Best Jobs in America

It is in your best interest to actively manage and monitor your career. Whether employed, looking for work or a new career, being aware of the jobs market place is prudent. 

The job market’s getting stronger, to find America's Best Jobs this year, analysts reviewed professions that offer great growth opportunities, and that are satisfying as well. Other big factors considered: pay (how strong it is now, and how fast it's growing) and how many jobs are in the field overall. Also included weighed how meaningful or low stress a job is, how difficult it is to enter the field, the likelihood of moving up the ladder and, where possible, the ability to telecommute. 

See the listing of the 100 top ranking jobs in America here.

Finding a Job Can Take So Long

Finding a job often takes much longer than job seekers expect. 

The rule of thumb is to plan for at least one month of job searching for every $10,000 of salary desired. This means that a job seeker who expects to earn $60,000 needs to prepare for a six-month-long job search or more. 

Why does finding a job take so long? See the complete article here.

New Year Trends for Resumes

Technology seems to change everything in the marketplace every few years, and it should be no surprise that resumes are reflecting those changes. 

Stay up to date in your job search and make sure you are keeping up with resume trends and career-search innovations. 

Review seven of the top resume trends expected to become prevalent in 2015 here. 

When it pays to work for free

Some people will tell you it’s never, ever worth it to work for free.  But it’s perfectly acceptable to do career-related work without pay – IF you derive some other career-related benefit from it.

It could be keeping up a skill, or having the opportunity to work for your potential dream client, or flexing a creative muscle you haven’t been able to use in a while.

Working for free is something to consider, especially if you’re out of the workforce, looking to go back after a long break, or contemplating switching careers. It could benefit anyone else who lacks the relevant experience or current skills they need for the job they want. For further ideas, see the article here.

Job Search #11: References and Recommendations

There are several support documents you may have need of; a list of references and letters of recommendation to use in your successful interview.  These are not commonly provided with your resume, but held and made available when asked. That said, since it involves others, you must plan ahead; these are not things you can do alone or on short notice.

For reference letter samples and how to request and write recommendation letters, see the complete source here.