Recognizing the Benefits of E-Learning in the Workplace

Just what is e-learning? E-learning is an alternative to traditional learning in that it is the transferring of knowledge and skills via electronic-based teaching rather than face-to-face instructor-led teaching. In other words, transferring skills and knowledge via the computer internet, intranet, video, CD ROM, or other modern technology at one’s convenience anywhere. E-learning is also called distance learning, web-based training, online learning, and technology-based training. E-learning is a trendy and effective method in which to implement workplace learning.  I should point out that Asynchronous e-learning allows individuals to independently learn at their own pace. And Synchronous e-learning is led by an instructor via the internet. 

 

E-learning is a cost-effective way in which employers can deliver effective training to their employees and enhance professional development. Understandably, employers have to make budget cuts in some areas due to the economic recession.  However, E-learning is affordable and it’s necessary that employees receive effective training to enhance job performance and personal development. Therefore, managers should maintain budget allowances for e-learning programs.  Keep in mind that accomplishing valuable skills and knowledge in which one can add to their skill set will ultimately benefit the company overall.  

 

Some benefits of workplace e-learning are:

• Convenient for the employers and employees
• Flexibility- training can be scheduled around employees’ work schedule
• Allows employees to remain within the company in a designated area free from distraction to learn valuable knowledge and skills
• Because training is done on company premises, employees can be easily located if needed to address important job issues
• Keeps employees from being away from the office for extended periods
• Competitive advantage in using web-based teaching/training
• Individuals will experience self-pace hands-on learning
• Increased productivity
• Improves basic computer skills and internet navigation
• Employees will be able to apply learning to current job
• Self-pace learning allows individuals to grasp and retain information better
• Builds self-confidence in the learners
• Improves employee retention and job satisfaction rate
• No need to hire an instructor to teach classes
• In the absence of an instructor, employees are able to use online support, such as: chat rooms, bulletin boards, chat rooms, live messaging support, and forums.
• Company can eliminate costly overhead expenses for traditional learning programs

A drawback of e-learning is that- this isolated method of learning may not be ideal for everyone.  Individuals that are less aggressive than others may not ask for clarity when in doubt about certain content; and/or may find it difficult to navigate around the program because they lack good computer skills.  Another drawback is that e-learning may be difficult to evaluate. And yet another disadvantage is employees who are not quite computer savvy may lack motivation and confidence for e-learning and would instead prefer face-to-face instructor-led teaching. These drawbacks, if not dealt with appropriately, could interfere with increased learning ability and would ultimately decrease accurate productivity in the workplace.
 

Got Employment Gaps? How to Explain Gaps in Your Work History to Potential Employers

Job seekers, keep in mind that if you have gap(s) in your work history, you will need to be able to explain them to a potential employer at some point during the interview process.  Perhaps you are concerned that an employment recruiter will view this as a negative.  Not to worry! If you can provide reasonable explanations as to why you were not working for an extended period(s) of time, as displayed in your resume…you can come out a winner.  Employers just need to know that you are a reliable candidate for the position that you are applying for. Understand that lengthy gaps in your employment history can be reflected as a red flag and is certainly questionable by a recruiter and hiring manager. That’s why…in most cases it’s easier to get hired if you are currently working. Also, employers are more comfortable with hiring candidates who have a steady job history.  Nevertheless, just go to your interview prepared to truthfully explain your situation, whether it was by choice or circumstances beyond your control. 

 In the meantime, you can format your resume so that it detracts from gaps in your work history. For example, instead of listing month/year for the job(s) you’ve worked, just list the year you started-followed by the year your employment ended, e.g. (2000-2001) with the company. You can also use your cover letter to explain any extensive gaps in your work history.  This way, the employer will have advanced knowledge as to why you were unemployed repeatedly or extensively. Depending upon the inconsistencies in your work history, explaining your situation in your cover letter may also prevent an employer from discarding your resume all together.  You will also need to showcase your skills and prior career experience in your resume as to make a positive impression upon the readers.  The functional resume works best when highlighting your talents and experience rather than a chronological style.









Keep in mind that some voluntarily and involuntarily reasons for employment gaps are common.  Listed are possible reasons for inconsistencies in employment that are usually tolerable by employers.  If you can justify employment gaps in your resume to potential employers, you can go to your interview with poise and confidence!

Volunteered

If you did volunteer work in your field or related discipline while you were unemployed, you can certainly list this in your resume. Perhaps you acquired some valuable work experience as you volunteered your services.

Internship

If you did an internship while in college or after you graduated from school, this counts as valid unpaid/ or low pay work period and you should list this in your resume.  Functionally format your resume to display your education and internship towards the beginning of your resume if you are a recent college graduate.

Full-time student

If you were unemployed while furthering your education, this will look impressive on your resume, especially if you graduated and received your diploma in a certain discipline.  Some employers search for fresh college graduates to hire.

Career Sabbatical

Maybe you took time off from your career due to personal reasons and you don’t know how to list this on your resume.  We’ll you wouldn’t list this on your resume but can give an account for this time by explaining that you needed time off for personal reasons (no need to give too much detail) but you are now ready to move forward with your career. Hiring managers may be sympathetic to your reasons and be willing to give you a chance.

Full-time parent

If you took time off from the workforce temporarily to raise and nurture children you will more than likely have the sympathy of the hiring manager.  Most employers understand and are sympathetic to former stay-at-home parents (female or male) who are trying to get back into the workforce.

Career Transition

Perhaps you took time off from the workforce to change your career.  Whether you were enrolled in school part-time or full-time…you will need to explain this to the hiring manager.  Actually, this wise decision demonstrates ambition and success on your part and can be deemed quite impressive to a hiring manager.

Working on a temporary basis

Perhaps you are currently unemployed due to involuntarily reasons and you are signed up with a temp agency hoping to get back into the workforce on a permanent basis.  Or maybe you chose to work temporary for one reason or another but are now actively looking for a permanent job.  You can list the agency that you work for, along with any newly acquired skills in your resume.

Illness

If you were off from work temporarily due to illness or if you were caring for a sick love one, you will need to explain this, without giving too much detail if you’re not comfortable, to the recruiter or hiring manager.

Laid off from work/ actively looking for work

And finally, in today’s economy, many individuals have been laid off from their jobs due to company downsizing, mergers, or because the company folded.  Just explain your situation to the hiring manager, but add that you are actively and aggressively looking for work on a daily basis. Your main goal is to try to direct her/his attention to your transferable skills, education, and experience during the interview.

Tips:
If possible, you should bring any supporting documents- listing dates and reasons for extensive unemployment gaps with you to your interview.  Such as medical or other mishaps that warrant explanation.

Warnings:
Were you away from the work force due to imprisonment or house arrest? If you have ever been convicted of a crime or other misdemeanor, you should explain your situation to the recruiter and hiring manager at some point during your interview. This information will eventually surface once they proceed with a background check on you anyway. Depending upon the nature of the offense, some employers may be reluctant to hire you. But don’t give up…continue on with your job search and you will find suitable work if you believe in yourself.

Phone Interviewing Tips: How to Prepare for an Effective Phone Interview

A phone interview allows an individual the opportunity to showcase his/her skills and talents to an employer before a face-to-face interview.

 

In one sense a phone interview is basically an initial screening done by an organization’s employment recruiter or a hiring manager as to rule out applicants who don’t meet specific job requirements. Actually, there are two parts to a phone interview process. The first call is usually done before an actual scheduled phone interview and the face-to-face interview to determine if the prospective candidate meets the requirements for the job the company is seeking to fill.  If the recruiter determines that the prospect meets the criteria she can then proceed to the second phase to schedule a date for an actual phone interview with the candidate. She will give the selected candidate dates and times she is available for the interview, and the individual should select the time that is most convenient for them. Keep in mind that your phone interview is just as important as your face-to-face interview. Therefore, it’s imperative that you make a good first impression during your phone interview so that you can be offered a face-to-face interview. A phone interview allows an individual the opportunity to showcase their skills and talents to a company before a face-to-face interview. Here are tips that could help make your phone interview a success.


1.      First and foremost, you should learn as much as you can about the company and the position you are interested in before your interview and as soon as you know the company is interested in you.  You can obtain this information by visiting the company’s website online or you can call the company directly. The interviewer will be quite impressed with your knowledge of the company and your familiarity of the job duties and responsibilities.

2.       On the day of your second-scheduled phone interview, make sure that you have a copy of a current resume, a notepad, operable writing tool, calendar, good references, and a working phone.  It’s fine to use your cell phone, just make sure that you charge it up before your interview. And by all means, be on time! In fact, it’s best that you are near the phone that your call will come through before time. For example, if your interview is scheduled for 11:00 am, you should be prepared to receive your call at 10:45 am.  This is to ensure that you are available at 11:00 with all necessary documents and tools. Caution: avoid using the phone speaker as to avoid annoying background noises and bad reception.

3.       Prepare questions that you would like to ask the interviewer about the company, the position, benefits etc. at the appropriate time during the interview.  You should also make a list of your strengths and weaknesses and be prepared to communicate them to the interviewer when asked.

4.       Choose an area that is free from noise and distractions.  Don’t choose an area where you could possibly be interrupted!

5.       Do not chew gum or eat during your interview.  This is very unprofessional and rude. Water is okay or other non-alcoholic beverage…you may need it, should your mouth become dry from talking.

6.       Listen carefully as the caller speaks and answer all questions truthfully and professionally. Keep in mind that you may be asked the same questions as that in a face-to-face interview. Nonetheless, your ultimate goal should be to win a face-to-face interview and eventually get the job.

7.       Feel free to refer to your resume when asked questions about your background, skills, work history, etc.

8.       Keep your answers brief and on point -yet expressing your sincere interest in the position.

9.       Never interrupt the interviewer. At some point the interviewer, will ask you if you have any questions and this is where you would respond by asking the questions that you have prepared.

10.   Remember to take notes during your interview…you will more than likely have to refer back to them, especially if are offered a face-to-face interview.

11.   Wrapping it up: At the completion of your interview, the interviewer will explain the next steps, such as scheduling a face-to-face interview, furnish references, required testing (some test can be done online), etc. Be sure to follow through.  And in some cases the interviewer may express that she will get back to you.  This may come in the form of a letter, email, or a phone call. 

12.   When you are sure that the interview is done, be sure to thank the interviewer for the opportunity before you hang up. You may also want to follow with a thank you letter.

Much success!
 

Now's the Time to Sharpen Your Skill-Set!

Now's the time to sharpen your skill-set if you want to remain valuable in this competitive job market.

 

If you are actively looking for new job opportunities or even if you are currently employed, now is the time to sharpen your skill-set.  With constant changes in trends and technology and being in the midst of an economic downturn, you want to make sure that you stay current with the era and too keep your skills polished. Bear in mind that your skills enlighten employers of your job capabilities, and this includes your hard skills as well as your soft skills. Now if you possess several skills, you would categorize them as your skill-set when listing them in your resume. Listing valuable skills in your resume will no doubt grasp the attention of employers seeking to fill specific job vacancies. In today’s competitive job market, it’s advantageous to enhance your skills in that it will increase your chances for new job opportunities, promotions, raises, and job security in the workplace.  Don’t become unemployable…recession proof your career. Don’t delay…sharpen your skills today!

Attend educational seminars

• Attend educational seminars where you will be taught the most up-to-date technological advancements relating to your chosen field.  Bear in mind that you may have to pay a fee to register for these seminars…nevertheless it would be most beneficial to attend. In some cases, if you are affiliated with certain professional groups or other recognized organizations-you might be able to register at a discount rate. Also, some employers will pay the cost for their employees to attend seminars that will enhance current job skills. 

Further your education

• You can enhance your skills by furthering your education. Start now by taking pertinent classes in your field at a community college, university, or other educational institution. Or you may choose to take classes at a traditional institution while taking classes online if you want to pursue a degree and have limited time to do so.

Take online courses

• Perhaps you don’t have time to attend a traditional school due to the complexity of your schedule, but you shouldn’t let that stop you from furthering your education.  Aforementioned, you can attend classes online (even obtain your degree) at your convenience. Just make sure that the online school you choose to attend is accredited.

Change your career

• If you find that your current career is no longer in demand, you will need to make a career transition.  You should choose a career that you are passionate about and one that is in demand. For example, careers in the medical field, information technology, and business are in demand.

Attend career workshops

• As technology and market needs change so should your skills.  By attending career workshops you will learn which careers are most valuable and pay higher wages.  You will also learn how to sharpen your current job skills and increase your marketability in the workforce.

Join professional social sites

• You can enhance your skills and job knowledge by communicating with other professionals via the internet through social networking sites such as linked In, Facebook, and Yahoo. These are excellent sites in which to meet other professional career-minded individuals.

Network with other professionals who share your career interest

• Keep your business cards handy when attending career events where you can network with other individuals who share the same career interest as you.  You can exchange information on how to improve your current job skills and even how to make a career change.  

 

How to Effectively Prepare for a Job Fair- 10 Tips!

Job seekers, it’s imperative that you prepare for a job fair effectively.  Keep in mind that preparation is key to a successful job fair experience. Strategic planning will make it well worth attending the job fair(s) of your interest.  Job fairs are perfect opportunities in which you can meet with potential employers who are seeking to hire within their organizations. This is your moment to showcase your talents and skills to multiple employers that interest you.  Make it your business to create a good first impression! Remember that you will be competing against thousands of other applicants who are looking for job opportunities too…so you should be ready to demonstrate good interpersonal skills when approaching representatives for the companies you are targeting. Your resume should be up-to-date and professional looking.  You should only wear business attire, regardless of your career background…and you should be well groomed from head to toe. This could be the beginning of a promising career opportunity if you plan strategically.  These tips are sure to make your experience a success!

 

1). Which employers will be participating? ~ First, when you learn that a job fair will be in your area, you should find out which employers will be participating to determine whether or not it would be worth it to attend.  For example, if you are seeking a nursing job and the employers that will be participating is seeking to hire in Information technology, engineering, and construction-this particular job fair may not be beneficial for you to attend.  But on the other hand, if you learn that recruiters from various health care organizations will be participating, then of course, you should attend.
2). Pre-register online ~ After you make the decision to attend a job fair, you should pre-register online, if possible.  The sponsor’s site should direct you to create your profile and submit your resume online before the job fair.  This will give interested employers the option to review your resume beforehand.  If an employer is interested in your credentials, they just might call you …even before the event.
3). Dress for success ~ You should dress to impress employers.  In fact, you should dress as if you were going to an actual job interview.  Never wear gym shoes, flip-flops, jeans, or shorts to a job fair.  You should only wear professional business attire as to make a good first impression. You should also cover any visible body tattoos and abstain from wearing fashion body piercing. This could be a major distraction and is deemed unprofessional by many employers.
4). Bring plenty of resumes ~ Be sure to bring plenty of up-to-date resumes and current business cards. Make sure your material is neat and professional looking. In fact, you should have a career expert look over your resume in advance.
5). Arrive early ~ You should plan to arrive early enough to find a good parking spot if you are driving.  And if you are taking public transportation make sure you leave in enough time to arrive early as well. Because you may have to wait your turn to talk with employers, this will enable you ample time to hopefully meet with those employers you are most interested in pursuing a career with.
6). Target employers who interest you first ~ Once you arrive at the fair, you should seek out those employers that you are most interested in first.  This is important in that you don’t want to spend valuable time with employers that don’t interest you.  You should be given a diagram of all participating employers and their locations when you sign in. Use the map to locate your targeted employers quickly. Should you find a line of other job seekers at a job booth you planned to visit, simply go to another employer you’re interested in- then go back to the other later and so on...  You will eventually work your way around to meet all your targeted employers.  In the event you are not able to meet with everyone, simply leave your resume with the company representative (should be an in-box on the table for resumes) and take a company brochure (company will place some on table).  You can always follow up with the company later on.
7). Network with employers ~ As you meet recruiters from various companies, you should express your sincere interest in pursuing a long-term career with their organizations.  Learn what you can about the company and any job openings that interest you while meeting with employer representatives.
8). Network with other job seekers ~ Make it a point to network with other job seekers that you meet at the job fair.  You should exchange business cards and stay in touch with individuals who share the same career interest as you and even those who have dissimilar careers.  Someone may be able to help you get your foot into the door of a reputable organization and vice versa.
9). Prepare a synopsis about yourself ~ When you approach an employer’s station, be sure to greet the representative of that company with a firm handshake and a smile while making direct eye-contact with them.  You should be able to give a brief summary about yourself, your background and your skills within a short timeframe. You will also need to tell the recruiter which position you are seeking. Therefore make sure you brush up on your presentations skills beforehand. This is the perfect opportunity to present your resume as well. So be prepared to truthfully answer any questions the recruiter may ask you.
10). Send thank you cards or emails ~ And finally, you should send thank you cards or email those employers who took the time to speak with you concerning employment opportunities within their companies. You might also want to express your continued interest in working for the organization in your card or e-mail as well.

More Tips:
*Be sure to put your cell phone(s) on vibrate during the job fair
*Be sure to follow up with employers that interest you 

Job Searching Tips: Things You Should Consider Before Accepting a Job Offer

Are you currently looking for a job? Before you accept a job offer from any company you should do a thorough investigation on the company beforehand to determine whether or not this is the right job and industry for you. Keep in mind that not every company or the job itself is suited for you. Understandably, if you are unemployed you probably won’t hesitate to accept the first job offer that comes your way. Quite often the unemployed will accept a job out of desperation only to discover shortly thereafter that this was not the ideal job for him/her. And for those individuals who are currently employed, you will most definitely need to be sure that the job offer you accept is better than the job you currently have.  How devastating it would be to leave a suitable job for an unsuitable one. So if you are fairly satisfied with your current job, stay put until you find a better job. And if you are unemployed, you should wait for the right job opportunity.  Just as employers perform background checks on potential job candidates- job seekers should likewise research a company to learn if it would be a good match for them.  Thus, it would be wise to find out as much as you can about the company and the job before you accept an offer.

 

The Company

You can find any information in relation to a company by checking its history.  You can do a business background check to find out when and how it came into existence and the nature of the business, if you’re in question.  Find out what type of products and services the company provides. You can generally find this information by going to the company’s website online.  Also…have you read the company’s mission statement? Would you support it? Study the company’s mission statement to determine if you are willing to help the company attain its goals and objectives. What about the company culture?  You should visit the company in person to see if you would fit in by observing the employees, the environment, and the tangible artifacts. This might help you determine whether or not you would work for the company. You should also find out what the employee retention rate is in the company. Is the company known for retaining most of its employees or does it have a reputation for high employee turnover due to poor management, low salaries, lousy benefits, or poor customer service?  This is important in that if a company has a continuous high turnover rate- this obviously means that the majority of the workers are dissatisfied with the company.  Also, if the customers are not satisfied with the company...this could mean that the company is headed for a fall.  A company simply cannot continue to survive without the support of loyal customers. If the company folds, this would mean that you would be out of a job. Another thing to consider before accepting a job offer is the location of the company.  How far is the company from your residence?  How long will you have to travel to get to work?  Do you have reliable transportation?  Will you have to take public transportation?  These are questions you will need to ask yourself before accepting a job offer.  And yet another determining factor in accepting a job offer with an organization is its growth opportunities within the company. Does the company promote from within? If you are ambitious and hoping to advance in the company, you will need to find out if the company promotes opportunities for advancement for its employees, beforehand.  Is the company an equal opportunity employer? Will you be afforded the same opportunities as your co-workers? You will need to find this out in advance. Moreover, does the company offer an attractive benefits package? These are all important questions pertaining to the company that you need to know before accepting a job opportunity.

The Job

So, what about the job itself!  Do you know what the job duties and responsibilities entail?  Are you capable of performing the job duties and responsibilities required for this job? If you were truthful when asked theses questions during your interview, you would be successful in your new job.  However, if you were not truthful about you credentials and your job skills- you may not make it past your probationary period if hired. Not every company has skill assessments in place to test the job applicant’s abilities. Therefore, you should never apply to or accept a job offer- knowing that you don’t have the necessary skills or job knowledge to perform that particular job effectively and efficiently. What about the job hours?  Will you have to work first shift, second shift, or third shift? Does this position require that you work weekends and holidays? Does the job require that you work occasional overtime? Does the company offer flex hours or job sharing options?  Are you entitled to yearly raises, bonuses, or commission?  Will you be paid hourly or a salary?  Is the pay competitive with other organizations?  In other words, are you satisfied with the salary the company is willing to pay you for this specific job? These are questions that you can ask at some point during your interview. Don’t leave your interview without asking the interviewee everything you need to know about the job.

 Concluding, one might not initially consider researching a company or to scrutinize the job duties and responsibilities before accepting a new job.  However, keep in mind that when you accept a job offer you are making a commitment to effectively carry out specific job assignments and the company will be depending upon you to meet performance expectations.  Therefore you want to make sure that the job you choose is right for you.
 

10 Signs That Your Job Could Be in Jeopardy

If you suspect that your job may be in jeopardy, don’t wait to get the axe. But instead, you should make provisions to seek suitable work with another company before you are asked to leave.

 

It’s not unusual to feel uneasy about your job security nowadays- given that so many companies are laying off its workers as a result of an economic downturn. If you suspect that your job may be in jeopardy, don’t wait to get the axe.  But instead, you should seize the opportunity to acquire suitable employment with a different company before you are asked to leave.  Understand that it’s easier to find a job if you are currently employed than it is if you are unemployed.  You should also keep in mind that your manager might not necessarily forewarn you that your job is in jeopardy but you should be able detect the warning signs. You don’t have to live in fear but you should have a plan in place should you feel that your job is danger. Listed are ten pointers that divulge how you could be in danger of losing your job at any time.   

 

1. If you are suddenly excluded from department meetings- if you are suddenly excluded from meetings that you would normally attend, you have reason to be concerned about the future of your employment with the company.  Your manager might feel that your attendance is no longer necessary because your job is on the chopping block. Are you the only employee who is no longer included in the department meetings? You will need to find out from your manager why you were not notified of changes to your regular routine.  If she/he cannot give you a reasonable explanation...you should begin a new job search immediately.

 

2. If some of your duties are being redistributed to your co-workers- if some of your normal workload is being redistributed to your co-workers then you will find that your workload and your day will become increasingly slow.  How will your co-workers feel…that you have free time?  How will you feel…being idle while others are working? Your manager may have already determined that your function is no longer needed and your position will be eventually phased out.

3. If you have several write-ups- no doubt you are aware of the reasons for your write-ups.  Write-ups could signify that you have not performed up to management expectations, insubordination, constant tardiness, or absenteeism. Bear in mind that when companies plan staff reduction individuals with multiple write-ups are usually the first to go.

4. If you constantly receive poor evaluations- poor evaluation ratings is a sure indication that your job performance does not meet employer expectations.  And if you are not performing as expected you could definitely be in danger of losing your job.

5. If your hours have been drastically cut- you should keep your eyes open for other suitable job opportunities elsewhere if your manager has drastically cut your normal work hours. This might be a sign that your job will eventually be phased out.


6. If you are training someone for your current position- if your manager asks that you train another employee for your job but do not give you the opportunity to learn another’s job…you have reason to be concern about your job security.  Unless you are cross training with other workers, you could be in danger of losing your job at anytime. Obviously your manager has already selected a replacement for you.

7. If your position is obsolete- advanced technology is one reason for loss of jobs in the workplace. More positions have been eliminated than created due to high tech computers and robots.  Technology has and will cause many obsolete jobs to be eliminated. If the system you are using to execute your job duties and responsibilities is outdated, you can believe that your job is in jeopardy.

8. If the company is downsizing its workforce- there is no guarantee that your job will remain should your manger decide otherwise. Keep in mind that no one is indispensable in the workplace.  When companies cut back…even the most valuable employees could be in danger of losing their jobs.

9. If your manager suddenly request that you document and report your task daily- this could mean that your manager is keeping tabs on you. When your manager suddenly monitors your performance daily…this is a red flag. Perhaps your manager is scrutinizing your work because he/she is trying to determine how to reassign your work to more competent individual(s). 

10. If your manager dislikes you- she/he may give you unrealistic goals that you are not capable of attaining. He/she knows that this will be the ultimate decision to terminate your employment.  If your manger dislikes you, he/she can make it very difficult for you no matter how competent you are.  If you find yourself in this situation, it’s best that you seek employment elsewhere.


Tips:

• Use your vacation days, personal days, and floating holidays to interview for new job opportunities.
• Don’t let your co-workers or your manager know that you are looking for a new job
• Give your employer a two week notice in writing before leaving the company
• Try to leave on good terms
• Don’t quit your job until you find a better one
• If you feel that you are a victim of discrimination of any sort, contact your Human Resources department/or seek external legal counsel