What You Need To Know Before Committing To Vocational Retraining
|
You've thought a lot about the kind of work you want to do. The duties, the pay, the hours, the environment ? everything sounds right. According to the newspaper ads, there is a big demand out there. You find a program that sounds really good. You are all ready to sign on the dotted line.
Stop! Before you invest your time, your energy, and a good chunk of your money in this direction, ask some tough questions.
1. Request that the school provide you with placement statistics ? these are required by the state for all approved vocational courses. Statistics can be misleading so ask for details ? what kind of job did the graduates find, how much did it pay, how long did it take them to find it?
2. Ask for the names and telephone numbers of 6 recent graduates you can contact for feedback. Good schools often have recent graduates visiting on site to share their experiences with current students. If the school refuses to provide such a list, or cannot provide it for whatever reason they give you, red flags should be immediately raised.
3. Is State Licensure or Certification required for this field? If so, what is the school's passing rate? What is the examination's pass rate overall? How do they compare?
4. Arrange to audit one or two classes. Evaluate the instructor and the program organization. Talk to the other students about their experience.
5. Visit the placement office and find out what services and support are offered. At a minimum, you should receive a professional resume and multiple job leads. An excellent school will also provide interviewing skill training and employer background information. Find out if the school works consistently with several local employers which indicates that their graduates have been positive hires in the past.
6. Sit down with the Sunday Classifieds and circle employers in the field. Then call them for information. Are new graduates considered or is actual work experience required? Is the school known in the business community and what kind of reputation does it have? Has this company ever hired a graduate of this school? How would the employer recommend that someone enter this field?
If the school comes through with flying colors, move ahead with the knowledge that obtaining a first job after training is always difficult but you have some sources of support.
If your questions have revealed weaknesses in the program, evaluate other schools or consider selecting a different career goal.
Virginia Bola operated a rehabilitation company for 20 years, developing innovative job search techniques for disabled workers, while serving as a respected Vocational Expert in Administrative, Civil and Workers' Compensation Courts. Author of an interactive and emotionally supportive workbook, The Wolf at the Door: An Unemployment Survival Manual, and a monthly ezine, The Worker's Edge, she can be reached at http://www.virginiabola.com
|
|
|
Everyone Should Have A Red Ball In The Job Search
May I explain what about what a red ball means to me and how I counsel others as a career coach.A RED BALL is a symbol of what you can do and want, especially in a job search.Here are some uses for a RED BALL, especially when you are stuck for ideas and resources to get your next job.1. Play with it! Bounce it! See how high it will go. Be silly with it! (No, this is not intended as a 'feel good' exercise). It is a way to free your imagination for goals and ideas about what you want to do next.2. Carry it with you when you are out and about looking for a job. If you are not afraid of risk, ask others you meet to bounce it! You'll be surprised at how others will react. If some people th...(related: Employment)
Is Job Loss Making You Sick?
Job loss affects most of us like anyother loss in life. Yes, there are otherlosses that are greater, but this onecomes close too!From my experience,...(related: Employment)
Tales From The Corporate Frontlines: Career Opportunities For New Graduates
Tales from the Corporate Frontlines: Career Opportunities for New GraduatesThis article relates to the Career Opportunities competency and explores issues such as internal growth opportunities, potential for advancement, career development importance, and the relationship bet...(related: Employment)
Make Your Résumé Sizzle With Success Stories
In today's competitive job market you can't afford a résumé that fizzles. Power up your résumé with solid success stories. Include si...(related: Employment)
Updating Your Plum Job Now That Youre A Parent
It's startling to discover how having kids changes the way you see the world. Just compare your "before kids" vs. "after kids" views on what counts as:
- A good place to live.
- A desirable car.
- A great restaurant.
- A wonderful evening.
- Your ideal or "plum" job.
Give that "plum" job a closer look. Back in college or graduate school, yo...(related: Employment)
Successful Job Interview Tips
Congratulations! You've finally landed that job interview you've been waiting for. Now the real work begins! Remember, resumes don't get jobs; they merely get you in the door. Here's how to make your resume come alive and make a good impression.Tell Your Story in 60 Seconds or Less. Believe it or not, one of the biggest stumbling blocks for job candidates is what to say when an interviewer opens with: tell me something about yourself. This is not the time to share where you were born, your love of cats, or how much you hate your last boss! Itâ??s your golden opportunity to make you...(related: Employment)
Theres No Need To Pad Your Resume
It seems like a good idea, harmless in fact. Your friends assure you that everybody does it and that employers rarely check resume facts. Going on blind faith and convinced the truth hasn't been helpful so far, you seriously consider fabricating information on your resume. You adapt the school of thought that a little white lie never hur...(related: Employment)
What Exactly Online Recruitment Agencies Do?
Any online recruitment agency can help you to submit for vacancies to the agency by employers.Online recruitment agencies are used by employers for many purposes. Get help with the recruitment process, conceal recruitment activities from competitors, recruit for a new type of post for which they have no expertise.Anytime you register with an online recruitment agency keep in mind that the primary client for them is the employer, not you.Also, always check the security of the site, as you will be submitting personal information.Staffing and contract agencies compile a number of candidates with some exact qualifications and then supply sta...(related: Employment)
Why Well Produced Career Portfolios Are Replacing Cvs
What is a Career Portfolio?The original portfolio used by artists looking for wo...(related: Employment)
For Effective Decisions, Look Beyond Career Stereotypes
You've probably been taught not to stereotype people based on race, religion or sex. But when you make a career or business decision, do you still make decisions based on stereotypes?"Insurance sales reps must be gregarious."Hal, a successful insurance agent for many years, has developed a portfolio of loyal, happy clients. Hal can be described as an introvert. He rarely speaks unless spoken to, and then he speaks briefly and softly. His clients have learned that he's a caring, dedicated agent who never misses a detail."Accountants sit quietly and crunch numbers."These days, accountants, especially those in the large firms, have to become experts at client relations. Often they're expected to steer business towards the firm's consulting division."Wan...(related: Employment)
Job Interviews: Succeeding With Panel Interviews
These days, job interviews often consist of a panel of three-to-six interviewers.A "team approach" to finding the best candidate can be beneficial for the employer. Each member brings a different set of skills, experience and judgment to the team, and can point out pros (and cons) about a candidate that the other interviewers might miss.Panel interviews can also be beneficial for the job seekers.In a one-on-one interview you only have one shot at making the best impression. With a team doing the interviewing, your odds are increased!Say for example that Interviewer No. 1 had a bad experience with your past employer and unconsciously (or consciously) holds that against you, even though you had nothing to do with what happened. Intervi...(related: Employment)
site-map - Copyright © 2007 | Contact Webmaster | All Rights Reserved | Free Articles and Information | Employment