Career Transition > Change Strategies

Involuntary career breaks, or dare we say it, 'unemployment', can often be a frightening situation for anyone to be in. After the initial shock of unexpectedly finding yourself without a job, it doesn't take long before disillusionment sets in.

The economic downturn left millions out of work. Consequently being unemployed lost some of the stigma it once had. But, what happens when you’ve been unemployed for six months or more? Even in this economy potential employers are concerned when a candidate has been out of work for many months...

It appears, from studies conducted over the past few years that women are more actively involved in using Social Media Networking then men. They have more Facebook and Twitter pages, and they are blogging away! Not a big surprise - women have been “natural-born-networkers” since the beginning of time.

Are you frustrated when you receive no response after you send out resumes, no follow-up calls to hear how you did on interviews, no replies when you are trying to gather more information about a prospective employer? Well, you are not alone. Over the past few years, it seems like it has been impossible to get people to return phone calls. The truth is this has always been the case. The employment decision making process often moves slowly.

The Great Recession has fundamentally changed the employment landscape in this country. The old rules no longer apply. I believe we are entering into an age of career entrepreneurialism, an age where careers aren’t pursued they are created. Career success in the New Economy is going to require personal accountability and proactive planning.

Are you looking for work? What is your current situation? Were you one of the thousands laid off over the last year and currently out of work? Or are you stuck in a rut thinking about a career change? Whatever your current situation setting SMART goals will help you find a new job.

Whether you are thinking about entering the job market or plan to remain with your current employer until you retire, take heed. The job market can be highly competitive and the perception of a guaranteed job for life is no longer valid. To ensure you maintain an impressive marketable and highly employable edge within a constantly changing career landscape, ensure you aren’t fooled by the following career misconceptions.

If you were fired, you probably dread being asked this question. Not only have you been fired, you have to talk about it – over and over. How you deal with questions about being fired will depend on how you have resolved the issue with yourself. Here are examples of how two candidates answer the question:

It happens. You get all pumped up to look for a new job, get your resume and cover letter all spruced up and then…nothing. How do you put the excitement back in your job search?

In today's uncertain economy, many people are concerned about their jobs. They wonder about their company's future. And if layoffs do come, they wonder who will be the first to go.

After the stressful process of looking for a new job while you're still employed, accepting an offer is a huge relief. At last, you're free! You probably can't wait to share your good fortune with the world and tell your boss where she can shove that evil assignment she gave you last week. You might think that since you're leaving, you don't have to worry what people think of you anymore. This is not the case. Unless you want to erase everything you've accomplished since you first accepted this job, your departure must be as strategic and deliberate as your arrival.

To perform the job interview salary negotiation dance steps, you must have a good sense of balance. Knowing your value and your worth will help you feel more confident about staying in step during the salary negotiation process. The employer takes the lead and you follow, staying with the rhythm. You move together through the interview process; aware of the other, taking care not to step on one another. The salary negotiation dance is never confrontational or harsh, but smooth and in harmony.

One of the keys to a successful interview is having strong verbal and non-verbal communication skills. Where else to go for tips than to a nationally known communication expert like Ruth Sherman? Ruth Sherman works with business leaders, politicians and celebrities to help them leverage critical, high-stakes public communications and she agreed to provide a few communication tips to our readers.

Some people say the job market is improving. Others say not so much. But, whatever the state of the economy there’s always the possibility of getting let go. And whether you’re laid off or fired the experience is traumatic. (Part 1 of a 4 part series)

After years at your present position, one day you hear the dreaded words from your boss, "come in here and close the door." And bam! Without further ceremony or official notice you're terminated.

Are you frustrated when you receive no response after you send out resumes, no follow-up calls to hear how you did on interviews, no replies when you are trying to gather more information about a prospective employer?

Joe* has been out of work for nearly one year. The first six months weren't too difficult. But, now he's beginning to wonder if he'll ever find another job.

Over half of employers today use the Internet for recruiting. Everyday, millions of job seekers submit their resumes and view job postings on hundreds of popular job boards.

These days people may be concerned about whether this is a proper time to be switching careers or looking for a new job. Although some industries, like the airline industry, are currently cutting back staffing needs other fields are hiring.

So, you are finished. You have completed all your credits and have your diploma in hand. You sent your resume out to employers, interviewed with some companies, and landed your first job.

While we haven't returned to the early 1990's, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor the unemployment rate edged up again in April.

It was only a year ago that you were going a million miles an hour answering a gazillion emails and figuring out whom to blow off your call list. Now, you're at home flipping the channels wondering how you're going to make the next car payment on the BMW.

Just thinking about changing careers can be overwhelming. Depending on which path you choose, it can be a daunting task. But, when you combine a little creative thinking with some strategic planning, making a change is much more doable.

Ever make a New Year's resolution? If you answered yes, you're not alone. It's one of our favorite pastimes. There's something about a brand new calendar that suggests the opportunity to start all over again

Changing careers can seem a daunting task. And depending on the path you choose it can be. First, consider that every position has two parts: the job (responsibilities, duties performed, skills needed) and the field (the industry where the work is done).