Career Central

We believe that career development is a lifelong, self-initiated and self-monitored process of career planning that involves choosing and setting personal and professional goals, and formulating strategies to achieve them. Alameda County assists your planning process by providing resources and tools. We encourage you to explore.

Ever wanted to know how to answer a tough interview question, ensure your resume receives attention, or simply figure out how to plan a career path that makes sense to you? Send in your question to us along with your contact details and you will soon get the answers to the career related issues that are concerning you. Watch this space for answers to selected questions.

• Speaking about accomplishments (1/30/2018) - I don’t know how to speak about my accomplishments. I just do my job. How do I talk about accomplishments when I am not sure what they are?
• What is the difference between an objective and a summary statement at the top of a resume? (7/18/2017) - What is the difference between an objective and a summary statement at the top of a resume? While the two may seem similar, there is a big difference between the two both in content and perception.
• What are the basics of career planning when switching industries? (6/14/2017) - Today's Question for the Career Coach: What are the basics of career planning? When switching industries, how can you better equip yourself to what seems like starting over? The Career Coach Says: Career Planning involves a number of basic steps. It starts with a self-assessment to determine your interests, skills, strengths and values.
• Does reputation really make a difference when applying for a new job within the county? (5/31/2017) - Today's Question for the Career Coach: I heard that the Career Essentials course taught in the Training & Education Center has a topic on the importance of reputation at work. Does reputation really make a difference when applying for a new job within the county? The Career Coach Says: Reputation can be a very important factor. It doesn’t matter what your job is, a good reputation at work is necessary for promotion to a more responsible position.
• What is your long term career goal? (4/7/2017) - Today’s question for the Career Coach: What is your long term career goal? The Career Coach says: I have a two-part answer for you.
• Why is career planning so important? (4/3/2017) - Today’s question for the Career Coach: Why is career planning so important? The Career Coach says: If you want to meet your own personal goals, you must take charge of your own career and learn to be creative in your approach to your career.
• Self-assessment: The first step to career planning (10/26/2016) - Stop and think about how you got to where you are in your career.  Did you determine your path while still in school?  Did you take a job because it sounded interesting and paid well? Most people have a sense of what they like or are interested in, but don’t take the time to develop an actual career plan. It is important to take the time to assess yourself, or consider your strengths, interests, skills, competencies, personal characteristics, values, preferences and/or motivations.
• Ensuring a great job interview (10/20/2016) - Today’s Question: What can I do to ensure I have a great Job interview? The Career Coach says: The key is preparation. Take time to research, practice and learn how to communicate your past successes in any interview.