Are you finally ready to move on with your life? While it may sometimes feel like you are the only one in the world trying to change your plans, the average jobseeker actually changes careers seven times during his or her lifetime. That’s good news because at least you know that other people have successfully made career changes.
So what are the options for successfully making the transition?
Option 1: This option is to stay at your current job while you carry out volunteer work to gain the appropriate work experience. You may have to do such work on weekends, during the evenings or from home by special arrangement. Most small businesses do welcome those who can do volunteer work.
Option 2: Another option is to move to the new company and field and continue doing your normal job role. In doing so, you can carry out work that you feel comfortable with while taking stock of the new environment. This will give you valuable exposure to the new job so that you can informally initiate and be proactive at assisting and helping out in any capacity within that job role.
Option 3: In some professions, it is impossible to successfully make the transition without first re-training. This often involves acquiring professional qualifications. Never dive into the first training option that comes your way but rather do thorough research to ensure that you end up selecting the very best option available to you.
Option 4: According to our research, many career changers have decided to forgo working only one job in favor of taking on multiple jobs. You may want to consider whether you want to be part of this growing trend and increase both the pay and flexibility of your lifestyle.
Working Through Your Options: Selecting an appropriate option or options boils down to what kind of career change you are after and the level of flexibility provided by that industry. It is critical, therefore, to research and weigh what option will best serve your purpose by realistically evaluating your personal, social and financial commitments. You may discover in the process that, for instance, the fastest option is not the best suited to you due to certain obligations; you may need to pace or stagger the transition. Be realistic and set sensible goals that will not frustrate your career change efforts.
The bottom line is this: no matter what your circumstances and commitments, you can achieve your career change goal. Just be patient: it may take a little bit longer than you may have anticipated. To keep things moving as efficiently as they can, start acquiring the skills you need to begin working on your career change today. To test how good your current job market skills are, start by taking this FREE Job Market Performance Assessment.
Tags: Career Change, Career Changers, Career Changes, Changing Careers, Evenings, Flexibility, Jobseeker, Lifestyle, Lifetime, New Job, People, Professional Qualifications, Professions, Seven Times, Small Businesses, Taking Stock, Transition, Volunteer Work, Work Experience, Work Option
Are you in desperate search of a new job? Don’t worry; I’ve certainly been there myself. It can be difficult finding the right job to suit your interests and pay the bills.
I mean, we all want a career that allows us to kick back with our 1000 pound shoes up on the desk and gaze happily out at a million pound view each day. Oh, and from the hundredth floor of some billion pound business. Did I leave anything out? Okay, well unfortunately most of us don’t find that exact job, but we do have the ability to find a career that makes us happy. Have you researched any jobs online lately? You can definitely stumble across a job opportunity if you do some browsing. Cyberspace is practically overflowing with them.
What kind of job opportunity are you looking for? I asked my 17 year old daughter this the other days since she’s about to graduate. She gave me a serious look and informed me that she would like to be the head of some large, billion pound corporation. I was speechless. Then she said, “How can I do that right now?” I couldn’t help but laugh. I honestly don’t know what kids are thinking these days. I looked her square in the eye and said, you can’t. First you have to go to college, get a bachelor’s degree, then hopefully a master’s. Following your diploma will come an entry position at some company, and you will continue to work your way up. She frowned and thought I was nuts. Well, in the real world no one enters a company after high school and becomes a CEO or president. As much as that would be ideal, it just doesn’t work that way.
If a job opportunity is what you’re searching for, then the perfect place to start is online. So you’ve got your bachelor’s degree and you’re seriously looking for that perfect job opportunity that suits your skills. It’s time to pop open Monster.com or Careerbuilder.com. These are easy to navigate websites that will help you discover that perfect job opportunity. You can browse positions in your immediate area or nationwide. Punch in the field you prefer and do a quick search. If this doesn’t give you the desired results, you can also punch in your degree for more feedback. That job opportunity you’re looking for is out there if you browse in the right place. You can even send your resume to a potential employer via the World-Wide-Web.
Tags: Bachelor Degree, Bachelor S Degree, Ceo, Cyberspace, Desk, Desperate Search, Diploma, Exact Job, Find A Job, Find Job, Finding The Right Job, Job Opportunity, Monster, New Job, Nuts, Perfect Job, Punch, Real World, Search Job, Shoes
It’s about who you know, NOT what you know! But, what if you don’t know anyone? Then what are you suppose to do? You suppose to go hunting and make contacts. When finding any job the first rule is to make looking for a job your JOB!
Finding a Job Is Your Job
If you are unemployed then you should put aside at least 6-8 hours of each business day for applying to jobs, making contacts, interviewing, and staying on top of your industry. This strategy will always award you a job in less time. Your goal should be to apply to a minimum of 3 jobs per day. You should manage a list of contacts of everyone you directly or indirectly make contact with.
If you already have a job, then you shouldn’t be looking for a job. But, if it is imperative that you find a new job, then it will be more difficult to find the adequate time to job hunt, therefore you should put aside the time for your job search as it becomes available.
Analyze Your Craft
You should know your craft. Know the skill you hold and the level at which you best perform. Rate yourself fairly, do not underrate your talent. Know your worth, but better know the least (salary) you are willing to accept.
It is important to know your skill set. Knowing this information will help you better asses the position which you are seeking. Getting a job isn’t only about the employer finding the perfect fit, it is also for you to find the perfect fit. Research the salary for your position, such as Salary.com, SalaryExpert.com, and PayScale.com. Once you are familiar with the salary you should stay at least £5,000 within that range (e.g. if the salary for the job is expected to be £45,000 then you should seek opportunity within the range of £40,000-£45,000 or £45,000-£50,000, depending on your level of skill for the position).
Prepare Your Resume
You should update your current resume or create a new resume. Your original resume should be generic, but keyword-rich. The generic version should NOT contain any formal greets to any particular party. Basically, you should be able to apply to any job with the generic version without any editing. It should be readily available for fast access and quick apply. The generic version will be used to post on job boards, for employers to view when searching the database. Editing your resume for formal greets should be done at the time of applying to a job.
You want your resume to be keyword-rich because when employersrecruiters search databases for resumes they usually use keywords to find employees. If your resume has the proper keyword density and strategy then your resume is more likely to be returned within the search results (e.g. if the job you are searching for is ‘customer service’ then your resume should focus on the keyword ‘customer service’).
Many argue that a one-page resume is the best resume, but in my experience a one-page resume doesn’t provide enough information for those with extensive backgrounds. In this case I suggest not exceeding 2 pages, unless the job you are applying for is information technology related or relies on extended details within the industry, then it is (sometimes) best to list or add every product, program, service, and technology which you have touched, worked with, or have knowledge of. Even still do not exceed 3 pages at this point, and that may be too much. Though, I must admit I have seen 5-page resumes which are highly detailed and keyword-rich that receive a very high response rate.
Never boast or brag on your resume. Be truthful and list your objective, skills, professional experience, education, and knowledge.
If you do not have the ability or time to create an award-winning resume then it may be worthwhile to invest in a professional resume writing service.
Build Your Contacts
The best way to make contacts is by calling the employer or recruiter directly. Usually this information is made available when applying for a job online. If you are at a job board site such as: Monster.com, CareerBuilder.com, or a niche-based job board such as: DataCenterLife.com then more than likely the contact information is found on the job post page. If you are applying through an employer site then more than likely the contact information can be found under the “Contact Us” page usually found on the sites’ navigational bar. Respect the wishes of employers and recruiters who state NOT to contact by phone.
You should create a contact for any job you apply for.
Manage Your Contact List
Every employer or recruiter you make contact with directly or indirectly should be added to your contact list. Your contact list should include the company name, contact name, email address, phone number, and position title. You should also have a field or method which denotes the last time you spoke with or contacted each contact. This is important so you do not make the mistake of contacting someone you spoke with days earlier as well this helps you manage your time between each contact. You should follow-up with your contacts at least once every week or every 7 business days.
Out of Work. Out of the Loop.
Just because you are unemployed doesn’t mean you need to fall behind in your industry. You should still stay familiar with your industry and spend your time wisely. Study your industry market and know the new technologies being used inside your job industry. Stay afloat, use your resources such as: the internet, newspapers, media, friends, and ex co-workers to know what is going on in your job industry. If you are out of work for months and have no idea of a new application that is being used by all professionals in your industry, then it will look bad in an interview when you have no clue what they are talking about and you are claiming to be a skilled professional in the industry. Keep your eye on the prize and know your stuff. Even if you are not an expert at it, at least have the basic knowledge.
Don’t Answer That Phone
You only have one chance at making a good impression, do not blow it! Do not answer the phone if you are too busy to talk, if you see a number that you do not recognize assume it is an employer or recruiter and you should not answer the call, if you are too busy. There is nothing worse than a crying baby in the background, a large bulldozer from a nearby construction site, the sound of a flushing toilet, a third-party conversation going on in the background, or being in a drop-call zone when an employer or recruiter calls. You should be focused, relaxed, calmed, and ready to answer all questions swiftly without any interruptions when the phone rings, otherwise allow your voice mail service to get the call and return the call later when the time is more convenient.
Give Yourself a Break
I also suggest taking off Friday, don’t do any job hunting or interviewing this day, enjoy yourself. Have yourself a 3-day weekend. The only reason you should schedule Friday for interviewing is if the employer or recruiter schedule it, never inconvenience your interviewer unless it is life-threatening or extremely important. Also, you should still answer your phone on Friday when you have the time, if you are too busy or unable to answer your phone then make sure you have a voice mail service set up.
Interviewing
Getting an interview is what you worked hard for. Having a successful interview is just as important as getting the job. This determines everything. Preparation for your interview should begin the minute you are scheduled for your interview. You should study the background of the company. You should be familiar with what the company does and their procedures. Most of this information is usually found on the company’s website (sometimes buried within the site so you may have to do some digging). You should prepare questions which you may have for the interviewer about the company andor position. You should familiarize or refresh yourself with the requirementsqualifications of the position. And most importantly you should have a good night sleep before the interview, at least 8-10 hours of rest.
You should have at least 2 business suitsattire for interviewing. If you have a second interview you should have the ability to switch to a different suit. Your suits should be only of the three colors: black, navy, or gray. Make sure you are well groomed for the interview.
You should arrive to the interview between 10-15 minutes early. You should never come to an interview empty handed. You should at least have a business folder with notepad paper, a writing pen, and a hardcopy of your resume.
When interviewing you should relax and be yourself. You should be focus, articulate well, and be keen. Make non-offensive eye contact with your interviewer. Ask questions about the company and the position. Ask the interviewer about their position and the length of time they been with the company. Ask the interviewer why the position is available and why did the last person leave the company? Ask the interviewer how soon do they hope to fill the available position? Ask the interviewer for a business card or way to contact them if you have any questions later.
Just remember to be yourself and remember that the interviewer is only human just like you. If you don’t get the job then try and try again, until you get a job. Many times an interview is a display of your personality and character. If you have truthfully and appropriately represented your skill set on your resume, then the interviewer already know you are capable of handling the job.
You’re Hired!
Tags: Adequate Time, Asses, Business Day, Create Resume, Find Job, Finding A Job, Generic Version, Getting A Job, Hunting, Job Finding, Job Hunt, Job Search, Jobs, Keyword, Looking For A Job, New Job, Opportunity, Perfect Fit, Perfect Job, Resume, Resume Create, Salary, Staying On Top
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.
Tags: Ahead, Aim, Career Advancement Program, Career Enhancement, Career Goals, Career Path, Career Plan, Choices, Choosing A Career, Complete Program, Continuing Education, Decades, Enhancement Courses, Enhancement Programs, Job Career, New Job, Professional Organization, Professional Organizations, Professions, Setting Goals
Are you currently unsatisfied with your job or the company in which you work for? If you are, you may have considered changing jobs. If you have thought your decision over and decided that seeking employment elsewhere is best for you, you will need to resign from your current position. Unfortunately, for many individuals this is a lot easier said than done.
If this is the first time that you are attempting to hand in your resignation, you may be unsure as to how you should proceed. Perhaps, the best way to go about quitting your job, in the appropriate matter, is to familiarize yourself with what you shouldn’t do. A few of the many steps that you will not want to take, when quitting your job, are outlined below for your convenience.
One of the worst things that you can do, when looking to resign from your job, is quitting on impulse. This most commonly occurs after receiving discipline or when a work related conflict arises. No matter how upset or frustrated you are, you will want to try, at all costs, to not quit on the spot. This can not only reflect negatively upon you at the moment, but an impulse resignation may impact your chances of finding employment in the future. That is why you will want to try and give your employers notice, should you wish to seek employment elsewhere.
Speaking of giving your employer an appropriate amount of notice, when looking to change jobs, you are advised to do so in a reasonable amount of time. Most employers expect to receive at least two weeks notice. If you do not have a new job lined up, you may want to extend your notice time or offer to help your employer until they are able to find a replacement or until you are able to find employment elsewhere. It is also important that you submit your resignation in a professional matter. Try and do so in person, with a formal written resignation as well.
Another one of the many things that you do not want to do, when looking to resign from your current position, is bad mouth your bosses to others, including your friends, coworkers, or during future job interviews. You need to make sure that you do not “burn any bridges.” This is extremely important, as you never know when your words or your actions may come back to haunt you. You will want to ensure that your current employer, the one in which you no longer want to work for, is able to give you a glowing recommendation for years to come.
Another one of the many things that you will not want to do is “go out with a bang.” Even if you are quitting your job because you are unhappy with your pay or with your boss or other coworkers, you will want to leave as quietly as possible. You will want to put a happy smile on your face, no matter what your real emotions are. As previously stated, you will want to ensure that you able to use your current employer as a job reference for years to come. You also need to remember that you never know when you may come into contact with your bosses or coworkers in the future.
It is also important that you do not try and mislead your current employer in any way, shape, or form. If you are not planning to quit your job until you have a new one lined up, you will want to proceed with caution. You will want to make sure that your prospective employers will not contact your currently employer asking for a reference. To prevent this from happening, you may want to inform all prospective employers that you have yet to submit your resignation or submit your resignation before you start applying for new jobs.
By keeping the above mentioned points in mind, you should be able to submit your resignation without causing any harm to your finances or your good name. In all honesty, all you really need to do is just use your best judgment, as it is usually the best guide to follow.
Tags: Amount Of Time, Changing Jobs, Conflict, Convenience, Current Position, Discipline, Impulse, Job Search, Many Things, New Job, Notice Time, Quitting Your Job, Resigning From Your Job, Searching For Jobs, Seeking Employment, Two Weeks Notice, Written Resignation
