Resume Help Blog

Archive for the ‘Career Coaching’ Category

Have you lost your job as a result of a bad economy? Before you panic, there are many ways to remedy the situation. You can now do things that you never would have been able to while you were employed. Use this time effectively while you plan your future. Sit down and make a list of things that you have always wanted to do but couldn’t because of your job as you plan your future. There are many ways to make a living besides working 9 to 5. Here are a few ideas to improve your situation:

• · Get a degree:

Why not? I will bet it is something you have thought of before unless you already have one; in that case maybe it’s time to add to your degree. Or maybe take a class and learn a new skill like computer programming or computer repair. And remember it is a “life time” degree.

If you can’t spend two years of time on a masters degree, you could do a short term diploma degree in your field of experience. If not a diploma, how about a certification? Certification adds lots of value to your profile. Besides this will open your eyes to other possibilities of a certification in another field. The opportunities are endless.

• Do Tutoring:

This is something anybody can do. You can do this as a part time and earn quick buck for survival. Teach high school students, college students right in your house, of course for money.

Choose a part of curriculum that is tough for students but that you know something about and start tutoring. Trust me anybody can do this. This is the easiest job, nevertheless it requires some ground work before starting. Research what tutors are charging in your area. A few years back I owned an upholstery business. They taught upholstery in a local high school adult education department. I applied as an instructor and was hired on the spot.

• Learn new Technology:

What are you interested in that you may be able to turn into a profit if you learned it? Maybe hire a career coach at this point. Here are some additional ideas: photography, acquire IT skills, graphic design, computer repair, the list goes on and on. Brainstorm with your wife, husband or best friend and stretch your imagination. Did you boast of working in numerous technologies on your resume? Are those skills out of date? Add these to your list of things to brush up on.

• Start a Business:

Recession? Bad Economy? These are the terms for the “panic-creating” media and not for winners like you. The best time to start your own business is now! But research it thoroughly first. One of the best areas is the service area. There are always jobs for handyman services.

• Do Freelance Work:

Many people think freelance work is not their cup of tea but it isn’t that difficult. Here is a great source for freelance work. My only advice is you had better know how to do the work you claim to know. Otherwise not only won’t you get paid but your reputation will suffer. This is a compact area so word gets around quickly for bad service. We have used freelance writers for special projects, some with good results and some not so good. If you want references for future work you had better be good.

So the next move is yours! Take it – Choose any of the links above and start climbing out of the tank! Do it now!!

With so many people out of work or in fear of losing their jobs we find everyone scrambling to look for new ways to network.

Enter Twitter. If you haven’t used Twitter before here’s a good reason to begin. Even as we speak there is a geek fest going on called “South by Southwest Interactive”, or as it is better known SXSWi. This is where the more technology advanced folks go to find the best ways to socialize using the latest media.

Yesterday at the conference, Workhound (the UK largest search engine) announced they were launching a Twitter Job Search board. This site will list all the jobs they have “posted” on their platform.

What can this mean to you? Time will tell. If you are not a member of Twitter you may want to consider joining or not depending on how technically savvy you are. There have been over 1.3 billion Tweets posted to Twitter but until now there has been no way to bring them together. Whether this will work or not remains to be seen.

Another prospect for you to consider is career counseling. Often I hear the comment that these people are too expensive. If your career is stalled or you have just been let go and if your plan to find another career is working then fine, I’m truly glad but if it isn’t then for your own sake, contact a career counselor today. You will never know if you just dismiss the idea without checking it for yourself to see how this can benefit you.

Let them look over your resume, do a one-on-one interview and see for yourself if this is right for you. By contacting one of these companies you are under no obligation and it’s not just a one-time session but ongoing help to be sure you find that perfect career. You may also want to give some serious to letting a professional write your resume. Most people find that having a professionally written resume makes a 100% difference. They even offer a guarantee. Check it out !!

A fresh look is all that is needed many times. Consider this, it could make the difference of finding another job in a related field you had not considered or wallowing in the quagmire you are already feeling. A good career counselor could be and probably is just what you need.

Anyone who has ever held a job for more than a day has felt this way. And in this troubling economy the thought of changing careers (no matter how miserable you feel at your current job) is scary. Truth is though that the unemployment rate is not THAT high. Over 90% of the population is working and there are still some TOP companies that are hiring. So put those fears aside and explore the possibility that you can have a “career” you love, instead of a “job” you hate.

At times we all have had a restlessness in our current jobs and a desire to make a change but with the responsibilities of family etc., we are reluctant to move out. That is why many people stay in jobs that they absolutely hate all their life and just resign themselves to such a life. Folks, that ain’t living! My father did this for almost 20+ years and he was absolutely miserable the whole time. You’re life is worth so much MORE than a paycheck!

So step back and ask for help – from a professional. A career coach can best help you cut through the crap and find the answer to what you’re looking for in a career.

What  Is A Career Coach, And How Can I Find This Magical Person?

A career coach is a person with specialized training to help people find their define their special skills – and even dreams – that many times have laid buried. Then they help you to translate that into career choices. Sometimes ones you never even thought about, or others that you’ve wanted but thought you didn’t have skills for (surprise! You probably do).

A career coach can objectively look at where you are and give you some direction to make the change into your next phase. Our site offers career counseling from two excellent companies Vault and Resume Corner. Both services offer true professional career coaches and excellent tools to help you “think outside the box” and discover the hidden potential within you. Who knows? You might just end up with a career you love and enjoy getting up in the morning!

There is absolutely no advantage in being stuck in a dead end career that is going nowhere. The economy may be down but there are jobs available for those people with the courage to make a move. The next move is yours. Take it!

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