SCCC Career Center

Dealing with Challenging Clients: de-escalation during hard times

2009-11-11T15:00:00.000-08:00

calm > anxiety > anger > hostility > aggression > violence > (impulsive action)

During hard times and high demand for career counseling, sometimes patience runs thin and front line people take the brunt of frustration turned outward. Learning some tips to deal with challenging clients can be helpful for those you serve and for your own sanity. What follows are some tips to use when working with challenging clients.

Trust– developing trust can have a positive impact on a clients willingness to comply with organizational requests, disclosure of information, adjust to changes and help them feel motivated instead of vulnerable.

Proper Boundaries—avoid intrusions in personal space or into their personal affairs. Any breach in boundaries can cause anxiety and stress; at worst it can generate fear and emotional escalation. Professional boundaries should include limits to allow for staff to remain helpful, but detached.

Attitude—people forgive mistakes, but attitude is unforgivable. Attitude is contagious. Reflecting a good attitude increases the likelihood of a student responding in kind. Modeling what you want to see in who ever you’re working with (regardless of their attitude) will bring positive results.

Respect– common courtesies such as, “please” and “thank you” will help establish trust and reflects respect to whoever you are working with. Sometimes when we are rushed and under the gun, we forget the most common rules of respect.

Cultural Differences– diversity can affect the way we perceive a situation. A client’s non-compliance may be due to value differences. Most clients appreciate it when we learn something about their culture and maybe even a greeting in another language.

Negative Language vs. Positive Language– confrontational language triggers anxiety, defensiveness and possible emotional escalation. Be careful about word usage and tone– avoid using words like “can’t” or “won’t”. Instead use language that demonstrates cooperation and collaboration. Show a willingness to recognize the person’s point of view and allows the person to “save face”.

Rational Detachment- don’t take acting out behavior personally, nor mirror it. While we can’t control precipitating factors, we can manage our own outward response.

Conditions Often Associated with Potential for Aggressive Behavior– mood disorders, personality disorders, anxiety disorders. The number one predictor for someone who may became aggressive or verbally abusive is impulsivity. Impulsivity is defined as “ action without thought”, intolerance for routine and rules, restlessness, impatience, and incautioness”. (Eysenck & Eysenck, 1978). Impulsives are more likely to go from anger to aggression than non-impulsive.)

Recognizing Potential for Escalation– Verbal: morose silence; short clipped responses, illogical flow, easily frustrated by “no” ;loud voice, demanding or derogatory remarks. Non-Verbal: tense jaw, clinched fist, pacing, shift from relaxed to ‘squared off’ body position.

De-escalation Skills: Greeting them– show that their needs are important to you. Use their name if you know or ask, and smile. Manage space: when people are angry they often need more physical space. Stand if they stand, sit if they sit. Personal Space issues can create anxiety and escalate aggression.

Paraverbal Communication: tone, volume and cadence. Avoid impatience or inattention (tone). Keep volume appropriate even if the person is raising their voice; sometimes just by lowering your volume, you can trigger their volume control to go lower also. Speak in a even rate and rhythm (cadence).

Show Empathy: “ I understand that you are concerned or upset”. Gestures go a long way: if in an office setting– offer a chair or a beverage if possible– tissue if warranted. Empathetic listening requires undivided attention, allowing silence, using restatement to clarify what is being said. Showing non– verbal cues that you are listening is important also. Ask questions– it shows interest; helps you discover more about the individual’s particular dilemma and what they know, how they feel and what they think the problem is.

Setting Limits: give info in a clear and concise manner. Answer questions, clarify misconceptions, give the reason or context for specific rules and guidelines. Remember– empathy with or without options has been shown to be effective in setting limits without escalating an angry situation.

Disengagement: brief breaks to gather additional information can help to give more time to diffuse and resolve an angry situation. It needs to be done with courtesy and in a timely manner. Do not leave a person if you think they are beyond the anger stage of escalation; if you think they may become impulsive or physically aggressive.

Direct a Person’s Anger towards problem solving efforts: having the person go from angry about their issue to solving it can empower them. You may easily transition from the ‘enemy’ to an “ally’.

Identify Other Options or Choices: you may identify immediate steps or future ones. Acknowledge their suggestions and incorporate them in resolving the issue whenever possible.

LAST WORDS:

DO’s: remain calm, enforce limits, listen, be consistent, show empathy, be aware of non-verbal messages.

DON’T’s : over react, get into a power struggle, make false promises, fake attention, or use jargon.

A Career Practioner's Perspective: My Personal Experience with Unemployment

2009-09-02T16:52:00.000-07:00

MY UNEMPLOYMENT STORY:

I had never been unemployed from the time I could actually work legally. I got my first real job when I was 15 as a courtesy clerk in a grocery store. I worked steadily through my 20s, 30s and half way through my 40s without any disruption in my employment. I went back to college several times, changed my profession three times and never worried about finding a job or making a livable wage. I took a job working overseas and when I came back to the U.S. in 2006, the reality of unemployment hit me smack in the face. For the first time- I was unsure about my direction and future prospects.

I applied for dozens of jobs. Some of them were completely inappropriate for my skills and education, but I was desperate.

GRACE IN THE FACE OF DESPERATION:
I luckily found a part time adjunct teaching job after 3 months of searching to restore some of my confidence and keep me somewhat afloat. I luckily had friends and family that would let me couch surf until I landed a full time job and could save some cash to afford an apartment. So many do not have the graces I had/have. I count my blessings everyday!

When I first started my job search, I lacked focus, organization and any defined strategy. Chaos was my strategy. I was confused and at times inconsolable due to my frantic efforts with no result. I never had had to work so hard in order to find employment!

At one point I was called to interview for a job I had no recollection of applying for. I knew I had to get it together and treat my job search, like I would conduct my self in a real life job!

Ironically I had always been an extremely organized and efficient record keeper. I had been shaken out of my comfortable world of gainful employment and been thrown into unfamiliar seas with a chance of drowning.

I knew I had to develop an efficient strategy and put my game face on in order to restore some sense of order and sanity back into my life.

After six months I had become organized. I had files and I had a system.

PHASE ONE: Chaos!

PHASE TWO: What do I want? What are my skills? What are my goals?

I had done some soul searching and thought seriously about my future: what I wanted, where I saw myself in 5 years, what kind of organization I wanted to work for and would allow me the room to grow professionally; what my real skills, strengths, natural abilities were. Through this process I clarified my goals; my job search became focused and my skills as a job seeker improved greatly

PHASE THREE: Strategy?

I developed multiple resumes: I had been both an educator and a program director and wanted a job that allowed opportunity to do both.

I wrote and adapted versions of resumes and cover letters to address specific job postings I wanted to be considered for.

I created a log, rank and file system.

PHASE FOUR: Tactical Refinements

I methodically narrowed my searches to the type of work for which I had marketable skills in and also had a true desire to work in. I left alone work where I had some experience and skill in, but no real solid desire or foundation in.

I became more efficient by creating files for each of the documents that I was often asked to submit: official transcripts, letters of recommendation, a list of references, copies of diplomas and certificates, supplemental applications, etc...

I kept files on all the jobs I applied to and organized them by date and institution.

I kept a log with dates, job titles, application submissions, deadlines, phone and e-mail contacts, etc...

I began to talk to everyone I knew about leads, my desires, skills and background.

FOOTNOTE ;~)

I became a better writer. I became more patient. I became more determined. I was humbled, but calm. I became more organized and efficient. My guerrilla job search had become a sort of meditation.

THE RESULT:

After 9 months I landed a full time job. It wasn't exactly what I wanted but would lead me in the right direction. It was a management job with teaching possibilities at a small private school. I also continued to work part time as an instructor at night and with both jobs, was able to save enough money to get my own place again. I continued my guerrilla job search and eventually after a year I found the job I truly wanted: managing a campus wide program at a community college.

Through this long (almost 2 years) process I learned invaluable lessons that have had a lasting effect and it has informed my vocation with insider knowledge and true empathy for those I serve.

Reflections on a Tough Year!

2009-09-02T09:50:00.000-07:00

The Summer is just about over and the busy school year and college campus life is about to begin anew! I have always enjoyed the Autumn season. As an educator Fall marks the beginning and renewal of goals and ambitions for students and for the campus community of administrators, student support staff and the faculty members that teach them.

Although I am looking forward to a fresh start in Fall 2009, I think that it is important to reflect back on the past year to develop some goals and strategies for the 2009-2010 school year.

The recession has taken its toll in numerous ways; first and foremost, on our pocket books and our psyche's. As an administrator of the Career Center on campus, I have had the opportunity to meet with and provide advice and support to many laid off workers and worried students in the past year. It has been an honor to serve those individuals and a challenge. It has required both critical analysis and flexibility to consider a variety of approaches to seeking employment and planning their education. Innovation and backboned perserverance are essential as funding twindles and the job market becomes ever more competitive.

The repeated observation is that there are no guarantees, but having an exemplary resume, cover letter, solid interview/communication skills and a focused plan of action is imperative. This has always been true, but is especially poignant in light of the new economic landscape. A person can arm themselves with skills and knowledge; volunteer, work or internship experience, have a solid resume, and still find themselves unemployed.

Furthermore, the services that students and the bulging ranks of unemployed need in this economic climate often extend outside the boundaries of our comfortable offices and the list of regular services we provide. People need assistance connecting with agencies to assist them with housing, funding their education, providing daycare for their children, proper food intake and nutrition, dealing with legal issues, and the list goes on....

In this fast paced age of information and rapid (rabid) communication, accurate information is at a premium. Our silos of services and knowledge bases and our tendency to disconnect from things that 'don't concern us' no longer apply if our intention is to provide the best for our students and the public we serve.

Mis-information is rampant. Furthermore, information overload can make our clients' (who have been concentrating on their own silos) ineffectively run in all directions. If we want to be effective service providers, we have to educate ourselves about students and job seekers' needs and find resources that we can refer them to. We also have to coach and mentor them to develop good research skills, problem solving skills, and skills to help them utilize their time in an efficient and productive way when looking for employment.

In many cases a displaced worker's situation can be compounded by depression, anxiety, loss and grief issues, self concept and confidence issues. Having some information on free counseling resources can help them deal with some of these emotional issues while they begin to plan a future course of action. I have a list of services available in my local community that can address a variety of issues. United Way puts out a comprehensive list and you can also purchase a community social services reference guide at a nominal fee.

As a Practitioner-I have learned to do my daily homework- in this ever changing economic climate; career practitioners will need to be observant and also do their research to see what methods and theories are being applied currently. I conduct research on a weekly basis. I read articles (popular and scholarly), participate in professional webinars, subscribe to professional career journals (and read them :), read blogs, talk to other practitioners about what they're doing and OBSERVE. When I say observe, I mean I observe and listen to the individuals I serve on a daily basis. Based on this I can learn a lot about the various approaches they take to Career Exploration, academic planning and Job Search process and surmise their needs more effectively.

I also try to be flexible and willing to try new approaches to writing cover letters and combination resumes and conducting strategic job searches. Keeping open when you are working with students/displaced workers over time can be a dynamic experience. You can work as a mentor and coach to keep them actively working towards their goals and also learn a lot in the process. It can inspire them and will also inspire you to keep going and try new approaches.

As painful as the act of self discovery, improvement and change is; it is also transformative and new knowledge and skills are laid down through this strenuous process.

We still have one quarter left in 2009, but the first 3 quarters have been difficult for most of us. If we weren't among the newly unemployed, we were worried about the possibility of losing our jobs, our dwindling retirements due the banking meltdown; or the increasing costs for food, transportation, health insurance, housing, childcare, etc...

It is important to remember that we ALL are experiencing this time together and we can learn a great deal from each other. We can also support each other, and most important be civil and kind to one another. It sounds like an obvious approach, but when you are in the trenches, its easy to forget to think about anything else, but your own survival.

My goals for the new upcoming school year are to continue to look at students and job seekers holistically and to keep my mind and eyes open beyond the silo of services that the SCCC Career Center provides.

2009-06-25T12:10:00.001-07:00

Reposted from GreenJobs.com- Amie V gives some really great advice to Green Job Seekers! Thanks Amie!

The art of green networking: 15 tips from a reluctant schmoozer
Posted on September 18, 2008by Amie V.

These tips and tricks apply to all fields as far as I’m concerned, though they’re based on my experience in the world of green.

1. Keep track:keep a spreadsheet with contact info for everyone in your career network with details of when you met, who referred you to them, whether you’ve reached out to them, what they do etc... Keep separate lists of companies and organizations of interest, with contact at each if you have one, and resources to use during the job search.

2. Keep up on your industry: Particularly if you are entering a new field, read, read read. Sign up for all relevant email alerts and newsletters so that you don’t miss a beat. You need to understand the dynamics of the field you are working in and this can help you figure out your place in it.

3. Develop expertise: More than just basic knowledge, become an expert in your specific area of interest. Potential employers always want to see that you really care about something and will be able to become just such an expert on their issues. Blogging can be a great way to force yourself to do research and become an expert in your field of interest.

4. Attend events: Get in the loop on all relevant networking opportunities and go! GreenDrinks is one example.

5. Practice proactive introductions: Take the lead and introduce yourself in any networking situation. Often you have to suck it up and risk feeling awkward in order to connect with someone at a company you admire. When introducing yourself, always open with a compliment or other statement of genuine appreciation acknowledging you know of their work and/or company. People are much more likely to open up to this sort of welcoming introduction.

6. Understand that anyone can be a great connection, regardless of title: A lower level professional can be just as (if not more) valuable a contact than the CEO. While it feels good to leave an event having spoken with the most important person in the room, other people in that room may turn out to be much more useful contacts down the road, contacts who will have time to help you out and share their wisdom.

7. Make business cards even if you are unemployed: It feels good to have something to hand out. And people will be more likely to remember you, not to mention reach out.

8. Follow-up! Develop and practice post event etiquette: write details of everyone you meet on their cards so you won’t forget who they are, what you talked about. Enter their basic info into a spreadsheet. Send emails to as many as youcan saying that it was great to meet, and including a reminder of what you discussed, in case they forgot already, and suggesting a follow-up meeting or conversation where appropriate, say if you have common interests or there is potential for collaboration on a project. At the least remind them what you are interested in and request they keep you in mind.

9. Give introductions and resources: In a networking situation, we all have something or many things to offer. Know what those assets are. If you’ve been networking for a while, chances are this capital can be in the form of valuable introductions. It’s the golden rule. When you talk to someone you are hoping they will direct you to a job lead or informational resource. Try to do the same for them. Always be thinking, who or what do you know that aligns with this person’s interests and aspirations that you could connect them with. And then be reliable about making email introductions. This is an easy favor that will come back to you. Resources, such as websites and blogs, can also be valuable to share. Make a list of your top favorite blogs or websites or job boards and share it. Or if you have another form of capital to share, do so.

10.Engage everyone you know: When looking for a job, send a mass email to a targeted group of friends and family stating what kind of job you are looking for and asking for ideas, referrals, company names, anything. This is how many people find their job. Caution: Choose your favors wisely. If you blast your network with requests daily, this may not be as fruitful.

11.Ask for referrals and introductions: When meeting people for informational interviews or what have you, always ask for referrals to others who would be of help. Networking should be a never-ending game, where leads lead to more leads.

12.Express genuine interest - ask questions and do your research: When you are meeting with someone new, do research beforehand so you have an idea of what they do and can speak intelligently about their company. That said, ask genuinely interested and thoughtful questions, which can be helpful to prepare beforehand. People usually love to talk about their work and love when people are interested in hearing about it.

13.Invest in your resume, bio, and job desires: When being introduced to others, it is essential to have an updated resume on hand to share (clearly). More than that, a bio can be especially helpful when you are networking with people who do not have jobs to give you, but have friends who may have jobs to give you. It is a less formal way of sharing your background in advance of a meeting that does not signal “I want a job” but instead “I want you to know a little bit about me.” It is also helpful to have an email prepared describing what you are looking for, with a list of job titles and industries you are looking at, as well as sample target companies.

14.Get specific: Career counselors have recommended many a time creating a list of your top target companies and sending this into your network to see if anyone knows anyone at any of them.

15.Keep in touch with your network: This is perhaps the hardest, but most important tip. Keep your network fresh. You don’t need to spend all day emailing people individually, but keep your contacts in mind and share pertinent articles, websites, referrals and other information, as well as finding other creative ways to keep your relationships alive.

2009-06-02T13:36:00.000-07:00

Reprinted from NCDA Newsletter

Coping With Unemployment
By Tim Lutenski

Those who are unemployed certainly undergo one of life's most traumatic experiences. It is a stressful, life-changing event that can lead to negative mental, physical, and emotional consequences, jeopardize financial security, erode the sense of identity, and cause family relationships to deteriorate.
The biggest challenge and most important job for the unemployed is taking care of oneself. Here are some suggestions to offer assistance and reassurance during times of transition.

First - Prepare Emotionally

Recognize Job Loss Grief
For people who have just lost a job, their initial reaction may be to immediately proceed with a job search; however, this is not always the best strategy. If financially feasible, it may be better to take some time to decompress, mourn the loss, and reassess individual priorities for the future. While there may be pressure, it is not necessary to quickly figure out what to do with the rest of ones life. Take time to filter emotions. Counselors may need to help unemployed clients do the same.

Recognize Job Loss Stages
With job loss people generally go through a series of emotional stages that resemble common reactions to death and divorce (these include shock, denial, sadness, guilt, anger, and acceptance). Individuals may go through some or all of these stages, experience them in any order, and even go through some of these stages more than once. Counselors and their clients need to allow adequate time for working through these stages.

Accept Being Unemployed As A Full-Time Job
Being unemployed can be a difficult, full-time job in itself. It is demanding and a huge energy drain. Clients may not always realize how time consuming a job search can be, so counselors may need to help them prioritize and structure their search in order to commit the needed time and energy. Remember to encourage clients take regular breaks, just as workers do at a "normal" job.

Discard Resentment and Bitterness
Holding on to resentment and bitterness can destroy happiness and prevent one from moving forward. Letting go doesn't mean condoning what has happened; instead, it really is a way to regain control. Clients who remain resentful and bitter give others power over them, breed negative feelings, and keep one locked in the past rather than focusing on the future. Help clients let go in order not to sacrifice critical time, creativity, and energy. Give adequate time to process negative feelings, and then start focusing mental and physical energy on strengths and future goals.

Second - Take Proactive Measures

Budget The Basics
Develop a realistic financial plan for these times of limited financial resources and carefully assess income and expenses. Cut corners where needed, rely on savings, pick up a part-time job to cover essential bills, etc. Counselors may need to assess the financial severity of the client's situation, as some will have greater flexibility with money and time than others.

Maintain a Routine and Take Care of Yourself
Establish a daily routine and maintain a balance in daily activities. Get proper exercise and adequate sleep, maintain good eating habits, stimulate the mind through activities (such as reading and conversation), socialize, avoid excesses (such as gambling and drinking), and reward progress. Even though it can be hard to get up and get dressed in "work clothes" everyday, keeping a somewhat normal routine can help to provide motivation.

Avoid Isolation and Seek Support
Isolation is a common pitfall of unemployment. Get out of the house, or encourage your clients to do so. Find a place to socialize, conduct your job search activities from a local coffee house, join a local job club or support group, and reach out on a regular basis. Couples, families, and friends need to make a strong commitment to stick together. Help your clients assess their network to identify key allies.

Help Others and Volunteer
Look around the community and find worthwhile opportunities to use your skills and talents. This may be a way to gain new skills, engage in networking, and keep you active and energized. Help clients see the value of volunteer work or community involvement while unemployed.

Consider Income Alternatives
Look for opportunities to trade time, skills, and expertise (rather than money) to obtain goods or services. Engage clients in a conversation about this topic to explore alternative income sources.
Add New Job Skills and Broaden Your Identity
Encourage clients to add new job skills not only related to their field, but also skills that will diversify their abilities, enhance their professional marketability, and lead to personal growth. If taking formal classes or seminars is not an option, this can be done inexpensively through self-paced reading, online tools, and resources at your local library.

Seek Out Free Activities
A variety of free activities exist in every community, such as free museum days, community or cultural celebrations, lectures at local book stores, etc. If you draw a blank contact your local college/university or tourist office and find out about free public events being offered.

Third - Look To The Future
Quiet your mind to better connect with your inner self. If you are too busy being busy, you may not be listening to the still, small voice of inspiration and wise counsel inside of yourself. We can assist our clients by guiding them through relaxation and visualization exercises.
Reflect on your past so you can better evaluate what type of job you would like in the future and the right place to find it. Engage clients in a self-assessment process to identify what they both liked and disliked about their past job.

Go exploring. This can be a good time to investigate new careers, gather many new ideas, and rediscover oneself. Follow your passion and research job opportunities. Get out of your comfort zone and find something new, exciting, and completely different. A new job, different career, or new place to live can be found. There's no reward if risks are never taken! Change can be scary for many people, so offer clients a safe place to explore their passions, yet discuss their fears as well.

Focus on personal growth. The energy and effort spent dealing with unemployment will ultimately provide greater meaning, and purpose to your life. We can help our clients identify their strengths, keep a positive mindset, and maintain focus on their personal goals and values.

Coping Does Not Last Forever
These are some suggested actions that can help the unemployed cope with the uncertainties of transition, and more productively utilize personal time in moving towards a better future. Although it is common for many people to feel as if they might be unemployed forever, in actuality most people find jobs relatively soon. Hopefully these suggestions offer some hints to help both ourselves and our clients cope with unemployment while conducting a job search.

Tim Lutenski is an Instructional Specialist at St. Clair County Community College and the Director of For Your Career. He teaches courses, workshops, and seminars, coordinates training in career and educational planning, and provides coaching and consultation services. He works with individuals, groups, and organizations dealing with career issues, and volunteers in providing career guidance to those with special needs, including ex-offenders and the homeless. He can be reached through his web site at http://www.foryourcareer.com/ or via email at info@foryourcareer.com

2009-05-08T08:16:00.000-07:00

The American Dream: Myth or Reality?

The NY Times recently conducted a poll to see how people felt about the concept of the ‘American dream’ in this current economic climate with unemployment and housing foreclosures at an all time high. The responses were surprising.

“Although the nation has plunged into its deepest recession since the Great Depression, 72% of Americans that were polled….believe it is possible to start out poor in the U.S., work hard and become rich– a classic definition of the American Dream.” (Seelye, Katharine. What Happens to the American Dream in a Recession?, NY Times, May 8, 2009).

44% said that they had achieved their idea of the American Dream. 31% thought that they would achieve it in their lifetime. Only 20% had given up on striving to achieve it all together.

Barry Glasner, a professor in Sociology at USC, believes that during difficult times people hold fast to their dreams and ideals, but define success differently. 998 people were polled to answer the question, “ what does the phrase ‘American dream’ mean to you?”.

19% related their answer to financial security and 20% gave answers related to freedom and opportunity. Less people related material success to achieving their dreams. Most respondents attached their concepts to abstract values.

Here are some of respondents answers:
“ Freedom to live our own life.”
“That everyone has a fair chance to succeed.”
“To be healthy and have nice friends and family.”
“To become whatever I want to be.”
“ More like Huck Finn; escape to the unknown; follow your dreams.”
“ Working at a secure job, being able to have a home and live happily as you can not spending too much money.”

For most Americans the prospect of becoming rich and famous is slim, but it is not so much in the ‘dream’ that people believe, but in the ‘possibility’ of achieving that dream. 72% that were polled still believe that, whatever their vision of the American dream is, it is still possible, even in today’s economic climate.

Incidentally, the phrase “the American Dream” is said to derive from the Great Depression in 1931. Author James Truslow Adams wrote, “ It is not the dream of motor cars and high wages merely, but a dream of social order in which each man and each woman shall be able to attain the fullest stature of which they are innately capable.”, in his book The Epic of America.

How people define their vision seems to be a very individual process.
How do you define your vision of the ‘American Dream’?

Scholarship Search and Process

2009-03-12T10:28:00.000-07:00

THE SCHOLARSHIP SEARCH

1. Apply for as many scholarships as you meet the eligibility for.
2. There are scholarships for all types of students: grades, demographic, programs of study, financial need and compelling story.
3. Avoid websites that want you to pay a fee- applying for scholarships shouldn’t cost a dime!
4. Talk to people who have been awarded a scholarship- what strategies did they use?
5. If you have to mail documents - use a 9X12 envelope; it is much more professional.
6. Copy the application and practice filling out a draft before you do the real thing.
7. Keep a folder of scholarship information- with commonly requested documents and always print out a copy of completed applications for your record.
8. Date documents with the day you sent them so you have a record.
9. Devote 2 days a month to doing scholarship research.
10. Don’t give up! There are scholarships for all types of students!

Where are the scholarships?

The easiest place to look is in the Career Services Center in Room 1102E.
We have 4 main ways students can look for scholarships.
· Our website - we add scholarships weekly that we are made aware of. Our website is www.seattlecentral.edu/careercenter/scholarshipinfo.php
· We have binders with information about scholarships for those that like that method.
· We have scholarship books that students can look through
· There are a number of hyperlinks on our website to databases with 100s of scholarship listings under ‘Online Scholarship Databases’.

The other way to narrow your search is simply to ‘Google’ what type of scholarships you are looking for, such as typing ‘scholarships for women’ or ‘scholarships for Science Majors’ in the search window. Narrowing your search in any search engine or database will help you pull only scholarships that you are eligible for.

Think about how you can identify yourself to narrow your search:

Ethnicity Gender Club Affiliation Your Bank
Disability GPA Field of Study Military Status
Community Service Transfer High School Location/State
Parents Affiliations Religion

Filling out the Applications:

In order to reduce the paper trail and go Green, many scholarship applications are online and require supplemental documents to be mailed. Typical documents that are requested include:
· Financial Statements from your parents
· Academic transcripts- official and supplemental copies
· Letter of recommendations
· Personal Statement and/or essay
· a list of activities you’ve been involved with; including volunteering, internships, service learning or cooperative education experiences and work experience.

Advise

· When an application is not filled out online- if possible type it.
· Read ALL the directions carefully!
· Be sure all your information is current and accurate, such as financial and GPA
· Don’t leave anything blank- if a field doesn’t apply to you, put N/A
· Do not attach any extra information unless explicitly asked or if it states that you have the option of attaching addition comments or documents
· If you don’t understand something- ask questions- to the foundation or organization offering the scholarship directly or to a teacher, advisor or counselor.
· MAKE A COPY OF EVERYTHING ONCE YOU ARE DONE AND PUT IT IN YOUR SCHOLARSHIP FILE
· Make sure you provide the correct postage amount before mailing it.

Letters of Recommendation
Scholarship applications usually ask for letters of recommendation or include a form for you to
give to a recommender.

· Choose a person who will write your recommendation(s) carefully.
· The relationship you have with the person who writes this letter is important! Family and friends are not appropriate.
· Give your recommender plenty of time to write a good letter. Remember that this person is doing you a big favor and is probably very busy also.
· Give the writer enough information to comment on what is important and specific to the type of scholarship you are applying for.
· Provide a resume for the writer that summarizes any of your activities, awards, academic and career goals, accomplishments, leadership roles, etc...
· Write a Thank You note to your recommender.
· Ask if you may have a PDF copy of it and whether it is OK to copy the letter for other scholarships you are applying for. This way you can cut down the time they spend and just have them sign additional copies for other scholarships.

Writing Your Personal Statement
Most scholarships ask for a personal statement or essay- responding to a prompt or specific question(s).

· Follow the rules for length and topic, etc…
· BE PERSONAL! The essay is about you, not the facts of the topic. Include your personal experiences that are applicable to the prompt.
· Demonstrate that you have learned from experiences. A good rule of thumb
§ Tell what you did
§ Why you did it and
§ What you learned from the experience
· Tell why you are interested in your chosen major.
· How you will benefit society
· Don’t be listy!- this means sometimes prompts will just be a list of related topics that they want you to touch upon; make your essay flow without sounding listy!
· Scholarship providers are investing in you, so you will need to show them that you are worthy of their investment!
· Proofread! Proofread! Proofread! Have several people you respect and trust read it.
· Print it out and read it out loud- sometimes you catch errors with your voice that your eyes cannot.

Job Interview Tips

2009-02-18T10:30:00.000-08:00

Job Interview Tips

Employers ask questions in a job interview that help them find out what your ambitions are; what your qualifications and accomplishments are, how you deal with conflict, how you problem solve, and what your leadership skills are like. They want to predict your behavior within their organization.

When answering questions make sure to follow 5 simple rules:

Listen to the Question that is being asked and make sure that you understand before you give your answer.
Be honest- be truthful about your qualifications and experience. There may be follow up questions later and you don’t want to get caught up in ‘stretching the truth’.
Be positive. No matter whether you are answering a question about problem solving, conflict or your boss or co-workers. Remain positive always! Never say negative things about your boss- remember-you are being interviewed by ‘a boss’.
Answer the Question that is being asked succinctly- don’t ramble and get off topic.
Structure your answers with these three simple steps:
Describe what you did
Tell why you did it
Tell what you learned from that specific professional experience.

The most common questions asked in an interview:

“Tell me about yourself?” - This question is about your personality and style in a professional work environment and your qualifications and skills that apply to the position you are being interviewed for. This is not a question about your personal information- age, how many children you have, marital status; nor hobbies!
Strengths and Weaknesses- when questions are asked about these, talk about the strengths that make you an excellent candidate for that specific position. When you discuss weaknesses- talk about strategies that you have developed or continue to work on in order to overcome weaknesses.
Conflict- Tell what, why, how you dealt with the conflict and what you learned from the experience. Remain positive!
Problem Solving- Be very concrete and specific. Give examples that demonstrate your ability to resolve issues that commonly come up in a professional environment. This showcases your ability to deal with unanticipated events and reveals your professional behavior.

TIP:
Anticipate the most common interview questions. Analyze and type a short response or bullet list. It should be no more than one sheet. The sheet can help you stay on track if you get nervous easily during an interview; it should be used only as a point of reference and not as a script. I have seen this done and was so impressed that I used this method myself. The list is simply a tool to help you stay on track, and to remind you of specific examples that exemplify your skills and abilities for each type of interview question.

New Year Resolutions

2009-01-06T11:05:00.001-08:00

Welcome to 2009!
It has been awhile since my last post, but I thought I would post my resolutions (I never make resolutions) after I explain how a recent experience I had pushed me to resolve some things in 2009. Here goes:

I have a birthday that falls right after Christmas, but before the New Year (take a guess:). My past experiences or non experiences have made me loath my birthday. Usually it is forgotten by others all together or never whole heartedly celebrated due to its close proximity and unfortunate sandwiching between the other two holidays (Christmas and New Year's Day). This year was especially tough due to the stress of the economy and some other issues that I won't go into. I think this year has been particularly hard for most of us!

My birthday fell on a weekend this year and I thought maybe something (?); a night out, or some organized event might be planned on the part of my loved one, my friends or family to celebrate the day I was born. Nothing happened- literally. I spent my birthday at home watching movies. My best friend called to say she had been partying with friends and family since Christmas eve-eve and was pooped, but wished me a happy birthday just the same. I am not sure whether it was the hard year I've had, the state of the economy and world events, the holidays, or my general discontent due to my birthday; but it really made me angry that no one had acknowledged my existence on earth by honoring the day of my birth.

You see usually my girlfriends and I organize potlucks and we celebrate each others' birthdays, but all are born in the spring or summer months and not close to a holiday. The more I thought about it, the more I seethed. I avoided my friends' phone calls and my melancholy grew as I stewed in my own self pity. Finally my best friend caught me at my office. She asked why I hadn't returned any of her calls and I let her have it. I told her I thought she was an insensitive @#$&* and that she and everyone had hurt my feelings. She apologized profusely and said she felt terrible about it. I accepted her apology and felt a lot better having vented.

This is highly unusual for me to be so emotional- my temparment is pretty easy going and I pride myself on being able to suck it up. I usually hold my tongue when I am angry and let things go fairly easily. I tend to put the shoe on the other foot and put other's needs in front of my own, unless it goes against my personal ethics or morals.

A good friend once said to me, " you can be right or you can get along peacefully- ask yourself whether you can live with it". These are words I take to heart. There are a lot of issues that I can let go without much internal struggle. On a scale of one to ten for low to high maintenance- I would rate myself on the low end for sure.

Now to the point:

What happened as a result of me voicing my frustration, hurt and anger? My friends all showed up on my doorstep on January 2nd with a cake, gifts, and told me how special I was to them! I guess we all need to feel special sometimes- to have the people closest to us say, " we love you and honor your existence!"

What did I learn from my birthday (belated birthday celebration) and this year's dismal holiday season? A list of things I resolve to work on in 2009 follows:

The smallest gestures speak volumes, so I need to spread the word~ own it, live it!
Ask for the things that I really want and need- no one will read my mind and most people will not act without specifically being asked.
Consider my feelings before others on occasion.
When someone hurts my feelings or is being insensitive or inconsiderate- let them know in the most constructive way (this is the hard part: a} telling them - b} in a constructive way).

OK here is the typical stuff:

Work out, lose weight, eat healthy and get more sleep.
Be more efficient at work.
network, network and network some more!
Be more fiscally responsible: pay cash and buy what you need and not what you want- in the end that thing won't make you happy- what will is~ peace of mind and being debt free, so you have more freedom of choice and movement (both equally important to me).
Finish my professional portfolio- continue adding to it!
read something other than professional journals & articles, textbooks and books related to work; hey- how about a real novel!
Spend more time with friends and family.
Get rid of stuff you haven't looked at in 6 months!- Better yet- sell it!
Get outside on a regular basis- regardless of the weather. Fresh air always lightens my mood!
Go on strike once in while :) and make others do for themselves!

There ~ now I have released it out to the universe!

What are your resolutions for 2009?

Happy 2009 to All! and to all the best wishes for a great year!

20 Bad Work Habits

2008-11-11T12:39:00.000-08:00

This is reposted from David Maister's blog which sadly is not running currently. If you would like to look at some of the comments in response to this post click here on the link http://davidmaister.com/blog/319/20-Bad-Workplace-Habits.

I think it is important to examine these negative behaviors and do some self reflection to avoid their pitfalls. I am sure we are all guilty of a few of them and know co-workers who exhibit these negative habits on a regular basis. A list of the top 20 Bad Work Habits from Marshall Goldsmith, executive coach and author of What Got You Here Won’t Get You There follows:

1. The need to win each time
2. The overwhelming desire to add our two cents to every discussion
3. The need to pass judgment on others
4. Needless sarcasm and cutting comments
5. Starting with “no”, “But”, “However”
6. Need to show how smart we are
7. Speaking when angry
8. Negativity: the need to share negative thoughts even when not asked
9. Withholding Information
10. Failing to Give Proper recognition
11. Claiming credit we don’t deserve
12. Making excuses
13. Clinging to the past
14. Playing favorites
15. Refusing to express regret
16. Not listening
17. Failing to express gratitude
18. Punishing the messenger
19. Passing the buck
20. An excessive need to be “me”: exalting our faults as virtues simply because they’re who we are

Ringing any bells for you???

Using Craigslist to Find and Apply for Jobs

2008-10-31T09:40:00.000-07:00

Recently Guy Kawasaki (Author, Former Apple Exec., Columnist, Entreprenuer and blogger) blogged about his experience posting an ad as an employer to find a creative person to work on one of his web projects. Based on the applicants that responded to his ads, he had some insight from the employer's perspective on how applicants make themselves more competitive.

His first observation was that the speed of applicant response is important. The early bird does often get the worm. His first response to the position he posted came only 31 minutes later and he received another 15 responses within a day. His advice: don't delay in responding to a position posting as the job may fill quickly. Don't take a break from checking for daily job postings!

The second thing he noticed was that some folks did not send a cover letter with their resume. Employers view this as lazy, so job seekers should always write a cover letter that addresses each specific job they want to be considered for. Resumes that did not include a cover letter were not considered.

In order to challenge applicants Guy Kawasaki gave them a task to see who would rise to the occasion. 84% of candidates responded quickly to a prompt that asked them to find visual representations for 5 different story ideas. Kawasaki's advice: If an employer wants more information or confirmation of your abilities to perform the advertised position- rise to the challenge!

Ultimately the person that they hired for the web site project, did their research and sent photos that were perfectly sized and matched to the site and taste of Guy Kawasaki. Do your homework- chances are you can find enough information to send a message that communicates, " I have done my homework and I care enough to figure out what kind of candidate you are looking for and product you want; AND I can deliver!"

The bottom line: Don't be lazy- include a cover letter that addresses your qualifications to do THAT job; find out about the company if possible, AND if they ask for more samples of your work or give you a specific task to test your abilities: RISE TO THE CHALLENGE!

Future Employment Trends

2008-10-06T09:05:00.000-07:00

Trying to make career decisions can be difficult at best. Determining the best match for you based on a variety of factors, such as, training and skills, interests, personality, economics, and growth opportunity are important. Recently the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) published a report on 'tomorrow's jobs'.

The BLS examines the past and present to predict future trends in industry employment and the labor force. Population shifts affect the demand for goods and services, thus driving industry rise and decline. An example: an aging population trend can tip the demand for health care services. Additionally, technology and automation, and consumer demands can all impact employment trends in the United States.

Based on shifts in population demographics, technology changes and consumer demands, it is projected that by 2016 the fastest growing industries will be in service.

Health Care, Social and Human Services and Education will be the three fastest growing service industries. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that more than 3 out of 10 new jobs (nearly 5.5 million) created will be in health care, social service, or in the public and private educational sectors.

Residential building and extractive related industries are expected to have declines in employment opportunites by 2016; such as mining, forestry and manufacturing. Also any service that can be automated by computers will continue to experience a decline in overall employment.

Some good choices for career seekers and students:

Anything in health care: from a Nurse Assistant (NAC) to Physical Therapist or Pharmacist- the health care industry is a very solid industry. Social and Human Services Workers can expect to have plenty of opportunity for employment. Mental Health Counselors, Social Workers and Chemical Dependency Counselors will also have plenty of employment opportunities.

Technical Support service workers will also be in high demand. Software, Web and Brand developers will be in demand. Network and Database services will have an increase in employment as organizations and businesses update the way they manage their data and overall services.

Education and childcare service employment will increase as employees seek more training to update their skills. 12 of the 20 top growing occupations require an Associate's degree or more, which will increase the need for post secondary education overall and related services.

Overall Service occupations are projected to have the largest number of total job openings in the future (by 2016). Replacement needs in the service industry as people 'age' out or transition to other industries accounts for 60% of all future employment demands. Of service jobs, the largest portion will require some professional development, training and/or education.

As the population ages, the need for social and health services is expected to increase, demanding trained professionals in those industries.

Automation will significantly affect individual office and administrative support occupations that can be done by computers. Automation and technology changes will also result in a decrease in jobs in farming, fishing, manufacturing and assembly, and other extractive industries.

For a complete report go to http://stats.bls.gov/oco/oco2003.htm

New Beginnings

2008-09-26T11:44:00.000-07:00

Every day is a new beginning. Treat it that way. Stay away from what might have been, and look at what can be. ~

Welcome Back to School and Here's to NEW BEGINNINGS!

Starting the new school year is difficult for both Staff, Faculty and Students. After having some time off during the summer to relax, it can be difficult to transition to the changes inherent in starting new classes.
For some students, this may be your first experience in college or another attempt at completing a goal that will lead to a new beginning or career.
Be kind to yourself by getting organized and giving yourself some self care also.
Some things that may help you:

Organize your notebook, backpack and study space- so that each class is sectioned with; daily lecture notes, a schedule of assignment due dates and any handouts that are given out in class.
Keep a calendar or day timer that lists all your daily assignments and schedule study times each day.
Make sure to get enough rest and eat regular nutritious meals
Schedule time to go for a walk, exercise, hang out with friends or family- you need to schedule down time to relax and unclutter your mind!
Make sure that you have contact information for a few of your classmates and your teachers for each class- if anything is unclear, you may need clarification and having a contact list for each class ahead of time will aleviate undue stress if an emergency comes up or you need assistance with class information or homework assignments.
If you fall behind or have difficulty in a class- communicate with your teacher; ask for assistance; utilize the free tutoring service that is available to students.
Be kind to yourself- you can succeed!
Take the time to keep organized and keep the lines of communication open- what seems like an extra hassle now becomes habit over time and saves you stress later!

Introductions

2008-07-08T14:52:00.000-07:00

Hello and welcome to the SCCC Career Center's new blog. Our hope is to introduce a variety of career and academic related topics and have a dialog with students and workers about those topics.

The great thing about blogs is that they are interactive and we can hear from you! Yes that's right- we want to know what career and academic related topics you would like to discuss and know more about and we would also hope to open a forum where students can share their personal experiences with preparing for careers, searching for the perfect job, going on job interviews, etc.

Welcome and please answer our most recent poll on how many of you actually have visited the career center at SCCC or on the college campus you attend.

P.S. Since this is our first attempt at a blog we appreciate your patience with the learning curb in advance :)

The Career Center Staff