One place where expletives can get you into trouble is the workplace. If you want to be safe, you're better off leaving expletives for elsewhere.
Here are just a few reasons to be careful about what comes out of your mouth at work:
You could get fired for creating a hostile work environment. It may have been an innocent sentence to you, but someone else may have felt harassed and compromised. HR doesn't need much to feel like they have to get rid of the problem--which could be you and your choice of words.
Someone is always evaluating you. As much as we might think no one is paying attention, someone always is--and evaluating you for the job that's the next level up. If your language is best suited for the boiler room, then that might be where you stay.
People who work with customers have to be careful that they never offend. An offended customer may not tell you that you messed up, but will probably never come back.
You may not get the job. When up for a new job, you don't know the values and principles of the person who is interviewing you or the culture of the company hiring. If they're concerned about your language, they may pass on you.
In this day and age, workers don't need any personal characteristics that will hurt their careers or give a colleague or competitor an advantage. By using professional, positive language, you'll have an edge on those who are carrying around the baggage of bad language.
Adapted from an article by Rusty Rueff, director and career expert for jobs and career website Glassdoor.com, for Money.com
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Congrats to the following Seniors...
- Sidney Lim ~ Western Washington University ~ AAA
- Linda Ba ~ Pacific Lutheran University, Gonzaga, University of Hawaii, Washington State University, University of Denver, University of Washington ~ HS3
- Diana Martinez ~ University of Washington Bothel, Pacific Lutheran ~ TEC
- Renee Banks ~ University of Washington Bothel, Western ~TEC
- Ysidro Sanchez ~ Bellevue College ~ TEC
- Tuyet Nguyen ~ Washington State University, Western, Gonzaga, Trinity Lutheran, UW Tacoma ~ AAA
- Thien Quach ~ Highline, South ~ TEC
- Danial Garcia ~ Eastern, Washington State University ~ HS3
- Vinh-Phouc Nguyen ~ Seattle Pacific University, University of Washington ~ TEC
- Corey Grace ~ Grand Canyon University, Trinity Lutheran ~ TEC
- Britney Garcia ~ Eastern ~ HS3
- Mohamed Abdi ~ South Seattle, Highline, Shoreline ~ TEC
- Samy Ahmed ~ Central, Highline ~ TEC
- Darwin Paet ~ Trinity Lutheran ~ HS3
- Mary Vo ~ University of Washington, Washinton State, Seattle University ~ HS3
- Pablo Cordova ~ Eastern, Highline ~ TEC
- Ruth Assefa ~ Univerity of Washington, Georgetown University, Stanford ~ HS3
- Sandy Huang ~ Western, Washington State, University of Washington ~ HS3
- Jessica Reynolds ~ Highline ~ TEC
- Samantha Saepharn ~ UW Bothel ~ TEC
- Segen Haile ~ Washington State ~ HS3
- Jeanny Jackson ~ Highline ~ TEC
- Vanessa Danh ~ University of Washington ~ HS3
- Richie Carlstrom ~ University of Washington, Washington State ~ TEC
- Antoinette Lindo ~ Seattle Pacific University, Washington State ~ AAA
- Javier Serrano ~ Hihgline, South, Shoreline ~ TEC
- Rachel Sisavath ~ Oregon State University, Western, Washington State ~ AAA
- Erin Welker ~ Evergreen State ~ AAA
- DeVonte Botello ~ Central, Washington State ~ TEC
- Ricky Cai ~ University of Washington (Seattle, Tacoma & Bothel) ~ TEC
- P.J. Juan ~ Seattle Pacific ~ TEC
- Taylor Friese ~ Western ~ AAA
- Quan Trac ~ Cascadia, Highline ~ TEC
- Jennifer Truong ~ Washington State, University of Washington ~ TEC
- Ana Daisy Marroquin ~ Central, Washington State, Eastern ~ TEC
- Vi Nguyen ~ Univeristy of Washington ~ HS3
- Rosalva Cruz ~ Western ~ TEC
- Rachel Flansaas ~ Washington State, UW Seattle ~ TEC
- Amanda Voir ~ Art Institute of Seattle ~ TEC
- Missy Alemu ~ USC ~ HS3
Monday, March 21, 2011
Interviewing for Colleges, Jobs, or Internships
Human resource professionals spend at least 60% of their time interviewing. Their job is to find out how suited you are for the available job. Be smart and paint a picture that puts you at the top of their priority list.
• Tell interviewers what they want to hear, not what you want to say. If an interviewer asks about your training and experience, answer the question clearly and directly. "I took two graphic design classes in high school. During my last semester, I spent four months in an internship for a large, graphic design firm under the supervision of the lead designer." Not: "I took some graphic classes in high school, and then I was an intern at a design firm."
• Add value about yourself. "By the end of my internship, I was working without supervision and needed only final approval of my designs."
• Stay away from self-interest questions early in the interview. Ask questions about the company, the work environment, the types of tasks to be done, and the expectations. "Will the person hired for this position work with a team usually, or on individual projects? Not: "What is the salary? How much vacation would I get? How many holidays are given?
• Listen carefully to what the interviewer says and provide feedback to show you're following the conversation. "You're saying that the length of my workday would vary, depending on the workload. This is not a 9 to 5 job, is that right?"
• Stand immediately when the interviewer indicates the interview is over and make a gracious, strong last comment. "I appreciate the time you spent with me. My skills seem to be a good match for the job. I would enjoy working here."
• Offer a firm, confident handshake and leave.
• Tell interviewers what they want to hear, not what you want to say. If an interviewer asks about your training and experience, answer the question clearly and directly. "I took two graphic design classes in high school. During my last semester, I spent four months in an internship for a large, graphic design firm under the supervision of the lead designer." Not: "I took some graphic classes in high school, and then I was an intern at a design firm."
• Add value about yourself. "By the end of my internship, I was working without supervision and needed only final approval of my designs."
• Stay away from self-interest questions early in the interview. Ask questions about the company, the work environment, the types of tasks to be done, and the expectations. "Will the person hired for this position work with a team usually, or on individual projects? Not: "What is the salary? How much vacation would I get? How many holidays are given?
• Listen carefully to what the interviewer says and provide feedback to show you're following the conversation. "You're saying that the length of my workday would vary, depending on the workload. This is not a 9 to 5 job, is that right?"
• Stand immediately when the interviewer indicates the interview is over and make a gracious, strong last comment. "I appreciate the time you spent with me. My skills seem to be a good match for the job. I would enjoy working here."
• Offer a firm, confident handshake and leave.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Monday, March 14, 2011
Things Not To Say or Do during a Job Interview
Job interviews can be tense. You want to look good. You don't want to do anything that makes you look bad. You want to be remembered when the interviewers think about the people they will bring back for a second interview. These Do's and Don'ts can make you a winner when you go for your internship, summer employment, or college interview:
Do's
Do's
- Wear clean, pressed, appropriate clothes
- Groom your hair and nails, and brush your teeth
- Remove your body jewelry
- Sit straight in your chair and use good posture when standing
- Listen more than you talk
- Speak clearly and confidently when responding to the interviewer
- Look the interviewer in the eye when talking
- Show courtesy
- Take a pad and pen for notes
- Brag
- Fidget
- Interrupt
- Wear strong cologne or perfume
- Slump
- Mumble
- Answer a cell phone or text message
- Speak badly of your former employer
- Brought a child to the interview
- Chewed and popped gum
- Giggled from nervousness during the interview
- Stood up and walked out before the interview ended
- Wore a jogging suit to the interview
- Took out a cell phone and texted when the interviewer had to take a phone call
- Apologized for leaving when the interview went long, but said it was time to go to another interview
- Whistled when the interviewer was talking
- Came to the interview with the flu
- Asked for salary information at the beginning of the interview
Best Jobs for Work-Life Balance
See how the right training can help you get into one of these flexible jobs.
By Yahoo! Education Staff
Think work-life balance doesn't exist? Think again.
"Many companies are integrating flexibility into their business strategies," says Sara Sutton Fell, founder and CEO of FlexJobs.com. "Both job seekers and employers are looking out of the box and embracing non-traditional opportunities."
The first step to finding a career that lets you have it all is to figure out what "work-life balance" means to you.
"Some people like to work from home," says Rathin Sinha, President of America's Job Exchange. "Some people like the flexibility to work at night. Some people just want to 'check out' once they're done with work."
Check out the life-balancing benefits that these seven jobs have to offer.
Career #1 - Medical Assistant
Medical assistants enjoy set hours, so if you need a job with predictable schedule, this may be the right career for you. Medical assistants help with administrative and clinical tasks in doctor's offices, including scheduling appointments and recording vital signs. They often work part-time, evenings, or on weekends.
The training: A one-year certificate in medical assisting can prepare you for this job. Another training option: earn an associate's degree in medical assisting in two years.
The pay: The average annual salary of medical assistants is $29,450. The highest 10 percent can average at more than $33,760.
Career #2 - Sales Representative
If you want a high-paying career that offers real flexibility (and who doesn't!), sales may be right for you. As a sales representative, you may be able to do a lot of your work over the phone and via email. Your hours may be irregular, but you should have the freedom to make your own schedule.
The training: To beef up your business and communication skills, consider taking courses in marketing or communications. You can earn your associate's degree in as little as two years.
The pay: Wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives have an average annual salary of $61,400 including commissions. The top 10 percent average at more than $106,130 a year.
Career #3 - Teacher
As a work-life balance career, teaching provides a unique kind of flexibility. Teachers work hard during the school year, often planning lessons or grading papers at home. The flip side is that many teachers are free to take the summers off to pursue personal projects or spend time with family.
The training: You will need a bachelor's degree, a teaching certificate, and a license to teach. If you want to teach in a high school, you should major in the subject you plan to teach.
The pay: Kindergarten, elementary, middle, and high school teachers have an average annual salary range of $50,380-$55,150. The top 10 percent have an average annual salary range of $75,210-$82,000.
Career #4 - Technical Writer
If you're good with words and want a flexible career, consider becoming a technical writer. As a technical writer, it would be your job to put technical jargon into easy to understand language. As long as you meet deadlines and deliver quality work, your week is almost entirely your own to schedule.
The training: Earn your bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, or English. Some technical writing jobs may require knowledge in a specialized field like engineering or medicine. You might also want to consider studying web design or computer graphics.
The pay: The average annual salary for technical writers is $65,610. The highest 10 percent can average at more than $100,000 year.
Career #5 - Administrative Assistant
If you're looking for a full-time job that won't require a lot of overtime, this may be the career for you. As an administrative assistant, you would likely work in a comfortable office setting, handling tasks like scheduling meetings, conducting research, and handling travel arrangements.
The training: One way to prepare for this work-life balance career is to earn a one-year certificate in office administration. Another option is to complete an associate's degree in office administration, which generally takes about two years.
The pay: Administrative assistants have an average annual salary of $31,060. The top 10 percent average at more than $45,170 a year.
Career #6 - Web Designer
Web design is a creative job that can give you unparalleled freedom to determine your own schedule. Do your job well and deliver your projects on deadline, and scheduling the actual work is up to you.
The training: An associate's degree in graphic design should prepare you to work as an assistant to a designer. If you want to start as an entry-level designer, look into bachelor's degree programs in graphic design with an emphasis on web design.
The pay: The average annual salary for graphic designers is $47,820. The highest 10 percent can earn more than $76,450.
Career #7 - Computer Programmer
Computer programmers can work from almost anywhere and get paid handsomely for updating, modifying, and expanding existing computer programs. If you are detail-oriented and able to meet deadlines, this job might be the solution to help you balance work with the rest of your life.
How to get the job: Many programming positions require a bachelor's degree, but a two-year degree or certificate may be adequate for some positions. Consider earning your degree in computer science, mathematics, or information systems.
How much it pays: Computer programmers have an average annual salary of $74,690. The highest 10 percent can earn more than $113,380.
All salary information is provided by the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2009.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Women in Aviation Week!
Did you know March 7th – March 13th is Women of Aviation Week? In celebration, women can enter an essay or poem to win a free flying lesson. Submissions must be 500 words or less on “Why I want to Fly”, submitted by midnight on March 13th. For details: http://womenofaviationweek.org/contests/karlene-petitts-writing-contest/
On Saturday, women are invited to take a free flight at Boeing Employee Flying Association
(840 W. Perimeter Rd.Renton, WA 98055). To register go to: http://womenofaviationweek.org/
On Saturday, women are invited to take a free flight at Boeing Employee Flying Association
(840 W. Perimeter Rd.Renton, WA 98055). To register go to: http://womenofaviationweek.org/
Monday, March 7, 2011
Job Opportunity! Summer Day Camp Recreation Leader
Are you looking for a summer job???? Well this is for you!!!!
The City of Burien is hiring Summer Day Camp Recreation Leaders to work 12-40 hours per week for $8.71-15.67/hour depending on qualifications. Camp Craz is looking for someone who is energetic, creative, dependable, and interested in working with children ages 6-11.
Applications must be submitted by 4 pm on March 29th, 2011 online http://www.burienwa.gov/ or by mail (City of Burien, 400 SW 152nd St., Suite 300, Burien, WA 98166). For an application and complete job description go to the website above or call (206) 241-4647.
Contact Angie Chaufty, human resources manager, with questions: (206) 248-5504.
The City of Burien is hiring Summer Day Camp Recreation Leaders to work 12-40 hours per week for $8.71-15.67/hour depending on qualifications. Camp Craz is looking for someone who is energetic, creative, dependable, and interested in working with children ages 6-11.
Applications must be submitted by 4 pm on March 29th, 2011 online http://www.burienwa.gov/ or by mail (City of Burien, 400 SW 152nd St., Suite 300, Burien, WA 98166). For an application and complete job description go to the website above or call (206) 241-4647.
Contact Angie Chaufty, human resources manager, with questions: (206) 248-5504.
Updated Scholarship List!
Scholarship 2010/2011
List #8
NOTE: The scholarships listed are intended for SENIORS ONLY; HOWEVER, sometimes a scholarship will be listed for students in other classes – they will be noted as such. Remember that all colleges have specific scholarships, so be sure to check with the financial Aid Office at the college of your choice. If you want information on these scholarships, see Mrs. Fichamba in the Career Center.
1) Hearthstone Housing Foundation Scholarship
• Senior,
• Amount: up to $5000
• Deadline: April 30, 2011
• More Info: stop by the College & Career Center for an application
2) Southeast Chapter Blacks in Government
• Seniors, Black or African American, GPA 2.5
• Amount: $1000
• Deadline: April 15, 2011
• More Info: stop by the College & Career Center for an application or online www.bignet.org/regional/southeast
Evergreen Campus Summer Search Cohort!
Evergreen Campus Summer Search Cohort: L to R: Ms. Leonardson, Ms. Fichamba, Ema Guzman (HS3), Andre Marticio (HS3), Jaqui Moreno (HS3), Dar Paet (HS3), Aries Faletogo (TEC), Fabian Silva Martinez(HS3), Tiffany Trujillo (HS3), Marisol Trejo (HS3), Marco Sanchez Ponce (TEC), Jasmine Coleman (HS3), Mr. Zombro, Mohamed Al-Shimari (HS3), not pictured Laura Gonzalez (TEC), Kimshaina Mao (TEC)
Best Jobs with a Two-Year Degree
You don't have to spend four years in college to qualify for a great job with good pay. These good jobs require a two-year degree.
Career No. 1 - Human Resources Assistant
Businesses, educational institutions, and government need a human resources staff to help take care of their workforce. Starting as an HR assistant, you'll help maintain employee records for your company, including employee benefits.
Average Pay: $36,650. A two-year degree, good skills, and some experience, may move you into a human resources specialist position with a higher salary.
Two-Year Degree: Associate's in Business Administration
Career No. 2 - Medical Assistant
The U.S. Department of Labor anticipates a much faster than average growth in employment of medical assistants through 2018. As a medical assistant, you will be responsible for administrative and clinical tasks in your office, including updating medical records and recording patient vital signs.
Average Pay: The average annual salary for medical assistants is $28,650. Salaries for medical assistants vary with experience, skills, and location and can go higher.
Two-Year Degree: Associate's in Medical Assisting
Career No. 3 - Corporate Paralegal
Do you want to start a legal career in a fraction of the time lawyers spend in law school? The Department of Labor anticipates employment of paralegals will grow 28 percent from 2008-2018. Corporations are expected to hire more paralegals to help them manage legal costs.
Average Pay: The average annual salary for corporate paralegals is $46,980.
Two-Year Degree: Associate's in Paralegal Studies
Career No. 4 - Web Designer
As a web developer, you will create websites targeted to reach a specific audience. You will create your client's message so it is delivered attractively and efficiently. Since almost every company has a website these days, employment opportunities should be good over the next decade.
Average Pay: According to PayScale.com, the average salary for web designers is $77,010.
Two-Year Degree: Associate's in Graphic Design
Career No. 5 - Bookkeeping Clerk
The Department of Labor anticipates over 210,000 new accounting jobs will be created through 2018. With an accounting associate's degree, you can begin as a bookkeeping clerk. Responsibilities may include maintaining accounting records, dealing with accounts payable, or even maintaining an entire company's books.
Average Pay: The average annual salary of bookkeeping clerks is $33,450.
Two-Year Degree: Associate's in Accounting
Career No. 6 - Emergency or Trauma Nurse
Emergency and trauma nurses are registered nurses (RNs) that care for patients in life-threatening or emergency situations. You will need technical skills and clinical training in this profession. This degree program will also prepare you to take the licensing exam to become an RN.
Average Pay: The average pay for Registered Nurses is $63,750.
Two-Year Degree: Associate's in Nursing
Salary information represents May 2008 data and is provided by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Adapted and updated from a Yahoo! Education article.
Career No. 1 - Human Resources Assistant
Businesses, educational institutions, and government need a human resources staff to help take care of their workforce. Starting as an HR assistant, you'll help maintain employee records for your company, including employee benefits.
Average Pay: $36,650. A two-year degree, good skills, and some experience, may move you into a human resources specialist position with a higher salary.
Two-Year Degree: Associate's in Business Administration
Career No. 2 - Medical Assistant
The U.S. Department of Labor anticipates a much faster than average growth in employment of medical assistants through 2018. As a medical assistant, you will be responsible for administrative and clinical tasks in your office, including updating medical records and recording patient vital signs.
Average Pay: The average annual salary for medical assistants is $28,650. Salaries for medical assistants vary with experience, skills, and location and can go higher.
Two-Year Degree: Associate's in Medical Assisting
Career No. 3 - Corporate Paralegal
Do you want to start a legal career in a fraction of the time lawyers spend in law school? The Department of Labor anticipates employment of paralegals will grow 28 percent from 2008-2018. Corporations are expected to hire more paralegals to help them manage legal costs.
Average Pay: The average annual salary for corporate paralegals is $46,980.
Two-Year Degree: Associate's in Paralegal Studies
Career No. 4 - Web Designer
As a web developer, you will create websites targeted to reach a specific audience. You will create your client's message so it is delivered attractively and efficiently. Since almost every company has a website these days, employment opportunities should be good over the next decade.
Average Pay: According to PayScale.com, the average salary for web designers is $77,010.
Two-Year Degree: Associate's in Graphic Design
Career No. 5 - Bookkeeping Clerk
The Department of Labor anticipates over 210,000 new accounting jobs will be created through 2018. With an accounting associate's degree, you can begin as a bookkeeping clerk. Responsibilities may include maintaining accounting records, dealing with accounts payable, or even maintaining an entire company's books.
Average Pay: The average annual salary of bookkeeping clerks is $33,450.
Two-Year Degree: Associate's in Accounting
Career No. 6 - Emergency or Trauma Nurse
Emergency and trauma nurses are registered nurses (RNs) that care for patients in life-threatening or emergency situations. You will need technical skills and clinical training in this profession. This degree program will also prepare you to take the licensing exam to become an RN.
Average Pay: The average pay for Registered Nurses is $63,750.
Two-Year Degree: Associate's in Nursing
Salary information represents May 2008 data and is provided by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Adapted and updated from a Yahoo! Education article.
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