Things to Consider while Job Searching

The current job market is very competitive. There are a lot of GREAT and experienced people looking for better employment. Because the market is so competitive, it is very important that we learn how to be the most effective in our job search. Here are some things to consider:

1. How has job searching process changed since I was last out looking for a job? 

Technology has allowed employers to  do a more thorough assessment of potential candidates inexpensively. The internet gives them access to candidates all over the world. It also enables them to use multiple assessment tools and Skype to check you out before they meet you in person.

2. Do I have the right resume?

Your resume may be outdated if you are still using an objective. It's also important to have a targeted, well-written resume for the job you want. You have competitors out there. Make your resume count. Given employers what they want but be honest.

3. Should I  brush up on my interviewing skills?

Always brush up on your interviewing skills. In this market, candidates are salesman. Know your product which is your skill-set. Know your customer, the employer you want to impress. Have a great sales pitch as to why they should hire you over the other candidate.

3. What about luck?

Instead of luck try faith. A positive attitude can go a long way. Believe that this next opportunity has your name written all over it. Then put in the work to best position yourself for that job. It may take a little while to see the result you want, but you will never see it if you quit.

Happy Job Hunt!

- Marti Cox

Beating the Work Blues

It's true that many of us spend more of our awake hours at work than anywhere else. How do you beat those work blues on that day you would rather be at home or vacation? Let

's see if we can help.

• Actually go out for lunch. When the pressure is on it is tempting to eat at your desk or to skip lunch altogether. Skipping lunch is unhealthy since your body needs fuel to work. Going out for a short period of time may refresh you for the second half of the day. Give yourself a time out. Now you can regroup.

• Meditate or pray. On your way to the bathroom, to  a meeting or even at your desk take two minutes to ask for peace of mind or direction.   

• Use pictures to provide visual relaxation or mind escapes. A picture of calming waters can help you to escape by feeding the senses.

• Adjust your expectations. Remind yourself that the job can be challenging but that you are definitely the right person to handle. Reciting positive affirmations can help change your outlook and make work a little easier.  

You can beat the work blues. It might take you a little more effort but you can win the fight!

Remembering Stephen Covey

A Quick Note from the Editor...    

  

Do you remember Stephen Covey? 

    

I fondly remember when I began my career. An engineering degree in progress and full of ambition, I pursued and completed four internships before I graduated college. Internships were the golden tickets into a full-time position for Fortune 500 companies. If you could make it there that summer, you could make it there 40 hours a week. (You hoped.)

There's nothing like the first days at work, the corporate atmosphere and the healthy paychecks especially when compared to other part-time employment positions. Life is GOOD! 

With your foot on the corporate ladder, the orientation process begins. For ANYONE around or near the age range of Generation X you knew that meant weeks of training, performance reviews, getting a work badge and a planner. If you were going to be great, a leader of your peers, you had to be well prepared and organized. For us X-ers, that meant reading the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and a trip to the Franklin Covey store.

Ordering that daily planner was like ordering a car almost. My planner was customized. It was a burgundy, leather with a shoulder strap and a gold name plate on the front. When you opened it, you didn't just plan your day. You planned and prioritized your life - your future! I was so excited about the open doors of what life could be. These planning tips and goal setting ideals were partly the contributions of Stephen Covey who passed away recently.

I give my condolences and thanks to the Covey family. We're sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing him with the world.

Do You Have a "Holy Discontent?"

During the Memphis Affiliate CNBC March Leadership Forum we reviewed the book Holy Discontent by Bill Hybels. The book refers to the anger or frustration people experience that drives them to action to right the wrong that exists. He uses examples from the bible such as Moses's anger with the soldier beating the Hebrew slave and how God called Moses to lead the Hebrews out of captivity. He also shares how Dr. Martin King and others put everything on the line to fight for equality in the world.

 

Hybels suggests that the way to determine if it is a HOLY discontent or just a personal peeve is to examine if it is something God is displeased with too and if it will help people, God's number one concern. It is important to know that the content is a divine discontent. 

 

Hybels also presented an interesting method to keep the passion going for your life's purpose or ministry.  

Instead of running from what frustrates you run to it. Look at it and then let it fuel you to keep pushing forward. Let it keep you ON FIRE until the work is complete!

  Are YOU acting on your holy discontent and allowing God to do the utterly amazing through YOU?

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Special thanks to the Memphis Affiliate of the Congress of NBC. We enjoyed being with you. Thank you for allowing us to facilitate the review for this month's session. 

To be a part of these monthly Christian Empowerment sessions call the MCNBC at (901) 386-2051.