Mistakes people make when choosing a career

 

OGDEN, UT -- Today, choosing a career is generally not a one-time decision; it's a series of decisions, made through different stages of life, experience and responsibility. But with more than 60% of Americans saying they're not satisfied with their current jobs, it seems obvious that it's time to consider new patterns for choosing a profession. Here are some mistakes to avoid when searching for a job:

Don't choose the first or easiest job you can get. Your goal should always be to move into areas in which to use your strengths. Don't choose a job based on salary. If that high-paying job disappears, your resume advertises you with skills in a profession you may hate. Don't choose a job because it provides a good title. Doing what you're good at and what you enjoy is a far better consideration. Don't take a job just because management offers it. You may be better off expanding your area of responsibility in your present job.

Don't choose a job just because you have the minimum ability to do it. There are many jobs we can do, but a job that involves our strongest skills, our personalities and our motivations will take us farther. Don't choose a job or major without any serious study of yourself. Before investing years of your life or thousands of dollars in education, take serious time to reflect on your skills and interests.

Flailing in your job search? Consider these tips...


NEW YORK, NY -- Conducting a job search can be a daunting undertaking in today's shaky economic climate. Be prepared to dive in with a healthy, positive attitude. Maintain your energy and embrace the hard work involved in moving your career to the next phase. Before diving in, consider these tips:

Take a breath, but don't take a break. Don't get caught up in the "I've earned the time off, and I'll get a job next month," train of thought. Don't think you can just send out a few resumes, make a few calls, and voila', a new job will land in a month or two.

Gain traction immediately. The reality is, your job search today will likely take longer than it might have a few years ago. Take action quickly after you realize you are in job-search mode to gain traction.

Start thinking about your messages. The job search is about marketing yourself, especially with the advent of social media. Whether you set up a LinkedIn account, a Facebook profile, or a Twitter handle, make sure you know who you are and your individual value proposition.

Focus. It's not always clear how you will find focus. It's often a series of introspective and active steps that propel you from one stair to the next. As you climb that focus ladder, reach a clear view of what sets you apart from your competition.

How long should your job search take these days?

Abridged: New York Times

NEW YORK, NY -- How long should a job search take to find the right opportunity? No one can put a number on it, but if your marketing and organizational skills are sharp, you'll find job opportunities in less time than someone who hasn't a clue. Here are some variables that you can control that can help ensure your job search doesn't take any longer than it should.

The health of your career now: Are you in a profession that is growing, static or on a downhill trend? It's a good idea to do a reality check so you understand how your vocation is faring in the current marketplace. Living where the jobs are: If you live in a low-density area, it may take a bit longer to find your position. If you live in a higher-density area, perhaps it might take a bit less time.

Your discipline and tenacity: Your ability to focus and stay focused day after day, week after week is critical. This is the difference between a job search that is unplanned, unfocused and generally all over the map in execution and one that is buttoned up and works like a well-oiled machine. If you use the most common and simple best practices in job search, you should be able to cut the time it takes to find a job in half. Go scattered and uncoordinated and you add weeks and months to your job search.

Cover Letter Tip: Give and you shall receive


CALABASAS, CA -- Most job seekers know the value of a well-written cover letter. It's their calling card, their first impression, their opportunity to get a foot in the door of the company they hope to work for. BUT, not every job seeker knows how to write such a letter. Many toot their horn in the wrong direction. They focus on themselves, failing to connect with the hiring manager who is reading the cover letter. Keep in mind three things.

Your knowledge of the company. Find out the mission statement and mention it in the letter. This shows you have done your homework and know the focus of the organization.

Your skills and experience. Tie these to the mission statement. In other words, how can what you do and the background you have help further the goals of the company?

Your willingness to work for the good of the organization. Mention your ability to get along with colleagues, to be a team player, and to take the lead when called for.

To Get the Job: A cover letter such as this will demand attention, prompt the hiring manager to call you for an in-person interview, and create a bond of good will between the two of you. Everyone wants to work with a person who has solid experience, sound principles, and a steady work pattern. You can convey this and more in a first-class job search cover letter.

Easily crank out a perfectly-written cover letter

 

LOS ANGELES, CA -- A perfectly-written cover letter can be more important to your job search than your resume! What most people don't realize is that a cover letter is really a sales letter. It's your personal advertisement, your first impression, your grand introduction. Additionally a brilliantly worded cover letter is the easiest way to assure your resume is the one, amongst a stack of resumes, that actually gets read. The best part is, practically no one understands this fact. So having a great cover letter is almost like having an unfair advantage.

As a matter of fact, the vast majority of your competition simply "throws" together any old cover letter just so they have something to attach to their average resume. As a result, most cover letters do nothing to land the job interview. In fact, hiring managers often make a decision to interview from a well written cover letter alone -- before even reading a resume.

Wouldn't you love to have a cover letter written with the flair of an advertising executive? If so, we recommend a simple program that helps you quickly and easily crank out a killer cover letter that is guaranteed-to keep your phone ringing. With a click-of-a-button, fill in the blanks and in just 3.5 minutes out pops a brilliantly worded and perfectly crafted cover letter - 100% customized for you. Why not get your phone ringing with job interviews and employment offers - without writing one word, just go to The Amazing Cover Letter Creator.

New interview tips: Stand out from the crowd!


LOS ANGELES, CA -- Did you know that when the job market was booming it took an average of 3 interviews to get 1 job offer? Now it takes 17! When you finally land the job interview of your dreams will you have what it takes to land the job offer? You must stand out during the job interview or you might as well be playing the lottery.

Most job seekers spend hours creating their resumes and cover letters, searching through job postings, reviewing classified ads and networking--all in order to land the job interview. Yet 99% of them don't have a clue what to do when they get one.

There's a little known "secret career document" you can quickly and easily customize for your next important job interview that literally forces the interviewer to picture you filling the position. This powerful technique was created by one of California's top marketing professionals. His method guarantees you'll automatically stand out from the crowd and shoot straight to the top of the "must hire" list for any position you seek.