© Written By Jimmy Sweeney
President of CareerJimmy and Author of the new,
Job Interview “Secret”

Put your best foot forward.
Make a good first impression.
Look your interviewer in the eye.

Pretty standard fare, you might be thinking. You’ve heard these tips numerous times. But have you considered what they mean and how important they really are? If not, here are some reasons to do so for each one.

Not-So-Secret Secret #1:  Put Your Best Foot Forward

The wording here is a bit odd. It implies that we have three or more feet. It would make more sense and be grammatically correct to say: “Put your better foot forward.” But knowing what it means is what really matters: To start on a journey or task with purpose and gusto. In other words walk into your interview with a determined step, a smile on your face, a friendly handshake, and expectancy in your mind and heart. Be your best self and trust that your authenticity will compel the interviewer to take a good look at YOU, in person and on paper.

Not-So-Secret Secret #2:  Make a Good First Impression

It has been said again and again that the first impression is the last impression. How can that be true? People judge one another by what they see and hear first. It stays with them, regardless of what happens next. So it’s worth your time to express your true self rather than to try to impress with affectation and showmanship. Hiring managers are looking for authentic individuals who are honest, open-faced, quick to smile and shake hands firmly, ask intelligent questions, and speak openly about their qualifications for the job in question. Be positive and optimistic. Show your appreciation for the opportunity, get to the point of how you can benefit the company with your skill set, and avoid throwing verbal stones at previous employers or co-workers.

Not-So-Secret Secret #3: Look Your Interviewer in the Eye

You’ve probably heard the saying, “The eyes are the windows to the soul.” And you know it’s true when you encounter other people. Our eyes sometimes say more than our words. So when you’re in an interview, look the hiring manager in the eye. Listen and focus on what he or she is saying. And when it’s your turn to respond, hold your gaze and avoid distracting gestures such as playing with coins in your pocket or flicking your fingernails. One way to lose points fast is to look over the interviewer’s shoulder or glance around the room or stare at the floor when you and he or she are engaged in conversation.

The next time you’re preparing for a job interview, review these three not-so-secret secrets, put them into practice, and the wait for those three magic words, “WOW…You’re Hired!”

Jimmy Sweeney is the president of CareerJimmy and author of the brand new “Secret Career Document” job landing system. Jimmy is also the author of several career related books and writes a monthly article titled, “Job Search Secrets.”

Visit our friends at Job Interview “Secret” and discover Jimmy Sweeney’s breakthrough strategy that will have you standing out from the competition like a Harvard graduate at a local job fair… DURING your next job interview.

Not-So-Secret “Secrets” For a Successful Job Interview is a post from: Free Career Advice

3 Cool Jobs Worth Pursuing
By Michael Lee

A job is something you do to earn money. It’s usually limited to a nine-to-five setting and isn’t something people normally enjoy doing. However, not all jobs are as dull as most people think. There are a lot of exciting jobs in the world waiting for people to discover them. So what are the most exciting jobs in the world?

In this article, you’ll discover 3 cool jobs that might not have even entered your mind; but perhaps after reading this, you’ll have a change of heart.

Exciting Job # 1: Be A Supermodel

A lot of people associate modeling with excitement. Imagine the adrenaline of fashion week or just about any runway show. Think of all the people in the audience watching your every step, right lights following your every move.

And when you’re not working the runway, you’re traveling to different countries and continents! If that doesn’t qualify modeling as one of the most exciting jobs in the world, then I don’t know what is!

Exciting Job # 2: Guilty or Not Guilty

One of the most exciting jobs in the world is practicing law. Lawyers always have to be on their toes in order to win a case. It’s a battle of wits and confidence.

In every session, there’s always a clear winner and a clear loser. If your client goes to jail, then you failed. The energy is always high. It’s no surprise that they’re so animated in court.

Exciting Job # 3: Out In Space

Space explorers not only have very exciting jobs, they also get to see something only a very small number of the world’s population can see – the universe.

Just the prospect of being able to see other planets up close or the Earth itself is exciting! However, this is an option available only to a few. Candidates for space explorers do not only have to be mentally fit, they also have to be physically ready to endure gravity and whatever obstacle that may come their way.

So what are the most exciting jobs in the world? They are right in front of you. These three above are just some of the most intriguing in the list. In the end, it all depends on how you look at the situation and make it work for you!

Important Message:

Want to get your dream job? Know the secrets of preparing for a job interview that gets you hired on the spot at http://www.jobandcareeradvice.com/jobinterview.html

What Are The Most Exciting Jobs in the World? is a post from: Free Career Advice

© Written By Jimmy Sweeney
President of CareerJimmy and Author of the new, Job Interview “Secret”

Today it’s more challenging than ever to land a great job. It’s possible you’ll have to go through several interviews before you find the position you’re looking for. You might feel a knot in your stomach, your pulse rate jump, and your hands suddenly perspire as you anticipate the interview. In fact, if you’re prone to sweaty palms…

Job Interview Tip #1: Sprinkle some talcum powder in your pocket ahead of time and massage a little onto your palms before shaking hands with those you meet.

Job Interview Tip #2: Break the Barrier with a Sincere Smile

Jonathan, a professional sales and marketing consultant shared with a friend recently that in this job-search climate he’s always on the lookout for such useful tips. Besides a warm, dry hand he claims a sincere and optimistic attitude, a smile, and looking the person in the eye, go a long way to break down initial barriers. Being friendly and forthright helps one relax and puts the hiring managers on your side.

You may even want to go a step further. Find out at least one unique detail about the person who will be interviewing you. For example, one job seeker learned that a woman hiring manager was crazy about cats. He mentioned his own cat in the discussion about the job. Her eyes lit up. They had something in common besides the opening in the company. Another job seeker discovered the man who contacted him for an interview was an opera buff. During a question and answer session, the job seeker mentioned how he liked to relax on a Friday night after work by attending the opera and even suggested the company purchase a block of tickets and sell to employees at a discount. This idea sparked an interesting discussion of how to provide cultural experiences for employees.

Job Interview Tip #3: You Can Be Personal AND Professional

Looking to add some sort of personal touch to each interview is bound to engage at least one or two hiring managers and could make the difference between being overlooked and being hired. Here’s an example of how to move the conversation in this direction. Take the lead. “I noticed in your company brochure that you take good care of your employees and as a result they have a high level of loyalty to your organization. In my last job I was in charge of the annual sales meeting one summer at a resort with an Olympic-sized swimming pool. I suggested we hold our session poolside. We then invited attendees to stay afterward for a swim and drinks on the company. We even provided bathing suits in assorted sizes for those who didn’t bring theirs. Employees talked about this event for months afterward.”

A conversation-starter such as this will provide so much more information and insight about you, your creativity, personality, and client relations than stock answers to typical interview questions. So make a plan now to be friendly, be confident, be creative, and spark the discussion with personal details that draw in the hiring manager.

BONUS Job Interview Tip #4: Jimmy Sweeney is the president of CareerJimmy and author of the brand new “Secret Career Document” job landing system. Jimmy is also the author of several career related books and writes a monthly article titled, “Job Search Secrets.”

Visit our friends at Job Interview “Secret” and discover Jimmy Sweeney’s breakthrough strategy that will have you standing out from the competition like a Harvard graduate at a local job fair… DURING your next job interview.

Three Simple Job Interview Tips That Work! is a post from: Free Career Advice

You are excited, as you have been offered a job interview. This is the final hurdle to overcome to get that new job. Don’t mess it up. Make sure you put in the effort to prepare. Those job interview questions are going to come at you, thick and fast!

Well done - the job is yours! All that prep paid off.

When you go to your interview, your job interview skills will be tested because you just don’t know what questions you are going to be asked.

All the books and resources you can purchase will give you some idea of the most common questions…there are some you can assume will be asked, like…

“What are your strengths?”

“What are your weaknesses?”

“Tell me about yourself”

You know, the general ones.

But as well as the specific common questions, there are types of questions you need to be prepared for.

Here’s a quick rundown.

Hypothetical Questions.

These ask, ‘If x happened, what would you do?’

For example, “A customer rings the office complaining about the service from the company. The customer is actually real angry and shouting. How would you handle such a situation?”

The thing to recognise is that there isn’t necessarily a right answer. The interviewer may be more interested in how you go about addressing the problem than in your final outcome.

It’s fine to pause and think for a moment before you answer.

Technical Questions.

If you are being interviewed for a technical post or a role, which requires specific skills, be ready for questions which ask you to take the interviewer through a problem or process. This may be a hypothetical situation again but it will involve a technical answer. They may ask you to give an example from your own experiences and take them through it in detail.

So be ready for this kind of question, with examples prepared. In fact, have several examples prepared.

Real Example Questions.

These type of questions are when the interviewer wants to see what real experience you have. Your answer is not based on what you would do (as per the hypothetical question) but it is based upon what you have actually experienced and done.

So for example, “Please give us an example where you have successfully implemented a change”.

So the interviewer is looking for a real example. Something that you have actually experienced. Make sure you have enough examples to choose from. Personally, I would take in a few notes into the interview…just as a reminder. The interviewer won’t mind, as the interview is not a memory test.

Stress Questions.

Some interviewers will deliberately try to rile you or put you under pressure as a test. They want to see how you respond to this treatment. Many people feel this kind of interviewing technique is ethically dubious, and even questions whether they want to work for someone who uses this tactic.

But if you still want the job – and you may well feel that for the post you’re applying for this interview method is justified – you’d better make sure you remain calm and pleasant no matter what the pressure.

So as I said at the beginning, don’t mess this final “job Interview” hurdle up. There will be others who are being interviewed; you will not be the only one.

So prepare, check out the type of job interview questions you may be asked and have your answers ready.

Have lots of real examples of where you have made a difference and achieved something worthwhile.

Now go ahead, stay calm and sell yourself.

Job Interview Questions And Answers 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