Is Your Lack of Soft Skills Keeping You Unemployed?

Posted by:  Darlene Duncan CWDP, JSS, CCC, JCTC, JCDC

                  Training Coordinator

Just like the diamond on the soft pillow is made to shine more because of its soft background, your soft skills will help your hard skills shine.

A lot of people seem to think that if they have the hard skills necessary to do the job they should get hired. In my workshops I do my best to disillusion those individuals. The reality is that if your soft skills are not up to speed, the hard skills, education and experience border on being irrelevant.

I recently read a very good article that outlines the value of soft skills. Even if you think your soft skills are above average, give it a read.

 
To read the article click here.

Successful people do things differently

 

By Lori McMullin, APR

Director of Business Operations & Communications
Center for Business Excellence

 

We’ve discussed the topic of success in past blog postings.  It may mean wealth to some, recognition to others and a balanced, happy life for yet more.

In any case, successful people do go about business and life in a different manner than most people.  What are their secrets?  Follow this link for 12 of them:

http://www.marcandangel.com/2012/01/22/12-things-successful-people-do-differently/

Get Aboard!

Posted by:  Darlene Duncan CWDP, JSS, CCC, JCTC, JCDC
                  Training Coordinator

If you thought Social Media was a passing fad, think again. Five years ago a survey showed that 78% of employers were using Social Media (LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, etc.) to find talent (employees). The most recent study shows that number has increased to 90% of employers.

 
To read the entire article click here.

Tips on meeting deadlines

 

 

By Lori McMullin, APR
Director of Business Operations & Communications
Center for Business Excellence

 

This week’s blog topic is one a few of us around the CBE only know too well right now.  In addition to our daily responsibilities, we were given the monumental task of drafting a five-year, regional workforce plan.

Where to begin, where to begin?  The three of us rising to this challenge have our own unique styles.  Mine is to dive in, barely moving from my computer for days on end until I either have enough comfortably under my belt or feel delirious – whichever comes first.

In any case, we are managing to it and all deadlines in the timeline of this project will be met.  Cheers to you, Nancy and Christine!

On that ending note, I found this link on tips for meeting deadlines and thought it would be helpful:

http://www.brighthubpm.com/monitoring-projects/113292-complete-your-project-on-time-without-compromising-on-quality/

IS IT MY AGE OR MY RÉSUMÉ?

Posted by:  Darlene Duncan CWDP, JSS, CCC, JCTC, JCDC

                  Training Coordinator

To answer the above question, if your résumé is giving clues to your age it could be a combination of age and résumé.

Click here to read an article that will help you fix your résumé so it doesn’t give those age clues.

Fabulous workplace fashion on a budget

By: Lori McMullin, APR

Director of Business Operations & Communications
Center for Business Excellence

Everywhere you turn, there’s a “door-buster” sale of some sort going on.  When it comes to shopping for work clothes, how do you really know you are investing your precious money the right way?

Here are some tips on how to look magnificent around the workplace without breaking the bank:

http://www.bettyconfidential.com/ar/ld/a/how-to-create-a-stellar-work-wardrobe-on-a-budget.html

Optimism for the Over 50 Job Seeker

Posted by:  Darlene Duncan CWDP, JSS, CCC, JCTC, JCDC

                Training Coordinator

If you’re looking for some positive ideas on how to have a successful job search after 50, then you should read this article. It’s not pie in the sky, Pollyanna stuff. It’s realistic and offers links to some resources, as well as offering helpful suggestions.

Click here to read the article.