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I’ve been surfing the internet all day looking for colleges. I have to admit something … I’m starting to wonder whether or not I even want to go to school! Is it even worth it?

I know a ton of people who didn’t go to school and they’re doing fine. I mean, look at Bill Gates. He’s like the richest, most successful person on the planet, and he didn’t go to college. Why should I?

People always give you a ton of reasons to go to school. Don’t get me wrong, I think it’s a good idea for some people, but it might not be for me. But I also don’t know how I can get a better job without going to school.

Arg! It’s like there’s a cartoon good angel sitting on one of my shoulders and a devil sitting on the other one.

The devil cartoon keeps telling me that I’m not smart enough and that I shouldn’t even bother trying to go to school. The angel keeps telling me that I am smart and that I can do whatever I put my mind to.

If I’m honest with myself, I know that I want to go to school. I want to have a shot at a bright future and not have to struggle the way my parents did when I was young. I think sometimes I just get scared that I won’t do well. But, I can’t live in fear. Bill Gates probably doesn’t. Ha!

Alright, back to searching for schools. This site has actually been really helpful for me – thanks for letting me vent like that. Hey, does anyone have any advice for someone looking for schools?

If you’re searching for a job, you’re probably coming across a lot of openings that seem to suit your skills almost perfectly. It’s like there are tons of openings for oranges, but you’re more of a tangerine. Your skills are close to the ideal fit, but some small detail is slightly off.

What do you do?

On one hand, you don’t want to waste your time or get your hopes up on a job that’s not going to work out in the long run. On the other hand, you can’t let these opportunities pass you by. After all, you might be a tangerine right now, but who’s to say an employer wouldn’t spot your potential orange status?

Okay, I’ll put aside the silly food references and give you some solid tips for your resume. There are plenty of things you can do to get noticed by employers when your skills are almost, but not quite, a match.

1. Use a resume that emphasizes your experience. A functional resume will allow you to highlight the work experience you do have that most closely aligns with the position you’re applying for. List your job responsibilities according to what you think the employer will find most valuable to their organization.

2. Include a skill category to emphasize your unique strengths. This allows you to include information that may not be directly related to your work history. For example, how would someone looking at your resume know about your Microsoft Suite proficiency if your work history has been in landscaping? Make sure that you include your interpersonal skills as well. Employers seek out applicants who have the ability to work well with others.

3. Send a cover letter along with your resume. This is your chance to convince the employer that you can make valuable contributions to their company. Demonstrate that you have researched the company and your desired position by addressing the job description and what qualifies you. Concentrate only on what skills you will bring to the desired position. Do not reference skills you lack.

4. Demonstrate your ability to learn. If your skill set falls a bit short, use your resume to highlight instances where you have acquired a new skill. Or, sign up for a class at your local career or community college and include this in your cover letter.

5. Highlight your attributes. Your resume and cover letter are your chance to sell yourself. Make sure not to exaggerate your skills, but always concentrate on the value you will bring to an employer.

I’m always open to new, helpful ideas that can steer job seekers in the right direction. So, if you have any tips for people who are trying to find a job, send them in.

Or, if you have any questions, I’m happy to answer them. May all your job hunts be fruitful!

Are you tired of just talking about getting a new job or career? Sometimes, it’s a good idea to sit back and listen to what employers are saying.

That’s what an employment services company called Manpower Inc. did. They surveyed more than 2,400 employers to find out what, and who, they’re looking for.

According to the survey, employers are struggling to fill positions in America. This isn’t because of a lack of candidates; we all know people who are struggling to find employment. In part, it’s because of a lack of talent. And when employers find people who fit the bill, they’re willing to flip the bill. People with the right skills and experience are seeing bonuses, pay incentives and higher salaries across the board. This has redefined what professions make up some of the best paying careers.

Listen to what employers are saying about some of the top 10 paying jobs. With the right training and experience, you could be on your way to one of America’s best careers.

Based on the findings of Manpower’s survey, the Top 10 Jobs For the Future are:

1. Sales representative
Education and qualifications: Usually, a 4-year degree is preferred. However, candidates who do not hold a 4-year degree can get a leg-up on the competition by demonstrating experience and a history of success in sales. Excellent communication skills are the deal maker when it comes to this career field.

2. Teacher
Education and qualifications: Education and training qualifications for teachers vary depending on the subject taught and the academic level. Teachers in technical and vocational schools may find that expertise in the subject matter may suffice, while other applicants may be required to hold a Ph.D.

3. Mechanic
Education and qualifications: Career colleges, vocational schools and some high schools offer formal training programs. However, many mechanics learn on the job through assisting those with experience.

4. Technician
Education and qualifications: Technical schools, career colleges and community colleges usually provide programs leading to an Associate degree in engineering technology. Creativity and good communication skills are necessary for success in this field.

5. Management/executive
Education and qualifications: Education and training qualifications depend on several factors like the size and specialty of the organization. Usually, employers are seeking a candidate with a proven track record of experience and usually a Bachelor’s degree or other advanced degree.

6. Truck driver
Education and qualifications: Career colleges offer training leading to the proper licensing. Employers are seeking candidates with clean driving records and the ability to handle machinery.

7. Driver/delivery
Education and qualifications: Employers are seeking candidates with valid driver’s licenses and clean driving records.

8. Accountant
Education and qualifications: Depending on the organization, education requirements can vary from professional certification or licensure to a Master’s degree. Employers are seeking candidates with proficiency in accounting and auditing computer software.

9. Laborer
Education and qualifications: Education for laborers, like those working in construction, usually entails on-the-job training or completion of an apprenticeship program.

10. Machine operator
Education and qualifications: Career colleges, vocational schools and community colleges offer training programs. Some machine operators learn on the job or through a formal apprenticeship.

Listening to what employers have to say can be one of the best move you make when you’re thinking about entering the workforce or changing your career. This Top 10 list was compiled from responses given by employers.

What are you hearing from businesses in your area? I’m interested in knowing what skills employers are looking for. And, as always, if you have any helpful hints, please drop me a line.

I’ve talked to people of all age groups about their career paths. As you can imagine, these conversations fall into a broad range of categories – they come in as many shapes and sizes as there are job descriptions. The one thing that has remained constant has to do with dream jobs.

Usually, when I ask people what their dream job is, the only people who can answer definitively are under the age of nine. Of course, this makes sense since kids don’t have to worry about things like paying bills, or paying for their own child’s education. So, they’re free to give answers like “professional friend maker” if they want.

Really, though, if you think about it, we can learn a lot from children about getting a handle on our careers. What are kids doing that we don’t?

Play make-believe! If you’re waiting for inspiration to strike, you’re going to be waiting a long time. Don’t limit yourself! Stretch your imagination out and pretend that you’re working in your dream job. What does it look like? Try to look at it from as many angles as possible and then boil it down to key attributes.

Find a super hero. Children all have people they look up to, whether their hero’s are real or fictional, they all embody certain characteristics that they want to emulate. Who’s your professional hero? Find someone who actually has your dream job. Ask them how they got there and find out more about the job responsibilities.

Believe in your own ability. Remember when you actually believed adults when they told you that you can become anything you want to be? Guess what?! That’s still true. As adults, we tend to put all sorts of limitations on ourselves. We start to think that we aren’t capable of achieving certain goals and we get used to settling for less. Believing that you can land your dream job is more than half the battle.

Take tests. Children have to take tests and quizzes in school. They’re constantly being challenged to increase their competency levels and to demonstrate what they’ve learned. You can take some really helpful career assessment tests that can help you learn about jobs that suit your strengths, interests and personality. They can help you narrow down your dream job.

Choose your favorite subject! Whether it’s Art, English or Math, kids always have a favorite subject to study. What’s your’s? People who get to use their natural talents at work are usually more likely to love their jobs. Think about what you love to learn and then hit the books! Going back to school can sometimes put you on the fast track to your dream job.