Time To Stop Hating Your Job

By Craig Calvin

There are many jobs out there that would probably never be classified as a great job. There are many people who are unhappy with their job, but feel that they have no choice but to remain in that job, due to financial reasons. If you are in this situation, it is time to change your attitude, because only you can help make your job a great job.

If you hate your job, there are probably things that annoy you, and cause stress, and it will not be easy to change your mindset, but if you can, it will be worth it. Take the time to look for the good things in your job, rather than focusing on all the negatives. Figure out which parts of your job you like best, or which you like at all. If you truly can't come up with anything that you enjoy about your job, you really need to consider a career switch.

In these tough times, many people are faced with the reality of having to take jobs that they hate simply to get by. Even people who are required to take jobs that are okay, but not ideal, will find themselves extra tense when it comes to talking about the workplace. Focus on figuring out what's good about your job, and then reminding yourself of those things. If nothing else, remember that you should be thankful for the job that you have because so many people don't have them right now.

At the end of the day, the reason why almost everyone has the job that they do, is the salary. You obviously need to support yourself, and possibly your whole family, so you are willing to remain in a job you hate because you need the money. Obviously, in the world we live in, money is critical in order to make sure you have a roof over your head, and food to eat, but at the same time, working for a job you hate can have a significant negative impact on your life as well. If you hate your job, and there is no hope of you finding any part of that job you enjoy, then you really must dedicate yourself to finding a new job, for your own good.

Due to the recent economic crisis, there are many people out there who hate their job, but cannot leave because their are limited opportunities for employment elsewhere. If you hate your job, there are probably things that annoy you, and cause stress, and it will not be easy to change your mindset, but if you can, it will be worth it. Take the time to look for the good things in your job, rather than focusing on all the negatives. You may never love your job, but if you can learn to tolerate it by focusing on the aspects you enjoy, you will reduce your stress, which will benefit all aspects of your life. If you cannot find anything positive, and are looking for information on how to apply for a new job, or online training to help you get the job you want, check out Six Sigma Online at http://www.sixsigmaonline.org. - 32538

About the Author:

There are various steps to the six sigma training program. From yellow belt to six sigma black belt you will find all you need to understand by going to www.sixsigmaonline.org.

Innovation Is The Key To Six Sigma Success

By Craig Calvin

If you have worked in one place for a long time, the chances are pretty good that you have fallen into certain routines, and perform certain tasks the same way every time. Whether that routine is the best way to perform the task or not, most individuals do not give it any thought, they just perform a task the way it has always been done. There are problems, though, when this mindset starts to effect how you make decisions about new processes or find solutions to problems with the existing processes.

If your business is looking to introduce a new product or service, or correct an issue with an existing product or service, every possible solution should be considered. If your employees cannot think outside of the box, and come up with new ideas, then it is very likely that the best solution will not be realized. One way to help your employees think outside of the box is to use a Six Sigma project to identify the ideal solution. If you are new to Six Sigma, bringing in consultants to assist in a Six Sigma project is one way to bring new ideas to your business. If you don't need consultants, or would prefer not to use them, then the Six Sigma project will provide the tools and guidance to your employees to help them think outside of the box.

Many people are intimidated when companies bring in third party problem solvers, but remember that the fresh perspective is helpful to the organization, and that their solutions will actually benefit you and the company in the end. You shouldn't fear change because it is going to happen anyway. You should learn what the solution is, how it affects you, and learn to accept it because it's for the betterment of your workplace.

Many people are opposed to Six Sigma, because of it's association with large business, and the fact that its popularity grew so quickly throughout the business world. These people typically think that Six Sigma is just a fad, and like all other fads it will quickly die out. What these people don't understand is that the reason Six Sigma grew so quickly is because it can assist any size business, and help determine the optimal solution to any size problem. If you are not familiar with the Six Sigma process, there are many sites on-line that can offer additional information, and training opportunities to help you realize the benefits that Six Sigma can bring to your business.

It is critical that you think outside of the box when you are looking to provide the best possible solution for your business, no matter what the issue or problem may be. Six Sigma projects are a great way to help your employees think outside the box, and identify the ideal solution to your problem. - 32538

About the Author:

If you are looking to become six sigma black belt then you should log onto www.sixsigmaonline.org. On our site you will be able to find information on all available six sigma programs.

Quality Manual for ISO 13485 2003 Standard

By Mark Kaganov

A quality manual is the top-level document of a quality management system. It is similar to a constitution of a country or a manifesto of a party. This type of document establishes the policy-level position of a government, party or in the case of a quality manual, a company' QMS. There are at least two definitions of what a quality manual for an ISO 13485 quality management system should be:

ISO 10013, Guidelines for Developing Quality Manuals, element 4.2, provides suggestions for creating a quality manual. It defines a quality manual, among other requirements, as a document that should "consist of, or refer to, the documented quality system procedures intended for planning and administration of activities which impact on quality" ISO 13485:2003, element 4.2.2 describes a quality manual as a document containing:

1 - your QMS scope

2 - description of processes that are excluded, including non-applicable elements;

3 - references to the documented procedures;

4 - a description of interaction between the processes of the QMS

5 - an outline of the structure of the documentation used in the quality management system

Typically, companies state the scope of their QMS in the Scope or Introduction sections of their quality manuals, similar to "XYZ Corporation assembles, packages and distributes personal hygiene product packs to hospitals and doctors' offices"

When the scope of the QMS is determined, we can define the processes we need to achieve the results stated in the scope. Also, remember referencing supporting procedures for those processes. The easiest way to do it is to translate the standard from a list of requirements into your organization's commitment to satisfy those requirements. For example: Clause 6.4.a ISO 13485:2003 states: "The organization shall establish documented requirements for health, cleanliness and clothing of personnel ? " our manual will state: "The company has established a documented Clean Environment Procedure to maintain health, cleanliness and clothing requirements for personnel?"

Looking at the paragraph above, you will notice that a reference to a specific procedure satisfies the third requirement for a quality manual. Continuing in a similar way, addressing all applicable elements of the standard and referencing corresponding procedures, we will develop a quality manual satisfying requirements of the standard.

Now we need to choose a method to document interactions between our processes. There are a few ways to do it. One typical method is to utilize Figure 1 in ISO 9001:2000 standard. This figure shows a model of a process-based QMS. In addition to that, referenced documents will show what processes relate to those listed in our quality manual. Some models are available on the Internet. Enter "process interaction matrix" into the search field of your Explorer and you will find your answers.

The only requirement of the element 4.2.2 left is to describe the structure of your documentation. Some businesses I have consulted described their documentation tree as 4- or 5-level structure in the documentation management section of the manual.

Another important function of a quality manual, very often overlooked, is as a marketing tool. Well written and professionally published, a quality manual may become a powerful marketing instrument. It can communicate to your potential customers, suppliers and subcontractors that your company is not only a quality-conscious organization, but that it also knows how to document and communicate its commitment to quality and compliance with regulatory requirements.

I always wonder what companies achieve by stamping their quality manuals in bold capitol red letters "CONFIDENTIAL". As far as I am concerned, a quality manual is a company's resume for quality, and if you hide your resume, there is a very good chance that you will never get a job! All our customers are encouraged to make their quality manuals public! - 32538

About the Author:

Learning from your own mistakes is costly! Check out our ISO 13485 page to learn more about Quality Management systems

What Your Profession Says About You

By Craig Calvin

Everyone has something different that they want to do with their lives. When you take the time to check out all of the great opportunities for careers in the world, the one that you choose will probably say a lot about who you are as a person. For example, someone who loves numbers and math will likely end up in a finance or accounting job, while someone who likes to deal with kids might get a job as a teacher or childcare worker. Even if you have no idea what you want to do with your life, when it comes to choosing a career you can rely heavily on your interests to provide you with some great ideas. Some people are free spirits, and don't want to be tied to a desk. They might seek trade jobs or freelance positions that allow them to move around or be outdoors more so that they don't feel trapped.

It is completely the idea of ascertaining what you enjoy. Right at present may not be the most beneficial time to obtain jobs and vocations, however you are able to still day dream the idea of what you would like to practice. You are able to ready yourself for the best of your abilities for the vocation that you desire, and even if at present Is not the correct time for you to switch jobs, you will be able to at the least be prepared to advance to the vocation that you have forever desired when matters are looking up in the economic system. Whenever you enjoy executing something regularly, deliberate executing it in a vocational scene. Naturally, not every spare-time activity or interests will develop into a tactile and effective vocation, however most could pass into some industry that's corresponding. Lets say you enjoy baking, become a chef or a baker. There genuinely are no boundaries to your selections.

Have you ever questioned how come vocation examines and aptitude examines always inquire about what you do in your spare time while that bears no relevancy to the vocation world? It is since individuals tend to be more adept at occupations while they enjoy them, and ascertaining a position that you enjoy will be a great deal more gratifying and fulfilling than acquiring simply any stale position that you are able to encounter. Never allow yourself to become a product of the 'could have, would have, should have' mental capacity. Whenever you have an aspiration, get out and chase after it. If you do not recognize what that aspiration is, determine what your likes and dislikes are to discover it.

One of the greatest way to discover your future career is to think about what it is in life that you enjoy. What you enjoy can often transform into a career that you will love going to each morning of your adult life. If you keep this advice in the back of your head you are sure to have grave success when looking for that career you can always enjoy.

Six Sigma Online are a prominent internet resource for data on vocations as well as employment. Discover more now at http://www.sixsigmaonline.org. - 32538

About the Author:

If you are thinking of increaing your business skills, think of looking into lean six sigma training. Sixsigmaonline.org provides different levels of training, like green belt six sigma.

Six Sigma Projects- Essential Tools of the Personal Kind

By Craig Calvin

While formal Six Sigma training is critical if you are going to implement Six Sigma in your business, it is not the only important factor in running a successful Six Sigma project. If you are going to run a Six Sigma project, how you communicate, and interact with the employees in your company, whether they are your superiors, equals, or subordinates, can often mean the difference between success and failure.

When you are running a Six Sigma project, it is essential that you are personally invested in the project, and committed to the success of the project no matter what obstacles may stand in your way. One of the keys to a successful Six Sigma project is how well you communicate with the members of your project team, as well as any other employees in your company who are not directly involved in the project.

After you start your Six Sigma project, you should identify other employees, whether they are part of the project team or not, who are obviously committed to the success of the project, to act as change agents for your project. There may be employees in your company that may fear that the changes that are going to be enacted as a result of this project may result in a reduction in the number of employees the company needs, which would lead to their termination. You can use your change agents to talk to these employees, and reassure them that their job are secure, and that the project is good for everyone.

In larger organizations you will likely face much more opposition. This is where patience and the ability to handle stress and pressure come in. Six Sigma Projects are not easy, and they are not quick little fixes. They take a lot of time, a lot of resources, and even though the end result is well worth it, they can prove to be challenging for anyone who gets involved with them.

It takes more then Six Sigma training to make a successful Six Sigma project manager though. When you are running a Six Sigma project, it is essential that you are personally invested in the project, and committed to the success of the project no matter what obstacles may stand in your way. your communication and inter-personal skills are important to the success of your project. - 32538

About the Author:

If you are thinking of bulking up on your business skills, think of looking into six sigma training. Sixsigmaonline.org provides different levels of training, such as green belt six sigma.

Career Advice- Taking Changes In Stride

By Craig Calvin

Change is always a little scary. When it comes to jobs and careers, it can be even scarier because your financial security will depend on the changes that are taking place. Take the time to learn how to deal with change one step at a time and it might be a little more tolerable.

The workplace is constantly changing and growing. Taking on these changes even in the most ideal conditions can prove to be stressful. However, when those changes become negative and include things like layoffs, downsizing, and struggling to keep the company afloat, even the most peaceful person can easily become overwhelmed and stressed out. In these tumultuous times, the last thing that you need is more stress, which is why you need to learn how to take career changes in stride, no matter how big or small they may be. Focus on getting through today, and then worry about tomorrow when it comes.

When you work for a company where your co workers are constantly being terminated or laid off due the the state of the economy, it's difficult not to be fearful of your own job security. However, trust in the reality that you're still employed, and begin devising your options and plans in case the loss of your employment does come. Stress to yourself that the last thing you should to do is panic. Simply try to stay steady, head home and organize your resume and begin accumulating your resources for job hunting, while you continue to carry on with your daily assignments at work. Do not believe that it can't happen to you, simply do not allow yourself to become engulfed with concern because it might.

Numerous people who thought that they were irreplaceable at their place of employment have quickly learned things are much different then they original expected. As a matter of fact, it is commonly not that they can be replaced simply that there is no monetary room for their services the current downward economy. Many are laid off from companies that they thought they'd spend all their working years at, and left to go on with their lives outside of that company. When changing jobs, and finding new employment pertains to the current economic situation, you will most likely not be searching for your dream job. Instead you will be searching for any job that is available and will monetary provide for you and/or your family.

Whether the changes that you're going through are related to company changes or losing your job, you need to be prepared. That is the only way to be able to take things in stride and avoid going into panic mode unnecessarily. Panic does you no good, so you should try to avoid it when you can. Instead, focus on the positive and figure out what you can do to improve your own situation and move on to the next thing in life, whether that's a new job or a new role within your company. Six Sigma Online is a leading online resource for information on careers and employment. Learn more today at http://www.sixsigmaonline.org. - 32538

About the Author:

If you are wanting to boost your career potential, consider six sigma classes. Getting black belt six sigma certification might be just what you are lacking.

Documentation Structure for ISO 9001 QMS

By Mark Kaganov

A guideline for Developing Quality Manuals, ISO 10013 Standard, suggests a documentation structure for ISO 9001 QMS. This model in the standard proposes use of a three-level arrangement. Most companies I worked with utilize four-level structures instead to include records, A typical four-level documentation structure consists of:

Quality Manual - level 1

Procedures - level 2

Instructions - level 3

Records - level 4

Actually, the documentation structure starts from the policy. The policy defines, among others, commitments with what standard a company intends to comply with. If you choose to use this approach, your quality management system will have five levels, similar to the structure below:

Quality Policy - level 1

Quality Manual - level 2

Procedures - level 3

Instructions - level 4

Records - level 5

ISO 9001 - Naming your documents

Companies use various approaches to titling their manuals, procedures, instructions, etc. For example, one of my customers titled their quality manual as "Quality Management System Quality Manual." This very descriptive title does define the document, but does not appear to be efficient.

This tendency to use long titles and document identifiers like "Standard Operating Procedure" most likely comes from regulated industries. Even though I could not find a requirement for such title formats, many companies still use these apparently outdated and ineffective conventions. If a short name sufficiently describes a document, let's use it. I suggest streamlining all elements of management systems. Consider this and do not make your system more complicated than it can be.

Numbering your documents

No standard prescribes to give a part or a document its number. It is an industry standard to give a document or a component its name, number and a revision level. Similar to part titles that we discussed above, document numbering conventions are often also may be optimized and simplified.

A company had some 130 employees. They had two part number formats: one for procedures, another for drawings. Procedures used XX-XXX number format. Drawings were numbered as XXXXXXX-XXX. One of the drawings had a number 000022-003. Assemblers simplified the system and called it "twenty two."

Do these long numbers identify documents? Yes, they do! Are they economical? No, they are not! My customer's system above allowed seven digits and therefore could deal with ten million documents or part numbers. When I worked with this business, they used some 300 documents. If one plans to grow from 200 - 300 documents to a million, one has a long way to go! It is not only how many documents your QMS uses, reading these long strings with five sequential zeros gave everybody headache. Even though this example looks too complicated, "The Worst Part Number" Grand Prize won my other client. They used 14-digit alphanumeric part numbers!

If you are designing and building a Trident-class submarine, a MIG-27 jet fighter or an international space station, you, most likely, will need millions of parts, so a long part number format would be needed and will make sense. Otherwise, save yourself the trouble of reading all those zeros and make your numbering system practical. One of my customers, who won my "The Best Part Number" Grand Prize, numbered their documents as 101, 102, 103, and so on. Short and sweet!

There is another opportunity for improvement of many QMS - part number designation. Many companies relate a document number to a document type. For example, 20-xxxx indicates a procedure, 30-xxxx indicates a drawing, SOP-xxxx indicates a standard operating procedure, etc. My practice with a few QMS that used designation approaches showed that "no designation" systems are more practical. Several QMS that used designation I have worked with have failed. Not long ago, one of my clients mentioned that they ran out of range in their document numbering format. The QMS initially permitted for identifying suppliers through a two-digit identifier within the part number. While the company grew, the number of supplier increased beyond expectations and eventually the company needed more than 99 suppliers. This resulted in the document number format to being able to support new needs.

An alternative approach to part numbering is a "no designation" system, where parts are given sequential unique numbers within a specified format, regardless of their type, material, application or other attributes. After all, isn't the part title the best designator? Seriously, through my entire professional career, I worked only with one company that did not use even document numbers. Their documents were simply identified by titles and a two-digit revision level, like The Prefect Manual 01. - 32538

About the Author:

Learn more about ISO 9001 documentation and order your Quality Management System documentation today!

Six Sigma Projects in Small Business- A Worthy Endeavor or Big Boys Only?

By Craig Calvin

When a business commits to starting a Six Sigma project, it is a commitment of time, money and resources. Depending on the size of the project, the size of this comment may vary. Here are some steps you can take to see if Six Sigma is right for your small business.

The first thing you should do when you are considering starting a Six Sigma project is to try to identify where the problem is, and try to estimate how much you think it would cost to fix the problem. You should also try to estimate how long it would take to fix the problem. A Six Sigma project may not be the quickest or cheapest solution, and if you do not have the time then you may be better off with a Lean Six Sigma project, or not using Six Sigma at all.

So, can small businesses benefit from Six Sigma Projects? Yes, they can, but only with the right planning, preparation, and execution. Wait a minute, though. This doesn't only apply to small businesses. The principles of Six Sigma and how to effectively use it can apply to any business of any size, regardless of how big or little the problem might be. In the end, if it is affecting profits or customer satisfaction, it's always a big problem even when it is minor.

If you do not think your business is ready for a Six Sigma Project, then there are other things you can do to prepare for a Six Sigma Project. You can provide additional Six Sigma training for you and your staff, if it is necessary, which will help everyone be better prepared for a Six Sigma Project.

Larger organizations face turf battles and fears of change within the hierarchy of their businesses, but this is something that smaller organizations won't have as much of a problem with. This just shows that Six Sigma Projects can be good for smaller businesses, and actually might prove to be more advantageous than they are for large organizations depending on how well they are planned and executed. If you think this is the right choice, give it a shot. With a little know-how it can be a great solution. - 32538

About the Author:

When you are wanting to learn more about lean six sigma the best place to go to is sixsigmaonline.org. Our website will give you all the information you desire on six sigma training and more.

Improvement Plan Using Six Sigma

By Craig Calvin

Six Sigma Projects are great tools that businesses can use to improve processes and products throughout the duration of their operation. However, when they utilize this, it should be with an emphasis on developing long term solutions and making sure that the procedures that they put in place are going to last for many years to come. Six Sigma Projects won't carry on by themselves, but with the right framework they can be passed on to the process owner, who will ensure that the project remains effective for the future by maintaining the process to continuous improvement standards. Here are five reasons to develop a continuous improvement plan with your Six Sigma Projects:

1. Finding long term solutions to problems is much better than having to make changes and then fix the problems again and again. It doesn't make sense for you to keep revisiting over and over.

2. Over time things change so a solution that works now may not work in a few months or years. This means that there really is no solution will be 100% foolproof or last forever in any organization or industry. If you keep current with changes though, you can make sure to keep up.

3. CIPs (Continuous Improvement Plans) are implemented and made so that people can effectively keep things working without redoing an entire process. If you were to redo everything then you would be taking steps backwards.

4. Making improvements in a business is more about what will happen in the future than right now. It needs to be made sure that a company will be able to stand on its own after the six sigma team leaves and can take on the problems from then on. - 32538

About the Author:

6 sigma is a process used by several businesses to boost productivity and employee performance. To learn more on the subject go to www.sixsigmaonline.org. Here you will get information on lean six sigma, as well as the different belt levels and more.

Why Should I Learn Six Sigma Processes?

By Craig Calvin

Lean Six Sigma is an altered form of the Six Sigma process. Although it has the basic fundamentals of Six Sigma, Lean has a few differences that set it apart from basic Six Sigma Training. Knowing the difference can prove to add more to your quality improvement projects then you would have ever thought possible.

There are eight elements of waste that Lean Six Sigma focuses on. It has been proven that once these areas are removed from a company, their quality has improved. The following is a list of what the Lean process considers to be waste and examples to each area.

-Wasted human talent: this includes people who don't have a specific job function within the process or are simply slowing down the process with their presence.

-Defects: This refers to any product or process within your company that is not properly functioning. Prior to eliminating these defects, however, a solution to fix them needs to be put forth.

-Inventory: This refers to an over sized "To Do" list of work. You never want to have to much product waiting to be worked on. A doctors office, for example, does not want to have to many patients in the waiting room at one time.

-Overproduction: You never want to have to much of something before it is needed. This can get in the way of a well-organized operation.

-Wasted Time: many times you will find that you can not go any further until you receive a product or piece of information from someone. Instead of sitting around waiting, this time would be better spent on processes or activities that may need some extra assistance.

-Motion: When talking about motion, it is pretty self explanatory. It refers to the moving around of people when there is absolutely no need for it. An great example of this is when you make an appointment for a clinic and you are sent to triage, then back to the waiting room and then to the exam room. Everything should just be down right in the exam room.

-Transportation: Any form of ineffective transportation that is used to move people or a product. If it is not necessary then it is wasteful and not needed.

-Process Waste: Things that have to be done, but don't add value to the process, product, or service at hand. For example, a bank manager has to process a lot of paperwork, but this doesn't help customers or increase the banks ability to serve those customers in most cases.

Understanding these waste products will enhance the quality improvement projects that you approach using Lean Six Sigma processes. - 32538

About the Author:

Create the most of your working skills with six sigma. Getting six sigma certification online will benefit yourself in addition to your working. To learn more check out www.sixsigmaonline.org.

Developing a Continuous Improvement Plan With Your Six Sigma Project

By Craig Calvin

Incorporating a continuous improvement plan into your Six Sigma project will help your business by providing the ability to make improvements to your process as business needs change, or unexpected events occur. Continuous improvement plans allow you to make adjustments to your process without having to undertake an entire new Six Sigma project, which can be costly and time consuming.

1. When you are examining a process, and trying to determine the ideal solution, you need to realize that this will be a continuous process. If you are only considering the current problems, and not considering future problems or improvements, then you will just be back in the same position in the not to distant future.

2. No matter how much you research and brainstorm, you will never come up with the perfect solution that will never need to be changed again. There are always unknowns, and something totally unexpected may happen in the future that could effect your process. If you continue to evaluate the process, however, and make changes as they become necessary, you will lower the chances of having to completely re-design the process again in the future.

3. CIPs (Continuous Improvement Plans) are designed so that people can effectively keep things working without redoing a whole process. Re-doing Six Sigma Projects when they stop working is counter-productive and cost-inhibiting.

4. While Six Sigma is useful in helping to eliminate the existing problems in your processes, the project team must also take into account the future of the business, and future improvements that may be needed. When the Six Sigma project ends, the process must be prepared to deal with any issues that may arise.

5. The priorities and focus of a business can change over time. When you incorporate a continuous improvement plan into your Six Sigma project it allows you to quickly make modifications to your processes, and helps to keep them aligned with the current priorities. Without a continuous improvement plan, your business may have to start a whole new Six Sigma project, just to make sure the processes are aligned with the new direction of the organization.

When you undertake a Six Sigma project you are trying to find a solution to the problems effecting your processes. This solution, ideally, should not be a quick fix, that takes care of the immediate problem, but it should be a long term solution that corrects the process for the foreseeable future. The best way to ensure this is to include a continuous improvement plan within the project. If you do not include a continuous improvement plan as part of your Six Sigma project, then you may have to go through the entire process again in the future, which is an unnecessary expense for your business. When you incorporate a continuous improvement plan into your Six Sigma project it allows you to quickly make modifications to your processes, and helps to keep them aligned with your current priorities. - 32538

About the Author:

There are various steps to the six sigma program. From yellow belt to black belt you can find all you need to understand by going to www.sixsigmaonline.org.

Job Hunting - 3 Common Mistakes that Keep You Unemployed

By Craig Calvin

It is very difficult when you suddenly find yourself unemployed. Most recently unemployed individuals quickly try to find a new job without thoroughly thinking out a plan for how to find this job. This can end up leading to some mistakes which may prevent them from finding work. The good news is with some planning, and some guidance, these mistakes can be avoided.

Before you do anything else, make a plan. It is very easy to quickly become overwhelmed by all of the negative consequences that come with being laid off. You start to worry about medical insurance, bills, and providing the essentials for you or your family. This worry can cause you to start applying for jobs without coming up with a plan first, and this can be counter-productive to your success. You need to stop and think about your resume, your training, your qualifications, and what other tools you have available to help you find a job. You also need to think about what types of jobs you should apply for, in what fields, and how far you could travel to work if necessary. Another important part of your plan is networking, not only to try to find individuals who may be aware of available jobs, but to provide references as well.

Do not limit your search to the internet. If you want to find a job quickly you need to explore every possible job opening available. While there are certainly many jobs that can be found online, either using a job finding site, or going directly to company's web sites, not every job is posted on the internet. If there are local companies where you think you would be qualified to work it may be worth while to contact them directly, talk to someone face to face, and provide hard copies of your resume. This human interaction may help when you are competing with many other people for a limited number of jobs.

One-by-one searching. Too many people assume that they get a nibble and they should pull the rest of their lines. They will pursue one opportunity by itself without keeping other options on their plate just because they see hope. When you get so discouraged, it's easy to forget that the light doesn't always keep shining, and you need to keep your options open. However, you should know that the more options you have, the better your chances of success will be.

If you don't make a plan, limit yourself to looking for jobs only on the internet, or stop your searching because you think you may have a chance for one specific job opportunity, you are seriously hurting your chances for finding a job, no matter what your resume says or how qualified you may be. More companies are laying off good, qualified people all of the time, and there are not many new job opportunities available, so you need to give yourself every advantage you can when you are looking for a job during these tough economic times.

A great source of online information for individuals who are looking for a job is Six Sigma Online. If you visit their web site, http://www.sixsigmaonline.org, you can find information on career finding and business productivity, in addition to Six Sigma Training. - 32538

About the Author:

If you are looking to maximize your career potential, consider six sigma classes. Achieving black belt six sigma certification could be just what you are lacking.