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Saturday, 31 July 2010

Create Your Own Green Job

Are you looking for green work, but haven't yet found what you're seeking? Would you love to green your career ...but the opportunities aren't exactly falling on your lap?

If so, here's an idea: rather than competing for existing jobs, why not create your own? Whether you want to work with an environmental group, green business or government, why wait for someone else to "give" you a job?

Here are some essential ideas, starting points and resources for making it happen

First Steps
(1) Start with some brainstorming. What would you like to do? Start an eco-friendly service or product? Educate people about climate change? Protect animals or nature? Create a list of one or more things you'd really like to do. Talk them over with any of your friends or contacts who are positive, action oriented people. Don't worry about "giving your idea away". In most cases the idea itself is obvious – it's the energy, passion and how well you implement it that counts! (See: Brainstorming & Visioning).

(2) Set some goals and make a plan. Before you dive in, it's a good idea to do at least a little goal setting – both personal and project goals. For most people, it's a lot easier to get somewhere if you know where you're going! Then – unless you know it all and have done it all before – it's time to do some planning. Whether for-profit or nonprofit, it's a very good idea to write a business plan (2). This can help you think things through and avoid wasting a lot of time down the road. It will also help you better communicate with other people, funders, investors, etc.

(3) Don't reinvent the wheel. Rather than starting from scratch, seek out anyone else who's doing something similar. Contact your province's environmental network (2) to find out if anyone is already doing something in your city or province. Other places to look: environmental groups in your city, your city's green business network, GoodWork, Google, Green Drinks, etc. Remember that calling or visiting someone is often much more effective than e-mail. If you hide behind your computer, you probably won't get far!

(4) Consider becoming "a project of". If you find anyone who's doing something similar, it might be easier to work under their umbrella, rather than starting from scratch. Ask them if you could collaborate with them or write a grant proposal as a project of their group or organization. Make it clear that your intent is, if the grant is awarded, to become the staffperson to run the project.

(5) Seek out free advice. People love to give advice, all you have to do is ask. Try to do some research first to find appropriate organizations or individuals to ask your question. Call people up or talk to them at environmental events, meetings, green drinks, etc. Get all the free advice you can find, or even try to find yourself a mentor. But take negative advice with a grain of salt – "it can't be done" – when it comes from someone who hasn't started their own successful project or business.

(6) Don't Procrastinate. For some people, all this talk of planning leaves them cold. Don't procrastinate forever! There comes a point when you just have to dig in and get things rolling.

Choose Your Sector
Think through which sector your project, service or product would best fit. Nonprofit? Business? Education? Government? For each sector, we've provided some ideas and links to help you get started and find others who might contribute ideas, assistance or partnership.

(1) Environmental Group or Organization ("Nonprofit")

Just because an organization is "nonprofit" doesn't mean it can't have paid staff, contractors, consultants and interns. There are basically two ways two "create your own job" in a nonprofit:

(a) Partner with an existing nonprofit

Partner with an existing nonprofit or charity to create a new position, contract or internship within their organization. Start by using the links below and asking around to find one or more groups that might be interested in your idea. Tell them your idea (very briefly at first!) and offer to write or cowrite a grant proposal for your project idea, under the name of their organization. If the grant comes in, or other
funding is found ...the staffperson, contractor or intern could be you.

I've seen people do this with great success. One trick is to develop a relationship with the organization first, perhaps by volunteering or becoming a board member. Once they know you, your abilities and stick-to-itivenes, they could be much more willing to partner with you.

Find Existing Groups & Organizations in Canada:
· West: British Columbia (source) Alberta (source) Manitoba (source) Saskatchewan (source)
· Central: Ontario Regions Toronto (source) Ontario (2) (source)
Quebec (source) Quebec (2) (source) Montreal (source) Montreal (2)
· East: New Brunswick (source) PEI Nova Scotia (source) Newfoundland & Labrador (source)

Grants & Funding — Help & Info for Environmental Grantseekers
If you don't know how to write a grant proposal, there are many resources to get you started:
Sustainability Network - Fundraising Resources Where to go for money Canadian Environmental Grantmakers Network (CEGN)

(b) Start a new environmental group, nonprofit or charity

Or, if partnering with an existing group doesn't seem to be an option ...start your own. Just be sure you've done your research first -- that you're not just reinventing the wheel and creating needless competition with another group that's already doing similar work.

How to Start an Environmental Group
A guide to starting an environmental group Start a nonprofit Starting a Nonprofit or Charity Organization Development and Management How to be an Activist, run a campaign, etc. See also the previous section of links, "Grants & Funding".

(2) Self-Employment / Green Business / Entrepreneurship

If your idea is to offer a service or product that customers would pay for, you can do this by starting either your own business, or a "social enterprise" that works together with an existing nonprofit group.

How to Start a Small Business: Starting a Business (source) or Google, e.g. "how to start a business in Canada" or "starting a business in Alberta" more Google Directory About Business Plans: Business Plan Small Business Articles Google Directory

Finding Loans and Grants for your Business: Small Business Financing Sources in Canada (source) Self-Employment (SE) Financial Assistance (EI / HRSDC) in Canada

Canadian Green Businesses – directories, networks and guides:
Toronto: Green Enterprise Toronto Toronto Greenhouse
Ottawa: Green Ottawa
Montreal: Guide du Consommacteur Coop la Maison Verte Conscience verte
Vancouver & Victoria: Values-based Business Network
Halifax: Business Alliance for Local Living Economies (BALLE) Nova Scotia
USA: Business Alliance for Local Living Economies (BALLE)
For more, try Google or Canada411, for example "recycled products toronto"
and these Green Business Links

Green Business Ideas – here are just a few to get you thinking, plus links to related info & resources...
Green Cleaning Service Natural & Organic Landscaping Organic Market Garden or CSA Eco-Retreat or Learning Centre Environmental Retailer or Distributor (2) Local Food Co-op Bicycle Store or Repair Service (2) Carsharing Business or Co-op (2) Solar Energy Contractor Eco-Renovations Green Building (2) Non-Timber Forest Products Recycled Products Second Hand Store (clothing, housewares, building supplies) Vegetarian Restaurant Environmental Educator (2) Sustainable Living Consultant (2) (3) Ecotourism (2) (3) Freelancer more Green Business Ideas (2)

(3) Sustainable Food, Gardening & Farming

Food and Agriculture deserve a separate mention because there is so much opportunity not only for doing truly green, sustainable work, but also for adopting a healthier worklife and lifestyle, one that involves both your mind and your body. There is also lots of help to get you started:

Starting a Farm: Farm Start (Canada) Starting Farming Buying a Farm

Market Gardening: What is Market Gardening? Google Directory

CSA / Community Supported Agriculture / Community Shared Agriculture: What is CSA? Google Directory more Find existing CSA's: Ontario Quebec Atlantic Canada (click 'more') British Columbia Canada (click Search) (Note: not all CSA's are listed. Also inquire at your local farmers' market, community centre or agriculture office.)

Food Businesses: Starting a Food Business Toronto Food Business Incubator

Food Sustainability, Organic Gardening, Sustainable Agriculture: Organic/Sustainable Farming & Gardening Organizations Organic Gardening Sustainable Agriculture

Internship/Apprenticeship: An internship can be a great way to get started in gardening or farming. The usual arrangement is that you live and work at the farm, ideally for the whole growing season. Your work is in exchange for experience, mentoring, meals and accommodation. Sometimes there is a small salary or stipend, especially if you stay for the whole season. Many interns go on to starting their own garden, farm or other food-related business, sometimes in partnership with the people they interned with. Internships & Jobs in Sustainable Food and Agriculture in Canada: GoodWork Canada PlanetVolunteer Canada SOIL (Canada) CRAFT (Ontario) ACORN (Atlantic Canada) Manitoba Farm Mentorships WWOOF (Worldwide)

(4) Educational Sector (primary, secondary, post-secondary, ongoing & informal)

Environmental education (EE) can be for-profit, nonprofit, or as part of the formal education system. You could offer your services as a trainer, teacher, environmental or outdoors educator, consultant, contractor, and so on. To learn more or to find groups and individuals that are doing EE, see: Environmental Education Networks and Directories in Canada (most of these are involved in the formal education system, whether primary, secondary or post-secondary.) See also section (1), above, on environmental nonprofit groups and organizations, above, many of which are involved at least in informal education, training or public awareness.

(5) Government & Public Sector

Create a green job in government? Unless you're already at a management level within government, it's unlikely you're in a position to create a government job. But what about consulting or supplying government?

There is environmental/sustainability work to be done in all parts of government. The Ministry of Environment or Environment Canada is only one department of many. Depending on the nature of your service, it could be a big mistake to end your search there. (Think: food & agriculture, natural resources, parks, fisheries, transport, energy, health, public safety, international development, finance...)

How to find government departments, agencies and contracts:
Federal: For a listing of Government of Canada departments and staff, see GEDS. For postings of Canadian government contracts / tendering, see MERX.
Provincial: try google (e.g. "government of ontario") or Google Directory (click on your province, then "government"). For postings of provincial government contracts / tendering, see MERX.
Local: For municipalities, counties and townships, try Google Directory (click on your province, then "localities", then the letter of the alphabet for your city or town) or Google, e.g. "city of vancouver" or "town of yarmouth"

To develop your idea and uncover leads, you could also talk with existing staff, your local MP, MPP or municipal Councillor. Municipal Councillor: to find out who your councillor is, ask your neighbours visit your city or town's website, or use Google Directory. Provincial MPP: use Google, e.g. "ontario mpps". Federal MP / Member of Parliament: Members of Parliament. Federal Departments & Staff: GEDS.

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How To Write a Cover Letter To a Company

When applying for a job, your resume is what proves that you have the necessary skills, but your cover letter is where you sell yourself as the best possible candidate. An ideal cover letter is clear and concise, as well as carefully edited and proofread. A quality cover letter will also prove that you know a little bit about the company where you are applying and the actual job for which you are applying.

•Step 1
Type your name, address and the date at the upper left corner of your resume. Leave a space, then write the name of the person in charge of hiring (if available), the name of the company and the address of the company. A cover letter should be formatted the same as any other letter, including a greeting and a closing.

•Step 2
Write your introductory paragraph. This is where you mention the job that you are applying for as well as an overview of what specifically qualifies you for this job. Your education and relevant work experience should be mentioned here.

•Step 3
Write the body of you cover letter. This should expand on the specific skills that you have listed on your resume. Make sure to pay the most attention to job-specific skills. The body of your cover letter should be one or two paragraphs long.

•Step 4
Write the closing paragraph of your cover letter. This is where you reiterate your desire to be hired by the company, as well as ask about a possible interview. If you plan on contacting the company about the status of your resume, tell it here. You should include your contact information in this section of your cover letter (it should also be prominent on your resume).

•Step 5
Proofread your cover letter. Even the smallest mistakes can destroy your chances of landing your dream job. It is also a good idea to get someone else to read over it before you send it

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Career Counselor Certification

Career counselors provide services which help individuals make career decisions. They evaluate clients' education, skills, work history and personality to aid them in determining what jobs may suit the client best. Some states require career counselors to be licensed if they operate a private practice, but licensing requirements vary by state. Many career counselors choose to obtain national certification in addition to licensure because certification may improve employment prospects or expand their client base.

Description
•The National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC) offers voluntary certification for various types of counselors, including career counselors. Career counselors may earn the National Certified Counselor (NCC) credential, which is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies. Career counselors who earn the NCC designation demonstrate that they meet professional and ethical standards within the field. The NCC certification is good for five years.

Education
•In order to become an NCC, career counselors must have a master's degree in general counseling or career counseling and development from a regionally accredited college or university. Students currently enrolled in an appropriate master's program may also be eligible for certification if their school participates in the Graduate Student Application Process for the National Certified Counselor Credentials (GSA-NCC). Career counselors who have a master's degree must have completed at least 48 semester hours or 72 quarter hours of graduate level counseling coursework and taken classes in a variety of counseling specialties including career and lifestyle development, human growth and development, research and program evaluation, and group work. Candidates must also complete two terms of field experience in counseling.

Experience
•Career counselors must also complete a required amount of work experience in order to become certified. Candidates must complete at least 3,000 hours of career counseling work during the two years following the completion of their master's degree. In addition, a minimum of 100 of these hours must be devoted to face-to-face, supervised career counseling. The supervising counselor must hold an advanced graduate degree.

License
•In lieu of meeting the NBCC's specific experience requirements, candidates who have met the licensing requirements for the state in which they work may also be eligible for the NCC credential. Licensed career counselors must still hold a master's degree in counseling or a mental health field.

Exam
•Career counselors who wish to receive the NCC credential must also complete the NBCC's National Counselor Examination (NCE). The exam tests candidates' knowledge and skills in providing effective counseling services. Exam content includes human growth and development, career and lifestyle development, social and cultural foundations, group work, and research and program evaluation. The exam contains 200 multiple choice questions, which candidates have four hours to complete.

Benefits
•NCC certification demonstrates to potential clients that career counselors meet professional standards in the field. Career counselors with the NCC credential may use the NBCC's referral program to market their services and may receive reduced liability insurance rates as well. Certified career counselors stay up to date with developments in their field through NCC newsletters and other communications. The NBCC also advocates on behalf of counselors in legal and legislative matters.

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Thursday, 29 July 2010

Where to look for a job !!

1. Network with everyone. - A friend of a friend of a friend can give you the inside track on a position not yet advertised, so keep those lines of communication open by telling all your friends and family about your job search. Most of them will share your information with their friends and family, and greatly expand the number of people in your network.

2. Check individual company websites. - Many companies are avoiding the cost of classified or job board ads and simply posting job openings on their own websites. Make a habit of regularly checking company websites that you would like to work for, and you may be first in line for a job interview.

3. Read your trade magazines. There are trade magazines for

almost every type of job. Many companies make it a practice to advertise open job positions to a qualified audience, rather than
open the position to the public.

4. Attend professional conventions. - Conventions are prime spots to network and pursue possible job leads. Depending on the type of convention, you can ask attendees and business representatives if they know of an opening in their company. Be sure to get their name and number to follow-up on any tips. Also, pass out your business card with current contact information in case they hear of anything in the future.

5. Join a professional organization. - Even if you are not working in the profession, join the professional organization for your industry anyway. Many times such organizations have online forums where members post new job leads. They may also have a newsletter that includes classifieds by companies or organizations.

6. Stay connected to your college. - Colleges often provide help for students and alumni in their job searches. Many of them keep databases for current jobs. Some colleges also have career counseling to help you find a position.

7. Ask department managers for a job. - Human resource departments are usually the last ones in a company to know about future job openings. Get ahead of the pack by calling the department manager and asking if there are any open positions in the department. Even if the manager says no, you will at least have gotten their attention and may be called in the future for a job opening.

8. Let someone else look for you. - Recruiters make their living by matching people and companies together. Companies pay large fees to recruiters find employees for highly qualified fields or specialties. You can send in your resume and cover letter to these types of agencies and let them do the job search for you.

9. Sign-up with the unemployment office. - You do not have to be unemployed to get help from the government with your job search. Many states will allow you to fill out an application in consideration for unemployment. This will give you access to listings of jobs and possibly other job search resources. Some states are even putting the entire process online, so you can search from home for openings in your area.

10. Don’t forget your own company. - If you are looking for a higher paid position or new challenge, consider looking at your current company. You can easily find job leads through the human resources department, and often you will be first considered for a position since you already have a history with the company.

Remember, the popular job search venues are not necessarily where the best jobs are located.

Wednesday, 28 July 2010

How to Know What the Right Job is for You ??

1 - Engagement is the most important factor people seek in their jobs. This is the degree to which an employee identifies with the job, how much they feel they belong and how much they feel they are valued. This is how you find out if the job is going to engage you.

2 - Explore the content of the job. Ask yourself: Will the work itself be meaningful? Is there opportunity for growth and development? Will I have the right resources to properly perform in the position? How fulfilling is this type of work?

3 - Find out what coping resources you will be given. You need to be given sufficient resources to cope with the demands and stresses of the job. Any employee will become demotivated and eventually burn out if they have to deal with unreasonable job demands, unrealistic targets, poor managers and unsupportive colleagues. Ask yourself the following: Do I have or have access to the tools, knowledge, technology and training I need to do this job? Is the work environment supportive? Do the demands of the job match my own work-life expectations and the balance I want between work and home?

4 - Consider the compensation the job offers. An employee needs to feel fairly valued to remain motivated in a job. Pay and benefits are the first factors looked at when deciding on fair compensation. However think about other sources of compensation as well. Is this job respected within the company? Is the work in this position recognized?

5 - Find out if the work fulfills a certain amount of your social needs. Are you going to enjoy yourself at this organization? Will you get on with your prospective colleagues? Is this a pleasant working environment? Do the employees seem happy and friendly?

6 - Explore the congruence between your values and goals and those of the job and organization. Will your expectations be met? Is your prospective manager someone you can relate to and respect?

7 - Consider the career opportunities provided in this position and organization? Will the work challenge you and allow for personal growth and development?

How to prepare yourself for a job interview .

•Step 1
When you begin to plan for your interview, consider WHAT YOU WILL WEAR. You want to be neat and clean and also think about the job you will be doing. Pass by the establishment you hope to join and see what people there are wearing. Suits or skirts and jackets are suitable for office jobs as well as for retail as are neat conservative dresses. Neat slacks and relaxed dress shirts are suitable for labor or fast food positions. Never wear jeans or t-shirts to a job interview, even if you may be wearing them on the job. Steer clear of frilly or gaudy items. Girls and woman should be moderate with their make-up. Mode of dress is the easy part.

•Step 2
Next you should RESEARCH THE ESTABLISHMENT YOU HOPE TO WORK FOR. Having seen it and filled out an application, you know something. Learn more so that you can be prepared for the interviewer's questions and ask intelligent ones of your own. Learn the history of the company, the philosophy of its founders. Is it a growing concern? Are there other branches near your? Has it been in the news lately for any reason? Interviewers like to feel that you have an interest in the job beyond your own duties and salary. What skills will you need to advance in this field?

•Step 3
Even if you are not asked to do so, MAKE UP A RESUME and bring it with you. Hand it to the interviewer at the start of the interview. He/she/they(and there could be more than one) may read it right away or set it aside. Your resume must contain pertinent facts such as address and phone number. It should also contain a brief educational and work history, any extra skills or attributes you may have, and a list of references.

•Step 4
Consider the actual INTERVIEW PROCESS as a conversation between two people. The interviewer wants to get to know you and ascertain your suitability for the job, and you want to present yourself as a desirable potential employee. Answer all questions completely and honestly. Look at your interviewer when you speak. Never interrupt your interviewer. Make sure you have an opportunity to emphasize your assets. Be concise, and don't ramble. Don't make excuses. If you have previously been fired or laid off, admit it and explain. If the interviewer asks you about yourself he does not want to hear about your family or you farm in Nebraska, he wants to know what assets you will be bringing to the job in the way of skills, ability to work as part of a team or readiness to take on responsibilities.

•Step 5
Consider YOUR DEMEANOR. You want to appear pleasant and relaxed. You must appear attentive and interested. Watch how people sit and stand to show confidence.

•Step 6
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT. Go back over all your previous employment or relevant education and think what questions could arise and how you would answer them. Prepare for uncomfortable questions, such as why you left your last employment. Have honest answers ready. Have a serious practice with family or friends. This will help prepare your for unexpected questions.

•Step 7
Now, WHAT ELSE CAN YOU DO TO PREPARE. The higher up the employment ladder you climb , the more important it is for you to develop interview skills. Go to your neighborhood library and find a book on interviews. There are many excellent ones. On the internet you can find many sites that give you tips, sample questions and all the help you will need to sell yourself as a valuable employee. Employment is getting harder and harder to find, so go the extra distance and make sure you can become part of the work force. Good Luck!