Career Counseling: An Overview
At a career crossroads? You may benefit from the professional help of an experienced career counselor.
What Career Counselors Do
Career counselors can help you:
- Develop a career plan
- Make more effective decisions
- Assess your best job options, through career assessments and other tools
- Develop job search skills, such as writing effective resumes
- Find work/life balance
- Resolve personal conflicts with bosses and coworkers
- Navigate job stress, career transitions and other difficult employment issues
Why seek career counseling?
Although everyone in the workforce could probably benefit from career counseling at one point or another, we asked nationally certified counseling professional Ruthann Reim McCaffrey of the Career Management Institute for the most common reasons people came to her for help. She cited several:
- Recent job loss and loss of confidence
- Relocation and lack of knowledge of the local market
- A long absence from the job market
- Life changes such as illness or disability, necessitating a career change
- They just believe in being efficient and proactive and don’t hesitate to get help before they are in crisis
- Business owners seeking human resources or career management help
Finding the Right Counselor
Anyone can refer to themselves as a "counselor." Check to see that your counselor is certified by a national accreditation agency, such as the National Board for Certified Counselors. Also, look for an advanced degree in counseling, psychology, career development or a related discipline.
To be most effective, however, a counseling relationship depends on more than just the initials after someone’s last name. "The most important criteria in any counseling relationship is that the client and counselor are a good match," says counselor Ruthann Reim. She describes her own style: "I like clients to keep their power in working with me…there are many parts of career transition that my clients already know how to do so we choose to use our time on areas that are of concern." Take the time to find a counselor who best matches your own needs and personality.
Making the Most of Counseling
We asked Ruthann what she sees as the most common roadblock to career success. "Fear. It translates into ‘this is a tough job market so I’m going to have a really hard time,’ ‘I’m too old, too young, too inexperienced, too seasoned so no one will want me,’ ‘I am feeling desperate so I can’t be choosy.’" Overcoming fear, developing confidence, and taking control over the career development process are necessary ingredients to success.
In order to be effective, recipients of career counseling need to sit in the driver’s seat. "Maintain control over your own career planning rather than hoping or expecting someone else to do it for you," advises Ruthann. Counselors are there to help you find your stride. The rest is up to you.
Find a Counselor - Resources
National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC)
National Career Development Association
Career Counselors Consortium
(NYC and Tri-State Area)
Career Advice: Reliable Sources
I have one word for you – “plastics.”
This was the advice which greeted Benjamin Braddock in the 1967 movie “The Graduate,” upon his return from college. If you are a student or job-seeker, chances are you have been the recipient of a great deal of unsolicited advice. Your family and friends, though well-meaning, may not be the best career advisors. Always consider the source.
If you have already identified your desired career, start with the resources you may already have at your disposal. If you are in school, make use of your Career Services department for professional relevant advice on which classes to take, how to build and present your resume, how to write a great cover letter, the interview process, and the overall job market in your chosen profession. If you are no longer a student but have a degree, you may have access to some career services as an alumnus. Visit your school website, find out what services are available to you, and make an appointment to speak with a counselor.
If you don’t have access to a college career services department, make use of the wealth of information available online. Visit our career services section, and read trade publications, industry blogs, and job listings to get a sense of what your future employer may be looking for in an applicant. Look at sample resumes and cover letters, and consider hiring a career counselor.
If you are looking to change careers or are just starting out, think about what job best fits your interests, talents and personality type. Take a career assessment or two, and select several job categories which most interest you. What Color is Your Parachute? author Dick Bolles recommends scheduling “informational interviews”—information-gathering sessions with successful professionals in your field of interest. Schedule a meeting with someone you admire, and outline the next steps on your career path.
Military to Civilian Careers: Making the Transition
The United States is home to more than 1.4 million active duty service members,[1] half a million National Guard members[2], and 23.8 million veterans.[3] Protective laws and free resources are available to assist armed services members with this process, which can often be fraught with challenges.
At any given time, thousands of these men and women are in the process of transitioning from a military to civilian career, or returning to civilian life after deployment.
Right to Re-Employment: Keeping Your Old Job
Members of the National Guard and Reserve components of the United States Military have certain rights to retain their employment after deployment or other service. The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), provides job protection and rights of reinstatement.
USERRA provides that an employer may not discriminate against an employee or potential employee on the basis of military affiliation, and that an employee has the right to retain their position after an absence for mandatory military service of not more than 5 years. To benefit from this law, an employee must provide their employer with timely notice, and hold a job with a "reasonable expectation of continuance for a significant period of time." (Even if that job is described as "temporary.")
Although an invaluable protection for the service members it covers, USERRA’s scope is limited to members of the Guard and Reserve who have been called to federal duty.
From Military Jobs to Civilian Career: Challenges
For service members not eligible to continue a civilian job under USERRA, or those who are transitioning or retiring from the service, establishing a fulfilling civilian career has some challenges, but none that can’t be overcome. We asked Bill Scott, Vice President of Bradley-Morris Inc (a respected employment services company serving military veterans) to describe the greatest challenges facing today’s veterans as they re-enter the civilian workforce. ”A veteran has two big challenges. The first is to work hard to “civilianize” their experience and their resume." What does this mean? "A civilian hiring authority will not understand military occupational specialties, military acronyms or ranks." Bill advises veterans to put their military training in terms an employer can understand, such as number of people managed, dollar value of equipment maintained, improvements in uptime, or hours of technical training.
"Civilianizing" the resume is not the only challenge veterans face, however. "The second challenge is how to find the free military job seeker services that are out there," said Bill. "Know that there are many, many resources available that are set up to assist you at no charge." Most importantly: "Use multiple resources. Don’t sign an exclusive agreement. And don’t pay for placement services."
Moving Forward: Key Advice
Bill Scott sees a bright future for today’s transitioning veterans, with a few caveats: be ready to relocate, and start early.
"We’ve placed veterans in virtually every industry….If veterans are open to different locations, they will vastly increase their number of opportunities."
”Despite the persistent news of a struggling economy, we see the job outlook for veterans as still being strong. But the main thing that can impact a veteran’s job outlook is how early they begin their transition process – we recommend at least a year in advance of their transition date. There is a lot to learn about the civilian work world, and it takes some time to figure out what types of civilian positions you are qualified for, what you want to do in your ‘second’ career and where you want to live. Make sure you start early and can cover all of these bases so that you can have a job offer in hand as close to your separation date as possible.”
Get Started: Resources
Start your transition today, with this list of valuable web resources.
Government Programs
Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program
For disabled veterans
USERRA Ombudsman Program
For Guard and Reserve
Career Advice Links
Tips for National Guard and Reserve Members: Avoiding Job Conflicts
Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve
10 Tips for Transitioning Veterans
Bradley-Morris, Inc.
Returning to the Workforce Following Military Duty
Airforce Office of Special Investigations.
Military Job Search Sites
Uniformed Services Benefit Association
Resume Help
Military to Civilian Skills Translator
MilitaryResumes.com
(Paid service)
References
1. Department of Defense, Military Personnel Statistics
2. Congressional Research Service, National Guard Personnel and Deployments: Fact Sheet
3. National Center for Veterans Analysis and Statistics
Hot Industries: Popular Jobs Through 2016
As our economy continues a decades-long shift from goods-based to service-based, some employment sectors are expected to perform substantially better than others.
From 2006-16, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the U.S.civilian noninstitutional population will increase by 21.8 million.[1] Americans will age, with baby boomers representing the largest segment of the population and the pool of younger adults in the workforce shrinking due to lower birth rates in later generations.
Our economy will change to accommodate these demographic shifts. As skilled jobs take up a greater portion of the job market than ever before, most of the hottest jobs will require a minimum of an associates degree, while jobs requiring only on the job training will decline. Automation and technological changes will alter or eliminate some jobs, while creating new opportunities for technology and information workers. The greatest employment gains will be made by the educational and health services industries, with a dramatic 18.8 percent increase projected for the coming decade. In reaction to the aging population, health care alone is expected to grow by over 25%.
Hottest Industries
Educational and Health Services
Fastest growing jobs (projected):
Personal and home care aids, home health aids, veterinary technicians, medical assistants, veterinarians, substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors, social and human service assistants, physical therapist assistants, pharmacy technicians, dental hygienists, mental health counselors, and mental health and substance abuse social workers
Professional and Business Services
Includes science and technology, as well as human resources and administration.
Fastest growing jobs (projected):
Network systems and data communications analysts and computer software engineers (applications)
Financial Activities*
Includes real estate and rental leasing, finance, insurance, securities and other investments, as well as credit intermediation and other services
Fastest growing jobs (projected):
personal financial advisors, financial analysts
*These predictions were made prior to the bank closures of October 2008. The financial services industry has cooled substantially.
Government
A very diverse industry. Gains are expected particularly in the area of public safety, while some segments such as federal employment (including the postal service) are expected to decline.
Fastest growing jobs (projected):
Forensic science technicians, financial analysts*
*our prediction
Hot Industries
Information
Includes software publishing, internet publishing and broadcasting, and wireless telecommunication carriers as well as motion picture production; broadcasting; and newspaper, periodical, book, and directory publishing.
Leisure and Hospitality
Includes arts, entertainment, and recreation, including accommodation and food services.
Trade, Transportation, and Utilities
Includes transportation and warehousing, utilities, truck and rail transportation, as well as retail and wholesale trade.
Other Services
Includes religious organizations, automotive repair and maintenance, organizations and associations (such as labor organizations and home owners associations.)
Construction
Commercial, road, bridge and tunnel construction are expected to increase as greater demand is placed on our infrastructure.
Cold Industries
Manufacturing
Expected to decline in all but a few areas, such as pharmaceutical and medicine.
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting
Expected to decline significantly, particularly in crop production. The sole exception is expected to be support activities for agriculture and industry, including farm labor contractors and farm management services.
Mining*
Employment in the mining industry is expected to decline slightly, as changes are made in technology and safety regulations.
*At least in the short term, this prediction is proving to be inaccurate. Throughout 2008, mining consistently added new jobs to the US workforce. With renewed talk of clean coal technology investment and increasing energy demands worldwide, the mining industry may buck government predictions and remain strong for some time.
References
Home-Based Businesses: Redefining Success
If you are a self-starter, working at home can present the opportunity of a lifetime. With the rise of the Internet, the number and types of businesses one can start from home have increased dramatically. More than 20 million people work from home in the United States alone, and nearly one third are self employed.[1]
For some, working from home is a ticket out of the corporate environment. "I didn’t like the corporate infrastructure, inside politics and just being a number," says Julie Northrop, work at home mom and founder of freebirthdaytreats.com. "I didn’t want to be limited to just doing one type of job. I enjoy the variety of work that comes with a work at home business and the flexibility of being here for my family."
Starting a home business is not without challenges, however. Maintaining a balance between work and home life is challenging for everyone, but those who work at home face a constant struggle between getting enough work done and keeping up with household tasks. Working at home can also be isolating for those used to a busy office environment.
Don’t expect success to come right away, either. Building a business, whether at home or in an office park, requires a lot of faith and motivation. Success is what you make of it. "My business became successful when I got my first email…from someone who took the time to let me know how much they appreciated [my work]" says Northrop. "There are long hours and success generally doesn’t happen overnight. You need to be a self-starter, willing to work hard, be organized and patient."
If you think you are cut out for a home-based business, consider carefully:
- Do I want to start from scratch, or work for an existing company?
- What kind of investments will I need to make, in products, equipment, or training?
- How much time do I really have, between family/household commitments, and does my proposed business fit in?
- Can I budget my time, or do I work best in a more structured environment?
- Can my family survive if my business does not take off right away?
Think you are ready? Check out some of these great home business resources:
Getting Started: Technical Assistance
IRS Guide to Starting a Business
Small Business Administration
Findlaw: Starting a Business
Developing Work-life balance
Believer in Balance, Sparkplugging.com
CNN Balance Calculator
WebMD Health & Balance Guide
Work at Home Blogs and Communities
Sparkplugging
The Savvy Entrepeneur
Problogger
At Home Mom
Blogher: Business, Career and Personal Finance
References
1. Bureau of Labor Statistics,
Work at Home Summary
Employer Resources: US Employment Law
In the United States, employers are subject to a complex canopy of federal, state, and municipal laws. Although workplace laws may seem overwhelming, most address three basic employer obligations: nondiscrimination, maintaining a safe workplace, and respecting basic worker rights.
An employer should carefully research the laws pertaining to his or her industry and location prior to beginning the hiring process. We have drawn up a basic outline to help get you started.
Federal Employment Laws
There are more federal employment laws than we can possibly list in one article. We have outlined many of the most crucial ones, however should you have a question about a particular policy or practice we recommend conducting your own research and consulting an attorney or human relations specialist.
Anti-discrimination laws
Federal law dictates that employers must not discriminate on the basis of
- race
- gender
- age (over 40)
- disability
- religion
- national origin
- pregnancy
- National Guard or Reserve obligation
Employees are protected from discrimination at any point before, during, or after the employee/employer relationship including:
- Recruitment - including hiring, advertising jobs, conducting background checks, and asking interview questions
- Training
- Assigning salaries
- Maintaining a harassment-free workplace
- Assigning benefits
- Firing/lay offs
- Administering retirement programs
Additionally, employees may not be subject to retaliatory actions in response to a complaint of any above discrimination, sexual or other harrassment, or termination for required military service. In some cases, employers may be obligated to take certain actions for special groups, such as providing reasonable accommodation to disabled workers or allowing leave for members of the National Guard and Reserves.
Safety Laws
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulates health and safety practices in the workforce. OSHA also provides training, enforcement, and "whistle blower" protections for employees who file safety complaints.
Privacy Protections
Lie Detector Tests - With some exceptions, employers are generally prohibited from requiring lie detector tests, either prior to or during employment.
Electronic Privacy Rights - Employees have some very minor protections against interception of electronic communication by employers.
Social Security and Tax Obligations
Most employers must withhold Social Security and Medicare taxes, or FICA, from their employees’ wages. Additionally, most employers must pay Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA) from their own funds.
Wage and Hour Laws
Most employers are subject to federal laws dictating minimum wage and overtime requirements.
State Employment Laws
Anti-discrimination laws may differ by state, however nowhere will they provide less protection than federal laws. In addition to the discrimination categories listed above, employees may be protected on the basis of:
- Sexual orientation
- Specific medical conditions
- Parental status
- Marital status
- Political affiliation
For more information, consult your local EEOC office, human rights commission, or an attorney in your state.
Individual states generally also have their own privacy laws, tax obligations, state disability insurance, and worker’s compensation insurance requirements, as well as state-specific minimum wage, overtime, and hours requirements.
Municipal Employment Laws
Individual cities, towns, and counties may have additional employment laws which employers doing business in their municipalities must honor. For example, the City of San Francisco provides protection to workers on the basis of gender identity, requires paid sick leave, sets a minimum per-employee health insurance spending requirement, and specifies a particular minimum wage. To stay abreast of municipal regulations, check with local officials prior to beginning the hiring process.
More Information: Resources
Workplace Law Posters
Confused? Don’t feel overwhelmed. Start by acquiring your state and federal employment law posters, to post in a break room or other spot highly-visible to your employees. Posters include information you are required to pass on to your employees, and also provide a simple way for new employers to understand workplace laws.
Free Employment Law Posters
Available to download and print, from the US Department of Labor
Comprehensive Employment Law Posters
State and federal laws on one simple laminated poster, available for purchase from laborlawcenter.com
Remember to inquire locally about specific municipal requirements.
Government Agencies
US Department of Labor FirstStep Employment Law Advisor
Provides a basic overview of employer laws and obligations
US Department of Labor Employers Page
Includes summary of major workplace laws, such as wage and hour requirements
US Equal Employment Opportunity Commision
Need more information about anti-discrimination laws? Start here.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) "E-tools"
User-friendly explanations of complex workplace safety problems
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Employment Taxes FAQ
For small businesses
Other Helpful Websites
Human Resource Blog
Ask the staff of the Labor Law Center a question, or browse thousands of helpful entries.
FindLaw Employment Law and Human Resources
For small businesses
Proceed With Caution: Hot Jobs in a Cooling Economy
Trade magazines and job websites love to identify the latest job trends. Often, “hot jobs” are based on government predictions, such as those contained within the Bureau of Labor Statistics “Tomorrow’s Jobs” report, issued every ten years. Ten years is a long time, however. Unforeseen circumstances can alter what once looked like a very safe prediction, leaving students and job seekers in the lurch.
Consider the cautionary example of the “librarian shortage.” In the late nineteen nineties numerous sources predicted a widespread shortage of library science degree holders, as the baby boomer generation approached retirement age. Students flocked to Masters of Library Science programs and discovered, en masse, that jobs failed to materialize as the boomer generation put off retirement and held on to the most desirable positions.
The current BLS “Tomorrow’s Jobs” report predicts growth in a number of industries likely to experience a downturn if recent economic developments continue – including banking, personal finance, employment services, trucking, recreation, real estate, and restaurants. While some occupations such as registered nurse, home health care assistant and computer software engineer do still appear to be sound career paths, others such as personal financial advisor, veterinary technologist and skin care specialist reflect the belief expressed throughout the 2006-16 report that the economy will continue to grow, incomes will rise, and the population will have more opportunity for leisure and discretional spending.
In contrast, some industries are outperforming government predictions. Mining, which was predicted to lose jobs through improved safety standards and increased automation, has added 241,000 new workers since 2003. Likewise, the government predicted job losses in the rail transportation industry, which has since experienced a large increase in passenger ridership as well as big gains for shipping companies utilizing rail in place of the troubled trucking industry. As the world’s energy needs increase, some experts predict continued growth in both of these industries, as well as the development of a new “green” employment sector surrounding the research and development of clean technologies.
As you look for the right college or job training program, don’t take an institution’s assertions about job growth at face value. Ask yourself: in light of current events, does it make sense that a particular job will be waiting for me when I graduate?
We’ve taken a second look at the Tomorrow’s Jobs Report and selected ten of the most recession-proof jobs from its list of occupations predicted to show the greatest percentage or numerical increases in employment:
Network Systems and Data Communications Analysts
Social and Human Services Assistants
Teachers and Child Care Workers
Emerging recession-proof jobs:
Social Media/Online Marketing Specialist
Be Prepared: Do Your Research
An employment relationship should never be entered into blindly by either party. Whether you are a job seeker or employer, it always pays to be prepared. Do your research before hiring, accepting a job offer, negotiating a salary, or making any life-changing business decision, and avoid buyer’s remorse.
Research for job seekers:
Companies
Do you want to know how a prospective employer stacks up in the eyes of its employees? Check out sites like Glassdoor.com for informative employee reviews. Interested in the economic health of your future company? Use sites such as Yahoo! Finance to investigate their stock quote chart, CEO statements, and recent financial filings.
Salaries
Salary negotiation can be one of the most awkward parts of any job interview, or a very simple matter. The key factor is you, the job seeker: Have you done your research? Do you know what others in your industry/position earn? Find out, before you walk into the interview. Read More.
Job Descriptions and Career Profiles
“What do you do?” It’s one of the most common questions we ask each other. Have you ever listened to a friend talk about her job and wondered what, exactly, her title means? If you’re in school, I’m sure you hear a great deal about the importance of having the right skills and education for your chosen field, but how do you even know what’s required? Relying on your college or vocational training program may not be enough. Find out more with Careers.Org’s extensive directory of occupational profiles.
Employment Law and Worker’s Rights
Know your rights. If you believe you have been discriminated against, denied overtime or other wage and hour protections, are subject to an unsafe workplace, or face other employment-related legal issues, carefully research your rights and protections and consult the labor department of your city or state. You may be entitled to free legal consultation.
Informational Interviews
Do you want to learn more about your chosen career, without the stress of the job search process? What Color is Your Parachute? author Dick Bolles recommends scheduling “informational interviews”—information-gathering sessions with successful professionals in your field of interest.
Research for Employers:
Employment Laws
In the United States, employers are subject to a complex canopy of federal, state, and municipal laws. Although workplace laws may seem overwhelming, most address three basic employer obligations: nondiscrimination, maintaining a safe workplace, and respecting basic worker rights. Read more.
Background Checks
Protect yourself and your employees by carefully pre-screening job applicants. Employers may pre-screen applicants on a number of bases, including credit, criminal history, and in some limited circumstances, medical background. Visit business.gov for more information on permitted pre-employment background checks.
Job Search: 5 Steps to Your Next Career
Whether you are searching for your first job, a new job, or looking to change career paths altogether, diving in to the pool of job applicants can feel daunting. Take a deep breath, and follow this simple five-step job search process.
- Start with people you know. No matter how technologically sophisticated the job hunt process becomes, the most effective way to find a job is still through physical networking. Have you made business contacts through internships while in school? Do you have friends or former coworkers who work in your desired field? Let your contacts know that you are looking for employment, and give them a heads up that you are applying to their organization.
Getting noticed is half the battle. Networking might not get you the job, but it will most likely get your resume shuffled to the top of the pile. Appear interested but not overbearing. Let your contacts know once that you have applied, and then follow up a week or two later with a polite inquiry.
- Apply directly.If you already know where you want to work, apply directly. This tip seems pretty obvious, but it is easy to get caught up in looking at job search sites and forget that you can go directly to an employer’s website (or their physical location) and apply. Just be sure to follow their specified application process exactly as requested, and write a great cover letter tailored to that organization. If you know you want to work for this company, your application materials should send that message. Government, universities, and other large institutions generally prefer that you apply to them directly, and have strict protocols that must be followed by each applicant.
- Use online services.
Out of the thousands of job search services on the Internet, we’ve selected a top five. There may be more that are relevant to your industry or local area, but these are a great place to start.
- Indeed: search thousands of major job search sites, with one job title search.
Indeed is powerful, simple, and can save you a great deal of work. - Monster: Tired of applying for jobs? Want to post your resume and let it do your talking for you? Monster is probably the best-trafficked site to try this tactic. Also includes a traditional job search component.
- Dice: Looking for a tech job? Dice is the place to look for work with major technology companies and contracting services. Like Monster, you can also post your resume and let employers come to you.
- Craigslist: A very inexpensive option for employers, Craigslist is probably the best place to look for small business, nonprofit jobs, and one-time gigs. Be wary of a wide variety of scam artists using Craigslist’s generous posting policies to their advantage.
- Career Builder: Prefer newspaper classifieds? Career Builder is designed to reflect traditional classified advertising categories, and has partnered with local papers and news outlets throughout the United States. Popular with employers who might not be familiar with other online job search sites.
- Indeed: search thousands of major job search sites, with one job title search.
- Apply to temporary/contracting agencies.Times are tough and many employers are cutting costs by hiring temporary or contract help. If you have been unemployed for a while and need cash now, applying through an agency is probably your quickest route to a paycheck. On the downside, you probably will not qualify for health insurance or other benefits.
Be wary of any agency that requests a fee, as most reputable ones do not. Many agencies still advertise prominently in local newspapers. A simple way to find the most popular agencies in your area is to pick up the paper, go to the jobs classifieds, and look for the largest ads.
- Repeat, and Evaluate.Still unemployed? Go through the steps again, and then go back to the drawing board. Take a look at your resume and cover letters and consider edits or additions. Think about the jobs to which you have applied, and whether or not they fit within your skills and experience.
Finally, consider whether or not you are happy in your chosen career and consider other possiblities. Maybe you haven’t found work because you feel ambivalent, maybe your field has been outsourced, or maybe you need to broaden your search to other job titles or locations. Try to look at this time as an opportunity to make positive changes, to go back to school or start a whole new career. Most importantly, maintain your confidence and know that your job is out there.
Considering Relocation? 10 Tips to Ease Your Transition
Is the job market in your city stale? Are you looking for a change? Consider relocation. The advent of the internet has made looking for a job nearly anywhere in the world a pretty straightforward process. If you are willing and able to relocate, the world is at your feet.
Nervous? A few tips to calm your nerves:
- If you can, choose a new city with more than one strong industry. You may already have your dream job lined up, but new jobs can be volatile. Make sure you will have other options should your employer or job disappear.
- Read local newspapers online. Get to know the community, its employers and economic outlook, especially job prospects in your field.
- Find out the salary range in your new city, and make sure it matches up well with housing prices. A big pay raise can turn into a pay cut if the average two bedroom apartment rents for $3000 a month. As a general rule, your income should be three times your rent.
- Consider a short-term rental. It may take you a little while to settle into a permanent position. A commute that seems fine on paper may turn into a 3 hour nightmare in rush hour traffic. Make sure you’re comfortable with your new neighborhood before making a long-term commitment.
- Make sure your resume reads well in any city. Focus on accomplishments, de-emphasize individual employers, and don’t use industry jargon that may not translate well to other markets.
- Research large employers in the area. What products and services do they sell? Do they have a new contract? Are they introducing a new product? Have they acquired another company? Visit their online press rooms and read the business section of the local paper.
- Do you have friends or past business contacts in the area? Ask for their help. Visit your new city, meet up with friends, and start networking right away. Take every opportunity to meet new people and learn more about your new environment. People like to show newcomers around. If a prospective employer or coworker invites you to try out a restaurant or neighborhood, say yes!
- Do you have to move right away? Perhaps you don’t have the luxury of looking elsewhere while still employed where you are. Consider temporary or contract work in your field, while you build your resume and make business contacts.
- Do you have a spouse and/or children? Consider their work prospects, schools, and overall quality of life. Make sure your new city will work for your whole family and if at all possible, bring them along on your visits. If you can’t afford to bring them with you, take pictures of your new neighborhood, bring home brochures for area attractions, and ask about coworkers with children their age.
- Don’t be afraid! Moving is never fun, but it can be a great adventure. Do your research and visit once or twice before committing, but don’t be afraid to make your move.