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Attitude is EVERYTHING!

Your attitude will affect you in every situation.  It affects you when you are training and competing, doing schoolwork, taking a test, and in every day life.  What determines if you can or cannot do something?  Your mind-your ATTITUDE!  In an article titled, "Attitude is Everything," Ginny McCabe and Mary Lee Tracy write:

I believe attitude is absolutely everything.  If you believe you can, you will. Your attitude can take you all the way to the top.

Strengthen your spirit by examining your attitude on a particular day: what factors contribute to my attitude? How can I stay positive when I'm having a bad day? Are other people's attitudes influencing me? What is my attitude like today?  What are some practical things I can do to be positive?

These tips apply not only to every day life, but also as attitude applies to your attitude on an interview.

Think about this: what is it like when you talk to someone or a group of people and they look down at the ground or fidget during the conversation.  What about people that slouch down in their chairs with their arms folded and they are staring into outer space?

Now picture that person or group of people looking at you directly as you speak to them; picture someone sitting up straight and acknowledging what you are saying by nodding, smiling, etc.  Which way impresses you?

But wait. . . there's more!  Log on to Career and Counseling Services web site at http://wtcareer.wtamu.edu/cs/student/workshop.htm.  Scroll down to Interviewing Workshops and CLICK ON Interview Workshop Presentation.  Below is a small sampling of the information you will receive just by clicking on this web site.

ATTITUDE ON AN INTERVIEW
A significant part of a hiring decision is based on nonverbal elements in an interview--handshake, eye contact, body language, posture, listening skills, clothing, grooming and accessories. Don't overlook the power of a good first impression. People make amazing assumptions about your professional credibility and potential performance based upon your appearance during a first meeting. It's very difficult to overcome a poor first impression, regardless of your knowledge or expertise.

Smile warmly when you enter the room where you were asked to report.  The receptionist is a very important person for you to be friendly and warm with.  They DO have influence over the decision; so do not blow it by being rude.

Again, when you are introduced to the interviewer, smile warmly.  Make and maintain good eye contact and offer a firm handshake. This goes for both men and women, don't be a "cold-fish" handshaker!  Practice if necessary.

Be Positive
When answering questions, dwell on the positive even when asked a negative question; phrase your answer in a positive way.  For example, "Tell me about a time you disagreed with your supervisor and how you handled it?"  We all have disagreed with a supervisor in our working life about something.  How you approach the answer will tell volumes about you.

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COMPANY SPOTLIGHT:
Nationwide Insurance

Nationwide is one of the largest insurance and financial services companies in the world, with more than $148 billion in statutory assets. Our core businesses include: domestic property and casualty insurance, life insurance and retirement savings, asset management, and strategic investments. Nationwide provides a full range of products and financial services from auto, fire, life, health and commercial insurance to administrative services, annuities, mutual funds and retirement plans. We offer these products through multiple distribution channels and we maintain strong relationships with premier mutual fund managers.

Nationwide does business in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and the Virgin Islands, Asia, Europe and Latin America.

Our Amarillo Customer Care Center has more than 240 associates working in various capacities such as CCC Sales Agent, CCC Service Representative and PL Processor supporting the company's Sales and Customer Service initiatives. Nationwide provides a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, life and vision options to name a few. In addition, Nationwide provides a fully funded retirement plan and a company matching 401(k) plan.

Nationwide also provides a very competitive education reimbursement program, where the company pays up to $5250 annually for tuition expenses once an associate has been employed with us for 12 months.

Check out job opportunities for Nationwide in our eRecruiting database!

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Question: I'm a general studies major. What job search strategies will work best for me?

Answer: First, it is critical to know what type of career you want.

It is easier for students in professional programs: nursing, engineering, accounting, etc. Their career choice is pretty obvious. Your major, however, has many more options. You may have heard that there aren't jobs for liberal arts or general studies majors; however, I think you'll find many options and opportunities. The education you're getting teaches strong communication skills, reasoning ability, and the ability to learn--skills employers highly value. In fact, research has shown that the higher you go up the career ladder (higher level managers and CEOs), the more these skills are valued.

The first key, however, is to decide where you want to apply these skills.The WTAMU Career & Counseling Services office has trained career counselors to help you chart the career path that best matches your personality, interests, and values. You can learn more about their program at
http://wtcareer.wtamu.edu/cou/index.htm

Once you know where you want to apply your skills, the next step is to develop and demonstrate these skills to employers. Most employers are more interested in your skills than your major. You need a degree, but skills are what convince employers to hire.

For example, to be a banker, you don't have to be a business major. However, you'll need to demonstrate in an interview that you have strong quantitative skills and a sincere interest in business. Taking business electives can do this, but a really effective way to demonstrate skills is to participate in an internship or work part-time in the field. The WT internship program can help you find these opportunities. Learn more about the program at
http://wtcareer.wtamu.edu/coop/coop.htm

Campus involvement can also demonstrate skills and interest to an employer. If you are interested in business, you could join Students In Free Enterprise (SIFE). You don't have to be a business major to belong, and it is a great way to build specific skills valuable in the business world.

If you want an advertising career, why not join the Advertising/PR Club? You don't have to be a mass communications major; however, participating helps you network and gain experience for your résumé.

The bottom line is you want to build your portfolio so you can make your case to employers. You want to say, "I wanted the broad-based education that general studies offered, but I also have specific skills I can apply in your organization today."

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Depression a major drag
at the work place

ANN ARBOR, Mich., Nov. 4 (UPI) A University of Michigan researcher Thursday said absenteeism and loss of productivity caused by depressed workers costs U.S. businesses as much as $24 billion a year.

About 17.6 million people experience a bout of depression each year as a result of stress, personal and interpersonal difficulties, negative changes at work, working too hard or other factors.

In an article in this month's issue of American Association of Occupational Health Nurses Journal, Williams and co-author Patricia Strasser, an adjunct professor, note that employees are increasingly turning to workers compensation for psychological injuries rather than seeking treatment for depression, which still can carry a stigma.

The World Health Organization says depression is the fourth leading cause of disease in the world. By 2020, it is expected to jump to the No. 2 spot.

Williams cites a study showing depression is the most expensive of all behavioral health conditions, accounting for 52 percent of claims at one major company. It also was the most common diagnosis of those seeking help from the company's employee assistance program.

"People's awareness of how profound depression in the workplace is starting to rise," Williams said. "The impact on employee performance is incredible, yet this is a highly treatable illness."

Symptoms of workplace depression include more days off work than allowed through disability plans, loss of concentration, reduced productivity, loss of interest in work, withdrawing from colleagues, irritability, excessive tardiness, high absenteeism and being unreachable by phone.

www.psycport.com/news/1999/11/04up/0000-66231-US-depre...

What is depression?
    Depression is a prolonged and persistent negative mood which can color and interfere with many aspects of one's life. It is characterized by feelings of worthlessness, excessive guilt, loneliness, sadness, hopelessness, self-doubt, and guilt. Suicidal thoughts may also be present.  Normal, everyday depression can last for a few minutes to a few days. We've all felt these periods of being "down" or "sad." These feelings are a normal part of being human. On the other hand, depression that becomes intense and lasts for extended periods of time may be a dysfunctional form of depression, something beyond the "everyday sort." This more serious type of depression can often be helped by seeing a mental health specialist.

    A major depressive episode involves a two week period with 5 or more of the following symptoms most of the day of nearly everyday (one of the symptoms must be depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure):

1. depressed mood
2. marked loss of interest in one's usual activities
3. significant weight loss or gain
4. insomnia or hypersomnia
5. physically restless or agitated or significantly slowed down
6. fatigue or loss of energy
7. feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt
8. diminished ability to think, concentrate or make decisions
9. recurrent thoughts of death or suicidal feelings or thoughts

Dysthymia, bereavement, or stress can cause depressive symptoms to a lesser degree.

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BENEFITS - What to Look For

You've just received word that you're in the running for the two positions you've applied for. Both positions appeal to you - they're in the field you've always been interested in; the work environment is appealing; and the salary at both positions is right in line with your expectations.

How do you decide which job to take? You could flip a coin. But that might be a very expensive coin toss. Savvy job seekers are pulling out their calculators to help them determine the value of the benefits package their prospective employers are offering.

Benefits packages range from medical, dental, and visual insurance to vacation leave to stock options and 401(k) accounts. When you're evaluating job positions, remember to compare "apples to apples" and study all aspects of the benefits package to see how they stack up. A little research and study now may add up to big bucks down the road.

Here is a link with a couple of good articles about how to assess the value of your benefits package:
http://content.monstertrak.monster.com/resources/archive/weighingoffers/benefits102/

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Call To Serve:
Working for America in Federal Public Service

In 2003, the Career & Counseling Services Office at West Texas A&M University joined a nationwide initiative called Call To Serve. The purpose of Call to Serve is to encourage university students and graduates to work for the federal government. Never before in the history of our nation has there been a greater need for college-educated individuals to consider working for "Uncle Sam."

Ten Reasons to Consider a Federal Career
You probably know something about jobs in the private and nonprofit sectors, but have you ever considered...

1. The Nation's Largest Employer is Hiring
   • Half of the nation's 1.8 million federal employees may be eligible to retire in the next 5 years - that's a lot of openings!
   • Unlike some other employers, the federal government will never go out of business. It will always need good people to protect the interests of American citizens.
   
   
2. There's a Job for Every Interest
   • There are federal jobs suited to every interest and skill, from architecture to zoology.
   • You can combine your skills with your interests - for example, use your accounting background to improve your environment, your engineering degree to improve airport security, or your biology degree to conduct cutting-edge medical research.
   
   
3. You Can Make a Difference
   • The work that government employees do has an impact on the life of every American.
   • You can play a vital role in addressing pressing issues, from homelessness to homeland security.
   
   
4. The Federal Government Can Help Pay for School
   • Federal agencies may help you pay back your student loans if you work there for a certain length of time.
   • Pursue a graduate degree, and your employing agency may just pick up the tab!
   
   
5. You Can Advance Quickly
   • Federal agencies offer excellent training and development opportunities; furthermore, training can begin your first day on the job.
   • There are a number of "fast track" possibilities for advancement within your field.
   
   
6. There are Federal Jobs Around the Country ... and Around the World
   • Only 16 percent of government employees work in the Washington, DC, vicinity.
   • Over 50,000 federal employees work abroad.
   
   
7. The Federal Government Values Diversity
   • The federal government has steadily increased the diversity of its workforce.
   • Federal agencies actively encourage minorities and individuals with disabilities to consider government service through a variety of internship and fellowship programs.
   
   
8. Federal Jobs Pay Better Than You Think
   • Average government salaries are competitive for most professions.
   • Pay can increase pretty quickly for top candidates with strong education and experience.
   
   
9. Flexible Work Schedules and Benefits Encourage Work-Life Balance
   • Flexible work schedules are a major upside for those with busy schedules.
   • Federal benefits, including health insurance, retirement and vacation, are extremely competitive with the private sector.
   
   
10. The Federal Government Is a Career Builder
    • Advance your career by developing highly marketable skills.
    • Utilize your federal experiences as a building block for an exciting and diverse career.
    
    

For more information about federal jobs and how to apply for them, click on the following link.
Call to Serve

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Career Services Calendar of Events

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