Career Planning Guidance

How To Change Careers

2010-12-23T00:35:00.000-08:00

Could you hope to live without a career all life despite inheriting a legacy? Career is not just about living out of inherited money, nor is it limited to earning livelihood. Holistically speaking it is the progression of ones working or professional life. Career indeed means a lot these days. Nowadays, parents start grooming their children from the day one she starts her education, guide and help their children choose their career.

Choosing and Making a Career

To some, choosing a career is as simple as a ready to eat preparation served in a silver bowl, because their career is inherited through legacy. Still they don’t spare a stone unturned in their efforts to just pursue it and make successful careers. For example, Henry Ford, who is the third generation person to carry on the legacy of his parents successfully, has toiled hard to expand the empire beyond the Atlantic Ocean.

Students should start thinking about their careers while in High School. Career exploring in various fields such as Accountancy, Finance, Law, Engineering and Medical, Business Management etc should be given a serious thought while they are still in College level. Well planning and choosing the appropriate line of study will definitely get you a good pick of your own choice.

Career Counselors prove beneficial in personal development and if you need them to, they can double up as career coaches who guide you in choosing your career. They assess your scope of interest, ability, your personality and style of working and accordingly, help you choose your career.

Career development

Did you know choosing a career is much easier rather than developing it? Landing a suitable job may take less than a year but making a career is for the rest of your working life. Once you land up at your chosen career, you must try to manage it carefully by gaining deeper knowledge and skills, working ethically and with integrity, and climb the ladder of success, to achieve your goals by rising to a higher level or position in that organization. Slightest initial complacency would mean a longer stay at the same level for a long time, develop leadership qualities within and rise to higher level. Work conditions and ethics permit that you can have multiple careers to explore your capabilities. Be good at decision-making and this will be the step forward to boost your career. Never give up hope, as the saying goes `In every difficulty lies an opportunity’.

Career Enhancement Basics

2010-11-23T00:33:00.000-08:00

Career Enhancement

Choosing a career is a hard decision to make. The decision and choice you make will impact you for most of your life because it sets a course for you for decades.

How do you make such a choice?

First, realize that since you make that choice you can always make another one. In other words, you are not locked into a single career for life. You can change your mind and your direction at any time.

Whether you change your mind or stick with your original decision, you will want to advance and refresh your job and career often. It’s called Career Enhancement and should be a part of any career plan and path.

Most professions require constant enhancement of skills called continuing education. Professional organizations typically advertise programs and allocate credits for enhancement courses.

If you are not in a professional organization set up your own career advancement program. It can be a simple class taken once a year or a complete program over several weeks. What ever your choice study your options and make judicious choices.

Then, do at least one class a year. If your employer does not pay for career enhancement programs, pay for them yourself and attend.

After completing a class, update your progress and resume regularly. Keep a log of your classes, instructors and where you attended them. The real value in this will unfold as you prepare for your annual review, ask for a raise or promotion or search for a new job.

It comes down to setting goals, planning a path to those goals and accomplishing them. Even if you are alone on your path you can grow in your career.

Finally, take action. Make the first step toward your career enhancement goals even if you feel uncertain. Action opens all kinds of unseen opportunities and clarifies issues once you get going forward. Set your sights high, aim for your goals and take action to move ahead towards successful career enhancement.

Tips for resume writing

2010-10-23T00:31:00.000-07:00

If you ever plan on getting a job or starting a career of some kind, you will have to have a resume. Not just a piece of paper that gives the employer some information about yourself, but rather something that will set you apart from the others applying for the same position. One would like to think that there is one way to write a resume, and that if you follow that exact formula, you're set. But this is not the case. Each employer is different, so some might like one style over another. We can however give you some tips that will turn you in the right direction.

One thing that we see over and over again in resumes is an overload of information. I guess there are many resume writers that think quantity will impress people over quality. They are dead wrong. Employers are busy people, and don't have all day to dig through a mountain of information. So keep it informative, but to the point. Don't add things in there that aren't relevant to the job. In other words, don't list that you like pets when you're applying for a job as a web designer. In keeping with the "to the point" rule, keep your resume to one page. They shouldn't have to flip a page over to see what they are looking for. This is a waste of their time.

So what should you include on your resume?

A) Your name and other information on how to reach you. It’s kind of pointless handing in a resume if they can't get back to you. :)

B) Your Objective. There are quite often other positions to fill, so make sure to specify what you are applying for.

C) Training and Education. List your training and education with the most recent being on top. List only what is related to the job. Make sure to list any side classes you took that could be related to the job.

D) Experience. Make sure once again that you are showing quality, and not quantity. If you are really weak in the experience area, still be careful as to not make it seem like you are just trying to fill in some space.

Although you want to keep a resume to one page, you must not do so by using a font that is difficult to read because it is too small. I find that a font size of 12 or so does the trick. Anything smaller than a point size of 11 is pushing it, and might make it hard to read. This is especially the case if the employer is older. One test to see if the font is too small is to ask a parent to read it. If they have to squint or move the resume back and forth until they find a good reading distance, you might have something that is challenging to read. Fonts that you might want to use are Times New Roman, Arial, Garamond, Bookman, or Helvetica. These are easier to read, and can be found pretty much on any computer. Don’t bother with crazy script fonts or other fun looking fonts. You want to make sure your resume reflects professionalism and structure, not a casual direction or feel.

Make sure that your resume has room to breathe. Don’t clutter and squeeze things in just to fit them in. Adding some space creates a nice visual organization that breaks down the page into more manageable pockets of information, and makes it easier for an employer to find what they are looking for. It’s very hard scanning through information when it’s all squished together. So keep it nicely spaced.

When you are ready to finally print this resume, make sure not to get cheap on the paper it’s printed on, or the way it is printed. Use a laser printer when printing your resume up, and make sure it’s on crisp thicker stock paper that doesn’t have any blemishes or folds. Make sure to have at least 20lb stock. Outputting to a laser printer will ensure the darkest text, and that it won’t bleed or smear. Inkjets just don’t cut it for this task.

In the end, make sure you keep it simple and to the point. Don’t add what you don’t need to for the sake of making you look busy or important. Just add what is necessary to reflect the important aspects that will make yourself a good fit for that company. Give the resume room to breathe, and don’t skimp out on the printing process. Follow these simple guidelines, and you’ll be well on your way creating to a rock solid resume, and a strong impression on employers as well.

Ways to Determine Your Perfect Career

2010-09-23T00:30:00.000-07:00

Have you ever felt stuck in your career? Employee stress and burn out can account for a lot of dissatisfaction in your life. After all, you are at work some 8 hours a day or more. That’s 1/3 of your day if you don’t count sleep. That’s a long time to be dissatisfied.

If you feel stuck, here are 6 great ways to find your ideal career:

1. Brainstorm on a sheet of paper - I’ve talked about this before and it’s a strategy I use all the time. Take a pad of paper and write down at the top your objective in question form. Then, simply list out 20 answers to your question. For example, you could write “What should I be doing with my time and life?” Then stay seated for a half hour to an hour coming up with answers to that question. The key to this exercise is coming up with 20 answers - don’t quit until you have 20 answers. You can repeat every day until you get the answer you seek.

2. Ask 3 close friends - Sometimes our friends know us better than ourselves. While meeting with one of your friends, mention you are at a crossroads in your life and career. Ask what they think you’d enjoy doing. You might be surprised at how easily they can zero in to your strengths and abilities and report a perfect job area.

3. Ask your boss and coworkers - much like your friends in the example above, your boss and coworkers most likely see you in a way you do not see yourself. In fact, they are likely most familiar with your strengths and weaknesses in the work environment. Compile all the answers you get from them and see if there are any common threads you can explore.

4. Call a headhunter - If you are searching in your career, it’s likely you have a resume. Sometimes you can catch a headhunter or recruiter during their slow times and meet with them to pick through what you might be good at. I’ve done this at different times in my life and the people seem open to talking with people. After all, if you don’t get paid, they don’t either. The ideas I get are usually good.

5. Take a career assessment test - There are several sites on the Internet you might be able to take one of these tests for a fee. But using my ‘headhunter’ tip above, many headhunters have this software and don’t mind you taking the test in their office. I’ve taken these tests two times in my life and they usually take an hour or two, but they are thorough. They ask you to answer a series of questions about what you are good at, what you like to do, what you prefer doing over what you don’t. If you take one, you will likely see some new exciting areas to explore in your life.

6. Keep a journal - Do you keep a journal? If so, read through, looking for common threads in your writing. Keep your eyes peeled for trends and activities you like as well as don’t like. In fact, finding examples of what you don’t like and what frustrates you is almost as important as finding what you do like. For example, if you hate an overwhelming boss, you’d probably like a self-directed position. If you hate nosy coworkers you’d probably prefer your own office.

Discovering what you really want to do with your life is the most important decision you can make. We spend 1/3 or more of our lives at work. So figuring out the right career is important to keeping that 1/3 of our lives happy and productive.

Aggressively Written Resumes

2009-08-30T20:22:00.000-07:00

When writing resumes, it is important to remember whom it is you're trying to please - (is it you, or the hiring authority?) In this article I will present my ideas of what makes up really aggressive documents, based on my many years in the industry, and my career in owning and managing a successful resume writing and career marketing firm.

Who Is Reading Your Resume?

Make no mistake about it, aggressive documents are necessary to be successful in today's competitive job search. But first, some history. Let's examine some of the "hiring authorities." Before my career in the resume writing industry, I spent several years as an executive recruiter, placing mid- and senior-level executives in top corporations. Eventually, I managed that firm, which employed 24 recruiters working 10 "desks." A "desk" is a specialty: finance, banking, engineering, information systems, legal, are all known as "desks" and each recruiter (or team of recruiters) specialized in placing upper managers and executives in a chosen field.

I no longer place candidates, and devote all my energies to resumes and the career marketing industry as a whole, and my own firm in particular. However, I still have many connections with recruiters, and have respect for the really great ones, and distaste for the all-too-often bad ones!

I think it's important to remember that these days, people in career transition are driven to explore many methods in their job search. In the past, it was much easier to look for a job - individuals simply read the classified ads, called the telephone number listed and chatted with the person over the phone, setting up an in-person interview for the next day. What a snap!

These days, however, the job search is much more complex. Competition for employment has never been greater. The entire process is often drawn-out, depersonalized and hard, hard, hard! Resumes are no longer just asked for, they are DEMANDED. In reality, they are a prerequisite for a job search.

My point is, you have to remember what the resume's purpose actually is and write accordingly. The dynamics in this field are very exciting but also very volatile. The buzz words are forever changing. Companies, for example, were at one time laying-off, then downsizing... rightsizing... reorganizing, and now reengineering. Whew!

Recruiters, company hiring managers and human resources professionals are all components in your job search, and it is the resume's job to land interviews.

I routinely speak with professional recruiters, H.R. professionals and hiring managers to get their reactions and opinions to resume styles, formats, contents and verbiage. Remembering that resumes are actually marketing pieces designed to sell you to potential employers, aggressive resumes are NOT simply a listing of your work experience or your biography (life on paper).

What Makes A "Winning" Resume?

Here are some of my methods and suggestions for writing aggressive resumes, based on my own experience as a recruiter, my interaction with hiring professionals and employment specialists and my clients' success rate in obtaining interviews within 30 days.

Successful resumes need to SELL you over and above your peers and they create a sense of urgency for the reader to pick up the phone and call (or email) you to arrange an interview. Otherwise, the alternative is the reader scans the resume, thinks, "Yeah, this person has a good background," and then moves on to scan the next resume, pitching your resume in the old "circular file."

So let's examine some ways to write aggressive, up-to-the-minute resumes that really SELL you.

OBJECTIVES

There are lots of opinions about whether or not to use an objective, or just how to do so, if one IS used. The only "given" about the use of an objective, is definitely NOT to use one on senior level resumes. A CEO, CFO, COO or other executive's resume actually looks/reads silly when an objective is used. But for the mid-level or entry-level candidate, an objective can be useful. Here are a few ways to incorporate the concept into a resume...for a very targeted client who knows exactly what she/he wants:

BUYER...PURCHASING MANAGER...PROCUREMENT AGENT

or, for someone seeking to remain in their career pattern: EXPERIENCED COST ACCOUNTANT seeks a position with a progressive organization that will utilize a successful career to meet/exceed company goals.

or, for a client who has several fields she/he want to pursue: Results-oriented manager seeks a position with advancement opportunities; areas of interest include retail, electronics and communications technology.

or, if someone wants to change careers: AGGRESSIVE individual seeks a career in sales utilizing strong interpersonal skills to penetrate untapped markets and build a loyal client base.

What you'll notice in the above cases, is what's stressed in the objective: the BENEFIT the COMPANY will receive if they hire the candidate. What is not stated is what YOU want. Companies don't care what you want - they want to know what you can do for THEM.

A flaw in writing objectives, is that they sometimes just say the same thing that 78+ other resumes sitting on the hiring authority's desk state: Seeking a challenging position that will utilize my skills in editing, proofreading and copy writing.

Oh, that's exciting...makes you just want to jump to the phone and give that person a call, doesn't it? Stating that the person is seeking a challenging position is ridiculous. Would you ever state that you were seeking a boring position? Of course not - so don't state the obvious - it's a clich้.

REFERENCES PROVIDED UPON REQUEST

Using this phrase at the end of the resume is archaic. It's a given (talk about a clich้!), and contemporary resumes omit this. The better approach is to generate a prepared Professional Reference sheet which you can bring with you on interviews and leave with the interviewer when references are requested.

RESPONSIBLE

This word is often so over-used in a resume, that at GetInterviews.com, we never use it. Recruiters employed at retainer-only search firms have told me that the word "responsible" signifies mid-management and below, not executive-level candidates. Personally, I believe the word "responsible" is actually useless in a resume. Instead of writing, "Responsible for all departmental functions including accounts payable/receivable, payroll and invoicing..." I would suggest to use an action word that best depicts what that person actually does - for example, "Perform all departmental functions, including..." or "Oversee all departmental functions, including..." or "Review all departmental functions, including..." See what I mean? "Responsible" doesn't really SAY anything, it doesn't give a clear indication of what you actually do. Do you perform the functions or direct them? "Responsible" is too vague to say which.

MY, MINE, THIS, I

Using words like this in the resume indicates you are writing in a narrative voice, as if you are having an actual conversation, a dialogue with the reader. This is not the case: you are presenting your achievements, skills and credentials to a potential employer. My suggestion would be to keep the resume more business-like, more professional. In descriptions, the word "a" could be substituted for the word "this," as in: "Promoted to a $30 million division of an international widget manufacturer to expand sales into untapped markets" as opposed to "Promoted to this $30 million division...."

ALSO

I have seen this word used when describing daily functions: "Control and administer annual budgets totaling $12 million. Also, interface with vendors to negotiate more favorable terms and gain higher profits." Again, the "also" is a dialogue word, and quite unnecessary. In writing resumes, it is best to do what my Creative Writing professor called "tight writing." That is, to eliminate as many "an's, the's, also's, a's," etc., as possible. They typically aren't necessary and can be cut from the resume without loss of meaning.

NUMBERS

Contrary to the rules of grammar, EXCEPT for academic resumes, it is best to use numerals in a resume rather than spell out the number, even when that number is 10 or under. I know that grammatically, we are taught to spell out numbers like three, five, seven, etc., and write 12, 14, 16, etc. The numerical version, however, jumps off a page, whereas the spelled out version often gets lost. Because resumes are often only scanned by the reader 15-20 seconds, the actual use of numbers helps to capture the readers' attention - they are drawn to the numbers, which means they are spending more time looking at and reading your resume - and that's a GOOD thing! I made the reference above to academic resumes, because teachers, principals and superintendents are very sensitive to grammatical rules, even in resumes. It's best to spell out any number under 10 for these types of resumes. I would never recommend, however, that the words "percentage" or "dollar" be used ("30 percent" or "12 million dollars") - instead, use the symbol, as in 30% or $12 million.

EDUCATION VS. EXPERIENCE

Knowing when to highlight someone's education vs. experience is important. With certain fields (teaching, for example), the general preference is to lead off the resume with the client's credentials and educational background, even if they have considerable experience. Recent college grads should also have their education first, as it is typically their greatest achievement. However, someone who returned to college (part time nights, for example), while concurrently employed full time for the past 9 years as a travel agent, should have their resume lead off with their experience, and NOT emphasize they just obtained their Bachelors degree. They are not entry-level candidates - their experience is more vital to a company than their education. Remember that all resumes do NOT have to lead off with the client's education.

PAST / PRESENT TENSE

Writing in the present tense is always more aggressive than writing in the past tense. Verbs in past tense are in a passive voice, so whenever feasible, write in the present tense. Obviously, if you are still employed, your current job listing is written in the present tense (manage, direct, supervise, control, etc).

PICTURES

Unless you are an actor or model, do not include a picture of yourself under any circumstances. Companies these days are so concerned about EEO lawsuits, discriminatory cases and the like, that at best, they will immediately throw out the picture, or at worst, possibly throw away the entire resume, especially if the picture is printed into the resume. I can guarantee you recruiting firms are highly sensitive to this, as well.

GRAPHICS

Be careful not to make your resumes "too cute." Remember, companies see you as an INVESTMENT - they are spending x amount of dollars to obtain you (salary), and want to see a return on their investment. It is a business negotiation. If the resume appears too "decorative" or distracting because of cute clip art images or overly decorative paper, you may be dismissed and the resume tossed.

PERSONAL INFO

Marital status, date of birth, health, hobbies, etc., are not relevant on a resume these days.

Remember, you aren't writing your biography, you are marketing yourself on paper: why does the employer want to hire YOU above all others, especially when there are 91+ resumes from equally qualified candidates sitting on that decision-maker's desk? Answer that question in the resume, and you will have written a tight, solid, results-oriented resume...in short, a winning, aggressive resume, and the sort of resume that is vital for today's job search - and that of the next millennium.

Acting – Bringing a story to life

2009-08-20T20:21:00.000-07:00

Since ancient times men and women have practised the art of acting- playing the role of a character in a story, for the entertainment of an audience. Why simply read a story when you can take part in it, playing the roles and turning it into a display of skill?

Actors have found various mediums over the centuries, from voice acting on radio, theatre acting and cinema. From the Latin word agĕre meaning “to do” (see Wikipedia), actors literally play a role, speaking written dialogue and physically performing in a way that the character would. In most acting, a director is present, whose job is to tell the other actors what to do and make sure that the whole act is going smoothly and as the writer of the scenario wanted.

Actors are required to possess many skills such as physical strength and dexterity, vocal imitation and charisma. The modern cinema industry employs thousands of actors to play the roles of characters in movie scripts, recording them for show on the silver screen. Acting in cinema is rarely done before an audience, but has the added pressure of being seen by millions on the later screen release.

Acting is a traditional art form and many actors learn by going to established academic institutions. Famous institutions include the London Academy of Film, Radio and TV and the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Some actors train at a variety of different places, learning classical acting techniques and modern ones such as Method Acting. This is a style of acting in which the actor strives to be as realistic as possible, drawing on personal experience of emotional situations rather than dramatising.

The tradition of acting goes back to ancient times, with ancient Egyptians and Greeks performing either for religious purposes or more so in the case of the Greeks, for entertainment. A man named Thespis is acclaimed as being the first recognised actor way back in 560 BC, and his name inspired the term thespian as another word for actor (see New York Film Academy website). He is claimed by some to be among the first to personify a character for the purpose of story telling, using masks to discern between identities.

A Guide to Find Lucrative Data Entry Jobs

2009-08-10T20:19:00.000-07:00

Just like any other home based business, data entry jobs can be very lucrative and profitable if the work is done with persistence, determination and motivation. Online data entry jobs have been on the rise since the year 2001 due to the huge amount of information handled every day creating a need for data entry people. If the data entry process is not resorted to by companies or corporate houses there will be loads and loads of paperwork, which is considered to be non productive. It may also lead to loss of information, data and in turn revenue in the process. When data entry of the information is done, it preserves all the necessary information of the businesses and can help in the smooth flow of business processes towards profit.

There is a great potential for data entry jobs and the chances of making data entry jobs profitable is also very high. Many companies worldwide outsource data entry jobs. Some people even earn $1000 – $3000 as an additional income. To attain this level of earning, it is good to know what is required to become a good data entry personnel and the knowledge to source profitable data entry jobs. Data entry jobs provide a win-win situation for both the data entry person and the company which is outsourcing the job. The person can work as a freelancer and earn good money while working at the leisure of the home and the company can concentrate on more strategic issues than doing data entry jobs in-house. They also save a lot of time, money and energy due to outsourcing of the data entry to people working from home.

To make data entry jobs profitable, the person who is doing the job from home can adopt the following strategy. The person has to go through the available data entry jobs which can be done from home, then can narrow down the ones which can be profitable from 1 to 3 such kind of programs. From the narrowed down choices, he can choose the one with a money back guarantee program. The reputation of the company who is giving data entry jobs is very important.

Getting organized in work is also a step towards profit making. While working from home, the work area needs to be very comfortable to work. The monitor should be fully visible and there should not be any clutter in the work place as it will distreat the person distract from the work he is doing. When a person works on the job he should be feel inviting and comfortable to make profits.

The mail box folders have to be organized in such a way that any information can be got at any time without having to search relentlessly. Since, data entry job involve managing data and information, it has to be in a very organized manner. This will show the person as well structured and organized. The company providing data entry jobs will prefer only such people and give them more and more work, in turn making the data entry job a profitable one.

A Closer Look At Radiology Technician Jobs

2009-07-30T20:17:00.000-07:00

Are you interested in the field of radiology? Have you ever considered becoming a radiology technician? If you're looking for information on radiology technician jobs, you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find all the information you need to know regarding this job, including what will be required of you and what types of jobs are available. Let us help you decide if it's the right career choice for you.

Job description

What, exactly, is a radiology technician? If you've ever gotten an X-ray or an ultrasound at the doctor's office, then you've dealt with a radiology technician. Radiology techs are trained to use X-ray machines, ultrasound machines, positron emission scanners, and various other types of machines to view the inside of the human body. The information gathered from these scans is put into image form, and the tech is in charge of developing the images. The physician then uses them to help diagnose any illnesses the patient may have.

Some radiology technician jobs are highly specialized, dealing with certain types of equipment and scans. All radiology technicians are expected to deal directly with the patient; in fact, part of the job description is to prep the patient for the scan and make sure they are comfortable.

When X-rays and other potentially hazardous machines are involved, radiology technicians must set up the machines properly and ensure that the room is arranged safely. Lead screens and shields must be arranged at a certain distance from the X-ray, and the room must be properly sealed. Radiology technicians are well-trained in all of these aspects of handling X-rays and other machines.

Techs work closely with physicians and health care practitioners, who are in charge of analyzing the images produced by the X-rays or other procedures. Most general physicians will set up appointments for their patients with radiologist techs, and specify what types of procedures need to be performed. The radiology technician is in charge of getting clear and correct images as specified by the physician.

Some radiology techs, such as sonographers, work specifically with a certain type of procedure. Sonographers, for example, work with machines that produce images by sending sound waves through the body. In these cases, the tech is also trained in how to interpret the results, and they will often assist the physician in reading the results and diagnosing and treating the patient's illnesses.

Requirements of the job

Radiology technician jobs are plentiful in today's medical world, and those with the proper training shouldn't have any trouble finding a job. Techs are required to have a high school diploma or its equivalent. They must then attend and graduate from a training program that specializes in radiology. Training programs generally last from two to four years, and can be found either through schools or through hospitals and clinics.

Types of Radiology Technician jobs

Radiology technicians work under a wide range of conditions. Traveling radiology techs go around to various hospitals that do not have trained techs on staff, and stay for a few months in each location. Radiology techs may also work in clinics, laboratories, nursing homes, or in private homes. The type of job you choose to pursue is entirely up to you.

The field of radiology technician jobs is advancing quickly, and there's never been a better time to get involved. With a shortage of radiology techs in the field, finding a job is easy, and many hospitals are eager to hire and help train newly certified techs.

Learn valuable skills with true opportunity for advancement, and give yourself the chance to really make a difference with a radiology technician job.

Advancements in Information Technology Lead to Job Growth

2009-07-20T20:21:00.001-07:00

The Information Technology (IT) industry is well known for experiencing growing pains related to the technological advancements that are the foundation of the field itself. Advancements in technology, while necessary, often force IT professionals to focus on a particular area of expertise in order to meet the specialized needs of different industries. This newfound emphasis on specialization has led to the creation of new positions within the IT field with expansion resulting in job diversification.

Not so long ago, IT managers and administrators were responsible for all facets of a company's data systems, including development, accessibility, storage and security. These rising stars of the computer age were often single handedly responsible for maintaining the systems that businesses relied upon to function. For many, budgetary free reign was allowed for software and hardware purchasing with the singular requirement that all systems continue to run smoothly and effectively. Larger organizations often had in-house IT administrators who worked alongside the employees of companies that provided implementation services. The outsourced agents were a necessity for the maintenance of massive IT installations, while their company counterparts served to relay information regarding the purchased systems to management in a jargon free and palatable manner.

Today, the majority of small to medium sized businesses operate completely in-house. Even larger organizations are limiting outsourced personnel to the bare minimum, preferring to hire specialized permanent employees to fill the positions that were once manned by a labor force provided by another company. Upper echelon IT managers are more likely to have business heavy education and experience credentials while their subordinates may be experts in either the software, hardware, or security side of IT infrastructures, but rarely all three. With data tampering and theft becoming a major concern in recent years, the job market for data security personnel alone has risen substantially.

As we move forward into the future of information technology, the trend for a specialized workforce in the IT sector of employment will likely continue. Even educational institutions are beginning to recognize this expansive diversification and IT degree programs with an emphasis on even the most obscure facets of the industry can now be found. While the onset of the computer age has certainly resulted in the reduction of many positions in the overall workforce, the weight of its own complexity may yield new positions that can balance those losses as we move forward.

8 Resume Editing Tips

2009-07-20T20:15:00.000-07:00

It’s amazing what a well-written and nicely presented resume can do for your job search. Before you send yours out, follow this checklist to ensure you are sending out an excellent quality representation of yourself.

1. Grammar, spelling, punctuation - Use the grammar and spell check function, then print it out and read the document word for word. Spell checker doesn’t know that you meant "manager" when you actually typed "manger."

2. Capitalization - Use a manual such as the Gregg Reference Manual if you do not know capitalization rules.

3. Punctuation - Check for proper use of commas and semi-colons. Again, if you are unsure, refer to the Gregg Reference Manual.

4. Run-on sentences - Check to make sure you do not have run-ons that are hard to read.

5. Consistency - You must be consistent with your number usage (dates, money, numbers), plurals, and abbreviations. For example, don’t list one date as 8/2004 and then list another date as 3/15/2004. Also, be aware of listing software consistently (abbreviation use). MS Word and Microsoft Outlook are both correct, but not consistent.

6. Education section - When you have a degree, list only the year that you obtained your degree. When you list your dates, (i.e.: 9/1998 to 1/2002) many resume-scanning systems will not recognize that you obtained a degree, only that you attended college for a period of time.

7. Ampersands - Ampersands (&) do not belong on a resume. There are a few exceptions. One exception is a well-known company name (AT&T). Another exception is well-known industry terms (P&L).

8. Hyperlinks - All e-mail and web addresses that you list need to be deactivated in your resume. To do this in MS Word, highlight the link, go to the "Insert" drop down menu, scroll down to and click "Hyperlink", and on the lower left-had side of this screen there should be a little button that says "Remove link", when you find it, give it a little click and voila! Alternatively, you can highlight the link, right click on it, and scroll down to "remove link" to deactivate the link.

Administrator Resume Samples Will Give The Edge When Applying For A New Position.

2009-06-30T20:13:00.000-07:00

Being an administrator, you may have to interact with the CEO one minute and the next minute a floor cleaner. What is expected from an Admin, varies from organization to organization.

But overall, an admins role is to be very flexible and friendly, approachable with good inter personnel skills. Also, as an admin you are expected to learn quickly. Having said that, make sure your resume conveys this message if you posses these skills.

Apart from the basic resume contents like contact information, employment history, qualification etc, following additional tailored information could be helpful to you.

- Mention How flexible you are. This is a plus for any role. But, for an admin, it is a required soft-skill.
- How good you are as a people friendly person?
- How do you handle others' egos? If you can speak CEO language as well as layman's office language, do mention it.
- As an admin, you might have to learn new processes and undergo new training programmes. Mention your quick learning skills.
- Mention how you have reduced costs and saved money in your department or the organization in general by any means.
- Narrate in brief why you should be called for the interview. For example Oracle certified database administrator with 5 years of experience, experienced hospital administrator with relevant skills etc.
- Mention any technical or computer qualifications and personality development, diploma in office administration or hospital administration etc done as a course with its content in brief, the duration, institute and also its results.
- Mention how you improved the efficiency and productivity within your department or the organization in general.
- Highlight any other achievements that have benefited your department and obviously your organization in general.

1000 things you don’t want in your job hunt

2009-06-20T20:12:00.000-07:00

GOING ONLY FOR BRANDING
Do you stick only to the top name job boards or portals? If yes, you are denying your chances of getting into specialized positions. Specialized groups or non-enterprise companies often steer clear of top names. Choose your resume posting based on the kind of recruiters that visit a given job boards.

OUTSOURCING YOUR JOB HUNT
If you are getting a peer or a consultant to do your job hunt to the level of making contact with a prospective employer - stop doing this now. You can get help to the level of someone gathering job order description or information for you. You make connect - use the opportunity to create an impression.

RESUME BLASTING
Do you treat your resume like a promotional mailer? Distribute it all over the place or get a group email ID and broadcast? This means (1) Your cover letter or your resume is not customized for the job order in hand - Resume customization in lieu of arranging the skill sets for the given job order. (2) You do not follow up; there are employers who seek to measure your interest with the follow up method that you adopt. Plus your prospective employer or their job consultant knows that you are hunting around, which will reduce your market value.

Another aspect of mindless blasting is clicking the APPLY FOR THIS JOB button wherever you see it. When you submit your resume to a job where you do not have minimum qualifications - and you have a reason to doing so - make an offline connect.

75% of email traffic received by a generic ID such as careers@bestemployer.com is junk. If you rely only on email to get your next job - forget it. Your resume is probably in the junk folder.

PRIVACY
Do not write a tell tale resume with private information. We’ve heard enough and more about misuse of private information. Another aspect of privacy - using Internet at work to coordinate your job hunt. Wake up - Even a mom & pop street corner store can afford a network and a firewall in it.

INTERNET JOB HUNT BALANCE
You do not want to rely entirely on the internet for your job search. You do not want to deny the abundance of information that is available on the internet either. Depending on your skills and where you want to be working next, see if your target employers and their head hunters are hanging out in Print Classifieds or Job boards.

BEING COOL
Email is new age - it has been for over 15 years now :), but an email ID such as kewldude800@xyz.com is not a great identification. Also see what your social networking page is saying about you - from the eyes of a headhunter, hiring manager or recruiter. Please blogpost here about ‘Big Brother is watching‘. Also your resume or your job hunt webpage is a business document; it is not your platform to express political views.

Balance 994 things you do not want in your job hunt come under ‘common sense application’. We do not want to question your CSA quotient by putting down all of those 994. (Actually, 6 things as a title did not sound grandiose enough to attract your attention)

10 Ways To Transition Yourself Into Retirement

2009-06-10T20:12:00.000-07:00

Let’s be completely honest. Everyone has their own dreams and expectations about retirement. Upon retirement, some folks plan to travel around the world while others simply plan to take excursions to their local beach. Whatever the retirement plan that you may have, being able to implement your goals takes a certain degree of financial security. The problem however is that financial security does not just happen but requires careful planning, commitment and yes, money.

To be a successful retiree, you must successfully transition yourself into retirement in order to meet your retirement objectives. In addition, you have to plan the amount of money you need and what you want to accomplish with your savings. After all, you’ll likely spend 35+ years in retirement so you must start planning now. In this article, we will discuss 10 ways that you can successfully transition yourself into retirement. They are as follows:

1. Debt Reduction - Make sure that you do not carry your debts into retirement. Therefore, commit yourself to paying off as much of your debts as you possibly can. Eliminate car payments, credit card debts, personal loans, etc. Do what you have to do now to squash debt and make sure that you don’t obtain any new debts either.

2. Have a Nest Egg of Emergency Funds - Have enough liquid funds in hand to cover at least a few months of expenses, without eating into your investments. Be prepared for the unexpected expenses while you transition into retirement. After all, emergencies will certainly come up but if you have a certain amount of savings, you won’t have to worry about them.

3. Adequate Insurance Coverage - Make sure that you have adequate insurance to cover your life, health, homeowners', and auto insurance policies. Reassess your insurance needs on a yearly basis to ensure that they suit your retirement needs. Be open to making changes as needed and check out your employer’s retirement coverage. Many of folks have been unpleasantly surprised to learn that their employers will no longer cover their medical expenses after they retire. So, if you find out now, you can take the necessary steps to protect yourself and your family.

4. Retirement Income Plan - To ensure that you don’t outlive your assets, develop a retirement income plan that includes your income and expenses. Keep track of your current expenses and cut back as needed.

5. Social Security Benefits - The rules for benefits are rather complex, so talk to a Social Security representative a year before you plan to retire. By doing this, you’ll be able to understand your benefits and how much you’re covered. In addition, you should apply for social security three months before you want to start collecting your benefits or three months before your 65th birthday.

6. Contribute to a Savings Plan - If your employer offers a tax-sheltered savings plan (such as a 401K), make sure that you contribute as much as you can. Not only will this substantially lower your taxes but will also make huge difference in your financial security due to the magic of compounded interest.

7. Review Wills and Trusts - Make sure that you have a valid will and/or trust. Not only will this protect your assets but will give you peace of mind.

8. Invest in IRA - By putting money in an Individual Retirement Account (IRA), you’ll cleverly delay paying taxes on investment earnings. If you invest $2,000 in IRA at 4% when you are 30, it will grow to $112,170 by the time you are 60. Now that’s a lot of moola for simply being smart!

9. Follow Basic Investment Principles - Just remember that how much you have for retirement depends on the type of investments you make now. Learn how to multiply your savings using mutual funds, stocks, bonds, etc. Consult a financial advisor for additional information.

10. Know About Medicare - Find out when it is appropriate to apply for Medicare and then apply. The Medicare application process and premiums may vary, depending on your age and whether or not you are receiving Social Security by being aware of the type of Medicare you may qualify, you’ll be ahead of the game. For instance, the two parts of Medicare are:

- Hospital insurance, which generally you do not pay. It helps to pay for hospital, hospice, and home health care.

- Medical insurance, which you pay. It helps pay for doctors, outpatient care, and other medical services.

Follow our suggested ten steps and you’ll not only improve your mental health but you’ll also transition yourself into a happy and financially secure retirement.

17 Important Things To Remember As You Prepare For An Interview

2009-05-30T20:12:00.000-07:00

Several Days - One Week Before the Interview

1. Spend some time to research the organization and the position at hand. To find company-specific information, visit your local library, run a search on the internet, or talk to current or former employees about their experiences and impressions of the company. Study up on the company's products and services, industry, target market, annual sales, geographic location(s), structure, history, officers, and any other key information. Are there any new trends in the industry?

2. Identify the organization’s major competitors and do some basic research on how they differ (either positively or negatively) from the company at which you are interviewing.

3. Prepare specific examples of how your skills and experience make you a strong fit for the organization’s needs. Practice answering directed questions about your experience, education, and skills and how they relate to the position at hand. Being prepared to draw colorations between your experience and the needs of the organization is one of the most important interviewing skills you will need.

4. Identify your strengths and weaknesses. Be prepared to talk about your weaknesses, but find a way to frame them positively. For example, “My biggest weakness is that I am a perfectionist. It may take me a little extra time to get a project done to my satisfaction, but you can be guaranteed that the work will pass even the most stringent review, be 100% accurate, and that no detail will be overlooked.”

5. Prepare several intelligent questions about the company and position that will demonstrate your knowledge of the company and your sincere interest in the position.

6. Try on your suit and make sure that it is still well-fitting and in good repair. If necessary, make arrangements to have it altered or find alternate dress.

The Day before the Interview

1. Contact the company to confirm the date and time of your interview. Also confirm the name and title of the individual(s) you will be meeting.

2. Get directions to the interview site. Be sure to double check the directions using a map. This will ensure that you know the way and also give you an approximate travel time – don’t forget to allow for extra time for rush hour!

3. Lay out your entire interview outfit. Check it for any spot, wrinkles, or snags.

4. Print off a few extra copies of your resume and cover letter on nice paper. Even if the interviewer has a copy of their own, it’s always a good idea to have a backup copy. This is also helpful if you end up interviewing with multiple individuals, since the head interviewer may be the only person with a copy of your resume.

Get a good night’s sleep!

1. Your brain needs fuel to run at peak performance and if there is ever a day you needed 110% from your brain, it’s today. So don’t skimp on meals. Be cautious about eating large amounts of carbohydrates right before your interview though, since carbs are know to cause sluggishness and may lead to a “post-lunch” naptime.

2. Get dressed early so you do not feel pressured to dash out the door. Pay attention to the details (brush off any lint, comb your hair, brush your teeth, use deodorant, etc.) and remember that a first impression can reveal a lot about you and your character.

3. Don’t forget to take copies of your resume, your cover letter, and your portfolio if you have one.

4. Leave yourself plenty of time to get to your interview. If you arrive more than 15 minutes early, it’s best to wait in the car or outside the building. Arriving too early gives off the impression that you have a lot riding on the interview (and have nothing better to do with your time), and also pressures the interviewer(s) into feeling that they have to adjust their schedule to accommodate you.

5.Smile and shake everyone’s hand when you are meeting for the first time - you should also smile and shake hands when the interview concludes.

6. Relax! If you have done your homework you are well-prepared for the interview. Take a deep breath and spend a moment collecting your thoughts if you need to when being asked a question. Ask confused about a particular question you are asked, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification.

After the Interview

Write a quick “Thank You” message to the individual(s) who interviewed you.

10 Tips To Resign Your Job With Professionalism And Pride

2009-05-20T20:12:00.000-07:00

Congratulations! You just got an offer for a wonderful new job. There's just one catch. You have to say good-by to your current employer.

Maybe you loved your job and you face an emotional farewell. Or you maybe you hated every minute and you’ve been counting the days till you could walk out the door one last time.

Clients often admit they’re nervous about making the departure announcement. They’re afraid the boss will be angry. They feel guilty about the work they’re leaving behind. Maybe someone else has to take up the slack for awhile.

But clients also wonder how to resign gracefully yet still protect their own longer-term career interests. They suspect their departure style will influence their careers for a long time,

They’re right.

Here are some guidelines to move to your next position with grace and style.

1. Give the correct amount of notice required by your company’s written policy.

Every so often my clients feel sorry for their former colleagues. So they stick around an extra week (or even an extra month). Inevitably, they begin to feel like a fifth wheel. Nearly everyone says, “Next time I’m leaving right away!”

2. After you leave, do not accept any job-related calls from your company unless you have a written consulting contract.

Your boss required two weeks notice – but belatedly realized she needs four weeks for a smooth transition to your successor.

Your boss made a business decision to require two weeks notice. When she miscalculates, she needs to accept the cost, just as she’d accept the cost of late payments to a supplier.

If your company needs additional help, offer to work as a paid consultant with a contract. But get everything in writing and make sure your new job becomes your Number One priority.

3. Study your current and future company policies regarding disclosures and no-compete agreements.

Some companies are extremely proprietary about their process and their people. Once you resign, you may have to leave the workplace immediately. Or your new company may ask you not to work for your former employer, even on a part-time basis.

4. Resign to your boss in person, if at all possible.

Phone is second best. And tell the boss before you tell anyone else – even your best friend or golfing buddy.

5. Expect your boss to be professional.

Clients often fear the boss’s reaction. However, bosses rarely are caught by surprise. Good bosses are happy to see their employees move ahead. Thank her for the opportunity to learn, which has led to your newest and most wonderful career move.

6. Thank your boss and your coworkers, even if you hate them all and can’t wait to leave.

You may regard them more fondly through a haze of memories than a glare of office lighting. You may encounter them at conventions and networking groups. And most likely you will benefit from strong references and goodwill.

7. Decline a counter-offer.

Recruiters consistently tell me, “Sixty percent of those who accept a counter-offer are gone in six months.” If you decide to stay, get a written job contract.

Exception: A few companies and industries actually demand proof of an outside offer before offering you any kind of internal raise or reward. College professors often work in this environment.

8. Treat the exit interview as a business formality, not a therapy session.

When a Human Resource professional asks why you are leaving, be upbeat and positive: “for a better opportunity.” Talk about how much you loved the company and your job. You never know where your comments will turn up, mangled and misinterpreted.

9. Resist entreaties to share the details of your future position with anyone.

Occasionally a colleague will try to assess your salary or other information “so we can stay competitive in recruiting.” Helping your company recruit is not part of your job and anyway, do you really believe this?

Details of your future employment should remain confidential, even from your close friends in the company.

10. Focus on your new opportunity – not your past expeience.

Once you’re gone, you’re history. The very same folks who loved meeting you for lunch will barely remember your name a week later.

And, if you haven’t changed jobs for awhile you may be in for a shock. Your first day in a new position can be a real eye-opener!

10 Steps to Getting Your Dream Job in Film Special Effects

2009-05-10T20:11:00.000-07:00

Getting a break in film special effects is hard, but not as hard as you may think. The following ten things will go a long way to help you achieve your dream job.

1) Understand the Industry

If you want to work in special effects, it’s important not just to know the difference between a Stag (stagehand) and a Director, but know how special effects itself is divided up. Long gone are the days when Ray Harryhausen (Jason and the Argonauts) would lock himself in a shed with a small team of people and do all the special effects himself. Now, everything is spread across different teams and departments. So, if you’re interested in sculpting sets and large monsters, you want to work as a film sculptor; if you'd prefer smaller more technical projects you’d be better off choosing the model unit.

2) Be a Realist

Working in the creative industry and particularly the film industry is not easy. You’ll often be faced with challenging projects and demanding deadlines and there’ll be dozens of different people waiting for you to finish so they can complete their own jobs. You’ll have to strike a balance between the time allowed and quality of what you produce; you can’t get too precious about your work. Not only that, you’ve got to promote yourself – all special effects artists are freelance and you’ve got to hunt down the jobs out there.

3) Study Art

Whether you’re self-taught or went to Art College, it is vital you have a keen interest in Art to work in special effects. If someone asks you to sculpt a life-size Roman-style Statute or an Egyptian sarcophagus it’s invaluable to have a point of reference in your own mind. But more important than this, it’ll make the job more enjoyable. You may be flicking through an art book over the weekend, and on Monday morning you’re asked to recreate one of the pieces you’ve been admiring.

4) Drawing

In the film industry all technical drawings are done by draughtsmen in the Art Department. So is this just padding to reach the magic '10' steps? No. If you want to create any 3D object, particularly the human form, it is vital to learn to draw and keep practicing. Sculptors regularly liken sculpting to drawing their subjects in clay from various angles. The key to good sculpture, like drawing, is defining the lines and shadows.

5) Practice

This is obvious but it's also vitally important. If you practice creating and sculpting things in your spare time, you will improve. It is also very valuable to recreate a film working experience – so limit yourself to reference photographs (rather than a life model) and give yourself a challenging deadline for the job. A little more difficult, but just as valuable, is to try different mediums. You may be an expert in steel construction and welding, but unless you join the engineering side of special effects or metal work team, these skills are useless. The materials of choice in the films tend to be low-grade potter’s clay and polystyrene.

6) Approachable

Almost everyone in the film industry is self-employed and so they understand the only way to get work is to promote yourself. This doesn’t mean you should go around to a potential employer’s house or create wacky self-marketing campaigns; it means most people in the industry are approachable. If you cold call a relevant Head of Department (HOD) and show commitment and desire to learn they’ll often agreed to meet you for 5-10 minutes to look over your portfolio.

7) Persistence

When you do finally meet the man or woman you’re hoping to be your future boss, don’t stop there. They’ll take your details but it might be 18 months before they have a suitable project and give you a call. You need to make sure you meet as many future employers as possible, and stop and have a chat with other people in the department if you feel brave enough. Try and leave a card or better still, copies of your favourite 1 or 2 pieces of work with your contact details on (and ideally your online portfolio address if you have one). Then, give them a quick catch-up call every 6 months or so – even if they can’t offer you a job, it’s amazing how much information you’ll get about different opportunities.

8) Portfolio

Vital. In a word. The key rules to a good portfolio are simple:

>Diversity – show different types of work you may have done – you may be proud of the series of 18 statutes you’ve done, but don’t show them all. Also, you may not think that 30ft polystyrene snow drift shows you’re finesse as a sculptor, but it shows your versatility so put it in.

>Honesty – it should go without saying but it doesn’t. Only one thing gets a HOD's back-up more than seeing a large piece of work with someone claiming to have created it single-handedly, and that’s seeing a piece of their own work being claimed by someone else. Believe me, it does happen. So, be honest. If you did the left foot of a giant, then say so and don’t be ambiguous about it.

>Concise – use your opportunity wisely. 10-12 photos are definitely enough to show a range of your work and skills.

>Best Foot Forward – most people will make a decision about your work within 2-3 examples so put your best work at the very front.

>Presentation – try not to have scraps of paper tumbling out of your moth-eaten portfolio. Invest in an easy to carry A4 portfolio and use plastic binders. If you have any Photoshop skills to improve the presentation of your work then use them. Don’t feel the need to take in an example of your sculpture – you will be showing your work to professionals who are very used to assessing work through photographs.

>Information – you may have produced a full-scale replica of Michelangelo’s David, but if it took you three years it’s no good to the film industry. Make sure you note down the scale of each example of your work, what material you used and how long it took. These simple pieces of information are important for HODs and will be appreciated.

>Online Portfolio – if you can, get an online portfolio designed and make sure any contact details contain the address. Ideally, try and get the HOD’s email address so you can send them the link. Any time you update the contents of the portfolio, it’s a good excuse to contact the HOD with another link to your work.

9) Networking

Networking can feel a bit uncomfortable and embarrassing at times, but it is important to get to know what jobs are out there. After you’ve worked on a job or two you’ll get the phone numbers of a few fellow workers – make sure you give them a ring. But be warned, if you’re first to hear about the new James Bond film and then tell everyone, you’ll find yourself joining the queue to show your portfolio. This doesn’t mean you shouldn't share information you may have about up coming jobs, it means you should bear in mind that everyone is trying to get employment. It's also a good idea to keep an eye on movie news websites.

10) Watching Films

A great perk for those times when you’re not in work – you can watch films and claim it’s research. Obviously, it’s a great feeling to see your own work on the big screen, but it’s also exhilarating to see the work and names of people you know. After your first job or 2 you’ll very quickly start to feel part of the industry and start recognising names and faces. Also, for those jobs you missed out on, you can go and have a good grumble about how you would have done it better!

Working in the film industry is not for everyone; but if you’re keen and develop you’re skills and knowledge, then you’re likely to get an opportunity to show what you can do. Best of luck!

10 Career Change Myths

2009-04-30T20:11:00.000-07:00

Career Myth #1: You can't make a living doing something you really, truly love

This is the grand-daddy of career myths, the belief that you can't have a "practical" career doing something that you were passionate about. It has to be one or the other.

This myth is rooted in fear. Fear that we have to sacrifice our happiness to make a living. Don't buy the myth that you can't earn a living by doing what you love.

When I first started coaching, I heard from plenty of people that it would be very difficult to make a living doing this work. I just decided to find coaches who were successful, and to learn from them (simple, eh?).

If you find yourself buying into this myth, consider this question - As you look back on your life, what will you regret more? Following your passion or following your fears?

Career Myth #2: It's a tough job market/economy

Even when the newspapers and other news sources say that unemployment numbers remain steady, that job growth is at a standstill, or that we're experiencing slow economic recovery, not to mention downsizing and outsourcing, don't believe it.

It's a myth because it doesn't reflect the whole story, the fact that that it's a different job market today. It's a changing economy. How we transition from job-to-job is different. Hiring practices have shifted. So the job market has changed, but that doesn't necessarily make it tougher. What makes it tougher is that we've been slower to change. We've held on to old practices and old behaviors. That's not to say that old ways still don't work, but they're just not as effective.

So I challenge you to just believe that it's a perfect job market for you to find work. I've had my college students try this, just for a week, and, more times than not, several of them find job leads or make important connections during the week.

Career Myth #3: Changing careers is risky

What's riskier than leaving what you know to pursue the unknown? Changing careers means leaving behind a piece of your identity - your "I'm a lawyer" response to the "what-do-you-do?" question. It might mean admitting to yourself that you made a mistake with an initial career choice. Or it might mean acknowledging that you're unsure of what's next. And smart people always know what's next, right?

Nope. Successful career changers often don't have a plan. In Working Identity: How Successful Career Changers Turn Fantasy into Reality by Herminia Ibarra, she provided evidence that waiting until you have a plan is actually riskier than just doing and experimenting.

Nothing, absolutely nothing, is riskier than not changing careers if you're longing to do so. Here's why: The longing won't go away. It will always be there, under the surface, waiting for you to do something about it.

Career Myth #4: Always have a back-up plan

Sometimes having a back-up plan is the smart and prudent course of action. Back-up plans are so grown-up and responsible. But what happens when you're standing with one foot in and one foot out? In my experience, we usually close the door and retreat. We are reluctant to commit to ourselves, and we end up denying ourselves the satisfaction of playing full-out, getting dirty and sweaty. We end up with feelings of regret and the nagging "What if?" question.

Back-up plans diffuse our energy. Diffused energy equals diffused results. Give all that you've got to your dream/passion/risk and you've got a better chance of being successful.

Career Myth #5: There's a perfect job out there for everyone

How long have you been searching for yours? You just know, deep inside, that there's an ideal job that's perfect for you out there. It matches your personality, skills, and interests to a tee. And it pays well. If only you could figure it out. If only you knew what it was.

Is there a perfect job out there for you? No. And here's the good news - there are more jobs than you can imagine that would be "perfect" for you. Chances are you've even come very, very close to a few of those perfect jobs already. So what happened? And how do you recognize one of these so-called "perfect jobs"?

Ever see the perfect gift for someone, but it was months till his or her birthday? Then when you go to find the item later, you can't. Another lost opportunity and you, once again, berate yourself for not buying it when you first saw it.

So maybe you've run into a perfect job in the past, but because of the timing, you passed by the opportunity. Or maybe you were so focused on something else, that you missed an obvious clue. Instead of dwelling on the past, which you can't change, vow to keep your eyes open and to look beyond the obvious.

Career Myth #6: Asking "What's the best thing for me to do?" is the right question

This is one of the most common questions asked when considering a career change or a career move. It seems like a logical analysis - weigh the pros and cons and evaluate the balance.

Do not ask yourself this question!! It rarely leads you to the answers you're seeking. It will lead you to feeling overwhelmed with options (sound familiar?), or feeling like you have to choose what's practical over what seems to be impractical.

The question that will lead you to answers is simple (but not easy!!) It is "What do I really want to do?" This is a very different question than "what's best?"

Career Myth #7: If you don't like your job, you're probably in the wrong career

Cause and effect, right? One way to tell if you're in the right career is whether or not you like your job. If you're dissatisfied with your job, it's probably a sign that you need to re-examine your whole career choice. This is frequently what I hear from new clients who have decided to work with a career coach. They know something isn't right because they don't like their jobs. Their natural assumption is that their dissatisfaction is a symptom of a larger underlying issue - their career choice.

This is an example of false logic. Not liking your job might be telling you you're in the wrong job. It doesn't necessarily mean you're in the wrong career. It doesn't even mean you're in the wrong job. You could just be working for the wrong person or the wrong company. It takes a skillful approach to discern the source of discontent, and I think it's very hard to do it on your own (shameless plug for career coaches here!)

Career Myth #8: Everyone needs a mission statement

Do you know what your mission is? Mission statements are supposed to guide us, keep us on track, and help us move forward. But what if you don't have one? Does that mean you're destined to never fulfill your potential career-wise?

A client who was a successful professional contacted me because she was at a career crossroads. She felt that if only she could find her mission in life, she would know which career path to take.

She had a clear goal for coaching - find her mission! Instead, the most amazing thing happened. She decided that she didn't need a mission. She chose to trust that she was already fulfilling her mission statement, even though she didn't know what it was. After the client shifted her focus from finding her mission to living her life, an amazing opportunity came her way and she pursued it.

Here's a little tip: If your mission statement is elusive, stop chasing it. Be still and let it find you. And in the meantime, keep living your life and see what happens.

Career Myth #9: Expect a career epiphany

When you see a link to "Find Your Dream Job," do you immediately click on it to see what's there? Do you look at every "Top Ten Career" list out there to see if anything catches your interest? Do you know your MBTI type? If you do, you might be falling prey to the career epiphany myth.

I'd love, love, love it if most of my clients had a career epiphany that indicated to them, in crystal-clear terms, their next step. Instead, I see career "unfoldings" or a journey of discovery much more regularly. That is, being willing to not ignore the obvious, the pokes, the prods, and listen carefully to the whisper within. Yep, forget harp music and angels, for most of us, the career epiphany is a quiet whisper.

Career Myth #10: Ignoring your career dissatisfaction will make it go away

Oh, if only this worked in the long run!! Granted, it does work at first. When you find yourself beginning to question your career, you'll find it's rather easy to push the thoughts aside and pretend they aren't there. You know what I'm talking about: the "what ifs" and the list of regrets.

Over time, the random thoughts become nagging thoughts. You spend more and more time daydreaming about options. You build your list of reasons to ignore your growing career dissatisfaction:

You're too old.
You don't want to take a pay cut.
You don't want to go back to school.
You missed your opportunity 5, 10, 15 years ago.

With clients in this situation, we work on identifying and challenging these fears. Sometimes the fear of change remains, but there becomes a greater commitment to living than to feeling the fear.

Challenge

So now that you know that one or all of these myths have been holding you back, what are you waiting for?

6 to 20% employers look up your social networking page

2009-04-26T20:10:00.000-07:00

Enjoying the anonymity of the internet in social networking? Are you revealing a bit more in Orkut, Facebook, MySpace, YouTube, or BlogSpot? Extreme political opinions, photos, college pranks, weekend preferences and more?

An increasingly popular trend, graduates stepping out of universities and looking ahead for their first interviews are closing their social networking pages. Reason: Big brother is watching. Job hunters are increasingly conscious of anything they put into the online sphere-even e-mail, which, of course, can be forwarded to anyone.

These are not entirely paranoia. There is anecdotal evidence and some HR reports talk about corporate recruiters are Googling potential employees, having interns log onto social networking sites to check out an applicant’s profile, and using the online world as another way to check references. This trend, combined with the growing population of sites like Orkut, Facebook and MySpace, has many young people uneasy and unsure about how to navigate a new world.

B-school administrators and professors are beginning to advise students on maintaining a professional presence on social networking sites, in e-mail, on personal Web sites, and blogs. Even if it’s password protected, recruiters have profiles, too, and can get into your groups.

In a survey by AfterCollege.com a little more than 70% of the 60 students say they continue to post the same things they always did, even though potential employers might be taking a look. About 20% of the 90 employers who have so far responded to the same survey, say they investigate new hires by visiting social networking sites. A considerable 6% of employers say they’ve decided not to hire someone based on what they saw online, but another 26% responded to that same question with no comment.

To quote Roberto Angulo of AfterCollege.com Students should be more concerned than they are.

The Disadvantages of a Career in Financing

2009-02-28T19:36:00.000-08:00

When we were young, we already had an idea of what we want to be when we go grow up. Sometimes, these changes as the years go by. While there are advantages in whatever profession we choose, we should also look at the disadvantages if this for instance will be a career in financing.

What is wrong with financing? If you think about it, nothing given that it is an honest job with a considerable rewards. But not everyone will be able to stay here for the long term which is why you have to weigh the pros and cons.

First, can you see yourself doing mathematical computations and giving advice to someone who is probably earning more than you? The truth is, some people can while others can’t.

The best test of all will be how well you excel in subjects like calculus and economics in school. You have to be able to understand these concepts and then use these tools to your advantage. Then again, there are people who may be good in one subject or both while there are those who will probably excel in other subjects.

Learning concepts is one thing but doing this job every single day is another. A good idea will be to talk to professionals who are already in the financial industry and see how it is working there. Make up a list of questions and ask for clarifications if there is something that you do not understand.

It will also be a good idea to read up on the finance industry so you know what you are getting yourself into 4 years from now once you graduate from college.

If you still choose to have a career in financing, here are some of the disadvantages you will hear or experience. You shouldn’t be discouraged about them but keep them in mind as you are starting your career in finance.

Professionals who have obtained their CPA’s and start work as accountants do not earn that much compared to those who are involved in investment banking and consulting. Also, they handle multiple projects at certain times especially during the end of the financial year or when it is time to file income tax that means overtime just to get the job done.

There is also the pressure given that you are in a fast paced game and you are dealing with other people’s money. If you screw up, this could mean financial ruin for them and you will be hired on the spot. But those who succeed can get a promotion, earn much more than they did before and even get to work abroad.

If you think about it, there are advantages and disadvantages in just about any job or career that you decide to pursue. How you are able to deal with it is the challenge that you will have to face on your own. Those who can stand the pressure will probably stay for the long term while those who don’t will quit and shift into another career.

Doing some research and getting your feet wet will probably give you an idea of how things are like working in the finance industry. This is what on the job training or internships are for so you know what its like in the real world.

With this information, you can then see if the advantages outweigh the disadvantages for you to purse a career in financing.

What to Consider Before Changing Career Fields

2009-02-25T19:35:00.000-08:00

Are you currently unsatisfied with your job or the direction of your career? If you are, you may be interested in changing career fields. While this is more than possible to do, it is important to remember that not all jobs and career fields are the same. For example, just because you may make a great legal security, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you are qualified to work as a nurse or another healthcare professional. That is just one of the many factors that you will want to take into consideration, before changing career fields. A few of the other factors that you will want to take into consideration are outlined below.

As previously stated, not all jobs and career fields are the same. That is why it is important that you do not make any assumptions. Assuming is the worst mistake that you could ever make, especially with something as important as your career. Before officially deciding to change careers, you will want to take the time to thoroughly research each career field that you may be interested in entering. These career fields may include medical, automotive, legal, retail, and so forth. This research can easily be done online or at your local library. Important points that you will want to examine include current and forecasted job outlook, as well as pay.

Once you have at least one or two career fields that you would be interested in entering, you may want to start searching for open job positions. The only thing is that you may want to refrain from applying for any of those jobs just yet. Instead, you will want to examine a number of different factors. One of those factors is pay. For the positions that you would be interested in apply for is the pay enough to support your family? While some circumstances may allow you to take a pay cut, you may want to refrain from doing so if possible.

In addition to pay, you will want to examine some of the job openings that you are able to come across to learn as much as you can about average job requirements. These job requirements may include education, training, or previous work experience. What is nice about this information is that it is easy to come across. You will find that most job listings, both in print and online, will outline all of the requirements needed for the job. This will give you a good idea as to whether or not you are qualified for the job or jobs of your dreams. With that in mind, if you have yet to quit your job, you may want to take the time to take a few night or weekend training courses to help improve your training and experience.

In keeping with career training, if you are interested in increasing your chances, you will want to consider taking a few of these training courses or classes. They come in a number of different formats, but they are all designed to help you prepare for a career change. For example, hopeful accountants may learn how to prepare taxes, keep accurate business records, and so forth. In all honesty, the length of training needed or required will all depend on the career field that you are interested in entering.

If you are interested in using career training courses or classes to improve your chances of seeing a successful career change, you will want to use your local newspaper or the internet. Many career training courses are advertised in both locations. You may also want to examine your local community colleges or vocational centers to see what they have available. Yes, you will have to pay to attend a career training course or a class, but it will almost always be worth in the end. Hopefully, the end result will be a successful entrance into a new career field, namely the career field of your choice.

Types of Accountancy Career

2009-02-20T19:34:00.000-08:00

Now that you’ve taken up a course in accountancy, you probably know that there are various types of careers in accountancy waiting for you after you’ve graduated. If you pass the CPA examination, you will have higher chances in securing a position as a professional accountant.

Accounting in itself is considered an art. In involves analysis and interpretation of financial data. Do you believe that individuals and businesses need accounting one way or another? Aside from business establishments, individuals also make use of accounting in their everyday life. For instance, when you compute or evaluate your expenses, income, and other financial information, that is already considered accounting. Accounting is very important and because of that, it is considered an indispensible business tool. Big and small businesses, as well as individuals, need accounting.

Accounting is of several types and therefore, when you decide to look for an accountancy career in the future, you will notice that there also several types of accountancy careers available.

To start with, you can become an industrial or private accountant. Here, accounting is limited to only one firm. If you choose this profession, you will only be serving one employer. You have to provide your best service and skills to your employer and in turn, the employer will remunerate you.

The second accountancy career that you may be able to land is serving as a public accountant. If you’re already a CPA, you can serve the general public. You will be called a public accountant once there is already the so-called practitioner-client connection or relationship. Even those accountants who are not yet certified can already practice their profession. Oftentimes, CPAs join partnerships and they have a wide scope of clientele from the local area to the national and even international clients at times.

Being a government accountant is another career. In this profession, you will be working for the government, whether local, state, or federal. The accounting methods used conventionally are also used in government accounting. You will make use of the method called double-entry systems and you will be using journals as well as ledgers. If you’re a government accountant, you will be focusing more in rendering service. Government units are not very particular with profits because they are put up to serve the public.

Fiduciary accounting is another type of accountancy careers. Here, accounting relies on trust. Executors, administrators, trustees, or any other person who is trustworthy can do fiduciary accounting. A fiduciary accountant keeps important records and he also prepares certain reports. The courts can authorize these fiduciary accountants to carry out their tasks.

The last is being a national income accountant. This type of career makes use of the social and economic concepts and not the concept of business entity. As a national income accountant, it is your task to provide a public estimate of the yearly purchasing power of a nation.

Now you know the different types of career in accountancy. To sum it all up, the five types are as follows: industrial or public accounting, public accounting, government accounting, fiduciary, and national income accounting. So, which of these five careers will you specialize in? You have to choose wisely because your future career will depend on it. While you’re still studying, you can already determine which career path to take.

Plan ahead because by doing so, you can reach all your goals in life.

Accountancy Auditing Careers

2009-02-15T19:34:00.000-08:00

Within the field of accounting, there are a lot of career choices and accountancy auditing careers is just one. Auditing is very important and it is considered as an integral part of business finances. Auditors are greatly needed to examine, analyze, and verify the business finances.

The Bureau of Labor claims that accountancy auditors are in-demand at present and in the years to come. Employment of auditors is expected to increase eventually. If you’re still looking for an accountancy career, you might want to consider working as a company auditor.

What is an auditor? Auditors are also accountants. However, they primarily deal with examining and corroborating financial statements. The various statements are examined closely and the auditors make sure that everything will ‘add up’. Sometimes, inaccuracies and errors occur. The task of the auditor is to determine where these inaccuracies or errors exist. Aside from that, auditors develop certain courses of action to avoid future errors.

If you think that the task of the auditor is simply scrutinizing financial statements, you’re quite wrong. Auditors examine the various company bills and they ensure debit and credit accuracy. Errors are immediately corrected to avoid financial problems.

Government auditors are different from non-government auditors. You see, they are the ones who examine from different perspective – the tax perspective. Some filed tax returns are suspicious and so the task of the government auditors is to conduct an audit on the individual or business entity and check if it’s accurate. A very good example is a business who filed a tax return, claiming that they incurred many expenses.

IRS auditors will then check the said expenses to ensure that it meets the tax code criteria. If it does not meet the criteria, the company can be given penalties. Most tax auditors have bad reputations but they deserve more than that. You see, being a government auditor is among the top accountancy careers because they make sure that the people are honest enough to file their tax returns and that the government will not be cheated.

An accountancy career is technology driven. Many years ago, auditors work manually but nowadays, it’s a lot different. Present-day auditors should know how to work with computers and complicated accounting software or programs. This is the only way to keep up with technology and to stay competitive in the market.

If you want to become a company auditor someday, you have to graduate with a bachelor’s accounting degree. Certifications are oftentimes needed although some states don’t require it. More job opportunities are open to those who earned a Master’s degree as well as some certification.

Salary is a very important consideration when choosing a career. Auditors are earning a yearly salary of about $54,000. Senior auditors receive higher salaries which can reach as high as $80,000 per year. However, if you’re a new auditor, you can earn about $35,000 per year. You see, accountancy careers let you earn big money.

Starting salaries are reasonable and don’t you worry because after a several years, your salary will definitely increase. If accounting is your passion, choose an accountancy auditing career. Despite the bad reputations of auditors, you should still believe in yourself and that you’re going to have a decent job that let’s you earn reasonable salary.

Who cares what other people say; the important thing is that you’re doing an excellent job.

Dental Assistant Career Colleges

2009-02-10T19:33:00.000-08:00

Now what you have decided to start looking into a career as a dental assistant you will want to consider your options for obtaining the education you need to go into your newly chosen field.

There are many options to consider when deciding to go into dental assisting as a career choice. Many city and state level colleges will offer programs to help you start as a dental assistant however one of the more popular methods for obtaining a dental assistant certification is through a vocational or career training school.

Some of the more popular dental training schools are Apollo College which can be found at www.ApolloCollege.edu, Concorde career colleges which can be found at www.Concorde.edu, and also another very popular school is Bryman college at www.Go2BrymanCollege.com

While you can expect to make good money as a dental assistant, some of the schooling to get you started will be an expense that you need to seriously consider and plan for.

During the research that we did when writing this article we found that on average dental assistant school vocational colleges ranged between $2500 and $6,000 to give you the certification that you need to get started right away. A few schools have all expenses included however others do have material fees of up to $2500 which will want to be considered when making your choice an educational institution.

A few schools such as American career colleges www.americancareer.info offer not only dental assistant educations but medical assistant, pharmaceutical, x-ray, and nursing educations all under one roof. One of these type schools might be a great choice for you if you're not 100% sure that a career as a dental assistant is your final destination. By going to a college or career center that offers multiple medical field positions you will be putting yourself in a great position to see exactly what all of your options are when considering a career in the health industry.

A school such as this also would be a great place to continue your education after receiving your certification a dental assistant, to possibly move up to a dental hygiene position or even possibly continue your education in the future to become a dentist or possibly even an orthodontists.

Starting now and an industry that is growing as rapidly as the health care industry is in today’s world is a great way to insure you will have the skills necessary to maintain an excellent career in the health field.

With the skills you are about to learn as a dental assistant you’ll find jobs are not hard to find if you are skilled and professional at your newfound craft.

There’s a great sense of self-satisfaction to be had in knowing that you’re doing something that helps other people and improves the quality of life for many.

One area to consider if you like children is to specialize in dental practices that cater specifically to children. Specialized practices like this are a great way to carve yourself into a niche area of the market that is always guaranteed to be highly profitable and busy.

Working with children can be one of the most rewarding parts of a dental career and I highly recommend it as a specialty area for anyone considering a career in dentistry that also has a fondness of children.

So whether you’re deciding to go into dental assistant career college as just a stepping stone for a career as a dentist for orthodontist, or if working as a dental assistant is to be your final destination I want to say congratulations on your choice to look into the dental assistant field and may have much success in your endeavors.

Careers in Beauty You May Want to Learn More About

2009-02-05T19:33:00.000-08:00

Are a high school student who is trying to determine which career field that you would like to enter? If you are not a high school student, are you just an adult who is looking for a career change? If you are and if you have a love for beauty and fashion, have you ever thought about the careers that are focused on fashion and beauty? If you have yet to do so, you may want to take the time to familiarize yourself with some of the many beauty and fashion focused careers that you may find interesting.

One of the many different ways that you can make a living off of your love for beauty and fashion is by becoming a beauty consultant. A beauty consultant is also commonly referred to as a fashion consultant or an image consultant. A beauty consultant often advises or consults with those who are looking for beauty tips, like what type of makeup they should wear for a special event, like a wedding. Beauty consultant also offer varying services, depending on the individual in question. For instance, there are some beauty consultants who also specialize in makeup application, but not all do.

Another career opportunity that has a focus on fashion and beauty is that of a beauty salon owner or a beauty salon spa owner. In all honesty, there is a very small difference between a beauty salon and a beauty salon spa. Both offer popular services like hair care, nail care, makeup application, and tanning, but beauty salon spas also have a focus on many spa treatments, like massage treatments, acupuncture, and so forth. Getting your own beauty salon or beauty salon spa up and running can be a little bit difficult and costly, but as more men and women are deciding to pamper themselves, it is a business venture that may bring you profits.

As it was previously mentioned, owning your own beauty salon or beauty salon spa can be profitable, but it often takes quite a bit of money, hard work, and determination to get started. If you would still like to work at a beauty salon or a beauty salon spa, but you don’t want to start your own business, you can still do so. Each year in the United States, thousands of new beauty salons and beauty salon spas open for business and many more decide to hire new employees. If you have experience working for a beauty salon or a beauty salon spa or if you attended beauty school, even if it was just a locally offered training course, you stand a good chance of being hired as an employee at a beauty salon or a beauty salon spa.

If you have a love for beauty, but you don’t necessarily have experience trimming hair or doing popular nail care procedures, you may want to think about opening your own beauty supply store. What is nice about opening your own beauty supply store is that you have a number of different options. For starters, you can choose to have a storefront location or you can choose operate your business online. In fact, you can even choose to do both if you want. You also have the option of carrying as many or as few beauty products and supplies as you want to. You also have the option to buy all of your merchandise wholesale, which many business owners seem to find more affordable.

As with working as an employee at a beauty salon or a beauty salon spa, you can also choose to work at a beauty supply store instead of actually own one. Many beauty supply stores often hire beauty consultants, as well as managers, stockers, and cashiers. You may even want to think about selling beauty products for another company, like Avon or Mary Kay, as an independent contractor.

As you can see, there are a number of different careers out there for those, like you, who may have a love for fashion and beauty. It is a known fact that those who work in a career field that they enjoy are more likely to be happy with their lives, even outside of work; therefore, you may want to further research the above mentioned career and job opportunities.

“New Job Blues ... Now What?”

2009-01-30T18:28:00.000-08:00

You’ve landed what you thought was the job of your dreams. Each stage of the interview went smoothly - you sold them on your skills and expertise, and your prospective boss sold you on the position and benefits of joining the company. He/she seemed excited about extending an offer. And then, with offer in hand, it was thrilling to give your notice (or tell your friends you’re finally employed after a long stint of unemployment!). All seemed right with the world.

You’ve now been on board a few days… a week… perhaps even a month. Suddenly you’re not so sure you’ve made the right decision. The job that seemed like a dream is starting to feel like a nightmare. Perhaps the position isn’t what you thought it would be; it’s either too narrow, too broad, not challenging enough, or more of a stretch than you imagined. Maybe the company isn’t measuring up. Or, perhaps your boss isn’t the caring, supportive mentor you thought he/she would be.

In a state of confusion, you wonder what you should do. Stick it out? For how long? Leave? Then what? The decision to stay or leave a new job is a personal one, with no right or wrong answer, as everyone’s situation is unique. And most people, at one time or another, have been faced with this dilemma. To help you think through your next move and determine what’s right for you, here are some questions you may want to ask yourself:

Is it just the newness of the job? Changing jobs can be an unsettling experience. In your previous job, you knew your way around - you knew what was expected of you; you knew your job; you knew the players; you felt like you belonged. In a new job, however, it takes time to learn the ropes and feel like you’re truly adding value. Sometimes it’s best to give yourself time to get over the “newness” and then decide if the job is right for you.

Can you live with your boss? Hiring managers sometimes put their best foot forward in an interview, then do an about-face when a new employee arrives. Even though your boss isn’t the supportive manager you thought he/she would be, can you live with the change? If so, it may be worth staying. If, however, you experience a nauseous stomach on Monday mornings or a rise in blood pressure every time he/she walks into your office, it may be wise to consider leaving.

Can you navigate the politics? Office politics can be the bane of many employees’ existence. If you’ve been hired into a political crossfire, it will be important to assess your political skills to determine if you can make it work. If politics aren’t your strength, you may want to leave before you find yourself failing without even knowing why. If you’re good at developing relationships and working with differing styles, as well as “managing up”, you may want to consider staying and seeing if you can make a tough situation work.

What will you learn if you stay in this job? Sometimes a seemingly wrong job can turn out to be a terrific opportunity to learn new skills, become exposed to new technologies, and gain valuable experience. Is it possible this job could be a stepping-stone to a better, more satisfying job down the road? Could it ultimately propel your career forward? If so, and you can tolerate everything else, it may be worth staying.

If the scope of the job has changed, can it be renegotiated? If the actual work turns out to be far different from what you thought it would be, you may want to speak with your manager to see if aspects of the job can be changed. If the scope is too narrow, can more responsibilities be added? If the workload is too great, can you get some assistance? If the job ultimately represents a step backwards and/or you’re doing work you didn’t feel like you signed up for, it may be worth looking elsewhere.

Can you afford to leave without another job to go to? If your boss, or the job, or the politics are so bad it’s beginning to affect your health and personal life, then leaving sooner rather than later may be the best move. But can you afford it? Carefully evaluating your financial situation prior to jumping ship will help alleviate regrets later on. Consider also the momentum you had in your job search prior to starting your job. Can it be easily resurrected so your time of unemployment is minimized?

The decision to stay or leave an intolerable new job is a tough one. How long to stay is also a dilemma. Many have left after two weeks, never to look back. Others have stayed, only to regret staying too long. And still others have stayed and managed to make everything work out. Only you can decide what’s best for you and your situation.

If you answer the above questions honestly, you will surely make the right decision for you. Pay attention to how you’re feeling and what the job is doing to your health and self-esteem. Recognize that the longer you stay, the greater the requirement to add the job to your resume. Know that it’s always an option to stay and look for employment on the side. If you do that, it may be valuable to evaluate your job, boss, team, and culture requirements so you can develop some insightful interview questions to ask the next time around.

Talking with a trusted friend or colleague can be helpful during this challenging time. Whether you choose to stick it out and hope for the best, or leave right away and cut your losses, trust that you’ve made the right decision. And know that regardless of the outcome, the experience has presented an excellent opportunity for learning and personal growth that will be invaluable in helping you manage the rest of your career.

"Take This Job and Shove It" is a Country Song NOT a Best Practice

2009-01-20T18:28:00.000-08:00

"Find a job you like and you add five days to every week."
-H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

Sometimes it's an easy choice to leave a company. However, one of the most important choices that you can make in your career is to leave your current employer in the right way. Like any other relationship, there are faults and virtues with every company. At the end of a relationship, people tend to focus on the faults.

BREAKING UP IS HARD TO DO
When you leave a company, it is like breaking up with a boyfriend or girlfriend. Regardless of how you do it, there will still be emotions. The longer the relationship, the deeper the feelings. Keep this in mind during the separation. People express their emotions in different ways so be prepared to respond with compassion.

IT'S A SMALL WORLD
I've learned first hand not to burn bridges. In fact, I was hired by my former boss within two years of leaving the company. He had moved onto a bigger job with another company and thought of me when a position came open in his department. Since we already had a great relationship, the interview process was both short and painless. Also, the job was a significant step up for me both professionally and financially.

TO DO OR NOT TO DO?
Here are a few do's and don'ts that may help make the transition a little easier for everyone.

DO write and give a simple resignation letter to your immediate boss and, perhaps, your Human Resources Director, if appropriate. By putting a few key items in writing, it memorializes your intention to leave the company. It also gives you a chance to pre-play the discussion with your boss. The letter should include the following: your last day on the job, open items that you need to complete prior to leaving, and any work that you will need to pass off to someone else.

DON'T say anything negative about the company or anyone working for the company. While this is a good policy to employ at all times, it is even more critical when you are leaving. Disgruntled employees may seek you out during this time to air their negative feelings about the company or people working for the company. Resist the temptation to entertain these conversations. It is likely that your comments will be shared with others.

DO give as much advance notice as possible to allow for a smooth transition. Typically, this is two to four weeks. Use your best judgment to decide how long you will need to give keeping in mind what's best for the company. Be aware that is also possible that the company will ask you to leave immediately, especially if you're going to work for a competitor. This is nothing personal and should not be considered an insult.

DO work hard until you leave. It's perfectly natural to get "short-timer's disease" as you have already mentally moved onto the new position. Whether discussing movies, books, or relationships; people generally remember the beginning and end more than the middle.

DON'T take anything that is not yours. Whether it's a stapler, a book that belongs to the company, copy paper, or paper clips; leave them behind. While you're at it, tidy up a bit.

DO make yourself available for your replacement. If the company hires your replacement before you leave, offer to train them. Even after you have departed, it's a good idea to leave a phone number where you can be reach with times that it is acceptable to call.

DON'T abuse e-mail, the telephone, or the internet during your last days. Be sure to keep your communication as professional as you have during your tenure.

There's no reason that you still can't be friends when it's over. If you are careful to maintain a good reputation with the company, their suppliers, their customers, and employees; it will pay off considerably. It may not happen right away, but your paths will cross again.

"If Your Resume is the Cake, Your Cover Letter is the Icing."

2009-01-10T18:27:00.000-08:00

Cover letter writing is almost as important a skill for a job seeker to learn as resume writing. The cover letter accompanies the resume at all times as the primary support document. Whether you use traditional mail, email, faxing, or another type of electronic submission, this should always be sent with the resume. There are, of course, other tools you’ll use when job seeking. Your cover letter and resume come first of course, followed by follow-up letters, thank-you letters for after the interview, reference sheets, salary histories, and job acceptance letters. If you have good cover letter writing skills, and good resume writing skills, the other written tools should be a snap to compose.

Your goal in this is to get the attention of the hiring manager, just as it is with resume writing. The method and format are a little different however. Your resume will cover all, or most of your professional career, and will be from one to two pages. Your cover letter will be a very brief page serving as an introduction to the resume. Cover letter writing style must be direct, to the point, and able to grab the attention of the reader quickly, with a goal of making the reader want to read the attached resume.

Many people, when engaged in this type of writing, have a tendency to say too much. Good cover letter writing is short and punchy, and will take two or three key points from the resume and emphasize them. The old adage “tell them what you are going to tell them, tell them, and then tell them what you told them” holds true in both resume writing and cover letter writing.

As an example, let’s assume that you are a materials handling manager for a defense contractor, seeking another position. In your line of work the buzz words are MRP, lean manufacturing, ISO 9000, and cost savings. Your writing efforts should reflect these buzz words to show your value to your current employer and any future employers. Your resume will go into more detail about how you accomplished these goals. The cover letter will simply point out to the hiring manager that you accomplished them. An example of this would be two bulleted paragraphs in the body of the letter that say….

• Experienced in quality assurance and quality control, MRP, ISO 9000, QS 9000, and Lean Manufacturing.

• Demonstrated results in saving significant money for employers through cost savings, inventory level reductions, and on-time supplier delivery.

The hiring manager, according to many surveys, devotes only about fifteen seconds to each resume and cover letter he or she reviews. With that in mind your writing skills need to be top notch to get this person to look at your resume. Your resume writing skills need to be just as good to get the reader to want to grant you an interview. In turn, your interviewing skills need to be excellent to get the hiring manager to offer you the position. This long, and hopefully positive chain of events begins with good cover letter writing skills and ends with job satisfaction and a nice paycheck.

Career Change, Is it for a Baby Boomer?

2009-01-09T19:32:00.001-08:00

There are fewer worries when you're a kid. Your parents provide for all your material and emotional needs. As a person grows old, their needs and wants also grow with them. And finally, when they graduate college, it is now time to start a life of their own.

Looking for the right career that is of great interest to you can be quite hard. But if you successfully choose a good career and decide to keep it, you're life will be worth living.

There are many career paths to take. So before anything else, you should make sure that you're on the right path. Oftentimes, people end up with a job or career that they are not interested in; they simply manage to push through with it because they need the money.

In today's hard times, having a good paying job is already enough. You can finance all your expenses, most especially if you have children to support. But if the situation is like this, a time will come when you will finally get tired of doing a work that you're not interested in.

If you belong in the generation of the baby boomers, you already have a career by now. You're the type of person who wants to work harder and for longer hours. If you want a career change, it's never too late. In fact, most of the baby boomers in the workforce are retiring late, and there are still those who change their careers. Most boomers want to continue in contributing or working even after they retire.

It's common to change a career in your lifetime. You can even find people who changed their careers more than three times. The reason behind this is that they haven't found yet the right career that they can be satisfied with, and what they love doing. Perhaps they will stop changing careers only after they found what suits their needs and wants.

Confronting a career change for a baby boomer can be a bit difficult. Boomers grew up in a prosperous world, where everything was easy for them to have like education and their material needs. And with today's competitive market, a baby boomer should be able to compete with other capable people.

It would be better to view a career change as an opportunity to find a better career, one that will suit you best. You should find a job that you love doing and one that you could be satisfied with until you retire from work.

Around 3% of people going through changes in their career are only forced to do so because they were laid-off and about 4.5% just want to explore something else. Undergoing a shift in career will be much easier, enjoyable, and productive if you do a couple of things like:

1. assess your skills and see if it can be used in other jobs
2. money doesn't matter to most people; so find a job that is meaningful for you, one that you love doing
3. find where your passion lies
4. always be realistic; if your skills doesn't suit the job, you're probably better of without it
5. do you want to stay in the profession or do you want a radical change in your career
6. if you're satisfied with the present company that you belong, perhaps you can ask for re-training
7. don't mind your age, what's important is your skills and the things that you can do
8. you can join organizations in the field that you're interested in

These are just few of the things that you can do before seeking for a new career. Your job experience matters in getting into another career, as well as relevant trainings.

Change is natural. The world changes every day; inventions can happen overnight. But with a career change, you can't do it with the snap of your finger. You should consider a lot of things like your family, your needs, and other important matters.

It's never too late for baby boomers. You've lived your life long enough as a happy-go-lucky individual. It's time to stick with the realities of life and start working hard in your new-found career.

"Executive Job Search: 3 Jobseeking Ways to Find a Job Faster"

2009-01-01T18:27:00.000-08:00

Got a difficult problem in your job search?

Say, a lack of networking contacts? Or trouble answering interview questions?

Well, you've got company. Problems in a job search are as common as mosquitoes in July.

But ... have you ever written your problem down on a piece of paper?

I'll bet you haven't.

Because, when you write problems down, you take an immediate, huge leap towards solving them. Think about it: Every great invention or solution, from the atomic bomb to the Xbox, was first worked out on paper.

Why not solve your employment problems the same way?

Here's a three-step method that will help you do it ...

1) Start by asking the right questions
Most folks put themselves behind the eight ball in their job search by asking questions that are depressing and demotivating.

Questions like, Why won't anyone give me a job? or How do I network when I don't know anyone?

Ack. Pass the happy pills.

Instead, start asking questions that motivate and inspire you.

Better questions to ask are:

* How could I give people a reason to call me with job leads?
* How did my 10 closest friends find their current jobs? How could I brainstorm with them and use their methods in my job hunt?
* What worked in my last job search? The job search before? How could I do that again?

Important: Ask questions that you yourself can solve. Never depend on the government, your school, parents, family -- anyone else -- to do this for you. Because, once you give up responsibility for solving problems with your job search (or anything else), you become a prisoner of outside forces.

When you ask the right questions, however, you're halfway to the answer. So write down at least five empowering questions about your job search, right now.

Then, you're ready for step two ...

2) Brainstorm at least 20 possible answers
After you write down five good questions, circle the one question that looks most promising. You're going to use it to get hired faster.

Let's say you write the following question down atop a clean sheet of paper:

How could I give people a reason to call me with job leads?

Write a number 1 below it. Write a possible answer next to that number. Then move on to number 2, 3 . and don't stop until you have at least 20 answers to your question.

Not 15 or 19, but 20 answers -- or more.

There's a reason for this: Left to its own devices, your brain will pull a Homer Simpson after two minutes and try to talk you into going out for donuts or beer. Brains hate to think. Like bench pressing, thinking is strenuous work, no matter how good it may be for you.

But don't let your head off the hook. Don't stop until you get 20 possible solutions. Brainstorm as if your career depended on the outcome. Because it does.

Now. Most of your 20 answers won't be very good -- that's OK. Your best answer may come right after the most hare-brained. By forcing yourself to write out 20 answers, you're flushing the creative pipes while going deep into your subconscious mind to dredge up a winner.

Don't knock it until you try it!

3) Take action on one solution today
Choose the most promising from your list of 20 answers. Then, get started -- today -- to make it happen. No excuses.

Let's say the most actionable of your solutions is to throw a networking party where you can meet friends, family and acquaintances, and let them know about your job search.

Now. What do you need to do to make this party happen?

Well, you have to make the guest list, send invitations, get the food, etc. So write down all the sub-goals necessary for the party to be a success. Check each sub-goal off your list as you complete it. Before you know it, your networking party will be a reality.

After that, take the next most-promising solution from your list of 20 and make that one happen. Repeat until hired.

Here's why these 3 steps work when it comes to solving problems -- clear thinking plus continuous action equals results.

If you're struggling to find a job, write down clear, empowering questions of your situation. Then, brainstorm at least 20 possible solutions and take action on the best one today. When you do, you'll be that much closer to getting the job you really want, faster.

Now, go out and make your own luck!

Being a Nursing Assistant can lead to a Career as a Nurse

2008-12-30T18:40:00.000-08:00

A Nursing Assistant certificate allows you the opportunity to secure employment at entry level in the medical field. This position requires compassion and dedication to assisting others. It also requires a high level of effective communication as well as attention for detail. Most people entering the Nursing Assistant profession find it to be a rewarding and challenging career. However, many choose to use it as a building block for becoming a Nurse.

The program for becoming a Nursing Assistant is very fast compared with the time it takes to earn a degree in Nursing. Therefore, many see it as a logic choice to gain experience in the medical field. It is an excellent idea for those that aren’t sure if Nursing is for them. It is better to spend four to twelve weeks in training to find out then to spend two or more years working on a Nursing degree.

There are individuals who must maintain employment while pursuing their education degree for financial reasons. For individuals in this position, completing the Nursing Assistant program offers them a way to secure employment that is related to what they are going to school for.

Others choose to advance their career once they have been working as a Nurse Assistant because they see many of the tasks Nurses are responsible for. It is a level of responsibility they wish to acquire. Since they work so closely with the Nursing staff, it is a perfect opportunity to explore more of what takes place. Others have a sincere desire to further their education, but for a variety of reasons have not been able to.

There is a significant pay difference between working as a Nursing Assistant and having a degree as a Nurse. The dollar amount varies based on location, but on average the difference is $4 to $9 per hour more. It doesn’t take long at all for the overall income difference to be seen. Nursing assistants often decide that they want to work in the medical field, but definitely want to be paid more for their work. Of course, the level of responsibility differs greatly between a Nursing Assistant and a Nurse.

Working at a medical facility as a Nursing Assistant can work to your advantage when you decide to pursue a degree in Nursing. It might help you get into the program if there is more interest in the program than enrollment opportunities.

Due to the continuous demand for qualified trained professionals in the area of Nursing, most medical facilities will support you in your efforts to further your education. They will often adjust your work schedule to accommodate you whenever possible.

Tuition assistance programs are offered by many employers in the medical field. They work in a variety of ways. Some will cover a percentage of your tuition; others will pay up to a particular dollar amount. Often, you will be required to agree to work for them for a particular length of time or have to reimburse them for any tuition paid on your behalf. Others won’t pay anything while you are attending school, but will offer tuition reimbursement upon completion of your Nursing degree.

Another advantage of working as a Nursing Assistant prior to obtaining your degree in Nursing is you will have an edge over other recent graduates. You will have work experience to offer in combination with your degree while many others will only have their degree.

Employers like to maintain their quality employees. If you are able to show outstanding work ethic as a Nursing Assistance, it is very likely they will offer you a position as a Nurse upon your completion of your degree. This often depends on the job openings at the medical facility you work for.

Your certificate and work experience as a Nurse Assistant can help make career opportunities appear. It may peak your interest in returning to school to work on your Nursing degree for a variety of reasons. It can help you be accepted to a Nursing program, as well as help you secure employment after completing your Nursing degree.

baby boomer career change

2008-12-20T18:40:00.000-08:00

Career Change, Is it for a Baby Boomer?

There are fewer worries when you're a kid. Your parents provide for all your material and emotional needs. As a person grows old, their needs and wants also grow with them. And finally, when they graduate college, it is now time to start a life of their own.

Looking for the right career that is of great interest to you can be quite hard. But if you successfully choose a good career and decide to keep it, you're life will be worth living.

There are many career paths to take. So before anything else, you should make sure that you're on the right path. Oftentimes, people end up with a job or career that they are not interested in; they simply manage to push through with it because they need the money.

In today's hard times, having a good paying job is already enough. You can finance all your expenses, most especially if you have children to support. But if the situation is like this, a time will come when you will finally get tired of doing a work that you're not interested in.

If you belong in the generation of the baby boomers, you already have a career by now. You're the type of person who wants to work harder and for longer hours. If you want a career change, it's never too late. In fact, most of the baby boomers in the workforce are retiring late, and there are still those who change their careers. Most boomers want to continue in contributing or working even after they retire.

It's common to change a career in your lifetime. You can even find people who changed their careers more than three times. The reason behind this is that they haven't found yet the right career that they can be satisfied with, and what they love doing. Perhaps they will stop changing careers only after they found what suits their needs and wants.

Confronting a career change for a baby boomer can be a bit difficult. Boomers grew up in a prosperous world, where everything was easy for them to have like education and their material needs. And with today's competitive market, a baby boomer should be able to compete with other capable people.

It would be better to view a career change as an opportunity to find a better career, one that will suit you best. You should find a job that you love doing and one that you could be satisfied with until you retire from work.

Around 3% of people going through changes in their career are only forced to do so because they were laid-off and about 4.5% just want to explore something else. Undergoing a shift in career will be much easier, enjoyable, and productive if you do a couple of things like:

1. assess your skills and see if it can be used in other jobs
2. money doesn't matter to most people; so find a job that is meaningful for you, one that you love doing
3. find where your passion lies
4. always be realistic; if your skills doesn't suit the job, you're probably better of without it
5. do you want to stay in the profession or do you want a radical change in your career
6. if you're satisfied with the present company that you belong, perhaps you can ask for re-training
7. don't mind your age, what's important is your skills and the things that you can do
8. you can join organizations in the field that you're interested in

These are just few of the things that you can do before seeking for a new career. Your job experience matters in getting into another career, as well as relevant trainings.

Change is natural. The world changes every day; inventions can happen overnight. But with a career change, you can't do it with the snap of your finger. You should consider a lot of things like your family, your needs, and other important matters.

It's never too late for baby boomers. You've lived your life long enough as a happy-go-lucky individual. It's time to stick with the realities of life and start working hard in your new-found career.

Applying to Places Not Hiring: A Wise Move or Not?

2008-12-10T18:39:00.000-08:00

Are you in desperate need of a job? If you are currently unemployed or if you truly think that your current job is making you “crazy,” you may be. When it comes to finding a new job, especially in a hurry, there are many individuals who think that the more job applications they fill out or the more resumes they submit, the better their chances of finding a new job are. But, what about the employers who are currently not hiring? If you are wondering whether or not you should fill out a job application or submit your resume to a place that isn’t hiring, you are not alone.

When it comes to determining whether or not you should submit a job application or drop off your resume to a place that isn’t hiring, there are a number of important factors that need to be taken into consideration. Perhaps, the most important factor is if you know for sure they are not hiring. When it comes to filling out job applications, there are many applicants who try and determine, upfront, whether or not there are any positions available. If you happen to stop by a local business or call to ask about hiring and get a negative response, you may not want to submit an application anyways, especially if you gave your name. This tends to create a bad impression; an impression that states that you don’t necessarily listen to what you are being told.

Now, there is a difference between knowing in advance that a business isn’t hiring versus being told as soon as you go to turn in your job application or your resume. If you are told when you are submitting your resume or job application, it is advised that you ask about the future? Does the company representative that you are speaking with think that they will be doing any hiring in the future? If so, you may want to think about asking them to hang on to your job application or your resume for future use. In some states, employers are required to save all job applications and resumes for about a year. Of course, if the business in question later advertises the fact that they are hiring, you are advised against automatically assuming that your resume is still on file. You may want to call, just to make sure.

One of the few downsides to applying to places that aren’t necessarily hiring at the current moment is the timing. As it was previously mentioned, many employers are required to save any job applications or resumes that they receive for a period of time, like a year. This is nice because some employers decide to not even advertise the fact that they are hiring, instead many just go through the resumes or job applications that they accumulated overtime. The only problem is the overtime part. You may have submitted your application eight months ago and only end up getting a response now. If you are like many job seekers, you should be able to find a job in as little as a few weeks, sometimes a month or two at the most. That means that by the time your application or resume gets noticed, it may already end up being too late.

As a reminder, the decision as to whether or not you want to apply at a place that isn’t hiring is yours to make, but it is advised that you proceed with caution when doing so. If you are told that applications are not being accepted at the current time, even just to hang on to, you are advised to cut your loses and move on. The last thing that you want to do is create a scene or try to convince an employer to hang on to your application, as you may end up creating a bad name for yourself; one that may haunt you, you resume, or your job application for years to come.

'Excellence' Program Assists People With Disabilities

2008-12-05T18:27:00.001-08:00

People with disabilities remain an untapped resource in the nation's work force, facing an unemployment rate of 70 percent.

NISH, a nonprofit organization that helps secure federal contracts for agencies that employ people with disabilities through the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Program, is working to change the status quo. The organization has introduced a new program whereby agencies designated as "Centers of Excellence" serve as mentors to other agencies to help them improve the quality of the service and products they provide to the federal government.

The Javits-Wagner-O'Day Program is the largest single source of jobs in the U.S. for people with disabilities. Often referred to as the JWOD program, it provides employment opportunities for more than 45,000 people who are blind or have other severe disabilities.

Through the JWOD program, NISH works with a network of more than 600 nonprofit agencies that employ and train people with disabilities.

The program stems from the Wagner-O'Day Act, passed in 1938, which provided employment opportunities for the blind by allowing them to manufacture mops and brooms to sell to the federal government. In 1971, Congress amended the act to include people with severe disabilities and to allow the agencies to provide services as well as products.

According to a recent Harris Interactive survey, two out of three people with disabilities who are not working want to work, but the lack of opportunities and accessibility issues prevent them from finding employment.

Job Interviews & Interviewing - Dress Conservatively

2008-11-30T19:31:00.000-08:00

It has oft been stated that "First impressions are lasting impressions". So is it with job interviews and the employment interview screening process. Once a first impression is created it is more than difficult if not impossible to shake off or change those series of first impressions once created. It is as if you are being packaged for a sale - in this case the final product is yourself - looking for a successful job or employment posting.

If the whole packaging for an employment interview can be summarized in one sentence or phrase that is "To dress conservatively". The perception, that is unless you demonstrate otherwise, is that you are what you appear. Interviewers, and indeed people in general, assume you are what you appear to be. How could it be otherwise? That is unless you tell or present information in another manner or direction.

For example if a person its going for a job interview in an industry where trust and the perception that the organization or actual employee is to be trusted - such as the banking or finance investment industries then not only is it important to appear clean, pressed and perfectly groomed but also to cover tattoos and not to appear at the interview wearing a baseball cap or scantily clad. Similarly if you are to interview for a job in the health care field - say at a pharmacy or nursing home then it may be a wise idea to not only to cover those tattoos but also remove or even lose your nose ring. You may perceive them as cool and great but that may not be the perceived reaction both by the interviewer and potential customers and clients. and those that you care for.

Most interviewers expect applicants overall to wear business like clothes when they apply for office or professional positions. For men and women often a conservative suit of quality fabric is generally both appropriate and acceptable in these interview and business situations. In the specific cases of women, a conservative tailored dress or coordinated skirt and blouse with a matching jacket is also more than acceptable and appropriate in these cases. It has been found, noted and documented that some of the times that women who wear slacks to an interview lower their overall chances of being hired. If you want the job, then why take the chances unnecessarily?

If possible and whenever possible, visit your target and targeted employer or employers to observe the working atmosphere, conditions and dress codes. It never hurts to check out, prepare and observe. It can be a simple walk through - as in the case of a retail store. It may be just to scout. Or it may be to ask simple information on a product or service. Nothing wrong with this. Nothing wrong or illegal in this practice.

Even if you are spotted by the interviewer as having entertained this practice - it was just a matter of simple course and research to be merited and noted. You were doing good and thorough preparation to get the job. You want to fit in and be an asset to the firm or organization in order to become both a productive employee and full member of the team.

Lastly it can be said that even if the employer permits casual dress on the job, or for example "casual Fridays", even in the banking field., that it never hurts to err on the side of conservative dress and caution, that it is best to demonstrate both initiative and enhance your personal image and presentation by dressing more formally for the most important business meeting - that is your job employment interview. Remember that it is first impressions that are lasting. It never hurts to err on the side of conservatism and the trusted, true and respected when it comes to projecting the package of the product. In this case the product is you trying to get that job, career or employment through the employment interview process. Be seen and presented as an employee who will be an asset to the firm - both responsible and reliable.

About the Author

Winnipeg Job Bank Fire Your Boss Supervisor Alberta Job Shop

Researching Legitimate Work at Home Jobs

2008-11-20T19:30:00.000-08:00

When you start searching for work at home jobs on the internet, you will inevitably be faced with a dilemma: how can you tell for sure which companies are legitimate and which are scams? Sometimes it is almost impossible to know for sure, especially with new companies or those who are just beginning to build their internet presence.

However, there are several things you can do to research these companies to find out more:

1) Quality and focus of website

First things first; take a close look at their website. Does it have a neat and professional appearance? Do they focus more on their products and services rather than the fact that they hire telecommuters? Do they have a bunch of testimonials from people who are (supposedly) working for them and raving about what a great opportunity it is?

Whether you have prior business experience or not, you should be able to tell at a glance whether the company website seems to be legitimate. Even so, don't stop here because even some scammers know how to make a site look professional - they could even get a pre-made template to use.

Also take a moment to check the Whois information on the domain name. This will tell you when the domain name was registered, and by whom. If the domain was just registered a month ago and the company website says they have been in business for years, that may be a warning. (Not always - sometimes the company has focused all of their attention to offline business and are just now creating an internet presence. Still, be cautious.)

2) Contact information

On the company website should be some real contact information, like a telephone number and street address. If there is a telephone number, call and see if you get routed directly to voicemail. If there is an address, pull up a map service like Mapquest or Yahoo Maps and enter the address. Does it give you directions, or tell you the address doesn't exist? Do a Yellow Pages search and see if another company comes up for that address. I once researched a company that I was almost positive was legitimate but when I looked up their address I found out a funeral parlor was actually at that address. (Yes, I called to verify it; the funeral parlor had been there for years.)

3) Do they ask for money?

This really should be number one on the list of warning signs to look for, but sometimes scammers are much more subtle about it and they don't ask for money until you decide to apply for the job. If you see there's a fee right when you get to the website, then you really don't need to research any further! Legitimate employers will not ask for money, period. I don't care what they call it, an administrative fee, a processing fee, a "prove you're serious" fee, or any other kind of fee. If they ask for money, that is your cue to exit the website and not look back.

4) Check out the scam websites

There are a few great scam reporting sites that can be helpful when researching a company, like scam dot com and scambusters dot org. Visit these sites and search for the company you are researching. But don't stop there! Also search for any other information you have, like the name of the owner, hiring manager, and so on. If any reports come up, you will be able to read of others' experiences with the company. (By the way, just because a company is reported on these websites does not necessarily mean it's a scam. Sometimes disgruntled ex-employees try to stir up trouble, or there could be reports of poor customer service that weren't resolved satisfactorily, etc. Still, these sites are a good way to learn more about the company in general.)

5) General internet searches

You can also perform a few targeted internet searches for the company name, owner's name, domain name, and so on. Use quotation marks like this: "www.companydomain.com", and "XYZ company". Any webpages, blogs, or discussion forums that mention those terms will come up in your search. Most likely, if the company has been hiring telecommuters for some time, you will find plenty of discussions about them on popular work at home forums. This is a good thing because you can hear directly from people who work for the company, or people who can tell you for sure that it's a scam. Even so, take all this information with a grain of salt. Gather as much information as you can so you can make an informed decision.

6) Your gut usually knows more than your brain

Finally, your most powerful weapon against scams is your own gut! If something doesn't feel right, pay attention to that hunch. Don't let your desperation take control and push you into making decisions you will regret later. If your goal is to find legitimate work at home jobs, then keep searching until you find something you feel absolutely confident is for real. There ARE plenty of legitimate companies that hire telecommuters, you just need to be patient in hunting them down.

About the Author

Telecommuting (working from home) is fast becoming one of the hottest career choices today. People everywhere are escaping the rat race and enjoying the true freedom and flexibility that telecommuting can provide. If you are ready to do the same, visit http://www.Telecommuting123.com/success.html today and download our free guide, "How to Be a Telecommuting Success".

A New Life – A New Career

2008-11-20T18:38:00.000-08:00

For many the idea of retirement comes with the automatic translation that it means that you will stop working is just not acceptable. For many, retirement from work is equivalent with no longer living. If you have been a productive worker all of your life and someone asked you what your dream retirement might look like, you might respond “to work” because you may be one of those people for whom work is what gives meaning and purpose to life.

It isn’t fair for us to impose the same standards of retirement on everyone. To say that to enjoy your golden years, you must take up fishing, start sleeping until noon, sit in a rocker and watch the day go by and gradually turn into a senior citizen would to many be the same as sentencing them to life in prison without parole. So for many it’s very possible that working would be the thing that would make your retirement meaningful.

Still others must continue to work into their retirement years because they did not or could not prepare for retirement. Whatever the situation, there are some adjustments that should be made to shift to a retirement career that you can continue to do well into your senior years.

You can get a running start on your retirement planning if you find that a career change is appropriate later in life. Many times we do find that the career we are in may either be changing so fast that it’s hard to keep up, it’s too physically demanding when you are older or in some other way that job has become a “young man’s game”. If that has happened to you, you can get a jump start on finding a career that you can stick with well into your retirement years, that career can be an income generator that might never go away.

It is not at all uncommon for men in their later years to start a new career. Perhaps you just want a career where you can use the creative side of you and one that can be a natural transition into retirement. Perhaps you reached the maximum vesting of your retirement account with a job you held for decades so you can “retire” from that job with full benefits and funding and still start another career that you can take on into retirement and keep doing as you enjoy the fruits of retirement as well.

Many times the skills and knowledge you learned in the business world during your first career can transition you into a lucrative consulting career late in life. One way to explore this option is to think of the venders who sold goods and services to you when you were in your previous career and contact them to see if you might now represent their services as a former satisfied customer. If you had specialized knowledge and training in how to use their software or a technical product, that training which your former employer paid for can now transition into an exciting career as a sales representative or sale support for the very companies who once had you as a customer.

The internet can also open up worlds of money making opportunities that you can use to land work or sell something you may have made by setting up your own web site and learning how to promote yourself online. Many cottage industries have taken off and been hugely successful just getting what you do out into cyberspace. For example, if you are talented at making beautiful artistic pottery, you can create a line of pots that is perfect for sale over the internet. You can work with a skilled internet web developer and marketer to get your product out on the internet and before long, you might have more orders than you know what to do with all flying out through your web site which is collecting the money and filling your back account up with all the profits.

The ways you can create a new business in your retirement years are only limited by your imagination. And once you have a good new career going that you can continue well into your retirement years, you won’t have many of the worries other retired people have. You can enjoy the freedoms of a retirement lifestyle and made plenty of money at the same time. And that’s a great combination.

Making a Career Out of Artifacts

2008-11-17T18:27:00.000-08:00

You spend your childhood entranced by dinosaur bones and everything that was prehistoric and died several million years ago.
You gazed longingly at the collections of dinosaur bones in your favorite museum and begged your parents for your very own
ancient arrow head when you visited ancient Native American burial grounds.

Now that you are grown up, it is easy to understand your chosen career path when you think of your childhood days. You went
to school for many years and now you are an archeologist who spends his days digging up ancient artifacts and bones in some
of the most remote locations of the world.

To sum it up, you help the world piece the history together. There are so many things we have learned from archeology expeditions
that help us shape what we believe the world was millions of years ago. All thanks to the work of dedicated professionals
who devote their lives to studying the past. Their study of the past helps us create a better future.

Man would not have known about dinosaurs had it not been for archeologists who dug up the artifacts of that period including
the bones to show what they looked like millions of years ago. Also, if it was not for archeologists on their constant
quests for artifacts, we never would have learned about the lives of the Ancient Egyptians and the people who died in
Pompeii.

Archeologists are vital to the future of our world, but do not receive the proper amount of credit. They have been
instrumental in the formation of the United States as well. They helped piece together the history of the Native Americans
and helped find Native American artifacts like weaponry that help explain where some of our current weapons originated from.

Just imagine what we would not know if archeologists did not spend their time researching and creating our history. We would
be a world who thinks it started after Christopher Columbus sailed to America. Well, maybe not. But out world history view
would definitely be limited.

So, you may not know an actual archeologist personally, but than them each time you visit a museum, watch a historical
documentary or learn something about the history of the United States. They were the ones who helped do the research and
find out the truth behind the mysteries in life.

If you are interested in pursuing a career in artifact searching, find a college that offers a good program in archeology.
There are several across the country that will help you learn about the past and learn the tools to becoming one yourself.
These programs can be quite demanding and you must be able to handle the dangers and challenges that come along with this
sort of career to be successful.

Imagine walking across the desert and finding ancient scribes that were written millions of years ago. That dream could
definitely be a reality if you pursue a career in artifact finding and archeology.

Telecommute Data Entry Jobs: Are They For Real?

2008-11-10T19:29:00.000-08:00

One of the most sought after telecommute jobs are data entry positions. That's not too surprising - who wouldn't love the idea of sitting at home pushing buttons on their keyboard and getting paid for it?

Unfortunately, legitimate data entry jobs can be hard to find - but not all is lost! This article is going to show you a few tricks for finding the real jobs and knowing how to avoid scams.

Data Entry Scams

The first thing you would probably find if you searched online for telecommute data entry jobs would be scams. You can usually spot them pretty quickly and easily: websites filled with glowing testimonials from supposed employees who are earning thousands of dollars a week typing at home, and of course the ever-present request for money to join their program - just to prove you're "serious" about working from home. (Please don't fall for that. No legitimate employers will ask you for money.)

With so many of these scams taking up valuable internet real estate space, it can be hard to find the real jobs that may be buried beneath them. But do they exist at all? Yes!

I would recommend two courses of action if you want to find a real data entry job:

1) Focus on individual companies rather than "mass hires"

Rather than searching for a "work at home data entry job," search for a data entry job that allows telecommuting. That sounds like the same thing, but there is a huge difference. Real companies who want to hire people don't focus on the "work at home" aspect usually. There are a few exceptions I can think of, but more often you will find that the "telecommute" aspect is minimized greatly in legitimate ads. Legitimate companies focus instead on the job details themselves, and they try to connect with the right kind of candidates they are seeking to work for them - and THEN they might mention, "oh, by the way, telecommuting would be okay for the right person..."

Sometimes they may not even say that in the ad, but you find out later during the interview.

2) Seek other forms of typing jobs

"Data entry" is really an umbrella term for any kind of typing work - or "entering data into a computer system," in other words. This would include jobs like transcription (medical and general), coding, and many other administrative duties. When you search for telecommuting jobs online, try searching for keywords like: clerical, data entry, order entry, order clerk, typing, administrative, assistant, transcription, coding, and so on. There are endless jobs that could be considered data entry, but the companies may not be using that exact term.

When the search results come up, examine each ad carefully to determine whether telecommuting might be an option. Again, keeping in mind that it may not always be mentioned up front.

So, to answer the question I posed at the beginning of this article - YES, telecommute data entry jobs are for real. You just may need to do a lot of digging to find them.

About the Author

Telecommuting (working from home) is fast becoming one of the hottest career choices today. People everywhere are escaping the rat race and enjoying the true freedom and flexibility that telecommuting can provide. If you are ready to do the same, visit http://www.Telecommuting123.com/success.html today and download our free guide, "How to Be a Telecommuting Success".

Offshore Oil Rig Jobs: 3 Tips To Get Hired Fast For Rig Work

2008-10-30T20:32:00.000-07:00

Offshore oil rig jobs are hot right now, due in part to oil prices shooting up from $80 per barrel to $100 to $130 and above. Every Tom, Dick and Harry is applying for offshore oil rig jobs and competing with you for a job on an oil rig. To beat them out, you need to do everything they do and more. Here are just 3 tips for you to do, above and beyond what everyone else commonly does.

1) Look for vacancies where most of your rivals fail to see. This is what most job seekers do: They look at the web-sites of the major oil companies, search on the online job boards like Monster and they look at national and local newspaper advertisements. However, a slowly growing number of job seekers are also looking for jobs through the internet. They are patiently searching Google, Yahoo and MSN - using phrases like "oil rig jobs" and "oil drilling companies". These canny job hunters are looking for job openings which have not been publicly advertised yet. Jobs which have just become available but are still slowly making their labyrinthine way through the depths of Human Resources. However, the internet is not the only place you can find oil company information. Why not look at the stock market? The Wilshire index lists the 5000 largest US companies. Some of them are certainly oil companies.

2) Do some detective work - find another way past HR. Do not immediately and blindly send out your job application. Do what the best salesmen and stock brokers do to scout out their best deals: Find the address of the oil company and stake it out. Where do their employees eat? Make friends with them. Find out how things really are in the company. Who are the decision makers? What are they like? You do not need to stalk the boss of the company, but maybe you can make some useful contacts who would be willing to recommend you, letting you bypass some of the bureaucratic bullshit. They do you a favour, you do them a favour. After all, it is common practice for many companies in hot sectors give their employees headhunting bonuses for finding new employees.

3) Get all your paperwork done ahead of time. Offshore oil rigs are covered under maritime law. Make sure you have some basic understanding of how this affects you. Additionally, there are often a number of certifications required before you are allowed to work. Depending on where the rig is, you may need some specialized first aid certifications (for example, Canada has state-specific first aid licenses you need to pass). Some jobs also need you to have an Offshore Survival Certificate and probably a Helicopter Underwater Escape Training (HUET) Certificate along with it. And do not forget your vaccinations. Some sites make this a requirement. Basically, find out if you need to meet all these extra requirements. Try to achieve them before you send off your job application. Or at the very least, get started on any required courses, and clearly mention that in your job application (as well as both your cover letter and resume).

Getting hired for offshore oil rig jobs is all about speed. How quickly can you short-circuit the usual job hunting and recruitment process? That is how quickly you will get yourself on board an oil rig.

Are you looking for offshore oil rig jobs? Click here to learn how RigWorker.com can help you to quickly and easily find offshore oil rig jobs.

5 Tips to Consider When Setting Career Goals

2008-10-25T20:31:00.000-07:00

Whether you are just entering college or have been in the work world for a long time, it is never too late to set career goals. In fact, doing so will make your work life more enjoyable and satisfying. Here are five tips for setting the most effective goals to guide you along your career path.

Follow your passion

What about your chosen field is the most exciting to you? Is there an area of study or work that you would love to pursue? Even if your current job is mundane, find something in your line of work you can be passionate about. This may mean you have to request a transfer to a new department or take a different set of elective classes than you originally intended. Yet, if you follow your passion, you will get greater satisfaction out of your work. To make this work, you must...

Know the market

While following your passion is vital to getting the most out of your career, it won't do any good if there is no market for it. Do your research and learn which direction to go. The Occupational Outlook Handbook is available online and can give you some idea of the direction your chosen career is headed. Also, talk to others in the field to learn whether it is growing or shrinking, prospering or struggling. This is where you will have to...

Be realistic

If your passion is beekeeping, it is going to be more difficult to make a full-time career out of it than if it is research or chemistry. So, as you are setting your goals, keep in mind what you have learned in your research about the market for your chosen field. Even if the market isn't strong, it doesn't mean you should give up. Just re-adjust your focus and....

Keep it simple

Your career goals do not have to be extensive and complicated. In fact, you should be able to condense them into a sentence or two. Something such as "I want to have my own legal practice," or "I want to travel the world as a flight attendant for a small, private airline." The simpler you can make your goals, the easier they will be to reach. This isn't to say that you should settle for less than your dreams. Rather, it means that you should boil those dreams down to their essence and pursue that essence. The rest will take care of itself. But you first have to keep yourself accountable and....

Write it down

There is power in the written word. Studies have shown that writing down goals gives you a greater chance of reaching them than just "keeping them in your head." Write your goal on an index card and keep it in your wallet or purse. Read it daily. More than once a day is even better. Change it up as you grow and your goals shift. But use it as your focal point.

These tips can help you to choose career goals that fit your lifestyle and the workings of this world best. By doing so, you have a greater chance at success. Real success that doesn't cost you your happiness.

Mary is the founder of Career Tools HQ and writes about issues related to finding work and making the most out of your career. She lives in Memphis with her husband, daughter and two pets.

Career Advice: Proven Job Tips For Career Success

2008-10-20T20:30:00.000-07:00

Achieving career success is not an exact process. Nevertheless, there are common sense rules that winners follow to achieve their career goals.

Here are six of those real-world career guidelines that are critical to developing and executing a successful career path.

1. Job Tip: Do not hire anyone you can't fire, unless you are under the harshest kind of pressure you can resist.

When you hire a new employee, hopes are high that the relationship will work out to everyone's benefit, even if it's a shotgun wedding. However, the wise manager will take care to avoid a position where he can't dismiss that person if things don't work out.

This means resisting situations where employment is based on any reason other than the needs of the company and the particular worth and "fit" of the person being recruited.

When possible run for cover when you are being pressured by a friend to hire his friend. Especially try to duck the bullet when the "do hire" message comes on a personal basis from the boss.

In the real world there may be no escaping. If that is the case, protect yourself from the start. Have a clear understanding with all concerned of the basis on which you are acting. Insist that everyone understands that so long as you are held responsible for the results of your department you have the absolute right to hire and fire. You should insist on being let off the hook if that right is denied.

Be sure to document the performance of the offspring of the shotgun wedding. You need facts, whether he or she is a raging success or a total disaster.

2. Job Tip: The only reality in any organization is individual perceptions of the information that is available. Therefore, "reality" is what those in power say it is. Learn to live with it.

3. Job Tip: The very attributes that make for a successful career ï¿½" independence of thought, ambition, assertiveness ï¿½" go against the culture of organizations.

4. Job Tip: The organization will never be a perfect universe. Organizations are no better or worse than the people who inhabit them. The organization will do things of which you do not approve; it will make mistakes.

So, don't enter the organization with a missionary zeal to purify the structure, its purposes and those who make it up. Focus your attention on making your best efforts to move yourself toward your goals and those of the organization.

If, after time, you find that you cannot achieve these objectives, you have two choices. Compromise your standards or leave. That is the way it is.

5. Job Tip: Don't expect your comrades to support you to the bitter end if you are in serious conflict with the organization.

If you and your associates are in a knock-down-drag-out squabble with the organization, be very cautious if your associates say, "We'll hold your coat, Charlie; you go fight 'em." Or the corollary to that, "If you get fired, Charlie, we will leave with you."

That all sounds fine in the heat of the moment. But if it comes to actual conflict, most people shy away and begin thinking more about job security and house payments than they do loyalty to the cause you once shared.

6. Job Tip: Most people are waiting for something to happen. For one reason or another, the majority of people spend most of their careers waiting for the spark to light. They want someone to come along and tell them what to do. They want to wake up some morning motivated to achieve success.

On the other hand, a few people are impatient. They are chomping at the bit to shape their world. They win big or lose big in the process, but they get to choose the game and set the stakes. Meanwhile, those who wait for career success are dancing to someone else's music.

For free advice on how to achieve your career goals click here: http://www.commonsenseatwork.com>; You'll receive Ramon Greenwood's free semi-monthly newsletter. You can also visit his Your Blog For Career Advice via this route. Greenwood's common sense career advice comes from a world of experience, including serving as Senior Vice President of American Express, an entrepreneur, professional director, career coach and author.

Instant High Paying Jobs For Teens

2008-10-16T19:28:00.001-07:00

So you have a teen on the hunt for a half decent job but what are their options these days. Everyone is telling them to baby sit or get a paper delivery job but both are time consuming and pay third world country rates when it comes to money in their pocket. It is even harder trying to land a job position that has been advertised somewhere as employers receive hundreds and hundreds of applications when advertising in the current job market. A recent study showed that it is now taking the average person 4 - 7 months to find employment and they expect that figure to lengthen.

So what can I do you say, well thanks to modern technology all this is about to change. The days of searching endlessly for employment are fast coming to an end as the internet slowly takes over and starts filling this increasing need in the teen job market. When it comes to jobs for teens it is now possible for them to land their dream job in under ten minutes no matter who they are. When they take a job online there are no lengthy, intimidating interviews to go through and their application is always accepted no matter where you live or what qualifications they may or may not have. When you compare this to the difficulty of applying for and getting a normal advertised job it is no wonder that thousands of teens are switching to paid online jobs.

Paid online work beats traditional jobs hands down every time. Online jobs these days mostly consist of completing online survey's as these are generally higher paying when it comes to the types of work you can do online and they make fantastic jobs for teens. Most of these places are free to join and once they have signed up they can then start taking surveys and get very well paid for it. Most teens that are doing these surveys are earning at least $10 for a twelve minute survey with the money getting transferred to their account on completion.

The surveys themselves are extremely easy to complete and there is an unlimited number of different types of surveys that can be taken. There are no set times that they have to work, teens can quickly and easily work at their own pace as often or as little as they like each week, it's up to them. By just taking 3 surveys per day, 5 days per week, a teen is capable of earning $150.00 per week. Just try finding a job anywhere else that pay's as well as this that will hire them instantly.

Which survey companies they end up joining makes a huge difference to how much money they make. Pick the wrong ones and they could end up working for $2 - $5 per hour and getting very frustrated. Out of all the "Free To Join" paid survey sites online today there are only a small list of survey companies that have the genuine higher paying surveys available on a daily basis. Joining all of these top 7 companies ensures that they have and endless supply of high paying surveys to take every day when they log in.

So the choice is up to them, with the state of the current job market are they going to keep slogging it out looking for a position like everyone else or get hired instantly today and earn more money than they ever thought possible as a teenager.

About the Author

At my website Jobs For Teens which has been set up especially for these teen job opportunities there is a free list of the very best "Free To Join" survey companies online today. You can expect to start earning instantly and begin getting the things you want in life. When it comes to jobs for teens these places are simply the best employers you will ever have.

Oil Drilling Jobs: 10 Tips And Warnings For Your First Oil Job

2008-10-15T20:29:00.000-07:00

You have put in a lot of effort to get your first oil drilling job. Once you get hired, here are 10 tips to get you started off on the right foot.

1) Be humble. Start from the bottom, just like everyone else on the oil rig, even the rig manager.

2) Be prepared. There are no stores on an offshore oil rig. Make sure you bring along enough toiletries and cigarettes (even if you do not smoke). You can trade the extras, or "bribe" a seasoned colleague to teach you part of his job. As mobile phones usually do not work on offshore, take along a prepaid card. You will need to find out who the phone service provider is on board your oil rig.

3) Clear up any personal issues before you leave shore. Communications can be expensive if your rig does not have mobile phone coverage. Offshore phone services like Petrocom charge up to $5.00 a minute, so your prepaid cards could run out pretty fast. Unless you have a life-threatening emergency, you will be stuck on the rig for weeks (depending on your contract, possibly up to 6 weeks). You should realize that transport on and off the rig is strictly controlled, as ferrying an employee to shore by helicopter costs thousands of dollars.

4) Get some basic knowledge of maritime law and protocol. An offshore oil rig comes under maritime law and is treated as a sea going vessel. Protocol on board resembles that of a commercial ship - the toolpusher or rig boss and the drilling company representative serve as co-captains of the rig. Law breakers will be turned over to the coast guard.

5) No drug use. If you have a drug habit and cannot give it up, do not get an oil drilling job. Rigs test employees regularly for drugs, so you will be quickly found out and fired. Apart from that, laws in your host country will also come into effect. If you are found with drugs in your personal effects, you could face the hanging penalty for drug trafficking in oil rigs off the shore of countries like Malaysia and Singapore.

6) Buy enough life insurance. While safety is a high priority on modern oil rigs, it never hurts to be prepared for the worst case, especially if you have family members dependent on you.

7) Be prepared to travel. You will usually be far away from home in a remote location for several weeks. After all, there is a reason they are giving you all that extra salary.

8) Make sure you are single or have a stable marriage. More than one employee has found himself divorced due to the odd working hours and long hitches. If you are married, make sure you can trust your wife to keep your household affairs running.

9) Be prepared to work hard, no matter how rough the weather condition is. Also be prepared to work for demanding supervisors. An oil rig costs thousands per hour to operate and has no room for slackers and layabouts. More importantly, offshore rigs are often isolated away from civilization and any serious mistakes you make could cost the lives of your colleagues.

10)Get a sense of what the industry is all about. Check out books such as "A Primer to Oil Well Drilling" in your local library. Make sure you have the right expectations of your colleagues and bosses on board the oil rig.

Follow these 10 tips for your first oil drilling job, and you will find things going smoothly. Flout them, and your career will be in choppy seas.

Are you looking for oil drilling jobs? Click here to learn how RigWorker.com can help you to quickly and easily find oil drilling jobs.

Four Tips on How to Score Retail Jobs

2008-10-10T20:26:00.000-07:00

Flexible scheduling, employee discounts, a fun work environment--these are just some of the things retail establishments typically offer their workers, so it's no wonder retail is one of the most popular industries around.

Whether you're heading off to college and need some cash for supplies (including a new back-to-school wardrobe) or you just need to fund weekend activities like movie tickets and dining out with friends, it's important to be prepared before you head to your first interview.

Here are a few tips on how to stand out in a crowd and impress retail hiring managers:

1. Highlight previous experience.

When you're filling out your application, be sure to mention any skills you have that would be relevant to the job at hand. Retail jobs require great customer service and focus, even on Christmas Eve when shoppers are in a frenzy. Draw attention to past jobs that taught you skills like these and let the employer know why you'd be great for the position.

2. Maintain a flexible schedule.

Retail is a great place to look if you want to find student jobs. Even if you're in school with a million and one things going on, hiring managers in the retail industry are looking for people who are available, especially on nights, weekends and holidays, when business is really booming. Let them know you're willing to work around your schedule and make time for the job, even if you have to skip some Friday nights out with friends.

3. Show some interest in the job.

If you're applying for a job at a clothing store, tell the employer why you're so interested in fashion. This doesn't mean admitting Paris Hilton to be your hero, but maybe how you love the way new clothes make you feel, or how dressing up gives you a boost of self-confidence. If you want to be a stocker in a grocery store, maybe explain that you're very organized and grew up with your mom's motto, "Everything has its place." Find a job you can excel at and one that really interests you--when you have passion for what you do, others will notice it.

4. Showcase your people skills.

Retail jobs involve constant interaction with the public, so if your communication skills aren't that great or you just don't really like talking to people, you may be better suited for a position elsewhere. However, if you love meeting new people and have a helpful personality, let it shine through in your application and during your interview. Keep a smile on your face and let the employer see just how outgoing you really are. Also, draw attention to other part-time jobs you may have had where working with people was one of the main responsibilities.

Be presentable.

Employees in this industry represent the products they're selling. Whether you want a job selling jewelry or trendy shoes, you need to show pride in your appearance and look clean and put-together. The employer's first impression of you may be your application, but if you show up to the interview looking less than presentable, it will most likely cost you the job.

Brittany Kerfoot is a copywriter for SnagAJob.com, America's largest hourly job website. SnagAJob.com makes it easy to find part-time, full-time and seasonal employment across the country. Start your job search today! SnagAJob.com can be found online at http://www.snagajob.com .

Test Taking Tips - How To Pass Employee Selection Tests

2008-10-05T19:58:00.000-07:00

If you listen to the BBC News you will hear them say that more and more employers are using job aptitude tests to help select employees and research indicates that the number of people asked to carry out such tests is around 40%.

Here are some test taking tips to help you when taking a job aptitude test.

General Test Taking Tips

There is no need to worry about the fact that you are taking the test. With the exception of math questions, there are no right or wrong answers - it is simply your overall aptitude for the job you are applying for that is being looked at.

Most of the questions are multiple choice style and are set with time limits and performed under normal examination conditions. Don't worry if you do not finish the test in the time allotted as not many candidates actually do.

There is no such thing as a 'pass mark' for this type of test. More often than not your results will be compared to those of people who are already doing the job you have applied for.

More than one area is usually covered by the job aptitude test. For example, one part may take into account your ability to reason with numbers or read diagrams, whilst another section is likely to concentrate on your interpretation of text.

If you can find out what type of job selection test you will be faced with prior to the interview this will give you the opportunity to practice. Why not give the Human Resources or Personnel Department a call? The worst thing that can happen is that they are not prepared to give you further details. On the other hand if they say yes, this means you may have a head start over the other candidates.

How to Improve Your Test Results

Here are 9 test taking tips to help you improve your selection test results:

Make sure you arrive at the test location refreshed, in a positive mind set and in good time.

Carefully listen or read the instructions. You may find that marks are not granted on an even basis throughout the test. Section A may only carry 10% of the total marks whilst section B may account for 40%. Allocate your time wisely to achieve the maximum marks.

Find the happy medium between accuracy and speed. If you go too fast you will make mistakes and if you go too slow you will not answer as many questions as you could do.

Don't spend too much time agonizing over a question if you know you cannot answer it - simply move on to the next one. Having said that, don't give up on a question too quickly either.

Don't waste your valuable test time checking and double checking your answers.

If you are unsure about the answer to a certain question, write down your best guess and move on. However, try to avoid wild guesses - they don't do you any favors in the long run.

There is no need to panic if the questions appear to be getting more difficult as the test goes on. This is quite often the case so you can expect to take longer to complete the latter questions.

If calculators are permitted in the test, take your own one in with you. You are familiar with it and you know how it works.

There may be some practice questions at the start of the test. If you do not understand these questions thoroughly, ask the test administrator who will be happy to explain things to you.

And finally, the most important of our test taking tips. Practice makes perfect so get some practice tests in prior to attending the interview.

Here's some specific advice on maths and numerical tests and verbal reasoning or logic test questions.

Catherine Jones is a leading authority on recruitment and, with 3 colleagues, has written a how to snag a job website in which she shares her secrets on getting hired.

Catherine works as a senior manager for a large financial services organisation and recruits new employees on a regular basis. Learn from the experts and snag the job you want - your dream job!

Career Advice: Proven Job Tips For Career Success

2008-09-30T19:52:00.000-07:00