Career Tips Guides

When you have free time, do you find yourself reading up on your industry? Do you brainstorm ideas on how to improve your company’s product, service, or customer experience on the weekends? When you wake up Monday morning, are you excited to start your day?

For the vast majority of people the answer is no, because they work for someone else, and they don’t love their job!

As a purely unscientific study based on my personal experience interacting with hundreds of people at dozens of companies, I would estimate that about five to ten percent of people at any given company truly love their job. Keep in mind, most people will never admit to you (or even themselves) that they aren’t passionate about their work. They could be in denial about it, be completely unaware that something better exists, or have convinced themselves that where they are is perfect because admitting otherwise would mean they’d have to change! But if you get to know someone well enough, this embarrassing truth very often will come out.

Sometimes, I will just ask people over dinner or drinks, “Do you love your job?” If it’s someone I feel that I know well, the answer is often an honest “no”.

Of course, keep in mind that I didn’t say ninety percent of people hate their job. I did say that ninety percent (or more) of people aren’t passionate about their job.

You can test this theory for yourself next time you are at any type of social event. As you are standing there meeting new people and desperately trying to make small talk, two inevitable questions will come up: Where are you from? And what do you do?

Whenever I find myself in this situation, the second question in particular always intrigues me, and I tend to look closely at how someone answers it. As with all communication, the non verbal (voice tone, pitch, variety, speed, and most importantly body language) says so much more than the actual words coming out of their mouth.

Some people can’t wait to bubble away about their exciting projects and are truly inspiring in their commitment and passion. But the majority of people, when asked this question, have their eyes dart to the ground for just an instant. They recite the line they have used so many times before with just a hint of shame, saying something like “I do sales at a large medical distribution company”. As you listen (wondering to yourself, what the heck do I know about medical sales and what the heck will my next small talk question be), they watch your face to see what your reaction will be. Will you be impressed? After all, they did say “large” distribution company. Or will you see through their social mask and discount them as another boring person you met at the party.

Ask them how they like it and you may hear some words like “It’s not too bad”, “It’d be better if…”, “But it has great benefits”, and “Next year it might…”. If you ask enough people this question, you will start to be able to spot them from across the room. Without even asking, I can usually spot the people in the room who love their work. They are having the most fun!

You too can discover a job you love. For most, it won’t be a magical discovery that suddenly hits you. It’s an ongoing process in life of noticing when you are having the most fun, and starting to incorporate those experiences into your work. Of course, this is much easier to do if you are self employed!

When you are ready to get started, there are a number of fine books on the subject, but if nothing else I hope I’ve convinced you that your work and play can in fact be one and the same. Stop thinking of your job as “what I have to do”, and start thinking of it as “what I want to do”. You just might wake up one Monday morning absolutely excited to go to work, and discover that somehow, against all odds, you love your job!

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So you want to further your career and go for a manager job or something of the same level. That’s great - ambition is always good.

First, make sure your job resume is in good order. You can hire a professional resume writer if you want a great presentation or study some online resume writing tips if you want to have full control over your CV.

Once your resume is out there, the next thing you should do is prepare for possible interviews. Here’s where a little career planning is in order and so here we present not just a few but TWELVE job tips you should know before you face your interviewer for that manager job.

Job Interview Tip #1 - Know the Company.
It is good business etiquette to know as much as you can about the organization to which you’re applying. If you are quizzed about the company’s history it’s paramount you know something about them to prove you’re serious about work for them. Your manager job description will be tough to live up to if you know nothing about the people with which you want to work.

Job Interview Tip #2 - Prepare for Questions.
Our second interview tip is crucial. Be prepared to answer questions about the company and about yourself. There’s nothing more awkward than being stumped, flustered, and speechless. Avoid saying “Uhh” or “Ahhh” too much. Answer confidently by being knowledgeable about yourself, your goals, your skills, your achievements and what you can bring to the table.

Job Interview Tip #3 - Prepare Your own Questions.
Employers are impressed if you ask good, intelligent questions. Ask about work processes, quality control, common challenges within the company, and others. Demonstrate that you really want to understand the nature of your work so that you can function better in the organization.

Job Interview Tip #4 - Look Good.
You must be well groomed when showing up for an interview. Get a haircut if you need one; buy a new suit if your old one looks too tatty. Take a bath (heaven forbid you don’t!) and iron your clothes. If you’re a woman, wear moderate make-up, make sure your nails are manicured, and tone down the perfume. You don’t want to make the interviewer choke as he/she takes a whiff of your scent!

Job Interview Tip #5 - Be Punctual.
Tardiness is bad and will immediately put a damper on things. Leave early so you will get to the office early. Don’t waste your interviewer’s time by showing up late. If you really want that manager job, you must demonstrate responsibility and be determined to keep appointments.

Job Interview Tip #6 - Shake Hands Firmly.
A good handshake shows you are confident and willing to engage. Always make eye contact when shaking hands; this coordination can accomplish much in establishing positive vibes.

Job Interview Tip #7 - Don’t Overdo It.
Avoid unnecessary body movement; don’t fidget. Keep still and punctuate your points with limited hand gestures. Don’t ever point your fingers, especially at the person talking to you.

Job Interview Tip #8 - RELAX!
Many people panic at interviews and start biting their nails, toying endlessly with their wedding ring, drumming their fingers, or jiggling their legs. Stay calm, breathe deeply, and think of happy memories. Don’t worry yourself sick about something that can be dealt with positively if you just take time to relax.

Job Interview Tip #9 - Listen Closely.
Pay attention to what is being said. Maintain eye contact, especially when it’s obvious your interviewer is making an important point. Focus on the discussion at hand and keep your ears peeled for important details. If you mishear a word, don’t be afraid to clarify rather than pretend you understood what was said.

Job Interview Tip #10 - Communicate Clearly.
Speak clearly and choose your words carefully. You may want to make a humorous comment but what if it backfires? Also, don’t be obscure - use words and ideas that make sense and can be easily understood. Avoid being superfluous.

Job Interview Tip #11 - Don’t Ever Talk Negatively. About Your Current/Previous Employer.
This is very important - don’t be negative, especially when it comes to your previous employers or colleagues. It will only show that you have a tendency to bad-mouth other people and that’s not something to advertise when gunning for a manager job. Always be positive and enthusiastic.

Job Interview Tip #12 - SMILE!
Smiling is important so pay a tremendous amount of attention to your teeth. Make sure they’re immaculate and presentable. If you have discolored teeth (and most of us do), try a good tooth whitening product. There is a whole range of home tooth bleaching products to choose from that are effective and inexpensive; teeth trays are highly recommended.

You may not realize it but teeth bleaching is a powerful way to capture a person’s attention and admiration - and could very well lead to that manager job you so highly covet.

Ashley Truitt empowers men and women to increase their Wow Factor through personal development and
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The daily routine work of heavy equipment mechanics is not remarkably different from that of other mechanics. While there are a few jobs that are specialized, most of the day-to-day activities of a heavy equipment mechanic are common.

Heavy equipment mechanics spend most of their working time with their equipment itself. They handle and control various tools, objects, and mechanical or electrical controls pertaining to that particular machine. They get to touch, feel and operate the machine. They usually have to use their muscles to carry, push or lift various objects or spares. Arms, fingers, wrists, etc., too need to be used to perform tasks while repairing a machine. The job of an equipment mechanic is challenging as well as demanding. It demands a strong physique coupled with an inherent ability with machines.

A typical workday starts with a round in the heavy machine shop, or a site visit, to inspect newly installed heavy machinery. It also comprises of checking and evaluation of machines that have been in use for a long period, and their maintenance. If a heavy equipment mechanic notices problems with the machine, he gets down to solving it. So one must be prepared to get ones hands dirty, or work in awkward positions.

Here are some routine tasks performed by heavy equipment mechanics:
. Carry out routine maintenance checks to ensure that machines work well.
. Operate the equipment to locate any defect.
. Diagnose components that require repair with the help of hand-held devices, meters, and measuring equipment.
. Examine, and repair parts if required, by taking apart equipment.
. Move or lift large equipment or parts by using hoists.
. Carry out the cleaning and oiling of these machines.
. Use gas and electric welders to repair broken parts or frames.
. Once the equipment is repaired, to check for safety and proper operation.

Frequently, heavy equipment mechanics have to travel to project sites or factories at distant places. Sometimes they work outdoors all through the day and night. So they have to get used to various terrain or climatic conditions. These mechanics are also often exposed to hazardous materials or chemicals, and there are chances of mishaps occurring. Hence, they need to take proper precautions and follow the safety instructions of their superiors. Many mechanics specialize in the repairs and maintenance of a specific category, like diesel engines, transmission systems, electrical systems or brakes.

On the relationship front, as the nature of work involves work at sites or machine shops, the chances of social interactions or human contacts are low. Naturally, there are fewer chances to forge new relationships. They usually interact with others just to learn what they need to know to carry out their job; the rest of the time is spent alone at their work. As for the wages, while it may be relatively low when starting out, it becomes more lucrative with time. Also, heavy equipment mechanics must possess the ability to make fast and accurate judgments, which lead to fast decisions. This quality or capability can be developed with experience.

Unlike any other career option, things like unusual working conditions, physical fatigue, lonely working environments, and frequent travel are a part and parcel of a heavy equipment mechanics job. If you are lucky and get to work with a large manufacturer like Caterpillar, you may become a globetrotter. People who are passionate about heavy machinery, their operations and maintenance, and are happy working alone, will find a career as a heavy equipment mechanic interesting and satisfying.

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