Today's Job Search - Helpful Advice Online ~

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Can you tell this book is loved?
Yana Parker was a résumé genius!
Are you in the process of looking for a new job?  Do you question whether or not your résumé compares favorably with others being submitted?  Do you know if you're using the right tactics to get your name out there? 

I think we all ask ourselves these questions when we are in "job hunting mode".  Below you will find a few articles and/or websites that are geared towards answering some of those questions.  Some of these may not be current (as in 2012), however, they were chosen because they do provide interesting and useful information.  Even if you discover one tip that enables you to be inspired to freshen things up a bit, it will be worth your reading time.

First, A few Résumé Writing Articles to Consider...
  • 10 Words You Should Never Use on LinkedIn - Article writer Josh Dreller shares his informative (and comical) views on this subject on iMediaconnection.com and while the title only lists LinkedIn, I think it's safe to say this would include résumé creation as well!
  • 10 Tips for Writing a Remarkable Résumé in Today's Creative World - Dare I say it?  I love this article.  I guess you could say, "It spoke to me".  Regardless of what résumé format you plan to use (chronological, functional or combination), if you want to be seen as a unique individual, you will probably find something that interests you here!  This is an article about words (one of my favorite things!).
  • The 7 Deadly Sins of Résumé Design - This is an article viewable on a site called, "Life Clever".  Although originally posted in 2009, I couldn't agree more with a few of the "sins" pointed out.  What do you think?
  • 7 Tips to Streamline Your Résumé Lingo - A short but strong article offering great advice on exactly what the title says!  A good one for all job seekers. 

Next... two websites to spend a bit of time on.  Both of these sites are full of useful information, additional links, and (even better!) great examples on different ideas and formats for your next résumé!

Susan Ireland's Résumé Site - Susan Ireland is the Author of "The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Perfect Résumé" and "Susan Ireland's Ready Made Résumés" who writes out of Berkeley, California.  I came across her site by accident when doing a little follow up on my longtime favorite résume writer, Yana Parker (now deceased).  I'm so glad I found her site!  Susan offers over 100 (yes, I said 100) examples of résumés in all three formats (chronological, functional and combination), shows 14 problem résumés "solved" and shares a wealth of advice on résumé writing and job hunting.  Her site is kept very current.  You can also view her blog which is offers great advice from other professionals in the industry - mostly via video clips. 

Aspire! Empower! Career Strategy Group is another great site not only for creative résumé strategies but also for advice on job hunting, networking and social media.  Laura Labovich states on her site, "I am passionate about helping my clients move mountains in their job search".  I believe it!  She offers a free tips newsletter to subscribers along with a great blog in addition to the main website.  Her most recent post looks like a good one, check it out for yourself! Click here to read "My List of Terrific Job Search Resources".

Best wishes on your job seeking adventure!  Please feel free to offer feedback on the information provided and know that additional tips are always welcome by your fellow job seekers.  Conversation is good!
Keep checking back ~ more tips on the way :)

    Make Someone Smile Today ~

    Wednesday, March 28, 2012

    Good morning :)
    Lift someone's spirits today! You've read a post recently from someone down on their luck or sad, or know someone facing a challenge that seems too overwhelming to tackle... Reach out and say hello, share a similar experience or just say, "I care". Your little gesture may make his or her day :)

    Favorite Words - Way of Life - Inspired ~

    Thursday, March 22, 2012

    Jodi "penning" her message on the
    Pink Heals Fire Truck in Fairfield, California
    Go Jodi!
    One of my favorite words in the whole English language is inspire... or to be more specific  ~ inspired. I truly believe being inspired by others and then turning around and inspiring someone yourself (intentionally or unintentionally) is one of the best things in life!
    I am inspired by friend Jodi and other "fighters" every day.
    What inspires you? How do you inspire others?

    It's Time to Seek Employment - Ready, Set, Go! ~

    Tuesday, March 20, 2012

    My very first résumé -
    Oh my goodness!
    It's time for this stay-at-home "momma" to seek employment outside of the home.  Wait... did I just say that out loud and type it for all to see?  I guess that means it's real!

    Being an at-home-mom is a big job and an important one, but let's face it... it just doesn't pay very well!  My husband and I made the stay-at-home decision many years ago and have been very blessed to be able to make it happen.  I know many ladies who would have loved to have stayed home with their children, so I have been careful not to take my time at home for granted.  (I also know ladies who were running for the door to get back to work - and that's okay too!).

    My children are now 10 and 14.  Our family seems to have more wants and needs, which seem to have bigger price tags attached to them, and it would be nice to be able to take vacations, etc.  So... it's time to make some income.

    It will definitely be interesting to find out where this new journey takes me.  I am still very open to writing assignments at home (obviously, I would love that!), but will be considering all options. 
    The first step in this process is in the works... creating a new résumé!  I love writing résumés and have for years, but I always find it harder to create my own.  (Strange, I know).  Between determining which of the new "rules" are to be followed (don't use this phrase, this word, this format in "today's" résumé), and making sure I use all of the social networking tools out there to my advantage (still figuring out Linked In), I definitely have my work cut out for me.  Of course I'll be sharing along the way hoping my experience might help others tackling the same task.

    Wish me luck - I think I'm going to need it! :)

    * Writer's note: I could have (perhaps should have) used the word "aloud" in my opening paragraph, however, I write in a conversational manner and would never use the word "aloud" when in conversation!  Therefore, I used the more informal "out loud".  :)

    Create A Quick and Easy Dinner Tonight! Teriyaki Chicken! ~

    Wednesday, March 7, 2012

    
    Kikkoman Teriyaki Takumi
    Original Flavor
    I love Teriyaki flavored chicken dishes.  Moreover, I LOVE easy dinner ideas.  If you're like me in those ways, you'll definitely like this recipe too!

    Super Easy Teriyaki Chicken
    Ingredients: 
    4 - 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
    1 Bottle Kikkoman Teriyaki Takumi Sauce (I use original flavor)

    Instructions:
    1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
    2) Thoroughly clean chicken breasts and cut in half. 
    3) In a 9 x 13 glass dish (or other oven safe dish), spread out chicken pieces and pour Teriyaki sauce generously over chicken. 
    (You can't really overdue).
    4) Bake uncovered for 60 minutes.

    That's it!  Serve with white rice, left over sauce (warmed up), and whatever vegetable you like.  Makes for an easy and delicious meal AND warms up nicely for the next day's lunch, etc.

    Notes and variations
    This is a heavy and thick sauce, not a light soy sauce type consistency.  I did originally try the recipe using Soy Vay's "Veri Veri Teriyaki" (another brand) but personally found it to be too salty.  I think Kikkoman is best!

    An easy variation to this recipe is using ANY nice, thick barbecue sauce.  The barbecue option is one we use frequently, turning that dinner into what I call my "Pretend Barbecue" meal consisting of the chicken along with corn on the cob or canned green beans and salad. 

    You can view Kikkoman's other Teriyaki Takumi flavors here.

    Enjoy!

    What Kind of Clutterer Are You? (As seen in O - The Oprah Magazine) ~

    Tuesday, March 6, 2012

    Have you picked up the March issue of O Magazine?  Love it!

    This month they have an article titled, "What Kind of Clutterer Are You?"  It's an article full of organizational tips from expert Peter Walsh.

    Below is a list of the types of "clutterers" there are according to Walsh.  Which one do you think Kim Funk is?  Hmmmm... People who know me personally will probably know in an instant.  Moreover, what kind of clutterer are YOU?

    Peter's List of Clutterers:
    • The Behind-Closed-Doors Clutterer
    • The Knowledge Clutterer
    • The Techie Clutterer
    • The Sentimental Clutterer/Family Historian
    • The Bargain Shopper/Coupon Clutterer

    Read the complete article here to determine which one you are and to find out what you can do about your "problem".  Or pick up your own copy at your local grocery store or drug store.  Enjoy!

    Money Matters - 4 Experts To The Rescue on Budgeting and Debt!

    Friday, March 2, 2012

    It's March.  We are now into the third month of 2012 and I have a question for you.  How many of you chose better money management as a New Year's Resolution?  How many of you didn't make a resolution, but know you have the same need or desire?  Who out there has done anything about it?  No, you don't have to raise your hand, respond by email or comment on this one.  It's just something to ask yourself.

    I have a few more questions (sorry).  Do you know anyone who has recently claimed that he or she is now living on a budget (maybe for the first time ever!) and has this person (or persons) been successful?  Budgeting and knowing how to handle money is not an easy thing for everyone.  (For those of you who are gifted in this area, lucky you!).  However, we are lucky enough to live in a time where there is an abundance of advice for those of us who still need to learn and some amazing teachers out there!

    Today we will focus on four well-known Financial Experts.  You will find bits and pieces about these individuals and their personal stories, along with a bunch of links to follow.  I encourage you to use the links, read up and would absolutely love to have you provide feedback to me and to fellow readers! 

    Learning from others is a great thing!  Read on, then share your opinions, experiences, etc.  (Thank you in advance!)  And remember, you can always reply via the comment section below anonymously if you so desire! 

    Here are today's four experts in no certain order:

    Suze's most recent book
    published January 2012.
    Suze Orman
    Who hasn't heard of Suze Orman?  Suze is everywhere! 
    Suze Orman strongly believes the way to live is: "People First, Then Money, Then Things".

    She can be seen on The Suze Orman Show every Saturday night on CNBC and also stars with Dr. Phil and Dr. Oz on the Oprah’s All Stars program on OWN TV.   In addition, she has been a regular guest on The View, Today Show and The Oprah Winfrey Show.

    Suze is known for her extensive financial knowledge and brutally honest opinions.  During her Saturday evening show, she has a regular segment called, "Can I afford it?"  Viewers call in requesting her honest opinion on whether or not they should make a purchase and she does not mince words!  She tells them their purchase is approved or denied and is not afraid to offer them a firm dose of, "You need to get a grip on reality!" and other "Suzeisms". 

    Suze is a best selling author with nine consecutive New York Times Bestsellers, Contributing Editor to "O" The Oprah Magazine and contributing writer to Costco Magazine.  In addition, she has served as host to QVC's "Financial Essentials Hour" for the last 15 years offering advice and financial tools to viewers.

    Not one to fall behind the times, Suze Orman even has an app!  (Click here for app).

    You can visit Suze's website to read about her, find out about "The Money Class" and more.

    She has an extensive offering of Financial Tools (Debt Eliminator, Expense Tracker, Compound Interest Forecaster, etc.) and a great Resource Center as well. 



    Dave's well-known
    "The Total Money Makeover"
    has become a way of life for many.
    Dave Ramsey
    Dave is another well-recognized face in the financial world.  He is an individual who, along with his wife, incurred a large amount of debt and lost everything.  He knows what he's talking about as he has experienced it and made it back.  His honest advice and warm personality has made him someone people trust and enjoy learning from.

    Though many got to know Dave Ramsey through his book, "The Total Money Makeover", his advice is now accessible in many ways.  There are online classes, books, CDs, DVDs, audio books, eBooks, mp3s and downloads, a weekly Dave Says national newspaper column, and The Dave Ramsey Radio ShowSome of you may still be able to watch him by television as well, Fox is no longer airing the Dave Ramsey Show in California.

    Through his website you can discover and sign up for his My Total Money Makeover Online Program (putting the book work!) his Financial Peace University, or one (or all) of nine different newsletters.  He even has programs directed towards kids with his Kids and Schools items and his Generation Change Bible Study Program for Teens.

    He also offers budgeting tools and forms, along with a variety of informative articles including two of my favorites: Dave's Baby Steps (the first things one needs to tackle when working with Dave) and 29 Ways to Leap Out of Debt (great ideas!).

    In a nutshell, Dave offers a lot of great advice and has many ways to access it.  (But don't expect to be purchasing anything through his website with a credit card!  He doesn't take them!)


    Jean's latest book
    "Money 911",
    released in January 2010
    Jean Chatzky
    Jean's website slogan is "Making Money Make Sense", which she does very well.

    I started watching Jean a bit on The Today Show a few years back and always liked what she had to say.  She is clear, concise and informative and has a cheerful disposition.

    he Today Show, doing segments titled, "Money 911" and "Today's Money".  She is also a contributing editor for More Magazine and writes a column for The New York Daily News.

    Her website is full of information, clips from The Today Show and links to articles she has written.  She also writes a blog which is accessible on the opening page, and offers a weekly newsletter called, "This Week In Your Wallet".

    In addition to the free information, she also offers two paid programs.  Information on Jean Chatzky Score Builder (Credit Score - free trial available!) and The Debt Diet (an online program based on paying down debt with $10 per day) can be found on her website.

    Mary Hunt
    Mary Hunt ~
    America's Original "Cheapskate"!
    I couldn't write an article on budgeting and controlling debt without including Mary Hunt!  This year Mary celebrates 20 years of "Debt-Proof Living" ~ Bringing dignity to the art of living below your means.

    Like Ramsey, Mary came to know financial freedom by
    personal experience.  She had $100,000 in debt and was scared to death.  It took thirteen years to pay off her debt, but she did it!  She claims it could have taken half the time had she known then what she does now!  Luckily, she has used her experience to help others.

    Mary has authored 18 books on finance and reducing personal debt. She writes a nationally-syndicated newspaper column called, "Everyday Cheapskate" which is also available by email from her website.  She is also the money editor at Woman's Day Magazine.

    Her most recent book is called, 7 Money Rules for Life and was released in January 2012.

    She offers a membership to Debt-Proof Living through her website (on sale now for $10 for one year!) which offers access to specialized calculators (including Mary's Rapid Debt-Repayment Plan and Calculator), articles, tools and more, but she also offers freebies!

    For you do it yourself people, you'll love this article: Saving Money Using What You Have On Hand and her blog offers a lot of great advice as well!

    You can visit Mary on Facebook and on Twitter as well.

    Thank you, Mary, for 20 years!

    Clipboards Don't Need to be Boring ~ Creative Clipboard Design

    Thursday, March 1, 2012

    Favorite magazine clips on left,
    and family reunion display on right.
    (Click to enlarge)
    When I worked at Roberts Hallmark in Napa (also known as Roberts Bel-Aire and Roberts Variety), we used clipboards... a lot!  We were always taking inventory counts for different lines we carried, or making lists of what needed to be restocked or what needed to be done around the store.  There was an area in the backroom where a bunch of them hung on nails with yellow pads already filled and ready to go!  Since working in retail, however, I've found that there are other ways to use clipboards and ways to make them more "fun" to use.

    Coach gift complete with son's badge
    and other pretty options.
    (Click to enlarge)
    Sarah Sieck (Castro) and Helen Porter, owners of the former Scrapbook Addict in West Sacramento, loved creating unique clipboards for their customers.  I guess it rubbed off on me!

    You can "alter" clipboards to make them more fun for home use, display pictures or other items on a wall, or you can give them as gifts.  They make a great gift for a teacher or coach and you can bet your gift will not be duplicated!

    All you need to make a creative clipboard is a basic clipboard (you can purchase a pack of 3 for about $4.99 at Staples), a bit of scrapbook paper or photos, stickers or ribbon if you so desire and double stick tape.  My friend Betty even takes hers a little further and uses old frame glass to create a unique framed picture holder!

    The main thing to do is to get your base paper or photo attached carefully and evenly with double stick tape.  Once you have done that, you can turn it into whatever you want. 

    Teacher's gift complete with cello wrap
    and my sister Susie with the finished project she helped to create :)
    (Click to enlarge)
    I enjoy using mini clipboards, and occasionally I use legal size clipboards as well.  For a teacher's gift (see photo), I used a legal sized board filled with a letter size yellow pad that allowed for her name to peek out under the bottom.  I added a special poem about teachers then wrapped it in a bit of cellophane and it was ready for delivery!

    Have you ever created a unique clipboard?  If so, I'd love to hear your ideas or better yet, see them!

    Have fun!