Happy Holidays from the Evergreen Campus College & Career Center
~ Ms. Fichamba, Mr. Zombro & Aaron :-)
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Monday, December 19, 2011
What Are Soft Skills?
"Soft skills" is a term that refers to personal qualities, habits, attitudes, and social graces that make someone a good employee and a compatible co-worker. Research shows that soft skills can be just as important in job performance as technical skills.
Some of the most common soft skills employers look for when assessing whether you would be a good employee include these:
• Strong work ethic: Are you motivated and dedicated to getting the job done, no matter what? Will you be conscientious and do your best work without being told or supervised?
• Positive attitude: Are you optimistic and upbeat? Do you keep your negative opinions and comments to yourself unless they lead to correcting a problem or eliminating a potential problem?
• Good communication skills: Are you both verbally articulate and a good listener? Do you make eye contact when you talk to people? Does your body language deliver the message that's needed?
• Time management abilities: Do you know how to prioritize tasks and work on a number of different projects at once? Will you use your time on the job wisely? Do you work quickly and accurately?
• Problem-solving skills: Are you resourceful and able to creatively solve problems that will arise? Will you take ownership of problems or leave them for someone else? Will you refrain from blaming others for your own mistakes?
• Acting as a team player: Will you work well in groups and teams? Will you be cooperative and take a leadership role when appropriate? Can you overcome any tendencies to manipulate situations to your advantage?
• Self-confidence: Do you truly believe you can do the job? Will you project a sense of calm and inspire confidence in others? Will you have the courage to ask questions that need to be asked and to freely contribute your ideas?
• Ability to accept and learn from criticism: Will you be able to handle criticism? Does your self-esteem allow you to accept rejection when other team members disagree with you?
• Flexibility/Adaptability: Are you able to adapt to new situations and challenges? Will you embrace change and be open to new ideas? Will you be locked into your previous company's procedures and fail to see the importance of adapting to new ways?
• Working well under pressure: Can you handle the stress that accompanies deadlines and crises? Will you be able to do your best work and come through in a pinch? Can you maintain focus and work efficiently under pressure?
Remember, whether you are applying for a service position or a technical job, it's your combination of core and soft skills that will set you apart from the crowd.
Adapted from a CareerBuilder/MSN article
Some of the most common soft skills employers look for when assessing whether you would be a good employee include these:
• Strong work ethic: Are you motivated and dedicated to getting the job done, no matter what? Will you be conscientious and do your best work without being told or supervised?
• Positive attitude: Are you optimistic and upbeat? Do you keep your negative opinions and comments to yourself unless they lead to correcting a problem or eliminating a potential problem?
• Good communication skills: Are you both verbally articulate and a good listener? Do you make eye contact when you talk to people? Does your body language deliver the message that's needed?
• Time management abilities: Do you know how to prioritize tasks and work on a number of different projects at once? Will you use your time on the job wisely? Do you work quickly and accurately?
• Problem-solving skills: Are you resourceful and able to creatively solve problems that will arise? Will you take ownership of problems or leave them for someone else? Will you refrain from blaming others for your own mistakes?
• Acting as a team player: Will you work well in groups and teams? Will you be cooperative and take a leadership role when appropriate? Can you overcome any tendencies to manipulate situations to your advantage?
• Self-confidence: Do you truly believe you can do the job? Will you project a sense of calm and inspire confidence in others? Will you have the courage to ask questions that need to be asked and to freely contribute your ideas?
• Ability to accept and learn from criticism: Will you be able to handle criticism? Does your self-esteem allow you to accept rejection when other team members disagree with you?
• Flexibility/Adaptability: Are you able to adapt to new situations and challenges? Will you embrace change and be open to new ideas? Will you be locked into your previous company's procedures and fail to see the importance of adapting to new ways?
• Working well under pressure: Can you handle the stress that accompanies deadlines and crises? Will you be able to do your best work and come through in a pinch? Can you maintain focus and work efficiently under pressure?
Remember, whether you are applying for a service position or a technical job, it's your combination of core and soft skills that will set you apart from the crowd.
Adapted from a CareerBuilder/MSN article
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Financial Aid Night 2011
Thank you to Kim Bobbit from Highline Community College for prensenting at our Financial Aid night. Thanks also to the families that attended!
Monday, December 12, 2011
Interviewers' Pet Peeves
Just like everyone else, experienced interviewers can name their pet peeves. Here are common pet peeves described by interviewers and tips for avoiding them.
• Smells: "You may think a spray of your favorite perfume or cologne will add just the right touch for our meeting. But my allergies and sense of smell warn me immediately that I want to get you out of our small meeting space as quickly as possible. Leave your fragrance at home, and you won't risk offending me."
• Communication - Too Little: "An applicant who won't talk exasperates me. Even when I prod for more information or ask for questions, I still have no luck. When I end the interview by saying, 'Now, it's your turn to ask questions,' some applicants don't have any. That when I know it's time to say goodbye and try for a better applicant. I want applicants who can describe how they can help my company."
• Communication - Too Much: "A chatterbox or rambler gets to me. If I ask a question and you're still trying to answer it ten minutes later, I'll wrap up the meeting and wish you a pleasant day. Candidates should stay focused and answer in two or three minutes the question I asked."
• Averting Your Eyes: "Nonverbal communication tells me as much about you as what you say. If you don't make eye contact, but look down, around, everywhere but at me, I know you're intimidated by the process. You won't succeed on teams where you're expected to contribute. I also distrust someone who won't look at me when I ask a question. If you are uncomfortable looking into someone's eyes, look at the third eye, just above and between the person's two eyes."
• Slang and Street Speak: "The way applicants use language really gets to me. Using 'awesome' and 'like' constantly shows immaturity. I also stop paying attention when applicants say 'um,' and 'uh' between every other word."
• Little Lies: "Small lies are too common. This includes not being completely truthful with relevant information and exaggerating accomplishments. Building trust during the interview is key to getting an offer."
Adapted from a Monster/Yahoo! article
• Smells: "You may think a spray of your favorite perfume or cologne will add just the right touch for our meeting. But my allergies and sense of smell warn me immediately that I want to get you out of our small meeting space as quickly as possible. Leave your fragrance at home, and you won't risk offending me."
• Communication - Too Little: "An applicant who won't talk exasperates me. Even when I prod for more information or ask for questions, I still have no luck. When I end the interview by saying, 'Now, it's your turn to ask questions,' some applicants don't have any. That when I know it's time to say goodbye and try for a better applicant. I want applicants who can describe how they can help my company."
• Communication - Too Much: "A chatterbox or rambler gets to me. If I ask a question and you're still trying to answer it ten minutes later, I'll wrap up the meeting and wish you a pleasant day. Candidates should stay focused and answer in two or three minutes the question I asked."
• Averting Your Eyes: "Nonverbal communication tells me as much about you as what you say. If you don't make eye contact, but look down, around, everywhere but at me, I know you're intimidated by the process. You won't succeed on teams where you're expected to contribute. I also distrust someone who won't look at me when I ask a question. If you are uncomfortable looking into someone's eyes, look at the third eye, just above and between the person's two eyes."
• Slang and Street Speak: "The way applicants use language really gets to me. Using 'awesome' and 'like' constantly shows immaturity. I also stop paying attention when applicants say 'um,' and 'uh' between every other word."
• Little Lies: "Small lies are too common. This includes not being completely truthful with relevant information and exaggerating accomplishments. Building trust during the interview is key to getting an offer."
Adapted from a Monster/Yahoo! article
Friday, December 9, 2011
College Acceptances...
College Acceptances are going to start coming in over the holidays please be sure to share with us because we love to Celebrate your scuccess! I am delighted to announce that we have already recieved one!
- Michele Palado ~ Trinity Lutheran ~ T.E.C.
Monday, December 5, 2011
a note from UW Bothell...
I know that keeping track of all the deadlines can get confusing, so I thought I would send you a short reminder e-mail so that you can let your students know that the UW Bothell freshman application is going to be open until January 15. If your students are planning on applying to multiple UW campuses, they will need to submit their application to each campus separately. This means that students that have applied to the Seattle campus by their deadline (today) will also need to re-submit their application to Bothell by January 15 if they want to be considered for both schools.
Five Good Careers that Require Just a Two-Year Degree
Dental Hygienists
• What they do: Remove deposits from patients' teeth, teach patients how to practice good oral hygiene, examine patients' teeth and gums, and record the presence of diseases or abnormalities. They usually work in dental offices and clinics.
• Projected employment increase through 2018: 36%
• Important qualities to possess: Manual dexterity and an ability to work well with other professionals and patients.
• Average Salary: $68,260
Radiology Technicians
• What they do: Perform diagnostic imaging examinations, such as x-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and mammograms in hospitals, imaging centers and other institutions.
• Projected employment increase through 2018: 17%. Those knowledgeable about more than one imaging procedure have the best opportunities.
• Important qualities to possess: Physical stamina and careful attention to detail.
• Average Salary: $54,340
Funeral Director
• What they do: Also called morticians and undertakers, they arrange the details and handle the arrangements for funerals. Together with the family, they establish the location, dates and times of wakes, memorial services and burials.
• Projected employment increase through 2018: 12%
• Important qualities to possess: Organizational ability, composure, tact, good verbal skills and compassion.
• Average Salary: $54,330
Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers
• What they do: They often travel to factories or other locations to repair equipment, usually in assigned areas where they perform preventive maintenance. When equipment breaks down, they go to a customer's site to repair it.
• Projected employment increase through 2018: 5%
• Important qualities to possess: Good eyesight and color perception to work with intricate components, excellent mechanical skills and good communication skills.
• Average Salary: $65,230
Nuclear Medicine Technologists
• What they do: Administer radio-pharmaceuticals in hospitals to patients and monitor the characteristics and functions of tissues or organs targeted by drugs.
• Projected employment increase through 2018: 16%
• Important qualities to possess: Physical stamina, ability to operate complicated mechanical equipment that requires manual dexterity; compassion for patients.
• Average Salary: $68,560
Philadelphia Inquirer, November 6, 2011
• What they do: Remove deposits from patients' teeth, teach patients how to practice good oral hygiene, examine patients' teeth and gums, and record the presence of diseases or abnormalities. They usually work in dental offices and clinics.
• Projected employment increase through 2018: 36%
• Important qualities to possess: Manual dexterity and an ability to work well with other professionals and patients.
• Average Salary: $68,260
Radiology Technicians
• What they do: Perform diagnostic imaging examinations, such as x-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and mammograms in hospitals, imaging centers and other institutions.
• Projected employment increase through 2018: 17%. Those knowledgeable about more than one imaging procedure have the best opportunities.
• Important qualities to possess: Physical stamina and careful attention to detail.
• Average Salary: $54,340
Funeral Director
• What they do: Also called morticians and undertakers, they arrange the details and handle the arrangements for funerals. Together with the family, they establish the location, dates and times of wakes, memorial services and burials.
• Projected employment increase through 2018: 12%
• Important qualities to possess: Organizational ability, composure, tact, good verbal skills and compassion.
• Average Salary: $54,330
Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers
• What they do: They often travel to factories or other locations to repair equipment, usually in assigned areas where they perform preventive maintenance. When equipment breaks down, they go to a customer's site to repair it.
• Projected employment increase through 2018: 5%
• Important qualities to possess: Good eyesight and color perception to work with intricate components, excellent mechanical skills and good communication skills.
• Average Salary: $65,230
Nuclear Medicine Technologists
• What they do: Administer radio-pharmaceuticals in hospitals to patients and monitor the characteristics and functions of tissues or organs targeted by drugs.
• Projected employment increase through 2018: 16%
• Important qualities to possess: Physical stamina, ability to operate complicated mechanical equipment that requires manual dexterity; compassion for patients.
• Average Salary: $68,560
Philadelphia Inquirer, November 6, 2011
Friday, December 2, 2011
Career-Limiting Beliefs
Career experts know that your beliefs really do influence the outcome of your job search. Unless you believe you can and will find the job you want, you'll end up defeating yourself. Read these career-limiting beliefs and reframe yourself in a more constructive light.
Belief: I'm not good enough for the jobs out there.
Reframe your thinking: I'm as good as my resume says I am.
To change your thinking, list your positive accomplishments. Think about how you would look at another person with the same accomplishments. Would you be impressed with that person?
Belief: It's a terrible job market.
Reframe your thinking: People are still being hired, so why not me?
Some fields and jobs are going begging for qualified applicants. Look for jobs you like on a job site like Monster, then develop skills in those areas and change your resume to fit.
Belief: I can't get a job without experience, and I can't get experience without a job.
Reframe your thinking: I can make my own experience.
Remember that "valuable experience" is not the same as "paying job." Everything on a resume doesn't have to be paid experience. If lack of job experience is holding you back, volunteer or intern for no pay.
Adapted from Philly.com and Monster, November 6, 2011
Belief: I'm not good enough for the jobs out there.
Reframe your thinking: I'm as good as my resume says I am.
To change your thinking, list your positive accomplishments. Think about how you would look at another person with the same accomplishments. Would you be impressed with that person?
Belief: It's a terrible job market.
Reframe your thinking: People are still being hired, so why not me?
Some fields and jobs are going begging for qualified applicants. Look for jobs you like on a job site like Monster, then develop skills in those areas and change your resume to fit.
Belief: I can't get a job without experience, and I can't get experience without a job.
Reframe your thinking: I can make my own experience.
Remember that "valuable experience" is not the same as "paying job." Everything on a resume doesn't have to be paid experience. If lack of job experience is holding you back, volunteer or intern for no pay.
Adapted from Philly.com and Monster, November 6, 2011
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