1/11/14

Tips for Re-Entering the Job Force

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Looking for a job?
For whatever reason, you may be re-entering the work force after a long period of time. Maybe your young children have finally all entered elementary school. Maybe your unemployment benefits have run out. Maybe you've discovered your retirement planning didn't go as planned. Maybe you've been working at home for yourself and decided you'd rather have a pay-per-hour job. Whatever your reason, there are some important things you need to consider. Here are some tips to help you find your way back into the work force.
Wardrobe
Fashions have changed since you last worked. If you're not up on the most recent fashion trends, it might hurt your job hunt. No, you don't need to go buy all new clothes on credit until you get a paycheck. But you do need to take a few minutes and surf the internet to see what is trending in business clothing. Why? Because if you show up to hand in your resume and you're wearing clothes from ten years ago, you may end up feeling really old and out of place, and that will affect your confidence level. The good news is that fashions do tend to cycle, so there's bound to be a few outfits in your closet that you can pull off as possible recent purchases. Update your wardrobe with one or two small purchases, like a trendy new scarf or belt. Clothing should be mostly neutral, with maybe a small pop of color somewhere, unless you're auditioning for a clown position.

Resume
Even resumes change with the times. Ten years ago it may have been the style to center your name in the middle of the top, but with electronic communication so prevalent now, it makes more sense to justify your information to the left of the page. A great cover letter is very important, especially if you're sending your resume as an email attachment. If your cover letter doesn't impress an employer, they may never open the attachment that contains the incredible resume that you spent hours crafting.

Smart Phone Etiquette
Turn it off and put it away. Do not, under any circumstances, fall under the temptation of pulling out your smart phone and surfing through your email or the internet while you are waiting for your interview. It makes you look totally detached and uninterested. Look up. Look around. Look at the door to the interview room. Look interested. Look hopeful. Look confident. Look at the art on the wall. Look at the receptionist and smile. But do not look at your phone.

Gratitude
A thank you goes a long way. If you want to make a impression on a potential employer, send a thank you. Yes, email is acceptable. However, to make the absolute best impression, send a hand-written thank you note. GASP! Yes, really. You can take five minutes to sit down and actually use a pen to write a short note, thanking the potential employer for their time. In this world of electronic communications, sending REAL mail is truly impressive. It is important to mail it within 24 hours of your interview so that it arrives in a timely matter, when the employer is still making hiring decisions. If the job offer is teetering between you and one other person, chances are that hand-written note will get you the job.

Good luck on your job search!

1/9/14

Seeking Bloggers for Sweet February Giveaway Hop

Join us for the
Sweet February Giveaway Hop
from February 3-February 15, 2014

By adding your blog link below, you agree to:
Post your own dedicated giveaway for this event, from February 3, 2014 at 12:01a.m. until February 15, 2014 at 11:59p.m. Giveaway may be company-sponsored or self-sponsored. Giveaway prize must be worth at least $25.00. Blogs without giveaways posted by 10:00a.m. on February 3 will be removed from the linky list. Signups close on February 1.

You do not need to post in advance of the giveaway hop, but if you'd like to add the button to your sidebar please link it to this post so that others may join in too.

Please also join the Weidknecht Events Facebook Group at:
http://www.facebook.com/groups/WeidknechtEvents/


Your giveaway post (on February 3) must include:
Gift Card Giveaway Hop button
Link to the hosts Planet Weidknecht (http://www.weidknecht.com) and LeahSay's Views (http://leahsaysviews.com/)
Provided linky list of all participating bloggers
Your giveaway and contest form

HTML will be provided a few days before the hop begins, both by email and post in the Weidknecht Events Facebook Group.

Sign Up Here:

1/8/14

20 Tasty Healthy Recipes

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Wednesday Wealth Giveaway Link Up (Jan 8-14)

It's time for Wednesday Wealth!
Link up your giveaways and enter to win!

Tator Tot Casserole #Recipe

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Ingredients:
1 lb smoked sausage link
2 cups shredded cheese
2 cups milk
2 eggs
2 pounds potato rounds

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Slice 1 lb sausage link (I used HEB store brand) into coin shapes, then each into four pieces. Layer across the bottom of a casserole dish. Layer 2 cups shredded cheese (I used four cheese mexican) over the sausage pieces. In a bowl, stir together 2 cups of milk and 2 eggs, then slowly pour over sausage and cheese. Arrange potato rounds (or tator tots) on top. Bake in oven at 350 degrees F for 40 minutes. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving. Feeds 4.

Notes: Delicious and simple. Easy cleanup. Added to our favorites. Breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Print this recipe HERE.
See my other recipes HERE.

From Drab to Fab with the Sears Furniture Collection #ad

This is a sponsored post through the Social Media Chicks influencer network
I am a Sears Holiding Corporation blogger, though all opinions are my own.
The 1990’s called, they want their couch back. If that sentence rings true for you, it’s time to plan for a décor upgrade in 2014. Forget the pricey interior designer, Sears’ Furniture Collection can help turn your living room from drab to style magazine-worthy in no time. From traditional to modern, Sears’ furniture collection has something for everyone. You have the option to mix and match pieces from each collection to suit your taste or shop the entire collection for a matching look. Still need help making a décor decision?

Follow these easy tips:

- Find color inspiration from a favorite wall color or painting. This will be the focus of your design choices.

- When shopping for the living room, don’t overstuff the room. Plan for ample walking room between furniture pieces.

- Tie the room together with matching pillows, a rug and other accessories.

Lastly, upgrade your room in small payments using FREE Sears Layaway (no service fee) through 3/24, valid on new Layaway contracts only. After it’s all said and done, your friends will be begging for your designer’s phone number.

1/7/14

Beth Moore Free ebooks

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Kay Jewelers Celebrity Stylist Tara Swennen's Tips and Trends Video

This is a Fashionista Events opportunity. 

Tara Swennen was named one of the "25 Most Powerful Stylists" by The Hollywood Reporter. Since 1916, Kay Jewelers has been recognized for its superior customer service and exceptional selection. Today Kay Jewelers is the number one jewelry store in America with stores conveniently located in malls and off-mall shopping centers across the country.

1/5/14

Win a Stainless Steel Prep Table - The New Year Giveaway Hop

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It's time for
The New Year Giveaway Hop
hosted by

From January 6-20, each of the participating bloggers listed below
is hosting a fabulous giveaway worth at least $25.
You can hop through the list and enter every one of them!

My prize is:
a 24" Stainless Steel Prep Table
from Trinity!
ARV $99.99
Read my review HERE!
Buy it HERE!
Enter to Win it below!

To enter, just fill in the Rafflecopter form below. You must be at least 18 years old and reside in the USA. Only the first entry is mandatory; but you can earn bonus entries too! Giveaway ends at midnight on 1/20/2014. Good luck!
While you're here, you can enter my other giveaways HERE.