Thinking of a career change in Seattle?

Many times career change happens to us. Our industry starts to fade, our employer goes bankrupt, or we personally are downsized, fired, laid off, demoted or otherwise find ourselves at a crossroads.

But occasionally we choose to change careers of our own free will. It’s exciting, a little scary, and getting more common. If you can, take the opportunity to think it through.

First, know why you want to change careers. If it’s because you simply hate your current job, make a list of those things you don’t like so you don’t inadvertently land on a career that’s too similar. (It happens.) If money is the reason, figure out how much more money you’re looking for. You should also list what you liked about your old job, so you can try to replicate those good things in your new one.

Identify the areas of overlap between your old and new careers. If nothing else, important job skills such as organization, thoroughness and communication are easily transferable. Leverage everything that be leveraged.

Recognize that it may take time. You probably won’t end your old career on a Friday and start the new one on the following Monday. Chances are you’ll need to acquire new skills or certifications, build up your savings and/or reduce your debt and create a new network. You may even need to work at an interim job while easing into — or working up to — the job you really want.

Get clear on what you want to keep and what you’re willing to give up. It can help tremendously to make a list of what you must have (a flexible schedule, a certain salary, etc.) and what you’re willing to compromise on (Are you willing to relocate? Would you be happy with a lesser level of power and authority?).

Finally, you need to believe in the possibility of change. After we’ve done the same kind of work for a few years, we start to think of ourselves in a certain way — as a tech worker, say, or a teacher or an attorney. It becomes part of who we are. Changing careers means changing identities, and that can be a challenge, even threatening. So be prepared for setbacks and always keep working toward your goal.

 

Educational Requirements for Jobs

Why Do You Need to Know About Educational Requirements?

Before you decide to pursue a particular career, you must make sure you are willing to fulfill the educational requirements that will allow you to get an entry-level job. If career advancement is important to you, you will also want to discover what you will need to do to move up in that field. If you are unwilling to meet the educational requirements, or if you must start working immediately and don’t have time to get the appropriate training, you will have to think about other options. On a similar note, you may not want a job that doesn’t require a certain amount of education, for example, a college degree.

How To Find the Training You Need

When the required education for an occupation is very precise, for instance, if you must get a particular certificate or a degree from an accredited program, you will have to decide what institution to attend. There are several ways to go about finding out where to get the training you need.

  • Professional Associations: Use any search engine to find the professional association for an occupation. Then go to the organization’s website and look for a section about education or careers. If you must get your training or degree from an accredited program, it will probably say so here. There will likely be a list of programs, as well, or links to resources you can use to locate that information.
  • Local Training: Search for training by location. Programs include colleges, trades schools, unemployment retraining and short-term programs.
  • Your Network: If you have contacts in your prospective career field, find out where they received their training. You may also uncover this information through informational interviews with people who work in the occupation you are researching.

What You Need to Know About Additional Qualifications

In addition to educational requirements, the state or municipality in which you want to work may require you to have a license or certificate. You may need a certain amount of experience and have to pass written and practical examinations to get licensed or certified.

You should be aware of the difference between mandatory certification, as discussed above, and voluntary certification. Some professional associations grant credentials to individuals who demonstrate competence in an occupation or industry. This is what is meant by voluntary certification. The state or municipality will not require you to get it but it could make you a more desirable job candidate. Some employers, however, may require it.

Upgrade your career during these tough times

Setting Clear Career Goals and Achieving Them

Define Your Long-Term Vision

Where do you envision your career in the next 1, 5, or even 10 years? Establishing long-term goals is the foundation of a successful career path. Break down these big aspirations into smaller, actionable steps to create a clear path forward. By setting achievable short-term goals, you’ll stay motivated and steadily progress toward your ultimate vision.

Write Down Your Goals

Research from Harvard shows that individuals who document their goals are three times more likely to achieve them. Writing down your objectives and placing them somewhere visible can keep you focused and accountable. Make a habit of ticking them off as you reach each milestone—this simple act reinforces your progress and keeps you motivated.

Be Proactive in Your Job Search

If a new role or a fresh start in a different company aligns with your career goals, be proactive. Utilize job boards and recruiters to support your search. Working with a recruiter who specializes in your field can offer significant advantages, such as insights into market trends, guidance on interview preparation, and feedback tailored to your potential employer’s expectations.

At CareerPaths NW, we’re dedicated to helping individuals reach their full potential. Click here to view our latest job openings.

Invest in Professional Growth

Gaining a promotion or securing a new position often requires stepping outside your comfort zone. Be ready to develop new skills or deepen your existing knowledge—whether it’s management training or mastering new techniques. This willingness to learn not only enhances your capabilities but also makes you a stronger candidate for future opportunities.

Believe in Your Potential

Confidence is key. Our recruiters emphasize that self-belief plays a pivotal role in career advancement. Employers often recognize when a candidate believes in their ability to succeed. Embrace your strengths, and don’t hesitate to pursue opportunities that may initially seem beyond reach—confidence can be the differentiating factor that helps you land that next role.

Searching for a Job in Seattle

Is your job search feeling a bit sluggish or even hitting a standstill? Here are some quick, time-saving tips to give your job hunt a smoother path forward.

1. Set Yourself Up for Success

Make sure you’re ready to respond to potential employers promptly. Set up a voicemail system with a professional greeting, and create an email address that sounds appropriate for job applications. Consider having a separate email account just for job hunting to keep messages organized and avoid missing important updates. Adding your cell phone number to your resume can help ensure you’re accessible for follow-ups.

2. Always Be Job-Ready

Keep an updated resume on hand, even if you’re not actively looking for a job. An unexpected opportunity could arise, and having your materials ready to go can make all the difference. If you’re not already on LinkedIn, set up a profile and start connecting with industry professionals who could be valuable to your job search.

3. Act Quickly on Benefits

If you’ve been laid off, file for unemployment benefits as soon as possible. Filing promptly, whether online or by phone, can prevent delays in receiving your benefits check.

4. Take Advantage of Free Job Resources

Many community resources, like college career centers, state labor offices, and public libraries, offer free or affordable career counseling and job search assistance. Libraries often provide workshops, computer access, and other job search resources, making them excellent places to bolster your job hunt.

5. Prepare Templates to Save Time

Create customizable templates for your resume and cover letter, leaving space for specific job details. This way, you can adjust each application to the job requirements without having to rewrite everything from scratch. Microsoft Word offers free, downloadable templates for resumes and cover letters, making it easy to personalize your documents.

6. Use Sample Documents as Inspiration

Look at samples of resumes, cover letters, and other job search documents to gather ideas for your own. Reviewing examples can provide inspiration and help you tailor your materials to reflect the best practices in your field.

7. Maximize Job Search Engines

Leverage job search engines to simplify the search process. These platforms allow you to explore multiple job boards, company websites, professional associations, and other listing sources in one go, saving you time and helping you keep track of new openings.

8. Sign Up for Job Alerts

Let job listings come to you by signing up for job alerts. Most major job boards and some specialized apps will send you listings directly to your inbox based on your preferences, keeping you informed about relevant positions as they appear.

9. Prepare References in Advance

Have a list of three references, including each person’s name, job title, company, and contact information, ready to share with potential employers. Print a copy to bring along to interviews. Being prepared shows professionalism and can streamline the process once you’re in final interview stages.

10. Tap into Your Network

Keep in mind that many jobs are filled through word-of-mouth rather than formal postings. Spread the word about your job search with friends, family, and professional contacts, and don’t hesitate to ask for any assistance they can provide.

11. Get Active on Social Media

Social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter are increasingly used by companies for recruiting. These platforms can also be a way to find job leads early. Promote your job search and engage with industry communities to enhance your visibility and open up new networking opportunities.

Following these steps can help you make the most of your time and resources, bringing you closer to the job that’s right for you. Stay organized, proactive, and ready, and your efforts will pay off.

Personal SWOT Analysis for Bellevue Job Seekers

Many professionals recognize the value of a SWOT analysis for their companies. Understanding a business’ Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats gives leaders a new perspective on what the organization does well, where its challenges lie and which avenues to pursue. However, few people realize that a personal SWOT analysis can do the same for an individual in pursuit of his or her career goals.

The SWOT analysis was first devised as a business tool in the 1960s by business icons Edmund P. Learned, C. Roland Christensen, Kenneth Andrews and William D. Guth. In 1982, Heinz Weihrich took it one step further, constructing a 2-by-2 matrix to plot out the answers to the four key questions for easy comparison. Strengths and Weaknesses were across the top, and Opportunities and Threats in the bottom row. This remains the most common and effective way to conduct the analysis.

Why conduct a personal SWOT analysis?

Most professionals look at their strengths and weaknesses, a SWOT analysis takes things a step further by forcing people to think about the external factors that bear heavily on the health and direction of their careers. Looking at the quadrants together can be a creative way to think about where you are in your career and the directions you could take,

SWOT can also help people become the best versions of themselves. Self-assessment is a key activity in striving to achieve a sense of one’s personal best. The SWOT analysis exercise ignites an enhanced awareness of what one brings to the table in a balanced light of both advantages and challenges. Organizations roll out elaborate schemes to remain competitive as well as innovative. Why wouldn’t individuals want to achieve the same level of excellence for themselves?”

How to do it

To conduct a personal SWOT analysis, ask yourself questions about each of the four areas being examined. Answer honestly. Honesty is crucial, or the analysis will not generate meaningful results. With that in mind, try to see yourself from the standpoint of a colleague or a bystander, and view criticism with objectivity.

It’s also important to imagine the potential of what you can become,

“Don’t limit yourself to the strengths that you’re currently exhibiting in your job.  List all of your strengths, even the ones that have been dormant for a while. And pay particular attention to the things that you have that your peers don’t — how are you different, unique and special?”

Begin by identifying your strengths. These are the traits or skills that set you apart from others. Questions to ask include:

  • What are you good at naturally?
  • What skills have you worked to develop?
  • What are your talents, or natural-born gifts?
  • How strong is your network of connections?
  • What do other people see as your strengths?
  • What values and ethics set you apart from your peers?

The next step is weaknesses.This part examines the areas in which you need to improve and the things that will set you back in your career. Questions to consider include:

  • What are your negative work habits and traits?
  • Does any part of your education or training need improving?
  • What would other people see as your weaknesses?
  • Where can you improve?
  • What are you afraid to do or most likely to avoid?
  • What negative feedback about your personality or work habits have you received?

For the opportunities section, look at the external factors you can take advantage of to pursue a promotion, find a new job or determine a career direction. Questions to examine include:

  • What is the state of the economy?
  • Is your industry growing?
  • Is there new technology in your industry?
  • Is there new demand for a skill or trait you possess?
  • What are the biggest changes occurring in the current business environment?
  • Have customers or co-workers given you feedback about new services you could provide, or ways to improve your manner?

Finally, look at any threats to your career growth. This part takes into account the external factors that could hurt your chances to attain your goals. The factors to take into account include:

  • Is your industry contracting or changing directions?
  • Is there strong competition for the types of jobs for which you are best suited?
  • Do your weaknesses inhibit your ability to rise in your company or change jobs?
  • What is the biggest external danger to your goals?
  • Are there any new professional standards you cannot meet?
  • Are there any new technology, education or certification requirements that will impede your progress?

Finding the necessary objectivity to conduct a personal SWOT analysis can be a challenge. For this reason you are advised to invite others who know you well to review your ideas for accuracy. We often cannot see how we come across in our interactions with others, so their feedback is valuable.

In some cases, you may be well-served by getting the help of a professional. We encourage job seekers to work with professionals certified in various assessment instruments, or to research assessment tools online that can provided measured feedback for consideration.

Next steps: match or convert

Once you have filled out the matrix, there are two ways to analyze the information and build a strategy: matching or converting.

Matching means connecting two of the categories to determine a course of action. For example, matching strengths to opportunities shows you where to be aggressive and take action. On the other hand, matching weaknesses to threats exposes those areas you should work on or situations to avoid, and lets you know where to be more defensive of your position.

To convert is to turn negatives into positives — in other words, converting your weaknesses into strengths, or threats into opportunities. This can mean growing a skill set through education, or finding a creative way to feature a weakness as a strength. For instance, if you are very outgoing, working in an introspective and isolated environment may not suit you very well. But if you can work toward a position, such as sales, in which you interact with many people, that weakness turns into a strength and could allow you to excel.

Outcomes

Once your personal SWOT analysis is complete, it is crucial to follow through on the insights you uncovered.

SWOT analysis can fail to be effective if it is simply treated as a ‘laundry list,’ without any tie-in to how the elements identified in the analysis can be put into play for the individual carrying out the assessment. For example, how can the identified strengths move the needle in the endeavor to achieve a key goal? Or how can one navigate a potential threat once it is identified, so as to ensure no ground is lost?”

“The best outcome is to take action and succeed in the opportunities you have identified.  This can benefit you on a personal and professional level, and set you apart from your peers and colleagues.

SWOT templates and more information

Those who want to conduct their own SWOT analyses can visit numerous career sites providing online templates and further information:

Image Courtesy: http://www.chunkofchange.com/wp-content/uploads/swot-analysis_54534e77d19ce_w1500.jpg

Low energy on a job in Bellevue, these tips will help…

Low energy or fatigue a problem on the job? let’s discuss some possible solutions.

First, address reasons for your fatigue. Any job can have physical demands. For example, if you have a sedentary job, the constant sitting can be wearing.

In that case, take the time during the day to stand up, take a short walk and stretch a little. Take a few deep breaths. Even a brief break will help you shake the tiredness.

If you have a more physical job or travel a lot, figure out the actions that will help you stay strong.

And by all means, if you think there may be illness at play, get to a doctor to have it checked out.

Then consider preventive steps on the physical side. Regular activity, even something mild like walking, can help build and maintain energy. More strenuous options, like a sport of some kind, may also suit you and give you a physical and emotional boost.

A moderate and balanced diet also helps a lot. Pay attention to how different foods make you feel, then form a habit of eating things that are energizing and cutting back on those that make you drag (even if you like them). Also cultivate a healthy sleep routine.

On to the emotional fatigue. While physical well-being will help your state of mind, there are many other steps to consider.

Take a 360-degree view of your life, reflecting on your spiritual, social, intellectual, relational and physical health.

Compare where you’d like to be with your current state, and use that to find a few changes you could make that would perk you up.

Also dig a little into how you’re feeling to see what’s under the fatigue. Powerlessness, anger, frustration or boredom will all have different solutions; identifying your emotion more precisely will help you match your actions to your need.

Turn to other people for support. If you need a pick-me-up during the workday, invite a congenial colleague for a walk. Increase the amount of family and friend fun time outside of work.

Balance this with reflective time to go inward and find some stillness.

As you build your portfolio of energy boosters, you’ll likely find that the fatigue becomes more manageable and your work life will be even more vibrant.

Don’t forget these things while looking for jobs

When you’re on the job hunt, attention to detail can make all the difference. Here are some often-overlooked tips to keep in mind to present yourself professionally and leave a strong impression on potential employers.

1. Double-Check Your Facebook Privacy Settings

Your social media activity is more visible than you might think. Simply hiding tagged photos or wall posts isn’t always enough—employers might still be able to see events you’ve attended or pages you’ve liked, which may not always make the best impression. To ensure your privacy, go to Facebook’s ‘Timeline and Tagging’ settings. In the ‘Review’ section, use the “Review what other people see on your timeline” option to see your profile from a public perspective. Adjust as necessary to keep any content private that might not align with your professional image.

2. Keep Personal Websites and Portfolios Updated

If your resume, LinkedIn profile, or cover letter links to a personal website, portfolio, or blog, make sure these sites are live, accessible, and up-to-date. Domain names or hosting services can sometimes expire without warning, leading to broken links that leave a poor impression on hiring managers. Ensure your online presence showcases your latest achievements and skills, reflecting the very best of your work.

3. Inform and Prepare Your References

When applying for jobs that require references, let your contacts know they might receive a call or email from a potential employer. Brief your references on the positions you’ve applied for by providing a link to the job listing, a quick summary of the company, and an outline of how you’ve presented your experience. This way, they’ll be prepared to reinforce your strengths if contacted. A quick follow-up with them after each interview is also a considerate touch to keep them in the loop.

4. Respond Quickly and Professionally

Being responsive can set you apart. From promptly replying to interview invitations to sending a thank-you note after an interview, responsiveness demonstrates enthusiasm and reliability. Avoid delays, especially for emails that require specific responses, like interview scheduling or submitting requested documents. A lag in communication can signal disinterest, leading employers to consider candidates who appear more proactive and engaged.

Just starting your career?

Just Starting Your Career? Here’s How to Build a Strong Foundation

Beginning a career is an exciting but challenging journey, and setting yourself up for success early on can make all the difference. Here are essential tips to help you shape your path and stay aligned with your personal and professional values.

1. Set Clear Career Goals

Start by defining what “career success” means to you personally. Are you focused on reaching a specific income level, securing a particular role, or achieving a meaningful work-life balance? Clarifying your career goals is crucial because it gives you a target to work toward. Take time to reflect on what you want to accomplish and why it’s important to you. Write down your goals, imagining in detail what achieving them will feel like. Then, map out a concrete plan that includes actionable steps. This will keep you focused and motivated as you progress.

2. Consider What You’re Willing to Sacrifice

Every career choice involves some level of trade-off. It’s essential to recognize the potential costs that come with pursuing your career goals—whether it’s limited time with loved ones, missed opportunities for relaxation, or challenges to your health. Think carefully about your boundaries. Decide which aspects of your life you’re willing to compromise on, and which ones are non-negotiable. Being aware of these trade-offs can help you make better choices and avoid burnout, ensuring your career growth doesn’t come at the expense of your well-being.

3. Make Time for Regular Self-Reflection

Along the way, take periodic breaks to reflect on your progress and reassess your direction. Ask yourself:

  • What am I doing, and is it effective?
  • Is this moving me closer to my goals?
  • Are there easier or more efficient ways to achieve this?

When you’re deeply focused on a goal, it’s easy to slip into “autopilot” mode, following routines without thinking critically about them. Regular self-reflection helps you recognize these habits, allowing you to adapt as needed. This practice can prevent you from veering off course and help you stay aligned with your true goals.

Starting a career can be both thrilling and daunting. By setting clear goals, understanding the potential sacrifices, and reflecting on your journey, you’ll be well-equipped to build a fulfilling career that aligns with your personal values and ambitions.

Tips to survive the Covid Blues

2020 has been an epic year for all the wrong reasons and things are bleak and circumstances have led you to think about a  new career or a new job.

Maintain your focus.

If you’re about to start a new job or career, it’s time to get laser-focused. What type of work do you want to do? What types of projects do you want to work on? Get clear on what your dream career looks like and deprioritize anything that’s not on your goal list.

Do your research.

Thanks to Google (and Bing and Yahoo) job searching resources are at our fingertips! Interested in working at a specific company? Check out Glassdoor to see what employees are saying about it. Get informed–it might even lead you to a new company (or title) you haven’t heard of before.

Remove distractions.

Learning something new or doing research to change careers can be daunting, so always aim to work in environments that allow you to be the most productive.

Learn the fundamentals of the industry.

If you’re making the leap into a completely new field, do your best to learn the basics. Find out what the typical job titles and roles consist of and learn about the types of career path options you could take. Start with the entry level and work your way up to see what it would take to become a manager or director in your respective field.

Tap into your network.

Ready to become a software engineer and know a friend (or a friend of a friend) who is one? Reach out to them! Buy them coffee, find out about their process, dig into what they wish they knew when they got started.  Even if you’ve had three jobs before making the switch, there’s always room to learn more. Worst case, you’ll get some insider info. Best case––they might be the contact that helps you nab your next role.

December is the best time to look for a job in Seattle

Savvy job-seekers might know how to write resumes and cover letters, but few are aware of this surprising fact: Contrary to popular belief, December is actually the best time of year to look for work!

There are two compelling reasons why this is true–

#1 Competition levels drop dramatically. The majority of job-seekers figure that the holidays are a waste of time and make only marginal efforts to search for a new position. But their unfortunate mistake can turn into your big advantage because…

#2 Hiring takes off in the New Year. Although interviewing for full-time employees takes a dip in December, the months of January and February typically generate the strongest hiring period of the year. Organizations kick-off new projects and initiatives, budgets are put into place and additional staff is required to carry out the company’s plans.

Accordingly, if you take full advantage of the opportunities that the holidays have to offer, you may well find yourself as a sought after candidate–one who’s first in line to be interviewed in early January. To ensure you are making the most of this special time of year, here are three holiday practices you will want to adopt:

Practice the art of seasonal schmoozing. The holidays are filled with parties, gatherings, and community events. These are all prime opportunities to mix, mingle and share your story. Be certain, however, that you don’t dampen the festivities by trying too hard. Resist the temptation to deliver a rehearsed elevator speech unless you are attending a formal industry event where such introductions would be commonplace. Even then, make sure you judge the mood of the merrymakers before you come across as too stiff or businesslike.

At informal gatherings, a light touch is always best. When asked what you do, you can reply with a snappy one-liner that will pique your listeners’ interest. For example, a department store buyer used this playful response when asked about her career, “I shop with other people’s money.” (You can bet ears perked up with that one!) Once the buyer had the attention of her audience, she then continued with a lengthier description of her skills, experience and job search goals.

Reconnect with old contacts. Holiday cards and folksy letters are not only welcomed, they’re expected. Done correctly, they can be a great way of securing new leads and opportunities. After sharing the latest news about your family, you can mention your job search and add a few of the companies you are targeting. Then in a low-key manner, you can let your friends know that you’d appreciate any suggestions or contacts they might have.

You can also send holiday greetings to recruiters you’ve worked with in the past, reconnect and update them on your search. Recruiters are busy people and can easily forget candidates. So your greeting may well put you at the top of their minds in a favorable light. And, if you are very lucky, they might have the ideal job cross their desk just as your greeting appears in their inbox.

Network in new and innovative ways. Volunteering, seasonal hiring, and all sorts of opportunities present themselves for moving beyond your immediate circle of contacts. Pursue as many of these as you can that will comfortably allow you time for other holiday networking activities. You never know whom you might meet and where such opportunities may lead.

Most of all, remember that your goal is to take full advantage of the serendipity and good will that abounds in December. Join in the seasonal festivities, celebrate with your career goals in mind and anticipate that success may be only weeks away. You just might find yourself ringing in 2015 with a brand new job. And that’s a pretty great way to start off the New Year… with a big thanks to the holiday spirit!

Source: Mary Eileen Williams