Networking: More than personal gain

These days, networking is recognized as a life-management skill, but only a small percentage of professionals and managers are at ease with it.  Many are awkward or obnoxious when attempting to make connections.

This discomfort and clumsiness comes partly from not understanding basic networking mechanics. Others are uncomfortable because they feel that networking means "using" people or being insincere. For a comprehensive view of Networking see the complete article here.

Employed? Manage your career

Best-selling author and motivational speaker Tom Peters strongly suggests that this economy has created a renewed need for individual responsibility. This is news to American workers who are overwhelmed daily by feelings of insecurity, fear and anger, and go to work every day without a sense of trust regarding the stability of their jobs.

While we wish for the best, the worst has been prevalent in the present job market. If you are now presently employed, what is the only alternative you hope doesn't happen?  To keep your job and prepare for the future managing your career is prudent. While this article is several years old, it still presents good points to consider in taking personal responsibility.

For ten tactics to consider in managing your career see the article here.

Stay strong when the search is long

As of Spring 2013 over half of those who are unemployed have been so for over 39 weeks, that’s 9 months, a long time looking and hoping.

Dr. John O’Keefe, of the Center for Peak Performance says stay strong and maintain the right attitude.  “Staying positive in any situation, especially when one is in transition, has several benefits. Your mind tends to work to achieve your most dominant thought, so if you keep your thoughts positive you will move in that direction. However, if you are negative you will move in that direction as well.

For some insights into staying positive in your job search see the complete article here.

Run a free background check

It shouldn't come as a surprise that everyone has skeletons in their closet. The internet is a virtual graveyard of background information. Much of it is readily available through public records or broadcast to the world voluntarily through online social networks.

The first person you should run a background check on is yourself. Double-checking your records will give you a better idea of what potential landlords, employers, or anyone else might see about you if they decide to do a little detective work.

Here are areas to use for a comprehensive background check.

• Search engines
• Social Networks
• Contact information
• Criminal database
• Public records
• Financial history
• Web domains

For more detail on these areas, see the complete article here.

Tell me, doesn’t mean ‘Tell It All’

When an interviewer gives you the stage with ‘Tell me about yourself’, understand that responding is trickier than you think. The following tips can help you provide a memorable and effective description.

1. Start with the end in sight.
2. Take the time to establish rapport.
3. Sketch the big picture.
4. Focus.
5. Showcase your communication skills.
6. Highlight the benefits you'll bring to the employer.
7. Spotlight the positive.
8. Provide details.
9. Disclose personal information cautiously.
10. Finish strong.

For the details on these tips see the full article here.

Searching for blog articles

While viewing the Golden Employment Blog you can search over a years’ worth of prior postings that have been indexed.  On the right side of the blog page is a heading ‘Blog Search Topics’.  Select one of the listed indexing terms and enter it in the search box.  The blog will call up and display the short introductory posting including the link to each of the original Web-based articles.

The articles most appropriate for your needs can be reached in seconds using a search 

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