How to Decide what job to look for

How to Decide what job to look for by Michael Cheary Not sure where to go in your career?Whether youre just starting out or youre considering a career change, the more you know about the kind of job you want to do, the more straightforward your job search will beThe best way to start deciding on a job or career is to ask yourself some key questions:Are you looking for a job or a career?Are you looking for a stop-gap job to pay off bills or do you have a detailed career plan?Do you like your job, but just need a different environment?Have you done all you can in your current job and feel you need a new challenge?Are you seeking promotion and opportunities for career advancement?How to: Make a career planCareer crossroads: What to do nextWhat do you enjoy doing?Works much more enjoyable when youre doing something youre good at, so take some time to think about your key skills and interests.What kind of things are you good at? Even if it doesnt seem like something youre currently qualified for, knowing where your attributes lie will help you identify a clear career path whether you need to take a course to get there, or simply make the most of your transferable skills.What job would suit me?What type of work?Its important to decide what type of work youre looking for to make sure your search is as accurate as possible. Consider the following types of work.Permanent If youre looking for opportunities to advance your career, a permanent position will be more suited to you. Youll benefit from company perks and have more job security in the long run.How to find a new jobTemping You might want temporary work if youre returning to work or if youre trying to get a wide range of experiences.CV template for temp workContracting Similar to temping, contracting offers many benefits, including increased flexibility and the opportunity to develop new skills.Benefits of contractingInternships Internships allow you to gain practical experience in a profession or organisation. This work is usually unpaid and lasts for 8-12 weeks.Internships: What you need to knowApprenticeships If youre looking to learn a craft or a trade, gain hands-on experience when you apply for an apprenticeship with a skilled worker.Apprenticeships: How to get started  Graduate Schemes Some companies choose to take a bulk in-take of graduates following graduation. These schemes usually offer a permanent paid job that often includes a structured training program for the first 18 months to three years.Graduate schemes: What you need to knowVolunteering As well as the feel good factor you receive from giving your time to a worthy cause, the benefits of volunteering include learning new skills and gaining useful experience which will help you find your next job and launch your career.How to: Find volunteer workWhere do you want to work?Most of us want to find a job that suits our lifestyle and gives us the hours we want.Make sure you consider your commute before you apply for a job. Think about transport links, ho w long youre prepared to travel to get to work and what kinds of services youll want nearby when you get there. Also, consider whether youd be willing to relocate.If youre planning to move home for work, you should try to let prospective employers know. Make it clear in your CV and cover letter that you would like to move or work in a particular location.Browse UK jobs by location Who do you want to work for?Deciding what type of organisation you want to work for can also help narrow your job search. Think about what it is that you want from an employer, as well as what you dont want.Consider which of these factors might be important to you:Working for a large company where there may be scope to move rolesWorking for a small company where you may gain experience more quicklyWorking for a well-known companyHaving training opportunitiesThe right company cultureOnce youve narrowed down what youre looking for, you can start to identify suitable organisations.See whos recruiting now How to approach employers?You can approach a company youd like to work for by phone, email or by sending them your CV with a cover letter.Whichever approach you choose to take, try to make direct contact with whoever is responsible for hiring, whether for a specific position that interests you or for the organisation as a whole.Employers are impressed by jobseekers who demonstrate a genuine interest in their organisation, so make sure you carry out some background research, know their key products and services and be familiar with any news relating to the company or the industry in which it operates.Free cover letter templateFree CV templateHow much do you want to earn?When youre planning your next career move, you should try and work out what salary you should be looking for.Be prepared to look for jobs paying slightly below and slightly above the rate youd be happy to earn, but be realistic without selling yourself short. If youre offered a job, youll usually have the opportunity to n egotiate your salary to some extent.Should I ask about salary at my interview?Check average salaries now Start your searchOnce youve made a checklist of all the things you want from a role, its time to start searching.To make sure your results match up with your criteria (and to find out what to avoid), take a look at our guides on how to search for jobs online, and our list of job search dos and donts now.Ready to start searching? View all available jobs now.Find a job What Where Search JobsSign up for more Career AdviceSign up for moreCareer Advice Please enter a valid email addressmessage hereBy clicking Submit you agree to the terms and conditions applicable to our service and acknowledge that your personal data will be used in accordance with our privacy policy and you will receive emails and communications about jobs and career related topics. Getting Started How to start looking for work What job suits me?

Taking Action An Interview with LVLXIII CEO Antonio Brown - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

Taking Action An Interview with LVLXIII CEO Antonio Brown - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career Recently, I had the opportunity to connect with Antonio Brown, one of the hottest young fashion designers in the market. He is the founder and CEO of the premium mens fashion brand, LVL XIII (pronounced Level 13), that recently launched a line of high-end sneakers that is getting a lot of attention. Celebrities such as Jason DeRulo, Nas, and Chris Brown have appeared in his collection. He is also the author of a new book entitled Muted Dreams,  which is being called the male version of  Push  (which became the movie  Precious)  We spoke about how he has built his company, what got him interested in fashion, and his philanthropic work focused on helping young men from poor households or abusive relationships. How do you define your personal brand? For me, my core values extend to being inspirational and driven. Im young and Ive been able to attain a certain level of success, and its because I stopped thinking about things and dreaming about things and I put actions behind my thoughts. So that is what I would want people to know. A lot of people say they are inspired by me and that I give them hope to follow their own dreams to be successful. What got you interested in the fashion industry? I have a personal interest in fashion, I always have. I am interested in luxury brands and luxury products. And I got tired of going to Gucci and Louis Vuitton and spending my money on their shoes when I felt like I could do it better myself. Even though I didnt have the experience in fashion, I did the research and the due diligence to understand the market. Thats how my brand got started. How did you build the brand from there? The brand took about a year to build. This November the brand just launched into retail stores across the United States. But it was a struggle. People ask me all the time, I want to start my own business, how do I do it? It took a lot of hard work, a lot of dedication, a lot of money, and a lot of no before I started to hear yes. Really it was about building the right team, a team that could position the brand in the right place for the right consumers. I have a great PR team and a great VP of Product Development and Manufacturing. All of us coming together has led to a lot of good and bad days, but its all worth it because walking into a store and seeing your product is an incredible feeling. You do a lot of charitable work. How do you hope to inspire others? Youre going to laugh when I say this, but someone Ive always admired while growing up, well, Ive always wanted to be like the male version of Princess Diana. She was so inspiring, and she didnt just care about the Royalty, she cared about the commoners, the people who didnt have what she had. And thats what I want to be, to give back to the community and help people to get to where Ive gotten. To continue to inspire people to follow their dreams and to become great even though they grew up poor or didnt have as much money as other people. Thats always been my mission, to inspire a generation of change. How do you juggle everything in your busy life? Its definitely been a struggle. Ive had to put my book,  Muted Dreams, on hold for a while so it can be picked up by a publisher. Because there are several publishing houses interested but I had to put it on hold because of the company. And its hard to start a brand like this when some of your competitors are companies such as Louis Vuitton, Giuseppe, Gucci, that have an empire behind them. I have a team of seven people. So its tough, but at the same time it shows people even more that when you want something more than anyone else, the universe begins to conspire in your favor to give you the tools for success. My book, my company, my brand, its all been a stepping stone into the right direction. When you want something really bad, you find ways to make it happen. If you could pick one celebrity to wear your shoes, who would it be? Spartacus Shoe Made with natural Fox hair Honestly it would be Kanye West. The reason being that he is such a fashion icon, especially today, and he pushes the boundary and perception of what fashion can be. Hes someone I respect in the business, even though I think hes cuckoo, hes someone I respect in the industry and it would make me happy to see him in the shoes. What are a few pieces of advice you would give to a young person looking to build their career? I would say to follow your heart, and to stop thinking about things and put action behind what you want to do. So many young people in this generation, they all think and talk about what they want to do, but no one takes necessary action to make it happen. Take the steps to do what you want to do. Look at myself, I knew nothing about the shoe business except that I loved to wear luxury sneakers. And I got on Google and searched How to start a sneaker brand. I went from there. I didnt care what anyone told me and the universe noticed and brought people into my life to help me make it happen. Thank you to Lamont Johnson for setting up this interview and of course to Antonio Brown for taking the time to speak with me. Antonio is someone you will want to watch in the next few years, and Im looking forward to enjoying his rise to the top from afar. His shoes are too expensive for me to purchase on a comedians salary, but they also look really, really, cool!

How to get commercial awareness University of Manchester Careers Blog

How to get commercial awareness University of Manchester Careers Blog Contrary to popular belief knowledge is not generally absorbed through osmosis. When Willow woke up she was none the wiser! So what is commercial awareness and why should you  have it? At a basic level it is having an understanding of the business or organisation you are applying to, the market / environment they work in and what impacts on that. Employers want you to have it so that they know that you understand the nature of the work they do and are aware of commercial realities. It doesnt matter if they are a charity, university, retailer or investment bank the principals are the same. Understand the sector who are the key players / competitors? What products / services does the organisation you are applying to offer? Who are their clients?   What is their market? What factors might have an influence on business? The economy, competitors activity, government policy etc. So how do you find this out? Check their website dont just look at the graduate   or careers section, look at the client side. Imagine you want to engage their services or buy a product from them.   What do they say about themselves, what are their unique selling points? What are their business areas and where do they operate?   You may have applied to the Manchester office but if a lot of their clients are in Asia you may need to know about economic conditions there. If it is a business like a shop or bank or even a university or city council, have you had a look round their premises and experienced their services or products? If they make a particular product or range of products what is their market segment?     e.g. Who buys Kitekat for their moggy is it little old ladies, the budget conscious? Dont know?   Watch the activity in the store who is looking at what? Google is your friend!     You can often find free reports and articles on the most random of things. What is their advertising strategy? Have you seen their adverts in print or on TV if so where and when? Have they been in the news?   Search newspaper articles. Understand something about the economy and its impact.   How has   business been over the last 5 years, what would you predict will happen next, what would have an impact on this?   You can usually find a companys annual report somewhere on their website.   Professional bodies and trade associations are great for this type of sector based intel too. If it is a financial organisation read the financial times and the economist, other industries have their must read publications too, check out the journals we keep in the Careers Service. Attend our careers events and fairs speak to employers what do they say about themselves ask questions! Yes this sounds like a lot of work to go through for every employer   but if you are serious about a particular sector then much of that knowledge is transferable. You can develop your own commercial awareness through work experience / internships, volunteeering and extra curricular activities Think about times when.. You were working in a bar / shop/ store and had to sell a product. Did you ever consider what sells best and why? Did you develop a strategy to help increase sales? What did you have to think about to do this? You were on a student committee and had to get sponsorship or sell tickets for an event.   How did you target sponsors? How did you market the event at the right audience, what factors influenced sales? In a summer internship or during some work shadowing what business processes did you observe?   How was the business doing? What factors made a difference?   It can be as simple as  bad weather or a sporting event on the TV, small things can have a big impact positively and negatively on businesses. What impact do you think the olympics had on businesses?   The answer will vary depending on the business! All Undergraduate commercial awareness

How to Fund Your Holiday with Equity Release

How to Fund Your Holiday with Equity Release Have you been you thinking about retiring or reducing the never-ending hours at work? Do you dream of vacationing in the Bahamas, making those life-changing home improvements, starting a restaurant business, or merely maintaining your lifestyle? If you do, then you’ll appreciate how vital it is to have the capital to get to go crazy with your financial freedom and not have to think about how you’re going to pay for these expenses. However, if you don’t have a substantial pension vessel or savings in place, living comfortably in your retirement could be easier said than done. It is where equity release comes in and with this simple guide; you can get to learn the ins and outs of this fantastic financial product and how to use it to fund your dream holiday. Be sure to check out sovereignboss and see how much equity you can release with the equity release calculator. What is Equity Release? Equity release is a range of products that allow you to access the equity (cash) tied up in your estate if you are over the age of 55. You can opt to take the money you release as either a lump sum or, in several smaller amounts or as a combination of both. That said, there are two equity release options: Lifetime Mortgages A mortgage can be taken out secured on your estate on the condition that it’s your primary residence. You also have the right of ownership, which is until the life of the loan ends, i.e., when you die or go into residential care. You can opt to ring-fence some of the value of your home as an inheritance for your family. Youll have to decide to make repayments or let the interest roll-up. You get to pay back the mortgage and any accrued interest when you die or when you move into long-term care. You can learn more about these here. Home Reversion Plan With this scheme, you sell part or all of your estate to a home reversion company in return for a lump sum or drawdowns. You have the right to continue residing in the estate until you pass away, rent-free, but you have to come to an understanding that you will maintain and insure it. You can choose to also ring-fence a percentage of the manor for later use, probably for inheritance. At the end of the plan, your lender will put up the home for sale, and they share sale proceeds according to the remaining proportions of proprietorship. Is It Secure? Unlike in the 1980s and early 1990s, today the equity release market is controlled by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), and most equity release companies are signing up to the Equity Release Council, a trade body that sets the ideals for equity release schemes. As part of these standards, the Council states that: Interest rates must be fixed, or if adjustable, there must be a higher limit or cap that is static for the life of the loan You have the freedom and right to stay in the estate for life or until you opt to move into residential care. Just so long as you abide by the terms and conditions of your mortgage, The lifetime mortgage must come with the ‘No negative equity’ guarantee meaning that when the plan provider decides to sell your house and the lawyers’ and agents’ fees have been taken into account, if the amount left is not sufficient to pay the outstanding loan, neither you nor your manor will be liable to pay any more. Equity Release Summary So to be sure that your equity release plan meets all the required standards, you need to ensure the plan provider you choose is a member of the Equity Release Council. An equity release plan could be a simple way to unlock the cash in your estate and assist you in making your retirement unforgettable and worthwhile. However, it’s vital to consider whether it’s the right path for you. Make sure that you always seek professional advice before making a decision.   There may be other alternatives more suited to your conditions that you could use to access similar amounts of cash.

Perfect Fit for the Position Expect to Lose! [Updated] - Career Pivot

Perfect Fit for the Position Expect to Lose! [Updated] - Career Pivot Perfect Fit for the Position I have heard it over and over about how you are a perfect fit for the position. I hate to tell you that, if you are really a perfect fit for the position, you will almost always lose! WHAT??? Do you actually believe that job description is accurate? If you do, you are smoking something and your inhaling. Let’s start at the beginning of the hiring process with the creation of the job description. Note: This post was originally published in November of 2014. It was updated in March of 2018. Job Description I am going out on a limb to say that most job descriptions are badly written. The hiring manager uses the Internet to find a similar position and then modifies it to fit the position they want. They will put every possible qualification in the job description. This turns into a Purple Cow Job Description that is almost impossible to find a perfect fit. How do I know? I have done it myself. Most job descriptions are written by people who are completely unqualified to write job descriptions. I was a hiring manager and was I ever trained on how to write one? NO! For More:The Purple Cow Job Description â€" Should I Apply? Your Resume If you are smart, you will customize your resume so that it highlights accomplishments, results and metrics (ARM) for each responsibility in the job description. You will also look for keywords so that when you submit your resume into the black hole of the Applicant Tracking System (ATS), the resume will meet enough qualifications to be selected. Remember you really have no idea what keywords were entered into the ATS for this position. If you say huh… read my post 5 Things You Will Never Know About the Hiring Process. When a recruiter looks at your resume, they quickly scan for these ARM statements and decide whether to call you. Typically, if you meet six out of the ten criteria, you will likely get a call for a screening interview. If you meet ten out of ten, well, they may determine that you are overqualified! WHAT!! I am a perfect fit if I meet all of the qualifications! NOPE. You are overqualified. You will likely getâ€"at the very leastâ€"a phone interview. For More: 5 Things You Will Never Know About the Hiring Process The Interview You prepare for the interview by researching the company and the hiring manager thoroughly. You probe for pain points during the interview and simply wow them with your expertise. You can do this job in your sleep! That is exactly the problem, you can do the job in your sleep. You walk out of the interview thinking you just nailed it and wait for the call saying they will be making an offer. Well, that call is simply not going to come. You say to yourself, “I am a perfect fit. I can do this job. Who would be better?” This is where you are suffering what I call MSU Disorder, (Make Stuff Up). The reality is you have no idea what they are really looking for unless you have insider information. For More:3 Steps to Walking Into Your Interview with Confidence The Problem You are a perfect fit! That is the problem. There is nothing for you to learn. There is nothing for you to grow into. The hiring manager is sitting in the interview saying to him or herself, wow this is one impressive candidate. Will they get bored in six or more months and then leave? Would I rather have a less qualified candidate who can grow into the role, possibly pay them less, and have them stick around for two or three years? If you are a perfect fit, there is no room for growth! Why would you want to take a job that does not stretch your skills? Let’s go back to the beginning. The job description is written with every qualification possible. Do they really expect to get every qualification? NO. Do they really want to pay for every qualification? NO. They want someone who can do the job, learn what they need to learn and pay as little as possible. This is an area where a lot of baby boomers get into trouble. Maybe they want to scale back and take on fewer responsibilities. They are a perfect fit for the position, but will anyone believe them that they will not get bored in a few months? NOPE! If you really are a perfect fit for a position, you will almost always lose. What to do? Stop applying for jobs that you will be deemed overqualified. More importantly, stop applying for jobs and leverage your relationships! This particularly true when you chase job roles targetted to the millennials. If you are unsure what I mean read my post Are You Discouraged Pursuing Millennial Job Opportunities For More:Stop Applying and Work the Relationships Rant Still Think You are a Perfect Fit? I can not emphasize it enough, if the first time the hiring manager discovers you is via an application on the applicant tracking system (ATS), you will lose almost every time. Look for positions that you can grow into or scale back your resume and how you present yourself. The problem with the 2nd approach is hiring managers usually figure out that you gaming the system. If you are truly a perfect fit… YOU LOSE! Marc Miller Like what you just read? Share it with your friends using the buttons above. Like What You Read? Get Career Pivot Insights! Check out the Repurpose Your Career Podcast Do You Need Help With ...

Are you stressed by job relocation Coaching tips part 1 - Hire Imaging

Are you stressed by job relocation Coaching tips part 1 - Hire Imaging Researchers and human resource managers have long realized that moving to a new community may be one of the most stress-producing experiences a family faces. In fact, many experts rank it third in intensity, just trailing the death of a close family member and divorce. So if you (and your family) are facing a job-related move, you may find this post helpful. Even a mobile society finds it hard Even in a global workforce where relocation is common, few would deny that moving is stressful. Here are a few whys shared by my clients: It means saying goodbye to people and places we care about, ranging from home and family to friends and areas we’ve grown to love. It’s just plain hard workâ€"selling a house, obtaining housing in the new location, packing and transporting goods, and settling in. The kids (this was a repeated lament whether the “kids” were toddlers, grade-schoolers or teens) need extra attention. It’s an all-consuming adjustmentâ€"everything changes: routines, schools, friendships, physical surroundings and community. It’s interesting; because I’ve heard the above comments from clients relocating from one U.S. spot to other countries and vice versa, within the U.S. or totally outside the United States. Expatriate or repatriate. Sometimes it’s an internal move. Sometimes it’s a new employer. The specifics are not the gist; it’s still change. My clients’ emotions have encompassed: Shock. “I can’t believe it! We were just getting settled. Now we have to move again!” Resentment. “I am so sick and tired of this. I don’t want to do it anymore.” Fear. “I love the slow pace of people in the Deep South. How will I relate to fast-paced New Yorkers?!” Sadness. “I will miss ______ (people, places, events, activities) so much.” Anxiety. “How will I do this again? I can’t possibly get it all together.” Uncertainty and awkwardness. “I feel out of place. I’m not confident. Will I fit in?” (Expatriating employees and spouses are especially susceptible.) Tell it like it is I’m not a mental health professional. But I know what I know from 25 plus years as a career coach working with global clients. When people relocate for their jobs, the feelings above (and more) hurt. They’re uncomfortable. They’re also normal. You’re losing something you had. If you’re the relocated employee’s spouse, you may also be giving up a job you love to boot. Whatever your story and however painful your feelings, acknowledge them. One basic rule for managing change is to let ourselves feel what we feel; and to discuss our feelings with people we trust. It’s the same for children, adolescents or adults. Talk as a family. Include everyone involved who is old enough to understand what’s happening. Tackle the endings first Author and organizational consultant, William Bridges, says that most people react to change by navigating their way through three distinct changes: Endings, the Neutral Zone and New Beginnings. Ironically, Endings come first. Why? Because it’s getting closure before the transition. Here are some tips to make that ending better. Say farewell with rituals. Nothing extravagant or elaborate. It could be a trip to the family’s favorite restaurant or park. Your kids, you or together might host a pizza party or cookout. What matters is taking time to say goodbye to people and places. Try a pre-relocation hello. Obviously if you are moving far away, you probably won’t be going back and forth. But you can do research using the internet and informational interviewing. Tap the employer or company heading the relocation for resources ranging from schools, to doctors, to neighborhood welcome wagons. Pamper. There’s enough change going on! It’s not the time to abandon your normal routines of self-care of sleep, exercise, and eating. Even if you don’t have a strong self-care routine, try to at least get enough sleep and the right food. You’ll be more energized and clear headed. Manage your outlook. Have reasonable expectations of yourself and others. Relocation is hard. Remember the stress factor? You probably won’t handle everything perfectly. It’s OK! And neither will everyone around you on this or the other end. But as the saying goes, “this too shall pass. It’s going to be OK. Ask yourself, “What’s the worst that can happen?” Embrace humility. Don’t hesitate to ask for help. Don’t confuse asking for help with self-pity or weakness. And just as people usually want to help you in your job search, they also want to help in your transition. Arm yourself with contacts and related information prior to the move. Reach out to these people. Get more referrals. Reach out to them. Do the “N” thing â€" network! LOL goes a long way. Throughout the relocation experience, keep your sense of humor. If you don’t have one, try and develop it. Have the mindset that this is another adventure. If it becomes a favorite time in your life, wonderful! If not, it was just one chapter. A laugh out loudâ€"or a fewâ€"can go a long way in helping your transition be one you’ll look back on with a smile. Do you have a job relocation tip or memory to share? I’d love to hear from you! Photo: richmooremi

Is Outsourcing Your Online Resume Writing Service Worth It?

Is Outsourcing Your Online Resume Writing Service Worth It?If you are thinking about outsourcing your resume writing job to a Xenia, Ohio, location, you should be aware of the pros and cons. Being an outsourcing job, it may mean less work for you, but also lower quality work and expenses. So, will hire a service from Xenia, Ohio, actually be the right choice for you?The biggest benefit of outsourcing your online resume writing job is that you can save money on your own. Whether you get it done yourself or hire a freelancer, the price of a job with an outside company is very low compared to a job done by you. If you find a high quality, competent writer, you can get your resume edited and printed for free. So, you can save on a good name by saving money on this part of the job.But, if you hire a writer, they can't charge you for the work. This means you have to pay them if they produce something you want. If you think this isn't a cost you can live with, think again. It would be wise to check out a few online samples of resumes and choose one to mail off to your potential employers.But if you are not familiar with resume writing, you may find it difficult to learn how to write your own resume. In addition, freelancers don't have as much experience as full-time writers, so they will probably get more 'raw' resumes than ones mailed off. This could be good for you in the beginning, but in the long run, it may put your job at risk. Your employer has other candidates who do have a lot of experience when a freelancer is writing a resume.Resumes are meant to impress your potential employer. The best online resume writing service gives you options of resume templates and layouts to choose from. So, if you have trouble coming up with a unique resume, you can simply use a template. Even if you decide to use your own resume and layout, chances are you will get a lot more business with a professional resume than you would with a poorly written one.What is not good for you m ay be the exact job you are looking for. Some people know the best online resume writing service, but are still skeptical that this is the right company to send their resume to. Sometimes, the right choice is the one that is the closest to your career goals. If you want to move on to another job or field, finding a job that matches your skills and interests is just as important as finding a job that you are qualified for.If you feel the same way, just remember that you need to learn some new skills or use some old skills you may not be comfortable with. Most freelancers have been in the same field for years, and the skills they have learned are the same ones you may already have. You can use your skills to their fullest potential while learning new skills. So, don't be afraid to do the research yourself before hiring someone else to do your resume. It might take time, but it will be worth it in the end.So, does outsourcing your online resume writing service to Xenia, Ohio, really pa y off? Although there are pros and cons to this decision, it can help you find better jobs and find better paying jobs while increasing your level of employment. It may even save you money in the long run if you hire a freelance writer to write your resume.