Finding the Work You Love

How to Locate Possible Employers

The Internet has profoundly changed the way we identify potential employers. To find one--preferably the one--that's right for you in today's job market, you will need to wield a combination of paper and electronic tools.

Opportunities for employment now extend well beyond the résumé banks that reside--and often lie dormant--at major companies. Savvy job seeker can choose from several methods, detailed below, to increase their exposure and improve their odds of landing the job they aspire to.

Print Classified Ads

Although the traditional “help wanted” print ad has not disappeared altogether—yet—it is most commonly used within fields such as engineering or nursing, in which job openings are regular and ongoing. Employers looking to fill positions more quickly usually turn to online classifieds. The Conference Board estimates that U.S. companies now post approximately 4.2 million jobs per month at a variety of online sites, including newspapers, corporate websites, and online job boards. A few job seekers also take a guerrilla job-hunting approach and buy their own ad in a newspaper or trade magazine. It takes guts to go this route, of course. But according to David Perry, co-author of Guerrilla Marketing for Job Hunters, it can help a candidate stand out and produce positive results.

Trade Magazines

Many employers continue to place ads in highly specialized trade magazines as a way to “narrowcast” their open positions. Whether you’re seeking work as a corporate travel specialist or a university librarian, many trade magazines provide bona fide leads. Finding these magazines may require a bit of creativity; few of them are available at newsstands. In many cases, a Google search, such as “trucking magazine,” will yield results. You can also often find trade magazines by searching for a professional field (such as engineering or accounting) along with the word association. For example, you would search for leads in engineering by typing engineering associations. This search would yield a number of associations, including the American Council of Engineering Companies and the National Society of Black Engineers. Both of these groups display their magazines at their Web sites. You can also check the Encyclopedia of Associations, which is widely available in libraries. After you’ve identified industry associations, venture online and see if they publish a magazine or newsletter.

Corporate Websites

The official website of almost every company—particularly medium and large firms—includes an “employment” or “job seekers” link that’s a rich source of information about open positions, pay and benefits, career development, company information, culture, and education and training opportunities. Many sites also let you submit a résumé directly, as an attachment or via fax.

Submitting an application and résumé directly to a company has both pros and cons. The upside: Your information makes its way into the firm’s database immediately. The downside: Many companies are so inundated with online applications that your chances of being singled out can become a game of “keyword roulette.” After all, a company’s search is only as good as the person searching for the particular terms she opts to enter (see chapter 12 of "Finding the Work You Love" for more information about how to use keywords).

Executive Search Firms

For certain types of positions, particularly managerial-level jobs at medium and large firms, an executive-search strategy can produce winning results. However, as a rule, recruiters don’t specialize in career changers. They seek professionals with loads of experience and the fast-track to a new job (for which they earn a hefty fee). Keep in mind, too, that search firms work for employers and typically have specific job “orders” or “contracts” that they attempt to fill.

As a result, it’s wise to send your résumé to dozens of these companies and look for boutique firms that specialize in your area of expertise. For example, this might include Shelton Associates in science and engineering, the Howard-Sloan-Koller Group for publishing, and the Esquire Group for the legal field. Meanwhile, larger recruiting firms such as Korn/Ferry International and Robert Half now specialize in multiple areas, including medicine, technology, and finance and accounting. You can find numerous executive-search resources and guides online, including RileyGuide.com, Bluesteps.com, and RecruiterRedbook.com, which invite you to view directories, listings, and advertisements for hundreds of search firms. In addition, many industry groups include a roster of members who work as recruiters. If you’re interested in a particular field—accounting, engineering, medicine, you name it—consider checking with the appropriate association (you can search online or check the Encyclopedia of Associations at your local library).

Alumni Networks

Alumni groups have exploded in popularity in recent years for good reason. The Internet has made it easier than ever to leverage the power of the human network. Check past employers to see if they operate an alumni network. If so, create a profile and reconnect with past colleagues. Other professionals often have the inside scoop on top recruiters and employment opportunities.

Also, don't overlook job fairs and social networking sites such as Linked In, Facebook, and Twitter. The right information at the right place can lead to consulting gigs, freelance assignments, even a job offer.

Remember, there's no single way to find the work you love.

Acclimating to a Geographic Move

In some cases, a new career might necessitate a geographic move. It’s essential to know up front whether you’re willing to relocate and what type of living environment is acceptable. If the hustle and bustle of the city sends you over the edge, then even a dream job is likely to wear thin in short order. On the other hand, if the prospect of shoveling snow or sweating through hot summers paralyzes you with dread, it’s probably best to look for a different opportunity or reconsider your career choice.

Living conditions and climate, of course, aren’t the only factors guiding a decision. There’s also the practical and emotional adjustment of moving away from friends and family—or, if you’re fortunate, closer to them; the cost and turmoil associated with a major move; and differences in housing prices of housing and the cost of living from one region to another. As a result, significant salary and expense differentials exist in areas and cities across the country. Inhabitants of New York City, for example, spend an average of $4,161 per month on rent. The typical household in Santa Fe, New Mexico, shells out $1,245 .

In many cities, a Chamber of Commerce or real estate company can provide the data you need to make a cost-of-living comparison. A growing number of cities also provide online calculators (a Google search for “cost of living” should bring them up). Another source of detailed and reliable data is the ACCRA Cost of Living Index. It covers more than 300 cities and is available from the Council for Community and Economic Research (http://www.coli.org/compare.asp). Reports for two communities cost $7.95, while each additional city using the same origination point (you can include up to five in a single report) costs  $4.95. The data is updated quarterly.  Other valuable resources include epodunk.com, Places Rated Almanac by David Savageau, and AARP’s  “Location Scout” feature.

If you’re serious about making a move, visit the community a couple of times. Bring your partner or other family members. A spouse may want to check out the local job market as well, plus take a look at shopping, recreational opportunities, police and fire protection, hospitals and medical facilities, and other lifestyle amenities. The more you know, the less likely you are to go into shock when the moving van drives away.

Laying the Groundwork for a Career Move

If you’ve ever taken a long road trip, you know how important it is to do some serious planning before you grab the steering wheel and head out on the highway. Your preparation can determine whether you drive on smooth roads, see the sites, stay at nice inns and eat good meals—or wind up on a bumpy road to headache and heartburn. In the recareering arena, traveling from Point A to Point B requires a career map that leads you to your destination with a minimum of detours and breakdowns.  Those who spend the time and energy developing a plan are likely to experience a smoother and more enjoyable journey. Let’s look at how you can move your career planning initiative into the fast lane.

 Use Social networking sites. A virtual network can pay enormous dividends. For example, LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com)  allows you to build a professional network by, you guessed it, linking to others but also viewing their circle of trusted individuals. The idea is that by establishing groups of professional colleagues, it’s possible to create connections that lead to jobs, new clients, business opportunities and more. However, just as it takes time to build a network in the physical world, you must lay the foundation in the virtual world before you need it. Other services, including, ZoomInfo.com and Congoo.com, let you create or edit a profile and search for job leads. Recruiters often use it to spot job candidates. Also, don't overlook Twitter and Facebook. More than a few job offers and professional connections have taken place at these sites.

Connect with a corporate alumni group. More than 500 major companies and organizations now operate alumni groups in one form or another. The list includes Hewlett-Packard, Microsoft and Ernst & Young. Those belonging to an alumni group find that staying in touch with former colleagues often generates new business, enhances networking opportunities and sometimes leads to a new job. Corporate alumni networks operate in much the same way as university alumni groups. Participants hold regular events and meetings, host job-referral programs, publish alumni directories, offer professional training sessions and provide career-placement services. Some groups encourage former employees to attend meetings, parties and other functions that keep them tuned into business developments and industry trends. And many now use newsletters, Websites and social networking tools to ratchet up interaction. You can find more information about corporate alumni groups at: www.corporatealumni.com.

Get involved with an industry association or local business group. Joining a professional organization—and participating in it (especially volunteering to serve on a committee or chair a committee) will likely raise your profile among colleagues and prospective employers. Moreover, attending meeting, mixers and others events will likely make you more visible to others. Although this approach often works best for individuals looking to find a new job in the same field, it can also open up new career vistas—particularly among those looking to reinvent themselves or build on their talents. Another possibility: join your local Chamber of Commerce and get to know others in your community. This approach is particularly effective if you’re considering opening your own business. You’re likely to find instant customers and also find businesses that cater to your  needs.

Look for fast track opportunities.  In a few professions it’s now possible to use existing education, experience and knowledge to transition to a new career—without facing the usual litany of requirements. For example, alternative certification has become commonplace in the teaching arena. Twenty percent of today’s teaching force is comprised of novice teachers from alternative route programs, according to the U.S. Department of Education (DOE). These programs are designed to fill shortages in key areas, such as math, science, special education, and English as a Second Language (ESL). In many cases, they require only a bachelor’s degree and additional coursework, which an individual can tackle part-time and online. This makes it possible to prepare for a career change while working in an existing job or profession. An organization such as the National Center for Alternative Certification (www.teach-now.org) can put you on the right track. In addition, private schools often hire teachers based on experience rather than certifications and credentials, and most schools hire substitutes without  requiring teaching credentials.

How to Put a Severance or Buyout to Work for You

It’s not unusual for large companies to tender buyouts or severance packages to union workers and executives. In February 2008, for example, General Motors announced it would offer buyouts as high as $140,000—along with full retirement benefits—to offset its $38.7 billion loss for the year. GM’s goal: to replace higher-paid workers with younger, lower-paid ones. Other companies have dangled packages valued at several hundred thousand dollars—or more—in front of executives.

Can you up the ante if you’re facing a buyout or severance offer? First, determine whether you truly wish to leave. If the answer is no, stay put. If the “itch to switch” to another career is compelling, however, look hard at the numbers: A six-month severance probably won’t cover the expenses of a career move, including education or training, general job-search costs, and living expenses. The equivalent of 12 to 18 months’ salary is more likely to pave the way to a successful career change. Here are some more actions to consider taking:

Retain a labor attorney, if possible. You’re likely to fare better if you bring expertise and objectivity to the situation.

Don’t accept the employer’s first offer. You may be able to push the numbers up with some negotiation. Try to secure four weeks of severance for every year of employment.

Ask for the money in a lump sum, payable immediately rather than in installments.

If you’re close to the end of the year, consider pushing the payout into the following year to diffuse your tax liability.

Negotiate to receive medical, dental, and other insurance coverage while you’re receiving the severance. Make sure you’re paid for unused vacation, sick days, and personal days.

Receive any year-end bonuses now or negotiate to receive them within the package.

For more information about severance and buyouts, visit:

FindLaw. Negotiating Strategies to Maximize Post-Termination Severance

Vault. The Whats and Whens of Negotiating Severance

The Ladders. The Ladders. Negotiating Severance Packages

Is a Volunteer Career in Your Future?

The path to a career change can be as conventional or unconventional as you like. It can travel through familiar territory and involve a traditional job or it can venture into new and unfamiliar places. One option that's growing in popularity is a volunteer job or career. These days, many social service organizations offer paid positions as well as pro bono positions. If you're thinking of entering the not-for-profit sector, the following organizations can help you match your skills and experience with a part-time or full-time position:

DeepSweep
www.deepsweep.com
This website bills itself as the largest provider of “nonprofit jobs in one place for free.” It features an extensive job bank and allows individuals to post résumés for free. Not-for-profit organizations have been known to comb the site, looking for individuals who match their needs.

Idealist.org
www.idealist.org
“Action without Borders” is the official tagline for this organization, which lists more than 7,400 nonprofit jobs and nearly 12,000 volunteer opportunities in a powerful search engine. You can look for positions by keyword, country, postal code, or language of posting. You can also include skills you have to offer—from cooking to carpentry to writing—as well as languages you speak. Clicking a link brings up a detailed profile of the organization. Also, don’t miss the organization’s e-book, The Idealist Guide to Nonprofit Careers for Sector Switchers. It provides details about how to make the switch to the not-for-profit sector. You can download a copy at: www.idealist.org/en/career/guide/sectorswitcher/index.html.

InterAction
www.ineraction.org
This entity represents “the largest coalition of U.S.-based international nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) focused on the world’s poor and most vulnerable people.” You can learn about agencies and opportunities, including international relief and development agencies.

Global Volunteer Network
www.volunteer.org
This New Zealand-based organization is a clearinghouse for volunteer opportunities in more than 20 countries, including Cambodia, China, Ecuador, Ghana, India, Nepal, Tanzania, and the United States. Its website provides information about volunteer opportunities—including program locations and requirements—and helps volunteers connect to positions that intrigue them.

Global Volunteers
www.globalvolunteers.org
If you’re looking for a volunteer vacation or a long-term volunteering effort, this organization can help you find the organization and position you seek. It offers opportunities to teach conversational English, care for at-risk children, paint, repair blighted buildings, or provide healthcare services. It operates links to programs in Costa Rica, Jamaica, Mexico, and the United States.

Network for Good
www.networkforgood.org
This organization serves as a central hub for volunteer opportunities as well as donations to various charities. If volunteerism beckons, it lets you search by areas of interest, zip code (and other geographic factors), group affiliation, and age (including kids, teens, and seniors). The site also features tips on volunteering wisely and personal stories from those who volunteer.

VolunteerMatch
www.volunteermatch.org
Matching “good people with good causes” is the mission of this organization. It boasts more than 3.2 million referrals. Enter your zip code, any distance restrictions (that is, how far you’re willing to travel), and area of interest to view a list of matching opportunities and organizations. Clicking on a link displays a detailed description of the opportunity, including a contact person and a map for the activity or event. You can also create an account in order to receive e-mail alerts and more in-depth information.

For more information, check out my previous blog post, "Clarity via Charity" (http://www.recareering-guide.com/my_weblog/2008/11/clarity-via-charity.html) as well as my book, "Finding the Work You Love." It is filled with strategies and resources for navigating a career change.

Personal Branding Makes a Mark

These days, branding is everything. Product manufacturers spend millions of dollars developing names and brands--so they can stand out in an increasingly crowded marketplace. You should think branding too. It can help guide your career and help you achieve greater success, says Dan Schawbel, personal branding expert and author of the forthcoming book Me 2.0 (Kaplan, April 2009).

In today's sagging economy, personal branding is more important than ever. I recently caught up with Dan and asked him how older workers can develop a unique brand both online and offline.

Q: What is personal branding?

A: Personal branding is how we market ourselves to others.  It's a process.

Q: Why should job seekers think about it?

A: Right now, there are 3.3 job seekers for every job and there have been more than 1.2 million layoffs this past year.  Job seekers have no choice but to differentiate themselves based on their unique skills, passions and overall brand.  It's a crowded marketplace out there for talent, so if you aren't an ambitious job seeker, who understands that the old ways of applying for a job are history, then you are going to have a very tough year ahead of you.  Recruiters are already Google'ing your name or searching for it on social networks.  You won't exist to the world if you aren't found and the best way to be found is to use social media tools to create a virtual ad for yourself, your personal brand.

Q: What are a few of the challenges for older workers in terms of branding themselves effectively?

A: Older workers have a tough time branding themselves because they have already been branded many times by colleagues and it's hard for them to reinvent themselves.  Also, they are seen as lacking technological proficiencies, such as expertise in social media.  They are used to using the phone, a fax machine or email, while the younger generation prefers instant messaging and social networking.  Older workers are at risk in this economy because company's can pay younger workers half their salaries to do the same caliber of work.  Many older workers have neglected their inner passions, so they end up stuck in a career that may provide for their family, but not cater to their career aspirations.  It's hard to switch careers when you're older because you've already built up a resume in a specific area and don't have the skills to transfer.

Q: What branding strategies and techniques are most effective, particularly for workers age 45 and over?

A: I would recommend that same branding strategies, in general, for almost anyone.  This means that you still have to have a personal branding toolkit, composed of a resume, cover letter, references document, LinkedIn Profile, website and, depending on your area of expertise, a portfolio.  I think it's important that you forget about your job title and start thinking about a personal brand statement.  Based on everything you've done in the past, how do you want to position yourself for now and in the future?  A personal brand statement explains who you are, what you do and who your audience is.  For me, it's "the leading personal branding expert for Gen-Y."  Use that framework when constructing your own.  If you operate a business, then it's important you have a separate website and link back and forth between your website and the company's.

Q: What are the biggest mistakes people make when branding themselves?

A: A lot of people don't brand themselves properly.  Some select a general topic instead of a niche, which others don't align their expertise with their passion (personal branding fuel), so their careers don't take off.  Others fail to set smart goals, such that they have a clear destination.  I've even seen some people get so much feedback from their peers on what their brand is that it doesn't even resemble who they are inside.

Q: Is it necessary to rebrand one's self from time to time?

A: Madonna would say yes to this question, but I think it depends on who you are, what you want to do in life and your current position (financially and in your career).  I don't think it's always about rebranding, but more about staying relevant to the times.  As the tools change, you have more channels by which you can convey your message, but you remain the same.  It's not about the technology.  It's about who you are inside and, if you figure that out, your brand will naturally grow on the outside.

Q: Anything else that job seekers should be aware of?

A: Job seekers should stop sitting around and stop sleeping for 9 hours each night.  If you want to make your dreams come true you have to earn it by working hard and working smart.  If you build a powerful personal brand, especially online, opportunities will be attracted directly to you, without you having to apply for them.  Just ensure that your brand is consistent both online and offline because otherwise that brand promise won't be kept and you won't get the job.

If you'd like more information and additional resources, check out Dan Schawbel's branding Website: www.personalbrandingblog.com.

On the Money

Pondering a new career can be an exciting proposition. But if there's one part of the process that's likely to cause your eyes to glaze over and your mind to go numb, it's financial planning. Unfortunately, more than a few career plans have gone awry due to inadequate planning. As I discuss in "Finding the Work You Love," you need to survey your financial situation and fully understand the costs--in terms of actual outlay and changes in income--that could impact your lifestyle.

Understanding your assets and borrowing options is essential. You may want to conduct an inventory of your financial situation (see page 171 of the book) or head to a certified financial planner to get some expert advice. If you're pulling down a pension or Social Security, you need to factor these sources of income into the equation. Likewise, any savings--including a 401k or SEP--can make a significant difference. You may also want to begin using a software program such as Quicken, Money, iBank or Moneydance to view your spending and savings patterns over time.

Finally, consider an alternative lifestyle. By downsizing or cutting back on travel, dining, entertainment, and other options, you may be able to work less and pursue your dreams. Finding the work you love is as much about being financially savvy as it is about getting in touch with yourself. Remember, solid upfront planning can help you achieve your goals.

Getting Down to Business

Recareering can take many forms. If you're looking to ditch your 9-5 and start your own business, the fantasy may overwhelm the reality. You may find unexpected obstacles blocking your path to fame and fortune. Here are some of the things that can help you make a successful transition:

Follow your interests and passions. Do something that will light your fire and take you higher! Perhaps its your own sports card shop or a computer repair service.

Do your research. Know exactly what you're getting into before you leap. Talk to others in the same line of business, read articles online, scan books, and check out sites such as the Small Business Administration (www.sba.gov).

Draft a Business Plan. It will help you approach a new business in an intelligent and planned way. It may also help you obtain much-needed capital.

Make sure you have adequate capital and reserves. It could take a year or two for the business to take off and enough revenue to stream in that you're able to draw a salary or make a profit. You may need to pinch pennies but also understand how and when to invest.

Be prepared mentally and physically. Visions of glamor and success may dance before your eyes but it's  likely that plenty of sweat will drip from your brow. A new business can be stressful and demanding. You may spend long hours at work--particularly at the outset.

Ensure that you have support. You will need a partner or family that can be supportive and help out in a pinch. You will also need to find employees you can trust.

Stay informed. Read trade publications, subscribe to online newsletters, attend conferences. Do what it takes to get ahead and stay ahead.

Remember, some upfront preparation can help you find the work you love!

Your Recareering Task: Know Your Motivations

Here’s a key question every recareering candidate should ask: Am I running toward one thing or away from another? Although the distinction isn’t always easy to draw, running away incorporates a desire to break free from inordinate pain, anxiety, or stress. The trigger may be an abusive boss, the sense that your current employer is exploitative or unfair, a feeling of boredom or burnout, or simply a mismatch between individual talent and organizational needs.

Sometimes dissatisfaction with a job results from passion drift. Let’s say a nurse who excels in that role receives a promotion, then perhaps another. One day she wakes up to find she’s no longer healing the sick—her original passion—but instead managing other nurse’s schedules and drowning beneath piles of paperwork. Or a traffic engineer who always relished troubleshooting problems in the field wakes up to discover he is a desk jockey mired in project management.

Running toward something, by contrast, is all about striving to reach a defined goal—whether it’s going back to school to earn a master’s degree and become a teacher or saving the money required to open a boxing gym. You may feel that you no longer want to hoe the row you’re in but remain uncertain about  which new field of endeavor you want to pursue. Unfortunately, if you jump too soon you may find that you’ve simply shuffled jobs or moved to a new career but feel just as unhappy as you did before.

Without some genuine introspection (including, perhaps, career counseling) and a commitment to change, you’re apt to follow the same patterns (or make the same fundamental choices) over and again. The scenery may have changed, but the feeling of déjà vu lives on.

The upshot? It is crucial to know what (if anything) you’re running from now and where you want to wind up next. Make no mistake, enlightenment is at the center of finding the work you love.

Are You Feeling Sandwiched?

Raising children or tending to aging parents demands time, money and resources. The situation is especially daunting for those who work full-time. But, for a growing number of Americans, there’s a new challenge emerging: providing care for an elderly parent while raising kids. As boomers have postponed childbirth into their 30s and 40s and life spans have increased, some find themselves helping their children with the homework while assisting parents or other relatives with housework…or medical care.

Experts have labeled this group the “sandwich generation.” According to Margaret Neal and Leslie Hammer, both professors at Portland State University in Oregon and authors of Working Couples Caring for Children and Aging Parents: Effects on Work and Well-being, about 9 percent to 13 percent of U.S. households with two or more people age 30 to 60 tend to elders at least three hours a week while raising children. Another study found that 77 percent of Americans expect to care for an older loved one within the next five years and 70 percent who do provide care must take time off from work.

It’s no small matter. “Working couples report greater stress, increased levels of work-family conflict, slightly higher levels of depression and, in some cases, financial challenges…Maintaining a job while managing family responsibilities has become a major issue for much of today’s workforce,” Hammer explains.

Although caregiving has always existed, it’s affecting more people…and impacting them more profoundly, says Donna L. Wagner, a professor at Towson University in Maryland and director of the school’s gerontology program. Not only have basic demographics changed, more women have entered the workplace, families are more dispersed and many workers have no financial net to fall back on. They simply can’t take time off—even with the Family and Medical Leave Act (which provides 12 weeks annual unpaid leave for a birth or family health condition).

Too often, individuals caught in the middle find themselves unprepared to deal with the mélange of practical and emotional issues caregiving brings. Already stressed with work and children, time and energy are at a premium. Meanwhile, “Many individuals aren’t equipped to handle the role reversal of becoming a parent to their parent,” states Carol Abaya, a nationally syndicated newspaper columnist and expert of aging. Coping with financial and legal issues as well as juggling phone calls, visits, and in-home care can affect work and relationships,” Abaya says.

For those recareering, it’s vital to examine a caregiving situation prior to making any major change. A couple—or family—may need to share the responsibility (including children helping out). In addition, you may benefit by attending school or training sessions online or finding a flexible education option. Finally, you should consider an employer that allows a flexible or alternative schedule or offers personal days or dependent care assistance. Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago, for example, pays for up to 80 hours per year of in-home care for family members.

The bottom line on the front lines of work? Caregiving shouldn’t stop you from recareering, but it is something you must consider—and plan around—if you want to successfully negotiate a change.