Once I recovered from a ten-year marriage that ended - much like being fired when the employer decides you are no longer an asset to the company - I decided I had gone long enough without a steady relationship and I joined a dating service. During the course of a year I had 42 blind dates - and just like a job seeker who racks up plenty of interviews (but few offers), I learned a lot about what it takes to succeed.

Networking is a great way to meet more people and uncover more interview opportunities. Let those in your immediate network know you are in the market for a new relationship and ask them to tell others in their network what you have to offer.

Never turn down an opportunity for an interview. Through every interviewing experience you learn more about the market and yourself and you make contacts that lead you to more opportunities.

We are more attracted to people who show an interest in who we are, what we do, and what we need. Instead of talking incessantly about yourself and what you want and need in a relationship, show more interest in the person on the other side of the table and discuss ways you can fulfill his/her needs.

Holding on to anger from previously failed relationships is not an attractive quality. If you were fired/RIFed/replaced accept it - and move on.

Desperation also is not an attractive quality. Sure you want a new relationship, but if you let the other person know that you are willing to do anything and take anything, you appeared damaged and undesirable.

How you dress for the interview reveals a lot about your personality and how you feel about yourself. If you dress "old" and look "old" you will be seen as someone who is too set in their ways. Likewise, if you show up at a five-star restaurant in a t-shirt and jeans you will come across as uncaring - or just plain ignorant!

Don't try to hide what you perceive as potential barriers to securing a long-term relationship. If you are over 40, have kids, or different life goals you hope to attain, don't try to hide it - once you are in the relationship, these things will reveal themselves.

Decide what will be the next step after the initial meeting. If you are not interested in the second interview, say so. Don't say you will call unless you are going to call.

Pay attention to those subtle clues that this relationship may not be good for you and walk away. Listen to your "gut" and don't second guess your instincts. Don't repeat previous mistakes in the hopes of righting previous wrongs.

Know what you are looking for and you will find it more quickly. If you can visualize - in minute detail - what that ideal relationship looks like, you will confidently discard those that do not measure up and recognize the right fit when it comes along.

Unfortunately, it took me longer than it should have to learn these things, but I had only been in one long-term relationship and my dating experiences were pretty limited. I was getting a lot of poor advice from others who also had limited dating experience and there were no "dating coaches" I could turn to for guidance. As a result, it took me 42 blind dates to finally assemble the correct tools and techniques and execute a targeted search that led me to my ideal relationship.

I am happy to report that I just celebrated my 16th anniversary in this relationship, and although life offers no guarantees, I can assure you that we are both committed to making this one last!

Article by, and courtesy of CareerHub.com. The Career Hub blog connects job seekers with experts in career counseling, resume writing, personal branding and recruiting.

Posted by Candice Arnold on September 22, 2008 at 3:22 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Most people have been asked to name their greatest weakness at least once during a job interview. I know I was asked that question on at least two interviews that I can recall, but I never prepared for it in advance. I just answered it, honestly and concisely. Career advisors recommend preparing for interviews by practicing how to answer various questions, including "What's your weakness?"

Miriam Salpeter of Keppie Careers advises naming a weakness that doesn't have anything to do with the job being pursued. This seems dishonest, but it's really no different from omitting certain pieces of information from a resume. In a world where youth is king, is it wise for a job seeker to submit a resume that makes it apparent that she's at least 15 years older than most of her fellow applicants? The same rule applies to naming a particular weakness.

Billie G. Blair, president/CEO of Leading and Learning, Inc., agrees that admitting to such shortcomings as frequent tardiness, trouble getting along with co-workers, or difficulty finishing projects are definitely self-sabotaging.

It's important to remember that it's not a therapy session or Confession. It's okay to choose a weakness that's small and easily corrected. If the applicant adds that steps are being taken to correct the weakness - and it's a good idea to do just that - then he looks even better still.

Some advise deflecting the question by bringing up certain qualifications that make an applicant ideal for the job or by talking about valuable lessons learned in previous work places. I'm no expert, but I think this makes an applicant look evasive and may cause the interviewer to wonder what the person is trying to hide. Turning the question around on the interviewer is another tactic that, I think, could backfire. The applicant could be viewed as contentious or rude.

Responses like, "I'm a workaholic" or "I'm a perfectionist" have been worked and overworked. In addition, such answers, the experts say, make an applicant look dishonest or lacking in originality. And, in my opinion, so does the chocolate answer. It's cute, but it's been done to death. If you must go that route, why not say popcorn, French fries, or some other food that many people find irresistible. If nothing else, you'll show some originality.

What's your weakness? is a lousy question and interviewers are sometimes advised against asking it. Apparently, there are plenty of them who either didn't get the memo or chose to ignore it. Why? Because, according to some career counselors, it's a question that's designed to see how applicants respond when they're under pressure. Can they quickly regroup and get focused? Can they think quickly on their feet? In some career fields, an ability to think quickly and clearly under pressure is a must.

Interviews are the toughest part of job seeking, and each interview is unique. Although the advice given by career experts like Salpeter and Blair is valuable, it's important to note that interviewers are individuals. Some have great senses of humor and others don't. A response that falls flat with interviewer A might be considered charming or witty to interviewer B. Making an effort to get a feel for the interviewer's personality can be extremely helpful. It will make the interview itself go more smoothly, and it can serve as a deciding factor if and when a job offer is made.

Posted by Candice Arnold on September 22, 2008 at 12:16 PM | Leave a Comment (1)

This is a guest post by Chris O'Hara.

You see, there's a problem already. The fact that I called this article the best jobs in the world may reveal an inherent falsity in all of us (or maybe just me). This is of course the idea that money is directly proportional to happiness, which I don't agree with; therefore I'm changing the title to "the highest paid jobs in the world". Here they are:

5. Pilot

Sounds like a pretty handy number to me. They travel the world, sit on their asses all day, and then get paid sh*t loads of money (anywhere up to $130,000). However a couple of months ago a pilot on an Air Canada 767 flying at 37,000 over the Atlantic went nuts and started to invoke God. He then had to be restrained and handcuffed to a seat, which suggests to me that this job may not be all that it is cracked up to be, and the long hours sitting around can be quite hazardous to your health...and the 146 passengers on board.

4. CEO

Depending on the size of the company you work for, you could earn billions, like our auld buddies Donald, Murdock, and Bill. But in general the research shows that the average CEO earns roughly $140,000-$150,000. This is of course the official figure, because if we knew the unofficial figures (in the form of write offs, bonuses, and tax cuts), this job would probably be featured at number one in this article.

3. Shrink

The average shrink earns around $160,000 per annum. I reckon this is well earned as I can imagine it is a pretty demanding job, especially if you're working in a psychiatric ward. On he plus side, they do have access to lots of wondrous medication which may help the poor souls in there. You probably have to be a bit nutty to do this job anyway, so the money is good for a reason.

2. Anesthesiologist

If these people did 2,000 years ago, what they do now, they would probably be burnt at the stake for practicing witchcraft. It's amazing when you think about it. They can actually manipulate your body in such a way so as to allow someone to cut you open with a scalpel, play around with your guts, then put them back in, and you don't feel a thing. Come on, that's a miracle! Well except in those cases where the patient wakes up in the middle of an operation, and feels everything but can't move or speak. Not very pleasant! Anyway, the average pay check for the anesthesiologist is about $170,000-$180,000.

1. Surgeon

Now these lads & lasses really do work their asses off. The years of study, the long hours, and the nonsense they have to put up with during the intern years (come on, we've all seen scrubs). However, they do get to familiarize themselves with parts of our bodies that we probably don't even know exist. An interesting job, but not for those with a weak stomach. Lots of money here; anywhere from $180,000 upwards.

Moral of the story: If you want lots of money, get a job in the medical profession.

Which jobs do you want to add to the list? Tell us why and the estimated salary involved.

Article courtesy of Andrew G.R. and courtesy of jobacle.com - your cure for carbon copy career advice!

Posted by Candice Arnold on September 22, 2008 at 10:18 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

We are in one of the worst financial disasters of our generation. Every day the news is worse. One day the market is tanking, the next it seems to rebound, only to plummet again the following day. Poor oversight from government agencies and greed have taken us to this monumental point in our nation's economic history. It appears the government's plan is not only a short term band-aid but also a long term fix of some serious banking issues. President Bush has authorized the Treasury to tap into a $50 billion depression-era fund to insure the holdings of eligible money market mutual funds. In addition, Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson and Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke are creating a huge rescue plan to buy up "dodgy assets" held by banks that made bad financial decisions.

Does the government have all the answers? I don't know, but it appears the solutions look better than the alternative. However, aside from being a business owner, my economic background ends at reading Alan Greenspan's "The Age of Turbulence" and Steven D. Levitt's & Stephen J. Dubner's "Frekonomics". I do however know that in tough times, simple answers may be the best solutions. What can consumers do? They can learn from mistakes of others. Don't buy houses you can't afford. Don't take out loans you can't pay back. Gas prices are high, don't drive so much.

But what can corporations do? I can only lend advice in one area, your people. Look at where you are vulnerable. Make sure you have the best employees in your organization. Tough economic times mean some people are desperate to get jobs. Do thorough background checks when hiring your staff. People need to work and sometimes desperate times create desperate measures. Lying on a resume is a sure fire way for someone to look better than another applicant and get the job that pays the bills. Time will tell, but we expect to see more people claim degrees they don't have, employment titles and salaries they didn't earn.

So, now more than ever, it is important companies do a quality employment background check. Don't use a tough economy as an excuse to cut employment screening. Economics conditions affect your organization's revenue, but decisions you make also affect your profits. It's a shortsighted decision that could fundamentally alter the talent pool within your organization. There are also tools available to vet your current staff. Aside from the liabilities you have with new employees, potential criminal acts committed by current employees can cause you the same heartache. It is my hope we have learned a lot from these tough times. Let's not turn the housing "bubble" into the "now my company is filled with unqualified employees bubble."

Thanks to Kevin Bachman, Vice President of Quality Service at employeescreenIQ for help with this posting!

Article by, Jason Morris and courtesy of EmployeescreenIQ

Posted by Candice Arnold on September 22, 2008 at 10:04 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

It only happens once every four years, however takes a lifetime of dedication, sacrifice, and training to compete on the world stage.Everyone who watched the Olympics experienced the exhilaration of victory and the heart break of defeat. Sometimes the difference is so small (i.e. Michael Phelps winning 100 meter fly by 0.01 seconds) that you can hardly tell the difference between a Gold & Silver performance...although I am positive Dara Torres (losing 50 meter free by 0.01 seconds) knows.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of watching the Olympics is witnessing previously unbreakable records fall (Bolt running 200M in 19.3 seconds & the 100M in 9.69). Admittedly, the hardest part is watching someone slip or fall and fail to reach their goal.

GOALS

One thing I noticed when they interviewed Phelps was that he had ALL of his goals written down. Further, he had a copy next to his bed and read them every night before he fell asleep. He dreamed about 8 Gold medals & 8 World Records. He woke up and believed he could accomplish his goals. Most importantly, he was disciplined in his training to make sure he was in a position to achieve his goals.

Whether analyzing athletic accomplishments, top level business performance or individual career goals, having a clear vision of 'what excellence looks like' is critical to measuring success. From my experience one of the most challenging aspects of establishing goals is actually writing them down! Most people have an idea of what they want to accomplish personally and professionally, however do not go through the process of writing them down, reviewing them daily, building the belief that a goal is attainable, and working hard to achieve them.

SMART (Project Management - Wikipedia)
S.M.A.R.T. (TechRepublic)

So, is your career Olympic bound? Most likely you have an area where you could make some improvements. Take a step back and evaluate yourself, set several SMART goals and work hard to achieve them. Perhaps there is a seminar you could attend or certification you could obtain that would set you apart from other professionals. Is there a project you could participate in to gain valuable experience? Most importantly, have you done everything in your power to be ready for London in 2012?

Is your company Olympic bound? If so, what are the Company's performance goals? Is the Company mentality Gold medal or bust, just happy to be here, or are you one top performer away from Medal contention. The next Olympics are four years away; will your Company have the talent, succession planning, and steady performance to be ready for The Games in London?

Article by, Andy Gross, a senior team member with The SearchLogix Group. His expertise is in filling positions in logistics, supply chain and operations. Andy is currently pursuing his Masters degree and when not cracking a book, you can find him on the racquetball courts with his toddler son cheering him on.

Article courtesy of the Recruiting Blogswap, a content exchange service sponsored by CollegeRecruiter.com, a leading site for college students looking for internships and recent graduates seeking entry-level jobs and other career opportunities.

Posted by Candice Arnold on September 22, 2008 at 7:56 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

You may think it difficult to grab the attention of employers at busy job
fairs or on big employment web sites like Monster.

But it can be done.

By using information and your network creatively, you can cut through the
clutter and make a connection with hiring managers.

That's what two smart job seekers did, whose stories are below. What can
you learn from each?

1) Get Hired Online by Creating Buzz

Here's a clever method that got one woman hired for a director-level
position she found advertised on Monster.

Yes, that's right, Monster, where millions of resumes are competing against
yours for every job opening posted.

She did it by creating buzz about herself that got the hiring manager's
attention.

Here's her story, in brief ...

"A search on Monster turned up the opening I wanted. I then used my network
to find people who'd refer me. I timed submitting my resume through the job
board with the referrals," says Barbara Finer, from suburban Boston, Mass.

Finer's smart sense of timing ensured that her resume and the referrals
from people in her network all arrived about the same time.

"The resulting confluence of resources got me on the top of the pile, and I
was hired as Director of Product Marketing at a Boston-area company," says
Finer.

You can do this, too, in five steps ...

1. When you find a job posted online that you really want to apply for,
don't. First, use your network -- especially your contacts at LinkedIn,
Facebook or MySpace -- to reach out to people who work at the target
employer.

2. Ask folks to refer your resume to the hiring manager of the department
you want to work for. Give them one specific day to do so, say, Tuesday.

3. On Tuesday morning, submit your resume to the job posting online.

4. These multiple, coordinated contacts -- from your resume coming in via
the job board and the people in your network contacting the hiring manager
-- should generate enough buzz to get your name on the employer's radar.

5. From there, it's up to you to interview and follow up intelligently. But
getting noticed for a job posted on a major employment web site is half the
battle.

2) Get Hired at a Job Fair by Doing Your Homework

One of my clients, Tom W. from Golden Valley, Minn., was just hired for a
new position after attending a Minneapolis Star Tribune job fair.

The critical success factor for him was one simple thing he did before the
job fair itself: His homework!

Here's the story ...

"I kept up on the local business scene by reading regularly. In one
magazine article, I learned that one company had picked up 200,000 square
feet of office space downtown on a 10-year lease, and I filed that
information away," says Tom.

When he saw that company's name listed among the employers at the job fair
he planned to attend, Tom knew he had an effective conversation starter.

"When I met the hiring manager at the event, I told him what I knew about
their plans to expand, based on my reading. He was impressed with my
knowledge and we really clicked. Everything went very quickly after that,
ending with a job offer a few days later."

Here are two ways you can be like Tom, and make a fantastic first
impression at a job fair ...

1. Research and find relevant facts about employers before meeting them.

Good news: All job fairs publish a list of participating employers before
the event, which eliminates guesswork. Simply research companies that
interest you until you find unusual data about them, their competitors,
markets, problems, or opportunities.

2. Bring notes to the event.

Once you've found information that proves your interest in an employer, jot
down notes on 3x5 cards (or in your PDA) and bring them to the job fair.
That way, you can review your notes before talking to hiring managers, so
you can make the best impression, stand out ... and get hired.

Kevin Donlin is Creator of TheSimpleJobSearch.com. Since 1996, he has provided job-search help to more than 20,000 people. Author of 3 books, Kevin has been interviewed by The New York Times, Fox News, CBS Radio and others.  His latest product, The Simple Job Search System, is available at http://www.collegerecruiter.com/guaranteed-resumes.php

Article courtesy of the Recruiting Blogswap, a content exchange service sponsored by CollegeRecruiter.com, a leading site for college students looking for internships and recent graduates seeking entry-level jobs and other career opportunities.

Posted by Candice Arnold on September 22, 2008 at 7:48 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

The cap and gown is slowly making it's way to the back of the closet, the out of town guests have returned home and the haze of the last semester plus the euphoria of the graduation ceremony could now be slowly wearing off. Having spent the last eight years in college career center operations, I know that many college grads, despite what you hear, have not confirmed next steps. What is a new grad to do? As you consider your options, and there are many, here are some possibilities that have borne positive results for new grads with whom I have worked over the years.

Travel with a Purpose - If you spent breaks and vacations in college, living la vida loca at exotic tropical locations like Acapulco , Jamaica or South Beach - you might want to consider this the time to travel with a purpose. Each year the number of students who choose to spend their breaks in service to our local or global communities, increases. Nonprofits like Break Away , specialize in helping college students identify alternative ways to spend their breaks during school. If you have not yet had this opportunity, now could be the time. Organizations like Habitat for Humanity and The US Peace Corps are always open to new college grads who are willing to explore citizen service.

Start a Business. If you have flirted with the idea of starting a business, now may be the time to do so. Some people cannot pursue business ownership right after college, because of the urgency of school loans or pressures from parents wanting them out of the house and independence. If this is not the situation for you, do the feasibility studies and exploratory work needed to create a great foundation. Subscribe to newsletters from Entrepreneur.com and spend time working on a business plan. Seek advice from the Small Business Development Center nearest you.

Earn Licensing or certification such as CPA, CFP or Real Estate. This summer is a great time to do some additional work and earn a specialized certification or license in a specific area. Have a Communications degree and like the Real Estate industry? Work on earning a real estate license. Finished your Accounting degree and planning on taking the CPA Exam or have a degree in Finance or Risk Management? For many grads, the last thing you want to do is more studying, but this is a good time to prepare and/or earn certifications.

Take Career Assessments to find out more about who you are. In today's world of work it is not unusual for college graduates to pursue opportunities in careers that they may not consider to be related to their majors. Keep in mind that other factors such as interests and personality could play a major role in the kind of career you choose to pursue, regardless of major. For example, what do Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas , Film Director Steven Spielberg and Football Coach Joe Paterno have in common? All three were English majors in college. Do some personal introspection through career assessments. Contact the career center at your alma mater and ask for advice on which ones could help you make a decision on your next steps.

Expand your network - This summer may be a good time to expand your professional network by joining some of the more career related online networking sites. Some examples include Linked In .and Spoke .Additionally, if you haven't already done so, connect with your Alumni Association and join a professional association that is in someway related to your major. If, for example, you were a Marketing major, consider the American Marketing Association . You will definitely gain insight in trends and opportunities within the industry that you might not have considered.

This time post graduation should be a time of joy and also of serious self reflection. You have achieved a major milestone in your life and proven that you can set and achieve goals. That in itself should give you the courage you need to take your next steps with confidence.

Article by, Marcia Robinson and courtesy of BullsEyeResumes College Blogs. Robinson has been coaching, training, and writing on career, workplace, employment and education issues for students and career professionals for 10 years.

Article courtesy of the Recruiting Blogswap, a content exchange service sponsored by CollegeRecruiter.com, a leading site for college students looking for internships and recent graduates seeking entry-level jobs and other career opportunities.

Posted by Candice Arnold on September 22, 2008 at 7:26 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

Wise careerists recognize and deal with the fact that job security is a
thing of the past. They keep their antenna on alert for signs that their
jobs may be in danger. They have stand-by plans to act if they get the pink
slip.

That's common sense at work for career success.

There are obvious danger signals such as mediocre or worse performance
ratings. Business is falling off for your employer. Rumors are flying that
the company is in trouble. Employees are being laid off. Another company
acquires your employer. A number of managers have jumped ship.

Alarm Bells Are Sounding

There are more subtle, but no less meaningful, alarm bells, according to
Greg Gostanian, managing partner at ClearRock, an executive coaching and
outplacement firm,

1. Your supervisor and other colleagues are not making direct eye contact
with you as often as they once did. You are not invited to the coffee
breaks. You are lunching alone.

2. You have failed to carry out the one or two most important tasks you were
hired to do. Or those assignments are being eliminated or turned over to
others

3. People in other departments know more about what is going on in your own
area than you do.

4. You are no longer invited to meetings, consulted about plans, and are
discouraged from joining professional associations and professional
organizations. You are not copied on important messages.

Job Tip: Always Be Prepared If Things Turn Sour

Even if the warning bells are not sounding for you now, it pays to be
prepared in case things turn sour. Put the positive power of negative
thinking to work as you work toward your career goals.

1. Learn all you can about the state of business for your employer.

2. Keep your resume up-to-date. Maintain a file of your accomplishments and
accolades.

3. Set aside enough money to sustain you until you can find another
position.

4. Keep learning new skills so you will be abreast of the demands of an
ever-changing job market.

5. Maintain contacts with key people who might need your talents. Be
visible.

These five action steps will also serve your interests along your career
path if the decision to seek a new job is totally yours.

Article by, Ramon Greenwood, a career counselor with common sense advice on how to achieve your career goals. To subscribe to Ramon Greenwood's free semi-monthly newsletter and blog, go to Common Sense at Work Ramon's take-it-to-the bank advice comes from a world of experience, including serving as Senior Vice President of American Express, an entrepreneur, professional director, career coach and author.

Posted by Candice Arnold on September 19, 2008 at 5:02 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

I wrote last week about the two Ps of job hunting: proof and persistence.

To get hired for your ideal job you must do two things: prove to employers that you can do the work, and persist past the point where others give up.

Here's another success story from someone who did just that, with lessons you can apply to your job search today ...

"When I was 15, I wanted to cook at a local restaurant. It was the nicest one in town and well known for its steaks," says Christopher Flett of Bellingham, WA, author of "What Men Don't Tell Women About Business."

For 14 days straight, Flett went to the kitchen door at 4:00 p.m., asked for the chef and then asked him for a job. "I told him I would wash dishes, prep vegetables -- whatever he wanted -- just to get in the kitchen. Every day he would take another copy of my resume, smile, and say that he had nothing for me."

On the 15th day, Flett realized something important -- he probably wasn't going to wear the chef down with this approach. So he decided to change tactics.

"I loaded our family's barbeque onto my dad's truck, went to Costco for some meat, and had my dad drop me off outside the kitchen door. I started the grill, seasoned my steaks, hamburgers and ribs, and started cooking right there."

A few minutes later, one of the cooks came out to have a cigarette, looked at Flett, and his grill and bolted back inside.

"Five minutes later, the chef came out and stood there staring at me. Meanwhile, customers were coming in for dinner. While the chef and I were in a 'stare down,' one of the customers yelled from the front door, 'Smells good!' The chef told me to turn off the grill and said, 'Go downstairs, get a jacket and apron on, and get busy washing dishes.'"

How did it turn out?

"I had a job there all through high school and worked my way up to sous chef by the time I left for college, four-and-a-half years later. And that same chef hosted my book launch party 18 years after that."

Here's how Flett used the two Ps to get hired.

Persistence: He came back every afternoon for 14 days to his ideal employer and asked for a chance to show his stuff. How often have you followed up after sending your resume to your ideal employer? I'll bet it's less than 14 times. What's stopping you from following up more?

How often have you given up after being told just once, "Sorry, we're not hiring."? Always remember that when an employer says, "No," it just means, "Not today." It does NOT mean, "Never come back again."

Proof: Flett didn't ask the chef to believe he could cook, he proved it, right there in the parking lot, by firing up his own grill. Hard to beat that.

Now. What can you do to prove to your next boss that you can do what you claim on your resume? And how can you do it so creatively that you literally leave employers speechless, as Flett did?

Final question: If a 15-year-old can prove and persist his way to a great
job -- one that didn't even exist beforehand -- why can't you, too?

Kevin Donlin is Creator of TheSimpleJobSearch.com. Since 1996, he has provided job-search help to more than 20,000 people. Author of 3 books, Kevin has been interviewed by The New York Times, Fox News, CBS Radio and others. His latest product, The Simple Job Search System, is available at http://www.collegerecruiter.com/guaranteed-resumes.php

Article courtesy of the Recruiting Blogswap, a content exchange service sponsored by CollegeRecruiter.com, a leading site for college students looking for internships and recent graduates seeking entry-level jobs and other career opportunities.

Posted by Candice Arnold on September 18, 2008 at 5:17 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Are you looking for a rewarding career that will provide you with a flexible schedule and an opportunity to help other people accomplish their dreams? If so, real estate might be a great career choice for you. Realtors have the opportunities to help individuals and families find the homes of their dreams. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to become a successful Realtor, but the personal and professional rewards can be great.

Getting Started
Realtors must be licensed by the state in which they wish to work. Requirements vary from one state to another. Typically, individuals seeking a license to sell real estate must complete an approved program of study and pass one or more written examinations. Some realtors choose to become licensed to work in more than one state, particularly those who live near state lines or work with clients who live in one state and commute to another.

What Do Realtors Need to Know
Real estate professionals must become knowledgeable about all aspects of buying and selling real estate. Everyone who wants to work in real estate must demonstrate a solid understanding of the laws governing the purchase and sale of real estate. Realtors also have to understand contract law, mortgage regulations, property appraisal procedures, real estate math, and a great deal of additional important information.

What Do Realtors Do?
People who are not familiar with jobs in real estate often have misconceptions about exactly what it is that real estate agents do for a living. The general public thinks that Realtors just drive around all day showing people houses. While showing properties is an important part of the job for many Realtors, it's only a small component of a complex and important profession.

Some real estate agents specialize in working with buyers, and others specialize in helping sellers. When working with home buyers, Realtors help people looking for homes find properties that meet their needs. When working with sellers, they focus on marketing activities. Most new Realtors work with both buyers and sellers, to get valuable experience in both aspects of the business and figure out which niche suits them best.

Working as a Realtor
It's important to understand that real estate agents work as self employed independent contractors. They can earn excellent incomes, but their incomes are based solely on commission. The most successful Realtors work long hours, often as many as seven days per week.

Real Estate agents must be available when their clients need them, so it's virtually impossible to limit working hours to a set schedule. While Realtors do enjoy a great deal of scheduling flexibility, their incomes are directly tied to how effectively they work and how available they make themselves to clients and prospective customers.

You are the only person who can decide if a career in real estate is right for you. If you enjoy the challenge of building a successful career in a commission only sales profession that involves helping people buy and sell real estate, you're likely to be very satisfied with a career in this industry.

Article by, Randall Olson, the Director of Information Technology for Mobile Technical Institute & MTI Business Solutions (http://www.mobiletechwebsite.com). He oversees the firm's high stakes certification testing center, conducts computer application training, and manages MTI's online learning programs. MTI is a full service training and consulting firm, providing open enrollment and on-site employee development training, database development, and website solutions. For free career and business development tips and advice, see http://www.DailyCareerConnection.com
and http://www.DailyBizSolutions.com.

Article courtesy of the Recruiting Blogswap, a content exchange service sponsored by CollegeRecruiter.com, a leading site for college students looking for internships and recent graduates seeking entry-level jobs and other career opportunities.

Posted by Candice Arnold on September 18, 2008 at 5:08 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Everyone we work with, everyone we befriend, everyone we love and trust, has two bios.

What do I mean by this?

When one of my sons arrived at college, he met a professor during his first week at school. The gentleman commenced the semester with an unusual classroom lecture, of sorts.

He posted a Power Point slide revealing, in brassy grandeur, all of his impressive credentials: cum laude, PhD, department chair, noted author, father of a half dozen theories, and on and on.

My son reacted in polar opposition to what this apparent show of intellectual superiority intended to elicit.

Restless in his seat, my son thought, "What a pompus stuffed shirt this guy is."

And then the professor surprised him. Actually shocked him. And most impressive, endeared himself to him.

"Now that you have had the opportunity to absorb that side of me," the professor said, "here is my other bio."

Another Power Point slide appeared, this time revealing rather unflattering traits:

• Alcoholic
• Apathetic Parent
• Lack Of Personal Imagination
• Fear Of Taking Risks

In business, in friendship, in romance, we are taught to keep the unattractive bio, which we all have, under wraps. To hide it. To present a facade as close to perfection as possible.

But no one believes it. We all know, deep down, that we are all imperfect. And those among us who are most transparent, most willing to surface the "stealth" bio, are actually the ones we admire most and select to be our partners, in whatever form of partnership we choose.

Why? Because we are drawn to their courage. Their honesty. To the knowledge that we actually know them and they us and in that mutual admission of imperfection, we find a perfect union.

I was asked the other day what it takes to be a successful leader, be it a CEO, the head of a tiny department, an entrepreneur seeking success against all odds, a platoon commander leading his forces into battle.

It takes any number of unusual and exceptional traits, perhaps chief among them the willingness to show both bios instead of the fantasy bio you post on FaceBook.

Article by, Mark Stevens, the bestselling author of "Your Marketing Sucks," "Your Management Sucks" and"God Is A Salesman." Stevens is CEO of MSCO, a global marketing firm, who has advised many clients over the years such as Estee Lauder, Virgin Atlantic, Guardian Insurance, MONY, Giorgio Armani, Starwood, Intrawest, etc. Stevens delivers more than 40 speeches annually and is a regularly featured media commentator, lending his insights and opinions on Fox Business Network, to the Associated Press, on CNN International, BBC Radio and Bloomberg TV.

Posted by Candice Arnold on September 18, 2008 at 4:38 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

I love following Jeremiah Owyang's blog. He is very creative for starting a "People on the move in the social media industry" series of posts. In Jeremiah's last post, I saw a really good note about someone getting a job by using Twitter and jumped on it. I haven't heard too many stories of people getting a job through Twitter. I emailed Chris immediately and he sent me his story, which is well written. He also asked if I wanted commentary from his new boss and the woman who recruited him on Twitter. So below is a compilation of everything. Just about anyone can learn something from this. From my perspective, I would enjoy a world where you didn't have to submit to job boards, where you could bypass hierarchies and speak directly to the applicant/recruiter.

Chris Kieff, Director of Marketing, Ripple6, Inc.

I've changed jobs from being an independent consultant to becoming the new Director of Marketing with Ripple6, www.Ripple6.com. One of the interesting things about this is that I found my job on Twitter. I'm doing an interview with John Lawlor today on his Blog Talk Radio show about how that happened. It's at noon eastern today but you can download and listen anytime http://snipr.com/btr-smc-12.

I spent several months looking for work after losing my job in January 2008. I went the usual route of job sites and resumes, etc. And I started writing my blog, www.1GoodReason.com, which gained me some exposure. The blog is the thing that gained me the best attention and consideration. At the same time I worked hard on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Doing everything everyone advises you do to, I was twittering, friending and linking; answering questions etc.

I went on numerous interviews and found 4 different companies that all wanted to hire me for a new position as a "Social Media" person. And each of the 4 companies, when the rubber met the road ran into a hiring freeze. Now maybe this is the new age lie in the current economy but since they were hiring very visible people in the Social Media space it is pretty easy to tell that they are or are not hiring, and they haven't yet.

So as the last job fell through, and that prospect decided to freeze their hiring and asked me to possibly consult with them, I sent a "Tweet" on twitter, something like this "New Job just fell through, but got a new client". One of the 1000+ followers I had collected over the past 6 months responded to me with something like, "Hey we're looking for a social media marketing guy, you interested?"

We started a conversation that lead to a job as the Director of Marketing. Here's the kicker, I had applied to the job, by sending an email to a job posting they had made a few weeks before. So my resume didn't make it through the screening process, but my Twitter had gotten through the noise and into the short list.

Katie Bessiere, Director Client Services & Strategy, Ripple6, Inc.

Note: Katie found Chris on Twitter after he tweeted. She was already one of his followers!

I've used twitter for advertising open job positions multiple times now, and have found some excellent candidates that way. The message reaches the right people through twitter primarily because it uses my own social network ties to spread the word. I may be broadcasting to a smaller set of people, but they are a more valuable and more relevant set. I was actively monitoring twitter for job candidates when Chris sent his tweet out since I myself had sent several out about open positions in that same time period.

Twitter is certainly not the only effective social media outlet for finding people by any means; I've had success with others as well (Facebook and Linkedin, for example). The central tenet of all of these is the same though: using your own network to spread a message. Research has shown that weak ties are the most valuable source of informational and instrumental social support, so it should surprise no one that the phenomenon would repeat itself online or that the candidates found in this manner would be equally if not more qualified for the job.

Rich Ullman, SVP, Marketing, Ripple6, Inc.

Note: Rich is Chris's new boss!

At first I thought it was ironic to find Chris this way, but it was quite appropriate. For weeks, if not months, I had ruled out candidates with impressive backgrounds and experience because they had less than a dozen connections on LinkedIn. That wasn't a measure of their talent, but of their ability to adapt, adopt, and understand the medium and what Ripple6 does.

By coming to us from the ground up, it was one clear sign (but not the only one) that he knew how social technologies work, empower and change people. For our niche of the industry, that's imperative today. And for others, it's not that far off.

Article by, Dan Schawbel, the leading personal branding expert for Gen-Y. He authors the Personal Branding Blog and publishes Personal Branding Magazine and authored the upcoming book, Me 2.0: Build a Powerful Brand to Achieve Career Success (Kaplan, Spring 2009). Dan has been called a "personal branding force of nature" by Fast Company and his work has been published in BrandWeek Magazine, Advertising Age and countless other publications.

Posted by Candice Arnold on September 18, 2008 at 4:13 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Doonesbury's Rick Redfern was layed off from the Washington Post this week in another high profile sign that the daily newspaper industry is coming to an end almost as swiftly as the investment banking industry. To add insult to injury, Redfern's boss suggests that he could use his buyout package to ease the transition to becoming a full-time blogger. As always, Garry Trudeau has perfectly encapsulated in just 4 panels not only the entire demise of the daily newspaper business, but also the tectonics shifts that are taking place in the worlds of media and journalism (not to mention baby-boomers, agism, and disingenuous bosses). Brilliant. And on behalf of the 110 million, Rick, welcome to the club.

Article by Toby Dayton and courtesy of Diggings, a blog about recruitment advertising, media, publishing, HR, work, & technology, among other things.

Posted by Candice Arnold on September 18, 2008 at 3:44 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

My friend and radio show co-host Lindsey Pollak has a brand new blog over at Fast Company. Her first, post, 5 Ways to Take More Control of Your Career, comes at a perfect time as we all sit in shock over the demise of long-established, powerful financial institutions Lehman Brothers and Merrill Lynch.

Many people who would like to change careers don't, and why? Because they believe that they are "safer" sticking with an organization that can provide for them in the long-term. But recent events have shown us that this is a myth, and in fact there is no better time to prepare yourself for a career outside your company box. Some wise tips from Lindsey include:

Be the first to know everything. Set up free keyword news alerts for companies, industries, products, events and people (including yourself!) related to your industry. This will ensure you're the very first to know about -- and then spread the word about -- new products, new management and new business opportunities. People want to know people in the know.

Be a leader. Not advancing fast enough in your current position? Then create your own leadership track someplace else. Raise your hand to lead a committee for a trade association or a nonprofit board. Leadership in any organization or group adds to your experience, connections and reputation.

Don't ignore the most obvious networking opportunity. College and grad school alumni networks are among your best lifelong connections. Attend reunions and events, offer to speak on panels, join online networks and send news to your alumni magazine.

Take a writing class. Wonder why the "I Judge You When You Use Poor Grammar" group on Facebook has almost 300,000 members? Even in the days of IM, texting and Twittering, writing and speaking skills still matter. Being a great communicator is like being the best dressed person in the room: it commands instant respect and admiration.

Be your own publicist. Success is not just about who you know; it's about who knows you. Whenever you receive a mention in the media, win an award, get a promotion or close a major deal, announce it on LinkedIn or other professional social networks. Post your announcement with a great professional headshot and the news will spread even faster.

Article by Alexandra Levit and courtesy of Water Cooler Wisdom blog.

Posted by Candice Arnold on September 17, 2008 at 4:44 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Recently I have been pondering the question of whether or not it's really necessary to get together in-person just to chat (no urgent agenda) with known business contacts/partners? My networking-expert-friends who just read that first sentence are probably cringing right at this very moment. Let me explain my question a little better and then maybe some of you will have answers for me:

I understand that in order to build relationships with people you usually need to meet them face-to-face at least once if possible. Since we live in a world in which technology allows us to meet and communicate with people all over the world via the internet I think it is possible to build relationships with people you never see face-to-face. In fact I have business contacts in far-flung places whom I will probably never meet in person yet we collaborate closely and have built great relationships.

When possible I always try to meet new business contacts in person because I understand that most people like to connect names and faces and that in-person meetings often have a more lasting impact on the participants. Most of the time, once I meet a new contact once or twice in person and get to know him/her a bit, I don't necessarily feel the need to leave my office to meet them for breakfast or lunch just to catch up unless I am not particularly busy. Does that make me a curmudgeon? Is my perspective out of line with the expectations of society at large?

Most people I know get up early in the morning, shower, get dressed, get the kids to school, and rush to a day in an office filled with meetings, business lunches, bosses, co-workers, and presentations. I, on the other hand, work out of a home-based office and get paid by individual clients only for the coaching and written materials I deliver for them. My day begins with walking the dogs, running to the gym, taking a quick shower and hurrying upstairs to my office to write resumes, bios, marketing documents (for corporate clients), and to spend time on the phone with clients all around the U.S. and sometimes internationally.

If I were working in an office I would spend some time early in the morning doing my hair, putting on makeup, and making myself look professionally presentable. In fact, when I used to work in an office environment I had lunch with friends, co-workers, or partners/clients nearly every day. Of course, in those days, someone else was paying my salary so lunch was just another hour for which I was being paid.

Since I work at home, I wear shorts and flip flops every day which means that if I need to meet someone for a business lunch I need to spend at least an hour "professionalizing" my look. Then I need to spend about an hour round trip in traffic to drive to the meeting itself.

Recently, a relatively new business contact of mine with whom I have had breakfast a couple of times, gave me a hard time about not having time to meet her for breakfast. She even went so far as to ask if the reason I couldn't go to breakfast was that I was angry with her. That is the event that precipitated this post.

I explained to her, in great detail, the amount of work I have right now (staggering) and the amount of time that getting ready for, driving to/from, and the meeting itself takes away from the time I have to spend on work. I offered to catch up via phone which, in my mind, would take less time and serve the same purpose as an in-person meeting.

In response she said that she wanted to see me in person (there was no hot topic on our agenda, by the way, I think she just prefers to meet people in person rather than talk on the phone) so she would be willing to drop by my house and bring coffee so we could catch up. She told me that she isn't as busy as I am and that her job necessitates that she is "out and about" all day long. In other words, her job is all about in-person meetings.

I have been starting work at 6 or 7 am and sometimes not stopping until 9 or 10 pm almost every day recently so I have not taken this particular contact up on her offer to bring coffee to my home. It is very important to me to deliver high quality work to my clients within our agreed timeframe and with the economy the way it is, well, I guess the clients take precedence over meetings with people I already know.

I don't know if my unwillingness to meet in-person right now has upset this particular person to the point that she won't have anything else to do with me. I really hope not. It just makes me wonder if my perspective is out of whack so I thought I would ask what you think?

Article by Liz Handlin and courtesy of Ultimate Resumes

Posted by Candice Arnold on September 17, 2008 at 4:39 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Oft ignored work rule: Do not contact a colleague when they're on vacation - unless there is a true emergency.

One of the main reasons we take vacations is to escape work. All of it. From the grinding commute to the day-to-day nonsense. When I'm sitting poolside, sipping on a cocktail, the last thing I need is to hear from [insert name here] on anything work related. I don't need the latest personnel gossip or a status report on current projects. It can all wait until I get back; trust me.

The funny thing is, the offender often thinks they are doing you a favor. They think it's a 'friendly' gesture. After all, you guys joke about everything, all of the time, right? Mom once told me that a true friend will never tell you anything to make you upset. (Those conversations usually start out like, 'Since we're close I thought you should know...')

Some of the problem falls on you. You must resist the urge to make contact. We're given such a limited amount of vacation days, that it is imperative to enjoy them completely away from work - both mentally and physically. Occasionally it will be the vacationer making this error.

Allow this post to serve as a reminder.

Now what if you work with a close friend who you will likely speak to while you're away? If you two truly are close, I would simply tell the person you need a clean break and would appreciate not hearing anything about the office while you're away. Whether it's good, bad, funny or seemingly benign - tell your buddy to shut his/her trapper. The tiniest item can conjure up emotion and stress about the job - and who needs that?

Remote e-mail access lends itself to habitual inbox checking (H.I.C.). Put down the crackberry and step away from the computer - a true vacation is a cold turkey clean break from all things work related.

CHECKLIST
- Leave everything at home that connects you to work
- Answer cell phone selectively (beware of text messages!)
- If you start to think/talk about work, stop yourself immediately

Going on vacation is more than an escape from work. You're going to see interesting sites and spend time with family and friends.

Even for those of you out there who absolutely love what you do (congrats!), resetting back to zero is always a good idea. Too much of a good thing gets old - fast.

What about generous folks who want to buy souvenirs for co-workers. If you must tend to any work business while away, set aside a day and time to accomplish what you need to do. Above all, make a pact with yourself to enjoy yourself and save work for your return; you'll be back in the saddle before you know it.

BTW: The same rules generally apply when you call in sick (whether it's a legitimate day or not). If you're off - you're off!

Article by Andrew G.R. and courtesy of jobacle.com - your cure for carbon copy career advice!

Posted by Candice Arnold on September 17, 2008 at 2:49 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

To increase your opportunities to move ahead, try implementing the success strategies that my clients have used to land their new jobs:

1. Build a career on your strengths. You have natural talents you were born with. These talents are the things you find easy to do. Maybe it's teaching or writing. Maybe it's designing, selling, or helping people. You have numerous strengths so list all your talents, including things that others compliment you on. If you begin to use your mastered strengths on the job daily, you'll move up faster, find better jobs, and be paid a higher salary as a result, so make using your talents the basis for any position you choose to pursue.

2. Figure out exactly what you want to DO before you apply. Amazingly many people fail to clearly define the specific job they can do and waste days and weeks job hunting and getting nowhere. Investigate all the various careers you might be able to do. Carefully weigh what work tasks you like to do, and which tasks you dislike, and analyze your current skill set, training level, and accomplishments to date. Go online and investigate new fields, industries, and potential careers. Narrow down the options and create a short list of jobs you love to do. Then conduct comprehensive interviews with individuals who work at these exact jobs to get the real facts and insight into what that career is really like. Evaluate growth opportunities, salaries, benefits, and then, when you are sure where you want to go, determine the best job title to target. If you are stuck or need more help, career counseling might be valuable, option. Or, for starters, read my popular book, "What to Do with The Rest of Your Life."

3. Cover letters are critical -- be sure you use one -- in addition to an attention-getting resume. Employers want to see specific results and accomplishments in resumes and in your cover letter. Typical opening sentences like, "I'm applying for the job I saw on your website." OR "I really want to work for your company." are ineffective according to the survey results. The cover letter and resume only get a 15-second glance, so your first line either grabs the reader's attention or loses it. Hiring managers overwhelming prefer you use a powerful customized first sentence that summarizes the top skills and experience you can bring to the job. For example, "Five years experience as project manager ... " is a good opening. The cover letter is a sample of your communication skills, and can be influential in getting you an interview, so make your cover letter is outstanding. Be sure to hit your key background and accomplishments in a few bullet points to get the potential employer to call you in for an interview. And make sure that your resume screams, "I'm a get-the-job-done kind of person." Click to take our Resume Assessment Quiz to see if your resume stands out.

4. Use a verbal business card. Start the interview in the best possible way: when the interviewer asks the, "Tell me about yourself." question, forget about giving them your autobiography. Use the 60 Second Sell outlined in my book "60 Seconds and You're Hired!" This technique suggests that you analyze the job duties the employer wants accomplished, then select your top five selling points -- your strongest abilities, experience and skills -- that will demonstrate that you can do the job better than the next applicant. Link these five points together into a few sentences and you have created a "verbal business card" that is the most effective way to begin and to close the interview. Keep the momentum going with well-prepared answers to questions and practice before you ever face the interviewer.

5. Pre-determine some specific examples of your past performance. Expect to get the tricky, situational questions, i.e. "Describe a mistake you made at work in the last month." and have prepared answers showing how you have solved problems on your job in the past. Keep the answers short -- no more than 60 seconds.

6. Negotiate the salary. The biggest salary increases are the result of negotiating effectively with the new employer. Know exactly what your skills are worth in the marketplace so you do not undersell yourself. If you aren't certain click here for resources+ tools to use. Never mention money first. Wait until the position is offered. This preserves your negotiation power.

A terrific future is just ahead, so go for it!

Robin Ryan has appeared on Oprah and Dr. Phil is considered America's top career coach. Robin has a busy career counseling practice providing individual career coaching, resume writing services, interview preparation, salary negotiations, and outplacement, to clients nationwide. She is the best-selling author of:60 Seconds & You're Hired!; Soaring On Your Strengths; What to Do with the Rest of Your Life; Winning Resumes ; and Winning Cover Letters . A dynamic national speaker, Robin has spoken to over 1200 audiences sharing her insights on how to improve their lives and obtain greater success. Contact Robin at: 425.226.0414, or email: RobinRyan@aol.com, or visit her website: www.robinryan.com

Posted by Candice Arnold on September 17, 2008 at 10:07 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

When shopping for a house once, I was told by a realtor that if I wasn't at least a little embarrassed at how low my offer was, it was not low enough. Similarly, negotiating a salary or raise, if you're not just a little red-faced at your desired amount [Ideal Number], you're not thinking high enough.

It has to pass the "laugh test," however. If it's ridiculously too high, they'll just laugh. Likewise an employer's offer must pass yours, lest you laugh because it's ridiculously low.

Once, my daughter asked for my negotiation advice and (surprisingly) followed it. She had been a star document organizer in a nation-wide class action lawsuit with 800 trials pending and mountains of e-paperwork to track, file, retrieve at a moment's notice. She lived in Manhattan on her $35,000 [= $17.50/hour] annual salary. After she left the firm, for reasons other than salary, they ran into trouble. They called her back and asked her to consult with the remaining paralegals to show them her organization and retrieval system.

My daughter and I figured that $150/hour would be fair. Once they had agreed on her consulting role, timing, independent contractor status, etc., her old boss said, "I suppose we can start at the usual $35,000."

She laughed.

They flunked her laugh test.

When you present your number, don't share a small number, share your Ideal. Your "Wow!" number. (Quick reminder, though. Remember Commandment 1. Wait until you're sure they're ready to make you an offer.) Your ideal number should make you blush a little (or it's not high enough).

Make sure, of course, it's bolstered by a solid value-proposition. (See Commandment 5.) Let them know the rationale behind the numbers and you can soften the economic blow by saying, "This may be just a bit out of reach, but I think I owe it to you to tell you what would really excite me. It's ________."

Think about it. Why would you start negotiations any lower?

There's a curious phenomenon. In negotiations, the first number you put out will act as a magnet and pull their number toward it: the higher your number [assuming it passes the laugh test], the stronger the magnet.

The only worry in going first and going high is that you might catch your employer off guard and the Ideal number has such strong magnetism that s/he agrees to overpay you. However, if you feel bad/guilty for taking advantage of his/her poor negotiation skills, you can always give it back! You can always say, "You know, I think I was a little too demanding in the negotiations and while I expect to be your star employee, I want you to feel good about my earnings. Why don't we take 10% of my earnings and give them to a charity we can both agree on?"

To the best of my knowledge, no one's ever done that, but just in case you're too timid or embarrassed to go for the gold, remembering this might help you engage that last little bit of motivation to "Honor Thy Wealth and Prosperity."

Article by, Jack Chapman, "The Salary Coach," and author of Negotiating Your Salary: How to Make $1000 a Minute. Used with permission. For more information, visit SalaryNegotiations.com.(c)2008

Posted by Candice Arnold on September 17, 2008 at 9:27 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

It's becoming more of a reality with each passing day even if politicians are averse to use the proper term.

We are in a recession.
The combination of rising fuel costs, the war in Iraq, the rising price of food and the mortgage crisis in this country has put us in a severe economic downturn. Call it what you want but it has made many of feel extremely uneasy about our future.

How will we continue to live the lifestyles we've grown accustomed to? Is it possible? One way to ensure that you'll come out of this horrendous period of economic history in decent shape is to find a career that can go relatively untouched by a wretched economy.

Here are five careers to consider if this is a concern of yours:

1. Think international.
With the state of the U.S. dollar in steady decline it may be time to consider relocating to Europe for a period of time where economies are thriving. If you have bilingual skills now is the time to put them to use. You probably wondered to yourself as you were taking your seventh year of Spanish: why do I need to know a foreign language? Well, this is the reason. It's going to give you an opportunity to secure your financial future.

2. Teaching is rewarding.
The stigma that teachers don't make a lot of money is true. However, they do earn a respectable living and can make up to $80,000 if they earn their masters degree. Not to mention, the pension plan for educators in public schools are excellent where you can earn up to 80 % of your highest salary and receive excellent health benefits.

3. Go green.
Working for the environment is not just a couple of hours of community service on Earth Day anymore. This is a thriving industry as some politicians are serious about combating global warming. This field is open to scientists and people with great communication skills that are adept at promoting major issues.

4. Healthcare jobs are safe.
The healthcare industry is one of the largest growing fields in the United States and there appears to be no end in sight. With healthcare privatized for the foreseeable future there will always be a future in this industry.

5. Public service.
Firefighters, policemen and municipal jobs will always be needed to be filled. While the salaries may not escalate like they used to, there will always be a demand for these services to be rendered.

Article courtesy of Bankaholic

Posted by Candice Arnold on September 17, 2008 at 9:12 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

Shopping is supposed to be social. When you were a teenager, you probably liked to hit the mall with friends. Now, you probably lie in bed late at night surfing web sites looking for cool stuff to buy. It's just not the same. You need social proof to back up your buying decisions. You want to hear what other people think. You want reviews, stories, and answers to questions that you may have about a product or service. Bazaarvoice is a software as a service provider that promotes social commerce by connecting customers to each other. They get their name from the word "bazaar, " which "symbolizes the beginning of commerce - the initial marketplaces... lively centers of town, buzzing with neighbors, friends and merchants all sharing opinions and building a vibrant community." That's what Bazaarvoice is trying to recreate online for their clients. Continue reading about Bazaarvoice...

Article by Willy Franzen of One Day, One Internship and One Day, One Job

Posted by Candice Arnold on September 16, 2008 at 3:31 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Everything that I know about braille, I learned in elementary school. I know that the braille system is used by blind people to read and write, and I also know that braille was invented by a French guy named Louis Braille. I recently learned that L'Occitane uses braille in their packaging, but that's about all that I can rattle off. There's a lot more to braille, and the Wikipedia page on braille is a great place to get educated. Why should you be reading up on braille? Because the National Braille Press is hiring, and if you want to work for them, you better be well versed in the ins and outs of braille. They are a non-profit organization that prints and publishes braille books, magazines, textbooks, and tests and offers embossing services with the hopes of promoting braille literacy. Continue reading about National Braille Press...

Article by Willy Franzen of One Day, One Internship and One Day, One Job

Posted by Candice Arnold on September 16, 2008 at 3:27 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Consulting jobs are hot for new college grads, even though a lot of people ask, "What could a new grad possibly consult on?" The truth is that consulting firms love fresh talent. They pick the best and the brightest and put them to work on teams with experienced pros to solve problems that other companies are struggling with. If you're thinking about a job in consulting, you might as well aim for the one of the best. Kurt Salmon Associates is a consulting firm that focuses on Consumer Products and Retail (Supply Chain and Growth and Profitability) and Health Care consulting. They've been named a Top 10 Best Firms to Work For by Consulting Magazine for six years in a row, so you know that they'll take good care of you - if you can land a job with them. Continue reading about Kurt Salmon Associates...

Article by Willy Franzen of One Day, One Internship and One Day, One Job

Posted by Candice Arnold on September 16, 2008 at 3:24 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Artists and record labels are starting to realize that live music is a great way to stay profitable. Although the digital download business is seeing amazing growth, the idea that people should pay for songs has pretty much gone out the window. If you can fill up a venue with adoring fans (who paid an arm and a leg for tickets) and sell them t-shirts, posters, and whatever else people buy at concerts, you can still make a lot of money. If this trend continues Live Nation should be primed for success, they have the "most live concerts, music venues and festivals in the world and the most comprehensive concert search engine on the web." Continue reading about Live Nation...

Article by Willy Franzen of One Day, One Internship and One Day, One Job

Posted by Candice Arnold on September 16, 2008 at 3:19 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

To most college aged guys the words "men's health" brings up images of jacked guys on a cover of a magazine that claims that it will help you "Lose Your Gut in 43 Days" and go on the "Red Hot Sex Safari." Others might think of the retired athletes who now appear in commercials about prostate cancer, but for the most part 20-something males don't think about health issues too much (and for good reason, most of us are completely healthy). I was taken aback when I started reading Adam Frey's blog. Adam is a Cornell University (my alma mater) wrestler who competed in the NCAA championships this spring. A few days after his wrestling season finally ended, he was in a horrible car accident, but walked away from it mostly unscathed. He went to the hospital and had some precautionary tests done including a CAT scan. His body was completely unharmed from the accident, but that the doctors discovered that Adam had testicular cancer. Since his diagnosis Adam has been blogging nearly every day about his battle with cancer. His posts are inspirational, and his honesty is sometimes overwhelming. He is doing a fantastic job of bringing light to men's health issues, much like the Men's Health Network, which is a non-profit educational organization that aims to "significantly improve the health, longevity, and quality of life or men and their families." Continue reading about Men's Health Network...

Article by Willy Franzen of One Day, One Internship and One Day, One Job

Posted by Candice Arnold on September 16, 2008 at 3:15 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

In today's oh-so uncertain times, many people are concerned about job security . . . and with good reason. It's important that employees - and those who counsel them in career matters - understand that job security comes in different "packages," and that job security can be negotiated in new-job negotiations, while on the job, and in severance negotiations, as well.

What is "job security?" For discussion purposes, perhaps it can be defined as "not losing your job, and what your job offers you, by surprise." By that practical definition, we often ask for, and obtain, job security in these six basic ways:

1. Agreed-Upon Term: The most basic form of job security is having an agreed-upon end date for your employment, commonly known as a "term" of employment. Agreed "terms" are not that popular with employers, because they represent commitment to overhead, but are nearly always given to those employees who employers value most - senior executives. But remember the old adage, "You don't get unless you ask."

2. Minimum Payout: Many employers will not provide a guaranteed minimum employment "term," but will provide "guaranteed payout." For example, on Wall Street it is common to see a new employee told, in effect, "You have no agreed end-date, and therefore no guaranteed employment term, but in all events we will pay you all you would have earned had you been with us a year (or two.)"

3. Minimum Notice: "You won't lose your job without receiving at least six months (or three months) prior notice, unless you engage in serious misconduct." This type of valuable job security is also given out, but more commonly on request than without request.

4. Pre-Agreed Severance: Though pre-agreed severance does not keep you in your job longer than your employer wants you there, it does at least give you security regarding some of the most important aspects of being an employee: continued income, continued benefits, and continued perquisites ("perks"), such as leased car, tuition assistance, and the like.

5. Continued Payout of Earned Monies: For those compensated in good part by commissions (or their first cousins, formulaic bonuses) we ask for "payment of commissions (or quarterly bonuses) earned during employment, for a minimum of one (or two) years, whether or not employment then-exists." A related request relevant to job security is "pro rata yearly bonus."

6. Continued Perception of Employment: To some, "perception is reality." Employers will sometimes agree to give an employee the right to (a) keep their title, (b) use their office, (c) maintain email and phone answering, and the like, in order to maintain their appearance of being employed. This prevents the substantial diminution of "perception of value" in the employment marketplace that comes from coming to an interview "hat in hand," and also precludes the interview question, "Why were you fired?"

The varieties of valuable "job security" an employee can negotiate are limited only by the bounds of creative thinking. These six types are the most common types our clients ask for, and commonly receive, in their workplace negotiations.

Article by, Alan Sklover and courtesy of CareerHub.com. The Career Hub blog connects job seekers with experts in career counseling, resume writing, personal branding and recruiting.

Posted by Candice Arnold on September 16, 2008 at 2:14 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Just came across a new branding blog Dim Bulb by Jonathan Salem Baskin, author of Branding Only Works on Cattle and saw this post today - a memo to Mark Snyder the new VP- Chief Marketing Officer at K-Mart congratulating him on his new job.

Whilst humorous (and biting) it still makes some very important points about the changing landscape for branding - and made me think equally about how that impacts personal branding and managing your career.

• Focus - it's no longer about touchpoints, get out there and find where the hiring managers form, make and actually hire - forget the traditional apporaches to finding a job
• Living - find organizations where everyone is really living the culture and values that are a fit for you, not just paying lip service to some mission statement that means nothing and they have not had a say in creating and developing
• Influencing - working for organizations where that brand extends beyond its own walls (virtual or otherwise) and makes a difference to all that it touches - suppliers, customers, community.

Make sense?

Article by, and courtesy of CareerHub.com. The Career Hub blog connects job seekers with experts in career counseling, resume writing, personal branding and recruiting.

Posted by Candice Arnold on September 16, 2008 at 2:09 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Mark Twain taught us... "The difference between the almost right word and the right word is really a large matter -- 'tis the difference between the lightning bug and the lightning."

When it comes to resume writing and interviewing, you will want to give serious consideration to each and every word you choose to speak about you and your brand. Intentionally select words that will align yourself (you the product) with the employer's needs.

Before you put together your resume, or before you hit the streets to interview, do your word homework. This activity is vitally important because the very words that you use on paper and in person telegraph to the employer that you "get it" or that you don't. And hopefully, you "get" what their needs are and have crafted a document that proves without question why you can do the job you say you're interested in doing. The same holds true for interviewing; when you go to an interview, speak with words that best relate to the job you're after.

For years, when I have asked clients to tell me three words that best describe them, I repeatedly hear this trio: 1. loyal 2. honest 3. hardworking. Imagine for a moment that you're the hiring manager...how many hundreds (or thousands) of times do you think you have heard these very words? These words, while good words, are not the best words to describe the unique, distinct, one and only you. To be sure, you will not distinguish yourself from your competition by echoing what others have already said.

If you are describing your brand with the same ole, same ole words, now is the time to find some new and improved descriptors. Deliberately choose words for your resume and interview that prove to the reader, or listener, that you can do the job. When you are responding to a job posting, carefully scrutinize and analyze the opportunity for its keywords. The employer is giving you a few hints; take heed of the words they're offering. Have you included any of their words in your resume, or in your interview with them?

Here are three resources that you may find helpful in finding alternative word choices to describe you and your brand, if you are struggling to figure it out:

1. Occupational Outlook Handbook

2. O*net Online

3. Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus: Updated & Expanded 2nd Edition

Fired. Mired. Tired. Hired. Words are but the vague shadows of the volumes we mean. Little audible links, they are, chaining together great inaudible feelings and purposes ~ Theodore Dreiser, 1900.

Article by, Billie Sucher and courtesy of CareerHub.com. The Career Hub blog connects job seekers with experts in career counseling, resume writing, personal branding and recruiting.

Posted by Candice Arnold on September 16, 2008 at 2:00 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

The Lakewood School District, located in Lakewood, Ohio, a suburb of Cleveland, has decided to make background checks mandatory for school volunteers.

At the beginning of this year, the district began requiring all school volunteers to be fingerprinted and have a criminal background check completed, according to an article by WKYC.

"We want to make sure we have done everything to keep our kids safe and secure," Dr. David Estrop, Lakewood Superintendent, said in the article.

To date, about 350 volunteers have undergone background checks, costing the school district almost $8,000. The school district pays for its volunteers' background checks to make sure they don't have felonies or other serious crimes on their records.

The district thinks the mandatory background checks are an investment worth making, and other schools are performing volunteer background checks, but it should be noted not all districts may be able to spend the extra money. However, once background checks are completed, all parents can rest assured their children are in safe hands.

Many institutions, such as schools and hospitals, require volunteers to undergo background checks, but there is no law requiring companies to perform background checks on volunteers. While a background check might make a volunteer feel as though their privacy is being invaded, it could save much hassle for those involved.

Posted by Joel Cheesman on September 16, 2008 at 10:05 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

You recently heard somewhere that a job fair is an excellent way to meet lots of potential employers and maximize your job search time. The problem is, how do you find job fairs and what do you do once you've found them?

To locate upcoming job fairs:
- Review media, including free job publications. Don't forget to check radio and TV stations.
- Check your target companies' Career section Web sites. They'll often promote job fairs they're attending.
- Contact college career service offices in your area. They regularly conduct or know of job fairs. Non-students or alumni may be welcome.
- Search the Internet using the key words "job fair" or "career fair" and your city and state.
- Bookmark your favorite job search resources for upcoming job fairs and locations, as well as preparation tips.

To prepare for a job fair, follow these suggestions:
- Register for the job fair in advance. Be sure to get a copy of the hiring company exhibitors.
- Select the companies you're most interested in and research their Web sites, annual reports and recent media coverage. Talk to your networking contacts. Your goal is to thoroughly understand what the companies do and how you can bring value to them
- Develop your "elevator pitch" that explains what you do, what you bring to the table, and how this aligns with the company's business. Remember, you're there to demonstrate what you can do for them, not what they can do for you.
- Develop a list of questions to ask. The worst question you can ask at a job fair is, "What do you do?" A more appropriate question might be, "I saw in your most recent annual report that you are expanding your marketing operations. Will graphic designers be part of that expansion? I have a graphic design degree and have been recognized for...."

While at the job fair, make sure you:
- Seek out your targeted companies and introduce yourself with a firm handshake and confident demeanor.
- Pitch your candidacy for a position.
- Ask questions and make a connection.
- Get business cards of people you meet at the booths.

Note: Even if the company is not hiring for your particular skills at the time, if it's a company of interest to you, make an effort to meet the company representatives and establish a connection you can follow up on after the job fair.

Once the job fair is over, what's next? If you collected business cards, you should immediately send a thank you note and reinforce your skills. Note something from the job fair you said or did that will help the recipient recall you. About one or two weeks after the job fair, follow up by telephone, as well.

Sharon DeLay is a Certified Professional Resume Writer and Certified Professional Career Coach. You can visit her at Permanent Ink Professional Development Services or e-mail her for more information.

© 2008 Permanent Ink Professional Development Services

Posted by Sharon DeLay on September 15, 2008 at 12:53 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

According to a CNN.com story, more than 25% of Americans between ages 18 and 50 have at least one tattoo. The percentage jumps another 10 points when you narrow the age range to 18 to 29. Roughly simplified, at least one in three or four people in the workplace will likely have a tattoo. Look around...do you see any of your co-workers sporting a little body art? Are you?

Tattoos are not covered under your civil or constitutional rights. While you absolutely have a right to get one, don't expect an employer to hire you if there's a concern about how clients might perceive you. For some employers, a dress code is critical to the branding and image of the organization. A tattoo may well be outside of the employer's guidelines. For most customers, their perceptions are their realities.

However, tattoos are a reality and an employer may hire a qualified candidate and have a requirement that all tattoos remain covered by appropriate business attire while the employee is on the clock.

Think about the following before you get a tattoo (or your next tattoo):

Consider the message you're conveying. Part of this is about the perceived reality of others and part of it is about the "message" of the tattoo. The same rules apply to the tattoo that applies to interviewing: avoid controversy. It's like dating -- you don't want to turn off your "date" before he or she gets to know you.

Location, location, location. The real estate market has it right; it's all about location. Choose locations on your body that will likely be covered by your work attire and focus your art there. No harm, no foul.

Limit the number of tattoos you have. Most people, even the most conservative, can handle a tasteful tattoo and can rationalize it as youthful indiscretion. However, when the tattoos start creeping up your neck and down your arms Miami Ink-style, people provide their own reality and credibility tests to you.

Your dress for success strategy should include a critical evaluation of how others will perceive and respond to you. Businesses ultimately want to make money and exceptional relationships between employees and customers translate into more money. If customers can't connect with you because of the distraction of your body art, you may want to reconsider how you're expressing yourself.

Sharon DeLay is a Certified Professional Resume Writer and Certified Professional Career Coach. You can visit her at Permanent Ink Professional Development Services or e-mail her for more information.

Posted by Sharon DeLay on September 15, 2008 at 12:24 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

It's not uncommon for the first interview to be by telephone. It's an effective way to pre-screen an applicant and ensure both parties are interested in moving forward with a more formal interview process. Other reasons companies use telephone interviews:

- They're an excellent way to pre-screen the candidate to confirm basic skills.

- They're a time saver for all parties involved in the interview process.

- They give the company an opportunity to make some basic assessments about the candidate based on verbal skills and the candidate's ability to convey enthusiasm and interest.

- They provide a much easier avenue for both parties to end the process if something just isn't right.

Continue reading ...

What are some tips for acing the phone telephone interview?

- Schedule a time to conduct the interview. If at all possible, resist participating in an on-the-spot interview so you can ensure that you're prepared.

- Make sure you know for what position and what company you're interviewing to avoid sounding confused or unqualified.

- Take the phone call in a quiet place where you will not be distracted...by anything.

- If you're taking the interview call on a cell phone, make sure you're in an area where the signal is strong and there is no chance for interference and dropping.

- Dress for the interview. This seems silly on the surface, but if you feel good, it comes across in your voice, enthusiasm and attitude.

- Smile when dialed! If necessary, keep a mirror close by and make sure you're smiling when the phone rings and then check yourself periodically.

- Stand during the interview. We breathe and project better when we're standing and this will help you avoid running out of breath in the middle of an answer and gradually ending up at a whisper.

- Have a few questions prepared. While you may not get the opportunity to ask questions at the end of a telephone interview, you'll be prepared.

- Thank the interviewer for calling at the end of the interview and make sure you have contact information so you can follow up with a thank you note.

Telephone interviews are not the kiss of death. Oftentimes, they're the guaranteed way to make the next cut. Are you prepared?

Sharon DeLay is a Certified Professional Resume Writer and Certified Professional Career Coach. You can visit her at Permanent Ink Professional Development Services and check out her blog on her website or e-mail her for more information.

copyright, 2008 Permanent Ink Professional Development Services

Posted by Sharon DeLay on September 15, 2008 at 12:12 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

This is a guest post by Lauren Kleinman.

You glance longingly over to the empty cubicle next to yours. Nobody's home.

Why is it that your cubicle neighbor is always there less than you? It's not because they are busy with important meetings or running errands for your boss, but because they are outside with their smoky treats. They are determined and persistent, weathering not only the good days but the rainy and stormy days as well to feed the daily habit.

Do not misunderstand; many smokers take only their two allotted 15 minutes break in addition to their lunch break. However, those that take advantage of this system get under my skin. Unfortunately for the work smokers (and I cannot deny that I was in that category at one point in a past stressful job), there are other consequences than just criticism for frequent smoke breaks.

* Smoking can be a sign of weakness to management.

* It creates a certain perception at work. Smoking is a controversial topic these days, and it depends which person is making the perception whether it is good or bad. Regardless, there is always a stigma attached to the title of "smoker."

* You smell. Sorry, I don't have a nice way to say it. Although I have given up work smoking completely, I enjoy the occasional with a beer. I smell when I do it, and so do you.

Some employers are completely banning smoking areas at the work site, while others are looking for employees to sign non-smoking clauses to cut down on health insurance costs. The heyday of smoking at work is over. Coming from a fellow nicotine addict, I understand how difficult it can be to kick the habit. However, if you have certain aspirations at work, that should be reason enough to keep your smoking habit separate from your work life. If quitting still isn't an option, use only your allotted break times and freshen up afterwards.

Are we in agreement?

Article courtesy of Andrew G.R. and courtesy of jobacle.com - your cure for carbon copy career advice!

Posted by Candice Arnold on September 15, 2008 at 10:50 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

With all the buzz around them, you may wonder whether Twitter and other Social Networking websites could be helpful sources of information in choosing a career. Other bloggers post excellent tips for using sites like Twitter for job search, business development (take note would-be entrepreneurs), and on the job. But what if you're choosing a career or making a career change? Recently I did some research, trying to see if I could learn anything practical or valuable about careers and came up with very little - certainly not worth the time and effort.

While social networking websites can be helpful if not necessary after you decide on a career, your time now is better spent on learning about your career options. Because how can you market your "personal brand" when you don't know what it is yet? The answer is, you shouldn't, especially when information on the web has the shelf-life of a rubber tire dumped in the ocean. You don't want to present yourself in a certain way or say things you might regret later. Professionalism is highly valued but easily lost.

If your goal is to get more information about career options, career specific networking is a better use of your time. In this type of networking, you use the Internet to meet in person new people to gather information about a career (informational interviews). Once you are in a career that satisfies you, social networking with peers through sites like LinkedIn for future job leads and mentoring is practically a "must."

One of bestselling author Steven Covey's 7 Habits of Highly Effective People is "Begin with the End in Mind." This fits perfectly with using online social networking. Decide what career you're aiming for and then present yourself accordingly.

If you disagree and have ideas about how social networking sites help with career choice research, I'd love to hear about it.

Article by, Juliet Wehr Jones, J.D. and courtesy of Career Key, striving to help all people make the best career choices, worldwide.

Posted by Candice Arnold on September 15, 2008 at 10:00 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

Studies indicate that the most effective way to find a job is through networking. Trying to shift to a completely new industry? Network. Trying to move across the country to a completely new job market? Network. Trying to get into the hottest company in town or work for the hottest boss? Network. Trying to overcome a perceived deficit in your professional or educational background? Network.

It's difficult to deny the benefits of career networking, yet career seekers continually ignore this proven method of finding a new job. Resistance to career networking usually is due to an incorrect perception of how to get started, or to a self-imposed barrier of some sort. Try these five easy steps to start your career networking strategy.

Following these five easy steps will help you quickly start networking and more quickly find your next job.

Sharon Thomas DeLay is a certified resume writer and career confidence specialist, focusing on interview and networking skills development. Her blog "Inside the Hiring Manager's Mind" presents practical career advice from the hiring manager's perspective. Visit Sharon's website or e-mail her for more information.

Posted by Sharon DeLay on September 15, 2008 at 9:59 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

Congratulations! You landed the job interview. What now?

Many job candidates assume that their resumes will speak for them and that all they need to do is show up for the interview, looking professional and confirming a few questions about their skills. As a matter of fact, the interview is where the candidate needs to really start working! To improve your interview experience and increase your chances of becoming the preferred candidate:

Research. One of the top three deal breakers recruiters and hiring managers have identified is whether the candidate has taken the time to learn about the hiring company. Using the excuse that you're "just" out of college and new to the job search doesn't work. To learn more about a company, do an Internet search and review the news coverage, as well as the company's public Web site (including annual reports and the About Us section, as applicable). You can also ask your friends and colleagues what they know about the company.

Adjust your attitude. Another deal breaker is not having a good attitude. Some employers have even said this is more important to them than the skill level of the individual. They are willing to invest in training if the candidate's attitude is stellar and a good fit for the company. Always smile, no matter how you feel. Practice answering your interview questions in front of a mirror and check to see if you have a relaxed, approachable (and smiling) visage. Also, avoid using the interview as a platform for voicing your displeasure over your last job, boss, unsatisfactory school project, and so forth. No matter what the truth is, always formulate your answers to be positive and forward-looking. The past is just that. Learn from it and move on.

Create value. Employers prefer that you have the basic required skill set to do the job. To differentiate yourself from all the others who have the required skill set, demonstrate how you can help the company differentiate itself. When you talk about your skills and experience, do it in the manner that demonstrates how what you have done has added value to your past employer or how your unique problem-solving approach has been beneficial in adding value to an internship. Use quantifiable information, discuss efficiencies you've introduced and revenue or savings you've generated, if at all possible. Simply reiterating your skills in job-description fashion only proves you met the basic job requirements.

Sharon DeLay is a certified career coach with the goal of helping people find jobs they love and love the jobs they have. Visit our website or e-mail us for more information or to subscribe to her twice weekly blog or twice monthly ezine. (c) 2008 Permanent Ink Professional Development Services

Posted by Sharon DeLay on September 15, 2008 at 9:28 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

How long will this 2008 recession* last? How deep will it go? When will the good times be back?

To answer these questions, we looked at the employment growth rates for the last 50 years and plotted the monthly trends in a graph (click the graph on the right to enlarge).

Here are our observations:

1. The good times (aka the good old days) are getting less good over time. The good times of the 70's and 80's were as high as 5% employment growth per year. The 90's were as high as 3%. The good times of 2005 and 06 were as high as 2%. The good times numbers are getting smaller over time.
2. The bad times are getting less bad over time. The bad times of the 70's and 80's were as low as minus 2.5%. The 90's and 2002 were as low as minus 1.5%. As of August 2008, employment growth was minus 0.3%. The bad times numbers are also getting smaller over time.
3. The next good times will probably be back around the beginning of 2010. Looking back at the 50-year cyclical trends, and guesstimating them forward, it would seem virtually impossible to get back to the good times any sooner than 2010 - although it will get better along the way.

The take-away: This is purely our best guess at the moment. Our current recession*will probably (and hopefully) bottom out in the next few months at about minus 1%; and we will recover to the good times by the beginning of 2010. The complete report with updates, additions, and corrections is available at http://www.jobbait.com/a/recession.htm.

Just a thought: Let's push the envelope. Since the amplitudes of these employment cycles are getting smaller over time, is it possible that they will eventually go away? What will this chart look like 50 years from now, given what it looks like now? Might we be getting our economy under control? Or, is this a temporary anomaly? Send your thoughts, critiques, and opinions to Mark@JobBait.com.

* Technically, we're not in a recession right now. This is the first time in 50 years that employment growth has been this low and we've not been in a recession. Then again, we could be - one must always look back to find the "official" beginning of a recession, 6 months or more after the fact. By the time a recession is officially declared, it's usually over. For what it's worth, it sure feels like we're in a recession today.

Article by, Mark Hovind and courtesy of CareerHub.com. The Career Hub blog connects job seekers with experts in career counseling, resume writing, personal branding and recruiting.

Posted by Candice Arnold on September 15, 2008 at 9:25 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

About six weeks ago I began working with a client on developing a new, achievement-focused resume. After consulting with her by phone for well over an hour, it became apparent that this individual needed more time to gather her thoughts and review her experience so she could identify her challenges and achievements. With that in mind, we scheduled a follow-up session and I emailed her a basic questionnaire to help trigger some thoughts.

That was six weeks ago. Since then, she has cancelled and rescheduled our appointment four times; each time admitting to her propensity for procrastination. In a last desperate attempt to move things forward, she sent me an email this week with a written commitment to complete the questionnaire by the close of business next Monday. She went on to say that if she missed that goal, I had permission to label our project as "complete" and she would forfeit the money she spent for a new and improved resume.

It sounded like a good plan, but I knew that she had forgotten to include some vital steps and without them, she was bound to fail.

Early in my career I had the opportunity to teach a student success class at a local community college. I loved the course curriculum because it provided numerous tools and logical advice to help students succeed in attaining their goal to stay in school and earn a degree. A lot of what I taught is very applicable to job seekers and how well they succeed in attaining their goal of securing a job.

One tool that I really loved was referred to as the 7-Step Anti-Procrastination Plan. Often, when faced with having to complete some challenging (or uncomfortable task) - such as writing ones resume or making a networking contact - terminal procrastination sets in. This is what happened to my client (and, from what she has been telling me, has happened repeatedly for several years, which is why she remains employed in a job she hates.) I replied to her written goal statement by taking her through the various steps - one step at a time.

If you find yourself procrastinating (on writing your resume, calling an employer, etc.) try following this seven-step strategy. Each step is labeled with a day of the week to help you remember the sequence.

M (Monday) - Make it Meaningful

Why is the task important? If you have been putting off something, take a minute to list all the benefits of completing the task. Look at the task in the perspective of your goal to get a job. Be specific about the payoff and rewards. Maybe this is enough to make you complete the task. If not...

T (Tuesday) - Take it Apart

Break the task into small manageable pieces. Then be determined to complete just one of those pieces. Make each piece something you can complete in 15 minutes or less. Make the results measurable so you can see your progress. For example: if you can't seem to get around to writing your resume, agree to just type in your name, contact information and the resume headings. Sometimes this is all you need to get started, and then once you are into the task, you stay the course. If this does not work ...

W (Wednesday) - Write it Down

Write an intention statement and make it specific: "I intend to write a cover letter to the HR Manager at JOB Corporation by 3:00 pm today." Make several copies of the statement and post them all over your house, car and/or office. Then JUST DO IT! If this doesn't motivate you to complete the task, ....

T (Thursday) - Tell Everyone

Announce your intention publicly. Tell a friend. Tell your spouse, parents, children, career counselor, job club members. Telling the world your intention is an excellent technique to ensure its completion. Make the world your support group. You will either complete the task or face the embarrassment of having to explain why you didn't. If this doesn't work (and you find yourself avoiding these people), then ...

F (Friday) - Find a Reward

Remember when you were a kid and your mom said, "If you clean up your room, you can go outside and play"? Speak to the child inside you who is controlling the procrastination. A reward must be something that you would genuinely withhold from yourself if you do not earn it. Don't' pick a movie as a reward if you plan to go anyway! " I will treat myself to a hot fudge sundae at my favorite ice cream parlor after I complete the cover letter to JOB Corporation". When you genuinely earn, the reward it feels good! If this does not work and you eat the hot fudge sundae anyway without having written the letter, then ...

S (Saturday) - Settle it Now

Do it now. The minute you notice yourself procrastinating again, plunge into the task. Imagine yourself at a mountain lake, poised to dive. It is often less painful to leap than to inch in slowly. Get it done so you can finally cross it off your To-Do List and feel good about yourself! Still Procrastinating?

S (Sunday) - Say no

Stop! You made the task meaningful. You tried taking it apart. You wrote an intention statement and then ignored it. You told everyone and withstood the embarrassment of not being true to your word. You found a reward and then rewarded yourself for nothing. You tried to settle it now and the cycle started again.

Face the truth...realize you don't ever intend on doing the task, so quit telling yourself you will. It has consumed enough of your life and your energy. Tell the truth and drop it. This way you are no longer procrastinating and you do not have to carry around the baggage of an unfinished task.

At last...freedom!

Article by, Norine Dagliano and courtesy of CareerHub.com. The Career Hub blog connects job seekers with experts in career counseling, resume writing, personal branding and recruiting.

Posted by Candice Arnold on September 15, 2008 at 9:20 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

I often talk about steering clear of talking politics in the workplace because you never know who you might offend. This is especially relevant during a presidential election year, when everyone has an opinion and doesn't hesitate to share it. Kris Dunn over at the HR Capitalist has some useful tips on how to avoid an uncomfortable conversation with a boss who might be of the opposite political persuasion.

Keep Your Strongest Views Private: I know, I know, you've got the first amendment on your side. Doesn't matter, there's no reason to risk falling out of favor because you've got a strong opinion about Iraq, public transit, taxes, etc. Stick to pop culture, your family and sports.

Tell the Boss You Like to Vote Issues, Not By Party Line: It's true for most of us, and it makes you look like a deep thinker. Warning: you'll likely have to engage in discussion of said issues. That means you'll have to back that deep thinker tag up.

Don't Recruit In the Workplace: If you're keeping your strongest views private with the boss, you probably don't want to have the McCain or Obama bumper sticker in your cube or car, or actively participate in across-the-cube banter about how the other party stinks.

Stay Classy When You Get Good Results: Even if you don't follow the first three rules, never rub the nose of the boss in results negative to his/her professed set of views. Talking about recent polls, negative events for the party of the boss, and god forbid - election results going your way instead of the bosses - can put you to the back of the depth chart quicker than anything else.

When you think of your first amendment rights, you are absolutely correct. You have them, and that's a pretty cool thing about America. With that said, learn from the Dixie Chicks - you can say whatever you want to say, but at the end of the day, people can listen and decide to disengage with you professionally. Don't put yourself in the crossfire. Take Kid Rock's advice, and be a moderate in the workplace.

Article by Alexandra Levit and courtesy of Water Cooler Wisdom blog.

Posted by Candice Arnold on September 15, 2008 at 8:30 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

I recently delivered a resume writing workshop for the National Society of Hispanic MBAs (NSHMBA) to prepare members for the upcoming national conference October 9-11 in Atlanta where hundreds of companies will be recruiting for their open positions. My colleague and fellow Career Hub blogger, Chandlee Bryan, was there as well, speaking on networking and personal branding. Following our presentations, we sat in on a panel of professionals from JPMorgan Chase, Deloitte & Touche, and L'Oreal to here more about what these employers look for when recruiting MBA candidates at job fairs and conferences. Here are a few of my takeaways.

1. Research the company. Understand how market conditions have impacted the company you are speaking to and the industry as a whole. Know why you want to work for a particular company and be ready to discuss your reasons.
2. Have a value statement. Be ready to express how your MBA will enhance your career and how the degree differentiates you from others competing for similar positions.
3. Showcase multiple accomplishments. If you meet with several hiring authorities, they may ask you similar questions. Don't use the same examples/stories for each interview...the interview team will regroup and discuss your responses. Avoid looking like a one-hit wonder.
4. Be ready to address your weaknesses. If you haven't worked during your MBA program or snagged a plum internship, be ready to discuss why and articulate what you have done while working towards your degree that will have value to the hiring manager.
5. Know what you want. Candidates who know what type of position they are looking for and can prove the relevance of their qualifications to the employer's open position tend to have greater credibility in the hiring manager's eyes.
6. Be flexible. If you are willing to relocate for the right position, say so.
7. Ask meaningful questions. Don't ask about the company's training programs or benefits. Big companies have great training and great benefits packages. Instead ask questions that demonstrate your interest and knowledge of the company and the industry.

Article by, Barbara Safani and courtesy of CareerHub.com. The Career Hub blog connects job seekers with experts in career counseling, resume writing, personal branding and recruiting.

Posted by Candice Arnold on September 15, 2008 at 7:27 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

I am fascinated by reinvention, and am awed by people who create opportunities for themselves within tight market spaces. For emerging professionals and those who wish to take their careers in an alternative direction, the prospect of how to break is more than daunting--it's a conundrum: How can I break in when I don't have much experience? How can I continue to enjoy my downtime while I'm pursuing a seemingly impossible opportunity? Perhaps most pressingly: How can I continue to maintain my income during this economic downturn?

When asked these questions, I frequently recommend informational interviewing and the relentless consumption of success stories. I love sites like Learn from My Life and TED which provide great narrative--in addition to strategies for action. Today, I'm inspired by my friends Dave and Helen Clark who have recently created their own market space in rural New England.

By day, Dave and Helen run Clark Communications, an advertising agency that specializes in providing services to lighting and furniture retailers. They run their small business together and share a wonderful yellow house in Quechee, Vermont. In 2006, they lost several primary customers--at least one of whom said they needed to work with a Manhattan-based ad firm to retain their prestige. One evening, Dave and Helen decided to get out of the house--and Dave took his guitar with him to the common room of a local inn and asked if he could play. Within two months, they had a regular Tuesday night music group attended by up to a dozen people. Dave started a mailing list to promote his events, and added other local cultural events to the roster. Within six months, he had over 300 members of his mailing list--and within a year his musical ventures had become so successful that there was "no room at the inn." In response to demand, the mailing list expanded, Dave and Helen offered MP3s of local musicians through their website, and recently launched their own internet radio channel through their emerging business, Yellow House Media. One of their side offerings: advising event planners and private citizens on available musical talent and caterers.

While Dave and Helen are entrepreneurs, their approach is transferable to the job search--particularly if you are trying to break into a field in which you need to establish a name for yourself. Take heart: If you try something new, you may find yourself working in an area that you never would have dreamed about otherwise. Here are five strategies I take from their story:

1. Get out of the house and do something you love.

(Dave and Helen found that spending time in a different environment made it psychologically easier for them during their loss of business. When they first started, their goal was simply entertainment, the opportunity for revenue generation later was an added bonus.)

2. Give your partner some time-off. (As Tuesday night music outings expanded exponentially, Helen sometimes stayed home.)

3. Consider embracing the competition. (By viewing other musicians as customers and advertising their events for free, Dave and Helen developed a stable of talent--they now have over 50 artists and groups they can recommend to others in their consulting business--and who can recommend them in turn.)

4. Look for synergies between your current and intended field. (During the development and expansion of Yellow House Media, Dave and Helen developed CD products that were given as gifts--and potential items of sale--for their lighting business customers. This showcased their skills and demonstrated their continued active engagement with customers.)

5. Communicate your gratitude and your successes. (Dave maintains the Yellow House Media listserve--and frequently cites Helen's efforts--as well as the strong performances of the musicians. His enthusiasm is infectious.)

Article by, Chandlee Bryan and courtesy of CareerHub.com. The Career Hub blog connects job seekers with experts in career counseling, resume writing, personal branding and recruiting.

Posted by Candice Arnold on September 15, 2008 at 7:19 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

College has a few different stages. And going through these stages can definitely change you, especially when the stages require a different person for each. Freshman year is all about freedom and exploration - staying up late, sleeping in (and through class sometimes), and partying like it's your J-O-B. Sophomore and junior years require decision-making, including majors and even a possible career path. But probably the hardest time is senior year and the promise of finishing college.

It's not as carefree toward the end of your undergraduate days. You may feel rather lackadaisical and uninspired. This stage can be a very difficult one, as you need to think about the, dare I say it, FUTURE. And you may be tired - I don't just mean because you can no longer stay up as late as you did back in the freshman year day. You've been going to school for at least 15 years by this point and it gets exhausting. And you may think, "Wait a sec, I can be in the real world making money right now. Why am I still here?" Well, let me tell you, you won't be able to go too far without that degree to back you up.

One of my best friends is in her last semester of school now and can't wait to be done. I was exactly there last semester. She told me she needed to go study for a midterm that's coming up this week. When I heard "midterm" I cringed and felt so lucky that I didn't have to deal with that anymore. However, when I took a step back and thought about why I didn't have to deal with it, it wasn't because I just stopped school - it was because I had completed my time as an undergraduate. And I'm so happy that I have something to show for it. Were there days (or even weeks) when I was so fed up with school I just wanted to leave? Of course. There are so many people out there who just stopped school because they got tired or they didn't want to be there anymore and what do they have to show for it now? (By the way, you can go back!! There's always time!)

Our friend "Career ED" told me recently of an individual who was unsure how to motivate himself to finish up his last couple of semesters of schooling. He had switched majors a couple of times already and was finding it hard to stay motivated. Here's what "ED" had to say:

"Very few people go into college knowing what they want to do so most people do change their major at least 2 or 3 times - and just think of it like this, it's not that you didn't have direction and were all over the place. You got a little bit of knowledge about a lot of different topics. While I definitely know how hard the end can get, you'll be so glad once you're there. Trust me. You'll have a great education that will make you marketable and a prestigious piece of paper that will mean something."

So go for it! Push through those last couple of hurdles and accomplish what you set out to do freshman year. Your goals, views, and concentrations may have changed, but I'm certain that your ultimate goal is still the same. What might that be, you ask? Graduation!!

Article by, Amanda Fornecker and courtesy of CollegeSurfing Insider.

Posted by Candice Arnold on September 12, 2008 at 1:54 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

If, as a job seeker, you haven't been truly active in the job search market for a few years, you probably scarcely recognise it! The speed of change in the job market is accelerating by the minute and job search today is completely different to ten years ago. Paper resumes are now only a small part of the job seekers toolset and both recruiters and applicants have a world of new opportunities to connect in the marketplace.

CHANGES & TRENDS

Job blogging, video resumes, social networking, resume optimisation, web portfolios and behavioural interviewing are just a few of the changes to job search practices that have been introduced over the past ten years and are all strong indicators of why it's so important to remain abreast of changing job search technologies and employment trends.

Riding on the back of these trends has also been the swelling of awareness for candidates to have strong personal marketing and to be able to specify, quantify, document and articulate their employment value.

In today's fast-moving employment market it is commonplace for employers to see hundreds if not thousands of resumes pass over their desks or email, and only those that truly showcase the applicant's unique value and relevance to the employer will gain a second glance. Employers want evidence of success and quantifiable outcomes included in resumes to ensure they are making the right choice. This evidenced-based selection approach has also extended to the interviewing process with behavioural interviewing becoming one of the most common interview tools.

TECHNOLOGY IMAPCTS

Technology has also brought new challenges in the presentation of resumes and other application materials. Resumes now need to be designed so that they are scanner-friendly and optimised so that they stand-out when reviewed by the database scanners used by many recruitment agencies and large employers in first round selections. Further issues such as spam filters, recruiters' use of PDA's to receive email and online applications have all seen resume formats adjusted to suit these domains. Given this complexity many job seekers are now accepting that investment in professional career marketing and advice is a must.

The most significant change to job search has definitely been the explosion of online networking. In the Career Directors International 2006-2007 Research Report "Career Industry Mega Trends" they stated that over 50% of recruiters surveyed said that they either currently use in some capacity or intended in the future to use Social Online Networking as a method of recruiting candidates. Forums like LinkedIn, Facebook and Myspace have seen traditional networking move online and have dramatically increased opportunities for job seekers to contact and link with job search targets but also pose significant risk if used inappropriately. According to recent research in the US up to 35 percent of hiring managers use Google to do online background checks on job candidates, and over 20 percent look people up on social networking sites. Job seekers, need to be aware that the transparency of information on the internet allows employers to view them from all angles, and should ensure that anything posted will not hurt future job search activities. Even if you have had limited involvement on the internet, this "self-googling" is also vital to ensure there isn't anyone else with the same name as you on the internet that may pose a risk to your job search credibility. On the flipside of these negativities, smart jobseekers are now using the internet through job blogging to position themselves as an expert in their field, leading employers and recruiters to them, rather than the other way around.

JOB SEARCH IN THE FUTURE

With changing technology it's hard to imagine exactly what the face of job-hunting will look like in ten years time. Many career coaches particularly in the United States are already embracing the advances of online communication such as video resumes and web portfolios to deliver more impact to application presentations. Whilst in Australia uptake and acceptance of these newer methods of resume delivery is slow, as Australia commonly follows US trends, it would be wise for Jobseekers and employers alike to consider these forums as potential opportunities for recruitment.

THRIVING & SURVING IN THE NEW WORLD OF JOB SEARCH

Regardless of how the job search is conducted, one thing is for certain, social networking, technology and personal marketing will continue to remain the key axis of an effective job search strategy. Regardless of the medium, the fundamentals of marketing yourself competitively remain paramount. Know the employer and understand what they want; identify, evidence and document your unique value in terms of these dimensions; and develop skills to articulate this in person both in social networking forums and formal interviews. Finally seek solid advice from career specialists to ensure you leverage the full advantages of latest job search technologies and also remain abreast of pitfalls of these new arenas. Doing this will ensure you present well be it in an interview, video resume, or through social networking forums.

With the speed of change in the job market today it is also critical that candidates prepare themselves through a strategic approach to their job search activities. Invest in building effective marketing materials including a resume that is tailored to your job target and presented in a variety of contemporary file types (Word, ASCII, and PDF) so that you are ready for any application forum. Seek out advice and coaching in what form of resume should be used in each forum and familiarise yourself with the current styles of interviewing. In particular understand how to articulate your contributions made to past employers so you can evidence your skills and what you offer employers in the future. Finally make sure you continually stay abreast of, and are open to, newer styles of job search and networking. You will be better positioned for success if you look beyond traditional networking, and consider networking online, or social networking, as a part of your holistic job search campaign."

Today's job market is an increasingly complex arena. Changing technology brings a world of new opportunities and risks to job seekers today. Online technology allows greater opportunities for visibility by techno-savvy candidates wanting to get employers attention. On the other hand this visibility also means that it's critical to ensure anything uploaded into this domain is well thought out and highly professional, otherwise your visibility may be your downfall. However embrace technology, seek solid advice and ensure you are prepared and the world can be your oyster.

Good Luck

Article by Jill Kelly and courtesy of Career Edge, "Capitalize on Your Talents. Unleash Your Potential. Live Your Dreams!"

Posted by Candice Arnold on September 12, 2008 at 1:30 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

So what do you do?

We hear it all the time. Everytime you are left with someone you don't know at a party, networking function or get together this is the guaranteed small talk opener. Yet how many of us give our occupation as our stock standard response and overlook the powerful personal branding opportunity this presents us?

Just think how many times in your life you have already missed the chance to build your personal brand? To let people in on what makes you tick, what you offer and how well you do it. To set the scene for others to become your personal marketing agents through social word of mouth and referrals.

Now before you go off with pen in hand to write your party spiel remember the 'party' elevator pitch shouldn't be a hard-sell. Nothing clears a room at a party faster than an full blown sales spiel. Instead tone down your personal brand statement into something softer. Develop a simple but engaging 30 second response that will entice them to ask more but still showcases what it is you offer. In short, it should be no more than a few sentences and it should be able to be understood by a 12 year old.

For example my elevator pitch goes something like this.

Party Goer: So what do you do Gill?

Gill: I'm a personal branding consultant. Basically I help 'great' professionals get recognised and rewarded for it in the workplace. Everyone does something really well but most people have trouble selling themselves to others. So that's what I help with. I assist people to find and promote their talents in the workplace.

Now no matter whether you run your own business or are employed by a major organisation you should own a spiel that you can rattle off casually but that is designed to sell you. If you are in I.T., maybe your spiel would talk about how you design technology solutions for small business owners that make operating their business easier. If you are a florist perhaps your passion for flowers has led you to design floral arrangements that creatively reflect the personality of the recipients.

Whatever you brand, sell it consistently and passionately and you may find that your Saturday evening socialising becomes a pathway to opportunity and prosperity.

Article by Jill Kelly and courtesy of Career Edge, "Capitalize on Your Talents. Unleash Your Potential. Live Your Dreams!"

Posted by Candice Arnold on September 12, 2008 at 1:26 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

As I perused the Internet for information on careers, I came across an overlooked health care job: the physician assistant (PA). It particularly piqued my interest (through a USNews.com article) because one of my oldest and best friends is currently in a PA program. I thought I'd learn a bit more, while shedding some light on it for you, the aspiring college student.

From the outside looking in, a PA's work seems extremely intense. My friend and I don't get to speak that much, which I understand because she constantly has so much work (including multiple tests per week). And until this past weekend I hadn't seen her since Christmas (which makes me so sad because, as I already mentioned, she's one of my best friends). Her dedication to her work is so impressive and admirable. But it made me wonder, what's the career all about?

When I learned she was going to do PA studies at her school, I wasn't exactly sure what the career entailed. How was it different from a doctor or a nurse? I knew it had the word "assistant" in there but does that mean that it's like any other career, with the potential to move up? As I've found out, it is most definitely a career of its own and is very interesting.

A physician assistant is certainly different from a medical assistant, who does more administrative and clerical work. PAs do a majority of what MDs do, and have to go through significantly less schooling for it. They, too, can prescribe medication and diagnose patients. They also assist in surgery, suture, and treat minor injuries. Many are under the supervision of a physician but in some situations they may be the primary healthcare provider.

Certification is a must for the profession so one must go to an accredited institution, such as a four-year school or community college to complete PA studies. And there are programs to be completed after your bachelor's and a licensing test to be taken. The length of the program may vary, however, as some institutions have extended intense bachelor's programs that will allow students to earn their certification in a shorter period of time. This is something that can be looked into when researching schools.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), this is among one of the fastest growing professions and will grow faster than the average by the year 2014. The median salary was $69,410 in May 2004 and will continue to rise.

I'd say check out the profession. My friend has the right idea and though she works so hard now she's definitely going to have it all pay off in the end - a healthy paycheck at a job she has dedicated herself to and seems to already love.

Article by, Amanda Fornecker and courtesy of CollegeSurfing Insider.

Posted by Candice Arnold on September 12, 2008 at 10:06 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

Just read an interesting study about Gen Y that I thought was worth sharing. In a nutshell, 50 percent of Gen Y workers give employers six months or less to "prove themselves" before they move on to a new job. I guess being from Gen X, I find this concept bizarre. After all, I was always from the school of thought that is was the new employee that had to do the proving. But today's workplace is far different, even from 10 or so years ago when I entered it. Says the press release:

"Gen Y's are the most technology-savvy generation and grew up with immediate access to whatever they needed such as information or connections. They are able to identify new opportunities much more easily than any generation before them, so they tend to be impatient when told they have to wait and pay their dues."

That from Executive Consultant Tim Vigue of Novations Group, a global consulting organization based in Boston who released the study. OK, I'll buy that, but I think part of the phenomenon may have something to do with a feeling of entitlement that some of the younger generation's workers graduate with. Of course, if a job or career doesn't feel right you shouldn't feel obligated to stay, which is why many people go back to school to try something new. But I think it's fair to say that some people's expectations are a little over the top.

For instance, I have a relative who was offered a near six-figure job right out of college. (Yes, I'm a tad jealous!) Just three weeks in, he started complaining that they're working him too hard because he's in the office until 8 p.m. every night. But what he neglected to mention was that he doesn't start his work day until 11 a.m., and goes out for an hour-long lunch everyday with his bosses, on the company's dime. Yeah... must be rough.

Vigue goes on to advise employers to let a new hire know that during the first several months, while the focus is on learning a job, mistakes are expected and may be viewed as opportunities for learning. "Reassurance such as this can go a long way to improving the likelihood that your Gen Y employees will stay."

Come again? Maybe I'm too old school for my own good, but I just can't picture my CEO apologizing in advance to an entry level worker for potentially hurting his feelings when he's told he screwed up. New workers shouldn't expect high-level executive decisions to get run by them either. Sorry, it just doesn't work that way in the real world. At least not in my experience.

I was lucky that I found my fit and stuck with it. But I'm pretty sure my tolerance level and flexibility to go above and beyond my job description -- even back when I was an intern -- had something to do with that. And believe me, the nature of my work has dramatically evolved over the years. Incidentally, even after 10 years, I still try to prove myself everyday.

Article by Dawn Papandrea and courtesy of CollegeSurfing Insider.

Posted by Candice Arnold on September 12, 2008 at 10:01 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

An acquaintance of mine was looking for someone to clean her house once a month. Because the safety of her home and her family is important to her, this woman held interviews in her home. She asked the standard questions that one would think to ask a prospective housekeeper, but then she took it a step further. Although this candidate had been cleaning homes professionally for the better part of 20 years, my friend asked her, as part of the interview, to sweep the kitchen floor and dust the countertops so she could judge the job. The whole meeting took over two hours.

It's not a totally outrageous request, but no professional likes to have her competence on basic tasks called into question. If my friend wanted to evaluate her work, she probably should have checked references and then hired her on a trial basis. I wouldn't be surprised if the candidate was a little annoyed about how this interview was conducted, but apparently she didn't say anything. My friend liked her a lot and thought she had done a great job cleaning, so she called her and offered her the job. The candidate responded with a two-page, incredibly vitriolic e-mail about how neurotic and OCD my friend was, and how she'd rather rub burning hot coals in her eyes than work for this family.

Two things struck me about this situation. The first was that housekeepers, like the stereotype of [mail carriers], can apparently be sociopaths. Who writes an e-mail like that rather than just say "thanks but no thanks"? The second? Not only did my friend completely misjudge this woman's character (she was ready to enthusiastically bring this nutjob into her home and trust her with her children and valuable possessions), but she also totally missed the negativity that the candidate obviously felt toward her during the interview.

People don't always say what they mean. We must pay attention to the effect that we have on people, because in-person reactions can be subtle. It's not enough to take a person at face value. We have to read nonverbal cues like facial expressions, how rigidly a person is standing, and whether they are avoiding eye contact. If in doubt, we need to ask. Their words might be communicating agreement, but the rest of them could be indicating something else. It's in our best interest to know exactly what that "something else" is.

Article by Alexandra Levit and courtesy of Water Cooler Wisdom blog.

Posted by Candice Arnold on September 11, 2008 at 11:48 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

Your life will be more effective and happier when you come to realize that
it's perfectly okay to choose the option--lead, follow, or get out of the
way--that best suits your needs and desires. Your career success is not
defined by what someone else expects of you. Genuine career success is what
you define it to be.

If you are not performing at your best in the role that suits you, you are
in fact a liability to yourself and the organization that employs you.

Get right with your world: make a decision and act on it today and everyday
to reach the career goals you set for yourself.

If you opt to be a leader, be prepared to pay the price of commitment and
effort the role demands: courage and self confidence; the ability to
assemble and utilize resources; discipline to stay focused on objectives;
the ability to teach and motivate people; and willingness to constantly
learn.

If you are not ready to step up to meet the requirements of leadership, you
are programming yourself for limited achievements and disappointments.

At the same time, if you elect to be a follower, embrace that role with all
that it entails and be a good follower: carry out assignments to the very
best of your abilities; support your leader by executing his directions; and
suggest ways to improve the performances of your leader and the team.
To do otherwise is to muddy the waters for everybody.

Leaders can't lead without good followers.

Whatever you do, for gosh sake, make a choice, set career goals and get
going on your career path. So long as you are vacillating between leading
and following, you are fouling the nest for the entire flock.

Do everybody--yourself included--a favor: lead, follow, or get out of the
way. Your career success depends on it.

Article by, Ramon Greenwood, a career counselor with common sense advice on how to achieve your career goals. To subscribe to Ramon Greenwood's free semi-monthly newsletter and blog, go to Common Sense at Work Ramon's take-it-to-the bank advice comes from a world of experience, including serving as Senior Vice President of American Express, an entrepreneur, professional director, career coach and author.

Posted by Candice Arnold on September 11, 2008 at 11:20 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

Well, if you're a New England Patriots fan or if Tom Brady is on your Fantasy Football team, no doubt you are devastated at the news that the star quarterback will miss the entire season after suffering an injury in the first quarter of the first game of the year. As the Boston Herald puts it, a "primal scream" has erupted 'round the world.

All I know is that Sunday afternoons and Monday nights will be a lot less comfortable and enjoyable in my part of the country.

But think about what comes next - an almost-as-interesting drama that totally relates to corporate scenarios when the "superstar performer" goes down for the count or leaves the team.

Ask yourself, what would YOU do if you were facing this scenario?

• Will the backup stand up? If you've been the steady #2, here's your chance to shine. Or, you can stay a second-tier player the rest of your career.
• Will the team coalesce? It's tough to lose your leader, but perhaps you can play an instrumental role in rallying the team and keeping everyone focused on the goal.
• Will a new leader emerge? Is this your chance to rise, fill the void, and provide new leadership?
• Will the playbook change? You have to adapt to a different team, different capabilities, different leadership. Figure out what needs to change and do it quickly rather than relying on strategies that might not be relevant.
• Will the competition seize the opportunity? Maybe one of your competitors has lost a big gun. You can swoop in and capture the victory - if you are prepared, poised, and agile enough to take advantage.

When handed lemons, make lemonade. What seems the sourest note could end up being the sweetest thing that ever happened to you - if you look on it as opportunity rather than tragedy.

Article by, Louise Kursmark and courtesy of CareerHub.com. The Career Hub blog connects job seekers with experts in career counseling, resume writing, personal branding and recruiting.

Posted by Candice Arnold on September 11, 2008 at 11:14 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

Having recently re-read Richard Branson's book 'Screw It, Let's Do It - Lessons In Life,' I realised that his 'life lessons' equally apply to our careers.

So I have adapted his 9 Life Lessons into the 9 Career Lessons below:

1. Just Do It: If you have a career ambition which you passionately want to pursue - then just do it. So set goals for yourself - no matter how big or small. Develop a simple plan (DON'T over-plan), take action consistently and have the faith and belief in your ability to achieve it along with a healthy amount of realism.

2. Have Fun: Stay positive and have an upbeat outlook on life. Do work you enjoy and work with people you enjoy being around. If you get to the stage where you have spent far too many days not enjoying yourself - then it's time to: a) change your mindset and how you view things or: b) change your job.

3. Be Bold: If you want to do something - go for it. You don't want to have regrets. Bold does not mean reckless - it means going for what you want whilst taking measured risks. Weigh up the risks and rewards objectively and then use your intuition to make the final call.

4. Challenge Yourself: Apply for jobs which are out of your league, network with people more senior than you, mix in circles you don't normally mix in, go learn some new skills. As human beings we are naturally wired for growth. Being static is a sure way to lethargy, frustration, depression and regret. Challenging yourself improves your confidence whilst making you a much more valuable employee.

5. Stand On Your Own Feet: Yes, challenge yourself but expect to pick yourself up when things go wrong. Take personal responsibility for your career and don't expect a recruiter, head hunter, your boss or HR to manage it for you.

6. Live In The Moment: Don't let thoughts about the future or the past distract you from what is happening right now. No matter how bad the market is, how bad your job is or how bad your job searching is going - if you stay focused on the now, there is always something of value for you to appreciate and enjoy.

7. Put Family And Friends First: If you were to get seriously ill tomorrow or even lose your job then it's your family and friends who will get you through it - not your clients, not your employers and not your team. So start putting your family and friends before everything else.

8. Have Respect: Having respect for everyone and not just people you want to impress is the path to long-term career success. In the hyper-connected world we live in, it is very easy to find out about someone's real character and reputation very quickly. Sounds 'fluffy' I know, but be nice, have respect and don't damage your reputation.

9. Do Some Good: Helping a client out with a problem, mentoring junior colleagues and getting involved in community projects that your business supports are all activities which enrich people around you. But they also help you build character, develop new skills and widen your network, whilst at a personal level giving you a greater sense of satisfaction from your working life.

The last paragraph on the last page of Branson's book reads "Whatever we want to be, whatever we want to do, we can do it. Go ahead, take that first step - just do it."

So what's your first step...?

Article by, Sital Ruparelia and courtesy of CareerHub.com. The Career Hub blog connects job seekers with experts in career counseling, resume writing, personal branding and recruiting.

Posted by Candice Arnold on September 11, 2008 at 11:07 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

I empathize with my job seeking clients who tell me how frustrated they are trying to come up with a "value proposition" and write their resumes.

The language used in securing employment and in transacting business in general in the U.S. is heavy on doing, and light on being.

By doing I mean achieving, accomplishing, completing, winning, trumping, securing, scoring, managing, and so on. We are expected to quantify our value and enumerate our measurable accomplishments in order to be deemed a worthy risk in which to invest (i.e., get hired).

By being I mean those qualities that are not by themselves about achievement, although they often make what we achieve possible. We may be inspiring, authentic, honest, strong, nurturing, competitive, tenacious, creative, optimistic, patient, reliable and so on.

Some of my clients feel frustrated that because so much of their self identity is tied to who they are rather than what they have achieved that writing a great resume and being successful in an interview will be a discouraging process.

The truth is that who you are being on the job is every bit as important as what you are doing (at least in most professional jobs). People experience and evaluate us very much on what we show of who we are.

This is why getting your foot in the door of a company or new career through personal contacts can be so much more successful and gratifying than applying to a posted job opening as an unknown quantity. Who you are is immediately part of the conversation - the decision to bring you there is based on it. Articulating the details of all of your spectacular career achievements comes second.

If you are relying on your resume to secure an interview, then I advise that you pay attention to how the job search game is played and make sure your resume is filled with all kinds of doing.

But the good news is that there is room on your resume for plenty of the less quantifiable but equally critical qualities you bring to the table. A good professional resume writer understands this and is able to make your resume a more three-dimensional portrait than a mere list of accomplishments.

Article by, Heather Mundell and courtesy of CareerHub.com. The Career Hub blog connects job seekers with experts in career counseling, resume writing, personal branding and recruiting.

Posted by Candice Arnold on September 11, 2008 at 8:10 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

Mark Toth posted a link on his Manpower Employment Blawg about the presidential candidates and their stances on the current U.S. employment issues. John McCain has supported some valuable legislation changes during the Bush administration and "believes" that other employee-friendly legislation should be adopted. Barack Obama, on the other hand, seems to have concrete plans that he wants to put into action if he wins the election.

I'm a democrat, so it doesn't matter how many anti-abortion, hockey moms with combat-bound children McCain allies himself with, I'm still voting for the democratic candidate. The fact that Barack Obama will make every effort to change employment laws for the better - for employers and employees alike - is just gravy.

Posted by Candice Arnold on September 11, 2008 at 7:46 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

Society is crowded with many different kinds of people, which create problems of how to live and work together and live with oneself. It is in these situations which psychology serves its purpose by creating answers to these questions. Psychology helps create an awareness of these problems and this awareness increases the likelihood of treatment. A student who is deciding to enter the field of psychology has a choice to make from an array of many different and exciting careers. All of these numerous careers in psychology fall into three basic categories of practice: psychologists, clinical psychologists, and psychiatrists. Each of these categories differ slightly in the job role and number of years spent on education but the ultimate goal of each is the same, to aid in the advancement of society.

The first and most important part of entering the field of psychology is understanding the amount of education needed for each of the three subareas. A psychologist is someone who has spent four to five years of postgraduate education and has received a Ph.D. in psychology Plotnik 17 . Next, is a clinical psychologist who has a Ph.D., specialized in a clinical subarea, and has spent an additional year in a supervised therapy setting to gain experience 17 . The last area is a psychiatrist who differs from the other two mainly because of the number of years spent in school, which gains them the ability to prescribe medication. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has spent several years in clinical training that includes diagnosis of abnormal behaviors and treating those behaviors with prescription drugs 17 .

Students who are planning a career in psychology will have to determine which type of psychologist they want to be and, in addition, what are they would like to specialize in. The field of psychology is divided into subfields each of which deal with a different area. These specialties include such areas as developmental psychology, experimental and physiological psychology, personality and social psychology, cognitive psychology and psychometrics Super 36 . Next, each of these subfields are divided into careers that students can choose to participate in such as residential care, community and social services, human resources, therapy, and teaching DeGalan 106 .

Residential care has grown in importance in the past years due to a number of social issues that have been recently addressed by the government. Since the demand for residence care has gone up so has the demand for psychologist who have training in this type of area. Many of the jobs in the residential care area are not permanent but are taken by those who are entry level and on their way up to more permanent employment. In addition, most residential care jobs are labeled as training jobs meaning that these jobs will train a student to specialize in a certain skill. Most residential care jobs are advertised as counselor positions 115 . Overnight counselors, relief counselors, and staff counselors are usually types of jobs on the residential care level. Since these positions are not permanent, job earnings are generally not competitive. Entry level salaries are in the 15,000 to 20,000 range.

Large numbers of people are in need of community and social services such as alcoholics, juvenile delinquents, and those with mental retardation 150 . This area of employment has numerous job openings and careers that meet with many different types of people. Job opportunities in this area include abortion counseling, children services, human services, and dozens more that are involved with almost all different types of people. In addition to sometimes-long hours, job salaries are usually not that high ranging in the 25,000 to 30,000 s 153 . However, if working with and helping people is an attraction, community and social services is an excellent job group.

Many students often feel that their degree in psychology would be best used in the field of human resources. If a students interest in psychology were in human behavior and social psychology than human resources would be an excellent route to take. Those in the field of human resources are primarily concerned with training development, organization development, and career development 166 . Typically, the role of someone in human resources would include: employment and placement, wage and salary administration, training and development, benefits administration, and research management 171 . In addition to a major in psychology those who would like to pursue a career in human resources would be well advised to gain skills in communication, data analysis, public presentation, and become familiar with computers and software. Salaries in the human resource area are generally much more competitive than those in community services and residential care 180 . Those with human resource skill often have a wide range of possible employers from which to choose a job. Schools, state and federal government, and finance companies are just some of the many possible employers for those interested in human resources.

Therapist are those who work to treat and help rehabilitate those with environmental, physical, or mental disorders 201 . Some of the more frequently encountered therapies are cognitive, behavioral, interpersonal, psychodynamic, and expressive therapy. Cognitive therapy focuses on changing negative thinking such as the case in alcoholics. Behavioral therapy focuses on changing certain behavior patterns, which is used in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder. Interpersonal therapy focuses on relationship or social difficulties. Psychodynamic therapy deals with the correction of internal emotional struggles developed at an early age like those of someone who was abused as child 202 . Therapist must be able to practice teamwork since many of the problems encountered will be evaluated as a team. Possible employers would include school, medical institutions, and private practices.

Teaching is one of the most familiar and rewarding of the career paths taken with a psychology degree. Almost all universities employ a substantial amount of people with a psychology degree to perform a number of different roles from teach classes to performing experiments in laboratory environments. When hiring most universities would require their job candidate to have a doctorate in psychology and may look at specialized areas such as research and publication 235 . The earnings for teachers vary greatly depending on the employer and the number of years spent teaching.

Students with degrees in psychology are employed in a number of different areas. Private practices in clinical psychology employ about 25 percent of those with a degree in psychology Super 20 . Hospitals and clinics make up about 13 percent of the psychologist population, businesses and industry combined with government agencies are about 6 percent, and public schools and nonprofit organizations make up about 4 percent of the psychologist. The largest employers of those with psychology degrees are colleges and universities which employee about 40 percent 22 .

Psychology has grown substantially in the past few years. The growth of society and disorders that continue to arise everyday are two of the reasons why this profession will continue to grow in demand. A life in psychology requires that many choices be made before embarking on a career path, but whatever decisions are made there are numerous job opportunities. Many people would not think so, but psychologists are at work in everyday life. Without psychologists playing the role they do most peoples' everyday lives would seem much different than they do now.

Article by Nick Roy and courtesy of Workplace Management Strategies blog.