forgetaboutit

<strong>The binges</strong><br />I'm going to stop talking so much about my binges. I've beaten that dead horse to death. Yes, I definitely have a problem with binge eating, but not every night, just some nights. Sometimes a few nights in a row and then I'm okay for a few nights. I don't know, maybe that's normal. What is normal anyway, does anyone even know?<br /><br />I noticed the more I talked about the binge eating, the more obsessive I became about it. I still want to stop it, but the obsessing about it needs to stop first. I'm just making it worse by talking about it all the time.<br /><br />Instead, I'll let you all know how it's going each week, if I've figured anything out. I'll share any tricks or tips on how to stop it, that is if I actually ever figure out how to stop it.<br /><br /><strong>My food</strong><br />Why does every social get together have to revolve around food? Last night it was sushi when I met up with two girlfriends to celebrate our August birthdays. We had a great time, but I ate about 15 pieces of sushi (too much). Then I came home and was starving so I ate a bunch of other crap. None of which were filling foods. Sushi is definitely not a filling food for me.<br /><br />This afternoon I left work early for an early dinner and a movie with another girlfriend. It was some Mama something place for dinner, Italian. Yes, a dieter's worse nightmare. I ordered an Italian Chop Chop salad without the salami. It was lettuce, tomatoes, smoked Gouda, smoked turkey and a couple slices of avocado, with a balsamic vinaigrette. It was delicious but very little Gouda or turkey and also the smallest salad I've ever seen. Which led to SweetTarts and a few handfuls of movie popcorn.<br /><br /><strong>The movie</strong><br />The Time Traveler's Wife. I read the book a couple years ago and cried. Today I cried while watching the movie. A total and complete chick flick. Something my husband, who will usually go to chick flicks with me, actually said no way he was going to see this movie. Probably because when I was reading the book I kept telling him the story. He said it was the stupidest premise for a book that he'd ever heard. I loved the book and loved the movie.<br /><br /><strong>The gym</strong><br />Dear God, please make him go away! What is the deal with the 38-ear old guy that keeps hanging around me and insists on telling me his life story and all his girl problems. Today it was how his 53-year old girlfriend had broken up with him the day before. He was asking me all kinds of questions as to why I thought she broke up with him. Maybe you talk too much!<br /><br />He's making me crazy. When I see him I try to sneak and go to one of the other workout rooms. It's kind of ruining my mornings. I've tried the headphones, the "I really need to workout and can't talk", the "I'm really in a rush this morning and have to keep moving". None of it's working. He hangs around me like a lost puppy dog. I know he wants me to be his friend, but news flash, I don't want to be his freaking friend!<br /><br />I'm at my wits end on this one.<br /><br /><strong>Pamela</strong><br />If you're fan of <a href="http://www.uncoveringpamela.com/blog/" target="blank">Pamela</a> (and who isn't?), her blog is back up. She had a little technical difficulty and disappeared on us for a while. Stop by and say hi to her and welcome her back to blogland. I, for one, sure did miss her.

forgetaboutit

The binges I'm going to stop talking so much about my binges. I've beaten that dead horse to death. Yes, I definitely have a problem...

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10 Jobs That Pay $30 an Hour

by Anthony Balderrama, CareerBuilder.com writer<br /><br />Remember when you got your first job and realized one movie ticket was equal to one hour of work or that a pair of shoes was an entire workday? Somewhere along the way, many of us stopped looking at our paychecks as units of time and started focusing on how much we deposit in the bank.<br /><br />If you haven't calculated your hourly pay in a while, now might be a good time crunch some numbers and see what you're bringing home each day. The median household salary is $48,201, according to the 2006 U.S. Census Bureau report. This makes the average hourly rate $23.17 based on a 40-hour workweek.<br /><br />We've made a list of the top 20 jobs that earn $30 per hour, along with their median annual salary, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).<br /><br />1. Electronics engineers, except computers - $38.97/hour*<br />Electronics engineers create a variety of electronics and monitor their manufacturing. They are involved in electronics of all sizes and functions, from personal and home audio equipment to broadcast systems.<br />Median annual salary: $81,050<br /><br />2. Computer applications software engineers - $38.36/hour<br />Computer applications software engineers create or improve programs and software in response to user needs. Their applications might be bundled with other software or they might be created specifically for a client's private use.<br />Median annual salary: $79,780<br /><br />3. Chemical engineers - $37.91/hour<br />Chemical engineers solve problems related to using or manufacturing chemicals, whether it's in the machinery used in the production or in materials created with the chemicals.<br />Median annual salary: $78,860<br /><br />4. Electrical engineers - $36.50/hour<br />Electrical engineers develop electrical equipment, such as a building's lighting and wiring or cars and airplanes.<br />Median annual salary: $75,930<br /><br />5. Administrative law judges, adjudicators and hearing officers - $34.90/hour<br />Administrative law judges, adjudicators and hearing officers preside over court proceedings that relate to a specific government agency. Their cases can involve everything from health code violations to workplace discrimination.<br />Median annual salary: $72,600<br /><br />6. Mechanical engineers - $33.58/hour<br />Mechanical engineers are involved in the creation of new tools, machines and components, from the concept's inception to the production and testing stages.<br />Median annual salary: $69,850<br /><br />7. Civil engineers - $32.98/hour<br />Civil engineers draw up plans for roads, airports and other public goods and oversee their construction.<br />Median annual salary: $68,600<br /><br />8. Management analysts - $32.72/hour<br />Management analysts look at a company's structure and business plans for ways to improve revenue and productivity.<br />Median annual salary: $68,050<br /><br />9. Personal financial advisers - $31.79/hour<br />Personal financial advisers work with individuals to asses their financial situation and help them reach certain goals, which can be anywhere from establishing a retirement fund to deciding the best investment options.<br />Median annual salary: $66,120<br /><br />10. Operations research analysts - $31.08/hour<br />Operations research analysts are brought into businesses and organizations to identify, investigate and solve logistics problems through the use of statistical analysis and computer programs. The type of problems can vary depending on the nature of the business, whether it's a production factory or the military.<br />Median annual salary: $64,650<br /><br />*All salary information based on BLS data.<br /><br />Anthony Balderrama is a 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: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>

10 Jobs That Pay $30 an Hour

by Anthony Balderrama, CareerBuilder.com writer Remember when you got your first job and realized one movie ticket was equal to one hour of ...

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America’s 20 Fastest-Growing Salaries

Money isn’t everything in a career, but for many people, it sure comes close (whether they admit it or not). While everyone has different criteria for what’s important in a job, whether it’s location, challenge, advancement opportunities or overall satisfaction, pay is often the driving force behind many workers’ decision to stay in their current gig, search for a new one, or accept or decline a job offer.<br /><br />We know looking for a job with an adequate salary is difficult. It depends on the current job market, where you live, your skill set, your experience level and, perhaps most importantly, your job duties. That’s why we’ve done the work for you.<br /><br />Here are 20 jobs with the highest salary growth, according to data from CareerBuilder.com, in conjunction with CBSalary.com and SalaryExpert.com. The percentage listed is the rate of salary growth for each occupation nationally. The data is based on data collected on an ongoing basis, and comes from several different sources, including the Occupational Employment Statistics provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and ongoing surveys conducted by Salary Expert.<br /><br />1. Business operations specialists have job duties that vary depending on the industry. Typically, these folks oversee all business aspects of the company.<br />Salary growth rate: 7.4 percent<br />Salary: $38,648*<br /><br />2. Survey researchers create and perform surveys for clients, collecting information used for various reasons.<br />Salary growth rate: 6.5 percent<br />Salary: $31,734<br /><br />3. Industrial-organizational psychologists apply psychology principles to improve productivity and quality of work life in the workplace.<br />Salary growth rate: 6.4 percent<br />Salary: $106,844<br /><br />4. Protective service managers monitor security staff protecting individuals; homes; and business, commercial and industrial organizations. They investigate crimes against clients and create plans to protect clients from theft, sabotage, violence or other situations that endanger the client’s well-being.<br />Salary growth rate: 6.4 percent<br />Salary: $75,848<br /><br />5. Agents and business managers represent and promote clients to prospective employers and handle contract negotiations and other business matters.<br />Salary growth rate: 5.8 percent<br />Salary: $113,771<br /><br />6. Agricultural inspectors make sure agricultural workers abide by laws and regulations surrounding the health, quality and safety of agricultural commodities.<br />Salary growth rate: 5.6 percent<br />Salary: $37,001<br /><br />7. Music directors and composers lead musical groups and create original music.<br />Salary growth rate: 5.6 percent<br />Salary: $51,910<br /><br />8. Film and video editors edit soundtracks, film and video for the movies, and cable and broadcast television.<br />Salary growth rate: 5.4 percent<br />Salary: $62,958<br /><br />9. Aircraft assemblers put together and install parts of airplanes, space vehicles or missiles.<br />Salary growth rate: 5.3 percent<br />Salary: $49,824<br /><br />10. Protective service workers guard individuals and industrial or commercial property against harm, fire, theft, vandalism and illegal entry.<br />Salary growth rate: 5.3 percent<br />Salary: $25,727<br /><br />11. Semiconductor processors are production workers who manufacture semiconductors into different-size disks.<br />Salary growth rate: 5.3 percent<br />Salary: $35,799<br /><br />12. Public relations managers supervise public relations specialists, often specializing in specific industries, and create campaigns for targeted audiences.<br />Salary growth rate: 5.2 percent<br />Salary: $91,396<br /><br />13. Geological and petroleum technicians measure and record physical and geologic conditions in oil or gas wells.<br />Salary growth rate: 7.4 percent<br />Salary: $53,004<br /><br />14. Lodging managers oversee all aspects of hotel operations, like establishing room rates and making sure all standards are met within the hotel.<br />Salary growth rate: 5.1 percent<br />Salary: $39,517<br /><br />15. Anthropologists study the origin, cultural development and behavior of humans, while archaeologists recover artifacts to gather information about humans.<br />Salary growth rate: 4.9 percent<br />Salary: $66,861<br /><br />16. Derrick operators assemble equipment and control pumps to circulate mud through drill holes.<br />Salary growth rate: 4.8 percent<br />Salary: $42,363<br /><br />17. Purchasing managers buy goods and services, like raw materials for manufacturing or office supplies, for companies/organizations.<br />Salary growth rate: 4.7 percent<br />Salary: $79,606<br /><br />18. Set and exhibit designers design special exhibits and movie, television and theater sets.<br />Salary growth rate: 4.6 percent<br />Salary: $49,190<br /><br />19. Biochemists study the chemical composition of living things and the chemical combinations and reactions involved in metabolism, reproduction, growth and heredity.<br />Salary growth rate: 4.5 percent<br />Salary: $87,408<br /><br />20. Law clerks assist lawyers or judges by researching or preparing legal documents.<br />Salary growth rate: 4.4 percent<br />Salary: $42,754<br /><br />*Salary is total national average compensation, including bonus and benefits.<br /><br />Rachel Zupek is a 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: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>

America’s 20 Fastest-Growing Salaries

Money isn’t everything in a career, but for many people, it sure comes close (whether they admit it or not). While everyone has different cr...

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Your Dream Job Search Begins Now

by Richard Castellini, Senior Career Adviser for CareerBuilder.com. Did you have high hopes of being an astronaut or even the president when you were growing up? Now you’re stuck behind a pile of papers wondering exactly when you lost the desire to dream big.<br /><br />If you didn’t start out 2008 in your dream job, you’re not alone. A new survey of more than 6,700 workers by CareerBuilder.com and Disney Parks reveals that only 15 percent of workers say they are in their dream jobs.<br /><br />So what does the perfect job entail? It means something different for everyone.<br /><br />Most of us are looking for more than just a paycheck. Ninety percent of workers said, if they could get a job that would allow them to make a difference in the world, they would do it. More than a third (35 percent) said they would even take a pay cut if they could help others or give back to the community.<br /><br />Why wait to find your dream job?<br /><br />Is your job negatively affecting your personal life, are you having a hard time getting out of bed in the morning? Maybe you’re staying put because of the benefits or because you are worried you aren’t qualified for the job you really want. There are all sorts of reasons (or excuses) for not seeking out a dream job, but you may be in a better position to find that “dream job” now than you realize.<br /><br />Increasingly, job seekers are finding themselves in the driver’s seat as employers face a shortage of qualified talent. Baby boomers are ready to retire and there aren’t enough experienced job seekers to take their place. In fact, CareerBuilder.com’s annual job forecast found that 40 percent of employers say they have positions for which they can’t find qualified candidates.<br /><br />This could be good news for you in 2008. Not only are employers making their jobs more attractive with unique perks and better salaries, but they are also casting a wider net when it comes to finding talent. This means you could be considered for positions that you weren’t perceived as qualified for in the past.<br /><br />Finding your dream job in 2008<br /><br />• Identify a role model: Is there someone out there who has your dream job? Consider what makes this person successful. What path did this person take to achieve his/her success? Ask him or her what responsibilities, experience, education and training are needed to obtain their position.<br /><br />• Get some help: Reach out to HR professionals and ask what qualities they look for in a candidate who doesn’t have direct experience. Talk to a career advisor or take an online career assessment test learn how your interests, skills and personality can translate into a new job or career. You can also find career tests at sites such as www.CareerPath.com.<br /><br />• Don’t underestimate your skills and experience: The qualified talent shortage has helped employers become more open-minded about relevant experience. Do your homework and understand what skills are necessary to be successful in the job you dream about. Then position your experience accordingly.<br /><br />• Plot your path: Do you want to change jobs or careers, but are worried about starting over? Understand that the route you take doesn’t have to be direct. Consider the steps that could help you get the job you always dreamed about. Could you volunteer or take a similar job in a different industry to gain some of the skills and experience you need?<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>

Your Dream Job Search Begins Now

by Richard Castellini, Senior Career Adviser for CareerBuilder.com. Did you have high hopes of being an astronaut or even the president when...

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Get Real: Four Realities of the Job Search

A strong hiring environment may cause you to think that your job search will be a piece of cake. But the truth is that finding the right job can be hit or miss. It’s important to have realistic expectations to keep your spirits high and limit frustration.<br /><br />So that you enter the process with your eyes open, here are some job-search perceptions you may have and the reality behind them:<br /><br />Expectation: My job search will take no time at all.<br />Reality: There’s no guarantee how long it will take to find a new position.<br /><br />Finding the right opportunity is not always easy. The open positions you come across may not seem challenging enough, or certain details about a job, such as the salary or commute, may not be appealing. Along with searching classified ads and online job boards, you’ll increase your chances of finding a job quickly by tapping your network of friends, former co-workers and industry contacts for leads.<br /><br /><br />In addition, hiring managers may take several weeks to respond to your application. After all, they have full-time jobs with demands of their own, and hundreds, if not thousands, of résumés to review. That said, don’t be afraid to follow up with a prospective employer to help move the process along. Eighty-two percent of executives polled by Robert Half International said it’s a good idea to do so within two weeks of submitting a résumé.<br /><br />Expectation: I need to send out only a few résumés.<br />Reality: Finding a job is a numbers game.<br /><br />As mentioned above, a hiring manager may receive countless résumés for an open position. That’s why it pays to spread a wide net. And while you want to keep in mind your goals, it may be unwise to hold out for the “perfect” job, which you might not find — or which might not even exist.<br /><br />Also keep in mind that some of the résumés you distribute may not reach their destinations. If you e-mail your résumé, it could end up in the hiring manager’s spam folder, depending on the words it contains. For instance, if you “won an award” for being a team player, your message could be seen by an e-mail filter as a sweepstakes or moneymaking promotion. “Received formal recognition” would work better.<br /><br />Networking with members of your professional network is one way to save yourself some time and effort. Hiring managers give preference to personal recommendations and may move your résumé to the top of the pile if someone you know puts in a good word for you.<br /><br />Expectation: My résumé and cover letter are terrific!<br />Reality: You could probably improve your application materials.<br /><br />Take a close look at your résumé and cover letter. Do they sell your skills and qualifications? Make sure that, instead of simply listing your previous duties, you detail your accomplishments and contributions in previous roles. So rather than saying, “Wrote one high-tech column for company intranet each week,” try, “Wrote weekly high-tech column for company intranet that increased readership by more than 200 percent and helped employees better utilize company systems.” This will show a prospective employer exactly how your work improved the bottom line and why they should hire you.<br /><br />Also make sure your materials are targeted. Research the company before responding to an ad to determine how your qualifications can meet their business needs. In addition, read through the job description and include specific terms from it in your résumé and cover letter. Doing so will demonstrate to a hiring manager that your skills are a good fit for the position as well as increase the likelihood that your documents will be flagged as promising by résumé-scanning software.<br /><br />Expectation: My skills are top notch — any company would want to hire me.<br />Reality: You may not be as marketable as you think.<br /><br />A common mistake job seekers make is overestimating their marketability. Although you may think your skill set is solid, take an honest look at your qualifications to determine how in demand you really are. Keep in mind that your marketability depends on many things, including factors that may be out of your hands. For instance, you may live in a part of the country where many other individuals with similar experience are also looking for employment.<br /><br />Of course, there are some factors you can control. For example, many firms seek employees with well-developed soft skills, such as communication and leadership abilities. Enrolling in a class or seminar can help you build these competencies. Industry publications, members of your professional network and recruiters can help you determine your weaknesses and identify ways of strengthening those areas to improve your marketability.<br /><br />Finding a new position is difficult, and it’s easy to fall prey to your frustrations. But by maintaining a realistic outlook, you’ll be better able to overcome any hurdles and land a job quickly.<br /><br />Robert Half International is the world’s first and largest specialized staffing firm with a global network of more than 350 offices throughout North America, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. For more information about our professional services, please visit www.rhi.com.<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>

Get Real: Four Realities of the Job Search

A strong hiring environment may cause you to think that your job search will be a piece of cake. But the truth is that finding the right job...

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What's Your Sign? Hot Jobs for Your Horoscope

Come on, admit it. You sneak a peek at your horoscope now and then, don't you? And even though horoscopes aren't always correct, every once in a while you read one so dead-on it makes you reconsider your feelings about this whole astrology thing.<br /><br />Amazingly, horoscopes can occasionally even tip cynics toward reluctant self-discovery. Here's a list of characteristic personality traits and suggested career options, along with the average national salary, for each sign of the zodiac (with help from www.findyourfate.com). Who knows? This list might just predict your future.<br /><br />Aries (March 21-April 19)<br />Your traits: Ambitious, inventive, confident and independent. You can be impatient, but your creativity and high energy inspire people and make you a natural leader.<br /><br />Compatible jobs: Arians often succeed in creative fields such as journalism, publicity, publishing and advertising. Leadership positions in the military or law enforcement are also potential matches. Look for jobs that allow you to flex your imagination and work either independently or as a leader.<br />• Publicity Writer: $45,696<br />• Police Officer: $46,564<br />• Radio DJ: $41,281<br /><br />Taurus (April 20-May 20)<br />Your traits: Practical, loyal, dependable and patient. You have strong opinions, but are slow to anger.<br /><br />Compatible jobs: Due to your methodical nature, you have the potential for success in finance and accounting. Artistic Taureans should look for careers in architecture or landscaping.<br />• Financial Planner: $66,328<br />• Architect: $55,509<br />• Stock Broker: $53,978<br /><br />Gemini (May 21-June 21)<br />Your traits: Enthusiastic, communicative, optimistic and intellectually curious. You are full of passion and energy, and have a voracious appetite for new experiences.<br /><br />Compatible jobs: Since you crave intellectual stimulation, look for jobs that allow you to continually learn new things. Consider a career in academia, research, investigative journalism or fields that require travel. Geminis are often good with their hands, and therefore might consider working in construction or carpentry.<br />• Research Assistant: $31,248<br />• News Reporter: $38,668<br />• Carpenter: $35,541<br /><br />Cancer (June 22-July 22)<br />Your traits: Compassionate, energetic, intuitive and imaginative. Your sensitivity, loyalty and organizational skills make you an excellent caregiver.<br /><br />Compatible jobs: Tap into your nurturing nature with a job in health care, social work, psychology or teaching. You might also consider a career in law, where your desire to protect and defend others would be put to good use.<br />• Social Service Worker: $45,461<br />• Public Defender: $83,442<br />• Adult Education Teacher: $43,763<br /><br />Leo (July 23-August 22)<br />Your traits: Ambitious, confident, optimistic, straightforward and outgoing. Your generous, dramatic presence draws others to you.<br /><br />Compatible jobs: You feel most comfortable in leadership positions where your star power can really shine. Consider a career in politics or film, or in an entrepreneurial business role that allows you to manage others.<br />• Campaign Worker: $54,808<br />• CEO: $336,305<br />• Newspaper Editor: $71,815<br /><br />Virgo (August 23-September 22)<br />Your traits: Observant, meticulous, friendly and industrious. Thanks to your patient, analytical nature, you are an excellent problem solver.<br /><br />Compatible jobs: Your logical, inquisitive mind makes you an excellent candidate for a career in medicine, law, research or teaching. Since Virgos are detail-oriented, they often succeed in accounting, statistics and programming.<br />• Analytical Statistician: $62,326<br />• Elementary School Teacher: $41,712<br />• Internal Medicine Physician: $164,549<br /><br />Libra (September 23-October 22)<br />Your traits: Diplomatic, idealistic, easygoing, creative and sociable. Your gregarious and trustworthy nature makes you well-liked by all.<br /><br />Compatible jobs: Your sense of justice and interest in people make you a strong candidate for positions in public service, philanthropy, law and medicine. Libras' imaginative nature also lends them to careers in the arts.<br />• Poet: $53,864<br />• Judge: $72,990<br />• Public Services Director: $39,221<br /><br />Scorpio (October 23-November 21)<br />Your traits: Purposeful, motivated, energetic and passionate. Your mental strength and resourcefulness make others feel safe around you.<br /><br />Compatible jobs: Your intensity, drive and analytic ability make politics, police investigation and the military fitting fields for you. A career in espionage, physics or astronomy would serve your inquisitive nature.<br />• Undercover Agent: $43,038<br />• Astronomer: $84,767<br />• Internal Affairs Investigator: $54,598<br /><br />Sagittarius (November 22-December 21)<br />Your traits: Positive, adventurous, ethical and sincere. You love to travel and learn new things, and then communicate your newfound knowledge to others.<br /><br />Compatible jobs: Philosophical by nature, you're suited to science, theology, law, politics and public service. Careers that allow for travel will also be of interest to Sagittarians.<br />• Travel Agent: $28,197<br />• Social Worker: $55,606<br />• City Superintendent: $177,059<br /><br />Capricorn (December 22-Jauary 19)<br />Your traits: Responsible, disciplined, ambitious and authoritative. Your serious, goal-oriented temperament pushes you to succeed in all you do.<br /><br />Compatible jobs: Excellent with math and money, you thrive in business situations where you are given a lot of responsibility. Additionally, many Capricorns are good with their hands and do well in engineering and construction.<br />• Treasurer: $102,364<br />• Mathematician: $61,884<br />• Construction Worker: $38,631<br /><br />Aquarius (January 20-February 18)<br />Your traits: Innovative, tolerant, personable and quick-witted. Creative and independent, you set the trends that others follow.<br /><br />Compatible jobs: Your excellent aesthetic sense lends you to a career in the arts, such as photography, music, writing and acting. Aquarians are visionaries, and therefore are also suited to science, aviation and computer technology.<br />• Jet Pilot: $86,567<br />• Fiction Writer: $45,646<br />• Software Developer: $74,196<br /><br />Pisces (February 19-March 20)<br />Your traits: Empathetic, patient, artistic and loyal. Due to your kind and intuitive nature, others often turn to you for support.<br /><br />Compatible jobs: Your compassion makes you well-suited for a career in health care, social work, philanthropy or veterinary science. The artistic, imaginative side of Pisceans would be engaged by a career in theater or film.<br />• Actor: $33,103<br />• Registered Nurse: $52,035<br />• Veterinarian: $79,452<br /><br />Salary information provided by CBSalary.com and the U.S. Department of Labor.<br /><br />Anthony Balderrama is a 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: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's Your Sign? Hot Jobs for Your Horoscope

Come on, admit it. You sneak a peek at your horoscope now and then, don't you? And even though horoscopes aren't always correct, eve...

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Job Fair USA Widgets

Are you interested in helping others in their job search. Do you have your own web site and/or BLOG? Then you can easily add one of the two following widgets to your site/BLOG and help others discover the benefits of using Job Fair USA in their job search. Besides having access to more than 100,000 jobs powered by CareerBuilder visitors have access to GREAT career articles written by leading national experts in career advancement.<br /><br />Just choose one or both of the links below to add a widget to your site/BLOG. As an added benefit, you're adding a value-added item to your site which keeps them coming back!<br /><br />Widget 1: <a href="http://bit.ly/Uo651">http://bit.ly/Uo651</a> (Provides a static rotating banner with a link to the Job Fair USA site)<br />Widget 2: <a href="http://bit.ly/19ucgs">http://bit.ly/19ucgs</a> (Provides an auto-updater similar to the one on the left side of the BLOG. All new posts will feed into this widget. You set the size and parameters to meet your site/BLOG's needs!)

Job Fair USA Widgets

Are you interested in helping others in their job search. Do you have your own web site and/or BLOG? Then you can easily add one of the two ...

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15 Biggest Job Seeker Mistakes

You talk too fast. You avoid eye contact. You ask too many questions. You wear too much perfume. You lie about your work history. You show up late to interviews. You don’t do your research.<br /><br />And you wonder why you haven’t gotten a job yet?<br /><br />There’s no such thing as an error-free job search, says Eli Davidson, business coach and author of “Funky to Fabulous.” Most mistakes can be avoided with a little attentiveness.<br /><br />“The best way to get a great job is to have a laser beam focus,” Davidson says. “The more targeted and specific you are, the more powerful your job search will be.”<br /><br />Many people assume only young job seekers are making these mistakes; but in reality, both new and seasoned candidates face different challenges that cause them to slip up, says Kip Hollister, founder and CEO of Hollister Inc., a New England staffing firm.<br /><br />Younger applicants approach their job search with a “what’s in it for me” attitude, Hollister says. They lack humility and their expectations exceed their qualifications.<br /><br />Seasoned job seekers, on the other hand, oftentimes come across with more attitude, indicating they may be uncoachable or won’t adapt to a new career environment, she says. They’re challenged with keeping their résumé competitive and they have unrealistic salary expectations.<br /><br />Don’t shoot yourself in the foot during your next job search. Here are 15 common mistakes job seekers should avoid:<br /><br />1. Fire … Ready, Aim<br />Don’t waste your time shooting out résumés before you’ve aimed for your ideal job, Davidson says. “When you go after jobs you aren’t qualified for, you are rejected more often. Take the time to ready your job search, aim for what you want and pursue your career with fiery determination.”<br /><br />2. Acting in a video résumé<br />“Unless you’re looking to be cast in the next play, hiring managers are not interested in watching you act,” Hollister says. Decide whether a video résumé is appropriate to the position for which you’re applying before sending one.<br /><br />3. Assuming you’re on a first-name basis.<br />Never call your interviewer by his or her first name, including interviewers younger than you, says career management expert Sally Haver. Until you hear, “You can call me Fred,” or the equivalent, address the interviewer formally.<br /><br />4. Your life’s an open book.<br />“Keep your private life private,” Davidson advises. “Make sure all of your wild photos on Facebook or MySpace are not available to the public.”<br /><br />5. Winging it.<br />“One of the biggest turn-offs for a hiring manager is when a candidate they are interviewing has not done the research necessary to understand both the position and the company they are applying for,” Hollister says. Davidson agrees: “Unless you are more prepared, more practiced and more passionate than the other candidates, you are wasting everyone’s time.”<br /><br />6. Neglecting your appearance.<br />You’ve heard it once. You’ll hear it again. “Don’t dress too sexy, too casual, too outrageous or wear too much jewelry,” says Bill Behn, national director of staffing for the Atlanta branch of SolomonEdwardsGroup, a CFO services firm. “Dress for the position you want to have.”<br /><br />7. Applying just to apply.<br />Apply only for the jobs and companies that interest you, Davidson says. “Go after that job like an Olympic athlete goes for a medal.” Don’t waste time sending out résumés for positions you don’t really want.<br /><br />8. Not talking the talk.<br />“An interviewer is not looking for a yes or no response to their question,” Hollister says. “They do want a direct response, but it is OK to support your point with specific examples that are relevant to your work experience.” On the other hand don’t too talk too much. It reveals nervousness or the inability to deliver a direct response.<br /><br />9. Being unprofessional.<br />“I actually had an interviewee tell me to contact her via e-mail at likes2party@aol.com,” Behn says. “Needless to say, that person was not offered the job.”<br /><br />10. Sending a phone book.<br />“Sending a 10-page résumé is a mammoth error,” Davidson says. Highlight your abilities in one page. If you’re having trouble, invite someone to help you. “Remember the person reviewing résumés has 15 seconds to decide to bring you in.”<br /><br />11. Doing it alone.<br />“They say it’s all about networking,” Hollister says. “They’re right.” Not networking with everyone you know cuts your chances of finding a great job, Davidson says. The more people you involve, the better your chances.<br /><br />12. Shunning assistance.<br />Many applicants think asking for help is a sign of weakness, Davidson says. In reality, it’s one of the most courageous and effective actions you can take. Ask someone you admire for help during your job search.<br /><br />13. Forgetting to say thank-you.<br />Always send a thank-you e-mail to the hiring manager. Use it as an opportunity to leave an impression on him or her by referencing something you discussed in your interview, Hollister suggests.<br /><br />Behn says job seekers often “nail” the interview, get a job offer and then send a mistake-riddled thank-you note. “That’s a great way to get your offer rescinded,” he says.<br /><br />14. Talking negatively about past employers.<br />“Regardless of how valid your point-of-view is, it’s not necessary to trash your past employer,” Hollister says. If you’re asked to talk about your previous job, be prepared to put a positive spin on it, showing you valued the experience.<br /><br />15. Not asking good questions.<br />“Not asking open-ended questions is a sure-fire way to show that you don’t care about the company or the position you’re interviewing for,” Behn says. Ask questions like, “Where do you see this position going?” “What is going to make the person who takes this position successful?” “Why is the position open?” or, “How do you see me fitting in here?”<br /><br />Rachel Zupek is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issue<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>

15 Biggest Job Seeker Mistakes

You talk too fast. You avoid eye contact. You ask too many questions. You wear too much perfume. You lie about your work history. You show u...

Read more »