Today's Job Search - Helpful Advice Online ~

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 :)

Gardening - A Great Way to Reduce Stress ~

We all have too much stress.  That's something most people would agree on.  We think about how stressed we are and what's causing it (too busy perhaps?), we talk about it with friends, and write about it on Facebook, but it still doesn't go away!

I am no different!  I don't really think I have that much to be stressed about (not currently at least!), but I am clearly a worry wart!  Unfortunately, when I worry, the stress goes right to my stomach.  I deal with Acid Reflux (like many people do) and when I'm really stressed, I deal with esophageal spasms which is very painful.  Medicine doesn't do much, so I've been told I need to learn deal with my stress in other ways.  One thing that helps a lot is a little time in the garden!

We don't own the house we currently live in, but love the backyard.  It has a nice big lawn and flower beds along the perimeter of the yard.  The problem is, the weeds just LOVE the flower beds and now with the rain arriving, the weeds are growing as quickly as the flowers!  I've learned to grab a little time here and there as I can!

I spent time this last weekend working in the yard and it felt great!  It may not be as rewarding as it would be if we owned the house, but oh well!  I pulled weeds, cut back some ivy, trimmed dead blooms off of my geraniums so more could appear... it was fun and rewarding.  I enjoyed the time outside, it gave me a sense of peace, a sense of accomplishment, and now I'm ready to plant some new colorful plants.

Here are my top 5 reasons why you should try gardening...

1. Physical work of any kind reduces stress (and gardening is much more fun!).
2. It gives you a great sense of accomplishment and peace of mind.
3. It makes your neighbors and/or family members happy (maybe the family will help next time!).
4. A nice yard will encourage you to host events at your house (fun and another way to de-stress!).
5. And for you calorie counters... an hour of yard work burns about 272 calories... which is equal to (1) Grande Starbuck's Caffe Latte or (1) Snicker's Bar (among other things).  Sounds good to me! 

Give it a try!  And if you are a renter, or live in a small space, try container gardening!  Your containers can go wherever you do!

** Calorie count found on About.com **
Note: Definition of a worry wart: "A person who tends to worry, especially over insignificant details".

Five reasons to check out Joel Osteen Ministries

Joel Osteen was born the son of beloved minister, John Osteen, who was known for his ministry at The Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas. As a person who chose to work behind the scenes for his father’s television ministry show, Joel never intended to take over his father’s ministry. He never knew that he would become the Senior Pastor at Lakewood Church shortly after his father’s passing in 1999, and certainly never dreamed of what Joel Osteen Ministries would become. He didn’t know that his own ministry would someday affect so many lives in a positive and lifting way. But life sometimes takes unexpected turns.

Five reasons I recommend giving Joel Osteen/Lakewood Church Ministries a try on Sunday mornings (via televised show):

1. One can watch his show from the comfort of home (in your pajamas if you want!).
2. It can recorded by DVR or Tivo, which means it can be watched when you choose to watch.
3. You only need to commit 30 minutes of your time to watch this show.
4. Joel uses life examples, including challenges he has faced in his own life, which makes him likeable and real. Most can relate to him as a normal person as opposed to simply a “TV Minister”.
5. Most importantly, Joel always delivers a positive and encouraging message that incorporates a few bible verses in a way that is light and (most importantly) relates to issues of today’s world.

My personal experience is that I always walk away feeling enlightened, a little bit lighter, and “owning” a little bit more PEACE… which is what we all seem to desire.

If you are seeking to find or rediscover your spiritual side, are depressed and don’t feel like leaving home, are already spiritual but just don’t have the time or desire to visit a physical church, or are simply curious about Joel Osteen Ministries, you should commit to watching his show one time and decide for yourself. You can search your local listing paper guides or simply type in “Joel Osteen” by cable search and listings will definitely pop up.

If you’re not a television fan but want to check out Joel Osteen Ministries, you can visit Joel Osteen Ministries online to:

• Access video clips from his shows.
• Read about his personal history and learn how the Ministry came to be.
• Read from his blog (written with wife Victoria).
• Sign up to receive his daily message delivered by email.
• Or visit the Joel Osteen Ministries store for other options.

You can also visit and/or “like” Joel Osteen Ministries on Facebook here.

Note: As with any television “personality”, you will find positive and negative feedback/reviews. But life is about taking what you want from each life experience. Come up with your own opinion… that’s what makes us individuals.

Good Intentions for 2012 ~ Happy New Year!

Happy New Year! January hit and the buzz was all about resolutions. Usually, we hear about resolutions in regards to health and fitness, or perhaps one’s financial ways. But this year seemed different. Most articles I’ve read (so far), suggest not to choose or publicize official resolutions. Perhaps it’s to eliminate that let down feeling if a big goal isn’t achieved, but either way, I like resolutions. This year I’m going to call them intentions, maybe that’s a better way to go about it.

Here are five reasons why I like a fresh batch of intentions every year:

1. I’m a lists girl! I have lists going everyday.
2. I like to set goals for myself and...
3. I think it’s good to set an example of goal setting for my kids!
4. A list of goals/resolutions/intentions keeps me in check, just as a daily to do list does. It helps me see what I’ve accomplished as well as showing me what I keep putting off (and need to push myself on).
5. Finally, it gives me an excuse to get creative! We scrappy and crafty girls like to create fun and colorful ways to display these things. I’ll create mine soon and post a picture of it for you later. I’m thinking a cheerfully decorated clipboard is in order.

For now, my top five Good Intentions for 2012 are:

1. To get physically fit. Please stop shaking your head. J Before you think of this as another losing weight issue, it’s not. I was involved in a rear-ending car accident five months ago. I can’t help but to wonder, if I had been “fit” (stronger back and abdominal muscles), if my healing would have been faster. (It has not been fun).
2. To find additional ways to find (and capture) inner peace. I am a worry wart. I worry, I think too much, etc. This does not help my acid reflux, my stiff neck, or my family when I allow my worries to make me grumpy. So, I think 2012 would be a great time to get that under control. I’m thinking yoga!
3. I will try to be better about written (on paper) communication! I’m an old-fashioned girl and love writing letters and sending cards but I have really gotten away from it, and want to make a real effort this year to change that.
4. Right in line with the paper communication is sending birthday cards to family and friends so that they receive them on time! (Ouch!)
5. Maybe if I get all of the above taken care of… I’ll actually send out Christmas Cards again… sadly it’s been years!

I naturally want to continue to try to do well at my top two jobs ~ wife and mom ~ love my family so much! But that’s an everyday task, no need to be on the numbered list. :)
I wish you ALL the very best in 2012!