If there is a job you really want, but you lack the experience to get it, then go ahead and volunteer. For example, if you want to become an animal trainer, then volunteering for an animal shelter will surely be helpful in getting you some valuable experience. This experience can help you land your dream job. Unlike going back to school, volunteering is free. It's also a great place to meet people who share your passion. The people you meet through volunteering might know people who can also help you get into your chosen profession. And, you'll being doing a good deed. Go for it!
Most people have a basic understanding of what clothing to wear on an interview, but wearing the wrong accessories can ruin your entire interview outfit. Don't let that happen to you! Take a look at these interview accessory tips and raise the bar on your next interview look.
Shoes: When it comes to shoes for an interview, wearing a nice shoe can a little spice to your look and can really finish off an outfit to perfection. If you're not sure, then wearing a classic pump is best. Make sure that your shoe color coordinates well with your outfit. If you're going to wear heels, be sure to pick ones you'll be comfortable with -- interviews are stressful enough, don't let an uncomfortable shoe make things worse!
Jewelry: Keep it minimal and conservative when wearing jewelery for your next interview. Earrings should be small and not over-sized or dangling. Necklaces should not be too long because they can make your look too busy and they may get caught in your suit buttons. Bracelets aren't necessary, because it's simply best to wear a classic watch.
Handbags: If you need to bring a purse, make it small enough to fit in a briefcase. A briefcase makes for a very professional image and can add extra pizazz to your entire look.Keep it safe and go with neutral colors (black, brown, beige, or gray), and coordinate your briefcase with the rest of your look. Make sure everything you have inside is organized and easily accessible during your interview so things run smoothly -- you don't want to go crazy searching for your pen! Both shoulder or underarm briefcases are appropriate -- just feel comfortable with your choice.
Note: Make sure your accessories are polished, clean, and looking like new.
Do you know that feeling you get when you're in the "work zone?" Nothing can hold you back from the success you feel coming your way. When you're in the work zone, you have no concept of time and you're simply thrilled with the quality of work you're producing. Also, you feel happy and energetic when you're in the zone. If only you had that feeling everyday!
The question is -- how can you keep that momentum going? Although you will not be in the zone all the time, you can take some steps towards building that momentum back up. You don't have to sit back and let that work zone feeling dissolve. Even the most successful people have days where they don't feel so motivated, but they do something about it and pick themselves back up. Ask yourself the three questions listed below and they will surely make your workday better and brighter!
Three Questions To A Better Workday:
What do you want to get out of your day? First thing in the morning, ask yourself what you want to get out of your day. This question will give you a sense of purpose that you'll feel throughout your day.
How's your day going? During lunchtime, ask yourself how your day is going and evaluate where you want the rest of your day to go. Evaluating how things are going in the middle of your day will give you a chance to pick things up and keep that momentum going for the rest of the day.
What went well today? At bedtime, ask yourself what went well for you today. Recognizing all of the good things you accomplished throughout your day is a must. You will sleep better and will wake-up feeling more refreshed.
Try these three questions out and let me know how they impact your day.
you can take other steps during these tough economic times. I know you might hate your job, you might drag your feet everyday to get to work, and Sunday nights are painful because you know you have to go back to the job you hate, right? With the economy and job market not being in tip-top shape, quitting your job with no backup plan now may not be the best decision for you right now. Let's face it, it's going to take you a lot longer to find your dream job. Having faced the reality that this time might not be perfect for quitting your job on the spot, there are still several steps you can take towards your future goals. Using this time effectively will help make your not-so-great-job easier to manage. You have options -- even if quitting isn't one of them, there is so much you can do now!
1. Build Self Awareness: Figure out your next career move. Take a career assessment, research careers and companies, and figure out what's right for you.
2. Network: If you're going to find another job while at your current job, it is most likely going to be in the hidden job market. Most jobs are not posted online, they are found through networking.
3. Grow: Develop yourself for the opportunity of your dreams on your company's dollar. Many companies pay for master's degrees and other formal training programs. Take advantage of this benefit now and get developed for your next career move.
4. Work hard: Performing well on the job will make you feel better and make your days easier. If you perform well (even at a job you don't like), your stress level will decrease. Taking care of business helps you lift that heavy weight off your shoulders. Also, performing well gives you a much better chance of keeping your job for the time being.
5. Volunteer: Find a volunteer program that helps you utilize the skills you expect to use in your dream job. Also, meet new people and build up your network. For example, if you aspire to be in the fashion industry, you can volunteer to work at Fashion Week.
6. Take care of yourself: Treat yourself to something special ... more often. Exercise more, go to the spa more, and be healthy.
When the economy picks up... and most experts say it will, between 2010 and 2011, you'll be ready to get out there and land your dream job.
Whether you're looking for a job or working in an office, staying focused can be very challenging. Trying to get focused can almost feel impossible when your brain is scattered in a thousand different directions. The truth is, you can't force it - it's not as easy as turning on a light switch (wish it were). To make yourself stay focused, you need a sense of purpose and a vision that you are constantly working towards. Follow my tips and get re-focused - fast!
5 Tips for Getting and Staying Focused:
1. Set your vision - What are your long-term goals? What makes you get out of bed in the morning? If you cannot answer these questions, then you need to figure out your life purpose and set a vision for your future. Once you can see your vision and your direction, getting focused is so much easier.
2. Create Daily Goals - Weather you want to call it a task list, to-do list or daily goals sheet, it really doesn't matter. What matters is that these daily "to-do's" are aligned with your ultimate vision and long-term goals. After you complete each goal, cross it off your list and you'll feel a sense of accomplishment. Review your to-do list at the end of the day to reflect on everything you achieved. Whatever didn't get finished today can get finished tomorrow.
3. Prioritize your daily goals - Making sure you know what needs to be tackled first will give you the ability to manage your time better and focus on what's most important.
4. Emails - Don't check your personal emails first thing in the morning. Personal emails can take up precious hours from your workday and distracting you from doing what's really important. Wait until you have a few things crossed off your list before you start checking your personal email.
5. Clear desk clutter - A cluttered desk leads to a cluttered workday. You will breathe better and feel better without all those piles on your desk.
You just got your dream job, a high profile project, a promotion, or a stellar performance review. You feel great. You worked hard to achieve your goals. Isn’t it time you rewarded yourself? If you did already, then that’s fantastic, but if you didn’t, what are you waiting for? Nobody is going to do it for you. Here are five sure fire ways to celebrate “you.” After all, you deserve it.
Spa it up with a massage and facial at a fancy spa.Bliss is always a contender.
Buy something special for yourself.Perhaps a charm from Tiffinany.
Plan a long weekend getaway with some girlfriends or your partner.Expedia and Orbitz make trip planning quick, easy and effective.
Sign up for a fun class to make time for a hobby you’re always putting off.
I saw some friends over the weekend and started thinking about their impact on my career life. I was specifically thinking about those friends who ignite my career passion and let me know that my career dreams are possible. I’m talking to you about those friends -- the career superstars. They took smart career risks and went all the way.
These women have a confidence about them, maintain a balanced lifestyle, look great, and are super-successful in their careers. I treasure these friends dearly, they are my passion pill. When I need a career passion pick-me-up, I look to those friends because they keep me motivated and inspired. These career superstars have qualities I want to emulate and that’s exactly what I try to do.
My advice to all you ladies out there who are feeling a bit passionless at work: surround yourself with friends you admire, people who you see as successful, and fearless go-getters that are living happy, balanced, stylish lives. They will inspire you when you think you lost your passion. And if you don’t have any buddies who match this criteria, then read the stories of those you admire outside of your social circle. Personally, I’m a big fan of Martha Stewart’s and Oprah's stories.
Selecting the perfect restaurant for a business lunch is important because it’s where deals are made, jobs are gotten, ideas are bought, and projects are given. Picking the wrong restaurant spot for your business lunch can make everything you worked so hard for slip right through your fingers. Let’s be real, who’s going to accept your deal at a restaurant where they can barely hear what you’re saying and are more focused on getting the waiter’s attention for a refill of water? The answer is that the deal will most likely to go up in flames at the wrong restaurant and you can expect non-satisfactory results.
However, the right environment for a meeting can be a catalyst for successful results. If you follow my simple system you will always get the perfect business lunch spot that will impress your associates and give you all the room you need to shine. These restaurants need to be comfortable and uplifting. This is about you making the right impression, looking your best, and making people take notice of you.
When you’re choosing a restaurant for your next business meeting, use your senses and scout out places beforehand. Use your listening, seeing, feeling, and tasting senses plus your no nonsense gut instinct to pick the right business lunch spot.
When you walk into the restaurant listen to the noise level, the music, the conversations around you. How are the acoustics in the restaurant? Can you carry on a comfortable conversation with one or more people without having to scream?
How does the restaurant look? Is it aesthetically pleasing, clean and spacious? Is it totally outdated?You want to know that everyone will sit comfortably during the lunch and that they have enough room to put their bag or briefcase down.
How does this business spot feel?Is it too hot or too cold?Is it overly crowded?Are the seats comfortable?
How does the food taste and what are the reviewers saying on citysearch, yelp, zagat, or menupages about these restaurants spots?
Are there a good amount of options on the menu? A lunch menu is generally good for everyone if you can get salads, sandwiches, meat, and vegetarian options.
When it comes to your gut feeling, some people call it intuition or your third eye, you want to see what that is telling you. Sometime customer service helps you rate the restaurant.Are the servers and hosts/hostess' welcoming? Are they rushing folks out the door or is it easy to stay there for a while so you have enough time to make your pitch?
My Top Five Restaurants for Business Lunches in NYC:
I'm a Career Coach and owner of Career Bloom Coaching. I firmly believe everyone can find career bliss and happiness in the workplace. I focus on empowering my clients to put their career goals into action and live to their highest potential.
