Saturday, 25 May 2013

Things To Take Care Of During CNA Training

A job in nursing has and constantly can be a worthwhile career. There's always a requirement for further nurses and even physicians to tend to individuals and work at different hospitals around the country as well as around the world. Folks are regularly registering for courses and academies in this field. One of the best things that they can become is often a CNA or a licensed nursing assistant.

Certified nursing assistant training enables for each candidate to hunt the simplest of opportunities in hospitals, nursing homes or many institutions. These might be in almost all healthcare organizations and medical clinics. You might as well refer to them as health care technicians, nurse's aides, home care workers or orderlies. They work in hospitals, nursing homes, foster homes, health care services and personal home settings.

These training programs tend to be simple to discover. Most community instructive clinics offer programs which are offered on evenings and weekends, making them convenient for active adults to take. A variety of classes are even taught on the internet, making their particular needs even less complicated to fit into a busy timetable. Once you have accomplished the training, you can begin work quickly.

Working as a licensed assistant is a wonderful way by which to experience the medical field, and a few employers might even offer added tuition reimbursement for those wanting to earn their LPN or RN certifications. This is an amazing advantage for a job.

All CNA programs need to contain a minimum of seventy five long periods of class work and 16 hours of clinical work, working immediately with patients under an RN's supervision. After finishing these hours, which are usually in good condition into 3 weeks of full time teaching or 6 weeks of part-time training, the scholar takes the examination before becoming certified.

CNA Training is something that many people will go for. Learn how to find the best CNA Courses that will help.


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Tuesday, 14 May 2013

Career Renegade - How to Make a Great Living Doing What You Love by Jonathan Fields

"Career Renegade: How To Make A Great Living Doing What You Love" by Jonathan Fields is more than a "rah rah" do what you love book. It's full of practical advice on building a living around what you love to do, and following your passion rather than a paycheck. Fields himself, once a mega-firm lawyer who was killing himself for the job, left his high paying position to become an entrepreneur and follow his passion. You might not picture a high paid lawyer quitting his job to open a yoga studio, but it worked for Fields, and he insists that following your passions and doing what you love can work for you too. This book is his guide to show you how.

Again, I found this book to be much more than a bunch of motivational "you can do it." Fields shares examples, stories of others who've achieved success following their dreams, and resources to assist you make the transition toward your passions. The first part consists of two chapters that get you thinking about what you really want. Part two explores what kind of renegade you want to be. Fields looks at different career renegade paths and opportunities available to make a living while doing what you enjoy.

In part three, Fields covers topics such as getting social online and building on blogging and social media, areas that he has been extremely successful with. Marketing is a key to building a business, and Fields offers some good advice in this area.

The final part focuses on topics such as cultivating the renegade mind-set, not doing it alone, holding on to your life preserver until you can swim, and being your own guru. This final chapter was motivating, but also grounded in reality. I like the Helen Keller quote near the end, "Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing." Fields then asks, "What are you waiting for?"

Some of the stories and examples Fields uses were people and business I was familiar with, and others I'd never heard of, but all of them fit well with the lessons he was sharing. He also provided numerous websites for additional information. I really did feel the book had a good mix of motivation, practical tips, resources, and examples that engaged and instructed the entire way through. It is also a book to look back to as you plan your own career. If you are not making a great living doing what you love, check out this book and it may just provide the stimulus and advice to help you along that path.

Alain Burrese, J.D. is a performance and personal development expert who teaches how to live, take action, and get things done through the Warrior's Edge. 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. 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.aikiproductions.com/


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Tuesday, 23 April 2013

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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Tuesday, 2 April 2013

Extra Time Well Spent - Life As a Film Extra

If you've ever been to watch a television show being recorded, you'll have seen what goes on behind the glamorous facade - lots of people dressed in black, running around, muttering into the kind of face microphones singers wear these days, while gently but firmly keeping you, the audience, in your place. Now imagine being part of the show, on camera, but without having to learn any lines. That's a partial description of the film or TV extra's job. You might occasionally be given a line to act, but that's unusual. You might be asked to do something on your own - walk across the shot, sit in a railway carriage next to a principal character, or walk out of a shop - but for the most part you will be in a group of people mingling at a party, dining at a restaurant, drinking at a pub, walking purposefully down a hospital corridor, strolling through the park...you get the picture.

Extras - or 'background artists' - provide colour, noise, anything to give the shot more authenticity - whatever the director needs to tell the story. In the United States, in fact, film extras are called 'atmosphere'. Make of this what you will!

Some would say extras don't need to be able to act, but there's nothing more distracting than some guy in the background who looks so awkward that your eyes are glued to him and before you know it you've missed vital dialogue, and then you've lost the plot. It's actually quite difficult to act as though the camera's not on you. Most often, though, you're filmed in groups or crowds and that makes it a lot easier than, say, sitting alone, in shot, at a cafe table, endlessly stirring your coffee and waiting for your fictitious date.

Established extras casting agencies are the best way in, so try and register with several of them. They have a particular time of year when they accept CVs and photos -read their websites and follow their instructions. They're bombarded with applications and they're busy people. It also helps if you have an interesting skill or three, like horse riding, cycling or CPR. Some extras even maintain a wardrobe of uniforms and specialised work clothes. But tell the truth about skills: it's easy to get caught out, and you will not be popular.

Film extra work is never steady - you might be out of work for weeks or months and then get a three-week job on a feature film. The agency isn't interested in how you pay the rent in between; it's not their job. You could be working days or nights. Very often you won't know when you'll be finished, so you can't make plans. Most of the time you'll be on location and you'll usually have to find your own way there, often in the early hours. You will almost always miss breakfast, or be in wardrobe, or hair or makeup when it's being served. Take something with you to get your blood sugar up and running. Just don't eat it on set.

If all this sounds like hard work, which it often is, it's offset by lots of good stuff: dressing up in ll sorts of costumes, watching films being shot, making friends and generally being part of the action. Extras are usually treated (and fed) well, even if sometimes, of necessity, they're herded around. Sometimes you'll be treated less professionally, but if you treat your environment and your co-workers with respect, listen to instructions - and most importantly of all, you don't chatter on set while the cameras are rolling - you should be respected in turn. And as most people know by now, you need to possess a healthy dollop of patience. Filming is a painstakingly slow process. You need to love being there...because you will be there for hours...and hours...and hours.

One small health warning: if your heart's desire is to become an actor, film extra work is not for you. It may look like a way in, but generally it isn't, and it could do you more harm than good. Extra work is for people who want to be in the background, and stay there.

Christopher Spiers founder of Interesting Jobs, the web's premier resource for interesting jobs & fun jobs.


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Wednesday, 13 March 2013

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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Wednesday, 20 February 2013

Career in Finance: What to Look For

After you graduate, the next step is to look for a stable job so that you can have a bright future. However, this is not an easy thing to do since there are several people, like you, are also searching for a job. If you are competent enough, you will surely find one that will best suit your degree and your chosen profession.

A career in finance is one of the most sought after job all over the world, especially those who have a degree related to this kind of field. There are several various firms that you can work for after your graduation. This is the main reason why you need to do a thorough research to discover some of the careers of the industry that catch your attention.

To give you a suggestion, some of the careers that you can have are sales and trading, private equity, investment banking, financial planning, corporate finance, commercial lending and commercial banking. If you do some thorough research in each category, it will be easy for you to extend your abilities that are needed to stand out in this field in the future.

A career in finance can take place if you have a degree in statistics, economics and math. However, since the market is extremely aggressive, you have to make yourself excel by gaining an MBA course afterward. You do not have to obtain one after several years of work because there are some people who are still studying even if they are old.

Aside from this, it is good to read some journals and join some seminars or become a member of a specialized association. You also need to be well informed of the newest developments and upsurge your set of connections because someone you know may find you a particular job you are looking for. On the other hand, for those who do not have any idea at all on what career in finance to practice, you can ask your professor or other people that have knowledge in this matter.

Definitely, they can tell you what sort of job is very much associated to your degree. If you know exactly what you are looking for, then this is the time to search for companies that will give you an appropriate work. If the company that you search does not have any positions available, you can leave your resume so that if there is an opening, they can contact you.

There are several people who are looking for a career in finance since there are many careers available out there. If you want to understand more about this topic, you can visit http://whatisthetrend.net./.


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Saturday, 9 February 2013

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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