A Teen’s First Job Interview

My 17-year-old son has been looking for a job since December. He hasn’t had a single bite, not one call for an interview. So last week when McDonalds had a “National Hiring Day,” he went in to fill out an application. Well so did a whole lot of other people, so we knew the chances might be slim. However to our luck a friend of mine has a daughter who happens to work at a McDonalds close by, so my son was able to use her name as a reference. Finally, after almost five months of applying for jobs, he … Continue reading

Job Help at Provident Living

One for the best resources the church has in dealing with difficult times is the site www.providentliving.org. This site is put together as a resource to help church members apply the teachings of the gospel to all aspects of their lives. This resource offers advice on money management, food storage, living a healthy lifestyle and emotional and social strength. It also has a section devoted to employment. On the employment portion of the site you can find tips on looking for a job, preparing for an interview and creating a resume. These tips are new to the site, and are … Continue reading

Ways to Score Big in a Job Interview

Got a job interview coming up? Want to know some simple but key things you can do to help land the job? Whether you are a recent college graduate or looking for a more secure financial future, check these tips out for better odds of success. 1. Prepare and prepare! In this economy, finding a good job takes some advanced planning. You want to stand out from the rest by feeling calm and comfortable with some knowledge of both the company and the job. 2. Make a list of your strengths and weaknesses. Not only is this a common interview … Continue reading

Monday Morning Funnies: Applicants That Probably Didn’t Get the Job

Happy Monday Morning! It’s time to go back to work after a long leisurely weekend of loafing around. (Yeah right–do we ever get to loaf around anymore?) Today we’re going to look at people who probably didn’t get the job. Interviewing is definitely a skill and it’s important to not only make a good impression but to make an impression that stands out. Dressing sharply, speaking articulately, and thinking on your feet are all part of the package when it comes to interviewing well. Unfortunately, some of us don’t interview that well. Exude an appropriate amount of confidence–One interviewee challenged … Continue reading

The Summer Job Market for Teens Looks Bleak

In just a few short months, school will be over for the summer and there will be a slew of teens and college students looking for work. But seasonal work this year might be hard to come by. In a survey released by SnagaJob.com (a website that features hourly rate jobs), most employers say they’re not hiring seasonal help this year. That makes for fewer jobs. Plus, experts agree that summer vacations, camps, and other activities that teens might normally enjoy are on the down swing this summer because of the recession. That leaves lots of available teens who might … Continue reading

The Pets Blog Week in Review for Oct 15-21

October’s speeding along at a frightfully fast pace. Before you know it Halloween will be here. If you’re having a heck of a time keeping up on everything, including the Pets Blog, let me be of some assistance with this week’s Week in Review. Here’s what Aimee and I covered on: Monday, October 15 Aimee’s been doing a good job covering all things fish this month. Today’s installment was More Common Freshwater Diseases. I reported on the dog days festival that Murph, Wayne, and I went to. Tuesday, October 16 Aimee explained that cloudy aquarium water is not normal and … Continue reading

Disney Interview Tips

If you are applying through a college program, chances are your interview will be a telephone interview. If you go through the casting office, your interview will likely be face-to-face there at the Casting Office. Telephone Interview Tips Limit any background noise as much as possible. College dormitories are not known for their peace and quiet but be sure to turn off any television or music you may have playing in your room and close the door so that hallway noise doesn’t seep in. If you have a roommate, be sure that they know you are on an important phone … Continue reading

How To Do A Phone Interview

Job hunting is difficult enough. It takes time to put together the right resume for the right job. You may have several versions of your resume, each version geared to a specific type of job whether you are looking for something in management or development or training. You may be qualified in all of these areas, but you need to emphasize specific strengths for specific jobs. But you’ve done the resume and you’ve submitted it and now you’re facing the dreaded phone interview. The Phone Interview The phone interview is important. First and foremost, you’ve gotten the door to open … Continue reading

Monday Morning Parenting Tips

I’m sure you’ve probably heard the expression “Kids don’t come with an instruction manual.” And if you have been a parent, even for a short time, you will agree that it can be one of the hardest jobs around. Fortunately there’s no shortage of help available for harried parents. In yesterday’s Times-Tribune, a few helpful tips were offered including: (1) Use GEMS (Genuine Encounter Moments)– A child’s self-esteem is influenced by the quality of time spent with their parents not the amount of time. Because a lot of parents are busy they don’t get to spend time with their kids. … Continue reading

Job Fairs: Appropriate Attire for Teens

I was in the mall the other day while a summer job fair for teens was being held. To say that I was shocked by the way some of these teens presented themselves to future employers would be an understatement. From well-worn flip-flops to boys with baggy pants and girls with jeans so low I could see their panties, let me tell you I saw it all (and a good bit of it I wished I had not seen). In my day, I would not have been allowed to wear some of the clothes that youths today wear. I keep … Continue reading