Unique job search tips

I’m often asked about unique job search tips – ways to search for jobs other than the most popular job search sites. Whether someone is feeling overwhelmed by all of the options on popular sites, not feeling like their skills are being recognized with so many other applicants applying for the same job via the same search site, or they are looking for a way to find new open positions rather than scanning through a handful of search sites that have the same job postings.

My first suggestion is always to search for specific company sites. Find companies within your location or decide you want to focus on remote options and search the sites of companies you are interested in working for. Several companies only post job openings on their own site instead of using other searchable forums so you have a fresh group of opportunities to search and typically larger companies post new jobs almost daily so keep checking back for new postings (several openings are listed at the bottom of this post).

Other unique tips I suggest – check career openings for companies you see commercials for while watching your favorite TV series and check out your favorite magazine publisher for job opportunities. Any company that has a commercial most likely hires employees and large publishers usually have several magazines they produce and need a variety of employees to do that. And just like larger companies, they typically only post job opportunities on their web site so you will have another fresh group of jobs to search.

Some publishers or companies you see commercials for have openings in several states and/or remote opportunities and they post new jobs often. There are a lot of opportunities available when you expand your job focus and search. Research companies that have products or services you enjoy and search their web site for career opportunities. Typically, a product site or publisher will have a career or employment tab at the bottom of their site or they have that option under the menu tab and the About Us section.

When you treat a job search like a job you increase your chances of finding the best match.

• I highly recommend dedicating time daily to research the most popular job search sites, but also make time to research specific companies you are interested in working for.
• Explore creative options that might be available through the products and services you enjoy.
• Spend time updating your resume for each position you apply for, making sure your skills and those in the job description match.
• Create a unique cover letter for each opening as well. Mention something specific about the company you are applying for in the cover letter – it can be a core value you connect with or congratulating them on a recent accomplishment. This will let the hiring manager/committee know you are familiar with the company and invested time to learn about them. Also, include at one accomplishment that ties in with the requirement(s) of the prospective job.

Typically, two to four hours a day are needed to dedicate to job search this includes the actual search, resume updating, cover letter creation, application process (might be separate from submitting a resume and cover letter), and track who you have applied with, what position, date, submission process, and any other specific notes so you can easily refer to them when called for an interview.

Put in the dedicated time and it will pay off – typically, the more time you put into a job search, the better chance you have at finding a job you truly want with a company you are interested in working for. Putting hours into a job search gives you more choice and control. You have skills and competencies that you should be proud of and a company should be excited about working with you.

Below, are a few companies that sell products and have commercials on prime time (or late night) TV and magazine publishers with current job opportunities in several states including some remote and work from home options. I have checked the sites personally and although I do not have any affiliation with them, I’ve checked each site to ensure they are hiring (as of today all of them have openings) and to confirm the career section and application process, which is noted by each site/link.

Good luck in your career search. Please contact me if you have a specific career, resume, cover letter or other job-related questions. Also, I am currently reviewing resumes for free and providing suggestions via email. If you would like me to review your resume please email me at successencourager@gmail.com .

Inogen.com – Scroll to the bottom of the web page and click on careers. You can search by location and/or job title. Hiring for Brooklyn, OH, Goleta, CA and Richardson, TX. Opportunities include Billing manager, Buyer/Planner, and Operations Supervisor in TX and Accounts Payable Specialist and Senior Staff Accountant in CA and Quality Assurance Specialist in OH and several other openings.

Careers.firstam.com – First American. Can search by location, keyword, or department. Hiring in several states for many positions. Current openings include – Executive Assistant in Santa Ana, CA, Receptionist openings in Katy, TX, Oroville, CA, Yukon, OK, and Orlando, FL, Seasonal Office Assistant in Flint, MI and in Brighton, MI, Authorization Representative in Phoenix and Escrow Assistant in Salem, OR and several other openings.

Independence.edu – Independence University. All positions are remote. Click on the ‘more’ button/tab, then About Us, About UI, and scroll down to job openings button and click it..scroll to another job openings button and click on it. Currently, there are 90 openings. Admission Consultant (sales), Web Design Tutor, Career Services Advisor, Admissions Assistant, Administrative Assistant, and several Adjunct Instructor positions.

Activstyle.com – Click menu, About, and scroll down to the bottom and Career Opportunities and click the list of current jobs. There are several locations and about 15 current job openings. Some positions include Outbound Call Center Rep in Reno, NV, Call Center Team Lead in Fresno, CA, Medical Call Center Rep in Minneapolis, MN and Medical Document Associate in Minneapolis, MN.

Jobs.cvshealth.com – CVS Pharmacy. Scroll about halfway and click on the search and apply red button. Several locations hiring including work from home opportunities.

meredith.com/careers – Meredith Corporation, publishes several magazines including Better Homes and Gardens, Parents, Food and Wine, Health, Wood and more. Currently, there are 245 openings in several states. Current openings include Account Executive in Nashville, TN, Sales Assistant in Los Angeles, Administrative Assistant in Des Moines, IA, Account Director in Chicago, SEO Content Strategist in NY and Production Designer in Shelburne, VT.

cricketmedia.com – Children’s magazine publisher (several magazines for different age groups). If you are interested in submitting a story for one of their publications you can click on submission guidelines. For other openings click on About and then Careers. Currently, one position open for a remote opportunity – US Based ESL/EFL teacher/tutor. Must have a Bachelor’s degree and experience as an ESL/EFL teacher.

Thank you for reading and following! Please contact me if you have a specific career, resume, cover letter or other job-related questions. Also, I am currently reviewing resumes for free and providing suggestions via email. If you would like me to review your resume please email me at successencourager@gmail.com .

Best to you on your job search journey! Thank you again for reading.

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Small steps for goal success

Since committing to my reading goal I have actually been able to focus on other goals that I typically try to work on throughout the entire year. I think that is the amazing thing about focusing on what may seem like a small goal…it triggers the desire to focus on more. My fiction-reading goal has helped me relieve stress, clear my mind and has made it easier to determine what goals are most important.

I love encouraging others to determine their goal focus and define the goal(s) they want to focus on right now, so I wanted to share some of my personal thoughts and goal focus.

My overall wellbeing is always important to me and on my mind. I have incorporated several changes to my diet over the past few years. I set time aside to meditate. One area that I struggle with though is physical activity. In the past, I made time for the gym, walking, swimming, yoga, etc. With three surgeries in four years, I have not really been able to find my groove or get back into a routine that works for me. I sit most of my workday. It’s been difficult to set a schedule to workout.

This past weekend I shifted my thinking. It might be difficult, but it’s not impossible. My last surgery was almost 7 months ago…I feel I’m still in a bit of the healing process and dealing with some other minor health concerns that have been part of my life for several years…again…it’s not impossible to focus on my physical health though. I realized this weekend that focusing on ‘starting’ a new routine based on my past ability was not fair to myself.

So what happened this weekend? I shifted thoughts from ‘how can I get back to where I was’ to ….where can I start NOW? What small step could be taken right then and there that would get me started? I got up and went to the closet…I had purchased a peddle / under desk cycle about 3 years ago (yes, THREE years ago). I used it now and then…but it had been put away for months and months. I pulled it out of the closet, dusted it off and sat it right in front of my chair. I did a few stretches and then sat down and started peddling.

I started peddling! Sure sitting and peddling isn’t where I was a few years ago when I was walking 3 to 5 miles any given day…but it was a start. I cycled for 16 minutes. I did some more stretches and started my day. I seriously felt more energetic…just 16 minutes and a different mindset and I felt better…Then another 16 minutes that night with a few more stretches. Yesterday was the same routine (two sets of 17 minutes and stretches). I cycled this morning for 17 minutes before work. I have been up out of my seat more today during my work morning. Oh and I even picked up my 5-pound arm weights and used them while cycling!

It’s a start and I’m celebrating my start. More so than the actual physical benefit, right now I am more positive and focused and excited about ‘starting’. A small step…a start…and who knows by this time next month I may have added workout aspects…six months from now I might be adding miles and intensity. Right now I’m moving. I’ve started. I’m excited and not allowing my thoughts about ‘where I use to be in a workout routine’ diminish where I am right now.

Small steps to my goal to better health –

• Cycle at least 15 minutes each morning and each evening while adding stretches before and after.
• Get up and walk around more at work; use the restroom on the second floor so I’m walking up the stairs at least a few times a day.
• Stay focused on my diet, cut back on some sugar.
• Use light arm weights periodically
• Define my why – Why do I want to workout/increase my physical activity? Because I want to feel better…I want my muscles to strengthen and not ache as much, I want to have more energy, I want to be more active with my nephew…

What small steps are you taking today?

Also, I’m excited to announce that my goal focused journal is now complete & available in small batch printing!!! This planner even has a section to record your weekly goal focus and record your daily focus (wellbeing, etc.)! My excitement about seeing a completed goal in print form is beyond measure and my gratitude to all of those encouraging me and supporting me extends to all visiting my sites!

Questions? Comment below or email me – successencourager@gmail.com

Realistic daily steps for goal setting

I want to share my realistic daily steps for setting & accomplishing goals, it also works for starting a new positive habit, because it’s time to focus on your goals!

Anyone can use this method…

• If you have a goal you are currently working toward & want to stay focused
• If you want to start a new goal or positive habit, but unsure how to start
• Or if you are searching for something meaningful to dedicate time to

The steps I’m sharing with you are ones that you can put into place each day and each week whether just starting a new goal or habit or wanting to stay focused on a current one. Each day allows an opportunity to take a step toward the future you want, the goal you want to accomplish or the new positive habit you want to start. These easy to follow steps make it easy to add to your daily routine and you can use this over and over with any goal or habit!

You can start on any day, but I like utilizing Wednesday as a start day…why? It’s a good mid-week point, but I don’t really have a scientific reason why! There is no right or wrong day to start working toward accomplishing your goals! You can adjust this as needed.

Let’s get started!

1. Why not Wednesday – Define what you want to focus on, something you are passionate about or confirm what you keep thinking about, but have not quite committed to yet. Define it in one or two sentences and include at least one ‘why’. Example – I want to focus on my health and feel better. Why? – So, I can be more active with my family or participate in more outdoor activities, run a marathon or travel more. Once committed you can move forward with steps and actions toward it. Even if it’s a year or five year goal, defining your goal or habit is the most important step. You can set aside time in the morning, over lunch or in the evening to focus, but don’t overthink this definition, most likely you have a main goal in mind. If you find yourself unable to focus on just one, write down a few and then be honest with which one you are most excited about and focus on that one this week. If you need help focusing please contact me and I can help with some tips!
2. Tackle it & Transform Thursday – How will this goal or new habit transform me or my future? What is my expected outcome? Envision your goal or habit in motion (tackling it), how do you want it to transform you personally? Example – When I’m healthier I can train for that marathon my sister and I always wanted to run together. When I’m healthier I can spend more active time with my spouse, children, grandchildren, friends…When I’m healthier I can travel more and go hiking. When I’m healthier I can feel better and start another new goal or habit.
3. Focus on it Friday – Research tools and resources needed to accomplish your goal or start your new habit. Do you need to study or complete certification to accomplish it or using the health example above – I plan on exchanging my fast food breakfast each morning with a smoothie so I’m going to buy a blender or get mine out of storage. I plan on incorporating more steps into my day and want new shoes or a step tracker. Maybe you want to join a gym or find a walking partner. Discover what you need to start your goal, again don’t overthink it, just what you need to get started then adjust as needed as you grow and succeed. Keep the list short for now.
4. Celebrate successes on Saturday and Sunday – I encourage you to spend some weekend time celebrating successes on Saturday and Sunday! Review what you have already accomplished; confirm your mindset toward your goal, envision how your future will look with the goal or new habit in place, seek out at least one resource and get ready for Make it Monday!
5. Make it Monday – Create a list of a few steps that will get you started. I suggest a to-do list with about three steps, but no more than five to start. Example – Purchase groceries to take for lunch instead of eating out. Walk each morning or evening for 30 minutes. Make a smoothie for breakfast each morning and be more conscious of meals and snacks. Cook at home at least 3 nights a week. The steps you choose are ones that are simple to incorporate into your personal unique lifestyle. Make these steps realistic for you and don’t make all the changes at once. Add in other steps once you are comfortable with these; once the to do list becomes a comfortable part of your routine.
6. Try it Tuesday – Try the to-do list you created. Put action behind your goal defining and research! Start turning your goal or new habit into reality. Celebrate the week of work you have already put in and keep going! Add your to-do list to your daily routine! Don’t get upset if you miss a day or something comes up, just pick up where you left off, just don’t quit!

You can use this same method to track your success, stay focused and motivated by adjusting as follows –

• Why not – confirm your goal instead of defining it, confirm why you are focused on this particular goal/habit
• Tackle it – How is this goal or new habit transforming me? What outcome am I experiencing?
• Focus on it –  Are the tools and resources I’m using working for me? Do I need other tools or resources, what would make this more productive?
• Successful Saturday and Sunday – Continue celebrating accomplishments, fitting in additional time for your goal or habit as time allows. Share successes with friends or track online or in a journal. Confirm your mindset toward your goal and accomplishments.
• Make it – Keep creating a weekly list of what you need to accomplish your goals. Once that list is a comfortable routine, add to it. I suggest each weekend creating your weekly list to stay focused.
• Try it – Stay focused on your to-do steps and incorporate new ones as you feel comfortable. Stay active toward your goal or habit! Remember, celebrate those successes!!!

I suggest keeping a weekly calendar or journal to record your steps and celebrate your accomplishments! Join me in the daily journey with doable steps, tips & encouragement! Share your progress below or email me at successencourager@gmail.com.

Thank you for reading! For more details about services, tips and professional experience check out my ABOUT ME page!

Making this year different; encouragement and more

Sometimes the best way for me to focus on goals, no matter what time of year, is to recap what I’ve already accomplished. I’m doing just that with this post. My goal is to encourage others during career changes, starting a side business, full time business, or simply in day to day life…sharing my experience and ‘two cents’ with others to encourage and inspire.

As I mentioned, I’m not the ideal resolution maker, but the New Year is a great excuse to reflect on the past months and focus on goals for the upcoming months. I appreciate the feedback I have received this past year so very much! THANK YOU for reading and following my blog. Thank you for contacting me, sharing your support and tips; I appreciate you all! You are all certainly helping me focus and I hope I can return that inspiration! Here’s to a New Year, new energy, great health, organized focus and goal success.

If you are interested in starting your own business or side job please read through my posts for ideas, marketing tips, and more! I’ve recapped my BIPs (Business Idea Prompts) below. I will be adding more very soon! What is a BIP? Visit my intro page here

The first BIP – Love canning (as in food canning)? Want to make it a side job/extra income opportunity? You can! Click on the BIP link to see how!

Teach your talent – Most likely someone else wants to learn about a skill or talent you have; knitting, painting, paper making, welding art, gardening, gift basket arrangement, dancing, writing, foreign language, computer program training, poetry writing, jewelry making, etc. there is a countless number of talents needing to be shared in the world! So, why not teach yours?

Love finding a bargain and reselling it? Purchase and sell bargain items as a ‘yard/garage sale professional’. Items to sell can be found by attending auctions, sales, and consignment or thrift stores then reselling the items for a profit, but instead of just a one-time summer event, it can be done every weekend or a few times a month.

Enjoy events, having fun, and have a talent for entertaining? There is a growing demand for entertainment at children’s parties, family gatherings, and other events. Party planning can be costly and time consuming to start up, but focusing on entertaining alone, can be a very profitable business and fun.

Have a talent for organizing, love to run errands, or are you detailed oriented? Side jobs and full or part time businesses rely on finding customers willing to pay for their service(s). A major need, any time of year, is finding time for errands, chores, and other time demanding tasks while still balancing a regular life routine.

If you don’t find any of those BIPs an option and you are open to learning a new skill or enhancing an existing hobby/skill check out tutorial ideas and suggested learning here

Thank you again for reading and let me know if you have any questions, tips or ideas to share!

Have a great week!!!!

 

 

 

 

Inspiration board

This is a photo of my small inspiration board on the wall in front of my ‘inspirational space’. I put that in quotes because it’s simply a table in our what could be a dining room in our small apartment. It’s a bit chaotic, but so are my thoughts, so it works for me!

There is an article pinned to it in the upper corner; that article inspires daily! I even wrote “do what you love” on the pencil in the picture. The article is a short blurb and interview with Caroline Weaver. Ms. Weaver has no idea who I am; she has no reason to. I have never met her, never been in her shop, I live over 1,000 miles away, and I have never owned a pencil collection. So why does Ms. Weaver (Caroline) inspire me? It’s pretty much summed up in her blog link above; she is doing what she loves, even though she had fear and concern how she would be received. I think we all feel that way, but she did it anyway…she felt the fear…she accepted it and she made her dream (her passion) her reality now. I am always inspired by others who leap…she is a leaper and certainly inspiring!

I have a few mantras and quotes from others who inspire me that I try to remind myself of on days I can’t focus on my path or I question what I’m doing or how I’m going to do it. Caroline inspires me to leap without seeing the entire future and evaluating every outcome and reminds me that ‘doing and action’ can be scary, but oh so necessary and rewarding!

I hope you are inspired to leap….I hope you follow her leap despite fear…I hope I can inspire others. It’s a nice inspiring circle that I truly feel blessed to be circling around in!

What inspires you? What do you want to leap to? What scares you?

 

 

Advertising flyer example (basic)

Hello everyone! I have been asked to share a simple sample of an advertising flyer. So here goes! This is a basic idea, but all the information is there 🙂 You don’t want the flyer too crowded, but you want it to include a bit about what services you offer, contact information, to be eye catching and simple to read. Please share your thoughts if you have other information you’d use for advertising or if you have any questions please let me know! Happy Monday all 🙂

 

Teach your talent – Business Idea Prompt – BIP

Please see the Business Idea page for information behind my Business Idea Prompt (BIP) posts!

Here is another BIP I want to share!

I enjoy sharing ideas whether they develop from an article I’ve read, trend I’ve heard about that sparks an idea or from my friends when they share their success with me. I love hearing and sharing these ideas! I hope you enjoy it and you are inspired to explore your own possibilities!

Business Idea Prompt (BIP) – Teach your talent

Details – Most likely someone else wants to learn about a skill or talent you have; knitting, painting, paper making, welding art, gardening, gift basket arrangement, dancing, writing, foreign language, computer program training, poetry writing, jewelry making, etc. there is a countless number of talents needing to be shared in the world! So, why not teach yours?

I have a friend that teaches a knitting class a few times a week in the evenings and on weekends. She is very personable and such a great teacher who really knows her craft, that she started turning people away due to her full schedule! I’ve seen fees for related classes range from $20 to $50, per person, for a one to three day/night session, typically lasting one to three hours. This same concept goes along with any of the hobbies listed above. You can also expand this idea by providing online tutorial videos and manuals (more on this below).

Experience/Skills Needed – This depends on what you are teaching. You need to be experienced, knowledgeable in the topic, have the ability to teach it to others, provide some supplies or a supply list and be customer service oriented and a take away recap with your contact information on it (for future business opportunities!). And you do not have to be an expert! Some skills can be developed/advanced with resources such as online instructional videos, reading material from the library, attending classes that others are teaching or by joining online groups associated with your particular topic/talent.

Location will be needed. If you don’t have a location available, look into rooms at libraries (some offer use of the room for free to card holders) or area coffee shops with large tables, ask if someone wants to host a class at their home. You will also need either a personal form of transportation to and from classes or a dependable ride service. Research and develop payment options; cash, check, ability to accept credit and debit cards in person and/or online, etc.

Marketing – Create business cards, whether you print your own or pay to have them printed (there are some reasonable priced option available). Hand your cards out to everyone you can! Leave them and flyers in coffee shops and libraries, post your information and class schedule on social media sites, online advertising available on free to post sites and even look into community classes through school districts or colleges offering community education, typically, they are always on the lookout for community teachers. Create a website, blog and dedicated email address (and possibly dedicated social media sites) to your business/talent.

Another marketing option is to offer group discounts (for birthday parties, ladies or gentlemen night out, friends/couples gatherings, etc.) Other offers or discounts could include a referral program; bring two friends, each receive a 10% discount or another percentage discount or offer a price break if they sign up for more than one class; say three months in a row they would get a discount on the third ‘month or class’. Also offer different levels of classes; beginner, intermediate and advanced options for all skill levels and to encourage beginners to advance their skills. If your talent includes craft type skills research craft shows, farmers markets, etc. and if the cost of a booth setup is reasonable attend with items you have made for sale and hand out cards about your classes. Create tee-shirts and/or hats with your company logo and/or name and contact information (phone or email or website).

Research – Price materials; supplies needed to create your projects, similar businesses, space rental (if you can’t find free or your classes outgrow free apace), marketing (flyers business cards, etc.). This will give you an idea of what you need to break even. Put a rate on your time per hour, choose a minimum number of hours and set your rate. Schedule classes an hour or two or even spread out over two or three days or weekends. Set a minimum number of attendees to ensure you make a profit, if you don’t have that minimum sign-up then think about canceling the class. Ask friends and community members what they would pay for this service, or give them prices and ask if that is reasonable to them as a consumer. If you need to update or advance your own skills, research resources to help you feel more confident about teaching your talent to others.

Bonus idea – This could easily grow into a larger business. Most talents can either be taught online through videos and/or downloadable manuals. You could post your basic skills instructions online and advertise your advance courses and/or provide a link to a downloadable instructions guide and charge a small fee. Set up a web site or blog (there are free options available). Collaborate with other talent instructors and create a weekend or one day teaching event; charge one fee and split the profits between instructors, allowing customers to go through a number of ‘mini’ courses/trainings and hand out business cards and web site information where you will post upcoming class schedules, etc.

There are so many options with this BIP! Please share any tips, ideas, and success stories with me!

As with any business please check local and state guidelines to see what licenses, name registering, and other requirements may be needed.

 

The power of blogging

Be Informed –

The main goals of most blogs are to inform, inspire and hopefully entertain from time to time. As a blogger (whether writing for myself or a specific topic as a guest blogger) I strive to provide information helpful to others such as writing inspiration, resume and cover letter revamps, career change, conquering writer’s block, or simply looking to personally grow, (or any combination of any!).

What is a blog and how does it inspire readers?

I’ve discussed this question with friends, coworkers, freelance writers and others. Google defines a blog as: “a regularly updated website or web page, typically one run by an individual or small group, that is written in an informal or conversational style.” It’s a combination of the words ‘web log’. That is pretty broad! So, to add my own two cents and expand a bit – some blogs inform, some entertain, some state facts and others opinions. Some even do all those things. Typically, the blogger is very passionate about the topic and wants to support the readers by providing valuable information in their posts and being available for questions; supporting readers.

Information is power. While some blog posts contain basic information they should serve as a refresher to some readers or as a way to learn at least one new tip, skill or tidbit of information. If it’s the first time a reader has reviewed an article on a certain topic it should answer questions for them. Ideally, I aspire for all readers to be empowered to focus on an idea or wanted change in their life and begin working toward accomplishing that goal after reading one of my posts. I enjoy sharing what I have learned about writing and business to those wanting encouragement or to simply be a bit more informed.

Readers success is what matters! If I can help with that success (be a true success encourager), then I’m more than happy to do so! I check blog emails daily and try to respond within 24 to 48 hours, so if you have a specific question about a post or want additional information about a topic just ask! You can email me at dana@danabuchanan.com, visit www.danabuchanan.com or use the comment section here.

Future posts will be on various topics; sure to be something for everyone! I’m always open to topic ideas and want to hear from you! I’d love to hear your thoughts on blogging, success and what works for you; leave a comment!