You're Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile

When I was a kid, my mom used to play all the old classic movie-musicals for me. My childhood memories are full of re-enacting classic scenes such as Julie Andrews twirling around on the hills of Austria, arms spread wide singing "The Hills are Alive", pretending to creep through a forest of "Lions, and Tigers and Bears, Oh My!" with Judy Garland and her crew of misfits, and holding a wash bucket and rag and pretending to scrub the floors of the orphanage right along with the orphans in Annie. I find it funny that as we grow up, we think we know more than we did as children, but in truth, sometimes child-likeness and open mindedness is the key.

We are given so much knowledge at a such young age, that I think we don't know what to do with it. Ideas like those in The Sound of Music which encourage us to have confidence in sunshine or in rain, or in The Wizard of Oz when we are told "there's no place like home" or to be reminded in Annie that "you're never fully dressed without a smile" just seem like quippy and fun lyrics to songs. However, just when you think you have outgrown your childhood, that you are too good for the memories of old, you realize, maybe I should pay more attention to what I already know, instead of constantly looking to someone else to tell me who to be.

I know not everyone was blessed with a good childhood, but that doesn't exempt you from this ideal. Maybe the trials of your rough childhood have shaped out exactly what you don't want to become. Instead of running away from it, embrace it as something that has made you into who you are today, and if you don't like who you are, look to those experiences to be a guideline on how to change.

The holidays are a difficult time to take a moment for yourself. It seems that the holidays are no longer a selfless time, but instead a selfish excuse to pull on everyone from every direction. However, if you can, find a moment to reflect and see if who you are today can get you to where you are going. In your reflection, look to those moments that you maybe thought were insignificant when you were young, you may be surprised at what you find.

Season's Greetings from Lori Lane Personnel

As the holiday season approaches, it seems that a time that used to be filled with warm thoughts of the magic of Christmas have turned into the reality of what we have deemed impossible. Our minds flood with the thoughts; "It's impossible to please everyone.",  "It's impossible to live up to certain expectations." and even "It's impossible to be who I want to be." Well friends, to quote Audrey Hepburn "Nothing is impossible. The very word says I'm possible!"

It is so easy to focus on the grind, especially during the Holiday season. We go from anxiously awaiting Santa Clause to anxiously awaiting the January credit card bill. We often forget that even in the absence of material things, we still have so much to give. This economy has come down on all of us hard. Funds are low, or even non existent. So Christmas turns out to be more of a curse that a blessing, especially when we have a family relying on us to create some Christmas magic. I know it may sounds crazy and childlike, but when it all comes down to it, you have to remember that the magic is in you.

We have all been through some really trying times. Whether they are big or just big to us, the holidays sometimes just put a magnifying glass on the hurt. Something my mother says to comfort me is "everyone has something that they are going through, this just happens to be ours." The biggest gift you can give yourself this holiday season is confidence. Keep your head held high and remember, this too shall pass.

We here at Lori Lane personnel are inspired by the magic within each one of us. We encourage you this Holiday season to not focus on what you lack, but instead to give thanks for what you have. Whether that is family, time, or just a side little talent you may have, spend time developing the gifts you may not have been aware of. Who knows, the greatest gift Santa may have ever brought you may be right under your nose.

Happy Holidays, from all of us here at Lori Lane Personnel, to you. We are so looking forward to servicing you in the near future.

Getting the Job One Step at A Time

It’s no secret that today’s job market is a tough one. We have seen first hand those who are extremely qualified and educated with jobs that were once secure now pounding the pavement handing out resumes for jobs they would normally be over qualified to take. This can be very discouraging to say the least, especially when even the jobs you loath to take can’t offer you employment. Here at Lori Lane Personnel, we not only strive to place you in a job that meets your qualifications, but hope to provide tips to help you on your search for that one perfect job. Yes it is important to be qualified, it is also important to be eager, but the most important thing to remember is that you are your biggest asset.

In an economy like this, it is easy to lose your confidence. If you lose your self esteem and confidence in your abilities, you might as well stay home until you find it again. No one wants to work with someone that is unsure. Keep your head up, keep eye contact and be confident, even if on the inside you are shaking in your boots. There is something to be said about someone who takes pride not only in what they do, but who they are as a person. A carefully chosen outfit and for men a clean shave can go a lot farther than you may think. A smile and remembering that please and thank you more often than not really are the magic words can make you a cut above the rest, and a desire to be the best you that you can be within a company can often get you the job.

A recent study states that a strong work ethic is the most desirable skill in applicants today. In addition to general education and meeting basic job requirements, having a go get em’ attitude is what will set you apart. A strong work ethic, being a team player, flexibility, being a good problem solver, being self directed, working well under pressure, being a quick learner, having organizational skills and creativity were also sited as sought after qualities in job candidates in corporate jobs today. Knowing that staffing choices have been widely broadened for employers while positions to fill have diminished, it is important to keep in mind that you are going to be up against many applicants that may be just as qualifies as you are. Demonstrate a willingness to learn new skills and show an eagerness to improve in  the areas where you may not be proficient. Don’t be afraid of what you don’t know. Employers are aware that there is no perfect fit, and that you will have to be trained in one way or another. In fact over one third of executives have stated that they are looking to hire and develop new talent for their company. Molding new talent is often proved more beneficial for companies as opposed to hiring someone with more experience because the employee can be trained in the exact way the company would prefer them to work, as opposed to trying to break bad habits.

We here at Lori Lane Personnel encourage you to be proactive. Know your strengths and weaknesses. Play up your strengths and find a way to put a positive spin on your weaknesses. Being organized, goal oriented and confident can only aid you in your search for the job. Lori Lane Personnel has serviced applicants in South West Florida for the past fifteen years and has strived for nothing less than perfection. In order for us to help you, you must first help yourself. Don’t allow this hard market to keep you from the job. “Vitality shows in not only the ability to persist, but the ability to start over.” – F Scott Fitzgerald.