Of course, another side benefit of this training is that you will meet others in your field. This can give you a chance to make contacts that could help you later in your career but also to learn more about other aspects of the security field. This allows you to learn more about these other areas and help you decide if you should be considering other areas down the road or continue on your current plan.

Now, considering all these benefits, the only knocks are the cost of the training and the time spent. The cost itself is often paid for and even if it is not is very reasonable so this rarely a significant issue for most. Also, the time spent is pretty low compared to other training. The in class training along with the on the job training is likely to not be more than 70 hours in most cases. The only exception might be if you needed to get some additional weapons training.

2. You get a jump on the competition: Many recruiters use Twitter to post job openings in real time as soon as they receive them. It takes a lot less time to type a 140 character job description than it does to post a one pager on dozens of job boards and listservs. How does this help you? If you’re following the best recruiters in your industry, you’ll get first jump on those job openings. In this increasingly competitive job market, any advantage helps.

3. You can establish yourself as an industry expert: By using your Twitter account to tweet relevant and interesting industry articles and commentary, you can catch the attention of other go-getters in your field. Recruiters are always looking for what’s new and now, and if you can establish yourself as an industry expert, that will do more for your professional reputation than a resume ever could. Who do the top employers want to hire? Experts.

4. You get more “face” time with recruiters and employers: Recruiters see thousands of resumes a week and get hundreds of calls. Their least favorite people are the ones who call them twice a day, but they forget about the ones who only call once a month. Twitter can help you strike a good balance between nagging and silence. No recruiter will talk to you four times a day every day, but they’ll have no problem reading and re-Tweeting your Tweets and comments and thinking of you when a quick hire is needed.

5. You can quickly build a professional network: If you want to quickly find the big Twitter hitters in your industry, all you have to do is look at the people your recruiters follow. Recruiters follow the people who make the industry news and who will get them the most up to date information. If you direct message, retweet, and reply to these industry leaders, you can build a powerful professional network quickly.

The key here is to not take each rejection personally. For every rejection you have to believe you are one step closer to the desired “yes.” Understand that the more ships you put out on the job hunting ocean the more likely you ship will come in; and sooner rather than later.

2. Are you building a robust career plan? Rarely do good things happen without a well though out plan. Finding a job or changing a career are no exceptions to this rule.

A good strong career and job hunting plan should include at a minimum all of the following: (1) Your value proposition-what do you want and what are you good at?, (2) Where and with whom do you want to work?, (3) Roadblocks to getting the planned career and how to overcome, (4) Job search actions, (5) Daily, weekly and monthly action goals, (6) Career research and options, and (7) Plan to get off to a running start in the new career and new job.

A career change or job search plan should be comprehensive yet flexible enough to adjust to changing circumstances. The format you choose should build and sustain your confidence, and in job hunting confidence is everything.

3. Have you accepted that you are now in sales? Building and planning a job search campaign has with it the realization that you are now in sales. Identifying the right buyers and then finding them can be a new and frustrating experience. As with anyone is sales you have to put together a winning marketing plan. You have to understand the market for your skills and abilities to make the plan work.

Commitment to your marketing plan takes a full press effort. Your full and complete effort to your sales plan will go a long way for turning your marketing plan into the right job or career.

4. Control your worry meter. There are many thing related to a job search or career change that are outside your control. The difficult job market, you age, inane questions in a job interview, key people do not return your calls, appointments canceled in the last-minute, weeks go by with no decisions; all can cause your worry meter to go off the dial.

Over time worry and uncertainty can beat you down and erode your motivation and attitude. If you carefully examine something that is a worry ask yourself, “Is there something positive I can do about this item of worry?” If not don’t waste valuable time and effort but rather move on to something you can impact.

Work you job hunting plan and as you reach daily and weekly goals celebrate your success. As you exercise and stick to you diet, and as you reach you fitness goals this is another area you can control and also celebrate.

5. What are you learning? Many job hunters and career changers worry that as they are out of work their key skills will begin to erode. Don’t believe it, much of what you know is like riding a bicycle, one ride around the block even though it’s been some time since you were in the saddle and the skill comes back.

However, it’s still a good idea to add to your skill sets. Perhaps, there is a roadblock that might keep you from qualifying for a job. Research what is required and plan to overcome this problem through added learning. Moreover, as you add to your skills your confidence will grow.

In addition, in order to keep and build a positive attitude, read motivational books, listen to uplifting CD’s as you drive your car, associate with positive people and plan on helping others. All will keep you motivated and engaged in your job search plan.

6. Adjustments are good and bad. A job search or career change can result in grasping at ideas that have little validity to your job search plan. You hear that someone quickly found a job in your field by printing their resume on green paper, or sending their resume to 250 CEO’s, or showing up for their job interview in a Santa suit.

Don’t adjust your well thought out job search plan based on little feedback or evidence. Gathering new information and researching ideas is always a good idea, but think carefully before making wholesale adjustments. If early in the game you carefully think through the basics of you job hunting plan you are less likely to later make dead-end and counterproductive adjustments.

It’s been shown that employer’s are more likely to hire positive, motivated and can-do job applicants. If you work hard to stay positive and up-beat in your job search or career change you increase the likelihood of finding the right job in a shorter period of time.

If interviews are going well, don’t stop looking elsewhere. The budget may disappear, another candidate may appear, the chemistry may be off with a key decision-maker that only gets involved at the end of the interview process. Even if the offer does come through and you do accept it, the other interviews will serve as building blocks for your network, data points for your negotiations, and springboards for your next search.

This is the era of 24/7 job search, where your next search starts as soon as you finish this one. I don’t mean that you send out resumes and schedule job interviews on your first day of the new job or even shortly thereafter. But I do mean that you don’t ever stop managing your career — keeping an updated resume, maintaining your network, being aware of opportunities (even if that means referring other people instead of yourself). Work your job but also work your career: the person who works a job has things happen to them; and the person who works a career is ready at a moment’s notice to deal with an unexpected restructuring, layoff, or golden opportunity elsewhere.

To always Press Forward means that you take control over your career. It takes work and a shift in mindset, but once you do it and experience the power of having choices, you will never go back to the old-style, timid job search. With a tight market, old job search techniques just don’t cut it.

Next, you need a resume. Whether you’ve had one job or fifteen, a resume shows who you are on paper. On it should be your name, address, contact information, and job and education history. Once again, it doesn’t matter how much is in any of these categories. It matters that you’ve made the effort to show up with a resume. By the way, prospective employers check information on your resume. Do not lie about anything, even if you think it will make you look better. If you are caught, the employer will see you as someone they can’t trust and you will have lost the job before you even had it!

Finally, do your homework. Know a little bit about the company you are interviewing for. Know what you’d like to do there. Tell the interviewer about your goals. The interviewer will usually end with the question “Do you have any questions?” Have a question or two prepared about the company. It will show you’ve done your homework and did some research about the company.

You may be quickly successful at finding your new job with these sources, after all they are advertising real, current vacancies (usually!). However if you can find these job ads, so can thousands of other people, and these people will comprise your competition. So, are there ways to increase your chances of success?

In short, the answer is yes. Experts suggest that when we look for jobs we typically take one of two different approaches:

1. passive job searching (ie., the above methods), OR
2. active job searching

In a recent study, 1,000 job searchers were studied to understand the approach they took to job searching and their corresponding success rates. The study found that 25% of the sample adopted active job searching methods, the remaining 75% relied solely on traditional, passive sources. They found:

- Active job searchers were far more optimistic and proactive, typically using five or more sources for job searching. Passive job searchers used three or less.
- Active job searchers were very focused on what they were looking for; Passive job searchers tended to browse.
- The average length of job search for active job searchers was 4 months; the average for passive job searchers was 7 months.
- Active job searchers were applying for 8 jobs a month and getting 2 interviews a month. 65% of them had applied directly to the employer.

So, what is active job searching?

Taking an active approach means adopting a different mindset or attitude to job searching, and being targeted and proactive in your activity. The following are typical active job search sources:

- Research companies within your defined job market and apply directly to them;
- Use your contacts – let people know you’re in the market and be clear to tell them what you’re looking

for. Don’t ask them for a job – ask them to keep their ears and eyes open for you. Look for referrals

and opportunities;

- Network! Look out for networking opportunities within your targeted job market and attend them;
- Use social networking media, particularly LinkedIn (and also Twitter, Facebook, etc). Use these to let

people know you’re out there, that you have expertise and to get to know you.

Networking usually tops the list of activities people feel least comfortable doing and yet we know that it is the single most effective means of getting a new job when used effectively. Use of LinkedIn (and others) enables you to utilise similar benefit from networking if the face to face variety is not for you.

These findings are consistent:

1. target your job search and create the opportunities – be proactive not reactive
2. use a variety of sources and regularly review their success rates
3. use your network – it is always larger than you may at first think and may very well include the link to your next role.

Generally speaking, considering a new role while you are gainfully employed will give you the opportunity to evaluate and compare your current situation with the new opportunity. If you are unemployed, it may be tempting to accept the first job offer that comes your way; however, you need to think like a candidate who is employed so that you don’t end up in the wrong role. Ask yourself the same questions an employed candidate would consider. Will your skills be best utilized in this role? Will your one, five, and ten-year goals be met by joining this organization? Are you staying on track with your compensation history and goals? In the long run, taking the time to honestly evaluate an opportunity will benefit you both financially and career-wise.

Another important piece to the interview process is attitude. The number one reason I hear from hiring managers as to why they chose one qualified candidate over another is enthusiasm! Candidates who are not currently employed tend to have a leg up on enthusiasm. It is very important for someone who is employed to bring the same enthusiasm and hunger to the interview process. It is equally important for candidates who are not currently employed to not come across as desperate for the opportunity. Be confident in yourself and what you are bringing to the organization. Be prepared to discuss the company and what they do, as well as, how your experience will be an added value.

Whatever your current employment situation may be, when looking for a new job there are pluses and minuses to both sides of the fence, so take a cue from the other side. Ultimately, you are looking to improve upon your current role, so the best time to look for a job is when you are personally invested in the process.

New job search methods, techniques and internet sites have changed the way people now need to employ. Job search failure can normally be attributed to the following reasons.

1. In the past most of us didn’t need to job hunt often enough to be good at it or even know the current tools and methods being used.
2. Most of us think job hunting a rather simple task because so many people do it. They think it’s like going to buy a car, but its much more complicated, more like finding a spouse.
3. The Internet has changed how job hunting works in the last few years new methods, techniques and internet sites have dramatically changed the way people search for jobs.
4. Most people don’t utilize the 11 different avenues available to them in performing a job search.
5. Most people don’t understand that a successful job search requires planning of actions, a dynamite resume, how to prepare for interviews and how to follow up.
6. They don’t know the latest networking approaches such as LinkedIn, Twitter and Face Book.

Bottom Line:
Finding a job is NOT easy for the vast majority of people. Don’t waste time by thinking that you know it all you can guidance and inexpensive help if you need to, and you should.

Take stock

What is it that you like to do most? Why? Is there any activity or interest that you particularly love or enjoy? Example, do you love traveling? Is it because you get to see new places? Or, is it because you love nature? Or, is it for the thrill of flying? Or, the joy of meeting new people? It is not enough to know what your interests are; you need to go a step further and evaluate why. These underlying reasons may often hold the clue to your inner passions and a potential line of work to fulfill them.

Your skills, interests, values, personality — all of these should be carefully considered during the process of career exploration. Avoid thinking about financial responsibilities, barriers, etc. Just let your fancies lose. Don’t worry you are still at the stage of brainstorming; thinking about other things won’t let the creative juices flow freely.

Assessments

Assessments such as Myers Briggs Type Indicator, Strong Interest Inventory and an assortment of assessments can help navigate options. Be careful, though, assessments need to be interpreted carefully (by an expert) and should in no way be considered a final verdict.

Develop goals

What are your short term goals? long term? Unless you know your life’s purpose how can you make a meaningful change?

Research, research, research

Once you have narrowed your options to two or three choices, it is time to undertake extensive research. What growth opportunities exist in your industry? What is the median salary? What are the entry requirements? How stable is the career? Which area of the country are most jobs available? What are the work conditions like? Are there any certification requirements? What kind of experience is desired? These are just a few of the questions you need to ask. Familiarize yourself with every aspect of the industry. Our career planning resources and industry research section can be helpful at this stage.

Network

Informational interviewing, the process of gathering information through networking is an effective means to gather different perspectives from insiders. At times, these conversations may also open doors to potential job opportunities. Ask your network questions like what they love the most about that job? Least? What does the job entail? Prepare a list of questions and see if you fit the bill.

Try testing the waters

Internships, volunteer opportunities, opportunities within the same organization are just a few ways you can actually get a feel for the profession before making a full career change. Experiencing a new profession from within can really give you a good idea about what the job would entail. Sometimes, it may be possible to get your feet wet within the same company you are at. Try voluntarily taking on extra tasks in the new area you are interested in. It may mean more work but the effort could be worth the rewards.

Cost Benefit Analysis

Now, it is time to conduct some cost-benefit analysis. What will switching careers at this stage cost you? How much income would you lose? Is there a part time job or freelancing opportunity that you can add to supplement your income? A career change may at times require a new degree, certificate, or training; are you willing to get one? Sometimes, you may decide to take the cut and switch; while under other circumstances you may decide to stay put in your current position. In either scenario, conducting a cost-benefit analysis is absolutely essential.

Transition slowly if necessary

Depending on your personality, you may want to take the transition slowly. Adding a part time job in your new career and slowly transitioning to a full-time position may work for some, while for others it may not be necessary.

Stay financially strong

If you don’t have a financial cushion or part time or freelance job to support yourself, the transition may be much harder due to financial worries. It is always a good idea to have a cushion or supplemental income during this process.

Work with a professional

Career exploration is a complex process. Having a coach or counselor on your side could make all the difference. Your local Career One Stop center, community college, university, or government sponsored programs may also be able to help.

How does your move impact your overall career goals

What is long term career goal? Does your career exploration lead you to a career in that direction.

Sometimes you may be able to keep your regular job while you explore new waters during nights and weekends. It may not be a good idea to burn bridges with your current employer for some companies do not appreciate the idea of a second career. No matter what or how you decide, carefully plan your move. You must also be careful to not alert your employer beforehand.

The good thing about this whole process is the fact that are forklift certification license will last you for 2 to 3 years, depending on your state. This give you plenty of time to obtain a job, use your experience, and maintain your expertise. Overall is a good investment no matter what part of a warehouse environment you’re looking to get into. Most warehouse or industrial jobs do require that anyone who works on the floor needs to have a forklift certification, so it is more than a good investment — it is a sound investment.

It is easier to get jobs and warehouse sustain another, and having a certification drive a forklift can do nothing but help you get in. A forklift driver jobs are all over the place just waiting for the right person to come along with a certification and grab them up.

Forklift driver jobs are an integral part of any warehouse or industrial environment. They are used to lift up things that would otherwise not be able to be lifted, and they are used to hold them there. He also use transport things that would not be able to be otherwise moved as well. Because of this, no warehouse be able to effectively function without a forklift or a forklift driver. Because these jobs are so crucial, there is almost always some sort of demand for drivers.