How women suffer 'double-shift' of stress at home AND work

How women suffer 'double-shift' of stress at home AND work - Women are locked into a ‘double-shift’ of home and work – both roles leaving them suffering with more symptoms of stress than men.

The double whammy of pressure means that women show the classic symptoms of stress – back and neck pain – far more than men, even when physical causes are removed, research has revealed.

The four-year study focused on two groups of men and women – one students, the other workers – in an effort to isolate possible causes of stress.

A double whammy of pressure means women show the classic symptoms of stress ¿ back and neck pain ¿ far more than men

In both groups, women showed the symptoms of stress more than men.

In the student group, women students showed more neck pain, and amongst the workforce, whose jobs mostly involved work on computers, women showed more of both back and neck pain, experts at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden found.

In both the computer users and the students, neck pain was affected by psychosocial factors, the experts said. Commenting on the findings, Professor Cary Cooper, organisational psychologist at Lancaster University, said: ‘In nearly every developed country women perform what we call the double-shift.

‘They go to work like a man but then also come home and perform the primary role at home, so face double pressure from those two roles.’

One of the academics, Anna Grimby-Ekman, said: ‘The results [in the student group] were a surprise as we had expected roughly the same number of women as men would develop neck pain in a young group like this, where the majority had yet to start a family.’

Professor Cooper said: ‘For female students there is the added pressure of having to compete in a man’s world and be better than men to land top positions in their fields.’ ( dailymail.co.uk )

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How to avoid dead-end daters online

How to avoid dead-end daters online - When it comes to internet dating not everybody listed on an online dating site will be 100 per cent honest with their profiles and opinions. Here are a few tips to reading between the lines.

Online dating: how to sort the rough diamonds from the smooth criminals

That's not to say no-one can be trusted online, but it's worth being prepared to .

Some online daters may use harmless hidden messages such as ‘I am of slim, athletic build’, when they really mean they are portly and haven’t hit the gym since 1976. Stating that you are ‘curvy’ when really you are obese is another clanger: people can see your profile picture, and that on its own tells a story. However, the biggest mistakes are along the lines of stating you are single with no dependants, when really you have a wife and three children at home.

Of course, this works both ways. You should be careful with your own profile - listing yourself as "fun-loving" or "surprisingly single" may not always be a good idea, as readers can misinterpret them. They may think that you are saying you are for a one-night stand, or suggesting that you have not yet been snapped up, which can be seen as arrogant.

Someone stating that they "can’t believe I am doing this" or "ready to move on" may mean that they seem to be slightly embarrassed by internet dating and worried their peers might find out, or that they aren’t really ready to move on. If the former, it could mean that if you went on to start a relationship with them they would forever be worried about you mentioning how you met, and if the latter it may mean they haven't over an ex.

That said, most people who choose to internet date are actually looking for love, so don’t worry, there is someone out there for everyone, and they may just be waiting a click away. ( telegraph.co.uk )

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Ready for winter? In the South, you may not need to be

Ready for winter? In the South, you may not need to be – If you live in Chicago, Detroit and Buffalo, you probably ought to make sure the snowblower is in tip-top shape for the winter. But, if you live south of I-40, which runs from Barstow, Calif. to Wilmington, N.C., you may not need to put away your swimsuit. And, if you live in between: it will be more like a normal winter.

On Thursday, meteorologists from both private forecaster AccuWeather.com as well as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued their forecasts calling for “extremes” for the US this winter.

“The weather is going to be schizophrenic,” predicts Joe Bastardi, chief long-range forecaster for AccuWeather, based in State College, Pa. “We will see extremes in the North and West and we will see a lot of warm weather in the Southeast.”

Places such as Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia that had blizzard after blizzard last year may just get ready for a more normal winter.

“The south and especially the District of Columbia will get a break compared to last winter,” predicts Mr. Bastardi. “Their snow-fighting budgets will get a break.”

Northeast forecast is iffyThe forecast is more iffy for places like New York and Boston. Bastardi says those cities will be right on the border between snow and rain events. But, by winter’s end, he says, Boston and New York will have a “normal” winter.

Normal for Boston, he says, may mean 35 to 40 inches of snow this year and temperatures about one degree above normal, which is 31.8 degrees. “It will be a normal winter for New England, but they never have easy winters,” he says.

NOAA, for its part, says the winter forecast for New England and the Mid-Atlantic will depend on what happens in the North Atlantic and the Arctic. As a result, NOAA says, weather events for those regions can only be predicted about a week in advance.

However, Bastardi forecasts that the start of winter for people living in the East will seem like a replay of last year. Temperatures will plunge starting in November. In fact, if Hurricane Richard moves up the East Coast next week, a strong cold front will follow, possibly depositing snow in the Appalachian Mountains.

La Nina replaces El NinoBehind the winter forecasts is a La Nina event that is taking place in the eastern Pacific Ocean. “La Nina is associated with cooler than normal water temperatures in the Equatorial Pacific Ocean, unlike El Nino, which is associated with warmer than normal water temperature,” says NOAA in its forecast.

Last year, North America’s wacky weather was influenced by El Nino. “Although La Nina is the opposite of El Nino, it also has the potential to bring weather extremes to parts of the nation,” says NOAA.

The La Nina affect for some parts of the nation is not good. For example, California is expected to be warmer and drier than normal. This could lead to water shortages next summer and forest fire issues as well. The Pacific Northwest, which will be colder and wetter than normal, normally can use the water for hydroelectric purposes and recreation, but may face flooding and avalanche issues, says NOAA. And, Florida, where it will be warmer and drier than normal, could also face wildfire problems.

By January and February, Bastardi predicts winter in the Northeast will begin to fade and it could be warmer than November and December.

“Some real funky things are going to happen,” he predicts. ( csmonitor.com )

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We fight everyday

We fight everyday - Prim and perfect at every single outing, it’s hard to fathom that there are times when even Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and husband Abhishek fight. But, in an interview in Vogue India’s July issue, Abhishek clears the misconception. Asked how often they fight, the actor says, “Oh, every day.”


But Ash is quick to correct him, “Not everyday baby. We didn’t fight yesterday. Or the day before. They’re more like disagreements, not fights. They’re not serious, they’re healthy. It’d be really boring otherwise,” says the actress.


And, when they do have their ‘disagreements’, it is always Abhishek who makes up. “Women don’t make up! In three years, she’s made up like, four times. But we have a rule — we don’t sleep on a fight. And in defence of all men, I want to say, half the time why we give in and say sorry is because we’re just so sleepy and want to go to bed!”


That said, the two have their moments, although not all of them may be conventional. Asked about the most romantic thing he’s done for Ash, Abhishek replies, “So this is for men everywhere —don’t believe that bit about a candlelight dinner on the beach being the most romantic thing in the world. I tried that for our anniversary last year in the Maldives, and it was a disaster. First, the wind keeps putting the candle out. Second, there’s sand in your food so it tastes like crap.”


Ash also shares the first time it hit her that she was married. “It was on our flight, going off on our honeymoon to Bora Bora. The stewardess welcomed me on-board saying, ‘Welcome, Mrs Bachchan’. And Abhishek and I just looked at each other and burst out laughing! And it hit me, I’m married! I’m Mrs Bachchan,” she concludes. ( timesofindia.com )

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PMS link to baby blues

PMS link to baby blues. Pre-menstrual syndrome and postnatal depression are closely related to the 'cold turkey' experienced by addicts trying to give up drugs, according to research.

Scientists have discovered that all three conditions are caused by the same chemical change in a part of the brain which deals with anxiety and stress. Their findings could lead to new treatments for PMS and baby blues, as well as cures for hangovers and aids for addicts trying to conquer their habit.

The common factor is a chemical 'messenger' in the brain called GABA, which dulls circuits responsible for anxiety and stress. GABA is triggered by narcotics and tranquillisers. But researchers found it is also affected by progesterone, the natural steroid produced during pregnancy and when women reach the end of a monthly cycle. The hormone enhances the effect of GABA in the brain, helping it to calm and soothe.

But at the end of pregnancy and just before menstruation, levels of progesterone suddenly drop. At these times GABA is unable to work properly, triggering the symptoms of stress, anxiety and mood swings associated with PMS and postnatal depression. Because drugs act on the same part of the brain, cold turkey has very similar side effects.

Researchers at the Allegheny University of the Health Sciences in Philadelphia investigated the inner workings of the brain by giving rats progesterone for several weeks before then suddenly withdrawing it. They found that GABA immediately lost some of its calming properties and the rats showed symptoms of anxiety. According to the experts, the sudden withdrawal of sedatives such as alcohol and drugs has exactly the same affect.

If science can find drugs to boost the effects of GABA, they could be used to ease the tension, stress and mood swings of PMS and the symptoms of postnatal depression and hangovers.

Can Prozac beat PMS?

For two weeks every month, Shelley Machin's life was 'sheer hell.' The mother of two crouched weeping on the sofa, unable to answer the door, make dinner or look after her baby son, Tom. Then her moods would swing so wildly that Shelley would scream and throw things at her husband Tony.

'I was a monster,' says Shelley. 'Every month, before my period, I was convinced I was going mad. I'd repeat sentences over and over again, break crockery and suffer panic attacks that were so bad I thought I was having a heart attack. My body ached so much I thought I would explode. And then, two days after I started bleeding, calm would descend again.'

Shelley is one of the 1.5 million women who have such severe PMS that it affects their health and disrupts life with work, family and friends.

For some of these, a new and controversial medical development could spell the end to their suffering.

Prozac is the first prescription medication to be approved for the treatment of PMS. Professor Shaughn O'Brien, a consultant gynaecologist at North Staffordshire NHS hospital, has been prescribing Prozac for over four years. 'I would say that 80 per cent of my patients with moderate to severe PMS have been helped by Prozac,' he says.

Prozac is one of a class of anti-depressants called SSRI's that work by increasing the amount of serotonin, the 'feel-good hormone' in the brain. The recent studies, conducted in the U.S. and by University College, London, suggest the drug's efficiency in alleviating both emotional and physical symptoms of PMS.

'Traditionally, PMS was thought to be caused by a hormone imbalance,' says Professor O'Brien. 'But it's now been established that hormone levels are normal and don't fluctuate throughout the woman's cycle.

'Basically, the body is reacting in an abnormal way to normal hormone levels. This reaction is thought happen in the brain, rather than the body, and to to involve the neurotransmitter serotonin. This is why Prozac, which inhibits the reuptake of serotonin, is effective.

'The amazing thing about these studies is that even physical symptoms such as bloating and sore breasts are alleviated by SSRIs,' says O'Brien. 'At present the reason is not clear. It's probably to do with our perception and response to pain. Because our nerve impulses are modified by serotonin, it influences the way we feel pain.'

Shelley was started on 20mg of Prozac (the lowest dose) every morning. 'For the first few days, I felt a bit nauseous, but this soon wore off, and within six weeks I noticed an incredible improvement,' she says.

'I now no longer feel the world's coming to an end for two weeks every month. I'm less anxious, so much calmer and, most of all, nicer to my husband and the children. My body doesn't ache the way it used to, and I sleep better. Sure, I still have my off days, but I don't know if these are related to my period or not. Prozac has changed my life.'

However, not all the medical profession holds with this view of Prozac as a 'miracle drug'. There are fears that patients turn to a quick-fix pill too quickly, without dealing with other lifestyle issues.

'We see Prozac as a last resort, not a first remedy,' says Christine Baker of the National Association for Pre-Menstral Syndrome.'There are many other non-prescription treatments that should be pursued first. Women should alter their lifestyle to avoid stress, eat a diet rich in magnesium and low in salt and sugar and take regular exercise. Evening Primrose Oil, to soothe breast pain, can also help.'

Consultant gynaecologist, Dr Katherina Dalton, the first doctor to describe PMS as a syndrome in 1953, is also sceptical. 'In my opinion, an SSRI cannot help physical symptoms. The correct treatment is to treat with the hormone progesterone, combined with a three-hourly diet high in carbohydrate. If there are long gaps between food, the blood sugar falls, and symptoms worsen.'

Dr Dalton also feels that the world of medicine has moved on since Prozac. 'There are now far more effective SSRI's, such as Seroxat, with far fewer side-effects,' she says. ( dailymail.co.uk )

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Five Secrets to Working With a Recruiter

Five Secrets to Working With a Recruiter. As any professional who has ever been out of work knows, finding a job is no small feat. Locating positions of interest and convincing employers you are the one to hire appears simple. In reality, it can be unnerving and frustrating, particularly if the search has been a lengthy one. Enlisting the assistance of a specialized recruiter can ease some of the pressure and help you target your efforts to only the most promising opportunities.

1. Sometimes it is about who you know

Professional recruiters have deep networks of business contacts within a wide range of companies and industries. While you are diligently scouring newspaper and Internet ads, they can uncover leads and vacancies that have not been advertised or even announced, thus giving you an advantage over job seekers who rely solely on information that is posted in the public domain. Recruiters also can serve as career advisers.

For example, in Louisville, Ky., a recruiter with Robert Half International recently partnered with an information technology professional who, despite years of relevant industry experience, had been unable to generate any employment interviews of note. The recruiter helped the individual rewrite his résumé to better highlight the candidate's experience with servers and the .NET platform, leading to immediate interest from employers. In addition to working with you to refine your application materials, a skilled recruiting professional can offer guidance on everything from answering tough interview questions to negotiating the best compensation package to how to dress for your first day of work. They also can help you navigate career crossroads and explore new fields.

2. Not all recruiters are created equal

When selecting a recruiter, it's important that the individual is an expert in his or her field. For example, if you are hoping to find work as an accountant, someone who has experience in the accounting and finance field will be better able to understand your needs and the expectations of potential employers. Ask friends and colleagues for referrals. Also consider contacting a few recruiting professionals in your area to gauge the level of rapport you have with each. Above all, you must be comfortable with the person with whom you have partnered and confident that he or she has your best interests at heart. In addition, remember that you should receive a recruiter's assistance free of charge. These individuals are paid a fee by companies to locate qualified candidates, so view with suspicion any recruiter who asks you to pay for job-search services.

3. The more information, the better

When meeting with a recruiter for the first time, be open and honest about your background, experience and career aspirations. He or she needs to know as much about your professional life as possible to find the right position for you. Are you looking for a tax accountant role in a corporate or public setting? What are your salary requirements? Do you prefer working for a large or small firm? Are you willing to travel? The information you provide may prompt the recruiting professional to suggest promising positions or career paths that you had not previously considered. You also should disclose to your recruiter any aspects of your work history that may generate concern from prospective employers, such as a long period of unemployment or termination. The more upfront you are, the easier it will be for a recruiter to assist you.

4. Follow up, follow up, follow up

After each employment interview your recruiter arranges, call to let him or her know how the meeting went. Your feedback can provide information that can be leveraged in follow-up communication with the employer. This could pave the way to a second or final interview. By following up, you also may receive valuable insight into your interview skills and learn about any concerns expressed by the hiring manager. Throughout the relationship, be forthright in communicating any changes in your career needs or availability. If you're interviewing for other jobs that you've set up on your own, let your recruiting manager know. He or she may have contacts at the company and be able to help you secure the position.

5. Patience

Although using the services of a skilled recruiter can significantly improve your odds of locating employment, even the most successful recruiting professionals need time to find the perfect position for the job seekers they represent. So, don't get discouraged. Recruiters continually mine their sources for job leads and may suddenly discover an opportunity that is right for you. If you'd like a status update, don't be afraid to call your recruiter with questions. Checking in with him or her on a regular basis ensures both of you remain focused on the best opportunities for you. A skilled recruiting professional can help you find the right job faster and open doors to new opportunities. By researching firms and maintaining communication, you'll be in the best position to locate and secure your next position.( msn.com )

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Four Secrets to Always Having a Job

Four Secrets to Always Having a Job. Never before have Americans been as responsible for keeping themselves skilled and employable as they are today. I tell people to expect to have as many as nine different careers in their lifetime, with an average of three jobs in every one. In short, for those who don't keep a focused eye on their abilities to adapt and grow with the changing workplace, a day could come when it becomes tough to find a "good job."

How do some people always manage to be employed and on track for continued success? They follow the four secrets to staying employable.

1. Keep your definition of a "good job" reasonable.

As we progress professionally, we acquire skills and experiences that often afford us greater opportunities in terms of salary and benefits.The problem lies in making the assumption that once we are offered a larger compensation package, it becomes the starting benchmark for any job we take in the future. The result is the "golden handcuff effect" - a sense that we are held hostage by our current job because there's no place else to go.

Smart workers know each job opportunity provides criteria that must be weighed differently against our wants and needs. Staying employable means simplifying our list and planning for the day when we won't have the same level or type of perks. This keeps job options more plentiful and movement to new positions easier.

2. Use the "3x3x3 rule" to create and implement your own professional development strategy.

Forget about waiting for your annual review; smart workers take the review process into their own hands. Assess your professional strengths and weaknesses. By building a game plan to leverage the first and minimize the second, you can identify how you plan to stay employable. I encourage individuals to follow the "3x3x3 rule" for skill development:

• A. Choose three skills you want to enhance.
• B. Identify three ways in which you could learn and grow each skill.
• C. Articulate three examples of how you can demonstrate your enhanced skills in this area to your employer.

By taking professional development into your own hands, you remain focused and in control of your employability.

3. Be the "go-to" person for something employers need.

Like depositing into a retirement fund, employees use the early part of their careers to develop skills to accumulate professional wealth. Sadly, after a decade or so, some employees believe they've earned the right to live off of the interest accrued from their efforts. Midlife often brings about changes in how an employee wants to allocate his or her time (ie. wants more time with a spouse, family, home, hobby, etc.). Smart employees know this doesn't have to diminish the quality of the time they put into their careers. To stay employable, focus on being the "go-to" person for a particular problem, task or technique. Building subject-matter expertise in a specific area that's in demand within the workplace will create a personal insurance policy that ensures you'll always be the "go-to" employee who's in demand.

4. Create a board of advisers for your company of one.

Smart individuals don't do surgery on themselves, pull their own teeth or represent themselves in legal matters. They defer to professionals who have the training and expertise that gets the best results. Smart employees do the same with their careers. In an age where employees are in essence a company of one -- responsible for keeping the services they deliver in demand -- doesn't it make sense to seek the counsel of those who can help you make the best career decisions? Smart employees solicit the advice of individuals they think approach career success in a manner they admire. Whether it's a relative, co-worker, former manager or even a professional career coach, seeking advice from those who know more than you will give you the perspective needed to be proactive and successful at staying employable.

Career paths are full of twists and turns; they're rarely straightforward. To avoid roadblocks, use the four secrets outlined above and you'll be able to make course corrections that will help you stay employable. ( msn.com )

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Six Job Hunting Myths Debunked

Six Job Hunting Myths Debunked. Everyone wants to give job seekers advice, and while much of it is useful, some guidance may miss the mark. Because the employment market is constantly changing, ideas that once worked well may no longer be effective. This doesn't mean you have to second-guess everything you hear, but do be aware of common job-hunting myths, like the following:

Myth No. 1: You should keep your resume to one page; any longer, and hiring mangers won't read it.

Few employers are so rigid that they'll toss out your resume because it's more than a page long. What's more important is that the document is interesting to read, tailored specifically to the position you are applying for -- and perhaps most important -- error free. In fact, 84 percent of executives polled by Robert Half International said it takes just one or two typographical errors on a resume to remove a candidate from consideration for a job opening; 47 percent said a single typo can be the deciding factor. While a one-page resume is preferable for entry-level candidates, those with five or more years of experience may require an additional page to describe their work history and accomplishments. Keep in mind, however, you never want to lose a hiring manager's attention by providing irrelevant details.

Myth No. 2: It's pointless to request an interview with a company that isn't hiring.

Even if a company isn't planning to add staff anytime soon, chances are you can land an informational interview. Look to set up a meeting with someone -- preferably a hiring manager -- who can tell you more about the organization and provide answers to questions you can't find online or in the company's marketing materials, such as its short- and long-term business goals. Many employers will be willing to sit down with you if you show genuine interest. An informational interview probably won't result in a job offer, but you will build your professional network and, in the process, may learn of future opportunities with the firm.

Myth No. 3: If you've applied for a position and haven't heard back, it's safe to assume the position has been filled.

Just because a company hasn't contacted you doesn't mean they aren't interested. It's not uncommon for hiring managers to be so busy they delay contacting candidates for as long as two months after posting an employment ad. Don't let this discourage you; instead take action to see where you stand. An overwhelming 94 percent of executives surveyed by Robert Half International said candidates should contact hiring managers after submitting application materials; 82 percent of respondents recommend doing it -- whether by e-mail, a phone call or personalized letter -- within two weeks of submitting a resume.

Myth No. 4: The most-qualified candidates always get the job.

While employers want to hire professionals capable of doing the job -- and carefully compare candidates' education, skills and experience against the requirements of the position -- they also depend on intuition when making a decision. Forty-six percent of executives surveyed by Robert Half International said they rely heavily on instinct when making hiring decisions; another 49 percent follow their gut at least some of the time. The traits that make an employer intuitively want to hire someone often involve soft skills -- that is, your ability to get along with the rest of the team. So, if you're interested in a position for which you meet only the minimum requirements, don't immediately dismiss it. Your personality may put you on par with someone with more experience than you.

Myth No. 5: There's no room for salary negotiation in today's job market.

Demand for skilled professionals continues to outpace supply in a number of specialties, and candidates with industry experience and expertise often receive multiple offers. Researching how much those with similar qualifications in your area are being paid will help you choose the best opportunity and negotiate a reasonable rate. The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Outlook Handbook is an excellent resource, as are industry publications, such as Robert Half International's annual Salary Guide.

Myth No. 6: When times are tough, take the first job offer you get.

An extended job search can put pressure on you to accept any offer that comes your way, but do your best to avoid accepting a position that may cause more heartache than happiness. Tolerating a job you hate -- whether for a week or year -- can set you back professionally and take a toll on your well-being. You may have to accept a "less-than-perfect" role in certain situations, but don't feel guilty holding out for a position with maximum appeal if you have the financial means to do so. Tapping a variety of sources for advice during your job search often is a smart move. But, like any investigation, you may come across clues that are somewhat misleading. Recognizing common myths early on will make your job-hunting efforts far more effective and help you land the position you seek. ( msn.com )

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Seven Networking Myths

Seven Networking Myths. One of the most important career management skills you can develop is the ability to network. Unfortunately, for some, the thought of "working a room" or placing business cards into other people's hands can be downright intimidating. But networking doesn't require bold tactics to be effective. In fact, it's this perception -- and others -- that discourage many job seekers from networking in the first place.

If you let these myths deter you, you may miss out on making important professional contacts and, as a result, career advancement opportunities.

Following are some common perceptions about networking. How well can you separate fact from fiction?

It's "old school."

Fiction. To the contrary, there's clear evidence that networking is gaining popularity. Nearly half (48 percent) of professionals polled by Robert Half International said they're doing more professional networking now than three years ago, perhaps because workers know the vast majority of jobs are never advertised anywhere; instead they are filled through word of mouth.

You need to be an extrovert.

Fiction. You don't have to be especially gregarious or outgoing to make meaningful connections in your industry. If crowds make you uncomfortable, consider creating your own networking opportunities. Invite several of your friends or co-workers to lunch and request that they bring along two other contacts. A more intimate setting may help put you at ease. If you feel shy or flustered, ask questions to shift attention away from yourself. Since most people enjoy talking about themselves, you'll have no trouble keeping the discussion rolling.

Networking is time-consuming.

Fiction. Trade shows and meet-and-greet events aren't the only venues to forge new relationships. You can -- and should -- reach out to people while going about your normal routine -- waiting in line at the supermarket or pumping iron at the gym, for example. Don't miss the opportunity to make conversation with those you meet outside of professional settings; valuable contacts can come from any number of sources.

Only face-to-face interactions pay off.

Fiction. Virtual chat rooms and discussion lists are an excellent way to network with your peers and obtain specific information and advice from the comfort of your own home or office. Becoming a member of an online community, like Friendster or LinkedIn, also can lead to serendipitous -- yet useful -- connections. Just be sure to be polite in all of your interactions and offer useful information to your contacts.

Small talk is a turnoff.

Fiction. Many people cringe at the prospect of making small talk, but it's often the first step to getting a more meaningful conversation started. You don't have to limit yourself to topics like the weather or your alma mater. Ask potential contacts whether they've taken any interesting vacations or eaten at the new restaurant down the street -- anything you'd genuinely be interested in learning about. Also, prepare some stories of your own to share, such as a quirky news item you've come across or celebrity encounter you once had, in case your conversation partner is a bit bashful.

Your contacts will be annoyed if you ask for help.

Fiction. Asking people for information and advice is hardly bothersome, as long as you do so gracefully. In fact, 37 percent of workers polled by Robert Half International said the biggest mistake people make when networking is not asking for help. When soliciting assistance, make it easy for the other person. For instance, if you ask someone to serve as a professional reference, provide that person with a copy of your résumé and let him or her know when a potential employer might be calling.

It's just as important to give as it is to receive.

Fact. Consistently serving as a resource to others is the most effective way to forge long-term relationships. Offer to help whenever you can and always respond promptly to the requests you receive. Forwarding relevant news articles and information to your contacts is another way to build rapport and stay in touch. Many job seekers limit the effectiveness of their networking efforts by believing in myths more than themselves. Overcoming these misconceptions will help you make the most of your activities and develop a circle of long-lasting professional contacts.( msn.com )

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