Four Tips For Finding A Job Online

When searching for a job online, don't let the clutter trip you up. With thousands of job ad sites on the Web, finding worthy job opportunities can be confusing, difficult and time consuming.

There are ways to minimize time spent looking and maximize chances of finding that great job. Craig Donato of classifieds search engine Oodle has a few helpful tips for job seekers:

1. Find sites that compile job listings from many sources. You'll be able to see all the jobs available in your area without needing to search many sites.

2. Let the sites work for you. Use sites that allow you to set up profiles of what you're looking for and that will send you new job postings. Oodle, for example, will send you an e-mail once a day of new job listings that meet your ideal job criteria.

3. Make sure the listings are up-to-date. New listings can arrive as often as every few minutes. Make sure you're not browsing through expired listings.

4. Use sites with a variety of job types. Oodle has popular positions as well as hard-to-find opportunities and specialties, and boasts an impressive number of internships and volunteer opportunities aimed at college students.

Companies like Oodle compile updated classifieds from many sources onto one Web site to make job hunting simple.

For more information, go to

Looking for a Job or for a Career?

As you enter the job market, (for the first time or after not searching for a while) you might find that there are a lot of buzzwords thrown around, including the terms career and job. You might be looking for a career, but you aren't going to enter the career market! Decide if you are looking for a job or a career today, and how to get the position you want.

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, a job is a piece of work that you do because of your occupation. A job also describes paid employment. A career, according to the OED, is a "person's course or progress through life." This article defines job as the place where you are employed, and career as the field in which you work.

Even though you might have lost your job, you may still have a career. For instance, if you are an x-ray technician who has been laid off, chances are that you will be able to find new work in the field. Your job might change slightly: you might become a dental x-ray technician, or a veterinary x-ray technician rather than a hospital x-ray technician, but you will still remain an x-ray technician.

You can choose to change either your job or your career. For instance, you might still want to have your career as a computer technician, but you want to advance to a higher paying and more prestigious job. This would mean finding a new a job and quitting your current job. Conversely, you might feel that you want to change your career. Perhaps you no longer feel that you want to be a computer technician and instead you would like to become a journalist. Career-changes are more time-consuming that job-changes because they often require training. You will find yourself looking for experience in a field with which you don't have experience. Neither career-changes nor job-changes are impossible, and often they bring much happiness.

When you are looking for a new job, it is important to consider what this means for your career. Some people choose not to have a career. Rather than having an over-arching goal in life, or in the field in which they wish to specialize, they would rather simply move from job to job. They might wait tables for a few years, then work as a receptionist, then work in retail.

You can, however, choose to have a career. In order to have a career, you need to have a plan. What are your interests? What would you like to be paid? Once you have planned your goals, you might have to take certain steps to achieve them. It is all well and good to watch a few episodes of Law & Order and then decide that you want to be a high-paid lawyer, but the reality of the matter is that you will have to go to law school for years, which is an expensive and time-consuming proposition. Also, you might find that a real-life courtroom isn't as stimulating as a courtroom drama series. So if you have set a career goal, speak to people in that career. Volunteer or intern in that environment so that you know what to expect in your future life.

You can also create a career out of a job. Perhaps you work as an assistant in an office. If you want to become a sales representative, you might need to take some courses. You might need to put in a few years behind the front desk. Ask your supervisor what opportunities you have for advancement, and how you can achieve it. Another way to create a career out of a job is to work in retail and accept promotions that you get to management. Management is often more work and more hours, but the higher pay and possibility for promotion might appeal to you.

Some people choose to work a job while they are trying to create a career. Many students work summer jobs that are not related to their field. They might want the break from the same material, or they might not be able to find a job in their field until they have completed their degree. If you take a job, consider how it affects your career. Are you biding your time there until you can break into a separate market? If so, when and how will you make your move to your career? Many people work at a job while they search for a career; if you don't keep your ultimate goals in your mind, you might end up staying at the job you don't particularly care for for much longer than you had originally planned.

There are careers that are often begun later in life. Many careers in ministry are begun after retiring from a first career. A career in politics can similarly begin after having a career in a different field.

Career planning, like all planning, takes both short- and long-term thinking. Make your goals accordingly. Write down your goals so that you can refer back to them and see how you are progressing.

While you are looking for a job, always think about your career. You will be able to find your ideal job if you work diligently and are not afraid of a few rejections. So go find that perfect job, or simply find a job while you work on building the career of your dreams.

If you are looking for a career or job, start with the perfect resume. Find all you need to know about resume writing from The Guide to Resumes.

Job Satisfaction: Are you in the Right Job?

There are many different aspects to job satisfaction. Even if you love the work you do, your work environment or your co-workers might frustrate you. Take this short quiz to see how satisfied you are with your job.

1. Getting to and from work is easy for me.

a) Never

b) Sometimes

c) Often

d) Always

2. What is your level of supervision?

a) Over supervised

b) Under supervised

c) Self-Employed

d) Just Right

3. How much do you enjoy your work?

a) Immensely. I'd never give it up.

b) It's great but there are some downsides.

c) It's a job and at least I get paid.

d) I hate my work constantly.

4. How would describe your relationship with your coworkers?

a) I work alone and enjoy it.

b) I work alone and miss the company.

c) My coworkers and I get along well.

d) I find my coworkers irritating.

5. What do you think of the company's way of doing things?

a) The company's systems promote communication and employee growth.

b) The company is too bureaucratic and nothing ever gets done.

c) I have a few suggestions for improvement, but overall it works.

6. Do you find your job challenging?

a) It's too challenging and I often feel lost or confused.

b) I enjoy the amount of challenge I am given.

c) I wish that I had a job that was more challenging.

7. How often do you think about getting a new job?

a) All the time.

b) Whenever I see a job posting that looks interesting.

c) When I get particularly frustrated at work.

d) Never.

8. How well suited are you for your job?

a) I have the proper training, abilities, and skills.

b) I learn to keep up, but that keeps me on my toes.

c) Everyone else seems to do this work with much more ease than me.

d) This job does not highlight my skills and abilities.

9. How well are you paid?

a) Not half as much as I deserve.

b) Not as much as my coworkers with similar jobs.

c) The same as coworkers or people in the same field.

d) More than most people in my field.

Now: Mark your quiz using the answer key.

ANSWER KEY

1. a=4, b=3, c=2, d=1

2. a=3, b=3, c=2, d=1

3. a=1, b=2, c=3, d=4

4. a=1, b=2, c=1, d=3

5. a=1, b=4, c=2

6. a=3, b=1, c=2

7. a=4, b=3, c=2, d=1

8. a=1, b=2, c=3, d=3

9. a=4, b=3, c=1, d=1

SCORING

If you scored between 9-14:

You have a high level of job satisfaction. Perhaps you hear others complaining about their jobs and you wonder why they stay at their jobs. You are fortunate to have a job that you are pleased with.

If you scored between 14-18:

You are generally satisfied with your job but there are areas that still bother you. Look at what elements of your job are the most frustrating, and see if you can do anything to change them. For instance, if the drive to work is stressful, consider carpooling or taking transit. If you feel that you are being overly supervised, talk to your boss about perhaps taking on some added responsibility for the work that you perform.

If you scored between 19-24:

You, like many other people, are unhappy with your job. Consider your job, and ask yourself if it is the basic elements of your job that you find difficult or frustrating. If so, you might consider looking for a new job. You deserve to work at a place where you will be respected and appreciated.

If you scored between 24-32:

It is time for you to find a new job. Write your resume and start hitting the pavement so that you can find a job that you will love. Just because it is a job doesn't mean that it has to be a chore: find a work you love, and you will love to work.

Shannon Columbo is the editor of The Guide to Resumes. To find out how to write a resume that will get you the job you want, be sure to see these writing tips.

Finding Part-Time Jobs

Maybe you're a student who wants to make some extra money. Maybe you already have a job and are looking for more to do. Maybe you are a busy parent trying to make ends meet. Regardless of your situation, this is the article that you will need if you are trying to find a part-time job.

Finding a part-time job can be very different than finding a full-time job. You will need to use different job searching skills. Just as there are many online sites to search for full-time jobs, there are also a few sites dedicated to searching for part-time jobs. At some sites you can choose to search specifically for part-time work. Many large corporations, particularly retail outlets, have online applications available to you.

However, looking on the internet is only a possible first step in finding a part-time job. Check your local paper for listings of new jobs. You will also want to go to the mall, or downtown, or any area in your city with restaurants and retailers to see who is looking for help. You will often find help wanted signs in the windows. Write down all of the job opportunities that you see. You should also write down any specific locations that you want to work, even if you don't see that they are hiring.

Once you get home, you can tailor your resume to suit those positions. You might only need two copies of your resume: one for waiting tables at a restaurant, and one for being a sales associate at a retail chain. You might find you need more resumes. Regardless, make sure that your resumes suit the position that you are applying for.

On your resume, you will want to be clear that you are searching for part-time work. You can put this in your objective statement so that your employers know what you are looking for. You might also consider attaching a cover letter for the positions that you would really enjoy. However, the part-time job search is often more casual than the full-time job search, and so cover letters are often not necessary. You can judge the importance of a cover letter. If you do choose to include a cover letter, you might want to put your specific availability.

If you are looking for a part-time job, sometimes it is best to take the "many seeds" approach to job hunting. This means that it might be best for you to drop off your resume at forty or fifty companies (you will still probably need more than one style of resume, however: you don't want to leave your administrative assistant resume at a restaurant). This will mean that you have a higher chance of getting a phone call for an interview. You will want to drop your resume off at as many stores as you can think of, even those that don't have a help wanted sign posted.

Another thing to remember when you are looking for part-time employment is to use your network. Have your friends and family see if there are any openings in their companies. Have your friends and family put in a good word for you when you apply. Many part-time positions are not earned through a stellar resume, but through knowing the right people. If you know the right people, don't be afraid to ask them for a hand. If you are trying to get into a new job, don't worry: there will still be some places for those people who hand in their resume with a smile.

Once you get your phone call for an interview, there are a few things that you will need to prepare. You need to bring your references with you. Just because this job might be more casual doesn't mean that you can be sloppy: you will still want to dress nicely. No need to get too dressed up, but wear conservative clothing that looks presentable. You want your prospective employer to recognize that you are a professional and motivated individual who will be an asset to any team.

At the interview, you might need to discuss your availability. You might only want to work during the days when your kids are in school. You might only be available to work Tuesdays and Thursdays because of your other work schedule. You might be available every night except Monday when you take a night class. Bring your availability in, and discuss it with your employer. You don't want to be hired and then find out that you will be unable to do the job because it conflicts with your schedule. Most employers looking for part-time employees recognize that they have to be flexible in their scheduling, so being candid about your other commitments is a good idea.

During the interview you will want to ask about the scheduling and how it is done. Can you agree to work the same shift(s) every week? Is the schedule made a week in advance? Are there ways to switch shifts with other employees if you need to? The interview is a time for you to become familiar with the job, as well as for your interviewer to become familiar with you. Asking for clarification will show that you are genuinely interested in the job.

Another issue to clarify during the interview is the number of hours a week you will be working. You will be working part-time, but the hours on part-time work vary from company to company and person to person. Are you expecting five hours a week or twenty-five hours a week? Ask your employer what they are expecting, and then express what you are looking to find.

If you follow the steps discussed in this article, finding part-time work can be easy. It will take you some time and effort to find a job, but eventually you will be at a position that meets your needs. Good luck job-hunting!

No matter what type of job you are looking for, the key is to have a great resume. Find out how to improve your resume to get your dream job at The Guide to Resumes.

How To Select The Right Person For The Job - The three essentials

Internships: A Career Move for You?

An internship is an opportunity for job-seekers to gain experience in the business world without having to work a full-time job. Internships are placements, generally for students, where the intern works for lower pay than if they were hired employees. An internship has a set duration of time, as well. The benefit of an internship is education; it gives you experience to list on your resume.

Internships are ideal for students at all levels who are looking for experience in certain fields. Internships are also helpful for people who are looking to change careers and wish to gain experience in a new field.

There are many different kinds of internships. There are paid, unpaid, and partially paid internships. Internships in the science and technology fields are often paid. Partially paid internships are remunerated in the form of a stipend, awarded at the beginning or end of the internship. A stipend is a sum of money that is granted not on a yearly salary or hourly wage basis. Stipends are given once. Volunteer internships are good ways to gain experience, and are no less valuable on your resume when you go to find a job.

You can get full-time or part-time internships. Some students choose to work at a full-time internship during the summer. There are benefits to each kind of internship. Full-time internships are often paid, and they give interns a fairly accurate idea of what life is like in the field: be it shift-work or 9-5 computer based office work. Part-time internship work is beneficial when you are not being paid so that you can have another job as your main source of income. It also facilitates career changes because it means that you can work in one field and intern in another. It gives a taste of a field to the intern, perhaps while they are doing school, so they know what they will be looking for and what they will be looking to avoid when they enter the job market.

There are government-sponsored internships in Canada and the United States. These internships are sometimes political, where you work in Parliament or on Capitol Hill. There are other government-sponsored internships that are language-based or skills based. Check out your federal and state or provincial governments because they often offer internships. Some of these internships are youth internship opportunities. These can have a specific age requirement, for example, it might require the applicant to be between 18-30 years of age.

Universities and colleges often offer internship programs. You can ask at your campus career services to find out how your school can help you place in a work environment. Some of these internships might even count for credit towards your degree, or perhaps be counted on your transcript.

There are also private-sector internships that you can discover. Some of these are at well-established corporations who have one or more internship position each summer or each year to fill. Your school might also be able to help you discover these internships, but it is still ultimately up to you research and find internship opportunities.

International internships are sometimes run by the government or by post-secondary schools. These can also be run by private companies. International internships most often have a language component. These offer inexpensive ways to travel as well as the benefit of relevant work experience.

Interns go through a hiring process that is similar to that for a job. Prospective interns will be asked to hand in a resume and cover letter, as well as potentially references. There will probably be an interview component of the application process. Internships can be more competitive to acquire than other jobs because of the many advantages they offer in the job market. The interview is a suitable time for the employer to explain what they expect from the intern, and for the intern to ask questions about what the internship will be like. It is important to establish the hours of an internship, the duration, the supervision, and the expectations.

There are many advantages to an internship aside from simply the experience-based elements. Often, you will receive mentorship in an internship program. You will have an opportunity to network. You will receive references for the work that you accomplished, sometimes in the form of a written letter.

Interning is often an important step before entering a career in a certain field. Good luck as you begin to enter the workforce in the field of your dreams!

When you are applying to your internship, make sure that you get the position you want by having the resume that stands out. Visit The Guide to Resumes for more information on how to get the job you want!

Finding a Part-Time Job

Maybe you're a student who wants to make some extra money. Maybe you already have a job and are looking for more to do. Maybe you are a busy parent trying to make ends meet. Regardless of your situation, this is the article that you will need if you are trying to find a part-time job.

Finding a part-time job can be very different than finding a full-time job. You will need to use different job searching skills. Just as there are many online sites to search for full-time jobs, there are also a few sites dedicated to searching for part-time jobs. At some sites you can choose to search specifically for part-time work. Many large corporations, particularly retail outlets, have online applications available to you.

However, looking on the internet is only a possible first step in finding a part-time job. Check your local paper for listings of new jobs. You will also want to go to the mall, or downtown, or any area in your city with restaurants and retailers to see who is looking for help. You will often find help wanted signs in the windows. Write down all of the job opportunities that you see. You should also write down any specific locations that you want to work, even if you don't see that they are hiring.

Once you get home, you can tailor your resume to suit those positions. You might only need two copies of your resume: one for waiting tables at a restaurant, and one for being a sales associate at a retail chain. You might find you need more resumes. Regardless, make sure that your resumes suit the position that you are applying for.

On your resume, you will want to be clear that you are searching for part-time work. You can put this in your objective statement so that your employers know what you are looking for. You might also consider attaching a cover letter for the positions that you would really enjoy. However, the part-time job search is often more casual than the full-time job search, and so cover letters are often not necessary. You can judge the importance of a cover letter. If you do choose to include a cover letter, you might want to put your specific availability.

If you are looking for a part-time job, sometimes it is best to take the "many seeds" approach to job hunting. This means that it might be best for you to drop off your resume at forty or fifty companies (you will still probably need more than one style of resume, however: you don't want to leave your administrative assistant resume at a restaurant). This will mean that you have a higher chance of getting a phone call for an interview. You will want to drop your resume off at as many stores as you can think of, even those that don't have a help wanted sign posted.

Another thing to remember when you are looking for part-time employment is to use your network. Have your friends and family see if there are any openings in their companies. Have your friends and family put in a good word for you when you apply. Many part-time positions are not earned through a stellar resume, but through knowing the right people. If you know the right people, don't be afraid to ask them for a hand. If you are trying to get into a new job, don't worry: there will still be some places for those people who hand in their resume with a smile.

Once you get your phone call for an interview, there are a few things that you will need to prepare. You need to bring your references with you. Just because this job might be more casual doesn't mean that you can be sloppy: you will still want to dress nicely. No need to get too dressed up, but wear conservative clothing that looks presentable. You want your prospective employer to recognize that you are a professional and motivated individual who will be an asset to any team.

At the interview, you might need to discuss your availability. You might only want to work during the days when your kids are in school. You might only be available to work Tuesdays and Thursdays because of your other work schedule. You might be available every night except Monday when you take a night class. Bring your availability in, and discuss it with your employer. You don't want to be hired and then find out that you will be unable to do the job because it conflicts with your schedule. Most employers looking for part-time employees recognize that they have to be flexible in their scheduling, so being candid about your other commitments is a good idea.

During the interview you will want to ask about the scheduling and how it is done. Can you agree to work the same shift(s) every week? Is the schedule made a week in advance? Are there ways to switch shifts with other employees if you need to? The interview is a time for you to become familiar with the job, as well as for your interviewer to become familiar with you. Asking for clarification will show that you are genuinely interested in the job.

Another issue to clarify during the interview is the number of hours a week you will be working. You will be working part-time, but the hours on part-time work vary from company to company and person to person. Are you expecting five hours a week or twenty-five hours a week? Ask your employer what they are expecting, and then express what you are looking to find.

If you follow the steps discussed in this article, finding part-time work can be easy. It will take you some time and effort to find a job, but eventually you will be at a position that meets your needs. Good luck job-hunting!

No matter what type of job you are looking for, the key is to have a great resume. Find out how to improve your resume to get your dream job at The Guide to Resumes.

Getting Your Words On The Web- Writer's Web Resources

How to find work.

You love to write but you're finding it difficult to market yourself or your work. Is it best to work as a "private contractor," or should you work for an established company such as St. Martin's Press? Maybe it's best to post your services/skills on a site such as C and then wait for people to contact you. Or, maybe, you should use C or a similar website to check out and respond to individuals or companies who are offering work. What to do, what to do?

Your opportunity to write as little or as much as you want is right at your fingertips, literally. There are dozens of websites that focus on writing positions available online. Some of them offer actual jobs or links to actual jobs. Others post suggestions about how you can find writing opportunities on any topic, from dental floss to steam engines. You can explore writing jobs where you "telecommute," as well as ones where you work in an office - or a combination of both.

If you've written or are in the process of writing a book or short story, there are websites that tell you who to contact in order to get your work published. Poems? The same thing.

In other words, it's a "heyday" out there for writers who are willing to invest some time and effort.

Picking and choosing.

Having visited many of the websites devoted to writers, you now have the opportunity to decide exactly how to proceed. For example, let's say you've written a series of five informative articles about how to locate no-cost legal services. Now, you want to get paid for your efforts. Visiting websites that specifically cater to people like yourself could start you on the road to success. You might even be lucky enough to find a publisher who's willing to pay a percentage up front. Visiting writer-specific websites gives you the chance to "pick and choose" about how you'll proceed.

While visiting a website that offered "writing gigs," for example, a person searching the Internet found a business that was soliciting individuals to write e-books on several different topics - one of them being basketry. As it was, this topic greatly appealed to the person, because they collected all kinds of quality baskets. Realizing this was a "slam-dunk," they agreed to write a 12,000-13,000 word e-book about basketry, including imported photographs, for a set fee of $750.00. Not bad for a few day's work!

The web's your world!

There's lots to be said about using websites, available through the Internet, when researching topics for almost any type of writing assignment. That's why these websites are such an essential tool for everyone who's exploring a specific topic or topics. This is true for "professional" writers, as well as for students who are researching a term paper, or an individual needing to complete a written test to qualify for employment. By simply logging on, the web becomes your opening to the world. Every country, no matter how big or small, offers information, via the web, about their history, culture(s), educational system and more. It's out there waiting for you - even if it's posted in a language you don't read or understand! Writers can spend days or even weeks scouting websites for detailed, accurate and little known facts about their chosen topic. By using websites, particularly those designed especially for writers, you can link yourself to profits while engaging in a very pleasurable pastime.

Madison Lockwood is a customer relations associate, specializing in small business development, for Apollo Hosting. Apollo Hosting provides website hosting, ecommerce hosting, vps hosting, and web design services to a wide range of customers.

Working at Home: Will it Work for You?

There are many advantages and disadvantages of working at home. As businesses become more and more integrated with technology, it has become much easier to work at home if you choose. Here are a few reasons that you might choose to work at home.

Firstly, you need to learn how to see your way past work-at-home scams. You do not want to spend money or give your personal information to any website if you do not trust the company. There are a couple of different ways to establish if you trust a site. If the site belongs to a larger company and you know that the company is legitimate then you will trust it. If a site is endorsed by other organizations that you respect, such as Newsweek or other reputable magazines, you can be assured of its legitimacy. Be sure to read up write-ups about the site from other sites. Celebrities might also endorse the site, but be careful to check a secondary source to see what the celebrity has to say about this site.

It is important not to be fooled by endorsements from people that you do not know. Linda from Hoboken might love this new work-at-home program, but you have no way of verifying that Linda exists. Even if there are images of people, these might be "shills," or paid actors who endorse a company.

You can look up a company in the Better Business Bureau or other agencies to see if there have been any complaints against them. Remember that an absence of complaints does not necessarily prove that a company is legitimate. When in doubt, walk away from the deal. You do not want to lose your money or personal information for no return.

Another way to find at-home work is to begin with a job away from home. From here, you might realize that the company does not need to physically present on site. You could ask your boss if it would be possible to move off-site. Be sure to explain the benefits for the company of having you work at home: would they have to pay for your office supplies? Would you be more productive away from the office environment? How will they monitor your progress? If you are offered an at-home job by a company that has had you in for an interview, you probably don't need to question their legitimacy.

If you want to work from home, you might consider starting your own business, or starting a freelance business. If you market yourself successfully to clients, they will not care whether you work at your computer at home or at a desk in an office. Some freelance jobs, such as designers, editors, and webmasters among others, facilitate working at home. If you are setting up your own business, make a business plan that charts all of your start-up costs and lays out your actions step-by-step. Starting a business does not mean that you will be immediately financially successful, so you will need to have savings, a loan, or a second income to help you while you begin your new line of work.

Once you have found a job that allows you to work from home, there are some important things to consider. If you are working at home, what kind of environment are you working in? Do you have kids at home? How will you be able to separate your work time from your leisure time?

Having a specific working area helps you get into the work mentality. When you are at your working area (perhaps this is an office that you have, or only a table with all of your materials at it) you will be in the correct mindset to start working. Also, it will be important for you to have an area where you can leave your work and not have to put away your entire workspace every day or reset your entire workspace every morning. Impress the sanctity of your work area to others in your house, so that your children or partner don't simply borrow your scissors from your workspace. You don't need to go looking for your office supplies around the home if you and your family members understand the importance of your office space.

Set a routine. If you are finding it difficult to separate your work and your personal life, make up a schedule. Setting aside certain hours of the day when you will be "at work" can help you be more productive. This might mean doing things like choosing not to answer the family phone line, or screening your calls to only take calls from work.

If you have kids at home, keep them informed. Be honest with them about what you are doing and why it is important. If they know what is going on, they will be less likely to bother you at inopportune times. You might also consider scheduling your work time for times when your kids are away at school. This will make it easier for you to spend your time with them while they are at home.

Working at home can be valuable for many people, but others prefer the companionship and routine at the office. Before deciding to work at home, look at your reasons for wanting the change and make a list of the advantages of disadvantages of working at home and at the office. You want to find an employment that suits all of your needs. In today's job market, you will find the perfect position tailored to your needs.

Shannon Columbo is the editor of The Guide to Resumes. For expert advice on how to get ahead in today's job market, check out the Guide to Resumes. You can improve your resume, hone your cover letter, ace the interview, and get your dream job! Find out what employment option is right for you.

Job Security Trends: Why are People Changing Jobs?

Job Market Trends

For the past decade it has been common knowledge that the average worker will no longer have the same lifetime job security that s/he had fifty years ago. Today's workers are more likely to move between jobs, and to be involved in more projects and businesses over the course of their careers. Even in 1982 the average work-span for a worker at one job was 8 years. Why has the market tended towards shorter employment periods? Here are a few of the contributing factors:

Gendered Influences

A study in the United States using census data from 1973-1993 has established that there are two different trends in how long workers stay in their jobs. Men with little education (less than twelve years, which means no high school diploma) are less likely to have a lifetime job now than they would have twenty years ago. However, women with high school diplomas are more likely to be in lifetime jobs than they were twenty years ago. This shows that gender is having less of an effect in the workplace, and that education is now the deciding factor for many positions.

Educational Issues

In Ontario since the 1990, there has been a dramatic increase in employment growth by educational attainment. People without a high school diploma have very little chance of finding a job. Don't let this figure scare you if you are still in high school: this relates to the final amount of education that prospective employees had. People with a high school diploma have about the same chance of finding a job now as they did in the early nineties. Most importantly, people with postsecondary education make up the majority of the workforce today.

Technology Matters

In Canada in the year 2000, a study of workers whose jobs are affected by increasing computerization found that technology has a dubious relation to job security. Of the people surveyed, a wide majority (68%) felt their job security had remained the same even with changing technologies. A quarter of those studies (24%) felt their jobs had become more secure. The smallest group, 9%, felt that their job security was adversely affected by the advent of new technologies.

How does this affect me?

This information brings positive news to most workers.

Firstly, if you are dissatisfied with your job, you can change jobs more easily. Making career changes later in life is not as difficult as it once was. In fact, it might be beneficial for you to change jobs.

Secondly, if you are changing jobs, depending on your field, you might be in a counter-offer or multi-offer position. This means that you might be able to ask for a higher salary from your prospective employer. You might even have more than one employer vying for your position.

Thirdly, education is key. Knowing the key to the job market means that you can easily find a job. If you know what education is required for your desired career, go get it. Take night courses if you want. However you choose to earn the education requirements needed for your career, at least education is a concrete and obtainable goal. Even if you don't need a diploma or degree, consider taking short certification courses to keep your qualifications at their best.

And lastly, keep up with technology. Technology affects most job markets, and if you can prove to your prospective employers that you are most qualified to use the tools of the trade, you will likely secure yourself the position. Education or experience might be the way to demonstrate your up-to-the-minute skills.

Shannon Columbo is the editor of The Guide to Resumes. For expert advice on how to get ahead in today's job market, check out the Guide to Resumes. You can improve your resume, hone your cover letter, ace the interview, and get your dream job!

How to Organize a Job Search

When you are looking for a job, it is very important to be organized. You want to present a professional attitude, and be prepared and knowledgeable. Following these easy steps will make sure that you get you a job quickly and easily.

1. Find openings in companies that interest you. Research the position available, as well as the company itself.

2. Write your resume. Tailor your objective statement, summary, and experience points to meet the job that you need.

3. Print off your resumes, being sure to have multiple copies. Try using sticky notes to keep track of what resume you want to go where.

4. Write your cover letters. Use keywords from the job descriptions (just like in the resume). Demonstrate your familiarity with the companies.

5. Attach the appropriate resume to the appropriate cover letters.

6. Place your resumes and cover letters in a folder. You want them to be crisp and clean when you hand them out.

7. Go to hand your resume in. Dress professionally. Plan to arrive at a convenient time for the company.

8. Ask to speak to the manager, or human resources. Give them your resume and smile.

9. Keep a list of all of the places that you handed your resume in. Make sure you know the dates that you handed your resume in.

10. Two business days after you have handed your resume in, call the company back to stress how interested you are in the job.

Other things you can do while you are looking for a job:

• You can post your resume to online resume banks.

• You can submit your resume to companies electronically.

o If you submit electronic resumes, make sure your resume is formatted in such a way that it will transfer easily.

o Remember to be just as professional over email: no emoticons or internet abbreviations please!

• You can fill in online applications for jobs.

• You can apply to temp agencies for work.

• You can take a job that might not be ideal for the interim.

Where should I look for a job?

There are many places to look for a job. Try your local newspaper, and online job banks. If you have a job that you would really like to do, ask at the company to see what positions they have available. Remember, it doesn't hurt to drop off a resume even if you are told there are no openings. Oftentimes your resume will be filed, and perhaps at a later date they will call you.

After the Resume Stage

After you have given out all of your resumes and made some follow-up phone calls, you are bound to have an interview. After the interview, remember that a follow-up is also very important.

If you don't have any phone calls for interviews, consider the reasons. You might need to retailor you resume and get it out to more stores. Don't be discouraged, you're sure to find a job with a little effort and a little skill.

Shannon Columbo is the editor of The Guide to Resumes. For expert advice on how to get ahead in today's job market, check out the Guide to Resumes. You can improve your resume, hone your cover letter, ace the interview, and get your dream job!

Job Security Trends: Why Are People Changing Jobs?

Job Market Trends

For the past decade it has been common knowledge that the average worker will no longer have the same lifetime job security that s/he had fifty years ago. Today's workers are more likely to move between jobs, and to be involved in more projects and businesses over the course of their careers. Even in 1982 the average work-span for a worker at one job was 8 years. Why has the market tended towards shorter employment periods? Here are a few of the contributing factors:

Gendered Influences

A study in the United States using census data from 1973-1993 has established that there are two different trends in how long workers stay in their jobs. Men with little education (less than twelve years, which means no high school diploma) are less likely to have a lifetime job now than they would have twenty years ago. However, women with high school diplomas are more likely to be in lifetime jobs than they were twenty years ago. This shows that gender is having less of an effect in the workplace, and that education is now the deciding factor for many positions.

Educational Issues

In Ontario since the 1990, there has been a dramatic increase in employment growth by educational attainment. People without a high school diploma have very little chance of finding a job. Don't let this figure scare you if you are still in high school: this relates to the final amount of education that prospective employees had. People with a high school diploma have about the same chance of finding a job now as they did in the early nineties. Most importantly, people with postsecondary education make up the majority of the workforce today.

Technology Matters

In Canada in the year 2000, a study of workers whose jobs are affected by increasing computerization found that technology has a dubious relation to job security. Of the people surveyed, a wide majority (68%) felt their job security had remained the same even with changing technologies. A quarter of those studies (24%) felt their jobs had become more secure. The smallest group, 9%, felt that their job security was adversely affected by the advent of new technologies.

How does this affect me?

This information brings positive news to most workers.

Firstly, if you are dissatisfied with your job, you can change jobs more easily. Making career changes later in life is not as difficult as it once was. In fact, it might be beneficial for you to change jobs.

Secondly, if you are changing jobs, depending on your field, you might be in a counter-offer or multi-offer position. This means that you might be able to ask for a higher salary from your prospective employer. You might even have more than one employer vying for your position.

Thirdly, education is key. Knowing the key to the job market means that you can easily find a job. If you know what education is required for your desired career, go get it. Take night courses if you want. However you choose to earn the education requirements needed for your career, at least education is a concrete and obtainable goal. Even if you don't need a diploma or degree, consider taking short certification courses to keep your qualifications at their best.

And lastly, keep up with technology. Technology affects most job markets, and if you can prove to your prospective employers that you are most qualified to use the tools of the trade, you will likely secure yourself the position. Education or experience might be the way to demonstrate your up-to-the-minute skills.

Shannon Columbo is the editor of The Guide to Resumes. For expert advice on how to get ahead in today's job market, check out the Guide to Resumes. You can learn toimprove your resume, ace the interview, and get your dream job!

Tips on Finding a Job

Looking for a job can feel like a job itself. It often takes time and effort because it's really hard to find a job that matches your qualifications and desires. There are lots of considerations to take; you have to be patient and hardworking. Have some dedications on your job hunting and have a positive attitude.

Research and study your desired job. Although some companies provide training for their employees, it would be better if you really know the job. Remember that most employers are looking at your work experience. You must be competent enough so you can find the most appropriate job for you. You must also know the career path you are taking to be more successful.

Know What You Want

Before you apply for a certain job, you must ask yourself if you really like that job. You must enjoy what you are doing when it comes to your work. If you just force yourself to do something you do not like, that would be stressful and it can obviously affect your work. If you cannot find a job you want, for the meantime, you must at least learn to like the job you're settling for.

Fortify your Resume

Dedicate time and exert effort on writing your resume; employers can have a snap judgment on your resume. If they see unrelated skills or job titles on your resume, there would be a great possibility that you may not get the job you are applying for. Another thing is that employers don't have much time to read through each of your job descriptions. That's why it always pays to refine your resume before you apply for a job.

Prepare for the Job Interview

A job interview is your chance to show the employers that you are the one they have been looking for. Prepare yourself, dress up suitably for the interview and be relaxed while answering questions. The best thing to do is research about the company. Your answers must always be related to the position you are applying for. Remember that there is no correct answer to any interview question. Be creative and spontaneous in your responses that will make you stand out among your rival-applicants. Every company has its own standards with regards to your answers. They want to determine if you can offer something to their goals.

Have a Positive Attitude

The more negative you are about your own capabilities, the less possibility for you to find a good job. Most employers are looking for positive people to be part of their team. Have self-confidence and know yourself more.

Joi Hernaez is a Search Engine Optimization Specialist and an Internet Marketer. Visit Oz Free Online - Job Search Listing for job opportunities.

Success Online. Don't Forget Your Parachute!

Choosing A Career

Facing the tough challenge of choosing a career can be overwhelming. With changing technology and growing international markets, there are a lot of options to choose from. The possibilities are truly endless so where does one start?

Your chosen career should be a harmonious blend of your skills, education, personality and interests. A self-assessment is a great way to identify a starting place for your search. Take time to jot down your likes and dislikes on a sheet of paper. Brainstorm several jobs that would utilize at least two of your likes yet avoid your dislikes. Use the list you have come up with to research and evaluate these options. You can gather job descriptions, examine the education and experience requirements, check out the career's longevity outlook, interview others already in the position and visit the library for additional resources. Following this process will put you in a much better position for choosing which direction you would like to pursue in your career.

You could also take a formal skills assessment test. Several good ones, most of which are free, include those provided by the Princeton Review Career Quiz and CareerF You should take a mix of tests as no one is infallible but all may present opportunities you had not previously considered. Taking advantage of a career coach or counselor is a great idea if you can afford it. These professionals can help you examine key areas in which you excel and point you in the right direction. Many often have their own skills evaluations as well. If a coach or counseling structure is not an option, you can get free advice from parents, friends or colleagues. Be careful when listening to the often biased opinions of parents; however, as their agenda tends to be geared towards the monetary aspect rather than what would be a good fit for you. Choosing a satisfying career should not rely on how high a position pays but rather how close it embodies your own goals and interests.

If you are young, I suggest temping. Join one or two temporary staffing agencies that specialize in your primary fields of interests. This would allow you to try out several different positions without committing yourself to a particular company. As an added bonus, you can use the temp agency experience to pad your resume. Then, if you do decide to pursue a career along the same lines of the temporary positions you have held, you may have gained some very important industry reference contacts. Don't worry if you are already in a permanent position. You really don't have to be stuck in one job forever. Take smart risks and explore what's out there. Careers can become dated just as hairstyles. What fits today may not fit tomorrow and because all temp jobs can be listed under its relative agency, your resume will not reflect you as a "job bouncer."

Choosing a career can be a grueling task. Try to only look at options that keep your interests at the forefront. Remember, going into a job simply because it pays well will not keep you happy. You want to find a career that offers the most growth potential, is attuned to your passions and properly rewards your performance.

© 2006 by Niquenya D. Fulbright, Professional Life Coach All Rights Reserved

You have permission to publish this article electronically or in print, free of charge, as long as these bylines are included. This article may not be used on illegal websites or websites that promote illegal activity of any kind. A courtesy copy of your publication would be appreciated.

About the Author:

Niquenya Fulbright is a professional life coach with over 10 years experience specializing in career, sex, love and relationship coaching. As founder of Niquenya helps her clients to improve the quality of their personal relationships and sex lives through positive goal-setting, self-assessment, time management skills building, image consulting and exciting singles events. For more information or to schedule a complimentary 30-minute coaching session, visit or send inquiry to contactme@

Jersey job finder

For establishing your career in Jersey, you would need a trusted Jersey Job finder. There are opportunities galore for qualified and skilled professionals. The numerous recruitment agencies and the official website offer a platform for showcasing these jobs.

Jersey lies to the south of Great Britain and has been a popular tourist destination. It also has a thriving business environment and is the center of several offshore investment funds. Therefore, besides the traditional jobs in travel and hospitality industry, new career avenues are opening up in banking and financial services, telecommunications, retailing, management consulting, graphic design and fashion design. Finding a suitable job is very easy with the Jersey job finder.

The state government has been encouraging the creation of jobs for the economic development of the youth in the island. While outsiders might find fulfilling careers in Jersey, there is widespread belief that the local youth should be trained to take up responsible positions. While the investment in education is high, training to cater to the job market is not adequate. Several Jersey Job finder agencies like 1st Recruitment regularly conduct mentoring initiatives to develop self-esteem and positive attitude in the youth. The youth receive training in temporary positions and often find permanent jobs.

Jersey recruitment agencies form a strong network for providing information on the jobs available. The official website lists most of the opportunities and the offerings by the external recruitment agencies. The Offshore Executive Recruitment Limited is an agency dedicated to providing professionals for the financial services sector. The Jersey Evening Post regularly carries a job finder segment. It regularly runs motivational and informative articles by highly placed executives in leading companies. These articles are eye-openers for the youth of the island.

The main thrust of Jersey job finder agencies is to bring the latest job opportunities besides tracking the trends in the market.

Isabel Rodrigues is a professional writer currently writing for Jersey Recruitment. Visit for more information on the subject.

Work from Home Business Success

Building a successful on line work from home business in a nutshell is choosing the right program, product or service to promote. Researching different marketing techniques and refining them, Networking with others in a similar industry.

There are millions of people looking for a online home business if you look at the search return results pages you'll find many combinations of terms that relate to working from home. Knowing how to plug into this traffic source and turn it into money is the key element of building a profitable venture.

So how to go about it, Here are some valuable tips before joining any program. You must research any prospective companies, try a search in the Better Business bureau if that fails to bring up any information Google has introduced a service in corporation with Macfee that accesses websites practices. You can find this via their site safe service. Enter the name of the company and put scam after it. Search for this phrase in the results you should find some forums posts read as many of them as it takes to give you an idea of how successful the program actually is. Lots of results from many different people will tell you if it is truly profitable or not.

If your having problems finding a program for your geographical area or that suits your interests or hobbies feel free to try our Online Job Finder service. We have a very strict criteria our partner companies must match before we will refer our visitors to them.

Once you have decided on what sort of home business then you need to develop an action plan. Many online programs cover some of the basics but not all so joining a good quality marketing course will save you hours of trying every technique you read about on the web.

Work from Home Business success is a mixture of different elements all out together to achieve the desired result. A Business is not a hobby its primary purpose is to earn the owner money. The keys elements are.

* Promotion if no one knows your business exists then your chances of success are zero.

* Conversion once you have developed methods to expose potential clients to your business then you'll want to convert that into dollars.

*Statistics you should keep this on every technique you employ in the running of your business. You can then review each and drop the ones that are taking more time than earning you revenue or even not working for you at all.

*Once you feel you are on top of that then its wise to set up secondary income sources. If the market drops out of what you are promoting or your provider goes belly up your revenue will stop and your back to step one.

If you'd like to go into detail of the aspects we have covered here then visit our online

Justin Boyce is the editor of the NZPCS site Work from home Business Guide A complete guide to building a profitable work from home based business. Home business sites post your link Home Business Directory for a free one-way link to your site.

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Fired Before You’re Hired: Five Ways to Ruin Any Interview

Arrive on time. Dress well. Write a thank-you note. Don't lie on the application. You have the job-hunting basics down, but the gods of employment have plagued your people with a drought. Whether you're interviewing after a layoff, seeking a change of employment or documenting your futile interviewing plight to milk yet another unemployment check, be aware of these five deadly interviewing sins.

1. Don't get too friendly.

You're chatting with the interviewer, discussing professional experiences and swapping war stories; however, a relaxed interviewing environment is no excuse to become complacent in your professionalism.

An ex-colleague of mine was looking to migrate back towards substance-abuse counseling, his original area of study and expertise. He was cordial, outgoing and a hard worker. He had plenty of experience and great references, but he met his downfall while making small talk. After the interview, the hiring manager mentioned in passing that he had recently received a DUI. My colleague, attempting to empathize, admitted that he, too, had received a DUI ticket. On three separate occasions. Lesson learned: get job first. Tell war stories later.

2. Don't forget to train rigorously.

Reading job-seeking books, articles and studying potential interview questions are all great ways to prepare, but these resources don't exactly put you in the interviewing hot seat. You wouldn't expect to run a marathon just because you've read several books about running, would you? Get a friend or significant other to give you a dry run through a hypothetical interview with suggested questions from these books or articles. Even better, if you know someone who is a hiring manager or works in human resources (for a different company, of course), ask them to administer the mock interview.

By humbling yourself and asking for the help of others, you'll receive constructive criticism and be able to integrate another perspective into your response. You may even be asked a question that you never considered answering, making great practice for unexpected interview surprises.

3. Don't forget to shut up.

When you're done answering the question, shut your mouth. The two deadliest kinds of interviewers we will refer to as the "poker face" and the "yes man." The poker face will ask you a question and give no signs of life during the answer. In hopes of eliciting a smile, nod or comprehending grunt, you will elaborate. And elaborate. You will continue elaborating until you realize that the poker face is playing a game. By the time you realize you are involved in a game, you have already lost. Take this knowledge and answer the next question completely, concisely and without superfluous commentary.

The yes man is just as deadly, if not more so, than the poker face. He will nod his head and seem to understand and agree with every answer. Feeling encouraged by this enthusiasm, you will elaborate. And elaborate. You will continue elaborating until you realize that you could say your career goals to sleep with the boss, publish trade secrets and burn the building down, and the yes man would still nod his head.

In the yes man's defense, sometimes he may actually agree with what you are saying at first, but, towards the end, every nod means "Yes, I understand. Just like I understood ten minutes ago. Please stop talking, lest I puncture my own eardrums with this letter opener."

4. Don't forget to tone it down.

Everyone knows not to bad-talk a previous employer, but even a comment where you feel you have restrained yourself may ring sour with the interviewer. If you're jaded and bitter with your current job or the interviewing process, try to keep the disillusion to a minimum. Take yourself to a happy place. Reminisce about the time you unwrapped a vending machine sandwich, locked it in your manager's file cabinet and allowed their office to smell mysteriously foul for weeks. If your personality is sarcastic or dry, make sure to take this down a notch as well. While your friends and family may understand your charismatic quirks, a complete stranger may not.

5. Don't forget to bring enough supplies to make a Boy Scout proud.

Bring a notepad, pen and three copies of your resume and references. Taking notes shows a proactive attitude and commitment to the interview. Additionally, these notes will be useful later when writing a personalized thank-you note to the interviewer.

If multiple members of management are administering the interview, make sure to provide a resume for each person. Worst-case scenario: you only bring one resume and end up with back-to-back interviews, thus leaving you empty-handed for the second round.

Whether you're rebounding from a layoff, looking for a different job or seeking excuses to stay unemployed, these tips will help you accomplish your objective. By becoming aware of these deadly interviewing sins, you've taken the first step towards meeting your goal!

Gwendolyn Lee is a statistician and analyst of Internet-related metrics of rubber stamps at She has researched and implemented business models to maximize profitability, efficiency and advertising tracking.

How to Find Your Dream Job

When you were a child or a teenager, did you dream of what you would be when you grew up? Most of us had dreams when we were young, but how many of us actually fulfil them? Most of us set our dreams aside when reality kicks in and unfortunately for many, those dreams stay buried forever.

Although the dream may be buried, the feeling that things could be different, that there must be more to life, never really goes away. So, it's not surprising to find you have reached a point in life where you are looking for something better, but not sure how to go reach it. Perhaps the original dream is still there, or perhaps it has been replaced by a new one.

Reality, however, looks very different. You feel stuck in a boring job, which might have been interesting once, but no longer holds much appeal. But you have bills to pay, responsibilities to meet and there seems to be very little you can do to change your situation.

Change can seem overwhelming in the face of mortgages, household bills, debt and the responsibilities of bringing up a family. This is particularly true if the change of career or job which we are striving for requires further study or training. However, it isn't necessary to do everything at once. It is possible to break down the necessary steps into manageable chunks and move gradually towards our goals.

If you are in a what feels like an impossible situation, it's important to analyse your skills and ambitions and then find a way of moving towards your goals, one step at a time.

Research the jobs and careers which interest you and look at exactly what needs to be done to reach your dream. What is the first step, something which you could do today?

If you need to move to a different type of job, is there anything you can do to prepare yourself? Perhaps you need to read up on the industry or talk to people already working in it.

If you need to retrain, consider starting with a short introductory course. This will get you back into the habit of studying and will also help you decide if the subject is for you – before you invest a lot of cash in a lengthy course. If you do have a considerable amount of study in front of you, look at ways of doing it part-time or by distance learning, which will enable you to stay in your present job.

Look at ways in which you can create more time so that you can focus on your studies or research your options. Cut out unnecessary activities and see if you can persuade other household members to help out more with daily tasks.

Moving towards a new career may involve short-term sacrifice, but if the alternative is spending the rest of your life in a job you don't enjoy, the decision to change will be easy.

© Waller Jamison 2006

Waller Jamison is a careers advisor, university lecturer and website owner. For a free email course on Career Change go to CoolerCareers and for more ways to find your dream job go to Dream Job

Job Hunting: Networking With Others is the Keys to Success

You can never underestimate the power of networking. Often success is directly proportional to the size of the social circle.

Whether you are looking for an entry level job or wanting to climb the career ladder you will need some kind of networking savvy in order to survive in the business world.

If you are looking for an entry level job your networking skills might be more important than the quality of your CV. Research shows that most jobs are obtained through contacts before the jobs even become open to the general public. In the established business world strong networking skills are shown to be one of the most powerful predictors in success. If you struggle with people skills and need some help expanding your network read on.

You will need to collect up all the business cards and contact numbers of the people you already know. Make one central place where you keep all your contacts' information.

The Internet opens up a myriad of opportunities for those nervous about networking and interpersonal skills. With email and web sites you can reach a wider network than you ever could the 'old fashioned way'. Even building a simple website could open up many new (international) contacts and opportunities. If you are able to effectively network online can be one of the most effective tools for those seeking jobs. Discussion forums, newsgroups, discussion groups and exchange ideas - and most importantly contact details.

There is no substitute for good old fashioned networking. You cannot replace the value of a first impression or underestimate the importance of really meeting people vs meeting online (although online meetings can reduce the stress and pressure associated with the first meeting).

If you are hesitant about networking because you lack confidence, then perhaps consider joining an organization such as Toastmasters. This is a public speaking organization which will help you build confidence and you can join from anywhere in the world. An added bonus - you will meet many new contacts and expand your circles.

Get creative with your networking. Look for opportunities to meet people and widen your social and business circles. If you are new to the job market, here are some networking strategies for first time job seekers. If you are looking for a job you need to keep expanding your network continually.

1. Make sure you understand how to use the internet to search effectively. Use all ways you can think of to come across new opportunities as they arrive

2. Create a spreadsheet or table, of all your contacts. Add as much information as you can: things like company names, titles, names of key contacts, phone numbers, and emails - any information you can. Leave space for notes and keep your table as organized and up to date as possible.

3. Regular contact: this is vital to the success of your network. Use any opportunity to connect. Ask advice, offer information you think will be useful to them - find reasons to communicate. When they respond make sure to thank them. It's important not to take your network for granted.

4. Initiate face to face contact whenever possible.

5. Never pass up an opportunity to get out there and network. If you are in an industry that requires more networking and socializing then limit the amount of times you may say 'no'. For example for every 2 invitations you turn down you must attend one.

6. Collect your contacts and feel free to call on them should the need arise.

7. Thank your contacts whenever they do something for you. Always be polite and courteous and do your best to respond to them timorously too. You want to come across as professional.

.

Christine Bettridge has loved writing since childhood. She has written Plays, poetry and many articles on several topics. Her latest e-book End Time Secrets recently released by Cypress Street Publishing has caused an order craze in the religious world. It can be ordered and downloaded right now through the publishers website at End Time Secrets and she also is the editor of the article directory, Above All Content Visit her blog at: The Bible Sound Blog

How To Find Your Dream Career in The Year 2006

If you find yourself searching the internet for How To Find Your Dream Career more often than you'd like to admit then this article could be the very answer you've been longing for and assist you in finally figuring out what you want to do with your life.

It is very likely that there are various reasons why you are still searching for How To Find Your Dream Career and not actually pursuing your perfect path yet, however, by the end of this page that may no longer pose as a problem for you.

I want you to ask yourself something and answer as honestly as you possibly can.

Do you REALLY want to know how to find your dream career or do you silently wish you could be in business for yourself or work from the comforts of your own home?

There is no wrong answer to this question and whether or not you answered yes or no, the solution will still be available throughout this article.

I have discovered that most people I talk to are dissatisfied with working for somebody else at a set salary and constantly keep searching for that ideal career when what they want deep down is to be in their own business. On the other hand, I have talked to hundreds of people that have no idea what they want to do with their lives and others who know exactly what they want but don't know how to go about making it happen.

Which one of these three predicaments do you find yourself in?

1. I want to be blank but I don't have the money for college.

2. I want to work from home but don't know how to begin.

3. I honestly have no idea what I want to do.

Let's go over each one of the above individually and see if we can't come up with the ultimate answer you were hoping to uncover while searching specifically for How To Find Your Dream Career!

A1. My best friend Anica has know since she was 6 years old that when she was all grown up she would strive to be a Veterinarian. Immediately after graduating High School she attended a low cost college and completed her Vet Tech Program. A Vet Tech is half way to becoming a Veterinarian so Anica knew she would still need to attend 4 more years of College and come up with $100,000.00 to cover her tuition. She had to work while attending college to cover her daily living expenses such as food and rent which made it hard for her to devote a decent amount of time to achieve the great grades that the Veterinary Schools require. Anica applied to all 28 of the Colleges around the world at $100.00 an application and was heart broken when she did not received one acceptance letter. For almost 5 years Anica completely abandoned her dream career of being a Veterinarian until we put our heads together and worked out the perfect plan to get this girl accepted into the Vet School of her choice. Anica already spent $2,800.00 in application fees to apply for these schools, still owed $28,000.00 in existing loans and feared that it would not only be a waste of money to try and apply again with her grades but that there was no way she would come up with the money for tuition even if she did get accepted.

Have you picked up on how Anica prevented her own dream career from happening even though she knew exactly what she wanted which was to be a Veterinarian? The answer will shock you like it did us and once we figured it out and you'll be happy to hear that Anica has finally achieved her life long dream career!

As much as Anica said she wanted to be a Veterinarian, she was silently hoping to herself that she would not get accepted into any of the schools she applied for because she feared there was no way she could pay to attend anyway!

We had to laugh to ourselves when we discovered that she was wishing away what she wanted with her fears but we were able to figure out a successful solution once we realized what the root of the problem really was.

Just like Anica, millions of people allow money to be the driving factor in determining their dream career. Rule # 1 for How To Find Your Dream Career is to never let money keep you from living the life you love! I know that last line probably had you thinking like it did Anica, "Well where the hell am I going to get the money that will make it possible for me to peruse my passions"? You have every right to ask this question and because you have read this far you I am going to reveal the answer the answer to you now!

First thing we did was wrote down every single dollar Anica would need to pay off all of her current debt, determine exactly how much the tuition would cost to attend the college of her choice and factor in a figure that would cover her living expenses while away at school for the next 4 years. We came up with the exact amount of money should would need and then participated in a program that made it all possible.

There is a proven program that I personally use along with Anica and over 48,329 other ordinary, everyday people who have experienced extraordinary financial gains from over a very short period of time. With this system that most people have never even heard about before, I was able to make more money in 1 year then most people make in a lifetime and enabled Anica to pay off all of her existing debt plus pre-pay for her tuition which made it impossible for Vet Schools to deny her application. "Where there's a Will There's a Way" I always say and you can learn all about this incredible system at The safe, stable and secure system that will be revealed to you at this website can be implemented by anyone, anywhere in the world! The only thing that is required is reliable internet access and at least 30 minutes a day to monitor your account. Everybody is entitled to the wealth that makes living life to the fullest possible and now nothing need stand in the way of funding your dream career!

A2. I spent several years searching online and local libraries for How To Find Your Dream Career but always felt deep disappointment because in the back of my mind I truly desired to be my own boss. I heard the expression before I turned 20 that J.O.B. stood for Just Over Broke and dreaded locking into a life-long career that could only lead me to a desperate destination. Besides, the though of being able to write my own paycheck excited me more then anything else in the world!!! Don't get me wrong, there are thousands of exciting careers that pay exceptionally well which we will be going over in the next section of this article but I had it in my heart that being my own boss would be the perfect path for me. The very moment that I decided to work for myself and work from home, rather than seek out a career with a corporate company, all of the pieces came together that allowed me to accomplish just that.

I didn't just desire to make money from home for the sake of not working for someone else but I asked myself a specific question and agreed to set my current financial circumstances aside while making my selection to assure that the answer I came up with would also give me a great sense of personal satisfaction. In a moment I am going to ask you to ask yourself the very same question I asked myself five years ago that led me to doing what I love for a living. This one simple question could very well lead you to discovering your dream career but it may take some deep contemplation on your part and will require that you cast your current income out of your mind while asking yourself for the appropriate answer.

Once you have eliminated your current income from the equation and committed to coming up with an answer, ask yourself:

"What One Activity Would I Love To Get Paid To Do Everyday"?

Do not dismay if the answer doesn't instantly reveal itself and do not down play the answer when it does arrive with self sabotaging thoughts like "I could never make enough money to support myself doing this" because if it excited you at a cellular level then it is exactly what you came here to do and the appropriate pieces will come together for you as well when you decide that you are going to act on that answer!

The answer I instantaneously came up with was writing. I could barely sit still when I thought about getting paid well to write about things I was already passionate about and knew that getting the chance to do this every day would make me a very happy person. Even though I never excelled at English in high school and had no formal writing experience whatsoever, I did not let that stop me from writing 3 exclusive e-books that sell very well 7 days a week, publishing dozens of optimized articles for the World Wide Web like the one you are reading right now or approaching a popular Publisher about signing me to a distribution deal. I am almost finished with the final details of the book that I expect to be on the Best Sellers List around the world with the help of this popular publisher by March of 2007.

The only reason why I am living the life that I love today is because of Rule # 2 for How To Find Your Dream Career which is never talk yourself out of being in business for yourself if that is what you really want and always believe that "Where there's a Will There's a Way" regardless of what anyone else chooses to believe about themselves. YOU can accomplish so much more than you could ever hope for by agreeing with the answer that arrives and resolving to see that answer through by taking inspired action immediately!

If you are interested in seeing one of my e-books in action or determined to make money online yourself, feel free to go to and click on the Work From Home button for step-by-step instructions about earning Six-Figures from the seat you are sitting in at this very moment.

A3. If you honestly have no idea what you want to do as far as finding a career with a corporate company goes then there are several online resources you can turn to for free assistance. I located an awesome website that contains hundreds of exciting careers and lists then in alphabetical order from A – Z. You can look through this interesting list by going to and clicking on the Career Center section. I am confident that Texas Mentor's list covers every career you could think of and hundreds more you may have never even heard about before. Due to the ever changing nature of the internet, if this website is no longer active you can always do a Google search for "Free Career List" and thousands of other similar websites will appear.

Another technique that can help you hone in on How To Find Your Dream Career is to ask your friends and family what they think your strengths and talents are. When I asked my friends and family what they thought almost everyone said writing because I always took the time to write something special in my cards to them. They couldn't have picked a better career for me and I haven't regretted this career path for a single second! My sister use to say that she knew me better than I knew myself and that was why I turned to her for my dream career advice. You'll be surprised at how helpful friends and family can be when it comes to identifying a great career and it will make them feel fantastic that you asked for their advice. Give it a try and see what comes up frequently from your friends and family members.

You may find taking a free career test and personality profile very helpful. Just for fun I took one of these free career tests at and answered 58 quick questions in less than 10 minutes. I was pleasantly surprised with the career outcomes this free service site returned because I have considered almost all of them before deciding to be in business for myself. In addition to writing, I also love Bookkeeping and Money Management which were two of the twenty potential careers that came up after answering all the questions. Again, due to the ever changing nature of the internet, if this website is no longer active you can always do a Google search for "Free Career Test" and thousands of other similar websites will appear.

Rule # 3 for How To Find Your Dream Career is to put the time and attention it takes to define what you love to do in life and passionately peruse that path because you were born to be great at something specific! Confucius has been quoted as saying, "Find a job you enjoy, and you'll never work a day in your life." When you take the time to find out what excites you and turn that joy into a job then work will always feel like play which is the key to succeeding at anything.

Please feel free to e-mail me anytime at theprovenpath@ if you think that I can further assist you on How To Find Your Dream Career.

May all your career dreams come true from this point forward!

Jamie Briggs

Jamie Briggs has been helping people define their dream careers since 2000 and has written several best selling online e-books. You can contact the author of this article at theprovenpath@ or visit her website for additional assistance.

Transition from temporary to permanent

There are some people who begin work not as a permanent employee but rather as a temp. Whatever the case may be, being a temp does not end at just a temporary position, but can lead to a permanent position so long as the time and effort into the job is put forth and noticeable. Here are a couple of tips to help transition from a temporary position to a permanent position.

Many people today go through job or temp agencies to find work. Some treat it as just a temp position while others treat it as a stepping stone to become a permanent employee. In either case, as an employee of the company, one should put forth 100% to their work. Some temporary workers treat their jobs differently as if their work would be different if they were permanent employees at their place of business. If you want to land a permanent position at that company, you should not take the work lightly. Treat it as if you were a permanent employee and work to your highest potential. Having people notice your work is important, especially if you want to transition from temporary to permanent. Make sure that the quality of your work is what it would be if you were a permanent employee.

Dressing for the position is important as well. Dress professionally and most likely you will be treated like a professional. Be sure to ask for the company dress code before you begin your temporary employment at the company. Remember to always follow the dress code, even if you feel that nobody is paying attention to your attire.

Getting to know some of the employees is at the company is a good way to earn your way into a permanent position. Just because you are a temp does not mean that you should just shut yourself to a corner, interact with the employees and socialize with them, they may be the people who can recommend you to become a permanent employee at the company. Who knows, you might even become good friends with the hiring manager.

Lastly, make people know that you are dedicated to the company. If you feel that you have extra time on your hands and can take on extra work, ask for some. If you feel that you have to stay a little after your normal work schedule just to finish a task, stay a while longer. If you feel that you can do more challenging tasks than the one that is given to you, request to take on more challenging work; by doing so, you show your supervisor or upper management that you are dedicated to the company and that you would make a valuable asset if they hired you on board permanently.

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changing careers

Sometime in your life, you might decide that your current career is leading nowhere, or you might just be tired of doing the same old thing and feel that something better is waiting to be explored. Whatever your reasons for making a change in your career, it is important to take things into consideration.

1. Pay Increase or Pay Cut: Will your career change lead to a pay increase or a pay cut? It is important to consider this option in order to plan for your budget. If you have debts or any recurring payments such as a mortgage, car payments, cell phone bills, etc., you would need to know that you would still be able to afford these luxuries.

2. Location: Will you have to move in order to make the career change? This is another question that you have to take into consideration. Some people can move within their companies to do different things, others might have to physically move to a new company to make the change. Due to an increase in gas prices, being located near your principal place of business is important. If you are close to your job, you can easily save on gas.

3. Finding the right career: Have you done your research as to what career your want to change to? Do you know what will make you happy? Finding the right career is important to being happy and staying at a particular company. It is important to find a job that you will enjoy; otherwise you will just end up switching companies or switching careers all over again. When asked the question "What's more important, the job or the money?" how would you answer?

4. Skills: What skills do you have that can be useful to your new career? Most soft skills such as communication and interpersonal skills will always be useful to a company. Any managerial skills and technical skills will definitely help out as well. Being in the 21st century, technical skills can definitely be useful in almost every type of career you may decide to switch to.

5. Education, Training, and Certifications: Will your new career lead to more education and training? How much time and money will it take to get to where you want to be? Like most jobs, you learn by doing. But with other jobs, you may need to get more education, training, and certifications in order to get you to where you want to be. With some careers, you may be able to easily pick up on the daily activities, other careers you may need to get some professional training and/or certifications in order to get considered for the position. Whatever the case may be, be sure to research what is in demand for that particular career.

6. Using your contacts / Networking: The best possible way to find your new career is to utilize your contacts. The people that you know may be the very people that can put in a good word for you or to give you advice as to what you should do or what industry you should get into. Other ways to broaden your network is to join different organizations or associations. If possible and available, go through your alumni association.

These are some helpful tips for you to consider before switching careers. Always remember that the choices that you make can either break or make you. Be bold and take risks. If you are unhappy with where you're at, do something about. Otherwise you may end up asking yourself "what if...?" This way you'll know that at least you tried.

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Importance of a Thank You letter

In the competitive world that we live in, many people apply for the same job openings and hope that they have made a positive lasting impression with their interviewer. It was fortunate enough that the person was able to land an interview and get a chance to obtain the position. What some people tend to overlook after an interview is the follow up.

Obtaining an interview from an employer is big. It means that an employer has screened through a pile of applications and resumes and have selected possible candidates that he/she feels is qualified enough to handle the tasks involved in the job. But it does not end after the interview. A good common practice is to follow up with the company. One way to follow up is to send a Thank You letter to your interviewer. Thank the interviewer for giving you a chance to interview with him/her and for taking time out of his/her day to meet with you. Let him/her know what you felt about the interview and that you will be following up with him/her within a few days to check on the status of the position whether or not it has been filled.

It is good practice to keep the Thank You letter brief and straight to the point. Mention within the letter the highlights of the interview and any possible skills, qualifications, or availability that you forgot to mention during the interview. By doing this, the hiring manager will be able to recall who you are and what you had to say. Remember, a good resume leads to an interview, but a simple Thank You letter and follow up may just be the professionalism the hiring manager is looking for that can land you the job.

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