Too Old to Be Hired - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

Too Old to Be Hired - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career The law says employers are not permitted to discriminate because they deem someone too old, yet employers do so every single day. How can they get away with it? The answer is, by thinking it but never talking about it or documenting it. When questioned, their answer is, It was not a good fit. There are many reasons people who are no longer young are associated with certain preconceived ideasâ€"for example, poor physical appearance. In some cases, it’s true, and a candidate should show concern and responsibility for improving such an image. Easily said and challenging to reverse but often can be improved through, say, physical fitness, a more contemporary eyeglass frame, better-looking and better-fitting clothing, and proper grooming can make a huge difference. Another example is the expectation that an older and more experienced person is expectingâ€"and needsâ€"more money. In many cases, this is not true. While everybody wants more money of course, there are many situations in which the person has already built a nest egg, and money is a secondary or tertiary concern. Going out and working, regaining identity, contributing, and just being with other people often outweigh everything else. One more example is the preconception that younger people are more tech savvy. Yes , that’s often the case, but I can easily argue that an electronics engineer with years of experience and who’s gone through the technology evolution has a profound understanding and a big-picture point of view, which could be major assets. And how about the notion that older folks have low energy, often have a so-called corporate mentality, and a lack of flexibility? Again, some of those might be true in some cases, but from the examples I’ve presented here, it’s easy to see that each case must be judged independently and weighed on demonstrated facts. How can a candidate mitigate often-false prejudices? First, a candidate must be careful about social media presence. Ninety plus percent of employers check out candidates prior to making a first contact. Why this practice? Because it’s simple, quick, and free. The way candidates do the same by checking out the company and, possibly, everything they can about those they’re going to interview with at the company. It’s called due diligence on both sides. As a job candidate, you should check out your own social media score starting with LinkedIn, followed by mywebcareer.com and then socialmention.com. The latter Web site takes a holistic approach, including videos. Second, if you’re not clear on how the potential interviewer might view you, a session with a career coach can surface and reveal all your doubts. In fact, if the career coach is in the habit of using a video camera, you could see it for yourself. In addition, do not be embarrassed to initiate a conversation on this subject with your spouse and your good friends and possibly do a mutual exchange of opinions with other job seekers. Third, get into the frame of mind that says that as an older person, you possess a special asset: experience. Practically speaking, that means that all of the past mistakes were made on some other employer’s account and would not be repeated. How about your problem-solving skills, which are by now well developed? And how about the fact that you’re already in the habit of practicing good judgment and have good work habits. After all, you come from the old school.

5 Ways To Avoid A Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Injury At Work CareerMetis.com

5 Ways To Avoid A Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Injury At Work â€" CareerMetis.com If your job has you sitting in front of the computer screen, using repetitive hand tools or driving all day, you may be at increased risk for developing Carpal tunnel syndrome While there is no proven method for avoiding or preventing the onset of CTS symptoms altogether, certain precautions can be adopted to reduce stress on the hands and wrists.Here are five tips to help employees avoid developing Carpal tunnel syndrome on the job:1. Make sure your workspace is ergonomically designedevalSetting up your workspace according to ergonomic guidelines â€" focusing on the correct placement of your desk, computer monitor, keyboard chair and other work-related accessories and tools can help reduce stress on your body and subsequently keep Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms at bay.Many ergonomically-designed office tools, such as a split or jointed-type keyboard, are meant to facilitate the maintaining of a natural body position and preventing uncomfortable bodily strain while working and are a vailable on the market.In addition, many businesses contract the services of ergonomic physical therapists to assess and modify company workstations according to ergonomic standards. Remember, it is of utmost importance that your wrists be in their natural position while you work.2. Maintain correct form and postureCorrect body form keeps your muscles from shortening and compressing your nerves, causing pain and discomfort. Improving your posture and keeping your wrists as relaxed and as straight as possible while you work, avoiding bending the joints all the way up or down, eases and reduces nerve pressure that can adversely affect your wrists, fingers and hands.The optimal seated position would be so that your spinal cord rests against the back of your chair, your shoulders are relaxed and your computer screen and other materials needed for typing are at eye level. Try to keep your feet planted firmly on the floor, to help maintain this ideal form.3. Keep your hands warmevalStudie s have shown that if your hands are cold, you are more likely to feel pain and stiffness while on the job. If you can, adjust your office’s thermostat to a pleasant temperature. If this is not a possibility, try wearing fingerless gloves while you work.4. Break and stretch â€" regularlyPause for three-minute mini “shake and stretch” hand and wrist exercise breaks throughout the day to promote increased blood circulation to the wrists, fingers, hands, forearms, neck and shoulders.The exercises will help counteract the tightening and shortening of the muscles and ligaments that result from hours of engaging in repetitive work, reducing strain and discomfort and relaxing and invigorating the body while warming the wrist area.Know your body. If your wrists feel in need of a break, if you begin to feel a sense of numbness, tingling or pain in your hands or wrists, or if your hands feel swollen, you start to feel weak or can no longer sense the difference between hot and cold, stop what you are doing at once.evalDo not ignore these signs. If, after a short break and some exercises the sensations do not disappear, contact your local health provider for further assistance.5. Maintain your overall healthevalRecent studies found that certain conditions and diseases, including diabetes, arthritis and thyroid problems can potentially increase your likelihood of developing CTS. If however, you maintain a healthy diet and exercise regimen, manage your stress levels, take time to relax on a regular basis, visit your health practitioner regularly to control your health conditions and avoid adverse activities such as smoking and illicit drug use, you can reduce your odds of developing CTS on the job.Whether you work in front of a computer screen, at a cash register or on the assembly line, it is exceedingly important to adopt and practice good habits.Read more to reduce your odds of suffering from a Carpal tunnel injury on the job. Lower your chances of developing CTS at work by adopting the five tips mentioned above; your hands and wrists will be eternally grateful.

Personal Branding Is NOT Hocus Pocus

Personal Branding Is NOT Hocus Pocus Personal Branding isnt about black hat SEO tactics. It isnt a magic wand to cure unemployment either. It is a strategy for communicating the unique set of skills, personality and value you deliver as you traverse the treacherous terrain of the new economy. It all started with the popular article by Tom Peters in Fast Company “The Brand Called You.” But what does personal branding really mean and why is it important? If you read Tom Peters’ article you will begin to understand. Dont Fight It. It works! There are some career professionals, recruiters and other experts that claim your personal brand doesn’t matter. Maybe the term is misleading or is not interpreted correctly. If your personal reputation didn’t matter, then why would an internal candidate get hired over external candidates? Why would employee referrals be so important? Why is it that CEO job postings seldom, if ever go public? The answers lie in the power of someone’s personal brand. Personal branding is much more than a slick tagline or elevator pitch; it is the reason people get jobs. Defining and Refining Personal Brand I took part in this weeks Job Action Day along with over 20 other career professionals. This is Quintessential Careers fifth-annual Job Action Day and it is dedicated to empowering job-seekers to create, build, and enhance their personal career brand.   Miriam Salpeter and I have joined together to make it more palatable. VIV-id is the term we feel better encapsulates the essence of personal branding. It stands for Virtual Individual Verified-id. Miriams post re-explains what personal branding is! There is more to this post so head on over to US News World Reports On Careers. Do you have a personal brand or do you think it is a bogus concept?

Decent-Steak-Dinner Dreams Pretty-Good-Beer Wishes

Decent-Steak-Dinner Dreams Pretty-Good-Beer Wishes three wishes by MayaChappell The wishes say inspire, create let your dreams soar. Arent those nice wishes? Heres the 3rd installment in guest blogger ( When I Grow Ups scholarship winner) Sarah Ivies series. Her first post, Change is Like Laundry, focused on how, uh, change is like laundry. Her second post, Jumping with a Safety Net, focused on, uhobviously our post titles are very self-evident. What is Sarah focusing on now that were two months into our sessions together? Youll just hafta read below! What would you do if you could do anything you wanted to? I wish I had a nickel for every time Ive been asked this question.   I  am, as Michelle has helped me figure out, a  Renaissance SoulI have a lot of different interests and skills. Ive never been able to  answer that darn question!   I could tell you 15 different things I could do, or  20 things Id enjoy doing, but  not one  thing I ideally want to do.  Ive even figured out what I can do well and what pays the bills, even if I dont like all of it. So when I  came to  Michelle to figure  this  whole work thing out, I came with a fairly decent day job  that  unfortunately involves a lot of spreadsheets and reports, which Im good at, but  dont love. I also had (and have) a  plan  to start a small business with my  husband, a developing blog, an on-my-own small business plan,  about a million percolating ideas, and a desire to find out what I want to be when I grow up. What I am figuring out  (with a lot of help from a certain life coach) is a different way of asking that million-dollar question and of answering it.  What makes more sense to me is to ask, If you could  do any job you wanted, what would you want that job to be like? What would you want to get out of it?   I can answer that!  I  can tell you pretty much right away that  I want  a job where I have  a flexible schedule so I can spend time with my  (future)  kids and family, have FUN, be creative, have positive interactions with  other people, be recognized for what I do, contribute something good to the world, and  make enough money. Thats  all I  want. Oh, that, and chickens. (OK, Id be willing to have chickens as a hobby if they dont work into the perfect job) For me, finding the perfect occupation is fitting together a puzzle with all of the above requirements as puzzle pieces. Im working on this puzzle diligently, trying pieces here and there, trying to make it all fit. Im starting to get a pretty good idea of what I think the finished picture will look like, and Im starting to get pieces that go together really well! I think my many interests and skills fit together in a lot of different ways, and Im starting to feel good about finding a combination that gives me what I want out of my job my occupation. But still,  I have to pay the  bills, so I have to work.  Now that Im married and responsible to another person (and yes, getting older) Im not super-comfortable being that person who pet sits, works at the bookstore part time, and sells tupperware on the side to make ends meet.  (Yes, these are all things Ive  done). I need  enough stability in my income to know I can  pay bills and buy a couple of magazines if I want, and I need the safety of knowing thats going to happen every month. Even in my younger, more care-free days I always had a bit of a safety net, knowing I have those necessary skills to have the day job if/when I need it. Ive never been able to take money out of the equation when figuring out what I want to do. My husband  has  provided some important missing pieces  that  are helping me  make money less of a top priority when finding an occupation that will hopefully meet  all my needs.   He  plays the lottery.    His  lottery hobby has helped me think about  making money a little less of a priority, because as he plays he  creates plans around winning different amounts.  He plays the smaller lotteries so the plans arent really that extravagant, theyre just about making us more comfortable, and about making it possible for us to do what we really want. Its made me realize that some of my dreams are not that far out of reach. As icing on the cake, he gets excited about my ideas and they become our ideas and then our shared goals! Im so excited that things seem to be coming together in such a great way.  Combining my husbands  decent-steak-dinner dreams pretty-good-beer wishes with Michelles  homework and pragmatism with my ideas and interests  is helping me discover what I want and have the courage and support to go after my dreams!

Do You Have Qualifications That Need To Be On Your Resume?

Do You Have Qualifications That Need To Be On Your Resume?Do you have a desire to get to the next level of your career by writing a resume with OBC, Native American, Hispanic or Multicultural opportunities? If so, there are certain qualities that must be on the list before you actually do the job. These are some of the fundamental characteristics of a well-written resume and what to do in order to have them written for you. So let's go through these characteristics and we will all end up with the best resume on the market.OBC stands for Native American, which is a very important characteristic to have in your resume. I can guarantee you this, you will get a better response if you show your accomplishments that come from these backgrounds. However, if you are also born into a family that speaks Spanish, there is nothing wrong with putting it in your resume as well. And please don't forget about the fact that you have to be well educated or you won't make the cut. You can add in anothe r three words or more depending on how you were educated.You can never be too far away from being perceived as foreign and there are certain qualifications that could lower the respect you receive from potential employer or mentor, even if you didn't do anything wrong. Diversity is something that will always be important and you can try to add in your qualifications for the positions you are applying for, because if you don't do this you will be at a disadvantage when it comes to hiring. What ever you put on your resume, the important thing is to make the point that you did and this will make your resume stand out from the rest of the pile.By now, you should have found out that you have to have some information about yourself, in a specific section of your resume, then put in your OBJE TIVE. This means your ethnic, racial or cultural background or what ever it is. O.B.Q. This is the abbreviation for your parents or grandparents name.But you don't necessarily have to have ethnic back ground as well. Many employers use a combination of qualifications and whatever else, so you can include things that aren't really ethnic in your resume. If you do this, you may find that you will get a higher score than those who do not include any of their cultural background.Now this leads us into the main key to your resume. Once you have finished adding in your OBJE TIVE, you should add in your education. Some qualifications that are not ethnic are employment, licensure, employment history and so on.Remember, what you put in the objective will make a big difference in your future. Your resume needs to match with the company or organization that you want to work for. So put in the most important details first and let the qualifications follow in no specific order.

Best Places to Work Ranked by Indeed.com Salesforce, Google

Best Places to Work Ranked by Indeed.com Salesforce, Google What makes a company a great place to work? Sure, a decent paycheck is nice. But what moves the needle on making an employer great instead of merely good are the benefits and perks â€" everything from generous parental leave to a management style that fosters close-knit teams. Job review site Indeed.com analyzed the 10 million-plus reviews employees post on the site to find out which companies in the Fortune 500 were ranked as the top 50 places to work. Software company Salesforce claims the top spot, which might come as a surprise but it makes sense. Competition in the tech industry has led to a sort of perks arms race among employers, and the top 10 also includes Silicon Valley behemoths Google and Apple. But the list â€" and the reasons employees rank their workplaces so highly â€" is surprisingly varied. It’s a pretty eclectic roundup, with everything from jets to jelly is in there. The entire top 10 is as follows (and you can see all 50 at the link here): Salesforce Southwest Airlines Anadarko Petroleum Corporation Pioneer Natural Resources Phillip Morris International Google The J.M. Smucker Company Eli Lilly Apple EOG Resources Airlines may get some of the lowest customer satisfaction ratings of any industry, but apparently they can be good employers. Southwest is actually one of three airlines in the top 50; Delta and JetBlue come in at number 19 and 21, respectively. The energy sector, despite its recent woes due to low oil prices, still contributes three of the top 10 â€" as many as the tech sector. Indeed dug into the reviews to find out why people who work at these places rank their employers so highly. In many cases, it’s about more than just the Benjamins: “The happiest employees often work for companies that challenge industry status quos with innovative business models,” Indeed said in its analysis. Salesforce workers, for instance, cited the six days a year the company gives its employees to volunteer as a motivating factor, as well as a positive corporate culture. Read Next: The Surprising Tech Company Named as the Best Place to Work “It appears that today’s workforce is kept motivated not so much by money and status, but rather by jobs where the work is meaningful,” Indeed said. Flexible scheduling was a valued perk mentioned by Apple employees, and reviews at numerous employers indicate that work-life balance is an important priority for workers. In its report, Indeed observed that management methods and work group organizations that foster camaraderie and communication have a surprising amount of influence on worker happiness. “Compensation has the weakest correlation with the overall job satisfaction score,” the report summed up. “By contrast, company culture and quality of management have the closest correlation.”

Karen Rehn

Karen Rehn Karen Rehn | Consultant With 13 years of staffing experience, Karen is no stranger to the industry. Her zest for business and desire to leave Wisconsin winters behind led her to purchase Helping Hands Staffing Services. Karen purchased Helping Hands in March of 2009 from the original owner who founded the company in 1988. The business has evolved and is now known as HH Staffing. With a solid foundation and an experienced management team the company has expanded to multiple locations. Future plans include continued service to valued clients, embracing new prospects and looking for new areas of business in Florida. One of the greatest rewards of working in the staffing industry is the ability to make a real difference in the lives of others, I truly believe that our industry has an obligation to actively contribute to enhancing our communities and improving the lives of our employees. We make a difference one job at a time. Karen’s mission is to continue to provide the same great workforce solutions, dedication and devotion that built the company. READ POSTS ? Twitter: @HHStaffing LinkedIn: /in/karenrehn0901/ Personal Website/Blog: hhstaffingservices.com   More Experts   Have you joined our career growth club?Join Us Today!