Work from Home

Posted by Judy Anne Cavey on Jun 30, 2011 in , , | No Comments

Do you dream of starting a home business? Do you have visions of teleworking or telecommuting?

If so, you might want to consider the following:

Children and Animals

Be sure you have created a professional environment when potential customers call or come in. Children answering the phone, or screaming in the background, does not give the person calling a good first impression. In fact, your customers might not take you, and your business, seriously. If clients visit your home office, hire someone to babysit while you conduct your business with them.
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Starting a New Job?

Posted by Judy Anne Cavey on Jun 29, 2011 in , , | No Comments

Here are five important tips when starting a new job…

In On Investing, (Charles Schwab) you’ll find listed these helpful ideas. My comments are in brackets:

1.) Sign up for your new employer’s 401(k) or other retirement plan–especially if you haven’t been started to save for retirement. Your are never too young to begin! Contribute at least enough to receive any employer match. [Do take the time to investigate how the plan is handled, also be sure to get full disclosure where the money is invested. Never have all of your retirement money tied up in your company's stock. Don't wait to begin saving for retirement. If you don't have any retirement offered at work, check into setting up either a Traditional or Roth IRA. Contact a broker like Charles Schwab for more information.]  Read more...

 

Job Search Sources

Posted by Judy Anne Cavey on Jun 27, 2011 in , , | No Comments

Below are important sources of information to assist in your job search.

Don’t leave any important stone unturned! Have you used all the sources below in your summer job search?

People: Current and former employees of the companies you’re targeting, public relations offices of the organization, customers or clients of the company, friends, relatives, neighbors, faculty and alumni.

Print Information: Directories, books, newspapers, magazine articles, annual reports, company newsletters, professional association directories, and the company website.  Read more...

 

Divine Job Search Help

Posted by Judy Anne Cavey on Jun 23, 2011 in , , | No Comments

Churches are helping the victims of post-recession.

A large number of churches across the U.S. are rolling up their sleeves and setting up different job-centered help for the unemployed. Meetings usually have networking opportunities, workshops to help with everything from resume writing to your elevator pitch, and others even provide a meal.

One “mega church” in Sacramento, headed by pastor Mark Godshall, holds four day workshops and programs in an area that has a staggering unemployment rate of over 12%. Pastor Godshall believes “It’s in these moments when you don’t have work when you can grow and make changes that need to be made in your life.” Besides a job-related focus, there is also spiritual support and encouragement–for those who want it.
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Be the Purple Squirrel

Posted by Judy Anne Cavey on Jun 22, 2011 in , , | No Comments

Are you a “purple squirrel”–the candidate who possibly does not exist?

If you aren’t sure, you’ll want to read on. In U.S. News & World Report which featured the article, “How to Stand Out From the Crowd and Kick-Start Your Own Recovery”, by Liz Wolgemuth, the elusive purple squirrel was discussed.

Purple squirrels are highly specialized people, so much so, they may not exist! Sounds ridiculous doesn’t it? But it’s true. Evidently, at the height of the recession, employers were seeking the impossible employee to find. Now that we are seeing a recovery of sorts taking place, non-specialized jobs are beginning to open up again. But in light of the major shift that has taken place, is the purple squirrel still being sought in a more realistic form? The short answer is, yes.  Read more...

 

Criteria for Unpaid Internships

Posted by Judy Anne Cavey on Jun 20, 2011 in , , | No Comments

U.S. Dept. of Labor set criteria for unpaid internships last year.

Do you know what they are?

Due to complaints about internships for students and grads–duties from sweeping floors to wiping door handles–hardly considered valid internships, these standards are welcome relief. But will these new standards hinder those wanting experience?

The Chronicle of Higher Education has fears that the criteria set by the Department of Labor will severely limit internship opportunities. Judge for yourself…


 The following six criteria are from the U.S. Department of Labor’s website:  Read more...

 

Should You Relocate for a Job?

Posted by Judy Anne Cavey on Jun 16, 2011 in , , | No Comments

Before you call the movers, there are many factors to take into consideration when relocating for a job opportunity.

Moving within your own state is costly and traumatic enough, but when you’re looking beyond the state line, even more needs to be weighed carefully.

Here are a few important items to think about before you make a move, the key is proper planning:

1.) Is the unemployment rate where you are now higher or lower than the area you are exploring? If it’s lower where you live, think twice about relocation. Be very cautious about figures. For example, the state unemployment rate might be much less than the county you are researching.  Read more...

 

Financially Savvy Students

Posted by Judy Anne Cavey on Jun 15, 2011 in , , | No Comments

Before any student leaves for college, a discussion about finances is in order.

Below are discussion topics excerpted from Charles Schwab’s On Investing, (Summer 2011), which I’ve expanded upon, that provide keys to being financially savvy both in and out of college. Each section addresses the needs of everyone affected.

Expenses

Parents or guardians must decide how much they’ll personally contribute to their child’s education. Be realistic about what you can afford for tuition, books, food and housing. Honesty is critical at this point–never downplay your current financial situation. It’s important to draw up a budget, including your child in every aspect of budget creation. Be sure to allow room for “emergencies” or unforeseen expenses, such as tuition or housing increases.
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