Your career outlook is somewhat of a mixed bag currently...
A recent article in USA Today analyzed a report released by the US Labor Department. It states that the number of new jobs in the US in the last month is the lowest since last fall, following Hurricane Katrina. On the other hand, the unemployment rate has gone down slightly. So the bottom line is that there aren't quite as many new jobs available, but more people are have jobs overall. So, I guess that's an improvement
However, it's also crucial to note that career/job salaries went up too. Here's what the article said:
"Workers' average hourly earnings stood at $16.62 in May, a small 0.1% increase from April. That was smaller than the 0.3% rise economists were expecting and marked a moderation from a sharp pickup in earnings registered in April."
So, what does all this mean for you and your dream job outlook? Well, it's like this...
The figures above lead experts to expect a stable economy in the US with a decrease in inflation. And, the job market is solid, if not quite booming. Althought there have been some recent losses in factory and retailing jobs, these losses were balanced out by more jobs in education, health care, and financial sector. So, if you're considering a career change, you might look to getting a dream job in one of those growing fields. For more information on some of the top 10 jobs and best paid careers, you might want to explore the following pages on our site:
For help in obtaining your dream job, click on the link at the bottom of this blog entry (right below my signature)...
To read the USA Today article, visit this page: USA Today Article
Until next time, best success in your career,
"Coach Don"
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Do your future career plans include moving into management? If so, you're going to need to develop your skills as a manager. But do you know what traits and skills make up the "good" manager?
Our latest article, by guest author, David Shubert, goes into great detail about the qualities you'll need to get that dream job in management.
Here are just a few of the skills you'll want to develop:
- Charisma
- Action mindset
- Recognizing the contributions of your people
- Clear understanding of the company's mission
- Strategic thinking
- Integrity
- Fights for his/her people
- Helps build the positive culture of the organization
- Makes significant contributions to improving the organization
To read more about these points, click the link below...
Until next time, wishing you career success,
"Coach Don"
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Here is my answer to that often-asked job interview question... sometimes - never - maybe - it all depends. You may think that's an indecisive response, but few things have concrete, no diversion, answers, especially when it's your future and financial security at stake.
Many people assume that lunchtime is a great choice for a job interview. I mean, who doesn't like to eat, and as a bonus, get your meal for free, right? But, before you say "yes" to a lunchtime interview, think about this... There might be a "dark" side too. Both the interviewer and the interviewee have risks in this career game. Since both parties are trying, wanting to win, both have some high stakes in the process too.
Imagine this scenario:
The Interviewer says.....
"How about us having lunch to talk about your career decision?" Seems smooth; completely innocent; but what can go wrong is the reply coming through from our subconscious mind. Sure, we remind ourselves about the "not-to" list, but so often we get comfortable and laid back when consuming delectable morsels.
Be on YOUR guard every second...
Never relax your guard when you are seeking a new position with any employer. Most interviewing professionals know that "over lunch" can give them the advantage, because candidates often drop their guards without realizing it... to their ultimate regret.
So, watch yourself... be on your best behavior as you interact not only with the interviewer, but also with the wait-staff; the cashier; everyone you encounter in the restaurant.
The point is... even if the interviewer host lets his/her guard down with small talk or orders a "drink," it's NOT a good idea for you to follow suit. You're there to talk about your qualifications and expertise, to get to know the person, the company, to make a lasting impression. You're there to sell yourself as a professional candidate for the job. You are NOT interviewing for the position of "best buddy" with the interviewer.
It's been long ago, but I remember vividly meeting two guys from the New York office of a national firm. My Interview was held in a motel room, and their first question was... "want a beer?" Actually, I didn't "drink," so it was an easy no thanks. I'm not sure if this was a test or not; they enjoyed a couple themselves. Driving home, I felt certain I'd not gotten the job. But, to make a long story, short... I did get the job after all.
OK, back on topics... When your food comes, be sure to eat with utensils, not your hands, so you'll avoid embarassment or reveal poor eating habits. It may sound trivial, but it might just be a deciding factor in the job interview outcome.
Also, if you have a cell phone, leave it in your car and let calls go to your voice mail. Or, at the very least, put the phone on vibrate. This is just a common courtesy when having lunch, dinner, etc. with anyone.
So, in short, you CAN have a successful job interview over lunch... provided you use a little common sense and always keep your eye on the ball!
For more information on job interviews, particularly how to emphasize your skills during an interview, follow the link below my signature...
To your dream job success,
"Coach Don"
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