Whether you find yourself unable to find work fresh out of college or in a job but looking for something more fulfilling, how you go about your job search will play a major role in whether or not you end up finding success.

For many people in one of the above-mentioned situations, they quickly discover that searching for a job is a job in and of itself.

While there is no precise manual as to how best go about locating that first or career-changing job, there are pointers you can take that will point you in the right direction to tracking down the position you want, especially if you’ve found yourself falling behind as of late.

Among them are:

• Would I let my mother read my resume? While everyone thinks their resume is the cream of the crop, keep in mind that companies receive countless resumes each day, so you’re battling many other people for the same jobs. That being the case is your resume up to snuff to the point you’d let those closest to you read it? It is important to get unbiased opinions on your resume so that those closest to you don’t sugar coat it.
• How much time and effort have I been giving the job hunt? For many individuals, the job hunt comes and goes, depending oftentimes in how dire their situation may be. For those out of work looking for a job, they may throw in the towel at some point, while those in jobs but looking for something else may become lax when they figure they already have a job, so what’s the rush to get a different one? Still yet, those fresh out of college may become dismayed by the job hunt and go back to school for a higher degree. Make sure in any situation that you apply the necessary time and effort to the job hunt, leaving no stone unturned.
• Don’t be deterred by no response – Put yourself in the shoes of the employer, specifically their HR staff or department head who is asked to review countless resumes, interview a number of candidates, and oftentimes re-interview, then make a final decision on the new hire. The process can be equally challenging for the individuals doing the hiring and interviewing as it can be for the applicant. Oftentimes you will not get a response, so either be prepared to move on or follow up in an appropriate manner.
• Make sure you are covering all your bases – Your job search will undoubtedly involve time and effort, something some people don’t want to devote all that much time to. If you’re job hunting and you’ve hit a rut, review where you looked, when you looked and why you thought those were the areas to go to in the first place. Many companies today use online outlets exclusively to advertise their jobs, some still use traditional print methods, and others use job fairs, career expos etc. A good idea is to pull potential jobs from all three categories.
• Think outside the box – All too often, individuals want to stay in their comfort zones when it comes to looking for work. Yes, you’re more likely to find a job in your field of expertise, but that doesn’t mean you cannot find work elsewhere. Just because one door closes, doesn’t mean another one won’t open up.
• Take a breather every now and then – As noted earlier, looking for a new job can be a job in itself. You are more likely to burn out if you go at it 24/7 with few or any breaks in between. Set aside times of the day to specifically job hunt, then stop and continue the next day. If you set realistic goals for yourself, you are less likely to be disappointed. Trying to cram 25 hours of job hunting into a 24-hour day is a certain recipe for disaster.

As more and more people continue to look for jobs now and heading into 2012, it is necessary you leave no stone unturned, while making sure that your job search does not overwhelm you to the point where you throw in the towel.

Dave Thomas, who covers among other subjects’ background checks, writes extensively for Business.com, an online resource destination for businesses of all sizes to research, find, and compare the products and services they need to run their businesses.

The Law of Gravity Exists Even On Campus

College life brings the new freedoms of adulthood, and these freedoms can be intoxicating. But when it comes to your personal finances, make sure that you don’t wake up on graduation day with a financial hangover that can take years to cure. It’s easy to live in the now, but eventually money that is blithely spent in college will need to be paid back just when the demands of a new career and possibly a new family will also exist. Here are some tips to avoid the pitfalls of school debt.

Go On the Offensive: Bring in the Income

It’s easy to accept student loans: you just sign on the line, and money difficulties get kicked years into your future. But what if you could reduce–or eliminate–student debt altogether?

• Apply For Grants

When you apply for financial aid, ensure that you are timely with that application. Some funds are distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis. Grant money can fuel your education and doesn’t need to be repaid.

• Work Towards Scholarships

The scholarship pools that exist for incoming freshmen frequently have funding available for upperclassmen, too. This can include departmental scholarships, some exclusively for those in upper levels. The key to landing this money is your grade point average. A high enough GPA can bring money your way. Ask questions within your college’s department; what’s available?

• Part-time Work

No, really. It’s a time-honored American tradition–college students have held down part-time jobs pretty much since time immortal. Where do you find these jobs? Chances are good that your college or university has a job search board, and you can find work there. This can apply to on-campus and off-campus work alike.

Be bold, and then tenacious. If you have a favorite store, restaurant, or recreational spot, ask management if they have any openings. If need be, check back. Possible perks could include discounts (just be sure not to blow your paycheck!), and part-time work can provide valuable future career experience and life skills.

This same approach works for summertime work. Start your search early by making contacts where you’d like to work. This proactive angle can heighten your chances of finding satisfying work. If you can find a job that dovetails in general with your major, all the better.

Go On the Defensive: Don’t Hemorrhage Cash

• Almost as common as student loan paperwork are the credit-card booths strewn on campuses nationwide. The gimmick goes like this: we give you a free incentive, and we sign you up for our credit card. Multiply this scenario two or three other times, and you’ve been granted access to a lot of financial trouble. Just say “no thanks,” friend, and keep walking.

• Find simple ways to stretch your money: ask for a student discount when you’re ready to put money down, and carry your student ID card to prove this status.

• Buy second-hand textbooks; sell your books back at the end of the term.

• Opportunities for inexpensive dates abound on and around college campuses; after all, everyone is pretty much in the same financial boat.

• Is it less expensive to live on campus than in private apartments? If so, bite the bullet and go the cheaper route.  You might find yourself making long-term friendships.

• Eat healthy foods and be smart about your sleep schedule. Staying in good shape means you can save on clinic bills, and your life will go more smoothly, too.

One of the best lifetime disciplines you can pick up in college–the beginning of your adult life–is tracking what you’ve spent. Keeping tabs on your expenditures means you can avoid stressful surprises later.

Author Jenny Masterson is a college enrollment advisor and also writes for thebestcolleges.org, a website providing lists and information about college degrees, such as online msn programs for nurses.

Fresh out of college, many young men and women find locating that first full-time job to be the greatest challenge they’ve faced in their lifetimes.

Given that the present economy is continuing to struggle, and the fact that the national unemployment rate continues to hover around 9.1 percent, many recent college grads from this past spring and summer continue to find that first gig elusive to track down.

According to The Economic Policy Institute, “The class of 2011 will likely face the highest unemployment rate for college graduates…in history.”

So, how can these young twentysomethings improve their chances of landing full-time work when their experience level is little to none?

Among the things to concentrate on are:

• No hidden surprises – Given today’s obsession with social media, more and more employers are checking the online backgrounds of young individuals applying for work with them. Be sure if you have any questionable photos or comments on sites like Facebook and Twitter that you delete them prior to the job hunt. While that photo of you partying in college may seem innocent to you, a prospective employer may in turn frown upon it;
• Step outside the comfort zone – While you likely had a focused area of study in school and interests that you would like to pursue, there are no guarantees you will find work in your preferred field. Be willing and more importantly able to step outside your area of expertise in order to gain experience and make some money. Even if taking a job in another field means less money to start than you wanted, it is something to put on your resume, which you will want to grow right away;
• Internships are a good foot in the door – While a non-paying internship may not seem like the key to success, many individuals have started as interns and worked their way up the corporate ladder over time. If you can find a paying internship even better. Many individuals do internships while still in school and then transition to full-time positions once graduated. If you’re just out of school and a good internship presents itself, don’t automatically turn it down;
• Network via social media – While social media can be a problem for some individuals (see first tip), it can also be a boon for others. There are great opportunities to network via sites such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn just to name a few. Social media is also a great way to visit the sites of potential employers to learn more about what they do, their teams, and more. The last thing you want to do is go into a job interview totally unknowing of what the company does. If you are blogging and the posts are related to your desire area of work, by all means include a few links when emailing resumes to potential employers;
• Be aggressive, yet respectful – Oftentimes you will see job ads that say “no phone calls please” somewhere in the posting. The reasoning behind that is some employees would never get any work done if they answered every phone call regarding an applicant’s resume and potentially getting an interview. Whether you come across the phone notation or not, you can still follow up. Whether it is a simple and friendly email or tweet to the company’s Twitter page or dropping a short follow-up note in the regular mail, you can stay in touch. Don’t push it though and leave several messages to where you become a nuisance instead of a candidate.

While some recent college grads have found work or are closing in on jobs, others can take solace in the fact that they are not alone in trying to track down that elusive first full-time job.

Dave Thomas, who covers among other subjects’ business credit cards, writes extensively for www.business.com an online resource destination for businesses of all sizes to research, find, and compare the products and services they need to run their businesses.

Continuing Education: Is it Time?

 There comes a point in everyone’s life where they ask themselves “Is it time to go back to school?” This is a decision that should never be taken lightly. Though there are many benefits to continuing your education and propelling your career, there are also risks and costs. Here are a few things to think about when deciding whether or not it is time to return to school:

Deciding if it’s Time
There is no guide to deciding whether it is time to go back to school, or if it is better to wait. There are however signs that may get you thinking about furthering your education. If you feel you are stuck in a rut, unable to move forward in your career, then it may be time to return to school. If you feel it is time for a career change and that your life goals have changed, it may be time.

One of the deciding factors that influence most people to return to school is the economy. With the value of careers constantly shifting, many are finding the career choice that was once sufficient, is no longer enough. If you find yourself spending more and making the same salary, or less due to cutbacks, that may be reason enough to return to school.

E-learning vs. Campus
The popularity of e-learning has grown, more so with single parents and those already in a career. With the convenience and accelerated learning of online courses, it appeals to many different situations that adults find themselves in. With that said you need to decide what will work better for you.

Learning online can be an excellent way to juggle classes, kids, and work. However it takes an exceptional amount of discipline to learn while you are at home and near so many distractions. Just like campus learning, classes online are full of assignments and deadlines. With the TV a few feet away, kids playing in the yard or your significant other pining for your attention, it can prove to be hard to learn at home. If you choose to learn at home, be sure to dedicate time to classes. Try avoiding distractions and make plans to limit those distractions. For example, send the kids to a babysitter or out with the other parent. Anything you can do to give yourself time and peace will increase your success.

Campus learning has always been the suggested way of taking classes. Sitting in an educational institution with other students can place you in the state of mind to learn. Having the convenience of collaborating with other students and the professor in the same room can help when you run into problems. Though the commute, expense and time involved with going to a campus can prove tedious, this is highly recommended for those who don’t have the discipline it takes to study at home.

Budgeting for the Expenses
College tuition is constantly on the rise. The costs you paid when you first went to college or even thought about attending college years ago are now much higher. When deciding to go back to school, budgeting for the extra cost can help save you stress and hardships while trying to learn. Through student loans and grants you can cover most of the expenses of tuition; however there are other costs that you must factor in.

College textbooks may be the largest expense you will have to cover. Buying used books rather than new textbooks can help save on the cost. With the popularity of e-readers, most textbooks are now available for purchase in PDF format. This can save you up to 60% off the normal price. With the PDF version you can carry it with you easier with an e-reader or tablet.

If you choose to attend a campus you will also need to factor in the cost of fuel. Gas prices are rising faster than tuition costs and can dent your budget considerably. You can cut a few extravagances out of your daily life to help fund the fuel cost and still keep your budget.

There are many benefits to furthering your education. A career change, promotion, or just securing your future can entice you to return to school. When you choose your path, be sure you are aware of the method and cost you will be facing. Only you can decide if it is time to further your education, but when the time is right for you, be sure to make the most of it.
London resident Samantha Hathaway is a financial consultant and a content contributor for Payday Loans, a company which helps you out with advance pay day loans when you need money before your paycheck comes in.

“Never take your passion lightly. If you’re passionate about something, don’t ever wear a leash around your heart.” – Amanda A. Ebokosia

Name: Amanda A. Ebokosia

Age: 25

What exactly do you do for a living?
I’m the Founder and CEO of The Gem Project, Inc. The Gem Project is a not-for-profit organization that educates youth, school-age children, and young adults about issues that are affecting them and their communities. Through the use of innovative programs and enriching activities, we’re able to hone the leadership and community organizing skills of our youth.

What state do you represent? New Jersey

Did you go to college? Where? Yes, Rutgers University – Newark Campus

What did you study there?
Biology with a minor in Psychology

Why on earth did you choose this career path and how did you get involved in it?
I choose this career path because it’s not only fulfilling and self-sustaining, it continuously provides me with the most worthwhile experiences that enhance my life for the better. I got involved in creating my own not-for-profit work during my sophomore year at Rutgers University at age 19, it was during a time after finding out my mother was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. Fortunately, she is a survivor. At this time, I wanted to create programs that were innovative enough to educate my peers– while simultaneously challenging their leadership skills by encouraging them to take action as leaders.

What are your future plans for your career?
It is our hope to have our programs and ideas modeled as a Gem Project curriculum throughout the nation. We are currently following a model to see that it happens. We would like to extend our reach in support and work efforts on a global scale. We have received a few volunteer applications internationally, so the interest is there. We’re preparing and working towards that, preparation is key in situations like these.

What are you in love with about this profession? What are you not so in love with?
I’m in love with the community work, hands on work. We honestly love our supporters. The greatest moments are when we get the opportunity to speak to the people whom we serve and establish a good relationship with them over the years. We get notes and words of encouragement daily and those are the moments that we take with us at the end of the day. These are the moments I personally love the most. There are very few things that I have to say that I’m not too in love with, since you asked. I don’t take my passion for this project lightly, all of my members are equally passionate about our project. I often say to others or to my team to believe in the project first, rather than to participate only in support of a friendship. I found that in business it provides some challenges that may be foreign initially to individuals who genuinely enjoy what they do. Like any business, as you propel yourself and reach milestones you will attract people who may not have your best interest at heart. This is the main part that I’m not in love with. You must choose your partnerships and decisions wisely. You must have faith in your team. They’re powerful, even more powerful than you if you work together properly.

Give us an example of a day in the life of you doing what you do?
There are not many typical days in this line of work. I have to say, depending on the time of the year we operate on different schedules. Most of our youth and young adult programs run alongside the academic school year between September to May. In the summer we run our seasonal programs. During the academic school year and summer, volunteers check in with work and have duties delegated in a specified time frame to accomplish them. Many of our members are project leads, people who are responsible of an entire project and program. My position is ensuring that projects follow a good timeline and meet certain check points to make sure all of our objectives are met. I have to make sure every division is working together well as a team and individually. It is also my duty to sustain a harmonious work environment and relationship with all of our supporters through various means of communication and updates to the public. During the year we run events every week and monthly fundraisers. They’re both during the week and weekends.

What steps do you recommend to someone who is planning to pursue this career?
Master this field. If you don’t have a background in business, surround yourself with books that are relevant. There is no real excuse in not excelling in this field. Your passion can propel you into new heights, if you wish to learn. Define a social problem or issue you wish to address and spend type researching about it. You want to know your area and the problems of the past and present. Set and define a clear mission statement, a statement that acts as your organization’s purpose. It has to be clear and easy to understand. Don’t be too specific or too general, find a balance. Visit http://irs.gov, they offer step-by-step guidelines and a grid of the life cycle of both public charities and private foundations. They break it down in stages for you, suggest timing, and provide information and numbers to call for help, according to the state that you’re in. My other advice is to expand your network. Go out and find people who believe in the very thing that you’re most passionate about. Venture out to networking socials or other community functions to build your team. You cannot do this work alone, even if you had your very own red cape. Get some interns too at http://internweb.com.

What is the single-most important piece of advice you can offer a person pursuing this career?
Be passionate at what you wish to do. I cannot tell you the times when I found myself up at 4 AM to write an e-mail or get a head start on my day. In fact, my day consistently starts at 5 AM no matter what I’m doing. Your passion will be tested at several points throughout your pursuit with this career. It’s not for the weak at heart. You have to eat, breathe, and love your project. A good project is one that not only captivates you but is able to draw the attention and support of others. Support is only generated when others have faith in your vision, having faith in your vision is being able to see the passion–through your work, talks, and actions. A leader who is passionate about something will stop at nothing see their vision. This is the type of leader that people will invest their faith in.

What is the best piece of advice you have received?
Focus, just focus. Remove all distractions.

What can we look forward to seeing from you next?
Personally, doing more speaking engagements to empower young children and adults. As an organization, becoming more solid and expanding our programs national-global scale. 10-15 years from now, I expect there will be centers devoted in fulfilling our mission. I do plan on incorporating my background in the sciences in the future. I’m currently a graduate student at UMDNJ, taking courses in the school of biomedical sciences. I have plans of furthering my education and obtaining a doctorate in the future.

What professional or community volunteer organizations are you currently a member of?
Psi Chi Honor Society & The White House Project- NY GO RUN 2010

What’s a funny or significant memory from your college or high school days you are legally allowed to share? One of the most significant moments in memory I can think of has to be traced around my junior year at high school. I was in a living room with two of my best friends talking about life, world events, situations, and the future. I would love to take a step back and listen to that conversation again. I knew that we all spoke highly about changing our world, physically changing it and creating some sort of movement. We wanted to change the state of thinking. We were stuck in a different time but wanted so much to be done at that particular moment. It was so empowering at the time–lounging around in my best friend’s living room–talking about our “What If’s”–being excited for what the future had for us all. I was just coming “out” of my shell. I was very shy in high school but overly ambitious when it came to community service work, student groups, and track. If I was ever nominated for anything, I was more likely to choose a lower position than to ever think about being a president. I remember one of the advisers of Key Club and Library Council at the time tried to encourage me to run for a position– I honestly think I shied away.

What book are you reading right now?
One of my team members, Parul Punjani, gave me– The Leadership Challenge, written by James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner. Finding time to finish reading that is on the top of my list. It’s a great book thus far, I’m certain my leadership style will be enhanced by it. My living room is like a library, I have a few books I have yet to read here. The next book I started and will likely finish after I have read The Leadership Challenge is Basic Black, written by Cathie Black. I would like to meet Cathie Black one day. There was a story she highlighted in her book that truly had me questioning my own ambition. Most of the books I have read usually fall in Self-improvement, Business management & Communication, Science and even Psychology. I have the Pooh Complex and Freud’s Introductory Lectures on Psychoanalysis stashed away somewhere . I am a fan of books written by Robert Greene, I love the way he researches and incorporates history in exploring the art of war, seduction, and power. A book that inspired me in becoming a life long educator was Mitch Albom’s, Tuesdays With Morrie.

What’s playing in your MP3 player right now? Honestly–Beyonce’s album, 4. I’m more than a fan. I love her work ethic even more than her music at times. I also play Goapele’s “Closer” for motivation and inspiration, I have it on repeat at all times.

Where can we stalk you online?

Facebook Fanpage or Facebook

(Personal) http://facebook.com/AmandaEbokosia

(Nonprofit) http://facebook.com/thegemproject

Twitter

(Personal) http://twitter.com/ebokosia

(Nonprofit) http://twitter.com/thegemproject

Websites

(Nonprofit) http://thegemproject.org | (Personal) http://amandaebokosia.com