James Partin

In the past you may have had great successes, however recently entering or reentering the workforce has been challenging. Your story might be that you just graduated from college and achieved a bachelor or masters degree you have high expectations as you should. You are ready to challenge the fates, however so far you feel lost without direction and are sure what to do. You have not found a position that offers you the opportunity to use the skills you have learned. Your worries are that you may have degrees on the wall but you end up delivering pizza.

Maybe that is not your story maybe instead you had the a great job in a fortune 500 company. You had the nice salary with
with many digits. You have a family, maybe kids the nice house with the picket fence, you take the nice vacations to the ocean, or the mountains for getaway every year. You go out to eat every week in nice restaurants, do the theatre, you season tickets to you favorite sporting venue. You are living the dream and now its all gone. Your company downsized and the salary and the perks are gone. The economy has been slow and you haven’t been able to find anything close to what you where doing. So
depression sets in.

So even thou times are tough right now there are time tested ideas methods You can use in your career search as well as success in land the job once you get the interview.

Brainstorming
Brainstorming or developing a plan of attack is the first step in launching a successful job search. This is the time to ask yourself questions as to your strengths, weaknesses? Questions like what skills do I have that employers, might be interested in, what experience, education, training that will be valuable to them? Who is my targeted employers that would be interested in
these talents? Lots of times people limit there success by putting up false barriers or self limiting ideas. This might be a teacher who can’t find a teaching job because of school district budget constraints. Maybe there are teaching jobs in border states and they limit to just a geographic area. Also maybe there are employers who need people with certain talents that teacher has such as lecturing ability, writing, training new workers. Those skills could be useful to an corporate environment and not just in the schools.

Maybe a accountant who worked for accounting firm is out of work due to downsizing and can’t find a job. Are there other companies that need someone to do these activities in-house rather then outsourcing. Also how about a non-profits that need someone with these same skills. Maybe, the solution is hang out the sign and start your own business, or maybe consulting.

Some people call this whole process “building castles” others might call It drawing circles, and then bigger circles, the inter circles are what you have already tried and the outer ones are your new strategies. What haven’t I done yet that I could try.

Practical ideas
So you need some places to look to help you brainstorm for ideas.

Here are some resources that you can use.

The local Chamber of commerce usually has a directory of there members in that area. It will list there addresses what they do, and key contacts. This directory will have # of employees that company has. This can be attained at the chamber for usually for a small cost of the directory. The local library may also have this book that you can use.

Most colleges have career development centers if you are alumni of that college and you have your resume on file with them they can sometimes help by passing along your information to prospective employers.

Most local community newspapers, and business journals have listing of open positions with area employers they are looking for they are worth checking out.

Temp agencies are great places to start your job search they offer a excellent way to get your foot in the door and gain experience. Many times a assignment turns into a career position if they like your work.

Job expos offer a opportunity to learn about employers on a one on one basis. This can offer you a chance to exchange ideas, ask questions about a
Company and maybe land a position.

Networking is one of the most valuable resources available to you, family, friends, college associates, former professors, instructors, past coworkers might know of a opportunity for you to lead to successful career. So let everyone know you are looking they are on your team.

Professional organizations in your chosen area of expertise many times have job banks so joining there organization may open a door to you.

Internet searches there are several internet sites that allow you to list your resume to prospective employers.

Also even thou you are busy with job search volunteering for a non-profit can clear the mind and possible provide valuable experience in a new area.

Resumes
There are basic rules when creating a resume. This is the first impression That a employer will have to get to know you. You may went to also use a Cover letter to detail more specifics on why you would be a great employee.

First use a high quality cotton paper if mailing in resume. This shows professionalism.

List more then one phone # where you can reached at, also email etc. The easier To reach you the better because they will have many resumes to look through.

Keep the Resume and Cover letter to one page each if possible.

List duties preformed with a take charge or confident attitude. Use Power words such as, “Managed”, “Organized”, “Coordinated”, etc. Also if you know Amounts or totals of the activities you did. Such as Processed 5000 weekly trained 15 new employees, Raised 100K for this program, Sold this amount monthly. The Employer is looking for a guide on how successful or valuable employee you will be for them.

Don’t forget to list any awards, or bonuses that you may have received in previous employment, or titles, awards from colleges etc.

Interviews

Now that you have got your chance to show your talents, there are rules that are time tested.

Dressing for the interview you want to appear professional and you know what you are doing. Men should wear a conservative attire. The blue, gray, black suit with white shirt also maybe a watch. Woman, a conservative dress, skirt, pant suit. Nothing to flashy. Jewelry should be limited.

There should be a open exchange of ideas. Answer there questions as completely as possible, however offer opened ended questions so they can detail what the position involves. This is a time to rapport. It is a time to show you are truly interested in them.

It is ok to offer insight to hobbies, or volunteer activities you are involved if it seems practical.

Follow Up

A follow up letter/ thank you letter shows that you appreciated them taking time to meet with you and your continued to interest in the opportunity.

Conclusion
A career search can take time, however if done right can lead to the first step in many future success.

James Partin is a freelance writer

~ Anna Todorova

The crisis – financial, economic, of trust is here. It drained the means of circulation and put the business in an awkward situation concerning banks and suppliers. The main question remains – what’s the way out?

Our answer is: to use the time for development and elaboration. That is the only way we can work with even greater quality and satisfy the needs of our partners. It is a time for reorganization, for fresh starts and thinking “out of the box”. Here are some ideas, some of which we ourselves, turned into reality:

І:

A new office or production premises. It is possible that the new office room would assure a new target group of clients. Moreover, on the process of looking for it the managers may find a fit place for the main activities. It is predictable that the initiative will cost a lot of work for the team, but it will also lead to shrinking the costs for rent. During the transfer one can clean up a great part of the “unwanted work”, which the team laid aside.

ІІ:

Changing the type of the business. If you have worked by know on an especially successful product, but the consumers and/or users do not need it anymore, now is the time to turn on another one. Truth is, once working, every firm collects various equipment, which can be used for a number of purposes.

The niche-repartition already began. And we all have to make our best to be a part of it.
ІІІ:

New products. It is quite obvious that proposing something totally new that no one thought of before has the potential to make money, independent from the general economic frame.

Qualcomm Incorporated (Nasdaq: QCOM) has done it again. This time the leading developer and innovator of wireless technologies, products and services, Qualcomm today announced the Company has sampled its first dual-CPU Snapdragon chipsets. The Mobile Station Modem™ (MSM™) MSM8260™ and MSM8660™ solutions integrate two of the Company’s enhanced cores running at up to 1.2GHz. Targeted at enabling high-end smartphones, the MSM8×60 solutions are third-generation chipsets from the Company’s expanded Snapdragon platform, which has been powering smartphones, tablets and smartbook devices in markets around the world.

“Qualcomm’s first-generation Snapdragon chipsets set a new standard for advanced smartphones and smartbook devices, and our second-generation solutions are already shipping in volume,” said Steve Mollenkopf, executive vice president of Qualcomm and president of Qualcomm CDMA Technologies. “We are very excited by the innovation our customers are already showing as they begin designing products based on our dual-core MSM8260 and MSM8660 chipsets.”

The MSM8260 for HSPA+ and MSM8660 for multi-mode HSPA+/CDMA2000® 1xEV-DO Rev. B feature two enhanced CPU cores running at up to 1.2GHz for high levels of Web application and multimedia performance, including a powerful GPU with 3D/2D acceleration engines for Open GLES 2.0 and Open VG 1.1 accelration, 1080p video encode/decode, dedicated low power audio engine, integrated low power GPS, and support for 24-bit WXGA 1280 x 800 resolution displays.

Vertex has done it again. Ranked no.1 for the 5th time in a row its been quite a feat for Vertex. Vertex is a leading Global customer management outsourcing company headquartered in the UK. Areas of operations include India. Vertex has been ranked as the number one provider in the UK according to a survey by Marketing magazine’s contact centre league table. Vertex managed to gain this recognition for the fifth year successively owing to company’s sustained growth and has moved ahead of BPOs like Ventura, Sitel and Teleperformance.

The league table collated information from outsourced contact centre providers and respondents were ranked according to their annual turnover where Vertex proved to be at an edge.

Commenting on this success, Paul Sweeny, Chief Executive Officer for Vertex, said, “This achievement is testament to our relentless focus on delivery excellence to our clients and their customers. These outcomes are more powerful because an intimate understanding of our clients’ requirements and a ‘same side of the table’ philosophy shapes them. Because of this insight, we know the challenges and opportunities our clients face and we continue to develop our service offerings, propositions and capabilities across the entire customer life-cycle to meet their needs.”

Stock market 2010

* As the economy is getting better form the Great Depression of 2007, the analysts think that the stocks will perform better than bonds and cash. Though there was a 50% rise in the stock market till March, 2010, in the last few weeks of April, 2010, the market has seen to be tumbling. Though there is uncertainty in the market, but, the economists expect FTSE 100 to be in the range of 5,000 to 5,500 by the end of 2010. The analysts are expecting to see a slow but steady growth in 2010.

* In the year 2010, it is predicted by the economists that the Dow 30 will have another unstable year and will dip below 10,000 a time or two before the year end, closing at 11,650. However, instead of a second-dip recession, the GDP will grow by 3% or more. As a result of Obama’s stimulus program, there will be a positive effect on short sale and low mortgage rates will stabilize the housing market. The stocks will also be relatively cheap on an earning basis.

* As a result of debt problems in Europe, which has not yet been resolved, the economic growth in the US has also been dragged down. On 6th May, there was nearly a 1,000 point drop in the Dow.

* On a positive note, stocks are now more overselling than they were at the end of the March 2009, and that oversold condition resulted in an assembly.

As a savvy investor, you should follow the economic condition closely, and invest your money, to get the maximum profit on your money. A stock market is a public soak where stocks, bonds and shares of different companies are bought and sold. The companies issue stocks to get fund, which is necessary for the development of the company, in terms launching new products or employing employees or expanding the business. You become a part of the company by owing stocks of that company. You can earn money, if that company shows profit.

Stock markets are closely related to the economic equilibrium of a country. When the economic condition of the country is good, inflation and unemployment level is low, the market is said to be bullish. If the economic condition is adverse, there is rise in inflation and unemployment level, the market is said to bearish.

Samantha Taylor is a professional blogger on financial issues

by Vincenzo Desroches, TheBusinessEdition Finance Columnist

As seasoned traders in foreign exchange, we are wise to remember that success is dependent on three qualities. We must have the knowledge necessary to form interpretations of current events and how they will impact the future direction of prices. We must have the battle-tested experience necessary to execute wise judgment in the face of pressure in all our decision-making activities. And lastly, we must control our emotions with well –disciplined approaches to buying and selling our various trading positions. Current events in Europe are placing the spotlight on the former of this triad, as the Euro infrastructure is encountering its first real test in ten years.

Assimilating all of what’s out there on currency trading can be a daunting task. Interpreting the future impacts does require experience and a healthy respect for the past, but when the realm of possibilities is endless, it helps to check other markets for information, combine a little history, and then review what the leading forex brokers and pundits in the industry are saying on the topic. First, a bit of history is in order.

The advent of the Euro in 1999 was the latest installment in the continuing story of attempts to move towards economic and monetary integration in Western Europe. Political moves towards monetary cooperation in Western Europe began at the end of the Second World War. Initially there was the Bretton Woods “adjustable peg” system, followed by the “Snake”, which was replaced by the European Monetary System, EMS. The EMS collapsed in 1992. Each attempt failed due to unstable membership rules and the lack of a central authority to dictate corrective economic action.

The difference with the Euro this time around was that a coordinating infrastructure was put in place, and to prevent a return to old ways, the European Commission disbanded all national currencies for its members. The goal was to gain parity with the Dollar, but the Euro swiftly accumulated a 15% premium post conversion. U.S. deficit and import issues further deteriorated the Dollar to the “1.40” level, although current events have shaved 10% off that figure. The European Commission must now move quickly to respond to its crisis and bolster the Euro to previous levels. The test will be whether they have the power to institute austere economic measures on respective member states. Riots in the streets of Athens would seem to suggest otherwise.

A cursory review of the commodity markets reveals turmoil over future crop prices. Wheat futures in Chicago fell as the Dollar strengthened last week. Planting season has begun in earnest in America’s heartland, and forecasts of future commodity prices had assumed that the Dollar would continue its generally weak course for the remainder of the year. Long-term Dollar forecasts prepared at the beginning of the year presumed a gradual world economic recovery, accompanied by a weak dollar that would keep export demand high. Debt issues in Greece, Spain and Portugal would appear to dismantle those key assumptions, implying weak export demand from Europe.

Industry experts have been quick to note ways to profit from the stronger Dollar, but most remain cautious that short term events are merely a short-lived phenomenon. With the U.S. budget deficits appearing to be insurmountable, the long-term fundamentals for the Dollar are anything but optimistic. There seems to be a dichotomy developing between short and long-term forecasts for the Dollar, which generally means more volatility in the market. Volatility represents opportunity as supply and demand forces increase the amplitude of peaks and valleys. Wise traders understand that profits flow more easily under these conditions. The longer this Greek Tragedy plays itself out on the international stage, the better.

Current events in Europe are raising doubts as to whether the Dollar will return to its weak course for the balance of 2010, thereby encouraging strong demand for U.S. exports. Unfortunately, the jury is still out. The ultimate verdict will surely depend on the strength and resolve of the European Commission to deal with the first real test of its Euro based system. Although we may have to observe this game from the sidelines, the volatility is welcome, but it is just one more example of how interdependent our markets have become in these days of globalization.

Vincenzo Desroches loves all things related to Finance and Money.


Facebook and Zynga announced today that they have entered into a five-year strategic relationship that increases their shared commitment to social gaming on Facebook and expands use of Facebook Credits in Zynga’s games. The agreement provides a solid foundation for both companies to continue to work together to provide millions of people with a compelling user experience for social games.

“Facebook was a pioneer in opening their platform in 2007 and in just three years tens of millions of Facebook users play our games everyday, from FarmVille and Café World to Treasure Isle and Mafia Wars,” said Mark Pincus, founder and chief executive officer at Zynga. “We are excited about Facebook’s long-term commitment to social gaming and Zynga, and look forward to working with them and other platform providers to bring the best social gaming experience to users worldwide.”

“We are pleased to enter into a new agreement with Zynga to enhance the experience for Facebook users who play Zynga games,” said Sheryl Sandberg, chief operating officer at Facebook. “We look forward to continuing our work with Zynga and all of our developers to increase the opportunities on our platform.”

Zynga is currently testing Facebook Credits in select games and will expand to more titles over the coming months. Terms of the agreement between Facebook and Zynga were not disclosed.
Read more

We have newspapers updating with what’s happening in our world and we have Facebook Updates informing us with with what’s happening at Facebbok. I guess Facebook can come up with its own version of a Facebook newspaper considering the no. of updates and changes its making several times every week. I mean are they reinventing Facebook or are they using its users as genuine pigs to find out what works or doesn’t.

This is the latest in series.

Message from Lev Popov

Lev Popov, a software engineer on Facebook’s site integrity team, is keeping track of his Facebook logins. Read more

How many stars are in the Universe? I guess that’s a question as children we often asked. The answer we may even receive thanks to the technological advancement of science and technology. Now let’s ask another question. How many Online Casinos are there on the world wide web. I guess nobody will know the answer to this one. Tens and thousands of them. As a player are you going to to waste your time and energy and money searching and searching for do you just want to hit bang on the right casino games. Well the here is LonelyHeartCasino.

With a name like that I guess the site founder has poured his heart out literally into his casino website. So for the player he no longer has to browse tens and hundreds of websites but just hits the right one on this site. I guess the website founder is a player himself so he understands what a player could want. The site has some of the best and awesome options listed where you there are real money online casinos

The site has some really hot shot casinos listed where you can play and make money, or (lose it if you play unwisely!) but the fact is Lonely Hearts Casino has made it so easy for you to choose the best and the most trusted casinos online. It has the best and the most trusted ones listed making your job of playing so much easier. To choose your online slots here is literally a breeze. You can choose the years best online casinos and do so much more.

How good are the online reviews? Well the reviews seem to be done by an expert and are actually very good so you can trust the reviews before you download any of the games. For players this site is a must visit.

This one is from my latest column in HindsustanTimes. Isn’t it time Google gears up?

For years now Google and Microsoft have been at loggerheads. I have lost count but this must be something like my 50th something story on the Google and Microsoft saga. The initial years of the Google Microsoft saga were stuff legends are made of. The world’s biggest company, Microsoft, the world’s richest man, Bill Gates, versus a startup, Google and an unknown founder and this startup within a few years threatens the very existence of the World’s biggest company. The story of an underdog threatening the Empire is the stuff which always appeals to the public mind and creates legends. But is the Microsoft Google story really a legend that a startup goes on to become the biggest company in the World or is it because we like to hear legends? The anti-establishment story always appeals. The revolt, the revolution, the Che factor, the change always appeals. But what after that? The revolt has happened are we going to see a new empire set in or was it that was all it was meant to be?

Air, Water, Google, Microsoft, Food

Try and survive without any of these in times of today and you probably won’t succeed. Air, water, food as we all know, Microsoft for everything offline and Google for everything online. If boundaries between offline and online was clear the conflict would never really have happened. Increasing bandwidths, fading boundaries between online and offline and Microsoft goes LIVE online literally and Google Gears it offline again literally. Now it isn’t just a territorial dispute but a combination of offline and online merged into one Universe and only the best and fittest can rule this Universe. The revolutionary isn’t valid any longer, post revolution what’s next? A Kingdom needs a Statesman to run it not a revolutionary.

Google - Power corrupts and absolute power absolutely

I am a huge Google fan and in absolute awe of how it took on Microsoft yet also its critic. Last year I had written a story Why Google Sucks? All those points are still valid except maybe the Chinese dominance one and Google’s current stand. Consumer privacy at Google sucks even now. The amount of consumer information Google really has is mind boggling. Would Microsoft ever be trusted with that much information? The answer is no. Then why is Google being trusted. It doesn’t really need to Einstein to figure this out that Google does have information about when you last when on a date, what you did, what you ate, when you last fought with your spouse if you have written about in your Gmail.

Innovation at Google

What really drives innovation at Google? Is the driving force of innovation at Google what Google “thinks” is in the best interest of the consumer or is it what consumers really want? The answer probably is Google gives what Google wants and a good case are recent innovations from Google.

Wow! Google Buzz is so cool, it’s taken on Facebook. Have you heard that from anyone? What did Google really have in mind about Buzz, was it the consumers or was it what Google thinks best? Or just because half the email population is using Gmail so does Google really think whatever it serves the consumers would consume.

Google Docs updates. Perfectly timed keeping in mind its rival Microsoft Office 2010. Google Docs no longer allows offline access to documents. Is it an acceleration problem or a problem with (Google) Gears? Even though some of the updates are good but the fact is Microsoft Office is the most powerful suite even now. By now more and better was expected from Google Docs.

Microsoft on the other hand came out with Docs.com that allows you share documents in Facebook. Built using Microsoft Office 2010 - Docs for Facebook lets you work from just about anywhere with the familiar Office experience.

The Last Word

Google labs is actually a great place to see innovation. But so are the 1000’s of other idea banks, school labs, and 1000’s of startups across the world wide web. Do any one them have the steam to take on Microsoft? When was the last time Google came up with an application that changed the rules of the game? Are we going to see another Gmail kind of application ever? Will Google do something to make Google Docs the most powerful online suite? When we can we see a launch of a masterpiece that truly shows the mark of magnificence that used to Google once upon a time.