How’s That Screenplay Coming Along?

At least one of you reading this, I will endeavor to say, is an unemployed writer working on the first thirty (if you’ve been really productive) pages of your future award winning screenplay. If you’re at home, across from you, on the desk, or dining room table (wherever your workspace is) is your cell phone bill… not paying itself.

You’ve maybe just barely paid off your rent for the month and it’s left you without much more than money for 79 cent tacos from one of those fast food establishments you’ve been relying on for survival.

You and I both know that reality has set in and it’s time to face the facts:

YOU NEED A JOB!

Not only do you need a job, but you need Employment Crossing to find you that job. After all, you’re a writer. You want to make that B.A. in Enlgish or Journalism proud. You’re passionate about the written word and you won’t compromise yourself working behind the counter of the local coffee shop.

“No, sir. You cannot get half-caf. And no, sir. You cannot get a scone with that.”

Listen to me. Jump onto Employment Crossing and find that job that allows you to use your talents, your skill set, and take one step toward that ultimate goal of being a professional writer.

Don’t waste time, my friend. Get started today. You’re phone bill is begging you.

Tags: Careers, crossing, Employment, Jobs, screenplays, writers, writing

Boom Chicka Wow Wow: My Craigslist Interview

My interview suit was getting dusty. Thinking about interviewing made me nearly catatonic. I HAD to get out there and actually meet people instead of just sending out resumes.

I’d been unemployed for 5 months, checking all the sites daily for something new to come up, when I found a job for an office manager on Craigslist.  Most of the job listings on Craigslist are written by people who clearly need my services as a writer.  The number of misspellings and grammatical errors is just frightening, really.  Sure, put some character into it, but don’t make yourself look like a dumb ass.  The job for office manager was well written and seemed to be slightly more professional in nature than “Personal assistant needed.  Please send photo.”  So, I sent my resume like hundreds of times before.  This one was different, though.  The ad was for an office manager position at an adult production company.  Since my last position was at an Orthodox synagogue, I had to say something about it in my cover letter, which I admit was snarkier than usual.  Cover letters, as you know, are your potential employers only window into your personality, so if you have one… you should show it.  After all that time looking for a job and getting zero responses, I admit that my cover letters started to deteriorate.  Even this one was not my best, but at least it stood out.  In two sentences I showed them that I’m smart and creative.  My 7th grade English teacher Miss Gilbert drummed into me:  Show don’t tell.  It really is true.

They called me! Actually, they emailed me, but who cares? I actually got a response to a resume! Then I got worried because they told me to come to a house up in the Hollywood Hills and not, say, a studio as I was expecting. I called around and found a friend who agreed to come with me and wait in the car. You know, in case it got weird. I figured in all likelihood the guys at the porn company just found it easier to shoot their movies in a real house rather than a studio made to look like a house. I give kudos to them for being successful enough to own a house up there.

I showed up EXACTLY on time and still had to wait. I did wonder as I was sitting in the living room if there had been any scenes shot in there but I didn’t wait very long so my daydream didn’t get too far. I was shown into an office just after a guy with tattoo sleeves and multiple face piercings left.

I was extremely overdressed for the occasion. My two interviewers were wearing clothes that did not scream out “This is a legitimate business!” But, I managed to sit in a dignified way on the edge of a chair in my suit and heels. They asked me if I knew what they did at their company 3 times during my 15-minute interview. Maybe wearing the pearls was too much? Had they seen me drive up in my beat up minivan? I laughed at their jokes and explained how I could keep them organized. I asked questions about how they did business and tried my best to look unfazed when they told me the job also included production assisting and a bit of wardrobe assisting. I think it went pretty well.

It’s two weeks later and they haven’t called me back. I’m glad I went to the interview, though. Every bit of experience putting yourself out there adds another piece of glitter to you for when you shine in front of the employer who eventually hires you.

Tags: adult production company, business, cover letter, Craigslist, interview, resume

Making It Through The 9 To 5

If you’re a full time employlee, chances are you already see something wrong with this title. Full time jobs aren’t 9 to 5, they’re 9 - 6:30 and beyond. There’s no telling somedays just how many hours you’ll have to put in to pull your weight at work. However, there are a few techniques you can use to make the hours more bearable.

1) Befriend Coworkers
If you have a strong and friendly rapport with your co-workers, then working, especially when working together, might not seem like working at all. A sense of friendship among your co-workers could lead to more laughs on the job, and perhaps more innovative and creative ideas.

2) Be Productive
Another way I could put this tab is “Don’t procrastinate.” I have found that procrastination is itself a major source of anxiety: leading to feelings of guilt, shame, and being overwhelmed. If, on the other hand, you can be productive on a day to day basis, chances are good that the stress level at your job will decrease. You’ll also build self-esteem and a good work ethic.

3) Make Your Job Work For You
Whatever your job is, or whatever company you work for, there are always ways to improve upon current standards. Make it your job to come up with those ideas. For one, developing strategies for improving productivity or profitability is an interesting and entertaining endeavor on itself. Also, this could lead to a raise, promotion, or some other wild dream you may have.

4) Check Your Twitter 5 Times A Day
I know it sounds counter to the “be productive” tab, however, if you allow yourself five mini internet breaks a day, all of which should go no longer than 5 minutes, you’ll increase your stamina and be able to wow your bosses with your new brand of super focused work.

Coffee is also always an option, but some people don’t react great to coffee. If you can’t take coffee, take a run in the early morning and then eat an apple.

The best way, however, of “making it through the day” is finding the right job for you, that you love.

Click here to get started on your journey!

How Did I Get Into This Mess: 4 Signs That You Need A New Job

People
- Your coworkers are always yapping about something or other and if you have to listen to it any longer, you’re going to crawl under your desk and sing the theme to “Beaches.”

Money

- Are you the guy that tries to sneak in three bags of Mickey D’s into the movies because you can’t afford to buy anything in the theater? Are you eating Mickey D’s on a regular basis?

Boss

- Your boss is a cheat. Your other boss is a liar. And your other boss is a thief. Yeah… you need a new job.

Unemployed

- You don’t have a job.

Try Employmentcrossing.com to find the best job out there, just for you.

Home Sweet Cubicle

Like many employees you’ll spend a great deal of time in your “home away from home”, also known as your office cubicle. If you’re like me staring at a gray wall for months or years on end can become boring. Make your cubicle a relaxing and pleasant corner of your work world instead of a drab space you can barely stand to be in. So what if you didn’t get that swank corner office with bay windows? You have three fabric walls and an imagination, go wild (sort of)!

It is very important that you understand your company’s standards before undertaking any redecorating. Check out your coworkers and managers spaces. Ask your supervisor if you’re unsure of any rules as to how you can decorate your cubicle. Once you’ve gotten the go ahead decide how you want to decorate your space. Perhaps you’ll want to hang personal photos, awards, paintings, a calendar or some other image. When I worked at an insurance agency I brought in Fine Art postcards I collected from European museums I visited and tacked them to my cubicle walls. During hectic afternoons I loved taking a few seconds out to glance at my postcards. I would caution you not to hang or post images of a lascivious, lewd or intimate nature.

Are those overhead fluorescent lights hurting your eyes? Perhaps you could find a desk lamp to make your day a little brighter. Larger retailers carry basic desk lamps in store and online. Check out Target if you’re looking for a cheap, colorful and funky choice. If you’re really adventurous go to a Salvation Army, Goodwill or other type of thrift/antique shop.

Some companies allow employees to listen to small radios, MP3 players or portable CD players. Check into your company’s policies. Burn some CD’s of your favorite band or turn that AM dial to your favorite radio pundit…

Do you have a green thumb? Bring in small plants to decorate your cubicle, make it your garden away from home. Bamboo and cacti are ideal office plants, both require only a limited amount of water and attention.

Finally, keeping your space somewhat tidy and clean will make your work day more orderly and relaxed. Try doing a few minutes of organizing before you leave every day. Yes its a drag after sitting in front of that computer for 8 hours, but you’ll be thankful tomorrow.

Tags: Cubicle, Decoration, Employment

There’s a Reason it’s a Cliche

Harrison Barnes wrote a blog this morning about the importance of holding on to our dreams.  In it, he spends a lot of time talking about the importance of positive thinking.  As I read it, I couldn’t help thinking it was a cliche.  But then I realized something - there’s a reason it’s a cliche.

The word cliche comes from a common practice in the printing industry in the days when printing presses had to be set by hand.  Some words and phrases were used so often that it made sense to fuse the letters together to form what was called a stereotype - a block of letters that could be set into the press without having to set each individual letter.  When the stereotype was dropped into the molten metal used to make a printing plate, it made a sound that sounded like “cliche” and the word was born.

The benefits of positive thinking are vast and hardly ever disputed.  It’s a cliche because it’s true, it works, and it’s important.  If you’re serious about finding a career that you love, then you have to be serious about thinking positive.  Positive thinking is more than an absence of negative thoughts.  If you are passive in your thinking, complacent, thinking neither negative nor positive thoughts, you are stuck where you are and subject to the whims of the world.  Positive thinking is active.  It requires intent and it is followed by action.  Make today the day you give up on complacency and embrace the cliche - the power of positive thinking.

More Of You Still Have Your Jobs… Huh?

The latest news to come from the ADP (Automatic Data Processing), a payroll processing firm, is that December saw fewer job cuts in store for Americans. Yes, that’s right, only 84,000 of you lost your jobs last month. That’s like almost half of what it was in November (145,000). I mean, it’s practically nothing… huh!?

84,000 people being told, “We’re sorry, but we’re going to have to let you go,” is hardly good news. While the drop is great, and it’s obvious what they’re trying to say, why don’t they read that through the eyes of one of those 84,000.

“Oh great. I’m only 1 out of 84,000 to get fired! I’m so relieved that I think my mortgage will pay itself!”

Let’s get real.

What America needs is hope. America needs to get out there and employ itself. We need to fill every vacancy, every nook and cranny of job opportunity, and pay those inflated mortgages!

Are you with me?

Let It Begin In 2010

Attention world: Let it begin in 2010!

Let what begin? Your career, your attitude, and the rest of your life. Put it in your head that this is your year. Allow yourself to succeed beyond your wildest dreams and reach heights yet unseen. How are you going to do this? Remember this phrase: It’s all in your head!

Your outlook on life will determine the quality of your mood, the company you keep, and most definitely your career. If you’re unemployed: change it! You might say to yourself, “But there are no jobs!”

THAT IS NOT TRUE!

Check out sites like Hound and Employment Crossing today. Don’t wait. The longer you allow yourself to go unemployed, the more problems you are likely to have.

There is no need to fear, log on and find a job that suits your expectations. If you are currently in a  job you can’t stand, cross over to a job you love with Employment Crossing.

You can have the life you want. Let it begin, in 2010!

Tags: 2010, Employment, get a job, hound, hunting, Job Search, Jobs, motivation, unemployment

Looking For A Job? Start Here!

To all the members of the unemployed community, and there are quite a few of you, Employment Crossing has got you covered. You needn’t look any further than this extensive database of jobs. They’ve got positions in every field. They literally scour the internet searching for company websites with job postings, so you’re getting these positions directly from the source, and there all bundled up nice and neatly for you.

Signing up for Employment Crossing is inevitably a step in the right direction. It will help you get your resume onto the desks hiring personnel all across the United States. The unique thing about Employment Crossing is that they don’t charge employer to post, and because they do charge the job seeker a small fee, that means they are working directly for you!

They’ve got a help like you can call to get any of your questions answered and they’ve got quite a great track record. Thousands and thousands of people have found jobs through Employment Crossing ( me included), and it’s a painless experience.

You can search the internet for leads to brick walls, or telemarketing scams, but these guys keep track of what they post, and they only post quality job leads. Really, take a half an hour, set up with Employment Crossing and find the job you were looking for.

So many of these people scared about being unemployed aren’t taking the initiative it requires to step up and get hired. Employment Crossing will take you from the dug-out to being on-deck as far as getting a job.
Don’t just take my word for it. Check out the site: Employment Crossing

Encouragement

How’s your self-confidence? Are you feeling down and out? Can’t get anything right? Is work too hard, and you’re feeling overwhelmed?

I know exactly what you need!

It can’t be bought in stores and you won’t see it on any infomercials. You need some grade A encouragement from your friends and family!

Chances are that you might be one of the many who struggle with a discouraging inner circle. Friends can be jealous and family can be tough, but ask yourself, is there anyone in your life that encourages you.

This person doesn’t have to be a friend or a family member. It could very well be a co-worker or a even a boss! The point is to find somebody who believes in you

This is something I’ve always known, but had it reiterated to me by Harrison Barnes in his daily webinar. He is of the opinion, and I can’t help but agree, that in order for one to reach their full potential, they need the encouragement of those around them.

Just ask yourself how you feel when you’re encouraged. Do you feel like anything’s possible?

That’s because maybe it is!