Looking for a new job? Just starting your career or thinking about a second one? Whether you know exactly what field or job you want to pursue or you aren’t sure yet, some fantastic career resources are available to help point you in the right direction. Problem is, they’re scattered across the Internet like confetti.
To make it easier for you to take advantage of some of the best advice, we’ve compiled a list of 10 great career resources you can access online:
1. Career Choice and Competency Test
Take the free 15-minute career test by Assessment.com to discover your strengths and help find your true calling. You can also assess your career plan against their recommendations.
2. Employment Statistics and Trends
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics provides a selection of useful reports on employment statistics and 10-year forecasts. Use them to determine if the career you’ve chosen is experiencing — or is likely to experience — a talent shortage. If so, you can expect a higher starting salary or more appealing perks if your skills match up with employers’ needs.
3. Company Information Sources
To research a company before you apply or to prepare for a job interview, try using Hoovers to view vital company information, such as revenue and financials or top competitors.
4. Resume and Cover Letter Advice
These helpful resume tips from Robert Half will give you all the up-to-date knowledge you need to make a good first impression on hiring managers.
5. Resume-Building Community Service Advice
The Corporation for National and Community Service can help you find nonprofit work opportunities that align with your career choice to boost your value to hiring managers.
6. Online Networking Resources
Read the Robert Half blog and articles like this one on building office etiquette for answers about handling workplace situations and the professional way to handle business relationships via social media and other digital communications.
7. Online Reputation and Social Media
Just about everyone knows how to use search engines, so be aware that prospective employers may look you up online before they make a hiring decision. And even a current employer may check your online reputation, so find out how to boost your social media profile.
8. Job Interview Resources
Learn how to prevent interview anxiety from affecting your performance with this selection of job interview tips from Robert Half for in-person and telephone interviews.
9. Professional Self-Development Resources
Test your work-related skill set at Mind Tools to find out how your essential skills, such as communication, problem solving and stress management, stack up. Then use the self-development career resources they provide to build your skills and become more attractive to potential employers.
10. Salary Guides
Tools that help you compare your salary expectations to the current employment market are invaluable. Find the Robert Half Salary Guide for your field and check out the average starting salaries for a variety of roles.
These 10 great career resources should be of help as you choose your next role, and can even guide you to ongoing professional development.
