By Michael Lee

When writing your resume, one of the first things you have to consider is your career objective. I’ve been there before and I know how challenging it can be to come up with something note-worthy. In this case, it doesn’t hurt to look for outstanding career objective examples for resumes you can base on.

You might wonder why your resume needs to have an attractive career objective. How does a sentence or two affect the long list of achievements in your resume?

Well, for starters, the career objective is usually the first line your potential employers will see once they scan your resume. From that one line, they would most likely recognize which candidates have creativity and spunk; and which candidates are simply just like the rest.

Unless you want your resume to be stuck with the rest of the commoners stash, you’d better take these career objective examples for resumes a little more seriously.

Example # 1: To use my graphic design skills in creating attention-grabbing graphics that sell.

Most career objective examples for resumes start out with “to” rather than “I.” In a way, this makes your career objective less about yourself, and more about the job and company you’re applying for.

Remember, your potential employer is always asking “What’s in it for me?” So you better come up with benefits that speak directly to their mind and emotion.

If you’re a fresh graduate, using “to” to begin your sentence is a safe choice.

Example # 2: Feature editor offering four years of experience in magazine story line-ups and special reports.

This second career objective example is mostly used by those have been there and done that. They now have the experience and the gall to state their position and what they specialize in.

If you’re a reputable person or authority while attending college, and would like to use this particular objective form, you need only to replace “Feature editor” with something like “Former Writers Club President” or “Cum Laude Graduate.” Then show them how they could benefit from your academic know-how and experience.

Example # 3: Seeking an entry-level position in pharmaceutical management to utilize my communication skills and Degree in Pharmacy.

This last example shows how important it is to be specific about what you want and what you can offer.

However, you can’t be overly specific, for it might only give your potential employers the impression that your skills are limited to a particular set or limited to operating specific programs only.

Knowing which of the various career objective examples for resumes to base your own ideas on, helps you stand out from the rest of the applicants. It gives others the impression that you know exactly what job you want and how your skills come into the picture.

“The Ultimate Way Of Preparing For A Job Interview! Now You Can Easily Impress Any Job Interviewer And Persuade Him to Eagerly Hire You On the Spot!”

Career Objective Examples for Resumes: How To Instantly Grab Any Employer’s Attention is a post from: Free Career Advice

Just when you thought the job market couldn’t get worse, there is more news about company pink slips, hiring freezes, and benefit slashes. If you are one of the thousands tasked to find a job in these dire economic times, all is not lost. Hopefully, you can move more quickly from the unemployment line to a job offer once you get past these six common myths about job-hunting during a recession.

Myth 1: No one is hiring.
Layoffs are coming in every direction, but some employers — even those laying off workers — are still hiring. Companies often eliminate full-time employees with budget-busting benefits only to replace them with contractors or consultants to save costs. Additionally, “green” jobs, and health care jobs are among those still actively populating want ads. And, the pay is respectable. For instance, Payscale.com shows the median annual salary of an environmental engineer with 3-5 years experience is $60,672.

Myth 2: The Internet is the best place to find jobs.
The Internet is an efficient way to survey jobs among many companies, but personal interaction is still key to job search success. Truth is, employers are bombarded with thousands of resumes from the Internet — especially in a recession. Therefore, the chance that your new boss will choose your resume out of a pile of prospects is slimmer than ever. Instead, focus on finding a position, apply for it, and then do some research and connect personally with a hiring manager in the company to follow-up. Social networking sites, such as LinkedIn, also offer a great way to connect with targeted employees on your company dream list. These connections are golden because they can give you insider info about unpublished positions and help you sail past HR “blockers.” Personal recommendations go much farther in landing a job than random resumes.

Myth 3: Searching companies in hiring freezes is a waste of time.
Like many situations in life, hiring freezes are not absolute. Savvy networking, the right face-to-face meeting, and the ability to sell skills critical to the prospective company can be the perfect formula for lighting a fire under an employer in a hiring freeze. Behind closed doors, hiring managers are told to make exceptions for spectacular candidates that can show them the money, especially in a recession when every dollar counts.

Myth 4: Expect a salary cut.
In hard times, companies value astute problem-solvers more than ever. While employers may trim the fat elsewhere, there is always room in the budget for top-tier talent. However, during a competitive job market, there is a bigger burden to prove you are worth a higher salary, says John Challenger, CEO of Challenger, Gray & Christmas. Ultimately, companies want their talent investments to pay off — and stick around. “If an employer goes to the expense, time, and effort to find a qualified candidate, it wants the person to stay, ” Challenger adds. The last thing an employer wants is for a prized candidate to temporarily accept a lower salary than her previous salary and say “hasta la vista” once the job market recovers.

Myth 5: Companies are not interested in hiring people over age 55.
There are several reasons Challenger, Gray & Christmas disputes the adage that older employees are unemployable. In a struggling economy, employers value seasoned workers’ shorter learning curves (aka: less money invested in employee training) and their ability to do the work of several younger, less-seasoned workers. Separately, like a fine wine, experienced employees who are surgeons, accountants, attorneys, engineers, and IT professionals get better with time. Clients gravitate to more experienced employees in these professions. This adds up to more cha-ching for employers.

Myth 6: Experience and advanced degrees guarantee a job.
While experience and education have their plusses, they aren’t guarantees to landing a job. In a deep recession, experienced and degreed people come a dime a dozen. “It is very important to sell your world experience, your concrete accomplishments, and expertise; things that make an impact on the company rather than just your knowledge,” Challenger says. Research what skills the employer values most in order to tailor your sales pitch accordingly, Challenger adds. And, because the market is so tight, though you are experienced, someone with more experience is likely applying for the same job. Take time to create your brand image and sell, sell, sell!

6 Myths About Job-Hunting in a Recession is a post from: Free Career Advice

How marketable are you? Are you using a sound career strategy to keep fit for today’s fluctuating marketplace?

Whether you’re looking for work or wanting to hold on to the job you have, maintaining your marketability for the long term requires that you continually invest in yourself. You are the product you’re selling, but you must be proactive to remain competitive. Here are five ingredients for a winning strategy: work that serves your goals, lifelong learning, staying current with your skills and industry knowledge, networking, and maintaining balance.

Use this checklist to test your marketability. If you find any areas wanting, use your answers to create an action plan to improve them.

1. My current employment serves my goals.
Measure your current or prospective situation against short- and long-term goals. Aside from financial reward, do you gain in these ways:

• Do my responsibilities sync with my strongest capabilities?
• Am I developing relevant skills and meeting the right people?
• Is there room to grow? Or is this a good stepping stone?

Tip: Maximize your experience by looking for opportunities to increase your value within your company.

2. My education, certification, and training are current.
Lifelong learning is the key to staying marketable. Prepare for varied options.

• Do I need a degree or certification to keep up with my present employment, get promoted, or land a new job?
• Do I regularly attend professional association meetings, workshops, seminars, and continuing education classes?

Tip: To find programs, start with local educational institutions. Explore CareerOneStop, a site rich in resources for job seekers.

3. My skills and industry knowledge are up to date.
Staying current is a prerequisite for ongoing employment. Could you qualify for an equivalent position with a competitor — or do you readily qualify for the upgrade you seek? If not, what do you need to do?

• Am I technically proficient in the latest software?
• Do I know my industry’s trends and major players?
• Do I read trade publications and industry blogs? Join discussion groups?

Tip: Check current requirements by reading employer posts on job boards (Yahoo! HotJobs) and company sites.

4. My networking and communication activities are constant.
Strategic networking helps cultivate mutually beneficial business relationships. Word-of-mouth is the most powerful tool to gain opportunities and referrals.

• Do I routinely develop new contacts, nurture existing ones?
• Do I meet in person with people most important to me rather than relying on email threads?
• Do I make weekly connections through online groups and social networking (Yahoo! Groups, LinkedIn)?

Tip: Networking is about quality, not quantity. It’s about being a helpful resource, a relationship builder.

5. My life and work are in balance.
Long-term marketability relies on a healthy balance between life and work — emotionally, physically, intellectually, financially, and spiritually.

• Do I follow sound self-care practices?
• Do I give equal attention to relationships and work?

Tip: Difficult to do, but maintaining balance and perspective are key to surviving and thriving.

How did you do? Is there room for improvement? Follow up with an action plan targeting areas you find wanting. Set short- and long-term goals with specific tasks and a timeline to get you there. Managing your career proactively will keep you marketable: Your livelihood depends on it.

Copyright 2009 Marty Silberstein, owner of Night Owl Companion Publishing, resources that help with “the stuff that keeps you up at night,” including finding your right work, how to do a strategic job search, and how to re-enter the workplace.

Article source: http://ca.hotjobs.yahoo.com/career-articles-5_ways_to_test_your_marketability-785

5 Ways to Test Your Marketability is a post from: Free Career Advice

In the current unstable job environment, with daily announcements of layoffs even by historically stable companies, it is more important than ever that you have a positive relationship with your boss and others in the organization who will be making the decision of who goes and who stays. It may seem unfair, but many times the decision comes down to who is felt to be the better “team player,” or simply who is better liked.

So, here is a key to putting yourself in the best possible position when and if it comes to that point. I call it the “Secret of 4,” which I learned personally through the school of hard-won experience but later discovered it explained by Dr. David Keirsey, author of the bestselling books “Please Understand Me” and “Please Understand Me II.”

According to Dr. Keirsey, a renowned psychologist who has spent 60 years observing people and organizations, there are 4 basic temperaments that categorize people (think Harry Potter and the Hogwarts Sorting Hat):

- Guardians are practical and down-to-earth, believe in following the rules and cooperating with others. They believe in the long run that loyalty, discipline, and teamwork get the job done right. They take pride in being dependable and trustworthy, and expect their subordinates to meet their commitments while respecting the value of their rank and experience. They do not “rock the boat,” and “questioning authority” is insubordination. Questioning their orders or breaking the rules, even in private — but especially in public — is likely to land you on the bottom of the “must keep” list.

- Artisans are highly pragmatic and value outcomes more than a strict abiding by the rules. They tend to have high energy and great adaptability, and usually prefer being active to sitting still. They enjoy the adrenaline high that comes with “pulling off a miracle at the last minute,” and are expert at calculated risk-taking. They are frustrated by employees who resist or are fearful of doing things differently — exactly the opposite of the “follow the rules” dictum of the Guardian boss.

- Idealists see the workplace as an arena for interdependent labor. They value harmony on their team and with other departments. They enjoy helping employees learn new skills and value those that continually “grow in their jobs.” Of the 4 types of bosses, they are the most likely to develop personal relationships with their employees. They are highly averse to, and dislike those they see as fostering, conflict. Creating personal friction, anywhere in the organization, is a ticket to the bottom of the list with these bosses.

- Rationals value competence above all — both in themselves and in employees who report to them. They value original and innovative ideas, and are often oblivious to “rank” or “experience.” They expect employees to be accurate in what they say and are not overly concerned with conflict or ruffling feathers . They become frustrated by employees who are unable to work independently, show initiative, or seem to be incompetent. Not having data to back decisions when challenged, or not challenging that status quo if you do have the data, will make you the least valuable person to retain with this type of boss.

So, in order to create the best possible relationship with your boss before that potential day of reckoning, you will have a decided advantage if you can determine his or her temperament (and his or her boss’s) and modify your behavior accordingly.

As you can see from the descriptions above, the same behavior that makes you indispensible with one type can easily make you most dispensable with the others. In the current environment of employee layoffs, every edge you give yourself increases the likelihood that you will be one of those who stick around.

Article source: http://ca.hotjobs.yahoo.com/career-articles-key_traits_to_look_for_in_your_boss-787

Key Traits to Look for in Your Boss is a post from: Free Career Advice

In the turbulent, toss-about world of work in America, all kinds of people are worried about getting fired. Who among us hasn’t seen a helpful, smart, hard-working person get laid off? Being let go is not for last-place performers anymore. Everyone is at risk.

Can you avoid the pink slip? You can sure try. While no one may guarantee you a gig these days, here are five expert tips on making yourself indispensable.

1. Talk Directly to Your Manager

Lay it all out on the table and sincerely ask for advice from your boss about your situation. You’re not asking them to butter you up or paint a rosy picture. You’re asking for the truth.

Ron Mitchell, career coach and founder and CEO of New York City-based Gotta Mentor, advises, “You should take control of this process. In this meeting you should ask two questions. First, what can I improve upon? Second, what additional things can I do to help you do your job better?”

Is it kissing boss booty? Maybe a bit, but your manager is likely under a lot of stress, too, so finding ways to help them and make them look better means you’re less likely to be sent packing.

2. Learn Other People’s Jobs

It sounds calculating, but it’s true. If you can do the work of two, you have a better chance of out-staying your peers. As with any worthwhile fitness program, you must cross-train for greater strength and resiliency. Sean Ebner, regional vice president of the IT outplacement firm Technisource, emphasizes why this productivity makes a difference, saying, “Make it so that two people would have to replace your work effort, not just half of a person.”

And, once you pick up some new skills or strengthen old ones, let people know. Executive coach Peggy Klaus says, “Connect the dots for people and show them how your strengths can be utilized in other departments, capacities, or fields.”

3. Be Profitable

If you’re not clear how your work either makes the company money or cuts costs — or both — you’d be wise to figure that out soon. If you need help, talk to trusted friends, coworkers and even your boss. Letting your boss know that you’re trying to improve your contribution to the bottom line can’t hurt. Plus, it’s a reminder of how essential you are.

Klaus says, “Be certain that the results you are focusing on and producing are the ones your boss and company value most. Translation: efficiency, cost-cutting and revenue.”

4. Toot Your Own Horn — Loudly!

No one appreciates arrogance, but staying quiet about your contributions isn’t wise right now. Whatever you do to move the company forward — stay late to complete a project, have a great call with a client, train someone else in a new skill or improve your output — make sure that your boss knows about it. Your resourcefulness and willingness to work hard are attributes most managers want to keep in-house.

John M McKee, founder and CEO of BusinessSuccessCoach.net, says “Successful professionals don’t wait to get noticed while they toil away on a project.”
5. Rise Up and Take Command

Amidst the devastation that layoffs leave behind, you have a unique opportunity to collect the remaining pieces and move quickly into management. As Allison Hemming, founder of The Hired Guns talent agency, says, “Be the phoenix. This could be your opportunity to rise to the top.” She recommends that when departments are combined, “Take advantage of a re-shuffled deck. Management will be looking for new leaders to prevail.”

Plus, that way, when the company is back on its feet, you’ll be a time-tested veteran who helped lead everyone through the worst of times. Your job could be more secure and well-paid than ever.

Some Layoffs Simply Are Inevitable

All advice aside, don’t be too hard on yourself. Many experts agree that you can only do so much to protect yourself from a layoff. Sometimes, even your best won’t be enough.

Ron Mitchell reminds you to chin up and stand proud should that moment come. “One thing this current job environment has taught us is that no one is immune to layoffs. Companies have for the past few rounds of layoffs been cutting bone not fat. They are laying off people that have been doing a good job.”

Article source: http://ca.hotjobs.yahoo.com/career-articles-keep_your_job_5_ways_to_be_indispensable-788

Keep Your Job: 5 Ways to Be Indispensable is a post from: Free Career Advice

Losing your job can be earth shattering — especially when you’ve put years into your job. If you’ve just been laid off, you have exactly one week to mope around your house in your pajamas and eat ice cream for breakfast. Then, once that’s out of your system, get it together and make a plan.

Heading back to school is a good option during a recession. Here are four reasons why:

• It’s a chance to enhance your skill set or totally retool your career.
• It’s a great resume bridge when hiring is down and finding another job is difficult at best.
• It’s a way to buoy your self-esteem, which just took a pink-slip-sized beating.
• It’s a pathway to new connections and networking opportunities — priceless commodities during your job search.

The federal government is encouraging continuing education through grants and loans. Online education is making it more convenient and, yes, more affordable than ever. Here are a few programs that can get you back on track in two years or less.

Paralegal Certification

Paralegals have long been an integral part of the legal system. Working on behalf of law firms, government, and corporations, they perform many of the same functions as lawyers — doing legal research, drafting legal briefs or contracts, and preparing tax returns. There are a few exceptions. Paralegals can’t offer legal advice or argue a case in court. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median salary for a paralegal is $44,990. The top 10 percent earn $71,480.

If you already have your bachelor’s degree, you can earn a paralegal certification program in 18 months to two years. Many programs include internships — an excellent way to get experience in a law firm and begin to make connections for your future job search. Some programs provide job counseling for their graduates — another excellent perk.

Dental Hygienist Training

There is more to this gig than a cleaning. Dental hygienists help people stay healthy by providing preventive care, teaching about good oral health, and looking out for gum disease. BLS reports median salaries in 2007 were $64,740. But that’s not all there is to love. Many dental hygienists find flexible scheduling to be a real upside of this career.

The most common path to becoming a hygienist is through a two-year training program where you’ll earn your associate’s degree or certification. Once you’re done, job prospects should be excellent.

Veterinary Technician Degree

Cats and careers have more than one life. Animal lovers might find their second (or third or fourth) career life working as a veterinary technician. Vet techs provide medical care for large and small animals, livestock and pets, and even wildlife. In 2007, median salaries were $27,970, while the top 10 percent earned $40,550. Perhaps the best part is the stability of this profession. BLS says that even during an economic recession, layoffs are less likely for vet techs than for others because the need for animal care doesn’t go away.

In two years, you can earn your associate’s degree in veterinary technology. And while some clinical work is essential, there are opportunities to take courses online.

Master’s of Business Administration

How can you turn your layoff into your golden opportunity? Breaking into management can take years. A master’s degree can speed up your path to the corner office. MBA programs come in all sizes — online, traditional, and one- or two-year programs.

It’s important to understand that the days of six-figure signing bonuses for MBAs are probably on hold for the time being. But, if you can live with the potential of a significant pay raise, it’s a path to consider. Look at some median management salaries from BLS:

• Marketing Managers = $104,400
• Sales Managers = $94,910
• Financial Managers = $95,310
• Chief Executives = over $150,000

Fast-Track Teacher Certification

Have you often thought of becoming a teacher? For some years now, a major teaching shortage has made it easier for people already working in another profession to fulfill their chalkboard dreams. Teaching certification programs can be as short as nine weeks — one semester or summer. Others last as long as two years. There is one catch. To get in on the fast track, you must have your bachelor’s degree.

Median salaries for teachers range from $45,120 for kindergarten to $50,090 for secondary school vocational teachers. Many teachers also take on jobs during the summer break to supplement their salaries.

Hey, job loss can happen to the best of us. The most important thing to remember is not to take it personally. It’s not you — it’s just a crummy economy. Now, get back to work.

Lila Daniels is a freelance writer living in Vermont.

Article source: http://ca.hotjobs.yahoo.com/career-articles-5_fast_fixes_to_get_your_career_back_on_track-790

5 Fast Fixes To Get Your Career Back On Track is a post from: Free Career Advice

It’s a most undesirable group: the unemployed. Job losses in 2008 totaled 2.6 million, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In December 2008 alone, the unemployment rate rose from 6.8 to 7.2 percent. Don’t want to become a statistic? Get educated.

If you enrolled in college (or considering pursuing a degree or certificate), you’d be in good company. The University Continuing Education Association cites that nearly half of full- and part-time undergraduates ages 25 to 34 and about 63 percent of those 35+ continue to work full time. About 40 percent of today’s undergrads are at least 25.

Why are they there? Perhaps they realize “lifelong learning is necessary for a competitive advantage,” says Bili Mattes, associate provost for strategic markets at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (PA). “If you don’t stay current, you’re fairly dead in the water.” The trend of corporate universities indicates employers view ongoing training as a must, she adds.

Versatility Is an Asset

In Ellen Ryder Griffin’s view as dean of Southern New Hampshire University’s School of Professional and Continuing Education, most students don’t seem to be there to explore new fields. “I believe job retention and promotion are still the most significant reasons for the choice of major and degree track.”

Come layoff time, that extra knowledge should help. “When making tough reduction-in-force decisions, employers retain those people who can wear more than one hat,” explains Roberta Chinsky Matuson, president of Human Resource Solutions. Matuson, who has helped clients with layoff strategies, says employers look at who could “do not only their own jobs, but the tasks that become available when they release other people.”

So to increase your layoff survival odds, Matuson advises beefing up skills in areas besides your specialty. As Mattes says, you don’t want to just be “known as the guy or gal who does balance sheets.”

A conversation with the boss will show you want to grow and help in determining what would boost your value.

When layoffs are imminent, Matuson says, you can’t expect your boss to remember you’ve got special certification. An informal reminder might go like this: “As you may recall, I have a graduate degree already. Would becoming a certified financial planner be an asset?”

Make Your Own Plan

Just don’t fail to consider where you want to be in the future, she says. Blindly following a boss’s plan for you could spell misery.

Yet this may not be the time to sample something new using tuition reimbursement benefits. “It would not be wise to take on a degree or a certificate program that’s not related to your job and for growth within your company,” Mattes says. Employers who may not have scrutinized what programs employees are taking may now be vigilant about that.

As for this benefit’s fate in tough economic times, Matuson says employers may be capping the programs (by, say, nixing pricey executive MBAs) or changing the rules of eligibility — so “jump in now.”

Online or in person, learning options include everything from two-hour seminars, daylong workshops, and semester-long courses to certificate or degree programs. Thomas Allen, dean of Student and Career Services at DeVry University in Alpharetta, Georgia, reminds that the investment in education is valuable not just in saving your job but for its own sake. “Learning is a lifelong process and you never have enough.”

Article source: http://ca.hotjobs.yahoo.com/career-articles-getting_educated_can_save_you_from_a_layoff-797

Getting Educated Can Save You From a Layoff is a post from: Free Career Advice

Do you aspire to move up in life? Not content with camping out on the lowest rung of the corporate ladder? These careers offer potential upward movement along with a solid salary.

In fact, six particular degrees offer a clear upward path to graduates. With the right education and skills, you won’t have to worry about being stuck in the same position for too long.

1. Marketing
Professionals in the marketing industry know how to sell everything from a line of clothing to an individual’s reputation. The potential career path for those good at what they do is as impressive as the reported salary increase. A survey by PayScale Inc. showed the earnings for marketing degree graduates skyrocketing from $40,800 to $79,600 between starting and mid-career salaries. That’s an increase of over 95 percent.

• Recommended Coursework: Marketing majors earning bachelor’s degrees may specialize in product management, sales, retailing, advertising, research, and more.
• Potential Career Climb: Market analyst > assistant brand manager > brand manager > chief marketing officer > VP of marketing > CEO

2. Finance
In the world of finance, being good at what you do comes with substantial rewards. A college degree is necessary for entry into most careers in the financial sector, and you may consider targeted training in retail finance, accounting, or international business. Depending on your strengths, quick career growth is possible even in a bad economy.

• Recommended Coursework: Finance majors typically take courses in financial management, global study, investments, risk management, and insurance.
• Potential Career Climb: Financial services management intern > financial analyst > senior financial analyst > management consultant

3. Health Care Administration
An education is considered a big bonus in the world of health care administration. Entry level office jobs may be possible with an associate’s degree, but with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in health care administration, you may find yourself moving up the ladder faster than you might think.

• Recommended Coursework: A mix of business, communication, and technical coursework is typical, including training in accounting, medical terminology, and health care law.
• Potential Career Climb: Medical receptionist > administrative assistant > office manager > practice administrator > director of operations

4. Management Information System
The IT world offers plenty of opportunities to those with the right level of training. Earning a management information system degree is one way to put yourself in charge of computer systems and networks alike. A bachelor’s degree is generally required for entry level positions in the field, and an MBA is often recommended for growth.

• Recommended Coursework: Database management systems, software engineering, and network and computer security.
• Potential Career Climb: Systems intern > systems analyst > senior systems analyst > project manager > senior project manager > IT director

5. Engineering
Hailed as offering some of the most lucrative starting salaries among all bachelor’s degrees, the engineering major offers a world of career growth for those with the right skills. A bachelor’s degree is typically required for most entry level careers in the field.

• Recommended Coursework: A vast amount of specialization can be found in the engineering discipline, with engineers varying their scope between civil, mechanical, computer, environmental engineering and more.
• Potential Career Climb: Civil engineering intern > civil engineering technician > project engineer > civil engineering supervisor

6. MBA
Potentially the gold standard of the career ladder climber, the master’s of business administration degree offers degree holders an education they can take to the bank. Many MBA students come to the degree after years in the field and combine their experience and education to continue their rise up the corporate ladder.

• Recommended Coursework: MBA coursework varies on specialization and includes marketing, economics, operations management, and human resources.
• Potential Career Climb: Administrative assistant > office manager > human resources manager > human resources director > executive director > VP of human resources

For many careers, a bachelor’s degree is considered the entry level requirement, while a master’s degree or higher is necessary for upper-level positions. Take a look at the degree options related to your dream job for more guidance and tackle that ladder of success one rung at a time.

Article source: http://ca.hotjobs.yahoo.com/career-articles-6_lucrative_paths_up_the_career_ladder-799

6 Lucrative Paths Up the Career Ladder is a post from: Free Career Advice

For anyone fortunate enough to still have a job in this downturn, the empty cubicles around you likely mean more responsibilities –?and a greater daily workload — to cover for positions that have been cut or won’t be filled anytime soon.

If you’re being asked to do the work of two — or more — workers, here are five ways to cope with the extra items on your list, without losing your cool or your sense of well-being.

Ask the Right Questions

Even if your work plate already is full, you really shouldn’t say no when the boss approaches with additional duties, advises executive coach Peggy Klaus.

Instead, engage your supervisor in a dialogue about the specifics of the situation, by asking questions about how long the new assignment will last and what will be expected.

“When we’re in this fear mode, we have a very difficult time asking for those parameters, and they’re really important,” says Klaus, author of “The Hard Truth About Soft Skills.”

“It doesn’t mean that you don’t want to do [the work], or won’t do it. But you need to have some structure around it.”

Prioritize and Organize

Once you understand the scope of your expanded job description, ask your manager to help prioritize what must get done on a daily basis –?and which projects can be deferred — and organize yourself accordingly, according to Paul Facella, CEO and president of Inside Management, a consulting firm.

“Clearly, in this situation, you have to prioritize –?you can’t afford to waste time,” says Facella, author of “Everything I Know about Business I Learned at McDonald’s.”

Be Your Own Publicist

Be sure to speak up, as you identify ways to streamline your department’s practices or improve the overall efficiency of company operations.

“It’s certainly not the time to be quiet and shy about anything you’re contributing that you believe will be more cost-saving and efficient,” Facella says. “Nobody wants a braggart, but the point is you keep [management] in the loop.”
Learning From the Experience

Volunteering to take a course to boost certain skills or gain a specialized certification can both ease your ability to complete unfamiliar chores and demonstrate your commitment to your company’s stability. The new skills set also will help if you’re part of the next round of job cuts.

“This economic environment clearly is going to be here for a few years,” Facella says. “The more prepared you are, the better off you are.”

Take a Break

As you find yourself logging much longer hours, you need to take more — not fewer — breaks. Every 90 minutes or so, you should at least get up from your desk and stretch. Or better yet, take a 10-minute walk, shoot some hoops, or grab coffee with a friend.

“We tend to think we have to be chained to our desks for 11 hours a day,” Klaus says. “It’s a self-care issue. We have to get up and take a break.”

Article source: http://ca.hotjobs.yahoo.com/career-articles-do_more_with_less_the_new_normal_at_work-800

Do More With Less: The ‘New Normal’ at Work is a post from: Free Career Advice

As I have said many times before your resume will not get you the job you want. Your resume is only one part of the equation. The purpose of your resume is to get you through the front door of the company you wish to work for and have an interview.

So you have invested much of your precious time on writing and tweaking your resume, getting feedback and, now, you are extremely happy with the final version.

Ensure Your Resume Doesn't End Up In The Bin

Replying To A Job Advert – Sending Your Resume

The vast majority of companies now ask you to send in your resume by either post, fax or email.

What’s the most convenient for you?

Most probably email.

And guess what their preference is?

Email – without any argument.

Emailed resumes end up in the company’s email accounts and that prevents them from being lost or from failing to reach the right manager.

Agencies have a very strong preference for resumes to be emailed or online applications as this makes their job easier when distributing your information to recruiting companies.

Speculative Resume Sending

Now let’s talk about sending your resume speculatively. Where best to send your resume takes a little research.

Email may not be the most appropriate.

Most organisations have a set way in which they would like resumes submitted.

In smaller organisations, it is often most appropriate to send your resume directly to the line manager concerned. In this situation a paper resume is more likely to catch the manager’s attention (emails are easily deleted without being properly read) although you may wish to send an electronic version as backup, with your email referring to the fact you have already sent a paper copy.

Most sizeable organisations will have their own website and detail the process to take. You may have to apply online or they may ask you to send your resume to a particular email address.

If the company doesn’t have a website or do not tell you the process to use, ring the company and ask for the Personnel or HR (Human Resources) department. Then once you are put through, ask what’s the best way to send your resume in.

The Personnel or HR department usually handle resumes before sending onto the recruiting Line Manager.

Can Your Resume Be Read?

By the time your resume has been automatically processed by the recruiter, it may look very different from the document you saw on your screen.

Here are some ideas you can use to ensure your resume can be read:

Never send a scanned copy of your resume. Scanned documents are harder to read.

Your resume needs to be a separate document attached to your email. If you simply cut and paste your resume into the body of your email, the formatting will be lost and your resume will be unreadable.

For my own personal documents like a resume, I always add a security password. Remember to remove the password protection before sending your resume out.

Follow any instructions given in an advertisement for quoting reference numbers in your email; these are often used to automatically sort applications.

If you are applying for a specific post, put the title in the covering email

Keep the formatting in your resume simple. Spacing is often altered dramatically when a resume is entered onto an organisation’s database and features such as bold and underline are lost. Make sure that your resume will be understandable even after the recruiter has processed it.

Don’t attach a covering letter as a separate document as it is likely to become detached from the resume itself in the course of the processing. Include introductory information in the body of the email.

These guidelines will help get your brilliant resume read.

Where To Send Your Brilliant Resume is a post from: Free Career Advice