I just read two articles that got me thinking about my future. I plan on going into the ministry and I read an article on how it is becoming more and more difficult to move higher up in this field. I also read another article that talked about workers in America trying to wait until they are older to retire due to the economy. For some people, working a few extra years is not a problem. Others, however, are unable to keep their job past retirement age due to younger competitors.

The ministry job market is an interesting one. There are an abundance of people seeking jobs and also an abundance of jobs available. The problem is that the smaller churches are typically the places with job openings and the people searching for jobs typically want a job in a larger church.

Smaller churches cannot provide a “living wage.” Pastors who work in these churches have to keep another job in order to support their family. That is why most people would rather find job in a larger church.

My family is going through this exact problem at the moment. My Dad has just had to take a job at a small church. Because that church cannot support our family, he has also taken up substitute teaching. He is also starting a third job in January. My mother has to work to help pay other bills.

This is the reality of the ministry. Once you begin to get older in age, many churches do not want you in certain positions anymore in order to “go in a certain direction” and “stay current.” While in some cases this may be wise, the people of older generations can be of great value as far as wisdom goes.

These things begin to worry me when I think about my future. I know that I am called into this ministry, so I need to trust that God will provide a good job.

Lyndsey Morrell is a sophomore at Palm Beach Atlantic University. She works as a student assistant in the Office of Career Development.

Job Interviewing Basics

Within a couple days of submitting your resume, you will hopefully get a call back about an interview. The company you have applied for will want to conduct an in-person interview to get a better feel for the person behind the resume. This is your opportunity to demonstrate to them why you are the perfect fit for the desired job position. Throughout the interview process there are countless do’s and don’ts to keep in mind.

You always want to do your research! Make sure you know every detail about the job position, as well as the company you could possibly be working for. Do prepare for the interview by practicing it. Practice answering potential questions the interviewer may ask you.

Do practice how to get to the destination. It is extremely beneficial to take a test run to the location of your interview. This prevents any chance of you getting lost or confused on your way to the actual interview. You want to be 100 percent sure you know exactly where you are going or you may end up late!

Don’t arrive late! Arriving late to your job interview is one of the worst mistakes anyone can make. Do make it your mission to arrive early; at least 10 minutes early. If you are late for the interview, it could come off as irresponsible.

Do dress the part. Dress as if you were already employed at the company. Don’t overdo it. If it is a casual business, don’t wear a suit to your interview. Make sure you are aware of the type of work environment you are walking into.

Do remember to be courteous and nice. Companies don’t want rude employees, so be sure to greet everyone and shake hands firmly.

Do remember to bring extra resumes to your interview. It is wise to have your resume on hand during an interview. Don’t think that you can rely only on your resume or application to get you the job. During the interview you have to sell yourself as best you can. Be sure to explain different aspects of your resume to benefit you for the job position.

Don’t lie! Be sure to answer questions honestly; don’t try to stretch the truth, just tell the truth. Don’t use slang or poor language. This only makes you look unqualified. Don’t answer question with just “yes” or “no,” be sure to give a little explanation if you can.

Overall, don’t be shy. Go into your interview with confidence. You want this job, so show them why you deserve it. Just make sure you don’t appear desperate for employment.

The interview process can be the most nerve-wracking point of the whole job search procedure. These do’s and don’ts are sure to prepare you for your interview in every way. The right preparation is the key to acing your job interview.

Saudia Ali just completed her first year as a Broadcast Journalism major at Palm Beach Atlantic University. She works as a student assistant in the Office of Career Development. Saudia had many articles published in the student newspaper, The Beacon, but is just entering the world of blogging.

Advice on preparing for a job search

The hunt for a job can be a strenuous or leisurely one, but accurate preparation can benefit you at every opportunity. Although the job market may be getting stronger, the competition for openings is also at an all-time high. There are various steps involved to prepare yourself for the perfect job hunt.

One of the most significant actions is to spread the word. Allow everyone to know about your job search: family, friends, social media contacts. This will benefit you immensely because it will help the process become easier. The more people that know the better connections you will acquire.

Moreover, remember to clean up your social network! Keep it as professional as possible because businesses will examine them. You do not want to have any revealing or over-the-top pictures and you do not want to have any vulgar language. Entities such as these are turn offs for all employers.

Feel free to tweak your resume to fit the needs of the job opportunity, just make sure to be completely honest in your resume. Additionally, you want to make sure your resume, as well as any other required documents, have no errors. Proofread through your documents to correct grammatical errors. Employers do not want to waste their time reading your mistakes.

Overall, be sure to know all about the company you desire to work for; doing a little research on the organization is a plus. You want to know all you can just in case any questions pertaining to the business pop up in your interview.

In your hunt for a job, you always want to pick a job that you will adore waking up to everyday. There is no point in getting a job you dislike. If you are going to have to attend work five days a week, it better be worth it; money is not everything. Yes you need cash to survive, but it will not help if you do not care for your job.

Always keep in mind to be nice! You may not get every job you attempt, but it is a necessity to be courteous. You never know, they may want you later on in the future. They make even refer you to another job opportunity.

Job hunting is not a stress-free task, but it is one that pays. These simple steps will keep you on the right path and start you off in the correct manner.

Saudia Ali just completed her first year as a Broadcast Journalism major at Palm Beach Atlantic University. She works as a student assistant in the Office of Career Development. Saudia had many articles published in the student newspaper, The Beacon, but this is her first adventure into the world of blogging.