Good Manners May Seal Your Next Job Interview

Good manners may make or break your job interview. When on an interview do you smile, greet the potential employer, and when appropriate shake their hand? Do you say "please" and "thank you"? Do you find yourself interrupting the interviewer? All of these are questions you might want to consider before the interview.

Most people just enjoy being around a considerate person. Working with a considerate person is a bonus. Let the employer know you are that person. No doubt your skills and work experience will be the primary area the employer is looking at. However, having good manners may actually put you over the top and land you the job.

Here's something else to think about. Manners, specifically greeting people, have gone wayside. However, certain areas of our country seem to take the lead in good manners. Read my latest article, Are You a Fine Southern Gentleman?, orignally posted at Blog Critics.

What Are the Seven Blessings of the Unemployed?

So you haven't worked for a while, and things have not been easy.   However, despite the negatives there are many positives or blessings to be grateful for.   Here are seven reasons to be happy:

 

• With limited funds you are forced to prioritize your entire life.  How?  Realistically, with less money your budget will eliminate your "wants" and keep your "needs."  You now can focus on the more important things in your life.
• You have much more time to spend with your family; you also have a lot more time for yourself to meditate and process life's changes.  You may want to set some new goals.
• Consider new ways to entertain your family and friends.  Instead of going on expensive excursions, have family night with friends.  Game night together with some popcorn can be great fun.
• Extra time to volunteer.  Taking your mind off of your problems and looking to see what you can do to help others is another source of happiness.  There is More Happiness in Giving Than There Is In Receiving--Volunteer at a woman's shelter, animal shelter, or whatever cause moves you.  Just do it.  This may be the single most positive change in your life.
• Eat less meat and more vegetables and fruit.  Many health experts agree that less red meat is the way to go for a healthier you.  This should also fit into your budget quite nicely.
• Exercise and fresh air should be your daily routine.  No more crammed days leaves you time to get out and either walk, run, or bike.  Perhaps all three once you get your second wind!
• Time to take up that hobby you always wanted to do.  If it's too expensive, pick a new one.  I personally like to write poetry--it cost nothing but a pencil and paper.

So here are seven great reasons to be happy.  Less money can actually equal  a better quality of life.  Isn't that what we all want?

It May Be Time to Look At Part-Time Positions

At this point in time, many unemployed have tried everything to land a full-time job. Sadly, for millions of people it just hasn't happened. At this point, you may need to change gears. It's time to look at the part-time positions available for you.

Actually due to the economy, many companies are favoring part-time work. Here are a few of the part-time positions I have seen advertised in the newspaper, posted on job sites on the internet, or heard about by word-of-mouth:

• Cashiering - CVS Drugstore and Blockbuster (Check Local Stores)
• Green Jobs - Check With the Unemployment Agency in Your Area (Gulf Area Especially)
• Sales Agents - Department Stores Within Malls Especially During Holiday or Busy Seasons
• Cleaning - Personally Ask Business Owners If They Need Someone to Clean For Them
  (Don't Forget to Check Local Requirements for Licensing If You Work For Yourself)
• Craigslist.org - Posts a Variety of Part-Time Positions (Check All Drop-Downs)

These are just a few ideas. Remember, there is no reason why you can't juggle two part-time jobs! Good fortune to you.

Job Seekers Be Flexible--Not Foolish

It's been a few few weeks since I have posted.  However, as you already know, the unemployment rate has slightly dropped.  For most Americans that's a  glimmer of hope on the horizon.  So with that glimmer in mind, millions continue to plug ahead with great persistence and flexibility hoping to land a job.  In some cases any job.

Yes, the key word here is flexibility.  We must assess our past experience, abilities, and potential to learn new things.  Looking at the job market from this aspect opens up a larger window of opportunity.  As that window opens and we peer deeper inside though, we need to be careful the window doesn't slam shut on us.  What do I mean?  This--as job seekers
willing to exercise flexibility, we must not be foolish. Taking any job may not be the answer.   Please read my article Job Seekers Be Flexible--Not Foolish before delving into a new job.  Trust me, when you go against all your natural inclinations, it doesn't work.  Let me know how you like the article. 

One Aspect of Unemployment They Don't Pound

So what do I mean by "one aspect of unemployment they don't pound" ? I have worked part-time on odd jobs and reported to the unemployment bureau every two weeks what I received. Anything over $50.00 was deducted from my weekly benefit amount and the remainder of the benefit amount issued. The negative side of this was that the check or direct deposit takes a lot longer to be issued.

Although this information regarding part-time employment is online and in the information you are to read when you first go on unemployment, it's not something that is broadcast or boldly made to stand out. Consequently, some people are not aware of the fact that they can work part-time and still receive their benefits as long as the wages do not exceed the weekly benefit amount. Of course, they still need to actively seek full-time employment at a pay rate similar to what they lost before they filed. Recently, a brother to a friend of mine wasn't aware he could have been getting the rest of his weekly benefit amount less his gross amount in wages. Once he was informed this was possible, he immediately went to the bureau in his state and re-opened his claim. Now he is glad that he can at least pay his bills and still keep looking for a job similar to the one he had before this whole nightmare began.

How to Exercise With The Kids...

You're not working and you decide it's about time to take some positive action--exercise. One of the best of incentives is to get the entire family working out together. Go to my website, http://www.tidbitsforhealthyliving.com/, and read the article "Kids Exercises--Family Fun Equals Healthier Kids." The obesity percentage for our kids may surprise you.

6 Tips for Getting in Shape While Unemployed

Let's face it. The first few weeks we become unemployed isn't so bad. We get to sleep in, eat when we want, and channel surf our favorite TV shows all day long in our pajamas. However, this lifestyle of the soon-to-be-poor if we don't get a job can get out of control. Before we know it bad habits set in. Before you turn that bend, there are things you can do to stop the "fat gremlin." Here are six ideas that can help kick-start you into shape for a healthier you.

1. Include Fiber in Your Breakfast
Now that you are not rushing out the door to work in the morning you have time to slowly eat a nutritious breakfast. Most of us at one time or another have been guilty of grabbing anything eatable to start our day. Why not try adding some fiber to your breakfast. Eating enough fiber may play a significant role in the prevention of some major diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Better yet, no more constipation.

2. Make an Exercise Schedule
This doesn't have to be difficult. Get a piece of paper out and enter what type of exercise you would like to do each day. You don't need to dish out money and join a gym. Save money and look around the house. Are there any old exercise tapes, DVD's, or exercise equipment getting dusty that you forgot about in your closet? If so, go for it! I discovered I had a wonderful Richard Simmons tape just waiting for me to start sweating with.  If you're not so fortunate, another option is to visit your local library. They always have fitness workout DVD's, tapes, and books.  In addition, there is Hulu Plus. At Hulu Plus you can try out free for thirty days the Daily Burn.  Or, Hulu Plus also has some other great short exercise clips you get if you subscribe with them for a small monthly fee.

3. Start Juicing Juicing is work. There are no shortcuts to juicing. However, the rewards are worth it. In time you will feel more energetic and just overall healthier. There are great juicing internet sites containing many tips for beginners like yourself. Since you have more time now to prepare, drink, and unfortunately cleanup after yourself, now is the perfect time to start juicing.  There are all kinds of juicing recipes on the internet.  Just Google away!

4. Start a Backyard Garden 
Juicing may not be for you. That's okay, just start a backyard garden with that extra time you have. You may have a minimal investment in the seeds, plants, and tools to start the project. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that for every $100 spent on gardening, yields $1,000 to $1,700 worth of produce. What a great way to save money and get great nutrition with fresh organic vegetables straight from the garden for your family. Even Michelle Obama started a White House Garden, and was quite successful. If you don't know where to start with your garden or just need some guidance, learn how Michelle started her garden, what vegetables she planted, and the process she used.

5. Drink More WaterI never drink enough water when I am working a forty-hour week. Since our bodies are made up of approximately 60-70% water, most of us need to drink more water than we do. A nutritional internet site says we should be drinking in ounces half of our body weight. If you are 140 pounds, you should be drinking 70 ounces a day. Drink an adequate amount of water, and you will be energized throughout the day.

6. Volunteer or Encourage One Person a Week
Get out of the house and volunteer. Volunteers are accepted in hospitals, wildlife organizations, and local shelters. If you don't want to volunteer, at least call or write one person a week that needs encouragement. By focusing on others you will be encouraged and aglow with a new spirit. A happy person is a healthier person.

You may be unemployed, but you don't have to feel sluggish and out of shape. Starting today you can replace bad habits with good habits. By implementing some or all of these suggestions, you will feel better. So get up off the couch and start getting in shape. The right job is just waiting for the new you!

For more healthier living tips read Feel Good--Easy Ways to Put Pep Back In Your Step .