Are you middle-aged and looking for a new career? Especially one where your age isn't held against you? You might want to give teaching a thought.

Yes, yes, there are a lot of jobs where there is a noticeable age bias against older workers.  In the business world, sometimes companies prefer to hire younger workers because they work cheap and if they work out, there is such a longer career life ahead of them. This might not be the case with teaching. Schools are realizing more and more that hiring an older worker is not a disadvantage at all, but that older teachers bring a lot of good experience with them that they should be thrilled to have.

The profession of teaching is a perfect environment for someone who has seen a bit of life and who has matured and perhaps raised children of their own.  Teaching full time, while rewarding, can be a huge challenge for younger teachers because it is sometimes hard to establish their authority in the classroom.  An older teacher,however, may be less prone to panic about disruptions or sudden problems that might come up as they teach. Older teachers often have the experience and maturity to handle the problem efficiently without upsetting the rest of the class, thus getting everyone back on task quickly.

To learn more about entering the teaching profession, visit our web page on How to Become a Teacher.

As important as resumes are, there are still many job seekers who do not submit them.  One of the many reasons for this is because resumes can occasionally be difficult to write.  People become so intimidated by the prospect of writing one that they just don't.  So, what can you do if you're one of those intimidated into not writing a resume? 

Find a free resume template!

Did you know that many computer programs, such as Microsoft Word and Microsoft Works, have free resume templates available with them?  If you are using these two popular programs you will want to examine your program’s templates.  What is nice about using the Word or Works template programs is that you often have a number of different options.  It is not uncommon for you to find several resume templates that come in a number of different styles, already installed in your computer. 

When you click on "New" document, take a look to see if you have the template option available.  If you're unsure how to find the resume template, then click on help for your Microsoft Word or Works program. There should be instructions on how to access the template.

You can also go to office.microsoft.com for a wide selection of free resume templates to download, many which are job specific, such as resumes for IT professionals. 

Just FYI, we also have resume tips on our website, at How to Make a Resume

When applying for a job, what skills should you list on a resume? 

If you're preparing a resume for a specific job, a good clue is to look at the job skills and qualifications for the job for which you're applying.  There you can see what the employer thinks is important.  For example, if the job description highlights the ability to organize, then, if you used organizational skills in previous jobs, tyou would want to highlight how you used your organizational skills in other jobs.  The same with any software you may have used, such as Excel or Word.

Many people might put on a resume "prepared reports" and leave it at that.  It's important to list how you prepared the report, such as "prepared reports using Excel."  That is a skill you would want to list on your resume, especially if it is one of the skills required for the job.

What if you have skills, but haven't used them on a previous job?  For example, perhaps you're an amateur photographer and use Photoshop.  Or, you use Quickbooks to keep track of your personal finances.  These are two skills it would be good to include on a resume.   You may wish to include these types of skills in an overview paragraph describing your skills at the top of your resume.

Do remember, of course, never to pad your resume with skills you don't possess, just because the employer lists those skills in the needed job qualifications.    If you're not qualified for a particular job, don't apply.  Don't waste your time or the employer's time.

Before preparing your resume, it's good to take an assessment of your job skills.  For more information on assessing your job skills, please see our web page on "how do I assess my job skills?" 

In this recession you have to try even harder to find a job. That means doing something that many of you don't want to do -- find temporary employment.

Of course, most of the temp agencies are being hit just as hard as the rest of the economy.  When times are tough, most employers trim their temporary workforce along with their permanent workforce.  But, some companies will often begin hiring temps before adding permanent workers, so do be sure to apply at temp agencies.

The Benefits of Temporary Employment

One benefit, of course, is that having a job, albeit a temporary job, is better than no job at all.  But, another benefit for you is that often times temporary employment leads to a permanent job.  In addition, you, as a temp, are often given on-the-job training, which helps you in the next position. 

Another benefit of going to a temp agency is that some temp agencies offer training in different software, thus making your more employable down the line.

The Downside of Temporary Employment

The biggest downside are the lack of benefits, namely health insurance, sick pay, holiday pay and paid vacations.  However, there are temporary agencies out there which do provide health benefits after about 3 to 6 months of assignments.  Of course, you do have to pay for it, and it's not as good as health benefits you might receive with regular employment, but, it's better than nothing.  And, some temp agencies do provide holiday pay, as well as a bonus in lieu of vacation pay, after a specified period of employment.  Again, it's not as much as you would receive as vacation pay in a regular job, but it is something.

Tips When Seeking Temporary Employment

1. The first tip I'd give is to apply at several temp agencies in your area and to call them regularly with your availability.  And, when they call with an assignment and you have missed their call, do call back promptly.  If they've already filled the assignment, they may have another one for you. 
2. Apply with temp agencies which offer some sort of health benefits down the line, as well as training in different software. 
3. When applying at a temp agency, be sure to bring in an up-to-date resume, as well as three references from past jobs.  Most will call these references, so do make sure you've alerted your references, or have chosen references who will give positive comments.
4. When on assignment, do treat it like a permanent job.  On the first day, be sure to dress in business attire.  You can then check out the clothing of the other employees and modify your wardrobe if needed. 
5. Don't hesitate to ask for more duties while on assignment.  That will show eagerness to learn, which can come in handy if the company you're temping for is looking for a permanent worker.
6. Above all, don't be late.  Don't give the company a reason not to hire you permanently should a position become available.
   

Thinking about continuing your education by obtaining an online degree?  Great.  A degree can be a big help in advancing in your career or learning new skills to change careers.  But, are you the type of person who is suited for online education?  Just what does it take to successfully obtain an online degree?

Self-Motivation:  Let's face it, you need to be very self-motivated to be a successful online student.  There's no classroom to go to, and, often, no set time you need to be in class.  And, when you're in your home environment, there will be tons of distractions.  Do you get distracted easily?  Are you able to follow a routine without the prodding of others?  You need to know what type of person you are before pursuing an online education.

Organization: Organization goes hand-in-hand with self-motivation.  Without a classroom structure, are you able to provide that structure yourself.  Will you remember deadlines?  Can you organize your life so that you set a specific time aside for your class work? 

Computer:  Of course, owning a computer is obvious.  You can't do internet coursework without a computer.  Now, you probably do have a computer, but, do you share it with family members?  If so, then do you have access to the computer for the time required for an online course?  And, is your computer up-to-date?  Does it have the storage and memory necessary for a fast internet connection and coursework?  If not, then you may want to upgrade.

Internet:  Your own internet connection is really vital to be successful in online studies.  Again, you probably do have internet connection.  But, is it a fast internet connection, or is it slow dial-up?  If you have a slow dial-up connection, then it's time to upgrade to a faster DSL or cable connection necessary when uploading big files. 

If your computer and internet are up to speed, and you feel you have the self-motivation and organization necessary for self-directed online study, then go for it!  With layoffs happening everywhere, employers are able to be super picky when it comes to hiring.  With a degree you are giving them a reason to say yes, not no.

The Star Tribune will be a Career Expo on Tuesday, January 13, 2009 at the Minneapolis Convention Center where job seekers can find jobs in many different sectors, including engineering, technology and healthcare.  The expo is from 11AM to 4PM; the admission is free.

Not only can you find employers wanting to read your resume (yes, do bring many copies of your resume), but there will also be speakers giving presentations on many different topics, including:

Saving Money After a Job Loss
Transitioning Your Skills to a Healthcare Career
Networking in a Depressed Economy

There's also a discussion on immigrating and working in the healthcare field in Alberta, Canada.  It appears the economy is booming in Alberta and they need healthcare workers.  So, if you living in the Minneapolis area and are looking for work in the healthcare field, you may want to go to the expo and attend the presentation. 

You can also find out more about working in the healthcare field in Albert, Canada by going to http://www.healthjobs.ab.ca/ 

Remember, when you attend a job fair or expo, do remember to dress as if you're going to an interview.  Often times employers give interviews on the spot.  And, do make sure you bring plenty of copies of your resume, and that it is up to date.

The Minneapolis Convention Center is located at 1301 2nd Ave S. 

You may have noticed that companies aren't hiring much today.  In fact, many are laying people off! Becoming an entrepreneur and owning your own business, whether it's starting your own dog-grooming business or buying into a franchise which shreds documents, is often the way to build wealth in this country.

I bring this up because Entrepreneur Magazine is being offered for a ridiculously low price of $11.97 a year for 12 issues.  If you're not familiar with Entrepreneur Magazine, it's a magazine which can help people decide if working for themselves is an option, and which business ideas currently look promising.

If you were to buy this magazine at the newstands or your bookstore, you'd pay $59.88 a year.  So, you're getting an incredible bargain.  And, if you're not satisfied with the magazine, you can cancel within 90 days.  So, why not give it a shot? 

Here's the link.  You can get more info by clicking the "buy" button.  You are not buying it when you click "buy," but will be taken to a subscription page with subscription particulars.

Entrepreneur Entrepreneur has the solutions for growing businesses. In every issue, you'll find the secrets of successful entrepreneurs, trends in start-ups and business opportunities, ideas in sales and marketing, and more.

Interested in owning a franchise?  Then you must attend the upcoming West Coast Franchise Expo.

When

Friday, November 7, 2008 from 10AM to 5PM
Saturday, November 8, 2008 from 10AM to 5PM
Sunday, November 9, 2008 from 10AM to 4PM

Where

Los Angeles Convention Center
1201 South Figueroa Street - West Hall A
Los Angeles, California 90015
Phone: (213) 741-1151

I went last year and really learned quite a lot about different franchises available, what to look for in a franchise, and how to tell if a franchise is right for me.  And, as a side benefit, many of the food franchises give out samples.  Lots of good frozen yogurt and ice cream!

You will find booths of companies searching for franchisees; companies like:

• Baja Fresh Mexican Grill
• Ceramics to Go
• CruiseOne
• Extreme Pita
• Fantastic Sams
• Jackson-Hewitt Tax Service
• Mrs. Fields Famous Brands

And, many, many more businesses you can be a part of.

But, to me, the real benefit of attending a conference such as this is the learning opportunity, with seminars such as:

• The 7 Secrets You Must Know Before Buying a Franchise, and the 3 Traps that will Kill You
• Is a Master Franchise/Area Franchise Right for You?
• SBA Resources
• Choosing the Right Franchise

Buying a franchise can be a great way to start a new business.  Why?  Because the owner of the business has done all the hard work for you.  From market research to advertising to name recognition - they've done it so you don't have to.  But, you need to know how to invest in a franchise the smart way.  And, that's what this expo's for - to help you be a smarter consumer.

You can get more info by going to www.wcfexpo.com 

You can also get more info about franchises from our wesbsite franchise page:  Why Buy a Franchise

According to the August, 2008 Metropolitan Area Employment and Unemployment report put out by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, these cities had the highest, meaning worst, unemployment rates in the U.S.

Which cities had the lowest/best unemployment rates?

• Sioux Falls, South Dakota at 2.6%
• Bismarck, North Dakota 2.8%
• Morgantown, West Virginia at 2.8%
• Rapid City, South Dakota at 2.8%

As for larger cities (Census 2000 with 1 million or more) with the lowest/best unemployment rates, those would be:

• Oklahoma City, Oklahoma at 3.8%
• Washington-Arlington-Alexandria (DC-Virginia-Maryland-West Virginia) at 4.1%

For a comparison, the national unemployment rate in August was 6.1%, not seasonally adjusted.

What cities were among the worst/highest unemployment?

• El Centro, CA at 24.7%
• Yuma, AZ at 22.7%

Mind you, the report looked at the month of August, when these two cities are pretty hot and unemployment is higher.

Large metropolitan areas with higher-than-average unemployment include:

• Los Angeles, California at 7.6%
• Chicago-Naperville-Joliet, Illinois at 7.1%
• Detroit-Warren-Livonia, Michigan at 8.8%
• Las Vegas-Paradise, Nevada at 7.1%
• Cleveland-Elyria-Mentor, Ohio at 7.4%

What does all this tell you?   Well, maybe you're looking for work in all the wrong places. 

You can get a rundown for all the areas of the United States by going to:

http://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/metro.pdf

1.  Not doing your homework.  The number one biggest job interviewing  mistake is to fail to research the company for which you're interviewing.  Remember to always go to the company website (if they have one) and do a little digging around.  Find out the CEO's name, or any news that has come out of the company lately.  Failure to be prepared with knowledge of the company shows disinterest to the interviewer. 

2.  Being late for the interview.  Make sure you leave with plenty of time to get to the location, park, and find the office.  You might event want to drive the route the night before so you'll know where to park and how far the building is from the parking lot.  If you end up late to your interview, you've already lost the interview before stepping in the room.

3.  Dressing inappropriately for the interview.  Notice I used the word "inappropriately." That means you can be under-dressed as well as over-dressed.  For example, casual clothes are inappropriate for a corporate job.  A suit and tie can be inappropriate for a creative job or laid-back company.  For women, many companies even frown on open-toed shoes.  The more you know about the company, the more you know what appropriate and inappropriate clothing is to that company.

4.  Not asking questions.  When the interviewer asks you at the end of the interview if you have any questions for them, don't just smile and say "no."  Come prepared with some questions which show your interest in the company. 

5.  Criticizing your former boss or co-workers.  Above all, don't dish the dirt about your current or former employers or co-workers.  If you start criticizing former employers, the interviewer might think you might do the same regarding your employment with them someday.  If you have any disagreement with current or former employers, be graceful in how you handle that subject in your interview.