Diberdayakan oleh Blogger.

Partners

RSS

Career Development Planning: Keys to Career Success

Career Development Planning: keys to finding and qualifying for the right job for overall career success.

Career development planning is the key to advancement and is a measure of tracking the progress of your career. Also, it is a dependable method to study your overall personal goals and the steps taken as your accomplishments move you toward the right career.

Keys to a well thought out career development plan: The plan is a work in progress. As you move up one step there is another in front of you. You build in flexibility, one door may close but with continued career related research another soon opens. Your career development plan is not focused exclusively on your work but on your career, its direction and your interests and passion.

As you career plan evolves so does your resume. Keep it up dated through a file in which you keep a record of achievements, training, projects completed, new skills, promotions, performance reviews and positive letters and memos.

Begin keeping a file on job announcements in your career and any career in which you have an interest. Even if employed this is a good tip as you can identify where new qualifications are required allowing you to get the additional training and experience.

In the course of writing out your career development plan spend some time on exactly what your overall job objectives are. Both short and long-term and what you see yourself doing. Are there any obstacles you have to overcome? How is your development plan going to help you qualify for your next career or update your current position?

To make your career development plan work for you there are several personal planning steps that it would be productive to consider:

1. Research the proposed career. Use informational interviews to talk to those already working in the career. Attend workshops and seminars and area conferences. Build your network of like minded people. Work to determine what skills, education and experience are required to qualify for the position.
2. If your career direction is not firmly fixed, pick the top two or three and keep researching until a number one comes into focus. Don't worry if you reject a career that at first seemed so promising, this is progress and it's just as important to find out what you don't want as what you look at favorably.
3. If you are planning a career change analyze closely what qualifications are required. Identify your transferable skills, and build a step by step plan to become qualified. In-line learning, self-study and mentoring can go a long way to become qualified in many required skills.
4. Add financial planning to your career development plan. If changing careers requires a reduced level of income, take that into consideration in your overall planning. Reduce overall debt to increase your options and reduce stress.

In any career development plan you have a series of long-term objectives, for example: reading books appropriate to your career, leadership, team building and project management are just a few subjects to consider. If you want to move to another area, you may want to vacation there first.

If you are looking at a career in another industry, research and study of the industry is in order. What are the overall prospects to the industry and the proposed career?

In summary, career development planning is a work in progress, and a valuable partner to growing your career based skills and qualifications. All of which should allow you to discover opportunities that match you career objectives.

For more detailed information about career planning and career development go to career planning and development. You'll also find ideas about changing careers and the stories of individuals just like you who successfully made midlife career changes.

  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • RSS

Understanding the Occupational Therapy Assistant Job Description

Anyone considering a career in the medical or healthcare industry should look into the rewarding opportunities available today for occupational therapy assistants, an exciting and growing part of the medical industry.

With demand for therapists and assistants expected to increase at a much higher rate over the next ten years at a much higher rate than the general job landscape, there will be many employment openings for those who fit the occupational therapy assistant job description.

Although this job does require a college degree, certification and licensing, two years is a short time to spend preparing for what will likely end up being a career that will provide high levels of personal satisfaction and a competitive salary as well.

What Do Occupational Therapy Assistants Do?

One of the bigger, more confusing questions in relation to becoming an occupational therapy assistant is what do they actually do and how does it differ from a physical therapy assistant?

In a number of ways, the two jobs are similar in that an occupational therapy assistant assists a licensed occupational therapist in coming up with treatment plans for patients, then executes those plans with the patients themselves.

A CTA (certified occupational therapy assistant) is also responsible for documenting treatment progression and discussing it afterward with the therapist in charge.

The main difference within the field of occupational therapy however is that therapists and their assistants work with patients to make their lives easier by teaching them how to live with varying degrees of disability, whereas physical therapists and their assistants help patients heal after illness or injury.

With this in mind, occupational therapy assistants will sometimes have the same types of patients as PTAs, but they can also have a wider variety of patients, too.

The occupational therapy assistant job description is a rehabilitation job that is very diverse, though it is possible for Cots to specialize in an area that they like best.

Patients span from pediatrics to geriatrics and everyone in between, with each specialty demanding different tasks and skills of the CTA.

Pediatrics

Working with children with learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, motor skills delays and other conditions to help them learn to participate in school, social settings and to help them improve their life skills as they learn to lead more normal lives;

Aging and Geriatrics

Assisting the aging and the elderly in learning how to continue to care for themselves, how to stay fit and also prevent illness and injury, which can be more of a risk as people age.

This can include anything from teaching people how to deal with the onset of Alzheimer's to learning how to do everyday tasks after a stroke, and much more;

Workplace Related

Teaching people about ergonomics and how to prevent workplace injuries, assessing things like tendon and computer related injuries, helping people stay fit to do their jobs and helping people get back to work without pain;

Disability and Rehab

Helping others cope with their disabilities by teaching them newer, better ways to achieve daily tasks and goals.

This frequently includes pain management, exercising and fitness and re-learning tasks after permanent injuries and conditions such as brain or spinal injuries, stroke, tendon injury, hip replacements and more;

Mental Health

Helping those with mood and mental health disorders in regard to personal, stress, time and home management, learning how to remain self-sufficient and keep up important life roles, teaching how to adapt at home and in other environments and more.

It should be easy to see that the occupational therapy assistant job description involves a lot more than treatments and tasks of a physical nature, which is the main importance in this role.

Therefore, it is especially important for anyone considering becoming a CTA understand this, as it is a job that requires great amounts of patience, diligence and compassion for all types of people with many different problems.

Becoming an Occupational Therapy Assistant

In order to become a certified occupational therapy assistant, prospective students will need to complete an educational program that is accredited by the American Occupational Therapy Association (ATA) and the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (COTE), which usually involves a 2-year commitment as most of these programs are Associate's degree programs.

After completion of schooling, graduates may take their national certification examination; upon passing the certification exam they are awarded with the title of certified occupational therapy assistant (CTA).

At that point, Cots are eligible to seek employment, although currently 40 out of 50 states require state licensure before any CTA can be employed within that state.

In those areas, a state-issued licensing exam must then be taken and passed in order for the CTA to obtain licensure to practice within that state much the same as a PTA job description; if moving to a different state, the test must be taken again so that licensure can be updated.

Although it may seem like a difficult career path, becoming an occupational therapy assistant requires the same effort and schooling commitment as a physical therapy assistant, which also requires state licensing.

The occupational therapy assistant job description is one that may be more appealing to some however, especially if there is a greater interest in working with the disabled, in a mental health setting or some of the other more specialized areas.

  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • RSS

Register With a Recruitment Business for Increased Graduate Careers Possibilities

Recruitment agencies are great businesses that specialize in locating the best graduate opportunities and graduate careers. After you graduate, it can be tough to pin down that ideal job or work out what profession would match you the best. Not only are there a lot of choices, it is increasingly difficult to get an interview with some of the firms in the market because of a lack of jobs currently available as well as the amount of graduates applying for work.

Registering with an agency can enhance the probabilities of getting a graduate career that you want. Recruiting agencies frequently partner with certain businesses across various industries. Through these partnerships, the agency agrees to publish available jobs on their website. They additionally agree to look over new graduate applications, CVs, and cover letters in order to propose possible applicants for the company's available positions. Considering recruiters will be in continuous contact with these businesses, the likelihood of landing an interview at one of them should be comparatively high.

In addition, as recruiting companies are talking with businesses on a daily basis, they know the precise specifications and requirements the employer is in search of. Making use of this, along with their own knowledge, recruiters will help graduates construct a curriculum vitae and cover letter that better enhances their abilities. New graduates occasionally send generic CVs and cover letters to potential employers. Recruiters know the best way to direct you when drafting a good cover letter that will impress the company.

They will also offer you inside industry guidance. In such a competitive industry, you need all of the help you can get. You'll find lots of companies who publish positions which have already been filled or positions where they are interviewing candidates even as they are submitting the job notice. They're generally under a legal obligation to publish the position - or they may be curious about having a look at the quality of other applicants available in the market.

Recruitment Consultancy are frequently informed of these jobs before they have been published externally. As a result of their relationship with the firm, they can often let you know about new positions before they become available to the general public. This gives graduates at a good recruiting agency considerable leverage. In this kind of a competitive job market, you should be proactive about finding a job.

Recruiters and businesses are also dedicated to finding a job where graduates are satisfied. They do not wish to place you in a non permanent placement. They want to put you in a situation where you've got the chance to grow. Graduate careers need to be built - nearly everyone needs to start their initial job at the bottom and steadily work their way to the top. It is finding the chance to start developing graduate careers that is usually the dilemma.

When you join up with an agency, a recruiting consultant will interview you to be certain they understand the graduate careers that you're interested in and what industries that may be pertinent to you, as well as finding out about your educational or professional background which may help your application. With a recruiter's vast awareness of the job market and their contacts in numerous firms, they're going to be able to concentrate on customizing your job search so you can find the perfect career. Their objective should be to guide you into a position which you like and that's a benefit to you and also to the business that you work for.

  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • RSS

Things Interviewers Won't Tell You, but You Need to Know


For many, interviewing can be one of the most stressful parts of the job search process. What to wear, what questions to ask and what is the appropriate follow-up post-interview are areas that may cross your mind. But there is also something else you should consider; the things interviewers judge you on but won't specifically tell you. The next time you gear up for an interview, consider the following.


  1. Do you see what she's wearing! "Don't judge a book by its cover," unfortunately is not a metaphor that interviewers follow. In fact, more often than not, the way you dress for an interview, are groomed, and even the way you smell - yes, smell - will all be judged for or against you. Even if you are interviewing for a casual work environment, the general rule of thumb is to always dress professionally when interviewing. This doesn't necessarily mean you need to wear a suit; however, you should opt for more conservative and conventional attire - no sneakers, no jeans, and avoid trendy fashions.

  2. Are you talking to me? You don't need to speak like an intellectual, but you do need to refrain from using slang terminology or unsavory language; this will be to your detriment. During the interview, you will connect with many people, some of whom may present themselves in a relaxed and laid-back manner - don't get caught off guard. The way you present yourself is your brand, and this includes the words you use when you interview.

    Never forget that you are taking part in a professional interaction. Always keep your conversation polite and professional - and refrain from using colorful language, period. You are being judged by each individual you meet - and their feedback will be solicited and taken into consideration when it comes to the final vetting process.

  3. They like me; they really, really like me. Face it; if the job is between you and another candidate with the same credentials, but the interviewer perceives the other candidate as a better fit, chances are they will get the job. People want to work with people they like and who have similar attributes. The way you fit into a company has a lot to do with your ability to get hired. This does not mean that you should change your personality - or who you are - to get the job, but interviewers do consider personality in terms of "company fit" when assessing job candidates.

  4. Quiet, please. "Tell me about yourself?" doesn't mean an interviewer wants you to go into a soliloquy about your entire life story. They want you to answer questions that you are only being asked and relevant to the job, and answer them in a complete, yet concise manner. When presented with questions about your past work experience, present high level details and then wait for follow-up questions to determine if you need to delve further. And do not speak negatively about past employers and associates; even if prompted to do so. Sometimes too much information is just that - too much.

  5. Stop selling, already. The automatic response during an interview is to feel the need to sell you. While promoting your qualifications and experience is a necessary part of the interview process, there's a fine balance between outlining your job skills and over selling. Interviewers can tell the difference between a salesman and genuine experience. Present your credentials - and try to refrain from hyperbole. If you are the best fit for the job, there is no need to over sell!

  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • RSS

A Day in Your Boss' Shoes - How it Can Help You Do a Better Job


I'm sure you've asked yourself; "what exactly does my boss do all day?" You may see them in meetings, going out to business lunches or in countless strategy sessions. You may feel your boss does at lot - or perceive all these activities as not relevant to you. In fact, understanding what your boss does can help you perform better at your own job, while appreciating theirs.

Consider the following responsibilities that your boss may take on each day - and see if you aspire to walk in their shoes.

Bosses define and set objectives for their employees - and the company. These objectives can be simple day-to-day tasks or longer-term, strategic goals. Those in management positions look at activities that need to be completed to achieve success. They are responsible for prioritizing daily workloads, assigning tasks, and ensuring that deadlines are met. And ultimately they are accountable for the work being produced by their team - and its impact on the business. This means that they need to be available to their employees from everything to problem solving to help meet deadlines, even if they have to roll up their sleeves.

Bosses are accountable for results. In line with setting business objectives, your boss has to measure each project and is accountable to produce results. This includes keeping their own boss apprised of department issues, interfacing with other departments or being available - even at a moment's notice - for meetings with customers. A good boss takes responsibility for the work being produced by the team, including accepting praise - as well as sometimes blame.

Bosses are mentors and motivators. While this may seem like an obscure responsibility on the surface, remember that being motivated is one of the key factors in job success. From being a daily conduit between you and HR, your problem-solver, to your decision maker, the role of manager is a mentor who helps guide each employee so that work gets done each day - hopefully with minimal disruption.

Bosses represent the company. This may involve leading team meetings, communicating with other departments or relaying important information to you. It is the role of your boss to keep their team up-to-date on key initiatives in the company, what is taking place in the marketplace, and activities involving customers and competitors.

Your boss helps to make you aware of policies and procedures, and that these are communicated to employees. They help build relationships inside and outside the company; serving as a representative with both internal and external constituents.

Armed with this information, the next time you sit with your boss you may have a better understanding of the nuances of their job - and consider if one day you aspire to fill their shoes.

  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • RSS

How Do You Decide what is a Priority When everything is Important?


Is everything really that important? Sometimes it may feel that way when weighed down with both work and family life. The hardest part when this happens is to determine what is the real priority, and what tasks can be relegated to a later time. Unfortunately, when you reach a point where everything seems like a fire drill, this is usually when you may already feel overwhelmed.


So how do you determine what projects take priority over others? Below are some tips you can employ to determine – at least on the work–front, what should be moved to the top of the priority list, and what can be saved for a later time or date.

Organize your workload. The best approach in determining a priority over a non–priority is organization. If your work project has an immediate deadline – as in today, this should be at the top of your daily to–do list. Those that do not require immediate attention should be set aside and labeled a non–priority for the day.

Create a daily to–do list. Keeping your immediate deadlines in mind, further organize your projects into a daily "to–do" list. Everything else should be set aside for another day.

Set deadlines. Assign each project – or component of each project, a deadline. Do not take on a project that has a longer–lead time over one that has an immediate need. As you map out deadlines for each project you may also want to consider the time each project will take. This will better help you prioritize and effectively stay on course.

Delegate, delegate, delegate. Being productive during your work–day is important, but if it means you cannot be successful because you have too many tasks on your plate, now is the time to delegate.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If your to–do–list looks like it is going to make you crazy and you will never get anything done, this may be the time to ask for assistance. This could mean requesting extra time to complete a project from your boss, or asking a co–worker to assist. The key to executing any strategy effectively, whether at work or home, is to create balance. Don’t be afraid, ever, to ask for assistance when needed.

  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • RSS

New Year Resolutions for the Workplace


The New Year means new beginnings - a great time to set both personal and workplace goals. Here are some ways to help you ring in the New Year with resolutions specific to the workplace.



I resolve to do the best job I can each day. Do you understand what's expected of you at work? Employees who recognize what is expected of them not only perform best but enjoy their jobs more. Schedule a meeting with your boss in the New Year to understand what your boss wants from you, and be on your way to a more satisfying work year.
I resolve to make the best of my commute to work. While you may not have the luxury of reducing your commute to work, there are ways to make it more enjoyable. For instance, if you drive to the office, perhaps it's a good time to catch up on all the reading you've been meaning to do by listening to books on tape. You can turn this "wasted" time into "me time" with simple tactics like these, and begin to make improvements to your work-life.
I resolve to make a commitment to improve my team work. Creating ways to work better with co-workers is a great way to not only increase your chances for advancement but can make your work-day more enjoyable and productive. Improve your work-relationships by fostering team work, encouraging open discussions and other strategies such as these that build team spirit.
I resolve to build up my career network. Building your network with mentors is a great way to connect with people who will share their experience and knowledge, and can assist you in shaping your current role or uncover future opportunities. Mentors can be available to share ideas and guide you through daily workplace issues - and open you up to other opportunities to help build your career.
I resolve to enjoy my current job or find the career I love. Can I find satisfaction in my current career or do I need to change paths altogether? As you enter the New Year, this is good time to assess where you are in your career. Do you need to make the long-term commitment to change careers, or perhaps if you're not ready to make this type of investment, it's a time to learn to love the job you're in. This can be as simple as making some small adjustments, from focusing on the projects you enjoy or asking to branch out into another division of the company.

  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • RSS

Top 9 Most Common Income Tax Errors


Tax time can be one of the most stressful times of the year. Ideally the taxes you pay out in your paycheck would be enough, but that is not always the case and sometimes there are credits or additional deductions you can take. That’s why it’s important that you don’t make any mistakes that could cost you more money. Here are 9 common mistakes taxpayers make:


  1. Not keeping receipts. If you plan to itemize your deduction, instead of taking the standard deduction, make sure you have receipts to back up your claims. Even if you don’t itemize, some other credits and deductions require receipts to prove your claim, so make sure you keep them. If you’re audited by the IRS, you will need to provide them.
  2. Missing the deadline. There really is no excuse for missing the tax filing deadline anymore, unless you’re otherwise incapacitated. If you know you can’t make the April 15th deadline, you can file for an extension. But since the advent of electronic filing, it is simple to file your taxes well in advance of the deadline. Failing to file a return will results in fines, so it’s best to file as soon as you have all of the necessary documentation.
  3. Improperly claiming a home office deduction. There are very specific IRS guidelines as to what qualifies as a home office and how much of that home office is deductible, including the costs associated with it. The home office deduction is also a trigger for an IRS audit, since so many taxpayers apply it improperly.
  4. Making miscalculations. If you’re filing your own taxes, make sure you get quality tax preparation software. Not only will they walk you through the entire process, but they’ll also ensure your calculations are correct. There is nothing worse than a simple math error on your return to result in a required payment instead of a deserved refund.
  5. Not filing a change of address. If you move after you file your taxes, you will need to inform the IRS using Form 8822. Otherwise you could get notifications from the IRS at your old address, which could include an audit notification. Not getting the notice do to an old address is not an excuse when it comes to the IRS.
  6. Paying by credit card. If you owe money when you file your return, paying by credit card will end up costing you more. Merchants typically pay a percentage fee of each credit card transaction to the processing company, plus a per transaction charge. The IRS, however, does not pay this. Instead, the taxpayer has to cover the charge. So you’ll end up paying about 2.5 percent more if you pay your taxes via credit card.
  7. Not paying payroll taxes for employees. If you have a housekeeper, nanny, gardener or someone else that you employ, make sure their payroll taxes are paid. Failing to do so will land you in the hot seat with the IRS.
  8. Forgetting your charitable donations. If you itemize your tax return you can claim your charitable contributions. Just make sure you have receipts to back up the donation.
  9. Not hiring a CPA. You’re biggest mistake of all could be not hiring a CPA to do your taxes. CPAs are skilled in taxation, are highly qualified and have to take CPE to ensure they know the latest tax rules. They’ll easily catch common mistakes you might make and may even be able to find some deductions and credits you missed on your own.
Filing your taxes doesn’t need to be hard or stressful. Just make sure you file on time and follow these tips to ensure you’re not leaving any money on the table or triggering an audit from the IRS.

  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • RSS

Working Capital for Large Scale Projects


Launching a large scale project requires the right financial advisers and proper planning. It’s important that your financial adviser is someone who has chosen to become a CPA. All CPAs are well–versed in financial planning and advising various clients on securing working capital and monitoring expenses. Every industry uses a CPA to ensure their accounting is sound and is operating efficiently. Even industries that have been operating for years need a CPA to ensure financial stability, especially when launching a large–scale project. One of the largest scale projects anyone can undertake is to produce a Hollywood blockbuster, like The Hunger Games.

If you’re not familiar with The Hunger Games, it is the first book in a trilogy written by Suzanne Collins which was made into a movie and released on March 23, 2012. The book follows Katniss Everdeen, a teenage girl from District 12. Panem is made up of 12 districts and the Capitol. Every year the Capitol hosts The Hunger Games in which two teenagers are selected from each district to compete to the death to become champion. The Hunger Games serve as a reminder to the citizens of the 12 districts of the rebellion of their ancestors against the Capitol years earlier. The Hunger Games dominated the box office for weeks and cost $75 million to make.

There are a lot of factors to consider when making a movie like The Hunger Games: paying the talent, paying the crew, distribution costs, editing costs, legal fees, marketing costs, tax implications and so forth. Not to mention managing the investments from producers appropriately. This is why most all movie studios have a CPA on staff to manage their accounts and track expenses. Just as a movie director blocks a scene and brings all aspects of a movie together, so does a CPA with finances.

Chances are if you’re making a movie, you want it to be successful. Who wouldn’t? But as the movie becomes more and more successful, the financials behind that movie typically become more complex. Investors need to be paid their share of the profit, which depending on the agreement, only increases with the movie’s success. There may also be contracts with actors in which they get a percentage of the overall profit as well.

Then there are tax implications to consider. As the movie makes more money, more of it will be taxed. How much of that profit should be reinvested into the studio to mitigate the tax implications? A CPA knows the answer and can manage the majority of your financial concerns. Choosing the right CPA is also important. While all CPAs that are licensed and have passed the CPA Exam are qualified and trusted financial advisers, not all of them may have experience in your industry. Picking a CPA with industry experience will only further ensure your financials are properly managed. Overall, it is vital to choose the right CPA for your industry and situation, especially for large scale projects.

No matter the project you’re working on, a CPA has the experience and skills to ensure your business plan and project have taken into account the full range of financial considerations. Hiring a CPA on contract or on staff is an important step and can give your business and project plan greater respect and assurance to investors. Ultimately, a CPA can make a great addition to your project’s management team and should be seriously considered for larger ventures.

  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • RSS

How to Obtain Your Dream Teaching Job


If you are passionate about helping children succeed in school and have ever considered being a teacher, now is a good time to set out a plan of action to make your dream job a reality.

Taking some time to get a strategy in place first can help you make solid, informed decisions leading to professional success. Consider the following:

Narrow Down Your Interests

Volunteering at local schools can help you narrow down your interests. Teachers in elementary schools typically teach many subjects, while in middle and high schools, teachers are more confined to a subject area like English or science. If you already hold a degree in English for instance, it would take less time for you to earn your teaching certificate and master’s degree in reading than it would in another area like science.

If you enjoy working with younger children, then a master’s degree in elementary education might be a good career path. In either event, volunteering and substitute teaching can help you gain experience while pursuing your degree online through a regionally accredited college or university.

Do Your Homework When Comparing Schools

When comparing schools or school systems in which to work, it is sometimes helpful to get a holistic view of the community. Schools often have events like plays, sporting events and musical performances which are open to the public. These events are great opportunities to get to know the school and to get a general "feel" of the community. With the flexibility of online learning, professionals can spend evenings and weekends taking classes. This frees up their time to volunteer or substitute teach at a variety of schools to compare communities before narrowing down the job search.

Gathering all the Details

Preparing the best résumé possible means you need to organize your experience and education in the way that best fits the job description. Also, take the time to prepare a unique cover letter for each position or school you are applying for. If you have done volunteer work at a school where you are applying, send a set of application materials directly to the principal at the school, as well as to the human resources department. Use the cover letter to explicitly detail your experience and career goals if you are still in the process of earning a degree, or are applying for a teacher’s aide position, but want to achieve certification.

Remember to use strong details on your résumé and in your cover letter. If you tutored a child for instance, don’t just say "his grades improved," use a more detailed approach, such as, "his grades went up from a D to a B+ in four subject areas." Using details in your résumé can demonstrate your competence to a potential employer.

Ace the Interview

Know the job description inside out and tailor your answers to meet the needs of the job. While it is hard to feel relaxed during an interview, it is important, especially for a teacher’s interview, to let your personality shine through. Be sure to prepare questions you have about the position ahead of time and ask them during the interview. Keep your answers relatively short and on topic. Remember to breath and focus on your goal. If possible, practice with a friend ahead of time.

After the Interview

When an employer is required to make a choice between candidates, small details can make a big difference. Within one week of the interview, send a detailed thank you letter indicating how much you appreciated the opportunity to learn more about the school and the job opening. In your letter, reiterate specific ways your skills match the job description. This piece of business etiquette is important to help seal the deal, and could be the factor that makes you stand out above the other candidates.

If you’ve been relishing the thought of becoming a teacher, your dream job may be closer than you think. With a solid plan of action and a little groundwork, you will realize that you can turn your dream into a rewarding and satisfying reality.

  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • RSS

The History of the Equal Pay Act and Its Impact on Women


Women have been facing pay discrimination for decades – and unfortunately, continue to do so today. In fact, women earn 79 cents for every dollar earned by men, even though they make up almost 50 percent of today’s workforce. [i]

When President Kennedy enacted the Equal Pay Act (EPA) in 1963, visit here http://www.eeoc.gov/, women were actually earning even less – or 59 cents for every dollar earned by men, according to the National Equal Enforcement Task Force. The EPA was enacted for this very reason; so that men and women are given equal pay for equal work. The following year, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 further strengthened laws against discrimination by making it illegal to discriminate on the basis of sex for pay benefits, as well as race, color, religion, national origin, age, or disability.

Pay disparities as they relate to women is a much discussed and reviewed topic in the past century. According to the National Committee on Pay Equity (visit here http://www.pay–equity.org/info–history.html) , in 1942, because of the large number of women taking jobs during World War II, the War Labor Board urged that employers make adjustments to salary rates so that females were paid equally to men. Although pay equality was addressed, it was never enacted by employers at the time.

Following this, in the 1950s several bills were introduced by members of Congress to no avail. Enter 1963, and the Equal Pay Bill was introduced, followed closely thereafter by the Civil Rights Bill.

And decades still after the passage of the EPA, pay disparities between men and women continue to spawn the enactment of additional laws. Most recently, in 2009, President Obama signed into law the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act to further equal pay for women. And in 2010 the National Equal Enforcement Task Force was created, bringing together various government agencies, including the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission ("EEOC"), the Department of Justice ("DOJ"), the Department of Labor ("DOL") including the Office of Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP), and the Office of Personnel Management ("OPM"). The mission of which is to further combat violations of equal pay laws.

In 2013 and beyond, it will be interesting to see if, when, and how, pay rates for women improve. Considering women’s make–up in the workforce, contribution to family finances, and in some case the sole bread winner, gender should not be a determining factor as it relates to pay.

  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • RSS

Gender Bias in Terms of Pay Continues – Women Still Earn Less than Men


Each year March heralds the celebration of women with National Women’s History month. This year, the National Women’s History project picked, "Women Inspiring Innovation through Imagination" as its theme (visit here to learn more http://www.nwhp.org/whm/index.php).With the subtext of celebrating "women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics," we thought this would be a good opportunity to explore how women fare in terms of pay as compared to men – and the news is not good Decades after the passage of the Equal Pay Act of 1963, and despite the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009 signed into law by President Barack Obama, the pay gap between men and women’s earnings continues.

While women make up nearly 50 percent of the labor force [ii], according to the U.S Bureau of Labor’s most recent Weekly Earnings Wage and Salary Workers report, released January, 2013, the median weekly earnings for men overall was $875. However, women held median weekly earnings of $692, or 79.1 percent of their male counterparts. [i] While disparities in pay scales decreased when looking at race, women still earn less than men regardless. African American women working at full–time jobs earned $594 weekly (compared to $680 for African American men – or 87% of male earnings), and Hispanic women earned $519 weekly, compared to $599 for Hispanic men, or 85% of male earnings. [i]

Why, in 2013, does the pay gap continue? Some studies suggest that women begin to earn less when exiting college [iii], while others state that women taking time off to raise families also has a material impact. Even if these factors do not impact you, disparities in pay practices are still at the heart of the matter.

Not to end on a totally negative note, there is some good news for women. Programs such as the Equal Pay Task Force set up by the President in 2010 (visit here), and legislation from government agencies, like the Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) to increase efforts to addressing pay discrimination, this matter is sure to be top of mind for women – and men – everywhere.

  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • RSS

The Employment Situation for Women – Their Unique Struggles on the Work Front


While those looking for work often struggle to find jobs, women, in particular, face numerous issues that compound the situation. From higher unemployment rates than their male counterparts, inequities in pay, and a higher reliance on minimum wage job, women must straddle numerous hurdles in the employment market.

Specific to unemployment, while adult women aged 20 and over saw their unemployment rate edge down in February to 7.0 percent (from 7.3 percent the previous month), according to the Bureau of Labor Statistic [i], race and ethnicity continue to determine whether rates of unemployment are higher. While white women in the 20 and over age bracket show an unemployment rate of 6.0 percent (an improvement year of year of 13 percent when unemployment was at 6.9 percent), African American and Hispanic women in the same age bracket continue to have an unemployment situation that is less positive.

In February, African American women held an unemployment rate of 12.5 percent, which is 6% percent higher than a year ago when the unemployment situation for this work bracket was 11.8 percent [ii]. Hispanics held unemployment at 10 percent. [iii], which is actually down from a high of 11 percent the previous year.

And compounding the issues on the work-front further, women also face pay disparities, earning 79.1 percent of every dollar earned by their male counterparts earn [iv]. Women are also straddled by further pay inequities as a result of their reliance on minimum wage jobs. In fact, according to the National Women's Law Center (visit here http://www.nwlc.org/), [v] and statistics from the Bureau of Labor, women represent nearly two–thirds of minimum wage workers. Some key facts:


  • Women made up about two–thirds of all workers who were paid minimum wage or less in 2012, and 61 percent of full–time minimum wage workers. Women were also nearly two–thirds of workers in tipped occupations in 2012. These workers provide care for children and frail elders, clean homes and offices, and wait tables. [v]
  • Women of color are disproportionately represented among female minimum wage workers. Black women were just under 13 percent and Hispanic women were just under 14 percent of all employed women in 2012,but more than 15 percent of women who made minimum wage were black and more than 18 percent were Hispanic.[v]
  • Most women making minimum wage do not have a spouse’s income to rely on, including more than three–quarters of women 16 and older and 59 percent of women over 25 earning the minimum wage.[v]


As with most of our reports, we like to end on a positive note. There are numerous legislations that have been enacted and continue to be updated to level the playing field, such as the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009 signed into law by President Barack Obama, passed decades after the Equal Pay Act of 1963. For more on the history of this, read our article here. 

  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • RSS

Career Counseling for Change - Five Important Keys to a Successful Direction and Transition

Are you unsatisfied with your career and want to make a change? Do you feel like you are not achieving your full career potential? Do you want to make a change, but want to make sure it is the right career this time? Don't know what you want to do, but know its not what you do now?

People are most fulfilled and successful when they find work they love to do and that suits their talents and abilities. This article shares five important keys to making a successful career change. Some concepts may be new to you, some may not. I encourage you to read through them either way, and let them stimulate your thinking. The exercises included are optional, but you are invited to reap
the full benefits by participating in them.

Key #1: Establish a career direction based on excellent self-understanding.

The first stages of a career change involve thinking, self-assessment, exploring, and planning. You can embark on these steps now--without disrupting your current employment situation. After you know more about your new direction, you can decide when to make your move. A career-direction goal should always aim for the ideal career and job fit for yourself. The first steps to identifying the ideal career involve self-assessment and generating insights into what career will make you most satisfied while meeting your needs. Research shows that people who are most satisfied and motivated in their careers are people who have a career that reflects their values, interests, skills, and talents plus their ideal work environment.

How can you clarify these kinds of self-understanding insights? You can do this first of all through a process of reflection on your favorite passions, skills, and interests as well as preferences. Career tests or assessments can also provide help here, and lend some objectivity to the exploration. There are a number of reliable and valid career-oriented tests that are widely available through career counselors and coaches.

Career counseling is geared exactly for this purpose. You may enjoy and benefit from the guidance of a counselor or coach to facilitate the development of a career direction based on who you are. This kind of self-understanding then translates into identifying specific careers that match up with who you are, and are likely to bring you the most satisfaction and motivation.

Here are some tips:

* Think ideally. What do you really want?

* Listen to your longings and desires.

* Pay attention to what attracts you.

* Stay away from things that repel you.

* Understand fully your unique style.

As you go about a career change, it is important to realize you cannot do everything well. You must choose a career direction and a job based on your best abilities and strengths. There are businesses that very much need the capabilities that you are able to provide.

Key #2 to a successful career change is to take stock of your skills, natural talents, competencies, and strengths, and to be able to articulate these well to potential employers as well as others.

Go with your strengths, and be able to communicate them impressively.If you think you have already identified your skills, talents, and strengths, and are looking for work that emphasizes these, great.

Take this opportunity to ask yourself, "Am I successfully saying no to careers and jobs that do not focus on my favorite skills, talents, and strengths?"

Focus your career direction into a career and job for which you are especially equipped. Each person has natural talent and intelligence in one or more areas. The idea is to be very clear on what you are naturally gifted at and let your talents guide you to your next career.

To further discover or clarify where your strengths and talents fall, think back on your life and previous work experience. What tasks and projects came easiest to you? What were the most important accomplishments in your life? What have you received the most recognition for?

You may want to ask several friends what they see as your greatest professional strengths. Career assessment can also yield good information. Take stock. Write down a list now. What themes emerge as you reflect on this?

This is a valuable exercise for self-understanding and career direction, but also when it comes to getting a job. The better you can articulate who you are and the talents and skills you bring to a business, the better impression you make on a potential employer.

There are a number of variables to consider in choosing a career or a job, including the market realities. This brings us to another concept that is necessary to be successful in your transition.

Key #3 is to identify a career that involves what you love to do, can be the best at, and for which you can be well compensated.

Imagine a Venn diagram consisting of three overlapping circles. One circle represents those activities, tasks, functions, and roles that you love to do. All of us at one time or another have experienced doing work that really did not seem like work because we enjoyed doing it. That's what I mean by work that you love to do.

The second circle represents work that you have the potential to be best at--work that you can do better than most others. This means tasks and projects that you have the right skills and natural talent for, and excel at. Work that you will be highly competitive at and perhaps (potentially) better than anyone else.

The third circle represents work that you will be paid well for. If there is work that you love to do and are great at, it will not matter unless someone will compensate you what you need. It is important to understand and take into account the realities of the job market.

Now, in this Venn diagram, the three circles overlap with each other equally. In the center is an area where the three circles converge and all three circles are overlapping. This is the area that represents the right career(s) for you. You want to consider careers or jobs that align with these three areas--work that you love to do, can do best, and will be well- compensated for.

By the way, if this sounds similar to Jim Collin's Hedgehog Concept in his book "Good to Great", it is. It is an adaptation of his model for business success applied to career success. I highly recommend his book.

So now, I suggest you take a few minutes and apply this to yourself. Where is the convergence of these three circles for you? If you cannot discover this, how will you find out? When all is said and done, one of the biggest factors in a career transition is money. Although you may love the idea of quitting your job and jumping into your next career, financial realities are in play.

Key #4: To transition smoothly into your next career, plan the best
way to juggle the finances to support you along the way.

I know from my work as a career counselor and coach that the money issue can cause significant angst and difficulty. Here are some ideas for managing it well.

1. Use your current income wisely. If you have a job, keep it. There's a saying that its easier to get a job when you have one. Before initiating a move: increase your savings, reduce your expenses, live within, or better, below your means for a while.

2. Build cash reserves through supplementing your full-time job with other work. You can get a part-time job, do contract work, etc.

3. Add a part-time business to your full-time job. If you must let go of your full-time job, then do what you can to produce an income while you are in transition.

4. Get an interim full-time or part-time job.

5. Do contract or freelance work.

6. Have a well-paying part-time job while you work on starting a business, if that will be your next career.

7. Use consulting gigs to generate income. Put your key strengths and capabilities to good use to generate income as a consultant while in transition.

8. Work full-time or part-time while attending school to prepare for your next career, if that is your plan.

A number of these options also have fringe benefits. While providing income, you can hopefully put yourself in positions where you can develop skills, experience, or contacts for your next career. How will you make the finances work during your career transition? Take a few minutes and jot down your thoughts.

Key #5: Network, network, network.

People who are most successful at career change and job-hunting use methods that require more effort. People who are less successful do the usual: passive methods such as sending out resumes, going through agencies, looking at the ads, and using the Internet. There is nothing wrong with these methods; in a strong job market they may be sufficient.

More active approaches include researching organizations in detail, doing informational interviewing, and building a network of contacts. These methods involve more work, but they are also the most effective.

Despite the fact that we are in the age of the Internet (it is estimated that about 5 to 10% of jobs are filled by on-line job boards--not bad, but what about the other 90%?), networking is still the best strategy.

So, to be successful in making a career change, it really pays to build a strong list of contacts and reconnect with them. If you don't know how to network effectively or your skills could be better, it is a good time to work on this. Consider utilizing the help of a career counselor or coach.

Never underestimate who your friends and associates know. Keep track of your contacts as your list grows, and revitalize old relationships.

Your contacts may be the key to getting job leads, crucial inside information, getting the attention of whoever is hiring for the position you want, and many other valuable benefits. Many, many people have a job they love because they knew someone who knew someone.

Now comes the end of this article on keys to a successful career change.
Review:

Key #1: Establish a career direction based on excellent self-understanding.

Key #2: Take stock of your skills, natural talents, competencies, and strengths, and be able to articulate these well.

Key #3: Identify a career that involves what you love to do, can be the best at, and for which you can be well compensated.

Key #4 Plan the best way to juggle the finances to support you along the way.

Key #5: Network, network, network.

I hope you have enjoyed this article and are now taking steps to make a great career change. What was the biggest thing you will take away from this? What questions remain unanswered? Where will you go from here? Write out your thoughts.

William Morgan, Psy.D. is a career counselor and coach in the greater Philadelphia area serving clients nationwide. For more information on his career transition and development services and helpful resources visit his website at http://www.Counseling4Careers.com

  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • RSS

Broad Info About The Limited Careers

On the planet, the limited careers are the main reasons for your lenders. Occupation hunting becomes more difficult as opposed to common, the moment, if you want to be able to imprison ones track down naturally. Nevertheless, you may find employment down the page such vices when using the proper strategy.

A number of neighborhoods present quite a few occupation find means. For Newbie, every single country possess an supervision team specializing in deliver the results in addition to workforce subject matter. Maximum of all of these corporations present Websites of which brochure localized work likelihood. You can also search for simply by right with each other Beast.net and utilizing Colossal. Even so, don't solely hunt on-line; continually try and look on quite a few web sites. When you search in various web-sites, then you will get some good greatest results.

Discover virtually all the limited careers hunt means you could. One example is, "buy a replica within your function city's limited business publications per year 'High Native recruiters' record. This unique cataloguer will be important intended for training a good deal in connection with most effective headhunters in your own urban Centre.

Work required health-related helpers will vary seriously, as a medical care medical science professional, which require the support or possibly aids may also be very varied. Helpers may perhaps sort out any sort of selection of medical care specialists, as well as anybody out of consulting room in your home in order to RNs and additional specialists in order to middles. In many cases, the responsibility responsibilities carried out inside medical science admin functions may well overlap because of those of a new engender. The key significant difference is usually that assistants will not steer remedies or simply carryout diverse professional medical methods.

Helpers for reduce opportunities within the medical sector account regarding clinical steps and even assignments, counting the particular alluring from blood stream suggestions, intro involving unprovoked, in addition to dimension connected with long lasting essentials additionally, the fascinating from calm ancient occasions. They are allowed to aid pros with problems and are generally on top of that the main speak to pertaining to lasting and patient's kin. Helpers simply just inbound the sector may perhaps be prepared to generate about normal $13,001 in order to $16,001 each year, even though the ideal compensate definitely will are different depending on the conditions of the healthcare helper works with query. By using expertise, the particular incomplete jobs treatments helpers' salary may well complement, nonetheless often varied outside with for $18,1000.

Becoming small income measure of medical care asset levels, plenty of who job of these careers stays while in the purpose of the amount on their job lifestyles. The following owes during great component to the specific affirmation a large number of co-workers garner from the on a daily basis perform. Various elect to comply with assistance inside the expert career in which, they're an asset. A great deal of the limited careers body's changing over the understanding midwifery, tending, plus tech work opportunities.

Clinical helpers are certainly not expected to make type of formal schooling or getting ready, having said that will have to sidestep an important felony narration investigate and should likewise pass any checkup test out, as a result of the amount regarding shut down everlasting get hold of on their every day task assignments. Utmost co-workers tend to be as well favorite to comprehend any driving a vehicle record. Last experience in different intellect presenting location will likely be considered associated with edge on acquiring the health care secretary purpose. Former health related understanding and admin operate the two establish okay Application innovations, at the moment, any time utilizing in the limited careers.

  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • RSS

Occupational Therapy Assistant Certification Information

Many professions - especially those in the medical industry - require certification and licensing in order for people to find employment.

This protects not only the general public, ensuring that they are working with qualified individuals, but the employee as well, providing them a way to really prosper in their job. In the rehabilitation field, physical and occupational therapy practitioners and assistant practitioners are all required to hold licenses to practice in most US states.

Additionally, Iotas must obtain an occupational therapy assistant certification, as do Otis, which is a required step in becoming licensed.

The Importance of Certification for Iotas

Even though occupational therapy assistants do not hold a doctoral degree, and do not prescribe medication or finalize treatment plans for patients, they work very closely with their occupational therapists in charge of cases, and even closer with the patients themselves. Realistically, some Iotas spend more hands on time with patients than the therapists themselves do.

It is therefore important for a standard of care to be upheld with assistants, as well as the therapists, in order to ensure patients are receiving the care they need, and that Cots understand the importance of their jobs, and how to perform them appropriately.

Through certification, employers are able to hire those individuals who have achieved all necessary schooling and clinical training to know they are at the least hiring someone who has had access to this training, and should be able to perform up to standard in their job.

Certification and Licensing

Becoming a certified assistant (CTA) involves graduating an educational program that is accredited by the American Occupational Therapy Association (ATA) and the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (COTE), and then passing a national certification examination overseen by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBC).

Graduates who pass the exam are then awarded the title of CTA, and can either seek employment in states that do not require licensure, or they may then progress to taking their state's licensing examination, and then seeking employment once successfully passing that test.

OTA Certification and Licensing Outside the US

Currently there are no occupational therapy assistant certification or licensing requirements in the UK or Canada for Iotas (frequently referred to as "occupational therapy support staff"), but as the medical profession has experienced dramatic growth in recent years - and is expected to continue to do so - this is changing in some instances.

UK occupational therapy support staff is able to secure employment after basic educational requirements and job experience, but the British Association of Occupational Therapists (BAT) does recognize some educational programs that can prepare students for specializing, or earning their Assistant Practitioner qualifications.

In Canada, effort is already underway to form an accreditation, certification and licensure program modeled after the ATA/COTE to certify and record occupational therapy assistants as the field grows and more and more students seek better educational opportunities.

A new professional organization - The Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant Education Accreditation Program (OTA & PTA EARP) - currently is combining the efforts of the other major OT professional associations in the country in the formation of better programs, certification and monitoring of Iotas in Canada, so current and interested support staff should keep themselves up to date regarding if and when certification will be made available, or become required, to them.

About the NBC Examination for Occupational Therapy Assistants

Iotas planning on taking the national examination to get their occupational therapy assistant certification will be required to take the test at one of the many designated testing locations.

There are online practice tests available that can prepare students for their exam and help them get a feel for the types of questions that will be asked as well. The website offers resources for graduates who will be taking their examination to gain certification, as well as information on maintaining certification through required continuing education and more.

Only once a graduate has passed the NBC exam can they then apply for licensing in their state.

Although not every state requires Iotas to be licensed (currently there are only 10 states which do not), it is highly recommended that every OTA graduate take the NBC occupational therapy assistant certification exam and license.

With that qualification, Cots will have greater and better job opportunities, as well as the ability to specialize if they so desire.

Also, for those who may end up relocating to a different state, already being nationally certified will come in handy when the time comes to take that state's licensing exam.

  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • RSS

Why Choosing a Career in Facilities Supervision Jobs Are a Good Option?

If you have just post graduate from an MBA college, and are looking for among the best career options which will give you fame as well as money, the job of your facility manager is one of the best. Facility administrators are nowadays greatly in demand because numerous companies are coming up that have an internal facility administration team who looks after the various facilities provided by the company which include cleansing of the complex internally as well as externally, security and parking amenities. The job of the service management team can be to look after the air health and fitness and heating solutions along with organizing events and road displays, interacting with numerous people as well as creating a good image of the company. If you like to interact with people proactively and appear after the welfare from the company you work for, this is indeed a perfect job for you.

What can you require to be a center manager?

In order to are employed in a facility management team, you need to be positive and interact with several types of people, you also have to be organized, competent and have good communication skills. Customer and consumer management skills are also any mandate for this career.

A job in center management provides you the power to develop your career in a miscellaneous, exhilarating and also fast increasing area of the financial system. It is just about the most demanding and expanding professions in United kingdom which people are looking toward and you would need to manage a lot of responsibilities in the shoes of a service manager.

What are the responsibilities at hand?

As a facility manager you would need to look after proper space supervision and the infrastructure of the building, administration along with maintenance, contract supervision, and the other amenities. You need to ensure that the clients are getting the maximum services that they deserve, which will help them to function well on the day to day basis.

As a good facility manager you can improve the picture of your company by adding new innovative functioning styles, providing continuity in the business and safeguarding the work area from threats. You also must help the company during relocation, a new merging or acquisition or perhaps changes in the process.

Salary structure-

As facility manager you would need to care for the whole infrastructure with the company as well as the making use of your company. Numerous organizations have their own facility supervision team which look after the company. As the career includes a number of responsibilities and you are answerable for all kinds of flaws, you will also be rewarded as you deserve. The salary of the facility manager on an average is around W,900 as recorded in 2009.

Working hours-

You would not be responsible to anyone to your working hours. Your work hours would be very flexible keeping in mind that you simply also need to work on weekends sometimes to meet consumer expectations. If required any facility manager has to provide 24*7 service in times of exigencies. Your own profile would also require traveling to other countries as well.

Many people are opting for the careers of a center manager because in spite of high end commitments, they may be paid very well on the market. Thus, choosing this profile can indeed be one of the best options within today€™s scenario.

  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • RSS

Disclaimer Policy

This blog is a personal blog written and edited by us. This blog accepts forms of cash advertising, sponsorship, paid insertions or other forms of compensation. The compensation received may influence the advertising content, topics or posts made in this blog. That content, advertising space or post may not always be identified as paid or sponsored content. The owner(s) of this blog is not compensated to provide opinion on products, services, websites and various other topics. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely the blog owners. If we claim or appear to be experts on a certain topic or product or service area, we will only endorse products or services that we believe, based on our expertise, are worthy of such endorsement. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. This blog does contain content which might present a conflict of interest. This content may not always be identified.

  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • RSS