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Phone interviews. Some of us, mostly those who feel more comfortable not making a personal connection, love them, and those of us who feel as if we make a stronger impact in person hate them. Whichever type you are, they can still be challenging.

A phone interview is often used to screen job candidates for basic qualifications and as a time-saving way to interview a candidate who lives far away from the company. Telephone interviews are difficult because it is often challenging to make a personal connection with the interviewer. They can’t see if you are dressed professionally and they can’t see your smile – it all relies on your manners, clarity of speech, voice tone and the strength of your answers. As humans, we rely on facial expressions and body language to gauge how we’re doing in an interview. Over the phone, you are basing your interview solely on voice inflections.

Here are just a few ways you can work a phone interview in your favor:

Pick a quiet room for your interview, making sure that no one could pop in and disturb you!

Make sure your phone will have a clear connection. If you’re using a cell phone, check the strength of your connection in the area

Type or write out talking points to have in front of you and take advantage of the fact that they can’t see you. You can even have your notes spread out all over a table!

Remember not to talk too fast and speak clearly. Also, smile – it changes the way your voice comes across!

Don’t try to speak over your interviewer and be careful not to interrupt. If you do, apologize!

Don’t let the call end without figuring out the next step. Will they contact you for another interview if they’re interested? Find out!

Never hang up before the interviewer has. Make sure the interview is truly wrapped up, you’ve figured out the next steps and you’ve heard them hang up

Just like a face-to-face interview, you should send a thank-you note.

Don’t worry about your next phone interview! With these simple tips, you can be prepared to have a successful phone interview that will get you to the next step – a face-to-face interview!

Get the most out of your next career fair!

Feel like you get lost in the crowd at career fairs?  It happens!  With crowds of anxious job searchers moving from one booth to the next, it can be difficult to get a word in with the company’s representative or really make an impact.  Here are a few tips on how to get the most out of your next career fair and stand out from the crowd – literally!

• Keep your day clear – Don’t over schedule your day.  If you’re going to a career fair, make that your priority.  You don’t want to feel rushed or have to leave early.
• Dress to impress – Just because it isn’t a traditional interview doesn’t mean you should dress any differently.  Treat it like you would an interview and dress professionally!
• Bring your supplies – Make sure you have pens and paper for note taking, plenty of printed resumes, and a professional looking briefcase or folder to put everything in.
• Go in prepared – Review the career fair’s website or advertisement so you know what employers will be there and plan which ones you’d most like to visit with.  Also, prepare an introduction of yourself that highlights important accomplishments and objectives that you’d like the employer to know about. 
• Think of others – Sure, you’re there to get the job, but be considerate of the many other job searchers in the same position as you.  Make your contact with the potential employer, ask your questions, make plans to connect with them again and then move on.  Show respect and allow others to visit with the employers as well.
• Make a note – Take down really detailed notes.  Write down what you like and don’t like about certain companies.  The more detailed your notes are the better.  You’d hate to mix up names or info about the companies you spoke with!
• Chitchat with others – You don’t have to be antisocial at career fairs – talk to the other job searchers.  You may be surprised at the job searching tips you can gain.

Career fairs don’t have to feel like an America Idol audition.  While they can be intimidating, you don’t have to leave there feeling like you didn’t make any progress.  You just need to go into it prepared, professional and ready get the most out of the experience!

These days, you have a nearly endless set of career avenues to choose from. While certain workers choose to specialize in a certain area, others seek to diversify their skill set and may work in a variety of industries throughout their careers. Whether you’re just finding your way or looking forward to retirement, it’s important to know how to use your age to your advantage during your job hunt. Here’s a primer from MainStreet.com on staying relevant in the job market no matter how old you are.

Your 20s: Get your career started   
With a relatively limited set of skills and even less experience, many young job seekers have trouble breaking into their desired field. Complicating matters even more is that, due to the economy, some seasoned workers are now competing with 20-somethings for lower-paying jobs. As you begin your job search, networking becomes paramount. And that means face-to-face contact, not just sending out a few emails. Be prepared to take what you can get – there will be plenty of time to build your skills and find your dream job.

Your 30s: Build your resume
Now is the time to diversify your skill set and prove your worth to a company. Whether you’re searching for a job, angling for a promotion or simply trying to avoid a layoff, it’s important to develop skills that employers find invaluable. So, consider taking on extra projects at work or enrolling in training sessions offered by your employer. And begin planning the next phase of your career – would you like to go into upper management, change industries or even start your own business? Now is the time to reevaluate your skill set.

Your 40s: Climb the ladder
Now is the time to take your career to the next level. By now, you likely have a good amount of experience and a diverse skill set, and most employers still see you as having as much energy and enthusiasm as younger workers. Emphasize these traits in job interviews or promotion discussions to give yourself an edge over younger and older workers.

Your 50s: Make yourself happy
At this stage in your career, it’s important to make sure you’re content with your career and confident in the road ahead. If you’re not happy with where you are, there’s still plenty of time to find a more ideal career. Rely heavily on your network to search for a new position – by now, you’ve likely made plenty of contacts who can attest to your talents and work ethic. Don’t be afraid to ask for their help in your search.

Your 60s: Prove your worth
After spending decades in the workforce, you have plenty of experience and expertise in your field. If you’re seeking a new opportunity, search for a position that matches your skill set and interests, and be sure to highlight your hard-earned knowledge during a job interview or promotion discussion. Depending on your past jobs, you might also consider starting a consulting business to share your knowledge with others in your field. 
 

It’s true what they say: You need to dress to impress. That’s right, I said “impress” instead of “success.” Success doesn’t come from clothes, but people’s natural judgment starts there. You only have one chance to make a first impression, and in an interview, that means one chance to get the job.

Of course what’s on paper is important, but if you have been offered an interview, chances are that you already have the skills, education and/or experience they are looking for. When you are walking into an interview, they want to see if you have the people skills, look and personality, and the problem-solving abilities to fit into their company’s culture.

When choosing your attire for an interview, keep these things in mind:

• Wear something you’re comfortable in and have worn before
• Everything should be ironed, dry cleaned if needed and tailored to fit properly. Strings hanging from sleeves, missing buttons, and clothes that are too big or too tight look very unprofessional
• If you are wearing a suit, be sure it is properly buttoned and tailored
• Hair and nails should be groomed. For women who like a polish, a nude or French manicure is always a nice, subtle choice
• Research the company’s culture, including uniforms or acceptable work attire 
• Colors can suggest personality traits. Are you a confident red or a trustworthy blue?
• Dress appropriately from head to toe – people look at the shoes men and women wear with an outfit. Make sure you can walk in your shoes, too
• For the women, accessorize tastefully, do not overdo the makeup, and depending on the season, be sure to wear pantyhose with a skirt or dress

Just as you should research the company and go to the interview prepared to answer and ask specific questions about the company, so should you plan your outfit. How you portray yourself physically really does say a lot about your personality, style and health. Don’t forget to top off your outfit with a smile and a good handshake when first meeting your interviewer. A person only has one first impression of you – make it one they can’t forget. 

Today’s students have more opportunities than ever. With a plethora of academic programs and scheduling options to choose from, career-minded students are finding that achieving their educational goals is possible, no matter how busy their lives are. This is especially true for students enrolled in short courses and programs.

Short courses, such as Dawn Career Institute’s Phlebotomy Technician and Electrocardiogram (EKG) Technician courses, as well as short programs like DCI’s Nail Technician and Nurse Assistant programs, can be terrific add-ons to help students gain new skills. They can also function as the pathway toward a new career. For example, students enrolled in DCI’s Medical Assistant, Medical and Dental Biller/Health Insurance Claims Examiner, or Medical Administrative Specialist programs might consider enrolling in the Phlebotomy Technician or Electrocardiogram (EKG) Technician courses to enhance their skills in the healthcare field. These students might also consider enrolling in DCI’s Nurse Assistant program to start a new career. Students in the Esthetician (Skin Care Specialist) or Massage Therapist programs could learn a new trade with the Nail Technician program.

The length of time it takes to complete these courses and short programs can vary from 13 to 15 weeks, to as few as 5 to 6 weeks. The goal of these certificate programs is to help students get started in a new career field or gain new skills in their current field.

Short-term courses and programs can help you accomplish your goals in less time than most conventional educational programs. Classes are typically offered at various times through the day and evening hours, which makes balancing your professional life and education a doable task.

If you are interested in taking a short-term course or program to further your knowledge or start a new career in a variety of industry and fields, such as Nail Technician, Nurse Assistant, Phlebotomy Technician or Electrocardiogram (EKG) Technician, contact Dawn Career Institute today. In a short time, you could have a certificate and be exploring new career opportunities.

Let’s face it – with TV shows like “The Biggest Loser” and new health fads making their way into the healthcare industry every day, many people in America are becoming obsessed with losing weight and living a healthy lifestyle. To some people, diet and exercise come easy, but many people in America struggle with leading a healthy way of life. This is good news for those who aim to work in the fields of healthcare and personal training. With the growing and aging population, both fields may be as relevant today as ever.

Are you one of the people who find healthy living easy? Do you value educating people on how to achieve this lifestyle? Do you want to play a role in fighting obesity in adults and children? If you answered yes to all of these, consider a healthcare or wellness career that promotes healthy living.

Consider a career as a nurse assistant, educating patients on a variety of medical conditions and how they can improve their health. Whether you work in a hospital, doctor’s office or clinic, nurse assistants perform health tests; assist patients with eating, dressing and bathing; and educate patients on how they can make their life a healthy one.

Do you like to teach people how to exercise properly? If so, consider a career as a personal fitness trainer. Sometimes people need a personal trainer or fitness instructor to jump-start their goal to live a healthy way of life. As a personal trainer, you also have a variety of environments in which you can pursue your career, such as fitness centers, physical therapy facilities, resorts and cruise ships, university and collegiate athletic programs, and much more.

No matter which career you choose, diet, nutrition and weight control are constantly in the media and top of mind to most Americans. This is why specialized professionals are needed to aid in and find ways to make a healthy living achievable. If you are considering changing your career or are just beginning your search, consider a profession that educates and promotes healthy living.

It’s true that an online education program can be a convenient and flexible option that can accommodate your busy schedule, especially if you are making a career change and need to balance school with work and family. However, don’t let the word “convenient” fool you into thinking an online education program is easier than a traditional classroom setting. Online education programs can pose challenges that a typical classroom setting does not, but with the right organizational skills, you can overcome these challenges.

Organization and planning are the keys to online education success. Typically, at the beginning of a course, a student will receive a syllabus with class expectations, guidelines and due dates. Before you set this aside, invest in a calendar or planner and write down all important due dates. Sometimes it even helps to write reminders each week – for example: a countdown that provides a reminder of upcoming tests and projects.

It is also important to keep in mind that most of your work will be done individually, but thanks to email, communication between students and teachers has become much easier. Take advantage of this, keep in touch with your teacher and don’t be afraid to email them with any questions you might have. Because much of your coursework can involve writing, it’s important to become comfortable expressing your ideas in a professional written format.

An online education can be a great option for many working adults and can be an easy way to take control and balance school, family, and work. Just be sure to plan and organize your time, communicate, and create a social presence through email and online class discussions. The key to your success begins with you.

It’s typical for people to think that it’s too late to make a career change that will result in happiness and financial stability. And if you fall into this category, there’s no need to worry! You can discover what many people in your exact situation are already finding out – that you can get an education to prepare you for a great career in under a year.

Under a year is all it takes!

Years ago, it seemed like 4 years was the mandatory amount of time to receive a good education. Thankfully, those days are behind us. What many schools have realized is that, in this day and age, students have different needs than in the past. The world has become increasingly fast-paced. Gone are the days when the majority of workers stayed in their field or at the same company for their entire career. Schools have caught up to this shift, and students have benefitted by having more program options and efficient schedules that allow them to graduate in under a year.

So what kinds of careers can you prepare for in under a year?

Have you considered a career in healthcare?

Surely, you know that the healthcare field is growing. That’s good news for job-seekers and students who are trying to find an enjoyable field that also offers long-term job security. First, search for online programs that fit your needs. Online learning is booming – and so is the field of healthcare, creating a powerful combination of benefits that can increase your chances of success.

Plus, many healthcare programs can be completed in under a year, including Medical Assistant, Medical Billing and Coding, and Dental Assistant programs. Good with your hands? You might also be interested in Massage Therapy programs, as well!

Do you love motivating others? Are you physically active?

If you answered yes to both of those questions, then you might be the perfect candidate for a career as a certified personal trainer. A personal trainer isn’t always someone with a loud voice, yelling at people to do one more rep. The best personal trainers take a holistic approach to fitness that includes diet and exercise. You can literally change people’s lives for the better by helping them look and feel their best. This career, like the previous ones we mentioned, can give you a huge sense of accomplishment.

What’s the next step?

There are several other programs for you to discover that can be completed in under a year. Some of these programs include Pharmacy Technician and Esthetician. No matter which area is best for you, just know that you can make an important difference in your life sooner than later!

We would love to hear what kind of programs you have been looking at and if you are ready to make a career switch. Join the conversation by leaving your comments below!
 

Your personality type can be a key indicator of what kind of career works best for you. People have always dreamed about having a job that reflects who they are and what they’re passionate about. Sure, we’d all love to travel around the world for a living with a limitless credit card and without worrying about job security. But let’s be practical. Let’s think about who you are and what kind of career would truly make you happy!

Do you like taking care of people and have strong communication skills?

If you are the friend that everyone looks to when they have a problem they need to discuss, or if people often tell you that you give great advice, then maybe you should consider a career in healthcare – as a nurse or medical assistant.

Plus, if you have the kind of personality that easily strikes up conversation with strangers, you can put your natural likability to work, helping patients feel more at ease in situations that might be stressful to them. Good dental assistants are usually comfortable talking to people while they work.

Are you a goal-oriented person with a passion for physical fitness?

If you jump out of bed every morning and put on your running shoes, and order the salad instead of the burger, then you should look into becoming a personal fitness trainer or a massage therapist. It seems like every day we are flooded with news stories about how out-of-shape our country as a whole is getting or how our fast-food lifestyle is killing us slowly. But the flipside is that our country is also becoming a lot more mindful of healthy eating and lifestyle habits. So it’s no wonder that personal trainers and massage therapists (both of whom can make a great living helping athletes) can enjoy a career helping people turn their lives around.

If you enjoy facing challenges and helping others reach their potential, think about a career as a personal trainer. And if you’d rather put your hands to work and help relieve people who are physically active, consider a career as a massage therapist.

Are you drawn to technology and enjoy working with numbers?

You’re probably thinking that a career in accounting is where this one is going. Well, that’s certainly not a bad option. In fact, careers in accounting won’t be going anywhere as long as cash and capitalism remain king.

But there are other great options for people who enjoy working with numbers – and people. Working in the healthcare industry means more than helping others heal and comforting patients. Careers in healthcare are growing in several areas – there is literally something for everyone! Medical billing and coding specialists and health insurance claims examiners offer great opportunities for left-brained thinkers who like working with people, too.

WILMINGTON, DEL. (February, 2012) – Dawn Career Institute is serious about its corporate culture. In the spirit of developing teamwork and collaboration, the institution recently engaged The Fun Department. On the heels of receiving Delaware Best Workplace recognition two years in a row, this is yet another initiative on DCI’s behalf to support its mission of creating an environment where people thrive – employees included.

The Fun Department partners with local businesses to implement activities that help create an enthusiastic atmosphere and build the spirit of camaraderie between employees. Many of the activities are impromptu and developed entirely unbeknownst to employees, but they are all focused on making the work day more fun.

Numerous research studies have shown the benefits of a fun work environment, which include a lighter atmosphere, greater capacity for creativity and the sharing of ideas, and overall engagement with organizational objectives.

“DCI is committed to making employees feel comfortable and creating a work environment that is both productive and engaging,” said Jena Zapata, Chief Operating Officer. “The Fun Department has already contributed to that goal. Our team has enjoyed the activities so far, and they are eagerly awaiting what else the company has in store for them.”

The Fun Department has many strategies to encourage fun. One of the company’s favorite approaches is the “Bait and Switch.” People in the workplace are informed by management that they are going to a meeting about a particularly dull and uninteresting topic, but the team from The Fun Department show up to be the actual speakers. The team then reveals their Superman-like t-shirts and jeans under their work attire.

Other strategies implemented by The Fun Department include “deliveries,” which involve replacing traditional team-building exercises with other activities, such as scavenger hunts, trivia, line dancing, contests, luncheons, games and more. Katie Burke, Executive Assistant at DCI, was a recent victim of The Fun Department when she was encouraged to recite poetry.

“The Fun Department helps to break the customary work routine by injecting fun and infusing teamwork at a competitive level,” said Jorge Echavarria, DCI’s financial aid associate. “They promote teamwork within the department, allowing us to put aside the work mentality and show our fun spirit.”

DCI’s management team is involved in determining the general spirit of the activities that are later implemented by The Fun Department. Since “fun” is subjective, the company attempts to introduce activities enjoyable for everyone.