A therapist asks a colleague: "What time is it?"
The other one answers: "Sorry, don't know, I have no watch."
The first one: "Never mind! The main thing is that we talked about.
*Remember laughter is as essential each day, as breathing!
Looking for a new job? Are you anxious about what to say, and what you need to do to prepare for the interview? Tonight we’ll give you some tips and some cautions for that big interview day.
Many employers say they make a first impression within 30 seconds. Sometimes those impressions are lasting so what are some keys to a successful first meeting? Here are some great tips from CareerBuilders.com
• Be on time. Being late can be one of the worst errors so allow yourself plenty of time to get to the office. Also give yourself time to relax and get your composure before you walk into the appointment. Ideally, you should show up 5-10 minutes early
• First impressions are based on appearance. We may not like it, but your appearance composes a large part of first impressions. Try to look professional – tailored suits and generally the most appropriate.
• The handshake is important. Offering a limp handshake makes the employer think you are hesitant, and crunching the boss’s hand makes you look aggressive. Shake w/ a medium grip to convey confidence.
• Watch your posture. Your body language sends silent messages, so make sure you sit straight, try not to fidget and maintain eye contact.
What are some other tips for successful interviewing?
• Be prepared. Bring an extra copy of your resume. Research the industry or company so you know how your talents fit into the company
• Show your enthusiasm. It is important to stand out, and being enthusiastic tells the employer you are highly motivated.
• Sell yourself. Create a list of things you want the employer to know about you and be ready to do a good job selling yourself.
• Be honest and ask questions. Don’t be afraid to ask about responsibilities of the job or ask about typical projects. It is important to engage the interviewer.
Are there some cautions for interviews?
• Never be rude to the receptionist. Many receptionists are the gatekeepers for the boss and their impressions are valued. Remember if you get the job, you may need the assistance of the receptionist.
• Never trash your former boss. This shows you left on poor terms and you want to keep the interview positive and upbeat.
• Never exaggerate your accomplishments or credentials. A skilled interviewer can see through fabrications and remember they may check out your story if they are interested in you.
• Make sure you always thank the interviewer. Shake hands once again, and be polite and make sure you write a thank you note stating how much you appreciate their time and how you are interested in the job.
Keep these things in mind, and you just might be getting that new job in nothing flat!
There is additional information located on our Joy Miller & Associates website. You can go straight to our Website by just clicking our logo at the top of the page.
Please feel free to check out our main website, and feel free to comment in a response to this blog entry if you have some ideas of topics to include on this location. We are eager to interact with you and offer tips that may be applicable to your interests.
The best and the brightest among us are the most vulnerable to this mental health concern. It seems that those who are in danger of this stress-related illness are the dynamic goal-oriented men and women who give 100% to any project. Wonder what we’re describing… it is burnout.
Recent statistics show that 64% of Americans from the ages of 35-64 report burnout in their job setting. This staggering rate of burnout is commonly diagnosed when the employee notes:
• Feeling pressured, trapped or fatigued
• Has difficulty concentrating or remembering tasks
• Has a low tolerance for frustration and is easily angered
• Has feelings of being continually fatigued or is apathetic
But there are some simple solutions to intervene if you feel you are the road to burnout.
• Admit there is a problem. When you realize there is a problem, then you can take action steps to address the concern.
• Reach out and get support. Many companies have employee assistance programs, or seek a licensed mental health professional who works with burnout and stress management.
• Learn relaxation techniques and time management
• Find some balance in your life. Find time for your family and leisure, as well as your job.
• Let go of what’s not yours—set boundaries and stick to those guidelines. Learn to say “no.”
• Be realistic about your goals to assure success.
The key to successful negotiation of job related stress is in your control…you can make a difference.
We are offering a one-time coupon for our blog readers only. Many of you have considered therapy, but have not taking the step. Here is something that might help you make that call. Print out this coupon and bring it to your first intake session and you will have $20 taken off your first appointment rate.
We will be your referral connection! Use this gift coupon for yourself, or give it to a friend who might benefit from your kindness.
*This is a one-time only coupon for our dedicated blog readers, and it can only be used for NEW clients making appointments at our office. To make an appointment, please call our office M-Th from 8:30am-5pm and speak to our office manager Sherrill.
You see the ads on television, and it's coming very soon...
Yes, the Women's Lifestyle Show will be filling the Peoria Civic Center on Saturday October 27th. Expanding our exhibit area by 40,000 square feet, this year's show will cover over 100,000 square feet with exciting stage activities, over 275 interactive exhibits, empowering seminars, free health screenings, freebies, and much much more.
This year Joy Miller & Associates booth space will move over to the area that was occupied by Methodist Hospital. This allows us almost 40% more space to enjoy our interactive activities. As many of you remember, our booth was filled to capacity as participants earned punches by learning biofeedback, enjoying yoga laughter, cooperating in group communication challenges, and doing fun-filled surveys to learn about yourself. Earning four punches enabled participants to have four free fun-filled photos taken in our photo booth located in the middle of our area.
This year we will add some new surprises, and create new interactive activities as you learn a little about personal empowerment and Joy-ful living.
Mark your calendars now and start counting down the days. Bring your sister, mother, daughter, or your best friend and spend a day designed just for you!
Are You Dating A Bully?
Are there really characteristics that suggest you are dating a loser?
Yes, and we will identify some of the potentially emotionally damaging characteristics your partner may possess and why these characteristics can be damaging psychologically and even physically.
Can you give us a few examples of knowing when you are with a loser?
1. Rough treatment. Whether they shove you, break your personal property, slap, kick, bite or harm you in any way—realize you are with a loser and you deserve to find a healthy relationship without that person
2. Put-downs. Are you with someone who is always being critical, putting you down, or constantly correcting you for your mistakes? Do you always feel on-guard? Do they constantly tell you that you are fat? Stupid? Unattractive? These things chip away at your confidence and self-esteem. Get out before you are in a deep psychological depression.
3. Breakup panic. Are you with someone who is always threatening to leave? Someone who threatens to break up unless you do things their way? Do they threaten you by saying they will leave or attempt suicide? These are all examples of means of controlling a relationship through manipulation.
4. No outside interests. Be cautious if your partner has nothing in their life except you, and they want you to drop all your hobbies, friends, activities, and appointments. This encompassing relationship prevents both parties from growing and creates destructive dependency
If you find yourself in one of these relationships, what should you do?
1. Seek counseling from a trained licensed professional
2. Gather a support system
3. Decide if this relationship is healthy for you, and if not, create a plan to end the relationship without blame
4. Be decisive. Too many people vacillate and go in and out of relationships. Be sure to look at all the pros and cons before you decide to remain in a relationship or stay.
Researchers suggest that almost 1/3 of all children in America will live in a blended family environment by the time they reach the age of 18. Lets look at some of the challenges, as well as some tips for making this transition successful.
One of the greatest challenges is the role of the stepparent in disciplining of children. What do you suggest?
• Let the biological (custodial) parent be the primary disciplinarian and take on more of the parenting responsibilities
• Allow the new stepparent the ability to create a “friend or camp counselor” role vs. disciplinarian.
• Create new house rules, which help everyone get on the same page regarding expectations.
• Be aware that it is natural for the blending process is uncomfortable and rocky. Couples that work together in harmony and are consistent will find the greatest path for success.
Are there typical responses for different aged children?
• Yes, research indicates that young children under 10 generally adjust easier to blending of families.
• Children under 10 are very attentive to feeling abandoned, so it is imperative that the biological parent creates time alone w/ their child.
• Ages 10-14 typically are the most difficult in adjusting to the blended family. Many times this age tends to be oppositional and it is important to adhere to some of the suggestions we talked about.
• Teens 15 and above typically are less involved with the family and the blending and many times prefer to separate from the family and create their own identities outside the new unit. They are less interested in bonding and may show some real discomfort with any romantic or sexual behaviors in their presence.
What are some tips for making this transition less stressful?
• Acknowledge that this process will take time and it will not magically come together overnight
• Realize that as a stepparent you may want a relationship, but the child may not be ready to establish a relationship w/you on your time schedule. Remember not to take rejection personally—it is a reaction to the situation and not you.
• Be realistic about your expectations of the process and look for positive achievements related to friendship and cooperation
• Remember that each child may react differently to the blending and look for individual means for creating harmony and cooperation.
• Allow the opportunity for open discussion of emotions. Create time for sharing and brainstorming.
• Be open to accessing professional counseling to help with the transitional process.
