The 2009 Year In Review

Resume Solutions, LLC was more active than I could have imagined looking back at 2009. However, I do not feel like we scratched the surface considering the number of people who are unemployed. 

We gave presentations mostly in churches and libraries over the past year. However, we did have an opportunity to provide resume critiques at a Job Fair in May. The typical size of our audiences generally ranged from 5 people to 20 people. Females were this year's dominant gender in attendance. Although as the year progressed men came out more often.

Conducting research was a consistent activity throughout the year. We started The Informed a group on BrightFuse that has a purpose of empowering its members with information that will help them with their professional development. 

In an effort to promote the business we have done workshops, posted fliers, and become active in social media with information on Facebook and Twitter.

Our biggest accomplishment was designing a series of workshop modules on a variety of career topics. We presented workshops such as "Creating A Resume that Properly Represents You", "Developing Strategies to Improve Your Interview Skills", and "Conducting An Effective Job Search".

The year 2009 was a success for Resume Solutions, LLC and we look forward to helping more people in 2010 with their professional development!

Growth

I was reviewing a colleagues profile on BrightFuse an online talent community and that person said they were working on growth. That started me to thinking. What type of growth? Do you know what type of growth you are looking for? How do we measure growth?

That person could be talking about spiritual growth. Spiritual growth is the process of developing a closer relationship to God by praying and studying God's word found in the bible. My colleague could also be speaking of professional growth. Professional growth would be defined as any activity that an individual takes that will foster their professional development. Such activities could include furthering your education, taking company sponsored courses, or simply taking your job more seriously.

How do you know what type of growth you need? The answer to that question is left up to debate. We are all at different points in our lives.  To get a better handle on that subject we must be honest with ourselves and decide that change is needed. Once we determine that change is needed, the area in our life that we prioritize for change speaks to the type of growth we are seeking.

Lastly, how do we measure growth? I measure growth in one word progress. You may not be at your ultimate destination but when you start seeing positive change you have Growth. You have growth that you can measure when you start replaying events in your life and see a change in how they were handled compared to how similar events were handled in the past.

Growth should be a life-long goal that we pursue!

Working In Retail At A Glance

Historical high rates in unemployment speak to the fact that many Americans are seeking employment.  If you are searching for a job you should ask yourself which industry would best meet your needs.  In this article we will look at jobs in the Retail industry.

Retail has long been the employer of many. They have been the employers of teens, college students, retirees, and spouses who have tried to supplement their household incomes. One of the reasons for the popularity of retail is due to the flexible work shifts it provides.  If you are considering working in retail be prepared to work a variety of shifts which may include weekends, evenings, and holidays.  You should also be prepared to stand for long periods of time because Retail positions aren't usually sit down positions.  If your lifestyle doesn't fit such demands you may want to think twice before you accept a job in Retail.

Retail jobs are great places to work for people who like to work as a part of a team. They provide opportunities for employees with leadership skills to become managers.  Retail jobs are also good for people who have a desire to work with the public. You will need to be able to manage a wide range of personalities. Most of all if you need to be right Retail may not be for you because the customer is always right.

Wages in Retail are usually slightly above minimum wage. Many jobs in Retail give employees the opportunity to earn commission on top of their wage. However, the largest wages and salaries are usually reserved for Store Managers and District Managers. 

Do your homework before you accept a position in Retail to determine if it will be the right for you!

Start Planning Today for 2010!

It is often said that failing to plan is planning to fail.  I say that today is the most important day in your life.  It is a day that you can regain control in your life by planning for 2010.  To create your master plan write down all the things that you would like to accomplish in the coming year. After you do that take some time to think about a realistic timetable in which you can accomplish your goals. Then write down the months of the year on a piece paper like the following:

January   February   March    April

May    June    July    August

September     October     November      December

Underneath each month list an activity or goal that you have for that month. Finally make sure you keep this plan visible or somewhere you will see it on a daily basis. Approaching a new year and a new decade with a plan for each month that is visible to you daily will help you become more successful! 

Career Workshops Tips

1. Attend the workshop.  (Low attendance can cause workshop offerings to be eliminated.)

2. Arrive on time. (Be on time so that you don't distract anyone by arriving late.)

3. Ask questions. (Your question may be the question someone else needs to ask.)

4. Remain open to constructive criticism. (You can't learn anything if you already know everything.)

5. Provide your feedback. (Complete surveys so that the presenter knows how they are doing)

Christmas Wish List for the Job Seeker

We are only 15 days away from Christmas and you maybe preparing your wish list to give to family and friends. Many Americans probably won't spend like they have in past years. The primary reason many people won't be spending as they have in the past is due to job loss or the threat of a job loss.  With that thought in mind I have decided to create a Christmas Wish List for the Job Seeker.

1. Effective Job Search Techniques and more interviews.

2. People to network with within their industry.

3. Positive encouragement that things will improve.

4. Training or education that will make them more Job Ready.

5. A resume that stands out for the right reasons.

As we prepare to celebrate Christmas remember the Job Seekers in your life. Find out if there is something you can do to help them in their search!