Kuder Journey Is a Great Resource for Job Seekers!

Not sure what careers may be the right fit for you?  If you create an account with Kuder Journey, you can take free career assessments.  A good way to access Kuder Journey is through the South Carolina Personal Pathways website.  Click here to go to the website.

Step by Step Directions:
1) Go to website and click on "Adults" tab
2) Under "Kuder Journey" click on "New User"
3) Then Click on "Adult Job Seeker"
4) Then fill out the required information (leave activation code box blank)
5) Now you have a profile with Kuder Journey and you have many options of what you can do
6) I would suggest taking at least one of the assessments first
7) After you take at least one assessment, then you can start exploring the occupations that are a good match for you
8) Take advantage of the many other features of this website!

Other things that make this site worthwhile are:
1) Helps you to write resumes/cover letters
2) Provides good information on interviewing skills
3) Provides good information on how to find a job as well as links you to websites with advertised jobs
4) Can create a portfolio where all the information and research you do, and documents you create get saved

Hope this was helpful!

Observations of the Post and Courier Career Expo

Last week I attended the Post and Courier Career Expo.  At the Career Expo, there were about twenty tables set up with different employers set up at each one.  The employers that I noted were: Bankers Life and Casualty Company, Virginia College, ARS Rescue Rooter, Detyens Shipyard, ITT Technical Institute, LifeCareers Career Management, Verizon, Allied Burton Security Services, Charleston County School District, and Aflac.   

During down time, I went up to representatives to let them know my purpose was to gather information, rather than seeking employment.  They were all very respectful and willing to answer any questions that I had.  From speaking with them, I generally learned that they were looking for individuals that seemed to be well kept, and nicely dressed.  There were some individuals at the Career Expo that were dressed in what I thought to be a little too casual clothing.  The representatives generally agreed that they expect individuals to come dressed professionally for the most part, although most stated it depending on the employment they were seeking.  In general, most thought it would be acceptable to be overdressed.  In general, most of the representatives said that they pay attention to the job seekers people skills.  Important things mentioned were a firm handshake, appropriate eye contact, and appropriate use of English language. 

What to Wear....What to Wear?

Going on an interview anytime soon? Or maybe you're attending the Career Expo on February 7th.  If so, you may be trying to figure out what you should wear on this important occasion.  Does it matter?  It sure does!!!

First impressions are huge!  The second the interviewer sets sights on you, their first judgement will be based on how look and what you are wearing.  If you want to make a great impression, I say men should wear a suit (yes even if the work environment is going to be casual), and women in a suit or a suit skirt.  Let me get a bit more specific.

For Men:
-Wear a suit
-wear a long sleeve button down shirt
-Wear a belt
-Wear a tie
-Dark socks (no white socks)
-Clean cut
-No jewelery (or very minimal)

For the Women:
-Suit or Suit skirt (not too short)
-Coordinated blouse
-Conservative shoes
-Minimal jewelery
-Hair styled

Tips for All:
-Go light on the perfume or cologne
-Don't chew gum
-Leave your cell phone in the car
-Don't bring in any food or drink
-Cover tattoos

Good luck!

Post & Courier Career Expo Coming Soon!

The Post & Courier's Career Expo will be held on Tuesday, February 7th from 4:00-6:30 pm at the Sheraton Charleston Airport Hotel in North Charleston.  Click here and register, and you will get "Early Bird Access," which means you can arrive at 3:30pm and gain early access to participating companies.  The 2011 Career Expo attracted 25 different companies and about 700 job seekers.  

Here are some helpful tips when attending Career Fairs

1) Register for the early bird access 

2) Research the employers that will be attending and know which one's you are interested in beforehand

3) Bring plenty of resumes

4) Bring your portfolio

5) Wear conservative business attire

6) Have an "elevator speech" prepared

Good luck to everyone attending!

Careers Conference right around the corner!

The 26th Annual Careers Conference 2012 will be held January 30th-February 1st at The Concourse Hotel & Governor's Club in Madison, Wisconsin.  The Careers Conference is hosted by the  Center of Education and Work, which is part of the School of Education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

This conference is designed for anyone involved in with career development, careers education, and related fields.  It will provide learning opportunities for those of all levels.  You will leave with practical information that you can put into use right away.

Book Review-"What Color Is Your Parachute?"

I recently read the book “What Color Is Your Parachute, by Richard Bolles.   I found it to be a very good book for a Career Development Facilitator as well as anyone looking for a job.  The book was the 40th anniversary edition, and has been updated considerably from the 2005 version that I read in graduate school.

This edition of “What Color Is Your Parachute” includes a chapter on “How to Find Hope.”  I found this to be a good addition to the book, especially with how the job market is these days.   In this chapter about “hope,” the author talks about using hope as a strategy and something to live by.  The author talks about not putting your eggs in one basket and always having alternatives.  I found it to be an excellent way to start the book.

The next Chapters discuss the survival skills that people most need today to be successful.  Chapters 3 and 4 talks about the “Attitudes Necessary for Survival.  Chapters 5-9 discuss “Advanced Job Finding Techniques.  Chapters 10-12 discuss “Advanced Job Creation Techniques.  Chapter 13 provides an inventory of “What You Have to Offer the World.  Chapter 14 is about teacher others survival job-hunting skills.  Lastly, the book ends with 4 appendixes on finding one’s mission in life, choosing a career coach or counselor,” dealing with unemployment depression, and a sample list of coaches.

Overall, the book is more than just a basic job-hunting book.  It contains many worksheets, tools, and other exercises to help one figure out where their strengths are and put them in a better position to search for a job more effectively.  I would highly recommend this book to clients as well as other Career Development Facilitators.