(ARA) - Limited job options, stiff competition and new technological advances require job seekers to step up their game in order to stand apart from the crowd. In today's tech savvy world, this includes not only updating your resume, but also using new online technologies to augment your research and organization.

While this may seem a bit daunting, insider advice from a few career experts can help you with recommendations for job search success using the Web.

Give your resume a makeover
"The first thing a job seeker needs to do is to update their resume with the terminology and formats used in the desired industry," says Kirsten Wright, director of career services for The Art Institute of Washington - Northern Virginia. Research professionals working for the industries you want to work in to see how they phrase their skills and abilities. Then tailor your resume to a similar format.

"A general resume that highlights achievements with a position-specific cover letter is the best approach," says Wright. "Hiring managers can spot a generic cover letter a mile away. When each resume and cover letter get less than 20 seconds to make a first impression, that first impression is critical." She also recommends that you consider doing a video resume to complement your standard materials as a great way to set yourself apart.

Research your wish list of companies
Once you have selected the top 50 companies where you would like to work, create a folder for each (physical or electronic) that includes the company name, location, website, contacts you have there, human resources manager, manager of the department you're interested in, top management, products or services, and positions available.

Ed Hunter, vice president and director of career services for The Art Institute of Philadelphia, suggests using social media to help research your preferred companies. "Set up 'Google alerts' on each company so you know what the media are saying about them," says Hunter. He also recommends following both the company and the managers on Twitter, liking their Facebook pages and connecting on LinkedIn. "This will help you stay abreast of new products, services, changes in staff and even new position announcements."

Network, network, network
You've used social networking on a personal level; now is the time to make it work for you. Use the networks you've developed online to gather information about job openings. Let your online friends know what you're looking for.

"It's fine to engage the managers you're following on social networks," says Debra Pierce, director of career services at Miami International University of Art & Design. "Be sure your communication relates to the company or the profession, as people blatantly looking for a job are quickly avoided." You can even refer to these interactions during an interview.

Pierce also reminds job seekers, "It is important to manage your online presence since hiring managers will do an extensive search on a candidate prior to hiring them. Be sure to eliminate unused social media pages and to delete any material that you would not want an employer to see."

Remember that social media has not replaced personal contacts. Many employment opportunities still come from people you know or have met in person so continue using your offline network of friends, colleagues and family as they too will be valuable in your search.

Implement your action plan
Armed with information and job search tools, it's time to put your job search strategy in place. Spend at least two hours every day searching online, tweaking your resume and cover letter, and following up on job openings. Make sure that each resume and cover letter is customized to the job you are applying for - mirroring the wording to match the job description when appropriate is important.

Bruce McCain, career services director for The Art Institute of Tampa, a branch of Miami International University of Art & Design, reminds job seekers, "Organization is key. Maintain a list or spreadsheet to track goals you've set for each week, jobs you've applied for, follow-up you've done, passwords for various websites and the status of each company on your wish list."

The competition is fierce, so it's important to use the all the latest tools at your disposal to be successful in your job search. And when you get that interview, just pull the information from the company folder you've created, review your online interactions with the managers you've engaged and get ready to land that job. To learn more visit www.artinstitutes.edu/nz.

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(ARA) - Bleak unemployment statistics and an evolving career landscape make it difficult for job-seekers to identify the best path to professional success. Despite this uncertain environment, leading experts say that changing jobs is vital to advancement, and identifying which fields are in-demand is key to implementing an action plan for success.

Alexandra Levit, career expert and author of "New Job, New You: A Guide to Reinventing Yourself in a Bright New Career," advises job-seekers to look at current trends that will cause industries to grow in the long term. "Pay close attention to ongoing developments in demographics, business and day-to-day lifestyles," says Levit. "Most importantly, job-seekers need to remember that changing careers is not something that happens overnight. It's a gradual process that encompasses important steps they need to consider."

Growing career fields

Everyone needs a good accountant
It is hard to avoid the nightly news or the newspaper reports about corporations under financial scrutiny. Changing financial laws and corporate governance regulations will continue to affect businesses and increase accountability to protect an organization's stakeholders.

These are just some of the factors that will drive growth in the field of accounting. In fact, the demand for accountants is projected to grow by 22 percent by the year 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Don't be fooled by traditional stereotypes - rock stars, movie moguls, fashion divas and companies all around the world need skilled accountants.

Living in the digital age
The world is becoming increasingly digital, with information being exchanged and made widely available at lightning speed. The unauthorized access and destruction of vital information is growing, and protecting these assets has become a national priority for the current administration. According to the Department of Defense, there were a reported 360 million hacking attempts on U.S. computers in 2008.

"We are entering a new dimension in cyberspace that is seeing a complete erosion of online privacy," says Erica Orange, vice president of leading futurist consulting company Weiner, Edrich, Brown, Inc. "Learning how to manage the control of data will be critical in the 21st century and will afford an abundance of opportunities within the field of information security."

Information security will continue to grow in importance and with it, the demand for qualified individuals. Network systems and data communications analysts, for example, are projected to be one of the fastest growing occupations from 2006 to 2018 at 53 percent, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

All eyes on health care
An aging population, expanded access to health care and the increased use of online resources and telemedicine are a few of the reasons the health sector is one of the fastest growing employment sectors in the U.S. By 2018, one in 10 jobs is projected to be within this field, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

A shortage of certified personnel in the field of health care management and technology has made finding qualified people with the rights skill sets and education a central concern.

Making a change
Making a career change in order to pursue one of these in-demand fields requires implementing the right strategies, according to Levit. She recommends the following for career success:

Know thyself
Take time to do a self-assessment and look closely at values and preferred work style. Researching careers and industries that align with your interests and skills is key. Remember the usual suspects in the job-search process. Set up informational interviews and arrange onsite visits at companies of interest.

Consider the right degree
Gaining the right skill set for career advancement may require pursuing an advanced degree. Many individuals are overwhelmed at the thought of balancing job and family obligations, however there are accredited universities that offer flexible class schedules. DeVry University (www.devry.edu), for example, offers career-focused, higher education through online and on-site courses to accommodate students' busy schedules.

Remember to take advantage of all campus resources, such as those offered by the career services department. Networking with other students is also vital to finding career success - you never know who might be sitting next to you in class.

Set realistic expectations
There is no such thing as the perfect work situation. Every job has its ups and downs and "dream job" isn't code for "cushy" job. Like mom always said, anything worth having in this world requires some effort. Everyone feels like shutting the alarm off and going back to sleep now and again, but the right career track will turn the average day into an energized one.

(ARA) - Countless adults are returning to the classroom, both online and on the ground, to pursue their education. Whether they're returning to adapt to changes in the economy, are looking to move ahead in their current role or are making the time to pursue the degree they've always wanted, heading back to school to compete in a knowledge-based economy can mean a lot of adjustment and some new experiences.

"Adults returning to school are faced with challenges that can be very different from their younger, sometimes more energetic peers," says Dr. Debra Gold, associate professor and program chair of undergraduate studies at Argosy University, Phoenix. "They tend to have a larger amount of responsibility in their personal lives, requiring them to focus not just on their studies alone."

"It's a lot more complicated than a school supply list and a new backpack," says Kate Bates, a wife and working mother of two children enrolled in a nursing degree program at San Bernardino Valley Community College in San Bernardino, Calif. "Finding time to earn a living, run a household and still connect with family has me multi-tasking like I've never done before."

"The good news is that adult students tend to be more focused, motivated and driven toward the goal of graduation. They are pursuing their degree to advance their career and have a positive impact on their lives and their families. As long as they do some advance planning, their chances of academic success are strong," says Dr. David Lange, chair of the College of Education at Argosy University, Twin Cities.

The key, according to Lange, is for adult learners to choose the right school and to use the resources available to them. "Know what you want to pursue and make sure the college you are looking at has that program and the learning options you need, whether that's courses on ground, online or a mixture of both. Also be sure you're comfortable with the size of the school. A smaller university can afford you the personal attention and access you need as someone returning to school after a time."

"Connect with someone beyond the admissions office," Lange says. "Once you're admitted to the program, make sure you get to know the chair of your department and/or your academic advisor. Use them as a resource to make sure you're on track with the courses for your program and your education as a whole."

"Utilize the resources offered at the college you choose to attend," says Jenny Stepp, student support and disability services coordinator for The Art Institute of Las Vegas. "Nearly all colleges and universities offer tutoring services for students. This can be critical for adult learners who may need assistance with the types of technology used in the classroom today or are studying subjects they maybe haven't dealt with since high school or their undergraduate years. In addition, they can offer assistance with stress management, time management and other mental health issues that can come up over the course of your studies."

Academic challenges aren't the only ones facing adults who return to school for more career training. "Time and family are important considerations," says Lange. "Have a discussion with your family and make sure they understand your needs, goals and the changes or adjustments that will be made to the family structure while you are in school."

"Finding time to study is important," says Gold, "but finding time away from your studies can be just as critical to your overall success. The key is to find as much balance as possible and remember that there is an end in sight and it involves having achieved a major milestone." Also important, Gold says, is to be open to new experiences. "Many students don't come in expecting to enjoy themselves," she says. "Forming new friendships and enjoying the learning process are some of the great added benefits that most adult learners don't expect."

Courtesy of ARAcontent