4 New Ways to Job Hunt

4 New Ways to Job Hunt by Anthony Balderrama, CareerBuilder.com writer

You've probably had one or several bosses who told you to "think outside the box" and "come to me with solutions, not problems."

So if you're unemployed and competing with a record number of job seekers in today's economy, you can't help but think that flashy and outrageous is the way to get noticed. And maybe it is for some people, but not everyone is willing to stand at a busy intersection wearing a sandwich-board sign that says, "Hire me!"

Where does that leave you, a job seeker who needs some way to make your résumé look more attractive than the 50 other ones in the stack?

Fear not: The rules of job seeking are in constant flux, and employers are looking for an impressive candidate, even if his or her credentials are unorthodox. The following are some examples of what other job seekers are doing to get an edge over other applicants.

1. Start a blog
Doesn't it seem as if everyone and their mother has a blog these days? Except you, that is.

Find a subject you're knowledgeable about and start writing. Compose articles that illustrate your command of the topic and that can serve as resources for someone. Over time you'll accumulate an impressive collection of work, says Lauren Milligan of ResuMAYDAY, a company that helps job seekers craft résumés.

"It doesn't really matter what type of job you are seeking; there is always an angle that will interest people," Milligan says. "If you are a financial manager, write about how a family's investment strategy should change during a recession, or how to research an investment opportunity to avoid the next Bernie Madoff. If you are an administrative professional, write about time-management strategies or online tools that help you through your day."

She stresses that you don't have to be looking for a writing job to get an employer's attention.

"Doing this will let potential employers know that you are engaged at an expert level and will gain insights into you as an employee that won't be available to other candidates," Milligan says. "It will also let employers know that you are comfortable with online tools. In other words, this is a great way to gain a competitive edge."

2. Facebook / LinkedIn / BrightFuse
Even though social networking isn't the technology fledgling it once was, it's still new on the scene in terms of job seeking. We hear about people who get caught lying on their Facebook profiles, but people are getting hired via networking sites, too. You can use your education and work history fields to create a new form of résumé. Search your friends list for valuable contacts or join professional networks that can help you find a job or at least get the word out that you're looking.

"Technology doesn't replace the networking step of the job search, but it can certainly make it easier and faster," says Lynne Sarikas, director of the MBA Career at Northeastern University's College of Business Administration. "Social networking sites can help you identify appropriate contacts for networking."

3. Twitter
On Twitter, which is a different kind of networking site, you can leverage contacts in the same way, only you can Tweet about your job hunt and people can stumble upon your profile more easily.

Your profile or Tweets can link to your personal site, whether it's an online portfolio or blog. Not only will you make new contacts, but you'll also have a larger audience viewing the hard work you put into your site, which can impress a potential employer.

4. Virtual career fairs
If you dislike the idea of taking your suit to the cleaners and finding a sitter for the kids just to head out to a job fair, then stay at home and go online.

"[Virtual career fairs are part of] a growing trend among employers looking for a new, cost-effective way to recruit high-quality talent as well as tech-savvy job seekers," says Jennefer Traeger, who works with Unisfair, a virtual job-fair provider. The global aspect of virtual fairs removes geographic obstacles that otherwise complicate job searches.

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.

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Hiring Manager Secrets

Adapted from "Career Building: Your Total Handbook for Finding a Job and Making It Work"

Here's the bottom line: You have to get a job, you have to go to work, and someday, you'll probably have to change jobs. "CAREER BUILDING: Your Total Handbook for Finding a Job and Making It Work" (Collins Business) is a one-stop guide for navigating all those times in your career.

If you worry about every possible way you can blow a job interview -- from mispronouncing the boss's name to babbling incessantly when you don't know what else to say -- you're going to walk in there feeling like you're destined to fail. True, job interviews are rife with opportunities for you to embarrass yourself, but hiring managers are more forgiving than you might think. We consulted some hiring experts about what is really going on inside their heads when interviewing job applicants. They offered the following insights:

They like you. They really like you.
Most hiring managers come to the interview wanting to hire you. They are hoping you are the best person for the job and can start when they need you. After all, you made it to the interview didn't you?

Show you are confident, even if you have to fake it.
Most hiring managers come to the interview wanting to hire you. They are hoping you are the best person for the job and can start when they need you. Have confidence. If you are frustrated with your job search, don't let that negativity show to the employer. Your pessimism can be a turnoff. Even if it's a temporary attitude brought on by rejection, the hiring manager might think it's your overall attitude. After all, you made it to the interview didn't you?

Don't apologize for being out of work.
A layoff can happen to anyone. What do you do if it happens to you? Don't be ashamed -- in today's climate, layoffs occur (unfortunately) daily. Many job seekers are in your shoes. Don't apologize. Instead, focus on the job you are interviewing for by showcasing your skills and exhibiting how you are the best fit.

Target your job search.
While you don't need to possess every single skill listed on a posting, you should at least be qualified for the position and prove that you have transferable skills. Your targeted résumé will help prove you're a serious candidate and have the right qualifications for the position. If you're spending time applying for jobs you're not qualified for, you're wasting valuable time you could be devoting to a position that's a better fit. If you recognize where your strengths lie and what transferable skills you possess, you'll see better results than if you apply to any posting you come across.

Get primed.
"Tell me what you know about the company" or "Why would you fit in well here?" have become staple interview questions, so don't be caught off guard. Shrugging your shoulders and saying, "I don't know" isn't going to score you points. Look at the company's Web site and read press releases and newspaper articles to see what's going on with your prospective future boss. In addition to prepare for the interview, you'll learn whether the company and its culture are a right fit for you.

They don't want to hear what you think they want to hear
Interviewers have gotten very smart to picking up if someone's spewing something they've memorized from a book. By only saying what they think the employer wants to hear, job candidates are simply putting on an act, and employers can see right through that. You have to be yourself in an interview and you have to be sincere.

They don't expect you to have all the answers
Employers are more interested in how you find answers to things you don't know than if you pretend to know something you don't. In some cases, the interviewer may ask a question that he or she doesn't expect you to be able to answer simply to see how you handle it. If you ever find that you don't know the answer to an interviewer's question, the best thing to do is to admit that you don't know, but either add that you could give an educated guess or provide a way you might go about finding the answer. Most important, if you don't know, don't try to fake it. Not knowing is OK. Making something up or pretending to know is not.

They want you to want them
You need to express genuine interest in the job or the company. As much as the recruiter wants to sell the candidate on the position and company, the recruiter also wants to know that the candidate actually wants to work in that position or for that company.

From the editors of CareerBuilder.com, CAREER BUILDING is filled with the statistics, tips and priceless information on job-hunting and working in the digital age, including good and bad résumé samples, using social networking, searching online, résumé "keywords" and e-mail mistakes to avoid. In today's unstable economic climate, CAREER BUILDING is the guide you can't afford to go without.

Search more than 100,000 Jobs by CLICKING HERE!

Finding Health Care Coverage While You Continue Your Job Search - Options for the Unemployed

When you are looking for work, there are a number of important things to think about that can help you find your next job. What opportunities are the best fit for your abilities and experience? How can you stay connected to your important references? Are you able to improve the job skills that you have, or develop new ones?

When you are so focused on finding your next job, you might neglect something that is always important: your health. And if you've lost your job, you might not have access to the benefits you used to have with your employer, including health insurance. Unfortunately, this is a problem that more individuals are facing with the rising unemployment rate, which reached 9.8 percent in September 2009.

In order to help protect your personal and family health and financial security, it's essential to find health care coverage during this time. There are a couple of important options you can consider in this situation, as well as some general tips that can help guide whatever decision you make.

Individual Health Insurance Plans

Because most people receive health insurance through their jobs, they are not familiar with individual insurance plans. A 2009 Aetna survey of recently unemployed professionals conducted by Linescale Research found that, 69 percent of people had never heard of individual health insurance plans or did not know much about them.

These plans come in all shapes and sizes. You can purchase comprehensive coverage for you and your family that may look very similar to what was offered through your previous employer, or choose a lower level of coverage for a more affordable price. In terms of cost, what you pay is based on the type of plan you want, your age, where you live and your health. Some plans for children and young adults can start with a premium as low as $40 a month and there are quite a few that can be found with premiums for under $100 a month. Individual health insurance plans may be subject to medical underwriting and other restrictions.

Almost all insurers have Web sites. For example, Aetna has a Web site (http://www.aetna.com/members/individuals/health/aetnahealthnow/select.html) where you can research plans using an interactive advisor named David, get quotes and even apply online.

In addition, there are also Web sites like eHealthInsurance.com that let you compare plans where you live. You can also contact a local broker who can help answer any questions you might have when comparing plans.

COBRA

Depending on your employer, you may be eligible to continue receiving health insurance through your employer through something called COBRA coverage. This can cover you for up to 18 months after losing a job.

While the Aetna survey found that more people were aware of this option than they were of individual coverage availability, there was a lot of confusion over the cost. The typical cost of COBRA coverage can be as much as 102 percent of the total premium, which is the actual cost of the plan and not just the amount an employee contributes to the premium. Without an employer contributing a portion of the premium payments, paying double or more is not unheard of for an individual to keep the same health insurance coverage.

As part of the national economic stimulus package, people who were involuntarily terminated (or may lose their jobs) between September 1, 2008 and December 31, 2009 and who elect COBRA coverage may be eligible to receive a 65 percent subsidy of the total COBRA premium for up to nine months.

These changes are a positive temporary solution and will make COBRA coverage more affordable for eligible consumers. Even with this subsidy, however, consumers may still be able to find individual health insurance plans that are less expensive and fit their budgets better.

You can visit the U.S. Department of Labor Web site at www.dol.gov to learn more about these changes.

Questions to Consider

While individual health insurance plans and COBRA are two important options to think about, every person has a distinct situation. When making this decision, there are three questions that anyone can use to figure out the most appropriate health plan for his or her unique needs.

1. How long do you expect to go without insurance? Not having insurance for a few months is very different from not having it for a few years.

2. How much coverage do you need? A young man looking for his first job and a mother of two who owns her own business will make very different choices.

3. How much do you want to pay? A lower premium (the amount you pay each month) might seem to be the best way to save a few bucks. Just be sure to find out how much more you will have to pay if something happens to you.

Just like when you are searching for a job, knowing the different options that are out there and the right questions to ask is a key to finding the best health insurance option.

By Frank McCauley head of Aetna's Consumer Business Segment, which offers health insurance products directly to individuals and their families.

How to Network Without Being Phony, Lame or Desperate

Let's face it: Even when you're on top of the world, chances are good that the idea of networking sounds like a big, fat drag. You can probably think of 100 other things you'd rather do -- like cleaning the blades of your ceiling fan. But if you're one of the 14.9 million who are competing for what seems to be a handful of jobs, your confidence has probably taken a hit. So now is probably not the time to be meeting anyone new. In fact, now is not the time to get out of your pajamas.

Ah. But it is. Networking is the single most valuable thing you can do with all this free time you've got now. It will help you build the relationships that will stay with you for the rest of your career. You will learn more about your profession, industry and community. It will protect you from becoming an out-of-touch doofus. And, best of all, it will put you in front of people who have leads on jobs that haven't been published yet (the hidden job market). Through active networking, you could be the only candidate who is considered for that great job. Why? Because you got there first. Networking will do that for you. So while you change your clothes, change your mind about networking too! Here's how:

Remember there's nothing phony, lame or desperate about being out of a job.
With so many people who have been laid off, people are expecting to hear from you and help you. Call them.

Change your mind about what you're networking for.
If you think that one meeting this afternoon is going to land you a job, you're going to sound desperate. Each meeting is a chance to tell your story about what you do and who would benefit from your talent. So try to relax and take each meeting as it comes. Some that you have high expectations for will turn out to be duds. Some that you think will be long-shots will be gold mines. You're networking not to land a job but to meet people, who will then introduce you to others, who will then introduce you to still others -- one of whom will one day say, "When can you start?"

Remember that it's not all about you.
You're meeting because the two of you have something in common (similar job title, shared interest in the profession, industry or community, the person works in a company that interests you). Focus on that commonality and explore possibilities that spring from that commonality. Truly listen to what that person is saying, don't just wait until their lips stop moving so you can start talking yourself.

Be yourself.
That is, be your best self. Don't be the self that wants to stay home in your pajamas, hugging a pint of Ben and Jerry's tight. Be the self who is at the top of your professional game, with a wealth of value to still deliver to the world, with a track record of successes that you still keep top of mind.

Tell your story without the usual job -search downers.
If your story tends to end with, "And then I got laid off," you might want to rewrite your script. Focus on your accomplishments and the fact that people noticed your potential throughout your career. Be real about how it is you're between jobs right now, just like "a lot of really great people these days" (use those words). And then immediately ask your networking partner a question about the company, industry trends, anything that shows you're still a player in your field and ready to start contributing again.

Have a full calendar.
No networking meeting should ever be the last networking meeting you have scheduled. Always have something else (lots of something else's) lined up. No one wants to be anyone's last, best hope.

Have an agenda.
Many job seekers only have a vague notion of what to talk about in a networking meeting so networking becomes synonymous with small-talk. Small-talk does not impress anybody unless you're looking for a hostess job. Spend two minutes talking about your background, 15-30 minutes talking about the jobs and employers on your target list, and the rest of the time talking current trends in the industry. Don't forget, like any good business meeting, end it on time. Don't dawdle. Don't linger. Don't ask for that second cup of coffee. Get out politely, but get out.

Thank your networking partner immediately afterward and confirm you'll stay in touch.
It's amazing how few people actually do this. Stand out! Send a note. Send an e-mail. Say thank you. And report back on how you followed up on all that great advice you just got. Keep that person informed of your progress. And you'll continue to have a lively network of people who care about you and respect you for the rest of your career.

Pay it back.
You may be out of work. But you still have all your resources. Use them to help others in or out of the job search.

By Duncan Mathison and Martha I. Finney authors of the book, Unlock the Hidden Job Market (FT Press, 2009). For more information or to contact the authors directly, visit www.unlockthehiddenjobmarket.com.

Secrets for an Effective Job Search: Turn a Cold Call Into a Warm Call

There are few things job seekers dread more than making cold calls. However, if you are serious about finding a job -- and in these tough times, you have to be -- it is pretty much a requirement. You might just land the perfect opportunity as a result of speaking with people you don't know very well (or even at all) who can support you in your job search. At first, cold calling can feel like "picking up a 10,000-pound telephone," but that is something you must overcome.

Fear is probably the No.1 reason people avoid making telephone calls as part of a job search. Fear and faith make poor roommates because one dispels the other. Nobody wants to get a rejection in real time. However, like they say in sports -- you miss 100 percent of the shots you don't take, so you might as well give it a go. Employers expect these kinds of calls as part of their job and are usually willing to talk to callers. Good companies and managers are always interested in talented candidates, even if they aren't referred to them by a recruiter or human resources. Here are some tips for when it's time to reach out:

1. Write a script for improved effectiveness.
· Outline what you want to get across on the telephone to give you the advantage of a polished message. The time to rehearse is not when you are talking to your contact.

· Time yourself not to exceed 60 seconds. Practice a 10-20 second version, better known as an elevator pitch.

· Make your first impression a good one. Sound energetic and enthusiastic, even if you're feeling discouraged. Fake it until you make it.

2. Getting past the telephone gatekeeper
The first person to answer the telephone may be a receptionist or "gatekeeper" and requires diplomacy. You have to find the right balance between being blunt and being dishonest.

Example: "Hello, my name is Susan Jones. Would you please tell me the name of the manager involved in your company's hiring decisions?" When you are ready, call and ask to speak to the manager by name. If the greeter asks you about the nature of your call, simply tell him or her that you want to address a letter to the manager with information that may be of interest. Also, be sure to ask for the correct spelling of that manager's name.

3. Voice message
If you must leave a message after a few unsuccessful attempts at getting in touch with the hiring manager, leave a brief message.

Example: "I would like to talk with you about my qualifications for the program director position and learn whether there might be a mutual interest in my candidacy."

· Use the name of the person who referred you, if possible.

· Avoid phone tag by offering two proposed times. Ask them to call again to confirm.

· Recite your name and telephone number slowly. Saying this information too quickly may cost you a call back.

· Be prepared for an interview over the phone.

· You may be able to reach the executive before or after regular nine-to-five office hours.

· It is acceptable to leave up to about three or four voice mails for which your persistence may pay off. You may lose a job opportunity waiting for an employer to return your call. Someone who is clearly interested will get the job instead.

4. Phone interview
If and when you finally do get the hiring manager on the phone, it is much more impressive if you can connect with him or her on a personal level. Breaking the ice before the call has even begun is a great way to relieve tension for both parties.

· Perform research to reference something unique about the company or the individual of interest. This allows you to differentiate yourself from other applicants.

· Reach out to individuals on LinkedIn and other social networking sites that serve as a bridge to cold-calling and the desired face-to-face conversations. Work up to meeting with people after developing relationships through e-mail and discussions on the internet. This is a "safe" way to develop relationships.

· Go one step warmer. Find a connection between you and the person you want to reach. Begin with people within organizations who can be helpful without asking for a job. Request an introduction, advice on your resume, or if you can job shadow to better understand the expectations for the job title.

In summary, engage in these activities to help transform discouragement into hope that you will land another job. Expect some discouraging periods at times, but that is not permission to give in to them and just stop. Feel the fear and "pick up the 10,000 pound telephone" anyway. Show courage in the midst of feeling fear. Our greatest challenges are usually the means that give way to significant professional growth. Your future work is ahead of you and you must move forward to reach your goals. Keep a spirit of hope in the present; if you were happy in the past you can create a happy work environment again.

Linda K. Rolie (lindarolie.com), author of "GETTING BACK To WORK - Everything You Need to Bounce Back and Get a Job After a Layoff" (McGraw-Hill, 2009)

Top 10 Jobs in Green Technologies

The nation's movement to become a more productive and competitive economic force in the global marketplace is bringing a wealth of hope and job opportunities to recession-weary Americans.

"In order to succeed in the 21st century, we are working to improve education, expand health care, fix the infrastructure, overhaul our manufacturing industries, adopt green technologies, and continue our leadership in high-tech innovation," says Laurence Shatkin, Ph.D., one of the nation's leading occupational experts and author of the recently released book "200 Best Jobs for Renewing America."

In his book, Shatkin discusses the six industries at the center of America's shift toward a forward-looking economy: education, infrastructure, health care, information and telecommunication technologies, green technologies and advanced manufacturing.

Of these industries, green technologies, in particular, has gained a great deal of interest among individuals hoping to secure a solid job as the economy continues to reinvent itself and become more competitive in the upcoming decades.

According to Shatkin's research, the following list outlines the best jobs overall in green technologies.

1. Construction managers
Annual Earnings: $76,230
Percent Growth: 15.7 percent

2. Industrial engineers
Annual Earnings: $71,430
Percent Growth: 20.3 percent

3. First-line supervisors/managers of construction trades and extraction workers
Annual Earnings: $55,950
Percent Growth: 9.1 percent

4. Environmental scientists and specialists
Annual Earnings: $58,380
Percent Growth: 25.1 percent

5. Construction and building inspectors
Annual Earnings: $48,330
Percent Growth: 18.2 percent

6. Environmental engineers
Annual Earnings: $72,350
Percent Growth: 25.4 percent

7. Plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters
Annual Earnings: $44,090
Percent Growth: 10.6 percent

8.Geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers
Annual Earnings: $75,800
Percent Growth: 21.9 percent

9. Carpenters
Annual Earnings: $37,660
Percent Growth: 10.3 percent

10. Electricians
Annual Earnings: $44,780
Percent Growth: 7.4 percent

*Percent growth between 2006 and 2016.

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/).

What Do Common Interview Questions Really Mean? - How to determine what a hiring manager wants to know

You've probably been on quite a few job interviews in your career, and you know that there are certain questions that every hiring manager seems to ask. Because you've heard them so often, you feel you can practically answer them in your sleep.

But are you providing the best responses possible?

Often, a seemingly simple question can have hidden layers of meaning. What is the interviewer really hoping to learn when he or she asks why you want to work for the firm?

Following are a few interview questions you're likely to hear the next time you meet with a prospective employer and insight into the qualities employers may be assessing with each one. Armed with this information, you can get to the heart of what a potential employer truly wants to know.

Question: "Why do you want to work here?"
Many people talk in vague terms about how they feel they could excel in the role, why the job sounds appealing or what they admire most about the company. But hiring managers want you to cover more than the basics in your response.

What it really means: "How much do you know about this company, and why are you hoping to work here instead of for one of our competitors?" When answering this question, mention specifics. You might note, for example, that you're excited by the firm's cutting-edge research, a recent merger or the company's corporate social responsibility programs. A detailed response will tell the interviewer that you are interested in more than just a paycheck. At the same time, showing that you've done your research lets the hiring manager know that you came prepared and are serious about the opportunity.

Question: "What are your strengths?"
Answers such as "I work well with others" or "I have a can-do attitude" may in fact be strengths, but many job candidates make the same type of statements, and a generic response will do little to distinguish you from other applicants.

What it really means: "How have you used your strengths to add value to your employer?" The interviewer wants to know how the particular talents you bring to the table will benefit the firm if you're hired, so put your best qualities in context. Talk about how your strengths can help meet a prospective employer's specific needs. In this economy, many firms are trying to cut costs, for instance. Your experience negotiating vendor contracts, for instance, could be a boon to your chances.

Question: "What are your weaknesses?"
People usually try to list weaknesses that can actually be seen as strengths, such as "I'm too much of a perfectionist" or "I never say no when people ask for help." These types of answers can seem canned and could make the interviewer wonder what you're hiding.

What it really means: "How honest and self-aware are you?" and "How have you successfully dealt with a challenge in your career or adversity on the job?" Everyone has weaknesses, but not everyone will admit to it. Employers look for workers who can recognize their own weaknesses and also take steps to overcome them. Show the hiring manager you can do both. If one of your weaknesses is a fear of speaking in public, for example, you could point out how you had to speak in front of your executive team to present a project proposal. Although nerve-racking, the situation forced you to confront your weakness and take steps, such as first presenting at smaller meetings with your colleagues, to improve in this area prior to the big meeting. Since then, you've also joined Toastmasters International and continue to improve.

Question: "Would you rather work alone or in a team?"
This borders on being a trick question, because it's rare that someone would be required to just do one or the other in today's workplace.

What it really means: "Can you work with minimal direction?" and "Can you describe a time when you worked with a colleague or group to solve a workplace challenge?" Managers seek individuals who can take the ball and run with it. They may not always have the time to walk you through a project step-by-step, so you need to be able to work autonomously and devise solutions on your own.

At the same time, you need to be able to work with individuals from different levels, departments, offices or even companies, so the hiring manager is trying to gauge how well you can collaborate with others. You might cite an instance when you led a project team, for instance, to improve your chances of securing the job offer.

By knowing what types of responses interviewers truly seek with seemingly simple questions, you give yourself a much better chance of impressing the hiring manager. After all, he or she has probably gotten used to hearing the same responses over and over again. Distinguish yourself with a response that gets to the heart of the matter.

Robert Half International Inc. is the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm with a global network of more than 360 offices worldwide. For more information about our professional services, please visit www.rhi.com.

Social Media on the Job Search - Knowing when traditional tools are better

The Internet has significantly changed how we carry out many everyday tasks. We don't have to receive bills in the mail or go to the bank to check our account balances. Hop online and almost everything we want to do is at our fingertips. Online job hunting has replaced flipping through the newspaper want ads to find that elusive open position.

Another significant addition to the Internet is social media. Social networking sites have suddenly put us in touch with long-lost friends or helped us make new ones. They're like class reunions and dating services rolled into one. And now they've become professional tools, too. You can use your online profile to display your work history and skill set.

As great as these advances are, some people fail to understand that new isn't always better. Sometimes older, more traditional methods are better than the newer, flashier ones. It's something that plenty of job seekers need to realize when they're looking for work and professionals should think about when using their profiles to network.

The job seeker's friend ... and foe
When looking for work, the biggest drawback to social media is the virtual paper trail you might leave. Attorney Robin Bond reminds job seekers that how you interact with friends is probably not how you interact with a boss or even co-workers, so make sure your professional side is what people see.

"Use separate sites for business and personal contacts," Bond advises. "If you were having a party, it's unlikely you'd invite all your party pals to the same event where you were entertaining your boss and work colleagues." For that reason, take advantage of professional networking sites like LinkedIn and BrightFuse for displaying your skills to potential business contacts and employers.

Keep the more irreverent profiles on a separate site and out of the hands of employers. Even then, Bond cautions against posting potentially damaging photographs because it is the Internet and nothing is entirely private.

"If you think your mom would be embarrassed by something you post, then think twice about posting it," he says.

Naturally, the visibility that could potentially ruin your career could also be what gives you one in the first place. David Gammel, author of "Online and On Mission: Practical Web Strategy for Breakthrough Results," sees the value in social media's prominence when used for good.

"If you have posted lots of content under your identity that enhances your qualifications, it will show up high in search results and benefit how you are perceived," Gammel says. "If that content is unprofessional or otherwise at odds with the job you are pursuing, it may stop you in your tracks."

Although social media is an asset, it's yet to become the definitive way to land a position, he says.

"The best way to find a new job is still through a personal referral from someone who trusts you to someone who trusts them," Gammel says. "Social media might be used for communicating, but it won't create that trust. Good old-fashioned relationships will do that."

Remember the "network" in social network
For professionals who already have a job, and for those who are considering a career move, social media can supplement traditional networking methods. It doesn't replace them, but it offers new opportunities alongside them.

"I think the biggest problem is that people treat social media and 'the real world' as if they are two separate modes of contact all too often," says Sam Ford, director of customer insights for communications agency Peppercom Inc. "The best answer is to use a combination of the two when searching for jobs, building relationships with potential employers, building out your network, etc. In my own network and in dealing with job prospects, I've found that a combination of the two makes all the difference in the world."

That amalgamation can add another dimension to an otherwise dull online experience.

"I find myself wanting to connect with people on Twitter [and] accepting LinkedIn connections particularly if we've had a strong face-to-face or phone conversation in the past," Ford says. He found that the online component enriches the relationship and wouldn't have occurred had they never interacted in a traditional way first.

Ultimately, what job seekers and professionals interested in networking need to remember is that business doesn't only exist online or face-to-face. Technology is part of everyday business and there are people behind those Tweets and profiles, so you should remember to make both new and traditional methods part of your networking practices.

By Anthony Balderrama writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com and its job blog, The Work Buzz. He researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/abalderrama.

Feel like Giving Up on Your Job Search? - 5 ways to shake things up

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 38 percent of full-time workers were unemployed for 27 weeks or more in September 2009. That's equivalent to more than 5.4 million people.

Whether you're out of work for five days, five weeks, five months or five years, any period of unexpected unemployment can be frustrating -- especially when it seems to go on forever. Although the economy seems to be showing signs of recovery, any job seeker who has been out of work for a long period of time will tell you: It's still not easy to find a job.

"Even though there are positive indicators, companies aren't adding jobs now at the rate they cut jobs over the last year," says Noah Blumenthal, bestselling author of "Be the Hero: Three Powerful Ways to Overcome Challenges in Work and Life." Despite that, Blumenthal reminds us that economic activities are cyclical. "Every boom feels like it will last forever and so does every bust. But none of them do. Know that things will turn around. The jobs will come back."

Laura Torres, a 28 year old development associate in Boston, knows first-hand about being frustrated with a job search. She was laid off in December 2008 and didn't find a job for about nine months.

"The most frustrating aspect was not feeling totally in control of the process -- particularly once you started interviewing at a job," she recalls. "Obviously you can play the game and even play it well, but your fate is still up to a small group of people. The agonizing wait between the interview and the follow-up is eerily reminiscent of trying to date someone who 'just isn't that into you.'"

Elena Sokolow-Kaufman, 30, who works at small nonprofit in Massachusetts, also had a frustrating job search. After being unemployed for a little more than two months, she reached a breaking point.

"I had sent out a lot of résumés and had a few interviews for specific job opportunities, but nothing seemed like it was moving forward. At the time I was going on a lot of informational interviews and at that point I started to feel very burned out," she recalls.

If you do reach a breaking point like Sokolow-Kaufman, Blumenthal says it's important to switch things up and try something new in your job search. Doing so will reinvigorate you and help you stay motivated.

"When you've been searching [for a job] for a long time, it can wear you out. You need to do things to keep you excited about your job search so that you keep going," he says. "The most important thing you can do is keep yourself eager, motivated and energized to continue the search."

To revitalize her efforts, Sokolow-Kaufman says she started a blog, in addition to working on her search in coffee shops with friends who were in the same position.

"It helped me a lot to feel less isolated and was a good reminder that many other people were in the same boat I was in," she says.

Torres also took different measures to revive her job search. In addition to narrowing her focus in order to find a job she really wanted, Torres challenged herself by applying for jobs outside of her interests or background.

"I never got interviews for these jobs, but it helped me think outside the box a little," she says. "I also sometimes just had informational interviews with people whose careers were markedly different from mine. Again, this was to broaden my horizons a big and give me more perspective."

If you (and your job search) are stuck in a rut, here are five ways Blumenthal suggests to rejuvenate your job search and mix things up a bit:

1. Go online
"You've sent out more résumés than you can count. But have you Tweeted? It's a social networking world. Build your online connections on services like Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. Then use that platform to make value-added observations about your line of work and job searching. You never know where your electronic connections can lead," he says.

2. Separate yourself
"Hiring managers and recruiters receive tons of résumés. Some are better than others, but frankly, none of them stand out. You need something else," he says. "Try writing an article or two about your field. Print them up on glossy paper with a nice graphic design. Add a professional bio, and put it all together in a nice folder. Now, instead of sending a résumé, you're sending a press kit on you. That stands out."

3. Have fun
"I know a woman who once sent her résumé folded up and stuffed inside of a baby sneaker. Her note said she was sure to be a shoe-in for the job," he recalls. "If you are bored with your job search, it will show in your materials, your applications and your interviews. So have some fun." (And yes, the shoe-in did get the job.)

4. Set a big goal
"You've already met 100, 200, 500 people? Set a goal to meet and have one-on-one conversations with 100 new people this month. Is it possible? Can you do it? Use Facebook. Go to professional meetings. Ask 10 friends to introduce you to 10 new people. It doesn't matter if they are in your field. This is the "Six Degrees of Separation" game. Meet up and let the new connections take you where they will," he says.

5. Go to work
"Volunteer at a local charity or political organization. You have the time and this helps you in so many ways," he says. How? It feels good to help; you're using your skills; you're meeting new people; you're getting off the couch and out of the house; and you will build your stockpile of stories. "When you meet people or interview, the connections you make are through your stories. What better story to tell than something that happened while you were helping make the world a better place?"

Ultimately, Blumenthal reminds job seekers to treat your job search like a job, and like a project that has a long-term objective.

"Do what you would do if this were such a project. Celebrate milestones and accomplishments along the way. Appreciate what you love about this job. After all, you can work in your pajamas, set your own hours, work from Starbucks and pick your kids up from school."

By Rachel Zupek 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: http://twitter.com/CBwriterRZ.

Parent-Child Job Searches

In the current economic climate, people are finding themselves in dire situations. Veteran workers find themselves laid off after 20-plus loyal years with the same company. College graduates, with their diplomas hot off the press, can't find a job. Parents, who perhaps have never had to work before, find themselves desperate for a job.

Sometimes, these parents find themselves job searching in an even more unique situation: with their children.

"This scenario is becoming more prevalent with the current job market, leaving new grads sometimes competing head-to-head with baby boomers and seasoned professionals for jobs," says Diane Crompton and Ellen Sautter, co-authors of "Seven Days to Online Networking: Make Connections to Advance Your Career and Business Quickly." "Job search is a stressful situation for most families to go through. It's easy to highlight the negatives of this scenario but there can be some productive aspects of this as well."

Andrea and Maria Densley, 54 and 26 respectively, are both looking for work. Andrea was laid off in February 2009 and Maria is unemployed after teaching English in Japan and working as a substitute teacher. Although the situation isn't ideal, they are both helping each other as best they can.

"While I was a young mother I never would have imagined this situation. I thought I would be successfully operating my own business. I anticipated that when our daughter graduated from college she would embark on her chosen career," Andrea says. "It has been hard because I just want to 'fix' things for her, make everything smoother for her. I find job ideas or training opportunities that I think would be very helpful for her, things that seem interesting, yet I have to think through what I am offering and remind myself that she is an adult; this is her life and her decisions to make."

Despite this impractical situation, the duo says they help each other by sending each other job postings, reviewing each other's résumés and cover letters, and most importantly, providing each other with support and encouragement.

"When I am just feeling burdened by the past due bills, the disconnect notice of the phone, the struggles to hunt for work and crafting the beginnings of my own business, Maria has encouraged me, told me not to give up, that I was doing a good thing," Andrea says. "It has really made a difference to me."

If you're a parent or child looking for work, here eight ways you can help each other in your job search, according to Crompton and Sautter.

Parents can: Offer privacy protection
"Parents can provide some guidance to their children regarding protecting their online presence. Not all parents have a sophisticated comfort level regarding social media and being 'out there,' but they can advise caution when it comes to showing too much personal or unflattering information that may be picked up in an online search," Crompton and Sautter say. "More and more hiring managers and recruiters are going to their keyboards to find and check out viable candidates. It's a good idea to make sure that whatever turns up in an [Internet] search is on target and portrays the job seeker in the best light."

Children can: Look for the right culture and reward
"Gen Xers and Gen Ys need more in a job than a certain income. Equally important can be the ability to get noticed, rewarded and have a more personal connection to the corporate culture. This can an important aspect of considering a next job that could also help a parent to make a well thought-out decision," Crompton and Sautter say.

Parents can: Be realistic
"With years of experience behind them and working themselves up in the ranks, parents can encourage their children to start with realistic expectations about their first job," Crompton and Sautter say. "The reality of starting in an entry-level role that may not be challenging or an ideal job, but could provide excellent training for a 'next' role, can be a scenario that supports longer term job objectives."

Children can: Share the knowledge of technology tools
"Young professionals grew up learning to use computers and technology tools as part of their daily lives. Sharing their takeaways and providing guidance on leveraging social media, computers and technology could provide some practical and hands-on tips to parents," Crompton and Sautter say. "This is especially important with the popularity of online networking as part of job search and overall career management. Having a presence online is no longer considered a 'maybe' and is a critical part of a successful job search. Children can share their insider tips and guidance on using social media and professional networking tools including Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter to the benefit of their parents."

Parents can: Leverage connections
"With years of professional experience and amassing professional and personal connections, parents can be of real benefit to their children who may have fewer contacts to leverage when it comes to landing a job," Crompton and Sautter say.

Children can: Offer optimism and energy
"Energy, lack of fear and optimism can be wonderful youthful traits to offset possible cynicism of parents," Crompton and Sautter say.

Parents can: Impart wisdom
"More mature professionals who may have been given outplacement services with their companies can share these practical tips and insights with their children to make their job search as effective as possible," Crompton and Sautter say.

Children can: Land a job
"A child could actually land a job earlier than a more seasoned parent, especially with the likelihood of fewer jobs at senior levels," Crompton and Sautter say. "This could be a wonderful way for a child to feel like a contributor to the household, without being made to feel the entire weight of responsibility on his or her shoulders."

By Rachel Zupek 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: http://twitter.com/CBwriterRZ.

Shy? 10 Tips for Introverted Job Seekers

Shy? 10 Tips for Introverted Job Seekers by Jennifer B. Kahnweiler, author of "The Introverted Leader: Building on Your Quiet Strength"

There is no magic bullet or one-size method for managing your introversion in a job search. But in today's noisy business world, you can learn how to build on your quiet strength and succeed. The goal is not changing your personality or natural style, but embracing and expanding who you are.

As an ongoing framework, follow the "Four Ps": preparation (devising game plans); presence (focusing on the moment); push (stretching and growing); and practice (rehearsing and refining). Here are 10 specific tips for doing this:

1. Have a game plan

Rather than wing it on the people part of your job search, have a game plan. Prepare for high-stakes interviews and events -- anticipating key questions and rehearsing your responses.

2. Communicate early and often

It's easy for introverts to be out of sight and out of mind. So, take the initiative

in sharing information with others -- communicating early and often with former bosses and co-workers, industry contacts and prospective employers. Don't wait to be asked for info or updates. Find out what people need or want to know and provide it to them ahead of time.

3. Match the medium to the message

Resist the temptation to hide behind the Internet. E-mail, for instance, may appear to be the easiest or safest channel, but it's not always the right one. For every exchange throughout your search, match the medium to the message – determining if e-mail, phone or face-to-face is best.

4. Use social networking to set the stage

Technology is a great tool for preparing to meet people in person. Use social networking Web sites, such as LinkedIn, Facebook and BrightFuse, to set the stage for connecting with others at get-togethers and special events. You can introduce yourself, find common ground and warm up cold leads -- all in a low-key yet friendly way.

5. Assert yourself

Assertiveness gets a bum rap. Often confused with aggressiveness, it is simply being open, honest, and direct -- asking for what you need and want. If you fail to assert yourself in your job search -- from staying in front of employers to seeking the salary you deserve -- you risk losing out on critical opportunities and facing disappointment and frustration.

6. Stand up to "talkers"

Don't be afraid to deal with chatty, extroverted interviewers. One simple, sure-fire strategy for getting a word in edgewise: find a momentary opening, paraphrase what you've heard and bridge to your own point.

7. Ask great questions

There is power in the questions you ask. In interviews, asking great questions can mean figuring out what's really important to potential employers. Two invaluable questions for the person who might be your future boss: "What keeps you up at night?" and "How will you measure success?"

8. Value humor

"A smile is the shortest distance between two people," mused entertainer Victor Borge. As a reserved, introverted job seeker, you can overcome perceptions of being standoffish or too serious by smiling, laughing and having a little fun. You need not "yuk it up" -- just be good-humored.

9. Be a storyteller

Stories put oomph into ideas and help engage and connect people. Make storytelling a part of your own style -- weaving real-life anecdotes and examples into interviews and conversations. Try using the "SAR" approach -- situation (What was the situation or challenge?), action (What steps did you take?) and result (What was the outcome?)

10. Brag on yourself

Introverts tend to stay mum about their accomplishments -- seeming to abide by the old Southern adage, "Don't brag on yourself." Yet today job searches are made or broken by what others know about a person's skills and potential. Bottom line? Sell yourself.

Finally: practice, practice, practice. Learning different skills and behaviors may be uncomfortable at first, but with conscious repetition and refinement, you can manage your introversion -- and succeed in your job search.

Jennifer B. Kahnweiler is a workplace and careers expert and author of "The Introverted Leader: Building on Your Quiet Strength" (Berrett-Koehler, $19.95). Founder and president of AboutYOU Inc., an Atlanta-based leadership consultancy, she is an executive coach and corporate speaker. Contact her on the Web at www.aboutyouinc.com and http://www.theintrovertedleaderblog.com/.

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Are You Unemployable?

For some people, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" is a guiding principle. During a job search, however, it's hard to tell just what ain't broke and what needs fixing. Looking for work is a time-consuming process that can move – or at least feel like it's moving – at a snail's pace.

So how can you tell the difference between a regular, patience-trying job search and an unsuccessful one?

The first sign: No one's calling you for interviews. Not every résumé you send will result in an interview, but some of them should. Another clue is if you are getting called for interviews but you never get called back for a second round or receive an offer.

If you find your job hunt isn't giving you anything but a stress headache, ask yourself the following questions:

Is my résumé targeted?
Just because you're applying for multiple jobs, don't assume the same résumé works for every position. Each job posting will stress different qualities over others, so rework each résumé to highlight the experience and skills that correspond to that particular employer. Your résumé will prove not only that you're qualified for the job but that you also have an attention to detail.

Am I networking?
Think about this: There is only one of you and there are thousands of job openings. The more people know you're looking for a job, the better your chances of finding one are. You can never be sure who will know of an available position.

Networking can also give you a connection to a hiring manager or somebody at a company that puts you ahead of other applicants, says Matthew Grant of Aquent, a marketing staffing firm. With so many job seekers competing for the same position, you have an edge if you are referred by a friend or colleague of the hiring manager.

Do I know something about the companies I'm applying to?
"Tell me what you know about the company" or "Why would you fit in well here?" have become staple interview questions, so don't be caught off guard. Shrugging your shoulders and saying, "I don't know" isn't going to score you points. Look at the company's Web site and read press releases and newspaper articles to see what's going on with your prospective future boss. In addition to preparing for the interview, you'll also learn whether or not the company and its culture are a right fit for you.

Am I targeting my job search?
Sending out several applications is key to finding a job, but you also need to be selective about the jobs to which you're applying.

"We see job seekers apply for every job posted – a real red flag that they do not know what it is they are good at," says Eliot Burdett of Peak Sales Recruiting. While you don't need to possess every single skill listed on a posting, you should at least be qualified for the position and prove that you have transferrable skills. Your targeted résumé will help prove you're a serious candidate if you have some qualifications for the position.

If you're spending time applying for jobs you're not qualified for, you're wasting valuable time you could be devoting to a position that's a better fit. If you recognize where your strengths lie and what transferrable skills you possess, you'll see better results than if you apply to any posting you come across.

Has someone else looked over my résumé and interview technique?
Feedback is critical to job hunting. Ask someone else to read your résumé and provide feedback, suggests Kevin Donlin of TheSimpleJobSearch.com. "Ask them three questions: Does this résumé clearly tell you what I can do? Does it prove I can do it? Does it make you want to call to find out more?" Friends or colleagues can provide objective points of view that help you revise your résumé.

Your interview skills need the same attention. Are your answers succinct or too short? Thorough or rambling? What you think you're saying isn't necessarily what others hear, so find this out now rather than in the interview. If you don't think that a colleague or friend can offer constructive feedback, make an appointment with an interview coach.

How am I presenting myself?
Employers are assessing your presentation before you even show up for an interview. The e-mail address you put on your résumé and other correspondences should be professional, not descriptive. So avoid addresses like BingeDrinker@beerguzzlers.net. Opt for something as simple as your name.

Your e-mails and phone conversations with hiring managers or recruiters should also send a professional message. Don't send e-mails written in all capital letters and/or using three exclamation points – it's bad netiquette in personal correspondence, but it's even worse in business.

Put the same thought into your outgoing voicemail message. Don't try to be funny by playing thirty seconds of your favorite song or talking with a mouthful of food. Hiring managers might hang up instead of asking you to call them back. Give a normal, casual greeting, or use one of the pre-programmed options that come with most accounts.

If a recruiter calls you, don't try to hold a conversation with your TV blaring in the background or your child screaming on your lap. If you're asked whether it's a good time to talk, you can be honest and say you're in the middle of something. Then ask if he or she can call you back in 15 minutes or find another day that's convenient for both of you. You'll be prepared to answer all the recruiter's questions and won't be distracted.

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Staff Reductions Continue to Trend Down in Q4

Although employers still feel optimistic about the economy and job market, the majority still plan to keep their staff levels the same for the remainder of the year, according to CareerBuilder and USA TODAY's Q4 2009 Job Forecast. The survey, conducted from August 20 to September 9, 2009 among more than 2,900 hiring managers and human resource professionals, also found that job loss should continue to moderate through the rest of year.

In the past few months, many companies have focused on cost containment while in the fourth quarter, these companies will shift their focus to growth. Employers who reduced staff levels or instituted pay cuts will begin to restore compensation levels and rehire employees. Although these indicate signs of economic recovery, hiring and recruitment strategies will move at a slower pace than normal until confidence in the nation's economy is restored.

Here are four employment trends to expect in the fourth quarter:

1. Hiring levels not likely to change
Eighteen percent of employers increased their full-time staff in the third quarter of this year, unchanged from the second quarter. There was an improvement in headcount reductions in the third quarter, as only 15 percent reported declining staff levels compared to 17 percent in the second quarter. Sixty-five percent of employers didn't change the number of employees.

Looking ahead to the fourth quarter of the year, staff reductions will continue to trend down, as only 10 percent of employers anticipate decreasing headcount. Seventeen percent expect to add full-time workers, 68 percent predict no change and 5 percent are undecided.

2. The South will add the most employees; the West will downsize the most
As a result of growth in healthcare, education and energy sectors, the South continues to produce more job opportunities as 19 percent plan to increase their number of full-time employees. Seventeen percent of employers in the Northeast and 15 percent in the Midwest plan to do the same.

In the West, which has been affected by the housing market crash and a slowdown in economic trade, only 14 percent of employers plan to add full-time staff. In addition, the West has the largest amount of employers planning to downsize staffs, with 14 percent expecting to downsize staff levels compared to 11 percent in the Midwest, 10 percent in the Northeast and 8 percent in the South.

3. Compensation levels remain conservative
Compensation increases continue to remain conservative in the next three months. Fifty-one percent of employers have no plans to increase or decrease salaries for ful-time employees in the fourth quarter. Twenty-six percent plan to raise salaries between 1 and 3 percent; 12 percent of employers plan to give a 4 to 10 percent raise and 2 percent expect an increase of 11 percent or more. Just 6 percent of employers plan to invoke pay cuts.

4. Employers will rehire displaced workers and reverse pay cuts
While companies have realized the need to cut back on spending and hiring, they also acknowledge the need to remain competitive. As such, 27 percent of employers report having laid off workers in one area, but hiring in revenue-generating areas like technology, sales, customer service and research and development.

Additionally, of employers who had layoffs in the last 12 months, 26 percent say their company is planning to bring back some employees they let go earlier in the year. Of those rehiring workers, 23 percent extended job offers to displaced employees in the third quarter and 19 percent will do so in the fourth quarter. Twenty-one percent will start bringing back laid off employees in the first quarter of 2010, 15 percent in the second quarter and 10 percent in the latter half of 2010.

About 18 percent of employers have implemented pay cuts in the past year; 5 percent of these employers restored pay levels in the third quarter and 12 percent plan to do so in the fourth quarter. Seventeen percent expect pay to return to normal in the first quarter of 2010, 7 percent guess it will be in the second quarter and another 7 percent predict the latter half of 2010. Forty-one percent of employers are not sure when they will restore pay levels.

Matt Ferguson is the CEO of CareerBuilder.com. He is an expert in the state of the job market, employment trends, hiring practices and workplace issues.

10 Careers to Avoid Boredom

No matter where you are, boredom is one of the worst things ever. But, arguably, the worst place you can be bored is at work.

Boredom at work is the result of several things. Maybe your company is scaling back on hiring and, maybe, your responsibilities. Maybe you're an entry-level worker and your boss doesn't trust you enough yet to give you actual work. Or maybe your job is just tedious and you're totally uninterested in your tasks.

Whatever the reason, it's time to make a change. When you spend 40-plus hours doing mind-numbing work, you're bound to be miserable.

If you're looking for work that is anything but dull, check out these 10 careers that are sure to keep you on your toes.

1. Airline attendant
It's hard to be bored when you're a jet-setter, don't you think? Flight attendants are constantly on the move, working around the clock, year round and on nights, weekends and holidays, traveling to various places. During their working hours, they ensure that passengers follow safety and security regulations, while doing their best to guarantee travelers a comfortable flight. It seems that the only down time they have is during takeoff, landing and on their days off -- when a little boredom might be welcome.
Salary: $63,913/year

2. Buyer
Anyone who specializes in retail therapy can tell you, shopping is not boring. In all seriousness, buyers essentially shop for living, picking out what clothes are in demand, in style, determining what will sell and figuring out the amount of product their establishments should have in stock. To be successful, buyers must be on the pulse of fashion, keeping up with latest trends, competitor pricing, sales levels and consumer buying patterns.
Salary: $58,407/year

3. Event planner
Some call it stressful, others call it energizing, but no one calls it boring. Event planners are always on the go, dealing with several people, operations and vendors at the same time. They work under strict deadlines, travel to event sites, attend endless meetings and work long days and weekends. Event planners are usually arranging more than one event at time, which means they do all of these things times two (or three, maybe four).
Salary: $76,374/year

4. Food and beverage server
I was a server for a few years in college and while I admit that there were some slow days at work, for the most part, I was constantly busy. The key to not being bored as a server is finding a popular bar or restaurant, engaging with customers and working on days when you know you'll be busy, like weekends, game days or holidays. Running food and drinks from table to table, closing out tabs, dealing with complaints, cleaning up after patrons -- it never ends.
Salary: $19,013/year

5. Futurist
Although this career is uncommon, it's perfect for anyone who likes variety, research and curiosity. What do they do exactly? Futurists examine the present for clues to changes that the future may bring. Usually, they work as consultants to companies to help them foresee possible business changes and adjust accordingly. They are constantly researching reports, statistics, trends and other predictors to help them forecast different paths the future could take.
Salary: $98,603/year (consultant)

6. Nonprofit fundraiser
Fundraisers for nonprofit organizations have the daunting task of finding money and gifts to keep an association thriving. After all, just because nonprofits don't make money doesn't mean they don't have expenses. Fundraisers look for capital contributions and endowments, and plan events to help garner donations for a cause. Raising money is the difference between the organization's ability to start new projects and continue existing ones, so it's essential they are on top of things.
Salary: $68,145/year

7. Journalism
As a general rule, reporters and broadcasters eat, breathe and sleep the news -- and as any journalist will tell you, the news never sleeps. Whether they're following a lead, reporting breaking news or are operating under a tight deadline, journalists must be ready for anything at a moment's notice.
Salary: $48,206/year (reporter); $40,510 (news broadcaster)

8. Casino workers
Most casinos are open 24 hours, seven days a week, which means there is always work to be done. Whether you're a gaming dealer, slot key personnel, a security guard or a manager, you are constantly dealing with someone or something, which leaves minimal down time.
Salary: Various

9. Registered nurse
Health-care positions in general are always go, go, go; but nurses might take the cake. Often caring for several patients at the same time, RNs are frequently running from room to room, administering medications, answering call buttons, talking to families, making patients comfortable, updating charts and attending to the various needs of doctors, patients and families.
Salary: $66,427/year

10. Public relations manager
Public relations managers specialize in protecting and promoting their client's image or brand. Anything that is written, broadcasted or published about an organization must go through the PR team, as do any scheduled appearances or interviews. They are responsible for making sure their client's name stays reputable; putting out fires (so to speak); issuing statements when necessary; drafting press releases; pitching their client to media outlets and so much more.
Salary: $89,683/year

Salaries provided by CBSalary.com, powered by SalaryExpert.

By Rachel Zupek 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: http://twitter.com/CBwriterRZ.

Quiz: How Ethical Are You?

Having a job teaches you a lot about yourself, from the type of employee you are to the kind of people with whom you best interact. Dealing with colleagues, clients and demanding bosses is also a test of strength. How long can you listen to a co-worker prattle on about his daily commute before you scream?

Perhaps most unexpected is how often you find your moral guidelines tested. Quandaries both small and large pop up every day and make you ask yourself, "What do I want to do? And what should I do?"

To prepare you for these ethical dilemmas, we've put together this quiz. Answer these 10 questions to see how ethical you are at work.

You just printed a 200-page document that used all the paper in the printer.
A. You refill the paper tray immediately.
B. You casually mention that the machine's out of paper to people around you so they know to refill it before they hit print.
C. Eh, they'll figure it out eventually.

Your boss hands you a stack of papers that accidentally includes confidential personnel files.
A. Immediately return the files to the boss once you recognize the mistake.
B. Search through the pages just to find your own file.
C. Read everyone's files.

You're running late because you got a little too happy at last night's happy hour.
A. You call ahead to warn your team you'll be late so they're not further inconvenienced by your tardiness.
B. You show up late and hope no one notices.
C. You show up late and blame a horrible (imaginary) car wreck that caused traffic to back up for miles.

You haven't had a vacation day in months and realize you'd like to take tomorrow off.
A. Tell your boss you need to use a vacation day to unwind and recharge.
B. Start coughing and mention you feel bad so that you've built a convincing reason to call in sick.
C. Wait until the morning when you know the boss hasn't arrived. Leave a message saying an emergency's come up and you can't make it in today.

In the middle of the most boring business meeting, you realize you could be more productive (or less bored) if you were at your desk instead.
A. Grin and bear it because it would be rude to leave.B. Pretend to have received an urgent call or e-mail and go back to your desk to work.
C. Pretend to visit the restroom but go back to your desk and update your Facebook.

You find out your cubicle neighbor is having a secret affair with the intern in accounting.
A. You pretend you know nothing about it.
B. You tell your closest work friends because you know they won't tell anyone.
C. You tell anyone who will listen.

You just accepted a job offer at a new company. It begins in a month, so you're going to wait two weeks to give your notice. The next day the boss comes in and explains how he wants to restructure the department and your role is pivotal.
A. To prevent his plans from going awry, you decide to tell him now that you're leaving in a month.
B. You go along with his plans for now, but still give your two weeks' notice so that he receives ample warning time and you aren't let go a month before your new job starts.
C. You wait until your last day to tell him that you're gone and it was nice knowing him.

You know the boss is in a terrible mood. You also know your co-worker is about to go ask the boss for a ridiculously large raise.
A. You quietly warn your colleague that the boss is probably going to throw scissors at him if he goes in there today.
B. You mind your own business because you don't want to get involved.
C. You don't mention the boss' bad mood and instead get your colleague fired up and encourage him to triple the salary request.

It's 3 p.m. the day before Thanksgiving and everyone is on vacation. The phone hasn't rung once and no e-mails have come in.
A. You stay at your desk until 5 p.m. because it's your job.
B. You wait 30 more minutes to make sure nothing comes up, and then you leave.
C. Ha! You've been gone since noon.

The boss loves the ideas you pitched to everyone and can't stop showering you with accolades. The problem is, the ideas were a joint effort between you and your colleague.
A. You say, "Thanks, but I didn't work alone. Sheila worked just as hard as I did."
B. You take the praise, and eventually tell Sheila what happened and that you didn't know how to tell the boss.
C. You accept the accolades and try to get Sheila fired before she finds out you've stolen the spotlight.



If you scored:

All A's -- You're the poster child for ethics.
We should all be as pure as you. As long as you're not gloating about your ethical infallibility, you serve as a great role model for those around you.

Mostly A's -- You're not perfect, but you're still a role model.
No one's perfect, so you shouldn't feel too bad. Every now and then you stray, so just listen to the little voice that tells you to do the right thing most of the time a little more often.

Mostly B's -- You've forgotten a few things your parents taught you.

You could do worse -- much, much worse -- but you still stray from the right decision now and then. Just think twice before you make a few decisions and you'll be good to go.

Mostly C's -- You're far from perfect but could be worse.
OK, sometimes you teeter close the edge of unethical and might be damaging your career. You can still redeem yourself now and then. With a little hard work, you can probably perform some damage control and get on the right track.

All C's -- You'd steal candy from a baby. And laugh about it.
Let's be honest, your reputation is probably not so great. In fact, people probably check their wallets once you've left to make sure nothing's stolen. Now's the time to decide if you want to start fresh with strong relationships and a better reputation.

By Anthony Balderrama writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com and its job blog, The Work Buzz. He researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/abalderrama.

5 Ways to Be Layoff Proof

While on the job, do you feel the hot breath of an economic downturn blowing down your neck?

With all the turmoil in the economy, it's easy to get fixated on doom and gloom, but you don't need to panic. Here are five steps to help increase your "employee value" and avoid that pink slip:

1. Make money or save money?

The private sector economy has become extremely bottom-line oriented. Employers categorize employees into one of two distinct groups:

1. Those who help make money

2. Those who help save money

Which one are you?

Even if you feel far removed from the corporate bottom line, start thinking of yourself as a mini profit-and-loss center rather than just an employee.

For example, an administrative assistant handling incoming client phone calls helps to create a solid bond with those clients and strengthens the sales link with the company. In that way, she helps to make money for the company. This same individual is also skilled at answering questions that would normally be directed to her boss or other employees. She saves time and, therefore, saves money for her company.

Collect specific examples of the benefits that your company gains from your work and the specific or unique way that you accomplish your duties. Write these down and use them as selling points during your next performance review.

2. Become indispensable

Don't hide away in your office or cubicle. Look around you. Take notice of those roles, projects or activities that seem to be getting a higher level of attention or involvement from management. If you're not already a part of a critical project, then find ways to become more involved in these activities. Ask to be transferred to a critical area. Otherwise, volunteer for extra duties to support these activities. You'll be viewed as an employee who goes the extra mile while inoculating yourself against expendability when the pink slips get handed out.

3. Better to manage or produce?

When considered for a promotion from a production job to a junior manager role, think about how that could play out in a worsening economy. It may be to your advantage to keep your hand in production, as junior managers tend to be among the most expendable when a company downsizes.

4. Dust off your Rolodex

The time to cultivate your network is now, not when you need a favor. Make a list of friends and colleagues you haven't spoken with for a while. E-mail them or, if your relationship is deeper, invite them for coffee or lunch. Reconnect with a few people every month until you update your whole list and weed out irrelevant contacts. Use this opportunity to get reacquainted with contacts and catch up on events in your industry and market. Don't forget to share what you know as well.

5. Educate yourself

Increase your "profit value" to your employer by continually updating your knowledge and skills. Ask your immediate supervisor or HR department about continuing education opportunities. Some companies offer tuition reimbursements.

Another resource is the local chapter of your professional association, which often provides continuing education to members. Professional associations are also valuable sources of current information on your industry. If you're not currently a member of an association, research Associations Unlimited, available in your local library.

Update your résumé

While this won't really help keep your current job, if all else fails and you find yourself looking for a new job, it's a good idea to rewrite your résumé before you need it. When you create that new résumé, sell your next employer on how you've been an asset to your current employer. Give examples of how you've helped to either make money or save money for your previous employers. Focus on the benefits you can offer your next employer.

As a recruiter, Joe Turner has spent the past 15 years finding and placing top candidates in some of the best jobs of their careers. Author of "Job Search Secrets Unlocked," Turner has been interviewed on radio talk shows and offers free insider job search secrets at: http://www.jobchangesecrets.com/

10 Companies Hiring for the Holidays

Although the economy is showing signs of recovery, there are still millions of people looking for work. Although full-time employment may be hard to come by, job seekers can look for a short-term reprieve during the last few months of the year.

Many companies, typically retailers, hire an abundance of seasonal workers to prepare for the boost in activity during the holiday season. The National Retail Federation reports that in 2008, the average monthly employment during the holiday season was 15.5 million workers. Retailers hired an additional 231,000 workers for the holiday season last year. Although these numbers are lower than in previous years, companies know that they still will experience increased traffic in the coming months and plan to staff accordingly.

Toys"R"Us, for example, announced that they are hiring approximately 35,000 seasonal employees in its stores nationwide. This number is equal to the total work force hired during each of the previous two holiday seasons. Dan Caspersen, executive vice president of human resources at Toys"R"Us, says that the company looks to its employees to provide expert assistance for those looking for the perfect gift.

"Because we are in the toy business 365 days a year, our sales associates know toys and are dedicated to providing gift-givers with recommendations for products that are right for kids of all ages, abilities and interests," he says. "We're looking for hard-working, reliable individuals who enjoy working as part of a team and want to provide customers with memorable store experiences."

If you're looking for seasonal employment this holiday season, here are 10 companies that are hiring now:

1. AT&T
Industry: Communications
Number of openings: 1000+
Seasonal positions available: Retail sales associates; store managers; and sales support
Location: Nationwide

2. A Wireless
Industry: Telecommunications
Number of openings: 250+
Seasonal positions available: Store managers; sales consultants; district managers; information technology; customer service
Location: Nationwide

3. Blockbuster
Industry: Entertainment
Number of openings: 1000+
Seasonal positions available: Retail sales associates; store managers
Location: Nationwide

4. hhgregg
Industry: Appliance and electronics retail
Number of openings: 800+
Seasonal positions available: Appliance and electronics sales
Location: Indiana; Ohio; Kentucky; Alabama; Georgia; Florida; North Carolina; South Carolina; Tennessee

5. Hickory Farms
Industry: Specialty retail
Number of openings: 4,000
Seasonal positions available: Sales associate
Location: Nationwide, shopping malls

6. Macy's
Industry: Retail
Number of openings: 1,000 +
Seasonal positions available: Part-time season retail help in gift wrap, sales associates, etc.
Location: Nationwide

7. Olan Mills Studio
Industry: Studio photography
Number of openings: 100+
Seasonal positions available: Photographers; portrait sales; customer service
Location: Ala., Ga., Pa., Ky., Tenn., N.C., Ind., Mich.

8. RadioShack
Industry: Electronics sales
Number of openings: 1000
Seasonal positions available: Retail sales associates
Location: 250 cities

9. Toys"R"Us
Industry: Specialty retail
Number of openings: 35,000
Seasonal positions available: Management positions; sales associates, including cashiers, shelf stockers and customer service roles; and back-of-house stock opportunities
Location: Nationwide

10. UPS
Industry: Shipping and distribution
Number of openings: 200+
Seasonal positions available: Package delivery drivers; tractor trailer driver
Location: Nationwide

By Rachel Zupek 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: http://twitter.com/CBwriterRZ.

6 Seasonal Jobs You Never Thought Of

What do you do during the winter months? Celebrate some holidays? Prepare to adopt a healthier lifestyle on January 1? Wrap yourself in an electric blanket and cry until spring thaws all the ice?

Many people use these frosty months to find new work or take on temporary jobs because they've got some extra free time. Or just because it's a good time to make money. By now you know some seasonal jobs by heart -- department store Santa, retail sales clerk -- but some others might have slipped by you.

In case you're looking to find some temporary work in the next few months, you should consider some of these seasonal jobs:

Child-care workers
Why they're in demand: Students get long breaks from school, but parents don't get a hiatus from work. In fact, work can get even more hectic as deadlines loom and budgets shrink with the approach of December 31. Therefore working parents need someone to watch and entertain the children while they're away. Or, when they're off shopping for gifts or at various year-end parties, child-care workers step in so parents can enjoy themselves for a few hours.
Median hourly wage*: $9.12

Hotel and resort workers
Why they're in demand: For many people, especially families, winter trips are more popular than summer vacations. Whether they're trying to get to a warm climate for the holiday season or they're forced to visit family across the country, people travel a lot in the winter and they're heading to hotels and resorts.
Median hourly wage: Desk clerks - $9.37, baggage porters and bellhops - $9.49

Housekeepers
Why they're in demand: As mentioned above, travel picks up in the wintertime, mostly due to the holidays and ample vacation time. That's why hotels and resorts need more staff to keep their rooms clean. Don't forget, though, that many people also stay with family and friends, which calls for more vigorous house cleaning than a typical tidying.
Median hourly wage: $9.13

HVACR mechanics and installers
Why they're in demand: Appliances have a way of puttering out when you need them most, and I'm going to bet you waited to turn the heat on until you absolutely had no choice. It worked for a few minutes and then started to blow cold air and caused icicles to form in your living room. These mechanics save the day and get heat flowing back into your home so you don't have to wear three pairs of socks to walk to the kitchen.
Median hourly wage: $19.08

Security guards
Why they're in demand: When everybody's shopping, stores can get a bit crazy. Traffic spikes in all kinds of retail shops -- clothing stores, jewelry boutiques, car dealerships -- and you want to make sure no merchandise leaves without getting purchased. Plus, let's be honest, tempers can flare when parents can't find the perfect toys for their children. Companies want security there to keep the ruckus to a minimum.
Median hourly wage: $11.28

Valets
Why they're in demand: During winter, families, friends and colleagues often meet up to have lunch or dinner. These meals are supposed to symbolize love and the joy of togetherness; in reality they're saying "Let's only meet up once a year and no more." Factor in cold weather that prevents people from wanting to walk more than 10 feet, and you've got a line of cars that need to be parked. Don't forget that malls and boutiques also hire valets, too.
Median hourly wage: Varies and tips usually are the norm

*Salary figures based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

By Anthony Balderrama writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com and its job blog, The Work Buzz. He researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/abalderrama.

Don't Want to Grow Up? - 5 Great Jobs for the Young at Heart

Kids are always so anxious to grow up. They want to skip through their adolescence and teenage years, moving straight into adulthood. We see this when our parents beg us to stop trying to grow up so fast. We see it in movies like "Big" and "Freaky Friday," which show kids going from adolescents to adults overnight, or children trading places with their parents.

One of the things I remember wanting the most when I was younger was getting a job in "the real world." Nothing seemed cooler than dressing up in a suit and high heels, carrying a briefcase and working in an office of pretty people, with whom I would go out after work to have a cocktail and talk about the day's events. If only someone had told me -- correction -- if only I had listened that real life and the real world aren't that glamorous.

Now that I am working in "the real world" I know that living alone, earning my own paycheck and being an adult are empowering, sure. But, looking back, I wish I would have listened to my parents when they told me to enjoy my youth.

Presumably, I'm not alone in my wish to turn back the clock and be a kid again. But since that's not likely to happen, the alternative would be to find a way to relive the years of our youth some other way -- in our jobs.

If you don't feel like growing up any time soon, here are five jobs that will keep you young at heart:

1. Toy tester

Think about it: It's like playing for a living. Who can argue with that? Remember Tom Hanks in the movie "Big"? He plays the adult version of a young boy who wishes that he could be -- well, big. He wakes up the next morning to find himself as a 30-year-old man. He ends up landing a job perfect for the 12-year-old soul living inside him: testing children's toys for a major toy company.

Salary: $63,999/year*

2. Concert venue worker

Working in a concert venue -- whether it's as a security guard, ticket taker or food vendor -- you'll get to see the latest and greatest music acts and hear "what the kids are listening to these days." Plus, some of the greatest artists of all time have been touring around the globe recently including Elton John, U2, AC/DC and Billy Joel. Cavorting with icons from your youth is sure to bring back many a memory.

Salary: Various

3. Camp counselor/director

Do you have fond memories of going away to summer camp when you were younger? Give other kids the same great memories by working as a camp director or counselor. You can organize fun things for everyone to do -- including you.

Salary: $15,263/year

4. Bartender

I don't know about you, but my hangovers get worse with age. It's always refreshing -- and somewhat depressing -- to listen to college students talk about their nights out, and even more so to watch them do it. Grab a part-time gig as a bartender and give those college revelers your favorite shot -- maybe you can take one with them.

Salary: $26,641/year, plus gratuity

5. Coach

It's amazing how many of my friends obsess about their "glory days" -- aka, when they could run, kick, punt, pass, dribble, dunk and score without breaking a sweat. You know what they say: if you can't beat 'em; join 'em. If you find yourself a little too stiff to play your favorite sport, find a team to coach and teach all those kids a thing or two.

Salary: $49,024/year

*Toy tester salary unavailable; reflects video game tester salary

Salaries according to CBSalary.com, powered by SalaryExpert.com

By Rachel Zupek 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: http://twitter.com/CBwriterRZ.


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