Nothing beats the feeling of putting in your time and studying your tail off and becoming a college graduate; that is until you realize that you now have to find a career. The good news is you have a degree and are already off to a great start in the wonderful world of work. The bad news is you are ‘wet behind the ears,’ have no experience, and are about to embark on a job hunting expedition in one of the toughest job markets in the history of the country.
While having you degree is certainly nice just remember, it does not guarantee you a job. Here are some friendly suggestions for you when you are seeking your new career path:
• Aim High but Appropriately: Don’t try to become the president of the company right out of the box. You have to realize that you may have to start as entry level. Even though you have a degree you will still need to work your way up to some extent. Once you get your foot in the door of the company you are interested in then you can use your skills and ability to quickly climb the corporate ladder if that is your desire. But nothing in life comes easy; you have to be willing to work for it.
• Create Experience: If you are trying to get into an industry that requires ‘experience’ how are you supposed to get that experience without obtaining the job? Get creative here and think outside the box. You can volunteer within the industry and this can give you some much needed experience for your resume. Another way to learn but also earn is to try to find an internship in your chosen profession. While these ways will not make you rich, they will give you the experience you need to get a better position down the road.
• Don’t Get Frustrated: Again this is one of the toughest job markets to date. If you find that you are not being considered for the jobs you want, don’t get discouraged and give up. Keep at it. Tenacity is the name of the game, especially in a weaker job market.
• Be Open Minded: While a college degree certainly looks great on your resume you should always be open to the idea of furthering your education. This can be in the way of job specific schooling or training or even in a couple of online college classes that will help you in your chosen career industry. One thing you can never have too much of when it comes to work is knowledge.
• Find your Passion: If you find yourself on a career path that is not to your liking then you may need to consider a change. Even if you think you may want to go one way, once you are there you may want to go another. There is nothing wrong with this and being happy at what you do for a living goes a long way in being happy in life.
While it may have seemed like an eternity to get to where you are now, your life has just begun. Enjoy the fact that you have accomplished your goal of obtaining a college degree, but do not revel too long. You have many other accomplishments to look forward to in your life and your chosen career path so get out there and go get them.
Read the latest career advice articles on the web's premiere Employment magazine.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Finding a Government Job – Offline is the Key
Before you can polish up your Government resume and start practicing what you will say at your Government job interview you have to know where to find a Government job opportunity and many times offline is the key. This may take some getting used to terms of thinking as many people these days find anything and everything they are looking for online through the wonderful World Wide Web. While the Internet remains a great source to look for a Government job it should be complimented greatly with an offline search as well.
There are several ways to go about looking for a Government job offline and the method that best suits you will all be determined by the type of person you are. Here are some different ways in which you can work the offline angle in an effort to find a Government job:
• Network: No this doesn’t mean ‘computer network.’ This means networking with anyone and everyone you know and getting the fact that you are seeking a Government job out there. This is where you have to really rack your brain. Who do you know that might be able to help you in your Government job search? Perhaps a friend who is already working for the government at any level? This type of friend could prove to be n invaluable resource as they will know the process of getting a Government job and may be able to point you in the right direction as far to where to look and who to talk to.
• Government Buildings: If you live near a Government building then it definitely pays to take the time and visit. There you will almost always find a bulletin board that has postings of Government jobs available right in your own back yard. If you have trouble finding this ask the receptionist at the help desk where in the building it is. They will show you where to find the bulletin board and may also be able to tell you what other Government buildings in the area have the same thing. These bulletin boards are a great way to get a jump on the competition because the job postings usually go up on the bulletin board before they go live online and some never make it to the web whatsoever.
• Job Fairs: Yes the Government takes advantage of job fairs too. A job fair can be a wonderful opportunity for you to not only see what Government jobs are available, but they also allow you the opportunity to ask questions directly to the recruiters themselves. This is a golden opportunity for you to find out what a specific job will entail, what will be expected of you, and what the review board will be looking for. It also gives you yet another opportunity to network.
Going online is great and it certainly saves a huge amount of time and energy for many instances, but it has its place. If you want to find a Government job you have to pull out all the stops. Not only should you be conducting your hunt online but you should also be getting out of your cocoon and conducting your search offline as well; and offline is really the key.
Learn how to write a proper government resume before you apply for any government job.
There are several ways to go about looking for a Government job offline and the method that best suits you will all be determined by the type of person you are. Here are some different ways in which you can work the offline angle in an effort to find a Government job:
• Network: No this doesn’t mean ‘computer network.’ This means networking with anyone and everyone you know and getting the fact that you are seeking a Government job out there. This is where you have to really rack your brain. Who do you know that might be able to help you in your Government job search? Perhaps a friend who is already working for the government at any level? This type of friend could prove to be n invaluable resource as they will know the process of getting a Government job and may be able to point you in the right direction as far to where to look and who to talk to.
• Government Buildings: If you live near a Government building then it definitely pays to take the time and visit. There you will almost always find a bulletin board that has postings of Government jobs available right in your own back yard. If you have trouble finding this ask the receptionist at the help desk where in the building it is. They will show you where to find the bulletin board and may also be able to tell you what other Government buildings in the area have the same thing. These bulletin boards are a great way to get a jump on the competition because the job postings usually go up on the bulletin board before they go live online and some never make it to the web whatsoever.
• Job Fairs: Yes the Government takes advantage of job fairs too. A job fair can be a wonderful opportunity for you to not only see what Government jobs are available, but they also allow you the opportunity to ask questions directly to the recruiters themselves. This is a golden opportunity for you to find out what a specific job will entail, what will be expected of you, and what the review board will be looking for. It also gives you yet another opportunity to network.
Going online is great and it certainly saves a huge amount of time and energy for many instances, but it has its place. If you want to find a Government job you have to pull out all the stops. Not only should you be conducting your hunt online but you should also be getting out of your cocoon and conducting your search offline as well; and offline is really the key.
Learn how to write a proper government resume before you apply for any government job.
Top Five Questions about KSA Writing
When you are attempting to obtain Government employment, more time than not you will be required to complete KSAs and turn them in with your Government resume. KSAs are a very important piece of the Government job puzzle as they will be looked at by reviewers in order to determine who the best candidates for a specific job posting are and this will determine who gets an interview and who gets left out in the cold.
While there are many questions that arise about KSA writing there are five that usually crop up more often than not. The top five KSA writing questions are:
1. What are KSAs: KSAs stand for Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities and are a sort of sub-application that needs to be completed in order to obtain Government work. The KSAs will delve into your qualifications for a specific job posting by having you answer questions about yourself and your background.
2. What Questions are asked on the KSAs: The questions you will have to answer for the KSAs all depend on the job in which you are applying for. Each job posting will carry a different set of KSA questions that will be relevant to that specific job posting.
3. How Long Should Each Answer be: Unless it is stated, there is no minimum or maximum that is required, but a good rule of thumb is making sure that every answer is between half of a page to a full page in length. But remember, KSAs are an intricate part of obtaining Government work and the answers you give must be enough to set you apart from the other applicants which can reach the hundreds depending on the job posing. Only put in the answer what is important and avoid adding filler or fluff to make the answer longer.
4. What Should be Included in a KSA Answer: Again this depends on the job posting. Any answer you give needs to show relevancy towards the job in which you are trying to obtain. Your answers need to be clear and concise and you should avoid such costly mistakes as acronyms and slang. Be sure that the answers read intelligently, but stay away from using words and phrases that are too big as this will not fit properly into the answers. The last thing you want with you KSAs is to come off sounding too much like a know it all.
5. Where can Help be Found: Because KSAs are so important you absolutely have to be sure that your answers are top drawer. If you do not feel comfortable answering some of the questions it may be in your best interest to employ the use of a KSA writing service. These professionals will have had many years of experience and will know what the KSA reviewers are looking for.
When it comes to obtaining Government work you will have an abundance of competition. Government jobs are highly sought after and because of that many times you will have hundreds of applicant competing for the same posting. To ensure that you stand out from the large crowd you have to be sure that your Government resume is sparking and that your KSAs are as well.
While there are many questions that arise about KSA writing there are five that usually crop up more often than not. The top five KSA writing questions are:
1. What are KSAs: KSAs stand for Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities and are a sort of sub-application that needs to be completed in order to obtain Government work. The KSAs will delve into your qualifications for a specific job posting by having you answer questions about yourself and your background.
2. What Questions are asked on the KSAs: The questions you will have to answer for the KSAs all depend on the job in which you are applying for. Each job posting will carry a different set of KSA questions that will be relevant to that specific job posting.
3. How Long Should Each Answer be: Unless it is stated, there is no minimum or maximum that is required, but a good rule of thumb is making sure that every answer is between half of a page to a full page in length. But remember, KSAs are an intricate part of obtaining Government work and the answers you give must be enough to set you apart from the other applicants which can reach the hundreds depending on the job posing. Only put in the answer what is important and avoid adding filler or fluff to make the answer longer.
4. What Should be Included in a KSA Answer: Again this depends on the job posting. Any answer you give needs to show relevancy towards the job in which you are trying to obtain. Your answers need to be clear and concise and you should avoid such costly mistakes as acronyms and slang. Be sure that the answers read intelligently, but stay away from using words and phrases that are too big as this will not fit properly into the answers. The last thing you want with you KSAs is to come off sounding too much like a know it all.
5. Where can Help be Found: Because KSAs are so important you absolutely have to be sure that your answers are top drawer. If you do not feel comfortable answering some of the questions it may be in your best interest to employ the use of a KSA writing service. These professionals will have had many years of experience and will know what the KSA reviewers are looking for.
When it comes to obtaining Government work you will have an abundance of competition. Government jobs are highly sought after and because of that many times you will have hundreds of applicant competing for the same posting. To ensure that you stand out from the large crowd you have to be sure that your Government resume is sparking and that your KSAs are as well.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Make Your Federal Resume Stand Out
Making your Federal resume stand out is of utmost importance if you are hoping to land that Federal position you have your eye on. It is not enough to just turn in a Federal resume in the proper format any more, though that does help. In order for a Federal resume to be useful it must be concise, clear, to the point, and most of all relevant to the position you are applying for.
You have to understand that there will be many, possibly hundreds, of other applicants and without a Federal resume that really pops you probably won’t make it very far in the eyes of the reviewers. Here are some ways that you can really make your Federal resume stand out from the rest that will be on the pile:
• Be Truthful: While you never want to lie on any resume you especially don’t want to lie on a Federal resume; it is the government for crying out loud. Their resources are vast and your information will be checked so be honest with yourself and if you are not qualified for a position, then don’t apply.
• Be Relevant: You may have all sorts of great information that you can out on your Federal resume, but if it is not relevant to the job posting, then leave it out. It doesn’t matter what information you give, it needs to be relevant as irrelevant information will see your Federal resume hit the bottom of the trash can fast.
• Be Concise: Yes you certainly want to stand out but if you use too many big words and phrases you may come off as a bit of a show off or know it all. This has a tendency to annoy the reviewers and if you do that your chances of landing your dream Federal job are going to be very slim.
• Mold and Create: A Federal resume is not like a regular resume in that there is no ‘one size fits all.’ With Federal resumes you have to create and mold the resume to be all about the job posting you are applying for. Instead of thinking of your Federal resume in a cookie cutter approach, think of it in a custom made approach.
• Mention all Strengths: No matter how much relevance you may think you have included in your Federal resume, try to find some more. You have to look beyond schooling as everyone applying will have similar qualifications in this area. What makes you stand out? Perhaps some relevant volunteer work? Whenever you get the chance to mention a strength that is relevant to the posting you should take full advantage and do so.
• Use Proper Formatting: remember that this is a Federal resume and is going to require a unique format that will not be the same as your standard resume. Be sure that you are turning in your Federal resume in the proper format so that your resume has a fair chance of being viewed.
Now more than ever, the Federal resume is lending a lot of weight as to who gets a Federal job and who gets left out in the cold. Be sure that your Federal resume is done right and that it really pops in order to give yourself the best possible chance of landing that Federal position that you have always wanted.
You have to understand that there will be many, possibly hundreds, of other applicants and without a Federal resume that really pops you probably won’t make it very far in the eyes of the reviewers. Here are some ways that you can really make your Federal resume stand out from the rest that will be on the pile:
• Be Truthful: While you never want to lie on any resume you especially don’t want to lie on a Federal resume; it is the government for crying out loud. Their resources are vast and your information will be checked so be honest with yourself and if you are not qualified for a position, then don’t apply.
• Be Relevant: You may have all sorts of great information that you can out on your Federal resume, but if it is not relevant to the job posting, then leave it out. It doesn’t matter what information you give, it needs to be relevant as irrelevant information will see your Federal resume hit the bottom of the trash can fast.
• Be Concise: Yes you certainly want to stand out but if you use too many big words and phrases you may come off as a bit of a show off or know it all. This has a tendency to annoy the reviewers and if you do that your chances of landing your dream Federal job are going to be very slim.
• Mold and Create: A Federal resume is not like a regular resume in that there is no ‘one size fits all.’ With Federal resumes you have to create and mold the resume to be all about the job posting you are applying for. Instead of thinking of your Federal resume in a cookie cutter approach, think of it in a custom made approach.
• Mention all Strengths: No matter how much relevance you may think you have included in your Federal resume, try to find some more. You have to look beyond schooling as everyone applying will have similar qualifications in this area. What makes you stand out? Perhaps some relevant volunteer work? Whenever you get the chance to mention a strength that is relevant to the posting you should take full advantage and do so.
• Use Proper Formatting: remember that this is a Federal resume and is going to require a unique format that will not be the same as your standard resume. Be sure that you are turning in your Federal resume in the proper format so that your resume has a fair chance of being viewed.
Now more than ever, the Federal resume is lending a lot of weight as to who gets a Federal job and who gets left out in the cold. Be sure that your Federal resume is done right and that it really pops in order to give yourself the best possible chance of landing that Federal position that you have always wanted.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
What is Resumix and how do I Use it?
Agencies such as the Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Air Force, and the Department of Commerce now rely on a resume system known as Resumix to aid in the hiring process. The implementation of this system was done to help ease the recruitment process on both the recruit and the recruiter side. A Resumix resume is much different than that of a traditional resume in regards to the layout as the Resumix resume will later be scanned instead of reviewed by a person and the scanning software will only be looking for certain keywords and phrases.
Resumix resumes are submitted online and kept in a database regardless of whether or not they contain the proper information. However, if you do submit a Resumix resume that is not properly formatted it will never see the light of day or be reviewed.
To take advantage of the Resumix resume program you need to use an online resume builder to submit your information and thus create a Resumix resume. This process actually eliminates the need for KSAs to be submitted in some, but not all, circumstances. The nice thing about having your Resumix resume stored is that you can apply for multiple positions using the same resume by utilizing a self-nomination process.
Resumix will automatically match the skills you have listed with the skills that are required form a certain posting so it is of utmost importance that your Resumix resume contains all the relevant information and keywords. For this reason it is best to spell out certain skills and don’t get too simple or complex with any verbiage.
Now here’s the trick; you have to write your Resumix resume so that it will first catch the attention of the computer scanning software, but it must also be written so that a person can understand it. This is because the Resumix system only eliminates human interaction at the first level and once a resume is flagged for review, it is an actual person who will be conducting the review before an interview is granted. This can be easier said than done, but fortunately there are a number of services online today that offer Resumix resume help.
Obtaining help from a professional may be a route you want to consider as you will want to make sure that you have a well written Resumix resume that can appeal to the scanning software and the reviewer as well, but more than that there are certain rules for Resumix resumes depending on what agency you wish to apply for. For example the Navy Resumix will allow you to submit five pages, but the Army Resumix will only allow you to submit three. Here again, if you don’t do it right, you don’t stand a chance.
While it was designed to both streamline and ease the hiring process, Resumix can be somewhat confusing. Working with a professional Resumix resume writer can help you to ensure that the resume you submit will not only be accepted, but also viewed; hopefully multiple times.
Learn more government resume tips.
Resumix resumes are submitted online and kept in a database regardless of whether or not they contain the proper information. However, if you do submit a Resumix resume that is not properly formatted it will never see the light of day or be reviewed.
To take advantage of the Resumix resume program you need to use an online resume builder to submit your information and thus create a Resumix resume. This process actually eliminates the need for KSAs to be submitted in some, but not all, circumstances. The nice thing about having your Resumix resume stored is that you can apply for multiple positions using the same resume by utilizing a self-nomination process.
Resumix will automatically match the skills you have listed with the skills that are required form a certain posting so it is of utmost importance that your Resumix resume contains all the relevant information and keywords. For this reason it is best to spell out certain skills and don’t get too simple or complex with any verbiage.
Now here’s the trick; you have to write your Resumix resume so that it will first catch the attention of the computer scanning software, but it must also be written so that a person can understand it. This is because the Resumix system only eliminates human interaction at the first level and once a resume is flagged for review, it is an actual person who will be conducting the review before an interview is granted. This can be easier said than done, but fortunately there are a number of services online today that offer Resumix resume help.
Obtaining help from a professional may be a route you want to consider as you will want to make sure that you have a well written Resumix resume that can appeal to the scanning software and the reviewer as well, but more than that there are certain rules for Resumix resumes depending on what agency you wish to apply for. For example the Navy Resumix will allow you to submit five pages, but the Army Resumix will only allow you to submit three. Here again, if you don’t do it right, you don’t stand a chance.
While it was designed to both streamline and ease the hiring process, Resumix can be somewhat confusing. Working with a professional Resumix resume writer can help you to ensure that the resume you submit will not only be accepted, but also viewed; hopefully multiple times.
Learn more government resume tips.
Government Resume Writing Tips
Government resume writing needs to be clear, concise and to the point. More than that though, your government resume has to be relevant to the Federal job you are applying for. With the upcoming phasing out of the KSAs it is now more important than ever to make sure that your government resumes is a custom fit for the position you seek.
Here are some government resume writing tips to remember when preparing yours:
• Mold your government resume: Adapt your government resume to fit the position you are applying for. Nothing is a quicker death when seeking a Federal job than a resume that has no relevance to the position. This will increase in importance once the KSAs are totally phased out.
• Keep it clear: You definitely want your government resume to stand out, but don’t get carried away. Use words and phrases that are clear cut, concise, and to the point. Don’t get caught up using phrases that are too complex as this can vex a potential Federal employer.
• Condense: Instead of long drawn out paragraphs, fill your government resume with indented bullet points and focused statements. The idea is to get the potential Federal employer to read your entire resume and not to bore them.
• Highlight your strengths: Mention your relevant strengths in any way you can. This may be done by more than job experience, like with volunteer work you have done or your specific education background. If you have a chance to mention a relevant strength, do so.
• Eliminate irrelevant information: Even if the information is favorable to you, if it has absolutely no relevance to the Federal job you are applying for, don’t bother with it.
• Avoid clutter: If you are reading something you want it to be easy to read and not cluttered up right? The same goes for the individuals reviewing your government resume. Be sure to use spaces between sections and use headings to organize all of the different details on your government resume. An easy to read resume will get reviewed long before one that is cluttered.
• Don’t lie: This is a good rule of thumb for anything in life, but especially when writing your government resume. There is nothing wrong with making yourself sound good, but be careful that you don’t exaggerate the truth or flat out lie. The last thing you want is to get flagged for lying as this will no doubt lead to you looking elsewhere for employment.
• Use keywords and phrases: Use keywords and phrases that Federal employers like to see. A government resume chalk full of these keywords and phrases will get more looks and thus more of a consideration for the position.
Remember, your government resume is your story and if not told properly you will find yourself on the outside looking in. With the soon to come phasing out of the KSAs, individuals will now have to be sure that their government resumes are up to speed. Ensuring that you have a well written and good looking government resume will ensure that you get more interviews, which will lead to the Federal job that you have always longed for.
Here are some government resume writing tips to remember when preparing yours:
• Mold your government resume: Adapt your government resume to fit the position you are applying for. Nothing is a quicker death when seeking a Federal job than a resume that has no relevance to the position. This will increase in importance once the KSAs are totally phased out.
• Keep it clear: You definitely want your government resume to stand out, but don’t get carried away. Use words and phrases that are clear cut, concise, and to the point. Don’t get caught up using phrases that are too complex as this can vex a potential Federal employer.
• Condense: Instead of long drawn out paragraphs, fill your government resume with indented bullet points and focused statements. The idea is to get the potential Federal employer to read your entire resume and not to bore them.
• Highlight your strengths: Mention your relevant strengths in any way you can. This may be done by more than job experience, like with volunteer work you have done or your specific education background. If you have a chance to mention a relevant strength, do so.
• Eliminate irrelevant information: Even if the information is favorable to you, if it has absolutely no relevance to the Federal job you are applying for, don’t bother with it.
• Avoid clutter: If you are reading something you want it to be easy to read and not cluttered up right? The same goes for the individuals reviewing your government resume. Be sure to use spaces between sections and use headings to organize all of the different details on your government resume. An easy to read resume will get reviewed long before one that is cluttered.
• Don’t lie: This is a good rule of thumb for anything in life, but especially when writing your government resume. There is nothing wrong with making yourself sound good, but be careful that you don’t exaggerate the truth or flat out lie. The last thing you want is to get flagged for lying as this will no doubt lead to you looking elsewhere for employment.
• Use keywords and phrases: Use keywords and phrases that Federal employers like to see. A government resume chalk full of these keywords and phrases will get more looks and thus more of a consideration for the position.
Remember, your government resume is your story and if not told properly you will find yourself on the outside looking in. With the soon to come phasing out of the KSAs, individuals will now have to be sure that their government resumes are up to speed. Ensuring that you have a well written and good looking government resume will ensure that you get more interviews, which will lead to the Federal job that you have always longed for.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Getting a Job without Experience
If you are trying to find a new job but you lack the experience that many potential employers are looking for then you may be in for a frustrating time. There are however ways to get a job without prior experience it will simply take some tenacity, imagination, and patience on your part.
Filling out a million applications and submitting them will generally not work when you have little to no experience to offer anyone especially if you are shooting too high and are expecting too much right out of the gates. But you can perform certain tasks before you ever apply for a job that will help you be more appealing in the eyes of potential employers. Here are a few tips to help you beat the ‘no experience’ conundrum:
• Volunteer: One of the easiest ways to gain valuable experience is to volunteer in a field that will teach you the skills you need to have in order to obtain a certain job. For example, if you want to become a customer service representative somewhere then volunteer at a homeless shelter to serve food. This will give you plenty of experience dealing with people and you can then use this experience to try to land the job you are after.
• Look for Internships: Ever heard of the term, ‘Climb the corporate ladder?’ Instead of going for the gusto and applying for a job in which you have zero qualifications, apply to be an intern for that position. If you want to become a radio personality, apply to be an intern at a radio station for a summer. You won’t get paid much, but what you will gain is valuable skills which will later translate into experience and possibly a great paying job in the field you are interested in.
• Start small: This goes with the last point. Instead of thinking you are going to become the president of the company in the first year, do whatever it takes to get your foot in the door. If you have to work in the mail room for a little while, do that. Once your foot is in the door you can begin to explore other opportunities at the company. Many companies like to promote within and if you show you are willing to start at the bottom and that you are a hard worker and a fast learner then you have a great chance of making it to the top one day. The business world is full of stories like this such as a regional manger of a grocery store chain starting out as a bag boy with the company and working his way to the top after years of hard work and dedication. Sometimes, it is all about loyalty.
It is possible to find a job without any experience; it just may not be the job you want for the long term. But by implementing your imagination and a little thing called patience you too can have the job of your dreams; it just might take a bit longer than you anticipated.
Read resume writer reviews to find the best service for your needs.
Filling out a million applications and submitting them will generally not work when you have little to no experience to offer anyone especially if you are shooting too high and are expecting too much right out of the gates. But you can perform certain tasks before you ever apply for a job that will help you be more appealing in the eyes of potential employers. Here are a few tips to help you beat the ‘no experience’ conundrum:
• Volunteer: One of the easiest ways to gain valuable experience is to volunteer in a field that will teach you the skills you need to have in order to obtain a certain job. For example, if you want to become a customer service representative somewhere then volunteer at a homeless shelter to serve food. This will give you plenty of experience dealing with people and you can then use this experience to try to land the job you are after.
• Look for Internships: Ever heard of the term, ‘Climb the corporate ladder?’ Instead of going for the gusto and applying for a job in which you have zero qualifications, apply to be an intern for that position. If you want to become a radio personality, apply to be an intern at a radio station for a summer. You won’t get paid much, but what you will gain is valuable skills which will later translate into experience and possibly a great paying job in the field you are interested in.
• Start small: This goes with the last point. Instead of thinking you are going to become the president of the company in the first year, do whatever it takes to get your foot in the door. If you have to work in the mail room for a little while, do that. Once your foot is in the door you can begin to explore other opportunities at the company. Many companies like to promote within and if you show you are willing to start at the bottom and that you are a hard worker and a fast learner then you have a great chance of making it to the top one day. The business world is full of stories like this such as a regional manger of a grocery store chain starting out as a bag boy with the company and working his way to the top after years of hard work and dedication. Sometimes, it is all about loyalty.
It is possible to find a job without any experience; it just may not be the job you want for the long term. But by implementing your imagination and a little thing called patience you too can have the job of your dreams; it just might take a bit longer than you anticipated.
Read resume writer reviews to find the best service for your needs.
Job Interviewing After 50
If you are over the age of 50 and are actively seeking a new job you may have noticed that it is harder than you ever remember finding a job. You may have heard terms such as you are overqualified and the like but what it all boils down to is that many 30 something year olds don’t want to hire someone who reminds them of their parents.
If you are finding it increasingly difficult to interview, fear not, there is hope for you yet to land a great job and age has nothing to do with it. Basically it is all in how you present yourself. Here is how you too can improve your chances in an interview even if you are over 50:
• Sell Yourself: When in an interviewer it is important to try to sell yourself by giving yourself a brand image. This will address the ever important question that all interviewers ask themselves, ‘What’s in it for me?’ This brand image should be summarized in a few short sentences and address the issues of who you are, what your biggest strengths are, and most importantly what you bring to the table.
• Show Passion: Never have the attitude that you are desperate for work and instead approach the interview as though this is something you have wanted to do your whole life. If you show that you are indeed passionate about learning and working it will convey your commitment as a hard worker and will likely garner more good than bad.
• Down Play the Long Term: Many employers today are looking for a quick fix to their employee problems and are not really interested in how long you plan on staying with the company. Instead of harping on the fact that you are a long term player, harp on your skills and show the potential employer how you can be the quick fix they are looking for. Worry about your longevity at the company later; just get your foot in the door first.
• Don’t Talk too Much: Because you have worked in the ‘field’ for so many generations you undoubtedly have many wonderful sorties to share, but the interview may not be the best place to do so. Stick to answering what is asked of you and save your stories for the water cooler after you get the job.
• Talk Money: There is saying that money talks; it actually screams. Money trumps everything including your age so make sure that you convey to the potential employer what you can do for the money you expect. Bottom line is, that if you offer more bang for their buck then they probably won’t care how old you are.
Finding a job at any age can be a real challenge and the challenge only gets tougher as your age progresses. But if you approach an interview with a sound strategy using the tips provided you can have the potential employer thinking more about your skills and how those skills can help the company than they are thinking about your age.
Get more job search advice at JobGoRound.com, which provides job search tips, interview advice, and resume service reviews.
If you are finding it increasingly difficult to interview, fear not, there is hope for you yet to land a great job and age has nothing to do with it. Basically it is all in how you present yourself. Here is how you too can improve your chances in an interview even if you are over 50:
• Sell Yourself: When in an interviewer it is important to try to sell yourself by giving yourself a brand image. This will address the ever important question that all interviewers ask themselves, ‘What’s in it for me?’ This brand image should be summarized in a few short sentences and address the issues of who you are, what your biggest strengths are, and most importantly what you bring to the table.
• Show Passion: Never have the attitude that you are desperate for work and instead approach the interview as though this is something you have wanted to do your whole life. If you show that you are indeed passionate about learning and working it will convey your commitment as a hard worker and will likely garner more good than bad.
• Down Play the Long Term: Many employers today are looking for a quick fix to their employee problems and are not really interested in how long you plan on staying with the company. Instead of harping on the fact that you are a long term player, harp on your skills and show the potential employer how you can be the quick fix they are looking for. Worry about your longevity at the company later; just get your foot in the door first.
• Don’t Talk too Much: Because you have worked in the ‘field’ for so many generations you undoubtedly have many wonderful sorties to share, but the interview may not be the best place to do so. Stick to answering what is asked of you and save your stories for the water cooler after you get the job.
• Talk Money: There is saying that money talks; it actually screams. Money trumps everything including your age so make sure that you convey to the potential employer what you can do for the money you expect. Bottom line is, that if you offer more bang for their buck then they probably won’t care how old you are.
Finding a job at any age can be a real challenge and the challenge only gets tougher as your age progresses. But if you approach an interview with a sound strategy using the tips provided you can have the potential employer thinking more about your skills and how those skills can help the company than they are thinking about your age.
Get more job search advice at JobGoRound.com, which provides job search tips, interview advice, and resume service reviews.
Job Blogs worth Reading
A great way to get a leg up on the competition when seeking out a new job is to see what the job blogs have to offer. If you conduct a Google, Yahoo, or Bing search looking for job blogs you will be bombarded with millions of returns. Some are worth reading every single day and most are quite simply a waste of your time, but how do you know which job blogs are worth reading?
While you can always go onto the bigger job sites such as Career Builder and Mosnster.com to read over their blogs, those tend to be a bit more impersonal. Here are some job blogs that will provide you with a wealth of information using some traditional methods and some not so traditional methods:
• Personal Branding: This blog is all about helping you to brand yourself and your image. These days it is not enough to have great skills and a wonderful resume. Employers are now going after those who can best ‘market’ themselves and their skills and convey why they will make the perfect fit for the position.
• CAREEREALISM: The creator of this blog states that it was created because the old methods of job searching simply don’t work anymore. The blog has many video entries and often features guest blogs by some of the top names in the job seeking industry. The blog offers cutting edge advice on first finding, then keeping a great job.
• JobGoRound: The author of this blog writes ideas and tips for those looking to shift gears in their career life. Because staying at the same job for a lifetime is a notion that is not seen much these days it is important to know when to look for other opportunities and how to go about it.
• Penelope Trunk’s Brazen Careerist: Trunk is known for her ability to use personal experiences within the blog and offers a lot of conventional wisdom about career choices. She also tells it like it is and never candy-coats anything which is a refreshing change from many of the job blogs out today.
• Punk Rock HR: The author of this blog has done time for various Fortune 500 companies and writes about those experiences in the blog. HR, which is an acronym for human resources, is often the first point of contact for someone seeking a job at a company. The author’s witty and often funny insight sheds light on the other side of the fence helping you be prepared for what is to come and what is to be expected of you.
Once again there are many other job blogs that you can view but you will be hard-pressed to find many that rival the wit, talent, and flat out accuracy of these job blogs. While a good job tip is a good job tip, a good job blog is an almost endless supply of good job tips and will help even the most novice of job seekers find a career that they can really sink their teeth into.
Learn more job search strategies on the JobGoRound.com job search blog.
While you can always go onto the bigger job sites such as Career Builder and Mosnster.com to read over their blogs, those tend to be a bit more impersonal. Here are some job blogs that will provide you with a wealth of information using some traditional methods and some not so traditional methods:
• Personal Branding: This blog is all about helping you to brand yourself and your image. These days it is not enough to have great skills and a wonderful resume. Employers are now going after those who can best ‘market’ themselves and their skills and convey why they will make the perfect fit for the position.
• CAREEREALISM: The creator of this blog states that it was created because the old methods of job searching simply don’t work anymore. The blog has many video entries and often features guest blogs by some of the top names in the job seeking industry. The blog offers cutting edge advice on first finding, then keeping a great job.
• JobGoRound: The author of this blog writes ideas and tips for those looking to shift gears in their career life. Because staying at the same job for a lifetime is a notion that is not seen much these days it is important to know when to look for other opportunities and how to go about it.
• Penelope Trunk’s Brazen Careerist: Trunk is known for her ability to use personal experiences within the blog and offers a lot of conventional wisdom about career choices. She also tells it like it is and never candy-coats anything which is a refreshing change from many of the job blogs out today.
• Punk Rock HR: The author of this blog has done time for various Fortune 500 companies and writes about those experiences in the blog. HR, which is an acronym for human resources, is often the first point of contact for someone seeking a job at a company. The author’s witty and often funny insight sheds light on the other side of the fence helping you be prepared for what is to come and what is to be expected of you.
Once again there are many other job blogs that you can view but you will be hard-pressed to find many that rival the wit, talent, and flat out accuracy of these job blogs. While a good job tip is a good job tip, a good job blog is an almost endless supply of good job tips and will help even the most novice of job seekers find a career that they can really sink their teeth into.
Learn more job search strategies on the JobGoRound.com job search blog.
Fastest Growing Career Fields
Whether you are just entering the workforce or you are a seasoned pro who is looking for a change of pace, it helps to know what the fastest growing career fields are. Entering a fast growing career field means that you will have plenty of room for advancement and that your job will not be in danger of going anywhere any time soon.
While the list of fast growing career fields seems to be subject to change with every passing year, there are some fields that appear to be standing the test of time and are consistently making all the top job lists. These career fields include:
• Health Care: As the baby-boomers begin to show their age the demand for health care will be steadily increasing. Registered nurses are typically at the front of the line when it comes to top job openings in the field, but the future will bring the need for many areas of medicine. While many positions in the health care industry do require a lot of schooling, others simply require a two-year degree or less.
• Technology: Because the world of technology is always changing there will always be new career opportunities for those who are tech savvy. What is common place today such as cellular phones and lap top computers were taboo not 25 years ago. The future will inevitably always be bringing more technologies to the forefront and those who get involved early will probably be best rewarded.
• Law Enforcement: The needed increase in law enforcement is unfortunately a product of our environment. With the threat of terror attacks and crime on the rise due to poor economic conditions, many openings will be available in the law enforcement area. From homeland security, to prison guard, and everything in between each will carry a heavy weight of responsibility but will also help to keep the country and local communities safe.
• Science: Thanks in large part to technology, science will probably find its way on this list more times than not. New advances in genetics and other areas of high tech science will create a multitude of opportunities for those with an analytical mind.
• Education: As the populating seems to be making a comeback and there are now more children in daycare then in recent history then it stands to reason that once those children reach the age to attend elementary school, there will be an increased need for teachers. If you are not interested in becoming a teacher, there will be other area such as teacher’s aides, special education assistants, and physical education instructors that will also need to be addressed by the school system in America.
While each job on the list represents its own set of standards and requirements, they also represent terrific opportunities to get into a field that is rapidly advancing now and will more than likely be advancing in the future as well. As the years go on and new job markets come and go, these jobs will always have a need to be filled and can give you a great career that will not soon fade away.
Get more career advice at JobGoRound.com, which provides job search tips, interview advice, and resume service reviews.
While the list of fast growing career fields seems to be subject to change with every passing year, there are some fields that appear to be standing the test of time and are consistently making all the top job lists. These career fields include:
• Health Care: As the baby-boomers begin to show their age the demand for health care will be steadily increasing. Registered nurses are typically at the front of the line when it comes to top job openings in the field, but the future will bring the need for many areas of medicine. While many positions in the health care industry do require a lot of schooling, others simply require a two-year degree or less.
• Technology: Because the world of technology is always changing there will always be new career opportunities for those who are tech savvy. What is common place today such as cellular phones and lap top computers were taboo not 25 years ago. The future will inevitably always be bringing more technologies to the forefront and those who get involved early will probably be best rewarded.
• Law Enforcement: The needed increase in law enforcement is unfortunately a product of our environment. With the threat of terror attacks and crime on the rise due to poor economic conditions, many openings will be available in the law enforcement area. From homeland security, to prison guard, and everything in between each will carry a heavy weight of responsibility but will also help to keep the country and local communities safe.
• Science: Thanks in large part to technology, science will probably find its way on this list more times than not. New advances in genetics and other areas of high tech science will create a multitude of opportunities for those with an analytical mind.
• Education: As the populating seems to be making a comeback and there are now more children in daycare then in recent history then it stands to reason that once those children reach the age to attend elementary school, there will be an increased need for teachers. If you are not interested in becoming a teacher, there will be other area such as teacher’s aides, special education assistants, and physical education instructors that will also need to be addressed by the school system in America.
While each job on the list represents its own set of standards and requirements, they also represent terrific opportunities to get into a field that is rapidly advancing now and will more than likely be advancing in the future as well. As the years go on and new job markets come and go, these jobs will always have a need to be filled and can give you a great career that will not soon fade away.
Get more career advice at JobGoRound.com, which provides job search tips, interview advice, and resume service reviews.
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