Whether you’re a recession victim, a recent graduate, or just contemplating a change, there are lots of free resources to help you find out what you’re suited for, and how to get paid for it. Here are eight great ways to enter a career you enjoy, and start loving Mondays.
1. Don’t know where to start?
The Riley Guide is a good overall resource of everything job-related from assessment, training and job-seeking. There’s even advice on how to network. Check out their list of self-assessment tests you can take to find out what kind of career suits your interests.
2. One of the all-time classics of career testing is the CISS (Campbell Interest and Skill Survey). Your responses are compared to those from people who are working and happy in their careers. Then you’re given a list of the jobs that most likely suit your personality and interests. I took this test and surprise, surprise, it said I should do writing, communications and marketing for a living.
3. Also,a site called Quintessential Careers has an extensive list (and reviews) of online career and personality tests. Some tests are free, some cost money; they are all clearly noted.
4. Now that you know where you’re headed, find lots of career help from the United States government through the U.S. Department of Labor. CareerOneStop.org has free information about education and training, resumes and interviews, job search help, and salary information. Also try the USA.Gov site.
5. Community colleges are a great resource. You do not have to be a current student to take advantage of their career assessment tests, counseling and information. Just be a resident of the county where the college is located. True fact: I did exactly this when I was pondering a job change. While I was there I also happened to check out their job bulletin board – and it led to a great job! You never know. Just go to Google maps, find your address, then search the map for “community college”.
6. Your state government can help you prepare for, and find a job. . Type in Google’s search engine “state of ‘your state’s name'” and look for your state’s website. The website address should end in .gov. For example, if you type “State of Pennsylvania”, the website www.pa.gov appears first in the search results. Most states have resources to help you find free training and career counseling, they run job listings, and of course they also have listings for their own state government positions.
7. Want to be your own boss? Go straight to Uncle Sam for help. The Small Business Administration has lots of information online, plus their local offices conduct workshops.
8. Entrepreneurs also can contact SCORE (I think it stands for Service Corps of Retired Executives). SCORE’s 12,400 volunteer counselors have more than 600 business skills. Volunteers are working or retired business owners, executives and corporate leaders who share their wisdom and lessons learned in business. They offer advice online and in-person at one of their 364 offices nationwide.
Don’t forget to also take advantage of the huge amount of high quality books to educate and inspire your new career change. Amazon.com and Buy.com both offer free shipping and cheap prices compared to brick and mortar stores. View all current Buy.com coupons and Amazon.com promotions here.
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