Archive for April, 2010
Job Search : Employment for Ex-Cons
Ex-convicts need to prepare for a job search and interview in the same way as every other candidate, and they should view interviews as opportunities to convince an employer that they’re right for the job. Discover why it’s important for ex-convicts to demonstrate an ability to communicate with help from a career counseling specialist in this free video on job searches and employment opportunities. Expert: Steve Baiter Bio: Stephen Baiter, along with other career counseling specialists, helps to connect people with employment and job training opportunities at the EASTBAY Works One-Stop Career Center in Concord, Calif. Filmmaker: Sam Lee
Computer Job Tips
Looking for the right job involves many details, among which are suitability and interest. When preparing for an interview, you should learn more about the organization and already have a specific job in mind. If you are looking for a computer job, it is helpful to not only possess talent and skill in IT, but people skills as well. Companies are eager to know how you can contribute to their growth and employers long to reward those who exceed expectations. Therefore, polish your IT (and people) skills and stay competitive. Here are some IT job tips for you.
Regardless of whether you are a fresh graduate or someone who is in between jobs, you look forward to develop a promising career in a reputable company. The challenge here is to know what the market wants and how your skills measure up in comparison to your job-seeking peers. While new niche technological areas continue to emerge, an IT professional should at least be well-versed with the fundamentals of technology and work to develop a specialization that will come in handy. Companies think highly of those who are able to utilize their skills and apply them to enterprise-building projects.
Many major companies have begun to move away from classic problem-solution methods in their IT departments and encourage workers to anticipate problems even before they occur. IT professionals are expected to expand their service beyond providing technical solutions and tap into entrepreneurial opportunities through technology. The ability to translate IT skills into business opportunities is a highly valued human resource. Computer job certifications are important because employers would like to know what you have to offer. These certifications are tough to pass and they include areas such as data security, networking, and programming.
It is worth noting these IT jobs tips as your prepare for your next job application. Consider how your IT skills can be integrated into business opportunities. Another winning tip is to always consider your answer and view matters from the perspective of your potential employer.
The Job Seeker?s Dilemma: Is it time to change career direction?
Todays job market is tough. Millions of people are looking for jobs for the first time in years. Theyre looking for jobs that dont seem to exist. Recruiters dont return phone calls. Job seekers are fed up and frustrated. They wonder if all the effort is ever going to pay off and if its time to change careers. You might be wondering the same thing. But, it seems so risky in this economy.
If you are experiencing these feelings, it might be time for a career change:
Youve always been interested in other career areas but went with the safe route and now you feel burned out
You dont enjoy your work anymore and you wonder what other options are out there for you
You feel stuck and stagnant
You are finding fewer and fewer jobs available in your industry
Youre over-qualified for the jobs that are available in your industry
You feel the effort to get a new job in your industry is more than you want to undertake
How do you know if now is a good time to change career direction?
The reality is that job loss and job creation are natural components of the world of work. It happens all the time to varying degrees. So there probably isnt one perfect time to change jobs or careers. The decision depends a lot on your personal situation.
Before launching a job search or career change, though, there are several important steps to take which I also outline in my career guide and audio program, Fast Track Your Career: Three Steps for Finding Work You Love.
Gaining Personal Insight
Before you change careers, you need to figure out what you want. By assessing your current situation you can determine what you need in your career to be satisfied. Analyze your values, skills, personality characteristics, interests, and lifestyle preferences. Its also useful to take inventory of your financial situation, especially if the career youre considering might require additional education and training or relocation.
Getting a Reality Check
A critical mistake in making a career change is making the leap without getting enough career information. By exploring career possibilities youll be able to identify options that are best suited to your personal attributes and preferences. There are online and print resources you can use to learn about job outlooks and industry trends. The people in your network can also be great sources for information about trends and opportunities in various career fields. In addition, they can make introductions and give you referrals.
Charting Your Career Path
After youve done some self-assessment to learn what you want in a career and done career research to generate options, you have to make a decision about next steps. Your transition and job search plans will guide you to successfully getting the job you want and expanding your professional network. Youll also need to update your resume, cover letter, and other support materials and fine-tune your interviewing and networking skills.
People change jobs or careers in search of greater satisfaction. By following the steps outlined above, you will increase your chances for finding a career that better suits your personal goals and uses your talents in meaningful ways.
If you’re thinking about a career change, purchase the The Fast Track Your Career: Three Steps for Finding Work You Love career guide and audio program today. You will go through a step-by-step exploration and planning process by completing several exercises, so you can get clear about your career direction.
Special thanks to Andrea Delgado for contributing to this article. For more than 10 years, Andrea, was a program manager at an international development organization during which time she held multiple positions involving program and grant management and administrative support. Andrea has been networking to find employment opportunities and has considered a career change into the private sector. Her dream job would take her into the international financial arena analyzing economic policy and regulations. Andrea has her M.A. degree in International Political Economy and Development from Fordham University; a Graduate Certificate in Womens Politics & Public Policy from the University of Massachusetts at Boston and a B.A degree in Political Science from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.”
Andrea can be contacted on LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/pub/andrea-delgado/10/3b6/717