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

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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