Friday, January 28, 2011

It’s a lot about who you know

Statistics indicate that your next job is most likely to come about because of someone you know. Hiring managers are more likely to hire someone who is somehow connected with someone known and liked in their workforce. Therefore, make networking a habit. Use it to lift your spirits. With each person you meet, you increase your chances of finding your next job. And who knows, maybe you can help someone else find a job. Wouldn’t that feel good?

When should you start? Now! Don’t wait. Where do you start? Contact family members, friends, previous co-workers and supervisors, and neighbors. Certainly there is someone you know. Tell them you are looking for a job and ask if they know of anyone companies that are hiring.

Join professional organizations and networking groups. Contact job recruiters. Go to job fairs and seminars. Be comfortable. Be yourself. Be prepared. Enjoy a little small talk and look for things that you have in common. When you meet someone with whom you share interests, be sure to get their name, phone number, or email address. And be sure to later follow up with a friendly brief message. Just get out there! Be persistent and look for ways to stand out in the crowd. Many will be impressed simply by the fact that you followed up.

If you are changing careers, you may wish to consider vocational training or an internship, or both. This will not only show prospective employers that you are serious, it will also help develop your human network. The statistics don’t lie. You will most likely land your next job as a result of someone you know.

The Accounting and Business School of the Rockies offers quick, quality Certificate programs for Professional Bookkeeping, Administrative Assistant, Office Management, Office Skills, Call Center/Customer Service, Microsoft Power User and Project Management bootcamp. We also offer Securities training for those interested in passing the Series 6 or Series 7 licensing tests. You may qualify for a grant to pay for your certification! Call us at 303-755-6885 to learn more!

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Your decisions today affect your reality tomorrow

While looking through a local newspaper in the fall of 2009, I learned of a job fair at Invesco field. I planned to attend. But the following morning I struggled to muster the energy and desire to attend yet another job fair. I almost didn’t go. But I had this nagging thought in the back of my head: “What if I miss out on an opportunity because I’m not feeling like going today?”

I’m glad I pushed myself into going. I interviewed with a number of the companies represented at the fair. One of the companies I was interested in at the job fair was the “Accounting and Business School of the Rockies”. When I visited with them at the fair, I felt genuinely interested in attending classes in order to demonstrate recent education and job skills to prospective employers.

After taking the Professional Bookkeeper Certificate Program, I found myself interested in becoming an instructor for the school. So I submitted my resume and am now gainfully employed in a position that I truly enjoy. A decision made over a year ago now has me well on my way to enjoying a challenging new career. I hate to think what would have happened if I didn’t attend that job fair! So remember, the decisions you make today affect your reality tomorrow. Don’t wait!!!

We offer short-term Certificate programs for Professional Bookkeeping, Administrative Assistant, Office Manager, Office Skills, Call Center/Customer Service, Microsoft Power User and Project Management bootcamp. We also offer Securities training for those interested in passing the Series 6 or Series 7 licensing tests. Please call us today at 303-755-6885 to learn more about exciting opportunities to make your future reality a good one!