Current Issue

In This Issue...

• A Word From the Editor
• Job Hunting News
• Feature Article: Prevent Burnout on the Job
• Question of the Month
• Career Tools Used This Month

A Word From the Editor

Hello Job Seekers and One-Time Faithful Readers... It's been a long time since I've published a newsletter, and I apologize for that. But I've been working hard on the site the past few weeks and I hope you'll like the changes. I've added lots more navigation options to help you find all the great content scattered throughout the 400 pages of the site.

And I've also developed a whole brand new newsletter section of the site, where you can find our archives of all our past issues. I'll be posting them over the next couple of weeks, so be sure to check back often to see what's been added. (Of course, if you've been a subscriber for a while, you may have already seen the issues before.)

My goal is to resume monthly publishing of the PSRF Career Connection newsletter (formerly called Resume Power Tips). So, if you're not already a subscriber, sign up now so that you'll get first notice when each new issue is published. Subscribers get to see the new issues a whole week before non-subscribers! (You also get bonus gifts for subscribing.)

Job Hunting News

Here are some recent headlines about the great job hunt and the employment market:

• The new job search normal? — According to The Career News, job seekers today need to understand what they call the "new normal" in the job market and plan accordingly. It's harder to get jobs these days, but there ARE things you can do to become more competitive. Hone – or improve – your skills and knowledge while you wait to find a job. That includes your people skills, because working your network is essential these days. Get clear on what you want in terms of job/career, but always be open to flexible solutions, even if only temporarily. Learn how to set effective career goals here

• Etiquette & manners still count — Etiquette is a bit of an old-fashioned term, but the idea of having good manners will never get old. This applies in the job search marketplace as well. In fact, it might be crucial in actually getting a job offer. Etiquette can be evident in how you write, what you wear, your level of enthusiasm and friendliness, punctuality and even what you say and how you say it. Bottom line? Good manners will get you where you want to go! Demonstrate good manners after an interview with a thank you letter

Feature Article: 10 Tips to Burn Brightly, Rather Than Burnout on the Job

by Kathi MacNaughton (site owner)

Burnout is awful. I know... I've been there. After my divorce back in 2000, I worked long and hard at my career. Whenever my children were with their father (even on holidays), I'd be at the office, slaving away. I had a management position, and there was always more work to do.

But you can only do this for so long before you crack. And when the fall comes, when you finally experience burnout in all its raging glory, it's the pits. And it can kill your career and future job prospects. So prevent burnout now before it strikes you. This informative article will tell you how.

"That's it! I've had enough!" You may subconsciously utter these words when life's stressful challenges reach the peak of emotional exhaustion.

Formerly the word "burn out" was used to describe nonfunctioning electric light bulbs. Somehow, the word burnout came to origin and is now also used to describe emotional drain in humans, often as a result of long hours for small reward on the job. For light bulbs, it is irreversible. Luckily for humans, this is only temporary; self-help remedies are readily available to get us out of this predicament.

Read the rest of this article here (opens new page)

And check out this burnout self test from MindTools.com

Question of the Month: Should You List Incomplete Educational Degrees?

Do I list my degree if I am still in school? I am still in the process of getting my Master's degree in education right now. Do I include it in my resume or not?

Answer: In a word, yes. You want to give yourself credit for everything you are doing/have done. Just list it as "in progress" and include your estimated date of graduation. Here's an example:

XYZ University, Sometown, NY
MS in Education in progress, degree pending spring 2011

Read more answers here... or ask a question of your own here

If you're struggling with writing your resume, you may want to check out PongoResume.com's online resume builder, which offer step-by-step instructions, tons of templates and specific tips & advice for each section of the resume. They also offer help with writing cover letters and will share many job interview tips.

I highly recommend you check out the tools I've talked about in this month's newsletter, as they can be very helpful in your search efforts. Some of them DO cost money, but isn't investing in your future career a worthwhile way to spend money?

MindTools.com
This tool can help you check yourself for burnout. It helps you look at the way you feel about your job and your experiences at work, so that you can get a feel for whether you are at risk of burnout.

PongoResume.com
Build a winning resume and cover letter with this affordable online service. If you like to DIY, Pongo will help you!