6 Halloween Job Search Tips

Jim Hopkinson, Salary.com contributing writer

Halloween is big business. According to an infographic by History.com last year, giant pumpkins have tipped the scales at 1,810 pounds, the average American will consume 24 pounds of candy, and 120 million people will dress up in a costume — with 11.5% of them also dressing up their pet.

It also seems that each year the costumes become more and more elaborate, with some people spending hours and hours on the perfect look. It’s enough to make you wonder what would happen if these people spent as much time thinking about their career as they did applying zombie makeup. Continue Reading

Do Americans Still Value Hard Work?

Aaron Gouveia, Salary.com contributing writer

America is a country that has long prided itself on sweat, determination and hard work. We love stories about people putting in the hours, working harder than everyone else, and pulling themselves up by their bootstraps to enjoy financial success. Historically that’s been true, but is it still the case? Continue Reading

Financial plan for students – How to fund education smartly

A student loan bag. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.

Student debt is growing by leaps and bounds. This is breaking past all records previously held by other lines of credit. For the first time in the history of US, student debt surpassed credit card debt in 2010 and then it overtook auto loans in 2011. Finally, the Consumer Protection Bureau had to admit this March 2012 that student debt has swelled over $1 trillion mark. Therefore, students need to plan their finances to pay for their college fees since the debt relief programs provided by the government are very tough to qualify. Continue Reading

The Types of Financial Aid Available to College Students

Prospective and current college students should be aware of all financial aid options to further their educations.  The following infographic provides information about the types of assistance available to these students. Continue Reading

5 Reasons to Care About America’s Income Gap

Sarah Shemkus, Salary.com contributing writer

Two weeks ago, we looked at some numbers that suggested the gap between rich and poor in the United States is growing. Last week, we considered some possible reasons for this growing inequality.

This week, we answer perhaps the most important question: So what? Continue Reading

Election Likely to Impact Income Disparity Between Workers, Executives

Courtesy of Think Progress

With the election just two weeks away and much emphasis being placed on the increasing wage gap between the upper and middle classes, executive pay is once again becoming a source of scrutiny for many Americans. Compdata Surveys’ Executive Compensation 2012/2013 survey results reported chief executive officers earned an average base salary of $413,300 in 2012.

Chief operating officers earned $261,400 in 2012, while chief financial officers earned $235,200. Top marketing executives brought in an average annual base salary of $190,400, compared to top human resource executives at $184,100. The average base salary for a vice president was reported at $162,800. Continue Reading

United States is 5th Most Educated Nation in the World

In case you didn’t know, the United States is not the most educated country in the world.  Find out which nation is number one, get a breakdown of degrees by country, and more in the following infographic. Continue Reading

5 Biggest Turnoffs for Employers Interviewing for Seasonal Jobs

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

What are the biggest turnoffs for employers when interviewing for seasonal jobs?

A recent survey of employers indicated that a lack of flexibility or expressed interest top the list followed by: Continue Reading

Students and Alumni, Remember to Utilize The Career Services Available to You

Open door to the word Help in red letters. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.

Colleges today seem to have no shortage of amenities for their students. They have fully-equipped gyms, state of the art computer labs and top of the line food courts. And while it may seem that students are taking full advantage of these and other offerings, there is one service many are completely overlooking. I’m referring to the career services department of colleges and universities across the country. Continue Reading

Exam Schools vs. Public Schools

Have you ever heard of exam schools?  According to the following infographic, they offer a suitable alternative to public schools for students who are identified as more gifted and talented. Continue Reading