Applying for jobs is a two-way street: Just as employers pick who they want to hire, you get to pick where and who you want to work with. Throughout the search process, remember you also have the right to choose your employer. If you don’t like the way you are treated as a candidate, you still have the option to withdraw your application — or turn down a job if you don’t feel that the culture is a fit. Regardless of what happens in the process, don’t forget that you have the power in this part of the hiring process.

If you experience roadblocks as you apply for a job — but still remain interested in the job — here are three easy action steps.

1. Take a personal approach. Whenever possible, apply for positions as early as possible and address your application to a real person. (If the job description doesn’t include a name, use LinkedIn or Google to find the name of the person that has the same title mentioned in the job description as the Supervisor. Then address your cover letter and email to this person.)

2. Know where you stand in the applicant pool. Many companies provide applicants with status updates on their application, but — traditionally — you can only see this data if you log back into the website where you applied for the job.

StartWire provides you with a free way to get these updates on the status of your applications at 8,000+ companies. Just sign up for an account, tell us where you’ve applied and track your application — and we’ll tell you if we can send you updates.

If you should be able to get updates on your application, and if there’s no record of your application — check back with the company and confirm that your application was received.

3. Enlist the help of friends and colleagues for an “in.” As we’ve discussed, getting a referral and word-of-mouth shout-out that you’d be great for a job is one of the best ways to get hired. Here’s how to get a referral even if you don’t know someone.

Interested in exploring a career that’s shown high growth? Explore these three jobs with the largest estimated job growth between 2010 and 2020.

Registered Nurses

What the Job is like: Registered Nurses care for patients and help restore their health through collaboration with physicians and team members. They also offer emotional support to patients and their family members.

Job Growth Potential: High growth for registered nurses is due to technological advancements, which increases our ability to treat more diseases. The aging population will also lead to an increase in demand for nurses.

How to Become One: Obtain a degree from an approved nursing program (bachelor’s, associate’s or diploma). Then become licensed by passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). For those with a degree in a non-related field, they can obtain a master’s degree program in nursing to qualify for nursing roles.

Retail Salesperson

What the Job is like: Retail Salespersons work on selling retail merchandise to customers. They help customers locate products they need and explain the type of products they carry, along with answering general questions related to their merchandise. Once merchandise is selected, retail salespersons help carry out financial transactions.

Job Growth Potential: Growth for retail salesperson is attributed to high growth in general merchandise stores, such as warehouse clubs and supercenters, thereby, increasing employment opportunities for retail salespersons. Population growth also increases retail sales.

How to Become One: Most employers prefer a high school diploma or its equivalent. Generally employers look for candidates who exhibit strong customer service skills and salesmanship. On-the-job training is usually given.

Home Health Aides

What the Job is like: Home health aides help those who are physically and cognitively disabled, chronically ill and older adults. They provides services such as bathing and dressing, light house keeping, and planning their medical appointments.

Job Growth Potential: High growth for home health aides is due to the aging baby boom population. Reliance on home health aides will increase as a more affordable alternative to nursing homes. Furthermore, some people prefer being cared for in the familiarity of their homes.

How to Become One: No educational requirements are needed, but most home health aides have a high school diploma. Those working in certified home health agencies require formal training and passing a standardized test.

Interested in some high paying positions, but don’t have a college degree? Explore these five high paying jobs that don’t have any college degree requirements.

Air Traffic Controllers

Median Salary: 122,530

What the Job is like: Air Traffic Controllers guide planes on the runway to keep them safe distances apart. They coordinate arrival and departure times, instruct pilots when to take off and land, give weather updates to pilots, and monitor airplanes during their flight.

How to Become One: Be 30 or under (if you have no previous experience as an air traffic controller) and a US citizen. Complete an air traffic management degree from a FAA certified school, pass the FAA pre-employment test, and complete a 2 month training course at the FAA Academy.

General and Operations Manager

Median Salary: 95,440

What the Job is like: General and Operations Managers are responsible for managing daily operations, carrying out organizational goals and policies, and performing day to day supervisory duties. Depending on the size of the company and the industry, responsibilities will vary.

How to Become One: Significant experience within the organization can lead to promotion to this position. Strong skills to have for this role include decisiveness and the ability to communicate effectively.

Construction Managers

Median Salary: 82,790

What the Job is like: Construction managers oversee construction projects from their development to completion. They plan the budget for the construction project, handle the legal requirements to ensure building and safety codes are being followed, and manage laborers working on the project.

How to Become One: Demonstrating years of experience in the construction trade can allow you to become a construction manager even if you only hold a high school diploma. Getting a certification can boost those chances. Certification is offered by the Construction Management Association of America (CCM) and the American Institute of Constructors (AC).

Radiation Therapists

Median Salary: 77,560

What the Job is like: Radiation therapists treat patients with cancer or other diseases by giving them radiation treatments. They give x-rays to determine the area requiring treatment, explain treatment plans to patients, and record treatment details.

How to Become One: Some states require a license that can be acquired through an accredited radiation therapy program. Apply for an American Registration of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification if required in your state.

Commercial Pilots

Median Salary: 73,280

What the Job is like: Commercial Pilots fly airplanes or helicopters to transport people and cargo. Some commercial pilots also fly for charter flights, firefighting, or rescue operations.

How to Become One: Take lessons from a flight school or an instructor from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Most companies require at least 2 years of college and candidates who pass psychological and aptitude exams.

Are you feeling negativity in your job search? If your job search is wearing you out, or if you just feel unhappy while job searching, here are reminders to help you find happiness – even in a job search.

Don’t compare yourself to others.

Martha is getting a raise and Michael just got promoted to VP, while you’re unemployed or shuffling papers around a desk.

We all have them – those friends or family members who are incredibly more successful than you, and they pull it all off without seeming to work a sweat. You think to yourself, how? Why can’t I be just as successful?

Let me share something with you – You ARE successful. To someone else, you’re that successful Martha and Michael. I know you don’t believe me right now because it’s not in our nature. We always want more. We want better. We tend to look at successful people in our lives and compare ourselves to them. My advice is: Don’t! There will always be people who are more successful than you and those that are worse off. Recognize that you are in your own unique stage in life, whether you are unemployed and job hunting, or stuck in a job you don’t like.

Don’t procrastinate and make excuses for yourself.

I want to apply to these jobs, but I have to run to the grocery store, pick up the kids, etc. Making excuses is a way to make yourself feel better for not doing something you needed to be doing. Eventually, procrastination leads to more stress because tasks you needed to finish will build up. Do you want results? If so, just START DOING. My trick whenever I start feeling myself procrastinating is to just start the activity. Starting is the hardest part, and once you pass that bridge, you’ll find that the task gets easier.

Don’t skip out on exercise or physical activity.

Your body will thank you not only every day, but 5 years down the line. Make it a habit to exercise for at least 30 minutes, 3 days a week. Exercise helps boost your serotonin levels, making you happier and helps you feel more energetic in tackling those day to day duties.

Do give up your need for control.

One of the biggest factors that affect happiness is the need for control. Since many things in life are out of our control, what does that lead to? Worry. Anxiety. Disappointment.

Let go of the need to grab life in the reins, and instead enjoy it for the ride it is. The spontaneity of life is what keeps it exciting and fresh. You won’t know who your next employer will be today or what your career path looks like 10 years down the line, but that’s okay. Nobody knows.

Do manage your expectations.

Managing your expectations is vital to finding your happiness. Life is unpredictable, so we can’t expect everything to work out the way we want. There will be setbacks, along with eventual achievements. Instead do everything with an open mind and you will find yourself so much happier.

Job seekers often ask me, how do you know if the job listing is legitimate? One thing I’d hate for a job seeker to encounter is a fake listing that ends up soliciting hard earned money. This article will show you ways to spot an employment scam.

You might find yourself in one of three scenarios –

1. You’re browsing job listings online and questioning their legitimacy.

2. You’re in contact with an employer, but your exchange feels suspicious.

3. You’ve been hired for a job that you question is real.

Find the category you’re in and read on about how to handle your case.

Is this job a fake listing?

What to beware of when browsing jobs…

• Look for common scam keywords. Scam listings include words such as, no experience necessary, work from home, get rich fast. Some common scam job titles include, envelope stuffing, shipping manager, wire transfer, rebate processor, Sales, Sports Marketing.

• Avoid listings that overuse exclamations and CAPS LOCK.
• Be aware of vague or inconsistent contact information. Some scams use a legitimate company name, but the employer’s email address is from a free email client versus a company email address.

Example of an illegitimate listing:

Sports Marketing Analyst.

Job Requirements: Minimum age 18; phone number; regular bank account (checking/ savings). ***IMMEDIATE HIRE*** We Will Train!
Entry Level – $500 – $1000 Weekly. 5 positions left.
Start your Career in Sports Marketing!!!

Am I in the process of a job scam?

Red flags to look for in the hiring process…

You should not be required to pay to start work. Some common scams include:

• Training. Paying upfront fees before your employment, such as for your training or training materials.
• Paperwork. Paying to process your new hire paperwork.
• Credit Report/Background Check. Paying to get a credit report or background check done, with the prospect of an interview if the reports come out well.
• Purchase a product. Requiring the applicant to purchase the company’s product, with a promise to reimburse at a later time.

Other scams involve the scammer sending you a sum of money and then asking that you send a percent back:

• Send back money. These scans work by sending the job seeker a fake check to cash. They’ll deposit the check and while it’s processing in the bank, the company will say there’s a mistake in the amount they sent and ask to be sent ¾ or more of the amount back. The job seeker believes the money is already in the bank, so they send back the requested amount; in a few days, the fake check will bounce.

Some scams try to obtain your personal information:

• Fill out additional forms. You have not yet received a job offer, but are being asked to fill out an online application with sensitive information, such as bank information.
• Set up Direct Deposit. If you have no been hired, there is no need to set up a direct deposit account. Be suspicious if an “employer” asks you to set up a direct deposit account before an interview.

Is my current job fake?

Signs that you have accepted a fake job…

If you find yourself questioning whether or not your current job is real, consider if it sounds like these common work-at-home job scams. Usually, you’ll never have met the employer and are asked to perform a specific and routine set of duties. Some of these include:

• Reshipping packages that the employer has sent to your house (Usually these are stolen packages, and once you reship them, you can be held liable for the theft).
• Assembly Jobs selling craft kits that you’ve assembled. You’ll be required to spend money on the package to get you started…and never be reimbursed.
• Posting ads and getting paid when others sign-up through your ad.

If you have any suspicions of the job, run an engine search to see if anyone has listed the company as a scam. If nothing shows up, then check with the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov

I hope these tips have helped you in achieving a safer job search. If you have any friends or family who are job searching, make sure to share this article and keep them safe!

It’s easy for employers to get distracted this week and month. The country is gearing up to celebrate as July 4 rounds the corner, and as the weather is getting warmer, employers are off to take their summer vacations.

What does this mean for your job search?

If you’ve been in a long job search, I say take a little break on July 4 weekend.

Treat yourself to something nice and get your mind off of the job search. Sometimes it helps to step away from a project, and then come back when your mind is refreshed – This will help you see things in a newer perspective. Just as college students are advised to take a day away from their papers before coming back to proofread, your job search can also benefit from a new pair of eyes.

If you’re committed to working throughout the holidays, I suggest: Apply to the job as soon as you see it.

Once the job is posted, this is a clear sign to you that this employer is active, even when everyone else is on vacation. This can signal a need to fill a position as soon as possible.

Also, since this is the time of year where many people are taking a break, this means that there are less applicants to compete with, and you’re more likely to capture the attention of the recruiter.

If you’re going to any July 4 social gatherings, take this time to network.

The holidays always encourage people to throw parties and social gatherings for their friends. Treat these as a good time to meet new faces, and also as networking opportunities. You might not like to share that you’re unemployed, but you can frame it in a way that shows you are productively spending this time to explore a new opportunity, such as a career change.

Many jobs aren’t posted online, so the best way to hear about some opportunities is through word of mouth. Referrals are also a smart way to get your resume to the top of the pile, as employers are more likely to trust a candidate suggested by a current successful employer.

Regardless of how you approach your job search, make sure to enjoy the fireworks and warm weather!

You’ve been working for a couple of years now when you find yourself back in the job search.  Except this time around, you realize that common job practices that landed you your previous job aren’t exactly the same anymore! Old job search techniques have changed and now you need to revise what you know about job search today. Here’s where you can start!

1. The “objective” section in front of the resume is now ineffective.

Why? Employers are hiring because they want to solve a business need and therefore, they’re not looking to find out what they can do for you. They want to know what you can do for them. Make it about what you are bringing to the table to address their business needs. The objective statement that proclaims your career goals shows that you are “self-focused” instead of “company-focused”.

2. Targeting your resume and cover letter is important to stand out from the multitude of applicants.

It’s the digital age and what that means is: more eyes on job postings and MORE applicants. The ease of applying online also means that for every one job posting out there, there’s more competition. What can you do? TARGET your resume and cover letter for the job posting. Many companies these days use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) – They run your application through a system that looks for relevant keywords and other traits to screen candidates. Therefore, don’t assume that a human will read and interpret your resume to determine fit. You need to make sure that your resume is unique to each job posting.

3. Personalizing your job search helps you gain a human connection.

Don’t write “To whom it may concern” or “To hiring manager” in your cover letter. Since you know the company name, conduct some research. Look on LinkedIn or the company website to find the name of someone in the hiring department. Even if it’s wrong, it shows initiative in finding a human contact over the generic “To hiring manager”.

4. Employers are examining candidates on social media.

Employers can easily look up candidates through their search engine and they’re curious to see how these candidates portray themselves on social media. Therefore, make sure that your online identity strengthens your candidacy.  Type your name into the search engine and see what channels show up. If you have Facebook, Twitter or other social media sites that you might use for personal uses, take a look at your privacy settings – What can the public see? Are there pictures that would affect your professional image?

5. Thank you notes are still in!

Thank you notes used to be written by hand, but it’s still appreciated when an employer receives an electronic thank you note. It shows your interest in the company and is also, another opportunity to show up on the employer’s radar. Make sure you do this to cinch the deal!

I know it’s not easy. During your job search, you apply, apply, and apply. The hope is that if it all matches up, you’ll get the call back. However, days, weeks, and then months can pass and you’re still not hearing anything back.  It’s understandably frustrating when you feel that your efforts are not amounting to any quantifiable results. All of this can lead to feeling a lack of control, a broken spirit, and strong frustrations.

Yet these very traits become the ones that repel employers, and the job search process gets further impeded – It all becomes a vicious cycle that needs to be broken. And it can be.

Learn how to take the reins of these frustrations into your own hands, and become better at managing job search frustration.

1. Allow yourself to express these frustrations.

• Be honest to yourself, face it, and accept it. “I’m unemployed, it’s frustrating, and I hate it.” Write it out, talk to a friend – be able to express the frustration.

• Then accept it. “I am frustrated, but I’m not the only job seeker who feels this way.”

Avoidance will keep you from doing the things you need to shake the frustration.

2. Explore what makes you feel productive.

• Don’t stop doing the things you love. Set aside time to watch your favorite shows, take a walk in the park, etc. Make sure that you continue exercising, eating right, and relaxing.

• Volunteer or take a class. Volunteering can boost your confidence and remind you that you’re valuable. Taking a class can increase skills that attract a future position.

• Challenge yourself to do something new. Try a mini project where you explore something new each day. Maybe it’s trying out the delicious looking café down the block or learning a new sport.

3. Set good habits and keep bad habits away.

• Set an alarm. Wake up and sleep at the same times each day. Don’t allow yourself to sleep in because you’ll wake up feeling as if most of your day has passed by aimlessly.
  

• Organize your day. It’s easier to feel a sense of control over your life if you establish a routine. Set up hours that you will work on your job search (applying to jobs, responding to emails), exercise, eat, sleep, etc. The key is to stick to a consistent schedule.

• Be aware of habits that would worsen your job search. These can include over-eating, excessive shopping, gambling, or excessive drinking. They help you temporarily feel better and cope with the frustrating job search, but can increase negative consequences (debt, health issues, etc.)

4. Make a plan to tackle your job search and keep revising this plan until success.

• Examine your tactics. If you’ve been unemployed for a while now, maybe there is something you need to fix about your approach. Take a look at revising your resume. Are there any grammatical errors? Is there a better format?

• Start getting feedback: After a failed job prospect, ask the employer for feedback. While they may not always give you details, sometimes asking can give you a glimpse of constructive criticism that you can benefit from.

• Sign up for free automatic updates through StartWire. Know the status of your job applications so that you can gauge your expectations and know when to move on if the job has been filled.

“Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after another.” – Walter Elliott

The healthcare field is one of the most recession-resistant industries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ employment projections for the next 7 years, healthcare is an industry seeing one of the fastest job growths by 2020. It’s not a surprise that with most of the population living longer than ever, there is a paralleled increase in the need for healthcare. In response, many job seekers are increasingly interested in finding a job within the healthcare industry.

If you’re interested in transitioning to a career in healthcare, or if you’re exploring whether this transition is a good fit for you, read below for several suggestions to help in your career transition plans.

Step 1: Determining whether a healthcare profession is a good fit for you.

Successfully transitioning into a new career involves some self-reflection. You don’t want to only go after jobs with high growth yet low job satisfaction and fit.  Ask yourself:

• What is my primary motivation to pursue a healthcare profession?
  • Knowing your primary motivation at the very start can help you stay on track when you’re in the midst of obtaining your healthcare career.
• What kind of job environment do I excel in?
• What are my interests and how do they align with my skill-sets?
• How will a healthcare career impact my family and long term goals?
  • Some healthcare positions involve long schooling and work hours, so figure out if this is possible for you.

Having a good sense of the kind of work environment you excel in, your strongest skill-sets, and your primary motivations in a career can help you decide the right healthcare position for you.

Step 2: Researching different healthcare professions for best fit.

Be strategic. Look for “transferable skills” when trying to find the appropriate healthcare profession. Ask yourself, what are skills I currently have that can easily transfer to the healthcare field? Even in the healthcare industry, there’s a need for accountants, administrative assistants, and IT to name a few. For example, if you have experience in IT, you might do well in a medical IT role.

Also, consider how much time you’re willing to dedicate before entering this field. Some occupations require 3 months of training, whereas others require years of schooling.

Below are 3 popular positions to consider. Visit their occupation profiles to learn more about what the position entails.

• Registered Nurses
• Medical Assistants
• Physical Therapists

Step 3: Research and Network within the Medical Industry.

The best way to break into the healthcare industry is to be on top of industry news and be a part of the network of medical professionals. With always changing healthcare laws and medical advances, it’s good to keep up with the buzz in order to figure out who is hiring and who can help recommend you for a position.

Networking also helps you to find out more about your new career interest. Speak to those who currently work in the profession and learn what the job is really like day-to-day. A good source to find contacts is through LinkedIn. Ask for an informational interview and use these sessions to better understand your fit for the profession. Maybe these connections might be the referral you need to your next healthcare profession.

What goes on behind the curtains of the hiring decision is usually murky for those that are job seeking. Most of the times, we apply to a job and hope that the application lands in the right hands. What really is going behind this curtain? We’re going to go behind the curtains and show you the work that recruiters are a part of, and.. how you can use this to get hired faster!

Be the first in line.

It’s simple. To get hired faster, your goal should be to eliminate time wasted in scrolling through old job applications. You want to apply to fresh jobs- the fresher the better. You may say, well what if I’m qualified for this listing, but it’s 3 weeks old? Does this mean I should pass it by? By all means, apply to it! But if you’re in a job search with very limited time (which most job seekers have), and you’re seeking efficiency, it really increases your chances of getting hired if you mainly target new listings.

Why is it important to apply to fresh jobs?

When you apply to a job early, you’re casting your hook at a time when the fish are hungry and biting. Here is what goes on at the recruiter’s side:

The recruiter’s goal is to get a hire completed as fast as possible. Their goal is to bring a candidate to the employer and move on to their next recruiting assignment. So what this means is, if they find good enough candidates in the first 1-2 weeks of a job posting, they’ll move on to interviews. Once they find qualified candidates from the interviews, they’ll bring these people to the employer for a final hiring decision. What happens to those who find the job posting 2 weeks past the posting date? These later applications don’t get read.

A StartWire survey conducted amongst new hires show that 50% of new hires applied within the first week of a job posting.

Where can you apply to fresh jobs?

There are job listings that show you exactly how many hours or days ago that the job was posted.  StartWire’s also taken upon itself to only post job listings that are 2 weeks old.  Results from the StartWire survey also inspired the creation of StartWire’s Express Apply Jobs, which allow all job seekers to quickly locate a job of interest, and then apply within 60 seconds.  Once a resume is uploaded to their StartWire account, the Express Apply feature sends their resume directly to the employer without needing to fill out any job applications. How’s that for efficiency?

Another great tip is to sign up for job alerts. Most job search sites send job alerts when new openings come out. Ever see an interesting job and put off applying thinking it’ll still be there?  Next time you see a new listing, don’t procrastinate! Apply as soon as possible. It just might be your next job.