Workers across industries know this proverb to be true: “It’s not what you know, it’s whom you know.” The key to building a great career is networking, or growing the circle of people in your field of work who can help you find a job. Although your skills and qualifications do matter, here is why networking may matter even more: Recommendations. Words on paper … [Read more...] about How to Network and Build Your Personal Support System
Build a Career
Surprise! You’re Working from Home: 7 Tips to Make the Transition
Many professionals are learning that their jobs can be done from home right now. This is likely a position you may have dreamed about but never thought possible. This is certainly a position you never thought you’d be in. Here are some tips from a work-from-home veteran of nearly a decade: Make sure you have everything you need to do your job. Sit down and make a list of … [Read more...] about Surprise! You’re Working from Home: 7 Tips to Make the Transition
Why Intern?
Do it for the résumé: When it comes to building your résumé, good grades no longer carry the same weight they used to. Particularly for college graduates, grade inflation has lowered the value of A’s and B’s in the eyes of employers and caused a shift toward internships and work experience as the best measure of an applicant’s qualifications for any given job. But also do … [Read more...] about Why Intern?
What Is a Trade Certificate?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, career sectors with high levels of trade or vocational training are projected to have the most growth between now and 2026. With this in mind, it’s clear that there is no time like the present to consider the next step to achieving your career goals: a trade certificate. What is a trade certificate? A trade certificate is a … [Read more...] about What Is a Trade Certificate?
5 Tools to Find Job Training Opportunities
Starting a job search can feel overwhelming, especially if you don’t have experience in the field you are applying for. Thankfully, the United States Labor Department funds some very helpful tools for people looking to acquire skills through Training and Employment programs. For most people seeking training for employment, the best place to start is Career One-Stop. This … [Read more...] about 5 Tools to Find Job Training Opportunities
Career Considerations for Parents
The best career for parents meets the needs of the family. In American culture, we tend to think of careers in terms of money, how much can be made, how much can be bought. What’s left out of that equation is economic status and scheduling. For some, these factors can be determinant of a career choice even debilitating at times. So what if we didn’t ignore them? What if we used … [Read more...] about Career Considerations for Parents
9 Great Re-Entry Programs for Moms
So, you’ve been away from the workforce for a while and you want to get back in. Your employer doesn’t have a returnship program and you’re not sure what to do to get back up to speed. Luckily, there are nine companies out there waiting to help you get back in. They will help you in a number of different ways, be it networking and interviewing or finding temporary work to gain … [Read more...] about 9 Great Re-Entry Programs for Moms
9 Tips to Make Working from Home Work for You
So, now you’re a mom, you found a way to work from home, but you’re not sure how to make it work with the demands of motherhood. Here are some pointers from someone in the trenches: Get an assignment book. Yeah, that silly little spiral thing that you had to have in high school. It will save you a lot of headache keeping track of everything. Use the calendar app on your … [Read more...] about 9 Tips to Make Working from Home Work for You
Is CNA Work Right for You?
Are you interested in working in the medical field? Are you looking for a job that pays well and includes paid training? Do you like to help people? Do you want a physically demanding job, not sitting behind a desk all day? If you answered yes to any of those questions, becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) may be right for you. What Does a CNA Do, Where and … [Read more...] about Is CNA Work Right for You?
Is an Apprenticeship a Good Option for You?
If you are pregnant, planning to have a family, or find yourself the main support for one or more children, choosing a profitable career path becomes a priority. However, time might seem to be your enemy. One way to streamline your route to a worthwhile job is through an apprenticeship. At a basic level, being an apprentice means learning while on the job. Although sometimes … [Read more...] about Is an Apprenticeship a Good Option for You?
Maternity Leave and Your Career Path
Maternity leave, also known as parental leave, is a time to relax and prepare for your new baby, as well as care for your child after he or she arrives. The following tips may be useful in finding an agreement that works for you, your employer, and your new child. Estimate How Much Leave You Will Need One of the first things your employer will ask you is how much time you … [Read more...] about Maternity Leave and Your Career Path
How to Ask for a Raise
Picture this: You’ve got a great job, you’re performing well, you’re happy—but you know it’s time for a raise. The scenario is undoubtedly familiar, but the realization can often be accompanied by some significant doubt. What’s the best way to approach the subject with your employer? What should you say? What should you not say? Here’s a step-by-step guide with some helpful … [Read more...] about How to Ask for a Raise
5 Steps for Negotiating Your Salary
One of the most difficult problems facing professionals, especially those relatively new to the working world, is pay negotiation. However, while the situation might seem intimidating, there’s no reason that it has to be. Here are a few rules of thumb to keep in mind when navigating the issue of compensation: Be Realistic The people who have the most success negotiating … [Read more...] about 5 Steps for Negotiating Your Salary
Pursuing Jobs in the STEM Fields
As a woman or mother entering the workforce, you may desire a job that offers both a high salary and flexible hours. If that’s the case, you may consider pursuing a job in a STEM field. Not only are STEM jobs high-paying, but they are becoming more and more abundant as we live in an increasingly technological world! What Is “STEM”? STEM stands for “science, technology, … [Read more...] about Pursuing Jobs in the STEM Fields
How to Create Your Own Portfolio
Portfolios are a way to help make you stand out from the crowd in an interview and in your job search. Portfolios show your potential employer a tangible track record of your accomplishments in a particular field. Having a succinct portfolio shows not only your achievements and skills but also that you are a serious candidate for a given job. Depending on the type of … [Read more...] about How to Create Your Own Portfolio
Job Search Resources and Networking 101
Finding a job can be both a time-consuming and frustrating task, but there are many resources to help make it easier. The internet will be your best friend with your search, but it will also be your enemy. There are many great resources online and now many jobs opening are also posted online, but the internet can also seem overwhelming and is full of scams. There are useful … [Read more...] about Job Search Resources and Networking 101
How to Start a Military Career
A military career can be an excellent opportunity for many women seeking a career. There are various branches of the military to consider, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and National Guard. Joining any branch of the military is a serious decision, and it is not a field to enter into without careful thought and consideration. However, it also important to remember … [Read more...] about How to Start a Military Career
How to Find Employment and Training Programs
You may have a job now, but perhaps it isn’t what you want to do long term. Or maybe it won’t pay enough for your new family. Don’t panic! There are actually many communities that offer a wide range of employment and training programs. These are programs that offer on-the-job training and preparation for careers in a wide variety of fields from health care, industrial, and … [Read more...] about How to Find Employment and Training Programs
How to Work with Your Employer for Family-Friendly Solutions
When preparing to go to your employer to make your job harmonize better with your situation as a parent, keep in mind that any changes will be more attractive if you can demonstrate that the new policy will benefit the company. And preparation here is key. First, know what policies are already in place. Talk to human resources or get a copy of the policy manual to study. It … [Read more...] about How to Work with Your Employer for Family-Friendly Solutions