Saturday, April 30, 2011

Career advancement tips

Career advancement is a long term process and results in future development of an individual. Every individual at the start of their career is inexperienced but with the passage of time he gets more better and it is career advancement.

Go one step further

As a professional who wants to advance in his career, you must always be prepared to go an extra mile and do more than the minimum job requirement. This shows that you are enthusiastic and have the desire to learn and progress.

Take initiative

If you want to become successful, you have to be proactive and well prepared to take initiative rather than waiting to be asked to take care of a job.

Keep learning

Even when you have been in the professional field for months and years, you have to keep the learning process going, as there is always the need to update the existing skills that you possess and learning new to keep up with the rest.

Be innovative

Be creative and come up with new ideas and suggestions not only on specific projects, but also for the general benefit of the company.

Accept your mistakes

A successful professional is one who is ready to accept his mistakes and is able to learn from them. If you are stubborn and refuse to admit that you were wrong, there is no room left for growth and development.

Focus on long term goals

Career growth is all about long term goals so instead of focusing on what you are learning and gaining in the short term, pay attention to the long term benefits and gains.

Share your views

You must share your views and ideas in meetings to make a place for yourself. If you keep silent and are reluctant to share views, the seniors perceive you as a laid back person who is not interested in contributing to the team.

Invest in connections

Networking and making connections is the most important part of career growth as the more people you know in your field, the greater are the chances of your success.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Top career change ideas

Top seven career change tips is mention below:

1. Forget Job Titles
Job titles really inhibit your thinking. If I asked you to list all the jobs you could think of, you might come up with a couple of hundred before you ran dry. In reality there are thousands of jobs out there that you would never identify under your own steam, so forget the job title and focus instead on the key themes that are important for you in a job.

2. List what you dont want to do

This is often quite easy to do if you are in a job you hate and it is a very useful exercise. It helps you focus on the aspects of a job that really drive you nuts and then also pick out those that are annoying in your current job but actually you would be prepared to put up with to some degree in a different situation.

3. List what you think you should want to do
What do you think your career should look like? What pressure are you putting on yourself to confirm to certain expectations. Just check with yourself whose rules you are following here. Who exactly says that your career must look like this?

4. List what you would do if anything were possible
Yes, you are allowed to take the brakes off here and create a big dream. Forget the constraints you put on yourself, wherever they come from.

5. List what you would do if you gave yourself permission to say that you want it
So often, we limit the possibilities in our lives because we just dont allow ourselves to want something. Maybe you want to earn lots of money but that seems too greedy. Maybe you want to have an easy, quiet job - but that seems too lazy. Maybe you want to set up your own business but you cant because you have to think about so many other people in your life first.

6. Reinvent yourself
If you could rewind the tape on your life and re-run it, what would you do? If you could dump all the stuff, the rules, the history that you have gathered on your journey through life to this point and travel light without the baggage, where would your journey take you? What would the new you look like and what work would this new person be doing?

7. Think big and think small
Your new career does not have to be something world changing and grand. If you want to change the world, great! Go ahead and build your new career around this big vision. But if you feel drawn to operating on a more local scale, thats fine too. Small changes can be just as transforming for your career and your life as big ones, so dont be fooled into thinking that bigger is necessarily better. Career change success is about finding what feels right for you.

Sunday, April 24, 2011

Top Interview Tips


The job interview is your chance to impress the interviewer with your skills and confidence.

Before the Interview


Review the job duties included in the Vacancy Notice.
Research the department.
Dress professionally. Don’t wear perfume or cologne.
Bring extra copies of your resume.
Bring a pen and paper to write down any information you might need to remember.
Prepare a few questions to ask the interviewer.
Prepare answers to any questions you think you might be asked (see sample questions below).

At the Interview

Arrive on time. Try to be a few minutes early if possible.
Try to relax. Be yourself.
Show self-confidence – make eye contact; answer questions in a clear voice.
Remember to listen.
Think before answering questions. Try to make your answers as clear as possible.
Avoid negative body language – crossing your arms, swinging your foot or leg, slouching, covering your mouth while speaking.
When given a chance, ask any questions that you have prepared in advance. You can also follow up on anything that the interviewer tells you during the interview.

After the Interview

End the interview with a handshake and thank the interviewer for his or her time.
Find out when the department plans to make a hiring decision.
Follow up with a short “thank you for the interview” note.

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Top career advancement tips


Every individual seeks advancement in their living especially when it comes to their career. Career advancement means the updation of an individual in regards to his particular skills and accomplishments. Career advancement is a long term process and results in future development of an individual. Every individual at the start of their career is inexperienced but with the passage of time he gets more better and it is career advancement.

Career advancement starts from the very first job you pursue, as you get more exposure towards work you are ready to face more challenges.

An individual must posses an established position in the work place, as it is one of the vital tools for advancement in career.

Have a chat with your boss regarding your performance and promotion in the company, this will let you know where you stand at your present work place.

People concerned about career advancement should always have ability to achieve higher learning goals, gaining knowledgeable skills and should be updated with the latest trend in the industry.

Be an effective listener as well as a clear communicator, as this will help an individual to influence others and achieve goals in his career.

If you additionally wish to work for some other department of your business let your employer know your desire to work for those as well along with your current business line. Proper action taken at right time helps an individual to achieve their goals.

Build a strong relation with your colleagues, as this will help you to know about your weaknesses and strengths at your work place.

Every firm seeks the best employee in the industry, and for being the best there should be abundant of innovative ideas and an intellectual thinking. So train your intellect for new ideas and innovations.

Also individuals with more experience and few skills have more chances for advancement, so learn from all your jobs. Each job will teach you something and the gain will be beneficial for your career advancement.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

career change planning


A career change is a move that should be thought of in all seriousness. Before making the decision, you need to find out if you're fit for a career change. Ask yourself these questions.

Are you finished soul searching?
Quitting "unprepared" will only lead to a disaster. Before you throw in the towel, look for industries that match your personal passions. And then find out whether these industries are actually hiring.

Can you consider yourself "better" than most job hunters?

Experience is not enough in today's job search. Figure out the skills that you need to be qualified for the new job that you want. Then try to attend as much seminars as you can. You might want to get a new degree too.

Is your network enough to get you moving?
We've always been saying that networking can do wonders in job search. When the going gets tough in your job hunting, your contacts will be the ones to keep your optimism intact as they can provide you first-hand job leads.

Lastly, are you prepared for the stress?
Chances are it has been a long time since you've been on a job hunt and the present situation of the job market may surprise you a bit. Always remember to look at things in a positive light and don't let your ego get in the way.

Friday, April 15, 2011

Career advancement Tips


Here's a list of the top 10 tips you can use to advance your career:

Don't be afraid to say "I don't know."
If you don't know something, say so; don't try to fake it.

Take responsibility for your actions
If you're at fault, admit it and take the blame. If you're wrong, apologize.

Never gossip
Gossip can hurt the careers of two people the person being talked about, and the person doing the talking.

Never say "That's not my job."
Don't think you are above anything. Pitch in and set a good example, especially if the job is one that nobody else wants to do. Your willingness to do so will be noticed and appreciated!

Share the credit
People who share credit with others make a much better impression than those who take all the credit themselves.

Ask for help when you need it
Don't let a difficult task get out of hand. When you need help, ask for it -- before things get worse.

Keep your dislike to yourself
If you don't like someone, don't let it show. Never burn bridges or offend others as you move ahead in your career.

Don't hold grudges
Life isn't always fair. If you were passed over for promotion, didn't get the project you wanted, etc., let it go. Be gracious and diplomatic, focus on the future and move on. Harboring grudges won't advance your career.

Be humble
When you're right, don't gloat about it. Never say "I told you so!"

Make others feel important
Compliment others, emphasize their strengths and contributions, and help them whenever you can. They will enthusiasitcally help you in return.

Thursday, April 14, 2011

10 Tips on Career Advancement


Many career experts agree that the best time to look for a new job is whileyou are still comfortably in your old one. If you’re starting to feel unchallenged in your present position, you may be ready for a promotion to the next level. If there aren’t many career advancement opportunities where you work, the best next job may be waiting for you elsewhere.
Here are 10 proven strategies to help you get started:


Talk to your boss

Sit down and have a very direct and pointed conversation with your boss about your future in the company. Stress that you want your job performance to meet the company’s goals. Share your own career goals with him or her.

Ask for more
Volunteering to help out other departments or teams — or simply asking for more responsibilities — increases your value within the organization. Asking for additional work shows an interest and desire to help your department and company to succeed.

Volunteer for boards
If you have your career set on something beyond what you are doing in your present position, seek out opportunities to volunteer or serve on advisory boards, where you can build a reputation as someone who is passionate and dedicated to your particular industry.

Sharpen your people skills
Strong interpersonal skills play a crucial role in gaining the respect of your boss and coworkers; they will also attract the notice of outside influencers who might open new doors of opportunity for you.

Be innovative
Never be afraid to think outside of the box and put your business acumen to work. Stay on the lookout for creative solutions to problems that will make you — and your boss — look good.

Find a mentor
Develop mentoring relationships, either inside or outside the company. Recent studies have shown that four out of five promotions are influenced by a mentor higher up in the company.

Sell yourself
Learn the fine art of self-promotion. If you have had major accomplishments or created successful programs, make sure people know about it — especially those in influential positions who could help you advance professionally.

Keep learning
A proven way to advance in your career is to be continually acquiring new knowledge. Stay on top of trends or developments in your field and make sure that your current résumé reflects those needed skills.

Network
Strengthen your personal network and join professional organizations, attend industry conferences, or even volunteer. The more people who are aware of your strengths and abilities, the better your chances of hearing about any new opportunities that might arise.

Build your reputation
In business, your reputation is the most valuable thing you own. Be known for being dependable, professional, and cooperative. Act and look the part by dressing professionally. Make a name for yourself by attending conferences, delivering speeches, or writing articles.

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Tips to making a career change


Career Change
Most often we get so frustrated with the routine of what we do daily, and want to quit the job. When you stop enjoy what you daily and it start feeling like punishment and no longer pleasurable, then it looks like you would need a change of profession. Don’t be in a hurry to take this decision; you need time to properly evaluate the situation.

Why Do I Want To Change My Career?
You need to be plain about the answer you give to this question because it would determine a lot. You need to ask yourself. What is the cogent reason I would want to do something else from what I am doing currently.

Do I Really Want A Career Change?
you have to think about this very well, because making a total turn around is going to cost you, hope you know that? So you have to be sure that you really want to change.

What Kind Of Job Would I Be Happy Doing?
Determine the kind of work you would like to do, if eventually you end up changing your career.

What Are My Marketable Skills And Capabilities?
write down all your skills, both interpersonal and organizational skills, and evaluate this and determine if they fit into the new career path that you are opting for.

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Top 4 Career change tips


Mainly career change tips is mention below:

New Job vs. Career Change


First, ask yourself if your job blues revolve around external situations at your current workplace or an overall dislike of your profession. There are many reasons for job dissatisfaction that do not necessarily warrant a career change

Choosing a New Career
If you’ve come to the conclusion that a career makeover is in order, not just a new job, you are not alone. If you’re not sure exactly where your heart is leading you there are many resources that can help take the guesswork out of career change.

Smooth Career Transitioning

The thoughtful approach is to test the waters before diving headfirst into a new career. Volunteer, moonlight, work weekends – get some exposure to your new calling before taking the plunge.

Small Steps Toward Career Fulfillment

Inertia might be the biggest stumbling block to those longing to change careers. It’s all too easy to stay with the status quo, especially if your situation doesn't fall into the "completely intolerable" category yet.

Monday, April 04, 2011

5 Tips to Secure Your Career Future


Whether you want to get ahead in your current career, change careers completely, or you’re worried about job security and want to plan for a more secure future.

Plan ahead

Set out a training and development plan for the next 6 or 12 months. What skills do you want to improve? What do you want to be able to put in your CV by the end of the year.

Set some big goals

You will tend to overestimate what you can do in a single day, and underestimate what you can do in 6 months. Set yourself some big targets to achieve and you will push harder to achieve them.

Don’t put money first

A bigger salary may be attractive but don’t forget that the people you will be working with, the companies values, the management and the role are all also important.

Do more of what you enjoy

Work out what motivates you and try to do more of that. Seek out opportunities to do more of what motivates you in your current job and increase your skills and experience in this areas.

Update and polish your CV

Make sure your CV is up to date and have lots of information available so that you can target your CV to any opportunity that comes up.