10 Tips on Choosing an Outsourcing Partner For Computing Services

By H Johns

Jobs Indonesia, Careers, Indonesia Vacancy

In tempestuous financial times, it's usually the pattern that the rate of outsourcing increases. Indeed, it's proved to be the case of late, in a climate in which business owners and employees alike have recognised the urgency of cutting costs and maximizing productivity.
 
IT outsourcing is more popular in 2009 than it has ever been. Many companies are choosing to outsource to an IT provider, rather than maintain an IT department. But how do you choose a reliable supplier? If you aren't an IT fanatic yourself, how do you know whether your systems are up to scratch or not? Whether you're being given appropriate advice? Or whether you're getting value for money?

In Gartner's 2009 outsourcing study, it was reported that many companies are developing outsourcing strategies to help them through tough times, but that organisations need to regularly assess their service levels and contract terms to achieve greatest return on investment. Allie Young, Vice President of Gartner, explains: "The well-educated buyer and provider will have the advantage. The potential for outsourcing to address immediate cost pressures as well as long-term recovery goals will be unprecedented...Many organizations that are not outsourcing will consider or move aggressively to outsource their IT or business processes to focus on their core business."

What to ask your prospective suppliers
Once you've decided that you want to outsource, ensuring that you ask questions of the companies you approach based around the following 10 subjects should give you a headstart.

1) Company Size How many engineers does the company have? How many full-time members of staff? Where are all these staff members based? Do they sub-contract or outsource any work? If so, what? If they are a very small company or a one-man band, what happens in the event of a crisis at another client's premises? Do they arrange cover if they are sick or on holiday?
 
2) Payment Structure What exactly is it that you are paying for? Are you entitled to unlimited support or do you pay per unit? Are there any extra/hidden charges?
 
3) Response Times Will you receive guaranteed response times in the event of an IT issue? What hours of the day can you call them?
 
4) Network Safety Will your network be monitored 24/7? If your website or email goes down in the middle of the night or at the weekend, will anyone know about it? Or be able to help?
 
5) Other Clients Do you get the feeling the supplier understands your business? Do they have any other clients in your industry?
 
6) Accreditations What accreditations does your supplier have?
 
7) Points of Contact Who will they be? Will you be given access to a dedicated account manager as part of your contract? Have you met him or her and do you trust them?
 
8) Stability How long has the supplier been in business? Are they financially stable?
 
9) Value Added Services What services does the supplier offer in addition to the ones you are in talks about? Network design? Bespoke software development? Disaster recovery and security consultancy? Who are their clients for these extra services?
 
10) References Will you be offered the chance to speak to any of their existing clients to find out first-hand about the services they provide?

Domestic Outsourcing Partner

By Marie Jacob

Jobs Indonesia, Careers, Indonesia Vacancy

Where overseas outsourcing has already gained a mature market, domestic outsourcing is gaining momentum for emerging nations like India where both the main business and the freelance contractor are located in the same nation. One of the primary reasons for outsourcing is to lower expenses in terms of labor, infrastructure and technology.

Though many domestic players have sprung up owing to the demand the ITES industry has, it is always necessary to know your vendors thoroughly before you could hook up a good deal for your outsourced projects. You can resort to the following points, in order to choose a better domestic outsourcing partner:

1. Work experience and credentials
The vendor that you wish to outsource your projects/domains should possess relevant work experience and credentials to support its credibility.

2. Reference checking
Reference checking has always helped to know a third party well. Checking with the references can help you to understand the vendor's capabilities properly.

3. Quality assurance
The vendor should be quality focused and these days many companies have adapted to standard norms and quality certification such as ISO 9001:2008.

4. Cost
If the pricing of any vendor I not cost-effective, then it primarily isn't serving the purpose of outsourcing. Thus, gather price quotes from all vendors available and see at your convenience which budget suits you the most.

5. Contract terms or SLAs
The vendor must be committed to the Service Level Agreement or SLAs and must be clear in its contract terms. The contract must also provide flexible terms for both the parties.

6. Confidentiality
You must always ensure that the vendor has a well defined set of security policies in place. How secure is your data at your vendor's site and what measures are taken to keep data safe are the questions that must be asked to the vendor.

Other points that you can further consider are location of the vendor, additional resources and capabilities offered by the vendor, reporting methodologies, vendor processes, financial stability of the vendor and cultural similarity etc. All these points may help you in deciding your best domestic outsource partner.

In Jaipur, one of the fastest growing outsourcing partners in the industry is Go4 Call Centre. Under the flagship of the parent company Cyber Futuristic Private India Limited, Go4 Call centre aims to serve your customer first with excellent customer support. Go4 Call Centre offers wide range of services through Inbound and Outbound call centre operations some of which include helpdesk services and remote troubleshooting of IT-related queries, transaction processing, accounting services, remote network management, end-to-end processing services etc.

Outsourcing : 5 Tips to Help You Select an Outsourcing Partner to Help Build Your Business

By Patti Malone

Jobs Indonesia, Careers, Indonesia Vacancy

To make this job easier, here are 5 tips that will help you select an outsourcing partner.

1. Does the outsourcing partner have experience with similar projects? or a record of accomplishment? Find out what projects the outsourcing person or company has handled before or are currently handling. Can you see who they have worked for, what kinds of projects they have done, and some real examples of their work? It is also going to help you narrow down your list if you find out that the person or firm has completed projects similar to yours.

2. Can you identify the outsourcing partner's business aims? Your company has its business goals and directions. It is worthwhile finding out what the outsource company's business aims are as well. Having an alignment in both companies' aims will give you an idea on how the project will turn out.

3. Will the outsourcing partner provide references from other firms that have hired their services? Being able to contact other employers gives you the peace of mind that the outsourced workers fulfilled their contract well and in a timely manner. Get feedback from them and make an assessment as to how long the project took them to fulfill or if they are able to deliver within your time requirements.

4. Does the outsourcing partner agree to your terms and conditions? Transparency between you and the outsourcing company will help both parties work harmoniously. You should document how long the project is going to run, when you expect it to be finished, and how many people will be involved in ensuring that the project will finish on time. Payment terms should also be clear when signing off the documents.

5. Can you build a long term relationship with the potential outsourcing partner? Do not select an outsourcing partner based solely on how long they have been in business. Initially, you may want to select two or more potential partners, give them the same job, and then decide which one you want to continue working with.

Job Tips : Job Search Tips for Older Job Seekers

Job Search Tips and Strategies for Older Workers
By Alison Doyle

Jobs Indonesia, Indonesia Vacancy

I'm always a little surprised at how young can be considered old by employers. In some industries, especially high-tech, even mid-thirties can be considered old. In fact, I spoke to one computer programmer who considered the workers in his office who were over thirty old!

Unfortunately for older job seekers, the older you are, the longer it can take to get a job and the harder it can be to get hired.

What can you do to address age discrimination and promote your candidacy for employment? There are strategies older job seekers can implement to help expedite a job search and to find gainful, and meaningful, employment.
Job Search Tips for Older Workers

Resume Tips for Older Job Seekers
One way to overcome the perception that your age is an issue, is to age proof and edit your resume. Limiting what you include on your resume, from a chronological perspective, can help job seekers avoid the stigma of being considered "too old" by a prospective employer.

Cover Letter Tips for Older Job Seekers
Your cover letter is critical, as well. Review these cover letter tips for older job seekers, including what to include in your cover letter, how to showcase your skills, and how to effectively market your candidacy to employers.

Emphasize Your Relevant Experience
When writing your resume and your cover letters, there's no need to mention every job you've ever had. Include only the most recent positions and, if you attended college, don't list your graduation dates.

Fashion Tips for Older Job Seekers
You can strategically write your resume and cover letter, but you can't change the basic facts - your actual age and your employment history are etched in stone. However, there are ways you can work on your appearance when you are job searching. And that can make a big difference when you're interviewing. Here's how to update your job search image.

Use Your Network
Networking is still one of the best ways to find a job. Regardless of when you graduated, if your alma mater has a career network use it to contact alumni in your field of interest. Use online and offline networking resources to make connections to help with your job search.

Consider a Career Change
It can be easier than you might think to change careers. Here's advice on how to successful implement a mid-life career change.

Get Job Search Help
If you're struggling with your job search, consider seeking assistance. There are no-cost programs provided by OneStop Career Centers, non-profit groups, and local libraries, for example, that can assist.

Keep Your Skills Current
Everyone applying for employment, regardless of age, needs to be computer literate. If you can't send an email, or don't know what Instant Message is, take a computer class. There are classes offered, free or low-cost, by continuing education centers, churches, libraries, and school. The more current your skills, the better your prospects for finding employment.

Don't Give Up
Job searching typically isn't easy, regardless of how old you are. So, don't give up. It might take a while to find a job, but, there are employers who understand the value of an older worker with maturity, life experience, and skills.

Share Your Job Search Story
Share your job search success story and what you learned during your job search. What job search tools did you use, what job sites worked for you, how did you conduct your job search?

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CAREER TIPS -> BE WISE

By jidaw.com

Jobs Indonesia, Indonesia Vacancy

How to Tips for the Information Technology Career. Be Wise tips are to help you with developing careers in computers for Careers planning, career choices and IT career strategy.

Boosting computer careers - the computer career in computer and information systems - Information Technology Career Tips. 

You will need to make career choices every step of the way. Decisions will be taken about IT certification, Computer education, Technical training, Practice tests, Study Guides, Exams, IT professionalism and jobs.

A successful IT Career is more about wisdom than anything else. BE WISE!

42. Too often our career growth is hindered because by “good” reasons. It isn’t a crime to experience hiccups in your career journey, but respond with positives - create time, improve your preparation, network, develop your skills.  

Stop Planting Excuses. Be Wise. Excuses achieve nothing.

What “good” reason can there be for not updating yourself? What are the “good” reasons for your inconsistency? There is no middle ground. You’re either doing something to improve your career or you’re buried in the excuse planting season. If we sow excuses, what do we reap? What’s stopping you from starting? Why have you given up? Be honest, what do you really want from your career - results or excuses? There is no reward for excuses.

41. “Wait for perfect”, “stay with the crowd”, “don’t take risks”. Run, don’t walk away from such thoughts. The worship of fear is born to kill dreams. A programming career without audacity is one without substance and character. Want to build a successful career in Networking? Ignore the familiar and rock the boat! Be Wise. Your career decisions and growth can’t wait for 100% certainty.
 

Sure plan, do your research, finish your homework, choose wisely. But to start your IT career or business, never ever wait for perfect. And go beyond noise and popularity. What are you afraid of? The unknown, failure, rejection or becoming an outstanding contributor in the IT industry?  

40. SUBSTANCE OR SHOW. Are your career decisions based on substance? Is programming the right path for you, or are you a “me-too” activist? Career growth requires taking risks. But what really is your motive? Money, show or purpose? Is certification what you need, or is the promotion in control? Be Wise. The choices we make are life changing.

Your training decision appears sensible, but how did you choose your course and training institution? What is the main issue driving your job change? Activity can never be a substitute for substance. What matters more - ceremony or career growth?

39. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE. IT newcomer at zero level? Or does your career need a lift? Stop waiting for luck or fate. Enough of the excuses! You must own and drive your growth process. Are reward and fulfillment in your IT career horizon? Then banish fear and excuse. Be Wise. Provoke growth - Take risks. Seize the initiative. Connect with family, colleagues, counsellors for support and guidance. But never hand over your power. Nobody else is in charge of your movement forward. It’s your life. It’s your future. Responsibility for your growth lies with you.

38. THE OPPORTUNITY IN THE PROBLEM. When difficulties come how fast can you run? Are you one track minded when career efforts don’t seem to be working? Slow promotion, no job, “Boss-from-hell”? Tough! But develop your turnaround mentality and approach. Be Wise. Sometimes there are no right answers. Growth comes from being comfortable solving problems. Bad exam results do not mean bad IT professional. Career success has several routes. Is that challenge your full-stop or a seed for growth? Enough of the victim sing-song! Instead look for your opportunity in that problem.
 

37. HOPE IS NOT A STRATEGY. You have hope and can see opportunity in Information Technology, but are those enough to make your career happen? Where are you? Where are you going? Be Wise. Hoping for the best, “whatever will be, will be”?? Without a sense of direction how will you reach your full potential? What is the purpose of your IT education? Coordinate your efforts and plan with your priorities in mind. Ignore the noisy crowds - let the main issue be the main issue. It is your job to create your own path.

36. DO SOMETHING NOW. You have ideas and you love the IT profession. Great! But unless you act, all you get is a big fat zero. What’s your excuse? The environment isn't right? Expecting to be supported? Be Wise. Wait for perfect and wait forever. Take charge and start building your amazing IT career now. IT professional, make your knowledge move today! Challenges exist but create your own path by investing in effort. Sitting in the farm all day doesn't make you a farmer. It is what you do that matters. Take action. Grumbling never achieves. 

35. MONEY HAS ITS LIMITS. To grow your IT career money helps for training, certification and books. But money is not the supreme ultimate resource. Stop allowing money to limit you! Be Wise. Can money cover up a dinosaur like attitude to tech learning? Or will money buy people networks or goodwill? Without putting in effort, time or common sense what is money? Does money mean creativity? Money assists but understand what money can do for your IT career, alternatives that exist and what you must do for yourself. 

34. CREATIVITY IS NOT A LUXURY. You can't grow by feeding on the predictable. Are you satisfied with the one-way street of convention? Training and certifications aren't enough in the world of constant change. Be Wise. Think outside familiar and comfortable routines to create new value. Is the creative path stressful? Or does it look strange or crazy? So what? Open your mind! Status quo is dead. Growth is the reward for expanding your mental bandwidth. Let dead dogs rest in peace.

33. PURPOSE AND CONTRIBUTION. The IT professional must have goals and a purpose. But it's not just about your agenda. Direction is important but your technical strengths are nothing without the value balance. Be Wise. What are your priorities vis a vis contribution? The key driver for career growth isn't your Java certification or your agenda, but is instead the value you create. Are you solving problems with your programming skills? Does the business make more profit with your networking know-how? Contribution is what gives backbone to your agenda.

32. GET BEYOND THE CERTIFICATE. Has your learning experience honed your problem solving skills and your learning ability? Have you used the classroom to build personal networks and improve your people skills? Be Wise. As you learn, open up your mind to ways of making the right impact in your career. What you put into your learning effort will often determine what you get out of the experience. Do you want growth, or is the certificate your only goal? See further than the certification. 

31. STOP LOOKING FOR GUARANTEES. Building a fulfilling IT career is not maths. Your Java knowledge doesn't guarantee anything. You need to step outside your comfort zone and take calculated risks if you want to succeed in Network security. 

Be Wise. Real IT professionals tackle the unknown and also anticipate and embrace change. The silver bullet-shortcut-password mindset is for robots. Network with other people, take up challenges and apply wisdom while learning from your experiences - both good and bad. 

30. IT IS NOT A HAPPY-GO-LUCKY PASTIME. It's about intense preparation and committing lifelong to a full-fledged career. Networking isn't flash-in-the-pan gambling. Or is programming an all comers affair? Be Wise. What is interest without the drive, without commitment? You should enjoy going the extra mile to look for the solutions, to remain current, rather than getting yourself hooked on quick fix supplied by the immediate results druggist.

29. The true IT professional is a positive, knowledgeable and supportive influence. Cisco guru, do you help or do you intimidate with your expertise? King of Java, are we safe in your hands? Be Wise. Trust is the mother of growth. But professionalism and trust isn't just about being "nice". It's also about having the courage and judgment to do the right thing in difficult situations.

28. You're perfect, right? Don't make me laugh! Nobody is an angel. But don't empower your weaknesses. Why let limitations bully you into defeat? Be Wise. Grow, learn from mistakes and empower your positives. Who are you and what do you offer? Despite shortcomings make a difference, be a positive contributor, with your attitude and tech know-how. It is your mission.

27. Knowledge is a "must-have" for your IT career. But have a clear understanding of what knowledge tools (training, education, certification) can and cannot do. What can knowledge do for you and what do you need to do for yourself? Be Wise. While knowledge confers advantage, it doesn't guarantee anything. Without a positive solid ethics attitude, initiative and people skills the train isn't leaving the station.

26. Stop asking only questions about pay, jobs and benefits. Your salary is not your value. Be wise. Growth comes from service and contribution. Ask the right questions: Is there a future in IT? Does that future include me? How do I empower myself to become a value provider?

25. What is your staying power in IT like? You can't afford to get burnt or worn out by the incredible rate of change and challenges. Be Wise. No matter how well you start and perform, how worthwhile is your effort if you don't finish? Develop your backbone with a can-do, can-bounce-back attitude. Achievement requires resilience - commitment and perseverance in the face of change and obstacles.. 

24. Sometimes less is more if you get your priorities right. Vegetating away at a job that doesn't enhance your value, simply because of the money is downright dangerous. Is it just about the pay packet? Be Wise. Growth is when you are creating opportunities for yourself now and in future. It isn't just about a meal ticket.

23. The worst thing you can do to your IT career is to take important decisions, such as investing in certification, without thinking about your long-term career focus. Be Wise. How will your decisions and investment take you from where you are to where you should be? Having a long-term career focus is the single most important driver for high quality career achievement.

22. Run, don't walk away, from any training provider that says you're guaranteed a job if you register for classes with them. Be Wise. Are you more interested in giving somebody money than your education or career?

21. As you gather experience in the industry, don't burn bridges you might need tomorrow. Be Wise. It is easier to succeed when you build your own personal network of individuals that you can rely on for advice, job leads, technical assistance and other helpful support.

20. Have a passion for what you do. Understand, and be happy, with what you do. Be Wise. It's difficult to be motivated; it's difficult to excel when you work at something you don't like.

19. You can't claim to like the IT field and yet be unwilling to make the effort required for constant knowledge acquisition. Be Wise. In the IT field, ignorance is the path of the dinosaur.

18. Don't run from challenges that will crop up from time to time in the course of your career. Be Wise. Often challenges are an opportunity to conquer a difficult area, and carve a niche for yourself.

17. Your career is about value. Be Wise. Certifications, tech skills, degrees, experience don't amount to much if you can't use them to create real business value.

16. Focus on substance rather than style when taking career decisions. Be Wise. "All that glitters is not gold". Avoid becoming a hostage, always choose career value over popularity and hype.

15. No IT career is better than the other. Be Wise. "One man's meat is another man's poison". The best career for YOU should be based on YOUR interests, assets and abilities.

14. Setting career goals is important. But planning is a lame excuse for unfruitful career indecision. Be Wise. Your IT Career isn't just about planning. It's also about doing, not promising to do. You must follow through.

13. Approach your IT Career like a marathon, not a short sprint. Be Wise. If immediate results are what you are after, then the IT field might not be for you.

12. As an IT professional, maximize your career advantage by developing a good combination of soft skills and IT knowledge. Be Wise. Of what value are your IT skills, if you can't effective present yourself or your skills?

11. The acquisition of popular advanced level certifications by newcomers is not a guarantee of jobs. Beginners need to master the basics before moving to the advanced. Be Wise. Why waste your money and time on advanced level training and certification that is not useful to you at your level?

10. Integrity is the hallmark of a true IT professional. A bad reputation spreads faster than wild fire. Be Wise. Solid tech and soft skills will not take you anywhere if you can't be trusted.

9. Sometimes the career advice you need to hear may sound upsetting to you. Don't listen only to what you want to hear. Be Wise. Choose Brutal but honest over nice but self-deceit. Use frank but painful advice to make the necessary changes that will grow your career.

8. As you invest in knowledge and self-development don't carried away by "the best". Can you make the effort? The best instructors, books, training centers cannot replace your effort. Be Wise. It is one thing to have "the best" tools, it is another thing to make the effort.

7. Learn from your mistakes and from your successes. Be Wise. If don't make any mistakes, you're not doing anything. You learn and grow not only from what you did right but also from what you messed up.

6. As you develop your IT skills and knowledge never confuse repetition with practice or learning. Be Wise. Mindless repetition on its own is cramming. Repetition must be combined with analysis and understanding to be of benefit to you.

5. Experience is essential for a career in IT. But depending solely on experience limits growth. Be Wise. What is experience without passion or initiative?
Experience on its own restricts you to what you do on a regular basis. To get real value from work experience - Invest in lifelong learning. Invest in a success-driven attitude.

4. Interest in an IT career is of no value without action. Be Wise. Interest is cheap. Effort will cost you. What're you doing? What are you investing to achieve your career goal? Time, money, books or just interest?

3. You will need to use career tools and your personal network as you progress in your career. But don’t be totally dependent on others. Be Wise. Learn how to dig deep by your own effort. To move without resourcefulness is to move in reverse. Besides, whose career is it anyway?

2. IT is not a “get-rich-quick” scheme. IT is professionally and financially rewarding if you focus on acquiring practical skills and building your career rather than on sudden, immediate wealth. Be Wise. Nobody is in IT for the sole purpose of making you rich. If “fast money” is your sole aim, you won’t last under the intense workload and incredible rate of change.

1. Personal networking is essential for career growth. Over 80% of all career opportunities are found through networking. But your personal network doesn't work for you alone. It isn't a self-centered one-man show. Be Wise. What do you contribute to the network? The key to having a strong and dependable personal network is not "receive only" or "give to receive", but instead it is "give more than you receive." 

A successful IT Career is more about wisdom than anything else. BE WISE!

Interview Tip : When the First Interview Is a Phone Call

By PHYLLIS KORKKI

Jobs Indonesia, Careers, Indonesia Vacancy

Some companies sometimes receiving hundreds of applications for a single job, it is becoming more common for hiring managers to conduct initial screening interviews over the phone. This saves them considerable time and money — especially if a candidate lives out of town.

Don’t take these interviews lightly. “It is important to prepare for a telephone interview just as you would for a regular interview,” said Alison Doyle, a job search specialist for About.com, which is owned by The New York Times Company.

The employer will normally call or e-mail you in advance to set up an interview time. If possible, arrange for the interview to be over a landline phone, as it tends to be more reliable than a cellphone. Make sure that children, pets and other sources of interruption will be out of the room. Keep a glass of water nearby.

Phone interviews can often last a half-hour to an hour, Ms. Doyle said; be sure to have your resume in front of you, along with a list of your accomplishments. Long pauses or halting responses caused by a lack of preparation could keep you from making it to the next stage. Do your best to be personable, but don’t overdo it by, say, trying to tell a joke and guffawing.

One advantage of a phone interview is that you don’t need to worry about what to wear (although dressing up might make you feel more confident). But some companies have started to conduct video interviews, Ms. Doyle said, sending Webcams to be used temporarily by applicants who don’t have them at home.

Tips Career ==> 5 Career Tips to Help You Achieve Financial Success

By Ashley Jacobs

Jobs Indonesia, Careers, Indonesia Vacancy

Everyone who has gone through the process of finding and landing a job knows the reality of how difficult it is. As a result of this understanding, there are thousands of career tips available to those who are seeking employment as well as those who are currently employed. It seems like everyone wants to offer their advice on how to go about having a successful career because just about everyone knows that without a successful career, financial success is virtually impossible to come by.  Throw in the fact that we are in a recession and the unemployment rate is the highest it’s been, the road to both career and financial success is that much more bumpy.

I recently went through the job hunting process and it was not an easy process to go through.  During this process, I heard far more than my fair share of advice. While helpful, listening to all these tips was nothing short of overwhelming. After hearing hundreds (if not thousands) of tips, there are 5 main bits of advice that I found to be extremely useful.
Here are the 5 best career tips people have shared with me.

Tip 1: Have More Than One Source Of Income

This is a tip that I haven’t heard too often but absolutely LOVE. Prior to hearing this advice, I always thought that once I had a career, I would have one sole source of income that would allow me to keep a roof over my head and food in my stomach. While this probably will be the case, having multiple sources of income is a fantastic idea for two reasons.

First, if you lose the job that is your main source of income (which we all know is a legitimate possibility clearly demonstrated by the recession), you have other sources of income to fall back on. True, they may not provide you with as much money as your main source of income, but at least you will still have some means of making money.

Second, it is always nice to have some extra money. Having another source of income can enable you to have extra spending money or help you save money for major future financial goals (i.e. buying a house or paying for your kids to go to college).

Tip 2: Be Prepared When Interviewing

After taking a course on interviewing, the importance of being prepared during an interview was extremely evident. What do I mean by being prepared? There are two parts to this.

You MUST do your research on the company. Know the facts on who will be interviewing you. Know how your skills will benefit the company. Be up to date on major company news. Know as much about the company as you possibly can prior to going into the interview.

You must also be prepared with questions to ask the interviewer. This demonstrates an interest in the company. One great question to ask is “What does it take to be successful at this company?”

Another thing to remember when interviewing is that your interview starts as soon as you are within view of the building the company is in and doesn’t end until you are out of site. Don’t speed in and out of the parking lot and don’t be obnoxious on your cell phone in the elevator. Anyone from the company could see you do those things and what company would ever want to hire a reckless, obnoxious employee?

Tip 3: Join LinkedIn

Networking is vital to finding employment opportunities. The saying is true, it’s not what you know but who you know. While using social networking sites may seem like a risky way to go about networking to find a job, LinkedIn provides a highly professional site in which to network.

LinkedIn enables you to create a profile based on your employment and educational experiences. You can then search for people you went to school or worked with and add them to your network. You can also look at people in your friend/coworker’s networks and see if there is anyone you would like to connect with and ask your friend/coworker for an introduction.

There is no risk of being tagged in inappropriate pictures or having friends post less than flattering comments on your profile. That being said, if you do own a Facebook or Myspace, learn to use your privacy settings to make sure potential employers can’t see unprofessional comments or pictures on your profile. Or, better yet, get rid of anything inappropriate on your profile.

Tip 4: Don’t Let Your Career Consume Your Life

Never let your career run your life. You want a career that fits into your life, not that runs your life. Many people lose sight of this. The importance of having a job and being able to provide for yourself (and a family) seems to cause many people to throw themselves into their work ESPECIALLY due to the fact that the unemployment rate is the highest it’s ever been. Loyal employees have been getting laid off and it has caused most people to really step up their game at work to try to prevent this from happening to them.

The problem with this is that taking on this career preservation tactic causes your life to revolve around your career instead of having your career just be a part of your life. Determine what you want in a career. Make sure that your career fits into how you picture your life being. If you want to be able to spend time with your family, make sure your career enables you to do that. If your current career doesn’t, it’s time to start looking for employment opportunities that will enable you to have the lifestyle you want.

Tip 5: Do What You Love

This is probably the oldest, most used piece of advice out there. While some people may disagree with it due to the fact that they feel that if they do something that they love everyday eventually they will get sick of it, this is probably the best piece of advice ever.

If you aren’t in a career that you love, getting out of bed each morning to go to work is going to make you miserable. And who wants to be miserable everyday? Definitely not me.

By doing something you love not only will you enjoy getting out of bed each morning to go to work but you will (most likely) be more successful at your job. People tend to put more effort and energy into the things they love to do. The more effort you put into something, the more successful you will be at whatever you are doing.

Regardless of whether you are employed or actively seeking employment, be sure to keep these tips in mind. Additionally, be sure to listen to the advice and insight of others. There is no such thing as too much advice and every little tip helps when you are trying to have career and financial success.

Bullying & Manipulation At Work

You know the problem. All of us do. Many workplaces have at least one person who is aggressive, selfish, pushy, and seems to be concerned with getting his or her own way rather than doing the job, or helping the organization. Or perhaps you are more familiar with bullying that comes from members of the public. Whatever the source, bullying and self-centered behavior can be stressful, reduce productivity and create supervisory and management problems.

We are going to look at bullying and manipulation and look at how supervisors might address these problems in their workplaces.

What Are We Really Talking About?

Bullying is probably not the best word to describe self-centered behavior. That's because we associate bullying with a very aggressive stance where a sense of threat is involved - like the "schoolyard bully". If we use the word bullying, we may miss other, more "tricky" behavior that is less "in your face", but is as damaging or more damaging.

A better term is manipulative behavior. Manipulative behavior is designed to help the person using it get his or her way, OR exercise control OVER other people. It may be aggressive, but it may not be. For example, manipulative behavior may take the following forms:

whining

• trying to make others feel guilty
• the martyr approach (poor poor pitiful me)
• passive-aggressive behavior (that's being nasty but denying there is a problem)
• making fun of or inappropriate use of humor to demean others or their ideas
• malicious gossip

These are in addition to the more obvious bullying behaviors like:

• threatening
• yelling or raised voice
• physical intimidation

Whether we call these behaviors bullying or manipulative, one thing is held in common by both. Both involve a person trying to get their own way with no concern for the rights, needs, wants and desires of others around them.

The Game of Manipulation

To improve at dealing with manipulative behavior you need to understand what it's about. Manipulation and bullying are about two things. The first is about getting one's own way. The second is about control and power. Manipulators tend to use manipulative techniques even when they don't work because manipulation gives them a sense of importance, power and control. The manipulative person draws other people into the web, and gets to control conversations and discussions, becoming the center of attention. Manipulative people win by getting their own way, becoming the focus of attention or controlling others.

There's one other thing to keep in mind. Manipulative behavior is a part of being human. Probably most people use it some of the time, particularly the less aggressive forms. It doesn't just come from people with emotional problems. Of course some people use it as their main way of dealing with the world, and those are the situations we tend to notice. "Chronic manipulators" just manipulate more often than the rest of us.

So, What To Do?

Managers and supervisors have a responsibility to do their best to create a respectful workplace, as free of manipulation as possible. That isn't to say supervisors are the only ones responsible. Ultimately everyone can help. Let's look at some suggestions.

1) Policy Issues

Some forms of aggression in the workplace are illegal. The more subtle forms of manipulation that occur are often not illegal. It is important that YOUR work area have a policy (it can be formal, or informal) that identifies the kinds of behavior that are inappropriate and how people in the work unit should treat each other. Involve staff in your work unit in drafting a simple informal policy. A good starting point is for staff to answer the following question: "How should we treat each other in our workplace?" Then, define what the answer to that question means in terms of specific behavior and action (eg. No gossip, dealing with problems directly with an individual, no laying on guilt, no blaming).

Managers and supervisors have a responsibility to do their best to create a respectful workplace, as free of manipulation as possible. That isn't to say supervisors are the only ones responsible. Ultimately everyone can help. Let's look at some suggestions.1) Policy IssuesSome forms of aggression in the workplace are illegal. The more subtle forms of manipulation that occur are often not illegal. It is important that YOUR work area have a policy (it can be formal, or informal) that identifies the kinds of behavior that are inappropriate and how people in the work unit should treat each other. Involve staff in your work unit in drafting a simple informal policy. A good starting point is for staff to answer the following question: "How should we treat each other in our workplace?" Then, define what the answer to that question means in terms of specific behavior and action (eg. No gossip, dealing with problems directly with an individual, no laying on guilt, no blaming).

2) Abide By The Policy

Staff look to you for guidance. If YOU gossip or blame, your staff will gossip or blame. If YOU use guilt and indirect, "tricky" ways of communicating, so will your staff. Model what you want each and every day, no exceptions. Consider also that your position of authority (such as it is these days) is not reason enough to flaunt it or exercise it indiscriminately. The best use of authority and position is "rare use".

3) Managing Meeting Behavior

Staff meetings are important. Attempts to monopolize the floor, blame others, innuendo, aggressive behavior in meetings send a signal to employees that manipulative, controlling behavior is acceptable. You can get around this by using proper meeting management techniques, and having a chairperson who will interrupt if discussions go over the line. Having that informal policy in place allows this to work. The chairperson need not be you, but it must be someone who is able to jump in assertively if required.

4) Involvement in Disagreements

Managers and supervisors can be drawn into attempts to convince them to side with one person or another in a manipulative disagreement. If you are "in the middle", don't play this game. Focus on solving the problem or addressing the issue, not figuring out who is at fault (often it's everyone!). Keep in mind that you are not a professional counsellor or mediator. In some cases, particularly involving two difficult employees, the situation can be referred to people who specialize in mediation. Don't try to go beyond your training and abilities.

5) Helping Staff Develop Better Ways

Apart from your own positive influence, consider this. Many people who use manipulative techniques do so because they don't know any other way to deal with disagreement, or express themselves in constructive ways. Their difficult behavior may be a result of lacking skill.

In SOME cases, opportunity to attend training in assertiveness, or communication can be helpful. However, if an employee is forced to attend, the chances of change are minimal. Training in communication, conflict resolution and assertiveness works best when people attending recognize they are making their own lives difficult, and want to find better ways.

6) Incorporating "Respectful Behavior" in Performance Discussions

If you have a formal or informal policy in place, you can include or reference it in the expectations regarding work performance that should occur regularly as a result of performance management or communication about job performance. Some organizations will indicate to each employee individually, that they are responsible, not only for their "job tasks" but for ensuring they treat their co-workers with respect (or in accordance with the estalished guidelines or policies). This is helpful in two ways. It allows one-on-one discussion between you and each employee. It also allows the use of progressive discipline in cases where a person is persistently treating others poorly.

Conclusion

Manipulative behavior and its more extreme cousin, bullying, can seriously damage the productivity and effectiveness of everyone in your organization. If you are in the middle, it's no fun. The best approach is to prevent it from starting, and if it starts, to address it early.

While the subject is a complex one, if you work with staff to create clear understanding of acceptable and unacceptable behavior, act as a role-model for how people should treat each other in your work unit, and help staff develop alternate and better ways of interacting and communicating you will go a long way to reducing the time, stress and aggravation that results from one or more manipulative people in your workplace. (work911.com)

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Reasons For Not Coming To Work (More Strange But True Humor)

Reasons For Not Coming To Work

The following responses have been collected from the web -- the best excuses for not coming into work!

- It it is all the same to you I won't be coming to work. The voices told me to clean all the guns today.

- When I got up this morning I took two Ex- Lax in addition to my Prozac. I can't get off the john, but I feel good about it.

- I set half the clocks in my house ahead an hour and the other half back an hour Saturday and spent 18 hours in some kind of space- time continuum loop, reliving Sunday (right up until the explosion). I was able to exit the loop only by reversing the polarity of the power source exactly e*log(pi) clocks in the house while simultaneously rapping my dog on the snout with a rolled up Times. Accordingly, I will be in late, or early.

- I can't come in to work today because I'll be stalking my previous boss, who fired me for not showing up for work. Ok?

- I am stuck in the blood pressure machine down at the Wal-Mart.

- Yes, I seem to have contracted some attention-deficit disorder and, hey, how about them Skins, huh? So, I won't be able to, yes, could I help you? No, no, I'll be sticking with AT&T, but thank you for calling.

- Constipation has made me a walking time bomb.

- I just found out that I was switched at birth. Legally, I shouldn't come in to work knowing my employee records may now contain false information.

- The psychiatrist said it was an excellent session. He even gave me this jaw restraint so I won't bite things when I am startled.

- The dog ate my car keys. We're going to hitchhike to the vet.

- My mother-in-law has come back as one of the undead and we must track her to her coffin to drive a stake through her heart and give her eternal peace. One day should do it.

- I can't come to work today because the EPA has determined that my house is completely surrounded by wetlands and I have to arrange for helicopter transportation.

- My wife makes more money than I do, so I have to stay at home with our sick son.

- I refuse to travel to my job in the District until there is a commuter tax. I insist on paying my fair share.

- I'm feeling a little disgruntled this morning. You sure I should come in?

(work911.com)

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Basic Negotiating Tips

We all negotiate in our personal and professional lives. We negotiate when we go to a garage sale, or when we want to do something different at work, or when we are dealing with members of the public.

Sometimes its easy to negotiate, but other times, when we have a great deal at stake or we are upset, the task can be intimidating or difficult.

We are going to talk about some tips to effective negotiating that can help you work more effectively with your customers, co-workers, and boss. They are also applicable to other interpersonal situations.

Overview of The Negotiation Process

Negotiating is the process by which two or more parties with different needs and goals work to find a mutually acceptable solution to an issue. Because negotiating is an inter-personal process, each negotiating situation is different, and influenced by each party's skills, attitudes and style. We often look at negotiating as unpleasant, because it implies conflict, but negotiating need not be characterized by bad feelings, or angry behaviour. Understanding more about the negotiation process allows us to manage our negotiations with confidence increases the chance that the outcomes will be positive for both parties. (work911.com)

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