If you ask a four year old boy what he wants to be when he grows up, he’ll probably tell you he wants to be fireman or policeman. Generally, children identify with what is familiar to them - what they see everyday. While kids may learn about different careers in school, they are not always exposed to different jobs on a first-hand basis. It's worth talking about different occupations with your child. Who knows, you may even be able to give your child a better understanding of the work-force through your personal experience or a field trip to a job site they're interested in!
Teens - Career
Career Choices
Kids are often asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Often, teens are asked the same question in a different way, “What occupation do you intend to pursue?” For some, it comes easy but for many, it’s hard to know what you want to do with your future!
We suggest you take advantage of any career planning classes in school. Also, sign up for any internship opportunities. It will expose you to the real world of work while giving you some experience you can put on your résumé. It may mean the difference in what you get as your first job and how much you are paid!
Take the time to explore many jobs. Ask others what special skills they see in you and see how that might apply to a job. Also, it's very important to figure out what you like to do. Work on computers? Write? Do physical work?
They say do what you like to do, and you will most likely be successful doing it! Summer Jobs
During the school-free months of summer you could spend part of your time earning extra money. Some businesses hire extra help during the summer months; the following is a list of establishments that typically hire summer help:
Golf courses
Grocery stores
Medical offices (filing, pulling charts, etc.)
Mills
Restaurants
Retail stores (including clothing, books, etc.)
When summer ends, these businesses may be flexible and work with your school schedule to keep you working during the school year if they like your job performance.
Consider the following when searching for your perfect summer job:
Think about the type of job you want, i.e. an office setting or using your physical strength.
Think about your skills and what you have to offer an employer.
Applying for a Job
When applying for a job, it’s important to make a good first impression. The following are some tips that may help you do just that:
Dress professionally - even if you are just asking for an application
Be polite to the receptionist
Use proper grammar; no slang
Neatly fill out the application completely and honestly
Be sure to list volunteer work and jobs such as babysitting
Return the application promptly (remember to dress up!)
Check on the status of your application every few days
Preparing for the Interview
Before your interview, think about your ability to do the job and the special skills you have to offer the employer. Be prepared to answer some of these questions:
Why do you want this job?
What are your job related skills?
What experience do you have? (Don’t be afraid to talk about jobs like babysitting, dog sitting, or volunteer work.)
Why did you leave each job?
What are your strong points - and what are your weaknesses?
What are your salary expectations?
There will undoubtedly be many more questions. There are any number of books available that cover all the types of questions an employer may ask. Take the time to be prepared! Role-play with a friend or parent to build your confidence!
Once the interview begins, try to relax by taking a deep breath. If they don’t ask, be sure to tell them what you want them to know - that you are reliable, that you do good work and that you get along with others. If you get a chance, ask questions that show you are truly interested in their job!
Dream Jobs
If you don’t find your dream job, don’t despair! You must be flexible at this point in life and work towards your desired job. What’s important is establishing job history and a great job performance record. Also, be realistic about pay!
Making a Good Impression
After you have found a job, do your best to impress your employer. Here are few ways to WOW your new boss:
Be on time! And don’t miss work!
Always do your job to the best of your ability. Accuracy is important.
Do MORE than you are asked to do.
Volunteer when you have extra time.
Make yourself available to cover extra shifts.
Get along with your co-workers, helping them when you can.
Ask your employer how you can improve after a few weeks; then follow through!
If you’re a good employee, your employer will be a valuable reference in the future.
Other Jobs
If you are not able to find a job with an employer, consider these jobs:
Babysitting young children who are out of school for the summer and their parents work
Mowing neighbors’ yards and general flowerbed maintenance
House sitting while friends or neighbors are on vacation, which could include:
Watering
Picking up the mail/paper
Feeding/caring for pets
College/Career - Career
We’ll assume you have chosen your desired career and are either pursuing a college education, getting other training or you have already begun your career. No matter where you are, congratulations in making a decision! While seeking out the best job it is always a good idea to remember that you are just starting out. Try, if possible, to get your foot into the company that can best utilize your skills or your college education.
Summer Jobs
If you’re in college, during the school-free months of summer you could spend part of your time earning extra money towards next year’s tuition.
Some businesses hire extra help during the summer months; the following is a list of establishments that typically hire summer help:
Retail stores (including clothing, books, etc.)
Restaurants
Golf courses
Grocery stores
Medical offices (filing, pulling charts, etc.)
Mills
When summer ends, these businesses may be flexible and work with your school schedule to keep you working during the school year if they like your job performance.
Consider the following when searching for your perfect summer job:
Think about the type of job you want, i.e., office setting or using your physical strength
Think about your skills and what you have to offer an employer
Applying for a Job
When applying for a job, it’s important to make a good first impression. Here are some tips that may help you do just that:
Dress professionally (even if you are just asking for an application)
Be polite to the receptionist
Use proper grammar; no slang
Neatly fill out the application completely and honestly
Be sure to list volunteer work and jobs such as babysitting
Return the application promptly (remember to dress up!)
Check on the status of your application every few days
If you don’t find your dream job, don’t despair! You must be flexible at this point in life and work towards your desired job. What’s important is establishing job history and a great job performance record. Also, be realistic about pay!
Résumé Tips
A résumé is a tool to highlight your skills and experience. It gives an employer a snapshot of what you’ve accomplished and how you can contribute to their company. While writing a résumé can sometimes seem overwhelming, there are several resources to assist in writing a great résumé. Free-Résumé-Tips.com recommends the following tips when writing a résumé:
Use titles or headings that match the job you want
Use a design that grabs the reader’s attention
Create content that sells
Quantify and use power words such as “manage” and “oversee”
Analyze ads and job descriptions to identify key words
Identify and solve employer’s hidden needs
Sell the benefits of your skills
Create an image that matches the salary that you want
Prioritize the content of your résumé
Tweak and target your résumé and cover letters
For more tips on writing résumés, visit the following websites:
Cover Letters
Résumé-Resources.com maintains that “cover letters are used to introduce yourself and your résumé, while clearly stating your desire to apply for a job position in a new company, or make yourself available for a job position within a company. The cover letter is the formal introduction that provides a brief explanation of your job field, experience, areas of expertise and relevant knowledge in relationship to the job being applied for.”
A cover letter should always accompany a résumé. For more information on writing cover letters, visit the following websites:
Job/Career Searches
When searching for a job or career, the following is a list of sources to help find job postings:
Classifieds in local newspapers
Internet job-posting websites
State employment department
Employment departments within each company
College boards
Job Fairs
You can also use an employment agency but they may charge you a “finder’s fee.” However, some employers will pay the fee. Be sure to ask up front!
The following are a few national and local internet job-posting websites:
Preparing for the Interview
Before your interview, think about your ability to do the job and the special skills you have to offer the employer. Study the company and be prepared to answer some of the following questions:
Why do you want this job?
What are your job related skills?
What experience do you have?
Why did you leave each job?
What are your strong points - and what are your weaknesses?
What are your salary expectations?
There will undoubtedly be many more questions. There are any numbers of books available that cover all the types of questions an employer may ask. Take the time to be prepared! Role play with a friend or job counselor to build up your confidence!
Once the interview begins, try to relax by taking a deep breath. If they don’t ask, be sure to tell them what you want them to know - that you are reliable, that you do good work and that you get along with others. If you get a chance, ask questions that show you are truly interested in their job!
Dream Jobs
If you don’t find your dream job, don’t despair! You must be flexible at this point in life and work towards your desired job. What’s important is establishing job history and a great job performance record. Also, be realistic about pay.
Making a Good Impression
After you have found a job, do your best to impress your employer. The follow tips may help you WOW your new boss:
Be on time! And don’t miss work.
Always do your job to the best of your ability. Accuracy is important.
Do MORE than you are asked to do.
Volunteer when you have extra time.
Make yourself available to cover extra shifts.
Get along with your co-workers, helping them when you can.
Ask your employer how you can improve after a few weeks; then follow through!
If you’re a good employee, your employer will be a valuable reference in the future.
Other Jobs
If you are not able to find a job with an employer, consider these jobs:
Babysitting young children who are out of school for the summer and their parents work
Mowing neighbors’ yards and general flowerbed maintenance
House sitting while friends or neighbors are on vacation. This could include:
Watering
Picking up the mail/paper
Feeding/caring for pets
Career/Young Family - Career
Chances are you have finished with college and are ready to begin your career. Perhaps you have been working, but want to try another occupation or work for another employer. Or, you find your personal situation has changed, such as having small children, and you need a different type of job or more flexible hours. We have some tips for you!
If you are applying for your first job following college, keep in mind that while seeking out the best job possible is always a good idea, remember that you are just starting out. Try, if possible, to get your foot into the company that can best utilize your skills or your college education.
Applying for a Job
When applying for a job, remember that it’s important to make a good first impression. Here are some tips that may help you do just that:
Dress professionally (even if you are just asking for an application)
Be polite to the receptionist
Use proper grammar; no slang
Neatly fill out the application completely and honestly
Be sure to list all prior jobs including summer jobs; also volunteer work
Return the application promptly (remember to dress up!)
Check on the status of your application every few days
Résumé Tips
A résumé is a tool to highlight your skills and experience. It gives an employer a snapshot of what you’ve accomplished and how you can contribute to their company. While writing a résumé can sometimes seem overwhelming, there are several resources to assist in writing a great résumé. Free-Résumé-Tips.com recommends the following tips when writing a résumé:
Use titles or headings that match the job you want
Use a design that grabs the reader’s attention
Create content that sells
Quantify and use power words such as “manage” and “oversee”
Analyze ads and job descriptions to identify key words
Identify and solve employer’s hidden needs
Sell the benefits of your skills
Create an image that matches the salary that you want
Prioritize the content of your résumé
Tweak and target your résumé and cover letters
For more tips on writing résumés, visit the following websites:
Cover Letters Résumé-Resource.com maintains that “cover letters are used to introduce yourself and your résumé, while clearly stating your desire to apply for a job position in a new company, or make yourself available for a job position within a company. The cover letter is the formal introduction that provides a brief explanation of your job field, experience, areas of expertise and relevant knowledge in relationship to the job being applied for.”
A cover letter should always accompany a résumé. For more information on writing cover letters, visit the following websites:
Job/Career Searches
When searching for a job or career, the following is a list of sources to help find job postings:
Classifieds in local newspapers
Internet job-posting websites
State employment department
Employment departments within each company
College boards
You can also use an employment agency but they may charge you a “finder’s fee.” However, some employers will pay the fee. Be sure to ask up front!
The following are a few national and local Internet job-posting websites:
Preparing for the Interview
Before your interview, think about your ability to do the job and the special skills you have to offer the employer. Be prepared to answer some of these questions:
Why do you want this job?
What are your job related skills?
What experience do you have? (Don’t be afraid to talk about jobs like babysitting, dog sitting, or volunteer work.)
Why did you leave each job?
What are your strong points - and what are your weaknesses?
What are your salary expectations?
There will undoubtedly be many more questions.
There are any number of books available that cover all the types of questions an employer may ask. Take the time to be prepared! Role-play with a friend to build your confidence!
Once the interview begins, try to relax by taking a deep breath. If they don’t ask, be sure to tell them what you want them to know - that you are reliable, that you do good work and that you get along with others. If you get a chance, ask questions that show you are truly interested in their job!
Dream Jobs
If you don’t find your dream job, don’t despair! You must be flexible at this point in life and work towards your desired job. What’s important is establishing job history and a great job performance record. Also, be realistic about pay!
Making a Good Impression
After you have found a job, do your best to impress your employer. Here are some tips to help you WOW your new boss:
Be on time! And don’t miss work!
Always do your job to the best of your ability. Accuracy is important.
Do MORE than you are asked to do.
Volunteer when you have extra time.
Make yourself available to cover extra shifts.
Get along with your co-workers, helping them when you can.
Ask your employer how you can improve after a few weeks; then follow through!
If you’re a good employee, your employer will be a valuable reference in the future.
Career/Family - Career
It’s possible that you are well into your career; however, it’s not too late to change directions in occupation or even go back to school to obtain a necessary degree. You likely have many more years to work and finding satisfaction in your daily work is important.
Or, you may find that your kids are older and you are not only able to go back to work, but need to do so to help out with their college education.
We hope you find the following tips and resources helpful.
Applying for a Job
When applying for a job, remember that it’s important to make a good first impression. Here are some tips that may help you do just that:
Always dress professionally (even if you are just asking for an application).
Be polite to the receptionist
Use proper grammar; no slang
Neatly fill out the application completely and honestly
Be sure to list all prior jobs
Return the application promptly
Check on the status of your application every few days
Résumé Tips
A résumé is a tool to highlight your skills and experience. It gives an employer a snapshot of what you’ve accomplished and how you can contribute to their company. While writing a résumé can sometimes seem overwhelming, there are several resources to assist in writing a great résumé. Free-Résumé-Tips.com recommends the following tips when writing a résumé:
Use titles or headings that match the job you want
Use a design that grabs the reader’s attention
Create content that sells
Quantify and use power words such as “manage” and “oversee”
Analyze ads and job descriptions to identify key words
Identify and solve employer’s hidden needs
Sell the benefits of your skills
Create an image that matches the salary that you want
Prioritize the content of your résumé
Tweak and target your résumé and cover letters
For more tips on writing résumés, visit the following websites:
Cover Letters Résumé-Resource.com maintains that “cover letters are used to introduce yourself and your résumé, while clearly stating your desire to apply for a job position in a new company, or make yourself available for a job position within a company. The cover letter is the formal introduction that provides a brief explanation of your job field, experience, areas of expertise and relevant knowledge in relationship to the job being applied for.”
A cover letter should always accompany a résumé. For more information on writing cover letters, visit the following websites:
Job/Career Searches
When searching for a job or career, the following is a list of sources to help find job postings:
Classifieds in local newspapers
Internet job-posting websites
State employment department
Employment departments within each company
College boards
Job Fairs
You can also use an employment agency but they may charge you a “finder’s fee.” However, some employers will pay the fee. Be sure to ask up front!
The following are a few national and local Internet job-posting websites:
Other Jobs
If you are not able to work at a jobsite and need some extra cash, consider these jobs:
Working for a company, but from home
Book-keeping/bill paying services
Watching other children while their parents work
Providing landscaping services for friends or neighbors
House sitting which can include:
Watering
Picking up the mail/paper
Feeding/caring for pets
Making a Good Impression
After you have found a job, do your best to impress your employer. Here are some tips to help you WOW your new boss:
Be on time! And don’t miss work!
Always do your job to the best of your ability. Accuracy is important.
Do MORE than you are asked to do.
Volunteer when you have extra time.
Make yourself available to cover extra shifts.
Get along with your co-workers, helping them when you can.
Ask your employer how you can improve after a few weeks; then follow through!
If you’re a good employee, your employer will be a valuable reference in the future.
Pre-Retirement - Career
You undoubtedly have many years of experience at this point. You might be very satisfied with your job and career choice, but if not, you still have time to make a change! It’s not too late to change directions in occupation or even go back to school to obtain a necessary degree. We hope the following tips and related links to information are helpful.
Applying for a Job
It may have been a few years since you applied for a job. When applying for a job, remember that it’s important to make a good first impression.
Dress professionally even if you are just asking for an application
Be polite to the receptionist
Communicate professionally
Take the time to neatly and completely fill out the application
Return the application promptly
Check on the status of your application every few days
Résumé Tips
A résumé is a tool to highlight your skills and experience. It gives an employer a snapshot of what you’ve accomplished and how you can contribute to their company. While writing a résumé can sometimes seem overwhelming, there are several resources to assist in writing a great résumé. Free-Résumé-Tips.com recommends the following tips when writing a résumé:
Use titles or headings that match the job you want
Use a design that grabs the reader’s attention
Create content that sells
Quantify and use power words such as “manage” and “oversee”
Analyze ads and job descriptions to identify key words
Identify and solve employer’s hidden needs
Sell the benefits of your skills
Create an image that matches the salary that you want
Prioritize the content of your résumé
Tweak and target your résumé and cover letters
For more tips on writing résumés, visit the following websites:
Cover Letters Résumé-Resource.com maintains that “cover letters are used to introduce yourself and your résumé, while clearly stating your desire to apply for a job position in a new company, or make yourself available for a job position within a company. The cover letter is the formal introduction that provides a brief explanation of your job field, experience, areas of expertise and relevant knowledge in relationship to the job being applied for.”
A cover letter should always accompany a résumé. For more information on writing cover letters, visit the following websites:
Job/Career Searches
When searching for a job or career, the following is a list of sources to help find job postings:
Classifieds in local newspapers
Internet job-posting websites
State employment department
Employment departments within each company
You can also use an employment agency but they may charge you a “finder’s fee.” However, some employers will pay the fee. Be sure to ask up front!
The following are a few national and local Internet job-posting websites:
Preparing for the Interview
Before your interview, think about your ability to do the job and the special skills you have to offer the employer. Be prepared to answer some of these questions:
Why do you want this job?
What are your job related skills?
What experience do you have?
Why did you leave each job?
What are your strong points - and what are your weaknesses?
What are your salary expectations?
There will undoubtedly be many more questions. There are any number of books available that cover all the types of questions an employer may ask. Take the time to be prepared! Role-play with a friend to build your confidence!
Once the interview begins, try to relax by taking a deep breath. If they don’t ask, be sure to tell them what you want them to know - that you are reliable, that you do good work and that you get along with others. If you get a chance, ask questions that show you are truly interested in their job!
Making a Good Impression
It goes without saying that after you have found a job, do your best to impress your employer.
Be on time! And don’t miss work!
Always do your job to the best of your ability. Accuracy is important.
Do MORE than you are asked to do.
Volunteer when you have extra time.
Make yourself available to cover extra shifts.
Get along with your co-workers, helping them when you can.
Ask your employer how you can improve after a few weeks; then follow through!
If you’re a good employee, your employer will be a valuable reference in the future.
Other Jobs
If you are not able to work at a jobsite and need some extra cash, consider these jobs:
Working for a company but from home
Bookkeeping/bill paying services
Providing landscaping services for friends or neighbors
Be sure to look into the licensing requirements in your city.
Plan for the Future
While you may be thinking about retiring, you are mostly likely not ready yet. It’s a good time to think about the type of job you are in and how that may fit into your retirement plan. Can you scale down the number of hours worked before you completely retire? Are you in the type of job that you could do freelance once you retire if you want extra income or are finding that you need stimulating work?
Volunteering
Many people who retire fill their time with volunteer work. Volunteering is an excellent way of giving back to the community without the pressures of a job. It’s not a bad idea to begin thinking about what you’d like to become involved in. Consider donating your time to the following institutions:
Hospitals
Schools
Libraries
Senior centers
Chamber of Commerce
Children’s educational programs
Animal centers
Numerous not-for-profits
Contact your local centers to learn about volunteer opportunities.
Active Seniors - Career
Some seniors continue to work and find much satisfaction in their ongoing contribution. For them, it’s business as usual. As long as you are up for it mentally and physically, why not?
Others might be thinking more along the lines of “Retirement at last!” and enjoying the opportunities to sleep in and spend more time on the golf course. There’s nothing wrong with that either! However, if you find you are a little bored or need some mental stimulation, consider working part time or as a “fill in.” Many employers are finding that the stability and experience that older workers add to the workplace is an asset to them. We have some tips that will be more of a refresher for you!
Applying for a Job
It may have been quite a few years since you applied for a job. When applying for a job, remember that it’s important to make a good first impression even when picking up an application.
Be polite to the receptionist who will advocate for you
Communicate professionally, pointing out what you bring to the table
Take the time to neatly and completely fill out the application
Return the application promptly
Check on the status of your application every few days
Résumé Tips
A résumé is a tool to highlight your skills and experience. It gives an employer a snapshot of what you’ve accomplished and how you can contribute to their company. While writing a résumé can sometimes seem overwhelming, there are several resources to assist in writing a great résumé. Free-Résumé-Tips.com recommends the following tips when writing a résumé:
Use titles or headings that match the job you want
Use a design that grabs the reader’s attention
Create content that sells
Quantify and use power words such as “manage” and “oversee”
Analyze ads and job descriptions to identify key words
Identify and solve employer’s hidden needs
Sell the benefits of your skills
Create an image that matches the salary that you want
Prioritize the content of your résumé
Tweak and target your résumé and cover letters
For more tips on writing résumés, visit the following websites:
Cover Letters Résumé-Resource.com maintains that “cover letters are used to introduce yourself and your résumé, while clearly stating your desire to apply for a job position in a new company, or make yourself available for a job position within a company. The cover letter is the formal introduction that provides a brief explanation of your job field, experience, areas of expertise and relevant knowledge in relationship to the job being applied for.”
A cover letter should always accompany a résumé. For more information on writing cover letters, visit the following websites:
Job/Career Searches
When searching for a job or career, the following is an excellent list of sources to help find job postings:
Classifieds in local newspapers
Internet job-posting websites
State employment department
Employment departments within each company
You can also use an employment agency but they may charge you a “finder’s fee.” However, some employers will pay the fee. Be sure to ask up front!
The following are a few national and local Internet job-posting websites:
Most employers are looking for full-time employees. You might have better luck calling various employers and speaking to the manager directly. Let them know what you have to offer and how filling in for vacation and sick days could be a real benefit to them! Create your own job!
Preparing for the Interview
Before your interview, think about your ability to do the job and the special skills you have to offer the employer. Be prepared to answer some of these questions:
Why do you want this job?
What are your job related skills?
What experience do you have?
Why did you leave each job?
What are your strong points - and what are your weaknesses?
What are your salary expectations?
There will undoubtedly be many more questions. There are any number of books available that cover all the types of questions an employer may ask. Take the time to be prepared! Role-play with a friend to build your confidence.
Once the interview begins, try to relax by taking a deep breath. If they don’t ask, be sure to tell them what you want them to know - that you are reliable, that you do good work and that you get along with others. If you get a chance, ask questions that show you are truly interested in their job.
Making a Good Impression
It goes without saying that after you have found a job, do your best to impress your employer. We know that you could probably write your own book on how to make a good impression, but here are a few tips anyway!
Be on time! Don’t miss work!
Be accurate.
Be productive.
Get along.
Share your knowledge but don’t become an annoyance. Resist the temptation to tell others how to do their job at every turn.
Other Jobs
If you are not able to work at a jobsite, consider these jobs:
Working for a company but from home
Bookkeeping/bill paying services
Coaching or counseling others with your years of experience
Be sure to look into the licensing requirements in your city.
Volunteering
Many people who retire fill their time with volunteer work. Volunteering is an excellent way of giving back to the community without the pressures of a job. Consider donating your time to the following institutions:
Hospitals
Schools
Libraries
Senior centers
Chamber of Commerce
Children’s educational programs
Animal centers
Numerous not-for-profits
Contact your local centers to learn about volunteer opportunities.
Golden Years - Career
Most seniors have retired by this time in life; however, many continue to be mentally sharp and have much to offer. Here are a few ideas on how you can use your many years of practical experience.
Volunteering Numerous seniors fill in their time with volunteer work. Volunteering is an excellent way of giving back to the community without the pressures of a job. Consider donating your time to the following institutions:
Hospitals
Schools
Libraries
Senior centers
Chamber of Commerce
Children’s educational programs
Animal centers
Numerous not-for-profits
Let people know how you think you can best help given your experience and abilities. Start off slow and see how it goes. And don’t be afraid to back off if you’ve taken on too much!
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