How to Get Experience

When first starting out in a new career, there is a common dilemma. You need experience in order to get the job… however, you can’t get that experience until you actually have the job. What do you do? The answer is to find ways to gain the experience you need through alternative avenues. Some ideas are: 1. Volunteer — Even if you have to work full-time and volunteer a couple hours a week, this is a valuable way to gain experience. A willingness to volunteer your time toward learning a job also shows a future employer your commitment. 2. Non-profit … Continue reading →

Where You Live Dictates Where You Work

Where you live will often heavily influence where you work. The two go hand in hand and depending on your career and personal preferences, selecting where to live will often determine where you work and vice versa. If you live by an ocean, you have a far more possibility of being a marine biologist or fisherman. However, in the mid-west, the chances of this career path are quite limited. There you might work in the city or on the farm. Sometimes where we decide to live influences our career path. Sometimes, we choose where we live based on the career … Continue reading →

More Career Switching in the Later Years

Let’s say you thought it through and decided the risks of a career change later in life are worth the benefits. You are willing to sacrifice, as your job is a major part of who you are and what you do. If you aren’t happy as you grow older, you don’t have many years left. Once you get too close to retirement, changing jobs is often almost impossible. Therefore, if the time is now and you want to make it happen, then go for it! Easier said than done, right? Often people don’t bother changing careers as they grow older … Continue reading →

Switching Careers Later in Life

Many people over the age of 50 consider switching careers. When they do, they often wonder if it is even possible or worthwhile. Once you have become established in a profession, change can be scary. In addition, there are risks associated with that change. If you are considering switching careers later in your life, there are some unique considerations to consider. First, ask yourself some of these questions: 1. How much longer do I plan to work before retirement? 2. Could I plan to continue my current career until retirement age? 3. What are the main reasons I want to … Continue reading →

Too Much Education?

Is it possible to have too much education when looking for a job? The answer is yes, although it will depend on a variety of factors. In many careers, a bachelor’s degree is enough to get you started. In some, you may only need a few classes or an associate’s degree. For many professions, on-the-job experience is as or more important as an education. In these types of jobs, too much education can sometimes make you seem too expensive or over-qualified for an entry-level position. However, some careers require a certain degree before they would even look at your application. … Continue reading →

Should You Continue at One Job While Searching for Another?

A common dilemma is whether to search for a new job while still working at the old, or to quit completely before you start to look. This can be a tricky problem, as both ways have their advantages and disadvantages. Overall, there isn’t necessarily one way that is the best. It is more about determining how each option affects your individual situation. Let’s discuss some of the pros and cons of each. Keep working: Pros: 1. You can maintain a steady source of income. 2. You don’t have to explain why you aren’t working. Cons: 1. Trying to find the … Continue reading →

Should You Take a Job if You Plan to Quit in a Few Months?

There are many times when we need a short-term job. Maybe you are pregnant and need a job until the baby arrives. Maybe you know you are moving but need a job for a short period before. Whatever your reasons, there are times when you need a short term job, where you know ahead of time that you plan to leave. Often employers won’t hire and train someone they know will leave them in less than a year. How should you handle this dilemma? The main problem is whether to be honest with an employer or not. My first advice … Continue reading →

How Long Should You Stay at Job?

There is often the discussion of longevity and loyalty on your job resume. You don’t want to look like a job hopper. Therefore, how long should you stay at a job you dislike or underpays you, so you maintain a quality career history? Some of the answers to this question will depend greatly on the situation. There is no true standard. In many circles, the year mark is significant, not only because it gives you enough time to truly evaluate the position but also to see the role in a full cycle. Still, if you are in a hot career … Continue reading →

Writing An Objective Statement On Your Resume

One of the most important parts of writing an effective resume is the objective statement. Simply listing your experience, doesn’t let your potential future employer know what your long term goals are. It also doesn’t let your employer know what type of position you’re looking for. Remember that when writing a resume first impressions count, and your objective statement is your first impression of your resume. An Objective Statement Should. . . * state what position you’re applying for * briefly summarize your main qualifications * use the company’s language when referring to the position and qualifications An Objective Statement … Continue reading →

Monday Morning Funnies: Mistakes to Avoid on Your Resume

Resume writing, or maybe it’s just writing in general, seems to be a lost art. It should go without saying that your resume should be free from grammatical, spelling and syntax errors. But apparently that’s not common sense. Here are a few mistakes to definitely avoid when presenting a resume. (These are taken from real resumes. I hope these applicants are not wondering why they didn’t get the job!) It’s all about the word choice! As a writer, I’m acutely aware that my word choice is a key element to my writing. Be succinct and to the point, but for … Continue reading →