Tim Nelson is senior vice president and career consultant with MAP, Houston TX.
He has established himself as a leader with MAP in career consulting since 2001. An impressive roster of successful executives credit Nelson with helping them research, search for and get hired in Houston.
Whether you are seeking a new job, making a career transition, or looking for career advancement in a specific industry, Tim Nelson and MAP are ready to show you the way!
How to improve your public speaking skills. Part 1
May 3, 2012 | 
Author Many executive positions require you to public speak. Whether it is giving a presentation to a room of people, running a meeting for employees, or even training a group of recruits, public speaking can take many forms. This is not a skill that a lot of people are comfortable with or in. It takes practice and skill to be an effective public speaker in Houston. A great career management adviser like Tim Nelson MAP, can help you become a more effective and skilled public speaker.
The thought of having to speak in public can make some people weak at the knees, however, there are some handy tips that a good career management adviser can give you to assist you. There are some simple tricks you can employ to take the edge off your nerves in order to ensure your delivery will be smooth.
The first tip is really self explanatory. You need to be prepared. To speak on a subject, it will be come very apparent very quickly whether or not you know the material. Knowing the buzzwords, and facts alone is not enough. You have to be intimate with the subject. There is a big difference between being able to deliver facts and parrot phrase information, to being able put across information with self confidence. You need to keep your audience interested as opposed to feeling sorry for you and being nervous for you. This completely distracts and detracts from the message you’re trying to deliver.
Rehearsing the speech or presentation beforehand is another handy tip. What many people don’t realize, is that when you are nervous, you tend to speak a lot faster than you normally would. This leads to people not being able to understand what you are saying. Standing in front of a mirror, rehearse your speech very slowly. Speak a lot more slowly than your normal speaking speed. This is a trick many public speakers use, as when they rehearse speaking much slower than normal, even if they are nervous when the time comes, they are more likely to speak at a normal pace.
You will often notice public speakers have one or more bottles, or glasses of water with them. This is because when you get nervous, your mouth dries up. This can distract you from the message you are trying to deliver and also cause you to stumble over your words. Ensure you drink plenty of water both before and during your presentation or speech.
It is always highly recommended to get plenty of rest the night before. There is nothing worse than going into a presentation tired, or worse, hungover. Do not go out partying the night before. Relax at home with a good book, or movie, or even a hot bath, and have an early night. Even if you can’t sleep thoroughly, you are letting your body rest.
These are just some of the important tips you can get from a firm such as MAP Career Management Houston, and their esteemed Vice President, Tim Nelson.
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Tags: Tim Nelson MAP, Tim Nelson MAP Houston, Tim Nelson MAP Houston Texas, Tim Nelson MAP Houston TX | 
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Common Executive Resume Fails
Many candidates in Houston, submit a resume with the hope that it will secure an interview. Unfortunately, many candidates are either unaware of what makes a good, eye catching resume, or they are just so focused on submitting as many as possible, that they overlook vital components. Many recruiters have stated that they get rather confused by what a candidate can and can’t actually do. If you feel you need assistance with getting your resume into tip top shape, Tim Nelson, a career management adviser with MAP Career Management Firm Houston TX, can certainly help.
A resume and covering letter are usually the first contact a candidate has with a prospective employer. This is also the first impression a prospective employer, recruiter, or interviewer gets. It is for this reason that it is crucial your resume be up to scratch. One recruiter who deals with senior-level executives, recently stated that she was often bemused at how these executives expected to be hired in this economy, when they couldn’t even put together a resume without errors. Why would a CEO or president of a company even contemplate hiring a senior-level executive who submitted a sub-standard resume. How could they be trusted to put together a board presentation?
Some of the most common errors included spelling errors, grammar, punctuation, or formatting errors. Incorrect use of words was another common error. One would assume that a top level executive would not dream of submitting a resume that contained such simple errors. Getting a resume facelift, checked for errors, or even a complete overhaul is what Tim Nelson MAP, can assist any executive with. Career transition assistance for executives is one of the many career management areas Tim Nelson excels in.
Simple spelling errors are just about unforgivable in this day and age of technology. Spell checkers are in abundance with most office based programs. Not knowing when to use its as opposed to it’s, or to instead of too, are errors that one would not expect of an executive. Submitting a resume with such errors does nothing to help them secure an interview.
Incorrectly using words such as lose and loose, a and an, or accept and except, are also common errors found on many resumes submitted by executives. If a recruiter feels too embarrassed to submit such resumes to a client, what does that say about their chances of securing the position they want?
It is not a weakness to seek assistance, in fact, it is a strength. Seeking professional assistance in learning how to submit a professional resume, is just plain common sense.
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Could you be a workaholic?
It is all too easy these days to get consumed with work during every waking hour. The pressure to earn money, succeed, being involved in exciting projects, or even working for a boss who doesn’t believe in limiting work to 8 hours a day, many people can become a workaholic without even noticing. Do you work to live or live to work?
It is extremely important for our health and well-being, that we try to maintain a healthy balance of work, home life, and relaxation. Burning the candle at both ends, let alone in the middle too, is a recipe for burn out. Learning how to manage your time better to avoid this pit fall is easy with a good career management adviser such as Tim Nelson MAP Houston.
Some tips you will learn from a good career management adviser could include:
Assess how much time you actually spend at work or working. It is reasonable to expect that on occasion all of us will have to put in a few extra hours, however, doing it to impress someone else or because you’ve not learned good time management skills, is counter productive.
Take full advantage of your out of work time. Everyone needs time to relax and recharge the batteries. Spending time with family and friends should be considered as sacred time. Not allowing yourself this time, doesn’t give your body and mind a chance to disconnect from your job or to enjoy other joys that life has to offer.
Don’t waste time on non productive people or projects. If something or even someone is wasting your time, you need to put a stop to it. Unnecessary meetings, phone calls, emails, and even wasting time on the internet will eat into productive time and only cause additional time at work.
Don’t define yourself by your job. Too many people rely on their occupation as a means to define their existance or social status. At the end of the day, do we really want to be remembered by our job description? Wouldn’t we prefer to be remembered as a loving spouse, parent, and friend?
Find outside interests. The saying “Don’t bring the job home with you” is one that should be almost observed as a rule. Activities with the family or friends should be just as exhilarating as closing that next deal. Take some time to smell the roses, improve your health with fun activities, and learn to enjoy all of life’s offerings.
Nobody on their death bed ever said “I regret not having spent more time at work.”
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Get Essay Writing Skills to Make Future
Essay writing is an important part of writing especially in the field of education where every student is required to write some essays as a part of study. Essay writing is a great way to present your thoughts and ideas in straight forward and uncomplicated way. Essay writing is classified in different parts on the basis of intensely read point of view, fictional criticisms, opinionated manifestos and comments of unusual facets of existence. This is one of the most important skills therefore all students are taught to learn easy writing at the very start of their studies. Educational institutions often judge students on the basis of essay writing skills because writing style of a student often reflects his/her management and systematic skills.
If you have good essay writing skills then you can get a permanent source of earnings because good writers have hot demand in market. Writing essays on controversial topics is a tricky job because it requires brilliant writing skills. Some people are blessed with God gifted writing skills but if you do not have writing skills then there is no need to worry because with some practice you can develop these skills. Some people find it scary to put their thoughts and ideas into words. They think about response of readers that make them scared to write anything. Do not think like that because you are losing great opportunity of earning. With the help of essay writing skills you can earn great money as well as appreciation. Initially you will face some difficulties but with the passage of time you will be master in your field.
Some people think that essay writing skills are only necessary during the course of education. They are wrong because writing is a wide field and essay writer can adopt it as profession. Some employers’ judge candidates through their writing style therefore they ask candidate to write a personal autobiography. It is great way to take decision because writing style, wordings and style of expression reflect the personality of writer. Almost all educational institutions taught their students about the essay writing skills at very start of their education therefore everyone knows the basics of writing. You can develop these basics into brilliant writing skills with some practice and hard work. Brilliant writing skills require proper command on language so that you can develop an error free piece of writing.
There is a common phrase that “Practice Makes Perfect”. Similarly if you devote sometime to writing on regular basis then in few days you can develop excellent essay writing skills. Brilliant essay writers can enjoy lots of benefits with the help of their skills such as you can write for any blog or website in return of monetary benefit or can offer your services to educational institutions to write thesis or essays. You can also run your own blog to provide essay writing services. The most important is to get essay writing skills to make future because lots of employers take decision of recruitment on the basis of essay writing skills of candidate.
When to be a reference and when not to
Most of us have been asked to be a reference for someone at one time or another in Houston. What do you do when you don’t feel right about giving a particular person a reference? It could be an ex-colleague who didn’t really impress you with their work skills or ethics, a family member, or even a friend who you feel is asking too big a favor.
While most of us would be happy to give a reference to an ex co-worker who has impressed us with their skills and work ethics, there are times where giving a reference to the wrong person can reflect badly on us as well. Not only do we have to live with our own conscience about covering for someone and possibly causing the next employer some unnecessary trouble, but what if our loyalty comes back to haunt us? Some may take the stance that it is not going to hurt them to tell a white lie, however, what if your friend’s new employer calls your employer to complain? It has been known to happen.
There will be times however, that you may not even be aware that you have been put down as a reference for someone, and receive a call out of the blue. What do you do in this situation? We have all heard the saying “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all”. Try to stick to basics. Try to avoid, if possible, discussing the person’s work ethics or skills. Confirm their employment, period of employment, title or position, and even personality if you did happen to get along with them. Just because someone wasn’t good at their job or had questionable work ethics, doesn’t mean they didn’t have a cheery disposition.
If you know you are going to be put in this position in Houston, you can seek out the advise of a professional career management adviser. These advisers are experts on all the negatives and positives of job seeking, references, resumes, and the interview process. They are not only proficient in advising job seekers, but employers, hiring managers, and anyone needing helpful guidance in any job related matter.
You could also advise your friend, family member, or ex work colleague to also seek out the advise of a good career management adviser. If they have had questionable work ethics and know that they may not get favorable references, a good career management adviser like Tim Nelson MAP Houston, can guide them on how to deal with the situation.
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How to look for a new job without your current boss knowing
You may be currently employed, but feeling unhappy or that your skills could best be used somewhere else. There could be a variety of reasons for you wanting to leave your current position to find another. You may also be in the position where just walking out of your current job without having one to walk into, is just not financially viable. So how do you seek other employment without your current boss or work colleagues knowing?
Seeking the advise and assistance of a professional career management adviser such as Tim Nelson MAP Houston, is highly advised. A good career management counselor can help you form a strategy to get you the position you really want and will be happy in. Being able to advise on how best to seek another position while currently employed is another area he can assist you with.
The first tip, and one that should be obvious, is not to tell anyone that you are in fact looking for a new job. Even though it may be hard to keep it out of lunch time conversations, it is never a good idea to ‘confide’ in work mates that you are seeking alternative employment. It is something you will want to keep secret until such time as you have secured another job.
Never use the company’s resources to job-hunt. Some companies monitor computer usage, so using a work email to apply for jobs, or correspond with prospective employers is never a good idea. It may also not sit well with any prospective employers, as you are displaying disloyalty and a willingness to waste company time for your own purposes. Only ever use your own personal email and phone for job-hunting purposes. Receiving calls at your current place of employment in relation to getting an interview will not go unnoticed.
Ensure that you organize interviews in your own time. Even if the interview must be during your normal office hours, try to organize a personal day. If that is not possible, try to build up some extra time which will enable you to leave work early, that way you can schedule your interview later in the afternoon and you can go home and change and prepare yourself for the interview.
It is also a good idea that you inform the company you are interviewing with, that your job search is confidential. Most interviewers will understand and respect that. Seeking the assistance of a career management firm such as MAP Career Management Houston, will benefit you in learning how to seek alternative employment while employed, how to present your application and resume, and what to say during the interview.
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What you need to know about recruiters
A lot of people contact recruiters in the hope of finding a job. Recruiters are paid by companies to find suitable candidates for certain positions available within an organization. A lot of people however, make the mistake of registering with a recruiter, then sitting back and waiting for the calls to come in. You can’t expect a recruiter to do all the work for you, especially if the information provided is not up to scratch. You need to be able to present a well set out resume and make an impression. Seeking the advise from a good career management consultant in Houston, is always recommended to ensure that the information you provide, will keep you foremost in a recruiter’s mind.
It is advised to contact a recruiter before you need them. In some cases it could take a year or more before the right opportunity presents itself, so developing a relationship early is very important. It is important to deal with a recruiter that specializes in your preferred industry, job level, or career. This is especially important if you are planning a transition.
The best way to meet recruiters is by networking. You may know someone in your field who has worked with a specific recruiter in the past and had some success. You can also use internet search engines to locate recruiters in your area. Remember, recruiters are paid by companies to find suitable candidates, so never appear to willing to change jobs, you need the recruiter to work hard to find you the best opportunity.
If you are concerned about the trustworthiness of a recruiter, you can check with the Better Business Bureau to see if anything is listed. Recruiters however, are more trustworthy now than 10 or 20 years ago. You are a valuable commodity to them, and it’s in their best interest to secure you a good position, after all, they only get paid once you get hired. Stay away from recruiters who expect you to pay a fee, they’re already getting paid.
Employing the services of a good career management f irm such as MAP Career Management Houston, will help you prepare yourself, your resume, and how to handle recruiters. They will also coach you on how to continue to apply for positions on your own. It is not advised to let the recruiter do all the work for you, you still have to be proactive yourself if you want to increase your chances of finding or job, or a better position.
Some recruiters in Houston may also want to see references. A career management adviser can also assist you with making sure you can provide positive references that will ensure your chances of being placed are increased.
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Staying focused on your career goals
Most people have a career goal or goals. Nearly everyone would love to be employed in their field of choice or doing what they love. How does one stay focused on their career goals in Houston, Texas, while trying to keep their head above water and meet their life, family, and job commitments? A career management firm such as MAP Career Management Houston can help.
When the economy is struggling, competition for jobs is high. Jobs are lost, and we find our career objectives changing or shifting, so it is vital that we stay focused. Many people have had to either rethink their objectives, while others have either had to work even harder to hold the position they have. Some have even managed to take advantage of business opportunities that have become available as a result of this economic decline.
There are many ways you can learn to stay focused. A professional career management adviser like Tim Nelson MAP Houston, can give you the guidance that will help keep you focused and have the advantage over other job applicants. It is not only important to remain focused, but it is necessary to keep your finger on the pulse of the current job market. With Tim Nelson’s help, you can learn to do this and take back control of your career and career goals.
One way of remaining focused on your career goals is to return to school. There are many educational facilities offering evening and even online classes which people can attend outside work hours. By returning to school, you can build on your existing skills, learn new ones, and even further your education. Many companies support and even reimburse employees who undertake classes, particularly if they will benefit the company. It would be beneficial to discuss returning to school with your employer, not only to discuss financial support, but to ascertain what classes would benefit both you and the company.
Having a support system is invaluable. Surrounding yourself with people who will encourage you, have positive input, and even give you a nudge here and there, is extremely beneficial. Don’t surround yourself with people who will not encourage you, or will not support your goals. A good career management counselor such as Tim Nelson MAP Houston, Texas, will teach you how to believe in yourself, and develop the confidence to focus on those career goals that are important to you.
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Career Information to Become a Cashier
A cashier is a person whose job is to handle the cash money in an organization. Cashiers can either work in retail stores or banks, financial institutions, accountancy firms, restaurants or gas stations. In a retail store, a cashier has a duty to scan the goods which a customer has purchased. After scanning, the cashier is responsible to collect the payment of goods and services sold to the customer. In a bank, the cashier’s job is to accept and pay out cash or checks. As far as a non-retail business is concerned, cashier handles the transactions in which substitutes of cash are used such as checks, debit and credit cards.
Job Description
The general job description of a cashier involves:
- Resolving customer complaints
- Making totals of bills and getting money
- Cashing the checks for customers
- Keeping the documentation of amount and number of transactions
- Paying company bills via cash, voucher or checks
- Providing the customers with the carry-out facility when the transaction has been completed
- Communicating customers request to the management
- Giving training to new cashiers
- Keeping the register area tidy and equipped with supplies
- Maintaining adequate amount of changes in drawers
- Calculating discounts
- Providing assistance to the customers in locating the products
Requirements to Become a Cashier
Any special education is not required for this profession but for the employees doing full time job, there is a requirement to have at least a high school diploma. Other requirements include:
- Knowledge of basic mathematics skills
- Ability to do repetitious work correctly
- Ability to deal the customers politely and tactfully
- Communication skills
- Ability to operate the equipment required to perform the job
Working Conditions
The job of a cashier may be somewhat stressful. He may have to remain standing for long hours. His fingers may get injured while continuously entering the data in computer. At the same time a cashier has to deal with the customers with smiling face and pleasing tone.
Advancement Opportunities
A cashier may be promoted to a head cashier, cash-office clerk or any other position with more responsibilities. Those who do part time job can be promoted to the full time workers.
When a student starts thinking about a career, he wants complete information about that profession but completely neglects the importance of a resume without understanding that it is the first step towards any kind of job. So I recommend you to consult an expert or a good website to understand how to write a well-composed and impressive cashier resume before seeking for a job.
How to best manage your Career
In this day and age of job insecurity due to the economic climate, people are fearful of losing their jobs. Unfortunately, this fear keeps people from trying to manage their career in favor of just ‘holding on’ to the job they already have. Learning to manage your career can take some of the fear and stress out of what to do in the event you are made redundant.
It is also a sad fact, that many people simply do not know how to manage careers in Houston. Looking at your job as a career in the first instance, is always a good start. Even if you’re flipping hamburgers, the chance of being promoted gives you a sense of achievement and job satisfaction. It also offers more skills, training, and additional information for your resume. The actual word ‘career’ means “an occupation undertaken for a significant period of a person’s life, with the opportunity to progress”. Any job can be a career if you’re working toward a promotion or advancement.
A good start to learning how best to manage your career, is to seek the assistance of a career management firm such as MAP Career Management Houston Texas. Companies such as this will work with you one-on-one and develop strategies to help you manage your career. Sometimes we do need a little help to get us out of some bad habits we’ve developed in our jobs. Learning how to enjoy your career again rather than just having a job to survive, is one of the many beneficial skills you can learn at a company such as this.
Among the skills you will learn to better manage your career with someone such as Tim Nelson MAP Houston, is firstly to know what to do. It is not healthy to live just in survival mode. You need to reflect on your career and decide if what you are doing is really what you “want” to do. You will also be encouraged to network. You may not even know what this entails, however, it is one of most valuable skills you can have in this day and age. Networking not only helps you to keep up to date with your industry, but keeps you in touch with others within it, as well as other companies.
Time can tend to pass all too quickly. Make managing your career a priority. It is not something you can afford to procrastinate over these days. You need to not only know where you stand, but know where you want to go. Being able to balance your career makes you more productive and valuable, not only for your career, but for yourself as a person.
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