There are many types of content marketing. Blogging is very popular. Writing articles and eBooks are other ways to market yourself and your products. Social media is also very popular.

Podcasting is another option. A podcast is a digital audio file that you can stream from the internet or download and listen to. Podcasts can be free or sold for a fee. You can set up a podcasting site or “channel” and make daily podcasts like a radio show. .

REASONS TO CONSIDER PODCASTING
"As of 2021, 41% of Americans ages 12 or older have listened to a podcast in the past month, according to “The Infinite Dial” report by Edison Research". (Source: https://www.pewresearch.org/journalism/fact-sheet/audio-and-podcasting) That’s a lot of people you can reach with your voice!

Podcasting is much less crowded than blogging. The blogging landscape is very crowded. Consider starting a podcast instead of blogging.
People can do other things while they listen. Think of all the activities that can be performed while listening to a podcast:

- Work out
- Wash the dishes
- Take a walk
- Mow the grass
- Drive
Sit in a bus or train
- Vacuum the carpet
- Sit by the pool

There’s more intimacy. The written word is no substitute for the spoken word. With a podcast, you can connect on a whole new level.
You can reach a new crowd. Many people won’t read a blog, but will listen to a podcast. Podcasting has many advantages over the other forms of online marketing. You can provide value in a new and more meaningful way. Podcasting is even easier than blogging, because you don’t need a website to get started.

GETTING STARTED WITH PODCASTING
You can get started quickly with only a couple of tools:

A quality microphone. Fortunately, a good microphone in this day and age is not expensive. Do a little research and find a quality microphone. Remember that you’re only recording your voice. You don’t need a microphone that can handle the crushing volume of a drum set.
​In a pinch, a combination headset-microphone can work well enough to get started. Move up to a better microphone when your finances allow.

The headset combo is also a good option if you’re interviewing others. Remember that you have to be able to hear the other person without the sound spilling over into your microphone.

A computer to store the recordings. Actually, there are many alternatives to a computer, but you’ll need a computer to upload your podcast anyway. That’s all you need to get started. There’s no excuse! A simple microphone and your computer are all you need to make a high quality podcast. Start looking for a microphone today. You can get started on your first podcast immediately.


CREATING YOUR FIRSR PODCAST
Choose a format. There are a few ways to conduct your podcast:
- Go solo
- Have one or more guests

Most podcasters stick to a single format and occasionally change it up. Your listeners will probably grow to expect and like a particular format, but don’t be afraid to vary it on occasion

Prepare. Unless you’re very talented, you’ll want notes, if not a full script. If you’re interviewing someone, have questions ready. Consider the purpose of the podcast. What are you trying to share, teach, or explain? Perhaps your podcast is strictly for entertainment purposes.
Record in a quiet space. People don’t enjoy listening to anything with a lot of background noise. It’s distracting and shows a lack of professionalism.

Edit appropriately. There are many audio programs available for cutting and pasting sections of your podcast. Many of them are free. Ensure that any guests who participated in your podcast have the opportunity to review your edits before making the podcast public.

What could be easier? It can be a little more intimidating to put your voice online than writing a blog post. But that also makes it more effective. You’re putting a part of yourself out there for the world to experience.

Once you’ve recorded your podcast, it’s time to make it available to others.


GETTING YOUR PODCAST OUT TO THE MASSES
​You can send out your podcast in several ways:

Create an RSS feed. You can upload your podcast to a single site and it will automatically be delivered to your subscribers.
Use iTunes. iTunes will also deliver your podcast to subscribers. People will also be able to search for it. You can choose whether or not to charge a fee. After uploading to iTunes, you can expect it will take approximately 5-7 days until your podcast is available. There is a review process.

Upload your podcast to other sites. Soundcloud is a popular platform and provides multiple sharing options.
Use social media. Tell everyone about your latest podcast. Get every listener you can find. They’re all potential customers.

Use your imagination. Market your podcast any way you can. Every loyal listener is potentially another dollar in your pocket. Marketing is the key.

Now that you have a podcast and listeners, the next step is monetization. It’s time to boost your income.

MAKING MONEY WITH YOUR PODCAST
​Sell your own products. Do you have a course or other product for sale? You can use your podcast to promote your products. The show can be about your product, or you can casually mention it during the show. In your podcast, entice people to visit your website where they can buy your products.

Sell affiliate products. Don’t have any of your own products? Sell someone else’s. This is a great way to lure guests to your show. Let them tell your audience all about their life-changing doo-dad. You can take a piece of the action with an affiliate commission.

Sell your podcast. You can also charge for your podcast. Some podcasters put out a few free episodes and then sell the rest. Some make a short version available free of charge, but charge a fee for the full episode.

Charge for advertising. Make money by charging other companies for advertising on your show. This works especially well when you’ve built an audience. Find companies who sell products to your target audience. Run a prerecorded commercial or promote the company in the context of your show.

There are other ways to make money with your podcast. Find sponsors. Get donations. Use the podcast to build your brand and market your services. Whenever you have an audience, the possibility for making money exists. The possibilities are only limited by your imagination!

Consider podcasting as a means to boost your income. There are many ways to monetize your podcasts. All you need is a microphone, computer, and a little free time. Provide value, and the money will follow.

SOURCE: https://www.market-connections.net/blog/making-money-from-podcasts​

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: ​https://www.market-connections.net/career-podcasts.html

About the Author
Mandy Fard is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, CMRW) and Recruiter with decades of experience in assisting job seekers, working directly with employers in multiple industries, and writing proven-effective resumes.

Most human beings cling to comfort, though science has proven that leaving your comfort zone is where the most significant achievement takes place. If it weren't for taking uncertain steps out into a scary world, we would still be living in caves and waiting around for someone to discover fire. Thomas Alva Edison would never have given us the light bulb,

​Thinking about changing careers can be scary.

Most people just stay right where they are, because they are frightened by the possibility of failure. Since they have their family to provide for, they make the justification that they shouldn't tempt fate, since moving to a new career might not turn out so well. So that person sticks with their current career even though they are not happy, years later wondering "what could have been."
Leave your Comfort Zone to Learn About Your Strengths
​Sports records fall every day because athletes keep pushing themselves. They are not happy with their current level of achievement. They want to know how good they can be, so they train and work very hard. They push themselves out of their comfort zone, their regular training regimen. They lift heavier weights, work out longer, and run faster. The result of becoming uncomfortable, training as they have never trained before, is new personal bests and sometimes world records.

This is because of something known as the Yerkes-Dodson Law. Dodson and Yerkes were a couple of psychologists who, in the earliest years of the 20th century, discovered that stress leads to achievement. What they found was that significant achievement did not happen until a person took small steps outside of the environment, surroundings, and behaviors where he felt most comfortable.

Small Steps Lead to Big Change

They noted that when someone was put in an entirely uncomfortable, stressful environment, performance was horrible. However, taking small steps outside of a person's comfort zone slowly began to expand the area where that person was happy and comfortable. Over time, it becomes easier and easier to take on new tasks and expose yourself to unfamiliar experiences.

If your job is challenging physically or mentally, maybe you are in a wrong career path. Don't take a giant leap, take a baby step instead. Rather than immediately moving from one career to another, why not take a part-time job in a career that interests you? Maybe you can sign up for classes or certification in some field that has captured your attention. These small steps outside of your comfort zone will eventually give you the confidence to move onto an entirely different career if your current field of employment is not working out.
Cut Your Expenses Before You Start Changing Careers
Swapping one career for another can be incredibly stressful. That is the best case scenario. Sometimes, the mental fatigue and anxiety experienced when considering moving to another area of employment can lead to physical and mental health problems. The last thing you should be doing is adding to your stress.

This means you should have your finances in order before you decide to start upon an entirely new career path.

Considering the cost of a career change, you should already have a budget that you follow religiously. If you don't, start one now. Write down every single outgoing expense and every bit of income. Look for ways to streamline your outgoings, and improve your income. If there is no way you can earn more money, just cut back on your expenses. This will account for automatic savings, which can present a nice cushion if your career change doesn't offer the immediate financial rewards you're looking for.

When career shifting, it is common for you to have to start out earning less money than you are now. This is not always the case, but it is much of the time. Having a year's worth of living expenses tucked away gives you the peace of mind to dedicate your mental energy to succeed in your new career. You won't be worrying at the end of the month how you are going to pay your bills.

You may also decide to take on a part-time job to make extra money.

If you do this, try to get employment that will teach you skills and abilities useful in your new career. A part-time job makes you money two different ways. You get paid for your work and if you are spending a few evenings each week working, those are not nights you are out and about spending money.

You may have an opportunity to move into a smaller home or apartment. If this makes sense for you, by all means, do it. Cutting down on your monthly rent or mortgage is a fast way to free up some substantial money. Have a garage sale, or sell some of your possessions online.

If you're serious about changing careers, you don't need a lack of money to make the situation harder than it already will be. Ask yourself some hard questions about the money you spend, and see if you can generate any new income.

​In just 6 and 12 months you could set aside enough money to keep your mental focus on your new career, instead of worrying about your finances.

SOURCE: https://www.market-connections.net/blog/why-is-career-change-so-hard

About the Author
Mandy Fard is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, CMRW) and Recruiter with decades of experience in assisting job seekers, working directly with employers in multiple industries, and writing proven-effective resumes.

Feel free to visit https://www.market-connections.net for more related content

How to Handle Multiple Job Offers

​You’ve interviewed with a company and things went well. The next step is to receive the job offer. In most cases, it’s a simple process — they offer you the job and you must already know how to evaluate a job offer before you accept. But sometimes there are circumstances surrounding the job offer(s) that complicate the process.

So, what is a job seeker to do when more than one job offer is on the table? Here are strategies for handling the situation when multiple job offers are being considered.

Multiple Job Offers
QUESTION
A job seeker recently asked:
I’ve been interviewing for several jobs simultaneously. What if two companies offer me a job?
ANSWER
This is a great situation to be in! It feels wonderful to be wanted, doesn’t it? Sometimes, it’s an easy decision to make. But it can be a difficult decision if you like both companies. Of course, there are advantages and disadvantages to each job and that can help you make your decision.

A “pros and cons” list can be a good way to objectively evaluate which position is the best fit. First, consider how to evaluate a job offer. Possible categories to assess can include:
Salary,
Benefits,
Work/life balance,
Company culture and reputation,
Commuting time/telecommuting,
If you will find the work challenging and interesting,
Who you will be working with (and for!),
Industry stability, and
Whether the job fits into your long-term goal for professional development.

A more likely scenario, however, is that you will receive one job offer before the other. So what do you do if you receive a new job offer AFTER you already accepted a job offer?

New Job Offer After You Already Accepted A Job Offer
QUESTION
A job seeker recently asked:
What do I do if I accepted a job with Company A, but Company B offered me a job after I started my new position?
ANSWER
If you’ve already started working at Company A, this puts you in an uncomfortable position. Your current employer has invested time and money in the hiring process, and has put resources towards training you and getting you up to speed with the company. So don’t make the decision to leave lightly. Again, assess the pros and cons of both positions. It's important to know how to evaluate a job offer.

But if you are going to make a change, make it quickly. You will be burning bridges, but you don’t need to make it any more difficult than it needs to be. Offer your resignation to your new supervisor in person. Don’t put it in an email or text message. Be gracious. Thank them for this opportunity. You may even want to explain that you Are surprised to be offered your “dream” position, and it’s an opportunity that you just couldn’t pass up. Offer your two weeks’ notice (Two Weeks Notice Template), as you would if you were a long-time employee.

Letting your new boss know right away also holds true if you have accepted the job at Company A, but haven’t yet reported to your first day of work. If you are going to revoke an accepted offer of employment, let the company know as soon as possible. Don’t wait to let them know — and don’t just fail to show up for your first day of work. While the company may be disappointed with your decision, the sooner you let them know you’re taking another job, the better.

And what do you do if you let your current boss know you’re accepting a new position, and they tell you they don’t want to lose you? A Job Offer Counter Offer is not to be taken lightly. Be sure to look at all angles before you consider moving forward.

Waiting for Job Offer
QUESTION
A job seeker recently asked:
I’ve interviewed with two companies. I’ve been offered a job with Company A, but I want to see if I get an offer from Company B (which is the company I really want to work for). How do I handle this?
ANSWER
Do you have an idea of when Company B will be making a hiring decision? That can influence how you handle your response. If you’ve interviewed with both companies, and are waiting for job offer from Company B in the next 48-72 hours, you may be able to strategically “stall” Company A by requesting the offer in writing so you can review it “before accepting.”

You can also take this opportunity to negotiate the offer, which may buy you some additional time. Consider the resources offered in this article: How to Negotiate Salary.

Chances are you have not already discussed when to follow up after interview with Company B. So, if Company B hasn’t told you when the hiring decision will be made, you can contact the Hiring Manager and ask about a timeframe. You may even mention that you have been offered another position, but theirs is the job you really want, and you wanted to follow up to see what the timeframe is for making a decision before you let the other company know if you were going to accept their offer.

However, there’s that old saying, “A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.” You may not receive a second job offer. And if you put off Company A for too long — or don’t act “interested enough” — you may even lose that job offer.

In some cases, you may be better off taking the job with Company A and then seeing what happens with Company B. Prepare your Job Offer Acceptance email.

In the "Job Offer" Series
HOW TO EVALUATE A JOB OFFER
https://www.Market-Connections.net/blog/How-to-Evaluate-a-Job-Offer

WAITING FOR JOB OFFER
https://www.Market-Connections.net/blog/Waiting-for-Job-Offer

JOB OFFER COUNTER OFFER
https://www.Market-Connections.net/blog/Job-Offer-Counter-Offer

CONDITIONAL EMPLOYMENT OFFER
https://www.Market-Connections.net/blog/Conditional-Employment-Offer

HOW TO HANDLE MULTIPLE JOB OFFERS
https://www.Market-Connections.net/blog/How-to-Handle-Multiple-Job-Offers

SOURCE: https://www.Market-Connections.net/blog/How-to-Handle-Multiple-Job-Offers

About the Author
Mandy Fard is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, CMRW) and Recruiter with decades of experience in assisting job seekers, working directly with employers in multiple industries, and writing proven-effective resumes at https://www.market-connections.net

There are many types of content marketing. Blogging is very popular. Writing articles and eBooks are other ways to market yourself and your products. Social media is also very popular.

Podcasting is another option. A podcast is a digital audio file that you can stream from the internet or download and listen to. Podcasts can be free or sold for a fee. You can set up a podcasting site or “channel” and make daily podcasts like a radio show. .

REASONS TO CONSIDER PODCASTING
"As of 2021, 41% of Americans ages 12 or older have listened to a podcast in the past month, according to “The Infinite Dial” report by Edison Research". (Source: https://www.pewresearch.org/journalism/fact-sheet/audio-and-podcasting) That’s a lot of people you can reach with your voice!

Podcasting is much less crowded than blogging. The blogging landscape is very crowded. Consider starting a podcast instead of blogging.
People can do other things while they listen. Think of all the activities that can be performed while listening to a podcast:
[center]Work out
Wash the dishes
Take a walk
Mow the grass
Drive
Sit in a bus or train
Vacuum the carpet
Sit by the pool[/center]

There’s more intimacy. The written word is no substitute for the spoken word. With a podcast, you can connect on a whole new level.
You can reach a new crowd. Many people won’t read a blog, but will listen to a podcast. Podcasting has many advantages over the other forms of online marketing. You can provide value in a new and more meaningful way. Podcasting is even easier than blogging, because you don’t need a website to get started.

GETTING STARTED WITH PODCASTING
You can get started quickly with only a couple of tools:

A quality microphone. Fortunately, a good microphone in this day and age is not expensive. Do a little research and find a quality microphone. Remember that you’re only recording your voice. You don’t need a microphone that can handle the crushing volume of a drum set.

​In a pinch, a combination headset-microphone can work well enough to get started. Move up to a better microphone when your finances allow.

The headset combo is also a good option if you’re interviewing others. Remember that you have to be able to hear the other person without the sound spilling over into your microphone.

A computer to store the recordings. Actually, there are many alternatives to a computer, but you’ll need a computer to upload your podcast anyway. That’s all you need to get started. There’s no excuse! A simple microphone and your computer are all you need to make a high quality podcast. Start looking for a microphone today. You can get started on your first podcast immediately.

CREATING YOUR FIRST PODCAST
Choose a format. There are a few ways to conduct your podcast:

1. Go solo
2. Have one or more guests

Most podcasters stick to a single format and occasionally change it up. Your listeners will probably grow to expect and like a particular format, but don’t be afraid to vary it on occasion

Prepare. Unless you’re very talented, you’ll want notes, if not a full script. If you’re interviewing someone, have questions ready. Consider the purpose of the podcast. What are you trying to share, teach, or explain? Perhaps your podcast is strictly for entertainment purposes.

Record in a quiet space. People don’t enjoy listening to anything with a lot of background noise. It’s distracting and shows a lack of professionalism.

Edit appropriately. There are many audio programs available for cutting and pasting sections of your podcast. Many of them are free. Ensure that any guests who participated in your podcast have the opportunity to review your edits before making the podcast public.

What could be easier? It can be a little more intimidating to put your voice online than writing a blog post. But that also makes it more effective. You’re putting a part of yourself out there for the world to experience.

Once you’ve recorded your podcast, it’s time to make it available to others.

GETTING YOUR PODCAST OUT TO THE MASSES
​You can send out your podcast in several ways:

Create an RSS feed. You can upload your podcast to a single site and it will automatically be delivered to your subscribers.
Use iTunes. iTunes will also deliver your podcast to subscribers. People will also be able to search for it. You can choose whether or not to charge a fee. After uploading to iTunes, you can expect it will take approximately 5-7 days until your podcast is available. There is a review process.

Upload your podcast to other sites. Soundcloud is a popular platform and provides multiple sharing options.
Use social media. Tell everyone about your latest podcast. Get every listener you can find. They’re all potential customers.

Use your imagination. Market your podcast any way you can. Every loyal listener is potentially another dollar in your pocket. Marketing is the key.

Now that you have a podcast and listeners, the next step is monetization. It’s time to boost your income.

MAKING MONEY WITH YOUR PODCAST
​Sell your own products. Do you have a course or other product for sale? You can use your podcast to promote your products. The show can be about your product, or you can casually mention it during the show. In your podcast, entice people to visit your website where they can buy your products.

Sell affiliate products. Don’t have any of your own products? Sell someone else’s. This is a great way to lure guests to your show. Let them tell your audience all about their life-changing doo-dad. You can take a piece of the action with an affiliate commission.

Sell your podcast. You can also charge for your podcast. Some podcasters put out a few free episodes and then sell the rest. Some make a short version available free of charge, but charge a fee for the full episode.

Charge for advertising. Make money by charging other companies for advertising on your show. This works especially well when you’ve built an audience. Find companies who sell products to your target audience. Run a prerecorded commercial or promote the company in the context of your show.

There are other ways to make money with your podcast. Find sponsors. Get donations. Use the podcast to build your brand and market your services. Whenever you have an audience, the possibility for making money exists. The possibilities are only limited by your imagination!

Consider podcasting as a means to boost your income. There are many ways to monetize your podcasts. All you need is a microphone, computer, and a little free time. Provide value, and the money will follow.

SOURCE: https://www.market-connections.net/blog/making-money-from-podcasts​

For more career-related content, please visit https://www.market-connections.net

CAREER PLANNING
​According to ourworldindata.org 90 percent of our daily lives is spent doing routine tasks. But habit can be a bad thing, because “if you keep on doing what you’ve always done, you’re going to keep on getting what you’ve always got.”

One of the most important things you can do is to take the time to plan your career roadmap for 2023. Whether you are thinking of a job change or career change in the new year, or simply get more out of your current job, a career plan is essential to helping you reach your goal for professional development.

This exercise may take you 20 minutes, or you might devote a few hours to planning where you want to be on New Year’s Day 2023. If you want your life to be different in 2023, especially your career, take the time to work on your career roadmap. You may decide to use multiple planners including a success planner and a CAREER DEVELOPMENT PLANNER.

Step 1: Take Stock
​​The first step is to assess where you are. To figure out where you’re going, you must first look at where you’ve been.

Here are some questions to help you assess where you are:

¨ What are you most proud of this past year — personally, and professionally?
¨ What went right this year?
¨ Did you receive any awards or recognition this year?
¨ Did you take on any additional responsibility this year? If so, what?
¨ How did you take initiative in your job this year?
¨ Have you learned any new skills?
¨ Did you earn any certifications or licenses?

Record this information in a success journal. This can be a Microsoft Word file on your computer, a note in Evernote, a series of emails you send to yourself (be sure to use email tags so you’re able to find the emails again!), or even a physical notebook. And in the coming year, take time to record your accomplishments as you go through the year instead of waiting until the end of the year.

Next, look at opportunities for improvement in your career. How does your salary stack up against your peers? Is your current position in alignment with your priorities and your core values? Where is change needed? This is when it helps to use a detailed career planner. You will find more details here https://www.market-connections.net/blog/career-development-planner-2023.

Step 2: Articulate Your Goal
​Decide what you want. What is your goal for professional development? Spell it out: What does it look like; what does it feel like? You have to really want it to invest the time and energy to follow your dream. Describe your ideal job:
What is your ideal employer? (size, industry, culture, location, structure)
How much would your dream job pay? (Realistically)
What are the most important benefits — other than salary — that would prompt you to go to work for a new company?
Describe your ideal job — the position you would most like to have. What is the job title, responsibilities, who you would report to, who would report to you. Would it involve travel? Do you want to work independently, as part of a team, or both? Do you like short-term projects or long-term projects?
What do you want your next job to do for you that your last job didn’t do? In other words, what will be different about your next job? Have you figured out how to find your dream job? Is there anything that you do in your current job that you don’t want to do in your next job?

Think about the person that you want to be, and imagine the possibilities. If a career change is in the horizon, it helps to take a career change quiz. Then, identify 2-3 goals you want to tackle. Use the S.M.A.R.T. goal system to articulate your goals — goals should be “Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time-Oriented.”

For example, let’s imagine you have worked as an Accountant for the past three years, but you really want to work in marketing. Your goal might be: “By Jan. 1, 2023, I will be working as a Marketing Assistant in a Fortune 1000 company”

You should also write down why you are interested in making the change. In other words, what is your motivation for taking this path? Another good question to ask yourself is, “How will I know when I’ve achieved my goal(s)?”

Step 3: Make a Plan
​Take time to prepare a game plan and use a career planner for how you will reach your goal. But don’t use planning as an excuse to procrastinate. You want to get to Step Four as quickly as possible because actions create momentum.

Take each of your goals and write down the list of steps under each of them that you will need to take to make the goal happen. The more individual steps you can map out, the easier it will be for you to reach your goals. The steps should be practical tasks that will lead you to achieve your goal for professional development.

For example, with our goal of making a career change from accounting to marketing, here are some sample steps:
Research job postings for entry-level marketing jobs. What are the skills, education, and experience required?
Join the American Marketing Association and attend one virtual event or in-person boot camp in the next 90-120 days.
Enroll in a semester-long online marketing course focusing on marketing principles.
Identify a volunteer opportunity to put marketing skills into practice — either in your current job or with a community organization.
Assess transferable skills from accounting that would be useful in a marketing role (project management, analysis, financial management, client relations).
Inquire about how to hire a resume writer to create a targeted marketing resume.
Join three marketing-related groups on LinkedIn, and follow 5-6 Fortune 1000 companies in the area that have company profiles on LinkedIn.
Assemble people in your network to act as references for marketing interviews.
Connect with 2-3 contacts at Fortune 1000 companies in the area.
Identify possible employers and submit resumes.

Give yourself milestones so you can measure your progress. How will you know when you’re on the right track? Include specific dates and numbers in your milestones.

Step 4: Take Action
The tasks you’ve outlined in Step Three, give you a checklist of items to use to take action. If you are working through the steps and discover you need to add additional items, update your task list. You may also discover additional projects that need to be completed to make the next step — and the overall goal — easier to accomplish. You may also find that you need to make adjustments to your timeline.

For example, if you discover that a six-month program to learn about professional social media marketing would help you land your new marketing job, you might adjust your goal deadline to March 1, 2023, if the program won’t be completed until late December 2022. This would give you time to put some of the new skills into practice before you put them on your résumé.

As you work your way through your task list, focus on the actions you are taking, realizing that if you are taking the right actions, these should eventually lead to the results you seek. If you’re not getting the results you want, change the plan, not the goal. Re-examine your tasks and see if there is something you are missing.

It can also be helpful to get outside feedback. Enlisting the help of an accountability partner — a friend, family member, career coach, resume writer, or therapist — can provide valuable perspective on your progress. This individual can also keep you on track, making sure you are working through your task list. And if there is a specific area where you need help in order to cross the task off your list, make sure you ask for assistance.

For example, writing a resume to support a career change can be difficult. Enlisting help from professional resume writing services can help you cross that task off your list.

Step 5: Measure Your Progress
When you’re on a journey, it can help to periodically assess where you are to make sure you’re on the right road. If you miss a step along the way — or take a “wrong career path” — you can find yourself a long way from your intended destination. So, plan periodic assessments of your progress along the way. This can be a monthly “check-up” where you review your plan and make any necessary changes or a quarterly review.

Taking the time to think through — and plan out — your career roadmap is an important step in helping you create the career you want for yourself. If you don’t, you may find your career stuck or stalled. Or you may wake up five years from now and wonder, “How did I get here?” If you want to achieve more in your professional life, invest the time and effort in completing the Career Roadmap Worksheet below.

​SOURCE: https://www.market-connections.net/blog/career-development-planner-2023

Career Development Worksheet
Use this worksheet with your career planner
​
STEP 1: TAKE STOCK
Current Job Title:
Start Date of Current Job (month/year):
Current Salary:
What I Like Most About My Current Job:
What I Would Want to Change About My Current Job:



STEP 2: ARTICULATE YOUR GOAL
What Is Your Goal?



STEP 3: MAKE A PLAN
What Are the Specific Steps (Tasks) You Need to Take In Order to Achieve Your Goal?




STEP 4: TAKE ACTION
What Help (Outside Assistance) Do You Need to Reach Your Goal?
Who Is Your Accountability Partner?



STEP 5: MEASURE YOUR PROGRESS
How Close — or How Far Away — Are You To Reaching Your Goal At This Moment?
Do You Need to Make Any Adjustments in the Goal, Tasks, or Deadline?​​


For more related topics please visite https://www.market-connections.net

​When you already have a resume, at a certain point you’re faced with a dilemma: Should I update my existing resume, or is it time to completely reinvent it?

This guide is designed to help you decide when it’s time to update — and when it’s time to rewrite it entirely.

When you’ve got a great resume — especially one created by a professional resume writer — it can be difficult to decide to throw it out and start over again. But even the best formats can become outdated as technology changes. And what worked in one profession may not be appropriate in another.

So, how do we know when is the right time for resume update or resume rewrite?
You may click here for a checklist: https://www.market-connections.net/blog/resume-update-or-rewrite-CHECKLIST

When To Update and When To Rewrite Your Resume
Here are some questions to help you decide:

How long ago was your resume created?
If your resume was created within the last year to 18 months, and you’re seeking a similar role to your current position, the answer is easy: Update your existing document.

If the resume was created 18 months ago up to 3 years ago, and you’re seeking a similar role, the right answer is probably to update the existing resume.

The more difficult choice is if the resume was created between 3-5 years ago. In that case, examine the resume format. If the structure is still modern in appearance, and adding the new information doesn’t substantially affect the format, a refresh is most likely the right choice.

If the resume was created more than five years ago, 99 times out of 100, the right answer is to start over. Trends change — for example, the use of color on resumes, or removing physical addresses. Neither of those things alone makes a document look outdated, but a fresh format can make the resume even more effective.

How long ago was your resume last updated?
If your resume was updated in the last 12 months, another update is probably appropriate. There probably isn’t a whole lot that has changed in terms of format or technology.

Has it been up to three years since your most recent update? The answer whether to update or rewrite will depend. Like with a new resume, consider whether the format is still relevant and whether the new content you’re adding will fit into the existing structure.

If it’s been more than three years since your resume was last updated, consider an overhaul. A resume that was created three years ago will often be substantially more modern in content and appearance than one that was simply updated three years ago. Thus, rewriting is probably the right approach.

Are you seeking a new role in the same profession, or are you changing professions?
If you are pursuing a new role in a different field, whether to update or rewrite depends on if the industry you are targeting has different standards for resumes than your current industry. If you are a sales representative for a creative company (a children’s toy manufacturer, for example) and you’re pursuing a sales representative position in the financial services industry, you may want to take a fresh approach to your resume’s format and appearance. If, however, you’re an accountant for a large school district and you’re seeking an accounting position for a midsize private company, you may be able to keep the same content and format.

If you are changing careers entirely, you will want to rewrite. You can’t use the same resume for substantially different positions. If you’re a teacher and you want to pursue a role in outside sales, your education-focused resume probably won’t work. If you’re a former trial lawyer who is seeking a role in nonprofit administration, you’ll want a new format that showcases your transferable skills.

There’s a middle ground. If you’re pursuing a similar career, but not exactly, you may be able to retarget your existing resume without starting entirely from scratch. In this situation, rely on your resume writer to guide you to the right path.

Is there an “Objective” statement at the top of your resume?
If the answer is yes, you need an overhaul. Even removing the objective statement probably won’t be enough to meet the standards of a modern resume, since the content in the top 1/3 of the resume is so critical. (It needs to be replaced with branding statements and content that showcases your qualifications.)

Is your resume font Times New Roman – or does the resume have Comic Sans anywhere on it?
While both of these might indicate a “dated” look, the answer may be as simple as selecting all the text and choosing a more modern body font (Calibri, Tahoma). But having one of these fonts on your resume may also be a sign that the whole document needs a fresh approach.
Font choice can be a sign that your resume may need an overhaul. Dated fonts may be a symptom that you need to do more than simply selecting new fonts.

Are you using a functional resume format?
Functional resumes — which use a format that focuses more on skills than on chronological work experience — have lost favor in recent years because they are not often compatible with how applicant tracking systems (ATS) parse (or organize) data. Because the format often omits employment dates — and may not even list specific jobs or employers — the resume data may not populate the fields correctly in some ATS software. In addition, many recruiters and hiring managers don’t like functional formats.

Even a chrono-functional, hybrid, or combination format may not work with some ATS software. But more important, a resume using one of these formats may be deemed to be “out of date” or “not modern.” There are more appropriate ways to highlight skills and accomplishments even when the work history may not be very appealing in a strictly chronological sense.

Has your existing resume gotten too long?
Resume length isn’t cut-and-dry. Resumes in some professions run 3-4 pages on the low end. But if your resume is three pages because it includes 25 years of work experience in excruciating detail, it may be time to start completely from scratch. The reason is: If you’ve just constantly added new positions without thinking through the strategy of what you’re including on your resume, it may be best to reinvent it.

Does your resume have an “out-of-balance” or “outdated” appearance?
This is common if you had your resume professionally written and designed, but you’ve since tried to keep it up to date yourself. Especially for beautiful, modern designs, it can be difficult to add information without affecting the formatting. In this case, you may only need a simple update, but you should probably return to the original creator to ensure that the integrity of the content and formatting remain intact.

How often should you update your resume?

Here are some guidelines:

Anytime you take on a new role (new job or promotion), update your resume. (You may wait 30-90 days to add it to make sure that the position is a good fit and you’re going to stay in the role, but three months is usually a sufficient time to make that decision.)

You should review your resume at a minimum at least once a year. Evaluate your current roles and responsibilities, update any accomplishments, list new skills, and add in any new education, training, or volunteer activities.

Update the resume when something significant happens — even if it’s only been a few months since your last update. That could be completing a certification, adding a new skill to your repertoire, or finishing a big project. Add information while it’s fresh in your mind so you don’t forget to include all the important details.

When you’re laid off or fired, you’ll need to include the ending date of your last position on your resume. You can take advantage of a very short window (30 days or less) to apply for roles while your current position still says it is “to present,” but much beyond that could turn off prospective hiring managers when they learn you’re currently out of work and you didn’t update your resume accordingly.

If you’re ready for something new, and if you want to stand out in your field, having a fresh, modern resume ready to go is important. You never know when the right opportunity might open up and if you don’t have a resume ready, you might miss out on it.

When in doubt about anything related to your resume or job search, ask your professional resume writer! Career industry professionals stay up to date about trends in resumes and hiring technology and will be able to advise you about the best solution for your specific needs.

SOURCE: https://www.market-connections.net/blog/resume-update-or-resume-rewrite

About the Author
Mandy Fard is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, CMRW) and Recruiter with decades of experience in assisting job seekers, working directly with employers in multiple industries, and writing proven-effective resumes.


Please follow Market-Connections Resume Services
https://www.market-connections.net/jobsearchblog.html

Sometimes, you may wonder why your job search efforts are not producing results as fast as you expected. Though the competition may be fierce, never lose sight of the fact that there is a fulfilling job waiting for you. It’s a question of finding it.

In the past, I wrote about what employers want to see in a resume (https://www.market-connections.net/blog/what-employers-want-to-see-in-a-resume). Today, I am writing to reiterate that what every Hiring Manager looks for in job seekers is another important list of characteristics and qualifications. It is crucial to learn what these qualifications and characteristics are and implement your findings for significant changes in the results of your job search efforts.

Important characteristics every employer seeks

DILIGENCE. A prospective employer needs to be sure that you are committed and capable of fulfilling the functions listed on the job description. Hiring is a costly process and employers are expected to select the right talent as they build teams and hire new personnel.

An employer is entitled to seek and demand diligence from employees. Regardless of whether it’s a $15 per hour job or a $150,000 per year, you must give it your all every day you show up at work.

PROFESSIONALISM. Employers favor highly professional employees because it serves as a good indicator that they have hired the right talent. You should dress appropriately for the role, have a sense of confidence, and be sure of what you want to say before you actually do.
A professional demeanor can leave a lasting impression. A professional demeanor, a solid resume, substance in conversation, correct answers, appropriate interview attire, and a firm handshake may indicate that you may be a good fit. When you ooze professionalism, you give your potential employer the confidence of knowing they are making the right choice by hiring you.

Most employers prefer to promote from within their ranks. If demonstrating a professional demeanor isn’t your strong suit, you will be likely overlooked for career advancement in your role within the company.

DEDICATION TO SUCCESS. The ideal employee does not focus on obstacles. The right fit often goes the extra mile to meet or exceed expectations whether for themselves or for the company. Such employees will never deter at the sight of challenges but will work to find a way around it.

The most convincing way to demonstrate to your potential employer that you are an achiever is by showing them previous testimonials, recommendations, praise (i.e.: professional compliments by email for a job well done), accolades, or awards that you have received from former clients, colleagues, employers, etc.

Come along with a portfolio of some of your greatest achievements. Explain the important details about how you went above and beyond the scope of your job to ensure you attained success. Also, show them how you will bring the same energy, passion, and dedication if given the opportunity.

EXPERIENCE. The importance of experience in the corporate world cannot be ignored. Sure, the prospect of hiring a recent graduate can seem exciting. However, this is usually true for more entry-level positions where experience is not the main factor. The truth is that new graduates would have to go through a learning curve, one that would likely cost the employer both time and money.

A seasoned professional will often get the nod ahead of more junior personnel because they bring forth their valuable experience and the ability to handle difficult situations. An experienced professional can almost instantly settle into the job and begin to make more money for the employer.

If you are a recent grad, strive to show the interviewer that you are committed to show your value and prove yourself, given the opportunity. Speak of how you can contribute and remind them of your strengths alongside your prior accomplishments. They use the information about your prior achievements to estimate your potential.

EDUCATION. A college education is almost a prerequisite in today’s tough and competitive job market. Since there are many openings for a plethora of job-seeking applicants, employers can leverage on the higher supply than demand to hire overqualified applicants on a relatively lower salary.
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If your education does not meet the criteria of the jobs you are applying for, you may consider taking new or refresher courses. Alternatively, you can advance your education, credentials, and skill-set by aiming for higher education which can give you a significant edge in the job market.
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SOURCE: https://www.market-connections.net/blog/what-every-hiring-manager-looks-for-in-job-seekers​

About the Author
Mandy Fard is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, CMRW) and Recruiter with decades of experience in assisting job seekers, working directly with employers in multiple industries, and writing proven-effective resumes.

Feel free to connect with Mandy Fard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandyfard/

Please follow Market-Connections Resume Services on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/market-connections-resume-services.com

Do you wish your work was more enjoyable and meaningful? Job crafting could help you transform your experience without having to change careers or even search for a new position.

Whether you’re a senior manager or an entry level clerk, job crafting is a technique you can use to boost your satisfaction and engagement.

Countless polls have shown that the majority of US workers aren’t emotionally or cognitively connected to their work. This unengaged population usually shows up from 9 to 5 and does the minimum required. This takes a toll on the bottom line, as well as employee health and happiness.

While many companies try to address this situation from the top down, job crafting is a proactive process that you can do for yourself.

It all begins with reshaping your overall environment (including people and things), ultimately leading you to transform your job into a calling.

The key here is to break your job down into blocks that you can rearrange to suit your passions and strengths; step-by-step. Forget about feeling stuck from 9 to 5. Study these tips for redesigning your work day and creating a more fulfilling career.

Job Crafting Steps to Take Yourself
Monitor your energy levels. Figures out which activities stimulate you, and which leave you feeling drained. Create a list of tips to stay motivated for yourself. You’ll start to see where you want to devote your time and efforts.
Restructure your tasks. Now you can start to look at reengineering your position. Think about the responsibilities you want to build on and the ones you’d like to shift away from. In the process, you may also consider habits that make you a more valuable employee at the same time.

Revamp your relationships. Remember what Dale Carnegie taught us on How to Win Friends and Influence People. Personal interactions play a major role in your work life. Would your productivity increase if you worked more closely with the social media team or human resources department? Do you find it gratifying to mentor interns or trade ideas with your counterparts at other organizations?

Keep learning. It’s easier to be flexible when you continue updating your knowledge and skills. Seize opportunities to increase your knowledge and skills. Sign up for a course on business math or read the latest bestseller about your industry.

Focus on service. You’ll probably discover your deepest sense of purpose by thinking about how your choices affect those around you. Maybe you want to exceed a customer’s expectations or advance your profession.

Job Crafting Steps to Take With Your Coworkers

Enlist your supervisor. You obviously want to have your boss on board. Emphasize how job crafting can help you do your job more effectively. Use specific examples that relate to their priorities. Find easy ways to impress your boss.
Encourage teamwork. Studies show that job crafting is more successful when the entire organization participates. Volunteer to organize group discussions and evaluations.
Create allies. What is rapport meaning to you? Start by building rapports with people. Team up with coworkers who share your enthusiasm for adding a personal touch to the usual job descriptions. You can give each other valuable suggestions and feedback.
Swap tasks. One advantage of collaborating is that you may find an office mate who actually likes the tasks you want to avoid. You both come out ahead when you can hand off screening resumes or making cold calls without creating gaps in coverage.
Spark innovation. These days, businesses that thrive are the ones that can keep up with changing demands. Job crafting could increase your job security by making your company more adaptable as employees think creatively about how to use resources.
Earn trust. Your boss and coworkers are more likely to support your interest in job crafting if you assure them that it’s in their interest too. Cover your basic responsibilities while you expand your scope.

Job Crafting Your Tasks
Organizational behaviorists started talking about job crafting about 20 years ago. Reviewing your job description and daily activities is usually the first step.

Use these strategies:
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Identify your strengths. Think about what you love to do and what you do well. Maybe you excel at analyzing data or closing sales. Success often depends on being able to use your natural talents.
Reallocate your time. Are there tasks you want to focus on and others that you wish would go away? Maybe you can delegate some jobs or create systems that will help you to complete them more efficiently.
Play games. It’s okay to have fun with your work. Find ways to compete with yourself or suggest a friendly contest with the rest of your team.
Respect your limits. Avoid taking on more responsibilities than you can handle. Start with your top priorities and expand your duties gradually.
Consider others. Hopefully, you and your boss will agree on the new direction you want to take. However, your preferences may conflict with business needs and your coworker’s routines. Be willing to compromise and work towards mutually beneficial solutions.
Job Crafting Your Relationships
Who do you interact with at work? Maybe you can reach out to new contacts and strengthen your current connections. Positive relationships make your workday more pleasant.

Try these techniques:
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Visit other departments. Collaborate with colleagues in other parts of your company. Invite them to meetings and propose joint projects.
Socialize. Use office events and communications to get to know others on a more personal level. Make time for small talk. Let others know that you care about their interests and opinions.
Network online. Don't forget about the plethora of online networking opportunities. Review my 5 Strategis for Effective Online Networking and get started.
Listen closely. Working on your listening skills can transform your workplace relationships. Concentrate on what others are saying instead of rehearsing your response. Ask relevant questions and show your enthusiasm.
Share feedback. Help create an office culture rich in open and constructive communications. Provide tactful and specific feedback. Welcome input from others and thank them by using their suggestions to make positive changes.
Job Crafting Your Attitude
Like any positive change, job crafting begins in your mind. While tasks and relationships may sometimes be beyond your control, you can take charge of your own thoughts.

Practice these activities:
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Focus on your purpose. Understanding the reasons behind what you do will make your work more rewarding. Figure out why it’s significant and connect with a mission bigger than yourself.
Change your attitude. The most important adjustment you can make may be within your own mind. Always remember, your negative attitude impacts your career. A positive outlook can help you remain content while dealing with tight deadlines or long commutes.
Seek balance. Remember that there’s more to you than your professional identity. Stay true to your personal goals if you value family time and other personal commitments more than making an additional investment in your job. Define what success means for you rather than comparing yourself to others. Pay attention to your personal responsibilities, as well as your career.

SOURCE: https://www.market-connections.net/blog/job-crafting

About the Author[size=12pt][/size]
Mandy Fard is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, CMRW) and Recruiter with decades of experience in assisting job seekers, working directly with employers in multiple industries, and writing proven-effective resumes.

Feel free to connect with Mandy Fard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandyfard/

Please follow Market-Connections Resume Services on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/market-connections-resume-services.com