Just Graduated? HR Pros Think You're Lazy and Disloyal

(NewsUSA) - You think you know, but you have no idea. That's according to a recent survey conducted by online career network Beyond.com, which uncovered a vast difference in how job seekers view themselves, compared to how they're seen from the perspective of an HR professional. The survey, which included more than 6,000 job seekers and veteran HR professionals from across the country, revealed that while most Millennials (Generation Y) are optimistic about finding employment (84 percent), HR professionals are not convinced they have what it takes. The harshest criticism? Loyalty. While 83 percent of Millennials viewed themselves as being "loyal" to an employer, only 1 percent of HR professionals associated their generation with that trait. There were similar feelings from HR professionals on issues like work ethic and management potential, with only 11 percent of respondents identifying Millennials as "hard workers" and 9 percent as "having the ability to lead." "Job seekers aren't just competing against each other, sometimes they're competing against their own stereotype," said Joe Weinlick, VP of Marketing for Beyond.com. "Millennials should use this data to anticipate and counteract a perception that may have already been formed by an interviewer. A resume only conveys so much, and a job seeker needs to fill the gaps for a potential employer to show exactly how they will impact the company." Some other things Millennials need to work on in the eyes of HR professionals? Communication and team spirit. Some 65 percent of Millennials responded that they have strong interpersonal communication skills, with a mere 14 percent of HR professionals in agreement. And only 22 percent of HR professionals identified Millennials as being "team players," compared to 60 percent of that generation thinking they work well with others. One bright spot in the survey for Millennials is that HR professionals overwhelmingly identified their generation as being "tech-savvy" (86 percent). When asked the same of themselves though, ironically only 35 percent of Millennials thought they were technologically gifted -- the sole instance where perception actually helped. "When it comes to an interview," continued Weinlick, "the one thing that will cut through any misperception is confidence." The full Beyond.com Generational Survey can be viewed here: http://about.beyond.com/press/releases/Millennials.

Being your own boss: getting your freelance or small business off the ground

(BPT) - It's one of the greatest American dreams. You make your own hours and choose your own clients, while doing what you love and getting paid for it. Starting your own small or freelance business can be an empowering and life-altering experience, but before you get to the good part, there's plenty of work to create the foundation of a successful business.

Today, there are many new tools to get you started on the right track, but they are still based on tried and true principles.

* There's no such thing as too much networking. "Start with your immediate network," says Shawn O'Mara, senior partner at design firm ocreations, who earned his associate of applied science degree in Visual Communications from The Art Institute of Pittsburgh in 1991. "Do you have an uncle who owns a pizza shop? Offer to create a new logo for him. The money doesn't matter as much when you're first starting out; you need to concentrate on building your portfolio."

Another great way to build your portfolio is to contact non profit organizations. "Non-profits usually do not have a large budget, so if you offer to do the work at a reduced rate, you'll get the experience," says Dana Melvin, director of career services at The Art Institute of Pittsburgh. Once you've started working with get those clients, Melvin reminds business owners to make sure to get permission to use them as references.

Melvin also reminds entrepreneurs, "No matter where you go, your business card should come with you." That includes the gym, grocery store and gas station. "You never know when you'll meet a potential client and you should never pass up an opportunity to get your contact info in their hands."

One of your biggest networking tools doesn't even require you to get out of your pajamas. "Facebook, LinkedIn and so many other social media outlets allow you to reach out to people you could not reach before. A lot of the work I am doing is for people that I went to high school with and I could not have connected with them if it were not for social networks," says O'Mara.

O'Mara also encourages budding entrepreneurs to think outside of the box when advertising their business. He encourages people to find sponsorship and donation opportunities in the community. "My son plays pee wee football, so I donate the T-shirts so that everyone who comes to the games sees what I do for a living," O'Mara emphasizes that everyone you know should know what you do for a living.

And then there's office space. Do you need it? There was a time when a business without an office wasn't much of a business at all. But times have changed. O'Mara's business is graphic design and although now has an office, he says all a freelancer in his field needs is a laptop and the right software. He says most client meetings can either be held at the client's office or at your local coffee shop.

If you do decide you need an office both Melvin and O'Mara advise that you look into co-working spaces. "Those facilities have common conference rooms, shared office equipment like a copier and fax machine, a common kitchen and some have a receptionist for all the businesses that share the space," explains Melvin.

O'Mara says there's an extra benefit to the shared space as well. "The people you're sharing the space with become part of your network and help you to grow your business; they can also become your clients."

Source: Brand Content

Certifications: the new key to employment

(BPT) - A professional certification may not always be a job requirement, but it is often a deciding factor between qualified candidates. In fact, technology is one of the most in-demand career fields, but recent graduates and professionals are both struggling to find new jobs or get promoted because they don't have a certification - a third-party validation of their skills. One of the most sought-after career credentials in the tech industry is the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Routing and Switching. Tech professionals with this certification take home salaries that are, on average, 16.7 percent higher than their uncertified peers, according to a Fairfield Research study. This certification acknowledges that someone is skilled to install, configure, operate and troubleshoot routed and switched networks. "Studies show that chief information officers prefer Cisco Certified professionals because they are 42 percent more effective at resolving issues and decrease network downtime by 32 percent," says Stephanie Kelly, corporate affairs business development for Cisco, citing results of a 2013 Employer Value of Cisco Certification and Training study. "Employers prefer to have someone they know is fully capable of handling a very technical, niche job." Despite the growing demand from employers and because certifications aren't an industry or government mandate, some recent graduates and professionals try to play the odds and skip additional credentials due to the financial obstacle. Between study materials, pre-tests and exams, certifications can cost as much as $1,000. Now, select career colleges, like Westwood College, are pitching in by paying for their students' exams to help attain a certification in their chosen field. "We began running CCNA Routing and Switching review courses for students who passed courses offered through the Cisco Networking Academy. Students who took advantage of and successfully completed the review course were issued a voucher worth the cost of the exams," says Dean Gouin, chief executive officer of Westwood College. "We know it takes a lot of work to achieve this credential and we believe it is important so we'll continue to encourage our students to challenge themselves to do so." In addition to paying for the exams, Westwood, a nationally accredited on-campus and online career college, also covers the exam costs for medical assisting graduates to help them attain Certified Medical Assistants status. In addition to the actual exam, the college pays for practice exams and ensures all study materials are pre-purchased. Visit tech.westwood.edu for more information and behind-the-scenes footage about the college, and specific programs such as CCNA Routing and Switching. To learn more about the Cisco Certified Network Associate Routing and Switching, visit learningnetwork.cisco.com. For more information on Certified Medical Assistants, visit the American Association of Medical Assistants at www.aama-ntl.org.

Courtesy:BrandContent

Brain Tracy

Job searching skills to help boost confidence

(BPT) - Finding employment can be a full-time job these days, and while there is good news that the jobless rate has dropped 8 percent in the last year according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate in August stayed relatively flat. This can make it a challenge for those looking for long-term jobs and careers.

Before your confidence begins to wane, it can help to remember that the skills applied to a search for employment can strengthen performance on the job. "With a thoughtful and determined approach to finding employment, you can not only help yourself stand out from the crowd but you'll also hone skills that will help you succeed on the job," says Gizelle Ortiz-Velazquez, director of Career Services at Brown Mackie College - Miami.

Persistence is key
Rarely does anyone secure a position on the first attempt. "Looking for a job takes determination, patience and persistence. Candidates must look at job opportunities every day and use multiple resources, such as networking, online job boards, professional organizations and social media sites," Ortiz-Velazquez says. Your persistence will apply to success on the job as well.
"In life, we don't always get the results we want the first time we try to solve a problem. We have to try again, look at the problem in a different way and look for the answer in different places," Ortiz-Velazquez continues. "Just like using multiple resources for a job search, employees must learn to use multiple resources to solve problems on the job."

Clear, focused communication is a must
When interviewing, effective oral and written communication skills are a must. "Different companies recruit and interview in different ways. The process often varies from company to company, and can include phone screening, Internet screening, email communications and face-to-face interaction," says Ortiz-Velazquez. The successful candidate must be prepared for all of them.
She advises candidates to speak or write clearly and stay focused on the topic. At every step in the process, prospective employers evaluate each candidate's ability to communicate. Once employed, effective communication skills can prove invaluable.
"On the job, different employees prefer different forms of communication," Ortiz-Velazquez says. "It is important to communicate effectively and convey necessary information well whether communicating face to face, over the phone or in writing."

There is no substitute for professionalism
Whether an employee or a prospect, it is important to remember that the way people conduct themselves outside of the workplace is a personal reflection on them.
"During a job search, most candidates take great care to ensure that they are dressing, communicating and representing themselves professionally," Ortiz-Velazquez says. "On the job, however, employees sometimes get comfortable in the work environment and become less professional over time. This can lead to a less than professional reputation and hinder future opportunities."
Social media websites present a forum to be considered with an eye toward professionalism. Ortiz-Velazquez advises job candidates and employees alike to remove personal information and never post questionable images or negative information about a coworker, boss or the company.
"We've all heard the story about the employee that called in sick and then later the same day posted a smiling photo of himself while sitting at a sporting event," Ortiz-Velazquez says.
Those out there looking for employment can take heart in the skills they apply to the search. Those same strengths can help them succeed when they accept a position. And once employed, Ortiz-Velazquez reminds everyone to "remember that every day on the job is an interview and screening process for an employee's future."

How to mentally prepare for a crisis in the workplace

(BPT) - Recent events in the news have reminded us that unexpected, dangerous and stressful situations can happen anywhere: on the street corner, at the grocery store, and in the workplace. While these situations are often chaotic, there are steps you can take to mentally prepare yourself to handle them better, whether you are an employee, a business owner or manager, or a bystander.

David Levine, senior vice president of Optum's Employee Assistance Program and an expert in workplace crisis response, says that anyone can take steps ahead of time to prepare themselves and their workplace to better handle a tragic or emotionally disturbing event. He offers a few suggestions anyone can try, starting today:
* Evaluate your purpose - Those who feel they are a part of something bigger than themselves tend to exhibit higher levels of resiliency after a tragedy. Workplaces that encourage volunteerism and community involvement, promote work-life balance and encourage an individual's sense of family are positioned to nurture resiliency.

* Find ways to manage your stress - Stress can contribute to a host of health issues and can impact the way your brain works. During extreme situations, your brain moves away from abstract thinking, making even simple tasks - eating, sleeping, and solving basic math problems - difficult. If you're already in the habit of doing things to help you cope with everyday stress, such as exercise, relaxation techniques, or a hobby, that will put you at an advantage for dealing with a sudden crisis. It's also important that you don't turn to unhealthy habits as a way to cope, such as the use of nicotine, alcohol or drugs.

* Examine your relationships - Close relationships with family and friends can be invaluable at times of distress. Those with strong support networks tend to manage these challenges better and recover more quickly. By working to strengthen these relationships now, you'll have a strong support system in place to lean on in times of crisis.
For a business owner or manager, Levine says it's important to develop a crisis response plan and make sure you are familiar with its details so that in times of need, you can respond quickly and calmly.
"When developing your response plan, consult with crisis experts or your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provider to help design a plan that fits your workplace, including a strategy for providing counseling services to employees after a crisis in order to reduce the long-term effects of mental or emotional trauma," he says. "When tragedy strikes in the workplace, the response of leadership is critical to ensuring that employees remain healthy and productive."
Levine says leaders should focus on remembering the "ACT" crisis communication process: "Acknowledge, Communicate and Transition." He says this process has been found to be helpful for individuals and organizations as they recover from a stressful situation.

* Acknowledge and name the incident - Be visible and available, and use real language that specifically describes what occurred. Acknowledge that the incident has impacted the team and you. This action can align leaders with their employees and reduce the likelihood of creating an atmosphere of blame and stagnation.

* Communicate with compassion and competence - Employees want to know that leadership cares about their safety and well-being, and is capable of leading effectively in the wake of a crisis. During these difficult times, employers and managers must "know their stuff" when it comes to the logistics of responding to a crisis, but also be able to communicate in a compassionate way. Other colleagues or a crisis expert could be helpful in providing guidance as leaders prepare to talk to their staff about what happened.

* Begin to transition - Convey an expectation of recovery to help those who are impacted make the transition to viewing themselves as a "survivor" rather than a "victim." Communicate flexible and reasonable accommodations as people progress back to "normal" life at work. Some employees will be able to immediately function at full productivity; for those who take longer to get back to normal, you can help hasten their recovery by assigning tasks that are familiar and short-term.
In business, the power of planning is a well-documented key to success - and Levine says it's no different when it comes to responding to a workplace crisis.

"While operating through a crisis will never be an easy task, taking these steps now will help make the situation - should it arise - more manageable in the future." He adds, "Whether you're an employee, manager, or bystander to a crisis, following these steps, along with knowing about your employer's critical incident policies, EAP and other support resources, will help you manage the unexpected."
For information on emotional health and dealing with crisis, visit   www.liveandworkwell.com

Article from Brand Content

Business Do's and Don'ts to Help Your Startup Succeed

(NewsUSA) - Everyone has a dream -- it's the one thing they would rather be doing more than anything else (and are sure they could succeed at). Yet, it's something entirely different from what it is they do to pay the bills. What many fail to understand, however, is that enthusiasm for a product or service may not be enough to guarantee success when starting a business. "So often, would-be entrepreneurs believe they have that one idea that will make them a millionaire, and in fact it may be a very good idea, but what they don't understand is that there's so much more involved for a business to succeed," says Heidi Ganahl, CEO of Camp Bow Wow, a dog day care franchise and boarding authority. The business saw 20 percent year-over-year growth last year in revenues across Camps (individual franchise locations), which opened pre-2011. "Unfortunately," Ganahl adds, "passion alone will not dictate or ensure success." To this end, the following do's and don'ts may help you assess whether your idea is ready: * Do your research and prepare. So often, failure comes from a lack of preparation. According to Ganahl's book "Tales From the Bark Side," every good idea must come with the right support to make it profitable, including writing a winning business proposal. Ganahl says that lending or investing individuals will only consider an investment after a thorough review of your project. * Don't go into business if you're not committed. Convinced that they have a good idea, but unprepared to be completely committed, people will try to have their feet in both the corporate world and their new business venture. If you feel the inability to put your all into your new venture, cut your losses. * Do ensure you have enough capital. Business analysts report that poor management is the main reason for business failure and that poor cash management is probably the most frequent stumbling block for entrepreneurs. Understanding the basic ideas of cash flow will help you plan for the unforeseen eventualities that face nearly every small business. * Do consider owning a franchise. With thousands of systems operating in dozens of industries, there is no shortage of choices here for the would-be entrepreneur. The down side? The plethora of choices can make that decision a challenge, so be clear about what you want, what you're willing to do and how much you need to make. For more information about franchise opportunities, visit www.campbowwow.com/franchise.

Keeping Your Bank Account Safe on the Internet

(NewsUSA) - Banking has never been easier -; you're now able to check balances and transfer money directly from a computer, or even a smartphone. However, despite precautions taken by your financial institution, online banking can be very dangerous. Cybercriminals create very sophisticated and threatening malware to target banking information for one simple reason: It's a cash cow. "It's pretty shocking how many ways cybercriminals can jeopardize or access your financial records," says Ann Biddlecom, Product Marketing Director for Kaspersky Lab, a leading developer of Internet security solutions. "For instance, if your computer or programs are infected, you could be led to a fake website posing as a legitimate site, but it hijacks your passwords and account numbers without you knowing. Or they can install a program that records the information you enter on your bank's website." More than 5,000 new malicious websites turn up every day, some of which are cleverly designed to mimic legitimate financial services websites. In fact, over a three-month period in 2012, Kaspersky Lab experts found more than 23,000 new malicious programs created to spy on your money. Studies show that 60 percent of all consumers shop and bank online, and one-third of those online shoppers store their banking details on their computers, so the risk of their financial data being intercepted has never been higher. Software like Kaspersky Internet Security has technology that can protect you, such as its Safe Money feature. This feature is designed to protect all of your financial transactions by verifying websites before launching them and restricts how other programs access your data. In addition to using software such as Kaspersky Internet Security, follow these steps to ensure you are the only person with access to your banking information: * Always decline automatic log-in for online banking sites. It's also important to never save the password for your bank on your browser. * Always remember to log out and close your browser window on your smartphone or laptop when finished with your online session. * If you receive an email from your bank asking for your account information, do not follow the link in the email. Type the URL of your bank as you normally would, or call your bank to verify the request. * Visit www.kaspersky.com to learn more about Safe Money and protecting your personal information.

Why You're Not Getting Hired

Why You're Not Getting Hired (396)
(NewsUSA) - Here's a secret -- job placement isn't a matter of inclusion, but one of elimination. In today's economy, recruiters are deluged with resumes and have to funnel them through pre-set filters designed to separate the competition. On average, a recruiter spends only 30 seconds reviewing each application, meaning if you aren't marketing your skills correctly, not only are you not getting hired, most times your application won't even be seen.
Joe Weinlick is Vice President of Marketing for Beyond.com, a career network that allows people to search thousands of jobs and manage their careers. His company connects job seekers to available positions, but stresses that the process doesn't stop there.
"Picture the hundreds of people applying for a job seated in the same auditorium," said Weinlick. "Now picture that you're one of the few standing up. Who do you think will get noticed first?"
Here are five recommendations from Beyond.com to improve your job search:
1. Play the Part. A recruiter works with the same job description that is posted online, and if you're not using the same language, a communications gap can develop. Treat the job description like your compass, and use it to guide each answer by tailoring your wording to match theirs.
2. Get Noticed. This is the hardest part, as it's difficult to stand out when others have similar qualifications. Think about your unique qualities, and lead with them. Don't wait until the end; the recruiter might never get there.
3. Get Feedback. Every time you apply for a job, strive for the perfect application. Clean up grammatical errors, cut unnecessary words, and focus on details. Send your materials to colleagues for advice, and take advantage of other resources, like a free resume critique from Beyond.com that can catch any errors.
4. Follow Protocol. Submit only what the job posting requests. This will show that you can follow directions. Don't lie about experience; rather relate the experiences you have, and show how they apply. The candidates who follow the rules and look the best throughout the process have an advantage.
5. Nail the Interview. At this point, the hardest part is over, but you're still the underdog. Be scrappy. Focus on remaining present during the interview. Research the company and your profession. Browse news outlets, like News and Advice on Beyond.com, to stay current on your profession.
To receive a free resume critique from Beyond.com, visit www.beyond.com/resources/resume-writing.

Money Matters: Why Financial Literacy Counts in High School

(NewsUSA) – Alongside English and math, high school students need more classes in financial literacy and managing their money. It’s never too early to start learning how to manage finances.Otherwise, teens embark on the college journey without knowing how to avoid debt, opt out of high interest rates or dodge exorbitant fees. 

Some students actually expect to face these types of financial hurdles because they don’t know any other way."We need to ensure students entering college are given the right financial literacy education, tools and support to make sound financial decisions while in college and beyond," said Mary Johnson, Director, Financial Literacy and Student Aid Policy at Higher One.

Higher One is a financial resource that offers banking options designed exclusively for college students. Since the company works solely with students, aid experts like Johnson have firsthand knowledge of student finances. Higher One has an even deeper level of insight as a result of their recently sponsored study called "Money Matters On Campus," which details common behaviors and attitudes about students and money management.

"Money Matters is unique because it offers specific student attitudes and behaviors on which educators and policy makers must focus and address. This report sounds the alarm that institutions must augment current financial literacy education," Johnson added.According to the survey of 40,000 first-year college students, 28.2 percent have a credit card, and 23.7 percent have more than $1,000 in debt. While it’s not surprising that more than 79 percent of students surveyed worry about debt, some other spending behaviors are alarming. Such as, 60 percent find it okay to incur an overdraft fee if they can pay it off later.

To correct these bad money habits, Higher One has partnered with educational technology company Ever Fi — who also sponsored the survey — to assess financial literacy in high school students. In 50 select schools across several states, the Higher One Financial Academy offers a web-based learning platform that will teach principles about saving, credit cards, interest rates, credit scores, taxes, insurance, investing and beyond.

Higher One provides refund disbursement, payment and data analytics services to more than 1,600 colleges nationwide. For incoming freshmen and other students attending these schools who are looking to open their first bank account, Higher One offers the perfect starter account via its bank partners that is tailored to students.As a result, accounts are transparent regarding fees and charges, and they use an educational approach that allows students to learn the ropes. Learn more about the accounts at www.myonemoney.com.