Q: Dear Seymour, I am a college student full time. Money is hard to come by. Is there a legit online job or something of that nature I could do to earn extra cash? So many scams out there its hard to tell which ones are real. Any suggestions?
- Submitted by Anonymous
A: Dear College Student,
This is a common problem among full time students, finding time to earn extra money. You are right, many online jobs are either scams, or not what they appear to be according to the job posting. So it's true, you do have to be careful. It's important to understand that most online jobs are probably going to be aggressive sales jobs, which not everyone is cut out for. Not to mention the chance you take of getting involved with outfits that send email spam.
Many people looking to make extra turn to services such as Amazon or eBay to sell items they no longer needs. Perhaps old text books, or used CDs that are just collecting dust. Online sales can definitely get you cash fast, but it can also be time consuming with having to ship items to buyers.
Although you are taking classes full time, you might still have more time than you think to pick up a part-time job, or one with flexible scheduling to accommodate school schedules. Try looking on campus. Sometimes jobs are open for students to work in administrative offices, bookstores, or on-campus restaurants. This offers you a convenience factor, and managers understand the need to adhere to school schedules. Not only do you earn some income, but you have a good start to your resume.
One other idea is to find an internship associated with your degree. Again, you will find flexible scheduling, but make sure to look for paid internships or at least one that offers a stipend to take care of some of your financial stress.
If you find that you are too strapped to continue a full school schedule, you might want to consider cutting down your class schedule and selecting a part-time job in retail or an office. This will help you resist the temptation of using your credit cards to live. Although this may delay your graduation a bit, or put you in a position to attend summer school, at least you can keep credit card debt ay bay.
Hope these suggestions help you find something that works. Best of luck!
A recent Big Time post addressed the issue of strange interview questions are how to handle them. This week, we talk about the opposite - bad interview answers and embarrassing moments.
I came across a Fortune article that covers the subject of dumb job interview moves from candidates. Some of the examples of stupid interview moves include:
"The candidate got his companies confused and repeatedly mentioned the strengths of a competing firm, thinking that was who he was interviewing with."
"A guy called me by the wrong name during the entire interview."
"We're a retail company, and when we asked the candidate why she wanted to work for us, she replied that she didn't want to work in retail anymore."
"An interviewee took his bubble gum out of his mouth and held it in his hand. Then he forgot about it and shook hands with me."
Now, being nervous and giving answers that may not be the most compelling is one thing, but not paying attention and being completely checked out of your surroundings is quite different.
Some interview "errors" are unavoidable, such becoming ill or stumbling over your words. As a matter of fact, recovering from these blunders may actually work in your favor.
If you have made a mistake or blunder, try not to let it derail the rest of your interview. Hiring managers and interviewers are human, and will understand nerves or issues that cannot be avoided. So make up for it as best as possible.
There will be a chance the interview isn't salvageable. If this is the case just chalk it up to experience and move on. Don't beat yourself up over interview mistakes either. Learning from your blunders will help you better prepare for your next interview.
The high cost of living has forced many baby boomers to come out of retirement to once again start earning a paycheck.
Some boomers have yet to retire, choosing to work well into their 60's. For some though, this is an opportunity to work in a field where their job has more meaning than their lifelong career.
USA Today recently published an article about some of the fields that baby boomers are choosing for their second careers, or even choosing to switch to even before retiring. Those fields include health care, teaching, social work and even environmental projects.
Not only do these jobs provide a paycheck, but they also give workers a sense of giving back to the community.
This is also a time for workers who are close to retirement to consider turning a hobby into a product, such as photography or cooking.
For those who are considering a second job, this is a time to be creative...and as the saying goes: "do what you love and love what you do"!
Think about the last time you had a job interview. Remember what it was like, sitting in the lobby of a building or office, nervous, wondering if you are dressed professionally, thinking about possible questions and how you would answer them.
You are called into the interview. Introduce yourself to the interviewer, hand them your resume, and wait for the questions to start. The first question - If you were a fruit, what kind of fruit would you be and why? Huh!?
Believe it or not, many interviewers are moving towards a trend of asking silly, if not down right weird interview questions. One article points out how strange and tricky questions can be.
So how do you answer these questions? First of all, don't feel bad for being caught off guard. More than likely, this is part of the reason why the interview is asking the question, to see how creative you can be, quick on your feet.
Don't try to be too technical with your answer. If all else fails, take an "easy" approach to answering an odd question. For example with the fruit question, I would probably say an apple (they're my favorite fruit, so when I hear "fruit" I think "apple"). Then I would say, "Because they are versatile, and stand out in a crowd."
There are really no right or wrong answers here, as long as you stay professional and try not to oversimplify your answer. Back to the fruit question, I wouldn't say "Apple... because they are sweet and pretty."
You could also try humor with your answer, as long as it's not offensive. Humor is also tricky because it could fall flat.
What are some of the strangest interview questions you have been asked and how did you answer them? If you are an interviewer, have you ever used these types of questions? What was the reason why you used them and would you continue to ask them?
Q: Dear Seymour, I've been hearing a lot of debate lately about whether or not job boards truly are effective in finding and landing a job. I am currently job searching and would appreciate any insight you may have to offer. Thanks!
- Submitted by Rohan Vargas, Las Vegas, NV
A: Dear Rohan,
Yes, the debate over the effectiveness of job boards is not dying down anytime soon. However, as a job seeker, your best rule of thumb is to use all your job search techniques - which most certainly should include job boards. Online recruitment is a $6 billion industry so it certainly must have some level of effectiveness.
Most job seekers use an average of five different job boards to look for their next opportunity, and that should include using a couple "big boards" like CareerBuilder.com or Monster.com, as well as specialty or niche boards within your profession.
Also, keep in mind that not all job boards are considered equal. Here are the results of a recent survey by Weddles, a major U.S. publisher of print guides to Internet job hunting, where actual job hunters, employers and recruiters rank their favorite job boards:
For a ranking of niche job boards, visit www.weddles.com.
So remember, job boards should definitely be on your "job search" to do list. Just be sure to avoid putting all your eggs in one basket. In addition to job boards, you should be networking, seeking employee referrals, contacting recruiters, and scouring print classifieds.
Q: Dear Seymour, I'm ready to take the next step in my career and therefore have been looking for a new job over the past several months. A close friend of mine thinks I may be pursuing jobs that are too far out of my league, but I want to stretch myself. Any advice?
- Submitted by Darrell Etgar, Chattanooga, TN
A: Dear Darrell,
For aggressive and confident career-minded adults like yourself, the pursuit of the next rung in the corporate ladder means landing an opportunity that stretches your abilities, and at the same time, your pocketbook. While it is possible to land a job that you can "grow into," you should be wary of the potential pitfalls of seeking a stretch job that in the end may be out of your league. Here are some things to consider:
- Is it a stretch or a breaking point?
Your first step is to evaluate whether a potential job is just enough of a stretch or way out of your league. If the position you are seeking is going to require skills you don't have, determine a realistic timeframe of your learning curve.
Will you be able to acquire the needed skills to be successful within 30 days? 60 days? Are there training classes you can take or friends willing to mentor you in order to speed up the learning curve? If the skills you'll need to turn in a stellar performance can't be mastered within 30 days, then chances are the position is out of your league.
- Stretching the truth on your resume means you're stretching too far.
Another glaring sign that indicates you're seeking a job that's out of your league is stretching the truth on your resume. If your resume is filled with little "white lies" that embellish your experience and abilities, you're likely headed for disaster.
In fact, your dreams could get squashed before you even land the job. For example, you may have listed a technical skill on your resume that in reality, you've only dabbled in, only to be surprised with an assessment test during your interview.
- Start stretching before you leap.
If you're even considering looking for a stretch opportunity, it's safe to assume you aren't growing or being challenged in your current role. But before you trade in your old job for a more stimulating one, identify any gaps between your current skill set and what will be required at more advanced-level positions.
Are there gaps you can begin to close while you are still on the job? For example, if you are seeking a management position but don't have any experience supervising others, consider volunteering to lead a committee or hire an intern. While not formal managerial functions, they will give you a chance to better prepare yourself to take on a supervisory role, and serve as examples to reference during your pursuit for the stretch role.
Before you find yourself in a situation where you go to work every day on pins and needles, wondering when your colleagues or boss will "find you out," make sure you've truly evaluated whether that dream job is an achievable stretch or one that will stretch you to the breaking point.
Searching for a job can be a job in of itself. And starting with career fairs can feel like you are in the thick of the rat race.
Competition can be stiff, and one article points out how important it is to stand out in the crowd. It could mean the difference between leaving with a job opportunity, or leaving empty-handed.
How do you differentiate yourself from the other candidates? Career fairs are supposed to be part of the informal interview process, a way to explore companies and opportunities in a group setting. But you should still treat it as the first impression for a potential employer.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Always bring multiple copies of your resume.
- Dress professionally, as if going to a sit down formal interview at an office.
- If possible, conduct research before hand about the companies that will be attending the fair.
- Have questions ready. This may be the best opportunity to find out if the companies are a right fit for you as an employer.
- Stay engaged. Career fairs can be exhausting, but try to keep you energy level up as much as possible to stay enthusiastic.
- Pick up business cards from those who you meet. You might not have the chance to spend a lot of time with the companies you are interested in and will have to set up a time for a follow up. Make sure you stay in contact with those you meet by collecting business cards and sending thank you/reminder notes about your expertise.
What are employers looking for? It depends -- every employer seeks a different mix of skills and experience from a prospective employee. But one thing they look for consistently is soft skills.
This month's video podcast highlights the importance of defining your soft skills while in an interview. Your resume doesn't tell the whole story, so make sure your social skills shine as much as your work skills.
What are soft skills? Soft skills are intrapersonal and interpersonal skills that determine a person's ability to excel or at least fit in a particular social structure, such as a project team or a company. These skills include competencies in areas such as Emotional Intelligence (EI), communication, leadership ability, etiquette, conflict resolution, decision making, self-motivation, self-discipline, persuasion, social graces, personal habits, friendliness, and optimism that mark people to varying degrees. Soft skills complement hard skills, which are the technical requirements to a job.
Remember the phrase from your report card -- "works and plays well with others"? That's a critical soft skill, and there are many more, all of them important for any job in any industry. More and more corporations around the world recognize that, in order to gain a competitive advantage, they also need to make sure their people know how to handle themselves at work and how to relate with their customers and peers.
Check out the rest of my series of Recruiter Tips in the coming weeks. I hope that you find them useful and good luck!
I recently read a blog post about looking for and landing your second career opportunity. The first job you work out of college will be your entrée into the career world. A glimpse of what's to come. Although it isn't a full education about workplace, it is a stepping out of the college life and into the career life.
Your second job, however, will set the stage for future endeavors and employment opportunities. Your second job can certainly be the most critical leap for your career. So what should you do to make sure the job search yields the best options for job number two?
The blog post points out the importance of updating your resume with the experiences from your first job. So there is lesson number one. Make sure that you are squeezing as much skill development and learning out of your first employer and job experience.
Secondly, take your networking to the next level. Make sure that you are joining professional industry organizations where you can interact with experienced workers, get advice on choosing your next job, or perhaps getting a lead on a job opening.
Also, be prepared to start utilizing your own instincts and taking more of a proactive role in choosing the right next step. When you start to interview for second jobs, ask questions about the company's culture, values, and workplace environment. Would you be a good fit? You should also consider asking how employees with your same level of experience are mentored so that you can continue to grow and acquire more skills.
Your second job should be viewed as the time when you get serious about your career. It's when you take what you have learned and start applying it more independently to projects and tasks.
So, take care when choosing your next employer and get ready to jumpstart your future!
Losing your job can be a terrible experience, and the psychology behind it can throw you for a loop. If you are fired, at least you can come to terms with it by assuming some of the responsibility and changing a behavior that may be trouble at work.
But if you are laid off from your job, it may be harder to come to terms with it and you could find yourself asking nagging questions about why you were chosen and not others. Even though you know it's not because of your abilities, the fact that you were chosen to lose your job leaves you feeling helpless and out of control.
Heeding the advice of professionals who can help you land on your feet will certainly keep you motivated to stay in the job hunt, and not be discouraged.
Should you lose your job through a lay off, remember to tap into your network and stay on top of job opportunities. Seek guidance from career counselors or try a staffing firm to uncover opportunities.
You may have to be patient, so if the hunt looks like it will take longer than anticipated consider a part-time job so that you can keep your head above water financially, but also stay in the habit of working.
Have you ever had a job interview, and were asked questions that seemed out of left field? For example, if you could be a household appliance, what would you be and why?
This type of question would throw nearly everyone a curveball, and might make you question the point of being asked these types of questions. The way to handle this situation is to stop and think about the hidden meanings behind these questions. In the interviewer's mind, a household appliance may symbolize the type of culture or work style the company possesses. Perhaps it's how the interviewer gains insight into your personality.
Whatever the reason, take time to carefully answer the question knowing that the interviewer has his/her own reasons for asking it.
But what about questions that make you feel uncomfortable? Interviewers delving into your personal life can clearly cross the line. One article even discusses the illegalities of interviewers asking these types of personal questions.
Should you encounter this in an interview, don't be afraid to tell the interviewer that you feel that information is personal and you are not comfortable providing the information during an interview, or to your employer.
Try to stay polite with your answer, but be firm. If the interviewer continues to ask inappropriate questions and continues to make you feel uncomfortable, you might consider telling the interviewer that as a result of the line of questions, you are uncomfortable and believe that this company is not the right fit for you. Thank the interviewer, and then excuse yourself from the situation.
Don't worry about burning a bridge by not completing the interview. More than likely, this is not a company you want to work for anyway.
What about our readers? What was the strangest or most offensive question you have ever been asked during an interview?
Q: Dear Seymour, I am a young professional who has been in the Logistics field for the last 10 years. I am now looking to relocate to a warmer climate such as GA or NC, but need to have employment first. Would it be smart to start dialogue with a staffing company in the area first?
-
A: Dear Logistics professional,
First and foremost, make sure you have narrowed down the market(s) where you want to live and work. Pay attention to cost of living and financial facts about the areas, as well as whether or not they offer you activities that interest you, such as parks, museums, sporting activities, etc.
Contacting a local staffing and recruiting company is certainly one step you could take to get the job hunt started, especially if you are want to relocate to an area of the country that you are unfamiliar with.
A staffing company can provide you with a wide array of opportunities, and the professional recruiters will know exactly which companies are in need of talent with your level experience.
Another suggestion would be to conduct some research about trade organizations and chapters located in the markets where you are looking to move. Not only do these organizations have searchable job boards and databases, but you can begin to make connections with people, and have contacts once you relocate to a new city.
You can also consider blogging. Industry blogs can open you up to a wide audience of colleagues all over the country. Someone might know someone in Georgia or the Carolinas, or a blogger may work for a company that has offices in those areas, and can point you in the right direction.
Good luck on your search, and enjoy soaking up the sun in your new surroundings!
We all know the feeling- the end of the work day is approaching and the clock couldn't possibly tick any slower. You're exhausted from an 8+ hour work day and have a "to-do" list with never-ending errands to run. Well before you rush out the door into a sea of traffic jams and shopping cart congestion, consider this. Why not ditch your daily routine and join your co-workers and other professional colleagues for happy hour?
Not only is happy hour a laid-back place to enjoy appetizer's and drink specials, but it is also a great opportunity to chat with your co-workers in a more personal setting and to network with potential employers if you are considering a job change. Experts suggest that by simply socializing at the occasional happy hour, you greatly increase the potential to advance your career within your organization and beyond.
As a junior-level employee or job seeker, happy hours can potentially facilitate social and professional relationships with senior level executives and provide you with unique insight into the company's culture and into your industry that you may not have experienced in a more formal, workplace setting.
However, there are some important guidelines to keep in mind when casually rubbing elbows with co-workers, company executives and potential employers:
• Be sure to check your individual company's policy on social drinking. While some organizations may sponsor social work events where alcohol is present, others may seriously frown upon this activity.
• Always remember that just because alcohol is served, that does not mean it is a requirement. Keep in mind that you are at an office function and should not drink in excess.
• Maintain a demeanor that is professional, appropriate and respectful by paying attention to what you say. Save your personal problems or spreading gossip about colleagues for your friends.
The holiday season is a fast-paced, stressful time of the year, too active to concentrate on the job hunt, right? But, just because the holiday season is here doesn't mean that you have to abandon the job search until the New Year.
Here are a couple of tips for networking during the holiday season. For example, the number one place to network is holiday parties. Professional organizations as well as friends and family will be hosting parties to celebrate the season. These events will allow you to meet new people and potentially find a new employer.
Friends and family will more than likely be inviting people from their offices to share in their celebrations. What better way to find a new employer than close friends and family? You might also want to mention to those close to you that you are looking for a new job, that way they can make sure to introduce you to their colleagues during these social occasions.
Professional and industry organizations will also be celebrating the holidays. Do a little homework and find out which ones will be the best fit for you as an employee. It might also help to become a member while you are there, if you are not one already. Becoming a new member at the holiday party will certainly make an impression, and it will give you an opportunity to go back and network some more with those members who may have been unable to attend the party.
The job search doesn't have to be a burden or put on hold until the first of year. As a matter of fact, go ahead and have a little holiday fun while you are at it.
Wouldn't it be wonderful if you could network with industry colleagues on site at a company that could one day be your employer? That's the new trend in the technology industry thanks to one industrious, former Google employee.
As one article describes, this former Googler returned to one of the Company's cafeterias for free lunch with friends. Then the idea came to him: why not check out companies while enjoying a free or reasonably priced lunch at the same time. Now, that idea has turned into a group dubbed Lunch 2.0, and they network regularly as various companies' cafeterias.
This is a bit of a radical idea, but it has transformed networking nationwide with positive results. Now if you think the only way to network nowadays is to sneak into corporate cafeterias and score a free meal think again. Networking has changes in all sorts of ways, from rubbing elbows in cyber-space to the tried and true industry organization event. Consider creating your own networking events. Here are a couple of ideas:
- Develop a "speed networking" event to be held at a local restaurant or night spot. Similar to speed dating, this would allow professionals to try out their elevator speech and develop several new contacts for jobs.
- Organize a group of professionals who share interests outside of work. Maybe a beach or parks clean up committee. The idea is to get to know people while sharing a common interest.
- Design an event with a personal touch. Maybe a bi-monthly, themed dinner event that includes a recipe and business card exchange. And encourage "regulars" to bring someone new every time so that the network continues to grow.
Networking doesn't have to be the dry, uninviting event of yesterday. Put some thought into it and make it a fun event that keeps people interested in returning.
Q: Dear Seymour: I'm considering looking for a new job but I have heard that the holiday season is not a good time to begin my search. Should I wait until the New Year to begin my job search?
- Submitted by Olive Moya, Houston, TX
A: Dear Olive,
Many job seekers believe that it is impossible to schedule interviews with vacationing executives during the time between cutting the turkey and toasting in the New Year. However, what many people don't know is that looking for a new position during the holidays can give you a leg up on the competition.
Although a few executives are out of the office many are looking for a go getter like you. So while other job hunters may be off Christmas shopping, now is the time for you to kick your job search into high gear. Here are six reasons why 'tis the season to go job hunting:
1. In today's competitive business environment companies cannot afford to wait until the New Year to fill key positions. They are aggressively working with head hunters to help them find the right candidate.
2. Many companies have just received budget approval and will be looking to fill open positions in January. There may also be money left from last year's budget from open positions that were never filled, giving companies an incentive to use the money to fill the position or lose it.
4. While there are usually less job postings and want ads during this time of year, the ones that do appear are usually high priority jobs that need to be quickly filled by employers. Since fewer people read and respond to ads during this time, there is less competition than usual, which is to your advantage.
5. Get your name in-front of recruiters or networking contacts by sending them a holiday greeting card. It's a nice way to remind them of who you are and a great way to differentiate yourself from the pack.
6. Do you have a dream list of companies that you would love to work for? Set up informational interviews with executives over the phone or at lunch. Many of them have fewer meetings on their calendars during this time of the year and are more open to meeting with you to share information about the company and the kinds of skills that they value in their employees.
7. This is the time when temporary opportunities abound. You can use a temporary assignment to get your foot in the door and earn some extra holiday cash.
8. Attend as many holiday parties and socials as you can and focus on those events where you are likely to meet other business professionals. More people attend these events during the holiday season which will give you a wealth of new contacts who might aide your job search.
When is it time to move on from your current job? If you are feeling dissatisfied and unfulfilled, then you should not be expected to stay.
You may want to ask you friends and colleagues for their advice about why you are looking to move on, but they may not be as supportive as you would like. An article in BusinessWeek touches on the subject of job change and seeking advice from colleagues.
Friends and colleagues may or may not be supportive of your decision, and it's up to you whether or not you want to share your plans. But you do want to make sure that you are leaving for the right reasons.
First and foremost, have a clear plan about what you want out of your career. Make a list of five to seven career goals and observe whether your current job is meeting at least four of those goals. If it's falling short of those expectations then it might be time to find a new job.
Second, take time to evaluate the pros of your current job. You may be missing out on opportunities to develop a new skill or career interest that can be cultivated with your current employer.
Lastly, remember that the grass may not always to greener elsewhere. Searching for jobs and transitioning into a new one can be stressful. If you do find a potentially new employer, do your research to make sure it is what you are looking for. It would be a shame to leave a job with stability for a new one that may not be as exciting or fulfilling.
This may be the biggest thing to hit personal branding since it's Fast Company article 10 years ago. Be sure to tune in today to this Personal Branding Summit. The Summit features two concurrent sessions for 12 hours on the topic from a host of amazing speakers. This is free to participate and an opportunity to learn the latest trends in personal branding to enhance your career. You can also find a side-by-side schedule on JibberJobber.
Q: Dear Seymour: I am about to begin a new job search, something I haven't done in nearly 15 years. I'm beginning by updating my resume. I have heard some debate over the years about whether or not to include an objective at the top. Can you help?
- Submitted by Gissele Aspen, Nashville, TN
A: Dear Gissele,
To say there is a debate about the benefits or lack thereof, to including an objective on your resume, is accurate. This topic has split career consultants and experts right down the middle. Many believe objectives are often unfocused and take up valuable real estate that could be used to showcase additional accomplishments. Others say omitting an objective signals to potential employers that the job seeker doesn't know what they want, or frustrates hiring managers because they want to read quickly what you can bring to the organization.
There is one thing that most career coaches and employers alike agree upon - most objectives are poorly written and are way too vague. Whether or not you choose to include an objective on your resume is a personal decision. However, if you do opt for inclusion, make absolutely sure it is well-written and specific to the job you are targeting.
Here are some guidelines to help you determine whether an objective is right for you, and if so, how to make sure it doesn't leave a negative impression with potential employers:
- If you cannot be specific about the job you are seeking, or you believe you are qualified for a range of jobs within a company, you probably shouldn't include an objective.
- If you are attending a career fair or a networking event, use a resume without an objective.
- If you are a recent graduate or are changing careers, it is generally advisable to include a well-written objective. First-time job seekers should state that they've recently graduated and are seeking a job in a specific field. Those who are changing careers must include how their previous skills and talents will be applied to the new field they are seeking.
- Consider using a "summary" section instead. Summarizing your skills and qualifications can make employers more receptive and has the added benefit of including many keywords that are picked up by electronic scanning.
- If you choose to include an objective, make sure it is customized and specific to each job you are applying for. Just have several versions of your resume with objectives that are tailored to each job opportunity. Be concise, and make it about the employer, not you. The objective should tell employers about what you can bring to the table, not about what you are looking for in a job.
To include or not to include, is your own decision. However, most importantly, if you decide to use the objective statement, make it a well-written, tailored, employer-centric one. An effective objective can be just the high-impact tool you need to get yourself noticed.
Social networking has become the most popular way to network and find business connections. Every week or so, the trend evolves into a difference technique. The newest form of social networking is 'friending' people through Facebook, LinkedIn or the social networking site of your choice.
A recent post on the blog EXCELER8ion, discusses the idea of friending and how it works. The basic idea is to develop a legitimate friendship first, and then let it naturally turn into a business relationship.
Friendships can take you much further than regular business networking. They ensure a level of trust and intimacy, where business relationships are just that: business.
'Friending' is a good way to make connections, but also develop relationships that you can rely on outside of the office. Additionally, your new friendships could pay off in the long run, as you would probably be moved to the top of your new friend's list if a job opportunity or connection come their way.
This month's video touches upon a situation that many candidates in today's hot job market find themselves in - can you work with multiple recruiters or are you shooting yourself in the foot if you do?
It's highly likely that if you're looking for a job and you're the right fit for the position, multiple recruiters will be contacting you. While casting the widest possible net seems like the best way to get your resume out there, there is a right way to go about doing it.
One recruiter's portfolio isn't going to have all the job openings available. That being said, doing the right thing can build respect, trust and a stronger recruiter-candidate relationship. Be sure to check out the additional installments in my Recruiter Tips series in the coming weeks. I hope that you find them useful. Good luck in your job search!
But what I would like to discuss is from the first article, "Preparing for and Making a Career Change," which provides reasons for why workers want to change careers in the first place. They are:
1. For some people, staying in the same job for too long of a time is unthinkable.
2. A 'career midlife crisis.'
3. Dissatisfaction with the current employer (this could be a variety of reasons).
4. Boredom.
5. Lack of feeling fulfillment or accomplishment.
While these are all sound reasons for wanting to change a job or career, I can't help but wonder if some of these reasons are areas that workers can improve at their current employer.
For example, take number four - Boredom. We all feel that our job can become stale, but this may also be a symptom that you are not stepping up and doing more to challenge yourself. Don't be afraid to speak with your manager and ask for more responsibilities, or to take on more projects. This could also be a lead in to help out with symptom #5 too.
Overall dissatisfaction may not be something that can change for the better, but a 'career midlife crisis' may be. After a few years of working, you might find yourself at a crossroads for reinvention. Perhaps now is the time to hone your skills in other areas, differing from your current responsibilities. Also, check out options for job-sharing or internal internships that cross train you for a different position.
Changing careers is certainly an option if you are unhappy with your job or employer, but having the opportunity to reinvigorate your career may also just be at your fingertips.
One of the biggest challenges in advising managers on the Generation Y "problem," is answering the question "Why do Gen Y workers act like this?" Bloggers, journalists, and lecturers across the nation suggest different views on this, but here's a new perspective. We (Gen Y workers) have grown up without being allowed to fail. We have been entitled to success in all we do, so that when we do fail, we have problems coping.
For example, some junior high and high schools have either abolished failing grades or lowered the standards for passing grades. In May of 2005, the Arizona Republic ran an article that reported AZ State Officials lowering passing grade standards for graduating senior exit exams for High Schools Diplomas. Outside the classroom, consider secondary school athletics. In my secondary education in Seattle's Eastside suburbs, no student was ever cut from any school athletic program. Everyone had a chance to play, because to cut someone could damage their self-confidence.
So now Generation Y-ers are leaving school and getting into the workplace; guess what? We're failing in ability to complete tasks. We leave jobs that don't give us the benefits we want or end up being much harder than we thought during interviews. We complain that we're not being treated fairly, and then when we are treated well, we ask for more.
To the managers, the best way to combat this is to mentor your employees. When an employee makes a mistake, remind them that it happens and help them back to their feet. Be patient, but firm - they must understand that they need to move on and learn from failure. Do not tell them "it's okay, you gave it your best shot, you're still a winner." If they failed, it probably wasn't their best shot.
To the Generation Y-ers, get used to the fact that life isn't going to be as easy as high school or some of college. You will fail - it's going to happen and the only thing you can do is reflect on it (briefly), then learn from it and move on. You are not entitled to never-ending success, you are merely entitled to develop your potential, and that requires both success and failure - both result in learning.
The tight labor market has become a salary and benefits coup for many job seekers. Although there have been a couple of blog posts here on the Big Time that offer advice about negotiating a salary, now that qualified candidates are becoming so hard to come by they are finding themselves in the cat-bird seat when considering their salary and benefits.
I came across this recent article posted on the Society for Human Resource Management web site that features a survey of workers and their desired benefits. The study also discovered that some candidates have turned one job down over another because of more money. So what does this mean for candidates in high demand, especially in the managerial and supervisory positions? You could have your pick of jobs and employers, based on your needs and desires for salary and career advancement.
Now, does this mean that you should request an outrageous, unrealistic salary with benefits to match? Of course not. But it does mean that you could command a significant increase in pay from the employer of your choice.
Remember though, just because employers are more willing to offer a higher salary for better qualified candidates doesn't mean that negotiations should come without preparations. So check out these Big Time posts on salary negotiation.
Last but not least, it's nice to have a higher salary but there are other considerations when seeking a new job. You might be passing up a great company to work for more money.
School is back in session, and for many college students that means choosing a major that may or may not impact their potential for future career success.
There appears to be a debate as to the relative importance of a graduate's major to their career advancement. According to some in the industry, college majors are not all that important to determining whether or not you are qualified for an entry-level job. Still, others agree that college majors are very important, especially for first time job seekers.
