With the shape the economy is in today we are seeing many older people hunting for jobs. It is no longer common for people nearing or at retirement age to retire. For many of our senior citizens it is a must to keep working past retirement. It is however commonplace to see many people nearing retirement age looking for second careers. But competing with the younger generation for jobs can be very difficult. It would be great if employers would not eliminate candidates for interviews based solely on their age. But lets face it; we live in a world where youthfulness usually wins over experience. In any case it would be wise to remove any reference to age from your resume, this gives you a better chance to get the interview. If you are caught in this circumstance it would be wise to create a resume that promotes your your skills and values, but does not emphasize your age. As an older job seeker it is paramount that you choose the correct resume format. Though it is true that the functional resume format is probably the best to use; it would not be in this case because of the fact that it puts the emphasis on skills over work experience and this can make the employer feel as though you are trying to hide something. It would be a better choice to to use a combination format. This format uses aspects of both chronological and functional resumes. A good thing to remember is that most employers are only interested with your most recent work history. So there is no reason to mention in your resume that you have been working for the last 30 years. You want to use the resume to show your knowledge of the current techniques and technology in your field. Stay away from references to outdated tools and equipment. For the most part you bring a lot of experience to the table. This is the opportunity to provide real life experiences and demonstrate how you have contributed to companies that you have worked for. You can also demonstrate in your resume your desire to learn new professional techniques by highlighting any new skills that you have learned in the last few years. Copyright Frank Tello 2008
Writing can be very frustrating. But with a little help you can learn to write with less stress. My name is Frank Tello and I am the owner of http://www.Writing-Help-For-You.Com Feel free to drop by for some free tips and information to help you with your writing. Click on this link to visit http://www.Writing-Help-For-You.Com Frank Tello Related Articles – resume writing, writing help, resumes, Email this Article to a Friend!Receive Articles like this one direct to your email box!Subscribe for free today!
Tag Archives: Economy
Qualifying For Student Loans in the Age of Stimulus Money
Qualifying For Student Loans in the Age of Stimulus Money
Student loans are loans offered to students to assist in payment of the costs of a professional education. If you have chosen to apply for private student loans, then you will need to know whether you are eligible or not, prior to applying for any private loan.
Basically, all college bound students are eligible for Federal Student Loans, which are federally-backed and processed in accordance with rules and regulations, issued by the United States Department of Education.
Even in a tight economy, getting a loan to go to college is quite possible. As a matter of fact, it can work to a persons advantage to apply for a college loan in a tight economy. Often, government intervention in uncertain economic times, makes applying for and obtaining a loan to go to school easier and faster than usual.
Advocates of private student loans suggest that they combine the best elements of the different government loans into one: They generally offer higher loan limits than federal loans, ensuring the student is not left with a budget gap. Also, private aid loans typically have variable interest rates while federal loans have fixed rates. When federal government loans do not meet all of your needs, private financial aid loans can help to bridge the gap.
Students and families with excellent credit will generally receive lower rates, and smaller loan origination fees than those with less than perfect credit. Students with bad credit can get the necessary funds as long as they meet the requirements. Students are automatically considered for student loans when they file the annual FAFSA. Students who fail to qualify for federal loans, or who need to borrow more to cover their college education costs and expenses, can turn to private loans.
For many students, a great advantage to private loan programs is their families may have too much income, or too many assets, to qualify for federal aid. Thus they often cannot qualify for a government backed student loan. However, there are many private loan programs to help with students who come from a more affluent financial background.
Eligible loan programs generally issue loans based on the credit history of the applicant and any applicable cosigner/co-endorser/co-borrower. Often, families with large assets or large incomes can find a near perfect fit, with privately funded student loans.
If your borrowing needs are not met by the federal programs, lenders offer a variety of supplemental borrowing programs known as Private or Alternative Loans. However, some graduate programs (notably top MBA programs) are tied to private loan providers, and in those cases no co-signor is needed, even for international students.
It’s wise to check out the specifics and benefits offered by different lenders, as you might go with a lender that is not the lender your school says is their “preferred” lender. This is why it is recommend whenever possible, to apply for federal aid.
Federal loan programs offer several advantages, including:
Easy application process -
Competitive interest rates -
(and perhaps most importantly) – borrowers can delay repayment until after graduation.
Other benefits of federal student loans include:
low interest rates-
lowered fees -
lenient payback policies.
If you have good credit, and meet the eligibility requirements, your application for student financial assistance will be processed, and you will receive assistance based on your financial need. Normally, funding is very quick, but currently due to the economy, processing and funding times have slowed down.
Find out what kinds of financing options are available for you to help fund your child’s college education. To help simplify the application process, gather required documents and other information ahead of time. Once your application has been assessed, you will receive a package of information that will include your loan documents, instructions on how to negotiate your loan documents, and your loan assessment details.
Because of the current economic climate, and with the current administration’s proclivity to intervene more and more into individual affairs, it is very important that you get started soon learning more about, and applying for your student loans needs. Right now is a good environment to apply for student loans of all types. With the current economic climate, the process of application could change at any time.
Forgiving Student Loan Debt – Bailout Petition!
The forgiving student loan debt petition to stimulate the economy is an issue that recently has become a heated topic. Due to the horrible nature of our economy in the current recession, debt consolidation has become rare. Currently there is a student school loan debt forgiveness petition: Forgive.. Student Loans Debt petition, and at least two Facebook lenzs. (Sign on Facebook to join the Cancel School Student Debt to Stimulate the Economy group, the stimulate the Economy group, the forgive Student school Loans, and the Student school Loan Forgiveness Program Facebook groups). Then call to contact your senators and representatives, to voice your opinion on the current petitions to Forgive Student Debt Loans.
The Forgive Student Loan Debt relief has over 193,000 members, wanting the government to spend $550-$600 billion necessary to completely cancel all college loans debt.
A 35 year old attorney from New York; named “Robert Applebaum” has become something of a spokesman for many people in the U.S. burdened with student loan debt. Robert Applebaum’s Facebook group and StudentLoanJustice.org are among those who are seeking an overhaul of the U.S. student loan system. He has an idea on how to help many in his shoes – while stimulating the economy at the same time. He started up an online campaign last February to bailout those “hard-working, educated middle class” parried in school loan debt. He formed on Facebook the group “Cancel Student Loan Debt to Stimulate the Economy” because Mr. Applebaum believes that it would help boost the economy from “the bottom up” by forgiving student educational loan debt for those making under $150,000 annually.
Many believe that it is a very good idea to forgive student loan debt, and the government should consider this debt bailout idea with student educational loans very seriously.
However, there is also others who feel thankful enough that their state, federal loans and private loan providers had programs in position to offer them the school loans. To not repay them, and ask for consolidation bailout or a complete student loan debt forgiveness as a financial relief, is an insult to the hard working taxpayers.
Hotel Bed Bugs
It is indeed unfortunate that as we try to rekindle our poor economy and revitalize the tourism industry, bedbugs have risen to the forefront on traveler’s alert lists. One is hard pressed these days NOT to find at least one article in any major or minor publication related to the scourge of bedbugs in the hotel industry as well as cruise ships, college dorms, private residences, and even department stores globally. Is it that there has just been denial and avoidance of what is so obvious to so many travelers? The answer is generally NO.
The problem is that the discontinued use of the highly toxic pesticide DDT since the 1970′s has lead to the rise in bedbug infestations and locations. Unfortunately, these pesky critters are difficult to see and detect, and even more difficult to successfully eradicate. Hotels are particularly susceptible due to the high turnover of guests and increased international travel. The costs to treat large pervasive infestations can be prohibitive, detrimental to one’s health, take a long time, and unfortunately are often unsuccessful in both the short and long term effectiveness.
Savvy travelers are encouraged to take advantage of some of the newer products available to them that are designed to repel and deter a bedbug’s interest in both their bodies as a meal, and their clothing and suitcases as a transportation mode! There are now natural and effective products designed specifically for the traveler that use a combination of essential oils and dried ingredients in certain combinations and proportions that have been proven to be successful in warding off the approaching bedbug(s)! They are safe; affordable; have a pleasant smell; can be taken aboard a plane; used in drawers, closets and suitcases; and readily available on the internet. As with all possible health and safety precautions, prevention is the logical first step!
Affordable Luxury Hotel Chains a Reality
The terms “affordable” and “luxury hotel chains” rarely appear in the same sentence and most people probably don’t think they go together at all. Today, that’s no longer the case as the two ideas meet thanks to travel clubs like Global Resorts Network and the deep discounts they offer. This, combined with the uncertain economy for the travel industry, means serious, luxury vacations at discount prices.
In fact, Bloomberg reported in August that many luxury hotel chains are downgrading services and losing their five-star ratings in order to lower costs and prices so that they can survive the downturn in the travel economy. Other hotels, however, are keeping their stars and are instead partnering with travel groups who can fill their rooms quickly, keeping them busy (even at a discount) for the season.
Travel clubs like the Global Resorts Network are booking these luxury hotels at 60-70% below standard rates because of this phenomenon and building relationships with the hotel chains’ owners and managers to keep future possibilities open. So although the economy for the travel industry is slow, many chains are not having to lay off employees or lower their status just to stay afloat.
For the traveler, this means that a luxury hotel suite or booking can often be had at motel-like prices. One recent traveler, a member of GRN, booked a 2-room suite in Hawaii for only $599 for the week, versus the usual $3,500 price. This deep discount was thanks to his GRN membership and ability to book ahead at a chain that otherwise would have had empty rooms.
This is great news for the vacationer or traveler who wants to stay at a luxury hotel, but can’t really afford the extra cost to do so. For the hotel manager, it’s perfect news because it keeps the hotel running and in the black.
Anyone looking for a great vacation with all the luxury hotel amenities and perks without needing a second mortgage to get it has the opportunity of a lifetime right now. Because of the buying power of the Global Resorts Network and the sluggish hotel economy right now, it’s possible to book your dream vacation at a fraction of what it would have cost last year and probably at a fraction of what it will cost next year.
Now is the time to have the vacation you’ve always dreamed of, complete with luxury hotel chains and exotic locales.
For the business traveler, it’s even better, as not only can the luxury stay be accommodated, but so can the impressive meeting rooms and other amenities the luxury hotel offers. Impress clients with your smart business sense in getting luxury hotel services for next to nothing. Imagine your meeting beginning with the phrase, “I got this for 40% of its normal cost because I have people who can do that for me.”
What are you waiting for? There are luxury hotels all over the world with rooms to be filled!
Top 7 Specialty Food Trends For Local Food Crafters -
Top 7 Specialty Food Trends For Local Food Crafters – 2011 is the Year of Home-Based Food Processing
The Cooking Channel, a baby sibling to Food TV Network is making its mark showcasing food crafters from around the nation. The old fashioned way to bring freshness and flavor to the community has found a rebirth in the form of homemade foods with a modern touch.
The sagging U.S. economy has motivated the creativity of many foodies who never thought about taking a family heirloom recipe from kitchen to market. Home-based food processing businesses are popping up all over the U.S. and the products are amazingly simple but sophisticated in taste and texture.
The home-based food crafters of today are not in it to get rich quick but to build a brand and become the “Bush Beans” or “Sara Lee” of tomorrow. Food entrepreneurs at this year’s Fancy Food Show in New York showcased everything from gourmet salt, an appropriate product since Kraft has announced it will reduce sodium by 10% for North American brands by 2012 thereby giving the consumer a healthy option.
In tracking the food crafters for the last ten years the prediction for 2011 is simplicity, good things in small packages. Food entrepreneurs are more calculating, seeking product ideas that will again shake consumer taste buds and offer up miniature desserts, breads and delicately flavored baked goods, snacks and condiments stressing quality over convenience.
1. Low sodium seasoning mixes are still popular along with curry spice mixes and adobe mixes. Unfortunately none of the Asian Mixes have made major headway with the American consumer.
2. Chocolate truffles are here to stay, for a while that is, particularly if the economy continues to dip into a black (dark chocolate) whole. There really is nothing more satisfying than good chocolate.
3. We also can’t leave out those super flavorful snack foods like popcorn, baked potato chips and assorted nuts tossed in a variety of herbs and spices. The key here is less salt and more flavor.
4. Natural sweeteners are going to make a great comeback in the form of all natural candies and snack bars filled with nuts, seeds, dried fruits, nut butters and even chocolate.
5. Desserts are about to be reduced drastically in size. It is not longer fashionable to super-size anything. There will be no large chunks of cake or pie except in cheesy diners.
6. The year 2011 is also give way to the introduction of miniature loaves of bread. The type of loaf that will serve 2 to 4 easily; since the idea of “waste not want not” will be on the rise.
7. Bakers will start looking to the international market for unusual flavors and products. A number of European sweets will be introduced like cream horns and fruit tarts using exotic fruits. The skyrocketing cost of food toward the mid 2011 is going to leave consumers who can afford these sweet treasures seeking foods that are completely outside the box in both taste and texture.
Finally the last three gourmet foods for next year will be in the form of beverages; fruit juices, energy drinks and “all-natural” beverages that will take the place of breakfast and lunch. It is unfortunate, but next year Americans will finally be eating less, not by choice but out of necessity.
Illegal Drug Use and the Economy
Will the floundering economy have any effect on illegal drug use? The short answer is yes. This doesn’t mean that addicts will all of a sudden stop using drugs. The user that would sometimes drink in bars or clubs will probably have to take their addiction home to save a few bucks. Alcohol and drugs are often used to escape problems and feelings. As the Economy worsens those that abuse drugs and feel the pressure will want to hold on to their addiction to avoid the reality of difficult times. With less income the nuisance of paying bills will take a back seat to paying their drug/alcohol expenses.
Illegal drug use and the economy will have little negative effect on the traffickers. Actually monies used to fight the illegal drug trade will probably be used elsewhere and traffickers may thrive during difficult times. They may have to lower their prices, much the same as the Oil Barons, but they will not slow down. Remember it was during the Great Depression that prohibition was repealed and our country saw a sharp rise in alcoholism.
When our government tightens its economic belt the casualties are very often those programs that deal with drug/alcohol problems. Drug Treatment Centers that are funded by the county and state will have to greatly reduce staff just to keep their doors open. Less work means fewer people with insurance that can afford private drug rehab centers. A weaker economy does not mean less illegal drug use it just means fewer people will be able to find the help they need to quit those drugs.
Travel Trends In 2011 – Traditional 2 Week Vacation To
Travel Trends In 2011 – Traditional 2 Week Vacation To Return
Back in the eighties vacations were an established part of the calendar for many families – invariably it was taken in August, would last a couple of weeks, and it would be the next year before the routine came up on the calendar again – often to the same destination, and more often than not at same hotel, guesthouse or villa.More recently with cheaper travel and low-cost, more leisure time, easy to find credit and a booming economy the vacations industry was transformed in the nineties and changed to adapt to what tourists expected.The start of the internet and subsequent use by the masses made going abroad easier as well, suddenly people were able to become their own travel agency and could look at all the bargains from their their own home or workplace to tailor make their ideal vacation.Looking at what an area had to offer became possible too, making days out easier to plan, and if for instance you were booking Menorca holidays it was no longer was a daily newspaper’s around the globe weather section as the main source of information and overall an array of internet sites allowed the holidaymaker to be well informed of what was available locally.Looking back to how things used to be, the biggest change that came with lower cost travel was the possibility of having more than one vacation a year, often for just a weekend or for a few nights, allowing people to enjoy various locations at various times of the year.No longer was the annual two week holiday the norm. A weekend in Milan or Venice? A week in the winter to one of the Canary Islands? With low cost flights and hotels remaining open throughout the winter all of this became possible, and the travel market truly changed from the previous decades.A combination of two, three, seven and ten night trips away became commonplace, and often people would be taking three or four trips a year, discovering places they had never visited before while still visiting destinations they had liked in the past.However this new found freedom to experience the world came to a crashing halt when Lehman Brothers went under in September 2008, starting the banking crises that sent shock waves through the world’s economy – and the holiday market that had been doing so well hit recessionary times.Many families – but not all – have had to reduce their travel spending since then, with some having ‘staycations’, while some have had to cut the number of trips they were enjoying from three or four to just one or two, and with the world economy still uncertain a return to the once a year two weeks is one of the trends predicted by many in the travel industry for 2011.But it isn’t necessary bad news for the Spanish island of Menorca, which is a family orientated destination and the quietest of the Balearic Islands, which at the same time offers family attractions for days outs, with accommodation at her hotels enjoying a good reputation and an overall picture of a good Mediterranean location for a holiday.And for those who like somewhere that is more of a home from home, there is a good choice of villas available in the different towns and villages including Cala En Porter, Cala’n Bosch, Binibeca and Son Bou, available for one or two weeks stay, and many of the villa companies include flights to Menorca plus if wanted auto hire too.2011 might well see the return of the fourteen night holiday, and it could be a trend that will benefit the island’s economy which relies a lot on tourism.
Can You Be A Success With A Travel Network Marketing
Can You Be A Success With A Travel Network Marketing Opportunity Despite The Economy;
Question: What would you do if you had an abundance of time and money?I bet travel is one of those things on top of your list.In the current economy, people want to make money and to save money. Some will cut back on their most pressing needs, and others will go totally frugal.Still, travel is something we would all love to do.Given the size of the industry, people will undoubtedly still travel.However, your choice of travel network marketing business opportunity, coupled with your own individual qualities and characteristics will influence whether you find success or not.Given the various travel network marketing business around, such as GRN, Coastal Vacations, YTB, and so many others, you have so much choice in what company you select to enroll with.The price point of whatever travel product or service you choose to sell will however affect how well you may eventually do.Consumers will definitely be hunting for a bargain as they look to save on travel and taxes for themselves and their loved ones.So the low-end travel products and services will bring in the masses. These have general demand, and of course have to be better priced mlm travel products and services than what customers are already paying for, without sacrificing quality.The mid-point and high-end opportunities and products may well be marketable, albeit a little more difficult.For business builders, given the large size of the industry, there are certainly many opportunities that can be exploited, again with cost being a major determinant.World over, the baby-boom age group is nearing retirement. It’s been proven that for the most part, people in their later years spend more money in certain industries, chiefly, healthcare and leisure travel.A travel home business opportunity, if well positioned, can be a great offering for this generation. Not to say this is the only target market of course, as you also have budget travellers, adventure travellers, people seeking timeshare alternatives, corporate travellers, and many others.Travel is something everybody does. They either book with you or Expedia, Travelocity, of one of the other travel providers.In some cases, a travel business opportunity can provide more competitive fares than conventional travel companies and search engines, because of their bulk-buying concept.A travel business opportunity will offer you multiple ways to earn money upfront, while you build a residual income. You can market cruises, vacations, holidays to dream destinations at dream prices, as well as conventional travel.Some of these opportunities offer an option to become a travel agent or consultant, and market leisure travel at very competitive rates for the most part.Success with travel will depend on your offering something that offers the customers value, or helps them create or save money without too much hassle or difficulty.Travel is a broad and extremely competitive industry, but targetting a small niche within this industry, gives you focus and can lead to greater success that trying to take the whole market.Travel network marketing companies carve out niches within the broader travel industry. In marketing travel, it may well be wise to choose a company that works within a niche that best suits you, and that shows signs of growth in the years ahead.Travel is not a difficult concept to explain. Compare this to other industries, where you have to explain technicalities and complexities involved with the products (science and formulas behind them).The easier the product is to talk about, the easier it is to duplicate.While there will undoubtedly be so many ways to market your travel Network Marketing business opportunity, it will all depend on the effort you put in, as well as what the best market for you is.