Book Review: Work Your Strengths

Are you involved in the process of career pathing in your organization? Are you trying to figure out if the career path you have chosen for yourself is one that truly allows you to make the most of the unique skill set that you have to offer? Whether you are an HR professional or a manger who's concerned about making sure that employees are placed in jobs where they have an opportunity to excel, Work Your Strengths: A Scientific Process to Identify Your Skills and Match them to the Best Career for You is an invaluable tool. This book is a must-read for you, and can also be an excellent resource for the members of your organization's workforce as well.

Reading Work Your Strengths can help you develop a deeper understanding of what's involved in making sure that your organization is putting the right people in the right jobs at the right times in their lives. This can be very important to long term success for the organization as well as for your employees (and you!) on an individual level. As Work Your Strengths lead author Chuck Martin says, "Your brain is hardwired to function in a specific way. If you're not in a position where your strongest skills are vital, you're not likely to excel. Worse, if you're in a position where your weakest skills are vital, you're going to feel it and are likely to fail."

Work Your Strengths is an excellent tool to use when working with employees to help them identify an appropriate career path within the organization that allows them to make the most of their strong points without putting them into situations where weaknesses might hold them back. It's something that everyone who wants to develop a deeper understanding about how to match personal strengths to career success should consider reading. The time you spend reading this book - and applying what you learn from doing so - will certainly be time well spent.

Mary Gormandy White, M.A., SPHR is a corporate training specialist with Mobile Technical Institute & MTI Business Solutions ( http://www.mobiletechwebsite.com/ ) and the author of 101 Human Resource Management Tips and 101 Successful PR Campaign Tips in the LifeTips book series. For information on MTI's on-site corporate training and HR consulting services, email success (at) mtimail.com or call 251-478-6848. For more HR-related book reviews, visit http://dailyhrsolutions.com/.

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Career Book Review - Conquer Job Search Barriers For a Great Job Interview and Career Success

Although technology mandates advanced methods for a job search that may not have been used 15 or 20 years ago, there are still some basic principles that remain timeless. Many books and resources agree on the proper attire, methods of answering questions, and other things critical for a successful job interview.

But one book, while written in the 1990s, still provides exceptional insights into overcoming barriers to employment. "No One is Unemployable," by Debra L. Angel & Elisabeth E. Harney, WorkNet Publications, Hacienda Heights, California, (1997), pp. 274, ISBN: 0-957057-0-6.

Job Clubs Help
Job clubs are a great way of transitioning through the stages of unemployment. As more job clubs are formed across the nation, job seekers have the opportunity of getting expert help with job search skills and practice their networking techniques on a regular basis. If you facilitate a job club, or if you are a job seeker looking for help with your next job, this book would be a good resource to use.

This book is written for the benefit of a job coach or career mentor, and how they can help candidates advance through a job search using suggested scenarios.

On the other hand, a job seeker can quickly find information pertinent to their unique situation, and how to conquer barriers to employment based on their individual circumstances.

Two Sides of a Problem
The authors outline a ten-step process for overcoming barriers to employment. A key element of this, after identifying the barrier, is understanding the candidate's perception of the barrier, as well as the employer's perception of the barrier. This factor, seeing a situation from both sides of the coin so to speak, is part of what makes this book such a great resource.

Half of the book includes an Encyclopedia of Barriers, arranged alphabetically, and how to conquer those barriers. The authors state, "The only barriers which cannot be solved are those which you do not take the time to address, or those which the candidate is unwilling to address."

Proactive Methods to Conquer Employment Barriers
In more than 150 pages of the book, this section identifies barriers to employment, the employer's concern as well as the candidate's concern with that barrier, suggests proactive methods to address the barrier, and cross-references other barriers of similar topics to learn from. There are also mini case studies of candidates' experiences in overcoming these barriers.

Through the use of examples, every type of situation from A to Z is discussed - candidates who are homeless, gang members, convicted felons, overqualified professionals, displaced homemakers, and more. It also addresses physical barriers, such as hygiene issues, disability, obesity, etc. The book also covers emotional, behavioral, and knowledge barriers.

The book also gives hints and tips for overcoming the barriers while developing resumes and other marketing documents, filling out application forms, and while preparing for a job interview.

While this book may be dated, according to the publication date, the information inside is not dated, and is pertinent to job candidates in just about any situation, even today.

By now I bet you are wondering what you need to change in your own resume in order to land a job in today's economy? Get FREE Instant Access to a video series at http://www.HowDoIGetHired.com/getvideo where you will get short, easy-to-understand videos outlining the components of a value-based resume, PLUS additional reports to help you in your job transition.
From Naomi Lolley - Helping You Stand Out In The Crowd During Your Job Search.

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Book Review - Your Personal Renaissance - 12 Steps to Finding Your Life's True Calling

Book Review
Your Personal Renaissance: 12 Steps to Finding Your Life's True Calling
By Diane Dreher

Your Persona Renaissance supports an integral process of finding or refining clarity about what we want to do with our unique talents. Diane Dreher, the author of bestsellers such as The Tao of Personal Leadership and Inner Gardening has a knack for revealing her supportive heart in every word-encouragement and inspiration jump off the pages. Based on a combination of leading-edge research, practical steps for self-growth, and engaging stories about human creative capacity, the book provides guidance for culling out what really matters. It's perfect for recent college graduates and those of any age who wish to re-think their careers or dive more deeply into new creative ventures.

Dreher supports each of the Renaissance practices she discusses with current research from neuroscience, positive psychology, and vocation development. The reader moves through the practices in this order: Faith, Examen, Community, Contemplation, creativity, Reading and Reflection, Exercise, Discipline and Dedication, always with an eye on what motivates and fulfills.

Dreher's love (and extensive research of over one hundred artists, scientists, scholars, etc. from the Renaissance to the Enlightenment) of interesting, creative people captivates the reader with the engaging narratives sprinkled about in each chapter. Who knew John Locke studied medicine, tried diplomacy, and was urged by friends to become a minister? If Locke had chosen any one of these paths, the Enlightenment may not have been so enlightening. But following "his calling to help people gain greater understanding," Locke became a philosopher-not the expected choice, and probably the most unpopular choice, but the one he wanted-lucky for anyone interested in democracy. Most of Dreher's stories about multi-talented people of the past contain surprising facts-so the book serves as an interesting history lesson, as well as an intelligent self-help guide.

Because it can be a scary revelation to find out just what Spirit calls us to do, it's comforting to have a kind companion such as Diane Dreher with us on this journey. Her personal stories are mini-pep talks of encouragement and affirmation.

About her friends: "My friend Carol Flinders wrote her book Enduring Lives about four contemporary women of faith: Etty Hillesum, Jane Goodall, Sr. Helen Prejean, and Tenzin Palmo, all of whom posses what she calls a 'very powerful interior life,' making them compelling spiritual models for our time."

About herself: Dreher shares several events in her life, including a precious story about how she came to study Renaissance literature, ending the tale with, "Books, libraries, journeys, discoveries-these are some of my personal themes. Now it's time to look for yours."

Personalizing the book in this way makes it inviting to read. You really feel like you are sitting down and talking with an old friend who knows you well and wants the best for you. Why, even the notes/references pages are written to the reader, giving little-known websites to look up and additional articles or books for further reading. Job hunters will find solace in the book when feeling the normal panic that arises when out of work. Being able to slow down, and go through the discernment process laid out in the book will keen the jitters away and provide a wise plan of action based on an internal methodology.

Dreher shows us how our personal choices contribute to the greater good. Here again, she uses interesting examples to highlight the importance of deeply listening to our inner nudges no matter where they may lead us, not only for our own gain, but for the world's benefit, as well. A central message of the book is: Contribution to the greater whole magnifies the meaning of our lives. Perhaps that's key to understanding the purpose of one's life purpose? Dreher tell us St. Teresa of Avila "reminded people 'to take care that they do not hide their talent; for it may be that God has chosen them to be the edification of many others, especially in these days.'" "Being the edification to many others" usually isn't the central thought most of wake up with in the morning. This book allows us to take time to contemplate, recognize, and act upon our central part within the larger scheme of things.

At the end of each chapter, the reader finds several appropriate do-able activities for practicing the chapter concepts. As the reader makes progress, Dreher is there along the way with congratulations and affirmations. She applauds each step, because right up front in the Introduction she lets us know "one powerful secret": "Small actions over time produce monumental results." Which translates for the job hunter--leave no stone unturned--do your best every day, submitting those resumes,talking with people, networking--all tried and true strategies. Now as you take these actions you have a companion by your side in this book that supports you every step of the way.

Throughout Your Personal Renaissance mentor extraordinaire, Diane Dreher shows us that it's our day to day choices, those seemingly "little things", that over time combine to bring about important positive changes-whether putting together a plan for improved personal health or launching a new career-taking our next necessary step is what a dynamic self-growth process is all about-the surest way to a personal Renaissance. And a most hopeful guidepost for society, as well.

Gloria DeGaetano http://GloriaDeGaetano.com/
is the founder and CEO of The Parent Coaching Institute, (The PCI?), http://thepci.org/ the originator of the parent coaching profession.

An acclaimed keynote speaker, Gloria is a sought-after favorite for major national and international conferences because she is a recognized leader in family support and media/digital literacy who provides very specific and practical tools for parents to successfully navigate the stresses of modern day culture. An innovator in parent education, Ms. DeGaetano often trains parent educators and agency staff on how to best help moms and dads in our digital age which often divides family life, making it even more difficult for healthy parent-child relationships. Gloria's popular Best Solutions Programs are tailored to the specific needs of participants, resulting in positive outcomes for the agencies and the parents they serve.

Ms. DeGaetano, a best-selling author, has written Screen Smarts: A Family Guide to Media Literacy; Stop Teaching Our Kids to Kill: A Call to Action Against TV, Movie, and Video Game Violence (with Lt. Col. Dave Grossman), and manuals for parent professionals. Her latest book Parenting Well in a Media Age, has won the 2007 i-Parenting Media Award for excellence. Ms. DeGaetano's books and articles have been translated into Spanish, German, Danish, Romanian, Korean, Chinese, and Turkish.

Ms. DeGaetano's ideas and articles have appeared in numerous publications including McCall's Magazine, American Baby Magazine, The Boston Globe, the American Academy of Pediatrics Newsletter, and Catholic Faith and Family Magazine.

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Book Review: Never Get A Real Job: How To Dump Your Boss, Build A Business and Not Go Broke

Any intrepid 'trep (that's the new lingo for 'entrepreneur') is going to hear, constantly, "When are you going to get a 'real job'? " Unemployment in the youthful sector has reached epidemic proportions. More than 81 million young people on this planet are without work according to the International Labour Organization.

It's that bad, or worse in the U.S. Per the Pew Research Center, about 40% of America's young people have been unemployed or underemployed, since 2008.

What's the answer? The same answer that is generating monster response for all of the unemployed, irrespective of age or gender: Becoming an intrepid 'trep.

Whatever it takes, our entire cultural and educational mindset must refocus its lens on teaching people to take control of their financial futures. How to create streams of income and become self-sufficient.

Case in point: Scott Gerber, now referred to by media as an 'Entrepreneurship Crusader." His mission? To promote a new movement of 'treppies. Scott established the Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC) this past October to gather leading entrepreneurs to mentor the next generation.

Scott is also the author of a new, best seller: Never Get A Real Job,: How To Dump Your Boss, Build A Business And Not Go Broke. Though his efforts to promote and teach the principles espoused in his book, the YEC now contributes to far-reaching media platforms such as the Wall Street Journal, Entrepreneur and Mashable.

Gerber is developing a rep for his cut-to-the-chase, no nonsense business advice. Business pundits are calling him the "Simon Cowell" for Gen Y. His information is solid and easily followed. For example, one chapter of Never is "Nine Ways To Become A Google Superstar." Even seasoned internet marketers could learn from the pointers given here.

Gerber knows what he is talking about. Without the benefit of personal connections or an Ivy League MBA, Gerber has erected several successful businesses.

"The work hard, get good grades and go to college, get a job' mantra is dead," per Gerber.

Irrespective of your age, Gerber's insights on how to build a business from the ground up, starting with nothing are practical and easily put into play. An added perk, he also gives tips on how to sustain a new business, how to constantly analyze, tweak and refine business services and functionality.

Never Get A Real Job is well worth the read no matter your age if you have any interest in changing your present financial circumstances. Besides learning how to dump your boss, build a business and not go broke, you will find even more life-changing strategies and perceptions.

Do not borrow this book. Buy it. You will want it as a constant reference. Your boss (eg you!) will thank you for it.

Never Get A Real Job! Learn how to dump your boss, build a business and not go broke by following the tips of Scott Gerber's book in greater depth. Start your own home internet business with professional mentoring that nurtures the 'treppie's soul. Click on the link, fill out the box and get immediate, free access to video trainings, especially #2 and #3, that will show you how now.

Lauren Botney is an Online Marketing Coach and Mentor for what is arguably the World's Largest Internet Marketing School around. Specializing in Article Marketing, Social Media techniques and other essentials for Profitable Internet Marketing. She is dedicated and stubborn. She trains complete newcomers and seasoned pros worldwide to achieve Financial Success. Through positive mentoring, proven business strategies and continuing education, you can stay ahead of trends and sharpen your competitive edge.

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Career Book Review - 101 Secrets To Career Success by Rashika Fernando - A Holistic Employment Model

Current U.S. unemployment reigns at roughly 9.5 percent, with at least 14 million jobless Americans. Statistics show approximately 5 applicants for every one available job. Economists predict a multi-year experience of higher than usual U.S. unemployment. Today's global marketplace is restructuring employment opportunities. It's challenging. Now, having the perfect resume and knowing the answers to "tough" interview questions no longer guarantees a job. Many who are working feel unfulfilled, desiring to change careers; yet hesitate for a variety of reasons. 

Following is the first of three articles summarizing "101" career books published by Course Technology. A different author highlights what it takes to achieve career success in the 21st century for each book. Here, it's businessman Rashika Fernando. His new book is entitled 101 Secrets To Career Success.

Fernando sports an impressive corporate career, working primarily in Global Finance. His message transcends the corporate world, addressing careers in general, whether you're employed or unemployed. "101 Secrets" offers a holistic approach to employment, integrating both your personal and professional presence. In today's marketplace, the more these two worlds converge, the happier you'll be. Fernando's 101 career secrets are dispersed among 17 succinctly written chapters, providing an expedient, enlightening read. Following are highlights from four chapters.

Purpose/Meaning. Fernando asks, "Why do you live and go to work?" Each one of us has a purpose in life, waiting to be discovered, he writes. Once we know our purpose in life, everything else falls into place. He believes our overall happiness includes these elements: 1. Be happy with the life that we have. 2. Ensure the continuation of life. This would include procreating, or aiding future generations by volunteering, adopting/sponsoring orphaned children, etc. 3. Enhance life by donating to causes, offering comforting words to someone facing a difficult challenge, etc.

Finding our purpose can be a long journey, unique to our being. Ultimately our career choices should make us happy while getting paid to do it. Combine a mission with your purpose; believe in it and execute it. To act on your purpose, you need a strategy. It allows you to connect high-level dreams into actionable plans. Career Success Secret: "Wanting to understand your life's purpose is the biggest step forward you can take towards success."

Career/Life Strategy. Arguably the best chapter in the book, "Strategizing Your Career and Life" emphasizes the importance of planning. Strategy is the approach you take to close the gap between where you are and where you want to be. It brings choices into action. There's no formula for strategy, as each of your goals is unique. We strategize every day on a simpler level (mapping out a travel route, daily To-Do lists, etc.) Achieving big dreams is difficult and complex. Strategy brings our dreams to the level of other day-to-day realities. While there's no strategy formula, there is a Strategic Planning Framework: Definition-write down the problem to solve and the goal, which serves as a reference point for planning. Data/Analysis-record what you already know about the problem or goal, analysis you've done, or any assumptions. Strategy-devise your approach to obtain the goal. Tactics/Resources- identifies the smallest details of your plan, Monitoring- review progress in your plan. Career Success Secret: "It is very important that you make a choice rather than hiding behind analysis."

Being Proactive. Proactive people actively participate and anticipate various diversions in their plans, influencing the change towards their goals. Being proactive creates better quality of results and better quality of life. Any quest for success will include competition. Anticipate and plan for inevitable competitive situations. On your journey towards success develop the ability to see what will happen in the next several years. "You can always see the signs of tomorrow today," says Fernando. Regarding the workforce, anticipate continual technological advancements. "Give up what you already know, to learn what you don't know." Career Success Secret: "Being proactive builds your confidence."

Networking. Our success depends on our relationships. To be successful, we need to learn the art of networking and feel comfortable doing it. Networking is essentially being a good friend to others. Our existing contacts and friends are our most powerful network we have. Networking provides friendship, emotional support and encouragement. Connecting with other people helps you realize your own accomplishments and the value that you add. The best reason to network is the wealth of opportunities it provides you. Career Success Secret: "Networking is a matching process whereby your strengths are matched with new opportunities, increasing your chances for success."

Amidst anemic job markets and media stories featuring the distress, we can only direct our own lives. If you're dissatisfied with your career or frustratingly unemployed, read "101 Secret's" Chapter 4: "Controlling Your Destiny." The global marketplace presents an evolving employment landscape. Old industries fade to reveal new career opportunities. Experiencing career success in today's marketplace requires a paradoxical selfishness. Only by engaging in relentless introspection (regardless of age), with a goal to integrate both your personal and professional being, can you best contribute to society. Fernando's holistic approach to career and life offers steadfast advice in today's tumultuous world.

Complement Fernando's message with Jay Miletsky's "101 Ways To Successfully Market Yourself," and Carol A. Silvis's "101 Ways To Make Yourself Indispensable at Work," to jump-start your career, whether employed, unemployed, seasoned or novice.

To view the Table of Contents for 101 Secrets To Career Success, visit http://rashikafernando.com/Book_Details.html.

Timothy Zaun is a blogger, speaker and freelance writer. Visit him online at http://timzaun.com/.

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Career Book Review - Have You Punched in Yet?

Looking to get a job and eventually move up in the world? Do you need to get experience or perhaps, just get a job even if it is a step down for you; under-employment? If so, wow, there is a great book I read mostly for fun, but as I read I felt I was there, and got a much better understanding of what the front-line employees in the US go through. The book I'd like to recommend to you is:

"Punching In - The Unauthorized Adventures of a Front Line Employee," by Alex Frankel, Collins Publishers, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, New York, NY (2007), pp 223, ISBN: 978-0-06-084966-5.

An interesting article to read which immediately made my memory recall upon reading this book was one I read in Quality Progress, an industry trade journal in November of 2007, beginning on page 55 titled; "Turning the Tables: Six Questions to Ask Your Interviewer," writer by Joe Conklin. In that article he suggests how to turn difficult questions during the hiring procedure into conversations which uplift your intellectual status, thus your value, while allowing you gain pre-employment intelligence.

The author of this book writes in a similar genre as the author of "Nickled and Dimed" but at a higher level of employment, namely rather than working at places like a 24hr. Waffle House, Walmart, or Gas Station mini-mart - the author of "Punching In" worked for UPS, Starbucks, Whole Foods, and sold iPods at the Apple Store, and also entered the well-known manager program for Enterprise Rent-a-Car.

Have you ever wondered the secret of how corporations turn their workforces into brand loyalists, and absolutely an army of productivity? Well, read this book, and learn about how to win in your career for both the company, the team, and yourself. This book is written extremely well, and the writer is pretty funny, and shows off his writing style with great stories. He also writes for Wired Magazine, so perhaps you've seen his pieces there.

Seriously, you have to read this book, it will totally enlighten you, and give you a better understanding of what it's like to work in a big corporation on the front-lines, companies with 1,000s of outlets and a specific way of doing things. As you read you will laugh, frown, and be disturbed, but you will definitely learns something, many things you probably didn't know and it will give you a much better understanding of the reality of jobs in America, especially at the retail level, you will be amazed.

Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a Nationwide Franchise Chain, and now runs the Online Think Tank. Lance Winslow believes it's hard to write 20,000 articles; http://www.bloggingcontent.net/

Note: All of Lance Winslow's articles are written by him, not by Automated Software, any Computer Program, or Artificially Intelligent Software. None of his articles are outsourced, PLR Content or written by ghost writers.

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Book Review - Crisis-Proof Your Career

Some ideas are timeless and when it comes to your career it really doesn't matter that the book "Crisis-Proof Your Career" was written in the 1990s.  North America and many of the world's economies are leading employees to consider the risks and options that they have for the future.

Author, Peller Marion, Ed,., D. challenges the read to not only examine whether you are "endangered" in the workplace but also helps you helps you to identify factors and barriers that prevent you from doing well.  Then he offers strategies and information to help you implement a plan that is "crisis-proof" which you can use on a daily basis to reach success.

Ken Blanchard, coauthor of The One Minute Manager and writer of the Foreword states:  "A crisis-proof career gives you the flexibility, courage and personal security to survive and even prosper in hard times as well as good times.  Peller Marion's book can show you the way!"

This book not only provides you with information about how to become marketable, but also provides specific and practical worksheets and action plan templates that will help you to turn the knowledge into effective task lists.  He promotes networking, teaches resume basics and tips on how to get the most from an interview. 

Besides the outward behaviours and activities, Mr. Marion challenges the reader to deal with the inner self through nourishing of the spirit.  He also recommends techniques to achieve a positive frame of mind.

If you are concerned about your career and want to read about how to improve your situation, this book offers you good common sense as well as specific methods for moving into a situation where you can enjoy security and emotional health.  I highly recommend it.

And now I would like to invite you to claim your Free Instant Access to a complimentary list of 10 Steps to Making Your Life an Adventure when you visit http://www.lindahancockspeaks.com/

From Dr. Linda Hancock, Registered Psychologist and Registered Social Worker

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Career Book Review "101 Ways To Successfully Market Yourself" by Jay Miletsky

In today's marketplace, your career is 100 percent your responsibility, including marketing your strengths. Unfortunately, marketing can be maligned, especially when you're the product being marketed. Honest attempts can appear boastful, so we hesitate to do so. Yet, if people aren't aware of your strengths, how will they know when, where, and how to use them?

The best self-marketing centers around building relationships and having fun doing so. Successful self-marketing can, among other things, enhance your job search, promote your own company, grab a piece of the spotlight (i.e. become a thought leader/industry innovator), and make new friends.

Following is the second of three articles summarizing "101" career books published by Course Technology. A different author highlights what it takes to achieve professional success in the 21st century for each book. Here, it's businessman and marketing expert, Jason Miletsky. His new book is entitled 101 Ways To Successfully Market Yourself."

Miletsky is CEO and executive creative director for a leading marketing communications agency in New York City. He's a featured speaker for numerous companies and seminars and guest lectures for universities.

"101 Ways To Successfully Market Yourself," is a short read of 88 pages, long on self-marketing tips. You're bound to learn some new applications to advance your career. Use Miletsky's ideas to gauge how many techniques you currently incorporate to promote yourself, and decide which ones best suit your needs.

The book reads in three easy parts. The first is entitled, "27 MYM (Marketing Yourself Mandates);" and establishes the foundation of your self-promotional efforts. Miletsky's tips include:

Understand Your Personal Brand. Your personal brand is your personal reputation. It's key to successfully market yourself and sustain relevant long-term connections. People will decide to befriend or distance you based on your personality, sense of style, unique qualities, what and how you say it, commitment follow through and what you potentially bring to the table.

22. Do Something Specific to Stand Out. Accomplish something that separates you from the crowd, and you'll find yourself in more demand. Suggestions include write a book, or articles for popular print/online publications, record a series of Web videos, and hold a seminar.

27. Don't Give Up-It Won't Happen Overnight. "Marketing yourself is a process," says Miletsky. It takes time to meet new people and build a following. Persevere.

Part II is titled, "Make The Most of The Web." Miletsky emphasizes that to effectively market yourself today, you need to include the Web. "Social networking may die down a bit over time, but it's here to stay," he says. For space interest, Miletsky assumes you have a basic knowledge of the three big social networking sites: Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. If not, he advocates learning their attributes as soon as possible. Highlights include:

28. Make Social Networking Part of Your Daily Routine. Social networking does take time and effort. It can take a while before you see results. "This can be frustrating, because thanks to the speed of the Web, most people have lost their patience to allow things to happen over time," says Miletsky. Incorporate social networking into your daily routine, using the Big 3 sites. Send an e-mail blast once a month to your contacts. Inform them of your new blog posts and other information.

63. Get Your Name in a URL. Make sure you secure your name as a URL. It's good marketing for any of your online activities you engage in. Defensively it prevents someone else from cashing in on your name, as you become better known.

69. Broadcast What You Write. Get the URL for any blog post you write or comment you leave on someone else's blog (shorten the URL through bit.ly or some other shortening service). Broadcast it on Twitter, use it in LinkedIn conversations, and post it on relevant Facebook groups and your Facebook wall.

"There's Life Offline-Get Out and Meet Real People," is Miletsky's third message. Among his suggestions are:

78. Become a Regular. Frequent various places. Over time, people will recognize your face, making connections easier.

82. Seek Out Public Speaking Opportunities. Meet numerous people all at once. Be a featured speaker in a room full of people listening. Speakers command attention, are focal points for attendees; and many will want to befriend you afterwards.

101. Make Follow-Up a Ritual. Make sure you follow up with each new contact within 24 hours after your initial connection. Send a quick e-mail to remind new contacts who you are, how you met, and conversations had. Suggest a future meeting when you sense mutual benefits.

Six appendices enrich the book; with the first listing Miletsky's top 30 Twitter tools. "Twitter is one of the absolute best ways to get people to notice you," he says. Endorsements include:
Tweetdeck. Provides numerous columns to allow simultaneous monitoring of people you follow, tweets mentioning you, direct messages and any other keyword/group you choose. Twitterholic. Checks your relative ranking and graphs your followers over time. Nearby Tweets. Enhances local marketing by entering desired geographical location/keyword. Site shows the people within that radius that fit the description.

The " Who You Should Follow On Twitter" List is Appendix B, and details 31 active links to find good people to follow on the site. Included are:

25 SEO Gurus. 50 Users to Follow for Job Searching. Top 237 People to Follow on Twitter Who Will Follow You Back.

The most comprehensive appendix, titled, "Strategies for Success," specifies how to maximize your achievements at work. Its nine tips include "Visualize Success," and "Learn How to Advance within the Company;" which features 30 soul-searching questions pertaining to seeking a management position. Those queries include:

Are you decisive? Can you see yourself calmly and objectively handling crisis situations? Do you do your best work all the time?

Other appendices highlight LinkedIn groups, networking events and additional social networking sites.

Marketing yourself is no longer an option. To enjoy long-term career success, learn and hone a process that works for you; and have fun doing it.

Complement Miletsky's message with Rashika Fernando's "101 Career Success Tips," and Carol A. Silvis's "101 Ways To Make Yourself Indispensable at Work," to jump-start your career, whether employed, unemployed, seasoned or novice.

You can follow the author on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/jaymiletsky.

Timothy Zaun is a blogger, speaker and freelance writer. Visit him online at http://timzaun.com/.

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Back on The Career Track - Book Review

Are you among the growing number of moms returning to work after leaving paid employment to care for your family? Maybe your youngest child is learning to walk, starting kindergarten, or leaving for college. You may be yearning for the rewards of your former career, feeling the isolation of your "empty nest" or in need of more household income.

Women return to work for a variety of reasons, but they all face similar challenges that can be minimized with smart planning.

Back on the Career Track - A Guide for Stay at Home Moms Who Want to Return to Work by Carol Fishman Cohen and Vivian Steir Rabin is a very good road map for women who have left paid employment to raise a family and are considering a return to work. In this book, the authors lay out an effective plan for stay at home moms who want to return to work. They are realistic about the challenges moms returning to work will face, and they provide effective tips for protecting your career while you are out of full time employment.

I've worked with plenty of relaunching moms and have found that when moms return to work, they have more success in reestablishing a career when they have found a way to stay connected to their former colleagues, their industry and developments in work related technology while they were at home with their kids. Back on the Career Track is full of tips for stay at home moms who want to maintain or reestablish professional connections, and for that reason, smart stay at home moms will benefit from implementing the tips in this book even before they are ready to return to work.

The book is remarkably thorough and addresses:

Fears and insecurities that stay at home moms often face when relaunching a career Realistic career considerations and options when moms return to work Typical challenges that arise from employment history gaps Changes in family and social dynamics when stay at home parents return to work Societal and employer views on relaunching moms

Although I'm a big fan of this book, there are two shortcomings in Back on the Career Track. The first is the fact that the authors have chosen to focus on college educated women who established high level, elite careers prior to starting families. The choice to use primarily doctors, lawyers and MBA graduates in the examples in the book is unfortunate.

The excellent advice in this book applies to all stay at home moms who may want to return to the workforce, not just women who left high level careers. If you are not a doctor or a lawyer or you don't hold an MBA, you can definitely benefit from the strategies in this book, but you'll have to remind yourself that all of the tips apply to any stay at home mom from any field of work.

The second shortcoming in the book is in the resume examples in the resources section. Addressing employment history gaps on resumes is an important issue for stay at home moms returning to work. The gaps in the sample resumes in this book are absolutely glaring. There are simple, effective strategies to minimize gaps on your resume while maintaining credibility with employers; those strategies have not been used in the examples here.

Go ahead and apply any and all of the other strategies for returning to work that are outlined in the book; the advice is excellent. When it comes time to write your resume, however, I'd recommend consulting another source for effective tips on minimizing gaps in your work history.

Back on the Career Track is a wonderful, much needed resource for moms returning to work. There is plenty of advice that you can apply well before you are ready to relaunch your career, so this book is a great read for women who are just leaving paid employment to become stay at home moms as well as those who are ready to return to the workforce. The authors do a great job of balancing honesty about the challenges of relaunching a career with the optimism that returning to work is absolutely achievable.

Stay at home moms returning to work can relaunch their careers. I've worked with plenty of moms from all walks of life who achieved this goal. Successful relaunching does take commitment, work and planning, and Back on the Career Track will show you how to do the work to make it happen.

Lisa McGrimmon publishes http://www.careerchoiceguide.com/ a career management and job search resource. To find out how parents returning to work can minimize gaps in their work history, visit http://www.careerchoiceguide.com/parents-returning-to-work.html

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"Getting From College to Career" - Book Review

I just finished reading "Getting from College to Career" from Lindsey Pollak. As a career consultant, author and owner of a job board that focuses on jobs for high school and college students, I have read almost every book in this niche. In my opinion this book ranks among the best in the after college niche. The author stresses three themes throughout the book, she encourage entry level job seekers to be smarter, faster, and better.

What I like most about the book is that the author really stresses the importance of attitude. I have seen this time and time again in my experiences with young job seekers. If you have a great attitude you are destined to achieve and if you are miserable and have a negative attitude it will be very difficult to land a job. I also like how the author emphasizes the networking portion of the job finding phase. I like when she says that networking is not about who you know, it is about who knows you. Her advice to students to set up a linked in account and make sure that their MySpace and Facebook pages are sanitized for employers is great relevant advice to students.

My major criticism is that some of the information is rather basic and seems like she added some fluff at times to fill some pages.

In closing, I would recommend this book to all college students that are close to graduating. The book is up to date and provides a lot of relevant tips and suggestions that should help you land your first job out of college.

Dan Keller is the CEO of the popular Teen Job site called TeenJobScene.com. He also runs several Teen Forums [http://www.teenmovement.com/]

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Career Book Review - 101 Ways To Make Yourself Indispensable at Work by Carol A Silvis

Today's workplace continues to evolve, becoming more mobile and individualized. Employers are looking for savvy professionals with a can-do attitude, determination and motivation to meet their needs. Tighter job markets require you to have a plan for career accomplishments.

Following is the last of three articles summarizing "101" career books published by Course Technology. A different author highlights what it takes to achieve professional success in the 21st century for each book. Here, it's businesswoman and educator, Carol A. Silvis. Her book is entitled 101 Ways To Make Yourself Indispensable at Work.

For over two decades, Silvis has trained adults in how to get a job, keep and enjoy it and get ahead. She has a master's degree in Adult Education and is an associate director and department chair at a prominent business institute. She also gives talks and workshops to organizations on a variety of business topics.

Opening, Silvis lists all 101 ways to make yourself indispensable at work, for easy reference. Nine chapters categorize her tips with their succinct, important message.

Chapter 1 is entitled "Surpass the Competition." Among its eight pointers are:

Gain a Competitive Edge. You need a competitive edge to keep your job and earn a promotion in a tough economy. If you're not getting the results you'd like from your job, consider your output. Do you stand out among company employees in a positive way? Do you need to make any changes in your behavior, work habits, and productivity to become an outstanding employee?Be Self-Reliant. Self-reliant employees free up the boss so they can tend to other matters. Once you're trained, know your duties, and how to complete them, do the work with minimal supervision. Trust your own judgment and skills. "Having the ability to work independently sets you up for promotions by demonstrating your self-reliance and confidence," says Silvis.

"Build Positive Work Habits" is Chapter 4. Here, sixteen tips comprise its message.

They include:

Give a Good Day's Work. While you are at work, do your work, and give it your full attention and effort. Complete assigned tasks with efficiency, accuracy and expediency. Observe others who do similar jobs and compare your productivity to theirs. Is there a way to measure your output against workers in similar jobs? Do you accomplish more than they do? Are you as accurate as they are? There will be days you may feel tired, irritable, or bored. The professional moves past these feelings to continue performing his job to the best of his ability.Do Not Complain. Enthusiasm is contagious; unfortunately, so is complaining. If you do have a legitimate problem or complaint, you should try to propose a solution when you bring it to the attention of someone who can do something about it. Avoid constant complainer mode by searching for the positive aspect of any given situation. Fear of layoffs or company closings during economic downturns can place undue stress on employees who are concerned about keeping their jobs. Negative comments and complaints only heighten the anxiety and worsen the situation. Therefore, it is critically important to maintain a positive, upbeat attitude.

Jay Miletsky, author of "101 Ways To Successfully Market Yourself," credits Silvis's Chapter 8; "Strategies for Success," which he uses in its entirety as Appendix F. Key tips include:

Learn How to Advance within the Company.Be a Representative for Excellence.

Chapter 9 concludes the book and is titled "Have a Plan." Its eight tips include:

Set Personal Goals. What do you want to accomplish in your life? What is your motivation for what you want? Without clearly defined goals, your path of success will be uncertain. Set short-term goals that start from the day you create them through the first year or two, and set long-term goals that cover from five years through your entire lifetime. Set the bar higher than where you are now and surpass what you have already achieved. When you set personal goals that work toward increasing your job satisfaction and advancement, be sure they align with your career aspirations.Be Aware of Office Politics. Anywhere people gather together, politics will come into play, which is especially true of the workplace. It is the way people interact. "Many people try to avoid "playing office politics," but it is nearly impossible to do it, because they are dealing with people," says Silvis. There is a good and bad side to office politics. To stay on the "good side" be sincere, honest, reliable, helpful and agreeable.

Exercises and self-evaluation forms throughout the book promote critical thinking, stimulate creativity and identify areas where improvement will enhance your career success.

With 101 tips, it's inevitable that you'll see your own work behaviors reflected, both good and bad. Read Silvis's book, and you'll finish with a renewed perspective on the workplace and your role in it.

"101 Ways To Make Yourself Indispensable at Work"" is an invaluable read for both novice and veteran workers. Conjoined with Course Technology's "101 Secrets To Career Success," by Rashika Fernando, and "101 Ways To Successfully Market Yourself," by Jay Miletsky, they make an influential triad of career-based reading. One or all three books would make great gifts during the approaching holidays, birthdays or graduations.

Employers could benefit by bulk purchasing Silvis's text for employee distribution. Or, consider starting a business book library/book talk at work, and include Silvis's text in the collection. Open discussion among workers could spark a rejuvenated awareness and approach to the workplace.

Challenging times or not, "101 Ways To Make Yourself Indispensable at Work," emphasizes the workplace agreement to be compensated for an honest day's work.

To view all Course Technology books, including Professional, Technical and Reference, visit http://courseptr.com/.

Timothy Zaun is a blogger, speaker and freelance writer. Visit him online at http://timzaun.com/.

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Career Book Review: Job Searching After 50 by Carol Silvis - A Mature Worker's Competitive Advantage

Long-term unemployment is recognized as any individual who has been jobless for six months or longer. Currently, 5.8 million Americans define that category; and among them, are many people over the age of 50. Older adults face unique challenges when seeking employment.

Course Technology publishes a variety of Professional, Reference and Technology titles. One of its current releases is Job Hunting After 50 by Carol A. Silvis.

Silvis has a master's degree in Adult Education and is an assistant director and department chair at a Pennsylvania business institute. She also presents workshops and seminars for schools, businesses and professional organizations.

Eight chapters comprise Silvis's message. Following are highlights from each topic to help jumpstart your job search as a mature worker:

Skills and Qualifications

The job search process begins by matching your unique abilities with a company that needs them. Define your purpose for working. Whether it's full or part-time will guide your employment pursuits. Shift the focus from your age to how your workplace, transferable and life skills meet the needs of the employer. Consider too, your personal traits, like energetic and forward thinking, vs. the old-fashioned ways of a mature worker. Share only relevant abilities vs. listing every duty you've done over your 30-year career span. Too much experience can shun an employer. This is the age of lifelong learning. Keep your skills current by attending classes, workshops, earning a degree or certification, participating in online webinars, etc.

Resumes and Cover Letters

No career assessment would be complete without attention to resumes and cover letters. For older workers, key elements to a successful approach include:

Accomplishments vs. Duties. Highlight your unique value-added accomplishments at companies you worked for, vs. mere duties.Contact Information. Provide any links to your professional online presence, including blogs and/or websites.Digital Resumes. Write a targeted resume for each desired position. Use industry-specific keywords to help with search engine optimization (SEO), to increase the odds of being read by a person.Education and Training. If you earned your degree more than 20 years ago, omit your graduation date.Qualifications Summary vs. Objective. A qualifications summary highlights your major accomplishments, skills, education and personal traits. It's a brief paragraph or bulleted list that employers can easily scan; and provides more insight than an objective.

Always include a well-written cover letter. It increases your odds of grabbing an employer's attention; and provides an opportunity to expand on information not resume appropriate, including salary history.

Technology

Today, computer skills are essential, both in the workplace and during your job search. Increasingly, employers require such abilities for hire; and many available jobs are now posted exclusively online. Research a company's website to determine its key players. Use industry-related key words in online applications, cover letters and resumes. "This is not the time to say you are too old to use technology or have no use for it," says Silvis.

Now, social networking is a necessary component of your job search. Maintain a professional presence on the big three platforms: Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. Many employers use these sites as recruitment tools; and mastering them can increase your odds of being discovered for industry-related positions.

Networking

Networking is a ubiquitous word; and its need is often downplayed, especially regarding mature workers. "Creating a solid support system is important for job seekers, especially as they age," says Silvis. It's challenging to conduct job searches in a healthy economy and even tougher in an anemic one.

Build and nurture long-term relationships; and you're networking. It's also a two-way process. Before constructing a contact list, define your networking goals. The most successful network includes a mix of both personal and professional contacts. Consider everyone you know, including your dentist, hair stylist, Post Office clerk, etc. Choose enthusiastic, optimistic people. Finding a job is often a numbers game; and it's never too late to begin or resume networking.

Attitude, Appearance and Energy

It's not easy to maintain a positive attitude when you experience a job loss before you're ready to retire; but you must, especially as a mature worker.

It's hard to hear that your appearance needs updated, but it may be a roadblock in your job search. Comb-overs on balding men, and outdated hairstyles can convey antiquated skills as well. Consider doing a makeover at a department store or salon. It will not only enhance your appearance but boost your self-confidence too.

Employers seek candidates who will fit in and bring positive energy to the workplace.

Mistakes Job Seekers Over 50 Make

Failing to Get Along with Other Generations. Today's workplace is multi-generational, with as many as four different generations working together. As a mature worker, you must ask yourself how you'd feel being interviewed by someone your children's or grandchildren's age? Could you interact as a colleague instead of a parent figure?Unwillingness to Change. A younger interviewer may be concerned that an older worker is stuck in their comfort zone; and resists change. Expand and consider how your skills can be industry-transcendent, if your former field is extinct.Being Overqualified. "Having too much baggage, even in the form of experience, should not be mentioned," says Silvis. Focus on specific skills and accomplishments, not your previous titles, which can make you seem overqualified."Not Embracing Technology. Make sure you're current in the software programs employers are requiring in want ads and job descriptions.Lack of Enthusiasm. You must convey your enthusiasm and eagerness to land the job through your mannerisms and words. Express your anticipation.

Who's Hiring?

Job seekers over 50 may be surprised at the number of their seldom-considered employment options. They include:

Adjunct or Full-Time Teacher/Tutor. Teaching is a wonderful opportunity, for you as an older worker, to convey your expertise to younger generations.Entrepreneurship. Launch a business of your own, utilizing your niche skills and expertise.Government. Think out of the box with regards to government jobs. Consider Homeland Security, the IRS and U.S. and state transportation departments, parks and recreation, etc.

Instead of applying for traditional jobs, use your imagination and creative skills to land an exciting, enjoyable job in a fun environment, or create your own. "Sometimes a complete change of venue affords the most rewarding opportunities," says Silvis.

Creating a Success Plan

Statistically, mature workers endure a longer job search. Persevere. Be willing to put everything you have into your employment search, until successful. Set goals, write them down; and take consistent action to achieve those goals. Break major goals into secondary goals that serve as benchmarks toward your progress. Tie each secondary goal to action steps. Realize that setbacks are inevitable, but persist.

Expect to find the right position for you. Reinvent yourself, if necessary; and adapt to available jobs. Challenge yourself. Step out of your comfort zone; and try new things. Visualize success. Be constantly aware of what you're aiming to accomplish, and what it will like when realized it's realized.

No one will ever care more about your career and job search than you. Throughout Job Hunting Over 50, "Take Charge" summary boxes serve as signs of your career success accountability.

Finding employment in mid-life does have its own challenges; and Silvis shows us it's possible. Preparation, persistence and positivity are key. Many libraries and programs funded at the federal, state and local level, provide workshops on topics including Behavior-based interviewing and resumes. Make sure you're utilizing your community resources to gain a competitive advantage; and realize your employment goals.

Timothy Zaun is a blogger, speaker and freelance writer. Visit him online at http://timzaun.com/.

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Career Book Review - 101 Best Ways to Land a Job in Troubled Times

High unemployment and a tough job market are causing stress across the nation. Are you a job seeker wondering how you will land your next job, and whether it will be something that you will enjoy doing long-term?

A job transition doesn't have to be stressful, when you take the time to understand your dreams and goals, develop a plan, and stick with it for ultimate success. Not long ago, I had the opportunity of an exclusive interview with Jay Block, and his genuine concern for helping others was as evident in the interview as he writes about in this book:

"101 Best Ways to Land a Job in Troubled Time," by Jay Block, McGraw-Hill Publications, New York, New York, (2010), pp. 194, ISBN: 978-0-07166328-1.

The material in this book, written by best-selling author, Jay Block, is groundbreaking during this time of high unemployment during a tough job market. Jay interviewed and researched with experts across the nation when writing this book; and he discovered that most of what we know in the area of resumes and job search methods is ineffective and damages the future aspirations of job seekers!

He dedicates the book to all job seekers who have not given up on their dreams or settled for less than they can be; and inside the book he explains how to dream and achieve those dreams in their entire life, not just their career.

Jay's passion for really wanting to help people comes out clearly in this book, where he gives personal examples of the processes he completed in similar situations. The content is written to be informational as well as motivational, which is not something usually found in a career-transition book.

These strategic processes are outlined in five chapters of the book, in addition to his Introduction, which focuses on How Beliefs Affect Outcome.

The first chapter, Learning How to Ride the Emotional Roller-Coaster, helps job candidates recognize and manage their fears and emotions when adversity affects their world. Jay outlines ten principles for successfully obtaining a new job in troubled economies and four emotional channeling techniques to conquer the fearful, negative thoughts that job seekers typically have.

Other chapters address goal definition, writing and using the correct self-marketing tools, creating a meticulous action plan, and actually taking action.

Jay takes time to show examples of the correct marketing tools needed for today's job transition, which in and of itself makes the book valuable for a job seeker at any level. He also explains why a "chronological obituary" resume is detrimental during a job transition, and gives examples of resumes that are successful in today's economy.

By now I bet you are wondering what you need to change in your own resume in order to land a job in today's economy? Then I would like to invite you to claim your FREE Instant Access to a video series at http://www.HowDoIGetHired.com/getvideo

You'll get short, easy-to-understand videos outlining the components of a value-based resume, PLUS additional special reports to help you along your job transition and career advancement.
From Naomi Lolley - Helping You Stand Out In The Crowd During Your Job Search.

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Book Review - Help! Was That a Career Limiting Move?

Have you ever been passed over for a promotion, or not chosen for a job that you really wanted and were qualified to do? If so, it's a good idea to spend some time examining the factors that might be keeping you from achieving the career success that you want and feel you deserve.

In Help! Was That a Career Limiting Move?, human resources and career development experts Pamela J. Holland and Marjorie Brodie, CSP, CMC, PCC offer valuable suggestions for identifying and overcoming challenges that keep people from achieving their professional goals. If you think you're doing everything you need to do to get ahead, but just never seem to be recognized for your accomplishments, this book is a must-read for you.

This easy-to-read, interesting, and entertaining publication provides examples of the communication, professionalism, knowledge, and attitudinal pitfalls that often keep people from getting what they want in the workplace. Many people sabotage their ability to get ahead by engaging in unintentional behaviors that keep them from being seriously considered for promotion and new job opportunities.

This book is a great resource for helping readers step back and examine their actions in terms of how they are perceived by decision makers in the workplace. Some of the tips and suggestions are easy adjustments to make (such as keeping your shoes on in the workplace and wearing clean clothes to work), and others require a little more mental effort (like setting objectives and becoming recognized as someone who honors his or her commitments).

Book Review provided by Mary Gormandy White, training and career expert with Mobile Technical Institute and MTI Business Solutions (http://www.mobiletechwebsite.com/). Visit http://www.dailybizsolutions.com/ for small business marketing, PR, and operations advice, as well as an ongoing series of business book reviews. See http://www.dailycareerconnection.com/ for professional development tips and career advice.

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Book Review - Escape From Cubicle Nation

If you've ever dreamed of leaving your corporate job to start a business of your own I highly recommend that you read Escape From Cubicle Nation by Pamela Slim. This book is inspiring, motivational, and utterly practical. It provides a well-organized tour of all the elements that must be considered when making a significant career change -- emotional, financial, and social.

The book starts with a discussion of why you might want to leave the corporate world -- a section that might seem unnecessary to employees who have survived reorganizations, outsourcing, burnout, and layoffs. But the author wants you to be very clear about what you want to do and why. She also helps her readers confront the fear that if they leave their jobs they'll end up "living in a van down by the river." Pamela Slim became a life coach after leaving her corporate career and this part of the book in particular feels like being professionally coached through this major decision.

While the author's writing style is lively and funny she is also down to earth. Section 2 of the book is called "The Reality of Entrepreneurship" and it includes a reminder that hating your job is not a business plan. She walks the reader through the tough practical steps of defining a clear vision and creating a financial strategy as well as business and marketing plans.

Section 3 is about looking your finances in the eye and making the practical side of this momentous decision work for you. She urges the reader to eliminate debt before making the leap and to have savings to last at least 6 months. There's also excellent advice on shopping for health insurance and other benefits that you will now have to find on your own.

Section 4 guides the reader through conversations with family and friends to reassure them that you are not crazy and to enlist their support in your new endeavor. It also includes a valuable chapter on how to know when it's time to leave the corporate world to start your own business. Hint: it's after you've done a great deal of soul searching, planning and testing.

I believe this book is essential reading for anyone who is considering leaving a corporate job to start their own business. The combination of inspiration, motivation, humor and practical advice is unbeatable.

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Book Review: Now What: A Young Persons Guide to Choosing the Perfect Career by Nicholas Lore

As a career consultant I try to read as many books on this topic as I can. I just finished reading Now What: A Young Persons Guide to Choosing the Perfect Career by Nicholas Lore. I had very high expectations going into this book based on the last book that I read from this author. I must say that I was not disappointed.

The first couple of chapters are pretty basic and kind of boring as the author describes various tests that college students can take to learn about their personality types and which careers they would be best suited for. The best part of the book is the tool kit that Lore provides. This allows the reader to become engaged and learn as they read. The book forces you to take action towards your career and actually provides encouragement and motivation along the way.

There were a couple of negatives though. The one thing that I did not like was the author plugs his testing and coaching services and at times I felt like I was reading a promotional piece for his business instead of a book that was supposed to inform and educate. The other negative was there was never any mention of the negative economy we are in and how that impacts people that are starting off in their career.

Overall, I do recommend this book for any high school or college student that is ready to start searching for a career. It is tough out there so the more you can read and prepare for the better off you will be.

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Book Review - Teen Dream Jobs - How to Find the Job You Really Want Now

I just finished reading, "Teen Dream Jobs: How to find the job you really want now!" by Nora E. Coon.  I must say that I was not overly impressed with the content of the book.  As the title suggests, the book is about helping teens find jobs.  The author provides information on how to find a job, resume advice, how to dress for the interviews and other advice for teen job seekers.  The information is good, much of it is outdated though. 

Here job seeking advice seems more relevant to a job search in 1999, rather than 2009.  She hardly touches on the internet and the new job boards designed for teens and the wealth of resources available for teen job seekers.  The reality is that all of the information presented in this book can easily be found on the internet with a simple google search.  The author does not provide any new or cutting edge techniques that make it worth forking over money for.

What I did like about the book is the quizzes that she provides.  There are a variety of self assessment exercise that really get the reader thinking about what they like, and dislike, and what they are passionate about.  There is also a quiz that will help determine which career path would be most suitable based on your personality traits.  I actually took some of these quizzes myself and I must say that I found them to be quite accurate.

In closing, I found the book to have some bright spots but overall I felt the book did not provide enough new information to warrant a purchase.

Dan Keller is the CEO of a popular teen jobs website and a resume writer

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Review - The Job Hunter's Survival Guide

The Job-Hunter's Survival Guide, Richard N. Bolles, 2009, ISBN 9781580080262

Here is a basic job-hunting guide for the growing number of people who are unemployed, and don't have the time, or desire, to read a lot of details.

Among the first things you should do is to do a Google search of your name, to see what the Internet says about you. If there are any drunken, or racy, photos of you on Facebook, for instance, restrict their availability or delete them, now. You can plan on a potential employer doing the same search.

After that, take some time and do a through self-inventory of what you do best and enjoy most, and your skills that are most transferable. What did you like most about your last job? What would be your dream job? (Please don't say "A job with high pay and no responsibilities.") That way, you can be absolutely detailed about the type of job you are seeking, and use that to focus your job search.

Most people want to limit their job-searching to replying to online job vacancies, mailing resumes, answering newspaper ads or using private employment agencies. Their rate of success is small, so don't make them your only job-search methods. Much more effective job-search methods include asking your network for job leads, knocking on the door of any employer that interests you (whether or not they have a vacancy), and using the Yellow Pages, alone or with others in a job club, looking for fields of interest.

Before you get on the Internet, know what kind of job you are seeking. There are a seemingly infinite number of sites to visit, including omnibus search engines, sites with jobs in specific fields, and social networking sites. Pick just a few sites, and monitor them (jobs are frequently cross-posted to multiple sites). If a site allows you to fill out a profile, or post your resume, do it. You never know who will read it. Employers prefer to fill vacancies from within, before they advertise for the opening, and deal with a bunch of semi-qualified candidates. If they already have your resume, or have seen you work as a temp or contract employee, your chances have greatly increased.

This book is short, and excellent. To those who bemoan the total lack of available jobs, the author asks "Have you done anything more than rely on the Internet or Sunday want ads for your job searching?" It is very much recommended for all job seekers.

Paul Lappen is a freelance book reviewer whose website, http://www.deadtreesreview.com/, has over 800 reviews on all subjects, with an emphasis on small press books.

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Careers in Renewable Energy - Book Review

I just finished reading "Careers In Renewable Energy: Get A Green Energy Job" by Gregory McNamee. I've read almost every book that comes out on the topic of green jobs. I can say with conviction, that this is one of the best books available in the green career genre.

We all hear about green jobs, but most people have no idea how to go about getting one. In this book the author will provide you with a roadmap to get involved in a career that makes a difference. All of the major components of renewable energy are covered, from solar, wind, and hydrogen. I really like this because a lot of other books that I read just focus on solar power.

The best part of the book for me is the focus on college students and how they can begin preparing for a green career. The author outlines specific courses to take and different ways that students can strengthen their skill sets to be prepared to land a job in the renewable energy sector. The author also dives into many of the available resources on the Internet that can help, including the best jobsites to search for green jobs. This was very helpful because most students use the Internet these days to search for jobs.

My one criticism of the book is that the author almost completely ignores current workers. I think it would have been helpful if he had a chapter devoted to career changers and how one can transition into a career in renewable energy.
In closing, I would recommend this book to every college student that is looking to obtain a meaningful career upon graduation.

Dan Keller is the CEO of the popular Green Jobs [http://www.greenjobscene.com/] site. He also runs a Teen Jobs site.

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Find Your Passion and Add Perseverance! A Book Review For Career Success

We've heard the modern day business Titans tell college students who are graduating to get involved in an industry or profession that you love, one that you have passion for, and then work very hard and you will be successful. Indeed, no one could ever argue with that advice, because if you can find your passion and add perseverance to it, you will be successful, even if you don't make a lot of money. You will be one of the 20%, as goes the 80/20 rule in that area of human endeavor.

Not long ago, I picked up a very interesting book, it was written by someone who I very much respect Sir Ken Robinson, and also written with a co-author. I'd like to recommend this book to you in case you doubt what I've said above, you see, rather than trying to convince you of this reality, I'd just as soon point you towards this excellent book to read;

"The Element: How Finding Your Passion Changes Everything," by Ken Robinson and Lou Arinoca, Penguin publishing company, New York, New York, (2009), pp. 288, ISBN: 978-014311-673-8.

The book speaks to issues of perseverance, talent, passion, success, and achievement. It is written by a couple of very well-respected authors specializing in education. You see, we all have natural abilities and talents, and it is important we find what we are good at, where we excel, and concentrate our efforts there.

Although not all the examples in this book are people I would consider my idols, the explanation in the examples of each person mentioned as a case study, well, all together, it makes it easy to understand, and really hard to debate the points that the authors are trying to bring forth.

They also suggests that we can transform our societies, civilization, towns, communities, nations, businesses, government, and education along with these principles, and we will achieve more, with happier people, more productivity, and more success overall. Indeed, I hope you will please consider this.

Lance Winslow is the Founder of the Online Think Tank, a diverse group of achievers, experts, innovators, entrepreneurs, thinkers, futurists, academics, dreamers, leaders, and general all around brilliant minds. Lance Winslow hopes you've enjoyed today's discussion and topic. http://www.worldthinktank.net/. Have an important subject to discuss, contact Lance Winslow.

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