Horizon Point Consulting

Category: Beyond Work

Beyond Work is our line of resources for people and community leaders looking for something new and innovative outside, be it a new job, career change, or personal development outside of work.

  • How do you make your resume stand out among the thousands of others received by employers?

    How do you make your resume stand out among the thousands of others received by employers?

    Resume writing is among my favorite tasks in my role as a career consultant. I enjoy getting to know clients and assisting them in their job search by making their resumes the best they can possibly be by providing results of their past achievements.

    In my personal professional development, I’ve taken various courses on resume writing and have learned many tricks of the trade. Key words, proper formatting and the importance of providing “results” are all key aspects of developing an awesome resume.

    Check out these links to help you with each of these:

    4 Easy Steps to Know Which Keywords to Include in Your Resume

    Top 6 Tips for Resume Formatting

    Results, not Responsibilities: How to Describe Job Experience on Your Resume

    Resumes are the one place where you should pull out all of the stops. Don’t hold back! This is your one shot at showing the HR executive, CEO or recruiter that you are the right choice for the job. One way to do that is to find out why the company is filling the particular role. There are three possible reasons why they are hiring: to save time, money or to generate income. If you can pinpoint why a company is hiring for the position you are seeking, you have a step up on other applicants. You can then adjust your resume and provide “results” from past work experiences and show your future employer why you are the perfect candidate. Our Resume Results Worksheet can help you get started.

    Horizon Point Consulting offers services for both Entry Level and Professional resumes. Contact us for more information.

  • Midlife Career Change – Is it for you?

    Midlife Career Change – Is it for you?

    Are you halfway to retirement and considering a career change? Maybe you’re in a role that is being eliminated or just ready to try something new as you dive in to the last half of your career. Where do you begin?

    First, a career assessment is a great place to start. My Next Move is a free one that can be completed online or we can help you with an in-depth assessment that examines your personality and desired skills and abilities.

    Another great resource for making a career change is the internet. You can search for “in-demand” careers online. According to Fortune, “healthcare and technology industries tied for the most openings in 2015.” ONET is another great tool for researching careers along with salaries and provides career exploration tools.

    Regardless of what career you currently have, if you are itching to make a change, examine the following as you begin:

    What is missing from what I do now that I want to be able to do on a regular basis? What skills do I need to use on a regular basis to bring satisfaction?

    What is it that I do now that I want to continue to be able to do? What skills that I want to continue to use are transferrable to other careers?

    What type of environment do I enjoy working in?

    What careers match with the skills and abilities I want to use and are also in line with my work values?

    Finally, why not do a trial run before jumping into a new career? Job shadowing is a great way to try out a new career (or two) before you make a change. Read 4 Tips for an Awesome Job Shadow or Informational Interview before your first one. 4 Great Benefits of Job Shadowing for Grown Ups offers more benefits of job shadowing for career changers.

    Check out 4 Ways to Change Careers in Midlife and 5 Tips for Midlife Career Change for more insight into making a midlife career change.

  • Career Sportlight: STEM Careers

    Career Sportlight: STEM Careers

    Do you like science or math? Does engineering or technology interest you? If so, this career spotlight is a must read. STEM Careers are “in-demand” and offer several options for cool jobs, and according to Stemcareer.com, during the next decade, the U.S. demand for scientists and engineers is expected to increase four times the rate for all other occupations.

     

    STEM is an acronym referring to the academic disciplines of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The term is typically used when addressing education policy and curriculum choices in schools to improve competitiveness in technology development. It has implications for workforce development, national security concerns and immigration policy.

    Wikipedia

    Change the Equation is one organization that has developed a variety of resources around STEM learning, from data and research to philanthropic best practices. Read more about STEMworks and other resources.

    What do you need to pursue a career in a STEM field?

     

    Education:

    Varying levels of education are required for STEM careers. ONET provides a comprehensive list of all STEM Careers. Search ONET for specific information on each occupation.

    If you are a high school student and are interested in a STEM career, consider taking various math and science courses, pre-engineering or computer science in high school.

    Is the field growing?

    cs1

     

     

    What is the pay like? (A selection of STEM careers salaries are included below.)

     

    Chemical Engineer

    cs2

     

    Software Developer

     

    cs3

     

    Statisticians

     

    cs4

     

    What’s the Holland Code* for STEM Careers? (The same STEM Career selection as above is represented below.)

    Interest code for Chemical Engineers: IR

    Investigative — Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive   amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and   figuring out problems mentally.
    Realistic — Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems   and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials   like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working   outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.

    Interest Code for Software Developer: ICR

    Investigative — Investigative   occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
    Conventional — Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
    Realistic — Realistic occupations   frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with  others.

    Interest code for Statisticians: CI

    Conventional — Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These   occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas.   Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
    Investigative — Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive   amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and   figuring out problems mentally.

    Source: www.onetonline.org

     

    If you are interested in learning more about STEM Careers, check out these articles and resources:

    6 Things You Need to Know About STEM

    The Top Paying STEM Jobs for Recent Grads

    STEM Career

    Change the Equation

    Are you interested in a STEM Career? Why or why not?

    *Holland Codes are a way to classify a person based on their skills and interests as well as jobs based on the nature of the work. If you have an interest in knowing what your Holland Code is in order to match yourself to careers to pursue, you can read more about our assessment process.

  • Career Spotlight: Market Research Analyst

    Career Spotlight: Market Research Analyst

    Do you like analyzing data? Are you interested in sales forecasting? If so, then a career as a Market Research Analystmay be perfect for you.

    On the other hand, if you don’t enjoy gathering data, preparing reports, critical thinking and problem solving, becoming a market research analyst may not be a good fit for you.

    Market research analysts study market conditions to examine potential sales of a product or service. They help companies understand what products people want, who will buy them, and at what price.

    Bureau of Labor Statistics

    What do you need to be a Market Research Analyst?

    Education:

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, market research analysts typically need a bachelor’s degree in market research or a related field. Many have degrees in fields such as statistics, math, and computer science. Others have backgrounds in business administration, the social sciences, or communication. Some market research analyst jobs require a master’s degree.

    If you are a high school student and would like to become a market research analyst, consider taking a marketing or business class while in high school.

    Market Research Analyst may be a good career change option for advertising managers, public relations specialists and economists.

    Skills:

    Market Research Analysts know about:

    • Customer Service
    • Sales & Marketing
    • Critical Thinking & Complex Problem Solving
    • Communications & Media
    • Monitoring
    • Coordination

    Is the field growing?

    ONET reports that careers in Market Research are expected to increase by 32% over the next 10 years.

    What is the pay like?

    March3

     

    What’s the Holland Code* for a Market Research Analyst?

     

    Interest code: IEC – Investigative, Enterprising, Conventional

    Investigative — Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
    Enterprising — Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
    Conventional — Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

    Source: http://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/13-1161.00

     

    If you are interested in learning more about becoming a Market Research Analyst, go to ONET. You should also check out U.S. News & Work Reports article Market Research Analyst.

     

    Would you want to be a Market Research Analyst? Why or why not?

     

    *Holland Codes are a way to classify a person based on their skills and interests as well as jobs based on the nature of the work. If you have an interest in knowing what your Holland Code is in order to match yourself to careers to pursue, you can read more about our assessment process.

  • Career Change Ahead! Could Engineering be the Right Fit for You?

    Career Change Ahead! Could Engineering be the Right Fit for You?

    Engineering is a “hot field” right now. Whether you are considering changing your college major or are currently in the workforce and looking for a career change, engineering may be one option you should consider.

    Do you enjoy science and math? Maybe lab work and analyzing data is something you do in your current career that you like and want to continue to do. Or maybe you enjoy working with blueprints and designing. If so, a career in an engineering discipline might be a good fit for you.

    According to Wikipedia:

    Engineering is the application of scientific, economic, social, and practical knowledge in order to invent, design, build, maintain, research, and improve structures, machines, devices, systems, materials and processes.

    The discipline of engineering is extremely broad, and encompasses a range of more specialized fields of engineering, each with a more specific emphasis on particular areas of applied science, technology and types of application.

    As referenced in the above definition, there are several types of engineering. Check out the links below to read about a few of the options:

    Chemical Engineer

    Civil Engineer

    Mechanical Engineer

    Environmental Engineer

    If you are currently in the education field and are working as a science or math teacher, and are looking for a more lucrative career that allows you to incorporate your math or science expertise, chemical or environmental engineering may be for you.

    Read The 10 Worst Mistakes Career Changers Can Make before taking the leap to a new career.

    What education is required?

    In general, engineering jobs require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. If you currently possess a bachelor’s degree in another field, you can check with your local university to find out what additional courses are required. Check outEducation Portal for information on engineering courses.

    What is the pay like?

    Chemical Engineer

     

    pay

     

    Civil Engineer

    CE

     

    Mechanical Engineer

    ME

     

    Environmental Engineer

    EE

     

    What is the Holland Code* for Chemical Engineers?

    Interest code: IR

    Investigative — Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
    Realistic — Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.

    Source: http://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/17-2041.00

    (*Holland codes for other types of engineering can be found on ONET)

     

    students

    On the other hand, maybe you are an engineer. You earn a great salary, but work long hours. You loved your career as a young college gradate, but now you have different priorities. What are your options?

    Again, since there are many enigneering disciplines, you should consider a career change that incorporates what you love(d) about engineering to begin with. That may be science, math, designing, etc. Maybe a high school teacher would be a good choice for you. If time with family is a priority and salary is not an issue, consider the education field.

    Check out Three Simple Questions That Will Change Your Engineering Career for more insight.

    Regardless of what career you currently have, if you are itching to make a change, examine the following as you begin:

    What is missing from what I do now that I want to be able to do on a regular basis? What skills do I need to use on a regular basis to bring satisfaction?

    What is it that I do now that I want to continue to be able to do? What skills that I want to continue to use are transferrable to other careers?

    What type of environment do I enjoy working in?

    What careers match with the skills and abilities I want to use and are also in line with my work values?

    A career assessment may help you with these questions. We can help you with an in-depth assessment that examines your personality and desired skills and abilities or you can take a free one here.