3 Things every worker should know if they’re thinking of a career move

If you're thinking of making a career move, now is the time. Many of today's workers, especially those with in-demand skills, have an advantage when seeking new jobs or promotions. If you are planning to take advantage of the positive market today or at some point down the road, keep these three things in mind:
1. Your interests.
Give careful consideration to what you love most about your job before you pursue any changes. Also reflect on what you do in your free time. If you find fulfillment serving in leadership roles in community and charity groups, for instance, why not seek a promotion to a management-level position with your current employer?

2. Your strengths and weaknesses.
Conduct an honest assessment of your professional assets and liabilities. Past performance reviews and ongoing comments from supervisors and others in the workplace can give you valuable clues. Also ask colleagues and mentors for their candid feedback.

     3. Your options.
     Before handing in your resignation, be sure you have considered all of your options. For instance, you  
     may be in line for a promotion, or a position under development could be an ideal match for your  
     interests. It's worth talking to your supervisor about your professional goals and how your company  
     might be able to support them.

Five Steps to Shaping Your Resume

It requires initiative, energy and dedication.  Engage in an exercise routine that will improve your career prospects: Here’s a five-step résumé-writing that may work for you.

1. Step 1: Establish an objective. It should spell out your career goals and it should be tailored to the job opening.
2. Step 2: Work Experience. Starting with your most recent job: use action words to describe your accomplishments.
3. Step 3: Eliminate extraneous activities. Weed out information that does not relate to the job at hand.
4. Step 4: Don't forget the final stretch. Review the resume for grammar & punctuation errors, misspelled words and typos. Format the document so it's easy to read and appealing to the eye.
5. Step 5: Request a quick once-over. Before submitting your résumé: show it to a few friends or professionals in the field.

Coming Out on Top in Salary Negotiations

Some employment opportunities state in black and white what wage an applicant can expect if hired, other positions are grayer in terms of salary. Below, experts offer suggestions on how to prepare for salary negotiations.

Timing the Dreaded Question

You may not want to ask upfront at the first interview. For experienced candidates, it's perfectly appropriate to bring up the topic, especially if you want to ensure that you are at least close in range.

If the employer doesn't bring up salary, a tasteful approach is to ask for a salary range.

The last thing the applicant wants is to sell himself short, but he also might fear pricing himself out of the running.

Many times you can turn the tables by asking, "What salary range are you willing to pay for this position?" Once the employer provides a range, the candidate can simply respond, "That's suitable" if the numbers are in line with his needs.

Proving worth

Candidates who land offers at the higher end of a salary range are ones who can demonstrate to an employer that they are worth the price. Some ways to do that include:

• Quantifying experience. ("You increased sales by 8%")
•  Researching the company beforehand so that you can tailor information to its needs. ("I see the company is interested in becoming 'greener.' Here are some ways I might be of help.")  
• Pointing out any extras that set you apart (advanced training, special certifications, knowledge of a second language, etc.).  

Reaching an agreement

Here’s a diplomatic approach to dealing with an unfavorable offer: Call back the next day (do not use e-mail) provide reasons you'd like to work with the company but after consideration there seems to be a misalignment with their needs and the value you bring to the organization. Ask if there is a way to bring the two into better alignment. If there seems to be interest, make a counteroffer.

Most employers will leave room for negotiation -- if not on salary then benefits. Ask if a car or cell phone allowance or extra vacation days are available to compensate for a lower salary. 

Finally, try to view negotiations as seeking a win-win situation for all involved. The company may be just as eager as you to make things work.

If you don't want to put your career on the line, avoid these office attires

Plunging Necklines
Low-rise Pants
Mini and Micro-Mini Skirts

Belly Shirts

Men's Chest Hair
See-Through Shirts
Shorts

Open-Back Tops and Dresses
Flip-flops

       Skimpy-Strappy Camisole Tops

Five Keys to Self-Enhancement

ü  Determine your goal

ü  Assess your skills

ü  Understand the current market needs

ü  Analyze your best strategies

Transition when markets change

Qualities of successful entrepreneurs

You must have a vision.                                                                                          

Great communication skills.                                                                                         

Keep and make deadline.                                                                                

Understands that there are no little people.                                                         

Be rigorous, not ruthless.                                                                                            

Be well-rounded.                                                                                                            

See through the noise.                                                                                             

Great connectors via network. 

A Few Core Values for Job Success

HARD WORK
Have a “Can Do” attitude, leading by example Display integrity and commitment to company’s vision Act with a sense of urgency
TEAMWORK
Focus on winning, not on individual scoring Share in the responsibility of upholding the highest standards
HARMONY
Treat people with dignity and respect Remember diversity is the key to success
LISTENING
Keep an open mind Assess all the facts and then make a decision Encourage everyone to share their ideas
BE HAPPY
Approach each day with a positive mental attitude Find balance in our lives and in our work Take time to celebrate success