20 Jobs that Pay America's Average Salary

20 Jobs that Pay America's Average Salary by Rachel Zupek, CareerBuilder.com writer<br /><br />Salaries are always a hot topic in the office -- most often, as an area of complaint. In today's economy, most are simply grateful to earn a salary of any size, but you still hear things like, "I don't earn enough to survive or pay the bills" or "So-and-so is making X amount, I should be, too." Or -- my personal favorite -- "I deserve more."<br /><br />Well, we all deserve more, but the reality is that right now, not many of us will get it. And, in looking at the national average salary, some of you may be surprised how you compare.<br /><br />In 2008, the U.S. median wage was $32,390 per year, according to the most recent data from the Occupational Employment Statistics* of the U.S. Department of Labor. That's not a bad chunk of change, right?<br /><br />Wouldn't it be nice to know what jobs paid this salary, or better yet, what jobs pay that salary where you live and work?<br /><br />Jobs by Salary, a new salary tool provided by CBSalary.com, does just that. You can look up a salary range in the area where you work, and the results show what jobs in your local area pay that amount. To see what jobs in your city pay close to the national average, for example, you would input $30,000 to $39,000, plus your city and state. You'll then get a list of jobs you can look for in this range.<br /><br />Since we can't give you a list of jobs in every single city, we've provided you instead with a national list of jobs that earn America's median salary.<br /><br />Here are 20 jobs that fit those criteria, and the training you'll need to get them, according to the OES:<br /><br />1. Forest and conservation technicians<br /><br />Qualifications: On-the-job training.<br /><br />Salary: $32,000<br /><br />2. Floor sanders and finishers<br /><br />Qualifications: On-the-job training.<br /><br />Salary: $32,050<br /><br />3. Medical transcriptionists<br /><br />Qualifications: Postsecondary training in medical transcription is preferred by employers.<br /><br />Salary: $32,060<br /><br />4. Electronic home entertainment equipment installers and repairers<br /><br />Qualifications: Most learn through apprenticeship programs and on-the-job training.<br /><br />Salary: $32,080<br /><br />5. Automotive glass installers and repairers<br /><br />Qualifications: A high school diploma or GED.<br /><br />Salary: $32,110<br /><br />6. Printing machine operators<br /><br />Qualifications: On-the-job training.<br /><br />Salary: $32, 170<br /><br />7. Semiconductor processors<br /><br />Qualifications: Associate degree; completion of a one-year certificate program in semiconductor technology may also be sufficient.<br /><br />Salary: $32,230<br /><br />8. Dental assistants<br /><br />Qualifications: On-the-job training, although an increasing number are trained in dental-assisting programs offered by community and junior colleges, trade schools or technical institutes.<br /><br />Salary: $32,380<br /><br />9. Parking enforcement workers<br /><br />Qualifications: N/A<br /><br />Salary: $32,390<br /><br />10. Structural metal fabricators and fitters<br /><br />Qualifications: High school diploma or GED; experience and extra training is needed for more advanced assembly work.<br /><br />Salary: $32,400<br /><br />11. Loan interviewers and clerks<br /><br />Qualifications: A college degree.<br /><br />Salary: $32,470<br /><br />12. Bookkeeping, accounting and auditing clerks<br /><br />Qualifications: High school diploma and some accounting coursework or relevant work experience.<br /><br />Salary: $32,510<br /><br />13. Log graders and scalers<br /><br />Qualifications: On-the-job training, learning from experienced workers.<br /><br />Salary: $32,520<br /><br />14. Metal pourers and casters<br /><br />Qualifications: A few weeks of on-the-job training is sufficient for most workers to learn basic machine operations.<br /><br />Salary: $32, 570<br /><br />15. Engine and other machine assemblers<br /><br />Qualifications: A high school diploma or GED; experience and extra training is needed for more advanced assembly work.<br /><br />Salary: $32,660<br /><br />16. Opticians, dispensing<br /><br />Qualifications: On-the-job training, mainly through apprenticeship programs that may last two years or longer.<br /><br />Salary: $32, 810<br /><br />17. Broadcast technicians<br /><br />Qualifications: A college degree.<br /><br />Salary: $32,900<br /><br />18. Jewelers and precious stone and metal workers<br /><br />Qualifications: On-the-job training is OK, but formal training enhances employment and advancement opportunities.<br /><br />Salary: $32,940<br /><br />19. Meter reader, utilities<br /><br />Qualifications: High school graduates qualify for many entry-level production jobs.<br /><br />Salary: $32,950<br /><br />20. Painters, construction and maintenance<br /><br />Qualifications: On-the-job training or an apprenticeship program.<br /><br />Salary: $32,960<br /><br />*OES provides employment and wage estimates for workers in 22 major occupational groups and 801 detailed occupations. Wages published are straight-time, gross pay and don't include benefits or other extra wages, such as overtime. They are calculated by multiplying the hourly mean wage by a "year-round, full-time" hours figure of 2,080 hours.<br /><br />Rachel Zupek is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com and its job blog, The Work Buzz. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. Follow her on Twitter: https://twitter.com/CBwriterRZ.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Search more than 100,000 Jobs by </span></strong><a href="http://jobs.careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/Jobs/JobResults.aspx?SB%3Asbkw=&SB%3As_freeloc=&SB%3Asbfr=30&sbsbmt=Find+Jobs+%C2%BB&lr=cbrockl&cid=US&excrit=QID%3DA3852768340946%3Bst%3DA%3Buse%3DALL%3BCID%3DUS%3BSID%3D%3F%3BTID%3D0%3BENR%3DNO%3BDTP%3DDRNS%3BYDI%3DYES%3BIND%3DALL%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPAYL%3D0%3BPAYH%3DGT120%3BPOY%3DNO%3BETD%3DALL%3BRE%3DALL%3BMGT%3DDC%3BSUP%3DDC%3BFRE%3D1%3BCHL%3DAL%3BQS%3DSID_UNKNOWN%3BSS%3DNO%3BTITL%3D0%3BOB%3D-modifiedint%3BJQT%3DRAD%3BJDV%3DFalse&IPath=ILM"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">CLICKING HERE!</span></strong></a>

20 Jobs that Pay America's Average Salary

20 Jobs that Pay America's Average Salary by Rachel Zupek, CareerBuilder.com writer Salaries are always a hot topic in the office -- mos...

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Best Jobs for Gadget Geeks

<a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/fl/ar5c5py75prys7n0bffl.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/fl/ar5c5py75prys7n0bffl.gif" style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br /><div>Best Jobs for Gadget Geeks by Rachel Zupek, CareerBuilder.com writer<br /><br />OK, OK -- I apologize for calling you a geek.<br /><br />But what better term is there to describe one who is obsessed with his or her iPhone/BlackBerry/iPod/Twitter/Gmail/everything else that's technology related?<br /><br />Let's go with ... gadget addicts. Now that we've cleared that up, let's get back to business.<br /><br />We all know someone who fits the description of a "gadget addict." Whether he's addicted to his iPhone, iPod, video games or hybrid cars, there's no doubt that this little infatuation is probably stealing time and productivity from his 9-to-5. Why not make everyone happy and get started in a career that aids the obsession?<br /><br />Here are five careers that can keep gadget geeks -- er, addicts -- on the pulse of latest technology and help to feed their addictions.<br /><br />1. Applications architect<br />Applications architects build essential parts of computer applications, from Web 2.0 apps like blogs and wikis, to user interface or infrastructure. They also design code and make sure that all software projects adhere to a company's technology and business standards.<br />Qualifications: A bachelor's degree in computer science or information systems; several years of work experience.<br />Salary*: $57,798<br /><br />2. Marketing manager<br />Marketing managers are in the know of -- guess what -- the marketplace. If you're a technology marketing manager, you are up to speed on what consumers want and how to get it to them. It's your job to make sure you know what the industry demands and what your competitors are doing so that you can get your company and products to do it better.<br />Qualifcations: Employers prefer a bachelor's or master's degree in business administration with an emphasis on marketing.<br />Salary: $85,747<br /><br />3. Project manager<br />Project managers oversee a company's technology projects. Got a new software application coming down the pipeline? As a PM, you'll develop these projects from start to finish, planning, designing, budgeting, setting deadlines and priorities, and implementing the finished product.<br />Qualifications: A bachelor's degree in IT or a business-related field; experience in managing complex projects. Certifications in project management are also valued.<br />Salary: $51,109<br /><br />4. Product reviewer<br />Did you research hundreds of digital cameras or cell phones before you bought one? If you're a techie and have decent writing ability, a product reviewer might be the job for you. In this role, you'll research and test several technology products, from HDTVs to MP3 players. Then, you'll write columns describing which goods are the best -- and worst -- and why.<br />Qualifications: A degree in communications or business communication, in addition to great writing skills, will be beneficial.<br />Salary: N/A<br /><br />5. Social media manager<br />Social media is the new black for successful companies. In fact, a recent study from Wetpaint and the Altimeter Group shows that companies who are actively engaged in social media like Facebook, Twitter, wikis and discussion forums grew company revenues by an average of 18 percent over the last 12 months, while the least engaged companies saw revenues drop 6 percent over the same time period.<br />Qualifications: A bachelor's degree in communications, advertising or marketing is preferred; awareness of social media platforms.<br />Salary: $67,537**<br /><br />*U.S. national average salary according to CBSalary.com, powered by SalaryExpert<br /><br />**Media manager salary<br /><br />Rachel Zupek is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com and its job blog, The Work Buzz. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. Follow her on Twitter: https://twitter.com/CBwriterRZ </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Search more than 100,000 Jobs by </span></strong><a href="http://jobs.careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/Jobs/JobResults.aspx?SB%3Asbkw=&SB%3As_freeloc=&SB%3Asbfr=30&sbsbmt=Find+Jobs+%C2%BB&lr=cbrockl&cid=US&excrit=QID%3DA3852768340946%3Bst%3DA%3Buse%3DALL%3BCID%3DUS%3BSID%3D%3F%3BTID%3D0%3BENR%3DNO%3BDTP%3DDRNS%3BYDI%3DYES%3BIND%3DALL%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPAYL%3D0%3BPAYH%3DGT120%3BPOY%3DNO%3BETD%3DALL%3BRE%3DALL%3BMGT%3DDC%3BSUP%3DDC%3BFRE%3D1%3BCHL%3DAL%3BQS%3DSID_UNKNOWN%3BSS%3DNO%3BTITL%3D0%3BOB%3D-modifiedint%3BJQT%3DRAD%3BJDV%3DFalse&IPath=ILM"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">CLICKING HERE!</span></strong></a> </div>

Best Jobs for Gadget Geeks

Best Jobs for Gadget Geeks by Rachel Zupek, CareerBuilder.com writer OK, OK -- I apologize for calling you a geek. But what better term is t...

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4 Common Job Hunt Dilemmas Solved

<a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/6z/ar5d1gw65jc27tlgnt6z.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/6z/ar5d1gw65jc27tlgnt6z.gif" style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br /><div>4 Common Job Hunt Dilemmas Solved By Selena Dehne, JIST Publishing<br /><br />Overcoming unemployment during a job market drought can present quite the dilemma, all on its own. It can be particularly problematic, however, for job seekers without a college degree or with a questionable work history, for instance. Barriers such as these are all it takes in today's highly competitive job market to screen job seekers out of consideration for a job before they've ever scored an interview.<br /><br />That's why it's imperative that job seekers be aware of their job hunt barriers and know how to downplay them on their résumé.<br /><br />"Remember, your résumé is a marketing document in which you select the mix of information that will sell you to your next employer. You're not required to reveal every wrinkle in your background or bend over backwards to make sure a potential employer knows about your areas of weakness. Don't lie, but approach these challenges with creativity and a focus on the employer's needs and interests rather than on any problems you perceive in your own background," says Louise Kursmark, author of "Sales & Marketing Résumés for $100,000 Careers, Third Edition."<br /><br />To handle common job hunt dilemmas, Kursmark offers the following résumé tips:<br /><br />Dilemma No. 1: I'm afraid the employer will think you're too old.<br />Economic woes have prompted many older workers to defer retirement or seek lower-level jobs than the ones they previously held. Job seekers in such situations often worry they'll be screened out immediately because employers will think they're too old for the job. Job seekers who want to avoid broadcasting their age on their résumé should consider Kursmark's following tips:<br /><br />Eliminate dates of college graduation.<br /><br />Avoid any dates in the 1960s, 1970s and early 1980s.<br /><br />Truncate your experience by leaving off early jobs (disguising perhaps 5 to 15 years).<br /><br />Provide 10 to 20 years of experience, with dates, and then summarize prior experience under a subheading such as "Experience before 1990" or "Prior Professional Experience."<br /><br /><br />Dilemma No. 2: I don't have a college degree.<br />Certainly, a college degree gives job seekers an advantage. It's important to remember, though, that it's not the be-all end-all. The key to overcoming this dilemma is for candidates to emphasize their work history, skills and confidence and downplay their lack of a degree. According to Kursmark, job seekers without a degree may want to<br /><br />Eliminate the Education section of their résumé altogether.<br /><br />Head up the section with "Professional Development" or another title that doesn't call attention to an education credential.<br /><br /><br />Remember that some college is usually viewed more positively than no college. If you've taken some college courses, here are a few options for addressing your education on your résumé*:<br /><br />UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT SANTA BARBARA - Studies in Business and Economics (full-time 3 years)<br /><br />COLORADO COLLEGE OF MINES - Completed 50% of requirements toward Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering<br /><br />Southern Connecticut State University, New Haven, Connecticut, Quinnipiac College, Hamden, Connecticut - Coursework in Business, Marketing and Economics, 1997 - 2000<br /><br />Dilemma No. 3: I'm worried employers will suspect I'm a job hopper.<br />The term "job hopper" describes an individual who has been employed in a series of short-term stints with a handful of employers. Instances of job hopping tend to make employers doubt everything from the candidate's behavior on the job to their ability to make a long-haul commitment to an employer. In today's highly competitive job market, these doubts are all it takes to prompt an employer to reject a job seeker before he or she has ever scored an interview.<br />Kursmark suggests the following tips for presenting a more positive appearance:<br /><br />Consider eliminating one or more of your jobs, provided that doing so does not leave a gap that will provoke immediate questioning, thereby spotlighting the very thing you want to downplay.<br /><br />If circumstances beyond your control contributed to your short tenure, consider adding a brief explanation along the lines of "Merger with Megacorp eliminated all regional sales offices in spring 2009" or "Sales unit dissolved when software was discovered to be unready for market." Generally, Kursmark advises against explaining or excusing in a résumé, but says that sometimes brief statements such as these can immediately overcome a negative reaction.<br /><br />Concentrate on finding job opportunities through networking, where a personal referral can get you in the door and you can then wow the interviewer with your capabilities and provide a rationale for the short tenure of your recent jobs.<br /><br />Dilemma No. 4: I performed poorly in my last job.<br />For job seekers who made a complete mess of their last job, or simply weren't in it long enough to make an impact, creating a powerful résumé may seem impossible. To sidestep this dilemma, Kursmark encourages job seekers to skip their excuses and<br /><br />Try to find one or two success stories, and include them without a great deal of elaboration. For instance: "Only sales representative to secure multiple agreements for the company's primary sales strategy, a 3-month in-store trial" or "Successfully maintained sales volume in a flat industry and market."<br /><br />Point out what you did accomplish and learn. For instance: "Laid the groundwork for a successful career in real-estate sales through intensive prospecting and community relationship-building." Don't mention that you didn't sell a single piece of property.<br /><br />Another example: "Developed regional marketing strategy to improve brand recognition and increase market share by 10 percentage points." Kursmark asks, "Why broadcast that your plan was rejected by the senior VP? The accomplishment you're claiming is the development of the plan, a valuable management skill."<br /><br />Kursmark reminds job seekers that problematic issues may come back to haunt them after the initial résumé screening. "You must be prepared to answer questions about such situations on the first phone screen. Be sure to practice your explanations so that they are concise, nondefensive and as positive as possible," she says.<br /><br />*Excerpted from "Sales and Marketing Résumés for $100,000 Careers, Third Edition" by Louise Kursmark.<br /><br />Selena Dehne is a career writer for JIST Publishing who shares the latest occupational, career and job search information available with job seekers and career changers. She is also the author of JIST's Job Search and Career Blog (http://jistjobsearchandcareer.blogspot.com/).<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>Search more than 100,000 Jobs by </strong></span><a href="http://jobs.careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/Jobs/JobResults.aspx?SB%3Asbkw=&SB%3As_freeloc=&SB%3Asbfr=30&sbsbmt=Find+Jobs+%C2%BB&lr=cbrockl&cid=US&excrit=QID%3DA3852768340946%3Bst%3DA%3Buse%3DALL%3BCID%3DUS%3BSID%3D%3F%3BTID%3D0%3BENR%3DNO%3BDTP%3DDRNS%3BYDI%3DYES%3BIND%3DALL%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPAYL%3D0%3BPAYH%3DGT120%3BPOY%3DNO%3BETD%3DALL%3BRE%3DALL%3BMGT%3DDC%3BSUP%3DDC%3BFRE%3D1%3BCHL%3DAL%3BQS%3DSID_UNKNOWN%3BSS%3DNO%3BTITL%3D0%3BOB%3D-modifiedint%3BJQT%3DRAD%3BJDV%3DFalse&IPath=ILM"><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>CLICKING HERE!</strong></span></a><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong><br /></strong></span></div>

4 Common Job Hunt Dilemmas Solved

4 Common Job Hunt Dilemmas Solved By Selena Dehne, JIST Publishing Overcoming unemployment during a job market drought can present quite the...

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Why don't employers call me back?

<a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/xj/ar5d77c5wrz9dqybxhxj.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/xj/ar5d77c5wrz9dqybxhxj.gif" style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br /><div>Why don't employers call me back? by Anthony Balderrama, CareerBuilder writer<br /><br />Is there any worse confidence killer than rejection? I think it goes back to childhood, when you want a new bike for your birthday but you end up getting a pack of tube socks instead. You immediately wonder if you did something wrong and that's why you didn't get what you wanted.<br /><br />Go forward a few years when you end up taking your cousin to the prom because everyone else turned you down. And the college years? Basically a parade of rejection that feels like an endless line of Rockette kicks to your confidence.<br /><br />Or maybe that was just my experience.<br /><br />Still, that same game of "Is it me or them?" continues well into adulthood as you begin searching for a job. You make a list of your best qualities, send them to employers, get dressed up and try to woo them in an interview. Then you wait. And wait. And wait. The phone never rings.<br /><br />Job seekers want to know why they can seemingly do everything right, and yet, still they don't hear back from employers. We're not talking about getting turned down for the job -- we're talking about not even hearing a "Sorry, but the position has been filled." So we went to the source to find out.<br /><br />Submitting the application<br />For a job seeker, the application process is full of anxiety and excitement. When you're looking for a job, each available position represents a possible new beginning. Before you've submitted an application, you've already daydreamed about your first day on the job. The problem is that to some employers, you're just one in a dozen. Or in some cases, one in 500.<br /><br />"In the current market, if you post a job, you will get buried with résumés," says Matthew McMahon, partner at staffing firm McMahon Partners LLC. "Maybe 5 percent are in the ballpark." This means plenty of hiring managers spend their time reading irrelevant applications that don't help them find the right candidate. As a result, they have less time for you. "You simply don't have time to respond to [all applicants]."<br /><br />To many job seekers this attitude may sound cold and impersonal. After all, behind each of these applications is a person waiting for a return call. McMahon cannot possibly respond to each one individually, but he does take the time to reach out to applicants who show promise.<br /><br />"If somebody is close, but slightly off target, I will usually take the time to give them a call, learn about what they are looking for, tell them about the sort of roles I fill, and keep the notes for future use," he says.<br /><br />How about the ones who miss the mark completely?<br /><br />"If the person isn't even close (or has not read the description), I don't bother spending the time because they are obviously applying for everything," he says. Take that as further proof that throwing your application at every open position and hoping to have some success is not the way to conduct a job search.<br /><br />Can you expect any changes soon?<br />OK, so that's how things are now, but can job seekers expect to have a more personal interaction with the hiring managers in the future? Possibly, says Caitrin O'Sullivan of iCIMS, a provider of software for HR companies to track recruiting activity and applications.<br /><br />"If an organization, especially a medium or large one, were not leveraging an applicant tracking system, it's difficult for job seekers to understand the magnitude of applications flooding recruiters [and] HR managers' desks -- especially during a period of high unemployment," O'Sullivan explains. "Just visually scanning through all of these résumés can take hours upon hours of manpower. To have to communicate with every one of those applicants on top of that would be a truly formidable task."<br /><br />That's not to say things will always be that way. As someone on the forefront of tracking technology, O'Sullivan sees an increase in interest among companies who can and do keep job seekers updated at regular intervals.<br /><br />"As more and more organizations are investing in and leveraging HR technology and [applicant tracking systems], it is much easier for the HR team to automate and streamline that process and enable applicants to be aware of their status within the review process through those CRM tools," O'Sullivan says. Although not all employers currently use tools that allow for such tracking, it's something that iCIMS has provided to human resources departments to benefit job seekers.<br /><br />Until everyone gets on board, don't expect to hear back from employers and know where you stand. You're always free to call an employer to check on the status of your application or to see if the position has been filled. As long as you are courteous and don't pester them, most companies will let you know one way or the other.<br /><br />Anthony Balderrama is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com and its job blog, The Work Buzz. He researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/abalderrama.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Search more than 100,000 Jobs by </span></strong><a href="http://jobs.careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/Jobs/JobResults.aspx?SB%3Asbkw=&SB%3As_freeloc=&SB%3Asbfr=30&sbsbmt=Find+Jobs+%C2%BB&lr=cbrockl&cid=US&excrit=QID%3DA3852768340946%3Bst%3DA%3Buse%3DALL%3BCID%3DUS%3BSID%3D%3F%3BTID%3D0%3BENR%3DNO%3BDTP%3DDRNS%3BYDI%3DYES%3BIND%3DALL%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPAYL%3D0%3BPAYH%3DGT120%3BPOY%3DNO%3BETD%3DALL%3BRE%3DALL%3BMGT%3DDC%3BSUP%3DDC%3BFRE%3D1%3BCHL%3DAL%3BQS%3DSID_UNKNOWN%3BSS%3DNO%3BTITL%3D0%3BOB%3D-modifiedint%3BJQT%3DRAD%3BJDV%3DFalse&IPath=ILM"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">CLICKING HERE!</span></strong></a></div>

Why don't employers call me back?

Why don't employers call me back? by Anthony Balderrama, CareerBuilder writer Is there any worse confidence killer than rejection? I thi...

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When a Degree Isn't Enough - Looking beyond your education to land a job

<a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/r6/ar5c77p5xf2qs35ds6r6.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/r6/ar5c77p5xf2qs35ds6r6.gif" style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br /><div>When a Degree Isn't Enough - Looking beyond your education to land a job by Anthony Balderrama, CareerBuilder.com writer<br /><br />Talk to a dozen students on any college campus and you're likely to hear a dozen different perspectives on what they hope to get out of college. Some want high GPAs; some want to get into the work force and earn a lot of money.<br /><br />Ask their parents and you'll get just as many different answers. Some parents hope that their children earn their degree and have an easy time finding a job. Others want them to be at the top of the class so they can get into the best graduate school possible. And some just want their children to stop partying long enough to attend class once in awhile.<br /><br />Ask employers what they want from graduates and the answers are equally diverse. Depending on the job, you might need a degree and an internship, a degree and work experience, or the right connections to even land an interview.<br /><br />According to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly 39 million Americans over 18 have a bachelor's degree. Considering that 281 million people live in the country, college graduates are still a small percentage of the population. Still, you are competing with a lot of job seekers who have the same educational background as you. Relying only on your bachelor's to land a job is not the safest route to employment. As with most things, it's all in the presentation.<br /><br />Degree or not, presentation matters<br />Sue Chehrenegar studied biology as an undergraduate and biomedical research as a graduate student. During her job search, she found herself losing out on job opportunities because she lacked the proper experience, despite her education. Or so she thought.<br /><br />"At the end of the 1980s, I spent more than one year looking for a job," she remembers. "I kept getting this question: 'Have you done anything in the area of molecular biology?'" She would tell employers that she didn't have the proper experience because she wasn't specifically trained for that. "I did not mention the fact that I once assisted a graduate student who was putting DNA and RNA into cultured cells."<br /><br />What does that mean in layman's terms? Because her specialization and the bulk of her experience were not in this particular field, she didn't consider the limited work with the graduate student worth mentioning. She later realized employers weren't looking for someone to be the ultimate authority on the subject; they wanted someone who had a broad range of knowledge.<br /><br />"I realized my mistake more than two years after I got a job," Chehrenegar remembers. "My first year I worked in an infectious- disease lab. Later, they put me in a molecular biology lab. When I helped with one of the projects in that lab, I realized that my old, unmentioned experience related to what I was doing at that time."<br /><br />A degree isn't useless<br />Sure, if you're applying for a job with "bio" as a prefix, you know a degree is a requirement. But for less research-intensive jobs, you might think a degree can be supplanted by enough experience. Depending on your occupation, that could be true --but isn't a hard and fast rule for all positions.<br /><br />For example, you might be able to find work at a museum, but you'd be unlikely to transition into a curator job without extensive education in art history and related courses. You could find that you hit a ceiling in an organization.<br /><br />Although this bodes well for graduates who come armed with one or more degrees, it also means that workers have the opportunity to earn an education while they ascend the corporate ladder. In some cases, the combination of their experience and a recently awarded degree could make them more impressive than job seekers who have relied on their degree and haven't diversified their experience.<br /><br />How to present yourself<br />Here are some tips to keep in mind when presenting yourself to employers:<br /><br />Even though you know education isn't the single factor in getting hired, it is often a prerequisite to land an interview. Don't hide your degree just because you have a lot of experience -- you don't want to lose out on an interview because your education was overlooked.<br /><br />Use all of your education to your advantage. Connect the job requirements to any courses you took, whether as an elective or part of your minor. You might not have loved that statistics course, but if it's relevant to the job, mention it.<br /><br />Treat work experience and internships as proof that you're a professional, not just a student. If you speak as if you don't consider yourself as part of the working world already, the employer might not ,either.<br /><br />Anthony Balderrama is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com. He researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Search more than 100,000 Jobs by </span></strong><a href="http://jobs.careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/Jobs/JobResults.aspx?SB%3Asbkw=&SB%3As_freeloc=&SB%3Asbfr=30&sbsbmt=Find+Jobs+%C2%BB&lr=cbrockl&cid=US&excrit=QID%3DA3852768340946%3Bst%3DA%3Buse%3DALL%3BCID%3DUS%3BSID%3D%3F%3BTID%3D0%3BENR%3DNO%3BDTP%3DDRNS%3BYDI%3DYES%3BIND%3DALL%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPAYL%3D0%3BPAYH%3DGT120%3BPOY%3DNO%3BETD%3DALL%3BRE%3DALL%3BMGT%3DDC%3BSUP%3DDC%3BFRE%3D1%3BCHL%3DAL%3BQS%3DSID_UNKNOWN%3BSS%3DNO%3BTITL%3D0%3BOB%3D-modifiedint%3BJQT%3DRAD%3BJDV%3DFalse&IPath=ILM"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">CLICKING HERE!</span></strong></a> </div>

When a Degree Isn't Enough - Looking beyond your education to land a job

When a Degree Isn't Enough - Looking beyond your education to land a job by Anthony Balderrama, CareerBuilder.com writer Talk to a dozen...

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Planning des permanences - Semaine du 17 au 21 août 2009

<BR><br /><h2><strong><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 113%;color:#005c9b;" >Permanences</span></strong></h2><ul><br /><li>Le <strong>Conseil Général du Loiret</strong> sera présent dans les locaux de la Maison de l'Emploi du bassin d'Orléans<br />- le lundi 17 août de 13h30 à 17h,<br />- le mardi 18 août de 9h à 12h30 et de 13h30 à 17h,<br />- le mercredi 19 août de 13h30 à 17h,<br />- le jeudi 20 août de 13h30 à 17h,<br />- le vendredi 21 août de 13h30 à 17h.</li></ul><br /><h2><strong><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 113%;color:#005c9b;" >Ateliers</span></strong></h2><ul><br /><li><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Utiliser Pôle-emploi.fr</span> - vendredi 21 août de 10h à 11h30<br /><li><strong><a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2009/07/atelier-situtilises-tu-trouves.html">Sit'Utilises tu trouves</a></strong> - vendredi 21 août de 14h à 16h30<br /></li></ul>

Planning des permanences - Semaine du 17 au 21 août 2009

Permanences Le Conseil Général du Loiret sera présent dans les locaux de la Maison de l'Emploi du bassin d'Orléans - le lundi 17 ao...

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Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda and +10 pounds

I could have been at goal by now. I would have been at goal if I'd stuck to my plan. I should be at goal. It's been eighteen months since I started at 240 pounds.<br /><br /><strong>8/15/09 weigh-in: <span style="color:#ff0000;">164.6 lbs.<br /></span><br />Gain since lowest weight on 2/19/09 (154.6): <span style="color:#ff0000;">+10 lbs.<br /></span><br />Loss since 2/19/08: <span style="color:#ff0000;">-74.6 lbs.</span></strong><span style="color:#ff0000;"><br /></span><br />I guess I do have a few regrets about the last couple of months, but what can I do except move forward. There's no looking back except to maybe learn from past mistakes.<br /><br />The fact is that I have to constantly be on guard. I have to watch what I eat, and unfortunately, I have to always be a little bit hungry. It's a sad fact of my life but one I have to accept if I want to be at a healthy weight.<br /><br />I rode my bike to Weight Watchers this morning and burned 398 calories roundtrip. Such an easy and fun way to get in my cardio. I absolutely love riding my bike. Makes me feel like a kid and doesn't feel like exercise at all.<br /><br />I tried a different route home today on a side trail and found a prize. A huge patch of untouched blackberries and no people. I picked about a quart in ten minutes (plastic bag for a container so they got a little squished). I had a blackberry smoothie when I got home. Yum!<br /><br />The meeting today was awesome. It was like it was tailored for me and my food issues. Our leader, Janice, is a kick. LOVE HER! Today I even went up to her after the meeting and told her I love her. She always gets me thinking about stuff, about how I can fix myself.<br /><br />Today the topic was "Controlling Cravings". It couldn't have been more perfect for me. She listed four ways to do this:<br /><br />Deflect it, Fake it, Feed it, Face it<br /><br />Then she went into the whole re-framing thing which I've heard a million times at Weight Watchers and have always thought, yeah, whatever. Today it hit home. I think I get it.<br /><br />Janice said let's say you have a problem and you frame it. For her when she was younger she had five children. They stressed her out. So at night when the kids went to bed she said it was her time to be comforted. Her comfort was eating big bowls of ice cream. The ice cream was her frame around the problem of being stressed out with her kids. It comforted her.<br /><br />When she started Weight Watchers her leader said, what is the one behavior you know will not get you to your healthy weight? Janice knew it was her ice cream habit. She decided she had to try something different to comfort herself.<br /><br />She tried a few things but what finally worked for her was she'd buy a People magazine and put it aside for her stressful nights. Then after the kids were in bed she'd get out her People, make a big mug of sugar-free, fat-free hot chocolate, with a dollop of cool whip, and savor her magazine and hot chocolate. This worked for her and she never went back to eating the ice cream.<br /><br />She also said don't ever feed a mood with food, because you'll never eat enough to feed it. Food isn't your friend. A rather profound statement.<br /><br />I know my problem. It's night eating. I'm perfect every day, all day, until about 9pm. Then I just lose it. Suddenly I don't give a hoot about my weight or my health. I get a "fuck-it" attitude and eat anything I can get my hands on. I know what causes it too. Stress on my job, stress in my marriage (yes, we're still working on it...my marriage is always a work in progress).<br /><br />I need to find a new frame for my stress, something besides food. I don't think the magazine and hot chocolate will do it for me, but maybe. One Lifetimer in the meeting said she was a night eater and what she did was save enough Points for a snack at 9pm. A one or two-Point snack. After her snack she'd brush her teeth and knew she was done eating for the day. She's been at Lifetime since the early nineties. It's certainly worth a try.<br /><br />My night eating is definitely a problem and something I need to work on. Tonight will be my first night trying something new, something different than raiding the fridge at 9 or 10pm. Wish me luck!

Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda and +10 pounds

I could have been at goal by now. I would have been at goal if I'd stuck to my plan. I should be at goal. It's been eighteen months ...

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Awww...so sweet!

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY7w2QI9v1Ht0dGLUf-hcL6C758eVXPFIxeeTBXJcmAOlQ8CuwQLoy5kZqnYeTdt3ytsK12beAJ1aB9fM276GYhM9S0vnTPlh84vfuIoUFyse3IkSUIc4XCq6aLKTLKMg0ZOLMiXASBxxY/s1600-h/award.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369941581552036322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY7w2QI9v1Ht0dGLUf-hcL6C758eVXPFIxeeTBXJcmAOlQ8CuwQLoy5kZqnYeTdt3ytsK12beAJ1aB9fM276GYhM9S0vnTPlh84vfuIoUFyse3IkSUIc4XCq6aLKTLKMg0ZOLMiXASBxxY/s400/award.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 159px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 161px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a><br />No one ever nominates me for a blog award. Heck, I don't think hardly anyone even reads what I write. I'm not funny or witty like some of the bloggers out there. So many of you are talented writers with a great sense of humor and a wealth of information with great recipes and beautiful pictures. Me, well, I'm the first to admit it, I'm kind of boring.<br /><br />So when I saw sweet <a href="http://losingmyself2.blogspot.com/" target="blank">Ida</a> nominated me for a blog award, I was delightfully surprised. Me? Really? Someone actually reads what I write and likes it? Sometimes I practically fall asleep writing about my boring life. Thanks Ida! I really appreciate it.<br /><br />The deal is I have to pick my 15 favorite bloggers that I love and give them the award. Then they have to do the same.<br /><br />My first thought was, only 15? How can I narrow it to only 15? The funny thing is that most of these bloggers probably don't even realize I read their blogs every day. I don't comment as often as I want to, usually because I'm in a hurry. They've brought me much joy and laughter, as well as I learn something from them every day. Thank you to each and every one one of you.<br /><br /><em>Note: this is kind of a girly award I guess, with the flowers and "One <strong>Lovely</strong> Blog Award" title. But I don't think it should be limited to just female bloggers, so there are a few guy blogs listed below. They probably won't even acknowledge this, but I want them to know I read their blogs every day and love them. </em><br /><br />Okay, now you're turn to pass it on!<br /><br />1. <a href="http://thinfor30.blogspot.com/" target="blank">Quick...Save me from myself</a><br />2. <a href="http://mepschronicles.blogspot.com/" target="blank">Chronicles of Meps' Reconstruction</a><br />3. <a href="http://kristaskraziness.blogspot.com/" target="blank">Krista's Kraziness</a><br />4. <a href="http://ronmichel.blogspot.com/" target="blank">Ron is getting healthy</a><br />5. <a href="http://bbubblyb.blogspot.com/" target="blank">Fixing myself thinner</a><br />6. <a href="http://55aliveandlosingit.blogspot.com/" target="blank">55 Alive and Losing it</a><br />7. <a href="http://ellamaesjourney.blogspot.com/" target="blank">Ella's Journey To Become a Healthier and Happier Woman</a><br />8. <a href="http://liaallen.blogspot.com/" target="blank">My Life in Hospitality School</a><br />9. <a href="http://tonysdietlog.blogspot.com/" target="blank">I Don't Want to Die of a Heart Attack When I'm 25</a><br />10. <a href="http://tjsweigh.blogspot.com/" target="blank">TJ's Way or the Highway</a><br />11. <a href="http://skye-lynn.blogspot.com/" target="blank">Skye's the Limit</a><br />12. <a href="http://jackfit.blogspot.com/" target="blank">Jack Sh*t, Gettin' Fit</a><br />13. <a href="http://theantijared.blogspot.com/" target="blank">Tony "The Anti-Jared" Posnanski</a><em> Yes, I like him!</em><br />14. <a href="http://fatdaddyrantsblog.blogspot.com/" target="blank">Fat Daddy</a><br />15. <a href="http://carlosthelarger.blogspot.com/">You're going to need a bigger boat</a> <em>Seriously, how could I not give this award to Carlos?</em> :)<br />16. <a href="http://fightfatphobia.blogspot.com/" target="blank">Fight Fat Phobia</a><br /><br />Okay, I'm going to stop now. I could go on forever. I read a LOT of blogs and love all of them. Really can't say I've ever met a blogger I didn't like.

Awww...so sweet!

No one ever nominates me for a blog award. Heck, I don't think hardly anyone even reads what I write. I'm not funny or witty like so...

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How to be a Winning Job Candidate - 8 Lessons from the Campaign Trail

How to be a Winning Job Candidate - 8 Lessons from the Campaign Trail by CareerBuilder.com<br /><br />Think your job search is tough? How would you like to go on 300 interviews a month as your competitors try to discredit you and the media stands ready to report (and continually replay) any gaffe or failing to a snickering public.<br /><br />Next to running for office, a job search is a cake walk. But that doesn't mean you can't learn something from the world of politics. Here are a few lessons you can carry over to your own candidacy:<br /><br />Define Yourself and Your Message<br />Just as every candidate needs to differentiate himself to survive the primaries, your resume needs to stand out to get you the interview. Target it toward what the employer is looking for. Read the job description and research the organization. Ask yourself, "If I were the hiring manager, what would I want to see?" Showcase these skills and qualities in the top third of your resume.<br /><br />Be Prepared<br />Develop a concise sales pitch that explains why the company should hire you. Be ready to show thorough examples why you're right for the job and to answer any tough questions. Rehearse with a friend until you've got it down cold. Don't even think about winging it.<br /><br />The best candidates leave nothing to chance. Bill Clinton's performances were intricately choreographed, down to how and where he would move to look good on camera and catch his opponents off-guard (remember George H. Bush checking his watch at the town hall meeting?!). Even Reagan's "spontaneous" debate lines: "There you go again..." and "I won't hold my opponent's youth and inexperience against him," were well-rehearsed.<br /><br />Don't Exaggerate<br />Present yourself and your abilities in the best possible light -- without stretching the truth. Howard Dean's professing to be the only candidate from a farm state (Gephardt's Missouri has 100,000 farms to Vermont's 7,000) and his claim to have extensively studied the Bible "especially the book of Job from the New Testament" were mistakes of biblical proportions. And will Al Gore ever live down being the inventor of the Internet?<br /><br />Look the Part<br />Image consultants give both Kerry and Bush high marks on their attire and grooming. They dress slightly better than the dress code and always wear well-tailored, high-quality garments that are stylish, but not trendy; authoritative, but not stuffy.<br /><br />Build Rapport<br />According to body language expert Dr. Daniel Hill, the candidate to emulate is John Edwards. "Edwards is amazing. His smiles are genuine and he almost always looks composed and engaged. He's even loosened up John Kerry!"<br /><br />This comes as no surprise. As a trial lawyer, Edwards led seminars on how to establish intimacy with the jury. "Talk to them like you talk to people on your back porch," he says in a training video. "The jury needs to feel good about what you're asking them to do."<br /><br />Going After "Undecideds"<br />Veteran campaigners know it is the "undecideds" who can make or break them. According to political analysts, undecided voters typically aren't happy with the incumbent and are waiting for a reason to vote for the new candidate. The same can be said for an external job candidate competing against an internal one. If your interviewer seems conflicted or resistant, try to uncover their concerns. Follow up with a note or sample of your work that might help win over the undecided interviewer.<br /><br />Let them know you're eager to prove yourself. At the end of nearly every talk show appearance during the 2000 campaign, George W. Bush ended by saying, "I'm askin' for your vote."<br /><br />Don't Burn Bridges<br />Don't go negative on your past employer. It weakens your stature and makes people wonder what you'd say about them! Instead follow John Edward's lead. Be positive and gracious toward everyone even if you don't land this job, they may be able to offer you another one down the road.<br /><br />Never Give Up<br />You can't win them all. JFK ran for class president at Harvard and lost. Nixon unsuccessfully ran for both president and governor of California. And Lincoln lost his bid for the Senate before going on to become one of the most revered presidents in history. The great ones take losing in stride and come back to run and win another day.<br /><br />Search more than 100,000 Jobs by <a href="http://jobs.careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/Jobs/JobResults.aspx?SB%3Asbkw=&SB%3As_freeloc=&SB%3Asbfr=30&sbsbmt=Find+Jobs+%C2%BB&lr=cbrockl&cid=US&excrit=QID%3DA3852768340946%3Bst%3DA%3Buse%3DALL%3BCID%3DUS%3BSID%3D%3F%3BTID%3D0%3BENR%3DNO%3BDTP%3DDRNS%3BYDI%3DYES%3BIND%3DALL%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPAYL%3D0%3BPAYH%3DGT120%3BPOY%3DNO%3BETD%3DALL%3BRE%3DALL%3BMGT%3DDC%3BSUP%3DDC%3BFRE%3D1%3BCHL%3DAL%3BQS%3DSID_UNKNOWN%3BSS%3DNO%3BTITL%3D0%3BOB%3D-modifiedint%3BJQT%3DRAD%3BJDV%3DFalse&IPath=ILM"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">CLICKING HERE!</span></strong></a>

How to be a Winning Job Candidate - 8 Lessons from the Campaign Trail

How to be a Winning Job Candidate - 8 Lessons from the Campaign Trail by CareerBuilder.com Think your job search is tough? How would you lik...

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Pizza? Really Diana?

That's what my husband said to me Wednesday night when I said I was ordering pizza. Yes, really! I had a hell of a day Wednesday at work. Number three "hell-of-a-day" this week. The stress peaked at a meeting where I practically yelled at a coworker and stomped out of the meeting. Umm...how old am? Five? No, but I sure acted like it. I've never done anything like that in my life. Let's just say my fuse, which is rather long, finally ignited.<br /><br />Driving home Wednesday night I was trying to decide to get drunk or eat myself silly. I decided on the eating myself silly. The main reason was because I had a plan to work out like crazy the next day to work off the pizza I was planning to eat. My workouts suck if I drink, plus, given a choice I'd always rather eat my calories rather than drink them.<br /><br />I ordered the pizza online for the first time (and got 20% off, anything to save a buck). It was a very unfriendly website, kept kicking me off and deleting all my info. I haven't ordered pizza or eaten real pizza since I started with Weight Watchers eighteen months ago.<br /><br />I tried to order the super thick crust stuffed with cheese. When we finally got the pizzas (yes, I ordered two large) at 9pm, my husband asked me if I'd ordered crust with the pizza. Seriously, it was paper thin. Okay, maybe not paper thin, maybe cardboard thin, but thin cardboard. I've never seen crust like this in my life.<br /><br />I had ordered extra cheese and sauce. There was barely any cheese or sauce. I think what happened was the online form kept resetting itself when I made an error so it must have reset to "the thinnest crust ever made" and no extra cheese or sauce. The picture on the website showed the pizza was thick with ingredients. It wasn't, there were actually bare areas where there weren't any ingredients or cheese. It was the most pathetic pizza I've ever seen. It didn't even taste that good, really all I could taste was salt. Of course that didn't stop me from eating almost a whole pizza.<br /><br />I guess the weight loss Gods were looking looking out for me since I obviously wasn't looking out for myself. That was Wednesday night. I did better yesterday but when I weighed this morning I was up to 166.4. Yikes! I'm sliding down that slippery slope to fatdom once again.<br /><br />My new plan #4,987,080,999 is to go back to Weight Watchers tomorrow and officially weigh in, stay for the meeting and follow the Weight Watchers plan. I know, it's a very original idea I'm having here, to actually follow a plan. I'll post my official weighin tomorrow. I know it's going to be ugly but I have to face it and get back down to business.<br /><br />In spite of my stress and my bad eating, I've hit the gym every day this week. Yesterday my workout rocked. A full hour of cardio even though I thought I was having a heart attack about half way through it. Every time I eat really bad, like eating a pizza, I have a horrible time with my cardio the next day. My entire body ached and hurt, and even my heart felt like it hurt.<br /><br />I'm heading out to the gym in a few minutes. I was going to bike there but it looks like rain and it looks cold (no sun). Can summer really be almost over?

Pizza? Really Diana?

That's what my husband said to me Wednesday night when I said I was ordering pizza. Yes, really! I had a hell of a day Wednesday at work...

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Think You Have Job Search Savvy?

Think You Have Job Search Savvy? by CareerBuilder.com <br /><br />Think you've got job hunting down to a science? Test your job-searching smarts with this quiz:<br /><br />1. What is the most effective way to e-mail a résumé to a potential employer? <br />A) Copy and paste it into the body of the e-mail<br />B) Attach it as a plain text file<br />C) Attach it as a PDF file<br />D) Attach it as a Word document <br /><br />Answer: A. Sending an employer a virus that crashes his or her computer will kill your chances at landing the job. Plus, the hiring manager might hesitate to open attachments from unknown senders. <br /><br />2. What percentage of hiring managers automatically dismiss résumés or cover letters with spelling or grammatical errors?<br />A) Nearly 25 percent<br />B) Nearly 33 percent<br />C) Nearly 50 percent<br />D) Nearly 66 percent<br /><br />Answer: C. Forty-nine percent of hiring managers said résumés and cover letters with errors or typos go straight into the trash bin. Proofread carefully. <br /><br />3. True or false: Hiring managers count volunteer work as relevant experience.<br />A) True<br />B) False<br /><br />Answer: A. In a CareerBuilder.com survey of more than 600 hiring managers, 63 percent said they consider volunteer work to be relevant experience when evaluating a candidate. <br /><br />4. An employer will likely discard a résumé that leaves out:<br />A) Hobbies or other personal information<br />B) An objective statement<br />C) Dates of employment<br />D) Fancy formatting<br /><br />Answer: C. Omitting dates of employment raises a red flag to employers who may believe you have something to hide -- incessant job hopping, for example. You're better off telling the truth.<br /><br />5. True or false: An employer can choose not to hire you because of your credit score.<br />A) True<br />B) False<br /><br />Answer: A. Employers are increasingly using credit checks as part of the screening process. But don't worry: An employer must request your permission before running your credit report. If a hiring manager rejects you because of your credit, he or she must show you the report and tell you how to get a free copy from a consumer reporting agency.<br /><br />6. Which of the following is NOT an illegal interview question?<br />A) You have a very unusual last name. What is its origin?<br />B) Have you ever been fired from a position?<br />C) Are you planning to start a family in the near future?<br />D) I notice you're wearing a Star of David necklace. Are you very religious?<br /><br />Answer: B. While an employer can't base a hiring decision on sex, religion or national origin, your employment history is fair game.<br /><br />7. Hiring managers have seen a lot of bizarre job seeker tactics. Which of these stories is a fake? <br />A) Candidate sent flowers and chocolates to hiring manager's home.<br />B) Candidate brought Starbucks for the entire office.<br />C) Candidate photocopied his face as background for his résumé.<br />D) Candidate brought references -- in person -- with her to the interview.<br /><br />Answer: A. Some people go to extreme lengths to try and land a position. No word on how successful these candidates were.<br /><br />8. What percentage of hiring managers would think less of or outright reject a candidate who didn't send a thank-you letter after the interview?<br />A) 12 percent<br />B) 28 percent<br />C) 36 percent<br />D) 47 percent<br /><br />Answer: D. Politeness counts: Nearly 15 percent would automatically dismiss a candidate who didn't send a thank-you note, and an additional 32 percent would think less highly of the candidate. <br /><br />9. How many days do Americans receive, on average, as part of their compensation package?<br />A) 10<br />B) 12<br />C) 15<br />D) 18<br /><br />Answer: B. According to a survey by travel site Expedia.com, Americans receive 12 vacation days and give back an average of three per year.<br /><br />10. According to a survey of more than 875 hiring managers, what percentage of employers say the first salary offer is final?<br />A) 30 percent<br />B) 40 percent<br />C) 50 percent<br />D) 60 percent<br /><br />Answer: A. Nearly six-in-ten hiring managers say they'll extend a new salary offer once if a candidate asks for it. Nearly one-in-ten say they'll extend a new offer twice or more if they really want a candidate. <br /><br /><br />Score:<br />8-10: Congratulations, you're a job-hunting guru! <br /><br />6-7: Nice work, but there's room for improvement. <br /><br />4-5: Not bad, but be sure to brush up on your skills.<br /><br />0-3: Better get back to the drawing board.

Think You Have Job Search Savvy?

Think You Have Job Search Savvy? by CareerBuilder.com Think you've got job hunting down to a science? Test your job-searching smarts wit...

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Nine Tips for Better Online Job Hunting

Nine Tips for Better Online Job Hunting by Robert Half International<br /><br />It goes without saying that the Internet has drastically changed the way people today hunt for jobs. After all, it's probably been a few years since you've submitted a resume via mail or fax. But even though most professionals turn to the Internet first for help locating a new position, not all understand the finer points of a Web-based job search. Following are some tips to keep in mind the next time you look online.<br /><br />1. Think big. <br />It's wise to start your search by visiting large job sites such as CareerBuilder.com because of the sheer number of listings offered. In addition, employers of all sizes and in every industry are apt to list their job openings on sites with strong brand recognition. Checking out smaller niche Web pages can be helpful, but if you're at a crossroads in your career or willing to relocate, the big boards offer the widest view of what jobs are currently available.<br /><br />2. Scan the oldies but goodies. <br />When visiting job boards, many job hunters make the mistake of limiting their search to positions posted in the last few days. A position posted one month ago might still be open, especially if it requires hard-to-find skills. Plus, with most job seekers focusing on recent postings, you may be competing with fewer candidates. A dated job advertisement doesn't reflect the quality of the company or the potential desirability of the position. <br /><br />3. Visit recruiter sites. <br />In addition to browsing the large boards, visit the Web sites of recruiting firms that specialize in your field, which maintain their own job postings. Some even offer detailed career information and job search advice. The advantage of these sites is that job seekers can conduct highly targeted searches and also connect with a recruiter who can work on their behalf.<br /><br />4. Go surfing. <br />Job sites offer more than just listings. They also can serve as a launching pad for other opportunities. For instance, you may find an appealing job posting for which you are overqualified. Though you're not right for this role, you now know the company is hiring. Visit the prospective employer's Web site to see if there are any additional openings. Send a resume and cover letter to the company expressing your desire to be considered for future jobs.<br /><br />5. Get social. <br />Networking is one of the most effective ways of locating new opportunities, and the Internet makes it easier than ever to expand your web of contacts. Social networking sites such as LinkedIn.com provide "virtual" opportunities to connect with other professionals -- in your area or halfway across the world. Participating in chat rooms and discussion forums, such as those hosted by professional associations in your field or industry, also is an excellent way to find about open positions.<br /><br />6. Don't blast away. <br />Most job sites enable users to apply for a position with the simple click of the mouse. But don't blindly blast your resume to every company you come across. Hiring managers seek tailored resumes that directly tie a job seeker's unique skills and abilities to the requirements of the position. Take the extra time and effort to customize your application materials to each specific opportunity. <br /><br />7. Spell well. <br />Completing employment applications online is convenient but potentially costly if you're not careful. Be mindful of your spelling and grammar when typing information directly onto online forms. Typos are no less problematic on screen than on paper. In a Robert Half International poll of employers, typos and grammatical errors were cited as the most common mistakes job seekers make on their resumes. <br /><br />8. Tread carefully. <br />There's a time and a place for everything. With that old adage in mind, be careful of when and where you do your online job hunting. Using your company's computer and Internet connection to look for a new position is a bad idea. Employers have the right to monitor the sites you visit and the e-mails you send. So, resist the temptation to hunt for a new job at the office if you want to keep the one you have for the time being. <br /><br />9. Follow up! <br />When job hunting online, it's critical that you follow up with prospective employers after applying for a position. More than a few resumes have gotten lost in cyberspace. If you've submitted your application and haven't heard back from the company, make a call or send an e-mail to verify that the resume was received and to reassert your interest in the position. Don't worry; you're not going to annoy the employer. Eighty-two percent of executives polled by our company said job seekers should contact hiring managers within two weeks of submitting application materials.<br /><br />While the Internet has revolutionized the way job seekers connect with prospective employers, an online job hunt shouldn't be the only strategy you use to find a new position. The best searches combine a variety of approaches, including exploring the services offered by recruiting and staffing firms, touching base with members of your professional network, and participating in industry events where you can hobnob with hiring managers.<br /><br /><br />Robert Half International Inc. is the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm with a global network of more than 330 offices throughout North America, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. For more information about our professional services, please visit www.rhi.com

Nine Tips for Better Online Job Hunting

Nine Tips for Better Online Job Hunting by Robert Half International It goes without saying that the Internet has drastically changed the wa...

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25 Best Jobs for Boomers

25 Best Jobs for Boomers by Rachel Zupek, CareerBuilder.com<br /><br />Attention baby boomers - If you're not ready to spend the rest of your life golfing, traveling or doing anything else that comes after retirement, good news awaits -- you don't have to. Today's retirees are defying the stereotypes that surround retirement by changing careers, rather than ending them.<br />Clarence "Nic" Nicodemus, 64, is living proof. At the ripe age of 61, Nicodemus graduated from Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (COM) and was preparing for a one-year internship, according to a 2004 press release from Michigan State University. Nicodemus joined COM at age 57, after spending a decade teaching classes and doing orthopedic research at the University of Texas. He said going to med school was the next logical step in his career and a lifelong dream.<br />"I feel like I can relate to patients of any age," he said. "A patient can bring up any subject -- grandchildren or a death in the family or a disease in the family -- and I can relate to them."<br /><br />Like Nicodemus, many baby boomers - the chunk of our population born in 1946 through 1964 - haven't been able to work in highly fulfilling jobs. Working lackluster, draining, even hazardous jobs just to bring home a paycheck was the norm for boomers just trying to get by. But times, they are a changin'. "The chances are good that you [baby boomers] are better able than at any time previously to choose work that will be fulfilling,"Michael Farr and Laurence Shatkin, Ph.D. write in their new book, "225 Best Jobs for Baby Boomers." For reasons that vary from being under less financial stress to being able to consider part-time work for the first time, boomers now have the option of making another career move instead of retiring. Farr and Shatkin analyzed data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics to formulate lists of jobs with a high percentage of baby boomers -- specifically, the jobs for which 40 percent of the workforce is age 45 or older. The jobs listed had the best combination of high salaries, fast growth and ample job openings.<br />Of the 225 jobs highlighted in the book, here are the 25 best of the best according to Farr and Shatkin.<br /><br />Management analysts<br />What they make: $60,921*<br />Projected annual openings: 78,00<br /><br />Teachers,Postsecondary<br />What they make: $63,219<br />Projected annual openings: 216,000<br /><br />Logisticians<br />What they make: $39,637<br />Projected annual openings: 162,000<br /><br />General and Operations Managers<br />What they make: $78,762<br />Projected annual openings: 260,000<br /><br />Registered Nurses<br />What they make: $53,865<br />Projected annual openings: 215,000<br /><br />Anesthesiologists<br />What they make: $240,207<br />Projected annual openings: 38,000<br /><br />General Internists<br />What they make: $310,072<br />Projected annual openings: 38,000<br /><br />Obstetricians and Gynecologists<br />What they make: $238,714<br />Projected annual openings: 38,000<br /><br />Family and General Practitioners<br />What they make: $154,264<br />Projected annual openings: 38,000<br /><br />General Pediatricians<br />What they make: $159,625<br />Projected annual openings: 38,000<br /><br />Medical<br />and Health Services Managers<br />What they make: $77,350<br />Projected annual openings: 33,000<br /><br />Financial Managers, Branch or Department<br />What they make: $79,905<br />Projected annual openings: 71,000<br /><br />Treasurers, Controllers and Chief Financial Officers<br />What they make: $113,344 - $196,538<br />Projected annual openings: 71,000<br /><br />Chief Executives<br />What they make: $328,283<br />Projected annual openings: 63,000<br /><br />Government Service Executives<br />What they make: $148,584<br />Projected annual openings: 63,000<br /><br />Private Sector Executives<br />What they make: $148,584<br />Projected annual openings: 63,000<br /><br />Pharmacists<br />What they make: $88,619<br />Projected annual openings: 23,000<br /><br />Lawyers<br />What they make: $86,593<br />Projected annual openings: 53,000<br /><br />Education Administrators, Elementary and Secondary School<br />What they make: $133,062<br />Projected annual openings: 31,000<br /><br />Administrative Services Managers<br />What they make: $74,896<br />Projected annual openings: 40,000<br /><br />Sales Representatives, Agricultural<br />What they make: $53,034<br />Projected annual openings: 44,000<br /><br />Sales Representatives, Chemical and Pharmaceutical<br />What they make: $53,034<br />Projected annual openings: 44,000<br /><br />Sales Representatives, Electrical/Electronics<br />What they make: $81,600<br />Projected annual openings: 44,000<br /><br />*Salary figures based on data from CBsalary.com, powered by SalaryExpert.com<br /><br />Rachel Zupek is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com and its job blog, The Work Buzz. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. Follow her on Twitter: https://twitter.com/CBwriterRZ.

25 Best Jobs for Boomers

25 Best Jobs for Boomers by Rachel Zupek, CareerBuilder.com Attention baby boomers - If you're not ready to spend the rest of your life ...

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7 Ways to Make Your Cover Letter Stand Out

7 Ways to Make Your Cover Letter Stand Out by Selena Dehne, Jist Publishing <br /><br />Let's face it: There's only so much your résumé can do. In fact, it can be jam-packed with impressive stats, industry lingo and design elements that rival those showcased in job-search books and still end up in an employer's stack of rejections. <br /><br />To avoid this fate, it's essential to show employers that you're more than the bullet points and clipped phrases listed on your résumé. You've got a personality, passions, goals and career experiences that make you unlike any other candidate for the job. It's up to you to share this information in your cover letter in a way that dazzles employers and strengthens your résumé. <br /><br />Cover letters provide opportunities that résumés don't to inject your personality, says Katharine Hansen, Ph.D., author of "Tell Me About Yourself: Storytelling to Get Jobs and Propel Your Career." "You can engage the employer, make an emotional connection, show results, and become instantly memorable by writing at least one paragraph in the form of a powerful story," Hansen says. <br /><br />She suggests that job seekers use their cover letter to tell stories about their interests or passions for a career field or to detail successful projects, accomplishments, solutions, results and more. In her book, Hansen outlines the following do's and don'ts for cover letters that tell such stories:<br /><br />Do make the letter as concise as possible. <br />Employers are spending less time reading cover letters than they used to. Ideally, your letter should be about four paragraphs, and one of those should tell a story.<br /><br />Don't neglect the "storyline" in the rest of the letter. <br />Even if only one paragraph in your letter is in story form, try to integrate the story's theme throughout your letter and tie it together by briefly referring back to the story in your final paragraph.<br /><br />Do make your stories specific and quantify results whenever possible. <br />It's always easier for the reader to picture you succeeding on the job when you describe a specific situation. In addition, employers are attracted to numbers that indicate results.<br /><br />Don't write your autobiography. <br />Telling a story doesn't mean describing your entire career; that's what your résumé is for.<br /><br />Do tell relevant stories. <br />Tell only the stories that are relevant to the employer's requirements, the problems you can solve, and the results you can achieve. If the relevance isn't immediately obvious from your story, help the reader make the connection by pointing out the skills and qualifications the story illustrates.<br /><br />Don't overlook story cues in want ads. <br />Study the want ad that describes the position that interests you. When writing your cover letter, strive to ensure that it responds to the ad's intent. To do this, incorporate the job posting's keywords and the tasks or responsibilities that are mentioned into your cover letter.<br /><br />Do use some of the employer's messages and language. <br />Go to the employer's Web site or pick up print publications about the organization. Pick out buzzwords and phrases. Play these back to the employer in your story. Employers who read language-mirroring stories conclude that the job seeker "gets it." <br /><br />Selena Dehne is a career writer for JIST Publishing who shares the latest occupational, career and job search information available with job seekers and career changers. She is also the author of JIST's Job Search and Career Blog (http://jistjobsearchandcareer.blogspot.com/).

7 Ways to Make Your Cover Letter Stand Out

7 Ways to Make Your Cover Letter Stand Out by Selena Dehne, Jist Publishing Let's face it: There's only so much your résumé can do. ...

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Basic Skills Resume

Basic Skills Resume - From 'The Quick Resume and Cover Letter Book' by Michael Farr, Career and Job Search Author <br /><br />This resume is a good example of how a skills resume can help someone who does not have the best credentials. It allows the job seeker to present school and extracurricular activities to good effect. It is a strong format choice because it lets her highlight strengths without emphasizing her limited work experience. It doesn't say where she worked or for how long, yet it gives her a shot at many jobs.<br /><br />You'll get the best results from a skills resume by using it when you have a referral to an organization instead of using it to apply cold or to an ad. Since the skills resume usually doesn't list specifics of work history, many employers will toss it out in favor of your competitors' resumes that do. So, stick with using the skills resume primarily when you're networking for a job.<br /><br /><br />Lisa M. Rhodes<br />813 Lava Court - Denver, CO 81613<br />Home: (413) 643-2173 (leave message)<br />Cell: (413) 442-1659<br />lrhodes@netcom.net<br /><br />Objective<br />Sales-oriented position in a retail sales or distribution business.<br /><br />Skills and Abilities<br /><br />Communications -- Good written and verbal presentation skills. Use proper grammar and have a good speaking voice.<br /><br /><br />Interpersonal Skills -- Able to get along well with co-workers and accept supervision. Received positive evaluations from previous supervisors.<br /><br /><br />Flexible -- Willing to try new things and am interested in improving efficiency on assigned tasks.<br /><br /><br />Attention to Detail -- Concerned with quality. Produce work that is orderly and attractive. Ensure tasks are completed correctly and on time.<br /><br /><br />Hard-working -- Throughout high school, worked long hours in strenuous activities while attending school full-time. Often managed as many as 65 hours a week in school and other structured activities while maintaining above-average grades.<br /><br /><br />Customer Service -- Routinely handled as many as 500 customer contacts a day (10,000 per month) in a busy retail outlet. Averaged lower than a .001 percent complaint rate and was given the "Employee of the Month" award in second month of employment. Received two merit increases.<br /><br /><br />Cash Sales -- Handled more than $2,000 a day ($40,000 a month) in cash sales. Balanced register and prepared daily sales summary and deposits.<br /><br /><br />Reliable -- Excellent attendance record; trusted to deliver daily cash deposits totaling more than $40,000 a month.<br /><br />Education<br />Franklin High School, 2001-2004. Classes included advanced English. Member of award-winning band. Excellent attendance record. Superior communication skills. Graduated in top 30 percent of class.<br /><br />Other<br />Active gymnastics competitor for four years. Learned discipline, teamwork, how to follow instructions and hard work. Ambitious, outgoing, reliable and have solid work ethic.<br /><br />Excerpted from 'The Quick Resume and Cover Letter Book' by Michael Farr. Reprinted with permission from Jist Publishing.

Basic Skills Resume

Basic Skills Resume - From 'The Quick Resume and Cover Letter Book' by Michael Farr, Career and Job Search Author This resume is a g...

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Warning: Social Networking Can Be Hazardous to Your Job Search

Warning: Social Networking Can Be Hazardous to Your Job Search by Kate Lorenz, CareerBuilder.com Editor <br /><br />That cute, affable guy who brags of his drunken exploits on FaceBook.com may be meeting a lot of other partiers online, but he's probably not getting added to the "friends" lists of many corporate recruiters. A recent study by the executive search firm ExecuNet found that 77 percent of recruiters run searches of candidates on the Web to screen applicants; 35 percent of these same recruiters say they've eliminated a candidate based on the information they uncovered. <br /><br />"You'd be surprised at what I've seen when researching candidates," says Gail, a recruiter at a Fortune 500 company who recently began looking up potential hires on the Web. "We were having a tough time deciding between two candidates until I found the profile of one of them on MySpace. It boasted a photo of her lounging on a hammock in a bikini, listed her interests as 'having a good time' and her sex as 'yes, please.' Not quite what we were looking for."<br /><br />"Another time I went to a candidate's site and found racial slurs and jokes," Gail continues. "And there was yet another instance where a candidate told me he was currently working for a company, yet he left a comment on a friend's profile about how it 'sucked' to be laid off, and how much fun it was to be unemployed!"<br /><br />As the amount of personal information available online grows, first impressions are being formed long before the interview process begins, warns David Opton, ExecuNet CEO and founder. "Given the implications and the shelf-life of Internet content, managing your online image is something everyone should address -- regardless of whether or not you're in a job search," he says. Because the risks don't stop once you're hired. <br /><br />Twenty-three-year old Kara recently took a job as a management consultant at a high-profile practice in the Los Angeles area. An Ohio native, with no friends or family on the West Coast, Kara put up a profile on MySpace in the hopes of meeting new people.<br /><br />Kara was judicious in how she set up her site: "I didn't fill out that cheesy questionnaire many people post, where you describe your best feature and say whether or not you shower every day." she says. "I used a photo that was flattering but not at all provocative and was even careful what music I chose."<br /><br />Within a few months, Kara met many others online who shared her interest in biking and water sports. One Friday morning, Kara decided to call in sick and go surfing with a few of her new pals. That weekend, unbeknownst to Kara, her friend posted some of the day's pictures on her profile and sent Kara a message saying, "We should call in sick more often." <br /><br />Unfortunately for Kara, her boss happened to be patrolling MySpace to check up on her college-age daughter and came across Kara's site and the dated photos!<br /><br />Mortified, Kara says she learned an important lesson -- not only about honesty, but about how small the world of online social networking can be and how little control you have over any information put out there.<br /><br />Not all employers search candidates and employees online, but the trend is growing. Don't let online social networking deep-six your career opportunities. Protect your image by following these simple tips:<br /><br />1. Be careful. Nothing is private. Don't post anything on your site or your "friends" sites you wouldn't want a prospective employer to see. Derogatory comments, revealing or risqué photos, foul language and lewd jokes all will be viewed as a reflection of your character. <br /><br />2. Be discreet. If your network offers the option, consider setting your profile to "private," so that it is viewable only by friends of your choosing. And since you can't control what other people say on your site, you may want to use the "block comments" feature. Remember, everything on the Internet is archived, and there is no eraser! <br /><br />3. Be prepared. Check your profile regularly to see what comments have been posted. Use a search engine to look for online records of yourself to see what is out there about you. If you find information you feel could be detrimental to your candidacy or career, see about getting it removed -- and make sure you have an answer ready to counter or explain "digital dirt."<br /><br />Kate Lorenz is the article and advice editor for CareerBuilder.com. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.

Warning: Social Networking Can Be Hazardous to Your Job Search

Warning: Social Networking Can Be Hazardous to Your Job Search by Kate Lorenz, CareerBuilder.com Editor That cute, affable guy who brags of ...

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Have Employers See Your Resume First!

<p><span style="font-size:130%;">Have employers see your resume first!</span></p><p>How do you benefit?</p><ul><li>Stand out among the other 30 million resumes on CareerBuilder</li><li>Increase your resume’s visibility by up to 92%</li><li>Move to the top of employers’ resume search results lists to be seen FIRST</li><li>Immediate results</li><li>See which employers are viewing your resume</li><li><p>Save time and skip to the head of the line. <a id="mxsrLanding__ctl0_cbhlUpgradeNow" href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/Resumes/PostResumeNew/PostResumeStart.aspx?cblid=scpruhmpg1&ResumeUpgrade=true&lr=cbrockl"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Upgrade your resume now</span></strong></a> </p></li></ul>

Have Employers See Your Resume First!

Have employers see your resume first! How do you benefit? Stand out among the other 30 million resumes on CareerBuilder Increase your resume...

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Five Ways College Gave You More Training Than You Thought

Five Ways College Gave You More Training Than You Thought by Laura Morsch, CareerBuilder.com writer <br /><br />According to CareerBuilder.com's 2006 college survey, one-in-four hiring managers say relevant experience is the top thing they look for in a new graduate.<br /><br />If you can find a paid internship or can afford to take an unpaid one, more power to you. You have a head start on the job market.<br /><br />For the rest of you -- even if you've never worked in an office -- your college days have given you more experience than you might think. You just need to strategically market your campus activities. Before you write your résumé, consider your:<br /><br />Coursework<br /><br />Remember those weeks you spent in the student center working on that group advertising project? That's experience. So is that 3,000-word investigative journalism story you researched all semester. If you worked on a project or report in the classroom that directly relates to a certain field, by all means include it on your résumé.<br /><br />Sometimes, creating a strategic list of classes you've taken can give you an edge. For example, say you're a premed-turned-journalism major. You'd be a great candidate if you came across a posting for a science reporter job. Create a "Relevant Coursework" section on your résumé, and list your important journalism classes alongside the biology and chemistry classes you took as an underclassman. <br /><br />A word of caution: Don't list classes for the sake of listing classes. The section is called "Relevant Coursework" for a reason.<br /><br />Part-time jobs<br /><br />Meticulously folding T-shirts into identical stacks at the Gap or bussing tables at Red Lobster might not seem like the kind of experience employers are looking for. But your part-time gig taught you some important skills that can translate to any workplace. <br /><br />Think about when you waited tables: You probably learned to diplomatically handle all sorts of people -- even the difficult ones. Plus, working your way through school (especially if you didn't let your grades suffer) shows dedication and impressive time-management ability.<br /><br />When you include these jobs on your résumé, the key is to not just list your job duties. Focus on accomplishments (like when you increased sales by 10 percent at the hot dog stand) or skills learned on the job.<br /><br />Campus leadership positions<br /><br />It's impressive to be dorm president. It's even more impressive when you show how you successfully managed a $10,000 budget and created and implemented a plan to reduce dorm vandalism, reduced cleaning costs by 50 percent year-over-year. Don't rely on a fancy title -- show how your time and hard work made an impact on your organization.<br /><br />Clubs and other extracurriculars<br /><br />So, you couldn't get a job because you spent all your non-class time on the basketball court? Your time as a varsity athlete likely taught you leadership, teamwork and some serious time-management -- all things employers consider to be important. <br /><br />Or maybe you were in charge of your sorority's recruitment. You now have experience managing a budget, supervising a staff and coordinating PR efforts to make your sorority's image as positive as possible. <br /><br />Volunteer work<br /><br />If you spent a day or two a week helping out at a nursing home or writing up fliers for a political campaign, don't discount the value of your work. More than 60 percent of hiring managers say they count volunteer work as relevant experience, according to CareerBuilder.com. Again, keep in mind that a list of accomplishments and skills is much more compelling than a list of job duties.<br /><br />Laura Morsch is a writer for CareerBuilder.com. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.

Five Ways College Gave You More Training Than You Thought

Five Ways College Gave You More Training Than You Thought by Laura Morsch, CareerBuilder.com writer According to CareerBuilder.com's 200...

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Starting From Scratch - Job Search Tips for New Grads

Starting From Scratch - Job Search Tips for New Grads by Kate Lorenz, CareerBuilder.com Editor <br /><br />College graduation can be a mixed blessing. While students look forward to finally pursuing their career aspirations, it's not easy to leave behind the safety of academia. And, if you're like many recent grads, you probably have only a vague notion of what you want to do with your life. While charting your own path is always a challenge, there are steps you can take to help make the big decisions a little easier.<br /><br />Deciding on a direction<br /><br />The initial bump young professionals often encounter on the road of life is caused by too narrowly defining the career options available to them. For example, if you do not want to become a researcher or professor, you may worry that your anthropology degree leaves you ill-prepared for other careers. But chances are your coursework exposed you to many other skills that employers seek, such as knowledge of statistical analysis and strong writing abilities. Viewed through this lens, your potential professions range from market researcher to journalist.<br /><br />In fact, a college degree provides you with a number of transferable skills, including critical thinking abilities, research capabilities and knowledge of a variety of computer software. The beauty of a college degree is that it opens doors. <br /><br />If you don't know where to start following graduation, consider the things you enjoy. What do you find yourself talking to friends and family about? What is the first section of the newspaper you turn to? What are your favorite Web sites? Answers to these questions can provide you with some insight into the professions you might want to pursue.<br /><br />As you consider potential career paths, be realistic. Too often graduates are blinded by an idealized version of their dream job. For example, a career in television production generally begins with a low-paying position that's long on hours worked and short on creative independence. But this isn't necessarily a bad thing. Everyone before you most likely followed the same path, learning the business from the ground up. Just be sure you are aware of all the steps you need to take to get where you want to be.<br /><br />Research different jobs or industries by reading as much as you can about them in newspapers, magazines, trade publications, blogs, message boards and Web postings. Also consider arranging informational interviews with those currently employed in a profession of interest. During these meetings, you can ask about how the person you're meeting entered the field, what types of things make the job exciting and what challenges you should expect, among other things. Your friends, family and even former classmates or professors may be able to help you arrange informational interviews.<br /><br />Finding the job of your dreams<br /><br />One of the best tools in your job search is probably right under your nose: your school's career center. Don't forget that the counselors there can help you write a résumé, assist you in preparing for an interview and provide you with job leads. Often, you can continue to receive guidance from the career center after you graduate. Alumni associations also are valuable resources. They frequently hold job fairs and host networking nights where you can meet working professionals who have graduated from the same school as you did. <br /><br />In fact, networking can be the most effective way to find your first job. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 80 percent of available jobs are never advertised, and more than half of all employees land their jobs through networking. Taking part in industry events, volunteering with local nonprofit organizations and visiting online networking sites can help you expand your list of professional contacts. Simply keeping in touch with people you've met at school is another good way to hear of job leads and gain referrals.<br /><br />Despite the effectiveness of networking, the most successful job seekers use of a variety of approaches, from searching the Internet to browsing trade publications to cold-calling companies of interest. Just remember not to rely on one method too heavily and to continually evaluate the effectiveness of your efforts. For example, if you've applied to dozens of jobs you found online and have yet to be called for an interview, step back before applying to dozens more. You may need to revamp your résumé and make it more targeted to each opportunity. Or, you might consider following up with a prospective employer a couple of weeks after sending your application materials. In a survey by Robert Half International, 82 percent of executives polled recommending touching base with a hiring manager after submitting a résumé. <br /><br />And don't forget about temporary work. Working with a staffing firm to find short-term assignments allows you to build additional skills, explore new fields and organizations, and meet people who may be able to help you in your career. Also, it's not uncommon for a temporary assignment to turn into a full-time opportunity. Employers are increasingly relying on project and contract professionals to help them meet current hiring demands. If you find these opportunities, don't hesitate to put them on your résumé: 56 percent of executives polled by Robert Half International said they consider steady temporary experience to be equivalent to full-time work. <br /><br />The best advice when starting your career: Remain confident. You bring a high level of energy and motivation, as well as the desire to succeed, to a new job. Employers will value your enthusiasm and willingness to take on any challenge.<br /><br />Kate Lorenz is the article and advice editor for CareerBuilder.com. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.

Starting From Scratch - Job Search Tips for New Grads

Starting From Scratch - Job Search Tips for New Grads by Kate Lorenz, CareerBuilder.com Editor College graduation can be a mixed blessing. W...

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Job Searching on Company Time? Six Tips

Job Searching on Company Time? Six Tips by Rosemary Haefner, Vice President of Human Resources for CareerBuilder.com<br /><br />You're told to treat your job search like a full-time job. But when do you have the time to look with a schedule that includes working 50-plus hours a week, going to school, caring for a family, running errands and trying to squeeze in some shut-eye? Simple. You do it at work.<br /><br />Whether scouring job boards, searching company Web sites or monitoring list servs, 11million people on average look for jobs online every week. One-quarter of workers who use a computer at work admit to searching on company time, according to a survey by staffing company Hudson Highland Group. And, job site traffic spikes on weekdays during lunchtime hours.<br /><br />But proceed with caution when searching for a job on company time; the key is to keep your current job, and income, until you find a new one. Follow these tips:<br /><br />Know the rules.<br /><br />A growing number of employers have established policies on employer Internet use including monitoring employee personal e-mail abuse, personal instant messenger use, operation of personal Web sites on company time, personal postings on corporate blogs and operation of personal blogs on company time. Those companies are putting their policies into action: 26 percent of employers have fired workers for misusing the Internet and another 25 percent have terminated employees for e-mail misuse, according to a 2005 survey by the American Management Association (AMA).<br /><br />Play it safe.<br /><br />The AMA study found 76 percent of businesses monitor employee Web use and 55 percent keep and review e-mail messages. Use a personal e-mail account when discussing job search-related items and applications. Plus, employers would rather receive correspondence from personal accounts than from competitor addresses. And most importantly, you don't want to send a message to a potential new employer that you conduct job searches on company time.<br /><br />Don't advertise your search.<br /><br />Don't wear your interview suit to your biz-casual office. Nothing sets off a red flag like wearing a suit to your dressed-down office. So how should you handle the wardrobe dilemma? For both men and women, suit bottoms (i.e. pants, skirts) are always passable for business casual. Bring a shoulder bag/duffle with a jacket in it, and change en route to/from the interview. For women, it is especially easy to wear a casual shell under a suit -- once a jacket and stockings are removed, no one will detect an afternoon interviewee. For men, make sure your shirt stands on its own without a tie and you can easily make the switch.<br /><br />Choose references wisely.<br /><br />Former co-workers who have left to go elsewhere are usually the first ones to turn to if you want to keep your search confidential. But current co-workers are really the ideal names to pass along to your potential employer. Put a significant amount of thought into who will keep your confidence at your current job. Oftentimes, people find peers rather than managers to be safer bets. As long as your reference can speak to your work ethic, enthusiasm, drive and accomplishments, you don't need to search high and low for a senior executive to speak on your behalf -- go with who knows you best.<br /><br />Timing is everything.<br /><br />The breakfast interview is an ideal forum. Meetings scheduled at 8 a.m. are often finished in time to arrive at work by 9 a.m. If they run over, any number of reasons can be offered for a delayed arrival, but don't go over the top. "Personal time" for a relaxing respite is still an acceptable reason for taking vacation time. Claiming sick runs you the risk of being asked to log on and work from home, or at least making yourself available. The best maneuvers are those when an interview can be tacked onto other pre-planned time off (long weekends, etc.) or non-work hours.<br /><br />Never stop giving your all at work.<br /><br />Job seekers can experience intense paranoia at work. If you devote yourself fully to what you're doing in the hours you're there (and job search with a vengeance in the hours when you're not), you'll continue to get the praise and recognition to keep you on track at your current job. In the end, the possibility always exists that you'll stay. Don't shoot yourself in the foot by making co-workers suspicious and then maybe not landing a new job.<br /><br />Rosemary Haefner is the Vice President of Human Resources for CareerBuilder.com. She is an expert in recruitment trends and tactics, job seeker behavior, workplace issues, employee attitudes and HR initiatives.

Job Searching on Company Time? Six Tips

Job Searching on Company Time? Six Tips by Rosemary Haefner, Vice President of Human Resources for CareerBuilder.com You're told to trea...

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