The economy is rough nowadays, and with mass lay-offs and plenty of discouragement, its a good idea to look for career advice to change your focus to something you can be passionate about. The difference between a job and a career is that the first option is labor oriented and usually does not have much advancement involved, and the second option is passion oriented, allowing you to advance and grow using skills that you have learned through some kind of formal or technical education. If you do not know what direction to go into, seeking an advice is an excellent first step to organizing your goals while helping you head down a path that will encourage and motivate you to succeed.

As you begin your quest for a career, you may not have an idea about what kind you should be pursuing. An easy way to determine what direction to take, and the first bit of advice to edge you forward, is to think about what you have always loved to do with your time. There are activities that you take part in because you enjoy them as hobbies, and activities that you take part in because you could see yourself doing them to make money seriously. Those activities that you could see yourself turning into a career should be your first stepping stone to paving the road to success for yourself. Read the rest of this entry »

Most career advice out there focuses on finding a job. But good career advice doesn’t stop there! Getting the job is only the first step in a long and rewarding career. It’s important to celebrate when you get that good news call, but don’t forget, now is when the real work begins! Read on for tips on how to make sure your new job gets off on the right foot.

There’s Only One Chance to Make a First Impression

When you think of making a first impression, you probably think about what you’re going to wear. And that’s important! Don’t discount the career advice that tells you how to dress for success. But making a good first impression goes beyond the clothes. Does your hair need a trim? How about your nails? Think about your outer accessories as well – the best suit in the world won’t get a second glance if you show up to your place of employment in an old, ragged coat. Ladies, make sure your handbag is clean and empty of old receipts, mint wrappers and other bits – the last thing you want your new employer to see is a mess when you pull out a pen to take notes. Gentleman? If you use a wallet make sure it’s tidy as well. You won’t win any bonus points for having one with Velcro or pictures of Spiderman on it, so if you need a grown up wallet, now’s the time to buy one. And finally? Don’t forget to do a transportation test run before the first day, ideally at the same time as you’ll be travelling normally. You’ll be nervous enough that first day and don’t want any surprises. Read the rest of this entry »

Like it or not, the personal package you present to the world–your dress, your demeanor, the appearance of your workplace, even your personal hygiene–is a critical factor in determining your career success.

This fact of life, encountered at every step along your career path, is more important than ever in a troubled economy.

Dress To Achieve Your Career Goals

A survey by Robert Half International’s Office Team Division, shows 93 percent of executives believe a worker’s style of dress influences his or her chances of getting a promotion.

This means dressing according to the prevailing style among one’s co-workers and the environment in which your employer or potential employer operates. There may not be an “official dress code,” but you can bet there is an “unofficial one”. Observe it and be guided accordingly. Ignore it and jeopardize your chances for gaining the career rewards you desire.

If the style is business attire, don’t buck the system and show up in jeans and running shoes. The reverse is true. If the style is casual, go for it; but don’t wear flip-flops, ragged jeans and an outrageous T-shirt.

Steve Jobs can get by wearing a pair of jeans, sans belt, and a turtleneck sweater for all occasions, but chances are you can’t.

Don’t go overboard with accessories. Get rid of body piercings other than modest earrings for women only. Camouflage tattoos. Go with a hairstyle that is appropriate to the work environment. A Mohawk might be acceptable in a creative boutique, but it won’t fly in a firm specializing in corporate law. Read the rest of this entry »