Switching fields may seem taboo, but it's quite doable, especially now when labor markets are tight. Almost half of the 164 employers who responded to our MONEY/Salary.com survey say they regularly target mid-career changers when recruiting. One reason: Switchers are dedicated to their move, with 32 percent saying they'll spend 'as long as it takes' to get the necessary certification and schooling.What are they looking for? Pay and advancement, sure, but also fulfillment and a sense that they can control their career paths.Steve Mullins, 44, already has a good job: He's a telecommunications en... view article details

Are Young Workers "Lost?" A recent piece in the New York Times by Todd G. Buchholz and Victoria Buchholz calls 20-somethings the 'go-nowhere generation' based on their statistical reluctance to relocate for work. They note, 'The likelihood of 20-somethings moving to another state has dropped well over 40 percent since the 1980s, according to calculations based on Census Bureau data…According to the Pew Research Center, the proportion of young adults living at home nearly doubled between 1980 and 2008, before the Great Recession hit.'Whether or not you believe Millennials are sedentary... view article details

Q: Dear Heather,I really need to get out of where I'm working. It's toxic and completely reactionary. My boss (whom I'd worked with elsewhere in happier times) just resigned after only one month in her position! Sandy is known for her skill in improving business infrastructure but couldn't tolerate what she termed 'arrogant' and 'immature' behavior from management (they never listen to anyone and think they're always right). I feel like I have no control over things, especially now that my old boss has left. It's like I'm on an island all by myself. I'm single—no kids. All I really have to sho... view article details

You've decided to give temping a try and have found an agency that appears to serve your needs. You've applied for a spot on their fleet of workers and they've agreed to take you on. So now what?While the agency searches to find you that plum assignment, they might be able to offer you a 'temporary' temporary position. Most temp agencies have a surplus of drudgework so if they ask you to do some mindless number-crunching and you are looking for a more challenging assignment, feel free to say no. However, holding out indefinitely for the perfect placement isn't a good idea either, advises Jacqu... view article details

In part one of the Successful Job Transitions series, we discussed the job search and managing the stress that goes with it.In part two, I Quit! Now What? we covered your graceful exit.In the last of our series we focus on starting that new job on the right foot and making the transition smoothly and completely.Wind down, psych up Not many can afford the luxury of taking time off, but if you can manage at least a week to decompress between the old and the new job, do it. Not only will the rest help you get physically and mentally prepared, you can also use the... view article details

Careers in Demand for the Future What will help wanted ads look like in two, five, ten years from now? And why should you care? As the world evolves, so do job trends and job descriptions. It’s important to structure your career so that your job will still be in demand in several years. This article explores seven professions, both emerging and long-standing, that offer the best careers for the future. Career #1: Healthcare According to recent Labor Department data, an aging population will put healthcare workers such as doctors, nurses, physical therapists, home health aids, and pharmacists... view article details

Do Your Prep Work The cover letter has worked. The resume has piqued interest. You get the call you’ve been hoping for and the company wants you to come in for an interview.This is where the rubber meets the road.Getting ready for the interview isn’t all about getting primped and pressed, although that’s important. You want to make a good first impression, but it’s that research you do ahead of time that will keep the questions flowing, build a rapport, and ultimately give you the best chance to land the job.7. Do Your Homework The company you’re about to interview with is go... view article details

Nurses, are you where you want to be in your nursing career? Whether you are a new nurse, mid-career, or approaching retirement, if you are struggling to find your ideal job and are frustrated with the online job search process, this week's podcast guest can help.Lisa Mauri Thomas is the author of 'Landing Your Perfect Nursing Job,' which is hot off the presses after its release today. She talks to Aaron and Wendy about tips, tricks, worksheets, checklists, sample cover letters and resumes that will help nurses understand and strategically get through today's job search process.Not a nurse? Th... view article details

Salary.com estimates that at least one employee in ten has viewed compensation information on the Internet within the last year. That number is expected to grow, as salary sites have become a routine component of both the job search and the career management process. In response to questions from HR professionals about what to do when an employee knocks on the door with a salary printout in hand, Salary.com has prepared this advice for and from employers on responding to online data.There probably is no way for employers to prevent employees from using salary sites, and no advantage to doing s... view article details

Q. What is the best way to respond, if a prospective employer asks for your salary history and salary expectations in your cover letter? My current salary is in a different industry from the one I am hoping to enter. In addition, I have recently completed graduate school and believe my salary should reflect this achievement. A. I can appreciate why you would be reluctant to state your salary expectations to a potential employer before the job offer. Before you disclose any information, here are three steps you may want to take. First, ask the recruiter for a job description of the position so ... view article details