Every U.S. state experienced job losses during the recent downturn, but thanks to the right mix of industries, natural resources, and skilled workers, some states have a far lower unemployment rate than the 9.5% national average.

Want to crack the jobs problem? Let's start by studying these sources of American strength...

First, a broad look at America's situation

Unemployment Rate: 9.5%
The economy: Agriculture (1.2% of GDP), Industry (21.9% of GDP), Services (76.9% of GDP)
Education: 27.5% of the adult population has a Bachelor's degree or higher.

Now, the Top 10 States For Jobs

1. North Dakota: Powered by agriculture and commodities
Unemployment Rate: 3.6%
Lower Than America's Unemployment Rate By: 5.9%

Major Industries Driving The State's Economy: Agriculture, petroleum, food processing, and tourism dominate the nation's most job-friendly state.
Education: 25.7% of the adult population has a Bachelor's degree or higher. (Lower than average)

2. South Dakota: Gets a big boost from government, but also has services and agriculture
Unemployment Rate: 4.4%
Lower Than America's Unemployment Rate By: 5.1%

Major Industries Driving The State's Economy: The service sector (especially retail, health, and finance firms) dominates South Dakota's economy, although government-related enterprises also form a large chunk of the GDP. Ellsworth Air Force Base is the second-largest single employer here. Agriculture also contributes heavily to the economy, but its influence is waning.
Education: 25.0% of the adult population has a Bachelor's degree or higher. (Lower than average)

3. Nebraska: An agricultural and transport hub, with some diversity as well
Unemployment Rate: 4.7%
Lower Than America's Unemployment Rate By: 4.8%

Major Industries Driving The State's Economy: Another state reliant on its agricultural sector, Nebraska also specializes in freight transport, telecommunications, manufacturing, information technology, and transportation. And, not to mention, it has the nation's third-wealthiest person amidst its GDP rank.
Education: 27.5% of the adult population has a Bachelor's degree or higher. (Average)

4. New Hampshire: Powered by agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, and a highly educated population
Unemployment Rate: 5.8%
Lower Than America's Unemployment Rate By: 3.7%

Major Industries Driving The State's Economy: Another agricultural heavyweight (dairy products, cattle, and apples dominate on the list of products), New Hampshire also produces machinery, electric equipment, rubber, and plastic products. Due to its famous ski slopes, the state is also a tourist hub come winter. New Hampshire also doesn't have a state income or sales tax and boasts one of the nation's highest median salaries.
Education: 32.5% of the adult population has a Bachelor's degree or higher. (Higher than average)

5. Vermont: Driven by agriculture and industries utilizing the state's highly educated population
Unemployment Rate: 6.0%
Lower Than America's Unemployment Rate By: 3.5%

Major Industries Driving The State's Economy: Farming (especially dairy production and logging) is the bread and butter of Vermont's economy, although manufacturing, insurance, tourism, and quarrying are also major players. Vermont's housing is also quite affordable, as the state ranks 17th in mortgage affordability nationwide.
Education: 33.6% of the adult population has a Bachelor's degree or higher. (Higher than average)

6. Hawaii: A tourism magnet with a large population of affluent Americans
Unemployment Rate: 6.3%
Lower Than America's Unemployment Rate By: 3.2%

Major Industries Driving The State's Economy: Tourism dominates this tax-heavy state while food and apparel exports play more minor roles (given the distance of the islands from all other land source). Also, rich folks apparently love to camp out in Hawaii as much as they might like Florida (the state had the highest percentage of millionaires in the general population).
Education: 29.2% of the adult population has a Bachelor's degree or higher. (Higher than average)

7. Kansas: Powered by agriculture, energy, and aerospace
Unemployment Rate: 6.5%
Lower Than America's Unemployment Rate By: 3.0%

Major Industries Driving The State's Economy: Kansas isn't the land of Dorothy anymore, although it is still a major grain producer and retains its agricultural roots. These days, the state is also a major oil and natural gas producer and is also a hub of the aerospace industry.
% of adult population with a Bachelor's degree or more: 28.8% (Higher than average)

8. Wyoming: Riding commodities, tourism, and perhaps its tax policies. Doing well despite low levels of education.
Unemployment Rate: 6.7%
Lower Than America's Unemployment Rate By: 2.8%

Major Industries Driving The State's Economy: Mineral extraction, agriculture, and tourism drive Wyoming's largely rural economy. The tourism industry alone accounts for over $2 billion of the state's annual revenue. The state is also known for its unusual tax policies -- no individual or corporate income tax and only a 4% sales tax on select items.
Education: 23.4% of the adult population has a Bachelor's degree or higher. (Lower than average)

9. Minnesota: A state with manufacturing, raw materials, and high education
Unemployment Rate: 6.8%
Lower Than America's Unemployment Rate By: 2.7%

Major Industries Driving The State's Economy: Again, the theme here is diversity. Minnesota's economy is home to a variety of firms in the finished products, services, and raw materials sectors and 33 of the nation's top 1000 publicly-traded firms have headquarters in the state.
Education: 31.0% of the adult population has a Bachelor's degree or higher. (Higher than average)

10. Iowa: Outperforming with a diverse economy plus agriculture
Unemployment Rate: 6.8%
Lower Than America's Unemployment Rate By: 2.7%

Major Industries Driving The State's Economy: While commonly perceived as an agricultural hub, Iowa actually boasts a surprisingly diverse economy with jobs in the manufacturing, biotech, finance, insurance, and government services -- all of which contribute to a strong hiring market. The S&P gave the state a Triple-A rating in 2009 (only one of nine to hold the position then).
Education: 24.3% of the adult population has a Bachelor's degree or higher. (Lower than average)

According to CareerBuilder's 2010 Mid-Year Job Forecast:

One-in-five employers (22 percent) reported that, despite an abundant labor pool, they still have positions for which they can't find qualified candidates.

Forty-eight percent of HR managers reported that there was an area of their organization in which they lacked qualified workers.

Health-care employers were the most likely to report a skills deficit with 63 percent of HR professionals in large health-care organizations stating they have a shortage of qualified workers.

Here are seven industries currently in need of workers, the reasons behind each, and why you might consider directing your career path toward one of these employee-hungry sectors.

1. Skilled trade

According to a talent shortage survey conducted by staffing firm Manpower Inc., skilled trade jobs (HVAC, electricians, plumbers, pipefitters, etc.) are 2010's hardest jobs to fill.

Why there's a need: Many skilled trade positions fall into the "middle-skills" job category, or jobs that do not require a four-year degree, yet do require some education or training beyond high school. The shortage of qualified workers in this area has been largely attributed to a need for additional programs designed to attract high school students to the community colleges and trade school programs that train these workers.

Why you should consider it: You can get paid while you learn. Most skilled-trade professions require training, much of which can be done during a paid apprenticeship. Skilled trades can also be a good career option for the business minded, since many skilled-trade workers are self-employed and own their own businesses.

2. Transportation

According to a 2010 job outlook study done by online ad research firm Borrell Associates, the transportation, warehousing and utilities industry is expected to see 31.6 percent more job openings this year than it did in 2009. In-demand jobs will include transportation analysts, transportation managers, and transportation and warehouse coordinators.

Why there's a need: In June 2010, the U.S. manufacturing sector marked its 11th straight month of economic growth, according to the Institute for Supply Chain Management, and the sixth straight month of employment growth. An increase in manufacturing creates a domino effect that extends to both the warehouses that store manufactured products and the transportation used to distribute them.

Why you might consider it: The barrier to entry is low. A clean driving record, a Commercial Driver's License and an age restriction are the most typical job requirements.

3. Automotive

Though Michigan's unemployment rate is testament to how hard the recession hit the auto industry, there could actually soon be a shortage of workers in the recovering field. The Center for Automotive Research recently reported that new jobs created in the industry may top 15,000 by the end of 2010, and could be as high as 100,000 per year from 2011 through 2013.

Why there's a need: Nearly 228,000 workers were laid off when the industry hit its low point. Now that car companies are starting to see a rebound -- both Ford and General Motors surpassed expected sales in May -- the auto industry is looking to bring back its workforce.

Why you should consider it: The salaries of motor vehicle manufacturing workers are high compared to other manufacturing industries.

4. Education

While it's true that many school districts are facing budget cuts and layoffs, there are still many areas of education where teachers are in short supply. Each year, the U.S. Department of Education puts out a list of nationwide teacher shortages, and 2010 is no different in terms of the overwhelming need for qualified educators. Areas of education most in need include special education, mathematics, bilingual teaching and foreign language.

Why there's a need: Teacher shortages are not a new phenomena, and poor teacher retention rates and low salaries are often blamed. Troubled school districts and areas of education that attract fewer teachers have high turnover rates, leaving many schools in a constant search for new educators. Meanwhile, fewer college students are choosing teaching as a career path, due to an unappealing combination of advanced training requirements, complicated licensing procedures and low starting salaries.

Why you should consider it: Many states are now offering alternate certification programs to entice potential career-changers into the classroom. These programs allow non-education bachelor's degree holders to work in the classroom while taking the courses necessary to complete their teaching certificates.

5. Health care

Though there have been reports of leveling off in health care job growth, the industry continues to have a surplus of job openings. According to a December 2009 survey by AMN Health Care Services, 95 percent of hospital CEOs agreed that there was a shortage of physicians in the U.S.; and from 2008-2018, the BLS reports that 600,000 new jobs will be created in nursing alone. Job openings also abound for workers without advanced schooling; 2010's most wanted health care workers include home health aides, x-ray technicians and nursing home workers.

Why there's a need: In 2011, the baby boomer generation officially begins to turn 65, creating twofold implications for the health care industry. Not only will the aging U.S. population require more medical care than ever, but many of the baby boomers currently employed in health care will begin to retire, both factors that will contribute to an increasing gap between health care supply and demand. Additionally, with the passing of the Health Care Reform Bill, even more Americans will be eligible for health care in coming years, meaning that the need for providers will only continue to increase.

Why you should consider it: Ten of today's 20 fastest-growing occupations are in health care.

6. Engineering

In 2008 and 2009, the Manpower Worker Shortage Survey named engineering jobs the hardest to fill. While the 2010 title has gone to Skilled Trade positions, the engineering sector is still in need of well-qualified workers.

Why there's a need: Like health care, the engineering industry is seeing many of its workers reach retirement age. Additionally, fewer college students are graduating with engineering degrees. Adding to the need for engineers is last year's economic stimulus package, which prompted an upswing in transportation and infrastructure projects that demand the expertise of skilled engineers.

Why you should consider it: Depending on the concentration, average salaries for engineers can average well into the six-figures. While an engineering degree is required for most positions, those with a bachelor's degree in math or science fields may also be considered for open positions.

7. Sales and customer service

According to CareerBuilder's Mid-Year Job Forecast, 25 percent of hiring managers surveyed said they plan to hire workers for customer service positions in the second half of 2010, while 22 percent said they'd be hiring more salespeople.

Why there's a need: Companies are currently focused on building new client relationships and bringing in revenue, meaning that there is an increasing need for the people responsible for these functions -- customer service and sales representatives.

Why you should consider it: Many sales and customer service jobs don't require a college degree, just a strong work ethic and ability to build great relationships. Because a lot of sales jobs are commission-based, earning potential is high.

Brent Rasmussen is President of CareerBuilder North America and heads the company's day-to-day operations in the United States and Canada. Rasmussen is an employment expert who regularly interviews with national TV and radio and speaks at various industry forums discussing hiring trends and workplace developments. He has appeared on Nightly Business Report, FOX Business Countdown to the Closing Bell, CNN American Morning, BusinessWeek Weekend and National Public Radio among others.

Social media is changing the way employers recruit, and Twitter is no exception. Like it or not, employers are present on Twitter and they are keeping tabs on employees and prospective employees alike.

There are plenty of instances where Twitter has gotten people in trouble in the workplace. At JobBound, we recommend that you maintain Twittetiquette, or etiquette while you are on Twitter. This means maintaining professionalism and understanding that anything you tweet could be seen by the entire world. Here are five tips:

1. Don't use Twitter at work - unless it is for work.

 Don't abuse your company social media policy, and certainly don't proceed to Tweet about how you violated the policy.

2. Don't Tweet about work issues or the people you work with.

Chances are, your boss or your client, or someone who knows your boss or client, is on Twitter. Twitter makes the world a lot smaller, and Tweets like these could create a whole lot of problems.

3. Don't share too many details.

At the onset, this might seem like an acceptable, celebratory Tweet. However, your co-workers could see this and be miffed that they did not get a raise. Maintain confidentiality when it comes to matters of compensation, especially on Twitter.

4. Don't air dirty laundry or blow off steam.

That "witch" of a boss writes your paycheck, so don't out her on Twitter. Swearing or expressing distaste about work or a co-worker not only makes you look bad, but also it makes the company look bad.

5. Recognize that more than just your friends see your tweets.

Failing a drug test or sleeping at work are not the best ways to showcase and brand yourself. Don't Tweet anything that you wouldn't want displayed on the front page of the New York Times.

Bottom line: Make the best of this tool by networking, sharing relevant articles, keeping up on news, and engaging in PG correspondence with your friends and family. Just don't put anything on Twitter that you wouldn't want the world to see. This includes your boss or future boss. Remember, when it comes to Twitter, you are what you tweet!

We have five tips for finding the good in your summer job:

1. Stay positive.  It may not have been desirable standing behind a fryer or babysitting a family of five all summer, but employers know that summer 2010 was a rough go for the job market. They will care less about what your position was, and more about what you made of it.  A positive attitude and strong work ethic is always transferable.  

2. List your accomplishments on your resume, not your job description. The most important element of resume writing is focusing on your specific accomplishments. This is the area where a vast majority of candidates falter. Most job seekers write job description resumes. They simply tell the reader what anyone in that particular position would do, as opposed to what they specifically accomplished. For example, if you were a waitress at Applebee’s, don't list that you served clients food and took orders. The fact is, any waitress in the history of the world did that. If what is written on your resume can be written by the person who did the job, before, with, or after you, then you haven’t done yourself justice. Resumes need to be infused with numbers, data, records, and accomplishments. These quantifiable and measurable details will improve your resume dramatically.

3. Focus on the transferables. If you were looking for an engineering internship but ended up mowing lawns all summer, focus on the non-technical skills that are needed for both positions. Be prepared to talk about your strong work ethic, attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and stellar customer service.

4. Think about what you did outside of work. Did you take an online class while working through a temp agency this summer? Did you spend any time coaching a little league team or volunteering at the animal shelter?  These are all important experiences to highlight.

5. Highlight how you went above and beyond. Working on a manufacturing line may not be the accounting internship you were hoping for, but did you do anything to go above and beyond? If you worked extra hours or received recognition for a job well done, be sure to emphasize it on your resume and in your interview.

Hopefully, these tips will help you articulate your experiences with success. Remember that you aren't the only one who had to spend a summer doing work that wasn't so glamorous or in line with your career objectives. Actor Brad Pitt dressed as a giant chicken to promote an el Pollo Loco restaurant, NFL running back Edgerrin James worked 16-hour days loading watermelons into a truck, and business tycoon Warren Buffett bagged groceries. And look where they are now!

Conditioning is key
Athletes don't go a day without taking care of themselves and their bodies. They eat right, get enough sleep and do the exercises they need to do to perform their best - even in the off season. Employees should do the same. Eat breakfast and get enough sleep at night to ensure that you are on your A-game in the office. (No one likes to work with a sleepy or hungry grouch!) If you find yourself needing to sharpen your skill set to be better in the office, take a class or attend a workshop to hone and develop your skills accordingly. Remember, you can always be in better shape.

Operate on Lombardi time
The great Hall of Fame football coach of the Green Bay Packers, Vince Lombardi, invented a strategy that he recommended to his coaches and players called "Lombardi Time." While intended for athletes, employees can benefit from this strategy as well. Operating on Lombardi Time meant showing up to every practice 15 minutes early - or you were considered late! Employees can exude punctuality and a true sense of character if they operate on Lombardi Time. This gives you time to catch your breath, collect your thoughts and review key points before meetings. Most of all, it ensures the meeting will start on time so that you can stick to your schedule for the rest of the day.

Earn your playing time
Each year, athletes in all sports dream of getting the chance to play professionally. Many are drafted from their college teams where they were the MVP and go on to ride the bench in the big leagues. Similarly, many entry level folk come out of college as a seasoned hot shot and enter the workforce as a rookie. It is important for you to understand that there will always be people in the company who have been around longer than you, and therefore, they will have more responsibilities and take the lead on key projects. Though you may be itching to take the lead, know your role in meetings and learn how to follow. Even if you are a professional with years of experience, you can always learn from the veterans you work with. Most importantly - be grateful for your spot on the team.

Get to know your team
Not every great sports duo is BFF. But, they do understand each other and know how to work together. The same is true for employee relationships. It would be an absurd expectation for employees to be buddy-buddy, but it is not unreasonable for co-workers to be expected to get to know each other. No need to divulge details of personal lives - but get to know their strengths and weaknesses. How do they like to be communicated with? What do they value? What time of day do they get their best work done? What can they help you with? How can you help them? Knowing how to best work together will ensure team continuity and respect.

Eliminate excuses
Athletes always show up for game day - no matter what. You don't hear "Kane won't be coming in for the Stanley Cup championship game today, he got stuck in traffic." Yet, how often do we hear "Lackey is missing the 2 PM annual sales presentation on Monday, she's taking a three day weekend." A team cannot shine without its key players. Whether you are the receptionist or the CEO - you make a difference and complete the team. Get out of the habit of calling in "sick", skipping meetings, or making excuses for assignments being late or sub par.

Keep a great attitude
Athletes always play to win - and employees should do the same. Rare is the day when an athlete shows up for a game and goes through the motions. Champions play every game with intensity, determination and passion. As an employee, if you do your work with these same qualities, your co-workers will catch on and the entire team will perform better.

The STAR method is a structured manner of responding to a behavioral-based interview question by discussing the specific situation, task, action, and result of the situation you are describing.

• Situation: Describe the situation that you were in or the task that you needed to accomplish. You must describe a specific event or situation, not a generalized description of what you have done in the past. Be sure to give enough detail for the interviewer to understand. This situation can be from a previous job, from a volunteer experience, or any relevant event.
• Task: What goal were you working toward?
• Action: Describe the actions you took to address the situation with an appropriate amount of detail and keep the focus on YOU. What specific steps did you take and what was your particular contribution? Be careful that you don't describe what the team or group did when talking about a project, but what you actually did. Use the word "I," not "we" when describing actions.
• Result: Describe the outcome of your actions and don't be shy about taking credit for your behavior. What happened? How did the event end? What did you accomplish? What did you learn? Make sure your answer contains multiple positive results.

Make sure that you follow all parts of the STAR method. Be as specific as possible at all times, without rambling or including too much information. Often, students must be prompted to include their results, so try to include that without being asked. Also, eliminate any examples that do not paint you in a positive light. However, keep in mind that some examples that have a negative result (such as "lost the game") can highlight your strengths in the face of adversity.

SAMPLE STAR RESPONSE:

Situation: Advertising revenue was falling off for my college newspaper, The Review, and large numbers of long-term advertisers were not renewing contracts.

Task: My goal was to generate new ideas, materials and incentives that would result in at least a 15% increase in advertisers from the year before.

Action: I designed a new promotional packet to go with the rate sheet and compared the benefits of The Review circulation with other ad media in the area. I also set-up a special training session for the account executives with a School of Business Administration professor who discussed competitive selling strategies.

Result: We signed contracts with 15 former advertisers for daily ads and five for special supplements. We increased our new advertisers by 20 percent over the same period last year.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR A BEHAVIORAL INTERVIEW

• Recall recent situations that show favorable behaviors or actions, especially involving course work, work experience, leadership, teamwork, initiative, planning, and customer service.
• Prepare short descriptions of each situation; be ready to give details if asked.
• Make sure each story has a beginning, middle, and an end, i.e., be ready to describe the situation, including the task at hand, your action, and the outcome or result.
• Emphasize an outcome or result that reflects positively on you (even if the result itself was not favorable).
• Be honest. Don't embellish or omit any part of the story. The interviewer will find out if your story is built on a weak foundation.
• Use specifics. Don't generalize about several events; give a detailed accounting of one event.
• Vary your examples; don't take them all from just one area of your life.

SAMPLE BEHAVIORAL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

Practice using the STAR Method on these common behavioral interviewing questions:

• Describe a situation in which you were able to use persuasion to successfully convince someone to see things your way.
• Describe a time when you were faced with a stressful situation that demonstrated your coping skills.
• Give me a specific example of a time when you used good judgment and logic in solving a problem.
• Give me an example of a time when you set a goal and were able to meet or achieve it. 
• Tell me about a time when you had to use your presentation skills to influence someone's opinion.
• Give me a specific example of a time when you had to conform to a policy with which you did not agree.
• Please discuss an important written document you were required to complete. 
• Tell me about a time when you had to go above and beyond the call of duty in order to get a job done.
• Tell me about a time when you had too many things to do and you were required to prioritize your tasks.
• Give me an example of a time when you had to make a split second decision. 
• What is your typical way of dealing with conflict? Give me an example. 
• Tell me about a time you were able to successfully deal with another person even when that individual may not have personally liked you (or vice versa). 
• Tell me about a difficult decision you've made in the last year.
• Give me an example of a time when something you tried to accomplish and failed. 
• Give me an example of when you showed initiative and took the lead. 
• Tell me about a recent situation in which you had to deal with a very upset customer or co-worker.
• Give me an example of a time when you motivated others. 
• Tell me about a time when you delegated a project effectively. 
• Give me an example of a time when you used your fact-finding skills to solve a problem. 
• Tell me about a time when you missed an obvious solution to a problem. 
• Describe a time when you anticipated potential problems and developed preventive measures. 
• Tell me about a time when you were forced to make an unpopular decision. 
• Please tell me about a time you had to fire a friend. 
• Describe a time when you set your sights too high (or too low).

The key is practice. The more you practice talking about these questions, the more comfortable you'll be in the interview. Remember, the interviewer wants you to do well. So practice and relax, you'll be a STAR!

10 Jobs That Let You Work From Home

How would you like to work from home? No hustling out the door 10 minutes late, no fighting your road rage or battling for the last seat on train, no fast food lunch and no noisy co-workers. Sounds like heaven doesn't it?

More than ever, workers are attracted to the 30-second commute, thanks to social and economic trends. Technologies necessary for setting up a home office are widely available, relatively inexpensive and getting easier for people to use. In addition, more workers are seeking flexible schedules to care for children and aging parents.

The number of Americans whose employer allows them to work remotely at least one day per month increased 63 percent, from 7.6 million in 2004 to 12.4 million in 2006, according to a 2007 report issued by WorldatWork. In total, the sum of teleworkers (both employed and self-employed) working remotely at least one day per month has risen 10 percent from 26.1 million in 2005 to 28.7 million in 2006.

Is a Work/Life Balance Realistic?

Striking a balance between professional and personal commitments is a common dilemma for many of today's workers. Lean staff levels and rising workloads require longer hours on the job, making it difficult to juggle deadlines and dinner plans, presentations and trips to the gym, business travel and family vacations.

In fact, a recent survey of workers by Robert Half International suggests flexible schedules is the benefit employees value most. The reason? Increased control of their time enables individuals to balance competing demands.

If it seems there are not enough hours in the day to complete your work and engage in outside interests, you're probably already focused on improving your work/life balance. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to achieving the best of both worlds, but the following tips can help you establish a better equilibrium between your professional and personal responsibilities:

Negotiate a change.
Many companies today recognize that family-friendly policies help them attract and retain talented employees. If you like your current job but need more flexibility, see if it is possible to negotiate a compressed workweek, a part-time position, or job-sharing or telecommuting opportunities. In your discussion, give specific examples of how modifying your current work situation will increase your efficiency and productivity. Also research your employer's policies the company may already have practices in place that can be adapted to fit your particular case.

Explore alternate options.
Some careers are simply more demanding than others. If you need additional time for yourself or your family, consider pursuing one that is less stressful and more flexible. Alternately, work with your current employer to identify a different position within the firm that entails fewer hours and obligations. But keep in mind that there may be things you give up, such as a higher salary or greater responsibilities, in return for the less-demanding role.

Slow down.
Stop and enjoy the activities and people around you, both inside and outside the office. Whenever possible, schedule time between meetings and leave your evenings free so you can refuel throughout and at the end of each day. Resist the urge to bring too many projects home over the weekends. Distancing yourself from work-related activities will give you time to recharge so you're more alert and productive when Monday rolls around.

Simplify.
It's human nature to try to accomplish too much in too little time. Identify ways to simplify your life. For example, eliminate the clutter in your office; an organized work area will save you time sorting through papers and allow you to work more efficiently. Or perhaps you are juggling too many social commitments outside of work. Try to focus on those that are most meaningful to you.

Chart goals.
Take charge and develop a prioritized list of tasks that must be accomplished each day. You'll not only enjoy the satisfaction of crossing off tasks as they are completed but also avoid feeling overwhelmed. In addition, be sure to set aside time for unforeseen events. Having a contingency plan for emergencies will enable you to continue with business as usual in the midst of a crisis.

Share responsibilities.
No matter how efficient you are, there is only so much you can accomplish in one day. If you're a manager, make sure that you are delegating appropriately instead of trying to do everything yourself. Doing so will reduce your workload and help your staff build their skills.

View balance as a moving target.
Remember that achieving the proper work/life balance is an ongoing process that depends on your current goals and responsibilities. For example, if you've received a promotion at work, consider skipping previously scheduled social functions to adjust to your new role. Similarly, if you add a personal activity to your agenda, you may need to lighten your load at work.

It's possible to achieve your professional goals without sacrificing your personal life. Likewise, you can realize personal dreams without giving up a fulfilling career. Your success in both areas depends largely on your ability to define a balance that works best for you, negotiate a reasonable arrangement with your employer and accepting responsibility for making adjustments as circumstances change.

Robert Half International Inc. is the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm with a global network of more than 330 offices throughout North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. For more information about our professional services, please visit www.rhi.com.

Tell me about a time when .....

Different from traditional interview questions like "What are your long term career objectives?" behavioral interview questions probe the details about how you behaved in past work experiences. Rather than ask what you might do in a particular situation, behavioral interviews ask specifically what you did do -with details.

Interviewers use behavioral questions to seek out information on candidate's competencies in specific areas. Questions typically cluster around common themes such as:

Conflict (Tell me about a time when you disagreed with a decision your supervisor made)
Persuasion (Describe a time where you were able to convince someone to see things from your perspective)
Problem solving (Tell me about a time when you came up with an innovative solution to a business problem?)
Leadership/Team Building (Give me an example of a time when you were able to successfully motivate a team)

Think about it in terms of telling short "stories" about past job experiences. To help effectively structure your answers, use the acronym S-T-A-R.

S - describe the Situation
T - give details about the Tasks that needed to be completed
A - outline the Action you took
R- Finish your answer by giving the end Result

A basic example using the STAR technique:

Tell me about a time when the deadline on a project suddenly changed, and you had to complete it much earlier than you anticipated? "I had a situation like that just last month. Our client requested that we provide a monthly research report a week earlier than usual (SITUATION). I charted out a revised timeline, what steps we needed to take to complete the project earlier, and what additional resources I needed (TASKS). I presented the revised plan to my supervisor, who approved it (ACTION). With the revised plan, I was able to complete the project by the date the client requested (RESULT)."

With a little preparation, you'll be able to clearly and confidently steer your way through behavioral interview questions!

Five Must-Ask Interview Questions

By WILLA PLANK

As the economy picks up, companies are starting to hire more. But managers often only get funds for a few key hires, so they have to select new employees wisely. That makes conducting a smart interview critical.

Reporter Willa Plank checked in with Ben Dattner, founding principal of organizational consulting and research firm Dattner Consulting, to get his interview advice.

Here are his five must-ask interview questions:

1. In what ways will this role help you stretch your professional capabilities?

This is a reversal of the common question, "What are some of your greatest weaknesses?" Normally candidates dress up their weaknesses, or talk about "positive weaknesses" such as a tendency to work too hard.

Phrased Dr. Dattner's way, this question may better prompt the candidate to describe skills she wants to improve and goals she'd like to achieve. Watch out for candidates who say the prospective job would simply incrementally add to what they already know.

Check out the other four must-ask questions now!