Should you relocate?

 Chris Wodke

http://www.summittrainingpublications.com/

Are you faced with the need to relocate?  Your present employer is closing your locations, but you have been offered a spot at another location or you are unemployed and have a job offer in another city. Should you take it?  Here are some factors to consider:

Compensation

Consider the cost of living and the compensation package. If you are being asked to move from the Midwest to one of the coasts you will need a higher salary. If this is not being offered you are essentially taking a cut in pay.  Costs for housing, groceries, gas and taxes vary widely. Check an on line calculator to determine costs of living in your new location.

Moving Cost

Is the company compensating you for the cost of the move?  Expenses can add up quickly and include: fees for selling and buying real estate, moving supplies, hiring movers, fees for canceling leases or cable contracts.  There may be some house hunting expenses as well. You will need to stay somewhere while you are looking for a new place to live.  A typical move costs my company around $50,000.  Find out if you can afford to relocate to another city. Many company pay all or a portion of the expenses of moving. Be sure to negotiate this important benefit.

Quality of Life

Is the move taking you closer to family or farther away?  Will you be living in the country or in a large city? Will you have a longer or shorter commute? Average commute time in Milwaukee is 20 minutes.  It is over an hour in some parts of the country.  Are there opportunities to do the things you want to do?  If you are a skier, a move to Denver may be heaven. Determine the quality of life issues that are important to you and your family and evaluate the move with these issues in mind. Ask to talk to some employees living in the proposed location to get their viewpoint on daily life.

Schools

Some locations have such bad public schools you have to send your kids to private schools. If you have school age children this can be an important factor. If you want to advance your education, check into the availability of local university programs. Find out the local opportunities for professional development such as professional societies and networking events.

Opportunities

Is this move good for your career? Is it a promotion?  Are there lots of opportunities for advancement?   Some areas of the country like Dallas or Atlanta offer many more job opportunities than available currently in the Midwest.  If you lose your job, what are the prospects for local employment?  A move to Detroit right now would not bring you to an area with good area wide opportunities.

There are a lot of things to consider when making the decision to relocate.  Be sure to do your homework and think through all of the benefits and down side to making the move.

Copyright 2009@ Summit Training Publications

Do you hate to write training programs? Too much work to do and no time to put together your training program? Asked to deliver training or a presentation and have no idea where to start?

Let Summit Training Publications take care of your program design needs with our off the shelf training in a box or one of our presentation modules.

Our off the shelf training solutions provide:

• PowerPoint Presentation
• Instructor Guide & handouts
• Student Guide
• Quiz
• Feedback Form

Subject areas include; Communication Skills, Employee Development, Human Resources, Quality, Product Safety, Safety and Supervisor Training.

Titles: Product Safety and Liability, Aftermarket Product Safety,Hazard Analysis, Product Safety Meetings, Warnings, Instructions and Manuals, Product Liability European Union, Obtaining the CE Mark, Risk Assessment, European Union, Product Safety Management Product Safety Audit, Workplace Violence, Substance Abuse, Sexual Harassment, Manager as Coach, Hiring, Firing, Performance Appraisals, Diversity, Americans With Disabilities, Business Etiquette, Security Abroad, International Business Manners, Customer Service, Customer Communication, Terrific Teams, The Manager as Trainer, Coping With Difficult People, Managing Your Boss- Problem Bosses, Malcolm Baldridge Award, Presentations/Public Speaking, Discrimination, Listening Skills, Negotiation, Conflict Resolution, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Total Quality Management, Motivation, High Achievers, Time Management, ISO 9000 Introduction, ISO 9000 Implementation, Quality Audit, Introduction to the Internet, Stress Management, Telecommuting, Flexible Work Schedules, Creativity and Innovation, Benchmarking, Effective Business Writing, Customer Letters, Motivating Self and Others, Project Management, Managing Multiple Projects, Brainstorming, PERT Diagrams, Train the Trainer, Train the Trainer-Delivery, Train the Trainer-Writing Presentations, Train the Trainer-On the Job Training, Train the Trainer-Using Visual Aids, Project Management, Peer to Peer Feedback, Surviving Unemployment, Interview Preparation

Nutrition for your job search

Chris Wodke

http://www.summittrainingpublications.com/

A job search can be stressful. Minimize that stress by eating the right foods. Follow these good nutrition guidelines to keep your stress to a minimum.

Foods that Aggravate Stress                 Stress Relief Foods       Good Snacks      

deep fried foods                                   Citrus fruits                               orange juice

any greasy food                                    foods rich in vitamin C  nuts

burgers                                                 lean protein                               frozen fruit bar

caffeine                                     potassium, calcium                    popcorn

sugar                                                    low fat dairy products  

candy bar,chips                                    vegetables and fruits

Orange/Citrus

The vitamin C in citrus fruits helps to stop the secretion of stress hormones.

Caffeine

Eliminate caffeine from you diet as much as possible. This can help reduce stress. Too much caffeine can give you the feeling of being on edge.  It may not be the cause of your stress, but may make you feel stressed.

Salt

Lowering the salt or sodium in your diet will lower your blood pressure. Read labels and look for products low in salt.Take 3 grams of salt out of your diet each day and you will reduce your risk of stroke 13% and heart disease 10%.  There are seven foods you can reduce to find the 3 grams.

·        ½ teaspoon salt

·        2 salted pretzels

·        3 slices of ham

·        7 cubes of cheese

·        2 packets of soy sauce

·        3 pickle spears

·        14 green olives.

Grape Juice

Red grape juice can lower blood pressure. Anthocyanis, a compound found in red grape skins helps to dialate blood vessels keeping them pliable.

Celery

Has been found to lower blood pressure in recent experiments.

Without a good breakfast your whole body suffers.

Mornings Suffer

Your body needs fuel to run. Skip breakfast and you may run out of energy mid-morning. You won’t be mentally sharp. 

Some people use caffeine to get by.

This is an artificial energy and adds another stress to your body. 

Caffeine also takes water out of your system. This also stresses your body.

Afternoons Suffer

If we skip breakfast it can be 18 hours from the time we eat dinner until lunch.

A person skipping breakfast typically eats 500-1000 calories at lunch. These then tend to be high fat calories.

The the body gets sleepy trying to digest all the food.

Bodies Suffer

Our bodies still need nutrition even if we skip breakfast.  The nutrients come from body stores.

 They are taken from muscle fibers, bones and soft tissue.  The result is a weakened body.

Pay careful attention to your diet during your job search. Take care of yourself so you can devote as much energy as possible to your job search.


Copyright 2012 Summit Training Publications

Do you hate to write training programs? Too much work to do and no time to put together your training program? Asked to deliver training or a presentation and have no idea where to start?

Let Summit Training Publications take care of your program design needs with our off the shelf training in a box or one of our presentation modules.

Our off the shelf training solutions provide:

• PowerPoint Presentation
• Instructor Guide & handouts
• Student Guide
• Quiz
• Feedback Form

Subject areas include; Communication Skills, Employee Development, Human Resources, Quality, Product Safety, Safety and Supervisor Training.

Titles: Product Safety and Liability, Aftermarket Product Safety,Hazard Analysis, Product Safety Meetings, Warnings, Instructions and Manuals, Product Liability European Union, Obtaining the CE Mark, Risk Assessment, European Union, Product Safety Management Product Safety Audit, Workplace Violence, Substance Abuse, Sexual Harassment, Manager as Coach, Hiring, Firing, Performance Appraisals, Diversity, Americans With Disabilities, Business Etiquette, Security Abroad, International Business Manners, Customer Service, Customer Communication, Terrific Teams, The Manager as Trainer, Coping With Difficult People, Managing Your Boss- Problem Bosses, Malcolm Baldridge Award, Presentations/Public Speaking, Discrimination, Listening Skills, Negotiation, Conflict Resolution, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Total Quality Management, Motivation, High Achievers, Time Management, ISO 9000 Introduction, ISO 9000 Implementation, Quality Audit, Introduction to the Internet, Stress Management, Telecommuting, Flexible Work Schedules, Creativity and Innovation, Benchmarking, Effective Business Writing, Customer Letters, Motivating Self and Others, Project Management, Managing Multiple Projects, Brainstorming, PERT Diagrams, Train the Trainer, Train the Trainer-Delivery, Train the Trainer-Writing Presentations, Train the Trainer-On the Job Training, Train the Trainer-Using Visual Aids, Project Management, Peer to Peer Feedback, Surviving Unemployment, Interview Preparation

Tell me about yourself

Chris Wodke

http://www.summittrainingpublications.com/

Don’t freeze up when asked this question or one like it in an interview.  The hiring manager does not want to know about your hobbies and zodiac sign.  This is a signal to pull out your resume and give a brief highlight of your professional history and accomplishments.  Paint a quick picture of your skills and the results you have accomplished.  You may even mention why you were interested in interviewing for the present position and why you are a good match.

Say something like "I went to work for Globe Union the day after high school. Since I was chemistry major, working as a lab technician in their Materials Testing lab was a good fit.  I graduated with a chemical engineering degree and stayed with the company moving to the research department.  I was part of a team that developed a new humidity for sensor. This new sensor saved the company $2 million in costs since we were buying from a supplier before.  I was promoted to supervisor of the team a year ago. I am currently working on my MBA. I am really interested in this position in Technical Sales because it combines my technical knowledge, people skills I have developed as a supervisor and the business skills I am learning in my current MBA program".

The answer to question is a little bit like your 30 second elevator speech. Expect to be asked this question at the start of an interview.  Practice your answer so you can easily and quickly review the highlights of your professional experience.

Copyright 2012 Summit Training Publications

Do you hate to write training programs? Too much work to do and no time to put together your training program? Asked to deliver training or a presentation and have no idea where to start?

Let Summit Training Publications take care of your program design needs with our off the shelf training in a box or one of our presentation modules.

Our off the shelf training solutions provide:

• PowerPoint Presentation
• Instructor Guide & handouts
• Student Guide
• Quiz
• Feedback Form

Subject areas include; Communication Skills, Employee Development, Human Resources, Quality, Product Safety, Safety and Supervisor Training.

Titles: Product Safety and Liability, Aftermarket Product Safety,Hazard Analysis, Product Safety Meetings, Warnings, Instructions and Manuals, Product Liability European Union, Obtaining the CE Mark, Risk Assessment, European Union, Product Safety Management Product Safety Audit, Workplace Violence, Substance Abuse, Sexual Harassment, Manager as Coach, Hiring, Firing, Performance Appraisals, Diversity, Americans With Disabilities, Business Etiquette, Security Abroad, International Business Manners, Customer Service, Customer Communication, Terrific Teams, The Manager as Trainer, Coping With Difficult People, Managing Your Boss- Problem Bosses, Malcolm Baldridge Award, Presentations/Public Speaking, Discrimination, Listening Skills, Negotiation, Conflict Resolution, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Total Quality Management, Motivation, High Achievers, Time Management, ISO 9000 Introduction, ISO 9000 Implementation, Quality Audit, Introduction to the Internet, Stress Management, Telecommuting, Flexible Work Schedules, Creativity and Innovation, Benchmarking, Effective Business Writing, Customer Letters, Motivating Self and Others, Project Management, Managing Multiple Projects, Brainstorming, PERT Diagrams, Train the Trainer, Train the Trainer-Delivery, Train the Trainer-Writing Presentations, Train the Trainer-On the Job Training, Train the Trainer-Using Visual Aids, Project Management, Peer to Peer Feedback, Surviving Unemployment, Interview Preparation

Get a good nights sleep before your interview

 Chris Wodke

http://www.summittrainingpublications.com/

To have a good interview you need to be well rested. There are several things you can do to help you fall asleep and stay asleep to wake up well rested.

Exercise

If you work out in the evening, schedule your workout at least three hours before bedtime. Exercise too close to bed time can keep you awake.

Beverages

Avoid caffeine in the afternoon and give it up for the entire day if you are sensitive. Skip the alcohol. A glass or two of wine or beer can help you fall asleep, but your sleep will be interrupted during the night if you consume alcohol. Be sure to stay well hydrated during the day with water. Aim to drink 6 to 8 glasses during the day, but do not consume water right before bedtime.

Food

Some foods are sleep stealers. Avoid spicy foods like garlic, chilies, cayenne pepper and MSG. These foods can cause heartburn and vivid dreams Gas producing foods like beans, cauliflower, broccoli and brussel sprouts can interfere with your sleep.  Eating too fast can cause you to swallow air which can cause stomach trouble. Eat slowly and enjoy your food. Large meals eaten late in the day can interfere with sleep. Make lunch your biggest meal of the day and keep dinner under 500 calories. Give your food several hours to settle before you retire.

Set the Stage

Your bedroom should be a place to relax and sleep. Keep work and TV out of the bedroom.  Your bedroom should be quiet to provide a restful environment.  If it isn’t use a white noise generator to block out noise. Start to wind down 20 minutes before bedtime with a relaxing activity like reading. Make sure your bedroom is not too warm.

If you routinely have problems sleeping, see your health care provider. Get a good nights sleep and have a great interview!

Copyright 2012 Summit Training Publications

Do you hate to write training programs? Too much work to do and no time to put together your training program? Asked to deliver training or a presentation and have no idea where to start?

Let Summit Training Publications take care of your program design needs with our off the shelf training in a box or one of our presentation modules.

Our off the shelf training solutions provide:

• PowerPoint Presentation
• Instructor Guide & handouts
• Student Guide
• Quiz
• Feedback Form

Subject areas include; Communication Skills, Employee Development, Human Resources, Quality, Product Safety, Safety and Supervisor Training.

Titles: Product Safety and Liability, Aftermarket Product Safety,Hazard Analysis, Product Safety Meetings, Warnings, Instructions and Manuals, Product Liability European Union, Obtaining the CE Mark, Risk Assessment, European Union, Product Safety Management Product Safety Audit, Workplace Violence, Substance Abuse, Sexual Harassment, Manager as Coach, Hiring, Firing, Performance Appraisals, Diversity, Americans With Disabilities, Business Etiquette, Security Abroad, International Business Manners, Customer Service, Customer Communication, Terrific Teams, The Manager as Trainer, Coping With Difficult People, Managing Your Boss- Problem Bosses, Malcolm Baldridge Award, Presentations/Public Speaking, Discrimination, Listening Skills, Negotiation, Conflict Resolution, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Total Quality Management, Motivation, High Achievers, Time Management, ISO 9000 Introduction, ISO 9000 Implementation, Quality Audit, Introduction to the Internet, Stress Management, Telecommuting, Flexible Work Schedules, Creativity and Innovation, Benchmarking, Effective Business Writing, Customer Letters, Motivating Self and Others, Project Management, Managing Multiple Projects, Brainstorming, PERT Diagrams, Train the Trainer, Train the Trainer-Delivery, Train the Trainer-Writing Presentations, Train the Trainer-On the Job Training, Train the Trainer-Using Visual Aids, Project Management, Peer to Peer Feedback, Surviving Unemployment, Interview Preparation

Why didn’t I get the job?

 Chris Wodke

http://www.summittrainingpublications.com/

     Maybe you had and interview and you think it went really well. You were certain you were going to get an offer, but you didn’t get the job and you wonder why.  If you had good rapport with the interviewer and you feel comfortable doing so, give them a call and ask for feedback. This may leave a very positive impression. If may just be that you were narrowly edged out by a more qualified candidate. The fact that you took the time to get feedback leaves a favorable impression. That could lead to them letting you know about positions they know are open in their organization or openings they are aware of through their network.

     If you have a network contact within the organization, perhaps they can find out how the interview went and provide you with some feedback.  Your contact at the very least may tell you a little about the person who was hired and their qualifications. Either form of feedback can be very important to prepare for the next opportunity.  The feedback could be on the way you present yourself in the interview and can be corrected.  If your credentials are not strong enough, take steps to get the skills and/or experience you need.

     What if you aren’t even getting interviews? Check in the following areas:

Networking

You need to network effectively. Use you network to find out about openings. Use your network within an organization to give you the scoop on the position and the company. This type of information can help you prepare to impress for interviews. Get a professional profile up on networking sites like linkedin and facebook.

Cover Letter

Pay attention to the cover letter. Don’t be tempted to use a generic letter or skip using one.  Customize the cover letter for each job and use it to introduce your skills and experience.

Job Search

Use a variety of sources when conducting a job search. Use the internet, your network, alumni organizations, professional organizations. Tell everyone you meet you are searching for a job.

Resume

Target your resume to companies identified by your network, job postings and informational interviews.  Do not blanket the market with your resume, then sit back and wait for things to happen.

Follow-up

Check with the human resources department to make sure they got your resume. E-mail is not always reliable and you want to get confirmation of its arrival.  Do not pester HR and the hiring manager with endless phone calls.

Burnout

You can’t spend all day every day looking for a job.  Write a goal of the type of job you want. Make a task list of the things you need to do to accomplish the goal. Spend a few hours a day of focused time on your search.

Throughout the process show your interest in the position.  In the cover letter and during the interview express your interest in the job and your desire to join the organization.

Copyright 2012 Summit Training Publications

Do you hate to write training programs? Too much work to do and no time to put together your training program? Asked to deliver training or a presentation and have no idea where to start?

Let Summit Training Publications take care of your program design needs with our off the shelf training in a box or one of our presentation modules.

Our off the shelf training solutions provide:

• PowerPoint Presentation
• Instructor Guide & handouts
• Student Guide
• Quiz
• Feedback Form

Subject areas include; Communication Skills, Employee Development, Human Resources, Quality, Product Safety, Safety and Supervisor Training.

Titles: Product Safety and Liability, Aftermarket Product Safety,Hazard Analysis, Product Safety Meetings, Warnings, Instructions and Manuals, Product Liability European Union, Obtaining the CE Mark, Risk Assessment, European Union, Product Safety Management Product Safety Audit, Workplace Violence, Substance Abuse, Sexual Harassment, Manager as Coach, Hiring, Firing, Performance Appraisals, Diversity, Americans With Disabilities, Business Etiquette, Security Abroad, International Business Manners, Customer Service, Customer Communication, Terrific Teams, The Manager as Trainer, Coping With Difficult People, Managing Your Boss- Problem Bosses, Malcolm Baldridge Award, Presentations/Public Speaking, Discrimination, Listening Skills, Negotiation, Conflict Resolution, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Total Quality Management, Motivation, High Achievers, Time Management, ISO 9000 Introduction, ISO 9000 Implementation, Quality Audit, Introduction to the Internet, Stress Management, Telecommuting, Flexible Work Schedules, Creativity and Innovation, Benchmarking, Effective Business Writing, Customer Letters, Motivating Self and Others, Project Management, Managing Multiple Projects, Brainstorming, PERT Diagrams, Train the Trainer, Train the Trainer-Delivery, Train the Trainer-Writing Presentations, Train the Trainer-On the Job Training, Train the Trainer-Using Visual Aids, Project Management, Peer to Peer Feedback, Surviving Unemployment, Interview Preparation

“What are your weaknesses?”

 Chris Wodke

http://www.summittrainingpublications.com/

This loaded question is often asked during interviews and you better be prepared with your answer.   Your answer to this question gives your potential employer insight into your work ethic and character.  As a hiring manager I look for employees who have the self awareness to identify weak areas and take action. Here of some examples of ways to handle this question.

Don’t Say this

I have seen advice given to answer this question by saying things like I am a workaholic or I am too detail oriented. A smart interviewer will see right through that kind of pat answer. Don’t try to turn your weakness into some kind of strength.  Everyone has a weakness. What are you doing about it?

Say this

Identify an area or skill you needed on your last job and what you did to develop it.

“I was not closing as many sales as I needed in my sales position.  I asked my boss to go along on several sales calls. He noticed that I had great rapport with my customers, but I wasn’t asking for the sale. He coached me on some simple techniques I could use. My sales increased by 25% and I became the top sales rep for the region.”

This shows you identified an area you needed improvement and that you were open to coaching to improve.

Or Say this

I am not very detail oriented when it comes to memos and reports. Sometimes I don’t see minor spelling and grammar errors.  I have a co-worker look over any important memos or reports before they go out.  If no one is available I read the material out loud and I found that helps me find errors. This shows how you partnered with someone else to compensate for an identified weakness.

Or this

I found in my position as a Sales Engineer I needed to make a lot of presentations on products for customers.  I never had any experience in public speaking and my nerves really showed.  I joined Toastmasters. I learned how to put together a good presentation and speak in front of an audience with confidence. My boss complimented me on the positive change in my presentations. This shows how you recognized an opportunity and took action.

Copyright 2012 Summit Training Publications

Do you hate to write training programs? Too much work to do and no time to put together your training program? Asked to deliver training or a presentation and have no idea where to start?

Let Summit Training Publications take care of your program design needs with our off the shelf training in a box or one of our presentation modules.

Our off the shelf training solutions provide:

• PowerPoint Presentation
• Instructor Guide & handouts
• Student Guide
• Quiz
• Feedback Form

Subject areas include; Communication Skills, Employee Development, Human Resources, Quality, Product Safety, Safety and Supervisor Training.

Titles: Product Safety and Liability, Aftermarket Product Safety,Hazard Analysis, Product Safety Meetings, Warnings, Instructions and Manuals, Product Liability European Union, Obtaining the CE Mark, Risk Assessment, European Union, Product Safety Management Product Safety Audit, Workplace Violence, Substance Abuse, Sexual Harassment, Manager as Coach, Hiring, Firing, Performance Appraisals, Diversity, Americans With Disabilities, Business Etiquette, Security Abroad, International Business Manners, Customer Service, Customer Communication, Terrific Teams, The Manager as Trainer, Coping With Difficult People, Managing Your Boss- Problem Bosses, Malcolm Baldridge Award, Presentations/Public Speaking, Discrimination, Listening Skills, Negotiation, Conflict Resolution, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Total Quality Management, Motivation, High Achievers, Time Management, ISO 9000 Introduction, ISO 9000 Implementation, Quality Audit, Introduction to the Internet, Stress Management, Telecommuting, Flexible Work Schedules, Creativity and Innovation, Benchmarking, Effective Business Writing, Customer Letters, Motivating Self and Others, Project Management, Managing Multiple Projects, Brainstorming, PERT Diagrams, Train the Trainer, Train the Trainer-Delivery, Train the Trainer-Writing Presentations, Train the Trainer-On the Job Training, Train the Trainer-Using Visual Aids, Project Management, Peer to Peer Feedback, Surviving Unemployment, Interview Preparation

Want a 100K Job?

 Chris Wodke

http://www.summittrainingpublications.com/

There are sectors of the economy that are still hiring where you can earn a six figure salary or close to it.  If you are having trouble finding a job in your current occupation and are considering a return to school, consider some of the following high paying occupations:

Pharmacy-2007 earnings average $100,480

Projected Growth:20%
Pharmacists dispense medications and consult with patients on proper usage. They also look for possible drug interactions with patients other medications. They work in pharmacies, hospitals and clinics.  You will need a Pharmacy degree from an accredited school. Most programs are 4 year programs.  If you already have a degree in chemistry, biology or biochemistry you may already met the course requirements for entry.  Check with state schools. You need good attention to detail and good people skills.

Dental Hygienist- High 60K- top end $100,000+

Projected Growth:30%

This job made the list because top end hygienists are making six figures in some markets. This job requires only a 2 year degree.  The demand is expected to remain strong. Hygienists work under the direction of a Dentist, performing exams, cleaning teeth and taking x-rays. Working conditions are good. Many dentist office do not work weekends or evenings.

Actuary 2007 earnings average $95,000

Projected Growth: 24%

Many actuaries make salaries in the 145K range. Most work in the insurance industry, calculating risk factors in pension plans, insurance policies or investments. These are the professionals that figure out life spans for insurance policies.  You will need a strong background in math or statistics. A four year degree coupled with business savvy and math aptitude may be enough to get you started.  If you enjoy working with numbers or statistics this profession may be a good fit for you.

Marketing Managers

Average Salary: $113,400

Marketing managers develop strategies to sell products. They devise pricing, promotion and presentation of products. Management and leadership skills are important since marketing managers lead teams to promote products.  A degree in business is the entry to the occupation, but a MBA will be needed.  Most marketing managers build on both education and experience to land a Marketing Manager position.

Health Care Managers

Average Salary: $100-120K

Projected Growth: 16%

The health care industry is expected to continue to grow. There will be a lot of emphasis in the coming years on cost savings. Health care managers oversee the everyday operation of hospitals and clinics. A business degree is the entry point and will net a salary in the $75 K range.  With an advanced degree and experience the salary range is $132 on the high end.

Petroleum Engineer

Average Eargings: $113,890

Most engineering occupations pay well, with Petroleum Engineers consistently near the top. Demand is expected to be strong as energy extraction and production remand on the national agenda. A four year degree in a program specializing in Petroleum Engineering is needed. Although if you already have an engineering degree, you may be able to transition into this occupation by taking the specialized petroleum courses.

Honorable Mention

Court Reporters: $60 K and up

Court reporters salary is a matter of public record so check for your local area.  Court reporters for the New Your Supreme Court make $88,171.  Freelance court reporters are paid for the time they spend taking depositions and for preparing the transcripts.  Freelancers can make in the $100K range.  To be a court reporter you will need 2- 4 years of court reporter school and additional certifications.  You also need strong English skills, the ability to concentrate for long period of time, good listening skills and good computer skills. Check out the NCRA website for examples of education and certification.

Human Resource Managers

2007 Average Earnings: $93,710

Projected Growth 17%

Top earners in this field can go as high as $120 K.  The income will vary on specialization and education.  You would need a broad background in labor law, recruitment and administration.  Earning a Master of Business degree with a concentration in Human Resources is a must to reach the highest pay levels.

Software Engineer/Designer

Average wage 83,130

Projected Growth-38%

Despite all the outsourcing oversees, demand is still strong in this field. You can work design systems such as games or corporate computer applications. You can work for a firm or make even more money on a contract basis. Contract rates can easily approach 100K.  A bachelor degree in computer science with an emphasis on soft ware design, plus professional certifications may get you into the 100K range.

Real Estate Agent

Salary 65-K- 106 K on the high end.

Right now foreclosures and falling prices make this a tough occupation.  You will need a brokers license, so a background in business is helpful. Agents can work for a firm or go out on their own and set their own hours.

Principal

Average Earnings: 92, 965

If you are already a teacher, the switch into administration can be very lucrative. Education is expected to be a growing field.  Most principals start as teachers and get a Master’s degree in Education Administration. Some principals make salaries in excess of 100K.

Do you hate to write training programs? Too much work to do and no time to put together your training program? Asked to deliver training or a presentation and have no idea where to start?

Let Summit Training Publications take care of your program design needs with our off the shelf training in a box or one of our presentation modules.

Our off the shelf training solutions provide:

• PowerPoint Presentation
• Instructor Guide & handouts
• Student Guide
• Quiz
• Feedback Form

Subject areas include; Communication Skills, Employee Development, Human Resources, Quality, Product Safety, Safety and Supervisor Training.

Titles: Product Safety and Liability, Aftermarket Product Safety,Hazard Analysis, Product Safety Meetings, Warnings, Instructions and Manuals, Product Liability European Union, Obtaining the CE Mark, Risk Assessment, European Union, Product Safety Management Product Safety Audit, Workplace Violence, Substance Abuse, Sexual Harassment, Manager as Coach, Hiring, Firing, Performance Appraisals, Diversity, Americans With Disabilities, Business Etiquette, Security Abroad, International Business Manners, Customer Service, Customer Communication, Terrific Teams, The Manager as Trainer, Coping With Difficult People, Managing Your Boss- Problem Bosses, Malcolm Baldridge Award, Presentations/Public Speaking, Discrimination, Listening Skills, Negotiation, Conflict Resolution, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Total Quality Management, Motivation, High Achievers, Time Management, ISO 9000 Introduction, ISO 9000 Implementation, Quality Audit, Introduction to the Internet, Stress Management, Telecommuting, Flexible Work Schedules, Creativity and Innovation, Benchmarking, Effective Business Writing, Customer Letters, Motivating Self and Others, Project Management, Managing Multiple Projects, Brainstorming, PERT Diagrams, Train the Trainer, Train the Trainer-Delivery, Train the Trainer-Writing Presentations, Train the Trainer-On the Job Training, Train the Trainer-Using Visual Aids, Project Management, Peer to Peer Feedback, Surviving Unemployment, Interview Preparation

De-stress your interview

Chris Wodke

http://www.summittrainingpublications.com/

Even if you do a lot of interviews, they can be a stressful experience.  If you are feeling nervous during the interview you may not perform well and lose your chance at a great opportunity.  There are some steps you can take to be relaxed and prepared for your next interview. Here are some tips for taking the stress out of an interview:

Prepare

The best thing you can do is be prepared for the types of questions you will be asked.  Review the job posting.  Be ready to talk about how your past success and experience is a good fit for the position. Do your research to anticipate the types of questions you will be asked.  If the organization is implementing lean processes, be prepared to talk about quality certifications such as Six Sigma you have and how you have applied the skills.  Write out a list of questions you think you will be asked and questions you want to ask. Have a friend act as an interviewer and go through a mock interview.

Network

Check with your network, friends and family for anyone with a connection to the company. An insider can tell you about important problems or issues in the organization. An insider can put in a good word for you. If you know someone in sales they may have called on the company and may know quite a bit about current personnel and issues. Tap the knowledge of anyone you can as part of your preparation.

Drive-by

If you are not familiar with the interview location do a drive-by a day or two ahead of the interview.  The drive by can alert you to any construction or other delays. It can be really stressful to be stuck in traffic and running late the day of the interview.  Arrive about 5-10 minutes before the start of the interview. If you arrive any earlier wait in the parking lot or take a lap around the block.

Clothing

Lay out your interview outfit including accessories.   Do this a couple of days ahead of time in case anything needs dry cleaning, pressing or repair. Check for missing buttons and loose threads. Shoes should be polished and free of scuffs. Try the outfit on, if you have not worn it for awhile. Check out your appearance in the mirror to be sure you present a professional appearance. You don’t want to be figuring out something to wear at the last minute.

Visualize Success

Take the stress out of the interview by running through the entire experience ahead of time.  Athletes visualize their success before a big event to ensure success.  Close your eyes and run through all the events of the interview.  Start with how great you look in your interview outfit. Picture an event free drive to the company.  See yourself giving a firm handshake to the interviewer.  Imagine yourself using good body language and answering every question with confidence.  See the interview smiling at you and nodding agreement.  See yourself asking questions about the company and having a dialogue about the position. Picture in your mind everything about the interview and make it as real as possible.  Imagine yourself a success and you will be!

Relaxation Techniques

There are a couple of exercises you can do in the car right before you go into the interview.  Any one of these can be a great way to release that pre-interview tension.

• Breathe in very slowly as deep as you can. Hold it for a second or two, then release it slowly all the way out.  Do this three times.  Or you can try this one.

• Picture a favorite person or personal article.  Focus all your attention on the person or article as you inhale and exhale slowly for 2 minutes. Focus on the sensation of breathing and clear your mind.  At the end of the exercise you should feel calmer and more relaxed.

• Start with your feet and work your way to your head, inhale and exhale slowly as you tense each set of muscles. Tense one group of muscles at a time and hold for 20 seconds.  Start with your hands. Clench hands, visualize the muscles contracting while you relax the rest of the body. Relax the muscles slowly, rest for 30 seconds and move on to the next group in the following order: face, shoulders, back, stomach, pelvis, legs, feet and toes. End by shaking out your hands and imagine the tension flowing out of your body.

• Do neck and shoulder rolls.  You can do these in the car.  Swing your head slowly side to side.  Keep the head in the front of the body.  Roll your shoulders backwards several times, then forward  Finally shake out your arms.

It is ok to be a little nervous before the interview. A little tension can keep you sharp and help you perform well. You just need to keep the stress at manageable levels. Try the tips presented here.

Copyright 2008 @ Summit Training Publications

Do you hate to write training programs? Too much work to do and no time to put together your training program? Asked to deliver training or a presentation and have no idea where to start?

Let Summit Training Publications take care of your program design needs with our off the shelf training in a box or one of our presentation modules.

Our off the shelf training solutions provide:

• PowerPoint Presentation
• Instructor Guide & handouts
• Student Guide
• Quiz
• Feedback Form

Subject areas include; Communication Skills, Employee Development, Human Resources, Quality, Product Safety, Safety and Supervisor Training.

Titles: Product Safety and Liability, Aftermarket Product Safety,Hazard Analysis, Product Safety Meetings, Warnings, Instructions and Manuals, Product Liability European Union, Obtaining the CE Mark, Risk Assessment, European Union, Product Safety Management Product Safety Audit, Workplace Violence, Substance Abuse, Sexual Harassment, Manager as Coach, Hiring, Firing, Performance Appraisals, Diversity, Americans With Disabilities, Business Etiquette, Security Abroad, International Business Manners, Customer Service, Customer Communication, Terrific Teams, The Manager as Trainer, Coping With Difficult People, Managing Your Boss- Problem Bosses, Malcolm Baldridge Award, Presentations/Public Speaking, Discrimination, Listening Skills, Negotiation, Conflict Resolution, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Total Quality Management, Motivation, High Achievers, Time Management, ISO 9000 Introduction, ISO 9000 Implementation, Quality Audit, Introduction to the Internet, Stress Management, Telecommuting, Flexible Work Schedules, Creativity and Innovation, Benchmarking, Effective Business Writing, Customer Letters, Motivating Self and Others, Project Management, Managing Multiple Projects, Brainstorming, PERT Diagrams, Train the Trainer, Train the Trainer-Delivery, Train the Trainer-Writing Presentations, Train the Trainer-On the Job Training, Train the Trainer-Using Visual Aids, Project Management, Peer to Peer Feedback, Surviving Unemployment, Interview Preparation

Six Essentials for Your Job Search

Chris Wodke

http://www.summittrainingpublications.com/

The environment for job hunting is especially tough during a recession. The current job market is very competitive. There are lots of talented people looking for work. To get a step ahead of the competition you must do these six things:

1. Get a Great Resume
   to get an interview you must have an outstanding resume. The resume must be free of spelling and grammatical errors. If you have contacts in the recruiting or human resources field, ask them to review your resume.  Many networking events offer free resume review.
   
    Review current postings in your field for key words that describe open positions.  Include these key words in your resume.  Tailor your resume to fit each position for which you apply.  Your resume should tell the story of the measurable accomplishments you have had in each position. Talk about the dollars saved, the reduction in turnover etc. you achieved.
2. Prepare for Interviews
   You will become better at interviews the more you do them.  Go through mock interviews to give you the practice you need in a no risk environment. Practice as if this is a real interview, right down to the interview outfit.  Have the interviewer ask you the questions you expect to be asked.  Write your own set of questions you will want to ask potential employers. Have the interviewer take notes and give you feedback on how you did.  You best interviewer is someone who is a hiring manager, a recruiter or in human resources.
3.  Do Your Research
   No company will be impressed if you walk into the interview without knowing about the company.  Good research will tell you about the products, market position and sales of potential employers.  You may also get clues about the company values and culture from your research. If you know about the values of a potential company this will help you prepare for interviews. If customer service is important, expect questions about customer service. You can prepare for the interview by having your customer service success stories ready.
   
   Research might also include other options for work if you are thinking about a career transition.  Researching job listings will show you the skills employers are looking for.  You may be able to apply the skill set you currently have to another occupation.

4. Network Effectively
   Approximately 80 % of jobs are filled by networking.  Employers are being flooded by resumes when openings are advertised.  As a hiring manager I am seeing the strongest pool of candidates I have ever seen.  Some companies have gone to filling positions based on recommendations.  If you network well, you may find out about a job before it is ever advertised. If you have a contact inside a company, their recommendation may give you the edge in the hiring process. Companies want to minimize the risk when hiring as much as possible.  If someone recommends you that lowers the risk to the company to hire you.
5. Update Skills
   Do an honest evaluation of your skills.  Are there skills you need to update to make you more competitive?  Do you need additional credentials or education to be competitive on the job market? Job listings are a good clue to the skills you will need to get a position.   Unemployment can be a good time for updating skills since you may never have this much time again.  Some employers may ask how you are spending your time.  Talking about how you are updating your skills shows you are making positive use of your time.  Learning new skills can also help to keep you focused and positive during a challenging time.
6. Volunteer Your Tim & Pursue Hobbies
   Volunteering can be a good way to network and to give something back to the community. You may learn new skills that can help you in your career.  This gives you a wider career network. You may learn new skills that will help in your job search. I got my start in training when I joined the National Ski Patrol and became a first aid instructor.  You need to find a productive way to use your time. You can’t job hunt all day long, seven days a week without going crazy. You will get burnt out if you don’t take a break. Volunteering and hobbies can be a great way to manage stress while job hunting.

Copyright 2009@ Summit Training Publications

Do you hate to write training programs? Too much work to do and no time to put together your training program? Asked to deliver training or a presentation and have no idea where to start?

Let Summit Training Publications take care of your program design needs with our off the shelf training in a box or one of our presentation modules.

Our off the shelf training solutions provide:

• PowerPoint Presentation
• Instructor Guide & handouts
• Student Guide
• Quiz
• Feedback Form

Subject areas include; Communication Skills, Employee Development, Human Resources, Quality, Product Safety, Safety and Supervisor Training.

Titles: Product Safety and Liability, Aftermarket Product Safety,Hazard Analysis, Product Safety Meetings, Warnings, Instructions and Manuals, Product Liability European Union, Obtaining the CE Mark, Risk Assessment, European Union, Product Safety Management Product Safety Audit, Workplace Violence, Substance Abuse, Sexual Harassment, Manager as Coach, Hiring, Firing, Performance Appraisals, Diversity, Americans With Disabilities, Business Etiquette, Security Abroad, International Business Manners, Customer Service, Customer Communication, Terrific Teams, The Manager as Trainer, Coping With Difficult People, Managing Your Boss- Problem Bosses, Malcolm Baldridge Award, Presentations/Public Speaking, Discrimination, Listening Skills, Negotiation, Conflict Resolution, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Total Quality Management, Motivation, High Achievers, Time Management, ISO 9000 Introduction, ISO 9000 Implementation, Quality Audit, Introduction to the Internet, Stress Management, Telecommuting, Flexible Work Schedules, Creativity and Innovation, Benchmarking, Effective Business Writing, Customer Letters, Motivating Self and Others, Project Management, Managing Multiple Projects, Brainstorming, PERT Diagrams, Train the Trainer, Train the Trainer-Delivery, Train the Trainer-Writing Presentations, Train the Trainer-On the Job Training, Train the Trainer-Using Visual Aids, Project Management, Peer to Peer Feedback, Surviving Unemployment, Interview Preparation

Cover letters; Do this, not that part 2

 Chris Wodke

http://www.summittrainingpublications.com/

As a hiring manager I never see the cover letter the candidate sends. Our HR department sends only the resumes to me.  When I did get them I must admit I often only gave them a brief glance. Even though I don’t pay much attention to cover letters, many managers do review them as carefully as your resume. Give your cover letter the same time and attention as your resume.  Some things to avoid when putting together your cover letter:

Don’t do this:

• Don’t use the same cover letter for every job. It will be easy to tell you are using a form letter.  Customize the letter for each job.
• Don’t use humor.  You want to professional. This is not the time for off beat gimmicks. You want to stand out for your skills and experience.   Jokes and humor have no place as a first introduction to your potential employer.
• Don’t focus on yourself.  Focus on what you will do for the company. Pick key words from the job posting and highlight how your skills and experience are a fit for the position.
• Don’t ramble on and on. Keep the cover letter concise. The letter is to introduce you to the organization. Leave them wanting to know more about you.

The cover letter is your introduction to a potential employer, even if it is only seen by employees in the human resources department.  Never skip this important document.

Do you hate to write training programs? Too much work to do and no time to put together your training program? Asked to deliver training or a presentation and have no idea where to start?

Let Summit Training Publications take care of your program design needs with our off the shelf training in a box or one of our presentation modules.

Our off the shelf training solutions provide:

• PowerPoint Presentation
• Instructor Guide & handouts
• Student Guide
• Quiz
• Feedback Form

Subject areas include; Communication Skills, Employee Development, Human Resources, Quality, Product Safety, Safety and Supervisor Training.

Titles: Product Safety and Liability, Aftermarket Product Safety,Hazard Analysis, Product Safety Meetings, Warnings, Instructions and Manuals, Product Liability European Union, Obtaining the CE Mark, Risk Assessment, European Union, Product Safety Management Product Safety Audit, Workplace Violence, Substance Abuse, Sexual Harassment, Manager as Coach, Hiring, Firing, Performance Appraisals, Diversity, Americans With Disabilities, Business Etiquette, Security Abroad, International Business Manners, Customer Service, Customer Communication, Terrific Teams, The Manager as Trainer, Coping With Difficult People, Managing Your Boss- Problem Bosses, Malcolm Baldridge Award, Presentations/Public Speaking, Discrimination, Listening Skills, Negotiation, Conflict Resolution, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Total Quality Management, Motivation, High Achievers, Time Management, ISO 9000 Introduction, ISO 9000 Implementation, Quality Audit, Introduction to the Internet, Stress Management, Telecommuting, Flexible Work Schedules, Creativity and Innovation, Benchmarking, Effective Business Writing, Customer Letters, Motivating Self and Others, Project Management, Managing Multiple Projects, Brainstorming, PERT Diagrams, Train the Trainer, Train the Trainer-Delivery, Train the Trainer-Writing Presentations, Train the Trainer-On the Job Training, Train the Trainer-Using Visual Aids, Project Management, Peer to Peer Feedback, Surviving Unemployment, Interview Preparation

Cover letters-do this, not that

 Chris Wodke

http://www.summittrainingpublications.com/

Cover letters are your introduction to a potential employer and must get the attention of HR and maybe the hiring manager. In my organization I never see the cover letters of potential candidates.  Don’t be tempted to skip the document, because the lack of a cover letter may cause you to be screened out.  Here are some things to keep in mind when putting together your cover letter.

Do this:

• Personalize- Get the name of the human resources professional or hiring manager. Address the letter to the decision maker instead of using a generic title.
• Proofread- the letter must be free of spelling and grammatical errors. Have someone proofread the letter before you send it out.  Read the letter aloud to see how it sounds. Print out the letter on good quality white paper.
• Format- the letter should be 3 to 5 paragraphs. You can go shorter if applying electronically.  Make the reader want to go to your resume.  Give them enough information to want to meet you.  Keep personal pronouns to a minimum.
• Sell yourself- Get the readers attention right from the start.  Pick one or two key skills from the job description and describe how you have these key qualities. If you have been referred by someone, be sure to mention their name.
• Contact Information- You should have all of your contact information on the cover letter just like you would in any standard business letter. Also use the contact information of the person you receiving the letter.

Remember the cover letter is an important introduction. It is just a small picture of your skills and experience. You want to begin to form a picture of the company of the unique contribution you can make.  Leave them wanting more. In the next article we will talk about some common mistakes to avoid.

Do you hate to write training programs? Too much work to do and no time to put together your training program? Asked to deliver training or a presentation and have no idea where to start?

Let Summit Training Publications take care of your program design needs with our off the shelf training in a box or one of our presentation modules.

Our off the shelf training solutions provide:

• PowerPoint Presentation
• Instructor Guide & handouts
• Student Guide
• Quiz
• Feedback Form

Subject areas include; Communication Skills, Employee Development, Human Resources, Quality, Product Safety, Safety and Supervisor Training.

Titles: Product Safety and Liability, Aftermarket Product Safety,Hazard Analysis, Product Safety Meetings, Warnings, Instructions and Manuals, Product Liability European Union, Obtaining the CE Mark, Risk Assessment, European Union, Product Safety Management Product Safety Audit, Workplace Violence, Substance Abuse, Sexual Harassment, Manager as Coach, Hiring, Firing, Performance Appraisals, Diversity, Americans With Disabilities, Business Etiquette, Security Abroad, International Business Manners, Customer Service, Customer Communication, Terrific Teams, The Manager as Trainer, Coping With Difficult People, Managing Your Boss- Problem Bosses, Malcolm Baldridge Award, Presentations/Public Speaking, Discrimination, Listening Skills, Negotiation, Conflict Resolution, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Total Quality Management, Motivation, High Achievers, Time Management, ISO 9000 Introduction, ISO 9000 Implementation, Quality Audit, Introduction to the Internet, Stress Management, Telecommuting, Flexible Work Schedules, Creativity and Innovation, Benchmarking, Effective Business Writing, Customer Letters, Motivating Self and Others, Project Management, Managing Multiple Projects, Brainstorming, PERT Diagrams, Train the Trainer, Train the Trainer-Delivery, Train the Trainer-Writing Presentations, Train the Trainer-On the Job Training, Train the Trainer-Using Visual Aids, Project Management, Peer to Peer Feedback, Surviving Unemployment, Interview Preparation

Questions to ask your potential employer-part 3

 Chris Wodke

http://www.summittrainingpublications.com/

This article will finish out the suggested questions to ask any potential employer. When you prepare for an interview you will want to consider your own set of questions.  When you do your marketing plan for your job search the items on the plan will determine the type of organization you will want to join and the type of work you want to do. The questions you ask and the questions you will be asked by your potential employer will help you determine if the organization is a match for your goals.

11.  What is it like to work here?
    You want to know what the culture is like at this organization. The answer will be a snap shot of the day to day work experience.  Also observe the way the employees act and dress. This will tell you if the culture is informal, formal, friendly, reserved and so on.  Since you spend so much time at work, you will want to find an organization that fits your behavioral style.
12. What characteristics does it take to succeed in this position?
    This is one of the most important questions you can ask. The answer will tell you the expectations for performance for the successful candidate. Honestly evaluate if you match the things the company is looking for. If you are a good match, then share how you showed these success traits with success stories from previous positions. 
13.  What are the opportunities for training or education?
    It might be nice to know if there are plans for your training if you come on board. Some organizations have very formal processes for acclimating new employees. Some organizations put you in an office and let you figure things out.  Some companies have very good benefits for tuition reimbursement.  Is this an organization with extensive in house training?  The availability of training and continuing education can really contribute to on the job success.
14. What is the typical career path for someone in this job?If the ability to advance is important to you, find out if there has been career progression for the typical person in this position. Some companies have well thought out plans for career advancement. Find out if this company is one of those.  The answer to this question may also tell you if the company typically hires from within or looks outside for advanced positions.
15.  Do you have any further questions about my qualifications?This gives the interviewer a chance to ask any follow up questions or raise any concerns.  Also use this as an opportunity to express your interest and concisely state the reasons you are a good fit for the position.  Close out by asking for timing on when they will be making a decision.

The questions presented in the three articles are only suggestions.  When you prepare for your interviews write your own questions based on the important things you are looking for in your future employer.  Your research on a company may also you to customize your questions.  Always remember you are looking to bring value to your future employer, not just get a job.  If the job is the right one for your skills, talents and experience, then it will be a win for both of you.  Good Luck!

Do you hate to write training programs? Too much work to do and no time to put together your training program? Asked to deliver training or a presentation and have no idea where to start?

Let Summit Training Publications take care of your program design needs with our off the shelf training in a box or one of our presentation modules.

Our off the shelf training solutions provide:

• PowerPoint Presentation
• Instructor Guide & handouts
• Student Guide
• Quiz
• Feedback Form

Subject areas include; Communication Skills, Employee Development, Human Resources, Quality, Product Safety, Safety and Supervisor Training.

Titles: Product Safety and Liability, Aftermarket Product Safety,Hazard Analysis, Product Safety Meetings, Warnings, Instructions and Manuals, Product Liability European Union, Obtaining the CE Mark, Risk Assessment, European Union, Product Safety Management Product Safety Audit, Workplace Violence, Substance Abuse, Sexual Harassment, Manager as Coach, Hiring, Firing, Performance Appraisals, Diversity, Americans With Disabilities, Business Etiquette, Security Abroad, International Business Manners, Customer Service, Customer Communication, Terrific Teams, The Manager as Trainer, Coping With Difficult People, Managing Your Boss- Problem Bosses, Malcolm Baldridge Award, Presentations/Public Speaking, Discrimination, Listening Skills, Negotiation, Conflict Resolution, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Total Quality Management, Motivation, High Achievers, Time Management, ISO 9000 Introduction, ISO 9000 Implementation, Quality Audit, Introduction to the Internet, Stress Management, Telecommuting, Flexible Work Schedules, Creativity and Innovation, Benchmarking, Effective Business Writing, Customer Letters, Motivating Self and Others, Project Management, Managing Multiple Projects, Brainstorming, PERT Diagrams, Train the Trainer, Train the Trainer-Delivery, Train the Trainer-Writing Presentations, Train the Trainer-On the Job Training, Train the Trainer-Using Visual Aids, Project Management, Peer to Peer Feedback, Surviving Unemployment, Interview Preparation