It is always important to take care of yourself, but that is especially true during a job search. Any transition - whether voluntary or not and whether you really view it as a good change or not - can be stressful. The difficult thing about a job search is that your attitude and emotions often show through in your contacts with potential resources and employers.
If you have not dealt with anger regarding your transition, I cannot stress how important it is for you to do that. Unresolved anger is one of those emotions that has a way of creeping into everything you say and do. You can not afford to have anger seep into your job search communications. Additionally, unresolved anger is just not healthy - it takes a toll on your mind and body.
It is fairly easy to grow weary of an extended job search, but you can not let that show. It is important that you demonstrate that you are an active, healthy potential employee with energy to undertake some new projects or help develop new strategies to solve the company's problems. Additionally, if you are unclear on your career goals, that comes through in your communications. So even if you have a goal and one or two back-up plans, you want to express excitement about that current goal - whether the job you are applying for fits with your first or 3rd choice.
Additionally, if your self-esteem has taken a beating through your transition, it is best to work on building that up, preferably before you launch a job search. Just as anger is an unattractive attribute in a job candidate, so is low self-esteem. Even when you are able to put up a good front most of the time, your lack of self-confidence may be evident in your writing, but is very likely apparent in interviews. Your in-person communications will likely reveal that you are not 'on top of the world' or at your best.
During a job search, you need to be able to demonstrate that you are a capable, competent individual who will be a valuable asset to any organization. Of course, I believe counseling can help, but I would encourage you at least to talk with a personal confidant and/or a spiritual/religious person to help you work through your unhealthy emotions and get your feelings in balance. So deal with your emotions related to your transition in a healthy way and be better prepared for a successful job search.
Mary Ann Davis, M.A., is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), designated as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association, and a Distance Credentialed Counselor with over 20 years of experience providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions. She meets with individuals in person at Holistic Counseling Care of Cincinnati and at a distance through Your Career Plan.
Visit her web site at http://www.yourcareerplan.com/, call Mary Ann at (513) 665-4444 x3, or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Keeping Active in Your Job Search - Especially in a Slow Economy
I have talked with several people recently who are having a hard time keeping active in their job search. They started out energized by the possibilities, but along the way, they have lost steam. They have looked through the want ads, although there isn't usually much there, they have posted their resume to a few sites, and they have looked at job sites but they are just not finding much in advertised jobs. In this economy, it does seem that "no one is hiring" but that is not entirely accurate.
In actuality, many employers are hiring, some of them are the same companies that have recently reduced their staff. The thing is, they are hiring people who can solve some of their problems, help them reduce costs, or find ways to increase their sales or business income. As a job seeker, you should be prepared to help a potential organization recognize the value that you would bring and in which way(s) you could help them.
I encourage my clients to continue to network to identify potential employment opportunities they may be able to pursue. It is still primarily a matter of knowing someone who knows someone who can provide you with a way "in" to a potential hiring organization. I also encourage my clients to do some research to learn more about those organizations that may offer potential employment and develop a plan for how they could present their value to those organizations in a meaningful way.
This is certainly not the time to be shy about what you could do for an employer. Although that is not to say you should be overbearing. But you should be able to identify ways in which you could help with some of their problems and provide some supportive statements relating previous successes in similar situations. You should develop at least a few accomplishment statements to share with potential employers that demonstrate how you have been successful in the past. Networking may get you in the door, or on the phone, with a potential hiring manager, but you must be able to communicate your value.
Don't lose heart, but you may need to allow more time for your search. Ideally, you can conduct your search while you are still employed, but if not, you need to take advantage of the additional available time to step up your search activity. And keep a positive attitude - it shows!
Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), designated as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association, and a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). In addition to over 20 years' experience as a career counselor and coach, she also has years of experience as a college academic advisor. She provides career coaching and counseling for life's transition in person at Holistic Counseling Care of Cincinnati and at a distance through Your Career Plan.
Visit her web site at http://www.yourcareerplan.com/. Contact Ms. Davis at (513) 665-4444 x3 or YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.
In actuality, many employers are hiring, some of them are the same companies that have recently reduced their staff. The thing is, they are hiring people who can solve some of their problems, help them reduce costs, or find ways to increase their sales or business income. As a job seeker, you should be prepared to help a potential organization recognize the value that you would bring and in which way(s) you could help them.
I encourage my clients to continue to network to identify potential employment opportunities they may be able to pursue. It is still primarily a matter of knowing someone who knows someone who can provide you with a way "in" to a potential hiring organization. I also encourage my clients to do some research to learn more about those organizations that may offer potential employment and develop a plan for how they could present their value to those organizations in a meaningful way.
This is certainly not the time to be shy about what you could do for an employer. Although that is not to say you should be overbearing. But you should be able to identify ways in which you could help with some of their problems and provide some supportive statements relating previous successes in similar situations. You should develop at least a few accomplishment statements to share with potential employers that demonstrate how you have been successful in the past. Networking may get you in the door, or on the phone, with a potential hiring manager, but you must be able to communicate your value.
Don't lose heart, but you may need to allow more time for your search. Ideally, you can conduct your search while you are still employed, but if not, you need to take advantage of the additional available time to step up your search activity. And keep a positive attitude - it shows!
Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), designated as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association, and a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). In addition to over 20 years' experience as a career counselor and coach, she also has years of experience as a college academic advisor. She provides career coaching and counseling for life's transition in person at Holistic Counseling Care of Cincinnati and at a distance through Your Career Plan.
Visit her web site at http://www.yourcareerplan.com/. Contact Ms. Davis at (513) 665-4444 x3 or YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Register for Essential Career Workshops 2009
To register for the Essential Career Workshops 2009 conducted by Ms. Davis, please print this page, complete it and mail it, along with a check or money order payable to 'YCP' for the appropriate registration amount, to:
MARY ANN DAVIS, LPC
YOUR CAREER PLAN
P. O. BOX 44065
CINCINNATI, OH 45244-0065
PLEASE REGISTER ME FOR THE ESSENTIAL CAREER WORKSHOPS DESIGNATED:
______ SELF-ASSESSMENT & CAREER EXPLORATION (June 22)
______ PREPARING YOUR RESUMES & LETTERS (July 13)
______ INTERVIEW PREPARATION (July 27)
______ JOB SEARCH & SELF-MARKETING TECHNIQUES - (August 3)
Please print:
NAME:
_____________________________________________________________________________
PHONE NUMBER:
_____________________________________________________________________________
E-MAIL:
_____________________________________________________________________________
If you would prefer to pay with Visa or Master Card on-line through Pay Pal,
be sure to include your e-mail address above and initial here ___________________.
For more information and cost for the workshops, please read the blog on this site "Essential Career Workshops 2009". You will receive confirmation of your registration by e-mail or telephone (if no e-mail address provided).
Mary Ann Davis, M.A., is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 20 years of career counseling experience assisting adults through life transaction. Ms. Davis has worked with individual and groups to do career assessments, prepare for the job search or continue their education. She has also assisted individuals to clarify their personal goals and develop plans to achieve them.
MARY ANN DAVIS, LPC
YOUR CAREER PLAN
P. O. BOX 44065
CINCINNATI, OH 45244-0065
PLEASE REGISTER ME FOR THE ESSENTIAL CAREER WORKSHOPS DESIGNATED:
______ SELF-ASSESSMENT & CAREER EXPLORATION (June 22)
______ PREPARING YOUR RESUMES & LETTERS (July 13)
______ INTERVIEW PREPARATION (July 27)
______ JOB SEARCH & SELF-MARKETING TECHNIQUES - (August 3)
Please print:
NAME:
_____________________________________________________________________________
PHONE NUMBER:
_____________________________________________________________________________
E-MAIL:
_____________________________________________________________________________
If you would prefer to pay with Visa or Master Card on-line through Pay Pal,
be sure to include your e-mail address above and initial here ___________________.
For more information and cost for the workshops, please read the blog on this site "Essential Career Workshops 2009". You will receive confirmation of your registration by e-mail or telephone (if no e-mail address provided).
Mary Ann Davis, M.A., is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 20 years of career counseling experience assisting adults through life transaction. Ms. Davis has worked with individual and groups to do career assessments, prepare for the job search or continue their education. She has also assisted individuals to clarify their personal goals and develop plans to achieve them.
Essential Career Workshops 2009
Summer 2009 Mary Ann Davis, Licensed Professional & Master Career Counselor will offer a series of Essential Career Workshops. These are designed for individuals who plan to make a career or job change and those who want/need to be prepared in the event of a job change/loss. There will be four workshops, all will be on Monday evenings from 6:30 to 9:00 PM in Evendale, Ohio. Each workshop focuses on a different aspect of career and job search basics.
SELF-ASSESSMENT & CAREER EXPLORATION - JUNE 22
* Assess your traits
* Identify your Personal Attractive Factors
* Explore today's work world
* Review factors in career decision making
PREPARING YOUR RESUMES & LETTERS - JULY 13
* Review details on preparing resumes, cover letters & other correspondence
* Discuss problem solving strategies for handling difficult situations
INTERVIEW PREPARATION - JULY 27
* Discuss the interviewing process
* Refresher on interviewing skills & strategies
* Review obstacles to interviewing confidently and discuss techniques
JOB SEARCH & SELF-MARKETING TECHNIQUES - AUGUST 3
* Review traditional and creative job search approaches
* Outline steps of a creative job search
* Planning your self-marketing strategies
The cost for any one workshop is $40.00. If you register for two workshops on the same form, the cost is $75.00 for two workshops, and if you register for three or four workshops on the same form, the cost is $35.00 for each workshop.
Space is limited and pre-registration is required.
If you have questions or wish to receive information about my private practice coaching and counseling services, please send an e-mail to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com or call HCCC at (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message.
To register for these workshops, please refer to the blog "Register for Essential Career Workshops 2009" and print the form. Mail the completed form, along with your check or money order payable to 'YCP' to -
Mary Ann Davis
Your Career Plan
P. O. Box 44065
Cincinnati, OH 45244-0065
Mary Ann Davis, M.A., is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 20 years of career counseling experience and assisting adults through life transitions. Ms Davis has worked with individuals and groups to do career assessments, prepare for the job search or continue their education. She has also assisted individuals to clarify their personal goals and develop plans to achieve them.
In addition to being a Licensed Professional Counselor in Ohio, Mary Ann is a Master Career Counselor (MCC), designated as a Life/Work Counselor (L/WC), and a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). In addition to conducting these workshops, Ms. Davis meets with clients on an individual basis for career counseling, coaching, and life planning. She has been an associate with Holistic Counseling Care of Cincinnati since 1996 and recently launched Your Career Plan (YCP) - an on-line service for career coaching and counseling.
SELF-ASSESSMENT & CAREER EXPLORATION - JUNE 22
* Assess your traits
* Identify your Personal Attractive Factors
* Explore today's work world
* Review factors in career decision making
PREPARING YOUR RESUMES & LETTERS - JULY 13
* Review details on preparing resumes, cover letters & other correspondence
* Discuss problem solving strategies for handling difficult situations
INTERVIEW PREPARATION - JULY 27
* Discuss the interviewing process
* Refresher on interviewing skills & strategies
* Review obstacles to interviewing confidently and discuss techniques
JOB SEARCH & SELF-MARKETING TECHNIQUES - AUGUST 3
* Review traditional and creative job search approaches
* Outline steps of a creative job search
* Planning your self-marketing strategies
The cost for any one workshop is $40.00. If you register for two workshops on the same form, the cost is $75.00 for two workshops, and if you register for three or four workshops on the same form, the cost is $35.00 for each workshop.
Space is limited and pre-registration is required.
If you have questions or wish to receive information about my private practice coaching and counseling services, please send an e-mail to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com or call HCCC at (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message.
To register for these workshops, please refer to the blog "Register for Essential Career Workshops 2009" and print the form. Mail the completed form, along with your check or money order payable to 'YCP' to -
Mary Ann Davis
Your Career Plan
P. O. Box 44065
Cincinnati, OH 45244-0065
Mary Ann Davis, M.A., is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 20 years of career counseling experience and assisting adults through life transitions. Ms Davis has worked with individuals and groups to do career assessments, prepare for the job search or continue their education. She has also assisted individuals to clarify their personal goals and develop plans to achieve them.
In addition to being a Licensed Professional Counselor in Ohio, Mary Ann is a Master Career Counselor (MCC), designated as a Life/Work Counselor (L/WC), and a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). In addition to conducting these workshops, Ms. Davis meets with clients on an individual basis for career counseling, coaching, and life planning. She has been an associate with Holistic Counseling Care of Cincinnati since 1996 and recently launched Your Career Plan (YCP) - an on-line service for career coaching and counseling.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Still Trying to Figure Out What To Be When You "Grow Up"
Many times people have said to me, "I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up". Generally, the individual is already what one would consider grown. In most cases, the individual is someone who has several (or many) years of work experience, but that work is not what they want to keep doing.
If you feel the same way, maybe you should take some time to figure out what you would like to do. It can seem like an overwhelming task, so it usually helps to break it into smaller pieces. You may begin by thinking of career dreams you have had and starting a list of possible career directions. Don't eliminate possible jobs because of preconceived notations you have about what the field is like - without getting the facts. Initially, just brainstorm and come up with a list.
Some people find it helps to complete some assessments to identify interests, abilities, and other strengths and preferences. Formal assessments are available that will provide a report with potential occupations that may fit with your interests, abilities, and other personal preferences. There are also assessments that will help to clarify your personal strengths/personality type or your values, as they relate to work.
Although I recommend a formal assessment, if that is not feasible, it may be helpful to do some informal self-assessments or reflect upon your work-related preferences. Set aside small blocks of time to work on those so that you can make progress.
Review the list of occupations you created from your brainstorming or from the assessment results. It is generally helpful to read some information about some of the potential occupations that you are not familiar with. Then you can determine from those potential occupations if there are any you would want to prepare for or pursue. Perhaps then you will have figured out what you want to do - now that you are grown up.
Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, grief work, coping with an empty nest, and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association; a Life/Work Counselor (L/WC) by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). Please visit her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com.
To contact Mary Ann, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.
If you feel the same way, maybe you should take some time to figure out what you would like to do. It can seem like an overwhelming task, so it usually helps to break it into smaller pieces. You may begin by thinking of career dreams you have had and starting a list of possible career directions. Don't eliminate possible jobs because of preconceived notations you have about what the field is like - without getting the facts. Initially, just brainstorm and come up with a list.
Some people find it helps to complete some assessments to identify interests, abilities, and other strengths and preferences. Formal assessments are available that will provide a report with potential occupations that may fit with your interests, abilities, and other personal preferences. There are also assessments that will help to clarify your personal strengths/personality type or your values, as they relate to work.
Although I recommend a formal assessment, if that is not feasible, it may be helpful to do some informal self-assessments or reflect upon your work-related preferences. Set aside small blocks of time to work on those so that you can make progress.
Review the list of occupations you created from your brainstorming or from the assessment results. It is generally helpful to read some information about some of the potential occupations that you are not familiar with. Then you can determine from those potential occupations if there are any you would want to prepare for or pursue. Perhaps then you will have figured out what you want to do - now that you are grown up.
Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, grief work, coping with an empty nest, and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association; a Life/Work Counselor (L/WC) by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). Please visit her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com.
To contact Mary Ann, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Do You Have A Spot In Your Background?
A spot in your work history can be caused by a variety of things - some innocent and some accurate information, in addition to some genuine problems. In general, the best thing to do about a spot in your work history is to recognize and acknowledge it for what it was. If you have a longer than average absence from the workforce, that will cause a spot on your employment history. If you have changed jobs more frequently than average, that will cause a spot on your employment record. If you were fired, that may be a spot. There are many, many things that can cause a spot or blemish in your employment history. If you are, or will be, conducting a job search, you should prepare for how you will respond to questions about the spot in your employment history.
Keep in mind, although your resume does not have to include everything you have done in life - and the longer you have worked, the less likely that you would need to, but an employment application requires you to accurately list your complete employment history. In addition, you should be prepared to respond to questions about the blemish in your history in an employment interview. It is important to remember your best response is to be honest and straightforward as you explain briefly what happened. If appropriate, you may explain how things have changed so that the issue is no longer a problem or how it was eliminated, and return to the focus of the interview.
Many people find it helps to write out a response to possible questions about a problem area. The intent is not to memorize a statement, but to become comfortable with how you will explain what happened. It may help you to write out several possible responses to questions or try different responses on a tape recorder. You may not need to give a lot of details about what happened, but it is important to be able to respond to the questions of a potential employer in a direct manner. If you are uncomfortable with your response, it is more likely that they will be too. If you have a spot in your background, you may want to discuss your approach to it with a counselor who can help you sort it out and figure out an appropriate and comfortable approach to discussing the issue.
Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, grief work, coping with an empty nest, and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association; a Life/Work Counselor (L/WC) by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). Visit her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com.
To contact Ms. Davis, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.
Keep in mind, although your resume does not have to include everything you have done in life - and the longer you have worked, the less likely that you would need to, but an employment application requires you to accurately list your complete employment history. In addition, you should be prepared to respond to questions about the blemish in your history in an employment interview. It is important to remember your best response is to be honest and straightforward as you explain briefly what happened. If appropriate, you may explain how things have changed so that the issue is no longer a problem or how it was eliminated, and return to the focus of the interview.
Many people find it helps to write out a response to possible questions about a problem area. The intent is not to memorize a statement, but to become comfortable with how you will explain what happened. It may help you to write out several possible responses to questions or try different responses on a tape recorder. You may not need to give a lot of details about what happened, but it is important to be able to respond to the questions of a potential employer in a direct manner. If you are uncomfortable with your response, it is more likely that they will be too. If you have a spot in your background, you may want to discuss your approach to it with a counselor who can help you sort it out and figure out an appropriate and comfortable approach to discussing the issue.
Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, grief work, coping with an empty nest, and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association; a Life/Work Counselor (L/WC) by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). Visit her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com.
To contact Ms. Davis, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Experiencing Loss
We often think of the grieving process as starting when we lose a loved one. This is certainly true, but we may also grieve other losses. Certainly we may grieve for the loss of a marriage if we get divorced, or the loss of a friendship if something or someone comes between you and a close fiend or relative. We experience other losses as we continue to mature and some of those transitions may also initiate a grieving period.
The loss of our status as a 'parent' may cause us to feel loss - when all the children are away in college or married. For some individuals, the loss of youth causes bouts of feeling blue or out of sorts. Similarly, the change in our standing or status in the church or community may cause us to grieve. Although all of those experiences may be planned for, and some celebrated, it does not mean that you may not experience feelings related to the change, the loss.
Additionally, the loss of a job, involuntarily or not, often causes us to grieve. This is a particularly difficult situation, because it generally comes at a time when we should be upbeat and actively planning our next career steps. Some people have the luxury of taking a little time off before starting a job search and that may allow them to more fully experience their loss and grieve that which is no more. But many people find they need to move into something as soon as possible and conducting a job search can be very hard on the individual in those circumstances.
Of course, just as people experience loss differently, they most likely react differently to their grief, as well. Not only that, but even the people who truly grieve the loss of their job may experience different accompanying feelings.
Often when we are going through the grieving process, it is not a continual state, so there may be periods when we are not immediately aware of our loss and feel almost 'normal.' Then something may happen that triggers our memory and we are reminded of our experiences. Over time, the period of feeling 'normal' should increase until it is only occasionally that you truly feel your loss. That is the wonderful thing about time, it can do wonders for the healing process. But it is important that we allow ourselves to grieve our losses and time to do so - it is a natural part of living.
Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, grief work, coping with an empty nest, and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association; a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). Please visit her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com for more information.
To contact Mary Ann, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.
The loss of our status as a 'parent' may cause us to feel loss - when all the children are away in college or married. For some individuals, the loss of youth causes bouts of feeling blue or out of sorts. Similarly, the change in our standing or status in the church or community may cause us to grieve. Although all of those experiences may be planned for, and some celebrated, it does not mean that you may not experience feelings related to the change, the loss.
Additionally, the loss of a job, involuntarily or not, often causes us to grieve. This is a particularly difficult situation, because it generally comes at a time when we should be upbeat and actively planning our next career steps. Some people have the luxury of taking a little time off before starting a job search and that may allow them to more fully experience their loss and grieve that which is no more. But many people find they need to move into something as soon as possible and conducting a job search can be very hard on the individual in those circumstances.
Of course, just as people experience loss differently, they most likely react differently to their grief, as well. Not only that, but even the people who truly grieve the loss of their job may experience different accompanying feelings.
Often when we are going through the grieving process, it is not a continual state, so there may be periods when we are not immediately aware of our loss and feel almost 'normal.' Then something may happen that triggers our memory and we are reminded of our experiences. Over time, the period of feeling 'normal' should increase until it is only occasionally that you truly feel your loss. That is the wonderful thing about time, it can do wonders for the healing process. But it is important that we allow ourselves to grieve our losses and time to do so - it is a natural part of living.
Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, grief work, coping with an empty nest, and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association; a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). Please visit her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com for more information.
To contact Mary Ann, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.
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