Now It's YOUR Turn!!

When you’re unemployed it can seem like you have all the time in the world. At least, that’s the perception by many on the outside. The reality for many job seekers is that looking for a full-time job IS their full-time job…plus! If you’re doing everything right as a job seeker you can easily be spending eight hours a day doing things like perusing LinkedIn, applying for jobs, looking for jobs, and networking appointments. It can often seem as though there isn’t enough time in the day! Plus, many employment professionals will tell you to “take care of yourself” during your time of unemployment. Just like in your job situation, burn out can happen easily. So can stress, and not to mention that your personal and family life goes on whether you’re employed or not. Professionals tell you to be sure to exercise, take time for yourself, and create healthy habits to be a successful job seeker.

All of these tid-bits are right on and very much true. But how can a person realistically do this? In my own experience of having been out of work in the past it seems as though you begin your day at 7am, send/receive emails, have a lunch networking appointment, apply to a couple of jobs and before you know it 6pm (or later!) has arrived awfully quick. And then to throw in a bike ride or jog, family or other extracurricular activities in the evenings and your day is shot. And this is what our society expects of us to do as job seekers. “Work hard and your next opportunity is right around the corner.” Maybe, for some. But for others we may try and try each and every day and get nowhere, week after week. For some of us we wonder if all this networking stuff will ever actually lead to anything, same thing with applying to countless jobs or chasing people down on LinkedIn to make a connection.

I would encourage job seekers though to not give up! The reality of these job search situations is that all the “maybe next application/coffee/job lead” actually WILL lead to something great. No matter what anybody else tells you, it really is a numbers game to land that next great position. So don’t lose hope because of doomsday economic forecasts by television or radio pundits. Don’t lose hope when it seems like you have nothing going for you. Don’t lose hope when it seems as though there is nothing out there for you. That next position really is right around the corner. Just ask any friend or acquaintance about how they landed their job and more than likely their story will start out with something like, “Out of nowhere I get this phone call/email…” Now it’s YOUR turn!!

In the mean time of your job search, consider picking up some additional credentials to boost your resume and make you stand out all that much more to future employers. Consider a Certificate from the Accounting and Business School of the Rockies today. We offer applicable Certificates in Professional Bookkeeping, Administrative Assistant, Office Manager, Call Center/Customer Service, Microsoft Power User, and Office Skills. Take one class or take a whole Certificate program….either will help you in the short term to land a job but also in the long run to keep that job. Call us today at 303-755-6885 for a free consultation about our exciting programs.

Writing Good Emails for the Job Seeker

Something that I see a lot of in my day-to-day with students is poorly written emails. For a myriad of reasons, the art of writing an articulate email has passed over (or been ignored by) many people. This is highly destructive for anyone in a business context --- but especially for the job seeker. It is apropos for the job seeker to continually follow-up with prospective employers on where their application is in the pipeline (“Has a decision been made on first round interviews yet?” “Might I inquire as to the status of my application?”). If one of these emails to a prospective employer or networking partner is written in poor form containing questionable grammar/punctuation, or just flat out does not make sense to the reader, chances are this email will reflect negatively toward its sender.

The easiest thing a person can do, and something I think everyone should do whether the President or the mail room clerk, is to re-read every email before you send it. Ask yourself: is what I am saying make sense? Are there any glaring grammar mistakes in this email? (By the way, turning on your spell check and grammar check doesn’t hurt!) Finally, if need be and the email is of high importance, read it out loud and read it several times over. Often times when a person reads something they write out loud they are more inclined to pick up on awkward sentences or even the “tone” of an email. The tone too, is quite important. Make sure that you don’t sound “emotional” in an email…. ALL CAPS CAN LOOK ANGRY!! all lowercase and symplle erors can l0ok hurried and that yu dont care.

You might be a person who has a difficult time with emailing and understanding the concepts of computers. Not to mention how they always seem to be changing things on you! Lack of knowledge or understanding of software, computers, and common business etiquette should not deter you away from doing something about it. The Accounting and Business School of the Rockies would love to help you gain that knowledge, business etiquette, and most of all the confidence that you need to excel at your career. We offer Certificate programs in Professional Bookkeeping, Administrative Assistant, Office Manager, Call Center/Customer Service, Microsoft Power User, and Office Skills. Most of our students receive tuition assistance from federal grants. Call us TODAY at 303-755-6885 to learn more about these exciting programs.

Staying Positive through the Economic Numbers

You hear on the news every week about economic statistics and try to gauge your own situation with the broader numbers and what’s going on in the economy. Perhaps you feel worried about your situation, or perhaps you feel fortunate. Either way, the economic news will always come in and there are always going to be pundits on TV or radio trying to explain it away as a fortunate circumstance or that its doomsday. While it is important for job seekers to be aware of what’s going on in the broader economy, it would behoove you to stay clear of the fear mongering going on by some. It’s unproductive and quasi-inappropriate to tell a job seeker that there are hundreds of thousands if not millions of people just like him or her also looking for work. How does that help?

Staying positive as a job seeker is one of the most difficult but one of the most necessary things a person can do during this life transition. Having a good support system like friends and family gives you the “external” confidence you need to keep at it day after day. These people can also take you away from the job search to clear your head and to remind you that you are a human being, not just a robot who writes cover letters and recites your “elevator speech”. It is also important as a job seeker to harness your own “internal” confidence, telling yourself that you are worthy and have something to offer a company. For many this is the most difficult because we live in a culture that likes to tell you how you’re NOT good enough (2nd and 3rd chair in band, junior varsity athletics, no award for an average GPA or grade in college, the list goes on); whereas reality corresponds to the opposite. You ARE good enough and have much to offer others and a company….even if others criteria for excellence are unrealistic: ”Let me show you what I can do!”

The Accounting and Business School of the Rockies can help you gain that “internal” confidence that you desire to grow. We provide that “external” confidence in the form of encouragement from staff, small class sizes for one-on-one instruction, and the repeated factor that historically, six months after graduation over 90% of our students have found employment. We offer practical, real-world Certificates in Bookkeeping, Administrative Assistant, Office Manager, Call Center/Customer Service, Microsoft Power User, and Office Skills. Help us help you today by signing up for any of these programs or popular individual classes. Call us today at 303-755-6885 to learn more about being good enough to succeed. In spite of the economic statistics and pundits.

Job Seeking in the Summer Time

The summer time can be a lot of different things for a lot of different people. For some, it is a time of relaxation, vacations, and taking it easy. For others, it is a time to get “caught up” both at work and in life. For some, it’s a time to “get ahead” and plan for the months ahead with the kids going to school, big end of the year projects at work, and holiday travel. Whatever it might be for you, there is surely something big going on this summer. If you’re unemployed or underemployed, the summer time can feel like any other time….looking for work.

There are a variety of things a person in this situation can do to capitalize on the summer months and to take advantage of the opportunities when they arise. Staying organized is, in my thinking, the best thing a person can do when looking for work. Try to create an Excel spreadsheet of all the companies you have applied for and all the contacts you have been networking with. How often do you need to check in with those people or companies again? Similarly, stay on top of following up! The majority of jobs you see advertised on the internet and that you apply for always send you an email after you apply saying something to the affect that if you are of interest to the company and hiring manager to come in and talk, they will let you know.

Especially for bigger companies it seems as though there is little you can do to follow up, especially when it seems like you just sent your resume into a black hole online! In my opinion one of the best things you can do in this circumstance is to network. Especially using excellent networking tools like LinkedIn it is not uncommon for a person to find a connection at the company you just applied for through one of the connections you already have. And sometimes, not always unfortunately, but sometimes when you reach out to people this way they will respond in kind. They might be able to help you find an email address to the hiring manager or someone else who might be able to help you get in touch with the right people.

Something else you as a job seeker can do during the summer months is to brush up on fading skills or learn new skills altogether that will make you more marketable and desirable to a company. Perhaps it’s computer software training. Perhaps it’s bookkeeping or other office clerical skills. Whatever the need may be, there are opportunities out there for you to take advantage of so companies NEED to hire you. The Accounting and Business School of the Rockies offers just such programs. Classes are short, ranging anywhere from two full days to a couple evenings a week, or even twice a week for a couple months for the more advanced classes. Contact us today at 303-755-6885 or look us up online at http://www.ABSRschool.com for a free assessment of your educational possibilities.

Becoming More Marketable

In today’s job market, employers like for their employees to be well-rounded individuals who possess the experience and know-how to do a variety of tasks within the office. No longer does the receptionist ONLY answer the phone or assist customers. No longer does the administrative assistant organize the boss’s appointments and schedule. If an employee wants to be marketable and stand out in the crowd among other potential employees, they need to show that they are capable of doing a variety of office duties, and do them well.

Many companies have the capacity to train employees once they are in the company to expand their knowledge-base and skills. But some do not, and with companies tightening their belt nowadays it would behoove the job seeker to be proactive about their training and be able to show their potential employer that they are ready to hit the ground running once hired. A great way of going about showing a potential employer that you are ready to go is by becoming certified in the types of things that you know the employer will be looking for. This can range anything from a tested and proven number of words you can type per minute, to your ability to navigate around Microsoft Office Excel, to your ability to organize files and take meeting minutes with the astuteness and clarity that your employer needs.

The Accounting and Business School of the Rockies offers just such Certifications to help you stand out in the crowd. We offer three to four month long Certificates in Professional Bookkeeping, Administrative Assistant, Office Manager, Call Center/Customer Service, Microsoft Power User, and Office Skills. Our classes are small so you know that you will be getting hands-on and individualized instruction from professionals who work in the industry. Our Certificates are affordable and you might qualify for tuition assistance through a government grant. Call us TODAY at 303-755-6885 to schedule an appointment to learn more about being the next hire at your dream company.

Job Searching and the Broader Economy

It is important for job seekers nowadays to keep up to date on what is happening in the national economy. Prior to the Industrial Revolution in America a person could go to school (or more likely be an apprentice of someone) in their chosen job field. But after the Revolution and continually into the 20th century the American job landscape evolved to where job seekers were needing to be more aware of not just what the local economy is doing for what sorts of jobs are available, but also in the broader economy. For example, generations of individuals and families have worked for the auto industry in Detroit and elsewhere. But now we are hearing about plants closing down and people having to move to more prosperous locations.
We hear the sad stories about families who experience these sorts of transitions every day. But it would behoove the job seeker to be aware of what sorts of industries are flourishing right now and into the future, and not get stuck in the predicament of looking for work that isn’t there. Transitioning from industry to industry can be difficult, but it’s not impossible. Just remember that you performed admirably at your trade for X number of years and you have much to offer any employer. Be aware of what industries are growing, which ones are declining, and what exactly in those industries employers are looking for in their successful employees.
The Accounting and Business School of the Rockies offers Certificate programs that cover the breadth and depth of any industry. Why? Because every company needs administrative help. Every company needs a bookkeeper. These and other similar skills will never go away, and in fact they will become more sought after when other companies continue to grow and expand. We want to help you find a job where you can be secure and successful. Make an appointment with our friendly Admissions staff to learn more about how the Accounting and Business School of the Rockies can you in your next step in finding gainful employment. Call us today at 303-755-6885 and we will see you soon!

Getting Educated at your Own Pace

When people are working or engaging in the full-time job of looking for a job, the issue in people’s lives is always time. Of which there is never enough! On top of the hours you put in to work every day, your life fills up quickly with things like commuting to work, taking care of your family and home, and any other extracurricular activities that consume your week. In many instances, you can’t fathom adding one more thing to your overflowing plate. Least of which to do things like advancing your career through networking, workshops or school.

Fortunately nowadays many schools offer the flexibility and willingness to work with you to help you accomplish your educational goals. Whether it be classes available in the evenings, on the weekends or online, most schools want you to succeed in your studies and get the job that you want. The Accounting and Business School of the Rockies is such a school that genuinely cares about your success in and out of the classroom. With classes available in the evenings, on Saturdays, and through our popular Virtual Online option, you can attend class for when it works for you and your schedule.

We offer six Certificate programs that can be completed in as little as three to four months. You can earn a Certificate soon in Professional Bookkeeping, Administrative Assistant, Office Manager, Call Center/Customer Service, Microsoft Power User and Office Skills. Students continually find the Accounting and Business School of the Rockies to be the right option for them to complete their desired education and to transition quickly into the job that they want. And best of all, we will work with you and your schedule to make sure that you have enough time in your life to actually do the things in life that you need to make primary while helping you to succeed in the classroom. Call us today at 303-755-6885 for a FREE consultation and to find out if the Accounting and Business School of the Rockies is the right choice for you.