Why I haven't been posting very often

My posts have been few and far between these days. Last week I only posted once. That usually means something bad in the blog world. If that's what you're thinking, you're right.<br /><br />I'm kind of in a funk lately. Not exactly depressed, but not my usual happy self. I'm finding it harder and harder to even fake happiness, and usually I'm pretty good at faking happy. In fact, I'm so good at it I can usually talk myself out of a bad mood just by pretending to be happy. Lately though, it's just not that easy.<br /><br />I wonder if maybe this is depression and what if I feel like this forever. Is that what people feel like when they're clinically depressed and seek out psychiatric help and antidepressants? Okay, maybe I'm not that sad, I'm just kind of sad. I'm not happy where I am at this point of my life, on many levels, but I'm not quite ready for nut house.<br /><br />I'm reading all your blogs, but I'm not commenting. No particular reason, just that I always feel rushed and exhausted. Plus, honestly, I say the same old thing over and over. It's never really inspiring or helpful. Just the same old thing. I wish I had some worthy bits of wisdom to share, but I'm struggling myself so I don't feel anything I have to say is worthwhile. If I had the answers, I'd fix myself.<br /><br />My personal weight loss journey has come to a standstill. I'm not gaining weight, but I'm up 20 pounds from my lowest weight in the last two years (175.6 this morning). I'm not losing weight. More importantly, I'm not really trying anymore. I've become lazy, bored, and just tired of it all.<br /><br />I still exercise, but lately my heart really hasn't been into it. I'm finding it difficult to make myself get out of bed in the mornings and get to the gym. Instead of working out six or seven times a week, I've cut back to four times a week.<br /><br />I haven't been tracking my food either. I usually start out with good intentions, but about halfway through my day, I usually just give up. <br /><br />My eating isn't terrible, I'm not eating junk food unless you call the Dreyers 70 calories Pomegranate frozen juice bars junk food (and they are sort of). Other than that one thing, my food is completely healthy and wholesome, but my servings are too large. <br /><br />So what am I going to do about this situation? I honestly don't know. I'd kick my own butt if I could, but I just don't have the energy nor the desire anymore. I don't know what's wrong with me, but I need to get out of this mood I've been in. I miss the old me.<br /><br />There were a few things that made me smile this week:<br /><br />1. I tried to call Riverroad Animal Hospital on my Blackberry using my Bluetooth. I said, "Call Riverroad". The phone said, "Call rrrr-rrrr?". I thought, well, sort of sounds like Riverroad. I said "yes". Phone said "Calling rrrr-rrrr". It called Linda Mathys (my niece). Really, Linda Mathys sounds like "Riverroad"?<br /><br />2. I constantly forget to lock my cell phone when I throw it in my purse. As a result, it's always yelling at me "Say a command!". Yesterday I said, "Just shut up and turn off!". The phone said "Voice prompts off". Blessed silence. Then I had a moment of my panic because I didn't know how to turn voice prompts back on.."turn on" worked.<br /><br />3. I was sitting at my desk at work today (and yes, today is Sunday!), stepping through the same chunk of code for five freaking hours and not being able to figure out why my web service call kept failing, I literally said out loud to myself (alone in the office): "I wish I was smarter!".  Then it occurred to me to to take the web service error I was getting and search for it in Google. The first search result that came back said to check the CurrentState of the object. That was the problem! Okay, so I'm not smart, but Google is smart (thank you Larry Page and Sergey Brin!). <br /><br />4. I was listening to a new Ke$ha song on my iPod. I wanted to know the name of the song so I pressed the middle button, the iPod said "My First Kiss featuring Kah-dollar-sign-ha 303". It's obviously Ke$ha<br />30H!3. No wonder iPod is confused!<br /><br />5. Thursday was my twenty-second wedding anniversary. After work my husband met me at a restaurant for dinner. When I pulled into the parking lot he was standing there holding a dozen peach roses and the sweetest card he's ever given me. I haven't exactly been a joy to live with lately so I was surprised. It made me smile. <br /><br />I guess life isn't all black and horrible. As my mom would say, this too shall pass. :)

Why I haven't been posting very often

My posts have been few and far between these days. Last week I only posted once. That usually means something bad in the blog world. If that's what you're thinking, you're right.I'm kind of in a funk lately. Not exactly depressed, but not my usual ha…

Read more »

Is Getting a Job Really About Who You Know?

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/fy/ar5m3mx6xc7hcdk53rfy.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/fy/ar5m3mx6xc7hcdk53rfy.gif" /></a></div>According to real estate experts, the biggest influence on a person purchasing a home is location, location, location. Without the perfect view or close proximity to good schools, a great house can sit on the market for months.<br /><br />In a job hunt, some experts say that connections are the most important influences on landing a job. Without a personal referral to pass your résumé along to a manager or who can put in a good word for you, your chances of landing a job are supposedly nonexistent. You'll hear this over and over again and advice givers will tell you to network as much as possible.<br /><br />But is it true? Sure, networking seems like a likely aid for a job hunt, but not every person landing a job these days these days can have a direct contact at the company. Statistically it seems unlikely that the only people getting job offers are those with the right connections. Job seekers have enough to worry about without panicking that their lack of connections is dooming their hunt before it begins.<br /><br />Rather than pretend to have a simple yes or no answer to this question, we asked job seekers, employers and experts to weigh in with their experiences. <br /><br />"I would say without a doubt that it's not the number of connections, it's the physical connecting that gets you hired. You don't get referred if you don't connect with someone in a way that makes them trust you enough to refer you. Moreover, even if you are referred by 10 respected people to the hiring manager, if you don't connect with her or him, you won't get hired." -- J.T. O'Donnell, founder and president of Careerealism.com<br /><br />"The last four jobs I've had I've gotten through some kind of networking-- all four through different circumstances:<br /><br />1. A friend inside the company served as a referral.<br /><br />2. A friend inside the company put my resume at the top of a 300-plus résumé pile by bypassing the recruiter and e-mailing it to the hiring manager directly (which she was able to see since she was internal and had the visibility).<br /><br />3. A mentor at the previous job put me in touch with some of her connections, one of whom worked for a company that turned out to be looking for someone.<br /><br />4. I cultivated a relationship with an industry peer/senior executive via e-mail and Facebook over a year and a half. When she took a job as a managing director at a new firm, we met in person for the first time for lunch turned out she was looking to build her practice group and I was looking for new opportunities. It was synergistic. I'm currently in this position." -- Meredith Obendorfer, account manager at SparkPR<br /><br />"Fair or not, I don't know, but I can say from my own experience that having connections is the most important thing a person can have when looking for work. I'm only 25, but in the three jobs I had in college and one professional job after, I got every single one of them based on my connections. In fact, I've never sat through a formal interview in my life." -- Tyler Tervooren, author of Advanced Riskology<br /><br />"Connections, or networking, is more important than ever because in this down economy there are so many applicants that employers don't have time to perform the culling and elimination processes they once did. They are also less inclined to take a chance on an employee who comes only through a traditional application process, without the endorsement of one or more valued associates or colleagues.<br /><br />Job seekers, therefore, must hone their networking circuits to get themselves connected to the right employment opportunities." -- Sandra Lamb is a career expert and the author of "How to Write It, Personal Notes"<br /><br />"No, not all people are getting their jobs via networking and connections - but that is the best way to do it. However, many people have some odd assumptions on networking:<br /><br />1. Networking is not about reaching a higher-up person -- it's about reaching the right person. That's not always the top person or big cheese.<br /><br />2. Sometimes effective networking does not involve networking in a company - it involves connecting people to recruiters and placement companies. Focusing your networking only on specific companies ignores the fact that recruiters are out there.<br /><br />3. Networking requires definite planning and effort and tools. (A great reference are the books of Orville Pierson, which I strongly recommend anyone read).<br /><br />4. Most people ignore the simplest networking start -- telling every friend, family, and co-worker or past co-worker they want a job." -- Steven Savage, a technology project manager, writer and blogger<br /><br />"You can have all the same credentials under your belt as the person that got the job over you, but they knew someone in the department. There is nothing wrong with that, but it definitely helps if someone can put in a good word for you rather than going in not knowing a soul. <br /><br />It's happened to me many times. I didn't get a job over someone because their dad or mom knew someone within the company even though I had more experience etc. than the other kid did. Just how it goes. But if you can network with others and let them know what you're interested in you never know what might fall into your lap. Luck has nothing to do with it; you can work hard and get places that's for sure too." -- Ashley Bodi, co-founder of Business Beware<br /><br />"Word of mouth won't land you a job. But connections may help you get an interview at the places you apply to. For other jobs, connections are crucial. In freelancing, for example, it really helps if you know the editor well when you send your pitch letter. But in more conventional jobs, you still need to go the traditional route." - Berit Brogaard, associate professor of philosophy and psychology at University of Missouri, Saint Louis<br /><br />"It's not so much about 'you knowing them' but more importantly, 'them<br /><br />knowing you!'<br /><br />It is rare that the person hiring you is your good buddy. In fact, in most organizations, that might come off as a conflict of interest. What I have experienced time and again is that when you know someone within the organization, they have the ability to put in a good word for you so that the hiring manager can get to know who you are." -- Arash Afshar, MrArash.com<br /><br />"The only method that is a guarantee for getting a job is a method called 'luck.' Unfortunately, luck is not something that is easily created or designed and so, for most people many other methods are necessary. There is probably only one truth: never rely on any one method. All avenues for getting a job are needed. <br /><br />Yes, networking and connections are probably the best way to go about getting a job and reflect the best use of time. But networking and who you know need to be combined with a strong sense of what kind of jobs to pursue. You really need a system for marketing<br /><br />yourself to and through others. You need to have a solid set of connections complemented by a marketing program that promotes your brand and that promotes<br /><br />why you are a more valuable employee addition than somebody else." -- Larry Chiagouris, author of "The Secret to Getting a Job After College: Marketing Tactics to Turn Degrees Into Dollars"<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.

Is Getting a Job Really About Who You Know?

According to real estate experts, the biggest influence on a person purchasing a home is location, location, location. Without the perfect view or close proximity to good schools, a great house can sit on the market for months.In a job hunt, some exp…

Read more »

What Happens if I Embellish My Salary History?

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/l6/ar5m7vv6ggtym6c33sl6.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/l6/ar5m7vv6ggtym6c33sl6.gif" /></a></div>Talking about how much you earn is kind of like talking about how much you weigh. Both are uncomfortable subjects, so you might not always be 100 percent honest about either. (Who hasn't shaved 10 lbs off their physique or upped their salary by a few thousand dollars when hanging with their rich and skinny friends?) Most of the time, these little white lies are no big deal -- it's not like your friends are going to ask you get on a scale to verify your BMI. <br /><br />However, while telling an occasional fib in daily conversation may be a misdemeanor offense, lying about your salary history on a job application can be a serious transgression. <br /><br />"Unlike many soft skills, salaries are finite concrete numbers that can be verified through things like a W2, 1099 [or] tax return," says Paul Peterson, national talent resource manager for Grant Thornton LLP; Meaning that if you lie about your salary history on your resume, there's a good chance that your potential employer will find out. "If someone goes to extremes to embellish a salary prior to getting the job, one has to ask 'What will they embellish when they are actually performing the job?'" Peterson asks. <br /><br />Though it's true that not all employers conduct background checks or delve as deep as checking a candidate's W2 forms, salary information can easily be verified through your references -- which most employers do check.<br /><br />"Salary is one of the very few things that former employers are often willing to reveal in a reference check," says Barry Maher, author of "Filling the Glass: The Skeptic's Guide to Positive Thinking in Business." "Even if they won't give the exact amount, a question like 'If I placed his salary range with you in the area of $100,000 would I be in the ballpark?' usually yields the information."<br /><br />Bottom line? "Lying about anything as part of a job search strategy is not a good idea," says Elaine Varelas, managing partner at Keystone Partners, a recruitment firm. "Starting a relationship with a company based on false pretenses may not hurt you in the short term, but chances are you will be exposed."<br /><br />Yet what about job seekers who feel they were underpaid at their last job? Should they just continue to settle for less money than they think they're worth, just to avoid embellishing their salary history? <br /><br />Not necessarily, say our experts. There are plenty of ways to get the salary you deserve without lying on a job application. <br /><br />Here, they offer three ways to broach the subject of salary increase with a potential employer: <br /><br />1. "If you're looking to make a significant jump in salary my advice to people is to convince the potential employer why you are worth what you are seeking and, where possible, quantify that number," Peterson says. <br /><br />2. "It's perfectly acceptable to say something like 'I'm making $80,000 now. And though my present employer would certainly agree that I'm worth more, the simple fact is ...' then give the reason, [whether it be] a salary freeze, budget constraints, tough times in that industry, whatever. [Then continue with] 'Since the industry standard for someone with my skills and experience is $120,000, that's one of the reasons I'm looking to move on,'" Maher says. <br /><br />3. "When you are asked about compensation, you can say: 'I was making in the mid- $70's which included a 20 percent performance bonus which I always got, and a very comprehensive benefits package.' Then ask 'What is the compensation range for this position?' Using this technique allows you flexibility and gets the employer to share compensation data. Be prepared to negotiate only after an offer has been made," Varelas advises. <br /><br />Kaitlin Madden 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 @CBForJobSeekers on Twitter.

What Happens if I Embellish My Salary History?

Talking about how much you earn is kind of like talking about how much you weigh. Both are uncomfortable subjects, so you might not always be 100 percent honest about either. (Who hasn't shaved 10 lbs off their physique or upped their salary by a few…

Read more »

7 Industries in Need of Workers Now

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/jt/ar5f7mp6xw69zdnd73jt.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/jt/ar5f7mp6xw69zdnd73jt.gif" /></a></div>Given the layoffs and unemployment woes that consistently make headlines, it may seem hard to believe that some industries are actually experiencing worker shortages. Yet despite a national unemployment rate that hovers near double digits, there are industries that are in need of well-trained, qualified employees. <br /><br /><br />According to CareerBuilder's 2010 Mid-Year Job Forecast: <br /><br />One-in-five employers (22 percent) reported that, despite an abundant labor pool, they still have positions for which they can't find qualified candidates. <br /><br /><br />Forty-eight percent of HR managers reported that there was an area of their organization in which they lacked qualified workers. <br /><br /><br />Health-care employers were the most likely to report a skills deficit with 63 percent of HR professionals in large health-care organizations stating they have a shortage of qualified workers. <br /><br />Here are seven industries currently in need of workers, the reasons behind each, and why you might consider directing your career path toward one of these employee-hungry sectors. <br /><br />1. Skilled trade <br /><br />According to a talent shortage survey conducted by staffing firm Manpower Inc., skilled trade jobs (HVAC, electricians, plumbers, pipefitters, etc.) are 2010's hardest jobs to fill. <br /><br />Why there's a need: Many skilled trade positions fall into the "middle-skills" job category, or jobs that do not require a four-year degree, yet do require some education or training beyond high school. The shortage of qualified workers in this area has been largely attributed to a need for additional programs designed to attract high school students to the community colleges and trade school programs that train these workers. <br /><br />Why you should consider it: You can get paid while you learn. Most skilled-trade professions require training, much of which can be done during a paid apprenticeship. Skilled trades can also be a good career option for the business minded, since many skilled-trade workers are self-employed and own their own businesses.<br /><br />2. Transportation <br /><br />According to a 2010 job outlook study done by online ad research firm Borrell Associates, the transportation, warehousing and utilities industry is expected to see 31.6 percent more job openings this year than it did in 2009. In-demand jobs will include transportation analysts, transportation managers, and transportation and warehouse coordinators. <br /><br />Why there's a need: In June 2010, the U.S. manufacturing sector marked its 11th straight month of economic growth, according to the Institute for Supply Chain Management, and the sixth straight month of employment growth. An increase in manufacturing creates a domino effect that extends to both the warehouses that store manufactured products and the transportation used to distribute them. <br /><br />Why you might consider it: The barrier to entry is low. A clean driving record, a Commercial Driver's License and an age restriction are the most typical job requirements. <br /><br />3. Automotive<br /><br />Though Michigan's unemployment rate is testament to how hard the recession hit the auto industry, there could actually soon be a shortage of workers in the recovering field. The Center for Automotive Research recently reported that new jobs created in the industry may top 15,000 by the end of 2010, and could be as high as 100,000 per year from 2011 through 2013. <br /><br />Why there's a need: Nearly 228,000 workers were laid off when the industry hit its low point. Now that car companies are starting to see a rebound -- both Ford and General Motors surpassed expected sales in May -- the auto industry is looking to bring back its workforce. <br /><br />Why you should consider it: The salaries of motor vehicle manufacturing workers are high compared to other manufacturing industries. <br /><br />4. Education<br /><br />While it's true that many school districts are facing budget cuts and layoffs, there are still many areas of education where teachers are in short supply. Each year, the U.S. Department of Education puts out a list of nationwide teacher shortages, and 2010 is no different in terms of the overwhelming need for qualified educators. Areas of education most in need include special education, mathematics, bilingual teaching and foreign language. <br /><br />Why there's a need: Teacher shortages are not a new phenomena, and poor teacher retention rates and low salaries are often blamed. Troubled school districts and areas of education that attract fewer teachers have high turnover rates, leaving many schools in a constant search for new educators. Meanwhile, fewer college students are choosing teaching as a career path, due to an unappealing combination of advanced training requirements, complicated licensing procedures and low starting salaries. <br /><br />Why you should consider it: Many states are now offering alternate certification programs to entice potential career-changers into the classroom. These programs allow non-education bachelor's degree holders to work in the classroom while taking the courses necessary to complete their teaching certificates. <br /><br />5. Health care<br /><br />Though there have been reports of leveling off in health care job growth, the industry continues to have a surplus of job openings. According to a December 2009 survey by AMN Health Care Services, 95 percent of hospital CEOs agreed that there was a shortage of physicians in the U.S.; and from 2008-2018, the BLS reports that 600,000 new jobs will be created in nursing alone. Job openings also abound for workers without advanced schooling; 2010's most wanted health care workers include home health aides, x-ray technicians and nursing home workers. <br /><br />Why there's a need: In 2011, the baby boomer generation officially begins to turn 65, creating twofold implications for the health care industry. Not only will the aging U.S. population require more medical care than ever, but many of the baby boomers currently employed in health care will begin to retire, both factors that will contribute to an increasing gap between health care supply and demand. Additionally, with the passing of the Health Care Reform Bill, even more Americans will be eligible for health care in coming years, meaning that the need for providers will only continue to increase. <br /><br />Why you should consider it: Ten of today's 20 fastest-growing occupations are in health care. <br /><br />6. Engineering<br /><br />In 2008 and 2009, the Manpower Worker Shortage Survey named engineering jobs the hardest to fill. While the 2010 title has gone to Skilled Trade positions, the engineering sector is still in need of well-qualified workers.<br /><br />Why there's a need: Like health care, the engineering industry is seeing many of its workers reach retirement age. Additionally, fewer college students are graduating with engineering degrees. Adding to the need for engineers is last year's economic stimulus package, which prompted an upswing in transportation and infrastructure projects that demand the expertise of skilled engineers. <br /><br />Why you should consider it: Depending on the concentration, average salaries for engineers can average well into the six-figures. While an engineering degree is required for most positions, those with a bachelor's degree in math or science fields may also be considered for open positions. <br /><br />7. Sales and customer service<br /><br />According to CareerBuilder's Mid-Year Job Forecast, 25 percent of hiring managers surveyed said they plan to hire workers for customer service positions in the second half of 2010, while 22 percent said they'd be hiring more salespeople. <br /><br />Why there's a need: Companies are currently focused on building new client relationships and bringing in revenue, meaning that there is an increasing need for the people responsible for these functions -- customer service and sales representatives. <br /><br />Why you should consider it: Many sales and customer service jobs don't require a college degree, just a strong work ethic and ability to build great relationships. Because a lot of sales jobs are commission-based, earning potential is high. <br /><br />Brent Rasmussen is President of CareerBuilder North America and heads the company's day-to-day operations in the United States and Canada. Rasmussen is an employment expert who regularly interviews with national TV and radio and speaks at various industry forums discussing hiring trends and workplace developments. He has appeared on Nightly Business Report, FOX Business Countdown to the Closing Bell, CNN American Morning, BusinessWeek Weekend and National Public Radio among others.

7 Industries in Need of Workers Now

Given the layoffs and unemployment woes that consistently make headlines, it may seem hard to believe that some industries are actually experiencing worker shortages. Yet despite a national unemployment rate that hovers near double digits, there are …

Read more »

Overqualified? The Pros and Cons of Accepting a Job with Less Money or Prestige

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/zc/ar5m35t70gvfqplqvmzc.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/zc/ar5m35t70gvfqplqvmzc.gif" /></a></div>The employment market is still extremely tough, even for highly skilled individuals. The level of competition among job seekers has caused many professionals to consider applying for positions for which they may consider themselves overqualified. Sometimes, this approach may seem like the only way to land a job at all.<br /><br />But should you do the same? Following are some pros and cons to help you decide whether you should seek a position that may not offer the money or prestige of your former job. <br /><br />Pro: You can make a mark<br /><br />If you take a job that you may perceive as a step down from where your career had been, one thing is virtually guaranteed: You won't be overlooked. Chances are you can bring valuable perspective, new ideas or suggestions for improvement to the role because of your professional experience. As a result, you're likely to gain a higher level of visibility than you might otherwise. You might even be first in line for a promotion if the right opportunity emerges. <br /><br />Accepting a staff position when you were formerly a manager also could help you build certain aspects of your skill set that have been underdeveloped or overlooked. For instance, if you've been in a leadership role for several years, you may not have had a chance to do hands-on work in your field for some time. This could expose you to technologies or processes that have evolved since you were last in an individual-contributor role. If you go back to a management role at a later date, this experience in the trenches can be invaluable.<br /><br />Con: You might be bored<br /><br />If you accept a less challenging or demanding position than you had before, you could quickly grow bored with the job. Be sure you'll be comfortable and satisfied with less challenge and, likely, less reward. <br /><br />Also keep in mind how your previous roles may affect your relationships with managers and co-workers. You may very well have more experience or more impressive credentials than your supervisor. Are you OK with being told what to do and how to do it, even if you feel more qualified than your supervisor to make decisions? Respect the chain of command, be open to others' opinions and avoid bragging about your advanced qualifications if you want to establish solid working relationships within your team.<br /><br />Pro: You may reignite your passion<br /><br />In the middle of a busy career where you've always been focused on the next move up, a step down can give you a new perspective. Working in a capacity you haven't for a while -- programming again after moving far enough up the IT ladder that you were managing people instead of code, for example -- can also give you fresh insight into what you enjoy most about your profession. You may even find, for instance, that you like programming more than managing others. Many people seek this kind of career change because it allows them to find a long-lost passion or improve their work/life balance. <br /><br />Should you pursue a role for which you feel you may be overqualified? There's no right or wrong answer, and in many cases it comes down to economics. It's a complicated decision, and one that depends heavily on your personal situation and future career goals. Any experience is a learning experience, and weighing the pros and cons can help you make the right choice for you. <br /><br />Con: You could set yourself back professionally<br /><br />Prospective employers often do not hire workers with more experience than they seek because they worry these professionals will leave as soon as a better job offer comes along. If you are one of those people, you risk burning bridges with your new employer by confirming his initial fears about hiring you. <br /><br />Consider also that employers look for a pattern of growth when hiring. Going backward a step or two could raise a red flag for future employers. They will likely understand that a difficult job market prompted you to accept the role, but just know that the topic will almost certainly come up. <br /><br />Robert Half International is the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm with a global network of 360 offices worldwide. For more information about our professional services, please visit www.roberthalf.com. For additional career advice, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/roberthalf.

Overqualified? The Pros and Cons of Accepting a Job with Less Money or Prestige

The employment market is still extremely tough, even for highly skilled individuals. The level of competition among job seekers has caused many professionals to consider applying for positions for which they may consider themselves overqualified. Som…

Read more »

Interviewees Say The Darndest Things

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/11/ar5m1bv6y0s61ysrjk11.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/11/ar5m1bv6y0s61ysrjk11.gif" /></a></div>You can always depend on a young child to tell you exactly what they think, or precisely how they feel on any given topic. Want to know if your breath smells bad, if you should wear a different tie, or if you really look fat in that outfit? Find a five-year-old. They will give you an uncensored, honest answer.<br /><br />Needless to say, we expect more from adults. Especially adults who are interviewing for a job.<br /><br />For the second year in a row, we asked hiring managers everywhere to tell us the craziest thing they've ever heard in an interview. Keep reading for 37 hilarious (and true) statements from the job candidates:<br /><br />1. "I interviewed a gentleman who looked great on paper but said two things during the interview that made me think 'really?' When starting the interview I asked him what his hobbies were to lighten the mood. He replied 'I sometimes walk up to perfect strangers just to say hello. I also like to pick up trash if I see some when I'm walking around.' After I asked him how the position would contribute to his professional goals and future plans, he replied 'My main goal is to be a rock star; this is more of a backup plan.'" -- Jessica Harrington, marketing associate, Eastern Michigan University<br /><br />2. "I remember interviewing a secretary some years ago and asking her 'What is important to you in a job?' Her answer was: 'I want to work close to Bloomingdales.'" -- Bettina Seidman, career management coach, SEIDBET Associates<br /><br />3. "'When your work load is heavy and you are overwhelmed, how do you handle the stress?' 'I run in the bathroom and cry.'" -- Jessica Simko, Career Branding Guide<br /><br />4. "We performed mock interviews where our clients were put in an interview session using their real backgrounds, interests; etc. When asked why the client left her last job, which was in a family buffet style restaurant, her response was 'I was hungry and didn't know it would be a problem so I had pizza delivered to the restaurant while was on the clock.'" -- Jacqueline Lisenby, chief visionary officer and president, StatusJ Entertainment Group <br /><br />5. "I interviewed a senior engineer for one of our open positions. He demanded coffee and proceeded to spill coffee in his lap. Then he pointed to his groin area, laughed and said, 'It looks like I wet myself!' Needless to say, he didn't get the job." -- Lisa Hall, HR trainer and author, "Taking Charge of Your Own Health"<br /><br />6. "I recently had the craziest interviewee ever come into our offices for a copywriter position. I wanted enthusiastic but this guy was so over the top, I almost laughed in the middle of the interview. He high-fived someone on my team after hearing that my team member just got engaged. He talked about how terrible his boss was for a good 20 minutes. He said he felt like he was already working with us. And then he left something behind so that he could come back and get it. He called wondering when he could come back and we [saw] him prepping in the parking lot." -- Amanda Halm, senior copywriter, editor, Bridezilla.com<br /><br />7. "Without a doubt, the craziest thing I ever heard came from a candidate for an entry-level management position. He looked perfect on paper so we scheduled a phone interview for 3 p.m. He answered the phone and when I introduced myself he said, 'Hold on, I'm at a bar. Let me finish this shot and go outside.' Amidst the noise of an active game of pool and a rowdy bar crowd, he slipped outside and told me, 'You know what? I'm a little drunker than I thought. Can we reschedule?' Needless to say, we did not." -- Heather Lytle, senior partner, H&L Media Partners<br /><br />8. "While I am not the interviewer for a corporation, having been in many interviews for opportunities, I have actually heard a number of interesting, crazy, less-tactful things said from the interviewer side. The worst was, I drove two hours to do an in-person, one-hour interview and the interviewer was 30-40 minutes late to the interview, even though she walked by me in the lobby six or seven times with a bag of chips talking about her personal life to the receptionist. When she finally came out to get me, she didn't even act shocked or sorry for the delay, and just said, 'I was munching on a bag of chips and time flies when you're eating chips.' Let's just say I knew then it wouldn't be a good fit." -- Chris Perry, founder of Career Rocketeer<br /><br />9. "We recently asked a job candidate, 'what do you know about us?' He leaned back in his chair and replied, 'Not much. Why don't you fill me in?' He wasn't hired." -- John Kramb, Adams County Winery<br /><br />10. "We always include a casual lunch or dinner portion during an interview to continue our discussions in a more informal manner. This candidate let their guard down, falling out of their 'interview mode', during the friendly and casual mealtime discussions. They went so far as to share that they installed an illegal second network in their office with coworkers and would spend their afternoons gaming on the clock. They then went on to further share how regularly in the mornings and afternoons they would sleep at their desk during working hours. Bragging that they had never once been caught in either of these acts. Needless to say, this candidate was not hired. Prior to this meal time, more casual discussions they were likely to be made an offer. The lesson learned and to be shared is that you are on the interview from before you arrive at a location until you have returned home. I was truly surprised that such a smart individual would make such a stupid mistake by sharing such obviously unacceptable work practices with a potential new employer." -- Zachary Z. Zguris, chief technology officer, Lime Design, Inc.<br /><br />11. "The interview was for a highly visible administrative assistant position. Clearly, I was looking for someone who would exercise tact with top-caliber people who would come into our office. I opened the interview with a fairly standard question:<br /><br />'What is it that attracts you to this job the most?' Without hesitation, she replied, 'My mother thinks this will be the right job for me.'" -- Bill Lampton, president, Championship Communication<br /><br />12. "We have the standard lists of questions you'd expect to hear, but at any given moment, I'll interject with, 'If you were an animal, what animal would you be and why?' The most shocking response was, 'I'd be a cat so I can lay around all day and not have to do anything.'" -- Efrain Ayala, account executive, Walt Denny Inc., The Home Products Agency <br /><br />13. "The man's phone kept ringing. Finally, he answered it and he said, 'Hello. No. I'm fine. OK.' Of course, it was rude and uncalled for in my opinion, but I gave him the benefit of the doubt and asked if everything was OK. He basically said nothing was wrong but that his wife was checking in. He had not flown in for the interview. He was local." -- T. Murray, author of "Stuck on Stupid: A Guide for Today's Professional Stuck in a Rut"<br /><br />14. "The most bizarre experience I ever had was regarding a candidate who was offered a position with my client. Because she had disclosed that she had a college degree, she was required to produce proof in the form of transcripts, diploma, etc. She told us that she was unable to produce the required documentation because her identity had been changed and that the information the firm was seeking was in her previous name. Due to safety reasons, she was unable to produce proof (in any name she had or was using)." -- Cathleen Faerber, managing director, The Wellesley Group, Inc.<br /><br />15. "I was interviewing an older women for a position in my company. I thought she had a great personality and was considering hiring her. Then at the end of the interview she asked if I would be able to give her a ride to work and then back home again everyday! Umm, no." -- Janice Celeste, president and CEO, Celeste Studios Film & Video<br /><br />16. "I had a women come in and tell me that she ran a business around the corner and that she would be working this job, as well as managing her business during business hours. I wanted to be sure that I understood her correctly -- that she would be taking time away from the position with me to 'check in' on her store periodically. But when I asked her a few questions to clarify, she became upset with me and ended up storming out of my office." -- Shay Olivarria, speaker and author of "Bigger Than Your Block"<br /><br />17. "One job candidate arrived late for the interview, in a not-so-gracious mood. 'The commute is terrible,' she said. 'I'm so glad I don't have to do this every day.'" -- Sammie Samuella Becker, CEO, TigressPR<br /><br />18. "I had a candidate in the final interview stages. He pretty much HAD the job. He was invited to interview with a couple of people who would become peers as last step in the process. One would-be peer asked my candidate to demonstrate to them his work ethic and drive, to which he replied, 'You can just strap a saddle on my a** and ride me!' Apparently, he was hoping to show what a work horse he is. As you might imagine, he did not get the job." -- Jenny Foss, recruiting agency owner, recruiter and job search consultant <br /><br /><br />19. "I interviewed a candidate over the phone for a sales position. Less than five minutes into the call, I began to hear water swishing and realized that the candidate was taking a bath during the phone interview." -- Jessica Miller-Merrell, SPHR, owner, Xceptional HR<br /><br />20. "I had a candidate come into my office with her child and proceed to breast feed her baby boy during the interview. There was no acknowledgment or mention from the woman I was interviewing about the baby or him eating." -- Miller-Merrell<br /><br />21. "While interviewing a young lady who was wearing a revealing top, at the end of the interview, she leaned forward and said in a sultry voice, 'I'll do anything to get this job.' She got people's attention, but eliminated herself from getting hired." -- Ronald Kaufman consultant, author "Anatomy of Success"<br /><br />22. "One [candidate] came in dressed very professionally and really looked like she had made an effort to look the part. Some people assume because we are laid back and bring our pets to work, that we are extremely casual and will show up for an interview dressed in jeans, so this was a nice change. Toward the end of the interview, I complimented her on how professional she looked. She got this huge smile and looked down at her clothes and said, 'I know... I think I look like Mary Tyler Moore, that's why I wore this!' We ended up hiring her and she was such a quirky, fun, enthusiastic employee with a style all her own." -- Cindy Lukacevic, owner/vice president of marketing, Dinovite, Inc.<br /><br />23. "While wrapping up a seemingly decent interview with a young lady for an administrative assistant position, I asked her if she had any questions. She asked one or two default questions about the company then ... drum roll ... she says, 'I used my last bit of change to put gas in my car to make it here. Is there any way that you could help me out?' Needless to say, I was floored and the candidate did not get the job." -- Clorissa Wright, senior publicist, WrightWay Marketing and Consulting<br /><br />24. "'I like to date the young ones, is that bad?' and 'I love older women, do you really only have women working in your organization?' Those are the two I will never forget." -- Greg Palomino, CWP, CEP, CRE8AD8, LLC<br /><br />25. "I was working for a private investigator and interviewing applicants for a decoy position, in which they could possibly be confronted with various situations while investigating everyone from potentially cheating wives to drug dealers. I asked a guy in his early twenties, 'What would you do if you were working undercover and someone you were investigating starting using drugs?' He laughed, 'Oh, it wouldn't bother me. I mean, I have a medical marijuana card and all. You know, anxiety and stuff.' 'Oh, really?' I noticed his eyes were slightly glassy. 'Yep.' He grinned. 'So, are you high now?' I asked. A chuckle. 'Just a little!' 'Oh, just a little?' I replied. 'When did you last smoke?' 'Oh, before I left my place to come here.' He didn't get the job." --Lauren Gard, Infinite Public Relations, LLC<br /><br />26. "Over a nice dinner, the president of a company conducted a final interview with a vice president of sales candidate. At the end of the interview, the job was going to be offered to the candidate. The waiter brought the bill and the candidate, who was employed at the time, took it, pulled out his company credit card and said, 'Don't worry about this, I'll put it on my company's expense account.' The president later said he didn't know which shocked him more, the lack of ethics or the candidate's stupidity. Obviously the job offer was never extended." -- Brian Marchant-Calsyn, Health Career Agents <br /><br />27. "An executive search recruiter was explaining the qualities needed for the job: multi-tasking, hard-working, time management skills, attention to detail, etc. The candidate responded with 'I can't do that. I'm not a robot.'" --Andrea Friedman, public relations coordinator, The LaSalle Network, a Chicago professional staffing and recruiting company><br /><br />28. "A recruiter was in the midst of an interview, when the candidate asked 'Do you mind if I use your kitchen to eat my turkey sandwich?'" -- Friedman<br /><br />29. "An executive search recruiter asked the candidate, who was previously an accounting manager, what their ideal job would be. The candidate responded with 'A playboy photographer.'" -- Friedman <br /><br />30. "I had to interview for a position that required organization, time management and attention to detail. My candidate was young, in his early 20s, and wore all black to the interview. We were a very casual office, so I thought nothing of it. But when I asked him to describe for me an instance when he had managed his time effectively, he cited managing his time in dungeon raids in the online game 'World of Warcraft.' When I said I knew the game and had even played it a bit, he took that as his cue to answer all my questions with 'World of Warcraft' examples. The word 'necromancer' came up far too many times. Needless to say, I was looking for real-world examples and he didn't get the position." -- Jennifer Escalona<br /><br />31. "One of the funniest things an applicant said to me was in response to my question, 'What do you like in an office environment?' The applicant said, 'I like 42nd and Broadway.' Needless to say, that wasn't what I was asking, and that wasn't anywhere near our office location." -- Sharon Armstrong, author of "The Essential Performance Review Handbook"<br /><br />32. "'I have a hunch that someone in your office is dating an ex-boyfriend/acquaintance of mine and I feel that's too awkward of a conflict of interest. I will not accept any job based on this kind of porkchop recommendation.' Especially amusing because no one in our office at the time was dating any men. We still have no idea where the candidate came up with this theory, or what exactly she means by 'porkchop recommendation,' for that matter." -- Anne Howard, Lynn Hazan & Associates<br /><br />33. "In an interview, the oddest thing has to be a candidate asking if we had any<br />food that she could have." -- Howard<br /><br />34. "When I interview candidates I always ask the following questions in this order: What are you most proud of? What do you enjoy doing? Why did you leave your previous jobs? Here are the answers I received from one candidate: 'I am most proud of my wife and children.' 'The thing I enjoy most is spending time with my family.' 'I decided to quit. I had an affair with a co-worker and when we broke up there was too much tension in the office.' And he said it without batting an eye." -- Bruce, executive recruiter and career counselor, Hurwitz Strategic Staffing, Ltd.<br /><br />35. "One time during an interview, a candidate removed his flip-flops and literally stuck his foot in my face. Another time, I was interviewing a candidate who asked me out on a date three times in five minutes. I had to remind him that he was on an interview ... not speed dating." -- Heather Araneo, branch manger, Snelling Staffing - The Wyckoff Group<br /><br />36. "Interviewer (president of a mid-sized company): Do you plan on having children? <br />Answer (me/candidate): Yes, at some point. <br />Interviewer: Do you intend to continue working then? <br />A: Yes. <br />Interviewer: 'What are you going to do, be a like a cow and drop it in the middle of a field?'"-- Janice Warren, director, OneReport, SRI World Group<br /><br />37. "One day, I met with a candidate who, on his résumé, had good experience and education. I was going through the normal interview questions with him when I asked him which accounting system he had implemented. His response was immediate: 'PEACHTREE!' But then he started shaking his head and saying "No, no, no' and then he slapped himself across the face and said 'NO! QUICKBOOKS!'" -- Meghan Norman<br />corporate recruiter<br /><br />By Rachel Farrell, CareerBuilder.com writer

Interviewees Say The Darndest Things

You can always depend on a young child to tell you exactly what they think, or precisely how they feel on any given topic. Want to know if your breath smells bad, if you should wear a different tie, or if you really look fat in that outfit? Find a fi…

Read more »

Planning de la semaine du 23 au 27 août 2010

<BR><br /><h2><strong><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 113%;color:#005c9b;" >Permanences<br /></span></strong></h2><ul><br /><li>Le <strong>Conseil Général du Loiret</strong> sera présent dans les locaux de la Maison de l'Emploi du bassin d'Orléans<br />- le lundi 23 août de 9h à 12h30,<br />- le mardi 24 août de 9h à 12h30 et de 13h30 à 17h,<br />- le mercredi 25 août de 13h30 à 17h,<br />- le jeudi 26 août de 13h30 à 17h,<br />- le vendredi 27 août de 13h30 à 17h.<br /><br /><li><strong><a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2007/11/boutique-de-gestion.html">Boutique de Gestion</a></strong> (sur rendez-vous)<br />- lundi 23 août de 13h30 à 17h <br />- vendredi 27 août de 09h à 12h30</ul><br /><h2><strong><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 113%;color:#005c9b;" >Ateliers</span></strong><br /></h2><br /><ul><li><strong>Pôle-emploi.fr</strong> - vendredi 27 août de 10h à 11h30<br /><br /><li><strong><a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2009/07/atelier-situtilises-tu-trouves.html">Sit'Utilises tu trouves</a></strong> - vendredi 27 août de 14h à 16h</ul>

Planning de la semaine du 23 au 27 août 2010

PermanencesLe Conseil Général du Loiret sera présent dans les locaux de la Maison de l'Emploi du bassin d'Orléans- le lundi 23 août de 9h à 12h30,- le mardi 24 août de 9h à 12h30 et de 13h30 à 17h,- le mercredi 25 août de 13h30 à 17h,- le jeudi 26 ao…

Read more »