Where are all the Jobs?

Jobs We Think Are Cool - Thailand, Utah, California, Switzerland, Japan, Washington, Texas, Venezuela, Ohio, France, Florida, and more!

2014-11-09T07:35:00.001-06:00

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November 8, 2014

The Hottest Jobs This Week!

Looking for work? JobMonkey is loaded with new job opportunities this week. As always, we have chosen a random selection of the coolest looking jobs and featured them below. The jobs in this newsletter represent a variety of jobs in numerous industries located all over the globe. Many of these jobs are so cool that they are worth relocating for! Head over to the Job Board to find thousands of job listings that will appeal to your specific job search!

If you want cool job listings customized to your job search, you must try JobMonkey Job Alerts. Job Alerts allow you to select search specific search criteria. Then whenever a job listing hits the job board that matches your search you will be notified immediately. There is no easier way to job search, plus you'll always be one step ahead of the competition. Try Job Alerts today!

Cool Opportunities!

Here are some sweet job listings we thought were super cool this week. This is just a taste of the job listings we have on the job board. Take a look:

New Job Postings

* Kok Payom Fisherman Community Project Volunteer,
Volunteers For Peace, Kok Payom, Thailand

* Digital Marketing Specialist,
Fairmont Hotels and Resorts, Zurich, Switzerland

* Bartender - Mountain Food & Beverage,
The Canyons Ski Area, Park City, UT

* Web Developer,
Spotify, Stockholm, Sweden

* Ski Valet,
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Jackson Hole, WY

* iOS Evangelist,
Apple, Tokyo, Japan

* Merchandise Photographer,
SeaWorld San Antonio, San Antonio, TX

* Remote Inpatient Coder,
Hospital Corporation of America, Nashville, TN

* Drilling Engineer - PetroPiar,
Chevron Corporation, El Tigre, Venezuela

* Biological Science Technician,
National Park Service, Harkers Island, NC

* Sales and Events Intern,
Hyatt Hotels and Resorts, Paris, France

* Freight Conductor,
CSX Corporation, Cleveland, OH

Featured Job Postings

* Multi-Lingual Tour Guide,
Adventure Travel West, American West & Hawaii, USA

* Sales Representative,
Bluberi USA, San Diego, CA

* Accounts Receivable Accountant,
NASCAR, Daytona Beach, FL

* Field Technician,
Bluberi USA, Washington State

* Touring Series Marketing Coordinator,
NASCAR, Daytona Beach, FL

CREATE CUSTOMIZED EMAIL JOB ALERTS: Do you want JobMonkey to deliver a customized list of jobs that match your job search to you? We'd be happy to do just that. All you have to do is create Job Alerts using keywords and location preferences. It's easy to manage your alerts, and you can unsubscribe any time by clicking a link. New openings that fit your job search criteria will be emailed directly to you!

Get the latest JobMonkey news and job listings. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook!

9 Cool Healthcare Employers

If you're looking for a job that is in-demand, offers job security, good pay, great benefits, and has positions located all over the world, then apply for a cool job in the healthcare industry. This trillion dollar industry employs over 16 million people in the US alone and it's growing rapidly.

The healthcare industry is home to some of the most in-demand jobs in the US. Now is the perfect time to find a healthcare job. In the blog, we explore the healthcare industry, hit on different healthcare jobs, and supply you with a list of healthcare employers who are currently hiring people just like you. We also have a link where you can learn more about the healthcare industry and different healthcare jobs that may interest you.

You can't go wrong with a career in healthcare. It's a rewarding industry that needs people like you. READ MORE >>>

Why Job Alerts Rule

JobMonkey Job Alerts are an incredible way to find the perfect job for you. There's really nothing better for a job seeker than customized job searches.

Let's take a closer look Job Alerts. First, set up your job search. It's free and you only have to do it once. Choose keywords and locations relating to your ideal job. Then sit back and wait. Anytime a job listing hits the job board that matches your search, you'll be notified immediately. No more time spent staring at a computer screen being frustrated. Now whenever an job alert is in your inbox, you'll know it's time to apply for your dream job.

You can set up as many job Alerts as you want. It's free, simple, and helpful. Why wouldn't you take advantage of JobMonkey Job Alerts? Try it today!

Headlines For Job Seekers

The 10 Richest Non-Profit Organizations On Earth - Working for a non-profit is a rewarding experience. Why not work for one that's financially stable as well?
(Also see: Non-Profit Job Opportunities)

The Best Golf Course In Every State - Golf is a great way to get outside and enjoy nature at its finest. Have you considered working at a golf course?

7 Reasons Why You'll Regret Not Having A Personal Website - We always say that a web presence is important. Here are a few more reasons why you need one.
(Also see: Tips To Develop Your Web Presence)

You Can Increase Your 401(k) By $500 Next Year - If you're not planning for retirement you should be. Next year the amount you can contribute is increasing. Get ready and plan to save.

Why Starbucks (and Amazon) Want To Hire Veterans - If you're a veteran, put your application in today.
(Also see: Amazon Job Opportunities)

It's Harvest Season: Time To Learn A Day In The Life Of A Cannabis Bud Trimmer - If you're okay working in a legally grey area, maybe you'll want to learn more about this unique job - marijuana trimmer.
(Also see: Unique Jobs)

12 Billionaires Who Never Got Their College Degrees - It's possible to get rich without a degree. Just look at these successful people.

UPS To Hire 7,600 Floridians For Holidays - Over 7,000 jobs with UPS in Florida! That's huge. UPS is hiring across the entire US too. Apply today.
(Also see: UPS Jobs)

7 Easy Ways To Beat Interview Nerves - Don't let nervousness hurt your chances of getting hired in a job interview. Here are a few tips to calm those nerves.
(Also see: More Job Interview Tips)

The Best Way To Deliver Bad News To Your Manager - Life would be great if it was always full of good news. Here are a few tips when you need to share bad news with your superiors. Good luck!

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The Work Buzz's Latest News: 10 common job-search mistakes made by recent college graduates

2013-03-14T05:43:00.000-05:00

The Work Buzz's Latest News: 10 common job-search mistakes made by recent college graduates

10 common job-search mistakes made by recent college graduates

Posted: 08 Mar 2013 07:55 AM PST

By Haley Heieck, recruiter, Hajoca Corporation
Searching for a job is tricky business. With hundreds of websites advertising positions and such an emphasis placed on networking, it can be overwhelming. Where do you start your search? Here are 10 mistakes to avoid when looking for a job just after graduation:
1. Not thoroughly reading the job description and application instructions
Job descriptions are your first window into what a company is all about. You can learn a lot about the culture and personality of a company through the way they advertise open positions. The job description also guides you toward how to tailor your cover letter. And don't forget to double and triple check the application instructions before submitting your materials. Many companies will discount well-qualified candidates who don't use the right subject line when submitting their application — it's often a test of ruling out those applicants who are not detail-oriented or don't follow simple instructions.
2. Selling yourself short
The job-search process can be confusing — seemingly entry-level jobs are now asking for one to two years of experience. The good news is that most hiring managers count internship experience and summer jobs as just the experience they're looking for. If you sold knives or promoted gym memberships while you were a personal trainer, you can count that as sales experience. Were you the shift supervisor at a fast-food restaurant, resident assistant of your dorm or captain of the school baseball team? These positions show demonstrated leadership ability. These are desirable traits in potential hires.
3. Not having someone proofread all submitted materials
Making spelling and grammatical errors is the easiest mistake to avoid in the whole job-search process — proofread, proofread, proofread. And be sure another set of eyes sees your application materials prior to submission. Often applicants work so hard on a well-written cover letter, they miss that they've changed tenses in the middle of a paragraph or used the wrong kind of 'there.' Take the extra 30 minutes to find someone you trust to read through your submitted materials. It's the first impression you're making on a hiring manager, and you want it to be a good one.
4. Having your résumé exceed one page
This rule applies to both seasoned professionals and recent college graduates. Your résumé is not a comprehensive list of every professional or extracurricular experience you've ever had – it's a strategically chosen demonstration of the experiences that make you suited for the position to which you're applying. Most hiring managers are not going to read beyond the first page when they have a stack of applications to work their way through. One page should be sufficient in including experiences that are pertinent to the job you're applying to and show the depth and breadth of your abilities.
5. Not defining the scope of your search
There are hundreds of ways to qualify a job search, but the first should be defining what is important to you as the applicant. Does being in a certain city or state take top billing in your book? Is working for a nonprofit a must? Is accounting the field you just have to be in? Identifying these guidelines early will make the actual act of finding a job less overwhelming as it will narrow the scope of your search.
6. Not helping employers understand your past experience
Your responsibilities at past positions are familiar and easy for you to explain, but would a complete stranger be able to interpret and understand what you've included on your résumé? To help, use numerical values to show your successes. Numbers are a more universal language when it comes to showing growth and results delivered. Did you save the company $175 a month by researching different telecommunication vendors or increase sales in the shoe department 3 percent during your six month tenure by promoting matching handbags? Whatever the experience may be, quantify it when you can to show added value and success.
7. Not customizing your cover letter for every job application
Cover letter writing is not a one size fits all endeavor. Each job application needs a tailored cover letter to accompany your résumé. Cover letters are your opportunity to expand on specific experiences that make you well-suited for the position in a way that you cannot on a résumé. Talk about your leadership style in your past position or how a certain scenario led to an increased ability to manage your time. Demonstrate your confidence and explain why you're the best candidate for the job. Be direct but professional and reference the job description. Hiring managers love to see when applicants explain how they are uniquely qualified for specific tasks or responsibilities mentioned in the job posting.
8. Not being persistent
It's important to be persistent in your search. Don't be afraid to reach out to people in your network and let them know you've just graduated and are looking for a full-time position. Most people received a helping hand at one time or another in their career and would love to pay it forward, especially for poised, mature young professionals looking for their first job. The more of yourself you put into the search, the better your results will be.
9. Not showing your personality or being unprofessional
Hiring managers are looking for skill and ability, but they're really looking for the right person. Often skills can be taught, but the person that shows they will fit into the company culture best is going to be given preference. So don't be afraid to be yourself and show your personality. It's just as vital that the company is a good fit for you, so ask questions and do your research.
10. Not having an open mind
Chances are your first job is not going to be your last. Most of the time, landing your "dream job" right out of college is just that, a dream. You'll have to put in your dues and work your way up, and it will make it that much more rewarding when you get there. So when looking for your first job, keep an open mind. You'll learn a lot about what you need and want professionally early in your career, so don't be afraid to stretch the limits of your search. Considering a cross-country move? Thinking of working abroad? Do it now while you're young – you won't always have the same freedom that you do as a recent college grad.
Haley Heieck is a recruiter for Hajoca Corporation's Management Training Program, a three year training program used as a source of external talent for leadership positions. Prior to her time with Hajoca, she managed two academic internship programs for The Fund for American Studies in Washington, DC. A graduate from the University of Oregon, Heieck is an avid college sports fan and enjoys cycling, traveling and photography.

ResumeBear Blog

2012-07-10T09:27:00.003-05:00

ResumeBear Blog

Talking Your Way to a Job, Proper Networking

Posted: 06 Jul 2012 08:10 AM PDT

Finding a job in today's economy can be tough, but there are opportunities if you know where to look. The best way to find these opportunities is not through online job boards, the classifieds, or employment agencies—it's by talking to people around you. Your network of friends, relatives, colleagues, and acquaintances is a valuable job search resource. Networking may sound intimidating, but it can be rewarding and fun, even if you're shy or feel like you don't know many people

What is networking?

The vast majority of job openings are never advertised; they're filled by word of mouth. That's why networking is the best way to find a job. Unfortunately, many job seekers are hesitant to take advantage of networking because they're afraid of being seen as pushy, annoying, or self-serving. But networking isn't about using other people or aggressively promoting yourself—it's about building relationships.

You already know how to network

Networking is nothing more than getting to know people. Whether you realize it or not, you're already networking every day and everywhere you go. You are networking when you strike up a conversation with the person next to you in line, introduce yourself to other parents at your child's school, meet a friend of a friend, catch up with a former co-worker, or stop to chat with your neighbor. Everyone you meet can help you move your job search forward.
Tapping the hidden job market may take more planning and nerve than searching online, but it's much more effective. Adopting a networking lifestyle—a lifestyle of connecting and helping others in good times and bad—will help you find the right job, make valuable connections in your chosen field, and stay focused and motivated during your job search.

Networking is the best way to find a job because:

People do business primarily with people they know and like. Resumes and cover letters alone are often too impersonal to convince employers to hire you.
Job listings tend to draw piles of applicants, which puts you in intense competition with many others. Networking makes you a recommended member of a much smaller pool.
The job you want may not be advertised at all. Networking leads to information and job leads, often before a formal job description is created or a job announced.

Job networking tip 1: You know more people than you think

You may think that you don't know anyone who can help you with your job search. But you know more people than you think, and there's a very good chance that at least a few of these people know someone who can give you career advice or point you to a job opening. You'll never know if you don't ask!

Make a list of the people in your network

Your network is bigger than you think it is. It includes all of your family members, friends, neighbors, co-workers, colleagues, and even casual acquaintances. Start writing down names, and you'll be surprised at how quickly the list grows.
Think about people you know from former jobs, high school and college, church, your child's school, the gym, or your neighborhood. Also think about people you've met through your close connections: your sister's co-worker; your best friend's boss; your college roommate's spouse; friends of your parents; your uncle's business partner. Don't forget to include people like your doctor, landlord, accountant, dry cleaner, or yoga instructor.

Yes, you do have a job network, and it's more powerful than you think:

You already belong to many networks (family, friends, colleagues, fellow civic club members, etc.) and your job search network can be natural outgrowth of these primary contacts.
Each network connects you to another network (e.g., your child's teacher can connect you with other parents, schools, and school suppliers).
Each member of a network may know of an available job or a connection to someone who will know of one.

If you're nervous about making contact—either because you're uncomfortable asking for favors or embarrassed about your employment situation—try to keep the following things in mind:

It feels good to help others. Most people will gladly assist you if they can.
People like to give advice and be recognized for their expertise.
Almost everyone knows what it's like to be out of work or looking for a job. They'll sympathize with your situation.
Unemployment can be isolating and stressful. By connecting with others, you're sure to get some much needed encouragement, fellowship, and moral support.
Reconnecting with the people in your network should be fun—even if you have an agenda. The more this feels like a chore the more tedious and anxiety-ridden the process will be.

Job networking tip 2: Reach out to your network

All the connections in the world won't help you find a job if no one knows about your situation. Once you've drawn up your list, start making contact with the people in your network. Let them know that you're looking for a job. Be specific about what kind of work you're looking for and ask them if they have any information or know anyone in a relevant field. Don't assume that certain people won't be able to help. You may be surprised by who they know.

Figure out what you want before you start networking

Networking is most effective when you have specific employer targets and career goals. It's hard to get leads with a generic "Let me know if you hear of anything" request. You may think that you'll have better job luck if you leave yourself open to all the possibilities, but the reality is this "openness" creates a black hole that sucks all of the networking potential out of the connection.
A generic networking request for a job is worse than no request at all, because you can lose that networking contact and opportunity. Asking for specific information, leads, or an interview is much more focused and easier for the networking source. If you're having trouble focusing your job search, you can turn to close friends and family members for help, but avoid contacting more distant people in your network until you've set clear goals.

Start with your references

When you are looking for a job, start with your references. Your best references—the people who like you and can endorse your abilities, track record, and character—are major networking hubs.

Contact each one of your references to network about your possibilities and affirm their agreement to be your reference.
Describe your goals and seek their assistance.
Keep them informed on your job search progress.
Prepare them for any calls from potential employers.
Let them know what happened and thank them for their help regardless of the outcome.

Job networking tip 3: Focus on building relationships

Networking is a give-and-take process that involves making connections, sharing information, and asking questions. It's a way of relating to others, not a technique for getting a job or a favor. You don't have to hand out your business cards on street corners, cold call everyone on your contact list, or work a room of strangers. All you have to do is reach out.

Be authentic. In any job search or networking situation, being you—the real you—should be your goal. Hiding who you are or suppressing your true interests and goals will only hurt you in the long run. Pursuing what you want and not what you think others will like, will always be more fulfilling and ultimately more successful.
Be considerate. If you're reconnecting with an old friend or colleague, take the time to get through the catching-up phase before you blurt out your need. On the other hand, if this person is a busy professional you don't know well, be respectful of his or her time and come straight out with your request.
Ask for advice, not a job. Don't ask for a job, a request comes with a lot of pressure. You want your contacts to become allies in your job search, not make them feel ambushed, so ask for information or insight instead. If they're able to hire you or refer you to someone who can, they will. If not, you haven't put them in the uncomfortable position of turning you down or telling you they can't help.
Be specific in your request. Before you go off and reconnect with everyone you've ever known, get your act together and do a little homework. Be prepared to articulate what you're looking for. Is it a reference? An insider's take on the industry? A referral? An introduction to someone in the field? Also make sure to provide an update on your qualifications and recent professional experience.

Slow down and enjoy the job networking process

The best race-car drivers are masters of slowing down. They know that the fastest way around the track is by slowing down going into the turns, so they can accelerate sooner as they're heading into the straightaway. As you're networking, keep this "Slow in, fast out" racing mantra in mind.
Effective networking is not something that should be rushed. This doesn't mean you shouldn't try to be efficient and focused, but hurried, emergency networking is not conducive to building relationships for mutual support and benefit. When you network, you should slow down, be present, and try to enjoy the process. This will speed up your chances for success in the job-hunting race. Just because you have an agenda doesn't mean you can't enjoy reconnecting.

Don't be a hit-and-run networker

Don't be a hit-and-run networker: connecting, getting what you want, and then disappearing, never to be heard from until the next time you need something. Invest in your network by following up and providing feedback to those who were kind of enough to offer their help. Thank them for their referral and assistance. Let them know whether you got the interview or the job. Or use the opportunity to report on the lack of success or the need for additional help.

Job networking tip 4: Evaluate the quality of your network

If your networking efforts don't seem to be going anywhere, you may need to evaluate the quality of your network. Take some time to think about your network's strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities. Without such an evaluation, there is little chance your network will adapt to your needs and your future goals. You may not notice how bound you are to history, or how certain connections are holding you back. And you may miss opportunities to branch out and forge new ties that will help you move forward.
Taking inventory of your network and where it is lacking is time well spent. If you feel your network is out of date, then it’s time to upgrade! Your mere awareness of your needs will help you connect you with new and more relevant contacts and networks.

Rate your network

Give yourself 1 point for each question you answer yes.

Do you trust your network to give you the truth about the real you?
Does your network challenge you as much as it supports you?
Does your network feel vibrant and dynamic?
Does your network represent your future goals as much as your past?
Are the networks connected to your network strong?

5 pts – You can stop reading. Your network is in great shape!
3-4 pts – You need to enhance your network.
0-2 pts – Your network needs a makeover!

Job networking tip 5: Take advantage of both "strong" and "weak" ties

Everyone has both "strong" and "weak" ties. Strong ties occupy that inner circle and weak ties are less established. Adding people to networks is time consuming, especially strong ties. It requires an investment of time and energy to have multiple “best friends." Trying to stay in touch with new acquaintances is just as challenging.
But adding new "weak tie" members gives your network vitality and even more cognitive flexibility—the ability to consider new ideas and options. New relationships invigorate the network by providing a connection to new networks, viewpoints, and opportunities.

Tips for strengthening your job network

Tap into your strong ties. Your strong ties will logically and trustingly lead to new weak ties that build a stronger network. Use your existing network to add members and reconnect with people. Start by engaging the people in your trusted inner circle to help you fill in the gaps in your network.
Think about where you want to go. Your network should reflect where you're going, not just where you've been. Adding people to your network who reflect issues, jobs, industries, and areas of interest is essential. If you are a new graduate or a career changer, join the professional associations that represent your desired career path. Attending conferences, reading journals, and keeping up with the lingo of your desired field can prepare you for where you want to go.
Make the process of connecting a priority. Make connecting a habit—part of your lifestyle. Connecting is just as important as your exercise routine. It breathes life into you and gives you confidence. Find out how your network is doing in this environment, what steps they are taking, and how you can help. As you connect, the world will feel smaller and a small world is much easier to manage.

Job networking tip 6: Take the time to maintain your network

Maintaining your job network is just as important as building it. Accumulating new contacts can be beneficial, but only if you have the time to nurture the relationships. Avoid the irrational impulse to meet as many new people as possible. The key is quality, rather than quantity. Focus on cultivating and maintaining your existing network. You're sure to discover an incredible array of information, knowledge, expertise, and opportunities.

Schedule time with your key contacts

List the people that are crucial to your network without regard to your current relations with them—people you know who can and have been very important to you. Invariably, there will be some you have lost touch with. Reconnect and then schedule a regular meeting or phone call. You don’t need a reason to get in touch: you connect because you need to and want to. It will always make you feel good and provide you with an insight or two.

Prioritize the rest of your contacts

Keep a running list of people you need to reconnect with both old and new. People whose view of the world you value. People you'd like to get to know better or whose company you enjoy. Prioritize these contacts and then schedule time into your regular routine so you can make your way down the list.

Take notes on the people in your network

Collecting cards and filing them is a start. But maintaining your contacts, new and old, requires updates. Add notes about their families, their jobs, their interests, and their needs. Unless you have a photographic memory, you won't remember all of this information unless you write it down. Put these updates and notes on the back of their business cards or input them into your contact database.

Find ways to reciprocate

Always remember that successful networking is a two-way street. Your ultimate goal is to cultivate mutually beneficial relationships. That means giving as well as receiving. Send a thank-you note, ask them about their family, email an article you think they might be interested in, and check in periodically to see how they're doing. By nurturing the relationship through your job search and beyond, you'll establish a strong network of people you can count on for ideas, advice, feedback, and support.
The post Talking Your Way to a Job, Proper Networking appeared first on Resumebear Online Resume.

Helping Teens and College Students Get Summer Jobs

Posted: 05 Jul 2012 09:44 AM PDT

Where Teens can Find Summer Jobs

There are any number of places where you can look for a good summer job:

Local merchants: local stores often need good help — and not just in the summer.
Small businesses: most towns have a number of small business offices — and your family or friends probably know several owners or office managers.
Corporate offices: many have established summer jobs and internship programs, but often these are the most competitive.
Stores at the mall: have a favorite store you like to shop at in the mall? Maybe now is the time to get a job there — just be careful not to spend all your earnings buying their products.
Hotels and resorts: summer is the busy season for most hotels and resorts.
Tourist attractions: even if you don’t live in Florida or California, most states have tourist attractions that especially need help during the busy tourism season.
Golf & Tennis clubs: as the weather improves, these clubs are usually looking for part-time help.
Grocery stores: maybe not the most exciting jobs, but probably the most convenient — and not just for summer.
Fast food and restaurants: local restaurants always need good help — and while not the most glamorous, it’s still a job.
Parks and recreation departments: city, state, and national parks and recreation departments often develop special summer programs, and thus have job opportunities.
Local government summer job programs: often various government agencies sponsor different kinds of summer youth work programs.
Summer camps: okay, you went to camp as a kid — now you can go back as a counselor and get paid while being at camp.
Working for yourself: there are all sorts of jobs/businesses you could develop for yourself in your neighborhood.
The Web: especially if you want to work outside your neighborhood, or even your state, the Web is the place for you to explore all sorts of summer job opportunities — so go visit ResumeBear.com

What do Employers Look for in Teens

Employers want motivated teens who are going to arrive to work on time, have a positive attitude, work hard, work well with others, show leadership qualities, work their full shift, and do the best job they can. You need to show your employer that you are a good investment, both for the current position, as well as for any potential future positions.

Final Words of Advice for Job-Hunting Teens

Jobs are jobs. You are going to have to work, no matter how “cool” the job or company, so be prepared for some days to not be as great as others. The keys to remember are that you are earning money, you are gaining experience, and you are making good contacts (and references)!
The post Helping Teens and College Students Get Summer Jobs appeared first on Resumebear Online Resume.

The Work Buzz's Latest News: Job forecast and mid-year career check

2012-07-10T09:27:00.002-05:00

The Work Buzz's Latest News: Job forecast and mid-year career check

Job forecast and mid-year career check

Posted: 05 Jul 2012 11:27 AM PDT

2012 is halfway through, and unless the Mayans are right about the world ending this winter, job seekers have a reason to look forward to the second half of the year. CareerBuilder's mid-year job forecast expects improved hiring conditions in the latter half of 2012, with 44 percent of private-sector employers reporting that they are planning to hire full-time, permanent staff from July 1 through Dec. 31, 2012, up nine percent from the same period last year.
Matt Ferguson, CEO of CareerBuilder, says that in previous years, hiring activity was mainly driven by large employers that recruited in metropolitan areas. However, current conditions in the job market point to openings in all industries, market sizes and company sizes. The outlook is positive for the remainder of 2012 but will follow the same pattern of steady progress.
Where employers are hiring first
Employers are first hiring in several top areas to impact revenue and innovation, which means that customer service is the No. 1 field for hiring, with 24 percent. Information technology is close behind with 22 percent, followed by sales with 21 percent.
Employers are also hiring administrative positions, business development, accounting/finance and marketing in large numbers.
Your mid-year career check
What does this all mean for your job search? The nationwide survey points to several clear trends in hiring, which can help you reassess your plan for seeking a job. Here's an overview to guide you toward the industries, areas and positions that are hiring now.
Location, location, location: The West is best for hiring, with employers in this region reporting the highest year-over-year increase for adding full-time, permanent employees at 47 percent, followed by the South at 45 percent, the Northeast at 44 percent and the Midwest at 40 percent. You can get creative with your job search and combine different areas of growth to improve your chances of getting hired. Customer service is an area seeing an increase in hiring, and searching for those jobs in the West, where full-time, permanent employees are getting hired the most, could be a smart career move if relocation is an option for non-Westerners.
Small businesses: While small businesses have been more cautious in hiring new employees, the numbers are slowly increasing. Thirty-four percent of companies with 500 or fewer employees say they are hiring full-time, permanent employees, up from 27 percent in 2011. Thirty-one percent of companies with 250 or fewer employees and 21 percent of those with 50 or fewer employees also report they are hiring full-time, permanent employees. Since small businesses are gradually hiring, job seekers with specific training or talents will likely have better odds at being hired. Smaller businesses don't always have the resources to provide on-the-job training, and instead need job candidates with strong backgrounds in their field.
Newly created positions: More employers are reporting that new job functions have been created within their organizations. Jobs that didn't exist five years ago are now growing to meet new technology needs, including positions tied to:

Social media – 16 percent
Storing and managing data – 15 percent
Cyber security – 12 percent
Financial regulation – 10 percent
Promoting diversity inside and outside the organization – 9 percent
Green energy and the environment – 8 percent
Global relations – 8 percent

To improve your odds of getting noticed for one of these newer positions, make your résumé specific to the job you're applying for, as well as your cover letter. Focus on the language provided in the job description, and include any and all relevant training and experience you've gotten in recent years. Proving you're relevant and can keep up with change will put you in the spotlight for newly created positions.
The conditions for the second half of 2012 look positive, and the variety in the size and location of companies hiring is a good indicator that larger groups of job seekers will be able to enter the work force soon.

ResumeBear Blog

2012-07-10T09:27:00.001-05:00

ResumeBear Blog

Top 25 Social Media Pet Peeves

Posted: 09 Jul 2012 06:48 AM PDT

Social Media Best Practices!

What is your social media pet peeve? Mine is people who just post quotes all day long, thinking they are being inspirational. What's yours?
The number and variety of responses I got was amazing, so I thought I'd digest them into categories. The value, here, is to help each of us understand what irritates other people in the realm of social media. Not that we have to please everyone, but if there are a lot of folks who are irritated by a specific behavior (ahem…auto-direct messages on Twitter), we might think twice about engaging in that behavior via our personal or business social media channels.
So…here they are! 25 social media pet peeves contributed by the readers of SocMedSean.

25 Social Media Pet Peeves

Posting a lot of meaningless content (pins, check-ins, etc…) just to artificially inflate your Empire Avenue, Klout, or Kred score.
Only posting promotional posts/tweets/articles and never engaging in a 2-way dialog with your community.
Spam and/or Phishing – via Twitter, LinkedIn email or any social media channel.
Guidance from social media gurus that their way is the only way.
Gurus who charge to teach people how to behave online in a way that is exactly the same as how we should behave in the real world.
People who use social media as a marketing tool, rather than an engagement opportunity.
People who tweet ALL THE TIME!
Silly social media algorithms that don't make any sense (yes…we're talking about you Klout, Kred, etc…).
Being asked to RT or share silly status updates.
Being tagged in posts or photos that don't have anything to do with you.
Spam indicating that you should "follow back" or "get 50,000 twitter followers a day".
Social sharing tools that don't allow you to just click and share. Who wants to authenticate with an app?
Self-proclaimed "social media experts" who know tactics, but don't know how to formulate an actual strategy (Amen to this one)!!
Companies that use social media as an advertising channel
Digital media thieves – Those that steal images and videos that are clearly protected by copyright (not under creative commons license) and use them in their blog posts, Facebook updates, etc…
Auto-posting without any follow-up on the responses that people post.
eBooks that don't offer any actual value.
People who don't pay attention to the value of their content. If no one likes or shares your content, think about whether your content is valuable.
Auto-DMs on Twitter. One of my personal biggest pet peeves.
Forgetting about "Thumper's Rule" – If you can't say something nice, don't say nothing at all…
People who friend, connect, or follow someone just so they can behave badly and start arguments.
Social channels who keep changing things, even though their community likes them the way they are (hint, hint Facebook!)
MLM scams, "social media marketing" get rich schemes, and anything else that claims to use social media to make you rich.
Junk content that is only meant to bait the search engines, not offer value to readers.
Posting quotes over and over and over and over…

So…how many of these are you guilty of doing? Do you have a pet peeve you would like to add?
Cheers!
Sean
By Sean R. Nicholson
The post Top 25 Social Media Pet Peeves appeared first on Resumebear Online Resume.

The Work Buzz's Latest News: Workplace sports-league etiquette

2012-07-10T09:26:00.000-05:00

The Work Buzz's Latest News: Workplace sports-league etiquette

Workplace sports-league etiquette

Posted: 09 Jul 2012 10:13 AM PDT

Admittedly, I'm not much of an athlete or even a sports-savvy person. But many of my colleagues are sports fanatics, and it's high season for the various sports and recreation leagues offered in Chicago. I have to admit that I feel left out as my sports-loving co-workers buzz about the cute jerseys they just bought for the office sports team, analyze their upcoming competitors and discuss which bars to visit after the game.
While a part of me wishes I was blessed with hand-eye coordination — or any coordination for that matter — so I could join in on the fun, another part of me wonders if it ever gets awkward playing on a team with, or competing against, other co-workers. While I'm sure it's mostly fun and games, I have to imagine it would be a little weird playing dodge ball against your boss — even if you would get some satisfaction out of hitting him with a ball. Or I think you'd feel somewhat uncomfortable having to tell your human-resources manager that she's losing the game for you and needs to hit the bench.
That got me thinking about whether workers need to demonstrate some etiquette if they play on an office intermural team or their opponent is the person paying their salary. To get to the bottom of this workplace conundrum, I asked Jodi R. R. Smith, president of etiquette consulting company Mannersmith, for her thoughts on the topic.
She agreed that it's a tricky one. "So much of how you should behave depends upon you, your personality, your boss, your boss's personality, your field and the corporate culture where you happen to work," Smith says.
"There are some offices where everyone is young; the 'boss' is only a year or two older than the employees and everyone is on a first-name basis. For these offices, you should be your 'best self' but can relax a bit. Then there are offices where there are large age differences and the office culture is much more formal. For these offices, you should maintain your professional persona."
While there are no hard and fast rules, Smith shares these loose guidelines to consider when playing on a workplace sports team:

Dress conservatively: If there is a uniform, wear the uniform. Also be sure that it fits well but it's not too tight. Avoid short-shorts or old cutoffs — they are great for a beach day with friends but not for being around those with whom you work.
Play fair: With friends, you might whoop it up and swear at an umpire for a questionable call. With work leagues, it's best to maintain your composure. If this means sticking to the corporate non-alcoholic punch and avoiding the beer, so be it. You can partake in alcohol when with friends.
Position picking: Sporting activities are a great way to showcase out-of-office skills. By all means, let the coaches know your strengths and play well. Bosses can be humored, but games should not be thrown to humor the boss.
Cheer, don’t jeer: Make a racket — cheering for your team. Don't trash-talk the other team; it will make you look petty and rude.
Have fun: Be a good sport in the conference room and on the playing field. If you win, thank the other team and tell them "good game." If you lose, thank the other team and tell them "good game." Your diplomacy will go far.

The bottom line? Exercise common sense and follow your instincts — assuming that your instincts don't tell you to swear at your boss for striking out.

ResumeBear Blog

2012-07-10T09:25:00.000-05:00

ResumeBear Blog

Finding Social Media Jobs is Easy

Posted: 08 Jul 2012 10:25 AM PDT

Social networking sites not only help people to keep in touch but they also make job searches much easier. If you have the right skills and know how to network with the right people, you will be able to land your dream job quickly. Thanks to the unlimited opportunities to connect with anyone and everyone through Social Media, finding social media jobs is not hard! You just need to cease being boring, get creative and stand out!
Below is an awesome infographic by MindFlash which shows how you can find social media jobs, how much you could possibly be making and what skills are required to land the job. Create your resume free using ResumeBear’s online resume builder in minutes!

3 Ways to Land a Job in Social Media

1. Don't be afraid to get creative

There are thousands of applicants everyday wanting to land their dream job. The competition is fierce. Aside from having the required skills, you need to stand out. Think outside the box! Remember, there is an opportunity with every connection you make. Make an effort to connect with one new person a day.

2. Network like crazy

Damien Cummings provided some really good tips on how to start a career in digital marketing and it includes networking like crazy. You need to position yourself to be found so you don't have to look around. Be a thought leader and be consistent in providing value to those you want to work with.

3. Find jobs on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter

There are many groups where job postings are shared by its members. You can find them on LinkedIn, Facebook and even Twitter. Below are some links which will help you get started:

1. Facebook: Social Media Jobs

With over 2,000 members (mostly hiring managers or someone connected with them) sharing a variety of interesting opportunities if you are seeking a career in social media.

2. Twitter: Sue on the Web

Sue has regular updates on community manager positions and other social media jobs. Sue is a fantastic resource for anyone seeking a social media job.
There are various social media and community management job opportunities out there, fine tune your skills, network with the right people and don’t be afraid to let your creativity shine!
Do you have tips on how to get hired or know of any social media job vacancies? Feel free to share them with us via comments below!

Get Social with ResumeBear:

Twitter @OnlineResume & @ResumeBear, Facebook and Pinterest

The post Finding Social Media Jobs is Easy appeared first on Resumebear Online Resume.

Employers: Which Industries Lead the Way in Social Media

Posted: 07 Jul 2012 07:52 AM PDT

Like it, love it or want none of it, social media is here to stay. Many employers are responding to the social media invasion with policies to guide how it’s used by employees. Find out which industries are leading the way and what employees think.

How is your company using social media? Post your comments below! Follow us on Twitter @OnlineResume and @Resumebear.
The post Employers: Which Industries Lead the Way in Social Media appeared first on Resumebear Online Resume.

The Work Buzz's Latest News: 9 well-paying jobs that don’t require a degree

2012-07-10T09:24:00.002-05:00

The Work Buzz's Latest News: 9 well-paying jobs that don’t require a degree

9 well-paying jobs that don’t require a degree

Posted: 06 Jul 2012 08:23 AM PDT

Richard Branson, Rachael Ray, Mark Zuckerberg and Lady Gaga all have two things in common: 1) They are incredibly successful; 2) They are college dropouts. While it's common belief that in order to be successful and make a lot of money you need to have a college degree, these four entrepreneurs, intellectuals and celebrities prove that's not necessarily true.
Sure, college-educated workers may have access to more opportunities and, on average, make more money than workers without degrees, but college isn't for everyone. Some people just don't want to take that direction in life, while others may have financial or personal reasons for foregoing higher education. And just because someone doesn't have a college diploma hanging on his wall doesn't mean he can't find a fulfilling job with a steady income.
While we can't all be the founder of a ubiquitous social network or an international pop star, there are still a variety of jobs available that pay well, no college diploma required. These jobs may offer extensive on-the-job training or value real-life experience over a college education. While every company is different, and some employers may prefer that employees attain certain degrees or certifications, here are nine jobs that don't require a degree in order to get hired:
1. Administrative services manager*
What they do: Administrative services managers plan, direct and coordinate supportive services of an organization. Their responsibilities vary and may include keeping records, distributing mail and planning and maintaining facilities. Experience in managerial and leadership roles is often required or preferred.
Typical education level that most workers need to enter this occupation: High-school diploma or equivalent
Average annual pay: $86,720
2. Claims adjuster, examiner and investigator
What they do: Workers employed in this occupation evaluate insurance claims. They decide whether an insurance company must pay a claim, and if so, how much is owed. Employers may prefer that workers have some prior insurance experience or vocational training in a related subject.
Typical education level that most workers need: High-school diploma or equivalent
Average annual pay: $61,110
3. Crane and tower operator
What they do: These material moving machine operators use machinery, such as cranes and forklifts, to transport objects. Some workers in this role move construction materials around building sites or earth around a mine, while others transport goods around a warehouse or onto and off of container ships. Machine repair and inspections may also be part of the job. These workers usually get about a month's worth of on-the-job training.
Typical education level that most workers need: Less than high school
Average annual pay: $50,040
4. Derrick operator, oil and gas
What they do: These oil and gas workers execute drilling plans designed by petroleum engineers. They operate equipment that digs wells and removes oil or gas. Most companies require that workers be at least 18 years of age and in good physical condition. Workers may also need to pass a drug test.
Typical education level that most workers need: Less than high school
Average annual pay: $47,120
5. Elevator installer and repairer
What they do: Elevator installers and repairers install, fix and maintain elevators, escalators, moving walkways and other moving/transportation machinery. Some states may require licensure in order to work in this role. Most workers in this field participate in a formal apprenticeship before entering this field full time.
Typical education level that most workers need: High-school diploma or equivalent
Average annual pay: $73,560
6. Electrical and electronics installer and repairer, transportation equipment
What they do: These workers install, repair or replace various types of electrical equipment in telecommunications, transportation, utilities and other industries. While a high-school diploma may be enough for workers to find employment, some do gain voluntary certification to learn the required skills.
Typical education level that most workers need: Postsecondary non-degree award
Average annual pay: $52,080
7. Loan officer
What they do: Loan officers evaluate, authorize or recommend approval of loan applications for people and businesses. Most workers in this field gain on-the-job training within the first few months of employment.
Typical education level that most workers need: High-school diploma or equivalent
Average annual pay: $67,960
8. Nuclear power reactor operator
What they do: As a nuclear power reactor operator, you're tasked with moving control rods, starting and stopping equipment, monitoring and adjusting controls and recording data. You may also have to implement emergency procedures when needed. Many companies require potential employees to take the Edison Electrical Institute's Power Plant Maintenance and Plant Operator exams to gauge whether they have the right aptitudes to succeed in this occupation.
Typical education level that most workers need: High-school diploma or equivalent
Average annual pay: $77,550
9. Subway and streetcar operator
What they do: Subway and streetcar operators transport passengers in both urban and suburban areas. The vehicles they drive travel underground, on above-ground and elevated tracks, on streets or on separate tracks. Several months of on-the-job training is usually required to perform in this role.
Typical education level that most workers need: High-school diploma or equivalent
Average annual pay: $59,400
*All average annual pay figures, job descriptions and education levels are from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The Work Buzz's Latest News: Quiz: Is your work wardrobe summer-appropriate?

2012-06-28T13:00:00.001-05:00

The Work Buzz's Latest News: Quiz: Is your work wardrobe summer-appropriate?

Quiz: Is your work wardrobe summer-appropriate?

Posted: 27 Jun 2012 09:24 AM PDT

The warmer weather's here and won't be leaving for a while. In between vacation days and holidays, it's easy to get into a laid back mindset and not so easy to resist the temptation to wear shorts and sandals. Before you reach for that Hawaiian shirt at the back of your closet on Monday morning, take our quiz to see if your work wardrobe passes for appropriate or if you need a style intervention.
1. The weather reports it's going to be a high of 104 degrees. What do you wear to the office?
A.            What I always wear…a three-piece suit.
B.            Whatever's comfortable, man. Bare feet and my favorite band t-shirt.
C.            My go-to summer staples: flip flops and a sundress.
D.            Something light colored…probably khakis and a polo shirt.
2. Whoops, you just dropped a pen. Leaning down to pick it up, how far is your hemline from the ground?
A.            The hem of my pant leg touches my shoes. I would never wear anything other than dress pants.
B.            Well, the frayed threads of my shorts touch the ground.
C.            Ummm…don't ask.
D.            My skirt is about two to four inches—I do the hands-at-the-sides test to make sure my fingertips go past the hemline.
3. It's hot outside but the air conditioning in the office is frigid. What can you do?
A.            What I always do…wear a three-piece suit.
B.            Bring in my alpaca sweater I knit myself.
C.            Wear spaghetti-strap tank tops and cardigans.
D.            I usually dress in layers and always try to have an extra sweater at my desk.
4. Your office allows denim. How would you incorporate it into a summer look?
A.            I wouldn't.
B.            Jorts (jean shorts).
C.            With a denim skirt.
D.            Dark denim pants/jeans.
5. Warm weather means an abundance of bright colors. Would you try this seasonal trend at work?
A.            Maybe a not-too-bright tie. Maybe.
B.            I've already been wearing my tie-dye socks to work for a month.
C.            Totally, I just bought a neon pink and green mini dress.
D.            Sure, a bright pair of shoes or a top could be a fun way to break up a neutral look.
Results
Mostly A's: What clothing is considered "appropriate" for a job will vary in each profession, so first and foremost check what your co-workers and boss wear to work, as well as what the dress code says is acceptable. That being said, there's still plenty of room in a work wardrobe for personal style and individuality. Maybe wearing a three-piece suit is a personal expression of your style, but there are also options for more formal work settings that don't seem so stuffy (or suffocating in the summer heat). Men and women in more corporate, conservative settings can opt for lighter colors and fabrics of the same clothes they already wear and utilize layering as a summer staple for surviving the heat.
Mostly B's: Alright, dude, unless your company has OK'd your free-spirit style, it's time to swap out the tie-dye socks for more professional attire. The main problem with wearing such casual clothing to your job is that it ends up distracting your boss, co-workers and clients from your work, making you get noticed for the wrong reasons. Find a balance of appropriate work style and your own taste in clothes. If you work in a more casual environment, opt for clean and proper-fitting jeans and a dress shirt, or if it's hot outside, try a polo. Let your work speak for itself instead of trying to be heard over your loud outfits.
Mostly C's: It's clear you're a fashionista, but your work wardrobe could use some editing. Clothes that are appropriate for an office or work setting don't have to be boring, so stop trying to cause a scene by dressing so casually and bringing beach attire to your cubicle. Instead of shedding clothes when the mercury rises, look for chic separates like pencil skirts, linen blazers or sheath dresses. And remember that fit is everything: Short clothing or outfits that are too tight won't make you look professional or like someone with good judgment. You want your style to convey a sense of professionalism and compliment your overall look, not take away from it.
Mostly D's: Did you cheat and check out our six guidelines for your summer work wardrobe? You've found a hot way to keep cool at work, and staying professional shows just how chic you are. Whether your office is a corporate or laid back setting, you always hit the right note with weather-appropriate looks that are attractive and well put-together. Your summer essentials are cotton sheath dresses in neutrals, linen pants and blazers for separates, bright and fun jewelry and sleeveless blouses for when you head outside. No matter the temperature, you always balance professionalism and personal style to create a look that's your own and promotes your career.
Do you have a tried-and-true summer look you love wearing to the office? Are you wondering if your sequined crop top is inappropriate for work? Share your thoughts and concerns in the comments section, below.

The Work Buzz's Latest News: Companies hiring this week

2012-06-28T13:00:00.000-05:00

The Work Buzz's Latest News: Companies hiring this week

Companies hiring this week

Posted: 26 Jun 2012 08:07 AM PDT

As you've probably noticed, we frequently reference the Bureau of Labor Statistics in our articles. The BLS is a really helpful resource for data and trends on employment and the workforce. Recently the BLS released its American time use survey, which looked at the amount of time per day in 2011 that Americans spent doing various activities, such as working, household activities and childcare.
Here are some interesting work-related statistics from the survey:

On days that they worked, employed individuals spent an average of 7.6 hours working. More hours were worked, on average, on weekdays (8 hours) than on weekends (5.7 hours).
Employed men worked 47 more minutes than employed women. This difference may be due to the greater likelihood of women working part time. However, even among full-time workers, men worked longer than women — 8.3 hours compared with 7.8 hours.
On the days that they worked, 21 percent of employed individuals did some or all of their work at home, and 85 percent did some or all of their work at their workplace. Men and women were about equally likely to do some or all of their work at home.

If you're spending your days job searching, hopefully we can help you save some time. Here are 10 companies that are hiring this week:
1. 24 Hour Fitness
Industry: Fitness
Sample job titles: Personal trainer, membership counselor (sales), department manager, IT professional
2. Coinstar Inc. (Redbox and Coinstar)
Industry: Automated retail
Sample job titles: Field service, technology and various corporate positions
3. Elsevier
Industry: Printing/publishing
Sample job titles: Senior content strategist, technical product manager, sales manager
4. FirstGroup
Industry: Transit management and contracting
Sample job titles: Bus driver and technician
5. Fresenius
Industry: Health care
Sample job titles: Clinical manager, patient care technician, acute RN, IT
6. It's Just Lunch
Industry: Specialized dating service
Sample job title: Sales representative
7. Moorehead Communications / DBA The Cellular Center
Industry: Wireless retail
Sample job titles: Sales, sales management
8. Panera Bread Co.
Industry: Restaurant
Sample job titles: Restaurant management, customer service associate, baker, driver, marketing, information technology, help desk
9. TeleTech
Industry: BPO/customer care
Sample job titles: Customer service representative, .Net developer
10. UHS-Pruitt
Industry: Health care
Sample job titles: Therapist, therapy assistant, nurse, director

How to Write Your Resume for a Promotion at Your Next Employer plus 3 more | Career Rocketeer

2012-06-28T12:59:00.000-05:00

How to Write Your Resume for a Promotion at Your Next Employer plus 3 more | Career Rocketeer

How to Write Your Resume for a Promotion at Your Next Employer

Posted: 26 Jun 2012 03:30 AM PDT

Moved up to a new level at your employer, but without the new title to match? Handling the duties of the role above you, with no raise or other change in your career?. How do you target the next level on your resume, and show that you're really ready for a promotion – especially if your [...]

Avoid These Two Extremes in Your LinkedIn Profile Headline

Posted: 26 Jun 2012 03:30 AM PDT

There are certain areas, when training people on using LinkedIn, that always seem to cause controversy. The first area of controversy is about profile pictures. But the second, and I think most misunderstood area, is your professional headline. Your headline is the area just below your name in the top-most blue box of your profile. Every [...]

7 Ways to Penetrate Your Target Companies

Posted: 25 Jun 2012 04:00 AM PDT

Most job seekers meet somewhere between 3-5 people at their target company during an interview process. They usually only meet these people once – on interview day. But what is the value of meeting more people? Well, obviously, the more people you meet the more knowledge you'll have about how the target company works. You can meet [...]

Resumes Are a Terrible Way to Select Candidates!

Posted: 25 Jun 2012 03:45 AM PDT

This was the topic of a recent online posting I read authored by the owner of a prestigious recruitment firm. Being a professional resume writer who gets resumes sent to me from job seekers who want to hire me and talks directly with 5-10 people a day responding to my offer to critique resumes at no [...]

ResumeBear Blog

2012-06-28T12:58:00.000-05:00

ResumeBear Blog

Excellent Job Interview Tips: ResumeBear

Posted: 25 Jun 2012 06:50 AM PDT

Job Interview Tips

We all know the main aim of the job interview. Your potential employer has worked through the entire laborious process and if you’re still in the game, you’d have to assume that you now have a reasonable chance of landing the job. The interview is without doubt the most stressful point of the job search process for the job seeker and also the one that counts most.
Your potential employer has received a pile of applications and resumes. These have been weeded through. Now it’s time to put faces to the paperwork and ask probing, insightful questions to determine the perfect candidate for the prized position. But, as we also all know, what we aim for isn’t what always happens. It’s the person who gives the best interview who wins — whether they’re the best one for the job or not.
One important point to remember is that we are only human. And so too are our interviewers. Some of us perform badly in interviews. And sometimes our interviewers perform badly, too. There are times we go in poorly prepared. And occasionally, they do too. Sometimes we ask foolish questions. And sometimes they ask questions they have no right to ask.
Whatever happens, don’t be disheartened. See every interview as a learning experience. If you are not successful, ring and ask for feedback. Determine what you did well and where you need to improve.

Job Interview Preparation

See the interview as a competition — one in which there is rarely a prize for coming second. So you have to win. And before you can win any competition, you need to prepare for it.
Identify four or five of your most valuable strengths, thinking along the lines of personal qualities. These could include the ability to stay calm while other around you are panicking; commitment; willingness to work long hours; lateral thinking; team leader, team player, sense of humour. Prepare an example of how you have demonstrated each of these strengths and make sure you get an opportunity to mention them somewhere during the interview.
At the same time confront some of your weaknesses. While you don’t need to share these with your interviewer’s, you don’t necessarily want to land yourself a job you will hate.

Demonstrate a “Good Fit”

List the requirements of the job point by point, then match your experience to the appropriate requirements. Learn them. But make sure that, when the opportunity arises, they come out naturally and spontaneously — don’t regurgitate them in an obviously rehearsed way.
If you’re truly lucky, a less than total match will be overlooked. But if a gap is mentioned, try to stress your enthusiasm to learn. If they’re right onto you and probe deeply, accept that you need experience in that area. Counter any negative impact by pointing out a previous situation where you were ‘thrown in at the deep end’ and you demonstrated a rapid learning curve.

Know the Organization

If you can’t demonstrate some interest in how the company makes their money, they’re unlikely to offer you any of it. The more you can find out about the following, the better:

company size, form, locations and divisions;
products and services, target market;
culture and reputation;
financial performance and history, including turnover, profitability and exports;
major competitors.

If it is a small company that is unlisted on the stock exchange, you could be limited to word-of-mouth. But if it is a listed company you can research in libraries, trade references and newspapers.

Review Your Resume

Read your resume carefully to remind yourself of your past achievements and identify areas to highlight at the interview. You got to the interview stage because the interviewer saw something in the CV that appealed. Identify what it is.

Practice Answering Questions on Your Past History that Show the Following:

A logical progression from one position to the next.
Positive reasons for moving rather than negative ones or fickle rationales.
How your experience has been built by each successive employer and is now available to the new company.

Plan the Journey

Plan your route carefully.
Allow for delays and traffic jams.
Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before the interview so that you’re relaxed.
Arrive at the interview venue no more than five minutes early. Use the time to soak up the atmosphere of the company and mentally go over what you want to say.

Dress Appropriately

Dress comfortably but presentably. If in doubt, err on the side of conservatism, avoiding loud ties, bright socks or esoteric clothing.
Make sure your shoes are clean and avoid overpowering aftershave/perfume.
Dress in dark blue, black. Darker outfits give an image of control, while lighter ones tend to show a need for attention.
Make sure that you are still well presented if you take off your jacket.

Adapted from Successful Interview Practice, a Newtex publication.

At the Job Interview

You’re prepared, on time, perfectly groomed for the role and ready to convince them that you’re the person they need. Along with the other applicants, you will have been allocated a certain amount of time in which to convince the interviewer or panel of interviewers.
It’s also worthwhile pointing out that the interviewers too are in the spotlight to an extent. Even the most thorough pre-application research cannot tell you certain things about the company or the job. So the recruiter/employer is selling the company and position to you as well.

Make a Good First Impression

The first impression is always the strongest and most lasting. Be friendly, but not over-friendly. Leave the smart, witty rejoinders for another time. Create a positive first impression by offering a firm, non-bone crunching, handshake and make direct eye contact.

Deal With Nerves

Being nervous is normal and most experienced interviewers understand this. And it rarely harms your chances if you acknowledge your nervousness.
However, excessive nervousness can work against you — especially if you continually apologize for it. It makes other applicants, who are more relaxed and confident, seem more attractive.
Also many people tend to be overly talkative when nervous. If you fall into this category, try not to go off on tangents. Stick to the question being asked and answer it concisely. You will control your nervousness more effectively if you have taken the time to practice answering questions before the interview.

Ask Questions

Interviews aren’t supposed to be grilling sessions. The intention behind a good interview is to find out more about you, while you find out more about them. In other words, to get a good match between the person and the job.
Interviews should be a two-way street. Probing, intelligent questions can help the employer to evaluate your professional and personal needs. Your chance of being successful increases when the employer believes that the position will be mutually beneficial.
Consider bringing a notepad and pen to take notes of answers to your questions and pertinent facts and figures. It shows you have come prepared and are taking the opportunity seriously.

Answer Honestly and Completely

Answer questions honestly. Avoid the temptation to overly embellish your experience, qualifications and abilities. If you’re questioned deeply about a fact that you’ve creatively enhanced, your credibility could disappear.
On the other hand, try to avoid giving blunt “yes” or “no” answers. They reveal nothing. Certainly, a “closed” question (“Do you perform well under pressure?”), generally indicates an unskilled interviewer. You could simply answer “yes” but this doesn’t help you. If you get a closed question, give a brief but comprehensive response. Use it as an opportunity to sell yourself.
“Yes, it gets the adrenalin going and I get a real sense of achievement. But I also like to plan and manage my time so as to avoid crises when possible.”
As a general rule of thumb, try not to speak longer than two minutes at a time and never dominate the conversation. The recruiter must feel in control. Furthermore, in What Color is your Parachute, Richard Bolles points out that studies have shown that people who mix listening and speaking activities roughly 50/50 have a greater chance of getting hired.

Don’t Complain

Avoid making negative judgements and criticisms of past employers and companies — even if encouraged — unless you want interviewers to make the following judgements:
you’re a “know-all”;
you’re a “buck-passer” who refuses to accept responsibility for your own performance;
you’d criticize this organization and its members when applying for a future job.

Ask for the Job

Don’t be afraid to strongly communicate your desire for the job. Acting cool won’t get you anywhere. An interested candidate always gets the offer over the non-interested candidate. Here is an example of how you might phrase it
“I’m very interested in what you’re doing here and the products you’re developing. The working environment appears pleasant and the people I’ve met seem knowledgeable. It’s a very interesting opportunity and I believe with my background I could make a significant contribution.”

Dealing with Trick Questions

Here are the answers that just might help get you through the questions you hoped they’d forget to ask — the question where the honest answer is completely out of the question.
“Why were you out of work for so long?”
You must have a sound and feasible explanation for this one. Don’t attempt to gloss over this question, as it’s an issue that most prospective employers take seriously.
Martin Yate, author of Knock ‘Em Dead: The Ultimate Job Seeker’s Handbook, suggests you emphasize that you were seriously considering your next move, rather than just looking for another pay cheque. You enjoy your work and are determined that the next job you take will be one where you can settle down and make a solid long-term contribution.
“What were your reasons for leaving?”
Hopefully you’ll have an acceptable reason for leaving every job you’ve held. If not, Martin Yate suggests you choose one of the reasons from the following acronym, CLAMPS.
Challenge: You weren’t able to grow professionally in that position.
Location: The commute was unreasonably long.
Advancement: There was nowhere for you to go. You had the talent, but there were too many people ahead of you.
Money: You were underpaid for your skills and contribution.
Pride or prestige: You wanted to be with a better company.
Security: The company was not stable.
Yate gives this example: “My last company was a family-owned affair. I had gone as far as I was able. It just seemed time for me to join a more prestigious company and accept greater challenges.”
“Your application shows you have been with one company a long time without any appreciable increase in rank. Tell me about this.”
This is one case where saying the wrong thing can get you in just as much trouble as failing to say the right thing. The more time either of you spends on this query, the more time the interviewer has to concentrate on negative aspects of your application. Make your answer short and sweet. Then move on.
Martin Yate in his book, Knock ‘Em Dead: The Ultimate Job Seeker’s Handbook, 1996 (Adams Media Corporation) suggests this response:
“My current employer is a stable company with a good working environment, but there’s minimal growth in my area. In fact, there hasn’t been any promotion in my area since (whenever). Your question is the reason I am meeting here with you. I have the skills and ability to take on more responsibility and I’m looking for a place to do that.”
Prepare your response and practice it, out loud, several times before the interview. It may take a few tries to convince yourself that you’re being honest and spontaneous.
“Why do you want to work here?”
You can’t answer this one unless you’ve done your homework. Exploring the hidden job market Reply with the company’s attributes as you see them. Cap your answer with reference to its reputation for providing a stable and happy work environment — an atmosphere that will encourage your best work. Martin Yate again:
“I’m not looking for just another pay cheque. I enjoy my work and am proud of my profession. Your company produces a superior product/provides a superior service. I share the values that make this possible, which should enable me to fit in and complement the team.”
“What did you like/dislike about your last job?”
Should you get hit with this one, the interviewer is trying to find out the incompatibilities between you and the prospective job. Now, most interviews start with a preamble about the company. Pay attention. They are giving you the information that will help you answer this particular question. Use statements the interviewer makes about the job or the organization to your advantage.
The solution is to focus on what you like and gloss over what you dislike. It won’t hurt to say that you liked everything about your last job; it taught you the importance of certain key aspects about business, achievement, or professional profile. Never criticise. Criticising a prior employer is a warning flag that you could be a problem – and no-one intentionally hires trouble.
“What would you like to be doing five years from now?”
The best answer to this question will include your desire to be regarded as a professional and a team player. As far as promotion, that depends on finding a manager with whom you can grow. Of course, you will ask what opportunities exist within the company. Martin Yate suggests you can pick up on these and become specific:
“From my research and what you have told me about the growth here, it seems operations is where the heavy emphasis is going to be. It seems that’s where you need the effort and where I could contribute toward the company’s goals.”
Or
“I have always felt that first-hand knowledge and experience open up opportunities that one might never have considered. So while, at this point in time, I plan to be a part of (eg operations), it is reasonable to expect that other exciting opportunities will crop up in the meantime.”
“What are your biggest accomplishments?”
Yate suggests you might begin your reply with:
“Although I feel my biggest achievements are still ahead of me, I am proud of my involvement with {whatever}. I made my contribution as part of that team and learned a lot in the process. We did it with hard work, concentration, and an eye for the bottom line.”
“Why should I hire you?”
Make the answer short and to the point. Highlight areas from your background that relate to current needs and problems. Recap the interviewer’s description of the job and match it point-by-point with your skills. Finish your answer with:
“I have the qualifications you need [itemize them].
I’m a team player. I take direction and I have the desire to be a thorough success.”
“Tell me about yourself.”
This is not an invitation to ramble. If the context isn’t clear, you need to know more about the question before giving an answer. In such a situation, you could ask, “Is there a particular aspect of my background that would be most relevant to you?” This will enable the interviewer to help you find the appropriate focus and avoid irrelevancies.
Whichever direction your answer may take, be sure that it has some relevance to your professional endeavors. You should demonstrate, or refer to, one or more of your key behavioral profiles in action — perhaps honesty, integrity, determination or being a team player. If you choose “team player” (maybe you’re the star player at first base on a community team), you can tell a story about yourself outside of work that also speaks volumes about you at work. Your answer must make the connection between the two, such as:
“I put my heart into everything I do, whether it be sports or work. I find that getting along with team-mates, or professional peers, makes life more enjoyable and productive.”
This is rarely a question that you can answer instantly. Think about how you would answer it in advance, together with those aspects of your personality and/or background that you’d like to promote or feature in your interviewer.
“What is the most difficult situation you have faced?”
This question looks for information on two fronts:

How do you define difficult?
What was your handling of the situation?

You should have a story ready for this one in which the situation was both tough and allowed you to show yourself in a good light.
“Why did you choose this particular career path?”
This sort of question could lead to a vague and lengthy explanation. Avoid the trap. Form your answer so that it connects you with the position and the company. Keep it succinct and offer a specific example.
You need to convince the interviewer that their industry and your career goals are in sync. Do you have a realistic view of what it is like to work in their industry? What aspects of their industry are particularly attractive to you? Give specific examples that the interviewer can relate to and convince the person that this career path makes perfect sense for you.
“I chose advertising because I have always been a strong communicator with a good eye for design. I have a particular interest in creating dynamic eye-catching pieces that support a new product being introduced to the market. I also like the fast-paced high-energy environment that seems to be commonplace in the advertising industry.”
“What are your salary expectations?”
You could be asked how much money you’re after. We all want to earn as much as we can. But be realistic. Saying that you will work for peanuts won’t get you the job either. Both you and the interviewer know that you will soon become dissatisfied.
If the advertised position didn’t indicate the likely remuneration, ask to discuss the approximate pay range for the position. Then answer in general terms, taking into account your qualifications in relation to the job requirements. Mention the market value for yourself, in general terms.
“Most people with my qualifications, at my age, can expect around $30,000 to $40,000 per year. I presume your salaries are within that range. However, because of my extensive experience with (whatever) my feeling is that I’m worth a figure towards the top of the range.”
Adapted from Peter Veruki, Adams Job Interview Pro

After the Job Interview

After the interview, take the time to write down the names and titles of all interviewers, your impressions, type of questions asked and information learned. If you are undergoing regular interviews, this will help you keep employers and circumstances clearly defined.
If you are unsuccessful, ring and ask if you can have feedback about why you didn’t get the job. While most people will be diplomatic rather than brutally honest, you should still be able to work out whether you could have improved your presentation — or whether you lost out simply because the job was not for you.
In the meantime, be brutally honest with yourself. Review your performance. What went well? What went badly? Did you sufficient prepare yourself? In which areas do you need to improve?
Remember, the only way to appear confident in an interview is to actually believe you are the person for the job. While the more you get your hopes up, the more they crash if you don’t succeed, remember to pick yourself up again and launch into a new opportunity with the same energy and optimism. From every loss you learn something extra, and move one step closer to your next success.
Make your interest in the job formal with a thank you letter. If they have yet to decide who will get the job, use the letter as an opportunity to reinforce your strengths. If you have found out that you were unsuccessful, still write and thank them for giving you the opportunity to try out for the job. You never know when you are again going to be face-to-face with someone from the interviewing panel.
The post Excellent Job Interview Tips: ResumeBear appeared first on Resumebear Online Resume.

The Work Buzz's Latest News: Are your emotions thriving or thrashing in your job?

2012-06-23T09:44:00.001-05:00

The Work Buzz's Latest News: Are your emotions thriving or thrashing in your job?

Are your emotions thriving or thrashing in your job?

Posted: 22 Jun 2012 12:01 PM PDT

Considering the rocky state of the economy right now, you may count yourself lucky just to have a job without giving a second thought to how happy you are there. However, don't be so quick to dismiss your personal feelings about your job —companies know that happier employees are more innovative and loyal. If you're having your emotional needs met within your position, you're a much bigger asset to the company than you may have originally thought.
Mark Ingwer, business psychologist and author of "Empathetic Marketing," shares his insight about satisfying emotional needs in business. Ingwer identifies five core emotional needs that every company and employee should know about in order to be more successful and motivated. Check your professional pulse with these five emotional needs, and find out if you're thriving in your work environment or if you belong on life support.
Belonging
A sense of belonging is indispensable if your company encourages innovation and creativity. Being comfortable around your co-workers and boss establishes an open environment that will be more receptive when pitching new ideas. "Businesses that cater to and help us meet the need to belong will uncover previously unexplored opportunities," Ingwer says. Is your work family a little standoffish? Talk to your boss about team ideas that can bring the group together. An office book chat or a community volunteering day can open up your co-workers and get people talking.
Control
Are you being handed more responsibilities and projects to head as time goes on at your job? Being given more control is a clear sign of how your company measures your worth and is an easy way for you to gauge your place there. Asking for more responsibility or taking the lead on a project shows how confident you are at your workplace too. Ingwer notes, "We only spend energy on controlling outcomes proportional to our belief that we can succeed." If you've been avoiding your to-do list or have shied away from speaking up, now's the time to start taking more control of your career and of your place at your company.
Growth
How challenged do you feel at your job? Being able to grow within a position or company is a major factor in the evolution of your career. "It's important to note that we grow most fully when our enlightenment leads to competency, which is extraordinary knowledge in a given area or subject. In one's career, those who learn more about their niche will get ahead of those who do not," Ingwer says. Look for opportunities to expand your knowledge about your industry, and continue to challenge yourself. When you reach a point where every day feels like a repeat, see if there's an upcoming chance to move up. Make an appointment to speak with your manager about taking on more responsibilities, and ask if your position can grow to include more leadership possibilities or if there's a higher opening within the company for which you can be considered. If the conversation is a dead end, it may be time to consider looking for a more challenging position elsewhere.
Recognition
Are you getting the credit you deserve in your job? Do your co-workers and boss know that you were the one who submitted that great idea? Ingwer notes, "Recognition is paramount anytime the need to motivate groups, and individuals within groups, is central to accomplishing organizational goals … We need look no further than the workplace." If others are looking to you as a leader and professional role model, your reputation is working in your favor for advancing your career. Still going unnoticed for your hard work? Start getting more involved both in public and private ways at work. Speak up more at group meetings, email others your ideas and ask for input, and stay on track with your projects to start getting noticed.
Self-expression
If you're fortunate enough to work in a field you care about, you're already experiencing positive self-expression. "And for many people, the most satisfying vehicle for expression is often the work of one's career," Ingwer explains. But if you're in a job you couldn't care less about, your need for self-expression may leave you wanting more. Look for ways to get your interests involved at work. Love messing around with computers? Ask for technology training. Passionate about sports and fitness? Start a company kickball team or organize a company entry in the next marathon. Your self-expression and initiative will make you a stronger figure in the company and get you noticed for the right reasons.

ResumeBear Blog

2012-06-23T09:44:00.000-05:00

ResumeBear Blog

ResumeBear: Have These Answers Ready for Your Job Interview

Posted: 22 Jun 2012 07:42 AM PDT

With the competition keener than ever and the economy in a slump, you need to prepare for your job interview thoroughly. It's no longer enough to offer a firm handshake to your interviewer, make eye contact, and nod pleasantly now and then. You need to prepare a dynamic application letter and resume. You need to research the company. And you need to present a confident image and develop the ability to answer tough questions on the spot.
Although no one can predict the questions your potential employer will ask, you can think about how you'd answer some of the commonly asked ones. Here are ten questions for you to consider and a few hints about how to answer them:
Tell me about yourself.
Chances are the employer doesn't want to know how much you weighed when you were born, when you learned to tie your shoes, or how much you had to drink last night. He or she wants to know how you would fit into the company and what your relevant job experience is. You might answer by asking the interviewer what he'd like to know. Or you might talk about your education, the fact that you're a team player, or whatever you think might be important to this particular company.
Why should we hire you?
Even though five people may be waiting outside, you need to sound confident, calm, and capable. Explain how your experience has prepared you for the job. Emphasize the qualities you think the employer is looking for, such as your outstanding work ethic or the fact that you're a fast learner.
What is your worst characteristic?
Some human resource specialists suggest that you make a virtue sound like a flaw. "I tend to be a perfectionist," or, "Everyone says I work too hard." But others say these answers have become clichés. Mention a minor flaw, such as, "I think I'm too outspoken at times, but I'm working on it."
Where do you want to be five years from now?
Let the interviewer know you're looking for job stability and that you aren't planning to use this job as a temporary stopping point in your quest for a better position. You
could say, "I'd like to be employed in a small company like this one, where I can learn,
contribute, and advance."
Why did you leave your last job?
Never put your former employer or your co-workers in a negative light. Don't blame them for your departure. Give a positive reason, such as you left to take advantage of another opportunity that was better suited to your skills.
Tell me about a problem you had in your life and how you solved it.
Be prepared with a short answer that shows you're resourceful. "I really wanted to go to a private university, but my parents didn't have the money. I went to a community college for two years, worked part time and saved my money so I could attend the last two years at the college of my choice."
Have you had difficulties getting along with supervisors or co-workers?
You'd have to be a saint to have had no problems with the people you worked with. You might answer, "Nothing major. I try to get along with everyone."
How do you deal with stress on the job?
The employer wants to know if you're going to run out the door when things get stressful. Ask yourself if you thrive on working with deadlines or if you need creative time to function more effectively. Think about how you handle stress and be honest. "I focus on the work I'm doing," or, "I make time to work out at the gym."
What salary do you want for this job?
Rather than stating a definite figure, tell the interviewer you'd expect to get somewhere in the standard range paid for this position.
Do you have questions for me?
Always have a few questions. They show that you researched the company. Ask about a
current issue the company is working on or how their recent layoff in another department
affected company morale.
Remember– the job interview is a two-way discovery process. By doing your homework and answering interview questions intelligently, you're striving to prove you're the person for the job On the other hand, you need to decide–sometimes in the midst of the questions—if the position you're applying for is what you want to do and if the company is where you want to spend most of your time for the next few (at least) years.
The post ResumeBear: Have These Answers Ready for Your Job Interview appeared first on Resumebear Online Resume.

The Work Buzz's Latest News: Survey: Bosses take more vacation time than their teams

2012-06-22T14:56:00.001-05:00

The Work Buzz's Latest News: Survey: Bosses take more vacation time than their teams

Survey: Bosses take more vacation time than their teams

Posted: 21 Jun 2012 08:08 AM PDT

It's hard to find anyone who doesn't think a vacation is a good thing. Beyond getting to explore different parts of the country or the world, vacations have been shown to improve mental health, prevent job burnout and even enhance creativity. Yet if you're guilty of ending the year without using most of your vacation days, you're not alone — at least among your peers. Your boss, however, might be a different story.

According to a new CareerBuilder survey, 81 percent of managers have taken or plan to take vacation this year, compared with 65 percent of full-time employees. While that number is up from 61 percent in 2011, the number of vacationers did fall well below pre-financial crisis levels. In 2007, 80 percent of full-time workers went on vacation or expected to take a vacation that year.
Take a look at the infographic below for more vacation statistics. Don't worry about getting caught reading this instead of working — chances are your boss is on vacation anyway.

Click to see the full-size image

ResumeBear Blog

2012-06-22T14:54:00.000-05:00

ResumeBear Blog

The Top 3 Interns Every Organization Must Have

Posted: 21 Jun 2012 09:48 AM PDT

This guest post is by Justin & Dreama Lee, co-founders of InternProfits.com.
In 2012 we're poised to see more students than ever before looking for an internship, and a record number of companies looking to either improve, or start, an internship program.
A lot of organizations are perfectly capable of hiring an intern within their area of expertise: accounting firms hire accounting interns, legal firms offer internships to the next round of "would be" attorneys, and TV and film companies are always ready to hire their next round of interns.
But what about other organizations and businesses? How do they know what interns they should be hiring? What are the top internships for 2012?
What are the internships that are going to drive more leads, more sales, more revenue, and more profit for you organization?
In reality, aren't those the best types of internships? The kind that when the intern is finished, they've contributed to the growth of the organization, and had a rewarding and fulfilling experience? The type of internship that lets the intern walk away with a portfolio of work that they can be proud of?
The type of internship that would inspire the company to hire them because of all of the fantastic results that they've achieved?
Next week, on Thursday February 9th at 10am PST/1pm EST/6pm GMT we're hosting a special webinar for the entire Urban Interns community. The topic of the webinar is "The Top 3 Interns Every Organization Must Have", and it's perfectly timed to set up 2012 as your best year ever.
We've selected this topic because not only do these "Top 3" internships help you grow your organization, but also because the 3 internships are hot! In other words, when you post these positions, motivated, skilled applicants are excited about taking on these projects at your organization.
We love these three internships for a number of reasons:
They instantly help you grow your company and your brand
They can be offered no matter what type of organization your run (for profit, non-profit, or government agency)
They can be offered no matter where your organization is located (these are perfect for virtual interns, so even if you work from home as a "solopreneur" this strategy will still work for you)
It doesn't matter how long you've been in business (so whether you're an established company or a brand new start up, you can implement this)
Interns across the planet are absolutely dying to take any one of the 3 internships (so it makes your job of attracting a high quality candidate that much easier)

The Work Buzz's Latest News: Career boosters: 5 ways to set yourself apart

2012-06-21T10:30:00.002-05:00

The Work Buzz's Latest News: Career boosters: 5 ways to set yourself apart

Career boosters: 5 ways to set yourself apart

Posted: 20 Jun 2012 08:12 AM PDT

Matthew Tarpey, CareerBuilder Writer
The phrase "There's plenty of fish in the sea" may comfort a recently jilted friend, but it is one of the most intimidating realizations for today's active job seekers. For years you've been pinched on the cheeks and told you're special, but when it comes time for a job interview, you may find potential employers a bit more difficult to impress than your Grandma.
So how can you set yourself apart from the hordes of starry-eyed, gown-wearing, degree-clutching graduates that you're competing with? In her book "The Wall Street Journal Guide to Building Your Career," author Jennifer Merritt offers several career boosters to transform your run-of-the-mill résumé into a job-magnet jackpot.
Industry and professional associations
Many young professionals underestimate the potential payoff of industry and professional associations. Some are convinced they're outdated and redundant, while others are just afraid of the price tag. However, when used properly, these groups can be helpful in expanding your network, staying on top of industry trends and furthering your education.
Once you've signed up, paid your dues and gone through the elaborate hazing process (just kidding), it's up to you to make the whole thing worthwhile. Get involved by attending meetings and mixers, running for positions and joining committees or sub-groups of young professionals. "But don't just stick with the youngsters," Merritt says. "You want to meet people who've been there and done that and whose experiences you can learn from." Don't be intimidated by high-ranking professionals in fancy suits — chances are they'd love to talk about themselves and their accomplishments.
Check out these tips from employers on how to differentiate yourself:

Volunteerism
You may have participated in some charity events through a high-school sports team or a bake sale your mother threw so you'd have volunteer work on your college résumé, but volunteering can benefit you in more ways than merely making you appear charitable.
While it is true that companies like to hire charitable individuals who can help the company's image, there's actually more in it for the company than just saving face. In fact, many companies offer volunteering opportunities to their employees, because a number of studies have shown that giving people time off to volunteer improves worker retention and recruiting.
But you're not here to hear about how much companies like charitable people. You probably know that. What you want to hear is how volunteering can benefit you by expanding your professional network, offering you leadership experience and giving you the opportunity to enhance skills outside of your everyday repertoire. Plus the people you meet while volunteering will know you as passionate and full of character. That can lead to a referral in the future.
Alumni networks
Most recent grads are of the opinion that alumni networks are their alma mater's thinly veiled attempt at squeezing more money out of former students who are no longer paying tuition. For some time that was actually true, but due to the economic downturn and the snail-paced recovery, many alumni networks have started offering other services. Many now offer expert seminars, advanced education opportunities, mixers and dedicated alumni career services. That's a lot better than a yearly magazine and some dinnertime phone calls asking for donations.
Meet-and-greets and seminars hosted by alumni associations are also great opportunities for you to add to your contact list. These can be especially helpful, because people often like to hire and promote other people like them, and sharing an alma mater is a great similarity to have. Plus it's an easy-yet-effective ice breaker.
Skill-related classes and certifications
Employers generally prefer candidates who have demonstrated their ability and willingness to go above and beyond the bare-minimum requirements. So while having a hot-air ballooning license may not help you land a job in marketing, taking classes and earning certifications that are not only interesting to you, but are also related to your field, could prove advantageous in the long run.
In many professions, optional certifications can help you get promotions and stay on track with your career goals. Additional certifications and classes can indicate a deeper level of understanding of your field and convey a strong commitment to your career path. Investigate what certifications your mentors have or the titles of individuals whose jobs you may want in a couple years.
Of course, furthering your education doesn't necessarily have to be career related. Taking classes is a great way to stay active and an excellent answer when potential employers ask, "What have you been up to since graduation?” Plus outside-work interests can potentially create strong connections with a boss or supervisor.
Speak up and become an expert
As Merritt puts it, "You don't need a decade of experience to be considered an expert." Experience doesn't necessarily lead to expertise. Of course it contributes, but so do earning certifications, networking with industry players, being a strong communicator and staying up-to-date on industry trends.
As you grow your professional network, it’s likely you'll meet people who host speaking events that are perfect for a budding expert or an eager first-time public speaker. Proving your knowledge and communication prowess at smaller venues can lead to larger platforms, such as guest blogging or spots on industry panels. Bottom line: If you want to become an expert in your field, go out and become an expert in your field.

ResumeBear Blog

2012-06-21T10:30:00.001-05:00

ResumeBear Blog

Resumebear: Job Hunting While Still Employed? Keep it Private

Posted: 18 Jun 2012 06:39 AM PDT

As a rule, honesty is usually the best policy when it comes to your career. Don’t lie about your experience, salary or education — you will get caught. Don’t pretend you know what you’re talking about, because you’ll eventually say something that makes you look like a fool. Don’t inflate your job title just to sound important — it will make you look worse.
But when you’re hunting for a job, you might need to stretch the truth a little bit. At the very least, you’ll probably need to get creative when explaining some of your actions. Each job is different, but in most workplaces the boss frowns on employees looking for another job. No one wants to hear, “Hey, I’m running out to interview for a job with a better salary!” at the office.
While we won’t tell you to lie to your boss, we do think you should know about these ways to keep your job search private without harming your current gig:
Let your search do double duty
Career counselor and executive coach Roy Cohen advises employed job seekers to take a two-pronged approach to updating their professional profiles on sites such as LinkedIn. “Make sure that you have a fully fleshed-out LinkedIn profile that promotes both you and your company,” Cohen says.
Take a similar approach with networking.
“Attend as many conferences as possible,” Cohen adds. “They offer you the opportunity to circulate professionally on behalf of your company and yourself.”
Plan interviews strategically
“There are just so many dental emergencies and unexpected family health matters that can be used to explain an absence from the office,” Cohen says. “For networking meetings, always aim for early morning, lunch or after work. Interviews are another matter entirely. The goal is to either string together all of your meetings or arrange one at a time early or late in the day.”
Timing is important. Slipping out of the office for an hour is easier when your boss or gossipy co-worker is relaxing on a beach.
“Find out, to the best of your ability, when your boss and other colleagues will be out of the office, say for business events, conferences or vacation,” Cohen says. “Less monitoring means more freedom to escape from the office.”
Keep the job search to your personal computer
When you’re eager to ditch your current job or you’re just bored sitting at your computer, you might think browsing job postings on the clock is acceptable. That’s not true. Your employer probably has a policy against job searching on the company dime, so don’t risk your job.
“Many work computers are monitored for activity that is not work-related,” Cohen says. “[It's] probably better to use a handheld device like an iPhone to do research. Use your cell phone for nonwork-related calls, and if you do not have a private office, find a private place to make calls. One of my clients actually arranged to have a phone interview at his desk, which was in an open cubicle. Not surprising, his call was heard by others, and he was fired not long after.”
Perhaps the only exception to the rule is if your company has warned that layoffs are coming and that they will affect a large portion of the company. Cohen says your new priority is to find a new job, so the risk is probably worth it in that scenario.
Dress for the role you have, not the role you want
Most job seekers dress up for a job interview, but not all job seekers work in a formal environment. If you show up in a suit at your startup where jeans and sandals are the norm, people will notice. You might be able to make up a reason for wearing a tie once, but if it’s happening every week, you need a new plan.
“It is a challenge for both men and women in a job search. One option is to have a change of clothes so as not to draw attention to the obvious and then to change off-premises, in a gym for example,” Cohen says. “Once in awhile, all of us need to dress up, but that is the exception.”
Don’t panic
“It is never easy to carve out time for a job search. Acknowledge that fact, and don’t beat yourself up for not accomplishing as much as you think you should have,” Cohen says. “Also know that even in the best searches, something will inevitably slip through the cracks. Just know that you will make up for the lapse when your life and schedule stabilize.”
Don’t slack off
Even though getting a new job is your goal, the search shouldn’t cost you the job you have. If you’re going to slack off, wait until you’ve already given your two weeks’ notice (and even then it’s not the wisest way to leave your job). But until you’ve accepted another offer, don’t neglect your current duties.
“Arrive early and/or stay late occasionally at work to fulfill your commitments,” Cohen says. “The shortest path to termination is to not finish your work assignments. When you meet your deadlines, you have far more freedom to stretch the rules.”

The Work Buzz's Latest News: Companies hiring this week

2012-06-21T10:30:00.000-05:00

The Work Buzz's Latest News: Companies hiring this week

Companies hiring this week

Posted: 19 Jun 2012 08:11 AM PDT

Summer officially starts this week, and while it's tempting to put off the job search and opt instead to head to the beach, summer can actually be a great time to find a job. Warmer temperatures make it easier to venture outside your house to attend networking events. Some events may even take place outdoors, so you can enjoy the weather while meeting potential job contacts. Also, some companies may amp up their hiring during the summer, especially if they are in need of seasonal help. While some summer jobs may be temporary, others may eventually turn into full-time positions.
Here are 10 other reasons why you shouldn't swap your job search for the sun — all of these companies are hiring this week:
1. Amedisys
Industry: Home health and hospice care
Sample job titles: Home health, hospice, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech language pathologist, sales and operations, account executive, business office manager, director of operations
2. Bob Evans
Industry: Restaurant
Sample job titles: Restaurant hourly positions (server, cook, host, etc.), restaurant GM, assistant manager, finance and information technology
3. Century 21 Real Estate LLC
Industry: Real estate
Sample job titles: Real estate agent, real estate sales associate
4. Clayton Homes
Industry: Manufactured housing
Sample job titles: Sales representative, sales manager, manager in training
5. ConAm Management
Industry: Property management
Sample job titles: Leasing consultant, assistant manager, community manager, help desk support, maintenance technician, business manager, groundskeeper, housekeeper, director
6. Echo Global Logistics
Industry: Logistics/technology
Sample job titles: Sales trainee, carrier sales representative, .Net developer, corporate sales executive, senior C# developer, account manager, DBA/report developer
7. FTI Consulting
Industry: Professional services
Sample job titles: Consultant specializing in strategic communications, corporate finance, forensic accounting, eDiscovery or economics; information technology; data center operations; eDiscovery sales
8. Raymond James Financial
Industry: Finance
Sample job titles: IT, finance, administrative, operations, field branch opportunities
9. ResCare
Industry: Human services
Sample job titles: Direct care staff, home health aide
10. Yale Enforcement Services
Industry: Security
Sample job titles: Security officer, security guard, security site supervisor

ResumeBear Blog

2012-06-21T10:29:00.000-05:00

ResumeBear Blog

Telemarketing Work is it For You?

Posted: 20 Jun 2012 06:11 AM PDT

With so many different career choices out there, does telemarketing sound like it suits you?
Whether it is working from a home business or for a company onsite, careers in telemarketing can dial-up good opportunities for the right individuals. That of course stands provided that the individual is comfortable dealing with multiple personalities on the phone on any given day.
Prior to embarking on work in telemarketing, an individual needs to go and search out the various telemarketing jobs that are on the market. Among such positions would be appointment setting, selling over the phone, and in-bound and out-bound call centers.
Once you have determined which area suits you best, you need to determine if you want to work out of your residence or be placed in an action call center setting. One way to determine what may be best for you is by talking to people that have done one or both in order to get a feel for what was asked of them.
If you find yourself to be shy in dealing with others or have a tough time getting individuals to go along with what you are offering, going into telemarketing is not exactly the best career choice.
One of the many benefits that attract individuals to a telemarketing position is the ability to work from home in many instances. With such an opportunity, individuals will need to demonstrate that they are capable of being disciplined enough to work out of their home, something not everyone is adept at.
Should you be applying for a telemarketing position, be sure to note:
•   Your background experience in dealing with the public, especially in instances over the phone;
•   Your ability to work off of a script in a number of instances, yet where you do not come across as robotic;
•   Being able to deal with customers that may have an issue they need taken care of. If you are not good at problem solving, think twice about a career in this line of work;
•   Your willingness to deal with multiple personalities on any given day. You will come across some individuals that are easy to get along with, while others will test your patience.
As you are applying for and responding to ads for telemarketing jobs, keep in mind that you will not only be interviewed, but in many cases receive a tryout for the position.
This can involve dealing with a fake customer that is upset over a purchase etc. You will be judged on how you handle the situation, whether or not you keep your emotions in check, and what remedy you can bring to the problem.
If you are comfortable in dealing with others, have a knack for solving problems and love talking to people, telemarketing may be just the call you were waiting for.
If few or none of those things sound appealing to you, you may want to pass on answering the phone and find another career choice.
Dave Thomas, who discusses subjects such as telemarketing, writes extensively for San Diego-based Business.com.

Do You Have a “I” Based Resume?

Posted: 19 Jun 2012 07:28 AM PDT

There is no “I” in “team.” There shouldn’t be an “I” in your resume either.
That’s the advice of Anne-Marie Baiynd, President and CEO of TheTradingBook.com and the former CEO of a recruiting firm.
“Resumes that are focused in ‘I’ space are a really big turnoff to managers,” Baiynd told StreetID. “Managers who are serious about building good teams for their companies do not want an I-based resume. 'I did this, I did that.’.”
Instead, Baiynd said that employers want to see words like “led,” “saved,” “created,” and “facilitated,” as in these examples:
1.   ”Led this impact…”
2.   ”Saved this much money…”
3.   ”Created this much revenue…”
4.   ”Facilitated the growth of…”
“Remember: when we write resumes — particularly as younger people — we write them as, ‘Hey, listen, here’s what I want,’” Baiynd continued. “That is the last thing a company cares about. They don’t care about what you want. They care about what they want. If you give them what they want, you’re going to get what you want. But it’s got to be focused from that element of superior and subordinate.”
Baiynd said that there’s a control element that a manger or a company wants to keep in order to choose the right person. “Someone that seems very self-involved and center of an approach (and that sort of thing) is really…they’re not going to fit into a culture that ends up making you happy because it’s a ‘we’ culture instead of an ‘I’ culture,” Baiynd explained.
“Anything that shows your willingness to step out, to go the extra mile, to find a solution where there wasn’t one,” are things to focus on, Baiynd added. “There are a lot of people who say, ‘You gotta keep it to one page…’ In all my years in recruiting, I’ve read tens of thousands of resumes, and I can promise you I have never read one from start to finish, every single word. I’m a gigantic scanner; I will look at something and say, ‘I see what they’ve done there. I see what they’ve done there.’”
Baiynd acknowledges that some people have had “amazingly prolific” careers with a lot of accomplishments. “Again, those key elements are going to be, if I had to put a gun to your head and say, ‘Give me the top three to four things you did at each job you were at,’ and then you can write at the addendum, ‘If you’re interested in more about what I did on XYZ, please see…’ And then attach an addendum that doesn’t need to be read.”
What if your accomplishments aren’t easy to quantify?
“If you have a career where you don’t have those things you can write down, you need to think about what it is that you are giving to a company,” said Baiynd. “Are you just going to search for a paycheck someplace? If you are, you’re going to have a lot tougher time finding a job versus the guy or gal who’s saying, ‘I’m ready to go put my stamp on something. I am not here to just shuffle on by.’”
But if you are there just for the paycheck, Baiynd said that you must realize that you’re competing against people who are out to make a difference. “And if you’re comfortable with that… There’s a philosophy about work. ‘I’m not selling my life to my job. My job doesn’t do that for me, so why should I do that for it?’ Nothing wrong with that. Just realize that the space you compete in might very well have people who are saying, ‘No, I do wanna do that. I am willing to put myself out there. I am willing to go the extra mile to get myself to the next phase, and you know what? I’m carving things out and I can sit back on my laurels later. I can marry later. I can have kids later.””
Jesse Marrus is the Founder and CEO of StreetID, a financial career matchmaking, news and networking site. He has unique insight into the financial services job industry including career advice, employment trends, fund formations, layoffs and hiring developments.

The Work Buzz's Latest News: 9 health-care jobs that aren’t doctors

2012-06-11T09:21:00.000-05:00

The Work Buzz's Latest News: 9 health-care jobs that aren’t doctors

9 health-care jobs that aren’t doctors

Posted: 08 Jun 2012 08:32 AM PDT

When you ask children what they want to be when they grow up, a common answer is "doctor." When those children do eventually grow up, their job dreams may have shifted, but for those who still aspire to work in health care, becoming a doctor is just one of the many career paths to take.
Since we're living longer than ever, the aging population is growing, and the health-care field is growing along with it. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the health-care and social assistance sector is projected to gain the most jobs over any other sector between 2010 and 2020.
If you're interested in the world of health and medicine, but becoming a doctor just isn't for you, consider one of these nine health-care occupation alternatives:
1. Cardiovascular technologists and technicians and vascular technologists*
What they do: Cardiovascular technologists perform tests via imaging technology on the heart and vascular system to help physicians detect and diagnose heart and blood vessel conditions in patients. Most workers who enter this field receive an associate degree. Some technologists and technicians do get on-the-job training, but many employers also require professional certification.
Projected job growth between 2010-20: 29 percent (much faster than average)
Median annual pay: $49,410
2. Clinical and medical laboratory technicians and technologists
What they do: These technicians and technologists perform various tasks in a clinical lab, such as collecting samples and performing tests to analyze body fluids, tissue and other substances. In 2010, 52 percent of medical laboratory technologists and technicians worked in hospitals.
Projected job growth between 2010-20: 13 percent (about as fast as average)
Median annual pay: $46,680
3. Dental assistants
What they do: Dental assistants help dentists with patients in a variety of ways. Tasks include making patients comfortable before procedures, sterilizing equipment, teaching patients about proper dental hygiene and scheduling appointments. Almost all dental assistants work in dental offices.
Projected job growth between 2010-20: 31 percent (much faster than average)
Median annual pay: $33,470
4. Dietitians and nutritionists
What they do: As food and nutrition experts, dietitians and nutritionists advise patients on what to eat in order to lead a healthy lifestyle or reach certain weight goals. Most workers in this field have a bachelor's degree and have participated in supervised on-the-job training. Many states require dietitians and nutritionists to be licensed.
Projected job growth between 2010-20: 20 percent (faster than average)
Median annual pay: $53,250
5. Dispensing opticians
What they do: Dispensing opticians fit patients with eyeglasses and contact lenses. Opticians typically have a high-school diploma or equivalent and some form of on-the-job training. Training may include technical instruction and sales and office management practices. Twenty-three states require opticians to be licensed. Depending on the state, opticians may also need to pass a state written exam, a state practical exam and/or certification exams.
Projected job growth between 2010-20: 29 percent (much faster than average)
Median annual pay: $32,940
6. Health information and medical records technicians
What they do: The responsibilities of health information and medical records technicians include collecting and organizing health data, updating national cancer registries and coding medical bills for insurance reimbursement. The job outlook for this occupation is strong, given that more hospitals are transitioning to electronic health records.
Projected job growth between 2010-20: 21 percent (faster than average)
Median annual pay: $32,350
7. Home health and personal care aides
What they do: As the elderly population grows, the need for home health and personal care aides increases. These workers specifically help elderly, disabled or ill patients who aren't able to care for themselves independently. They help with everything from bathing and dressing to light housekeeping to dispensing medication. While most aides work in a client's home, others may work in group homes or care communities.
Projected job growth between 2010-20: 70 percent (much faster than average)
Median annual pay: $20,170
8. Pharmacy technicians
What they do: Pharmacy technicians help licensed pharmacists dispense prescription medication. They also perform administrative tasks in pharmacies. While most technicians hold a high-school diploma or equivalent, some states require the completion of a formal training program and the passing of an exam. These technicians may work either full or part time in grocery or drugstore pharmacies or in hospitals.
Projected job growth between 2010-20: 32 percent (much faster than average)
Median annual pay: $28,400
9. Speech-language pathologists
What they do: Speech-language pathologists, also known as speech therapists, help people with communication and swallowing disorders caused by anything from stroke to hearing loss to emotional problems. In this role, workers assess, diagnose and treat patients. Some pathologists choose to work with specific age groups, or they may focus on treatments for specific communication or swallowing problems.
Projected job growth between 2010-20: 23 percent (faster than average)
Median annual pay: $66,920
*Job descriptions, projected growth and median annual pay from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The Work Buzz's Latest News: “10 occupations in high demand” plus 1 more

2012-06-11T09:17:00.000-05:00

The Work Buzz's Latest News: “10 occupations in high demand” plus 1 more

10 occupations in high demand

Posted: 06 Jun 2012 02:52 PM PDT

CareerBuilder commits to Clinton Global Initiative to help unemployed find jobs
By Hope Gurion, chief development officer at CareerBuilder
As the unemployment rate hovers at 8.2 percent, job seekers — especially those who have faced long-term unemployment — may be feeling like the jobs just aren't there. Yet jobs are available, and some companies are even struggling to fill positions. A recent CareerBuilder survey found that nearly two in four hiring managers say they have open positions for which they cannot find qualified candidates.
Yet much of today's economic news focuses on the lack of jobs, so job seekers may not know where to turn for information on industries that are experiencing a hiring surge. Or, they may not feel like they have the right skill set to pursue a career in one of the growing fields.
That's why programs such as the Clinton Global Initiative are making an impact. Established in 2005 by President Bill Clinton, the CGI convenes global leaders to devise and implement innovative solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges — including unemployment.
Connecting job seekers with jobs
CareerBuilder made a major commitment to the CGI with the goal of empowering current and future workers with information and new skills. CareerBuilder's commitment provides CareerOneStop centers, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, with CareerBuilder's Supply & Demand data. The S&D data enables CareerBuilder to help job seekers discover occupations that are in high demand and hone skills for areas with great growth opportunities.
Using the S&D data, CareerBuilder has compiled lists of the top occupations with the most demand and least supply in each center's local area. The lists will be sent to the centers in the top 20 cities with the highest number of unemployed workers.
Using the same S&D data, here is a list of 10 of the most in-demand occupations nationwide, all with strong growth and earning potential:
1. Computer specialists
Most common job titles: Project manager (information technology), Java developer, Web developer, .NET developer, SharePoint developer, PHP developer
Median entry-level salary: $56,750
Education: High-school plus equivalent experience or bachelor’s degree plus experience; certifications are available for both entry-level and experienced workers
2. Marketing managers
Most common job titles: Product manager, business development manager, product marketing manager, marketing manager/director, account manager, marketing communications manager
Median entry-level salary: $66,000
Education: 84 percent have a bachelor’s degree
3. Network and computer systems administrators
Most common job titles: Systems administrator, network engineer, network administrator, system administrator, systems engineer, SharePoint administrator, Linux systems administrator
Median entry-level salary: $55,000
Education: High-school plus equivalent experience or bachelor’s degree plus experience; certifications are available for both entry-level and experienced workers
4. Medical and health services managers
Most common job titles: Director of nursing, clinical manager, medical director, nurse manager, nursing home administrator, practice manager, director of pharmacy, program manager rehab
Median entry-level salary: $73,000
Education: 52 percent have a bachelor's degree; 41 percent have a master's degree
5. Industrial engineers
Most common job titles: Quality engineer, quality manager, process engineer, manufacturing engineer, project engineer, test engineer, design engineer, product engineer
Median entry-level salary: $60,000
Education: 62 percent have a bachelor’s degree
6. Occupational therapists
Most common job titles: Occupational therapist, OT
Median entry-level salary: $60,000
Education: 85 percent have a master's degree
7. Merchandise displayers and window trimmers
Most common job titles: Merchandiser, retail sales merchandiser, retail project merchandiser, reset merchandiser, master merchandiser
Median entry-level salary: $35,000
Education: 77 percent have a high-school or equivalent degree
8. Medical scientists, except epidemiologists
Most common job titles: Clinical research associate or coordinator, research scientist, clinical laboratory scientist
Median entry-level salary: $57,000
Education: 81 percent have a doctoral/professional degree
9. Occupational therapist assistants
Most common job titles: Occupational therapy assistant, certified occupational therapy assistant, occupational therapist assistant
Median entry-level salary: $53,000
Education: 96 percent have an associate degree (O*Net data)
10. Physical therapist assistants
Most common job titles: Physical therapy assistant, PTA
Median entry-level salary: $49,500
Education: 71 percent have an associate degree
As Chief Development Officer, Hope Gurion is in charge of identifying and growing new business ventures for the company. In addition to overseeing investments in opportunities to expand the services CareerBuilder provides to its customers, she also oversees product development, including advertising, creative services, talent intelligence, SEO and CareerBuilder’s niche sites, including WorkInRetail.com, Sologig.com, MiracleWorkers.com and MoneyJobs.com. Prior to joining CareerBuilder.com, Gurion held a variety of marketing and business development roles for America Online and Discovery Communications. Gurion holds an MBA degree from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business.

44 percent of workers have gained weight on the job

Posted: 06 Jun 2012 08:00 AM PDT

It’s happened to most of us, especially desk-bound workers. We’re at work and feeling as if we’ve been snacking all day. A handful of candy here and a bag of chips there doesn’t seem like a lot, but it adds up, especially when it comes to the numbers on the scale.
At least we’re not alone. Forty-four percent of workers said that they gained weight at their current job, according to a new CareerBuilder survey. The No. 1 culprit? That darn desk.
Fifty-four percent of respondents attributed their weight gain to sitting at their desk most of the day, and roughly the same amount — fifty-six percent — stated they eat their lunch there as well.
Other culprits causing extra inches around the waistline include:

Stress-related eating – 37 percent
Eating out regularly – 23 percent
Skipping meals because of time constraints – 19 percent
Workplace celebrations (potlucks, birthdays) – 18 percent
The temptation of the office candy jar – 16 percent
Pressure to eat food co-workers bring in – 10 percent

Jobs that put on the pounds
Certain occupations have a higher incidence of workers reporting weight gain, due to either sedentary or high-stress positions, such as:

Losing the weight
Have no fear. There are plenty of things you can do to avoid workplace “snackery.” Don’t be afraid to just say no. Don’t feel pressured to snack, and tell others that you’re looking to avoid any extra calories. Also, as the urge to eat takes over, step back and ask yourself, “Am I really hungry? Or am I stressed or tired?” You’ll stop yourself from the instinctual behavior of eating without thinking.
Here are five tips to help eliminate those extra calories and keep the weight off all year:

Get to steppin’. Incorporate more walking or stair climbing into your day. Avoid the elevator, or walk over to a co-worker’s desk instead of sending an email. Get off at an earlier train or bus stop — especially on a gorgeous summer day – and walk to the office.
More fruits and veggies for snacks. Snacking can seem innocent when done in small bits and pieces, but the extra calories will start to add up quickly. Keep plenty of veggies and fruits in the office fridge so you have a healthier choice on hand.
Pack your lunch. Bringing your lunch to work helps you better control your portions and saves you money. Packing also helps keeps portions in check.
Choose water. Drink water throughout the day instead of caffeinated drinks or juices. This helps make you feel fuller faster and cuts down on the calories.
Sneak in some exercise. Take daily walks with a co-worker, replace your chair with an exercise ball for part of the day, and keep free weights at your desk – all quick and easy solutions to help stay fit and trim.

"More and more companies are implementing healthy living initiatives in the workplace," says Rosemary Haefner, vice president of human resources at CareerBuilder. "Twenty-eight percent of companies provide gym passes, workout facilities or wellness benefits for their employees, but only 10 percent of workers say they take advantage of the benefit. It's important to tap into those resources to stay healthy and energized and potentially more productive."
What are some ways you stay fit at the office? Share with us your tips for exercise, healthy snack ideas or ways in which you and your co-workers stay motivated to lose weight.
The study, conducted by Harris Interactive from Feb. 9 to March 2, 2012, included more than 5,700 workers across industries.

UndercoverLawyer

2012-06-07T02:19:00.000-05:00

UndercoverLawyer

Is a Prison Camp Comparable to Living Through a Hostile Work Environment?

Posted: 04 Jun 2012 07:28 PM PDT

I've been wanting to write more, and post more regularly to this blog. Like lots of people, instead of working directly on my goal I've procrastinated by doing any number of different things that feel like they are related to my goal, but really aren't. I've compiled lists of writing ideas, written out writing schedules, got a new writing program to use on my laptop, and the mother-of-all-time-wasters: "research."
In an effort to not waste so much time clicking from article to article on the web, I decided I would shut the laptop and go back to reading some full length books. But you got to start slow, right? Not just jump into reading dense legal reference books. So I thought it would be good to read a book about overcoming adversity, since so many of the people who visit this site are trying, desperately, to overcome severe adversity at work.
The book I picked up was "Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption". It is the story of Army Air Forces bomber Louis Zamperini overcoming adversity, then worse adversity, then even worse adversity, then repeatedly facing death.

Not to give anything away, but even if you just read the cover flap of this book you'll learn that Louis crashes into the pacific and is presumed lost. He and another from his plane survive for weeks in a life raft, face down sharks, dehydration, starvation, and then right when it appears they are going to be saved they get shot at and taken prisoner by the Japanese military.
The first portion of this book, where Louis fights nature to stay alive, is inspiring in a traditional way. It's not too different than any "lost at sea" or "shipwrecked" story that you've heard before except that Unbroken is so exceptionally well written. Where the book becomes not just inspiring, but also deeply troubling and cautionary in tone is after the Japanese military captures Louis and he is sent to a prison camp.
What I got out of the book also changed. Instead of merely learning some lessons about "overcoming adversity" — of surviving a plane wreck and living in a life raft — when Louis and his friend Phil are sent to a prison camp the meaning of the book suddenly began to parallel the lives of so many people who are bullied and harassed at work.
No, really. I know some who read this article will think I'm going way over the top when I say that a WWII prison camp is an appropriate comparison for what it feels like to live in a hostile work environment. And, I do realize most employees don't face death and beatings in the modern workplace.
But hear me out on why I think the prison camp actually is a good analogy for a truly hostile work environment; there are many parallels to how it FEELS.

The inability to make sense of what is happening to you
The confusion over why this being allowed to happen
Why are good people standing by and not doing something to stop this?
The mental anguish that continues even after the tormentor is gone for the day — the way the few minutes of actual interaction with the tormentor occupy the employee/prisoner's mind for hour after anguishing hour, taking away sleep, the ability to interact with others, or even think about anything other than worry and fear over the NEXT interaction with the tormentor.

Here is the passage, describing how Louis and Phil maintained feelings of hope when they were trying to survive in their life raft after their plane (the Green Hornet) crashed. But, how difficult it became to maintain hope when instead of fighting nature, they became prisoners of war and had to fight off the humiliation their captors subjected them to.
This is the text that caused me to believe that prison camps are an instructive analogy for what it feels like to live through a hostile work environment:

The crash of Green Hornet had left Louie and Phil in the most desperate physical extremity, without food, water, or shelter. But on Kwajalein, the guards sought to deprive them of something that had sustained them even as all else had been lost: dignity. This self-respect and sense of self-worth, the innermost armament of the soul, lies at the heart of humanness; to be deprived of it is to be dehumanized, to be cleaved from, and cast below, mankind. Men subjected to dehumanizing treatment experience profound wretchedness and loneliness and find that hope is almost impossible to retain. Without dignity, identity is erased. In its absence, men are defined not by themselves, but by their captors and the circumstances in which they are forced to live. One American airman, shot down and relentlessly debased by his Japanese captors, described the state of mind that his captivity created: "I was literally becoming a lesser human being."

In both situations the total organization is not completely evil. Even in the prison camps that Louis lived through there were guards who were humane, who showed compassion, and who tried to make life a little better for the prisoners.
There were also laws, from the Geneva convention, that were supposed to protect prisoners of war so that prisoners were treated humanely. In addition to the Geneva convention, the Japanese military had its own rules about the ethical treatment of prisoners, and set limits on what guards and prison officials could and could not do.
Just like business organizations, where most people are basically good, a few dark souls worked their way into positions of authority at the prison camps where Louis was held. While a prisoner of war Louis was abused by a prison official who oversaw a single camp who was known as "the Bird." Bird wasn't the head of all the prison camps, he was only in charge of one location at a time. There were good people in the Japanese Military above Bird, and there were good people below him. Despite the presence of ethical people around him, Bird was allowed to single out, abuse, beat and psychologically torment Louis.
Bird physically and mentally tortured Louis for no apparent reason. And for no apparent reason the ethical people around Bird did not step up and stop him from trying to destroy Louis. The international laws of the Geneva convention did not stop Bird from beating Louis. The Japanese Military's own rules about ethical treatment of prisoners did not stop Bird from threatening Louis with death one day, then acting like he never made the threat the next day.

Why did the laws fail Louis?
Why did the internal rules of the Japanese military fail Louis?
Why did the humane people above Bird and below Bird in the prison camp system fail to stop Bird from beating and mentally torturing Louis?
And what was it about Bird himself that lead him to behave so cruelly?

All of these questions parallel the questions that abused employees ask themselves.

Why are employment laws ignored?
How come company policies are not followed?
Why do executives turn a blind eye to abusive managers, and how come co-workers won't stand up against a bully (is it for fear that they will become the bully's next target)?

The similarities continue. Prison camp survivors continue suffering mental anguish even after the confinement ends. Louis struggled with nightmares about Bird. Even when safely back in the U.S., Louis either could not sleep, or his sleep was stolen by dreams of Bird torturing him both physically and psychologically. To help him avoid these painful memories and dreams, Louis began drinking every night. His marriage suffered. His body suffered. After surviving years of living in a military prison camp, the mere memories of abuse (rather than the abuse itself) nearly destroyed him.

Since the title of the book is "Unbroken", you've probably figured out that the prison camps and memories of abuse by his tormentor do not ultimately destroy Louis. The book is inspiring, as I had hoped, but it is also more than that.
Unbroken provides keen insights into how it feels to be singled out for cruel and meaningless abuse by another human being. The book struggles to make sense out of how a few dark souls can bring themselves to intentionally cause another human being to suffer. Though there really is no good explanation as to why one human acts so cruelly toward another, the message of the book is one of hope.
Somewhere deep inside every victim there is the capacity to cling to your essential human dignity, and not allow your tormentor to reach your soul. In each of us, deep inside, there is the strength to remain unbroken.

P.S. Click on the book cover to go to Amazon and read more about the amazing story “Unbroken”. Please know that if you use this link to Amazon, like any link to Amazon from this site, and you decide to buy the book, I will receive a small commission. It helps pay for hosting, which I appreciate, but you are free to go to Amazon my typing the URL into your navigation bar or purchasing the book at you local bookstore. Either way, “Unbroken” is a great read you won’t be able to put down. -Curt
Related posts:

The Work Buzz's Latest News: Companies hiring this week

2012-06-07T02:07:00.001-05:00

The Work Buzz's Latest News: Companies hiring this week

Companies hiring this week

Posted: 05 Jun 2012 08:17 AM PDT

If you're job searching, you might be doing so for any number of reasons. Perhaps you're currently unemployed. Or you might have a job but are looking for a new opportunity. Maybe you left the workforce but recently decided to rejoin it.
Whatever your reason may be, we’re here to help. We've compiled a list of 10 companies that are hiring this week. If any spark your interest, click on the link for more information on available positions.
1. American Crystal Sugar
Industry: Manufacturing
Sample job titles: Electrician, millwright, electronic controls technician, engineer, general laborer, boiler house, IT specialist, machinist
2. Incredible Technologies
Industry: Computer software/entertainment
Sample job titles: Electrical engineer, game producer, software developer
3. LexisNexis
Industry: Information collection and delivery
Sample job titles: Senior software engineer, account executive, consulting software engineer
4. Luby's
Industry: Restaurant/food service
Sample job title: Restaurant manager
5. NRG Energy
Industry: Energy
Sample job titles: Energy marketing manager, staff accountant, director — public relations and communications
6. Patterson Dental Supply
Industry: Health care/dental
Sample job titles: Territory sales representative, service technician, customer service, management, technical support representative

7. U.S. Bank
Industry: Banking
Sample job titles: Branch manager, banker, information security incident response specialist, commercial banking relationship manager, mortgage processor, mortgage loan officer
8. Viaero Wireless
Industry: Telecommunications
Sample job titles: Retail sales associate, retail store manager, billing support specialist, cell site technician, indirect account executive, customer service representative
9. Waters Corporation
Industry: Biotechnology
Sample job titles: Field service engineer, senior mechanical engineer, senior application scientist, principal scientist, informatics support engineer
10. Yale New Haven Health System
Industry: Health care
Sample job titles: Patient safety coordinator, Web developer, application specialist, network engineer, Web architect, imaging tech, nurse practitioner

ResumeBear Blog

2012-06-07T02:07:00.000-05:00

ResumeBear Blog

Time to Clean Up Your Online Identity

Posted: 06 Jun 2012 08:26 AM PDT

By Ritika Trikha, CareerBliss Writer
Did you know that every time you tweet the deets or update your status on Facebook your brain gives you a tiny blast of euphoria?
Social media sites are "brain candy," according to a recent LA Times story, and sharing information produces the same sensation of pleasure that comes with eating food, receiving money and having sex, though to a lesser degree, scientists found.
So it's official. People, by nature, love talking about themselves. We're just wired that way.
But if you're searching for new job opportunities, any public displays of self-indulgence should be tactful. Many recruiters and hiring managers are combing the web for dirt on applicants. Give them something hirable to look at. Take some time to clean up your online identity and reinvent one that says Hello, I'd be a great addition to your team.
Here's how you should start:
1. Steer Clear of Employer Turnoffs
It's fairly common sense. Don't post anything that would embarrass your future boss: swearing, racist slurs, cleavage, pictures from raging parties. In fact, Frances Cole Jones, author of How to Wow: Proven Strategies for Selling Your (Brilliant) Self, goes as far as to suggest that you should take down 80 percent of your pictures.
"If you have that much time to spend online managing your social media," she says, "you don't seem like you really want a job."
Instead, use the web to show employers that you're good at your job and you'd be a great fit for the company culture — not how much you are obsessed with your pets (no matter how adorable your cat might be).
Google also has a "me on the web" feature in your Google account dashboard. Check it out—it helps you track your name on the web and blow any unwanted content into smithereens!
'Drinkin' Photos on Facebook Cost Man Disability Benefits
2. If a job seeker doesn't show up in Google, does he exist?
No, according to Jones. She says that "candidates who don't have any online presence are just as troubling" as those with inappropriate posts.
So, if nothing comes up when you Google your name, at the very least create a LinkedIn profile … STAT! More on what you can do to create awesome search results on No. 5.
3. Make your Facebook Top-Secret in 3 Steps
Employers' go-to scouting site is none other than Facebook, according to a great infographic put together by Online Colleges. Facebook is actually neck-and-neck with LinkedIn – 65 percent use Facebook the most and 63 percent mostly look at LinkedIn. Here's how to make your Facebook incognito:
Step 1: By now most of you have switched to Facebook Timeline. Take a scroll down memory lane and make sure none of your super old posts from back in the day are public. The best way to do this is to go to your profile and click the icon in the corner next to "Activity Log" and then click "View As …"
This feature lets you see exactly what your timeline looks to the public. Scroll down to see if there are any embarrassing updates from 2005 that need to be edited or deleted ASAP. That's the one great thing about the new Facebook Timeline — you can edit history.
Step 2: Go to your Privacy Settings and edit the settings under "How You Connect." Make sure that you limit who can look up your timeline by name, email address or phone number just to your friends.
Step 3: Finally, it's time to make your Facebook profile unsearchable on the web altogether. Facebook has just one little checkbox that controls whether or not you'll be searchable on Google and other search engines.
Go to Privacy Settings –> Ads, Apps and Websites –> Public Search. Then, make sure that you do NOT check the box that says "Enable public search."
4. Be Smart about Social Sign ins
Have you noticed how more and more websites are giving you the option to sign in using your Facebook or Twitter login while registering? It's for those of us who are too lazy to go through that whole registration spiel—some people call it "password fatigue."
The problem with this is many sites that are seamlessly integrated with Facebook or Twitter, such as Spotify or Like a Coupon, automatically post your updates publicly. If someone important happens to stumble upon your public profile, they might see your guilty pleasures (Carly Rae Jepsen, anyone?)! Make sure you edit the public settings on each new app you use.
5. Start Contributing Smart, Relevant Info about your Specialty
Now that you've scrubbed the Internet of all the useless info about you — it's time to be proactive and add some professional sauciness. Share relevant new articles, write insights and connect with other pros like you to establish a clean, professional presence. These are the best places to do this:
LinkedIn – Create a LinkedIn profile, add people you know and join a bunch of groups that relate to you. Oh, and don't be creepy about adding connections—send a proper LinkedIn invite.
Blog – Start one. Immerse yourself into what's being said about your niche right now. Get involved. Jones suggests you buy your domain name and build on that. If you're feeling lost, check out blog directories like BlogHints.com or BlogHub.com.
Quora – This is another tool to help you showoff whatever credibility you have in your field. It's basically a giant question-and-answer resource that connects you with other establish experts in any field of interest. Just search for a topic and if you have a question, fire away!
Twitter – Create a professional, public Twitter exclusively about your profession. Use it to share blog entries, other industry news articles, Twitter chats, find other people in your field and much more.