Career Articles

Could You Be an Engineer? 5 Lucrative Career Paths

2009-01-03T14:04:00.000-08:00

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.

6 Jobs That Thrive When the Economy Falters

2009-01-03T13:50:00.000-08:00

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.

6 Essentials for Finding a New Job

2009-01-03T13:45:00.000-08:00

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.

8 Ways to Make Yourself More Marketable

2009-01-03T13:15:00.000-08:00

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.

Who's Still Hiring?

2009-01-03T13:10:00.000-08:00

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

10 Do's and Don'ts for a Stealthy Job Search

2009-01-03T13:06:00.000-08:00

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."

The Best Format for Your Resume

2009-01-03T13:01:00.000-08:00

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!

Job-Search Rejection? No Sweat.

2009-01-03T12:57:00.000-08:00

Success in job search is easy to deal with. A job offer feels good, it validates us, and allows us to move forward in life. It's what we all want and strive for. But for most job seekers, our successes are infrequent. They're sandwiched between boatloads of indifference, rejection, and apparent failure. If you've been hunting for a job very long, you know what I'm talking about. The job search is one big exercise in rejection until you win that job you've been pursuing.

So, what can you do when you get rejected?

Here are five survival tips for dealing with those vast and daunting oceans of rejection and failure that encircle the tiny islands of success that we all seek.

Put on Your Sales Hat

Any successful commission-driven salesperson knows that success is a numbers game. Sales people know that every rejection is just one step closer to success. With this attitude, you know that rejection leads to success, and you can put rejection into perspective. Just keep going. Count up those rejections, and know that you're one step closer to success -- and a good job offer.

Keep the End in Sight

Step back and observe your job search process from a larger viewpoint. You may feel that you're wandering in the desert and that you can't see the solution or find the right job, but know that your search is finite. You will, sooner or later, find employment that's right for you. Accept that you're in a process, and let yourself live with the questions. One day you will grow into the answers, and you will find the right job for you.

Be Grateful

When you lose out on a job opportunity, it is because it wasn't the right job for you. You do not want to win a job that is wrong for you. I can think of at least four jobs that I was rejected from in my own past. I remember feeling dejected and depressed at the time because I felt each one was the "perfect opportunity" for me.

As so often happens, the irony of life plays itself out. I later realized that, for various reasons, none of those jobs would have worked for me. Because of later events in the economy and my own life, I realized I would have failed in all of those jobs. The flip side was that less than two months later, I found and accepted an opportunity that allowed me huge career growth and financial reward beyond my expectations.

Try this: set a goal and hold a vision of what you want. Then give it time. Always set your intention with the words "or better." You can say, "I win job X job or better." Admit that you don't really know which job is right for you. Know that the right job will come to you. This will alleviate some anxiety.

Activity Over Passivity

Do something every day to further your search. Positive action diminishes anxiety and other negative feelings. To prevail in today's competitive job-search process, it requires an iron will and determination that you will not be defeated. Remind yourself daily that you will prevail and succeed at this challenge.

If you're really serious about finding employment, become more proactive. Stretch yourself. Get out of your comfort zone and aggressively seek out the "hidden" job market. It's been estimated that over half of job hires come from sources other than Internet job postings or recruiters. This is the segment known informally as "inside referrals."

What's your game plan for tapping into this market? There are many approaches involving direct marketing, personal branding, and networking. Whatever approach you choose, develop a concerted action-based game plan with the expectation that you're going to win. Job search is tough enough. Don't isolate yourself behind a computer screen.

I Don't Need This Job

As one HR director once told me, "We can smell blood five miles away." Lose the emotions of "desperation" and "defeat" in your interviews. Sure, one particular opportunity may look great walking in, but remember this: you may need a lot of things in life but you don't need this job. Register this in your brain.

Also remember that the employer has a problem, not a job. Think of the interview as a problem-solving opportunity with this hiring manager. It allows you to focus on what the employer needs, not your needs. Now you're able to sell yourself in the many specific ways you can help solve their problem. That's all they really care about. Once done, you gain their attention, respect and desire to know more about you. You can't get there by walking in wounded and bloody with anxiety and desperation.

As a recruiter, Joe Turner has spent the past 15 years finding and placing top candidates in some of the best jobs of their careers. Author of "Job Search Secrets Unlocked" and "Paycheck 911," Joe has interviewed on radio talk shows and offers free insider job search secrets at jobchangesecrets.com.

Recruiter Roundtable: Keys to Success in 2009

2009-01-03T12:51:00.000-08:00

The Recruiter Roundtable is a monthly feature that collects career and job-seeking advice from a group of recruiting experts throughout the United States. The question we put before our panel this month is:

In light of the troubling economic climate and tightening job market, what is the one thing that job-seekers must do in order to be successful in landing a good job in 2009?

Exhaust All Options

Tell everyone you know about the type of position you are looking for, network online and at industry events, go on informational interviews, work with a recruiting firm, take on temporary assignments, and be flexible when meeting with prospective employers.

When developing your cover letter and resume, quantify the value of your contributions to previous employers, including how you helped cut costs, reduce inefficiencies or improve profitability. There are opportunities available, but job seekers will have to work harder to find them and cannot afford to leave even one stone unturned.
-- DeLynn Senna, executive director of North American permanent placement services, Robert Half International

Network With Smarts

Candidates must be building and strengthening their network -- ideally before it's needed. Find networking events to go find other like-minded individuals and connectors. Build your online presence through your social networks and be an active participant in the community. And remember to give more than take -- share your knowledge, help others be better, and invest time in building strong, long-lasting relationships. These are the relationships that could turn into future job leads.
-- Lindsay Olson, partner, Paradigm Staffing

Flexibility Is Key

Stay open to opportunities in new or related industries, companies of a different size, or in a different location; and be aware that with the advent of technology, a new location just may be your home office.

Be flexible. You may or may not have to travel a bit more, take a different title, or give up some of the perks you've had in the past to assume your new role. All things being equal, if you're flexible around these topics you're chances of getting hired increase considerably.
-- Cheryl Ferguson, recruiter, The Recruiter's Studio

Diversify and Listen

My advice is two-fold: Be ready to diversify the ways in which you communicate your experiences AND listen well.

First, make a laundry list, just for yourself, of all the projects, contributions, ideas, etc., from your last three positions. This is what's not on your resume. It jogs your memory about how you have differentiated yourself. You'll recall and distill examples of your success, and you'll be ready for more questions.

Second, listen closely to what the recruiter and/or hiring manager is asking you. They are looking for something very particular, whether the opportunity is leadership or entry-level. Walking someone through your resume or citing examples that they're not seeking could hinder your ability to seem specific to their job. You want to be very clear about your transferable skills and your willingness to adapt to their environment.
-- Ross Pasquale, recruiting/sourcing consultant, Monday Ventures

Tailor Your Resume

The most important thing that job seekers must do in 2009 to be successful is to diversify the content of their resumes based on the roles that they are applying for. For example, a job seeker may have worked in the past as a Java engineer, and also obtained project management along the way. However, a resume that is oriented strongly toward being a Java engineer has only a slight chance of being considered for a project-manager position.

For job seekers to increase their chances at success, they should shape their resumes to reflect relevant matching skills with the job posting(s) they are applying to. By doing so, a recruiter and/or hiring manager will more easily understand how a job seeker's past experiences apply to the posted role. This method increases the chance of being considered a strong candidate, receiving an interview, and, ultimately, a new position.
-- Joanna Samuels, senior account manager, GravityPeople

10 Professional Resolutions for the New Year

2009-01-03T12:13:00.000-08:00

The end of the year typically prompts people to reflect on what they've accomplished in the last 12 months -- and what they might do better in the coming 12 months. Have the lessons of a tumultuous 2008 informed how you will approach 2009? Have you even thought that far ahead yet?

If you're still bogged down with shopping bags and thoughts of Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa, consider borrowing one of these 10 resolutions from professionals who have already decided what they will focus on in the new year.

In 2009, I resolve to ...

1. Focus on passion, not the passing of days.
Holistic health counselor Trish Balbert shares, "I am going back to school for my Ph.D. in clinical psychology. It will be at least six years before I finish, and a lot of people have balked at that. They comment that it's such a long time, but my feeling is six years are going to pass one way or another. What do I want to have at the end of them? Would I rather spend them doing something I only mostly like or sort of like? Or would I rather spend them doing something that I really like that's going to get me doing something I really love?"

2. Take better advantage of your talents.
Just as the cobbler's children often have no shoes, advertising executive Jim Ellis's agency, Ellis + Potter Advertising, has been so busy providing marketing solutions for clients that they've neglected their own marketing. Ellis says, "In 2009, we resolve to ramp up our website and use its inherent strengths and benefits as more of a new business building tool to create opportunities."

3. Ignore the hype.
Tired of all the bad news? Tune it out! Jennifer DeSpagna, director of Timber Lake West Camp, says, "Well, I don't know if you would call this a resolution, but as my boss put it, 'We are choosing not to participate in this recession!' That is where I'll be coming from in 2009!"

4. Let someone else sweat the small stuff.
Lisa Steadman, also known as "The Relationship Journalist" and founder of Breakupchronicles.com, is ready to grow her business in 2009 -- with a little help. "I resolve to spend more time working ON my business and less time working IN my business. I've already hired a virtual assistant who does amazing work, and I am in the process of interviewing a part-time office assistant that my husband and I can share between our businesses."

5. Raise my profile.
Maya Kalman, president of Swank Productions, a Manhattan-based event-planning agency, shares, "My resolution is to do more publicity and public relations this year. I'm going to focus on doing more press -- because press equals exposure, which equals money!" She adds, "I'm also focusing on staying positive to move the company in the right direction, despite the current economy."

6. Spend money to make more money.
Brooklyn photographer Michael Harlan Turkell, who specializes in the culinary arts, reveals, "I've realized you have to spend money to make money. I had to turn down a lot of jobs this year because I didn't have a commercial space, but I realize how much more productive I could have been with an actual space."

As a freelancer, however, cash flow is always a concern, so Turkell is also on a quest to find a CPA who can help him spend wisely over the course of the year. "Right now, it's about not knowing what to spend and I'm investigating how a quarterly schedule might work best for a freelancer."

7. Recharge to continue to charge ahead.
Daisy Swan, a career coach and strategist and president of Daisy Swan & Associates, promises, "This past year taught me that taking time to regroup and recharge is essential to being able to give my gifts and effectively wear all of the hats that I wear every day! I vow to take time each week (and I do now) to meditate, connect with a larger, greater picture of my life to get centered and present. I know that tuning into the intuition and energy that I am informed by will aid me in making important decisions in the new year that is guaranteed to be loaded with new adventures."

8. Commit to getting commitments.
National workplace columnist and career advisor Liz Ryan admits her resolution took her by surprise. "It's become evident that this year more than ever before, lots and lots of people are scared witless at the prospect of launching a job search. I wish I had seen that sooner. A job-search advisor like me needs not only to share tips, methods, and moral support, but to hold a job seeker to a set of commitments to overcome that 'Oh, goodness, no! Anything but more job-search activity!' inertia."

9. Find the 'hire' power.
Michelle Madhok, founder of Shefinds.com, a popular online shopping blog, is not going to suffer poor performers and will take more time in trying to separate the wheat from the chaff. She says, "This year I will hire slow and fire fast. I will not settle for average employees!"

10. Avoid taking business matters personally.
Career coach Hallie Crawford, author of "Flying Solo: Career Transition Tips for Singles," was inspired by a key line from "The Godfather" film for her resolution. She says, "My resolution is to: Remember it's business, not personal. My peers', clients' or co-workers' decisions are not always about me as a person!"