Do you know who you are?

Myers-Briggs classification

Exploring yourself may help you to identify your general life style and your style in many fields of activity: work, business, education, communication, conflicts and teamwork.
According to the Jungian, Myers-Briggs, typology all people can be classified using four criteria:

• Extroversion - Introversion
• Sensing - Intuition
• Thinking - Feeling
• Judging - Perceiving

This model is used in a majority of personality tests. When you go through head hunter and recruitment interviews you might very well be exposed to tests like this. So knowing the drill beforehand, will help you go easier through.

Here is a good and quick personality test - and it's free.

The test will give you some lengthy (though generic) interpretation of your personality type, which is very useful. But you can take it further into your career potentials.

Proactive self assessment

Once you know your type (stated as four letters, e.g. INFJ), you should search for this combination on Google. Write the four letters in the search field, and voila! You will find lots of qualified interpretations on your personality type; how to develop yourself, how to identify lifestyle and professional orientation and not least: how to interact with people in daily working environment.

Knowing this much about yourself will make it a lot easier to update your CV and realistically sketch out your strengths and weaknesses. It might be painful to discover that some dreams and ideas about yourself do not lie within the prospect of your personality potential. On the other hand this is a direct shortcut into succeeding by who you are, and not by who you would like to be.

Tips for Writing a Federal Resume

Creating a federal resume that brings your qualifications to life and shows that you are a perfect fit for the job can be a challenge. The federal resume can either open doors or eliminate you from the running. Be sure to demonstrate how your skills, experience, training and education match the employer's needs. Avoid misspelled words and bad grammar. Few of us like to write and even fewer enjoy writing about themselves, but it is something you have to do if you want to succeed. Following are a few ways to make this easier.

Prepare

Attend job assistance training prior to departing the service. Contact your Transition Assistance Center as soon as possible and sign up for a TAP Workshop. If you are not near a Military Transition Center, you may use the services at Transition Assistance Offices operated by the other military services. Use your transition counselors. They have the tools and knowledge you need. If available, get their help in creating your first resume or filling out a draft application. Ask them to critique your work and then make the changes they suggest.

Focus

Set an objective and identify the kind of jobs you are interested in. How you present your skills and experience in your resume will help determine whether or not you are invited to interview for a job.

Tailor

One size never fits all. Do not assume that you can use one resume for many jobs. If you do, you will not succeed. As you apply for jobs, tailor your resume to the employer's requirements. It is important to portray yourself as a "doer" whose skills match the requirements of the position and demonstrate the ability to do the job. This is easy to do when you include results, achievements and accomplishments.

Translate

Minimize the use of military terminology, abbreviations, acronyms or jargon in your resume.

Format

Resumes are generally presented in one of three formats: chronological, functional or a combination of chronological and functional. While your counselor can help you to select the format that will best display your abilities, which you choose will depend, in part, on the type of work you have performed and whether or not you are going to continue to do the same work.

• Chronological resumes list work experience according to date, with the current job appearing first. Chronological resumes work well if your career has been progressive and you plan to continue in the same line of work.
• Functional resumes are organized by the skills you have used on the job. Functional resumes work well if you are contemplating a new career, do not have a lengthy work history, or have held a number of different positions because they sell your abilities based on the skills you have acquired during your career.
• Combination resumes both describe your work experience and highlight your skills. Combination resumes usually provide the most comprehensive overview of your career.

Content

The federal resume must include information that is not needed in the private sector. Your federal resume should include the following:

• Job announcement number, job title, and job grade of the job for which you are applying
• Your full name, mailing address, day and evening phone numbers and home e-mail.
• Last four digits of your Social Security number
• Country of citizenship
• Veterans Preference - List your Veterans Preference points. Ensure that you attach or upload supporting documentation (e.g., DD214 or Statement of Service if still on Active Duty; SF-15, Application for 10-point preference; and Disability Rating Letter of 30% or more from the VA, if applicable).
• Education - Include: college name, city, state, zip code, majors, type and year of degrees held or number of semester hours completed, and high school name, city, state, zip code, and date of your diploma or GED, if requested. Keep in mind that your military training may qualify you. Your Verification of Military Experience and Training (VMET) document (DD Form 2586), is the best place to start your training and education inventory.
• Work experience (paid and unpaid) - Include: job title; duties and accomplishments; employer's name and address, including zip code; supervisor's name and phone number, starting and ending dates (month and year); hours per week; and salary. List each experience as a separate entry on the resume. Forget about military job titles or occupational codes. Instead, look at what you did. Your VMET document is a great place to start. Employers prefer proven performers, so make sure you know what employers are looking for in comparison to your military work experience.
• Indicate if your current supervisor can be contacted.
• Job-related training courses (title and year).
• Job-related knowledge or skills - Showing how your skills fit the company's requirements starts with an extensive inventory. Skills fall into three categories:
  
  1. self-management skills refer to the way you manage yourself on the job (e.g., dependable, resourceful, etc.);
  2. functional skills are the skills you use on the job or have used in previous jobs (e.g., operate equipment, supervise, analyze, etc.); and
  3. technical skills relate to specific skills required to perform a described task (e.g., computer programming, accounting, sales, etc.)
• Current job-related certificates and licenses - Make sure you understand the licensure and certification requirements for your job objective.
• Job-related honors, awards, special accomplishments, leadership activities, memberships, or publications.

Appearance

Once you have spell checked your resume, take a good look at its overall appearance. Is it appealing and easy to read? Is there enough white space? Are the margins appropriate? Have the headings, font and formatting style been used effectively? Keep in mind that your resume is an employer's first impression of you. Make sure it makes the best one possible.

Remember Review the job announcements carefully for key words. Use verbs and adjectives (e.g., managed, implemented, created) that match key words identified in the job announcement. Eliminate military lingo (use words such as personnel instead of squad or platoon). Include your accomplishments; do not be shy, be truthful. Focus on the mission of the agency and translate your experiences. Your positive attitude and genuine enthusiasm goes a long way.

A Federal Resume Template You Can Follow

First and Last Name
Address
Town, State and Zip code Email address
Phone Number

Citizenship: (Yes or No, Work Visa)
Special Hiring Authority: (Veteran preference or Person with Disability - Schedule A)
Federal Experience: (Yes or No and Indicate Military, Federal or State Gov)

Clearance: (Indicate what level and if it's still active)



OBJECTIVE: To obtain a full time position in public service with (Indicate the federal Agency and
sub Agency) as a (Indicate the position including announcement Number if there is one)



SKILLS SUMMARY: (Has 3 elements: An introductory paragraph, list of skills directly related to the position, and your skills you have acquired throughout your career, that you want to highlight)




(1st Element: The introductory paragraph - Must be specific and highly detailed for each job series and position you're applying to. You need to outline all the specific skills you have that are directly related to the position you are seeking including Key Words identified in the positions description.)




Focused and highly motivated management professional, with 12 + years of extensive experience in Strategic Workforce Planning, EEO, OHR and Diversity Mgt. Utilizing my background in Disability,
Accommodations, Business Operations, Project Management, and Statistical Analysis to develop comprehensive programs based on the employment needs and mission of the agency. Deploying metric based solutions and maximizing our ROI. I'm an innovative and energetic team player, relationship builder, and highly effective communicator.




(2nd Element: List of skills directly related to the position and the Key Words you identified - Back up your skill summary with specific examples from you career or education. Identify specific accomplishments, length of time, highlight numerical results and awards derived from those duties and skills. This is the most critical area of the resume. You are relating an activity in your career to that of the position you are applying and showcasing your accomplishments.)

• Develop and create a Strategic Workforce Planning program to ensure were accurately utilizing all available resources. Good Example

• Expert in Diversity Mgt. and Employee Relations assisting managers and staff in identifying and solving EEO Policy questions on Accommodations, for the past 9 yrs. Better Example

• As Diversity manager I trained a staff of 100+ internal and external personnel on diversity rules and regulations. This lead to a 70% reduction in violations and improved the overall atmosphere at ABC Co. Best Example

(3rd Element: Acquired skills - These are skills you want every employer to know you possess and feel they are what defines you as a model employee. Remember you MUST quantify and qualify every  statement you make.)

• Analyze, develop, test and incorporated IT business solutions to enhance business process control and tracking. Good Example

• Supervised, motivated, mentored and lead by example, using experience backed judgment, strong work ethic, and irreproachable integrity, derived from my 12yrs as a Department Manager at ABC Co.  Better Example

• Developed and implemented a supply inventory program, which tracked our use of production and office materials. This provided us detailed reports of our available inventory at all times. Allowing us to make more informed purchasing decisions. Resulting in ABC Co. to save 500,000 per year. Best Example

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY




Name of Employer
Position & Title
GS level or Salary and Years of Service




(This section should be identical to skill summary. Write up a brief description of duties, and identify your major roles and responsibilities. Describe in detail each position you held for at least the last 10 years and quantify and qualify each statement).




TIP: Describe each duty like you are teaching it to someone for the first time. HR Specialists are not allowed to assume you can or can't do anything.




Ex: Cashier: A cashier can perform numerous duties, if you only list cashier they can only interpret that as someone we collected and distributed money).




As Diversity Manager I analyze develop and manage programs and projects related to the successful deployment of our department's initiatives. My duties included ensuring we provided an inclusive work environment, free from discrimination and ensuring we met all federal and state regulations. This was accomplished by collecting, analyzing human capitol data and statistics from various sources to get an accurate analysis of the programs and work environment we provided our employees.

• Performed labor market Statistical analysis and employment projections locally and nationally to determine our recruitment strategy to ensure we were recruiting from a diverse population. Good Example

• Coordinated with our OHR and EEO managers to develop programs to improve our diversity in the workplace. We preformed detailed analysis of the current workforce, and developed a strategy to ensure we targeted a broader workforce. This had an immediate impact on our community relations and a 20% increase in local sales. Better Example

• Diversity manager for the past 7 yrs I was responsible for a staff of 20 employees. I coordinated with our OHR to develop and measure our recruiting efficiency, to determine our cost per employee hired and accurate ROI. We identified various key elements related to recruiting and performed a statistical analysis on how we could reduce our cost per hire. This lead to a yearly savings of 15% on our recruiting expenses. Best Example

ACCOMPLISHMENTS


(This is where you can identify any areas of your career you feel an employer will get a better understanding of who you are and your additional activities, to included honors received by organizations, exceeding specific goals on projects, etc.)

• 2013 Supervised and developed the Specialty Hiring Program NonCompetitive Direct Hiring program at DOJ
  
• 2011 Liaised with union and management on contract negotiations and labor dispute settlements with global manufacturer.  Avoiding the loss of 200+ jobs and saving the company 1.3 million dollars.
  
• 2009 The Minority Entrepreneur Network - Assisted 5 minority startup companies in researching, forecasting, and drafting their business plans and applications for SBL's and Angel investing.
  
• 2007 Restructured vendor contracts for a gross savings resulting in $375K.per quarter.

COMPUTER SOFTWARE




(List all software and applications you are experienced in and at what level. Please indicate an formal training and where you received that training)




ADDITIONAL TRAINING




(List any formal or informal training including accreditations and amount of hours in the specific
field)

• I have attended various seminars on EEO compliance and diversity Good Example
  
• Extensive EEO Compliance Training: Laws & Discrimination, Diversity in the Workplace, Workplace Relationships, EEO Complaints and Resolutions: (80+ hrs of training) Better Example
  
• Extensive Project Management Training specializing in large scale projects and developing the project plans and schedule. All training was done at PMI Institute 2007 thru 2014 (120 hrs) Best Example

EDUCATION




MBA - Business Management, xxxxxxxxx University, city, state: year graduatedand (GPA 3.93)
BA - Business Management, xxxxxxxxx University, city, state: year graduated and (GPA 3.87)
*Graduated Cum laude      *Dean's List: (5 times)




HONORS AND AWARDS




(Any formal awards you would like to share)



VOLUNTEER WORK & COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT




(Depending on the type of work volunteering can count the same as formal on the job experience if related to the position)




(2010 - current) I hold Diversity workshops at the ABC community center in Newport, Rhode Island 6 times each month. I provide employers with information on developing an inclusive and diverse workforce.




PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS




AAPD - American Association of Peoples with Disabilities
HAVA - Honored American Veterans Afield NRA - National Rehabilitation Association PMI - Project Management Institute
Wounded Warriors Project - Warriors to Work

REFERANCES: (List at least 3 reference including their contact information)

These companies are growing and hiring like crazy

This post is in partnership with The Muse. The article below was originally published on The Muse.


Business is a tricky game, and there’s no telling how long it can take to grow any small company. But when companies are able to strike their market when it’s incredibly hot, rapid growth in a short amount of time is inevitable.


These 10 companies have done just that, and the results are going to be incredible. Bonus: If you get in on the ground floor, you can say you helped make it all happen. Check them out, and land your next job at one of them.

1. Handybook

Where: New York
If you live in New York, you’ve likely seen this company’s ads all over the subway. This is just one way that Handybook, an online service that connects its users to top-notch professionals who help get household chores done, is making waves across over 26 cities in the U.S. With more and more professionals wanting to spend time at work and with family, this company is providing a resource that everyone is benefiting from. Get ready to see major growth.

See the Jobs

2. iCracked

Where: Redwood Shores, CA
Admit it: You’re as hooked to your phone as we are, and when something goes wrong, it’s the only thing on your mind until its fixed. iCracked makes repairing iPhones, iPads, and iPods super easy and convenient. With on-demand iTechs, customers around the world can get the help they are desperate for with the click of a button.

See the Jobs

3. Thinkful

Where: New York
Founded in 2012, Thinkful uses mentorship to teach students one of the most useful and necessary tools: coding. With easy to access web and mobile apps, users are provided with one-on-one training and a curated curriculum. The world is moving toward tech, and Thinkful is going to be part of it because of its awesome tools.

See the Jobs

4. Recombine

Where: New York
Recombine’s goal is to improve health outcomes based on actionable and responsible genetic testing. Using genetics as its platform, this company is able to help its patients make the best decisions for their families. Founded by experts in fertility, clinical genetics, bioinformatics, and computer science, Recombine knows exactly what it’s doing when it comes to the intersection of technology and science.

See the Jobs

5. OwnLocal

Where: Austin, TX
Print media is facing unprecedented challenges to its model, and OwnLocal has an ambitious goal: to be the digital ad agency for local media and help bring the whole industry into the digital age. And with more than 400 media companies using the platform, it’s clear the company is on the right track.

See the Jobs

6. Findr Group

Where: New York and Los Angeles
Named one of the fastest growing companies in the U.S. in 2013, there’s no question that Findr Group is going places. This full-service marketing agency helps clients effectively communicate with their audiences; clients including the likes of DISH Network, Prudential, and Caesars Entertainment. Get ready to see the company’s name—and potentially yours—on campaigns all over the world.

See the Jobs

7. TicketLeap

Where: Philadelphia
With events of all kinds taking place every day in every city, TicketLeap is making experiences way easier to enjoy and take part in. With apps for both Andoid and iOS, clients are able to control their ticketing experience with do-it-yourself technology. This company view culture as the world’s biggest asset, and its products reflect that.

See the Jobs

8. Virool

Where: San Francisco
Virool is a powerful video service that allows over 100 million viewers to connect to a global network of content. Plus, with affordable low-price campaigns, users can distribute their own YouTube video content to a series of online publishers. With multimedia leading the way for everything web-related, there’s no doubt that this company is going to seriously take off.

See the Jobs

9. Voxy

Where: New York
In a continually more globalized world and economy, Voxy is helping people learn different languages in an easy, realistic way. Forget about textbooks and weekly classes—this company provides an innovative context-based approach to language acquisition. You know that this company is going to be big whenBusiness Insider names it as one of the “10 Best U.S. Tech Companies to Work For.”

See the Jobs

10. Contently

Keeping up with your skills

Our work world is in full swing, yet there are rumblings of job insecurity everywhere.

Labor statistics are showing increasing volatility and rising unemployment rates. Concerned that this issue will lead to decreased economic growth, leaders of these dynamic economies are starting to focus much more attention on job-creation initiatives. They are feverishly looking at a variety of policy options to prevent a national job crisis. Indeed, our leaders continue to have a difficult role ahead of them.

However, in spite of the fact that pockets of the U.S. economy such as the North East have shown job growth and reduced unemployment, no individual working person should take this news as a signal of job security. That's because in today's world, the only job security you have are your own skills and expertise.

So the question arises, if you are in control of your career, and skills equal job security, what steps can you take to ensure you remain employable? Whether your employer is experiencing challenging times and/or whether a merger or acquisition is facing you, the following tips will provide some guidelines to assist during most volatile times.

Know yourself well -- I've written about this issue many times and may sound like a broken record, but I continue to be amazed at the number of people who really don't know themselves very well. They graduate from school, go to work and blindly follow along, even when they don't like their job. My advice then is to take time to analyze your skills, what motivates you and what environment best suits your personality and communication style. Then, examine your workplace and where you fit. Ask yourself if you will continue to fit.

Plan for continuous improvement -- Understand your industry sector and the jobs being created and upgraded. Learn what additional new skills you need to develop to stay current. Arrange either personally or through work to take courses for continuous improvement.

Learn teamwork skills -- People frequently experience weak skills in the area of teamwork. Teamwork means working for the collective good and this requires different roles. Understand which team role you are best suited for and improve your skills in this area. Do you like to initiate projects, plan them and then delegate the work to others? Or are you best suited to working on the implementation stage?

 

Seek out a professional certification -- Our workplace is becoming professionalized; by that, I mean official credentials and certifications are becoming the norm. Seek out the industry sector groups related to your job and research the various certifications and professional designations that can set you apart. Join these organizations and get that designation.

Develop a reputation -- Every worker, whether you like it or not, develops a reputation. Be sure yours is one that's recognized for taking responsibility, engaging in hard work, being flexible, sharing and helping one another, teamwork and quality work.

Become a known entity -- Many workers do not make much of an effort to become known within their organization; instead, they stick closely to their own work or their own department. Get out of your corner and get known. Volunteer to organize events. Volunteer for projects. Network with other people from your organization.

Be a good problem solver -- Individuals who can think through problems independently in light of the whole organization rather than from a narrow perspective provide good value as an employee. Think like a leader, act like a leader and new opportunities will come your way.

Be a good listener -- People who are good listeners attract people to them, especially if they instill confidence and help others solve problems. Listen to others, but don't get caught up in their negativity. Steer them toward positive solutions.

Live with a positive attitude -- People with a positive attitude typically have longer career paths than those that do not. Positive people see opportunities within challenging situations. They can make things happen because they take responsibility.

Wrestle down conflict -- Workplace conflicts, be it interpersonal challenges or working with a difficult boss, are all issues workers confront. Deal with conflict before it escalates and avoid making workplace enemies. Career longevity depends on your ability to effectively deal with conflict. Finally, don't hold a grudge.

Achieve top player status -- While organizational concerns may sometimes consume your thoughts, be sure you stay focused on doing quality work every hour of the day. Be on time and on budget. Bosses want to count on someone who is sincere, hard working and dedicated. Longevity comes for employees who can be counted on to get things done. However, be sure your job and your projects are focused on core business initiatives.

Develop a big picture view -- Employees who can see the big picture offer good value to their workplace. Watch your industry trends and identify the strengths and vulnerabilities of your organization. Know how your work contributes to the whole and determine how you can continue to fit into the organization.

Be creative and speak up -- Take your concrete and creative suggestions for making work-related improvements and speak up. Believe me, organizations value individuals who make suggestions and recommendations, especially those that save time and money and improve quality. Go for it!

Flexibility is key -- Employees who are more flexible and can more easily adapt to changes in projects and people are highly valuable to an organization. Take on more responsibility when needed, try new tasks. Do more than you were asked as flexibility, quality work and personal initiative gain trust and respect.

Keep the resume up to date -- Most people take themselves for granted and fail to give themselves credit for their skills. Not only that, they also neglect documenting the many great accomplishments experienced in the workplace. Get that resume up to date and keep it current. You may never have to use it but when the time comes, you are ready and don't have to struggle to recall the details of your many achievements.

Our work environment is constantly changing and this makes life somewhat uncertain. However, instead of living in a state of fear about losing your job, take positive steps to increase your value, build and refresh your skills. Keep in mind, that the only job security is you.

Can Positive Thinking Get you Hired?

Believe it or not, consistent positive thinking will help you develop inner peace, success, improved relationships, better health, happiness, personal satisfaction, and yes, get you hired. Applying for job after job creates a drain in your well being. Positive thinking will help you deal with daily challenges of life more smoothly, and will lead the future to be brighter and more promising. Positive thinking CAN be your key to success! Positive thinking is contagious. People around you do detect your mental moods and are affected accordingly.

Think about happiness, good health and success, and people will more likely appreciate you and want to be around you, because they enjoy the atmosphere that a positive attitude produces.

In order for positive thinking to produce results, you need to develop a positive attitude toward life, expect a successful outcome of whatever you do, and take action to do what is necessary to ensure your success.

Effective positive thinking that brings results is much more than just repeating a few positive words, or telling yourself that everything is going to be all right. It has to be your primary mental attitude. It is not enough to think positively for a few moments, and then letting fears and lack of belief enter your mind. Some effort and inner work are necessary.

Are you really willing to change the way you think; to make a real inner change? Are you willing to develop a mental power that can positively affect you, your environment and the people around you? Here are a few actions and tips to help you develop the power of positive thinking:

· First, STOP with the negative attitude and speaking negative words about everything you talk about!

· Use positive words while thinking and while talking. Use words like, "I can," "I am able," "It is possible," "It can be done," etc.

· Actively focus on thoughts of success, strength and happiness.

· Try to disregard and ignore negative thoughts. Refuse to think such thoughts, and substitute them with constructive good ideas.

· In your conversation use words that suggest feelings and mental images of strength, happiness and success.

· Before starting with any plan or action, visualize clearly in your mind its successful outcome.

· Read at least one page of inspiring book every day.

· Surround yourself with people who think positively.

· Watch movies that make you happy.

· Always sit and walk with your back straight. This will strengthen your confidence and inner strength.

· Walk, swim or engage in some other physical activity. This helps to develop a more positive attitude.

· Minimize the time you listen to the news and read the newspapers.

. Keep sending out resumes!

Think positive and expect favorable results and situations, even if your current situation is not what you wish. In time, your mental attitude will help you to position your life and circumstances and change them accordingly.

Focus on the Now

There is a saying that goes - "The past is already gone. The future is not yet born. Therefore, only the present is in our hand".

The present is our wealth. If we become aware of it, there is a choice for us to enrich it, enhance it, invest it and increase it manifold. Living in the present ensures exploring the possibility of advantages, looking at the brighter side of situations and future advantages. In practical life, some situations are to be left alone so that time can heal such situations. One must focus on what is happening at the moment. Appreciate what is right about the situation and build on it. Pay attention to what is important right now. Somewhere it becomes necessary to forgive and forget. Compassion is a powerful tool to release us from the clutches of botherations of the past and some situations in the present too.

Whenever we become unhappy in the present or are unsuccessful, it is time to learn from the past. When we understand that something is interfering with our enjoying the present, it is time to look at the past and learn from it. When we learn from past, we can improve the present better than the past. Past is past. By conducting a postmortem of the past, we cannot make better the past. But the lessons we learn out of the past events can be applied in the present by doing things differently to enjoy the present. By fully living in the present, we are able to appreciate the world around and we become more effective and make progress.

I hate my boss, what can I do?

If I had a penny for every time I have heard this, I would be writing this blog from my permanent residence in Costa Rica. Yes, some bosses are definitely extremely difficult to deal with but being angry about it is not going to help you or your career.  You may ask yourself, why play games and change the negative into a positive? Why do I have to pretend that I don't hate my boss?

Well... you don't have to pretend anything but you need to realize that a little change on your part, could go a long way with your relationship to your boss. If you feel like killing someone, will you be honest and kill him? I don't suppose so. When you are upset, be honest and say yes, I am upset. Then, will staying upset help you? I don't think it will, and for this reason I would encourage you to change. You'd be surprised how a small change in your attitude towards your boss can change your perception of him/her and make your job a lot easier.

I recently read this story and I think it is appropriate for this blog.

A lady approached a Taoist monk and told him, 'My mother-in-law is creating hell in my life, can you give me some medicine to be given to her that would make her die?'

The monk gave her some medicine and asked her to mix it in tea before giving it to her mother-in-law. The only condition, he said, 'Be very kind and loving to her, only then would the medicine work. Also when she dies no one will suspect you. She will die after two months.'

After one month she returned to the monk and pleaded, 'I do not want my mother-in-law to die, she has changed. She is very kind to me nowadays.' The monk said, 'More than the medicine, it is your love that worked.'

Enough said!

Thinking Outside the Box

An important exercise we can do is to think without the use of memory. Our thinking is clouded by memory. That is why we really never think but just remember. Most of our thinking is just fixed opinions and attitudes. For example, something we have read somewhere, an article that appealed to us, or some form of advertisement.

Deep down within us is the wish that everything should be explained to us so that we do not have to think for ourselves; only recall instructions, freeing us from the effort to find our own solutions. Whenever I give a presentation at work, I have always felt an urge to refer to  my notes. At times I put this aside, try and cut off my memory, and allow the words to flow spontaneously. In these short periods I have always felt uplifted, new meanings seem to descend from a higher level and the whole audience is transported to a different level of understanding. Memory is like old food from the refrigerator, whereas spontaneity is eating freshly picked fruit.

Can we learn to think in a new way where impulses open new pathways and passages in the brain? Our thinking center is full of borrowed opinions and ideas. We have nothing that we have thought for ourselves. We follow slogans, prejudices, catch phrases, even the last thing we read.

A technique we can use is to take one idea and open up as many shades of meaning possible. Say, I have a flat tire and am late for a meeting. Take this as opportunity to learn something from it. I could say this is a lesson in patience, or irritation. The meeting was important so I am teaching my nerves to hold tension in a relaxed manner. Experts call this the power to hold. This simple exercise would open up new roads in our brains, blood would start flowing through unused pathways, and our thinking and understanding would be lifted to a totally new dimension.

In our thinking we follow our inner hatreds, jealousies and obstinacies, along with our education and upbringing. If we worked to think in a new way, the world would be a different place.

Scientists say positive thinking does work

CYNICS may dismiss it as the kind of notion that appears in upbeat US self-help manuals.
But thinking positively about something really can make it happen, psychologists say. The effects are far more powerful than we realize - and can change our behavior and even how things turn out.

Just anticipating a specific outcome can gear our thoughts and actions towards turning it into reality, research in the journal Psychological Science suggests. For example, if someone shy expects a glass of wine will help them loosen up at a party, they will probably approach more people and get involved in more conversations over the course of the evening.

Although they may give credit to the wine, their expectations of how the wine would make them feel plays a major role, the experts say.

New Zealand psychologists Maryanne Garry and Robert Michael pooled their research into the effects of psychological suggestion with Irving Kirsch of Harvard. Many studies show it can influence how people perform in tasks, which products they prefer and even how they respond to medicines.

The authors said: 'Once we anticipate a specific outcome will occur, our subsequent thoughts and behaviors will actually help to bring that outcome to fruition.' Dr Garry added: 'If we can harness the power of suggestion, we can improve people's lives.'

How to Prepare for an Informational Interview

Informational Interview

The informational interview is a low-key, informational experience that may be a valuable tool when making decisions about your career. You accomplish several things when you go out on informational interviews:

• Obtain information about your career field and the skills needed to do that job effectively;
• Increase your visibility and make personal contact with agency personnel;
• Gain insight into the hidden job market;
• Become aware of the needs of the employers and the realities of employment; and
• Gain invaluable interviewing experience.

In short it prepares you for what’s in store and allows you the opportunity to network with others in your field of interest.

In order to acquaint yourself with the interviewing process, talk with family, friends or anyone with whom you feel comfortable. Consider practicing to minimize the anxiety you may feel about interviewing.

Guidelines for Informational Interviews

Identify an occupation

Identify an occupation you would like to investigate. Find out as much information as you can about it before setting up an interview. This can be done through telephone, library, the Chamber of Commerce, the Dreamfedjob.com careers page at  http://www.dreamfedjob.com/Careers_in_the_federal_government.html, or by word of mouth. Be sure the information you acquire is accurate.

Set up an informational interview prior to a job opening

It is usually a good idea to set up an informational interview with a resource person before there is an actual job opening in your area of interest. Managers and supervisors may feel uneasy or uncomfortable talking with a potential candidate when the agency is actively filling a position from an established candidate list.

Never ask for a job

The typical job searcher is going around asking for a job. In an informational interview, you should be asking questions to find out more about the job, the agency and how you may better prepare for openings. This will help set you apart from the many others who are asking for jobs and being turned down. Approach the unit or section of an agency with the attitude that you are seeking career advice.

Prepare your questions ahead of time

Ask questions that are appropriate and will provide you with important information. Convey your motivation and interest to the employer by acknowledging that the information they are giving you is important and that you put some thought into your questions.

Prepare answers to questions the manager or professional/technical person might ask of you during the interview.

To help you get your foot in the door, it will be helpful for you to have brainstormed some short, concise and informative answers to the following questions:

· Why are you interested in this type of work?

· Why do you feel you would be good at it?

· What interests you about this agency, department, division, unit or section?

· How would you quickly sum up your work history to make it fit with this agency?

· What do you truly want from this contact, and how will you use the information?

· In what stage are you with your career search?

Scheduling the informational interview

Contact the resource person, preferably by telephone, e-mail or letter. Try to schedule your interviews with managers and supervisors who have the authority to hire. Identify yourself and explain that you are researching careers in the contact’s field, and that you obtained their name from ____________________.

Persons who grant informational interviews are willing to share 20-30 minutes of their time to explain their field or experience. Be flexible in your scheduling, as these volunteer interviewees may have other commitments. If this should occur, ask a convenient time when you could call back to discuss scheduling an interview.

Although there are many techniques to setting up informational interviews, the following is a good approach.

1. Hello, my name is ___________. I am conducting a career search in your occupational field. I would like to meet with you for 20-30 minutes, so that I can find out more about your field of expertise.
2. Use your own creativity, but the most important thing is to emphasize that you are simply trying to get first-hand information, and would appreciate whatever time they could share with you.

If you prefer to arrange an appointment in person and cannot get past the front desk, treat receptionists as resources. They hold the key to getting inside the unit or section of that agency if you do not already have an inside contact or referral. Ask them some of your questions. You will usually get good information. Receptionists and other support staff often know a great deal about their agency or firm. They know how it works, the names of key people, job requirements, etc. It is important that they understand what you want. If you ask them something that they feel could be more fully answered by someone else, they will usually give you a referral.

Dress appropriately

Because a large percentage of openings are never advertised, you may uncover job opportunities that never make it to the newspaper or employment office. Be prepared to make a good impression and to be remembered favorably by the employer. Looking for a job means that you should always look your best in appearance and otherwise.

Come prepared to take notes

Pretend you are a reporter. You don’t need to write everything down, but there may be names, phone numbers or other information that you do want to remember.

Be enthusiastic and show interest. Use an informal dialogue during the interview. Be direct and concise with your questions and answers. Do not ramble. Have good eye contact and posture. Be positive with your remarks, and reflect a good sense of humor.

Bring your resume

Bring a copy of your resume. Try to find out about specific characteristics or qualifications that employers seek when hiring. You may ask the person you are interviewing to critique your resume. Ask if you may follow-up in two or three weeks.

Before the interview

The day before the interview, call to confirm your appointment with the contact person. If you have questions regarding the office location and direction, this is the time to ask. Plan to arrive 10 minutes early for your interview. Carry a small notebook and pen.

The interview

You have arrived and been greeted by the individual at the front desk. When the contact comes out to meet you, introduce yourself. Thank your contact for his or her willingness to meet with you and re-emphasize that you are there to learn and gather information about his or her career field. Use an informal dialogue during the interview.

The following are typical informational interview questions (please see last page, as well):

1. What is your job like?

· How would you describe a typical day?

· What do you do?

· What kinds of problems do you deal with?

· What kinds of decisions do you make?

2. What jobs and experience have led to your present employment?
3. What are the greatest personal satisfactions and disappointments connected with your occupation?
4. What professional obligations go along with your occupation?

· Are there organizations you are expected to join?

· Are there expectations outside work hours?

5. What things did you do before entering this occupation?

· Which have been most helpful?

· What other jobs can you get with the same background?

6. What sorts of changes are occurring in your occupation/industry?
7. How does a person progress in your field?

· What is the best way to enter this occupation?

· What are the advancement opportunities?

· What are the key qualifications for success in this particular occupation?

8. Can you tell me about others you know who do similar kinds of work or who use similar skills?
9. What can you tell me about the employment outlook in your occupational field?

People are often happy to discuss their positions and willing to provide you with a wealth of information. Try to keep the conversation friendly, but brief and focused on the contract person’s job.

Share some information about yourself

Do not dominate the interview by talking about yourself. You are there to get information that will help you learn about the agency and the position, so you can be adequately prepared to compete for the job. Be aware, however, that many informational interviews have turned into actual employment interviews. If it seems that you are being interviewed for a specific job, ask so you can make sure you emphasize your talents and skills, and why you feel they relate to the job.

Be a good listener

Listening is an important component of effective communication. In addition to being able to ask questions and convey a message to employers, you need to develop the skill of really listening to what they tell you. Be receptive and paraphrase or restate information to show that you understand the key points.

Ask if you may stay in contact

You have spent 20-30 minutes with this person, asking questions, getting advice and sharing a little about yourself. Thus begins your contact network. They have taken time to share with you; in other words, they have invested time in you. Most people like their investment to pay off. The person you have just talked with wants you to find a job. Most people will feel good about your staying in contact with them. You do not have to call or write them every week. Just keep them posted on your research. They may not have a job for you, but they may know of other agencies or people to whom you may be referred. Ask for your contact’s business card and exchange one of your own, if you have one. Ask if you may leave a resume.

Always send a thank you note

Be sure to send a thank you note or letter within three days of the interview. This is an effective way to keep in touch, as well as to be remembered by people. Let them know they were helpful and thank them for their time. As a nice touch, quote something that the resource person said to you, word for word. Ask them to keep you in mind if they come across any other information that may be helpful to you in your career search. Include your address and phone number under your signature.

Make a Reference List

Keep a list of all the people you have interviewed or plan to interview for future reference. Keep a special notebook or cards with interview notes on your questions covered. Include the main things that you gained from each interview. This file will be a rich source of information as you conduct your occupational exploration.

Always get referrals

People who are in the same kinds of business usually know their competition. As if they could give you the names of others to talk to and if you may say that they referred you. Referrals open doors!

Capturing that dream

You have just taken the first important step in developing your career search strategy. You have shared information about yourself and gained a wealth of information from an individual who is employed in a career in which you are interested. You have built trust with someone in the field and taken responsibility for getting yourself a position that you will enjoy. You have also begun developing a network of potential employers. Although you are not asking for a job, there individuals are now aware of your interests.

Remember no to become discouraged. Establishing this network is vital if you are serious about making a new career change and finding the “good jobs.”

When the day of your “real” job interview arrives, the interviewing panel could contain someone with who conducted an informational interview. Chances are that you will stand out in his or her mind when the selection is made. You have developed the necessary confidence and expertise to make your dream job a reality.

Research questions to explore a job:

· What is your job like?

· What do you like best about your job?

· What kinds of problems do you deal with?

· What kinds of decisions do you make?

· What skills, abilities, aptitudes and/or temperaments are needed?

· How do people get most of their training?

· Does the work serve values which are important to you?

· What are the greatest personal satisfactions and disappointments connected with this occupation?

· What is the outlook for this type of work?

· How do you see your job changing over the next several years?

· Do you have any tips on how to get such a job?

Research questions to learn about a person:

· What jobs and educational experiences have led to your present job?

· Why did you choose the type of work you are doing?

· What has been your favorite job?

· What has given you your biggest sense of accomplishment?

· Do you have any tips for building a successful career?

· What type(s) of job(s) have you thought about doing next?

Research questions to learn about an agency:

· What are your major products or services?

· What type of jobs do you have here?

· What type of people are you looking for?

· What entry-level jobs exist?

· Do you provide training?

· What are the advancement opportunities?

· What is the approximate salary range?

· What is the benefit package?

· What is the long-and short-range outlook for the organization?

· What are the most important immediate and future concerns for the organization?

· What are the agency’s goals and objectives over the next six months? The next year? Two years?

· If you were hiring someone today, for what position would you hire?

· What is the hire procedure?

· Do you have any literature on the agency?

· How did most people here get their jobs?

· What kind of person do you have to be to fit in with the agency?

Now is the Time to Start Applying for Federal Jobs

Hiring into federal jobs has slowed to the lowest level in nine years, new government data shows, with just 76,735 new employees entering the federal workforce in fiscal 2013, a drop of more than 14.5 percent compared to the previous year.

The governmentwide budget cuts known as sequestration, along with growing fiscal pressures on executive-branch agencies, are responsible for the gradually shrinking workforce, and agencies are rethinking how they operate to minimize cuts to public services.

“Many agencies looked at furloughing employees last year,” said Tim McManus, vice president for education and outreach at the nonprofit Partnership for Public Service, which compiled employment data from the Office of Personnel Management for a second consecutive year. “It’s hard to hire new people in that situation.”

McManus is hosting a Twitter chat about the topic at 2 p.m. on Thursday.

The hiring decline comes as a wave of baby-boomers and others leave the government, many after long careers and with deep expertise in their fields. McManus said most of the newcomers are replacing departing employees, rather than filling newly created jobs. Roughly 110,000 people left federal jobs in fiscal 2013, leaving about 33,000 more employees who left than were replaced.

Fully one-third of the new hires are filling jobs at the Department of Veterans Affairs, which is hiring doctors, nurses, mental health experts, data-entry workers and others to support a surge in returning veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan, even though the agency is caught up in a scandal over long wait times for veterans seeking medical care.

Another 36.2 percent of new hires are filling jobs at Department of Defense agencies, which continue to fill vacancies, particularly in the area of cybersecurity.

Veterans, who jump the line in the hiring process under an Obama administration initiative, made up 45 percent of new employees last year, a larger percentage than they make up in the total federal workforce (31.7 percent).

Also, about two-thirds of new hires are coming in at entry levels, between GS-1 and GS-9. This may explain why about a quarter of the newcomers are under 30, roughly mirroring the percent of young workers’ in the broader American workforce.
Almost 77,000 new hires is a lot of new employees, but it’s still relatively small in a workforce of 2 million people, especially compared to the high-water mark of recent years: 143,168 new hires in 2009. Almost 90,000 people were hired to full-time, non-seasonal executive branch jobs in fiscal 2012.

The downward trend in recent years is bad news for job seekers hoping to land work with the federal government, but it’s good news for fiscal conservatives who believe government needs to shrink and become more efficient.

Career Exploration Series: How to Become a Psychologist

Although psychologists typically need a doctoral degree or specialist degree in psychology, a master’s degree is sufficient for some positions. Practicing psychologists also need a license or certification.

Education
Most clinical, counseling, and research psychologists need a doctoral degree. Psychologists can complete a Ph.D. in psychology or a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) degree. A Ph.D. in psychology is a research degree that culminates in a comprehensive exam and a dissertation based on original research. In clinical, counseling, school, or health service settings, students usually complete a 1-year internship as part of the doctoral program. The Psy.D. is a clinical degree and is often based on practical work and examinations rather than a dissertation.

School psychologists need an advanced degree and certification or licensure to work. The advanced degree is most commonly the specialist degree (Ed.S. degree, which requires a minimum of 60 graduate semester hours and a 1,200-hour supervised internship), a doctoral degree in school psychology, or in some instances, a master’s degree. School psychologists’ training includes coursework in both education and psychology, because their work addresses education and mental health components of students’ development.

Graduates with a master’s degree in psychology can work as industrial-organizational psychologists. When working under the supervision of a doctoral psychologist, master’s graduates can also work as psychological assistants in clinical, counseling, or research settings. Master’s degree programs typically include courses in industrial-organizational psychology, statistics, and research design.

Most master’s degree programs do not require an undergraduate major in psychology, but do require coursework in introductory psychology, experimental psychology, and statistics. Some doctoral degree programs require applicants to have a master’s degree in psychology; others will accept applicants with a bachelor’s degree and a major in psychology.

Most graduates with a bachelor’s degree in psychology find work in other fields such as business administration, sales, or education.

Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
In most states, practicing psychology or using the title of “psychologist” requires licensure or certification. In all states and the District of Columbia, psychologists who practice independently must be licensed. Licensing laws vary by state and type of position. Most clinical and counseling psychologists need a doctorate in psychology, an internship, at least 1 to 2 years of professional experience, and to pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology. Information on specific requirements by state can be obtained from the Association of State and Provincial Licensing Boards. In many states, licensed psychologists must complete continuing education courses to keep their licenses.

The American Board of Professional Psychology awards specialty certification in 13 areas of psychology, such as clinical health, couple and family, psychoanalysis, or rehabilitation. Although board certification is not required for most psychologists, it can demonstrate professional expertise in a specialty area; however, some hospitals and clinics do require certification. In those cases, candidates must have a doctoral degree in psychology, state license or certification, and any additional criteria of the specialty field.

Training
To become licensed, psychologists must have completed one or more of the following:

• pre-doctoral or post-doctoral supervised experience
• internship
• residency program

Important Qualities

 

Analytical skills. Psychologists must be able to examine the information they collect and draw logical conclusions from them.

 

Communication skills. Psychologists must have strong communication skills because they spend much of their time listening to and speaking with patients.

Observational skills. Psychologists study attitude and behavior. They must be able to watch people and understand the possible meanings of people’s facial expressions, body positions, actions, and interactions.

Patience. Psychologists must be able to demonstrate patience, because research or treatment of patients may take a long time. They must also be patient when dealing with people who have mental or behavioral disorders.

People skills. Psychologists study people and help people. They must be able to work well with clients, patients, and other medical professionals.

Problem-solving skills. Psychologists need problem-solving skills to find treatments or solutions for mental and behavioral problems.

Trustworthiness. Psychologists must keep patients’ problems in confidence, and patients must be able to trust psychologists’ expertise in treating sensitive problems.

To learn more about what psychologists do click here!

Career Exploration Series: How to Become a Historian

Although most historian positions require a master’s degree, some research positions require a doctoral degree. Candidates with a bachelor’s degree may qualify for some entry-level positions, but most will not be traditional historian jobs.

Education
Historians need a master’s degree or Ph.D. for most positions. Many historians have a master’s degree in history or public history. Others complete degrees in related fields, such as museum studies, historical preservation, or archival management. Many programs require an internship or other onsite work experience as a part of the degree program.

Research positions, including many jobs within the federal government, typically require a Ph.D. Students in history Ph.D. programs usually concentrate in a specific area of history. Possible specializations include a particular country or region, period, or field, such as social, political, or cultural history.

Candidates with a bachelor’s degree in history may qualify for entry-level positions at museums, historical associations, or other small organizations. However, most bachelor’s degree holders usually work outside of traditional historian jobs—for example, jobs in education, communications, law, business, publishing, or journalism.

Many people with an educational background in history become high school teachers or postsecondary teachers.

Other Experience
Many historians benefit from previous history work, internships, or field experience when they look for positions outside of colleges and universities. Most master’s programs in public history and similar fields require an internship as part of the curriculum. Internships offer an opportunity for students to learn practical skills, such as handling and preserving artifacts and creating exhibits. They also give students an opportunity to apply their academic knowledge in a hands-on setting.

Those without internship experience can benefit from volunteering or working in an entry-level position to gain similar practical experience. Positions are often available at local museums, historical societies, government agencies, or nonprofit and other organizations.

Important Qualities

Analytical skills. Historians must be able to examine the information and data in historical sources and draw logical conclusions from them, whether the sources are written documents, visual images, or material artifacts.

Communication skills. Communication skills are important for historians because many give presentations on their historical specialty to the public. Historians also need communication skills when they interview people to collect oral histories, consult with clients, or collaborate with colleagues in the workplace.

Problem-solving skills. Historians try to answer questions about the past. They may investigate something unknown about a past idea, event, or person; decipher historical information; or identify how the past has affected the present.

Research skills. Historians must be able to examine and process information from a large number of historical documents, texts, and other sources.

Writing skills. Writing skills are essential for historians as they often present their findings in reports, articles, and books.

Have a nice weekend!