4 Tips for Learning about a New Career - CareerAlley

4 Tips for Learning about a New Career - CareerAlley We may receive compensation when you click on links to products from our partners. If youre thinking about starting a new career, you arent alone. A poll last year conducted by Right Management, a subsidiary of Manpower, found that 84% of employees wanted to find a new job in 2012. There are many reasons to make a career change, but the key to a successful transition is finding a career that will ultimately provide job satisfaction, which might mean more than better pay or a shorter commute. Moving to a new employer only to find that the work doesnt fit with what you want to do can be a disaster, so learning about a new career before making a commitment is a good idea. These four tips will help you find the resources you need to make an informed career change. Take a Career Test The idea of a career test might provoke unwanted flashbacks to the high school guidance counselor, but career testing is actually a useful tool especially for adults, who have a firmer idea of who they are and where they want to go. The internet has made it easier than ever to access reliable personality and skills tests, like the Holland Personality Style Assessment or the Keirsey Temperament Sorter. Tools like these can also be taken at no cost at local colleges and job counseling centers. Read Industry Blogs or Newsletters Now that blogs are considered mainstream, most companies that work with the public have blogs attached to their main websites. Reading these blogs can provide a lot of information about an industry, from who the industry serves to what its employees do, and can give not just an idea of what the industry is about but what the company thinks is important, too. For some examples, Belden has a list of technology industry blogs, Ad Age tracks the best blogs in the marketing industry, and Fast Company provides lists of its favorite business blogs. Trade associations for certain industries also frequently offer free newsletters to the public. Just make sure that the source is reliable by double-checking its history and its other activities on the web. Ask for Informational Interviews Informational interviews are like a traditional interview in reverse in this situation, the person interested in a career asks questions to the person who is already working for the company. Since there is no expectation of a job offer, informational interviews are a low pressure way to learn about a company and its business. However, if you choose to ask for an informational interview, try to keep the formality level about the same as you would with a traditional interview. You will also want to be very well prepared with questions; dont expect the person you are interviewing to do all of the talking without guidance from you. Oberlin College provides excellent tips to prepare for an informational interview. Research Government Websites The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has a wealth of information on careers in the U.S., including explanations, average salary, and industry growth rates. The U.S. Department of Labor provides information on employment statistics, sponsored career training, and seasonal employment opportunities. Your state or local community may sponsor a website with similar information and local career opportunities as well. Using resources like these will give you the background information you need to choose and prepare for a satisfying new career. Laura McPherson writes for Teacher Certification Degrees, a free resource for learning about how to become a teacher, education options, and teacher requirements by state. This is a Guest post. If you would like to submit a guest post to CareerAlley, please follow these guest post guidelines. Good luck in your search. Visit me on Facebook

Reading List Hump Day Job Search

Reading List Hump Day Job Search 4 Flares 4 Flares Just wanted to pop in and share with you what Ive been reading this week.  Each of these blog posts are absolutely the hotness for your job search.  Check out this quick reading list and make sure to follow them on Twitter as well. As @PenelopeTrunk does so often, she writes about an incredibly personal story and then ties it into resume advice.  Here is Resume Advice You Never Hear. A new favorite site of mine, @GlassDoorDotCom, brings you 3 Ways To Uncover a Hidden Job. @CollegeCandy  checks in to help new grads cope financially with I Need More Money, Honey. My friends at @Gulpfish have been writing a sweet Interview Preparation Blog Series.  Here is Part 5 of their series, and its on Knowing your Resume. The Under Cover Recruiter (@undercoverrec) discusses cover letters in 6 Mistakes You Shouldnt Put On Your Cover Letter. A long time favorite and friend of mine, @YouTern, writes 3 Simple Tips to a Successful Virtual Internship. Lastly, Im sharing a post from @TimsStrategy that discusses 10 Reasons Why People Get Fired. Thats it for todays reading list!  Maybe Ill start sharing more of these each week!

Ask The When I Grow Up Coach Giving Yourself Advice

Ask The When I Grow Up Coach Giving Yourself Advice Advice from a Reflection by This is Blaise It’s another installment of  Ask the When I Grow Up Coach! Each week or so, I pick one of  the questions that have been posed to feature here, until there are no questions left! Disclaimer: A few of the questions that have been posted are from other coaches or would-be coaches. While I’m absolutely happy to share my story and offer any advice I have on being a coach, I’m only gonna post the questions that can be applied more universally. Hope that’s helpful! Heres the question!: How do you give advice to yourself (and listen to it)? I find it is so much easier to help others than take my own advice when it comes to business! Ah, if it was just that easy, right, lovely asker? The good/bad news is that, wellit aint (insert sliding sound affect here). See, Im a life coach who has a life coach, working with a variety of different coaches over the years depending on the challenge(s) Im going through at the time. So even though Im making my living coaching others to clarify their goals and dreams and then, um, make them happen its tough for me to do that for myself! That said, though, there are a few things I do when I need to make a decision, because lets face it life coaches dont give advice, so its not like Im waiting around for my session so that my coach can tell me what to do. In order to figure out whats right for me, I do a few different things: Listen to my gut/heart. Oh, Ive turned into such a hippy-dippy since I started coaching its ridiculous but its true. I tell my brain to take a hike and do my best to really listen to what my torsos telling me it wants to do. Its usually pretty tough because if Im at a crossroads its because its hard to hear what my gut/heart is trying to tell me. But I give it time and space and quiet, and I do my best to interpret what it wants to tell me (sometime the gut/brain doesnt speak English). I journal. Usually this is off my blog, written longhand in a blank journal or in a Word document if my brains going super-fast. Since Ive had this blog Ive journaled less and less, but when I dowow, does good stuff appear. I think of myself as not myself, but as my bestest friend, and give myself (but not myself) advice. Does that make sense? In other words, think that you bestest friend has the challenge and not you. What would you say to your bestest friend? How would you help him/her make a decision? Write it down. When youre done, read it back to yourself as if its coming from your bestest friend but directed at you. Hopefully its helpful and wont make you have multiple personality disorder. But if it does, at least you know you have a bigger problem than the one you had originally ?? I use the exercises I created in my free workbook, Pounding (Your Head Against) the Pavement, which everyone who subscribes to my newsletter gets. I originally wrote it to help someone who was in the predicament I was in back in 06 a confusing place, since I was trying to decide whether I wanted to let go of my lifelong dream and find another. Of course, I created these exercises after the fact (part of the reason I became the When I Grow Up Coach was because I didnt know anyone who was remotely like a When I Grow Up Coach to help me!), but I still think its aces to help anyone through a tough decision. The 7 exercises there take you through your values, the exercise I described above, a pro-con list (but better), challenging your fears, tossing out the shoulds, yada yada yada. I like practicing what I preach ?? I do a brain dump. I get everything out on paper in a big list. Literally, every single thing thats crowding my head or thats around that decision goes in there. Sometimes just seeing it like that makes something click otherwise I know its a good template for my next coaching session. I go on a date with my husband. Our dates always end up with us working out whats rolling around in our heads, talking it out, talking it through, and feeling lighter by the time we pay the bill. It feels good to get it out of my head and bounce it off someone else who listens, offers advice and support, and tells me that, Youve always made the best business decisions for yourself, babe. Even if I dont leave with a solution, the discussion is always a comfort, especially paired with any booze we consume ?? Do whats fun/easy. I have a tendency to make things complicated. Not on purpose, mind you its just how I naturally create a system or a structure or a product or a service. I constantly ask myself, How can I make this easier? Then I do it. Then I ask again, and I keep asking and stripping, asking and stripping, until Im left in my underpants and pasties figuratively, of course. Its usually pretty tough for me to work through that on my own its definitely difficult for me to see how I can simplify, as my brain just doesnt work that way so thats something I bring to a coaching call. Actually, I have a real good example of this. I was talking to my lovely VA last week about handling my scholarship contest entries, and I told her I was at a loss as to what I was going to offer the applicants this year (last year I personally responded to their emails and set em up with a great group coaching deal). As I tend to do, I was making it extra complicated, and lots of shoulds were showing their faces. Thankfully, Jess broke the run-around I was giving myself by asking, But what do you want to offer that you really like doing? followed by, Keep it simple, Michelle. How can we make it easy? (The coach in me was so proud!). Shed then offer suggestions based on her knowledge and experience and wed discuss them together. By the end of the hour call, I not only had a plan in place (no, I cant tell ya its a surprise!), but it was aligned with what was fun, easy, and comin from my gut. Just how I like it. Bottom line? Take back the word advice and replace it with feeling, need, or gut. Be your own best friend. Get it out of your head and onto the page, or throw it out to your man/lady/bestie/Mom/coach. But in the end, do what feels right for you what allows you to sleep at night, what you trust (even if theres not a reason behind it), and what your torsos communicating in that foreign tongue. I promise it gets easier with time.

Detailed Notes on Resume Writing and Interviewing Skills in Step by Step Order

Detailed Notes on Resume Writing and Interviewing Skills in Step by Step Order Friends and family often can observe strengths and abilities in us that we can't see ourselves. Likewise, always don't forget that if you require advice, career guidance or only need to hear a friendly voice, you can rely on us to be here for you. Listing your skills provides a chance to showcase your abilities and experiences to prime employers for the remainder of your resume. The objective is to help you get started building a career program. Interviewing is a learned skill, and there aren't any second chances to create an amazing first impression. Irrespective of how you are feeling about interviewing, it's a virtual certainty you will engage in a couple of interviews as you seek a summer position, or your initial post-law school position. You are going to have the opportunity to receive your dream job. Hiring managers and possible employers aren't psychic. A HR employer doesn't care you h ave five decades of experience as a ballet dancer. Since many job seekers may list skills in a different section of their resume, additionally, it is important to weave them into descriptions under every one of your prior positions. They ask professional resume writers to develop a generic resume that can be used for several targets. Be sure your email address appears professional. Application information for the company externship program can be found from the Zhang Career Center. Prioritize the info supplied for each position starting with the most relevant and important details in connection with the job that you are applying for. Use the search box to find precisely what you want to find. The Pain of Resume Writing and Interviewing Skills The crucial thing is to express earnest interest in the role and in the organization, and passion for the job that you do. Keep in the back part of your mind which you are a valuable asset as an employee. Make certain that your bosses see you doing your very best to donate to the on-going success of the business. If you are totally happy in your work and are making money beyond your expectations, then you likely don't require a them.

The Number One Article on Tips on Writing Your Federal Resume

The Number One Article on Tips on Writing Your Federal Resume The following ideas will help you include the info that is essential to have your resume considered for government jobs as well as to catch the interest of recruiters. Explaining your work accomplishments is among the main pieces of a government resume. To put it differently your resume ought to be well-structured and simple to discover any information they are searching for. Many current GS employees wonder if they will have to wait a particular period prior to applying for a new position at a greater grade. Lots of people assume the sole method to apply to get a federal job is with USAJOBS. The procedure for getting into a government position can appear daunting. A federal resume will be longer. Federal employers want to learn what in your experience is pertinent to the position, even supposing it isn't recent. Human Resources professionals review your federal resume to discover whether you satisfy the quali fications mentioned in the job announcement for the position which you're applying. If you don't meet the requirements, you just won't be considered. Federal resumes should be customized as a way to address specific job requirements. Tip Look up the work description for the position that you're applying. Hiring agencies will search for certain terms in your resume to make certain you have the experience they're seeking. New Questions About Tips on Writing Your Federal Resume Because want to get the job. Have a Nonfederal Resume Many men and women assume the sole approach to submit an application for a federal job is on USAJobs. When it has to do with finding work, you most likely already know that you ought to tailor to your resume to the job announcement. If you're searching for a government job or a civilian job for a veteran, you will need to get ready for a completely different method of submitting job applications. Many employers want to employ people that are detail -oriented and will choose the opportunity to do a work right. You must also identify whether you've ever worked for the federal government and whether you meet the requirements for veterans' preference. Federal jobs often need you to have experience in a particular kind of work for some period of time. Military resumes also generally have a good deal of white space. First of all, the very best buzzwords to be included in a federal resume are exact words utilized in the necessary qualifications and abilities. Developing a federal resume can become more difficult if you have several skill sets that you will need to exhibit. A federal resume is an important component in the federal recruiting approach. Developing a federal resume is the initial step in securing top federal work in the U.S. government.

What You Need to Know About Becoming a Dental Assistant

What You Need to Know About Becoming a Dental AssistantGoing to the dentists office probably isnt one of your favorite activities. Yet its a necessary part of taking care of yourself, and if youre lucky youve found a great dental office and staff that make the process less painfulliterally The dental assistant is an essential member of this team, caring for patients and/or keeping the office running. If you think you might be interested in joining this career path, heres a snapshot of the dental assisting field. googletag.cmd.push(function() googletag.display(div-gpt-ad-1472832388529-0) ) What does a dental assistant do?A dental assistants responsibilities may includeManaging patient intakeMaintaining office recordsScheduling appointmentsAssisting the dentist during proceduresSterilizing and maintaining equipmentTaking patient x-rays (additional certification may be necessary)Teaching good oral hygiene and post-appointment care to patientsIm squeamish about medical procedures. Can I still be a dental assistant?Yes Many offices hire dental assistants who primarily manage the office and perform clerical tasks like maintaining records, managing patient appointments, billing, acting as the office receptionist, and ordering and managing supplies. Youll want to check job postings carefully to make sure that the job doesnt require hands-on patient care or assisting the dentist during procedures.How do I become a dental assistant?In fruchtwein cases, becoming a dental assistant doesnt require a four-year college degree. However, some states require that dental assistant candidates complete a certification program and/or pass an exam, so youll want to be aware of your own states requirements before you choose this path.Youll need strong organizational and clerical skills as a dental assistant, as well as solid communication and interpersonal skills. Youd be working with staff and patients (and you may be the first face people see when they visit your dental office), so those customer service skills are especially important in this role.How much do dental assistants make?The median salary for dental assistants is $34,500, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. According to surveys done by Payscale, dental assistant salaries can vary pretty widely depending on drehort and experience level at hiring. Payscale also found that salaries tended to be higher for assistants who brought strong office and business skills to their current job.Dental assistants also have high job satisfaction, per the Payscale survey 5 out of 5 dental assistants polled said they were extremely satisfied with their jobs.Whos hiring dental assistants?Many dental assistants are employed by independent or small-practice dental offices, but there are also many large firms hiring as well. Among the top corporate employers areAspen DentalDental Group LtdFamily Dental CareHeartland Dental CareWhat does the dental assistant career path look like?This field is has great development p otential, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicting 25% growth by 2022. Many dental assistants also choose to go on and become Certified Dental Assistants, dental hygienists, or a number of other dental/medical certification areas and administrative roles.Now that you know what it takes to get started in this popular and rewarding field, what do you think? Could this be you in the near future?

4 Tips On Moving Up In TechFrom A Female Engineering Leader

4 Tips On Moving Up In TechFrom A Female Engineering Leader4 Tips On Moving Up In TechFrom An Engineer Whos Made A Huge Impact At Her CompanyGrowing up, Katealways loved math and computers. So, when it came to finding a career, softwareengineering welches a perfect fit. After graduating with a degree in ComputerScience from one of the best engineering schools in the world, zu sich passionsended up carrying herbei pretty far.Nowadays, Kate is aSenior Vice President at FactSet, one the worlds largest FinTech firms andhome to thousands of the best engineers, product managers, and techprofessionals. As a tech leader at the company, Kate manages and providesguidance to plenty of up-and-coming engineers.We sat down with herto tap into some of her wisdom about how to succeed in techand at innovativecompanies like FactSet in general. Heres what she told us.1. Learn To Solve Problems In Your Own WayNo matter how much you learn in school, a hrof essential engineering skills are learned on the job. Thats why its soimportant to find a place that gives you challenging workand the freedom toapproach it independently.Once I became an engineer at FactSet, myfavorite thing about my job was the freedom and empowerment I was given tosolve problems in my own creative ways, Kate tells us.While their business goals were usually thesame, Kate was able to approach each client and engagement with her owncreative way of thinking.I was told what our clients needed, and whatwe should build, Kate says. But how to architect, design, and implement afast, efficient, reliable application was up to me. This freedom, empowerment,and encouragement is what helped me most as I grew throughout my career.2. Find Somewhere That Celebrates Your SuccessesIt wasnt just thatFactSet gave Kate challenges, it was that they recognized when she overcamethem, too.I was given thespace to innovate, and as I gained the trust of those around me, I was giventhe responsibility to design more complex applications, man age larger projects,and then lead larger teams, Kate explains.Growth requires bothnew skills and new experiencesand the only way to get the latter is to begiven new opportunities. Or, in Kates case, to earn them.FactSet celebratedmy successes and helped me grow by increasing my level of scope and impact inan incremental way that gave me the confidence to be successful in each newchallenge and role in my career, she says.3. Cultivate Creativity, Aim For InnovationDont be afraid to look for different ways ofsparking your creativity. When its your job to innovate, you have to make ayayoure thinking outside the box. Thats why Kate enjoys the little challengesand events that FactSet sets up to help its employees cultivate creativity.One such example is their annual 48-hour,no-holds-barred hackathon.While I love my current role, I do missrolling up my sleeves and hacking something together, Kate says. Making anidea come to life through code is a real rush.This is why I love the FactSet Ha ckathon.Teams of FactSet employees, on both the techand business sides, come together to make something extraordinary. It doesntneed to be FactSet or even finance related, either. Despite that, Kate couldntresist working on one concept that was pretty Factset-friendly. My project last year was to integrate FactSetwith Salesforce in a way that the two applications could pass data back andforth and create a seamless workflow for our clients, who are often trying tojuggle many different systems and applications all at once, Kateexplains. About a year or so later, weve actuallyproductionized the concept, and its now going live to our clients, she says.4. Dont Forget To BreatheSuccess is not asprint (even though there are plenty of sprints along the way). And if youre taking along-term view on success, Kate emphasizes the importance of finding a healthywork-life balance.When I meetprospective candidates for FactSet, I make sure to let everyone know that weare a software company first and foremost, Kate says.Even though theyrein the world of finance, FactSet takes its lead from progressive tech companycultures. FactSet offers four weeks of paid time off to first-year employees(and that number only grows with time) and a ton of other health programs andbenefits to help you stay mentally and physically fit.Our vibe andculture is relaxed and collaborativedifferent from what you might picture whenyou think of Wall Street, Kate says. Our people set us apart, and thosepeople have lives, hobbies, families, and a good understanding of theimportance of work-life balanceThis employee-focused culture has attracted awide array of talent, which is good, Kate says, for more reasons than theobvious.Innovation in tech hinges on diversity of ideas, and those ideas come from diverse individuals, she tells us. If you like solving problems, working with others, building new solutions, blazing the trail, then tech and FactSet are for you.Want to put Kates wisdom to work? Check out open opportunities at FactSet on WayUp