Job Search Advice for the Unemployed and Over 40 » Blog | Great Resumes Fast

If you’re unemployed and over 40, it can feel like a “double whammy” of trouble for you in the job search, but it doesn’t have to be a negative.

First of all, unemployment is a temporary status that you are going to change. Don’t be ashamed of that. Many people (especially right now) face some period of unemployment in their careers, and it’s not a big deal. It only takes one phone call, one interview, or one job offer to make the difference.

If you’re changing careers, don’t be afraid of that, either. Internships, job shadowing, learning new skill sets, and the like can feel strange to someone who’s been in the workforce for a while already, but they shouldn’t.

40 is the new 30. You have a lot of years left in the workforce, and you should absolutely be doing something you enjoy, and something that you are compensated for commensurate with what you do for the organization.

via greatresumesfast.com

Posted via email from AndyWergedal

Helping Your Network to Help You (Find A Job) » Blog | Great Resumes Fast

Remember the infamous scene in Jerry McGuire where Tom Cruise is standing in a locker room, begging Cuba Gooding Jr. to stop shooting his own career in the foot? You know the line: “Help me help you!”

Many of us have family and friends who don’t really understand what we do for a living. I personally have a cousin who can’t explain her own husband’s job. We often recognize that those around us don’t really appreciate our professions, but in some cases it seems easier to just let them say “Oh, he does computer stuff”, or “She’s some kind of an accountant.” However, not explaining what you do to those closest to you can come back to bite you when it comes time to search for a job.

Let’s say you’re a Web designer and your aunt lovingly refers to you as a “computer guy”. Your aunt may also know that her next door neighbor is a “computer guy”. Suppose that, in trying to help you out, she badgers her neighbor and finally convinces him to talk to you about a job. It’s very nice of her to be looking out for you; but unfortunately, if the neighbor runs a company that manufactures microchips for cell phones, this contact might turn out to be a waste of everyone’s time and energy.

17 Tips for Building Your Network Online - Careers Articles

Online networking has revolutionized the way people build and maintain relationships and search for jobs. Imagine being able to go into the offices of everyone you know and search through their Rolodex or have a conversation with dozens of people from all over the world, all from the comfort of your keyboard. That is the power of online networking.

Here are some tips on how to maximize your online presence, build meaningful relationships, and connect with people who may be able to help you in your search.

CAREER ADVICE COLUMN: What are Jobs that Require Great People Skills? | Career Rocketeer - Career Search and Personal Branding Blog

Not to be flip but - all of them. OK, serious answer. There are many jobs that truly benefit by someone having great people skills, here are some off the top of my head: teachers, nurses, sales people, manager, clergy, customer service, coaches, counselors, HR - manager or employee support, marketing, non profits development, receptionist, wait staff, airline attendants, volunteer coordinator, bar tender, purchasing agents, logistic coordinator, project manager. Wheww! I would suggest you check the Occupational Outlook (do a Google search) it is a great source for finding out detailed information about jobs, skills and education along with fairly detailed descriptions of how the job is performed.

via careerrocketeer.com

Posted via email from AndyWergedal

Networking Without A Purpose Is Just Socializing | Tim's Strategy

Last night I shared one of my favorite presentations. With one of the best career networking resource groups in Orange County and likely one of the best in the world.

Saddleback Church is well known for its popular pastor, Rick Warren. His huge bestselling book called “The Purpose Driven Life”. And their their newest site called The Peace Plan.

But its career ministry might be the hidden gem. A huge group of volunteers ready to support people who really need help in this economy.

via timsstrategy.com

Posted via email from AndyWergedal

$12,000 Career Mistake : CAREEREALISM

By CAREEREALISM Founder, J.T. O’Donnell

Last week over at ABC News, career journalist, Michelle Goodman wrote an article highlighting a job seeker who recently made a $12,000 career mistake. I’ve heard several similar stories lately. There are 2 career truths in the new economy impacting us directly. You may not want to believe them, but sooner or later, you’ll see the following applies to us all:

1. EVERY job is temporary.

2. NOBODY should job search alone.

Okay, so the recession has proved the first truth, but have you really come to understand the second?

via careerealism.com

Posted via email from AndyWergedal

Job Interview Strategies: Turning Desperation Into Confidence | Brand-Yourself.com Blog

More times than I wish to remember, I have scoured through resume after resume in search of good candidates for a job. Once I had my list, and did my due diligence on each of them, I would strive to find at least 10 solid candidates to contact. And once I did, I went to the next step – the telephone screenings.

via blog.brand-yourself.com

Posted via email from AndyWergedal