When Can You Be Fired Without a Warning?

Can you be fired from a job without a warning or advance notification? Or does your employer have to give you notice before terminating employment? 

In general, companies have the right to terminate an employee, and there are some circumstances in which an employee can be terminated without notice. However, in some cases, employers are legally required to provide advance notice.

Review information on the legalities of firing an employee without warning, how to learn about your rights, and what to do if it happens to you.

Can You Be Fired Without a Warning?

When can an employer fire you without a warning? One of the factors is the “at-will” employment relationship that exists in most states. Another is federal and state laws that govern termination of employment. If you’re covered by an employment contract or collective bargaining agreement, your employer may be required to give you a warning or termination notice.

Employment at Will

Employment at will means that if there isn’t an employment contract or collective bargaining agreement stating otherwise, an employer or employee can terminate the employment relationship at any time for any reason (with a few exceptions). 

If an employee is covered by employment at will, an employer can technically terminate an employee without warning. However, the reason for the firing can’t be illegal (such as discrimination or retaliation).

Note: On the flip side, employment at will also means an employee can quit without notice or warning.

WARN Act Requirements

There are some situations in which employers must provide notice of termination. For example, the federal WARN Act requires employers with 100 or more employees to provide at least 60 days’ notice before a plant closing or mass layoff. Similarly, some states have laws requiring notice of termination if certain conditions are met (such as the length of employment or the size of the workforce).

But just because an employer isn’t required to give notice doesn’t mean they shouldn’t. Employers who terminate employees without warning risk losing the trust of their remaining employees and may be subject to legal action.

Unlawful Reasons for Firing an Employee

If you’re covered by an employment contract or a collective bargaining agreement, your employer must adhere to the contract’s terms. 

There are other circumstances when employers cannot fire employees. Those reasons vary from state to state. For example, in New York State, prohibited reasons for firing an employee include:

• Discrimination based on race, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital status, military status, or disability
• Complaints about a labor law violation
• Whistleblowing, in some circumstances
• Taking part in lawful political or recreational activities
• Claiming workers’ compensation or disability benefits
• Joining or supporting a union
• Filing a claim under an employee benefit plan
• Taking leave under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
• Serving on a jury

 

What To Do if You’ve Been Fired Without Warning

If you have been fired without warning, there are some steps you can take:

• Try to get a clear understanding of why you were terminated. It may not have come as a complete surprise if there’s a valid reason, such as poor performance or a conflict with coworkers. 
• Consider asking for clarification. Remember that this conversation should be professional and non-confrontational, as you never know when you may need a reference from this employer.
• Ask about benefits for terminated employees, such as how long you will have insurance coverage and pay for unused leave time.
• Check on eligibility for unemployment benefits.

 

If you believe that you were fired unlawfully—for example, because of your race or gender—you can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Labor and your state labor department. You also may want to consult with an employment law attorney. They can help you determine whether legal action is appropriate and what your options are. 

Collecting Unemployment When You’re Fired

In most cases, an employee who is terminated through no fault of their own is eligible for unemployment benefits as long as they meet the eligibility requirements in their state. However, if an employer can prove that the employee was fired for cause (such as breaking a company policy), the employee may be denied benefits.

The Bottom Line

While being fired without warning can be a difficult experience, understanding your rights and options can make it easier to navigate. Remember that, in some cases, employers have the right to terminate an employee without warning, but they also risk legal consequences and damage to their reputation. 

If you find yourself in this situation, understand why you were terminated, consider consulting the federal or state department of labor or with an attorney, and be proactive in seeking unemployment benefits if applicable. With time, you’ll be able to move on to new opportunities and put this experience behind you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can my employer terminate me without any notice or warning?

A: Generally speaking, employers can terminate you without notice or warning unless you are covered by an employment agreement or the termination violates the law. In some cases, this may be illegal under state or federal labor laws. Reviewing your employment contract, checking relevant labor laws, and contacting an attorney if you believe you have been wrongly terminated without proper notice is important.

Q: What should I do if I am terminated without warning?

A: First, take some time to process the news and fully understand what has happened. Once you have done that, review your contract and any other documents related to the termination. Next, review your legal options. If you were wrongfully terminated, the department of labor or an attorney may be able to assist. For example, in New York, you can file a complaint with the labor department if you were unlawfully terminated. 

 Lastly, make sure you take steps to protect yourself financially, such as filing for unemployment benefits or seeking other sources of income.

Q: What if I am terminated without cause?

A: If you have been terminated without cause, you may have a claim for wrongful termination or breach of contract. It is important to speak with your state labor department or an attorney familiar with labor laws in your state to understand your rights.

The information in this article is not legal advice nor a substitute for such advice. State and federal laws change frequently, and the information in this article may not reflect your own state’s laws or the most recent changes to the law.

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The Best Job Options for Seniors

Retirement is usually considered a time to rest and relax—no more waking up early to go to work, no more formal dressing, no more deadlines, no more office politics. It’s time to sit back, unwind, and enjoy the fruits of your labor. 

But is it? Many seniors still want to stay active, engaged, and employed after retirement. Or you might have thought that retirement was a great idea, then decided it wasn’t, and you’ve got extra time. Perhaps you’re bored and looking to do something new and different.

If you’re in one of these categories, you might be wondering what jobs are best for seniors to consider. Here are some of the best job options available for seniors, tips on searching for job openings and strategies for acing those interviews.

Job Options for Seniors

One of the best ways to get hired after you’ve retired or are downsizing your career is to look at jobs where you can use the skills you already have. There are a plethora of options available. Some options include freelance work, consulting, coaching, tutoring, social media management, retail, and receptionist work:

• Freelance work would be an excellent choice for those who like the flexibility of not being tied to an office or a set schedule. 
• Consulting is a great option if you have expertise in a field such as business, education, recruiting, or IT. 
• Coaching/tutoring is perfect for former teachers or anyone with specialized skills in a particular area. 
• Social media management is a great option in today’s tech-savvy world. 
• Retail or administrative work is an excellent opportunity for seniors with good communication skills and an interest in working with people.
• Customer service is another good option with plenty of opportunities available.
• Side gigs are perfect for earning extra cash without committing to a schedule. Here are some of the best side gigs for seniors.

 

When You Want a Career Change

If you’re interested in continuing to work but would like to change careers, it’s possible. Here’s how to transition careers at age 60 and beyond. 

How to Find Job Openings

There are several ways in which seniors can find job openings. 

First, seniors should network with colleagues, business connections, friends, and family. Many job openings are not advertised, so it helps to talk to people who know you and can vouch for your skills. 

Second, seniors can visit local job fairs or employment centers and inquire about jobs available. Finally, seniors can explore online job boards, local newspapers, social media platforms, LinkedIn, and staffing websites for employment prospects.

Tip: Use CareerOneStop’s one-stop job search resource to search for jobs on NLx, CareerBuilder, Indeed, and ZipRecruiter with a single click.

Tips for Interviewing and Getting Hired

Companies hiring seniors are looking for people who are enthusiastic and show that they have the necessary experience. 

When you make it to the interview stage, it is important to showcase your skills and experience clearly. Dress professionally and prepare well for the interview. Take the time to research the company and be able to speak to what you like about its operations. 

Be prepared to talk about how you can add value to their organization. Finally, send a thank-you note to the interviewers after the interview, conveying your gratitude and reiterating your interest in the job.

Our step-by-step guide on how to ace an interview will help you with every stage of the interview process.

The Bottom Line

Retirement does not necessarily have to be the end of your career journey. Numerous job options are available for seniors looking to stay engaged and earn some extra income. 

Senior citizens have the skills and experience that many companies seek. With the right mindset, skills, and motivation, seniors can find fulfilling work and play a valuable role in today’s workforce. 

So get out there, explore your options, and start your job hunting journey today!

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Top 5 Best Job Search Sites for 2023

Are you ready to start a job search, or are you in the middle of a job hunt and not getting anywhere fast? If you’re searching for jobs online right now, your biggest problem might be where to start. LinkedIn, Indeed, niche job search sites, employer websites—there are hundreds, perhaps thousands, of apps and sites and angles to try.

The problem, of course, is that you only have so much time and energy to spend on your job hunt, even if you’re devoting full-time working hours to the search. It’s easy to squander your valuable job search time on the wrong channels—or too many of the right ones.

Tip: You don’t need to use every job search resource that’s available. A back-to-basics streamlined job search can be more effective than spending countless hours trying everything you can to get hired.

To make the best use of your resources, you need to know what each job search tool does best. Then you can focus your efforts on the channels that make the most sense for your specific needs.

Best Sites for Job Searching in 2023

Here are some of the best sites to get your job search on the fast track this year.

Tip: Use CareerOneStop’s one-stop job search resource to search for jobs on NLx, CareerBuilder, Indeed, and ZipRecruiter with a single click.

LinkedIn

Best for: When you have a connection or want to link up with a recruiter.

LinkedIn boasts over 700 million users, but if you’re looking for work, you’re probably more interested in the fact that the professional social network also offers more than 20 million open jobs.

When should you use LinkedIn to find these jobs? When you have a contact who can connect you with someone inside an employer that’s hiring. To find those contacts, click on the Jobs tab at the top of each page, then search for jobs by title, skill, or company, plus location.

Tip: Don’t have an inside track? Click the company name to get to their page, then click People. You may have a connection who can introduce you to someone at the organization.

Indeed

Best for: When you need a job fast.

Indeed not only aggregates job listings from all over the web, including employer sites, but it also allows you to sign up for email job alerts based on your search criteria. You can choose to receive these alerts daily, weekly, or monthly, depending on how actively you’re searching. Employers who need help ASAP are labeled “Urgently hiring.”

Glassdoor

Best for: When you want the inside scoop on company culture and employee benefits.

Have you ever experienced buyer’s remorse after taking a job? Maybe the company culture was totally different than advertised, or maybe the health benefits were more expensive and less comprehensive than you were led to believe.

Glassdoor gives you insight into life inside major employers by allowing current and former employees to post reviews.

Tip: You can also search open jobs, set up job alerts, and see sample interview questions submitted by users who interviewed at the organization.

FlexJobs

Best for: When you need remote, freelance, part-time, or otherwise flexible work.

Unlike the other sites on this list, FlexJobs charges a monthly fee. However, if you’re looking for flexible work, including telecommuting-friendly or part-time positions, you may regard it as money well-spent. FlexJobs vets all its listings, so you don’t have to worry about weeding out work-from-home scams while you’re searching.

Google for Jobs

Best for: When you’re tired of seeing the same job listing five times.

If you use Google – and you do – you’ll find Google for Jobs’ interface familiar and easy to use. It’s also easy to access: just start at Google and type in your keywords, e.g., “graphic design jobs” and see open jobs in your area.

Tip: Want to search in other areas? Add a location to your search, e.g., “graphic design jobs in Pittsburgh.” Google for Jobs also saves time by weeding out identical listings.

More Sites to Speed Up Your Job Search

Niche Job Search Sites

Best for: When your industry, job, or circumstances demand a tailored fit.

Depending on what you do for a living, a niche job site might be the best resource for your search. The big sites and search engines often aggregate listings, but they might not have every opportunity from your industry or area of interest.

A few niche job sites worth trying: Idealist.org for non-profit jobs, K12JobSpot for education jobs, Snagajob for hourly jobs, and Stack Overflow for tech jobs.

Tip: Not sure if there’s a niche job site for your search? Ask connections in your field what they use to find work.

Employer Websites

Best for: When you want to go right to the source.

Do you have a dream employer in mind – or maybe a whole list of them? If so, head directly to the careers page of your favorite companies. They’ll have job listings and may also provide links to other resources like mission statements, employee benefits, and work-life balance expectations. Plus, when you submit your application, you’ll know it’s going to the right place.

Tip: To save a step or two, use DEJobs to search for and apply to over 2 million jobs posted by leading employers and use Getwork to find listings directly from company websites.

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Do You Have to Give Notice When You Quit a Job?

Can you quit your job without giving notice? Are you obligated to notify your employer when you leave a position? The answer is that it depends. In some cases, you have to give notice. In others, you may be able to quit with short notice or no notice at all.

It’s best to quit professionally and gracefully, but circumstances aren’t always conducive to staying—especially if you work in a challenging or unsafe environment. Under those circumstances, you may need to move on sooner rather than later.

What To Do Before You Quit

Before you quit, it’s important to understand the implications of your decision. In the United States, employment is generally considered to be “at will,” meaning that either the employer or the employee may terminate the relationship at any time, with or without cause. 

From a legal standpoint, you may not be obligated to give notice. When you are covered by employment at will, you don’t have to provide notice before quitting.

If you have an employment contract, it may specify the amount of notice you must give before resigning. You may be in breach of contract and subject to legal action if you don’t adhere to the contract. It’s important to read your agreement carefully and understand the terms.

Be sure you’re aware of what to expect regarding finances, your final paycheck, continuing health insurance coverage, employee benefits, and unemployment insurance. Have a list of questions ready to ask your employer when you resign.

When You Need to Give Notice 

Quitting a job can be a difficult decision, and it’s important to understand the standard practices when it comes to giving notice. Providing two weeks’ notice before leaving is usually customary, but this is not always the case.

Employment at Will

The concept of “employment at will” means employers and employees can terminate their relationship at any time, with or without reason or notice. However, there are exceptions to employment at will, so be sure you know your rights and responsibilities before you resign.

Employment Contracts

When you are covered by an employment contract or collective bargaining agreement, you may be required to provide a certain amount of notice when quitting. If you don’t follow the terms of the agreement, you could be subject to legal action. If you are unsure of the terms of your employment contract or need advice, talk to a lawyer.

Best Practices

It’s always the best practice to give your employer as much notice as possible. That helps to ensure a smooth transition and maintain a positive relationship with your former employer.

When You Can’t Give Notice

There are reasons why you may not be able to give notice, such as working in a hostile environment where your physical safety or mental health is in jeopardy, you are being discriminated against, you’re not being paid, you’re being harassed or abused, or you have a personal or family crisis that precludes you continuing employment, for example.

Understanding Your Employment Contract Terms

When you start a new job, it’s important to understand your employment contract terms. If you have signed an employment contract, the terms of that contract will supersede the “at will” rule. 

Your contract may include a clause that requires you to give two weeks’ (or longer) notice before quitting. Or it may require you to provide a certain amount of notice depending on the length of your employment. If you fail to provide the notice specified in your contract, you may be liable for any damages incurred by your employer due to your no-notice quit.

What Happens if You Quit Without Notice?

The decision to leave a job is never easy, and it’s important to understand the ramifications of quitting without giving notice. In most cases, employers expect two weeks’ notice when an employee decides to leave their job. This is a common practice as it gives the employer time to fill the position and transition the employee’s responsibilities to someone else.

If you quit without giving notice, it’s important to understand the potential consequences:

• If you have an employment contract, you may be obligated to provide the notice stipulated in the contract or face legal consequences. 
• If you resign from your job, you may not be eligible for unemployment benefits unless you quit for good cause.
• When you quit, you may lose your health insurance and other employee benefits immediately. Check on options for continuing coverage.
• Quitting without notice could also affect your future job prospects, as employers may view it as unprofessional or irresponsible.

 

Ultimately, it’s important to weigh the potential consequences of quitting without notice before making a decision. If you are an at-will employee, you may be able to quit without giving two weeks’ notice. However, if you have an employment contract, it’s important to read it thoroughly and understand your legal obligations.

How to Handle a No-Notice Resignation

If you find yourself in a situation where you need to quit without giving two weeks’ notice, know your rights and consider the potential consequences. Even if you are employed at will, there may be repercussions for quitting without notice.

Get Advice

Speaking with a lawyer or an HR professional is recommended to understand the full implications of quitting without notice.

Consider Negotiating Your Resignation

In some cases, it may be possible to negotiate a no-notice resignation with your employer. This could include explaining the sudden resignation or offering to assist during the transition period. Ultimately, it is important to consider all the options and make sure you make an informed decision.

Keep it Professional

No matter what decision you make, it is important to remain professional and respectful when quitting a job. Quitting without notice can be a difficult decision, but it can also be the right decision. By understanding the potential risks and ramifications, you can make an informed decision that is best for you and your career.

The Bottom Line

Before you make the decision to quit your job without giving notice, take the time to review your legal rights and responsibilities and the impact on your finances and future employment prospects.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the standard practice for giving notice when you quit a job?

A: The standard practice for giving notice when you quit a job is to provide two weeks’ notice. This allows your employer time to find a replacement and transition responsibilities. However, depending on the terms of your employment contract, you may be required to provide more or less than two weeks’ notice.

Q: What is employment at will?

A: Employment at will is a legal doctrine that states that employers and employees are not bound by any specific terms of employment. This means that an employer can terminate an employee at any time for any reason, and an employee can quit a job at any time for any reason.

Q: What should I do if I want to quit my job but I have an employment contract?

A: If you have an employment contract, you should review the terms of the contract to determine how much notice you are required to provide. If the contract does not specify the amount of notice required, the standard practice is to provide two weeks’ notice.

Q: What happens if I quit my job without giving notice?

A: Quitting a job without giving notice can have serious consequences. Depending on the terms of your employment contract, your employer may be able to take legal action against you. Additionally, your employer may also decide not to provide you with a letter of recommendation or a reference.

Q: Are there any tips for quitting without giving notice?

A: If you must quit your job without giving notice, it is important to be professional and courteous. Make sure to thank your employer for the opportunity and express your appreciation for the experience. Additionally, be sure to provide contact information in case any questions arise or if your employer needs to contact you in the future.

Q: What are some alternatives to quitting without giving notice?

A: If you are considering quitting without giving notice, you may want to consider other alternatives, such as taking a leave of absence or getting a new job lined up before you quit.

The information contained in this article is not legal advice and is not a substitute for such advice. State and federal laws change frequently, and the information in this article may not reflect your own state’s laws or the most recent changes to the law.

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How Your Employer Can See What You’re Doing Online

Are you concerned about what you employer can learn about what’s you’re doing online? Being worried about how much information your company can find out about you is a legitimate concern. The more information that’s public, of course, the more your employer, or prospective employer, can discover. Many employers check out candidates, and even employees, on social media, and what they find can hurt—or help—your career.

Whether they should be looking is another issue, but there is a lot of information they can find out about you online. In addition to what you’re doing on work computers or smartphones when you really shouldn’t be using them, there are also ways your employer can learn about what you’re doing off the clock. That’s important if, for example, you take a sick day when you’re not really sick or schedule a job interview but tell your boss it’s a doctor’s appointment.

5 Ways Your Company Can See What You’re Doing Online

Here are some of the ways your company can see what you’re doing at work and what you’re doing on your own time, and how to keep your personal life and information private.

1. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Other Social Media Sites

Remember whom you’re connected with and keep that in the back of your mind when you’re using social media. When you’re sharing posts, be aware of your privacy settings and be sure that only the people you want to see your posts can view them. Be careful about what you do post, especially if it’s not appropriate for your boss or coworkers to see.

If you are a member of a large professional, or even nonprofessional, group on Facebook or LinkedIn, check who’s in it, so you know who can view what you post or comment on. Avoid making these common LinkedIn mistakes that could hinder your career.

2. Work Email and Slack

If you’re job searching, it’s never a good idea to use your work email address to apply for jobs. When you’re using Slack, be careful what you’re discussing. If you’re using a work email or Slack account, the account administrator can read your messages.

3. YouTube

If you’re using YouTube, make sure your personal account settings are private and don’t use your employer’s business channel to search. The admin can see searches and viewing history for the company’s channel. For example, you don’t want to be the employee whose company noticed you were browsing job interview videos and how to get hired at Facebook videos on YouTube.

4. Google Calendar

Check your calendar sharing settings. If personal events and appointments are on your calendar, coworkers may be able to see them. You can change specific events or your entire personal Google Calendar to private. If you’re using a work Google Calendar, the administrator sets the default for what’s viewable. Many administrators set the default to “See all event details.”

5. Check-Ins

Be careful about check-ins via apps like Yelp and any other apps or sites, like Facebook, where you can “connect” with friends and they can see your activity. For example, you can add friends on ClassPass, but then they can see what classes you are doing and when. You can check in on Facebook, and your friends can see where you are. That’s obviously not a good idea if you’re somewhere you’re not expected to be.

Keep Your Personal Life as Private as Possible

Most people use a ton of apps and are always connected, so it can be a challenge to keep track of what you’re posting where and who’s viewing what you’re sharing. The best way to keep track is to adjust your privacy settings to make as much as possible private.

It’s much easier not to have to stress over what you’re sharing than it is to inadvertently post something you shouldn’t have and then have to try to undo it or fix it.

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Signs Your Career Needs a Makeover

Is your career in need of a makeover? Do you feel like your professional life is at a standstill? Is it time to upskill your credentials so you can move your career forward? How do you know when it’s time to seriously consider whether you’re stuck in a career or a job, and it’s time for a reboot?

There might not be a single glaring warning sign, though there are some indicators that you can look for if you’re not sure where your career is going. It could be something as simple as a feeling in your gut (and listen to it if it’s there; your gut is usually right) that it’s time for a change. It could be more complicated to make a change if you’re working in an industry that’s in decline or has a high level of wage stagnation.

How To Tell That It’s Time for a Career Change

Besides having a sense that all is not right, there are some warning signs that could indicate that you’ve reached a point in your career where you need to make a transition. That could mean starting a job search, considering a long-term career change, or upgrading your credentials to give your career a quick-as-possible makeover to reposition yourself as a competitive employee or candidate for a new job.

If any of the following are happening to you, it may be an indicator that you need to revamp:

You’re Not Getting Promoted

Are other employees getting promoted while you’re not getting considered? If you aren’t in line for a promotion, or if you are applying for new jobs within your company and not getting them, one of the reasons could be that your skills aren’t current.

You’re Not Getting Raises

Does it feel like you’ve been getting the same pay rate almost forever? In general, pay raises aren’t high. But there could be other reasons that you aren’t being considered for a raise or only getting a small one.

You Feel Stuck in Your Job

When you feel like you’re stuck in your job and there’s no way to move up the career ladder or transfer laterally into a position that’s a better fit, think about what you could do to change the dynamic. The longer you stay, the harder it will be to move on.

You Hate Going to Work

The fact that you cringe at the thought of going to work might be a warning sign that you need a career makeover. However, you may just hate your job and might not need to pursue other career options.

Your Hours Are Getting Cut 

If your work schedule seems to be including fewer and fewer hours, it may be an indicator that you are lacking some of the skills the employer needs to get the job done.

You’re Not Getting Gigs

 The same holds true for freelancers. If your client base is shrinking and you’re not able to line up enough new gigs to pay the bills, you may not have the in-demand skills that are necessary for success in a gig economy.

You’re Not Finding Job Listings

If you’re spending a lot of time on job sites but not seeing many listings when you search for openings, take the time to investigate why not. Perhaps you need to switch up the keywords you’re using to search, or there may simply not be a large volume of jobs for someone with your qualifications.

Nobody Wants To Hire You

 You’re actively applying for jobs but having difficulty getting hired. There are many reasons why you may not have gotten the job, but one of them could be that there are other candidates that are more qualified than you are.

Your Skills Are Outdated

 If your resume or LinkedIn profile still says that you’re an expert in Windows Vista or at using a telephone switchboard or any other vintage technologies, it could be hurting your chances of getting hired. There are some skills that should be left off your resume because they will label you as dated.

You’re Being Replaced by Automation

 Is your job in danger of being taken over by automation? Employers are continuing to rely more on computers and robots to do the jobs that people used to do. It probably won’t happen right away, but if you are in one of those occupations, consider what you’ll do when your job is gone.

You Work in a Shrinking Career Field or Industry

When you’re working in one of the best industries for jobs, upgrading your skills and making a change can be relatively easy. When you’re working in an industry that’s losing jobs, evaluate what transferable skills you have that can be used in another sector.

What To Do if You Need to Make a Change

One of the best ways to makeover your career is to upgrade your skill set. Upskilling, the term used to describe learning new skills and enhancing those you already have, is one of the best ways to get your career back on track. All the skills you learn can be included on your resume and in your LinkedIn summary.

Upgrade Your Skills

Depending on your career track, you may need to go back to school to continue your education, or you can supplement your credentials by taking online courses, earning a certificate, participating in a bootcamp, or attending professional development classes.

Start by learning what skills are in demand, and then explore career options that match the skills that interest you the most. Take a career assessment or two—many are free—to help you line up possible matches.

Think Outside the Box

 What would you love to do next in your career vs. what can you do with your current credentials? Now is a good time to consider all possible options. You can use CareerOneStop’s free Interest Assessment tool to get some ideas for careers that might be a good fit.

Then take some time to talk to people in your career network who are working in fields of interest. What do they like best about what they are doing? What don’t they like?

Figure Out Finances

If you are looking at career options that require a degree, take a look at the potential return on investment (how much you’ll boost your wages) for the degree that you’re considering.

When earning a new degree isn’t in your budget, take classes to acquire the new and more relevant skills you’ll need for jobs of interest. Certificate programs and bootcamps are lower cost ways of gaining the skills you need for a career makeover. Attend as many conferences and professional development programs as you can to learn and to connect with people who can help your career.

Check Out Free and Low-Cost Classes

There are many online courses that are free or low-cost. Even taking a few courses can bolster your resume and help you transition to a new position or industry. Don’t forget to add everything new to your resume and LinkedIn profile.

Keep Your Career Moving Forward

Also, remember that a career isn’t a one- or two-step process. Your career will most likely be transitioning over your working lifetime. Making it a point to keep upskilling, even when you’re not actively job searching, will ensure that you are well-positioned to makeover your career whenever the timing is right for a change.

Tip: When you’re considering a career change, try these free online career tests to get some options for what to do next in your career.

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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, it may make sense to hire a career coach to help you navigate a career change. If you’re a college graduate, check with your career services office to see if they offer career counseling to alumni.

That said, you can quickly and easily generate ideas to help you get started on a new and different career path. Then, once you have options to consider, you can talk to people in the field, research salaries, learn what you’ll need to do to get hired, find job opportunities, and decide where your career is going to go next.

Free Online Career Assessments for Career Changers

To get started, try these free online career assessments that help you learn about occupations that might be a fit, find jobs that match your skills, and investigate alternate careers.

Tools To Find New Job and Career Options

Interest Assessment

CareerOneStop’s Interest Assessment works by asking questions about what you like and don’t like to do. You’ll get a list of jobs that match your likes and dislikes, the education requirements for each position, and the job prospects. In addition, you can learn more about the roles you’re interested in and what you need to do to transition your career.

mySkillsmyFuture

Enter your current or previous job into CareerOneStop’s mySkillsmyFuture tool to get a list of jobs that use similar skills, then learn about the jobs, including how much they pay and the educational requirements.

O*NET Interest Profiler

TheO*NET Interest Profiler is a 60-question interest inventory that generates a cluster of career options based on your responses. You will be able to review a list of careers related to each cluster, and get detailed career information on the occupations that interest you the most.

Tools To Match Your Skills to Jobs

There are many online tools that you can use to match your skills to jobs. They’ll help you evaluate the skills you already have and help you find occupations where you can use them.

Career Explorer

LinkedIn’s Career Explorer is a terrific way to find real jobs that match your skill set. You can learn how your skills match job titles, find and apply for available jobs, and connect with LinkedIn members who may be able to help your job search or career transition.

Skills Matcher

CareerOneStop’s Skills Matcher tool assesses the skills you want to use in a job by rating them to find careers that are a good match. After you answer questions to rate your skill level, you can review a list of careers that are a good match for your skills. You’ll be able to learn more about the career, the educational requirements, salary ranges, and the hiring outlook.

Tip: To learn more about careers that sound interesting, simply enter the job title or occupation into CareerOneStop’s target occupation tool.

Online Skills Tests to Boost Your Resume

One of the best ways to get hired is to show employers that you have the skills they are looking for in their next new hire. You can do that by taking online skills tests (many are free) and adding the results to your resume and LinkedIn Profile.

More Career Quizzes

Here are more career quizzes and assessments you can use to find options for what to do next in your career.

• Free Online Career Quizzes
• Free Online Career Quizzes for College Students
• Free Online Career Quizzes for Teens
• Free Tools To Match Your Skills to Jobs

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