How to get back in your field if you were laid off

Source: Yahoo

Experts weigh in with what you need to do to stand out in today's tough job market.

By Terence Loose

Are you experienced in your field, but also unemployed? Have you been trying to get back into your profession for a while with no luck? You need a competitive edge - and you need one fast.
After all, the world is changing faster than ever before, and it's important to keep up, says Phil Dunn, president of Synapse Services, a Web technologies and marketing company. Dunn and other experts we spoke to in fields ranging from education to computer software to finance say that no matter what field you're in - or trying to get back into - you need to use today's tools to attract clients or employers.
"You need to have a LinkedIn account with some sort of history and lots of your professional experience in there," says Dunn. "Bonus points for sharing articles, videos, [and other examples] that demonstrate how you're keeping on top of your industry's trends."
In addition, the experts say staying up-to-date on certificates, degrees, computer program languages, and other skills in your field is as important as experience. So if you're out of the workforce and want to know what you can do to improve your chances of getting back in it, read on for specific advice from experts in various fields.

Marketing

Got work? If not, but you're ready to climb back into the marketing saddle, there are a few things you can do to give yourself an edge.
Marketing pros are the whiz kids who use everything from conventional media to social media campaigns to promote products and services. And according to Anthony P. Carnevale, director of Georgetown University's Center on Education and the Workforce, marketing has never been more valuable to business. So how do you stand out? Funny you should ask...
How to Stand Out: "It's now imperative that you have some sort of experience with a variety of tools that may or may not be outside your comfort zone," says Dunn. He lists Photoshop or Pixlr (for those who don't want to spend the money), InDesign, Illustrator, MailChimp, or Constant Contact, WordPress and/or Squarespace.
"And in general, you need to be able to manage social media pages and profiles," he says. "This could mean mastering something as low-budget as Hootsuite or going further up the chain into the more sophisticated tools from Salesforce Marketing Cloud, Eloqua, Marketo, and the like," he says.
Potential Career to Go After: Marketing Manager. These are the masterminds who oversee advertising campaigns to help companies gain new and loyal customers as well as generate interest in a product or service, says the U.S. Department of Labor.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Marketing Program.
If you have a background in marketing, but would like to pursue a job as a marketing manager, you'll want to make sure you have a bachelor's degree. The Department of Labor says most marketing managers have one and helpful coursework includes business law, management, economics, mathematics, and statistics.

Finance

The financial crash and recent recession was tough on financial portfolios, so if you were in the business of financial advising, there's a chance you lost clients, or your job.
Getting back in the game as the economy recovers "requires a mixture of credentials, experience, marketing, and people skills," says Connie Yan, a marketing associate with Symmetry Partners, LLC, an investment advisory firm registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. And that's just a start...
How to Stand Out: "There's little doubt that the financial advisory field is a competitive industry, so any way that you can differentiate yourself from the competition is a plus," says Yan. "Obtaining an educational designation such as a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) or Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) is an excellent way to separate yourself from the pack."
Jeff Rose, CFP, CEO and founder of Alliance Wealth Management, LLC, says some personal marketing and promotion skills are also key. "My big takeaway is that struggling advisors need to learn how to leverage social media to generate a constant stream of referrals, as well as build greater trust amongst existing clients," he says. It should be noted that several experts gave this same advice. In financial parlance, that's a strong "buy it."
Potential Career to Go After: Personal Financial Advisor. Want to help individuals or organizations make sound investments, whether it's about stocks or bonds? That, along with giving other crucial financial advice, is what financial advisors do, says the U.S. Department of Labor.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Finance Program.
If you're not yet a personal financial advisor, but would like to pursue the career, the Department of Labor says these professionals typically need a bachelor's degree. The Department also adds this: "Although employers usually do not require a specific field of study for personal financial advisors, a degree in finance, economics, accounting, business, mathematics, or law is good preparation for this occupation."

Software and Technology

When looking for prospective new hires, many software company executives feel that degrees and certificates merely get applicants in the "consider" category. Why? Technology professionals need to demonstrate competence in more ways than one.
"Experienced and unemployed software engineers generally need to acquire and demonstrate that they have new technical skills. Hiring managers need to see the work product," says Lorin Davie, a former hiring manager for software developers and founder of software firm Axilent. And how do you do that?
How to Stand Out: "While you're unemployed, take the time to write a new iPhone app, or to build a new Web service. It doesn't matter if you don't sell a single copy, it's the experience you'll gain from the venture. Savvy employers will see that you've been keeping your skills sharp and couldn't care less that you did or didn't do that for another employer," says Brian Geisel of Geisel Software, a Web and mobile app development company.
Open source projects are great calling cards as well, say many employers. "Go where the A Player software developers go: Attend your local city's User Groups, join online groups such as Github, contribute, and be active on Stackoverflow. Create some sample code work that you can share with potential employers that shows off your coding abilities," says Kelly Geary, a recruiter for Headspring, a leading custom software, systems integration, and mobile app development company.
Potential Career to Go After: Software Developer. Software developers create new computer applications or the underlying systems that run computer networks, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Computer Science Program.
If you're interested in this career, but not sure you have the educational qualifications, you should know that according to the Department of Labor, software developers usually have a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related subject, although a degree in math is also accepted.

Education

Mentoring the next generation is a noble profession, but if you're finding it tough to land a teaching position, there are certain specific things you can do to up your chances, experts say.
A big one is to accept the fact that you may need to commute long distances or even move, says Susan Heathfield, a management consultant and writer of About.com's Guide to Human Resources. "Teaching is one job that is very regional, so teachers may need to look far outside their local schools for jobs," she says. But that's not all...
How to Stand Out: Specificity is vital to standing out in this field, says Tracy Brisson, author of "Confessions of a Teacher Recruiter: How to Create an Extraordinary Resume and Hook Your Dream Job." "Customize your resume to highlight your specific accomplishments," she says. "I toss all resumes that just indicate the teacher participated in student teaching without any details like how many students, grade, or specific projects."
In addition, strategic certificates could give you an advantage. "Get a certificate or degree or experience in teaching English as a Foreign Language, as ESL students are pretty much the norm in all schools today," says Christy Grimste, director of international teacher recruitment at Educators Overseas, a teacher placement company for schools around the world.
"A TEFL certificate (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) can be earned online by native English speakers," says Grimste. Staying active with children is also key: Volunteering at a local school or children's club tells employers you love what you do, she says.
Potential Career to Go After: Elementary School Teacher. Do you see yourself guiding young students in their discovery of abstract concepts? How about planning classroom activities and using a variety of learning tools and approaches? That's what elementary school teachers do, says the U.S. Department of Labor.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Education Program.
Elementary and kindergarten school teachers must have a bachelor's degree in education and be licensed if they want to teach in public schools, says the U.S. Department of Labor. Other requirements vary by state, some of which might require a bachelor's degree in the specific subject to be taught, such as math or science.

Public Relations

Ever heard the saying "Perception is reality"? Well, those in the public relations field are often the ones creating that perceived reality. Public relations (PR) people work on advertising campaigns, and are a company's liaison to the press, helping their employers put forth the image and branding that garners more customers, says Dunn.
But Dunn also says that thanks to technology, the reality for PR has changed considerably over the past decade. So if you want to jump back into this world, you might need a reality check...
How to Stand Out: "PR is now about blogging, videos, audio, and social media. Basically, high-quality content production and blasting social media channels. The days of blasting press releases are over, and even the big players in press releases - PR Newswire, Business Wire, etc. - have adapted accordingly," he says. "Other good tools for them are surveying solutions like Survey Monkey."
Another key to success is the personal connection, he says. "Good PR can start with a back and forth conversation on a topic or some good data to move on," says Dunn. So if you're out of work, keep up on all of your connections, because that's good PR for you, he says.
Potential Career to Go After: Public Relations Specialist. These PR pros help companies and individuals maintain a favorable public image by doing everything from creating material for media releases to raising funds, says the U.S. Department of Labor.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Business Program.
According to the Department of Labor, public relations specialists usually need a bachelor's degree. Employers typically want candidates who have studied public relations, communications, journalism, English, or business.

5 Jobs Nearing Extinction - And What's Taking Their Place

Source: Yahoo

These five careers are nearing the end of their lifespan, but five others are set to take center stage.

By Andrea Duchon

It's a fact of life: Some life forms die out, while others evolve. This pattern isn't only limited to the natural world, but also applies to the professional realm. Certain jobs are on the decline, unable to keep up with the rest of the job market.  But it's important to remember that for every job that is in danger of going extinct, there's another one ready to take its place.
Of course, it's better to be proactive and adapt to the ever-changing career world than to be forced to make a last-minute change. "Even when clients love their jobs, evaporating opportunities or stagnant paychecks can force them into exploring other employment avenues," says Lyn O'Brien, a career expert and co-owner of Your Hidden Advantage, a company that provides specialized career training support.
The endangered jobs below are either contracting or lagging far behind the national growth average for all jobs, which is 14 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Fortunately, we've identified alternative careers that are expected to flourish. Keep reading to learn more.

Endangered Career #1: Desktop Publisher

2010 - 2020 Outlook*: -15 percent, 3,300 lost jobs
Brick-and-mortar bookstores have almost become as rare as unicorns. Newspapers are closing down or laying off entire departments. And desktop publishers are the ones who design the layouts for these dying industries.
Why It's Nearing Extinction: "No big surprise here," says Julie Bauke, career strategist and president at The Bauke Group, a career coaching and consulting firm. "Print publications are on the decline, and with them, so is the need for desktop publishers."
"Additionally, the software used in desktop publishing is easier to use and more powerful than ever before, making it easier for relative novices to utilize," says Bauke.

Evolving Career: Graphic Designer

2010 - 2020 Outlook*: +13 percent, 37,300 added jobs
At first glance, this job looks similar to a desktop publisher; that is, graphic designers
also develop layouts for magazines, ads, and brochures, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. However, they are responsible for creating images used for logos, websites, and illustrations, too.
How It's Evolving: As content continues to move online, graphic designers are becoming more and more important, says Nick Gidwani, the founder of SkilledUp, a site that curates online education resources and teaches people how to improve their job skills.
"Graphic designers, unlike print designers, create their designs for multiple sizes and platforms, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktop computers," he explains. "Their designs are being used more and more to communicate quality and to market online products and services."
But Karen Elizaga, the founder of the career coaching company Forward Options, says that it's not just an increase in where design is needed, but also by whom.
"Let's be serious here," she says. "Everyone needs a graphic designer. Business has become increasingly competitive, so even little mom-and-pop shops are hiring graphic designers to help their brands to pop."
Next step: Click to Find the Right Graphic Design Program.
Education Options: Typically, the Department of Labor says that a bachelor's degree in graphic design or a related subject is usually required in this field. If you've earned a bachelor's degree in another field, they report that you may pursue  "technical training in graphic design" to get up to snuff with hiring qualifications.

Endangered Career #2: Reporter or Correspondent

2010 - 2020 Outlook*: -8 percent, 3,900 lost jobs
Getting the Sunday newspaper delivered to your doorstep is becoming a thing of the past. Sadly, the reporters and correspondents who inform the public of news and events through newspapers and TV are losing their audience - and their jobs.
Why It's Nearing Extinction: Gidwani says that a number of factors have contributed to the decline of the modern day journalist, from dwindling newspaper readership to the consolidation of news organizations.
"The real driving force, however, has been the Internet, where millions of amateur reporters blog for free, hundreds of sites copy, aggregate, and curate other people's content (often without due credit), and millions of millennials have learned to get their news from alternative sources, such as Twitter."

Evolving Career: PR Specialist

2010 - 2020 Outlook*: +23 percent, 58,200 added jobs
Just like reporters, public relations specialists also work directly with the public, but unlike journalists, the U.S. Department of Labor says they work most often for organizations to help maintain a favorable public image. That might include writing press releases, helping clients communicate effectively and helping develop an overall corporate image.
How It's Evolving: Elizaga says that just like the graphic designer, there is increasing demand for PR specialists who can help their clients differentiate themselves so that people know of their products and services.
Additionally, Gidwani explains that as the media world has become more cluttered, there has been renewed value placed by businesses on public relations. PR specialists provide an important service, enhancing the reputation and visibility of a business by getting press coverage from reporters and media outlets, explains Gidwani.
"In addition, the raw proliferation of media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Reddit, in addition to the typical news outlets, has made the job of the PR specialist that much more difficult. As a result, PR is one area that is really growing."
Next step: Click to Find the Right Communications Program.
Education Options: To pursue a career as a PR specialist you'll typically need a bachelor's degree, according to the Department of Labor. Fields like public relations, journalism, communications, English, or business could give you a leg up, as according to the Department, employers usually want candidates who've majored in these subjects.

Endangered Career #3: Computer Repairer

2010 - 2020 Outlook*: +7 percent; 9,500 added jobs
Computer repairers fix computer systems and hardware, but unfortunately, as technology advances, these professionals are getting left behind.
Why It's Nearing Extinction: "When computer problems occur, today's tech-happy users don't call a computer repairman. They pop in a utility program and go to lunch, or call one of a variety of competing on-line support technicians who will happily answer even in the middle of the night," O'Brien says.
Gidwani says that's not the only reason this career is dangerously close to petering out:
"When people owned their computers for 6 or 7 years, then the repairman was necessary," he says. "Today, with the majority of computers sold costing less than $500, and most of them laptops that offer little or no upgradability, most people simply buy a new one every few years instead of repairing them."

Evolving Career: Computer Programmer

2010 - 2020 Outlook*: +12 percent, 43,700 added jobs
Computer programmers are responsible for writing the code to create computer programs, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. That includes doing things like writing in a variety of computer languages and code, updating existing programs, and yep - even testing and fixing errors, just like the outdated computer repairer.
How It's Evolving: Bill Peppler, managing partner at Kavaliro, an organization that offers staffing services, says that with the evolution of technology, computer programming has become a rising and growing industry within the last few years.
"Just as technology has progressed, a career such as a computer repairman has changed from diagnosing and fixing problems to evolving into computer programmers creating automated systems. In addition, with the boom of mobile apps, computer programmers are now in the forefront of every company's mind."
Next step: Click to Find the Right Computer Science Program.
Education Options: The Department of Labor says that most computer programmers have a bachelor's degree. Though that's the norm, they also say that some employers may hire workers with an associate's degree, and that they value experience, often in the form of internships. And what do computer programmers major in? Most of these professionals get a degree in computer science or a related field, says the Department.

Endangered Career #4: Floral Designer

2010 - 2020 Outlook*: -9 percent, 6,200 lost jobs
Daisies are stylish. Sunflowers offer your best wishes. And of course, roses are romantic. Floral designers create flower arrangements for special occasions and celebrations. But with this career not growing fast enough, they may not have much to celebrate themselves.
Why It's Nearing Extinction: Floral designers largely work in florist shops, where overall employment is expected to decline, says the U.S. Department of Labor. Instead of purchasing elaborate floral decorations from such shops, customers are increasingly buying loose cut fresh flowers from grocery stores and general merchandise stores.

Evolving Career: Event Planner

2010 - 2020 Outlook*: +44 percent, 31,300 added jobs
Event planners take a wider role than a florist in arranging things for presentation. According to the Department of Labor, they meet with clients to plan the scope of an event, then coordinate the event's services, and monitor activities to ensure their clients are satisfied.
How It's Evolving: O'Brien says that sometimes floral designers don't recognize the hidden skills that they have developed which could be applied toward a career in event planning.
"A floral designer must meet several times with a client to find just the right bloom and color combination to fulfill the bride's vision for her perfect day. That same expertise at managing details from start to finish, the same ability to visualize someone's desire and bring it into reality could take the designer from the flower shop to the boardroom at double the salary."
Additionally, Gidwani says that event planners are benefitting from the rise in international and national companies that increasingly require regular meetings or conferences.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Business Program.
Education Options: The Department says that applicants should have at least a bachelor's degree. Some related undergrad majors include hospitality management, marketing, business, communications, and public relations. Additionally, the Department notes that aspiring event planners should have some work experience related to planning.

Endangered Career #5: File Clerk

2010 - 2020 Outlook*: -5 percent, 8,800 lost jobs
Paper trails - every company has one. File clerks are used to managing companies' mountains of documents. But they face a steep valley of decline when it comes to their career.
Why It's Nearing Extinction: Gidwani says that this is a classic case where automated technology and software is literally replacing humans.
The U.S. Department of Labor agrees and says that "declines are expected as businesses, including doctors' offices, increasingly convert to electronic recordkeeping systems." Because of this shift towards electronic records, fewer file clerks will be needed to organize these files.

Evolving Career: Medical Records and Health Information Technician

2010 - 2020 Outlook*: +21 percent, 37,700
Pursuing a career as a medical records and health information technician would be a better professional choice in the long run, because the demand for health services is expected to increase as the population ages. If you're currently a file clerk, this could be a good transition, since both careers specialize in organizing and managing data.
How It's Evolving: The same skills used as a file clerk can be utilized in this field, says Gidwani.
"Health care is one area where patients do not have the requisite information or expertise to input their own data, and as our population ages, there will be a lot more data required to be entered," he continues. "In addition, there is also a hefty backlog that must be converted to electronic records due to Obamacare, further enhancing the attractiveness of this field."
Next step: Click to Find the Right Health Information Technology Program.
Education Options: The Department of Labor says medical records and health information techs typically need a postsecondary certificate to enter the occupation. However, they also note that these professionals may have an associate's degrees and that many employers require professional certification.

Six Career Switches That Could Double Your Salary

Source: Yahoo

With the right preparation, you could pursue a career that pays double your current salary - whether you're currently making $30K, $40K, or $50K.

By Jennifer Berry

Have you ever wondered what it would take to double your salary? Yes, I said "double" - and no, it's not impossible.
"Doubling your salary is achievable, but it does take time," says Laura Lee Rose, time management and career expert and author of "TimePeace: Making Peace With Time." That means you can't expect to simply go out tomorrow and find a job that pays twice what you're currently making. But with a little effort and the right plan, a high-paying career is within reach.
Julie Erickson, management consultant, career coach, and owner of myrightfitjob.com, agrees. "If you want to double your salary, you need to do a strategic plan for yourself," she says. "Once you have a career goal, figure out what you need in order to pursue it. Do you have the education? Experience?"
Ready to double your salary? Here are a few career ideas, whether you're currently making $30K, $40K, or $50K a year.
If You're Making $30K, But Want $60K:

Registered Nurse

10th Percentile Annual Salary*: $45,040
Median Annual Salary*: $65,470
90th Percentile Annual Salary*: $94,720
You've never been hesitant when it comes to helping someone else. So why not pursue a career as a registered nurse? Their typical duties include coordinating patient care and providing advice to patients and their family members, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. And by pursuing a career as an RN, you could potentially get your salary to the $60K mark.
Why It Pays: "RNs need a variety of skills ranging from strength, agility, dexterity, medication knowledge, the ability to provide special procedures," Rose says. She adds that RNs also need the ability to provide patient and family teaching, counseling and therapeutic intervention, as well as psychiatric and behavioral knowledge.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Nursing Program.
Education Options: So what does it take to prepare to pursue this career? Well, according to the Department of Labor, most RNs have either a bachelor's of science in nursing (BSN), an associate's degree in nursing (ADN), or a diploma from an approved nursing program. The Department also notes that registered nurses must be licensed.

Market Research Analyst

10th Percentile Annual Salary: $33,280
Median Annual Salary: $60,300
90th Percentile Annual Salary: $113,500
Are you fascinated by how a company's marketing can affect consumer spending habits? As a market research analyst, you could help companies understand what products people want and at what price, according to the U.S. Department of Labor - and earn a healthy salary doing so.
Why It Pays: "Technology and market trends are shifting and evolving quickly, and it's only going to move faster in the future," says Rose. "Being able to properly forecast the 'next generation' allows the company the time to not only create the product but hold a larger market share by being the first out there," she says. Those are valuable skills and, as Rose explains, skills employers will pay good money for.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Marketing Program.
Education Options: Think this is the career path for you? According to the Department of Labor, to get started in this field you'll typically need at least a bachelor's degree in market research or a related subject. The Department also says many jobs require a master's degree in marketing research or another field, such as statistics, marketing, or business administration.
If You're Making $40k, But Want $80K:

Health and Medical Services Manager

10th Percentile Annual Salary: $53,940
Median Annual Salary: $88,580
90th Percentile Annual Salary: $150,560
You've got administrative skills, and you're interested in pursuing a career in health care. As a health and medical services manager, you could oversee an entire health care facility, according to the U.S. Department of Labor - and it might even increase your salary substantially.
Why It Pays: When asked why a job as a health and medical services manager pays so well, Erickson says, "It's difficult keeping track of all the regulations, billing, staff, records. As a manager you're really responsible for bottom line. You have a lot of things to juggle."
Next step: Click to Find the Right Health Care Administration Program.
Education Options: According to the Department of Labor, you'll typically need at least a bachelor's degree in health administration to get started. The Department also says that master's degrees in health services, long-term care administration, public health, public administration, or business administration are common.

Art Director

10th Percentile Annual Salary: $43,870
Median Annual Salary: $80,880
90th Percentile Annual Salary: $162,800
If you have a good eye for design, fashion, and color, you might consider preparing to pursue a career as an art director. In addition to having a hand in creating the visual style of images in magazines, movies, or TV shows - which is what the U.S. Department of Labor says art directors typically do - you could also have the opportunity to raise your salary.
Why It Pays: There's a lot riding on the art director's work, which plays a part in why they're paid so well, says Erickson. This is especially true when it comes to digital art, she says.
"Everyone needs websites - something that looks good. Even companies that you wouldn't necessarily think of as needing an art director, if they're going to do websites in house, will need someone who's going to be rebranding, putting new content up, making it look good." But she adds that in addition to talent, you'll need experience to start earning the big bucks.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Art Program.
Education Options: Ready to get started? According to the Department of Labor, many art directors start out in a field like graphic or set design or work as fine artists or photographers. They usually earn a BA or BFA (bachelor of arts or fine arts) to gain the appropriate education. Some art directors also get an MFA (master of fine arts) or an MBA (master of business administration), the Department notes.
If You're Making $50K, But Want $100K:

Human Resources Manager

10th Percentile Annual Salary: $59,020
Median Annual Salary: $99,720
90th Percentile Annual Salary: $173,140
If you could see yourself planning, directing, and coordinating the administrative functions of an organization - some of the responsibilities of a human resource manager as described by the U.S Department of Labor - you may want to think about pursuing this career. The most exciting part? This career could pay $100K or more.
Why It Pays: When asked why HR managers take home such a good salary, Erickson says it's "because you're dealing with law, compliance, and people." It's a complicated field, and there's not a lot of room for error, especially when you're responsible for administering someone's salary, health insurance, or retirement plan, she says.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Business Administration Program.
Education Options: If you think you'd make a great HR manager, you'll likely need a bachelor's degree in human resources or business administration to get started, according to the Department of Labor. Some higher-level jobs require a master's degree in human resources, labor relations, or business administration (MBA), the Department adds.

Computer and Information Systems Manager

10th Percentile Annual Salary: $74,940
Median Annual Salary: $120,950
90th Percentile Annual Salary: $152,380
It takes a special type of mind to work well with both technology and people. If you think you can handle both, consider preparing to pursue a career as a computer and information systems manager. This role plans and coordinates computer-related activities in an organization, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. And pursuing it could potentially up your salary to $100K.
Why It Pays: "All companies are going paperless. All monetary transactions are moving to automatic billing and online purchases. All brick-and-mortar retail shops have a Web presence," says Rose. Because of this, they need skilled computer and information systems managers to keep business running smoothly, she says.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Computer Science Program.
Education Options: If this sounds like your dream job, you'll need a bachelor's degree in computer or information science plus some related work experience to get started, according to the Department of Labor. The Department also notes that many organizations require their computer and information systems managers to have a graduate degree, like an MBA (master of business administration).