Misemployment

by Roger Herman and Joyce Gioia

Jobs Vacancy, Employment, Employment Jobs

Most unemployed are out of work for reasons beyond their control, though some do choose to refrain from working for certain periods of time. They may be in school, trying something on their own, or just want a break from working. We have indicated our expectation that a large proportion of people who are unemployed will soon have jobs again.

Those who do have jobs are described as being "employed." Definitions for this word are universally accepted.

Another word is creeping into our vocabulary. Misemployment. The term is not even listed in many dictionaries. Where we do find the word, the definition for "misemploy" is shown as wrong or mistaken employment. Use of this term is creeping into the lexicon of descriptors in the employment market.

We suggest that to be misemployed is to be working, but in a job or career that really does not fit for you. Research suggests more than half, perhaps as many as 80-percent, of workers are in jobs for which their personality and interests really aren't well-matched. People are in those jobs because someone offered them an opportunity, or they believed it was a stepping-stone to the kind of job they really want. In some cases, workers are stuck in these jobs because they do not know how to escape . . . or where to go if they "could" get out of the uncomfortable job.

Over the years, a great number of people have slipped into misemployment because they did not know how to find the right kind of job or employment opportunity for them, yet they needed a job. It was not until the late 1990s that workers began to realize they had choices. Just about the time we would have expected them to begin learning more about themselves, evaluating job opportunities, and making significant life changes, the economy slowed down and the atrocities of September 11 altered employment thinking. As economies expand again, we forecast that more people will seek jobs that are more consistent with their personal preferences. Misemployment will drop as people assert themselves to control their own careers.

Careers Tips : Assess your skills and interest

By mappingyourfuture.org

Jobs Indonesia, Careers, Indonesia Vacancy

Think about your interests

• What do you like to do? Think about experiences you have enjoyed. What kind of school, religious, social, or sports activities do you like?
• Make a list of 10 activities you have enjoyed doing in the past four years.
• Evaluate those interests. Think about what you liked about the activities. What challenges did the activities offer? What skills do you need to develop further to continue in those activities?

Consider your skills

• Evaluate school, volunteer, work, or leisure experiences.
• Make a list of your school activities (clubs, organizations to which you belonged). Make a list of any volunteer work you have done (either through social, civic or religious organizations).
• After you have assessed your interests and skills, determine the relationship between skills and interests and possible careers. You may need to research different careers.

Job Tips --> Job Search Tips for Older Job Seekers

Job Search Tips and Strategies for Older Workers
By Alison Doyle

Jobs Indonesia, Indonesia Vacancy

I'm always a little surprised at how young can be considered old by employers. In some industries, especially high-tech, even mid-thirties can be considered old. In fact, I spoke to one computer programmer who considered the workers in his office who were over thirty old!

Unfortunately for older job seekers, the older you are, the longer it can take to get a job and the harder it can be to get hired.

What can you do to address age discrimination and promote your candidacy for employment? There are strategies older job seekers can implement to help expedite a job search and to find gainful, and meaningful, employment.
Job Search Tips for Older Workers

Resume Tips for Older Job Seekers
One way to overcome the perception that your age is an issue, is to age proof and edit your resume. Limiting what you include on your resume, from a chronological perspective, can help job seekers avoid the stigma of being considered "too old" by a prospective employer.

Cover Letter Tips for Older Job Seekers
Your cover letter is critical, as well. Review these cover letter tips for older job seekers, including what to include in your cover letter, how to showcase your skills, and how to effectively market your candidacy to employers.

Emphasize Your Relevant Experience
When writing your resume and your cover letters, there's no need to mention every job you've ever had. Include only the most recent positions and, if you attended college, don't list your graduation dates.

Fashion Tips for Older Job Seekers
You can strategically write your resume and cover letter, but you can't change the basic facts - your actual age and your employment history are etched in stone. However, there are ways you can work on your appearance when you are job searching. And that can make a big difference when you're interviewing. Here's how to update your job search image.

Use Your Network
Networking is still one of the best ways to find a job. Regardless of when you graduated, if your alma mater has a career network use it to contact alumni in your field of interest. Use online and offline networking resources to make connections to help with your job search.

Consider a Career Change
It can be easier than you might think to change careers. Here's advice on how to successful implement a mid-life career change.

Get Job Search Help
If you're struggling with your job search, consider seeking assistance. There are no-cost programs provided by OneStop Career Centers, non-profit groups, and local libraries, for example, that can assist.

Keep Your Skills Current
Everyone applying for employment, regardless of age, needs to be computer literate. If you can't send an email, or don't know what Instant Message is, take a computer class. There are classes offered, free or low-cost, by continuing education centers, churches, libraries, and school. The more current your skills, the better your prospects for finding employment.

Don't Give Up
Job searching typically isn't easy, regardless of how old you are. So, don't give up. It might take a while to find a job, but, there are employers who understand the value of an older worker with maturity, life experience, and skills.

Share Your Job Search Story
Share your job search success story and what you learned during your job search. What job search tools did you use, what job sites worked for you, how did you conduct your job search?

Does Spirituality Belong in the Workplace?

by Nancy R. Smith

Jobs Vacancy, Employment, Employment Jobs

Did you know that spirituality and spirituality in the workplace have become popular buzzwords these days? As a movement, spirituality in the workplace does not focus on God or theology.

Instead, it looks to the morality and ethics that are common to most of the world’s religions. Creating sacred space in your cubicle or office. Social responsibility. Environmental awareness. Tutoring students. Yoga in addition to aerobics. Meditating at work (along with an even more recent acceptance of napping at work).

One Dallas-based store tells its workers that they have a moral obligation to provide help to their customers, not just to sell to them. A large business in Atlanta now uses only recycled materials in its work and draws its energy only from renewable sources. A symposium on business and spirituality is helped each spring at Babson College in Boston. Websites listed in the links below are new examples and results of this movement.

Is this religion? New age stuff? Quasi-religion? A substitute for faith? An expanded consciousness? A movement toward accepting a diversity of religious beliefs, faiths, and practices and valuing their contributions in the workplace?

Or, is this a maneuver on the part of businesses to get their workers even more dedicated to the workplace, more willing to work even longer hours, and more willing to give up time that might otherwise be spent in recreation, with family, in community or charitable work, or in religious practice?

If a company is based on noble principles, will it feel more self-righteous when layoffs come? Is the workplace where people should be looking for spiritual fulfillment? Can business deliver? Or should it avoid trying to meet spiritual needs and simply allow individual spiritual expression (as long as it does not interfere with the rights or needs or another)?

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CAREER TIPS - BE WISE

By jidaw.com

Jobs Indonesia, Indonesia Vacancy

How to Tips for the Information Technology Career. Be Wise tips are to help you with developing careers in computers for Careers planning, career choices and IT career strategy.

Boosting computer careers - the computer career in computer and information systems - Information Technology Career Tips. 

You will need to make career choices every step of the way. Decisions will be taken about IT certification, Computer education, Technical training, Practice tests, Study Guides, Exams, IT professionalism and jobs.

A successful IT Career is more about wisdom than anything else. BE WISE!

42. Too often our career growth is hindered because by “good” reasons. It isn’t a crime to experience hiccups in your career journey, but respond with positives - create time, improve your preparation, network, develop your skills.  

 

Stop Planting Excuses. Be Wise. Excuses achieve nothing.

What “good” reason can there be for not updating yourself? What are the “good” reasons for your inconsistency? There is no middle ground. You’re either doing something to improve your career or you’re buried in the excuse planting season. If we sow excuses, what do we reap? What’s stopping you from starting? Why have you given up? Be honest, what do you really want from your career - results or excuses? There is no reward for excuses.

41. “Wait for perfect”, “stay with the crowd”, “don’t take risks”. Run, don’t walk away from such thoughts. The worship of fear is born to kill dreams. A programming career without audacity is one without substance and character. Want to build a successful career in Networking? Ignore the familiar and rock the boat! Be Wise. Your career decisions and growth can’t wait for 100% certainty.
 

Sure plan, do your research, finish your homework, choose wisely. But to start your IT career or business, never ever wait for perfect. And go beyond noise and popularity. What are you afraid of? The unknown, failure, rejection or becoming an outstanding contributor in the IT industry?  

40. SUBSTANCE OR SHOW. Are your career decisions based on substance? Is programming the right path for you, or are you a “me-too” activist? Career growth requires taking risks. But what really is your motive? Money, show or purpose? Is certification what you need, or is the promotion in control? Be Wise. The choices we make are life changing.

Your training decision appears sensible, but how did you choose your course and training institution? What is the main issue driving your job change? Activity can never be a substitute for substance. What matters more - ceremony or career growth?

39. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE. IT newcomer at zero level? Or does your career need a lift? Stop waiting for luck or fate. Enough of the excuses! You must own and drive your growth process. Are reward and fulfillment in your IT career horizon? Then banish fear and excuse. Be Wise. Provoke growth - Take risks. Seize the initiative. Connect with family, colleagues, counsellors for support and guidance. But never hand over your power. Nobody else is in charge of your movement forward. It’s your life. It’s your future. Responsibility for your growth lies with you.

38. THE OPPORTUNITY IN THE PROBLEM. When difficulties come how fast can you run? Are you one track minded when career efforts don’t seem to be working? Slow promotion, no job, “Boss-from-hell”? Tough! But develop your turnaround mentality and approach. Be Wise. Sometimes there are no right answers. Growth comes from being comfortable solving problems. Bad exam results do not mean bad IT professional. Career success has several routes. Is that challenge your full-stop or a seed for growth? Enough of the victim sing-song! Instead look for your opportunity in that problem.
 

37. HOPE IS NOT A STRATEGY. You have hope and can see opportunity in Information Technology, but are those enough to make your career happen? Where are you? Where are you going? Be Wise. Hoping for the best, “whatever will be, will be”?? Without a sense of direction how will you reach your full potential? What is the purpose of your IT education? Coordinate your efforts and plan with your priorities in mind. Ignore the noisy crowds - let the main issue be the main issue. It is your job to create your own path.

36. DO SOMETHING NOW. You have ideas and you love the IT profession. Great! But unless you act, all you get is a big fat zero. What’s your excuse? The environment isn't right? Expecting to be supported? Be Wise. Wait for perfect and wait forever. Take charge and start building your amazing IT career now. IT professional, make your knowledge move today! Challenges exist but create your own path by investing in effort. Sitting in the farm all day doesn't make you a farmer. It is what you do that matters. Take action. Grumbling never achieves. 

35. MONEY HAS ITS LIMITS. To grow your IT career money helps for training, certification and books. But money is not the supreme ultimate resource. Stop allowing money to limit you! Be Wise. Can money cover up a dinosaur like attitude to tech learning? Or will money buy people networks or goodwill? Without putting in effort, time or common sense what is money? Does money mean creativity? Money assists but understand what money can do for your IT career, alternatives that exist and what you must do for yourself. 

34. CREATIVITY IS NOT A LUXURY. You can't grow by feeding on the predictable. Are you satisfied with the one-way street of convention? Training and certifications aren't enough in the world of constant change. Be Wise. Think outside familiar and comfortable routines to create new value. Is the creative path stressful? Or does it look strange or crazy? So what? Open your mind! Status quo is dead. Growth is the reward for expanding your mental bandwidth. Let dead dogs rest in peace.

33. PURPOSE AND CONTRIBUTION. The IT professional must have goals and a purpose. But it's not just about your agenda. Direction is important but your technical strengths are nothing without the value balance. Be Wise. What are your priorities vis a vis contribution? The key driver for career growth isn't your Java certification or your agenda, but is instead the value you create. Are you solving problems with your programming skills? Does the business make more profit with your networking know-how? Contribution is what gives backbone to your agenda.

32. GET BEYOND THE CERTIFICATE. Has your learning experience honed your problem solving skills and your learning ability? Have you used the classroom to build personal networks and improve your people skills? Be Wise. As you learn, open up your mind to ways of making the right impact in your career. What you put into your learning effort will often determine what you get out of the experience. Do you want growth, or is the certificate your only goal? See further than the certification. 

31. STOP LOOKING FOR GUARANTEES. Building a fulfilling IT career is not maths. Your Java knowledge doesn't guarantee anything. You need to step outside your comfort zone and take calculated risks if you want to succeed in Network security. 

Be Wise. Real IT professionals tackle the unknown and also anticipate and embrace change. The silver bullet-shortcut-password mindset is for robots. Network with other people, take up challenges and apply wisdom while learning from your experiences - both good and bad. 

30. IT IS NOT A HAPPY-GO-LUCKY PASTIME. It's about intense preparation and committing lifelong to a full-fledged career. Networking isn't flash-in-the-pan gambling. Or is programming an all comers affair? Be Wise. What is interest without the drive, without commitment? You should enjoy going the extra mile to look for the solutions, to remain current, rather than getting yourself hooked on quick fix supplied by the immediate results druggist.

29. The true IT professional is a positive, knowledgeable and supportive influence. Cisco guru, do you help or do you intimidate with your expertise? King of Java, are we safe in your hands? Be Wise. Trust is the mother of growth. But professionalism and trust isn't just about being "nice". It's also about having the courage and judgment to do the right thing in difficult situations.

28. You're perfect, right? Don't make me laugh! Nobody is an angel. But don't empower your weaknesses. Why let limitations bully you into defeat? Be Wise. Grow, learn from mistakes and empower your positives. Who are you and what do you offer? Despite shortcomings make a difference, be a positive contributor, with your attitude and tech know-how. It is your mission.

27. Knowledge is a "must-have" for your IT career. But have a clear understanding of what knowledge tools (training, education, certification) can and cannot do. What can knowledge do for you and what do you need to do for yourself? Be Wise. While knowledge confers advantage, it doesn't guarantee anything. Without a positive solid ethics attitude, initiative and people skills the train isn't leaving the station.

26. Stop asking only questions about pay, jobs and benefits. Your salary is not your value. Be wise. Growth comes from service and contribution. Ask the right questions: Is there a future in IT? Does that future include me? How do I empower myself to become a value provider?

25. What is your staying power in IT like? You can't afford to get burnt or worn out by the incredible rate of change and challenges. Be Wise. No matter how well you start and perform, how worthwhile is your effort if you don't finish? Develop your backbone with a can-do, can-bounce-back attitude. Achievement requires resilience - commitment and perseverance in the face of change and obstacles.. 

 

24. Sometimes less is more if you get your priorities right. Vegetating away at a job that doesn't enhance your value, simply because of the money is downright dangerous. Is it just about the pay packet? Be Wise. Growth is when you are creating opportunities for yourself now and in future. It isn't just about a meal ticket.

23. The worst thing you can do to your IT career is to take important decisions, such as investing in certification, without thinking about your long-term career focus. Be Wise. How will your decisions and investment take you from where you are to where you should be? Having a long-term career focus is the single most important driver for high quality career achievement.

22. Run, don't walk away, from any training provider that says you're guaranteed a job if you register for classes with them. Be Wise. Are you more interested in giving somebody money than your education or career?

21. As you gather experience in the industry, don't burn bridges you might need tomorrow. Be Wise. It is easier to succeed when you build your own personal network of individuals that you can rely on for advice, job leads, technical assistance and other helpful support.

20. Have a passion for what you do. Understand, and be happy, with what you do. Be Wise. It's difficult to be motivated; it's difficult to excel when you work at something you don't like.

19. You can't claim to like the IT field and yet be unwilling to make the effort required for constant knowledge acquisition. Be Wise. In the IT field, ignorance is the path of the dinosaur.

18. Don't run from challenges that will crop up from time to time in the course of your career. Be Wise. Often challenges are an opportunity to conquer a difficult area, and carve a niche for yourself.

 

17. Your career is about value. Be Wise. Certifications, tech skills, degrees, experience don't amount to much if you can't use them to create real business value.

16. Focus on substance rather than style when taking career decisions. Be Wise. "All that glitters is not gold". Avoid becoming a hostage, always choose career value over popularity and hype.

15. No IT career is better than the other. Be Wise. "One man's meat is another man's poison". The best career for YOU should be based on YOUR interests, assets and abilities.

14. Setting career goals is important. But planning is a lame excuse for unfruitful career indecision. Be Wise. Your IT Career isn't just about planning. It's also about doing, not promising to do. You must follow through.

13. Approach your IT Career like a marathon, not a short sprint. Be Wise. If immediate results are what you are after, then the IT field might not be for you.

12. As an IT professional, maximize your career advantage by developing a good combination of soft skills and IT knowledge. Be Wise. Of what value are your IT skills, if you can't effective present yourself or your skills?

11. The acquisition of popular advanced level certifications by newcomers is not a guarantee of jobs. Beginners need to master the basics before moving to the advanced. Be Wise. Why waste your money and time on advanced level training and certification that is not useful to you at your level?

10. Integrity is the hallmark of a true IT professional. A bad reputation spreads faster than wild fire. Be Wise. Solid tech and soft skills will not take you anywhere if you can't be trusted.

9. Sometimes the career advice you need to hear may sound upsetting to you. Don't listen only to what you want to hear. Be Wise. Choose Brutal but honest over nice but self-deceit. Use frank but painful advice to make the necessary changes that will grow your career.

8. As you invest in knowledge and self-development don't carried away by "the best". Can you make the effort? The best instructors, books, training centers cannot replace your effort. Be Wise. It is one thing to have "the best" tools, it is another thing to make the effort.

7. Learn from your mistakes and from your successes. Be Wise. If don't make any mistakes, you're not doing anything. You learn and grow not only from what you did right but also from what you messed up.

6. As you develop your IT skills and knowledge never confuse repetition with practice or learning. Be Wise. Mindless repetition on its own is cramming. Repetition must be combined with analysis and understanding to be of benefit to you.

5. Experience is essential for a career in IT. But depending solely on experience limits growth. Be Wise. What is experience without passion or initiative?
Experience on its own restricts you to what you do on a regular basis. To get real value from work experience - Invest in lifelong learning. Invest in a success-driven attitude.

4. Interest in an IT career is of no value without action. Be Wise. Interest is cheap. Effort will cost you. What're you doing? What are you investing to achieve your career goal? Time, money, books or just interest?

 

3. You will need to use career tools and your personal network as you progress in your career. But don’t be totally dependent on others. Be Wise. Learn how to dig deep by your own effort. To move without resourcefulness is to move in reverse. Besides, whose career is it anyway?

2. IT is not a “get-rich-quick” scheme. IT is professionally and financially rewarding if you focus on acquiring practical skills and building your career rather than on sudden, immediate wealth. Be Wise. Nobody is in IT for the sole purpose of making you rich. If “fast money” is your sole aim, you won’t last under the intense workload and incredible rate of change.

1. Personal networking is essential for career growth. Over 80% of all career opportunities are found through networking. But your personal network doesn't work for you alone. It isn't a self-centered one-man show. Be Wise. What do you contribute to the network? The key to having a strong and dependable personal network is not "receive only" or "give to receive", but instead it is "give more than you receive." 

A successful IT Career is more about wisdom than anything else. BE WISE!

Interview Tip : When the First Interview Is a Phone Call

By PHYLLIS KORKKI

Jobs Indonesia, Careers, Indonesia Vacancy

Some companies sometimes receiving hundreds of applications for a single job, it is becoming more common for hiring managers to conduct initial screening interviews over the phone. This saves them considerable time and money — especially if a candidate lives out of town.

Don’t take these interviews lightly. “It is important to prepare for a telephone interview just as you would for a regular interview,” said Alison Doyle, a job search specialist for About.com, which is owned by The New York Times Company.

The employer will normally call or e-mail you in advance to set up an interview time. If possible, arrange for the interview to be over a landline phone, as it tends to be more reliable than a cellphone. Make sure that children, pets and other sources of interruption will be out of the room. Keep a glass of water nearby.

Phone interviews can often last a half-hour to an hour, Ms. Doyle said; be sure to have your resume in front of you, along with a list of your accomplishments. Long pauses or halting responses caused by a lack of preparation could keep you from making it to the next stage. Do your best to be personable, but don’t overdo it by, say, trying to tell a joke and guffawing.

One advantage of a phone interview is that you don’t need to worry about what to wear (although dressing up might make you feel more confident). But some companies have started to conduct video interviews, Ms. Doyle said, sending Webcams to be used temporarily by applicants who don’t have them at home.

The Leader’s Longing

By Richard Barrett

Jobs Vacancy, Employment, Employment Jobs

I don’t care who you are. Or, what you do. When I walk into your organization I want to feel your passion. I want to see your courage I want to experience your spirit I want to know that you care about creativity.

I don’t care who you are. Or, what you do. When I walk into your organization I want to feel your caring. I want to see your love I want to experience your compassion I want to know that you are working for the common good.

I don’t care who you are. Or, what you do. When I walk into your organization I want to feel your openness. I want to see your trust I want to experience your honesty I want to know that you will always speak the truth.

I don’t care who you are. Or, what you do. When I walk into your organization I want to feel your commitment. I want to see your engagement I want to experience your hope I want to know that you will do what is necessary to get the job done.

I don’t care who you are. Or, what you do. When I walk into your organization I want to feel your authenticity. I want to see your tears I want to experience your joy I want to know that you will never hide who you are.

I don’t care who you are. Or, what you do. When I walk into your organization I want to feel your yearning. I want to see your searching I want to experience your longing I want to know that you will never stop learning.

I don’t care who you are. Or, what you do. When I walk into your organization I want to experience you.