Career advice

More Companies Vie to Be Gay-Friendly By Tom Musbach

2009-01-03T11:53:00.001-08:00

More than ever before, major U.S. companies are expanding benefits and protections for their gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender (GLBT) employees, according to a new report from the Human Rights Campaign (HRC).

The advocacy group found that more companies added health benefits for same-sex domestic partners of employees during 2006, up 35 percent over last year's number. The report also noted increases in companies banning discrimination against transgender employees as well as increases in corporate philanthropy toward the GLBT community.

The annual report, known as the Corporate Equality Index, looked at 446 companies, drawn from the Fortune 1000 list and the Forbes list of the 200 largest privately held U.S. firms. Each company received a numerical rank according to its GLBT-friendly policies, with 100 being a perfect score.

A total of 138 companies received perfect scores in 2006, up from 101 in 2005. The list of companies includes Aetna, Apple Computer, Bank of America, Charles Schwab, Chevron, Cisco Systems, Coors, Eastman Kodak, Gap, IBM, Intel, Kaiser Permanente, Merrill Lynch, Motorola, PepsiCo, Pfizer, Viacom, Visa, and Wells Fargo. For the complete report and list of companies, go to www.hrc.org/cei.

Criteria for the ratings include domestic partner benefits beyond health insurance (e.g. COBRA, vision, or dental), retirement benefits, leave policies and supportive workplace guidelines.
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Business leaders and community leaders agree that promoting equal treatment of GLBT workers makes good business sense.

"GLBT inclusiveness is a critical component of our objective to the employer of choice, service provider of choice, business partner of choice and neighbor of choice globally," said Ana Duarte McCarthy, chief diversity officer of Citigroup.

"Leading companies, which years ago instituted basic equal employment policies, are accelerating their efforts to expand the range of benefits," said Joe Solmonese, HRC president. "This competition sends a clear message that corporate America is rapidly becoming a place of fairness for GLBT Americans."
The Oct. 6, 2006, issue of the Advocate, a GLBT news magazine, also spotlighted 10 companies as new additions to the magazine's list of top U.S. employers for gay and lesbian workers. The 10 companies -- all of whom received perfect scores from the HRC -- are: Anheuser-Busch, Boeing, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Coca-Cola, Deloitte & Touche, Intuit, Kraft Foods, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Starcom MediaVest Group, and Volkswagen of America.

Is Your Group Really a Team? By Gary S. Topchik

2009-01-03T11:46:00.000-08:00

Teams are all the rage in the workplace today, and every organization I know speaks of the importance of teams. But just because a group of people work together does not necessarily make them a team. There are essential elements that identify teams, and nurturing them will help you become a good team leader.

Beyond the Buzz Word
Let's begin with a definition of what a team really is. Teams are groups of individuals who accomplish designated objectives by working interdependently, communicating effectively, and making decisions that impact their day to day work. So the first question to ask your self is, "How close does my team come to this definition?" If it doesn't measure up to the definition, then you are not really leading a team. You are probably managing a work group.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with a work group. A work group can achieve great results with your close supervision. The idea, however, in today's changing organization and our competitive global marketplace, is to develop teams that can work autonomously without your close direction and support.

In a team, members share decision-making and often build consensus, with two-way communication between manager and members. There are joint work assignments and accountability on both the individual and team levels.
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In a work group, the manager is the decision-maker, and there is a one-way, top-down pattern of communication. Each member has individual work assignments, and each person is held accountable and appraised by the manager.

Three Measures: Team or Work Group?

Whether you operate as a work group or a team depends on three factors.

* The skill and motivational level of members. Skilled and motivated employees need to be able to make decisions on their own and communicate upwardly when they need to. This is a model for working as a team.

* The nature of the work. Some work situations do not call for members to make decisions together, nor is there a need for much two way communication among team members and their manager. But if there is a need for both, you have a team.

* The manager's belief that individuals can work autonomously and interdependently. This attitude is essential for today's workplace. When managers do not hold this belief, they will favor the work group over the team.

Five Keys to Team Spirit
In order to get a group of individuals to function as a team, five keys need to be present. Missing one of these keys can prevent a team from achieving full health.

* Clearly defined goals, roles, and responsibilities. Every team member needs to know what he or she is supposed to accomplish and how it fits in with what other team members do.

* Open and honest communication among all team members. Team members cannot hold back on any comments that will help the team grow and prosper.

* A supportive and knowledgeable team manager/leader. The team leader has to have the technical knowledge of what the team is doing, as well as be able to motivate and inspire the team.

* Decision-making authority for daily work. Members must be allowed to make decisions that impact their work products and services. When we give people ownership over what they are doing, they perform much better.

* Rewards and recognition for accomplishing goals. Without rewards and recognition, teams will not sustain high levels of performance. Members need ongoing reminders that their efforts are valued and appreciated.

Your Next Step
At your next team meeting, talk about these five keys of team spirit and ask your team to rate themselves on each one. Their answers will let you know if they see themselves as a work group or a team, and where their strengths and weaknesses are. It will make for a great discussion.

Gary S. Topchik is the managing partner of SilverStar Enterprises, a team building and leadership development consulting firm. Gary is the author of five books including his soon to be published, "The First-Time Manager's Guide to Team Building."

How to Ace Your Performance Review By Margaret Steen

2009-01-03T11:44:00.000-08:00

In many workplaces, the end of the year brings not just the holiday party but also the dreaded annual ritual of performance reviews. Experts say preparation is the key to making yours productive rather than painful.
* Gather your evidence. List your accomplishments for the year -- and have documentation to back them up. "Very often managers getting ready to do reviews can't remember everything that the employee has done," says Ann J. Willson, a human resources consultant and owner of Human Resource Directions in Raleigh, N.C.

At many companies, employees are given a form to fill out before the review, listing their accomplishments and goals. Take the time to prepare this document carefully, says Diane Foster, principal of executive coaching and consulting firm Diane Foster & Associates in Alameda, Calif. When listing career goals, Foster advises focusing on "what you see as your next career step within this next year."

* Know what you want. Performance reviews aren't just a time for you to listen to your boss. "In every performance review, you are directly or indirectly coaching your boss," Foster says.

If you have a particular skill -- public speaking, for example -- that you'd like to improve, ask your boss for help. Perhaps you could take a class, or maybe your boss could coach you. "It's up to the employee to really kind of push on the boss for commitment on that," Foster says. After outlining your request, you can say, "I'd love to have that be one of our goals for next year on the performance review," Foster says.
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* Face problems in advance. Perhaps you were part of a team whose project wasn't exactly a glowing success. Glenn Shepard, a management consultant and owner of Glenn Shepard Seminars, says it's best to bring up the issue yourself. Some situations are complicated: Perhaps you weren't able to complete your part on time because someone else missed a deadline for getting you crucial information, for example. If you broach the topic, you can explain the part you played, what you could not have changed and what you would do differently next time.

"If the manager brings up that marginal performance first, then the employee looks defensive," he says.

* Expect to hear criticism. It's part of managers' jobs to point out areas where their employees could improve. "Even if they're happy with you, they strive to find something to make better," says Debra Benton, executive coach and author of "Executive Charisma."

If your boss says you lack leadership, for example, ask your boss to describe a time when you didn't demonstrate leadership. Then ask for examples of situations that will come up in the upcoming year when you can practice and demonstrate leadership.

Finally, as long as the criticism is balanced with praise, be glad your boss has taken the time to tell you how to improve. "If they have nothing negative, I think that's a bad sign, because they don't care," Benton says.

Don't Settle for Good, Be Great By Henry Neils

2009-01-03T11:41:00.000-08:00

Did you know that home-run king Babe Ruth was once a pitcher? At one point he made the deliberate decision to stop pitching so he could focus on batting. He took a lot of heat for his decision, because he was a good pitcher. He stuck with his decision, though, because he knew he had the motivation to be a great batter.

Often the difference between being good and being great is making adjustments that allow you to spend more of your time developing your greatest strengths.

Ever had an annual performance review where the first part was about the wonderful things you did that year, but then the focus quickly shifted to a discussion about shoring up your weaknesses? It's an all-too-common scenario. And it's probably a waste of time.
The "fix your weaknesses" school believes that with enough discipline, determination, and training, anyone can do anything. Unfortunately, it confuses weaknesses and limitations. Weaknesses reflect a lack of skill (how to do something) or knowledge (what you know). Weaknesses can be overcome by education, training, experience, and practice. On the other hand, limitations reflect a lack of motivation (what you do well naturally). These really can't be overcome, because new motivations can't be acquired. In fact, if a person has low motivation in a particular area -- spelling, for example -- there is very little likelihood that he or she will ever be a great speller. The best they will be is adequate. Who wants to be adequate?

It's a much better idea to build on your strengths.
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If you want to move up from being good to being great, know what your talents and motivations are and build on them. Why? Because you will develop what you do best and enjoy most. These are your strengths, and they are yours for life. You can build on them, and they won't let you down. Think about it: what would your life be like if you got paid to do what you do best and truly enjoy? Awesome, I bet.

Henry Neils is the president and founder of Assessment.com, the leading online career assessment company focused on helping employees and employers work together for their mutual benefit.

How To Find a Good Boss

2009-01-03T11:37:00.000-08:00

Whether you get hired for a new job, promoted, or reassigned to a new position, you will most likely have a new boss. Each time that happens, you must develop a new professional relationship with the person you rely on for direction, development, and future advancement. You need to quickly determine if this new boss is a good match for you and your career goals. But how can you tell? Try these five questions.

1. Does your boss showcase your work? If you're not sure, you could ask him, "What leadership opportunities will I have in my job?" If he says something like, "There's only one leader here -- me," you may have what I call a "Suppressor Boss." A boss who replies, "We're all leaders here; you'll be in charge of projects that need your expertise," will have no problem appreciating your role and contribution.

2. Does your boss solve problems? Try asking, "How should I escalate problems to you when I think you need to get involved?" If she insists you must solve your issue alone, then she could be a "Confounder Boss" who ignores problems, which makes them worse. A good boss might say, "Give me detailed examples; I'll determine the cause and work with managers at my level to correct the issues."

3. Does your boss let you complete your work? When in doubt, try asking him or her when you can start handling tasks from start to finish. If the answer is, "I'm a hands-on manager; we do everything as a team," you've got trouble. This is a "Player Boss" who does parts of your job he likes and leaves problems for you. If you hear, "Tell me when you think you're ready; I'll give you guidelines and be available only when you need me," you'll know your boss trusts your skills.

4. Does your boss listen to your suggestions? If not, tell her that when she cuts you off you wonder if she values your opinion. A reply like, "I have the final word," could mean she's a "Manipulator Boss." A good boss will say something like, "I'm sorry, I wasn't aware I was doing that. Please bring it to my attention next time it happens." A good boss always listens attentively.
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5. Does your boss treat you and your co-workers equally? If you notice preferential treatment among your co-workers, try asking your boss, "What measurements will you use to evaluate my job performance?" If he says, "Every case is different; I use my judgment," he could be a "Dumbfounder Boss" who uses the wrong measures to evaluate job performance. A better answer, like, "Your work will be evaluated according to the documented standards we've already agreed upon," will signal your boss's fairness.
Listening skills, problem-solving, a sense of fairness, and an ability to trust are just some of the hallmarks of a good boss. A good employee will learn to spot and appreciate those attributes, and then move toward building a mutually successful relationship.

Marilyn Haight is the author of "Who's Afraid of the Big, Bad Boss? 13 Types and How to Survive Them" (available in the United States and soon to be released in China and Korea). Visit her Web site at bigbadboss.com for more workplace advice.

4 Common Resume Killers

2009-01-02T07:59:00.000-08:00

With the current economic meltdown forcing companies across the country to rethink their future hiring plans, your current resume and the way you use it may no longer be serving your needs.

If you're making any of these four mistakes, it might be time to sharpen your resume or your approach.

1. Lack of Focus

The first step in a successful job search begins with identifying your goals. Clarify specifically what you want in your next job or career including your next job title. I've heard countless job seekers say, "I'll take anything" or "I'm open," when asked what kind of job they're seeking. The candidate who'll take anything, ends up with nothing.

Look at your resume. What is your objective? Avoid either failing to state your objective or listing several objectives. Either extreme can work against you as you'll appear unfocused, uncommitted or unqualified. While many of us wear many hats throughout our careers, it's best to focus on only one hat, or specific job title, for the resume. Employers today tend to look more for talented players who understand and specialize in a niche rather than those who are more general in nature.

So ask the questions, "What's my niche, specialty?" "What special problem do I solve?" This might be one specific job title. If so, then highlight that and drop the laundry list of "qualifications."

2. Ignoring the Most Important Question

Most resumes fail to answer the employer's question, "What's in it for me?" Employers have a problem, not a job. That problem almost always revolves around money in some way. So, look for ways that you can show them a return on their investment. Since most resumes only receive about 20 seconds of actual read time, you have to answer this question quickly. A good way to accomplish this is by including a concise Unique Selling Proposition (USP) that distinguishes you from your competitors. This USP is a single sentence that describes three important things:

* Who you are
* Your biggest strength
* Your primary benefit, which should be measurable

Your USP describes what you bring to the employer. Every employee either makes money or saves money for an employer. Determine how you bring value in either or both of these ways. The best branding statements usually incorporate figures in dollars or percentages of money, or time that was gained or saved over a certain period.

3. Selling Skills, Length of Service

Skills are just a commodity. Leave behind that old mindset that your job-related skills or length of service are selling factors. The new mindset is to view yourself as a mini profit-and-loss center rather than just an employee. Employers today buy results and are less impressed when a candidate promotes a laundry list of skills. Instead, define the many ways your past and present job performances are assets to your next employer.

How are you an asset to a company's balance sheet? Once again, focus on how your work either helps a company make or save money. Think beyond your skill sets and job duties and list every possible example of how you accomplish this.

For example, you're a video photographer recording and editing weddings and special events. You take the extra step of performing all of your post-production work before submitting your final results. Your extra effort has saved your employer several hundred?hours of additional work.

This translates into potentially thousands of dollars that you saved the employer. This is just the sort of achievement that must be on your resume. When you can, try to monetize, or put a dollar value on your achievements.

By including several specific achievements where you've helped your employer make or save money (or time), you separate yourself from your competitors and quickly gain the attention of your reader.

4. Sending Resumes Indiscriminately

Once you have a great resume, it's just as important how you use it. Most job seekers blast their resume to job boards and websites' posted openings. In fact, there are some services that exist to do just that for a fee. But is this the best way to approach it?

Referencing the current economic crisis, Neil McNulty, principal recruiter of McNulty Management Group, states, "Now, more than ever, job seekers need to change their mindset from looking for 'openings' to looking for 'opportunities' ... and opportunities are borne out of crisis and chaos, and exist even in the worst economy."

This means that you, as a job seeker, must look beyond job postings and move into marketing yourself to the managers of the companies and organizations who are experiencing problems that you can solve. This can be tough at first because it means doing extra research and actually calling people who you don't know and developing conversations with them. It's those conversations, though, that will win the referrals, the interviews, and the next job for you, especially when you have a great resume to back that conversation up.

As a recruiter, Joe Turner has spent the past 15 years finding and placing top candidates in some of the best jobs of their careers. Author of "Job Search Secrets Unlocked" and "Paycheck 911," Joe has interviewed on radio talk shows and offers free insider job search secrets at jobchangesecrets.com.

Avoiding Job Search Mishaps

2009-01-02T07:46:00.001-08:00

"A job applicant tried to bribe me during the interview. She really wanted the job and asked how much she could pay me for it."

This is just one of the amusing comments our company received when we asked office professionals to recount the biggest job search mistakes they had heard of or witnessed firsthand. Responses to our survey ran the gamut from colossal, one-of-a-kind mishaps like the error above to smaller, more mundane faux pas.

Following are examples of typical job search blunders and tips on how you can avoid them.

"One gentleman submitted a re'sume' that contained misspelled words and an orange juice stain."

The importance of carefully proofreading your job-application materials can't be overstated. Submitting a re'sume' or cover letter with spelling or typographical errors is a sure-fire way to make a lousy impression on a prospective employer. On the other hand, by crafting well-written -- and stain-free -- documents, you'll send the message that you are a polished, detail-oriented professional.

"A job seeker wrote on her application, 'My boss was a jerk so I quit.'"

Badmouthing former employers, colleagues or clients in an application or during a job interview is always dangerous. For one, it's a small world; your "jerky" former boss might be the hiring manager's golf partner. In addition, being negative or critical will make you seem bitter or petty. It's far better to show tact and diplomacy when discussing past workplace challenges.

"An applicant treated the administrative support staff badly."

When visiting a company for a job interview, be respectful, polite and affable to those you encounter -- from the department head to the mail clerk or intern. Hiring managers look for insights into your character by paying close attention to how you treat everyone, not just the higher-ups. Being rude or dismissive to a receptionist has come back to haunt many a job applicant. Remember: You never know who may weigh in on hiring decisions.

"Applicants have shown up for interviews in torn shirts, blue jeans and flip-flops."

You never get a second chance to make a first impression, and surveys have shown that personal attire is closely linked to professional image. In short, dress your best for a job interview. Even though dress codes have become more relaxed in many workplaces, a job interview is not the appropriate venue to showcase your eclectic or laid-back sense of style. Wear clean and neatly pressed business attire, don't go overboard with distracting jewelry, and take it easy on the perfume or cologne.

"I interviewed someone who had a jawbreaker in her mouth during the entire interview."

Interviewers can learn a lot about a job applicant even when words aren't being spoken. Subtle nonverbal clues can indicate a lack of interest, uneasiness or failure to properly prepare for the meeting, so it's crucial you pay attention to your body language. Exhibiting poor posture, crossing your arms, chewing gum or having a tense look on your face can send a negative message. Appearing restless by checking your watch on the sly or playing with your hair also are definite no-nos. While it's understandable to be nervous, try to relax and focus on maintaining eye contact and a pleasant smile.

"One woman immediately mentioned the days she would need to take off."

When interviewing for a job, you need to clearly and succinctly define what you can do for the prospective employer -- not what you can't. Nor should you tell them what they should do for you. For example, do not go into an initial interview and make demands about salary, perks or vacation time. Once a job offer is extended, you can discuss money, benefits and time off.

"When asked what he had been doing while unemployed, the applicant said, 'Staying home and watching TV.'"

How you spend your time when you're out of a job still speaks to your work ethic. In addition to applying for jobs, you should continue to build your professional skills. For instance, take a computer course at the local college, volunteer with a nonprofit organization to hone a particular ability or get more involved with an industry association. Show prospective employers you're working hard to expand your skill set and remain at the forefront of your industry.

Knowing how to deftly navigate the employment application and interview process is key, but don't forget it doesn't end once you've met with a firm. Survey respondents noted that "failing to follow up" after an employment interview or "constantly calling to see if they got the job" also were major mistakes. Continue to display your job-search savvy by sending a handwritten note to the hiring manager thanking him or her for the time and reasserting your interest in the job

Printer Friendly Version Developing Good Online Job-Hunting Habits

2009-01-02T07:42:00.000-08:00

It goes without saying that the Internet has drastically changed the way people today hunt for jobs. After all, it's probably been a few years since you've submitted a re'sume' via mail or fax. But even though most administrative professionals turn to the Internet first for help locating a new position, not all understand the finer points of a Web-based job search. Following are some tips to keep in mind the next time you look online.

Think big.

It's wise to start your search by visiting large job sites such as CareerBuilder.com because of the sheer number of listings offered. In addition, employers of all sizes and in every industry are apt to list their job openings on sites with strong brand recognition. Checking out smaller niche web pages can be helpful, but if you're at a crossroads in your career or willing to relocate, the big boards offer the widest view of what jobs are currently available.

Scan the oldies but goodies.

When visiting job boards, many job hunters make the mistake of limiting their search to positions posted in the last few days. A position posted one month ago might still be open, especially if it requires hard-to-find skills. Plus, with most job seekers focusing on recent postings, you may be competing with fewer candidates. A dated job advertisement doesn't reflect the quality of the company or the potential desirability of the position.

Visit recruiter sites.

In addition to browsing the large boards, visit the websites of recruiting firms that specialize in your field, which maintain their own job postings. Some even offer detailed career information and job search advice. The advantage of these sites is that job seekers can conduct highly targeted searches and also connect with a recruiter who can work on their behalf.

Go surfing.

Job sites offer more than just listings. They also can serve as a launching pad for other opportunities. For instance, you may find an appealing job posting for which you are overqualified. Though you're not right for this role, you now know the company is hiring. Visit the prospective employer's website to see if there are any additional openings. Send a re'sume' and cover letter to the company expressing your desire to be considered for future jobs.

Get social.

Networking is one of the most effective ways of locating new opportunities, and the Internet makes it easier than ever to expand your web of contacts. Social networking sites such as LinkedIn.com provide "virtual" opportunities to connect with other professionals -- in your area or halfway across the world. Participating in chat rooms and discussion forums, such as those hosted by professional associations in your field or industry, also is an excellent way to find about open positions.

Don't blast away.

Most job sites enable users to apply for a position with the simple click of the mouse. But don't blindly blast your re'sume' to every company you come across. Hiring managers seek tailored re'sume's that directly tie a job seeker's unique skills and abilities to the requirements of the position. Take the extra time and effort to customize your application materials to each specific opportunity.

Spell well.

Completing employment applications online is convenient but potentially costly if you're not careful. Be mindful of your spelling and grammar when typing information directly onto online forms. Typos are no less problematic on screen than on paper. In a poll by our company, employers cited typos and grammatical errors as the most common mistakes job seekers make on their re'sume's.

Tread carefully.

There's a time and a place for everything. With that old adage in mind, be careful of when and where you do your online job hunting. Using your company's computer and Internet connection to look for a new position is a bad idea. Employers have the right to monitor the sites you visit and the e-mails you send. So, resist the temptation to hunt for a new job at the office if you want to keep the one you have for the time being.

Follow up!

When job hunting online, it's critical that you follow up with prospective employers after applying for a position. More than a few re'sume's have gotten lost in cyberspace. If you've submitted your application and haven't heard back from the company, make a call or send an e-mail to verify that the re'sume' was received and to reassert your interest in the position. Don't worry; you're not going to annoy the employer. Eighty-two percent of executives polled by our company said job seekers should contact hiring managers within two weeks of submitting application materials.

While the Internet has revolutionized the way job seekers connect with prospective employers, an online job hunt shouldn't be the only strategy you use to find a new position. The best searches combine a variety of approaches, including exploring the services offered by recruiting and staffing firms, touching base with members of your professional network, and participating in industry events where you can hobnob with hiring managers.

10 Jobs That Pay $30 an Hour

2009-01-02T07:38:00.000-08:00

Remember when you got your first job and realized one movie ticket was equal to one hour of work or that a pair of shoes was an entire workday? Somewhere along the way, many of us stopped looking at our paychecks as units of time and started focusing on how much we deposit in the bank.

If you haven't calculated your hourly pay in a while, now might be a good time crunch some numbers and see what you're bringing home each day. The median household salary is $48,201, according to the 2006 U.S. Census Bureau report. This makes the average hourly rate $23.17 based on a 40-hour workweek.

We've made a list of the top 20 jobs that earn $30 per hour, along with their median annual salary, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

1. Electronics engineers, except computers - $38.97/hour*
Electronics engineers create a variety of electronics and monitor their manufacturing. They are involved in electronics of all sizes and functions, from personal and home audio equipment to broadcast systems.
Median annual salary: $81,050

2. Computer applications software engineers - $38.36/hour
Computer applications software engineers create or improve programs and software in response to user needs. Their applications might be bundled with other software or they might be created specifically for a client's private use.
Median annual salary: $79,780

3. Chemical engineers - $37.91/hour
Chemical engineers solve problems related to using or manufacturing chemicals, whether it's in the machinery used in the production or in materials created with the chemicals.
Median annual salary: $78,860

4. Electrical engineers - $36.50/hour
Electrical engineers develop electrical equipment, such as a building's lighting and wiring or cars and airplanes.
Median annual salary: $75,930

5. Administrative law judges, adjudicators and hearing officers - $34.90/hour
Administrative law judges, adjudicators and hearing officers preside over court proceedings that relate to a specific government agency. Their cases can involve everything from health code violations to workplace discrimination.
Median annual salary: $72,600

6. Mechanical engineers - $33.58/hour
Mechanical engineers are involved in the creation of new tools, machines and components, from the concept's inception to the production and testing stages.
Median annual salary: $69,850

7. Civil engineers - $32.98/hour
Civil engineers draw up plans for roads, airports and other public goods and oversee their construction.
Median annual salary: $68,600

8. Management analysts - $32.72/hour
Management analysts look at a company's structure and business plans for ways to improve revenue and productivity.
Median annual salary: $68,050

9. Personal financial advisers - $31.79/hour
Personal financial advisers work with individuals to asses their financial situation and help them reach certain goals, which can be anywhere from establishing a retirement fund to deciding the best investment options.
Median annual salary: $66,120

10. Operations research analysts - $31.08/hour
Operations research analysts are brought into businesses and organizations to identify, investigate and solve logistics problems through the use of statistical analysis and computer programs. The type of problems can vary depending on the nature of the business, whether it's a production factory or the military.
Median annual salary: $64,650

*All salary information based on BLS data.

Anthony Balderrama is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com. He researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.

8 High-Stress Jobs

2009-01-02T07:36:00.000-08:00

f you want to find a job that is free of stress, you're out of luck. Only characters in movies and on TV have jobs that don't cause occasional hair-pulling or high blood pressure. These are the same people who have huge apartments overlooking skylines and plenty of time to hang out with friends. Their jobs have unbelievably flexible hours.

In real life, however, every job you take, no matter how big or small, finds you stressed out once in a while. Whether you're dealing with an endless line of customers, a demanding executive or an uncertain economy, anxiety will find you. It's just part of life.

According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, occupational stress originates from a variety of issues, including:

· Long hours with few or no breaks

· Employees unable to participate in the decision-making process.

· Job insecurity and large amounts of impending change

· Physical danger

Some jobs have more stress than others. That's not to say they're bad jobs, they just require people who are strong enough to handle the increased stress that comes their way. Here are eight of them:

1. Retail Salespersons

Why: Jobs in sales require you to convince customers to spend money. Customers don't necessarily want to spend money and even if they do, they have a variety of places to shop. Salespeople have to prove their merchandise is the best option. If that weren't stressful enough, retail compensation is often commission-based, which means your paycheck is tied to how much you sell.

What they earn: $24,530

2. Doctors and nurses

Why: Doctors and nurses deal with life and death on a regular basis, a pressure found in few occupations. They have to handle patients while accessing an encyclopedia of medical knowledge. Doctors and nurses who work in hospitals or clinics that don't keep regular business hours often work on little sleep and are on call even on days off. In recent years doctors have also been forced to deal with an increase in malpractice lawsuits.

What they earn: Internal medicine physician: $166,420; Registered nurse: $62,480

3. Accountants

Why: Crunching numbers requires attention to detail that can make your eyes cross. Not only are you dealing with a client's finances, but you also have to take into account volumes of rules and regulations that change each year. Plus, you're expected to know about minute loopholes and read tiny print that nobody else does.

What they earn: $44,632

4. Teachers

Why: Elementary and high school teachers put up with a lot. Students aren't always easy to control or motivate. Parents who can't understand why their children aren't doing better often place the blame with teachers. And pressure to prepare students for standardized tests mean they can't always stick to the lesson plans they'd prefer to teach.

What they earn: Elementary teacher: $43,421; High school teacher: $46,531

5. Firefighters

Why: When firefighters are on call, they've got to be ready to respond to emergencies that range from minor car accidents to huge explosions. They might go an entire shift with no emergency or they might get a call that keeps them out for hours. Perhaps most importantly, they're playing with fire literally. That's stressful enough.

What they earn: $44,130

6. Farmers

Why: Agriculture requires constant attention, from waking up early to strenuous physical activity. That alone isn't stressful, but having no control over nature is. Droughts, floods, fires or other natural disasters can ruin months of hard work, and you can't do much about it.

What they earn: $23,508

7. Automotive assembly workers

Why: The automotive industry has always been volatile as manufacturers respond to the whims of consumers who want coupe's one moment and SUVs the next. Add the pressure of assembling vehicles so that people who spend thousands of dollars can travel safely, and you've got a stressful job.

What they earn: $42,480

8. Stock brokers

Why: You can feel a bit helpless working at a job that's at the mercy of the stock market and economy. When things are going great, you reap the rewards, but when the financial climate isn't so great or the future is uncertain, you have no choice but to ride it out. Plus, competition is high for these jobs.

What they earn: $61,151

*Salary data based on CBSalary.com's average annual salary and the Bureau of Labor Statistics's mean annual salary.

Anthony Balderrama is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com. He researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.

5 Job Search Mishaps

2009-01-02T07:35:00.000-08:00

Everyone makes mistakes, but one of the worst times to do so is when you're applying for a job. As Lori McLeese, Chief People Officer at San Francisco-based nonprofit Room to Read, says: "I think of the job search process as dating, where you and the job seeker are on your very best behavior. If any red flags come up during this time, I wonder what the candidate's performance will be like if we hire him or her."

Indeed, many mistakes -- like showing up late to a job interview -- will throw into severe doubt your chances of receiving a job offer. Is there a way to recover from such a serious gaffe?

Despite your best efforts, there are some mistakes you simply can't recover from, such as submitting a re'sume' and cover letter addressed to the wrong employer. But other errors do not necessarily spell doom for you.

Following are common mistakes job seekers make and tactics that will give you a fighting chance to recover:

Mishap No. 1: You arrive too late.
If there's one rule of interviewing it's to never arrive late. And yet, despite leaving your house with plenty of time to spare, you get stuck in traffic and watch as your meeting time creeps closer and closer. The key here is to not wait until the last minute. If you expect to be late, call the hiring manager to explain your delay and provide an estimate as to when you will arrive. In most cases, the person will understand the circumstances and be able to postpone or reschedule the interview. The hiring manager will question your professionalism and desire to land the position if you keep him or her waiting without an update from you.

Mishap No. 2: You arrive too early.
Though it may not seem like a terrible offense, being very early for an interview can create a poor first impression. If you're camped out in the reception area half an hour before your meeting, the hiring manager may not appreciate the pressure to see you earlier than expected. Wait in your car or outside the building if you arrive more than 15 minutes before an interview and use the time to prepare. Then, head to the restroom to check your appearance one last time. Aim to be in the company's lobby about five minutes early.

Mishap No. 3: You flub an interview question.
"Why are manhole covers round?" Even if you're not asked a brainteaser like this, you may stumble when answering a question posed by the hiring manager. In this situation, don't panic. If you find yourself rambling or grasping for words, pause to think more about your answer. The interviewer will understand if you need some time to formulate a response. If you bombed a question earlier in the meeting, only to think of the perfect response later, ask the hiring manager if you can revisit the question. You'll demonstrate your ability to think on your feet and have the opportunity to get your message across.

Mishap No. 4: You hit "send" too soon.
A hiring manager at a Bay Area financial institution recalled a former candidate who was in the running for a job -- until the applicant sent the following thank-you e-mail: "I do think this position would be a great fit for my background and experience, and I'm sad to hear there will not be the possibility of working with you." Says the manager, "I was laughing too much at her mistake to take her seriously for the job."

But there is a way to make a comeback from this type of error. When a candidate McLeese interviewed made a similar mistake, the job seeker sent a second e-mail apologizing for the mistake and referencing a number of tidbits from their conversation. "She remembered that I was the first human resources employee at the company; that I have lived in Kuwait, Egypt and South Korea; and that I like to snowboard," McLeese says. "Given the follow-up and personal touch, it was a mistake I could overlook."

Your best approach when it comes to a technology snafu? Don't pretend it didn't happen. Instead, diplomatically address the situation. Even if you don't ultimately get the job, you'll showcase your personality and ability to recover from a mistake.

Mishap No. 5: You lowball yourself.
What happens when a hiring manager requests your salary requirements, and you later find that you asked for too little compensation? Be honest and act quickly. Tell the hiring manager that you've done additional research and feel the figure you quoted falls below market trends. Be sure to reference any supporting documentation, such as salary surveys, that help you make a case for higher starting pay. Employers are often willing to renegotiate salary before an offer is accepted if an error like this is made because they want new employees to feel valued from day one. However, in the future, you should always do your compensation research before you begin the interview process.

A blunder during the job search can create an opportunity for you to demonstrate skills -- such as diplomacy and tact -- not always evident during the hiring process. Often, it's how you handle a mishap that offers hiring managers valuable insight into your character -- and how you'd behave in a similar situation if you were hired.

Robert Half International is the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm with a global network of more than 360 offices worldwide. For more information about our professional services, please visit www.rhi.com.

Helicopter Parents on the Job Search

2009-01-02T07:34:00.000-08:00

If you are a parent of a young adult, you could be earning a nickname you've never heard of: "helicopter parent." These parents tend to "hover" over their Generation Y child's life more fully than any generation before.

As technology has evolved, cell phones and PDAs have enabled a far greater level of parental vigilance. University of Georgia professor Richard Mullendore has referred to the cell phone as "the world's longest umbilical cord."

And the impact is far-reaching. Employers are reporting instances where helicopter parents have been involved in their child's first job search. In some cases, hiring managers were shocked and surprised at how significantly the parent became involved in the process.

Helicopter parents overhead

Gwen Martin is the co-founder of NumberWorks LLC, an accounting and finance staffing firm based in Minneapolis. Martin says that about one in every six interactions she has regarding job openings is from a helicopter parent.

"We had one mother who called us to see what positions we had open and to talk about her son's educational background and job experience." Martin recalls. As a hiring manager, Martin would hope that the candidates make those calls on their own behalf. "Her son was finishing his last class before graduation and was too busy to make the call himself."

Eileen Habelow is a regional vice president and director for the staffing firm Randstad USA. She's also had some eye-opening experiences with the parents of young job seekers. Habelow remembers one candidate who seemed ideal in many ways -- except one.

"During the interview process, the candidate continuously referenced her parents, their roles in her search, their support in evaluating us as an employer and a financially stable company, and their advice on how she should negotiate the employment deal," Habelow recalls.

That level of parental involvement raised some red flags. "She was a very sharp candidate: polished, smart, well-educated and confident. However, the constant reference to mom and dad was a definite turnoff," Habelow states.

The company hired the candidate, but Habelow soon regretted that decision. "After three months she let us know that her parents agreed that maybe this was not the best fit after all. I will trust my instincts next time."

Working with helicopter parents

Some hiring professionals are beginning to embrace helicopter parents. "Basically, the helicopter parents are here and savvy companies are catering to them," says Lisa Orrell, author of "Millennials Incorporated" and consultant to companies that recruit and employ younger workers. "I tell clients they can scoff at this or deal with it. If a key factor to wooing the candidate is getting their parents' buy-in, then create ideas to woo the parents, too."

Orrell thinks that companies need to modify traditional approaches and ideas when it comes to recruiting Millennial, or "Gen Y," employees. "Companies really need to understand that Gen Y is very close to their parents and value their opinions when it comes to a job," she notes. "I know of companies who conduct family days, where Gen Y candidates can bring their parents to the company for a tour and to meet key personnel."

A balanced approach

Too much parental involvement can be a detriment to your child's job search. Recruiters and hiring managers can view "hovering" as a negative. They may believe that the candidate isn't independent or lacks initiative.

An ideal role for parents is that of mentor. You should share tips on workplace behavior, like dealing with office politics and accepting constructive criticism. But don't shadow your son or daughter through his or her search process. Since current trends indicate workers are changing jobs every few years, they will benefit more in the long run from learning sound job searching skills.

Here are some possible pitfalls where you may be tempted to act on your child's behalf, as well as alternate courses of action.

If you're tempted to write your child's re'sume'...

Plan of action: You can provide guidance by sharing your own re'sume'. There are also resources online, like CBResume.com, where job seekers can get help creating new re'sume's or review existing ones.

If you're tempted to organize your child's job search...

Plan of action: Guide your child to resources that can help her plan and organize her job search. She can register for a free account on CareerBuilder.com, upload a re'sume' and set up job alerts. Offer to give her ideas for searching, but allow her to seek out opportunities on her own.

If you're tempted to call the employer...

Plan of action: If your child is reluctant to make a follow-up call after an interview or re'sume' submission, find out why. If he feels unprepared, engage him in some brainstorming and help him identify possible responses to the questions he would most likely be asked.

If you're tempted to go on the interview...

Plan of action: Offer to be a chauffeur to the interview, so your son or daughter doesn't need to focus on parking or other logistics. Stage a mock interview prior to the real one and offer constructive feedback to your child's answers. Acknowledge their good instincts and work with them to identify areas for improvement.

Patrick Erwin is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com. He researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.

Unique Degree? What Jobs You Can Get

2009-01-02T07:32:00.002-08:00

Any college student, past or present, knows the anxiety experienced when picking a major. The wealth of choices is overwhelming. Universities today offer more specialized degrees than they ever have before, which can be seen as either good or bad, depending on whom you ask.

At first glance, many majors, such as Renaissance literature or philosophy, seem designed to produce teachers on the subject with no alternate career options. Others, like ethnomusicology, appear so hopelessly specific that you don't know if you can even find a university that wants you. Once you consider how competitive the market is and that you might not want to be a teacher, you're left wondering what to do upon graduating.

You have options

If you earn a degree that doesn't lead you down a path like medicine or law, you do have options for a variety of jobs that you might not have considered when you declared your major. For many graduates, the soft skills they developed helped pave the way to a successful career.

Take, for example, philosophy major Tim Poindexter, the directory of community for Disaboom.com, an online community for people affected by disability.

"[My degree] has given me exceptional problem-solving skills, along with the ability to articulate arguments and ideas in a clear and forceful manner," Poindexter says.

The experience has been similar for Neil Gussman, who works at the Chemical Heritage Foundation, a library and museum of chemistry in Philadelphia. Currently he writes about chemistry and its history for the foundation, but in January he will begin a one year deployment to Iraq with the Pennsylvania Army National Guard as a chemical weapons decontamination sergeant for an attack/transport aviation unit.

"So you might think I have a degree in chemistry. I actually have a degree in humanities ... and a master's degree in American studies," Gussman says. He went from the army to college to a copywriting stint at an ad agency. He soon realized that the ability to write about technology would keep him employed in a society increasingly reliant on evolving gadgets and scientific advancements.

Although he initially drew upon his service experience to write about electronics in his early work, he took it upon himself to learn about chemistry, a subject he hadn't studied extensively. Like Poindexter's philosophy degree, Gussman's education provided him with the communication skills and mindset to work in a variety of successful jobs that weren't on his mind in college.

Finding the right combination

Brent C.J. Britton's degree is related to his job -- well, one of three degrees is. He has a bachelor's in computer science, a master's from MIT's Media Lab and a law degree. His path to becoming a lawyer was unorthodox but has been an asset, not a hindrance, to his career.

"It is the cross training that leads to success, the juxtaposition of two or more fields," Britton says. "Coming to a new discipline with the lessons learned from the former one gives you an enlightened perspective not shared -- not graspable -- by the entrenched experts."

Although the practical qualifications he needs to be a lawyer came from his law degree, he views his other degrees as the real building blocks for his daily approach to work. He likes to approach legal contracts as though they were software code that can be analyzed and perfected with the right set of eyes. He believes he can find the same inventiveness from other nontraditional lawyers.

"I will hire a lawyer with an undergraduate degree in music or poetry any day because they will bring a new, more creative perspective to my practice. They will question my core axioms, and they will thereby help to refine what I do."

Christine Sharer isn't a lawyer, but her road to the business world was just as winding as Britton's. She studied theater in graduate school, but now she is the CEO of the nonprofit Make-A-Wish Foundation of Utah.

"I always thought a theater background was great preparation for business: It required you to work against deadlines and budgets, deal with diverse personalities in a high-stress environment and do complex planning and project management," Sharer says.

There are no guarantees

Although these professionals found a way to turn seemingly unmarketable degrees into lucrative ones, logic might lead you to find a program that draws a straight line to a related job. The problem is that a degree never guarantees you a job, and you won't necessarily be any more prepared for a job than someone who studied something else.

Jocelyn Brandeis, co-founder of PR firm JBLH Communications, earned a Bachelor of Science in communication arts from New York University. While the degree earned her a job in public relations as she hoped, she didn't find it taught her all she needed to know about the job's daily tasks. When Brandeis first began working in PR she found herself short on crisis communications skills and unsure of how to handle executives.

No education can teach you every lesson you'll need in your professional life, but when transferring a unique degree to the workplace, you might find that most valuable skills have little to do with the degree title and more to do with the lessons you learned along the way.

Anthony Balderrama is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com. He researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.

Unseen Jobs

2009-01-02T07:32:00.001-08:00

In the book "The World Without Us," Alan Weisman hypothesizes what would happen to Earth if humans suddenly disappeared. We would leave behind skyscrapers, roads and pollution. Two days after human disappearance, Weisman speculates, the New York subways would flood because no crew would be underground pumping water out of the tunnels. Skyscrapers would eventually crumble to the ground without someone to keep steel from rusting and bolts from loosening.

Millions of workers are responsible for making our daily lives run smoothly. From the things we can't live without, like clean streets and transportation, to the luxuries that make our days bearable, such as prepared meals, we have a lot of people to thank. Here are just some of the unseen workers helping you throughout the day.

6:30 a.m. -- Alarm rings

Who: Electrical line installers and repairers

The annoying buzz that wakes you up each the morning can only happen because you have electricity running through the wires in your home. Electrical power-line installers and repairers get power from electric plants to your home.

7:15 a.m. -- Grab your morning bagel

Who: Maintenance workers, bakers

While you stand in line at the coffee shop to get your morning jolt and a bagel, take a glance up at the ceiling. Someone had to change the light bulbs in the fixtures at the crack of dawn so you wouldn't be standing there in the dark. Another person was up early baking pastries for the rush of morning customers.

7:35 a.m. -- Catch the bus

Who: Vehicle maintenance workers

So the bus is late and you're standing with someone's armpit in your face because, as always, there are more riders than seats. Still, you're getting to work (almost) on time because the bus has good tires and a working engine that is checked regularly.

8:00 a.m. -- Sit down at your desk

Who: Building cleaning workers

If your coffee still hasn't taken effect, you might be cranky and not thinking clearly. So you probably sulked down the hall, to your desk, unaware that the walkway is clear and free of trash. Last night after you left, a cleaning crew had to pick up the balled up candy wrapper you poorly tossed at the trash and tidy up the snack room and restrooms.

12:00 p.m. -- Order lunch

Who: Fishers

At lunch, your boss orders the catch of the day. That means the salmon isn't a processed fishtick that came in a box and was thrown in the deep fryer. The chef had to go down to the market and select the freshest available fish, which someone caught and put on ice.

2:15 p.m. -- Have a meeting

Who: Tree trimmers

You're bored out of your mind in a conference room, looking out the window at a city employee who trims the trees lining streets. Without these workers, cars and buses would be knocking unkempt branches into the roads and onto sidewalks.

5:45 p.m. -- Pick up the mail

Who: Mail sorters, processors and processing machine operators

You grab your mail as you walk into your home. Even though you toss the bills on the table and choose to read the latest issue of your favorite magazine, you're glad your letters and credit card statements got to you. Postal workers get the mail from the trucks into the machines that sort your correspondences and hand them over to the letter carriers.

11:30 p.m. -- You're snoring

Who: Street sanitation crew

While you dream about the fun you'll have this weekend, a street sanitation truck roars down your block to get the discarded cigarette butts and mysterious stray shoe off the road before morning rush hour.

5:00 a.m. -- You pretend you're not awake

Who: Journalists, newspaper editors, printers, drivers

You woke up to use the restroom and now you can't fall back asleep. Still, with 90 minutes left until the alarm rings, you won't budge from that bed. Meanwhile, a delivery person is putting your newspaper at your front door. To make that newspaper happen, reporters had to file stories, editors cleaned them up, printers ran them and someone else put them on the truck to deliver to businesses and subscribers.

Anthony Balderrama is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com. He researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.

Why Blue-Collar is Better

2009-01-02T07:29:00.000-08:00

Working in a white-collar industry may be appealing to many workers. After all, it's great to be out of the elements and in comfortable surroundings. And while an office isn't completely free of hazards, it's generally a safe environment.

But working in a blue-collar job also has its benefits. And for some people, those jobs may also be a better fit. Are you one of those people?

Is blue better than white?

Kevan Barley has worked in both white-collar and blue-collar jobs. Barley has a master's degree in education and worked as an administrative leader and trainer. But several years ago, he made an unusual leap to a new line of work: He became a plumber.

Barley, who's based in Memphis, Tennessee, enjoys the instant sense of accomplishment he feels when he fixes a plumbing problem. "When I worked hard, something changed. I can look at my work and see the results. In a lot of jobs, this is rare," Barley says.

Five benefits to a blue-collar job

Reason No. 1 why blue-collar is better: It can be a competitive, lucrative career field.

Although some blue-collar fields (like construction) have seen a decrease in numbers, there are many other jobs that pay a significant wage. Engineers who go into blue-collar fields are in high demand and can usually command salaries of $50,000 or more a year. Energy-related jobs, including mining, have increased in number over the last several years.

Reason No. 2 why blue-collar is better: A constant change of scenery.

The sameness of the corporate world can be irritating to some workers. Barley prefers the variety of experiences his line of work gives him every day. "I never drive up to the same building, park in the same space, walk the same route, sit in the same chair and put up with the same idiots," he notes. "I go from home to home, meet hundreds of new people and no two days are alike."

Reason No. 3 why blue-collar is better: No two days are alike.

Barley notes that his schedule is never the same. Depending on the needs of the client and what his surroundings for that day are like, it keeps him on his toes -- and that's the way he likes it. "When the weather is beautiful, I'm outside while my friends are cooped up in their cubes. When the weather is horrendous, then it's wilderness adventure time, like a kid on a backpacking expedition.

Reason No. 4 why blue-collar is better: Seeing new faces and making new friends.

In Barley's opinion, one of the biggest bonuses of his job is the opportunity he has every day to see new faces. "I go from home to home and meet hundreds of new people," says Barley, who is often a welcome sight for his clients.

"So often in white-collar your job is to approach people and tell them something that they'd rather not hear." But when Barley arrives at a client's home these days, he's usually greeted with the same response: "Am I glad to see you!"

That sentiment is especially true when he's working during bad weather conditions. "Customers are twice as nice, and I have bragging rights like nobody else," he declares.

Reason No. 5 why blue-collar is better: Every day is casual dress day.

Some workers find corporate business attire to be uncomfortable and restrictive. Barley and many other blue-collar workers enjoy a relaxed dress code. The actual dress code varies by industry, but generally, blue collar workers are able to wear jeans or simple work pants and shirts with no ties, jackets or blazers required.

In some cases, there is a tradeoff: Blue-collar workers may not have to wear business attire, but depending on the job they perform, they might be required to wear helmets, goggles and other safety gear for several hours at a time.

Patrick Erwin is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com. He researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.

Can Your Favorite Color Determine Your Perfect Job?

2009-01-02T07:28:00.001-08:00

Do you ever wish finding the perfect job could be as easy as 1, 2, 3? According to new research, it might be as easy as red, yellow or blue.

That's right; by determining which primary, secondary and achromatic colors you prefer most and least, you can figure out a successful career path based on how you approach work, the types of workplaces where you work best and how you handle work tasks.

The Color Career Counselor, powered by The Dewey Color System -- the world's only validated, non-language color-based career testing instrument -- uses color preferences to determine successful career paths. Dewey Sadka, author of "The Dewey Color System," says using colors instead of a questionnaire eliminates the chasm between self-perception and self-truth and reveals your core motivations.

"What if you misinterpret a [career assessment] question or the choices don't reflect your personality?" Sadka asks. "Color preference indicates your personality's best career fit. Preferred colors indicate passionate career pursuits; non-preferred choices establish workplace skills you least enjoy."

How it works

The Color Career Counselor is simple. First, you click your preferred primary color (red, yellow or blue). From there, you choose your preferred secondary (green, purple or orange) and achromatic (black, white or brown) colors.

"Your preferred colors determine how you attack each task. They indicate your talents -- what you prioritize first in order to be successful. They also highlight what you overdo, especially when you feel great," Sadka says.

For example, if you're partial to yellow, you're information-driven; blue preference people are idea-driven and people who prefer red are results-driven. If you favor green as your secondary color, you realistically evaluate situations; purple indicates you like fact-finding possibilities and orange signals that you scrutinize feasibility. Finally, if black is your choice from the achromatic colors, you consider value above all else; white shows that you like having options and brown confirms that you like implementation and accomplishing tasks.

On the other hand, your least preferred colors determine tasks and issues that you tend to forget.

For example, if your least favorite color is orange, sometimes you over-commit yourself by trying to do too much at once. If you dislike the color green, you try to fix everything for your colleagues rather than making them do it themselves. Or, if your least favorite is teal, you feel a deep need to prove you are competent and you don't care what other people think.

In managing these areas head-on, Sadka says you won't miss the incidentals that could impede your success.

Put to the test

To see for myself if this "scientific" test was for real, I took the test three different times and got the same results each time, affirming that I am, in fact, in the right career.

I'm a "creator," says the Color Career Counselor. I'm "nonconforming, impulsive, expressive, romantic, intuitive, sensitive and emotional." It says I enjoy working independently, being creative, using my imagination and constantly learning something new.

For my suggested "creator occupations," I was given an extensive list of careers that included jobs I've considered (architect, interior decorator, English teacher), jobs people told me I should pursue (author, creative director, public relations) and jobs that I currently hold or aspire to in the future (reporter and editor).

What about you?

So are you a researcher, creator, social manager, persuader, doer or organizer? To find out what career path you should be following based on your preferred colors, here are a few examples of what certain choices say about you, and the careers and skills that compliment them.

If you prefer: yellow, purple and white: You're the communicator.

You create profitable perspectives -- how to break into new accounts or be heard by other employees. By simply identifying a client's point of view, you develop strategies that open doors, even if they had already been shut. Your excellent communication skills can create problem-solving forums. Careers in corporate communications, marketing or religious occupations work best.

If you prefer: red, green and black: You're the investor.

You know the value of money and resources, as well as the intrinsic worth of each co-worker's contributions. Your supportive, yet analytical personality works best in finance, accounting, banking, manufacturing, property management, production analysis, investment, money management, consulting, product sales or teaching.

If you prefer: blue, orange and brown: You're the activist.

Your strong community beliefs and no-nonsense approach improves services for those around you. Occupations where you can improve existing specifications or impact social values work best for you. Consider careers in engineering, building, or developing new programs, companies or products. Also consider law enforcement, firefighting, social or government work.

Rachel Zupek is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.

25 Best Places to Find a Job

2009-01-02T07:24:00.000-08:00

Job seekers with no ties to any particular location often seek jobs in big cities like New York, Chicago, Los Angeles or San Francisco. But are these the places where they're most likely to find a job?

Not according to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Job seekers are better off looking in such cities as Sioux Falls, S.D., Idaho Falls, Idaho, and Rapid City, S.D.. All of these cities registered the lowest unemployment rates in July 2008.

Low unemployment rates seem harder to come by in today's economy. Jobless rates were higher in 338 of the 369 U.S. metropolitan areas surveyed this July, which means 92 percent of cities have seen an increase in their unemployment rates. Only 25 areas reported lower rates, while six areas had no change. The national unemployment rate in July, 6 percent, was up 1.1 percent from 4.9 percent last year.

Only nine areas registered rates below 3 percent this July and just 40 cities had unemployment rates below 4 percent, down from 91 areas at the same time last year. In total, 153 cities had an unemployment rate higher than the average, 205 areas had rates below it and 11 areas had the same rate.

Despite these startling figures, there are several cities with low unemployment rates and sizeable job growth. Here are 25 cities with the lowest unemployment rates and the job growth they're experiencing, according to the BLS.

1. Sioux Falls, S.D.

Unemployment rate: 2.4 percent

Last year: 2.3 percent

Job growth: 2.1 percent

2. Rapid City, S.D.

Unemployment rate: 2.5 percent

Last year: 2.6 percent

Job growth: 1 percent

3. Idaho Falls, Idaho

Unemployment rate: 2.5 percent

Last year: 1.6 percent

Job growth: N/A

4. Bismarck, N.D.

Unemployment rate: 2.6 percent

Last year: 2.5 percent

Job growth: 2.2 percent

5. Houma, La.

Unemployment rate: 2.7 percent

Last year: 2.9 percent

Job growth: 1.1 percent

6. Morgantown, W.Va.

Unemployment rate: 2.8 percent

Last year: 3.4 percent

Job growth: 1.8 percent

7. Logan, Utah

Unemployment rate: 2.8 percent

Last year: 2.3 percent

Job growth: N/A

8. Fargo, N.D.

Unemployment rate: 2.9 percent

Last year: 2.6 percent

Job growth: 1.6 percent

9. Casper, Wyo.

Unemployment rate: 2.9 percent

Last year: 2.7 percent

Job growth: N/A

10. Billings, Mont.

Unemployment rate: 3.0 percent

Last year: 2.3 percent

Job growth: 2.9 percent

11. Ames, Iowa

Unemployment rate: 3.1 percent

Last year: 2.8 percent

Job growth: N/A

12. Lafayette, La.

Unemployment rate: 3.1 percent

Last year: 3.1 percent

Job growth: 2.8 percent

13. Midland, Texas

Unemployment rate: 3.1 percent

Last year: 3.2 percent

Job growth: 2.4 percent

14. Iowa City, Iowa

Unemployment rate: 3.2 percent

Last year: 2.8 percent

Job growth: 0.7 percent

15. Lincoln, Neb.

Unemployment rate: 3.3 percent

Last year: 3.2 percent

Job growth: 1.4 percent

16. Portsmouth, N.H.

Unemployment rate: 3.3 percent

Last year: 3.1 percent

Job growth: 2.8 percent

17. Great Falls, Mont.

Unemployment rate: 3.4 percent

Last year: 2.7 percent

Job growth: N/A

18. Charlestown, W.Va.

Unemployment rate: 3.4 percent

Last year: 4.1 percent

Job growth: 1 percent

19. Des Moines, Iowa

Unemployment rate: 3.5 percent

Last year: 3.1 percent

Job growth: 1.2 percent

20. Missoula, Mont.

Unemployment rate: 3.5 percent

Last year: 2.6 percent

Job growth: -0.3 percent

21. Salt Lake City, Utah

Unemployment rate: 3.5 percent

Last year: 2.7 percent

Job growth: 2.2 percent

22. Provo, Utah

Unemployment rate: 3.6 percent

Last year: 2.8 percent

Job growth: 1.2 percent

23. Odessa, Texas

Unemployment rate: 3.7 percent

Last year: 3.8 percent

Job growth: 4.4 percent

24. Pocatello, Idaho

Unemployment rate: 3.7 percent

Last year: 2.4 percent

Job growth: N/A

25. Sioux City, Iowa

Unemployment rate: 3.7 percent

Last year: 3.6 percent

Job growth: -1.9 percent

*Preliminary unemployment rate for July 2008, according to the BLS.

** Unemployment rate for July 2007, according to the BLS.

*** Job growth based on numbers from April 2008.

Rachel Zupek is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.

25 Worst Places to Find a Job

2009-01-02T07:20:00.000-08:00

If moving to El Centro, Calif., or Yuma, Ariz., is high on your list of things to do, you might want to make some rewrites to your list. These two cities recorded unemployment rates of 23 and 20 percent, respectively, considerably higher than the latest national average of 6 percent, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In fact, California cities registered the highest unemployment rates across the board compared to the rest of the country in July 2008.

Unemployment rates were higher in 338 of the 369 U.S. metropolitan areas surveyed, which means 92 percent of cities have seen an increase in their unemployment rates. Only 25 areas reported lower rates, while six areas had no change. The national unemployment rate in July, 6 percent, was up 1.1 percent from 4.9 percent last year.

Eleven cities recorded jobless rates of at least 10 percent and nine areas registered rates below 3 percent. Ninety metropolitan areas posted unemployment rates of at least 7 percent, up from only 29 areas in July 2007. Only 40 cities had jobless rates below 4 percent, down from 91 areas at the same time last year. In total, 153 cities had an unemployment rate higher than the average, 205 areas had rates below it and 11 areas had the same rate.

Here are 25 cities with the highest unemployment rates, how they stacked up compared to last year's statistics and their expected job growth, according to the BLS.

1. El Centro, Calif.

Unemployment rate: 26.2 percent*

Last year: 20.7 percent**

Job growth: N/A***

2. Yuma, Ariz.

Unemployment rate: 20 percent

Last year: 19.1 percent

Job growth: 0.2 percent

3. Flint, Mich.

Unemployment rate: 12.3 percent

Last year: 9.7 percent

Job growth: -5.9 percent

4. Merced, Calif.

Unemployment rate: 11.9 percent

Last year: 9.9 percent

Job growth: 1.2 percent

5. Yuba City, Calif.

Unemployment rate: 11.9 percent

Last year: 9 percent

Job growth: N/A

6. Modesto, Calif.

Unemployment rate: 11.3 percent

Last year: 8.8 percent

Job growth: -1.9 percent

7. Visalia, Calif.

Unemployment rate: 11 percent

Last year: 8.9 percent

Job growth: 0.3 percent

8. Monroe, Mich.

Unemployment rate: 10.8 percent

Last year: 8.4 percent

Job growth: N/A

9. Palm Coast, Fla.

Unemployment rate: 10.7 percent

Last year: 7.1 percent

Job growth: -0.8 percent

10. Stockton, Calif.

Unemployment rate: 10.5 percent

Last year: 8.4 percent

Job growth: 0.4 percent

11. Fresno, Calif.

Unemployment rate: 10.1 percent

Last year: 8.3 percent

Job growth: -0.1 percent

12. Bakersfield, Calif.

Unemployment rate: 9.9 percent

Last year: 8.1 percent

Job growth: 1.6 percent

13. Hanford, Calif.

Unemployment rate: 9.9 percent

Last year: 8.1 percent

Job growth: N/A

14. Redding, Calif.

Unemployment rate: 9.9 percent

Last year: 7.5 percent

Job growth: -0.3 percent

15. Muskegon, Mich.

Unemployment rate: 9.9 percent

Last year: 8.1 percent

Job growth: -0.3 percent

16. Jackson, Mich.

Unemployment rate: 9.7 percent

Last year: 8.3 percent

Job growth: -1.6 percent

17. Rocky Mount, N.C.

Unemployment rate: 9.6 percent

Last year: 6.6 percent

Population: 1.6 percent

18. Saginaw, Mich.

Unemployment rate: 9.5 percent

Last year: 8.1 percent

Job growth: -2.8 percent

19. Madera, Calif.

Unemployment rate: 9.4 percent

Last year: 7.5 percent

Job growth: N/A

20. Detroit

Unemployment rate: 9.4 percent

Last year: 8.6 percent

Job growth: N/A

21. Elkhart, Ind.

Unemployment rate: 9.4 percent

Last year: 4.5 percent

Job growth: -3.6 percent

22. Sebastian, Fla.

Unemployment rate: 9.4 percent

Last year: 6.9 percent

Job growth: N/A

23. Kokomo, Ind.

Unemployment rate: 9.2 percent

Last year: 4.8 percent

Job growth: N/A

24. Rockford, Ill.

Unemployment rate: 9.0 percent

Last year: 6.1 percent

Job growth: 0.0 percent

25. Niles, Mich.

Unemployment rate: 9.0 percent

Last year: 7.3 percent

Job growth: 0.5 percent

*Unemployment rate for July 2008, according to the BLS.

** Unemployment rate for July 2007, according to the BLS.

*** Job growth based on numbers from April 2008.

Rachel Zupek is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.

Cool Careers for Creative People

2009-01-02T07:17:00.001-08:00

When it comes to creativity, you either have it or you don't. Fortunately, you do. And now you're ready to put your creative streak to work ... literally.

You've probably already realized that a job crunching numbers or manipulating data isn't for you. Then again, you don't want to wind up a starving artist either. So how can you find a job that allows you to be creative and pays the bills on a regular basis?

To start, consider the following 10 careers. They were identified as some of the best jobs for people with artistic personalities by Michael Farr and Laurence Shatkin, in their book "50 Best Jobs for Your Personality."

Art, drama and music teachers (post-secondary)
Annual Earnings: $47,980

Percent Growth: 38.1 percent

Annual Openings: 216,000

Advertising and promotions managers

Annual Earnings: $60,350

Percent Growth: 25.0 percent

Annual Openings: 13,000

Graphic designers

Annual Earnings: $36,360

Percent Growth: 21.9 percent

Annual Openings: 29,000

Architects

Annual Earnings: $57,950

Percent Growth: 17.3 percent

Annual Openings: 8,000

Copywriters

Annual Earnings: $42,330

Percent Growth: 16.1 percent

Annual Openings: 23,000

Interior designers

Annual Earnings: $40,120

Percent Growth: 21.7 percent

Annual Openings: 8,000

Art directors

Annual Earnings: $62,260

Percent Growth: 11.4 percent

Annual Openings: 8,000

Film and video editors

Annual Earnings: $40,600

Percent Growth: 26.4 percent

Annual Openings: 3,000

Editors

Annual Earnings: $41,460

Percent Growth: 11.8 percent

Annual Openings: 14,000

Curators

Annual Earnings: $35,660

Percent Growth: 17 percent

Annual Openings: 2,000

Selena Dehne is a career writer for JIST Publishing who shares the latest occupational, career and job search information available with job seekers and career changers. Her articles help people find meaningful work, develop their career and life plans, and carry out effective job search campaigns.

Job Searching in a Recession

2009-01-02T07:01:00.000-08:00

Ryan Saale was in a bind. He was planning to move back to St. Louis from Santiago, Chile earlier this year but, with the job market taking a downturn, it wasn't an ideal to a start a job search -- much less from 5,000 miles away.

In preparation for the big change, he started doing freelance public relations for a large arts organization in St. Louis, while still in Chile. "Taking on the extra work was challenging, but freelancing for three months before moving helped get me revved up for job searching, building contacts and networking," Saale says. By trying a different approach to job hunting, Saale ended up finding a permanent position after a colleague on the freelance project recommended him.

"During a recession it is best to move forward with force, while your competition is moving slowly. It is easy to use the economy as an excuse," says Roberta Chinsky Matuson, president of Northampton, Mass. based Human Resource Solutions. "Successful job seekers know that even in tough economic times, there are opportunities. You just have to dig a bit deeper."

If you are getting ready for a job search during troubled times, here are some tips from the experts.

1. Take a closer look at industry data
Research industries and job sectors that are experiencing worker shortages or still experiencing job growth. These are the areas where you may want to focus your search.

CareerBuilder.com produces a quarterly job forecast that indicates hiring manager trends for the next few months, both regionally and across major sectors. The Bureau of Labor Statistics releases updated figures every month on occupational job growth. For example, by looking at the BLS data, you will learn that health care, education, government, food services and drinking places, and IT categories have all gained jobs this year.

2. Freshen up your skills
"Don't give an employer a reason to pass you over because you don't know the basics," states Diane Morgan, director of career services at London Business School. Morgan says everyone should know basic office skills like Microsoft PowerPoint and Excel. "Since these are skills you can teach yourself from the Internet or a library book, there are no excuses for not having them."

Another alternative is CBInstitute.com, which offers easy-to-use online courses at all levels, including business etiquette, project management, foreign languages and typing. You can take courses at times that are convenient for you, so no matter how little time you have to invest, you can make it work. At the same time, the courses are affordable and reasonably priced.

Morgan also suggests brushing up your sales skills (persuasion, negotiating and influencing) even if you aren't in the sales industry. You need to sell your best product, which is you, so make sure your personal pitch is relevant, timely and effective, she asserts.

3. Try part-time or freelance work.
"Rather than one 'job,' think in terms of multiple positions. Breaking in [to a new job] may be easier if you aim for part-time work within a company," advises Katy Piotrowski, career counselor and author of "The Career Coward's Guides." "Line up multiple part-time positions and you'll benefit from more job security; if one position evaporates, you have the others to fall back on." Moreover, it will pad your re'sume' and your wallet.

Rachel Weingarten, author of "Career and Corporate Cool," recommends job sharing or taking over for someone on maternity leave or during the holiday crunch. "A lot of people don't want to commit full-time skills to a part-time or temporary gig. In this economy though, it can allow you to not only try on a job for size, but to also improve your skills, impress a potential long-term employer and network like crazy with people in your chosen industry," she says. "Instead of nervously waiting for the right full-time career, you can potentially make something better happen in the short term."

4. Rev up your social networking
Gone are the days of peddling your re'sume' at anonymous networking events with watered-down drinks and goofy nametags. Now you can have countless opportunities with a few keystrokes and a couple of mouse clicks. Sure you've received those requests to join LinkedIn and BrightFuse, and you certainly use Facebook daily. (Scrabble anyone?) But now is the time to really take of the network you've probably casually built over the years.

Networking is easier than in years past because of the easy access to your network and those of your friends and colleagues, Matuson declares. "Now you can go onto [social networking] sites and see who in your network knows someone at a company that you might be interested in working for. You can then ask them to make an introduction on your behalf."

5. Think in terms of results
"In today's recessionary environment, the single most important thing that a job seeker can do to advance his or her career is to demonstrate how they can build value for a company," says Wendy Enelow, author, trainer and career consultant.

"As we all know, past behavior is indicative of future behavior, so if you've been successful in growing sales, slashing overhead costs, improving profit margins on specific products, capturing new clients, etc., then clearly and prominently position those achievements within your re'sume' and other job search communications," Enelow suggests.

6. Role play

Practice your answers to interview questions -- especially the one that explains why you aren't working, recommends J.T. O'Donnell, a nationally syndicated workplace columnist. "If you were fired, or part of a layoff, you most likely are struggling to deal with this adversity. Role play with someone so you can get comfortable with your answer," she proposes.

"Confidence is key. You'll need to be able to explain the situation in a way that is authentic and sincere without sounding bitter or defeated. Try to stay positive and share what you've learned from the experience -- employers hire folks with good attitudes and the ability to handle adversity."

7. Polish your brand and market it
"How you choose to market yourself will directly impact how long it will take to find a new job," O'Donnell declares. "Identify your strengths and put together the best possible personal brand." You can do this with a flawless re'sume', customized and compelling cover letters, and articulate and engaging networking.

"Searching for a job is the same in any type of market. You should be prepared, professional and do the work for the interviewer," Morgan says. "Don't make them guess or imagine how you could fit in -- that is your job ... If you can't make yourself relevant, your re'sume' will quickly be on the bottom of the pile."

8. Find opportunity in your current position

"New skills can come from a small part of your job that you most enjoy doing," Morgan declares. Ask your current employer to send you to a conference, pay membership dues or join an association.

You can also leverage dreaded tasks by seeking out ones that match a future interest, Morgan adds. "If you dream of running a nonprofit but are an operations manager, volunteer to run the community day for your company. A former law colleague is now the head of PR for a botanic garden because she leveraged her hobby. "

9. Be realistic
"Get real about the time it will take to find a new job," O'Donnell asserts. "In this current job market, I tell clients to expect it to take at least three months to find a job that pays $40,000. Add one month for every $10,000 more you want in salary. In other words, if you are looking for $80,000 a year, expect it to take at least seven months to find a new job."

Kate Lorenz is editor and career adviser for CareerBuilder.com. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.

Finding a Job When You Don't Know What You Want to Do

2009-01-02T06:59:00.000-08:00

One of the most exciting aspects of a job hunt is the opportunity to pursue any career you want. An endless array of jobs awaits you; hundreds, thousands, perhaps hundreds of thousands. Surely you can throw out enough re'sume's to net the job of your dreams, right?

Alas, it's not that easy. You can't expect to compete with other job seekers if you don't know what you want. Unfortunately, a lot of job seekers don't know what they want to do when they find themselves looking for a job.

Maybe you're young and unsure of your future -- you might even have a degree. You might have been part of the work force for a decade or more and recently realized you don't like what you're doing, but you don't know what's next for you. Not knowing what to do first can be overwhelming, if not disheartening.

"Candidates looking for a job have to start somewhere," says Donna Flagg, president of the Krysalis Group, a business and management consulting firm. "I think the most important thing is not to try to decide on what long-term career is best, because it's too daunting. However, it's not hard to think about places, jobs or things that make you happy or that interest you. Start there and back into employers that may offer such an environment."

The problem, of course, comes with singling out a job that you'll enjoy.

Write it down
Your first step should get your brain working, according to Simma Lieberman, a performance improvement consultant and coach.

"Make a list of jobs, careers and topic areas that have interested you. Don't censor yourself or think of reasons why you shouldn't list them," she suggests. Then start researching.

Browse your social and professional networks for people in the industries that interest you and ask them any questions you have. Try to find experts in these fields who would be willing to have a brief informational interview with you. "After your interviews and research, list the pros and cons, skills and experience needed to be successful, and determine what careers or jobs match your interests, needs and wants."

Throughout this process, remember that you shouldn't close off any avenues without good reason. If you're a numbers person who can't even draw a smiley face to save your life, then you may want to cross artistic careers off the list and consider something in finance. But don't assume any field in finance is off limits because of a scant work history.

Of course, experience is key. Not just the experience you have, but also the experience you're willing to gain, says Annemarie Segaric, author of "Step into the Right Career: Change Your Life While Still Paying the Bills."

"Realize that it's often unreasonable to expect to know exactly what you want without the experience of working in different jobs in the first place. This will take the pressure off of you from having to know what you want to take action," she says. "Instead, taking action on different opportunities will help you hone in what you like and don't like."

If you have worked for two years or just have an internship under your belt, you should already have some idea of what you're good at and what you don't like. Even if it's as simple as realizing you don't like working with customers on a regular basis or you can't stand a cubicle job, knowing what you won't do is helpful to find out what you will do.

"Remember this is not the last job you'll ever have, so let your degree, your passions or even your alumni contacts in a certain industry guide you," she reminds. "You will be able to make this job a steppingstone on this long and often winding career journey."

The process
Once you've got the right mind-set to find a job, you still have to apply and interview, just like all other job candidates, many of whom have known what they wanted to do since they first uttered the words "director of human resources" while still wearing diapers. So when you walk in to an interview, you might not be 100 percent certain you want the job, but don't let the hiring manager know.

Tina Hamilton, president and CEO of HR company hireVision Group, offers some tips for job seekers still trying to find their direction.

· Look for jobs that align with your education.
While you don't want to limit yourself too much during the job hunt, don't apply for a job as an investment banker if you're about to complete a bachelor's in studio art.

· Use your cover letter to illustrate your qualifications.
As with any job hunt, help the hiring manager see why you're a good fit for the position. Don't make him work too hard.

· Don't indicate your lack of direction.
If you admit to the hiring manager you're just trying this job on for size, you're telling him or her that you might not stick around for too long and you raise doubts about your qualifications.

· Don't ask the hiring manager, "What position do you think I should be applying for?"
"These are not career counselors," Hamilton cautions. "If you are turned away for a job you may ask if there is another area in the organization that the interviewer feels might be a better fit for you."

Anthony Balderrama is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com. He researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.

Top 10 Low-Stress Jobs for Baby Boomers

2009-01-02T06:58:00.000-08:00

There's no denying it: America's shaky economy has U.S. workers worried. In the midst of this uncertainty, baby boomers, in particular, are feeling more torn than ever. Many want to retire, but have significant doubts as to whether or not they can afford to withdraw from the world of work.

One solution to this dilemma that is becoming increasingly appealing to baby boomers is to stay in the work force, but scale back from the demands of their current career. In doing so, many are opting to search for new jobs that are less stressful, while still providing the security needed to weather the current economic climate.

Career expert Laurence Shatkin identifies many rewarding, low-stress occupations in his recently released book, "150 Best Low-Stress Jobs."

"Many of these occupations have a high concentration of older workers because their low level of stress permits them to avoid burnout and postpone retirement. Some of these jobs might be good choices for baby boomers planning a career change late in life, perhaps in retirement," Shatkin says.

After determining which jobs were associated with the least amount of stress, Shatkin identified the best occupations for people age 55 and older, according to a combined score based on each job's annual earnings, percent growth and annual openings.

Here are Shatkin's top 10 low-stress jobs for baby boomers:

Civil engineers

Annual Earnings: $68,600

Percent Growth: 18.0 percent

Annual Openings: 15,979

Construction and building inspectors

Annual Earnings: $46,570

Percent Growth: 18.2 percent

Annual Openings: 12,606

Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists

Annual Earnings: $37,660

Percent Growth: 11.5 percent

Annual Openings: 25,428

Industrial machinery mechanics

Annual Earnings: $41,050

Percent Growth: 9.0 percent

Annual Openings: 23,361

Maintenance and repair workers, general

Annual Earnings: $31,910

Percent Growth: 10.1 percent

Annual Openings: 165,502

Mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except engines

Annual Earnings: $40,440

Percent Growth: 12.3 percent

Annual Openings: 11,037

Curators

Annual Earnings: $46,300

Percent Growth: 23.3 percent

Annual Openings: 1,416

Librarians

Annual Earnings: $49,060

Percent Growth: 3.6 percent

Annual Openings: 18,945

Water and liquid waste treatment plant and system operators

Annual Earnings: $36,070

Percent Growth: 13.8 percent

Annual Openings: 9,575

Farm, ranch and other agricultural managers

Annual Earnings: $52,070

Percent Growth: 1.1 percent

Annual Openings: 18,101

Selena Dehne is a career writer for JIST Publishing who shares the latest occupational, career and job search information available with job seekers and career changers. Her articles help people find meaningful work, develop their career and life plans, and carry out effective job search campaigns.

Investigating a Company's Commitment to Diversity

2009-01-02T06:56:00.000-08:00

The world today is more diverse than ever, and having a distinct environment, rich with ideas and perspectives, is one key ingredient in a formula for business success. So how can you make sure the companies you are considering have a true commitment to diversity? Like everything else, it all starts with doing your homework.

One of the first places to go to find out what a company is doing to meet the needs of an expanding demographic is its Web site. Many businesses discuss diversity in detail on their sites, and some have even set up entire sections to showcase this. There are a few things to look for when investigating a company's commitment to the changing face of the American worker:

1. Diversity Mission Statement or Formal Diversity Program
Businesses with a strong commitment to inclusiveness often have structured in-house programs, follow formal supplier diversity guidelines, offer employee affinity groups or internal diversity teams, and more. Read through the site and look for indicators for whether the company is committed to a diverse environment.

2. Partnerships and Affiliations
You can learn a lot about anyone by the company they keep. This holds true for corporations. Many company sites provide information about local and national community relations initiatives and partnerships. Review these sections and see if the company has any affiliations with minority professional or social organizations.

3. Press Releases
Read through the past year of press releases and see if the business is actively promoting their community relations initiatives. However, be sure you can tell the difference between companies that are involved and committed to diversity and those that simply "write a check." Read releases carefully to see if the business and its employees are truly getting involved.

4. Basic Company Facts
You can find out more about the direction in which the company is moving by reading about the company's leaders. Does the business have minorities and women at the executive level? Are leaders involved with minority professional organizations? Does the company offer any statistics about the makeup of its workforce? Does the company spend a significant amount with minority business suppliers? Aside from researching the company's own Web site, it is also important to conduct independent research of diversity initiatives.

Here are a few more strategies:

* Research recruitment programs. - Does the company recruit at universities with high minority populations? Is the company present at minority job fairs?

* Check out national media scorecards. - Many media outlets publish reports of the nation's best employers for minority individuals. Examples include Fortune, Working Mother, Latina Style and We Magazine, among many others. These rankings can provide you with a look inside the company, both at its programs and the percentage of minority in its workforce.

* Visit online diversity portals and non-profit Web sites. - There are a wide range of Web sites dedicated to diversity that offer news, opinions and even critiques of the nation's top businesses. You can also visit the Web sites of professional minority organizations for facts, stats and overall career advice.

* Talk to local affiliates of national minority organizations. - Organizations like the National Urban League, the National Association of Asian American Professionals, the National Council of La Raza, and many more often offer career resources both locally and nationally, and typically have relationships with corporations in their communities.

* Ask questions. - Just like doing any other kind of research, you can find some of the best information simply by talking to people. From individuals employed at the company to those you are interviewing with, ask about the company?s programs in place and commitment to social responsibility.

Seven Jobs in Health Care That Require Moderate Training

2009-01-02T06:55:00.000-08:00

No job is guaranteed to last forever, but certain industries offer more hope for longevity, an especially attractive quality these days. The health-care industry employed 14 million workers in 2006, making it the largest sector in the nation, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Its outlook is promising, with the potential to add 3 million new jobs between 2006 and 2016.

Many jobs in health care require an extensive education that combines formal schooling with on-the-job training. Naturally, you want surgeons to have several years of practice before they begin operating on patients. You might be surprised to learn how many jobs -- none of which allows you to perform a transplant, thankfully -- you can find in health care with a moderate amount of formal training.

Here are seven jobs in health care that offer plenty of on-the-job training or require less than a bachelor's degree. Not only do these jobs allow you to work in a thriving field, but you also have the satisfaction of helping someone's well-being.

Pharmacy technicians
What they do: Perform administrative tasks in pharmacies and assist pharmacists preparing medication for patients.
Training: No nationwide regulations for a pharmacy technician's education exist, so each state has its own guidelines. Certification and formal training are definitely positives for job seekers, but expect plenty of on-the-job training as well.
Salary: $26,720

Medical transcriptionists
What they do: Transcribe audio recordings made by doctors and other medical staff. The recordings are often of medical reports or notes that need to be formally documented.
Training: Transcriptionists can obtain certification, which helps employment opportunities. Depending on the employer, adequate course work or an associate degree in a relevant field can qualify you for a job.
Salary: $31,250

Clinical laboratory technicians
What they do: Perform various tasks -- ranging from collecting blood samples to preparing tissue samples -- in a clinical lab.
Training: An associate degree or certification is preferred by most employers, but expect plenty of on-the-job training as well.
Salary: $34,270

Medical secretaries
What they do: Work with physicians and scientists to write articles, speeches, presentations and reports.
Training: Requirements vary, but all secretaries should have a strong command of grammar and possess excellent communication skills. Knowledge of medical terminology, procedures and insurance practices also helps.
Salary: $28,950

Medical records and health information technicians
What they do: Ensure that patient records are complete and accurate. They review medical charts and other documents that need to be on file regarding the patient's medical history.
Training: An associate degree is standard, although relevant health-care experience or status as a registered health information technician improves job opportunities.
Salary: $29,290

Physical therapist aides
What they do: Prepare the physical therapy site for a patient's treatment and assist with other duties that a physical therapist or a physical therapist assistant requests.
Training: On-site training is typical, though related education is helpful.
Salary: $22,990

Personal and home care aides
What they do: Help patients live comfortably in their own homes or in a live-in facility that is not a hospital or institution. Their patients can range from elderly individuals to people with disabilities.
Training: On-the-job training is standard, although some states and employers require further education, which you can obtain from a vocational school or community college.
Salary: $18,480

Anthony Balderrama is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com. He researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.

Top 10 Jobs in Entertainment

2009-01-02T06:53:00.000-08:00

Think about the last concert you attended. The band members were onstage for two hours, but they didn't get there by themselves. Someone booked the venue, promoted the show, drove the musicians to the auditorium, set up the stage, orchestrated the lighting and then loaded everything onto the bus after the show.

Movies, plays and TV and radio shows are just as involved.

Not every job in the entertainment industry will get you fame, but many will let you be creative. More importantly, they will put you in contact with professionals who can serve as valuable network contacts if you want to make a move into a different role at some point.

If you've always wanted to work in entertainment but knew being a starlet wasn't in the cards, you still have plenty of options. From overlooked jobs to others you might have never heard of, here are 10 jobs in the entertainment industry:

1. A and R administrator
What you do: A and R administrators monitor the cost of recording an album. They track the cost of studios, musicians and other fees in order to keep expenditures within the allotted budget.
Pro: You're privy to the daily operations of making a record months before anyone will ever hear the music.
Con: Making music can be boring and handling budgets can be stressful.

2. Caterer
What you do: Make all the food that performers and the crew eat. Anywhere performances are held -- movie sets, concert tours, circuses -- you'll find caterers supplying food for everyone to eat before and after the show.
Pro: If you're a foodie, you get to marry your refined palate with access to music and movies.
Con: People are picky, so not only are you making food for a small army, you're also accommodating their strange tastes.

3. Cinematographer
What you do: Work with a film director to determine the visual look for a movie or a specific scene. You choose the film, lenses and any other tools that will achieve the look he or she wants, in addition to working with the rest of the filming crew to plan how to frame and shoot each scene.
Pro: Playing with camera equipment is fun and lets you access your creative side.
Con: A lot of variables -- like budget, weather, cast changes -- can affect how smoothly filming runs, making your job harder.

4. Critic
What you do: Review music, movies and plays. Critics get paid to listen to music, watch movies and attend theater and then critique it for newspapers, magazines, blogs, radio stations and TV shows.
Pro: You'd be spending money to do these things anyway, but instead someone's paying you.
Con: You have to endure some really bad art because someone's paying you to sit through it.

5. Makeup artist
What you do: Make actors, actresses and models looks gorgeous. Or freaky. Often the goal of a makeup artist is to erase any blemishes from an actor or model's face for a flawless look. Sometimes, depending on the role, fashion shoot or runway show, looking ugly or just plain weird is the goal.
Pro: You're an artist and your canvas is a human being.
Con: Clients aren't always nice and makeup trailers can be full of backstage drama.

6. Professional speaker
What you do: Talk to people about what you know best. Perhaps you don't think of speakers as part of entertainment, but they employ all the same elements of any other performer. Professional speakers take center stage and have to entertain you, whether it means boosting your self-esteem, educating you or just entertaining you.
Pro: People pay just to hear what you have to say. That's a nice ego boost.
Con: All eyes are on you, so every time you talk to a group, you not only have to win over the audience but you have to hold its attention.

7. Publicist
What you do: Get media coverage for your client, who could be an actor, musician or high-profile business owner. You approach reporters who might want to cover an event or interview your client.
Pro: You get to rub elbows with famous people and get chummy with major publications.
Con: Pitching a story isn't always easy and you can end up with a nightmare client whose name you want to keep out of the paper.

8. Stunt person
What you do: Fall down a lot. Stunt workers do the obvious death-defying leaps from buildings and car chases through the chaotic streets of a movie set, but they also work in operas, plays and TV shows.
Pro: You get to punch people, crash cars and watch buildings explode.
Con: You get punched, banged up in car crashes and burned by fiery debris.

9. Theater consultant
What you do: Use your knowledge of a theater's daily operations to assist architects and design teams who are drafting plans for auditoriums. You give your input on a variety of topics, from stage and seating layout to lighting arrangements.
Pros: As a theater lover, you help shape a venue that will go on to stage performances.
Cons: You're one voice in a big team, so your arguments for certain features might face opposition from people who are concerned more with design than functionality.

10. Writer
What you do: Write scripts for TV, film, radio and every other medium. Of course you know about the screenwriters when they accept their Oscars, but don't forget that someone's writing your favorite TV show and that funny commercial you saw during the break. The scripts reporters read on TV and on the radio also come from writers.
Pro: Your words reach people -- whether it's a few hundred or a several million.
Con: A lot of people stand between your pen and the final product, so your creative vision won't necessarily stay intact.

Anthony Balderrama is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com. He researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.

The Secret to Finding a Job Now

2009-01-02T06:51:00.000-08:00

What if I told you that I knew how you could find a job without having to dig through hundreds of job postings, wait for weeks to hear back from an employer, negotiate your salary or blindly walk into an interview ... and you could do it all for free?

I bet you'd say, "Where do I sign up?" I would answer, "With a recruiter."

Headhunters, recruiters, staffing agents -- call them what you will -- are here for one reason and one reason only: To help you and employers find a match in long-term employment.

Unfortunately, recruitment, a $92 billion industry, is virtually untouched by job seekers. Forty percent of job candidates are unable to name a single staffing firm from memory and only 20 percent have used a staffing firm in their most recent job search, according to a recent study by CareerBuilder.com and the Inavero Institute for Service Research.

Instead, job seekers are utilizing other resources in their search for employment. The average candidate uses up to four different sources in his search and only 4 percent of people turn to recruiters as their first method, according to the survey. Eighty percent of job seekers use online job boards as their first resource.

Let's take a look at why job seekers aren't using the efficiencies of staffing firms.

The perception gap

The staffing industry bears a heavy load of misconceptions, the one of the most common being that recruiters cost money. Eight percent of job seekers are under the impression that there will be costs to them if they utilize a staffing firm, according to the survey. Most recruiters are free to candidates, however, and it's very rare that the expense of a recruiter will influence an employer's hiring decision. In fact, Eric Harrington, president of Healthcare Solutions, a California-based staffing firm, says the money lost on a bad hire is about 10 to 20 times more than what a recruiter is paid to fill the position with a great match for the company.

Additionally, 10 percent of job seekers believe staffing agents only fill temporary positions. They feel as though they are only used to "fill a hole" rather than find gainful employment, according to the survey. In reality, it behooves recruiters to find clients long-term employees. Companies are considered clients to recruiters and they get paid by them to locate talent. If a recruiter consistently delivers unreliable, temporary candidates, it's unlikely he will help that client for very long.

A third false impression of the staffing industry is the experience job candidates take away from it. Twenty-five percent of survey respondents indicated that headhunters are unresponsive or don't follow up with them. Other issues they reported included thinking that they were not advocated for and that they were treated as a "warm body" or "product" by the staffing firms.

Though every job seeker's experience with a recruiter is different and varies by the people he or she works with, there are a variety of reasons why job candidates can benefit from using a staffing agent.

Here are seven reasons why you should use a recruiter in your next job search:

1. It's free.

2. Recruiters get to know you and put you in companies where your career can flourish. You can be honest with a headhunter in terms of your likes and dislikes when it comes to an employer. Since a good recruiter should know the ins and outs of a company, he or she uses these details to find a job best suited to you.

3. They can negotiate a higher salary for you. Recruiters have better knowledge of the job market and salary ranges for different positions. Generally, it's to the headhunter's advantage to obtain a higher salary for the candidate, says Kelly Smith, a corporate contract recruiter. Usually, recruiters are paid a fee based on the overall salary that a candidate receives, so they will work to negotiate a realistic salary for both parties.

4. They can get the inside scoop. Headhunters know their clients. They work with them over and over again so they know what the company is truly looking for in an employee, says Lori Marcus, principal for Quad656. They can prepare you for a company's interview style, tell you what types of questions interviewers may ask, inform you of its pet peeves, tell you where and why others have failed to get to the next step and how to get the information from them that you may need to make a decision as to whether it's the best fit for you.

Smith says recruiters can also give the candidate the dirt on a company's corporate culture as well as requirements for the job that may not be written in the job description.

5. You don't have to wait to hear back from someone. Some human resource departments are notorious for not getting back to candidates or for taking weeks to do so, Harrington says. Recruiters have immediate contact with hiring managers so you don't have to wait for anyone to contact you. They get you an answer one way or another.

6. Recruiters can identify opportunities that may not be advertised and that really exist. Recruiters have leads on positions you may never hear about otherwise, says Lindsay Olson, a recruiter and partner with Paradigm Staffing, a staffing firm that specializes in placing public relations and communications professionals. Some companies use headhunters to fill confidential positions that they don't want to post publicly. When you hear of a job through a recruiter, you know there is actually an opening.

7. You can get feedback and guidance from recruiters before interviews. When you meet with a recruiter, you can get specialized pointers before going on interviews, says Jodi Smith, a human resources professional and etiquette consultant. From advice on purchasing a different tie, perfecting a firmer handshake and better eye contact, to specific feedback on how to phrase answers and helping you identify your strengths and weaknesses, candidates can polish their image and be prepared before meeting with a hiring manager.

Todd McCormick is the president of the Recruiter Business Unit and Canada Operations for CareerBuilder.com. He is responsible for developing sales strategies and programs to drive profitability and maximize market share.

Internet Tips and Tricks to Help You Land Your Next Job

2009-01-01T14:57:00.001-08:00

There's a wealth of career information on the Internet, and these resources are just a mouse-click away for any job seeker.

But as comprehensive as sites like CareerBuilder.com are, there are other resources on the Internet you can use to land a new job. Here are a few tips and tricks to help maximize your job search on the Web.

1. Career assessment tests

Career assessment tests can be engaging and fun, and the results can give you important insight into your working style to help you find the best fit.

For example, CareerPath.com has a number of helpful career tests, including a color test that gauges your reaction to colors and suggests potential career paths based on the result. Take note of any keywords that appear in your test results and use them as search terms.

2. Network, network, network

Most career experts encourage job seekers to expand their networks. You can connect with other professionals via Web sites like BrightFuse and LinkedIn, and even a personal contact on Facebook can provide an important connection to an opportunity.

Alumni groups with an online presence can also be a great place to network, since the focus of those groups is their eagerness to connect with fellow graduates.

If you're not sure where to start, sign on to a networking site. Search for current or former co-workers and managers and invite them to join your network. Engage your network by sending messages and giving other users recommendations or kudos for the positive experience you had with them.

3. Research your prospective employer

If you're competing against other candidates with equally impressive skills, education and experience, you really need to break ahead of the pack. One way to do that is to know your prospective employer.

Start with the company's Web site; look in the "About Us," "Media" or "Press Room" sections. To be fully informed, you'll want to check out other sites with detailed information.

"Use online news sites to understand which companies are doing well or expanding," suggests Patrick Madsen, the director of professional career services at The Johns Hopkins Carey Business School. "Reading through articles and generally knowing where the world is going can open potential new doors and windows."

Madsen also suggests that job seekers research information sites like Hoover's, Vault.com or Careerbeam to learn about companies.

4. Person to person

Do an Internet search on yourself. A recent CareerBuilder.com survey found that one in four hiring managers are researching candidates online. If there's any information out there that could hurt your chances of being hired, you need to be aware of it.

Once you've landed an interview, you can also research the person you'll be talking to. Madsen recommends doing a simple Google search on the interviewer's name, as well as checking Facebook or LinkedIn to see if he has a profile there. The interviewer may also be featured on the company's Web site.

Mark Moran, founder and CEO of Dulcinea Media in New York City, says this step is vitally important. "I've interviewed perhaps 500 people in the last five years, and I can tell you most of them failed to get the job because they did not use the Internet to research me, the company or our industry."

5. Brave the cold

It's ideal to use sites like CareerBuilder.com to reply to job postings from employers actively seeking candidates in your field. But you can also use the Internet to do a "cold" search on companies that are in your field.

Career expert Chris Russell, the founder of the Secrets of the Job Hunt blog, recalls his initial job search. He researched companies in his area (none of which were actively hiring) and compiled a list of 80. From there, he identified a contact at each company. Russell launched his own "direct mail" campaign and soon had seven interviews. One of those companies hired him.

The twist to the story? Russell's job search was in the pre-Internet days of 1993. "The Internet would have made my campaign a much easier one if I had access to it back then. Today, there is so much information on the World Wide Web it can be daunting," he admits. "But if you know where to search, you can end your job hunt that much faster."

6. Back to basics

Some important basic tips to remember when using the Internet to land your new job:

- Make sure your e-mail address is professional; a handle like "partyguy2002" will give employers a negative perception of you before you've even started.

- Don't rely on spell check alone to capture any errors in e-mails, cover letters and re'sume's. The difference between the word "shift" and a common curse word is only one letter.

- Be sure to have text-only versions of any documents, so they can be easily sent or submitted to employers.

Patrick Erwin is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com. He researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.

Jobs That Make Good Cocktail Party Conversation

2009-01-01T14:55:00.002-08:00

Winter brings an avalanche of year-end celebrations. Party season is at an all-time high, and, whether you're schmoozing with co-workers or mingling at a friend's holiday celebration, you become a pro at small talk.

"Can you believe it's almost New Year's already?"

"Is it just me or has it been colder than usual?"

"What do you do for a living?"

And then you're stuck listening to some workplace story that will make you wish the eggnog were stronger.

You don't mind hearing someone's work stories; you just hear same boring ones year after year. Honestly, you're just as guilty. (That hilarious misunderstanding regarding a decimal point might have had the other folks in the office rolling on the floor, but don't expect the same reaction from everyone else.)

Until you can think of some plausible reason to skip the myriad holiday gatherings, prepare yourself to make more idle chatter. But if you're lucky, you'll encounter a few guests who have unusual jobs and even more unusual stories.

Here's a list of eight occupations you should hope to come across at a social gathering. (Admittedly, some of the most fascinating stories they have to tell you might make you lose your appetite for the hors d'oeuvres, but they're worth it.)

1. Funeral home director

Why: Even if you never watched an episode of "Six Feet Under," you can imagine the kind of unusual situations funeral home directors encounter. You'll find out just how fascinating the funeral business can be.

Stories you'll hear: Unusual funeral service requests; memorable deaths.

2. Wedding planner

Why: Few events have such a variety of emotions: joy, frustration, anger, confusion, fear. Nuptials bring out the best, worst and unexpected of even the most loving families.

Stories you'll hear: Thousands of flowers flown in from obscure locales; left-at-the-altar heartbreak; mishaps with swans and doves at the ceremony.

3. Pediatrician

Why: Children are unpredictable and parents are panicky. Think about some of the unexplainable things you did as a child and how new parents worry about every little thing. Pediatricians get the brunt of this chaos.

Stories you'll hear: Baby swallows a priceless coin; worried moms and dads calling the doctor's home several times a night; toddler puts a marble up his nose.

4. Paramedic

Why: Those same children who end up at the pediatrician's office eventually grow up and do similarly strange things as adults. Paramedics respond to emergencies that might be tragic, awe-inspiring or humorous. Regardless, they see things you'd never imagine.

Stories you'll hear: A kid gets his arm stuck in a vending machine; a victim who somehow survives a massive car wreck; an adult puts a marble up her nose.

5. Photographer
Why: A photographer's life might not seem ripe for exciting tales, but it is. Portrait studios, brides and grooms, print and online publications, and crime scene investigation units employ photographers. Each client gives a photographer a new set of entertaining tales.

Stories you'll hear: Petty drama during a family portrait; all-night partying with rock stars; scary experiences documenting a war.

6. Executive assistant

Why: All assistants have horror stories of putting up with ridiculous demands, but executive assistants belong to their own exclusive club. The responsibilities of assistants working for high-level executives will make your jaw drop and your blood pressure rise.

Stories you'll hear: A CEO whose itinerary depends on that morning's horoscope; having to answer a needy boss's calls in the middle of the night; embarrassing moments with high-ranking business leaders.

7. Hair stylist
Why: Hair stylists often form such close bonds with their clients that they become confidants. Customers can be so loyal to one stylist or barber that appointments become sessions to vent or gossip about family and work.

Stories you'll hear: Haircuts gone wrong; tearful clients; personal confessions that should've been told to a therapist or a priest, not a stylist.

8. 911 dispatcher

Why: Most calls made to 911 concern critical situations that might not make for pleasant storytelling. Many people, however, mistake 911 for a catch-all hot line that will solve any problem, no matter how ridiculous it is. The calls that make dispatchers roll their eyes in frustration are the ones that make great conversation.

Stories you'll hear: Caller claims her fast-food hamburger is undercooked; caller just needs driving directions; caller needs help cooking her Thanksgiving turkey.

Anthony Balderrama is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com. He researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.

Dirty Jobs (And the Workers Who Take Them On)

2009-01-01T14:55:00.001-08:00

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in the retail sector and in the corporate world make up some of the most popular jobs in America. If you're in a sea of cubicles, the biggest "dirty job" you may encounter is changing the ink on the printer.

But there are hundreds of tough blue-collar jobs available, too. Many of them have been immortalized in a slew of reality television shows like "Deadliest Catch," which depicts crab fishermen battling the Bering Sea; "Dirty Jobs," which portrays workers who earn a living doing unspeakable tasks; "America's Toughest Jobs," which reveals some of the most dangerous jobs on Earth, and "Ice Road Truckers," which features truck drivers transporting heavy loads across frozen bodies of water.

What are these jobs like? And what motivates a worker to take on a job that's rough, demanding and potentially dangerous?

Come in from the mold

David Meekma is a mold remediator in Orange County, Calif. Meekma and his team are contacted by homeowners to banish offensive growths from the interior of their homes. As a result, Meekma's witnessed a lot of disgusting mold colonies over the years.

Surprisingly, Meekma pursued this career path after several years as a white-collar worker. "I chose this job because I was tired of the corporate world and its politics," he says. "The routine was wearing on me."

Meekma likes that he sees the results of his labor firsthand. "In mold remediation, I actually remove potentially harmful toxins from a home, making it a safer place to live. This is a better way to spend a day than analyzing profit and loss statements," he declares.

Bugs and mice and rats -- oh my!

Greg Baumann is a senior scientist and vice president at the National Pest Management Association. Baumann finds his "dirty job" to be quite rewarding.
"This job is exciting because every day is different and each pest problem is a challenge," Baumann observes. "Technicians must have an understanding of science, math, construction and customer relations."

Obviously, working with rodents and other vermin is not a job for the squeamish. "There are times when the job can be dirty and difficult," Baumann says. "Finding the source of a rat infestation may require working in sewers for inspections and to install prevention measures."

Even Baumann is caught by surprise occasionally. "Once, when tearing apart a pallet of spilled food items, mice started flooding out of the broken boxes of cookies creating quite a startling scene for all around!"

Repo man

"We clean up other people's screw-ups," declares Kayton Kimberly, the author of "Repossess Your Life." Kimberly works in what is technically known as the "collateral recovery industry." Most people would refer to Kimberly and other workers like him as "the repo man."

Kimberly says that his job is often misunderstood. He says that he understands that people are frustrated, but that their anger is misdirected.

"We become part of a solution. In truth, it's not our problem that they missed their payments. We just bring that fact home when they wake up and their collateral is gone."

Kimberly got into the repossession industry when he worked with his father. Although he fulfills the requests of his clients, there is at least one time of year he avoids his "dirty job."

"I made it a policy after a few years not to take people's cars on Christmas Eve," Kimberly says. "Invariably, we'd repo a car, get it back to the lot and inside would be stuffed with wrapped Christmas gifts." Kimberly doesn't mind playing the repo man, but that he didn't want to be Scrooge for children at Christmas.

Power lifter

Kirk Wagner is a Baltimore-based lift operator for C&S Wholesale Grocers. Wagner does his job in a challenging atmosphere.

"All of my work is done in a warehouse freezer where temperatures do not exceed minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit," Wagner says. "The floors are slick, and we're prone to slipping and falling. The hours are long and arduous."
Wagner has had other roles at the warehouse, but says he likes his job. "Working in such extreme conditions is certainly a dirty and tough job, but if you're up to the challenge and want to make a good salary in which you set your own pace, this is definitely something I would recommend."

Choosing a dirty job

Workers who decide to take on challenging, often grimy jobs often do so because they like seeing the results of their labor immediately.

Some of these blue-collar workers also love the freedom they get from some of the trappings of the corporate world. They aren't required to wear business suits or deal with the monotony of the same surroundings or same people every day.

"Dirty jobs" aren't easy jobs, though. In addition to strenuous manual labor, many of these jobs require substantial training or prior certification.

If working a "dirty job" sounds like something you'd be interested in, try using key words like "manufacturing" "waste management" "day laborer" or "physically demanding" in your next job search.

Patrick Erwin is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com. He researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.

10 Sexy Careers You Never Thought Of

2009-01-01T14:54:00.001-08:00

Depending on where you work and whom you work with, the words "sexy" and "job" shouldn't share a sentence. Even if you check all romantic notions at the door when you punch your time card, not everyone does.

Plenty of people are just as attractive as -- or more attractive than -- the profession they choose. Not just the obvious picks, such as athletes, doctors or models, but also some whose attractive quotients rise when they're on the clock.

Here are 10 careers that have more sex appeal than you probably realize:

1. Administrative assistants
When you visit almost any workplace, a smiling administrative assistant greets you. Very often you don't know if you're in the right place, whom you need to speak with or even what you need to do. Administrative assistants know the answers and, because they're your first points of contact, they have to be well-groomed and kind to visitors. Knowledge, good looks, a nice personality and helpfulness? Yes, please. And since they frequently work closely with high-level executives who value their opinions, they often possess a hidden but large cache of power. Administrative assistants pretty much have the whole package.

2. Baristas
If you're one of those coffee drinkers who don't speak to anyone and whom nobody wants to speak to until you've had your morning cup, is any occupation more attractive than barista? Before the sun rises, baristas are hard at work and ready to serve you with a smile. They understand your special ordering language and don a uniform, even if it consists of only casual clothes with an apron and cap. And no cologne or perfume they buy will ever be more alluring than the aroma of coffee that blankets them even after they leave work.

3. Hairstylists
Getting your hair cut is an intimate affair: The stylist's hands are all over your head, and your face is fairly close to his or her torso at all times. In any other circumstance, you'd consider such proximity a violation of personal space. But stylists have an ability to make you feel comfortable enough to talk about your personal life, and when you find the perfect one, you don't want anyone else touching your hair. Throw in a scalp massage and you're putty in their hands.

4. Disc Jockey
Clubs are teeming with sexy people (or at least people trying to be sexy), which means you've got a room full of perfumes, colognes, too much makeup, bad hairstyles and stumbling drunks. It's enough to make you turn around and walk away. But once you catch a glimpse of the stylish guy or gal in the booth who's spinning records (or hitting buttons on a laptop) and making the crowd dance, you suddenly want to stay. DJs possess one of those quirky talents we all wish we had and they look cool doing it. Bonus points if you catch his or her eye and get a song played for you.

5. IT workers
Although IT workers have earned a bad reputation for not understanding the plight of the computer-illiterate worker, they aren't the office villains some people have made them out to be. And if power is sexy, then these men and women probably outrank everyone. Whether you're low on the totem pole or an executive, if you can't open your e-mail account or figure out why your monitor is flickering, you call IT. In many offices, IT workers have the most lax dress code of all the departments, so you can't help but envy them.

6. Mail carriers
Mail carriers spend their days walking from house to house to deliver letters and packages, guaranteeing their legs look nice in those signature navy blue shorts. You know carriers are determined and trustworthy, seeing as they come to your house regardless of the weather and (hopefully) none of your letters are ever opened. Wouldn't most of us rather stay home on cold days and read personal letters and magazines from our bags?

7. Personal trainers
Personal trainers are in better shape than any of us will ever be, and that alone is sexy. What's more attractive is their determination to help their clients reach a goal. Whether you're excited or terrified when you hire a trainer, you'll be ready to keep the spare tire after a few weeks. Trainers are there to help you ignore that burning pain in your abs and the sweat stinging your eyes. Sure, you want to punch them when they call you a quitter, but their tough love helps you take that long, sweaty journey to fitness.

8. Photographers
Artsy types get a boost in the sexy department for having a strong sense of style and a unique perspective on the world. Even among artists, photographers stand out because they stay behind the camera, finding beauty in unconventional and overlooked places. Their willingness to stay out of the spotlight and focus their attention on someone else is endearing.

9. Psychologists
Whether or not you find your psychologist sexy is a personal matter that you might want to take up with him or her. But as a rule, people want to be heard and they like to talk about themselves, and psychologists make a living listening to people talk about themselves. They also help you solve your most pressing issues and you can rely on them for support (for a hefty fee, of course). What more could you want?

10. University professors
Behold the power of intellect: Someone who wasn't even on your romantic radar suddenly becomes the target of your affection when you find out he or she is intelligent -- or at least could be. Being a professor doesn't make anyone an automatic genius, but chances are these academics have expertise in at least one field, can speak a second or third language and have ambition (seeing as they spent a hefty portion of their time earning a few degrees). Plus, if anyone can make glasses go from nerdy to sexy, they can.

Anthony Balderrama is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com. He researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.

Unusual Job Search Tactics

2009-01-01T14:52:00.000-08:00

Nathan Schwagler, 25, had a plan to thwart the traditional job-seeking process and get his foot in the door his own way at Ingram Micro, a technology distributor.

Armed with a bouquet of sunflowers, a clipboard, an emergency Candygram and several copies of his re'sume', Schwagler made his way through security dressed in deliveryman attire, his suit underneath. He arrived at reception and waited for Jessica, the recruiter he wanted to meet, to come pick up her "delivery."

When she came, Schwagler removed his blue-collar shell and handed Jessica his re'sume', thanking her for taking the time to review his qualifications. Unfortunately, all he got in response was, "I have an appointment but I will get back to you."

When Schwagler followed up one week later and asked to speak with Jessica, the voice on the other end asked if it was Nathan Schwagler calling. When he confirmed it was, the receptionist said she would transfer him, but he didn't reach Jessica. Instead, he found himself speaking with the head of security.

"He informed me that he did not know all of the details, nor did he care to hear my explanation. All he wanted was to ensure that I understood that I was not to call or show up on the premises again," Schwagler says. He recalls a professor telling him later, "The world is not ready for that type of creativity."

While such ingenuity might have seemed too creative, Schwagler's antic wasn't that far-fetched. Especially in today's tightening economy, job seekers must become more imaginative in their efforts to get noticed by employers. Twelve percent of hiring managers surveyed by CareerBuilder.com reported that they are seeing more candidates try unusual approaches to capture their attention in 2008 than in other years.

"Candidates have a short window to make a lasting impression on potential employers," says Jason Ferrara, senior career adviser at CareerBuilder.com. "Those who apply resourcefulness and an inventive approach to their job search may have a better chance of standing out in the minds of hiring managers. The key is making sure you are maintaining an appropriate balance of creativity and professionalism so you are remembered for the right reasons."

In retrospect, Schwagler recognizes that his approach was missing the one thing Ferrara mentions: professionalism.

"I embarrassed security and humiliated a recruiter," admits Schwagler, now a special initiatives coordinator in the office of employer relations for the college of business at the University of South Florida. "I think the take-away can be shortened to three words: Sometimes, creativity hurts."

To find out what other unusual tactics job seekers are using now (or in the past), we asked some of our readers to share their creative antics -- successful or otherwise.

Here's what they had to say:

"I own and run God's Social Network, [a spiritual networking site]. I recently had to hire a head of marketing and got hundreds of re'sume's. One stuck out, however, as did her tactic for getting hired. First, she sent me a cover letter of Bible verses about working hard, integrity, following leadership and advice. She also e-mailed me each morning without a pitch; simply a short, uplifting e-mail that contained a Bible verse, saying that she prays I have a fantastic day, etc. It also didn't hurt that she was the only applicant that joined the site!" - Merry Miller, CEO of God's Social Network

"Late last year, I was doing freelance Web development. I decided I wanted to work full time somewhere, so I came up with the tactic of picking a company and doing whatever I could to work there. I sent in my re'sume' and got back the usual result, 'Thank you very much, we'll keep you in mind if something comes up.' This wasn't good enough, so I created a blog about the company I wanted to work for and started to write about them. After seven days, the VP of the company contacted me and said he really liked what I was doing. The company wanted to contract me to write its blog -- just keep doing what I was doing, but get paid for it. I have been doing that almost a year now, and it has made me realize my love for writing. Now, I help companies that need a blog get started and I even write it for them if they need me to." - Jeremy Vaught, blogging consultant, Seesmic

"My friends often ask me to fix up their re'sume's or come up with creative ideas for cover letters. On two cover letters, the lines 'I don't have a problem with my TPS reports,' and 'I'm hard working, reliable, honest and guaranteed not to open fire on fellow employees,' have almost always landed interviews." - Ryan McCormick, CEO and president, Rising Sun Public Relations

"I basically created my own job once. During the early 90s, a major cell phone manufacturer had ads for engineers, designers and other technical positions. That industry was booming but this specific company never once advertised for support people. After watching their ads for weeks in the papers, I decided I'd create my own job. I wrote a letter directly to the VP of operations and basically explained that if they were hiring technical people as fast as they were, they would soon need support people, too. He was so impressed that he called me the next day, saying he'd never received an application from someone for a job that didn't exist. He went on to say that if I were as creative after being hired as I was in creating my own job, he definitely wanted me working for him." - Nancy O'Neill, Entrepreneur

"A client of mine once found a job posting that was a perfect fit for him. He dressed in his best interview suit, bought a dozen Krispy Kreme doughnuts (Krispy Kreme had just opened and were quite a novelty), and delivered them in person to the company. He told the receptionist that the doughnuts were hers if she would just ensure that his re'sume' was on the top of the pile so that it would definitely be seen by the hiring manager. She did. It was. And he got the interview. He actually was called back for several additional interviews, but ultimately was the runner-up. Still, the doughnuts opened the door." - Wendy Gelberg, author of "The Successful Introvert: How to Enhance Your Job Search and Advance Your Career"

"I run a blog called One Day, One Job. I also occasionally write in-depth articles about online job search techniques. One article that I recently wrote was on using Facebook advertising to find a job. The gist is that job seekers use Facebook's advertising platform to target specific employers they want to work for. They write a short ad, include a picture of themselves and link to an online version of their re'sume'. The level of interest for the ads has been outstanding, and many of the people who click the ads contact the candidates to help them with the application process. Since most college students are told that Facebook is a good way to lose or not get a job, I think that it's pretty wacky to recommend that job seekers make Facebook one of their primary job search tools." - Willy Franzen, founder One Day, One Job and One Day, One Internship

"A candidate recently told me he got his last position at a PR agency through a job-board post. He saw the company was looking for an executive vice president, so he sent his re'sume' and cover letter stating why he was a great fit for the position. A few days went by without a response and he saw the ad reposted. He reached out directly to the contact person on the job board with his re'sume' again, except this time he also wrote his own humorous rejection letter. He asked the company to send it back to him so at least he would know they looked and then rejected him. The company reached out to him directly for an interview and he was hired for his skills matching the position and his creative persistence." - Lindsay Olson, partner and recruiter with Paradigm Staffing

Rachel Zupek is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.

Jobs that Pay $90,000

2009-01-01T14:50:00.001-08:00

The more money you earn, the more you spend -- or so goes the old saying. The cautionary advice warns cash-strapped dreamers that earning more money won't solve all your problems and you'll actually find yourself just as broke as before you were raking in the dough.

While that may be true for many people, you probably wouldn't brush away the chance to receive a bigger paycheck. The extra income could give you more mad money, be a chance to boost your savings account, or keep you from living paycheck to paycheck. With a national median income of $42,504 a salary more than double that amount would be a big financial boost for many Americans.

To give you an overview of who's earning these salaries, we put together a list of 10 jobs with salaries in the $90,000* range. In addition to their salaries, you'll find the prerequisites necessary to obtain these jobs and the industries that employ the most of each occupation.

Here are 10 jobs that earn between $90,000 and $99,999:
1. Computer hardware engineers are invested in the research, conception and manufacturing of computer hardware, which includes computer monitors, keyboards, chips and other similar items.**

Requirements: Computer hardware engineers should have at least an undergraduate engineering degree with course work pertaining to their field.***

Top industries: Computer systems design and related services; semiconductor and other electronic component manufacturing; computer and peripheral equipment manufacturing.

Annual median salary: $91,860

2. Post-secondary health specialties teachers specialize in a variety of medical fields, including veterinary medicine, dentistry, therapy, pharmacy and others.

Requirements: Most universities require a Ph.D. for permanent positions, but a master's degree is often acceptable for part-time or temporary teachers.

Top industries: Colleges, universities and professional schools; junior colleges; general medical and surgical hospitals.

Annual median salary: $98,234

3. Post-secondary business teachers teach courses on business administration, finance, marketing and other related topics at colleges, universities and vocational schools.

Requirements: To obtain a full-time, permanent position, business teachers should have a master's degree with the right combination of experience or a Ph.D.

Top industries: Colleges, universities and professional schools; junior colleges; business schools and computer and management training.

Annual median salary: $98,096

4. Computer and information research scientists use their research to address new problems in computer software and hardware. Research scientists working in universities might focus on theory more than those working for other employers.

Requirements: Research scientists need a Ph.D. (most likely in computer science), though you can find some lower-level jobs with a bachelor's or master's.

Top industries: Computer systems design and related services; federal executive branch (OES designation); scientific research and development services.

Annual median salary: $97,970

5. Physicists study the principles of motion, energy, structure and matter. Whether they concentrate on applied sciences or take a more theoretical route, all physicists work toward understanding how the laws of physics impact the universe.

Requirements: A Ph.D. in physics and related work and research experience are necessary for teaching and research work.

Top industries: Scientific research and development services; federal executive branch (OES designation); colleges, universities and professional schools.

Annual median salary: $96,850

6. Marketing managers formulate a marketing firm's strategy by targeting customers and appropriate markets and responding to competition. They work with other marketing professionals to publicize via radio, TV, the Internet and other outlets.

Requirements: Many employers require a four-year or graduate degree in business administration with course work related to your specific industry.

Top industries: Management of companies and enterprises; computer systems design and related services; management, scientific and technical consulting services.

Annual median salary: $95,320

7. Sales managers oversee a company's sales strategy, which can mean training salespeople and assigning territories to cover. They help the company reach its sales goals as well as maintain good relationships with vendors and distributors.

Requirements: A college or graduate degree and a relevant internship or experience in your industry.

Top industries: Management of companies and enterprises; automobile dealers; wholesale electronic markets and agents and brokers.

Annual median salary: $94,910

8. Petroleum engineers look for drilling locations that contain natural gas or oil. They study the geographic traits of the sites and work with other specialists to find the most efficient way to pump out the oil or gas.

Requirements: Entry-level engineering positions require at least a bachelor's degree in engineering, though academic work in other sciences can be helpful.

Top industries: Oil and gas extraction; support activities for mining; petroleum and coal products manufacturing.

Annual median salary: $94,330

9. Optometrists provide eye care to patients who need exams, glasses, contact lenses or other vision-related services. They test and treat patients for vision problems and diseases, such as color blindness and glaucoma.

Requirements: A doctorate in optometry is required to be a practicing optometrist, and a residency can boost your chances of landing a job.

Top industries: Offices of other health practitioners; offices of physicians; health and personal care stores.

Annual median salary: $93,800

10. Post-secondary atmospheric, earth, marine and space sciences teachers teach courses on various physical sciences, excluding chemistry and physics. They divide their time between the teaching in the classroom and researching their specialty.

Requirements: Post-secondary teachers will need at least a master's degree in order to teach, part time or temporarily, while full-time, tenure-track positions require a Ph.D.

Top industries: Colleges, universities and professional schools; junior colleges.

Annual median salary: $93,606

* Salary data according to the most recent National Compensation Survey, December 2006 - January 2008, provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
**Job descriptions based on data from CBSalary.com and the BLS.
***Job requirements and top industry information based on data from the BLS.

Anthony Balderrama is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com. He researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.

25 Best Jobs for 2009

2009-01-01T14:48:00.000-08:00

Unfortunately, not many people are a stranger to the downward spiraling economy that began in December 2007 and continued to deplete throughout 2008.

In fact, November 2008 marked some of worst numbers in decades in terms of job loss: The unemployment rate, for example, hit a 14-year high this November at a rate of 6.7 percent. That month also counted 1.9 million jobs lost throughout 2008 alone; two-thirds of those losses occurred in the last three months. The number of unemployed people increased from 10.1 million in October to 10.3 million in November, according to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Since 2007, the number of unemployed people has increased by 3.1 million, and the unemployment rate has gone up by 2 percent. For the 10.3 million currently unemployed people, however, there is hope for some reprieve in 2009.

The labor force is expected to increase by 12.8 million workers over the 2006 -2016 period, according to the BLS. Total employment is expected to increase by 10 percent to 166.2 million over that period as well, while an estimated 15.6 million jobs will be added by 2016. While that year seems like a long way off today, a certain number of new jobs will be added each year leading up to 2016 -- including in 2009.

It should be noted, however, that the jobs that will be added won't be evenly distributed across industries and occupational groups. It goes without saying that changes in consumer demand, technology and the like will continue to affect the economic structure.

Industries that have seen growth since 2007 (according to the most recent data from the BLS) include management, business and financial operations; professional and related occupations; service occupations; sales and office occupations; and installation, maintenance and repair occupations.

Looking for a job in 2009? Here are 25 of the best jobs to look for in the New Year, defined as jobs that saw growth in the second half of 2008.*

Industry: Management, business and financial operations occupations

Total employment: 22,425,000**

Best jobs:

1. Public relations manager: $72,452/year***

2. Purchasing agent: $49,401/year

3. Claims adjuster, appraiser, examiner and investigator: $58,219/year

4. Human resources, training and labor relations specialist: $63,577/year

5. Budget analyst: $56,924/year

Industry: Professional and related occupations

Total employment: 30,370,000

Best jobs:

6. Computer programmer: $59,628/year

7. Electrical and electronics engineer: $70,706/year

8. Writer and editor: $42,405/year and $47,386/year, respectively

9. Pharmacist: $88,009/year

10. Audiologist: $57,779/year

Industry: Service occupations

Total employment: 25,114,000

Best jobs:

11. Private detective and investigator: $38,656/year and $34,810/year, respectively

12. Chef and head cook: $44,047/year and $40,794/year, respectively

13. Tour and travel guide: $22,917/year

14. Recreation and fitness worker: $15,101/year and $22,440/year, respectively

15. Grounds maintenance worker: $22,407/year

Industry: Sales and office occupations

Total employment: 35,180,000

Best jobs:

16. Cashier: $22,931/year

17. Telephone operator: $25,165/year

18. Hotel, motel and resort desk clerk: $19,926/year

19. Cargo and freight agent: $30,143/year and $54,804/year, respectively

20. Statistical assistant: $30,921/year

Industry: Installation, maintenance and repair occupations

Total employment: 5,165,000

Best jobs:

21. Computer, automated teller and office machine repairer: $41,614/year, $34,509/year and $36,077/year, respectively

22. Electric motor, power tool and related repairer: $29,865/year

23. Security and fire alarm systems installer: $35,648/year

24. Telecommunication line installers and repairers: $45,458/year

25. Locksmiths and safe repairer: $32,111/year

*Data reflects figures based on the second- and third-quarter employment numbers according to the Current Population Survey released by the BLS.

**Third-quarter employment numbers.

***Salary figures according to CBSalary.com

Rachel Zupek is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.

The Truth About Job Hunting in 2009

2009-01-01T14:45:00.000-08:00

2009's arrival prompts a lot of questions: Will the economy get worse before it gets better? Will companies lay off more people? Can I still find a new job?

Any answer is, of course, an educated guess at best. Yet, you shouldn't assume that tight budgets and slowed job growth -- if they continue -- mean everyone is tied to their current jobs forever. People will still leave jobs and others will come in to replace them.

Retirements, career switches, births, relocations -- the many reasons workers have left jobs in the past will continue through 2009. You should expect a little more competition for these open positions, but your job search shouldn't stop.

The same rules apply
The way you conduct a job search isn't going to change dramatically this year. If you're currently employed and plan to change jobs soon, don't up and quit without a plan. You don't want to find yourself jobless with no prospects if you can help it -- regardless of the economy. Employed or not, be aggressive in your tactics.

"The market is tougher: There are fewer jobs, more candidates and hiring authorities are being more careful," says Tony Beshara, author of "Acing the Interview." "So a candidate has to really distinguish himself or herself even more from the competition. He or she [must] go above and beyond the average interview."

Job hunting is about getting noticed by employers. You don't want to blend in with every other person who responds to a job posting or walks into an interview. That's as true now as it was a decade ago. If you're a good employee, you'll be a good addition to the team -- but they'll never know that if you're just another faceless name in a pile of re'sume's.

To stay ahead of the pack, Beshara encourages you to research the hiring manager online -- use a search engine and social networking sites. If you have mutual contacts, drop their names during conversation so you become memorable. If you're lucky enough to get an interview, be just as prepared.

"Carry a portfolio of reports you have written demonstrating your skills or a 30-60-90 day plan as to what you would do the first 90 days of your employment. Do extra research on the company and the person you are interviewing, and maybe speak to their customers and find out how they are perceived," Beshara suggests.

No room for error
Because companies don't have the budgets they had a year or two ago, they can't afford to waste time or money on finding a replacement who's anything less than perfect -- or at least close to perfect. Many employers aren't replacing vacation positions that aren't vital to operations. If they're willing to spend on a new hire, they want a qualified candidate who will stick around for a while. They also know that they have many job seekers for far fewer positions. The pressure is on you to be the best potential employee they'll come across in the hiring process.

"Everything, and I mean everything, in your interview matters -- your dress, your speech, your manners -- and employers can be very unforgiving in this market, especially when they still have plenty of candidates to choose from," Beshara warns. "It simply takes lots more practice and, since you can expect fewer interviews in the current market, practice really makes a difference."

A re'sume' with typos or unprofessional attire in an interview rarely bodes well for a job seeker. In 2009 such a misstep is guaranteed to get your name crossed off the list of potential candidates. Here are some things to consider during your 2009 job hunt.

* Re'sume's
The incessant warning to avoid typos probably gets annoying and seems like redundant advice, but hiring managers repeatedly cite typographical errors as a top pet peeve. Think about it this way: You can't control whether the hiring manager ever picks up your re'sume', whether your personality clicks with his or hers and whether you ultimately get the job. Conversely, your re'sume' is your creation. You went out of your way to type it up and send it to the company. What kind of message are you sending if you don't take responsibility for one of the few factors entirely within your control?

* Interviews
The interview is a two-way street, where you need to sell yourself to the hiring manager and he or she needs to sell the company to you. Let the company do its part and focus on yours. You always want to prove to the employer that you're looking for longevity -- in a competitive job market, it's vital. Explain that a position where you can learn, grow and be a team member for longer than a few months is your ideal situation. If the hiring manager gets the feeling that you're desperate to find any job just to earn a paycheck, you'll be out the door before you set your bag down. Employers don't want to spend the money training someone they'll be replacing in four months.

* Don't get lazy
Browse job boards, search the classifieds, walk around the neighborhood -- look for jobs wherever you can. Some employers don't want to spend a lot of money advertising a job opening, so reach out to companies that might not have a job opening listed, as they might be quietly searching for new employees.

* Network
Your connections, both social and professional, are invaluable resources during a job hunt. Even friends of friends you've only met at a cocktail party are worth touching base with during a job hunt. When you let people know that you're looking for a new job, they'll keep you in mind if they run across an open position at their workplaces or if they hear about one at a friend's company. You can cover more ground than if you search alone.

Anthony Balderrama is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com. He researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.

America's Low-Paying Jobs

2009-01-01T14:43:00.000-08:00

Jobs at the low end of the pay scale are often overlooked. Understandably, everyone wants to earn a lot of money -- it makes life easier when you're not counting pennies between paychecks. The problem is that, unless you're on the receiving end of nepotism, your first job isn't going to earn you six figures.

Many low-paying jobs are perfect fits for students who want to earn a little cash or for anyone who wants a second job. Often, these jobs have flexible or unconventional hours, so you're not stuck in a cubicle from 8 to 5 every day. Perhaps more importantly, these jobs allow you to get a taste of a company or industry so that you can begin building your career.

Paul Facella's book, "Everything I Know About Business I Learned at McDonald's," is a perfect example of how jobs that don't pay big bucks can form a strong foundation for career growth. Facella began working on the other side of the counter at McDonald's when he was 16 years old. He went from serving fries to serving as a regional vice president with the company. And now he has a book, which is more than most people can say.

With that in mind, take a look at these 20 jobs with modest incomes, according to CBsalary.com, and consider how they might factor into your professional goals.

1. Amusement and recreation attendants
Mean* hourly earnings: $8.76
Mean annual earnings: $18,220

2. Bartenders
Mean hourly earnings: $9.49
Mean annual earnings: $19,740

3. Cafeteria, food concession and coffee-shop counter attendants
Mean hourly earnings: $8.57
Mean annual earnings: $17,820

4. Cashiers
Mean hourly earnings: $8.84
Mean annual earnings: $18,380

5. Child-care workers
Mean hourly earnings: $9.46
Mean annual earnings: $19,670

6. Combined food preparation and serving workers, including fast food
Mean hourly earnings: $8.03
Mean annual earnings: $16,700

7. Dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers
Mean hourly earnings: $8.36
Mean annual earnings: $17,380

8. Dishwashers
Mean hourly earnings: $8.20
Mean annual earnings: $17,060

9. Farm workers and laborers, crop, nursery and greenhouse
Mean hourly earnings: $8.82
Mean annual earnings: $18,350

10. Fast-food cooks
Mean hourly earnings: $8.11
Mean annual earnings: $16,860

11. Food preparation workers
Mean hourly earnings: $9.30
Mean annual earnings: $19,350

12. Graders and sorters of agricultural products
Mean hourly earnings: $9.42
Mean annual earnings: $19,590

13. Maids and housekeeping cleaners

Mean hourly earnings: $9.40
Mean annual earnings: $19,550

14. Manicurists and pedicurists
Mean hourly earnings: $10.59
Mean annual earnings: $22,020

15. Nonrestaurant food servers
Mean hourly earnings: $9.93
Mean annual earnings: $20,660

16. Parking lot attendants
Mean hourly earnings: $9.29
Mean annual earnings: $19,320

17. Restaurant, lounge and coffee-shop hosts and hostesses
Mean hourly earnings: $8.54
Mean annual earnings: $17,770

18. Short-order cooks
Mean hourly earnings: $9.41
Mean annual earnings: $19,580

19. Textile, garment and related materials pressers
Mean hourly earnings: $9.27
Mean annual earnings: $19,280

20. Waiters and waitresses
Mean hourly earnings: $8.93
Mean annual earnings: $18,570

* Mean wages are calculated by taking all salaries in an occupation and dividing by the number of workers to find the overall average. Hourly earnings are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

Anthony Balderrama is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com. He researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.

15 'Normal' Jobs You Can't Pronounce

2009-01-01T14:29:00.001-08:00

Do you ever find yourself using a fancy word when you talk just because you like the way it rolls off your tongue?

When I'm teasing a co-worker, for example, I like to say, "I'm just being facetious," instead of, "I'm only joking." Or, when my little sister is picky about food, it's more fun to say, "You're so persnickety," than, "Stop being difficult." Almost always, there's a simpler way to say something; but sometimes, for whatever reason, we just can't find the words.

Jobs and job titles are a perfect example. In my line of work, I research a lot of different occupations. Most of them I've heard of, some of them I haven't -- but recently, I noticed that many of them I couldn't even pronounce.

Curiosity got the best of me and I went on a quest to learn about some of these jobs. Are they as fancy and complex as they sound? (The answer is no.) Don't get me wrong -- the following jobs aren't simple or dull; it's just that there might be an easier way to explain that you operate on the mouth, jaws, head and neck than by saying you're an oral and maxillofacial surgeon (even if that's your proper title).

Here are 15 job titles that can be a mouthful, phrased in a way we can all understand:

1. Proper title: Adjudicator

Pronunciation: \?-'ju"-di-,ka--t?r\

Simply put: Also known as hearing officers or administrative law judges, adjudicators rule on government claims like Social Security or employment discrimination suits filed against individuals or groups.

Salary: $41, 156/year*

2. Proper title: Cryptanalyst

Pronunciation: \krip-'ta-n?-list\

Simply put: A cryptanalyst is a type of mathematician who studies secret coding systems and decodes messages for military, political and law enforcement outfits.

Salary: $66,357/year

3. Proper title: Cytotechnologist

Pronunciation: \,si--t?-tek-'na"-l?-jist\

Simply put: Cytotechnologists examine slides of human body cells to detect abnormalities that may signal cancerous growths, hormone imbalances and other conditions.

Salary: $52,806/year

4. Proper title: Entomologist

Pronunciation: \,en-t?-'ma"-l?-jist\

Simply put: Entomologists examine the relationship among insects, plants and animals. They help manage and eliminate pests by creating new, safer and friendlier methods of pest control.

Salary: $47,038/year

5. Proper title: Gerontologist

Pronunciation: \,jer-?n-'ta"-l?-jist\

Simply put: A type of social scientist, gerontologists specialize in the physical and mental aspects of the elderly and aging, as well as the economic and social issues older people encounter.

Salary: $149,433/year

6. Proper title: Hostler

Pronunciation: \'ha"s-l?r\

Simply put: Hostlers are essentially truck drivers who move or park trucks and trailers when they're parked in a docking area. Additionally, if the vehicles need to be serviced, loaded or connected to other vehicles, hostlers are the ones to do so.

Salary: $36,967/year

7. Proper title: Electroencephalographic technologist

Pronunciation: \i-,lek-tro--\in-,se-f(?-)l?-'gra-fik\\ tek-'na"-l?-jist\

Simply put: Using an EEG instrument, these technologists measure brain activity by placing electrodes on the patient's head to help diagnose brain and nervous system disorders.

Salary: $37,630/year

8. Proper title: Foundry metallurgist

Pronunciation: \'fau?n-dre-\\'me-t?l-,?r-jist\

Simply put: These people study to improve the methods of molding, melting, alloying and pouring metals and their alloys into final products.

Salary: $67,813/year

9. Proper title: Immunohematology technologist

Pronunciation: \,i-my?-'na" -,he--m?-'ta"-l?-je-\ \ tek-'na"-l?-jist\

Simply put: These specialists typically work in blood banks collecting, classifying and preparing blood for transfusions.

Salary: $63,731/year

10. Proper title: Prosthodontist

Pronunciation: \,pra"s-th?-'da"n-tist\

Simply put: A type of dentist, prosthodontists maintain, fix and replace teeth with crowns, bridges, dentures or other permanent fixtures.

Salary: $162,388/year

11. Proper title: Otolaryngologist

Pronunciation: \,o--to--,la-r?n-'ga"-l?-jist\

Simply put: These medical practitioners are essentially ear, nose and throat doctors, though they can also diagnose head and neck disorders.

Salary: $221,744/year

12. Proper title: Perianesthesia nurse

Pronunciation: \'pir-e--,a-n?s-'the--zh?\ \'n?rs\

Simply put: This registered nurse specialty provides pre- and postoperative care to patients undergoing anesthesia during surgery or other procedures.

Salary: $69,957/year

13. Proper title: Phlebotomist

Pronunciation: \fli-'ba"-t?-mist\

Simply put: Phlebotomists draw blood from patients and donors in medical facilities and blood banks, and prepare it for screening and analysis.

Salary: $24,986/year

14. Proper title: Stenocaptioner

Pronunciation: \st?-'na"-'kap-sh?n-?r\

Simply put: Stenocaptioners are court reporters who use a special machine to document statements made in official proceedings. The machine allows them to hit multiple keys at once to record combinations of letters representing sounds, words or phrases.

Salary: $36,224/year

15. Proper title: Stratigrapher

Pronounced: \,stra-t?-gr?-f?r\

Simply put: These geoscientists study fossil content and formation of sedimentary rocks to understand the environment.

Salary: $59,705/year

*National average salary according to CBSalary.com

Rachel Zupek is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues

20 Big-Salary Jobs, No Degree Required

2009-01-01T14:26:00.000-08:00

While the importance of earning a college degree to secure a good job has been ingrained in our brains for as long we can remember, a four-year degree is not the only path to a successful career.

Though schooling is a great way to develop skills and will no doubt enhance your credibility, a college education is no longer a requirement to securing a well-paying salary. Despite the fact that college graduates earn an average of $1 million more than high school graduates during their careers, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, it is possible to land a lucrative position otherwise.

Additionally, workers with a high school education or less have an abundance of positions open to them. In 2006, 66 million jobs -- about 44 percent of the total -- were available to workers with less than a high school education, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. By 2016, there are expected to be 71 million jobs available to these workers.

Just because these jobs don't require a college degree, however, doesn't mean that they don't require hard work or extensive training. Here are 20 of the highest-paying jobs that don't require a degree, according to CBSalary.com.

1. Margin department supervisor

Salary: $83,579/year

Primary duties: Overseeing a company's credit department, which manages customer credit accounts and approves or denies credit to customers.

2. Air traffic controller

Salary: $74,922/year

Primary duties: Controlling air traffic around airports according to established procedures and policies to ensure flight safety.

3. Automobile service station manager

Salary: $72,246/year

Primary duties: Supervising gas stations and planning and implementing policy and procedure like hours of operation, workers' duties and prices for products and services.

4. Real-estate broker

Salary: $71,994/year

Primary duties: Securing real-estate transactions, selling real estate, renting properties and arranging loans.

5. Web surfer

Salary: $70,604/year

Primary duties: Scouring through multiple Web sites to analyze and compare information and user experiences to collect information to help companies understand online users' behaviors.

6. Lead carpenter

Salary: $63,345/year

Primary duties: Leading the on-site completion of construction projects and performing all types of carpentry work and finishing.

7. Cable supervisor

Salary: $60,887/year

Primary duties: Supervising the activities of workers engaged in installation, maintenance and cable repair.

8. Chemical supervisor

Salary: $57,472/year

Primary duties: Overseeing workers who make chemical products, verifying that chemical processes are followed.

9. Home-care aide supervisor

Salary: $56,157/year

Primary duties: Directing aides who care for elderly or disabled people in a home environment, and monitoring the quality and quantity of services provided.

10. Medical facility housekeeping manager

Salary: $55,368/year

Primary duties: Managing the workers and housekeeping program in medical facilities to uphold sanitary and orderly conditions.

11. Flight service manager

Salary: $54,350/year

Primary duties: Ensuring that flight attendants conform to personal appearance and preflight requirements; compiling flight reports.

12. Locomotive engineer

Salary: $54,084/year

Primary duties: Driving electric, diesel-electric or gas-turbine-electric trains to transport passengers or freight.

13. Interior aircraft assembly supervisor

Salary: $53,606/year

Primary duties: Supervising the assembly of everything for the inside of an aircraft from mechanics to furniture.

14. Painting supervisor

Salary: $51,977/year

Primary duties: Overseeing all painting activities such as mixing paint, preparing surfaces before painting and applying decorative or protective finishes to various structures.

15. Gas plant operator

Salary: $51,676/year

Primary duties: Maintaining certain pressures in pipelines to produce and/or transport natural gas.

16. Payroll supervisor

Salary: $51,410/year

Primary duties: Managing employees working on company payroll, ensuring that pay calculation is in accordance with company policy, government regulations and tax codes.

17. Assembly supervisor

Salary: $50,462/year

Primary duties: Overseeing workers who use power tools and other equipment to assemble products.

18. Credit and collection supervisor

Salary: $50,330/year

Primary duties: Supervising employees engaged in the review of credit risks and collections; may also review client credit history to grant or deny extensions of credit.

19. Data control supervisor

Salary: $50,310/year

Primary duties: Managing data entry workers and assuming responsibility for those workers' tasks to be complete and accurate; may sometimes assist with assignments.

20. Reimbursement recovery specialist

Salary: $49,246/year

Primary duties: Negotiating cases where third-party liability reimbursement exists by investigating and identifying responsible third parties, then paying out those parties.

Rachel Zupek is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.

10 Jobs That Pay $40,000

2009-01-01T14:24:00.001-08:00

In a perfect world, we'd all earn more money than we'd know what to do with. But, in such tough economic times, we have to be realistic. The truth is, while earning an abundance of money would be ideal, those earning the average national income or even slightly above it should consider themselves lucky.

It's hard to feel lucky, however, when than the national mean average salary is $42,504 per year, according to the National Compensation Survey. It might not seem like much, but these days, it's more than enough -- or at least it has to be.

That's why we've compiled a list of jobs that pay around the average, in the $40,000 range. If you can't find a job earning enough to keep you comfortable for the rest of your life, at least you might find something to keep you comfortable for the time being.

Here are 10 jobs in various trades that earn around or more than the national average, and the industries with the highest levels of employment for each profession -- aka, the places with the most jobs.*

1. Graphic designers design or create graphic layouts for books, magazines, newspapers, Web sites and other commercial or promotional needs.**
Qualifications: A bachelor's or an associate degree
Industries with most job openings: Specialized design services; newspaper, book, periodical and directory publishers; advertising.
Salary: $40,000/year*

2. Precision instrument and equipment repairers fix and maintain watches, cameras, musical instruments, medical equipment and other precision instruments.
Qualifications: A high school diploma; in some cases post-secondary education.
Industries with most job openings: Professional and commercial equipment and supplies merchant wholesalers; electronic and precision equipment repair and maintenance; electronics and appliance stores.
Salary: $41,498/year

3. Medical and public-health social workers offer patients and families psychosocial support to help cope with chronic, acute or terminal illnesses. They can also suggest caregivers, and counsel and educate the patient on his or her illness.
Qualifications: A bachelor's degree, sometimes an advanced degree; state license.
Industries with most job openings: General medical and surgical hospitals, individual and family services, home health-care services.
Salary: $43,056/year

4. Kindergarten teachers (except special education) teach young children basic science, music, art and literature, and encourage physical, mental and social development.
Qualifications: A bachelor's degree from a teacher education program and a state teaching license.
Industries with most job openings: Elementary and secondary schools; child day-care services; individual and family services.
Salary: $43,394/year

5. Plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters put together, install and fix pipelines or pipe systems that carry water, steam, air and other liquids or gases.
Qualifications: Training in career and technical schools and community colleges, apprenticeships and on-the-job training.
Industries with most job openings: Building equipment contractors; nonresidential building construction; utility system construction.
Salary: $44,866/year

6. Dietitians and nutritionists plan diet requirements and determine nutritional needs for clients; manage meal programs and oversee meal preparation.
Qualifications: A bachelor's degree and state license, certification or registration.
Industries with most job openings: General medical and surgical hospitals; nursing-care facilities; outpatient care centers.
Salary: $45,001/year

7. Reporters and correspondents report and convey facts about newsworthy events to an audience via newspaper, magazine, radio, television or Internet.
Qualifications: A bachelor's degree in journalism or mass communications is preferred, but some other majors are OK; internships are preferred.
Industries with most job openings: Newspaper, periodical, book and directory publishers; radio and television broadcasting; other information services.
Salary: $45,115/year

8. Bailiffs maintain the order and security in a courtroom and escort jury members outside the courtroom to prohibit interaction with the public.
Qualifications: They vary by employer, but most require a high school diploma or equivalent, and some also require some college education or full-time work experience.
Industries with most job openings: Local government.
Salary: $47,502/year

9. Respiratory therapists administer respiratory care and life support to patients with breathing problems and other cardiopulmonary disorders, under the supervision of a physician.
Qualifications: An associate degree is the minimum educational requirement, but a bachelor's or master's degree may be important for advancement; state license.
Industries with most job openings: General medical and surgical hospitals; specialty hospitals (except mental or substance abuse); nursing-care facilities.
Salary: $48,033/year

10. Architectural and civil drafters prepare detailed drawings of architectural and structural features of buildings used in civil engineering projects like highways, bridges and public works.
Qualifications: Employers prefer applicants who have completed post-secondary school training in drafting, which is offered by technical institutes, community colleges and some four-year colleges and universities.
Industries with most job openings: Architectural, engineering and related services; residential building construction; nonresidential building construction.
Salary: $49,429/year

* Salary data according to the most recent National Compensation Survey, December 2006 - January 2008, provided by the BLS.

** Job descriptions provided by CBSalary.com and the BLS.

Rachel Zupek is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.

6 Jobs for Associate Degrees

2009-01-01T14:22:00.001-08:00

When most of us think of post-secondary education, our first thoughts are about four-year degree programs where we can earn a bachelor's degree. We may even be thinking about a master's degree, which involves an even greater time investment.

Many people overlook associate degree programs -- which generally involve two years of classes -- when they consider their options. But there are a surprising number of options for graduates with associate degrees.

Success stories

Saideh Browne has explored these options. "I have an associate degree from Hudson County Community College, and I am now a published author and own a speakers bureau," she says.

The New York City-based Browne says her degree serves her well. "I've been self-employed for most of my life, and my business law, corporate finance and accounting courses really helped me. But practical, hands-on experience and trial by fire has taught me the most," Browne asserts.

Ginger Vaughn is also happy with where her career path has led her. "I graduated with an associate degree. While in school I did an internship with the local daily paper," recalls Vaughn, who lives in Bainbridge Island, Wash.

Vaughn happened upon her current employer when she was seeking a job at a theater as the house manager. When Vaughn mentioned her experience and her degree, she was hired by the firm shortly afterwards. "This year, I celebrated my 10-year anniversary," she says.

Another option

Marc Scheer is the author of "No Sucker Left Behind: Avoiding the Great College Rip-Off." He believes that pursuing an associate degree can be a very wise choice.

"Associate degrees tend to be great investments because they cost less than four-year programs," Scheer notes. "Graduates can transfer to four-year programs afterwards if necessary."

Most importantly, with four-year programs at major universities carrying a six-figure price tag, Scheer believes associate degrees are a valuable test run.

"Since many college students drop out before graduating, these degrees allow them to try out college at a low cost. If they then drop out, they'll have incurred much lower debt."

Hot jobs for associate degree graduates

If you're interested in a particular job, the Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes an occupational guide that outlines occupations with an associate degree requirement.

Here's a sample of six of the most in-demand jobs from the bureau's listing, along with the average salaries for these positions according to CBSalary.com. (Please note that the salaries cited are general in nature and are based on averages; specific salaries may vary depending on a number of factors, including location and experience.)

1. Occupational therapist assistant and physical therapist assistant

These assistants will work closely with the main therapist who provides care for the client. These are good examples of jobs where graduates can test their aptitude and enthusiasm for the job before continuing to a four-year degree.

Salary: Occupational therapy assistants earn an average of $37,769, while physical therapy assistants earn an average of $36,866.

2. Dental assistants and hygienists

There's always a consistent demand for assistants and hygienists. These workers are increasingly responsible (depending on where you live) for patient procedures where a licensed dentist is not required.

Salary: Office assistants can make an average of $31,023, while a dental hygienist can make a median salary of $54,413.

3. Desktop publisher

This job combines writing, formatting and graphic design. Many schools offer associate degrees in graphics arts and design that translates into transferrable skills for this job.

Salary: An graduate working in this position could expect a median salary of around $34,459.

4. Teaching assistants

These assistants offer classroom support for licensed, certified teachers.

Salary: A teaching assistant who has completed a two-year program and is working in primary or secondary education can anticipate a salary around $24,270.

5. Paralegal and paralegal assistants

Paralegals support a staff of lawyers or a legal department at a major corporation. A member of a paralegal staff researches laws and regulations, and coordinates and organizes files.

Salary: A paralegal can earn an average salary of $44,934, while a paralegal assistant's media salary is $43,841.

6. Computer support specialist

Computer support specialists help computer users troubleshoot any technical issues they might have with their computer system. Since most organizations, in all industries, use computers these days, support specialists can work almost anywhere.

Salary: A computer support specialist can earn an average salary of $45,719 per year.

Patrick Erwin is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com. He researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.

The Most and Least Popular Jobs in Each State

2009-01-01T14:16:00.000-08:00

Popularity is a trademark of youth. From grade school through high school, you know who's popular and who's not. It can make your childhood memorable -- for both good and bad reasons.

As we grow older, we're still curious about popularity, but not everyone takes the same attitude toward it. For some, popularity equals fitting in; for others, it means lacking originality. And for others, they don't care, they just like to see what the masses are (and aren't) into these days.

With that in mind, we've put together a list of the most and least popular jobs in each state (and Washington, D.C.) based on the number of employed workers.*

Not surprisingly, retail salespeople dominate the most popular job spots. Perhaps more interesting are the least popular jobs in each state. When you see that Washington state has approximately 30 watch repairers**, you have to wonder what everyone in the state is doing to keep their timepieces in such good shape.

Note: The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not include self-employed workers, so your brother might be the only freelance shoemaker for monkeys in New York, but he won't show up in these statistics.

Alabama
Least popular: 30 post-secondary geography teachers
Most popular: 62,340 cashiers

Alaska

Least popular: 30 meeting and convention planners
Most popular: 10,570 retail salespeople

Arizona
Least popular: 30 transit and railroad police
Most popular: 84,260 retail salespeople

Arkansas
Least popular: 30 orthotists and prosthetists
Most popular: 37,710 truck drivers, heavy and tractor-trailer

California
Least popular: 50 loading machine operators, underground mining
Most popular: 396,000 general office clerks

Colorado
Least popular: 30 agricultural equipment operators
Most popular: 81,470 retail salespeople

Connecticut
Least popular: 30 paperhangers
Most popular: 55,920 retail salespeople

Delaware
Least popular: 30 electro-mechanical technicians
Most popular: 17,810 retail salespeople

District of Columbia
Least popular: 30 materials scientists
Most popular: 29,060 lawyers

Florida
Least popular: 30 geographers
Most popular: 284,420 retail salespeople

Georgia
Least popular: 40 physicists
Most popular: 141,320 retail salespeople

Hawaii
Least popular: 50 atmospheric and space scientists
Most popular: 26,880 retail salespeople

Idaho
Least popular: 30 funeral attendants
Most popular: 23,750 retail salespeople

Illinois
Least popular: 30 oral and maxillofacial surgeons
Most popular: 178,840 retail salespeople

Indiana
Least popular: 30 wellhead pumpers
Most popular: 95,130 retail salespeople

Iowa
Least popular: 30 geography teachers, post-secondary
Most popular: 47,500 retail salespeople

Kansas
Least popular: 30 parking enforcement workers
Most popular: 40,040 retail salespeople

Kentucky
Least popular: 30 historians
Most popular: 57,680 retail salespeople

Louisiana
Least popular: 30 physicists
Most popular: 65,040 cashiers

Maine
Least popular: 30 archivists
Most popular: 18,460 retail salespeople

Maryland
Least popular: 30 foresters
Most popular: 87,460 retail salespeople

Massachusetts
Least popular: 30 dredge operators
Most popular: 110,930 retail salespeople

Michigan
Least popular: 30 marine engineers and naval architects
Most popular: 153,470 retail salespeople

Minnesota
Least popular: 30 psychiatric technicians
Most popular: 77,730 retail salespeople
Mississippi
Least popular: 30 statisticians
Most popular: 45,250 cashiers

Missouri
Least popular: 30 anthropologists and archaeologists
Most popular: 89,260 general office clerks

Montana
Least popular: 30 materials engineers
Most popular: 18,210 retail salespeople

Nebraska
Least popular: 30 epidemiologists
Most popular: 30,060 retail salespeople

Nevada
Least popular: 30 epidemiologists
Most popular: 40,770 waiters and waitresses

New Hampshire
Least popular: 30 environmental engineering technicians
Most popular: 24,050 retail salespeople

New Jersey
Least popular: 40 farm, ranch and other agricultural managers
Most popular: 124,840 retail salespeople

New Mexico
Least popular: 30 farm, ranch, and other agricultural managers
Most popular: 30,490 retail salespeople

New York
Least popular: 30 post-secondary geography teachers
Most popular: 274,500 retail salespeople

North Carolina
Least popular: 30 mathematicians
Most popular: 135,190 retail salespeople

North Dakota
Least popular: 30 meeting and convention planners
Most popular: 11,640 retail salespeople

Ohio

Least popular: 30 historians

Most popular: 157,920 retail salespeople

Oklahoma
Least popular: 30 microbiologists
Most popular: 47,920 retail salespeople

Oregon
Least popular: 30 models
Most popular: 62,100 retail salespeople

Pennsylvania
Least popular: 30 industrial-organizational psychologists
Most popular: 203,070 retail salespeople

Rhode Island
Least popular: 30 materials engineers
Most popular: 15,790 retail salespeople

South Carolina
Least popular: 30 agents and business managers of artists, performers and athletes
Most popular: 67,340 retail salespeople

South Dakota
Least popular: 30 gaming managers
Most popular: 14,770 retail salespeople

Tennessee
Least popular: 30 hydrologists
Most popular: 84,780 retail salespeople

Texas
Least popular: 30 geographers
Most popular: 332,680 retail salespeople

Utah
Least popular: 40 mathematicians
Most popular: 40,400 retail salespeople

Vermont
Least popular: 30 survey researchers
Most popular: 10,510 retail salespeople

Virginia
Least popular: 40 mathematical technicians
Most popular: 131,520 retail salespeople

Washington
Least popular: 30 watch repairers
Most popular: 83,820 retail salespeople

West Virginia
Least popular: 30 statisticians
Most popular: 25,040 general office clerks

Wisconsin
30 anthropologists and archaeologists
Most popular: 87,410 retail salespeople

Wyoming
30 soil and plant scientists
Most popular: 7,870 retail salespeople

*BLS data is based on May 2007 statistics, the most recent data available.
**Employment figures rounded to the nearest 10.

Anthony Balderrama is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com. He researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.

Anthony Balderrama, CareerBuilder.com writer

24 Jobs With Rising Salaries

2009-01-01T14:14:00.000-08:00

The economy is acting strangely, to put it lightly, and the only certainty anyone has regarding the job market is that things will fluctuate. If you're searching for a job during these fickle times, all you want is a little guidance. Although having a job is good, having a job that pays well is even better.

Regardless of the economy's state, people want to work in a job where they grow and will be compensated accordingly. The past is a good indicator of where the future might take certain industries and salaries.

In an effort to help you find a job with a salary that could continue to increase, here's a list of industries that have seen continuous wage increases over the last three years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Under each industry are jobs that constitute a substantial portion of that field's work force, accompanied by their mean annual salaries.

Wireless telecommunications services
1. Computer support specialists
Salary: $45,300*

2. Computer systems analysts
Salary: $75,890

3. Network systems and data communications analysts
Salary: $70,760

4. Electronics engineers, except computer
Salary: $85,550

5. First-line supervisors/managers of retail sales workers
Salary: $39,210

Amusement parks and arcades
6. Security guards
Salary: $24,880

7. Restaurant cooks
Salary: $24,220

8. Janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners
Salary: $20,110

9. Amusement and recreation attendants
Salary: $17,070

10. General maintenance and repair workers
Salary: $31,830

Audio and video equipment manufacturing
11. Engineering managers
Salary: $117,670

12. Electrical and electronic engineering technicians
Salary: $45,890

13. Electrical and electronic equipment assemblers
Salary: $27,020

14. Laborers and freight, stock and material movers, hand
Salary: $24,790

Computer and software stores
15. Computer, automated teller and office machine repairers
Salary: $34,330

16. Customer service representatives
Salary: $28,930

Natural gas production and distribution
17. Electrical power-line installers and repairers
Salary: $66,270

18. Control and valve installers and repairers, except mechanical door
Salary: $51,870

19. Meter readers, utilities
Salary: $37,970

20. Home appliance repairers
Salary: $52,270

Finance and insurance
21. Financial analysts
Salary: $90,010

22. Personal financial advisers
Salary: $90,970

23. Securities, commodities and financial services sales agents
Salary: $90,570

24. Tellers
Salary: $23,570

*Salaries based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Anthony Balderrama is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com. He researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.

Anthony Balderrama, CareerBuilder.com writer

Work Less, Earn More

2009-01-01T14:10:00.000-08:00

Patrick Erwin, CareerBuilder.com writer

It was a few hundred years ago that Benjamin Franklin made the observation that time is money. The same is still true today, and workers are constantly trying to strike the right work/life balance to get as much as they can of both.

According to the 2008 American Time Use Survey (conducted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics), we're still working an average of eight hours a day. And the most recent figures from the U.S. Census Bureau indicate that the median annual income per household member is $26,036 per year.

There are some jobs, however, where you can work less and make more than the averages. The hours may not be significantly less -- generally between 35 and 38 hours a week -- but these jobs offer more value in both time and money. They all pay salaries that exceed that $26,036 median income.

Here are 20 jobs we found that let you work less and earn more. These jobs require less than 40 hours of labor in a workweek, but exceed the median annual income level in pay.*

1. Aircraft pilots, co-pilots and flight engineers

Hours/week: 23.5

Hours/year: 1,215

Annual earnings: $119,658

2. Biological scientist

Hours/week: 38.4

Hours/year: 1,992

Annual earnings: $65,329

3. Biochemist and biophysicist

Hours/week: 37.5

Hours/year: 1,947

Annual earnings: $69,681

4. Bus driver

Hours/week: 35.9

Hours/year: 1,613

Annual earnings: $26,107

5. Clinical, counseling and school psychologists

Hours/week: 38.1

Hours/year: 1,693

Annual earnings: $59,595

6. Dental assistant

Hours/week: 35.6

Hours/year: 1,849

Annual earnings: $30,895

7. Desktop publisher

Hours/week: 38.7

Hours/year: 2,007

Annual earnings: $36,858

8. Directors, religious activities and education

Hours/week: 38.1

Hours/year: 1,978

Annual earnings: $48,243

9. Educational, vocational and school counselors

Hours/week: 37.9

Hours/year: 1,712

Annual earnings: $50,075

10. Fitness trainers and aerobics instructors

Hours/week: 38.0

Hours/year: 1,976

Annual earnings: $35,262

11. Insurance underwriter

Hours/week: 38.6

Hours/year: 2,005

Annual earnings: $63,157

12. Interpreters and translators

Hours/week: 34.1

Hours/year: 1,687

Annual earnings: $35,853

13. Law clerk

Hours/week: 38.4

Hours/year: 1,961

Annual earnings: $46,539

14. Law teacher, post-secondary

Hours/week: 35.2

Hours/year: 1644

Annual earnings: $158,353

15. Miscellaneous media and communications workers

Hours/week: 36.7

Hours/year: 1,852

Annual earnings: $38,698

16. Optometrist

Hours/week: 37.7

Hours/year: 1,959

Annual earnings: $103,375

17. Psychologist

Hours/week: 38.2

Hours/year: 1,722

Annual earnings: $59,543

18. Speech-language pathologist

Hours/week: 37.5

Hours/year: 1,611

Annual earnings: $53,499

19. Telephone operator

Hours/week: 38.7

Hours/year: 2,009

Annual earnings: $29,877

20. Tree trimmers and pruners

Hours/week: 37.2

Hours/year: 1,898

Annual earnings: $35,644

By the numbers

All of these jobs allow you to work less and earn more, but some of these careers clearly give you more bang for your buck.

At the top of the list: Pilots, co-pilots and flight engineers, who average $98.48 an hour. Law teachers are close behind, averaging $96.32 an hour, followed by optometrists, who average $52.77 an hour.

Make it work

Obviously these jobs are not for everyone, but if you're looking to strike a better balance between work and home, you may be able to approach your employer and negotiate alternatives to your current schedule.

Among the possibilities:

* You may be able to arrange to work from home on a recurring basis, or on days where you may have an appointment or personal commitment.

* Your manager or supervisor may also be willing to create a flexible scheduling arrangement, where you work four days a week and have the fifth workday free.

* Companies may be willing to negotiate with workers who want extra vacation time, particularly unpaid time.

Discuss your ideas with your company. If time is more important to you than money, your employer may be very receptive to providing more time off for you versus financial compensation.

*All job descriptions are as defined in the National Compensation Survey, as published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, December 2006 -- January 2008. Data taken from the survey are the mean hours and annual earnings. Actual earnings can vary based on a number of factors, including regional job market demands.

Patrick Erwin is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com. He researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.

No Thank You Could Mean No Job

2008-04-05T07:30:00.002-07:00

It's one of the simplest things you can do. Your mother mother told you to always say it. By expressing it -- or not -- you can change a person's mood and perception of you in an instant. Who knew two words could be so powerful?

Writing a thank-you letter after an interview doesn't just showcase a candidate?s manners - it can also make or break their chances of landing a job. Nearly 15 percent of hiring managers say they would not hire someone who failed to send a thank-you letter after the interview. Thirty-two percent say they would still consider the candidate, but would think less of him or her, according to CareerBuilder.com's recent "How to Get in the Front Door" survey.

Although most hiring managers expect to receive a thank-you note, format preferences differ. One-in-four hiring managers prefer to receive a thank-you note in e-mail form only; 19 percent want the e-mail followed up with a hard copy; 21 percent want a typed hard copy only and 23 percent prefer just a handwritten note.

No matter which format you choose, it?s crucial to act quickly when sending a thank-you letter to your interviewer. Twenty-six percent of hiring managers expect to have the letter in-hand two days after the interview, and 36 percent expect to have it within three to five days. Sending the letter quickly reinforces your enthusiasm for the job, and helps keep you top-of-mind for the interviewer.

Here are some tips to make the most of your thank-you letter:

Stick to three paragraphs.
In the first paragraph, thank the interviewer for the opportunity. Use the second to sell yourself by reminding the hiring manager of your qualifications. In the third paragraph, reiterate your interest in the position.

Fill in the blanks.
Thank-you notes are a great way to add in key information you forgot in the interview, clarify any points or try to ease any reservations the interviewer might have expressed.

Proofread carefully.
Double-check to be sure your note is free from typos and grammatical errors. Don't rely solely on your spell-checker.

Be specific.
Don't send out a generic correspondence. Instead, tailor your note to the specific job and the relationship you have established with the hiring manager.

Dos and Don'ts of Handling Interview Silence

2008-04-05T07:30:00.001-07:00

You?re at a meeting or job interview. You?ve just answered a difficult question or made an important point and are met with an unmovable silence. You wait, growing a bit uneasy, but the room remains deafeningly still.

What would you do? According to executive coach Mary Kay Scarafile, most candidates rush in to fill the void by talking a blue streak. "Most people are so intimidated by the silence that they slip into the role of someone who has goofed and is trying to recover. They?ll do anything to end the silence, so they begin to qualify and expand on their previous answer hoping to hit on something that will fix the problem.

"This most often results in candidates offering more information than they need to - information that is irrelevant, even damaging, to them and their cause."

A senior advertising copywriter says her panic over an interviewer?s silence cost her her dream job.

"When asked whether I?d still work if I won a $10 million lottery, I said that if I worked for this agency, yes, because I would be doing what I loved. It was an honest answer and I thought a good one, but the creative director just stared at me suspiciously."

"After a while I got so nervous, I began conceding that there were a number of changes I would make if I won the money... It was all down hill from there."

Whenever you are confronted with silence, the best strategy is to refuse to be intimidated by it. Remember, some people use silence as a test to see how you respond under stress. And if you actually did goof, remaining calm will do more to defuse the situation than a stream of chatter.

Scarafile recommends that if you ever encounter the silent treatment, you should keep quiet yourself for a while and then ask very sincerely: "Is there anything else I can add to fill in on that point?"

This puts the responsibility back on the interviewer, and if you have said something that is troubling him or her, will give you a better idea of how to recoup.

Knowing what to say is important. Knowing when to stop is vital. To keep from talking yourself out of a job remember these Do?s and Don?ts.

Do your homework beforehand. Anticipate questions that are likely to be asked and prepare brief (two minutes or less) compelling answers to each.

Don?t spend time talking about dates, chronology or other information readily available on your resume unless asked to do so.

Do pause briefly before answering a difficult question to gather your thoughts. It not only helps you organize what you want to say, but will make you appear more sincere.

Do pay attention to verbal and non-verbal cues from the others in the room to gauge their reaction and adjust your responses accordingly.

Do bring along a portfolio of successful projects (if applicable to your line of work) so that the interviewer can see and get a feel for the breadth of what you can do and ask about the projects which interest him or her.

Become comfortable with silence. Remember, eloquence is saying the proper thing... And then stopping!

Top Mistakes Candidates Make

2008-04-05T07:29:00.003-07:00

Not feeling so great about your last interview? Take heart. Chances are the interviewer has seen worse. A recent CareerBuilder study surveyed hiring managers to identify the most common mistakes candidates make. Here are the top five categories - along with some real-life examples:

1. What They Say (or Don't Say)
According to CareerBuilder's survey, the number one mistake interviewees make relates to how they communicate. Some come in with a pre-determined script and sound as if they're reading from a textbook. Others give one-word answers with no further elaboration. While still others use profanity or ramble on about their personal problems and social lives rather than answer - or ask - questions about the job or company.

Others are too candid. For example, when asked what interested her about the position, one candidate replied: "I'm open to anything; I really need to get some medical insurance." Another candidate at a children's organization stated that he "hates kids." Those interviewing for customer service positions confessed: "I'm not a people person," and "customers are annoying." While a man applying at a drug treatment facility anxiously asked if they drug-tested employees and whether they'd give advance notice.

Others complain about former bosses. And many make the mistake of bringing up money and hours-required in the first interview. But the "Too Much Information" award has to go the candidate who said: "I'm only here because my mom wants me to get a job." He was 37!

2. How They Act
The second most common way candidates flub their interviews is what they do. Many of these mistakes are the result of being unprepared and knowing nothing about the job or company. Others are because candidates don't listen to the questions being asked or try to bluff their way through technical questions.

Some stem from a lack of common sense or courtesy. Many hiring managers complain about candidates showing up late and the surprising number who interrupt the interview to take calls on their cell phones. One woman brought her children along.

And which is worse? The candidate who asked the hiring manager to hurry up because he wanted to have lunch, or the one who pulled out a sandwich and began eating?

Yet other bloopers are simply a result of nerves - or two much coffee. Several hiring managers complained of nail-biting while another watched in horror as a candidate jumped up to make a point, then turned around and fell to the floor!

3. Bad Attitudes
The third most-cited category of mistakes has to do with the candidate's attitude. No one likes a braggart, know-it-all or name-dropper - or the candidate with the super-sized ego who demanded to be hired and said the company could do no better. Then there's the interviewee who declared he was "used to a higher class of business."

On the other side of the coin, are those who show no enthusiasm. Many hiring managers complained of interviewees who show little energy or interest in the conversation. One candidate spent the better part of the interview looking at his watch.

4. How They Look
Coming to the interview improperly groomed and dressed is the fourth most common mistake. Along with the usual culprits: bad posture, tattoos, facial piercings, fluorescent-colored hair and poor hygiene, hiring managers also told of a candidate who did not wear shoes, one who wore a skirt slit to her derriere, another who wore dark glasses throughout the interview and a candidate with dirty fingernails wearing jeans and a t-shirt - oh, by the way, he was drunk, too!

5. They're Dishonest
Common forms of dishonesty include exaggerating about achievements or misrepresenting knowledge. There's also the candidate who mentioned his arrest after saying on his application he had never been arrested - and the one who actually stole something from the interviewer's office.

Besides highlighting ignorance in action, the survey confirms that truth is stranger than fiction and proves that life is not all that rosy on the other side of the interview process either.

What Not to Wear to an Interview

2008-04-05T07:29:00.001-07:00

What is the worst outfit ever worn to a job interview? For a career services director at the University of Chicago, it was the applicant who sported a Madras tie as a belt and a patterned cotton hat. Other contenders, according to a CareerBuilder.com survey of hiring managers, include candidates with dirty fingernails, micro-miniskirts, t-shirts with offensive slogans and even bare feet!

No one needs 'Queer Eye's' Carson Kressley to tell them that wearing shoes to an interview is a good idea, but could you be guilty of one of these top 20 fashion faux pas?

1. Carrying a backpack or fannypack instead of a briefcase or portfolio: Some image consultants suggest women ditch their purse, too!

2. Sunglasses on top of your head or headphones around your neck: Be sure to remove all your "transit gear" and tuck it in your briefcase before entering the lobby.

3. Too-short skirts: Forget what some of those gals on 'The Apprentice' are wearing. Your skirt should cover your thighs when you are seated.

4. The wrong tie: Ties should be made of silk, no less than three and a quarter inches wide with a conservative pattern. Image consultants say the best colors are red or burgundy.

5. Overly bright or large-patterned clothing: With the possible exception of creative fields like advertising or computer programming, it's best to stick with navy, black or gray.

6. Heavy makeup on women (or any makeup on a man)

7. Earrings on men: In fact, men should avoid wearing any jewelry unless it is a wedding ring, class ring or metal watch.

8. More than one set of earrings on women

9. Facial piercings, tongue jewelry or visible tattoos

10. Ill-fitting clothes. Few people can wear things straight off the rack. Spending a little extra to have your garments tailored is a worthwhile investment.

11. Long fingernails, especially with bright or specialty polishes. Nails should look clean and be trimmed to a length that doesn't leave an observer wondering how you keep from stabbing yourself.

12. Unnatural hair colors or styles. Remember, Donald Trump was a billionaire well before he began wearing a comb-over. If you're balding, try a close-cropped cut like Bruce Willis or Matt Lauer.

13. Short-sleeved shirts, even worse when worn with a tie

14. Fishnets, patterned hosiery or bare legs (no matter how tan you are). Women should stick with neutral color hosiery that complements their suit.

15. Men whose socks don't match their shoes, or whose socks are too short and leave a gap of flesh when they are seated

16. Rumpled or stained clothing: If interviewing late in the day, try to change to a fresh suit beforehand.

17. Scuffed or inappropriate footwear, including sneakers, stilettos, open-toed shoes and sandals

18. Strong aftershaves, perfumes or colognes: Many people are allergic to certain scents. For a subtle fragrance, use a good quality bath soap.

19. Belts and shoes that don't match: Shoes and belts should be made of leather or leather-like materials and the best colors for men are black or cordovan.

20. Telltale signs that your wearing a new suit. Remove all tags and extra buttons -- and remember to cut off the zigzag thread that keeps pockets and slits closed!

Don't be a wardrobe malfunction waiting to happen. Plan and lay out what you're going to wear several days before the interview, so you'll have time to shop or get garments pressed and cleaned.

Save "innovative" or revealing garb for the club (or your couch) and strive for crisp, clean and professional. Remember, you want the interviewer to be listening to what you're saying, not critiquing what you're wearing.

Does Your GPA Really Matter?

2008-04-05T07:28:00.001-07:00

Studies have shown college graduates earn up to 75 percent more than people with just a high school diploma. So students earn good grades, study for the SATs and rack up an impressive list of extracurriculars in their quest for that oh-so-important acceptance letter.

But now that you're in, can you relax? Just how important are your college grades to future employers? Are those long hours at the library and those all-night study sessions really worth it?

Where it really counts
Keeping your grade point average (GPA) up can be vital to your academic success. Slacking off could land you on academic probation, or the university could yank your scholarship. Plus, according to the U.S. News and World Report, maintaining a high GPA is crucial to those who dream of attending top graduate schools like Harvard medical school (3.8 average GPA), Yale law (3.9) or Stanford business school (3.6).

The realities of the job market
Thankfully, most employers don't enforce these same academic standards on their applicants. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers' "Job Outlook 2005" survey, 70 percent of hiring managers do report screening applicants based on their GPA, but the largest group say they use a 3.0 as their cutoff.

All other factors being equal, an employer is more likely to choose the candidate with stellar grades, but that doesn't mean a so-so student can't land a competitive job with a prestigious company.

Employers understand that students have different circumstances. Employers do take a university's reputation into consideration, but they also understand working to pay your way through school, extracurricular involvement and extenuating circumstances can lower your academic marks.

Having relevant experience like internships is key to getting ahead in today's cutthroat job market. Luckily, a superior GPA from a top-ranked university isn't required to get an internship, according to the Princeton Review. Internship coordinators look for candidates with a go-getter attitude, something that can be expressed in a cover letter and interview – not a resume or transcript.

Don't be deceptive
Although employers may not automatically cut you for your low grades, leaving your GPA off of your resume completely may do you more harm than good. If you're a new grad and omit your GPA from your resume, you might find employers warily wondering how terrible your grades really are. One career adviser even said if there's no GPA on a resume, he automatically assumes it's under a 3.0. And it should go without saying that you should never lie and tell an employer you have better grades than you really do.

Resume remedies for mediocre students
If your GPA falls below your dream employer's minimum standards, you do have options. Again, leaving the figure out isn't wise, but you should emphasize your academic strengths as much as possible.

Luckily, some business schools and other graduate programs pay closer attention to the grades you earned during your junior and senior years than to your overall transcript. This can really help out people who are struggling to raise their averages after a rough transition into college life. Another option is to list your major GPA, or your average grades for only the classes taken in your major.

Collegegrad.com offers these tips for choosing which GPA to include: If your major GPA is higher than a 3.0, and your overall grades fall below that cutoff, only list your major average. If both averages are higher than a 3.0 and your major GPA is at least three-tenths of a point higher than your overall average, feel free to list both. Always round to the nearest tenth of point.

And remember what President George W. Bush told a group of graduates in 2001: "To all the C-students, I say, you too can be president of the United States."

The Secret to a Perfect Handshake

2008-04-05T07:27:00.002-07:00

Science backs up what the etiquette books have been saying all along: A firm handshake helps make a good first impression for both males and females. A University of Alabama study found that consistent with the etiquette and business literature, there is a substantial relationship between the features that characterize a firm handshake (strength, vigor, duration, eye contact and completeness of grip) and a favorable first impression.

"Handshakes are the only consistent physical contact we have in the business world. They happen first, so they set the tone for the entire relationship," says Jill Bremer, a professional image consultant and co-author of 'It's Your Move: Dealing Yourself the Best Cards in Life and Work' (Financial Times Prentice Hall). "People make an immediate judgment about your character and level of confidence through your handshake. I have participants pair up and try all sorts of "bad" handshakes -- wet noodle, fingers-only, bonecrusher, two-handed, upper hand - then teach them the right way to do it."

Here are some tips from the experts on the perfect handshake.

Be a mover and shaker.
It is appropriate to shake hands in any public business setting -- job interviews, business meetings, thank-you gestures. The proper handshake should be firm, with an energy that communicates sincerity, strength and professionalism, says Dianne M. Daniels, a certified image coach and author of 'Polish and Presence: 31 Days to a New Image.' The perfect handshake is one that conveys a friendly, welcome attitude. "Generally, the person who extends their hand first has the 'power' in the setting," says Dr. Nancy B. Irwin, a Los Angeles-based psychologist and therapeutic hypnotist. "In our American culture, the handshake shows interest, openness and confidence."

Put them in the palm of your hand.
Dale Webb and Pauline Winick, founders and directors of the Protocol Centre in Miami, Fla. stress the importance of having proper form. Extend your arm with your hand outstretched with thumb straight up. Make sure hands are web-to-web -- slide your hand into the other person's until your webs touch. Give it just two pumps.

Get a grip.
Limp, lifeless handshakes tend to communicate timidity, passivity or intimidation. The "limp fish" and "barely touching" handshakes project a sense of distance and a "don't touch me" attitude, says Daniels. It's hardly welcoming and no one, including women, is exempt from this rule.

Handle it with gloves.
When shaking hands with a more mature person than yourself, Daniels advises to be careful not to squeeze the hand you are offered too tightly -- it could cause pain. This also applies to not rapidly or strongly pumping their arm, as you could cause injury. Many people have allergies, sensitive skin or fragile bones due to health issues, such as carpal tunnel, adds Irwin.

When to go hand in hand
When shaking hands to congratulate someone, Irwin recommends the double handshake. This is when you "glove" or "sandwich" the other's hand with both of yours and indicates pride, warmth and sharing. "This can overpower or threaten some people," says Irwin, "so one must be careful and use this when they know someone well."

Be a right-hand man or woman.
In today's business environment, both women and men shake hands. The idea of a man waiting for a woman to extend her hand first is outdated, say Webb and Winick, and a woman should extend her hand. What about men? "Save the 'I'm stronger than you' type of grip for non-business situations with friends or competitors," says Daniels. "Exerting yourself to give a stronger-than-normal squeeze to another man is not the way to show your dominance, and can set a confrontational tone for the rest of your association."

Weirdest Interview Behavior

2008-04-05T07:27:00.001-07:00

Before a big interview, a smart job seeker carefully chooses his or her outfit, researches the company and prepares smooth answers to questions the interviewer might ask.

But not everyone is a smart job seeker.

When CareerBuilder.com recently surveyed more than 850 hiring managers, nearly 70 percent reported they had witnessed a bizarre behavior from a job applicant during an interview.

Here are some of the gross, mind-bogglingly bizarre, and all-too-true ways real people blew their chances at scoring the job.

Not putting in the face time
You can't get the job if you don't show up for the interview. Several employers reported having job seekers blow off the interview completely, but that pales in comparison to some of the not-so-graceful ways some candidates made early exits.

Many bored candidates were spotted continually checking their watches, and one interviewee asked the hiring manager to speed things up so he could catch a bus. Another job seeker booked it out of the interview upon hearing about the drug test. But the weirdest story came from a hiring manager who said, "One applicant said the company had a black aura and left."

Looking Unprofessional
A first impression can make or break a candidate - but apparently some applicants don't understand the concept of "business-appropriate" attire. Several ultra-casual candidates arrived at their interviews in T-shirts and jeans, but that's not the worst of it.

One job hopeful arrived at his interview displaying a hairy chest, medallion, strong cologne and a wad of gum in his mouth. And which is worse: the applicant who wore a housecoat and slippers or the one who wore his slippers with a bathing suit and T-shirt?

But remember: even impeccably dressed people can appear unprofessional. Singing the national anthem, trying to sell the interviewer a car, doing yoga at the interview and showing off your Ben Stiller imitation are proven ways to do just that.

Being excessively nervous
Some degree of anxiety is normal - even beneficial - at an interview, but hiring managers report some candidates take nervousness to the extreme. Applicants stuttered, giggled, babbled, and forgot what jobs they were applying for - but they were the lucky ones. Other, not-so-smooth job seekers wet themselves, and one applicant vomited on the interviewer's shoes.

Being too forthcoming... or not honest enough
Sure, you only want that retail job for the 30 percent employee discount. But you wouldn?t actually say that in an interview... would you?

Some people did just that - or worse. One applicant raised eyebrows when he asked whether spousal abuse would prevent him from getting the job. Another said she had serious health problems and needed the company?s insurance. And one job-hopping hopeful disclosed that he planned to retire in two months.

Likewise, some hiring managers say interviewees are less than truthful in their applications. One candidate said he was in the military... and George Bush was listed as his last supervisor. Another admitted he didn?t do all of the duties listed in his résumé - but he assured the hiring manager that didn?t matter.

Being greedy
Asking about employee benefits during the first interview is almost always a no-no. Yet many job seekers were too quick to ask about salary, time off, vacations - even a raise before they had received the offer. Other, more audacious candidates complained about the hours they had to work, and one even asked, "How soon can I have your office?"

Acting desperate
Of course you want the job, but wowing the interviewer with your skills and qualifications is much more effective than outright bribery. Some candidates, however, went to all sorts of desperate measures. Applicants offered their interviewers gifts, money and even sex in return for a job offer, and one job seeker offered to shine the hiring manager's shoes.

10 Reasons Why You're Not Getting Interviews

2008-04-05T07:26:00.002-07:00

No matter how strong your skills or experience are, you won't land a new job without first securing an interview with a prospective employer. Job seekers often consider this step of the hiring process the most difficult -- and perplexing. After all, how many times have you considered your qualifications ideal for an open position only to never hear from the hiring manager about the résumé and cover letter you submitted?

If you're looking for an edge, make sure you're not falling into these common traps:

1. You only focus on the Googles of the world.
Companies that continually grab headlines and are highly recognizable can be exciting places to work. But so are many companies you've never heard of. Keep in mind that organizations that are household names often receive thousands of résumés for each opening. Consider exploring opportunities with small and midsize companies. They make up the vast majority of businesses in the United States and sometimes have trouble locating qualified candidates. If Google is your dream employer, don't give up the good fight, but also keep your eyes and ears open to other opportunities.

2. You don't follow directions.
Each company has a different procedure it asks applicants to follow for submitting employment applications. Some ask that you use a form on their Web sites while others prefer traditional phone calls or faxes. Make sure you understand what the prospective employer seeks by carefully reading the job listing. Then, follow the directions to the letter. If you don't, your application may never reach the hiring manager.

3. You need to revamp your résumé.
Sending out the same cover letter and résumé to all companies isn't likely to capture the attention of prospective employers. Hiring managers want to know why you're a good match for their specific business needs. So take the time to research employers and customize your job search materials by explaining why you're interested in a particular position and how you could make a contribution to the company.

4. Your cover letter isn't enticing.
Think of your cover letter as an appetizer that convinces the hiring manager your résumé, the main course, is worth sampling. The best cover letters take select details from the résumé and expand upon them, explaining in depth how your talents and experience can benefit the prospective employer.

5. You don't reference keywords.
Companies that receive a high volume of résumés often use scanning software that looks for certain keywords to determine which candidates to call for interviews. More often than not, keywords come directly from the job description. Terms such as "Microsoft Office," "accounts payable and receivable" and "Cisco Certified Network Administrator" are examples. As much as possible, ensure your résumé and cover letter contain keywords.

6. Your application materials aren't perfect.
Submitting an application that contains typos and grammatical goofs is perhaps the quickest way to foil your chances of securing an interview. In fact, 84 percent of executives polled in a recent survey by our company said it takes just one or two errors to remove a candidate from consideration. The reason: These types of mistakes show a lack of professionalism and attention to detail. Make sure to carefully proofread your résumé prior to submitting it and ask a friend or family member to do the same.

7. You don't know who to send your résumé to.
Though it's fine to start your cover letter with the generic salutation "To Whom It May Concern," hiring managers pay special attention to applications that are addressed directly to them. If the job advertisement doesn't include the hiring manager's name, call the company and speak to the receptionist or a member of the person's department. More often than not, you can obtain the information fairly easily if you're candid about your reason for wanting it.

8. You don't have an 'in' with the company.
Using the name of a common contact to make the connection between you and the hiring manager is by far the best way to ensure your cover letter and résumé get optimal attention. So, keep in touch with members of your professional network; you never know who has a contact at the company you hope to work for.

9. You don't follow up.
One way to improve the odds a hiring manager gives consideration to your résumé is to follow up with him or her. According to a survey by our company, 86 percent of executives said job seekers should contact a hiring manager within two weeks of sending a résumé and cover letter. Often a brief phone call or e-mail reasserting your interest in the position and strong qualifications is enough.

10. You're not as qualified as you think.
The bottom line may be that you're simply not as perfect for the job as you think. Before submitting your résumé, take a close look at the job description and compare your skills and experience with those required for the position. If a job calls for five years of retail management experience, and you have only two, you might not be as qualified as other applicants. While sometimes it's possible to make up for skills gaps if you excel in other areas, hiring managers frequently have specific criteria in mind, and they use it to determine whom they call for interviews.

By avoiding common pitfalls, you can improve your chances of landing a job interview. Often something small -- fixing a typo, for example -- makes all the difference.

Beware of Hidden Interview Pitfalls

2008-04-05T07:26:00.001-07:00

Suit. Check
Two hours of company research. Check
Three hours practicing answers to interview questions. Check
Extra copies of resume. Check
Fancy leather folder thingy to hold extra copies of resume. Check
Limp, wet handshake. Huh?

All the expert interview advice and all the practice in the world still might not prepare you for hidden traps that can trip you up and foil your job interview.

Weak Handshake
Science backs up what the etiquette books have been saying all along, that a firm handshake helps make a good first impression for both males and females. A University of Alabama study found there is a substantial relationship between the features that characterize a firm handshake (strength, vigor, duration, eye contact and completeness of grip) and a favorable first impression.

The proper handshake should be firm, with an energy that communicates sincerity, strength and professionalism, says Dianne M. Daniels, a certified image coach and author of Polish and Presence: 31 Days to a New Image. Extend your arm with your hand outstretched with thumb straight up. Slide your hand into the other person's until your webs touch and give a firm, not squeezing, pump.

Not Asking Questions
Not asking an interview questions sends a signal that you don't know enough about the business to ask an intelligent question, or it shows that you don't see yourself within the environment of the company. At best, it shows a lack of creativity. Your questions do more than show your interest; they can also provide valuable information you can use in assessing the job.

If you are a good listener, you should be able to follow up on something the interviewer said during your visit. Ask him or her to expand on what was said. This shows you were attentive and also shows where your interests lie.

Most career counselors advise applicants to have a number of questions rehearsed and ready to go. Many of the prepared topics will be discussed during the course of the interview, but there should be some left over at the end. Have several ready so you can return the serve.

Employment Background Check
Statistics show that the number of companies conducting background checks is growing. For some jobs, screening is required by federal or state law. For others, it's a way for employers to learn more about each candidate and ensure the hiring decisions they make are good ones.

Some employers will use your credit history to gauge your level of responsibility. Whether a valid assumption or not, employers who run credit checks are likely to believe that if you are not reliable in paying your bills, then you will not be a reliable employee. Unfortunately, a bad credit report can work against you in your search for employment.

So you won't be surprised, you can do your own check and make sure the information is correct. Order a copy of your credit report, check court and DMV records and ask to see a copy of your personnel file from your old job. One option CareerBuilder.com offers is SureCheck, which enables job seekers to increase their marketability by pre-screening their own personal histories and credentials for potential employers.

Brainteaser Questions
Tell me about yourself. Why does this job interest you? How many quarters would you have to stack to reach the top of the Empire State Building? Designed to measure candidates' intelligence, creativity and analytical skills, brainteasers and logic questions often involve obscure subjects.

Recruiters aren't that concerned with whether a candidate comes up with the precise answer, but rather insight into their thought process and whether they work thorough problems in a logical manner.

These types of questions are meant to make you think on your feet; the trick is to start big and take it one step at a time. The only sure-fire way to fail at these questions is to be stumped. Offer up your ideas even if they seem bizarre.

Return of the Signing Bonus?

2008-04-05T07:25:00.002-07:00

Rarely seen since the dot-com boom, signing bonuses are making a comeback -- sort of.

From the late 1990s until 2001, the national unemployment rate hovered around 4 percent. With business booming, employers pulled out all the stops, making sky-high salaries, stock options and signing bonuses fundamentals of offer letters.

"Back in the late '90s, companies felt they needed to move (on hiring a candidate) right away," said Dave Sanford, executive vice president of client services for Massachusetts-based contingency placement firm Winter, Wyman and Companies.

But when the country plunged into recession in 2001 and tightened the job market, fewer companies offered signing bonuses to new employees.

Now that the economy is improving, Sanford says he is seeing this incentive start to trickle back into compensation packages. But although hiring bonuses are up across most industries, they’re still the exception.

Sanford estimates that around 5 to 10 percent of his clients are offering sign-on bonuses, up from about 2 to 3 percent a few years ago.

"We were in such a deep recession in 2001 and 2002 that companies have been very conservative about throwing money around," he says. "Even now that the market’s getting better, they don’t want to be reckless. Everybody’s still watching their bottom line."

The decision to offer a sign-on bonus often boils down to supply and demand. Working in a hot industry or in-demand position can boost a candidate’s likelihood of getting a bonus upfront.

For example, the 2006 Culpepper Trends Survey on Hiring Bonuses indicated that half of all technology and life sciences companies use signing bonuses to attract candidates, with payouts ranging from $1,000 to $10,000.

Other times, hiring bonuses are offered when a candidate would have to leave something behind to join a new employer, says John Touey, a principal with Philadelphia-based retained executive search firm Salveson Stetson Group.

"(An example would be) if they are leaving mid-year or later in the year and feel they have earned a significant amount of the annual cash bonus, or they have options coming due in the near future that they will forfeit," he says. "...In other cases I have seen signing bonuses as a one-time consideration when the hiring company cannot match the annual base salary of a candidate."

To improve your chances of landing a signing bonus, heed the following tips:

1. Know what to expect.
Research the company and your industry to see whether your position or company frequently awards hiring bonuses. The Internet, industry contacts and current workers at your future employer are valuable sources of information.

2. Delay the money talk until after you get an offer. Wait until you have a written job offer before negotiating a sign-on bonus. Asking too early could make you appear difficult or greedy.

3. Be upfront. Employers are more likely to offer a sign-on bonus if accepting the offer would cause a candidate financial hardship. If you would have to forgo your year-end bonus or triple your commuting costs, say so.

4. Make sure you understand the terms.
Employers are increasingly tying a longevity clause to hiring bonuses. Find out if you will need to pay back part or all of the signing bonus if you leave before a specified period of time.

5. Remember that a signing bonus is a one-time deal.
If a company is offering a salary that seems too low, a signing bonus will only make up the difference for one year. Negotiating a more reasonable salary will have a long-term impact.

Mishandling Salary Negotiations

2008-04-05T07:25:00.001-07:00

Many people think that once they have landed and aced an interview, all of their work is done. But, sometimes deciding whether or not to accept a job offer can be just as stressful and time-consuming as getting to that point in the first place. One point of contention is salary negotiation. This process can be overwhelming, particularly for job seekers without a great deal of experience. Negotiating a fair and practical salary is a critical step in the job search process, and one that can be navigated smoothly if you know what to do -- and what not to do. Beware of common mistakes.

Not doing your homework.
Before you go to an interview, you need to determine your desired salary range. It is impossible to do so if you do not know your industry. Research typical salaries for someone with similar experience in your industry. There are a wide variety of resources available that can help you determine median salaries and ranges for your position and years of experience. Without doing this, you will be virtually unarmed to present a case for the salary you request.

Neglecting to think carefully about your needs.
Just as researching your industry is important, it's also vital that you do a bit of self reflection. If you never stop to think about what income you need, you may end up taking an offer that leaves you pinching pennies. Before interviewing, ask yourself some important questions. How much do you need to pay your basic expenses, such as rent or mortgage, groceries, utilities, and car payment? What kind of salary do you need to live a comfortable life that allows you to enjoy yourself? What is the lowest salary you will consider? How much do you need to be able to save for the future?

Laying all of your cards on the table.
Negotiating a salary is like playing a card game. You need to gauge the other person's intentions without giving away all of your secrets. While job applications and interviewers may ask you to name a salary requirement, always avoid providing a number. However, many prospective employees feel pressured into doing so in an interview. That's why you need to be prepared to answer the question: "What kind of salary are you looking for?" Try to use answers such as "I'm sure that if I do receive an offer, it will be fair and reasonable," or "I will consider any reasonable offer." If pressed for a number, give a range rather than a specific. The bottom of your range should be the minimum you must make, with the top being a bit higher than your ideal.

Forgetting about other benefits.
When you receive a job offer, it is important to consider the offer in its entirety. This means paying attention to the company's medical and dental plan, vacation package, retirement benefits, and other perks. If the company cannot meet your salary requirements, it may be able to make it up to you in other ways, such as stock options or additional vacation time.

Believing that you don't have the right to ask for more.
A company is not going to offer you the highest salary they'd be willing to pay right off the bat, and most companies expect candidates to come back with a counter offer. If you have done your research and have supporting information to back up your salary wishes, don't be afraid to let the company know that you would like something higher. However, don't make the mistake of playing hardball, thinking you are irreplaceable, or being unwilling to negotiate. If you receive a low offer, thank the company for the offer, let them know that you are excited about the position, and politely and respectfully request a higher salary. The worst the company can say is no, and you never know what will happen until you ask.

The bottom line is that salary negotiations, like anything else, need to be done respectfully and kept in perspective. But if you do your research, set your boundaries, and always know how to handle the tough questions, chances are you will end up with an offer that works for you and the company.

Six Steps to a Higher Starting Salary

2008-04-05T07:24:00.002-07:00

While money isn't everything, planning for salary discussions and negotiations should be an important part of your job search preparation. Following are six steps to help you secure a higher starting salary.

Step One: Know what you're worth.
The key to any successful negotiation is information, so do your homework to assess your competitive value. Do some research and find out the pay range for the type of job you are seeking. Once you know the going rate, take into consideration your skills, education, experience and any unique value you bring to the prospective employer to see where you would rank within that range.

Step Two: Delay talking about salary as long as possible.
Give a figure too soon and you risk either being disqualified because it's too high or judged underqualified because it's too low. Even if you do pass the screen, having given the employer your bottom line will limit your ability to negotiate a higher salary.

If asked your salary requirements in a want ad or posting, say they are flexible or that you are earning -- or expect to earn -- "market value" or "competitive" compensation for someone in your field.

If you are being asked your requirements as part of a phone screen, politely ask what the salary range is for the position. If they won't schedule an interview unless you give your salary requirements, tell them your requirements depend on a variety of factors including job content, health benefits, bonuses, commissions or profit sharing arrangements, training and advancement opportunities. Then give a very wide range.

Step Three: Don't lie about your current earnings.
Fearful of letting their current salaries limit their future income, some job candidates inflate their earnings. They do this at their own peril. Today, companies conduct more rigorous background checks -- some even ask to see W-2s! It's not uncommon for potential candidates to be eliminated for being less than straightforward about their salary history.

Your best bet is to avoid divulging your salary until you've had a chance to prove why you are worth more.

Step Four: Never accept or negotiate an offer on the spot.
No matter how good it sounds (or how desperate you are), never commit or discuss an offer until you've had time to thoroughly consider it. When you receive the offer, thank the employer and restate your desire to work for the organization, then tell them you need time to think it over.

Find out what the advancement opportunities are and how and when your performance and salary will be reviewed. Make sure to evaluate the entire compensation package including health and welfare benefits, vacation days, paid holidays, tuition reimbursement and company car, as well as other non-monetary elements.

Step Five: Don't be afraid to ask for more.
As long as you act respectfully, you have nothing to lose by asking what the company can do to bring you closer to your desired salary. In some cases the hiring manager has discretionary power to go 10 to 20 percent above the highest figure he or she mentions to get an exceptional candidate; besides, good managers always start low to give themselves negotiating room.

If they are firm on salary, it's often possible to negotiate some other aspect of the offer such as benefits, vacation or other incentives. Studies show the majority of employers are flexible on at least some element of the compensation package.

Step Six: Know when to stop.
During negotiations, the typical response to your counter proposal will be either to accept some of your terms or to refuse to negotiate at all. If the employer has stopped responding to your counter proposals or making concessions, it's time to end the negotiations.

Remember, you don't want to prolong a salary tug-of-war at the expense of losing the employer's goodwill -- or their offer.

Interview Checklist

2008-04-05T07:24:00.001-07:00

You just scheduled an interview. Congratulations! All your hard work putting the finishing touches on your résumé, networking and job searching has finally paid off. Follow these interview tips and you're sure to nail the interview and be the winning candidate:

Be prepared.
This means more than merely making extra copies of your résumé. It means having researched the industry and company, as well as thought about how your skills match the responsibilities of the position, says recruiter and career coach Rick Nelles.

Dress to impress.
Your interview attire should be tastefully simple, clean and wrinkle-free. Forgo trendy for conservative when deciding what to wear.

Be on time.
Being on time for an interview really means arriving at least 15 minutes before your scheduled interview. Not only will your punctuality be noted, the extra time allows you to calm down, focus and review your résumé and notes you prepared for the interview.

Make eye contact.
Greet your interviewer with a firm handshake, warm smile and direct eye contact. Avoiding the gaze of the interviewer can make you appear inexperienced, unsure of yourself and untrustworthy.

Show your enthusiasm.
If you're locked in a dead heat for a job with other candidates, you need to find a way to stand out. "In a tight candidate race, the most enthusiastic almost always gets the job," says Martin Yate, career coach and author of several career advice books, including "Knock 'Em Dead 2007 -- The Ultimate Job Search Guide." Your enthusiasm for the job tells the recruiter you will be a highly-motivated employee.

Demonstrate that you're a team player.
Employers want a team worker who can take direction, Yate advises. No one wants to hire an unmanageable employee. They also are looking for someone who can galvanize a team to work toward a common goal. So give some examples of how you worked together with colleagues to tackle a large project or service an important client.

Sell yourself.
The interview is a sales pitch in a sense. Have a list of things you want to make sure the interviewer knows about you and be ready to bring specific topics up on your own if they are not adequately touched on in the interview.

Be honest.
You should never stretch the truth on your résumé or during the interview. Today's technology makes fact checking far reaching and lightning quick. Remember, companies are looking to fill a position, not hand out the Nobel Peace Prize. You don't have to be a Renaissance man (or woman), just the right person for the job.

Act professionally.
You would think this goes without saying, but candidates often need to be reminded not to chew gum, slouch or steer the conversation too far off work-related themes. Sit up straight and conduct yourself with a professional demeanor at all times.

Ask questions.
An interview is meant to be a fact-finding mission for both the interviewer and the interviewee. Don't be afraid to ask questions about the responsibilities of the job, clients or projects. In fact, it is to your detriment to be completely passive and reactive in an interview. If you do not engage the interviewer, you appear weak and ineffective.

Say "thank you."
Close the interview with another firm handshake, a "thank you" and a smile. Ask when they will be making their decision and if you should follow-up. Later, send a note or e-mail thanking the interviewer for the time spent and letting them know you are interested in the position and will contact them again soon.

10 Ways to Blow the Interview

2008-04-05T07:23:00.002-07:00

Information abounds regarding what you should say in an interview. But it can be just as important to realize what not to say. It is also imperative to note that what you say say can be communicated through both your words and actions.

1. You arrive late to the interview.
What it means: "I really don't care about getting this position."

Arrive a healthy 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment to give you time to collect your thoughts, review your notes and make a good first impression.

2. You're rude to the receptionist.
What it means: "I'm difficult to get along with."

Receptionists are the gate keepers and it's their job to be the eyes and ears of the company," cautions Lauren Milligan, founder and CEO of ResuMAYDAY, Inc. Besides, if hired, you may need their cooperation one day.

3. You answer questions with trite or cliché responses.
What it means: "I'm just one of the crowd."

Telling the interviewer you are a perfectionist and expect too much of yourself is sure to elicit a yawn, if not a discreet roll of the eyes, Milligan warns. Prepare potential responses ahead of time to avoid relying on the usuals.

4. You don't ask questions.
What it means: "I'm not that interested in your company."

The interview should be a two-way conversation "to determine if you are the right fit for the company, and if the company is the right fit for you," Milligan says. Use the interview to gather as much information about your potential new position as possible.

5. You answer the standard "Tell us about yourself," with "What would you like to know?"
What it means: "I have nothing special to offer this company."

This is your opportunity to steer the conversation into areas where you truly shine. Don't waste this chance by appearing to lack any outstanding qualities you want to share. And please don't start with where you were born. Focus on your career unless your birthplace is relevant to the job.

6. You use inappropriate language.
What it means: "I'm unprofessional and if it shows in the short span of an interview, imagine what I'll be like in the office."

Even if they're only mild and somewhat acceptable words, there still is no place for them in the interview.

7. You trash-talk your former boss.
What it means: "I have no discretion; I'll blab any inside information."

"If you left your prior job on poor terms, you need to put this relationship in a positive light for the interview," Milligan advises. "Even if your boss was to blame." You never want to bring negativity or antagonistic emotions into the interview. Keep it positive and upbeat.

8. You ask the interviewer to not contact your former employer.
What it means: "I have something to hide."

Even if you do not get along with your boss, you can always name someone else in the organization as a reference.

9. You exaggerate your accomplishments or credentials.
What it means: "I'm not good enough on my own merits, so I need to lie to make myself look good."

A skilled interviewer can easily identify fabrications in your background or experience. State your qualifications with confidence. You don't have to be Superman to get hired; you just have to be right for the job.

10. You don't thank the interviewer.
What it means: "I have no manners."

Tips for Temps

2008-04-05T07:23:00.001-07:00

If you've been thinking about temporary or contract work while you sort out your career choices or gain experience, you're certainly not alone. An increasing number of professionals are choosing project work, and there are numerous opportunities available. In fact, a recent survey of executives by Robert Half International shows that two-thirds (66 percent) of companies are using as many or more temporary professionals today versus five years ago.

It's not hard to see why job seekers are attracted to this arrangement. Temporary professionals are often able to arrange their work schedules so they can effectively balance professional and personal priorities, and many -- especially those with hard-to-find skill sets -- earn more than their full-time counterparts.

But success in the role requires more than just responding to the first "temporary help wanted" sign you see. Here are some tips for getting the most out of interim work:

Find the right staffing service
If you decide that becoming a temporary professional is the right choice for you, how do you get started? First, find the right staffing firm. Many staffing services have Web sites that describe the level of service they provide as well as the types of companies and industries they focus on.

Your best bet is to identify a staffing firm that specializes in the field in which you have experience or interest. For example, if you're an accountant, you want a staffing firm that specializes in placing accounting and finance professionals. These firms typically have the knowledge to understand your needs and the contacts to find you the job you're looking for.

It's also wise to check with friends or family members who have worked with staffing firms in the past for recommendations. And call a handful of staffing firms in your area to ask the following questions:

# How long have you been in business?

# What is the market for someone with my skills?

# How many openings do you currently have for the position I seek?

# What makes your firm superior to others?

Also, pay attention to the details, like how promptly your inquiry is addressed and how you are treated over the phone. If your skills are a match for the types of jobs the staffing firm has available, you will be asked to schedule an interview with a representative from the firm. Bring a copy of your current resume as well as a list of references to the meeting.

Understand your responsibilities
Once you're offered an interim position, not only should you review the basic job duties and objectives with your staffing manager but also clarify all aspects of the job with your on-site supervisor upon your arrival. You'll avoid misunderstandings and be more productive if you seek clarification up front. The more you can do to obtain a big-picture view of your assignment, the better you'll be able to perform.

Ask for help and request feedback
Employers expect interim professionals to hit the ground running, but don't be afraid to ask for specific information that may be necessary for you to do the best job. This may include, for example, instruction on proprietary systems, unique business practices or customized features of a software application.

Throughout the assignment, seek feedback on your performance from your supervisors and those with whom you work closely. Requesting feedback and remaining open to guidance and constructive criticism will enable you to be more effective.

Take temporary assignments seriously
The biggest mistake interim workers can make is being shortsighted. While the position may be temporary, the impression you make is not. Remember that even brief assignments can offer many professional benefits, including opportunities to make valuable industry contacts and enhance your skills. Give your all from the first to the last day you're on the job.

Some temporary assignments will be more enjoyable and challenging than others. Nonetheless, bring the same level of energy, enthusiasm and professionalism to each job. In a recent survey by Robert Half International, 87 percent of executives said it is valuable to hire someone on a temporary basis as a means of evaluating him or her for a full-time position. The more professionally you approach a temporary assignment and the greater value you add to the project, the more likely managers will be to comment favorably on your performance to your staffing firm or even make you an offer for a full-time role.

Five Things New Grads Should Know About Job Hunting

2008-04-05T07:22:00.001-07:00

The class of 2006 is looking at a bright future with promising job prospects and salary increases.

Seventy percent of hiring managers say they plan to recruit recent college graduates this year, up from 62 percent in 2005, according to CareerBuilder.com’s "College Hiring 2006" survey. Plus, nearly one-in-five hiring managers expect to hire more recent college graduates in 2006 compared to last year and one-in-four plan to increase starting salaries.

College grads can also expect a bigger payoff this year. Twenty-seven percent of hiring managers anticipate increasing starting salaries for recent college graduates in 2006 and only 5 percent plan to decrease them. How much should new grads expect to earn? Thirty-four percent of hiring managers expect to offer between $20,000 and $30,000 and 28 percent expect to offer between $30,000 and $40,000. An additional 10 percent will offer between $40,000 and $50,000 and 7 percent will offer more than $50,000.

New grads won't have to pound the pavement for too long. Thirty-six percent of hiring managers say they will do the majority of their hiring of recent college graduates in the second quarter. Thirty-one percent say the majority of their hiring will take place in the third quarter.

With promising job opportunities, favorable salaries and plenty of free time, new grads should have no reason not to look for that first job. Make sure you know these top five things hiring managers look for when sizing up a candidate:

1. Relevant experience
Twenty-three percent of hiring managers say the candidate's ability to relate their experience to the job at hand is the most important factor in the hiring decision. Unfortunately, new graduates often underestimate the experience they have through internships, part-time jobs and extracurricular activities, but 63 percent of hiring managers say they view volunteer activities as relevant experience.

2. Fit within the company culture
Just because you look good on paper doesn't mean you're a shoo-in for the job. To 21 percent of employers, the trait they most want to see in a candidate is the ability to fit in with co-workers and the company. Offering up a blank stare when the interviewer asks why you are the right fit for the job will not go over well. Just be yourself, but mind your i's -- never insult, interrupt or irritate the interviewer. This can also be evaluated by that "unimportant" small talk at the beginning of an interview or non-job-related questions like "What was the last book you read?"

3. Educational background
Nineteen percent of hiring managers place the most emphasis on your educational background: the institution you attended, major, minor and degree earned. Be sure to also include courses taken and completed projects if relevant to the job. With grade point average, it's tricky. A good rule of thumb is to omit it unless it is 3.0 or higher and denote if it's your overall or major GPA.

4. Enthusiasm
Passion for the job is the top characteristic 19 percent of employers look for in a candidate. Employees who are passionate about their jobs tend to be more productive workers. The answer to "Why do you want to work here?" should always focus on the strengths of the company and the challenge of the position, not the perks. A "take or leave it" attitude about the job will leave the employer feeling the same about you.

5. Preparedness
Eight percent of hiring managers say the ideas you bring to the table and the questions you ask carry the most significance. Come in prepared to discuss how your qualifications can specifically contribute to the success of the company. Actually put yourself in that role and explain how you would perform your work and ways to improve it.

Five Worst-Case Interview Scenarios

2008-04-05T07:21:00.002-07:00

You thought you were prepared for that interview. But sometimes even the best laid plans can't ward off unexpected disaster. Besides having a getaway car waiting to quickly whisk you away from an awkward situation, there are ways to overcome even the most embarrassing interview situations.

Certified career counselor Susan Guarneri says to keep in mind that you are only human, as are your interviewers, and everyone knows that stuff happens. When the unthinkable happens in an interview, what's most important is how you manage the situation.

Here are some suggestions on how to handle unforeseen interview mishaps.

You're Late.
Whether you overslept or your train stalled on the tracks, either way, you know you're going to be late for your interview.

Solution: "If you can see you're going to be late, immediately call ahead and let them know," Guarneri advises. That way you won't keep your interviewer waiting and you give them the chance to call the shots -- squeeze you in for a later appointment or reschedule for another day.

You Forgot Your Résumé Materials.
You grabbed your briefcase, but left your portfolio stuffed with your beautifully printed résumés, letters of recommendation and work examples sitting on your kitchen table.

Solution: "This can be easily handled if you planned ahead properly," Guarneri suggests. "Don't rely on just a paper résumé. Have your résumé available online somewhere, such as a blog, personal Web site or in your e-mail. Then it can be instantly retrieved from the interviewer's office."

You Have a Wardrobe Malfunction.
Somewhere between your house and the interviewer's office your smartly pressed suit ends up looking stupid. This happened to one of Guarneri's clients who was splashed by a passing cab right outside the building of the company with which he was going to interview.

Solution: Guarneri recommends continuing to your interview and briefly explaining what happened. Almost everyone has had a wardrobe malfunction occur at an inopportune time -- your interviewer will likely be empathetic to your mud speckled trousers.

You Forget the Name of the Person You're Interviewing With.
You're nervous during an interview and it's common for your mind to go blank.

Solution: If you didn't write it down on, don't see a nameplate on the desk, or can't read it off of certificates adorning the walls, don't fake it, Guarneri warns. Find an opportune time to ask the interviewer for his or her business card, by saying something like, "Before I forget, could have one of your business cards?"

The Interviewer is Distracted.
Another of Guarneri's clients entered an interview only to find the interviewer sitting with his head in his hands and didn't even look up when her client entered the room and sat down.

Solution: If they're not listening when you're talking, are they bored? Are they stressed with other projects? "Pick up on the emotional cues the interviewer is delivering," Guarneri says. "Then recognize the situation and get their attention." In this case, her client said, "If this is a really bad time, I can come back." It ended up the interviewer had just found out his dog had died. Although it wasn't the ideal situation, this gave her client, who has a dog, a chance to connect with the interviewer and they both began sharing dog stories. (He ended up getting the job with just that one interview.)

Guarneri says job seekers often stress when something goes wrong in an interview, but how you manage a challenging situation can say a lot about you. She had a client who flew to Buffalo, New York for an interview and was snowed in by a winter storm. He ended up arriving at the interview three days late, with a rumpled suit (the only clothes he had to wear for the three days) and mismatched shoes (he lost his shoes and had to buy new ones at a nearby thrift store). His perseverance and genuine interest in the position -- along with a healthy dose of humor about the whole situation -- landed him the job.

What Can I Do With a Liberal Arts Degree?

2008-04-05T07:21:00.001-07:00

Perhaps the most persistent -- and often most annoying -- question college students hear throughout their years (second only to "What's your major?") is "So what are you going to do with your major?"

The truth, for many of them, is that they simply don't know. And that is totally OK.

While choosing a major will help you prepare for a career in a specific field, it can also provide a solid basis for pursuing a career in a seemingly dissimilar field. For example, history majors can go into government, journalism or even museum work, and it's not unusual for theater majors to work in business.

Before you think about what you're going to do with your major, find out what you can you do with your major.

Art:
So daddy wasn't thrilled when you announced that you were switching from pre-med to art history, eh? "At least I'll be rich in spirit," you offer as the smallest hints of tears replace the dollar signs in his eyes.

But art majors aren't necessarily destined to be starving artists. You can go into any number of fields, ranging from commercial art, media and photography to art therapy. If you've still got a place in your heart for scrubs, supplement your studies with psychology or counseling courses to pursue art therapy. If commercial art appeals to you, intern with a photographer, magazine or other media outlet and compile a portfolio as you go along. The same goes for studio art, wherein interning or volunteering for a museum will help you see the administrative side of this field.

Biological Sciences:
Lest you shy away from concentrating on the biological sciences (biology, microbiology, zoology, etc.) because you don't want to go to grad school, know that there are plenty of career options for those with bachelor's degrees in biology. Not only does an undergraduate degree prepare you for a career in the rapidly-growing healthcare industry, it also qualifies you to work as a laboratory assistant, technician, technologist or research assistant.

Should you feel the need to break out of the lab, you could also do non-technical work like writing, illustration, sales, photography and legislation by signing up for relevant electives, doing part-time work or interning.

Psychology:
Yet another major that seems to ensure that, unless you have a graduate degree, you'll be reduced to spouting Freud to the patrons you serve at the local café after graduation.

Not so. Psychology provides a strong liberal arts background, allowing graduates to pursue work in several fields like public relations, retail management, sales, market research, advertising and education. Again, it's important to pursue outside interests in different fields, both to further your work experience and make contacts.

English:
Majoring in English isn't just for future teachers anymore. Those with a background in English have a variety of options when it comes to choosing their fields of work, including law, public relations, advertising, publishing and well, okay, teaching. English majors looking to work in law should obtain summer work at law firms and tweak their speech and debate skills. Picking up an LSAT prep book probably wouldn't hurt, either.

Foreign Language:
Yes, you've taught all of your friends dirty words in three different languages, but what else can you do? Well, a lot, actually.

For one thing, the government (including the FBI, CIA, Customs Service and the Library of Congress) is one of the largest employers of people with foreign language skills. Foreign language majors can also go into arts and entertainment by working at museums, book publishers and film companies, or into commerce and work at American firms abroad or international firms in the U.S.

Travel, tourism, service and education are also popular industries for foreign language graduates. Try to become as accustomed to the culture of the language(s) you're studying as possible, in any way possible, from studying or working abroad to renting foreign language movies and books.

Political Science:
So you want to go into politics, but you're neither an Austrian bodybuilder/movie star nor a former professional wrestler... that's probably okay. In fact, some might say a more typical approach would be to supplement that political science major with participation in student government, a model United Nations or local political campaigns if they hope to go into government, law or politics.

Other career options include journalism, non-profit work, business, broadcasting or education. A degree in political science can also be good preparation for post-graduate studies in psychology, law and business.

Whatever your major, keep your options open by volunteering, interning, doing part-time work or taking classes in other areas that interest you. Involve yourself in community events and get to know local professionals who can give you contacts, advice and references.

And the next time someone hassles you about what you're going to do with your major, resist the urge to tell that person where you'd like to stick it; instead, say with every confidence that you have a variety of options to pursue, but you don't want to narrow them down quite yet.

Seven Networking Myths: Fact or Fiction?

2008-04-05T07:20:00.003-07:00

One of the most important career management skills you can develop is the ability to network. Unfortunately, for some, the thought of "working a room" or placing business cards into other people's hands can be downright intimidating. But networking doesn't require bold tactics to be effective. In fact, it's this perception -- and others -- that discourage many job seekers from networking in the first place.

If you let these myths deter you, you may miss out on making important professional contacts and, as a result, career advancement opportunities. Following are some common perceptions about networking. How well can you separate fact from fiction?

It's "old school." Fiction.
To the contrary, there's clear evidence that networking is gaining popularity. Nearly half (48 percent) of professionals polled by Robert Half International said they're doing more professional networking now than three years ago, perhaps because workers know the vast majority of jobs are never advertised anywhere; instead they are filled through word of mouth.

You need to be an extrovert. Fiction.
You don't have to be especially gregarious or outgoing to make meaningful connections in your industry. If crowds make you uncomfortable, consider creating your own networking opportunities. Invite several of your friends or co-workers to lunch and request that they bring along two other contacts. A more intimate setting may help put you at ease. If you feel shy or flustered, ask questions to shift attention away from yourself. Since most people enjoy talking about themselves, you'll have no trouble keeping the discussion rolling.

Networking is time-consuming. Fiction.
Trade shows and meet-and-greet events aren't the only venues to forge new relationships. You can -- and should -- reach out to people while going about your normal routine -- waiting in line at the supermarket or pumping iron at the gym, for example. Don't miss the opportunity to make conversation with those you meet outside of professional settings; valuable contacts can come from any number of sources.

Only face-to-face interactions pay off. Fiction.
Virtual chat rooms and discussion lists are an excellent way to network with your peers and obtain specific information and advice from the comfort of your own home or office. Becoming a member of an online community, like Friendster or LinkedIn, also can lead to serendipitous -- yet useful -- connections. Just be sure to be polite in all of your interactions and offer useful information to your contacts.

Small talk is a turnoff. Fiction.
Many people cringe at the prospect of making small talk, but it's often the first step to getting a more meaningful conversation started. You don't have to limit yourself to topics like the weather or your alma mater. Ask potential contacts whether they've taken any interesting vacations or eaten at the new restaurant down the street -- anything you'd genuinely be interested in learning about. Also, prepare some stories of your own to share, such as a quirky news item you've come across or celebrity encounter you once had, in case your conversation partner is a bit bashful.

Your contacts will be annoyed if you ask for help. Fiction.
Asking people for information and advice is hardly bothersome, as long as you do so gracefully. In fact, 37 percent of workers polled by Robert Half International said the biggest mistake people make when networking is not asking for help. When soliciting assistance, make it easy for the other person. For instance, if you ask someone to serve as a professional reference, provide that person with a copy of your résumé and let him or her know when a potential employer might be calling.

It's just as important to give as it is to receive. Fact.
Consistently serving as a resource to others is the most effective way to forge long-term relationships. Offer to help whenever you can and always respond promptly to the requests you receive. Forwarding relevant news articles and information to your contacts is another way to build rapport and stay in touch.

Many job seekers limit the effectiveness of their networking efforts by believing in myths more than themselves. Overcoming these misconceptions will help you make the most of your activities and develop a circle of long-lasting professional contacts.

10 Things That Will Get You Hired

2008-04-05T07:20:00.001-07:00

Do you want to extend your time looking for a job? Of course not. Candidates are always on the lookout for the most efficient, effective way to find new work. The following tips -- when heeded during the job search and interview processes -- can make job hunting go by faster:

1. Customize your résumé and cover letter.
It might seem faster to blast off generic materials to dozens of employers, but this will cost you time in the long run. Tailor your résumé and cover letter to each open position to clearly demonstrate how your experience fills the employers' requirements. For example, if you're applying for a public relations role, give your PR experience a prime spot on your résumé.

2. Diversify your search.
If you've been responding to newspaper ads with no response, also post your résumé online, search some job Web sites, talk to your friends and attend an industry trade show. The more ways you search, the more likely you are to connect with the right employers.

3. Don't go solo.
Your friends, family and former co-workers each have a network of their own -- and a friend-of-a-friend might hold the perfect lead. Don't be shy: Reach out to your network and let your contacts know you're on the job market.

4. Find a company where you fit in.
Browse potential employers' Web sites and ask your friends about what it's like to work at their companies. Employers are looking for candidates who would be a good fit and thrive within the company culture.

5. Don't get discouraged.
Experts estimate the average job search to last anywhere between three and 10 months -- and that means a lot of rejection. Keep at it: Your dream job is out there.

6. Always be prepared.
You can never be too prepared for your first meeting with a potential employer. Before your interview, always browse the company's Web site. Find out as much as you can about the company's products, leadership, mission and culture, and prepare answers to common interview questions.

7. Be on time.
Whether it's an informational interview, an open house or a formal interview, always arrive about 10 minutes early. Allow plenty of time for traffic and poor weather.

8. Dress and act the part.
In a business setting, always dress in professional clothing in the best quality you can afford. Take the industry and employer into consideration, but a business suit is almost always appropriate for interviews.

9. Listen more than you talk.
Even if you're nervous at an interview, try not to ramble. By keeping your mouth shut, you can learn valuable information about the company and avoid saying something that you'll wish you hadn't.

10. Ask good questions.
At the end of an interview, the employer will inevitably ask if you have any questions. Have a list of questions prepared that showcase your company research and interest in the position.

Six Ways to Screw Up an Online Job Application

2008-04-05T07:18:00.000-07:00

Have you ever submitted a fabulous résumé and cover letter for a job you felt perfectly suited for... then heard nothing from the employer?

There are the usual reasons your phone may not ring or your e-mail may not chirp -- the company was restructured, the current job-holder decided to stay, the boss's nephew got the job. But if you find yourself not making it to the interview on a regular basis, you may be making some common mistakes that relegate résumés to the trash.

If you're applying for jobs online you'll find an abundance of articles about how to format a résumé, so we'll focus on some don'ts. To begin here's a scenario similar to what HR departments see every day:

"Hey, we've got a great candidate for customer service here. The only problem is her e-mail address." You check it out and see she has sent her application from gothicbikerwitch@hotmail.com. It certainly conjures up an image, but not one usually associated with friendly, efficient customer service. This illustrates the first thing applicants can do wrong when applying online:

1. Using an unprofessional e-mail address.
Whether it's the candidate for a management position who lists his e-mail address as cuddlybuns@msn.com or the applicant who writes from worksucks@mail.com, an e-mail address can and will be held against you if it conveys an image contrary to what a company is looking for.

2. Submitting your résumé as an e-mail attachment.
E-mail attachments from strangers (or friends who haven't kept their computer systems up-to-date) are more likely to contain viruses than the résumés, love letters or photos of Paris Hilton promised in the subject line. Instead, send your résumé in the body of an e-mail, unless the employer specifically asks you to send an attachment.

3. Leaving the subject line blank.
The subject line helps get your e-mail through to the right person so you can be considered for the right job. If the job listing doesn't say what to put in the subject line, use the job title with "Experienced" in front of it (e.g. Experienced Brain Surgeon).

4. Using obscure software.
If the employer asks you to send an attachment, don't create it in some little-known program they'll need a Ph.D. in computer systems to figure out. Instead, attach a Word document or an RTF file that can be read on all types of computer systems.

5. Ignoring instructions.
For example, if the employer asks you to fill out an online form ... actually fill it out. Don't paste your entire résumé into the first box on the form then say "see above" in the boxes that follow. The employer may be looking for specific things in each part of the form.

6. Trusting the spell check to catch typos.
One applicant who applied to FabJob said "As I would very much like to develop a relationship with Fabio, I am willing to be flexible..." To avoid potential embarrassment, make sure you read twice before hitting send.

Next time you apply online we hope you make such a great impression you end up with that corner office the boss's nephew wanted.

Does a College Degree Really Matter?

2008-04-05T07:17:00.002-07:00

If college drop-outs like Bill Gates, Michael Dell, Steve Jobs, Larry Ellison and Richard Branson all run wildly successful enterprises, why is Melissa Gerry,* a mid-level manager with years of experience -- but no college degree -- having such a hard time finding a job?

Gerry joined a Fortune 100 company right out of high school starting out as a secretary and working her way up to marketing manager. Gerry performed well and was highly regarded. But when the company she worked for merged with a larger organization and moved its headquarters across the country, Gerry found herself looking for work for the first time in 15 years. Unfortunately, after months of searching, all she's been able to land are secretarial assignments. Why? Gerry believes it's because she didn't go to college.

While in the past, a college degree may have been optional, these days it seems to have become the minimum requirement for getting a good job and succeeding in the workforce.

Jeff Blass,* a 40 year old mid-level manager at a major food company, believes his lack of degree has stalled his advancement opportunities. "It didn't keep me from moving out of the mailroom," he says. "However, it seems to be holding me back now."

Nicole McMillen, executive director for Pre-Paid Legal Services, left college to get married and start a family and just recently entered the workforce. Ostensibly, McMillen would have had several strikes against her: no degree, no experience and a late start to boot! Yet on the contrary, McMillen says she had no trouble finding work -- or getting promoted.

"I suppose it depends on the type of position you're looking for," says McMillen, who represents her firm to large corporations and other employers. "For me, it's all been about performance and results."

No one disputes that a college degree opens doors.

"Most college degrees don't necessarily qualify the graduate for anything," says Charles Murray, co-author of "The Bell Curve," a book which explores the role of intelligence in American life. Murray contends that a college education need be no more important for most white collar professions as it is for, say, a basketball player. "Walk into Microsoft or Google with evidence that you're a brilliant hacker, and the job interviewer is not going to fret if you lack a college transcript," Murray says.

Murray predicts that providing an employer with evidence that you are good at something without the benefit of a college degree is become more acceptable as companies become more sophisticated about what it takes to do the job and what a college education actually provides.

For example: Terry Jones, CEO of Travelocity, was a history major at Denison University; Murry Gerber, President and CEO of Equitable Resources, was a geology major at Augustana College; Kay Krill, CEO of Ann Taylor, majored in psychology at Agnes Scott College, while Anne Sweeney, president of Disney-ABC Television Group was an education major at the University of Rochelle.

Then there are CEOs like Carly Fiorina (formerly of Hewlett Packard) who majored in medieval history and philosophy and Michael Eisner (formerly of Disney) who majored in English and never took a single business course.

Or as McMillen puts it, "I've found that knowing and believing in your abilities, presenting yourself in an articulate, polished manner, and making an effort to connect with others can overcome -- and even make the interviewer overlook -- that missing credential at the bottom of your resume."

The Best Questions to Ask in the Interview

2008-04-05T07:17:00.001-07:00

An interview is meant to be a two-way street. The hiring manager is interviewing you to determine whether you're the best fit for the job. At the same time, you should be asking questions to determine whether you would be happy in the position or with the company.

But once nerves take over, it's easy to forget your role. After all, you're meeting on the employer's schedule in an unfamiliar office. After listening to the interviewer's monologue about the company and role, you're asked a barrage of questions about your background and future plans " all the while praying that you're delivering the "right" answers.

By the time the employer asks if you have any questions, it's easy to be so drained and nervous you can only stammer out, "Nope."

Not asking questions, however, is passing up a chance to stand out from the competition.

"This is a great opportunity to set you apart in a positive way from other people being considered for the job," says Eddie Payne, division manager of professional staffing for recruiting firm FGP International. "Employers say they are interested in candidates who ask quality questions and make intelligent conversation based on what they know about the organization."

Before the interview, prepare a list of questions that demonstrate your knowledge of the company and interest in the position. Some good topics to cover include:

The company
Dave Stanford, executive vice president of client services for contingency and contract staffing firm Winter, Wyman Companies suggests asking:
# What do you see ahead for your company in the next five years?

# How do you see the future for this industry?

# What do you consider to be your firm's most important assets?

# What can you tell me about your new product or plans for growth?

# How do you rate your competition?

The position's history
Asking about why the position is vacant can provide insight into the company and the potential for advancement. According to Annie Stevens and Greg Gostanian, managing partners at executive and career development firm ClearRock, good questions include:
# What happened to the last person who held this job?

# What were the major strengths and weaknesses of the last person who held this job?

# What types of skills do you NOT already have onboard that you're looking to fill with a new hire?

The department
Asking about your department's workers and role in the company can help you understand more about the company's culture and hierarchy. Stanford suggests asking:
# What is the overall structure of the company and how does your department fit the structure?

# What are the career paths in this department?

# What have been the department's successes in the last couple of years?

# How do you view your group/division/department?

The job's responsibilities
To avoid any confusion later on, it pays to gain a solid understanding of the position. FGP International's Eddie Payne recommends inquiring:
# What would you consider to be the most important aspects of this job?

# What are the skills and attributes you value most for someone being hired for this position?

# Where have successful employees previously in this position progressed to within the company?

# Could you describe a typical day or week in this position? The typical client or customer I would be dealing with?

The expectations
To determine how and when you will evaluated, Payne recommend advises asking:
# What are the most immediate challenges of the position that need to be addressed in the first three months?

# What are the performance expectations of this position over the first 12 months?

# How will I be evaluated at XYZ company, and how often?

The next steps
At the end of the interview, don't forget to ask:
# What are the next steps in the interview process?

10 Questions to Dazzle Would-Be Employers

2008-04-05T07:14:00.000-07:00

Your suit is crisp -- you look impressive. Your résumé is flawless -- you seem great on paper. Now, for the last piece of the successful job search puzzle -- "wowing" them at the interview.

How do you do it? Try asking questions. Besides showing your interest in the position and the company, asking questions gives you an active role in the interview and lets you steer the interview into areas where you shine.

To make sure your next interview is as smooth as your freshly pressed suit, try these 10 questions on for size:

1. "What type of growth and advancement opportunities does this position and the company offer?"
This tells the interviewer that you have a long-term vision for your professional future and that you're not just looking for a paycheck; you're looking to secure a career.

2. "How do you see me benefiting the company?"
Finding out why you were selected out of possibly hundreds of other candidates gives you a chance to expand on the qualities that caught their eye, further making the case for your hire.

3. "What would my first project be if I'm hired?"
This will give you a specific idea of what you can expect when you walk into the office that first day after being hired. It also can give you a heads up as to what will be expected of you, allowing you to build on those attributes during the interview.

4. "Are continuing education and professional training stressed?"
This shows your willingness to learn new skills and adapt to new challenges or initiatives. Adaptability is very important in today's fickle economy and could be key to retaining your job in a reorganization.

5. "Why did you choose this company?"
Hearing why a current employee opted to work at the firm can give you some insight into some of the strengths and opportunities within the organization.

6. "What is the company's culture?"
This will reveal those "intangibles" of a company that have nothing to do with professional experience or required education. If you need a traditional, office/cube environment to stay focused and get the job done, a more creativity-driven workplace which allows music streaming from computers, nerf hoop tournaments and ultraflexible schedules may not be conducive to your productivity.

7. "Who will evaluate me if I'm hired?"
Ask this question, and you'll discern the company and departmental structure under which you will be working. For instance, will you report directly to the vice president or will there be a succession of middle managers between you?

8. "What exactly are the job responsibilities?"
Job ads usually list the general areas of responsibility for a position. It's always good to confirm what the actual duties will be. You don't want to start your new job as an engineer and find out you're responsible for the weekly doughnut run.

9. "When will a decision be made on the successful candidate?"
Knowing this helps you determine the timing of your interview follow-up activities.

10. "May I contact you if I have other questions?"
It's always good to wrap up the interview with this question. It keeps the door open for further communication, giving you one last chance to make your case.

How to Land a Good Summer Job

2008-03-31T12:32:00.001-07:00

Summer jobs aren't just for students anymore. Teachers on break, retirees looking for some extra cash, and workers considering a career change are all examples of people who can benefit from trying a new job during the summer.

The Opportunities

Whether for students or established workers, summer job opportunities are more varied than life-guarding at the local pool. Here's a sampling of the industries that typically hire for the summer, and what types of workers they need:

* Construction. Summer is prime time for building, especially in the Midwest and Northeast, where harsh winters prevent outdoor work. And although the housing market's slump may have slowed home construction, road repairs will still go forward. Not all the jobs involve heavy lifting or standing in the sun all day holding a stop sign. Project managers and engineers are in demand for these summer gigs as well, says Jocelyn Lincoln, senior director of Americas marketing for Kelly Services.

* Tourism. Resorts, national parks, and travel companies all see an increase in business during the summer. They'll hire people to work onsite but may also need help behind the scenes. Jobs may be available working the phones for customer service, for example, Lincoln said.

* Agriculture and landscaping. Like construction, these industries need a lot more workers in the summer than in the winter. And again, although some jobs will involve working on the landscape crew, landscaping companies may also hire extra people to answer customers' questions and schedule jobs.

* Other fields. Even in industries where there's no particular uptick in work to be done over the summer, there may be opportunities. Workers go on vacation, after all, and in some cases companies have to fill their positions for a few weeks.

The Summer 2008 Outlook

"Summer jobs can be like auditions," said John Challenger, CEO of global outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas. Some of the jobs may turn into full-time employment for the right worker.

The slowing economy may make it a bit tougher this summer than it is sometimes to find work. But there will still be work available.

"I think it will be a tougher season this year for summer jobs, but the last couple of years have been boom years," Challenger said.

The Hiring Process

For those interested, the time to start looking is now. Lincoln said recruiting is likely to start in March or April, which is when companies start planning their summer projects and looking at their staffing needs.

Companies may well be filling some jobs, especially lower-level ones, later in the spring and even into the summer. But "the higher skilled the job, the harder it is for the company to find people with those skills, and the more the hiring process moves back," Challenger said.

As for the skills workers need to land a summer job, they're similar to what any job requires: technical know-how, communication skills, reliability. But since summer jobs don't last long, companies are especially reluctant to hire anyone who needs extensive training. Flexibility and a willingness to just get the job done are critical.

How to Ask for a Helping Hand

2008-03-31T11:07:00.001-07:00

No man (or woman) is an island. Sooner or later, we all need an assist, whether it be with a problem, a project, or a promotion.

Deborah Brown-Volkman, author of "The Right Words for the Right Job," notes, "Your career can span 30, 40, 50 years or more, so there's a good chance you'll hit a bump in the road at some time and will need some assistance."

Maybe you're not sure how to ask for a colleague's aid. Or perhaps you're too proud. Put your pride aside and use the following three tips from Brown-Volkman to feel more comfortable with the process, and get the help you need to get ahead.

Strong Isn't Silent

Strong people ask for help. Weak people muddle through a bad situation on their own, often not really resolving anything. Be strong and speak up, advises Brown-Volkman.

"Don't assume that someone will think less of you for opening up and sharing that your career might not be going well at the moment." In fact, rather than judging your situation, your confidante will probably be flattered. She adds, "The person you ask will likely feel honored that you asked for her guidance."

There's Strength in Numbers

Two heads (or more) really are better than one when it comes to analyzing your problem and deciding what action to take. "With other people to listen to and support you, you can tackle the world," says Brown-Volkman, who works with a number of executives.

Not only will you have the benefit of extra advice, she adds, "You will have people to share your successes with, and people who will reassure you during any momentary setbacks you may encounter."

It's Only Temporary

Asking for help from time to time doesn't mean you'll need it all the time. Brown-Volkman reminds workers, "Seasons change, and careers go in cycles also. Sometimes we are soaring, and other times we are confused and disappointed."

She urges people who are faced with challenges to realize that "the 'down' cycle will end one day." Remember, too, that the folks who help you through a rough patch may well come to you for a similar favor one day.

Maximize Your Long-Term Salary Growth

2008-03-31T11:05:00.001-07:00

If you're happy with your current salary, it would be easy to just sit back and enjoy it. But if you want to make sure your earnings keep rising over the long term, you need a strategy to protect against salary plateaus and unemployment.

Experts offer the following tips for maximizing your earnings over the course of your career.

* Watch industry trends carefully.

"If your professional area is vulnerable to economic shifts, don't cling to it just because it is familiar and comfortable," said Libby Pannwitt, principal of the Work Life Design Group, in San Carlos, California. Take a class or even get an advanced degree to arm yourself with skills that are more enduring.

For example, Marianne Adoradio, a recruiter and career counselor in Silicon Valley, said she sees otherwise excellent candidates for human resources positions who don't have global experience -- something that is a requirement for more and more positions. She advises people in the field -- even if they aren't currently job-hunting -- to make sure they're working on projects with a global component. If they aren't, they need to ask their boss how they can gain this experience.

* If you reach a salary plateau, understand the reason.

In many fields, people start out their careers with a succession of rapid salary increases. These increases taper off after a time, though, unless they enter management. Some companies have career paths for non-managers with highly specialized skills, so if you're not interested in management, you may want to pursue one of those.

If the problem is that your field of expertise is no longer in as much demand as it used to be, then you may need to look at a move to a related field.

* Make yourself marketable outside your company as well as inside.

"The most successful people develop themselves to add a lot of value to any company in the industry, not just their company alone," said Steve Levin, principal of Leading Change Consulting & Coaching, in Portola Valley, California. This will give you more leverage in internal negotiations -- and more options if you decide to leave your current company.

One tip for being marketable across an industry: Try to work for "name-brand companies," Adoradio said. Recruiters often prefer candidates who have worked for industry-leading companies. Having one on your resume will help your long-term career prospects.

* Consider multiple income streams.

Some people branch out from their main job to take on consulting work or teach a course in their field. This may help advance your primary career if the work helps you stay current or showcases your expertise. If your second job is in a different field, the second income will increase your earnings and help shield you from the downturns in your main industry.

* Don't focus too narrowly on money.

"Raises and promotions are given to people who generate trust and demonstrate competence to handle more complexity," Levin said. Focus on this, and the money will likely follow.

And remember that learning new skills in a job can be just as important as the money.

"When that learning stops, when that development stops, it's time to move," said Leslie G. Griffen, managing partner of Career Management Associates, in Overland Park, Kansas.

Golden Opportunities: Second Careers for Retirees

2008-03-31T11:04:00.000-07:00

Retirement today is less about golfing and tanning. Recent trends in the labor market indicate that this generation of retirees will extend their work lives, opting for the office rather than taking off for Florida. The retirees' motivations differ, whether it's to stay engaged in society, to look for something more personally fulfilling, to exercise creativity, or to simply have something to do.

But employers see a singular advantage in retirees: a pool of untapped resources.

As Baby Boomers approach retirement age, their options for second careers abound. Below are some of the high-demand jobs (with links to median salary profiles) that recent retirees should consider.

Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant

What they do: Much as the title implies, the physical therapist assistant reports to a physical therapist and aids patients with rehabilitative activities to improve mobility and alleviate pain. This includes demonstrating and assisting in the instruction of exercises, and testing and evaluating patients.
What it takes: Associate's degree and licensure as a physical therapist assistant
What they earn: $19.82/hour

Pharmacy Technician

What they do: Though they handle and dispense medical prescriptions, pharmacy technicians work directly under the supervision of a registered pharmacist and do not need any specialized degree. As such, they do perform various clerical duties related to the department: receiving, storing, and managing inventory, verifying stock, and entering data into the computer to maintain records.
What it takes: High school diploma and up to 3 years of clinical experience in a related field
What they earn: $14.02/hour

Veterinary Assistant

What they do: For life-long animal lovers, this vocation promises to be fulfilling, and you'll work like a dog. The veterinary assistant works under the supervision of a veterinarian, preparing treatment rooms where the animals are examined, restraining animals during exams and treatments, administering injections, checking vitals, cleaning teeth, and applying wound dressings.
What it takes: High school diploma or equivalent
What they earn: $12.34/hour

Customer Service Representative

What they do: The customer is always right, and this position focuses on fulfilling that mantra by serving as the clientele's support system. Customer service representatives process orders, prepare correspondence, and fulfill customer needs to ensure their satisfaction.
What it takes: High school diploma or equivalent and up to 3 years of related experience
What they earn: $14.32/hour

Home Care Aide

What they do: Nurturers need only apply: home care aides support patients by providing personal care such as bathing, grooming, feeding, and other aspects of daily living. They often train families of clients in assisting with such activities and report to a registered nurse.
What it takes: High school diploma or equivalent; up to 2 years of related experience; various certifications according to state; CPR certification.
What they earn: $9.70/hour

Database Administrator

What they do: The keeper of all information, the database administrator maintains, develops, and implements policies and procedures for ensuring the security and integrity of a company's database. This means taking charge of data models, database designs, data access and table maintenance codes, and resolving database performance and capacity issues.
What it takes: Bachelor's degree in a related area and 2-4 years of related experience
What they earn: $41.10/hour

Retail Sales Staff

What they do: What comes around goes around, as the most common stepping stone for adolescents' entry into the working world resurfaces as an equally attractive career for those having just recently left it. It's no wonder, as this highly social position requires no prior experience. Retail sales staffers learn to sell goods and attend to customers on the selling floor under the supervision of a store manager.
What it takes: High school diploma or equivalent
What they earn: $10.33/hour

Account Executive

What they do: If you've always enjoyed maintaining client relations, this position will provide you with the perfect environment in which to utilize contacts you've established throughout your working life. An account executive develops and maintains relationships with new and existing clients in order to increase a company's business. This involves sustaining and renewing client contracts as well as directing the work of others.
What it takes: Bachelor's degree and at least 3 years of related experience
What they earn: $28.82/hour

Accountant

What they do: Accountants assess a company's financial status by preparing balance sheets, profit and loss statements, and other financial reports. They analyze trends, costs, revenues, and financial commitments in order to predict future revenues and expenses, reporting the organization's finances to management while offering suggestions about tax strategies and the utilization of resources.
What it takes: Bachelor's degree in accounting and up to 2 years of related experience
What they earn: $19.42/hour

Public School Teacher

What they do: Teachers leave an enormous impact on their students for years to come. If you're looking for a fulfilling career that will leave an imprint, a teacher does just that by preparing lesson plans and instructing students. They evaluate and monitor each student's performance, encouraging them to strive and do their best.
What it takes: Bachelor's degree and 2-4 years of related experience
What they earn: $23.29/hour

Good Friend, Bad Reference

2008-03-31T11:03:00.002-07:00

Good references are an essential part of job searching and networking. A solid reference can often mean more than experience or education when it comes to beating out the competition. What happens, though, when someone in your network asks you to act as a reference and you're not sure you can provide the stellar endorsement he or she seeks?

Your character is on the line when you sanction someone to another professional, and if she's got shortcomings you could be shooting yourself in the foot if you recommend her. Read on for four ways to handle this sticky situation without risking your reputation -- or your friendship with the reference-seeker.

Just the Facts

Because of a fear of lawsuits or retribution, many people are afraid to offer up any kind of information outside of confirming the facts about an applicant's employment history. Employers are aware of this, so you may be able to act as a reference merely by verifying an individual's title, dates of employment, and salary. If a hiring manager asks for additional information, you can say that you're not comfortable discussing the matter.

Short and Sweet

If you'd like to (or feel you may be forced to) go beyond confirming a cursory list of facts, be prepared by coming up with a list of the individual's strengths ahead of time. Choose her positive traits carefully and sincerely and then compile a short list of areas in which she needs to "grow." Explain them in a constructive manner, leading with a positive trait and segueing into one that needs improvement. For example, say, "Jane is a solid team player, but the opportunity to work more independently might help her grow professionally."

Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word

You don't have to tell your job-seeking friend that you don't think you can be a good reference for him. Rather, you can tell him you're not comfortable being a reference at all. You can mention a fear of legal action or the fact that you hate talking on the phone, or are unreliable when it comes to returning phone calls. Whatever excuse you use, tell your associate that it's nothing personal; you'd just really prefer not to be anyone's reference. It's a white lie, but one that may save your friendship while allowing him to save face with potential employers.

Tag, You're It

Despite the extreme popularity of PDAs and mobile phones, it's become harder than ever to get people on the phone. If you can't bring yourself to act as a reference or be honest with your friend about your reluctance, avoidance may be the best bet for you. You can choose to ignore a recruiter's call and then conveniently "forget" to return the call. Or you can return the call at an hour when you're certain the recruiter won't be at his desk.

This approach is a bit cowardly, but keep in mind that most folks have multiple references and it may take just one compelling endorsement to land a job. However, if a recruiter is phoning repeatedly, as is your frantic job-seeking friend, then pick up the phone and at least confirm facts (see first tip above) rather than hold up the hiring process.

Will Job-Hopping Hurt Your Career?

2008-03-31T11:03:00.001-07:00

Edward Muzio's grandfather worked in the same company his whole life. His mother labored in the same industry until she retired, though for different employers. But that kind of longevity was not for Edward and his brother, who have worked in six different career fields during 30 combined years.

Muzio, president and CEO of Group Harmonics Inc., in Albuquerque, New Mexico, says accelerated movement -- often called job-hopping -- is becoming the norm.

"Not long ago we all said that the average person changes jobs about seven times in his or her lifetime; now we say it's probably more than 10 jobs over at least five different careers," he explains.

It's a generational trend, experts say. Generations X and Y are more comfortable switching jobs every few years than their predecessors were, and as they scale the ranks of the job market, such changes are increasingly accepted and understood. But some call it a lack of commitment that's damaging to workers and employers.

The New Norm?

Some experts say frequent job changes don't mean death to your career -- they're just part of work life.

"I don't think you can be judgmental [and say it's] good or bad -- it just is; it's a fact of life in today's workplace. It's fruitless to impose a judgment on it," explains Sally Haver, senior vice president of business development at the Ayers Group in New York. "If people don't move with change, they get left in the dust."

Rich Gee, an executive career coach based in Stamford, Connecticut, agrees, and suggests finding a new term for job-hopping.

"It's just the nature of the beast of employment: Expect people to leave after two to three years, and be happy if they stick around longer," Gee says.

Brooks Savage, CEO of the Executive Staffing Group in Raleigh, North Carolina, sees it differently.

"When you don't have someone stay in a post two to three years, how do you learn? To get a degree out of college at least takes four years," he says, noting neither he nor his clients are interested in resumes of job-hoppers (people who change positions every year or so). He'll also ask candidates about any jobs where they spent less than five years.

Savage questions the commitment of individuals who don't stick around long, and says the U.S. job market could change dramatically if commitment levels don't increase.

Job-Hopping Pros & Cons

Ultimately, it's important to plan carefully when evaluating a job change and not switch too often, experts say, citing the following pros and cons:

* Pro: Pay increases. "The way you make a large jump in your pay scale is when you leave a company and go to another one. It's proven time and time again," Gee says.
* Pro: Networking. Gee says different gigs expose you to new networks of people, which can be a real asset.
* Pro: Learning new skills. New environments sometimes teach workers new skills and how to function more quickly, says Kathy Jeffery, vice president of human resources at WhittmanHart Consulting in Chicago.
* Con: Landing in a worse situation. "You might jump into a new job that's worse than your old job," Gee explains.
* Con: Moving too soon. "If you're really leaving places rather quickly you may not be extracting the full value from what that particular workplace has to offer you," notes Haver, of the Ayers Group.

Workaholism: 5 Ways to Keep It in Check

2008-03-31T11:02:00.001-07:00

You know who you are: You take your cell phone to bed, work every weekend, and never seem to have time to relax. You think about work constantly and give it priority right up there with your family and kids. You may be a workaholic.

In the United States, where hard work and long hours are considered essential for success, it's not surprising that workaholism can be perceived as an asset, rather than the true addiction it actually is.

As Sid Kirchheimer writes on the website WebMD, "Workaholism is the respectable addiction." Kirchheimer goes on to explain that, in Japan, workaholism is called "karoshi" or "death by overwork."

He also points out that in the Netherlands, people are actually getting sick by trying to stop working -- a phenomenon called "leisure illness." Workers there are apparently so conditioned to overwork that, on weekends and vacations, they actually become ill from trying -- without success -- to relax and unwind.

The Futile Cycle

Workaholics typically continue to work past the point of exhaustion, causing them to make mistakes and work even harder to fix them. They also find that when they get where they were so driven to be, there is often nothing there. This leads to a chronic cycle of obsessive goal-chasing which, in reality, is much like the hamster running on the wheel -- frenetic movement that leads to nowhere.

Recognizing that workaholism is a compulsive behavioral disorder is the first step in helping a person realize that their lifestyle is out of balance and poses serious health risks.

Typically, workaholism is fueled by underlying issues which can include perfectionism, an unmet need for control, fear, and low self-esteem. Frequently the workaholic will work to avoid other issues, and this avoidance becomes a behavioral pattern that becomes very difficult to break.

Steps You Can Take

Like any addiction, workaholism should be treated with a multi-prong approach that may include counseling, behavior modification, hypnotherapy, lifestyle changes, and family intervention. Some tips for getting a handle on workaholism:

1. Get the support you need. Counseling will help you focus on the big picture and shift your energy from work to rest, relaxation, wellness, and recreation.

2. Schedule non-cancelable leisure activities. Put your workouts, movie nights, and other leisure activities in your calendar and consider them appointments, just like you would with a client or customer.

3. Get to the source of the underlying issue. Could anxiety or a lack of confidence be driving you to prove something to yourself or others? Low self-esteem and the need to overachieve are often at the core.

4. Set boundaries. Leave work at 5 p.m. and leave your work at the office. This requires focused self-discipline; a coach or colleague who will hold you accountable may be helpful.

5. Learn to delegate. Most workaholics believe they are the only ones who can do the job right (perfectionism). Learning to let go and eliminating the need for control are two powerful strategies to set yourself free from the dysfunction of workaholism.

America's Surprisingly Unhealthy Jobs

2008-03-31T11:01:00.001-07:00

Forget stuntmen. Some of the country's least healthy jobs are in cubicles, hospitals, and restaurants. Are you at risk?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), it's not just farm laborers or police officers who have high rates of workplace injuries and illnesses. In fact, some common -- and seemingly benign -- professions have high rates of injury and illnesses that were severe enough to cause workers to miss at least one day of work in 2006.

Danger in Some Workplaces

The following eight professions are among the highest in terms of injuries and illnesses, listed in descending order based on the number of incidents reported to BLS (in parentheses).

Construction Worker (125,120)
"Falls and problems from repeated hammering are the biggest problems," says Garrett Brown, an industrial hygienist at the California Occupational and Health Administration.

Office/Administrative Staff (83,320)
The biggest risk is repetitive strain injuries from typing, as well as illnesses from inhaling toxic printing inks and other substances.

Sales Staff (76,210)
These jobs may seem innocent, but Brown says salespeople fall from ladders while gathering merchandise, strain themselves carrying it to customers, get repetitive strain from typing reports, and even suffer injuries from malfunctioning displays.

Nursing Aides, Orderlies, and Attendants (49,480)
These workers can be exposed to everything from toxic chemicals in hospitals and nursing homes to strains from lifting heavy patients.

Janitors and Housekeepers (46,540)
The heavy carts many housekeepers push can injure their backs and potent cleaning supplies can cause illnesses, says Brown.

Registered Nurses (20,500)
Lifting heavy patients, getting hit by gurneys, or attacked by family members can cause injuries.

Waiters (9,520)
"Those heavy trays don't carry themselves," says Dr. Davis Liu, author of "Stay Healthy, Live Longer, Spend Wisely: Making Intelligent Choices in America's Healthcare System." He continues, "Everything is supersized, and waiters are carrying 5- to 10-pound trays repeatedly, sometimes up on a shoulder with one hand."

Computer Specialists (2,720)
"The ergonomic problem here is not only typing, but also workplace design," says Brown. "Sometimes they squeeze tall people into small spaces."

What You Can Do

Experts offer four simple suggestions for preventing illness and injury that apply to most professions.

1. Work it out.

Even if you sit at a desk all day, treat yourself like an athlete, suggests Liu.

"When you get overuse injuries, your body is saying, 'If you want me to do this, you've got to make me really strong to keep doing it,'" he notes. "Or it will start hurting."

Work with a physical therapist, get regular exercise, and work on strengthening the muscles your job uses most.

2. Take breaks.

A lot of injuries result from not stretching or relaxing. Set a timer to go off every hour and take a break. Stretch shoulders, legs -- any body part that's constrained by your work, suggests Liu. Then do deep breathing to de-stress before returning to work.

3. Double up.

If your work requires protective gear, keep spares with you always. Store extra gloves, goggles, and other supplies in your bag, pocket, or car just in case.

4. Know your rights.

Follow your office's safety program. "If it doesn't have one, report your employer to OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)," urges Brown.

"No one should sit on their hands and hope for the best," he says. "Even though it can be difficult financially, say something. If you get killed, it's you that's dead, not your boss."

5 Ways to Keep Your Job During a Recession

2008-03-31T11:00:00.000-07:00

While a recession may not be inevitable, the economy is showing slowed growth, and this could mean that some companies consider downsizing. Worries about a U.S. recession have many also worrying about their jobs.

You want to make sure that you can keep your job if times get tougher. Below are five things you can do to improve your chances of being kept on.

1. Come up with ways to cut costs. See areas of waste at your company? Point out practical ways to improve efficiency and cut costs in the workplace. Obviously, now is not the time to ask for a raise. Bonus: If you can see a potential new revenue stream that requires a low (or better yet, no) cost investment, get that going. Someone who is innovative at stretching resources is more valuable than someone who does nothing more than consume them.

2. Boost your visibility. You want to be noticed in a positive way. Make sure you are on time to work, and that you limit your vacation time. Also, if you are making solid contributions, make sure that they are noticed. You don't have to be obnoxious about it, but you should make sure that your boss is aware of what you add to the company. You want to be known. The first people fired are those with a negative impression. The next to go are those that are unnoticed and therefore expendable.

3. Go beyond. Look for ways to go beyond what you've been told to do. Volunteer for additional tasks. But be careful! Don't volunteer for more than you can handle. You want to be known as a go-getter who gets the job done well.

4. Improve your skill set. Are your skills obsolete? Take extra classes to brush up the latest skills. If career improvement seminars are offered at work, attend them. You want to show your employer that you are still viable in the workplace, and that you have the necessary training to continue doing a good job.

5. Watch your attitude. Now is not the time to complain constantly. If you have constructive ways to make the workplace better, present them in a professional manner. Do not whine or complain excessively. A reputation as a morale-killer can lose you your job.

And, because there's no guarantee that you will retain your job in a recession, no matter how hard you try, it doesn't hurt to be prepared. On your own time, update your resume. Also, make sure that you are still networking with old bosses, coworkers, and business contacts. Don't wait until you are laid off to keep your contacts and resume fresh. You will get better results if you are prepared ahead of time.

Get more information on personal debt in the Personal Finance Center on AllBusiness.com. AllBusiness.com provides resources to help small and growing businesses start, manage, finance and expand their business. Copyright 1999-2008 AllBusiness.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Closing the Sale

2008-03-31T10:59:00.001-07:00

Research, listening, and good communication skills are necessary for a profitable career in sales. What separates the exceptional salesperson from the mediocre is closing the sale successfully.

Passion, integrity, and being a good listener are all the building blocks of a successful sales career path. Sales coach Todd Cohen believes that everyone, in their own way, is a salesperson. "It is bringing that innate skill set and natural talent out that makes a good salesperson," Cohen said.

Communication

Communication is a vital factor of that skill set. Good communication skills lead to great relationships with your customers. Developing and maintaining solid relationships with clients is crucial. Not only does a good relationship with your customer produce sales, it strengths your credibility.

Listening

Listening is an important element to this relationship. Get to know your client and pay close attention to their needs. When you conduct your research for your sales proposal, keep the needs that were communicated to you in the forefront of your mind. This should be an easy process if you address all of your customer's concerns.

Anticipating Needs

When it comes time to present your product, the needs of the client will already be incorporated into the proposal if you have done this correctly. The worst thing you can do, Cohen says, is present a proposal that does not target the customer's requests. This shows you were not listening to the requests of your customer and will jeopardize the potential for future sales.

Asking for the Sale

Once your proposal properly reflects the needs of the customer, asking for the order is the next step. Do not make the mistake of researching and presenting the correct information to your customer and not asking for the contract. If you have completed each step of the process correctly, asking for the sale should be simple.

Presenting With Confidence

Presenting your proposal with confidence will also help seal the deal. If your customer has specific questions about your product compared to a competitor's product, state your answer with confidence reinforcing your focus on their particular needs. Confidence in your tone will transition smoothly into the final step, "When can we get your service started?"

Asking for your very first sale may seem intimidating, but following the process above will simplify asking for the sale, and generate great profit.

The Temp-To-Hire Option

2008-03-31T10:58:00.001-07:00

Many companies utilize staffing agencies to hire temporary employees to assist with work overload. Being a temp employee is a great way to get your foot in the door with a good company and try out that position to determine if it's the right fit for you.

College students on their summer vacations or holiday breaks should take advantage of the temp-to-hire option if they are thinking in terms of long-term employment. While their friends may be relaxing at the beach, they can be taking advantage of this time to gain work experience, develop their skills, and network. It's a great way to build your resume and add more contacts to your Rolodex just in time for graduation.

More Resources for Your Career

Enrolling with a staffing agency opens the door to career resources for job seekers. Once an applicant registers with a staffing agency, resources such as online training, resume writing skills, and interviewing coaching become available to candidates. Recruiters from the staffing agency can assist candidates with researching the right job opportunity, how to apply, and how to ace the interview.

Utilize the temporary assignment as an opportunity to sell yourself. The staffing agency can speak on your behalf, but who better to demonstrate your skills for a potential long-term position than you?

A Step Closer to the Dream Job

Once placed in a temporary position, students and entry-level professionals should take the job seriously, whether it is a three-day project or one-month commitment. You never know who is paying close attention to your work ethic or job performance, or what opportunities can come out of the assignment. Even if the role you're filling isn't your dream job, there may be openings for a position that better fulfills your goals. If you impress your temporary manager, he or she may be able to find an opening for you.

The temp-to-hire option also gives you the opportunity to try out a company before you commit long-term. What you thought may have been your dream job may not be panning out as planned. Temping can give you the opportunity to explore different job opportunities at various companies before committing to a permanent placement.

To get started with a staffing agency, search online for agencies within your area that match your professional interests. Let them know what your immediate needs are as well as your long-term goals. You're dream job may be waiting!

Ahead-of-the-Curve Careers

2008-03-31T10:57:00.000-07:00

Cutting-edge careers are often exciting, and they offer a strong job market. Alas, the cutting edge too often turns out to be the bleeding edge, so U.S. News has identified careers that, while relatively new, are already viable and promise further growth. They emerge from six megatrends:

Growing healthcare demand. The overtaxed U.S. healthcare system will be forced to take on even more patients because of the many aging baby boomers, the influx of immigrants, and the millions of now uninsured Americans who would be covered under a national healthcare plan likely to be enacted in the next president's administration. Jobs should become more available in nearly all specialties, from pre-pregnancy genetic counseling to hospice.

The increasingly digitized world. Americans are doing more of their shopping, reading, and game playing online. The digital enterprise has opened the door to under-the-radar careers like data miner (sifting through high-quality data provided by online customers, for example, so enterprises can individualize their marketing) or simulation developer. The growing ubiquity of broadband connectivity is helping entertainment, education, and training to incorporate simulations of exciting, often dangerous experiences.

Globalization, especially Asia's ascendancy. This should create great demand in emerging careers such as business development specialists, offshoring managers, and immigration specialists of all types, from marketing to education to criminal justice.

The dawn of clinical genomics. Decades of basic research are finally starting to yield clinical implications. Within a decade, we may understand which genes predispose humans to everything from depression to violence, early death to centenarian longevity, retardation to genius. The unsung heroes who will bring this true revolution to pass include computational biologists and behavioral geneticists.

Environmentalism. Alarm about global warming is making environmentalism this generation's dominant initiative. The environmental wave is creating jobs in everything from sales to accounting in companies making green products, regulatory positions in government, and grant writing, fundraising, and litigation work in nonprofits.

Terrorism. Jobs in the antiterrorism field have already mushroomed since 9/11, and if another attack were to occur, even more jobs would surely be generated.

A dozen ahead-of-the-curve careers that grow out of these trends are featured as part of the Best Careers 2008 package at usnews.com. Here's a quick look at eight of them:

Behavioral geneticist
For over 100 years, psychologists have attempted, with modest success, to ameliorate mental problems from depression to low intelligence by changing patients' attitudes and by exploring their childhood angst. Now, pharmacological approaches are used, also with only moderate success. Recent evidence suggests a more fruitful path tied to the fact that human behavior -- sexual orientation, alcoholism, intelligence, the propensity for violence -- has a genetic component. Researchers and, in coming years, clinicians who specialize in developing and implementing ethical gene-related therapies should be in growing demand.

Computational biologist
At a panel discussion among five Nobel Prize winners, one of the few things they agreed on was that the field of the future is computational biology. Sample applications: genetically engineering a plant that would be an excellent energy source or developing a cheaper way to decode a person's full genome. (That now costs $350,000.) The niche of computational biologist offers strong prospects both of landing a job and of making a significant contribution.

Data miner
Data mining is simply the use of statistics to predict or explain customer behavior. Examples: What products should be pitched to each of your previous online customers? How likely is it that certain credit card spending is fraudulent? Data mining is a great career for people who'd enjoy using statistics to unearth patterns in data, working with ever more powerful software. Opportunities are particularly good if you also have business sense.

Emergency planning manager
Since the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the field of emergency planning has grown. Of course, emergency planners prepare for and respond to other disasters, such as fires, floods, tornadoes, earthquakes, outbreaks of highly infectious diseases, and major accidents. The field has formalized, with 250 bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs in place or in the works.

Green-collar consultant
The new wave of environmentalism is creating a panoply of research, corporate, government regulatory, and consulting jobs. The last may be particularly interesting. Some specializations: industrial carbon footprint reduction, green new construction and retrofits, municipality strategic planning for sustainability, wetlands delineation and restoration, ecotourism, and "smart growth" land-use planning.

Health informatics specialist/manager
"The job market for health informatics people is absolutely out of sight," says Merida Johns, founding director of the graduate program in health informatics at the University of Alabama?Birmingham. And it's no surprise: Hospitals, insurers, and regional collaboratives are switching to electronic medical records. Nurses and doctors are using computerized systems to guide diagnoses and treatment recommendations. Healthcare providers are also collecting more data to evaluate quality of care.

Health informatics is an umbrella term for a range of careers, many for techies but others for people persons. For example, as a health information systems analyst, you speak with physicians, nurses, and others to identify their needs and develop a blueprint to hand to the programmers for implementation. A bachelor's or master's in health information management will be needed.

Offshoring manager
Offshoring Version 1.0 had its kinks, but many lessons have now been learned, such as the importance of on-site management of the offshored facility. And there's a better grasp of what sorts of projects should be "farshored" (for example, to India or China), "nearshored" (to Mexico or low-cost parts of the United States), or "homeshored" to individuals working from home. Offshoring well remains difficult, requiring excellent managers with superb organizational, leadership, and multicultural communication skills.

Simulation developer
Governments use simulations to predict terrorist strategies. Scientists use them to predict how a synthesized molecule will work. Surgeons use them to learn a new technique without endangering patients. Corporations and, to a lesser extent, schools are moving from the instructor who attempts to keep people awake by telling anecdotes and jokes to immersive simulations of critical real-world situations. The wide availability of broadband and mobile Internet access will enable you to receive, on your BlackBerry or other device, training filled with video scenarios in which you are the protagonist -- all while you're actually lying on the beach in Hawaii.

No Raise? Aim for Perks

2008-03-30T11:49:00.000-07:00

If your job performance has met or even exceeded expectations, you can expect a decent pay increase, just like last year, right?

Maybe not. With signs of slowing job growth, employers may think twice about doling out generous bonuses -- or even handing over slightly-less-than-stingy merit increases, according to Steven Gross, a senior human resources consultant at Mercer, a global provider of investment and outsourcing services.

"Recession is still more fear than reality at the moment, but even that fear still makes it harder to demand more money," Gross told Yahoo! HotJobs.

Flexibility Pays Off

Even if you think you're likely to get that increase, it doesn't hurt to consider whether perquisites -- like better opportunities for career advancement, or improved work-life balance -- are more important than the cash. For many people, they are worth their weight in gold.

In a 2006 survey of 10,000 U.S. workers, human resources consulting firm Hudson found that slightly less than half considered money their biggest consideration. Others valued perquisites such as healthcare benefits, better retirement benefits, and a better work-life balance over extra pay.

Health and retirement benefits are usually not negotiable after you've got the job, although it doesn't hurt to ask. Other perquisites are routinely given, in addition to, or in lieu of, pay increases. These include:

* Extra vacation days
* Training
* Telecommuting
* Reimbursement for commuting expenses
* Flexible scheduling
* Sabbaticals

4 Negotiation Tips

Once you've decided what you really value, you need to know how and when to ask for it. A few tips:

Be honest. "If money is most important to you, speak up," said Robert Morgan, co-president of recruitment and talent management at Hudson. "If you can't get the money you want, then ask for other things that don't cost the company anything."

Be realistic. If you are a cop, a firefighter, or a nurse, it's not likely you could do your job at home. But if you're an IT professional, telecommuting makes sense for you and the company. Likewise, if you're an accountant who wants an MBA, your company isn't likely to pay for it. However, you can make a case that coughing up dough for one management class is a win-win.

Don't wait to ask. "With career development, you should have ongoing conversations with your supervisor about where you want to go and how to get there, so that your needs are not a surprise at review time," Morgan said. Gross added that, in terms of work-life balance, it's crucial to ask for what you need, such as time off to care for an ailing family member, as soon as the issue arises.

Have a flexible plan. Gross explained that flexibility will make you look good, and can even work out to your benefit. "If career advancement is important to you, there may be some lateral moves that would work out for you and the company. You could even consider volunteering to take an assignment that you wouldn't ordinarily consider if it will get you to your goal."

The bottom line: As long as you're asking for something that doesn't cost a lot and won't disrupt business, you stand a good chance of getting it.

"Companies want to keep their best people, even in a time of slow job growth," said Gross. "So ask for what you want. If you don't ask, you won't receive."

by Larry Buhl, for Yahoo! HotJobs

Avoiding Compassion Fatigue at Work

2008-03-30T11:47:00.000-07:00

If you're a teacher, social worker, police officer, nurse, therapist, or even a newspaper reporter -- any job where you talk to traumatized people every day -- you could be at risk for compassion fatigue. And it could be keeping you from helping others and excelling at your job.

People with compassion fatigue love their jobs, but they start to feel just as traumatized as the people they serve. Symptoms include bad dreams, stomach aches, insomnia, withdrawal, and feelings of inadequacy.

"You can become so walled off (to your client's trauma) that you end up missing a lot of signs for help on the part of the people you're serving," said Charles Figley, author of "Treating Compassion Fatigue." "Or you become so overwhelmed by feelings that the people you serve begin to attend to you. Either way, you're less effective in your job."

The good news is that you don't have to quit your job to recover.

Get Aware

Pay attention to how you react to your job. Evaluate yourself with the following questions:

* Are you taking regular lunch breaks?
* Do you take breaks between clients or meetings?
* Do you give clients your private cell phone number?
* After dealing with each client or student, are you more anxious and hopeless?
* How much responsibility do you feel to solve each your clients' problems?

Get Honest

After gathering answers to the above questions, "have a heart-to-heart talk with yourself about the situation," Figley advises.

You may discover that certain parts of your job or interaction with certain types of clients drain you more than others. Take the example of a police officer, suggests Figley.

"Police officers may like getting the bad guy, or like solving mysteries," he said. "But they hate when they see kids hurt, or people in pain and suffering. The hard thing about compassion fatigue is that they put up with the things they find distressing in order to benefit from things like."

Or take the example of social workers who loves helping people but feel particularly sad, hopeless, and inadequate when they see children who are abused, says Dr. Robin Goodman, a therapist who has worked with people in trauma.?

It's not a matter of finding some clients distasteful; it's a matter of caring about certain clients -- like children or the elderly -- so much that you're left feeling overwhelmed and internalizing the grief and trauma they're experiencing.

Get Better

Now that you know the cause, take the kinds of advice you often give to people you serve:

* Set stronger boundaries: If you're not setting aside time for lunch or to decompress after a harrowing session with someone who's traumatized, start taking breaks. Even 10 minutes can help your nerves recover.
* Silence the cell: Turn off your cell phone for a few hours or all weekend to give yourself time to rest.
* Pay attention to your breathing: When you feel anxious, take long deep breaths with a pause after each inhale and exhale.
* Practice positive self-talk: Remind yourself that it's not your job to solve all of your clients' problems, but to help them recover -- and you need to do the same for yourself.
* Exercise: Regular workouts relieve stress and improve sleep.
* Buddy up: Talk to coworkers about how you feel. You'll likely find others who feel the same. Seek out a colleague who has felt this way and has recovered to guide you.
* Get help: Find an expert in treating compassion fatigue to help you better help the people you serve.

by Heather Boerner, for Yahoo! HotJobs

Resisting Temptations While Telecommuting

2008-03-30T11:45:00.000-07:00

Most employees relish the opportunity to work remotely on occasion. The commute becomes a matter of steps, not miles. And you might get to enjoy an extra hour of sleep before starting the workday.

But telecommuting is not without troubles. Temptation and distraction lurk at every turn. Vishal B. Rao writes on the popular blog DumbLittleMan.com, "Since you are now working from home, everyone will expect you to flexible and available when they need you."

Use the tips below to stay focused on your professional (rather than personal) responsibilities while you're working from home.

1. Find a productive place.

Even if you live in a studio apartment, you can create a space in your home that will be dedicated to work for the day. If you don't have a proper desk, use your kitchen table. And, even though it worked for Winston Churchill, avoid working from your bed unless you're sick. It's tough to be professional when you're propped up by pillows.

2. No surfing, please.

If you're working from home, your boss isn't likely to be looking over your shoulder. You may, then, feel the urge to do more Web surfing than you normally might at the office. Don't! If it's too tough, grab an egg timer and allot a reasonable amount of time (10 to 15 minutes) to get your fill and move on. The same goes for surfing the shelves of your refrigerator. Decide what you'll have for breakfast, lunch, and snacks early in the day so you don't waste work time wondering what you'll eat.

3. Make a to-do list to get things done.

BNET contributor David Goldenberg admits on the blog Business Hacks, "I started working from home four years ago, and for the first year, I was pretty much useless. I'd end up watching TV or sleeping when I should have been typing, and I'd end up working when I should have been hanging out with my family."

To stay on track during the day, create a work-related to-do list at the start of your day and keep it at your side. Having a list of tasks at the ready will help you remain focused and help ensure that nothing slips through the cracks.

4. Start the day like you would any other work day.

It's fine to catch a few extra winks if you don't have to make your regular commute. However, don't stray too far from your usual morning routine. To combat such temptation, try to If you go to the gym each morning, do so. Don't skip your morning shower or work in your bathrobe. Rather, dress in business casual attire. It's OK to be comfortable, but if you're dressed in your pajamas, you may find yourself feeling more inclined to take a nap than make a deal.

5. Do not disturb.

If you live with friends or family members, let them know that you need a reasonable amount of peace and quiet when telecommuting. Ask not to be disturbed during certain hours or only for very important matters -- and define what those matters are. If you have particularly disruptive pets, consider taking them to doggie daycare. If all else fails, set up shop in your local Starbucks, where you can enjoy great coffee and food and wireless access while you work remotely.

by Caroline Potter, Yahoo! HotJobs

How Being Bilingual Can Boost Your Career

2008-03-30T11:44:00.001-07:00

When Kit Cutler went to Paraguay with the Peace Corps in 2003, he knew his already strong Spanish language skills would be essential to his work there. What was more surprising was how much those skills helped him once he returned to work in the U.S.

"After the Peace Corps, the fact that I knew Spanish was an important factor in helping me get a job with the Urban Institute, where I worked on international development projects," he says.

Now a financial management associate in the Latin American & Caribbean Department of the World Bank, Cutler says his Spanish skills continue to propel his career climb.

"Knowing Spanish has opened the doors for me into a community of international experts who are really smart and have traveled all over the world," he says. "I love seeing new parts of the world, and this job is really a dream for me in that respect."

In today's global economy, the ability to communicate is key, and as more companies expand internationally, the ability to communicate in another language has become a significant advantage in the workforce. Research from Rosetta Stone found that people who speak at least one foreign language have an average annual household income that's $10,000 higher than the household income of those who only speak English. And about 17 percent of those who speak at least one foreign language earn more than $100,000 a year.

Whether you're fresh out of college or a seasoned executive, insiders agree that fluency in a second language can not only help you stand out among prospective employers, it can also open doors to opportunities that those without foreign language skills might miss.

More Options, More Money

A recent survey from Los Angeles-based recruiter Korn/Ferry International found that nearly 9 out of 10 headhunters in Europe, Latin America, and Asia say that being at least bilingual is critical for success in today's business environment. And 66 percent [GL3]of North American recruiters agreed that being bilingual will be increasingly important in the next 10 years.

"In today's global economy you really have to understand the way business is done overseas to maximize your potential. A second language equips you for that," says Alister Wellesley, managing partner of Stamford, Conn.-based recruiting firm Morgan Howard Worldwide. "If you're doing business overseas, or with someone from overseas, you obtain a certain degree of respect if you're able to talk in their native language."

Key Languages Span Countries, Industries

So which languages can give you a leg up on the job market? Insiders agree the most popular -- and marketable -- languages are Spanish, German, French, Italian, Russian and Japanese, with a growing emphasis on Mandarin, given China's booming economy.

And while any business may have a need for bilingual employees based on where it operates and with whom, the individual sectors with a strong demand for bilingual workers include (but aren't limited to) finance, sales, technology, manufacturing, professional services and government jobs.

"We see demand from a full range of industries," says Wellesley. "It really depends on which company you're working for and the country in which they're located."

Learning Options Abound

As business becomes more global, studying a foreign language can be a resume booster. There are several different kinds of foreign language certificate and degree programs available, from continuing education and community college classes to instructional books, DVDs, and CDs.

Jesse Boeding, director of undergraduate programs at the Kogod School of Business at Washington D.C.'s American University, says her school recently implemented its first interdisciplinary degree in business administration and language and culture studies in response to demand from employers looking for students with both business and language expertise.

"There are many organizations where being able to communicate in a second language is very important," she says, adding that this degree will help make students distinguished candidates for such positions. "It definitely makes them more appealing to the global market."

by Paula Andruss, ClassesUSA