Keppie Careers

Social media speaker, social media consultant, job search coach

New Job, New You: A Guide to Reinventing Yourself in a Bright New Career

By

The new year is a great time to think about reinventing yourself. So many people have been displaced from jobs and careers they enjoyed and hope to do again, but many are looking for the next new challenge. How perfect that Alexandra Levit’s new book, New Job, New You – A Guide to Reinventing Yourself in a Bright New Career is launching this week!

If you are thinking of reinventing yourself – or even if you are not – the tales Alexandra shares are inspiring. The book offers story after story of people who successfully made changes in their careers and in their lives as a result of a variety of factors:

  • Family requirements
  • Need for independence
  • Desire to pursue additional learning
  • Financial aspirations
  • Pursuit of a passion
  • Personal or health setbacks
  • Honing a talent or skill

In each category, we learn the stories of regular people (just like us!) who have made a move. Just to list a few:

  • Automotive marketer to toy producer
  • Accountant to wedding planner
  • Wine connoisseur to thought leader promoter
  • Stockbroker to pajama manufacturer
  • Paralegal to advertising copywriter
  • Electronic sales executive to motivational speaker

If you have read other career books, but haven’t “seen” yourself in them – this book is a refreshing change. I imagine everyone will be able to identify with some of the stories here -  via the circumstances and/or the choices described.

The personal, sometimes moving, accounts of people who took the reigns of their professional lives may inspire you, but what makes this book so special and useful is that, for each of the categories above, Alexandra includes self-reflexive questions for potential career changes to consider.  She offers specific suggestions, action steps and exercises to help careerists evaluate a fit for the change and a capacity to make it happen successfully. To top it all off – each chapter includes a resource toolkit and suggestions of useful books to read.

I’ve enjoyed all of the books I’ve reviewed by Alexandra, but I think this one is exceptional – a real home run for anyone looking for advice or information to help them move to their “next best thing.” I hope you will pick up a copy for yourself and anyone you know who could use a shot of inspiration and advice! Don’t forget to visit the book’s site for information about special offers and giveaways and plan to attend the book launch party on January 12th if you are in the Chicago area and keep an eye on Alexandra’s blog for regular career advice and information.

—

No matter what your job target, you can benefit from personalized advice! Don’t forget that clear, concise, optimized job search materials AND a strong, well executed plan are key for job search success! I can help with every part of your job hunt! Need a great resume? Tips to use social networking? Interview coaching?  If you need help mobilizing your networks and your job search plans, learn more about how I can help you! While you’re at it, don’t forget those social networks! Be sure to become a fan of Keppie Careers on Facebook…I’d be thrilled to have you as part of the community! Since we’re on the subject of doing something new…Are you on Twitter? Jump on and touch base with me @keppie_careers.

More good jobs for 2010 and beyond

By

Still looking for a great career option for 2010 and beyond?

The following is from HotJobs.com’s suggestions of  eight “gigs expected to be both prosperous and abundant in the coming decade.” Be sure to read their post for more details about each selection.

Cardiovascular technologist
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), this job is expected to grow by 24 percent through the year 2018. As the BLS reports, most cardiovascular technologists in training earn at least a two-year technical degree. In addition, some get on-the-job training in the necessary equipment (for example, EKGs). 
 Median annual salary: $60,400

Database administrator
Like health care, information technology remains a hot field with ample opportunity, says workplace expert Alexandra Levit, whose latest book is New Job, New You: A Guide to Reinventing Yourself in a Bright New Career. A solid foundation in computing is essential, reports the BLS, adding that certifications can only make you more attractive to employers. 
 Median annual salary: $72,600

Gas/electric/utilities strategic planning analyst
Working in the utilities sector remains a wise bet, no matter what the economy’s doing. According to the BLS, of all utilities sector support staff, technology workers and analysts will find themselves best equipped to capitalize on job openings. 
 Median annual salary: $68,700

Accountant
Do you enjoy crunching number? The BLS estimates that accounting jobs will grow by 22 percent in the next decade.
Median annual salary: $49,100

Marketing manager
Organizations from all walks of corporate America need creative folks who can write and analyze a marketing survey, position a product to consumers and the media, and collaborate with market researchers, product managers, and profit-minded accountants. What’s more, the BLS predicts that opportunities for marketing managers will increase by 13 percent through 2018. 
 Median annual salary: $60,200

Dental hygienist
Of all the jobs that require a two-year technical degree, this one promises the most opportunity in the new decade, boasting a whopping 36 percent growth rate. Many of these positions are part-time with flexible hours, making them ideal for parents with young children. 
 Median annual salary: $57,100

Interior designer
Are you a design blog junkie? The friend everyone calls when they need help sprucing up their living room? Although you’ll need to invest in a design degree and acquire the necessary budgeting and software skills, the payoff is worth it, says Shatkin: Job opportunities are expected to grow by 19 percent through 2018. 
 Median annual salary: $46,100

Occupational therapist
Thanks to the country’s aging population, occupational therapy remains a high-growth field, with 26 percent more jobs predicted in the new decade. According to the BLS, nearly a third of occupational therapists work part-time, and a master’s degree and state license are usually required. 
 Median annual salary: $69,400

No matter what your job target, you can benefit from personalized advice! Don’t forget that clear, concise, optimized job search materials AND a strong, well executed plan are key for job search success! I can help with every part of your job hunt! Need a great resume? Tips to use social networking? Interview coaching?  If you need help mobilizing your networks and your job search plans, learn more about how I can help you! While you’re at it, don’t forget those social networks! Be sure to become a fan of Keppie Careers on Facebook…I’d be thrilled to have you as part of the community! Since we’re on the subject of doing something new…Are you on Twitter? Jump on and touch base with me @keppie_careers.

photo by darkmatter

Careers for the super smart in 2010

By

Marty Nemko, career coach, author and radio host, offered an interesting resource for Mensa members and other super smart job seekers: a list of careers to consider for 2010.   Be sure to read all the details and resources that Marty shares about these careers at his post. He offers terrific advice and information about each selection to consider!

This is his list:

Researcher with expertise in two or more of these: physics, math, molecular biology, engineering, and/or computer science. Key specializations:

• energy

• genomics

• neurophysics

• diagnostic imaging

• pollution control


Federal government manager – (homeland security, energy, health care…the environment).

Corporate executive specializing in global business development or managing global workforces.

Finance specialist, especially with skills in raising funds globally.

Terrorism expert

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapist.

Immigration expert.

Optometrist.

Genetic counselor.

Health informatics specialist.

Patient Advocate.

Program Evaluator.

Higher Education Administrator.

Physical Therapist.

Veterinarian.

Media coach.


  • Even the most brilliant job seekers can benefit from targeted, personalized advice! Don’t forget that clear, concise, optimized job search materials AND a strong, well executed plan are key for job search success! I can help with every part of your job hunt! Need a great resume? Tips to use social networking? Interview coaching?  If you need help mobilizing your networks and your job search plans, learn more about how I can help you! While you’re at it, don’t forget those social networks! Be sure to become a fan of Keppie Careers on Facebook…I’d be thrilled to have you as part of the community! Since we’re on the subject of doing something new…Are you on Twitter? Jump on and touch base with me @keppie_careers.

    photo by Frank Bonilla


    • Best careers for 2010

    By

    Last year at about this time, I noted that The Associated Press reported, “It’s a big economy; 350 million people — there’s always going to be people hiring.” True enough, but if you were one of the 15.4 Americans out of work, it might not have seemed like such a big economy.

    Do Your Research

    Every job seeker should keep an eye on his or her industry and make plans for the future with an informed outlook. It’s a good idea to set a Google alert for organizations and fields of interest to you so you’ll be aware when there are newsworthy ups and downs in your market. Clearly, there are trends in industries. While there are no guarantees (even some government workers – traditionally thought immune from layoffs – have been under the gun), keeping an eye on these surveys and data should help direct those seeking career change make their plans.

    You also want to see how predictions hold out year-over-year. For example, last year, I reported that the health care sector was expected to expand, as were opportunities in green energy organizations. These continue to be fields that make the growth lists. In fact, U.S. News reports that healthcare did expand its payrolls in 2009, though “not at the clip customary for a healthier economy.”

    U.S. News notes, “Sometimes, a recession shows you that the best jobs aren’t the ones that grab headlines or dazzle strangers. Rather, they’re the ones that offer a stable paycheck and a little satisfaction at the end of the day.” Excellent point. You may be surprised by some of the professions on this list.

    The most interesting surprise on the list for me? “Employment of security system installers is forecast to jump 25 percent between 2008 and 2018.” Hmm…Clearly the fact that we are feeling less than secure has an upside for some professions!”

    Here is U.S. News & World Report’s list of top jobs for 2010, broken down by categories considered promising growth fields:

    Science and Technology

    Health care

    Education and Civic

    Business and Finance

    Creative and Service

    Be sure to review U.S. News’ entire, informative article outlining the various opportunities and their methodology.

    Don’t forget that clear, concise, optimized job search materials AND a strong, well executed plan are key for job search success! I can help with every part of your job hunt! Need a great resume? Tips to use social networking? Interview coaching?  If you need help mobilizing your networks and your job search plans, learn more about how I can help you! While you’re at it, don’t forget those social networks! Be sure to become a fan of Keppie Careers on Facebook…I’d be thrilled to have you as part of the community! Since we’re on the subject of doing something new…Are you on Twitter? Jump on and touch base with me @keppie_careers.

    photo by nishwater

    Selling and job hunting have a lot in common. Who's buying what you have to offer?

    By

    I have a secret to tell you. My hair is not actually naturally straight the way it looks in my photo. In fact, it is pretty wavy and not usually very coifed. Why am I telling you this? I had an experience at the mall a few weeks ago that I have been meaning to blog about. I think it offers a good lesson for job seekers. So, you know my secret. My hair needs some help to look like it does in my online image!

    My story?

    I was walking through the mall past several of those kiosks that seem to fill the middle of the walkways at this time of year. A woman with hair products noticed me (with my un-coifed hair – hey I was on my way the Apple store – I don’t dress up for them!) Maria easily identified me as a potential customer and called me over. Of course, a skeptical consumer that I am, I resisted. “No, thanks,” I replied. “Come, let me show you something, it will only take a minute.” Maybe it was a weak moment. Maybe I was not in a hurry for the first time in my life. I gave in and went to see what she had.

    She was selling hair straighteners. Ah…Now, I was interested. She took a piece of my hair and demonstrated how her product worked. Impressed, I still resisted. I wasn’t really shopping for a hair product. She persisted. She illustrated a few more great tricks her hair straightener could do. Explained how the ceramic tongs wouldn’t damage my hair. Showed me that even her nifty hair curler couldn’t undo my newly straightened hair. Very impressive.

    Long story short, she connected with me on every important point. Answered every single question and hesitation I had. I bought the hair straightener and I’ll tell you I have NOT been sorry. I love it and I really like the way I can make my hair look (and behave) when I use it.

    What does this have to do with you? Think about it – looking for a job is nothing more than selling what you have to offer to someone who needs what you have. Did Maria stop the short-haired man who walked by ahead of me? Of course not – she targeted me as an obvious potential customer. (Okay, so my hair was a mess.) I was clearly someone with a problem she could solve. That is what you need to do – identify problems you can solve. Target organizations that have those problems.

    Did she show me the lovely box and EXPLAIN how the hair straightener worked. No – she SHOWED me how quickly and totally straight I could get my hair in 10 seconds. You’ve heard “show, don’t tell.” So, do that. Don’t tell the employer you have great communication skills and that you are a creative person – SHOW them by writing a knock-out resume and having an amazing online profile that leaves nothing to doubt.

    Once you have someone interested – don’t let them go until you have shown your stuff! There were several points when I was ready to walk away without a new hair straightener. But Maria knew just what to say to keep me interested. You need to be able to have enough to say to keep people interested, too. Do you know how to sell your skills? If you can’t keep someone from (literally or figuratively) walking away, you need to do a better job. Practice! Maria was obviously a very skilled salesperson. She didn’t get there by sitting around and hoping people would stop to see her.

    Maria MADE that sale happen. You need to do the same thing. It is tough, but it is not rocket science. I don’t remember EVER buying anything at a mall kiosk. But, I couldn’t walk away from that straightener. And I’m not sorry. You need to make sure someone knows better than to walk away from you. SHOW them that you are the perfect match for the job.

    What do you need to do before you make the sale of your life? Share your ideas!

    I can help with every part of your job hunt! Need a great resume? Tips to use social networking? Interview coaching?  If you need help mobilizing your networks and your job search plans, learn more about how I can help you! While you’re at it, don’t forget those social networks! Be sure to become a fan of Keppie Careers on Facebook…I’d be thrilled to have you as part of the community! Since we’re on the subject of doing something new…Are you on Twitter? Jump on and touch base with me @keppie_careers