Exercise is not optional

At least once a week someone will ask me what motivates me to exercise. They want to know my secret. When I tell them I like how it makes me feel, or I want to live longer and be healthier, keep my weight down, wear cute clothes, they nod in agreement, but I can tell they don't really get it. They still want to know how I do it. <br /><br />I wish I did have a secret to share with people, that would motivate them to exercise. There just isn't any secret, but there are a few things I can share that might help.<br /><br />When I weighed 240 pounds it hurt a lot to exercise. I would feel a pain in my chest, my asthma would flare up and I could barely breathe, my feet would ache and hurt, even on the elliptical machine. It was pure and utter torture. In the beginning I would only do cardio for 30 minutes, four days a week. Every day I thought I was going to die. Every day, I wanted to die. <br /><br />As much as I hated it in the beginning, I knew not exercising wasn't an option for me. I was 53 at the time (19 months ago) and knew the importance of exercise for someone my age. I didn't want to be one of those frail, old ladies that can barely walk. That's not for me.<br /><br />I kept telling myself that working out was just something I had to do every day, like brushing and flossing my teeth, I have to work my body. <br /><br />As the weight started coming off, it got a little bit easier, but not a lot. When I had lost forty pounds and added in some weight training I could actually work out for an hour. It still kind of hurt, especially my left foot. I don't know what was wrong with it, but it hurt like the devil. My foot doesn't hurt at all now and my asthma has dissappeared. <br /><br />When I got down to 180 pounds I hired a personal trainer. This was the thing that really got me hooked on strength training and doing interval cardio. She showed me several stength exercises and how to maintain proper form. She also had me workout on every piece of equipment in the gym. Having a personal trainer was the smartest and best thing I've ever done for myself. I should have done it sooner.<br /><br />A couple tips on hiring a personal trainer. First of all, don't just walk into your gym and say you want to hire a trainer and slap down $110 an hour for ten sessions. Yes, they really wanted $1,100 from me and that was for the "cheap" trainer. Crazy! I almost did it, but after watching the trainers at my gym standing around with their clients with bored looks on their faces, I thought no way was I going to pay someone to do that. <br /><br />I was lucky because I got to know my aerobics instructor at the YMCA I was going to at the time (I had two gym memberships for about a year). She was an amazing aerobics teacher. I totally loved her enthusiasm. She had a great personality, was funny and put together really fun workouts with great music. When I found out she also did personal training I hired her immediately. Through the YMCA the sessions were only $30. Ten sessions for $300. The deal of a lifetime. <br /><br />Search around to find someone you like. Before you hire the person, interview them, watch them on the job, training someone. Do they act like they care or do they act like they'd really rather be somewhere else? I can't imagine anything worse than working out with a trainer that doesn't have a sincere interest in helping you.<br /><br />I really think exercise is the key to this whole thing of losing weight and keeping it off. Even though my eating hasn't been perfect, and I still have weight to lose, I've been in the same 10-pound range for nine months. Probably the longest I've ever kept off a significant amount of weight. <br /><br />So if you're struggling with the idea of exercise, all I can say is yes, it's hard, it hurts, it's not fun in the beginning. Actually it was a little piece of hell on earth, but after a few months it gets easier. You just have to do it, it's not optional.

Exercise is not optional

At least once a week someone will ask me what motivates me to exercise. They want to know my secret. When I tell them I like how it makes me...

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Do You Have TWHD?

Vacation guilt syndrome, afternoon flu, procrastination blues and take work home disorder. You may not have heard of these conditions, but chances are you've suffered from them. Though fictional, these "illnesses" could have a big impact on your career.<br /><br />Here are a few examples of common workplace ailments and prescriptions for recovering from them:<br /><br />Ailment No. 1: Vacation guilt syndrome<br /><br />Diagnosis: This syndrome doesn't discriminate, keeping countless workers at the office five days a week, 52 weeks a year. It's all too easy to come up with a reason you can't take a vacation. Excuses include having too much work to do, not wanting to ask someone else to take on your assignments or worrying that you'll forget to complete everything before you leave. Any of these can cause you to feel guilty and forgo some necessary days away from work.<br /><br />Prescription: Plan ahead. It helps to notify manager as early as possible, so you can work prepare for your time away from work. Together, you can determine who will take on your assignments while you're gone and which projects can wait for your return. Also, use your out-of-office functions so people who call or e-mail you know that you're away, whom they should contact in the interim and when you'll return. With preparation, you'll be able to take a much-needed break and come back to work refreshed.<br /><br />Ailment No. 2: Afternoon flu<br /><br />Diagnosis: After a long day, the afternoon rolls around and suddenly you feel your energy wane. Tackling another assignment seems impossible. Instead, you're thinking about heading home and hoping the clock will suddenly speed forward a few hours.<br /><br />Prescription: Reorganize and rejuvenate. If you're consistently dragging toward the end of the day, you might need to organize your schedule differently. By taking on urgent and thought-intensive tasks in the morning, you can focus on low-priority assignments that don't require as much concentration later in the afternoon. Don't forget to take a break, go for a short walk or eat a light snack to keep your energy level high. If a last-minute emergency arises, you'll be better able to tackle it.<br /><br />Ailment No. 3: Procrastination blues<br /><br />Diagnosis: You most likely get the blues when a particularly tough project looms, rendering you unable to tackle it for days, if not weeks. You're convinced it will take too long, involve work that doesn't interest you or prove too difficult. Whatever the reason, your tasks continue to pile up.<br /><br />Prescription: Break projects into smaller portions. Instead of allowing an assignment to remain unattended, break it into more easily accomplished parts. For instance, if you're indexing a box of documents, separate them into small, manageable piles. Tackling the piles one at a time will prevent you from becoming overwhelmed and allow you to make gradual progress. Before you know it, the project will be finished and off your desk.<br /><br />Ailment No. 4: Take work home disorder (TWHD)<br /><br />Diagnosis: This malady seems to strike at the busiest, most stressful times. When afflicted, you've fallen so far behind in your assignments that you're forced to take work home with you at night and over weekends.<br /><br />Prescription: Develop a game plan. Preparation and focus are the keys to efficiency at the office. At the end of each day, invest some time in identifying the next day's tasks and ranking them in terms of priority. Review your to-do list in the morning to ensure you start the day by focusing on the most important projects. By taking care of pressing tasks early in the day, you have a better chance of being finished with everything by the time you go home. If you find yourself with chronic TWHD, you should talk to your manager about re-evaluating your workload.<br /><br />Informing yourself about these ailments will give you the tools needed to fend them off and keep working as efficiently and effectively as ever. If only avoiding a common cold were as easy.<br /><br />Robert Half International is the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm with a global network of more than 360 offices worldwide. For more information about our professional services, please visit www.rhi.com.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">Search more than 100,000 Jobs by </span></strong><a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/Jobs/JobResults.aspx?strCrit=rawWords%3d%3bcty%3d%3bsid%3d%3bcid%3dUS%3bfre%3d30%3brad%3d%3bJN%3d%3b&lr=cbrockl&siteid=rocklcs"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">CLICKING HERE!</span></strong> </a>

Do You Have TWHD?

Vacation guilt syndrome, afternoon flu, procrastination blues and take work home disorder. You may not have heard of these conditions, but c...

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Is Your Job Germy?

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/4x/ar5b3qf66tvcfsbrm64x.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" iq="true" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/4x/ar5b3qf66tvcfsbrm64x.gif" /></a><br /></div>Did you know that the average toilet seat is 400 times cleaner than your desk? Or that there are more than 10 million germs on the average desktop?<br /><br />But how can that be, when either you or someone else is cleaning your desk every day?<br /><br />For starters, workers who diligently wipe down their desktops are essentially just giving germs a free ride, says Dr. Charles Gerba -- aka "Dr. Germ" -- a microbiologist at the University of Arizona, who conducted a study on germs in the workplace. Instead, you have to kill them on the spot using a disinfectant or sanitizer. <br /><br />Workers are also spending more time at their desks. According to a recent survey by the American Dietetic Association, 57 percent of workers snack at their desks at least once a day. More than 75 percent of workers "only occasionally" clean their desks before eating and 20 percent never do. <br /><br />"As people spend more time at their desks, germs find plenty to snack on," Gerba says. "Desks are really bacteria cafeterias. They're breakfast buffets, lunch tables and snack bars, as we spend more and more hours at the office." <br /><br />Your desk isn't the only thing harboring germs. Essentially, your entire office is a petri dish of viruses, bacteria and other germs. Your phone, mouthpiece, keyboard, light switches, buttons on the elevator, door handles, right down to the papers you drop off for approval at your boss's desk -- each of these things is loaded with countless microbes that you come in contact with every day. In one study, Gerba and his researchers found that an infected person can leave a trail of viruses on every surface he touches -- and viruses can survive on surfaces for up to three days.<br /><br />For his study, Gerba and his team collected samples from private offices and cubicles in Tucson, Ariz., and Washington, D.C. The study, funded by The Clorox Co., tested more than 616 surfaces in the office and deduced which harbored the most germs. Then, they studied surfaces in the workplaces of people in different professions to determine which were the "germiest."<br /><br />Here are nine of the germiest jobs, in order from most to least germy, and how they stacked up to each other. <br /><br />1. Teacher<br /><br />Average amount of bacteria per square inch: 17,800 <br /><br />Why it's germy: Kids' desktops are probably the dirtiest object in a classroom. Additionally, when children turn in tests and assignments, they hand in germs, too. Teachers had 5 1/2 times more germs on their phones, nearly twice as many germs on their computer mice and nearly 27 times more germs on the computer keys than other professions studied in a survey done by researchers at the University of Arizona.<br /><br />Salary*: $44,137/year<br /><br />2. Accountant<br /><br />Average amount of bacteria per square inch: 6,030 <br /><br />Why it's germy: Accountants tend to spend a great deal of time behind their desks, which as previously mentioned often retain the most germs. Accountants' desks and pens ranked No. 1 in the study as most germy, averaging 12,600 and 2,350 bacteria per square inch, respectively.<br /><br />Salary: $46,171/year<br /><br />3. Banker<br /><br />Average amount of bacteria per square inch: 5,400 <br /><br />Why it's germy: Everyone knows how dirty money is. When you think about the one core duty of bankers -- handling money -- it's no surprise the germs bankers come in contact with. Surfaces used by bankers came in third behind teachers and accountants as having the most bacteria. Compared with other professions, however, bankers had the least germy computer keyboards.<br /><br />Salary: $22,099/year (as a bank teller)<br /><br />4. Radio DJ<br /><br />Average amount of bacteria per square inch: 3,323 <br /><br />Why it's germy: Radio DJs often work in shifts, with several people coming in and out of the station a day. It's doubtful that each of these people disinfects every button, switch, control and headset in between their shift and the next person's. As we said before, an infected person can leave a trail of viruses on every surface he touches -- so many people using the same equipment is bound to garner a lot of bacteria.<br /><br />Salary: $42,707/year<br /><br />5. Doctor<br /><br />Average amount of bacteria per square inch: 2,620 <br /><br />Why it's germy: As professionals who serve sick people, it's no surprise doctors are their own source of germs. Likely culprits for carrying germs are the medical charts that switch so many hands each day, which is why many health care facilities are pushing for electronic medical records.<br /><br />Salary: $123,147/year<br /><br />6. Television producer<br /><br />Average amount of bacteria per square inch: 2,460 <br /><br />Why it's germy: Television producers tend to spend their days overseeing writers, directors and editors, while also conducting meetings and editing TV segments. All of these responsibilities add up to lots of physical contact with humans and items that cart around germs. In Gerba's study, TV producers had the least germy computer mice, averaging only 375 bacteria per square inch.<br /><br />Salary: $65,930/year<br /><br />7. Consultant<br /><br />Average amount of bacteria per square inch: 1,250 <br /><br />Why it's germy: Consultants work in a variety of environments but most share the goal of defining problems and providing solutions for companies. To do so, they need to conduct studies, surveys and interviews. The problem is, as a consultant, you work with so many companies and in so many offices, you never really know the environment you're working in -- or what kinds of germs you're coming in contact with.<br /><br />Salary: $152,423/year<br /><br />8. Publicist<br /><br />Average amount of bacteria per square inch: 1,020 <br /><br />Why it's germy: Publicists have multiple clients with whom they keep in contact every day. As a result, they spend most of their time at their desks, communicating via telephone and on the computer -- the top three places that harbor the most germs. Surprisingly, out of all the occupations, publicists had the least germy telephones.<br /><br />Salary**: $49,800/year<br /><br />9. Lawyer<br /><br />Average amount of bacteria per square inch: 900 <br /><br />Why it's germy: Though many people picture lawyers as sitting behind their desks all day, lawyers had the least germy desks, averaging just 263 bacteria per square inch. This is probably because lawyers tend to be everywhere but their desks; instead, they spend their times in courtrooms, jails, interrogation rooms and other germ-infested environments. Plus, they probably shake a lot of hands.<br /><br />Salary: $90,414/year<br /><br />*U.S. national average salaries according to CBSalary.com <br /><br />** According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics<br /><br />By Rachel Zupek writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">Search more than 100,000 Jobs by </span></strong><a href="mailto: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"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">CLICKING HERE!</span></strong> </a>

Is Your Job Germy?

Did you know that the average toilet seat is 400 times cleaner than your desk? Or that there are more than 10 million germs on the average d...

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When You Don't Fit In at Work

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/by/ar5d0s46l07yxy883bby.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" iq="true" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/by/ar5d0s46l07yxy883bby.gif" /></a><br /></div>The struggle to fit in follows everyone throughout life. It's one of those human experiences everyone must endure.<br /><br />In school, you don't want to be the kid playing alone during recess.<br /><br />At a party, you don't want to be the only person standing in the corner with a drink in your hand and a sad expression on your face.<br /><br />In the office, you'd like to have people talk to you during the day. Or at the very least, not actively dislike you.<br /><br />When you put groups of people together, not everyone is going to be best friends. Even if co-workers aren't fighting, one person can feel like an outsider and grow to dread heading into work each morning.<br /><br />People don't fit in for a variety of reasons. Personalities don't click. Your gender, ethnicity or age make you stick out from everyone else. Or maybe preconceived notions of you or of your colleagues -- however inaccurate they may be -- prevent relationships from forming.<br /><br />The gender gap<br /><br />Vicky Oliver, author of "Bad Bosses, Crazy Co-Workers and Other Office Idiots," worked for an ad agency where she was one of few women on the team, and those women were significantly older than she. She couldn't change or hide her age and gender, so she decided to use it to her advantage.<br /><br />"I took it as a challenge," Oliver says. "I recognized that, by nature of my gender, I would be giving a different perspective to the team and that was a good thing." More importantly, she recognized that not only did she feel better, but she was making a valuable contribution that others would notice. "The trick is to accept that maybe you won't be let in to every single social activity -- I don't recall ever being invited for a beer after work -- but hopefully, for the things that really matter, your input as an outsider will be appreciated. You are like a tiny focus group of one. You are broadening the group knowledge and your input really matters!"<br /><br />It's not them, it's you<br /><br />Sometimes a rift between co-workers is less about what they don't like and more about what they don't know. <br /><br />Consider the performance review Vickie Pynchon had as a young attorney. Pynchon's boss told her that colleagues who knew her well really liked her, while those who hardly knew her or had never met her didn't like her at all.<br /><br />"I realized that the people I knew the least were people who I disliked for no reason other than the fact that they were insurance defense attorneys and I was a commercial litigation attorney," Pynchon remembers. "I was young and arrogant and disapproved of their work for the insurance industry. I still had a bit of a hippie-who-sold-out chip on my shoulder."<br /><br />As a result, she changed her attitude toward the people that she thought didn't like her and became open to getting to know them. She found out that she admired and respected her colleagues very much, once she knew them. Her review the next year was a huge turnaround, and the feedback from her colleagues was overwhelmingly positive. <br /><br />The lone ranger<br /><br />Try as you might, you can't force anyone to be your friend or to like you. In fact, trying too hard is likely to earn more enemies than friends. Still, when you don't fit in, you can't help but feel dejected.<br /><br />Michael Soon Lee, author of "Cross-Cultural Selling for Dummies," has often found himself the odd man out because of his ethnicity. He's found that being an Asian-American male in predominantly white workplaces often set him apart from everyone on day one.<br /><br />"It's a lot of work sometimes, but I've found that the key to fitting in is to make people feel comfortable around me," Lee says. "I know if they are, I will feel comfortable around them."<br /><br />After years of struggling to fit in, he's developed some methods for forming good relationships between himself and his colleagues. Here are some tips he's garnered:<br /><br />Do some cultural anthropology<br />Lee realizes that part of fitting in to his surroundings comes from observation. He studies the company culture for clues on how to adapt. "How do people dress and how formally or informally do people interact with each other? Then I mirror the culture but still try to maintain my own sense of uniqueness because I feel strongly that this has led to my success over the years." <br /><br />Boost an ego<br />Rather than wait for someone to befriend him, Lee makes the first move when he's new on the job. He suggests inviting someone to sit with you at lunch or participating in some social activities.<br /><br />"I make them the center of attention by asking questions about them. Again, this helps to break barriers and they think I'm a fabulous conversationalist because I engage them in their favorite topic ... them." <br /><br />Be flexible<br />Lee knows that his direct, high-energy work style isn't suitable for everyone, so he does his best to accommodate other people. "I try to be aware of other's work styles, which may be more indirect, subtle and detail oriented, and [I] endeavor to interact with them in their preferred mode." <br /><br />Give credit<br />"I make an effort to share my success with my team regardless of the amount of their contribution. After all, no one can be successful alone," Lee says. <br /><br />By Anthony Balderrama writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com. He researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. <br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">Search more than 100,000 Jobs by </span></strong><a href="mailto: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"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">CLICKING HERE!</span></strong> </a>

When You Don't Fit In at Work

The struggle to fit in follows everyone throughout life. It's one of those human experiences everyone must endure. In school, you don...

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Does Your Career Fit Your Personality?

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/vn/ar5b7y95x2zhj3yjgjvn.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" iq="true" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/vn/ar5b7y95x2zhj3yjgjvn.gif" /></a><br /></div>Everyone knows how hard it is to get along with others when there's a personality clash -- so imagine how hard it is to be happy in a career that does the same thing.<br /><br />Similar to when you're looking for a mate, you want to find a career that complements your character, not conflicts with it. For example, if you're active and outgoing, you might not do well sitting behind a desk all day. By the same token, if you're shy and soft-spoken, you might not do well in a job that requires a lot of social interaction, and if you like working alone, you wouldn't thrive in a team setting.<br /><br />Here we have six personality groups that seem to encompass the majority of people. From there, we've listed what jobs might best fit your needs.<br /><br />Here are several vocations that are sure to complement your temperament. Please note that each requires different education, training and qualification requirements.<br /><br />Personality: Artistic<br />What you're like: Artistic personalities are creative by nature, with imaginations that stretch further than others can conceive. These people like to express themselves through their work versus completing structured tasks. They like to work without rules, and enjoy working with forms, designs, colors, words and patterns.<br />Job matches: <br />Editor ... $47,811*<br />Graphic designer ... $48,891<br />High school drama teacher ... $52,856<br />Landscape architect ... $53,241<br />Perfumer ... $21,791<br />Producer ... $79,310<br /><br />Personality: Conventional<br />What you're like: Conventional people like conventional things: Rules, procedures, schedules and instructions are all things that appeal to them. They prefer working with details and data versus ideas; they are practical and like routine and order.<br />Job matches:<br />Accountant ... $46,171<br />Actuary ... $97,354<br />Building inspector ... $47,735<br />Cost estimator ... $53,413<br />Financial planner ... $63,837<br />Technical writer ... $55,747<br /><br />Personality: Enterprising<br />What you're like: Enterprise people are leaders. They like to see projects through from start to finish, business ventures in particular. They are doers more than thinkers and are more interested in the "big picture" than the small pieces that make it up.<br />Job matches: <br />Advertising sales agent ... $39,103<br />Financial officer ... $77,019<br />Management analyst ... $63,610<br />Program director ... $48,382<br />Sales representative ... $44,784<br />Sales manager ... $85,091<br /><br />Personality: Investigative<br />What you're like: Investigative people prefer to work alone. They like using logic over imagination, solving problems and mysteries, putting together pieces of a puzzle, precision and science, and they pay extreme attention to detail. <br />Job matches: <br />Computer systems analyst ... $61,549<br />Librarian ... $48,025<br />Optometrist ... $95,058<br />Science professor ... $73,532<br />Software engineer ... $75,850<br />Statistician ... $59,830<br /><br />Personality: Realistic<br />What you're like: True to their name, realists are ... well, realistic. They are results-driven, hands-on people who like problems and solutions. They like working outdoors, as well as with machines, tools and jewelry.<br />Job matches: <br />Diagnostic medical sonographer ... $56,603<br />Electrician ... $35,158<br />Highway patrol pilot ... $69,098<br />Locksmith ... $34,148<br />Nuclear engineer ... $84,044<br />Orthodontist ... $271,373<br /><br />Personality: Social<br />What you're like: Social people like helping others and working with teams. They communicate well and thrive on human interaction, and they'd rather talk than work with machines or data. The best jobs for them are ones that let them be with other people.<br />Job matches:<br />Family practitioner ... $160,264<br />Personal coach ... $64,523<br />Personal trainer ... $24,881<br />School psychologist ... $49,622<br />Student affairs director ... $71,093<br />Teacher ... $44,137<br />Are you interested in learning more about the career path you're suited for? Check out all our career tests at www.careerpath.com.<br /><br />*Salaries according to CBSalary.com<br /><br />By Rachel Zupek writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">Search more than 100,000 Jobs by </span></strong><a href="mailto: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"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">CLICKING HERE!</span></strong> </a>

Does Your Career Fit Your Personality?

Everyone knows how hard it is to get along with others when there's a personality clash -- so imagine how hard it is to be happy in a ca...

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What Is Your Style?

What’s Your Style?<br /><br />No, I’m not talking about a 2-piece vs. 3-piece suit, but your communication style. Everyone falls into one of four dominant communication styles. The key to great communications is being able to identify both your perceived style and the other person’s dominant style.<br /><br />How can having this knowledge help you in your job hunt? Well, in those face-to-face interviews not all interviewers are created equally. In fact, there is a better chance than not that the person who will be interviewing you for your next position has never had any formal interview training, but rather they are just wearing the “interview hat” for the next 30 minutes or so. Many organizations submit to the “peer interview” process which consists of employees from various departments taking fifteen to thirty minutes each interviewing prospective candidates and then submitting a standardized feedback form consisting of both their “opinion” and some type of numerical ranking of the candidate based on pre-screened questions. This is then submitted to management with them undertaking a “subjective” review of the data. The problem is…it is hardly objective.<br /><br />Most untrained interviewers have a tendency to rank more highly those candidates that they “liked” as opposed to objectively comparing the candidates backgrounds, skill-sets or achievements. Untrained personnel end up hiring folks who are, "just like them” as they relate to their own styles. They recommend and hire those candidates who got into their comfort zone. Often times the choice is the wrong decision because it was based on the “like factor” rather than how the person’s background fits the requirements. Eventually the candidate and/or the organization come to realize they’ve made a poor decision costing them both. The organization failed to use “Targeted Selection” techniques to objectively compare the candidate’s background, achievements, organizational fit, etc. and how all of it fits the required skill sets as outlined by the job description.<br /><br />Having said that; even if a candidate is interviewed by a skilled interviewer it is imperative that a candidate present him or herself in a manner in which the interviewer feels comfortable with them as a person and not just a candidate. They have to “like” them. In my book I define “like” not as literally liking someone in the manner they’d like to hang out with the person, but rather liking them because they got into their communication comfort zone. How do you do this? You do it by understanding how others view or perceive YOUR style most of the time AND by being able to identify the other person’s communication style and then taking the appropriate actions in which to make them feel comfortable. Remember this RULE: Perception IS Reality. What someone believes they see…they see. So it does not matter what YOU think your style is, it only matters what someone else believes. I’ll repeat this for the folks with an ego who believe they can change someone to adapt to them…It does not matter what YOU think, it only matters what THEY think.<br /><br />The Four Basic Styles:<br /><br />A or “Analyzer”<br />B or “Buddy”<br />C or “Challenger”<br />D or “Demander”<br /><br />Each style comes with its own set of dominant traits. For example, the Analyzer tends to be quieter, contemplative, data-oriented, less animated, whereas the Buddy tends to be more focused on personal needs and less on business. They may be involved in lots of social activities and it’s hard for them to say no. They will say yes immediately compared to the Analyzer who needs time to contemplate and analyze.<br /><br />The Challenger is like a rubber ball in a room. They are involved in all kinds of activities and always seem to have way too much on their plate. They may seem aloof because they are simply too involved in everything else to take time out to listen to you. They love new ideas and will take one and run with it. If you make a statement, they will challenge it. The Demander is someone who may seem overbearing. They may not have much time for you, but when they will make a decision and they stick with it. They may not get caught up in the details although they will require them so be prepared to provide them. They will probably be the person who everyone goes to for their advice, even if they really didn’t want it as much as to appease the Demander’s perceived ego.<br /><br />So, what’s the key? The key is to understand, objectively and honestly, how others perceive you. Why? Because you cannot make others change their style, but YOU can, however, alter your style. For example, if you’re a “Buddy” style (think about the traits you exhibit) and you’re communicating with the “Demander” you’re going to have to get focused! The Buddy has a tendency to wander off the highway and if they don’t immediately get back to the on-ramp with the Demander the conversation is likely to be a short one because the Demander doesn’t have time for small-talk. Likewise, if you’re an Analyzer and you’re communicating with the Buddy you’re going to have to be more expressive. You’re going to have to take a personal interest in them, and not what you’re selling. You’re going to have to take more time than you anticipated because the Buddy will, eventually wander. The trick will be to get the Buddy back to the on-ramp and onto the conversational highway without offending them.<br /><br />Remember this…not all interviewers are created equal so it will be important to understand their style within minutes by utilizing and observing the three key components of communication identification: Verbal, Non-Verbal and Environmental. The third is one that I venture to say you have never been asked to consider until now. I go into more detail about environmental signals in my book.<br /><br />So, what is your style? Whatever it is, if you know going in and you can identify the other person’s style you’ll be in a position to get into their comfort zone more quickly and increase the “like factor.” You’ll also be way ahead of your competition who choose to lead with their style rather than adapt to the interviewer’s.<br /><br />This information is drawn from Bob Kinnison’ upcoming book: “What Are You Selling?”<br /><br />Bob Kinnison is an author and Blogger and has been involved in recruiting and interviewing for more than twenty five years. He authored the book, “Interview Experts” and owns several successful web sites and Blogs serving up more than 10 million page views annually. He owns <a href="http://www.jobfairusa.net/">JobFairUSA.NET</a>. You can reach Bob at <a href="mailto:jobfairusa@rockfordlink.com">jobfairusa@rockfordlink.com</a><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size: 180%;">Search more than 100,000 Jobs by </span></strong><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"><strong><span style="font-size: 180%;">CLICKING HERE!</span></strong></a>

What Is Your Style?

What’s Your Style? No, I’m not talking about a 2-piece vs. 3-piece suit, but your communication style. Everyone falls into one of four domin...

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Bachelor's vs. Master's: How Does Your Salary Stack Up?

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/0w/ar5b0v861nkcb2gqbd0w.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" iq="true" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/0w/ar5b0v861nkcb2gqbd0w.gif" /></a><br /></div>These days, education is playing a bigger part in your career than ever before. More and more, employers are encouraging employees to take advantage of tuition reimbursement programs to go back to school -- but workers wonder if it's worth the time and effort. <br /><br />Additionally, the unsightly job market is making college students rethink their entry into the real world. Instead, many students are continuing their education -- but they don't know if the extra credentials will help or hurt them when they do join the work force.<br /><br />"The role that education level plays in your salary depends on the nature of the job and the relevance of your education," says Jim Brennan, senior associate at ERI Economic Research Institute. "A Ph.D. in physics won't earn you more money as a cab driver, but it will probably put you at the high end of the starting-pay scale for physical stress measurement technicians, and it may be merely an essential entry requirement for rocket scientists." <br /><br />All else being equal, more formal education or advanced credentials in the specific field of work or occupational area will carry some weight in starting-salary offers -- how much difference will depend on the employers and their practices, Brennan adds. It's also important to remember that in this economy, the job market is more competitive than ever. While it may not boost your salary much in some cases, having higher education on your résumé certainly won't hurt.<br /><br />Here's a look at how starting salaries can differ based on the degree type and level,* according to CBSalary.com.<br /><br />Degree type: Accounting** <br />Bachelor's degree: $45,893<br />Master's degree: $50,468 <br />Related careers: accountant, auditor, bookkeeping clerk, tax examiner, budget analyst, loan officer<br /><br />Degree type: Art <br />Bachelor's degree: $34,460<br />Master's degree: $43,112<br />Related careers: art director, illustrator, animator, multimedia artist<br /><br />Degree type: Biochemistry <br />Bachelor's degree: $38,511<br />Master's degree: $46,921<br />Related careers: agronomist, forensics specialist, geneticist, pharmacologist, environmental scientist<br /><br />Degree type: Chemistry <br />Bachelor's degree: $45,385<br />Master's degree: $56,617<br />Related careers: waste management specialist, technical writer, science technician, food scientist <br /><br />Degree type: Computer programming <br />Bachelor's degree: $50,985<br />Master's degree: $72,515<br />Related careers: computer systems analyst, computer programmer, computer scientist, computer systems designer <br /><br />Degree type: Economics <br />Bachelor's degree: $47,326<br />Master's degree: $63,429<br />Related careers: economist, loan officer, financial manager, reporter<br /><br />Degree type: Elementary teacher education <br />Bachelor's degree: $33,242<br />Master's degree: $43,997<br />Related careers: Any position within an elementary school<br /><br />Degree type: Engineering <br />Bachelor's degree: $54,181<br />Master's degree: $69,752<br />Related careers: engineering technician, sales engineer, civil engineer, architect, drafter <br /><br />Degree type: Finance <br />Bachelor's degree: $41,446<br />Master's degree: $50,468<br />Related careers: insurance underwriter; budget analyst; securities, commodities and financial services sales agent <br /><br />Degree type: Foreign languages and literatures<br />Bachelor's degree: $37,113 <br />Master's degree: $43,112<br />Related careers: teacher, writer, interpreter<br /><br />Degree type: History<br />Bachelor's degree: $37,340<br />Master's degree: $43,112<br />Related careers: archivist, curator, librarian, researcher, political aide<br /><br />Degree type: Human resources management<br />Bachelor's degree: $37,874<br />Master's degree: $56,094<br />Related careers: compensation and benefits; training and development; employment, recruitment and placement specialist<br /><br />Degree type: Science management<br />Bachelor's degree: $49,116<br />Master's degree: $70,668<br />Related careers: operational researcher, investment analyst, market research analyst, transportation planner, systems analyst <br /><br />Degree type: Mathematics<br />Bachelor's degree: $50,582<br />Master's degree: $57,471<br />Related careers: statistician, mathematician, actuary, cost estimator<br /><br />Degree type: Philosophy <br />Bachelor's degree: $34,163<br />Master's degree: $43,112<br />Related careers: professor, lawyer, policy analyst, lobbyist, critic<br /><br />Degree type: Physical sciences <br />Bachelor's degree: $31,258<br />Master's degree: $69,842<br />Related careers: animal scientist, hydrologist, meteorologist, engineer, fish and game warden<br /><br />Degree type: Psychology <br />Bachelor's degree: $35,085<br />Master's degree: $37,528<br />Related careers: probation officer, correctional treatment specialist, career counselor, health educator, outreach coordinator <br /><br />Degree type: Sociology <br />Bachelor's degree: $36,905<br />Master's degree: $38,749<br />Related careers: social worker, sociology teacher, market researcher, school counselor, public policy analyst<br /><br />* The 2008 Starting Salary by Degree: Bachelors vs. Masters Index"explores salary offers for graduating students. The data in this index are broken down by type of major and type of degree (e.g. bachelors in engineering). Data are taken from CareerBuilder and SalaryExpert research, and represent starting salary offers for recent graduates in 2008. <br /><br />**Please note that some majors are general and can be narrowed down to more specific areas of study.<br /><br />By Rachel Zupek writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">Search more than 100,000 Jobs by </span></strong><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"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">CLICKING HERE!</span></strong> </a>

Bachelor's vs. Master's: How Does Your Salary Stack Up?

These days, education is playing a bigger part in your career than ever before. More and more, employers are encouraging employees to take a...

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Day -- I don't know anymore & yes, yes, yes!

Yes, I deleted my last two posts. I re-read them and didn't like what I wrote. They never happened.<br /><br />Yes, I changed my blog design, again. The hot pink/red color made me nauseous .<br /><br />Yes, going to bed earlier works wonders. I can't make it by 9 p.m., but two of the last three nights I was in bed by 9:30 p.m. I feel so much better.<br /><br />Yes, I'm counting calories now. I'm writing down every bite. I've done this for three days and it's helping. This is easy because I know the calorie count of almost every food. It's really the same as tracking online, but writing it down is making a difference. I'm not sure why it's working, but I'm not going to analyze it.<br /><br />Yes, I've been binge-free for three whole nights. Not even any late night snacking. It's a miracle. I feel very much in control of my eating these last few days.<br /><br />Yes, I'm still working out like a crazy woman. An hour and a half, six days a week. Still in love with Sadie.<br /><br />Yes, I'm still doing Weight Watchers. Someone asked about the graph on my Saturday post and that's from the online weight tracker. I just love giving them $40 a month, as I've done for the past 19 months. I've missed the last two meetings but I'm going on Saturday.<br /><br />The best yes...on Monday the scale said 169.8. This morning it was 163.6. YES!<br /><br />~Diana<br />163.6<br /><br />p.s. I read a post within the last few days, the person had taken a seminar on the power of positive thinking. They talked about the S.O.S. plan. I don't remember where I read it, but thank you!

Day -- I don't know anymore & yes, yes, yes!

Yes, I deleted my last two posts. I re-read them and didn't like what I wrote. They never happened. Yes, I changed my blog design, again...

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Stop These Work Habits Now

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/gp/ar5d6yq6qv336pllthgp.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" iq="true" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/gp/ar5d6yq6qv336pllthgp.gif" /></a><br /></div>Supposedly it takes 21 days to break a habit.<br /><br />I'm not sure I believe that. Try going on a diet and I guarantee that a freshly baked pizza will break your willpower whether you're on the second or the 45th day. Or maybe I'm just weak, and 21 days is all most people need. <br /><br />I'm convinced, however, that workplace habits take a little longer to break. The little annoyances -- like the guy who picks his teeth with your letter opener -- aren't what I'm talking about. I'm thinking of the bigger offenses that require a complete change of your mindset. They're annoying to everyone else and they're actually damaging your career.<br /><br />Here are eight work habits you need to break now.<br /><br />1. The bad habit: Confusing casual with disrespectful.<br /><br />Why it's bad: Feelings get hurt and reputations get damaged. <br /><br />How to fix it: Ask yourself if what you say or do to your boss undermines his or her authority. Bosses aren't infallible, all-knowing creatures who can't be questioned. If you and your supervisor have a casual relationship filled with humor, you already know this. Nevertheless, he or she is your boss, and at the end of the day that's who makes the final decisions. When you begin to think of yourself as your boss's workplace equal, you cross a line that could damage your relationship. <br /><br />Also, your boss probably has a boss, too. This means that calling him or her a nickname, or not being supportive of ideas in front of other people suggests you're the one running the show. It's important to remember that showing respect doesn't mean you need to be a "yes" man or woman who goes along with everything; it just means you should know what's appropriate for private conversations and what's appropriate for group settings.<br /><br />2. The bad habit: Always doing the bare minimum.<br /><br />Why it's bad: Anyone can just skate by, so you'll be easy to replace.<br /><br />How to fix it: Not overextending yourself is admirable because not only do you preserve the quality of your work, but you also keep your sanity intact. Very few employers, however, want C+/B- workers. If you have a project due in one week and you're not particularly busy, moving at a snail's pace just because you can doesn't give a great impression.<br /><br />Those clichés of going the extra mile and giving 110 percent are sometimes worthwhile. You're not likely to get promoted, get a raise or earn a glowing recommendation if your most notable accomplishment is just being there. Come up with new ideas, improve existing procedures and improve the quality of your work -- anything to assure that you're not just showing up for the paycheck.<br /><br />3. The bad habit: Not budging from your job description.<br /><br />Why it's bad: Obedience is great, but flexibility is better.<br /><br />How to fix it: Job descriptions are rarely all-inclusive, so look at job postings with the understanding that your duties will shift over time. Ask anyone who's fortunate enough to be working today; this recession has redefined job titles in every industry. Yes, you were hired to do a specific job, but over time you could be asked to take on additional tasks or to transition into an entirely new role. Of course you don't have to, but realize that the job you were hired for might not be needed anymore, and asking you to adapt could be the company's way of keeping you around.<br /><br />4. The bad habit: Forgetting what your job is.<br /><br />Why it's bad: If you're not doing your job, then why are they paying you?<br /><br />How to fix it: This is the flip side to the previously mentioned bad habit, and I know it's a fine line to walk. Being flexible to the company's needs is admirable, and others will notice. But if you spend more time doing things that distract you from getting relevant work done, you're just not doing your job. For example, if your company's e-mail policy is lax and you're allowed to receive personal messages, don't abuse it and spend more time planning tonight's party than doing your job. Hours on Facebook also don't count as work for most employees.<br /><br />5. The bad habit: Ignoring the chain of command.<br /><br />Why it's bad: You make people look bad, and come off as a brat.<br /><br />How to fix it: Go through the proper channels to address concerns. Let's be clear -- if you're dealing with a serious, legal issue and your boss can't be trusted, then by all means get help however possible. But if you're griping about some personality conflicts or just want things done your way, address them with your boss before escalating your issues. If it's an HR issue, speak with your rep, not with the head of HR. If you go to higher-ups about an issue, they'll immediately wonder why your boss couldn't handle it (thus making him or her look bad) and why you had to make such an ordeal about it.<br /><br />6. The bad habit: Operating on your own clock.<br /><br />Why it's bad: Not everyone can work around your schedule.<br /><br />How to fix it: Be punctual and dependable. Although deadlines and meeting times can be bothersome, you're probably not the only person they affect. Therefore, your tardiness inconveniences other people. It also gives you the appearance of an unreliable person, and no one really wants to work with that kind of colleague.<br /><br />7. The bad habit: Badmouthing your colleagues.<br /><br />Why it's bad: You never know who's listening.<br /><br />How to fix it: You already know gossip is a no-no, but spreading negative opinions about a co-worker is just as bad as spreading hearsay. First, negativity gets old. Second, your opinion can get back to the people about whom you're talking. It might even get back to the boss, who may disagree with you or at least disagree with your attitude and hold it against you. If you need to vent, do it away from work.<br /><br />8. The bad habit: Flaunting your connections.<br /><br />Why it's bad: It's annoying, and they're not guaranteed to last forever.<br /><br />How to fix it: Don't make a big deal about your enviable inroads. Bragging is tacky, and that's what you're doing when you keep namedropping the CEO's name. Plus, the person you're talking about might not want the relationship to be widely discussed since it could make others think favoritism is at play. More importantly, the CEO could move on to a new job, and suddenly that sway you thought you had with people is gone.<br /><br />By Anthony Balderrama 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.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">Search more than 100,000 Jobs by </span></strong><a href="mailto: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"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">CLICKING HERE!</span></strong> </a>

Stop These Work Habits Now

Supposedly it takes 21 days to break a habit. I'm not sure I believe that. Try going on a diet and I guarantee that a freshly baked pizz...

Read more »