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Making life better in disadvantaged communities - our thoughts on everything - from Spirit Lake Consulting, Inc.

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Willie
2007-03-29 00:41:35

Depdending upon where you live can determine what type of part-time work you can find. Try to use friends, family, business associates, and even former employers to help find you a job. The more agressive you appear to want a job the better your chances. Like others have said, use the local Job Service, busineses, internet, etc. as resources to help you in your job search.

As a student you can also apply for College Work Study. You can be paid minimum wagte to do a job (most a work around the college, for example, janitorial, library assistant, office assistant, cafeteria helper. You can apply at your local Financial Aid office.

Finally, you should develop a resume and update every 6 months or sooner, if you have had employment, participated on commitee's, volunteered, etc. This document can open more doors for employment to a business or persson immediately. Also, you may want to develop a Business Card that you could share with potential employers or give to someone as a resource/contact.

Good Luck, and remember no matter how hard studying and preparing for tests, having difficulties getting to classes, being frustrated for a poor grade on a test or assignment, etc., there is a light at the end of the tunnel. If your a persistent and determined you can and will be successful with college graduation and yes employment.

In conclusion, if you have a disability, check into Vocational Rehabilitation (your local telephone book should list this in the Government section or alphabetically, i.e,. Turtle Mountain Vocational Rehabiliation). 

Know that this information comes from a person who some 27 years ago had some of your personal experiences, and after 5 years of going to college and working part-time finally graduated. All along I did this with a physical disability. Today, I work part-time with 2 different businesses and enjoy the duties and tasks of both. I have finally come to the point in my life where the prior work experiences, committee and group volunteering, and overally lifestyle has allowed me to pick the types of jobs I WANT to do. This I feel you too can achieve, but remember smalls steps must first be taken, in order to achieve full walking potential.

jessica
2007-03-28 16:57:13

When I was going through getting my HS diploma, I did a lot of babysitting for the families on my street. This is good because not only do you not need a degree, but the word will most likely spread about your babysitting services to other families in the area.

Christin
2007-03-26 15:20:11

I am a part time student at the college for GED students. I've also been having a hard time keeping up with all my work and other things. How do I go about finding a job without having a diploma right away, I will continue to do school work but I was hoping to work a day job in between.

Kelly
2007-02-21 19:41:12

One thing you could try doing is send out emails to employers with expired listings to see if they have anything available. Maybe they could send you an email when they do or inform you of when they may be expecting an opening. Or you can contact employers that you have applied to before but had filled the position prior to see if that or another position is open again. Also talk to people on campus about what they are doing or if they know if there are any openings where they work or where their friends work. Try not to narrow your search too much. You may have to do something more labor intensive temporarily depending on how much you need the work rather than office work. Also if you are currently working at a less desirable job the employer of the job you want will know you are hireable rather than not working for a long period of time.

Kenji_
2007-01-31 17:49:09

Dear Daydreamers,

There are many messages and scenarios in the world that talk about “When you wish upon a star” or “I have a dream”.  Like a New Year’s resolution, unless you change your behavior and take action, your aspirations will not be fulfilled. Whether it’s sports, boyfriend / girlfriend, or a career, just wishing or dreaming will not make your desires come true. You must take action. Taking action for your career future will require just a little more work than making a New Year’s resolution. It will require your attention, commitment and effort.

Self-Assessment
Taking action for your future starts with making an honest self-assessment.  This includes your likes, dislikes, strengths, weaknesses and your current skill sets, including education.  Write it down.  Write down everything that comes into your head.

Set A Goal
The next step is to write down your goals, no matter what that may be. It’s okay to dream a little too.  It will give you a better perspective of where you want to go and provide a foundation for developing your plans.  It will give you a unique opportunity to visualize and think things out.  Then narrow the list to a single objective; having multiple goals is counterproductive.

Develop Your Plan
Now that you have a goal, develop your plan of action. Look at your goal.  See what elements are missing from your skills inventory to achieve your ambition.  The elements may be more “hands on experiences”, college and post-graduate degrees or skills, such as public speaking.  Whatever they may be, write them down.  I like to use those multi colored “Post-Its” for this phase. This should give you a pretty good visual building block to make your plan of attack.  Be sure to set timelines and deadlines for every phase of the plan.

Network, Network, Network
Don’t forget to network. Networking can be with strangers, casual acquaintances, teachers, friends, family, work associates or your boss.  Places like schools, churches, and job fairs are great places to network; any time you come in contact with people, network.  Write down the names and contact information of everyone you meet.  If you have a resume or business card, pass it out.  This is a great way to get noticed.  Networking is one of the best ways to find a job. It will provide the foundation for moving up in your career too.

Take Action
Now, execute your plan! Goals and plans are worthless without putting your plan into motion, the sooner the better.  Some actions are small and simple.  Some actions will require sizeable exertion of time and energy.  Periodically check and assess your progress. It may require some adjustments to your goal and plans. Don’t be afraid to fine-tune or modify.  By the way, if you’re failing to make milestones or miss deadlines, it may be time to go back a few steps, even to go back to the beginning.

Reward Yourself Along The Way
As you make the milestones and deadlines, give yourself something as simple as a pat on the back or an ice cream treat.  How about a vacation trip to Tahiti?  You can, if you’re successful.  Part of the planning should include incentives and rewards for attaining an objective.  Have fun along the way.

Take Charge
Keep your eyes and ears open for opportunities.  Write things down.  There are often easier or simpler ways of doing things that can save time and energy.  Be smart and learn from your mistakes and successes.  Don’t just wish or dream, take charge and reach for that golden ring.  Be prepared.  It’s never too soon and it’s never too late.

Kenji
2007-01-23 14:46:19

When you’re in school, occasionally you get this feeling of being stuck between schoolwork, friends and the need for money. The fact is that you are in school to get an education that will give you the tools for your future. Part of this education can and should be work experience. Whether it is flipping burgers to waiting tables to attending cash register to sweeping the floors, it is a job experience and is part of your educational and career development. Don’t get too picky and get hung up on the job description and pay. By the way, it is always easier to look for a job while being employed. Use the part time, low paying jobs as your short-term strategy as you develop your long-term strategy.

jessica
2007-01-15 14:56:14

When I was in grad school, I learned about small jobs from my professors.  You are in college - try talking to your professors or looking at the job board at your school to find work specifically for students.

Carol
2007-01-15 12:18:11

Have you tried Job Service?  Several years ago I was told by a staff person that they are required to show they have referred a certain percentage of handicapped individuals for job vacancies.

fred
2007-01-14 00:26:02

I noticed you didn't mention the newspaper. For local jobs you might find more in the paper. Or just going into places that have an ad up that says help wanted and applying. I know these are pretty obvious but you didn't mention them so I thought I would throw those out. Do you have a disability? Maybe voc rehab could help you.

Also, there is something called one-stop centers that are supposed to help people get jobs. I don't know what they are. I have just heard of them. Maybe someone else knows?

annmaria
2007-01-13 01:34:55

Most of the books on finding a job say that the majority of jobs are never advertised. I believe that. At Spirit Lake Consulting, we have never advertised a position and we have hired several people in the last couple of years. One person was highly recommended both by a friend of our president and by one of our clients. Two people were my daughters' friends (two different daughters), one person was my friend, etc.

It sounds funny, but most experts recommend telling everyone you know you are looking for a job. I have both recommended people that way and hired people that way, when someone says, "Oh, you know what, I know someone who is looking for a job who would be perfect for you .... " I mean, think about it, my daughters weren't in any position to hire anyone, but they told me about someone who worked out great. And, if you know the person making the recommendation and trust their judgement, you are much more likely to call that person than someone who answers an ad.

jen
2007-01-13 01:14:01

I'm a full time student looking for a part time job. Its been rather difficult, i've been to the job center at school, monster.com, and craigslist. I was wondering if their were other possible options i could try out.

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