If you are changing jobs, you might not want to list your present employer as a reference unless you are leaving on the best of terms and your boss wants to help you find something new. In that case, you have no problem with employer references. That, of course, is seldom the question. Most people who are changing jobs are very reluctant to list their present employer or superior as references, then, because they have not even told them that they are leaving.
The simplest way to deal with this difficulty is to indicate on your resume that you are sending it in strict confidence. Many people suggest this approach but it may not work. Once, when I was changing jobs, I tried this method and it got me nowhere. I have never had such a poor response to a resume. When I eliminated this phrase, I had much better luck.
Apparently, when you indicate that your resume or application is confidential, it makes you look suspicious. It seems to "red flag'' you as a problem person who should not be trusted. After all, it might be interpreted as an attempt to hide something.
A better approach is to simply indicate where you are working and take a chance. Studies show that most potential employers do not check references, so it is very unlikely that they will call your present employer.
Another approach is to give personal references rather than listing former employers. If you do this before they ask you for what they want, it may take the momentum out of their efforts. If the potential employer insists on business or employment references, you can always refer to the job you had before your present employment. If asked for a reference from a current employer, you can always say that you do not want them to know that you are leaving. Most potential employers will respect this wish.
Changing Your Style
When you change jobs, you frequently have to change your style (the way you look and act), because no two organizations are exactly the same. In some instances, the changes you will have to make will be minor. In others, the necessary changes will be significant.
Of course, you must demonstrate the right style from the first moment you are interviewed. Therefore, you should follow the advice, and prepare yourself accordingly by looking and sounding as though you are a good match for the corporate, division, or department with which you will be working.
If you are changing careers, creating the right style may be a bit more involved. For one thing, you have to research the particular company. For another, you must research the preferred style for your new occupation. Accountants, as a rule, tend to act more conservatively than salespeople; university professors are usually more analytical than bartenders; taxi drivers are usually more direct than bank tellers. It does not take a genius to do research of this sort but if you ignore this aspect of preparation, you are making a major mistake. The way you look and act during the interview process is generally more important than your actual skill level.
Gaining New Skills
It was already pointed out that there are schools that train truck drivers. Obviously, there are also schools that train teacher’s models, and everything in between. However, the cost and quality of these institutions varies widely and should be checked carefully.
One of the best ways to investigate a training academy or school is to ask the placement office (most have them) about their success in placing graduates. Demand records, numbers, and anything else that will document their track record; after all, you are the customer and you have a right to know what you are buying. Also, ask for the names and phone numbers of recent graduates so that you can talk to them about their training and subsequent job success.
Surprisingly, the local public school system can be a very useful source of vocational or professional training. Local junior colleges and universities can also provide you with important training and education. Usually, and this may seem odd, they are much cheaper than private institutions.
Whatever you do, avoid the temptation to take the typical correspondence school training. While some training of this sort may be legitimate, and possibly useful, the job seeker should beware of outrageous claims such as, "You too can be making big bucks in just two weeks' or "Join the glamorous world of radio announcing ... train in your own home with these incredible video tapes."
Whatever you do, realize that your time, money, and energy are an investment. You can spend your resources wisely or foolishly. It is a matter of careful investigation and common sense.
Re-Thinking Your Resume
The most successful job seekers are those that change their resume according to the job for which they are applying. A single resume may not cover all of your job interests or possibilities. Recognizing this, you should examine your present resume with an eye to your new job interests. For example, if you are a production supervisor and you want a job in public relations, you should stress your public contact experience. It becomes a matter of interpretation.
Obviously, a few word changes can make a significant difference. Beginning with the objective, you should indicate exactly what you are looking for. This establishes from the outset that you believe you are qualified for the position, and that you have an entry level background. Next, instead of claiming an "English" major, the candidate stresses writing, communications, and human relations. After all, English majors learn to write, study the art of communication, and come to understand people as they research novels, short stories, and poetry. By the same token, successful production supervisors must learn to deal with a variety of people in a positive way in order to get the job done. This could easily be described in terms of public relations. So, it is a question of using the right words to describe your interests and your training and experience. It is not manipulative to redefine yourself; it is describing yourself according to your interests.
Some years ago, I was asked to become the volunteer editor of a magazine of a private club that I belonged to. When I was approached, it was assumed that because I was a writer, a university professor, and a business consultant, I had the necessary qualifications to do the job. True, I had edited a few newsletters for private industry, but this was a major undertaking involving everything from writing, to layout, to publication. When they asked for my resume, I indicated that I was an undergraduate communications major (a writer), had experience as a communication/business professor (a knowledgeable and experienced communicator, organizer and businessman), and that I was an editor (I had been involved in editing the newsletters). I landed the position, and while providing an element of leadership and direction, I learned as much as I could about sophisticated publishing.
All it requires is a little imagination and self-confidence to rethink your resume. Whatever you do, you must recognize that one resume will seldom be enough; you must target your credentials to the position you are seeking.
