Chicago Career Coach Hallie Crawford offers career tips
Health care industry, retail jobs, "green" jobs, IT, and government positions are becoming more popular for their appeal in terms of job security. However, Career Coach Hallie Crawford advises that these fields may not be the right fields for all job seekers.
“While looking for a job in a more stable industry can be a positive thing, it's still very important to find something that is going to be a fit for you. When looking for your ideal career, you need consider many factors, in addition to stability. Job stability is a great thing, however you shouldn't settle on a job based on that sole factor because if it's not a fit for you, you won't be happy no matter how secure it is. Make sure that you consider all the things that you are looking for in a job because honestly, nothing is completely recession proof.”
The economy continues to move in the right direction. While the economic outlook may be changing, it doesn’t mean that the way companies are now finding talent has. Says Crawford:
“The ONETcenter.org website can direct you to hot career paths. But also review job boards online, join LinkedIn groups for your industry, and don't forget to check the paper and sometimes Craig's list, BUT I can't emphasis enough the importance of tapping into the hidden job market. More than 60% of jobs are found through networking and the hidden job market.”
Crawford also recommends that candidates know their competition, and do research on the company that they are interviewing with. About strategy, Crawford advises that everyone have professional help with their resume and a cyber-strategy. “You need an online strategy using social media. Being on LinkedIn is no longer optional, it's necessary. You need to understand the impact of the internet and how it can hurt and help you. In person networking is also critical but you must leverage professional online networking as well these days.”
Some things, like how you look for a job, have evolved over time. The importance of networking has not. “This (networking) is still the #1 way to find a job - this means not just sitting behind your computer searching job boards all day. Remember the old saying: it's not what you know; it’s who you know.”
The winner is….
Comments