Career Change Resumes

January 2, 2010

Job Change Alert: Make Rapid Turnover Work For You

Filed under: Career Change Resumes — Tags: , , , , , , , — admin @ 11:03 am

Employers are learning the hard way! More and more organizations are acknowledging a critical fact . . . Finding ways to retain valuable employees must begin before an experienced and talented worker is entertaining an offer from someone else.

And things aren’t getting any easier for employers. A recent Harris and Associates survey shows that more than 50 percent of workers expect to change jobs within the next five years!

Furthermore, rapid staff turnover is expected to escalate. That means that just when companies are devoting more time to finding new talent, they have to find ways to encourage current employees to stay.

Managers can no longer afford to take for granted the steady, productive employee who is a good, if unrecognized quality performer. Sadly, they have been provided very little by way of mentoring or appreciation. So, managers are contributing, often unwittingly, to the turnover.

The good news is that, if you are considering a job or career change you can make this dynamic work in your favor in two ways:

1. If 50% of your fellow employees are contemplating a job or career change in the next five years, so are 50% in other organizations. This spells opportunity for you.

2. You have added leverage to upgrade your job status both within your own organization as well as in a prospective new work environment.

The secret to using these changes effectively is to always know what your options are. For example, you can stay on top of the ever-changing job marketplace with RSS! Don’t miss out on critical career news and innovative job search strategies. Stay informed! It’s so easy to have immediate access to current trends and alerts. If you go to our website, simply click on RSS.

You know, your current job and future career advancement provides the fuel that drives your lifestyle. If you don’t believe that, check out the sometimes catastrophic impact of losing your job.

So you want to nurture your job status and career growth like you would an investment. The escalation of staff turnover is another workforce dynamic that can work for you!

December 12, 2009

Switching To A New Career

Filed under: Career Change Resumes — Tags: , , , — admin @ 11:04 am

Whatever the reason that you want to switch careers, the fact is that you are going through a change, and you are not the only one. Studies show that the average person changes his or her career several times before things settle down. There are certain steps that you can take to make switching careers just a bit less stressful.
1. It’s all about likes and dislikes: Being happy with your career is all about your personal choices. It is easy to identify what you dislike but it is that much more difficult to identify what you like doing. While identifying your likes think of all the things you would like to if money was not an issue. Delve deeper and you will know what it is you really like. Most people’s likes revolve around teaching, healing and creating. If you can’t identify your likes, then you should get online and take an online personality test that will help you figure it out.
2. Research: After you have identified your likes and dislikes and what you like doing, what you are passionate about, the next step is to spend some time researching. It is a part of the process to feel intimidated and unsure of yourself, but there is no need to back out or change your plans because of this. Just do your homework and you will be fine.
3. Skills: There are some skills that can be used irrespective of your career choice. Skills such as communication, leadership, planning and motivation are just a few of them. These can be used in your career switching process.
4. Education: If you are changing your career, you need to make sure that your education and training are adequate. You could enroll in a night class or online courses and acquire the education and training that you will need in your new career.
5. Network: The world now functions on the basis of networking. Make sure you have a good network of people you can use during your career change. With the right amount of networking you can get job leads, advice and useful information.
6. Experience: Since you will be starting a new career altogether, you may not going to be credited with lots of experience in the new company. If this is the case, consider taking a part-time job or doing some volunteer work that is relevant to your field to gain experience.
7. Mentors: Getting a mentor is the best thing you can do for yourself. Your mentor will help you get though those difficult times. You and your mentor together can work towards building your network that will help your career changing process.
8. Basics: If you haven’t been job-hunting for a long time, then you need to get all your basics in place. Make sure that you have your resume updated. Know about interview skills. Research the companies. These are all things that will ensure smooth sailing during your job search.
9. Flexibility: Flexibility is of utmost importance while switching careers. There needs to be flexibility about everything; from employment status to salary and benefits.
Switching careers mid-life may be stressful – but by following the tips above, you can make sure that it doesn’t become overwhelming.

December 11, 2009

Changing Jobs? Look Before You Leap!

Filed under: Career Change Resumes — Tags: , , , , , , — admin @ 11:01 pm

Depending on the company or industry, it is fairly common to see annual turnover rates that run from 15% to 20%, sometimes even more! This means that each year at least 1 out of 5 working people change jobs and even careers. In some industries and businesses the turnover rate is a lot higher when compared to the others.
These figures tell us that it is very important to realize that you may have to face several career or job changes during your work life. Whether simply moving over to a new company or changing careers completely, you’ll probably have to face the challenge of deciding whether or not to take a course change in your working life many times. Here are some more points to consider before making your decision.
What to consider before getting started with a new Career
-Never use money as your motivator when it comes to changing jobs. If it’s only money that you’re looking out for, then you should probably ask your current boss for a raise. It is easier to do this than to switch over to a new career field itself. However if you aren’t comfortable with the prospect of negotiating with your employer and are determined to get yourself a new job in a new field, then you could use the services of a recruiter. A professional recruiter will aid you in areas such as salary negotiation and company policies and the possibility of you getting a better job or a better career will be stronger.
-Don’t let others make career decisions for you. Never allow friends or family or even recruiters to tell you what kind of a job or career path to follow. Yes, it is always good to listen to the advice and suggestions of well-wishers, but in the end it is you who is going to make the final decision and so you have to reason it out with yourself. The idea of changing your career is completely yours and the people who are close to you can be involved to verify your decision and to give advice and suggestions.
-Be determined and patient. Don’t expect a new career prospect or a new job to suddenly materialize before your eyes overnight. Remember that a career change – and finding a suitable job within that career – can be time consuming and frustrating, to say the least. It is important to be determined in order to find better opportunities. When you are dealing with a career change patience and determination are the two most important factors in order to find what you are looking for.
-Get started with a job search; be creative and use common sense. Thinking “out of the box” is an age-old cliche, but a sensible one – when planning a career change, try not to do those things that you have already done such as sending out hundreds of resumes, answering paper advertisements, and so on. There are many more effective ways to go about conducting your job search. Talk to friends and family and even colleagues who can help you with your searching. Make sure you are original and creative in your job search.
Before jump-starting your new career, try to introspect and understand certain facts, such as why you are looking for a change, what it is that you want, what you think you will get out of a career change, and so on. Once you are sure of the fact that you are going to leave, then devise a plan of action to obtain a new and better job. After all, if you’re only looking for a pay hike, then asking your employer for one is far easier than changing your job. Career change can be daunting, intimidating and absolutely backbreaking! But, all in all, if done right, it will always be worth it.

December 7, 2009

How To Successfully Search For A New Career

Filed under: Career Change Resumes — Tags: , , , , — admin @ 11:06 am

Looking for the right job is a journey – it doesn’t happen overnight. However, there are certain steps you can take to accelerate the process.
Identify Careers That Are Suitable For You
The first step in switching to a new career is to understand the various careers that are right for you. In situations like these, people turn to career coaches who help assess and determine their weaknesses and strengths. Above all, they help in identifying opportunities that best fit an individual’s character. There are many career coaches and online resources that are helpful in selecting a particular career path.
There are assessment tests that will tell you about the job options available for you. They also work as a tool for uncovering experience, training and education needed for your next career. Additionally, they simplify tough career decisions and suggest careers you might have otherwise neglected.
Focus Your Efforts
In the long run, making the right educational decisions can help in securing a good career. There are numerous careers and various academic majors. With such a plethora of choices, it is hard to know where you should start. After narrowing down your field, it is easier to conduct your search.
Talk To Others
Consult professionals who are already in your selected field, as they are the best source of insight and knowledge into the career you are planning to pursue. By setting up informational interviews you can get a feel for the industry and what it is like day-to-day.
Make a Lateral Career Change Move
Whenever you plan to make a career change, you may want to consider making a lateral move in your new field. For example, if you are a medical lab technician with considerable years of experience, then you can attain some computer certifications to make a career change to information technology (IT). There are numerous healthcare facilities that need IT people as well. Consequently, you can try making a lateral move to an IT job within the medical field, by banking on your background for getting your foot in the door.
Write a Targeted Resume
The final step in successfully landing a new career is to write a targeted resume. Among all the given resume formats, today employers usually favor the chronological format. A good suggestion is to opt for a hybrid resume or a combination resume instead. This resume combines all the best features of the chronological and functional resumes. In addition, it draws attention to your transferable, career-change skills, in compliance with the favored format.
Making a career change is never easy. However, you can make the most of the opportunity by being prepared and knowing where to go for education and information.

December 6, 2009

Changing Careers? Avoid These 5 Classic Mistakes

Filed under: Career Change Resumes — Tags: , , , , — admin @ 12:10 pm

Most of the experts say that the average person can expect to change careers (not just jobs) 3 to 5 times in their working life. The reasons? Many people are burnt-out, underpaid, stressed out, bored, unsatisfied, or at a career dead end. For some, their careers have changed on them –thanks to corporate mergers, changes in technology, company restructuring, age discrimination, and a thousand other reasons.

After counseling thousands of people in finding new careers and jobs, we have found that there are 5 classic mistakes most career and job changers make: MISTAKE 1: NO CLEAR GOAL.

Not having a clear goal is like trying to run a race when you do not know where the finish line is. Many career changers have only a partial goal. They KNOW that they want a job with less stress, or more money, or more of a future, or more independence, or more satisfaction. A career goal, however, should be comprehensive, specific, clear, and realistic. It should include not only the practicalities of your situation, but also who you are, the realities of the job market, and the potential pitfalls. MISTAKE 2: NO CLEAR PICTURE OF YOUR STRENGTHS.

Most career changers (and job seekers) spend more time worrying about their weaknesses than their strengths. Most people don’t even know what their strengths are. But it is your strengths–not your weaknesses–that determine your career success. Get a professional assessment. This should also include your personal characteristics, motivation, aptitudes, goals, values, interests, and talents. A career and job decision is too important not to have this picture. MISTAKE 3: NO CAREFUL PLANNING.

Sure, most people think about it for a long time, but thinking is not the same thing as detailed planning. Most people plan a night out with friends more carefully than they plan their careers. Planning would mean researching the new career, talking to people who are in the new career, getting some hands-on experience, reading (books, trade journals, industry newsletters), developing strategies for any possible negatives or problems, consulting with a mentor, knowing what education or training you would need, and other actions. MISTAKE 4: NO MOTIVATION.

As a psychologist who has worked with underachievers of all ages, I can tell you that many have good intentions but fail to take action. This is, of course, a normal human trait. There are times when all of us procrastinate, give ourselves excuses, and do not do the things that will lead us to our goals. If you are changing careers, however, you had better be motivated. Only consistent, daily, well-considered action will get you where you want to go. MISTAKE 5: NO INDIVIDUALIZED JOB SEARCH STRATEGY.

If you are changing careers, you need something more than the usual job search tactics. You need a strategy that fits who you are as a unique individual and the fact that you are changing careers. For example, if you tell a job interviewer (or anyone else) that you are “changing careers,” it is the kiss of death. You see, if you are changing careers, then you are starting over–from square one–and are competing with kids just out of school. Instead, you should say, “I am taking the next step in my career” (which, actually, is closer to the truth for most career changers). Another example: Make sure your résumé is rewritten so that it doesn’t “lock you in” to the old career. Go light on the jargon. Emphasize skills in the old career that would be a real advantage (not just “transferable skills”) in the new career.

If you avoid these classic mistakes, you are well on your way to making a successful job and career change.

November 28, 2009

Career Change – Are you afraid to move in this economy?

Filed under: Career Change Resumes — Tags: , , , — admin @ 11:01 pm

Copyright (c) 2009 Dorothy Tannahill Moran

The buzz right now is that everyone is holding on to their current jobs with a death grip due to the grim economy. The overarching belief is that there are no jobs out there and for the ones that do exist, there are too many people applying. Let’s say some of that is true. What is also true is that there are job openings. People move, get promoted or something continues to pull people out of their jobs every day. There are jobs. Maybe not as many and maybe the competition for the ones that come available are stiff BUT there are jobs that need to be filled. One thing is also true; you won’t get any of them if you don’t try.

If you have arrived at a point where you think it is time to make your next strategic career move, you should not let the state of the economy stop you. Don’t create barriers where there are none. The challenge will be greater than in previous years but if you’re prepared for those challenges, go for it.

Let’s look at what some of these challenges might be:

Job Posting Site’ You hear stories of 200 people applying for one job at a local nursery for a nursery stock tender. In this environment, you can count on stiff competition for any posted job. The key here is “posted job”. While it is one way to find out what openings exist, you and millions are looking at that same posting. Looking for a job this way is the lowest priority in a job search because it is the way millions of others are searching and applying. It is hard to land a new position this way due to the volume of other applicants and it is hard to stand out in a big crowd. It can be done and you should pursue it, you just need to calibrate your expectations appropriately.

Recruiters- You also need some insight into the life of a recruiter. They receive thousands of resumes each day. They will often use their computer software to sort out all kinds of criteria to help narrow down the huge pile that has come in. This is a buyer’s market also. They don’t need to talk to you, give informational interviews or much of anything they used to do a few years ago. Right now, they want to process the paper as quickly as possible, narrow it down to a few that look hot and screen them. With tight budgets, geographic consideration is also a big selection criterion. They may not want to fly applicants or relocate new hires, so be aware that geography is now playing a role in how an applicant is being screened.

The perfect match – Because the use of resume’ handling software has become so prevalent these days, there is such a thing as the perfect match. If a hiring manager has determined 9 key skills and experience, the software will prioritize the resume’s that have the highest number of matches. With a large volume, it is now possible to have resume’s selected that hit 100% of the criteria, thus leaving out perfectly good candidates who are “close”.

This is starting to sound like an increasingly impossible set of barriers. This environment is challenging for sure but not impossible if your plan takes these things into account. Let’s look at the key actions a person can take.

Make use of your contact and network – More than 80% of all job openings never make it to any kind of posting. Only the seriously hard to fill positions go out publicly for the most part. That means you must find those positions through the use of “who you know”. This has been and continues to be the number one way to find an ideal spot. It’s good because to some degree, it’s prescreened for you. Your network will be reluctant to send you into a snakepit workplace. They would have to face you later and simply don’t want to feel guilty. Also, they will refer when they feel confident with both sides, you and the other being a good fit. Don’t feel bad if some people you know simply don’t refer, they probably are the same ones that don’t fix up their friends with blind dates. Some people just don’t want to do it. BUT, some do!

Expand your network – if a career move is on the horizon, it’s time to cast the net a bit broader. Figure out some groups you can hook up with that will be rich in potential job contacts. Look in Meetup on the internet, tons of great groups. Also, look into social networking like LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook, easy and convenient.

Look in unique places- on an airplane, coffee shops or church.

Plan your resume’ – It is no longer possible to have just one all purpose resume’. Because of resume’ search software, you must create resume’s rich in key words. So if there is a few different related positions, create a different one for each position.

Set your expectations – Once you make a decision to move, it is a bit like stopping a freight train. You want to move right now. In this environment, you need to be a marathon runner. You need to pace yourself and set your expectations appropriately that this will take a while. You need to plan for a few dips and bumps which means you need to push through them and keep your eye on the goal.

Don’t let the economic environment stop you from pursuing your dream job. There are millions of jobs and people are hiring every day. Your job is to understand the hiring situation, put your plan together and start working on it, today.

November 24, 2009

How To Get Your Career Change In Motion

Filed under: Career Change Resumes — Tags: , , , , , , , — admin @ 11:25 am

Know Your Uniqueness
Find out what is unique in you that makes you stand out and makes you the right choice for the job advertised.
The first thing you need to have is an outstanding resume, one that will guarantee you an interview. Every organization wants only the best employees, and you need to prove that you qualify.
Some basic preparation to determine your uniqueness is in order.
1. Recognize your strengths. You need to review what you have already done as well as your competence and aptitude level. Your past appraisal reports, verbal or written, will help you with this.
2. Identify your skills. The skills and experience you have acquired over the years will help you handle your new job. You have technical skills as well as software skills that you carry with you wherever you go. Stress these strengths. For example, your communication, management and interpersonal skills might be your forte.
3. Highlight your personality. You also have certain personal traits that make you unique. You have a record of meeting deadlines. You have initiative and a great attitude. Being positive will carry you a long way.
4. Follow up your list of strengths with examples to support them. This is most important if your interviewer is to believe that you are not claiming strengths you may not actually have. This will help you stand out.
Locating the Job of Your Choice
Geographical limitations should not stop you from applying for a job that you are suited for.
Read every advertisement carefully, noting what each company is looking for. Then make your notes in two columns, one with the heading “What the organization is looking for” and the other “What I have to offer.” This exercise will help you see the closest matches.
It will help you identify your skills and strengths and how you might apply them. Spell them out in as many words as the advertisement calls for. This will make your resume stronger. You should also use this information in an interview situation.
Facing Your Interviewers
Remember to research the organization before the interview. This will demonstrate your interest in the company and also help you frame questions to them.
Wearing the appropriate clothing is important for any interview, so it is best to find out ahead of time what that is. In general, attire for an interview is formal; but if your research tells you that the organization is informal, dressing more casually might be a better choice.
Women candidates are faced with more choices. A good policy is to wear nothing very dramatic and keep it conservative. It’s better to avoid fragrances the day of the interview.
Always remember: first impressions are often the last impressions, so make the best of that interview call. You may not get a second chance.

November 10, 2009

Career Change – Are You Ready For Those First Small Steps?

Filed under: Career Change Resumes — Tags: , , , , , , — admin @ 11:34 pm

Now begins the hard questions that you have to explore to make your decision. You need to begin evaluating who you are and what you want in life. Maybe a different job and not a different career is what you really want.
You won’t know until you really take a good long look.
Step One – Identify What Suits You
The first step one should take when considering a career change is to make a list of jobs you want to explore. There are free career tests online to help you narrow down the list and decide what you want to focus on. Next you want to research your list.
Take a good long list and research all the jobs on it. Look into all aspects of these potential occupations you can think of.
Get a book from your local library so you can see all the good and potentially bad aspects of the occupations and get a book on career change while you are there. Career change can be scary but worthwhile.
What would bring you more happiness in your life? Are you looking for more money or are you more interested in affecting social change?
Step Two – Sounds Like A Plan
Any career change is going to require you to set some goals and make an action plan. Are you willing to get further education? Try to talk to someone in the occupation you are interested in.
Grill them about the skills needed, how they got started, what they see as the challenges. Any career change requires some flexibility on your part. Are you willing to go all the way and do what it takes to be successful. Do you feel passion when you think of it?
Trying to get an internship is one way to test your career change. Is it all you imagined it would be? Before you go out and get a degree, answer these questions.
Step Three – Tactics In Your Existing Job
If you are currently employed, keeping quiet about your plans may be the best thing for you. That may mean not telling co workers you are close too. You especially don’t want anything getting to your boss if you are just testing the waters.
Remember many people before you have made a career change and were happier people for it. Finding a mentor to guide you can offer valuable career change advice.
This opens up a whole new network of people for you to gain experience and may eventually lead to a job.
For most of us the thought of a career change is so scary. But, if we all just stayed right where we are right noe, what more can life offer us? Look inside yourself and take inventory of what you want out of life and it is entirely possible that the fear is the only thing holding you back.
Sometimes it only takes one initial step to overcome fear and to get you up and running.

November 7, 2009

How To Make A Stress-Free Career Change

Filed under: Career Change Resumes — Tags: , , , , , , , — admin @ 1:14 pm

Before you start making an effort to change your career, there are some important things that you should consider:
Have a Set Plan
The first thing you need to do is to have a clear plan. The transition that you are planning should be approached like a road trip where careful mapping, stocking of finances, training and education is essential to reach the destination. When you change your career, you should know what you will be doing after that and whether your decisions will be effective or not.
No Unnecessary Job-Hopping
You should avoid changing jobs whenever you feel like it – because changing your career is a big decision that can change everything. It should happen at the right time. In order to get a feel for the new field you are planning to pursue, you can continue your current job and volunteer part time in that particular field.
You can also take an internship or become a consultant to test the new career move that you are planning.
Do It for the Right Reasons
Make sure that when you change your career, you do it for the right reasons. Never do it just for fun or because of some minor problem with your boss or colleagues. If you are not satisfied with your current company, then it is may not be necessary to change the job. There are ways that management problems can be solved – and perhaps you can achieve more in your current company, along with a raise and promotion. Sometimes employees make mistakes and feel that management is responsible for it, so they opt to change jobs instead of looking at other alternatives.
A career change may seem to be easy, but one wrong step could ruin everything. Whether you make changes in you career, at home or in your personal life, you should always test the waters first. You should consider taking baby steps towards a change so that when you finally do it, you can enjoy it to the fullest.
You can get help with your career change through career counselors and coaches. They can help you take the right steps and make the right decisions to enhance your professional life. Besides this, you can also take career assessment tests and career evaluation tests to know what field of work would be good for you.
Self-assessment is essential and in order to do this, you should create a list of your dislikes, likes, interests and beliefs. You should also decide what salary would be sufficient for you live on, pay the bills and still be able to do other things.
Finally, make a move only when you are sure that the new job will complement your experience and qualifications. If you have spent years in a company, in a good position, then there is no point starting over in a company where your experience doesn’t matter.

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