Free Career Tests for Career Changers

Are you considering a career change? Do you want to do something different with the next phase of your career? Have you retired and are thinking about an encore career? In today’s job market, there are jobs that might not have even existed when you started your career. There may be a completely different job you can do with the skills you have already. Or you may be able to take a class or two to upgrade your skill set to get the qualifications you need for the next phase of your career. What’s the best way to explore options? In some cases,...

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Top 10 People Skills for Workplace Success

People skills can help you land a new job, get promoted, and even earn more money. Also called soft skills, these abilities help you get along with teammates, innovate and share ideas, and follow through on your commitments. No wonder that 92% of human resources professionals say that people skills are just as important, if not more important, in job candidates than hard skills.   But unlike technical expertise, people skills can be challenging to teach, learn, and demonstrate to hiring managers. This is in part because these talents...

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Free Career Quizzes for Teens

Are you a student thinking about what type of job you might like? Or what careers would be interesting to work in?  If you’re a teen looking to start exploring career options, there are online resources you can use to get some ideas about what occupations would be a fit for your interests. You’ll also be able to learn what type of education you will need to get your career started, potential earnings, job outlook, and the career path your job could get you started on. One thing to keep in mind before you start looking is that you don’t need...

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Warning Signs That You Could Lose Your Job

Are you worried about losing your job? It can happen to anyone, sometimes when you least expect it. Even during the best of times, companies make changes and employees get laid off. During challenging economic times, your work status can become even more precarious. How can you tell if you’re about to lose your job? Sometimes, employers announce layoffs, furloughs, and cutbacks, and it can be very clear that your employment is in jeopardy. In other cases, it’s not so easy to tell if your position may be on the chopping block. There are warning...

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Free Online Career Quizzes

When you’re not sure what you want to do for your next job or you’re thinking about a career change, a career assessment or career quiz can help you find options to explore. These types of career tests are a terrific (and even fun) way to learn about jobs that you may not have considered. At the least, you’ll get some ideas to think about. If you’re still stuck after trying a few, a career coach is a way to get professional guidance. Another option is your college career services office if you’re a student or graduate. Many offer lifetime...

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How To Complete a Job Application

Are you in the process of applying for jobs? Whether you’re applying online or in person, the basic information you’ll need to provide to the employer is the same. For most positions, you’ll be asked for your contact information, employment history, education, and eligibility to work in the U.S. In some cases, a resume and cover letter are also required. For some jobs, you also may be asked for your driver’s license number, social security number, and work permit information if you’re not a U.S. citizen. Companies may also ask for a list of references. To...

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Cover Letter Basics: Writing and Formatting Cover Letters

Do you need to send a cover letter with your resume? It’s not an absolute requirement unless the employer requests one, but your cover letter may be what makes the difference when it comes to your resume ending up in the “no” pile or the “interview” pile. Like your resume, a cover letter only gets seconds to make an impression. So, you need to get the employer’s attention fast.  Tip: In order to get your cover letter noticed, you will need to customize it. That means taking the time to inform the employer of how well your credentials match...

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How To Find a LGBTQ+-Friendly Career Coach

The International Coaching Federation defines coaching as a partnering between clients and coaches in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires clients to maximize their personal and professional potential. At the center of every successful coaching partnership is trust and safety. If clients don’t feel comfortable and free to express themselves without judgement from a coach, it’s very difficult to make any real progress in achieving goals. In this article, I outline specific actionable steps to take as an LGBTQ+ career professional...

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How To Dress for a Zoom Job Interview

With more companies conducting job interviews over Zoom and other video platforms, choosing an outfit has become a whole new ballgame. What looks good in person may look like a sloppy nightmare in video calls. Job seekers are learning how to style themselves from scratch. Joseph Rosenfeld is a personal stylist and corporate image consultant who has seen his clients struggle over what to wear in the digital atmosphere. “It’s not just about how you want your clothes to show up on Zoom, although that is a part of it,” Rosenfeld said. “It’s more...

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How To Create a Personal Brand Statement

A personal brand statement is a one to two sentence description that gives a brief overview of your unique skills, experience, and passions and why you’re unique in your field of work. Personal brand statements can quickly set you apart from others and can help your audience or hiring managers get a better understanding of who you are and what you can offer.  Benefits of a Personal Brand Statement  A personal brand statement doesn’t just...

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How To Ace a Video Job Interview

These days, more and more employers are vetting hires through virtual interviews instead of face-to-face meetings. Virtual job interviews take place through video platforms like Zoom or GoToMeeting.  In some ways, video interviews are easier than in-person meetings; you don’t have to commute, you don’t have to sit in a tense waiting room or worry about showing up on time. However, it’s important to pay attention to the tricky nuances of a virtual...

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