Job - Working and Studying

Good morning , readers !

How are you today?

I hope you are okay and I wish you all a wonderful weekend.
A little special something for you:
I decided to share the experience of working and studying at the same time
And some situations that happened to me, too.

Let's start off with the Point of View, shall we?

POV : 
I have started working in a firm almost two weeks ago, by now.
The first days were quite a challenge, to adapt myself to the rythm ;
Besides this, I was not able to rest at home as I used to, atfter the course.

Working after the course was uniquely my decision
Connected with the wish to be more independent.
And I attained it.

" I sincerely believe that if we wish and fight hard on something,
It will most likely turn to your favor
It can either end well or turn into a valuable lesson to remember".

The downside was that I started to feel more tired day by day
Until I really got used to it. Sometimes a smile and a cup of coffee do wonders!
(I am going to search for something to replace the cafeine, really! xd)

[...] Anyways, I know it is not the best on the «jobworld» and out there
But I am proud to say that I do love my job, with its ups and downs,
Pros and cons. It is humble, requires effort and it is a challenge, every day.

I always say to myself that I am doing my best,
And to smile regardless of feeling so, so tired.
I usually notice that when I do so, it all tend to get better
For those five hours. I was able to make friends at work, too.

Situation One :
I do opinion surveys on the telephone.
There was this lady who told me a loved one was in hospital
Also, that she was depressed. She answered the survey and by the time
And afterwards, I told her (in my language) :

« I believe, at heart, that everything will be alright
I had depression in 2007, diagnosed two years later
And now I am being treated and feeling better
Know that there is Hope and a Cure.
I know and believe that you will be alright
And that we are not able to appreciate happiness without knowing sadness
It makes part , and we can learn to live with both ».

(...) She agreed. I gave her some confort
and told her it was going to be alright and to have faith.
She thanked me. Then I had to go and end the phone call.
But I felt that she was feeling better, calm.
It was very rewarding, for me to notice so.

Situation Two :
I am aware that this maybe is not the most correct thing to be done
But it has a reason, and one reason alone, with no more intentions :
To thank people for answering the survey and let them know that they were kind.
I usually do not expect or spend time expecting for the answer.
I do my part of letting people know that they made the difference on answering the survey
By email. I only send one email and that is it.

So , unexpectfully, 
I got an answer from someone who answered to the survey two days ago.


"It was nice to be inquired by you.
I wish you the best success in your professional life and of student, 
always with the kind and professional attitude that I am sure that you have. 
Everytime you need say so.

Best regards."



Then I think :
I mean, how can I not love my job???
Yes, I am aware that people are not always loving and kind,
There are rude answers too, but I learned to cope and laugh it off.
It is not like it is personal!

And these few situations make me appreciate the job that I have
And how lucky I am for actually having a job.
I feel it fulfills me and my dream of helping people.
Remember : One step at a time to make the difference.

Blessings!

World - Spent Game

Good afternoon , dearest readers.

During common holidays, I took some time to read and see many interesting articles

And also, think about my own experiences a bit now and then.

I saw this game called "Spent",

Which reflects the reality of (maybe) several families in America.

The chalenge for today is getting through the month.

It is meant to create awareness regarding Poverty and Unemployement.

Can you do it?
http://playspent.org/

Job - How to create a survey

I am going to give you some tips that I learned
While I was in schoool on how to create a survey ;
I eventually , and also, learned more
While working as someone who does opinion surveys
To people on the phone.

A) It is preferable to start off with questions
that bring interest to the other person and
that do not scare or intimidate him/her
on the other side of the line.

B) Avoid personal questions
or tematics that offer more resistance of answer
Such as polithics, money or sexuality.

C) Place each question in the same subject
To avoid confusion and wastes of time.

D) Variety in the way you create/say/start
Each question is needed.

Types of Questions

- Closed
(Yes OR No)

- Open
(Why? - They often require an opinion
or a more developted answer)

- Semi-Open
(Contain Yes AND Why)

Avoid...

E) Introducing two questions in one;

F) Asking "Why" very oftenly ;

G) Formulating questions in the negative form.

Job - Warning Signs

The sun shines over here and it isn't late so...
Good morning everyone :)

In this post I am going to speak about a very important subject
Because I do not want anyone to fall into any trap
Like I once did. Why?
Because I don't want you to go through it. <3

There are several signs that CAN help you a LOT
They appear simple but regardless of that I want you to know.
I know I have said some on another post about interviews and steps.

BASICS FOR YOU :
1) Beware while posting free ads on the Internet
Select only the most important information
AND be as clear as possible
about the job that you are searching for. 

2) Be careful about the information you give out.

-------------

BASICS ABOUT COMPANIES
A) Try to know more about the company, for instance,
If it is reliable by asking about it to someone
or checking about it online.

B) As I said on the other post , check the email of the person
Who sends you the job offer on Google OR other search engine
That can save you and spare you from the lies or problems.

C) Or even the name of the employer if you are suspecting even more.
That can make you see the activity on the Internet.

D) Check the way the employer wrote to you.
Too many typos, it is a warning!

E) Adress...
The person who calls you for an interview
MUST know where you have to go for the interview
Without hesitations NOR mistakes.

F) Being Polite.
If you are to have any collegues, check the way they are treated on that day.
And if they aren't, please reconsider for a while.


EXPLANATIONS...
A) A unknown company is a bit dangerous at times
And...by checking online you can see feedbacks whether they are positive
Or negative such as frauds for example.

B) By checking you can see the usual offers from that person
There can be lies, you will never know.
For example one person has sent me an offer for a Secretary
And when I searched there was something for an Acompany Lady.
So when you confirm your suspicions DO NOT answer.       

C) I tell you about this because the person can be one that only wants to meet girls/boys, ect
And not one to actually offer you the job he/she "promissed".

D) A Employer can write well and has had some years in School, College or University
It is a Basic on Education. Please suspect if such happens.

E) It has no excuse.

F) This point helps you to reflect if the offer or company is the best for you.

Have a nice day <3 !

Job - Respect

Greetings,

I must say my "Current Job" post has some time already
So I am going to talk about my current job...
I basically call people and ask them to do surveys
Opinion surveys. It is like a Callcenter.

And we do such and maybe interviews personally too
But now I'm only doing on the phone
The payment isn't much either but it is something at least

We have several projects to go do surveys
and contact people from diferent parts of the country
for them to answer.

Basically it isn't sales BUT people think they are...
Another thing that occurs is that most people do NOT respect
Others that are working!

So my question would be :
Do I look like I like working every weekend
And even having to work today (Monday)
Which is an Holiday over here??

Well, NO. But it is my job...
But mostly what bothers me is that people laugh at me
OR make stupid excuses like
"No one is at home, you're talking with the cleaning lady"
"No one is at home (but someone answered the phone?)

OR say something such as...
Q : When would be the proper time to contact again?
A : I don't know, just keep trying! (Right...)

OR :
Q : Could I count with your colaboration in this study?
A : NO! (laughs)

OR :
(I finished talking)
Q (other person there) : Who is that?
A (from the person on the phone) : Just some girl. And hung up.

OR EVEN :
Some just hung up the phone without giving me the chance to talk
Or just hung up while I'm talking.

...I'm not forcing people to answer
But at least I would like some colaboration from them.
I was 4 hours with ONE survey done....
And that survey was incomplete in the middle.
I had to fill out the rest.

Now you shall know how frustrating that is a bit.
Then to brighten up my day there are like one or two persons on the phone
(No more than one or two) who talk a lot, that are really polite
Who answer the survey gladly. And for those I do like my work!

Why did I make this post?
As a "wake up" message. We all have to work for a living.
Whether is sales, surveys, do cleaning or being a waitress , ect...
Please respect the ones who work because they have to, to earn money
I guess it is pretty much it and I was venting too.

Note : Despite of any hatred or bad answer
Love your job as the only one you have
and as you are a lucky person to even have one.

At last but definately not least...
I shall leave this quote for you <3

Nobody can hurt me
without my permission.

Mahatma Gandhi

Blessed be!

Job - Safety and Tips

Hello and have a lovely week , readers!
While searching for a job, be aware of safety.

-- SAFETY --

1. When someone sends you a job offer, often try to put the email adress in Google
Or another Search Engine.
That way you can learn what type of offers that person
Or company often send out or publish on the Internet.
I saved myself from some offers that didn't matched what they told me AT ALL.
Better safe than sorry <3 2. Just send your resume or CV when you are sure And about to accept the job offer. If the person hasn't given much information, ask for it. Then search to see if the company is legitimate and decide. 3. Suspect of high payments specially when it isn't a very demanding job Nor a job that requires a lot of responsabilities. 4. Clear out any doubts you have with the company.  

-- INTERVIEWS --

1. Pay close attention to your phone or email adress after sending your resume
Because companies CAN contact you anytime.

2. When the company calls or contacts through email,
Take notes of the place, hour and day that the interview is going to happen.

3. Check prior the place where the interview is going to be
For that you can use Google Earth or Google Maps
So you won't get lost nor have any unpleasant surprises on the way.

4. Check prior about the company you are a candidate for.
Not only to see if it is a real and/or known company
But too, to be prepared for the interview
and know some stuff about the company when you get there.

5. Take someone with you if you want,
To go with you just near the adress.

6. Try to go a bit before the time set by the company
They evaluate that a lot, if you arrive in time
And if you go to the interview in the data set at all.

7. Other thing to mind is the way you get dressed in
Depends of the company.
But avoid slippers, tracksuits and open shoes for an interview
Look professional BUT not too formal.
Not too "sloppy" either. Just normal.

8. Bring along a suitcase or a organizer
Where you can bring...
+ Copies of your resume
(In case they need so OR in case you find a nearby store that needs staff)

+ Copies of volunteer proofs, courses, highschool OR college certificates
(Always good to bring along)

+ Either a small agenda OR clean A4/A5 format paper
(You will never know if you will need to take notes during the interview
OR if while you are on formation [typo?]).

Kind regards,

Job - Interviews

-- DURING INTERVIEWS --

Most frequent questions are...

1 ) Where did you heard about this company OR Why did you chose this company?

2 ) They are likely to ask about your qualities (plus)
and possible flaws (minus) at work.

3 ) They can ask about your hobbies or what do you do during your freetime
It just happened to me twice.

4 ) Why they must choose you?
(This one is meant to "highlight" you from the remaining candidates
It is a very important question)

The never do's

A ) Avoid speaking badly of other companies where you were at.

B ) Do not interupt the interviewer while he/she is talking.

C ) Avoid hesitating while answering.

D ) Avoid totally losing your eye contact or distract yourself
Or looking to other way.
(Reason ? Sometimes when people lie, they do that.
Interviewers evaluate a LOT the body language
And what you have to say, so please be careful)

E ) Make your remaining questions in the end.

F ) Avoid giving out the sugestion of the payment
Or throwing to the table how many $, £ or € you are going to earn.
Some do not like that, others accept.
I do that more for safety and only if they ask I give out a number
Not too high, not too low, just what is expected.

G ) Wait for an answer.
Either way, keep up your determination and confidence while searching for a job.

---

Good luck on getting a job!

Many blessings,

My Current Job.

I decided to share this out to you as an example.
I work as a secretary / recepcionist in Portugal
In a car rent company here.

I started in the previous week
One of my ads was answered.
I said to the person I'ld call between 14h - 15h
But then I thought it could be late (I got worried)
And called earlier than expected.

Basically my functions are :
+ Taking care of documents / paperwork (as a secretary)
(By so I mean going to the social security,
Store of the citizen...)

+ Receiving/Sending mail
And receiving/sending emails.

+ Making and receiving phone calls.

+ Printing things I believe as well;
(I have a printer/fax machine/scanner next to me)
(A all in one by HP) So that is just a guess.

+ Attending any possible customers / public
While I'm in the garage/stand of car renting
(As a recepcionist) I have my desk.

+ Make sure the space where I am in is clean
By that...my desk and that whole room I'm in.
If it is not clean, to clean it.
Specially at Autumn, with leafs
Going in and out of the garage.

I like it.
By now it has been much peaceful
I haven't met much co-workers as I'm working
In a garage; most are mechanics
And people who arrive to repair the place.
I do wonder if I am going to have any co-workers
Or if anyone will be coming soon.
I haven't had any custumers either.

First Job?

After five, maybe six months of hard searching
And CV delivery...I was finally able to settle down
And find a (my first) job.

I am personally and professionally happy about it
Let's see how things go later on.
I'll hope for the best!
As I now know and am aware that nowadays
It is very difficult to find a job.

It's not just delivering the CV through via internet
OR even by the hand and by personal presence.
It takes much more;

My inicial tips and talking on the subject
Can be found on a post called
"Facing the Job World".

Let's go deeper on the subject then :
+ First of all, I wish you (whoever reads this)
That is searching for a first, second, part time job
OR graduating to later on find a job...
Good luck ! Many prayers to you.

+ As I mentioned previously looks do matter to companies
Or to whoever is going to see YOU from the company.
You might know people DO have opinions ;
And might as well leave a good impression at start :)

+ BIG mistake : Do not take your job for granted
After being accepted the first interview.
I personally have done so and told the family

BUT and AND there was a second phase
Which I (unfortunately) didn't passed.

But now...I'm in a better situation now!
I believe the same can happen to you.
Keep up an optimistic thought and perspective
(I know it is hard ; I struggled for so
But it is not impossible)

Boss and Co-Workers :
+ Be relaxed towards them.
Not TOO RELAX but do have a posture of respect
(At least I do not...) Do not ask too many questions
Or give orders to them.
I'm much of an obeying person,
And so far, it has been going well.

+ Listen to what your boss says
In order not to question about something that
Has been already talked through.

+ Respect your Boss
And DO respect your co-workers (if you have co-workers).
If you want/have the desire to be respected
You have to respect others first.
If (in other hand) they disrepect you

Do not go along
And do not argue while in your workplace.
Most of all, do not (well it is better to avoid) involve
Personal problems with job issues.
It can be quite a mess if you do so
And you can be in risk of being fired.

Organize!
Keep in mind (or as I do) keep an agenda near you
It is proven to be very useful (at least for me)
In case of any near reunion or even any schedule changes.
As I refered previously, pay attention to your email account
How you organize it and such.

Other Cases
Part Time or Full Time?
Choose only one...

But consider your personal situation
- If you are a student and want to work part time
To earn some money.

+ You can do little things and earn money by
Working in a clothes shop
Restaurants, post offices, babysitting,
Taking care of elderly people,
Delivering newspapers or mail to places
There are so many things...!
(Specially during vacations/holidays)

- If you graduated
And you're looking for a good job

- If you're looking forward
To go to the military (navy, army, airforce)
There are websites for such purpose.
(Maybe...might be diferent
From country to country)

It is a matter of searching and interest.
However in a case of a job at night or shifts
My advice is to be careful
(If it is a dangerous neighborhood/zone)

Facing the "Job World"

"Success is a journey,
Not a destination".

I saw this quote in a portrait...
A landscape with a quote on it.
I decided to share it with you... ^^

It isn't easy.
Like someone said to me, the economy is pretty bad.
However, DO NOT let that bring you down.
Nothing is impossible and aim for your dreams
They say the good, sucessful persons are the ones
Who once were big dreamers.

Put faith in it, in case you believe.
Put your effort as well...
Believe it or not, I've been around 14 diferent sites
Searching for a job plus few stores...
I took 5 to 6 months but I think I made it now.

Now my advices...
1 - Do a account (if you want, optional)
For your work/professional stuff.
Use that adress to reply to job offers
Or for employers/companies to reach you.

* So, it'll help you organize
...That way you are less likely to mix personal emails
With stuff related to your job search or future company
Or doing mistakes while you're sending a reply...
Of something personal/informal
To a company...*

2 - Confidence in front of others.
Don't give up.

3 - Being polite too.
Not too much...
Otherwise it'll give the wrong impression...

4 - Being honest.

5 - Not dressing too formal NOR too sloppy.
I personally don't mind much looks
But they do...!

6 - Having copies of the resumé (aka CV) at hands
Plus a copy of your documents or School certificate...
You'll never know if you will need it or not.

7 - You got to think you're there for the job
And not mind for possible competition
If you focus on the competition and others
You will most likely get nervous. So don't.

8 - Careful with the information you give out.

9 - Value your qualities! :
- Whether is a sport you done in the past,
- A association you were in, diplomas, ect.
- Artistic related hobbies, languages you know/speak,
- The datas you were in school, the subjects you had...
- Previous jobs and experience...Part-time jobs, ect.

10 - Magic Word :
Being immediately available.
They want to know people who are in
For working right away.
They are not for jokes nor indecisions
That's my explanation...
They seek someone serious
And willing to work.

Note * Choose and write wisely.
A well made Curriculum is a big chance
For them to accept you...Good luck !! :)

p.s.: Someone today sent me this...
"every dark mist,
there is always a sun rise
waiting to happen ^_^ "
...The person was right. **