Three Traits for Success in Employment and Life

25 January 2012 Avjobs-Crew General

Career Counselors have identified three traits that successful people possess. These three traits influence not only our potential for success and happiness in our work, but also our general attitude toward life.

Positive Thoughts
What we think determines what we do. Many thoughts go through our minds as we attempt to meet our employment goals or to overcome life's problems. People who are successful in meeting their goals or overcoming problems tend to think differently than do people who are not satisfied.

  • Successful people think they can
    Most successful people expect to succeed when they set a goal or face a problem
  • Unsuccessful people think they cant
    Most unsuccessful people expect to fail when they set a goal or face a problem
  • If you think you can, you can
    Think about the simple statement above. Successful people believe in themselves they think they can, therefore they can. Successful people make a whole-hearted commitment of effort necessary to overcome obstacles, thereby allowing them to succeed
  • If you think you cant, you cant
    Unsuccessful people often lack confidence in their ability to achieve goals or to face life's many challenges. Since they expect to fail, they don't make the commitment of effort necessary to tackle the barriers that block their paths to success. They either try half-heartedly or simply give up
The following statements compare the differences between successful and unsuccessful people:

Successful people:
  • Expect success
  • Think they can
  • Try whole heartedly
  • Make a commitment of effort
  • Keep trying
Unsuccessful people:
  • Expect failure
  • Think they cant
  • Try half heartedly
  • Do not make a commitment of effort
  • Give up
Henry Ford was the founder of the Ford Motor Company and the originator of the assembly line. He dropped out of school at 15. He failed in business five times before succeeding. He said: If you think you can, you can; if you think you cant, you cant; either way, your right!

Negative Thoughts
We all develop negative thoughts, untrue beliefs, about ourselves, our ability to overcome problems and our ability to attain goals such as employment. We must learn to challenge these untrue beliefs. If we mistakenly believe that a problem is permanent, we are unlikely to do anything to overcome it. If we mistakenly believe that we are powerless to face our problems, we are not motivated to act.

  • Our self-thoughts, beliefs, are the way we view ourselves and help us to determine our place in the world
  • We often use our beliefs to predict whether we will succeed or fail when faced with problems
  • Most of us develop beliefs about ourselves that aren't true.
Successful People:
  • Believe that their problems are temporary challenges
  • Believe tat they have control of their lives.
Unsuccessful People:
  • Believe that their problems are permanent
  • Believe that they are powerless in the face of their problems

Three Traits for Success

#1 Successful people take credit for their successes even small ones.

Successful people know that big successes often result from achieving many small successes. Successful people understand that all small successes or completed actions are important take credit from them. A big success is when we attain a goal or overcome a problem.

Taking credit for our actions or small successes helps us to understand that often the difference between success and failure is one small action. In approaching a problem or challenge, we don't always do everything right. By paying attention to the importance of each of our positive actions, we increase the likelihood of success.

Check Box- Review daily your big and small successes.
Check Box- Write them down each day.
Check Box- Save them so that you can go back later to see the various problems you've overcome and goals you've met.
Check Box- Help family and friends daily to take credit for their successes as well! By helping them, you'll help yourself to become even more successful.

#2 Successful people try harder if they fail the first time.

Successful people know the simple truth of Ben Franklins famous saying: If at first you don't succeed, try, try, again. By giving up, unsuccessful people guarantee that they wont change their lives; by doing nothing, they actually make their false beliefs that they are powerless to change their lives come true!

No no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no YES. Which no is going to stop you before you get to your yes? The 10th? The 24th? The 38th? There's a yes at the end of every job hunt. The key is to hang on long enough to find the right job for you. Don't quit before your yes.

#3 When successful people fail again, they re-evaluate their goal, examine all the reasons for failure and try again.

  • Sometimes we set the right goals, use the right plan/actions but don't try hard enough.
    Remember successful people try harder if they fail the first time
  • Sometimes we set the right goals, use the right plan/actions but are stopped by the unexpected.
    Even successful people have a bad day. Successful people understand that anyone can fail because of unexpected circumstances or bad luck. When successful people fail because of bad luck or the unexpected, they try again
  • Sometimes we set the right goals but we use the wrong plan/actions to achieve them.
    Trying harder wont help us if were doing the wrong things to try to solve our problems or to achieve our goals
  • Sometimes we set goals which are not realistic.
    Trying harder wont help us if we set goals which are unrealistic or impossible. A goal is a commitment of effort that you make to yourself. Successful people plan to succeed by setting realistic goals for themselves.

Check Box- Writing down your goal helps you to understand what it is you want to accomplish.
Check Box- Write the specific steps to be completed to attain your goal.
Check Box- Use I will statements when you write your goal and the steps toward achieving it.
Check Box- Always use dates to give yourself a deadline for reaching each step toward your goal.
Check Box- Discuss your goals and statements with a trusted friend and ask for feedback.
Check Box- Re-examine your goals daily and change then as you further clarify your objectives.

Aviation Company Directory

04 January 2012 Avjobs-Crew Aviation Directory

Avjobs applicants have easy access to company specifics and are able to link directly to participating employer web sites. The Aviation Directory contains over 50,000 + listings, and is an online aviation employer directory.

While many aviation job seekers place great importance on perfecting their resumes or honing their interview skills (and, yes, these are crucial), one component is often neglected from the job search process:
Company Research and Networking!

You can use the Aviation Directory to find aviation companies by location or company name and utilize the contact information to get in touch with potential employers, even allowing you to send invitations to view your resume via e-mail, print and fax your pertinent information and even map the location of the company.

Not only does the directory provide you with ways to get in touch with industry professionals, the Aviation Directory streamlines the process of making contact with these companies.

Telephone Provides you with a contact number.
Mobile Phone Provides you with the individual’s cell phone number.
Fax Clicking this icon will automatically print a fax cover page, a cover letter and your resume. All you have to do is fax the information to the company.
Email Clicking on this icon will send a notification to the provided e-mail address, inviting them to view your online resume.
Website This icon will take you to the company website. You can also click on the thumbnail of their website or click on the company name above the contact information.
Print This icon will automatically print a cover letter and resume to send to the company you are interested in. The cover letter is formatted so that, when folded properly, it will fit into a #10 window envelope with the address aligned in the window. This gives your letter a professional look and saves time, omitting the need to hand address each envelope you send.
#10 window Envelopes can be purchased at any office supply store.
Print Clicking this icon will print a cover letter to be sent to the company. This is a good way to inquire about opportunities with the company. The compatibility with #10 window envelopes from above applies to this as well.
Map Clicking on this icon allows you to map the company’s location.

What's the best way to find out what it's like to work at a company? Ask the people who work there! In other words, ya gotta network.

When conducting research on a particular company, networking can benefit you in two ways:

  1. It will give you an "insider's perspective" on what it's like to work at the company; and

  2. It will give you a chance to make allies with people that can help you land a job. Many companies have employee referral programs, so getting to know current employees may be one way to get in the door.

When you find someone, send him/her a friendly e-mail naming the friend that you have in common and mentioning that you are considering applying to the company in question. Ask if they would mind answering some questions about what it's like to work at the company.

If the person doesn't respond to your e-mail or says "no," don't take it personally. Instead, look for someone else who might be able to offer insight.

If the person agrees, consider asking questions such as:

  • What's the company culture like?
  • Are employees generally happy there?
  • What can they tell you about _________ department?
  • Could they direct you to anyone else who might provide useful information?

Remember to be professional and polite. Spell-check and grammar-check your e-mail before you send it. Keep it brief and make sure that it won't take an inordinate amount of time to answer.

Most companies are looking for individuals that will improve their bottom line. If you display knowledge not only about a company but also their competition, you will likely give the impression that you are conscientious, up-to-date, driven and knowledgeable -- qualities that most employers highly value.

All New Account Types from Avjobs for 2012

20 December 2011 Avjobs-Crew Special Promotions

Get Hired 15-50% FASTER with Avjobs!All New Pricing from Avjobs for 2012

Avjobs is a pay-as-you-go service with no contracts. Pay month to month, and if you decide to cancel, you'll be billed for the current month, but you won't be billed again.

You can sign up for any plan at anytime and upgrade or downgrade depending on your needs. You can sign up for month to month billing or save money by signing up for a quarterly, annual or lifetime plan.

Read our Terms and Conditions of Service, Refund Policy, Privacy Policy and Security Statement. 

Negotiating Aviation Salaries

20 December 2011 Avjobs-Crew Aviation Job Interviews

Negotiating Salaries:

Successful salary negotiation occurs after the job applicant and the employer share a common understanding of the job and the applicants willingness and ability to do it.

Ideal Salary agreements:
  • Are based on mutual respect
  • Create gain for both parties
  • Lay a firm foundation for a good working relationship

You're ready to negotiate when:

  • You've gathered information about the aviation labor market and you know how much a job like this typically pays
  • You've determined your needs and wants
  • You've gathered sufficient information about the employer, the work, the environment and the people with whom you will be working with
  • You've done all you can to convey your willingness and ability to do the job, and the employer has all the information needed to reach a decision about you
  • Typically, salary negotiation occurs toward the end of the interview or after the applicant receives a job offer from the employer

What is the job worth? 
It is important to remember that the relationship between the employer and the employee is a business relationship. Typically, employers analyze the dollar amount they have invested in employees and forecast the financial return they are likely to receive based on the efforts of the employees.

  • Employers know that new employees usually cost them more than they can expect in productivity. In time, new employees become experienced and more productive. Then the employer eventually breaks even and finally returns a dollar for each dollar of effort
  • Savvy job hunters know how long it will take to bring them up to speed. Their salary demands are based on that knowledge. Also, they coincide salary negotiations with their break-even period.

Gain leverage: 
Postpone salary discussions until you've shown that you are the best candidate for the job.  Mentioning specific sums of money in the preliminary information-gathering stages can eliminate you from the list of potential candidates before you've ha a chance to show what you can do.

  1. Salary question on the applicant form:
    Answer, Negotiable
  2. On a resume:
    Say, Salary is negotiable
  3. At the job interview:
    Let the employer be the first to mention salary.

Wait until you know more about the job and the employer and the employer knows you before you price yourself too low or too high.

It pays to increase your negotiation power
Your negotiating power reflects how much you're in demand. You have more room to negotiate when:

  • You work in a fast-growing field in which there are many job-openings with few skilled people to fill them
  • You can demonstrate unique strengths that few applicants have
  • You have job offers from more than one company, and you let potential employers know that you are in demand
  • You have a job or you have savings reserves to fall back on, and you're not feeling financial or psychological pressure to take the job.

Know your needs
How much salary do you need to support yourself and your family?
- Determine the minimum income you need.
- If the salary offer doesn't cover your needs, you can:

  • Accept the job and moonlight or find other work to supplement the income
  • Walk away from the job offer because the salary is non-negotiable and insufficient
  • Negotiate a higher salary

Know your wants
What extras would you like to afford, beyond the needs? Perhaps you want a better car, an annual vacation abroad or to save for retirement at a faster rate. Determine what salary would let you afford the extras that you want.

If the employer begins discussing salary in the early part of the interview, postpone negotiations by saying something like, Id like to discuss that but could you tell me a little more about the job first, to continue the information-gathering phase.

It pays to gather information about the aviation labor market before you negotiate your salary.

What you need to know:

  • What the job entails. Analyze all the details you've been given by the employer
  • What typical earnings are according to aviation industry standards.
    → See department of Labor statistics at your local city or county government office.
    → Write or telephone trade associations.
    → Take a look at the current Avjobs Salary Information.
    → Ask the reference librarian at your public library.
    → Search the Avjobs job system for comparable jobs.
    → Carry out informational interviews
  • What typical earnings are within the company and how they compare to the rest of the aviation industry.
    Find out the name of the company's closest competitor and ask them what they would pay. Its likely to be similar
  • Find out if there are many other applicants.
    How do they compare with you? This is difficult to investigate but employers will sometimes tell you up-front
  • Find out how long they've been looking for someone to fill the job.
    Employers may mention it in passing.  The longer a position has be vacant, the more an employer may be willing to pay

After you receive a job offer:

  • Is when you have the most negotiating leverage
  • Step back from the situation and evaluate the offer
  • List the pros and cons of accepting the offer as it stands
  • Determine what is acceptable and what could be better
  • In most cases - YOU DO NOT HAVE TO ACCEPT THE OFFER ON THE SPOT.  Mention that you would like to think it over, and provide your answer tomorrow or in the next few days.

Applicants should avoid accepting a salary that they feel is too low, so that they don't feel cheated in the long run.

Making a counteroffer
Many companies and governmental agencies have a published salary scale or range. Salary ranges allow for differences between candidates skills, qualifications and the amount of training they will need. If the job you seek is covered by a salary range your goal is to show that you have the strengths, skills and enthusiasm to merit a salary near the top of the range.

If the salary offer is low, make a counteroffer:

  • Compare it to aviation industry norms
  • Compare it to past work you've done that is similar, for which you were paid more
  • If you have a higher offer from another company, this is the time to mention it.
    Notice that in each case you peg your counteroffer to a real-world example of higher earnings. State your case simply without being arrogant.  Employment is a "2-Way" street.  You can always say "No, Thank you"

If the employer wont raise the starting salary and you still want the job:

  • Ask them to describe the conditions under which they would be willing to pay more
  • Focus on how you can either save the company money or generate more revenue for the company
  • Negotiate a contingency that your salary will be increased in 3 to 6 months if your work meets a certain criterion that you both agree upon. Get it in writing so that you have a record of the agreement in case the person who hires you leaves the company
  • Is there another aspect of the job offer that you can negotiate, besides the salary? For instance, could you have 3 weeks of paid vacation instead of 2 weeks, or maybe more benefits?
Employers need to avoid paying too much, so that they don't feel that the applicant has exploited them and is more of a burden than and asset.

When you accept an offer, do it graciously and get everything in writing.

Successful salary negotiation:

  • Is neither adversarial nor antagonistic. The employer and the applicant are not enemies
  • Gives both the employer and the applicant the feeling that they've won

Happy Holidays from the West High School Aviation Program

16 December 2011 Avjobs-Crew Newsletter

Happy Holidays from the West High School Aviation ProgramOne and All,
 
Each one of you have been part of our Aviation Program, and I have probably forgot as many as I have remembered. Everyone has been so great to the students in the program. Thank you so much to all for making 2011 a very successful year for our students and the  program, and hopes are that we can continue these friendships into the future.
 
Thanks again, and please check out our attached Holiday card,
 
J. David Yuskewich M.A. , A&P
Director / Instructor WHS Aircraft Training Center / A&P Mechanic