You have no experience in a particular industry but you need a job. You don't have a job to give you experience in that industry. So you can’t find a job.
Sound familiar?
Don't give up - everyone has some type of experience through part-time jobs, life experiences, school, civic organizations, or volunteer work to help them land an entry level job. Your biggest obstacle is to identify the skills and knowledge you have gained from these types of activities and position them on your resume as qualified experience.
Volunteer organizations, educational activities, family and household management, and vacation planning all give you some type of experience. Think about the skills and knowledge it took to do these things, and you'll begin to see how much experience you actually do have!
Volunteer Organizations Don't discount or disregard the experience you may have gained from volunteering. Including information about activities you lead or participated in related to planning, advertising, organizing, fund raising, writing, speaking, or chairing can put you head and shoulders above the competition. And don't forget the value of teamwork in these situations. Volunteer organizations typically require creative thinkers who can work independently.
Education and Extracurricular Activities Finishing school is a time when many people are frustrated and confused about the job search. Creativity is key here - consider any part-time jobs you held while in school, clubs or groups in which you participated in or offices you held, school events you organized and planned, sports events or clubs in which you were an active participant or member, and other school activities. These types of activities provided an opportunity for you to utilize your planning, organizational, communications, and creative skills. Use this experience to your advantage on your resume.
Clubs or groups you've been actively engaged in may have given you more experience than you previously imagined. Being involved in group dynamics, being an active team player or leader, and participating in community activities all provide different levels of experience that can be described skillfully on your resume.
Family and Household Management Raising a family can provide you with a tremendous level of experience in many areas including financial planning, organizing, event planning, negotiating, decision-making, contractor or vendor management, and time management. Multi-tasking and coordinating services and activities for several people simultaneously is an art in the business world!
Caring for your elderly parents also positions you well. You have sharpened and honed your skills in communication, geriatric medicine, health and benefits management, physician interaction, negotiations, planning, organizing, financial management, and directing. You've learned to multi-task and balance multiple priorities by managing two households and your decision-making skills are heightened as a result of this opportunity. Businesses are always looking for people experienced in this type of situation.
Travel Planning and Time Management Planning a vacation for your family takes lots of planning and organization. It also requires research and cost comparison in most instances. Whether you've traveled nationally or internationally, you've learned much about organizing schedules, time management, travel planning, and financial management. And international travel broadens your horizons to the multi-cultural differences across the world and gives you a broader perspective on different cultures. If you've learned a second language, that’s even better! Include this on your resume.
Investigating job opportunities when you don't believe you have experience can be a challenge, but when you evaluate your past life and the many things you have participated in or planned, you will identify experience that is valuable to many employers. An employer who is looking for an innovative, creative, experienced, and ambitious individual will see the potential in you!
Entry level jobs don't always mean you have no experience. They simply mean that the position you are seeking is entry level for a particular industry or company, and the experience you actually have may be much more than you originally thought you had.
Identify your transferable skills from other jobs. Combine this experience with your education and life experiences for the most impressive resume and launch a job search that will land that perfect job!
San Antonio is the second largest city in Texas. Its metropolitan area alone has a population of over 1.3 million, which means a large customer base for any kind of retail store that you could possibly want to work for.
The River Walk is a great place to start if looking for jobs in San Antonio. This is large tourist attraction for downtown San Antonio. It is a beautiful walk way along the river and many shops, restaurants and bars line this walk. If you are looking for a jobs online in this industry, I suggest taking your resume and going for a walk. You'll probably find more hiring signs in the windows, than on any website, but in case I'm wrong check out Shop River Center.
The Alamo Quarry Market is a different place to work. It has a factory design, with giant smokestacks, and protruding beams, made with an open concept that offers a mega-gym, and lots of stores, boutiques and restaurants.
If you are looking for retail jobs in San Antonio, check out San Antonio CVB. This site lists all the shopping malls in San Antonio, plus if they have a website, it's listed as well. It's a great database to start with.
Breaking into a new field of work or looking for an entry level job after graduating from college can be a challenge. But if you know where and how to get started, it's much easier to gain the experience you need to quickly move up the corporate ladder. Human resource positions are no exception and entry level jobs are key to future success.
Human resources professionals must be able to communicate clearly and professionally with individuals at all levels of an organization. They must interact well and protect the confidentiality and privacy of the people they work with. It is just as critical to maintain the confidentiality of the position at an entry level as it is at the executive level.
The growth of human resource jobs looks good over the next 10 years. Entry level positions are currently in high demand as more job seekers have turned to the internet for posting resumes and other documents. Entry level positions for human resource assistants require computer skills and the ability to navigate through various search engines to locate the best and most qualified resumes.
Human resource support staff is responsible for maintaining employee records, typically through the use of computerized programs. Not only do they maintain general information such as name, address, title, earnings, and other information, they are also responsible for managing supervisory reports related to attendance records, payroll, performance management, and other management reports.
Entry level positions offer the opportunity for individuals to conduct the employment pre-screening process and participate in the hiring process. They may be asked to administer aptitude, personality, or skills based testing. They are often responsible for coordinating drug testing and other pre-employment testing, as well as contacting references to confirm validity of information provided by applicants.
Often, Human Resource Clerks, Assistants, or other entry level employees are given responsibility for notifying applicants when they are hired or rejected for specific positions. Their job includes processing new hires and coordinating the orientation process.
As security measures have become much more prevalent and critical in our business world, entry level human resources jobs are often charged with managing the process of assigning security badges, updating computer files and records to ensure access only to appropriate information and data for new hires, and conducting criminal background checks if required for the industry.
As you gain experience in human resources support, additional duties will be added which include creating and analyzing reports such as turnover reports, benefits reporting, and other employee related analyses. Increasing job responsibilities as you become an experienced HR Generalist will include management of the human resources policies, procedures, and programs.
Positions in human resources are particularly rewarding since you are providing support, guidance, and direction to the workforce. Taking on more responsibility for organizational development, performance management, policy development, and compensation and benefits administration will give you the chance to create a positive work environment.
Your ultimate goal as a human resources professional is to create a culture that encourages and supports empowerment, high productivity and quality, and development of an outstanding workforce. Regardless of your level within the organization, the role you play is extremely valuable to your company's management team.
Dallas, Texas is one of the top ten largest cities in the U.S. when compared to similar cities with over a million residents. Its status among the largest cities in the country make it a virtual paradise for job seekers, offering a huge array of opportunities in technological industries, financial services, telecommunications, and transportation.
Gaining and maintaining its status as a major metropolitan city in the country did not come without its share of volatility in the economy. Dallas saw economic slumps in the early 2000s along with much of the U.S., but that picture has now turned around and the current and projected economic growth and demand for Dallas jobs are excellent for this bustling north-central Texas city.
The population of Dallas continues to grow as the need for employees escalates in various business sectors, and particularly in the high-technology industries. Dallas has often been referred to as the "Silicone Prairie," being compared to the famous "Silicone Valley" breeding ground for technological advancement and growth.
Technological opportunities are interspersed throughout the region, including continual recruiting for qualified employees in the life sciences, semiconductors, and telecommunications sectors. According to the Dallas Chamber of Commerce, the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex holds about 43 percent of the state’s high-tech workers and even more are needed as spiraling growth continues.
With a renewed economic upturn and a strong demand for high-tech workers, Dallas is an optimal place for young singles and young families. The median age for Dallas residents is approximately 30 years old making it a very "young city."
Not only are job opportunities in Dallas attractive for young people, but the city offers an abundant variety of entertainment with culture, sports, and family entertainment all included.
Dallas is home to the country's largest State Fair which is held at the enormous Fair Park entertainment and recreational complex. The Dallas Aquarium, nearby Six Flags over Texas, and the Dallas Zoo are just a few of the incredible sites and entertainment spots for young and old alike.
The city of Dallas is steeped in the arts and culture as well with operas, museums, and galleries easily accessible and affordable. And the legendary Dallas Cowboys provide sports entertainment for dedicated fans and local residents. Entertainment options in this mega-city are endless.
Whether you're looking for jobs in Dallas, career advancement in an existing field, or just an exciting and invigorating place to live, Dallas, Texas is the place to look. And particularly, if your interests and talents lie in technology, look no further. The economic outlook for the region is strong and job opportunities are unlike any other.
Dallas is a city on a fast-track for continued growth and prosperity. The wheels are in motion and you just need to grab on, hold tight, and enjoy the life!
Southwest Key Programs, an Austin, Texas nonprofit enterprise, recently received $700,000 to help create new jobs in Austin throughout the eastern part of the city. Southwest Key Programs is among 44 other community development corporations (CCDs) across the nation to be awarded such a prize from a Community Development Grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, and the Office of Community Services. This funding is given to aid programs that address economic self-sufficiency of suffering communities. The grant money will be awarded over a period of three years.
Funds will be used to support Southwest Key Maintenance, a program created by the organization with the goal of creating 71 new Austin jobs for low-income residents. These new jobs will provide a range of commercial Maintenance, janitorial, and landscaping services to Central Texas business for affordable prices while simultaneously aiding the economy.
The organization's founder and CEO, Dr. Juan Sánchez says that the program "Will Benefit the residents of Govalle/Johnston Terrace, a high-poverty neighborhood, and surrounding low-income communities in East Austin by creating entry-level jobs with opportunities to advance and move toward self-sufficiency." He went on to say that Southwest Key Maintenance is "providing job opportunities right here where East Austinites live and work. The revitalization program will set the stage for lasting economic benefits."
The nonprofit organization provides housing for the children of illegal immigrants, causing it to be the subject of criticism by those who oppose using government funding to aid those who are here unlawfully looking for jobs in Austin. Despite controversy, Southwest Key Programs received millions in federal contracts last year alone.
The Austin-based organization is the third largest nonprofit in the area. In the coming months it will celebrate it's 20th anniversary with the grand opening of it's new 30,000 square foot East Austin Community Development Center, where it's job creating Southwest Key Maintenance will be located.
Houston, Texas is not only one of the largest and most exciting cities in the United States, it also offers a huge opportunity for job seekers in almost every area of industry, commerce, and business. Since residents pay no state or local income taxes, the cost of living is lower in Houston than in most major U.S. cities. This makes housing affordable for most residents and this is one of the main reasons it attracts young people to Houston jobs.
The Texas Workforce Commission projects that the service industry will be one of the fastest growing sectors throughout the first decade of the century. Professional and related occupations will most likely experience significant growth of about 28% and service occupations are expected to grow by 24%. Overall, there is an expected increase of about 22% in the labor force in Houston.
Construction jobs are a significant draw for males with about 18% of male employees in this service industry. Following closely behind are professional, scientific, and technical services. The next highest growth sectors are focused on food services, hotels/accommodations, administrative, support and entry level jobs, and waste management services.
Females tend to have the highest number of employees in the fields of healthcare, educational services, and food services/accommodations collectively with about 36% of the female population. Following closely are professional, scientific, and technical services at about 7% of the female employed population.
One of the fastest growing sections for business growth for jobs in Houston over the past 10 years has been computer systems design, architectural and engineering, arts, entertainment, and recreation. Also included in fast-growing sectors are employment services, education, and health care. With the projected growth in Houston, these jobs continue to grow and offer new and advancement opportunities for qualified individuals.
Finding a job in Houston may be easier than in many similar sized metropolitan areas due to its rapid growth projections. Houston supports the continued training and education of employees through the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). This organization provides workforce development assistance throughout the state.
In addition, the Houston Community College System (HCC) is a leading provider of educational services and training programs for ongoing business development. Training programs can be customized and delivered onsite and the HCC oversees 67 degree and certificate programs, including accounting, biotechnology, technology, and computer science.
The growth in service and professional industries in Houston, combined with the city’s commitment to ongoing training and education for employees, make it easy to see why Houston is an ideal place to work and live. The business climate, lower cost of living, and affordable housing make it a win-win situation.
One factor that determines the likelihood of being hired by an employer is the number of positions that are available. With the Federal Government being the largest employer in the nation, job seekers are likely to find a good number of jobs online ready to be filled by those with a number of different talents.
A common misconception about government jobs is the fact that they are only available for those who have degrees in very limited fields. In actuality, positions with the government span a wide range of fields encompassing just about every career available in the private sector. With the Federal Government offering jobs for everyone from registered nurses to broadcast specialist, there is no one set type of individual that is particularly suited for government work.
One element that often stands in the way of job seekers looking for work with the Federal Government is the differences in the titles given to similar positions found in civilian offices. Because of this labeling difference, job seekers must be more flexible with their search. For example, those interest in marketing might want to look at positions entitled either market analyst or trade analyst, both of which deal with the marketing of products. Other positions, such as custodian or carpenter are more easily located.
To make matters more complicated, the Government does not often update the titles of their positions. For example, the Government does not use the term web designer despite the fact that people are hired to do this type of work. In most cases these positions are found under other titles such as public relations specialist, visual arts specialist, or information technology manager. Because of this, it is important to either look up a variety of different titles or focus one’s search on a broad occupational group. The job descriptions made available will usually clear up any confusion.
Understanding that the differences in job titles found in government work, USAjobs.com has made a dictionary available. Here one can find the definitions of many popular positions found with the Federal Government. This can be found www.usajobs.opm.gov. Also offered on the site are career related quizzes to enable jobseekers to relate their different interest to appropriate government job titles.
Hey MySpace, Facebook Users: Employers Are Watching
With the rise of such social networking sites as Facebook and MySpace, workers are running into a new problem; what some consider self-expression on personal time is effecting their ability to obtain or keep employment.
More and more recruiting managers are using these profiles as part of an informal background check, surfing the web to gather information about the personal lives of potential employees. What these employers are looking for when they begin to view these profiles depends on the individual handling the job search. For the most part, hiring managers are looking for things that discredit the positive perception they gathered from an interview with an applicant.
In a world of "better safe than sorry," employers are using social networking sites to determine if the applicant has conflicting personal values to the culture of the workplace. This can be as obvious as the applicants admissions of recreational drug usage on their MySpace profile or something more subtle. In some cases, employers have used the comments an applicant's friends have left them to reach a hiring decision.
For help, Experience.com says pictures depicting drunken misadventures seem to be some of the most common evidence used against an applicant. Although the person may know that the images were from a once a year celebration, the employer does not. An abundance of such pictures seems to hint at a substance abuse problem or at the very least, an individual who does not conduct themselves in a manner that the company views as beneficial to their image. On a similar note, overtly sexual photos seem to say that the person in question has little self-respect.
Blog entries can be equally damaging to one's career. For most, the public diaries are a way to connect and stay in touch with peers of similar mindsets and experiences. To employers, they are a way to learn more about the applicant as a person. Even comments made sarcastically, comments that friends and family would understand, can be taken in the wrong way.
For the most part, people don't want to use their personal profiles to advertise their credentials or to discuss the finer points of volunteering at an orphanage. So, how does one maintain an office friendly persona and express their individuality? Changing a profile's security settings to private or friends only can help avoid the situation all together. In these cases, only the main picture has to be employer-approved.
For those who want their profiles to remain viewable to the public, things can be trickier. Keeping the written content on a PG level is a good start. Posting only pictures that could easily be shown to mom is also a good idea. At the very least, make albums that contain more questionable photos only accessible to friends. Doing the same with blog entries will help having one’s application tossed in the garbage can.
On a final note, for those with friends with particularly wacky senses of humor, it might be best to set profile comments so that they must be approved before they appear publicly. This will keep employers from making their hiring decision based on a picture of a nun and an otter in an awkward position that the roommate just had to share.
Minneapolis boasts a high-energy, scenic city that offers great rewards for visitors and residents alike. Join the workforce in this city on the banks of the Mississippi River and you'll discover a diverse and exciting work environment which is professionally and financial rewarding.
Minneapolis is the largest city in the state of Minnesota with over 385,000 residents. The city has twenty lakes and wetlands and a vast array of parkways and byways. Jobs are plentiful in this city that serves as the primary business center between Chicago, Illinois and Seattle, Washington.
Fortune 500 and 1000 Companies Economic growth and financial support for Minneapolis jobs today are derived from commerce, finance, rail and trucking services, health care, and industry. Five Fortune 500 companies are headquartered in Minneapolis offering a huge opportunity for job seekers. They include Target Corporation, U.S. Bancorp, Xcel Energy, Ameriprise Financial, and Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.
Fortune 1000 companies in Minneapolis include PepsiAmericas, Valspar Corporation and Donaldson Company. Apart from government, the city's largest employers in Minneapolis are Target, Wells Fargo, Ameriprise, Macy's, Star Tribune, U.S. Bancorp, Xcel Energy, IBM, Piper Jaffray RBC Dain Rauscher ING Group and Qwest.
Park System Because the park system has been called the best-designed, best financed and best-maintained in America, they require a large workforce to keep things running smoothly. Landscapers, park rangers, maintenance people, computer operators, customer service, and other jobs abound in the park system. Minnesota residents take pride in the park system and there are endless opportunities to work within he park system.
Educational Job Opportunities The school system enrolls over 36,000 students and there are over 100 public schools requiring teachers, assistants, administrators, coaches, custodians, dietitians, and general maintenance workers. Multi-lingual individuals are in high demand since the students speak 90 different languages, with English, Hmong, Spanish, and Somali being the most prominent.
Media Opportunities Writers, editors, graphic artists, designers, and other specialists are often needed to support the five major newspapers published in Minneapolis. As the central business corridor between Chicago and Seattle, there is a continual need for these individuals to cover the local, regional, and national stories. Freelance, full-time, entry level jobs and part-time employment opportunities are available for creative and talented individuals.
Healthcare Healthcare is a major employer in the city due to the five major hospitals in the area. Three of the hospitals are ranked among America’s best by U.S. News & World Report and they continually recruit and require highly skilled medical personnel, administrators, clerical, and ancillary staff to maintain their reputation and provide the level of care expected and a variety of opportunities for healthcare careers.
Artists Museums, art centers, and other venues for artistic expression are well-known in Minnesota. It is the third largest theater market in the United States with an additional renovated theater opening in 2007. Jobs in theater and the arts are as plentiful in Minnesota as they are in New York City. Actors, dancers, stage-hands, producers, and theater related positions offer exceptional opportunities for those interested in theater and who have a passion for the arts.
Minnesota is a city brimming with opportunity for job seekers looking for excitement and vitality. The many job opportunities available in banking and finance, government, parks and recreation, the arts, education and healthcare create lots of room for the imagination in terms of job searches.
Exploring the myriad of job opportunities in Minnesota is an exhilarating experience. One that will most likely provide you with multiple employment opportunities!
