It’s that time of the year again when colleges let out and newly graduated young adults receive their diplomas. They will enjoy a well deserved, long hot summer and then realize “I’ve graduated - now what? I don’t know what to do next!” A little daunted with the realization that now they need to find a job and put their four or five years of hard academic work into practice. The sad thing for these graduates is that they are already about a year behind.
Ideally, the best time for graduates to start looking for an entry level job is before you graduate. College Career Centers are very helpful when properly utilized. They offer counseling and other career tools, career fair opportunities and internship availabilities. The internships are invaluable beginning for soon-to-be graduates and often a requirement for many degrees. Nearly 60% of interns are asked to stay on permanently after graduation and at the very least; the internship can act as a great reference when getting into the real world after graduation.
For those who were enjoying being in the moment and now are a little in the past – what do you do? First, realize that you need to decide on which career direction you are interested. What is your current career objective? Not sure? Don’t worry many graduates aren’t – instead of procrastinating or doing nothing – chose a path and get started! You can always change your mind and steer yourself in another direction later but you’ll never know what you do like if you don’t find out what you don’t like.
Completing a Career Assessment Evaluation through a reputable program such as D.I.S.C. Assessments might be a valuable investment. These assessments provide information on your behavioral strengths and weaknesses. They determine what type of work environment, skills, and tasks you are most suited for and enjoy.
Career coaching is very effective in helping graduates narrow the possible career paths. They offer a variety of tools to help you understand which industries, fields, and work environments best fit you. They provide extensive information on job searching, interview preparation, salary negotiations, industry information and more.
Next is your gathering of career tools. I would of course recommend an experienced certified resume writer, one who is willing to assist you as you make your way through the preparation process. A well focused resume is the most powerful tool you can have, so your career objective at this point is a must! If your resume writer doesn’t provide additional services in job market strategies they are usually a pretty good source for where to find the services you will need such as interview or career coaching, resume distribution and a posting services. Although these additional services will cost you initially, you will save yourself time and frustration plus with the coaching you will receive pivotal information that will give you an edge or advantage over other applicants during an interview.
The job market is a competitive place but a great career is worth working for! Take the time to do it right and be prepared so you won’t have to settle for a job as you begin your career!
Congratulations Graduates!!
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Technology on Top as Greatest Industry Potential for New Jobs and Income Growth
Many clients, especially young professionals just starting out, often ask about future trends for employment and opportunity. My answer is that it depends on current supply and demand. Population and population trends are the biggest contributors to determining supply and demand of employment opportunities for the future.
With automation and advancing technology some industries have slowed while others have exploded and new ones are developing daily. Any new industries and the ancillary careers that emerge from them are a good place to start. The industry shift tends to be toward more skilled positions so an education or formal training is a must for today’s young adults.
As our younger generation grows up we will need more educators to teach the children, and as baby-boomers move into their retirement years, the need for more healthcare jobs becomes necessary. These population shifts alter the demands that will determine future trends in employment. Although projections show increases of 14% from 2002 to 2012 in the American workforce, the demographics change considerably.
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in the next half dozen years the fastest growing industries will be Technology at 35.8%, Healthcare at 34.5%, Nursing industry increasing 27.3%, Human Resources at 26.2%, and Criminal Justice and Education/Teaching both at 24.7% rounding the top five growth industries. So, when looking into industries with largest potential for available jobs in the above industries are the top contenders.
Now if my clients are looking strictly at income opportunity then I would suggest looking at a different index also released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics which shows the largest salary and wage changes for the next decade. Occupations listed below are expected to provide the largest earnings potential increase, starting with Software Publishing leading with a whopping 68% increase followed by Computer System Design and Related services and management, Scientific and Technology Consulting services both increase earnings by 55%, Employment services come close at 54% and Social Assistance (except child day care) at 47% and finally Motion Pictures and Video increasing by 31%.
While many of the advancing growth industries are dissimilar from the highest income candidates, the computer related industries and health care still look most promising in terms of both opportunity and income potential. But before my clients run to change their career goals I try to remind them that although income and opportunity are important if this is their planned career field for the next 20, 30 or 50 years they should make sure it is one that will offer them appeal, interest and enjoyment for many years.
With automation and advancing technology some industries have slowed while others have exploded and new ones are developing daily. Any new industries and the ancillary careers that emerge from them are a good place to start. The industry shift tends to be toward more skilled positions so an education or formal training is a must for today’s young adults.
As our younger generation grows up we will need more educators to teach the children, and as baby-boomers move into their retirement years, the need for more healthcare jobs becomes necessary. These population shifts alter the demands that will determine future trends in employment. Although projections show increases of 14% from 2002 to 2012 in the American workforce, the demographics change considerably.
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in the next half dozen years the fastest growing industries will be Technology at 35.8%, Healthcare at 34.5%, Nursing industry increasing 27.3%, Human Resources at 26.2%, and Criminal Justice and Education/Teaching both at 24.7% rounding the top five growth industries. So, when looking into industries with largest potential for available jobs in the above industries are the top contenders.
Now if my clients are looking strictly at income opportunity then I would suggest looking at a different index also released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics which shows the largest salary and wage changes for the next decade. Occupations listed below are expected to provide the largest earnings potential increase, starting with Software Publishing leading with a whopping 68% increase followed by Computer System Design and Related services and management, Scientific and Technology Consulting services both increase earnings by 55%, Employment services come close at 54% and Social Assistance (except child day care) at 47% and finally Motion Pictures and Video increasing by 31%.
While many of the advancing growth industries are dissimilar from the highest income candidates, the computer related industries and health care still look most promising in terms of both opportunity and income potential. But before my clients run to change their career goals I try to remind them that although income and opportunity are important if this is their planned career field for the next 20, 30 or 50 years they should make sure it is one that will offer them appeal, interest and enjoyment for many years.
Monday, March 12, 2007
Keeping Resumes Relevant Using Certified Professional Writers
Working with new clients on a regular basis keeps me energized. I love learning about their different careers and the paths they have followed up to the point of meeting me. While becoming acquainted with them, getting a feel for what their objectives are, and reviewing their old resume, almost all of my clients want to interject additional information.
Additional information is obviously helpful and expected during the review and resumes development process when it is relevant. Current position achievements and accomplishments definitely need to be included as does any formal training, education, or other service performed relevant to the future objective of the client. The problem occurs when, in the process of building or updating their own resume, clients want to include an overload of information. This is usually the reason most job seekers eventually contact a resume writer. It is often a wise decision because it is very hard to be objective when writing for oneself. Weeding through all of the past performances can be a very subjective task. Certified writers are trained and very experienced in sorting through information and utilizing only the most relevant information resulting in powerful, focused resumes.
What I remind my clients is that it is important to stay focused while writing the resume. What is the goal of the resume and what is the specific position you are trying to obtain? Clients with several years of experience have the luxury of retrieving and using only the most applicable experiences and achievements. However, most want to provide information on all aspects of every job ever held. This unneeded information just adds clutter to the resume and waters down the strength of the document.
Employers are very busy and usually not excited about the whole hiring process. The average resume is reviewed for 15-20 seconds before given the “yeah or neigh”. What are the employers looking for? They are looking for actual accomplishments and achievements with numbers and facts to back up the achievement. Also they are interested in your fit with their company. Will you get along, work hard, fit in, and make them money? You resume must show them using your resume that you are what they are looking for. The resume needs to also make you stand out and shine leave a lasting impression, all in the first glance.
Resumes are most relevant when they are targeting a specific criteria, job description or goal. Pointing all achievements, as well as daily responsibilities towards your goal will give you a sharp, well focused resume and a definite advantage over the competition. A well crafted resume created by a Certified Professional Resume Writer works because it has been specifically developed for you and your current career goals and needs, it isn’t generic or to broadly focused to fit the positions you are seeking. It also has specific industry, profession, and position keywords strategically integrated into the document to draw attention from both human and computer generated senses.
Additional information is obviously helpful and expected during the review and resumes development process when it is relevant. Current position achievements and accomplishments definitely need to be included as does any formal training, education, or other service performed relevant to the future objective of the client. The problem occurs when, in the process of building or updating their own resume, clients want to include an overload of information. This is usually the reason most job seekers eventually contact a resume writer. It is often a wise decision because it is very hard to be objective when writing for oneself. Weeding through all of the past performances can be a very subjective task. Certified writers are trained and very experienced in sorting through information and utilizing only the most relevant information resulting in powerful, focused resumes.
What I remind my clients is that it is important to stay focused while writing the resume. What is the goal of the resume and what is the specific position you are trying to obtain? Clients with several years of experience have the luxury of retrieving and using only the most applicable experiences and achievements. However, most want to provide information on all aspects of every job ever held. This unneeded information just adds clutter to the resume and waters down the strength of the document.
Employers are very busy and usually not excited about the whole hiring process. The average resume is reviewed for 15-20 seconds before given the “yeah or neigh”. What are the employers looking for? They are looking for actual accomplishments and achievements with numbers and facts to back up the achievement. Also they are interested in your fit with their company. Will you get along, work hard, fit in, and make them money? You resume must show them using your resume that you are what they are looking for. The resume needs to also make you stand out and shine leave a lasting impression, all in the first glance.
Resumes are most relevant when they are targeting a specific criteria, job description or goal. Pointing all achievements, as well as daily responsibilities towards your goal will give you a sharp, well focused resume and a definite advantage over the competition. A well crafted resume created by a Certified Professional Resume Writer works because it has been specifically developed for you and your current career goals and needs, it isn’t generic or to broadly focused to fit the positions you are seeking. It also has specific industry, profession, and position keywords strategically integrated into the document to draw attention from both human and computer generated senses.
Friday, February 16, 2007
Increase Your Interview Odds With Preparation and Practice
People spend huge amounts of time preparing for upcoming events, finals in college, big presentations at work, or planning for a wedding. But when it comes to preparing for an interview for a position they will be spending at least a third of their lives every week, most people take little time to prepare for their interview and end up with whatever job is offered or available.
Although looks do matter and non-verbal first impressions play a strong role when interviewing, proper preparation for an interview dramatically increases your chances of impressing an employer and landing the job. When employers and potential employees are asked the same question, “Are the applicants effective or good at interviewing?” Most applicants would say “yes” while the employers say “no”. Imagine the advantage you will have being prepared for your interview, that alone will get you noticed and keep the attention focused on you as a position candidate.
How do you prepare for interviews and increase the odds in your favor? Preparation – Practice – More Practice!!! I can’t be stressed this enough. Like a test, ball game, or any activity the more you prepare the better you will perform. How someone practices is how they will play the game so give your practice efforts 110% .
Become familiar with the company. Do research on the company; discover where they are now and where they are headed. What are they looking for? What the work atmosphere is? Once you are familiar with the corporate goals you can use your experiences and skills and relate them specifically to what the current needs of the company.
Make a list of questions that will be asked of you at the interview. When I am preparing my clients for an interview we work on both the easy and tough questions. Remember to answer honestly, ease negative responses by explaining how you turned a situation around or learned something valuable from the experience. Try not to talk negatively about current or past employers, focus on positive experiences, relationships, accomplishments and share that. And again, as I tell my interview clients, you must Practice – Practice - Practice!
Have a friend, coworker or possibly a family member help you with a mock interview. Before you begin, practicing think out and even write down your answers. It usually takes several tries before you are comfortable and confident at answering all the questions. Taping yourself is probably the most effective training tool – seeing your verbal and non-verbal communication style helps to understand how you are perceived. Keep what works and changes things that don’t.
Interviewing usually isn’t a comfortable experience for anyone. You will increase your confidence; and increase the employer’s confidence in you by sounding self-assured and have a well thought out answer. Being prepared will help you to provide relevant powerful information when you know before hand how you will answer questions. People tend to ramble on when they get nervous and that can be dangerous. Interview preparation and practice in key!
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Looks Do Matter in the Non-Verbal Communications of an Interview
We have always heard it said that “looks don’t matter” or “it’s what's inside that counts”. Well although this may be true, when walking in to an interview environment the first rule is looks do matter.
Research shows that the overwhelming majority of communication done between individuals, especially ones meeting for the first time, is done through non-verbal cues. Non-verbal communication is very broad in nature ranging from appearance, attitude, how one carries oneself, smile, body language, eye contact, breathing patterns, laugh, voice and speech patterns. The list goes one but we will just focus on those relevant to participating in a stellar interview.
When meeting someone who may become your potential boss, the hiring manager, or an influential assistant, an appropriate, positive first impression is vital. Basic assumptions like good hygiene should be a given, clean shaven - clean clothes - clean body.
However, clothing style, hair style, outerwear, shoes, even umbrellas, bags, briefcases and purses should be appropriate to the position you are interviewing for. Nothing will hurt your chances more than walking into an interview with flip-flops, a wrinkled shirt, an old stain on the tie, or a hand bag with glitter across the side. You want to make the right impression that says you are serious about the interview, you want the job, and you are a right fit for the company.
Looking into the dress code of a company you are interviewing with is a great way to find out the right clothes for the job. Dress codes vary so it is definitely something to check into. High style is fine, even looked for in some industries but keep it conservative for the interview. Nothing should be worn that is too short, too tight, or too stylish; it might intimidate or present you as over or under qualified. After you land the job then you can get decide how far to expand the wardrobe.
Aside from your clothes, other areas to keep in check during interview preparation include items carried like a bag, purse and even umbrella. Make sure your entire ensemble is in line with the professional image you are trying to convey. Come to the interview prepared with a notepad, quality pen, additional copies of your resume and all other pertinent documentation. Poise yourself to portray the professional you are and one who is self-confident, prepared, and able to handle the job.
Other interview non-verbal communication skills to sharpen include; presenting a firm handshake, making and maintaining eye contact, walking confidently and displaying pleasant attitude are all ways to benefit your first impression. Work at finding something to “connect” you and the employer. Look around the office, does he enjoy deep sea diving, chess, or golf like you – mention it! This will help to break the ice and bring emotional connections into the picture – and help you be remembered.
Like everything in life, you have to work for anything that is worth having. If this job is worth having then go for it! Make it happen – you know you are right for the job, the only thing you have to do is convince the employer. The right look and preparation is the key!!
Research shows that the overwhelming majority of communication done between individuals, especially ones meeting for the first time, is done through non-verbal cues. Non-verbal communication is very broad in nature ranging from appearance, attitude, how one carries oneself, smile, body language, eye contact, breathing patterns, laugh, voice and speech patterns. The list goes one but we will just focus on those relevant to participating in a stellar interview.
When meeting someone who may become your potential boss, the hiring manager, or an influential assistant, an appropriate, positive first impression is vital. Basic assumptions like good hygiene should be a given, clean shaven - clean clothes - clean body.
However, clothing style, hair style, outerwear, shoes, even umbrellas, bags, briefcases and purses should be appropriate to the position you are interviewing for. Nothing will hurt your chances more than walking into an interview with flip-flops, a wrinkled shirt, an old stain on the tie, or a hand bag with glitter across the side. You want to make the right impression that says you are serious about the interview, you want the job, and you are a right fit for the company.
Looking into the dress code of a company you are interviewing with is a great way to find out the right clothes for the job. Dress codes vary so it is definitely something to check into. High style is fine, even looked for in some industries but keep it conservative for the interview. Nothing should be worn that is too short, too tight, or too stylish; it might intimidate or present you as over or under qualified. After you land the job then you can get decide how far to expand the wardrobe.
Aside from your clothes, other areas to keep in check during interview preparation include items carried like a bag, purse and even umbrella. Make sure your entire ensemble is in line with the professional image you are trying to convey. Come to the interview prepared with a notepad, quality pen, additional copies of your resume and all other pertinent documentation. Poise yourself to portray the professional you are and one who is self-confident, prepared, and able to handle the job.
Other interview non-verbal communication skills to sharpen include; presenting a firm handshake, making and maintaining eye contact, walking confidently and displaying pleasant attitude are all ways to benefit your first impression. Work at finding something to “connect” you and the employer. Look around the office, does he enjoy deep sea diving, chess, or golf like you – mention it! This will help to break the ice and bring emotional connections into the picture – and help you be remembered.
Like everything in life, you have to work for anything that is worth having. If this job is worth having then go for it! Make it happen – you know you are right for the job, the only thing you have to do is convince the employer. The right look and preparation is the key!!
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