Monthly Archives: January 2015

Can I Create a Resume If I Dropped Out Of College?

Posted: January 30, 2015 at 4:43 pm

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How to find a job as a college dropoutIt’s a fact: not everyone is cut out for college life, for one reason or another, and this might lead to someone dropping out before finishing a degree program. For those who have dropped out of college, there is nothing holding you back from being successful in the business world or from creating a resume. Just because you dropped out of school, it does not mean you have nothing else to put on a resume. It also doesn’t mean you will look “bad” to potential hiring managers.

Here, we will discuss different ways to craft a resume if you dropped out of college or just haven’t yet completed your intended degree.

Focus on Professional Experience

An excellent way to craft a resume if you dropped out of college is to focus on the professional experience you have gained over the years. No matter when you dropped out of college, it can be daunting to find a job, but it does not have to be impossible. Make sure your resume focuses on your work history because many employers today want employees who have held important positions that came with top requirements.

Use a Functional Resume Format

If you do not have a strong professional background to focus on in the resume, consider using a functional resume format. With the functional resume format, you will be able to lessen the blow of not having a college degree. Begin the resume by focusing on a set of skills you have along with any other types of qualifications or certifications you have earned during your career. Also highlight accomplishments from those areas. If you want to include an education section on your resume, you can put it at the very end of the document so the employer focuses less on it. In the section, list the school attended, the years attended and the number of credits earned towards the degree.

List Other Forms of Education

When a company asks for your resume to highlight your education, but you do not have a college degree, you can highlight other forms of education on the resume. Seminars, training courses, workshops and other programs can all be considered forms of education. List all of these items on your resume with the dates of the events and what the events taught. Make sure you also include the name of the courses, where they were taken and any sponsors of the course.

Highlight Education In-Progress

Maybe you are currently working towards finishing your college degree from five or ten years ago, but need to write a resume right now. There is nothing wrong with putting a section for education that is in-progress on your resume. Name the school you are attending, the classes you are taking and the anticipated date of earning your degree.
There is nothing stopping you from applying for jobs even though you do not have a college degree. Success will come based on how you write the resume. Use the tips outlined in this post and your resume should shine.

 

The Sharing Economy: How Companies like Uber Are Creating a Surge of Job Opportunities

Posted: January 27, 2015 at 4:41 pm

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Part Time Driving Jobs Hiring NowIn today’s competitive market, workers are trying all they can to make money in order to support themselves and their families. One such way is by joining the sharing economy. The sharing economy has become incredibly popular over the past couple of years as companies like Uber, TaskRabbit and Sidecar allow people to make money, simply by doing simple tasks for others. The sharing economy has also been referred to as the peer-to-peer economy, the collaborative economy and the mesh economy.

Let’s take a look at what is shaping the sharing economy and the surge of jobs that are coming as a result.

Uber Has Flooded the Market with Jobs

Uber, and other car services such as Sidecar and Lyft, allow people to use their personal vehicles to transport customers who need rides around town. These companies operate in hundreds of cities across the United States. The customers request transportation using a mobile app and then a driver in the vicinity of that customer is notified of a fare. There is no money exchanged, only electronically, so drivers are protected in that manner.

Because the requirements to operate using Uber or Lyft are minimal; you need a specific type of vehicle and a clean driving record, many people are signing up to become drivers. These people can work their own hours and make a great living if they can devote the time to being a driver, which can become tedious if sitting in traffic during the morning and evening commutes.

TaskRabbit Adding Jobs Too

TaskRabbit is an interesting service. It allows customers to outsource small tasks to people willing to complete them in and around their neighborhood. For example, if you want to have a garden at your home, but don’t have the time or talent to grow one, you can look to TaskRabbit for an experienced gardener in your area.

Some other jobs found on TaskRabbit include dog sitting, dog walking, housesitting, hair styling, cleaning, moving, repairs and much more. Some people even offer their services as a personal assistant on TaskRabbit. This means that customers can hire people to run their errands, go grocery shopping for them and make tedious phone calls.

Uncertainty in Work

Even though jobs have been flooding the market due to Uber, TaskRabbit and Lyft, there is still uncertainty in work for employees. Many do not know what they will make from day-to-day, but they still see it as a viable way to make a living. Some employees, based on the fares they pull with Uber and the tasks acquired off of TaskRabbit, can earn as much as $25 per hour. They might also need to pull down an 11-hour day to make it work, but some are getting it done.
As companies like Uber and TaskRabbit continue to explode across the country, more and more jobs are becoming available for workers who want to have their own schedules and be their own boss.

What Are Some Strategies for Turning Part-Time Employment into Full-Time Employment?

Posted: January 24, 2015 at 5:34 pm

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turn-part-time-job-to-full-time-jobAre you working a part-time job, but want to turn it into full-time employment? There are plenty of opportunities out there for workers to turn their part-time jobs into full-time employment, but how is it done? It takes a lot of hard work, dedication and the right strategies to make it happen.

Perhaps now is the time to transform your part-time job into a full-time job. We will discuss some key strategies below so you can successfully move into full-time employment from a part-time job.

#1 – Offer a Niche Skill Set

When you begin applying for part-time jobs, make sure you offer the company a niche in which you work. This shows the company how you can help them reach their goals and become a valuable member of their team. If your niche or specialization is strong, you could find yourself employed full-time in the near future.

#2 – Stand Out from the Pack

There are millions of people fighting to turn part-time work into a full-time job, which is why you must find a way to stand out from the pack. Create a portfolio that showcases work performed in the same industry that the company operates in and provide suggestions on how to improve sales, cut costs, improve management and much more.

#3 – Show a Commitment

Ask the company from the start if you will be allowed to apply for full-time job openings while employed as a part-time worker. This shows the company how committed you are to them and that you want to build a lengthy career with them.

Another aspect of this strategy is to act like a full-time employee. Become a dedicated member of the team by using your problem solving and people skills. If you act like a short-time employee, you will be treated like one.

#4 – Perform Better Than Full-Timers

Do your best, without stepping on toes, to outperform the full-time members of the company’s staff. This will force the hand of the company to hire you full-time at some point during your part-time employment. Beat deadlines without sacrificing the quality of the work and do your best to excel in every project assigned to you.

#5 – Try to Fit In

Do everything possible to fit in with the rest of the staff. Do not consider yourself a part-time or temporary worker. Have a smile on your face and an upbeat attitude. Try to match the culture of the company as much as possible so you make it easier on management to hire you full-time when a position becomes available.

# 6 – Meet New People

Do your best to meet as many people as possible at the company, even managers from other departments. Ask to sit-in on department meetings so you can learn the ropes. Make sure that management knows what you are doing as a part-timer and that you are striving to become a full-time employee.
Turning part-time work into full-time employment is not something that can be done overnight. But, the more you focus on the switch, the sooner you will be able to realize your goals.

How to Find a Part Time Job in San Diego

Posted: January 20, 2015 at 5:13 pm

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San Diego Part Time JobsFinding a part-time job in San Diego can be a daunting task for some, especially for individuals who need something flexible or whom do not know where to start looking. It can seem as if everyone is just hiring for full-time jobs, or temporary seasonal work.

For those living in San Diego, finding a part-time job should not be a difficult process. There are many resources available for job seekers who call San Diego home. Here, we will discuss the best methods to finding a part-time job in San Diego and how to maximize your job search efforts. But first, here is a little history on the area.

San Diego – The Birthplace of California

Known for its mild climate around the year and as the ‘birthplace of California’, San Diego is the second-largest city in the state in terms of population. It is the eighth-largest city in the country with a population just under 1.4 million people as of most recent figures. The city’s main economies are military and defense activities, international trade, tourism and manufacturing. This means part-time jobs in San Diego are often centered around these industries.

San Diego is also home to two major sports teams, the San Diego Padres from Major League Baseball and the San Diego Chargers from the National Football League. Three Super Bowls have been played in San Diego’s Qualcomm Stadium. The Padres’ stadium, Petco Park, hosted portions of the World Baseball Classic in 2006 and 2009. Part-time jobs at these stadiums are very popular throughout the year as Qualcomm also hosts high school football title games, super-cross events, college sporting events and international soccer games.

Common Part-Time Jobs in San Diego

The list below consists of some of the most common part-time jobs in the city of San Diego (according to the US Department of Labor):

  • Farmer
  • Fisherman
  • Building maintenance
  • Salesperson
  • Food preparation
  • Waiter/Waitress
  • Stadium worker
  • Administrative assistant
  • Grounds cleaning
  • Personal care
  • Librarian

How to Search for a Part-time Job in San Diego

Are you currently residing or moving to San Diego? Are you looking for extra work aside from your current job? Do you need to make money while going to school full-time? Consider getting a part-time job in San Diego to make extra money. How can you find part-time jobs in San Diego? Search locally using the resources available.

One such resource is http://myjobhelper.com, which allows you to search for part-time jobs within a specific radius of San Diego. The site is easy to use, easy on the eyes, and returns thousands of results based on the information entered. Simply search using a job title or keyword and the zip code of your residence near San Diego.

You can also sign-up for job alerts on the site so you can be notified when new part-time jobs are posted to myjobhelper.com. This makes it incredibly easy to find part-time jobs in San Diego. You do not even need a computer. Simply use your tablet or mobile phone to find your next part-time job in the city.

 

What New Jobs Would Be Created by the Keystone Pipeline?

Posted: January 16, 2015 at 3:38 pm

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Jobs Created by Keystone PipelineOne of the most prominent arguments in favor of the Keystone Pipeline is that it will create thousands of new jobs. But what positions would be created if the project moves forward?

Construction

Building nearly 1,200 miles of pipeline across the United States is expected to bring about 9, 000 construction jobs to the economy. TransCanada, the company responsible for the project, has already entered into agreements with the major labor and trade organizations, so the groundwork has already been completed to hire pipe and steamfitters, plumbers, pipeline contractors, welders, heavy machinery operators, construction foremen, engineers, and general laborers.

There is some debate as to whether or not these will be seasonal positions that run for a few months, for the two years the project is expected to take, or permanent jobs.

Indirect, Service, and Induced

The second category of jobs that will be created by the Keystone Pipeline includes indirect, service, and induced jobs. The U.S. Department of State estimated that around 42,000 jobs could be created to meet the demand for construction materials (e.g., the delivery and manufacturing of pipes); food and lodging; healthcare; education; and other areas in which workers may spend money (e.g., entertainment venues).

Although the number is being disputed, it’s logical to assume that those working on the pipeline would need or want to spend money in these areas. Therefore, the pipeline should create more jobs in these areas: truck drivers, wait staff, front desk clerks, nurses, instructors, ticket takers, etc.

Maintenance

The last category of jobs the Keystone Pipeline should create fall under the category of maintenance. Both the Department of State and TransCanada agree that there would be about 50 permanent jobs associated with the Keystone Pipeline once the project is finished. These positions would be involved with maintaining the pipeline and making sure the oil flows from its source to the refineries. These jobs would include some of the ones listed above, but more specifically pipeline operators, pipeline supervisors, pipeline walkers, and pipeliners.

Regardless of the actual number of jobs or the length of the positions, the Keystone Pipeline is expected to provide some good opportunities for those seeking employment in the affected areas. Even if positions are not permanent, you may be able to gain some valuable job experience while enjoying a good salary and benefits.

How Can I Start a Career as a Construction Worker?

Posted: January 12, 2015 at 11:16 pm

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Start Career in Construction

Construction jobs typically offer a good, stable income with a lot of potential opportunities. They also provide an easy way to get started on a career with only a G.E.D. or high school diploma.

Types of Jobs

Construction jobs fall into two main categories: labor and management. With only a high school diploma or its equivalent, you can get started working as a laborer. These positions involve basic functions necessary to building, such as digging trenches, demolition, removal of debris, and working with tools. You may also be asked to assist some of the more specialized employees like carpenters or bricklayers. You definitely want to take advantage of any opportunities to learn from skilled laborers as you will gain valuable abilities that can help you advance your career in the field.

Career Path

As you gain more experience, start thinking about what direction you would like your construction career to go. For example, you may decide you like carpentry, welding, bricklaying, painting, or structure repair. You may be able to obtain either some additional job training from your employer or to begin an apprenticeship in one of these areas, leading to your own certification.

Construction management positions also might be an option. If you share your interest in advancing in this direction with a supervisor, you may be able to get that additional training or apprenticeship as a foreman or project manager. You may also be able to assist an engineer or architect. The role of managers is less about doing manual labor and more about designing, managing, and completing different types of construction projects.

Certifications

Most construction companies prefer managers who have a combination of experience as a laborer and postsecondary education. Therefore, as you move through the ranks of a construction worker, you will want to add certifications and at least one degree. If you completed an apprenticeship in an area like plumbing, you probably also completed some additional classroom work (about 600 hours is common) and about 8,000 hours of on-the-job training that prepared you for state testing and other such common regulations. You may also have earned certification from the college as a plumber, electrician, or welder.

If you did not complete an apprenticeship, many colleges and universities offer educational options that you can scaffold into your career. You could start by taking some courses in areas of construction to see what interests you. Then you could begin work toward an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. Some schools even offer a master’s degree. Explore your options here, too. Most schools will offer a general construction management degree that will teach you how to design, budget, and manage projects, often using computer programs. You may study to become an engineer or an architect, for instance.

One final consideration is to think about what areas of construction are rapidly expanding. For example, renewable energy and other areas of sustainability are increasingly in demand. You might learn how to install solar panels or geothermal heating. You could either major in this area or add some additional college credits to your construction management degree.

Overall, construction can be a great career with a stable income and a lot of opportunities. The best way to begin your career is to get out there working as a laborer to gain experience, and then move through the ranks with on-the-job training, apprenticeships, and finally a degree.

What Jobs Are Available to Millennials New to the Workforce?

Posted: January 9, 2015 at 4:50 pm

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Jobs Are Available to Millennials New to the WorkforceIt’s a great time to be a Millennial! Those born between 1977 and 1997 who are entering the workforce form this generation. According to The Great Workplace Revolution, Millennials are well educated (about 60% have a college degree), and they value fun and connection. They tend to be energetic, technically fluent, and visually oriented. Although they are tolerant of people, Millennials are demanding when it comes to results. Given these characteristics, what jobs are available and perhaps best suited to Millennials new to the workforce?

Non-Profit Sector

One of the often neglected areas for job searches may also be the best suited for Millennials. Consider the non-profit sector. Jobs such as grant writer, project manager, community service coordinator, and social worker can offer a variety of opportunities to have fun, stay connected—both in person and electronically—and make a good living. Spend some time searching sites like Idealist.org and The Chronicle of Philanthropy to see what other jobs and options may exist for you.

For-Profit Sector

There are, of course, jobs in the more traditional for-profit sector that are available and suited to Millennials new to the workforce. Glassdoor recently published a top ten list of jobs that workers in their 20s found to be the most satisfying over the last three years. At the top of the list are jobs in marketing, which would include newer options such as social media manager; engineering (software and mechanical); and analysts in research, business, or data. The good news is that each of these professions pays well and is expected to maintain a decent growth rate through the next decade.

Fastest Growing Jobs

One other way to consider what jobs are available and conducive to Millennials is to check the Bureau of Labor Statistics list of the fastest growing professions through 2022. The list includes jobs, such as psychologist, health care aid, and construction worker. Each of the positions listed is expected to grow at least three times as fast as other jobs. Salary and education requirements vary, but one-half of these positions typically pay more than $50,000 annually.

If you are a Millennial entering the workforce, do what you do best to find that great new job. Connect with others personally and electronically. Do some research to find jobs that interest you, and don’t settle until you get the desired result of a suitable career opportunity. It truly is a great time to be a Millennial!

The Highest Paying Jobs for People with Only a High School Diploma

Posted: January 6, 2015 at 3:30 pm

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How to Get a Job With Only a High School DiplomaLess than one-half of Americans complete a college degree in spite of the proven value of furthering their education. However, there are some jobs that only require a high school diploma. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Outlook Handbook is an excellent resource for finding out information about what career options might be available to high school graduates. Here are the highest paying jobs for high school graduates according to the OOH.

Top Tier: $55,000-$74,999

There were no jobs listed that pay more than $75,000 annually, but three that could come very close. According to the OOH, real estate brokers have a top salary with only a high school diploma needed. The expected growth rate for this profession is also good at 10-19% between now and 2022. Next within this range are gaming managers with an anticipated growth rate of 0-9%. In third place are farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers. However, this latter group’s numbers is expected to decline through 2022.

Middle Tier: $35,000-$54, 999

About the middle range of high paying jobs that only require a high school diploma are property managers with an anticipated growth rate of 10-19%; chefs/head cooks, lodging managers, and food service managers—all with an anticipated growth rate of 0-9%; and executive secretaries and administrative assistants. Openings for this last group are expected to decline.

Bottom Tier: $25,000-$34,999

The only job requiring just a high school diploma in this group is slot supervisors, and the anticipated growth rate in this area is 0-9% through 2022. Although there are more jobs below this tier, they tend to be minimum wage positions, such as bank tellers, security guards, and fast food workers.

Additional Information

A few other points of clarification may be helpful. You may be able to start your own business. Entrepreneur is a tough category to rank in terms of salary because many new businesses fail while a small percentage becomes successful. There is also much more risk involved even with the slight chance that you may become the next Richard Branson.

Another point to consider is that the ranges above are not guarantees. The median salary for a slot supervisor is actually around $20,000 annually, so it may take you some time to work up to that bottom tier range. Also, the job market is competitive. Employers may prefer to hire those with at least some college and those employees may be making more than the ones with only a high school diploma.

The bottom line is that there are some jobs that only require a high school diploma, and you may be able to find one that has a decent salary. If you are able and willing, it is also typically in your best interest to continue to pursue training and educational opportunities even if you can only do so occasionally or on a part-time basis.

How to Find a Job as an Introvert

Posted: January 3, 2015 at 3:28 pm

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How To Find a Job As An IntrovertFor those who consider themselves introverts, finding a job, especially one that suits their nature, can be an uncomfortable process. If this is describes you, you’re in luck. Today’s job search techniques offer ways to look for a job from the comfort of your own home. You may even be able to work from there, too. Here’s how.

Determine Your Goal

The first step is to consider your career goal. Some introverts are content and have no desire to learn to be more extroverted to advance their careers. The good news is that there are plenty of opportunities to succeed in a profession that allows you to thrive working independently. Business Insider posted information on such jobs earlier this year. They include animal care workers, court reporters, film/video editors, and other such professions. You may also want to search for virtual occupations on job sites such as MyJobHelper.com or Virtual Vocations.With technology, virtual jobs are becoming more common.

Other introverts may realize their career goal is in an area in which having a more extroverted personality may be beneficial. You may even want to just become more comfortable working with others for your own personal development. If this is you, consider starting with one of the strategies above; then gradually ease yourself into situations and opportunities in which you can practice being more extroverted. For example, as a film editor, you will most likely have some contact online in video chats with others. You may also have the opportunity to meet up to discuss a project in person. Taking these small steps can help you move your career forward in new, more extroverted ways if that is your goal.

Online Not Onsite

The good news for today’s job seekers who are introverts is that most of the job hunting and applications are completed online. Think about how you wish to brand yourself on social media sites like Linkedin. Professional organizations often have job boards on their websites that allow job seekers the chance not only to search job postings, but also to upload a profile, resume, or other employment documents.

You may also want to create an online portfolio of your work using a blog site, such as WordPress. Then you can provide the URL to prospective employers. An online portfolio could also allow you to practice your speaking and presentation skills by creating audio or video files to introduce yourself or overview a sample of your work.

Most employers require applicants to apply for open positions online first. The days of barging into offices to share a resume and demand an interview are mostly gone. Today’s process is designed as if it had introverts in mind.

In-Person

All of the above is excellent news for introverted job seekers; however, the reality is that you may have to interview for a job in person. Take care to practice interviewing, even if you do this alone in front of a mirror. You may want to carry a small notebook and pen with you to take notes. You could also have a list of any questions you may want to ask ready. Be sure to bring copies of your application letter and resume, too. These are a nice ice breaker and may help you remember your work experience when you’re nervous. Finally, realize that your interviewers are nervous and that it’s okay to be human. It’s fine to acknowledge your nervousness, and your sincerity may even score you some favor.

Overall, finding a job as an introvert is much more comfortable than in the past. Keep the above tips in mind, and you’ll do well.