Sunday, February 6, 2011
"Find a job"- from ex unemployed
Larry Hughes is a poster story for many out there struggling their way to find a job. His innovation that hasn't been tested by the vast majority of professional and managerial job seekers: is blogging.
Hughes is a master book publicist whose talents are legendary in the publishing industry. Until two years ago, he directed publicity at HarperCollins, a major book publisher. But when HarperCollins folded the Collins division in early 2009, Hughes and many other people were cut loose.
Taking action. In a job-emaciated economy, Hughes -- who understands the long game of career management -- analyzed his situation and became a "book flack at large" (his term). A big part of his strategy was the launch of his own blog (bookflack.blogspot.com) to publicize himself into a new position. As he explained in a recent posting:
"Competition for jobs (was) so fierce that I knew I had to do something beyond sending out resumes, searching job sites, pressing for 'informational' interviews, and all the traditional things you do when looking for a job. So being a publicist, I decided to publicize myself."
Success. Hughes also scored mentions in national and industry media. The whole idea was to help keep his talents in front of the publishing industry.
The result: Hughes is starting a great new job as associate director of publicity for the Free Press, a part of book-publishing giant Simon & Schuster.
Evaluation. Were blogging and all his self-promotion responsible for his new job? "Hard to say," Hughes recalls:
"In the end, it came about the way it often does -- through a friend, who alerted me to an opening and connected me to the appropriate party. Still, I have to believe that the publicity I generated played a part, even if it was a subliminal one. No one ever said, 'I saw you on CNN and I'd like to hire you.' But I like to think that if someone in the industry was looking to fill a position, and my name came up, they would at least say: 'Oh, yeah -- I've heard of him.' "
Shortcut. When you want to reach out in new job-finding directions but aren't able or willing to spend the time on your own blog, you can always contribute occasional postings to blogs other maintain.
Even more time-conserving is to find someone who is blogging for a company where you want to work and make comments on that person's blog. As career coach Fred Whelan (whelanstone.com) says: "People who blog really appreciate response and doing so will raise your profile with that person. You may develop an inside contact who will let you know of unadvertised jobs and see to it that the hiring authority receives your resume."
True, inspiring story from ex unemployed who managed to find his way to job! Great example to follow and consider....
Hughes is a master book publicist whose talents are legendary in the publishing industry. Until two years ago, he directed publicity at HarperCollins, a major book publisher. But when HarperCollins folded the Collins division in early 2009, Hughes and many other people were cut loose.
Taking action. In a job-emaciated economy, Hughes -- who understands the long game of career management -- analyzed his situation and became a "book flack at large" (his term). A big part of his strategy was the launch of his own blog (bookflack.blogspot.com) to publicize himself into a new position. As he explained in a recent posting:
"Competition for jobs (was) so fierce that I knew I had to do something beyond sending out resumes, searching job sites, pressing for 'informational' interviews, and all the traditional things you do when looking for a job. So being a publicist, I decided to publicize myself."
Success. Hughes also scored mentions in national and industry media. The whole idea was to help keep his talents in front of the publishing industry.
The result: Hughes is starting a great new job as associate director of publicity for the Free Press, a part of book-publishing giant Simon & Schuster.
Evaluation. Were blogging and all his self-promotion responsible for his new job? "Hard to say," Hughes recalls:
"In the end, it came about the way it often does -- through a friend, who alerted me to an opening and connected me to the appropriate party. Still, I have to believe that the publicity I generated played a part, even if it was a subliminal one. No one ever said, 'I saw you on CNN and I'd like to hire you.' But I like to think that if someone in the industry was looking to fill a position, and my name came up, they would at least say: 'Oh, yeah -- I've heard of him.' "
Shortcut. When you want to reach out in new job-finding directions but aren't able or willing to spend the time on your own blog, you can always contribute occasional postings to blogs other maintain.
Even more time-conserving is to find someone who is blogging for a company where you want to work and make comments on that person's blog. As career coach Fred Whelan (whelanstone.com) says: "People who blog really appreciate response and doing so will raise your profile with that person. You may develop an inside contact who will let you know of unadvertised jobs and see to it that the hiring authority receives your resume."
True, inspiring story from ex unemployed who managed to find his way to job! Great example to follow and consider....
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Continuing education/study abroad
Study abroad can become great opportunity to explore world, learn new culture, maybe even new language, and just simply enjoy life. Here are some concerns that may arise with that decision.
1) When choosing university make sure it is well recognized in the world. If you are planning to stay in the country of your university to gain work experience then there is no problem. In country of your chosen university it will have enough value and will be well accepted by your potential employer. However, if you want to go back to your native country or any other country where received education have high value, here are some problems may come. For example, most of people will know Oxford, however very few will know about International Christian University –Kiev.
2) Take a good care into choosing of the program. Every country has its own standards and you need to understand at least approximately what you want to get out of this education at the end.
3) Because it is not your own country, it will be harder to make correct decision regarding university. Look for information on forums and sites to understand what is a general impression of students about any particular university. However, all that information can be in foreign language, there are few sites that can help you with that: http://www.studyoverseas.com/, http://www.eilireland.org
4) It could be more expensive in comparison to study local. All those extra costs that arise from travel abroad, renting, clubbing, and etc. More expensive does not mean not possible! Just take this into consideration when making choice.
From the other hand studying abroad it is great experience. Most of multinational companies would certainly appreciate international cooperation environment that you will be part of while study. Because people are coming from different cultural environments you will need to learn to collaborate, solve problems, avoid conflicts, and etc.
All and on – it is good fun and great experience that worth thinking about!
Monday, January 31, 2011
Continuing Education/Online education
It is very handy form of education if you can make yourself study at home. There are few options available like: 100%internet course, and 80% internet course and then rest 20%(which are usually exams) are taken at the university site. Advantages of this type of education are remote location (basically student can be located in any part of the world) and attractive cost (it is significantly less expensive in comparison to any other university course). Disadvantages: no direct contact with your mentor and classmates, necessity of study on your own (not many people can actually create schedule for themselves and follow it), and necessity of constant usage of computer, internet, and programs (even if you feel as advanced user of internet/computer, it is still may be a bit more difficult to have all your education online).
Please take a good care in choosing online education. This is something relatively new on the market and most people don’t feel comfortable with. It is very reasonable because, when you are doing education in the university – you can see it, touch, ask people questions, and etc. While if education is online it less tangible so probability of risk is high. When you are choosing online university carefully check rating of the university and detailed program of the course. Most of these universities diplomas will be as valued and recognized as any other university. However, simple call to the reception will help to clarify that question.
There are few online universities that according to the internet rankings are well recognized and popular.
http://oedb.org/rankings
I personally prefer to undertake distant education at any already existing university with good name that does both course in campus and online. For me it sounds safer as it is a bit more tangible. Usually in these types of programs you will be required to travel to the university to take your exams, but at least you get to see your professors :) Additional advantage of this form of education is diploma of university which is recognized and trusted (and only at interview you may mention that it was online course.
My last advise in relation to distant education is to choose program wisely. I was just browsing internet the other day and found this online courses -www.kilroyscollege.ie . They are asking to pay more then 500eur for course –Communication Skills while the same course can be done free at or at FAS.
Please take a good care in choosing online education. This is something relatively new on the market and most people don’t feel comfortable with. It is very reasonable because, when you are doing education in the university – you can see it, touch, ask people questions, and etc. While if education is online it less tangible so probability of risk is high. When you are choosing online university carefully check rating of the university and detailed program of the course. Most of these universities diplomas will be as valued and recognized as any other university. However, simple call to the reception will help to clarify that question.
There are few online universities that according to the internet rankings are well recognized and popular.
http://oedb.org/rankings
I personally prefer to undertake distant education at any already existing university with good name that does both course in campus and online. For me it sounds safer as it is a bit more tangible. Usually in these types of programs you will be required to travel to the university to take your exams, but at least you get to see your professors :) Additional advantage of this form of education is diploma of university which is recognized and trusted (and only at interview you may mention that it was online course.
My last advise in relation to distant education is to choose program wisely. I was just browsing internet the other day and found this online courses -www.kilroyscollege.ie . They are asking to pay more then 500eur for course –Communication Skills while the same course can be done free at or at FAS.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Continuing Education
I have mentioned few times that if job is not found that easily it is time to start education. Let’s assume that choice was made in the favor of the study. However, the very first question now is where to study and which program to choose. When you are teenager and have to go to the collage you are simply have to go to the collage. Parents often “help” choose university, however students tent don’t really pay attention to the study and simply get time pass. When you grow up and then are looking for education it is completely different experience. Now, when you know you are paying money for this, it becomes crucial how you are going to spend your time and what you are going to learn after that.
There are so many offers available on the market:
-online education
-university abroad
-part time/full time program
-degree/course
-universities with different rankings
Let’s look at each and every one in more details.
There are so many offers available on the market:
-online education
-university abroad
-part time/full time program
-degree/course
-universities with different rankings
Let’s look at each and every one in more details.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Online free education
Looking at the developing of your skills?
There are few online free courses that anyone can undertake to broaden his/her experience in the industry of the interest. Check alison.com
It is not as great as taking full/part time education in the university. However, it will let you understand general and basic about industry/profession, broader knowledge, and simply keep you update with today new technologies.
It is possible to receive certification online as well. It is not free; however it is not very expensive. It is actually very valued for some of the industries. It is certainly will show up positive in your CV. Having few such certificates will prove your potential employer your interest, your knowledge and your ability to learn.
Check www.brainbench.com
Best of luck with tests
There are few online free courses that anyone can undertake to broaden his/her experience in the industry of the interest. Check alison.com
It is not as great as taking full/part time education in the university. However, it will let you understand general and basic about industry/profession, broader knowledge, and simply keep you update with today new technologies.
It is possible to receive certification online as well. It is not free; however it is not very expensive. It is actually very valued for some of the industries. It is certainly will show up positive in your CV. Having few such certificates will prove your potential employer your interest, your knowledge and your ability to learn.
Check www.brainbench.com
Best of luck with tests
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