Are You Getting Interviews But Not the Job?

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

                  Training Coordinator

If you answered yes, to the title question you should read this article about the 3 qualities employers want to see exhibited when they interview.

 

Click here to read the article.

Emotional vampires…how to identify and slay them

 

 

By: Lori McMullin, APR

Director of Business Operations & Communications
Center for Business Excellence

 

Life can be stressful enough without added drama, right?  I’m not talking about the occasional guilty pleasure, like watching something on Bravo, for a brief escape from reality.

No, I’m talking about routine interactions with people who seem to push your buttons for some reason.  Even further, we may be pushing someone else’s buttons.  Hmmm…

I found this interesting link about the various types of emotional vampires.  Check it out:

http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2009/10/27/5-emotional-vampires-and-how-to-combat-them/

Best Questions to End a Job Interview

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

Answering questions during an interview is hard enough and then they expect you to ask them questions. Personally, I always found trying to figure out what to ask them to be the hardest part of the interview. Well, not any more. Click here and read a wonderful article with four great end of interview questions.

Is your gut or brain more important in decision making?

 

 

By: Lori McMullin, APR

Director of Business Operations & Communications
Center for Business Excellence

 

In real-world scenarios, which is more important in the decision-making process – your gut or your brain?

In business, you don’t want to make a mistake by not doing your homework first.  However, often, time is not a luxury and there is zero tolerance for waffling.

About 15 years ago, I worked for ARAMARK as a public relations and marketing coordinator.  We had a saying, “Manage Your Destiny.” We were expected to make mistakes along the way, but in the end, it should all balance out if we were well suited for daily challenges and opportunities.  I still really like that mantra. 

Here’s a link to more information on decision making.  I hope you find it useful:

http://www.decisionstrategies.com/blog/2012/10/Brain-vs-Gut---Making-Smart-Decisions-in-the-Face-of-Uncertainty

3 Simple Ideas to Reduce STRESS

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

Are you stressed? Do you worry about __________________ (fill in the blank)? Are you aware that the majority of what we worry about never comes to pass? How much of your time and energy do you spend worrying about things that never happen? That’s time and energy that could be used in more constructive and positive endeavors.

Here are three simple ideas to help you reduce your stress.

1.   Stop watching the news 24/7 – When was the last time you heard some good news while watching the evening/morning/24 hour news? Every great once in a while they’ll have some feel good story but as a general rule the old adage is very true, ‘if it bleeds, it leads’. A lot of the time when I tell people this, at first they look at me like I just suggested they kill someone, then they ask me, “How will I know what’s going on in the world if I don’t watch the news?” Believe me, I haven’t watched the news in over five years and I know what’s going on in the world. Do I know all the details of the latest madness? No. If I did would it make a difference in the world? No! So why should I stress and depress myself by hearing about and viewing the insanity of the world in which we live? Instead, watch something that will make you laugh. Find a favorite old sitcom that’s in syndication and watch back-to-back episodes.

2.   Laugh – Yes, laughter is a wonderful stress reliever. Laughing stimulates several of our major organs, it stimulates our circulation and aids in muscle relaxation. Those are the short term benefits and there are long term health benefits as well. There’s even legitimate medical research to back it all up. If you’re interested in reading the details about laughter as a stress reliever click here to go to the Mayo Clinic.

3.   Take Deep Breaths – While laughing for no apparent reason might cause people to look at you strangely, you can do deep breathing anywhere and it’s virtually unnoticeable. Breathing deeply tells your brain to calm down. Your brain then passes that message on to your body. In addition to deep breathing there are other breathing exercises that can benefit you and reduce your stress and increase your alertness. Click here to read the details about multiple breathing exercises.

These are just three things can help keep your stress level under control. There’s no cost associated with any of these stress relievers. The reality is there are a great many things you can do to reduce and control your stress level and most of them are free.

Here’s a bonus piece of information. Research has shown that the majority of what we worry about never happens. So stop spending your mental energy and time worrying about things over which you have no control. Put that time and energy to a more constructive activity.

How to respond to rude emails

 

By: Lori McMullin, APR

Director of Business Operations & Communications
Center for Business Excellence

 

Whether it’s a work, family or other sort of email that makes you go, “Hmmm,” there are correct ways to handle the situation.

We see it all the time.  Sometimes, I think there are a few people out there who should be banned from emailing.  They truly have no clue their emails have “tone” and back and forth banter just becomes exhausting. 

Same thing on Facebook.  I cannot believe how some folks snipe back and forth on each other’s walls.  Take it offline and, maybe, pick up the phone or talk to the person face-to-face!  How about that?

In any case, here are some tips on how to deal with rude emails.  Hope they help:

 http://www.wikihow.com/Respond-to-Rude-Email-at-Work

3 Techniques to Fight Unemployment Stigma

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

For those of you that have been following this blog, I’m sure you’ve noticed that lately I’ve been posting links to a lot of articles at Careerrealism. There’s a reason for that. They have some really good articles.

I just finished reading the one about 3 Techniques to Fight Unemployment Stigma. Now it’s your turn.

 
Click here to read the article.

Why you need a mentor

By: Lori McMullin, APR

Director of Business Operations & Communications
Center for Business Excellence

 

In my opinion, having a mentor or mentors is a huge piece of the success puzzle.  Throughout the years, I’ve had mentors in my field but outside of my scope of work.  They helped me solve problems, embrace new challenges and make career decisions.

Here’s a link to information emphasizing the importance of mentors and how to go about getting one:

http://www.foxbusiness.com/personal-finance/2012/09/24/why-need-mentor-and-how-to-find-one/

8 Rules for Job Seekers

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

Here’s an article with 8 pieces of advice from a job coach with experience in all aspects of the job search.

Give it a read and maybe you’ll pick up an idea or two that can help you in your job search.

Click here to read the article.

What your co-workers want you to know

 

By: Lori McMullin, APR

Director of Business Operations & Communications
Center for Business Excellence

Have you ever felt out of place at work or noticed someone who wasn’t quite in the groove?  Here’s a link to information on what co-workers want us to know, but usually do not say to our faces:

 http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/snow-white-doesnt-live-here-anymore/201205/5-things-your-colleagues-want-you-know-are-afraid-te