Career Changes - Re-Learning Job Hunting Skills After Layoffs

Careers today are not what they used to be. Even just a short decade ago, high school students were encouraged to attend college and then go out in search of the best and brightest careers that suited their interests. Today, even college graduates are having trouble finding work, which is a sure sign of troubled times. For those already in the career world, job security is nearly unheard of, and many people face the risk of losing jobs that they have held for years. Some, in fact, are being laid off from positions that they have held their entire lives. What are people to do in a situation like this?

It's not going to be easy, and it certainly won't be fun, but it is necessary for people who have been laid off or lost jobs to turn their attitude into one of focus and drive. Layoffs are not uncommon today, and many people spend their working days with the looming shadow of unemployment hanging over their head. It can happen to anyone, as the business world has clearly demonstrated. The best thing that you can do is to be prepared. Be prepared for that ill-fated notice or meeting. Be prepared for starting over. Most importantly, be prepared for job hunting in today's economy, which could entail re-learning how to find and apply for the jobs that you are qualified to perform.

It isn't hard to re-learn the job hunting skills that you need to find a successful job after you have been laid off. In spite of all of the disparity in the career world, there has never been more assistance out there for job seekers than there is today. Because jobs are so scarce and so many people who have never been out of work now find themselves in that position, the public assistance of many state and local governments are reaching out to help. Sponsoring training courses, career resource seminars, and even job hunting classes, these public departments are doing everything that they can to prepare people for the new working world.

Any yet, the jobs are still few and far between. If someone is laid off from a longtime position, it can be extremely disheartening for them. They have to face financial uncertainty, a loss of identity in most cases, and the new struggle of finding a new job in an economy where there aren't many available. The most important thing for these people to understand is how to effectively hunt for jobs in today's economy. Despite the obvious lack of options, there are rules and guidelines for job hunting today that have changed greatly over the years. Knowing these skills is the best way to snag one of the very few jobs that is available.

Tony Jacowski is a quality analyst for The MBA Journal. Aveta Solutions - Six Sigma Online http://www.sixsigmaonline.org offers online six sigma training and certification classes for lean six sigma, black belts, green belts, and yellow belts.

Energize a Stagnant Job Search - 7 Career Tips for Job Hunting

For those job seeking professionals that have been searching for a job for months or more, the whole job search process may seem a bit stale. Countless hours are often spent on job search websites and job search engines such as CareerBuilder.com, Dice.com, and Monster.com often resulting in minimal feedback. It is frustrating to go months without finding a job. Inevitability you begin to question career choices, your professional skills, experience, qualifications, or even your education. But you're not alone. In times of high unemployment, a slow moving job market can create the appearance of a job search that becomes stagnated.

In this seven part series we will provide job search strategies and tips to revive your job hunt and reenergize your career confidence.

1) Part Time Job, a Temporary Job, or Volunteering

Seek out short term, part-time, or temporary work in your career field is a good way to get your foot in the door. Even if there does not seem to be any full time jobs opening any time soon, part time work and temp work is a way your employer can get to know you and your work ethic. If a job happens to open up or a new position is created, then you are at a higher advantage then others applicants who may be applying for that same job. You'll have much more than a resume to show the company.

2) Work on your Personal Brand

If someone were to search for your name online, what, if anything would they see? In all likelihood, hiring you is a big investment to any company or organization. Especially in challenging economic times and an employer driven job market, companies are being more selective about their job applicants.

Take a few minuets and search for yourself online to determine what your digital footprint is. Do you share a name with someone that could create a career opportunity or a problem with your online image?

Use your personal brand to let the employer know your strengths, why they should hire you, and that you are a worthy candidate to investment in. If you remember, the personal brand is your life and professional skills as they appear online. You want your personal brand to be accurate and truthful, but you also want to it to make you look great to an employer. Your brand should reflect your overall qualifications, education, and indicate your career goals.

See what shows up in a Google search and a Yahoo search. Having a LinkedIn profile and profiles on other professional social networking sites can help to create a positive digital footprint. Your profile should be professional and consistent. Keep your information consistent with similar career goals and career objectives in each profile. Avoid blending social media and your online professional image. It is important to keep your private life PRIVATE. That is a mistake many people make with personal branding which may cost them being selected for that next job or opportunity.

3) Changing Careers or Branching Out to New Industries

Diversify you job search and branch out into new job markets you may not have considered in your previous job hunting strategies. Pick a career field, any career field and determine if your skills and qualifications would translate into new job opportunities.

That is not to say that you should just apply for the first job opening that presents itself. As a matter of fact, the opposite is true. Choose a career field that may benefit from your professional knowledge. Your best option is to look at a small geographic area and determine what employers are within this region. Examine what the area employer's job positions and the job descriptions they are seeking and compare the qualifications to your resume. A midlife career change into a new industry can appear challenging but rewriting a career change resume and cover letter can quickly expand your employment options.

Examine your strengths. If you are not good with people, do not apply to personnel jobs. If you do not have an aptitude for math, do not apply for engineering or accounting jobs. Choose an industry or career field you know you can succeed in and focus your job search in that field. Perhaps you haven't found a job yet because you are stretched across too many possible career paths. You may have missed an opportunity while you were wasting your time and applying to jobs that do not suit you. As a job search seems to drag on, it may seem tempting to try to apply for everything, but stay focused on your qualifications and job skills.

Be realistic about the types of jobs you are applying for. Most often when make a career transition into a new job market you will find yourself competing for more junior level positions then you would within your current career field. Changing careers may seem like a step backwards; yet showing potential future employers you are capable of taking on new challenges, have the foresight, and flexibility to expand your skill set across industries can become a strong asset.

4) Use Career Counseling and Career Advice Services

Get some help. If month after month has passed with no job offers or employment prospect you may need some help with your job hunt. You do not want to be put in a position where your financial obligations overtake you focusing on your job search.

Recent college graduates and college alumni can use their college's career services department. Beyond employment listings and postings, many college career service departments offer interview preparation assistance, resume writing and career advice, and can assist you in choosing a career path. These services are often helpful when you are considering changing careers or at a career transition. Also, many companies seek out students from specific universities, colleges, and specific degree program or departments. A career advisor in the schools career services can connect you with these companies.

Beyond the college or university career services centers, look into what career placement services your local city or county provides. Contact your local chamber of commerce to begin your search for these types of local services. Many of these services are either free of charge or at a minimal fee to local residents.

Depending on your specific situation, consider hiring a professional career advisor or career counselor. A professional career counselor's job is to help you figure out exactly what you want to do and advise you on how to maximize your resources and qualifications.

Before electing to get a career counselor, do some research on what services the career counseling service provides and what their recent candidate placement success rates are. This way, you will know what to expect as an end result. Will they help you find a career path, provide resume writing advice and interview preparation, placement services, and help you along the way? Do not be afraid to ask for help when the job search seems to be dragging on. Having a career advisor or an independent career service can help you revitalize your job hunt.

5) Is Your Resume Writing Reflective of your Career Objective

Refresh your resume and your professional image. If your job search appears stalled, take this time to review your resume and your overall professional image. This includes your cover letter, professional social media sites such as Linked-In, and your professional references.

If employers have already seen your resume and you have not received any responses back, then this might be your cue to give your resume a second look. Check your resume for spelling mistakes, typos, and poor grammar. Those are a definite turn-off to any potential employer.

Do you think your online resume would pass the 20 second test? Remember that 20 seconds is generally the amount of time an employer will spend looking over your resume. In that time frame, an employer will decide whether or not he or she will call you in for a job interview. If it has been a while since you have been called for any interviews, then this may indicate that your resume does not pass the 20 second test. Some resume writing changes may be necessary. Also, be sure that your resume is aesthetically pleasing and your resume qualifications, education, and experience properly flows together.

6) Using only Top Job Search Engines can Limit Your Career Options

Not all job search websites are created equal. Searching that next job opportunity using online job search engines can distribute your resume to many companies and employment centers. Although, not all job search websites are weighted the same for your professional career field or industry.

Major job websites like Moster.com and CareerBuilder.com are great choices to broadcast your resume skills and qualifications. However, your chances in getting noticed on these online job search sites are low. Thousands of career professionals and job seekers are posting and updating their resumes daily, and in a highly competitive job market, being too general with your career objectives may not result in you landing that job.

Take some time to research what are the best job search sites, specific to your industry or career objectives. If your career field is within the medical industry, look for those web sites that focus specifically on medical jobs or nursing jobs. Expand your career and look for part time job search opportunities to get into a company or organization.

Be focused and specific in your job search and make sure you are looking everywhere. Limiting yourself to just a few major job sites can be disastrous. Many of the jobs you are seeking may not be listed on the common and the most popular job search engines. So, try looking at lesser known job sites, and on industry specific ones. Check your local newspaper daily, especially on Sunday editions. Sometimes a job listing may be printed on only one day in the newspaper.

Keep checking your professional social networking sites and keep your eyes open for mentioning of possible job openings. You might be missing out on great opportunities by limiting your search to one place. If you are unemployed, be sure to tell everyone that you are looking. People talk and word will get around. Your friend's cousin's girlfriend may be in the Human Resources department in a company where they are hiring. You could be surprised where you find your next job. Whatever you do, do not stop looking until you find what you are looking for.

7) Revisit your Long Term Career Choices

What long term career planning steps have you considered throughout your professional career. Often times we can become comfortable and somewhat complacent within our chosen occupation after we have met certain education and experience requirements. However, over time we can loose our job security if our skills are not continually up to date or with economic shifts, technology innovations, or company restructuring.

If you find yourself in a position where there does not appear to be any jobs in your career field, they you may consider changing industries. Change can be good, but when you mention changing careers, often people confuse this with more schooling or education, significant changes in their schedule, or starting back at the beginning. While any change may require some retraining or new on the job knowledge, changing careers maybe easier then one would think.

Examine what parallel industries or other careers use your same talents. Seek out career counseling and take several career tests to help you determine what industries you maybe unaware of that use your qualifications. A career counselor can help you with this decision and provide you some inside knowledge on specific career fields. If you do not have a career counselor, then you may want think about who in your local area hire professionals with your skills and list all the things you loved about your old job. Then look for jobs that have those same qualities. You can also look at things you disliked about your old job, and look for jobs that do not have those qualities. Take a reputable personally or career test and consider jobs that work for your personality type.

The worst thing you can do is nothing, especially if you see major changes coming in your career field where your future employment could be effected. A proactive approach can open new doors and provide you with new career opportunities.

http://www.resumeadvantagepro.com - Resume Advantage Pro is produced and distributed by the Seneea Corporation, a product developer and publisher, specializing in transforming the online media experience in creating customer focused quality products and services for the Ecommerce consumer. Our resume writing workshop and job search guide, ResumeAdvantagePro.com teaches members the step by step method of drafting a resume for experienced professionals, recent college graduates, and new employees entering the workforce through an online video coaching program and workbook course.

Job Hunting After 50: Don't Let Age-Bias Hold You Back!

Is there age discrimination in the job market today? Ask anyone job hunting after age 50 and they will likely say, "Yes." The problem in most situations is it's a very difficult thing to prove.

With the high level of competition for most jobs; after 50 job hunters seem to be facing an uphill battle for available positions.

Here are five ideas the after 50 job seeker can use to level the playing field:

1. Change your way of thinking. If you think old, act old and constantly talk about the past: guess what? You will be thought of as old and probably out of touch.

Change your way of thinking. You are not old, you're experienced. Get physically active. Learn new skills. Study and acquire new qualifications. Think and discuss the future. Stay positive and project the right attitude. Do these things and the age issue will fade away.

2. Get aggressive in selling the benefits you offer a prospective employer. Use your cunning and experience to market yourself against younger candidates. You have a record of accomplishments that match up well with the employer's needs. Take advantage of this fact.

In a job interview take the issue of age head on. Weave into your interview answers that you are physically active, have learned a variety of new skills in the past two years and have effectively worked for a variety of younger supervisors. Don't leave these unspoken questions unanswered as they may be negatively used against you at decision time.

3. Focus on one job at a time. Even though you may be skilled and could qualify for a number of varied jobs your job hunting focus should be to go after only one job at a time. This means to focus like a laser on the employer's needs. Write your resume and cover letter to emphasize accomplishments that fit the employer's template for the open position. Remove anything from your resume that may detract from your attention on this one job.

Your goal as a mid-career job hunter is to meet and exceed the job's requirements. If in your experience you performed a function only about 5% of the time and it's the number one need for the employer amplify your skills in this key area.

For the next job this function may not even be listed so your resume writing plan is to always match the employer's needs. It's a bit more work but it will pay off.

4. Clean up your resume. Take out experience over 15 years old. Remove dates of college graduation. Strongly emphasize your strengths and accomplishments. Make sure as mentioned previously that your skills and accomplishments match as closely as possible what the employer is looking for.

When finished ask yourself, "Would I hire this person for this position?" If your answer is a strong, "Yes," you've got a powerful resume. If the answer is, "No," you've got some more work to do.

5. Selling the benefits of a product is a successful marketing approach. So in marketing "You," the benefits and value you bring to the job will be your most telling argument.

No employer is looking for twenty-five years experience but is much more interested in what results you'll achieve if offered the job. Your accomplishments demonstrate a history of providing a financial benefit to your previous employers and it's up to you to show how you can be just as productive in your new position.

As a job hunter after age 50, you must highlight your strengths and the age issue will fade into the background.

John Groth has changed careers seven times during his working life. Learn more about changing careers, job hunting after 50 and career planning at http://careersafter50.com. Discover how others over age 50, built winning career plans and found the right careers by effective job hunting after 50.

Career Change - Change Careers or Change Employers?

There are several reasons people find themselves evaluating their careers. Perhaps you lose interest or you find something that interests you more. Perhaps your company is downsizing. The first step to take is to make sure what you really want to do is change careers. Following are 10 considerations to ensure a path toward career change success.

(1) Assess your likes and dislikes - A lot of people change careers because they dislike their job, their boss or their company. Identifying the dislikes and examine your likes. What do you really like doing when you are at work, when you are at home - in your spare time? What are you passionate about? If you are not sure, consider taking a career assessment test.

(2) Research new careers - Spend some time researching the types of careers that involve your passions.

(3) Transfer skills - Leverage your current skills and experiences to your new career. There are many skills (i.e. communications, leadership, planning, etc.) that are transferable and applicable to what you want to do in your new career.

(4) Training and education - You may find it necessary to update your skills and broaden your knowledge. If the skill you need to learn is one you could use in your current job, see if your current employer would be willing to pick up the tab.

(5) Network - One of the keys to successfully changing careers will be your ability to network. People in your network may be able to give you job leads, offer you advice and information about a particular company or industry and introduce you to others to expand your network. Even if you don't think you already have a network, you probably do - consider colleagues, friends and family members.

(6) Gain experience - Keep in mind that you are essentially starting your career again from square one. Obtaining a part-time job or volunteering in your new career field not only can solidify your decision but give you much needed experience in your new career. Also, consider temping in your new field to gain experience.

(7) Find a mentor - Your mentor may be able to help you by taking advantage of his or her network.

(8) Change in or change out - Some people change careers, but never change employers. Remember not to start asking about a job switch until you are completely ready to do so.

(9) Job hunt - Prepare your resume, cover letter and references. Contact those in your network. Seek recruiters and search for job openings in newspapers and online.

(10) Be flexible - A new career may involve anything from accepting a lower salary at first to relocating to making a lateral move as a springboard for a bigger career change. Also, consider starting your own business or consulting as other avenues.

Use these tips and do some research to determine if you are truly interested in a career change, or simply interested in changing employers.

Hilary Basile is a writer for MyGuidesUSA.com http://www.myguidesusa.com, you will find valuable tips and resources for handling life's major events. Whether you're planning a wedding, buying your first home, anxiously awaiting the birth of a child, contending with a divorce, searching for a new job, or planning for your retirement, you'll find answers to your questions at MyGuidesUSA.com.

Find employment tips and resources, such as resume and cover letter development, interviewing skills, and information for those considering a career change at http://jobs.myguidesusa.com

How to Become a Rising Star in Your Career in 60 Days or Less!

Discover the Career Performance System that Gets You Where You Want to Go! Earn a 50% affiliate commission for every customer who purchases this acclaimed career success manual.

Check it out!

Long-Distance Job Hunt - Not Bagging the Big Game? Try These 10 Networking Techniques

"Andrew" has been job hunting for about a month and is feeling very frustrated. He has applied for about 100 jobs in his target city in another state. He is doing a lot of things right. He researches companies and then contacts those he likes, talking about how he might fit into their plans. He holds an excellent interview and has boatloads of confidence.

Andrew is qualified. There is no question about that. He has recommendations from people who would hire him back in a heartbeat. It is just that his wife has a new job out of state, and he wants to live there, too. He is an absolutely wonderful find for anyone in his industry.

The problem is he is being turned down for positions he qualifies for, and even for some he over-qualifies for.

A long-distance job search is a horse of a different shade. Almost everything that is difficult about a local job search is even more difficult when conducted long distance. Here are 10 steps to ratchet up the response from the hiring managers:

1. Give first: The heart of networking is its mutuality. When you contact people, ask what you can do to help them. Be ready to give and give first. Yes, you are looking for a job, but you are also and foremost looking to fill a need. This attitude alone can put you at the top of an employer's list.

2. Work more through your contacts: When you ask someone to recommend you, don't stop with a good word or a letter of endorsement. Ask them to put you in contact with someone they actually know at the company. Or someone who knows someone. Don't forget to play the six degrees game. LinkedIn has a very professional introduction request that's effective.

3. Be persistent: If one thing with a hiring manager doesn't work out, ask them about other opportunities in their department, other departments, and other companies.

4. Recheck your list: Who have you thought of contacting that you haven't contacted yet? We often forget to make a contact or leave one out because it's a little uncomfortable. Use your imagination to find another more comfortable way to make the contact.

5. Maintain contacts you have: It's best if you've maintained communications with everyone you've ever met throughout the years, but few of us are that good. So, forgive yourself for not being an ubernetworker and start contacting people. LinkedIn and Facebook are perfect for this.

6. Do it again: Recontact the people you've called already and see if anything has turned up since you talked with them. Remind them of your target, especially if something has changed.

7. Develop more contacts. This is especially difficult with a long-distance job search, but there are ways around it. Go through your address book. I have relatives or friends in nearly every state. You probably do, too. In most cases, people will welcome the opportunity to help you. The hard part is asking.

8. Work your online social networks: Do more with contacting people through Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. There are usually groups you can find on Facebook, for example, that allow you to learn more about people there and perhaps find a friend or friend of a friend who can put you in direct contact with the right person. If you don't know much about these networks, read Jason Alba's book, "I'm on LinkedIn, Now What?" (He also has a nifty job search organizer at jibberjobber.com.)

9. Take off! Plan a trip to your target city to follow up with people face to face.

10. Get a pep talk: Find at least one person who encourages you, whether it is your career coach, your spouse, your best friend, or a job club. Talk with them often to keep up your spirits and remind you of the benefits you will derive when you reach your goal.

When you're done with step 10, start over at step 1. This is the most sure-fire way to land a job in this economy or any other. Talk with your people, and make more people your people.

Envision, attract, and attain the career of your dreams with Jeri Hird Dutcher, your Workwrite Career Coach. Our coaching techniques take you from where you are now through the acceptance of your new position. No matter how stuck you feel or how long it's been since you've conducted a job search, we facilitate your progress, likely shortening your job search and ensuring a position that is a good fit for you and the hiring company. To feel more comfortable with your job search while working toward your goal, visit http://Workwrite.net/about/contact-us.

How to Know If You're Ready For a Career Change in 10 Steps

Just because you are bored at work is not reason enough to throw in the towel and quit. Making the decision to change careers is a huge one that should not be taken lightly. There are many things to consider and pathways to take which we have outlined for you below in an easy 10-step process.

* Step 1: Assessment of likes/dislikes- Finding things you don't like in your job are easy if you're thinking about quitting. But also think of the things you like so you can identify them easier at an interview. Rediscover yourself and you might discover a direction for your career change.

* Step 2: Researching new careers- Once you've discovered your passions, research which jobs fit them. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook can help find a job that matches what you enjoy. Our section about on-ramping might give you some good pointers as well.

* Step 3: Transferable skills- A lot of jobs help give you skills needed in multiple career atmospheres. Figure out which skills you have that will apply to your new job.

* Step 4: Training and education- Go slowly! If you are trying to get a new degree, take only a few classes at a time to make sure you enjoy it. If you are training for something that could be used in your current job, see if they don't mind paying for it. If you are worried about paying for classes, check out StudentFinanceDomain.com.

* Step 5: Networking- Colleagues, friends and family members all are part of your network. They can help you find job leads, offer you advice and information about a particular company or industry, and introduce you to others so that you can expand your network.

* Step 6: Gaining experience- Two words: Part-time and volunteering. Remember, you're starting completely over. No job is too small and every job is valuable.

* Step 7: Finding a mentor- Pretty self-explanatory. Keep in mind that your mentor can help expand your network in your search for a career change.

* Step 8: Changing in or out- Don't overlook your current employer. Although you might not be happy with the position you have now, somewhere else in the same company might suit you better. Remember; don't bring up a change until you are 100 percent sure that it is what you want.

* Step 9: Job-hunting basics- Do not let your ego get in the way. Chances are it has been a long time since you've been on a job hunt. Research interview tactics, resume builders, cover letter resources and salary negotiation resources.

* Step 10: Be flexible- A lot of things will come at you sideways. Look at things positively and think about moving laterally to make a bigger career move later.

Melissa Rubin is a senior copywriter and Web developer at OTO Networks, a digital marketing company located in Baltimore, Maryland. Her primary responsibilities include SEO, link building and creating content for multiple sites. A preview of a site on which she has worked, http://www.ModernWorkforce.com, is available with this article.

Race into a Career in Motorsports, With or Without a College Degree

Receive first hand knowledge on how to break into the motorsports industry. Save yourself years of hard work by learning what the hiring managers will be looking for and focus your time and effort on things that really matter to your motorsports career.

Check it out!

The Job Hunt - Don't Let it Bring You Down

Hunting for a job can be a job in itself. It involves waking up early, flipping through the newspaper or scanning down the computer screen taking notes on all possible jobs. And then getting out there to grab one. The truth is, after the natural high is gone which usually happens after the first week or so, then looking for a job can get depressing. There are things that you can do to cheer yourself up and get the job that you're after.

When someone looses a job or quits because they just can't take it anymore, there is often a feeling of something surreal that happens afterward. For those that quit, there is a sigh of relief and the hope that they did the right thing and that a new job is just around the corner. For those that lost their jobs, they might at first have been upset but tried to overcome those feelings with the passion that comes from looking for a new job.

That initial feeling that there could be a better job out there with better pay and a nicer location is often the thing to get them through the first few days. But when the days turn into weeks and months even, then that natural high can turn into a depressing low. The trick is to bounce out of it, so you can get on to getting a job.

The first thing to do is to sit down and have a heart to heart with yourself. Is there a career that you always wanted but just didn't pursue? Maybe you always wanted to drive trucks or open your own painting company. Think about those dreams and think about ways to make it happen. Can you afford to go back to school or start up your own business? Can you afford to try part-time at least? Use all options available so you can make it happen. Perhaps moving in with family or maybe even selling a second car to get the funds, but looking at all possible ideas might be just the thing to get started.

If a career change is not what you desire and you just want a job just like the one you had or similar then there are a few things you can do as well. The first thing you can do is think about how you can update yourself. Are there any classes or skills you could learn to help your chances of getting a job? What kind of qualifications do other people have that are going to the same job interviews as you? You could take a course part-time while you still job hunt. Employers also like to see volunteer work on resumes, so now may be just the time to pursue those options as well.

When you feel that you have what it takes, then spend some time and money on a new resume. You can either pay to have someone do it for you professionally or you can do it yourself. As long as it looks professional. You can also look online for some resume writing tips. And while you're checking that out, look up some ideas for interview tips. There will be lots of tips out there to help you ace your job interview.

Send your resume everywhere, even to places that you feel you are under qualified for. All it takes is for that one person to notice and give you a chance at an interview. Also remember to send your resume to a job recruitment centers, they can help you grab something quick and get your foot in the door for an interview. Some job centers even provide basic computer training.

Roberto Sedycias works as IT consultant for Polomercantil

Changing Careers After 50 - Five Mistakes That Doom a Career Change!

You're approaching 50 or more and the career you've worked in you whole life is turning to dust. It could be the atmosphere in your work place taking a turn for the worse. Maybe the working conditions have changed, or your new boss is a jerk or perhaps the next manager up the line is impossible to talk to or combinations of all the negatives making the workplace and your career something you want to run away from.

In addition many of your interests have changed and you know you're not going to work out your career with this employer or perhaps even retire in this career. Well you're not alone; thousands every year in midlife not only change employers but move to another career as well.

Get the career change after 50 wrong and not only will you not advance but you may lose a critical year or two in the process. A career move to be successful must be carefully planned and managed. And like any important project each move must be analyzed and thought through with a built-in measure of flexibility.

Let's briefly review some of the more common mistakes many make in deciding on a career change after 50.

1. Lack of Thoughtful Study: Even though a career may fit your skill set and interests, if you fail to understand, for example, you hate to be micro-managed and most of the jobs in this career are tightly controlled from the top a career change will end in failure. Or perhaps you'll end up in worse shape that before the career changes.

As you research the proposed career field, don't neglect talking to those currently working in the field to get a proper feel for all aspects of the new career.

2. Failure to consider how your interests and skills were achieved: Rarely do your interests and skills move in linear fashion. You try something and then drop it. Your skills languish until you "get it." New interests come to the forefront, and so it goes.

If you continue keeping your eyes open and build and work your career plan; you'll be surprised many times as new opportunities and exactly the right career drops into your lap.

3. Only following the money: If you measure your career satisfaction totally based on your earnings you may miss the whole point of making a career change. Rather, you should focus on the overall impact the career change will have on you and your family and not purely on terms of income.

Career change based on only one of many factors could leave you more dissatisfied than before the move to another career. Add everything together and carefully consider the entire picture in you analysis and you'll make a better decision.

4. Lack of foresight and patience: Your current job and career seem to be so bad that you make the move before you have properly researched and analyzed the next step. More often than not, being employed and developing your career plan, is preferable to being unemployed and having to act in haste.

Successfully changing careers after 50, and really at any age, require a high level of research, a companion financial plan, and time to acquire necessary education, other qualifications and experience.

5. Failure to realize you're in charge: Often the hunting for another career is out sourced to a recruiter or head hunter. The career changer mistakenly assumes their transferable skills will be apparent and easily salable a prospective employer.

Nothing could be farther from reality. It's your new career and it's up to you to package your skills, qualifications and experience in the best way possible. Some of this information will come from discussing the career with others, some from your research and in large measure from you analysis of the needs of the prospective employer.

Where is the good career change advice?

Good advice is touched on in the discussion under the five things not to do in making a successful after 50 career change.

In summary good career move advice is: to do your homework, get the advice of others, consider all the factors in the career change, build a robust career plan (and don't forget the financial aspects of the career change), be patient, and accept responsibility that you are in charge of the career change. Be flexible and adjust your career plan as necessary.

We all want to get control over our career and our life and a midlife career change, done properly, can do just that.

For more career change ideas and a roadmap to get started in career planning go to http://careersafter50.com. Learn what other have done in building their career planning after 50, worked their plans and found the career of their dreams.

Networking 2.0 - Midlife Career Change For the 21st Century

When "career counselor" was a new word (and a "coach" blew the whistle at basketball practice), we all read the Parachute book. The standard career advice line went something like this:

"People are bored. They love to talk about what they do. So call them up and ask for information. Eventually someone will offer you a job."

In my experience, that advice is as outdated as the typewriters we used back when the first Parachute edition appeared in the bookstores.

Today networking matters more than ever before. But you have to work your way into everyone's outrageously busy schedule.

(1) Create a professional presence on the Internet, using Facebook, Myspace, and/or LinkedIn. Zoodango has become popular among corporate executives.

You can be outgoing and personal but share only what your next uptight business contact needs to know...unless you refuse to ever work with the uptight set, which is another article.

It's no accident that my "personal" public persona showcases my dog, with occasional glimpses of the cats. I've seen too many innocent disclosures get distorted... anyone following the Amanda Knox case?

(2) Attend professional meetings and conferences.

In some fields, you'll make awesome contacts. In others, you'll just get information about what's really happening, outside your own office.

And when you need to make calls, you may be able to say, "I'd like to use your name when I call your associate at MegaBig company..."

Or, "Do you know anyone who worked at SoNew Company? I'd like to get more info before applying..."

(3) Go back to school the grown-up executive way.

If appropriate, consider teaching courses at local universities and learning centers. Choose topics that enhance your most marketable strengths.

You won't get rich from the stipends but you get exposure and credibility. You'll often make some helpful contacts and gain new perspectives on the field.

Or consider the other side of the desk.

If you have funds and opportunity, a graduate degree can open doors - not just from the degree, but also from contacts you make. Programs offering face-to-face meetings on weekends or evenings tend to be most effective - and I have met people who got jobs through fellow students.

(4) Attend networking events designed for business owners (even if you love the corporate world and plan to stay forever).

You never know. Remember the Mary Poppins line: "I'll stay till the wind changes." I've met many savvy business people who encountered a tornado in their own offices.

When that happens, especially if you're over 50, you may see income faster from self-employment than from sending out resumes. I wouldn't stop job-hunting but hey, why not explore this path too?

Being around business owners will give you a boost: "If they can, I can." And if you think like an entrepreneur, you may find corporate life a little easier to take (and more rewarding, too).

Just about everyone who attends those meetings has corporate contacts...and they're very comfortable making referrals and introductions. That's how they grow their own businesses.

(5) Talk to everybody.

One of my acquaintances found herself sitting next to some corporate executives at a basketball game. Turns out they were using tickets from a corporate sponsor...and that company often had openings in her field. That particular contact didn't lead to a job, but she did gain some ideas that she used to make a quantum career leap.

University alumni groups tend to be especially friendly and open. It's an easy place to say, "I'm looking for a job in X industry. Do you know..."

Bottom Line: We're not calling strangers anymore to ask for "advice." Everybody knows what you're really after...and if they don't, they're too clueless to help. But we have newer, more user-friendly and more effective ways to build a network (before we *need* one).

Ready to win the First Inning of Your Second Career? Cathy Goodwin, Ph.D., has answers. Access your FREE Download: Why Most Career Change Fails (and Yours Doesn't Have To) - Midlife Career Strategy

Chicago Cutlery Walnut Tradition 7-1/2-Inch Slicing/Fillet Knife

"CHICAGO CUTLERY" THE WALNUT TRADITION FILLET/SLICER KNIFE

The Chicago Cutlery The Walnut TraditionR Knife collection features the classic styling of beautiful wood handles. Our exclusive Taper GrindR edge technology stays sharper longer and is easy to resharpen. High-carbon stainless steel blades resist stains and rust for lasting beauty. Triple compression brass rivets hold the handles securely to blade for safety and stability.

Highlights:

Length: 7-1/2"
Rust, stain & corrosion resistant.
Hand ground to produce a taper ground edge.
Full tang.
Walnut handle with 3 brass rivets.
High-carbon stainless steel blades feature our exclusive Taper GrindR edge technology for optimum sharpness, edge retention and easier resharpening.
Full tang blade extends from tip of the knife to end of the handle for added balance and strength.
Classically designed solid walnut handles provide comfort and safety when cutting.
Triple compression brass rivets hold the handles securely to the blade for added safety and stability.

Price: $19.99

Click here to buy from Amazon

Job Hunting Best Story

Job hunting best story is similar to the sales profession. Most times It's who can win with the best story. Allot of times unless your boss was friends with the hiring manager, or had some embarrassing pictures of the President, they more than likely got their position from telling a great story..

Here's a great story, I know you probably heard it before, about two men out hunting . While in the jungle they happen upon a man-eating tiger that has not eaten for days. The startled hunters take off running with the tiger right on their heels. Between breathes, one hunter says to the other. "We can't out run this tiger." The other hunter replies, "I'm not worried about out running the tiger; I just have to make sure I outrun you."

Most times the hiring manager will have a stack of resumes and cover letters that he'll receive from just one ad. I'm sure allot will have better qualifications or more experience than you. You need to make sure your resume and cover letter shows your experience and strengths better than the other guy. And if you follow the ideas in this article, they will end your career search.

My credentials are better but they got the job. How did they do it? The answer is simple: They did their "homework" ahead of time. They put a little effort into the job-hunting process. Making all the pieces of their job hunting process look and feel the same with a similar style. Not only did their cover letter, resume, interview, thank you letters, and negotiating have the same style, it was the style the company was looking for. As a matter of fact, this makes the hiring company feel good to land such a fine prospect!

What does it mean to have the "best story"?

Let me define "story". The best story basically means that to the employer, you have "What it takes". A great story evolves from a well thought out job hunting system where all pieces of the "campaign" are closely aligned. You need thought, logic, study and of course practice. This is something that constantly shows up in anything and everything you write or say.

Creating a great story takes time and it takes thought. Now I know trying to put together a cover letter and resume seems to be as much fun as a root canal. But it does help to organize all your important facts and achievements. This way you can really focus on your current career search criteria. This will give you confidence, make you feel proud and will help create your story.

You have to show the hiring manager that you have a great story. So during the screening process you have to have your act together and clearly show them what exactly you are looking for, what are your skills, your greatest accomplishments and whether or not you can you help solve their problems. All this has to be done within 30 seconds.

Do you have everyone trying to help you with their "expert" advice,and you feel like shouting "just leave me alone"

Let me show you a breakthrough system that reveals amazing secrets that almost guarantees you job security.

I'd like to introduce you to Jason Adams he is the President of Street Smart Sales and Marketing and author of the highly acclaimed book The StreetSmart Job-Changing System.

For more information visit my blog at: http://www.careermorph.blogspot.com

Look under "recommended links".

Michael Sullivan "Careermorph"
Write articles at the successful blog
http://www.careermorph.blogspot.com

Why Take a Recruiter's Call If You Are Not In a Job Hunt?

Does this situation apply to you? You are content where you now work, totally focused on accomplishing great things in your current position when the phone rings and an executive recruiter is calling. You're busy. What do you do? If you are like most people in your situation you end the call quickly and get back to work.

What should you do?

Hearing from a recruiter is a career management moment. Here are some reasons why you should take that call:

Get to know an executive recruiter for the future. You never know when you or someone you know will be interested in a career change. The more executive recruiters you know the better off you are. Recruiters want to get to know you and your capabilities. The next call they make to you could be the opportunity of your dreams.
Obtain an outsider's view of the marketplace. It is a great opportunity to check the pulse of the marketplace. Recruiters know about three months in advance when there will be a downturn and also three months in advance when things will begin to improve. When the market is sinking many of the recruiter's clients cancel searches they had planned or even stop searches underway about three months in advance of "the news." Likewise, when the market begins to turn for the better there is typically some pent-up demand and clients begin to go to search firms to fill positions long needed. At any time a recruiter should be able to tell you where the market is on that continuum.
It is an opportunity to help a friend, mentor, colleague or protege'. A question asked early in a recruiter's call, after telling you briefly what he or she is looking for, is: "Do you know anyone who might be interested in this opportunity?" Most recruiters will tell you that the greatest source of good candidates is through referrals. By doing so you have already vetted the candidate for the recruiter. Put yourself in the place of the person you would be referring. Wouldn't you appreciate that someone is looking out for your career besides yourself? It is a good opportunity to recommend that individual whom you know would benefit from this call at this time.
You can't turn down an offer that has never been extended to you. Many candidates I have placed were not even remotely interested in a career change when they took my call. Some will say that the job sounds attractive but they are happy where they are. That's fair. My comment is usually that, "You can't turn down an offer that has never been extended to you." At this stage we are simply having a conversation. I haven't decided yet that you are right for the job and you have not decided that you are even interested. It is not until a candidate has interviewed and been extended an offer that a decision has to be made. Once you have an offer in hand the decision is yours to make, not the recruiter or the employer anymore.

The next time a recruiter calls take a few minutes to have a conversation with that person. Let your administrative assistant know that unless you are extremely busy, you would like to take all recruiter calls, if for no other reason than it is a great way to obtain some market intelligence and look out for people you know. The statistics are in your favor. Most of the time when you get a call like this you are either not suitable for the job or you remain uninterested. But almost all of us know somebody who would benefit from an informed referral. Remember that the next time that recruiter reaches out to you. It may very well be that the reason you got the call in the first place was that someone was looking out for you.

About the Author

Michael K. Burroughs has been recruiting and coaching executives for over two decades. His clients include the Fortune 500, early stage companies, health care systems and hospitals, nonprofit organizations and universities. He is a former organization development executive for divisions of three Fortune 500 companies and a retired Army colonel. Michael serves as a Global Practice Group Leader for a "top five" retained executive recruiting firm. He has recruited executives from CEO to director level in the US, Asia and Europe, and coaches senior executives in the Fortune 500. You can follow his career-oriented blog, Leading Edge Memo's, at http://leadingedgememos.blogspot.com. You can reach Michael directly by accessing his website at http://www.michaelkburroughs.com.

Calling All Graduates - Top Tips For a Recession Busting Job Hunt

Jobseeking...

1) Be flexible- You may have a very clear idea of what field you want to work in, and you might even know down to the specific job title you want to secure, but that 'r' word has come to cast a cloud over your best laid plans- meaning it might be tricky to slip into your ideal career straight away. Be prepared to look further afield, outside of your desired career if necessary, it doesn't have to be for long term but it will reward you with some experience and money. You can always change career paths- you're a shiny new graduate, you have years to settle into your dream job, and just because you don't start there doesn't mean you never will. So don't be afraid to divert away from the grand plan, if only in the short term.

2) Be... more flexible- Of course it's lovely to come home from uni and have your clothes washed and see a fully stocked fridge again; but being prepared to leave the nest for a second time might just secure you an amazing job. Why not cast your net a bit wider and consider other locations? Being unrestricted by location allows you to have your pick of the job vacancies, which also means you might not have to settle for a job outside of your desired field. A friend of mine spent most of last year despairing about his lack of post-graduation job prospects until he broadened his location horizons; he now no longer resides on the couch in front of diagnosis murder, he secured himself a great job in Dublin, with a pretty nice wage packet to match!

3) Smart interview clothes- check, CV- check, thick skin-...check?- Even before the media started frightening us with recession horror stories, jobseeking was no picnic. There's one job and there's certainly more than one applicant, so there are going to be disappointed candidates. Jobseeking isn't easy, you do get rejections; and it is heartbreaking. That one interview you managed to line up just didn't go to plan and you feel like screaming, crying and curling up into a ball all at once. Be resilient, be tough and be prepared for some knockbacks- people say it's character building, I say it's an unfortunate, crappy part of the jobseeking process, but eventually things will go your way. With enough determination and resilience- some interviewer somewhere will see your passion and know you are right for the job.

At Interview...

4) Be prepared- Ok so this isn't boy scouts but it is still a good motto. Doing your research pre-interview can help you get the edge on your competition. Research the company: their values, key clients, it's structure, etc and demonstrate your knowledge when asked. This will show enthusiasm and that you have put the time and effort into your interview preparation. Reading around common interview questions can also be helpful so that you don't get caught out by a tricky question. Long interview silences are something you should avoid experiencing at all costs.

5) Dazzle the employer with your attributes- You're fresh out of uni and although you've got tonnes of knowledge swimming around that brain of yours, you might not have the 'experience factor' which often leaves graduates feeling like they've earned a direct ticket to the bottom of the job pile- do not pass go, do not collect 100 pounds. The most important thing to remember is that everyone has to start somewhere. You may not have experience in the job role, but you do have an interview, which is the perfect opportunity to show off your enthusiasm, your drive, your flexibility and your commitment to learning the new skills that will help you succeed in the task at hand. Just because you don't currently possess the right skills doesn't mean you won't work damn hard to get them, so let that show at interview, and prove that the 'x factor' doesn't always win!

Congratulations...

6) Finally all of your resilience and hard work has paid off, landing you with the graduate's holy grail- a job!! ...But what if it's not ideal?

-You may have been offered a job in Central London, but you'd rather work in Surrey.

-You may have been offered a job that's in a completely different field than the career you want to pursue.

-You may have been offered a job that's at the very bottom of the corporate ladder.

-Or you may have been offered a job with a slightly lower wage than you'd hoped for.

BUT: Don't despair yet! Remember the old adage that a dog is for life and not just for christmas? Well the exact opposite is true for jobs! There is no harm in accepting a job that you may not see yourself doing long term. Times are tough and riding the recession may mean that you start in a job that isn't perfect. Any experience is better than none, and taking the job just might open your eyes to new prospects, things you hadn't considered before, and if nothing else will reaffirm that the 9-5 is the right choice for you.

Sarah@FreeMyCV
FreeMyCV.com's resident CV expert- The UK's free CV distribution service.
http://www.freemycv.com

How Your Mind Change Will Change Your Mind

Discover in a matter of minutes how to decide what you really want and eliminate procrastination forever. Now you can quickly and easily discover the real secrets behind what makes some people more successful than others.

Check it out!

Old Style Job Hunt Versus New Style Job Hunt - Which One is 12 Times More Effective?

The old-style traditional job hunt sets out to match your resume with an existing job. The new style job hunt is a life changing enterprise and sets the job hunter on an exploration. The latter is 12 times more effective getting you a job than the old way of sending out resumes, hoping to land a job like a fisherman trying to snag a fish with a bare hook.

Old-style job hunts use the five worst ways to get employment. Here they are:

I. Trying to get a job through private employment agencies, research firms. Effective rate: 5 to 28%.

II. Working the local newspaper ads for openings. The higher the salary for a job, the less likely you'll find it in the newspaper. Success rate: 5 to 24%.

III. Answering ads in professional and trade journals in your field. Rate of success: 7%.

IV. Shotgun mailings of your resume employers at random. Success rate: 7%.

V. And the worst way is to use the Internet to find a job. There are 40,000,000+ resumes floating around on the Internet. Success rate: 4%.

Here are the five best new style methods to find a job. The person (and hopefully that's you) who uses these methods is open to change, a new lifestyle and the rewards of exploration.

I. Going about the job hunt using as many methods as possible to explore as many options as possible even if that means knocking on doors and cold calling on the telephone. Success rate: 86%.

II. Working with a group of other job hunters who use the Yellow Pages to call up employers listed in a particular field and asking them if they're hiring. Rate of success: 84%.

III. Using the technique above to identify jobs in selected industries and calling employers in that field for possible openings, but in this case, working by yourself. Effective rate: 69%.

IV. Identifying employers, offices or specific factories that you'd like to work in (whether they have known vacancies or not) and physically knocking on the door, introducing yourself and asking for a job. Success rate: 47%.

V. Talking to family members, people in the community, your friends and staff at career centers especially in your high school or college where you graduated and asking them all for job leads. Fulfillment rate: 33%.

Of course, use as many of these methods, regardless of their success rate, that you can, knowing that there will be an accumulative effect in your favor.

The difference between old-style and new style job hunting is how you go about it. The most successful job hunts are done by people who are willing to use new style techniques, embrace life changing opportunities and get off their duffs. You can do that as well.

Not only does Paul write to help those looking for work and trying to turn their lives around, but you can go to his site about the Wild West Smoker to learn about the best of Char Broil Smokers and how to slow cook like a pro.

Job Hunting Strategies For Applicants Who Are Over 45

Once you have reached age 45, it becomes more difficult to find a job. Although you should not be discriminated against because of your age, you still cannot force employers to hire you if there are younger people who are all too willing to accept employment at a much lower rate than yours. Even if you are over 45 years old, however, you should not despair. There are a lot of ways in which you can increase your chances of getting considered for a position.

Revamp Your Resume

Even if you are not looking for a new job, it is important to update your resume regularly so that when the right opportunity comes, you will not find it difficult to come up with a fresh application letter and Curriculum Vitae. If this is your first time to apply for work in a decade or two, it is important that you delete any work experience that is not included in the last 10 to 15 years. Your pizza delivery gig after high school may no longer be relevant to the position you are applying for now. Unless you are applying for a chief executive or vice president position, it is a good idea not to show off your vast experience in the field. The recruiter might think you are over qualified for the position.

Consider a Career Change

One thing that you need to understand is that nothing is permanent. Your job may already be extinct in the next 10 years. If you think that your work experience is no longer relevant or sought after in the employment market, then it may be a good idea to consider changing your career. You might need to try new things and learn new skills. If you do not know how to use the computer or surf the Internet, now is the right time to try attending courses and seminars that will make you computer literate and Internet savvy. You have to be abreast with the times to make you more competitive and attractive to recruiters in the employment market.

Try to Update Yourself

If you think that your skills and knowledge are still relevant at present, then what you need to do is to simply update yourself. It is important that you read newspapers, magazines, and articles on the Internet about the new trends in your field. Even if you have extensive experience but you are not open to change, recruiters may not be all too willing to consider you for a job. Also, try attending training programs that will focus on self development to help you land a good position.

Tony Jacowski is a quality analyst for The MBA Journal. Aveta Solutions - Six Sigma Online http://www.sixsigmaonline.org offers online six sigma training and certification classes for lean six sigma, black belts, green belts, and yellow belts.

All Star Buxton Shoulder Bag

Buxton Leather Over the Shoulder Organizer Bag- Black

Buxton Over-The-Shoulder Organizer puts all your essentials in their place.

Compact yet roomy leather purse has 6 interior pockets, 2 exterior pockets and an expandable main compartment with zippered gussets that add extra room.

Adjustable strap has a phone pouch with hook 'n loop closure, so you won't have to rummage through your bag to find your cell.

Black leather bag

Price: $19.99

Click here to buy from Amazon

Using Social Media to Job Hunt

It's a nice idea: getting a new job, or at least an interview, from the comfort of your own home by using Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. In reality, it's not as simple as it seems and there are a few things to bear in mind if you're going to make social networking sites part of your job search. Here are five tips for getting a new job through social networking.

1) Review your online reputation

It's all very well planning to woo potential new employers and contacts through your tweets, Facebook updates and LinkedIn recommendations, but don't forget that employers can see all your status updates, photos, videos and groups. Unless you lock your social networking profiles, potential employers can view them even if you don't initially contact them through Facebook or Twitter. All they have to do is Google your name and some of the first results that come up will be for your profiles on LinkedIn and other such sites. So if you want a new job, it's time to remove the inappropriate Facebook pictures and to stop using Twitter to moan about your current employer. Even if you don't want a new job right this minute, it's worth changing your online habits anyway if you a) will potentially be job hunting in the future and b) your current employer wouldn't be impressed if they checked your Facebook page as it is now. That said, it's just as possible to make a positive impression online as it is to leave a negative one. If you're looking for a new job in tourism because you're interested in travel & culture, make sure you actually list these as your interests so potential employers can see why you'd be suited to the industry.

2) Know where to look

As open and accessible as social networking sites are, potential employers aren't going to come flocking to you just because you tweet, "I'm looking for a job in tourism, please contact me if you can help". You'll have to find them, because it's unlikely that they'll find you. Twitter has various types of applications that can help you seek out potential employers and useful contacts. Directories such as Twellow can help you find people in your chosen field; keyword trackers like Monitter can identify who's using phrases specific to your industry; and you can use apps such as Twitscoop to track trends and events related to your desired job. On both Facebook and LinkedIn you can join groups discussing your career interests, with the latter also having a Q&A function where you ask and answer the questions that will draw you into a network of potentially useful contacts.

3) Communicate with the relevant players

Once you've found contacts that could be useful to you, don't just ask them if they know of any vacancies going and then leave it at that. It's important to build up an online relationship with the relevant players so that even if they don't know of anything that would suit you straight away, they'll remember you if something comes up further down the line. By all means speak with them about your job search, your skills and your industry of choice; just make sure not to make it all about you. What makes a relationship, both offline and online, is the mutual understanding that it's about give and take. Reply to your contacts' tweets asking for help and contribute to the discussions they start. Not only does it show that you're willing to give, but it also showcases your expert knowledge of their particular industry or field.

4) Be willing to learn

Although it is important to show that you have both interest in and knowledge of your chosen industry, it's also important to demonstrate your willingness to learn and to build up your skills. Ask industry players for advice about your job search, use group discussions to clarify points you're uncertain of, and listen in on others' conversations and discussions. You can also use social networking to build up your experience and skill set offline. Even if you ask someone if they know of any paid positions coming up and they don't, you can press them for information on volunteering or work experience opportunities. If you've actually set out to gain some voluntary work experience before looking for a paid job, connect with the voluntary sector experts that can sort you out with opportunities suited to your desired career path.

5) Don't limit yourself

As useful as social networking is in getting a new job, don't rely on it as your only method of networking and job hunting. Integrate it with both offline and other online strategies such as looking at relevant companies' websites, attending industry events and using your existing contacts. At Position Ignition we have a variety of ideas for making your job search work for you, so feel free to contact us, be it through Twitter, LinkedIn or a more conventional method!

Nisa Chitakasem is one of the founders of Position Ignition, a very personal careers advisory service for professionals. Position Ignition works with individuals through their careers transitions supporting them through to achieving their goals. Nisa is interested in taking careers advice to the next level!

Website: http://www.positionignition.com
Blog: http://www.positionignition.com/blog

Motivation During a Job Hunt - How to Stay Motivated While Looking For a Job

"A downturn is really the time to prepare for the inevitable upswing!"

Staying motivated when things aren't going the way we'd like can be challenging. Recently someone left me a note on my blog asking me how can they stay motivated while looking for a job. After thinking it over, I came up with the above quote.

I learned about what lies at the heart of this quote while I was a basketball player and once I became a basketball coach this theory was one to live by. When you're two or more points down in the game is when you have to really prepare for the tide to turn. You have to tap into your preparation resources and strategize to swing things your way. Sometimes you may still lose the game, but you can take heart that you were well prepared for the opportunity to win and then move on to the next game. This analogy of bring in a game, experiencing a downturn and being adequately prepared fits many different times in our lives, but especially when one is looking for a job in a saturated market.

Losing anything can make us feel like we're no longer in control of our lives, and this is especially true when we lose a job. So I suggest that you get to work. I mean get to work on yourself and those things that are in your immediate control. For example:

--> Polish up your resume. I mean really polish it up. Send it to a resume makeover specialist and get that baby to shine!

--> Decide if you want to continue to work in the same field or change career paths. Examine your life's purpose and mission statement for indicators that your interests may have shifted. If you don't have a written purpose and mission statement do some research on how to and get to writing!

--> Research the industry and company that you're interested in. What's the culture in the specific company you're interested in? You should know more about the industry or company than the person you're going to interview with. (the internet makes this very very easy to do)

--> Try to find out something about the person you're interviewing with. Today the movement is towards authentic connection and more transparency.

--> Use social networking to your advantage. Yes, you'll have lots of time on your hands and you should devise a schedule that will have you doing part of your job search on the net. On the net, be vocal about your job search. Ask for leads from peers. Be sure to use Facebook, Twitter & Linkedin to create free profiles. On Facebook and Twitter you can even search for companies that you're interested in and begin to engage with them socially but remember to be subtle. There are lots of articles and tips on blogs out there about how to use Twitter, Facebook and Linkedin to your advantage.

--> Learn from others. A great site that will give you inspiration and further insight about job hunting is howigotmyjob.com. Real people sharing real stories about how they got their job.

--> Give yourself an attitude makeover. Yes, losing your job stings your pocketbook and it can definitely deflate your attitude. This is the time to make attitude adjustment your top priority. Spend at least 15 minutes a day reading articles or a book that are all about keeping the right attitude that will help you move forward.

These tips will help you stay motivated and keep you focused on moving forward as you attract the job that will fill your pockets and give you fulfillment in you quest to live your dreams.

Denise is the creator of The Motivated Mindset System. She also offers free weekly teleseminars, as well as online courses with a workshop environment to help you achieve you create, transform and thrive in your life and your biz!

Get your free report "5 Tips for Staying Motivated" at http://www.increaseyourmotivationmojo.com

Don't Sabotage Your Career With Old-Fashioned (Out-Of-Date, Not-In-Touch-With-Reality)

It's a old idea long gone that your career should be a steady climb up the corporate ladder. It doesn't always work that way anymore.

Most modern careers do not follow the classic progression straight up the ladder. Rather, people move down, laterally, and even out in order to eventually move their career forward. Life in corporate America is much less hierarchical than it was at one time. As a result, it's a new game played with new rules and you don't want to be playing with outdated belief systems.

Here is a review of some of the rule revisions you'll need to keep in mind to keep your career on track with forward momentum:

I. A lattice structure better describes career lives in corporate America today than the old idea of a ladder. What this means is that moving down, sideways or even off the ladder is no longer necessarily perceived negatively. It depends upon your ultimate career goals. For example, many companies want top management to have had experience in all major aspects of the business. So it is conceivable that if you want the corner office with the windows you may need to take a stint in the mail room even though it may mean a temporary pay cut.

II. Plan your career today that best positions you for where you want to be in five years. Fear, convenience and velvet handcuffs often hold a person back from taking risks in their company. If career advance only means for you taking the next promotion that leads to higher compensation and responsibility and you ignore all other possibilities, you may not move in your career at all. Rather than obsessing about pay and position, make career decisions with long-term consequences in mind.

III. In an economy where unemployment is high, it can be a mistake for a laid-off person to hold out for a job at a similar pay and management level as the last job they had. The overall progression of your career will be much more likely enhanced if you accept a job that's related to your field and stay active, even if it has less status and/or pay.

IV. Making strategic career sacrifices now in all likelihood will pay off later. Here are two reasons why: 1. Once the recession is over, there will be a time in the workforce of worker mobility. Dissatisfied workers will be able to move to new jobs. The healthcare overhaul will create new opportunities for people to leave current employers and thus open up career possibilities for you. 2. Significant gaps in workplace jobs and careers will continue to increase with the wave of baby boomer retirements.

If you plan wisely and manage your career strategically, you will move your career forward. In the short run it may seem like a game of hopscotch to you. In this day and age of corporate careers, the way forward is not always a straight line. Give yourself permission to do career planning that fits modern day employment circumstances.

You can use these career and job tips of Paul's and visit his websites, 511 tactical pants and 511 pants to be dressed right for the right job.

Myths And Misconceptions About Job Hunting

In order to conduct an effective job search, you have to know what you are looking for, why you are looking and how to go about it. There are a few common myths and misconceptions to be aware of so your job hunt stays on the right path.

o After college, jobs come easily: You should never expect that you will get job offers immediately after you graduate. It will take time for you to find a good job. The fact is that some people will be lucky while others will have to wait longer. You need to have patience - on average, finding a suitable job takes 3-4 months. Don't waste your time simply waiting. Until you find a good job, try working in a smaller one, at least part-time. It may not pay you as much, but it will at least keep you occupied.

o Putting your resume on the Internet means more offers: This is not always true. Think about what recruiters must be going through. They get more than a hundred resumes everyday, and it is definitely not possible for them to consider each and every one of them. The best advice here is to personalize your resume to meet the requirements of each job that you apply to.

o Classified ads make up the majority of job openings: Agreed - ads in the newspapers and on the Internet do make up a good deal of job openings, but not all of them. The jobs that offer a big position and a huge salary are usually not advertised everywhere. This calls for some savvy networking. Try to approach companies even if there is no opening advertised, and don't forget to leave your resume with them. If there is an opening, be being proactive, you may receive a call for an interview.

o Job-hopping is bad: This is a very popular misconception that everyone seems to believe. Though this used to be a fact some years ago, but now the mindset of the average employer has changed. Changing jobs frequently was once viewed as instability in character. But now it is okay to change your job after a year, as this now indicates your ambition to learn and advance in your career.

o If you're over 50, it's over: This issue can never pose as a problem as long as you have the proper education, relevant experience and the right attitude. Having the right attitude means being open to new ideas, team spirit and contributing to the company.

Tony Jacowski is a quality analyst for The MBA Journal. Aveta Solutions - Six Sigma Online (http://www.sixsigmaonline.org) offers online six sigma training and certification classes for lean six sigma, black belts, green belts, and yellow belts.

Your guide towards new and successful career moves!

If you are wrestling because you have no idea how to get that job--that career that fits your potential -- and you have no idea where to start, then you cannot afford to miss this opportunity to change your life! See the hoplink for more information!

Check it out!

Career Change Tips - The Informational Interview!

As you contemplate a possible career change you'll find the informational interview to be invaluable. Properly done it should open up avenues of required study, how to gain appropriate experience, the pluses and minuses of the possible career, where the jobs are, and future prospects for the career.

Proper planning for the informational interview is the key to getting the most out of the contact. There is however, one thing you never do in an informational interview. You do not ask for a job, the informational interview is to acquire information.

You've checked with your alumni association, local and national career associations, used LinkedIn, all to find a dozen or more individuals who are currently working in the desired career.

If they live in your area, you'll be looking for a short (15 minutes or so) face to face interview. Otherwise a phone interview should be sufficient. Again, to emphasize, you are looking for information, you should not bring up anything about looking for a job.

If you handle yourself properly, the person you interview may volunteer information about available jobs-but that is not the primary purpose of the interview.

Here are some suggested interview questions, and depending on the proposed career, you should be able to add to the list:

1. What are the typical challenges in the job?

2. What do you like the most about the job, the least? Why?

3. Are there any educational requirements for the job?

4. Any surprises in the job when you started, how about now?

5. Any idea about salary ranges to start? 3-5 years experience?

6. How has the career changed over the last few years?

7. What do you see changing in the career over the next few years?

8. Is the career integrated into a career ladder? What is the next job up the ladder? What are the prospects of moving up?

9. What are the key qualifications for the career? What specifically are employer's looking for?

10. (Briefly review your education and experience.) What do you think I need relating to added education and experience to qualify for a position in the field? (Try to get specific answers.)

11. Who else can I talk to regarding this career and this field? May I use you name in contacting them?

Some additional informational interview ideas: Write out your proposed questions. As you progress through you list of interviews you can edit the list of questions and add those that will help you gain additional information.

Take notes during the interview. If you promise some additional information or you agree to added follow-up be sure to do as promised. Promptly send an appropriate thank you letter.

If the interview is in person have a copy of your resume with you. If asked you'll have a copy to provide your contact. Leave or send some personal business cards to your contact to ensure they can pass them along if they uncover some job leads.

Finally, promise to keep them informed as you progress in you hunt for the right career and the right job.

Discover how an informational interview can get you started in a career change. Learn how to make a career change after 50, or before, using an informational interview. Go to http://careersafter50.com . Learn specific information from others who have used the informational interview to find the right career even after 50.

New Ways to Brag About Yourself While Job Hunting

The web is constantly changing, we all know that. What most of us don't do is change with it. You need to go further than just sending in resumes if you want to compete for jobs. There are now plenty of new ways to promote yourself. For one, networking has gone online. Join social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook. Next, talk about yourself. If you're not telling people how awesome you are, no one else will. Brag it up. Here are some ideas on how to use new media.

Blog It

Once again, BRAG. You need to toot your own horn. Get started by blogging about yourself and your job experience. Make yourself interesting. It doesn't need to be all in one post. Make several posts. And this is a great format to go beyond the resume and cover letter. Include information that is generally left off of resumes. I once interviewed for a job at a HUGE email company. Turns out I got an interview not from what my resume said, but because I had lived somewhere the interviewee's best friend had once lived. Random? Yes. Did I care? No. The point is, you never know what about you is going to spark that employer to give you a call for an interview. Talk about travel, random jobs, or volunteer experience. Some rules to stick to: stay away from obscene topics, try not to be offensive. Think of it as a first date. Don't discuss politics, religion or past relationships.

Twitter

Love it. Set up a Twitter account, after all it's free. Start following job posters, job advice gurus and online resume builders. (*wink wink*) Create lists of job posters and go through their job postings daily to see what job offerings are out there. Listen to the advice of the gurus. You could learn something new that could be the key to your next interview. The great thing about Twitter is that it is a community. Most people are pretty supportive of you. Don't be afraid to let people know you're looking for a new job. If you have a personal Twitter account, make sure you are keeping things PC while you are job hunting. You may need to go through and clean up some old posts.

URL

Get your name as a website address and upload your resume. Don't do anything fancy like adding music. (Unless of course you're an unemployed musician or related field.) This is a great way to brand yourself. Another idea is to add a link to "other jobs" if you're resume does not list all your job experience. It is O.K. as well to upload a picture of yourself. Always play it safe. If you question whether or not it's appropriate, it probably isn't. Add the URL to your email signature or business cards. If you're out a networking meeting and pass out your business card, it will be easy for others to look up your resume for potential job openings.

Don't forget it's easy to update your resume at CreateBetterResumes.com. You can download your resume in multiple formats for easy upload to your new website. If you're still unsure of how to get started there are tons of great books out there you can get on promoting yourself online. The best thing to do is to just get started.

Rebekah Cockrell is a Community and Marketing Manager for http://www.CreateBetterResumes.com. http://www.CreateBetterResumes.com was founded with the purpose of making it easy for everyone to have a compelling results driven resume using our signature phrase building technology.

Murad Age Spot & Pigment Lightening Gel

What it is:A patented, scientifically-proven formula that lightens unwanted discoloration. What it is formulated to do:Fades unwanted discoloration and improves skin's clarity by infusing powerful skin lightening agents and exfoliating damaged cells.

Price:

Click here to buy from Amazon

A Realistic Look at Career Change

There are, of course, a couple of problems with looking to change jobs when you are already in one.

o You don't have a lot of time! Looking for a job means preparing a resume, scheduling interviews, and on and on.

o You don't want your current employer to find out! Most of us don't want our current managers to know that we are on the hunt for a new job, for fear of repercussions.

o No time for training. A really big career leap might mean that you need to undergo a whole new training regime for the new job. Many people just can't handle the commitment or the time.

o What about money? If you do have to go back to school in order to train for a new career, where is the money going to come from? Not only will you have to pay for the courses, but you still have to support yourself. The more you have to pay for (mortgage, children, and car), the more you have to worry about in terms of money.

Plan Ahead; Maybe WAY Ahead

In generations past, people were stuck in a career their entire lives for just the reasons that we mentioned above; there was just no getting around the difficulties involved with a career change, no matter how unhappy one was with their current situation.

The Information Age has absolutely changed the way we think about careers and career training, however. The biggest advantage for anyone interested in a career change is that you now have the opportunity to take courses online, from your own home.

What are the advantages to career training in this way? Here are a few.

o Set your own pace. You don't have to worry about committing to two, three, or more years of school all in a row. You can take a couple of courses a semester and plan on finishing up in five, six, or more years instead.

o You don't pay all at once. Not only do you avoid the stress of taking all of those courses at once, you also avoid the expenses. It is a lot easier to work the courses into your budget this way.

o It is not a huge time commitment all at once. If you do have a family this is the perfect training solution. You will still have plenty of time in your day to spend with them; one course should take about five hours a week, and that's it. Pretty manageable in most people's lives!

For people interested in a career change but who do not immediately have to worry about switching, forming a long term plan around online education can be a great step. By training a little bit at a time, you will be ready to make a smooth transition into the new career when you are ready.

Tony Jacowski is a quality analyst for The MBA Journal. Aveta Solutions - Six Sigma Online ( http://www.sixsigmaonline.org ) offers online six sigma training and certification classes for lean six sigma, black belts, green belts, and yellow belts.

How to Revive the Job Hunt When it Takes a Downward Spiral

You've devoted years of your life to a company that just dismissed you without looking back. You feel rejected, lost, and depressed. The depression continues once you start looking for new employment only to find months have passed and still nothing. It's time to stop the insanity and ask yourself what you need to change or what more could you be doing. You need to learn the in's and out's of the job hunt and understand that things aren't done the same way the were 5, 8 or 10 years ago. The competition is tough and companies are looking to hire folks whose skills are well rounded to save themselves some bucks. You need to make yourself more marketable, and you'll learn how to do it here.

You need to start with your resume. If it's been some time since you've had to utilize one, then it's best advised to use a professional career advisor to assist you in creating a new one. Depending on your specialty area, your resume should fit the job and not have any fluff that you once thought was impressive. Begin with a career goal and forgo the objective. Many times objectives don't fit the job, but career goals are more broad and can show a potential employer what your plans are.

Next, you need to begin networking and marketing yourself in creative ways. Yes, contact anyone and everyone you know that you're looking for employment and the skills you have- try to get referrals. But go a step further- create profiles on social networking sites where you can truly sell yourself. Share your skills and expertise including all projects that were successful in depicting your level of talent. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter are great places to get the word out and find information on possible job openings. Word of caution: Keep the information you post on these sites strictly in a professional manner. More and more businesses are doing further background checks of potential hires on these sites. You don't want anything you post to keep you from getting employed.

You may also want to consider employing the services of career specialists and job coaches. You can find many reputable sites online that can assist you in your job hunt. We have some of the best sites where you can find job postings, resume/career advice, job/salary trends, relocation suggestions, and more. These types of sites are more than useful to folks new to the job market as well as seasoned veterans. You can also consider visiting your local Labor Department where they will assist you in resume and cover letter writing, and may even suggest employment agencies that can bring you together with companies that need employees with your skills.

If you're a recent college graduate or active alumni of your college, old professors and college staff often have their finger on the pulse of your specialized industry. They have unlimited resources/knowledge of the market and know of local job trends. If the have instructed you first hand and have maintained a relationship with you, they can be the ultimate resource to utilize in your job hunt.

Many times, if the job hunt has become stagnant and you aren't receiving many calls for interviews, it's only because you need to change a few things. Know one knows better than we how stressful it is looking for employment. These simple suggestions can make the stress a bit more bearable and may just get you a job sooner than you think.

Becky has been writing as a non-biased professional for Financejobz.com providing the lastest news and information that pertains to the finance and accounting employment world. The creators feel that her inexperience ensures that all her pieces are vastly researched and informative. They provide the reader with a full understanding of the content, without compromising the professionalism.