Career & Life Coaching

Maybe you’ve recently graduated, are in mid-career shift or are recreating your life after economic downturn – whatever your story, if you’re looking to launch your career to greater heights, there’s no better time than summer. While your peers may be thinking of taking the summer off from the job search, you’d be best served to take this time to lay the groundwork for your future.

Unemployment Lines Await

According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), worldwide unemployment is still high at 8.5%, while US unemployment rates linger at a staggering 9.3% and Canada hovers around 7.4%.

The OECD reports that, since the start of the economic crisis some 3.5 million young people worldwide (LINK: http://www.oecd.org/document/21/0,3746,en_2649_201185_46991230_1_1_1_1,00.html) have joined the ranks of the unemployed. According to the Bureau of Labor statistics, those under 30 in the US may be some of the hardest hit, (link: http://www.bls.gov/web/empsit/cpseea13.htm) with nearly thirteen percent of those under 30, unemployed. (link: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/08/college-graduates-jobs-unemployment_n_893495.html)
What does all this mean for those trying to establish a new career direction? It means competition in the workforce is fierce. But it’s not impossible. According to a recent survey (Link: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/careerbuilders-mid-year-job-forecast-provides-encouraging-outlook-for-us-job-seekers-125131929.html) hiring managers are reporting that their companies are confident the economy will continue to expand in the latter half of this year, making hiring more probable. Instead of sipping mojitos by the pool this summer, you’d be better off creating and implementing your new career strategy and getting the jump on the competition.

Summer Slow Down

While you may argue that summer, may be a slower time of year for some industries, with businesses functioning on reduced staffing, summer hours and lowered production, what you’d be missing is the potential opportunities for employment that staff vacations present. For someone looking to garner experience in an industry new to them, summer provides the perfect chance for you to pitch in and help a company maximize production in the absence of staff. Because things are slower, you may also be able to capitalize on some quality one-on-one mentoring.

Interning and Volunteering

Interning has long been a respected way for new grads to get their foot in the door, especially in highly competitive fields, like law and journalism. But interning isn’t just for recent grads anymore. Mid-career interning has become the perfect way to change career trajectories or fill-in resume gaps, while keeping your skills and accomplishments relevant. Often internships like these lead to job offers at summer’s end, with some even offering nominal pay for your efforts. Even if you don’t land a job, though you’ll have gained experience for your future career and made valuable connections in your desired industry.

Just because your industry may not typically employ interns, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try. Approach and explore the idea with some of your ideal companies, sharing, specifically, what you feel you can offer and why – you might be surprised by their response.

Also, volunteering at a local nonprofit in your field (or a related one) looks great on your resume and builds skills and connections that could lead to the position of your dreams.

Research and Network

If you’re on the lookout for employment opportunities, let people know. No reason to keep it a secret. Reach out to friends, colleagues, neighbors, family and even casual acquaintances – you never know who has a lead on that next great job.

• Go to industry events, conferences and meet-ups. Networking with your peers, in a genuine fashion, can get you the inside scoop on possible job openings and keep you up-to-date on your industry. Nearly 80% of employment positions are filled this way.
• Research:  Where would you like to be, ideally, in your career? Look at who is doing what you want to be doing and find out how they got there. Ask them if they would be open to mentoring you.
• Keep up on changes in your industry, researching the current market and any new innovations.
• Develop your skill set further: Is there a new skill you can cultivate or a knowledge base you could expand that would increase your value in the marketplace? Use this time to take a class, be mentored or read industry newsletters and books. This kind of passion for your career shows employers you care.

Remember, in a competitive job market, employers want to see your potential in action, not your vacation photos.

Copyright, Cecile Peterkin. All Rights Reserved.

Many people view the holidays as a “slow” time for any business, except retail. A time when businesses prepare for year end, putting new projects on hold and instituting hiring freezes until after the holidays. But viewing this as a time to put away your business cards and shelve your resume could be a big mistake.

The holidays are a great excuse to network and because of the often relaxed and jovial atmosphere of a party, you can be poised to make a lasting impression in a much more personal way.

Even though businesses may not be buying or hiring at this time of year, the people that populate those businesses are primed and ready to make new connections – connections that could end up generating leads for you in the New Year.

Dress for the Part

Whether you’re going to friend’s house or a business gathering, make sure you’re dressed appropriately in clean, dressy and circumspect attire. Though this is after-hours, it’s still a first impression, so make it a great one. You don’t have to wear what you would to the office but you should definitely leave the club clothes in the closet. Most important of all – wear a smile, it’s everyone’s best accessory.

No Hard-Sell

Networking doesn‘t mean marketing, selling or advertising. Networking is a friendly and informal way to let people get to know you and what you have to offer. If the boom of social media has shown us anything, it’s that people like to deal with someone they know and trust. So enjoy yourself, meet new people and when the topic invariably veers towards work – share what you do, whether you’re starting a new business or looking to branch out. If you make a connection or they’re interested enough to ask more about your venture, leave them with a business card. Just don’t palm your card to every person in the room – it’s tacky and won’t win you any new contacts.

Limit the Libations

It’s a party, invariably there will be drinks, but remember this is not happy hour with your best friends.  Keeping your wits about you while maintaining a fun but professional demeanor will serve you well when that next potential client or future supervisor asks why you’re a better fit for their job opportunities than the competition.

Listen

People enjoy sharing about themselves. You endear yourself to others by being a good and interested listener. Nervous about how to approach someone new? Ask questions about them. Excellent icebreakers are those that get people sharing stories like, “How do you know (the host)?”  Avoid questions that only leave room for yes or no answers.

Relax

This is not a job interview, go ahead and have fun. Laugh, dance and chat people up. Be yourself – just at your best. Go, not with the intention of landing a new job or client, but rather a new friend or connection. Be genuine and of course, helpful. If the host needs an extra hand carrying out a tray of snacks or if you have a tip for your new acquaintance – share it. Give generously, by helping them solve a problem or just sharing your experience with a similar situation. There is no better way to make a great first impression than by being kind and generous of spirit  (while networking) – especially during the holidays.

You never know what gifts those holiday parties could yield in the New Year.

Copyright 2010, Cecile Peterkin. All rights reserved.

“Your past cannot be changed, but you can change tomorrow by your actions today.”
- David McNally

The career you want doesn’t drop in your lap prefabricated the way it used to be.  To have the career you want, you have to design and initiate your own path. In the past, on-the-job training was a popular means of creating the perfect employee.  Businesses had the time and resources to teach workers what they needed to know, in order to develop a career with their company.  Today, as companies are downsizing and restructuring to remain competitive, career-minded individuals must be that much better than others vying for the same position; and, they must be prepared to hit the ground running.  You have to go after the job you want.

Career Tips

While career guidance is beneficial, the ultimate decisions are up to you.  A career is more than simply a job.  It’s not flipping burgers at the local fast food restaurant, until something better comes along. A career is a lifelong pursuit of professional success.  It helps define who you are, and where your values lie. It gives your life purpose and meaning. It also happens to provide a paycheck.

If you really want a career, and not just a job, here are some suggestions to help facilitate your success:

* Know your personal and professional goals
* Keep a portfolio of your best work
* Keep track of your successes
* Commit to lifelong learning
* Invest time and money in developing your career
* Establish an advisory board
* Find a mentor
* Network

You can’t sit back and wait for your career to tack off.  If you want to be a leader in your chosen occupation, you need to make your success happen.

Career Management

An expert in career guidance will provide suggestions based upon experience.  He/she may even develop a personalized list of objectives you need, to put your career on the fast track.  But, it’s you that will do the hard work and provide the initiative necessary for a successful outcome.

For example, only you know your personal and professional goals. You must recognize your own potential, adapt to changes when necessary, and do what it takes to continually build your career. Today, a college degree is simply not enough.  Everyone has to have an education, in order to get a meaningful job.  You need to recognize the education necessary to get your foot in the proverbial door.  Then, you need to go above and beyond the competition.  You will always have to consider how best to invest your time and money, in order to advance your career.

You will also need to keep track of the advancements and changes in your career field.  Networking can keep you in the “know” and make sure that others know about you.  Developing an advisory board can boost your credibility and convey that you are dedicated to advancing in your career, even if it means accepting change or going back to school. You are your own best tool for success.

In short, career management is not a job you can outsource.  You need to manage yourself for the career you want.

Copyright, Cecile Peterkin. All rights reserved.

Job Interview success depends on more than what you say.  What you do can also determine whether you become a new employee or another candidate steps out of the unemployment line.  Pay close attention to your body language, for a successful job interview.

Attention to Details

During the interview, the person(s) conducting the meeting will be looking, as well as listening.  Sometimes, what is not said speaks louder than the actual spoken words.  Therefore, it is extremely important to pay attention to the following details:

• Clothing
• The Handshake
• Feet Positioning
• Seating
• Arm Position
• Space between you and the Interviewer
• Eye Contact

In fact, if the position is truly desirable, your body language for a successful job interview is worth practicing.

Professional Interview Tips

The “Do’s” and “Don’ts” of successful job interviews have been compiled by knowledgeable people that normally sit behind the desk. The advice is almost universal; and, it begins with the clothing chosen for the occasion.

Clothing

It is vital to wear something physically and emotionally comfortable.  People who feel good about how they look tend to experience a more successful job interview.  Of course, it is also important to dress appropriately for the appointment.  While some individuals feel at ease in their best bathrobe and slippers, or shorts and a t-shirt, looking like a future employee of the company is a better plan.

The Handshake

Something as seemingly simple as the handshake can ultimately set the tone of a successful job interview.  In general, it’s best to wait for the person conducting the interview to offer his/her hand first.  When a hand is extended in greeting, grasp the entire hand firmly and palm up, so not to appear aggressive.

Feet Positioning

Sitting up straight, with feet planted firmly on the floor, is the best posture for a successful job interview.  Women should avoid crossing their legs, and men should not sit with their legs too far apart.  Casually sitting with ankle resting on the knee is definitely taboo.

Seating

The best interview tips suggest waiting until a seat is offered by the interviewer.  In the event a person is left standing, it is important to ask which seat to take.  Nevertheless, it is a good idea to sit where all participants of the meeting are clearly visible.

Arm Position

Amazingly, one of the most coveted interviewing tips regards arm position during the meeting.  Typically, with so much at stake, people tend to have trouble knowing what to do with their arms and hands.  So, the best rule of thumb is basically to do nothing.  Relax.  Allow the arms and hands to rest naturally in the lap.  Of course, animated hand gestures while speaking is still a good idea, as long as it is not overdone.

Space Between You and The Interviewer

While it shows an interest in the conversation to lean slightly forward, it’s never a good idea to crowd personal space.  Job interview success often depends on appearances.  So, it is vital not to give the perception of being aggressive.  Allow 30-36 inches of space between the interview participants.  However, leaning into the conversation, with enthusiasm for the potential position, is a great attribute.

Eye Contact

Finally, maintaining eye contact is vital to a successful job interview.  When addressing and individual, look him/her straight in the eye.  It conveys honesty and a straightforward personality, which is a much desired trait in good employees.

In short, preparing for a job is much more than showing up on time and having the right answers.  Your body language for a successful job Interview often speaks louder than your words.

Copyright, Cecile Peterkin. All rights reserved.

Today, no one disputes the fact that the job market is very tight.  Gone are the days when jobs were plentiful and opportunities practically dropped into a person’s lap. Now, it is the ambitious individual, with a tenacious proactive approach, that lands the coveted position. In fact, finding a job through cold calling is a classic example of making opportunities happen.

Cold Calling Career Tips

Some individuals have the mistaken impression that finding a new job through cold calling means opening the phone book to the business section and starting with the letter “A”.  Nothing can be farther from the truth.  For cold calling to be truly effective and ultimately result in gainful employment, there are certain career tips to follow:

Research the Job Prospect

Have a Clear Focus

Be Prepared and Write it Down

Have the Right Attitude

Cold calling success stories don’t just happen. The individuals able to really make potential employers sit up and take notice start with a plan and know how to put it into action.

Research the Job Prospect

Forget the haphazard method of opening the yellow pages at “A” and ending at “Z”. If finding a job is important, then do a little homework first and research the job prospect.  Know about the company and the position of interest before ever picking up the phone.

One of the best career tips is simply to know a potential employer, before pursuing a job opportunity. The main goal is finding a worker with the qualifications to advance business goals. Therefore, finding a job through cold calling is more likely to be successful, if the individual on the phone shows a basic knowledge of, and keen interest in, the company.

Have a Clear Focus

A cold call is not the time to ramble on about professional attributes and yourself as the perfect individual for the position available. Initial contact is simply to get the proverbial ‘foot in the door’, and nail down an appointment for an interview.  Save the sales pitch for the face-to-face meeting.

Be Prepared and Write it Down

Successful finding a job through cold calling means being prepared and writing it down, if necessary.  In fact, good career tips suggest actually scripting a cold call. Include an introduction that is professional and to the point.  Then, nail down that interview time and place with a brief dialogue.

Plan ahead.  Anticipate the responses on the other end of the line. Don’t be at a loss for words, but don’t talk too much. Appreciate that time is valuable to a successful business.

Have the Right Attitude

Finally, finding a job through cold calling is more likely to achieve the desired result, if the caller has the right attitude. Always maintain respect and appreciation for the person on the phone. Treat every contact as if he/she regularly bends the ear of the president of the company.  After all, you never know.

In short, finding a job through cold calling is not an impulsive process.  It is extremely important to be informed, be focused, be prepared, and be respectful.  Without adhering to these career tips, the next caller will be the one to find a new job.

Copyright, Cecile Peterkin. All rights reserved.

It can happen to anyone. For one reason or another – a late arrival, botching answers to key questions, failing to show knowledge about the company –you had a bad job interview. Although the proverb is true, you never get a second chance to make a first impression, you do have an opportunity to make up some of what you lost in your bad job interview.

Was It as Bad as You Thought?

First of all, let’s make sure it really was a bad interview. Often, people are their own worst critics, and this is by and large a good thing. But when it comes to a job interview, you might be seeing things that weren’t actually there, or, at least, that weren’t nearly as bad as you perceived them to be. Give yourself some time. Take a walk, and clear your head. Try to put the interview into perspective. Obviously, things like arriving late are indeed negatives that will count against you, but others are less clear cut. Did you really stutter your way through the most important questions, or are you remembering it to be worse than it was? Were you really caught flat-footed by one of the interviewer’s questions? If you were, did it show? Did you fail to impress your interviewer with your knowledge of the company? Are there several things that were on the tip of your tongue that you were never able to express?  Answer these questions, and you’ll be able to tell yourself whether the interview was as bad as you first thought.

Is The Job Really for You?

Even if you’ve had a bad job interview, it might be a blessing in disguise. Did you feel like you weren’t able to connect with the interviewer? Did you feel out of place in the office? Were the questions exceedingly simple and not a challenge to you? Or were they largely over your head?

If you feel you’ve had a bad job interview, you need to ask yourself whether it’s a symptom of you being ill-suited for the job in the first place. Sometimes job interviews convince the perspective employee that they wouldn’t be right for the job, rather than the other way around, and there’s no shame in that. If you think this might have been the case, don’t be afraid to tell the employer so. Thank them for their time, and tell them that, based on the interview, you don’t believe you’d be a good fit for the job at the present time, and explain why. This will let the employer know where they stand and allow them to correct the record if you misunderstood something in the interview.

It Was a Bad Interview, and You Want the Job. Now What?

If you’ve carefully considered what occurred in the interview, and you’ve come to the conclusion that you did indeed perform badly, and further, that you’re still very interested in the job, it’s time to go to work. The first thing to do is to analyze what went wrong.

Ideally, you would have recorded the interview, so you can go back and check your responses to each question. If you don’t have the luxury of a recording, you’ll have to do your best to remember, with the aid of any notes you took. Go back over the questions you answered, and write down all the things you wish you’d said in response to each question. For example, if you were asked to describe one project where you took charge and completed the work in a  unique or outstanding way, and you weren’t able to remember the specifics, take the time to write down everything you can remember, now that you’re not under the gun. Go back through your records and come up with stats to back up your answers. If you feel you need third-party materials, such as a note from your old boss talking about that particular project and what they thought of your work, don’t hesitate to ask for them.

Once you’ve got everything assembled, it’s time to write a thank you/recovery note. This is a way to follow up your bad job interview with concrete examples to back up your less than stellar answers to the interview questions. If the interviewer was otherwise impressed with you but was under whelmed by your answers to a few of the questions, this is your chance to set the record straight and take back the initiative. Put together a concise, hard-hitting letter, using verifiable facts to back up your case wherever you can. When your prospective employer receives the letter, they will know, even if you didn’t show it in the interview, that you very much want the job and further, that you’re uniquely qualified for it.

There are any number of reasons why you can have a bad job interview. Often, it’s not as bad as you thought, and equally often, the interview gives you additional information that convinces you that the job isn’t for you after all. But if you have a bad job interview for a job you really want, writing a timely, fact-filled and enthusiastic recovery letter can show the employer yet again that you are the best person for the job.

You did it! You impressed your future employer to the point where they called you in for a face-to-face job interview. This is your chance to go in there in person and shine. Now that you’ve been given this opportunity, it’s critical that you don’t waste it. Here are the top ten mistakes made in job interviews and how to avoid them.

1.   Dressing Dreadfully:  According to a Careerbuilder.com survey, the single most common mistake made by candidates in job interviews is inappropriate dress. It’s almost a certainty that you as the candidate will be expected to wear a business suit or other formal dress to the interview. The one exception to this rule can be high-tech companies, where anything other than jeans and flip flops might make you stick out like a sore thumb.

2.   Badmouthing The Boss:   Believe it or not, the second most common mistake made by a job candidate was badmouthing their former boss. How do you think your perspective boss will feel if they hear you harping on your prior boss? They’re going to wonder whether they’ll be the topic of conversation if you should happen to move on to another company in the future. Even if you have excellent reasons to be bitter, don’t do it.

3.  Lack of Excitement:   If you can’t get excited for the job interview, your interviewer will probably figure that you won’t be very enthusiastic while you’re on the job. Sit or stand up straight. Smile! Make sure the interviewer knows how excited you are to be interviewing for this particular job.

4.  Acting Like a Know-It-All:   There’s probably nothing that annoys an interviewer more than an applicant who comes in and is aggressive to the point of arrogance. While it’s very important to engage with your interviewer and ask questions, there’s a fine line between showing interest and monopolizing the conversation to the point where the interviewer can’t get a word in edge-wise. Be sure to let the interviewer finish their sentences, and try not to ramble on when you’re speaking.

5.  Lack of Preparation:  On the other hand, it’s vital that you prepare for a job interview by researching the company and preparing for all the typical questions you’re likely to be asked. If the interviewer asks a question you don’t know the answer to, you’re much better off telling them so than stuttering and mumbling as you grope for an answer.

6.  Not Asking Pertinent Questions:   An interview is a two-way street. You don’t want to ask a bunch of irrelevant questions at a job interview, but you do want to ask pertinent, well-thought-out questions that require more than a yes or no answer.

7.  Late on Arrival:   You never get a second chance… No doubt you’ve heard it before. If you’re going to be late, call and tell the interviewer, the sooner the better. If it’s earlier in the day, ask if you can reschedule for later that day.

8.   Being Inarticulate:   One of the questions you’re almost sure to hear at a job interview is “what are your strengths and weaknesses?” Although it might seem like a simple question, more often than not it’s tough to articulate the answer, so practice. Rehearse the answers you plan to give for questions like this.

9.  Being too General:   When the interviewer asks you a question, do your best to give examples or connections that link your answer to the job under consideration. You’re usually better served with concise, specific answers rather than longer, rambling answers that don’t necessarily apply to the job you’re seeking. 

10.  Asking about Salary : Don’t be too eager to talk salary. While it’s vital not to sell yourself short, you don’t want to make your salary requirements the centerpiece of the interview. If it doesn’t come up during the course of the interview, you can ask about the salary toward the end.

Copyright, Cecile Peterkin. All rights reserved.

There’s a lot of great job interview advice that’s available when you’re looking to get hired, but for those who are looking for a new job, sometimes the best advice isn’t conventional. One example of the less common advice involves looking into less common job interview techniques and options like the informational interview.

Unlike a traditional job interview, an informational interview doesn’t involve a follow up to your resume; an informational interview is far more proactive. Rather than waiting to hear back after you’ve applied for a position and then meeting with members of the Human Resources department, this job interview technique involves identifying the types of companies that you think you would like to work for and the positions that you want to explore and setting up appointments to talk with someone who can give you “the inside scoop.”

Why is looking into this type of interview so beneficial when you are looking for a new position? Here are just a few of the reasons:

* When you are able to sit down with someone who works in a position similar to the one you are looking for, you will be able to learn more about what the job is like – what happens during a typical day, what responsibilities fall on someone with that position, and how busy an average day is.

* By taking advantage of an informational interview, you’ll be able to learn more about how the individual got his or her job – what education, work experience, and interests helped to open the door.

* When you’re able to communicate with someone in a position that interests you, you’re able to learn more about them, about the team they work with, and about why they chose the company that they are working with rather than others in the area.

In other words, when you’re looking for job interview advice and your goal involves learning more about local businesses and the types of positions that interest you, you’ll find that taking the initiative and talking with someone in those roles is a great option. Not only will you be able to learn more about a given job and company, but also you’ll discover additional benefits. You’ll find that:

* If you’re comfortable, you can ask the interviewee to look over your resume or otherwise compare your qualifications to those needed for the position; if you’re looking to break into a new field, this will help you to determine which skills you need to further develop.

* You’re able to make a new contact – someone who may be able to help you later in your job search.

* You have the opportunity to show your interest in the company and the position and to let those on staff learn more about what you have to offer.

While all of those benefits can have a dramatic – and positive – impact on your job search, there’s one more reason to explore this job interview advice. When you look into informational interviews, you also have the opportunity to prepare for future interviews, to learn more about the vocabulary of a given position, and to make sure that you’re exploring options that will ensure that you’re on the right career path.

Copyright 2009, Cecile Peterkin. All rights reserved.

Whether you have built your career working on the line in a factory or you’ve held a position of power in a Fortune 500 company, the current economy makes it likely that you could end up looking at finding a new job. The key to ending up in a position you’ll love is – quite simply – focusing on conducting an effective job search.

In order to best identify effective job search techniques, it’s a good idea to take a closer look at the dos and don’t of finding a new job. Rather than ending on a negative, let’s first take a look at what not to do.

The Dont’s of an Effective Job Search

When you are looking for a job, there are some things that you’ll want to avoid doing. Here are just a few of them:

1. You’ll want to be sure that you aren’t just waiting for the perfect position to come to you.

2. You’ll need to be sure that you aren’t applying for positions that are too far above or below your skill and experience level.

3. It’s important to make sure that you aren’t simply looking for jobs in one place.

In other words, when it comes to finding a job and conducting an effective job search, it’s important to make sure that you are being pro-active. This is especially true if you are not working when you start to look for a new position.

The Dos of an Effective Job Search

By looking at and taking advantage of effective job search techniques, you’re going to find that the process of finding a job is a lot easier. Therefore, you are going to want to make sure that you are considering the following:

1. The best job opportunities are not going to be found simply by taking a look at the classifieds section of the newspaper or by scanning through listings on popular, web-based job search sites. You’re going to want to be sure that you’re talking with people you know and taking the time to contact companies that you would like to work for – even if you aren’t aware that they are hiring.

2. If you’ve wanted to make a career switch for a while, this may be the perfect time to explore something new. While you’ll want to be sure that you apply for positions in your current field, be sure to consider other options as well.

3. Tailor your resume to the company and position that you are applying for; be sure too that your cover letter addresses both your skill set and the needs of the business at which you are applying.

The more that you focus on your strengths, take advantage of the network that you’ve built and are able to communicate effectively with those who make hiring decisions, the more you will be conducing an effective job search. Stay positive, stay focused and take advantage of the resources available to you and you will be able to avoid the mistakes others make when it comes to finding a new job.

Copyright 2009, Cecile Peterkin. All rights reserved

When a lot of the news about the economy is anything but positive, many people focus on making sure that there is stability in their lives. In an economic downturn, after all, there is ample stress about keeping the job that a person has – particularly in industries in which there are a number of cutbacks; it hardly seems like a great time to make a career change.

One of the things that you will find, however, is that an economic downturn creates opportunities for those who are looking for a career change. Those who have been working in investments and banking, many auto workers and others, for example, will find that looking into a career change doesn’t just give them a chance to come closer to reaching their goals; instead, making a more dramatic change actually helps to ensure that they have a number of great options available to them – options that might otherwise not be there.

Ultimately, making a career change in an economic downturn isn’t for everyone; in addition to the stresses of a job search, there’s the realization that not only are they competing with others for jobs, but they realize that they are competing with others who seem more qualified. Therefore, there are a few important things to keep in mind:

1. Maintain your confidence. Whether you are looking into changing your career because you’ve been downsized or because you are looking for a change, you need to believe that you’re ready to make the transition.

2. Look into any training that you may need. No matter what change you are thinking about making, it’s important to know that you have the skills that you need to help you move forward. If that means looking at taking a course or even volunteering in order to get experience in the field they want to break into.

3. In an economic downturn, there are a number of people who will be looking for any given position; if you don’t hear back right away, it’s not necessarily a sign that you shouldn’t keep trying; it’s instead an indication that it’s not the right position.

The more that you are able to draw on your experience and the more that you are able to determine whether or not you are committed to making a career change, the better the position that you will be in overall. Remember that there is training available, and keep in mind that if you are in a great position to make a fresh start, everything will fall into place – provided you do the necessary footwork.

Changing your career goals can be the best decision that you’ve made – regardless of whether or not the country is in an economic downturn; if it’s something that you are willing to work for, you’ll find that no time is the wrong time to start moving in a direction that you feel great about. The resources that you need are readily available to you; it’s up to you to take advantage of them.

Copyright 2009, Cecile Peterkin. All rights reserved.