Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Shake it

If you do not own an Xbox and kinect and I seriously suggest you go get one! I have loved playing kinect and mainly Dance Central with the kids. It's a great work out on top of it all.

Monday, May 16, 2011

Networking

I met with Linda Sollars a career coach and founder of creatingpurpose.com in my journey in finding a job, I am amazed at all the new stuff I learned. I had no idea there was so much I wasn't doing or was doing on my resume that was pretty outdated. At least three years outdated, which is the last time I was in the paid workforce.
I was pretty nervous walking in, and I felt GREAT when I left. I really feel like I have the tools to find the perfect company and position for me and my family. I am so excited to really get out there and show everything I have to offer.

First thing is Linda let me know to remove my address from my resume. She said in today's day and age so much is on the internet it's better for safety to remove it or only list your city/state.

She also told me about www.andrewhudsonsjobslist.com, let me tell you, this site has some great jobs listed and it has worked better for me than some other job sites that seem to have a lot of junk jobs listed with the great jobs. It has been a wonderful resource, I would check it out if you are looking for a job.

She also brought up using www.linkedin.com for networking. I have a LinkedIn account and have for years but I was not using it to its' full potential at all.
You are able to follow companies and get updates when they list new jobs or post a new article, you can search for great jobs, you are able to join groups in your area or your field which is a great way to network and get yourself noticed. So if you don't have a LinkedIn account I highly suggest getting one and if you do make sure your profile is up to date and you are joining groups.

For interviews she hit the nail on the head by saying most interviewers are going to ask you to tell them something about yourself and Linda suggested having the top things you would want them to know about you, and not your skills- they know your skills, they have your resume but about YOU.

And of course I had my BIG question that I have gotten so many different answers to is, "Do I put down homemaker/daycare provider on my resume?"
Linda says YES!
Any parent who stays home knows it's hard work and you have amazing skills working in the home. She suggested using www.onetonline.org for ideas on how to list your skills on your resume.

My last piece of advice and what I walked away with is NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK! The average job gets 250-300 applicants, your resume is much more likely to be viewed if you know someone who can pass your resume along and recommend you to the hiring manager.

Well, I am excited about this journey and I really feel like I have much better tools to find a great position for me. I'll keep you updated on how it goes and the interviews I get.


Friday, May 13, 2011

Rain, rain go away

It finally did! It has been raining for two days and snowed down by my dad's house! So when I woke up this morning to the sun shining in I was extremely happy.
Just a little sunshine puts me in the best mood

Get me a job

I saw that title on www.momslikeme.com and jumped on it. I didn't know much to start, just that 9News was working on a segment about those of us looking for a career. I know a lot of moms that are in my position and feel like they are stuck and confused on how to really showcase their strengths.
I have been applying for jobs for a few months now and the only responses I have received so far have been rejection letters. I'm upbeat, work great with people, have sales experience....why can't I land an interview??
One of my biggest questions has always been if I should list my homemaker job on my resume. When you really look at it I have learned a lot in my job as mom.
My time management skills are superb, I manage a rather tight monthly budget, do all the cleaning, laundry, cooking, etc and I don't think I have earned any sick days over the last 3 years. But how do I showcase this on a resume to employers?

I also know I am facing challenges, nothing new, life is full of them but I have a really good feeling that I'm taking a step in the right direction.

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

J-O-B

There has never been a question that after having my boys I would return to the workforce. The only question was when and that when is hopefully now.
Mothers all over the US are guilted- we are guilted if we want to stay home, guilted if we want to go to work, just guilted. I think it might be in the mom job description.
Zach and I decided way back in 2008 that I would stay home with Jameson for the first year, then we decided to have little Mr. Dominic so we decided I'd stay home with him for about the first year too. I have never doubted that I would return to work, I enjoy going to work. I like getting up, having my coffee, getting ready for the day, and heading out.

So I am starting my journey you could call it. Finding a job, finding a career and a company I would fit well with is a journey.
I'm really excited about it. I love my kids and have really cherished the time I have been able to be home with them but I am so really excited about finding a job I love and all the perks that come with it.

Monday, May 9, 2011

Oh Jameson

My baby boy turned 3 this week! I can clearly remember when I found out I was pregnant with him, when I found he was a he, and when he was born.....I can not believe he is already 3!

Jameson looks just like his daddy, he's always been very expressive, and he is so smart. As a baby you could just look at him and his whole face would light up with the biggest toothless grin you have ever seen.
Now as a toddler he is still very expressive- he is normally always smiling, saying "I love you" and asking you to say "thank you" so he can tell you "you're welcome"
And when he is mad, trust me you will know that too!

I've said before that you think you will remember ever sweet moment, every cute thing your son or daughter does or say, but you don't. Memories fade. So to help me remember I want to list out all the sweet things about my baby boy....ok, so I'm sure I'll forget to list some but I can do more posts :0)

  • He loves to watch Dora and Astro Boy, he will lay on the floor with his face in hands with his little feet kicking back and forth. It looks so cute!
  • He still loves to get into bed with mom. Then of course he takes up most of the bed.
  • Briana got him a glove and baseball for his birthday and he is a pretty good catch and has a great throwing arm.
  • He adores playing with "the boys"
  • He could play Dance Central on kinect for hours and is pretty darn good.
  • He thinks trains are awesome and loves to play with them or point them out as we are driving.
  • He can count to 20 but doesn't seem too concerned to learn his ABC's
  • He is pretty anal about getting his clothes dirty or wet, and wants to change as soon as they are dirty.
  • He has always had an obsession with shoes.

Of course there is so much more, but as my baby turns 3 I want to remember as much as I can and cherish this age with him, because trust me, it will be over before you know it.