Settling Successfully Into Your New Job

The euphoria of getting a new job can sometimes be overcome by apprehension about what comes next. After all, you're "the new kid on the block," and there's much to learn--about your new job duties and much more. But here are some things you can do to make the process go smoother. >vacancy

1. Dress for success. You'll want to look professional. Dress on the conservative side for the first week. Once you've got a good idea of what's appropriate and what isn't, you can adjust your style. 

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2. Be on time. You never want to start your new job by being late, so make sure you allow plenty of time for your commute. Plan the most direct route, but be aware of alternates in case of an accident or other traffic snarls.

3. Get to know people. Be polite and friendly to everyone you meet, whether it's the receptionist or the general manager. Introduce yourself, smile and make eye contact. Make a positive first impression. Ask about your coworkers' interests. 

4. Ask questions. From "Where's the bathroom?" to "Which tool do I use for this task?" It's OK to ask for help! Your coworkers will feel good about doing whatever they can to assist you. Let them. It's always better to have to ask the right way to do something than to try to figure it out on your own, mess up, and have to do it all over again.

5. Remember your place. You may feel "qualified" to tell your new coworkers that there's a better way to do something, but be patient. Every workplace has its own way of doing things. Never say "That's not how we did it at my old company!" (You're coworkers may invite you to return to your old company!) Be patient and become an accepted member of the team before you make suggestions for improvements.

6. Be careful about office politics. Pay attention to the grapevine, but don't contribute to it. Do not accept at face value what one employee says about another; form your own opinions based on your own interactions and judgment. Never complain about anyone at your old job or your new one. Figure out who has the real authority to give you work to do, and who is trying to take advantage of your newness.

Above all, keep a positive attitude, do your work to the best of your ability, and keep an open mind. Before you know it, you'll be climbing the career ladder and giving advice to newcomers! > employee

Use the Personal Touch to Get a Job

A recent study showed that sales people who used their prospects' names generated a 239% increase in sales.

The simple act of using a name can have a dramatic impact on your own ultimate success in landing a new job! 

During your next interview, focus on remembering the names of the interviewers. Find a reason to say their name at least three times during your conversation. Repeat their name at the end of the interview to make a lasting impression. >vacancy
But don't stop at that. Make it a point to remember and use the names of the other people you meet -- the receptionist, the HR person, anyone you speak to during your visit. They'll remember YOU and maybe nudge the boss in your direction when it's time to make the hiring decision!  

> job vacancy indonesia 

Here's a personal step that you must plan ahead for. After the interview, go out to your car and take out the nice notepaper you've brought along for this purpose. Write your thank-you notes while the interview is fresh in your mind.

In today's high-tech world, a handwritten note is becoming a scarce -- and appreciated -- commodity.

Place the note in an envelope and write the name of the interviewer on it (do separate notes and envelopes for each interviewer, if more than one). Go back inside and hand-deliver them to the receptionist... smile and use his/her name when asking that the notes be delivered.

Do you think any other candidate will do this? Heck no! (Not unless he/she reads this article!)

Have an instant advantage by using the personal touches of: (1) remembering and using names; and (2) handwriting and immediately delivering thoughtful thank-you notes! > employee

How To Tap Into the "Invisible" Job Market

Is there a company in your area that you'd love to work for? Do you assume that, because you don't see them advertising in the classifieds or posting jobs on their website, they have no openings? That may or may not be the case. That truth is, only about one-fifth of job openings are actually advertised! 

job vacancy indonesia

Here's how to tap into the huge "invisible" job market.

1. Make a list of companies you'd like to work for that are likely to have positions in your field. When composing your list, do some research and take notes about each company. You'll use that later. 

2. Obtain the names of the people in those companies who have the power to offer you a job. Simply call each company’s main number and ask for the name (ask them to spell it) and title of the manager in your field of expertise (or check to see if this information is available on their website). If possible, also get their email address and direct phone number. Don’t let the receptionist give you the name of the Human Resources manager (unless that is the department where you are trying to get a job) because your first point of contact should be with the hiring manager in your field.

3. Write and send a attention-grabbing cover letter with your resume. Address it specifically to the hiring manager in your field. The saluation should include his/her name and title. (Using something like "Dear Hiring Manager" in an unsolicited letter will likely cause it to be tossed in the garbage.) Say something specific about the company (to show you have a genuine interest and did some research) and explain how your skills and qualifications would help them achieve their goals. vacancy

If you can refer to someone the addressee knows, this will give your letter a big boost. For instance, "Jim Jones in your accounting department mentioned that you might have a need for someone with a background in direct marketing" (or whatever your field is). Yes, this is name-dropping, and it works! If you don't yet have a name to drop, do some networking... talk to everyone you know and see if they know anyone who works at that company; join associations that may have members who work for that company; go to trade fairs in which they may participate... and so on and so forth.

Your cover letter is extremely important because it's your first contact with the hiring manager.

4. Follow-up with the people you sent cover letters and resumes to. You can do this through email or by calling them. Here's a general idea of what you want to say (don't use this word for word): “My name is _________. I'm a graphic designer (or whatever your job title is) and I recently sent you a cover letter with my resume. I realize you are very busy, but I would greatly appreciate it if you could verify that you received it. I am very interested in working for your company and am eager to show you how I can be a contributing member of your team. I'd love to speak with you in person (if doing this by email) or come in for an informational interview."

If you're sending them an email or leaving a message on their voicemail, conclude with: "Please contact me at your convenience..." (leave your contact info; 24-hour phone number and email address). Any other steps you take will depend on the success of this one.

You might want to follow-up one more time after about 10 days if you don't get any response to your first contact. But don't continue pursuing it after that. Focus your job search activities elsewhere.

Even if the majority of people you contact say there are no current openings, these are not necessarily wasted steps. You are demonstrating a proactive approach, and employers admire drive and ambition. You may make such a great impression that you'll be remembered as soon as a vacancy opens up! employee

Recommended Jobs In Data Entry

By Diane Cruz

Job Vacancy Indonesia, Employee, Vacancy  

Home typing jobs have become increasingly popular due to lack of experience one needs to obtain these jobs. The data entry field is no longer limited to your traditional work. This field has become extremely expansive to fit the conditions to which many have been afforded. One no longer needs to have impeccable grammar and typing skills to land a job like this, nor do they need to have any type of degree. The various available jobs in this field were born to cater to newbies and people who lack skills that most jobs require. Ad submission jobs are one of many that are high paying and offered around the globe internationally. These jobs involve simple marketing to where one simply posts online ads in order to generates sales for various companies on the web. These are commission based jobs in which are extremely lucrative and fairly easy to learn. The requirements are as little as computer access and the basic ability to follow instructions. Many people are doing these jobs successfully all over the world and there are literally thousands upon thousands of companies that are hiring non-traditional home typists.
Ad submission jobs creates the opportunity for many to become financially stable through online work as a self employed person. These jobs are especially great for stay at home moms, dads and students as well. They offer lots of freedom and flexibility for one to have extra time to spend with family and friends while comfortably being able to work at home. Many people are doing this globally and it has become one of the most sought after jobs in this millennium. These jobs can be done simply to supplement ones existing income or as a long term, full time job. There are no schedules to meet as one can choose there own hours to work as this is considered self-employment.
Ad submission jobs have become highly controversial within the past few years simply because many people mistake them for your typical get rich scheme. These jobs are not meant to become rich, however, one can make a nice and consistent income doing this. The great thing about these jobs is they have been riding well, even through the recent recession. The economy has not put a damper on the success these jobs bring. Out of all the many online programs out there in the data entry field, this is definitely the one I recommend the most.

How To Avoid Fake Data Entry Employers

By Diane Cruz
  
Job Vacancy Indonesia, Employee, Vacancy   

Making money from home is what most everyone dreams of. There are so many benefits to working from home, however, due to so many scams, many people are simply scared to purse anything online anymore. Although scams have gone on the rise within the past few years, there still are many legitimate jobs online such as data entry.

Data entry typing jobs have become the cream of the crop when it comes to preferred online work. It's mainly because these jobs are not only enjoyable, but they are fairly simple to do. Out of all the many programs available online, ad submission jobs have become the most lucrative. These jobs entail posting ads online to promote web companies and their products. They are particularly great for stay at home moms, dads and students as well. They offer lots of flexibility and one can choose to do as much or as little work as they wish. It's also a great way to cut down bills such as gas and child care expenses. As everyone knows, these bills can get quite expensive. With this type of work one is not employed, they are considered self-employed which means they will be responsible for their own taxes at tax time. Unlike traditional jobs, there is no prior experience required to land a job like this, because training is offered. The requirements are so minimal, basically anyone from anywhere around the world can participate in a program like this. Although contrary to popular belief, these are not a get rich scheme. However, it is not uncommon for one to be able to earn $200-$500 a day with time and effort.

Although these jobs are great, one still has to be very weary of online scams. It's best to do your research on any company you wish to work for prior to. Even the nicest looking websites can be hiding deception. There are several different types of scams concerning data entry. One that most people do not consider is someone who poses as being with a legitimate company. Therefore, if you were to run a check on the company and find out they were legit, you probably wouldn't think twice of paying someone that sent you the offer through an email. Then once you pay, you find out you just paid a total fraudster that had no relation to the website whatsoever. This has been happening much more frequently as the guys figured out that you can easily check out a business nowadays, however, how would you know if he were with the actual business or not? Well there are a few simple ways to avoid this scam. First of all, always make sure that the email address used to solicit payment matches the company in question. If they are using a free email address such as yahoo or gmail, this should instantly become a red flag. Just noticing small things like this can save you a lot of frustration. Also make sure the name on the email matches the name on the website. One other thing you can do is email the company from the actual websites contact form and make sure they are the one to whom you've been corresponding with.

Data entry is by far one of the most lucrative jobs online, just always make sure to do your research before handing over your hard earned money to a potential scam artist or fake employer.

Employee Time Clock Software - 4 Money Saving Benefits

By Jeffery Morrow

Job Vacancy Indonesia, Employee, Vacancy    

A traditional timesheet allows employees to record when they start and end specific tasks. For some employees, this just amounts to starting work in the morning and punching out at the end of the day. For others, this may involve keeping detailed start and end times for various activities, projects, or jobs throughout the day. Whatever your business needs, time and attendance software allows your employees to record this information much more easily, accurately, and objectively. Employee time clock software can help lower the operating costs of your business by making payroll processing more efficient, ensuring attendance compliance, making labor costs more visible so you can lower them if necessary, and helping automate the billing or invoicing of your clients.

Time Clock Software Simplifies Payroll
Time and attendance software takes all the punch in and out times that your employees have been recording and generates instant timecard reports based on your payroll rules. Regular hours, overtime, and paid leave time are instantly calculated and totaled for easy input into your payroll software, or sent to your accountant or payroll service. Manual or modified timecard entries should be flagged for easy follow-up and monitoring. Time tracking notes from employees explaining a late or missed punch allow you to quickly adjust timecard entries and print new timecard reports before sending off your payroll. Better yet, export your time clock program data for easy import into your payroll software. Your employee time clock software data should be automatically archived so past payroll reports are always instantly available for any period of time. This means all those hours spent preparing manual timesheets for payroll processing can be reduced to minutes. Timeclock software brings increased efficiency to your business, which saves you money!

Time Clock Software Ensures Attendance Compliance
Time clock software allows you to fully manage time and attendance, even tracking unpaid activities like lunch breaks or unpaid sick leave. Each employee timecard software report should display time spent on unpaid activities completely separate from hours worked. Make it easy to enforce your business rules by knowing how many unpaid days off employees have used. Time clock software makes it easy to track unpaid leave taken under FMLA and mandatory furlough policies. If you are an educational institution looking for a way to track time spent by students in learning or tutoring labs, you can drastically reduce the amount of time spent on mandatory state reporting of compliance with the individualized educational plan for each special education student or adult education hours with time and attendance software. Tracking employee attendance helps you schedule employees more efficiently and ensures compliance with certain legal obligations, which saves you money!

Time Clock Software Manages Labor Costs
Time and attendance software uses those same employee timecard payroll punches for labor costing. By including employee gross wages, your timecard software reports can be summarized to provide you with labor hours and dollar costs for any activity, task, job, or department for any period of time. Labor costing reports will quickly show you actual labor hours and costs on a per job basis. You should have easy access to timecard software reports that monitor labor costs for each business activity. Your time clock program reports will accurately track all employee time spent on each job, showing you changes in job labor costs from job to job, or the same job for any time period. Timeclock software gives you the knowledge you need to allocate actual labor hours on a per job basis, and being knowledgeable about the resource usage of your business saves you money!

Time Clock Software Automates Client Billing
Time and attendance software should summarize timecard reports by client, job, or department for the accurate billing of labor hours. Run timecard software status reports to make sure you are remaining within project budgets before the project ends. Set your time clock program rounding calculations for billing to the nearest minute, or in tenth or quarter hour increments. Your time tracking labor totals can now be easily entered into your invoicing or accounting software for accurate and timely billing of your labor. Quickly add a time tracking note to your reported client hours to explain job details or project tracking status. The key to tracking labor time accurately is to record new job activities as they happen. Most time clock software is easy to install and configure so it can be affordably deployed on any computer at your business. This ensures real time job tracking is convenient and easy for your employees. Timeclock software helps you accurately bill clients and stay within project budgets, which saves you money!

Top Ten Strategies For Becoming Uncommonly Successful

By Stacey Mayo

Job Vacancy Indonesia, Employee, Vacancy    

Here are 10 of 26 proven strategies gleaned from interviews with highly successful people who have overcome obstacles to accomplish such feats at climbing Mt. Everest, winning a Grammy, becoming a multi-millionaire, becoming an established author and humorist, a professional pitcher in the Major Leagues, an internet entrepreneur who earns millions and more. Regardless of your career or industry, when applied, these success principles can shorten your learning curve and be a catalyst for your success.

These principles were excerpted from the book, "I Can't Believe I Get Paid To Do This!" Remarkable People Reveal 26 Proven Strategies For Making Your Dreams a Reality by Stacey Mayo

1. Create Wealth in Alignment With Your Passions

It is important to focus on what you are passionate about first and then find a way to make money at it. Get in touch with your heart first, otherwise, the left side of your brain will rule out perfectly good ideas without having explored them.

"Money allows us the freedom to pursue the things that are important to us. Money is not an end it itself."
Stacy Allison, first American woman to successfully climb Mt. Everest

2. Honor Numero Uno: Design Your Life Around Your Priorities

Many people try to fit their dreams into their life and complain there are not enough hours in the day to make it happen. If you want your dream to become a reality, make it a priority. Otherwise, it will never be more than a pipedream.

3. Visualize Every Step of Your Dream and Watch the Magic Unfold

The muscle movement that helps us physically take action in our lives begins in the mind. That is why all great golfers, tennis players, basketball players, etc. visualize themselves making a shot beforehand. An experiment conducted by Alan Richardson, an Australian psychologist, found 23% performance improvement among subjects who visualized every day for 20 days. In his paper published in Research Quarterly, Richardson wrote that the most effective visualization occurs when the visualizer feels and sees what he is doing.

"I really visualized it, too, even as a child watching those programs. I could visualize myself walking up the stage, up the stairs. For me, visualizing those dreams happening was pertinent to making that happen, because I could see it. I pictured it in my head"
Mary Youngblood, welfare mom turned Grammy Award Winner

4. Easy Does It: Inspired Action Always Trumps Forced Action

Inspired action is joyful action that is in alignment with your dream. It is action you want to take and the idea of it brings a smile to your face. When you take inspired action, you are aligned with what you are doing and things flow naturally.

Contrast this to action that you are forcing yourself to take regardless of whether you feel like doing it. Maybe you are in a bad mood or have a headache but decide you have to take this action and keep trudging forward. The likelihood is that if you take action from this place it will take you twice as long to accomplish your task or goal or there will be obstacles that come up along the way. It's like swimming against strong currents.

5. Laser in On One Idea, Business or Income Stream at a Time

One of the mistakes people make is diversifying too quickly. This is true whether you are trying to build multiple streams of income or are just working on several different ideas at one time. The key is getting the first stream or idea up and running, producing good revenue, and having systems in place so it will keep running without you before going on to the next unrelated stream.

"Several things going on at one time is a distraction to cash."
Loral Langemeier, single mom, financial literacy coach and millionaire

6. Strengthen Your Relationships: Your Financial Independence is Dependent on Your Connections With Others

Many people think of the day when they will be financially independent as "freedom day." And, while financial independence is a worthwhile goal, it does not mean that you are free of your dependence on other people. As a matter of fact, in order to create financial independence, you just might need a lot more people in your life than you have right now.

7. Develop Your Resilience Muscle: Bounce Back From Setbacks

The truth is that you will have setbacks along the way. This is just inevitable. The sooner you accept that, the better. Many of these setbacks will take the form of circumstances that come up and block your way. If you look closely, you may find these setbacks are directly correlated with your innermost thoughts, fears, and limiting beliefs. This is because we create what we focus on including those things we don't want.

Don't get stopped by these bumps in the road; learn from them. As you work through the setbacks that come up, you will become the person you need to be to live out your dreams.

8. Streamline Your Efforts; Align Your Natural Talents With Your Goal

Success comes easier and more quickly when you enhance your strengths and delegate in areas where you are weak. Your natural talents are those things you do so easily and naturally that you think they are no big deal. Many of my clients were overlooking their natural talents when they first came to me. They thought if it is this easy for them, it must be this easy for everyone. This is rarely the case.

The key is to take your natural talents and abilities and strengthen them through education and experience. You are not born an expert at anything. It is something you develop.

9. Disarm That Sneaky Inner Saboteur

Even when we know what we need to do, we often don't do it out of fear of experiencing the emotions and other things that may come up as a result. Fear of failure and fear of success are the two biggest internal fears that people often face. Most other fears such as fear of rejection fall underneath one of these major categories. As human beings, we will go to great lengths to avoid our fears. That is why so many ideas never get beyond being a great idea, or projects are started and never finished. It is easy to find reasons, excuses, other diversions or projects, create chaos, and sometimes to even create emergencies to avoid these negative feelings or outcomes.

One of the most important things you can do is allow it to be okay to have these feelings. Then step back and notice what it is you do to get in your own way. When you have identified what you do, you can make a conscious decision to do it differently.

10. Shorten Your Learning Curve by Learning From The Best

You can learn from the people who are barely getting by, from those who are doing fairly well or from those at the top of the heap. Talk to people who are already successful and find out how they did it. That's what the book, "I Can't Believe I Get Paid To Do This!" is about. Its purpose is to provide success principles and philosophies from those who have excelled. They've already been down the road and you can learn from their experience. Why reinvent the wheel when someone else already did a great job of creating it?

Always Wanted to be a Police Officer?

By Canadajobs.com Staff

By Sara Parent

job, jobs, career

You've decided this is the path you want to take. You've watched enough NYPD Blue and COPS to know this is the life for you. What do you do now?

Dig In:

Call your local police force or your local RCMP detachment. Ask to go on a ride-along. This will give you a better understanding of the job. What you don't see on NYPD Blue you might get to experience on your ride-along.

Talk To Those on the Job:

Get to know your local police officers. Make some contacts at the station by telling them you're interested in the job and in pursuing a career in it. Ask them what they like about, what they dislike, what skills they needed, how they got into it, what skills they think you should have, and anything else you can come up with.

Decide on Which Force to Join:

If you are interested in local police in your town or municipality, check their websites or give them a call to see what qualifications you need to work as a police officer for your town or city. Ask them how many officers they have hired lately and how they see their needs in the future. Education requirements differ from city to city. Some will require you to have a policing course completed. Some hire you first and send you to a police college. As well, many colleges and universities offer preparatory courses to help you get into policing. Ask the force what they are looking for as this could save you a lot of time and money.

If you are interested in joining the RCMP, they have a detailed requirement of what they need. First, you must attend a training session. They are held throughout the country. Contact your local detachment for information on the next available training session. Then you must write the RCMP Police Aptitude Test, do the Physical Abilities Requirement Evaluation (called PARE, which is used by most police agencies in Canada), then a series of tests, investigations, and evaluations are performed. If you are successful, you will be selected to enroll in the cadet training program at RCMP Depot in Regina, Saskatchewan.

Get Ready:

The process to join a police force can be intense. You've got to be prepared to deal with physical fitness testing, personality and aptitude testing, background checks, and lots of paperwork.

Policing can be a satifying and rewarding career. A little research now will help you prepare yourself and get you closer to fulfilling your goal.

Working At Home? Five Things You Can't Be Without

By Canadajobs.com Staff

job, jobs, career

You've decided to make your home your new home base. Whether you've decided to launch a new business or your job allows you to telecommute from home, there are some basic things you should keep in mind when working from home.

A Designated Space:

You need space to work from home. A desk in the living room is not going to do it. You need to be able to shut the door and be in a separate area that will allow you to be free from distractions. This also helps for the times when you are not working. Since you will be at home most of your life, you need to be able to shut the door and get away when you are not working. Have a separate space allows you to do that.

Investment:

It doesn't need to be a huge amount, but working from home will cost you. You will need your office to be set up with internet access, a separate phone line, and basic office necessities like a filing area, a workstation, a computer, and a quality chair. If you aren't comfortable, and you don't have the tools you need to work, you will likely be frustrated and have trouble concentrating on your work.

Discipline:

Working from home takes strong discipline and concentration. There are many distractions tempting and luring you away from your office. There's television, the fridge, kids, housework, pets and many more. You must make a work schedule, just as you would with any other job. Take breaks, but stick to your schedule. You must remember that when you work unsupervised, only you are responsible for the work you do. If you are the type of person that needs constant supervision and reminders to focus and work, this arrangement may not be for you.

Support:

When you are working in your office, your family and friends need to respect and understand that you are as unavailable as you would be if you were working from an office downtown. Of course, you have added flexibility and you can certainly allow for more family time than if you were working at another location, but they must understand that when you are in your office, you are working. Make sure family members know not to barge in unannouced, not to make loud noises in other parts of the house, and not cause other distractions that will prevent you from working. Keep pets in another part of the house if you know they will be a distraction.

Commitment:

With all the effort it takes to set up a home office, you need to be sure it's exactly what you want. If you can, try it out a few times a month with your employer before committing to full-time telecommuting. It's easy to forget about social interaction, and for some people, it's a critical part of the workday. You might feel alienated from your work environment and have difficulty in keeping a team outlook. If you are going to be working for yourself, you will not have any office-type support when problems arise or you need questions answered. Make sure you have a good support system and consider joining an association of self-employed work-at-home people.

Working from home can be a satifying way of redefining your worklife. With some careful planning and investment, it may be the best move you'll make.

Want to Run Away and Join the Circus?

By Canadajobs.com Staff

job, jobs, career

Are you artistic, creative, and driven to entertain others? Never thought you could make a living as a performer? Think again.

You really can make a career out of whatever your heart is set on. Take the example of Cirque Du Soleil. With shows touring around the world, Cirque Du Soleil hires artists of every type imaginable. A quick tour of their website reveals they are looking for singers, actors, musicians, circus artists like contortionists and strongmen, and various athletes skilled in gymnastic sports like trampoline, tumbling, and synchronize swimming.

Not so limber? Cirque also hires "offstage" staff to support their artists. Everything from physiotherapists to talent scouts to immigration specialists and technical personnel. So even if you aren't an entertainer, you can still join the circus!

Ever considered working at an amusement park? Theme parks such as Paramount Canada's Wonderland hire performers, technicians, and artists to entertain their visitors every summer. Because most of these jobs are seasonal, they're perfect for students or those wanting to try out a career in entertainment.

If you love travelling or living abroad and you're artistic, why not consider working at a resort like Club Med? They hire artists like choreographers, set designers, dance instructors, and DJs to entertain their visitors. Many of their jobs are posted here on Canadajobs.com.

If you have the dedication, drive, and enthusiasm, you can find a career doing something you love. You can fulfill the artist in you by finding a job that's different and exciting. It just takes creativity, self-confidence, and the ability to look beyond traditional work environments.

Do You Have What It Takes to Work in Farming or Agriculture?

By Canadajobs.com Staff

job, jobs, career

Have you been considering a career in farming? Whether you are looking at traditional types of farming such as dairy, cattle, or chicken, or whether you are considering organic vegetables or a vineyard, farming takes a special kind of person.

Up With The Chickens:

Let's face it, agriculture is a lot of hard work. And that work starts early. If you prefer to roll out of bed later than earlier, this might not be the job for you. There is no sleeping in on the weekends either. Depending on the type of farm you operate, you could be working 14-16 hour days.

Able to Handle Stress?:

Working in agriculture can be stressful because there are a lot of things that are beyond your control.

Animals get sick, the weather can damage crops, and prices for your product can fluctuate. You must be able to handle stresses and have the determination to forge ahead. If frost comes early and you have to remove your product from the ground as soon as possible, you must be able to work under pressure and have the ability to remain calm.

Determination:

When the price for your crop or product is on the decline, you have to be able to rationally determine if your business can take it. You have to be the type of person who can see ahead and decide if the risks are worth it. In agriculture, you are at the mercy of the elements, product price fluctuations, and public opinion. You must have a strong belief in your ability to produce a safe and valuable product. Farming is about creating and continuing the food supply in some form or another and with everything that can get in your path, you will need determination.

Energy:

Working at a farm takes energy. Along with the early mornings, there are rarely any vacations. Cows must be milked usually twice a day and you can't skip any milkings. Animals must be taken care of if they become sick, whether it's Friday night or not. The life of a farmer is 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. And if you are doing it because you love it, you don't mind.

Knowledge:

You have to know your stuff. Whether it's animals you are raising or fruits and vegetables you're growing, you need to be on top of your game. Specialized universities and colleges offer programs in agriculture and they should be seriously investigated. Running a farm is a business. You will need business knowledge to go along with your farm knowledge and experience. On the farm, you will have to be able to do a little bit of everything, so it pays to make sure you know what's involved.

A career in agriculture and farming can be very rewarding. Knowing you are playing a role in getting food and products to people makes it all worthwhile. If you have what it takes and the strong desire to do what needs to be done, farming is a career worth investigating.

Do You Have What it Takes To Work in a Call Centre?

By Canadajobs.com Staff

job, jobs, career

Working in a call centre might seem like an easy job at first glance. It's just about answering phones, right? Wrong. There are many different jobs in call centres. There are Customer Service Reps (CSRs), Technical Service Reps (TSRs), Supervisors, Managers, and Human Resources staff, and many others who work to ensure a call centre, the customer's first line of contact with a company, works as a well-oiled machine.

So what does it take to work in a call centre? Though for this article we'll focus on CSRs, many of these skills are critical in other call centre jobs too.

Ability To Work in a Fast-Paced Environment:

In a call centre, it's all about speed. If you are working in an inbound call centre (meaning call come in to your call centre, as opposed to CSRs making calls) the main focus is how fast can a rep answer a phone. How quickly can they solve a customer's issue? Call times and wait times are how a centre calculates its efficiency, and therefore, it's costs and profits. But call times and wait times aren't just important for the company, they are also important to the customer. That's why it's critical to be able to work under pressure.

Accuracy and Attention to Detail:

The customer is calling you because they have a problem. You must be able to answer their inquiry quickly and correctly so their faith and trust in your company is upheld. It's important to the company you work for that their customers aren't frustrated. These customers are the backbone of your company, and they need to have faith that their call is being handled professionally and correctly and that they will get the same correct answer if they call next time. Accurate consistency is critical. And for that, you need to be the type of person who can learn and retain information.

Ability to Learn New Skills:

Products and services change constantly. And though the basics will remain the same, you need to be on top of new things. The last thing a customer wants to do is be calling you for answers and you don't know what they're talking about. You also have to be willing to learn computer programs or software unique to your call centre. Call centres have a lot of processes and you must be able to learn how those work so you can work more efficiently, and better serve customers.

Learning new skills such as another language can also help your job prospects in a call centre. Many list the ability to speak a second language as an asset.

Ability to Deal with Difficult People:

More often than not, customers will call because they have a problem and they want you to fix it right away. If you cannot show empathy, and support them in their frustrations, they will get increasingly upset. You must be able to deal with difficult people and know how to handle and diffuse them. Consider taking a course on the subject. You'll learn how to improve your listening skills, and learn little tricks as simple as repeating back what you hear from your customer. This helps them feel listened to, understood, and in the end, it helps them feel better. The more ability you have in dealing with difficult people, the better you will feel also.

Flexibility:

Though a call centre can be a great 9-5 job, most of them require you to work some shift work. And this or may not fit your schedule. When you decide to apply for a job at a call centre, make sure you know what you are able to do in terms of shift work. If you have dependents, you will need to make alternate care arrangements. Remember too that changing shifts can affect your sleep patterns and your activities outside work hours.

The nature of call centres can also mean that you can be called in at the last minute. You might also be sent home if there is not enough work. If this is a concern for you, ask how often this happens when you are considering a job in a call centre.

Working in a call centre as a CSR can be a satifying job. Often, opportunities to move up to a team leader or scheduler can be had with the work experience you gain starting at the bottom. If you have the right skills and the desire to improve them, a career as a CSR might well be worth investigating.

Interested in Becoming a Chef?

By Canadajobs.com Staff

job, jobs, career

Have you got a flair for the artistic and enjoy cooking for others?

If the thought of becoming a chef is appealing to you, you should consider these tips and find out what it takes to be a chef.

Try it Out:

Before you invest in training, spend a day with a chef. Contact a local culinary school and express your interest in this as a future career. Tell them you'd like to observe someone for a day. They will likely be able to contact someone who would be open to showing you their job. Keep in mind that most restaurants are busy, stressful, fast-paced environments, so it's probably better to go the route of the culinary school, as opposed to contacting restaurants directly. Of course, you can certainly try contacting restaurants directly, especially if you know the owner or staff.

Prepare to Learn:

Working your way up is a combination of training, apprenticeships, and certification. And whether you are interested in becoming an executive chef, a chef de partie, or a sous-chef, it will take years of on-the- job training and the ability to take in and retain a lot of information. Executive chefs, as well as other types of chefs will also need the ability to be managers and supervisors as they direct the kitchen staff and are responsible for assigning tasks in the kitchen.

Critical Skills:

Being a chef is not just about preparing sumptuous foods. You should have above average communication skills, the ability to remain calm under pressure, be detail-oriented, and creative. Working in a kitchen environment can be fast-paced, stressful, and requires the ability to work quickly and accurately. As you learn the skills, if you want to move up the chef ladder, you will also need managerial skills, computer skills, and food cost control and financial skills.

Wait! There's More:

You'll also need to be physically able to work on your feet for long periods of time. Chef work is physical work, from carrying heavy pots to chopping, kneading, mixing, and more.

You need to be aware of food safety and be conscientious in your work environment. You need to know how to properly handle your tools safely like knives, mixers, and chopping tools.

You'll also need to be willing to learn about various types of cuisines, and depending on your specialty, different types of foods. You also need to be able to adapt your skills to the various work environments that exist. If you want to work in a five-star restaurant, you need to be willing to go out and get five-star restaurant experience.

Flexibility:

There are opportunities for chefs to work in exotic locations. From out-of-the-way resorts and spas to cruise ships, being a chef can be exciting and challenging. If you want to work in different environments, you must be flexible. Often, these locations will provide housing for their chefs and you must be able to live in the accomodations supplied. It takes an open mind and the ability to adapt in order to get the best experience possible.

Becoming a chef can be extremely rewarding and satisfying. There are career opportunities in restaurants and in institutions like hospitals, schools, and seniors' homes. You can also be an entrepreneur and become a personal chef, a television personality, or a restaurant owner. Being prepared and knowing what to expect will help you decide if this career is for you.

Interested in Animation as a Career Choice?

By Canadajobs.com Staff

job, jobs, career

If you're creative and thinking of going to school to study animation, here is some information for you.

What You'll Need:

Most college programs require high school graduation, although mature students without a high school education may be considered. Schools also suggest having math skills, basic computer skills, and sometimes a high school arts credits. Schools vary in terms of requirements, so if you don't have all the necessary courses for a certain college, it might be worth considering another one.

As well, some colleges require a portfolio of drawings to demonstrate your creativity and ability to design both the human form and everyday objects.

What You'll Learn:

At some schools, you'll learn traditional and digital animation. You can choose to focus on either as your education continues. You'll start with the basics of drawing, and move into storyboarding, character animation, scriptwriting for animation, basics of filmmaking, 3D modeling and more. Every program is different, so make sure the one you choose contains all those elements you'd like to learn.

Prepare Yourself:

Start putting together a portfolio. Learn a few of the programs that are taught at the school. If you aren't sure, call the school and inquire what programs they use. Some popular animation programs include Maya, ToonBoom, Eovia's Carrara, and 3DS Max. Though some of these might be very costly to purchase, often you can get trial versions of these programs from the manufacturer's website that let you practice learning the various tools within the program. It's a good idea to start early as some of these programs have a steep learning curve. Some programs, such as Blender and Anim8or, are actually free and let you create stunning designs without having to purchase an expensive program.

After Graduation:

The market for 3D animators is wide and varied. It encompasses a wide range of industries, from working at a production studio, to small animation companies, to ad agencies, to video game manufacturers.

Often, some design companies rely on logos and corporate animations as their "bread and butter." You'd be amazed at how many television commercials and logos are 3D creations.

You could also work at medical design companies, on an animated television series, or a film doing background scenes.

Animation allows you to work on a wide range of projects in various industries. You must be creative, detail-oriented, patient, and have the ability to see the product you are creating before it even gets put to paper or the computer screen. If you enjoy being creative, can work independently, and enjoy bringing characters to life, animation may be a career choice worth considering.

Jobs For Those Who Enjoy Working the Night Shift

By Canadajobs.com Staff

job, jobs, career

Do you like being up late at night? Are you looking for a job that will be more suited to you?

If you are looking for work that is predominately overnights or late evenings, we've got some suggestions for you. The good news is not a lot of people like working late nights and early mornings and companies sometimes offer premiums to work nights. Consider both these entry-level and professional career choices.

Entry Level:

Restaurants and Bars

If you like the nightlife and have great people skills, a good entry-level job might be one related to entertainment. Bars, clubs, and restaurants employ a lot of staff to keep them going late into the night. From bouncers, to cooks, to DJs, and bartenders, a lot of workers help ensure the success of these operations.

Shipping/Receiving

A lot of companies operate at night but we'd never know it. Many warehouses receive stock at night as do places like grocery stores and major department stores. These jobs are great for those who like working late nights.

Consider too working for a courier company. Many jobs at their hubs are overnights.

Call Centres

Many call centres operate 24/7 and need staff overnight. Call centres need phone reps or CSRs, technical support reps, supervisors, and managers. If you enjoy this type of job, look for a call centre that offers a premium for working night shift and that can offer you consistent night shift work.

Professional:

Emergency Workers

If you are looking for a challenging career that operates nights as well, look no further than emergency workers. From electrical and power plant maintenance to police officers, emergency workers are available to work 24/7 and can be in exciting situations whatever the hour. Jobs like these range from EMTs and ambulance personnel, to doctors, nurses, orderlies, and police civilian workers like dispatchers.

Security

Guarding buildings, offices, or money is another job that operates at night as well as daytime. Security officers are often required nights to watch security systems, secure construction and building sites, and provide safety in hospitals, prisons, and bars.

Trucking

Most trucking is done in the evenings and overnight. If you enjoy driving and can work on a deadline, this overnight job might be worth considering.

Media Jobs

From newspaper print staff to hosting the early show on television or radio, a lot of media jobs start very early in the morning. Consider this type of job if you like working with the public, can pay attention to details, and are friendly and motivated.

Entrepreneurship

If none of these jobs interest you, you might want to consider entrepreneurship. Being in business for yourself provides you with some freedom as to what hours you would like to work. Keep in mind that depending on the industry you work in and how many clients or people you interact with, you might have to work around their schedules as well, which might limit your choice of hours. Choosing a business that allows you to be flexible can reduce your need to work on others' schedules.

Many industries rely on night workers for their smooth daytime operations. Whatever you choose, there are a lot of options when it comes to working night shift.

Working in Radio

By Luc Theriault

job, jobs, career

Radio is one of the most widely used media outlets. Its accessibility in cars, alarm clocks, workplaces makes radio easy to listen to. It is also locally oriented, meaning that while television networks are concentrated in larger communities, employment possibilities exist in radio even in the smallest towns.

Though at first glance, people often see the obvious employment possibility in radio broadcasting -- being an on-air personality, employment possibilities range in many areas.

There are a lot of regular office jobs in radio. These include such things as receptionists, accounting personnel, and administrative assistants.

If you are more of a creative person, why not consider putting your talent to work? The creative department writes the ads we hear on the radio while the production department puts them together. The production department also produces station promos and "splitters", the ad messages you hear promoting a radio station's programs or advantages (You're listening to [city's] Best Music!"

If you like coming up with great ideas and are enthusiastic and energetic, there might also be a place for you in a radio station in promotions. The promotions department is very active in a radio station and in the community. In many cases, they'll write the promos and splitters mentioned above. They'll also plan the radio station's contests and they're the ones you'll see in the community in vehicles with the radio station's name on them often handing out some sort of goodies.

There are lots of interesting jobs at a station. If you like sales, radio sales staff are always selling the commercial spots you hear on the radio. If you like news and current events, you can report for a station. Since radio stations are local, this gives you a great opportunity to interact with your local community and really get to know the area well.

Many colleges offer radio broadcasting courses. Check your local community college to see what kind of courses they offer. Entry requirements vary, so be sure to check out a couple of options. Talk to someone currently working in radio and find out what sort of skills they are looking for, and what schools seem to provide new radio grads with the best training.

The field can be very competitive. Since the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), the government department responsible for regulating broadcasting systems in Canada, relaxed ownership rules, more stations are merging together now. Because of this, many jobs have become reduntant due to owners having more than one radio station. It is a tough market to get into, but not impossible.

It is said that you can move up more quickly in smaller markets. Once you've acquired that experience you need, you can then go to the larger market. Those who are truly passionate about radio and those who are willing to work hard, can do well in the industry.

In most cases, especially in the entry-level jobs, salaries are not that high, and when you are starting out, many opportunities are part-time. Higher paying positions are in management, on-air morning show hosts, and sales staff.

If you have the energy, the determination, and the drive to make it in radio, it provides a great opporunity to use your communication skills and your personality.

Writing for a Living

By Canadajobs.com Staff

job, jobs, career

If you are considering a career in writing, you've got a lot of choices open to you. You can write for yourself or for others in a variety of different industries. Education in the field of writing is very important. There are rules and conventions on how to write for various industries. If you think this career is for you, getting the proper education is vital. Since you will be judged mainly on your writing skills, they need to be perfect.

Copy and Ad Writer:

If your great at coming up with ideas and you have a creative way of looking at things, a career in ad copy might be for you. Writers in this field work with marketing and ad agencies to write up product descriptions that sell. You can have your work featured on web sites, and ad campaigns that appear in television, print, and on the radio. As well, you could work in the creative department of a radio station, putting together ads for commercials.

Journalism:

If you've got a nose for news, this might be for you. Writing for the news and journalistic reporting requires specific education and training. Many colleges and universities offer journalism programs. You'll learn how to write objectively and with the proper formatting for television, radio, and print reporting. If you are considering this type of career, you need to be detailed oriented, accurate, and be able to work on a deadline. If you've got an interest in people, events, and trends, this can be a very rewarding career. There are opportunities to work in all sorts of media, from small community newspapers and television stations, to overseas assignments for national news organizations and wire services. If you are thinking of a career in journalism, consider learning another language or two. You'll be an attractive asset to an employer.

Writing for Magazines:

As a staff writer, you'll be writing articles on various subjects for a specific magazine. Writing for magazines takes excellent research skills and the ability to write in a style that helps readers relate to the information you provide. If you are interested in this as a career choice, pick up a few magazines and look at the writing style. You'll likely notice that most articles in the magazine are written in the same style, though the subjects of the articles will vary. Magazines are targetted to very specific audiences and you need to adapt your writing style to the audience that a magazine is made for.

The great thing about writing for a magazine (either online or offline) is that you can write what you know. If you are interested in gardening, cooking, animals, there is a magazine out there on nearly every subject. Magazines also hire freelancers.

If you learn basic photography skills, this can also go a long way to helping your writing career as some fields like magazine and journalism often require accompanying photos.

Technical Writing:

If you've got a knack for making the complicated seem easy, technical writing might be for you. Usually, technical writers work for companies such as software or high tech companies and write manuals, handbooks, and guides on how to operate software and programs. If you've got a background in high tech or you can learn computer programs easily, you'll be valuable to a potential employer.

The great thing about writing for a living is that opportunities exist in virtually every area of the country and around the world. From working at a small newspaper in the country, to working in a busy city office writing for a national magazine, writers have a wide spectrum of choices and venues in which to write. Sometimes, it doesn't matter where you are because a lot of writing work can be done by telecommuting. To be a successful writer, you need skills, training, creativity, and the desire to work hard.

Pursuing an M.D. Degree – How to Become a Doctor in Canada

By Sara Parent

job, jobs, career

Doctors are one of the most highly sought after professionals today. Plenty of opportunities exist in Canada and around the world for qualified doctors. As the population ages, the fact that we are living longer, virtually ensures this trend is likely to continue.

If you've thought about a career in medicine, here is some information on the profession, medical schools in Canada, and what it takes to make it.

Being a physician requires skill, patience, a desire to learn, and a lifelong commitment to improving patient health. You need to have the drive and desire to constantly be expanding your expertise and communicating with your patients. Doctors play a critical role in the health care system and many people rely on their experience and skill. It can be a very stressful job but a satisfying one as well.

If you think practicing medicine is for you, you will need to go to university, earn an undergraduate degree, and apply to medical school.

Requirements:

Many universities require an undergraduate degree that encompasses some science, chemistry, or biology courses. Some however, simply require an undergraduate degree but recommend that the courses taken aid you in your future career.

There are seventeen faculties of medicine in Canada, from coast to coast. Many of them have residency requirements, meaning that they will accept a majority of their applications from residents of their province. Some do however have some out-of-province admission allocations, but these are usually limited and the entrance requirements may be higher. It's a good idea to plan ahead and decide which faculty you'd like to attend and what requirements they might have.

The six faculties of medicine that are located in Ontario use a commom application system called OMSAS (Ontario Medical School Application Service.) There is a charge to apply to medical school and if you are in Ontario and using this system, the fee depends on how many schools you are applying to.

But Wait, That's Not All:

Many Canadian universities also use MCATs (Medical College Admission Test) as a way to test their applicants. MCAT testing takes place at various times of the year. The way the test scores are applied varying from school to school, so be sure to verify the admission requirements for the faculty you are interested in. Not all schools require the MCAT, so to save yourself some potential stress and expense, check the admission policy first.

Most faculties of medicine also require interviews as part of the application process. Interviews usually take place in the early part of the year in which you are applying to start your program.

How Much?:

Depending on where you live fees can vary widely. the fees range from about $6000 to $16000 per year for Canadian residents. The exception to these higher costs is Quebec. For the year 2004-2005, Quebec residents pay around $3000 for a year's tuition at Universite Laval, Universite de Sherbrooke, Universite de Montreal, and McGill University. However, if you do not live in the province, your rates are about twice or triple that. As with all Canadian university programs, foreign students and visa holders can expect to pay much more.

What You'll Learn:

Courses range from learning about the human body to doctor-patient communication. Most often, the first two years are spent learning the fundamental aspects of medicine. The final two years are spent on the job through a clerkship program learning to diagnose, evaluate, and practice real life training. Evaluations are held during this clerkship period to determine the skills and aptitudes of the senior medical students.

Then What?:

In order to be licensed in Canada, students in their final year of studies must participate in examinations set by the Medical Council of Canada.

Postgraduate studies in medicine, leading to further examinations can be taken in a variety of fields of medicine, including family medicine, internal medicine, and general surgery.

Opportunities for working as a doctor are varied. Because of the high demand for these qualified professionals, doctors can work virtually anywhere. Often, provinces and foreign countries offer incentives for doctors to relocate. As well as working in hospitals, clinics, community health, and private practice, doctors can work in research, private companies, and in a volunteer capacity.

Becoming a doctor takes years of study and dedication to lifelong learning. If this is a field that interests you, it deserves a second look. By visiting the websites of the various faculties of medicine offered at universities across Canada, you can gain a better understanding of what's involved in applying to, and qualifying for admission in their faculty.

How to Encourage Your Child's Career Plans

By Canadajobs.com Staff

job, jobs, career

Whether you have a teenager or a toddler, odds are you've heard "I want to be a [fill in your child's career of choice here] when I grow up."

Whether it's garbage collector, truck driver, ballerina, pilot, doctor, or veterinarian, it's easy to discount it. After all, kids have hundreds of wacky ideas every day. But what if we were to support it instead? Nurturing your child's dreams and ambitions is a healthy way to build their self-esteem and teach them the interesting things they want to know.

Listen to Your Child:

If your child is constantly talking about becoming an animal doctor (it's hard to say veterinarian when you're small!) why not do something to help them? Call a friendly vet in your region and explain how your child is simply enthralled with becoming a vet. Would they have a bit of time when you could bring in your child? Perhaps the vet can show them around and explain a little bit about their job. Many places of work alos particpate in "open house" type programs where they open their doors to the public. Make some calls and find out. Your child will appreciate how you listen to what really makes them happy.

Find Out Your Child's Interests:

Many children and teens are quite vocal about their interests and some are more shy. With a little encouragement, most will be able to tell you what they like. Don't be too pushy. "Have you thought about your future?" and "What do you want to do with your life?" may put your kids off by adding unnecessary pressure. Instead, try to notice the activities they do, and ask them questions about it. If your child likes sports, ask them if they've ever thought of becoming a coach someday. It's interaction that will get them thinking.

Don't Limit Them:

Everyone has a place in the world and everyone deserves a shot at doing something that makes them happy. Don't limit their choices by encouraging a certain job on them. "Oh, little Billy's going to be a great doctor or lawyer" makes little Billy feel inferior his whole life if he doesn't accomplish your goal, unless of course it's his goal too. Leave the door open in case it really isn't his goal. Remember to support your children by accepting the concept of non-gender specific jobs. Little Billy can be a nurse or a teacher just as much as Heather can be a brain surgeon or an engineer.

Encourage:

Do what you can to support your child without pushing them. Support their choices. Sure, you might not think your child will really be able to be a doctor if they can't stand the sight of blood, but they will appreciate your support. Some day, they may get over their fear of blood or decide it really isn't for them. Either way, the fact that you supported them and didn't mock them, will mean the world.

Encouraging your child in their career choice is a great way to tell them you believe in them. It helps them achieve a postive attitude and self-esteem. If they believe they can do anything, they just might.

Five Tips for Decluttering your Office

By Canadajobs.com Staff

job, jobs, career

Has this ever happened to you? Your boss calls you and needs a certain report from you, right away. And even though you know you printed it up a few days ago in anticipation of this very moment, you can't find it. What you need is a good decluttering.

A cluttered office usually causes stress, never mind the time wasted looking for things, avoiding piles, and being distracted by the clutter around you.

Here are a few tips to help you get sorted out.

Papers Papers Papers:

The dream of a paperless society is still light years away. In the meantime, we need to devise a way to reduce the paper on your desk and organize it. When you receive mail, deal with it right away. Decide what it is that needs to be done with it. If you receive a lot of time sensitive mail, like bills, create a file by date which will allow you to know exactly when everything is due, at a glance. If the paper you receive is simply for your records, file it in an appropriately named file, ie. taxes, old invoices, etc. If you don't need to keep it, throw it away. The same goes for reports you receive. File them appropriately by project or date so that you can find them again.

When filing or creating a filing system, remember that you are doing this for yourself, to make your life easier. Make sure your system makes sense and that anyone coming into your office would be able to find what they need quickly.

Get the Tools You Need:

You can't do a good job without certain tools. Well, organization is the same. If you need file folders, stop putting it off and get them. The longer you wait, the more you will have to file. If you need a garbage can or a recycling container, get one. If you are dealing with disposing sensitive information, get yourself a cross-cut shredder.

File Your Email:

Just as you need to file paper, you need to file your email too. Learn how your email program works. Create file folders or boxes that clearly define what the information contained in it is. Remember, you are trying to make things easier for yourself when you need to find something. If you find you are receiving too much junk email, ask your IT department about installing a filter on your email or learn how to do it yourself through your email program. Cute stories and chain letters should not be kept in your inbox and should be filed right away or deleted. Try to keep only current messages in your inbox, messages that you are replying to or waiting for an answer on. Use flags on ultra-important messages so you can find them right away. Everything else should be filed appropriately.

Remove Things That Are Preventing You From Working:

As much as certain things provide inspiration in your workplace, they can also be a source of stress. Too many pictures of your kids, vacations you've taken, and your significant other can be distracting. It's okay to personalize your office, but not to the point where it takes up valuable desk space, it causes you to daydream, or stops you from focussing on your work. Getting rid of knick knacks that are constantly falling over. Get rid of that desk clutter that is collecting dust. You'll be amazed at what it difference it makes.

Paint in a Soothing Color:

If you work from home, you can do this. Light colours make an office look larger and thus less cluttered and full. Paint your office environment in cream, light tans, or off-white. Keep the colour for accessories - a red cushion on a chair, or a nice vivid print. As well as making rooms feel smaller, bright colours can be jarring and stressful. Lightening your office really serves three purposes. It makes your office look and feel more professional and elegant to visitors, it provides you with a more stress-free and productive work area, and it makes your office feel more spacious.

By applying these ideas, clutter can be reduced in your work area. Freeing yourself from clutter, you just might work faster, more efficiently, and with less stress.