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      Kathy Sayers is a Life Coach who helps students home in on their first professional job – one that matches their talents, education and dreams.

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Girl power. Professions where women are taking over.
You'll be surprised at what they are.

Is your resume dated?
How to tune up a dowdy resume.

Green jobs.
If you're passionate about the environment, here are several growing professions you'll want to know about.

Job market continues steady growth.
Okay, it's nothing to get too wildly optimistic about, but it is continuing to climb. Your chances of landing a job are improving. Two stories on total jobs added and small business hiring.

How to evaluate for-profit part time colleges.
They tend to be more expensive, but often offer more convenient schedules. How to decide whether they're worth it for you. 5 drawbacks you might not be aware of.

7 Ways to Sink in a Stagnant Economy.
Check out this US News and World Report article on what you need to know about job searching these days. For example, don't think because you used to earn $50,000 5 years ago you can command the same salary now.

10 Industries where you can still expect pay raises.
"Pay is flat for many workers and that's for people lucky enough to have a paycheck. But workers in a few industries are enjoying handsome raises. Here are 10 fields where pay has risen the most since 2007, according to data from the government's Bureau of Labor Statistics" according to this US News and World Report slide show.

Why more and more college students want to become entrepreneurs.
Read what's behind "startup fever" among university students, and about some successful young entrepreneurs too.

Who's getting hired now?
Six professions where employees are in demand with education required and average salaries.

The case for technical degrees.
Getting a career specific degree may pay off according to a Harvard study.

20 worst paying college degrees.
You may still want to pursue these careers because they are your passion, but be aware that these are challenging professions to earn a good living.

Strategies for repaying your student loans.
This generation is saddled with higher student loans than any previous generation. Here?s how to tackle them.

College: Is it worth the investment?
"The value of a college degree is a middle-class article of faith. But exclusive new research suggests it may be far less than previously thought." Business Week takes a contrarian look at whether college pays off like it used to.

High paying jobs that don?t require years of education.
Most surveys provide best paying careers, but don?t take in to account how long it takes to prepare for them. Take a look at these 6 figure jobs you can start more quickly.

Step aside! Careers that women are dominating.
Traditionally teaching, nursing and library science have been women?s dominate areas. Here are new areas where women are in the majority.

Employment predictions for 2011.
Read these forecasts for hiring, growth and an action plan if you’re employed. The good news: raises are back as companies try to keep key employees.

Overcoming odds to find great careers.
Here are the stories of seven people who were laid off, fired or faced challenges that would cause most of us to buckle. They not only coped by had spectacular career successes.

Are you an entrepreneur at heart?
Take this quiz to see if you think like an entrepreneur.

Think being a perfectionist helps your career?
Think again. Why perfectionism may be hurting you in the workplace and what to do about it.

Are you as poor as you think?
This article compares the real costs of goods today versus 1980. You’re going to be surprised.

Want a job where salaries have been growing?
These are not all high paying jobs, but they are jobs where you can expect salary gains over the next year.

4 questions you should ask your interviewer.
Want to stand out from the ground. Ask these questions to indicate your interest and that you’ve done your homework.

Strategies to boost your odds of landing a job.
This article also includes websites for freelancers and for teens and for older workers too.

Online tutoring to help cover your expenses.
This article tells you what’s involved and offers sites where you can find out about online tutoring. Here’s a way for you to use your education and expertise while you look for work.

10 myths about your job interviews.
Take a look at these common misconceptions about a job interview that books may not tell you.Practical tips you may not have thought about like don’t accept the offer for refreshments. It’s just an extra hassle for the interviewer.

Employment predictions for 2011.
Read these forecasts for hiring, growth and an action plan if you’re employed. The good news: raises are back as companies try to keep key employees.

Overcoming odds to find great careers.
Here are the stories of seven people who were laid off, fired or faced challenges that would cause most of us to buckle. They not only coped by had spectacular career successes.

Are you an entrepreneur at heart?
Take this quiz to see if you think like an entrepreneur.

Think being a perfectionist helps your career?
Think again. Why perfectionism may be hurting you in the workplace and what to do about it.

Are you as poor as you think?
This article compares the real costs of goods today versus 1980. You’re going to be surprised.

What are you willing to do to double your income?
This column talks about the tradeoffs of working more vs having more time. It includes some considerations you may not have thought of.

Treat your job search like a business.
You’re the product you’re selling. Read about these 10 effective job search strategies.

Employer’s hot buttons.
Try putting yourself in a potential employers shoes to see what matters to them, then tailor your approach in your interview.

Why you can’t find a job easily.
Here’s Ammunition to answer the question of why you’re struggling to find work. Mom and Dad: it really is tough.

Employers check your references ? and your credit rating.
Some employers in the US are looking at your credit score in making their hiring decisions. Why? People who are responsible with their finances will more likely be responsible in their jobs.

Some good news: jobs with salary gains over the last decade.
Bloomberg lists 10 jobs that have had the biggest increases in salary since 2000.

Here are Canada’s 50 employers according to an employee survey that measured employee engagement.
The list includes large and smaller organizations. Employee engagement is defined by, ?by leadership, rewards, workplace culture and values, productivity and the support of performance and development.?

How to hang on to your job, even if you’re thinking of switching.
Tips for avoiding the chopping block in uncertain times.

Salary vs benefits.
Job seekers often choose the job with the highest salary, but you may want to look at the total package including benefits being offered.

Social media entrepreneurs that have made it big.
Really big. Think Mark Zuckerberg who created Facebook.

At last, job picture looks a little brighter in the US.
CNN reports the best job figures since the 2008 crash. Read about hope on the horizon.

Overwhelmed? Overworked?
See cities ranked by low unemployment, larger companies that are hiring and cost of living.

Tips on how to improve your job hunting chances
This article includes online sites you probably haven?t heard of plus some strategies for hunting in a tight job market.

Good news and bad news about seasonal jobs.
The good news? There will be more of them. Many major retailers plan to increase hiring this year. The bad news? Competition will be tough. Here?s how to increase your chances of getting hired.

Eight great inventions that could change our lives.
Read about some really innovative inventions coming your way from entrepreneurs. Do you have what it takes to come up with a breakthrough idea?

Forbes lists companies hiring the most new grads.
Take a look at these firms that are still recruiting new young workers.

Best cities in US for young professionals.
See cities ranked by low unemployment, larger companies that are hiring and cost of living.

5 job hunting tips for new grads in a competitive job market.
The author of this blog interviewed 2 career experts to give you their best job search ideas.

Using facebook in your job search.
Read a couple of tips on how to use the power of facebook to generate interest.

Seven job search mistakes new grads make.
Avoid these common mistakes in your first job search out of school.

Job hunting for introverts.
Where introverts have an edge. Sure it’s easier if connecting with others comes naturally, but here are some qualities that introverts bring to a job.

Watch out for on-line job-search scams.
Resumes contain a lot of personal information. What to watch out for to avoid identity thief online.

7 jobs employers can’t find enough candidates for.
Here are professions that employers are still searching for, their salaries and the qualifications you’ll need.

Off the wall approaches to finding a job.
In some fields creativity counts in your job search strategy. Read about some successful things job applicants have tried to get their resume to the top of the pile.

Where the next hot jobs are.
A job coach predicts the industries that will see the most growth in years to come. Hint: think green and healthy.

Want a really tough job?
Here are the 10 most dangerous jobs in America according to CNN. Jobs you may not want to apply for at any salary

Make sure you know the terms of your student loan.
Here’s a primer on what you need to know to understand repaying your student loans. What you don’t know could cost you a lot.

College degrees that don’t pay.
You may still want to pursue these careers because they are your passion, but be prepared to earn less. Nine professions with little payback. You may not want to show your parents this article

If you want to switch jobs, read this.
This might not seem the ideal time to change jobs, but if want to take a look at these tips from successful career switchers. Five secrets to get you ready for a switch.

Creepy searches by employers.
You’ve heard it before, but it’s gotten worse. Employers can check on more than you think. Like the employer that looked up a candidate’s amazon.com purchases to see what he was reading. Learn why you have to be more careful than you think.

7 skills you need for the new economy.
Companies are planning to hire more people now, but very carefully. Here are the skills that will give you an edge in your job search. Some may surprise you.

Obama says: expect job growth in the clean energy sector.
In a speech at an environmental energy company, Obama predicts that new jobs will come from the green sector.

Turns out who you know does count.
It isn’t enough to send out a hundred online resumes. More and more, companies are relying on referrals from their own employees to come up with candidates for a job. "In some companies, as many as 75% of placements are done through networking," says job coach Will Robinson. Why it’s important to turn up the volume on your networking.

5 tips to make sure your resume is a winner.
Your resume is your calling card. Watch this quick video for a checklist to give your resume more polish. Hint: avoid jargon and being too informal.

Summer internship winding up?
Read this Wall Street Journal article to make sure you get the most out of your summer experience. A job coach offers suggestions for reviewing and taking advantage of your summer job.

How to hire great employees.
Every business owner struggles to find and retain workers who fit his or her company’s corporate culture. Here are 7 tips for increasing your odds of finding employees that are most likely to succeed in your organization.

60% of HR professionals surveyed check your credit rating.
In 2003 only 35% checked. Why? Employers are using the way you handle money as a “reference check” on your character. You might want to check your credit rating and clean it up if you’re applying for jobs.

4 lessons from billionaire college entrepreneurs.
In this tough job market, more and more people are trying to start their own businesses. Here’s some tips from young entrepreneurs who made it big.

Annoying workplace trends everyone could do without.
See if you recognize yourself in these behaviors that are guaranteed to bother someone.

Maybe you’re your own worst enemy in getting the job you want.
. 5 ways you may be sabotaging your job search.

Ten careers that pay well right off the bat.
This article identifies ten jobs that don’t require long apprenticeships to earn high salaries. “People who want to earn high salaries right from the start of their careers can choose from several fields in which newcomers are relatively well paid, according to the new, second edition of Laurence Shatkin’s "250 Best-Paying Jobs" (Jist Publishing).”

Know your stuff about job compensation.
Forbes lists five sites where you can find out what jobs are paying so you know what your worth going into salary negotiations. In tough times, employers tend to lowball offers. A little knowledge goes a long way as you negotiate a salary.

What’s the employment landscape for new grads?
Read what the NY Times has to say about this year’s prospects vs last year’s. Read how students are taking advantage of glimmers of hope.

From Forbes: 14 hot jobs for new grads. Here’s a slide show of jobs in niche markets that hold promise.
Ever think of collecting data for a cancer study? Or writing articles for the web? Check out 12 other careers.

Think nobody’s hiring? You’re wrong.
Here’s 10 big companies in the US with hiring plans.

Green jobs you might want to think about.
This Bankrate article tells you why can expect to see more jobs in the environmental sector. And it identifies 5 eco-friendly jobs that have real growth prospects. “A study released last year by the U.S. Green Building Council … estimates that environmentally friendly construction projects will add 7.9 million green jobs and $554 billion to the American economy by 2012. In addition, the federal government has earmarked $750 million in green-job training grants …”

Turning the tables: 7 jobs where women make more than their male counterparts.
Despite advances in equality in employment, women still earn less that men in the work place for similar jobs. This article identifies professions where women out-earn their male colleagues.

How to beat the job search blues.
One job seeker’s suggestions on how to keep up your enthusiasm while you’re on a job hunt. Reader’s comment with their strategies too.

From Forbes: 14 hot jobs for new grads. Here’s a slide show of jobs in niche markets that hold promise.
Ever think of collecting data for a cancer study? Or writing articles for the web? Check out 12 other careers.

The 10 worst jobs for 2010.
There’s lots of information on promising jobs and growth industries. But here’s a listing of jobs with grueling hours and often dangerous work. This report rates jobs on five criteria – stress, working environment, physical demands, income and hiring outlook – and provides you with the worst ranked positions.

Should you follow in your parents footsteps professionally?
This Wall Street Journal article gives you some pros and cons. One pro – you’ll have a built in expert you can go to for advice. One con – parents often want their children to have a different career.

7 reasons why you might not be getting that job.
This article goes a step beyond “common interviewing mistakes.” It offers some lesser known reasons why your job search isn’t producing the results you want.

Think you’re too young to start your own business?
Think again. Here’s an article about kids under 14 years old who have launched successful businesses. Some are even millionaires.

Good pay, low stress. Sound like what you’re looking for?
Job seekers under 40 often cite work life balance as an important consideration in choosing a career. Here are some jobs that pay well but won fray your nerves.

How temp jobs can advance your career.
Bank rate tells you how to select an agency, how to increase your chances of turning a temporary assignment into a fulltime job, and how to take advantage of training opportunities while you’re temping.

Top cities to find a job.
If you’re willing to relocate, here are the American cities that you might want to consider. They were selected based on the ratio of job postings to people that are unemployed. Translation: fewer people chasing these cities’ jobs and a better chance for you to succeed.

7 reasons why you might not be getting that job.
This article goes a step beyond “common interviewing mistakes.” It offers some lesser known reasons why your job search isn’t producing the results you want.

How to make yourself stand out to recruiters.
Hint: 87% of recruiters look you up online if they’re considering hiring you. Read how to put your best foot forward using Facebook and other online sources.

There’s new rules for writing a resume.
How to make sure your resume’s not dated. You don’t want your resume to look like it was written in 1970 by your mom. Ways to increase your chances of making a good impression on recruiters.

It’s a whole new world: if you’re switching jobs what to expect.
If it’s been a while since you had to interview for a job, things have changed. For example, don’t expect to hear back if you submitted a resume and didn’t make the cut. How to adjust to the way things are in the job market now.

Career counseling and services in your back yard.
Many students realize that campus career offices have a lot of resources and services to assist in their job searches. Most students don’t even begin their job search until after graduation. Read how you can use your school’s office to jumpstart your job search before you get your diploma.

Sample questions you might be asked in an interview.
Here are common questions – and some suggested answers – you might be asked as a new grad in an interview. Thinking through the answers to these questions may give you a leg up when you sit across the table from a recruiter.

The 8 best jobs for telecommuting.
Read about the jobs that many people do as telecommuters. This article tells you why telecommuting is hot in each of these professions and the average salary you can expect.

What it’s like to be a massage therapist.
Here’s a video that tells you the skills, education and characteristics you need to be a successful massage therapist. Hear what a therapist who’s been in the field for 7 years has to say about her profession.

Cover letter basics.
Before you send out another resume, review this summary of the elements of a good cover letter. A polished cover letter is your first impression. Make sure it represents you well.

Just what is a green job?
According to Van Jones, special advisor for green jobs to the White House, a green-collar job is a job you may already know how to do , upgraded to better respect the environment. That’s good news for you. It means that you can usually adapt the training and pick up the skills to step into an environmental career without completely retrenching. Read about growth opportunities in building retrofits, transportation, renewable energy and utilities.

Can a mentor make a difference in your career success?
One management professor thinks so. “’People who have mentors are more satisfied in their careers, get promoted more rapidly, and even make more money than those who don’t,’ says Ellen Ensher, management professor at the Loyola Marymount College of Business Administration.” Here are seven tips for identifying, approaching and getting a mentor that can give your career a boost.

The 8 best jobs for telecommuting.
Read about the jobs that many people do as telecommuters. This article tells you why telecommuting is hot in each of these professions and the average salary you can expect.

Ten careers that pay well right off the bat.
This article identifies ten jobs that don’t require long apprenticeships to earn high salaries. “People who want to earn high salaries right from the start of their careers can choose from several fields in which newcomers are relatively well paid, according to the new, second edition of Laurence Shatkin’s "250 Best-Paying Jobs" (Jist Publishing).”

Ever wonder what it’s like to be a journalist?
Take a look at this video by a New York newspaper woman. It outlines the qualities you need, steps to a career in journalism and what a day in the life a journalist is like.

Looking for a paid internship?
Bankrate.com lists top fields for you should know about. “Based on the number of available paid internships, compensation packages, the anticipated growth of each field over the next decade and advice from career experts, here are the five best industries for finding an internship with a paycheck.

Key words.
This article tells you how to make sure your resume makes the first cut when you submit your resume online. If your resume doesn’t have the key words an employee is searching for, it may never see the light of day.

Just graduating?
Here are 7 common questions job seekers ask about job searches. Tips on length of resumes, cover letters and using the internet for your search.

Congratulations! You got an offer.
Now what? This article tells you how to weigh salary, benefits, corporate environment and other factors to know whether the offer is right for you.

Would you want your mom to see what’s on your Facebook?
Some college admissions offices are checking out social networking sites before making their decisions, according to this Wall Street Journal online article. Things to consider before you put that keg party photo up on your website

Eight top jobs for new grads.
Here are 8 careers that will see growth over the coming years according to one career site.

Ten reasons your job search isn’t working.
According to this human resources veteran, there’s things you can do to make your job search more successful.

Staying in school pays in volatile economy.
A UBC study shows that your chances of finding a job if you’re laid off improve with every year of education you get beyond high school. Turns out your parents were right.

Keeping on top of your job applications.
This article offers concrete tips on how to organize your job leads, applications and responses. See how to get organized so opportunities don’t get lost.

Useful things you can do while you’re looking for a job.
Here are some activities you can do that will enrich you personally and make you more appealing to employers.

Don’t forget how you look for your interview.
Many recruiters say they know in less than 3 minutes if a candidate is right for a job. Tips on how to make you’re your grooming gives the best first impression.

What makes a great leader?
Even if you’re just starting out, it’s good to know the qualities that separate leaders from others. Here are the personal qualities that many CEOs possess.

Should you tell employers about skeletons in your closet?
Many of us have things in our past that we wish weren’t there. Here’s how to handle your past in an interview.

6 fields that are here to stay.
Some fields are waning as technology and the global economy make them obsolete. Here are six areas that are here to stay. Some require only a year of training.

12 things to consider in landing your first job.
This CNN article provides things you might want to think about in getting your first job out of school. For example, understand that your first job might not be your dream job, but make sure it is at least a stepping stone to the job you really want. And, in the log run job satisfaction is more important than salary.

Advice after you’ve landed you first job.
Four rules you should know for getting along and moving ahead in the work place. Here’s how to make a great first impression.

Transitioning from college to corporation.
You’ve been in school for almost two decades. Tips on how to move successfully from the campus life to business life in your first job.

Hello? Cell phone etiquette in the workplace.
Some tips on managing personal calls at work so you don’t outrage your coworkers. Read why you shouldn’t take your cell phone calls in the bathroom, for example.

Job profile: event planner.
If you’re organized and enjoy parties, here’s a video on what it’s like to work as an event planner. Learn what’s involved, characteristics that make a great planner and challenges you’ll face.



Other Resources:

Resume Courier.ca: Send your resume to recruiters.

WowResume.com: This interesting site lets you create an interactive resume you can put on a Mini-CD and give to employers.

Testing Room: Testingroom.com instruments are validated, reliable and research based. They are developed by psychologists and follow the stringent development guidelines of the American Psychological Association.

Resume and Cover Letter Secrets Revealed: We at CareerOwl have reviewed this book personally and we find it to be an excellent resume and cover letter resource for both novices and veterans alike. As seen in the Wall Street Journal's Career Journal, the Minneapolis Star Tribune, Career Magazine, and more.

FREE job search kit! (CareerOwlkit.pdf, ~50 kb, requires the free acrobat reader to view. Click on downloads, then free acrobat reader.)

 

Quick links for government (or gov't subsidized) job search resources:

Canada,Jobs,Workers,
Training, Careers


Government of Canada Youth Employment Info

HRSDC Summer Career Placements

Human Resources and Skills Development Canada

Official Government of Canada Site

Public Service Commission of Canada

WorkinfoNET



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