Career Advice For People Who Prefer Texting Over Talking

"Hi QT. Hope ur hvn a GR8 day! RU coming out 2nite? TML so we can goss. TTYL!"

While you might be scratching your head trying to decode that sentence, it's an example of what a typical text message written by a teenager might look like. Texting has become the main form of communication for many teens, and text "shorthand" is often used to save time. According to a study by the Pew Internet Research Center, U.S. teens are talking on landlines and cell phones less, using smartphones more, and averaging 60 texts a day.

And while studies show that as people get older, their texting habits may decrease, they're still doing it all throughout college. Many are so hooked that they can't even get through a class without sending a text message; a University of New Hampshire study found that 65 percent of college students surveyed are sending around one text message per class.

Helping to ease the communication transition
Since texting has yet to become the norm, or even an acceptable practice, during the job-search process, some college students nearing graduation may need a little help adapting their communication skills for the business world.

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Career Change Advice

Are you struggling in your current job? Have you looked for career change advice in all the traditional places - career counselors, business magazines, trade journals and are still stuck in a job you hate? Below is an easy process to get you moving forward.

How Unhappy are You on a Scale of 1-10?

Most people need to encounter significant dissatisfaction and pain in order to step outside of their comfort zone and make changes. What is your level of satisfaction? On a scale of 1-10 with 1 being "I can barely get out of bed in the morning" and 10 being "I would do this work for free", what is your level of satisfaction with your current work situation?

Do I Hate the Work Itself?

If you are doing your right work, you will get energy from your work. Helping people break free from the corporate world gives me energy. I get off our Fearless Action Group calls with more energy than when I started the call. I know I have found my right work.

To choose work that is aligned with your true nature and calling, you must know who you are. This includes an honest evaluation of your skills and aptitude. What work do you perform naturally and effortlessly? Also, you must know what you value and what your life purpose is.

If your work is in alignment with your natural abilities, values, and purpose but you are still not happy, then you need to look at your work environment.

Do I Hate the Corporate World?

Many of my clients are unhappy in their current jobs because they don't fit into the corporate world. Every company has a unique corporate culture. You may enjoy your work and find it gives you lots of energy, but you are not thriving in your current company.

I help my clients to diagnose their company culture and determine whether or not they fit into this culture. Corporate culture is a powerful and invisible force. The more that you understand how culture influences you and those around you, the better you will be at making informed decisions about your career.

Are you better suited to work on your own or to build a company with an un-corporate culture?

If your current level of dissatisfaction is high and you hate the work you do, then start paying attention to what you enjoy doing. Don't think, "I could never make money doing this". You will be surprised to learn what is possible with the right intentions. If you love your work but hate the corporate world, then put together a plan to build your own business.

Changing careers takes courage, inspiration, and a solid plan. Life is too short to waste it doing work you hate.

How to make your mark

After you've survived your first day, concentrate on building good relationships within your team. These are the people who can help you establish yourself, flag up any potential landmines and answer your questions. Don't forget that this is a two-way process. Look for opportunities to return the favour. Your first network may prove invaluable as you move up the career ladder.

Know what is expected of you. Don't waste valuable energy doing something that isn't seen as important. Find out what your job really is – this might be different from what you read on the job spec, which may not have been updated for years. What are your goals? How will your performance be measured and how will your reviews be handled?

If there's anything you're not sure about, ask. Don't leave it until you're sinking. Your boss will be pleased to direct your work in the early days, but is likely to have less patience six months down the line. Start as you mean to go on - in the right direction.

What if it's your first job?
Then you're going to be learning fast. Time management is going to be one of the key things. Try never to miss a deadline. If it looks like you might, alert your boss in advance and say why. Don't get buried under the workload and fall at the first hurdle. If you feel a deadline is unrealistic when it is set, say so.

In the early days, you're no threat to anyone, so your colleagues will tend to be generous with their time and knowledge. As your job takes shape, plan your tasks and objectives on an hourly, daily and weekly basis and stick to them. Never underestimate the value of careful planning. So much is going to be happening that you are certain to forget something if you don't write it down.

Setting the boundaries
When you start a new job, you need to know what your sphere of influence is and how far your responsibilities extend. This is not to find out how little you can get away with, but how much chance you have to shine. To do this, you need to know the:

• parameters and main objectives of your job
• priorities and the proportion of your time that should be given to each task
• limits of your responsibilities
• expectations of your superiors and colleagues
• kind of feedback you will receive from superiors
• way your job fits within the team structure
• limits of your authority
• resources you will have in terms of people, money, products and services

Get known for the right reasons
Network with the right people and join in with social events, even if it's just a drink or two after work. The competitive work environment means you need every advantage you can get - there's no point being bright and good at your job if no one knows who you are. So keep good email contact with your boss and 'cc' work to the relevant people when appropriate. You want to make sure they know where the great work is coming from.

Commit yourself
Take a view. Are you in this to be the best you can be, or looking for an easy ride? Hopefully the former. Make a complete commitment to your new role, and throw yourself into it. Leave the clock watching to others, and grab every opportunity to shine. Volunteer for tasks no one else wants, as long as they don't intrude on your main responsibilities. Always look to add value to anything you do, and get a reputation for your 'can do' attitude. When your final probation review comes around, make sure your work record makes this a formality.

Integrating into a team

After you've survived day one in a new job, you're next task is to make sure you become a valuable member of the team.

Get off on the right foot and it's going to be peaches and cream - foul it up and you could find yourself back on the job market sooner than you thought. No newcomer is bigger than a happy and efficient team, even if you came in with top billing and a salary to match. It's your job to get on with them and fit into their way of working, not the other way round.

Getting to know you…
It may be useful to try and get some information about your new colleagues during the process of accepting a job offer. As ever, information is power.

Try and find out how long each team member has been at the company, what positions they've held, where they've worked in the past and what the hierarchy is. You should approach these questions subtly; trying to slip them into general conversation rather than throwing a barrage of questions at them in one go.

You may also want to know if there are any romantic links between any members of the team so you don't put your foot in it. Again, be very tactful when trying to uncover this information.

As you start the process of getting to know everyone, be clear about your own objectives and what you want out of the deal. It's not necessary to like all your new colleagues, but it's necessary to put your personal feelings aside to create effective work relationships.

One of the big upsides of working in a team is socialising outside work hours and it's a wonderful way of building team spirit. As ever, though, it has its potential dangers. The longer the party goes on, the greater the chances of an indiscretion. Get a reputation as someone who is always willing to socialise, but who knows when the time is right to make an exit.

Be very careful if your boss joins you, and don't get over-familiar or say something you later regret. In the same way, always behave with respect towards those in more junior positions.

Know your limits
No one goes into a new job aiming to fail, but it's easy to make life difficult for yourself if you don't keep an eye out for a few common errors.

Top of the list is going in with too many expectations. Be realistic in what you aim to achieve, especially in the early months, and don't set yourself up for a fall. By the same token, if your new boss expects unrealistic results from you, address the issue quickly before it becomes a problem.

Don't be tempted to think you have all the answers. You may be coming in to sort out a problem, but take your time to get to know the operation properly first before making a snap judgement. Be careful not to degrade a process or tool – the person you're talking too may have been the one who designed it. Chances are, there will be good things as well as bad, and they'll need preserving. You don't want to come across as arrogant or a know-all.

Beware of overdoing it. It can be tempting in a new job to volunteer for everything with the aim of making a good impression, but stay realistic. Take on what you know you can do well, and always leave yourself a bit of elbow room in case the task takes longer than you first thought. Make sure that whatever you do, you do well and make sure your boss notices the effort you're putting in.

Day one in a new job

It took you a lot of effort to be here, so make the most of it and enjoy your new working environment. Dress your best. It will make you feel good and your confidence will infect those around you. Leave yourself plenty of time to get to work, and eat a proper breakfast so you're not looking for an opportunity to dive out and grab something mid-morning.

Remember the qualities that got you the job in the first place. Smile, be positive, make eye contact, greet new colleagues with a firm handshake. It's a bit like the interview, but this time you've got to make a good first impression with many more people. It's OK to be a little nervous and on your guard at first. You'll have plenty of time to relax into your new role in the weeks to come.

You're unlikely to be asked to do any real work on your first day - that will be saved for after your settling in period. Whatever you are asked to do, make sure you give it your all.

Be courteous
This should be a basic attribute anyway, but make sure you don't accidentally rub anyone up the wrong way on your first day. Everyone you encounter, from the receptionist right up to the big boss, should receive the same impression of you – polite and respectful. Make it your business to introduce yourself, especially if your new manager doesn't introduce you first. With so much else to organise, they sometimes forget.

Feel free to ask advice. Don't stand there shuffling your feet if you don't know where to go or what to do. It may make you appear nervous or standoffish, and you don't need to start erecting possible barriers on day one.

Go with the flow
Even if you're already experienced in your role, don't assume you can simply do what you did before in the same way. While there are probably plenty of skills you can transfer, every workplace has its own way of operating. Keep your eyes and ears open and try to fit in as smoothly as possible. A definite phrase to avoid is "We didn't do it like this in my last company". It's guaranteed to wind up your new colleagues.

Join in any coffee breaks or anything that gives you a chance to get to know your new colleagues on a more personal level. They will be able help you to understand the unwritten rules of the workplace from answering personal mobile phone calls to nipping outside for a cigarette.

Keep an eye out for the office cynic. There's always someone who wants to tell you what a dump you've come to, even if they've been there for 20 years and secretly love the place. You should also be cautious of anyone trying to be too friendly until you have got a proper idea of the office politics. By being too close to one group you could alienate yourself from others, especially if they're not popular in other parts of the company.

Be positive
Never talk your last job or company down, and be discreet in what you say about former employers. Even big industries can be small places, and your new colleagues may know or even be related to some of your old workmates. Plus, it doesn't give a great impression of your working style. Who wants a bitch or someone who likes to moan on the team?

Take a second before you commit to saying anything. You'll be nervous anyway which will heighten your anxiety and your eagerness to please. So consider your responses and actions. It's better to be tagged as cautious and thoughtful rather than rash and impulsive.

Show willing
Be the one who volunteers for something, like changing the bottle on the water cooler or doing a coffee run. Be the last to lunch in the early days, the first back, and one of the last out of the door at night. Show your new colleagues that you're committed and mean business but also looking to integrate yourself as one of the team.

Accepting a job offer

It's a great feeling to land the job, but there's still a lot to tie-up before signing on the dotted line. Be ready to ask yourself a few important questions, and get the answers you're looking for before you accept.

Among the most obvious are "Do I like the people?" and "Am I'm getting the right salary for the position?"

You don't need to be best friends with your boss – in fact, it's usually better if you aren't – but you mustn't take an instant dislike to each other either. If you sense you aren't going to get on, for whatever reason, take it very seriously and consider declining the offer on that basis alone. You're going to be spending a lot of time with each other, after all.

Managers very often recruit people similar to them so you should also have a good idea what your new co-workers will be like. Ask the interviewer what the team is like – their answer probably won't be very detailed but may give you some insight.

While you can't expect to get the exact details of other employees' earnings, you should be able to discover whether you are at the top, bottom or middle of the scale, and why. In big companies with multiple sites, it's usual for there to be regional 'weighting' to take into account higher living costs. Use a salary checker to gain more information on whether the offer is fair.

Making negotiations on salary can be a tricky business, but if you think you're worth a couple of extra thousand on the salary being offered, there's no harm in asking.

How does it feel?
Chances are you will have had a glimpse around your future workplace and possibly been introduced to some potential colleagues. What was your impression? What was the atmosphere like? Did you warm to the place? Again, trust your instincts, since there's nothing else to go on at this stage. Serious reservations need to be listened to.

It's your dream job, but its two hours and a steep uphill walk away, via the UK's worst performing train line. If relocating isn't an option, will you honestly be able to handle that every day?

How about the social aspects of the job? Is there a decent selection of places from where you can get a good coffee? Are there a few nice places to get a drink in after work? Can you spend your lunch hour shopping? Is there a park nearby to enjoy when the weather permits it? If these are important factors to you, take a good look around the area before accepting.

Have a think about your other options. If you're waiting for an offer from elsewhere, try to delay accepting for a few days. Don't leave it too long though otherwise you're likely to annoy the employer and risk seeing the offer withdrawn.

How to say 'yes'
How you accept a job offer depends on how it was made to you. If you were offered it verbally, face-to-face, then you should accept it in the same way or over the phone. However, always back this up with a letter of acceptance, and expect a letter of appointment in return. If this process has been handled by email, feel free to use email yourself. Make sure you get formal confirmation of your new position, including start date and time and any forms you may need to supply or complete.

As soon as you accept a new job, you're morally obliged to take yourself off all job sites and notify any agencies who may have been acting on your behalf. If you are on any other shortlists or have any other applications out there, inform the companies concerned.

It goes without saying that you also need to let your current employer know you're resigning. Check the terms of your contract with them and make sure you give them adequate notice. This could also have a bearing on when you can start your new job.

Make sure any references you're using are aware of the situation, and make sure their going to give you a glowing review!

Questions for the interviewer

Most interviewers will give you an opportunity to ask questions after they've finished grilling you, so be prepared to make the most of it. Try to concentrate on issues that are important to you and combine an interest in the company with an interest in the job.

With a wide variety of interview styles and structures, there's every possibility that everything you want or need to know about the job will have been covered over the course of the interview. There is always more information available though and if you don't have at least five questions prepared, you'll come across as passive rather than curious and interested.

Regarding role specific questions, look through the job description to see if there are any areas that you would like more information about. Here are some good examples of the questions you could ask about the role:

• Why has the position become available?
• What are the main objectives and responsibilities of the position?
• How does the company expect these objectives to be met?
• What are the measures used to judge how successful I am in the role?
• What obstacles are commonly encountered in reaching these objectives?
• What is the desired time frame for reaching the objectives?
• What can I expect from you in terms of development and support?
• What aspirations do you have for me at the company?
• Where will the job fit into the team structure?

Good interview preparation should have given you an insight into what it's like to work for a company, but it's good to get answers straight from the horse's mouth in case you've misinterpreted anything. These questions are a good place to start:

• What's the best thing about working at your company?
• What is the main thing the organisation expects from its employees?
• How do you build good relationships within teams?
• What is the turnover of staff like throughout the company?
• Are there any plans for expansion?
• How would you describe the company culture and management style?

To show your interest and knowledge of the industry the company operates in, it's also a good idea to have a question ready regarding a current event or issue in the market. For example, "How do you think the recent merger between your two main competitors will affect the future of the industry?"

How well your interviewer reacts and answers your questions gives you a great insight into the company. The interview isn't just for them to see if you're the right fit for the organisation – if you're confident about your skills and ability to do the job, you should also be making sure they're the right fit for you.

Generally, it's not a good idea to ask about pay or benefits, as this can make you seem more interested in what the organisation can do for you, rather than what you can do for them.

Making an interview presentation

It's not unusual when recruiting for senior roles, or where presentations are going to be part of the job, to ask candidates to make a presentation as part of their interview. This is an excellent opportunity to show your potential employers what you can do, away from the formal interview question and answers procedure.

Preparing your presentation
The most important thing is to know who you're going to be speaking to. This will inevitably influence what you say and how you pitch your presentation. Find out how many people will be on the panel, their status, their expertise, any knowledge levels you can safely assume, and whether they know each other.

This information is vital in helping you pull together the right amount of material, pitching it at the right level, and ensuring you have enough supporting materials to hand. Once you've established these details, you can get to work on the all-important structure.

Getting the right structure
You should always have one clear message that runs through your presentation, and limit yourself to three sections: introduction, development of your argument, and summary. Any more than that and your presentation will lose focus.

Develop a powerful introduction and close, as these are the times when your audience will be most attentive. Ensure that your ideas are clear and come in a logical sequence, using sentences that are short and to the point. When calculating how much time to devote to each section, allow 10-15% for your opening, the same for your conclusion, and the rest for the main content.

A clear delivery
Keep your opening punchy and have a memorable ending that will leave your audience on an upbeat note. Speak slowly and with purpose; avoid rambling or making digressions. Make regular eye contact with members of your audience, rather than allowing your gaze to drift vaguely round the room or over their heads.

Try to learn your presentation by heart. It will save you having to fumble around with prompt cards or PowerPoint slides and will give an excellent impression of your confidence and professionalism. However you choose to present, practice your presentation beforehand, testing it on friends or family if you have the chance.

Visual aids
Most of us have experienced 'death by PowerPoint' at some time - that sinking feeling that comes from seeing 'slide 1 of 60' up there on the screen, or staring at densely-packed slides as the presenter reads the text out word-for-word.

Have mercy on your audience and improve your chances at the same time. Maximum content should be a headline and perhaps three or four bullets per slide with graphs and diagrams where appropriate. It should be there to help emphasise what you're saying, not to take the focus away.

Don't start the slides before you have first addressed your audience. They don't want to be distracted by what's on the screen while you introduce yourself and what you're going to say. As you progress through your presentation, give your audience time to digest what's on each slide before you begin talking again.

Flashy animations may show your technical expertise, but can cause major problems in distracting your audience and confusing you when it comes to pressing the button in the right places.

Avoid glancing down at the screen for prompts – if you've learnt your presentation properly, you won't need them – and talk to your audience, not your laptop. Always make sure any projection equipment is working properly and try to get set up and ready to go before you are asked to begin.

Taking questions
Dealing with questions gives you the opportunity to further demonstrate your knowledge of your subject. Let your audience know in advance that you will be willing to take questions at the end so they don't disrupt the flow of you presentation.

Take your time to answer, be ready to defend yourself and don't argue with a questioner. If you do come up against a conflict of opinions, don't try to win the battle - search for a good compromise position. Inviting other questions or views from the other members of the audience may help you diffuse a potentially prickly situation.

Answer the question you have been asked, not the one you fancy answering. Repeat each question as you receive it and give yourself a moment to consider what is actually being asked. If it is a loaded question that's inviting you to say something you'd rather not, diffuse it by reinterpreting it in a less pointed way, or ask your questioners to expand on what they mean.

Finally, enjoy it. It's a great chance to shine!

Tips for second interviews

Once you've reached the second interview stage, it can be tempting to think you're almost there and that the job's there for the taking. It is, but there's still a lot of work to do. Prepare as well for the second interview as you did for the first. Think about what it is about you that makes them want to consider you for the job.

They may want to delve deeper into your personal skills and interests to see if you're the right fit for the team, or they may have brought someone in to play the tough guy to see how you handle pressure. If you do have a new interviewer, be prepared to go over some old ground using notes from your first interview.

As before, plan your answers to their likely questions, and be clear in your own mind where your cut off point is in terms of sharing views or talking about your private life.

Expect more open-ended or challenging questions about your experience. Have some examples in your head about specific projects you have managed or challenges you have met. It may be worth preparing some cue cards of your key work achievements to keep them fresh and organised in your head ready for when you go in.

If you've been asked to give a formal interview presentation, request that all the equipment you need is ready and waiting for you when you turn up.

Making your mind up
Second interviews are a good opportunity to deal with the second thoughts you had on the way back from the first. Go through any notes you took first time around, during or after the interview, and draw up a list of things you'd like to clear up when they offer you the chance to ask questions.

This is also a great time to really think hard about whether you'd want to work for these people or not. Do you like them? Is there something deep down that doesn't feel right? Try to pick up as many signals as you can. Don't fight a powerful instinct that tells you this role just isn't for you, no matter how attractive the offices or the salary package.

We're going where?
Occasionally, second interviews will take place off-site, in a bar or restaurant, for example. There's a very good reason for this - your interviewer may want to check out your interpersonal skills by seeing how you react in an informal setting. This technique is also used to catch you off guard and tempt you into saying something you might not say in a more formal environment. Be on your guard. Alcohol can often make you say something you regret so wait to see what your interviewer is drinking before ordering yours, and never fall into a trap of drinking too much too quickly.

We're delighted to say…
You may be offered the job on the spot. Regardless of how much you want the job, express your gratitude, but don't accept…yet. It's very reasonable to ask for time to consider. Ask when they would like a decision from you. You're making a big step, so you want to be sure you don't land on boggy ground. You need to get used to the idea that you could be walking through those doors again as part of the team on a daily basis.

Think the offer over in your head and discuss it with friends to make sure you're totally comfortable with the idea. Did the atmosphere feel right? Did you like your interviewers? Did the people you saw while you were there look focused and motivated? Use your common sense and experience, and don't go all glassy-eyed and lose your judgement in the thrill of the moment. Take this as an opportunity to negotiate a deal that's right for you.

You're talking about making a commitment that will probably last for years rather than months so take your time.

Common interview questions

Although there is no set format that every job interview will follow, there are some questions that you can almost guarantee will crop up. Here's a list of the most common questions and a guide to the kind of answers your interviewer wants to hear.

• Tell me about yourself…
This is usually the opening question and, as first impressions are key, one of the most important. Keep your answer to under five minutes, beginning with an overview of your highest qualification then running through the jobs you've held so far in your career. You can follow the same structure of your CV, giving examples of achievements and the skills you've picked up along the way. Don't go into too much detail – your interviewer will probably take notes and ask for you to expand on any areas where they'd like more information. If you're interviewing for your first job since leaving education, focus on the areas of your studies you most enjoyed and how that has led to you wanting this particular role.

• What are your strengths?
Pick the three biggest attributes that you think will get you the job and give examples of how you have used these strengths in a work situation. They could be tangible skills, such as proficiency in a particular computer language, or intangible skills such as good man-management. If you're not sure where to start, take a look at the job description. There is usually a section listing candidate requirements, which should give you an idea of what they are looking for.

• What are your weaknesses?
The dreaded question, which is best handled by picking something that you have made positive steps to redress. For example, if your IT ability is not at the level it could be, state it as a weakness but tell the interviewer about training courses or time spent outside work hours you have used to improve your skills. Your initiative could actually be perceived as a strength. On no accounts say "I don't have any weaknesses", your interviewer won't believe you, or "I have a tendency to work too hard", which is seen as avoiding the question.

• Why should we hire you? or What can you do for us that other candidates can't?
What makes you special and where do your major strengths lie? You should be able to find out what they are looking for from the job description. "I have a unique combination of strong technical skills and the ability to build long-term customer relationships" is a good opening sentence, which can then lead onto a more specific example of something you have done so far in your career. State your biggest achievement and the benefit it made to the business, then finish with "Given the opportunity, I could bring this success to your company."

• What are your goals? or Where do you see yourself in five years time?
It's best to talk about both short-term and long-term goals. Talk about the kind of job you'd eventually like to do and the various steps you will need to get there, relating this in some way back to the position you're interviewing for. Show the employer you have ambition, and that you have the determination to make the most of every job you have to get where you want to be.

• Why do you want to work here?
The interviewer is listening for an answer that indicates you've given this some thought. If you've prepared for the interview properly, you should have a good inside knowledge of the company's values, mission statement, development plans and products. Use this information to describe how your goals and ambition matches their company ethos and how you would relish the opportunity to work for them. Never utter the phrase "I just need a job."

• What are three positive things your last boss would say about you?
This is a great time to brag about yourself through someone else's words. Try to include one thing that shows your ability to do the job, one thing that shows your commitment to the work, and one thing that shows you are a good person to have in a team. For example, "My boss has told me that I am the best designer he has ever had. He knows he can always rely on me, and he likes my sense of humour."

• What salary are you seeking?
You can prepare for this by knowing the value of someone with your skills. Try not to give any specific numbers in the heat of the moment – it could put you in a poor position when negotiating later on. Your interviewer will understand if you don't want to discuss this until you are offered the job. If they have provided a guideline salary with the job description, you could mention this and say it's around the same area you're looking for.

• If you were an animal, which one would you want to be?
Interviewers use this type of psychological question to see if you can think quickly. If you answer 'a bunny', you will make a soft, passive impression. If you answer 'a lion', you will be seen as aggressive. What type of personality will it take to get the job done?

You should always have some questions for your interviewer to demonstrate your interest in the position. Prepare a minimum of five questions, some which will give you more information about the job, and some which delve deeper into the culture and goals of the company.

Preparing for job interviews

Fail to plan, plan to fail. You are certain to be asked specific questions about your potential employer, so make sure you've done your homework on things like their last year's profits and latest product launches. Nothing is as disappointing as when a candidate oozes enthusiasm and then doesn't even know the most basic facts and figures about a company.

Here are a few places you can find some useful information:

An online search
The company's website is the best place to start. It shows the company as it would like to be seen and the products and services they offer. You'll get a feel for the corporate style, culture and tone of voice. Check out the annual report and look for a press or company news page.

As you filter all this information, consider how the role you're applying for relates to the company's mission. You may also be able to use the site's search facility to discover more about the person or people who will be interviewing you.

You should spend some time looking online for any other information you can find about the company. Put their name into Google News to see if they've had any recent interesting stories written about them. You could also discover some information written by their current employees on what it's like to work there.

It's also worth searching for your own name to see what crops up – your potential employer may be doing the same thing.

Industry sources
It's not just information about the company you need – you should also have a good background knowledge of the industry so you can impress at the interview. Browse through business publications and websites to see what they are writing about your potential employer and their industry. Have a look on the newsstands at the big magazine retailers - there's an amazing list of publications out there.

You may find back issues of trade publications at university or public libraries, or you might be able to access them online. Some journals are even available for free or by subscription through their own websites.

If you're already in the same industry as your potential employer, it may be possible to discreetly ask colleagues or your suppliers if they know anything about the company you're interested in.

Preparing yourself
This is the bit most people forget to give enough time to, so don't get caught out. Just like when you're going into an exam, feel confident that you can field any question they throw at you, and try to feel as good about yourself as you can. It shines through.

Here are a few top tips:

• Have a mock interview with a friend based on the common interview questions you're likely to face.
• Be sure you know the time, date and location of the interview and the name of interviewers.
• Decide how you will get there and when you need to set off to arrive in good time, anticipating any delays. Do a dummy run if necessary.
• If you look good, you tend to feel good too. Avoid any last minute panic by preparing what you're going to wear the night before.
• Don't go into the interview with lots of baggage - psychological or physical. Take the bare minimum with you so you can concentrate on the interview, and nothing else.
• If you are asked to bring certificates, references, etc, get them ready well in advance to avoid having to chase around on the morning of the big day.
• It may sound patronising, but make sure you use the toilet before you go in – you don't want to be bursting to go when you're mid-interview.

Be methodical
Sit down with your CV and make notes, just as if you were preparing for an exam. Study your work record and what you have achieved. How do you see yourself? What have you done? What ambitions do you have? Make notes and prepare and rehearse sound bites about yourself. Do this out loud, even if it makes you feel weird.

Try to relate specific areas of your CV back to the job description. It will make it clear to the interviewer why they should hire you.

Remember, one of the most common interview questions is "Tell me about yourself". Prepare a balanced and succinct answer to this question, not a life history. Keep it businesslike and don't stray into personal feelings or family relationships. Avoid anything to do with politics or religion like the plague. Interviewers use this question to learn about your personal qualities, not your achievements - they should already have those from your CV.

Relocating for work

Making the decision to relocate is a massive life change and it doesn't just affect you – your friends and family will all need to adapt to accommodate the new situation.

The reasons for wanting to move elsewhere are numerous. Maybe you're sick of the city and need some fresh air and countryside. Maybe you've had troubles in other areas of your life and need a new start. You could find that the type of job you're after simply isn't available locally. Alternatively, it could be your company who is instigating the move.

Whatever your reasons, the methods for ensuring you relocation runs smoothly are the same.

Deciding where to go
If the move is your idea rather than your company's, then the kind of place you end up is going to be the biggest decision to make.

If you have a network of people in another area it's always going to make for an easier transition. They will be able to advise on things like the best places to live, local schools and transport. They may even be able to help you land a new job.

For those of you who have no idea where you want to go, think long and hard about what's important to you. Do you want to stay in the UK? Do you prefer to have all the amenities and entertainment on your doorstep? Would you prefer a quieter detached lifestyle? How close do you want to be to your family? Nobody can tell you what's the perfect location for you – it's something you'll just know is right.

Carefully researching the various areas open to you before taking the plunge increases your chances of a successful move. Make sure this study is balanced and subjective - a fantastic summer fortnight in Devon is not the same as a rainy February there.

On top of the obvious features like schools, housing and leisure, it's worth looking at which political party has been voted into the local government – it gives you a great insight into the general mindset of people in an area.

Beware of 'grass is always greener' syndrome. If you're dissatisfied with where you are now, try to be rational about why this is. There may be many factors feeding your dissatisfaction, and not just the horrendous commute. If these issues are likely to reoccur wherever you are and whatever job you do, maybe you should try resolving these before eloping

You're highly advised to sort out your work situation in a new location before making a move. Renting or buying a property without the long-term guarantee of income could put you in a very difficult position. If you think that employers will only consider you if you're living locally, reassure them in your cover letter that your intentions are to move once a position has been secured.

Moving with your employer
Sometimes change is forced on us by our employer heading to pastures new. You're likely to be given a couple of weeks to decide whether you want to move with them so use this time wisely to make an informed decision. Apply all the same principles as you would if you were choosing to move voluntarily, and don't feel under massive pressure to move simply to keep your job. If the move is going to cost you too much in terms of the things you consider important – your friends or your kids' schools for example – then it's time to start looking for a new job.

If you do decide to move with your employer, check out what financial support is going to be available to you to cover the great expense of moving. This can include help with removal costs, higher mortgage payments, temporary lodging costs or even a bridging loan while you sell your current home. Talk to your company's HR team and make sure you know all the angles before you make your final commitment.

Settling in to your new surroundings
It's always tough building up new social networks from scratch, but use your imagination and look for ways to get involved with your new neighbours and the community. Sports and social clubs are good places to start where you'll come across many like-minded people. If you have children, you'll generally meet other parents through school activities.

Your new colleagues are an obvious group of people to get involved in social activities with, but be careful not to come across as too needy before you've integrated into the team. If you're moving with a partner, you can cast the net further by trying to get to know their new colleagues as well.

Transferable skills

One of the biggest challenges when it comes to a career change is giving your CV the punch it needs to make an impact in a new industry. You may think that little of what you have done before will count, but you'd be wrong. We all pick up and develop a wide range of skills that can be applied in many different roles.

What is a transferable skill?
As the name suggests, a transferable skill is something that can be taken with you and applied to any new job. These are core skills that all employers value, and include:

• People skills - your ability to communicate, motivate and lead a team, or successfully coach or train people.
• Technical skills - knowledge of popular computer programmes, or more practical things like an ability to construct or repair.
• Data skills - good record keeping, detailed statistical analysis, or research skills.

Think of your current role and how much of it is solely concerned with the industry you're in now. Unless you're a specialist working at a high level with complex information, much of what you do could easily be applied elsewhere.
For example, if you are a good trainer, that skill could be used in any role – every business could do with someone who can teach others how to work better. Likewise, if you're a good organiser, any position that requires project management is up for grabs. Almost anything can be a transferable skill; it's all about how you spin it to your prospective employer.

How to identify your transferable skills
For a start, look at job specs across a wide range of industries and see what skills they have in common. You can do this quickly and easily using Monster's job search. Then map your findings back against what you are doing now. Go through your working day or week and do a quick analysis of what your tasks actually involve. How many are people related? How many have to do with data or technical expertise?

This will help you focus on identifying skills you may not have even known you had. Don't ignore things that come as second nature to you and that you don't necessarily see as key attributes - they might be of priceless value to a potential employer. As you go through this process, write each skill down and compare it to your findings from your job spec comparison. There's a high chance that you will already have provable experience called for by virtually any job.

The 'provable' factor here is very important. It's obviously not enough to say 'I'm a great manager' or 'I'm really good with figures'. Make sure you identify specific achievements in your career that clearly demonstrate each of your transferable skills. By updating your CV regularly with each new success, you will improve your chances of landing the job you want when it's time to move on.

Make sure your CV outlines your relevant skills somewhere upfront and obvious. They're key selling points. As a career changer, the first task of your CV is to convince the reader why you are a better prospect than other candidates who have more relevant experience in the role or industry. Your personal statement is the ideal place to sell yourself with come clear and eye-catching statements.

How to make a career change

Do you love your job? You should, and you certainly could. Although many people complain about their work or see it as a necessary evil, it doesn't need to be that way. If you think you'd rather be somewhere else on a Monday morning, take control and do something positive to change your situation.

Would you do your job if you weren't being paid?
It's a good question, and one that most people would probably answer in the negative. Imagine what it would feel like to enjoy your job as much as your leisure time, waking up every day eager to get on with the job.

The average person will work 40 hours a week for the better part of 40 years. That's nearly 80,000 hours of your life. Doesn't it make sense to spend your working time somewhere you want to be?

Once you've discovered the right job for you by assessing your skills and interests, there's only one person who's going to make the change happen – you!

The first step is tailoring your CV for the new career you're after. Take a look at the different skills you have acquired over the years - many of them may be useful in another industry. These transferable skills are often overlooked by career changers but are desired by almost every employer:

• IT literacy
• Numeracy
• Leadership
• Problem-solving
• Research and analysis
• Foreign languages
• Presentation skills
• Organisation and time-keeping
• Commitment

This applies to achievements as well. If you've been successful in one job, the chances are you will continue the trend in another. Remember that specific details of the tasks might not be recognised in an alternative sector, so keep the examples brief, with just the key facts or figures clearly shown.

Getting your name out there
Changing career is not easy, but very achievable. Once you've convinced yourself it's the best thing for you and have the hard evidence to back this up, it's going to be much easier to persuade a potential employer.

Find out as much as you can about your new industry by attending conferences or networking events and keeping up-to-date with the latest developments in the industry you're heading towards. You'll really impress your interviewer if you can show a dedication to the position, before you're even in it.

Getting yourself featured in industry news pages will also alert companies to your expertise and is something else to add weight to your CV. 'Published writer' sounds quite impressive doesn't it! The people who put together websites, magazines and newspapers are always looking for pieces of content to fill their pages and will be easily swayed with an informative piece on a recent issue that's opinionated and well researched.

Unless time-travel is invented, you won't get a second chance, so make sure you act now to create the life you want for yourself.

What's the right job for you?

Ask a class of schoolchildren what they want to be when they grow up and you'll receive some great answers – unfortunately most of them won't achieve their astronaut or ballerina dreams. As you progress through your education and career most of us will lean towards the subjects that most interest us, but transferring that to a career is not always simple.

If you've fallen into the wrong occupation and are looking to make a change, it's never too late to switch direction.

Assessing your options
The first thing is to get a few basics down on paper so that you can assess them clearly. Work out your likes and dislikes and what your main skills are. Because self-assessment can be a tricky process, it's well worth using a career coach to point you in the right direction.

Remember, it's not about choosing the right answer, it's about finding out which careers are right for your personality. Assessment tests can also help you quantify how you relate to other people and how you approach problem solving. Whether you feel you know where you'd like to be or not, you may find out something surprising about yourself or a career path you hadn't previously considered.

These assessments come in all shapes and sizes and are only as accurate and useful as the information which you put in about yourself. Be brutally honest about your skills – it will allow you to see the areas in which you need to improve in order to achieve your aspirations.

Once you've completed some serious soul searching and got clear answers to those tough questions, be realistic about the options open to you. Going to university full-time or retraining simply might not be possible if you are a single mother, have large mortgage payments or care for a frail relative. Some careers cater better than others for people with special requirements, such as allowing time away from work for studying or allowing flexi-time to work around school hours.

Consider whether your ideal role is in the same industry you already have experience in. It is far easier to change jobs within the same sector and you may just need to find a more exciting company to work for. If not, what will you need to do to find a job in your chosen field?

Another important factor to consider is the amount of progression that a certain job or career path allows. Aiming for a job that will satisfy your needs now may be good for the short-term, but what about in five years time when you need to earn more and don't have another rung on the ladder to reach for?

Back yourself to succeed
Now you've identified where you want to go, get on with it. Research the latest developments in your chosen industry, network as widely as you can at industry events and talk to people who do the job you want to do. You could even look for work experience or a part-time role to get your foot in the door. Make yourself an employer's most attractive prospect by proving you are motivated, informed and know what you have to offer can benefit their business.

When is it right to move on?

There are a lot of things to consider when deciding when and why to move on. To begin with, you need to assess where you are now, what you have achieved and where you want to be in a few years time.

What do you enjoy about your present job? What don't you enjoy? What do you feel is missing? What have you enjoyed about any previous roles you have done? What is the ideal situation for you? How will you know when you have achieved it? What obstacles are in your way? What can you do to overcome them?

Try to be systematic in answering these questions. Discuss them with friends, family or a professional career change expert and write them down. It's always easier to make an accurate assessment of a situation if it's clearly staring back at you from a piece of paper.

As well as your own personal motives for wanting to change jobs, there are plenty of other reasons out of your control that cause you to leave your current position, including:

• Potential financial difficulties for your employer
• Your company moving into an area of business you don't agree with
• A culture change in your company caused by a takeover or merger
• A collapse in communication with your manager or colleagues

Spotting when the time is right
If you do decide to leave a job, quitting at the wrong time can hit you in the pocket if you're not careful. For example, leaving just before your big bonus is due is not very sensible. It's a good idea to think about whether you're currently paid in advance or in arrears as any change may affect your monthly cash flow.

If you've got a holiday planned, wait until you get back before handing in your notice. Your new employer won't take kindly to you booking two weeks off during your probation period.

Because so many people take time off during summer and winter, May and October are often prime times to look for a new job. In preparation for a lot of their workforce being away, employers look to train up new recruits to cover the anticipated gaps. On the other hand, you may be missing out on overtime opportunities in your current role if you leave before the holiday period is over.

Leave in a position of strength
Once you've made the decision to leave, make sure you have somewhere to go before handing in your notice. Don't be tempted to storm off in a huff or make some sort of statement if it means leaving yourself vulnerable. It's much easier to find a job when you already have one. Long periods of unemployment sends out a bad signal to a future employer, with all sorts of questions about why you left, and could leave you out of work for longer than you think.

Don't ignore the consequences of quitting before you have a new job lined up, no matter how much you dislike where you're working. Apart from looking bad as you start applying for new jobs, voluntarily leaving your former role could compromise your eligibility for unemployment benefits.

Money shouldn't be the only reason
If money is the overriding issue in your desire for change, have the courage to address it before thinking about leaving. Find out the going rate for your job and, if you don't feel you're getting paid enough, ask for more. This can be a scary experience, but it could solve your problem. If your request is turned down, then you can take a view on whether it's the right time to leave. If you have the option to think in the long term, you may even consider taking a pay cut, but moving to a company where the career progression and wage increases will occur more regularly.

Returning to work after a career break

Getting back to work after a significant break can seem very daunting. Many people who find themselves in this position just don't know where to begin and are often faced with barriers that other jobseekers don't come across.

There are many reasons for taking a break from your career, but generally they fall under voluntary, such as taking an extended holiday, or involuntary, for example experiencing redundancy. The third category contains women looking to resume a career after maternity leave.

All situations require slightly adapted job search tactics, so take a look below to see how to make your return to the market a successful one.

Voluntary breaks
It's likely you've made the decision to return either because you're run out of money or you're finished your soul searching and are now ready to dive head first into your career. It's up to you to show potential employers that you're now ready to commit to a job as initially they may be thinking you're likely to disappear again a few months into the role.

This is pretty easy to get across in a CV – you'll need to make it very clear in your opening statement that your intention is to find a job in which you can grow and that your time off has confirmed that this is the direction you want your career to take. Whether you're telling the truth or not is a different matter. If you are just planning to work until you save up for a flight back to Bondi Beach, it's up to you and your morals whether you go for a temporary or permanent job.

If your voluntary time off was to undertake a new qualification this should go a long way to persuading an employer you have a thirst for knowledge and will be of value to their company. If there's no obvious connection, be sure to point out how the course you took will help you succeed in the role you're applying for.

Involuntary breaks
As with anything you do that wasn't your decision, there's a good chance that you'll be feeling pretty unenthusiastic about the time you had off. Try and look at the positives as there's nothing worse for recruiters that reading a CV that comes across as negative or apologetic – they're looking to hire people with the energy to drive their business forward, not dwell on past problems or difficulties.

Explain how you overcame whatever situation caused you to take time off. Did you find an added inner strength that you never knew existed? Did you use your time off to learn a new skill that will be of benefit to the job? Unless you spent months on a sofa flicking channels, you're likely to have achieved something during your time off that will impress a new employer so make sure you focus on that area.

If redundancy or a sacking was the reason you were out of work, be straight (but not over-descriptive) with the reasons. It's very easy for any lies to be uncovered when your references are checked and you could find yourself being unemployed for much longer than originally expected if you're found out.

Returning after maternity
Whether you've just had your first child, have a couple of young children at primary school, or have older children that have flown the nest, you're personal situation is unique - as are your reasons for wanting to get back to work.

One thing many women returners often have to overcome is a lack of confidence, which is surprising considering childbirth and looking after young children are two of the hardest tasks anyone will ever have to undertake.

The key to making sure you're a first class applicant for the jobs you want is matching your skills with the ones requested in the job description, and these skills don't necessarily have to have been developed in a business environment. Communication, time management, negotiation and organisation are all vital attributes in the workplace and you will have had no better practice than when you were bringing up a child.

These, and other transferable skills, mean there's no reason why you can't have the job you want, and the fact you may have to fit your working hours around your child shouldn't deter you. Many companies make allowances for parents with flexible hours, subsidised nurseries and job shares just some of the many ways they try to make your work:life balance easier.

Whatever your reason for getting back to work, there's only one person who can make it happen – you. Make sure your skill set is up to speed and you're aware of the latest goings on in your chosen field. The longer you've been away, the scarier it will probably be to start a new job, but it really doesn't take long to get back in the groove.

Talent pools and headhunting

Talent pools and headhunting are tools used by companies to cherry pick the best employees in the market who will drive the growth of their company. Generally they're considered more expensive ways for companies to hire employees, but this extra cost is offset by the higher chance that the new recruit will be a success.

Being a big fish in a small pond
Big corporations track the progress of top graduates and other high flyers they have identified as potentially valuable in the future. They make a move to acquire the services of individuals from this talent pool when they've got positions they need to fill. It's generally a long term process and your career progress may be being tracked without you even knowing it.

The higher your profile in the market, the more they will want you and the greater the rewards you can expect, so here are some tips on how to go about getting noticed:

• Have a strategy - knowing what you aim to achieve in your career is the key.
• Post your CV on job websites; companies regularly scour these looking for top talent.
• Network - get your face around; there's nothing like it for building a profile.
• Join a business association - the local chamber of commerce is a good place to find out more.
• Make yourself an expert - writing a blog or getting an article published in a trade journal are good ways to boost your credibility.
• Be the best - do your job well, and make sure people know about it. It's what they're ultimately going to be hiring you for.

If there's a specific company you'd like to work for you should try making a prospective application explaining why you think you would be a perfect fit for their organisation. They may not have a specific position open for you now, but they will appreciate the pro-active approach and will be likely to keep you in mind for upcoming vacancies.

Going hunting
Companies enlist head-hunters to go out and find individuals when they have a specific role that needs filling. Unlike the 10-20% of an employee's salary that most regular recruitment agencies charge, head-hunters can earn substantially more for the extra effort they put in.

Once given a description of the individual they need to find, head-hunters will use every trick in the book and every avenue possible to uncover the best of the best, so if you want to be in their sights, follow the rules above.

It's now becoming increasingly common for individuals, especially those in high-paying roles, to approach head-hunters to find roles for them. This involves the head-hunter delving deep into companies to find out what vacancies are currently available, and what might be coming up in the near future.

How to recognise when you're in demand
"Someone called for you earlier but wouldn't leave a message. He said he'd call back." This is a classic sign that someone wants to talk. If you want to keep your job search a secret you should be as subtle as you can when answering questions and always request they call you back at a more convenient time. They'll understand your situation and to your colleagues you'll sound like you're fending off a telemarketing call.

We all love the idea that someone out there has spotted us and is after our services; it's a feel good thing, but that's not enough in itself. You may find yourself being flattered into a deal that – without the inner glow you've got right now – you wouldn't normally touch with a bargepole.

Don't allow yourself to be seduced by the natural sense of satisfaction and self-worth you'll feel by being approached. Never make snap decisions on whether to accept an offer, or verbally commit yourself to something you might later regret.

Take your time, and treat it like any other job offer. Sleep on it. Discuss it with friends and colleagues. Only take it if it's absolutely the right thing for you at this moment in time. Remember: if this person has noticed you, you can be sure that he or she is not the only one. Be patient, and see what the next phone call brings.

The art of networking

Essentially, networking is getting to know people who can help you develop your career prospects. You don't need to be a big shot or the most outgoing person in the world to network effectively.

Take it a step at a time. Begin with people you know, at work and in your social life. Keep your ears open and listen for information that could work to your advantage.

What are the benefits of networking?
A lot of good jobs never make it to the pages of a recruitment website or newspaper. They get filled by word of mouth and the more senior the position, the more often it happens this way.

Even if the job is advertised, it helps to know someone inside the new organisation who can give you the inside line. They may even end up interviewing you which will always make it a less stressful experience.

Like any other form of social behaviour, networking follows certain rules to follow:

• First impressions count - both face-to-face and via the phone or email. Always stay sharp.
• Don't ask directly for a job - networking is not a job fair; it's an opportunity to gather potentially useful information.
• Give and take - networking is a two-way exchange, there's no such thing as a free lunch.
• Do the groundwork - research your contacts before meeting them and always follow up good leads or they pass on.
• Think laterally – try to expand your network outwards, beyond your comfort zone or usual sphere of operation.
• Patience is a virtue – getting involved in networking is being in there for the long haul; don't expect to land a plum job at your first meeting.

Building your network
Even if you're new to the game, you may have lots of worthwhile contacts you hadn't seen in that way before:

• Old school, college or university classmates
• Distant family members
• Your friends' family
• Your doctor, lawyer or accountant
• Former colleagues or bosses
• Club members or anyone else you meet socially

Keep good records of who you meet and the conversations you've had - there's no point building a network of contacts that you then forget. Also aim to stay in regular touch even when you're not after anything specific. You don't want to be known as the person who only ever gets in touch when they're after a favour.

Networking events and conferences are good ways to build a network if you're not sure where to start. Make sure you know why you are there and what you want out of it and make sure you have a few copies of your CV or some business cards to hand out to the important contacts you meet.

Don't wait until you've lost your job before picking up the phone to speak to people in your industry – even if you're happy in your role and the company is in a stable position, there's never any certainty as to what could be around the corner.

Networking 2.0
If you're not used to the idea yet, networking can be scary; like it's something for super-confident types who get all the best jobs anyway. But that's not the whole story. People are well-used to networking as a valuable business tool.

The Internet has made networking a viable option for everyone and there are many forums and business networking sites which enable business people to share and discuss their views and knowledge.

As long as you can keep a good barrier between your personal and professional online presence, this is a great way to pick up on the latest goings on in your industry, but can never completely replace actually getting out and showing your face.

Taking the next step

In deciding whether you are ready to move up to the next rung in the career ladder, it pays to take a systematic approach. Chatting about your burgeoning career to friends over a few drinks after work may feel like you're mapping out your next move, but it's easy to convince yourself of something that may not stack up in the cold light of day.

The best place to start is to carry out a focused career audit:

• How has your career progressed to date?
• What are your career ambitions in the medium to long term?
• What does that tell you about where you need to be heading in the next year?

Think about your skills, strengths and weaknesses. More importantly, identify what you do and don't enjoy at work. Be brutally honest - no one else needs to see what you write down. What skills gaps do you need to fill so you can get to where you want to be?

For each of the skills gaps you have identified, think about what you can do to bridge them. Perhaps you can get some training, read career or personal development books, or find yourself a career coach. Whatever action you decide to take, put in place a specific and timed plan to get you there.

Even if you're happy in your job, give your career a regular once over – at least every three months. It's also a good idea to keep a diary or journal so that you can jot down contacts, ideas, interesting websites or articles you come across, as well as keeping a record of your progress and achievements.

Look around you
Many people default into the idea that moving up the ladder means switching companies. While this is one route, it is not the only option. There may be some excellent opportunities waiting for you on the next floor or down the corridor.

It costs companies a lot of money to recruit new people, so you have a built-in bargaining position if you move internally. You may be able to secure a promotion in your current company, or even expand your existing role so that it stretches you more and gives you extra responsibility and valuable experience.

Getting recognition
Being a hard worker doesn't necessarily mean you'll reap the rewards due to you, so look for ways to boost your profile in the company every now and then. Perhaps ask your boss to acknowledge your success in the company newsletter or on the bulletin board. It all helps.

Take time to work out how you want your job to grow, and share the plans with your boss. You'll usually need their support to move forward.

Try to dress and act for the role you want, not the role you're currently in. That doesn't mean spending a fortune on expensive clothes and haircuts; it's more about being well-groomed and professional in your appearance. Our opinions about other people are usually formed in the first couple of minutes after we meet them. First impressions are critical.

Move on to move up
If you hit the proverbial brick wall when trying to make an internal move, you'll have to look elsewhere. But how do you get a job as a manager when you've never actually managed before?

It's all about how you describe yourself in your CV. Don't lie or exaggerate about your responsibilities in a previous role as your future employers can easily check the facts. Talk about tasks such as training up new employees or hosting strategic meetings with your team – it shows your potential to be a strong man-manager.

Another option is to network at industry events or get your name in the trade press to attract potential employers. You can do this by writing an article for an industry magazine or even starting your own industry-related blog to give yourself an air of authority on certain subjects.