Finding part-time work that fits you!

Guest post by Danielle Cook, Career Quest Learning Centers in Lansing

Part-time jobs are just that, part-time, they are the jobs you work at to get you through school and pay the bills. If you’ve ever been back to Career Services and asked us about employment, chances are you’ve heard us say “Are you just looking for a job to get you through school or are you looking for a career opportunity?”

Even though it may be just a part-time job we want to enjoy going to work. Here are some tricks to finding a part-time job that fits you:

2012 Hot Career Fields

Trends show that the health care and technology industries are growing.This is good news for jobs. Keep reading for tips on how to get started in a hot new career this year.

1.   Enroll in a career-focused program. Specialized knowledge equals security in almost any field. Specific career training will make you more appealing to employers.

2.   Talk the Talk. Stay on top of industry trends. Take note of the latest buzzwords andacronyms that may be bounced around during interviews. Books, professional magazines and journals, and online chats are all great resources for this type of information.

3.   Look for opportunities for real-life experience. Externships, Internships and volunteering are all great ways to gain experience while your still in school or working other jobs. 

The Career Passport

If you want to be successful in your career search, be sure you have the right road map! Career Quest has taken the experience of the most successful job seekers and compiled it into a Career Passport. Spend time to get a stamp of completion in each  'area' of this passport and you're well on your way. Students who attend Career Quest are guided through each one, making sure those stamps really do mean something.

Here are some of the areas we know are essential to landing in that ideal destination: your new career position.

How-To Talk About You!

Have you ever been in an interview and been asked to “tell me about yourself”? Many people struggle to talk about themselves in an interview; here are some tips for making a good impression:

How To Start a New Career in 2012

Where do you want to be next year? You can change your life in just one year, here’s how:

Is your Online Image Career-Ready?

Employers check social media sites just like they check references.

While LinkedIn is touted as the professional social media site to use in the job search, only 46% of hiring managers screened their applicants through it.

 76% of hiring managers checked in on applicants on Facebook.

 53% of hiring managers looked into applicants on Twitter.

 69% of recruiters reported that they rejected a job candidate based on something they saw on the applicant’s social media profile

Assume your future boss will see anything you’ve posted publically. Here are tips to clean and polish your online image.

Making Your New Year’s Resolution Stick

Are you making a New Year’s Resolution to go back to school or find a new career? While most have good intentions, it can be difficult to stick to your resolutions. Here are a few tips on taking your resolutions to the next level, whatever they may be.