Job Op / Photo Op

It used to be that the moment you made your first appearance for a job interview, you were being assessed. Not anymore. With the advent of Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, et al), you’re being seen well in advance of the interview. In other words, you're being checked out. In fact, you may be seen without even knowing you’re being consider for “that job.” Just what will that possible employer see? What kind of image are you sending out there?
Is it this:

Or this:

Or do you not see a difference?
Play to win,
Rita

This was Seth Godin’s post on his blog this morning:

Phoning it in

This was sort of shocking, at least to me:

I was talking to a religious leader, someone who runs a congregation. She made it clear to me that on many days, it's just a job. A job like any other, you show up, you go through the motions, you get paid.

I guess we find this disturbing because spiritual work should be real, not faked.

But isn't your work spiritual?

I know doctors, lawyers, waiters and insurance brokers who are honestly and truly passionate about what they do. They view it as an art form, a calling, and an important (no, an essential) thing worth doing.

In fact, I don't think there's a relationship between what you do and how important you think the work is. I think there's a relationship between who you are and how important you think the work is.

Life's too short to phone it in.

If you’re not familiar with Seth Godin, I suggest you become familiar with him. He’s got a great gripe on what is real. Read his book Linchpin…Read any of his books. Read his blog. Here’s his blog home: http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/

This is the big secret that everyone must know: It’s about being in love with what you do and doing something about it if you’re not. It’s all about excavating yourself and rising to that place that place where you passions are as evident as the nose on your face and you are like a guided missile, headed for the target in your heart. Take the time to explore within your soul and acknowledge, not ignore, your calling in life. First you figure where you want to go, then you figure out how to get there. That is creating the art that is your life.

We were not put on this planet to make a living. We were put on this planet to LIVE.

Live on!
Rita

What's the best way to find a job on California Tech Valley from Italy?

I suspect you mean Silicon Valley. I work with many people who wish to move from one country to another. The best way to facilitate this is by you having experience that a company needs that the company cannot find locally. As an example, let’s say the company needed someone who had thorough knowledge and experience in Italian rules and regulations for importing to that country and you had that experience where no one in the US did or is not responding to that opening. That’s your opportunity to get your foot in the door.
Would this mean that you have to wait for such an opportunity to show up? No. The fact of the matter is that the best jobs are often found in the hidden job market, specifically applying to a company where no position is advertised, but I digress. If you need more info on how to do this, just let me know.
As you likely know, we’re having an unemployment issue here in the US, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t create a strategy and implement it to achieve your goals.
In bocca al lupo!
The best augury of a man's success in his profession is that he thinks
it the finest in the world.
— George Eliot

One way to get the job:

Where can I start from scratch?

I hate my job! Even though it is not that hard or stressful, it doesn't pay me well and I can't see it taking me higher, or anywhere. I want to start in another career, but I don't know where I can start.

I already have an MBA and B.Sc. in Aviation (Operations), so I don't want to go back to school for engineering or other. I am thinking of getting certifications like Six-sigma, real estate, QA, or other, but what if I don't work in that area? I feel stuck, depressed, and frustrated.

In what field or area can I start from scratch?
(For those who may say I should be thankful to have a job, I am. But, I shouldn't stop thinking to improve myself.)

You don’t need to start from scratch! Instead, take inventory of your skills and functions, and then consider which of those skills & functions you would like to continue using. Then consider the industries that may be of interest to you. You may be depressed because you haven’t considered what options are put there for you. Well, make it your “second job” to find out what may resonate for you in the way of where to work and what to do.

One other observation: Don’t give any thought to what others may say or think. Anybody that may matter would understand what you’re doing. Those that don’t get it don’t matter. ;)

Help with Career Choices?

I'm very interested in law and debate, but I'm aware that there is much competition in that field. Based on a test, a job as a lawyer and a job as a human resource manager would both be right for me. I'm not sure I'm interested in the latter though, and while I used to be very interested in teaching, I've shot the idea out of my head a few years ago because it just didn't seem to be enjoyable. Now I'm reconsidering, as the job test also said that teaching could be right for me, but I can't get that bad taste about teaching out of my mind, even though it could very well end up being the job I'd enjoy most.

If you have any tips or information about the aforementioned careers and jobs, I'd appreciate it. I am a freshman in high school, if that makes any difference.

As a high school freshman, you have the wonderful gift of time on your side. Besides doing an Informational Interview (email me for the info if you don’t already have it), you may want to do a Job Shadow or two in the fields you are considering. When you do a Job Shadow, you are spending anywhere from two to five hours with a person who is doing what you are considering doing as an occupation yourself. It gives you a glimpse into the real world, vs. what you may have learned via word-of-mouth or from a book.
Lastly, I just want to caution you that “job tests” or “personality assessments” are not the end all be all when it comes to guiding you to the career of your dreams. They may guide you and make suggestions for you, but it all comes down to knowing and accepting who you are. That’s what will give you the key components you need in helping you select a career that you will enjoy.
Feel free to email me with any follow up questions.