13 Questions to Ask at a Career Fair - Career Sidekick

13 Questions to Ask at a Career Fair - Career Sidekick 13 Questions to Ask at a Career Fair Recent Grads / https://www.edenscott.com/blog Career fairs are one of the best ways to introduce yourself to potential employers when youre fresh out of school and looking to break into the workforce.And youll likely be practicing how you want to answer any questions companies might have for you. However, its just as important to think about what questions to ask at a career fair.A recruiterisnt just looking for someone who can rattle off answers to their questions. If theyre going to hire someone for a job, they want that person to be interested in their business and what they do. So, asking the right questions is actually one of the most important parts of the interview process.Plus, you want to make sure whoever you work for will be a good fit and will help you achieve your career goals. So asking good questions at these events can help you know if the employer is right for you.Below are the 13 best questions to ask at a career fair1. What Does Your Company Do?This one may seem obvious, but its not always abundantly clear what it is a company does. While youll likely do your research on a number of the companies that will be at the job fair, youll likely run into a few youve never heard about before.Theres nothing wrong with walking up to them and asking about their business and what they do. Recruiters at job fairs are usually happy to tell you all about their company. Before you work for any company you want to have a good grasp of what theyre all about.If you can find a business that works in a field youre interested in and aligns with your values youre far more likely to enjoy the job and perform well in the role. So, this is definitely one of the first questions you should be asking at career fairs.2. What Positions Do You Have Available?Next, youll want to find out what roles theyre hiring for, or what type of person theyre looking to find.This will help you determine if they have a suitable role or needs, and which of their jobs or groups might be well-suited for y ou. But if you dont know what they have to offer, its hard to know whether its a good fit or not.3. What Type of Educational Background Are You Looking For?If youve decided youre interested in working for a company a good next question is to ask them what type of educational background theyre looking for.This question is best utilized when youve already researched the jobs they have available and know you have the right qualifications. That way when they answer with what theyre looking for you can follow up with all the ways you meet the recruiters requirements.4. What Type of Skills and Experience are Required for X Position?This is a similar question to the previous one, but an equally important one to ask at job fairs. Depending on the position youre applying for recruiters may be looking for potential employees with practical skills and work experience outside of school.Again, this is best utilized if you already know that you meet their qualifications. By asking this question y ou open the door to explain all the ways youre a great fit for the job.5. What Do You Think About X?This question is another great way to demonstrate your knowledge and interest in a company. Do your research on the companies that will be attending the career fair and select a few that youre particularly interested in. Then delve into their business and industry to see if there are any trends or issues that might impact them moving forward.When you meet with their recruiter bring these issues up and see what they have to say, then give your thoughts as well. This is an excellent way to separate yourself from other potential candidates.6. What Would My Responsibilities Be?Before you officially apply for a job its a good idea to ask some questions about the role to determine whether its suited to your interests and skills. This is a good time to ask recruiters what your overall responsibilities would be or what a typical day or typical week might look like for you.It will let you envi sion yourself in the role and help you decide whether its something youre interested in. If the responsibilities of the job are in line with your qualifications then this is another good time to talk about how your experience applies to the role.7. What Do You Like Most About Working for Your Company?While its important to ask questions at a job fair that will allow you to display your knowledge and skills, you also want to do some digging to see if a specific company will be a good fit your you.By asking an employee what they like most about working there youll get an inside look about what its like to work for them and some of the things that might make it enjoyable for you. Questions like this also help show that youre interested in the business.8. How Would You Describe Your Companys Culture?Over the last few years, businesses have become much more aware of how important a strong culture is in boosting the morale of their employees. Different cultures suit different people, so y ou want to make sure you choose a workplace and job that fits your temperament and personality.Any recruiter at a job fair should be able to explain their companys culture and its values. However, if they have trouble with this question it means they likely havent clearly defined their culture which might not be a good thing.9. What Makes You Different Than Your Competitors?Some companies innovate while others are stuck in the past. Ideally, you want to work for an organization thats on the cutting edge of what they do and is striving to be unique.Asking a recruiter questions about how their company is different from others in their industry will tell you a lot about the organization and will at least give you a sense of whether this company is striving to be special or if theyre just a typical employer.10. Are There Opportunities for Advancement Within Your Organization?If youre going to devote your time to a company then you want to know that its going to benefit your career in th e long run. So, one of the best questions you can ask a recruiter is whether there are opportunities for advancement within the company.Ideally, you want to find a company that is willing to help you grow your skills and eventually give you more responsibility so you can further your career.11. Are There Opportunities for Additional Training?This is somewhat along the same lines as the last question and another great one to ask at job fairs. Many companies offer education and training programs which are a huge benefit to employees. Not only will this help you advance your career, but it also shows that the organization is committed to helping its employees reach their full potential.If they do offer any training programs ask additional questions to see if theres anything they offer that might benefit you moving forward.12. What is Your Companys Typical Hiring Process?If you plan to apply for a job with a company its good to know what their hiring process is like. Youll want to know when you can expect to hear back from them following the job fair and when interviews will be taking place.This will let you know how long you have to prepare for a potential interview, but it will also let you know at what point you should move on if you havent heard from them.13. Can I Leave You My Resume?If youre legitimately interested in a job with a company make sure to ask the recruiter if you can leave them your resume. Its also a good idea to ask them for a business card before you leave.This will allow you to send the recruiter a follow-up email when you get home to thank them for taking the time to speak with you about their company and your career.Bonus Tips: How Should You Prepare for a Career Fair to Ensure You Get the Most Out of It?Thinking about the right questions to ask at a career fair is a great start, but there are other things you need to do in order to properly prepare.When it comes to what to bring to a job fair, the most important thing is to make sure you have a well-formatted resume. You should also print off a number of copies since youll want to hand these out to any companies youre interested in working for.Next, review the list of employers that will be at the job fair. This will allow you to research the organizations youre interested in and help you determine what kinds of questions they might ask you. You also want to make sure youre dressed appropriately as you want to make a good first impression. Finally, get to the career fair early so you have lots of time to meet with everyone.If you follow these tips and come prepared with the right questions, youll be sure to get the most out of your career fair experience so you can find a job faster!

8 Ways to Stop Being Lazy CareerMetis.com

8 Ways to Stop Being Lazy I consider myself a fairly productive guy, and in general, I will call myself a work-horse; and people who know me well will attest to that. Yet, there are moments You want to get shit done, but due to whatever reason you are not able to. I decided to do some research and to really understand Laziness. I wanted to learn how to stop being lazy during those moments.In this post, I will share my research and what I have deduced about Laziness.What is Laziness?This is not something that requires a lengthy explanation. We have all felt it at least once in a while. But to get some clarity I decided to find its definition.According to Merriam-Webster, here is the official yet simple definition of Lazy â€" “not willing to work hard or to be active”.The key thing to note here is that laziness is not defined as an inherent character or the definition of a person, but rather a temporary situation wherein one is not active, or a situation where one is not willing to work hard.What are the Ca uses of Laziness?The traditional understanding of laziness is that a person is inherently lazy. Dr.Leon F Seltzer in an article for Psychology Today debunks that myth. He explains that there is no such thing as a lazy personality.Dr.Seltzer’s conclusion is that Laziness is really about motivation and other psychological reasons. It’s about a lack of motivation.evalHe explains that there is an inter-connectedness between self-confidence self-discipline, and the lack of both/either diminishes motivation.This, in turn, causes one to be lazy. It is a vicious cycle â€" if we are not confident that we cannot get a task completed, we don’t have the discipline to do it.And when we don’t have the self-discipline to complete the task, our self-confidence takes a hit. In short, the causes of laziness often are psychological.The second factor is the task at hand itself.evalHave you found yourself completely energized about one aspect of your job; and totally indifferent about another t ask? If the task is too tedious evalNapoleon Hill in his timeless book “Think and Grow Rich” introduces us to the concept that Thoughts are things. And often, the results that manifest in our lives are directly related to the type of thoughts we allow in our minds. Positive Thoughts yield positive results, and negative thoughts yield negative results.There have been many studies wherein it has been proven that we average about 50000 to 60000 thoughts in a single day. And most of the thoughts are negative. There are a variety of biological, environmental and evolutionary reasons for why most of our thoughts are negative.Every day we read the news â€" it is filled with doom-and-gloom stories on how the world we live in is screwed. On top of that, let’s face it â€" most people we come across in our lives are negative “The traffic sucks”. Hey, but at least you have a car and a place of work to go to.“I pay too much taxes”. That’s a far better situation than someone who f inds herself downsized suddenly unemployed.Gratitude sometimes seems delusional to most people. Yet, this is one of those things that one does not experience the direct benefits unless he/she gives it a try.I urge you to give it a try, and I guarantee you will feel an immediate surge in motivation. Next time, you start mumbling to yourself about how unhappy your current situation is â€" pause and reflect on the things you are grateful for. You will notice an instant change.3)Rest RelaxationI know this sounds extremely counter-productive. We are looking for an answer to overcoming laziness. But here I am suggesting us to Take a Break.Making sure we get optimal sleep is a preventative mechanism against laziness. Ensuring that we have an adequate 7 to 8 hours of sleep will help us to maintain our energy levels throughout the day.Ever went to work the night after you only slept for 3 hours? How did that feel? Were you able to get anything done?Many studies have shown the correlation b etween Sleep and Productivity. And the upside of adequate sleep to our overall wellness.The other aspect of Rest is to ensure that we are taking adequate breaks/vacations â€" either on a weekly basis or an annual basis. We have all felt the immediate effects of taking a vacation, and how energized we feel about returning to work.If you are constantly feeling demotivated and lazy â€" it is a good idea to take a moment to reflect. Maybe you are burnt out and over-worked.4)Proper NutritionRecently my buddy suggested we go to an All-You-Can Korean Grillhouse here in Toronto. It was a Sunday and the price was cheap Ever since Steve Jobs delivered the famous Stanford Commencement speech â€" there is no shortage of literature that talks about the idea of passion. And how one must choose the work that he/she loves to do.I am not suggesting that you pack your bags, sell your possessions and travel to an exotic location just because that is what you think you love to do (Steve Jobs never impl ied that in his speech).We are talking about the type of job/vocation/career that motivates us to jump out of bed in the morning, and head to work enthusiastically. There is a combination of purpose, passion, enthusiasm, etc. here.“Give a man the sort of work that harmonizes with his nature and the best there is in him will exert itself. One of the outstanding tragedies of the world is the fact that most people never engage in the work for which they are best fitted by nature” â€" The Law of Success In Sixteen Lessons, Napoleon HillIf you choose a job that you love to do, an environment where you are completely in-sync â€" there will rarely be moments when you are not motivated.6)Say “No” More OftenWe have a natural tendency to say “Yes” to everything. Too often, we overestimate our capabilities underestimate the time/effort it takes to complete a task. We find ourselves in situations where we have more tasks and limited time. And this becomes a strong detriment to our products; and affects the quality of our work.In addition, there is also applies to the distractions that are part of our daysChecking Your Facebook Feed every hourThe Breaking News storyChatter/Gossip with our colleaguesUnproductive meetingsInformation Overload(To be honest, I have been guilty of all the above things). And before I know it â€" I am halfway through the day have already depleted my energy reserves. Then I complain that I am feeling lazy.“Proper Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance” â€" Brian TracyPlanning your day/week in advance ensures that you are focusing your energy only on the most important tasks. A simple to-do list or one of the many productivity applications can help us with this.7)ExerciseScience has confirmed this for us. A proper exercise regimen not only releases endorphins (the feel-good drug) but also drastically improves our energy levels. There is a direct correlation between exercising and productivity. Regular Exercise reduces our cortiso l levels (stress-inducing hormones) and improves our mood.A key benefit is that a regular exercise schedule builds our self-discipline muscle. And like anything the more we use the “self-discipline” muscle the stronger it becomes. And if we are self-disciplined in one area of our lives- there is a good chance that it might spill over to other areas as well.8)Take ActionSometimes, the best antidote to inaction is action.Getting into a Flow State or a Peak Performance state is simple (but hard). And it takes tremendous discipline to do it. Just get to work.Whatever you are currently procrastinating on â€" just freaking do it. You will exert tremendous willpower in the beginning, but as time progresses you will find yourself in a position where you don’t have to exert much pressure thereafter.I had been procrastinating on writing this particular post for a while. I had the idea but not the willpower, plus it is the holidays. Yet, I forced myself to get my butt in the chair and to start writing. I had to face lots of mental resistance, but now I am writing without much effort.A few years ago, I was selling copiers. And my job involved knocking on the doors of potential business customers. On a cold Winter day, it was always difficult. Every day â€" getting started was an insurmountable task. But when I pushed myself to knock on those first 3 doors (and had a few conversations) the days went by very well. After the first 3 sales calls, the rest of the day took care of itself. I just built on the momentum thereafter.Sometimes the solutions are simple. And we know the answer most of the time. Sometimes it is common sense â€" but who follows common sense, right?The best medicine for inaction is action!!In summary, we have defined what Laziness is.We have identified that Laziness is not inherent but caused by various factors. Laziness is not a definition of an individual but rather a situation.We have also explored the various potential causes of Laziness. Some o f them psychological, some physical and some environmental. In some instances, it could just be the situation that a particular task is not challenging/exciting.Then we explored some ideas on how we can prevent laziness. Also some steps we can take to overcome laziness.What else would you recommend adding to the list? If you find the post resourceful, feel free to comment below and share!!

Summary Sunday Identify The Right Company Culture

Summary Sunday Identify The Right Company Culture Company culture is one of those mystical, hard-to-quantify, things that ultimately makes or breaks your job. What should you watch out for and more importantly, what questions should you ask to uncover the secret company culture? On Sunday, I round up some of my favorite posts from the week. These are posts Ive shared on Twitter, Facebook and Google+. 10 Signs That a Company Has a Serious Culture  Problem by  Shane Atchison on Forbes Be sure you pay attention to these red flags during the interview process! 10 Signs That a Company Has a Serious Culture Problem // < ![CDATA[ // < ![CDATA[ // 5 Great Questions that Reveal a Toxic Company Culture by Ritika Trikha on CareerBliss Proactively assess the company culture by asking these questions! 5 Great Questions that Reveal a Toxic Company Culture // < ![CDATA[ // < ![CDATA[ // 25 Questions That Help Uncover A Companys Culture by Careertopia on YouTern 25 Questions That Help Uncover a Companys Culture // < ![CDATA[ // < ![CDATA[ // Visual Job Search Advice Pinterest is a great place to collect ideas. Heres a board on job search infographics Ive created, feel free to follow it so you can check out new pins when added. Follow Career Sherpas board Job Search on Pinterest.

Dont Forget to Add These Soft Skills to Your Executive Resume!

Don’t Forget to Add These Soft Skills to Your Executive Resume! There was a time when soft skills were considered resume fillerâ€"something to make the resume look longer, but not bringing any value to it fluff. Times have changed, and companies actually use different soft skills as parameters to weed through the abundance of resumes they get. However, there is still a balance to using your soft skills to your advantage in your executive bio or resume. Here are some of the most common soft skills to add to your executive resume. Organizational Skills Every company likes an organized person. This is the most commonly used soft skill on an executive resume cover letter because most people believe they are organized. The reality is this soft skill needs to be on your resume, because most companies will include it in their job requirements. Team Player This is a good example of a soft skill where you can give real experiences to demonstrate. Talk about times where you had to give up something that benefited you to help the team as a whole. No one wants to hire a selfish executive, so make sure your executive bio clearly demonstrates how you have been a team player at your past jobs. Great Communication Skills The best executive resume writing services will always highlight the importance of good communication skills. At an executive level, you will have to talk to people within and outside your organization, so you have to represent the company with class. This is another soft skill you can highlight with real examples. Talk about different meetings, interviews or speeches you’ve given in the past to show how great of a communicator you are. Find A Balance of Soft Skills and Hard Skills to Incorporate No matter which soft skills you decide to incorporate in your executive bio, you have to find the right balance between them and your hard skills. These three soft skills are good complements to the hard skills you list on your executive resume or cover letter, so be sure to use them to your advantage. The key to incorporating the right soft skills into your executive resume is to read different job descriptions closely to see which ones they are looking for. If you aren’t sure which soft skills you need to highlight, or if you’re having a hard time finding a good balance of hard versus soft skills, feel free to contact us.

How to Find a Top Resume Builder

How to Find a Top Resume BuilderAn online free resume builder Reddit can help you generate a better set of resumes with better formatting. That's because the best types of resumes are constructed from the most appropriate information that is made available online. It has even become more desirable for job seekers these days to know how to construct a good resume online rather than going to their local resume software or using old fashioned business cards and envelopes.With the passage of time, there are different types of programs and techniques that make life easier for people who have to gather and present information about themselves to prospective employers. However, with HRAs, it is now essential to be able to search for these free resume builders Reddit because there are no universal links for the various online resources of these services. For one thing, they each specialize in certain fields, for instance, those online free resume builders Reddit allow for you to easily post your resume in specific job boards or special job sites, but they also work out different marketing strategies that can affect the positioning of your resume for search engines and recruiters. This is particularly true if you're new to the job market and have no experience.For this reason, people should pay close attention to what kinds of features you can expect from a free resume builder Reddit because this is the type of resource that is most likely to be completely hassle-free for you. The general rule with any free resume builder Reddit is that you must never have to spend any money, but you do get the biggest bang for your buck by making use of a top quality program. It has already been said, however, that even a great job site can't provide all the features that are necessary in order to use them effectively.Another good idea when it comes to any kind of free resume builder Reddit is to try and find a resource that offers freebies like eBooks and tutorials on a regular basis, so that you're not overwhelmed with all the resources that you can buy. Some of the best free resume builder Reddit programs offer free access to their special article directories, which allows you to upload your own resume directly from your computer to showcase your achievements and qualifications.There is also the possibility that you can build a resume using a resume builder Reddit because you will be able to develop a relationship with a professional resume writer who can create an impressive and unique resume for you, which will be perfect for your needs. In addition, you'll be able to find a few top notch free resume builder Reddit resources that offer advanced features that are really ideal for career changes that you're having.Free resume builder Reddit can help you design a resume that includes resume templates, perfect for specific job roles. To go ahead with your planning for the best resume builder Reddit, it is always a good idea to plan well in advance and then searc h for the best platform for you.To get the most out of the job search, you need to be in contact with several job search services and job boards. This is because it is important to develop the best resume to present yourself to a potential employer. Your resume will be especially important if you have obtained a promotion in your current position or are currently seeking another job, because it will be used as reference material to others who are looking for new employees.

Startups How to research a new company before joining

Startups How to research a new company before joining When Penny Kim recounted her brief career with WrkRiot in a Medium post last month, the digital marketer wove a cautionary tale for Silicon Valley hopefuls. The company, a Santa Clara, Calif.-based job-matching startup, melted down just one month after Kim moved across the country for her first day. Following several weeks of no payâ€"employees were allegedly sent Photoshopped images of wire transfers to “confirm” they’d been paidâ€"Kim was fired after she filed a wage claim. She took to Medium to air her grievances (Kim originally concealed the name of the startup but has since confirmed the details). Two days later, WrkRiot went offline, still in the early stages of fundraising. The startup, in other words, never actually started up. Granted, Kim’s story is extreme. Most startups make it well past the funding stage and aren’t led by an alleged con artist. But WrkRiot is hardly the first go-go venture to go up in flames. Fab.com, valued at $1 billion in 2013, went bust just two years later. Quirky, a once-promising crowd-sourced inventions startup, filed for bankruptcy late last year. And if you’ve picked up a business magazine in the last year, you’re well versed on the collapse of blood-testing company Theranos, currently embroiled in a criminal investigation. Many startups implode outside of the public eye. Only about half of all new businesses survive their first five years, and only about one third survive 10 years or more, according to data from the Small Business Administration. Smart entrepreneurs know the odds are stacked against them and hedge their bets accordingly. Rank-and-file employees, though, many of whom are flocking to startups throughout the country, may not have the same cushion. Close Modal DialogThis is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button. Vetting a startup is tricky business, and harder yet if the company hasn’t earned a reputation or a established paper trail. If you’re applying for a position at an early-stage startup, it’s worth doing some digging. Here’s how to get started. Research the head honcho Before agreeing to take the role, find out as much about the leader as you can, says career coach Jody Michael. Start with Google, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor. Has the CEO launched a business before? How did it do? If the leader has a history of launching and selling successful companies, there’s a good chance she’ll be able to do it againâ€"especially if she’s brought old direct reports to the new venture. CEOs who have never helmed a company before should be given an extra level of scrutiny. If there’s little information about the leader online, reach out to your professional network; maybe someone in the startup space can connect you with a colleague who has worked with or knows the founder. “It’s easy to get caught up in the charisma of the CEO, but they need to be backed by focused vision, a strategic plan, and ample resources,” Michael says. “Great leaders are consistent with success.” Red flags: “Pie in the sky” attitudes. Enthusiasm should be grounded in reality. Serial entrepreneurs with no record of success. Why will this go-round be better than before? Mystery CEOs. If your connection with a decade of experience in hospitality startups doesn’t know the guy launching an Airbnb competitor, that’s probably a bad sign. Vet the idea The best time to join a company is during the growth phase, “when there’s a proven demand for [its] products and services,” Michael says. If the company you’re looking at hasn’t reached that point, you’ll need to do some due diligence. Research the startup online, paying close attention to what’s written about it on sites like CrunchBase and CB Insights. Check GlassDoor and LinkedIn to see what former employees say about the company. Then, ask penetrating questions during your interview. How is the operation funded? Is it on a shoestring budget? How rigorous are the supply and demand calculations? What’s the five-year plan? Read next: This Startup Founder Just Went From Billionaire to Broke “You want some kind of accountability factor, something that shows this is a worthwhile idea,” says Ann Mehl, a career strategist who works with clients in the startup space. “There’s no need to tiptoe around the fact that some companies go belly up, and some leaders use smoke and mirrors. Ask to get to know the business more.” Be wary of lofty promises made by early-stage startups, Mehl advises. If your interviewer is truthful, he’ll be straight about what you’re headed into. Red Flags: An interviewer who can’t (or won’t) answer questions on funding, accountability and plans to distribute equity. A company that requires new hires to make a financial investment before joining. A company that offers “special deals” like stock options in lieu of competitive pay. Sure, many startup companies offer employees stock, but if this one wants to pay you $20,000 a year when you should be making $80,000 and justifies it with stock options, joining is probably not in your best interest. What if you’re still on the fence? Here’s the rub: joining a startup is always a gamble. Some of the most promising new businesses fail, and there’s no real way of knowing if the one you’re interested in will survive. What it comes down to, then, is your own financial stability. If you’re a comfort-driven or risk-averse person, a startup is probably not the best place for you. But if you have a solid backup plan and can afford some time off if the company goes bust, you’re better positioned to make that leap. Mehl suggests proposing a trial run, where you work on a consulting basis for three to six months before committing to a contract. If you have to relocate, ask to work remotely until the business gains traction. Both options lower your personal stake and allow you to learn how the team operates. In the end, though, you’re going to have to go with your gut. “It’s a roller coaster no matter what,” she says. “Sometimes it’s an epic one, and sometimes it’s so clunky that you want to get off as quickly as you get on. Either way, you’re going to have to accept a bit of faith.”

Job Path of a Diversity Consultant - Work It Daily

Job Path of a Diversity Consultant - Work It Daily This is a true story as told to DiversityJobs.com where you can find helpful career interviews and job search advice in your desired industry. Visit to find a career interview in your field today. The job path of a diversity consultant isn't always the same, but here's my story. I am currently a Military Equal Opportunity (MEO) Advisor / Human Relations Education (HRE) / Diversity Specialist for the United States Air Force. I have been in the military for a total of 15 years in various jobs, and have served in my current position for almost three years. I completed a three-week course on Diversity issues in Florida before I was assigned this position. I also go through many continuing education courses on a regular basis to keep me up-to-date on the latest information I need to perform my duties. In addition to my military duties of airmanship, which includes physical fitness and being prepared as a warfighter, I manage the Diversity, MEO and HRE programs for the entire base that I am stationed on. I am in charge of all administrative functions for these programs, and I coordinate and conduct all Diversity and related training for a small base of about 1,200 people. I create the training and course materials and conduct classes. My staff and I promote an environment where all individuals connected with the unit, both civilian and military personnel and their families, are treated with dignity and respect at all times, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, or sex. I also provide advice, consultation, education, mediation to unit members and families, and provide resources for them, in an effort to enhance mission effectiveness. I have a staff of three that assist me, so I also train them and keep them up-to-date on Diversity issues. On a scale of 1 to 10, my current job satisfaction rating is a 10. I love my job and what I do. I get to serve my country and help better the lives of our airmen, civilian employees and family members. I joined the military to help people, and I get to do this on a daily basis. I have served in a lot of positions in my 15 years in the military, and this is by far the most challenging and most fulfilling. When I took this job, being a Diversity consultant was really not on my radar as far as what I wanted to do in the military. My Commander came to me and asked me to do the job because he really believed in me and my abilities. After thinking on it for a few minutes, I accepted. I believe I made the right choice, and my senior leadership agrees. I perform my duties to the best of my abilities and it has paid off in the form of happy unit members and several awards bestowed upon me by my unit and higher headquarters. The single most important thing I have learned outside of school about the working world is that it's tough. My unit has several Guardsmen and Reservists attached, and I deal with active-duty members as they transition to retirement. The job market is tough, and leaving military service to a world of unknowns is scary. I am thankful to have job security in the military, but even that is shaky now, with budget cuts and subsequent personnel cuts. The most challenging part of my job would be the complaints we get that someone isn't being treated fairly. We then have to investigate and get statements from the parties involved and interview witnesses and try to come up with a good solution for all parties involved. This can be stressful as every story has multiple sides and it's up to us to find out the truth of the matter. My job can be stressful at times. There are a lot of tasks to be done, and sometimes we have little time to complete them in. We also have a yearly inspection, but my team is always on top and ready for anything like that, so it doesn't cause us as much stress as you might think. Thanks to the other members of my shop, I am able to leave work issues at work most of the time. We share weekend duty and one of us carries the duty cell phone each weekend, so for three weekends a month, I am free to think about everything but work. And in the evenings, I relax with my family and leave work issues at work. I exercise daily and eat a healthy diet, so I am able to handle any stresses that come my way. To obtain the position I hold in the Air Force, you must be at least a Non-Commissioned Officer in the rank of E-5 or above. I currently hold the rank of E-7/Master Sergeant, and have a combined total of 15 years of military service (four years in the Army and the rest in the Air Force). My base pay is currently $3,976 per month, not including other allowances. I also receive BAS (Basic Allowance for Subsistence, or grocery money) and BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing). The military pays you well for what you do, once you get a little rank and time in service. I am authorized 30 days of vacation per year, and I do take all days authorized. It is more than enough, and I am so thankful for the time off. I realize many jobs don't get this kind of vacation time. 30 days per year is enough to allow me to spend quality time with my family and relax and clear my mind so I can do my job well. Each day, I am happy to get up and head to work. I am so honored to be able to serve my country. I fought pretty hard to clear several obstacles to even be allowed to join the military 15 years ago. I never take my service for granted, and I never take for granted that the military took a chance on me and decided to let me serve. I have been proud of everything I have done, but the most proud moment in my life was when I got to meet President Bush in Greensburg, Kansas in May 2007 just after the devastating tornado hit that town. I will never forget how he shook my hand and thanked me for helping the people of Greensburg. I was and still am honored. JustJobs.com is a job search engine that finds job listings from company career pages, other job boards, newspapers and associations. With one search, they help you find the job with your name on it. Diversity consultant job image from Shutterstock Have you joined our career growth club?Join Us Today!