Career Options

Is Writing Code the Must-Have Skill of the Future?

By Rachel Rudisill on Monday, March 25, 2013

With our world and daily life wrapping more around technology, you may want to consider learning to write code. In this video, successful people including Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, Chris Bosh and will.i.am discuss the importance of learning code in every industry and why it’s important for jobs of the future. The video – which has already received more than 9 million views – was produced by Code.org, in an effort to emphasize the importance of educational tools that teach code in our schools and offer access to training. So while you may have thought learning Spanish was the best transitional skill for your career, it’s quite possible that learning code is the language that will transcend into every career option.

Have you ever considered learning code? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

Career Options The Job Search

What’s Up at the Library?

By Rachel Rudisill on Wednesday, January 30, 2013

job sources in a library When was the last time you went to a library? Grade school? College? Never? If you’re job searching, or looking for professional development, your library can be a great resource. The best part about libraries is that most of their resources are free. And you may be surprised about what your library has to offer.

Free Internet
With social media impacting job searches and many businesses requiring online applications, internet access is an important part of your job search. While you may be able to job search online through your mobile phone or tablet device, it may not be easy to apply or complete a profile. A desktop computer can be a better way to complete job search related tasks online, and give you a larger screen to make sure information is accurate and free of typos.

And while your Facebook friends or LinkedIn contacts might be great ways to hear about jobs, you may also want to check out your own profile with something more than an app on your phone. Mobile access to sites doesn’t always give you the full picture or allow you to easily manage your privacy settings. Consider using a desktop computer at the library for internet access that will allow you easier access to review your accounts and update your information.

Great Resources
Libraries often offer classes that could benefit you in your job search or skill building, like preparation classes for getting your GED, basic computer skills, tax assistance, and more. Not only will you have access to free learning, but it can also be a great networking opportunity as well. Researching online is great, but what if there is a person who has been really influential in your industry? Consider getting their biography at the local library, it can make for a great casual conversation in an interview. Another great topic to check out at your library is on leadership, with multiple philosophies, trends, and influential authors to help uncover what best resonates with your values. This knowledge can help you identify the type of workplace culture that fits you best and help you solve challenges at work.

Fun Activities
What about having some fun at the library? Libraries can host shows featuring local artists, classes on knitting or yoga, or an assortment of kid’s activities. There may be a reading club that interests you or a game club. How does an afternoon of Mah Jongg or Scrabble sound? For kids and teens there is everything from story hours to video game sessions. So when you need to take a break from your daily grind, consider your library!

What surprises or resources have you found at your local library? Share them here.

Career Options The Job Search

Top 5 Job Opportunities for Winter

By Jared Cole on Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Jobs during winter season With January in full swing, you may feel like your job search has turned as cold as the weather. But, that doesn’t mean job opportunities have gone away to hibernate like a den of bears. There are plenty of jobs that peak in the wintertime, which can be used to your advantage.

While those with long-term career goals may not find these types of jobs to have a lasting effect, they can be great opportunities to help build work experience and get your foot in the door with employers and decision makers. Here are some jobs that see a spike in hiring during the winter months.

Tax Preparer
Two things are inevitable – death and taxes. While many tax payers wait as close to the dreaded April 15 deadline as possible, everybody will be receiving W-2 forms from their employers at the beginning of the year. With H&R Block expected to hire about 80,000 tax preparers from January until the end of April, now is a great opportunity for you to sign up with accounting and tax services for some short-term employment that could last until spring. Those looking for extra accounting experience should jump at the chance to work in and become familiar with potential employers of interest.

Fitness Trainer
With a new year come New Year’s resolutions, and the most common resolution is to get back into shape. Fitness center attendance and membership peak in January, which can be a great opportunity for you to meet the demand for personal trainers and gym staff. Just as people are exercising for a new beginning, you can work to achieve a new beginning in your career.

Tutor
Many high school juniors and seniors are starting to focus on getting ready for college now that the school year is half over. Anyone looking for an educational career can always tutor students looking to get ready for the SAT, ACT, or any other test needed for college placement. It’s great experience teaching students in a small group or one-on-one and can provide a supplemental income if you want to take advantage of the increased demand for substitute teachers during the cold and flu season.

Cruise Lines
Depending on your location, cruise lines are always looking for extra help during their peak business times in February. Vacationers from cold climates are looking to escape snow and biting winds for sunshine and sea air. If you don’t mind staying away from home for long periods of time, you can find working for cruise lines a great way to work on customer service and other soft skills. That way, you can take a small break from the job search while still developing skills.

If you live on the coast, you can also consider working at beach hotels and resorts. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that housekeeping, food and beverage, and front desk opportunities nearly double during peak winter vacation time.

There’s No Business Like Snow Business
If you live in a colder region, there will inevitably be snow covering the ground. That means someone has to help plow the streets, tow the cars, and shovel the driveways. It may be manual labor, but it’s a great networking opportunity for you to get to know people in your community. Demonstrating your ability to work in any situation and grow relationships can help you find leads for a long-term job.

Don’t let the vernal equinox hold you back from finding work this year. If there’s a will, there’s a way you can find jobs that will lead to something greater and help you sharpen and develop useful skills. What are some ideas you’ve had for winter work?

Career Options Networking The Job Search

Being a Hobbit in a Middle Earth Sized Job Market

By Jared Cole on Wednesday, December 19, 2012

The Hobbit Job Search As you’ve probably heard a million times, the fantasy epic, “The Hobbit” was released in theaters this weekend. It’s kind of a big deal right now. In its opening weekend, the movie broke box office records for December with more than $84 million in ticket sales. If you’ve been secluded in your hobbit hole and are unfamiliar with the tale or the classic book the movie is based on, here’s a brief overview:

Young mild-mannered Bilbo Baggins enjoys living a quiet life in his secluded village until he’s recruited by the wizard Gandalf to join him with a group of dwarfs on a wild adventure to get back their stolen gold from an evil dragon.

Little Bilbo is just trying to make sense of this huge world he’s been thrust into. Doesn’t that feel like you when searching for a job? You – being a lone job seeker in a giant world of organizations, committees, hiring managers, and competition you have no control over – can feel a lot like Bilbo setting out on his first adventure. But, you don’t have to feel that way. You can be the hero of your own job search if you take some simple cues from “The Hobbit.”

Seek to be Unique
At first, taking Bilbo on a dangerous adventure seemed like a bad choice. He had no traveling, combat, or leadership experience with no apparent skills that he could provide the group. The dwarfs were properly equipped and trained for almost anything and had been working together for many years. However, the wizard Gandalf saw something in Bilbo that the dwarfs didn’t. The hobbit was small, swift, and stealthy – the exact opposite of the loud, fully-armored dwarfs. This talent helps Bilbo save the dwarfs from certain doom on many occasions throughout the story.

As a job seeker, you may not be the most experienced or have the most connections, but you do have a talent or skill that is better than the others. Focus on what you do best and find the employers who are looking for those skills. Being a jack of all trades but a master of none isn’t as impressive as a master of one talent that is in demand.

Mentor Locator
You can’t do everything on your own. Bilbo never would have started if he didn’t get guidance and counsel from the wizard Gandalf. The wizard recruited and promoted Bilbo to the skeptic dwarfs and gave him the encouragement needed to finish the adventure.

That is why mentors are valuable resources who can help you focus your job search, open doors of opportunity, and even help develop your career after you find work. Start sharpening your networking skills like you would an Elven sword and build relationships that will lead to mentorship.

Outgrown the Comfort Zone
What separated Bilbo from the other Hobbits was his desire for adventure. He never would have left his shire if he didn’t get the nudge from Gandalf. So, the first step in your journey to employment should be to step out of your comfort zone. Take small steps that may not immediately land you your next job, but can help you develop skills and connections that will. Start with activities like volunteering, interning, or applying at a staffing agency.

Your job search may not be as dangerous as a trek across Middle Earth to fight a dragon, but sometimes finding a job may feel just as scary. A little Hobbit named Bilbo took a chance and had an adventure of a lifetime. Will you take the same chances in your job search?

Career Options The Job Search

J.O.B. 1: Behind the Right Job

By Jared Cole on Friday, November 23, 2012

What job is right for you? It’s a big question to ask when you start your job search. While pay and work hours should be major factors, one of the most important things to look for is a job you can see yourself enjoying.

In a global study by BlessingWhite, an employee engagement and leadership development consulting firm, the top reason employees worldwide give for staying with their employer is “My work. I like the work that I do.”

To help you get started, check out in to J.O.B.1’s: Behind the Right Job to hear a story of how one woman’s talents, passions, and ideal work environment led to a job that helps her grow and excel in the workplace.

Career Options The Job Search

‘Tis the Season to Find Holiday Work

By Jared Cole on Friday, November 9, 2012

If you haven’t already considered it, now is a great time to start applying for holiday jobs to get some introductory work experience, make some extra money, or get your foot in the door with an employer. Whatever your reasons, companies are hiring now to fill the huge demand for workers this holiday season.

Forbes is reporting that more than 700,000 seasonal jobs will be created this quarter, which is an increase over last year’s holiday hiring numbers. If you have what employers are looking for, they’re willing to hire someone who is dependable and accountable.

Think Big
Contrary to popular belief, seasonal work doesn’t always mean standing behind a register, stocking shelves, or delivering packages. Not only is there a demand for sales clerks this season, but there is also a need for customer service representatives, product demonstrators, package wrappers, online and call center service representatives, and even actors to portray Santa and his elves.

You also don’t have to think of just retail. Restaurants generally look for extra wait staff, greeters, or even bartenders during the holidays too. Check around your small local stores instead of the normal big chains to see if they could use extra help. Mall kiosks, catering companies, florists, and small boutiques usually add extra staff for the holidays, and can provide more flexible hours.

Think Together
Two heads are better than one, and if you multiply that logic by how many heads are in your network, then you can have a great source and opportunity to find the holiday job that’s right for you. Meet with friends, family, and contacts who work at companies that are planning to hire this season to see if they know of any positions that could be available.

While 700,000 open holiday spots may seem like a lot, it can still be fairly competitive to get one, not to mention a specific job that you might be looking for. That’s why it’s a good idea to have a friend or family member working on the inside who can vouch for your hard work and reliability. You’ll have a better chance of getting noticed, which could lead to a greater chance of getting hired full time if the situation allows.

Think Familiar
Odds are, there are a number of businesses that you frequently shop at throughout the week. Take advantage of the relationships you’ve built with the owner or employees of your favorite shops to see if there are any seasonal jobs available during the holidays. If you’re a loyal customer, it would be easier for them to add you to the team and you could have a better chance of enjoying working there for a few months.

Don’t forget about other activities throughout your day. Your passions and hobbies can lead you to places that could need help during the holidays. You already have a great knowledge base and it’s something you’re generally interested in, which makes you an ideal job candidate for any employer who is associated with your hobbies.

If you want to find the top companies hiring for the holidays, you can check out this list from AOL. What are some of your most fun or unusual seasonal jobs? Tell your story in the comments below.

Career Options The Job Search

Guest Post: How to Get the Most Out of a College Career Center

By Movin On' Up on Friday, October 5, 2012

Whether you’re a current college student or recent grad, you might be struggling to find a job. Recent labor statistics suggest that almost half of recent college graduates have difficulty finding work and those who haven’t obtained their degrees yet often have even more difficulty. College career centers can be a huge help as you search for jobs. The career experts employed by your campus career center will be able to help you network with professionals, find job leads, and maybe even get a job. Of course, whether or not you have a good experience at a college career center will largely depend on the amount of effort you’re willing to put in. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your college campus center experience:

Bring your resume
Your resume is your most important job search tool. Unfortunately, many inexperienced jobseekers don’t spend enough time creating exceptional resumes. The college career counselor you meet with will be able to help you edit and format your resume to make it more impressive to potential employers. Your career counselor will also be able to give you some tips and tricks for tailoring your resume to specific job openings that are of interest to you.

Explore all the resources available
The career center at your current or former school may be able to offer you career tests, interview lessons, and access to the school-run job bank. Take advantage of all of these resources and whichever other resources the career center offers. A career test may help you focus your job search, especially if your academic background is in the liberal arts and you aren’t quite sure what you want to do professionally. Interview lessons will help you feel more at ease when you eventually land interviews. And you may be able to find a number of promising job leads on the school-run job bank.

Don’t expect a job to fall in your lap
The career counselor you meet with will have connections in the professional world and may be able to get you a few interviews. One of those interviews may turn into a job, but there are no guarantees. You’ll need to spend a lot of time on your own applying to jobs in addition to the steps you take with your college career counselor. In this economy, finding a job requires a lot of hard work on your part. Until you land a full-time gig, your full-time job should be applying to jobs. This means you should spend the bulk of your time during the day reaching out to potential employers, filling out applications, and searching for jobs.

If you have access to a college career center, you should absolutely set up an appointment to visit it. You’ll receive valuable advice and guidance from career counselors. Just remember that it’s ultimately up to you to put in the hard work that finding a job requires.

Kate Willson is a freelance writer and blogger who writes about higher education, job searching, and technology for collegecrunch.org and other education-related sites. Kate appreciates your feedback. Please leave your comments and questions below!