I have found that many people still do not see the obvious power that LinkedIN has as a networking tool, and I regularly spend countless coaching hours helping people establish a presence on LinkedIN, including how to find and connect to people that might be able to further their careers – which is very easy, by the way. To give you an idea of how powerful it can be, I have two personal examples of how LinkedIN groups were instrumental to job seekers:

First: My husband’s cousin used it to identify and ultimately secure a new position by joining a group focused on the industry in which he wanted to work.

Second: My friend used LinkedIN to help her land her current job; there was someone she found on LinkedIN that she thought could help her; the problem was this person wasn’t in her network – so she found a group the person was in, joined the group and voila … that person was now in her LinkedIN sphere.

I am not sure if you have noticed, but there are new groups popping up on LinkedIN all the time, not to mention the existing groups, some of which have hundreds of thousands of members. This is an awesome way to connect (albeit virtually) with people. Share ideas; encourage collaboration; establish interactions. You can use the groups to let people know that you are looking, generate interest in your background, while also helping other people. We are always on a journey of some sort or another. You never know the kind of interactions one of your ideas will spark. Joining a group will provide a forum for discussion and sometimes debate. It’s all good though! You never know when a connection can turn into something like a partnership or result in a beneficial introduction.

Also, a secret way to connect to someone out of your network is to do what my friend did and join a group that they belong to and connect to him or her that way.  After all, LinkedIN is a networking tool and what better way to connect than finding groups with similar interests or goals that match your own, in your industry or the industry you want to be in, or just social-type networks.

So, here is your Action Plan – join five groups this week and see how much you can get out of it.

The future of job search strategy is now

Traditional job search strategies, while they certainly cannot and should not be ignored during any career development activities, they just aren’t enough anymore.  Just passing around your resume, using recruiters and asking your small circle of friends and professional network won’t cut it as we continue to accelerate into the new Internet age.   People you have met face-to-face or spoken to on the phone no longer represent the limit your network.  Some of my best business contacts are people I have never met or even spoken to on the phone.  Not on LinkedIN, Twitter or other networking sites? You need to be there.

Traditional job search strategies aren’t enough anymore

The traditional approach of job search involves opening every oyster until you find the pearl.  It is serial or linear in nature.  The problem with this linear approach is that it is slow and not very agile.  It doesn’t scale and leaves you in a position where you are taking two steps forward and falling one step back. It is important to cast a wide net – explore all of the oysters. The pearl is there for you. However, you will work to find it. You cannot put your feet up on your sofa while you load your resume to every job board you can find. The calls will not come from that approach.

Creating your personal brand

People in the advertising may have had it right all along.  Creating a brand can go a long way in furthering your career.  Make yourself a little famous.  Let the hiring managers “find” you.  They may not even know that they are looking for you, but if you create your unique digital persona they can’t help but find you. Your online brand will also augment your traditional career documents. Hiring managers can “see” what you offer via a unique online portfolio. Conducting a phone screen? You will be able to direct someone to a link to view your brand online as you discuss your credentials and achievements. This combination of listening and seeing what you offer will set you apart and allow you to leave an indelible, and positive mark.

LinkedIN and Plaxo

Business networking sites such as LinkedIN and Plaxo can be a huge boon to your search.  Know what company you want to work for? See who you know that might know someone there.  Looking to move into new industry? Trying to find potential contacts to network with?  I have worked with dozens of clients that have either directly found jobs or learned about opportunities within the hidden job market. These social networking sites allow us to connect like never before. Meeting people in a virtual platform is definitely different and can be challenging, but is definitely worth the effort.

Blogging isn’t just for bloggers

Blogging is a great way to get your name out there.  Even if you don’t necessarily blog about your vocation, blogging will expose you to a new audience. It will also allow you to interact with others – expanding your network. The topics you write about don’t need to be about your professional efforts – in fact there are many blogs that provide personal information about the author. Whatever you decide, make sure you maintain a positive presence. Anything you put online is fair game if you know what I mean.

Here’s a sample (http://www.professional-me.com/sample ) of what your Professional-Me profile might look like. It can include links to your social networking sites, blogs, Twitter and other information that you will want to share with a potential employer. Keen to demonstrate that you are technically savvy? Want to make a strong first impression? Then you need professional-me.

Unemployment as of last week is a few quitters shy of 10% nationwide.  Oh, then comes the line “You are not alone”.  That sounds more like the title of an ironically lonely old Michael Jackson song than any consolation to me.   What a crock.  We’re beginning to feel like were the new pioneers of the great depression and soon we’ll have stories to tell just like grandpa used to put us to sleep with.   We’re broke, the marriage is strained to a new limit and I’ve got nothing to show for the last year of my life.

I know the feelings and I know the game so there’s the real dose of sympathy you needed.   No measure of politics can be called upon to fix it so don’t hold your breath for that.   What you’re not being told is that a very high likelihood exists that it will not get better any time soon.  These conditions could very well get even worse.  It’s time to get tough and resourceful and aggressive while you still have a chance.

If you’ve been out of work for long time but have legitimately searched for a job for most of that time then you have probably made a few of the mistakes that a lot of people make.   Resume mistakes, interview mistakes, preparation mistakes and perhaps your whole approach to this has been a fine example of mistake in execution.   First off, there is a great article written by Karen Burns published by U.S. News and World Report last week.  Read it. http://www.usnews.com/money/blogs/outside-voices-careers/2010/5/12/7-little-known-reasons-youre-not-getting-hired.html

Keep these ideas in mind while you evaluate yourself in the process of pursuing a job.   Make a note to self that you must be aware and proactive to prevent these mistakes from happening ever again.   Now, turn the page and let go of any failures that you’ve lived through and learn from them.  Quit analyzing this and that and start over again.

Shift your attention now to one of the best sets of specific instructions ever given on HOW to pursue jobs.   Study this guide, execute according to this guide, and follow this set of instructions to the letter.   If you want a job follow this set of rules and don’t cut any corners.  Go to our site nd download the “Job Search Guide”.   They are giving it away for free for this period of time so use it.

While you’re working on that stuff, consider what your second income will be.   Heh!  Second income huh?  Yes.  And I’m not talking about your kid’s paper route or your spouse’s job.  Your second income that you bring home begins now.  How?

If you’ve ever traveled to Mexico, the Caribbean or Europe you noticed an obvious difference in one thing.   People, not companies or government institutions in other parts of the world but people like you and me still make things or perform services.  People build sheds, garages or houses, and people still make jewelry, and people still write and people still perform music or create art or cut grass or paint houses or take photographs or organize parties.  You get the idea.

Dive into the imagination you left behind when you bought siding for the house instead of buying the Harley you wanted.   What can you create?  What can you design? What can you teach? What can you do that others cannot?   If you can write there is work for you.  If you can make things there is work for you.  If you can clean or organize or take care of pets there is work for you.  If you can babysit there is plenty of work for you.

Seek a second income.  Money to make on the side while you look for a job and after you find a regular job and moving forward.  If you have a skill and don’t know how to use it then pose your question on this blog.  If you don’t know what that might be but are great on a computer … again, ask.

David Haas, Senior Editor, Resume-Resource.com

The power of positive thinking: First, people want to be around others that are engaging and happy. Behaving and sounding like Eeyeore who ‘lost his tail’ – you know, the pessimistic, miserable, depressed friend of Winnie the Pooh will not help the situation. You want to be Tigger, or at least Owl.  A great way to be positive is to think positive. This has a way of rubbing off on the people that you encounter; much like Eeyore-like behavior has the same effect.

Workin’ it Like Donna Summer: I think it has become abundantly clear that putting your feet up on your desk and waiting for the calls to come in from your online submissions is simply not going to happen. You need to put some skin in the game. This means that you will work – and work hard to generate interest in your background. You should be leveraging your network, including friends, family members, friends of friends, former co-workers, and people that you meet in the frozen food section at your local grocery store. It has been my experience that you never can tell when you will meet someone who has either information or a contact to help you. You might be able to help them as well.

Emotional Rollercoaster: It is not uncommon to feel a variety of emotions when you are looking: disappointment, anger, confusion, self-doubt. You should also consider the positive side: new beginnings, excitement, and empowerment. You need to let go of the past and embrace what the future holds. This is your chance to make a change and steer yourself toward something that will challenge and fill you with a sense of purpose.

Volunteering and Networking Groups: A great way to meet new people and allow you to improve your social skills is through putting yourself in situations where you don’t know anyone. You can share ideas with the new people you encounter. You never know what might happen. It will also allow you to help someone else.

Project Management: Treat your job search as a project. Establish short-term goals and reward yourself when you attain them. You will feel a sense of accomplishment when you achieve a goal; it will also help you to keep going and prevent you from feeling overwhelmed with “GETTING A JOB.”

Continuing Education: If you have the time and resources, consider enrolling in some continuing education classes or pursuing an advanced degree. The training will stimulate you and possibly provide you with new ideas as you consider your professional future.  Take a look at these blogs on continuing education. (http://resumesdonewrite.blogspot.com/2009/02/dont-just-sit-around-learn-something.html)

No matter what you are doing, you should remain enthusiastic and focused. You will get the interviews; and when you do, your first impression will be the only one that a hiring manager will remember.

In order to be successful transitioning from one industry to another, you’d better be able to sling the jargon and use the right acronyms as appropriate. When the interviewer tosses out some acronyms you better know exactly what they’re talking about.

If you are thinking about moving healthcare to financial services, you better know what CLO, CDO, RMBS, ADR, IMF, FX, and M&A mean. If you have worked in engineering firms since you graduated college and you think that life in healthcare might be more fulfilling and interesting you better know what HIPAA, FDA, JCAHO, MMIS, NHS, ICU, and OSHA are. Moving from financial services to engineering firm TQM, AI, JIT, and RFID better be in your glossary. There are others too, too numerous to count.

You may think that acronym soup is useless when you try to find a job. This is anything but true; acronyms and industry jargon are kind of like the ticket to get into the exclusive party without waiting on line in the cold.

So, how do you close the gap between what you know now and what you need to know to get that new job? Research, research, and more research. Every industry has countless websites devoted to discussing the ins and outs and the pros and cons; and these sites will be replete with acronyms and jargon that at first glance seem to be Greek. Read and learn — if you find a word that is unfamiliar or appears to be out of context look it up. Keep reading. If you see an acronym, even if you think you know what it is look it up and make sure that you have context when you do so. Searching for an acronym and the industry in which it is used will yield much better results than just searching for the acronym.

Any if any of the above acronyms seem foreign to you, I have provided a bouillabaisse of acronyms to get you started.

Appendix – partial acronym dictionary

Healthcare

HIPAA – Healthcare Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, FDA – Food and Drug Administration, JCAHO – Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, NHS – National Health Service, ICU – intensive care unit, OSHA – Occupational Safety & Health Administration

Financial Services

CLO – Collateralized Loan Obligation, CDO – Collateralized Debt Obligation, RMBS – Residential Mortgage-Backed Security, ADR – American Depositary Receipt, IMF – International Monetary fund, FX – Foreign Exchange, M&A – Mergers and Acquisitions

Engineering

TQM – Total Quality Management, AI, JIT – Just-in-time, RFID – Radio Frequency Identification

It’s very easy to feel like it’s never going to happen – when will the interviews start? When will you be among the employed once again? What I have found from dealing with my clients – whether they are domestic or abroad, young, mid, or senior in their careers, is a common theme:

They worry; they are melancholy; they are focused too much on getting a job instead of getting the right job.

Maintaining a positive attitude during the search process is one of the most important things you can do. Other people sense unease, nervousness, and anxiety. I don’t want to exactly relate this to being in a body of water surrounded by piranhas; but there is definitely a connection. A hiring manager can sense desperation; you want to be courted during the interview process and extended a position that not only appreciates the value and skills you bring to a company, but also compensates you for those skills.

You don’t want to fall victim to a situation that sometimes happens – you get an offer for a salary that is lower than you were previously earning, or worse, lower than what your market value is.

Here are some action items to keep you going and ensure that your search is positive:

• Consider transferring your skills to a new type of position or industry. It is possible that you might need to take something of a step back – but one step back can propel you two steps forward. The change of environment and learning curve will stimulate you and give you a sense of empowerment.
• Establish goals. Setting goals will give you a sense of empowerment. As you achieve the milestones, you will feel that another step has been taking toward a final and positive outcome.
• Take time to take care of yourself. It is amazing at how time slips away. Did you ever consider that the time away from the ‘rat race’ could help you rejuvenate?  This reminds me of the time when I was laid off in 2001 in the wake of 9/11. I was so focused and intent on finding my next gig, that I barely took time to enjoy myself! Before I knew it I had another role; and then I thought to myself that I should have taken some of that time for myself.
• Volunteer your time. You never know where your next opportunity will arise. Volunteering your time will give you access to an entirely new experience with people with whom you can establish relationships. You might find that you can help each other while doing something positive for those in need.

Don’t let your job search get in the way of your life. Keep things in perspective and your chin up.

The power of positive thinking: Consider your approach to job search. If your self-esteem is low and you continually believe that you are not going to perform well during the interview then it is likely you won’t. True too is the fact that you will project this negativity during any professional interactions. On the other hand if you approach a situation with happiness and focus, you will be prepared to make a good impression. You need to start off believing that you will get the job – interview as if you already have the offer! Prepare yourself to envision your success.

Your impressions on others: Without even realizing it, your own feelings of self worth are projected during interactions with others. Body language, facial expressions, and verbal interactions give cues as to how you feel about yourself. When you project positive feelings, people are more interested in being around you and offering help. Those with a negative mental attitude will not generate support – people are drawn to others if they are happy. Negative or unhappy moods do not serve to engage others.

Competitive advantage: Believe it or not, you might not be the most qualified applicant of the people vying for the same job as you. With the right mental approach the job can be yours! It takes practice and a fair amount of dedication. Most of all, you need to BELIEVE in yourself – believe that a positive mental focus will make the difference. If the decision to hire is between you (upbeat, happy, and positive) vs. someone else that is potentially (negative, somber and the picture of doom and gloom) who do you think will get the job? People do not want to surround themselves with negativity.

If you need to overcome shortcomings in your experience, a sure way to compensate is with a happy approach. Your willingness to roll up your sleeves and demonstrate your commitment sends a vital message – that you can and will participate with a healthy outlook. You might have to work to consistently display this positive approach; trust me – it will be worth it!

“Whether You Think You Can or Can’t, You’re Right” –Henry Ford

Organizational Skills: It might seem obvious – what employer isn’t looking for someone who is organized? Well, saying you are organized and actually demonstrating that you have the skill is two different things. The best way to highlight your organizational acumen on a resume is to provide an example of something you did that streamlined a process or improved the way business was conducted. Think about your contributions in your positions. You might be able to come up with some metrics that resulted from your organizational abilities.

Problem solving: Can you identify and develop a process to solve business problems? If so, this highly desirable skill is transferable to just about any position. Approaching a problem requires analytical skills and logic. If you can understand and analyze and issue, and subsequently identify and implement an alternative process for resolution, your competency in this area will enable you to establish a plan to achieve future success. Such skills are highly desirable and closely related to decision-making – another important component in business. An example of how you successfully resolved an issue will set you apart from others who get stuck on problems without the ability to plan and architect solutions for resolution.

Technical acumen: Can you troubleshoot technical matters? This important skill will allow you to add value in a dynamic environment. Given the role that technology plays in our lives – particularly our professional lives, someone who can diagnose an issue and quickly make sure systems are running effectively is a valued and welcome resource. Just because your role might not be technical, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t reference your ability in this area. A well-rounded professional who can help out beyond the scope of his own role is definitely an added benefit in virtually any environment.

Foreign language skills: Make no mistake we live and work in a global environment. More and more companies have operations in other countries. Speaking one or more foreign languages will quickly set you apart. The ability to communicate with people as part of conducting business abroad will continue to grow in importance in the coming years. If this is a skill you have, make sure to highlight it early on in your resume and in your cover letter.

Interpersonal communication: The value of communicating both verbally and in writing should never be dismissed! How you communicate information to others can serve as a critical component to your success within an organization. If you are able to write effectively and work well as part of a team, you will be highly effective and an instrumental part of getting things done. A good way to highlight interpersonal communication is by revealing how you worked as part of a team to share ideas and information as part of working toward a common goal.

Remember, no matter what your experience, there is always things that you can share with a potential hiring manager to demonstrate your value. The amalgamation of your hard and soft skills should be referenced to provide a complete picture of the value you can add. Keeping notes about your positive attributes and skills will enable you to review opportunities and structure your documents with relevant details to support your job search efforts.

I recognize we are feeding into stereotypes here, but appearance, sophistication, dress, and overall presentation play a very big role during the career search process. Isn’t that discrimination? Probably so – but whether it is or isn’t discrimination is not the point. The fact is, hiring managers and people in general make decisions based on these things. Appearance matters more than we admit or would like to think. It has a lot to do with how people treat you. Obviously, you cannot make yourself better looking without going under the knife; BUT you can make yourself look better.

Tips for the Men:

Shine your shoes, shave, and wear a suit and tie that match; trim your fingernails; make sure your hair is neat; trim your beard or moustache if you have one. If you are fashion challenged, solicit the help of someone that isn’t! Get advice from your wife or girlfriend, or a friend that has some style.

For the Women:

Make sure your hair and makeup is done. Dress appropriately in a nice pant or skirt suit. Keep nails trimmed and polished in a neutral color. Don’t overdo it with the perfume. You want to smell nice without needing all of the office windows open to tone down the waft of perfume you leave in your wake.

In hiring situations one study found that good grooming of applicants in a simulated interview accounted for more favorable hiring decisions that did job qualifications – this even though the interviewers claimed that appearance played a small role in their choices (Mack & Rainey, 1990).

During the job search process you want to give yourself every opportunity to succeed. This means that in addition to being qualified, an attractive and presentable appearance will certainly work in your favor.

Give appropriate notice. I know the standard notice period is two weeks. However, if you really want to demonstrate that you are considerate of others, give an additional week or two, if you are able. Providing your existing employer with a longer notice shows that you are cognizant of the other people you work with. Consider that your colleagues have plans too – maybe a vacation has been planned or someone is out due to an unexpected absence. Your consideration will go a long way in ensuring you are regarded as a consummate professional who went the extra mile.

Provide a transition plan. You know what you do on a daily basis better than anyone. Before you leave, put together a document regarding the things you do and how you accomplish them. Give your supervisor an understanding of the details of your work. It is not that your manager doesn’t know what you do; but positions have a way of transforming into other things. Invariably, you take on other responsibilities over the course of completing your work. Share information regarding the nature of the work to allow your manager to identify a suitable replacement.

Nurture your professional relationships. Just because you are leaving doesn’t mean that you have to leave your friendships behind. Perhaps you have a mentor who has been instrumental in your success – it is important to maintain your relationships. The world is a small place and many industries even more so; you never know when you will do business with these people in the future. Keep the lines of communication open as you depart. Paths might cross again.

Keep a positive perspective. Whatever your reasons for leaving, make sure you don’t leave a negative impression as you exit. If you are unhappy about something related to your specific work or something regarding the overall working environment, your departure is not the time to start slinging mud. No doubt you will have an exit interview with a human resource representative; when the opportunity presents itself you can voice your concerns in a professional and calm manner. Avoid letting emotion come into the conversation and resist the urge to spread negativity about other coworkers or your boss. Your exit should be constructive.

Pave the way for your replacement. Make sure you don’t leave things hanging. Finish projects or provide status reports to your boss regarding unfinished work. Provide detailed and organized information to allow the person who takes your position to start from a position of strength. Make sure all of your files and information are easy to find and understand.

Look forward to your new endeavor. Change is good and you should be ready to embark on your upcoming role refreshed and excited to learn and contribute in an environment that offers challenges. You will build relationships and learn the operations of a new environment. Embrace what lies ahead!

Building Self Confidence:

First it’s important that you stop worrying so much about what others think. Take a more objective viewpoint of yourself and situations. You are your own worst enemy and are likely making a mountain out of a molehill. Your unease though will come across when interacting with others; so it’s important that you maintain a positive mindset. Think about productive and positive results achieved so your discussions with others start on the right foot.

Confident Personality Skill Building:

It takes skills to emerge as a confident personality. It doesn’t just happen one day. It is also a skill that needs continual refining. Avoid being self-deprecating. When someone pays you a compliment accept it graciously. I cannot tell you how many times I have paid a compliment to someone. Instead of a simple thank you, I get an entire diatribe about someone else who did it better in some way. Immediately that person has reduced their power and their positive presence. Maintain a relaxed and engaged mannerism. Have a problem? Look for solutions instead of indulging in self pity, which will not solve the problem and certainly will not facilitate constructive resolution. Take control of yourself and your emotions. Success is a ladder best climbed when you are secure and in command.

Happiness Brings Confidence:

Being happy makes things look better and will allow you to act in your own best interests. How you approach situations is entirely in your control. An optimistic approach will likely yield better results; being open minded will allow you to view situations from different perspectives. And, you never know what you might find! There are always choices. Yours is the right to choose. No one is good at everything. They say that anything worth doing is worth doing well. Challenges are a part of life – embrace them and set your standard for personal success. Set your goals, assess your abilities, and build a program to continue to build your confidence.

Improve Your Communication Skills:

Interact with people on a regular basis. You don’t need to be the life of the party, but engaging with others and maintaining a lively style will build your confidence. Other people will enjoy your company and view you as pleasant with an easy going style. As you communicate with others and experience positive interactions, you will help build your confidence. Consider joining some business or networking groups to help you practice interacting with others.

How you feel about yourself comes across in everything you do. You will improve your opportunities and experience benefits not only in your career but also in social circles. People are drawn to those that are confident. This is an area where practice definitely makes perfect!

Managing your relationships: There are three types of friends: friends for a reason, friends for a season, and friends for a lifetime. When it comes to job search and networking, you really need to provide people a reason to help you. Reaching out to a ‘friend’ that you haven’t spoken to in two years is probably not going to get you much help. After all, it looks like you have an ulterior motive – and you do. Want to get back in touch – which I strongly encourage that you do, do it with the intention of providing value for someone else. It’s not all about you. You need to give a little to get a little. Managing your relationships is critical to job search success. What have you done for that person lately? Probably nothing since you haven’t spoken in so long. Use this as an opportunity to rekindle a friendship. You can help each other in ways that you aren’t even aware of. Even better – you now have established a connection with someone that was previously a part of your life.

Getting a mentor: A mentor can really provide you with an objective perspective regarding your personal and professional efforts. This relationship requires that each of you select each other. Mentors like to work with people with whom they have something in common. A good mentor will challenge you and engage you in thoughtful exercises to help you develop a focused game plan. Remember, you will also want to provide value to your mentor. This is a two way street.

Expanding your connections: You might be wondering how you should start expanding your connections. It takes courage to reach out to people that you don’t know. You need to establish a plan to generate connections, including meeting new people on your own and also gaining introductions through third parties. I know this can be daunting; but it is completely worth the effort. Consider joining some industry associations, and attend business and cultural events – all of these things represent networking opportunities. You have the power to make your connections work for you. You must nurture those connections – polish them as you would a diamond in the rough. Above all you must be willing to help someone else – do something or provide them with something valuable. Be prepared to walk away with nothing for yourself.

Establishing your Reputation: Wouldn’t it be nice if everyone you met spoke glowingly about you behind your back? The art of relationship building and connecting is predicated in part by what people say about you. Always, always strive to ensure your reputation is great. Offer to help people when you can, pay attention to situations around you. You never know when an opportunity might arise for you to add value for someone else. You want people to want to connect with you. Providing value will definitely establish your reputation as someone that other people are interested in connecting with.

You can make opportunities for yourself by simply extending yourself to others. It is really quite easy if you think about it. Do unto others, and they in turn do unto you.

What they are looking for: As a member of an investment bank, you can expect to do a lot of research. Oftentimes candidates are hired after completing an internship with a firm. Many firms do not require a financial background but look for young people with drive, determination and potential. Firms look to shape their candidates and are interested in those that are passionate about the financial markets, exhibit personal commitment, and strong academic performance.

Preparing for the Interview: Investment banking firms (like all companies) really appreciate candidates that understand the corporate culture. In fact, this understanding is even more important within the banking environment. Many firms encourage interaction with former interns and existing employees to get a real sense of the interviewing and hiring process. The first interview with a firm will generally be more of an overview of previous experiences and determination of fit within the organization. Subsequent interviews will be more technical in nature, including a candidate’s understanding of general financial principles and practices.

The Analyst Experience: As an analyst you will likely do a lot of research. While you build your internal network through interactions with your peers and superiors, you will also be challenged to complete projects on your own. A big part of working within a firm is interacting with internal and external clients and the firm’s experts. Make no mistake though – you will work – long and hard. There are many late nights in investment banking. Some days you might find yourself working on pitchbooks and other times you might find yourself formatting an Excel spreadsheet. Like many professions, there is a rite of passage that you will have to endure as you claw your way up the food chain.

Show me the Money: As a first year analyst the starting salaries for those with a bachelor’s degree after bonus range from $60,000 to $70,000. While it is no doubt harder to break into the industry now due to the economic downturn, there are firms that are hiring. Consider focusing your efforts on the boutique firms, since they have not been as impacted by the financial crisis. It might take a bit longer, and you might need to bite the salary bullet a little bit, but over the long-term the markets rebound, and so too will your compensation.

It definitely requires diligence, commitment, and long nights when you are starting out. The world of investment banking is dynamic and highly challenging, to say the least. You can become involved in multi-billion dollar high stakes deals. Early on you will need to take direction well, pay close attention to the details, and generally be willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done.

Negotiating can be done in a way that basically bulldozes your way to get the answer you want, or in a way that focuses more on collaboration, cooperation, and communication. It is advisable to take a combined approach to ensure your negotiations are fruitful and effective for you.

Life in general is competitive. Professional life, much more so. You want to achieve results – tip the hand in your favor, so to speak. When handling matters of compensation there are a few key competencies that you need to understand:

Your desired salary – a salary that you need or want. This does not matter. What does matter is what the potential employer thinks is a fair salary for the position. Oftentimes a budget is already established – but you are not privy to that information. Prepare for this conversation by doing your homework. You need to understand the industry and what other companies are paying for positions with similar responsibilities. Once you are armed with some knowledge, you will be in a better position to represent yourself and obtain a salary that is in line with your expectations.

Consider intangible components – vacation time, external training / education, stock options, and bonuses are some things that you can negotiate to make up for compensation. These things have a tangible value. You should consider them when evaluating what you want. You might be willing / able to reduce compensation requirements for additions or guarantees in these areas.

Gear up for the tough questions – you will likely get the following question: “What is your current compensation?” Try to avoid answering this question. How you ask? Indicate that you would like to find out additional information about the role to ensure your competencies and the company’s goals are aligned. It is at this point that you can also respond by asking the salary range that the position fits into. Yes, this is a bit of a calculated risk. However, it is one that you should take. Be polite – you want to maintain the advantage here. Getting a salary range – or better a number will allow you to evaluate if the salary is something you would consider. I know it’s tempting to want to avoid that uncomfortable silence – but hold out. The potential employer will likely speak first.

There are options – If you find that the information presented by the potential hiring manager is not acceptable, you can simply express disappointment at the proposal indicating that with your experience and achievements, you think that a salary of (put in a range here) would be more acceptable. Expressing disappointment is non-confrontational and a demonstration of your feelings. Otherwise you can present an alternative whereby you would be considered for an increase after six months based on your meeting established performance benchmarks. If you produce results and meet the targets, it will fully demonstrate your value. A little flexibility and creativity will help you get what you want.

Present your case in a clear and compelling manner; remain calm and collected. This is business. Come prepared to explore and present ideas that will put you in a position of authority and give you the leading edge!

If you have been recently laid off from an employer affected by the recession, or are simply looking for a new opportunity, the bill is going to open new ones. So let’s take a closer look at just what this new bill can mean for you in your search to find a new employment opportunity.

Where the Jobs Are

With the new stimulus bill, a number of new jobs are being created; however, the majority can be found in the manufacturing and construction sectors. For example, there will be a number of machinists and metal workers needed in factories, as well as workers for warehouses. Then there will be a need for workers in the infrastructure areas who can build bridges – while engineers and project managers will be needed to design and oversee the projects.

There will also be a number of new jobs in the information technology and health care sectors. With the majority of the world relying on new technologies to function in business and personal lives, there is a greater need for experts in this IT realm. And with the new stimulus bill working towards increased health care for every worker, there will also be more need for health care workers. Some other fields that are benefiting from the stimulus bill include real estate (entry-level mortgage lending), finance and accounting.

When They Will be Created

Since the stimulus bill is just getting its footing, don’t look for all of the jobs to start sprouting up immediately. However, there are a few that are coming available as we speak. For example, temporary placement agency Adecco is said to be currently offering 1,500 positions in the mortgage sector, while 1,400 positions are said to be offered in engineering and IT – and about 1,000 in finance and accounting. These numbers look to increase in the coming months; however, the full 3.5 million won’t likely see the light of day for another 2 years.

How to Get Your Hands on These Jobs

Now that you know what jobs are being created, you’re probably wondering just how you can get your hands on these jobs. The answer is simple; get out there and apply as you have before. If you haven’t updated your resume, now is to time to do it. Also, you’ll want to make sure that your interviewing skills are up-to-par. If you remain diligent in your search for the right job, you’ll be able to snatch up one of these new opportunities in no time.

For a while, it seemed that all of the employment opportunities were just slipping away, but with the new stimulus bill, hope is now on the horizon. So if you are qualified for one of the new opportunities sprouting up, don’t be afraid to get out there and pursue it. You never know; you may find that you’re able to start the second phase of your career.

But just because a job search is not served up with much glitz and glamour doesn’t mean it has to be a bad experience. In fact, there are ways to make the process flow a little smoother. Let’s take a look at four of those ways:

Conduct a Self Assessment

A great way to help you feel your way through your job search is to conduct a self assessment to analyze more specifically what your short- and long-term goals are, as well as your personal preferences in relation to your career. If you are in between jobs, sometimes it’s good to take a step back to decide whether your current career path is the right one for you. After sitting down and taking note of your true desires, you may find that the skills you’ve acquired to date – in conjunction with your personal goals – may be pushing you toward a new direction in your current field, or even toward a new field altogether.

Take a Closer Look at Your Finances

Something many job seekers don’t think to do during their employment search is take a closer look at their financial responsibilities. But if the search stretches from weeks to months with no income, it’s good to begin making plans on cutbacks where you can – as well as acquiring Cobra benefits (laid-off employees usually have about 60 days of eligibility with Cobra), and unemployment, if eligible.

Don’t Be Afraid to Network in Unusual Places

As you have probably already guessed, the more effort you put into your job search, the greater probability you’ll have of acquiring a great job. So while applying for jobs online and in person is great, in a tough economy, it’s important to spread your wings even further by networking where you normally wouldn’t. You might try meeting new people at church functions, at your child’s school, or even through social networking websites. The more places you’re willing to connect with people, the greater the odds of you getting a great tip on a job opening.

Keep Researching Your Field

Staying abreast of what’s going on in your field is important even when you are employed, but it’s especially crucial when you’re in the midst of a job search. If there have been any adjustment in trends, then you need to know about them. You may need to take a class or two to keep up, which you can do because you’re not working. Or you may need to include certain terminology in your resume and cover letter to show your depth of knowledge. Whatever you need to do, your time between jobs is a great time to do it.

Conducting a job search can definitely be an arduous task, but it can be made simple by keeping a positive attitude, and most importantly, not giving up. So no matter how grim it may look, keep forging ahead. You’ll be able to reap the rewards of your hard work in the end.

But it’s not always easy being a dreamer. Because while these people may be pursuing their passion, it’s often hard to do it without compromising a reasonable income. If you find yourself in this predicament, here are some tips to help you stay afloat financially while taking strides to pursue your dream …

Find a Part-Time or Temp Gig

One of the easiest ways to bring in some extra cash while pursuing your dream career is taking on part-time or temporary work. With a part-time job, you work fewer hours, which leaves you with more time to take on your own projects. And with a temp gig, while you may have to work full-time, you can accept or reject jobs at your leisure based on pay and the length of the project, which offers a different type of flexibility.

Another job that some consider when needing flexible income is substitute teaching. Much like temping, you get to decide when you work. And the money isn’t bad. For most districts, you can make anywhere from $75 to $120 a day. The only catch is that you usually need the equivalent of two years of college under your belt to qualify.

Try Working from Home

In the age where the Internet rules supreme  – and companies are trying to cut back on their overhead – it is easier than ever to find a legitimate work-from-home job. So for many who are trying to pursue an income-lacking passion, working from home in customer service, data entry, or even freelance writing gives them the opportunity to bring in income and allows for great flexibility.

If this is a route you’re thinking of taking, it’s a good idea to make sure that the company you’re looking to work for is legitimate. Check online scam reports, ask tons of questions about the business’ reputation, and don’t be shy about asking for professional references. The more effort you make to find out the legitimacy of the company, the more likely you are to actually receive an income from home – and that’s kind of the point, right?

Take On a Lesser Version of Your Dream Job

There is nothing wrong with starting from the bottom to make your way to the top – the same goes for pursuing your dream. For instance, if your passion is wildlife photography, but you’re having a hard time selling your pictures to major magazines, you may want to take a more standard photography job that will give you practice, credibility, and a little income. You can still try to sell your photos on the side until you get your big break, but at least you won’t be starving while you wait.

Pursuing your dream can bring with it many challenges. But by bringing in additional income, you can alleviate stress, which often helps to improve creativity. Anything you can do to help foster what truly makes you happy in life is a great reward within itself.

Unfortunately, no matter why we were let go, the act alone can be viewed upon negatively by prospective employers. So to help you, let’s look at some ideas to think about when trying to approach a new job for employment.

Know What Your Employer is Saying About You

You may not be able to control what your previous employer is going to say if a prospective employer calls for a reference, but at least you can be armed with what they’re going to say. The more you know about what’s in that record, the better.

A great way to find out what they might say about you is by just placing a call to the Human Resources department to find out what was reported about your dismissal in your personnel file. If you have a somewhat negative review in that record, it’s good to make sure that your references are from people in the same company who can vouch for your good performances before you had problems.

Take Charge in the Interview

If you have been called in for an interview with your prospective employer, you can anticipate a multitude of interesting questions to come your way, one of which being, “Why did you leave your last employer?” Of course, you don’t want to lie about why you left. However, you don’t have to give them the “E True Hollywood” version either. The less drama you inject into the story, the better.

For example, if you began having problems with a new manager after having a great working relationship with everyone else in the company, you can simply state that you and the new manager did not mesh well and so you left the company – all of which is true. However, it’s important that you not put your previous employer in a negative light. Remember, you are attempting to work for another employer, so you don’t want to be an employer basher.

Take It As a Learning Experience

It’s very easy to view being fired as a negative experience, but in all honesty, it usually results in something very positive. Whether your firing was the result of your heightened temper that you now can get in check, or just a way for you to now focus on your true passion, you can always get something out of it. So when approaching a prospective employer, keep the positives in mind to help you approach new opportunities with a great attitude.

It’s never fun having to think getting a new job after being fired. But you can handle it. You have to. The good news is that many people have been hired to a new position rather quickly after being released from an old one, so don’t let being fired act as your badge of shame. Instead, remember the skills and experiences learned at that employer then confidently make your way into a new and more fitting position.

What do you do? Is it best to take the low-paying job or continue taking the unemployment benefits? This is definitely not a decision that comes with a textbook answer. However, you may benefit from some basic tips to help guide your decision.

Get a Good Grasp of Your Field

While holding out is not a bad idea for a while, it’s not the best idea to do so blindly. Meaning, if you’re applying for jobs and simply collecting unemployment benefits without knowing what’s going on with your field, you may be setting yourself up for a financial and career disaster.

Think about it; there is a reason that your job let its employees go. Business probably was not good. This means, depending on your field, suffering business may be widespread. Therefore, it is important that you spend time studying what’s going on in your field so that you don’t waste unnecessary time pursuing dead-end opportunities. Check to see if the companies you’re applying with are planning to layoff workers anytime soon. You could even take this paid time off to educate yourself in new fields. It may have been a blessing in disguise that propels you toward a passion you’ve always wanted to nurture.

You Were Given Unemployment Benefits for a Reason

One thing that you should keep in mind when deciding whether to take the lower-paying position is that you were given unemployment benefits for a reason. Not only are they meant to help keep you afloat as you look for new employment, but they were established to make sure that those who are recently unemployed don’t feel that they have to accept anything that’s offered to them.

While you are required to actively seek employment while receiving benefits, there is no rule that says you have to take anything you’re offered. So if you feel that you can go a while longer on the benefits you’re receiving then continuing your search for a position that is roughly comparable to the job you previously held in both salary and benefits isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

Choose Wisely – And According to Your Family’s Needs

As mentioned previously, choosing the right path in this type of situation is not easy. Depending on your family’s financial needs in the short and long term, your decision can vary greatly. So take time to sit down with your family and weigh your options collectively, to ensure everyone is considered in this challenging decision.

The decision to accept a lower-paying position can be devastating when you consider the years of hard work you may have put into another job. It can be a major blow to the ego and wallet. So make sure that your decision to accept or deny is an informed one to ensure you and your family can benefit for years to come.

But what do you do in the meantime to keep yourself occupied? If you’re not busy while waiting to hear back from prospective employers, you can easily fall into a state of hopelessness – not good. So if you feel yourself getting down about your job search, here are a few strategies to keep you moving …

Don’t Stop Searching

This may sound obvious, but while you’re waiting to hear back from a prospective employer, don’t stop searching for work. This means treating your job search like a full-time job. It may be tempting to say to yourself, “I’ve already submitted my resume to 12 companies. I’ve done enough.” But unless those 12 companies are currently calling you for an interview, you have more work to do.

Luckily, job searches are easier than ever with search tools all over the Internet that provide customizable job-seeking functions. So if you have the Internet at home, your job for now will be to prop yourself in front of the computer and search all day. The more seeking you do, the more opportunities will open up to you.

Market Yourself

Marketing is a strategy that many job seekers don’t consider as a part of their job search strategy – but it works. You may be accustomed to posting your resume on websites like Monster and CareerBuilder, which are both great for marketing. But unless you know certain keywords to strategically place throughout your document, it may be difficult for prospective employers to find you.

This is why it’s good to not only learn proper resume-posting procedures, but also try marketing yourself through websites like Craigslist, as well as signing up for accounts with sites like LinkedIn and Facebook. On Craigslist, you can post a free ad in your city’s “services” section to market the same skills you post on your resume (look at other ads in this section for structuring ideas). And on LinkedIn and Facebook, you can create profiles to list your skills and link up with prospective employers. All of these options can work well to get your name and skills out there. They can not only help you score a temporary or part-time gig to keep money flowing until you get the full-time job offer, they might lead you to the full-time opportunity you’re looking for.

Maintain the Right Attitude

If you become discouraged due to a lack of responses, or begin to feel down that you’re unemployed, it can negatively affect your job search. Just remember, anything can change at a moment’s notice, so stay positive and keep searching. And whatever you do, don’t mentally absorb all of the bad news you hear about the job market. Remember, it does not have to apply to you.

Keeping yourself busy while looking for a job can definitely be a job within itself. But by searching daily, marketing yourself and keeping the right attitude, you will get that anticipated callback in no time.

It’s not as difficult as you may think. In fact, in many ways it can be similar to any other business transaction. So if you’ve been thinking that it’s time to get a raise, or ask for a specific salary with a new job, take a look at some ways to get it done.

Approaching the Employer

Probably one of the most challenging prospects of negotiating your salary is deciding how to approach an employer. It can feel very intimidating to tell a company how much you want them to pay you. But this task is easier if you keep in mind that you’re simply expressing your desire to be paid based on your skills and ability to perform.

So when is the right time to make the approach? If you’re in process of accepting a new position, then the right time is when you reach that point in the conversation. However, if you’re looking to ask for a raise with your current employer, you’ll want to make sure that you’ve explored the reasons that you feel it’s time to increase your pay (years employed, responsibilities fulfilled, etc.). When you’re ready to approach your boss you can simply ask for a meeting to discuss your salary. Then openly and honestly discuss the reason you feel it’s time to increase your pay.

How Much to Ask For

The amount you should ask for will vary widely based on your field and the position you’re in/seeking. This means it will be important for you to conduct some research to determine how much individuals with your level of education/experience in the position you’re in/seeking are typically paid.

Also, the city you live in can make a difference. For instance, someone living in New York City might expect to make much more working as a Human Resources Recruiter than someone living in Nashville, Tennessee. There are a number of books and websites that can help you get an idea of what you might want to ask for within the parameters of your specific circumstances. So be sure to conduct your research to make sure you’re not asking for too much or too little.

What Else You Need to Know

If you find that the salary you hoped for is not agreed upon, you don’t have to give up hope. There are other factors like healthcare benefits, additional vacation days and bonuses that you may be able to adjust to create a financial equivalent. But if you are surprised with an offer that equals or surpasses what you planned to ask for, don’t be afraid to still negotiate. You may find that you may be able to sweeten the pot even more.

Engaging in salary negotiations can seem like a fierce battle, but they typically are not. If you go in with an idea of what you want to make and the reasons why, you will most likely come out making more than you thought you would.

Why Provide References

Employers usually ask for references during the course of an application process for two reasons: 1) they want to verify previous employment, and 2) they want to know what they’re getting themselves into. Most likely, they have determined that you’re a great candidate based on your resume, cover letter and interview, but it always helps to have some additional sources step in to confirm your qualifications.

So when should you disclose your references? This can vary depending on who you’re applying for. Some may request a list of references in the job posting while others may have you list three or four while filling out their application. A good rule of thumb, however, is to hold on to your list until you’re asked for it. Just be sure to choose wisely the references you disclose, because while some employers may simply want to verify your employment, others may go further to ask specifics about the type employee you were.

Choosing Your References

One of the most important ideas to remember when choosing your references is making sure they will say good things about you. If you’re not sure what they might say, then you can have a friend call on your behalf and get a reference, asking simple, professional questions just to gauge the responses he or she might give.

Typically, the best people from which to request references include past or present supervisors, co-workers, professors, customers, vendors, and even coaches and friends. However, when the references are of more of a personal nature and they were not specifically requested, you may want to list them after the most highly-regarded professional references. This is because, for the most part, the employee is more interested in your work ethic than your personal behaviors. And with additional resources available like social networking sites, many can do more “realistic” research without needing to gauge your characteristics from a personal friend.

Asking for Permission

One of the biggest rules of thumb when selecting references is to make sure that you ask their permission before submitting their names to employers. Failing to complete this task can offer unfavorable results all the way around. Think about it, if you don’t tell your references you’ve offered their names, when the employer calls they may be thrown completely off-guard, having to come up with specific details on the spur of the moment. This could result in you not receiving the thorough recommendation you’d hoped for. So to ensure that it goes your way, make sure ask your references if you can use them in this way.

Choosing the right references to offer to prospective employers can mean the difference in you being hired for a position. So choose carefully, making sure each reference is someone you have a good relationship with and who truly has your best interest at heart.

As you make this determination, it is important to acquire experiences along the way that can help develop your career. One of the best ways to get this done is through an internship. If you’re looking to open the door to some great internship opportunities, here are some tips to get you started.

Conduct Research

As with any other job, when seeking an internship, it’s important to conduct research on the companies you want to work for, as well as the responsibilities they can offer to foster your development. While working for a Fortune 500 company is good, it doesn’t help you much if you only make copies for your manager. The more you can be involved in the ins and outs of the field you want to pursue, the better.

This is why it is a good idea to research the needs of multiple companies, whether they’re currently seeking an intern or not. By learning what a company prefers, you can determine what contributions you can make. This way, in an interview, or even when making a cold call, you can entice employers with free services that may ultimately get you the experience you need to excel when your career starts.

Resumes, Cover Letters and Interviews

Another part of the internship-seeking process is getting your cover letter and resume together, as well as preparing for interviews. If you’ve never done any of these things, don’t feel intimidated. This is just your opportunity to develop your skills.

To get started, you can look for resume and cover letter examples online to help with the formatting and wording of your document (be careful to only use them as guides, not templates). If you feel you are lacking the necessary experience you can list community service projects or church events. And if you don’t have those, but still have a strong desire for the position, you can utilize your cover letter to express these sentiments. Then at the interview, reiterate what’s in the cover letter.

Taking Advantage of Your Resources

The great thing about looking for internships (or any job) while attending college is that you have so many resources to turn to. One of the best is the career center, which has tons of books, CDs and DVDs, as well as counselors present to give you advice. Additionally, you can talk to your school advisor for tips on how to get started. And if you’re close to any professors in your major, they can help you with references, great insight based on personal experience, and more.

Top Internships in 2008

If you’re interested in knowing which companies are great to intern for, CollegeGrad.com created a list of the top 200 intern employers of 2008. Some of these employers include Walgreen Company, KPMG, General Electric, Ernst & Young, and Target. Within the list, you also receive access to their hiring plans.

An internship can be a wonderful preparatory experience for your career. So take the time to find the right opportunity for you. Your effort can undoubtedly lead you to your next great career move: your first job.

As a result, these changes have inspired the creation of jobs meant to contribute to and aid our environment rather than destroy it. These jobs are called “green collar jobs.” If you are interested in learning more about this industry, take a look at how it affects you and how you can fit in.

What are Green Collar Jobs?

Green collar jobs are typically defined along the lines of blue collar jobs. However, these jobs were created by companies that want to help improve the environment. You can see minor changes in the everyday activities of some businesses. For instance, some grocery chains have stopped passing out plastic bags for free and have began charging customers with the proceeds benefiting the environment. Because so much more effort is being placed on “going green” there are many more jobs coming available to help create zero waste, conserve water, develop residential solar energy and more.

What Types of Jobs are Available?

Some specific job types that you might be able to get into that very directly mean to enhance the environment include bike delivery services, gas station jobs related to biodiesel, green waste composting, landscaping, construction material and debris hauling and reuse.

A few others include:

- Hazardous material clean-up

- Developments for non-toxic household cleaning products

- Expansion of open spaces such as parks, recycling, solar installation

- Printing with non-toxic inks and dyes

- Maintenance and repair for public transit

- Tree cutting and pruning

- Water efficiency and conservation

- Weatherization for homes

- Energy conservation

Many businesses are hopping on the “go green” bandwagon. So this is a good time to begin searching for employment in this area.

Can I Get Involved?

One of the perks of green collar jobs is that for many of them offer on-the-job training. So if you’re looking for an environmentally-responsible career change, or post-retirement job that can make you feel good about what you’re doing, many green collar jobs can be easily moved into. Additionally, if you want a mid-to senior-level position, those jobs are available too.

The industry is growing so rapidly in fact that it is predicted that jobs in the energy-efficient industries could grow from the currently estimated 8 million available to as many as 40 million by 2030. If you are interested in finding out where you fit in, you can visit a career consultant who can help you find your way based on your specific skills. You can, for instance, use your human resources background to become a human resources manager at a solar energy company. As the industry grows, the opportunities will be endless.

If your passion falls in line with caring for the environment then green collar work may be right for you. So take your time, explore what’s out there, and seek counseling if necessary. Then enjoy getting paid to make a difference in our world.

But another great way to get a job is through networking. Whether you have a family member who can make recommendations for you, or you join an organization where you get inside tips on companies, meeting the right people help you get you the job you want. Let’s look at some ways you can make networking work for you.

Talk to Your Friends and Family

If you’re really looking to find work and the want ads haven’t been very good to you then you may want to start networking with people that you trust the most: your friends and family. Not only can they surprise you with the information they know, they have your best interest at heart, which is always a plus.

Since your relationship with them is more likely to be casual, you can simply ask if they know of any job leads or people that you can link with for opportunities, without having to worry about being professional. You may just find that by networking close to home, you can find your next job lead in no time.

Join Clubs, Organizations or Advisory Boards

Making strides in a local or national club is another route that you can take to network your way to a great job. For instance, if you’re in the IT field, you might want to join The Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP) to make connections and learn the ins and outs of your field. And if you career choice is accounting, you might want to join the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).

If you’re already a professional in your field and are looking for new opportunities, you can always join the advisory board of one of your local organizations. For instance, if you’re working in the field of communication and want to raise your stakes as a professional, you can vie for a spot on the advisory board of Girl Scouts of America where you will be able to show your community service efforts and meet important people at the same time.

Try Online Networking

A newer form of networking that has proven to be successful in acquiring employment is online social networking. Whether you’re participating in fun sites like Myspace and Facebook, or professional sites like LinkedIn, you will find that many recruiters are locating candidates through this online vehicle. It’s good to research sites that recruiters visit most, check out blogs, and learn the culture before diving in. That way, if you set up a website profile or participate on message boards, you will be able to make the best first impression possible every time.

Networking is a great way to create new opportunities in your field. So conduct your research, make your connections, and get those opportunities started. In no time at all, you’ll see that your efforts will begin to pay off.

But if you’ve found a promising job opportunity in a new city, don’t pack your bags just yet. Relocating takes a lot of thought and preparation, and is definitely not a decision to be made in haste. So before you actually take on a job that requires you to relocate, first consider these four questions.

Is the Cost of Living Comparable to Your New Salary?

Researching a new city’s cost of living is a great way to help you decide whether your new salary will allow you to live according to the standards you’re accustomed to. For example, if you live in Little Rock, Arkansas making $50,000 then take a new job for $55,000 in New York City, your living conditions would not necessarily improve considering that your rent or mortgage will have doubled or tripled. So before you move, definitely take cost of living into consideration. You may find that taking the job will give you more headaches than you could have ever imagined.

What Does the Relocation City Have to Offer?

Moving to a new city can sometime present residents with the shock of a lifetime when they discover that many of the resources and activities they’d hoped to find are not available. So while the money the new job may bring sounded exciting, being forced to sit in the house when not at work due to a lack of activities can be a pretty difficult pill to swallow. This is why it’s good to research all the city has to offer before accepting the job invitation. Knowing ahead of time what dining options, entertainment, medical facilities, grocery stores, and more are there can help you make a more informed decision regarding whether or not you should move.

Is the Company Going to Pick Up the Tab?

Something else to consider before relocating is whether the company you’re going to work for is willing to pick up the relocation tab. Depending on the location you’re moving to, relocation costs could easily enter the thousands. This is why many companies offer anywhere from $2,000-$5,000 to help new employees move. So when negotiating your salary with your new employer, it’s a good idea to inquire about a relocation bonus. Doing so can eliminate a large portion of the stress associated with moving.

Will Relocating Affect Others?

Having a family can sometimes make relocating a challenge, especially when you have to consider job opportunities for your spouse and school districts for your children. If you’re taking care of an ill family member, you may even have to find reputable care centers in the area. So again, before uprooting your family and moving them into a new environment, you should take these ideas into consideration.

Relocating to a new city can definitely be exciting. But with so many other factors to consider, it is a good idea to take your time with such a hefty decision, especially if it will affect others in your life. That way, when you actually relocate, you will know your decision was one you and your family could truly live with.