Current Events
Career Fair at the Hickory Hollow Mall:
Tell them you heard about it on the Nashville Blog!!!
Tell them you heard about it on the Nashville Blog!!!
Saturday, March 31, 2007
10 Credit Card Tips
Top 10 Tips on Credit Cards
1. Shop around for the plan that best fits your needs.
2. One major credit card is sufficient.
3. Make sure when applying for a credit card that tuition and allowances are not included as “income.” The higher the income level, the higher the credit limit will be.
4. Understand a plan’s terms before you accept the card.
5. Hold on to receipts to reconcile charges when your bill arrives.
6. Pay all your bills on time! The quickest way to damage your credit history is by not making timely payments to creditors. It will also keep finance charges to a minimum.
7. Protect your cards and account numbers to prevent unauthorized use. Draw a line through blank spaces on charge slips so the amount can’t be changed. Tear up any carbon copies you get.
8. Don’t let anyone borrow your credit card--even your best friend. You will be held responsible for all charges.
9. Keep a record — in a safe place separate from your cards — of your account numbers, expiration dates and the phone numbers of each issuer to report a loss quickly.
10. Create a spending and budget plan—monthly credit card payments should never exceed 20% of your monthly income.
www.freecreditadvice.com www.debitconsolidationadvice.org
1. Shop around for the plan that best fits your needs.
2. One major credit card is sufficient.
3. Make sure when applying for a credit card that tuition and allowances are not included as “income.” The higher the income level, the higher the credit limit will be.
4. Understand a plan’s terms before you accept the card.
5. Hold on to receipts to reconcile charges when your bill arrives.
6. Pay all your bills on time! The quickest way to damage your credit history is by not making timely payments to creditors. It will also keep finance charges to a minimum.
7. Protect your cards and account numbers to prevent unauthorized use. Draw a line through blank spaces on charge slips so the amount can’t be changed. Tear up any carbon copies you get.
8. Don’t let anyone borrow your credit card--even your best friend. You will be held responsible for all charges.
9. Keep a record — in a safe place separate from your cards — of your account numbers, expiration dates and the phone numbers of each issuer to report a loss quickly.
10. Create a spending and budget plan—monthly credit card payments should never exceed 20% of your monthly income.
www.freecreditadvice.com www.debitconsolidationadvice.org
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Saturday, March 24, 2007
How to make the most of a Job Fair...
Making the Most of a Job Fair
Contributing Writer
Job fairs are a great way for you to explore potential employment opportunities and learn more about companies who are actively hiring in your neighborhood. Many people see it as something as serious as a first interview, while others view it as an opportunity to gather information about potential employers. Regardless of what reason you have for attending, there are a few important things to keep in mind before, during, and after the job fair to make it successful for you.
Before the Job Fair:
Find out what businesses will be there. The more information you can gather beforehand, the more successful the job fair is going to be for you. Find out what businesses are going to be at the job fair, and spend some time doing some research about them. What types of jobs do they have open? What kind of people are they looking for? What kinds of skills do these people need to have?
Develop some questions you'd like to ask employers. Narrow down your list of businesses to include those who have positions you are interested in, or are businesses you think you might like to work for. Then list some questions you would like to ask the company representative at the job fair.
Proofread your resume - at least twice. If you don't already have one, it is a good idea to put a resume together for a job fair. It gives employers a blueprint of your skills and something tangible to remember you by. Be sure to proofread your resume before the job fair to find any spelling or grammatical mistakes. Even if you think there are no errors, have someone else look it over too. Don't let errors overshadow your qualifications for a job!
Be sure your resume contains your updated contact information. You'll want employers to be able to reach you if necessary. Double check that your address, phone number, and e-mail address is current.
At the Job Fair:
Dress the part. As with a job interview, first impressions at a job fair are important. How you represent yourself sends an immediate message to employers about how serious you are in your job search. It isn't always necessary to wear a suit to a job fair - unless you are looking for a job that would require you to dress professionally at work. However, you should leave the jeans and t-shirts at home. "Business Casual" is usually the most appropriate at a job fair - nice slacks and a collared shirt for men and nice slacks or a skirt and a blouse for women are appropriate. Make sure your clothes are clean and pressed. Avoid wearing excessive jewelry or clothing that is too short or revealing.
Take time to talk to employers. Don't just drop off a resume and move to the next booth. Take time to get additional information and make an impression. The point is not to see how many resumes you can give to employers in the least amount of time - it is to establish some solid job prospects. Also, try to avoid approaching employers when they are crowded by a large group of jobseekers. Approaching a crowded booth makes it difficult for employers to answer your individual questions, and they are less likely to remember you when they return to their offices.
Use your research to appear confident and knowledgeable. If you have done research before the job fair, you won't have to ask the question, "What does your company do?" If you have to ask, you are wasting valuable time. Instead, you could be asking questions about the position or department you are interested in. It works to your advantage if you can tell employers how your skills match what they are looking for. Employers want to hire people who are genuinely interested in their company. Do your homework!
Have a firm handshake and maintain eye contact. Let employers know how serious you are. Greet the employer with a firm handshake, and maintain eye contact throughout your conversation. Showing interest and good manners is important, regardless of the type of job you are looking for. Every employer appreciates someone who is dedicated, conscientious, and attentive.
After the Job Fair:
Follow up with a thank you note. Experts agree that follow-up is an important part of attending a job fair. If you picked up a business card, or the name of the company's job fair representative, send a thank you note a day or two after the job fair. This is not only polite, but will let the representative know you paid attention, are serious about the job, and that you are the right person for it.
--The opinions expressed are those of the author and do not represent the views of EmploymentGuide.com, The Trader Publishing Company, or its approval of the opinions expressed therein.
Friday, March 16, 2007
Truck Driving, Drivers, Truckers, & Transportation Information
Working in the Trucking Industry
Rachel Sadler
Truck drivers hold 44% of all jobs nationwide. They play an integral role in the transportation of produce and goods locally and nationally. Think you’re dependable enough to get the job done? Read on.
Businesses set up contracts with trucking companies to transport, store, pick-up, and deliver merchandise and goods. Drivers are typically permitted to determine their own schedules and routes as long as they can ensure that their load is delivered on time. Being on the road for long periods can be somewhat stressful. To help reduce the stress of long-distance drivers, trucks have become outfitted with TV, refrigerators, and beds.
Trucking Jobs
The trucking industry is a very diverse one with many different opportunities for those interested in a trucking career.
General Freight Trucking – involves the use trucks and tractor-trailers to transport general commodities. This segment of the industry can be divided into two subdivisions: local and long-distance driving. Local drivers typically carry goods within a local metropolitan area and it’s neighboring rural areas. Long-distance truck drivers transport goods to distant areas.
Specialized Freight Trucking – involves the use of specialized equipment such as flatbeds, tankers, or refrigerated trailers to transport freight. The size, shape, and/or weight of the freight being delivered would determine the type of truck a driver would operate. This segment also includes movers, those who transport household, commercial, and institutional furniture. Specialized freight trucking also involves either local or long-distance driving, depending on the situation.
Warehousing and Storage – this segment of the trucking industry is made up of firms that operate warehouses and storage facilities that house refrigerated goods and general merchandise.
Training
Many states allow those that are at least 18 years old to drive within state borders. However, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations implemented by the U.S. Department of Transportation require that truck drivers be at least 21 years of age, have a good driving record, have at least 20/40 vision, good hearing, and be able to read and speak English in order to engage in interstate commerce. They must also have a state commercial driver’s license (CDL), which is acquired after passing a written exam and a skills test operating the type of vehicle they plan to drive.
Wages
Most truck drivers are compensated with an hourly rate or with a rate-per-mile system. Heavy tractor-trailer operators tend to earn more than those who operate light delivery trucks. The median earnings for truck drivers are $15.97 per hour and can include benefits such as performance related bonuses, health insurance, sick time, and vacation.
Outlook
Wage and salaried positions in the trucking industry are expected to grow 23% from 2002 through 2012. Opportunities look favorable for qualified workers at all levels in this industry.
All information is provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and can be found HERE!
Interested in a trucking career?
CLICK HERE
OR HERE!!!
The opinions expressed are those of the author and do not represent the views of EmploymentGuide.com, Trader Publishing Company, or its approval of the opinions expressed therein.
Rachel Sadler
Truck drivers hold 44% of all jobs nationwide. They play an integral role in the transportation of produce and goods locally and nationally. Think you’re dependable enough to get the job done? Read on.
Businesses set up contracts with trucking companies to transport, store, pick-up, and deliver merchandise and goods. Drivers are typically permitted to determine their own schedules and routes as long as they can ensure that their load is delivered on time. Being on the road for long periods can be somewhat stressful. To help reduce the stress of long-distance drivers, trucks have become outfitted with TV, refrigerators, and beds.
Trucking Jobs
The trucking industry is a very diverse one with many different opportunities for those interested in a trucking career.
General Freight Trucking – involves the use trucks and tractor-trailers to transport general commodities. This segment of the industry can be divided into two subdivisions: local and long-distance driving. Local drivers typically carry goods within a local metropolitan area and it’s neighboring rural areas. Long-distance truck drivers transport goods to distant areas.
Specialized Freight Trucking – involves the use of specialized equipment such as flatbeds, tankers, or refrigerated trailers to transport freight. The size, shape, and/or weight of the freight being delivered would determine the type of truck a driver would operate. This segment also includes movers, those who transport household, commercial, and institutional furniture. Specialized freight trucking also involves either local or long-distance driving, depending on the situation.
Warehousing and Storage – this segment of the trucking industry is made up of firms that operate warehouses and storage facilities that house refrigerated goods and general merchandise.
Training
Many states allow those that are at least 18 years old to drive within state borders. However, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations implemented by the U.S. Department of Transportation require that truck drivers be at least 21 years of age, have a good driving record, have at least 20/40 vision, good hearing, and be able to read and speak English in order to engage in interstate commerce. They must also have a state commercial driver’s license (CDL), which is acquired after passing a written exam and a skills test operating the type of vehicle they plan to drive.
Wages
Most truck drivers are compensated with an hourly rate or with a rate-per-mile system. Heavy tractor-trailer operators tend to earn more than those who operate light delivery trucks. The median earnings for truck drivers are $15.97 per hour and can include benefits such as performance related bonuses, health insurance, sick time, and vacation.
Outlook
Wage and salaried positions in the trucking industry are expected to grow 23% from 2002 through 2012. Opportunities look favorable for qualified workers at all levels in this industry.
All information is provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and can be found HERE!
Interested in a trucking career?
CLICK HERE
OR HERE!!!
The opinions expressed are those of the author and do not represent the views of EmploymentGuide.com, Trader Publishing Company, or its approval of the opinions expressed therein.
Helpful Job Interview Tips!!!
Tips to Help Make Your Job Interview Successful
Contributing writer
Congratulations! Spending days, weeks, or possibly months of looking for the right job has finally paid off and you've been asked to come in for an interview. Then comes the biggest question of all, "now what?" You will only have 15 to 20 minutes to "sell" your experiences, attitude, and skills to the employer - most likely without knowing what the employer wants to hear from you. There are articles upon articles of advice on interviewing, from how to answer certain questions to how to dress - right down to the color of your socks! It can seem overwhelming, but remembering a few key points can help make your interview successful.
1. Research.
Find out a little bit about the company you want to work for. Visit the location in person if it is a store or building open to the general public. Visit the company’s Website and talk to anyone you might know who works there. What kinds of products or services does the company make or sell? What types of people work there? What are the typical hours this position requires? What are some of the day-to-day tasks that the job involves?
Make notes of things you want more information about and ask the employer about them at the end of your interview (it’s always a good idea to have a few questions to ask the employer, anyway!). Researching a company and the position make you stand out in an interview. It shows that you are really interested in working there. For more information on how and why to research a company before you interview, click here.
2. Practice
It sounds funny – and it looks even funnier – but practicing out loud for your interview will help you sound more polished and concise and less nervous in the actual interview. List a few key things you want the employer to know about you, and review common interview questions. Formulate answers to those questions and answer them out loud while looking at yourself in the mirror. This exercise prevents you from rambling in the interview and sounding unpolished and unsure. It also helps you discover what really does make you the best candidate for the job!
3.Dress to Make a Good First Impression.
In an interview, first impressions do matter. The best way to ensure a good first impression is to dress smart. If you are interviewing for a job in an office, it is usually best to wear a dark-colored, conservative suit (for both men and women). If you are interviewing for a job where the dress code is more casual (at a factory or a construction site, for example), nice slacks and a collared button-down shirt with a tie for men and a nice dress or blouse and slacks or skirt for women are usually appropriate. You should avoid wearing excessive jewelry, perfume, and flamboyant clothes. Good personal hygiene is also important.
If you are unsure what to wear, you should always go with the most conservative, professional option. Most experts agree it is better to be overdressed than dressed too casually. What you are wearing tells employers a lot about how serious you are about getting the job. Find out more about how to dress for an interview here.
4. Be Conscious of Good Interview Etiquette.
This list could go on forever – there is literally an endless array of “dos” and “don’ts” for an interview – and not everyone agrees on every aspect of that list. There are, however, some basic “interview etiquette” tips that are important to remember. (For a more comprehensive list, click here).
Be on time for your interview. This is, perhaps, the most important. Employers expect employees to arrive on time to work. They may see a person who is late to an interview, when he or she is supposed to be showing his or her best side, as someone who will have difficulty arriving on time to work or meeting deadlines if hired.
Be aware of your body language. When shaking hands, make sure your grip is firm and confident. Have good posture, but avoid appearing like you’re as stiff as a cardboard cutout. Even the most experienced professionals get nervous in an interview – it’s normal. However, if you appear too nervous, the interviewer might draw the wrong conclusions about your ability to do the job – especially if it involves interacting with people! Conversely, make sure you don’t slouch – this could give the impression that you are lazy or uninterested in the position. Maintain eye contact with your interviewer to convey confidence. When speaking, be polite and professional and avoid using slang and profanities. The more confident and polished you appear the more likely you are to leave the interviewer with a positive impression of you.
Keep the interview positive. Avoid making negative remarks about any previous jobs or employers. Also, refrain from complaining about any job-related tasks or responsibilities you were given in a previous position. Employers want to hire someone who is positive, enthusiastic, and able to meet and deal with challenges.
5. Be Prepared to Ask the Interviewer Questions.
This is where your research comes in. Employers want to know if you’re truly interested in the position. They also want to know that you have all the information you need to make a decision, if offered the job. It isn’t a good idea to turn the tables and “interview” the interviewer, but it is a good idea to go into the interview with a few questions in mind. This is your chance to ask additional questions about the business, the position, the requirements, and the expectations of the person who will fill the position.
Click on Sample Questions to Ask an Interviewer or Questions to Ask in an Interview for list of sample questions to ask in your interview. Remember to ask questions that are relevant to the company and position for which you are interviewing.
6. Follow up with a Thank-You Note.
Make sure you let the interviewer know how pleased you were to have the chance to interview with him or her. Immediately after the interview, send the interviewer a thank-you note, thanking him or her for taking time to interview you. This is not only proper etiquette and a common display of appreciation, but it also allows you to reaffirm one or two key points of the interview. It also lets the interviewer know how interested you are in working for the company. Being polite and professional always makes a good impression.
All of this advice comes down to three important things to remember when you're interviewing: being prepared, professional, and polite is the best way to make the right impression!
--The opinions expressed are those of the author and do not represent the views of EmploymentGuide.com, The Trader Publishing Company, or its approval of the opinions expressed therein.
Contributing writer
Congratulations! Spending days, weeks, or possibly months of looking for the right job has finally paid off and you've been asked to come in for an interview. Then comes the biggest question of all, "now what?" You will only have 15 to 20 minutes to "sell" your experiences, attitude, and skills to the employer - most likely without knowing what the employer wants to hear from you. There are articles upon articles of advice on interviewing, from how to answer certain questions to how to dress - right down to the color of your socks! It can seem overwhelming, but remembering a few key points can help make your interview successful.
1. Research.
Find out a little bit about the company you want to work for. Visit the location in person if it is a store or building open to the general public. Visit the company’s Website and talk to anyone you might know who works there. What kinds of products or services does the company make or sell? What types of people work there? What are the typical hours this position requires? What are some of the day-to-day tasks that the job involves?
Make notes of things you want more information about and ask the employer about them at the end of your interview (it’s always a good idea to have a few questions to ask the employer, anyway!). Researching a company and the position make you stand out in an interview. It shows that you are really interested in working there. For more information on how and why to research a company before you interview, click here.
2. Practice
It sounds funny – and it looks even funnier – but practicing out loud for your interview will help you sound more polished and concise and less nervous in the actual interview. List a few key things you want the employer to know about you, and review common interview questions. Formulate answers to those questions and answer them out loud while looking at yourself in the mirror. This exercise prevents you from rambling in the interview and sounding unpolished and unsure. It also helps you discover what really does make you the best candidate for the job!
3.Dress to Make a Good First Impression.
In an interview, first impressions do matter. The best way to ensure a good first impression is to dress smart. If you are interviewing for a job in an office, it is usually best to wear a dark-colored, conservative suit (for both men and women). If you are interviewing for a job where the dress code is more casual (at a factory or a construction site, for example), nice slacks and a collared button-down shirt with a tie for men and a nice dress or blouse and slacks or skirt for women are usually appropriate. You should avoid wearing excessive jewelry, perfume, and flamboyant clothes. Good personal hygiene is also important.
If you are unsure what to wear, you should always go with the most conservative, professional option. Most experts agree it is better to be overdressed than dressed too casually. What you are wearing tells employers a lot about how serious you are about getting the job. Find out more about how to dress for an interview here.
4. Be Conscious of Good Interview Etiquette.
This list could go on forever – there is literally an endless array of “dos” and “don’ts” for an interview – and not everyone agrees on every aspect of that list. There are, however, some basic “interview etiquette” tips that are important to remember. (For a more comprehensive list, click here).
Be on time for your interview. This is, perhaps, the most important. Employers expect employees to arrive on time to work. They may see a person who is late to an interview, when he or she is supposed to be showing his or her best side, as someone who will have difficulty arriving on time to work or meeting deadlines if hired.
Be aware of your body language. When shaking hands, make sure your grip is firm and confident. Have good posture, but avoid appearing like you’re as stiff as a cardboard cutout. Even the most experienced professionals get nervous in an interview – it’s normal. However, if you appear too nervous, the interviewer might draw the wrong conclusions about your ability to do the job – especially if it involves interacting with people! Conversely, make sure you don’t slouch – this could give the impression that you are lazy or uninterested in the position. Maintain eye contact with your interviewer to convey confidence. When speaking, be polite and professional and avoid using slang and profanities. The more confident and polished you appear the more likely you are to leave the interviewer with a positive impression of you.
Keep the interview positive. Avoid making negative remarks about any previous jobs or employers. Also, refrain from complaining about any job-related tasks or responsibilities you were given in a previous position. Employers want to hire someone who is positive, enthusiastic, and able to meet and deal with challenges.
5. Be Prepared to Ask the Interviewer Questions.
This is where your research comes in. Employers want to know if you’re truly interested in the position. They also want to know that you have all the information you need to make a decision, if offered the job. It isn’t a good idea to turn the tables and “interview” the interviewer, but it is a good idea to go into the interview with a few questions in mind. This is your chance to ask additional questions about the business, the position, the requirements, and the expectations of the person who will fill the position.
Click on Sample Questions to Ask an Interviewer or Questions to Ask in an Interview for list of sample questions to ask in your interview. Remember to ask questions that are relevant to the company and position for which you are interviewing.
6. Follow up with a Thank-You Note.
Make sure you let the interviewer know how pleased you were to have the chance to interview with him or her. Immediately after the interview, send the interviewer a thank-you note, thanking him or her for taking time to interview you. This is not only proper etiquette and a common display of appreciation, but it also allows you to reaffirm one or two key points of the interview. It also lets the interviewer know how interested you are in working for the company. Being polite and professional always makes a good impression.
All of this advice comes down to three important things to remember when you're interviewing: being prepared, professional, and polite is the best way to make the right impression!
--The opinions expressed are those of the author and do not represent the views of EmploymentGuide.com, The Trader Publishing Company, or its approval of the opinions expressed therein.
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
VIRTUAL CAREER FAIR March 26th - March 30
CLICK HERE!!! to see all our wonderful job opportunities!!!!
You never have to leave your office or home! Just log on to see all the great employers!
Job Success Tips From Man's Best Friend
Job Success Tips From Man's Best Friend
Rachel Sadler
You read the headline right; your beloved canine companion can give you advice about work. Dogs are loyal, intelligent, eager to please, and one of the best teachers people can have. The more I thought about it, the more I realized that certain doggie principles can be applied to work life, as well as life in general. Here is some simple, good-to-know advice from man’s best friend:
Lesson #1: Be Eager to Please
This does not mean brown-nosing your work days away. It simply lends itself to the notion that, as an employee and a coworker, you should be ready and willing to complete your job to the best of your ability every single time you are tasked with an assignment. Whether it is making copies or a completing a larger task, you should work efficiently to get the job done. Have you ever noticed that when you play “fetch” with a dog, no matter how tired they are, how young or old, they always give 100% effort in retrieving the ball or stick quickly and drop it at your feet with a smile? You should aspire to do the same.
Lesson #2: Learn New Tricks
The old saying that “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks” is simply not true. Dogs have an amazing capacity to learn new and different things despite their age; they just need the right trainer. Considering that human beings have a higher brain capacity than dogs, it is safe to say that you, too, can learn new and exciting things to put to good use at your job. Maybe you have yet to master the art of Excel spreadsheets, perhaps you have not learned how to use the new copy machine, maybe you need to learn how to speak basic Spanish to help non-English speaking customers. Whatever it may be, if you have the right employer to train you, being open to learning new things can lead to job success down the road.
Lesson #3: Be Neat and Clean
It is perfectly okay for your four-legged friend to go frolicking through the mud, only to leave paw prints on your carpet when they come inside. While they are intelligent creatures, the laws of cleanliness between man and beast are just, well, different. Keep this in mind when you consider going to work tomorrow without brushing your hair, washing your face, or heaven-forbid, not bathing. Your general appearance speaks volumes to your employer and your clients. If you are not neat and tidy, what do you think you say to your customers as a representation of your company? Take the time to be decently groomed before you go to work.
Lesson #4: Get Over It
Though there are some exceptions to the rule, it generally takes a lot of unsubstantiated abuse for a dog to hold a grudge. You step on their paw, they yelp and move on. You refuse to take them for a walk when it is raining, they will settle for a game of tug-o-war in the living room. You yell at them for chewing through the strap of your favorite purse and they are ready to shower you with kisses to make up for it. The point is, as humans, we are privy to making mistakes. If you make one, be ready to openly apologize for your shortcomings and fix it ASAP. If a co-worker or manager makes a mistake that affects you, help fix the problem and do not hold a grudge. Learning how to get over it and help the situation as opposed to dwelling on it or shifting blame is a great lesson to learn and one that will prove that you are a team player.
Lesson #5: Be on Time
Any person that has owned a stubborn puppy knows all to well the woes of training the “come” command. But a happy owner it does make when you finally bid Fido to come to you and right away he does! However basic the command may seem, it is an important one to establish because it sets up a hierarchy of control and can potentially keep your pooch out of harms way in the future (ie. darting out into traffic, etc). The same can be applied to work. Get to work on time, every time. This shows your boss that you respect the rules established by the company and that you are a dependable employee. Though it may seem like no big deal to walk in the door five or ten minutes late regularly, getting to work on time can surely save you from job disaster later on.
So there you have it, a few lessons in job success from your four-legged friend. Who knew your dog could teach you so much? There are lessons around every corner, you just have to be open to learning.
--The opinions expressed are those of the author and do not represent the views of EmploymentGuide.com, The Trader Publishing Company, or its approval of the opinions expressed therein.
Rachel Sadler
You read the headline right; your beloved canine companion can give you advice about work. Dogs are loyal, intelligent, eager to please, and one of the best teachers people can have. The more I thought about it, the more I realized that certain doggie principles can be applied to work life, as well as life in general. Here is some simple, good-to-know advice from man’s best friend:
Lesson #1: Be Eager to Please
This does not mean brown-nosing your work days away. It simply lends itself to the notion that, as an employee and a coworker, you should be ready and willing to complete your job to the best of your ability every single time you are tasked with an assignment. Whether it is making copies or a completing a larger task, you should work efficiently to get the job done. Have you ever noticed that when you play “fetch” with a dog, no matter how tired they are, how young or old, they always give 100% effort in retrieving the ball or stick quickly and drop it at your feet with a smile? You should aspire to do the same.
Lesson #2: Learn New Tricks
The old saying that “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks” is simply not true. Dogs have an amazing capacity to learn new and different things despite their age; they just need the right trainer. Considering that human beings have a higher brain capacity than dogs, it is safe to say that you, too, can learn new and exciting things to put to good use at your job. Maybe you have yet to master the art of Excel spreadsheets, perhaps you have not learned how to use the new copy machine, maybe you need to learn how to speak basic Spanish to help non-English speaking customers. Whatever it may be, if you have the right employer to train you, being open to learning new things can lead to job success down the road.
Lesson #3: Be Neat and Clean
It is perfectly okay for your four-legged friend to go frolicking through the mud, only to leave paw prints on your carpet when they come inside. While they are intelligent creatures, the laws of cleanliness between man and beast are just, well, different. Keep this in mind when you consider going to work tomorrow without brushing your hair, washing your face, or heaven-forbid, not bathing. Your general appearance speaks volumes to your employer and your clients. If you are not neat and tidy, what do you think you say to your customers as a representation of your company? Take the time to be decently groomed before you go to work.
Lesson #4: Get Over It
Though there are some exceptions to the rule, it generally takes a lot of unsubstantiated abuse for a dog to hold a grudge. You step on their paw, they yelp and move on. You refuse to take them for a walk when it is raining, they will settle for a game of tug-o-war in the living room. You yell at them for chewing through the strap of your favorite purse and they are ready to shower you with kisses to make up for it. The point is, as humans, we are privy to making mistakes. If you make one, be ready to openly apologize for your shortcomings and fix it ASAP. If a co-worker or manager makes a mistake that affects you, help fix the problem and do not hold a grudge. Learning how to get over it and help the situation as opposed to dwelling on it or shifting blame is a great lesson to learn and one that will prove that you are a team player.
Lesson #5: Be on Time
Any person that has owned a stubborn puppy knows all to well the woes of training the “come” command. But a happy owner it does make when you finally bid Fido to come to you and right away he does! However basic the command may seem, it is an important one to establish because it sets up a hierarchy of control and can potentially keep your pooch out of harms way in the future (ie. darting out into traffic, etc). The same can be applied to work. Get to work on time, every time. This shows your boss that you respect the rules established by the company and that you are a dependable employee. Though it may seem like no big deal to walk in the door five or ten minutes late regularly, getting to work on time can surely save you from job disaster later on.
So there you have it, a few lessons in job success from your four-legged friend. Who knew your dog could teach you so much? There are lessons around every corner, you just have to be open to learning.
--The opinions expressed are those of the author and do not represent the views of EmploymentGuide.com, The Trader Publishing Company, or its approval of the opinions expressed therein.
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Get personalized answers with a Personal Salary Preview (a free, emailed look at the effect of your personal traits) and a premium Personal Salary Report — the ultimate salary negotiation tool.
Thursday, March 1, 2007
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