Idiom: It's an ill wind that blows no good

There is an old idiom that an ill wind is one that brings no good.  This saying got me thinking about the advances in technology and innovation.  It is certainly true that automation has replaced many jobs with computers and other machines. The automobile and airplane have put many out of work.  There are no longer hitching postings in front of homes.  On the other hand, such innovative products and systems have created many, many jobs for us all.

 

So how should we deal with advancing technologies?  Are they ill winds?  I do not believe that ignoring technological change is a good answer.  Many large companies have tried this approach and are no longer viable.  Think about Block Buster Video and perhaps newspapers and magazines publishers.  Many jobs no longer exist.  Secretarial jobs that type letters from drafts and answer phone calls are part of the past.  Customer self-service with limited interactions with organizational representatives are common, e.g. online ordering.  

 

One key to the success of the new technologies is increased productivity.  How can an organization maximize its output without increasing costs?  Organizations have been able to increase sales and reduce cost by using new techniques and automated systems.  

 

I encourage job seekers to investigate how they can increase their productivity and value to potential employers.  They can master computer skills, learn how to operate advanced testing and manufacturing equipment, and/or become proficient in social networking. 

 

As I have written before in this blog, it is most important that all of us workers stay abreast of the rapidly changes work environments.  There are many job opportunities today that did not exist a few years ago.  

 

Please share with readers of this blog or email me at glynjordan@gmail.com how you are dealing with the environment of the future.

Thanks, Glyn

http://www.usingenglish.com/reference/idioms/it%27s+an+ill+wind+that+blows+no+good.html#I5OQPOii6GJz1vS2.99

Hot Job Sectors in 2013

An article by Diane Stafford of the Kansas City Star published in The Dallas Morning News on January 9, 2013 on page 2D states that health care will continue to be the hottest sector for jobs in 2013. 

The article indicates that in addition to hands-on care giving, health insurance, translation services, information technology, and support services such as administration, sales, janitorial or transportation are areas which need workers.

Other industries expected to grow are:

·        Education – Better get your masters degree

·        Geriatrics – Jobs that focus on an aging population will expand

·        STEM – Science, technology, engineering, mathematics – fast- paced change in technology and global markets means you need to continue to learn to advance.

If you haven’t already, complete your education and get a job!

Please share with readers of this blog or email me at glynjordan@gmail.com websites your plans to become employed in 2013.

Thanks.   Glyn

Jesse James and Relocating to Become Employed

On September 12, 2010, I posted my most viewed blog, “Why Did Jesse James Rob Banks?”   The answer is that’s where the money is!  The blog indentified the jobs opportunities in North Dakota.

An article in The Wall Street Journal January 9, 2013, edition on page A1, “Americans on Move Amid Torpid Recover” by Josh Mitchell discusses the fact the Americans are beginning to strike out for greener pastures at a faster pace.  Where are these jobs?

The article mentions Florida, Nevada, and also North Dakota.  The fact that Texas is experiencing unexpected tax revenue growth certainly puts it of the list of high job potential.

I recognize that relocating from the comfort of your home and extended family is a difficult decision.  I remember when I told friends in Dallas that we were moving to Chicago, they responded by saying that I had lost my mind.  However, sometimes in order to enhance a career and remain employed, you do what you have to do.  

Please share with readers of this blog or email me at glynjordan@gmail.com websites if you have relocated to get a job or just to keep your job.

Thanks.   Glyn

Time to Develop a Career Portfolio?

What is a career portfolio?  According to Wikipedia -http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Career_portfolio - career portfolios are:

Career portfolios are used to plan, organize and document education, work samples and skills. People use career portfolios to apply to jobs, apply to college or training programs, get a higher salary, show transferable skills, and to track personal development. They are more in-depth than a resume, which is used to summarize the above in one or two pages. Career portfolios serve as proof of one's skills, abilities, and potential in the future. Career portfolios are becoming common in high schools, college, and workforce development. Many school programs will have students create, update, and use a career portfolio before moving on to the next level in life.

Career portfolios help with a job or acceptance into higher education institutes. A career portfolio should be personal and contain critical information. Items that should be included include (but are not limited to) personal information, evaluations, sample work, and awards and acknowledgments. Career portfolios are often kept in a simple three-ring binder or online as an Electronic portfolio and updated often. A career portfolio is used as a marketing tool in selling oneself for personal advancement. In some industries, employers or admission offices commonly request a career portfolio, so it is a wise idea to have an updated one on hand.

I remember when I was applying for a faculty position after completing my PhD. I took along syllabi of courses that I had taught at several universities during my doctorial studies.  While I do not know the part played by my portfolio, I got the job!

Much as artists compile portfolios of their work, I encourage job seekers to structure a portfolio of accomplishments to be used at job interviews and meetings with potential employers.  

Please share with readers of this blog or email me at glynjordan@gmail.com websites if you have a portfolio and if it has been instrumental in your landing a job.

Thanks.   Glyn

Do You Really Want A Job?

Many job seekers say that they really want a job, but when a job opportunity appears, they frequently state that the job is not for them.  An employment ad in The Dallas Morning News December 30, 2012, edition on page 1J lists the following attributes of successful job seekers for BBU Rockwall:

·        Understand product freshness and quality demanded by our customers

·        Be willing to work flexible hours (including weekends/holidays as required)

·        Develop technical business and leadership skills through position rotation and business assignments

·        Train and help co-workers advance their skills

·        Be a resource of information for other associates

·        Solve problems and make decisions

·        Maintain good housekeeping and cleanliness of the facility

·        Understand that plant safety and security is everyone’s responsibility.

While this job posting is for process and maintenance technicians, I think that the stated attributes of successful job seekers applies to almost any position.  I am suggesting that if you really want a job, you should give more attention to the requirements of the hiring organization rather than your own personal desires.

Please share with readers of this blog or email me at glynjordan@gmail.com websites if you think my suggestions to job seekers is on target.

Thanks.   Glyn