The Careers

Interview Questions For You To Ask Employers

2008-05-21T23:00:00.000-07:00

Writen by Laura Adams

Interviewing is a two-way street. Obviously, the organization is using the interview process to evaluate you and your credentials to determine if you are a solid fit for the company's needs. But the interview is equally important for the opportunity it affords you to evaluate how well the company and the position match what you are seeking. Formulating a series of well-thought out questions in advance of the interview will not only help you draw out pertinent information form the interviewer, but also demonstrate your intelligence and sincere interest in the position at hand.

The best questions are those that arise from the initial research you will conduct of the organization while preparing for the interview. Whenever possible, questions should be tailored to the position and company. The following questions will provide you with some ideas and get you started thinking about potential interview questions you may want to consider asking employers during the interview.

- Fit for the Position

What are the most important skills and attributes a candidate needs to be successful in this position?

What are the characteristics of a successful employee in your organization?

Describe the work environment.

What are the challenging facets of the job?

What would be a typical work day in this position?

What is your management style?

What is your preferred method of communicating with your team?

What is the next step in the interviewing process?

- Company Culture

How would you describe your company culture?

What is the organization structure of your department?

Who are the primary parties that you are responsible to support: shareholders, customers, employees, etc.? How do you go about making decisions when the needs of these groups are at odds with each other?

- Measures for Success

What are your expectations for new employee hires within their first 90 days on the job? Within the first six months?

How and when will my job performance be evaluated?

What metrics are used to measure whether or not you are achieving your predetermined goals?

How will my success in this position be measured?

How is success measured in this department (or organization)?

- The Future of the Organization

What is your vision for the organization (or department) over the next two years? Next five years?

What current major challenges are you facing as a manager?

What is the organization's biggest challenge currently?

What is the organization's competitive advantage in the marketplace?

Laura Adams is a qualified careers advisor with 11 years experience. Insurance Career Information - Resources, News, Tips and Views to help Insurance Professionals find their dream jobs. http://www.Insurance-Job.info

California Hospital

What To Ask During The Interview

2008-05-20T23:01:00.001-07:00

Writen by John D Williamson

Don't just sit there and bob your head, waiting to answer the next question - be prepared to ask your own questions and make the interviewer know that you care!

Ask Them About the Company

If you have researched the company, you should know something about their core business. Use the information that you have found to ask good questions about the company. Show your understanding of the company and your interest in learning more.

Ask questions or make an insightful comment about the direction the company is headed.
Ask about the future of the company, where it plans to go over the next 3-5 years.
Ask the interviewer about their experience with the company.
Ask about the corporate culture.
Ask what the interviewer likes best about the company and why.
Ask what some of the key challenges facing the company are.

Job Questions

Well-qualified job candidates want to know the details of the job they are applying for. They understand that they can get the job they want, not just what they are offered. Asking questions about your responsibilities and expectations will help you look like the well-qualified candidate that they want to hire. The interviewer will respect your candid and inquisitive approach.

Ask how long the position has been open and why it is open.
Ask what your day would entail in the position.
Ask what you can do to get ahead in your new position.
Ask what challenges are facing your department within the company.
Ask what information you should research to better prepare you for your new position. (i.e. trade publications, company literature, etc.)

John Williamson is a Career Development Specialist and spokesperson for Vision-Resume.com

California Hospital

Ten Tips For Your New Years Job Search

2008-05-19T23:00:00.000-07:00

Writen by Liz Ryan

It's a new year - and lots of people are thinking that maybe 2006 will be The Year of the New Job. If that describes you, then you'll want to start planning for your big exodus. But don't start strewing resumes across the landscape before taking care of a few getting-going items, described below. If you're thinking about buying some spiffy new interviewing duds, get out to the stores now before the January sales are over! Good luck, and happy job-hunting...

Starting a New-Year Job Search

1) GET YOUR RESUME READY

That means on paper, on-line, and plain text (for inclusion in attachments). It means one-page and concise, spell-checked, and reviewed by someone who can give you great feedback on the content and the layout. These days, cool colors, marbled textures and funky typefaces are out. Clean, crisp and confident is the watchword.

2) GET A GROWN-UP EMAIL ADDRESS

Hotmail, MSN and Yahoo email addresses aren't suitable for a job seeker because of throughput issues and buffer size. Also, your "SailingGirl@qwest.com" is not a professional email address. Give yourself an advantage and use an adult email address on all job-related correspondence. Make sure this email address is on your resume and that all your friends have it, for use when they're making introductions between you and possible job-search contacts.

3) CHECK YOUR PHONE MESSAGE CAPABILITIES

Figure out how to collect messages remotely if you don't already know. Get rid of the cute kid message or the clever one that impresses your college friends. If the home phone machine isn't reliable, get a separate number for your job search.

4) GET JOB-SEARCH BUSINESS CARDS

Even if you're already employed, go to www.vistaprint.com and get free business cards (no kittens or hot-air balloons) just for use in your job search. Include the position you're looking for, three bullet points about your skills and education, and phone and email contact information.

5) GO ONLINE

Get on networking sites like LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com) and WorldWIT, the free email discussion network for professional women (but men are welcome, too - full disclosure, I helped to start the group) to get your online networking rolling!

6) USE YOUR ALUM CONNECTIONS

Even if you graduated from school twenty years ago, your alumni network is a powerful tool that you shouldn't underestimate. Many schools have databases of grads that you can search for people in companies or industries you're interested in - then pick up the phone and call them!

7) GET OUT THERE

Go to at least one face to face networking event a week. Use Google or your daily paper to learn about them - bring your job-hunting business cards (not your resume) and start chatting! Practice starting conversations and sustaining them, focusing on the other person. If it's appropriate, within a few minutes you will have the opportunity to describe your own situation: "I'm a ten-year marketing professional, and right now I'm looking for my next opportunity."

8) GET YOUR PITCH DOWN

Your pitch should take two forms: a verbal 20-second introduction, and an Objective statement on your resume. What are you good at? What have you done? Where have you worked? What do you want to do next? When people ask you "What sort of job are you looking for?" you want to be able to quickly and enthusiastically describe your ideal situation.

9) TELL EVERYONE YOU ARE LOOKING

Everyone except your boss, that is - if you're already employed. Tell your college friends, your neighbors, and all the people you've ever worked with whom you're still in touch. People at your kids' school, people at your gym. Your job search knows no boundaries - networking is THE best way to get a new position.

10) CALL ON YOUR NETWORK

Create a great "here's-what-I'm-looking-for" email message, and send it (bcc:ing everyone on the list) to everyone in your Address Book (everyone except people who might rat you out to your boss, if you're currently employed). Ask them to keep your job search in mind during their New Year networking - and offer to do THEM a favor, too - reciprocity is essential!

The New Year is a great time to jump into a job search. And after the New year, companies are hiring. Get out there and look!

Liz Ryan is a 25-year corporate HR executive, a workplace expert, and the CEO of WorldWIT, the global online discussion network (http://www.worldwit.org). Liz is a member of the National Speakers Association and speaks to corporate and alumni groups across the U.S. and abroad about the workplace, work/life, and the new corporate ladder. Learn more about Liz at http://www.worldwit.org.

California Hospital

Career Change Advice

2008-05-18T23:00:00.003-07:00

Writen by Debra Thorsen

Are you struggling in your current job? Have you looked for career change advice in all the traditional places – career counselors, business magazines, trade journals and are still stuck in a job you hate? Below is an easy process to get you moving forward.

How Unhappy are You on a Scale of 1-10?

Most people need to encounter significant dissatisfaction and pain in order to step outside of their comfort zone and make changes. What is your level of satisfaction? On a scale of 1-10 with 1 being "I can barely get out of bed in the morning" and 10 being "I would do this work for free", what is your level of satisfaction with your current work situation?

Do I Hate the Work Itself?

If you are doing your right work, you will get energy from your work. Helping people break free from the corporate world gives me energy. I get off our Fearless Action Group calls with more energy than when I started the call. I know I have found my right work.

To choose work that is aligned with your true nature and calling, you must know who you are. This includes an honest evaluation of your skills and aptitude. What work do you perform naturally and effortlessly? Also, you must know what you value and what your life purpose is.

If your work is in alignment with your natural abilities, values, and purpose but you are still not happy, then you need to look at your work environment.

Do I Hate the Corporate World?

Many of my clients are unhappy in their current jobs because they don't fit into the corporate world. Every company has a unique corporate culture. You may enjoy your work and find it gives you lots of energy, but you are not thriving in your current company.

I help my clients to diagnose their company culture and determine whether or not they fit into this culture. Corporate culture is a powerful and invisible force. The more that you understand how culture influences you and those around you, the better you will be at making informed decisions about your career.

Are you better suited to work on your own or to build a company with an un-corporate culture?

If your current level of dissatisfaction is high and you hate the work you do, then start paying attention to what you enjoy doing. Don't think, "I could never make money doing this." You'll be surprised to learn what is possible with the right intentions. If you love your work but hate the corporate world, then put together a plan to build your own business.

Solid Career Change Advice

The best career change advice that you can get will show you how to look inside for your own answers. You know what your perfect career is, you just need to discover the answer inside of you. Skills assessments, resume writing, interview coaching, and the like will not lead you down a path to happiness. Changing careers takes courage, inspiration, and a solid plan. Life is too short to waste it doing work you hate.

Find out how to break free from the corporate world. Debra Thorsen is a happy corporate escapee who helps individuals create real wealth and happiness without 9 to 5 jobs. Visit http://fearlessguides.com for free tips on career change, wealth building, and living without fear.

California Hospital

Wonder Why A Hiring Company Wants To Check Your Background

2008-05-18T23:00:00.001-07:00

Writen by Jan Maxwell

Over 90% of companies run some type of background check on their job applicants. Pre-employment screening can be expensive and time-consuming, but most companies feel it is an essential part of the hiring process.

Here are the top five reasons why a company will take a good look at you before making a hiring decision:

1. Fraud – It's estimated that over half of all job applicants lie on their resumes and job applications each year. Education leads the list, with over half a million people in the U.S. falsely claiming to have college degrees. Many people enhance their job titles, stretch dates to cover employment gaps and even invent employers. By running a complete background check, a company can quickly verify if an applicant is telling the truth.

Veritas asked CFO Kenneth Lonchar to resign following the discovery that his claim to an MBA from Stanford University was phony. George O'Leary, hired as Notre Dame's head football coach, lost his job when it was revealed that his resume contained falsehoods.

2. Criminal Activity – No company wants to hire an individual who will bring crime into the workplace. Some two million Americans are victims of workplace violence every year. Many companies face theft, embezzlement and drug use by employees on a regular basis. In addition, the terrorist attacks of 9/11 have caused many employers to take a more careful look at their hires.

A complete background check will usually let a company know if an applicant has a criminal record. Not all people with criminal records are hiring risks, but pre-employment screening allows the employer to make an informed hiring decision.

3. Negligent Hiring Lawsuits – A company can be held responsible for the actions of it's employees if it fails to conduct a background check prior to hiring someone. Lawsuits for negligent hiring are one of the fastest growing areas of litigation. Industry experts say that employers lose almost 80% of these cases.

Seeking to protect themselves from multimillion dollar jury verdicts and enormous legal fees, companies are now very cautious about who them hire. They know that one bad hiring decision can dramatically hurt a company's finances and reputation.

4. Recruitment Expense – Finding qualified applicants for a job costs time and money. Managers who are looking for new employees must spend their valuable time developing and placing ads, sorting through resumes and interviewing applicants. After a long recruiting process, a company wants to be sure that they have selected the right applicant. They don't want to repeat the process all over again.

5. Federal & State Laws – Background checks are required for many state and federal jobs. For example, most states must run a criminal background check on anyone who works with the elderly, the disabled or with children. Many federal jobs require an extensive investigation for those trying to get a security clearance.

Whatever the reason, the chances are excellent that a hiring company will want to look into your past. The best thing you can do is to be prepared when it happens.

Jan Maxwell is the author of "A Job Hunter's Secret Weapon: How to Survive a Background Check and Get the Job You Really Want" http://www.jobhunterssecretweapon.com It's the first book that takes job applicants inside a real background check, explains how information gets verified, and shows them how to fill out a job application that will sail through pre-employment screening

California Hospital

From Not Knowing To Growing The Work Wed Love

2008-05-17T23:00:00.002-07:00

Writen by Teresa Proudlove

No doubt you've heard the old notion of goal-setting: "If you don't know where you're going you'll probably end up somewhere else." Anna Miller-Tiedeman, PhD. ruefully addresses this adage with "however, even if you do know where you're going, most likely, you'll still end up somewhere else." Haven't we all experienced the truth of this?

Many people constantly pressure themselves to set goals or having had too many "failed" past attempts ignore goals altogether. There is a path between these two extremes that is less stressful and beneficial to our well-being. This is the path of aspiring to be our best in each moment; of having clear, positive intentions and of seeing everything as our lifework.

Goals and resolutions we white-knuckle and self-will to accomplish cause us stress. When we do not meet these goals and deadlines our self-esteem and well-being can suffer. Instead we can begin afresh with heart-felt positive intentions rather than hard-driven goals. We can aspire to do and be much in AND take steps to do so as we are nudged, inspired and called.

Trust and Flow with Life

In this approach to life we trust and flow with Life, God, and the Universe. Certainly, there is room in this philosophy for goals and planning if that is your style. However, if our plans do not work out can we trust life and view this change in our plans as part of our lifework… as part of the Divine Design?

I have clearly seen when I push and hurry myself to get something done (or find an answer) the work often becomes hard, forced and much goes awry. Stymied then, I have learned to let go knowing I can live with whatever outcome. Wondrously, later - maybe a day or two or more - a little urge, a wee inspiration bubbles up within me and I effortlessly go do the very thing which had me stymied.

So if you don't know where you are going that is OK. Perhaps we might be better served aspiring to be ok with uncertainty and not knowing; following our hunches and inspirations; and trusting our path is unfolding before us even though we cannot see the end destination.

Of course, this does not mean simply sitting on the couch waiting for manna from heaven to direct us. We also must be actively seeking and asking. "Seek and ye shall find. Ask and ye shall receive."

A Sense of Direction and Purpose

One of the best ways to get a sense of our direction, unique purpose or potential is to deeply value and apply our strengths. Most people become blank when I ask them what their greatest strengths and talents are. As Abraham Maslow writes we have a "kind of resistance, a denying of our best side, of our talents, of our finest impulses, of our highest potentialities, of our creativeness."

Robert Cooper, PhD., and Ayman Sawaf proclaim in their book "Executive EQ" that to find our purpose in life "requires, first and foremost, coming to know our talents and aligning them in service of our calling in life." Their research suggests we ask ourselves, "What specifically, are my greatest strengths and talents? In truth, every one of us can do one or two things better than any other ten thousand people."

The deep truth in this statement can inspire us if we allow it to do so. Let us ponder this question and this truth; and also, ask those who are near and dear to us – "What do I do better than any other ten thousand people?" If we can but own, value, and cherish our greatest talents we then, have the seed to grow the work we love. What a wondrous gift to ourselves.

Teresa Proudlove is the publisher/editor of http://www.yourlifework.com: support and inspiration for your work and life. Teresa has been inspiring, supporting, and mentoring over 3000 people upon their lifework path for fourteen years, leading workshops and authoring many internationally published articles.

California Hospital

Jobseekers Be Ready To Walk

2008-05-17T23:00:00.001-07:00

Writen by Liz Ryan

It's a tough notion for job-seekers to get their heads around, but the essence of negotiation is choice.

If you don't have options, you can't negotiate - you just can't. If you have no roof over your head, for instance, and someone offers to let you stay in his barn in exchange for ten hours a day of backbreaking work, you will take it. You have no options, so you have no juice.

Job-seekers can feel option-less during the job-search process. They can feel that they NEED a new job (or any job) so badly that they have no options. The problem is that your level of need, as a job-seeker, may be greater than, equal to, or less than the level of need the employee has for someone with your skill set. But job-seekers don't often think about that.

They assume that the employer has all the juice.

Au contraire. Many times, when I was recruiting, the employer would be DESPERATE for a given skill set. The only way to find out the level of need on the employer side is to negotiate.

Can an employer withdraw an offer in pique, because they're turned off by a candidate's demands? Yes they can. But think about it: if you get a job offer with X title and Y salary, and you come back and ask for X+ title and Y x 1.15, and they get huffy and walk, you have dodged a bullet!! The inability or unwillingness to negotiate in good faith is a HUGE red flag. There are companies out there who believe that it's a privilege to work for them. Avoid them.

As you interview, figure out what juice you have. I believe you have some, even as a new grad, even coming off a horrible job, whatever. You have some options. It's healthy to revisit those before you jump to accept an offer that may or may not be anywhere near what you could command.

Liz Ryan is a workplace expert, 25-year corporate (Fortune 500) HR executive, and the founder and CEO of WorldWIT, the world's largest online community for professional women. Liz is an international keynote speaker on workplace, work/life, leadership, and women in the workplace topics. WorldWIT provides internal communication and community-building services, consulting and training to employers seeking to create a diversity culture and to increase retention and engagement of women and minorities. Liz lives in Boulder, Colorado with her husband and five children.

Gear Up For Your First Job Interview

2008-05-16T23:00:00.001-07:00

Writen by Cathy Warschaw

You have probably become fairly accustomed to dressing casually for school with a wardrobe consisting of jeans, shirts, and tennis shoes. And why not? Jeans are way more comfortable than slacks and dress shoes don't hold a candle to a comfy pair of sandals. Unfortunately, these items are best left to the back of the closet when it comes to dressing appropriately for a job interview.

The first step in this process is to find out the dress code of the company ahead of time by observing what the employees wear. Is it business casual or uniforms? Whichever the case, you should plan to dress as if you already work there only a tad better.

Men and women should avoid wearing perfume and cologne altogether. There are many people who don't enjoy strange odors and scents; so as not to offend anyone, leave the fragrance bottle alone.

Another interview no-no is displaying tattoos and body piercings. These can be fun when you're hanging out with friends; however, they can be very distracting to the interviewer. Remember to cover up your tattoos and remove multiple body piercings before the interview. You want the employer's full attention to be on your skill and talent.

Ladies, save the loud colors, heavy makeup, and big jewelry for nights out with the girls. These items can give the impression that you are not serious about work and can leave a negative impression with the interviewer. Focus instead on wearing clean, barely-there makeup, minimal jewelry, and remember to stay away from nail polish unless it is clear.

Men should sport a fresh haircut with a face that is clean-shaven on the day of the interview. It is a great idea for women to wear long hair pulled neatly back into a bun or a low ponytail. For those with shorter hair, keep it neat and polished as well.

The best clothing styles for a job interview are conservative and neutral. Think navy blue, black, dark brown and grey for color choices. Women avoid open-toe shoes and mules.

Your personal fashion is a statement of you; however, there is a time and place to express yourself. Your goal for the job interview is to present a professional image that conveys respect and motivation to the employer. So dust off those dress shoes and press those shirts because you never get a second chance to make a great first impression!

"Changing Lives...One Career at a Time."

The Warschaw Learning Institute has grown to become the leading online dental office training among today's dental professionals, adults changing careers and high school seniors.

Contact Details:
Warschaw Learning Institute
8424 Santa Monica Blvd. #A-170
West Hollywood, CA. 90069, USA
http://www.warschawlearninginstitute.com
information@warschawlearninginstitute.com
(323) 822-0917
Copyright 2005 by Warschaw Learning Institute

Seven Ways To Stand Out In A Sea Of Applicants

2008-05-15T23:00:00.003-07:00

Writen by Mary Jeanne Vincent

Is your résumé getting lost in a flood of résumés? Are you certain you could demonstrate your value to potential employers, if you could just get in front of them? Do you want to dramatically increase your chances of getting a follow-up call from employers? Bait your job-search hook with these seven tips and you'll catch a whale of a good job.

1. Write a focused, accomplishment-centered résumé. Make sure that your résumé includes several examples of how you added value in previous positions. Include what you did, the outcome and why that is important. I guarantee you will stand out from the crowd if you target your résumé, highlight key skills, include success stories complete with results, and make it easy on the eyes.

2. Respond to appropriate ads. The owner of a successful job-search website often hears employers complain about job seekers who apply without offering any relevant qualifica-tions. Do yourself and everyone else a favor by responding to those ads that are obvious matches for your skills. If you have the right experience but your résumé doesn't show it, write a new résumé! Are you attempting to break into a new field? Do your homework first so that you can state your qualifications and background in terms that apply to the new job or industry. Remember, it's okay to have more than one version of your résumé. There is no such thing as good generic résumé.

3. Take time to write a cover letter that addresses the specific requirements of the position. Use the job posting to identify requirements then match them to your qualifi-cations. Include examples of accomplishments that demonstrate the required skills.

4. Make the subject line compelling when sending your résumé by e-mail. Simply writing résumé in the subject line is boring, boring, boring. How many e-mails in an employer's deluge contain résumé in the subject line? Thousands, I suspect. Use your subject line to immediately engage the reader and make him or her want to open your résumé first! If it lives up to the subject line he or she may never move on to the next one.

5. Whenever possible direct your résumé and follow-up call to the person who has the power to hire you. This requires that you do some investigating to find out the name or title of the person who is the hiring manager. Yes, this takes a little more effort but the payoff is worth it.

6. Call to follow up. Most job seekers send out their résumé and never follow up. They expect the employer to call them. Demon-strate that you are a go-getter by picking up the telephone and making that all important connection. First, confirm that your résumé has been received. Then politely inquire about the position and the next steps in the process. Ask when it would be appropriate to check back with them. Treat whomever you speak with on the telephone with respectyou could be talking with the decision-maker.

7. Be prepared to sell yourself over the telephone. Most companies pre-screen applicants by telephone. Don't make the mistake of thinking this isn't a real interview. You need to shine here or you won't make it to the next level. Be prepared. Smile when you answer the telephone. It's show time!

Mary Jeanne Vincent is the author of Acing the Interview tip cards featuring answers to the top 20 "killer" interview questions. Also included are tips for interviewing in the new economy, ideas for responding to illegal and trick questions, and suggestions for avoiding 10 deadly interview mistakes. Go to http://www.2bworkwise.com for free job search articles and to sign up for the free WorkWise e-zine. For information on individual job and career coaching or to find out about other practical, easy-to-use career tools call Mary Jeanne at 831.657.9151.

Blogging For Candidates 101 Nuts And Bolts

2008-05-15T23:00:00.001-07:00

Writen by Lucia Apollo Shaw

A "blog" is simply an internet (web) log. Blogs are created for personal or professional use. They may promote a product or service, or merely serve as a personal online journal. There are currently just over four million blogs today, with a new blog born every seven seconds.

The problem of cocooning candidates

Today, we work and live in an era of heightened cynicism and secrecy. Isn't it much harder than it used to be to call into a company and attempt to speak with a candidate by telephone? Central voice mail systems have grown more sophisticated and guarded. And even when recruiters are able to finally speak with an actual live person, it's often a reluctant administrative assistant or receptionist. Finally, if you are fortunate enough to be transferred to your candidate, more often than not you are greeted with that person's individual voice mail recording. It has become de facto practice by many professionals today to simply leave their "do not disturb" function turned on for most of the work day. Later, they will screen and return external calls at their discretion.

To address these changes, in recent years legitimate e-mail and web site marketing was considered a non-threatening (and somewhat successful) way to reach these "cocooning candidates." These are in fact still viable tools, but there costly learning curves associated with them. Some recruiters have gone back to launching traditional direct mail campaigns. However, this can be an expensive and time consuming proposition to undertake with regularity. Success may be mixed until you find just the right combination of style and timing.

Moreover, most outreach marketing attempts essentially are competing for a candidate's attention today. Consider this:

Only 29% of eligible job seekers visit the "Big Three" (Monster.com, Hotjobs.com, CareerBuilder.com)
The average consumer is exposed to about 3,000 marketing messages per day.)
85% of people conducting research are using the internet.)

What can blogging do for you?

Recruiters (or researchers) who seek candidates for open positions, or to profile candidate requirements for the purpose of building a network pipeline, there are two ways we can use blogs:

(1) The first way is to start your own blog and attract top talent to your blog site. This is not an overnight marketing cure-all, and it will require some patience. But cultivating a readership of professionals in your niche field is a highly effective means of reaching candidates who would have never otherwise learned about your career openings. The key to making this work is to learn to attract a specialized readership to your blog, just like a beacon in the night. You don't need millions of readersJust hundreds of the right readers.

(2) The second approach is to search other existing blogs and develop contacts and relationships. This is a perfectly legitimate means of networking, as any internet page is essentially public domain information. Based on posting activity and interactions you initiate, you can easily develop in-roads and find more candidates in less time. Let's talk about both approaches.

You want to start your own blog. Now what?

How much time do I need to spend on my blog? What do I write about? By their very nature of being near real-time, dynamic logs about life, blogs are frequently published mediums. I publish my blog at least three times per week (sometimes more often if I have more to say). If you are going to take the time to create an effective blog, and develop a regular reading audience, I suggest blogging at least twice every week.

How do I decide what to blog about?

Who is your audience? What message are you trying to convey? Are you recruiting for new business clients? Looking for joint venture relationships? In need of candidates who are in short supply in your market place? Are you selling products or services, or promoting your company brand?

The first step you should take is to decide on what your intended focus will be. If you write about what's wrong with our political system one week, then the following week write about outsourcing IT services to India, then in week three prattle on about how beautiful your home town is in the fall, your readership will not feel a sense of community or predictability about you. This completely defeats the purpose of building trust and credibility! You would be better off making cold calls if you continue on this path.

One of my blogs (The Hiring Insider, www.hiringinsider.com) shares tips and tools to help line managers, corporate recruiters, human resource professionals, etc. learn to make better hires faster (or so I hope). Week in and week out, I try to maintain a specific, consistent thread of helpful information that builds upon previous week's blog entries. However, a new reader should be able to jump in without any trouble at any time, so remember this as you plan your writing agenda. My other blog (http://jobsblog.blogspot.com) provides tips to job seekers in the life sciences field who are confused about who to trust in the pharmaceutical job market, and what practices to engage in and avoid in order to land the best possible job for their skill set. As you craft your blog entries, constantly think about who, what, why, where and how. Be sure to ask yourself where you are headed over time with your blog topics. Try to stay theme-related.

How do I choose a service to blog on?

There are many services available. For beginners, I recommend using blogger.com (Pyra labs). Google acquired blogger.com in February of 2004 (http://weblog.siliconvalley.com/column/dangillmor/archives/000802.shtml) and is really enhancing its features. It's also FREE. Yep, you can register for an account in less than ten minutes and be up and blogging. Other great tools include Typepad (http://www.typepad.com/) and Movable Type (http://www.movabletype.org/).

Again, the most important ingredients are publishing good content, and establishing and maintaining a base audience.

However, you aren't done yet. Now that you've come this far, you need to promote your blog and get yourself out of the starting gate. Begin by submitting your blog to the blog search engines. There are several hundred of these, and they are growing by the day. It is somewhat arbitrary which ones you choose to register with. However, at a minimum, I recommend that you register your site with at least the following:

www.technorati.com
www.daypop.com
www.blogarama.com
www.blogtree.com
www.bloglines.com

What if I don't want my own blog?

If you decide instead that you want to search other blogs to source candidates, you can do any or all of these three steps: First, search for blogs based on what skill sets you are seeking (Oracle blogs, copywriting blogs, programmer blogs). Secondly, read the blog entries and see who is posting comments. Third, most bloggers have "blog-rolls" on either the left or ride side of the page. These cite other blogs that they like, and are usually related to the subject matter on their own blog. Resourceful recruiters will take advantage of these links and research them as well. You will also find blogs they may like or recommend which are unrelated.

While I generally post relevant blogs, I also try to have a little fun. After all, recruiting is challenging workWhy not take a break and see what Dave Barry is up to? http://weblog.herald.com/column/davebarry/

Visit our blog at http://www.hiringinsider.com

Career Counseling Advice You Gotta Sell Yourself

2008-05-14T23:00:00.001-07:00

Writen by Paul Megan

Don't know how to sell yourself? You'll miss out on the best career counseling advice!

It all starts with changing some misconceptions about job search. You see, most of us were given career counseling advice that an interview or a meeting with a prospective employer means talking about your background and work history.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

It's not about your past or what you used to do for someone else. It's about how you come across right now, in the present moment. That means you have to sell yourself so people get a powerful snapshot of you . . . one that makes them sit up and pay attention to you!

And since some of your best job recommendations and referrals are going to come from people you already know and respect, you must be able to sell them as well.

So how do you do that?

Here's some powerful career counseling advice: prepare a carefully crafted assertive story about you. Then rehearse it. Here are some tips to help you put together this important sales presentation.

1. Make a list of your personal work-related qualities, values and accomplishments (not your work history).

2. Select two or three work accomplishments you are particularly proud of that illustrate your qualities and capabilities.

3. Now put together a short (one or two minutes) assertive story that weaves together a picture of you at work--one that illustrates the most representative of your qualities and values.

So if an employer asks you to tell a little bit about yourself (they all do!) or even if they don't, you're ready with a well-rehearsed story that sells YOU.

For example, you might say

"I have to believe you're always on the lookout for someone who's loyal, hard-working and can be counted on to get the job done. Am I right? It reminds me of a particularly challenging assignment I had. My boss told me I was responsible to meet a tight deadline and I had to put together a team to get the job done. I recruited some co-workers, set up a task force and achieved my boss' goal within 48 hours. The company realized 20% growth in my sector. My boss congratulated me and told me I'd be up for a raise."

You can put yourself way ahead of the pack by selling yourself. Take this solid career counseling advice. All it takes is an assertive story and plenty of practice.

Paul Megan writes for EEI, the world-class pioneer in alternative job search techniques and non-traditional career advancement strategies . . . since 1985. Grab our stunning FREE REPORT: "How To Lock Up A High-Paying Job In 14 Days (Or Less)!" Click on RSS. http://www.fastest-job-search.com

Teaching Jobs

2008-05-13T23:00:00.001-07:00

Writen by Eric Morris

America needs good teachers; in fact today there is a huge demand for qualified teachers. You could become a kindergarten, elementary, middle or high school teacher. You can even become a special education teacher.

With experience a teacher can become the principal of a school, or a part of school management and administration. A trained teacher could even join the state boards or state department. You could even teach abroad, as today there is a huge need for English teachers all over the world.

To become a teacher you need a license. Along with a bachelor's degree, and educational coursework, you would also need to take licensing exams. Untill a few years ago, a trainee teacher was required take classes in schools for over two years to get a degree. Nowadays the "Alternate Route" program in most states makes it easier for a person to teach, even if they have not completed a year or more of specialized teaching training in the regular schools.

In New York State teachers also need to complete a master's degree within five years of gaining employment at a school. To be permanently certified, a teacher would need to pass three state exams of pedagogy, general knowledge and the subject being taught.

Teachers usually get jobs through referrals. School hiring officials turn to agencies they trust, as they make all the background checks. For a person wanting to become a teacher it would help to be in touch with these agencies. Make sure that it is associated with the National Association of Teacher Agencies.

The charges of these agencies would vary; usually it would be 15 to 18 percent of a teacher's annual salary. These agencies usually have good contacts with schools and use the Internet for quicker interviews and hiring. These charges are applicable only if you are placed by these agencies. Some of online agencies are: Teacherjobs (www.teacherjobs.com), Jobline.com (www.jobline.net), National Educators Employment Review (www.thereview.com), etc.

International teaching assignments are also available through specialized agencies. You could look at sites like Escapeartist.com (www.escapeartist.com); TIE Online (www.tieonline.com) and many others.

Choosing teaching as a career is a rewarding experience. Make sure that you choose a place that encourages you to grow as an educator.

Teaching provides detailed information on Teaching, Teaching Jobs, Teaching Degrees, Teaching Resources and more. Teaching is affiliated with Teacher Resources.

Finding A Job In A Changing Market

2008-05-12T23:00:00.003-07:00

Writen by Waller Jamison

The way in which we work has changed dramatically over the last 50 years or so, with some authorities going as far as to say that the job is dead, while others are predicting that anyone over the age of 40 and out of work will never work again.

Are these gloomy predictions true? The situation is not quite as grim as many would suggest, but nonetheless points to a growing trend in job insecurity. How can older workers and indeed, those just starting out, hope to deal with the changing job market?

With so many people facing redundancy, the prevalence of short-term contracts and the trend in businesses to outsource not only peripheral tasks, but also core activities, the job market has become a scary place. However, as long as we are aware of the situation and prepare accordingly, we can overcome the majority of difficult circumstances thrown up by the current economy. Career planning at regular intervals throughout our working lives has become a necessity.

What can you do to plan effectively? Instead of simply deciding on a specific career, you should look at the wider range of possibilities open to you with your existing set of skills. Many of your current skills and previous experience could prove useful in other areas of work.

As we live in a knowledge-led society, keeping up-to-date within your current field is essential and it is also important to learn new skills and acquire new knowledge, especially in topics which will increase the range of occupations available to you. Be willing to develop a broad range of more generic skills, in areas such as IT and communication, which are in short supply in many industries at the moment.

Watching trends in the economy, changes in demographics and patterns in spending will also help keep you in touch with areas of potential growth in employment. An example of this is the increase in older people in all of the developed countries, which is having a huge impact on the health care system and also increasing opportunities for entrepreneurs and existing business owners to provide products and services of all kinds which are tailored to meet the needs of the over 60s.

Despite the lack of job security, there are many options which weren't around 50 years ago, or were rarely heard of, such as job-sharing, career temping or combining self-employment with part-time work.

Adapting to the demands of the 21st century workplace requires a high level of flexibility and the willingness to keep on learning, but if you are prepared to plan for various possible outcomes, you are more likely to have a successful and interesting career.

Waller Jamison is a freelance careers advisor and part-time university lecturer. For a free career change course, go to Design Your Ideal Career To read more articles on the changing job market go to Changing Job Market

If Job Interviews Scare The Snot Out Of You

2008-05-12T23:00:00.001-07:00

Writen by Roy Miller

It's a fact of life. If you want a new job, you'll have to deal with a job interview.

And they typically scare people (maybe you) to death.

If you're feeling uncomfortable right now just thinking about a job interview, there are resources to minimize that fear. But think about what causes the fear for a second.

Usually the fear comes from one of four things:

General "stage fright" kind of willies
Lack of preparation
Worry about not knowing the answer to something
Lack of resume confidence (frequently because of "exaggerations" on it)

Avoiding the last one is easy. Keep your resume brutally honest, but present yourself in the best possible light. If that's hard to do, hire some help. Professional resume writers are good at that stuff.

As for general preparation, you can visit my site for recommendations.

But let's talk in general terms for a minute about preparation.

A killer cover letter and resume will get you in the door, but then you have to impress the interviewer to close the deal. It can be terrifying. You've spent lots of time preparing documents in the privacy of your own home, but now you have to put on a show. And the one who puts on the best show wins.

Obviously, interviewing skills are critical to your job search success. But what skills are you going to need? It's not as simple as "walk upright, don't drool, etc." What exactly are interviewing skills?

There aren't many, although it might sound like it if somebody's coaching you on how to interview. Here are the critical ones:

Dress well. This "common sense" isn't so common.
Bring business cards (if you're coming from another job), extra copies of your resume and cover letter, and a pen and pad. Never say you have to borrow a pen!
Relax. I know it can be difficult, but shaking is a turn-off. Act like you're cool as a cucumber, even if you're not.
Know the job you're applying for, and why you want it. You'd be surprised how many people walk into an interview and say they're there because "you're hiring." Kiss of death.
Be absolutely familiar with the details behind everything you said in your cover letter and resume.
Be honest. Simple, but it's amazing what kind of foolishness comes out of some people's mouths in an interview.
Pause for 1-2 seconds before you answer every question. Interrupting is bad form, and pausing also shows you're thinking before speaking.
If a really tough question comes up (such as, "What if I said you're the most unimpressive candidate I've ever seen?"), answer it like it pro. Ask for more specifics, and speak confidently, but don't be defensive.
Have a few questions prepared ahead of time to ask the interviewer. Hey, remember that you're interviewing them as well.
Be prepared to tell them why you're right for the job. Yes, you already did that in your resume and cover letter, but they're likely to ask anyway.
Before you leave, thank the interviewer for his/her time, and ask for the job.
Get business cards, or at least names and addresses for everybody who interviews you. Write each one a thank you note and mail it after each interview.

That's the core. The first time I did all that was in 1993, and I got the job. It just works. There are other skills, of course, and they're helpful, but you could survive most interviews with that list of 12. Believe it or not, some interviewers might be more nervous than you are!

Roy Miller created http://www.Job-Search-Guidepost.com.

Would you like a "secret weapon" to crush your job search competition? Subscribe to Roy's free newsletter and get a free report that shows YOU can win the job of your dreams in record time. Visit here to subscribe and claim your free copy: http://www.Job-Search-Guidepost.com.

Would you like never to need a resume again? Visit Roy's new site http://www.resale-money-machine.com to find out how.

Roy will link to you if you publish this article! Publish with no changes (keep the bio box at the bottom) at your site or in your newsletter. Then email Roy here to let him know where you're publishing: Editors@Job-Search-Guidepost.com. You'll get a link at http://www.Job-Search-Guidepost.com, and maybe an ad in Roy's weekly newsletter.

The Time Bomb How Your Dreams Can Help You Choose The Right Vocation Or Career

2008-05-11T23:01:00.000-07:00

Writen by John Goldhammer

Dreams have a poetic integrity and truth. . . . These whimsical pictures, in as much as they originate from us, may well have an analogy with our whole life and fate.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

My fascination with dreams began nearly two-and-a-half decades ago when, seemingly out of nowhere, a torrent of unusual dreams roared into my life. It was as though somewhere in my psyche, someone had opened an inner floodgate. Even though I was unable to interpret this inner, symbolic language at first, my intuition told me that these dreams were far more than just my brain purging residues from the day. They contained thematic images, symbols, and dramas that moved through my life, leaving strange tracks, exotic fragrances, tearing down old buildings, setting fires. I was captivated.

In the late seventies, I began working with others' dreams and with numerous dream study groups, filling several filing cabinets with fascinating examples of individuals' dreams. I realized early-on that dreams held many valuable keys to understanding life and especially the choices we make that inevitably chart our future course.

Over the years I discovered a something quite remarkable about dreaming: Our dreams relentlessly identify those essential, extraordinary qualities that make us unique and authentic individuals. At the same time, dreams are ruthless and often shocking in exposing influences from others that threaten our ability to live our own lives.

On one overcast, windy morning I was walking along a trail near our home and thinking how we all see the world through glasses of some sort: we put on our religious lenses that see life through a particular religious viewpoint; or we put on our political glasses and see the world through one political viewpoint; or we put on our familial glasses and see life through the expectations of our parents; or we put on societal glasses and live our life by adapting to social pressure to conform to acceptable, popular ideas. Or we interpret our dreams through the thick dark lenses of some theory. Or even worse, we let some "dream dictionary" to interpret our dreams. Our dreams carry the awesome potential to help us to see more clearly who we really are; our natural, inborn potential and unique character without anything "put on" us. And knowing ourselves is invaluable in the process of choosing what it is that we need to do with our life.

Our family's hopes and expectations for us, while usually well-intended, become one of the "things" we put on that often prevent us from finding the right vocation. For example, not long after the September 11th tragedy, one of my clients, clearly upset, told me about a dream that at first glance appears to have a literal warning. Aaron (not his real name), a soft-spoken young man in his late twenties happened to be right in the midst of struggling with what to do with his life. His dream appeared to be predicting a terrorist attack:

Someone keeps showing me a map. I notice it's a pie-shaped area and realize it's somewhere around the Great Lakes area, maybe Chicago. An unknown man's voice tells me that a nuclear bomb is going to be detonated there on November 1st and I should make sure that I'm at least fifty to a hundred miles away from there.

Aaron's family, particularly his mother, wanted him to follow family tradition and go into the medical field. But he had always loved art and architecture and felt a frustrating split between giving in to his family's expectations and following his own passion.

Dream images constantly clarify what belongs to the dreamer's Authentic Self or essential nature and what symbolizes self-defeating outside influences. I asked Aaron to describe what it would be like to imagine being that part of the country, and, as the land and the waters, to tell me what had happened. "The water has been polluted," he replied. "And if I'm that land, I've been overrun by civilization, covered up." Then I asked him to describe what it would be like, from the land's viewpoint, to experience a nuclear explosion? He explained, with a sudden smile of realization, "Everything that's been put on me is gone!" A few days later I received an excited call from Aaron, who couldn't wait to tell me that November 1st was the final deadline for him to enroll in dental school and that he had just decided not to register.

Aaron's dream, one week before the school deadline, dramatically showed him the power of this decision on November 1st. It had the potential to clear away all the attitudes and expectations from his family that were preventing him from living his lifeeverything that had been "put on" him, that had "overrun" and "polluted" his original, natural landscape. His "nuclear" family's influence was about to be exploded! Moreover, his dream was showing him that a nuclear reaction, promised to release tremendous energy, energy that would now be available to begin his new lifeenergy no longer tied up the exhausting effort to conform and to live someone else's life. And his dream also warns him to keep his distance from this event, to be aware of the "fallout"the reaction from his mother and his family to his decision. Aaron avoided making a disastrous career choice.

Aaron's dream is a profound example of how our dreams are relentlessly purposive in seeking to move us into living our own authentic life, freeing inner potentials so that each of us can add unique values and characteristics to society and to our world. It would seem that our dreams want us to lead uncommon lives!

John Goldhammer, Ph.D., is a psychologist and the author of three books, most recently, Radical Dreaming: Use Your Dreams to Change Your Life (Kensington Publishing / Citadel Press). He lives in Seattle, Washington. Website: http://radicaldreaming.com.

Weve Got To Let Go

2008-05-10T23:00:00.001-07:00

Writen by Jodee Bock

I'm thinking today about how fear within our organizations holds us hostage to what we can feel, see, hear, taste and touch. Many people in our organizations are obsessed with what's "REAL," and can't seem to make sense of anything that goes outside of those boundaries.

I've been fortunate in the past to work with organizations in promoting innovation and creativity within their cultures. How refreshing to be around people who actually want to get beyond their five senses to create from the ground up. I've learned new processes and new techniques to support people in going from what they know to creating their own unlimited possibilities and it's amazing!

But in my experience those organizations and individuals are the exception in Corporate America. So often I see leaders who view organizational development as a fluffy perk - a distraction from the work at hand. When it comes to innovation and creativity, which at its best is undefinable because it produces new thoughts and ideas, the line is just too blurry between "the way we've always done it" and "the way we could do it" to allow more than a step out of the proverbial box.

"Yeah, we let Bob go to one of those touchy-feely workshops a while back and he really got some wacky ideas about doing things different around here. We're not going to let anyone go to any more of those kinds of things. Distracts us from the REAL work we need to get done."

Of course, it's the fear of having to do something differently - even if it might be better - that keeps us doing things the way we've always done them.

It's getting better, though. At least there are more leaders within organizations who are willing to have a conversation about the possibilities that exist outside of what they currently know. But getting them to actually DO something, now that's another story.

It is just too difficult to let go of what they know - whether or not it's working anymore.

It reminds me of those booths at trade shows and on game shows where there are dollar bills blowing around and you have to catch as many as you can in a certain amount of time. If you grab two handfuls, that's the physical limit for you - you can't get any more unless you loosen your grip on what you've got. I've seen people stuff those dollar bills in their shirts, pants, wherever they can as they grab for more before time runs out. But in order to grab for more, they had to let go of what they had.

Think of the dollar bills in this analogy as knowledge. We can't gain any new knowledge without letting go of some of the old. First we've got to be willing to ask ourselves the question "How is it working?" and then be honest about the answer.

Try having a conversation with someone in your organization that goes beyond the status quo. Talk about something meaningful that goes beyond the project you're working on. Let go of your fear and venture out. See what riches you might be able to grab hold of!

Jodee Bock is a life purpose and career coach, speaker, facilitator, and trainer. She works together with people - individuals and teams - who want to practice "riskful" thinking as opposed to merely "wishful" thinking.

In addition to her coaching and facilitation, Jodee is available for keynote addresses, and develops and delivers customized workshops and seminars. She is a certified Job Relations trainer for manufacturing environments, and also a certified Accelerated Innovation trainer and coach with SolutionPeople (http://www.solutionpeople.com).

Jodee is a co-author of the book "Don't Miss Your Boat," and her own book "The 100% Factor: Living Your Capacity" will be released this fall.

For more information, check out her website at http://www.bocksoffice.com

Speak Up Your Job Is At Stake

2008-05-10T23:00:00.000-07:00

Writen by Dale Kurow

How good are you at standing up for yourself?

Do you run the other way when done an injustice or when someone steps on your proverbial toes?

How do you react?

Now's the time to speak up and stand your ground! If you've never done this, you need to master this skill.

How many of you watched the "The Apprentice?" While the show is not the ultimate mirror of corporate life or a guide on how to be promoted, my clients have cited specific show episodes to highlight weaknesses they'd like to improve.

In the "Apprentice" episode during which Jessie was fired, she remained silent in the boardroom while her team members were putting her down. Her reticence was THE reason that Trump fired her. She was timid, and her inability to defend herself made it appear that she agreed with her detractors.

Have you declined to take a stand when you could have? How was that perceived?

Here's a reality check for deciding whether or not to speak up:

Fact #1:
If you are silent when others are accusing you or impugning your words or deeds, you run the risk of appearing to agree.

Fact #2:
If you are silent when someone is making a move into your areas of responsibility, it will seem that you don't care.

Fact #3:
If you are silent because of fear of reprisal or worry about unleashing your temper, you will have lost an opportunity to defend and advance what you believe.

Fact #4:
Not speaking up is worse than making a case but not succeeding.

Here's how this plays out in the workplace:

If a new co-worker or competitor infringes upon your established area of responsibility and you say nothing, you run the risk of losing the business or job! Better to acknowledge the salvo and decide the best course of action.

If it's a co-worker, you could calmly confront the person and re-establish your territory and/or educate him/her on the best way to work with you.

If it's a competitor, ask your client if the account is in play. You might find that the competitor has put in an unsolicited bid for the business! You could then reinforce your position with the client by underscoring your loyalty to the team and how you've contributed to its success.

Now for a specific example of the positive results of speaking up:

When I worked in the HR department of a large corporation, my boss, the HR Director, received a poor performance appraisal. After his unsatisfactory review, he proceeded to demean and blame his staff, making snide remarks within earshot of the person he was singling out. This went on for several weeks until I couldn't stand it anymore. I told the VP HR, and he relocated the Director to another floor for the remainder of his time with the company.

This experience resulted in the removal of a person who was demoralizing the entire HR department. Further, I was offered the HR Director job on an interim basis, which became permanent several months later.

More importantly, I believe the VP-HR was impressed with my willingness to take a stand. The assertiveness I demonstrated was a trait that he valued and it established my ability to function successfully in a male-dominated department.

Finally, speaking up serves a threefold purpose. It allows you to convincingly articulate your "case." It provides a platform to exhibit a quality that your boss may highly prize. And if you succeed, it gives you the confidence to use your newfound "voice" in other areas of your life.

The next time you want to speak up, role play your "case" ahead of time with a trusted friend or coach. You may have more to gain than you know.

Dale Kurow, M.S., is an author and a career and executive coach in NYC. Dale works with clients across the U.S. and internationally, helping them to survive office politics, become better managers, and figure out their next career move.

Visit Dale's web site at http://www.dalekurow.com/phone_ebook for information about her latest E-book, Phone Interview Skills Sharpened Right Here!

Paralegals Top Organizations You Need To Know

2008-05-09T23:00:00.001-07:00

Writen by Scott Knutson

The career field of paralegals began developing in the United States in the 1960s and 1970s as lawyers began hiring the assistants to help them with paper work, case investigation and general duties. As more attorneys began hiring legal assistance, the American Bar Association formed the Standing Committee on Legal Assistance to help set the standard in the paralegal - attorney relationship, employment guidelines and other duties associated with the paralegal, or legal assistant. That committee was formed in the late 1960s and today is made up of both attorneys and professional paralegals. The American Bar Association offers a certification program to institutions that give courses in paralegal instruction which gives the bar association the opportunity to set standards in the education of legal assistants.

There are several major national professional organizations for paralegals in the United States, in addition to their representation in the American Bar Association. Some of those organizations have helped form the career field of the paralegal, or legal assistant.

Two professional organizations, the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) and the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA), together represent more than 30,000 paralegals across the U.S. The organizations, while both working to serve the paralegal profession, have been competitive while determining the language that helps shape the profession. The NFPA prefers usage of the word paralegal while NALA prefers the term legal assistant.

The American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE) is an organization of institutions and teachers of paralegal education programs. The organization strives for consistent paralegal education standards.

A new organization for paralegals began in 2003 and quickly began setting standards in the legal assistant field. The American Alliance of Paralegals serves individuals. Members in the American Alliance of Paralegals are required to meet certain educational or work experience guidelines in order to be a voting member. The organization was the first national organization for paralegals to become involved in setting minimum educational standards and guidelines.

If you are a paralegal hoping to gain membership in a national professional organization, do some research to see what type of associations are typical to your area. The national organizations will likely have state and regional groups meeting in your area, or a nearby area. Talk to other paralegals in your area to see if they have professional membership in one of these organizations. Ask about benefits and professional development training the organizations offer.

If you are just entering a career as a paralegal or just beginning training for such a career, see if a professional membership can help you in your career plans. Perhaps an organization that offers various networking or job notice work boards would be of benefit to someone seeking to enter the field. Membership could be like having an insider pulling for you. Also, if you are a student planning to enter the paralegal field, a national organization might be able to hook you up with scholarship or other financial award information to help you complete your training. Contact all the paralegal organizations you can find to see if they have special information that might help you along your path to your legal career.

This article may be reproduced only in its entirety.

Scott Knutson is an entrepreneur and writer. For more of his articles visit: Paralegal | Online Paralegal Degree | Paralegal Schools

Does Retirement Fit Into Your Busy Schedule

2008-05-09T23:00:00.000-07:00

Writen by David Richter

Why do you work?

Stop and think about it. Other than the income you derive from the various tasks and responsibilities you perform on the job, are there any other reasons you get up every morning before the birds do, drive your car in rush-hour traffic, get into the office and go to several meetings throughout the day that have yet to change life as we know it, and sit at your desk going through all the things you need to go through that are a part of what's been called, work?

You've been doing this for a long time. You've been putting up with office politics, with a lot of grief from your supervisors, peers and direct reports, and then coming home a bit less energized than when you left twelve hours earlier, only to face other issues on the home front. Other than the money, what has been motivating you all these years?

Hopefully, you have been able to derive a measure of satisfaction from doing those things that have tapped your creativity and utilized a good percentage of your talents, capabilities and unique gifts. Hopefully, you have followed your passion over the years and associated yourself with the types of jobs and careers for which you have felt a lot of enthusiasm, and from which you have been able to experience tremendous fulfillment.

If you are reaching retirement age, it may be time for you to look at a retirement calculator, assess your finances, and review all the things that have produced your fulfillment. If you are financially positioned to retire, should you? It seems like a silly question, but there's more to it than meets the eye. I don't recommend retirement to anyone.

Retirement implies you are no longer working. You've given up the treadmill described above for a villa somewhere off the coast of Spain. Sounds great, doesn't it?! Then why would I not recommend retirement? The reason is simple: People need to do creative things. They need to be involved and express their talents and capabilities to the fullest. It's not only a way of feeling useful or deriving an income; it's more importantly a requirement for sanity and longevity. Numerous studies corroborate this.

Does this mean you shouldn't retire? Do you have to remain on the treadmill until you die? Not exactly. You can get out of the "rat race" without retiring. Applying a new dimension to the word, retire, it no longer implies that you stop working; rather, you are no longer working for someone else. You can still have that villa, only now you can also be engaged in creating and expressing your talents. For many retirees, it means establishing and marketing their hobbies. For many others, it's about starting their own consulting business.

The important thing to consider as you approach retirement age is that over the years you have brought a lot to the table and have given of yourself in many, many ways. You can now take those same talents and begin to look at ways you can continue to apply them in a self-employed capacity. The rewards will be great. You'll be off the treadmill, you'll stay sane, you'll live longer, and that villa off the coast of Spain just got a new owner, you.

David Richter is a recognized authority in career coaching and job search support. He has spent many years in recruitment, staffing, outplacement, counseling psychology and career management spanning most industries and professions. David founded TopDog Group in response to the needs of job candidates to have a higher quality of career coaching and support available on the Internet. David understands the mechanisms for success. He has formulated specific strategies anyone can use to secure interviews and receive offers. His extensive knowledge and experience sets David apart in this field, allowing him to offer a wealth of information and a vast array of tools, resources and strategies not found anywhere else. He has shown countless job seekers how to differentiate themselves and leverage their potential to the highest possible level, making a real difference in their careers. David holds both a Bachelors and Masters degree in Electrical Engineering and a Masters of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology. David's website address is: http://www.procareercoach.com

Mba Cpa Law Degree Is That Enough To Get The Job I Want

2008-05-08T23:00:00.002-07:00

Writen by Lance Winslow

What does it take to get a decent job in Corporate America at the Top of the food chain these days? Recently I met a bright up and coming young man in a city of about 250,000 and he was sitting there outside on the patio at the Starbucks Café and working on his laptop until they came to stack up all the tables. He was doing class assignments and we got to talking after that about his studies, ambitions and career goals.

It turns out he has a degree in business but wanted to go for another 38 units to get his MBA, but he also figured if he got an MBA with a strong financial background he might like to be a CPA. Interesting I thought, yes that indeed would put him up towards the top of the food chain indeed. We got to talking about another option to get a Law Degree and he said they were a dime a dozen like the MBAs and yet he felt that he was worried that someone else would end up with his dream job because they also had a Law Degree.

Wow, you know I later asked myself if it takes an MBA, CPA and Law Degree to Get the Job they want; then why not simply start your own company, build it up, go broke once and then do it again. Because basically you would be in the same spot with real life experience by then? Any way perhaps you might consider all this in 2006.

"Lance Winslow" - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; http://www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/

Dont Just Answer Questions At Your Job Interview

2008-05-08T23:00:00.001-07:00

Writen by Joseph Turner

Many years ago, I hated what I was doing for a living and engaged a career coach. As a first assignment, she encouraged me to write down several short stories about times and events in my life where I influenced the outcome. I was stumped at first, but after a few days, I came up with over 15 pages of "stories". These were about times in my life where I not only influenced the outcome but also grew myself and bettered the existence of others around me.

So what does this have to do with a job interview?

If you read other books on job interviews, you'll notice they feed you lists of interview questions to learn answers to. An interview is not an interrogation, however, it's a conversation. To make it that way you need to come armed with a multitude of small stories about both your business and personal life.

When you go into an interview, you need to leave your nerves at the door. The best way to prepare is to be yourself. The best way to be yourself is to tell your own story (or stories). So before the interview have your stories ready to go.

This is especially great for the competency-based interview being used more today. In a traditional interview, the interviewer will ask you questions focused on whether you have the skills and knowledge needed to do the job. A competency-based interview goes further by asking you additional questions about your character and personal attributes that can better determine whether you fit their corporate culture. These are called "behavioral competencies".

A competency-based interviewer will spend about half the interview on your job skills, and about half on your behavioral competencies. He or she will be looking for evidence of how you have acted in real situations in the past. So having your stories ready to go plays very well for this type of interview.

A company wants to find out:

1. Are you an asset or liability? In other words, will you either make money or save money for the company?

2. Are you a team player? Will you fit into the corporate hierarchy or be like sand in the gears? Can you take and give (if appropriate) orders?

3. Will you fit into the company culture? They don't want prima donnas.

The best way to do that is to take the initiative and have several personal stories that you can tell, taking maybe 30 to 90 seconds each.

You may want to start by developing your stories around these areas:

A. Times where you either made money or saved money for your current or previous company.

B. A crisis in your life or job and how you responded or recovered from it.

C. A time where you functioned as part of a team and what your contribution was.

D. A time in your career or job where you had to overcome stress.

E. A time in your job where you provided successful leadership or a sense of direction.

F. A failure that occurred in your job and how did you overcome it.

G. Any seminal events happened during your career to cause you to change direction and how that worked out for you.

I want to emphasize that an interview should not be an interrogation. It should be a conversation between two equals. When you accomplish this you come away a step closer to your goal of landing the job you really want, because

It's the conversation that wins an interview, and

It's the conversation that wins the job

To have a conversation, have your stories ready.

Joe Turner, the "Job Search Guy", makes it easy to quickly land that next job. To claim your free 6-part Recruiter Secrets Minicourse, visit http://www.jobchangesecrets.com/Free_Job_Search_Tips.html

Your Value Proposition A Critical Component To Having A Successful Job Search

2008-05-07T23:00:00.002-07:00

Writen by David Richter

Your value proposition is a series of statements defining your worth. It is the value you bring to the table the skills, strengths, core competencies, marketable assets and accomplishments you can declare as your own. Your value proposition describes your uniqueness - your unique gifts. It is what differentiates you from the crowd.

Think about some of the statements you can make about yourself that reflect the skills, strengths and competencies you possess. What makes you uniquely you? What is your value, your worth? Begin to jot down some ideas. You might want to ask someone who knows you well what values they see in you. You may be surprised by what they say. Then begin to formulate the best way of stating this.

Your value proposition is the cornerstone for all self-introductory communication. It sets the tone. It's how you make your mark. It is how you describe yourself when you are networking, when you are conducting an exploratory meeting with senior management, and when you are interviewing.

Your value proposition should be used as your primary response whenever you are asked these types of questions:

So tell me about yourself?

How are you different from every other candidate?

Why should I consider you for this position?

How do you know you can do the job?

Why do I want to get to know you better?

Your value proposition also becomes an integral part of your resume. It is placed at the top, so it sets the tone. It holds tremendous weight as a differentiating tool, swiftly setting you, and your resume, apart from the rest.

There is a fundamental difference between your value proposition and your areas of expertise. Your areas of expertise pertain to what you have done, the experiences you have gained over the years. Your value proposition reflects who you are, the unique gifts you possess. It is who you are which best describes to an employer how you would accomplish the specific responsibilities of the position offered.

As an example, let's say you gained experience in a cash flow / cash management, or Treasury, type of function. As part of this position, you also gained experience working with bank executives, establishing important relationships with key personnel. These would be areas of expertise. Let's say that as part of your uniqueness, or worth, you have great macro-vision, which is the ability to see the big picture. You also have an unusual ability to communicate which allows you to quickly initiate critical relationships with high-level executives. These abilities are part of your value proposition. It is your macro-vision and unusual ability to communicate that describe how you would fulfill a position as Treasurer.

Incorporating your value proposition in every aspect of your job search will set you apart and significantly improve your competitive stance in the job market. You will find your next job faster and be in position to receive a much stronger compensation package. It is critical to your success.

Taking A Quothands Onquot Approach Will Help You Choose The Right Massage School

2008-05-07T23:00:00.001-07:00

Writen by Terry McDermott

The process of choosing a massage school is not dramatically different than selecting any other education program. The most important preliminary decision is to determine what exactly you want to do with your training. Are you interested in offering massage to help clients alleviate stress or alleviate pain? Would you like to work with medical patients, athletes or a variety of clients? By yourself or with a team?

You should also explore the various massage techniques to see if a particular approach or philosophy appeals to you more than others. Swedish, Reiki, Shiatsu, Acupressure, Sports Massage, Deep Tissue, Deep Muscle, etc. Each approach presents a specific benefit and you may find that massage schools offer training in multiple techniques or specialize in one discipline.

After narrowing your focus, you can begin evaluating massage schools in your area to determine which schools offer programs that are compatible with your interests. You should then contact each school to obtain any written information that identifies details, costs and requirements for the programs available at the school.

Make certain that you become familiar with the licensing requirements for the state in which you expect to practice. Pay specific attention to the number of education hours and the required exams. As you investigate your potential schools you will need to make sure that you will have the ability to meet all licensing mandates by matching them up with the programs offered by each massage school.

Take the time to visit each massage school on your list. Discuss your plans with the admissions staff and take note of the level of professionalism. Do they answer all of your questions convincingly? Do they make you feel comfortable or do you feel like you are receiving a sales pitch?

Tour the school and examine the classroom and training facilities. Is the school clean and sanitary? Is the equipment modern and well maintained? Does the facility feel like it will be comfortable environment for learning?

Find out whether the schools have received any accreditation. There are a number of organizations approved by the United States Department of Education to provide accreditation to massage schools. Some of these groups focus on broad educational standards while others use occupational training standards. Still other have an even narrower focus on health and even, very specifically, massage credentials.

The cost of a massage school education will be directly related to what you want to accomplish and the type of institution that you choose. If you plan to practice massage therapy in a state that does not have licensing requirements then you can may be able to become certified for as little as $1,000. But if you aspire to a career as a respected massage professional, and intend to meet or exceed all licensing requirements, programs may require 600-900 hours of training. Your total investment could range from $5,000-$10,000.

Financial aid is available for a massage therapy education. Federal loans and grants are available for federally accredited schools. Low interest education loans are also available and the school should be able to direct you to appropriate lending agencies.

You may find it extremely helpful to speak with alumni from the massage schools that you are considering. Ask them about their experience while attending the school and their contact with the school after graduation. You will want to know whether the school was helpful in providing career guidance and in finding employment. The feedback that you receive from alumni will be an indication of the support you should expect.

The more information that you acquire and the more questions that you ask, the better equipped you will be to make a sound decision. Massage therapy is a career that offers the potential for immense personal and professional satisfaction. With the proper training and guidance you will literally have in your hands the power to positively alter the physical and mental well-being of many appreciative individuals. The time you take to give thoughtful consideration about your choice of a massage school will pay dividends for many years to come.

J. Terrence McDermott is the administrator of Massage Schools Guide at http://www.massageschoolsguide.com, a website offering a variety of resources for prospective massage therapists. He has developed a national directory of massage schools with program highlights and contact information.

Transitioning Your Career Toward The New Economy Part Ii

2008-05-06T23:00:00.001-07:00

Writen by James Arendt

Generally speaking, the IT industry is young compared to other disciplines such as medicine and law. Employers are often more concerned with work experience, enthusiasm, achievement, extra-curricular activities, and of course reliability rather than degree content. Aline Cumming, a consultant in IT and Education suggests that career changers need not worry about having a first degree in IT or Computer Science, citing that many employers provide training for new recruits in the specific technologies used within the work place and provide additional personnel tooling as newer technologies come on board. But there are also many ways in which you can ease your entry into the IT field while increasing your prospects to be successful at a career change.

If you are seriously considering a new career path, try to broaden your experience and familiarity with what is happening in the industry today by taking advantage of additional training or even part time training. There are many opportunities to take courses in specific IT technologies at the community college or university level. It is often not required to go through the entire prescription of courses to attain an additional or associate degree. Of course a joint degree is not frowned upon but rather open college credits are encouraged and show interest, determination and the ability to learn new skills to prospective employers. If you can, take time out to study full time and grasp as much of what is going on in the market place as possible. Other non-traditional training is also available and is usually set with the career changer in mind. These offer diplomas or certificates in various subject matters and are often more vocational and less academic in nature. Many are vendor specific and are tailored for the short term in order to get the individual up to speed as quickly as possible. Information Week cites that companies such as Microsoft, Oracle, Novell and others are committed to filling the skills gap by providing qualified individuals to fill positions in their specific technologies. For example this year alone, Microsoft is expected to train nearly 1.2 million IT professionals while Oracle plans to train an additional 520,000 in specific technologies through instructor led training programs. In traditional institutional education venues enrollment for all level of degrees in technological fields are up anywhere from 71% to 108%.

An often-overlooked route for career transition preparation lies in apprenticeships, temping or in seeking one's transfer into a technology department within the workplace. This approach provides an opportunity to test the waters so to speak, to see if your career ambitions are really a match for your talents and personality. In taking the less committed approach an individual may also examine if a career in IT is also in synch with personal preferences concerning the work place environment, professional and leisure time relationships, and commitments. Often careers in IT require the ability to rise to the occasion in terms of longer work days and overtime in order to achieve certain project deadlines. Making sure you have the stamina to keep up with the pack is often tantamount to success in some areas of the industry. Above all, no matter which approach you use to gain added experience to increase your marketability, make sure that you can provide tangible practical evidence of your skill set to implement the concepts and expertise you've gained. Be prepared to show a prospective employer some insight and examples as to real world application of your knowledge other than those created as requirements for coursework. Individuals looking for careers not only need to prove that they attended and passed technology courses, but also that they are competent in applying the knowledge in today's marketplace.

If you are still at odds with whether or not the road to an IT career is for you consider working with a career counselor. Assessment is a vital part of career counseling and may highlight your skills, strengths, and weaknesses. Some counseling may add to your ability to develop your interpersonal skills as well as to effectively market yourself. Of course counseling is just that, and should not relieve you of executing your own plan for a successful career transition. Use it as a tool to shape your advantage in the marketplace not as an excuse for apathy.

Once you have charted your course and committed to the idea of making the leap there will be other activities to consider.

- Revamp your resume to expose your functional skills first. IT employers are interested in what you can do and what value you can.
- add to the work environment, not in your long list of previous employers and dates. It is often not what you know but what you can learn that will propel you to the forefront of the line in IT.
- Start networking as soon as possible. If you feel yourself migrating towards a career in IT start mixing with people who are already in the field. Join organizations, user groups, and frequent the places that attract your prospective employer and associates. Start socializing and collecting business cards from anyone in the industry who will give one to you. In the tight labor market most jobs are filled through relationships that guarantee some level of authenticity of the applicant. You can find groups and associations through newspaper articles as well as web based research and news groups.
- If you land an interview, make sure you do your research. Know what expertise your potential employer is involved in and develop a series of scenarios in which you can display your eagerness, insight and potential for adding value through your presence on the job. Show that you are an analytical thinker and have the ability to see the endless possibilities of the new e-conomy by thinking 'outof- the-box." Remember, developments happen so quickly in the IT industry that today's realities were not even thought of 5 years ago. Prepare yourself for the interview to be "out-of-the-box" as well. In the fast paced dot-com world expect the experience to be short, sweet and very much to the point. In Debra Williams' article "Do You Have the 'DNA' for a Dot-Com Job?" she quotes a leader of marketing now employed in cyberspace as recommending you be ready with an "elevator pitch. In the time it takes to go from the bottom floor to the top, you should be able to sell your skills for a particular position." Be comfortable with your past experiences and job history by drawing parallels during an interview as to how your skill set blends with the needs of the potential employer. One thing there is a shortage of in the youthful IT industry is the 'mature experience' that can only be gained by having been there and done that. Life experience is a valuable card and played correctly, it can work to your advantage.
- Lastly, and interestingly enough for us "older" cyberians, prepare to be interviewed by someone younger than you. If you have difficulty relating with 20 and 30 year olds and are intimidated by their presence perhaps you might want to spend a few evenings rehearsing at a local pub. Your success could be hampered by the inability to point out your similarities. Just keep in mind, they will be one of us soon and will also be faced with the challenges of keeping contemporary.

If you are contemplating a career change, no matter what career path you choose, whether it is the tried and true or the intimidating and new, trust your intuition in making your decision. Eugene Raudsepp in "Trust your Intuition in Career Decisions" claims that intuition plays a key role and works well in choosing a path that is right for you. By evaluating all of the options with an analytical yet realistic eye you enable your subconscious to evaluate and compare your options. Intuition is the oracle of the mind and can often provide you with advice on which direction to take.

In closing, making a career transition is never an easy task. It always involves research, brave commitment, and hard work. The road that leads to a happy ending in IT in particular is paved with education, training, and experience. The more you know, the more you will grow. Above all the best advice is to do something you like, like what you do and do it well. Remember to strive to add value to your toolbox of marketable skills. By adding value to yourself, you add value to those around you and guarantee your success in whatever career you choose.

Please click here to visit our site: Set Focus

SetFocus, known for its Master's Program and Corporate Training Services, is a unique training organization that provides the most current and cutting edge technologies in the training market. A Microsoft Certified Gold Partner for Learning Solutions (CPLS), SetFocus is highly regarded in the Microsoft Learning Solutions Arena.

Basic Employee Benefits

2008-05-05T23:00:00.002-07:00

Writen by Jason Gluckman

Employee benefits plans are part of the basic employee welfare programs implemented by employers. They aim to fulfill the basic needs of employees. These employee benefit plans include various health insurance programs including life, dental and allied health related benefits, retirement benefits, daycare, tuition reimbursement, sick leave, disability benefits, paid vacations, social security and income protection.

Various companies provide benefits to the organizations and employers. Among these benefits, insurance, sick leaves, paid vacations, retirement benefits and income protection are considered to be basic and mandatory benefits. Insurance is the common benefit provided. It helps in covering the employees in the case of accidents and help in tax deduction at the same time.

An employee is considered to be eligible to enjoy the benefits of these welfare plans after the completion of a probation period. These benefits form the part of any company?s policy and are communicated to the employee in writing.

The insurance companies strive to make their plans attractive and beneficial for the employees. They conduct regular research on benefits, and come up with new ideas to make the plans more attractive. These plans are decided considering the designation, company profile and the number of employees.

Employee benefit plans also serve as a good marketing strategy for employers. A huge percentage of the payroll of most of the companies is spent on deciding and investing in the benefit plans. The human resource personnel run a check on the employee benefit programs offered by the various insurance companies. They refer to the websites providing information regarding these plans and select programs that would best suit the company?s interest.

Employee Benefits provides detailed information on Employee Benefits, Employee Benefits Attorney, Employee Benefit Plans, Employee Health Benefits and more. Employee Benefits is affiliated with Discount Dental Plans.

Medical Coding Careers

2008-05-05T23:00:00.001-07:00

Writen by Eric Morris

Careers in medical fields require great responsibility; dexterity in the specialized line of medical affairs is an inevitable part of the whole thing. As time goes by, a career in the medical profession is becoming more of a challenge, adventure and competition. One can belong to any of the fields of medical science.

One can be a doctor, medical officer, pharmaceutical manager, administrator of a hospital, a nurse, medical transcriptor, medical biller, medical coder and much more. Many new medical careers are related to the manufacturing, business administrative and management fields of medicine. Among all the various careers, one of the most intriguing and interesting fields is that of medical coding.

The profession of medical coding involves the frequent use of alpha-numeric codes to record specific illnesses, injuries, and medical procedures. This process of assigning codes is usually done under the system of a particular rule of coding that is used across the world, from doctor's offices and hospitals to insurance companies and federal agencies. These codes are greatly utilized by the hospitals, nursing homes, labs and doctors for internal data collection and other planning objectives.

On the other hand, various insurance companies and public agencies concerned with the health care system require the codes to reimburse health-care providers. One of the greatest utilities that these codes offer is that they are even used by international health organizations to track patterns of disease and the costs of health care which will enable them to take measures to prevent the diseases.

Medical Careers provides detailed information on Medical Careers, Top Medical Careers, Medical Billing Careers, Medical Coding Careers and more. Medical Careers is affiliated with Medical Malpractice Law.

Employment Opportunity Quotjob Mercenaryquot Without Knowing It

2008-05-04T23:00:00.003-07:00

Writen by Paul Megan

Your employment opportunity and your job candidacy will fail if you're perceived as a "job mercenary." Often the "mercenary" attitude is so subtle that we're not even aware we're giving off bad vibes.

So, what exactly is a "job mercenary?' Here are five hints. Could this be you?

1. Believing the employer's cause is good only as long as the money is good.

2. Harboring a resentment that you're dependent upon an employer.

3. Lacking an inner job motivation.

4. Holding back or being ambivalent about loyalty to the organization.

5. More concerned about "what I get out of it" that "what I bring to the table?"

Obviously these are not traits you would deliberately communicate in an interview or in a face-to-face meeting with the person who could be your next boss. But if you haven't taken the time to identify them in yourself, they will surely creep into your attitude. And employers' antennae are fine-tuned to pick up on these subtleties.

There are three important attitudinal adjustments you should make and demonstrate as part of your employment opportunity. They can counter any of these "mercenary" tendencies and dispel any hidden concerns an employer could be harboring:

* Loyalty. This does not mean that you have to agree with everything an employer or organizational policy represents. Loyalty means you share a common ideal with the employer. You communicate that regardless of minor differences, you're prepared to fight shoulder-to-shoulder with confidence in the company's good faith.

* Values. Understanding what your personal underlying business values are. And then showing how they are in harmony with those of the company.

* Compatibility. Individuals can create a team. But compatible individuals produce the best team. If you're touchy and thin-skinned in an interview, the employer instinctively knows you will be abrupt and abrasive on the job. On the other hand, a go-along person attracts people like themselves.

Remember, what you communicate to an employer below the radar is often more telling that what you say out loud. Putting a check on your mercenary tendencies will go a long way to ensure your employment opportunity success.

Career Breaks For Older Workers

2008-05-04T23:00:00.001-07:00

Writen by Rachel Morgan-Trimmer

More and more British workers are taking career breaks one study reported that three-quarters of the workforce was thinking about it.

But if you're in your late 40s or early 50s, a career break could prove difficult. You might not want to wait until you retire, but then, you don't want to take a step off the corporate ladder in case you can't get back on again. But help is at hand. We'll show you a few things you can do, so even if you don't end up taking a career break, at least you'll have tried!

First, make sure you're clear in your mind about what obstacles you're facing. Once you start tackling them, you may find that they are not as big as you imagine, or you will find ways around them.

The first thing you can do is find out what the company policy and attitude are with regard to career breaks.

If someone else at your company has taken a career break, speak to them about it (even if their circumstances are different from your own)
Get hold of your company handbook and see what (if anything) it says about career breaks or sabbaticals
Sound out the HR manager and/or your boss, if you can do this without raising suspicion (perhaps mentioning a friend at another company who is taking a career break)

Then, decide what your approach is going to be. Your basic options are:

Request a paid sabbatical
Request an unpaid sabbatical
Resign (then look for another job when you get back

It is worth mentioning that paid sabbaticals are quite unusual, even if you're not being paid your full salary. They are generally only available to people who've been with the company for a long time. Even for an unpaid sabbatical, most companies require you to have been working there for at least 2 years.

If you decide to ask for an unpaid sabbatical, make sure you're flexible about when you go. It's also a good idea to give as much notice as possible (3 6 months). Try to understand your boss's point of view, and show how your career break will help the company. For example:

You will develop useful skills which you can bring back to the company (eg communication)
You can learn skills that you can't learn in your current job (eg negotiation)
You may also learn practical skills (eg a language)

You may also note that it could be cheaper for them to allow you to take your unpaid sabbatical, than it is for you to resign and for them to recruit someone else. You might like to make suggestions for a temporary replacement if that is necessary this will show that you're trying to make it as easy as possible for them.

If you're granted a sabbatical, congratulations! Make sure you get the terms of your sabbatical in writing, and remember to ask the following questions:

Can I do other paid work? (Usually not unless it's for a charity and make sure this covers voluntary work where you might be paid expenses or 'pocket money')
Is my job guaranteed when I come back? If so, is it at the same salary as when I left? (It's unlikely you'll get a pay rise if you're away at review time).
Can we discuss my other company benefits? (Eg, your company car, gym membership etc).
Will I be able to rejoin the company pension scheme? If not, is it possible to freeze or reduce payments for the duration of my career break?

Decide what you want, and what you'll settle for. If you can't reach an agreement with your employer, and you absolutely have to take a career break, you may choose to resign.

If you do resign, you might be concerned about getting another job when you get back. Make sure you have enough savings to tide you over for a few months when you return from your career break, while you look for a new job. Do a little research into your industry before making your decision. If it's booming, you might feel you have nothing to worry about, but if there's been a recent downturn, you may be reluctant to let go of the security of your job. Don't forget though, that many career breakers don't stay in the same industry but do something completely different when they return. Some set up their own businesses, some go into a different career and some don't come back at all!

What you really need to decide is what is most important to you and once you've done that, you're already halfway there!

Rachel Morgan-Trimmer is the founder of The Career Break Site (http://www.thecareerbreaksite.com). The site is a one-stop shop of free career break information for people of all ages, and includes a message board, fun section, printable resources and inspiration. You can also use it to search for a career break.

Ten Courses Of Study If You Want To Be Your Own Boss

2008-05-03T23:00:00.001-07:00

Writen by Max Stein

For many Americans, an important component of the American Dream is the possibility of hard work turning into financial fortune. The career exploits of such self made magnates like Andrew Carnegie, Lee Iaccoca and Donald Trump are examples for many.

The idea of being self-employed appeals to many people who want the possibility of unlimited income, a flexible schedule and perhaps the opportunity to work from home. If you're one of these people, having the proper training, especially in a growth industry, is very important. Consider these ten courses of study, if you want to be your own boss.

Creative Careers

The personal computer has made it much easier to enter the marketplace in many professions. Training in graphic design, multimedia design and web design allow you to work from home, or as your clientele increases, out of an office. Education in these skills can also create opportunities for you to work as an employee, or contractor. These creative jobs are very much in demand, particularly as advertising spending has increased as the economy has improved.

Mechanical Careers

If you like to fix things or work with your hands, there are some great, lucrative training programs that will allow you to do this type of work for a career. Most of these jobs require you to work for someone else first, either to gain skills training or the money to go off on your own. A career in HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning), home appliance repair, electrical installation/repair or auto body repair are all great ways to make your hands create a living for you.

Service Careers

There are many service careers available as well for the self-employed. Home healthcare is one such growing field. Nurses, both RNs and LPNs, are in wide demand. Another career field that is growing is court reporting and closed captioning. The growing legal system and new Federal laws designed to benefit the hearing impaired are driving growth in these categories.

In addition to having the skills to perform your chosen business, you need the business skills as well. Sales and marketing are in first order, while organization and administrative skills will keep your clients and the IRS happy.

For more information on useful courses, go here www.top-colleges.com.

About The Author

Max Stein, Salt Lake City, UT, USA http://www.degreesource.com/articles

Max Stein is a freelance writer who writes about business, education and marketing. For daily updates, read our blog at http://degreesource.blogspot.com

Evaluating A Spanish Translator Certification Program

2008-05-02T23:00:00.001-07:00

Writen by Clint Tustison

Spanish translator certification programs are becoming more and more prevalent as more and more people realize the importance that Spanish translation plays and will continue to play now and in the future. In order to take advantage of all the opportunities brought about by an increase in Spanish speakers, those with a solid grasp of English and Spanish are taking advantage and looking for ways to become translators.

In order to better their prospects for getting business, translators often turn to Spanish translator certification programs to prove their abilities to future clients and employers. Spanish translator certification programs take many forms, but most are geared towards helping you pass various certification tests given by various translation organizations.

The translation industry, at least in the United States, is not governed as tightly as other industries, such as law, medicine, or accounting, and so a lot of confusion has arisen over time about what it really means to be certified as a translator. For other industries like the ones I just mentioned, there are national standardized tests that are rigidly controlled, and these tests must be passed before a person can be employed legally in that industry.

Translation is different. Because there is no body that has the legal right to enforce translation standardization, many people become confused with all the noise from various organizations offering their version of a Spanish translator certification program. Not only can it be confusing to (would-be) translators, but it is also confusing for potential clients.

So what should you look for if you become interested in taking part in a Spanish translator certification program? Well, there are a few things to keep in mind. The first is that although there is no federally recognized organization for governing translators in the U.S., there is a national organization that offers tests for translator certification. This organization is called the American Translators Association (ATA) and is generally recognized by most translators as being the de facto organization for translator certification in the United States.

Most Spanish translator certification programs, therefore, try to give translators enough knowledge and experience to be able to pass the ATA certification tests. There are other organizations throughout the world that offer translator certification, and in order to find them you can do a search for the country you are interested in.

If you are want to become an ATA certified translator, my suggestion would be to look for a Spanish translator certification program that will give you the best opportunity of passing the tests given by ATA. These programs can be offered as university degrees, night school classes, or even online courses. Whatever the method, becoming certified takes a lot of study and a lot of practice, but can reap big dividends throughout your translation career.

Clint Tustison is a Spanish <--> English translator interested in helping businesses and translators better understand the translation industry. If you're interested in how to improve your translation business or your relationship with translation companies, check out his website at http://www.spanish-translation-help.com.

Career As A Garbage Man

2008-05-01T23:00:00.002-07:00

Writen by Lance Winslow

You know there are many things in our civilization that are so important really and picking up the trash is clearly one of them. In fact it is a super important responsibility to protect our civilization from disease and build of filth, which can cause all sorts of horrific issues for society. And to this point one of the most important jobs and careers in this case is that of being a Garbage Man or Woman because you can help keep our civilization clean and safe.

So often we say the wrong thing to kids growing up and we tell them you better go to college and get a degree otherwise you will end up a garbage man. Well, that maybe one way to get gets motivated thru fear to stay in school, get a degree and enter corporate America, but in reality it does a severe injustice to the men and women who pick up our trash week in and week out. Without them can you imagine what things would be like?

For instance in NYC the trash union went on strike and garbage piled up and soon it was a huge problem, rats and rodents everywhere, why? Simple, the trash pick-up is that important to us. And the truth is that a kid out of college with a business degree makes less money than a trash person. The average trash person makes $35,000 per year in many cases and the average degree holder starts out at $26,000 or so. Indeed maybe you can do something great like picking up the trash.

"Lance Winslow" - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; http://www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/

Employment Interviewing Ask For The Job

2008-05-01T23:00:00.001-07:00

Writen by Virginia Bola, PsyD

We walk into an interview with the unspoken assumption that the employer knows we want the job. Except for practice interviewing or cold calling, we put out the time and energy for an interview because we think the position is worthwhile and will be a good fit.

The employer may be interviewing many people for one position and has to weigh the strengths and weaknesses of each candidate in a very short period of time. Quickly jotted interview notes reveal doubts about certain applicants and positive aspects of others. Whatever position is involved, from unskilled work to professional or managerial posts, employers overwhelmingly seek one major attribute: they seek to hire someone who really wants the position.

If you are unemployed (head hunter or promotional positions provide a little more bargaining room), you need to make it crystal clear that you want the job, that you are committed to do whatever it takes, and that you are eager for the chance to perform, to please, and to exceed all expectations that have been outlined.

Often, applicants are afraid to seem too eager, thinking that the employer will think that they are desperate and consequently that the salary offered will be lower. They play coy, stating that they need to think about it, that they have other irons in the fire, or that they are weighing different job offers. A lack of enthusiasm when pay and benefits are mentioned, or a lackluster response to the position's details, rarely results in a positive response.

Hiring managers or company owners believe that what they are offering is a gift that anyone with sense would snap up in an instant. If the applicant seems ambivalent about the offer, it subconsciously suggests that maybe this position isn't good enough. The manager/interviewer vaguely senses that their own choice in working for this company may be regarded as a mistake.

Ask directly for the job, even if you're unsure about it. Display unabashed enthusiasm for this position, with this company, at this time, and make it clear to the interviewer that you want to start right away, eager to prove your skills and competence.

More than one hiring decision has been determined by who seemed to want the job the most - a classic marker of those who will work hard and produce. If you decide later that it's not for you, you can always decline but at least you gave yourself a choice.

Virginia Bola operated a rehabilitation company for 20 years, developing innovative job search techniques for disabled workers, while serving as a Vocational Expert in Administrative, Civil and Workers' Compensation Courts. Author of an interactive and supportive workbook, The Wolf at the Door: An Unemployment Survival Manual, and a monthly ezine, The Worker's Edge, she can be reached at http://www.unemploymentblues.com

The Careers

2008-05-01T11:01:00.001-07:00

The Careers