News for today's 2018: 08/27/09

Do You Have a Toxic Job? - How to know and what you can do

4:00 PM Anonymous 0

<a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/z4/ar5d1g264yh58gz8fsz4.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/z4/ar5d1g264yh58gz8fsz4.gif" style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> <div>Toxic chemicals are dangerous stuff -- hence the label toxic. That's why you can't just toss hazardous waste in a trash can or dump nuclear materials in a river. If you get uranium in your drinking water, you're bound to feel sick or find yourself with several extra limbs. (The latter is pure speculation, I admit.) Bad workplaces aren't all that different. You might not grow a third arm from a toxic job, but you will slowly realize that your mental and even physical healths are suffering from undesirable work conditions. Sure, you could quit, but how many of us are eager to leave our jobs in this economy? Until you find a better opportunity, you need to work with what you've got, and what you've got is a toxic workplace. Caution: You're entering a hazardous work zone If you enter a lab with hazardous materials, you're going to see placards with the skull and crossbones or radioactive symbols posted at the door. If you enter a toxic workplace, it's not that easy; you have to look for the clues. Job seekers can start when they arrive for the first interview, says Roberta Chinsky Matuson, president of Human Resource Solutions. "When interviewing, be aware of your surroundings," she says. "Do you hear the sounds of laughter or does it feel like people are going through the motions until it's quitting time?" Matuson also warns of an interviewer who couldn't be less interested in you or the interview. "Clearly this is a sign that this person has checked out. Is this really someone you want to work for?" Similarly, if you're given a tour of the space, look at how employees are behaving. Even if they're not laughing, they shouldn't look like work zombies who are afraid to look up from their tasks. Do they seem intimidated or even scared of the boss? If you get the job, you'll be one of those people. At this stage, you can walk away and look elsewhere. If you're employed and already one of those zombies, you have a little more work to do. Unearthing the toxic elements Not all toxic situations announce themselves. When your workplace is toxic, you have to recognize the signs. First, assess your own state of mind. If anything associated with your job gives you a bad feeling, things might not be so great. A gut check is a good gauge, says consultant Joni Daniels of Daniels & Associates. "If there is a knot in your stomach as you go to work, it could be a sign that the workplace is a toxic one for you," Daniels says. "If you or the office is walking on eggshells until 'someone' leaves the building [or] room, they are toxic. If work is taking up a lot of emotional energy and you can't mentally, intellectually or emotionally 'let it go' -- it's toxic." Dulin Clark, who is a career coach for the MBA program at Penn State University's business school, agrees with Daniels. He suggests looking at your own emotions and behaviors and working outward to understand workplace toxicity. "Primarily, [workers] needs to pay attention to how they feel when they are in the work environment," Clark says. "Feelings of chronic stress, building frustration, lethargy, low motivation and problems sleeping are just of the few the signs of being in a toxic workplace environment." Clark points out that some of the most recognizable causes are excessive criticism, poor treatment and lack of appreciation -- things that bug you and of which you're constantly aware. Excessive gossip, extreme competition and duplicitous co-workers indirectly pollute your work culture and may therefore be more difficult to recognize. Competition can have an especially negative impact on you because it's often mistaken for healthy workplace motivation. "Certainly doing your best and achieving excellence are highly admirable career strategies," Clarks says. "However, the best co-workers and leaders look out for the well-being of the team and unit." If you recognize too many of these elements in your work situation, you probably have a toxic workplace. Now you have to do something about it. Find your hazmat suit Hazardous materials workers get to wear protective layers to keep the dangerous substances away at a safe distance. Your average employee has no such defense. You have to choose between three options: Leave, work through it or sit tight until something better comes along. 1. Leave Removing yourself from the situation makes the most sense when you know things won't likely improve. If the move feels right and you can handle it financially, then maybe it is the best option. But many employees don't have the luxury of leaving a job in this economy. 2. Work through it Finding a way to solve the problem is the ideal solution if you like your job or can't quit. Clark suggests addressing the issue with the person responsible for the toxicity. "If the toxicity is the result of one person's actions or behaviors, then often the situation can be made more tolerable by an honest and direct conversation with the person," he says. "It is also often helpful to confide in a trusted colleague, both to relieve the tension of the toxic feelings and also to get advice and feedback about how to handle difficult situations." 3. Make do Sometimes the best temporary solution is just to get by like many people do in imperfect work situations. That doesn't mean you shouldn't try to improve your circumstances. Far from it. Follow the above steps for handling troublesome bosses or co-workers. Vent to a friend. Do whatever you can to ease the knot in your stomach and sense of dread. While you're doing that, also look for a new job. This way you have the security of a paycheck and the comfort of knowing you won't be there forever. Whatever you choose to do, make sure it's in your best interest. Now that you know you're in a toxic workplace, you have the tools to keep yourself out of harm's way. Anthony Balderrama is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com and its job blog, The Work Buzz. He researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/abalderrama. </div> <div>Search more than 100,000 Jobs by <a href="http://jobs.careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/Jobs/JobResults.aspx?SB%3Asbkw=&SB%3As_freeloc=&SB%3Asbfr=30&sbsbmt=Find+Jobs+%C2%BB&lr=cbrockl&cid=US&excrit=QID%3DA3852768340946%3Bst%3DA%3Buse%3DALL%3BCID%3DUS%3BSID%3D%3F%3BTID%3D0%3BENR%3DNO%3BDTP%3DDRNS%3BYDI%3DYES%3BIND%3DALL%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPAYL%3D0%3BPAYH%3DGT120%3BPOY%3DNO%3BETD%3DALL%3BRE%3DALL%3BMGT%3DDC%3BSUP%3DDC%3BFRE%3D1%3BCHL%3DAL%3BQS%3DSID_UNKNOWN%3BSS%3DNO%3BTITL%3D0%3BOB%3D-modifiedint%3BJQT%3DRAD%3BJDV%3DFalse&IPath=ILM">CLICKING HERE!</a> </div>

Do You Have a Toxic Job? - How to know and what you can do

Toxic chemicals are dangerous stuff -- hence the label toxic. That's why you can't just toss hazardous waste in a trash can or dump ...

Has Casual Friday Become Too Casual?

2:00 PM Anonymous 0

<a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/2l/ar5c4y26zx7qx465632l.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/2l/ar5c4y26zx7qx465632l.gif" style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> <div>Friday is, hands down, the best day of the workweek. Not only is it the last working day, it's usually in conjunction with pay day, summer hours and, if you're lucky, a casual dress code. But how casual is too casual? Remember Casual Friday at TV's favorite paper company in Scranton, Penn.? One Friday at Dunder-Mifflin, Oscar showed up wearing sandals, Stanley in a sweat suit, and Meredith had the gall to don a mini-dress sans undergarments -- not a pretty sight when she ends up exposing herself while using the copy machine. When Angela complains about her co-workers' attire, Toby calls an office meeting and cancels Casual Friday when it's clear that certain staff have interpreted the term too loosely. Although this might seem like an extreme example of "too casual," it's not far off from what employers have seen in their own offices. Richard Laermer, CEO at RLM Public Relations, says he once had a male intern wearing capri pants, plus many sockless employees and a few with holes in their jeans. All of these are no-nos, he says. "I've sent people to the corner [near our office] where there's an H&M, Banana Republic and a Gap," he says. "I have said, 'Go get something to wear that doesn't make you look 12.'" Mary Harris, an etiquette consultant who specializes in business etiquette for small and large companies, says she visited a client's office on Casual Friday and saw everything from football jerseys to sweat suits. "Our culture has gotten so relaxed that casual to many [people] means what you would wear around the house on a Saturday," she says. "It's gotten lost that the meaning is still professional but somewhat relaxed." Casual confusion It's no wonder that the meaning of casual has been lost on employees -- after all, it's defined as "without formality, relaxed." Yet, what is casual for one person or company may be totally different for another. "Few employers expected, when 'business casual' or even 'casual casual' policies were instituted, that anyone would interpret them as allowing flip flops, major views of cleavage or stomachs, intimate garments or athletic wear," says Sue Thompson, a professional speaker on workplace issues. "Many employers are just fed up with people dressing like they are still in college and have just rolled out of bed." As a result, some companies have had to embark on stricter -- or at least more defined -- dress codes in the office. I Love Rewards, a web-based employee rewards and recognition program provider, implemented a dress code in 2006 that would hopefully refine the line between casual and business casual: First Date Dress Code. "It's exactly what it sounds like. Come to work dressed as you would for a first date: classy and sophisticated," says Razor Suleman, founder and CEO of the company. "I think casual is a vague term and can mean anything from shorts and t-shirts to a suit with no tie. This is why First Date Dress Code works. We created it, we set the guidelines and the employees made it their own." Economic effect Some companies have chosen to define their dress codes in a different ways and for different reasons. Laermer recently decided to allow his employees at RLM to wear jeans every day as a result of the economy. "People want to give their folks 'something,' since more money is not going to happen. When I realized there was not going to be a 'Summer Friday' this year, I decided that in this era of recession and blues, we need to be comfortable," he says. "I believe we (and I especially) are happier to come to work and push as hard as we have to during this difficult time. It's a lot about working early and late and I don't want to be thinking about ties." Casual counsel Having trouble deciding what is "too casual" for the office? Here are five tips for you to dress professionally, yet still allow you to be comfortable in the office: 1. Culture check "In choosing casual dress for your current or applied-for job, consider the corporate culture," says Susan Fitter Sloane, founder of Global Manners. Dress in a way that is consistent with your company's values, whether they are conservative or liberal. 2. Blend comfort and professionalism "Keep in mind that dressing professionally and being comfortable are not two mutually exclusive things," Thompson says. "You may be psychically uncomfortable in business attire, but there is no reason the clothing you purchase should be ill fitting and uncomfortable." 3. You are what you wear "Remember you are an important part of your employer's image," Suleman reminds. "The way you dress reflects the type of company you work for and speaks volumes to your customers and clients on how your company sees itself and its people." 4. Be economical "Dressing professionally does not have to cost a fortune," Thompson says. "'I can't afford it' is no excuse. The problem may be that you do not know how to dress well or carry it off." Check your local Goodwill for some very nice, freshly dry-cleaned, high-end suits or separates, she suggests. They may need to be hemmed, slightly altered or have buttons replaced, but these are easy fixes. 5. Make good choices When there is a truly casual atmosphere on the job, at least don't wear anything that represents what you do away from the office like going to the beach, exercising, cleaning the garage or rearranging your attic, Thompson says. "What would you wear to work if you knew the president of the company would be asking you to come to his or her office that day? Always be ready." Thompson reminds employees the following: "It is not your civil right to dress as you please. A casual, dress-down day is a privilege; learn do it with style." Rachel Zupek is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com and its job blog, The Work Buzz. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. Follow her on Twitter: https://twitter.com/CBwriterRZ. </div> <div></div> <div>Search more than 100,000 Jobs by <a href="http://jobs.careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/Jobs/JobResults.aspx?SB%3Asbkw=&SB%3As_freeloc=&SB%3Asbfr=30&sbsbmt=Find+Jobs+%C2%BB&lr=cbrockl&cid=US&excrit=QID%3DA3852768340946%3Bst%3DA%3Buse%3DALL%3BCID%3DUS%3BSID%3D%3F%3BTID%3D0%3BENR%3DNO%3BDTP%3DDRNS%3BYDI%3DYES%3BIND%3DALL%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPAYL%3D0%3BPAYH%3DGT120%3BPOY%3DNO%3BETD%3DALL%3BRE%3DALL%3BMGT%3DDC%3BSUP%3DDC%3BFRE%3D1%3BCHL%3DAL%3BQS%3DSID_UNKNOWN%3BSS%3DNO%3BTITL%3D0%3BOB%3D-modifiedint%3BJQT%3DRAD%3BJDV%3DFalse&IPath=ILM">CLICKING HERE!</a> </div>

Has Casual Friday Become Too Casual?

Friday is, hands down, the best day of the workweek. Not only is it the last working day, it's usually in conjunction with pay day, summ...

Favorite TV Workplaces

12:00 PM Anonymous 0

<a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/vf/ar5c6nb634dz1hwph7vf.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/vf/ar5c6nb634dz1hwph7vf.gif" style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> <div>After a long day's work, workers often look forward to a relaxing evening at home, enjoying their favorite TV shows to escape the chaos that they (hopefully) left at the office. But what happens when the workplace follows us into the TV? These days, more and more shows are set in work environments, making it easier for viewers to relate to realistic characters and storylines. In a recent CareerBuilder survey, when asked which TV show reminds them of their work environment, 15 percent of workers said "The Office." "Deadliest Catch," "Grey's Anatomy" and "Lost" trailed with 3 percent each, and "CSI," "Rescue Me" and "Ugly Betty" followed with 2 percent each, respectively. Here are some of our favorite TV workplaces and why: 1. 30 Rock Work environment: TV network Why we love it: Because it's entertaining (to say the least). Summary: Set behind-the-scenes of a fictional, live sketch-comedy show, its characters are beyond hysterical. Between Kenneth, the overeager, quirky, entry-level studio page; Jenna, the conceited, flirtatious and often flighty actress; and Tracy, the unpredictable, self-centered and "crazy movie star," we barely have time to focus on Jack Donaghy, the interfering network executive and Liz Lemon, the narrator and head writer for the show. 2. The Cleaner Work environment: Drug intervention Why we love it: Because it's inspirational to workers and people everywhere. Summary: William Banks, an extreme interventionist, is inspiring in his passion and dedication for his work, referring to it not as a job, but as a calling. "The Cleaner" focuses on Banks and his small team, all of whom are recovering addicts. Together, they use unconventional, often extreme measures "by any means necessary" to get rock-bottom addicts on the road to recovery. 3. Glee Work environment: Secondary education Why we love it: Because it portrays the ups and downs of what it takes to be a great educator. Summary: Will Schuester is an optimistic teacher who takes on the difficult task of restoring the formerly awesome glee club. Despite opposition from his co-workers (specifically, the hilarious gym teacher), Schuester demonstrates that with a little determination, even the toughest tasks at work can be handled. 4. HawthoRNe Work environment: Hospital Why we love it: Because it teaches workers to stand up for themselves and others at work. Summary: Whether she's your boss, your colleague or your nurse, chief nursing officer Christina Hawthorne encourages workers everywhere to make a difference. Compassionate and headstrong, Hawthorne fights for her patients to the death (no pun intended), defends her staff and stands up to authority if necessary. 5. In Treatment Work environment: Psychotherapy practice Why we love it: Because it touches on an industry that isn't always talked about, but has become a staple of American society. Summary: A show about a psychotherapist (and his psychotherapist), the drama captures Dr. Paul Weston and his sessions with his patients. We think it gives the oft-unrecognized psychotherapist some well-deserved credit. 6. Lie to Me Work environment: Various Why we love it: Because it's unique, honest and contributes to the greater good. Summary: If your boss is Dr. Cal Lightman, you can forget about feeding him a line about your alarm clock not going off this morning. Lightman is the world's leading deception expert and can detect the truth by analyzing a person's body language, facial expressions, voice intonations and speech patterns. (Talk about an intimidating boss.) Lightman and his team help federal law enforcement, government agencies and local police with their most difficult cases. 7. The Listener Work environment: Paramedics Why we love it: Because it focuses on a (cute) 25-year-old paramedic who can read people's minds, and therefore, solves crimes. How's that for good qualities in a co-worker? Summary: Toby Logan can listen to anyone's most intimate thoughts, a secret he shares with only one other person. He tries to use his gift to help as many people has he can, personally and professionally, but struggles with his own inner demons. 8. Parks and Recreation Work environment: Local government, specifically the parks and recreation department Why we love it: Because everyone can relate to a character on this show as it pokes fun at how seriously -- or in some cases, lightly -- some people take their jobs. Summary: Documentary cameras follow Leslie Knope, mid-level government official, as she tries to advance her career by helping turn an abandoned construction pit into a community park with no thanks to one colleague who "cheerfully exploits his government position for personal gain," and her boss, "who is philosophically opposed to government in any form." If nothing else, this workplace is pure comedy. 9. Rescue Me Work environment: New York City firehouse Why we love it: Because it pulls on our heartstrings watching the camaraderie and relationships among colleagues. Summary: Focusing on the men in a New York City firehouse -- the crew of the fictional Firehouse 62 -- the show mainly follows Tommy Gavin, a veteran firefighter and relapsed alcoholic. We also get a peek into the lives of his crew, and the day-to-day struggles firefighters face personally and professionally every day. 10. True Blood Work environment: Local diner/small town Why we love it: Because of its character storylines -- especially the cute vampire coupled with a telepathic waitress. Summary: Realistically, this "workplace" isn't realistic at all, what with the selling and dealing of vampire and synthetic blood; anti-vampire movements and the general idea of the co-existence of humans and vampires. But Merlotte's is your typical small business... Rachel Zupek is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com and its job blog, The Work Buzz. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. Follow her on Twitter: https://twitter.com/CBwriterRZ. </div> <div></div> <div>Search more than 100,000 Jobs by <a href="http://jobs.careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/Jobs/JobResults.aspx?SB%3Asbkw=&SB%3As_freeloc=&SB%3Asbfr=30&sbsbmt=Find+Jobs+%C2%BB&lr=cbrockl&cid=US&excrit=QID%3DA3852768340946%3Bst%3DA%3Buse%3DALL%3BCID%3DUS%3BSID%3D%3F%3BTID%3D0%3BENR%3DNO%3BDTP%3DDRNS%3BYDI%3DYES%3BIND%3DALL%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPAYL%3D0%3BPAYH%3DGT120%3BPOY%3DNO%3BETD%3DALL%3BRE%3DALL%3BMGT%3DDC%3BSUP%3DDC%3BFRE%3D1%3BCHL%3DAL%3BQS%3DSID_UNKNOWN%3BSS%3DNO%3BTITL%3D0%3BOB%3D-modifiedint%3BJQT%3DRAD%3BJDV%3DFalse&IPath=ILM">CLICKING HERE!</a> </div>

Favorite TV Workplaces

After a long day's work, workers often look forward to a relaxing evening at home, enjoying their favorite TV shows to escape the chaos ...

When a Co-Worker Steals an Idea

10:00 AM Anonymous 0

<a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/r2/ar5c6fn74ly1swnh9cr2.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/r2/ar5c6fn74ly1swnh9cr2.gif" style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> <div>You're sitting in a meeting, minding your own business, when one of your colleagues makes a suggestion. As you jot down notes, you realize that his proposal sounds vaguely familiar, but don't know why. Wait a second: He stole your idea! Co-workers stealing ideas in the workplace is more common than you think. Why exactly this happens is unknown, but Charmaine McClarie, founder and president of McClarie Group, a leadership development and communications-consulting firm, thinks that fear and laziness play equal parts in the process. "Colleagues take credit from others because they think they probably can get away with it," she says. "If one feels powerless to affect positive and necessary change, then stealing what one can't create oneself begins to look like a plausible solution." How to deal with it Why a colleague steals an idea is not as important as how you react when you realize it's happening. McClarie says you can prevent someone from stealing your idea by getting credit for it long before you do the work. "Part of planning a project should be planning who needs to know about your ideas and how they should learn about it," she says. "When a group of people know and support your ideas, no one else can come in and take credit for them." Other experts say that unless there is a really good reason not to, confronting the credit appropriator is the best route to take -- as long as you do it in a non-accusatory manner. "Speaking about [stealing your idea] in the form of a complaint can make you seem like a whiner," McClarie says. "You may want to beat them with a stick; but wave your wand instead." Perhaps the best option you have when an associate takes credit for your idea is to try to regain control and move the idea forward. "If someone does steal your idea at a meeting, avoid trying to stake your claim on the idea then and there. It will leave a bad impression," McClarie advises. "Instead, send an e-mail afterward to those who attended. Present a few points that will move the idea forward. You're allowing others to know that you're a leader and strategic thinker who gets results." A different view While many believe that ideas belong to an owner, Richard Gallagher, author of "How to Tell Anyone Anything: Breakthrough Techniques for Handling Difficult Conversations at Work," has a different perspective: "There is a misguided belief that ideas, and credit, should be hoarded as a kind of career currency," Gallagher says. "In reality, ideas flourish when fertilized by the input of an entire team. People who worry too much about idea ownership are often putting self-interest ahead of the good of the entire workplace, an attitude that can hurt your career." In other words, Gallagher thinks that ideas are not copyrighted and cannot be stolen, only spread. By encouraging people to spread your ideas, Gallagher says you gain more leadership credentials than by squabbling over credit. Advice and tips Here are five ways you can deal with or prevent idea appropriation (or idea sharing): 1. Create advocates for your idea "Too often, when we think of a great idea, we turn to the person closest to us and share it. Instead, get strategic," McClarie says. "Ask yourself who in your organization is seen and valued as a leader and needs to know about [your ideas]. You're getting your idea out there before it can be stolen and you're also making it clear that it's your idea." 2. Reframe your views "Change your perspective from one of having your idea stolen to one of having it communicated," Gallagher says. "Congratulate the other person for doing such a great job of communicating the idea and tell your boss what a great job this person did of helping bring your idea to life." 3. Ask others for support "Ask others to speak to [your] idea at an anticipated meeting, particularly if you think there might be some pushback," McClarie says. That way, people will refer to the idea as yours. "'Well, (idea-stealer), that's an interesting point; Charmaine and I were speaking about this last week.' At that point, the idea has been unstolen." 4. Think beyond the idea "Over a century ago, someone had the idea of turning a horse carriage into an automobile. Do you remember who that person was? The people we really remember are the ones who took ideas and built on them," Gallagher says. 5. Borrow, encourage and give credit "When you openly encourage people to 'steal' your ideas and get in the habit of 'stealing' from others and crediting them, wonderful things happen to your career that you could never imagine when you try to be the long ranger with a great idea." Rachel Zupek is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com and its job blog, The Work Buzz. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. Follow her on Twitter: https://twitter.com/CBwriterRZ. </div> <div></div> <div>Search more than 100,000 Jobs by <a href="http://jobs.careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/Jobs/JobResults.aspx?SB%3Asbkw=&SB%3As_freeloc=&SB%3Asbfr=30&sbsbmt=Find+Jobs+%C2%BB&lr=cbrockl&cid=US&excrit=QID%3DA3852768340946%3Bst%3DA%3Buse%3DALL%3BCID%3DUS%3BSID%3D%3F%3BTID%3D0%3BENR%3DNO%3BDTP%3DDRNS%3BYDI%3DYES%3BIND%3DALL%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPAYL%3D0%3BPAYH%3DGT120%3BPOY%3DNO%3BETD%3DALL%3BRE%3DALL%3BMGT%3DDC%3BSUP%3DDC%3BFRE%3D1%3BCHL%3DAL%3BQS%3DSID_UNKNOWN%3BSS%3DNO%3BTITL%3D0%3BOB%3D-modifiedint%3BJQT%3DRAD%3BJDV%3DFalse&IPath=ILM">CLICKING HERE!</a> </div>

When a Co-Worker Steals an Idea

You're sitting in a meeting, minding your own business, when one of your colleagues makes a suggestion. As you jot down notes, you reali...

Discover Your Passions to Find the Right Job

8:00 AM Anonymous 0

<a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/cc/ar5d6x26gf4t3ky2v0cc.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/cc/ar5d6x26gf4t3ky2v0cc.gif" style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> <div>We've all heard the bad news about the challenging odds that today's job seekers are up against. Unemployment rates are high and competing for a position with so many other skilled workers can feel a bit like being a rookie basketball player on the court with Kobe Bryant. So what can you do to stand out among all of the other candidates competing for positions today? Tap into your passions! In order to find the right job, it's essential to understand the kind of worker you are and the internal drivers that provide you with a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment. Operating from your passions will not only make you shine during the interview process, it will allow you to soar once you've landed the job. Passion is what we can combine with our skills to deliver great results and at the same time find meaning in our work. So, rather than adopting the mind-set that you're looking for a job, and concentrating solely on the title and job description, why not focus instead on whether the position will offer an outlet for your passions? It might open up new possibilities in your job search. Purpose Linked Consulting has identified 10 "Passion Archetypes," or styles of passion that workers demonstrate. They are specific and measurable personality characteristics described in "The Purpose Linked Organization" (McGraw-Hill, 2009): · The Builder: This is an archetype that welcomes opportunities to construct new business or build a new function on an open landscape. Builders love uncharted territory and work best with an established goal and a clean sheet of paper; they require the freedom to create their own blueprint for achieving objectives. Builders are relentlessly results-oriented drivers of the business and are often natural leaders. · The Transformer: This archetype thrives in chaos and change. Transformers identify and embrace possibilities for improvement in the business, the environment or in others. They rarely wait for change to happen, but instead seek to orchestrate change and may become bored when things remain the same. · The Processor: Quality-oriented and analytical, Processors enjoy sifting through information and data to see what it reveals. They often anticipate what course corrections are needed based on their interpretation of information, saving themselves or the organization from serious mistakes. · The Altruist: With a strong passion for doing work that benefits society or contributes to the higher good of the organization, the Altruist often acts as the company's moral compass. Altruists will challenge the organization to make decisions that positively impact the larger world. · The Healer: This archetype takes personal responsibility for helping others navigate through their pain. Healers can be found working behind the scenes in an organization, offering advice and counsel to co-workers, as well as in traditional health-care roles. They are likely to be the first to identify dysfunction in the organization and step forward with a remedy. · The Connector: With a passion for communications, negotiation and building bridges between people and needs or between problems and solutions, the Connector is the architect of relationship. Connectors seek common ground on which issues can be resolved and individuals brought together. · The Creator: Like the Great Masters, Creators take the concepts in their minds and translate them into a form that others can appreciate. Creators focus intently on the aesthetic, and look for beauty and functionality in whatever they manifest through their work. They are the artisans of the organization. · The Teacher: These individuals are promoters of learning and avid seekers of knowledge. Teachers can be counted on to help others develop, to translate new information in ways that make it easily understandable and to share all that they know within their area of expertise. · The Discoverer: Discoverers are the explorers of the organization. They enjoy designing experiments or approaches that will help uncover a hidden truth. They are often innovators who enjoy solving challenging puzzles. · The Conceiver: Big-picture intellectual acrobats, Conceivers consistently push the edges of the envelope of thought and are likely to be the ones with the crazy idea that contributes to a breakthrough product, service, process or strategy. Because of their expansive thought patterns, they may resolve challenges while others are still grappling with understanding the question. It's a startling fact that most of us spend more 84,000 hours of our lives at work -- and in these economic times, organizations are asking employees to deliver even more. So, why not make the most of that time by building a career in which you can thrive? Applying passion and skill at work is the winning formula that can make the difference between a just having a job or a creating a lifestyle. Alaina Love is a business consultant, writer, speaker and the president of Purpose Linked Consulting, a leadership and organization development firm. She is co-author of the new McGraw-Hill book "The Purpose Linked Organization: How Passionate Leaders Inspire Winning Teams and Great Results," which offers free access to the customized Passion Profiler tool that will help you identify your individual purpose and distinct Passion Archetype. She is also the author of "Leading With Purpose," a monthly column for BusinessWeek.com.</div> <div></div> <div>Search more than 100,000 Jobs by <a href="http://jobs.careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/Jobs/JobResults.aspx?SB%3Asbkw=&SB%3As_freeloc=&SB%3Asbfr=30&sbsbmt=Find+Jobs+%C2%BB&lr=cbrockl&cid=US&excrit=QID%3DA3852768340946%3Bst%3DA%3Buse%3DALL%3BCID%3DUS%3BSID%3D%3F%3BTID%3D0%3BENR%3DNO%3BDTP%3DDRNS%3BYDI%3DYES%3BIND%3DALL%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPAYL%3D0%3BPAYH%3DGT120%3BPOY%3DNO%3BETD%3DALL%3BRE%3DALL%3BMGT%3DDC%3BSUP%3DDC%3BFRE%3D1%3BCHL%3DAL%3BQS%3DSID_UNKNOWN%3BSS%3DNO%3BTITL%3D0%3BOB%3D-modifiedint%3BJQT%3DRAD%3BJDV%3DFalse&IPath=ILM">CLICKING HERE!</a> </div>

Discover Your Passions to Find the Right Job

We've all heard the bad news about the challenging odds that today's job seekers are up against. Unemployment rates are high and com...

How to Answer Salary Questions

6:00 AM Anonymous 0

<a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/zc/ar5f2mm63mxjpptyrczc.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/zc/ar5f2mm63mxjpptyrczc.gif" style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> <div>Americans aren't keen to discuss money. We like making it and we like spending it, but money doesn't belong in polite conversation. It sits on the shelf of forbidden topics, alongside politics, religion and sex. Yet, one of the requisites often found on a job posting is, "Include salary history." You haven't even met anyone at the company yet and you're expected to divulge information only you and your bank account know? How rude. Like it or not, salary talks are part of job hunts, and often they arise in the early stages of the game. For a topic as sensitive and tricky as money, how should you proceed? And what if you don't? When a job posting tells you to include salary history or requirements on your résumé, you have only two choices: do it or don't. Sure, you can ignore it or dance around it by writing, "Salary to be commensurate with experience and responsibilities." That doesn't change the fact that you haven't handed over any hard numbers. And that's fine, as long as you realize you might remove yourself from the running, says Sue Fuller, director of talent management for EDL Consulting. "When a job posting requests salary history, the purpose is to identify candidates who are in a viable compensation range," Fuller says. "In these instances, it is important to show salary history. Otherwise, the risk is to be excluded from consideration." Job seekers aren't hesitant to hand over financial information only due to manners; they are afraid to hurt their chances of getting a good salary or even the job. For example, if your current income is higher than what this job will pay, the employer might assume you won't take a salary cut and remove you from the pool of applicants. Conversely, if your salary is well below this job's rate, the employer can lowball an offer. Either way, you lose. The interview Even if you're able to sidestep the issue during the application process, you might encounter it during a phone interview. Unless you like long, awkward silences, you'll have to address the issue. "The best answer is to tell the employer what you are currently earning [or most recently earned]," Fuller suggests. "At that point, compensation is not at a negotiation stage; it is at the information gathering stage. This is an important distinction to understand." If you're asked what you expect to earn, not what you did earn, Fuller recommends you give a realistic range for the position. This gives the employer an idea of what you want and can lead to a discussion of whether that pay aligns with what he or she had in mind. Regardless of when the topic arises, Fuller stresses that job seekers be honest about their salary history. Employers can verify your salary in a matter of minutes these days, so lying only serves to make you look bad. Just because you give a high number doesn't mean the employer will match the amount, Fuller says. The real purpose of salary talks in the beginning is to get a clear picture of what you're worth and what the company can offer. This is why Fuller advises as much flexibility as possible on your part. "When an offer is made, the candidate can negotiate several tangible and intangible factors that may include a six-month review, incentives, benefits, career development and/or flexibility," Fuller says. "Candidates should realize that value proposition [is about more] than just dollars and that companies will reward employees who perform." The dos and don'ts As with any portion of a job hunt, there are bad signals you can send to an employer and vice versa. For example, you don't want to show up wearing beach attire to an interview. At the same time, you don't want to work at an office where all the employees looked unhappy and terrified of the boss. Salary talks have similar red flags. "During salary discussions, an employer does not want to hear about financial pressures candidates may have, such as debt, loans or, especially, maintaining a lifestyle," Fuller cautions. "Showing an appreciation for the tangibles, intangibles and the big picture will go a long way. [Also], employers will screen out candidates who are all about the money and not about the contribution and advancement of the organization." But be wary of employers during these conversations. You need to trust what you're being told; otherwise you probably don't want to work at the company. "Candidates who cannot establish trust with an employer about the role, the expectations, the compensation and the future outlook should not accept an offer with an employer," Fuller says. If you have no faith in what you hear, can you imagine what it will be like to work for this employer every day? Anthony Balderrama is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com and its job blog, The Work Buzz. He researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. Search more than 100,000 Jobs by <a href="http://jobs.careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/Jobs/JobResults.aspx?SB%3Asbkw=&SB%3As_freeloc=&SB%3Asbfr=30&sbsbmt=Find+Jobs+%C2%BB&lr=cbrockl&cid=US&excrit=QID%3DA3852768340946%3Bst%3DA%3Buse%3DALL%3BCID%3DUS%3BSID%3D%3F%3BTID%3D0%3BENR%3DNO%3BDTP%3DDRNS%3BYDI%3DYES%3BIND%3DALL%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPAYL%3D0%3BPAYH%3DGT120%3BPOY%3DNO%3BETD%3DALL%3BRE%3DALL%3BMGT%3DDC%3BSUP%3DDC%3BFRE%3D1%3BCHL%3DAL%3BQS%3DSID_UNKNOWN%3BSS%3DNO%3BTITL%3D0%3BOB%3D-modifiedint%3BJQT%3DRAD%3BJDV%3DFalse&IPath=ILM">CLICKING HERE!</a></div>