Finding Your Path™

Our First Urban Prodigy

In my last post I announced that Craig and I have decided to build some custom Urban Prodigy bikes for cyclists who want a ride that stands out from the crowd, is well-built and reasonably priced. This is our first bike; it's a 29er. My wife DK snapped this picture at the end of a quick 15 mile ride a couple of weeks ago. (For a complete list of this bike's components see my last post.) On paved or gravel trails this bike really cooks. It's also as quiet and it is speedy. I'll post more pictures of our bikes as we build 'em.

Happy Riding

Mitch

Job Hunt Tip #35

Seven Personal Traits: Trait #2

I think it's vital for you to have, at the very least, an inkling of what kind of work YOU would like to do. Finding the answer to this question is part of the research needed before you begin your job hunt.

Last time, (Job Hunt Tip #34, July 20) we looked at Trait #1: Aptitude. This week we're looking at:

Trait #2: Skills. Definition: Your learned abilities.

Exodus 36:4-5  So all the skilled craftsmen who were doing all the work on the sanctuary left their work and said to moses, "The people are bringing more than enough for doing the work the LORD commanded to be done."

Proverbs 1:5 let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance

Proverbs 4:2 I give you sound learning, so do not forsake my teaching.

Ecclesiastes 10:10 If the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed but skill will bring success.

A skill is something that has been learned by applying knowledge and training. Any skills which you already have mastered may help you get a job in that area. Make a list of your own skills. This list may include a range of things, such as knowledge of computer programs such as spreadsheets or word processing, or knowing how to operate certain machines or equipment. You may have licenses or permits, or certificates and diplomas for certain skills you have learned. Include these in your list.

Your list might look like this:

I have written manuals of a professional standard for D.O.T. Compliance Programs, Policy and Proceedure Manuals, and other work-related projects.

I am fluent with inventory tracking and control using Excel spreadsheets.

I am certified to operate for lifts and other related warehouse equipment.

Job Hunt Tip #34

It's Research Time!

Last week, I think I threw you a curve... maybe two. I said we were going to talk about the "job search", then I said it's research time and ended by asking two questions:

1. What do I do well?
2. What do I enjoy doing?

I think it's vital for you to at least have an inkling of what YOU would like to do and, believe me, knowing this is very much a part of the job hunt! Most employers will give serious consideration to a person who knows who they are and what they have to offer.

Over the next several weeks, we're going to look at seven Personal Traits that apply to everyone. I ask that you prayerfully take time to work through each one; they will help you better understand yourself. Then, you'll be able to identify what you may like to do, what you're good at, and what you have to offer.

Trait 1: Aptitude

Definition: your natural abilities or God-given talent

Genesis 47:6 if you know of any omong them with special ability, put them in charge of my own livestock.

Deuteronomy 8:18 But remember the LORD your God, for it is he wqho gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today.

Exodus 31:1-3 Then the LORD said to Moses, "See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spritie of God, with Skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts-"

The big difference between aptitude and skill: if you try something and find you pick it up quickly, you have a God-given talent or aptitude for that activity, while a skill is a learned ability that may take many years to master.

Genensis 4:20-22 Adah gave birth to Jabal: he was the father of those who live in tents and raise livestock. His brother's name owas Jubal; he was the father of all who play the harp and flute. Zillah also had a son, Tubal-Cain, who forged all kinds of tools out of bronze and iron.

Answer the following questions. Be honest and realistic, pray for God's enlightenment.

1: What things do you find easy to grasp?

EXAMPLE: I've always found working with numbers or mathematics rather straightforward.

2: Do you have special talents?

EXAMPLE: I can walk into any room and give the dimensions within a couple of inches.

Job Hunt Tip #33

I'm going in a different direction this week, and maybe for the next few. We're going to talk about the job search itself. Let's say you are looking for a job but you're not sure what you would like to do. You know you want to change careers but are clueless where to turn. What to do... what to do?

It's research time.

If this is where you are, read this exerpt from my book. 

Finding your path in today's job market requires a measure of self-knowledge. Relax, we're not talking about in-depth analysis here, just some big picture observations about yourself. Your answers will help you make important decisions that will lead you down the right path. Begin by asking yourself these two questions:

• What do I do well?
• What do I enjoy doing?

Start here. I'll give you more next week.

Job Hunt Tip #32

Resume Don'ts - Part 7

Focus On Accomplishments, Not Duties

It's very simple just to list job duties on your resume:

• chaired workgroup meetings
• trained department heads
• updated employee evaluation files

But prospective employers are more interested in your accomplishments, not what your day to day duties were.

Here are the same three duties turned into accomplishments:

• Used a spreadsheet to compile the weekly meeting information into goal statements and direction for the following week.
• Developed 3 one-hour hands-on training activities for department heads - preparing them for employee performance evaluation, health & safety inspections, and sales/bonus recording.
• Using a spreadsheet, I reorganized the entire employee evaluation file system, making them easily accessible to all department heads.

Job Hunt Tip #32

Resume Don'ts - Part 6

Misused Acronyms

If you use acronyms in your resume, use the ones that everyone knows.  Example: It's common knowledge that VP is short for Vice President. But not everyone will know that JVP stands for Junior Vice President, DM stands for District Manager, or MOD stands for Manager on Duty. When in doubt, write it out.

Job Hunt Tip #31

Resume Don'ts - Part 5

There is no easy way to say this. Don't lie or mislead on your resume! Besides being wrong, it can also come back and bite you on the butt. Let's say you have 10 years with a company; you're up for a great promotion and one heck of a raise. Then someone goes back to verify certain info on your resume and they find out you falsified the details. Guess what?  Not only do you NOT get the promotion - you don't get to keep your job, either! In other words, "You're Fired!"

Job Hunt Tip #30

Resume Don'ts - Part 4

Okay, this week's tip isn't about resumes themselves; it's about how they are misused. I've seen this countless times:

Someone will turn in an application. Written across the top is "See Resume." The 3 page application our company uses was written by myself and two lawyers. It took over a month to construct and cost over $10,000. My two main objectives were 1) to keep it as short as possible and 2) cover all the required legalities, which includes a date and signature of the applicant.

So, when someone will not take the time to fill out my application, I find I don't have the time to read their resume.

Job Hunt Tip #29

Resume Don'ts - Part 3

I'm going to splurge and give you two small but very important tips about contact info on your resume.

1.  You will give at least one contact phone number on your resume; most people leave two or more.  You'll leave your home phone - with and answering system, and you'll leave your cell phone - also with an answering system.  Guess what?  You still have that cute and/or dumb message on at least one of them.  GET RID OF IT! As a matter of fact, change BOTH your messages to something business-like that sounds professional.

2.  In today's market, everyone has email. It works. It's fast at it's cheap. Once again, if you have a cute and/or dumb email address, get another one.  Cute and dumb is okay for your friends, but will NOT get you a reply from an employer looking for a new employee.

Job Hunt Tip #28

Resume Don'ts #2

If you're going to send a resume, send a cover letter, too. If you're not willing to take the time to do both, just forget it. You are better off not sending anything than letting your submission say, I'm lazy.