Job Search article from Careerbuilder

Imagine you're a hiring manager, and you receive a cover letter from a job seeker that begins: "I am tired of writing cover letters." Rather than pick up the phone and call the person in for an interview, you're likely to discard the application.

You may be surprised to learn that the example above is real, and this applicant isn't the only one to inappropriately complain to a prospective employer. Here are some additional examples:
· "Argh! I hate job hunting!"
· "Life isn't fair. I should get paid for looking for a job."
· "I have received zero replies from my résumé. It's not me, though. I know that for sure."

While nearly everyone can understand the frustration of a prolonged job search, it's a big mistake to let your negative feelings show. Indeed, remaining positive can help you get hired. Employers want to hire people who are passionate about their work, relate well to others and aren't easily deflated by setbacks.

Here are some guidelines for conveying the right attitude to hiring managers:

When in doubt, leave it out

One individual who applied for a job wrote: "I'm not lazy, but given a choice between working for someone else, following orders and waking up to that awful sound of an alarm clock or doing what I want to do -- wouldn't any intelligent human being choose the latter?" Although few would be as blatant as this person, any amount of venting is likely to turn off a hiring manager. Make sure the focus of your résumé or cover letter remains on your qualifications. Specifically, what needs does the firm have, and how can you help fill them?

Be a team player
Another candidate had this to say: "I have a problem with dress codes. It will be difficult for me if I need to wear a formal button-down shirt for work because I don't have many of those types of clothes since I dress cool." Such candor didn't do him any favors because he was perceived as someone who has trouble following rules and interacting with colleagues who may have different opinions than his own.
The simple truth is that people want to hire -- and work with -- people who are easy to get along with and low-maintenance. Don't appear difficult by outlining your pet peeves. This extends to the interview as well, especially if it's over lunch: Don't give an overly complicated order; instead, make your requests simple.

Show your enthusiasm for the position
One company received a résumé from a job seeker who said simply, "I've never been all that excited about working." With an attitude like that, you can bet the business wasn't too excited about the candidate, either. Employers want to hire professionals with a true desire to work for their firms. Demonstrate your passion for the position by researching the employer before submitting your application and noting how your skills can meet the company's unique needs. For example, you may learn that the company is opening a new office in your area. Your experience helping to launch start-up operations could be valuable to the organization.

Impress in person

If you're called in for an interview, remember your enthusiasm -- or lack thereof -- will show during the meeting. Simple steps, like offering a firm handshake, sitting up straight, smiling and maintaining eye contact with the interviewer, will showcase your positive attitude. Small shifts in body language, like tapping your foot impatiently, or tone, such as sighing under your breath, can undermine your efforts to make a good impression.

Check in with others

If you've hit a roadblock in your job search, it might be worthwhile to get an outside perspective about how you're presenting yourself. Ask someone whose opinion you trust to review your résumé, cover letter and any other materials you will be submitting to hiring managers. A subtle negative tone can sometimes seep into your application materials without you noticing.

A job search can be challenging even in a good employment market. If you're feeling discouraged and having trouble getting motivated, share your frustration with close friends and family. Not only can they provide a good shoulder to lean on, those you know may have faced similar challenges themselves and be able to provide valuable advice for keeping your head high.

Robert Half International is the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm with a global network of more than 360 offices worldwide. For more information about our professional services, please visit www.rhi.com.

http://msn.careerbuilder.com/Article/MSN-2040-Job-Search-Your-Bad-Attitude-Could-Be-Hurting-Your-Job-Search/?sc_extcmp=JS_2040_home1&SiteId=cbmsnhp42040&ArticleID=2040&gt1=23000&cbRecursionCnt=1&cbsid=6e27762f916a4c38bcbe2e132a5f6361-309614253-VS-4

A good quote

"Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around."
~Leo Buscaglia

Restoration

Deut 30:2-10

And when you and your children return to the LORD your God and obey him with all your heart and with all your soul according to everything I command you today, 3 then the LORD your God will restore your fortunes and have compassion on you and gather you again from all the nations where he scattered you. 4 Even if you have been banished to the most distant land under the heavens, from there the LORD your God will gather you and bring you back. 5 He will bring you to the land that belonged to your fathers, and you will take possession of it. He will make you more prosperous and numerous than your fathers. 6 The LORD your God will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendants, so that you may love him with all your heart and with all your soul, and live. 7 The LORD your God will put all these curses on your enemies who hate and persecute you. 8 You will again obey the LORD and follow all his commands I am giving you today. 9 Then the LORD your God will make you most prosperous in all the work of your hands and in the fruit of your womb, the young of your livestock and the crops of your land. The LORD will again delight in you and make you prosperous, just as he delighted in your fathers, 10 if you obey the LORD your God and keep his commands and decrees that are written in this Book of the Law and turn to the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.

The mirror

I read part of the book "Walking the Dead" by John Eldredge yesterday and thought this poem by Yates was insightful. In my interpretation it's not really about make-up or vanity but rather about realizing that we were created in the image of God. As John writes, "You remember faintly that you were once more than what you have become. Your story didn't start with sin, and thank God, it doesn't end with sin. It ends with glory restored"

If I make the lashes dark
And the eyes more bright
And the lips more scarlet
Or ask if all be right
From mirror after mirror
No vanity's displayed
I'm looking for the face I had
Before the world was made.

Benefits of walking

Our wellness team sent out an email including the benefits of walking. I thought this was interesting.

BENEFITS OF WALKING
 Burns calories
 Strengthens back muscles
 Slims your waist
 Easy on your joints
 Strengthens your bones
 Lowers blood pressure
 Allows time with family and friends
 Shapes and tones your legs and butt
 Cuts cholesterol
 Reduces risk of heart disease, diabetes, & more
 Reduces stress
 Sleep better
 Improves mood and outlook on life
 Can be done almost anywhere
 Requires no equipment
 It's Free

Source: http://www.thewalkingsite.com/howtowalk.html