Everyone knows engineers never have to worry about bringing home the bacon. But, most folks assume that engineering is a boring, tedious field. This isn't necessarily true. There are a ton of interesting, exciting possibilities in engineering -- a highly lucrative career path that, contrary to popular belief, doesn't require a graduate degree in order to achieve long-term success. Here are a few options that can get you started on one of the most in-demand, well-paid fields for people with a four-year degree:
1. Environmental Engineering
With Obama on his way into office, and his emphasis on tackling environmental issues, most folks would agree that environmentally friendly jobs are on the rise. Environmental engineering is one of the most promising and, perhaps, attractive fields for prospective engineers. Cody Johnson, principle engineer for Shannon & Wilson, Inc., a geotechnical and environmental consulting firm in Seattle, puts into perspective why this field is only on the rise. "From a practical standpoint," he says, "if there is a 'new New Deal' in the works, it's likely that a good portion of the money will go to public works projects to shore up our aging infrastructure. So, in the current economic climate, there might actually be jobs out there for engineers."
Like most engineering paths, environmental engineers do need to earn Engineer in Training (EIT) certification. Then, within the first five years in the field, you'll also need to complete a Professional Engineer certification. Both certifications, says Johnson, only ensure your ascent up the environmental engineering ladder. Average salary for an Environmental Engineer: $63,833 per year.
2. Chemical Engineering
This is one of the most popular fields for budding engineers, especially as our society looks for more environmentally savvy ways to tackle the production and use of oil, plastics, paint, and food products. Think of how often you fill up the tank, buy toys for the kids, or scan the shelves at the grocery store. These are some of the most basic products in our society, and chemical engineers are in charge of figuring out how to manufacture them -- think compostable baby bottles and biofuels.
All of this makes both chemical engineers' demand and income reliably high. And you don't need a master's degree to ensure a long, productive career in this field. Average salary for a Chemical Engineer: $79,345 per year.
3. Electrical and Mechanical Engineering
If you've ever taken apart a radio just to see whether or not you can put it back together again, electrical engineering may be the job for you. There are a number of options for jobs in electrical or mechanical engineering. Bill Culbreth, associate dean at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas' Howard R. Hughes College of Engineering, says students pursuing this avenue can "work for private industry or for the government. The construction industry, aerospace, transportation, automotive, and electronics firms also hire these graduates."
And, if you get into the field and decide you're ready for that higher degree, it's a great prerequisite for a highly lucrative future in nuclear engineering. Average salary for an Electrical Engineer: $70,941 per year.
4. Computer Engineering
Nobody can deny that computer engineering is here to stay. As we all look for newer, better and faster computerized electronics to help us tackle our ever-changing world, even in a tipsy economy, computer and software engineers are in constant demand. Steve Wong, senior account manager with COMSYS, an information technologies recruiting company, says that the "industries that are strong are aerospace, telecom, and specialized technology. Those are areas that'll stay strong, and specialized technology, especially, is going to continue strongly."
What's more, while larger companies are cutting back on full-time employees, the demand for computer engineering contractors remains steady. One of the sweetest perks of contracting is the opportunity to work from home on occasion -- something almost nobody would complain about. Average salary for a Computer Engineer, Systems Software: $79,359 per year.
5. Civil and Structural Engineering
If you've ever marveled at the efficiency of a highway junction or the power of a well-built dam, civil engineering may be right up your alley. Civil engineers work on public projects, planning the construction of new highways, dams, bridges, and other infrastructure mainstays.
According to Gary Spring, professor and chair of the Engineering Department at Merrimack College in Andover, Mass., there are plenty of options for pursuing civil engineering, and you won't have to be in school forever, either. He recommends seeking out a job with a smaller to midsize consulting firm because the larger the company, the more they require their employees to be specialized. But, he says, "Don't avoid engineering because you might someday have to earn an advanced degree. Most [of our] students don't go on for an advanced degree."
Once you have earned your certification, civil engineering is one of your most stable options because, he says, "There is always a need for infrastructure improvements." Average salary for a Civil Engineer: $66,638 per year.
Source: All salary data is from PayScale.com. The salaries listed are median, annual salaries for full-time workers with 5-8 years of experience and include any bonuses, commissions or profit sharing.
суббота, 3 января 2009 г.
6 Jobs That Thrive When the Economy Falters
by Kristina Cowan, PayScale.com
Each day, as our tattered economy shreds a bit more, you may wonder, "Is anyone out there actually doing well?" Yes, experts say, some careers are in demand -- particularly those that will help reshape businesses and thereby revive the economy.
According to executive search firm CTPartners' 2009 "Hot Jobs" report, as government rescue plans unfold and companies are restructured, sought-after experts will be in disciplines like risk management, restructuring and financial engineering. "Wall Street in turmoil" will be hiring for a number of positions, according to the report. Meanwhile, Lynne Sarikas, director of the MBA career center at Northeastern University's College of Business Administration, points to other hot spots for jobs. Read on for a closer look at six of them:
1. Restructuring Officers
While restructuring may be a dreaded word, it's often essential to setting a workplace straight after a major shakeup. Restructuring officers lead companies through bankruptcy, mergers and acquisitions, or other major reorganizations, and can command hefty pay. At a Fortune 1000 company, a restructuring officer could earn $750,000-$1 million in cash and the same value in restricted stock, says Simon J. Francis, a partner with CTPartners.
2. Turnaround Experts
Like it or not, our economy has to be turned around. Newly hired CEOs and CFOs at private equity companies that buy distressed assets are "turnaround experts," explains Francis. They provide strategies to improve operational and financial performance, reorganize balance sheets, develop refinancing options and implement operational changes to regain profitability. A CEO could make $500,000-$1 million plus 3-5 percent equity, and the CFO could make $500,000-$750,000 plus 1-2 percent equity, Francis says.
3. Distressed Asset Managers
These professionals are financial fix-it gurus. They handle a troubled company's assets, including refinancing, general partner substitution, legal action, loan restructuring, recapitalization and compliance. Not surprisingly, pay beats that of your typical handyman's -- potentially around $1 million a year or more, according to CTPartners.
4. Bankruptcy Attorneys
As bankruptcy increases, this field will grow, says Sarikas of Northeastern University. Bankruptcy attorneys advise clients on debt relief options and guide insolvent individuals and businesses through each phase of a federal bankruptcy filing, according to FindLaw.com. The median salary for an attorney* with 5-9 years of experience is $88,461.
5. Financial Analysts
Getting the most bang for your buck is more important than ever, and financial analysts can help. They assess the economic performance of companies and industries for firms and institutions with money to invest. The median salary for financial analysts* with 5-9 years of experience is $56,940.
"Companies need employees with strong quantitative and analytical skills to monitor and evaluate business results ... and to make recommendations. Companies will continue to try to do more with less, so understanding the results in detail will be critical," Sarikas explains.
6. Budget Analysts
Budget analysts keep a careful watch on where the money goes, a top concern nowadays. "Preparing the company budget will be critical, and with financial uncertainty it will be more challenging than ever," Sarikas says.
In private firms, a budget analyst's main responsibility is to examine the budget and find new ways to improve efficiency and increase profits. In nonprofit and governmental organizations, which typically aren't focused on profits, analysts search for the most efficient way to distribute funds and other resources among various departments and programs. Budget analysts* with 5-9 years of experience earn a median salary of $55,305.
Whether or not these career options appeal to you, they underscore how vital it is for workers to stay in demand in any job market. If you're looking for new work, experts suggest tapping skills you already have and reconfiguring them. "Keep your skills up and go with the trend," says Barbara Safani, president of New York-based Career Solvers, a career-management firm.
You don't have to be a "turnaround expert" -- just a more marketable version of yourself.
*Salary data from PayScale.com.
Each day, as our tattered economy shreds a bit more, you may wonder, "Is anyone out there actually doing well?" Yes, experts say, some careers are in demand -- particularly those that will help reshape businesses and thereby revive the economy.
According to executive search firm CTPartners' 2009 "Hot Jobs" report, as government rescue plans unfold and companies are restructured, sought-after experts will be in disciplines like risk management, restructuring and financial engineering. "Wall Street in turmoil" will be hiring for a number of positions, according to the report. Meanwhile, Lynne Sarikas, director of the MBA career center at Northeastern University's College of Business Administration, points to other hot spots for jobs. Read on for a closer look at six of them:
1. Restructuring Officers
While restructuring may be a dreaded word, it's often essential to setting a workplace straight after a major shakeup. Restructuring officers lead companies through bankruptcy, mergers and acquisitions, or other major reorganizations, and can command hefty pay. At a Fortune 1000 company, a restructuring officer could earn $750,000-$1 million in cash and the same value in restricted stock, says Simon J. Francis, a partner with CTPartners.
2. Turnaround Experts
Like it or not, our economy has to be turned around. Newly hired CEOs and CFOs at private equity companies that buy distressed assets are "turnaround experts," explains Francis. They provide strategies to improve operational and financial performance, reorganize balance sheets, develop refinancing options and implement operational changes to regain profitability. A CEO could make $500,000-$1 million plus 3-5 percent equity, and the CFO could make $500,000-$750,000 plus 1-2 percent equity, Francis says.
3. Distressed Asset Managers
These professionals are financial fix-it gurus. They handle a troubled company's assets, including refinancing, general partner substitution, legal action, loan restructuring, recapitalization and compliance. Not surprisingly, pay beats that of your typical handyman's -- potentially around $1 million a year or more, according to CTPartners.
4. Bankruptcy Attorneys
As bankruptcy increases, this field will grow, says Sarikas of Northeastern University. Bankruptcy attorneys advise clients on debt relief options and guide insolvent individuals and businesses through each phase of a federal bankruptcy filing, according to FindLaw.com. The median salary for an attorney* with 5-9 years of experience is $88,461.
5. Financial Analysts
Getting the most bang for your buck is more important than ever, and financial analysts can help. They assess the economic performance of companies and industries for firms and institutions with money to invest. The median salary for financial analysts* with 5-9 years of experience is $56,940.
"Companies need employees with strong quantitative and analytical skills to monitor and evaluate business results ... and to make recommendations. Companies will continue to try to do more with less, so understanding the results in detail will be critical," Sarikas explains.
6. Budget Analysts
Budget analysts keep a careful watch on where the money goes, a top concern nowadays. "Preparing the company budget will be critical, and with financial uncertainty it will be more challenging than ever," Sarikas says.
In private firms, a budget analyst's main responsibility is to examine the budget and find new ways to improve efficiency and increase profits. In nonprofit and governmental organizations, which typically aren't focused on profits, analysts search for the most efficient way to distribute funds and other resources among various departments and programs. Budget analysts* with 5-9 years of experience earn a median salary of $55,305.
Whether or not these career options appeal to you, they underscore how vital it is for workers to stay in demand in any job market. If you're looking for new work, experts suggest tapping skills you already have and reconfiguring them. "Keep your skills up and go with the trend," says Barbara Safani, president of New York-based Career Solvers, a career-management firm.
You don't have to be a "turnaround expert" -- just a more marketable version of yourself.
*Salary data from PayScale.com.
6 Essentials for Finding a New Job
Here are half a dozen essential tips for landing the right job in good economic times or bad:
Try a Sales Technique
Be prepared during a telephone screening or a first interview to make the "60-second sell," a four- to five-sentence summary of your biography and career accomplishments, according to career counselor and author Robin Ryan.
"When they say, 'Tell me about yourself, why should I hire you?' you have a memorized statement about why you'd be good on the job," says Ryan, author of "60 Seconds & You're Hired!"
Work Your Personal Network
Networking doesn't have to be confined to business contacts, especially when you're trying to break into a big company that may use automated software to screen applicants.
Ask everyone you know if they have a connection to a specific employer; the goal is to get your resume forwarded to a hiring manager via the company's internal network, rather than having it come from the outside and get lost in the shuffle of other applicants.
"Microsoft gets 100,000 resumes a month -- how do you think they're going to find you otherwise through that cyber hole?" Ryan says.
Expand Your Horizon
Julie Jansen, a career coach and author of "I Don't Know What I Want, But I Know It's Not This," recommends attending professional association meetings in a related field, as well as those in your own specialty.
For example, although your experience may be in marketing, add gatherings for finance executives or other fields in which you could apply your skills and experience to your regular schedule of ad and marketing group meetings.
Another networking strategy is to give it the old college try, by tapping alumni, even those you don't know.
"Most universities have online directors of alumni, so I'd go that route if possible," says Jansen. "If not, contacting the alumni office would be Plan B."
Check Your Skill Set
Although you may not have the time or financial resources to pursue an advanced degree, taking additional coursework in your field to boost specific skills can get you noticed by a recruiter. Also, don't forget to cite key experience gained from volunteering for community, school, or nonprofit groups.
"Look at your transferrable skills, including project management, budgeting, supervising others, and organizational planning," Ryan says.
Know Your Worth
Even during a downturn, it's a mistake to settle for less just to get the job. Before accepting an offer, consult a salary survey or online salary calculator to make sure the package is competitive within your field.
"It's an outdated idea that you should take anything to get your foot in the door," Ryan says. "It could take you 10 years to get a decent salary."
Do It Daily
Whether it's posting your resume in the common area of your apartment building, or sharing your job hunt with your doctor, dentist, dermatologist, or gynecologist, you should incorporate your search for work into every aspect of your daily life.
"Do something every single day that is about looking for a job," Jansen says.
Try a Sales Technique
Be prepared during a telephone screening or a first interview to make the "60-second sell," a four- to five-sentence summary of your biography and career accomplishments, according to career counselor and author Robin Ryan.
"When they say, 'Tell me about yourself, why should I hire you?' you have a memorized statement about why you'd be good on the job," says Ryan, author of "60 Seconds & You're Hired!"
Work Your Personal Network
Networking doesn't have to be confined to business contacts, especially when you're trying to break into a big company that may use automated software to screen applicants.
Ask everyone you know if they have a connection to a specific employer; the goal is to get your resume forwarded to a hiring manager via the company's internal network, rather than having it come from the outside and get lost in the shuffle of other applicants.
"Microsoft gets 100,000 resumes a month -- how do you think they're going to find you otherwise through that cyber hole?" Ryan says.
Expand Your Horizon
Julie Jansen, a career coach and author of "I Don't Know What I Want, But I Know It's Not This," recommends attending professional association meetings in a related field, as well as those in your own specialty.
For example, although your experience may be in marketing, add gatherings for finance executives or other fields in which you could apply your skills and experience to your regular schedule of ad and marketing group meetings.
Another networking strategy is to give it the old college try, by tapping alumni, even those you don't know.
"Most universities have online directors of alumni, so I'd go that route if possible," says Jansen. "If not, contacting the alumni office would be Plan B."
Check Your Skill Set
Although you may not have the time or financial resources to pursue an advanced degree, taking additional coursework in your field to boost specific skills can get you noticed by a recruiter. Also, don't forget to cite key experience gained from volunteering for community, school, or nonprofit groups.
"Look at your transferrable skills, including project management, budgeting, supervising others, and organizational planning," Ryan says.
Know Your Worth
Even during a downturn, it's a mistake to settle for less just to get the job. Before accepting an offer, consult a salary survey or online salary calculator to make sure the package is competitive within your field.
"It's an outdated idea that you should take anything to get your foot in the door," Ryan says. "It could take you 10 years to get a decent salary."
Do It Daily
Whether it's posting your resume in the common area of your apartment building, or sharing your job hunt with your doctor, dentist, dermatologist, or gynecologist, you should incorporate your search for work into every aspect of your daily life.
"Do something every single day that is about looking for a job," Jansen says.
8 Ways to Make Yourself More Marketable
The economy is shaky -- and it may feel like your job is, too.
Whether you're already job hunting or believe you may need to soon, there are steps you can take to make yourself more attractive to potential employers. Here are nine tips from the experts on increasing your marketability:
* Use your name as your brand, especially in email. Don't confuse potential employers by using your maiden name on your resume and your married name in your email. And the nickname your friends find funny may not look professional.
"Manager jobs don't go to people with cute email addresses," said Marianne Adoradio, a recruiter and career counselor.
* Meet an employer's need. Employers "want a round peg for the round hole," said Kathryn Ullrich, a career expert and executive recruiter.
You may want to stretch yourself by trying a job you've never done before, but there's not much in that for the employer. Any time you apply for a job, make sure you can tell a story about your career that shows why you would be the best person for the job. "It's really about what the employer is looking for," Ullrich said.
* Maintain a smart online profile. "All that stupid stuff you put on Facebook -- take it off," said Richard Phillips, owner of Advantage Career Solutions. At the same time, find industry blogs and forums and start contributing comments.
* Ask for help. "Ask everyone for one thing they would suggest you do if they were in your shoes," Adoradio said. "It seems to reveal things that you wouldn't have thought to ask."
* Become active in a professional association. This means doing more than paying dues and showing up for meetings. Find a way to help: For example, perhaps you can organize expert speakers in your field to be on a panel. It will boost your resume, build you self-esteem and give you valuable connections. "You're building up relationships with people who are going to hire you," Ullrich said.
* Take a class or get a certificate. This is especially helpful if it teaches you a skill -- new technology that's being used in your field, for example -- that you don't already have.
* Take on a new project at work. It should be "something that lets you add something new to your resume," Phillips said. "Think in terms of the resume that you're going to be writing. What do you want to have on there that isn't on there now?"
* Be flexible. You may not want to commute more than 10 miles, but being willing to bend a bit will open up more opportunities. It will also make you a more attractive candidate because it signals to employers that you're able to handle change.
Whether you're already job hunting or believe you may need to soon, there are steps you can take to make yourself more attractive to potential employers. Here are nine tips from the experts on increasing your marketability:
* Use your name as your brand, especially in email. Don't confuse potential employers by using your maiden name on your resume and your married name in your email. And the nickname your friends find funny may not look professional.
"Manager jobs don't go to people with cute email addresses," said Marianne Adoradio, a recruiter and career counselor.
* Meet an employer's need. Employers "want a round peg for the round hole," said Kathryn Ullrich, a career expert and executive recruiter.
You may want to stretch yourself by trying a job you've never done before, but there's not much in that for the employer. Any time you apply for a job, make sure you can tell a story about your career that shows why you would be the best person for the job. "It's really about what the employer is looking for," Ullrich said.
* Maintain a smart online profile. "All that stupid stuff you put on Facebook -- take it off," said Richard Phillips, owner of Advantage Career Solutions. At the same time, find industry blogs and forums and start contributing comments.
* Ask for help. "Ask everyone for one thing they would suggest you do if they were in your shoes," Adoradio said. "It seems to reveal things that you wouldn't have thought to ask."
* Become active in a professional association. This means doing more than paying dues and showing up for meetings. Find a way to help: For example, perhaps you can organize expert speakers in your field to be on a panel. It will boost your resume, build you self-esteem and give you valuable connections. "You're building up relationships with people who are going to hire you," Ullrich said.
* Take a class or get a certificate. This is especially helpful if it teaches you a skill -- new technology that's being used in your field, for example -- that you don't already have.
* Take on a new project at work. It should be "something that lets you add something new to your resume," Phillips said. "Think in terms of the resume that you're going to be writing. What do you want to have on there that isn't on there now?"
* Be flexible. You may not want to commute more than 10 miles, but being willing to bend a bit will open up more opportunities. It will also make you a more attractive candidate because it signals to employers that you're able to handle change.
Who's Still Hiring?
In the midst of economic meltdown, where are the jobs? Surprisingly, they're still out there, if you know where to look. And there were a few surprises.
For the fourth year in a row, Experience, Inc. took the pulse of Gen Y'ers as they set out to find their first jobs after graduating from college. The 2008 Job Placement Survey, which ran from mid-May through September, polled close to 650 young professionals about the jobs they landed after graduation. The survey covered everything from job functions to industries and from salary range to reasons for taking the job in the first place. Given our current economic climate, and especially considering a related independent study also released recently, we've found some pretty interesting things.
2008's Big Five
Looking at job offers extended so far in 2008, we found that 10 industries that placed candidates represented nearly 60 percent of all industries still doing significant hiring. With some slight adjustments, three of this year's top five hiring industries (Education, Finance/Banking and Accounting) were also in the top five in our 2007 Job Placement Survey. In 2008, we've seen an increase in placement in the Technology and Health-Care verticals, as well as jobs at Non-Profits and in Government.
So what does all of this tell us? Well, let's put it this way: of the 650 Gen Y'ers polled, nearly a fifth of them took jobs in education. A substantial number of 20-somethings are teachers or hold related job roles in education. While it's been pretty much a given that finance/banking jobs no longer rule the sphere, these respondents' job placements have confirmed those trends -- and as a result, those candidates actively pursued jobs outside the finance and accounting industries and are looking into other sectors.
The numbers don't lie. Finance and banking opportunities for young talent are dwindling, and the market is only getting tighter for young grads.
Roles that Cross Industry Lines
When it comes to the roles that they play in different industries, new hires in 2008 topped the job functions list with Engineering at close to 9 percent. Following were Teaching/Education (8.3 percent), Accounting/Auditing (6 percent), Finance (5.9 percent) and Sales (5.2 percent). Analysts also appeared in the top 10, as did marketers, researchers, consultants and administrative staffers. Compared to last year, 2008's job functions signal a pretty drastic change, as the top two functions -- engineering and accounting -- each dropped in half, from 18.8 percent and 12 percent respectively.
Though employers are most definitely feeling the pinch all around, the glut of entry-level workers represents a tremendous opportunity for candidates willing to move beyond industry lines and pursue the best match possible for their specific job functions. In this competitive landscape, job seekers must consider branching out in new directions.
by Mark Kaefer, Experience.com
For the fourth year in a row, Experience, Inc. took the pulse of Gen Y'ers as they set out to find their first jobs after graduating from college. The 2008 Job Placement Survey, which ran from mid-May through September, polled close to 650 young professionals about the jobs they landed after graduation. The survey covered everything from job functions to industries and from salary range to reasons for taking the job in the first place. Given our current economic climate, and especially considering a related independent study also released recently, we've found some pretty interesting things.
2008's Big Five
Looking at job offers extended so far in 2008, we found that 10 industries that placed candidates represented nearly 60 percent of all industries still doing significant hiring. With some slight adjustments, three of this year's top five hiring industries (Education, Finance/Banking and Accounting) were also in the top five in our 2007 Job Placement Survey. In 2008, we've seen an increase in placement in the Technology and Health-Care verticals, as well as jobs at Non-Profits and in Government.
So what does all of this tell us? Well, let's put it this way: of the 650 Gen Y'ers polled, nearly a fifth of them took jobs in education. A substantial number of 20-somethings are teachers or hold related job roles in education. While it's been pretty much a given that finance/banking jobs no longer rule the sphere, these respondents' job placements have confirmed those trends -- and as a result, those candidates actively pursued jobs outside the finance and accounting industries and are looking into other sectors.
The numbers don't lie. Finance and banking opportunities for young talent are dwindling, and the market is only getting tighter for young grads.
Roles that Cross Industry Lines
When it comes to the roles that they play in different industries, new hires in 2008 topped the job functions list with Engineering at close to 9 percent. Following were Teaching/Education (8.3 percent), Accounting/Auditing (6 percent), Finance (5.9 percent) and Sales (5.2 percent). Analysts also appeared in the top 10, as did marketers, researchers, consultants and administrative staffers. Compared to last year, 2008's job functions signal a pretty drastic change, as the top two functions -- engineering and accounting -- each dropped in half, from 18.8 percent and 12 percent respectively.
Though employers are most definitely feeling the pinch all around, the glut of entry-level workers represents a tremendous opportunity for candidates willing to move beyond industry lines and pursue the best match possible for their specific job functions. In this competitive landscape, job seekers must consider branching out in new directions.
by Mark Kaefer, Experience.com
10 Do's and Don'ts for a Stealthy Job Search
If you've got a job, you probably want to hold on to it until you find another one, even if it's less than ideal. But remember, in most states, employment is at-will, meaning you can be fired for almost any reason (so long as it is not discriminatory) -- including looking for a new position.
So how can a job seeker tap the full power of her network without blowing her cover with her boss? Use these tips from national workplace columnist and career advisor Liz Ryan (asklizryan.com) to keep your job search under wraps.
Do...
1. Tell your people -- in person.
Ryan believes your network is your best resource for finding new opportunities, but she cautions: "Because even our most well-meaning friends can inadvertently spill the beans in unfortunate ways, it's best to share this news in person, while you're looking in someone's eyes." This will allow you to stress how important discretion is.
2. Mix and mingle.
Start going to face-to-face networking events to expand your network. To keep things discrete, Ryan advises, "Don't announce, 'I'm job-hunting!' Instead, tell other attendees, 'I work for XYZ company doing A, B, and C. Of course, like everyone else, I've got my eyes open right now!'"
3. Build your profile to raise your profile.
Network from the comfort of your own home by expanding your LinkedIn profile (or creating one if you don't already have one). She says, "Build your LinkedIn profile and your LinkedIn network by inviting friends and colleagues -- all but the people you work with right now -- to join your network."
4. Tap your resources when doing research.
When thinking about where you want to work next, Ryan says look first to your network. "Begin to research employers and reach out to them through trusted friends and colleagues who either work there now, used to work there, or know people who can make introductions to the employer for you."
5. Expand your network and knowledge online.
Another way to build your network is to participate in online discussion groups. Ryan reveals, "Look for groups devoted to job-search and career topics, such as the 'Ask Liz Ryan' Yahoo! Group, to grow your knowledge base and contacts."
Don't...
1. Broadcast your intentions.
Ryan strongly advises job seekers to avoid any means of broadcast communications. "If you use a LinkedIn broadcast message or a group email to tell friends you're job hunting, there's an excellent chance that someone will not read it carefully and inadvertently tip your hand to the wrong people." She also reminds folks with a vested interest in secrecy not to list their job-hunting status on any social-networking sites.
2. Find out how you'll fare at a job fair.
Job fairs are attracting record numbers of attendees. If you are among them, there's a strong possibility you could run into someone who knows both you and your current employer, creating an awkward situation that could cost you your job. Therefore, says Ryan, "Avoid attending job fairs as a method to meet prospective employers."
3. Count on coworkers.
Keep your search a secret from even your most trusted colleagues. Ryan says, "Asking
current coworkers for help or advice with your job search puts them in a bad situation, torn between loyalty to you and their paycheck. Don't ask them to do that."
4. Blindly respond to blind ads.
Employers often use blind advertisements to attempt to find a replacement for a current employee who does not yet know he is about to be fired. Responding to one, then, puts you in jeopardy of applying to the very company for which you work (perhaps even for your very job!). Even if it isn't the same position or a lateral one, Ryan says, "Don't send your resume to any blind job ads in which the employer is not clearly identified."
5. Give out references at your current company.
It's hard to get a job without references. In fact, solid references are often what seals the deal. However, you shouldn't use your current team members or supervisors as references. Ryan notes, "You'll use these folks as reference-givers down the road, but while you're still working at XYZ Corp, it's not ethical or appropriate to ask XYZ-affiliated people to recommend you for a different job."
So how can a job seeker tap the full power of her network without blowing her cover with her boss? Use these tips from national workplace columnist and career advisor Liz Ryan (asklizryan.com) to keep your job search under wraps.
Do...
1. Tell your people -- in person.
Ryan believes your network is your best resource for finding new opportunities, but she cautions: "Because even our most well-meaning friends can inadvertently spill the beans in unfortunate ways, it's best to share this news in person, while you're looking in someone's eyes." This will allow you to stress how important discretion is.
2. Mix and mingle.
Start going to face-to-face networking events to expand your network. To keep things discrete, Ryan advises, "Don't announce, 'I'm job-hunting!' Instead, tell other attendees, 'I work for XYZ company doing A, B, and C. Of course, like everyone else, I've got my eyes open right now!'"
3. Build your profile to raise your profile.
Network from the comfort of your own home by expanding your LinkedIn profile (or creating one if you don't already have one). She says, "Build your LinkedIn profile and your LinkedIn network by inviting friends and colleagues -- all but the people you work with right now -- to join your network."
4. Tap your resources when doing research.
When thinking about where you want to work next, Ryan says look first to your network. "Begin to research employers and reach out to them through trusted friends and colleagues who either work there now, used to work there, or know people who can make introductions to the employer for you."
5. Expand your network and knowledge online.
Another way to build your network is to participate in online discussion groups. Ryan reveals, "Look for groups devoted to job-search and career topics, such as the 'Ask Liz Ryan' Yahoo! Group, to grow your knowledge base and contacts."
Don't...
1. Broadcast your intentions.
Ryan strongly advises job seekers to avoid any means of broadcast communications. "If you use a LinkedIn broadcast message or a group email to tell friends you're job hunting, there's an excellent chance that someone will not read it carefully and inadvertently tip your hand to the wrong people." She also reminds folks with a vested interest in secrecy not to list their job-hunting status on any social-networking sites.
2. Find out how you'll fare at a job fair.
Job fairs are attracting record numbers of attendees. If you are among them, there's a strong possibility you could run into someone who knows both you and your current employer, creating an awkward situation that could cost you your job. Therefore, says Ryan, "Avoid attending job fairs as a method to meet prospective employers."
3. Count on coworkers.
Keep your search a secret from even your most trusted colleagues. Ryan says, "Asking
current coworkers for help or advice with your job search puts them in a bad situation, torn between loyalty to you and their paycheck. Don't ask them to do that."
4. Blindly respond to blind ads.
Employers often use blind advertisements to attempt to find a replacement for a current employee who does not yet know he is about to be fired. Responding to one, then, puts you in jeopardy of applying to the very company for which you work (perhaps even for your very job!). Even if it isn't the same position or a lateral one, Ryan says, "Don't send your resume to any blind job ads in which the employer is not clearly identified."
5. Give out references at your current company.
It's hard to get a job without references. In fact, solid references are often what seals the deal. However, you shouldn't use your current team members or supervisors as references. Ryan notes, "You'll use these folks as reference-givers down the road, but while you're still working at XYZ Corp, it's not ethical or appropriate to ask XYZ-affiliated people to recommend you for a different job."
The Best Format for Your Resume
Many job seekers agonize over which resume format to use -- chronological or functional? Will choosing one format over the other impact the effectiveness of the resume? Yes it can, but not in the way that most job seekers think it will.
The two types of resume formats are very different. Chronological format details the job history in reverse time order, starting with the most recent position and working backwards. This format is the one that most recruiters and hiring managers prefer.
Chronological Format
Benefits to using a chronological resume include:
* Shows your results. The reader can specifically see when and where a candidate achieved results. The guess work is eliminated.
* Shows your range. A chronological format highlights flexibility. Many job seekers have held varying positions over their careers, often in different functions, and roles. A good strategy is to showcase that diversity.
* Shows your record of success. The progression of a candidate's career, records of promotion, and increases in responsibility are shown clearly. These attest to a candidate's performance record and drive to succeed.
Some job seekers worry about employment. Small gaps in employment (a year or less) are common these days. Layoffs, mergers, and acquisitions impact nearly everyone's lives. Handled strategically, they can be minimized in a chronological resume.
Functional Format
Also known as a "skills resume" it has the content arranged according to performance type and function. A human resource professional for example, might divide his/her skills into categories such as Employee Training, Benefits Management, and Workforce Development. Under each category, the relevant information would be listed or described.
A brief work history listing comes at the end of the document listing job title, employer, and dates. I've seen some functional resumes with no employment dates at all. That is a big mistake.
A functional format is generally chosen when attempting to make a career change or to minimize a career blemish. Often, the functional format is used when a large span of time is missing from the work history.
Problems associated with the functional resume:
* Where's the information? Recruiters and hiring managers dislike hunting for information. They want to see past performance, and understand your background.
* What's the context? The functional format takes away all frames of reference. A candidate might claim attaining a record breaking sales contract but the reader is unable to place that in context in terms of time and employer. Was that success in sales recent or ten years ago? It's difficult to tell in a functional resume.
* What's the problem? Recruiters and hiring managers know that the functional format is often used to try to cover something up. The functional format serves as a red flag -- "What is this candidate trying to hide?" The use of the format to overcome a detriment actually serves to draw attention to it.
Today's job seeker is wise to stick with the chronological format as it provides the necessary information to urge the reader to contact the candidate for an interview.
Alesia Benedict, Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and Job and Career Transition Coach (JCTC), is the president of GetInterviews.com, a resume writing firm that provides mid-management and senior level professionals with customized, branded resumes and career marketing documents. GetInterviews.com offers a free resume critique, and their services come with a guarantee -- interviews in 30 days or they'll rewrite for free!
The two types of resume formats are very different. Chronological format details the job history in reverse time order, starting with the most recent position and working backwards. This format is the one that most recruiters and hiring managers prefer.
Chronological Format
Benefits to using a chronological resume include:
* Shows your results. The reader can specifically see when and where a candidate achieved results. The guess work is eliminated.
* Shows your range. A chronological format highlights flexibility. Many job seekers have held varying positions over their careers, often in different functions, and roles. A good strategy is to showcase that diversity.
* Shows your record of success. The progression of a candidate's career, records of promotion, and increases in responsibility are shown clearly. These attest to a candidate's performance record and drive to succeed.
Some job seekers worry about employment. Small gaps in employment (a year or less) are common these days. Layoffs, mergers, and acquisitions impact nearly everyone's lives. Handled strategically, they can be minimized in a chronological resume.
Functional Format
Also known as a "skills resume" it has the content arranged according to performance type and function. A human resource professional for example, might divide his/her skills into categories such as Employee Training, Benefits Management, and Workforce Development. Under each category, the relevant information would be listed or described.
A brief work history listing comes at the end of the document listing job title, employer, and dates. I've seen some functional resumes with no employment dates at all. That is a big mistake.
A functional format is generally chosen when attempting to make a career change or to minimize a career blemish. Often, the functional format is used when a large span of time is missing from the work history.
Problems associated with the functional resume:
* Where's the information? Recruiters and hiring managers dislike hunting for information. They want to see past performance, and understand your background.
* What's the context? The functional format takes away all frames of reference. A candidate might claim attaining a record breaking sales contract but the reader is unable to place that in context in terms of time and employer. Was that success in sales recent or ten years ago? It's difficult to tell in a functional resume.
* What's the problem? Recruiters and hiring managers know that the functional format is often used to try to cover something up. The functional format serves as a red flag -- "What is this candidate trying to hide?" The use of the format to overcome a detriment actually serves to draw attention to it.
Today's job seeker is wise to stick with the chronological format as it provides the necessary information to urge the reader to contact the candidate for an interview.
Alesia Benedict, Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and Job and Career Transition Coach (JCTC), is the president of GetInterviews.com, a resume writing firm that provides mid-management and senior level professionals with customized, branded resumes and career marketing documents. GetInterviews.com offers a free resume critique, and their services come with a guarantee -- interviews in 30 days or they'll rewrite for free!
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