If there’s one certainty in these uncertain times, it’s that technology will continue to expand and develop at a breathtaking pace. Few people, if any, could claim that the technological changes of the past two decades have not had far-reaching and significant impacts on their day to day lives. Whether you use a navigation device within your car to traverse the country, rely upon a blackberry to keep you up to date with appointments, or pay your bills online, technology doubtless plays a meaningful role in your life. With all the excitement that each new discovery and gadget brings, why wouldn’t you want to pursue a career in the Information Technology field? With so many industries sinking due to an inability to keep pace with the myriad changes the information age has brought, the one industry you can count on for endless opportunities is the IT field. As with any career change, it can be difficult to know where to begin. What skills do you already have that will be of use in your … [Read more...] about Careers in IT
Career Advice Blog
Your Reputation Lives Online
What makes someone an expert in his or her field? The criteria are amorphous at best. Some legitimate industry wonders toil away in relative obscurity while others hide flimsy resumes behind winning interpersonal skills that produce an undeserved sense of reverence. In many cases, the goal is not so much trying to become an expert as it is trying to build one's reputation in hopes of securing a coveted job. But the fast-growing word of social media has made it easier to calculate how and why people become experts in their respective field. Among the various measurements by which this is quantified is "influence," a metric that considers many different factors regarding your online following, interactions, value to your industry and quality of produced content relevant to that industry. By developing one's influence online, it is possible to become a more visible and prominent member of your field. Ideally, increased influence through social media should allow a professional to create … [Read more...] about Your Reputation Lives Online
Are Conferences Really Necessary for Freelancers to Attend?
Whether you’re a freelance writer or designer, being on top of your professional game at all times is a must. By continually pushing your creative limits and by giving everything on each project, you’re more likely to remain relevant in the competitive freelance industry. In trying to ever-expand your creative capacity, you may regularly consider attending conferences designed for creative professionals. Conferences can be great places to meet other freelancers and to connect with potential clients. These events can also develop your skills and expand your creative exposure. Unfortunately, they can also be expensive. If you have a limited freelancing budget, the following are four ways to decide if conferences are really necessary for you to attend. Do Your Research While in a creative slump, you may be tempted to register for and attend a freelance conference on a whim. Unfortunately, that type of impulse decision making will bring many expenses including registration fees, hotel … [Read more...] about Are Conferences Really Necessary for Freelancers to Attend?
13 Jobs With Low Pay, High Quality of Life
The term "quality of life" is a broad term. For some, it may mean all the money in the world. For others, it simply means that an individual has the opportunity to perform a job he or she loves with flexibility, meaning, and great job satisfaction. Not every job has to provide a steep salary if it leads to an enjoyable lifestyle. According to MyPlan.com, many careers are filled with the kinds of moments that money could never buy. 1. Teacher The first job that comes to mind is that of a teacher. For decades, teachers reportedly had a high job satisfaction due to the nature of their work, time off, and job security. Though the economy has shaken their security, teachers who teach because they love to do so still have a high quality of life. 2. Parole Officer Parole officers undergo a lot of stress and time management issues, but when the day comes to an end, most parole officers say they do love their job. The love of the job comes from being able to affect people in a … [Read more...] about 13 Jobs With Low Pay, High Quality of Life
How to Deal With a Harassing Coworker on Facebook
In your eagerness to be liked at a new job, you’ll likely find every possible coworker on Facebook and befriend them. At first, you’ll learn a lot from each coworker’s profile - viewing their photos, browsing their past posts and reviewing their overall online demeanors. With most coworkers, your online relationships will likely remain civil, even subdued, with each silently stalking the updates of the other. However, if your in-office relationship with a coworker takes a negative turn, you may begin feeling the effects online. Often, coworkers view online conversations as outside the workplace realm and, as such, begin posting harassing comments towards those they don’t like in the office. Here are four ways to deal with the situation if you’ve recently been targeted by a coworker’s harassing comments on Facebook or other social networks. Take Screenshots The first harassing online comment you receive from a coworker will likely be followed by uncertainty, worry and anger. Whether … [Read more...] about How to Deal With a Harassing Coworker on Facebook
4 Things You Need To Know On Your First Day of Work
It finally happened - after months and months of scouring the web looking for jobs, fixing up your résumé until every last comma was in place, and applying to dozens of jobs of every type available, you finally got a dream job! But before you settle into your shiny new desk and relax in your brand new office chair, here are some things to know about your first day that you definitely shouldn't ignore. 1. Dress to Impress You know what they say: "shoes complete an outfit." On your first day however, you really need a sharp outfit and some sharp shoes to boot. This will be your first time interacting with the people you will spend the majority of your time with for the next (hopefully) long time, and you need to look great to make the best impression. That's why the weekend before, go out and buy some stellar new threads. You'll look confident, feel confident, and there's no way anyone will mistake that you mean business. 2. Prepare Questions You probably don't know anything yet. … [Read more...] about 4 Things You Need To Know On Your First Day of Work
4 Things to Know About an Online Career
So, you’ve researched the world of online careers and are thinking of making the leap. This can be a highly rewarding and profitable career change that often brings exposure to a limitless job market. It’s also a job shift that will bring more flexibility and freedom to your daily schedule. While online careers are often stamped with a glossy appeal, there are drawbacks you must be prepared to handle. By being a realist when starting an online career, you’ll more effectively handle any bumps in the road as you make this major working shift. Deal with Isolation The most notable change that immediately comes when leaving an in-office job for an online career is an increase in isolation. The transition from conversing with coworkers all day to working alone at home often causes telecommuters to question their choice of working from home. While working from home can make you feel isolated from others, there are ways to overcome the loneliness. Research co-working spaces in your … [Read more...] about 4 Things to Know About an Online Career
10 Mistakes to Avoid if You Want a Promotion
Want a promotion? Read on... It always surprises me when I meet oh so clever university graduates who have read just about every book there is on salary negotiation and career advancement but don't have the slightest idea about how not to irritate their boss. Unfortunately, unless you open your own business, chances are high that you are going to have a boss for a rather large portion of your career. And chances are equally high that getting on the wrong side of said boss is not going to do your career any favors. While that certainly doesn't mean that you need to bring your boss a cup of coffee every morning, it does mean that you should probably avoid making any of the following mistakes. After all, you do want to be promoted, right? Attempting to Hide Problems When you've lost an important client or you're behind schedule on a big project, the urge is always there to try to keep the fact hidden, however, the chances of you keeping it a secret forever are incredibly … [Read more...] about 10 Mistakes to Avoid if You Want a Promotion
Veteran Friendly Companies Help Veterans Transition into Civilian Workforce
When military personnel retire, it can sometimes be quite a transition to go work in the private sector. Luckily, there are veteran friendly companies, both large and small, who understands the value that veterans bring to their industry. Veterans bring a high level of training, certifications and experience to many different types of veteran friendly companies. Veterans have shown to have great work ethic, valuable skills, availability to free additional training, a one-time relocation benefit from Uncle Sam, and many come to the company with a valuable credential of existing military security clearance. Higher standard and work ethic Veterans tend to bring a higher standard and work ethic to civilian companies. Some of the skills that employers find more veterans excel in over civilian workers include a better-disciplined approach to work, great leadership skills, great ability to work as a team to bring together pieces of a project and very good communication skills with a wide … [Read more...] about Veteran Friendly Companies Help Veterans Transition into Civilian Workforce
How to Get Organized at Work
Being organized helps us to feel calmer and more in control. Working smarter and not harder makes sense. If you feel that you could do with getting more organized at work, here are a few tried and tested tips for you: 1. Use a Diary I haven’t always been a fan of using a diary, but I am now a convert! Rather than trying to keep and remember everything in your head, make it easy for yourself and use a diary. There are many different methods you can use; an old fashioned paper diary, a calendar on your PC or laptop or your phone’s scheduler. For me, a paper diary is easiest as I don’t have to turn it on like a laptop to use it. See what works best for you. Look at how you work and run your day to day life and use a method that is the easiest for you as that will increase the chances of keeping the habit up. Whatever method you decide on, it is important to get in the habit of using it each day. 2. Plan Your Day Once you have a diary or … [Read more...] about How to Get Organized at Work