When you work at home you are an independent contractor which means that you work for yourself. When you get a job you are being hired with no guarantees and it is up to you to prove that you can do the job and that you will stick to your end of the agreement. It can often be hard to find a work at home job and you need to do everything possible to help make yourself look better. You have to sell yourself to the employer so you can get their confidence and get the job.
One way to do that is with professionalism.Important Qualities of a Professional In business the word professionalism is taken very seriously. Professionalism carries an air of respect, trust and productivity. When you come off as a professional you gain confidence from a potential employer. Here are some key characteristics of what makes a professional: good communication skills good presentation of themselves the ability to communicate on a business level good knowledge in their area of expertise. A professional is someone who knows all the social and business rules. They interact with others in a way that is not rude or otherwise offensive. A professional knows what to say and when to say it.
Basically a professional is someone who can be trusted to do a job right.How Professionalism Benefits Your BusinessWhen you show professionalism you give others the ability to trust you. Professionalism makes others believe in you and your abilities.
You show that you can handle tasks that are given to you and that you will work hard on tasks. Professionalism will allow you to get work. You will find it easier to get a job and easier stay working. In the at home work environment there is a lot of risk since employers often hire people without ever actually seeing them or even speaking to them outside of the internet. This requires a lot of trust and employers are more likely to deal with people who are professional over those who are not. How to Improve your Professional Image. Improving your professional image involves a few different things. You should start with your resume.
It should be clean, clear and not have any errors in spelling, grammar or formatting. You should make sure that your resume gives off the image you want employers to develop about you.You should also create a professional email address.
Something fun and cute is not very professional and works better for your personal email. Usually acceptable emails addresses are something involving your name, such as your last name and first initial.When communicating with employers you should always check spelling and grammar. Remember the simple rules of written communication. Address the person correctly and always include a signature.Lastly, make sure once you start working that you complete jobs on time and do them right. Ask questions if you do not understand or let employers know if something happens and you can not meet a deadline.
Joe Domotor is owner of http://Online-Making-Money-From-Home.com and writes on a variety of subjects.
Wednesday, 30 September 2009
Tuesday, 29 September 2009
Cool Travel Jobs Easier to Get Than You Think!
Do you know that travel jobs are not that hard to find?
We are certainly in the age of globalization. Travel job industry is exponentially growing and it is great for everyone who just loves new experiences.
Travel jobs are well compensated careers but because of the element of travel, they are also considered to be a dream job for most people. Generally, great jobs are hard to find and for less experienced job seekers, it is even more difficult. But travel jobs are more accessible than most people think.
Practically, anyone with the willingness to work in foreign places can get the job. It is there for the taking, and it comes in various shapes and sizes. Whether you’re good in sales, health care, arts, or entertainment, there is a travel job for you. Some jobs do not even need a degree; some of these are high paying blue collar jobs that almost anyone can do. Hey, if that is the job you want, it is just around the corner but it won’t come to you, you have to go get it.
So, still don’t know where to look??
For starters, surf the net. On line travel job seeking can be very useful even when you still do not have an idea on what type of job you want. There are many sites out there that give links to agencies that offer travel jobs. If you can find agencies somewhere in your area, do not hesitate to go there and convince them with your readiness to travel along with whatever skills you have.
Sometimes, you will not find agencies near you but the Internet can help you find resources outside of your area. Details of the job responsibilities are often stated along with the salary and qualifications. You will be amazed by the number of jobs available and the diversity of types they offer.
Look for jobs that you re interested in and the ones that match your skill sets or education background. Usually, there will be some kind of free membership registration needed in order to post your online application. But thats a small price to pay.
Next, look into government and non government organizations. More often than not, they offer volunteer jobs that pay you to travel and help others. These jobs can be hard but they will also be fun and you get to work with decent and polite individuals both in your organization and the community you are helping. Most organizations provide jobs that are considered to be admirable, perfect for people who are idealistic and have strong principles.
One of the best sources of travel jobs are from companies on a marketing phase. These companies, especially developing ones, will hire people to market their products to different places. All expenses paid. You get to meet interesting folks and if you’re a productive salesman you can make great profits and earn bonuses in addition to the travel experiences you have.
The coolest jobs that most people don t consider are those jobs available from a cruising companies. Cruise ship jobs are like vacations with income! Good tasting food, great people from all over the world, and all the fun you cold ask for. You won’t even feel like you’re working. Cruise Ship jobs are so expansive, that there will certainly be work suited for you. A reminder though, the competition
Cool Travel Jobs: Easier To Get Than You Think! at http://moneyfortraveling.com/members/cool-travel-jobs-easier-to-get-than-you-think-2 or send a completely blank email to travelincom
We are certainly in the age of globalization. Travel job industry is exponentially growing and it is great for everyone who just loves new experiences.
Travel jobs are well compensated careers but because of the element of travel, they are also considered to be a dream job for most people. Generally, great jobs are hard to find and for less experienced job seekers, it is even more difficult. But travel jobs are more accessible than most people think.
Practically, anyone with the willingness to work in foreign places can get the job. It is there for the taking, and it comes in various shapes and sizes. Whether you’re good in sales, health care, arts, or entertainment, there is a travel job for you. Some jobs do not even need a degree; some of these are high paying blue collar jobs that almost anyone can do. Hey, if that is the job you want, it is just around the corner but it won’t come to you, you have to go get it.
So, still don’t know where to look??
For starters, surf the net. On line travel job seeking can be very useful even when you still do not have an idea on what type of job you want. There are many sites out there that give links to agencies that offer travel jobs. If you can find agencies somewhere in your area, do not hesitate to go there and convince them with your readiness to travel along with whatever skills you have.
Sometimes, you will not find agencies near you but the Internet can help you find resources outside of your area. Details of the job responsibilities are often stated along with the salary and qualifications. You will be amazed by the number of jobs available and the diversity of types they offer.
Look for jobs that you re interested in and the ones that match your skill sets or education background. Usually, there will be some kind of free membership registration needed in order to post your online application. But thats a small price to pay.
Next, look into government and non government organizations. More often than not, they offer volunteer jobs that pay you to travel and help others. These jobs can be hard but they will also be fun and you get to work with decent and polite individuals both in your organization and the community you are helping. Most organizations provide jobs that are considered to be admirable, perfect for people who are idealistic and have strong principles.
One of the best sources of travel jobs are from companies on a marketing phase. These companies, especially developing ones, will hire people to market their products to different places. All expenses paid. You get to meet interesting folks and if you’re a productive salesman you can make great profits and earn bonuses in addition to the travel experiences you have.
The coolest jobs that most people don t consider are those jobs available from a cruising companies. Cruise ship jobs are like vacations with income! Good tasting food, great people from all over the world, and all the fun you cold ask for. You won’t even feel like you’re working. Cruise Ship jobs are so expansive, that there will certainly be work suited for you. A reminder though, the competition
Cool Travel Jobs: Easier To Get Than You Think! at http://moneyfortraveling.com/members/cool-travel-jobs-easier-to-get-than-you-think-2 or send a completely blank email to travelincom
Monday, 28 September 2009
Identifying And Making The Most Of Your Transferable Skills
Many times, when we’re applying for jobs, we think about how our skills relate specifically to the position we desire. There’s no doubt that it’s important to show that you already have experience and qualify for the position you want. However, if you’re trying to switch careers, you may not have this luxury.
How then do you still apply for a position that you have little or no prior experience doing? You can identify your transferable skills, or those skills that would be valuable to an employer even if those skills are not directly related to the job you’re seeking. Here are some ways to identify and make the most of them those skills.
Think of Your Favorite Accomplishments
Most likely, when you’re thinking of switching careers, you’re moving toward something you would love to do versus something you think you have to do. This is why it’s a good idea to think of your favorite accomplishments as you seek your transferable skills. What are you good at doing that simultaneously makes you happy?
Are you a master organizer whose organizational skills changed the face of a company? Did you give a speech at a non profit in your spare time that touched the lives of numerous children? Whatever you’re really good at that makes you happy should be your centerpiece when identifying your transferable skills because you’ll be openly passionate about it as you approach employers in your new field or industry.
Pinpoint Skills for Each Position You Apply For
What you’ll probably notice as you identify transferable skills and try to apply them to different positions is that varying skills will deem themselves relevant. For instance, if you’re a former travel agent and you’ve decided that you want to become a writer, you might find that one of your transferable skills may be travel, especially if you apply for travel writing positions. In other words, while you may not have extensive writing experience, noting your knowledge of the world at large may work in your favor.
On the other hand, you might be able to apply for the same travel writing position, having been a waitress, if you highlight your extensive list of personal travels throughout your life along with your passion for keeping a vivid, well written journal. While this transferable skill isn’t professional per se, it may be help you get the job. One of your duties when identifying your transferable skills is to determine exactly what the employer is looking for to help you determine just what you can offer them as an employee, so keep this in mind as you apply.
It may seem somewhat intimidating to try to apply for a job when it seems that you have no direct experience relevant to the position. However, many employers will take strides to train you when once you’re hired whether you have relevant experience or not. So don’t let a lack of experience deter you from pursuing your dream. If you can exhibit a basic understanding of the position by highlighting your transferable skills, you may just surprise yourself by being hired for the very position you desire.
Heather Eagar is a former professional resume writer and is passionate about providing working professionals with current, reliable and effective job search tools and information. Need resume writers? Compare the top ones in the industry at http://www.resumelines.com.
How then do you still apply for a position that you have little or no prior experience doing? You can identify your transferable skills, or those skills that would be valuable to an employer even if those skills are not directly related to the job you’re seeking. Here are some ways to identify and make the most of them those skills.
Think of Your Favorite Accomplishments
Most likely, when you’re thinking of switching careers, you’re moving toward something you would love to do versus something you think you have to do. This is why it’s a good idea to think of your favorite accomplishments as you seek your transferable skills. What are you good at doing that simultaneously makes you happy?
Are you a master organizer whose organizational skills changed the face of a company? Did you give a speech at a non profit in your spare time that touched the lives of numerous children? Whatever you’re really good at that makes you happy should be your centerpiece when identifying your transferable skills because you’ll be openly passionate about it as you approach employers in your new field or industry.
Pinpoint Skills for Each Position You Apply For
What you’ll probably notice as you identify transferable skills and try to apply them to different positions is that varying skills will deem themselves relevant. For instance, if you’re a former travel agent and you’ve decided that you want to become a writer, you might find that one of your transferable skills may be travel, especially if you apply for travel writing positions. In other words, while you may not have extensive writing experience, noting your knowledge of the world at large may work in your favor.
On the other hand, you might be able to apply for the same travel writing position, having been a waitress, if you highlight your extensive list of personal travels throughout your life along with your passion for keeping a vivid, well written journal. While this transferable skill isn’t professional per se, it may be help you get the job. One of your duties when identifying your transferable skills is to determine exactly what the employer is looking for to help you determine just what you can offer them as an employee, so keep this in mind as you apply.
It may seem somewhat intimidating to try to apply for a job when it seems that you have no direct experience relevant to the position. However, many employers will take strides to train you when once you’re hired whether you have relevant experience or not. So don’t let a lack of experience deter you from pursuing your dream. If you can exhibit a basic understanding of the position by highlighting your transferable skills, you may just surprise yourself by being hired for the very position you desire.
Heather Eagar is a former professional resume writer and is passionate about providing working professionals with current, reliable and effective job search tools and information. Need resume writers? Compare the top ones in the industry at http://www.resumelines.com.
The Best Way To Find A Work At Home Job
There is a lot of advice out there on how to find a work at home job. While all of this advice is helpful there is one way that you can streamline the process and find the best work at home jobs. You can even find jobs that are often underground or not well advertised.What is the best way to find a work at home job?
Through work at home message boards.Why Message Boards?Work at home message boards are a community of people working at home or who want to work at home. These people have been through a lot on their quest to find a good work at home job. They are honest and upfront about their experiences.
They are also very willing to help out new people who want to work at home.A message board will usually offer great job leads and plenty of opinions on jobs. You can find a range of information from what companies are hiring home workers to what new scams are out there.Getting StartedTo get started you simply do a search for work at home. This should give you a few different options in work at home website which have message boards.
You can then join the board and start looking around.It is always smart to look around first to get to know the place. Before asking a question it is best to do a search first. Most people do not like being asked the same questions over and over and most message boards have topics for frequently asked questions.How to Use a Message BoardYou should start looking around at all the different topics on the message board.
You will probably find different types of work at hoe jobs. Start here and explore each board to figure out what type of job would work best for you.Once you have figured out what type of job would be best you should then start looking for leads to different companies and popular jobs. You should be able to find a few companies at least that you can work for. Of you find something on your own do a search of the board to see if anyone is talking about it. If not then go ahead and ask about it. You are sure to find someone who has a comment or an experience with the http://company.Use the massage board to check out everything. Once you find a job you can then use the message board to help others and as sort of a group of co workers. It can help to have others who are in a similar work environment to talk to and socialize with.
It helps cut the loneliness of working at home.A work at home message board can be a great way to find a job and then it becomes like a family to you. You will get to know people there and start to develop friendships that can last for years. It is a nice support system that will help you fit into the work at home world much easier than trying to do it alone.
Joe Domotor is owner of http://Online-Making-Money-From-Home.com and writes on a variety of subjects.
Through work at home message boards.Why Message Boards?Work at home message boards are a community of people working at home or who want to work at home. These people have been through a lot on their quest to find a good work at home job. They are honest and upfront about their experiences.
They are also very willing to help out new people who want to work at home.A message board will usually offer great job leads and plenty of opinions on jobs. You can find a range of information from what companies are hiring home workers to what new scams are out there.Getting StartedTo get started you simply do a search for work at home. This should give you a few different options in work at home website which have message boards.
You can then join the board and start looking around.It is always smart to look around first to get to know the place. Before asking a question it is best to do a search first. Most people do not like being asked the same questions over and over and most message boards have topics for frequently asked questions.How to Use a Message BoardYou should start looking around at all the different topics on the message board.
You will probably find different types of work at hoe jobs. Start here and explore each board to figure out what type of job would work best for you.Once you have figured out what type of job would be best you should then start looking for leads to different companies and popular jobs. You should be able to find a few companies at least that you can work for. Of you find something on your own do a search of the board to see if anyone is talking about it. If not then go ahead and ask about it. You are sure to find someone who has a comment or an experience with the http://company.Use the massage board to check out everything. Once you find a job you can then use the message board to help others and as sort of a group of co workers. It can help to have others who are in a similar work environment to talk to and socialize with.
It helps cut the loneliness of working at home.A work at home message board can be a great way to find a job and then it becomes like a family to you. You will get to know people there and start to develop friendships that can last for years. It is a nice support system that will help you fit into the work at home world much easier than trying to do it alone.
Joe Domotor is owner of http://Online-Making-Money-From-Home.com and writes on a variety of subjects.
Sunday, 27 September 2009
Common Executive Resume Mistakes
When you reach the executive level in your career, there is no room for error. You must exude perfection with everything you do. This is especially true with your resume, which is why the last thing you want to do is submit a resume with glaring errors.
So what can you do to make sure yours is not filled with mistakes? Let’s take a look at some common executive resume errors that you want to avoid as you’re creating or updating yours.
Forgetting a Clear Job Target
It’s never acceptable to submit a resume that looks like a generic template that you downloaded from a free website. At the executive level, there is absolutely no excuse for creating something that doesn’t focus directly on the position you’re interested in. You’ve accomplished too much, and should have too much to say, to not be able to sculpt a masterful resume filled with your accomplishments. By submitting a resume that doesn’t tell your story, or define a clear position objective, you’re telling the hiring manager that you really don’t know who you’re applying with or why you really want the position.
Excluding Personal Branding
Once you’ve reached the executive level, it is important that you have already begun to differentiate yourself from others by creating your own personal brand. Companies are not looking for carbon copies at this level. They want to know that you can bring your own personal touch to their business in order to take it in a direction they have yet to imagine. As you create your resume, show how innovative you are. Show that you’re able to breathe new life into their organization. You can’t do that if you don’t breathe life into your resume by including your personal brand.
Not Keeping Up With the Times
As an executive, you probably already know that half of how other executives function is through some type of portable device, be it a PDA or smartphone. It’s a good idea to keep this in mind as you create your resume. Why? Because many hiring managers will be checking resumes through their portable devices and may not feel good about trying to read densely populated sentences on a tiny screen. That said, when creating your resume, write short, value driven statements that get to the point but leave enough whitespace to not overwhelm busy managers.
Missing the Obvious
There is no excuse for having typos, grammatical errors or poor formatting in your resume. Again, you have to exude perfection even if we all know that no one is perfect. Since you know you’re not perfect, it’s important to have someone read through your resume for errors. Then have someone else read through it. Keep going until you feel sure that it’s as perfect as it can be. This way, your fabulous qualities won’t be overlooked because you wrote “objetive” instead of “objective.”
Don’t let common resume mistakes ruin your agenda as you’re trying to create a reputation as a quality executive. As you craft your resume, work to carefully create perfection to increase your odds of making the impression you want.
Heather Eagar is a former professional resume writer and is passionate about providing working professionals with current, reliable and effective job search tools and information. Compare the top writers for executive resumes at http://www.resumelines.com.
So what can you do to make sure yours is not filled with mistakes? Let’s take a look at some common executive resume errors that you want to avoid as you’re creating or updating yours.
Forgetting a Clear Job Target
It’s never acceptable to submit a resume that looks like a generic template that you downloaded from a free website. At the executive level, there is absolutely no excuse for creating something that doesn’t focus directly on the position you’re interested in. You’ve accomplished too much, and should have too much to say, to not be able to sculpt a masterful resume filled with your accomplishments. By submitting a resume that doesn’t tell your story, or define a clear position objective, you’re telling the hiring manager that you really don’t know who you’re applying with or why you really want the position.
Excluding Personal Branding
Once you’ve reached the executive level, it is important that you have already begun to differentiate yourself from others by creating your own personal brand. Companies are not looking for carbon copies at this level. They want to know that you can bring your own personal touch to their business in order to take it in a direction they have yet to imagine. As you create your resume, show how innovative you are. Show that you’re able to breathe new life into their organization. You can’t do that if you don’t breathe life into your resume by including your personal brand.
Not Keeping Up With the Times
As an executive, you probably already know that half of how other executives function is through some type of portable device, be it a PDA or smartphone. It’s a good idea to keep this in mind as you create your resume. Why? Because many hiring managers will be checking resumes through their portable devices and may not feel good about trying to read densely populated sentences on a tiny screen. That said, when creating your resume, write short, value driven statements that get to the point but leave enough whitespace to not overwhelm busy managers.
Missing the Obvious
There is no excuse for having typos, grammatical errors or poor formatting in your resume. Again, you have to exude perfection even if we all know that no one is perfect. Since you know you’re not perfect, it’s important to have someone read through your resume for errors. Then have someone else read through it. Keep going until you feel sure that it’s as perfect as it can be. This way, your fabulous qualities won’t be overlooked because you wrote “objetive” instead of “objective.”
Don’t let common resume mistakes ruin your agenda as you’re trying to create a reputation as a quality executive. As you craft your resume, work to carefully create perfection to increase your odds of making the impression you want.
Heather Eagar is a former professional resume writer and is passionate about providing working professionals with current, reliable and effective job search tools and information. Compare the top writers for executive resumes at http://www.resumelines.com.
Saturday, 26 September 2009
The Most Avoidable Career Change Mistakes – Part 2
Continuing from Part 1, let us see a few more career change mistakes that can disrupt the most successful professional lives when made without giving the following a thought:
Possibilities: Career change is a very critical phase in anyone’s career and hence it is imperative that one considers all possibilities and consequences of the same. Researching all such possibilities would be a good practice before making the switch. This research can be done online, by talking to your network and also by reading job profiles and news related to the new career. This will give you an insight into various careers that are available for you and will help you to make a more informed decision regarding your career change.
Personal parameters: Opting for a career change without self reflection and without considering personal likes and dislikes could be suicidal for any career. Assessing one’s own interests, skills and values is highly critical to any career change. Such an analysis is easy to do and all one needs is to make a list of things that one loves to do in a job, at home or even in hobbies and another list of things that you will never want to do again. While deciding on a career changes, these lists can be used to perform a SWOT (Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities Threats) and can have a great bearing on a conceived career change.
Blinded by other’s success: A career change cannot be bought upon oneself by just looking at someone who is a success in a different career. You are you and not the other person; the personal qualities differ and make the thin line between success and failure. Considering that career while deciding upon a career change is good, but do not try and replicate someone else’s success. There are too many assumptions in doing so and most people who have attempted a career changes in such circumstances have failed. The grass certainly appears greener on the other side but is not the case most times, especially for something as critical as a career change.
Experience and Education: While contemplating a career change, it is always important to research and strategize on bridging the gap of education, experience and skills between the present career and the new career that you are trying to make a career change to. Transferable or common skills are important but a little bit of focused education and skill building may become important to make the career change. You could begin by interacting with professionals in the new career and attending informative workshops.
Job search techniques: Making a career change almost always involves a job change, so it is important that one polishes his or her job search techniques before embarking on the search. Interviewing skills and resume writing techniques would also need some polish especially since you are out of the search market for some time pursuing your current career. Make sure that you go through these basics before you decide on the career change.
Conclusion
A career change involves too many personal variables. Make sure that you polish up on almost all variables before you decide on your all important career change.
Kate Wilber "The Marketing Momma" is a full time online business owner specializing in teaching small business owners to market their business online effectively in an affordable way. Visit http://www.25homebusinessideas.com
Possibilities: Career change is a very critical phase in anyone’s career and hence it is imperative that one considers all possibilities and consequences of the same. Researching all such possibilities would be a good practice before making the switch. This research can be done online, by talking to your network and also by reading job profiles and news related to the new career. This will give you an insight into various careers that are available for you and will help you to make a more informed decision regarding your career change.
Personal parameters: Opting for a career change without self reflection and without considering personal likes and dislikes could be suicidal for any career. Assessing one’s own interests, skills and values is highly critical to any career change. Such an analysis is easy to do and all one needs is to make a list of things that one loves to do in a job, at home or even in hobbies and another list of things that you will never want to do again. While deciding on a career changes, these lists can be used to perform a SWOT (Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities Threats) and can have a great bearing on a conceived career change.
Blinded by other’s success: A career change cannot be bought upon oneself by just looking at someone who is a success in a different career. You are you and not the other person; the personal qualities differ and make the thin line between success and failure. Considering that career while deciding upon a career change is good, but do not try and replicate someone else’s success. There are too many assumptions in doing so and most people who have attempted a career changes in such circumstances have failed. The grass certainly appears greener on the other side but is not the case most times, especially for something as critical as a career change.
Experience and Education: While contemplating a career change, it is always important to research and strategize on bridging the gap of education, experience and skills between the present career and the new career that you are trying to make a career change to. Transferable or common skills are important but a little bit of focused education and skill building may become important to make the career change. You could begin by interacting with professionals in the new career and attending informative workshops.
Job search techniques: Making a career change almost always involves a job change, so it is important that one polishes his or her job search techniques before embarking on the search. Interviewing skills and resume writing techniques would also need some polish especially since you are out of the search market for some time pursuing your current career. Make sure that you go through these basics before you decide on the career change.
Conclusion
A career change involves too many personal variables. Make sure that you polish up on almost all variables before you decide on your all important career change.
Kate Wilber "The Marketing Momma" is a full time online business owner specializing in teaching small business owners to market their business online effectively in an affordable way. Visit http://www.25homebusinessideas.com
Friday, 25 September 2009
The Most Avoidable Career Change Mistakes – Part 1
There are reasons why one would consider a career change. It could be that the incumbent looking at career change is fed up, lost, depressed, bored or just plain unhappy in the present career. Or it could be that the career change becomes necessary due to issues related to family or even personal preferences.
Most career change decisions however, are made usually because the incumbent is not using all his skills in the present career or he or she is left with nothing new to do being at the top of the ladder.
Whatever the reasons are, a career change is a major decision that many employed people face and one needs to analyze all consequences of the decision. Considering the following career change mistakes would be important.
Plan: One always has to make sure that there is a new career plan in place before opting for a career change. A career change is not an overnight supposition and it would take weeks or even months to accomplish. Lack of a successful career change strategy can let one go adrift and probably result in failure.
Hating the job: Hating a career is very different from hating a job. Hating a job does not warrant a career change, it could make do with a job change. This needs a little thought where you would need to analyze what you hate. Is it the people in your current job or the work itself that you hate? Make sure you are clear on this before you contemplate a career change or a job change
Monetary aspects: Dollar signs are no indicators for a career changes. However lucrative a new career could look, it is wise to consider your skill sets and suitability before you decide on a career change. A hot career in terms of money could just as well evaporate in a few years. What matters are your skills and interest and keep these in mind before you decide on a career change. Until you are happy and making a comfortable living in the present career, there is no reason to contemplate a career change just for the sake of money.
Personal pressure: You have to make sure that your decision on a career change is not influenced by your parents, family or friends. It is you who would have to live that career throughout your professional life, not them. Once you are sure that you are using your skills to make a decent living and are happy doing so, there is no reason to consider a career change. Ultimately it is you’re your business and no one else’s.
Resources: Once you decide on a career change it is important that you refresh your professional network and look for a new mentor. Never attempt a career change without the resources in place. Joining industry associations, making new friends in the network and going through informational interviews are very important to a career change. Networking is very important for a career change, so make sure that your network is in place before you make the jump.
Read Part II for more…
Kate Wilber "The Marketing Momma" is a full time online business owner specializing in teaching small business owners to market their business online effectively in an affordable way. Visit http://www.25homebusinessideas.com
Most career change decisions however, are made usually because the incumbent is not using all his skills in the present career or he or she is left with nothing new to do being at the top of the ladder.
Whatever the reasons are, a career change is a major decision that many employed people face and one needs to analyze all consequences of the decision. Considering the following career change mistakes would be important.
Plan: One always has to make sure that there is a new career plan in place before opting for a career change. A career change is not an overnight supposition and it would take weeks or even months to accomplish. Lack of a successful career change strategy can let one go adrift and probably result in failure.
Hating the job: Hating a career is very different from hating a job. Hating a job does not warrant a career change, it could make do with a job change. This needs a little thought where you would need to analyze what you hate. Is it the people in your current job or the work itself that you hate? Make sure you are clear on this before you contemplate a career change or a job change
Monetary aspects: Dollar signs are no indicators for a career changes. However lucrative a new career could look, it is wise to consider your skill sets and suitability before you decide on a career change. A hot career in terms of money could just as well evaporate in a few years. What matters are your skills and interest and keep these in mind before you decide on a career change. Until you are happy and making a comfortable living in the present career, there is no reason to contemplate a career change just for the sake of money.
Personal pressure: You have to make sure that your decision on a career change is not influenced by your parents, family or friends. It is you who would have to live that career throughout your professional life, not them. Once you are sure that you are using your skills to make a decent living and are happy doing so, there is no reason to consider a career change. Ultimately it is you’re your business and no one else’s.
Resources: Once you decide on a career change it is important that you refresh your professional network and look for a new mentor. Never attempt a career change without the resources in place. Joining industry associations, making new friends in the network and going through informational interviews are very important to a career change. Networking is very important for a career change, so make sure that your network is in place before you make the jump.
Read Part II for more…
Kate Wilber "The Marketing Momma" is a full time online business owner specializing in teaching small business owners to market their business online effectively in an affordable way. Visit http://www.25homebusinessideas.com
Thursday, 24 September 2009
What is the Most Important Question to Ask in a Job Interview?
It is very important to prepare before a job interview. in today’s job market if you want to succeed. It’s not just how job candidates answer interview questions that influence interviewers’ hiring decisions, but also what questions candidates themselves ask during the job interview.
I thought that it was necessary to find out what is the most important question to ask at a job interview. Now I know that this would be a tough question to answer. I turned to social media for help. I asked the members of the Linked HR Group of LinkedIn .com “What is the most important question to ask an interviewer and why?” I did receive a lot of feedback. Now I know that there any many questions you should ask during a job interview., however the purpose of this article is to engage potential job candidates to think of great questions to ask recruiters and interviewers alike to make help lasting impressions. Below are three great questions given by members of Linked HR Group:
1) “Do you have any concerns about my skills and abilities that you think might keep me from being successful in this position ? According to Kirk Johnson, a Managing Director at Sanford Rose Associates, “this question helps cancel out any false negatives”
2) “What is the immediate challenge for this role?” According Stella Toh, a Business Development Consultant for Beacon Executive Search, “when the question is posed by a candidate attending an interview, it usually reflects well for the interviewer. Interviewers had given the feedback those candidates who ask the question shows that they are all ready to take on the challenge once they accept the role.”
3) Courtesy of David Walko, Principal of Professionals Choice, “Can you please tell me more about the position and in particular, how do you see both the position and the company growing in the future?
No matter what questions you ask, everyone is important. What is the most important question to ask at a job interview? There isn’t just one important question, it’s every question you ask and how you ask it that will leave an impression.
Copyright, Legal Notice and Disclaimer:
This publication is protected under the US Copyright Act of 1976 and all other applicable international, federal, state and local laws, and all rights are reserved, including resale rights: you are not allowed to sell this article to anyone else.
Please note that much of this publication is based on personal experience and anecdotal evidence. Although the author and publisher have made every reasonable attempt to achieve complete accuracy of the content in this article, they assume no responsibility for errors or omissions. Also, you should use this information as you see fit, and at your own risk. Your particular situation may not be exactly suited to the examples illustrated here. Any trademarks, service marks, product names or named features are assumed to be the property of their respective owners, and are used only for reference. There is no implied endorsement if we use one of these terms. Copyright © 2009 JJM Communications. All rights reserved worldwide.
James Malervy is an expert author & provides career advice to hundreds everyday and provides his services as a Career Coach through http://www.InstantJobInterviewTools.com.He has worked with Sprint, Pepsi, Disney & brings his professional experience to job seekers in the Superstar Interview Guide.
I thought that it was necessary to find out what is the most important question to ask at a job interview. Now I know that this would be a tough question to answer. I turned to social media for help. I asked the members of the Linked HR Group of LinkedIn .com “What is the most important question to ask an interviewer and why?” I did receive a lot of feedback. Now I know that there any many questions you should ask during a job interview., however the purpose of this article is to engage potential job candidates to think of great questions to ask recruiters and interviewers alike to make help lasting impressions. Below are three great questions given by members of Linked HR Group:
1) “Do you have any concerns about my skills and abilities that you think might keep me from being successful in this position ? According to Kirk Johnson, a Managing Director at Sanford Rose Associates, “this question helps cancel out any false negatives”
2) “What is the immediate challenge for this role?” According Stella Toh, a Business Development Consultant for Beacon Executive Search, “when the question is posed by a candidate attending an interview, it usually reflects well for the interviewer. Interviewers had given the feedback those candidates who ask the question shows that they are all ready to take on the challenge once they accept the role.”
3) Courtesy of David Walko, Principal of Professionals Choice, “Can you please tell me more about the position and in particular, how do you see both the position and the company growing in the future?
No matter what questions you ask, everyone is important. What is the most important question to ask at a job interview? There isn’t just one important question, it’s every question you ask and how you ask it that will leave an impression.
Copyright, Legal Notice and Disclaimer:
This publication is protected under the US Copyright Act of 1976 and all other applicable international, federal, state and local laws, and all rights are reserved, including resale rights: you are not allowed to sell this article to anyone else.
Please note that much of this publication is based on personal experience and anecdotal evidence. Although the author and publisher have made every reasonable attempt to achieve complete accuracy of the content in this article, they assume no responsibility for errors or omissions. Also, you should use this information as you see fit, and at your own risk. Your particular situation may not be exactly suited to the examples illustrated here. Any trademarks, service marks, product names or named features are assumed to be the property of their respective owners, and are used only for reference. There is no implied endorsement if we use one of these terms. Copyright © 2009 JJM Communications. All rights reserved worldwide.
James Malervy is an expert author & provides career advice to hundreds everyday and provides his services as a Career Coach through http://www.InstantJobInterviewTools.com.He has worked with Sprint, Pepsi, Disney & brings his professional experience to job seekers in the Superstar Interview Guide.
Wednesday, 23 September 2009
Accounts Executives Jobs
There are various spheres that require accounts executives to handle critical tasks and responsibilities. Thus, there are numerous accounts executive jobs available for the taking and can be a great profile for job seekers to start off their careers with.
Domains for Accounts Executives
Almost every industry needs an account executive as one of its fundamental requirements. Some of the leading industries wherein they play a key role are as follows:
Advertising Accounts Executive: An accounts executive plays a frontline role in all offline and online advertising avenues.
Job Description: An advertising accounts executive is an important link between the advertising company and the client. Their day to day activities involve:
1. Understanding the product/service and goal of the client.
2. Creating campaigns based on the budget and requirements of the client.
3. Handling the administrative and organizational work of the campaigns.
4. Devising marketing strategies and create campaigns accordingly.
5. Co ordinate research, creative and technical aspects of the advertising campaigns.
6. Manage campaign budgets and keep a track of the advertising spends and returns.
7. Update the accounts manager about the progress of the campaigns.
8. Maintain regular reports and analysis of the performance of the campaigns.
9. Present the campaigns to the customers and make changes according to the demands of the clients.
These are some of the most important tasks that are included as a part of an accounts executive.
Salary: The average salary for an accounts executive in the advertising industry in the United States is about $43,000. However, fresh graduates with no relevant working experience need to start at a much lower scale of about $26,000.
Sales Accounts Executive: As the name suggests, a sales accounts executive is responsible for devising and implementing sales strategies to enhance company revenues.
Job Description: There are several tasks that together make up the job responsibilities of a sales executive. Some of the major duties include:
1.Formulating marketing and sales strategies and focusing on the major target groups for selling the products.
2.Finalizing sales offers like discounts, free samples, gift vouchers, price promotions etc.
3.The executive is the link between the client, company, other team members and external suppliers.
4.Constantly strive to achieve greater sales targets.
Salary: On an average, a sales accounts executive receives a remuneration of about $65,000. However, sales executives often get incentives in addition to their salaries. These incentives are given as a monetary benefit for those who consistently achieve high sales targets. These incentives vary according to the company, industry and experience of the employee.
Radio Accounts Executive: A relatively less explored field, the radio accounts executive is responsible for securing new radio clients as well as implementing campaigns for existing clients.
Job Description: A radio accounts executive is responsible for selling airtime on radio and getting customers who can advertise during these slots. Once the deal is finalized, the executive determines the particular advertising slots for the customer and implements the campaigns.
Salary: Usually, radio accounts executives are on an average paid a salary of $50,000 but can vary depending upon the performance and experience of the candidate.
To seek accounts executive jobs freshers must draft their accounting resumes carefully. They can even take the help of sample resumes to make a good first impression.
The author Rachel Williams is a renowned career counselor and provides great resume advice on http://www.bestsampleresume.com/.
Domains for Accounts Executives
Almost every industry needs an account executive as one of its fundamental requirements. Some of the leading industries wherein they play a key role are as follows:
Advertising Accounts Executive: An accounts executive plays a frontline role in all offline and online advertising avenues.
Job Description: An advertising accounts executive is an important link between the advertising company and the client. Their day to day activities involve:
1. Understanding the product/service and goal of the client.
2. Creating campaigns based on the budget and requirements of the client.
3. Handling the administrative and organizational work of the campaigns.
4. Devising marketing strategies and create campaigns accordingly.
5. Co ordinate research, creative and technical aspects of the advertising campaigns.
6. Manage campaign budgets and keep a track of the advertising spends and returns.
7. Update the accounts manager about the progress of the campaigns.
8. Maintain regular reports and analysis of the performance of the campaigns.
9. Present the campaigns to the customers and make changes according to the demands of the clients.
These are some of the most important tasks that are included as a part of an accounts executive.
Salary: The average salary for an accounts executive in the advertising industry in the United States is about $43,000. However, fresh graduates with no relevant working experience need to start at a much lower scale of about $26,000.
Sales Accounts Executive: As the name suggests, a sales accounts executive is responsible for devising and implementing sales strategies to enhance company revenues.
Job Description: There are several tasks that together make up the job responsibilities of a sales executive. Some of the major duties include:
1.Formulating marketing and sales strategies and focusing on the major target groups for selling the products.
2.Finalizing sales offers like discounts, free samples, gift vouchers, price promotions etc.
3.The executive is the link between the client, company, other team members and external suppliers.
4.Constantly strive to achieve greater sales targets.
Salary: On an average, a sales accounts executive receives a remuneration of about $65,000. However, sales executives often get incentives in addition to their salaries. These incentives are given as a monetary benefit for those who consistently achieve high sales targets. These incentives vary according to the company, industry and experience of the employee.
Radio Accounts Executive: A relatively less explored field, the radio accounts executive is responsible for securing new radio clients as well as implementing campaigns for existing clients.
Job Description: A radio accounts executive is responsible for selling airtime on radio and getting customers who can advertise during these slots. Once the deal is finalized, the executive determines the particular advertising slots for the customer and implements the campaigns.
Salary: Usually, radio accounts executives are on an average paid a salary of $50,000 but can vary depending upon the performance and experience of the candidate.
To seek accounts executive jobs freshers must draft their accounting resumes carefully. They can even take the help of sample resumes to make a good first impression.
The author Rachel Williams is a renowned career counselor and provides great resume advice on http://www.bestsampleresume.com/.
Tuesday, 22 September 2009
Keeping Your Options Open in the UK Job Sector
Taking a flexible approach to your working life has enabled many people to face the challenges presented by recession, economic doom gloom and scare mongering.
Stormy situations might steer your way or pass you by; however, you will have no reason to fear the future if you have kept your options open.
Increasing numbers of people are using their spare time to develop a follow up plan by means of education, learning additional skills or rediscovering old ones.
This isn’t pessimism, it is realism and quite clever to say the least. Don’t allow a P45 to take away more than just your current salary.
The BBC News recently reported that fears of being made redundant or a widespread downturn in certain industries are making people enroll in night classes or sign up for online courses.
Developing skills to remain employable isn’t a trend restricted to only us Brits but is interestingly enough mirrored in the US as well.
“Insecurity always causes people to rethink their view of their future. People can t count on a single employer or even a single industry anymore,” John Gnuschke, director of the Sparks Bureau of Business and Economic Research at the University of Memphis told the news provider.
“If you re lucky enough to still have a job it s still wise to begin to retrain and to broaden your skill base,” he added.
Not so safe haven
Peter (27) from London is currently working in the marketing sector which he realises isn’t safe at all.
“I have a dream to one day have my own business, so I have enrolled for a night class in Business Studies to make my dream a realisation,” he said.
“In our current global economic situation, many new opportunities arise from the challenges we face, and I plan to use this to my advantage,” Peter added.
Like Peter, Sally (35) from Yorkshire who works in media is keeping her options open.
“I do freelance work after hours for various companies so that I have a Plan B ready, just in case. I’m even thinking of enrolling for a few language and small business courses at my local college so that I have the necessary knowledge and skills to be a successful freelance writer on a full time basis,” she commented.
Less television and more introspection has lead Emma (32) to rediscover old hobbies and turn them into money makers.
Emma lives in Reading and has been working in the Tourism industry for over a decade.
“With people around us loosing their jobs and the tourism industry taking a huge hit, I had to really examine where my strengths and interests lie in order to create a suitable alternative.
“I have always loved painting, but at the time I was to lazy to set up anything and with the kids running around it just became too much of an effort. I didn’t even consider it as an alternative until a friend of mine needed help with decorating and painting her nursery.
“It was so much fun and I received so many compliments and referrals from the mural and canvas paintings I made for her room. Now, because of this I am slowly but surely getting bookings for nurseries and even toddler rooms. I am really considering taking this on full time and I love it!”
Peter, Sally and Emma are still young enough to dive into a new career all together.
But the situation is totally different when you are nearing the age of retirement.
Research done by the Social Issues Research Centre (SIRC) has shown that Britain is experiencing a “generational divide” with regards to how we deal with the recession.
The report showed that younger people are less worried about the recession than those between the ages of 51 to 55.
Dr Peter Marsh of the SIRC said: “We will see them much better prepared for the next credit crunch and able to weather it better than their older peers have this time around.”
Ted (54) from Hampshire believes that the “generational divide” makes obvious sense.
“You can’t teach this old dog new tricks,” he laughed.
“Older people cope poorly with economic problems because we do not have enough time to recover from it. My Plan B involves much greater tactics than any of my children for example.
“Where they can learn new skills and start work on business proposals, I can only sell off my assets and reinvest the money.”
Not everyone who is faced with redundancy can take comfort in finding true love in another career.
What if you are already doing what you love?
Kelly (24) is a charity worker in Surrey who has recently been warned by her boss to start looking out for something else as the entire company might have to close its doors.
“This is my dream. To help people. And if this situation is making me nervous about my future, I can not even begin to grasp how the families will feel who we are currently keeping afloat,” she said.
Facing up
On the optimistic side it does look like we are heading for recovery from the recession.
Research from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) has showed a 4.8 jump in confidence, The Guardian reported.
The institute foresee an increase in the economy of 0.5pc and these findings suggest the economy is over the worst of the recession.
However according to the newspaper, ICAEW chief Michael Izza warns that there are still tough times ahead.
“While there is no doubt that the UK economy is on its way to recovery, we shouldn t underestimate the challenges ahead for businesses,” Izza said.
More recent figures from the Office for National Statistics showed that our economy shrank by 0.7pc for this quarter and not the 0.8pc analyst estimated.
In the UK job sector you need to be prepared for the worst. Just to be safe.
It is possible to get through the recession unharmed, but wouldn’t it be great if you could be enhanced by it?
Chantel is a regular contributor of career advice and jobs news for leading UK Job Board http://www.careersandjobsuk.com
Stormy situations might steer your way or pass you by; however, you will have no reason to fear the future if you have kept your options open.
Increasing numbers of people are using their spare time to develop a follow up plan by means of education, learning additional skills or rediscovering old ones.
This isn’t pessimism, it is realism and quite clever to say the least. Don’t allow a P45 to take away more than just your current salary.
The BBC News recently reported that fears of being made redundant or a widespread downturn in certain industries are making people enroll in night classes or sign up for online courses.
Developing skills to remain employable isn’t a trend restricted to only us Brits but is interestingly enough mirrored in the US as well.
“Insecurity always causes people to rethink their view of their future. People can t count on a single employer or even a single industry anymore,” John Gnuschke, director of the Sparks Bureau of Business and Economic Research at the University of Memphis told the news provider.
“If you re lucky enough to still have a job it s still wise to begin to retrain and to broaden your skill base,” he added.
Not so safe haven
Peter (27) from London is currently working in the marketing sector which he realises isn’t safe at all.
“I have a dream to one day have my own business, so I have enrolled for a night class in Business Studies to make my dream a realisation,” he said.
“In our current global economic situation, many new opportunities arise from the challenges we face, and I plan to use this to my advantage,” Peter added.
Like Peter, Sally (35) from Yorkshire who works in media is keeping her options open.
“I do freelance work after hours for various companies so that I have a Plan B ready, just in case. I’m even thinking of enrolling for a few language and small business courses at my local college so that I have the necessary knowledge and skills to be a successful freelance writer on a full time basis,” she commented.
Less television and more introspection has lead Emma (32) to rediscover old hobbies and turn them into money makers.
Emma lives in Reading and has been working in the Tourism industry for over a decade.
“With people around us loosing their jobs and the tourism industry taking a huge hit, I had to really examine where my strengths and interests lie in order to create a suitable alternative.
“I have always loved painting, but at the time I was to lazy to set up anything and with the kids running around it just became too much of an effort. I didn’t even consider it as an alternative until a friend of mine needed help with decorating and painting her nursery.
“It was so much fun and I received so many compliments and referrals from the mural and canvas paintings I made for her room. Now, because of this I am slowly but surely getting bookings for nurseries and even toddler rooms. I am really considering taking this on full time and I love it!”
Peter, Sally and Emma are still young enough to dive into a new career all together.
But the situation is totally different when you are nearing the age of retirement.
Research done by the Social Issues Research Centre (SIRC) has shown that Britain is experiencing a “generational divide” with regards to how we deal with the recession.
The report showed that younger people are less worried about the recession than those between the ages of 51 to 55.
Dr Peter Marsh of the SIRC said: “We will see them much better prepared for the next credit crunch and able to weather it better than their older peers have this time around.”
Ted (54) from Hampshire believes that the “generational divide” makes obvious sense.
“You can’t teach this old dog new tricks,” he laughed.
“Older people cope poorly with economic problems because we do not have enough time to recover from it. My Plan B involves much greater tactics than any of my children for example.
“Where they can learn new skills and start work on business proposals, I can only sell off my assets and reinvest the money.”
Not everyone who is faced with redundancy can take comfort in finding true love in another career.
What if you are already doing what you love?
Kelly (24) is a charity worker in Surrey who has recently been warned by her boss to start looking out for something else as the entire company might have to close its doors.
“This is my dream. To help people. And if this situation is making me nervous about my future, I can not even begin to grasp how the families will feel who we are currently keeping afloat,” she said.
Facing up
On the optimistic side it does look like we are heading for recovery from the recession.
Research from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) has showed a 4.8 jump in confidence, The Guardian reported.
The institute foresee an increase in the economy of 0.5pc and these findings suggest the economy is over the worst of the recession.
However according to the newspaper, ICAEW chief Michael Izza warns that there are still tough times ahead.
“While there is no doubt that the UK economy is on its way to recovery, we shouldn t underestimate the challenges ahead for businesses,” Izza said.
More recent figures from the Office for National Statistics showed that our economy shrank by 0.7pc for this quarter and not the 0.8pc analyst estimated.
In the UK job sector you need to be prepared for the worst. Just to be safe.
It is possible to get through the recession unharmed, but wouldn’t it be great if you could be enhanced by it?
Chantel is a regular contributor of career advice and jobs news for leading UK Job Board http://www.careersandjobsuk.com
Monday, 21 September 2009
5 Great Tips to Work More Efficiently
Ever had the feeling of never having time to complete your day s work? If you regularly skip lunch breaks or family commitments just to be able to make some progress in your daily routine work, then you should probably read on. Increased workload is a fact in most offices today. In these troubled times, companies are actively reducing cost so that they are firing (or at least not hiring) people. This means more work for the incumbents. Many employees today have much difficulty in coping with their workload. In this article, we review some of the techniques most people can adopt to increase their productivity at work while having sufficient time to relax and enjoy life.
Tip #1: Plan your Work
Time management buffs have hammered this point often enough. Starting the day with a well structured, concise and clear plan makes two things clear:
(i) You KNOW what to achieve at the end of the day (i.e. how much work you really need to do today)
(ii) You are more or less aware of how much time you need for each activity. In other words, you set a time limit for each task.
Planning involves two interrelated concepts: prioritization and goal setting. Postpone all the non urgent jobs for the next day. Concentrate on what is essential to get through today and set them as the targets that you have to achieve.
One word of caution: never answer calls or check your email before you have completed your plan. You may never get to see the end of the planning process itself. If you expect a hectic day, come to the office fifteen minutes earlier to have sufficient time for planning.
Tip #2: Work your Plan
Planning without action means nothing. If you do not adhere to your plan, you will end up as crazy as you were without it. Do not allow unnecessary interruptions in your work: unforeseen meetings, friends calling in for a chat, lengthy phone calls…etc. Often, interruptions cannot be avoided. For example, your co workers, staff or even boss may call on you to solve certain pressing issues. Avoid these meetings (if the issue is not too pressing) until you have completed the first three priorities of the day.
Tip #3: Technology helps!
If you can arrange for meeting with an email instead of the lengthy phone conversation, how much time would you have saved? Technologies like email, faxes, instant messages that avoid face to face contact are great time saving devices. Making proper use of them is key to productive office work.
Tip #4: Delegation
Not many employees have the privilege of being able to delegate their work to others. But if you are a manager, you can hand over non essential tasks to subordinates. This frees up your time for more important issues that you have to consider.
Tip #5: Take a Break!
Working incessantly has been known to decrease productivity over time. Micro breaks (i.e. less than 5 minutes), especially if you are always in front of your computer screen, are very beneficial for your health as well as your productivity. Short intervals for relaxation enable us to sustain the work effort for a longer period.
Need help making your work more efficient? Get a virtual office at http://www.offixsolutions.com
Tip #1: Plan your Work
Time management buffs have hammered this point often enough. Starting the day with a well structured, concise and clear plan makes two things clear:
(i) You KNOW what to achieve at the end of the day (i.e. how much work you really need to do today)
(ii) You are more or less aware of how much time you need for each activity. In other words, you set a time limit for each task.
Planning involves two interrelated concepts: prioritization and goal setting. Postpone all the non urgent jobs for the next day. Concentrate on what is essential to get through today and set them as the targets that you have to achieve.
One word of caution: never answer calls or check your email before you have completed your plan. You may never get to see the end of the planning process itself. If you expect a hectic day, come to the office fifteen minutes earlier to have sufficient time for planning.
Tip #2: Work your Plan
Planning without action means nothing. If you do not adhere to your plan, you will end up as crazy as you were without it. Do not allow unnecessary interruptions in your work: unforeseen meetings, friends calling in for a chat, lengthy phone calls…etc. Often, interruptions cannot be avoided. For example, your co workers, staff or even boss may call on you to solve certain pressing issues. Avoid these meetings (if the issue is not too pressing) until you have completed the first three priorities of the day.
Tip #3: Technology helps!
If you can arrange for meeting with an email instead of the lengthy phone conversation, how much time would you have saved? Technologies like email, faxes, instant messages that avoid face to face contact are great time saving devices. Making proper use of them is key to productive office work.
Tip #4: Delegation
Not many employees have the privilege of being able to delegate their work to others. But if you are a manager, you can hand over non essential tasks to subordinates. This frees up your time for more important issues that you have to consider.
Tip #5: Take a Break!
Working incessantly has been known to decrease productivity over time. Micro breaks (i.e. less than 5 minutes), especially if you are always in front of your computer screen, are very beneficial for your health as well as your productivity. Short intervals for relaxation enable us to sustain the work effort for a longer period.
Need help making your work more efficient? Get a virtual office at http://www.offixsolutions.com
Friday, 18 September 2009
Networking For A More Fruitful Job Hunt
Countless individuals wrongly believe that professional life starts with a job search and quickly obtaining employment. In truth our professional lives start in the last few years of school and though we do not have to pick a career path, who we socialize with, our internships and other activities all play a central part in influencing the ease with which we can obtain a job after graduation and in succeeding years. Networking is a fundamental element in any job search or career success and has to be established over the years using regularity, social skills and organization. Here are some of the general techniques of networking during your life as a professional and student.
For the most part students intern in their final few years at school and all through their university lives. Internships empower you to test several job industries and help accustom you with the key workings of different firms. It is also a significant chance to foster contacts with individuals interning with you and your administrator. Keep in mind that your administrator have been through the systems and can give indispensable advice and help you find and obtain jobs in the future. Your boss may be an assistant today but they could be leading their own division tomorrow. Make certain you keep in touch.
Summer jobs have relatively easier working hours and therefore, are generally convenient during vacations. Clubs and groups enable you to mix and create contacts right through the year, as it is less taxing your time. Enlist in several clubs and groups and offer to help for occasions promoted by corporations you can imagine yourself working for. Try to play an active role and demonstrate an interest, speaking and circulating with corporate executives. Remember to get their details and business cards.
Your relatives, acquaintances and their relatives and friends are all a part of your social network and can facilitate your career in numerous ways. Don t dodge reunions where grown up, employed people are expected to show up. Use it as a possibility to consult on career choices, new happenings and hobbies that fascinate you.
Your associates and acquaintances from school and college and your teachers and advisers are individuals you want to keep in touch with throughout your life. Networking has become less time consuming with large social network sites that allow you stay in touch with big groups of people conveniently and efficiently. If you re ever without a job or hunting for new job openings your employed alumni can assist give you useful ideas and exclusive channels and maybe even obtain an interview for you. Teachers and advisers are usually closely connected with firms and can also suggest you for vacant positions.
Employment related events are a common occurrence on and off campus and are significant occasions to be introduced to professionals from a various fields and organizations. Go to stalls that appeal to you, acquire specifics, converse with the HR representative available and obtain their contact details. Incorporate them in your email list and send them regular updates on your life and endeavors. One of these individuals might recollect your name on a job application and offer you an interview in the years ahead.
Keep in mind that your frequency of communication will change for different groups. Your social connections, and school and college pals are easier to stay in touch with and you be inclined to write more often. With your boss, teachers, advisers and colleagues your communication should be less frequent and more formal. The intention is to keep the relationship updated and to confirm that you re a very passionate, eager and energetic character. Your significant friend count on a social networking site can be an impressive point.
Networking will almost never work if you think of it as an chance to manipulate individuals for your own benefit. You have to be true and provide assistance whenever called for. And don t be scared to ask for an individual s assistance either just because you presume someone might misunderstand your aim. Your hard work may not always be acknowledged but you need to rise above that and be the bigger person. Always keep in mind that that networking is an chance not only to facilitate your career but also most significantly, go on to make some really upright associates forever.
Dave coaches graduate and undergraduate in resume writing and networking skills. Many of these students have found jobs all over the world. Visit www.gooddeal-hunting.com
For the most part students intern in their final few years at school and all through their university lives. Internships empower you to test several job industries and help accustom you with the key workings of different firms. It is also a significant chance to foster contacts with individuals interning with you and your administrator. Keep in mind that your administrator have been through the systems and can give indispensable advice and help you find and obtain jobs in the future. Your boss may be an assistant today but they could be leading their own division tomorrow. Make certain you keep in touch.
Summer jobs have relatively easier working hours and therefore, are generally convenient during vacations. Clubs and groups enable you to mix and create contacts right through the year, as it is less taxing your time. Enlist in several clubs and groups and offer to help for occasions promoted by corporations you can imagine yourself working for. Try to play an active role and demonstrate an interest, speaking and circulating with corporate executives. Remember to get their details and business cards.
Your relatives, acquaintances and their relatives and friends are all a part of your social network and can facilitate your career in numerous ways. Don t dodge reunions where grown up, employed people are expected to show up. Use it as a possibility to consult on career choices, new happenings and hobbies that fascinate you.
Your associates and acquaintances from school and college and your teachers and advisers are individuals you want to keep in touch with throughout your life. Networking has become less time consuming with large social network sites that allow you stay in touch with big groups of people conveniently and efficiently. If you re ever without a job or hunting for new job openings your employed alumni can assist give you useful ideas and exclusive channels and maybe even obtain an interview for you. Teachers and advisers are usually closely connected with firms and can also suggest you for vacant positions.
Employment related events are a common occurrence on and off campus and are significant occasions to be introduced to professionals from a various fields and organizations. Go to stalls that appeal to you, acquire specifics, converse with the HR representative available and obtain their contact details. Incorporate them in your email list and send them regular updates on your life and endeavors. One of these individuals might recollect your name on a job application and offer you an interview in the years ahead.
Keep in mind that your frequency of communication will change for different groups. Your social connections, and school and college pals are easier to stay in touch with and you be inclined to write more often. With your boss, teachers, advisers and colleagues your communication should be less frequent and more formal. The intention is to keep the relationship updated and to confirm that you re a very passionate, eager and energetic character. Your significant friend count on a social networking site can be an impressive point.
Networking will almost never work if you think of it as an chance to manipulate individuals for your own benefit. You have to be true and provide assistance whenever called for. And don t be scared to ask for an individual s assistance either just because you presume someone might misunderstand your aim. Your hard work may not always be acknowledged but you need to rise above that and be the bigger person. Always keep in mind that that networking is an chance not only to facilitate your career but also most significantly, go on to make some really upright associates forever.
Dave coaches graduate and undergraduate in resume writing and networking skills. Many of these students have found jobs all over the world. Visit www.gooddeal-hunting.com
Thursday, 17 September 2009
Change Your Job Without Impacting Your Career
In most career paths there comes a point where the role is great, you re positioned where you should be at this stage of your development, but you just hate your job. There can be many reasons, and often it is the company culture of particular human elements that are the cause of your unhappiness, but in all cases it s an issue of the job making you miserable even though your career is on track.
We need to take change in its broadest sense here: we can either work to change the current situation for the better, or else make a bigger change and leave the job behind altogether. The big change sounds cleaner and simpler (and less work) but can represent a major loss in terms of accumulated career credibility and success within the company. Sometimes if you ride out the bad patches, there can be good things right around the corner.
Identifying the cause of your discomfort
Otherwise known as, what s the problem? , the first step toward a better job situation is to work out exactly where the problems lie. Is it a company or cultural issue, something related to your job specification or perhaps a particular person or group of people making your life miserable?
The problem supervisor
This is a common cause of employee dissatisfaction, the boss from hell. Often it isn t even the big boss at the top of the org chart who is causing the problems but rather lesser supervisors with limited authority who have within their powers the chance to cause you significant grief on a daily basis. Spending some time researching the type of person you are dealing with and gathering hints as to best managing their quirks will be time well spent.
Just like in the playground, grown up bullies and problematic personalities (those who don t play nicely with the other children) usually have insecurities at work which can be negotiated without incident if you can identify what they are. It is sometimes the case that a recently appointed manager feels vulnerable and overcompensates for their lack of knowledge by being hard on others; equally, an experienced older manager might be concerned about the young go getter who might be out to take their job.
The lesson here is to know thy enemy, and to remember also that thy enemy may leave the company next week, in a month or in six months: decide whether it s really such a problem that you can t manage it instead of moving on. If necessary, you might choose to involve a more senior party (though this can result in reprisals from the problem person and may not engender the kind of open communication we are aiming for).
The problem organization
When it s the company that presents a problem, the choices are more limited. Where sexist or discriminatory behaviors are getting you down; that s illegal and can be reported. Where the culture just doesn t quite fit... like last year s jeans that looked great on the dummy but didn t suit you in practice, well then you are the one who doesn t belong and the best course of action is to find another similar role at another organization.
Organizational cultures don t change quickly, so if you love your career and hate working where you are; seek out the help of a career professional to source new employment opportunities where the fit is better. As long as the continuity of your career development is unimpeded it will all be fine in the end.
James Copper writes on all types of career change topics including this one on the marketing college http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/business/4539066.E_marketing_college_has_capital_goals/
We need to take change in its broadest sense here: we can either work to change the current situation for the better, or else make a bigger change and leave the job behind altogether. The big change sounds cleaner and simpler (and less work) but can represent a major loss in terms of accumulated career credibility and success within the company. Sometimes if you ride out the bad patches, there can be good things right around the corner.
Identifying the cause of your discomfort
Otherwise known as, what s the problem? , the first step toward a better job situation is to work out exactly where the problems lie. Is it a company or cultural issue, something related to your job specification or perhaps a particular person or group of people making your life miserable?
The problem supervisor
This is a common cause of employee dissatisfaction, the boss from hell. Often it isn t even the big boss at the top of the org chart who is causing the problems but rather lesser supervisors with limited authority who have within their powers the chance to cause you significant grief on a daily basis. Spending some time researching the type of person you are dealing with and gathering hints as to best managing their quirks will be time well spent.
Just like in the playground, grown up bullies and problematic personalities (those who don t play nicely with the other children) usually have insecurities at work which can be negotiated without incident if you can identify what they are. It is sometimes the case that a recently appointed manager feels vulnerable and overcompensates for their lack of knowledge by being hard on others; equally, an experienced older manager might be concerned about the young go getter who might be out to take their job.
The lesson here is to know thy enemy, and to remember also that thy enemy may leave the company next week, in a month or in six months: decide whether it s really such a problem that you can t manage it instead of moving on. If necessary, you might choose to involve a more senior party (though this can result in reprisals from the problem person and may not engender the kind of open communication we are aiming for).
The problem organization
When it s the company that presents a problem, the choices are more limited. Where sexist or discriminatory behaviors are getting you down; that s illegal and can be reported. Where the culture just doesn t quite fit... like last year s jeans that looked great on the dummy but didn t suit you in practice, well then you are the one who doesn t belong and the best course of action is to find another similar role at another organization.
Organizational cultures don t change quickly, so if you love your career and hate working where you are; seek out the help of a career professional to source new employment opportunities where the fit is better. As long as the continuity of your career development is unimpeded it will all be fine in the end.
James Copper writes on all types of career change topics including this one on the marketing college http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/business/4539066.E_marketing_college_has_capital_goals/
Wednesday, 16 September 2009
You Have the Power to Change Your Career
A lot of what we do in our working lives leaves us feeling at the mercy of a boss, a schedule and the economy. Sure, we d like to go on a vacation in June but that s end of financial year and there s so much to do, we d love to take an overseas trip but perhaps the household budget can t stretch that far. It starts to feel as though we have very little choice about anything at all and it makes for a pretty miserable working life.
The great news is that most of it is all in our heads. You do have the power to change your career, and it isn t really even that hard.
Making the decision... to make the change
The hardest part is deciding that you want more; or just something else. Giving yourself permission to become the best, most successful and fulfilled person you can be actually takes a lot of soul searching as many of us are trained over time not to expect too much. We need to turn that thinking around and regain control. With a sense of control comes confidence and optimism, all excellent ingredients for success.
Preparing for action
Jumping out into the unknown is a bit too confronting for most people to take on all at once. The trick is to acclimatize you to the idea before the big jumping off happens. If you plan it well, it should feel more like an exciting, slightly nerve wracking big step rather than a hideously frightening sky dive.
Read up on your chosen path, look out of the pitfalls and work out in advance how to overcome them. Remove all obstacles which may encourage you to scurry back to your safety zone.
Pre flight and taking off
Well you can plan and plan forever and ever... it s necessary but can become a crutch. At some point, the plan must be enacted. Before you force yourself to take that scary leap and change your career you need to line up a support network; people who believe in you and will support your decision and offer reassurance. Also take the time to remind yourself why you are making this change and if you feel you need it, find a few inspirational quotes, anecdotes or images which can serve as touchstones when you re feeling nervous or just a bit low.
With all that in place, you are ready to change your career. It might take a little while to show signs of movement, but once the change is beginning to blossom it can all happen very fast. Stay alert to the opportunities that come your way, remain focused and chase down your dreams.
It s easy to remain trapped in a job you don t like, and even an entire life you don t like. Passive acceptance of unfavourable circumstances may be easier, but it doesn t carry the same quality of life as taking charge and creating your own opportunities. Even if you decide that your dream is to not work; that s a goal you can move towards. It just takes some time, effort and courage.
James Copper writes on all types of career change topics including this one on the digital marketing college http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/business/4539066.E_marketing_college_has_capital_goals/
The great news is that most of it is all in our heads. You do have the power to change your career, and it isn t really even that hard.
Making the decision... to make the change
The hardest part is deciding that you want more; or just something else. Giving yourself permission to become the best, most successful and fulfilled person you can be actually takes a lot of soul searching as many of us are trained over time not to expect too much. We need to turn that thinking around and regain control. With a sense of control comes confidence and optimism, all excellent ingredients for success.
Preparing for action
Jumping out into the unknown is a bit too confronting for most people to take on all at once. The trick is to acclimatize you to the idea before the big jumping off happens. If you plan it well, it should feel more like an exciting, slightly nerve wracking big step rather than a hideously frightening sky dive.
Read up on your chosen path, look out of the pitfalls and work out in advance how to overcome them. Remove all obstacles which may encourage you to scurry back to your safety zone.
Pre flight and taking off
Well you can plan and plan forever and ever... it s necessary but can become a crutch. At some point, the plan must be enacted. Before you force yourself to take that scary leap and change your career you need to line up a support network; people who believe in you and will support your decision and offer reassurance. Also take the time to remind yourself why you are making this change and if you feel you need it, find a few inspirational quotes, anecdotes or images which can serve as touchstones when you re feeling nervous or just a bit low.
With all that in place, you are ready to change your career. It might take a little while to show signs of movement, but once the change is beginning to blossom it can all happen very fast. Stay alert to the opportunities that come your way, remain focused and chase down your dreams.
It s easy to remain trapped in a job you don t like, and even an entire life you don t like. Passive acceptance of unfavourable circumstances may be easier, but it doesn t carry the same quality of life as taking charge and creating your own opportunities. Even if you decide that your dream is to not work; that s a goal you can move towards. It just takes some time, effort and courage.
James Copper writes on all types of career change topics including this one on the digital marketing college http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/business/4539066.E_marketing_college_has_capital_goals/
Tuesday, 15 September 2009
Choosing Between Different Training Courses
Deciding to change careers and retrain in a new area is a big move and one which requires a lot of thought and planning. Important considerations include the mode of retraining undertaken, how extensive it needs to be and what return you are likely get for your investment of time and money.
Which course to choose?
Deciding between one retraining course and another is to a large extent a personal decision based on individual tastes, but all courses are not created equal. Some are designed to give you a broad overview and equip you to start at the ground level and work up. Others take longer and result in a recognised professional qualification.
There is no right or wrong answer except to say that the right retraining course will meet your personal objectives as well as appealing to the market and fulfilling any professional accreditation requirements of your new role.
Professional certification
Some professions require a base credential and an accreditation / certification process, which include testing and interviews, in order to be allowed to work in the field. Examples of heavily regulated professions are the law, teaching and engineering. To work in any of these fields requires a formal training program and industry assessment.
Market credibility
Another important consideration is whether your retraining course is going to make any impression on the market. Will your customers or future employers care that you spent three years in college retraining under formal degree program conditions, or would they be just as happy simply to know you can do the job? Credentialism does exist and can create a false impression that degree qualified applicants are superior candidates.
Real world practical value
The retraining course you choose must deliver on its promise to actually retrain you to do the job. If hired, you will be expected to demonstrate the skills you have claimed, so ensure that the training you receive (and pay for) is quality and it gets the job done.
How fast will it get you there?
Not everyone can afford to take three to four years out to go back to school. If your needs are more immediate, consider courses with accelerated learning and a fast pace. Those changing careers in the middle working years may feel additional financial pressure to get the retraining done and get on with the show.
Whichever option is chosen, retraining courses only deliver as much as the participants are willing to put into them. As a working adult, ensuring that you possess the skills you need to move into a new sphere is an individual responsibility. An incorrect choice, such as a less intensive retraining course where something more comprehensive is typically required by employers in that field, will set you back and force you to undertake yet more training. While speed is an important factor, getting it right the first time is a better option than retraining only to find oneself still underqualified.
In a tight market economy, it is also worth considering the value of over training, that is: taking on additional complementary skills beyond those strictly necessary in order to give oneself the broadest platform from which to approach new customers or potential employers.
James Copper writes on all types of career change topics including this one on the digital marketing college http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/business/4539066.E_marketing_college_has_capital_goals/
Which course to choose?
Deciding between one retraining course and another is to a large extent a personal decision based on individual tastes, but all courses are not created equal. Some are designed to give you a broad overview and equip you to start at the ground level and work up. Others take longer and result in a recognised professional qualification.
There is no right or wrong answer except to say that the right retraining course will meet your personal objectives as well as appealing to the market and fulfilling any professional accreditation requirements of your new role.
Professional certification
Some professions require a base credential and an accreditation / certification process, which include testing and interviews, in order to be allowed to work in the field. Examples of heavily regulated professions are the law, teaching and engineering. To work in any of these fields requires a formal training program and industry assessment.
Market credibility
Another important consideration is whether your retraining course is going to make any impression on the market. Will your customers or future employers care that you spent three years in college retraining under formal degree program conditions, or would they be just as happy simply to know you can do the job? Credentialism does exist and can create a false impression that degree qualified applicants are superior candidates.
Real world practical value
The retraining course you choose must deliver on its promise to actually retrain you to do the job. If hired, you will be expected to demonstrate the skills you have claimed, so ensure that the training you receive (and pay for) is quality and it gets the job done.
How fast will it get you there?
Not everyone can afford to take three to four years out to go back to school. If your needs are more immediate, consider courses with accelerated learning and a fast pace. Those changing careers in the middle working years may feel additional financial pressure to get the retraining done and get on with the show.
Whichever option is chosen, retraining courses only deliver as much as the participants are willing to put into them. As a working adult, ensuring that you possess the skills you need to move into a new sphere is an individual responsibility. An incorrect choice, such as a less intensive retraining course where something more comprehensive is typically required by employers in that field, will set you back and force you to undertake yet more training. While speed is an important factor, getting it right the first time is a better option than retraining only to find oneself still underqualified.
In a tight market economy, it is also worth considering the value of over training, that is: taking on additional complementary skills beyond those strictly necessary in order to give oneself the broadest platform from which to approach new customers or potential employers.
James Copper writes on all types of career change topics including this one on the digital marketing college http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/business/4539066.E_marketing_college_has_capital_goals/
Monday, 14 September 2009
Career Training How to Realize the Maximum Benefits
It is increasingly common these days to shift job or even one s profession in an attempt to advance in one s career. This might be due to frustration in one s job or due to better opportunities in an alternative profession. Either way, one might feel the need to obtain career training to achieve the preferred position or job. This is especially important given that every job or profession requires specialized skill sets for one to succeed. When one is looking to get that elusive promotion or wanting to quit teaching and become an artist, there are some specific skills required to succeed in the job. Once one realizes what skills one exactly lacks, it becomes that much easier to decide what career training is required. One can then choose the exact career training required to excel in the new role.
Before embarking on a skills enhancement exercise, one needs to assess the kind of career shift he or she envisages for self. What this means is if one is looking to get promotion versus changing profession, the type of career training required would be completely different. Looking at a promotion would mean handling more complex assignments, better time management, team handling skills and even more technical knowledge. In such cases, one can sign up for specialized courses that run between few days to months, based on the complexity of the skill sets one likes to acquire. One might also opt for some short term courses that are very rigorous in nature and can help acquire a specific set of technical knowledge quickly. For example, in the banking world, someone who has strengths in credit appraisals and wants to get promoted into the treasury function could undergo a specialized course on treasury.
Comparatively, there are times when one might decide to completely switch tracks and move from one profession to another. Without getting into details of why so many people switch professions, it is more imperative to realize that every profession demands some skills to succeed. Without these skills, one might end up struggling to succeed in the new profession. It is important to make a checklist of all the skills one requires in one s dream profession as opposed to the skills one already has. The gap may be filled by undergoing training courses that are more long term in nature and help bridge the gap. One should note that this might mean going back to college or attending weekend classes for two to three years till one acquires the requisite skills important for succeeding.
There is an old saying that tells how everything that is good costs! Similarly, when it comes to career training, one has to figure out the mode of training that is required. While some courses are available online, there are courses and degrees that can only be obtained in colleges and universities. Both have different price tags and are available at different locations. One should make an assessment of what suits one s needs the best before deciding to invest money, time and effort in such career training.
James Copper writes on all types of career change topics including this topic on the marketing college http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/business/4539066.E_marketing_college_has_capital_goals/
Before embarking on a skills enhancement exercise, one needs to assess the kind of career shift he or she envisages for self. What this means is if one is looking to get promotion versus changing profession, the type of career training required would be completely different. Looking at a promotion would mean handling more complex assignments, better time management, team handling skills and even more technical knowledge. In such cases, one can sign up for specialized courses that run between few days to months, based on the complexity of the skill sets one likes to acquire. One might also opt for some short term courses that are very rigorous in nature and can help acquire a specific set of technical knowledge quickly. For example, in the banking world, someone who has strengths in credit appraisals and wants to get promoted into the treasury function could undergo a specialized course on treasury.
Comparatively, there are times when one might decide to completely switch tracks and move from one profession to another. Without getting into details of why so many people switch professions, it is more imperative to realize that every profession demands some skills to succeed. Without these skills, one might end up struggling to succeed in the new profession. It is important to make a checklist of all the skills one requires in one s dream profession as opposed to the skills one already has. The gap may be filled by undergoing training courses that are more long term in nature and help bridge the gap. One should note that this might mean going back to college or attending weekend classes for two to three years till one acquires the requisite skills important for succeeding.
There is an old saying that tells how everything that is good costs! Similarly, when it comes to career training, one has to figure out the mode of training that is required. While some courses are available online, there are courses and degrees that can only be obtained in colleges and universities. Both have different price tags and are available at different locations. One should make an assessment of what suits one s needs the best before deciding to invest money, time and effort in such career training.
James Copper writes on all types of career change topics including this topic on the marketing college http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/business/4539066.E_marketing_college_has_capital_goals/
Sunday, 13 September 2009
Helping Employees With a New Career
Obstinacy in the face of change is never productive. The business world of today is in a constant state of change as new ways of doing things are always being developed. When one career seems to be rapidly reaching the end of its profitable life, a new career can breathe new life into anyone s existence. Preparing for a new career is challenging, rewarding and, sometimes, doesn t even mean seeking a new employer.
While working at the same job for the entirety of one s working life was once a goal of most people, that security has been replaced by a world where being flexible is one of the most important things an employee can offer their company. Employers need a workforce that is ready, and willing, to adapt to new challenges as they come along. For the company, this sort of a mindset can spell the difference between success and failure. Starting a new career often means training, something toward which some employees may have varying degrees of resistance.
It s always frightening to face the premise of one s job becoming obsolete but it is a fact of life for almost every worker. The auto assembly lines of the mid twentieth century moved from human power to mechanized power within the span of a few decades. Employees today face similar threats to their livelihood. Many jobs that once took two or three people to staff can now be done by a single employee with one piece of equipment. When an employee is faced with a new career, that career is often tending to the machine that performs much of their former workload.
Even within the technology sector itself, skills that were once vital can soon become outdated. Consider how important individuals capable of designing, installing and maintaining Ethernet networks once were. Today, many of those individuals may still work in the same sector, but their new career is one that involves performing the same tasks for the wireless networks that have become the standard for business and home users. With the right training, such changes are not only manageable, they can be enormously profitable.
Most new careers, especially for individuals who already have enjoyed success in one career or another, actually involve offshoots of their former career. A skilled marketer, for instance, may find that they need to become a skilled Internet marketer to compete for work. A skilled newspaper writer may take up a career as a writer for Internet sites. The trepidation felt by workers about all of their skills becoming outdated is oftentimes misplaced. More often than not, those skills are needed, simply in a new form.
Informing employees that their skills are still vital, but that they need updating, can greatly assuage their fears of being laid off or let go altogether. It can make them eager to embrace new ways of doing their work instead of resistant to change. Helping employees find a new career within an existing company can engender great loyalty.
James Copper is a writer for http://www.switchcareer.co.uk
While working at the same job for the entirety of one s working life was once a goal of most people, that security has been replaced by a world where being flexible is one of the most important things an employee can offer their company. Employers need a workforce that is ready, and willing, to adapt to new challenges as they come along. For the company, this sort of a mindset can spell the difference between success and failure. Starting a new career often means training, something toward which some employees may have varying degrees of resistance.
It s always frightening to face the premise of one s job becoming obsolete but it is a fact of life for almost every worker. The auto assembly lines of the mid twentieth century moved from human power to mechanized power within the span of a few decades. Employees today face similar threats to their livelihood. Many jobs that once took two or three people to staff can now be done by a single employee with one piece of equipment. When an employee is faced with a new career, that career is often tending to the machine that performs much of their former workload.
Even within the technology sector itself, skills that were once vital can soon become outdated. Consider how important individuals capable of designing, installing and maintaining Ethernet networks once were. Today, many of those individuals may still work in the same sector, but their new career is one that involves performing the same tasks for the wireless networks that have become the standard for business and home users. With the right training, such changes are not only manageable, they can be enormously profitable.
Most new careers, especially for individuals who already have enjoyed success in one career or another, actually involve offshoots of their former career. A skilled marketer, for instance, may find that they need to become a skilled Internet marketer to compete for work. A skilled newspaper writer may take up a career as a writer for Internet sites. The trepidation felt by workers about all of their skills becoming outdated is oftentimes misplaced. More often than not, those skills are needed, simply in a new form.
Informing employees that their skills are still vital, but that they need updating, can greatly assuage their fears of being laid off or let go altogether. It can make them eager to embrace new ways of doing their work instead of resistant to change. Helping employees find a new career within an existing company can engender great loyalty.
James Copper is a writer for http://www.switchcareer.co.uk
Saturday, 12 September 2009
Getting on the Fast Track to a New Career
Starting a new career can be an intimidating process, especially when one gets stuck in the details about where to begin. Like solving a maze, it s sometimes easier to start from the goal and work one s way backwards mentally. Using this method, one is better able to see the fast track to where one wants to be starting from where one is currently situated.
The first step toward getting on the fast track is deciding, realistically and without being influenced by nostalgia or loyalty, whether or not your current employer has a position that meets your goals. If they don t, one should consider if there s the possibility of creating one s own position at the company. If not, it s time to look elsewhere and to set flexible goals toward achieving one s ends.
Information technology offers one of the fastest routes toward significant increases in pay for most individuals. IT skills can be easily and cheaply trained, the certifications available are many and carry great weight and there is almost constant demand for qualified individuals. If one desires the fast track to higher earnings, it s best to look toward IT fields that are not a result of bubble or bust economics. Networking, repair and systems engineering are all good bets. Whether or not the economic situation is currently a good one, companies will need to service and maintain their existing networks, a constant source of income for those involved in the field.
Starting with a training program is the next step. Choose an entry level certification to start. The A+ Certification program is incredibly affordable and offered by a great many training institutions. If one already has a few years of computer support and repair experience, they can likely pass the exams without training. There are many practice tests available on the Internet that can serve as quick and easy study guides.
Once the first certifications are obtained, quickly maneuver toward obtaining higher level certifications. When it s time to negotiate a new position or higher wages, it s best to show up with more than a few certifications under one s belt. This eliminates much of the need to establish one s usefulness to their company. If outside employment is being sought, a certification such as a Microsoft Certified IT Professional or a Microsoft Certified System Engineer carries with it a great deal of leverage in negotiating. For people who obtain these certifications, it puts them in the position of being able to make reasonable offers for their services that are oftentimes much more lucrative than those with no certifications.
The fast track to success depends on your making use of the right vehicles. There is no substitute for knowledge. Of all the advantages you can bring to bear, legitimate qualifications and the certifications that declare them are among the few that can be taken with you when you move to a different employer. Remember, the fast track is all about you. Define your goals and work intelligently toward them.
James Copper is a writer for http://www.trainingebase.co.uk
The first step toward getting on the fast track is deciding, realistically and without being influenced by nostalgia or loyalty, whether or not your current employer has a position that meets your goals. If they don t, one should consider if there s the possibility of creating one s own position at the company. If not, it s time to look elsewhere and to set flexible goals toward achieving one s ends.
Information technology offers one of the fastest routes toward significant increases in pay for most individuals. IT skills can be easily and cheaply trained, the certifications available are many and carry great weight and there is almost constant demand for qualified individuals. If one desires the fast track to higher earnings, it s best to look toward IT fields that are not a result of bubble or bust economics. Networking, repair and systems engineering are all good bets. Whether or not the economic situation is currently a good one, companies will need to service and maintain their existing networks, a constant source of income for those involved in the field.
Starting with a training program is the next step. Choose an entry level certification to start. The A+ Certification program is incredibly affordable and offered by a great many training institutions. If one already has a few years of computer support and repair experience, they can likely pass the exams without training. There are many practice tests available on the Internet that can serve as quick and easy study guides.
Once the first certifications are obtained, quickly maneuver toward obtaining higher level certifications. When it s time to negotiate a new position or higher wages, it s best to show up with more than a few certifications under one s belt. This eliminates much of the need to establish one s usefulness to their company. If outside employment is being sought, a certification such as a Microsoft Certified IT Professional or a Microsoft Certified System Engineer carries with it a great deal of leverage in negotiating. For people who obtain these certifications, it puts them in the position of being able to make reasonable offers for their services that are oftentimes much more lucrative than those with no certifications.
The fast track to success depends on your making use of the right vehicles. There is no substitute for knowledge. Of all the advantages you can bring to bear, legitimate qualifications and the certifications that declare them are among the few that can be taken with you when you move to a different employer. Remember, the fast track is all about you. Define your goals and work intelligently toward them.
James Copper is a writer for http://www.trainingebase.co.uk
Friday, 11 September 2009
How to Change Career Without Turning Your Life Upside Down
Advising others on how to change career is an easy task. However, when you face the same situation, changing careers becomes a tough and confusing affair. In most cases, people assume that a career change involves giving up all the skills and experience they have built up over the years and starting afresh in a new field. Although that is a hard way to undergo a career change, it is fortunately not the only way.
Change To A New Job In The Same Industry
A job basically refers to two aspects – the kind of work you do and the field you work in. Try looking at your job from these two aspects and you may discover new career opportunities in the same field. If you are working with a big firm that consists of several departments, it would be a good idea to make a career change to another department within the same firm. This change will open up career advancement possibilities and infuse new interest in you for your job.
There are several advantages to such a career change. For instance, you will be able to retain all the benefits you have been receiving, like insurance. Some firms even allow you to maintain seniority when you shift departments. To understand the benefits and risks of making such a change, it is best to check with your HR department.
Shifting To A Completely New Career
If you are planning to shift to a new job in an entirely different industry, there are several questions you need to ask yourself. Are you okay with starting at the bottom to train for a new career? What career choices will match your current skills and experience? What are your inherent interests? Take your time to answer such questions and weigh your choices carefully before actually making a career change.
In the light of the present economic crisis, it is also important to determine if the field that you choose will continue growing. According to career experts, two industries that are expected to reach unprecedented growth in the coming years are healthcare and computer technologies. There are innumerable, exciting careers related to these two fields. With a bit of research, you will be able to find the right niche that caters to your skills.
Independent Business Ventures
It is not uncommon to hear drastic career change stories about people who resign high paying jobs to start a business of their own. While an independent business is a rewarding experience with room for freedom and creativity, it is also a risky one. Fortunately, communication and technological advances like cell phones and the Internet enable you to launch and run a business with low overhead costs, flexible timings and an international customer base. If you are ready to face risks and put in lots of effort, entrepreneurship will be your gateway to a better future.
Conclusion
Shifting to a new career can be a tough and trying yet rewarding and transformational. Carefully consider all available options before changing to a new career. Once you have made a career change, keep adding new skills to remain updated about the latest developments in the industry.
James Copper is a writer for http://www.careerlaunch.co.uk
Change To A New Job In The Same Industry
A job basically refers to two aspects – the kind of work you do and the field you work in. Try looking at your job from these two aspects and you may discover new career opportunities in the same field. If you are working with a big firm that consists of several departments, it would be a good idea to make a career change to another department within the same firm. This change will open up career advancement possibilities and infuse new interest in you for your job.
There are several advantages to such a career change. For instance, you will be able to retain all the benefits you have been receiving, like insurance. Some firms even allow you to maintain seniority when you shift departments. To understand the benefits and risks of making such a change, it is best to check with your HR department.
Shifting To A Completely New Career
If you are planning to shift to a new job in an entirely different industry, there are several questions you need to ask yourself. Are you okay with starting at the bottom to train for a new career? What career choices will match your current skills and experience? What are your inherent interests? Take your time to answer such questions and weigh your choices carefully before actually making a career change.
In the light of the present economic crisis, it is also important to determine if the field that you choose will continue growing. According to career experts, two industries that are expected to reach unprecedented growth in the coming years are healthcare and computer technologies. There are innumerable, exciting careers related to these two fields. With a bit of research, you will be able to find the right niche that caters to your skills.
Independent Business Ventures
It is not uncommon to hear drastic career change stories about people who resign high paying jobs to start a business of their own. While an independent business is a rewarding experience with room for freedom and creativity, it is also a risky one. Fortunately, communication and technological advances like cell phones and the Internet enable you to launch and run a business with low overhead costs, flexible timings and an international customer base. If you are ready to face risks and put in lots of effort, entrepreneurship will be your gateway to a better future.
Conclusion
Shifting to a new career can be a tough and trying yet rewarding and transformational. Carefully consider all available options before changing to a new career. Once you have made a career change, keep adding new skills to remain updated about the latest developments in the industry.
James Copper is a writer for http://www.careerlaunch.co.uk
Your Personal Checklist For Changing Your Career
On average, a person will change their career path over 7 times in their lifetime. While some people are happy working at the same company, doing the same job day in and day out for 40 years of their lives, many people would prefer to switch it up and take on a new career path. Changing careers can be a stressful time in anyone s life. Although the prospect of a new job is always exciting, it is also scary. In many cases, changing career means a new pay structure, a new company, a new city, and a new job title. However, there are ways to get through this difficult yet exciting time in your life and ensure that the process of changing career paths is as smooth as possible.
1. Gain the education you need. For many careers, you will need advanced education in your industry or field. For example, if you want to change your career path from a sales rep to a teacher, you are going to have to go back to school and get a teacher s certificate. There is no getting around this. You can obtain the education you need while continuing to work with online education or part time night courses.
2. Don t leave your employers in the dark. It s important to talk to your employers about your change of career path and explain to them why and when you are planning on doing this. Many people go behind their bosses back and simply up and leave when another career opportunity leaps their way. This is not the best move because, in many cases, you will need a reference letter from your old boss and may also benefit from a friendly goodbye (perhaps with cake and a big bonus).
3. Bring your old skills to your new job: every type of work experience, good or bad, petty or not, is experience. Regardless of if you were serving French fries or managing a team of 30, you still can take advantage of those acquired customer service and people skills. Many learning experiences are the same in every single career path. These include public speaking, people skills, attention to detail and organizational skills. So take advantage of what you know and spruce up your resume with these skills and attributes.
4. Finally, be honest and positive with your potential employees: when changing a career path, most employees will ask you the same thing: why . Why do you want to leave your current career and start again? The most important thing is to remain honest and positive. Do not say something like my boss was a jerk or the job was boring. These are negative answers that reflect poorly on your. Instead, focus on your love for your new career path, your dream of always being in that field and your desire to start something new. These answers will reflect positively on you as they focus on well sought out attributes, regardless of what career path you have chosen.
James Copper is a writer for http://www.ocdp.co.uk
1. Gain the education you need. For many careers, you will need advanced education in your industry or field. For example, if you want to change your career path from a sales rep to a teacher, you are going to have to go back to school and get a teacher s certificate. There is no getting around this. You can obtain the education you need while continuing to work with online education or part time night courses.
2. Don t leave your employers in the dark. It s important to talk to your employers about your change of career path and explain to them why and when you are planning on doing this. Many people go behind their bosses back and simply up and leave when another career opportunity leaps their way. This is not the best move because, in many cases, you will need a reference letter from your old boss and may also benefit from a friendly goodbye (perhaps with cake and a big bonus).
3. Bring your old skills to your new job: every type of work experience, good or bad, petty or not, is experience. Regardless of if you were serving French fries or managing a team of 30, you still can take advantage of those acquired customer service and people skills. Many learning experiences are the same in every single career path. These include public speaking, people skills, attention to detail and organizational skills. So take advantage of what you know and spruce up your resume with these skills and attributes.
4. Finally, be honest and positive with your potential employees: when changing a career path, most employees will ask you the same thing: why . Why do you want to leave your current career and start again? The most important thing is to remain honest and positive. Do not say something like my boss was a jerk or the job was boring. These are negative answers that reflect poorly on your. Instead, focus on your love for your new career path, your dream of always being in that field and your desire to start something new. These answers will reflect positively on you as they focus on well sought out attributes, regardless of what career path you have chosen.
James Copper is a writer for http://www.ocdp.co.uk
Friday, 4 September 2009
Things to Consider While Changing Career
Changing career is a big decision and should not be taken in haste. Different people have different reasons for changing their career. Some want better paying jobs, some want good designations, others want career satisfaction and fulfillment, and so on.
If you are also planning to change your career, then you should consider the following points
Appropriate Reason For Change
A mere argument with your superior should not be a reason for a career change. Take sufficient time to think why you want to switch your career. Money, boredom, and problems with superiors or colleagues are not the right reasons for leaving your current job.
Inter department Transfers
It is not necessary that you should leave your present job for changing career. Lot of organizations allows their employees to work in different departments depending on their interests and skills. You should check such opportunities in your own organization before taking the call.
Skills
Identify the skills that are required for the new career option that you are planning to take up. If someone else is successful in a particular career, it doesn t mean that you too will be successful in that field. You must possess the required skills, training and qualifications meant to get in to that career. Otherwise, you should plan to attend the school to prepare yourself for that.
Interests
You should choose a career that best suits your interests. People who love their jobs are successful.
Research
Do as much research as possible on your new career options. Discussing about it with people in a similar field will help.
Some of the important things to check while taking up the new role are:
What will be the salary? Will you be able to maintain your current standard of living? What will the job description? What will be your career path? What all incentives will you get? How much traveling will be required in your new job? Do you have to relocate for the new job? Does the new job require frequent relocations? How demanding will be the new job? Will you be able to maintain work life balance or not?
Volunteer or Internship
To know about any field, you can temporarily volunteer to work in that field or take up internship. This will give you hands on experience and hence will help to make the right decision.
Network
Once you are sure that you want to change the career, you should seek help from family and friends working in the same field. They can help you to find the right job. You can apply for jobs through various job portals and consultants.
When switching career, it is wise to consider your skills, interests, and qualifications. Changing career not only affects you but also your family. Hence, it is advised that you should consult and seek advice from your family members before taking this decision. Do not decide changing career overnight. Take sufficient time to do the research and weigh all the pros and cons of your present and future job.
James Copper is a writer for www.directitskills.co.uk
If you are also planning to change your career, then you should consider the following points
Appropriate Reason For Change
A mere argument with your superior should not be a reason for a career change. Take sufficient time to think why you want to switch your career. Money, boredom, and problems with superiors or colleagues are not the right reasons for leaving your current job.
Inter department Transfers
It is not necessary that you should leave your present job for changing career. Lot of organizations allows their employees to work in different departments depending on their interests and skills. You should check such opportunities in your own organization before taking the call.
Skills
Identify the skills that are required for the new career option that you are planning to take up. If someone else is successful in a particular career, it doesn t mean that you too will be successful in that field. You must possess the required skills, training and qualifications meant to get in to that career. Otherwise, you should plan to attend the school to prepare yourself for that.
Interests
You should choose a career that best suits your interests. People who love their jobs are successful.
Research
Do as much research as possible on your new career options. Discussing about it with people in a similar field will help.
Some of the important things to check while taking up the new role are:
What will be the salary? Will you be able to maintain your current standard of living? What will the job description? What will be your career path? What all incentives will you get? How much traveling will be required in your new job? Do you have to relocate for the new job? Does the new job require frequent relocations? How demanding will be the new job? Will you be able to maintain work life balance or not?
Volunteer or Internship
To know about any field, you can temporarily volunteer to work in that field or take up internship. This will give you hands on experience and hence will help to make the right decision.
Network
Once you are sure that you want to change the career, you should seek help from family and friends working in the same field. They can help you to find the right job. You can apply for jobs through various job portals and consultants.
When switching career, it is wise to consider your skills, interests, and qualifications. Changing career not only affects you but also your family. Hence, it is advised that you should consult and seek advice from your family members before taking this decision. Do not decide changing career overnight. Take sufficient time to do the research and weigh all the pros and cons of your present and future job.
James Copper is a writer for www.directitskills.co.uk
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