Here are some career tips to help you along the way:

1) Consider getting a certification that complements your job classifications. Certifications can earn you more cash or even position you for that next promotion. Many companies reward their employees with a pay increase or a repayment program that obtain a certification pertaining to their current job. Spend some time researching certifications that are important to your job type and find out what certificate programs your current employer is looking for. Ask your superiors about potential on-the-jobs educational benefits that allow you to earn a certification while working. Just remember, the more skills you have on your resume, the better your opportunities will be.  

2) There are different types of resumes to choice from. These include chronological, functional, combination, targeted and more. Keeping that in mind, try constructing several version of your resumes for individual job opportunities. A chronological resume type may be better suited for a job interview than a functional type resume. Having said that, I strongly recommend that you inquire about what style resume your potential employer may prefer. Try calling the office and explain to the receptionist or managers about your dilemma. This will allow you the opportunity to make first contact with the people that are likely to make a decision in the hiring process. Explain to them that you have different styles of your resume and you would like to find out which resume style they prefer. Some employers will not have any preference while others may request a particular style resume. The end result is you will have made an attempt to get it right the first time.

3) First Impressions: There are many first impressions that will transpire during a job seekers employment search. The first impression may occur on the telephone while inquiring about an open position. Take this opportunity seriously and never presence anything less than your best. Speaking to someone via telephone can often seem natural to most individual, however as a job seeker, you are graded from the moment you begin your conversation. Organize your thoughts before you get on the phone or enter the business establishment. The better prepared you are, the more likely you will have a positive experience. Another first impression is at your interview. Everything from your hair color, style, selection of clothes and your overall mannerism will be noticed. Some jobs take this aspect of the interview more serious than others. Research best practice for interviews and avoid doing something radical such as a new hair style or color. The less attention you can bring on your physical appearance, the more likely that the interviewers would have heard your answers to their questions. The final first impression involves your first day on the job. For many people, the anxiety level is way higher than normal. Once again avoid putting on a fashion show (at least for the first week or two) for your co-workers and superiors. Maintain positive communication and body language at all time. Your first few days is similar to a kids first day in high school. Be yourself, however maintain a high level of professionalism. Your co-workers and superiors expect some level of nervousness; try not to appear too comfortable. Make the best of your opportunities and plan your first impressions for greater success.  

4) Job Search: Search for jobs can be more difficult than one will expect. A poorly planned job search project can lead to much time lost. Here are a few tips to help you better prepare your job searches:

A) Write down the areas you intend to research jobs in your city. Job seekers looking for local jobs will often have several means to search for jobs. Plan your day by making notes for locations and times you intend to search for jobs. This will allow you to stay focus and manage your time more effectively.

B) Online job seekers must also develop a winning strategy. Surfing the web for the best job site can also lead to much time lost. Make notes of your top ten jobs sites that fit your criteria before you begin. You may want to bookmark these websites for future use. In addition to finding a list of suitable job sites, you should also have your resume, cover letter and other electronic documents such as letters of recommendations handy. The more prepared your are the faster the process will go. A jump drive is a great piece of hardware to carry with you on your job search. Job seekers that search the web from a public computer may have problems inserting their jump drive on them. Nevertheless, planning your online search will avoid the frustration  faced by many job seekers.

C) Search by Zip Codes: Search a particular radius can help you narrow down your job hunt to qualify areas. As a job seeker, you may not be interested in jobs outside your area. Narrowing your search to zip codes, cities or even miles will help you to search jobs that best fit your criteria.  

D) Get in The Know: Successful job seekers allow others to do their dirty work. Having an array of tools that allow specific jobs to find you rather than spending countless hours search in perfect. Search websites like CityJobs that allow you to receive jobs by email daily. This allow you more time to search other avenues in your local area. Subscribe to newspapers that offers classifieds sections. These classifieds should have a small sample of jobs in your area. Put a bug in your friends, family and other associates ear about the type of job you are looking for. The more individuals that are aware, the more likely you are to receive a referral. Stay connected and have jobs find you.