An article in the Dallas Morning News on August 30, 2009, Section 1J, titled “Steps to Take If You Get Laid-Off” reminds me of my present job. I have been an adjunct teacher for the University of Phoenix for over eight years. While many of my students have full-time jobs, some are unemployed and are increasing their education during their job search.
Another idea is to consider getting an alternative teaching certification (ATC). Many unemployed people have a wealth of actual experience in industry that could be shared with elementary and high school students. You might remember the old saying those who can do and those who can’t teach. The ATC is a possible course of action for those with experience that can lead to teaching positions. Below is an Internet link to information concerning obtaining an alternative teaching certificate in the state of Texas.
http://www.texasteachers.org/?hct=cpc_google_dallasGT_alternative_certification&gclid=CO7f_uGTzJwCFRghDQodrQh0Hg
Please share any thoughts or experiences you may have about continuing education and ATCs. Glyn
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Friday, August 28, 2009
Bogus Ads Prey on Job Seekers
An article in the Dallas Morning News on August 27, 2009, Section 17A, titled “Bogus ads prey on the jobless” is a timely read. Many ads, hopefully none found in this blog, promise the job seekers jobs, money, and benefits that seem like miracles. However, as the article states, there is frequently more to the story. A word to the wise is to be careful when an offer you receive or read is too good to be true. Frequently, the offer is not true.
Some organizations ask job seekers for money before submitting their resumes to a potential employer. In other cases, an organization may ask the applicant to sign a contract which requires the job seeker to pay a placement fee when he/she is referred to and accepts a job. I personally do not recommend that you positively respond to any such opportunities. I feel that if employers are serious about hiring, they will pay any fees associated with the hiring process. The last thing an employer needs is any employee with his/her wages garnished to pay a placement organization.
Please share any thoughts or experiences you may have about bogus employment ads. Glyn
Some organizations ask job seekers for money before submitting their resumes to a potential employer. In other cases, an organization may ask the applicant to sign a contract which requires the job seeker to pay a placement fee when he/she is referred to and accepts a job. I personally do not recommend that you positively respond to any such opportunities. I feel that if employers are serious about hiring, they will pay any fees associated with the hiring process. The last thing an employer needs is any employee with his/her wages garnished to pay a placement organization.
Please share any thoughts or experiences you may have about bogus employment ads. Glyn
Monday, August 24, 2009
Treat the Job Search as a Full-Time Job
The August 23, 2009, Dallas Morning News, Section J has an article by Metro Creations Connection entitled “Treat the job search as a full-time job.” Here are some of its suggestions for your job search:
1. Target your search. Narrow your search by focusing on jobs that most interest you by making a list of organizations that have such jobs even if there are no current job openings.
2. Sell Yourself. You need to be able to discuss why an organization should hire you in terms of results you can produce.
3. Focus on growth or recession-proof industries. An Internet search will assist in identifying such industries.
4. Emphasis results not skills. It is important to highlight prior accomplishments rather than specific skills.
5. Make it personal. Do your homework on target organizations and customize your resume and discussions in job interviews accordingly.
6. Money Talks. An old saying is that the first person to mention money loses. It is a good idea to keep an open mind on money topics.
7. Stay Positive and Flexible. Keeping looking when nothing seems to develop. One option is to consider freelance or contract work while continuing your search.
I encourage all readers to post helpful comments and experiences for others to read. Glyn
1. Target your search. Narrow your search by focusing on jobs that most interest you by making a list of organizations that have such jobs even if there are no current job openings.
2. Sell Yourself. You need to be able to discuss why an organization should hire you in terms of results you can produce.
3. Focus on growth or recession-proof industries. An Internet search will assist in identifying such industries.
4. Emphasis results not skills. It is important to highlight prior accomplishments rather than specific skills.
5. Make it personal. Do your homework on target organizations and customize your resume and discussions in job interviews accordingly.
6. Money Talks. An old saying is that the first person to mention money loses. It is a good idea to keep an open mind on money topics.
7. Stay Positive and Flexible. Keeping looking when nothing seems to develop. One option is to consider freelance or contract work while continuing your search.
I encourage all readers to post helpful comments and experiences for others to read. Glyn
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Questions for Glyn
In this post, I encourage all readers to ask me job search questions. I will do my best to answer your questions, and I encouage all readers to contribute. I do not pretend to know answers to all questions and need your assistance.
Here is the first question from one of my online students:
Glyn, may I ask (hope you don't mind) what is the first item you tackle when counseling these unemployed folks ? resume? or their frame of mind to understand the job is an important asset ?
In my opinion, the attitude or frame of mind is crucial. One can have the best possible resume but if the attitude stinks and usually surfaces during an interview or in the job-hunting process - the potential opportunity goes out the window. Am I totally wrong in my perception?
Glyn's response:
I always begin by asking clients about their work experiences and their specials skills. I am a big believer in going with one's strengths. I think that it is much easier to get a job which takes advantage of your strengths and experiences. We can all learn, but many organizations are looking for individuals that can immediate contribute.
Resumes are a necessity; however, resumes should stress accomplishments. Resumes that appear to be job descriptions are not very helpful. Hiring managers generally understand the job; what they want to know is what you have accomplished in the job.
A positive attitude is essential in any job search. I think that an applicant’s objective should always be to get a job offer. Therefore, one should always do his/her best in interviews. If you do not want the job that is offered, then you can always turn it down.
Here is the first question from one of my online students:
Glyn, may I ask (hope you don't mind) what is the first item you tackle when counseling these unemployed folks ? resume? or their frame of mind to understand the job is an important asset ?
In my opinion, the attitude or frame of mind is crucial. One can have the best possible resume but if the attitude stinks and usually surfaces during an interview or in the job-hunting process - the potential opportunity goes out the window. Am I totally wrong in my perception?
Glyn's response:
I always begin by asking clients about their work experiences and their specials skills. I am a big believer in going with one's strengths. I think that it is much easier to get a job which takes advantage of your strengths and experiences. We can all learn, but many organizations are looking for individuals that can immediate contribute.
Resumes are a necessity; however, resumes should stress accomplishments. Resumes that appear to be job descriptions are not very helpful. Hiring managers generally understand the job; what they want to know is what you have accomplished in the job.
A positive attitude is essential in any job search. I think that an applicant’s objective should always be to get a job offer. Therefore, one should always do his/her best in interviews. If you do not want the job that is offered, then you can always turn it down.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Job Searches and Social Networking
An article in the August 21, 2009, The Dallas Morning News, Section A, Page 29, by McClatchy Newspapers, titled “Before a job search, put a lid on your tweets” provides some very good advice about social networking.
Perhaps you can best define social networking by providing example. How many social networks can you name? Let’s see: Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, MySpace, are a few that I can name. One of the article's quotation is “Every tweet, every post is being actively indexed by different search engines. It’s going to be available in perpetuity” says Gillian Gabriel, a headhunter for advertising and marketing agencies.
I recall individual careers being marred by when revealing pictures taken years ago became public. The advice here is that you should think twice or perhaps three times before you post negative thoughts or ideas on a social network. Such words may be found by the organization that you are seeking employment. I am wondering if negative thinking, speaking, and writing are ever beneficial to anything or anybody.
Does anyone have an opinion about social networking and job searches? Glyn
Perhaps you can best define social networking by providing example. How many social networks can you name? Let’s see: Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, MySpace, are a few that I can name. One of the article's quotation is “Every tweet, every post is being actively indexed by different search engines. It’s going to be available in perpetuity” says Gillian Gabriel, a headhunter for advertising and marketing agencies.
I recall individual careers being marred by when revealing pictures taken years ago became public. The advice here is that you should think twice or perhaps three times before you post negative thoughts or ideas on a social network. Such words may be found by the organization that you are seeking employment. I am wondering if negative thinking, speaking, and writing are ever beneficial to anything or anybody.
Does anyone have an opinion about social networking and job searches? Glyn
Sunday, August 16, 2009
The August 16, 2009, Dallas Morning News has a great article by Amy Winter titled “Strengthen skills to focus on career goals.” Referencing and quoting Lauri Williams’, president of Optasia Career and Training Services, “six steps to six figures” http://www.optasiatraining.com, the article lists the following steps:
1. Set goals & be focused.
2. Network & take inventory of resources.
3. Improve your resume.
4. Pitch your resume.
5. Prepare for interview.
6. Track your accomplishments.
“Williams wants job seekers to be better informed during the job-search process, which often involves helping them realize they can take control of their life.”
Glyn
1. Set goals & be focused.
2. Network & take inventory of resources.
3. Improve your resume.
4. Pitch your resume.
5. Prepare for interview.
6. Track your accomplishments.
“Williams wants job seekers to be better informed during the job-search process, which often involves helping them realize they can take control of their life.”
Glyn
Monday, August 10, 2009
Glyn's Background
I was born in Hubbard, Texas, which was my home town until my high school graduation in 1955. I attended Texas Tech University for two years then transferred to the University of Texas in Austin along with my fiancee, Ann Manning, my wife of 50th years.
After six months in the US Corps of Engineers as a second lieutenant at Ft. Belvoir, Virginia, I joined Collins Radio in Dallas. Three years later I began my 15 year career with IBM. My professional career also includes jobs with Equimatics, Systems Programming Resources and my own companies: Strategic Staff Services and MOD_2000, Inc. I will share job search experiences as I moved from organization to organization.
During careers with the above organizations, I was a university lecturer at SMU, TCU, UT Arlington, UT Dallas, Amberton University, and the Univeristy of Phoenix, where I continue to teach online and onground courses. My formal education includes a BBA from UT Austin, MBA from SMU, and a Ph.d. from UT Dallas.
My volunteer activities include SCORE, North Dallas Shared Ministries, and Highland Park United Methodist Church.
My family has expanded to include my wife Ann, son Andrew and his wife Mandy, daughter Amy and her husband Phil. Most important are our grandchildren Jordan, Alicia, Dashiell, Manning, and Sarah.
After six months in the US Corps of Engineers as a second lieutenant at Ft. Belvoir, Virginia, I joined Collins Radio in Dallas. Three years later I began my 15 year career with IBM. My professional career also includes jobs with Equimatics, Systems Programming Resources and my own companies: Strategic Staff Services and MOD_2000, Inc. I will share job search experiences as I moved from organization to organization.
During careers with the above organizations, I was a university lecturer at SMU, TCU, UT Arlington, UT Dallas, Amberton University, and the Univeristy of Phoenix, where I continue to teach online and onground courses. My formal education includes a BBA from UT Austin, MBA from SMU, and a Ph.d. from UT Dallas.
My volunteer activities include SCORE, North Dallas Shared Ministries, and Highland Park United Methodist Church.
My family has expanded to include my wife Ann, son Andrew and his wife Mandy, daughter Amy and her husband Phil. Most important are our grandchildren Jordan, Alicia, Dashiell, Manning, and Sarah.
Getting Jobs by Glyn Jordan (gjbygj)
August 10, 2009
I am establishing this blog to assist unemployed individuals find employment by:
1. Discussing my personal background in finding employment
2. Encouraging others to share their experiences
3. Interacting with individuals seeking jobs concerning their experiences
The link to “Getting Jobs by Glyn Jordan” is “gjbygj”.
Here are some my basic understanding about finding a job:
1. Finding a job is a full time job.
2. Networking is the number one priority in finding a job.
3. Job search training is very helpful in a job search.
4. There are many organizations that are ready to assist your job search.
5. A positive attitude is needed throughout a job search.
I look forward to reading your ideas and comments as we develop this blog.
Thanks!
Glyn
August 10, 2009
I am establishing this blog to assist unemployed individuals find employment by:
1. Discussing my personal background in finding employment
2. Encouraging others to share their experiences
3. Interacting with individuals seeking jobs concerning their experiences
The link to “Getting Jobs by Glyn Jordan” is “gjbygj”.
Here are some my basic understanding about finding a job:
1. Finding a job is a full time job.
2. Networking is the number one priority in finding a job.
3. Job search training is very helpful in a job search.
4. There are many organizations that are ready to assist your job search.
5. A positive attitude is needed throughout a job search.
I look forward to reading your ideas and comments as we develop this blog.
Thanks!
Glyn
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