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JANUARY 2021
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Strategies to advance your career
areer goals take center stage at the dawn of a new year. Thanks in part to New Year’s resolutions, many professionals use January as a time to reflect on their careers and how to advance them in the year ahead. In a 2015 survey of 10,000 people who recently left their jobs, the professional networking social media platform LinkedIn found that career
advancement was the number one reason people took new jobs. Various strategies can help people who have resolved to take the next step in their careers over the next 12 months.
CONTINUE TO FURTHER YOUR EDUCATION Advancements in technology and the often breakneck pace of modern business has made it necessary for ambitious professionals to continue
learning if they hope to advance their careers, a fact that savvy professionals already recognize. A 2016 survey from the Pew Research Center found that 54% of adults in the labor force say it will be essential from them to get new training and develop new skills throughout their professional life in order to keep up with changes in the workplace. Some professionals may benefit by pursuing a graduate degree or earning their doctorate, while others may need to update or earn certifications from professional organizations. Regardless of their individual situation, education is a great way for professionals to advance their careers.
GIVE YOURSELF YOUR OWN REVIEW Employers conduct reviews to evaluate employees and potentially reward them with higher salaries. Advancement-minded professionals can conduct their own reviews to determine which areas they need to improve. When taking this approach,
it’s vital that professionals be honest with themselves. Assess interactions with colleagues to determine if you can be a more effective communicator or team player. If those are your strengths, consider ways you can fine tune other skills. No professional is perfect, and improving on your weaknesses is a great way to take the next step in your career.
FOCUS ON NETWORKING The value of networking is undeniable, but even ardent networkers may be surprised to learn just how much networking can help advance their careers. LinkedIn estimates that as many as 85% of job openings are filled through some form of networking, so professionals who hone their networking skills are doing themselves a significant service in regard to advancing their careers. As a new year begins, professionals can embrace various strategies to advance their careers.
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What to look for in a new career
any people begin a new year determined to make positive changes in their lives. Some may aspire to read more books in the year ahead, while others may aim to master a new hobby. Professional goals also factor heavily into many people’s New Year’s resolutions. In a 2019 survey of baby boomers, who are generally defined as people born between 1946 and 1964, the Bureau of Labor Statistics found that the average person has 12 jobs in his or her lifetime. That means that the average professional is likely to change jobs at various points during his or her career. Working professionals who have resolved to make a career change but don’t know where to begin can facilitate the process by determining what they want out of their next career. Knowing what to look for in a career can help people land a job they will enjoy, and might even prevent them from changing jobs as many as a dozen times before retirement.
SALARY Few people would scoff at being offered higher salaries, but it’s important that professionals looking to
change careers don’t place too great an emphasis on a high salary. A recent survey from the online career resource Indeed found that 58% of workers would accept a pay cut to change industries. That suggests that salary isn’t everything. However, established professionals no doubt also have an established quality of life, and some may not be comfortable if a lesser salary means they have to give up some of the luxuries they’ve grown accustomed to. Take some time to determine how much money you need to maintain your current quality of life and if giving up certain things, like the ability to travel or dine out whenever you’d like, is a price you’re willing to pay for a new career.
OPPORTUNITY FOR ADVANCEMENT A 2015 survey from the employment-oriented social media service LinkedIn found that the number one reason people switched jobs was related to opportunities for career advancement. The survey asked 10,000 people who recently left their jobs why they did so and 45% indicated they were concerned about the lack of opportunities for advancement at their old jobs. Switching careers is a significant decision that affects all aspects of
professionals’ lives, including their families. When looking for a new career, look for one that provides opportunities for advancement after you get your foot in the door. If no such opportunities are available, you may soon find yourself switching jobs once again.
POSITIVE ENVIRONMENT It can be hard to gauge if a company you don’t work for fosters a positive or negative work environment, but exercising due diligence to determine this can have profound benefits. A 2008 study published in the International Journal on Disability and Human Development found that negative work environments contribute to insomnia, anxiety and depression. In addition, 36% of respondents to the LinkedIn survey indicated they left their old job due to dissatisfaction with the work environment. When looking for a new career, it’s important that professionals don’t overlook the value of a positive work environment. Professionals who have resolved to change careers in the year ahead can make their transition more successful by recognizing certain variables that can make work more enjoyable.
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Update your resume for job hunting
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during COVID-19
he economy has struggled during the COVID-19 pandemic, and many people are concerned by what the future may bring, particularly regarding their careers. Some fields may continue to scale back while others may increase operations. There is much uncertainty for those looking for new work or considering changing jobs. Even though the coronavirus may slow down the process of hiring and make it even more competitive, job seekers must avoid the notion that
they should throw in the towel and try to wait out the lull. Many people have found new jobs during the pandemic, and these strategies can help men and women do just that.
UPDATE YOUR RESUME Many people may think that resume writing is a “one and done” process, but that’s not the case. The Balance: Careers says a resume should be updated and tweaked each time a person applies for a position. Keep a generalized outline for your resume, but be sure to modify your skills and
accomplishments as they pertain to the specific job for which you’re applying. In many instances, a functional resume format, which emphasizes skills over linear job experience, is a good choice because it can gloss over gaps in the resume or frequent job changes. Remember to fill the resume with the same verbiage used in the job posting. If scanning software is used to cull resumes for key words, yours will have the right words and phrases.
UPDATE SOCIAL MEDIA If you use a social media application like LinkedIn, Plaxo or Jobster to network, be sure to keep your profile current. It also may be helpful to join industry networking groups and organizations at this time, as they may have an ongoing aggregator of job openings in particular fields.
RESEARCH THE INDUSTRY While travel, hospitality and event planning have been hit hard due to COVID-19, other industries like online shopping, delivery, healthcare,
grocery stores, cleaning services, and more, have experienced growth. Many industries also have revamped operations and may need a consultant or expert to help them change over their business formats. Do not assume that the pandemic has stalled all job prospects.
PREPARE FOR REMOTE INTERVIEWS Even after businesses have reopened, remote interviews will likely be the norm. Set up an interview spot in your home with good lighting, a neutral background, limited distractions, and a desirable camera angle. Practice being interviewed digitally. Master various meeting applications by downloading necessary software in advance so that technical difficulties will not derail the process. The interviewer sees only your background, so utilize a paper or whiteboard in front of you with notes or talking points. A job search may be complicated by the coronavirus, but there are steps to make it easier to find a job. With patience and positivity, the odds can be in job-seekers’ favor.
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Finding work after 50
nemployment isn’t easy for anyone, regardless of their age, but unemployed men and women over 50 may find it especially difficult to find work. Whether it’s a byproduct of age-related discrimination or any of a host of additional variables, jobless older workers often struggle to find work. In a 2016 analysis of government figures, the Schwartz Center for Economic Policy Analysis at the New School estimated that the jobless rate for workers 55 and older in August of 2016, six years after the Great Recession, was nearly 9%. At the time, the national jobless rate hovered around 5%.
Unemployed men and women over 50 who are struggling to find work can consider the following strategies as they look to rejoin the workforce.
REVISIT YOUR RESUME Unemployed men and women over 50 have no doubt updated their resumes to reflect their most recent professional experience. But they may need to trim some of the fat in regard to their work life 10 or more years ago. Today’s hiring managers may only be concerned with recent experience that illustrates skillsets that are relevant to today’s jobs. Men and women over 50 may consider their experience from 20 years ago invaluable,
but if that experience does not meet the specific needs of the jobs they’re now seeking, then they should remove it from their resumes so hiring managers can quickly access the more relevant information from their work histories.
EMBRACE 21ST CENTURY JOB HUNTING Finding a job in the second decade of the 21st century is unlike job hunting in decades prior, and wholly different from how men and women over 50 looked for jobs upon beginning their professional lives. Networking can mean the difference between unemployment and landing a job. Go to
job fairs attended by hiring managers and join professional organizations that host events where professionals in your field can gather.
TURN YOUR AGE INTO A POSITIVE Men and women over 50 should accept the likelihood that their new managers and/or hiring managers will be younger than them. When interviewing for a job, men and women over 50 should make an effort to showcase their enthusiasm about working with and learning from younger colleagues, while also noting their desire to commit long-term to a company. Some hiring managers may surprise older applicants, viewing them as potentially more reliable than younger workers simply looking to gain some experience in a particular
Simple ways to save after a layoff or furlough
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he outbreak of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 had a dramatic effect on the global economy. Businesses were shuttered seemingly overnight as public health organizations across the globe embraced social distancing as a means to preventing the spread of the potentially deadly virus. Few, if any, businesses proved immune
to the economic effects of the COVID-19 outbreak, which forced many employers to lay off or furlough employees. Many workers were furloughed in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, and while furloughs differ from layoffs, each situation left people looking for ways to save money. The following are some simple ways to save that can help furloughed or laid off employees make
it through the financial uncertainty associated with the COVID-19 outbreak.
CONTACT YOUR LENDERS IMMEDIATELY Many lenders, including Bank of America and Chase, announced breaks for homeowners and other borrowers in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak. Lenders may vary regarding the extent of the breaks they offer as well their eligibility guidelines, but borrowers may be able to defer mortgage and auto loan payments for several months. Consumer advocacy groups warn borrowers to learn what the long-term effects of deferring payments may be. In addition, borrowers should know that they must contact their lenders before ceasing monthly home or auto loan payments.
CONSIDER CUTTING THE CORD Many people have long advocated cutting the cord as a means to saving substantial amounts of money. Cutting the cord refers to forgoing traditional cable television service in favor of less expensive streaming options like Netflix and Amazon Prime. The cut the cord mantra seemed to resonate in the
industry before moving on to the next opportunity.
MAKE USE OF YOUR EXISTING DOWN TIME Another strategy unemployed men and women over 50 can try as they look for work is to make better use of their existing downtime. Enrolling in online courses can give prospective employers the impression that applicants over 50 are both tech-savvy and willing to learn new things. Each of those things can help men and women over 50 overcome any unjustified, tech-related stigmas that hiring managers may attach to older job candidates. Finding work after 50 is not always easy, and job seekers may need to adjust their approach before they can get back in the workforce.
immediate aftermath of the implementation of social distancing, as Netflix reported adding nearly 16 million subscribers in the first quarter of 2020. But before cutting the cord, consumers are urged to see if doing so would actually save them money. Customers who currently bundle their cable with internet and/or phone service may end up paying the same amount of money, if not more, even after canceling their cable subscriptions. Do your homework before cutting the cord, speaking with your provider to learn the true cost of cutting the cord. You may end up saving more by maintaining your cable but removing premium channels and downgrading to basic packages.
DEVELOP A NEW BUDGET Budgeting is an essential component of responsible money management at all times, and especially so in the wake of a layoff or furlough. Do not hesitate to develop a new monthly budget, examining all monthly expenses to determine where costs can be trimmed. The longer you wait, the less you may save during a layoff or furlough. Saving money in the wake of a lay off or furlough can be simpler than people think.
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How to keep your career change alive during a recession
hough people might not have known it when the world renowned ball began to descend on New York City’s Times Square shortly before midnight on Dec. 31, 2019, the year 2020 would prove to be one marked by considerable challenges. The public health crisis sparked by the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic uncertainty that arose as the world grappled with how to confront the virus proved to be a perfect storm that might take years to recover from. Many people will rejoice as the calendar turns from 2020 to 2021, even though the economic fallout of COVID-19 is likely to be felt well into 2021. In a survey of 235 economists conducted by the National Association for Business Economists, roughly 80% of respondents indicated there is at least a 25% chance that the United States economy will endure a double-dip recession. That means the recession that affected the American
careers in the year ahead. And while switching careers in the midst of a prolonged economic downturn may seem risky, there are ways to continue on the path to a new career even if the economy is struggling.
STAY THE COURSE
economy (and, more broadly, the global economy) throughout much of 2020 could prove to be only the first wave, with a second downturn occurring in 2021. Each January people resolve to make changes in an effort to improve their lives. Known as New Year’s resolutions, these
pledges can serve as a catalyst for personal and professional growth. According to Statista, finding a new job was the eighth most popular New Year’s resolution in 2019. Given the economic challenges of 2020, professionals unhappy with their careers may think twice before resolving to switch
If you have been working toward a career change then it’s important to stay the course. That’s especially important if you are changing careers because your industry was already suffering prior to the recession. Much of the world has paused during the pandemic, and struggling industries on life support are no doubt still struggling. So staying the course now puts you in better position to jump ship before your industry crashes. If your efforts involve going back to school, stay in school and keep working toward your degree or certificate, which could prove to be a professional life jacket should your industry crash during an economic downturn in the coming months.
KEEP LOOKING Just because the economy is struggling doesn’t mean businesses aren’t still hiring. While some industries have suffered mightily during the pandemic, others have thrived. Unemployment figures reached historic highs in the United States in June 2020, but those numbers had already declined significantly by the end of summer. That’s because companies were hiring. Opportunities are out there, even if the economy is struggling.
MAINTAIN YOUR PROFESSIONAL CONNECTIONS Networking is a valuable tool when looking for a new job. Successful networking can provide access to job openings that may never be posted on online job boards. And in the age of social distancing, many professionals working from home full-time or those who have been grounded for business traveling are happy to connect with colleagues, even if those connections are limited to Zoom calls or email. While a recession may not be the best time to make a career change, all career transitions require some measure of risk. Professionals committed to changing careers should not let economic downturns prevent them from doing so.
The outlook for nurses is very strong
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any people consider the right job one that provides both a sense of fulfillment and the opportunity to achieve financial security and stability as one’s career advances. Given that criteria, the field of nursing should make for an attractive career path. The outlook for registered nurses, often referred to as “RNs,” is very strong. In its recent “Occupational Outlook Handbook,” the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a division of the U.S. Department of Labor, issued a highly favorable employment outlook for registered nurses. Estimating the projected percent change in employment between 2018 and 2028, the BLS estimated that employment of registered nurses is expected to grow 12% during that 10-year period. That’s more than double the average growth estimate for all occupations. The outlook is equally strong in Canada. According to the Canadian Occupation Projections System, which is provided by Employment and Social Development Canada, new job openings for registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses are expected to total 157,100 between 2017 and 2026. The ESDC anticipates a nursing shortage during that same period, estimating that only 143,900 new job seekers will be available to fill those positions. But that gap between job openings and qualified candidates means that nurses should not experience much difficulty in regard to finding work. While the outlook
in terms of availability of work is strong for current nurses and those who aspire to one day follow this career path, that outlook should not alone compel people to pursue a career in nursing. Few fields can be as demanding as nursing, which means not everyone is necessarily cut out to be a nurse. The demands are perhaps best exemplified by examining the hours registered nurses may expect to work, especially at the beginning of their careers when they have no seniority. The BLS notes that hospitals and nursing care facilities require roundthe-clock employees every day of the year. That means nurses can expect to work long hours on nights, weekends and holidays. That requires considerable sacrifice on the part of nurses, and those aspiring to enter this line of work should consider if they’re willing to make those sacrifices before enrolling in a nursing program. Estimates suggest the employment outlook for qualified nurses will be very strong over the next several years, which should compel more and more talented people to pursue this fulfilling career path.
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