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Thursday, December 29, 2011

Positive Thinking Will Help You In The Workplace


Do you know the expression, "You are what you think"?  Did you ever read the book, The Power of Positive Thinking?  Positive thinking and attitude can change and improve our lives so we can be successful and happier.    So, if positive thinking can turn our lives around in a positive way, then, the opposite holds true if we think negatively.  I often wonder why so many of us focus on the negative aspects of ourselves and seem to forget all of our good traits and qualities.  Do you do this?  

I'm no expert on this subject but I can tell you this; it takes just as much energy to think positively as it does to think negatively.  Actually, it probably takes more energy to be negative.  When you're in job search mode, it's important to remain positive.  No one wants to hire someone who seems downbeat.   The same holds true if you're currently employed.  If you're concerned about job security, it certainly doesn't help if you carry around a negative attitude.  When it comes to layoffs, the person who appears unhappy might be the first to be let go.

CAREER TIP:

Do whatever it takes to feel positive about yourself particularly before you have an interview.  Meditate, read affirmation cards, do creative visualization, anything that floats your boat to feel good.  Then go out and knock 'em dead! 

"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist see the opportunity in every difficulty"
~ Winston Churchill


"Good Night, And Good Luck"

Laura Rivchun

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Looking For A Job? - Let The Holidays Work For You


Have you taken a deep sigh of relief that the scurry of holiday gift shopping, cooking, parties, overeating, overspending, obligatory family dinners is almost over?  Hold off, we still have the New Year to ring in.  Time seems like it's moving faster this year and I can't seem to catch my breath.  Are you experiencing the same thing?

It's easy to get caught up in the magic of the holidays and put the important stuff in the "to do" pile.   Does this sound like you?  It's definitely me. If you're looking for a job, it's quite the  challenge getting into "job search mode" in December.  However, the holiday is a great time to reconnect with people you haven't been in touch with.  Invite an old friend, former colleague or client for some holiday cheer and let them know you're looking to make a career transition (whatever that may be).  Don't be afraid to ask for their help.  More than likely, they would ask if they were in your shoes.  People feel good knowing they've made a difference in someone's life.  Isn't that what the holidays are all about?


"Life is a gift, and it offers us the privilege, opportunity, and responsibility to give something back by becoming more."
~ Anthony Robbins


"Good Night, And Good Luck"

Laura Rivchuun

Friday, December 23, 2011

How To Manage Setbacks

No, I didn't fall off the face of the earth, wasn't abducted by aliens, or knocked unconscious by an earthbound meteorite.  The plain truth is I had a setback.  You know, life's disappointing occurrences that take place from time to time to remind us that we're human.  How do you manage setbacks?  What are your inner tapes?  Do you feel like you've done something wrong?  Does a setback make you feel like a failure or foolish?

If you're like me, you feel like a stalled car on the side of the road waiting to be towed.  Why are the other cars moving so fast and effortlessly?  After giving it much thought (in my overly dramatic fashion) and the wisdom of others close to me, I realized a setback is not a stop sign but simply a bump in the road.  So after sulking and having a blast with my own pity party, I decided to get out of my coma and get with the living.

LAURA'S SETBACK THOUGHTS:

  • put the setback/situation in the right perspective - more than likely, it's not doomsday
  • consider a setback as an opportunity to call upon your creativity and resourcefulness
  • you can't always go it alone - have someone who can help soften the bumps
  • setbacks are guidelines pointing you in the right direction
  • how would giving up feel? - will you live with regret never knowing the outcome?
  • you'll learn about your strengths through a setback
  • keep your eye on your goal/intention - all the bumps along the way will have been worth the ride

Managing setbacks has definitely been challenging but letting them overcome me is not an option.  Do you have any thoughts on this?  I'd love to hear from you.

"Anytime you suffer a setback or disappointment, put your head down and plow ahead."
Les Brown

"Good Night, And Good Luck"

Laura Rivchun















Sunday, December 11, 2011

Looking For A Job? - Being Friendly Helps

It's Saturday brunch time and I'm dying for that first cup of coffee of the day.  My boyfriend and I make out a food list and head down to the overpriced supermarket in Scarsdale (I won't mention any names but you know who you are).  Being the nice guy that he is, my boyfriend said he'd pick up the few things that we needed while I went to the Starbucks at the train station.  

The Starbucks was unusually crowded ( everyone must have been going to NYC to do their holiday shopping) so I took a seat at the counter waiting for my boyfriend to come out of the supermarket (the snobby, ridiculously priced one).  The guy behind the counter was friendly (as I am) and stuck up a conversation about jobs, and the rotten economy.  Somehow in conversation, it came up that I had been a recruiter and suddenly from behind, a young woman leapt out of her chair and asked, "excuse me, did I overhear you say you're a recruiter?'  She told me she was looking for work so we exchanged business cards and I told her I might be able to refer her to a staffing firm where I had previously worked.

Being friendly (or nosey) helps, particularly when looking for a job.  You never know when you'll run into the person who might turn out to be your future employer, referral, recruiter (or baritsta).  Oh, and don't forget to  carry your business cards, even if just to get a cup of coffee or get some groceries.


"To hell with circumstances; I create opportunities."
~ Bruce Lee

"Good Night, And Good Luck"

Laura Rivchun

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Resume Tip - Summary vs. Objective

Today I met with a new client to upgrade his resume.  One of the topics we discussed was a summary vs. an objective and what is considered the more useful and accepted.  My client agreed that an objective is obvious to the person reading the resume.  The candidate's objective is to get the job!  I think it's a waste of "resume real estate."  An employer wants to know what you can do for them.  Not what they can do for you.  If you ask me, it sounds a bit one- sided (who's asking anyway).  Companies want to know how your experience and skill set will add to their bottom line.  Period.

A summary is a 3-5 sentence description of what makes you unique and how you've added to your previous employers' bottom line in measurables.  Consider it another way to sell yourself.  A summary should include significant accomplishments and key strengths that are relevant to the position you are applying for.

I will go into more detail about the summary in upcoming posts.  It's the bewitching hour (as usual) and rest is calling me.

"Today's accomplishments were yesterday's impossibilities."
~ Robert H. Schuller

"Good Night, And Good Luck"

Laura Rivchun

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Resume Advice

Have you ever been to a recruiter who told you that your resume needed revamping and gave you some pointers you thought were helpful?  To their suggestion, you go ahead and make the recommended changes.  As a good job searcher, you  register with other staffing firms and other recruiters tell you that your resume needs a facelift as well.  The problem is, they tell you something completely different than recruiter #1.  Now you're really confused and don't know whose advice to take.

Truth be told, there are no right or wrong ways to write a resume, but there are better ways.  If you've been given contradictory resume advice, use your judgement and go with what feels comfortable and makes sense.  Remember, your resume should highlight your accomplishments and grab the attention of the reader within 30 seconds.

Stay tuned for my upcoming posts on resume tips including objective vs. summary, format, length, content, accomplishments.

"Everyone is a genius at least once a year.  The real geniuses simply have their bright idea closer together."
~ Georg Christoph Lichtenberg

"Good Night, And Good Luck"

Laura Rivchun

Monday, December 5, 2011

How You Know When It's Time To Leave Your Job

Have you found yourself running out of excuses when calling in sick because you've used up all the believable ones already?  Do you feel dread on Friday that you have to go back to work on Monday only to sit near a colleague you can't stand and a boss who is unappreciative and demeaning?  Does putting in another day at the office feel worse than having a tooth pulled?  Do you feel depressed, angry or sad a lot of the time?

If you "suffer" from any of these feelings, it might be time to think about dusting off the 'ole resume, buying a new interview suit and hitting the pavement for a new job.  There's nothing worse than being in a job where you are unfulfilled, unchallenged, underpaid, overqualified, undervalued, etc. etc.  Got the point?  I'm not saying you should go out and just quit your job without a safety net, particularly in this shaky economy.  What I am saying is that being in a place that has such negative impact, ultimately takes it's toll on your entire life (not to mention the people around you).

If you can relate to any of this, you might want to see what options are open to you.  Keep your job while you take your time to explore new opportunities.  While it may feel scary to start all over, it's a whole lot scarier being in work hell.

"How can I think outside the box when I work inside a cube?"
~ Quote seen on coffee mugs


"Good Night, And Good Luck"

Laura Rivchun

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Take A Day Off From Work

Today is Saturday, the day to stay in bed as late as you'd like, leisurely sipping your first cup of coffee.  Today you can actually enjoy eating your breakfast sitting like a human being at the dining room table instead of shoving a bagel down your throat while cramming into a commuter train or subway.  Saturday is the day you can lay around in your sweats or PJ's like a lazy slug should you be so inclined.

Saturday is precious to most of us.  Of course if you have household chores to do, you may want to consider getting out of bed while it's still daylight (before the supermarket and TJ Maxx closes).  For me, the beauty of Saturday is giving my "work brain" a rest.  I allow myself to slow down and put my work head on the shelf.

I think all of us need to recharge our batteries because Monday rolls around soon enough.  It takes energy to be at your work best and face a day filled with all kinds of work (or lack of) stress.  Do yourself a favor and give yourself permission to chill so you can face the week refueled.


"For fast-acting relief, try slowing down."
~ Lily Tomlin

"Good Night, And Good Luck"

Laura Rivchun

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Networking Gets You A Job

Tonight I led a mentoring workshop for a women's networking organization on how to write a resume.  It was  great to see how engaged everyone was.  There were lots of questions and everyone participated, sharing their issues and challenges.

When it comes to career issues, we often focus on what we have to change, what went wrong or  the disappointments we've had to face.  But tonight, one of the members shared her  success story.

Anne was  a member of the NAPW (National Association of Professional Women) for over a year but never had gone to a chapter meeting.  She finally attended one late in the Summer (it was a wine tasting event) and that's when the two of us met, over several glasses of wine.  She told me she had just gotten her real estate license and was looking to get a job in the industry.  At the event, she met another member who worked for a reputable real estate firm and referred Anne to her manager.  Three weeks later, Anne was offered a job and starts on Monday!

The moral of the story:  If you network, you really can get a job by putting yourself out there and making yourself visible.  Bravo Anne!

"The way of the world is meeting people through other people."
~ Robert Kerrigan


"Good Night, And Good Luck"

Laura Rivchun