The recent push for more vocational training in high schools is a sign that Americans are recognizing what skills are valuable in the workforce. There has long been a negative stigma attached to vocational training, as it seemed geared for students who weren’t headed for college; in other words, it was made for “non-academic” students. However, the recent boom in community college enrollment shows that more students every year are recognizing the value of specialized training. In the past year, Indiana’s community college network, Ivy Tech, surpassed the state’s college network in enrollment, while in the deepest part of a long, state recession. The shift in focus is not a loss for the academic, just acknowledgment of value.

The skills taught in high school vocational settings are not as advanced as those in community colleges, vocational technology schools or apprenticeships, but they start students on an early path to a successful career. Courses in electrician skills, carpentry, and auto-mechanical skills have been the mainstays for decades. Recently, courses in Nursing, Computer Aided Design, materials processing and basic engineering skills have been added to curricula across the nation, showing that vocational training isn’t entirely non-academic. In fact, the physical and chemical knowledge required of many auto-mechanics and electricians today surpasses the theory taught in science class settings.

This push for vocational education is coming at a time of high unemployment and a seemingly stagnant economy. Students graduating with traditional, academic degrees are finding it exceedingly difficult to apply their knowledge to employment while a less educated competitor can show greater specialized skill in a similar field. A four year biology degree is great, but when an individual with two years of Nursing school and experience competes for the same medical lab job, experience and demonstrated skill take precedence.

As parents and educators look toward the future, the career landscape is changing before their eyes. Academic degrees seem to be precursors for graduate and doctoral programs more than a solid career. For this reason, many urban schools have partnered with community colleges and technical schools to provide alternative curricula for students who already know what kind of field they want to go into. Rather than wait until graduation at age 18 to pursue a license or degree in Nursing, Aviation Mechanics or Culinary Arts, students as young as 15 and 16 are given the opportunity to take some courses in their chosen profession.

This provides students with a tool more valuable than just the education and experience to get a career: it provides a certainty that is lacking among many higher education students. Many students graduate from college with little or no idea what to do with their newfound degrees. Students who set a course for themselves in high school have a path set, with clear objectives along the way. Parents and educators alike love this focus because it allows a student to truly appreciate his or her education, and every teacher knows that a motivated student is an “A” student.

Vocational training is not for non-academic students. Vocational training is for students whose academic goals are not the traditional liberal arts, “jack of all trades” programs available for so many years. Their goals are set, focused and ready to go. As parents, educators and employers, we should embrace and encourage that spirit.

The unemployment rate in the United States continues to be a concern for many – especially those seeking employment. Standard job hunting practices such as filling out online job applications and scanning the classified advertisements in newspapers may not result in securing a job. These difficult employment times call for unique and creative job hunting tactics.

It’s been reported that less than 60 to 70% of available positions are actually advertised. This is especially true in the current employment climate. There’s a lot of competition for existing jobs and employers have the advantage of being highly selective when choosing among job candidates. Part of creative job hunting involves locating jobs that aren’t necessarily advertised to the masses.

Networking
Networking is one of the oldest and most effective job search methods. This tactic involves using the contacts within your life to get the word out that you are seeking employment. These contacts include the following:

• Friends
• Relatives
• Parents of friends
• Former teachers, professors, and tutors
• Career counselors
• Prior co-workers and supervisors
• Community contacts such as your doctor, hairdresser, and church members
• Members of clubs or organizations you belong to
• Members of professional organizations linked with the job you’re interested in landing
• New people that you meet

Those seeking employment need to get the word out to these people that they are looking for a job. It’s a good idea to have resumes available to circulate to these people so these contacts are aware of what you are looking for and the qualifications that you possess. This is a powerful job search tool that’s easily overlooked by those looking for employment. Don’t forget to “pay it forward” by offering help when you can to those who have helped you along your job search journey.

Focus on Hot Career Industries
There are top job lists published frequently. Those searching for jobs should pay close attention to the industries that are included in these lists. Healthcare is a growing industry at this time. Even those who aren’t trained as medical personnel should consider applying for jobs in this sector. Individuals with clerical skills could land a job in a business office. Those with a background in janitorial services may find a job in the housekeeping department of a healthcare facility.

Research Prospective Employers
Individuals granted a job interview during the job search process need to be extremely prepared so they have an advantage over the competition applying for the same position. It’s wise to research and ascertain all they can about the company they are interviewing with. This will help a job applicant point out to the employer how they can be an asset to the company. The internet makes this research much easier than in the past. Use websites and search engines to compile this information.

Volunteer Opportunities
Those searching for a job might want to consider volunteering their time at an organization while they are unemployed. This is an opportunity to expand their network of contacts. Volunteerism looks great on a resume. A volunteer position could even lead to a paid gig with the organization.

Make a Positive Impression
One of the greatest job search tactics involves making a positive impression on a potential employer. Dressing appropriately and being punctual for the interview are two no-brainers. Another way to really stand apart from others interviewing for a position requires sending a thank you note for the opportunity to interview with the company. This can be delivered via fax, mail, or e-mail but should be professional and brief. This gives candidates a chance to get their name in front of the hiring manager again and also demonstrates thoughtfulness and good etiquette. These qualities are typically desirable in the team members of a company.

Time for a Career Change
Those who have been hit hard by the unemployment statistics may consider attending a vocational or technical school to acquire the skills currently in demand in today’s job market. There are grants and other forms of assistance available that offer financial assistance. Visit a career counselor or a college counselor for an assessment of your skills and strengths. They can offer suggestions for careers that you may be well-suited to pursue. Consider carefully the availability of jobs in your area for any career path you decide to pursue.

In today’s job market it is imperative that you dress for success to nail your interview. You are up against fierce competition for each job you apply for so you must be at the top of your game every step of the way.

Dressing for your interview does not have to break the bank. You need one to two solid interview outfits. Make sure you keep them fresh and ready to go at a moments notice. You never know when you will be called in for an interview. Make sure that you have your shoes ready too. Make sure the heels are in good shape and that they are clean and polished. They do not have to be new. They just need to look cared for.

Check all the local stores, as well as the online stores, for special sales. When you buy your interview outfits you can try to coordinate them with each other so that you can mix and match. This way you can wear the same shoes and accessories with each of them. Women can purchase special 4 piece suits that have a jacket, pants, a skirt, and a shirt. This is perfect since you can mix it up since most times companies ask for more than one interview before making a final hiring decision.

If you do not have a lot of money, then take some time to scour thrift stores. Goodwill Industries is a great place to stop. These stores have lots of suits and career wear to choose from. You will have to look through lots of racks since they are usually not in size or color order, but it is worth it. You might find the shirt in one store and the jacket and pants in yet another one. Do not overlook an item if it is wrinkled because you can always iron it. Do not purchase anything that looks worn, is too old, or outdated. Remember, you want to look your best and dress in a way that is respectful and allows your potential employer to focus on your qualifications so you can land that job.

A resume is the most important part of a job search. Since this is how candidates make their first impression on potential employers, it should be perfect.

The simplest way to start is to use one you already have. If it has been a while since it was written, it is time to renovate your resume.

The resume should be typed onto a computer to allow for easy manipulation of information through a word processing program. You may want to retype it if the only thing available is a hard copy.

Software which creates ASCII text files or Microsoft Word documents will be the most user-friendly to the recipient if the resume is to be uploaded to a website or e-mailed, so choose accordingly.

When the resume file is ready for renovation, use the following steps to improve the presentation.

-Start at the top. Check that the name and address are current and spelled correctly.

-Verify employment dates to previous entries. Be as accurate as possible with beginning and ending month and year.

-Add jobs to the resume. The most recent should be listed first, with the rest following in chronological order. Use the word “present” to denote the ending date if currently employed.

-Read each entry carefully. Is it accurate? Does it make sense? Change words that don’t fit, being careful not to repeat the same ones frequently.

-Look for grammatical errors and ways to improve readability. Except for present employment, revise all verbs in job descriptions to past tense.

Take out any unnecessary words. Those that do not create a picture of what the work truly involved do not need to be there. Duties unrelated to the core job performed and the one being applied for can be removed.

-Consider whether you need an objective. If so, put it beneath the name and address. If one already exists, decide whether it still applies and adjust wording as needed.

-Check the length. Resumes more than one page in length may be discarded by potential employers. Anything half a page or less should be longer. Double space between entries and consistently double or triple space between topics.

-Compare formatting for each entry and make it consistent. Adjust font size to 10 or 12 point, standard size of most business letter print. The body text should be single spaced. Choose a simple font style, such as Arial, Courier or Times New Roman. More elaborate typeface may be difficult to read and may not translate properly on someone else’s computer software.

-Print the resume on paper to see how it looks. Adjust spacing or font issues.

-Proofread from beginning to end. Use a dictionary to double check any unfamiliar words. Correct any punctuation or spelling mistakes.

-Give it to a friend or family member to read. A fresh set of eyes may pick up errors that you missed.

Once renovated, your resume should create a positive first impression and promote a candidate employers will want to hire.

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Starting over in your career can be a daunting task. Looking for a new job after having left your previous one is like hiking up a bare mountain in snow shoes. However, there is hope for the new job or new career seeker if you keep your focus in the right place.

Starting over means going back to the beginning. But the beginning is a different place today than it was the last time you were there for several reasons. First, you are different. You have experiences that have changed you. New skills permeate your work abilities while wisdom gained through hardships has made you battle tested. Second, you are better, stronger, and better equipped to be a productive employee. Your working past has paved the way for a fruitful future. Finding a new beginning can be a blessing in disguise. Though you may fear the unknown, the known has plenty of reason to encourage you.

Consider the person you have grown to be. What are your abilities? How can you contribute to a team? What do you find challenging? What have you overcome that has made you the person you are today? Starting over means asking yourself these types of questions and pondering the answers wisely. Take time to process the past.

Make sure you don’t go it alone. Pick a few friends or colleagues who know you well and whose opinion you trust. Ask them what your best contributions are to a working environment, team, or company. Have them list your greatest strengths as well as the areas you need to grow in.

Put yourself in a position of warranted availability by re-tooling your job skills. Take a few classes; attend a workshop, seminar or conference; research what you need to take your career to the next level. Education can benefit not only your skills but your outlook. Training puts you on the road ahead of other job seekers.

After you discover what your strengths and contributions are and upgrade your skills through training or education, think through what else you might need to reach the pinnacle of your chosen career field. Or perhaps you’ve discovered that a new career is in order. That might sound scary, but if you’ve done your homework don’t shy away from the consequences.

After all, your goal is not merely getting a job. Yes, paying the bills is important, but paying the bills while seeking fulfillment is so much more gratifying.

The ultimate goal in starting over is attaining convergence. Convergence is the place on earth you were made for, the job opportunity that you uniquely deserve, the working context that only you and no other can fulfill. Convergence brings together your work history, your unique abilities, and your emotional capacity, combines it with all the hard work and perseverance you have uniquely endured, and enables you to be the real you.

You are on this planet to do something that no one else can do. Go find yourself. The journey continues.

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Many people are beginning to find that it is time for a new career. Nationwide, the unemployment rate has risen to 8.5%, but many states are hitting marks much higher. Some of the hardest hit states, like California, Florida, Texas, and North Carolina, have tens of thousands of people losing their jobs each month. With so many people losing their jobs, many are turning to find new career opportunities. Jobs are being created, and new careers are being built. People have to gain a new insight within the job market.

Even Now It May Be Time for a New Career

Many companies are hiring, but there are many more applicants than positions available. Just a few years ago, the economy seemed to be booming. Jobs were abundant, and workers could take their pick from a massive listing of jobs. Times have changed indeed. Now many workers are undergoing the painstaking task of applying for positions that they do not want in the hopes of possibly getting an interview. Many people are scouring the classifieds and finding jobs that pay much less than they feel they are worth. There are services available, though, that are providing a light in these times of financial darkness.

For those who find that it is time for a new career, whether it is because they were laid off or they just need a change of pace, can find the ideal career if they are persistent and research all methods of employment. Many new companies have emerged even in this time of recession. In order to advertise the jobs available, they are often posting them in online databases and through online classifieds. The cost of advertising through the Internet is much cheaper than traditional advertising. Advertising available jobs online is also beneficial to companies because more people have access to the information than printing ads in the help wanted section of the local newspaper.

Even though the unemployment rate has continued to rise, economists are seeing the numbers slow down from month to month. This trend is a glimmer of hope for those who are at risk of losing their jobs due to the economic crisis. This slowing of the unemployment rate also shows that economic change may be right around the corner. Those who are considering making a career change should keep their eyes open and continue to research the availability of jobs. This will allow those who feel it is time for a new career the advantage of having knowledge about the job market.

Many people have been forced to make a career change in the last few months, but many others are waiting for the right moment and career to come along. Only diligence and patience will reward those who truly want to make the choice of finding the right career. Times are tough for many people, but those who keep their eyes open and do their research are finding it easier to make that change. Playing it smart does not mean fearing change. It just means that all avenues should be explored.

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It is no secret that in today’s economy finding a job or keeping the job that you have is becoming increasingly more difficult. Employers are cutting back on jobs making it tough for someone out of work to find another decent paying job. How can workers protect their jobs in this economic climate?

Typically, when jobs are being cut, the first jobs that are eliminated are the unskilled, uneducated positions. Why is it this way? Employers are more concerned with the highly skilled employee because, quite honestly, they are the most valuable. Unskilled workers are the easiest ones to replace and, if the employer does need to fill open positions, the unskilled/untrained jobs are the quickest, fastest, and easiest to fill.

How does an employee protect themselves from job cuts? How does an unemployed worker prove to a potential employer that they are the applicant that the company could not do without? The answer to these two questions is the same; a worker needs to prove to the company that they are so valuable so, so indispensable that there is no way that the company could survive without them.

So how does a worker make themselves so valuable that employers can’t live without them? They acquire training, education, and skills that employers are looking for. In order to do that, employees are going to need to further their education. Many employees aren’t willing to take the time or effort to do that but, for those who are, it will, without a doubt, pay dividends many times over.

Virtually every study shows that employees furthering their education will make much more money over the course of their careers than those who don’t. However, any further education plans must be carefully calculated and mapped out in order to receive the most benefit. Check the occupational field that interests you, review the qualifications, and then go out and become the best qualified person for that position.

In order to illustrate this point, here are a couple of examples.
An apprentice electrician is looking to further their education, so they have decided to train to become a journeyman electrician. This will require passing a test, going to school and obtaining a license, but, in the long run, this will greatly improve their status with the company. Since apprentices can start work without any skills or experience, they can easily be replaced. On the other hand, since most jobs require that a journeyman oversee each site, they are much more valuable to a company and are less likely to be laid off.

An accountant is working for a firm where there are many other accountants and is concerned that there will be a lay off. Noticing that the company is in dire need of CPAs, the accountant embarks on a program to further their education and earn a CPA. This is a very smart move because a need was realized at the company and the qualifications were earned.
Furthering your education will improve your career.

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With millions already unemployed or underemployed and a half a million or more joining their ranks monthly, job seekers need to take advantage of every opportunity to improve their employ-ability odds. If your search for a job, or a better job is seems to be stalled, it could be a good time to launch an aggressive program to upgrade your knowledge and skills in your current field.
Or you could decide to get some training in another employment specialty with better prospects for job openings.

Even if your current financial situation position won’t allow you to enroll in standard degree courses from a college, university or technical school, there’s a wide range of free, online educational opportunities available via your connection to the Internet. Perhaps you owe it to yourself to check these programs out. It’s likely you’ll find one that suits your needs and interests and will make your educational background more attractive to the employment market.

As early as 2002, MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) began to make the teaching materials of many on their courses available to anyone over the Internet. Instructor lesson plans, notes, class exercises, reading references and even tests became available to anyone with access to the Internet. MIT’s approach was, at first, somewhat bare bones. But as the courses gained popularity the delivery became more complete and sophisticated, when such technologies as streaming videos and/or audio files came into use as a way to present the material to the online students.

The technical levels of online course construction still varies widely. Some courses are relatively low-tech with austere student/instructor interfaces. They may rely on a series of simple web pages or downloadable pdf files to deliver course materials, exercises and tests. Others are highly developed and employ streaming audio and video and multi-media as instructional delivery vehicles. This allows students to view lectures and get closer to the classroom environment.

The University of California at Berkley has a large, highly developed catalog of free online study. Biology, chemistry, computer programming, engineering, psychology and legal legal studies courses are some of the area of instruction available online. Most use podcasts and webcasts as a teaching tool. Other schools, like Standford, offer courses that can be downloaded to IPods, PCs and Macs and played back using ITunes.

What are the limitations? A major one is the courses offer no college credits. Even if you successfully navigate your way through a course, the time spent won’t contribute to an advanced degree. Also, many of the free courses aren’t custom designed to be presented online without personal interaction between the student and instructor. A student will need to be patient, and self-disciplined to get the most out of these offerings.

Though the courses don’t award college credits hours or lead to a degree, their value in a person’s job search shouldn’t be underestimated. Your self-motivated improvement efforts will have a good chance of favorably impressing potential employers.

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In today’s economy, unemployment levels are increasing each day. After a person has lost their job, it can be hard to figure out what to do. However, all is not lost. Losing one’s job can give a person the reason they need to return to school. This just might give a person the support and resources they need to find a job in the future. The following are just some of the reasons a person should consider going back to school if they are unemployed.

One of the best reasons to consider returning to school is that it could help a person’s career in the long run. This is a chance to improve one’s resume and to learn new skills. This way, when a person returns to the job market, they will be that much better a candidate. For example, if someone is in the web design world, it can only help him or her to learn the most up to date and advanced programs, technology, and theories related to the Internet, web design, and software. Once they acquire such skills and earn an advanced or new degree, potential employers will see them as more qualified than they were before. Thus, returning to school can help a person learn the skills they need to find a job.

Another reason to go back to school is that it gives folks to figure out what they want from life and from a potential job. Being unemployed is not just a hit to one’s pocketbook but also to their self esteem. Thus, retuning to school can give a person the time to figure out if a career is really for them and if they might want to try something different. At the very least, this can give a person the time they need to create a plan of attack so that they can find a job again. A lot of times, a person just needs the time and space to consider their options. Going back to school just might give a person the inspiration or push they need to turn their life around.

Lastly, returning to school gives people the resources may not normally have to network and find jobs in today’s economy. Many schools have career development centers to help students reach out to alumnae and to meet with advisers who can give them valuable advice about where to look for jobs in their specialization and tips for getting hired. This could really be edge a person needs when they are ready to reenter the job market.

Going back to school is a chance to turn a bad situation into a good one. After all, a person can spend their days in bed eating ice cream, or they can do something productive with their time. Returning to school is a great way to learn new skills that are sure to make a person that much more marketable when it comes time to look for a new job. If you want to further your career and weather these hard economic times, then going back to school is definitely something to seriously consider.

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One of the best things about the Internet is that it opens up the world. Folks can talk to people from other countries, can read the news, and can even shop online. Thus, it is only normal that you should consider online sales jobs if you are currently unemployed. The Internet opens up the job market as much as the world. If you do your research, you could end up with an online sales job that pays as much if not more than local retail positions. This can really make all the difference when it comes to paying your bills and putting food on the table. Not only this, but working from home means that you can set your own hours. Who doesn’t want to work in their pajamas and in the comfort of their own home? If you are looking for a flexible job, then you should definitely consider such a position. In today’s economy, you really can’t be choosey about employment. The following are some of the most common online sales jobs you can find today.

In today’s day and age, online shopping is fast becoming as popular if not more popular than in-store shopping. People enjoy surfing websites for the best deals. When it comes time for an order to be placed, customer representatives are sometimes needed to complete transactions, answer questions, and work out problems. Thus, this is fast becoming a popular and reliable online sales job. If you take such a position, you will most likely not only need a computer and Internet connection but a headset so that you can talk to customers who need extra support. Some companies may ask for folks in this online sales job to have a webcam. These jobs are a great way to earn some extra income and a great way to help people complete their orders. You could work directly for a namebrand company or you may be hired to work for companies that are outsourced this work.

The word telemarketer does not have to be a dirty one. One of the easiest online sales jobs to try is a sales associate’s job, sometimes called telemarketing. In this role, you would contact people to explain a company’s goods, services, and prices. This way, folks know their options and can ensure they have everything from the best auto insurance to the best Internet provider. This job may involve contacting people to take online surveys to find out what people want or desire. This way, a company can tailor their goods, services, and messages to the needs of the world’s customers.

If you are looking for a job that will give you flexibility, then you should definitely consider online sales jobs. This way, you can work from home and stay focused on paying your bills and making ends meet. The Internet is a place that offers people a variety of jobs and options. If you’re unemployed, you should definitely take a look at such jobs.

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