Posts Tagged ‘career options’

Career Transition: Turning a Career Change into a Positive Life Transition

March 31st, 2011

By Lydia Whitney

We all know that life sometimes throws you curve balls. Our lives are full of transitions; and so we need to be prepared to reinvent ourselves again and again. In order to take advantage of change, you need to be ready to embrace it and turn it into a positive – whether you were expecting that change or not.

These days, it is not uncommon for you to find yourself facing a career or job change. Current statistics on job loss and unemployment are, frankly, frightening. Whether you are entering today’s job market voluntarily or not, you will find that it is more challenging than ever.  But it is possible to turn this into an opportunity instead of facing it as a hurdle.

  1. First of all, take a deep breath.  Consider how this might be a positive situation.  What could you potentially gain by searching for a new job or career?  More income?  Greater job satisfaction?  More time with your family?  A position where you have the opportunity to learn and grow? If you can find a positive to focus on, then the entire experience will be much less stressful – and you are more likely to find that you end up in a better position. » Read more: Career Transition: Turning a Career Change into a Positive Life Transition

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Networking: Eliminate Roadblocks to Effective Networking

September 26th, 2010

By Susan B. Posluszny, MA, NCC

Think back to how you obtained one or more jobs you’ve held over time.  Did you get any of those jobs as a result of networking?  Source of hire surveys often point to networking as one of the most, if not the most, effective method for finding a new position.  Yet, many job seekers don’t network.  If this approach is so effective, why don’t more people do it?  Well, there are many reasons job seekers don’t network and here are some that come to mind.

  • Don’t want to impose on people
  • Fear of rejection
  • Shy or reserved and quiet nature
  • Fear of failure
  • Don’t want to appear ‘needy’
  • Don’t believe it works
  • It takes too much time
  • Not sure what it is or how to do it

If you’ve ever experienced any these ‘roadblocks’, you are not alone.  It’s important to gain awareness of the mental roadblocks that exist for you so that they can be addressed.  If you try to apply networking strategies without dealing with roadblocks, you’re efforts will not be as effective. » Read more: Networking: Eliminate Roadblocks to Effective Networking

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Career Tips: The Riley Guide

June 17th, 2010

The Riley Guide

The Riley Guide is one of the oldest directories of career and employment resources available online. Provided for free to all users, it guides users through all aspects of a job search — not just where the jobs are listed online but also where to look for employers, how to avoid scams, and what other options exist for you when your current job or career field is on the decline.

Individual sections cover topics such as Networking, Resumes & Cover Letters, Career Options, and what to do before you search for a job. Some highlights from the site (click on the section title):

Sites with Job Listings:
The entry to 50 pages of job sites, from Monster and CareerBuilder to SnagAJob… from TurboTAP to AgCareers … from Iowa to American Samoa and beyond. These pages divide hundreds of listings into categories like the big boards to Local US Jobs and International Resources, and even cover internships, apprenticeships, and self-employment. Looking for something specific? Try the Google Search Bar, which covers the entire site, or check the A to Z Keyword Index.

Scams and Schemes in Work and Employment Services:
A resource identifying many scams directed toward job seekers, particularly persons who are desperate to find new sources of income. Most recently added was a notice regarding “employers” requesting job seekers submit credit reports with their resumes.

Veterans & Transitioning Military Personnel:

Resources and links to services to aid veterans and transitioning military personnel in finding new jobs. This page also links to services for wounded warriors, military spouses and dependents, and veterans who need to verify pay and employment status. » Read more: Career Tips: The Riley Guide

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