Career Hunting UK

Recent growth indications give cause for optimism in IT Recruitment but also concern about skills shortages.

Recent activities within the IT recruitment industry have suggested that the market is starting to recover after struggling through the recession. Figures show that recruitment within technology and IT is a lot healthier than 12 months ago, and growth is expected to continue.

The average salary for a permanent IT professional is now in the region of £39,000, a 5% increase on last year. Additionally, some job boards, particularly specialist IT sites, are reporting an increase in vacancy advertising, some as much as 25% on last year. Increased confidence has been named as a factor in the increase, along with a stabilising economy which has allowed directors to invest in recruitment again.

These are good signs for those in the IT industry, particularly graduates or other job hunters. However, some in the IT recruitment sector have expressed concern over the candidate driven nature of the market.

Recruiters are reporting a lack of quality candidates and skills shortages in some areas, particularly Java, PHP and .Net development. While more roles are being advertised on job boards, applications per vacancy have fallen. It is possible that uncertainty in the economy meant that talented candidates were reluctant to move, preferring to stay in their secure jobs rather than hunting elsewhere, and have not yet regained their confidence in the job market. To try and attract and keep top talent, employers have had to raise salaries.

Of more concern are the claims of technical skills shortages in the UK, with some employers and recruiters complaining that IT courses don’t adequately prepare students for working life, and that overseas workers are able to provide a higher level of technical knowledge than the average British worker.

Whatever the reason, one thing is certain: with IT recruitment in the UK picking up again, those with strong skills and solid practical experience will find themselves able to take their pick of jobs and command good salaries.

If you have been downsized, outsourced, let-go or have just burned out of your job, you are probably career hunting. Today’s world economy is changing on the hour and you need to move with deliberation, speed and information. There are several elements to consider in career hunting. For one, where is your passion? What is it that can get you up early, keep you up late and drive you deep into doing ? One you have this answer you know that this is where you will stand apart.

The next thing that you need is a plan. Who needs your skill or experience, would they be willing to pay for it, and where are they and how do you reach them. These ideas really should be written out, be sure to make lists and look for resources to market yourself in your career hunting plan

In most cases you need a new resume. Getting the recruiter’s attention isn’t easy and standing out in new fields or crowded occupations takes excellent word skills and a bit of artistry. Most HR departments also input electronic format the resumes which you send online by e-mail into search-able databases to select prospects, you should know what terms are used to describe what you do, so use an recruitment consultants to help advice you

If you are genuinely puzzled by discovering where your new success lies, career hunting coaches are readily available. Through counseling and aptitude tests you can find out your vocational strengths and where they are best used. Many Employment Plus centers offer free counseling and classes in career selection and preparation in career hunting.

The future is ahead and the past is just that, past. Your career is yours and should be an expression of your hopes and dreams. There are dependable resources available and using them wisely and energetically will make your career hunting an adventure, not just a job.

What do you do when the money tree starts sprouting lemons?

It’s increasingly common these days to find middle-aged, mid-level managers suddenly faced with huge shifts of circumstance. Down-sizing, bubble-bursting, plant-closing, and consolidating are just some of the forces creating a class of sudden solo-preneurs.

At 50-something you face particularly difficult job-hunting challenges. Your salary range is high. Your network is decent after so many years, but jobs at your level are few. You’ve been there, done that, and thought you were finished with all that new trick-learning.

A big upset like job loss can provide a shift of perspective– an opportunity to take stock. What is really important? What do you want to pursue at this point in your life? Is being your own boss the way to go?

I spoke with several silverbacks to share their wisdom gleaned from these life changes with a new member of the pack.

Dean turned 50 in January of 2005. In May he was fired from his position as marketing director of a high-tech firm. He’s angry at the ease with which an employer could let him go.

“Control is a big issue for me. Do I really want to have someone tell what, where, and how? It seems like I work a lot but don’t reap the benefits. If I were on my own I’d have all the benefits and all the risks.”

Dean is deciding whether to find another job with the security of a regular paycheck and benefits, or start his own business. He finds information on the internet helpful but wishes there was a Big Brother-like program pairing people and businesses to help him sort through the options.

Carl was 51 when the ordinance plant where he was safety manager closed its doors.

“I had a lot of friends in the business. I could have easily picked up another job but I would have had to relocate halfway across the country. I didn’t want to do that.”

Bob was an engineer whose position was eliminated after 23 years with the firm. This sent him into a deep depression that lasted for months.

“I couldn’t even drive.”

With the help of his psychiatrist, Bob recognized what was most important in his life—his wife, his son, and his lifelong hobby, bird-watching.

“My doctor told me to go bird-watching every day. While out there on the wetlands I had a vision. I couldn’t go back to the corporate life.”

It takes a lot of stamina and belief in yourself to move ahead with plans for a business. Carl spoke of his state of mind at the time:

“I wasn’t frightened. I’m a survivor. I screwed up when I was younger— went bankrupt, lost a lot of material things. One good thing about failing is that it gets you over that fear of failure. You learn from your mistakes.”

Both men did a lot of research, internal and external. Bob determined that he loved birds, kids, nature, education, photography, and the environment. Anything he pursued needed to involve those. Once he was clear on the essentials the how-to landed in Bob’s lap.

“I saw an ad in a magazine to call for franchise information. My mind immediately took off with the possibilities. I began looking at retail spaces thinking ‘I wonder how that location would work?’ I saw the ad on a Saturday. That Tuesday I called the company. On Thursday I had the package and on the following Tuesday they had it back.”

Carl was taking his time, looking at options. His values included a love of people and a desire to create a positive environment.
His plans started with casual conversation.

“My buddies owned this building. There had been a restaurant there years ago but it had been mismanaged. And somehow the idea of starting another one came up. At first we were clowning around, yucking it up over a few beers, but then we started getting more serious.

Bob made use of the infant, but still helpful internet of 1995. Carl used lower tech methods to estimate his market.

I spent 15 days from 4:00 am to 11:00 am counting cars at that intersection. I figured if we could get a big enough percentage of them to stop we’d be in business.

Bob used a book called, The Insider’s Guide to Franchising [Webster, B. 1986 Amacom, New York] to help him review his offer. Carl was mentored by a successful friend in the restaurant business who helped him think things through. They developed their business plans and opened their doors.

The first year was tough for both businesses. Miscalculations and errors sent both owners reeling.

At first Carl knew nothing about preparing and serving food.

“The restaurant was overstaffed and overpaid. I felt held hostage by the people who worked for me. Things were pretty shaky there for awhile. Some days I wondered if we could open the doors.”

Bob got overwhelmed with paperwork and screwed up his accounting records.

“Plus I went crazy at Vendormart. I bought four times as much inventory as I should have. Nowadays the franchise pairs successful stores and newbies so that doesn’t happen, but those safeguards weren’t in place back then.”

In September Bob’s store will celebrate its tenth anniversary. It has been recognized three times among the Top 30 Most-Improved stores. In February and June of this year his store was number 2 out of 320 in overall sales.

Carl was advised that he’d know if the restaurant would make it within four years. It was clear after three that they’d be fine. Today after seven years they’re looking to expand.

“We’re not getting rich but we’re self-supporting, and the relationships are priceless.”

What advice do they have in hindsight for Dean and others like him?

Bob says, “Find what you love and create your opportunity. Be willing to change—be retooled. Don’t get stuck in a rut. And you gotta have another source of income when you’re starting.”

Carl adds, “We grossly underestimated the working capital we’d need. And if I had it to do over I’d own the building. There are improvements I’d like to make but I’m restricted by the landlord.”

So back to Dean, who’s looking at buying an existing restaurant business, if he doesn’t decide to return to marketing. Where do you want to be in a year? What will you say when I check back with you?

“I made the right choice. I’m doing exactly what I should and I’m excited about it.

Las Vegas core industry is, as you might expect, the hotels and casinos. Though many people believe that these Las Vegas jobs are plentiful, they are actually quite competitive. Still, a person new to Las Vegas can do some things to assist in finding those Las Vegas jobs in the hotel and casino industry.

If you are a newcomer to the Las Vegas area an looking for Las Vegas jobs in the hotelcasino industry, you should probably try to start with off-strip casinos to gain experience and break into the industry. On the whole, strip-based casino owners will not give novice hotelcasino workers a chance, so looking for off-strip Las Vegas jobs can help you gain the experience and exposure you need to get a job on the more lucrative strip. Not only will these off-strip Las Vegas jobs give you experience, but they also allow you to get to know more “regulars” in Vegas. Many locals’ casinos draw regular clientele, while the strip hotels tend to draw tourists.

Again, if you are looking for Las Vegas jobs on the famous strip, you will need significant experience. However, you need to start somewhere. Many hotelcasino employers may hire you if you have a good work history, even if you do not have hotelcasino experience. Las Vegas jobs in hotels and casinos are easily learned through training, so employers look for you to be reliable and have a good attitude. In fact, some casino and hotel hiring managers often look for people who have no experience so that they come in with no judgments. If you go looking for Las Vegas jobs, whether off-strip or on the strip, you should bring with you a detailed and accurate employment history.

As you continue to look for Las Vegas jobs in the hotelcasino industry, you will probably be invited to interview with various employers. There are some things you need to do when you interview for these Las Vegas jobs. For instance, you need to go into your interview with a smile and a positive attitude. Many of these Las Vegas jobs in hotels and casinos require you to have a lot of contact with clientele, and if you cannot be positive in your interview, you most likely will not be positive on the job. You should also plan to take a drug test when you interview for these Las Vegas jobs, as most hotelcasino employers have drug-free environment policies. Dress neatly and professionally for your interview or audition, as many employers for Las Vegas jobs look for people who are taking the opportunity seriously.

Some of the most popular Las Vegas jobs are the ones where you will receive tips, and they are often the most sought after. Many people some seeking Las Vegas jobs that receive tips thinking that they will be dealing with high rollers that tip big, but usually you will start off on shifts and in hotels or casinos where the tips are not that large. Many people starting off in these Las Vegas jobs usually have to get a second job at first to make ends meet.

Marketing is not about trying to sell your products and services to everyone. It is about knowing who to market your products to.
In marketing, it is good to remember these fast facts:

> Know about your customers.
>Communicate with your customers.
>Build a good and personalized relationship with your customers.
This will be a great edge for you to have against the bigger companies.
They might offer discounted prices but it is harder for them to keep
track of customers on a more personal basis.
>Do not stop the marketing process.
As a small organization, you need to routinely review the markets that you need to pursue so that you can better reach out to your
customers.

Remember, small organizations are big businesses these days so do not be afraid to work hard for the company that you have – not matter how small.
If you work hard, make wise business decisions, learn how to market your small business and personalize your customer interaction, your
small-scale business is sure to rise to the top.

It is hard to live with guns. This must have been the reason why many parents despise their son’s or even daughter’s decision to join the military. But those who persist in joining this institution insist the feeling is what they call “a call of duty.” This is when they feel they need to protect and fight for their beloved country.

However, some researchers had found out that people who join the military have mixed emotions, mixed sentiments and various reasons. All together, they compromise what seems to be the most diversified grounds for getting into the battlefield and fight for honor.

Hence, for those who wish to know why more and more people are joining the military, here is a list of 10 amazing yet strange reasons why they wanted to join the forces.

1. Financial reasons

One of the most intriguing reasons why people join the military is due to the bonuses and compensation that they will get.

The reason for this high-paying job is that the military recruitment program is actually experiencing a downfall in their program. In spite of the many contentions of the military people, they cannot dismiss the fact that for the past 10 years or so, they have been trying to recruit as many people as possible to join the military but to no avail.

That is why they have decided to increase the benefits and “enlistment bonuses.” These “enlistment bonuses” are juts the primary benefits that they and their family can obtain even just from the start of the enlistment.

Basically, the military people in the United States can obtain to as much as £70,000 as the government support in the studying of qualified service affiliates.

During the retirement, the military personnel can obtain as much as £100 in a month for the repayment of “tutorial assistance.”

Because of these benefits, the main target of the military recruitment is the college students who might want to take their time off from schooling. The military recruitment also focuses in recruiting high schoolers who are studying in a home school program.

With the remarkable financial benefits given by the military, who could resist such offer?

2. To be away from their parents

Funny as it may seem but many young boys are actually enticed to join the military because they wanted to stay away from their parents. 7 out of 10 high-school- age boys stated that their parents are so strict and demanding that they wanted to steer clear from them.

Hence, when opportunities like joining in the military along with the astonishing financial benefits, they would rather join the forces than to get spank and scolded by their moms.

3. A test of one’s courage

Joining the military is like a “daring” game, where people get to grab the chances of proving their courage and guts. Some say it is a man thing. It is as if when you join the military, you have somewhat proven to your neighborhood that you are brave enough to face Saddam or Bin Laden.

4. Good citizenship

Others say that the reason why they join the military is that they wanted to prove to their beloved country that they are good citizens and that they will defend the nation for as long as they can hold a gun and kill an Iraqi.

Sounds pathetic? Think again.

Some people think that joining a military is like paying tribute to the wonders that the United States was able to provide them. And yet, by the time they get into the war, they claim that the tribute is no longer present.

The problem is that there is no turning back.

5. To fight Al Qaeda and look for Osama Bin Laden

It may sound hilarious but this is actually one of the main reasons why some people join the military. In a recent survey, almost 35% out of the 100 interviewees responded that they wanted to help the American soldiers find Osama Bin Laden and bring down the forces of Al Qaeda.

In fact, this is one of the main reasons why Pat Tillman, a legendary football star, has finally decided to give up his sports career and join the military.

With this reason, it is as if the military is all about the Al Qaeda and Osama Bin Laden.

6. A good career

Another reason for joining the military is that people are enticed to do so because the recruiters say it is definitely a good career joining the military.

Just hope they are not lying.

7. Full time employment

For most people who had been completely jobless for almost 4 years, joining the military is a very attractive decision to make. Many insist that one of their main reasons why they join the service is because of the full time employment that they can achieve.

This would mean a the end of their job hunting, another four years not worrying anymore what to eat and where to buy their baby’s diapers, and a secured future, maybe not for them but for their family.

8. Family tradition

It is the way it is. Some people join the military because everyone in the family is doing it. Not much choice, huh?

9. To learn new skills

People who have these reasons are the adventurous type. They seek newer skills that they can master, and military seems to be the only way to gain such expertise.

10. Pride

Some people join the military because having those badges on their soldiers makes them proud of themselves. It is as if being a soldier is the most honorable job any one could ever have.

Some of these reasons may sound hilarious, while others sound so pathetic. For those who still want to join the military with reasons that are not included here, just think before you act. As they say, whoever lights a match will definitely get burn.

The medical transcription field continues to grow in conjunction with the demands on the health care industry. For those who are suited to this job, there are some good opportunities. But isn’t it just a case of listening to the voice of a health care professional and typing up exactly what’s been said? While that’s the basic idea behind the medical transcriptionists’ job, there are some reasons that health care professionals and facilities want to hire those trained for the job.

The terminology is one of the biggest reasons training is so vital. While you don’t have to be able to name the bones in the leg, you do need to learn to recognize words like “tibia.” Terminology is one of the reasons medical transcriptionists need training, and one of the points that will be taught and practiced during Medical Transcriptionist training.

But is there really a need to learn those things? After all, you can certainly stop the tape and look up any words that you don’t recognize. That constant starting and stopping are the difference between an experienced transcriptionist and someone who’s filling in. If you have the right training and the right real world practice provided by most medical transcription training programs, you’ll find yourself able to meet the demands of the terminology.

Specialized training is one of the many options of medical transcription training, and many health care professionals who have a specialty are seeking out those people who can most accurately transcribe notes and medical details. In that case, the transcriber learns those words that apply specifically to the system, disease or other narrow focus of a particular doctor’s practice. Adding those specialties make you more valuable on the marketplace.

Remember that doctors aren’t the only ones who need medical transcription, and you’ll find most training programs offer at least some exercises and information to prepare you for those situations. You may be called on to create exit notes for patients at a hospital. The patient is about to leave and those notes have to be legible, accurate and available now.

One point of the training is to learn to be fast and accurate in real-life situations. A busy emergency room isn’t going to suddenly quiet down so that you can concentrate on transcribing a doctor’s orders for a patient who is about to be released. Many medical transcription schools will put students into those noisy, busy, stressful situations with orders to transcribe. As important as it is to learn the terminology, it’s also vital that you learn to listen – regardless of what’s going on around you.

There are even those outside the medical field that use transcription. Though the demand for attorney transcribers isn’t as big as for medical transcription, there is definitely a need in that field.

There are other points that will become part of your training. How to make use of technology, software and resources that are available to help you better accomplish your tasks as well as the best ways to handle various situations you’re likely to encounter. Take a look at the courses being taught by MT schools. You may be surprised at how thoroughly you’ll be prepared for a career in medical transcription.

Skills refer to the things you do well. The key to finding the most appropriate jobs in the industry is recognizing your own skills and communicating the significance written and verbally to a probable employer.

Majority of the most viable skills are those that are used in a variety of work settings. What are these skills? Would matching your skills to find the right job be successful?

* Determine your skills. This would help you in becoming the lead candidate of landing the job. A skill does not necessarily mean it was adapted in a work environment. If this would be your first job hunt and you have no job experience to date, you still have a chance in the industry.

Majority of skills, including knowledge-based and transferable, could be absorbed and developed as a volunteer, a student, a homemaker, or in your other personal activities. The skills you have used for these activities can still be applied to your desired jobs.

Organizing and listing your personal skills could help you easily fill out job applications, provide useful information for job interviews, and prepare quality resumes.

First, you should categorize the skills by separating your interests and aptitudes from your work experience.

1) Aptitudes and interest. These include all of your hobbies, activities you have been involved in the past, and all the things that interest you. By listing all of these down, you could examine the skills it takes to achieve each item.

Skills from aptitude and interest may be homemaking, playing basketball, fixing cars and many more. All of these items could determine if you are capable of working with a team, able to handle multiple tasks, have viable knowledge of human development, knowledge of electronics and ability to diagnose mechanical and numerical problems. The list goes on, but make sure to consider the skills that would be beneficial for a working environment.

2) Work history. This includes volunteer, part-time, freelance, summer and full time jobs. Once you have listed all your past employment, examine the skills you do work each work duty.

* Ask for help. As soon as you have your list ready, you could now go to job services that could help you acquire your desired job. You could also search job yourself. However, always remember to match your skills and abilities in your list to the needed skills and abilities of various jobs.

In most cases, people who seek jobs are threatened with job titles. This should not be the case. As long as your skills and abilities could meet the requirements of the workload and job title, your possibility of acquiring your desired job increases.

Who was born on January 15, 1929? A man who believed in equality and peace…Martin Luther King, Jr. Here are some ways to honor this man. NOTE: If you live in a country other than America, adapt these activities for a significant person in your country’s history.

1. Draw a silhouette of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s face against a plain background; then add lines to create a puzzle. Add words that rhyme with ‘king’ in the spaces of the face and words that rhyme with ‘men’ in the background. Color the first set of words brown and the second set of words red. NOTE: Vary the activity by adding equal math problems in the face and unequal math problems in the background (ie: 4+6=2+7+1 versus 5+3=2+3+4).

2. Make a Criss-Cross puzzle with these words: Atlanta, dream, equal, laws, leader, minister, peaceful, and prize.

3. Use the same words in Tip 2 to fill in these blanks:

Martin Luther King, Jr. was born in _____, Georgia. Dr. King received the Nobel Peace _____. MLK worked to change unfair _____. Dr. King gave a famous speech called “I Have a _____.” MLK was a great _____. When he grew up, Martin Luther King, Jr. became a _____. Dr. King believed that all people should be _____. Dr. King believed in _____ protests.

4. Have older children look up the following words in a dictionary, encyclopedia, or the internet: segregation, prejudice, equality, civil rights, nonviolent resistance, protest, demonstrations, equal opportunity, Nobel Peace Prize, assassinated, tribute. What does each word or phrase mean? How can you apply it to Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life?

5. As a culminating activity to your unit, have a panel of ‘interviewers’ ask ‘Dr. King’ questions.

6. As an alternate activity, have children write a play. Different groups of students can focus on various aspects of Dr. King’s life.

I hope these ideas are useful and have inspired your own creative thinking.

At times, our worries and anxieties can overwhelm us at our place of work or business. Here is a brief list of techniques that a person can use to help manage their anxious moments at their job or business environment.

When feeling anxious, stop what you are doing and try to do something that will relax you. A person should take a deep breath and try to find something to do for a few minutes to get their mind off of the problem. A person could get some fresh air, listen to some music, or do an activity that will give them a fresh perspective on things.

Remember that our fearful thoughts are exaggerated and can make the problem worse. A good way to manage your worry is to challenge your negative thinking with positive statements and realistic thinking. When encountering thoughts that make your fearful or anxious, challenge those thoughts by asking yourself questions that will maintain objectivity and common sense.

When overwhelmed with worry, a person may encounter a lot of scary thoughts coming at them all at once. Instead of getting upset, remember that these thoughts are exaggerated and are not based on reality. From my interviews with various professionals, I’ve learned that usually it is the fear behind the thoughts that gets us worked up. Ignore the fear behind these thoughts, and your worry should decrease.

Remember that all the worrying in the world will not change anything. I realized that most of what we worry about never comes true. Instead of worrying about something that probably won’t happen, concentrate on what you are able to do. Everything else you can leave in the hands of God.

As a Layman, I realize it is not easy to deal with all of our fears. When your fears and anxieties have the best of you, try to calm down and then get the facts of the situation. The key is to take it slow. All you can do is to do your best each day, hope for the best, and when something does happen, take it in stride. Take things one step at a time, and things will work out.