PEAJE - EXPENSIVE COMMUTING

<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Food for thought</b></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="hps"><span lang="ES" style="line-height: 115%;">Alimento para el pensamiento</span></span></b></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Argentine luxury – Highway travel </span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: blue; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span lang="ES" style="color: yellow;">Argentina De lujo  - Viajar en autopistas</span></b></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Out of a total population of approximately 40 million Argentines, 15.2 million live within close proximity of Buenos Aires, thus making it the second largest Latin American metropolitan area after Sao Paulo in Brazil.</span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: blue;"><span class="hps" style="font-size: large;"><span lang="ES" style="line-height: 115%;">De una población</span></span><span lang="ES" style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"> <span class="hps">total de</span> <span class="hps">aproximadamente 40</span> <span class="hps">millones de argentinos</span>, 15,2 <span class="hps">millones viven</span> <span class="hps">en las cercanías</span> <span class="hps">de Buenos Aires,</span> <span class="hps">por lo que esta es la segunda  área</span> <span class="hps">metropolitana</span> <span class="hps">más grande</span> <span class="hps">de América</span> <span class="hps">después de</span> <span class="hps">Sao</span> <span class="hps">Paulo</span> <span class="hps">en Brasil.</span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;">See <a href="http://www.mpsargentina.org/turistic.html">http://www.mpsargentina.org/turistic.html</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Given the density of this metropolitan area, a large amount of people are forced to commute to work from the outskirts of Buenos Aires.</span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: blue; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span lang="ES" style="font-size: large;">Teniendo en cuenta la densidad de esta área metropolitana, una gran cantidad de personas se ven obligadas a ir al trabajo desde las afueras de Buenos Aires.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Whereas public transport such as trains and subways are very cheap, commuting by car on  highways to and from Buenos Aires is considerable more expensive than in most European counties.</span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: blue; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span lang="ES" style="font-size: large;">Considerando que el transporte público, como ferrocarriles y el metro son muy baratos, los desplazamientos en coche en las carreteras desde y hacia Buenos Aires es bastante más caro que en la mayoría de países europeos.</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Commuting from Pilar, a popular countryside residential area located 55km North West of Buenos Aires, to work downtown using the “Autopistas del Sol” highway which is the only feasible option during peak hours, toll expenses are approx </span><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">14$</span><span style="font-size: large;"> Pesos, coming and going <b><u>once per day</u></b>, equals </span><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">70$</span><span style="font-size: large;"> Pesos per week, </span><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">280$</span><span style="font-size: large;"> per month, <b style="color: red;"><u>3360$ Pesos</u></b> per year which equals to <b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: red;">560 Euro</span>!!!!</span></b> (Exchange rate 6$ to 1 EUR) </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span lang="ES" style="color: blue; font-size: large;">El viaje desde  Pilar, una zona residencial popular situada a 55 km al noroeste de Buenos Aires, al centro para trabajar usando  la "Autopista del Sol", que es la única opción viable en las horas pico, los gastos de peaje son unos 14 $ pesos (ida y vuelta) una vez por día, es igual a $ 70 pesos por semana, 280 $ por mes, <u>$ 3360 pesos por año</u>, lo que equivale a 560 euros!! (Tipo de cambio $ 6 a 1 EUR)</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Commuting </span><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">29 km</span><span style="font-size: large;"> from the northern suburbs of Buenos Aires to the city center at peak hours, using the highway for one roundtrip, toll expenses’ amount to <b style="color: red;"><u>2544 $Pesos</u></b> per year which equal <b style="color: red;"><u>424 EUR</u>!!!!</b></span><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"> </span> <br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span lang="ES" style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Los viajes desde los suburbios de zona norte , a 29 kilómetros de Capital Federal  al centro de la ciudad en las horas pico, por la autopista implica un gasto de ida y vuelta de $ 2,544 pesos al año que equivalen a <u><b>424 euros!!</b></u></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Compared to the <b><span style="color: red;">560 Euro</span></b> per year, Argentine commuters pay on highway toll, European countries, with the exception of France are considerable cheaper.</span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: blue; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span lang="ES" style="font-size: large;">Si comparamos  los 560 euros al año que los viajeros argentinos pagan como  peaje a la autopista con los países europeos, con la excepción de Francia son considerablemente más baratos.  </span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Here are some comparisons: </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: blue; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Vignette (road tax system)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: blue; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span lang="ES" style="font-size: large;">Aquí están algunas comparaciones:<br />Vignette (sistema de impuesto de circulación)</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: blue;">AUSTRIA </span>- </b>Approx <b style="color: red;">76 EURO</b> (<b style="color: red;">456$</b> pesos) for 1 year unlimited use of countries entire highway system </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: blue; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="hps" style="font-size: large;"><span lang="ES" style="line-height: 115%;">Aprox</span></span><span lang="ES" style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"> <span class="hps">76</span> <span class="hps">euros</span> </span><span lang="ES" style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">(456$ Pesos) </span><span lang="ES" style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"> <span class="hps">para</span> <span class="hps">1 año</span> <span class="hps">sin límite</span> <span class="hps">de</span>  uso en las carreteras de todo el país</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: blue; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="ES" style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: blue;">SPAIN </span> - </b>Approx <b style="color: red;">45 EURO</b> (<b><span style="color: red;">270$</span></b> pesos) for 1 year unlimited use of most of countries highway system</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: blue; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="hps" style="font-size: large;"><span lang="ES" style="line-height: 115%;">45</span></span><span lang="ES" style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"> <span class="hps">euros</span> <span class="hps">(270$pesos) para</span> <span class="hps">1 año</span> <span class="hps">sin límite</span> <span class="hps">de</span>  uso en las carreteras de todo el país </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: blue;">SWITZERLAND</span> -  </b>Approx <b style="color: red;">31 EURO</b> (<b style="color: red;">186$ </b>pesos) for 1 year unlimited use of countries entire highway system</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: blue; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="hps" style="font-size: large;"><span lang="ES">Aprox</span></span><span lang="ES" style="font-size: large;"> <span class="hps">31</span> <span class="hps">euros</span> (186$ Pesos) <span class="hps">para</span> <span class="hps">1 año</span> <span class="hps">sin límite</span> <span class="hps">de</span>  uso en las carreteras de todo el país </span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: red;">GERMANY</span> <span style="color: red;"><span style="color: lime;">Free highway usage</span> </span></b></span><br /><div style="color: blue;"><span class="hps" style="font-size: large;"><b><span lang="ES" style="line-height: 115%;">libre</span></b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span lang="ES" style="line-height: 115%;"> <span class="hps">uso de</span> <span class="hps">la carretera</span></span></b></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: red;"> </span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Use of alternative commuting is rather limited due to infrastructural shortcomings, especially train connections to and from city outskirts are insufficient and outdated. Due to the heavily populated area, use of freeways as alternative commuting is becoming increasingly difficult because of permanent traffic congestion's, thus commuters using their car have no alternative but to utilize the <b>privatized highway system. </b>Subsequently private operating companies such as “Autopistas del Sol”  have no scruple charging higher tolls then in Europe, for lack of alternatives.  </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Adding to the toll fuel cost and vehicle attrition, the feasibility to commute becomes “Food for thought”.   </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: blue; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span class="hps" style="font-size: large;"><span lang="ES">El uso de</span></span><span lang="ES" style="font-size: large;"> <span class="hps">rutas alternativas</span> <span class="hps">es bastante limitada</span> <span class="hps">debido a las deficiencias</span> <span class="hps">de infraestructura,</span> <span class="hps">especialmente las conexiones</span> <span class="hps">de trenes</span> <span class="hps">hacia y desde</span> <span class="hps">las afueras</span> <span class="hps">de la ciudad</span> <span class="hps">son insuficientes</span> <span class="hps">y anticuadas.</span> <span class="hps">Debido a que las</span> <span class="hps">zonas se encuentran densamente poblada</span>, el uso de <span class="hps">rutas sin pago</span> como <span class="hps">rutas</span> <span class="hps">alternativas</span> <span class="hps">es cada vez más</span> <span class="hps">difícil debido a las</span> <span class="hps">congestiones de tráfico</span> <span class="hps">permanente</span>, por lo que <span class="hps">los viajeros</span> <span class="hps">con</span> <span class="hps">su coche</span> <span class="hps">no tiene</span> <span class="hps">más remedio que</span> <span class="hps">utilizar</span> <span class="hps">el sistema de autopistas</span> <span class="hps">privatizadas.</span> <span class="hps">Posteriormente,</span> <span class="hps">las empresas</span> <span class="hps">privadas que operan</span> <span class="hps">como</span> <span class="hps">"</span>Autopistas del Sol" <span class="hps">no tienen</span> <span class="hps">escrúpulos en</span> <span class="hps">utilizar</span> <span class="hps">el cobro de peajes</span> <span class="hps">más altos que</span> <span class="hps">en Europa.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: blue; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span class="hps" style="color: yellow; font-size: large;"><span lang="ES">Agregando a la</span></span><span lang="ES" style="color: yellow; font-size: large;"> <span class="hps">cifra de</span> <span class="hps">costo</span> <span class="hps">de combustible</span> <span class="hps">y</span> <span class="hps">desgaste</span> <span class="hps">del vehículo</span>, <span class="hps">la posibilidad</span> <span class="hps">de conmutar</span> <span class="hps">se convierte en "</span>Alimento para el pensamiento".</span></div><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">See related links:</span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: red; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span lang="ES" style="font-size: large;">Ver los enlaces relacionados:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.ausol.com.ar/cuadrotarifario.asp">http://www.ausol.com.ar/cuadrotarifario.asp</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.ruta0.com/rutas_argentinas.aspx?d1=Buenos+Aires&desde=7&h1=Pilar&hasta=222&tipoq=1&tipo=1&clima=Si">http://www.ruta0.com/rutas_argentinas.aspx?d1=Buenos+Aires&desde=7&h1=Pilar&hasta=222&tipoq=1&tipo=1&clima=Si</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.kfz-auskunft.de/info/autobahngebuehr.html">http://www.kfz-auskunft.de/info/autobahngebuehr.html</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilar,_Buenos_Aires_Province">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilar,_Buenos_Aires_Province</a></span></div>

PEAJE - EXPENSIVE COMMUTING

Food for thought Alimento para el pensamiento Argentine luxury – Highway travel Argentina De lujo  - Viajar en autopistas Out of a total pop...

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How to keep networking during summer vacation

<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana; font-size: medium;"></span></i></b></span><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td colspan="2" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal arial, helvetica;"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" id="tblContent"><tbody><tr id="trContent"><td align="center" class="cb_style tcContent" id="tcContent" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><div class="cbArticleWrapper" style="background-color: white; text-align: left; width: 750px;"><div class="cbArticleContentWrapper" style="margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 15px; margin-right: 15px; margin-top: 15px; width: 750px;"><div class="cbArticleRight" style="width: 560px;"><div class="RXart" style="padding-right: 20px;"><div class="ArticleHeadline" style="margin-top: -30px;"><b><span id="cbArticle_lblByLine">Anthony Balderrama, CareerBuilder Writer</span></b><br /><br /><div class="cbmsnArticleImage"><img alt="" src="http://emj.cbdr.com/artieimages/p8/ar5f8795w2cgwgxxltp8.gif?time=6/7/2011%2012:12:49%20pm" /></div></div><br /><div class="ArticleContent"><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">For many people, regardless of age, summer is a time when work is low on your list of priorities. Perhaps all those years of three-month summer vacations as young students conditioned us to think of June, July, and August as reprieves from using our brain. Even many offices let their workers leave early on Fridays during the summer.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">For job seekers, the summer months can be particularly troublesome due to several factors. Aside from wishing they were outside sunning at the pool rather than inside typing up a résumé, many job seekers have children at home for three months and need to entertain them. Not to mention scheduling conflicts of the employers who are off at some resort enjoying the sun and don't have time for interviews. Despite these problems, however, summer isn't a lost cause for job seeking.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Why summer is a good time to job hunt</b><br />"Conducting a job search during the summer can be tricky, and it is important to avoid the biggest hazards for job seekers during the summertime -- timing and schedules," says Patty Coffey, a partner in the <a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobs/keyword/information+technology/" style="color: #3300cc; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">information technology</a> division of staffing firm Winter, Wyman. "Candidates shouldn't feel discouraged if the interview process takes extra time, and those who can withstand a longer process may just find that perfect job."</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">In fact, Coffey offers these five tips for job seekers to keep in mind during the summer:</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Some industries slow down in summer</b><br />"Employees of many companies may actually have more time to interview candidates in the summer, when they aren't on vacation, because it isn't a busy time for their organization," she explains.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Don't assume no one's hiring</b><br />"Companies still need to hire even when it is 95 degrees outside," Coffey reminds. "If you stop your job search, you could miss out on some great opportunities. And you may face less competition if other job seekers are buying into the summer slowdown myth."</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Be prepared to act quickly</b><br />"While summer vacation schedules can prolong the interview process, they can also expedite it," she cautions. "If the schedules of all involved align, companies will speed up interviews -- to even just one day -- to avoid the complexity of scheduling multiple meetings."</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><strong>Starting in the summer gives you more breathing room</strong>"Summertime is typically a less hectic time to transition to a new job. Prospects can get acquainted with the company when fewer people are in the office and things are slower. It can also be less traumatic for families if a move is involved, since children wouldn't have to switch schools mid-year," Coffey says.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Use summer hours to your advantage<br />"</b>Many companies have a more lax schedule in July and August," she reminds. "Bosses are often on vacation or may take a long lunch, so employees can slip away unnoticed. Vacation days are more accepted -- boss won't think it is odd if you take a vacation day or two in August. In fact, you could even consider taking a 'job search vacation' where you conduct a week-long blitz of intense searching and interviewing."</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>How to network and make connections in the summer</b><br />Now that you know summer is the perfect time to job hunt, and maybe even the secret to landing a job while everyone else has given up, you need to know how to do it. We asked some career experts to give their best advice for making the most of summer picnics and sports games in order to advance your career. Here's what they think you should be doing:</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">"At the summer barbecue or pool party, networkers should listen as well as talk. Listening establishes rapport and people are more likely to help you when they feel listened to. Job seekers should never say, 'I'm unemployed.' It sounds passive and negative. If you are networking and not employed, the best thing to say is 'I'm in [a] career transition.' It puts you in the driver's seat. If you were caught in a downsizing, never say 'I lost my job' or 'I was laid off.' Instead say, 'My position was downsized' or 'my department was eliminated.' Then, it sound less like the layoff was about you and more like it was about the financial operations of the company." <i>- Marky Stein, <a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobs/keyword/career+coach/" style="color: #3300cc; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">career coach</a>and author of "Fearless Resumes: The Proven Method to Get a Great Job Fast"</i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">"The challenge of summer networking is that so many of the venues and places are outside. Most of us are not walking around with our briefcases and resumes in hand. We forget that these summer places offer real opportunities.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">"[My] Best advice: Keep your business cards with you wherever you go -- in your pocket or wallet or glove compartment of your car. If you have a smartphone, learn to use it by immediately uploading a new contact into it and beaming your contact info to the person you have just met. Be careful: since these are usually social or recreational, do not come across as too pushy. Keep it low key!" <i>- Larry Chiagouris, professor of <a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobs/keyword/marketing/" style="color: #3300cc; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">marketing</a> at Pace University</i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">"The best thing about networking [at picnics, softball leagues or tennis matches] is people get to know the real you, the person behind the suit, the face and the personality. Be yourself! And connect with them on LinkedIn.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">"Considering most conversations either begin or end up focusing on what you do for a living, have that elevator speech planned but don't sound too canned. Bring business cards or connect with new contacts on LinkedIn but know going into it what you're looking for. Identify what you want such as a company you want to work for and/or specific jobs and put yourself in the position to ask new contacts for help." <i>- Vicki Salemi, author of "Big Career in the Big City"</i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">"At times, professionals forget the conversation starters and ways to look for making connections to build their networking. Ask probing questions to find out more about the other person. Don't talk all business but ask them about their personal interests outside of work, their family, their occupation and what made them select that industry, where they like to vacation and what are their dreams and aspirations. When you find a common connection that is when the real magic begins to happen.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">"I challenge people to keep asking questions on various topics until they find a common interest. I've personally done this and found people who attended the same university, from the same home town or like to vacation in the same type of relaxing vacations. This is how to build a professional network that can lead to long-term rapport." <i>- Sarah Hathorn, <a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobs/keyword/CEO/" style="color: #3300cc; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">CEO</a> of Illustra Consulting, a corporate and individual professional consulting firm</i></div><i>Anthony Balderrama is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com and its job blog, </i><a href="http://www.theworkbuzz.com/" style="color: #3300cc; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><i>The Work Buzz</i></a><i>. He researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.</i> </div></div></div></div></div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>

How to keep networking during summer vacation

Anthony Balderrama, CareerBuilder Writer For many people, regardless of age, summer is a time when work is low on your list of priorities. P...

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BOSNIA - EUROPEAN UNION’S STEPCHILD

<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY (IC) AND ORGANIZED CRIME (OC) ARE THE MAIN OBSTACLES IN SOLVING THE CURRENT POLITICAL SITUATION OF BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA (BIH).  </span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="266" mozallowfullscreen="mozallowfullscreen" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uJ2BYMwEt3Y?feature=player_embedded" webkitallowfullscreen="webkitallowfullscreen" width="320"></iframe></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR2X29QvipgS380mmXtFhBWcZJ5FgL8Fzi0kJVt8py-YUYX4JCqDOvsEJOso92xb_Mtao2FyPHFsNXIlVKe4h0zN7Wfgc-OwwEU9bT9VnEKmVc6CP2q4YC2BkDZjZUK6XKbjbLFIaqW9yt/s1600/bosnia_herzegovina_pol97.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR2X29QvipgS380mmXtFhBWcZJ5FgL8Fzi0kJVt8py-YUYX4JCqDOvsEJOso92xb_Mtao2FyPHFsNXIlVKe4h0zN7Wfgc-OwwEU9bT9VnEKmVc6CP2q4YC2BkDZjZUK6XKbjbLFIaqW9yt/s400/bosnia_herzegovina_pol97.jpg" width="321" /></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">The notorious inability of the EU to find a common political consensus on pressing subject such as the current dept crisis management, immigration policies, unified air traffic control, to name but a few, reflect on the inability to find a united approach regarding BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA (BIH) and its acceptance in the EU. Some EU countries, for historical reasons, follow their own agenda with BIH, where others seem indifferent to the developments occurring, right in front of the doorstep to EUROPE. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">This division in opinion among EU states, as how to proceed with the membership negotiations and growing rift among the 3 BOSNIAN ethnicities are the perfect constellation to further escalate the already fragile situation.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">By stalling EU membership negotiations, BOSNIANS, in particularly the BOSNIAK (Muslim) entity might turn their back on the EU entirely and seek support from TURKEY and other ASIAN Muslim states. And who can blame them? TURKEY’S and most ASIAN Muslim states are far better off economically then the EU and contrary to the EU, these countries are eager to accept young educated immigrants, of which BIH has plenty off. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">The older generation of BIH grew up in an ethnic unified environment and has close ties to EUROPE because many citizens of FORMER YUGOSLAVIA immigrated to EUROPE in order to work, thus providing financial support for their relatives and families in BIH. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Diaspora still works in favor for the old generation of FORMER YUGOSLAVIA, thus ties to EUROPE still are strong due to the economic support, but with the economic situation in EUROPE worsening rapidly, the incentive to join the EU are diminishing rapidly, even among the older generation.</span><span style="font-size: large;">  </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="266" mozallowfullscreen="mozallowfullscreen" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HadIxyg1yxg?feature=player_embedded" webkitallowfullscreen="webkitallowfullscreen" width="320"></iframe></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Unlike EUROPE, the BALKAN has a rather young and growing population with a large amount of disillusioned youth at disposal. Thanks to the visa regime the EU placed upon BIH after the war, for fear of mass migration, travel to EUROPE for young BOSNIANS was impossible and only contributed to the fact that the young generation of Bosnia lost its ties, identification and association with EUROPE, thus student movements in BIH, in particularly in the Muslim part of BIH, increasingly voice their anger on the prolonged EU membership negotiations and see no need to join the Union. Most young Bosnians nowadays ask the question: Who needs Europe, with its stagnating economy, increasing “Islamophobia” and hostility towards immigrants? </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">TURKEY and countries such as SAUDI ARABIA, MALAYSIA, EGYPT to name but a few are investing heavily in BIH and encourage young BOSNIAKS to study in their country, providing them </span><span style="font-size: large;"> job perspectives, excellent career opportunities and last but not least treat them as fellow Muslims. See also <a href="http://www.isaintel.com/2011/01/31/as-predicted-turkey-steps-in-to-help-bosnia-form-new-govt-while-spreads-disinformation-on-%E2%80%98flag-row%E2%80%99/">http://www.isaintel.com/2011/01/31/as-predicted-turkey-steps-in-to-help-bosnia-form-new-govt-while-spreads-disinformation-on-%E2%80%98flag-row%E2%80%99/</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">One should not underestimate the youth movements among the BOSNIAK entity. Currently there are no indications that the BOSNIAKS youth will turn towards Islamic fundamentalism, should however the economic situation in the country deteriorate, they could easily be the target of fundamentalist recruiting techniques and thus shake the entire political landscape in the region. </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="266" mozallowfullscreen="mozallowfullscreen" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xpy5RQwjT70?feature=player_embedded" webkitallowfullscreen="webkitallowfullscreen" width="320"></iframe></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">The EU and the IC however seem to turn a blind eye on development in BIH for reasons that are not comprehendible, or as some argue, are deliberate. The “Internationals” as all foreign entities in BIH are referred to, earn vast amounts of money. Official posts such as the Office of the High Representative (OHR), OSCE chief etc are appointments which are limited to a certain period of time, thus a continuous flow of “new” ideas etc. should be imminent. On the other hand, international consultants, analysts, advisors etc. are in most cases permanent positions. Thus their objectives are to prolong the current eco - political situation in BIH, in order to continue earning high wages. Thus impartial analysis and conflict resolutions on BIH are almost none existing. </span><span style="font-size: large;">  </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">The “Internationals” are also under the influence from lobbies who manipulate the political landscape in BIH. Milorad Dodik, the Bosnian Serb leader of the REPUBLIC SRBSKA (RS) for example uses his warmongering rhetoric’s to “play” the “Internationals” as he deems necessary to archive his political objective in the RS. There are allegations that Dodik has strong lobbies within the EU and the USA who support his cause.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Organized Crime and “grey” Economy of BIH</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Last but not least, the other entity in BIH which is not interested in a solution to the Bosnian problem and its acceptance in the EU are the Organized Crime syndicates. OC and the so called “grey” economy are far too developed and infiltrated in all levels of BIH society then to be eliminating them from one day to the other. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">The close proximity of the SANDZAK </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">  (see </span><span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sand%C5%BEak">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sand%C5%BEak</a> ) region, a OC stronghold and home to a BOSNIAK minority, most of whom are running their “international business” from there due to its geographic location in the Balkans and close proximity to main drugs and human trafficking routes to Europe, further stalls political as well as economic progress in BIH.</span><span style="font-size: large;">   </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">See also:</span> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.bmlv.gv.at/pdf_pool/publikationen/crime_omero.pdf">http://www.bmlv.gv.at/pdf_pool/publikationen/crime_omero.pdf  </a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_368951384">http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2011/sc10243.doc.htm</a></span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>

BOSNIA - EUROPEAN UNION’S STEPCHILD

THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY (IC) AND ORGANIZED CRIME (OC) ARE THE MAIN OBSTACLES IN SOLVING THE CURRENT POLITICAL SITUATION OF BOSNIA AND HE...

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How to decode employment ad phrases

<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana; font-size: medium;"></span></i></b></span><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td colspan="2" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal arial, helvetica;"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" id="tblContent"><tbody><tr id="trContent"><td align="center" class="cb_style tcContent" id="tcContent" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><div class="cbArticleWrapper" style="background-color: white; text-align: left; width: 750px;"><div class="cbArticleContentWrapper" style="margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 15px; margin-right: 15px; margin-top: 15px; width: 750px;"><div class="cbArticleRight" style="width: 560px;"><div class="RXart" style="padding-right: 20px;"><div class="ArticleHeadline" style="margin-top: -30px;"><b><span id="cbArticle_lblByLine">Larry Buhl, Special to CareerBuilder</span></b><br /><br /><div class="cbmsnArticleImage"><img alt="" src="http://emj.cbdr.com/artieimages/n5/ar5l5wc695tqtg4rf3n5.gif?time=6/7/2011%2012:05:09%20pm" /></div></div><br /><div class="ArticleContent"><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Contrary to many job seekers' fears, employment ads are more likely to be wish lists than demands. But reading these ads, it's often hard to tell what these companies are actually wishing for. It's a good idea to decode confusing phrases before you apply, so you'll avoid wasting time on jobs out of your reach, and not overlook that perfect fit position.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Experience required, or preferred?</b></div><ul type="disc"><li><b>Experience preferred</b>: The company hopes you have done most of the tasks in the job description. If you haven't you won't automatically be disqualified.</li></ul><br /><ul type="disc"><li><b>Experience required</b>: You should have done most of the tasks of the job advertised. However, the exact amount of experience they want is sometimes negotiable. And remember that your experience can be in a particular field or position, or you might have more general experience or transferable skills that you can apply to the specific job advertised.</li></ul><br /><ul type="disc"><li><b>Will train</b>: It's fine if you don't have direct experience. In some cases -- rare, but it happens -- companies want people without experience, so they won't have to unlearn the ways of a previous employer.</li></ul><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Senior-, junior- or entry-level?</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobs/keyword/entry+level/" style="color: #3300cc; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">Entry-level</a></b> jobs require the least experience and are open to candidates just out of school. You should have a few years of experience for a <b><a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobs/keyword/junior+level/" style="color: #3300cc; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">junior-level</a> </b>position, and you must be highly proficient with more than five years of experience, generally, for a <b><a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobs/keyword/senior+level/" style="color: #3300cc; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">senior-level</a> </b>role.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Sometimes the level is implied but not stated in the title itself. For example, "<a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobs/keyword/administrative+assistant/" style="color: #3300cc; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">senior administrative assistant</a>" (senior) will require more experience than "<a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobs/keyword/assistant/" style="color: #3300cc; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">administrative assistant</a>," (junior) which will require more experience than "<a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobs/keyword/receptionist/" style="color: #3300cc; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">receptionist</a>" (entry level).</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Also consider the size of the company. A senior position in a large firm may require decades of experience; in a small company a few years may be adequate.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Knowledge and proficiency</b></div><ul type="disc"><li><b>Working knowledge of:</b> This means that you should be familiar with the topic, tool, technique or software, but it's not necessary that you've used them.</li></ul><br /><ul type="disc"><li><b>Proficient in: </b>You have handled certain tasks and tools in the past, but may not know the finer points. If you have a year of hands-on experience, that should be enough.</li> <li><b>Command of: </b>You are so experienced with a task, skill or software that you could teach others how it works.</li></ul><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Personal qualities</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Phrases that seem like meaningless jargon are actually ways of finding intangible personal qualities. Some examples:</div><ul type="disc"><li><b>Highly motivated:</b> They want to be sure you have passion and commitment for the job and you're not applying just for a paycheck.</li></ul><br /><ul type="disc"><li><b>Team player</b> and/or <b>good interpersonal skills:</b> They want to know if you work well with others, even if your job requires working independently. Being able to collaborate when necessary is important for most jobs.</li></ul><br /><ul type="disc"><li><b>Works well under pressure:</b> They want to make sure you won't flip out if your deadline is pushed up a day or two.</li></ul><br /><ul type="disc"><li><b>Thinks outside of the box:</b> They want you to have some original and innovative ideas. Then again, they don't want a loose cannon; teamwork almost always takes precedence over genius, no matter what the want ads say.</li></ul><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Be specific in your own résumé.</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">As confusing as want ads can be for job candidates, résumés can be just as confusing for employers, according to Hassan Akmal, <a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobs/keyword/director/" style="color: #3300cc; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">director</a> of career services for DeVry University in Sherman Oaks, Palmdale and Oxnard, <a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobs/keyword/california/" style="color: #3300cc; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">California</a>. Akmal recommends working with a counselor who will help you use the terms correctly on your résumé. "You don't want to mislead a hiring manager by inflating your skills. For example, don't say you are experienced in a language when you only know a few words."</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Should you apply?</b>Most career <a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobs/keyword/counselor/" style="color: #3300cc; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">counselors</a> recommend applying even when you don't fit all the criteria. "With so many applicants today, if a company demands a certain number of years of experience, they will find many [candidates] to choose from, but sometimes they will choose a candidate with less experience who shines in other ways," Akmal says.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Jenna Gausman, a career counselor at Santa Monica College, says it's okay to apply for a position that is one step higher or one step lower than your level of experience. "You never know if the organization might just have the opportunity to bring someone up to speed if you don't have all the experience they want. Putting time into a really good cover letter as to why you are ready for the next step will help the candidate land an interview."</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i>Larry Buhl researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues for CareerBuilder.com. Follow @CareerBuilder on Twitter.</i></div></div></div></div></div></div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>

How to decode employment ad phrases

Larry Buhl, Special to CareerBuilder Contrary to many job seekers' fears, employment ads are more likely to be wish lists than demands. ...

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I think I'd rather be tired

I took my first doctor-prescribed sleeping pill last night. I slept horribly, worse than usual. I woke up with a severe headache at 4 a.m. It felt like my head was in a vise and someone was tightening the vise every few minutes. It was insanely painful. I felt extremely nauseous too. My husband brought me aspirin and a glass of water, but it didn't even begin to  phase the pain. <br /><br />When the headache finally eased up enough that I could get out of bed (around noon), I looked up the possible side effects of the "sleep aid" my doctor had prescribed. <br /><br />The drug is Trazodone HCL. It turns out it's not really a sleep aid, it's really an anti-depressant. Since it's a hypnotic, it's off-label use is to cause drowsiness for insomniacs. If it's used as a sleep aid, the it's only one dose a day. If used as an anti-depressant, the dosage is three times a day. Since I'm not depressed, the doctor prescribed on tablet at bedtime.<br /><br />Check out these possible side effects:<br /><br />All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Trazodone:<br /><blockquote>Blurred vision; constipation; decreased sexual desire or ability; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; <b>headache</b>; lightheadedness when sitting up or standing; muscle aches or pains; <b>nausea</b>; nervousness; stomach pain; stuffy nose; tiredness.</blockquote>Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Trazodone: <br /><blockquote>Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); black, tarry, or bloody stools; bloody or dark urine; chest pain; decreased coordination; fainting; fever, chills, or sore throat; hallucinations; irregular heartbeat; new or worsening agitation, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, aggressiveness, impulsiveness, irritability, hostility, exaggerated feeling of well-being, restlessness, trouble sleeping, or inability to sit still; prolonged, inappropriate, or painful erections; seizures; severe or persistent dizziness or tiredness; shortness of breath; speech problems; suicidal thoughts or actions; swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet; symptoms of low blood sodium levels (eg, confusion, persistent headache, trouble concentrating, memory problems, weakness, unsteadiness, sluggishness, personality changes); tremor; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual weight changes; vomit that looks like coffee grounds; yellowing of the eyes or skin.</blockquote>Are you thinking what I'm thinking? It's not worth it. I'm back to the Melatonin and Sleepytime herbal tea (I'm sipping a cup right now). My doctor has also suggested a sleep study, which I'm seriously considering. My niece has sleep apnea, and has a CPAP machine. She says it makes a huge difference in how much rested she feels. I don't like the idea of being hooked up to a machine when I sleep, but I also don't like feeling exhausted all the time.<br /><br />Exercise and Diet<br />Good news! I feel totally back in control of my eating. Thank God! I've had my eating in control for two whole days. I realize that doesn't sound like much, but it's the first two consecutive days in weeks that I kept my eating in check. I'm journaling all my food, and keeping my calorie count under 1500.<br /><br />This afternoon I went to the gym. I almost didn't go, because even though my headache was gone, it felt like it was on the verge of coming back. My eyes felt tender and almost sore from the pain earlier in the day. I thought maybe I'd feel better if I worked out. Amazingly, it worked! I did a full hour of cardio, 35 minutes on the elliptical and 25 minutes on the cross-ramp. Then 40 minutes of upper body weights. I burned 628 calories according to my heart rate monitor, in an hour and 40 minutes. Happy dance!<br /><br />The Body Media<br />I ordered my <a href="http://www.bodymedia.com/">Body Media</a> with the wrist display tonight. It should ship tomorrow and be here by Friday. It's a lot like the Body Bugg, except it also measures your sleep. It comes with a "free" 12-month subscription (I think the BodyBugg does too).<br /><br />I'm not sure how it measures sleep, but my friend at work said it really does work. She thought it sensed when you were laying down. I'm not sure it'll be accurate on my sleep (or lack of sleep).<br /><br />The best things I've ever purchased for myself were my Polar heart rate monitor and iPod. Those two items have made made a world of difference in my exercise. I'm actually on my third heart rate monitor and third iPod in four years. I think the Body Media will be another tool to help me get to my goal.<br /><br />I guess the SleepyTime and Melatonin are kicking in. I'm finally feeling tired. It's almost 10:30pm. Hopefully this will be a more restful night.

I think I'd rather be tired

I took my first doctor-prescribed sleeping pill last night. I slept horribly, worse than usual. I woke up with a severe headache at 4 a.m. I...

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What sort of things would you like to learn?

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><i>submitted by Deb Avery</i><br />The ICT in the classroom conference is over, and for most of us, it’s back to school. There were so many good ideas, so many interesting tools, so many things we could use in the classroom – if we had time, if we knew how to use them better, if we were able to change the plans we have already made for the term, if we could persuade the school management to allow us to use social networking .... I’m sure you have a whole bunch of barriers of your own.<br /><br />I find that my list of 50 things I learnt is well populated but I often don’t get to follow through on them because I need just a bit more motivation.<br /><br />This is something the Premium Member plan hopes to address – providing some additional Professional Development so that members can see how others have used ICTs in their classrooms, learn the “how to” of some of the topics touched on, find a kindred spirit who can give advice, encouragement and maybe even another class to collaborate with, build a Personal Learning Network and take some of the impetus of the conference forward into the classroom.<br /><br />But to make this work, we need to know what you want to learn – is it more about social networking tools, is it about collaboration, is it attending a course Schoolnet already offers, is it joining a community of practice?<br /><br />We would like to offer webinars, provide some videos and resources, organise on-line discussion groups, maybe even have a full day on-line “un-conference” – but we need to know what your needs are. So this is a request – a one-line comment saying what YOU would like to have some PD on. <br /><br />Please join in – it will be worthwhile.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK3XYrs3XlWpeUjULUjZ_oOOexN94GKEW5jFImgdVAjo0nQcxSCSuvDVTuiajc05TXhyphenhyphenXLTkZwxL8tYFOuhAQk3JeUWGaNsFu2ZLaK7yDp1NXNOd-C5QAInB9WLpscmBzhpGUL1YJF9M4/s1600/Slide1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK3XYrs3XlWpeUjULUjZ_oOOexN94GKEW5jFImgdVAjo0nQcxSCSuvDVTuiajc05TXhyphenhyphenXLTkZwxL8tYFOuhAQk3JeUWGaNsFu2ZLaK7yDp1NXNOd-C5QAInB9WLpscmBzhpGUL1YJF9M4/s200/Slide1.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />PS What I really wish I had been able to learn at the conference - how to create my own 1 CLICK DIGITAL MASH UP so I could find all the things that come into my computer all in one place - that's what I'd like a webinar on!</div>

survey What sort of things would you like to learn?

submitted by Deb Avery The ICT in the classroom conference is over, and for most of us, it’s back to school. There were so many good ideas,...

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My annual physical wasn't fun

Okay, so I'm not dying, at least not yet. I had my annual physical today and my doctor isn't happy with me. She asked me what happened, how did I gain so much weight since March 2010 (my last physical).<br /><br />I was 173 pounds in March 2010, and I was 199.4 on the doctor's scales today. She wanted to know why I'd gained so much weight. I didn't have an answer. I honestly don't know what happened. I told her I guess I was eating too much. <br /><br />My doctor is a tiny Asian woman, probably a size 0, really nice and very smart. She's the one that looked at my neck last year and spotted my enlarged thyroid (which resulted in an ultrasound and biopsy of my thyroid).<br /><br />Even though she's sweet, she doesn't mince words when it comes to my health. She told me this was a lot of weight to gain in one year and it was having a very serious impact on my body. My blood pressure was up to 148/88, and she put me back blood pressure medication. <br /><br />In one month I have to go back to see her again so she can see how my blood pressure is doing. She also wants me to wait one month to get all the blood work done for all the other stuff (glucose check, cholesterol and triglycerides, vitamin D and a reactive C protein test for my heart) and she wants to review everything with me.<br /><br />This is a lot more important than my concerns about how I look at this weight or the fact that none of my clothes fit. This is dead serious business. My health is at stake and frankly, I'm a little scared. What if I'm diabetic? Or what if I have a stroke or drop dead of a heart attack, or worse yet, live through a heart attack with a damaged heart? What am I doing to myself?<br /><br />This has really made me take stock of my issues with food and my weight. I guess I thought gaining weight wasn't that big of a deal. So my clothes don't fit or I "feel" fat and ugly. That stuff really doesn't matter that much. My health, that's a different story. Once it's gone, it's hard, if not impossible to get it back.<br /><br />So I'm making some changes. The most immediate is to get decent sleep. I've been failing in this area for years, short-changing myself on sleep almost every night.<br /><br />Of course, there's the eating. I need some sort of plan. I always seem to need a gimmick to get jump started. My new plan is to use the <a href="http://www.bodymedia.com/">Body Media</a>. Someone at work has been wearing one and she swears by it. I haven't ordered it yet, but plan to by this weekend.<br /><br />Last, but not least is my exercise. I've been slacking in the exercise area, going to the gym only three or four times a week, and then not really giving it 110%. I've really just been going through the motions. That has to change.<br /><br />I have a lot more that I want to write about, but I have to be off the computer in two minutes (8:45pm). New rule. Darkened room, and then lights out by 9pm.

My annual physical wasn't fun

Okay, so I'm not dying, at least not yet. I had my annual physical today and my doctor isn't happy with me. She asked me what happen...

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Update

<p>Hello friends & Happy Monday to you! So when I posted last week it was my great intention to post more often than weekly! But life with a newborn doesn’t always allow time for blogging! Speaking of newborn I thought I’d start today’s post with some sweetness! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUWWe4xNm6wrJVea87PciID41lnsS2q5O6yYxizz3M9aeSE1eHUX_SYSxOU2YZx1qB5sYqlQJWm0VH3RhO1Zu6lYpWKDD33jQQrSJjCSSIxvmMVLCIwvdIMBTZ4pRWKOGGnm7bJKP8QncP/s1600-h/DSC00288%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC00288" border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghSkkaqkXmzKOptcs5lPuurgiOjbk8Xu5OABnxLLDjyoraxrzkjwcbccdPp17K1nn6m0B0dqCP2WUztVsLKbMHK35BTC84uj_AigoFH7DddvglJ0gRs-g65Hwo1poICcdVlZiRAe7rItEd/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; padding-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; padding-left: 0px; float: none; background-image: none; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC00288" width="404"></a></p> <p>Ok now back to the purpose of my post, <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2011/07/post-baby-plan.html">post baby plan</a> update! So my first week being cautious about my eats went fairly well. I wouldn’t say I was 100% on track, but baby steps here people! Eventually I hope to get back to photographing my food. I know I make better choices when I have to take a picture before I eat. </p> <p>I got in at least a 30 minute walk 4/7 days last week. I was hoping to do better, but that heat really didn’t help! We started our week out good this week though! By 8 am this morning I had my tennis shoes on, Adelyn strapped in her seat, and we were out the door for a walk! We started early to try to beat this crazy heat. I was dripping when we got back after 30 minutes. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY3EWF1BpwMRA4yHgEnTyVpi-Z95er3EXo6l5_FI7zov2wIsozxwe-2aBUESYI0b_sEwxZuR8o6DDXHmZXD9ZHnjzDoxIHE0S2rl7UPZHy5zoATZpJYH64dy-QM47WM8zPFYRpxEUWM70B/s1600-h/DSC00306%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC00306" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNSb5l2yAhSjGClEsb5Kg_WPIZ3D1q8pTLLuz5ThTlGme2KaZGqs92bFn73olBkHOnDaymX1KLf3QJcQLHy-OL1SecjfnOivCEYNcNEtzYAqxAhJC8Q3G4HZVDildW96whuiJ3tn4FTZkb/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; padding-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; padding-left: 0px; float: none; background-image: none; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC00306" width="404"></a></p> <p>I stepped on the scale this weekend and……….stayed the same this week. <img alt="Sad smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-sadsmile" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigGyh66AP69UXaqrnJBTusm-IXFAeF8jLDaj9ll6mkBVnb0aYS1iHCgMCBfnPkzy4T27RfIgfHq5-fSHwhsBiTQ0lxrsM55GH0JVJy6JpOoJFwCzuRu2ouOIExBAPnizHUGK_GSK_9cdl9/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-bottom-style: none"> At first I was really bummed, but then I came back to reality. I didn’t put all these pounds overnight and I know they aren’t going to come off like that! I was just quite spoiled those first 3 weeks, losing 35 lbs! So my plan is to continue watching my eats and getting in lots of fruits & veggies. And also trying to get in some walks (weather permitting!). </p> <p>Thanks for your continued support on this journey! Hope everyone has a great week!</p>

Update

Hello friends & Happy Monday to you! So when I posted last week it was my great intention to post more often than weekly! But life with ...

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Reflections on the ICT in the Classroom Conference

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><i>Submitted by Deb Avery</i><br />Sitting in a conference in Botswana this week, I can’t help reflecting on the ICT in the Classroom Conference last week.<br />The conference I am at is packed with huge numbers of workshops, papers and colloquia. Two or three presentations take place one after the other in the same venues – ½ hour or an hour at a time. Nothing is running on time – so people walk in and out all the time. Many of the presentations are being read straight from Academic papers. There is 5 minutes for questioning at the end of each presentation – but no real interaction. And some of the topics are very academic.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNtflx56alzEU9DobWoH0VOQkmbTddLP6c9wpzxneBMn1K5vaUbpNSBUQbWYTb3INmfLn23qoEkzUsbHWXfgBseF5r_-dwGkwKZ_L5Uzz48kGPBclPUEQ1L9sebbBbvonJJJKAD1YBTGg/s1600/Gala+dinner+056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNtflx56alzEU9DobWoH0VOQkmbTddLP6c9wpzxneBMn1K5vaUbpNSBUQbWYTb3INmfLn23qoEkzUsbHWXfgBseF5r_-dwGkwKZ_L5Uzz48kGPBclPUEQ1L9sebbBbvonJJJKAD1YBTGg/s200/Gala+dinner+056.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />I’ve met some great people – people who really know what they are talking about, people who have a great heart for reading, people who really want to make a difference to education in Africa.<br />But, like the Botswana landscape, this conference feels dry. I miss the Twitter backchannel – even the critical comments from some of the conference delegates. I miss the chance to really get my teeth into some new and different tools and methods. I miss the interactivity of most of the presentations – the chance to try and talk and wrestle and learn from colleagues.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfE0t8F2Z6bS-MY9zBS2270eSPe-0eQtE_SkKqw081C80dSB_cV0lueTbxJHtp1RXdwel7Kqm2oumABkoqYP46vT4UAyrFSCc5_nTKvZRVKjbqibeuuVGXMxKI0g_GPIofdDDRkQ8Ul1k/s1600/Gala+Dinner+037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfE0t8F2Z6bS-MY9zBS2270eSPe-0eQtE_SkKqw081C80dSB_cV0lueTbxJHtp1RXdwel7Kqm2oumABkoqYP46vT4UAyrFSCc5_nTKvZRVKjbqibeuuVGXMxKI0g_GPIofdDDRkQ8Ul1k/s200/Gala+Dinner+037.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />I also miss the amazing networking – meeting people who I have only known on facebook or twitter, introducing people who have something to offer one another, just chatting and laughing and dancing – brainstorming new ideas, seeing new ways of doing old tasks, being offered new resources freely and sharing my own ideas even when they seem small and insignificant.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJQ8diSGAfkhdf7L2LEwbHKseFhOTphNAy-WZlXoOApaxLS0NrHThkEYTOBoL3xIVW8XVr2VzXdA4EywAJX73pvRVznKlLRq5nMEJCw8MGT5oRNmDj-NntE0qBke4BBiDeHxiZ-s9Vp7Y/s1600/Conference+134.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJQ8diSGAfkhdf7L2LEwbHKseFhOTphNAy-WZlXoOApaxLS0NrHThkEYTOBoL3xIVW8XVr2VzXdA4EywAJX73pvRVznKlLRq5nMEJCw8MGT5oRNmDj-NntE0qBke4BBiDeHxiZ-s9Vp7Y/s200/Conference+134.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipwtCAVXKV4n55U41XWvmWZrdhXRatEpwtIN9qLSbDfyXKU_XEJPjcFBD_8d_GdRcqKQiJSD3cqx4WjlqBqk3Wv6Svbav18B9_fnSnE4H9zvMsSiFHQXaISYXRqk-v6kLMKHjHyrDaKGw/s1600/Conference+2011+222.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipwtCAVXKV4n55U41XWvmWZrdhXRatEpwtIN9qLSbDfyXKU_XEJPjcFBD_8d_GdRcqKQiJSD3cqx4WjlqBqk3Wv6Svbav18B9_fnSnE4H9zvMsSiFHQXaISYXRqk-v6kLMKHjHyrDaKGw/s200/Conference+2011+222.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCo4law5U7YZpBu9QuWV0CK-nOGYG51wJkJ5bpM3R_CttvyJTYOU1jWx1H31ZcTVno2JGd4nh0OFTEue-avu2PGDRQ2hJIOtPfJB4-lij6dgAHH-9PQMvEhGQWiIkyZAQpiZphu5vfwUk/s1600/Gala+Dinner+036.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCo4law5U7YZpBu9QuWV0CK-nOGYG51wJkJ5bpM3R_CttvyJTYOU1jWx1H31ZcTVno2JGd4nh0OFTEue-avu2PGDRQ2hJIOtPfJB4-lij6dgAHH-9PQMvEhGQWiIkyZAQpiZphu5vfwUk/s200/Gala+Dinner+036.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br /><br />What significant things came out for me from the conference?<br />• The power of social networking in the hands of responsible people can be hugely beneficial – being a twitterer doesn’t mean you have to be a twit. Twitter is not just gossip or narcissistic self reflection – it’s a way to keep all your knowledge in one place and connected.<br />• There are a lot of new tools out there – tools that aren’t all about bells and whistles, but are there to make us more productive and give our learners a chance to think a bit more deeply. Some of them are about new ways of doing old things more effectively. <br />• Sharing is what it’s all about. The generosity of people at the conference – from the keynote presenters to the technicians in the labs - is what makes being a teacher so worthwhile. No one ever needs to struggle on alone, because there is always someone to share with, someone’s ideas to build on and someone’s help readily available.<br />• The “T” in ICT is really not “Technology” but “Thinking.” All the things I learnt were about building deeper thinking – for learners, but also for ourselves. Getting hung up on pedagogy and standards is less important than guiding our learners to be critical and creative thinkers and problem solvers. And there’s a lot that we as teachers can learn about thinking, too.<br />• Once every two years is not enough. We need to be engaging in “un-conferences” on a regular basis – discussing, meeting (on line or face to face), challenging, looking for new ways, thinking deeply, collaborating, sharing. And the joy of Web 2.0 tools is that we can do it for the cost of our bandwidth.<br />So let’s join up as Premium Members and reflect on what we learnt at the Conference – just add a comment to this post – and make sure we keep on developing.<br />This is not a dry or dusty academic place to be – it’s vibrant and growing. Let’s make it blossom.</div>

conferences Reflections on the ICT in the Classroom Conference

Submitted by Deb Avery Sitting in a conference in Botswana this week, I can’t help reflecting on the ICT in the Classroom Conference last we...

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The elephant in the interview room: Are you being passed over because of age?

<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana; font-size: medium;"></span></i></b></span><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td colspan="2" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal arial, helvetica;"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" id="tblContent"><tbody><tr id="trContent"><td align="center" class="cb_style tcContent" id="tcContent" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><div class="cbArticleWrapper" style="background-color: white; text-align: left; width: 750px;"><div class="cbArticleContentWrapper" style="margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 15px; margin-right: 15px; margin-top: 15px; width: 750px;"><div class="cbArticleRight" style="width: 560px;"><div class="RXart" style="padding-right: 20px;"><div class="ArticleHeadline" style="margin-top: -30px;"><b><span id="cbArticle_lblByLine">Beth Braccio Hering, Special to CareerBuilder</span></b><br /><br /><div class="cbmsnArticleImage"><img alt="" src="http://emj.cbdr.com/artieimages/lh/ar5l0b76g736my59d1lh.gif?time=6/7/2011%2011:46:29%20am" /></div></div><br /><div class="ArticleContent"><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">"I can see the look in people's eyes when they first greet me," says Bill Wood, a 64-year-old from<a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobs/Minnesota/" style="color: #3300cc; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">Minneapolis, Minn., </a>who is looking for a job in information technology. "It seems to say, 'This guy is going to retire soon; we don't want a short-term permanent employee.'"</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Cyndi Pauwels, a <a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobs/keyword/writer/" style="color: #3300cc; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">writer</a> in her 50s from Yellow Springs, <a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobs/ohio/" style="color: #3300cc; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">Ohio</a>, has had similar experiences. "I was told (second-hand, off-the-record) by a headhunter, 'We don't hire older workers.' I've read that the longer I'm unemployed, the less likely my chances are of finding anything, and I'm beginning to believe it."</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The current recession has been particularly hard on older job candidates. In March 2011, the duration of unemployment for all seekers averaged 39 weeks. But in April, the average length of unemployment for people over 55 surpassed the year mark (53.6 weeks), according to an AARP analysis of Labor Department data. And while age discrimination is illegal, that certainly doesn't mean it isn't happening. Complaints filed with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission have increased 35 percent over the last three government fiscal years compared with the average of the three years prior.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">What is behind the longer length of unemployment? Lisa Quast, author of "Your Career, Your Way!" and president of Career Woman Inc. in <a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobs/washington/seattle/" style="color: #3300cc; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">Seattle, Wash</a>., notes the following:</div><ul type="disc"><li>Corporate downsizing during the recession eliminated many of the middle-management positions previously held by older workers.</li> <li>There are more <a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobs/keyword/entry+level/" style="color: #3300cc; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">entry-level</a> positions available, and these are the positions into which young people are being hired. Higher-level positions are less numerous and harder to obtain, so it can take longer for older workers to find an equivalent position to what they previously held.</li> <li>Older workers are further up the career and salary ladder. Many do not want to take a position beneath their skill level, so they hold out on accepting lower-level positions, thus increasing the duration it takes to find a position.</li></ul><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Yet even when older workers are willing to settle for less, they often get passed over. "I have dropped my salary expectations to allow me to compete with younger candidates," Wood says. "The philosophy of industry in the past was to bring in 'young guns' that have fresh ideas and ways of doing things. Unfortunately for people in a similar position as me, companies are not changing that attitude and are missing out on a golden opportunity to improve the business by utilizing experience."</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Older workers often are perceived as outdated or stuck in their ways. Such stereotypes can be hard to shatter, but not impossible. "Show some enthusiasm. Discuss how you have been innovative and are a life-long learner," says Robin Ryan, author of "Over 40 & You're Hired!" "Demonstrate on a résumé and in interviews the results you have achieved in the last few years. Show recent training (especially your technical prowess) and innovations made on the job, such as creating something new, making process/system improvements or saving past employers money." Ryan also notes that many mature workers appear "weather-worn and tired out" and suggests looking as vibrant as possible with a new hairstyle and a contemporary, well-fitting suit.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">While being lively is one thing, trying to hide your age can backfire. "In some cases, I see older workers removing the dates of their college degree(s) or their earliest jobs from their résumé in order to appear younger," Quast says. "However, savvy hiring managers are able to see the candidates in person and guesstimate age -- and may then be forced to ask candidates to explain holes in their résumé, leading to questions of integrity and additional embarrassment."</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Focusing on what you can offer a company (wisdom and experience) rather than what you can't (youth) oftentimes sets the tone. "If you sense the hiring manager is worried about your age, then take the first step to put him at ease by explaining how you believe your knowledge, skills and experience would benefit him and the position," Quast says. "If you choose to ask about his concerns, do so in a highly professional manner, such as, 'Based on my education, skills and experience, are there any concerns you have that I am not qualified for this position?' The goal is to get the hiring manager to show his hand without you having to bring up the topic of age."</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Finally, resist making blanket assumptions that companies only value youth. "The real-life experience of older workers can be of huge benefit in the business world, especially for start-up companies with a lot of young workers," Quast says. "If you are truly worried about your age being a negative factor, seek out companies who could benefit from your expertise and sell them on yourself and your skills!"</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i>Beth Braccio Hering researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues for CareerBuilder. Follow @Careerbuilder on Twitter.</i></div></div></div></div></div></div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>

The elephant in the interview room: Are you being passed over because of age?

Beth Braccio Hering, Special to CareerBuilder "I can see the look in people's eyes when they first greet me," says Bill Wood, ...

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GOODBYE OLD CONTINENT Part 2

<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">NON EXISTING MULTICULTURAL AWARENESS</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span></b></span><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Lack of multicultural awareness and the unwillingness of center right politicians to promote immigration cause a negative chain reaction which in the long run will have devastating consequences for Europe as an entity.   </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">In this day and age to isolate one from multicultural influences is something no county can afford, nevertheless Europe is doing exactly that, thanks to the growing ultra conservative political movements that currently are sweeping across Europe. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">The signs are not looking promising. Ultra nationalistic and conservative politics foster hate and limit visionary thinking.  Right governments and political movements use the aging generation’s fear of foreign “invasions” in their live, in order to achieve their objectives, which are to isolate themselves and their countries. Increasing hostility towards immigrants and foreign visitors in Europe is on the increase. Multicultural awareness among the young and old generation in Central Europe is almost none existent.  Prejudice is ever present.  German speaking countries in Europe generally look down upon Mediterranean people, considering them as lazy and corrupt and thus regard themselves superior. Southern European countries on the other hand look at the northern Europe as being arrogant who lack empathy.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">If common people of the European Union lack multicultural awareness, one cannot expect politicians in Brussels to have a broader vision. Europe’s diversity in cultures is also its subsequent downfall as a continent. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>RIGHT VERSUS LEFT </b><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">(edited version)</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Where as in South America, which most of the industrial world severely underestimates, there is a political center left move and growing economy, Europe moves in the opposite direction. Most of Central Europe now has center right governments and a stagnating economic growth rate. The right plays with the fear of the common man regarding immigration and the subsequent loss of national identity jobs etc. The European left on the other hand promotes ideas and ideologies that are out of context in the current political and economic situation. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">With a dangerous shift to the right, Europe also faces the dilemma on disintegration versus integration of immigrants. Foreigners are simply not welcome and more. Countries such as Austria implemented one of the harshest immigration policies in Europe, thus exposing itself to the dilemma of loosing qualified and experienced workforce needed to fill the void in certain industry sectors. In recent past Germany was short of 10 000 engineers but refused to facilitate immigration policies in order to permit Asian workforce to fill the void.  </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>

GOODBYE OLD CONTINENT Part 2

NON EXISTING MULTICULTURAL AWARENESS   Lack of multicultural awareness and the unwillingness of center right politicians to promote immigra...

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I'm Famous!

<a href="http://www.priorfatgirl.com/2011/07/sweat-is-beautiful.html">I was recently featured on The PriorFatGirl's website</a>!  Jen, PFG creator, asked her readers to send in pictures of themselves covered in sweat for her "Sweat is Beautiful" campaign.  Well, It's not really a <i>campaign </i>- I cannot think of the word to use... but she wants to promote the beauty of sweating.... working out.... and the awesomeness associated with that... <br /><br />Joel and I are somewhere in the middle... Of course I have white on and you cannot see a single bead of sweat on me, but trust me, my shirt was soaked.  Joel, however, had on navy, and his shirt was also soaked, but again, the light was too bright, and the pic was with my Blackberry. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj95Z3HmMsYg_CG8WUChE4MYdr7N3y5kfYTNx77VbSKkRu88HmJ3NTvE4mGaXEcTp_23O6FpmCV75n2ASdILS9zgdobkzP-hT1dY7Zxyd3_TFIm9v_5tk40cMuxy4wIUGZb1N9d4d_2LWQ/s1600/PFG.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.priorfatgirl.com/">Courtesy of PriorFatGirl</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I felt so honored to be featured on the PFG website.  If you're not already reading the PFG blog - get over there lickity split and check those ladies OUT!  There are 4 awesome women (Jen, the CEO ~ haha; and her posse: Elle, Lindsey and Ali), all at different points in their weight loss journeys, who give unique perspectives on the challenges and glories of losing weight.  <br /><br />If you're reading this on Friday.... then I'm most likely en route to Savannah!  There will be many-a-post about it soon!

Random Weight Loss Thoughts I'm Famous!

I was recently featured on The PriorFatGirl's website !  Jen, PFG creator, asked her readers to send in pictures of themselves covered i...

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GOODBYE OLD CONTINENT Part 1

<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b>EUROPE HAS REACHED ITS ZENITH</b> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Europe, the once striving continent everyone admired for its cultural heritage, economic prosperity, high living standards and social welfare system, seems to have reached its zenith and now faces the abyss, if it refuses to tackle some of the core problems that engulf the continent. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1.            DECLINING AND AGING POPULATION </b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOrcBHeB7NMaHHSfKp4b6AYRt7Mlqk5BlwyIlR8uafZGFRHzlsO2QNIGZ2p_ZppCPMyyINwIrQ6ocIq81CeZ8dy_TmO5K8ryqJE7GdQv5Jssf28V8S63e8ugBt-l6Qdpdr90LjiJUHBzNG/s1600/Fotolia_5382620_XS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOrcBHeB7NMaHHSfKp4b6AYRt7Mlqk5BlwyIlR8uafZGFRHzlsO2QNIGZ2p_ZppCPMyyINwIrQ6ocIq81CeZ8dy_TmO5K8ryqJE7GdQv5Jssf28V8S63e8ugBt-l6Qdpdr90LjiJUHBzNG/s200/Fotolia_5382620_XS.jpg" width="200" /></a>Most Central European countries are confronted with a declining population due to low birthrates and resisting migration. Despite this fact and the consequences of current immigration policies looming over the continent, populist governments refuse to promote immigration for fear of losing votes from the older generations who are the majority voters in the industrial world and who fear immigration most. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">This old generation is weary of changes and feels threatened by migration and foreign influence.  There is a growing hostility to anything foreign in Europe. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">If Europe continues with this policy, countries such as Austria and Germany will become a large “old people’s home” for the poor. Without immigration Europe will not be able to sustain its social welfare state and economic growth will plunge even deeper.  Growth will eventually halt and subsequently government revenues will stagnate, just when governments need them most, thus jeopardizing exactly these conditions, Europeans cherish most: social security, welfare system, health systems  as well as a high living standard.  </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">2.            RIGHT VERSUS LEFT</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Where as in South America, which most of the industrial world severely underestimates, there is a political center left move and growing economy, Europe moves in the opposite direction. Most of Central Europe no has center right governments and a stagnating economic growth rate. The right plays with the fear of the common man regarding immigration and the subsequent loss of national identity etc. The left on the other hand promote ideas and ideologies that are out of context in the current political and economic situation. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b> Still to come: </b></div><ul><li><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">DISINTEGRATION VERSUS INTEGRATION</b></li></ul><div class="MsoNormal"></div><ul><li><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">LOOMING GENERATION CONFLICT - OLD VERSUS YOUNG</b></li></ul><div class="MsoNormal"></div><ul><li><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">PENSION SYSTEM</b></li></ul><ul><li><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">EUROPE’S DECLINING EDUCATION STANDARD AND LACK OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT  </b></li></ul><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>

GOODBYE OLD CONTINENT Part 1

EUROPE HAS REACHED ITS ZENITH   Europe, the once striving continent everyone admired for its cultural heritage, economic prosperity, high li...

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Sleepy Thursday.... and Vacay!

I'm feeling very lethargic and stressed today.  Tomorrow morning, Joel and I leave for Savannah, GA for the next 7 days.  I have not been getting good sleep all week, struggling to fall asleep right away, as I normally do, and instead laying there tossing and turning for an hour or more.  It has caught up to me today, finally.  My bags are not packed, but a list is made.  I just need to DO it.  I decided to leave work at noon today, work from home the rest of the day, so I can get some stuff done while being at home.  This will help relieve the stress factor for sure.<br /><br />Back to weight loss crap :)<br /><br />Last night was to be my second WWM, but the leader was not able to make it due to the severe storms we had roll through the metro area, and subsequent traffic backups.  Welcome to DC folks, the city that cannot handle any kind of weather what so ever (including sunshine - sometimes that can prove to be blinding when trying to drive on the highways in the morning/afternoon)!  Instead, I just weighed in and left.  I did have a great loss since last week, but as I said yesterday, I'm only going by my Friday weigh in's officially.        <br /><br />Shall we go back to more important things?<br /><br />I've never been to Savannah, but have always wanted to go.  Why?  Well, before there was the "butter lady",<br />I just liked how the town rolled off my tongue - "Savannahhhh" - sounds so pretty and relaxing and lovely.  <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.frontdoor.com/FDOOR/0-City-Pages/Savannah/Skyline_Savannah_Area_CVB_54893.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://images.frontdoor.com/FDOOR/0-City-Pages/Savannah/Skyline_Savannah_Area_CVB_54893.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Then I fell in love with Paula Deen, the butter lady.  Her restaurant and store are high on my priority list of places to visit when we arrive.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://img2.timeinc.net/people/i/2010/news/100628/paula-deen-240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://img2.timeinc.net/people/i/2010/news/100628/paula-deen-240.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She's so beautiful - I hope I look that good when I'm her age!</td></tr></tbody></table>I just picture Savannah as being the perfect town - lots of flowers, pretty tree-lined streets, right on the water, NICE people, just the right amount of people - not so overly populated like DC, pretty plantation-style homes with perfect lawns, cutsie shops.. etc.  Everything I want in the town of my dreams!<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.madcoparanormal.com/Savannah_GA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://www.madcoparanormal.com/Savannah_GA.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.visitsoutherncomfort.com/images/dHOUMAS%20house%20Plantation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="http://www.visitsoutherncomfort.com/images/dHOUMAS%20house%20Plantation.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />Have you been there before?

Miscellaneous Weight Watchers Sleepy Thursday.... and Vacay!

I'm feeling very lethargic and stressed today.  Tomorrow morning, Joel and I leave for Savannah, GA for the next 7 days.  I have not bee...

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Why do employers do credit and background checks?

<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana; font-size: medium;"></span></i></b></span><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td colspan="2" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal arial, helvetica;"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" id="tblContent"><tbody><tr id="trContent"><td align="center" class="cb_style tcContent" id="tcContent" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><div class="cbArticleWrapper" style="background-color: white; text-align: left; width: 750px;"><div class="cbArticleContentWrapper" style="margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 15px; margin-right: 15px; margin-top: 15px; width: 750px;"><div class="cbArticleRight" style="width: 560px;"><div class="RXart" style="padding-right: 20px;"><div class="ArticleHeadline" style="margin-top: -30px;"><b><span id="cbArticle_lblByLine">Beth Braccio Hering, Special to CareerBuilder</span></b><br /><br /><div class="cbmsnArticleImage"><img alt="" src="http://emj.cbdr.com/artieimages/sw/ar5l19p6g9qyykfsnjsw.gif?time=6/7/2011%2011:17:32%20am" /></div></div><br /><div class="ArticleContent"><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">If you want to work for the senior homecare organization Visiting Angels in <a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobs/Michigan/Ann+Arbor/" style="color: #3300cc; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">Ann Arbor, Mich</a>., be prepared for a thorough background check. "I wouldn't even consider hiring an employee without one," says owner and director Angil Tarach-Ritchey. "Employees not only need to be trusted by the employer, they are a reflection of our business. The check brings peace of mind and less risk for future problems, and I use it as an educational and marketing tool so the elderly, their families and our referral sources know that we value their safety."</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Tarach-Ritchey is not alone. A variety of employers are turning to background checks as a way of ensuring applicant suitability. And while certainly not a new phenomenon, it is one that is on the rise.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">"The trend toward greater use of background checks could be driven by several factors, including technological advances that make the screening process easier, faster and more economical," says Mary Massad, <a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobs/keyword/vice+president/" style="color: #3300cc; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">vice president </a>of talent acquisition and retention strategies for Insperity Recruiting Services in <a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobs/Texas/Houston/" style="color: #3300cc; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">Houston, Texas</a>. "Also, there is greater awareness by employers that candidates may not always be completely honest about their background and employment histories."</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">According to Massad, a complete background check often includes the following:</div><ul><li>Review of work history. The applicant will typically be asked to provide first and last paystubs to confirm length of employment and salaries at previous jobs.<b></b></li> <li>Verification of Social Security information. Federal databases will help verify that a candidate is providing accurate information and has a legal right to work in the United States.<b></b></li> <li>Criminal background check. Local criminal records, as well as those in jurisdictions where the applicant has lived during the past seven years, will reveal information about an applicant's criminal background.<b></b></li> <li>Confirmation of education. Schools or universities listed on the applicant's résumé will be contacted to verify the applicant's attendance, degree and graduation year.<b></b></li> <li>Review of driving record. Employers typically obtain motor vehicle records on candidates whenever a job requires driving, such as deliveries or sales calls.<b></b></li></ul><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Increasingly, employers also are performing credit checks. According to a survey by the Society for Human Resource Management, 47 percent of companies run credit checks before hiring for select positions, and 13 percent do so for all positions. While searches are most common for applicants who will have financial responsibility (handling cash, <a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobs/keyword/banking/" style="color: #3300cc; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">banking</a>, <a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobs/keyword/accounting/" style="color: #3300cc; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">accounting</a>, <a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobs/keyword/technology/" style="color: #3300cc; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">technology</a>), checks are becoming more commonplace for those seeking <a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobs/keyword/senior+executive/" style="color: #3300cc; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">senior executive</a> positions and for anyone who has access to highly confidential employee information, such as salaries, benefits and medical records.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">So what should an applicant do when confronted with an employer who wants to run a check? Don't lie, and know ahead of time what the hirer will find.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">"As far as preparing for an employer running a background check, there is very little the applicant can do. He cannot influence the outcome, so our advice is to be totally honest and up front about any criminal past and be able to articulate a reasonable story about either how it happened or what has transpired since that makes the applicant a good risk," says Dan Chaney, director of human resource advisory services at Employers Resource Association, a nonprofit serving small and medium businesses in <a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobs/ohio/" style="color: #3300cc; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">Ohio</a>, <a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobs/keyword/Kentucky/" style="color: #3300cc; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">Kentucky </a>and <a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobs/keyword/indiana/" style="color: #3300cc; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">Indiana</a>. As for a credit check, he suggests job seekers obtain a free credit report and be prepared to explain the results if necessary.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Guidance policies from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission deter companies from discriminatory practices. Results from a criminal background check must be approached with fairness, taking into account such factors as the nature of the offense, the age of the offense and the relationship of the offense to the job. An SHRM poll reveals that the majority of employers comply with EEOC expectations.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Thus, job seekers subjected to checks should not feel that a company is attempting to dig up embarrassing dirt. Most employers are just trying to run a good business, and verifying a new employee's background can be in the organization's best interest. As Massad notes, "Few businesses boast perfect records on hiring decisions. Mistakes, such as blindly trusting candidates to provide honest information on their résumés or during interviews, can have long-term repercussions for employers that may include work disruption, lost revenue, low employee morale, litigation or even damage to a company's reputation. Background checks have become an essential hiring tool that can help protect a company."</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i>Beth Braccio Hering researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues for CareerBuilder. Follow @Careerbuilder on Twitter.</i></div></div></div></div></div></div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>

Why do employers do credit and background checks?

Beth Braccio Hering, Special to CareerBuilder If you want to work for the senior homecare organization Visiting Angels in  Ann Arbor, Mich ....

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