Are you interested in becoming a legal word processor making up to $35.00 an hour depending on what state you live in? Legalsecretaryinfo.com is a website that gives you the foundation on becoming a legal word processor/legal secretary. Before spending a large sum of money to attend a legal secretary/word processing school or another source you should visit legalsecretaryinfo.com first. It will give you helpful information from an experienced New York legal word processor/legal secretary who is currently working at one of New York's oldest law firms to help you make a decision on how you will approach the task of entering this field.

If you want to become a word processor there are 3 things that you should concentrate on. The first is typing speed. Even if you do not have one of the typing softwares like Mavis Beacon to practice your typing there are free internet sites where you can practice your typing and there are also other sources available. The second thing is to learn legal word processing. To work in law firms not only do you need to know the basics of Microsoft Word but you also need to know specific things that are required for law firm work like paragraph numbering (styles), file management (docs open, Humingbird, etc.), table of contents and table of authorities. There are other things to consider but these are your foundations. How will you learn legal word processing? There are 2 books that can help one become well versed in legal word processing. There are also software and free internet sites that are available. If you were to combine these sources you could learn to become a legal word processor rather quickly. The 3rd and final thing is registering at employment agencies to get work. Within this you should concentrate on taking tests, your resume and interviewing techniques.

Originally the title of this article was going to be “Owning” your section – as in running it as if it were your own little restaurant. Like you I thought it might be to long and may not grab your attention. But I’m sure “Give yourself a raise” did the trick and got you here.

What do the titles have in common you ask? We all want to make more money and we know the boss isn’t going to give us a raise over the measly $2.13 we already earn. So how do we give ourselves a raise?

Simply by taking over ownership of the section/station we work in. That’s right taking over ownership. That doesn’t mean we have to purchase anything or put a huge capital investment on the table for the owners. What we do have to invest is some time and effort and the pride of ownership.

We walk into work everyday saying “If I owned this place, things would be different.” “I would make so much more money” “I would make sure all the guests were receiving great service.” On and on we go. Well now you can “Own your own restaurant.” At the very least your own section, it’s very easy to do.

Before you leave home, check yourself in the mirror, are you groomed and dressed for success. Is your hair nice and neat, is your uniform pressed and cleaned? If you want to be a success, you must look like one. You do want to look like you own the restaurant right?

Then let’s start from when we first clock in, take pride and responsibility in doing your side work and setting up your station. Make sure that everything you need is ready by the time you get your first table. Do you have all the condiments set up, tea, coffee made? You don’t want to waste time looking or restocking something when you need it in a hurry. Next go to your tables. Are they nice and clean, no crumbs or sticky areas, would you sit at that table? Make sure any condiments you have on the table are stocked and clean. Salt/pepper shakers full, sugar caddie full and clean? The first impression your guest will receive of their dining experience, comes from what they see at the table. A nice neat table will increase your tip average by 1 to 3%.

Do you have the menu memorized? Do you know what is offered with each entrée? If not, you need to learn it right away. You should be able to answer all of your guests’ questions. Take time to review and memorize the day’s specials. Just by knowing the menu and being able to recite the specials, shows that you are a bright and knowledgeable server. Yes this can increase your tip average also.

Now your first guest walks in, your happy to see them, you smile at them and greet them by name. You thank them for coming in. You ask them if they are having their regular cocktail or glass of wine if you know it. Never ask what they want to drink, always recommend something, such as glass of our special house wine or margarita perhaps a nice cold ice tea. If you don’t recommend something, they may just tell you water. There is no extra income in serving water. Before you leave, recite the specials to them, let you know you will answer any questions they may have when you return with the drinks. As you go to get their drinks touch them lightly on the shoulder, ensuring them that you will be right back. Get their drinks and bread to them as quickly as possible. Remember your manners when you get back, set the drink down for the ladies first.

Recommend at this time two special appetizers. Would you folks like to start with the shrimp cocktail or the crab cakes? They may not have been thinking of one, but now you gave them two choices, odds are that they will order one. (This again increases your income.) Be sure also that they enjoy the drinks they have.

Now it’s time to order the entrée’s, recite the specials again and answer any questions they may have. Repeat the order to them and suggest a nice wine that would compliment the ordered entrees or offer to freshen up the drinks they have. While waiting for the entrée be sure to check back and let them know that the meal will be ready shortly. Clear off any unneeded dishes at this time also.

Returning with the entrees (you again serve the ladies first), making mention of what a great choice they made (the salmon looks delicious etc.) Ask if there is anything that you may get them at that time. Thank them and tell them to enjoy their meal. Check back on them to be sure everything is to their liking. You should do this in the first two minutes (2 bites equal 2 minutes).

Keep an eye on the table and remove any empty plates as soon as possible. Crumb the table if needed. (Wipe it off if dirty). Return with the desert tray, being sure to never set the tray on the table. Don’t ask if they want desert. Say something similar to, folks let me tell you about our wonderful deserts. Then describe them in a way that makes them irresistible. Ask then if they would like the devilish chocolate cake or the soufflé. Yes you will sell more deserts this way and increase your income. Don’t forget to offer coffee or perhaps a nice cappuccino.

For people who have a degree in health or have any kind of experience in the health care field, especially those registered nurses, finding a job should not be much of a problem. There is a great demand for health care employees all over the country. If you take a look at the classified ads section of any newspaper, you can easily find hospitals, clinics and other medical establishments that are looking for healthcare professionals such as nurses. There is no shortage for health care careers in the United States. In fact there are more jobs than the present number of healthcare professionals. The shortage of nurses in the United States have prompted most hospitals in the country to outsource nurses and other health professionals from other countries mostly those from around Asia.

Health care careers are one of the best paying jobs in the country today. Due to the high demand for healthcare professionals and the fact that there are only few who are qualified to take the job, the cost of hiring healthcare professionals have increased considerably over the years. Yet, why is it that despite the fact that health care careers are paying really well, there are only a handful of people who would plunge into this type of career? According to some studies, despite the growing need for healthcare professionals and the fact that the pay is really good, only a few would want to work in hospitals and other medical institutions. Most people have some kind of aversions to diseases and sufferings, that they would rather not work in hospitals and other medical institutions where they will have to deal with tragedies and diseases everyday. Hospitals and other medical institutions are such disease-prone places that many people would find it really very stressful to work in them.

The medical, as well as the dictionary, definition of a nurse is the health care professionals engaged in the practice of nursing. Nurses can be male or female. They are responsible for the safety and recovery of the chronicallyill or injured people and treatment of life-threatening emergencies in a wide range of healthcare settings. Nursing schools or educational institutions. The nature and training and qualifications there is considerably across the world. Currently, nursing schools offer more than 350 Masters programs in nursing.

Many people find it satisfying being a nurse and caring for others. Nursing is hard work and learning to become a nurse requires dedication and long hours of steady aim and practice and dedication. Nursing schools usually offer courses that build upon another. Where traditionally a university of form a foundation of education and build on that nursing differs in that it usually bills from the beginning. This been a fact, brings up a weakness in one area, which may cause academic problems in the remainder of the curriculum.

There has been and will continue to be an ever increasing demand for nursing school graduates and hospitals, schools and clinics public health agencies and many other establishments throughout the world. The Department of Health and Human Services predicts a nursing shortage of 12% by the year 2010. That would be an estimated 260,000 professionals needed. For anyone interested in becoming a nurse. This opens up a wide variety of opportunity to train as a nurse and fulfill your salary requirements and you're carrying of either people.

To take advantage of this upcoming shortage of nurses, the number of nursing schools in recent years has really grown exponentially. The aspiring student must verify the credentials of nursing schools, before actually enrolling in one. In today's world, a variety of online nursing schools have also spawned for working professionals.

The time has never been right, as to now, to train for your career in nursing. With the predicted upcoming shortage in the year 2010 and nurses salaries will rise as the demand for nurses increases.

Nursing is a very rewarding career. By helping people on a daily basis one can gain great satisfaction, in his or her career. If you are at all interested in helping your fellow man then nursing could be the career for you.

There are many different types of nurses. You have the home health care to nurse the nurse in the hospital of which there are several different types and then you have nurses in clinics.

Have you ever been in a bad relationship? You aren't happy. Your partner doesn't respect you. You can't do what you want for fear you'll be criticized. You feel stifled and stuck.

You dream of moving on, but you really don't want to leave because there's some comfort in the fact that you are familiar with your situation. Even if it's neither ideal nor pleasant, at least it's something!

It's likely you are having an ongoing conversation with yourself about whether you should stay or go. Some day's you are 100% stay....other days you are100% go. But more often than not you find yourself vacillating from one answer to the other several times during the course of your day.

Because leaving a relationship takes so much effort and determination, you may spend a lot of time convincing yourself to stay. Perhaps you are saying:

"It's not that bad."

"I think things will change."

"So and so looks like they are changing...I'll hold on a bit longer to see what happens."

"I just need to try harder and everything will improve."

"I won't be able to find anything better."

"I should be happy with what I have."

"Who do I think I am? There are many people in the world who are in a situation that's not ideal. I need to just deal with it."

All of these statements are signs that you are settling for something that's really not working for you. You have resigned yourself to the fact that you can't be happy. You have lost touch with the fact that you have the ability to create a life that really works for you.

How Does This Relate to Careers, You Ask

With just a few word changes, everything in the previous paragraphs applies to people who are in jobs or careers that don't work for them.

Generally people who are frustrated with their work feel that they can't be themselves at work. They may not feel respected by individuals in the company or the company itself. They worry about what they can do and what they shouldn't do.

It's often difficult for people in bad relationships and bad jobs to come to terms with the fact that they are in a situation that's not working for them. They do whatever they can to convince themselves that the difficulties are temporary and will turn around in the near future. In fact, they often search their surroundings for any small sign to prove this is true.

Unfortunately, one sign that a partner or a work situation is improving isn't enough to turn the entire situation around. Just because your boss acknowledges you or provides you with the resources you need to do your job, doesn't mean the job is suddenly a good fit for you. Just because your company adds a new benefit that gives you a bit more flexibility or provides you with better health insurance, doesn't mean the job is working for you.

For a job or career to work for you, it needs to meet four key characteristics.

1) You need to be able to be fully yourself at work.

2) The job needs to support you in living the life you want.

3) The work environment needs to support you in being both productive and satisfied.

4) The work you do must tap your passions and interests.

If your workplace forces you to be someone you aren't, if your personal life is squeezed out by your work life, if your work environment limits you, or if the work itself is boring or unbearably stressful, your job is NOT working for you.

Now What Do You Do?

As soon as you can acknowledge that your job isn't a good fit for you, it's time to explore your options. This is a tricky time because it's so easy to be swept back into believing you should stick it out, work harder, or settle for what's going on at work. Don't let your guard down! You deserve to have a job that works for you personally and professionally.

There are many changes coming in the world of work, such as increased competition, the need for more education and certifications, and the trend to change careers 5-7 times in a lifetime. No matter what job or career path you decide to take, there are some basic skills that all employers look for. To succeed in the modern world of work, keep your skill set up- to- date. The following is a list of the top ten skills needed for the new world of work.

1. Communication

Communication is the ability to effectively communicate your thoughts and ideas in person, on paper, and over the telephone. It involves listening to others and being open to other viewpoints and opinions.

What communication skills can you develop?

2. Creativity

Creativity is the ability to think and act “out of the box.” To be creative is to discover new and innovative ways of thinking and doing things.

How can you be more creative?

3. Technology

Understanding technology is the willingness to utilize computer systems, the latest software, etc.. Embracing technology means using the computer in your daily life and on the job.

What do you need to embrace technology?

4. Team Work

Team work is the ability to work effectively in a team situation. It is being able to utilize the right people to get the best results and being willing to lead and to follow.

What do you can you be counted on to bring to a team?

5. Flexibility

Flexibility is the ability to “go with the flow.” To be flexible, you change on an as-needed basis, with the ability to “change hats” frequently.

How can you bend and stretch more?

6. Information Management

Managing information is the ability to know where to get needed information---to search, locate, and retrieve it. This may involve utilizing various resources, whether they be people, printed materials, or the vast world of technology.

Where do you need to go to get the information you need?

7. Self Management

Self management is the ability to manage oneself in personal and professional situations. When you manage yourself, you are able to respond appropriately to stressful situations.

How much of our career path is destiny and how much is free will? In my opinion, it is 50/50. We are given a life map at the beginning of our lives, and there are things we are meant to learn, people we are meant to meet, work we are meant to perform. But many of us are not tuned into ourselves and the signs that are presented to us. We often miss important information, and miss out on those lessons, people, and jobs.

The use of free will comes about when we are presented with options. Choices are really curves in our path. We can choose to take the long route, or the quicker, easier route. No path is better, it just impacts how quickly we move along our route, but remember: when climbing the mountain of self discovery, taking the long, hard, scenic route can be a rather enjoyable, enlightening experience.

Confucius once said, “Choose a career you love and you will never work another day in your life.” If you think about this, what a different experience we could have in our work lives. If we actually loved the work we were doing, it wouldn’t seem so much like our traditional concept of work (drudgery/pain). Think about it! How many jobs have you had that you dreaded going to? What are some of the differences between a job, a career, and your life’s work? Let’s define it.

A job is something you get paid to do (money is the primary motivation). It is easy to perform because there is not much challenge, and you will eventually find other work to do.

It may or may not fully engage you. Spirit may or may not be present.

A career is something you get paid to do that is viewed as a profession (status or identity is the motivation). It may provide more challenge, but after a while, you may get burned out, and choose to stop doing it.

It may or may not fully engage you. Spirit may or may not be present.

Your life’s work is something you do whether you get paid for it or not (your soul’s need for expression is the motivation). There is plenty of challenge and personal meaning. You will always want to do it.

It definitely fully engages you. Spirit is present.

Remember that a job can get you started toward your life’s work. In fact, jobs provide the very important element of exposure to different kinds of industries. Take for example, a woman who started out working in a department store as a clerk, who moved into a management position, and finally created her life’s work as an independent contractor who trains others in customer service skills.

Get Smart!

If everyone in the world could create their life’s work (and they can!)—if everyone could find what they were meant to do in life, how much happier and fulfilled we all would be!

Despite what many people may say, a job search does not have to be an unpleasant experience. There are those people who choose to take charge of the process, who actually find the process to be very rewarding and stimulating. Conducting a job search is in many ways a self discovery process and an opportunity to put your true endurance and attitude skills to the test.

Here is the secret to experiencing job search success: Be Productive, Be Proactive, Be Positive, Be Persistent, and Be Polished. It is a very easy formula to follow: Do your homework on what you want to do and where you would ideally like to do it. Do more than you think is necessary before it needs to be done. Maintain a positive attitude, it will make all the difference in the world. Don’t give up too easily, good jobs go to those who “keep at it.” And throughout the entire job search process, be sure to look and act the part of a professional.

Steps to Help You Take Charge of Your Job Search:

1. Clarify Your Career Goals: When you know what you are looking for in a career, it is much easier to locate a job in that field. If you are not sure what you want to do with the rest of your life, see a career coach or counselor for assistance.

2. Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter: Invest in a resume and cover letter reference book to view examples of good resumes. Use the examples as a guide to create your own version. Think of your resume and cover letter as “self-marketing” tools. Then, have a few, qualified people review and critique your first few drafts. (Remember, these are works in progress that are never really finished, as you will be continually updating them).

3. Identify Potential Employers: Appropriate employer directories and resources are available for your use in the library or local university career center. Get familiar with books, magazines, and on-line reference materials in your career field and use them regularly. Only rely on the resources that help you to identify relevant employment contacts.

4. Establish a Network: Identify people in various organizations and companies who can give you insight into their employment needs. Identify faculty, acquaintances, friends, and relatives who can assist you in your job search. Become actively involved in professional organizations.

5. Research Potential Employers: Read literature about them, talk with people who know of their work, check them out on the internet. Gather as much information about the company as you can, so if you ever get an interview, you will already be prepared.

6. Practice Your Interviewing Skills: Make an appointment for a mock interview session with a qualified career counselor. If possible, video-tape yourself to see how you can improve your interviewing technique.

7. Conduct an Informational Interview: Ask your contact(s) if they have a half hour to talk with you about their industry. Ask a lot of questions, listen up, and take notes. This is an ideal time to ask if there are any job opportunities within their company and/or people they may know that you should contact. Have a resume in hand, just in case they ask for it.

8. Follow Up with a Thank You Note: Immediately following the interview, send the person or persons you met with a thank you note to show your appreciation. For actual job interviews, follow up with a telephone call within an appropriate amount of time to find out the status of their decision. Show interest without being overly aggressive.

9. Get Organized: Place all of your job search materials in one binder, so that you can refer to the information easily and quickly. Make notes to yourself about the interview, something the person said you would like to remember, or other important information.

10. Develop the Skills and Qualities that Employers are Looking For: Desirable skills include: Good oral and written communication skills, initiative, honesty, reliability, the ability to work in a team, and resourcefulness. Equally important skills to have are appreciation of diversity and the technological know-how for access into your industry.

Qualities:

Character (someone who abides by morals and high ethics in all situations),

Confidence (someone who is comfortable leading and following, composed, and has healthy self esteem), and

Competence (someone who possesses the knowledge, skills, and motivation necessary to succeed in their career field).

11. Continue to Learn: Stay abreast of current trends in your field. Read, Read, Read. Attend workshops or lectures about your field of interest. Always be open to new information.

12. Repeat this Process: Repeat this process until you have secured your desired position.

Keep in mind that a full time job search may take anywhere from six months to a year to conduct, so be sure to start early. And remember that in the job search game, there are three kinds of people:

There are those who are destined to be successful.

There are those who are determined to be successful.

There are those who are neither destined or determined to be successful.

Career experts say that people will change careers (not jobs) 5-7 times in a lifetime. This being true, career management is an important life skill to develop and cultivate. There are six stages of modern career development: Assessment, Investigation, Preparation, Commitment, Retention, and Transition. Learning the characteristics of each stage will empower you to navigate through each stage easily and with more confidence.

In the Assessment Stage, you are getting ready for your life’s work. This stage is characterized by unawareness, in that you are not sure what your values, strengths, and weaknesses are. You start to feel like you want to know more about yourself and make a conscious effort to get in touch with who you really are.

Key characteristics:

* Taking assessment instruments

* Working with a career counselor or career coach

In the Investigation Stage, you are researching what work exists in the world. This stage is characterized by feelings of confusion, in that you are not sure what career options exist for you. You may feel overwhelmed with all of the different jobs and opportunities that exist as you begin the process of researching the modern world of work. But if you approach this stage with a positive frame of mind, you will find that you will learn about many possibilities you may have never considered.

Key characteristics:

* Researching the world of work

* Conducting informational interviews with people in your chosen field

In the Preparation Stage, you are still getting ready to do your life’s work. This stage is characterized by feelings of excitement, as you think of how wonderful it will be to perform meaningful work. However, there is still much work to be done, and in order to be successful, you have to be prepared.

Key characteristics:

* Gaining knowledge and experience

* Setting goals and adopting a success-oriented mind-set

In the Commitment Stage, you will feel confident, in that you have figured out what you are meant to do. Sometimes people have known all along what they were meant to do, but were not able to commit to the process of making it happen, for whatever reason. At this stage, more than ever, you must focus your energy and keep your eye on the target.

Key characteristics:

* Conducting a job search

* Negotiating and accepting a job offer

In the Retention Stage, you will feel comfortable in your career field, as you will now have figured out how things work in your industry. You will want to remain committed to your career by continually updating your skill set and staying current with industry standards.

Key characteristics:

* Providing first-class customer service skills

* Building a professional network

The Transition Stage is characterized by feelings of discomfort, in that you are unsure of what you will be doing next (and/or if you will be happy). In this stage, you will learn to make conscious changes in your career direction.

Key characteristics:

* Making career changes

* Developing resiliency

No matter what career stage you find yourself in now, you can be sure that you will enter and re-enter through these six stages many times though out your lifetime.

***This article is adapted from the book, Get Smart! About Modern Career Development: A Personal Guide to Creating Your Life’s Work by Michelle L. Casto, M.Ed.

For many of us, the New Year is a time to think about improving our lives and often one of the areas in which we are most dissatisfied is work. However, simply making a resolution to leave a job, train for a new career or set up a business isn’t enough. If it’s going to happen, we need to take action. However, like so many of our good intentions, the decision to change gets put on the back burner as soon as are back at work after the holidays. We get caught up in the stress of everyday life and all thoughts of a new life are forgotten.

Learning to manage time effectively is a key factor in planning a career move. It takes time to investigate all the possibilities, weigh up the pros and cons and take the action needed to bring about the change we desire. And it takes courage – moving from the safety of something we know to an area which is completely new can be frightening. So the first step is to take time to plan your future.

There are many additional steps which will help you decide which career to follow and by breaking these down into manageable chunks, the task becomes a great deal easier.

Most people dream that something would be the ideal career for them, but feel it’s beyond reach. Others have a passion for a hobby but don’t believe it could ever make them any money. And many people would like to set up a business but don’t have the right experience. If one of these situations applies to you, one of the first steps is to do some research. Don’t ever dismiss an idea without taking this step and if you do find that it is impossible, look at why you wanted a particular job or business. Was it because of money, a love of a particular subject, the fact that it would enable you to travel, meet a certain type of person, or use a specific talent? Ask yourself what other jobs would enable you to do this.

Once you’ve decided what you want to do, you can make a plan, starting with your end goal and working backwards. Ask yourself which step comes immediately before achieving your goal and then which comes before that and so on until you reach something you can do today. It could be something very simple, such as finding some information online, browsing the careers section of your local bookshop or contacting a college to find out about a training course. The important thing is that once you’ve identified that first step, you must take it. Then all you have to do is take the next step and the next step. You may not know what all of the steps will be, but by taking them one at a time you won’t give up on your resolutions and will be much closer to your dream by the end of this year.

The personal interview process is one of the most important hurdles in the IIM Group Discussion and Personal Interview process. The objective of the Interview panel is to determine whether your personality and ambitions match that of the IIM’s. Here are 3 simple steps to follow that can help in projecting a confident and ambitious personality.

1) Focus: For the interview, have 3 ready reasons why you chose to become an MBA. This is critical as the Interview panel wants students who see an MBA as a means to a higher end, and not merely to get a job in a blue chip organization. Suppose you are an Economics graduate. You could state your intention of doing an MBA is (i) Learn real life corporate policy making (ii) Applying your textbook knowledge of Economics in Corporate Administrative Policies (iii) Integrating understanding of economics to achieve social objectives of the organization. Having an idea of why you want to do an MBA sets you apart from the rest of the crowd and gives you a favorable grade in the B-School interview.

2) Contribution to society: If you have not scored well academically but managed to get a call from the top B-schools, and have an average extra curricular record then your entire objective must be talk about 3 important milestones (whatever they may be) you have achieved that you feel makes you a worthy candidate. Have you ever organized an event in your local community, perhaps some major religious or sports event. Perhaps you started a blog or website giving guidance on some topics such as tips for the IIT exam, tips for tourists on local tourist spots, or if you are an engineer a blog about tips on how to set up your router for self owned small business. You see – YOU MUST COME ACROSS as a person who has DONE SOMETHING GAINFUL for society, no matter how small the effort. Pick 3 such milestones that are related to your educational background and hobbies.

3) Contribution to growth: Why have you chosen your particular line of study and how can you use it to make a contribution to the growth of the economy. Suppose you are from an arts background. Find out through the internet and talk of the potential of professional event management, professional arts market, professional retail management in India, what you feel are its shortcomings as compared to the international scenario, and how having a background in arts gives you a flair for such a career which you intend to make more professional by becoming a qualified MBA.

Prepare 3 points to provide answers for each of these aspects. Practice and improve upon these aspects. Keep improving your replies and you will find that you will be able to exude the confidence of a goal seeking personality. Remember you must prepare for these questions especially when you don’t have significant achievements to boast of. Having answers to these questions may also help you in understanding your own personality and life-goals