignal the basic emotions through facial expression, we also do it through voice, Mlodinow says. Here are some tips from vocal coaches on how to improve the sound of your voice to make a better impression on your team: Speaking faster is better.The University of Michiganfindsin a study that those who speak at a rate of about 3.5 words per second were much more successful at getting people to agree than those who talk very fast or very slow. Researchers find that people are more distrustful of those who speak too quickly, while those who talk too slowly are perceived as not too bright. Control your pitch.Those whose voice pitch rises and falls too often arent seen as animated, but rather as fake and trying too hard, the study finds. Lisa B. Marshall, author of Smart Talk: The Public Speakers Guide to Success in Every Situation,saysits not easy to change the natural pitch of your voice, but you can keep it as low as possible by taking slow, full, deep breaths and trying to keep any nervousness under control. Lower your voice.Just listen to movie trailers and youll hear how often deep voices are used to convey messages. The Michigan study found (read more here)

Saturday, May 23, 2020

CoolSculpting

CoolSculpting You’ve tried exercising regularly and dieting, but that stubborn pocket of belly fat will simply not go away! That’s where CoolSculpting comes in. CoolSculpting is an innovative method of removing body fat that received FDA approval in 2000, and in 2008, received approval to be used in Canada. Utilizing a concept known as Cryolipolis â€" the body contouring process, in which fat cell volume is reduced with freezing â€" CoolSculpting was developed by Harvard scientists to provide the fast, effective, and non-invasive elimination of fat cells. CoolSculpting utilizes a specially designed piece of equipment to facilitate the controlled application of cooling within the temperature range of +5 to -11 degrees Celsius for the localized reduction of fat deposits. Through this process, cosmetic surgeons are able to reshape the contours of the body, and remove deposits of fat in the stomach, neck, chin, and thighs, and other areas. The biggest advantage of CoolSculpting is that the procedure is non-invasive, and patients experience virtually no discomfort. Because the treatment is entirely non-surgical, no recovery time is required. Following a CoolSculpting treatment, patients are able to resume their regular activities. In fact, many patients return directly to work the same day as a CoolSculpting session! So, it’s Like Liposuction? While the end result of CoolSculpting is similar to liposuction, it’s an entirely different process. Liposuction is a fat removal process wherein an incision is made in the targeted area and a tube is used to vacuum layers of fat from deep beneath the skin. CoolSculpting on the other hand, does not require an incision and is not a surgical procedure. Unlike liposuction, patients do not need anaesthesia for CoolSculpting. What Should I Expect from a CoolSculpting Session? First, you’ll work with a professional cosmetic surgeon to discuss what areas of your body you wish to eliminate fat from. In the procedure itself, an applicator with suction capabilities will be placed on the targeted area. At a gradual pace, cold temperatures freeze the area’s fat cells, initiating the natural process of reducing the thickness of the area’s fat layers. When this happens, the fat cells freeze, and die naturally to eliminate them from the body, helping the patient achieve their desired look with a approximately 20 to 25 per cent reduction of fat. Following the procedure, the treated area may remain numb for several weeks, and results will become noticeable in roughly three months. Am I a Candidate for CoolSculpting? It’s important to remember that CoolSculpting is not for obese individuals looking to remove large volumes of fat. CoolSculpting is designed for healthy and active individuals who are looking to remove stubborn fat deposits such as “muffin tops”, or “love handles”. Think of CoolSculpting as a “body sculpting” method, rather than a “fat removal” procedure. CoolSculpting is a procedure for individuals for whom, despite good eating habits and healthy lifestyle, find themselves with a little extra bit of baggage. It’s best to work with a trusted cosmetic surgeon to determine if CoolSculpting is right for you.

Tuesday, May 19, 2020

The Benefits of Power Napping at Your Day Job

The Benefits of Power Napping at Your Day Job We’ve all been there, hitting the afternoon slump sitting at work trying not to fall asleep, reaching for coffee as an easy caffeine kick to get through the day. All you want is a quick power nap, yet, sleeping at work is known to be a big no-no. Sleeping is best known to happen at home in the comfort of your own bed, not at your desk once your 3 pm slump comes around. What if I told you research suggests getting in a little shut-eye throughout your workday to increase your productivity? It’s true, and it’s called power napping. How Counting Sheep on the Clock Can Improve Your Work Performance Call it what you want, but having a little mid-day power nap siesta actually holds profound benefits for your overall well-being. Typically, power naps range from 10 to 20 minutes long, and it is meant to revitalize you more than a cup of coffee. Research show this length of time is the sweet spot for midday sleeping, reason being, it’s just enough time for you to reap the benefits of sleep without dealing with “sleep inertia,” the groggy feeling you might be familiar with after sleeping for several hours. Here are the 5 benefits that come along with a quick snooze: Improve learning and memoryLess stressBoosts mood and creativityIncreased productivity and alertnessDecreased risk of heart disease Now, not all workplaces are open to the idea of you getting a couple extra Z’s on the clock. That being said, there are a couple innovated ways to getting your midday snooze in at work. Innovative Ways to Hit Snooze During Your Workday Take your nap early Most people find themselves a little lagged between 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. Know when you will need to take a quick power nap and hit snooze right when you know you will be getting tired. Find the right location Find somewhere that is comfortable to catch a couple Z’s. If your office has napping stations, catch a room, or cozy up in your car on your lunch break. Create an ideal sleeping environment Dim lighting and comfortable napping set up is ideal for a productive power nap. Always bring a blanket and a pillow to throw in the back of your car for some extra comfort whenever and wherever you go. Keep it brief Fifteen to 20 minutes is ideal for a power nap. Make sure to set your alarm and get back up to get your work done, even if you may not want to. Anything past that 20-minute mark will leave you groggy and foggy-brained. Take advantage of sleeping appsSleep Cycle: This app tracks how many hours you sleep each night and a rough analysis of how well you may or may not have slept.Relax and Sleep Well: For those of you that have a hard time getting to sleep, this app offers 4 free hypnosis sounds that will have you falling asleep in no time.Pzizz: Pzizz offers a variety of different music mashups to help you fall asleep sooner rather than later.Sleepo: Sleepo allows customers to create their own white noise music mashup. Whether you want to feel like you’re at the beach or out camping, this will have you right to sleep.Pillow Automatic Sleep Tracker: This app syncs to your Apple Watch allowing customers to view their sleeping habits, set alarms, and more just to make sure you are resting optimally. Wear the Right Attire We wouldn’t blame you if you wore loungewear, but unfortunately, this isn’t something workplaces normally let you show up in. But, that doesn’t mean you can’t invest in some comfy work-appropriate attire. To learn more about the benefits of napping in the workplaceâ€"and to see what companies out there support sleep in the workplaceâ€"check out the infographic below.   About the author: Kayla Montgomery is a content creator and digital marketer. Her interest in writing has given her the opportunity to share her tips and tricks from business to lifestyle. In her spare time, you can find Kayla enjoying a nice cup of coffee a little too early in the morning, journaling, or out on a run in the sunshine.

Friday, May 15, 2020

Ways to Make Your Nursing Resume Stand Out

Ways to Make Your Nursing Resume Stand OutThere are a number of ways that you can write a nursing resume that will make you stand out among all the other applicants. The best way to do this is to get a number of nursing resume examples and build upon them. In addition, the best way to get yourself the look you want is to be thorough about your thinking and to put into it an ability to use words effectively. This article will show you how to make this a reality.In order to make sure that you get the look you want for your nursing resume, you will need to make a list of all the aspects of the job that you want to emphasize. By doing this, you will be able to focus your time and energy into the areas of the document that will make you stand out. In this way, you will not have to deal with too many of the same things.You should list out all of the work you have done in each of the different categories of the job including onsite shifts, fulltime/part-time/temporary positions, and trainee or telecommuting positions. Do this for each of the different types of positions that you may have worked in. As you do this, write down what you like about each position.After you have put these things down, then you will have to fill in all of the blanks. Fill in the questions you have for the positions that you did not include in your list. Write down what you think should be included on the cover page of your resume, if you were hired for an interview.Take the information you have listed and match it up with the target market that you are trying to reach. This is important because it helps you identify the type of work you will be able to do. Once you have put the pieces together, you should be able to see which sections need the most attention.This is where the idea of thinking outside of the box comes in. What needs to be highlighted and what needs to be hidden is one of the best ways to make a nursing resume look great. Remember that you will be emphasizing your strengths as well as your weaknesses. Therefore, you will want to use only the strongest parts of the document.Next, you will want to include the strong points you have worked on and the weak points that you need to work on. It is important to highlight both of these sections. Make sure that you understand the importance of highlighting the positive as well as highlighting the negative.Lastly, it is important to make sure that you include your professional resume cover letter in your file. This is a critical part of the nursing resume. This is what gets to the company when they review your application. So make sure that you include a section in your cover letter where you highlight all of your strengths and negatives so that they know exactly what you have been through and what skills you possess.

Tuesday, May 12, 2020

Resume Tips to Get You Noticed

Resume Tips to Get You Noticed Resume Tips to Get You Noticed Resume Tips to Get You Noticed November 9, 2009 by Career Coach Sherri Thomas 2 Comments Customize your resume to go for the job and company you want. A hiring manager will notice you so much more if your resume is specifically targeted to that position for which you are applying. * Relevant, targeted and customized. Employers dont have time to read about every single skill and job that youve ever had. They just want to know, are you qualified to do their job? So spotlight only those skills and responsibilities that directly relate to that position. * Write a personalized cover letter. Hiring managers form their first impression of you based on your resume and cover letter. So the last thing you want to do is send out a generic, mass mailing cover letter. It should be short, direct, state your key accomplishments, and be enthusiastic. Make it personal and be specific why you are passionate about going to work for that particular company. * Invest in a professional resume critique. Studies show that your resume has about 20-seconds in the hands of a hiring manager before it gets tossed into the maybe pile, or into the trash. So it needs to make a great first impression! Think of it this way when you walk into an interview you want to make a great first impression so youre going to dress well, wear a great pair of shoes, youre going to smile more, etc. Well your resume needs to do the same thing. Invest in having your resume professionally critiqued. Getting some personalized recommendations from a resume expert could not only get you more high quality job interviews, but it may also help position you at a higher level which could mean getting a higher starting salary! For more juicy tips and help from our resume writing pro(!) to make your resume stand out from your competition, visit our resume tips page!

Friday, May 8, 2020

Career Navigator Program- A Solution for the Long Term Unemployed

Career Navigator Program- A Solution for the Long Term Unemployed What Happens over the 5 days: The Career Navigator program is in its third year.   Yes, 3 years old.     I co-developed this program with the help of Deidre Dutcher and Pat Piles as a way to help job seekers survive during the toughest job search in recent history. The Numbers This program has been amazingly successful.   Last year 370 people completed the 5-day boot camp in Rochester, NY.   In total, over 1,200 people have completed the program. 2010-2011 Demographics at RochesterWorks 19 Classes 370 graduates (95% of those who started the program day one) 84% held a college degree 51 was the average age of attendee Now the fun numbers.   As you know, not everyone shares the good news when they secure a new job, for a variety of reasons.   These are the numbers reported: What Happens over the 5 days: Personal assessment Emotional aspects of job loss and long term job search Verbal and written self-marketing strategies and development of materials Job Search Strategies Interviewing Strategies and more! This program takes a holistic view of job search and provides strategies for a proactive job search, not just tactics.   All 5 days incorporate participant centered learning.   This means that it is highly interactive and a not lectured learning.   Bringing job seekers together and getting them working in a team dynamic helps keep them engaged for the length of their search (more on that later).   Emotional Intelligence is a critical component of the program which will help them survive their first 90 days in their new jobs as well. How Much Does It Cost? The cost for an individual, whether paid by Workforce Development funds or the participant is $200-250. Now thats a bargain when you consider the average cost per credit hour at a community college can range from $20 to $180! Where Has The Career Navigator Program Been Delivered? The Career Navigator Program has been delivered around Upstate New York in these workforce development organizations: RochesterWorks, FingerLakes Works, WorkSourceOne in Niagara County, Chemung, Schuyler, Steuben Workforce, and Jefferson-Lewis Workforce Investment Board. GPS Teams Make This Work Formerly known as Search Teams, each class stays connected with their group in weekly meetings.   These meetings are task and action focused and moderated by a facilitator.   What we have found is that those people who participate in GPS Teams generally land new employment faster than those who do not. Want More Information? If you would like more information about The Career Navigator Program, please feel free to contact me or leave a comment. I would be happy to talk more about how easy it is to implement and/or attend! If you would like to read some of the many testimonials, you can view them here. Here is a video overview of the program