Job Hunt 2013

7 In-Demand Skills That Will Get You Hired In 2013

2013-07-23T21:30:00.003-07:00

By Business Insider

By Vivian Giang

People with specific sought-after skills are having an easier time finding jobs. In fact, they're getting snatched up pretty quickly, according to Brian McCullough, founder of ResumeWriting.com.

Below, McCullough shares some critical employability skills that you need to have on your resume right now:

1. Math, statistics or data analysis -- "Your average company is always trying to figure out how to manage their data stream," McCullough tells us. "It seems to be a major trend across all sorts of industries that big business is looking for smart people to help them manage, organize, and tap into that data."

2. Supply chain management and logistics -- McCullough says that these skills are often searched for, because "companies are always looking for ways to cut costs and be more efficient," so if you can "load your resume or [LinkedIn] profile with industry and scenario-specific logistics keywords, you can expect the headhunters and hiring mangers to come to you."

3. Social media -- If you claim to be an expert in social media, you better have an active presence online and have a good number of followers. "It's more important how active you are," he says. "You can't just be posting tweets, but also be replying to others and joining in on conversations."

4. CRM -- "Customer relationship management platforms have exploded over the last 15 years and are key to operations for almost all industries in the private and even public sector," McCullough says. Keywords showing proficiency with the major platforms - Salesforce and SAP - will be the first things hiring managers search for when looking to fill open sales and marketing positions.

5. Crisis management -- Related keywords to this skill would be risk management, emergency management, public safety, public relations, operations management, and brand management.

6. P&L Responsibility -- General management candidates can stand out if they have "Profit and Loss" or "P&L Responsibility" on their resumes, because these workers are able to "demonstrate direct responsibility for revenue development and cost control," McCullough tells us.

7. Foreign language -- McCullough says that knowing a foreign language is the "most successful keyword on a resume," especially if that language is Mandarin.

"You might be a run-of-the-mill salesperson, but if you have mastery of another language on your resume or LinkedIn profile, you're going to come up in keyword searches more often than you would think."

Whatever skills you have, jobseekers need to think about what hiring managers will search for when creating their resume. For example, recruiters aren't going to search for vague terms like "self starter" or "detail-oriented." Instead, they'll search for the skills that they need in a candidate, so you need to think about your experiences, degree, major, specialties and certifications all as keywords.

9 Great Health-Care Jobs That Don't Require A Medical Degree

2013-07-22T20:25:00.003-07:00

By Debra Auerbach,

When you ask children what they want to be when they grow up, a common answer is "doctor." But when those children grow up, many find those dreams shift to another field in healthcare as they learn doctor is just one of many career paths.

With the aging boomers, the health-care field is growing fast. 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

A closer look at the fast-growing technology field

2013-07-21T22:53:00.002-07:00

Debra Auerbach,

We live in a technology-driven society, always awaiting the next big technology breakthrough. We wait in line for the newest phone, only to do it all over again once the next version debuts. Handwritten notes have been replaced by emails, which are quickly being replaced by texts and instant messages. A flat-screen TV is nice, but one equipped with 3D technology is even better.

This thirst for the newest, most innovative technologies isn't likely to be quenched anytime soon, ensuring that the need for workers in the technology field will continue to grow. According to workforce and staffing solutions company Kelly Services, U.S. computer-related or technology occupations are expected to grow at a much stronger rate (21.8 percent) than overall employment (14.3 percent) through 2020. These occupations make up 49 percent of overall STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) employment, and STEM jobs are seen as essential to a growing economy and vital to the nation's competitiveness.

If you want to know which IT jobs are growing, what they pay and the skills they require, here's a closer look*:

The fastest-growing IT jobs

Demand for these workers is being driven by the increased need for businesses, government and other organizations to design, adopt and leverage the latest technologies. Yet some IT occupations are growing at a faster pace than others. The five fastest-growing IT jobs through 2020 include:

1. Software developer, systems software

Percent growth: 32.4

2011 average annual salary: $100,420

2. Database administrator

Percent growth: 30.6

2011 average annual salary: $77,350

3. Network and computer systems administrator

Percent growth: 27.8

2011 average annual salary: $74,270

4. Software developer, applications

Percent growth: 27.6

2011 average annual salary: $92,080

5. Computer systems analyst

Percent growth: 22.1

2011 average annual salary: $82,320

Markets with the most opportunity

Technology jobs can be found in virtually every U.S. market, and given the nature of the work, many roles may allow for telecommuting. However, certain U.S. markets have a strong concentration and a substantial volume of IT jobs compared to total employment.

The following 10 metropolitan areas are expected to grow their IT employment by more than 8 percent in the next five years:

The starting salaries to expect

If you're just starting college, you're not sure of your major, and you've always had an interest in technology, consider pursuing a computer-related degree. Not only is this area growing, but many occupations offer impressive salaries to boot. In fact, two out of the top five starting salaries for all majors went to computer grads. Computer engineering majors earn an average starting salary of $64,499, while computer science majors can expect $63,402.

The skills needed to excel

Workers interested in pursuing an IT or computer-related job should possess strong problem-solving, analytical and communication skills. Yet employers are also looking for individuals who want to push the boundaries of technology by using their imagination and creativity. Given what already has been discovered, who knows what the next generation of IT innovators will create next.

Check out this infographic for more information.

8 Careers For Cubicle Haters

2013-07-20T20:45:00.001-07:00

By CareerBuilder

By Larry Buhl

Spring has arrived, and with it comes longing glances from office windows as employees dream of a chance to work away from fluorescent lights and cubicle warrens. If you're considering a career change and want it to involve fresh air, here are eight occupations that can be done, at least partly, in the great outdoors.

1.Animal care worker: This job can be done in a variety of settings, such as kennels, zoos, stables, animal shelters, pet stores, veterinary clinics and aquariums. The job can be physically demanding and the pay is generally low. Experience with animals is more important than a specific degree.
Projected job growth, 2010 to 2020: Faster than average.
Median pay: $19,780 annually, $9.51 hourly*.

2.Archaeologist: Although some archaeologists work in offices or laboratories, others spend time in the field on duties such as assessing the significance of a potential construction site. A master's degree or doctorate is required.
Projected job growth, 2010 to 2020: Faster than average.
Median pay: $54,230 annually, $26.07 hourly.

3.Conservation scientist: Sometimes referred to as foresters, these professionals manage and monitor overall land quality of forests, parks and other natural resources. A bachelor's degree in botany or a related field is expected.
Projected job growth, 2010 to 2020: Slower than average.
Median pay: $57,420 annually, $27.60 hourly.

4. Construction manager: These workers oversee construction projects through organization, scheduling, budgeting and implementation. A bachelor's degree and experience in a construction-related field, plus certification, are usually expected.
Projected job growth, 2010 to 2020: About as fast as average.
Median pay: $83,860 annually, $40.32 hourly.

5. Environmental engineer: Environmental engineers spend much time indoors but can be in the field on construction projects. A bachelor's degree in environmental engineering or a related field -- civil, mechanical or chemical engineering -- is required.
Projected job growth, 2010 to 2020: Faster than average.
Median pay: $78,740 annually, $37.86 hourly.

6. Geological engineer: There are a variety of job titles associated with this profession; duties involve surveying the characteristics of land for mining or other development sites. A bachelor's degree and a state license are required.
Projected job growth, 2010 to 2020: About as fast as average.
Median pay: $82,870 annually, $39.84 hourly.

7.Landscape architect: This job is primarily done inside, but it can also involve frequent visits to job sites. A bachelor's degree and state certification are minimum requirements.
Projected job growth, 2010 to 2020: About as fast as average.
Median pay: $62,090 annually, $29.85 hourly.

8. Surveyor: Many duties are conducted outdoors in various types of terrain. But surveyors also work indoors to prepare legal documents and other reports. A bachelor's degree is usually required, and surveyors are often licensed.
Projected job growth, 2010 to 2020: Faster than average.
Median pay: $54,880 annually, $26.39 hourly.

17 jobs for nerds

2013-07-18T22:25:00.005-07:00

Susan Ricker,

In a memorable episode of "Star Trek," Gandalf said, "Use the force, Harry." Whether or not you're a nerd, you most likely know that four separate movies and TV shows contribute to that joke. "Nerd" used to be a negative social label, but now it can be used to describe anybody with an overenthusiastic interest in technology, TV shows, books or games who has a talent for science, math and analytical skills. If you're a nerd and proud of it, you may flourish in any of these 17 jobs.

1. Archivist*
What they do: Archivists appraise, edit and maintain permanent records and historically valuable documents. Many perform research on archival material.
Median annual pay: $45,200

2. Bookkeeping, accounting and auditing clerk
What they do: Bookkeeping, accounting and auditing clerks produce financial records for organizations. They record financial transactions, update statements and check financial records for accuracy.
Median annual pay: $34,030

3. Chemist and materials scientist
What they do: Chemists and materials scientists study the structures, compositions, reactions and other properties of substances. They use their knowledge to develop or improve products, processes and materials.
Median annual pay: $69,790

4. Computer support specialist
What they do: Computer support specialists provide help and advice to people and organizations using computer software or equipment. Some, called technical support specialists, support information-technology employees in their organization. Others, called help-desk technicians, assist non-IT users who are having computer problems.
Median annual pay: $46,260

5. Curator, museum technician and conservator
What they do: Curators oversee collections, such as artwork and historic items, and may conduct public-service activities for an institution. Museum technicians and conservators prepare and restore objects and documents in museum collections and exhibits.
Median annual pay: $42,310

6. Desktop publisher
What they do: Desktop publishers use computer software to design page layouts for newspapers, books, brochures and other items that will be printed or put online. They collect the text, graphics and other materials they will need and then format them into a finished product.
Median annual pay: $36,610

7. Electrical and electronics engineer
What they do: Electrical engineers design, develop, test and supervise the manufacturing of electrical equipment such as electric motors, radar and navigation systems, communications systems and power-generation equipment. Electronics engineers design and develop electronic equipment, such as broadcast and communications systems -- from portable music players to global-positioning systems.
Median annual pay: $87,180

8. Epidemiologist
What they do: Epidemiologists investigate the causes of disease and other public-health problems to prevent them from spreading or from happening again. They report their findings to public-policy officials and the general public.
Median annual pay: $63,010

9. Forensic science technician
What they do: Forensic science technicians help investigate crimes by collecting and analyzing physical evidence. Most technicians specialize in either crime-scene investigation or laboratory analysis.
Median annual pay: $51,570

10. Graphic designer
What they do: Graphic designers create visual concepts, by hand or using computer software, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform or captivate consumers. They help to make an organization recognizable by selecting color, images or logo designs that represent a particular idea or identity to be used in advertising and promotions.
Median annual pay: $43,500

11. Historian
What they do: Historians research, analyze, interpret and present the past by studying a variety of historical documents and sources.
Median annual pay: $53,520

12. Home entertainment equipment installer and repairer
What they do: Home entertainment equipment installers and repairers set up and fix household audio and video equipment, such as televisions, stereo components and home theater systems.
Median annual pay: $32,940

13. Information security analyst, Web developer and computer network architect
Information security analysts, Web developers and computer network architects all use information technology to advance their organization's goals. Security analysts ensure a company's information stays safe from cyber-attacks. Web developers create websites to help companies have a public face. Computer network architects create the internal networks that workers at an organization use.
Median annual pay: $75,660

14. Librarian
What they do: Librarians help people find information from many sources. They maintain library collections and do other work as needed to keep the library running.
Median annual pay: $54,500

15. Psychologist
What they do: Psychologists study mental processes and human behavior by observing, interpreting and recording how people relate to one another and their environment.
Median annual pay: $68,640

16. Software developer
What they do: Software developers are the creative minds behind computer programs. Some develop the applications that allow people to do specific tasks on a computer or other device. Others develop the underlying systems that run the devices or control networks.
Median annual pay: $90,530

17. Survey researcher
What they do: Survey researchers design or conduct surveys and analyze survey data. Many groups use surveys to collect factual data, such as employment and salary information, or to ask questions that help them understand people's opinions, attitudes, beliefs or desires.
Median annual pay: $36,050

20 companies hiring in July

2013-07-17T21:48:00.000-07:00

By Debra Auerbach

Many factors contribute to job satisfaction. However, some factors may be more influential than others. According to a survey by Thomson Reuters, 70 percent of respondents say they prefer a job that they enjoy versus one that simply pays well. When it comes to work styles, 53 percent of men and 56 percent of women say challenging work is very important. And sometimes it’s seeing the potential for long-term growth that motivates workers; 55 percent of men and 56 percent of women say that having a vision of what they want to achieve in their careers is very important.

Enjoying what you do and having a fulfilling career start with finding the right job. To help you begin your search, here are 20 companies hiring in July:
1. Advanced Clinical
Industry: Clinical research — staffing, functional outsourcing, full service outsourcing
Sample job titles: SAS programmer, data coding associate, senior database developer, medical director
Location: Nationwide
2. Amtec
Industry: Staffing/recruiting
Sample job titles: Senior systems engineer, computer systems analyst, technical writer, lead mechanical engineer, project manager
Location: Nationwide
3. Cbeyond
Industry: IT services
Sample job titles: Senior account executive, tech support, pre-sales engineer, sales consultant, cloud services engineer
Location: Texas, Georgia, California, Florida, Kentucky
4. Direct Sales Recruiting
Industry: Sales
Sample job titles: Account executive, sales representative, account manager, area sales manager, regional sales manager, business developer
Location: Nationwide
5. Echo Global Logistics
Industry: Third-party logistics
Sample job titles: .NET developer, account executive, client sales representative, database developer, human resources administrator, HR business partner, operations specialist, sales manager, senior .NET developer, senior quality assurance analyst, transportation sales representative
Location: Atlanta; Chicago; Dallas; Detroit; Los Angeles; Nashville, Tenn.; Phoenix; Salt Lake City
6. ECS Federal Inc.
Industry: Federal contracting
Sample job titles: Web developer, systems engineer, systems administrator, help desk specialist, budget analyst, financial analyst, environmental policy analyst, business analyst, technical writer, network engineer, quality assurance, program manager, project manager, operations manager
Location: Annapolis and Baltimore, Md.; Chicago; Indianapolis; Los Angeles; Memphis, Tenn.; Orlando, Fla.; Washington, D.C.
7. EVO Payments International
Industry: Sales (credit card/merchant services)
Sample job titles: Sales representative
Location: Nationwide
8. HMSHost
Industry: Retail/quick-service restaurants
Sample job titles: Shift supervisor, line cook, shift manager, barista, bartender, server
Location: Nationwide
9. Jack Henry and Associates
Industry: Banking and information technology
Sample job titles: Software engineering — manager, programmer analyst — advanced, technical support representative
Location: Lenexa, Kan.; Norcross, Ga.; Seattle; Springfield, Mo.
10. loanDepot
Industry: Mortgage loans
Sample job titles: Mortgage banker, processing manager, senior mortgage banker, business intelligence engineer, underwriting divisional manager
Location: Irvine, Calif.; Phoenix; Plano, Texas
11. MDI Group
Industry: IT
Sample job titles: .NET developer, senior #/.NET developer, Java developer, SharePoint developer, Oracle DBA, quality assurance analyst, senior mobile application developer, business analyst, project manager
Location: Atlanta; Charlotte, N.C.; Dallas, Austin and Fort Worth, Texas; Greenville, S.C.; Phoenix
12. Molina Healthcare Inc.
Industry: Health care
Sample job titles: Case manager/registered nurse, health plan operation trainer, pharmacy tech, health care analyst, data specialist
Location: California, Florida, Michigan, Missouri, New Mexico, Ohio, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington
13. Moog
Industry: Aerospace
Sample job titles: Senior manufacturing engineer, product engineer, director of operations — commercial aircraft, senior test equipment design engineer
Location: California, Georgia, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Utah, Virginia
14. Morgan Stanley
Industry: Finance
Sample job titles: Financial adviser, client services associate, administrative assistant
Location: Nationwide
15. Park West Gallery
Industry: Sales
Sample job titles: Art sales associate, art marketing, auctioneer-in-training
Location: Nationwide
16. Ross Stores Inc.
Industry: Retail
Sample job titles: Store associate, store manager, store assistant manager, store protection specialist, shortage control, director — corporate communications, allocation analyst, compensation, military relations, middleware engineer, director — real estate
Location: Nationwide
17. Silicon Valley Staffing Group
Industry: Staffing
Sample job titles: Mortgage underwriter, engineer, general labor — light industrial, administrative/clerical
Location: Dallas; Phoenix; Sacramento, Fremont and Emeryville, Calif.
18. Titlemax
Industry: Financial services
Sample job titles: Call center representative, store manager, district manager, general manager, customer service representative, bilingual customer service representative
Location: Nationwide
19. Varsity Tutors
Industry: Education, teaching, administration
Sample job titles: Citywide director, tutor, tutor recruiter, IT
Location: Nationwide
20. Wynn
Industry: Gaming, entertainment
Sample job titles: Marketing manager, food and beverage, cocktail, security, front desk, bus person, retail associate
Location: Las Vegas (recruit nationwide)

6 jobs that will stress you out (but are still worth it)

2013-07-16T22:06:00.004-07:00

Debra Auerbach,

Every job comes with some amount of stress. Even people who say they love their jobs still have days when something goes wrong and their blood pressure rises several digits. Let's face it -- if something is called work, it's going to include some stress.

There are certain jobs that universally are known for their high-stress work environments -- military personnel, police officers, firefighters and doctors to name a few. Then there are those jobs that on the surface may not seem as demanding, but are in fact filled with stressful experiences. Here are six of those jobs, the reasons why they made the list and why they're still worth pursuing.

1. Editor

Why it will stress you out: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of editors is expected to experience little or no change from 2010 to 2020. As online media grow and traditional newsrooms continue to shrink, editors will deal with more pressure and increasing workloads. Plus, working under tight deadlines and being responsible for the accuracy of published content can be stressful.

Why it's worth it: Some people flourish when working under pressure. Plus, as a journalist, and someone who appreciates the written word, it's gratifying to publish work that is read and enjoyed by the public. If you're able to adapt to online media and are comfortable using digital tools, you'll have an advantage in the competitive job market.

Average annual pay: $60,490

2. Event coordinator

Why it will stress you out: While it may seem like a glamorous job, the role of event coordinator can be highly stressful. You're responsible for handling the logistics and execution of events for clients some of whom may be difficult to work with or demanding. If anything goes wrong, it's on your shoulders. No wonder it made CareerCast's list of the 10 most stressful jobs of 2012.

Why it's worth it: No two days are the same, and you're not constricted to a cubicle. Plus, it's exciting to see someone's vision come to life, and fulfilling to receive kudos from happy clients.

Average annual pay: $49,840

3. Public-relations manager

Why it will stress you out: As a PR manager, it's your job to get your client or company in the news, which sometimes means dealing with reporters who aren't interested in what you have to say. Also, as a company spokesperson, you are responsible for representing the company, which can be stressful. When the company is faced with a crisis, you're the one who has to put out the fire.

Why it's worth it: If you work at an agency, you may have a variety of clients, which can keep things interesting. You often get to flex your creative muscles when planning new campaigns or programs to get publicity for a client. And if you enjoy public speaking and like thinking on your feet, you'll find the job exciting.

Average annual pay: $105,690

4. Real-estate sales agent

Why it will stress you out: The volatile economy has made the job of real-estate agent more stressful. You have clients with unrealistic expectations of what their home price should be, and having to sell a home for more than it's worth can be a challenge. You may also devote time and energy to helping clients find a new home, only for them to back out on the sale. And working on commission means you rely on those sales for a paycheck.

Why it's worth it: According to the National Association of Realtors, total home sales in 2012 were the highest they've been in five years, and they predict that sales will continue on an upward trend. Also, it's a great job for people who don't want to sit at a desk all day.

Average annual pay: $51,170

5. High school teacher

Why it will stress you out: According to a 2011 CareerBuilder survey, high school teachers were named among the most frightening professions. And no wonder -- dealing with hormone-raging teenagers can be scary. Also, some teachers deal with large class sizes and financial strain, which can make their jobs more difficult. They're also held accountable for students' academic performances and may encounter disrespectful students or unhappy parents.

Why it's worth it: It may be one of the most stressful jobs out there, but it's also one of the most rewarding. There's no better feeling than teaching students new skills and seeing them grow and succeed.

Average annual pay: $56,760

6. Veterinarian

Why it will stress you out: As the BLS notes, "Veterinarians' work can sometimes be emotionally stressful as they deal with sick animals and the animals' anxious owners. Also, the workplace can be noisy as the animals make noise when sick or being handled." Basically, working with sick animals can take a toll on you.

Why it's worth it: Job prospects are good; according to the BLS, employment of veterinarians is expected to grow 36 percent from 2010 to 2020, much faster than the average for all occupations. Plus, if you love animals, you get to have a direct hand in helping them.

Average annual pay: $91,250

9 surprisingly creative jobs

2013-07-15T22:19:00.002-07:00

Rachel Farrell,

When you think of jobs for "creative" people, positions like actor, designer, author or artist may come to mind. But many jobs can satisfy a creative yearning.

Here are nine jobs you might not have thought about for people who like to be creative:

1. Teacher

Although teachers do have some structure in their classrooms, they also get quite a bit of freedom. Teachers can be original when it comes to their lesson plans and activities for their children, as well as in classroom traditions.

Average salary*: $47,100 to $51,180

2. Landscape architect

Landscape architects use their creativity in designing gardens, public parks and playgrounds, residential areas, college campuses, shopping centers, golf courses and even backyards. They get to design these areas to be not only functional, but beautiful.

Average salary: $58,960

3. Chef

We've all been to restaurants with unexpected items like bacon and avocado ice cream. There are even a few successful TV shows based on chefs competing based on the creative dishes they concoct. As a chef, you'll be able to stir up your creative juices.

Average salary: $38,770

4. Computer applications software engineer

Computer applications software engineers develop and create software programs. In today's digital world, with smartphones, smart tablets and electronic reading devices, they have more creative freedom than ever.

Average salary: $87,900

5. Graphic designer

Graphic design lets you be original in designs for ads, magazine layouts and websites. Be prepared for a little stifled creativity in your work, however, since some organizations have strict brand standards to which you'll need to adhere.

Average salary: $42,400

6. Advertising manager

Folks in this occupation get to put their creativity to use generating advertising campaigns to spark interest their clients' products.

Average salary: $80,220

7. Interior designer

Interior designers satisfy their innovative tendencies by choosing how to make a space beautiful. Their work includes picking paint colors and window coverings, choosing finishes for floors and recommending how to open up a space or make it feel cozy.

Average salary: $44,950

8. Mediator

While the primary role of a mediator involves the seriousness of the law, mediators must be able to find creative solutions to prevent people who would rather sue each other from going to court.

Average salary: $57,273

9. Product manager

Product managers help design packaging and create brands for new products. They also redesign old brands and packaging to catch consumers' attention again.

Average salary: $60,655

4 future jobs in customer service

2013-07-15T04:27:00.006-07:00

By Ashley Verrill,

How long has it been since you called a company on the phone for customer service? A week? A few months? Now think about the last time you logged online to pay a bill or searched for an answer online. It was probably a lot more recently, right?
In today's instant-gratification obsessed world, customers increasingly head online first to find answers. They don't want to sit on hold or fish through a sea of phone transfers. As such, companies are investing in technologies and strategies to enable this digitally-based problem solving. This means new and varied talent is needed in the support department for the first time. This significantly expands the kinds of opportunities available in support.
Recently, I interviewed several customer service software developers, as well as hiring experts, to find out what positions they see emerging from this trend toward digital communication. Here are four jobs they see in the future service organization.

1. Self-service content analyst

The individual in this role would continually look for trending topics in call center notes and review Web analytics data to assess which articles in the self-service community receive the most traffic.
They would also moderate content created by the customer community and facilitate the sharing of this user-generated material. Their goal would be to reduce call volumes by creating content that speaks to customers' most common issues.
Interested job seekers would need experience both in content generation, as well as Web analytics and project management.

2. Natural language processing optimizer

The person in this role would help ensure the right answer is found no matter how or where the customers ask the question. This could include queries typed in a search box on a webpage or typed in an automated live chat session.
For this to work effectively, websites must use sophisticated algorithms that can process natural language to find the answer. This means knowing the difference between someone asking, "Where is your phone number?" and "How do I call a real live agent?"
Candidates interested in this role would need experience in software configurations, as well as project management and performance management using analytics.

3. Social service success coordinator

The social service coordinator would ensure social customer service efficiency, while keeping an eye out for opportunities to market support interactions. In order to respond effectively, companies have to use social listening technology. This person would work to refine keyword identifiers that tell these systems what signals a customer service message.
If the contact center suddenly gets an influx of calls about a particular product, for example, the coordinator would want to start listening for combinations of that word and "help," "broken," "angry" and so on. If a Twitter user responded with a glowing "thank you, I will tell my friends!" that person might handoff the interaction to marketing for promotional uses.
Interested job seekers would need experience as a community manager as well as in customer service management and Web analytics.

4. Mobile customer service app director

The day is fast approaching when most customer-company interactions will happen on a mobile device. Unfortunately, traditional Web browsing with a tiny smartphone or tablet can be frustrating. The mobile customer service app director would act like a product manager exclusively for the customer service mobile application. This person would work with internal or external developers to optimize the user experience for all of the company's customers.
If analytics showed one feature is used more than another, for example, they might try featuring it more prominently on the app home screen. Or maybe they'd work with the NLP optimizer to refine speech recognition for that function.
Candidates for this position would need experience in user experience, mobile design, analytics and project management.

Top 10 Companies Hiring This Week

2013-07-14T04:12:00.001-07:00

By Mariya Pylayev

A job search can get quite frustrating these days, with so many people competing for too few openings. To ease the burden, AOL Jobs tracked down the 10 top companies that are hiring this week. From sales jobs to finance positions, full-time to part-time, these employers have a plethora of openings they're looking to fill. Good luck job hunting!

1. Bon Secours Health Jobs: 22,562 openings.

The Bon Secours Health System of Marriottsville, Md., describes itself as employing more than 22,000, mostly on the East Coast. The Catholic nonprofit, sponsored by Bon Secours Ministries, reports being affiliated with 19 acute-care hospitals, one psychiatric hospital, five nursing care facilities, four assisted living facilities, and 14 home care and hospice services. It recently entered an agreement with Aetna subsidiary Healthagen to help serve 57,000 Medicare beneficiaries in Kentucky, New York, South Carolina and Virginia.

Employee Review: "Patient-centered mission is part of everyone's job. Good benefits. ... Work/life balance is a challenge in finance and administration."*

2. Petco Jobs: 11,286 openings.

San Diego-based Petco's chain of pet supplies stores number more than a thousand across the U.S. and, along with its large supermarket-type operations, now includes smaller, mom-and-pop-style neighborhood stores, Unleashed by Petco.

Employee Review: "I met some great people and work with even more amazing people. The management was fantastic. I was paid fairly and had reasonable hours. I also was able to work around my school schedule which helped me pay for tuition. Plus, who doesn't like getting to play with puppies every Saturday?"*

3. Pizza Hut Jobs: 6,199 openings.

After 55 years in the business, Pizza Hut continues to expand as part of the commitment in 2011 by its parent, Yum Brands, to grow in the U.S. and internationally. In its recent hunt for a digital manager, the fast-food chain asked applicants interviewing for the job to prove their ability to get a message across in Twitter-like brevity by limiting their "elevator speeches" to just 140 seconds.

Employee Review: "Decent hours, fun working environment, challenging (but not too much), rewarding, quick training (I was cross-trained, so I could fill any role necessary)."*

4. Vector Marketing Jobs: 4,339 openings.

Vector Marketing of Olean, N.Y., is the domestic sales arm of the cutlery company, Cutco, which sells knives and other implements nationwide. Vector offers part-time, full-time and temporary sales jobs, including summer work, and says that experience in sales isn't required.

Employee Review: "The pay, flexibility, environment were all outstanding."*

5. Winn-Dixie Jobs: 3,874 openings.

Winn-Dixie is a supermarket chain based in Jacksonville, Fla. Although it went through some rough times in the past decade, the company looks to be back on its feet as it has ramped-up hiring and its parent, Bi-Lo Holdings, recently announced plans to buy 165 stores from other chains in the southeastern U.S.

Employee Review: "Benefits 401k, life, vacation, weekly pay. Chance for promotions from within. Company paid parties on holidays. Management cares about employees safety."*

6. UnitedHealth Group Jobs: 3,771 openings.

UnitedHealth Group currently provides health insurance services to more than 75 million people worldwide and is the largest insurance company of its kind in the U.S. With the onset of states' participation in the Affordable Care Act, the Minnesota-based insurer "has remained especially vague on the number of systems in would participate in," says The Motley Fool, "placing the number somewhere between 10 and 25."

Employee Review: "Good, steady work. Great learning opportunities. Very little favoritism, you get ahead based on your own work. Work at home opportunities help on commuting costs. Great work-life balance, ample vacation time."*

7. Firestone Complete Auto Care Jobs: 3,706 openings.

Firestone Complete Auto Care is a car maintenance chain that was spun off from one of the oldest American tire companies. There are more than 1,600 locations nationwide, many of which are open late and on weekends and -- along with selling and servicing its name-brand tires -- where its mechanics do repairs and other kinds of work on cars.

Employee Review: "Higher than average compensation for retail, good camaraderie with co workers. Nice working for large company that you know will be there tomorrow. "*

8. Acosta Sales and Marketing Jobs: 2,676 openings.

Founded in 1927 and based in Jacksonville, Fla., Acosta has offices across the U.S. and Canada where it serves the needs of companies that produce packaged goods for consumers. In May, Acosta announced the acquisition of three food-service agencies in the southeastern U.S. as well as another that serves the military.

Employee Review: "Great people, great work-life balance. ... Pay is just OK. Training is OK.."*

9. 84 Lumber Jobs: 2,214 openings.

84 Lumber is a building services and supply company based in Eighty Four, Pa., but with operations in 30 states, including about 250 stores. The privately owned retailer competes with publicly owned chains such as Home Depot and Lowe's for a share of the home improvement market.

Employee Review: "Great company to work for ... a bit keystone cops. ... I'm optimistic about the outlook for this company."*

10. AT&T Retail Jobs: 2,114 openings.

Wireless giant AT&T continues to hire in large volumes, as many customers upgrade their smartphones and purchase tablets that require LTE data plans. It recently announced that it will be adding more wireless subscribers than expected.

Employee Review: "They provide great benefits and pay. I know they match quite a bit for 401(k) investment. It is a great job for someone interested in technology and learning about new technologies. Also, it is great to know that you are helping others out on a daily basis."*