Tag: resume

Self-Care & the Workplace

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How do you feel at work?  Are you tired and exhausted regularly?  Do you feel like you are in a dry routine without any enjoyment or minimal pleasure?  Do you often describe your energy level as drained?  Perhaps it is time to look into some self-care.

  1. Exhaustion.  This is something that I have battled with.  I even went as far as going to the doctor to check my iron because I knew something was wrong.  Turns out, I needed to simply SLEEP.  Imagine that?  Try going to sleep earlier.  I know I need about 7.5-8 hours of sleep to function the best.  Figure out your sweet spot and adjust.
  2.  Put your favorite affirmation on your screensaver.  If not that, put something on your desk that reminds you of joy and happiness.  Perhaps a picture of a loved one (or animal), a picture of a dream destination.  Anything that reminds you there is more to life than work.
  3.  Remember that your purpose in life is “LOVE” .  Your occupation is your choice. You are not your job.  It is what you do.  What happens at your job is an experience in your life.  It is not your life.
  4.  Lunchtime.  Make sure you eat healthy, balanced food and take a break to eat.  Even if you stay at work, get away from your work desk, stop and eat calmly.  Eating well will nourish the brain and body.
  5.  Take a break away from the office.  I would eat in the office break room, but would take a walk after for 10-20 minutes.  If you can, get outside. Perhaps a 10 minute break/meditation of sitting still outside?  It really helps to change the scenery.  Yes, even standing outside of the office on a busy street can clear your mind.
  6.  Rushing.  Don’t do it!  Get up 10 minutes early and arrive a bit early.  Added bonus is that it gives you a few minutes to socialize before ‘the doors open’.  Rushing causes stress.  When you feel calm you can adjust to work easily leading to a more productive day.
  7.  Leaving on time!  I know this can be the greatest challenge.  There will always be more to do.  Always.  Remember that it has been proven time and time again that leaving on time leads to better rest, less stress and in the end better work productivity the next day.  If you want to be more focused, you must leave work and take a mental and physical break.  I will repeat, it is not your life.
  8.  Fun!  Yes, you can and must have fun outside of work.  Again, your work is what you do by choice and it is not the master of your life.  You are in control.  Joyful living is one of the greatest emotions which leads to one of the most powerful life boosters: Appreciation.

Getting Still

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Have things been a bit tough lately?  Do you sometimes feel like you are not yourself? Are you feeling confused regarding a decision or has an unwanted situation presented itself and you feel stuck, lost or upset?

I have certainly felt all that plus more.  On top of all of it, you have to continue to work, go to school, parent etc…how can you deal?  Here are simple tips in managing stress: Exercise, healthy diet, limited alcohol consumption, journaling. However, I want to suggest a few extras to help you along in your day.

Begin The Day Right.  Wake up with just a few extra minutes that will take away the “morning rush” within you.  Even if you have kids (I have a toddler), I still set the mornings tone to be calm and create time to do things without rushing.

Nourishment.  Do your very best to make healthy food choices.  Your body is your physical powerhouse ready and alive. It provides you the most energy that is needed to have a day rooted in balance and creativity.  Also, get out for a walk after lunch even if its around the block. Just get some air and a change of scenery.

Organized.  Stay organized at work.  To be able to do so requires less rushing and more relaxed focus.  Staying free of mess and clutter allows you to be more efficient and clear.  Its ok if you fall into the “I’m not a very organized person”, but you can plan ahead of time and stay on point.

Being Perfect.  We all want to succeed and do our best, but too much pressure, especially in high-pressure working environments, can lead to nervous behavior and inner criticism resulting in disappointment and driving you and others around you crazy!  Do your best. That’s what is required of you and acknowledge your efforts and achievements. Pat yourself on the back for a job well done. Be your own coach and keep constructive criticism healthy.

Get Still And Let Go.  This is the best of the best saved for last.  You have to get still. No distractions. Just a moment where you just sit and connect to your breath.  This does not have to be some out-of-body euphoric experience (though it could). Just sit, relax. Perhaps listen to nature sounds, no sounds, look at a candle, just sit and ground yourself.  Let your body rest in the stillness of who your really are. If thoughts come up, let them, that is a sign of releasing stress. Refocus on the breath and stay in the quiet moment.

Find things that bring joy more often than not.  Perhaps that’s music, cooking a new recipe, doing an arts and craft project with the kids, a monthly spa Groupon, exploring a new restaurant once in a while, seeking out new wines to try, joining a community sports team, doing some yoga at home, starting or joining a book club, finding a spiritual center, listening to a great and uplifting podcast.  Find joy! A prosperous life is lived in love and peace.

Still Looking For That Job?

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Still looking for that job?  Have you been looking for a job for what feels like ages?

Seriously, you have been at it.  You have done it all and applied for it all and still…nothing.  You wonder, “What the heck is going on?” Here are a few things to consider that will (hopefully) help and lessen your job search woes.

Pause:  Perhaps this is the moment to take a break and review if getting some more credentials is worth a shot.  Is there a certification that can help? An adult learning master class? Is there a possibility to improve your education in the field in which you are applying?  An online course? Take a moment to review what might be going awry in your search.

Online Presence:  How is it?  How is your Facebook and Instagram looking?  While working as a recruiter, we definitely looked at potential candidates online presence before giving a call.  Unsavory pictures led quickly to the No file. Also, if you have not already join LinkedIn and keep it updated.

Your Resume:  Please make sure the grammar and spelling is perfected.  If you have been using your resume and its getting you nowhere maybe it’s time for a professional review and/or a new approach. Going for a two-pager?  It has to have relevant experience specifically related to the job in which you are applying.  I reviewed many two-page resumes that were very loosely related to the position in which I was recruiting.  I found them long-winded and messy. Case Point: If you have been sending out a resume and its not getting you in for an interview, it’s probably time for a review.

Your Inner Dialogue/Thoughts: Examine your thoughts.  Are you really excited about the specific job you are seeking?  Do you really want to do this and are you bringing true enthusiasm to your search.  Will you be happy in the position in which you are seeking? Are you seeking this specific position because it’s familiar and it’s what you know?  I’m asking you to be honest with yourself. Often life steers us to live our best life and if you are coming up against a bunch a blocks perhaps life is speaking to you, guiding you in another direction which will bring more joy in your work-life. I often advise to see life as it can be, not as it appears to be.  Recognizing your happiness is a great indicator in assessing your career satisfaction.  

Happy at Work?

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What do you love to do and are you doing it?  If not, what needs to happen in order to make it possible?  If you let go of the “yeah but…” what does your working life look like?

I had wrestled with these questions in my 20’s and early 30’s.  I know why I went to college, but it was not playing out the way I had expected.  The older I became, the louder these questions were in my mind. I had heard someone say once, “If you do what you love, the money will follow”.  Was that true?

Have you ever felt “stuck” and sort of resigned to the camp of: this is life. Or perhaps you’ve thought others have “luck” and can follow their dreams or I’m aging out of this follow your dream thing.  Years later, I realized that I was living my life small and limited. I had no idea at the time that I could actually do something I love and earn a great living.  Once I started to change how I saw my “situation”, things started to fall into place.

Living small and not in your full potential is saying “Yes to a life that blocks your creativity, mental and physical energy, and hinders inspired ideas of growth.” We all have have a “situation”.  Can you just change careers? Are you happy at work or is there something else you are being called to explore?

We are here to assist you on your journey.  Whichever path you are on: Career change, seeking a higher position within your company, applying internationally, or just need a powerful resume update, we are here to aide and support.

Hello world!

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Your Dream Career Is Waiting for You

Is it time to branch out and start doing what you really love?  Has the moment arrived to take a leap into the knowing that your dream is waiting for you?

I am absolutely thrilled to embark on this incredible journey in helping MORE people strengthen their resume and go after the positions they really want.  With an wonderful career as an ESL teacher, writer and recruiter progressing into resume writing has been an incredible development of my career.   Being in the business of assisting others , I know creating Resume Writers House is what needed to happen.  I am working with highly-skilled people who are just as dedicated and passionate as I am and have finely-honed resume writing skills. I am looking forward to the stories of success, positive changes, abundant living and indisputable, correctly-made career choices.