I still want to help!

I still want to help!

Nothing last's forever, including unemployment, recessions and hard times.
There will be an upturn...times are destined to improve.  Will you be ready? Now is the perfect time for transition...

This journey of mine has been very "uphill", however I have learned so much. I wish to share that knowledge with people as my way of paying forward all the blessings I have received and will receive..

If you are 1. Currently working but looking to go back to school and have some hurdles, I want to work with you. or 2. Currently unemployed, looking looking to return to school and find employment but there are some hurdles... I want to work with you.
I am looking for 2 people who need the benefit of working with an individual who is dedicated to bringing people up and over hurdles.... I am also learning and developing my craft so there is NO FEE for any of this. I simply want to help.

In box me your contact information and give a basic description of what your hurdles are. If I can work with you I will let you know. The only requirement is to "pay it forward" once your moment of transition to prosperity has started.

If you are not in need but know of someone, who could use a little encouragement and guidance, please pass this note along.  God is awesome, he has a purpose for us all- tap into yours.
Alesha M.

P N L- Personal Assistant Services Personal Assistants are not just for the rich and famous anymore- contact me today to see how I can help you!

5 Critical Areas of Weakness With Your Resume
Posted By: Jessica Holbrook On: 1/27/2011 10:17:16 AM In: Job Seeker - Resume Each week, I critique a new resume on-air. And over the past couple of months I’ve started to notice some of what I like to call “terrible resume trends”. They’re common mistakes that everyday job seekers are making—and they have no idea that they’re making them! (How can you fix what’s wrong if you don’t even know what that is!) Well, I’m here to open your eyes and (hopefully) start getting you some interviews. Below is a list of weaknesses (the five most common) that people tend to overlook on their resumes. Each week, I critique a new resume on-air. And over the past couple of months I’ve started to notice some of what I like to call “terrible resume trends”. They’re common mistakes that everyday job seekers are making—and they have no idea that they’re making them! (How can you fix what’s wrong if you don’t even know what that is!) Well, I’m here to open your eyes and (hopefully) start getting you some interviews. Below is a list of weaknesses (the five most common) that people tend to overlook on their resumes. THE FONT You may not think the font you choose for your resume is very important, but it communicates more than you think. Use a font that’s too small, and the documents will be too hard to read—and the hiring manager won’t even invest any time in it. Use one that’s too large and you’ll seem inexperienced and juvenile. Use Times New Roman and you’ll send a subliminal message that you’re boring—a mediocre lemming—that you’re just like everyone else. Just as the outfit you wear to the interview provides a first impression for the hiring manager, so do the font and design on your resume. SUBPAR SUBTITLES Using the terms “SUMMARY”, “PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE”, and “WORK HISTORY” are becoming sorely overused. Not to mention they waste space and don’t tell the hiring manager ANYTHING about what you’ve really accomplished. Instead, use very specific subtitles. At the top of your resume, instead of using the term “CAREER SUMMARY”, use your target job title. That way, every time you apply for a job, it’s customized to that particular position. Do the same with “PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE”. If you are in IT and work as a project manager, change the title to “PROJECT MANAGEMENT EXPERIENCE”. One more thing: If you’re an executive, do not use the header “PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE” on your resume. This is a HUGE mistake. You’re sending a mixed message; in one portion of the resume you’re stating you’re an executive, but in another you are stating you’re professional. Be consistent throughout the resume. POWERFUL PERSONAL BRANDING If the world realized how powerful a personally branded resume was, everybody would use one. But the majority of the population is clueless. So here’s your insider tip: GET A CLUE! Underneath that shiny new job target/title that you’ll be putting at the top of your resume, include a brief one-liner about why you’re the best (insert job title here) there is (or ever was)! Use the opportunity to briefly highlight why you’re the perfect fit for their opening. GENERIC COVER LETTERS What a waste of space and time! Do you want to bore the hiring manager? Or engage him and give him a reason to read your resume? Your cover letter should NOT be a reproduction of your resume. Spend some time researching the company to which you’re applying, find out what their needs are—then specify in the cover letter how you can help them meet their needs. It will certainly set you apart from all the other candidates. While you’re at it, don’t start your cover letter with the predictable “Please accept this … ” “In response to … ” You’re not a mainstream candidate; you don’t run WITH the crowd—you STAND OUT! So … show the hiring manager! REFUSING TO THANK How many people miss the boat on this one! Take the time to thank the hiring manager for his time and to reiterate why you are excited about (and the best fit for) the opening. I can tell you right now, most people don’t send a thank you letter. In fact, in more than 10 years of working as an HR manager and recruiter, I can count on one hand the number of thank you cards or letters I’ve received. Make your mark; be memorable, be polite, seal the deal—write and send the thank you letter. Take a more strategic approach to your job search and start thinking about what sets you apart—instead of just doing what you’ve always done—or what everyone else is doing.

Why Branding Your Resume Produces a High ROI

Posted By: Jessica Holbrook On: 2/10/2011 11:45:13 AM In: Job Seeker - Resume Learn how to brand your resume and produce a high ROI. It has been no secret in advertising and marketing for some time now that you need to know your target audience. And it really isn’t any different in a job search. You need to know who your audience is, what their needs are, and how to communicate the benefits of what you offer. Last autumn I jumped head first into a huge conversion rate optimization project. I was doing hours of research and work to figure out everything I could about Web site optimization and conversion rates. One of the most interesting points I discovered was about communicating to your audience the benefits that come with your service, product, etc., or how the person will benefit - not just selling the “features”. I was very intrigued by this notion and how applicable it is to resume development. As a job seeker, it’s so important to know your audience and to communicate to them the value and benefits an employer will receive from HIRING you. The benefits they get from hiring you are unlike hiring any other person—you are a rare commodity. I have news for you—you ARE the only person out there just like you! It’s critically important that your resume transparently articulates the BENEFITS you bring to the employer—because THEY are unlike any other. The best way to do this is by branding your entire resume with these benefits—not just a short branding statement at the top. The remainder of your resume needs to support the branding statement and precisely detail the most pertinent benefits the employer can expect upon hiring you. Constructing your resume in this manner produces a clear picture for the hiring manager and makes it an easier decision for him or her to interview you—thus securing you more interviews. You can’t afford not to brand your resume, cover letter, or any other element of your job search. Partnering with a professional resume writer can secure interviews more quickly, decrease your job search time (and frustration), and save you lots of money (from lost time being unemployed or working for a lower salary).

P N L- Personal Assistant Services Personal Assistants are not just for the rich and famous anymore- contact me today to see how I can help you!

Free Services

Job Hunting? Need a little assistance?

Resume not up to par?

No cover letter?

If you would like your current resume or cover letter proofed and provided with pointers for a revamp-- I am here to assist. 

Simply email me a copy of your current documents and if improvements or rewording is needed I am here to help!

Most  importantly... no charge for this!

For information on this and other services please contact Alesha M. 989-522-4628

P N L- Personal Assistant Services Personal Assistants are not just for the rich and famous anymore- contact me today to see how I can help you!

Tips

 When preparing for an interview, it never hurts to have a mock interview with a friend or family member. Most employers will want you to tell them about yourself and how your experience can best serve the "needs of the company" If you have done your research your answers should always correlate with the ad t...hat describes the position and your personal experiences. Remember 

"PERFECT PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT"...

 

P N L- Personal Assistant Services Personal Assistants are not just for the rich and famous anymore- contact me today to see how I can help you!

PNL- offers portfolio design, professional business cards, invitations and flyers for any event.....contact Alesha for more info.

Did I mention-- Powerpoint presentations? PNL can create presentations and speeches for your business or personal needs.

P N L- Personal Assistant Services Personal Assistants are not just for the rich and famous anymore- contact me today to see how I can help you!

Tips

Are you displaced from college because of financial issues? I.E. loan in default? School won't accept your financial aid due to not meeting academic standards? Remember there is a second right answer to resolving these issues- A loan can be placed in deferment if you lack financial stability- You can appeal to the school for acceptance and enter in on probation- or you can attend an online institution (there are a ton of accredited online schools).

P N L- Personal Assistant Services Personal Assistants are not just for the rich and famous anymore- contact me today to see how I can help you!

Financial Literacy-- The basics

TERMS

• Assets= Things of value you own= house(real estate, cars or other vehicles, stocks bonds, 401k investments, jewelry, art, business ownership and cash on hand
• Liabilities= debt you owe (what you owe on your assets)= home mortgage balance, car loans and leases, lines of credit, cc balances, ...and personal loans
• Assets= stuff
• Liabilities= debt

stuff-debt= net worth...

In a nutshell; if your stuff is < your debt you have negative "net worth".

Just like any exercise program will direct you - in order to trim the fat you must do the cardio-
the fat in Financial fitness is your debt- Trim you debt to increase your net worth. By doing this you are more likely to improve your overal...l financial health for the future.

Whats the cardio? Well in finances it is the leg work required to do such things as reduce interest rates on cc, creating a budget, liquidating some assets to payoff debt, negotiating and disputing adverse collections with creditors and eliminate bad or unnecessary debt.

The benefit--- cutting the fat can move you from the "red' or negative net worth to the "black" or positive net worth which will increass your financial health so that better long term financial decisions can be made

P N L- Personal Assistant Services Personal Assistants are not just for the rich and famous anymore- contact me today to see how I can help you!

Common Job Search Mistakes- Personality

During the job search process, you can inadvertently send a lot of signals to potential employers about your personality. In each step you make, think about the message you are sending.
 

• Give the impression of a professional: Before calling a potential employer, rehearse what you plan to say or your voice mail message. Does your home voice mail have a silly outgoing message? Perhaps it's time to change to a more serious and professional message. The same goes for your email address; Rocker72@___.com does not give the impression of a professional. All together, these things help a prospective employer formulate an impression of you.

• Dare to dream, but within reason: It's only natural to want to move up in your career. But when sending your resume, be sure that you only make contact for positions that are within your reach. If you're seeking an entry level position, but you send your resume for a management position, it may be thrown away without being considered for any other positions.

P N L- Personal Assistant Services Personal Assistants are not just for the rich and famous anymore- contact me today to see how I can help you!

Common Job Search Mistakes - Interviews

If you've made it to an interview, then you are definitely a good candidate for the position. Keep these things in mind to help your interview go well:

•  Know your weaknesses: Interviewers will commonly ask a candidate to describe a weakness. Don't be afraid to own up to a weakness you have. The interviewer is not expecting you to be perfect and is likely most interested in how you compensate for your weaknesses. Therefore, before your interview, consider what weakness you will describe. If you are missing a skill, be honest. But also mention how you intend to compensate for the weakness.

• Ask questions: Even if you have already researched a job and the organization, you should always have additional questions for the interviewer. If you do not demonstrate that you wish to learn more about the job, then the interviewer may question your true interest in the position. Inquire about the office culture or ask the interviewer to describe a specific aspect of the job in more detail. However, avoid asking questions about benefits or salary, especially in the first interview. Send thank you notes: The art of sending thank you notes after an interview is quickly diminishing. This is why it is a great reason for you to send them! Chances are you'll be one of the few to send a note, making you stand out in the crowd.

P N L- Personal Assistant Services Personal Assistants are not just for the rich and famous anymore- contact me today to see how I can help you!

Keep It Simple With PNL!

People really do want their lives to be simplified....PNL is here to make that happen. Through experience, working in different fields, taking on different roles (leader, planner, implementer) I have learned that I am a "doer"...I get the job done. There are just times in our lives when a task needs to be accomplished but one just may not have the time. PNL wants to make sure this does not happen to anyone. So what do you see a need for in your life were you just don't have the time?

Business Owners and Entrepreneurs....ever think about outsourcing some of the daily task that makes your job a headache? Parents, need a night out? To all, is it time to vamp up the resume? Contact me- so I can help you...email me directly for further inquiries.

P N L- Personal Assistant Services Personal Assistants are not just for the rich and famous anymore- contact me today to see how I can help you!

Credit Woes- Understanding the Statue of Limits on Debt

By Alesha M.

When delving into the process of "Curing Debt Woes" there are some basic guidelines one can follow that may assist with removing derogatory accounts from the credit reports. It is absolutely possible for an individual to take on creditors and come out successful when attempting to create a more accurate financial report card for themselves. The process can be confusing at times as we hear so many differences in opinions about how to approach this however, once you have taken the leap; all the steps are pretty simple to follow. In this series of post I will be listing knowledge I have gathered to describe the process for resolving derogatory accounts so your credit reports is represented with the most accurate snapshot of your financial history.

You may ask: Why is it important for me to have an “accurate report”? The answer is simple… by creating a more accurate portrait of where you are with debt along with a snapshot of your current financial health will benefit you when seeking loans, lines of credit and other types of lending services where the Interest Rate is adjusted based on what is being reported. Poor credit and too much debt equals, no lending to higher interest rates. Less debt and an accurate credit report (resolving past credit issues) can equal healthy lending and fair interest rates.

The first thing one would want to ensure is that derogatory information does not appear on the credit report, where the process is a bit longer to get items removed (although not at all impossible). Did you know there is a Statue of Limit on derogatory debts? The statute of limitations (SOL) for a delinquent debt is the time limit for the creditor to file a lawsuit that can result in a judgment being placed on your credit report. Judgments have a huge adverse affect on you overall credit score and typically do not get removed.

According to www.cardreport.com , “The Statute Of Limitations only covers lawsuits, and SOL expiration does not affect other types of collection action or reporting of the account to credit bureaus. The creditor or collection agency may theoretically continue with letters and telephone calls forever (although third-party collectors are subject to the "cease and desist" provision of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.) However, they will generally put much less effort into collecting "Out-Of-Statute" debts, and may give up easily. Out-Of-Statute debts can still be reported to credit bureaus for the time limits specified in the Fair Credit Reporting Act.” Follow this link to find the statue of limit for your state, http://www.cardreport.com/laws/statute-of-limitations.html.

This information is pertinent as it can affect lawsuits that lead to judgments levied against your credit report. It also is grounds to stop collection calls from third parties who have taken over you debt from originating creditors.
Now that you have the “what” and “why's” here is the “how”......

1. Never admit you owe a debt- If a creditor calls you regarding a debt, understand you have the right to remain silent or ask for proof of the “alleged “ debt that would include the originator of the debt, the original debt amount (minus fees and interest) and the date the debt become delinquent.

2. If debt is a certain amount of years old with NO activity one is free to clear the debt.

3. Make sure to verify the age of the debt against the statue of limitation for your specific state. (see link in previous paragraph)

4. Paying a debt that is beyond the Statue is not required. Be bold, never claim the debt.

5. Once all information is verified in your favor address the issue with the collector in written form. Explain the account is no longer collectible. This is referred to as a letter of dispute. Explain any further attempts to contact you or to list this on a credit report is an act against your rights under the fair credit reporting act and that you will seek damages if your rights are violated.

6. If judicial proceedings follow request a dismissal based on these grounds

7. Remember it is up to a creditor/collector to prove you owe the debt. If they do so it is then up to you to prove you do not.