Always Be Job Hunting

5 Jobs in the Constructions Industry

Posted on December 10, 2015 by John N. Frank

There are lots of jobs in the construction industry, but which ones are the best? Here are 5 that are most interesting and appealing to people entering the industry.

Carpenter
Carpentry is a job that goes back a long time. It’s one of the oldest jobs in the industry. It’s one of those tasks that is always in demand, and probably always will be. There are lots of different things that a carpenter has to do, and they are involved in pretty much every part of the building process. They are involved in fortifying structures, insulating buildings and building frameworks. There’s not much that they can’t do, so you have to be a good allrounder who is prepared to get stuck into every task. Find out what it takes to become a carpenter at http://learn.org/articles/Carpentry_Become_a_Carpenter_in_5_Steps.html

Plumber
The vast majority of buildings need to have plumbing work carried out on them. It’s a job that is known for being in demand and well-paid, and that’s what attracts a lot of people to it. The plumber will be responsible for making sure that the entire plumbing system is working order in the building. If it’s not, there’d be big problems for the person who eventually buy the property. It might seem like a relatively small job in the grand scheme of things, but it reality, it couldn’t be more vital.

Building Designer
The person who designs aspects of the building is mainly involved in the task before the actual building begins. But it is still a job that’s essential to the rest of the process as a whole. Some building designers also do manual work, combining the designing and the construction side of things. You do need to have the right skills and qualifications to do this job though. If you want to find out more about that, visit Everblue LEED AP http://www.everbluetraining.com/leed-exam-prep/building-design-exam-prep Everblue Training.

Construction Manager
The construction manager is usually the highest paid person on any building site. It’s a job that offers a great salary, so it requires experience before you’re able to take it on. Most people who do this job have some form of degree to show that they really do know what they’re talking about. But not many people get into this job without having that combination of experience and qualifications. With population growth and a greater demand for buildings, this job will become more common and more in demand.

Cement Mason
The foundations of most buildings use cement, so the cement mason is always a vital person on the construction site. Most people get into this kind of work by first taking up an apprenticeship. This is because the job is highly skilled and it requires a very specific set of skills for it to be carried out properly and safely. It’s a secure job that is always in demand as well, so it’s a good option for people looking to enter the industry. Reinforcing, pouring, spreading and leveling the cement all needs to be done.

This post has been contributed by Ryan Gatt, it may contain affiliate links.

Posted in career switch, job hunting, Job search tips | Tagged construction, job hunting | 3 Comments

4 Jobs You Can Get In The Industrial Sector

Posted on December 7, 2015 by John N. Frank

The industrial sector is often referred to as the industrial goods sector. It covers everything to do with producing goods used in manufacturing and construction. Think about massive factories with loads of machinery making products.

It’s a massive sector, which is why it presents lots of job opportunities. There’s a little something for everyone, people of all skill sets. Let’s take a look at some of the jobs you could get in this career field:

Mechanical Engineer
Every business in the industrial sector will use a range of power equipment and machinery. As a result, they’re going to need maintenance. This is where a mechanical engineer comes in. They can provide assistance and repair or design equipment. Your day-to-day work will vary greatly. One day you could be doing something simple like fitting hydraulic jack seals to power equipment. The next, you could be putting together a machine that helps build an aeroplane. There’s so much a mechanical engineer can do, and, it’s a career that pays very well. Continue reading →

Posted in finding a first job, job hunting | Tagged job hunting, search tips | 3 Comments

Try These Inspired Ways To Find A New Job

Posted on December 4, 2015 by John N. Frank

When you know you want a better job, the search can seem endless. But unless you continually strive for better, you won’t get anything better. It’s important to keep on top of your industry of interest. You need to know who the key employers are and what moves they are making in the market. This will help you find the right leads for jobs as they come up.

Most of us have a company or two in mind that we would love to work for. Whether you’re starting out or your career has spanned decades, it can be tricky to win a job with a dream employer. Sometimes you need to take work with a competitor to get the right experience within the industry. Or you might find you need to take a backward step to move forward with your ideal company.

Some companies are huge. They have recruitment cycles to keep staff turnover contained. These employers can be good to work for because they will have plenty of upward opportunities. You may also be able to move into different departments and areas of the business. You can find job applications for the biggest companies online at http://www.jobapplicationcenter.com/department-store-job-applications/target-application/. These can be the ideal way to get a foot in the door. Continue reading →

Posted in finding a first job | Tagged First job, job hunting, new job | 4 Comments

Starting A Catering Career Doesn’t Have To Be Difficult

Posted on December 3, 2015 by John N. Frank

Would you like to change careers and do something a little more interesting? Have you always had a passion for creating amazing meals for your family? Then looking for work in the catering industry could be perfect. The best option is usually to start a new business and run your operation entirely. However, some people don’t want that level of responsibility. So, the second option is to call catering companies and ask about vacancies. The information in this article should help to ensure you don’t make any errors. At the end of the day, you’ll still have to do a lot of training to earn the big money.

Contact local restaurants and catering firms
You need to network with the right people to score a catering job. So, it’s worth emailing or calling some of the best food establishments in town. Ask them if they have any openings for a dish cleaner or sous chef. With a bit of luck, you’ll find at least one company that’s willing to give you a trail. Make sure you always follow instructions and go the extra mile for your next employer. That is how you will secure better positions in the future. At the very least, it will help to make sure you get a good reference for your CV.

Go back to college
While you’re working in a minor chef role, you can also increase your food education. Find a college course that teaches more skills and techniques than you have already. You might even manage to convince your employer to cover part of the bill. Once you have some industry-recognized qualifications, it should be much easier to progress. Just bear in mind the college won’t let you use their equipment in most instances. Chefs are expected to bring knives from home, and most also bring chef jackets for women and men. You don’t have to wear a jacket while you’re at college because you’re not serving food professionally. However, they will help to protect your clothes, and you might as well get in the right routine. Continue reading →

Posted in finding a first job | 1 Comment

Landing a Medical Career: Where to Start

Posted on December 3, 2015 by John N. Frank

Landing a healthcare-related job is great for people who are interested in medicine and want to help people. But how do you go about getting the medical career of your dreams? Where are you supposed to start? Use this guide to help:

Be Honest: Are Your Skills and Strengths Suitable?
Although the idea of working in a medical field can be nice, you need to make sure your skills and strengths are suitable. You can also work on certain skills and strengths if required, but you do need to suit the medical field to a certain degree already if you’re going to stick to it.

Decide Which Type of Job is Best for You
If you’re sure that a medical career will suit you, you need to decide which type of job is best for you. There are a ton of different jobs you can go for, from medical assistant to doctor. Some jobs will be more practical and hands on than others. You shouldn’t let the salary sway your decision too much. You need to pick something that suits you and your skills. That being said, it can help to know what to expect. Look up a medical assistant salary to see what you think. It’ll all depend on where you are and what level you are at too, so bear that in mind.

Build a Strong Educational Foundation
You need to be willing to build a strong educational foundation to land a medical career. You should have a good knowledge of things such as science, maths, english, and maybe more.

Image by © Thinkstock/Corbis

Have a Diverse Set of Skills
A diverse set of skills is very important. You may be required to do paperwork, read charts, speak to patients, and more. Different skills are very important. Make sure you work on the skills you’re not so confident with so that you’re a well-rounded medical professional.

Pick a Major that Interests You
You’ll need to pick a major to help you land the medical career that you want. Some go for science, but it doesn’t have to be. It can be history, English, or anything else you’re interested in. It’ll help you to get another job in a different field if you decide the medical industry isn’t for you. Continue reading →

Posted in career switch, finding a first job | Tagged job hunting, new job | 1 Comment

The Sensible Guide To Going Freelance

Posted on November 24, 2015 by John N. Frank

Going freelance is an exciting endeavor. You are about to be freed from the shackles of employment, and make a name for yourself, on your own.

But, that freedom comes with a high price: the loss of security. It’s what stops many people from breaking out on their own – and makes many others return to the workplace with their tails between their legs.

But, with a little planning, anyone can succeed as a freelancer. Read on to find out the sensible way of getting started, and how to make the leap from employee to business owner.

Make the transition
If you can avoid it, try not to dive headfirst into the world of freelancing, whatever industry you are in. It might be tempting if you are having a bad time as an employee, but the grass isn’t always greener. And, there is a lot of preparation to get through before you can afford to make the leap.

Continue reading →

Posted in career switch, job hunting | Tagged freelancing, new job | Leave a comment

How to Forge a Career in Finance

Posted on November 23, 2015 by John N. Frank

When you’re young, mulling over a potential career path can be a daunting prospect. We put a lot of pressure on young people to discover their passion and forge their future. Even before they have finished learning what makes themselves tick. That’s why you need all the help you can get. And if you find yourself armed with a natural understanding of number crunching, the finance sector could be the route you should take. And a highly lucrative one, at that.

It can be hard to know where to get started in the finance industry, especially if you aren’t sure where to turn. This guide is designed to put you on the right track, and with any luck, forge a career in finance.

Qualifications

Okay, so where do you begin? It should go without saying that you should have always had a good grasp of numbers at school level. If you were the type that excelled at maths, I am extremely envious. This is a good starting point and stands you in good stead for further education. Becoming involved in the finance sector will require formal certification of your skills. What you study towards depends entirely on what your area of expertise will be. Look at the courses around your country and determine what best fits the career you’re looking to work towards. In any event, you’ll need to be degree educated to get anywhere.

Work Experience

Arming yourself with a diploma, of course, is just the first step. Everyone needs to start somewhere. Sadly, it can be difficult to get your foot on the ladder without experience. It’s one of the clearest examples of Catch 22 you’ll ever see. So, how do you get experience if nobody is willing to take a punt on you? Volunteer work, for starters, is an excellent way of getting your foot in the door. Very few companies are going to turn down the chance to boost their workforce with no initial outlay. Look at joining up with accountancy recruiters and agencies that will help you find unpaid, or even paid, work. If you get lucky (or impress) enough, you could find a permanent job offer waiting at the end of your volunteer tenure.

Job Hunting

If you didn’t get lucky enough to earn a guaranteed job, however, don’t panic. There are plenty of other places willing to give you work; you just have to find them. This becomes infinitely easier with a little experience under your belt. Now, though, is the time to look for real, paying work. Keep in mind that you’ll be coming in at intern or entry level, but don’t see this is a negative thing. Instead, see it as an opportunity for career progression. Your career will only go as far as you’re willing to work for. Better to start at the bottom rung and work your way up. Where do you look for work? Online is probably your best bet in a niche area. Get out there and start searching!

This post has been contributed by Ryan Gatt, it may contain affiliate links.

Posted in career switch, finding a first job, job hunting | Tagged job hunting, search tips | Leave a comment

How To Transition From A Full-Time To Freelance HR Professional

Posted on November 23, 2015 by John N. Frank

There’s no denying that HR is both a rewarding and a lucrative niche. Millions of people work in human resources and enjoy what they do. For some, there is a desire – and sometimes a need – to become a freelancer.

It’s a decision that never gets taken lightly. After all; you’re giving up a job with a set salary to work for yourself. It’s a risk and a big one at that. But, it’s one that many HR professionals are willing to take to further their careers.

Are you planning on transitioning from a full-time HR professional to a freelancer soon? If so, you’ve come to the right place. I’d like to share with you some pointers on how to make the process as smooth as possible. Here is what you need to know:

Registering your business
As a freelancer, you will effectively be running a business. You need to adhere to the rules governing the setup of any for-profit concern. For example, you’ll need to register your business to get a tax ID. You will also need to start filing tax returns and keeping records of invoices and receipts.

I recommend talking to an accountant before you get started. They can tell you the best way to start your business from a tax-saving point of view.

Planning for your future
Another consideration to make is how you’ll take care of yourself when you retire. The obvious answer is to start investing in a pension plan for your twilight years. Don’t forget that you’ll no longer have an employer to do that for you.

You should also organize health insurance. It’s mandatory in some parts of the world. It’s also a good idea to have even if it’s optional.

Proving your skills
To attract new clients, you need to show them that you’ve got proven skills to offer. The easiest way to do that is by writing a compelling resume. It should list your professional achievements and give an insight into your previous roles.

If you’re stuck for ideas, there are some examples of HR resumes online that you can peruse. Of course, make sure that you only stick to the facts in your resume. Don’t make up any skills or qualifications!

Getting new clients
Once you’re ready to rock and roll, it’s now time to start getting new customers.

As an HR professional, you will no doubt have a list of contacts from previous roles. Speak to them and let them know what you’re doing. I can guarantee you that some of them will want to meet with you to discuss their needs!

You should also spend some time marketing your services to potential clients. For a start, you need to set up a website and online presence in social media. LinkedIn is a good starting point, but you could also consider Facebook and Twitter too.

As you will be a busy freelancer, you might not have the time to manage your marketing alone. I recommend outsourcing some tasks to marketing agencies. That way, you can keep your time free for making money!

I hope today’s article has been of use to you.

This post has been contributed by Ryan Gatt, it may contain affiliate links.

Posted in career switch | Tagged job hunting, new job | 1 Comment

How To Create A Portfolio Website That Will Land You A Job

Posted on November 12, 2015 by John N. Frank

Hunting for a job in 2015 is a very different process to the past. For example, nowadays, your online presence is an essential part of the application. Your profile on LinkedIn is often used instead of a CV, for example. But, perhaps the most important aspect is the online portfolio.

A digital portfolio is the best way to showcase your past work and skills. It’s a quick and simple way for potential employers to see your experience first hand. It’s particularly important in the creative and media industries, such as writing, graphic design, and photography. With that in mind, how do you make sure yours stands out?

Professional setup
First of all, you need to present a professional image. That means creating a website with a real domain and professional web hosting. Your first step is to buy your domain name. That should be http://www.your-name.com. You can see what’s available from the likes of GoDaddy or 1-2-3-Reg. You can also purchase your web hosting at the same time. Next, you’ll need to build your portfolio website. We suggest using a platform called WordPress. They have hundreds of pre-selected portfolio themes and designs that are perfect for job hunters. If you need help creating your first website, visit http://websitesetup.org.

Clean, simple design and a logo
Let’s quickly talk a little more about your design. Portfolio websites are often associated with the creative industry. So, you’re looking to make a strong impression about your eye for design and creativity. The best way to do that is with a simple, clean template or web design. If possible, create a simple, but professional, logo to accompany your site.

Case studies and testimonials
Once you’ve got the skeleton of your site set up, it’s time to fill it with content. That means highlighting your previous work. One of the best ways to do this is with case studies. Highlight your high-profile projects and clients with in-depth case studies. Explain how you improved their business, and show pictures of your results. If possible, ask your previous clients for testimonials. That adds gravity and authority to your claims.

SEO and digital presence
If you’re looking to generate a truly powerful presence online, think about your SEO strategy. It’s a great way to turn your dormant portfolio into a dynamic site that actively attracts visitors. That will boost your authority, and get recruiters coming directly to you. Visit http://www.firstpage.hk to find out more about optimizing your portfolio site for search engines. It might just be the kick you need to find your next big project.

Show your personality
Remember, employers aren’t just looking for skills and experience. They’re looking for a candidate they can get on with. They’re looking for a team member who suits the company. Don’t be afraid to show your personality. Use an ‘about’ page to tell people more about yourself. Create a blog to establish your thoughts and opinions on your industry. You never know who might stumble across it.

With a killer portfolio website, you’ll land your dream job in no time at all. Good luck out there, job hunters!

This post has been contributed by Ryan Gatt, it may contain affiliate links.

Posted in career switch, finding a first job, job hunting | 1 Comment

Top Skills You Should Develop To Make Yourself More Hirable

Posted on November 12, 2015 by John N. Frank

We all have a dream career we would like to reach. Some of us might be trying to become a published writer. Another might want to sing live on Broadway. They are the artists who are dreaming about getting their art recognized.

Then there are those who want to find success and fortune. They might have the dream to one day own a company and put their own mark on the business world.

Your dream career will be unique to you but you do have one thing in common with everyone else. If you do achieve it, it’s not going to happen overnight. It’s going to take a lot of time and a considerable amount of effort on your part.

You should not underestimate just how fierce the competition is out there. The number of jobs on the market is finite. But the number of people seeking them out grows with each passing day. That’s why it’s a good idea to develop the skills that make you more employable. Not just for your dream career but for many high paid, easy to obtain, jobs. Once you have claimed one of these jobs, you will be able to move forward with your future dreams while earning a living. Here are the skills that we recommend you consider developing. Continue reading →