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u p d at e y o u r s k i l l s i n a secure job industry
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s t e p s f i r s t- t i m e j o b s e e k e r s c a n ta k e t o p r e pa r e f o r t h e i r professional lives
08 HO W SOCIAL MEDIA CAN AFFECT YOUR CAREER 10 MAKE SURE YOUR RESUME DOESN ’ T COST YOU A JOB 11 LUCRATIVE CAREERS THAT DON ’ T RE Q UIRE A DE G REE 12 ITEMS TO E X CLUDE FROM YOUR RESUME 14 HO W TO G ET NOTICED IN A CRO W DED JOB MARKET
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Laborers with skills in construction, masonry and residential building, and structure contractors can count on steady employment.
Update your skills in a secure job industry
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he last several years have seen a series of economic ups and downs. Managing careers amid such instability has been challenging for many individuals, but professionals looking for more security can take steps to find careers that promise more long-term stability. Focusing a job search on industries that have shown strong growth and the ability to ride out waves of economic turmoil can tip the odds in your favor. Certain industries have better long-term employment outlooks than others, and men and
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women looking for more stability should consider these industries when pondering their next career moves. Accounting Thanks to ever-changing financial policies and greater scrutiny placed on lending practices and bookkeeping, accounting jobs remain solid career choices. Jobs in accounting can range from entry-level to more advanced (and more lucrative)
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positions requiring certification or a secondary education. Medicine Financial health does not safeguard people against illness, and health services are needed regardless of the state of the economy. That makes medical careers some of the most coveted and stable around. Healthcare professions can be lucrative, and careers in medicine are not restricted to doctors or nurses. Clinicians, medical imaging personnel and medical laboratory technicians also are needed. The United States Department of Labor lists services for the elderly and persons with disabilities, home healthcare services and other health practitioner positions among the fastest-growing career opportunities. Computer Systems Computer systems analysts and programming experts are highly coveted in today’s digital world. Many company operations are completely overseen by relatively autonomous computer systems. As technology keeps changing, employees who are able to stay abreast of the changes will only grow more valuable. Builders With more money injected into the economy,
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homes and businesses can once again resume growth. Laborers with skills in construction, masonry and residential building, and structure contractors can count on steady employment. Environment Clean-energy and other environmental jobs may currently make up a small percentage of employment, but reports from the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicate jobs in this sector are growing much faster than other fields, including healthcare. Workers ready to get in on the ground level may benefit from opportunities for advancement and the stability of working in a field that figures to grow considerably over the next several decades. Green jobs include work that is primarily involved in the production of green goods and services, such as renewable energy, pollution reduction and recycling. Green jobs also are those that involve education and training related to environmental compliance. Entering the job market for the first time or reentering it with a new career direction can be intimidating. Focusing education and skills on careers that are proven winners can be the security and confidence boost professionals need.
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Steps first-time job seekers can take to prepare for their professional lives Once college has ended, first-time job seekers can employ several strategies to improve their chances of landing their first jobs.
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hough things have improved in the last few years, recent college graduates still face an uphill battle when beginning their professional careers. Standing out in a crowded pool of applicants isn’t easy, but first-time job seekers must find a way to do just that. But preparing for a professional career begins long before men and women send out their first resumes. The following are a few steps first-time job seekers
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can take to ensure their transition from student to professional goes as smoothly as possible. * Clean up your online presence. College is a carefree time for many students, but those fun times should not come to define your online presence. When preparing to enter the workforce, scrub your social media presence clean of anything that does not present you in a mature and positive light. Fair or unfair, photos from nights out on
the town in college can damage your reputation and prevent hiring managers from considering your resume. Clean social media profiles of any information, be it photos, blog postings or musings on Twitter, that may leave companies questioning your judgment and maturity level, and think twice before posting any such information in the future. * Clean up your physical presence. Shoulder-length hair and a scruffy beard might have projected your desired image on campus, but such an image will rarely score you points in the business world. First impressions go a long way, and appearance can make or break a first impression. Even if a more conservative look is not your personal style, it’s the style many companies prefer. Men should project a polished look, including a nice suit, while women should wear appropriate office attire and avoid going overboard with makeup and jewelry. * Do your homework. Just because
college has ended doesn’t mean first-time job seekers no longer have homework. Research the industry you want to work in, staying abreast of the latest developments and predictions as to where the industry is going and which companies figure to be leading the industry in the coming years. Research also should involve learning about companies you want to work for, and that research should be kicked into overdrive if and when you are granted a job interview. Hiring managers will be more impressed by candidates who demonstrate a knowledge of the industry and their companies than they would be a candidate with a high GPA but little industry knowledge. * Work free. Lounging around Mom and Dad’s house waiting for the phone to ring won’t stand out on a resume. If job offers are scarce, consider working free, offering your services to companies in your industry free of charge in an attempt to get your foot in the door. This may mean applying for an unpaid internship or simply writing hiring managers at certain companies and offering to come in a few days each week to get a feel for the industry and help in any way you can. Many professionals began their careers working for no money. This can ingratiate first-time job seekers with companies while providing them valuable experience that can help them stand out in a crowded pool of applicants.
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Do not complain about a job or boss publicly
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How social media can affect your career
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ocial media has become an integral part of modern society. Millions of people around the world use social media to connect with one another. But this valuable tool also can be a detriment, particularly to men and women seeking employment. What a person says or does on social media can come back to haunt them with regard to the impression they create with prospective employers. Questionable antics and comments may reflect negatively on a person without him or her even
realizing it. According to a study by Reppler, a social media monitoring service, 91 percent of employers use social media channels such as Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn to screen prospective employees. Many people are completely unaware how others view them through their social media profiles and usage, but social media profiles give away more information about a person’s character and personality than many people would ever imagine. Even seemingly innocent remarks and observations can be misconstrued. Use of profanity or offering
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commentary on controversial subjects may be a person’s right. However, such comments may not sit well with prospective employers. Some may think the solution is not to have profiles on the popular social media sites. But avoiding social media entirely can send the wrong message to prospective employers. It may suggest that you are not a person who is current with the latest trends in technology and may give employers the impression that you are not adept at keeping up with the changing times. The key is finding the right balance with social media. The following are a few tips to ensure your social media usage does not do more harm than good. Do not post or tweet information that should be kept private If you would not tell intimate secrets to another person, especially an employer, do not convey these details to your group of “friends.” Recognize that it’s not always your comments that can affect perceptions of you The friends you choose to accept and socialize with via social media can impact
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how others view you. If friends are prone to vulgarity and off-color commentary, employers may surmise that this type of behavior is acceptable to you. Screen friends and block those who do not meet your standards. Know that security features on social media applications change frequently It’s important to know just how private your information may be. For example, if you are tagged in another person’s photo, people outside of your friends’ list may be able to see that image. You have to police your sites and lock down the information as you see fit, only posting what is appropriate for the general public. Do not complain about a job or boss publicly Even if your boss is not on your list of friends, he or she may still learn about your comments through gossip. While verbal complaints with others may not be accurately tracked back to you, text is hard evidence to discredit. Use social media as a networking tool to find other likeminded individuals in the same fields Join industry-based groups and organizations so that you can share your ideas. Further expanding your reach through blogs and websites can also help your job hunt. Social media is here to stay, making many details of people’s lives more public, so exercise caution with social media so your career is not negatively affected.
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Make sure your resume doesn’t cost you a job
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any a night’s sleep has been lost worrying about an upcoming job interview. Questions like “Will I make a good impression?” or “Am I qualified for the job?” can make for a restless night’s sleep on the eve before a job interview. Writing a resume is another aspect of the job hunt that can stoke your nerves. Men and women may pour over job timelines and skill summaries for hours in an effort to ensure they have included the right mix of information to get noticed. Though resume writing has changed considerably over the years, some conventional wisdom about resumes still prevails, and how closely potential applicants adhere to these rules goes a long way toward determining if they earn a chance at an interview. Me, myself and I While the resume should showcase your professional accomplishments, it also should showcase how your skills
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You may be asked to prove you can perform certain tasks, and if you cannot back up what is included on a resume, you will have wasted your time and the time the interviewer spent discussing his company’s opening with you. relate to the job you’re applying for. This way the company understands you have researched the position and are in tune with what they’re looking for in an applicant. One document for all responses A resume is not a static document. It needs to change depending on the job
you’re applying to. Although there will be certain information that can remain the same, update the skills and other information based on each position. One page is best Applicants were long told to keep their resumes concise, limiting the document to just one page. However, if your experience is extensive or one page cannot contain a long job history, don’t be afraid to submit a two-page resume. Failing to be selective You need not include your entire job history on a resume, especially if certain past positions you have held are completely irrelevant to the position for which you are applying. Don’t be afraid of job gaps, either. Many of today’s recruiters understand that the changing economy can make it challenging to maintain steady employment. Overembellishment Do not embellish your skills. Always
be open and honest on your resume. You may be asked to prove you can perform certain tasks, and if you cannot back up what is included on a resume, you will have wasted your time and the time the interviewer spent discussing his company’s opening with you. Imperfections A resume is a reflection of you, so one with typographical errors or a poor layout is never acceptable. Ensure your resume is as professional and error-free as possible. Have a friend or a proofreader look it over before distributing. Paid positions Internships or volunteer work are perfectly acceptable to include on a resume, particularly for younger applicants who may not have a wealth of professional experience. Include a mix of information on the resume that will reflect your versatility.
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Lucrative careers that don’t require a degree
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for every job. In fact, there are many potentially lucrative lines of work that do not require a degree, and these careers often appeal to those young people who are discouraged by the high cost of college or those who have grown tired of the classroom atmosphere. Many lines of work that do not require a college degree do require trade school certification. The good news is that trade school typically takes less time to complete than a more traditional fouryear degree and such courses of study tend to be less expensive than college degrees. These factors may be why the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics says eight of the 10 fastest-growing occupations in 2014 do not require a bachelor’s degree. The following jobs are potentially lucrative but do not require a college degree.
tudents in high school have long been encouraged to enroll in secondary education to further their future career prospects. While a college degree is a prerequisite for many careers, it is not mandatory
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Ship captain A captain will navigate a vessel and manage the crew. Additionally, he or she will comply with international and local laws. Captains can expect an average salary of $87,000.
Web developer Many web developers are self-taught, and many more supplement their natural skills by taking a few classes here and there. Web developers earn very good salaries, with a median salary of $75,000. Tradesman Plumbers, bricklayers, marble setters, and masons have been in high demand for centuries. Depending on the business and if a tradesman is self-employed, he or she can earn a considerable salary and enjoy a good living without having to earn a college degree. Home health aide supervisor Home health aide supervisors monitor the quality of care performed by aides for home patients and help develop a care plan. Much of the training for this profession occurs on the job, and workers receive satisfaction from helping those in need. Locomotive engineer Many engineers begin as rail transportation workers and conductors
before they move up to an engineer position. Driving the train requires knowledge of the mechanical operations of the locomotive and awareness of safety regulations. A locomotive engineer can earn as much as $70,000 annually if not more.
Air traffic controller A lucrative position, an air traffic controller has a very demanding job and one that subjects workers to significant stress. Air traffic controllers are responsible for maintaining a safe and orderly flow of air traffic to prevent collisions or traffic buildup at airports. Many air traffic controllers complete training through aviation-related programs or military service. Salaries can reach six figures. Although college is the next step for many high school students, it is not necessarily the only path individuals need to take. Many high-paying and rewarding careers are available to people without college degrees.
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...personal photos have nothing to do with a person’s qualifications.
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Items to exclude from your resume
hoosing what to include and exclude from your resume can be difficult, especially for applicants without extensive work histories. Professionals with significant experience likely have enough to fill up a resume, but younger professionals often fret about how to fill up their resumes despite limited work histories. Any relevant professional experience, be it an internship or volunteering history, is safe to include on a resume. But applicants should keep the following items off their resumes as they hunt for their next jobs.
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Photos: Photos should be kept off resumes, as personal photos have nothing to do with a person’s qualifications. Even job seekers applying for photography positions won’t want to put photos on their resumes. Such materials should be included in a portfolio but never on a resume. Hobbies and/or personal interests: It can be tempting for applicants with limited work histories to list their hobbies and interests, but in many cases such information is irrelevant and can frustrate hiring managers who want to find relevant qualifications on a resume as quickly as possible. If a resume is bogged down with
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A good approach when asked for salary requirements is simply to write, “Salary negotiable” somewhere on your resume. information about an applicant’s hobbies and interests, then a hiring manager is likely to grow impatient and move on to the next applicant. Unless a hobby is especially relevant to a position, it should not be included on a resume. Irrelevant past experience: Prior experience that is irrelevant to the position you’re applying for should be kept off your resume. For example, a high school job as a grocery clerk likely has little relevance when applying for an entry level finance position. It’s important to remember when applying for entry level positions that few entry level candidates will have extensive employment histories, so don’t feel bad if your resume is less than meaty. Salary expectations: Some job postings will ask that you list salary requirements. This can be a delicate topic, as no one wants to exclude themselves by asking for too much money or appear desperate by asking for too little. A good approach when asked for salary requirements is simply to write, “Salary negotiable” somewhere on your
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resume. Never include salary requirements unless a job listing specifically requests such information. Personal information: Personal information, including marital status, sexual orientation, whether or not you have children and your religious beliefs should always be kept off a resume. Such information is irrelevant, and it’s illegal for companies to consider such information during the hiring process. Inappropriate email address: Many people have a playful email address that reflects a nickname friends
and family can identify with. Such addresses are fine when communicating with family and friends, but use a more professional email address when applying for jobs. The address can include your name, such as jsmith@ fakeemail.com or simply your initials followed by the domain name of your email server. Fair or unfair, an unprofessional email address on a resume may give prospective employers the impression that applicants are immature.
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How to get noticed in a crowded job market
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inding a new job is never an easy task. That task grew even more difficult over the last half decade, when a struggling economy forced many companies to lay off workers and institute hiring freezes. As a result, unemployment numbers rose, and many out-of-work men and women found themselves searching for ways to stand out among a crowded pool of applicants. Standing out in a crowded job market has always been tough, but many professionals find it even more difficult to get noticed now, when many companies request prospective employees apply for job postings via the Internet. That process can be frustrating, as even the most qualified applicants can easily get lost among the myriad of workers all applying for the same position. But as daunting as finding a new job may seem to those looking for work, there are ways to stand out among the masses. Go the extra mile when sending your application. Many online job postings
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...even the most qualified applicants can easily get lost among the myriad of workers all applying for the same position. provide a link or an email address where applicants can fill out an application or send their resumes. This is a necessary step, and applicants should follow the directions in the posting. But applicants who really want to get noticed can take the extra step of finding the contact
information for the company’s hiring manager and sending their resume directly to that person’s email address. Include the title of the position you’re applying for in the subject line of your email, and cut and paste your cover letter into the body of the email. In
addition to sending your email to the company’s hiring manager, consider CC’ing the person who might be your boss if you were to get the position. Tighten things up Your resume should reflect your work experience, but you want to focus primarily on the experience and skills that are relevant to the position. You can list past positions or internships you’ve had, but keep the synopsis of those positions brief if they bear little relevance to the position for which you’re applying. The main focus of your resume should be the things you have done in the past that make you the best candidate for this job. This might change as you apply for various positions, but tailor each resume to each specific position. Make your resume downloadfriendly Applying for positions but getting little response despite your qualifications? Chances are your
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resume might not be download-friendly. Bullet points and boxes might look good to you, but if the hiring manager on the receiving end of your resume does not have the same version of the program you’re using, that resume might look like a scrambled mess by the time the it’s downloaded. In such instances your resume is almost certain to end up in the scrap heap, no matter how qualified you might be. When uploading your resume to a company Web site or emailing it to a hiring manager, choose a format they can easily download. A PDF, for example, is a format that’s easy
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to download and unlikely to scramble. Beware of hyperlinks Adding hyperlinks to a resume can be hit or miss. When it’s a hit, a hiring manager can click on a link in your resume and be taken directly to samples of your work. However, if you’re asked to submit your resume via an online application instead of sending it directly to a hiring manager’s email address, then those same hyperlinks might be relegating your application to the trash bin before it’s ever seen. That’s because the database may be programmed
to associate any documents with hyperlinks as spam, in which case the hiring manager will never see your application or resume. Hyperlinks can be useful and help you stand out, but only when they’re employed under the right circumstances. Include social media profiles More and more companies want employees who are familiar with social media, which can work to an applicants’ advantage or prove detrimental. If you have been responsible regarding your use of social media, conducting
yourself in a professional matter and even benefitting your existing employer, by all means share these profiles with potential employers. But if you have traditionally used social media purely as a social tool and not in a professional manner, then it bears little relevance to your job search and likely won’t help you stand out for the right reasons. Standing out in a crowded job is rarely easy. But savvy professionals can employ a few tricks of the trade to stand out as they search for their next jobs.
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