What You Need To Know Before Committing To Vocational Retraining

You've thought a lot about the kind of work you want to do. The duties, the pay, the hours, the environment ? everything sounds right. According to the newspaper ads, there is a big demand out there. You find a program that sounds really good. You are all ready to sign on the dotted line.

Stop! Before you invest your time, your energy, and a good chunk of your money in this direction, ask some tough questions.

1. Request that the school provide you with placement statistics ? these are required by the state for all approved vocational courses. Statistics can be misleading so ask for details ? what kind of job did the graduates find, how much did it pay, how long did it take them to find it?

2. Ask for the names and telephone numbers of 6 recent graduates you can contact for feedback. Good schools often have recent graduates visiting on site to share their experiences with current students. If the school refuses to provide such a list, or cannot provide it for whatever reason they give you, red flags should be immediately raised.

3. Is State Licensure or Certification required for this field? If so, what is the school's passing rate? What is the examination's pass rate overall? How do they compare?

4. Arrange to audit one or two classes. Evaluate the instructor and the program organization. Talk to the other students about their experience.

5. Visit the placement office and find out what services and support are offered. At a minimum, you should receive a professional resume and multiple job leads. An excellent school will also provide interviewing skill training and employer background information. Find out if the school works consistently with several local employers which indicates that their graduates have been positive hires in the past.

6. Sit down with the Sunday Classifieds and circle employers in the field. Then call them for information. Are new graduates considered or is actual work experience required? Is the school known in the business community and what kind of reputation does it have? Has this company ever hired a graduate of this school? How would the employer recommend that someone enter this field?

If the school comes through with flying colors, move ahead with the knowledge that obtaining a first job after training is always difficult but you have some sources of support.

If your questions have revealed weaknesses in the program, evaluate other schools or consider selecting a different career goal.

Virginia Bola operated a rehabilitation company for 20 years, developing innovative job search techniques for disabled workers, while serving as a respected Vocational Expert in Administrative, Civil and Workers' Compensation Courts. Author of an interactive and emotionally supportive workbook, The Wolf at the Door: An Unemployment Survival Manual, and a monthly ezine, The Worker's Edge, she can be reached at http://www.virginiabola.com

Change Your Career, Change Your Life!

Lots of times I see and talk to people who... Read More

Work Attitude Ethics For Progress

This "fruit for thought" article is for all human beings,... Read More

Your Interview Secret Weapon

Have you ever been on a date where you had... Read More

Sample Cover Letters ... The Hidden Pitfalls

You can benefit from sample cover letters as they can... Read More

The 5 Essential Telecommute Résumé Components

1. An attractive layout that is easy to read and... Read More

War Time Hiring: 5 Steps to Attract Top Talent

A recent report, titled "The War for Talent" stated that... Read More

Moving From A Weekend Hobby To Career In The Arts

Building a career as an artist takes hard work. Because... Read More

How To Find Quick, Free, Job Search Resurces

There are many free job search resources available in any... Read More

How To Tap Into the Invisible Job Market

Is there a company in your area that you'd love... Read More

?How to Look Your Best in a Down Economy?

As you know too well ~ many jobs have been... Read More

Tips For Surviving As A Corporate Refugee

In her book "Are You A Corporate Refugee", Ruth Luban... Read More

Free Resume Template: What Makes a Good One?

You can drown in the "free resume examples," "free resume... Read More

Job Search Blurts

I coined this word to draw attention to the nervous... Read More

Cover Letter Sample -- For the Corporate Flight Attendant

Writing a cover letter to send with your résumé can... Read More

Are You Bored By What You Do?

Is your working life in the doldrums? Do you feel... Read More

For Effective Decisions, Look Beyond Career Stereotypes

You've probably been taught not to stereotype people based on... Read More

4 Internet Job Search Mistakes to Avoid

The Internet is the most powerful employment tool on earth.... Read More

Interview Tips - Ten Top Dos & Donts for Winning Interviews

In this day and age it can become increasingly difficult... Read More

How To Find A Job Writing Grant Applications

Do you have what it takes to land a job... Read More

Surprise! Accounting is the Hot New Major

There was a time when accounting was the boring college... Read More

Resurrecting the Perfect Resume, Part Two

Are you in denial about the lifelessness of your resume?... Read More

80,000 Americans Work in the Oil Change Industry

There is a huge shortage, which effects franchises costs in... Read More

Interview Skills That Attract Offers

An interviewer's mission is to assess your qualifications compared to... Read More

Medical Billing Businesses Are Growing Fast And Providing A Needed Service For Doctors

You've seen the commercials and web sites about starting medical... Read More

Creating a Winning Resume

Preparing your resume can often seem like a daunting task.... Read More