Job Search Resources

Associations provide Networking and Career Connections

Just about every profession or trade has an association of practicing members, or so it seems. That could be a slight exaggeration but there are thousands of associations, each exists to advocate for a specific profession or trade. So, no matter what career path you have followed, odds are good that there is an association that would be of interest.

Associations are typically non-profit organizations that are supported by its membership and also serve its membership in many ways. Most associations, depending on size, provide continuing education, current news on what's happening in the profession, certification programs, publications and resources serving the profession, advocacy and outreach programs, and career information. While most associations are national or even international organizations, it is typical to have local or regional chapters that serve the membership more actively at that level.

During a job search, your professional or trade association is a very good resource, provided that you are searching for the next opportunity within your current profession. These are a few things that you can do through your association that may lead to that next job:

Check out the current job listings. Most associations have a Web site today and most have current job listings focused on their own niche industry. In the absence of online job listings, contact the association to find out if there is a distribution list for job openings and then get on the list.

Attend local events. These are terrific ways to get in touch, or keep in touch, with people actively working in the profession. Networking should be an important part of your job search and association events are perfect venues for making connections.

Get involved in local chapter activities. Take networking to another level and join a committee. Get to know more people at the local level. This is a great way to demonstrate leadership, teamwork and other skills in a volunteer environment. Not only can you make important connections but you are also enhancing your resume.

Update your skills and knowledge through educational programs. Maybe this is a good time to get current on certain skills or knowledge. Investigate what types of programs are offered through the association and take advantage of them.

Pursue a certification. This is great way to build upon your skills and proficiency levels even beyond taking a seminar or two. You've been working in the same field for many years and, as with any occupation, change can occur in governing regulations, processes, materials, equipment, practices and procedures. Perhaps this could be the perfect time to obtain a new credential.

These are some of the ways that your professional or trade association can assist you in your job search. So don't let your membership lapse at this critical time. Stay involved and visible to those who can help you to achieve your goal.

A Small Investment in your Resume could Pay Off

OK. So you've just started your job search and are struggling with your latest and greatest resume. That's not unusual. Most of us have difficulty chronicling the last two weeks, never mind the last 20 or 30 years of our work history. What did I do 10 years ago? What part of that job qualifies me for the job I want now?

Actually, you're ahead of the game if you're asking that last question. First, you know what you want. That's a big plus. Second, you are building a case for your prospective employer. These are essential steps in preparing a good resume. Unfortunately preparing that compelling resume is not always so easy. It seems obvious that the person best suited for preparing your resume is you. After all, you know your own history inside and out, you know the industry or the occupation (or you have thoroughly researched it for a career change) and you know where you want to go. So what's the problem?

The problem is this. Many of us are very proud of what we have done in the past and want to show that off to prospective employers. And many of us have difficulty in thinking strategically about our history. Think about it. You really want to describe your positions and accomplishments from the past 20 plus years. But is that history all relevant to what you want to do next? Should each chapter of your history get the same allotment on the page? It might be time to invest in some expert assistance.

Since the early 1990s professional resume writing has become more prevalent and popular. It used to be that you got friends, family, colleagues, alumni employment counselors and anyone else who would freely render an opinion on your resume. It was never uncommon for all those opinions to clash and actually cause more confusion. Now we can find individuals who are actually trained in resume writing and qualified to render an opinion on your all-important resume.

A professional resume writer will obtain your history and career goal and, using objectivity and strategic thinking, will construct a resume not just to showcase your experiences and skills but also to get that interview. You can expect to pay a professional fee for such a service but the result will likely yield dividends in the form of interviews. To find a professional resume writer, check the career resources in your area or consult the web site for the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches at www.parw.com. Don't be afraid to check references and review samples of their work before hiring a resume writer.