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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Hire Me! Secrets of Job Interviewing, 3rd Edition

I had the pleasure of meeting Patricia Noel Drain at an event she held in Montana a few months ago. I and the others in the group spent two days with Patricia discussing business ideas and strategies for growing our businesses. During the event, I won a copy of her book "Hire Me! Secrets of Job Interviewing" (3rd Edition) in one of the drawings that were held throughout the two days. I was happy to add another autographed book to my collection, and have now worked it into my reading schedule. It is a good little book on job interviewing tips.

It is a short book, and one that you can read in very little time. However, it still contains some gems of wisdom, tips, and practical advice for those looking for a job and going through the interview process. There are other books that delve into this topic in much greater detail, and for some that will be needed. For others, who don't have the time to read a longer text, because maybe they need advice right now before tomorrow's interview, or for those that have a good grasp on interviewing skills, but want a quick motivational read to brush up on some of the key points of interviewing, this book may be just what you are looking for.

The book has what Patricia calls, "The 10 Secrets to Successful Interviewing." The "Secrets" are basic, but the basics are what lead to success. I do believe the topics she covers with these "Secrets" will assist you with interviewing. She provides a good reminder that your resume's job is to get you the interview, how to dress, to watch your body language, make good first and last impressions, fill out company applications, know your interviewing numbers, how to answer interview questions, the purpose of an interview, and to pay attention to second interviews because they are as important as the first. (If not more)

Again, this book is basic and short. I'd suggest reading it and if you need more advice on interviewing, to also read a longer text on the topic, there are many out there. However, if you just want or need a quick primer on job interviewing, this is a good little book. I think one of the most important things Patricia suggests in this book is to practice before your interview. Practice answering questions so when the time comes, you can answer them confidently. You can use the model answers in this book to help form your own. The book ends with an old tale that I've heard before, but its lesson is still very true, the answer is in your hands, so use this book to help you get the job you want.

Alain Burrese, J.D. is a writer, speaker, and mediator who teaches how to live, take action, and get things done through the Warrior's Edge. He is an expert on conflict and mediates and teaches conflict resolution and negotiation. Alain combines his military, martial art, and Asian experiences with his business, law, and conflict resolution education into a powerful way of living with balance, honor, and integrity. He teaches how to use the Warrior's Edge to Take Action and Achieve Remarkable Results, as well as resolve conflict and negotiate. Additionally, he teaches physical conflict skills in his Hapkido and Self-Defense courses, lectures, and seminars. Alain is the author of Hard-Won Wisdom From The School Of Hard Knocks, the DVDs Hapkido Hoshinsul, Streetfighting Essentials, Hapkido Cane, the Lock On Joint Locking series, and numerous articles and reviews. You can read more articles and reviews and see clips of his DVDs as well as much more at http://www.burrese.com/ and http://www.yourwarriorsedge.com/

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Unemployment in Uncertain Times - Secrets to Getting Back in the Workforce

A startling new twist in the unemployment epidemic is sweeping the nation and kicking those who are already down. A recent trend in hiring practices amongst companies with job openings is to blatantly refuse to interview those who are presently unemployed. Never has the saying "it is easier to get a job if you already have a job" been so true.

In light of the unemployment crisis you might wonder how in the world you will ever be able to get a regular job. How can you overcome this horrible Catch-22 and regain your confidence and the lifestyle that you once enjoyed when you were employed? While you might wish to just throw up your hands and announce that you surrender, you are not a quitter. You just want an opportunity to work and get off of unemployment, and there are things that you can do starting today to accomplish that exact goal.

Temp Agencies - While you might not think that you have many marketable skills, visiting a temp agency and throwing your hat in that ring might pay off in the long run. While you might not get work right away, there is a chance that you may find work that you can put down in your employment history as you search for alternate opportunities. If companies aren't hiring those on unemployment then a temp job makes you temporarily employed, right?

Many times, temp positions will be extended or more permanent positions will be offered to temps that really shine. For some employers, hiring a temp is a good way to find valuable employees without having to go through a lengthy hiring process and an unemployed temporary employee is often viewed as being resourceful and great asset to a discerning business owner.

Volunteer Opportunities - In order to overcome the depression and lack of self-worth that often comes with unemployment; you might consider volunteering your time. Volunteer opportunities can sometimes lead to permanent positions or a contact with someone who can offer you a permanent job. What better place to network as you are looking for employment than a workplace where people can see you work and your work ethic.

In addition, the social interaction and the need to be somewhere to do a job will give you a feeling of accomplishment in your day. Sitting around the house, updating your resume and continuing to search for that job that simply isn't there can grind you down and lead to even more depression and frustration. Get out and amongst people and see how it helps your attitude.

And Then There's Nepotism - As much as we all hate it when someone's friend or nephew or second cousin gets a job when you are in desperate need, would you feel differently if you were that second cousin? Use your contacts, friends, family and old co-workers to see if anyone knows of a job that they could help you to get an interview for.

While you may not want a job offered to you just because of who you know, having someone on the inside who can put in a good word for you and get you that opportunity is a very common practice these days. Employers are ready to give more weight to a resume or potential job candidate who has someone to vouch for them. It helps employee morale and some companies even have incentive programs in place for employee referrals. So use those contacts, friends and family to your benefit and be glad that you have them to use.

Keep in mind that although things might seem quite grim right now, this is merely a rough spot in your life that you are going through. If you are persistent and patient and you use your resources you will not be unemployed forever. Keep a positive attitude and know that you are only temporarily unemployed. Soon you will miss the nap times that you had when you were unemployed.

Erica D., President & CEO
Diamond Hospitality Services, Inc.
http://www.diamondhospitalityservices.com/
http://www.diamondhospitalityblog.com/

Providing you with service that shines!

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