Good work for Labor Day

Posted on by CareerOneStop Posted in Career changers, Entry-level workers, Job seekers, Older workers, Students, Uncategorized
Labor Day icon

Labor Day iconLabor Day arrives in early September, ushering in store sales, back-to-school, and the welcome chance for a day off from work. It’s also an opportunity to remember its origins, as a day to honor everyday workers.

In the United States of the early 1900s, working conditions in many places were hazardous and inhumane, and child labor was not uncommon. Organizing efforts to campaign for safe and humane conditions, fair wages and hours, and to end child labor, are part of what we celebrate with today’s Labor Day.

Here’s how CareerOneStop can help make this your best Labor Day ever:

Find a career that makes use of your strongest interests and offers a good salary with high employer demand.

Learn about how training and education can help you qualify for better jobs, earn more money, and make work more satisfying.

Get started on a job search right away or learn how to present yourself to employers more skillfully.

If free, personal assistance is what you really need to get your career moving, look for a local American Job Center to contact for computer access, workshops, and job help.

CareerOneStop wishes all workers across the United States a happy Labor Day, with gratitude for your ideas, your energy, and all the work you contribute.

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Aviation week: careers in the air and on the ground

Posted on by CareerOneStop Posted in Career changers, Career counselors, Entry-level workers, Students
Women working on aircraft repair

Women working on aircraft repairNational Aviation Day was established in 1939 to promote careers in piloting airplanes. If you wonder about a career in aviation, but have no experience yet, you can find encouragement in the story of one of the founders of aviation, and in some detailed information about your aviation career options.

In 1903, Orville Wright and his elder brother, Wilbur Wright, invented the world’s first successful airplane. Previously, Orville had launched a career in printing newspapers, then started a bicycle shop. As children, the brothers had shared a toy helicopter, and were fascinated by kites, and observing birds’ flight. After inventing the airplane, they became successful international businessmen in the brand-new airplane manufacturing industry.

Different groups around the country will observe National Aviation Day in different ways. There’s an affiliated Girls in Aviation Day September 23; with Women in Aviation chapters around the world, girls will get an introduction to aviation careers with a host of activities. The First Flight Society of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, commemorates Orville’s birthday with flight demonstrations and tours of the Wright Brothers National Memorial.

But for those who have a yearning to fly the open skies, or to work on the equipment that flies, CareerOneStop supports National Aviation Day with the opportunity to explore some exciting aviation-related careers.

Aviation careers

You can watch a video and learn key information about aviation-related careers in CareerOneStop’s Occupation Profiles. Learn the number of people employed in the field, training needed, typical earnings for the U.S. and for your state, and more. Here are some examples to consider:

Airline pilots, copilots and flight engineers fly and navigate airplanes, helicopters, and other aircraft. The field employs about 75,000 people, and candidates usually have a bachelor’s degree, though flight experience is the more essential credential.

Avionics Technicians, and Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians diagnose and repair aircraft engines and related systems in aircraft or space vehicles, including radar, radio, navigation and missile control systems. The combined fields employ about 137,000 people, and usually require an associate’s degree.

Air Traffic Controllers direct the flow of planes taking off, coming in for a landing, and while on the ground. There are about 25,000 employed in this field in the U.S., and the job requires specialized training from the FAA.

Flight Attendants ensure the safety and comfort of airline passengers during flights. The field employs about 98,000 people, and requires at least a high school diploma or equivalent.

There are also Airfield Operations Specialists, who ensure the safe takeoff and landing of commercial and military aircraft.

Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers assemble parts and systems to build airplanes, space vehicles, and missiles.

Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors coordinate the ground crew in loading and unloading aircraft cargo and baggage.

Aviation Inspectors inspect aircraft, controls, navigation and communications equipment and ensure that maintenance procedures are conducted.

Aerospace Engineers design, construct, and test aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft.

Training for a career in aviation

You can also investigate aviation-related training programs in your state using CareerOneStop’s Training Finder. You’ll find that programs range from less than one year for technical certificates, to a 2-year degree or 4-year degree for pilots.

Types of training programs include:

  • Airline/Commercial/Professional Pilot and Flight Crew
  • Aviation / Airway Management and Operations
  • Avionics Maintenance Technology / Technician
  • Airframe Mechanics and Aircraft Maintenance
  • Aeronautics/Aviation/Aerospace Science and Technology
  • Communications Systems Installation and Repair Technology
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4 types of pre-employment checks you should prepare for

Posted on by CareerOneStop Posted in Job seekers, Uncategorized
word cloud of employment check language

word cloud of employment check languageDid you know that background and other employment checks are a common piece of the job search process?

Just how common are they? Very, according to a recent survey on recruiting and hiring practices conducted by the Ohio-based Employers Resource Association:  91 percent of employers surveyed said they use background checks, 72 percent said they use drug tests, and 20 percent said they use credit checks before hiring a new employee.

So what can you do to prepare for these types of tests?  First, you can learn about the different types of checks so you understand what they do—and do not—cover.  And often, you’ll learn that you can “pre-check” yourself to make sure no surprises come up during an employer’s check.

 

Employment history checks

Employers verify past employment in several ways. The most common is to use databases of company payroll records and Social Security numbers to find your past jobs.

Also, a hiring manager might contact a past employer personally to verify employment. They usually talk to the human resources representative at your past employer.

In most cases, a past employer is allowed only to reveal the dates of your employment with that company, job titles you held, and if you are eligible for rehire. Any other details, including your job performance or reasons for leaving the job, are not discussed. Instead, your references may be asked about those topics.

Many employers also use E-Verify, from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, to determine whether candidates are legally eligible to work in the United States. You can visit myE-Verify to pre-check your work eligibility.

Credit checks

Some employers will check your financial history through a credit check.

It’s always a good idea to pre-check you credit history by ordering a free copy of your credit report. That way, you can fix any mistakes before an employer sees it—or you can be prepared to answer questions if you do have an issue in your credit history. Get your free credit report at www.annualcreditreport.com or 1-877-322-8228. This is a free service and you do not have to but any products that they offer.

If you do see a mistake on your credit report, take action immediately. Learn how to dispute errors on your credit report from the Federal Trade Commission.

Criminal background checks

Many employers conduct criminal background checks. You do have rights regarding these checks. Learn about your rights regarding criminal background checks from the Federal Trade Commission. Read more about using arrest and conviction records in employment decisions from the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment Commission.

If you do have a criminal background, visit CareerOneStop’s Job Search Help for Ex-Offenders for tips and resources, including how to talk about your conviction during a job interview.

Drug testing

An employer may require a drug test during the hiring process and after you’re hired. They are used to determine if someone has recently consumed alcohol, prescription medication, or illegal drugs. Employers are allowed to make hiring and firing decisions based on these tests. However, if the substance found in the test is an authorized prescription medication, the employer can not discriminate.

Employers can use several types of drug tests:

  • Pre-employment tests. An employer can decide to not make a job offer based on the results of a drug test given to a job candidate.
  • Reasonable suspicion and for-cause tests. When an employee shows signs of not being fit for duty or has a documented pattern of unsafe work behavior, the employer can issue a drug test.
  • Random tests. Employers might issue drug tests to all employees at unscheduled times. This discourages employees from using illegal drugs at any time.
  • Post-accident tests. An employer may test employees who are involved in an accident or unsafe practice incident to find out if alcohol or other drug use was a factor.

Each employer has its own policies regarding drug testing. You will know if a drug test is part of the hiring process. After hire, the company will give you a copy of their employee drug policies.

Know your rights

You do have legal rights when an employer performs a background check on you. Employers are only allowed to ask about or check certain things, and they are only allowed to make hiring decisions based on certain data (for instance, they cannot base decisions on your age, race, religion, or disability status). The Federal Trade Commission has more information abut your rights regarding employment background checks.

Employers cannot perform most of these checks without your permission. You may be asked to sign a document allowing the company to do a specific check. This can happen when you fill out a job application or submit a resume, or it can happen during the interview process.

Learn more about how to make your job search successful at CareerOneStop.org/JobSearch.

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Soft skills in an employer’s market

Posted on by CareerOneStop Posted in Entry-level workers, Job seekers, Uncategorized
Work colleagues at a meeting

By Evan Supple

Work colleagues at a meetingToday’s job market can feel harsh, even with an ironclad resume. Finding good, stable jobs remains difficult and increasingly employers are reporting difficulty finding candidates who have the necessary skills to find a home in their companies and succeed in the long term. More and more it appears that there is a skill gap in the workforce, but the missing skills might not be the ones you’re thinking of.

Hard skills

The skills you list on your resume are known as hard skills. Hard skills are what make you able to perform your job. You’ve built up your hard skills through hard work, learning how to take a task and get it done. The sweat on your back after a long day, that comes from your hard skills.

If you look at your resume and it seems like you have everything—you’re familiar with all the tools and technologies in your industry, your work experience qualifies you for the positions you’ve been applying for and you have the education background and certifications employers expect—but you’re still having a hard time finding a job or finding success when you can get employment, then you might need to look at your soft skills to see if you’ve gotten a little rusty.

Soft skills

Soft skills—also known as work-readiness skills, people skills, or essential skills—are the skills you can’t put down on paper. Soft skills are what make someone a good employee and easy to work with. For a lot of jobs, making eye contact or dressing well may seem irrelevant, especially if you know you’re qualified or even over-qualified for the position. If your soft skills are lacking, however it can be difficult for employers to see past that to realize everything you have to offer their firm.

There’s no way to list here everything that qualifies as a soft skill but we can start with the truly essential skills and look at a few others as well. A good thing to consider when thinking about soft skills is the difference between what you’re doing and what people notice. With all these soft skills, if people aren’t appreciating your strengths in an area then you might need to improve there or just find a way to show all the work you’re doing; if you know you’re a charmer on phone sales for example but aren’t as friendly around the water cooler then you might try being more of a social butterfly.

The basics

wristwatchHygiene, punctuality, and dressing presentably are the absolute baseline of soft skills, especially for an interview—a stick of deodorant might make up for a missed shower once you’ve been working there for a while but you probably won’t get or keep a job you show up to late, and in the clothes you slept in. Expectations for how to dress will vary with every job, from an explicit uniform given to you by your employer to an implicit uniform like a suit or a dress code that could be strict or casual.

Finding your place

Once you’ve begun working at a new job a lot of finding your place comes down to being a positive addition to the team. If you can be flexible, accept the rules, and follow instructions then you’ll be off to a great start. For example imagine you’ve just started a job as a cashier and your manager asks you to sign out of the cash register when you walk away but at your last job everyone just left the registers logged in. Even though logging in and out every time might be less convenient for you, and even if it doesn’t seem to cause any problems, listening to your manager is better in the long run because they’ll appreciate not having to tell you multiple times or even getting into a dispute about it.

Leveling up

Confident employee shaking handsOnce you’ve truly become a part of the team at your new job then rising to new heights will often come down to your critical thinking, self-motivation, and perseverance. These skills and traits aren’t as black and white as some of the things we’ve talked about above but they’re just as important and you’re just as capable of improving them—or putting them to work for you. From an employer’s perspective these come down to more than just getting the job done, they show a hunger for the job that they can entrust with more responsibility, a team player who might be worth investing in for the future.

These kind of soft skills are the leadership qualities that are the most in demand today. You might consider putting some of your own time into a side project or some extra effort in an area you don’t usually focus on. If you work retail for example, being more active about customer service, building relationships with regulars and making sales through your own initiative will impress the people you work with and show that you care about the job beyond the paycheck.

Last thoughts

It might feel like you have no control over these soft skills, but you can improve most if not all of them with a little practice—but only after taking an honest account of yourself—and you might even find yourself doing more and better just being aware of what employers are looking for beyond the resume.

Below you’ll find some of CareerOneStop’s resources for soft skills and make sure to keep an eye out for upcoming content on this crucial part of the 21st century workplace.

Want to learn more?

Read more about Soft Skills on CareerOneStop

Assess your skills with this Skills Checklist

Watch these videos on soft skills from the U.S. Department of Labor

Evan Supple is a content analyst for CareerOneStop. A recent Macalester College graduate, he hopes to advocate for workers with his writing and video projects. He lives in St. Paul and is content.

 

 

 

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7 tips for getting the most out of a job fair

Posted on by CareerOneStop Posted in Career changers, Entry-level workers, Job seekers, Uncategorized
People at a job fair

People at a job fairDoes the very idea of a job fair make your palms sweat?  Or do you get truly excited at the thought of getting to meet so many potential employers?

Whatever your personality, follow these simple tips to help you make the most of any job fair experience.

  1. Set your expectations correctly.  At a job fair, you can expect to introduce yourself to potential employers and answer employer questions, as well as get information and leads that are not available on the employer’s website. But don’t expect to have on-the-spot, full interviews or walk away with a job offer.
  2. Research participating employers. Research is a critical part of the job search process. Find out ahead of time which employers hire people with your skills. Even if the company is not on your list of target employers, treat them as if they were.
  3. Make a list of questions for employers. Ask about how they recruit and hire people with your skill set. Your target employers will likely have similar hiring practices.
  4. Practice your elevator speech. Your elevator speech is people’s first impression of what you have to offer. Begin with a firm handshake and good eye contact. Use a clear voice and provide the employer with concise and relevant information. It’s a good idea to practice with someone else.
  5. Prepare your supplies. Bring several copies of your resume, pen and paper for notes, and breath mints.
  6. Follow-up with yourself right away. After meeting someone, make a few notes. What did you discuss with them? Did you commit to any follow-up? It’s a lot easier to remember right after the meeting!
  7. Send a thank-you email or letter. Remind your contacts of who you are and any specifics you discussed. Thank your contacts for their time and ask about next steps. Make sure to organize your job fair notes and contact information.

Learn more about what to do before, during and after a job fair.

 

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Want a career that keeps you active?

Posted on by CareerOneStop Posted in Career changers, Career counselors, Entry-level workers, Job seekers, Uncategorized
plant nursery workers

plant nursery workersHow many times have you heard someone say “I could NEVER sit behind a desk all day”? If that describes your outlook, there are plenty of career alternatives for you to investigate.

The variety of active careers is broad. They may involve interaction with other people or more solitary pursuits. They may be indoors or outdoors, and may take place in settings from warehouses to hospitals, business environments to schools. They are not limited by the level of education, either.

Entry-level workers without specific training and work experience will find a number of possibilities to keep them moving. Or if you have a degree and experience that you want to put to work, or are planning your future career, there are many career options for you as well.

Click on the titles you’re interested in to learn more details about the field. From there, you can find current job openings in your local area by selecting the “Find job openings” box in the Outlook section.

So go ahead and leave that desk chair behind, lace up your comfortable shoes, and get on the move!

For entry level jobs – these require very little or no previous experience and training. Some employers may request additional qualifications.

Some training required – previous experience or training from a few weeks to a couple of years

4-year degree or more required

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Where will the jobs be?

Posted on by CareerOneStop Posted in Audience, Career changers, Entry-level workers, Job seekers
graphic image of upward pointing arrows

graphic image of upward pointing arrowsThe U.S. Department of Labor estimates that the country added more than 200,000 jobs in June 2017–with big increases in health care, social assistance, financial activities, and mining.

Ever wonder exactly which careers are adding jobs at the highest rates?  CareerOneStop’s Fastest-Growing Careers has the answers.  See below for the five careers expected to grow at the fastest rates in the years between 2014 and 2024.

1) Wind Turbine Service Technicians

Topping the list with the number of jobs expected to grow a whopping 108 percent between 2014 and 2024, this career doesn’t require a college degree or extensive work experience, and pays somewhere between $35,000 and $75,000 a year.  Learn more about Wind Turbine Service Technicians.

2) Occupational Therapy Assistants

A two-year associate’s degree can prepare you to work as an assistant to an occupational therapist. Jobs in this field are expected to grow by 43 percent from 2014 to 2024, and the pay can range from $40,000 to $80,000. Learn more about Occupational Therapy Assistants.

3) Physical Therapist Assistants

Another health-care career that requires a two-year associate’s degree and can pay from about $35,000 to $80,000, physical therapist assistant jobs are expected to grow by 41 percent in the ten years from 2014 to 2024. Learn more about physical therapist assistants.

4) Physical Therapist Aides

Physical therapist aids earn a lower wage than the therapist assistant jobs described above—but, you can work as a physical therapy aid with a high-school diploma or equivalent, making it a great entry-level job while you gain more experience and education. Jobs in this field are expected to grow by 39 percent from 2014 to 2024. Learn more about physical therapist aides.

5) Home Health Aides

Another entry-level health care career, there are no education requirements for being a home health aide. And while the pay is relatively low, jobs are expected to grow by 38 percent over the ten years between 2014 and 2024. Learn more about home health aides.

Want to learn more?

Visit Fastest-Growing Careers to see the expected growth of all 534 growing careers in the United States. Or, select your state to see where the growth is expected to be in your area.

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School counselors: meet your new favorite resource!

Posted on by CareerOneStop Posted in Career counselors, Students, Uncategorized
School counselor and student meeting

School counselor and student meeting

Looking for solid resources to help your students advance their career planning?

Meet GetMyFuture, a website for young adults ages 16-24, focused on career, training, and job search resources. The site is free, mobile friendly, and is inspirational—rather than lecturey—in tone. It uses photos and videos of actual young adults to provide examples of real world successes and role models that students relate to.

Inspired by a quote from one of the video subjects, we set a theme that sums up what we hope users of the site will eventually do: “Find a career that makes you happy every morning you wake up.”  To accomplish that, young adults need trustworthy information, combined with the support and guidance of key adults in their lives. School counselors are one of those essential groups who provide critical resources to help their students and clients thrive.

Key features for school counselors include:

  • Interest assessment – based on the Holland code system (also known as RIASEC), it provides user with immediate results that link to detailed career information.
  • Free occupation profiles with key points about employment demand and wages in your local area, education required, tasks, a video, and more.
  • A quick overview of college – basic facts, how to apply, how to pay.
  • The Scholarship Finder – provides search access to more than 7,500 scholarships, fellowships and grants.
  • Apprenticeship and short-term training resources for students who want good alternatives to a 4-year degree.
  • Job search and work readiness content, including first jobs information, work documents, preparing resumes and applications.
  • Success stories for youth and young adults with significant obstacles to success.
  • Justice-involved resources.
  • Foster-care system resources.
  • Additional resources for special groups such as young parents, youth with chemical addictions, and a collection of resources to support financial literacy.
  • A User Guide for counselors and teachers, with worksheets to download or print, step by step pathways through the major content sections, and all the videos in one place.

On our core website, CareerOneStop, you’ll find more resources for school counselors:

If you plan to be one of the 3000 or so attendees at the upcoming National School Counselors Association conference in Denver, July 8-10, 2017, visit CareerOneStop in Hall A at the Colorado Convention Center. We’re at Booth #101, and we’d love to hear about your work, and send you away with new resources.

 

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Are you a veteran looking to upgrade your skills?

Posted on by CareerOneStop Posted in Students, Veterans
Two young veterans in a classroom

Two young veterans in a classroomAs a veteran, you have many education and training options.

Want to learn new skills that will help you land a job? Take a class to build on your military experience? Earn a college degree?

There are programs and benefits that can help you achieve any of these goals. See which of the options below is best for you.

Earn a certificate

Did you know you can complete a certificate program in less than a year?

Earning a certificate can be provide a great bridge from your military career to your civilian career. A certificate program is an academic program, often offered at community or technical colleges. They generally require nine to 30 credits (three to six classes) that can be completed in a year or less by a full-time student.

Some certificate programs are for people who want to quickly enter a specific job. Others programs provide specialized training for people who already have college diplomas or degrees.

Many community and technical colleges offer short-term training programs. Visit CareerOneStop’s Local Training Finder to explore options in your local area. If you’re not sure what field you might want to enter, visit CareerOneStop’s Explore Careers.

You might qualify for veterans’ education benefits to help pay for a certificate program. If you do, you’ll want to make sure you enroll in an eligible program. You can search for VA-approved programs to make sure a program is eligible. You can use the GI Bill Comparison Tool to determine the cost at your chosen school and compare that with other schools.

Enter an apprenticeship

Apprenticeships combine a training with a full-time job—and prepare you to enter specialized fields.

Apprentices are trained by master craftsmen, who are experts in their field. Apprentices also take classes classroom lessons to make sure they master all aspects of the job.

An apprenticeship can help you enter an in-demand field. There are apprenticeships in many different jobs: from high-tech manufacturing to health care.

You apply for an apprenticeship at a specific employer. Once accepted, you become an apprentice. You earn wages during your apprenticeship program. You work, but you also learn the skills needed to work in that occupation.

If you’re interested in an apprenticeship, you may be eligible for financial assistance from the VA. The VA provides a comprehensive list of employers, by state, that offer apprenticeships (note that on this page you will need to select “on-the-job training/apprenticeship” next to “Program type.”)

Find more information about apprenticeship programs in your state

Earn a certification

A certification can help you demonstrate your skills and knowledge to an employer.

A certification is an award you can earn—usually by passing a test—to show your skill or knowledge in a particular career field. Find out if there are certifications in your field with CareerOneStop’s Certification Finder.

The VA may provide funding for a certification exam. Funding is for the exam fee but not for study material.

Find a list of license and certification exams that are approved for VA funding, by state. (From the link above, select “Certification” next to “LAC Category Type.”)

Some jobs require that you have a license. Licenses are issued by states, and the rules vary from state to state. You usually need a combination of experience and training to obtain a license, and you often have to take a test and pay a fee. Examples of fields that often require licenses are:

  • Health care careers, such as dental assistants and emergency medical technicians (EMT)
  • Jobs in the trades, such as plumbers, electricians, and building contractors
  • Jobs that provide personal care such as barbers and cosmetologists

Learn about licensing requirements in your state at CareerOneStop’s License Finder.

If you need to take an exam that will allow you to acquire a state-issued, professional license, the VA may provide funding for the license exam. Funding is for the exam fee but not for study material. Find a list of license and certification exams that are approved for VA funding, by state. (Select “License” next to “LAC Category Type.”)

Two- or four-year degree

Are you ready to begin or finish a college degree? The VA offers free counseling and an online assessment tool called CareerScope to help transitioning service members plan their education. Visit the VA’s Education and Training section to learn more.

You can visit the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard for help finding a college that’s a good fit for you. You can use the Scorecard to find out more about a college’s affordability and value so you can make more informed decisions about which college to attend.

What questions should you ask? Here are some questions to ask if you contact or visit a college or university:

  • Can I transfer credits from my military training or from other schools? Ask any schools you are considering whether they will recognize your past coursework or training and/or accept your transferred credit.
  • How much will it cost and what benefits can I receive? Once you have chosen a program of study you can use the GI Bill Comparison Tool to compare Tuition and Fees, Housing Allowance, and Book Stipend rates between schools.
  • Is there a central point of contact for veterans? Hands-on, in-person assistance with navigating the educational process makes the academic journey much more manageable. Check to see if the school you are considering has a Veterans Certifying Official.
  • Are there campus services? Look for access to mental health and medical support, disability services, academic accommodations, and available career services.
  • Is there a strong veterans’ voice? You may feel most comfortable, and get the most support, at a school with a strong veterans’ student group, such as a Student Veterans of America organization.
  • Is there a space for veterans’ gatherings? A designated location for student veterans offers a dependable and supportive environment where trust, support, and camaraderie can be found and fostered in an academic environment.

Transfer military credits

Learn how to apply your military training and experience to your higher education goals in Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services from the American Council on Education. You’ll also find links to transcript information from each of the military branches.

Get more information

Visit CareerOneStop’s Credentials Center to explore your options and learn more about what it takes to enroll in a degree program, or search for colleges using CareerOneStop’s Local Training Finder.

 

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Tee up summer goal setting

Posted on by CareerOneStop Posted in Uncategorized
Target with "goals" in center

Target with "goals" in centerAs the year approaches its halfway mark, it’s a great time to check in on your goals for 2017. Even if New Year’s optimism has given way to discouragement or indifference, there is plenty of time left to work on building a platform for what you want to do next.

Setting goals may be simpler than you think; it’s about deciding where you want to head, and identifying the steps that will get you there. The SMART system is an approach that works for people of any age or stage in their career.

How to set goals

Starting with where you want to end up—for example, earning a degree or certificate, getting a new job, earning a higher income, or just deciding on a career direction—follow these steps to break your goal down into manageable steps.

Specific – What is a concrete step toward your goal? For example, “make an appointment with the admissions office to talk about applications and financial aid” instead of “figure out about school.”

Measurable – Ask yourself questions like: How much? How many? How will I know when my goal is accomplished? For instance, “Apply to 3 job postings this week.”

Attainable – Clear steps that give you enough time to reach them are more successful. Is the goal realistic? What needs to happen first? It should be a challenge, but also achievable.

Relevant – Does the goal really matter to you? Will it get you where you want to go? Is this the right time? Setting goals that you don’t really care about, or that don’t fit you, won’t work.

Timely – To keep it clear and motivate you to take action, your goal should happen in a defined time period. When do you want to begin? When do you want to complete each step?

What are examples of goals?

  • Get a job, or a higher-paying job
  • Apply to college or a training program
  • Pass the high school equivalency tests
  • Handle a health issue
  • Develop leadership skills
  • Find reliable childcare
  • Get my criminal record expunged
  • Earn a certificate to qualify for better jobs

Tips to achieve your goal

  • Write down the steps. Write down your goal and the steps to get there. Post this list where you will see it.
  • Reward yourself. Think of small rewards to give yourself for completing steps toward your goals. It will help you stay motivated!
  • Have a goal partner. Find a friend, co-worker, a job coach, or someone else to check in with. Talk about how it’s going, and do the same for your partner.

Check out CareerOneStop.org to help find the information you need for your goals, including education and training programs, jobs in your local area, and resources to help you explore careers.

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