Job hunting in 2023 can be a daunting task, especially with the rapid changes in the economy, technology, and society. However, there are some tips and strategies that can help you land your dream job, not only for this year but also in 2024 (and beyond). Here are some of them:

– Update your resume and portfolio. Make sure they showcase your skills, achievements, and personality in a clear and concise way. Use keywords and phrases that match the job description and the industry you are applying for. Include links to your online presence, such as your website, blog, social media accounts, or online courses.

– Network online and offline. Connect with people who work in your field of interest, or who can refer you to potential employers. You can use LinkedIn, Twitter, or Clubhouse to find and join relevant communities, events, and conversations. You can also attend virtual or in-person career fairs, workshops, or webinars to learn new skills and meet new contacts.

– Research the company and the role. Before you apply for a job, do some background research on the company, its culture, values, and goals. Find out what they are looking for in a candidate, what their expectations and challenges are, and how you can add value to their team. Prepare some questions to ask during the interview that show your interest and enthusiasm.

– Practice your interview skills. Whether it is a phone, video, or face-to-face interview, you need to be ready to impress the hiring manager with your confidence, communication, and problem-solving skills. Practice answering common and behavioral questions, using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to provide specific examples of your accomplishments. Dress professionally, smile, and maintain eye contact throughout the interview.

– Follow up and stay positive. After the interview, send a thank-you note to the interviewer, expressing your appreciation and reiterating your interest in the job. Keep in touch with them until you hear back, but don’t be too pushy or impatient. If you don’t get the job, don’t take it personally or give up. Learn from the feedback, improve your skills, and apply for other opportunities.

Staying in a Positive Mood

 1. Pamper yourself for each small step or accomplishment.

 2. Make a daily to-do list; it’ll really keep you organized.

 3. Discover your best functioning time (Some people are better in the morning, while others are mid-day or night folks.)

 4. Always try to plan ahead; lay out the next day’s clothes and fix lunches the night before.

  5. Keep frequently used numbers on your phone or with you, to save time looking them up.

  6. Try to break up large projects into smaller, manageable parts.

 7. If you have several places to go, try to go to them by location in order to avoid backtracking.

  8. If you think that you’ll be waiting for a while, bring a book, or a set of word puzzles; you can also try to catch up on your bills, school, or work projects. (if they’re online, bring a tablet or laptop with you and make sure the battery’s at full power, so you won’t have to worry about finding a cord outlet for plugging in!)

Enjoying the Last Days of Summer

I hope that everyone’s summer has been great.
And I hope that you were able to do the following: a few simple but essential things (mostly inexpensive or free) for an enjoyable season.
If you haven’t yet, it’s not too late!

1. VISIT A FARMER’S MARKET-Besides the obvious health benefits of fresh fruit
and veggies, there’s just something special and fun about buying from an
open-air place, isn’t it?
In some major cities, farmer’s markets are often held in large buildings that
remind me of airplane hangars. Besides fruit and veggies, there are also
breathtaking and endless varieties of fresh meat, seafood, fresh pastries,
cheese, beverages, and at least a few food items that you don’t see regularly
or have never heard of.
You can have a tasty lunch, snack, or even free samples while you’re shopping
or looking around. Even if you don’t buy a thing, you’ll never be bored (Many
people take their kids, other relatives, or friends along and make a day’s event
out of it).
What a treat!

2. APPRECIATE NATURE-Now I’m not saying to go out and jog when it’s 90
degrees (or higher). When the temperature’s comfortable and weather
permitting, you should take full advantage of the great outdoors (Because
winter will be here soon enough). Go to your local park and walk in it. Go to the
beach and swim; walk on the sand or along the shore. Build a sandcastle. At
least once this summer, be by a large body of water like a lake, ocean, river,
pond, waterfall and “soak” up the atmosphere.
Inhale the smell of fresh-cut grass; run barefoot on it (Those of you with dogs
may want to disregard this-or run very carefully).

3. HAVE SOME ICE CREAM, AND/OR-Partake of an ice slushy (slushie?), iced tea, or those fantastic fruit bars (the strawberry ones by the Outshine brand are outstanding). Go on a picnic; you can get your fill of nature, cool off AND eat summer food too!

4.  HAVE A SUMMER ADVENTURE-Do something or go someplace memorable
that you’ll treasure forever. If you’re on a budget, attend a free outdoor festival
(Bring your own food or snacks to save money) or concert in the park.

5. READ A BOOK-And a paperback or two. Read for the sheer joy of it, to relax,
or to relearn something you forgot. Seriously, reading ANYTIME promotes
good brain health.