Wiser Worker Blog

Thinking back on lessons that stuck with me over the years, the good firm handshake stand out.  My dad always told me to make sure my handshake was firm, because it was the first impression people get of you.   Dad taught me to plant your feet, look the person right in the eye and shake their hand like you are confident in yourself. He told me that people could tell a lot about what type of person I was just by my handshake.  Looking back on it I probable dismissed it at the time but subconsciously it has stuck with me over time.

Then today I read an article that that suggests that a handshake is key to interview success.  Could my father after all of these years have been right?  Well yes it does appear that he was, and I would admit to only you that a limp handshake just does irritate me!  I almost immediately move on, part of me secretly thinks this person doesn’t have confidence in their self why should I?   Sad but true and now it’s been validated. 

So my fellow job seekers for your own best interest learn how to properly share ones hand. I thought you might need some assistance so I dug up the following information Anatomy of a Perfect Handshake:

• Speak Up: Say something when you shake hands, perhaps “It’s very nice to meet you, Mr. Franklin” or “Good to see you again.”
• Get a Grip: Your grip speaks volumes, A limp one suggests hesitance or mousiness, while a bone cruncher can seem overly enthusiastic or domineering. A medium-firm grip conveys confidence and authority.
• Dry Your Palms: Sweaty palms communicate nervousness, which can subconsciously make people feel like you’ve got something to hide.   
• Know When to Let Go: The ideal handshake lasts approximately three seconds. The hands can be gently pumped once or twice, and then it’s time to pull back your hand, even if you are still conversing.

So like my dad told me many years ago a handshake does make or break a first impression make sure yours is the right one. If you can develop a solid handshake you will be one step ahead at your next job interview.

It seems that the 55 and older group has taken to the keypad for communication. Researchers at Sprint report that 20% of adults ages 55-64 send text messages, and LIKE to communicate this way.  Of that group 76% report that they use this method of communication to send messages to their children. Texting has become a fast and efficient way for parents to stay in touch with their children who often live far away.

Why the sudden texting craze?  Couple of reasons first of all it’s easy, quick and accessible, the message sender you can get the message across without any interruptions hassle, when you get a text you don’t have to call anywhere to get the message its right at your fingertips.  Guess what studies show that people are 4 times more likely to respond to a text than they are a voicemail.    I remember when voicemail was a luxury now for me it’s a hassle.

As a manager I use texting as a method of communication because it’s a quick non intrusive way to get my message across and they can look at the message at their pace when they have time and respond at their own pace.   In addition to texting  WiserWorker.com has made it easier to look for a job. For now you can enjoy all the great articles from that contribute to this site is an easy to read and navigate mobile version. Now you can enjoy the WW Blog on the train, the bus, at the doctor, in the park or anywhere that life takes you.

How do I get this information on my cell phone you are require to have internet access on your cell phone’s plan. Please consult with your mobile carrier if you are unsure.

1. On your mobile web browser, head on over to http://wiserworkerblog.mofuse.mobi/
2. Follow the instructions!

Texting makes it easy to communicate with those you need to and stay in touch with your world.

Don’t get sucked in too crisis mode; The purpose of this blog is to provide valuable insight on improving your life through finding financial security.   In short our mission is to help job seekers find jobs and it’s the hope of WiserWorker.com that job seekers with jobs will be able to achieve financial security.  

Pretty cut and dry, right?  Not so much, the media repeatedly reports what’s wrong with the economy complete with all doom and gloom, you can stomach. For instance; just this morning on MSNBC.com there was an article titled “Hard times have some flirting with survivalism” which essentially talks about people panicking and hording food, the person that was interviewed for the article (who refused to give his real name) was quoted as saying he felt we were “entering the Greater Depression.” Doesn’t it speak volumes that the interview subject doesn’t want to give his name?  

My point, yes let’s get back to jobs and the mission….don’t you think it would serve the American people better by talking about how we can fix the situation we are in?  How you can prevent further doom and gloom? Oh I don’t know maybe let’s talk about how we can create more jobs or maybe how people can find a job with the skills they have or learn new skills to find different jobs. Let’s focus on how to fix the problem and not how to survive as the world gets worse. We have an obligation to each other to get out of the situation.

How can you help?  Well start with the basics: Stay focused, keep your resume updated keep your eyes open and figure out how you can make a positive impact on the situation.  For me I am going to make sure I have the best possible website for jobseekers and provide as many resources as I can.

I am reminded of something I read by Helen Keller “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”     

Today’s a big day for older job seekers; you just got another tool that will help you find a job: AARP Foundations WorkSearch.  Whether you’re looking to re-enter the workforce or upgrade from your current job WorkSearch and WiserWorker.com is the place for you! Regardless of why you are returning to the workforce WorkSearch is a great place to start.

Exploring Your Options 

Jobseekers can begin their journey by exploring possible job options and learning what job is for you.

Assessing Your Skills and Interests 

As a jobseeker returning to the job market you might be ready to jump right in, but wait take the time to assess your situation and learn what skills you have.

Improving Your Skills 

You might want to sharpen the skills before you jump right in or maybe learn all new skills.

Finally Finding a Job 

Don’t know where to begin your job search? There are over 20 websites catering to older job seekers among the leaders WiserWorker.com.

The job market is a big place, before you start your job search visit WorkSearch and then WiserWorker.com to find a job.

Good Luck!  

October 16th is celebrated as Boss’s Day in the US. Reportedly, it was started in 1958 by a woman, Patricia Haroski, she wanted to be able to show appreciation for bosses for all that they do to keep a business running. She chose this date because it was her father’s birthday and she felt he was an exemplary manager.  

I have the distinct pleasure of working for a company that has the crem del la creme of leadership.  We are lucky our managers each have a unique style that keeps our business moving and generates a motivational current that drives our business.  Our managers are special and their guidance creates a product that gives job seekers the tools to find jobs.   Our managers create an enjoyable work environment that is pleasant – we like to come to work! It’s evident in our products in services, check us out!   I dedicate this blog to The Employment Guide and EmploymentGuide.com managers. Happy Bosses Day: Enjoy the day and thank you for your service,we couldn’t do it without you!

To all the bosses who lead, to the managers who guide us and to the mentors that dispense valuable advice. You often wear multiple hats and juggles duties, it’s appreciated. Being the boss is a tough job and you do it well.

Happy Bosses Day from WiserWorker.com and The Employment Guide

Every day I write about topics that I think matter most to you, today is occurred to me that you all have your own story that’s unique to you. Today’s blog is dedicated to learning more about you, I want to know what gets you motivated, what resources do you need to have to find a job?  What makes you tick? 

Are you a Baby Boomer or are you an Older Worker?  

Are you a member of AARP?

Have you retired from your first career?

Why are you looking to re-enter the job market? 

How has the stock market affected you?

What types of job are you looking for?

Where in the United States do you live?

How do you think this election will affect your family?

What’s your perception of the golden years?

How do you use the internet and what for?

How often are you on the internet?

What do you think about the job market, how has it changes in your lifetime?

Do you worry about rising medical costs?

Have you attended a job fair?

Did you find a job at a job fair?

These are all things I would like to learn about you. I’ve done the research, but I want to talk to more of you who are in the marketplace and want to share your story. You can comment on this blog, drop me an email amy.hoster@wiserworker.com or call me (813) 775-6279. 

We need to hear your story!

What’s better than a job fair, a virtual job fair! 

You know what I like about job fairs in general?  I like that when you attend a job fair you can preview many companies and lots of jobs. You can take a look at companies that you might not have even known about in one comfortable location.  So what could be better than a job fair?  I propose a “virtual” job fair.  Virtual job fairs have all the features of a traditional job fair with the perks of a virtual setting.  With the virtual benefit, job seekers can attend a virtual job fair from the comfort of your home at any time that’s convenient for YOU at any location across the country.

So let’s say you living in New York but are thinking of moving to Sacramento, with a virtual job fair you can look for a job from the comfort of your home without the pesky time zone issues because you can look at the virtual job fair at anytime of the day or night.

Have you ever visited a virtual job fair? Try it out we have many going on in a city near you.

Central Pennsylvania

New York City

Sacramento

Pittsburgh

Visit WiserWorker.com we always have a list of job fairs both traditional and virtual going on in markets near you.

I heard this phrase “the power of crisis” some weeks ago and it stuck with me, it’s an abstract phrase but it’s so powerful and I think I have finally figured out why I am stuck to this phrase “the power of crisis”.  Everywhere you turn you hear the word crisis, in one fashion or another the word crisis is used in conversations taking place across the globe and it’s powerful. The word crisis has the ability to stop you in your tracks and causes you to pay attention. Regardless of what you are talking about you stop and pay attention at the drop of the word crisis, it has the ability to gets and hold your attention.

I would imagine that there isn’t anyone in the workforce that hasn’t been affected by the financial crisis, but those who are looking for work are probably feeling the crisis stronger. Last week one of my associates spoke up in a meeting and said we should all be grateful that we have a job.  At the time what she said struck me as powerful but I didn’t know why, today I know it’s because I have a job with a company that I love and a product that I am passionate about. So she was right I am fortunate to have a job helping others find jobs during this time of financial crisis. Today more than ever job seekers need online job boards and resources to help them get through their job search and we are here to help.

Today I found a quote that Henry Ford, Founder of Ford Motor Company said that is perfect for where job seekers are at the moment. “Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success.”  Mr. Ford couldn’t have said is better for a time like NOW.  At WiserWorker.com we are here at the beginning of your job search and will be here until the end. We know the power of crisis.

AARP Foundation Bridging the Gap Job Fair AARP Foundation is sponsoring a free job fair on Thursday, October 16, 2008 from 10 – 2 pm.  Employers will be interviewing on the spot.

In addition to employers there will be free workshops on topics such as, “Age Discrimination, is it Real?” Many people over 40 feel they are unable to find work because of age discrimination. Now they will have the opportunity to talk to experts in the field at this workshop. Motivational speaker, Mike Howard will deliver a presentation from his latest book, “From Ordinary to EXTRAordinary: Success begins Within”. Workshops covering resume preparation, and interviewing skills. The job fair finale features an affordable Fashion Show for job seekers on a budget. All workshops are free to the public.

Check WiserWorker.com for all the latest job fair information.

My dear friend Google is 10 years old today!  All grown up and still in my mind; the most valuable resource on the internet!  I can’t believe it’s ONLY been ten years. I can’t remember what life was like before Google, but if you are interested to see what they looking like ten years ago visit here: try a search from our early days.  They have certainly made improvements over the years but remain the most reliable search engine to me.

Admittedly, I am a Google junkie, there are very few decisions I make that I don’t first consult my friend; Google. Over the years Google has helped me find my way to places unknown, with accuracy. Google has served more than once as my vacation planner and what to do on those vacations. Google guides job seeker to WiserWorker.com, in an hour of need to help people find jobs.   Let’s not forget without Google alerts I would be lost.  Google keeps me informed, it’s their job and they do it well.

So thank you Google you are my light in a dim room of questions!

Happy Birthday and here’s to many more years to come