Fired to Hired – Layoff to Payoff

 

Losing your job is a shock. It’s a blow to your self-esteem. It can be a financial burden. Losing your job is bad news. So what’s the good news?

When you are laid off or fired, it sometimes means you needed to be thinking about a new job anyway. While in your job, you need to constantly be evaluating if you’ve outgrown the role, the company, or if the company is moving in directions that may not include you. Yes, it is best to be looking for a new job when you still have one. But if you lose your job first, consider it a wake-up call telling you it’s time for a change.

As a manager and recruiter, I have seen several examples of employees having to move on and finding a better fit in the long run. Certainly, this involves effort and not settling on lesser roles if you can. Hopefully you have a strong network including a few recruiters with whom you have a good relationship to rely upon to help you find your next opportunity.

A candidate I recently placed, Jason Estes, has a similar story. We’ve known each other for quite a while. And even after I didn’t place him earlier in the year, he stayed in touch (even after he landed a new job himself). As fate would have it, his job was short-lived, but his timing was perfect. He let me know of his situation right away and I had a potential job for him even before interviews were starting. I lined up a meeting and he got the job very quickly. He is now working at a more stable company where his talents will be fully utilized. And most of all, he is happy! As Jason tells it, “After my second layoff of the year, looking for a job was the last thing I wanted to do, especially right before the holiday season. Fortunately though, by maintaining a great relationship with Jeff, I was able to quickly land the perfect job with a long future ahead.”

Yes, there is often bad news associated with losing a job. But you need to ask yourself at those times, was it time to move on anyway? Can I do better? In many cases, the answer turns out to be: Yes.

by Jeff Lipschultz

15 Things Not to Say to Your Boss ..

“Think before you speak” is always a good policy, and in the workplace the maxim could be further refined to “think before you blurt out something to your boss that could hurt your career.” We checked in with some bosses, and came up with this list of 15 phrases bosses definitely don’t want to hear: 

1. “I’m only doing this job for the money.”
No boss wants to hear that your sole motivation for showing up is your paycheck. She may know that money is your motivation, and you may know she knows, but it’s still better left unsaid.

2. “I’m broke/in debt/one step away from bankruptcy.”
Your financial woes are not your boss’s concern. Period.

3. “I’m going to quit after I (fill in the blank).”
No matter how noble your future plans are — you may be saving to start your own company or go to grad school, for example — it’s usually best to keep those plans to yourself or to refer to them only vaguely. If your boss knows there is a definite end date to your employment, she may start to shop around for your replacement before you are ready to leave.

4. “I partied a little too hard last night.”
Buck up and get through the day with some ibuprofen, extra undereye concealer and coffee. But don’t share the sordid details of your night on the town with your boss. He’s just as likely to react with (unspoken) disdain as sympathy.

5. “It’s not my fault.”
Are you a whiny 8-year-old or a take-charge professional? Assume responsibility and take steps to fix a problem that you did, in fact, create. And if you are being wrongly blamed for a problem, saying “let’s get to the bottom of this” or “what can we do to make it right?” is much more effective than saying “it’s not my fault.”

6. “I’m bored/this job is boring.”
Didn’t your mother ever tell you that only boring people get bored? If you’re constantly twiddling your thumbs, ask for extra work and be as specific as you can. And if you’re busy but think your assigned tasks are less-than-stimulating, start strategizing about how you can get the job you want, either within your company or elsewhere.

7. “My job is too easy.”
Sure, you may think a monkey could do your job. But don’t give your boss any ideas — your company could probably pay a monkey less than it pays you.

8. “I can’t work with so and so. I hate him.”
Involving your boss in personality conflicts should always be your last resort. So unless you are being threatened, scapegoated, encouraged to participate in unethical behavior, or your colleague or customer is engaged in other egregious workplace conduct, try to work it out between yourselves first.

9. “I can’t do that because of my other job.” In your boss’s mind, a second job is not a valid excuse for why you can’t stay late, work extra hours or finish a project on time. She may question your priorities, and rightly so.

10. “Oh my Gawd! How did you do this job before the Internet/text messaging/Skype?”
Although not a cardinal workplace sin, making your boss feel old will not score you any points.

11. Sigh. Grimace. Eye roll. Wretching noises.
Actions can speak louder than words. A poker face and silence are golden when you’re displeased with your boss.

12. “Do it yourself!”
No need for explanation. Just never say this. Ever.

13. “It’s always been done this way.”
You don’t want to gain a reputation as an inflexible dinosaur, so keep an open mind about how you do your work. And if you’re convinced that a new way of doing things is going to harm your company, present your case without using “because that’s the way we’ve always done it” to support your position.

14. “Let me set you up with…”
Avoid the urge to play matchmaker for your single boss. The potential benefit is far outweighed by the potential risk. For that matter, any socializing with your boss (even something as simple as friending him on Facebook) can cause you to share too much information, so consider limiting social interactions entirely.

15. “Sorry, I must have drifted off.” C’mon, wake up! If you’re caught with your eyes closed, feign deep concentration rather than admit you were dozing.

——————–

By Megan Malugani

12 Jobs With Low Stress, Decent Pay (Salary range mentioned)

Ditch The Stress…

During the recession, many workers have had to take what they could get in terms of employment. Now that the economy is showing signs of improvement, you might be considering how to get out of your high-stress job and exchange it for something a little less ulcer-inducing.

…Without Ditching the $

Happily, good pay doesn’t always mean workplace stress. You might be surprised that some jobs, considered less than stressful than others, still pay quite decently. If you are looking for a career change, you might consider one of the following 12 jobs that pay well without increasing your blood pressure.

1. Massage Therapist

The Bureau of Labor Statistics points out that there is strong job outlook for massage therapy. The work environment is generally low stress, with soothing sounds and comfortable lighting. Many massage therapists set their own hours and many workless than 40 hours a week. It is possible to make between $40,000 and $50,000 a year as a massage therapist.

2. Natural Science Manager

With more interest in the natural sciences, it is little surprise that this position is gaining popularity. StateUniversity.com reports that the median salary for these managers is around $88,660 a year. Natural science managers oversee scientists (biologists, chemists, medical scientists and agricultural scientists), and need good communications skills, since they coordinate with others. Unless a deadline is looming, many find that their jobs are relatively low stress when compared with other types of managers, since they rarely work with irate customers, and spend most of the time in the office.

3. Power Plant Operator

PayScale.com lists power plant operators as making between $49,791 and $77,712 a year. For the most part, power plant operators enjoy relative autonomy, and do not interact with irate customers. The job requires some specific training, but there is not a great deal of physical strain. Centralized operation centers can make the work easier as well, since those working in control rooms have less exposure to the risk of electric shock. Power plant operators do have big responsibilities, which can cause some stress, but advanced safety systems help alleviate some of that. The recent natural power plant blast in Middletown, Conn., happened as a result of controversial “blow down” technique to clear pipes.

4. College Professor

The abilities to buy out of classes, get assistants to grade assignments, set your own schedule and, in some cases, set your own curriculum, can make college professor a relatively low-stress job at least if you’re tenured. For those without tenure, you may need to “publish or perish,” and you may have student loans to pay back, contributing to some degree of stress. Inside Higher Ed points out that professors at Christian colleges may be the least stressed of all (even those without tenure), due to clear expectations and less pressure to publish. Pay varies according to the university you teach at, but Money Magazine points out that 75% of college professors make more than $61,780.

5. Speech Pathologist

Many speech pathologists derive satisfaction from helping others, which can lower stress and anxiety. From elementary schools to health clinics, speech pathologists work with others in settings that are often comfortable and one-on-one. About.com reports that the median annual salary of speech pathologists is $57,710.

6. Environmental Scientist

The Princeton Review points out that many become environmental scientists in order to help make the world better. Environmental scientists gather information about effects humans are having on the ecosystem, and recommend courses of action. Working in nature can be a stress reliever that works in tandem with the good feelings that come from feeling as though you are doing something worthwhile. You can make around $65,280 a year, according to the College Board.

7. Building Inspector

Building and home inspectors look through construction to ensure that structures are up to code. Often these inspectors work alone, with no need to soothe irate customers, and get to spend time in the field, as well as in the office. This change of scene can keep the work from becoming stressful through tedium. Most work regular hours. There can be stress related to the fact that if something goes wrong, it is on you. However, most large and complex projects have more than one building inspector, so there are people to help back you up.

It’s never fun to provide bad news that something isn’t up to code, but many building inspectors are backed up by specific points of law that allow them to better explain what changes need to be made to increase the safety of the building. Backlogs in some cities can cause stress and overwork, though, so be careful of the locale you choose. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that Construction and Building Inspectors have a median wage of $50,180 a year.

8. Civil Engineer

If you like designing infrastructure, this could be a good job for you. Most civil engineers work in reasonably comfortable offices, and work regular hours. Due to the recognition that they do important work, there is a high amount of respect for civil engineers , which can lead to reduced stress and better feelings of job satisfaction. Indeed.com reports that the average salary of civil engineers is $89,000 a year. Not bad for someone who gets to sit and play with AutoCAD for a good portion of the day.

9. Occupational Therapist

Another job that centers on helping people, an occupational therapist focuses on helping others perform tasks in living and working environments. This is done in a one-on-one setting that sometimes changes, adding interest to the job and cutting through tedium that can become stressful. Often, the work environment is positive, reasonably low stress, and hours are regular. Salary.com reports that the salary range for this job is $61,467 to $84,638.

10. Sociologist

Studying groups of people, and find interesting trends, the main point of sociology is to use critical analysis to learn about human social activity in order to apply that knowledge to improve social welfare. Because many sociologists are employed by colleges and universities as research and lab assistants, adjunct faculty and sometimes professors, the work can be fairly low stress. Research can be fulfilling and interesting, and researchers rarely have to deal with upset customers, leading to lower stress. Sociologists sometimes work with others in youth services, management training and population careers. Some sociology careers, such as those in criminal justice, can offer a higher level of stress. Even when working with people, sociologists can derive satisfaction in helping others better their lives, creating a more positive and lower stress environment. StateUniversity.com reports the median salary at $57,870 a year.

11. Tour Escort

A tour escort is someone who accompanies groups on “vacation package” travel, helping to smooth the way and lead tours. This is not a job earning $10 an hour as a tour guide at the local aquarium. As long as you enjoy interacting with people, and enjoy learning about new places, this can be a great low stress job. You get to spend time outdoors in many (but not all) cases, and enjoy travel opportunities. In some cases, you even get your housing taken care of, leaving you with one less thing to worry about. However, this might not be an ideal job for someone who has a family, since you would likely be away from home a lot. Job Monkey reports that competent and popular tour escorts can earn between $30,000 and $60,000 a year.

12. Freelance Writer

Sometimes the deadlines can be brutal, but many freelance writers enjoy the ability to set their own schedules. Many work from home, and can decide to accept or reject assignments, increasing their own job satisfaction and allowing them time to relax. Freelance writers enjoy a flexibility in hours, work environment and attire (work in your pajamas!) that others only dream of. Earnings vary widely, depending on the work done, but there are freelance writers who earn six figures.

Don’t Worry, Be Happy

If you are interested in a career change, you might consider obtaining the education and training necessary to do one of these lower stress jobs. Remember that not all these jobs are low stress for everyone; people feel stress in individual ways. However, if one of these jobs appeals to you, you might be able to enjoy life more, with greater job satisfaction. And, if you pick the right career, you might not even have to give up a good salary.

By Miranda Marqui – forbes.com

Best Part Time Jobs for College Students

Today, students do not only need to obtain good grades in college, but they should also have some prior real world experience to help them in their professional career later. Employers are searching for candidates who are already trained in the basics of a specific job. There are multiple best part time job opportunities for students. Below, we discuss about some of the best jobs for college students in terms of pay, work around class schedules and career benefit. And, these student jobs are definitely going to look good on a candidate’s resume.

On Campus IT Support Job
Colleges search for tech savvy students who can do IT field related work. Along with continuing with their education, students can take up technological services work in the college campus itself. Those who are pursuing a relevant degree in the IT field can immensely benefit from the job. Job responsibilities may include assisting students and teachers in solving technical problems, installing computer systems and other related work. No doubt, on campus IT support jobs happen to be one of the best jobs for students. The best part is that tech support jobs or IT support jobs also offer decent pay to students.

Lab Assistant
If you seeking a career in the field of laboratory sciences, there can be no better option that taking up the lab assistant job at the college. These types of student jobs are available both on campus and off campus. While joining this job, students would need to work in the college research laboratory. Since employers like research experience, students can find the job experience quite useful.

College Library Jobs
Have you ever considered doing a job in the college library? Well, maximum number of students overlooks this job. In fact, these jobs are quite flexible and offer nice work environment. College library jobs require students to do work including checking out/ handing books, interlibrary loan management, and library search system data entry among others. The job is a good option for candidates pursuing a degree or seeking a career in library sciences.

College Gym Jobs
Students can also look for part time job opportunities at the college gym. While working in the gym, students would need to serve at the gym counter, manage the gym equipment and assisting those who train and practice at the gym. If you can also take aerobics classes, the college gym job is definitely going to be one of the best part-time and well paid jobs for you.

House sitting/ Babysitting Jobs for Professors
Yet another wonderful part time job opportunity for students is working for college professors. Professors at the college campus always require people to take care of their kids and pets. Though you may not get a decent pat while working for a professor, you certainly develop a professional connection that can bring you good business and work opportunities. In addition, a recommendation from the professor you work for can also help a lot in your future career.

Dorm Desk Attendant Jobs
Students who are looking for on-the-campus part time work opportunities can get a job as a dorm desk attendant. Working hours are flexible and the job is not quite hectic. However, dorm desk attendants are accountable for the security of students. The job offers decent pay too.

Academic Department Clerical Work
College academic departments also offer part time jobs to students due to excessive workload. When the work pressure increases, secretaries find it hard to handle the large amount of work. Students are, therefore, hired to work part time. While doing the job, students need to handle tasks including journal submissions, faculty meeting notes, handouts for the class, journal articles etc.

Home Health Aide Jobs
It is a good part time job option for candidates pursuing a career in healthcare. Functioning as a home health aide, students would be working with the elderly helping them take medications and do exercises. This patient care experience can bring good benefits if you are looking for home health aide jobs in healthcare facilities.

Bank Teller Jobs
College students can also take up a bank teller’s job for part time work. The job happens to be flexible and provides candidates with customer service experience. It is one of the best job opportunities if you are looking to acquire good communication skills.

A word of advice to college students is that they should select or go for a job option which is relevant to their career path or future career. And there are multiple part time job opportunities for college students to choose from.

—————————-
By  JobDiagnosis.com

Getting Fired: An Opportunity for Change and Growth

The words that strike fear in all working persons fired, terminated, laid off, let go, restructured, dismissed, downsized, rightsized mean only one thing: you’re back on the job market looking for new employment opportunities.

 

While you may find losing your job hard to deal with, most career experts say the best thing you can do is get right back into the job market even if you’ve gotten a severance package rather than sit around being discouraged. And you shouldn’t be discouraged, look at this firing as a chance to start anew with a better opportunity.

 

How do you deal with being fired or downsized in terms of your resume and job-hunting? That’s what this article is all about, getting you in shape to find an even better job than the one you had previously. What follows is the career tune-up checklist.

1. Decide on a career path or change. If you loved your last position and the industry you worked in, then you can move to the next point. But, if you weren’t happy, now is the time to think about a career change. What kind of transferable skills did you acquire from your previous employment? For example, if you worked in a college admissions office, but now want to get into sales, you have valuable sales and people skills, transferable skills from one position to another. If you’re not sure what you want to do, you should do some self-assessment. You can find some great career assessment tests on the Web.
2. Tune up that resume. Ideally, you’ve been keeping your resume current, but if you have not, now is the time to take a hard look at it. Find some great resumes resources here, then:
• The first thing you need to decide is whether to include the job from which you were terminated on your resume. In most cases, you should include the job unless you only worked there a short period of time (less than three months). Show an end date of your previous job. Focus on your accomplishments and achievements.
• Consider adding, if you don’t already have these sections, a key accomplishment and transferable skills sections for your resume. Positioning these sections at the top of your resume also means you can downplay your actual employment history or at least make it secondary to your accomplishments and skills. A functional resume, rather than a traditional chronological resume, will also serve this purpose.
• Develop both a traditional formatted resume and a scannable (text-only) resume. Since job-hunting has expanded greatly to include traditional methods as well as online methods, you really need to have both types.
• Get your resume critiqued. Ask someone in your network, possibly a former boss or college career office (most work with alumni) to review your new resume(s) and offer constructive criticism.
3. Resolve whether you are staying or relocating. Now is the time to think about whether enough opportunities exist where you currently live, or whether you need or want to relocate.
4. Network, network, network. Tell everyone you know that you are in the job market again. You don’t need to tell them you were fired if you don’t want to, but don’t be ashamed of it either, as labor figures indicate that many people have lost (or will lose) their jobs involuntarily. Your network includes your family, friends, former coworkers, former bosses, neighbors, friends of friends – just about anyone. These people may not be able to offer you a new job, but they may know someone who can, so they play a vital role in your job search. And once you find a new job, make sure you keep networking rather than waiting until you don’t have a job to do so. 
5. Revisit your references. Depending on the circumstances surrounding your dismissal, you may or may not have a good reference from your former employer. Now is the time, regardless to revisit your reference list. You need to contact these people (which you should already have done from #4), inform them that you are again on the job market, and ask if they will still be a reference for you. If you know your former employer might give you a bad reference, it is extremely important that you have other people who will rave about your accomplishments and abilities.
6. Be prepared to work. It’s a cliché, but looking for a new job is now your full-time job. Stay focused and accomplish something every day.
7. Face the tough question. Be prepared with an answer when an interviewer asks you why you left your last job. Make sure you can articulate why your last job didn’t work out and what you have learned from the experience. Never blame a former supervisor or employer — and don’t make excuses.
8. Be prepared for rejection. You may be a little extra sensitive because of being fired, but remember that there is always a degree of rejection in any job search — so don’t let it get you down. Keep looking forward.

by Randall S. Hansen, Ph.D.