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Five Mistakes Online Job Hunters Make

Elizabeth Garone
Monday, July 26, 2010

In a tight job market, building and maintaining an online presence is critical to networking and job hunting. Done right, it can be an important tool for present and future networking and useful for potential employers trying to get a sense of who you are, your talents and your experience. Done wrong, it can easily take you out of the running for most positions.

Here are five mistakes online job hunters make:

1. Forgetting Manners

If you use Twitter or you write a blog, you should assume that hiring managers and recruiters will read your updates and your posts. A December 2009 study by Microsoft Corp. found that 79% of hiring managers and job recruiters review online information about job applicants before making a hiring decision. Of those, 70% said that they have rejected candidates based on information that they found online. Top reasons listed? Concerns about lifestyle, inappropriate comments, and unsuitable photos and videos.

"Everything is indexed and able to be searched," says Miriam Salpeter, an Atlanta-based job search and social media coach. "Even Facebook, which many people consider a more private network, can easily become a trap for job seekers who post things they would not want a prospective boss to see."

Don't be lulled into thinking your privacy settings are foolproof. "All it takes is one person sharing information you might not want shared, forwarding a post, or otherwise breaching a trust for the illusion of privacy in a closed network to be eliminated," says Ms. Salpeter, who recommends not posting anything illegal (even if it's a joke), criticism of a boss, coworker or client, information about an interviewer, or anything sexual or discriminatory. "Assume your future boss is reading everything you share online," she says.

2. Overkill

Blanketing social media networks with half-done profiles accomplishes nothing except to annoy the exact people you want to impress: prospective employees trying to find out more about on you.

One online profile done well is far more effective than several unpolished and incomplete ones, says Sree Sreenivasan, dean of students at Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. He made the decision early on to limit himself to three social-networking sites: Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. "There is just not enough time," he says. "Pick two or three, then cultivate a presence there."

Many people make the mistake of joining LinkedIn and other social media sites and then just letting their profiles sit publicly unfinished, says Krista Canfield, a LinkedIn spokesperson. "Just signing up for an account simply isn't enough," she says. "At a bare minimum, make sure you're connected to at least 35 people and make sure your profile is 100 percent complete. Members with complete profiles are 40 times more likely to receive opportunities through LinkedIn."

LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter are the three most popular social networking sites for human resources managers to use for recruiting, according to a survey released last month by JobVite, a maker of recruiting software.

3. Not Getting the Word Out

When accounting firm Dixon Hughes recently had an opening for a business development executive, Emily Bennington, the company's director of marketing and development, posted a link to the opportunity on her Facebook page. "I immediately got private emails from a host of people in my network, none of whom I knew were in the market for a new job," she says. " I understand that there are privacy concerns when it comes to job hunting, but if no one knows you're looking, that's a problem, too."

Changing this can be as simple as updating your status on LinkedIn and other social networking sites to let people know that you are open to new positions. If you're currently employed and don't want your boss to find out that you're looking, you'll need to be more subtle. One way to do this is to give prospective employers a sense of how you might fit in, says Dan Schawbel, author of "Me 2.0" and founder of Millennial Branding. "I recommend a positioning, or personal brand statement, that depicts who you are, what you do, and what audience you serve, so that people get a feeling for how you can benefit their company."

4. Quantity Over Quality

Choose connections wisely; only add people you actually know or with whom you've done business. Whether it's on LinkedIn, Facebook or any other networking site, "it's much more of a quality game than a quantity game," says Ms. Canfield. A recruiter may choose to contact one of your connections to ask about you; make sure that person is someone you know and trust.

And there's really no excuse for sending an automated, generic introduction, says Ms. Canfield. "Taking the extra five to 10 seconds to write a line or two about how you know the other person and why'd you'd like to connect to them can make the difference between them accepting or declining your connection request," she says. "It also doesn't hurt to mention that you're more than willing to help them or introduce them to other people in your network."

5. Online Exclusivity

Early last year, Washington's Tacoma Public Utilities posted a water meter reader position on its website. The response? More than 1,600 people applied for the $17.76 an hour position.

With the larger number of people currently unemployed (and under-employed), many employers are being inundated with huge numbers of applications for any positions they post. In order to limit the applicant pool, some have stopped posting positions on their websites and job boards, says Tim Schoonover, chairman of career consulting firm OI Partners.

Scouring the Web for a position and doing nothing else is rarely the best way to go. "When job-seekers choose to search for jobs exclusively online -- rather than also include in-person networking -- they may be missing out on 'hidden' opportunities," says Mr. Schoonover. "Higher-level jobs are not posted as often as lower-level jobs online. In-person networking may be needed to uncover these higher-level positions, which may be filled by executive recruiters."

Write to Elizabeth Garone at cjeditor@dowjones.com

_Promoting Your Job Search When You're Employed
at WSJ.com
Resume Overload? A Shortcut to Spot Best Hires
at WSJ.com
Improving the Odds for Changing Jobs
at WSJ.com

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This article is part of a series related to being Financially Fit

5 Myths That Are Crippling Your Job Search

Alison Green, On Monday July 12, 2010, 10:58 am EDT

Do you believe any of these myths about job searching?

Myth: You can only get a job through connections these days.

Fact: Plenty of people--I'd guess the majority--are getting jobs by spotting an ad, sending in a resume, and interviewing. It may not feel that way, because there are so many people in the job market competing for a limited number of jobs and this means that most people are going to get fewer interviews and even fewer offers. But plenty of those offers are going to people without connections.

[See 21 things hiring managers wish you knew.]

Myth: If you can find the right gimmick to make your resume stand out, you'll get the hiring manager's attention.

Fact: You may get attention, but it won't be the kind you want. Fancy designs, having your resume delivered by overnight mail, video resumes, and other gimmicks don't make up for a lack of qualifications and can put off some hiring managers. If you want to stand out, write a great cover letter and have a resume that (a) demonstrates a track record of success in the area the employer is hiring for, and (b) presents your candidacy in a clear, straightforward way.

[See 5 ways job seekers sabotage themselves.]

Myth: I have my degree, so I don't need to start at the bottom.

Fact: Degree or no degree, most new grads are still starting at the bottom rung, which for most people means entry-level work. Employers aren't going to hire you for higher-level positions until you've had time to get some real-life work experience. When employers require a degree, it's often not because the degree itself prepares you for advanced level work; rather, it shows that you meet some baseline minimum qualifications for the entry-level jobs. To get to the more interesting jobs, you'll generally need to add work experience on top of the degree.

Myth: You can't show any weaknesses in the interview.

Fact: The jig is up! Interviewers know you have weaknesses, even if you want to hide them. So they're not going to be shocked to hear you have some. The question is just how they'll fit with this particular position--and that's something you should care about too, because you don't want to end up in a job you'll struggle in, or even risk getting fired from.

Candidates who can't or won't come up with a realistic assessment of areas where they could improve come across as if they're lacking in insight and self-awareness--or, at a minimum, just making it impossible to have a real discussion of their potential fitness for the job. Similarly...

[See 5 things to consider before you quit your job.]

Myth: If you can't figure out what you want to do, you can just go to grad school.

Fact: You go to grad school if you want to pursue a career that requires it. You do not go to grad school because you don't know what else you want to do or because the job market is bad and it's somewhere to hide out for a while.

Grad school is expensive. It's time-consuming. And it generally will not make you more marketable, unless you're going into a field that specifically requires a graduate degree. What it will do is keep you from getting work experience for that much longer, meaning that when you're done, your peers who have been working full-time while you were in school will be more competitive than you. It might also limit you by requiring you to find a higher-paying job than you might otherwise need, in order to pay back those loans (without actually increasing your earning power). And if you apply for jobs that have nothing to do with your graduate degree, employers will think you don't really want the job you're applying for, since it's not in "your field."

Don't use grad school to prolong the day of reckoning.

Alison Green writes the popular Ask a Manager blog, where she dispenses advice on career, job search, and management issues. She's also the author of Managing to Change the World: The Nonprofit Leader's Guide to Getting Results and former chief of staff of a successful nonprofit organization, where she oversaw day-to-day staff management, hiring, firing, and employee development. She now teaches other managers how to manage for results.

The Savvy Networker

Five Resume Items That Can't Wait for the Interview

by Liz Ryan

Nearly every day, a job-seeker tells me, "I won't address my career gap (or sudden departure from a job, or relocation from Alaska to Tennessee) in my resume. I'll wait for the interview to tell that story."

What people don't understand is this: if you don't explain your career moves in the resume itself, there won't be any interview.

The typical job opening fetches over 100 replies from job applicants. Why would a hiring manager interview a person whose resume raises troubling questions?

Here are five hot question-raising issues that you've got to put to rest right in your resume--or get ready to sit by the phone waiting for the interview invitation that never comes.

1. Employment gaps
You have a right to get off the conveyor belt once or twice in your career. The reason for your employment gap could be child rearing, your own or a family member's health, or even a sabbatical if you were lucky enough to finagle one. You need to explain your employment gap in a way that will make sense to an employer. A good way to do that is in your resume's summary, where you can say something like "Returning to the paid workforce after four years raising my twins, I'm excited to help my next employer boost its website traffic and online sales." You have nothing to apologize for--but you've got to spell out why you stopped working, and why you're coming back.

2. Sudden drops in altitude
If your resume shows that you were a VP of sales one day and working a retail job the next, you've got some 'splainin to do. Maybe you needed to be close to home for a while for family reasons. Maybe you went to work for your cousin in his retail store, to support him and help his business grow. There's no shame in moving abruptly from a senior-level position to a more junior assignment, but resume readers will be dying to know: What happened?

3. Geographical moves
People don't like to disclose personal information in a resume, and I don't blame them. But a resume bullet like "Left Acme Dynamite to join my fiance in Boulder, Colorado" could make the difference between getting an interview and missing out. Unexplained cross-country moves have a tendency to alarm employers, who wonder, "Was this person asked to leave the state, or what?" Spell it out.

4. Jumping in and out
It used to be that if you'd spent much time consulting, the corporate world didn't have any interest in welcoming you back. Those days are gone, but you've still got to explain why you consulted for two years, then took a corporate job, then consulted again, and then went back to the salaried world. The best way to bring a reader into your decision process is to describe the specific challenge you were asked to surmount in each case. No one can blame you for following the most exciting challenges you came across, whether those were W-2 or 1099 assignments.

5. Getting laid off
Workforce reductions are so common that we think, "This screener or hiring manager will know I was laid off as soon as they see the short-term job on my resume." Don't bet on it. We've got to make it plain in our resume that we were laid off (and not fired for cause) if we don't want our prospective employer to see us as a flaky job-hopper. It's easy to tell your story. Use the last bullet under that job to say something like "Left Acme Dynamite when new legislation prohibiting the use of dynamite against roadrunners forced the company to downsize."

Remember, one purpose of communication is to reduce uncertainty--in your case, to answer the questions that will naturally arise in a hiring manager's mind as he or she reviews your resume. Spelling out the deets now will improve your chances of getting to talk about more interesting things during a face-to-face job interview.

Liz Ryan is a 25-year HR veteran, a former Fortune 500 VP, and an internationally recognized expert on careers and the new-millennium workplace. Connect with her at www.asklizryan.com.

(The opinions expressed in this column are solely the author's.)

=========================================
Also on Yahoo! HotJobs:

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=========================================

Resumes for the Digital Age

7 tips for mastering keywords and electronic formatting

by Margaret Steen, for Yahoo! HotJobs

When you're applying for a job, you work hard to make sure your resume will command the attention of the first person who reads it. But it's increasingly likely that the first reader of your resume won't be a person at all.

Inundated with hundreds--or thousands--of resumes for some positions, many companies are using technology to streamline resume screening.

"Any time you submit a resume, you should expect to have your resume scanned for keywords," says

Chandlee Bryan, career coach and owner of Best Fit Forward.

Companies use applicant-tracking systems to electronically sort through and store resumes. The systems search for keywords, sort the resumes, and give hiring mangers the most-promising candidates.

Although designing a resume that will impress both a computer and human readers may seem intimidating, there are some advantages.

"It used to be that when a recruiter said, 'We'll keep your resume on file,' it meant it was going in the garbage can," says Barbara Safani, owner of Career Solvers and the author of "Happy About My Resume." Now, they may actually mean it.

Experts offer these tips for making sure your resume stands out electronically and in person:

Choose the right keywords. Hiring managers and recruiters will use the applicant-tracking system to search for keywords related to the job they're looking to fill. To make your resume rise to the top of the list, you need the right keywords.

"Review the job posting for the position and try to mirror that language," Safani says. Find words and phrases that describe what the company is looking for and use them as much as possible.

Use variations of keywords. Some systems check how often a particular word or variation on a word is used. For instance, if you're looking for a job in accounting, use both "accountant" and "accounting."

Use keywords smartly. Some resumes have a keyword section that simply lists keywords for the computer to pick up. Others include a keyword list in white text on white paper, so that it is read by the computer but not seen by a human reader. Safani and Bryan don't recommend these techniques, though, because although they might help your resume get picked out initially, they can hurt you when a human reader takes a look.

"You don't want to write something that doesn't read well just because you're trying to get the word 'accountant' in 10 different ways," Safani says.

Make your job title generic. If most companies would call you a business analyst but your title is "process improvement specialist," consider listing "business analyst" on your resume (and perhaps putting your actual title in parentheses after it). Do not, of course, give yourself a loftier title than you actually have.

Don't go overboard. It can be useful to have a list of key skills on your resume, both for search engines to scan and to give human readers an idea of your strengths. But Bryan recommends listing no more than nine: "I don't think it fools anyone if it's not very deep."

Use text only. If you're asked to paste your resume into a website text box, make sure you use a text-only version. If you copy and paste from a Word document, for example, some characters and formatting may not translate properly (em dashes, bullets, indentations, italic or bold type, and even quotation marks, for instance)--making your resume illegible (for machines and people). You may want to save a copy of your resume as a plain-text file and make any adjustments in that file before you paste the text (plain text is offered as an option when you save a file in almost all word processing programs).

Follow directions. Every system is different, so the most important thing is to follow the directions on the site that's accepting your resume, Bryan says.

(For more advice on crafting a great resume, read "5 Resume Items That Can't Wait for the Interview," or check out all Yahoo! HotJobs articles about resumes.)

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· Networking tips for shy people

· 6 secrets to being on time

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10 New Rules for Today's Job Hunt

Karen Burns, On Wednesday May 5, 2010, 11:45 am EDT

If you are mid-career, out of work and looking, you've probably already figured this one out: The tried-and-true job-hunting techniques that served you so well in the past no longer fill the bill.

[See 15 essentials to getting hired.]

While you were faithfully toiling away for the same employer, maybe for decades, a lot changed. Today it's a brave new world of social media and digital resumes and Google-ability. What's more, many extremely qualified people are willing to take positions clearly "beneath" them. Some will even work for free.

What's an experienced, qualified, truly valuable potential employee who needs a job that pays actual money like you to do? You really have only one choice: Get to know this brave new world, and conquer it.

Here are the 10 biggest differences between then and now:

[See 40 things you can't discuss at work.]

1. You can no longer depend on a resume to get an interview. Simply mailing out resumes and then sitting back and waiting for responses was never that effective, and today it just doesn't cut it. It's a waste of time, paper, postage, and psychic energy.

2. Your experience matters less than it used to. This is unfair, even counter-intuitive, but people don't want to hear about everything you did way back when. They want to hear about everything you can do, specifically, to help them today. And tomorrow.

3. You shouldn't expect to hear back. Unfortunately, this little courtesy has gone the way of the vinyl record. Keep on networking, interviewing, and researching right up until the moment you have a firm job offer in your hot little hands. Maybe even a little after.

[See 25 tips for acing the lunch interview.]

4. A resume is no longer a comprehensive summary of your work and education history. Don't bother to list jobs more than 15 years old. Emphasize recent accomplishments, certifications, and training.

5. More about resumes: You need a digital-friendly one that is easily uploadable, downloadable, and scannable (i.e., no bullets, boxes, boldface, unusual fonts, indenting). It should be rich in the "keywords" that employers in your field are looking for.

6. In fact, overall computer literacy is a must. Get comfortable with applying for jobs online and learn how to research on the Internet. If all this is new to you, your public library is a good place to start. Oh, and have a professional-sounding E-mail address.

7. A good idea is to go one step further and establish a lively Internet presence. Explore LinkedIn (get some stellar endorsements), Twitter, and Facebook. Become active in your field's social media sites. Consider building your own Web site (with a career-oriented blog, professional photo, and resume).

8. One of the first things a potential employer will do is Google you. That means you need to find out if there's anything negative about you online. If there is something bad, try to get it removed. Your best bet may be to "bury" it with more recent, more favorable, links (see No. 7).

9. More than ever it's about who you know, and who knows you. This is important: Finding employment nowadays is less a matter of applying for existing open positions and more about identifying needs potential employers have and demonstrating to them that you can fill these needs. Fortunately, there are more networking venues (real life and virtual) than ever before.

10. Many interviewers/hiring managers/recruiters may be younger than you. Get used to it. Treat them with respect and learn how to speak their language. Do not say "You remind me of my son/daughter," or "When I was your age... !"

You can do this. So go forth. And conquer!

Karen Burns is the author of the illustrated career advice book The Amazing Adventures of Working Girl: Real-Life Career Advice You Can Actually Use, recently released by Running Press. She blogs at www.karenburnsworkinggirl.com

Overqualified? 6 Tips to Shed the Label

by Larry Buhl, for Yahoo! HotJobs

In a tight job market midcareer professionals often consider openings that are less lucrative and less prestigious than their last job. Sometimes employers are glad to hire seasoned workers at a bargain, but others dismiss the candidate as "overqualified."

What's behind the overqualified label is an employer's fear that if you're hired, you'll be searching for a better job before you learn where the restrooms are. But if you really want the job, there are ways of countering the perception that you're too good for it.

1. Re-read the job description.

Just because you earned more and had more responsibility in the past doesn't mean you're overqualified for this job. If you meet or exceed every criterion, consider yourself highly qualified. On the other hand, if you don't meet all the requirements -- you would be using a new technology you've never heard of, for example -- you may actually be underqualified.

"Too many job seekers think, 'If I can do this big thing, then surely I can do those smaller things,'" says Laura DeCarlo of Career Directors International. "Maybe they can do them, but it will be a tougher sell."

2. Fine-tune your resume.

"A resume is not a document set in stone," says John M. O'Connor, president of Career Pro, Inc. "You should always rewrite your resume to fit that particular job, and that may mean taking down the tone a notch and emphasizing exactly the skills needed in the new job." To tune your resume and cover letter, also consider the company culture and include relevant words, phrases, and technologies, O'Connor adds.

3. Don't lie about your history.

It's true that some screeners go right to the salary in order to weed out the "too expensive" candidates. If you were an executive earning six figures, don't say you were a junior accountant earning $40K. Then again, unless you're filling out an online form that requires your salary history, a sin of omission just to get in the door is fine.

Experts recommend addressing salary in a cover letter or interview by giving a wide range of income you would consider, or by saying you assume the company will pay competitive salary for the job.

"You want to steer the conversation to the tasks of the job and your history of longevity in other companies and away from dollar figures," Barbara Safani, president of Career Solvers, recommends. "If you can explain how previous lateral moves benefited you that can diffuse their fear you'll be looking for a higher-paying job."

4. Check your sense of entitlement at the door.

Are you miffed at applying for a job "beneath" your abilities or ticked at defending a career that began when the interviewer was in diapers? Those attitudes won't do you any favors.

"People read energy and attitude," O'Connor says. One way to turn around your negative attitude and impress the interviewer at the same time, O'Connor recommends, is to come prepared with incisive questions about the job duties and the company. "Show you are in touch and engaged and understand their needs."

5. Clearly explain why the job will be good for you.

"If you hire me now, I won't lose my house" may be true, but it won't impress an interviewer. Have good reasons why it would benefit you personally and professionally. "If the position is in your area of passion, say so," DeCarlo advises. "You can make the case that even though you had a management job, for example, you want to move away from management. If the job is a good career fit, the employer will be much more impressed."

6. Make circumstantial evidence work for you.

Remember, the employer is looking for a good "fit," and that means cultural and personal fit in addition to hard skills. Do you have volunteer experience or community commitments that would interest a hiring manager at a "young, hip" company? Emphasize them.

Likewise, your network can speak volumes for your ability to fit in. But make sure those contacts are recent, O'Connor says. Referrals from people who haven't seen you in 20 years could give the impression your most productive days are behind you.

What about the age issue? Career coaches admit age discrimination exists, but it may not be as widespread as seasoned job seekers like to believe. An updated wardrobe, newer hairstyle, or current cultural references could hedge against ageism, or they could make you look silly. Experts agree that the best way to impress a hiring manager is showing how well you understand their immediate problem and how you're the solution.

That's true for job seekers at any stage of their careers.

Get new-job alerts from Yahoo! HotJobs on Twitter by selecting to follow the appropriate account here: http://twitter.com/yahoohotjobs/following. Choose the "list" view, and select to follow accounts based on relevant metros/industries.

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Find a new job near you

10 Resume Red Flags

by Erin Joyce
Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Searching for a job is not always easy, no matter what state the economy is in. And when you're on the hunt, your best weapon is your resume. This document must emphasize the best of your experience, education and skills and sell you to your future employer. It's a lot to ask, but it is possible to get your CV into fighting shape. Don't let your effort go to waste by having these glaring red flags on your resume.

1. It's Covered in Glitter -- Literally.

Yes, it has been done. In an effort to make your resume stand out, you may find that it gets thrown out. Less extreme attempts such as including image files or using non-traditional symbols or fonts should also be avoided. While it may be a nice break for a recruiter reading through hundreds of Times New Roman documents, you run the risk of the fonts or images not loading properly. And you can bet that busy recruiter isn't going to contact you for a simplified copy.

2. There Are References.

Listing your references on the resume is a definite no-no. References should always appear on a separate page, and should only be produced when asked for. Also, be sure to delete the "References: Available Upon Request" line. It's understood that you will, so save some space and your potential employer's time.

3. It's Written in Full Sentences.

The headhunter has likely received dozens if not hundreds of applications -- help them out! Your resume should be short and sweet and bulleted. You aren't writing a novel, you are trying to catch a skimming employer's eye and prove you are worth a second look -- and an interview.

4. There Are No Numbers.

One of the worst things you can do on a resume is be vague. Don't just list your accomplishments in a general way -- have the quantitative data to back it up. If you exceeded a goal, by how much did you exceed it? If you created and distributed company performance reports, how many did you do? Adding numbers concretizes your accomplishments and paints a better picture of what you actually did.

Also, make sure you are answering the "how" question. If you completed five projects this year instead of the expected four, how did you do it?

5. It Includes the Words "Duties" or "Responsibilities."

When you are writing your current or former job description, focus on your accomplishments, not what you had to do. As an alternative to "duties" or "responsibilities," flip your tasks into achievements. For example, instead of being "responsible for the sales team," consider "directed the sales team to beat their repeat client objective by 10%" -- remember that number thing!

6. It Lists an Objective.

For the most part, objectives sound insincere and, worse, can limit your options. Let your cover letter do the talking when it comes to why you want that particular job. And remember, each cover letter and resume should be individually tailored to a specific job posting -- not just a specific field. Taking an interest in the specifics of the job makes you look professional and focused and not like you are mass-emailing anyone who might hire you. Desperation is no more attractive toan employer than it is to a date.

7. It Contains Spelling or Grammatical Errors.

We all know to avoid this one. It makes you look sloppy and negates the part of your resume that proudly describes you as "detail-oriented." The best thing you can do for a resume is send it to a professional resume service or a professional editor. If you are a student, your career center likely offers free resume counseling or at least free information to help you fine tune your CV before sending it out. At the very least, have a friend look it over and check for basic language errors -- spell check just doesn't cut it.

8. It Lists an Unprofessional Email Address.

In a world where email is free, and most of us have multiple addresses, make the effort to have a professional email address. Keep it simple -- using your name is best. Just make sure you leave the sparklebaby@hellokitty.com for personal use. One more tip? Don't use your current work email unless you are self-employed.

9. It Includes a Picture.

The ONLY time this is appropriate is if you are applying to be a model or an actor, and in both cases, a separate portfolio is preferable. Including a self-portrait could exclude you for not being serious and may make you appear unprofessional. Let your skills and experience speak for you.

10. It Is Too Personal.

Resumes should demonstrate how professional you are -- that means the anecdote about the time you met Britney Spears is not appropriate. That being said let your personality come through in your resume by including volunteer experience or a (very) short section about your interests.

The Bottom Line

When times are tough, getting a job is a stressful undertaking. Don't sell yourself short. Instead, make sure your resume is the best example of you as a potential employee and before you know it, you'll be employed once again.

Blue-Collar Jobs in Demand for 2010

by Michelle Goodman, PayScale.com

Ready for a career change but dread getting another desk job? Then how about trying your hand at, well, working with your hands?

"There is a blue collar renaissance going on right now," says Joe Lamacchia, author of "Blue Collar and Proud of It: The All-in-One-Resource for Finding Freedom, Financial Success, and Security Outside of the Cubicle."

"These are necessary jobs, and they're not going to go anywhere. Our nation's infrastructure is crumbling. We want to turn this country green, and we don't have enough workers to do it. There's a lot of opportunity here."

Following is a list of blue collar jobs experts say are most in demand this year, and their median annual salary according to online salary database PayScale.com. Training for many of these positions includes a paid on-the-job apprenticeship, and the work can be physically rigorous. None of these jobs require education beyond a two-year associate's degree.

Plumber, pipefitter, or steamfitter
"With all the alternative energy sources that people are coming up with -- like solar heating, geothermal heat, and biofuel -- there's a big need for these workers," says Laurence Shatkin, co-author of "300 Best Jobs Without a Four-Year Degree." According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), these occupations are among the highest paid in the construction industry. Most of these workers receive their training in a technical school or community college, in addition to a four- or five-year apprenticeship, the BLS reports. In most states and municipalities, plumbers need to obtain a license. Median annual salary: $49,773.

Elevator installer/repairer
This is one of the best-paid blue-collar positions, Shatkin says. What's more, he says, it's incredibly recession-proof, as most of the work entails maintenance or repair. According to the BLS, most elevator technicians start their career in a four-year apprenticeship program and belong to a union. In addition, city and state licensing is often required. Median annual salary: $49,036.

Carpenter
Do you have a strong back, a propensity for math, and a love of power tools? Then you might enjoy carpentry. Although the construction industry took a beating during the recession, the demand for environmentally friendly, energy-efficient buildings has helped hasten the field's recovery, the BLS notes. "These are the people who are going to green this country," Lamacchia says. In fact, the BLS expects carpentry opportunities to grow by 13 percent this decade. According to the BLS, a third of carpenters are self-employed. In addition, many acquire the necessary skills by training on the job, enrolling in a vocational program, or working as an apprentice for three or four years. Median annual salary: $38,473.

Electrician
According to the BLS, employment growth in the field will increase 12 percent this decade. Those with the widest range of skills -- such as voice, data, and video wiring -- will be the most marketable, the BLS reports. Factor in the nation's move to green energy sources, says Shatkin, and you have a thriving occupation. As the BLS notes, electricians usually get their training during a four-year apprenticeship. As with plumbers, state and municipal licensing is usually required. Median annual salary: $45,218.

Automobile mechanic
No matter what the economy's doing, this is one job in demand. "When a recession hits, people want to keep their cars running longer instead of buying new," Shatkin says. A vocational training program in automotive technology (often six to 12 months) or a two-year associate degree is usually needed to be competitive in the marketplace, the BLS reports. Median annual salary: $35,889.

Heating, air conditioning, or refrigeration mechanic/installer
Thanks to the government offering consumers tax incentives to upgrade their appliances to more energy-efficient models, the demand for such technicians remains generous, Shatkin says. In fact, the BLS estimates that job opportunities will increase by a whopping 28 percent this decade. To compete in the job market, the BLS says, a six-month to two-year vocational program or an apprenticeship are usually required. Same goes for state and local licenses. Median annual salary: $48,494.

Roofer
If you're strong, comfortable with heights, and don't mind getting dirty, you might like this line of work. Since much of the work revolves around repairing or replacing outdated roofing systems, the occupation is fairly recession proof, the BLS says. Another variable that can keep roofers busy: "There's more concentration now on making green roofs that keep buildings cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter," Shatkin says. Training is often obtained on the job or through a three-year apprenticeship, the BLS reports. Median annual salary: $38,026.

Still not sure you can leave the cubicle life behind? Then, Lamacchia says, consider this: "You're home in the evening. You're not at the airport or living out of a suitcase. You can go to your daughter's play or your son's little-league game. It's a nice life."

Source: Salary data from PayScale.com, a leading online provider of employee compensation data. The salaries listed are median annual salaries for full-time workers with 8 years of experience and include bonuses, commissions, and profit sharing.

Michelle Goodman is a freelance business journalist and author of "The Anti 9-to-5 Guide" and "My So-Called Freelance Life."

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Fastest growing green jobs

By TDG Community

The following is a guest post by Ezra Drissman of GreenCareersGuide

If you thought 2009 was a year that green took over, then think again. Over the next 10 years, the green industry is predicted to experience growth in the neighborhood of 1.5 trillion dollars. Green will continue to shape the foods we eat, the products we buy, and the way we get around -- and increasingly the jobs we have.

According to the Pew Charitable Trusts, by 2007, more than 68,200 businesses across the country accounted for more than 770,000 jobs in clean energy, "despite a lack of sustained government support in the past decade." This is expected to increase with fresh help from the Obama administration. In 2008 alone, private investors directed $5.9 billion into American businesses in this sector, a 48% increase over 2007. This rate should continue to accelerate.

Here are five green careers that are not entirely new, but are now being completely reinvented. If you want to keep a competitive advantage in the workforce, one must learn how these top-growing jobs are "going green." These fields, according the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), are expected to see a growth from 6% to nearly 30%.

Mechanical Engineer

$59,000 to $94,000 median salary range, according to the BLS. Mechanical engineering will have many opportunities in the future. However, you don't have to wait to start in green areas of this field. Nearly all energy areas, including wind and solar, need these engineers.

You will need a four-year engineering degree to start. If you have your degree, there are three great websites that can help you work green: the American Wind Energy Association, the Solar Energy Industries Association and the American Solar Energy Society.

Environmental Engineer

$56,000 to $94,000 median salary range (BLS). One of the hardest hit fields in the recent recession has been engineering, due to contractions in the auto industry and infrastructure spending. Fortunately, this profession has numerous applications in the green field.

Environmental engineers are expected to see a 30% increase in jobs over the next ten years. They will be vital in the wind and solar fields. In addition, environmental engineer technicians and civil engineers should see a 25% growth.

If you are looking for a job in this field, a great place to start is the American Academy of Environmental Engineers. You may also want to plug yourself into the Association of Energy Engineers, which offers training for engineers to become energy auditors.

Environmental Educator

$47,000 to $50,000 median salary range (BLS). The teaching field is expected to expand by almost 20% in the coming years. What's exciting is that weaving green practices into the classroom is becoming much more commonplace. Many schools are on the forefront of using clean energy. And science teachers are in the most demand.

Beyond the basics like environmental science, many community colleges have expanded offerings in courses like solar panel installation and energy efficient building; universities have expanded environmental policy and politics offerings, often developing entirely new departments and curricula; and graduate programs are routinely offering advanced courses in a range of subjects, like corporate sustainability. There are even green MBA programs. All of these new positions need teachers to fill them.

Becoming a teacher involves a college diploma and generally a teaching certificate. If you are an out-of-work professional you may want to consider getting a teaching certificate. While the full degree may cost you around $8 to $20 thousand a year, a teaching certificate may cost around half.

In order to really save money, you might want to consider community college first. This will allow you to take general education classes at a much more affordable price. Don't forget that there are plenty of student loans available through the federal government. A guidance counselor will be able to point you in the right direction.

Heating and Cooling Installer

$15 to $25/hour (BLS). If you are looking for a great green job and are not interested in the college route, then heating and cooling could be the field for you. It is expected to see more than 28% growth in the coming years. Being able to install an extremely efficient solar water heater can not only put more money in your pocket, it will save the customer money in the long term and help them go green. Installers are able to put some of the most cutting edge energy-saving products to use right away.

Another reason for the strong growth is the increasing emphasis on green building, supported by the United States Green Building Council and the federal and state and local governments. Heating and cooling play a big role in energy saving.

For a more specialized training, look into geothermal. One particular training provider in this area is the GeoExchange, which can help you find the programs to get started today!

Arborist

$9 to $14/hour (BLS). If you want to get a green job outdoors then this may be the career for you. There are many variations of this job. Tree trimmers, pruners, and landscapers are expected to see more than 26% growth. Green arborists help protect plants from disease and pests with less-toxic, environmentally friendly techniques. They can also work to minimize harmful runoff, protect watersheds, and shade property, which leads to less energy demands for cooling.

A good place to start learning about the career is the Arbor Day Foundation.

Finding a green job is getting easier every day. If these don't work for you, make sure to check out nearly 100 more at Green Careers Guide.

More from The Daily Green

· The Five Best Cities to Land a Green Job

· 30+ Easy Ways to Save Money

· The Most Fuel-Efficient Cars of 2010

· 10 of the Greenest Colleges in America

· Top 10 Food Sources of Vitamin C

Reprinted with permission of Hearst Communications, Inc

Hiring Pros Share Insights About Social Networking Sites

by Yahoo! HotJobs

The Recruiter Roundtable is a recurring feature that collects career and job-seeking advice from a group of recruiting experts throughout the United States. The question we put before our panel this month is:

Are you using social networking sites as part of your recruiting -- either for finding and/or vetting candidates? What are your observations and tips about how candidates can use these sites effectively as part of a job search?

Leverage the Opportunit

Currently, we are using social networking sites -- mostly LinkedIn. Where we use Facebook is more in the groups section. I have joined a few alumni groups and have posted a position there.

More than 75% of companies in the U.S. were polled and agreed that utilizing social media was a necessary outlet for recruiting.

I would recommend that if you are actively interviewing, keep your profile clean. No profanity (this goes without saying), no inappropriate photos or negative comments. Be smart -- use it as a tool -- add your awards, accomplishments, professional goals. With more and more employers turning to this inexpensive tool, leverage this opportunity.
-- Carolyn Dougherty, owner of IntelliSource Inc.

Don't Ditch the Fundamentals

We have found that the most effective ways to vet applicants are meeting with them in person and speaking directly with their references, approaches that cannot be duplicated or replaced by social networking.

Job seekers should combine personal and social networking activities, while also focusing on tried-and-true techniques such as developing targeted resumes, preparing thoroughly for interviews, and working with specialized recruiters. When tapping social networks, candidates need to dedicate the same care to crafting their profiles as they do to the content in their resumes. These sites also can be great sources of recommendations and referrals, and professionals need to promptly thank those who help them in their search.
-- Andy Denka, executive director of Accountemps

Keep It Current

I've worked with companies who have used social networking sites as a means to post jobs and track candidates, and although the value of these sites remains to be seen, the immediate impact of people following the job was positive. If used correctly, these sites can be an easy, fast, innovative, and fun way to advertise current and potential opportunities.

My advice to candidates: Keep your profiles and activity current.
-- Bob Hancock, senior staffing consultant

It's Easy Public Research

We currently do not use social networking sites as part of our established sourcing or screening process. However, many hiring managers are becoming savvy with these online communities and may visit them on their own initiative, developing impressions about candidates from the results of their research.

I would advise all job seekers to maintain a professional public appearance online. Even if researching these sites is not part of a formal process, any information a hiring manager gains about a candidate can play a part in their hiring decision. It's wise to learn how to effectively use the privacy features of social networking sites to ensure that you can manage what information is available to the public.
-- Noah Apodaca, lead recruiter for staff at the University of California, Irvine

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The Job Seeker's Top Ten List

by Clea Badion, Robert Half International

It goes without saying that today's job market is more challenging than it has been for many years. That means you have to work even harder to uncover opportunities and distinguish yourself among a crowded field of applicants. Here are 10 strategies to help you gain an edge in a tough employment market:

#1: Leave your comfort zone. Don't limit your search to your current industry or field. Expand your horizons by focusing on your transferable skills. When writing your resume and cover letter, note the qualifications you possess that are valuable in any number of jobs, such as leadership and communication skills, and showcase how those abilities would apply to the open position.

#2: Minimize work history gaps. Hiring managers look for applicants who have remained professionally engaged and kept their skills current during periods of unemployment. If you are unable to find a position right away, consider temporary assignments, internships, and volunteer opportunities to stay active professionally. You also might consider taking a class to increase your knowledge in a specific area.

#3: Be flexible. Remaining open to all possibilities is essential in a challenging economy. Don't overlook a position even if the job title, salary, or benefits may not be exactly what you hoped for. Once you get your foot in the door and prove yourself, you may be able to renegotiate aspects of the position.

#4: Manage your digital footprint. Think your friends are the only people who viewed those wild vacation photos you posted online? With a few mouse clicks, potential employers can dig up information about you, too, on blogs, personal websites and networking sites. As you look for employment, keep tabs on your online reputation to make sure there is no information about you on the Web that could affect your professional reputation.

#5: Find jobs before they're advertised. Read local newspapers and business publications to identify companies that may be expanding, and send them your resume, even if they have no advertised openings. These firms may be searching for good talent anyway.

#6: Cast a wide net. While the major job boards can be extremely useful, don't forget to investigate industry sites specific to your industry or professional discipline. These venues may list more targeted career opportunities.

#7: Network online and off. Tell everyone you know that you are looking for a job, including those you've met through networking websites such as LinkedIn and Facebook. Just keep mind that, while online networking is effective, it's still important to arrange face-to-face meetings. Ask an online contact to a lunch meeting to build rapport.

#8: Customize your materials. Sending out a generic resume isn't likely to catch a potential employer's attention. Tailor your application materials to showcase your relevant skills for each opportunity, based on the job description. Employers want to see why you are the best fit for a particular position.

#9: Enhance your marketability. Find out what skills are most in-demand in your field and take steps -- such as enrolling a class at a community college or a weekend seminar -- to give yourself an edge in these areas. Attending events hosted by a local professional association and reading relevant trade publications are good ways to determine which abilities employers in your field value most.

#10: Meet with a recruiter. Staffing professionals often have access to open positions that aren't advertised and can effectively double your job search efforts. They also can provide useful feedback on your resume, cover letter and interview skills, helping you improve your job-hunting techniques -- and chances at landing a position.

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

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Hiring Pros Share Insights About Social Networking Sites

by Yahoo! HotJobs

Leverage the Opportunity

Currently, we are using social networking sites -- mostly LinkedIn. Where we use Facebook is more in the groups section. I have joined a few alumni groups and have posted a position there.

More than 75% of companies in the U.S. were polled and agreed that utilizing social media was a necessary outlet for recruiting.

Don't Ditch the Fundamentals

Keep It Current

My advice to candidates: Keep your profiles and activity current.
-- Bob Hancock, senior staffing consultant

It's Easy Public Research

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Resume-Writer Secrets for Pumping Up What You Know

by Melissa Ezarik, ClassesUSA

In an employers' market, the importance of an effective resume can't be overemphasized. Sure, you've kept your work experience section up-to-date, but when was the last time you revisited your education section?

Neglect to perfect this critical section, and the price to pay may well be that new job. "There are six job seekers for every open position," says August Cohen, a certified resume writer and career coach. "There is a lot of talent and no opportunity for error." Just as Olympic champions win races by hundredths of a second, a single resume standout can affect the outcome of an entire candidate search, she adds.

Listen in on these resume-writer secrets for presenting your degree or certificate in the most effective manner and keeping that section as current and targeted as your experience section.

What to Do With the Details

Excepting recent grads with no extensive work history, the appropriate place for the education section -- which Cohen calls "the foundation of your resume" -- is at the end. It should match the experience section's chronology, with the most recent education listed first. Each item should list the degree, institution, and location.

And be accurate and consistent in your descriptions. Cohen often sees errors such as pluralizing "bachelor" ("Bachelor of Arts" is correct; "Bachelors of Arts" is not) or spelling out an institution's name in one mention and abbreviating it in another. Writing out the entire degree name with no abbreviations is best, she says.

What about those who haven't finished school yet? "Only say you're a candidate [for a degree] if you're an active student," advises Cohen, adding that you should include your expected graduation date. "If you have no anticipation of completing it, you would say, 'Completed x amount of credits in...' or 'Completed three semesters in...,'" she says.

What to Cut

Cheryl Palmer, a certified professional resume writer and career coach, notes two common mistakes from those who have been out of school more than a decade: including graduation date ("It's an open invitation to age discrimination") and GPA ("Most employers will not care what your GPA was unless you are a recent graduate").

"Education should always be relevant," adds Charlotte Weeks, a certified professional resume writer and career coach. "It can feel as if you're negating hard work by eliminating education, but it's necessary in certain circumstances." Cohen agrees that you should omit education that's irrelevant (e.g., a massage therapy certification for a position in early childhood education) or that could make you seem overqualified (e.g., a Ph.D. for a job as a reporter).

What to Add

On the other hand, professional development seminars, workshops, and other types of training should always be added to your resume. These items show potential employers that you're current with your skill set, Palmer notes.

"A lot of job seekers writing their own resumes either don't think about it, don't know if it's important, or don't know how to add it," Cohen says. You can include this training within the education section (title it "Education and Training") or in a section by itself. Cohen advises including a year for recent continuing education and only relevant items from the last five or 10 years. Listing the session name and who sponsored it is typically all you need to do.

If you're thinking, "Yikes -- how should I remember?" you've stumbled upon another good reason to pay attention to your education section. Cohen suggests revisiting and adding to that section as you complete any new seminar or other training so that details are top-of-mind. "There's no time like the present. If you get that quick call from a recruiter, you don't have time to worry about digging through your books."

Big-picture rule: Your education section should target the job you want. It may sound obvious, but in the experience of Weeks, only those who have worked with a professional on their resumes are doing this. Now that you know the secrets, you can do it, too.

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Why Your Resume Gets Tossed

by Sara Goldsmith, WetFeet.com

The average recruiter sees 5,000 resumes a year. Any legitimate reason she finds to make one disappear makes her life that much easier -- and yours that much harder. Here, top-level recruiters reveal how candidates blow their chances to get a foot in the door.

Numbers Don't Add Up

If accomplishments can be quantified, do it -- but use discretion. Brandishing borderline performance numbers signals a lack of experience and bad judgment. "Phrases like 'managed a budget of $500,000' or 'led a team of two' might catch my eye in a bad way," warns Olaf Weckesser, a former recruiter for McKinsey & Co. Better to spin it as "managed company's largest budget."

Adds Alexandra DeMarino, a Citigroup recruiter: "If a small number is impressive, you absolutely have to put it in context." Because you can't provide context for academic numbers, don't include GMAT scores below 650 if you're targeting a top firm. DeMarino suggests bragging about nothing less than a 3.7 GPA.

Formality Takes a Vacation

Don't succumb to the informality of email. "If you send a cover letter by email that starts with 'Hi,' it and your resume will probably end up in the trash," says Cynthia Shore, an assistant dean at the University at Buffalo School of Management and former director of its career-resource center. Treat an email as you would a proper letter: Instead of "Hi," write "Dear Mr. Case." Instead of "Thanks," conclude with "Sincerely."

Keywords Are Overused

It's true that recruiters sometimes use scanners to sort through resumes looking for certain keywords. But resumes appear contrived when candidates consciously try to include them. Describing a business-development position using such terms as "needs assessment" and "contract analysis" in order to squeeze in more keywords is a misguided strategy. Assume that a human being -- not a computer -- will be reading the resume. After all, these days fewer than 25 percent of all recruiters even use scanners.

Things Get Too Personal

"If you mention your age, we have to trash your resume," says Jeremy Eskenazi, vice president of talent acquisition at Idealab!, the California incubator firm. Since it's illegal for a company to solicit a candidate's age, race, or marital status during the hiring process, firms have adopted a "don't tell" policy to avoid potential bias suits. Many won't risk even having it handed to them.

It Looks Too Fancy

"A recruiter who receives resumes in pretty plastic folders will likely toss them," says Dave Opton, CEO and founder of ExecuNet, an online executive recruiting service. "I don't have time to take the damn things apart." Another faux pas: Folding a resume so that it fits into a standard business envelope. Heavy-stock paper that retains its crease can be a nuisance. Says Opton: "They're easier to store and photocopy if they're flat."

Also, don't try to differentiate your resume with boxes or ornate lettering. When recruiters see a resume that's designed differently, they think the person's trying to hide something. Instead, focus on content. Your resume will rise to the top of the pile.

Want more? Visit CareerTV.com for this video on keeping your resume out of the trash. For more articles on resumes and cover letters, visit WetFeet.com.

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Interviewing the Interviewer

Smart Questions to Ask the Hiring Manager During a Job Interview

by Doug White, Robert Half International

Of all the questions a hiring manager may ask you during a job interview, the last one could be the most important -- and trickiest to answer: "Do you have any questions for me?"

This simple query can stump even the best-prepared job candidates. Yet, it offers a golden opportunity to set yourself apart from other applicants. Asking smart and pertinent questions allows you to steer the conversation and expand upon your top skills, qualifications, and attributes. Following are wise questions to consider -- and some of the reasons they're worth asking:

Question #1: What are the opportunities for advancement, and do you typically promote from within?

Given the high costs associated with hiring and training new staff, employers are looking for job candidates who will stick around for a while. Asking this question shows that you are ambitious, goal-oriented, and eager to grow with the firm over the long term. It also can help you determine what your professional future with the organization would be like.

Question #2: What types of training programs do you offer?

Employers value workers who keep up with the latest industry trends and developments. By asking this question, you can emphasize your dedication to expanding your skill set. If applicable, it never hurts to mention several specific proficiencies you've gained through previous professional-development programs or continuing education courses you've taken.

Question #3: While researching your firm I learned that the company recently [fill in the blank]. Can you tell me a little bit more about this development?

Impress interviewers by doing your homework. Review the firm's website, marketing materials, executive bios, and recent annual reports to get a good sense of the organization and its leaders. Asking a beyond-the-basics question shows that you're a serious candidate who's interested enough in the position to scratch beneath the surface to learn as much as possible about the firm.

Question #4: Will I primarily be working independently or as part of a team?

Possessing strong interpersonal skills is critical for most positions today. That said, being self-directed also is necessary at times. Depending on how the employer responds to this question, be ready to offer an anecdote from your professional life that highlights your ability to collaborate effectively or work autonomously.

Question #5: Can you tell me what my average day would be like?

This question can help you gather information that allows you to better evaluate your interest in the job. You might learn about aspects of the job that don't appeal to you, such as the expectation that workers stay at the office until late evening, or be reassured that the opportunity is right.

Question #6: What do you enjoy most about working here?

This gives the interviewer a chance to sell you on the company. Pay close attention to how quickly and passionately this question is answered. Happy employees who love their jobs don't have to struggle to come up with reasons why they enjoy their work. A short, ho-hum response may speak volumes.

Finally, at the close of the interview, take a moment to reiterate your enthusiasm about the open position and the company. Thank the interviewer for his or her time, and be sure to follow up with a handwritten note of appreciation.

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

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Top 5 Surprisingly Stable Careers

by Amelia Gray, FindtheRightSchool.com

Between bank bailouts and auto plant shutdowns, the struggle to land that new job can look more like navigating a minefield. A career training course in a surprisingly sought-after field could be your answer to the stressful job hunt.

Invest in Career Training

Wouldn't it be nice to find a recession-proof career that you don't have to worry about? With the right education, you can land a job that is more likely to stay stable during an economic downturn. In that sense, an online degree acts as an investment and insurance plan in one. Check out five surprisingly stable careers and learn how to get there.

Stable Career #1: Teaching

As long as there are schools, there will be a need for teachers. A bachelor's degree plus teaching certification is required for the career. If you already have a bachelor's degree, alternative training could put you in the job sooner than you might think. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that career opportunities for teachers will grow 12 percent through 2016. Even the salary might surprise you; elementary school teachers saw mean annual earnings of $52,240 in 2008.

Stable Career #2: Dental Hygienist

Open wide! Working as a dental hygienist means you can be a part of the growing health-care industry without spending years in dental school. An associate's degree gives you the training you need to work with patients in a dentist's office or clinic. The career has a surprising amount of growth potential, according to the BLS, with about 50,000 new jobs expected to enter the field by 2016. Dental hygienists earned mean annual wages of $66,950 in 2008, making this a career that rewards you for your education.

Stable Career #3: Graphic Design

This artistic career could have you earning a healthy paycheck in a stable environment. Competition for graphic design careers is expected to be keen in the coming years, but as more print media moves to a Web format, big business looks to talented designers for help. Applicants with experience in Web design are expected to see the best prospects, the BLS reports. Graphic designers saw mean annual wages of $46,750 in 2008. For a career that allows you to combine your technical knowledge with artistic skill, graphic design is a strong choice.

Stable Career #4: Law Enforcement

As long as criminals walk the streets, careers in law enforcement will be in demand. A rise in federal funding could mean more jobs for local and federal police officers. The BLS reports that police and sheriff's patrol officers earned mean annual wages of $52,810 in 2008. While no educational program can guarantee a particular career or salary, the BLS notes that job opportunities in law enforcement will be the best for those with formal degree training.

Stable Career #5: Court Reporter

Put your typing skills to the test as a court reporter. This skilled job will have you listening in on real court cases as you create essential transcripts of the proceedings. Career opportunities for court reporters are expected to see a lot of growth in the coming years. The BLS reports that the industry will grow 25 percent through 2016, much faster than the average for all careers. A healthy salary sweetens the pot: Court reporters saw mean annual wages of $51,960 in 2008. Formal training is typically required because court reporters use specialized equipment.

Online Degrees Offer Convenience

Looking for a way to complete career training without disrupting your life? An online degree could be your answer. Attending school online means studying on your terms, wherever you can find an Internet connection. If you have the self-discipline to set your own schedule, you can succeed in an online degree program.

Whether you train online or in a traditional classroom, hiring managers in the careers above prefer or require formal education among their applicants. Secure a surprisingly stable career, and you may never have to worry about layoffs. In any economic climate, a little job security is a beautiful thing.

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The Savvy Networker

10 Boilerplate Phrases That Kill Resumes

by: Liz Ryan

The 2009 job market is very different from job markets of the past. If you haven't job-hunted in a while, the changes in the landscape can throw you for a loop.

One of the biggest changes is the shift in what constitutes a strong resume. Years ago, we could dig into the Resume Boilerplate grab-bag and pull out a phrase to fill out a sentence or bullet point on our resume. Everybody used the same boilerplate phrases, so we knew we couldn't go wrong choosing one of them -- or many -- to throw into your resume.

Things have changed. Stodgy boilerplate phrases in your resume today mark you as uncreative and "vocabulary challenged." You can make your resume more compelling and human-sounding by rooting out and replacing the boring corporate-speak phrases that litter it, and replacing them with human language -- things that people like you or I would actually say.

Here are the worst 10 boilerplate phrases -- the ones to seek out and destroy in your resume as soon as possible:

Results-oriented professional
Cross-functional teams
More than [x] years of progressively responsible experience
Superior (or excellent) communication skills
Strong work ethic
Met or exceeded expectations
Proven track record of success
Works well with all levels of staff
Team player
Bottom-line orientation

You can do better. What about adding a human voice to your resume? Here's an example:

"I'm a Marketing Researcher who's driven by curiosity about why people buy what they do. At XYZ Industries, I used consumer surveys and online-forum analysis to uncover the reasons why consumers chose our competitors over us; our sales grew twenty percent over the next six months as a result. I'm equally at home on sales calls or analyzing data in seclusion, and up to speed on traditional and new-millennium research tools and approaches. I'm fanatical about understanding our marketplace better every day, week and month -- and have helped my employers' brands grow dramatically as a result."

You don't have to write resumes that sound like robots wrote them. A human-voiced resume is the new black -- try it!

Liz Ryan is a 25-year HR veteran, former Fortune 500 VP and an internationally recognized expert on careers and the new millennium workplace. Contact Liz at liz@asklizryan.com or join the Ask Liz Ryan online community at www.asklizryan/group.
The opinions expressed in this column are solely the author's.

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Jobs That Are Red Hot Right Now

Some Professions See High Demand, Possible Shortages

by Larry Buhl, for Yahoo! HotJobs

Amid the worst recession in decades, there are a variety of hot prospects -- well paying, satisfying professional jobs -- going begging for qualified applicants.

For those with the aptitude and the skill set, these jobs offer good potential for advancement, and many don't require a four-year degree or years of training, according to Laurence Shatkin, career information expert and author of "150 Best Recession-Proof Jobs."

Health Care

Doctors and nurses get most of the attention, but health care is a huge and multifaceted field with a wide range of opportunities. If you want a good idea of how wide, consider the number of specialists who provide your doctor with all of the records, lab tests, and other information before and after your (often short) consultation.

Physician assistants are generally allowed to do everything an M.D. does, except for writing a prescription (in some cases) and opening their own practices. Although they don't have the earning potential or superstar status of most doctors, their average salary is well above the median. Nurse practitioners can earn even more money, and they can set up their own practice and specialize in certain areas.

Diagnostic cardiac sonographers are also in high demand. These professionals collect reflected echoes and Doppler signals from images and tracings of a person's heart, using ultrasound equipment to assess the cardiac chambers, valves, and major blood vessels.

According to the American Society for Clinical Pathology, half of all laboratories in the U.S. struggle to hire qualified laboratory technicians. Lack of awareness of the laboratory profession is a key factor in the shortage of applicants for these "under the radar" jobs. But salaries and prospects are expected to continue rising, Shatkin tells Yahoo! HotJobs. "The ever-expanding and changing technologies means there will be more and more for a lab worker to do, which should also boost employability."

* Physician assistant
Two-year training program, and at least two years of college; license exam
Salary: $62,000

* Nurse practitioner
Master's degree in nursing
Salary: $74,000

* Cardiac sonographer
Two-year associate's degree, or 1-year certificate in diagnostic sonography
Salary: $56,000

* Laboratory technician
Bachelor's degree with coursework in chemistry, biology, and statistics; state certification and license
Salary: $51,000

Manufacturing

The U.S. manufacturing industry is contracting, but amid the manufacturing bust are some booming job prospects for those with a specialized technical background.

"It's true that older and lower-skilled workers are losing their jobs in manufacturing," Shatkin says. "But there are newer, highly skilled jobs in manufacturing that are in great demand now, and require only vocational training and an apprenticeship."

Computer control operators use computer numerically controlled (CNC) machines to cut and shape precision products for cars, planes, and a variety of machinery.

CNC programmers develop the programs that run the machine tools. They review three-dimensional computer aided design (CAD) blueprints of the part and determine the sequence of events that will be needed to make the part.

Although the number of jobs in these fields is projected to decline slightly over the next seven years, skilled professionals will have excellent opportunities, according to the BLS. That's due to the limited number of people entering training programs and employers' difficulty in finding workers with the necessary skills and knowledge.

* Computer control programmer and CNC programmer
Two-year degree or vocational degree and apprenticeship
Salary: $33,000 (computer control operator) $44,000 (CNC programmer)

Financial Services

Although the financial services industry has taken big hits over the past year, one overlooked area of finance -- actuarial services -- is doing fine. Demand for actuaries, who develop, price, and evaluate financial insurance products such as life, auto, health or homeowners insurance, is expected to grow moderately through 2016 according to the BLS.

Even amid the industry shakeout, financial analysts and financial planners still have plenty of opportunities. Financial analysts evaluate the economic outlook of different sectors and industries for organizations that wish to invest. Personal financial planners and advisors help individuals with their personal investment needs. Financial analysts are employed by a variety of industries, from non-profits to school districts to hospitals. However, analysts might consider going the self-employment route, as they can earn far more than salaried employees ($63,000 versus $48,000 for those with at least five years' experience).

Actuary
Bachelor's degree in mathematics, statistics, or finance; professional certification
Salary: $86,000

* Financial analyst 1
Bachelor's degree in finance preferred

Salary: $48,000

* Financial planner
Bachelor's degree in finance preferred; examination for Certified Financial Planners
Salary: $61,000

Note: Salaries are medians for each profession and are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and PayScale.com for professionals with five years or more experience.

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When Interviewers Attack!

10 Tips to Handle a Hostile Interviewer

by Caroline M.L. Potter, Yahoo! HotJobs

The interview is undoubtedly the most important part of your job search. Your network and your resume may help you get your foot in the door, but you've got to ace the interview to get the job. What happens, though, if your interviewer is -- gulp! -- mean or abrasive?

Read on for advice from job-search experts and learn how to save the day -- and when you should walk away.

1. Remain calm. Job-search mentor Roberta Chinsky Matuson of Human Resource Solutions suggests, "Take a moment to compose yourself. Then simply answer the question using a calm tone. Eventually the person will stop being so hostile, particularly if you are responding in a way that is not giving them any fuel for their fire."

2. Watch what you say. "Do not let an interviewer's tone push you over a ledge to potentially say things that you may later regret. Remember that business networks of people are wide and expansive, and your negative response or behavior in an interview could have lasting repercussions in wider circles," says Justin C. Honaman, a strategic business process and technology professional.

3. Remain confident. Stephen R. Balzac, president of 7 Steps Ahead, an organizational development firm, says, "The more confident you are, the easier it is to operate on the assumption that you're not dealing with malice. That gives you the room to ask the interviewer if there's something wrong or if this isn't a good time. Frequently, what comes off as hostility is due to something else entirely: The interviewer may be distracted, upset about something else, have a tight deadline, etc. In one case, an interviewer's young son was extremely ill and when offered a chance to reschedule, he jumped at it."

4. Get to know your interviewer. "If a vein is popping out of your potential new employer's head, ask questions directly related to the interviewer, such as, 'How long have you been with the company? What role did you have when you started? Tell me the story of working your way up,'" says career consultant Angela Lussier of 365 Degrees Consulting. "If you get her talking about herself, you can quickly turn her lion's roar into a kitten's meow."

5. Address the issue. "The best thing someone can do when faced with a hostile interviewer is pause and ask if he/she has done/said something to upset or irritate the person conducting the interview. Usually, people don't realize that they are coming across in such an off-putting way, and they quickly adjust when the issue is raised, but gently," suggests Donna Flagg, workplace expert and founder of The Krysalis Group, a business and management consulting firm.

6. Remember that it may be a test. "They may just be testing you -- to see how you handle pressure or deal with certain circumstances. They want to know if you stay calm and collected, or if it gets to you and affects your decision-making and actions. Many times these situations arise in business, so, unbeknownst to you, they may be placing you in a bit of a role-play scenario," reveals Bruce Powell, a managing partner with executive recruitment firm IQ Partners Inc.

7. Turn things around. Interview expert and author of "Hiring and Firing" Marlene Caroselli suggests, "Employ the 'turnaround' technique. Buy time by turning the question back to the interviewer. For example, you're told, "We need an exceptional candidate for this position. From what I've heard so far, there's nothing exceptional about you.' Your turnaround response would be, 'Can you tell me what is so exceptional about the job that only the rarest of skills are needed?'"

8. Grin and bear it. "If an interviewer is that rude, he's probably run off other good candidates. Your only goal is to get to the next step. Figure out what that is and if you can get there," advises workplace communications specialist Linda Swindling.

9. Leave. Rachel Ingegneri, human resources expert and author of "Ten Minutes to the Job Interview," says, "If an interviewer is hostile to the point of creating fear or possible physical harm, I suggest that the candidate politely remove himself from the room or area and speak with someone in higher authority (a receptionist or secretary may provide that information). If there is no one else to speak with, vacate the premises as soon as possible. If hostile tactics appear to be the norm, that does not seem like the type of place to be employed."

10. Close strong. "Give a strong close at the end of the interview," states Lauren Milligan, founder of ResuMAYDAY.com. "Say, 'I'm very interested in this position and I sincerely thank you for your time and insights today. If I am chosen to continue on in your recruiting process, will I have the opportunity to interview with other managers as well?' This shows you were able to deflect their bad attitude and are hungry for more. In these times, only the strong survive, so don't let someone's bad attitude throw you off your game!"

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Interview Insights: 10 Ways to Make the Most of the First 10 Minutes

by Caroline M.L. Potter, Yahoo! HotJobs

You only have one chance to make a good first impression, and you only have a few minutes to do just that in a job interview.

According to a Robert Half International (RHI) survey of 150 senior executives at the nation's 1,000 largest companies, hiring managers form either a positive or negative opinion of job candidates within just 10 minutes.

Brandi Britton, senior regional vice president with RHI, says, "Your behavior may be under scrutiny from the moment you arrive for the interview." Use these tips from Britton and other career and job-search gurus to make sure you wow them from the minute you walk in the room.

1. "A firm, non-sweaty handshake, eye contact, and a nice smile make you seem likeable. Likeable people are hired most often."
-- David Lewis, an executive with Express Employment Professionals and an expert on career development

2. "Prepare to engage in small talk, which helps to break the ice and puts both parties at ease and also demonstrates your ability to make conversation with potential clients, coworkers, and executives."
-- Brandi Britton, Robert Half International

3. "Be prepared with everything you can possibly know about the company and the person who is doing the interview."
-- Executive coach Beth Ross

4. "Don't take the head of a table or sit down until you are invited to do so to demonstrate how you'll behave in professional situations."
-- Patty DeDominic, cofounder of DeDominic & Associates, a professional coaching and business services firm

5. "Open with penetrating questions that prove beyond a doubt that you've done your homework on the company, the position, the department, the industry, and/or the competition."
-- Ford Myers, author of "Get the Job You Want Even When No One's Hiring"

6. "Practice your answers to commonly asked interview questions so that you come across as a well-prepared candidate."
-- Certified executive career coach Cheryl Palmer, Calltocareer.com

7. "If asked to talk about yourself, always answer from a professional sense. Telling people about your family and what you do on the weekends is definitely the wrong approach. You want to solely focus on the areas of your work in which you are most effective and productive."
-- Careers and resume expert Lauren Milligan, Resumayday.com.

8. "Become an object of interest by the questions you ask! Leave them wanting more with the quality of content you add to the conversation (versus noise)."
-- David Nour, consultant and author of "Relationship Economics"

9. "Mirror the body language of the interviewer. If they are leaning forward, you should be doing the same. This builds rapport on a sub-conscious level, giving the feeling of a deeper connection."
-- Job market expert Jabez LaBret, ThawingtheJobMarket.com

10. "Your interview strategy must include proof that you have successfully completed job-relevant tasks. A good strategy is to marry a strength and a specific example to prove that you are accomplished at what you do. Quantify accomplishments using numbers, percentages, and dollars whenever possible."
-- Barbara Safani, president, CareerSolvers.com

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The New Resume: Dumb and Dumber

by Jane Porter
Tuesday, May 26, 2009

provided by

The Wall Street Journal

Kristin Konopka sent out nearly 100 copies of her résumé in January in search of receptionist work, but got only one callback. That's when Ms. Konopka, a 29-year-old New York actress and yoga teacher, took her master's degree and academic teaching experience off her résumé.

The calls started coming in. The slimmer version of her résumé landed in 30 in-boxes and earned her three callbacks and two interviews. "It definitely picked up the interest," says Ms. Konopka, who realized quickly that people don't "want to hire anyone who is overqualified."

Securing work in a tight economy means more job seekers might find themselves applying for positions below their qualifications. Many unemployed professionals are willing to take paycuts for the promise of a paycheck. But to get a foot in the door, candidates are gearing down their résumés by hiding advanced degrees, changing too-lofty titles, shortening work experience descriptions, and removing awards and accolades.

In the past eight months, Jamaica Eilbes, an information-technology recruiter for Milwaukee employment agency Manpower, has had to weed out more overqualified résumés than usual from the stacks that cross her desk each day. "I'd never feel comfortable putting a really high-level candidate into a lower level position," says Ms. Eilbes, who recruits for Manpower and other clients. "We don't want to take you on if we think you are going to jump ship."

But in recent months, Ms. Eilbes has seen more master's and doctoral degrees at the bottom of résumés instead of at the top. She's also seen candidates omitting or trimming job descriptions that showed they had substantial years of work experience. Résumés on which job descriptions taper off as they progress down the page raise Ms. Eilbes's suspicions. "How do I know I can trust them later down the road if there's something on their résumé they decided to take off so they could have a better chance at getting that job?" she says.

Still, for some professionals who find themselves constantly rejected despite decades of experience, scaling back the truth -- or at the least, some of their experiences -- can feel like the only chance at an interview.

Lenora Kaplan, 49, has 26 years of marketing experience but doesn't want her résumé to show it. When she lost her job as vice president of public relations at a small Las Vegas marketing firm in January, Ms. Kaplan searched for work with little success. At an interview for a shopping-mall marketing-director position in February, she was told that the hiring budget had only enough for a junior-level employee and that her résumé showed she was overqualified.

Many of the jobs she comes across ask for far fewer years of experience than she has. "There is nothing to apply for" at my level, Ms. Kaplan says. She quickly realized her job experience was pricing her out of too many positions. Her solution: To try not to look as senior level as she really was. So she eliminated certain jobs and removed details about speaking engagements and board positions.

In some cases, job seekers are being told by hiring agencies to tone down their résumés if they want to get hired. When Bridget Lee, 29, moved to New York from Shanghai eight months ago and put her application in at three temporary agencies, she was told to play down her work experience before they would send her résumé to potential clients. The temp-agency version of her résumé changed titles like "manager" and "freelance trend researcher" to "staff" and "office support" and omitted entirely her title as partner of a small marketing agency. "It's been a lesson for how I present myself," Ms. Lee says.

Career counselors advise against making too many drastic changes. But they also say the demand for this kind of restructuring is on the rise. In the past three months, Tammy Kabell, a Kansas City, Mo., job-search coach, says more clients are requesting her help to "dumb down" their résumés, whether by changing job titles, playing down experience, or altogether omitting some impressive achievements. One recent client, a 61-year-old former chief learning officer at a tech company, insisted on omitting her C-level job title from her résumé. She was fearful her application would be weeded out by the Web search-optimization tools companies use to manage résumés.

Some résumé writers advise reworking a résumé into a functional one stressing transferable skills instead of past job titles and accomplishments. "Instead of focusing on the big achievements that might scare an employer away, you can spell out what you can bring to an employer in the next position," Ms. Kabell says.

Of course, reducing your résumé to a skeleton of what it truly should be isn't likely to land you the job you really want. While it took Ms. Lee eight months to get a call back for a job that matched her real experience, this month she landed a position as a temporary account manager -- with potential for permanent work -- at a New York design firm. The interview and job offer weren't earned using her dumbed-down résumé, but rather with the original.

"You have to make those creative edits when it comes to short-term work, but in terms of long-term work, you have to stay true to your experience," says Ms. Lee.

Write to Jane Porter at jane.porter@wsj.com

Best-Kept-Secret Careers

5 Emerging Professions That Fly Under the Radar

by Patricia Cecil-Reed, FindtheRightSchool.com

The world around us is changing, and our economy along with it. A challenging economy may usher in change a bit more quickly than we might like, but out of the ashes, new fields arise. Green energy, better health care -- it seems there may be some silver linings around those dark clouds. Apply your interests to one of these rising fields, and you may be able to follow your career dreams to the top.

Here are some up-and-coming careers in today's hottest fields. They may fly under the radar for now, but that's likely to change in the future.

Digital Technology

There are plenty of career opportunities to explore in the field of digital technology, with the exponential growth of the Internet, computers at work and home, and gaming -- both online and with game systems like PS3 and X-Box.

Data Miner: This career tops the U.S. News & World Report's list of ahead-of-the-curve careers. Data miners use statistics to evaluate and predict future customer behavior. Many of today's data miners work mostly with data collected from the Internet, making their profession a valuable component of digital technology.

Annual Salary: $70,760 is the mean annual salary. The top ten percent can earn over $100,000.
Career Training: A bachelor's degree in information science, computer science, or management information systems (MIS) may be an asset in this field. Training in statistics is a plus for data miners.

Environmentalism and Green Careers

President Obama plans to create 5 million "green collar" jobs during his presidency. Could one of them be right for you?

Environmental Engineer: Solving the problems of coal pollution and developing better hybrid cars -- these are just two of the many problems our generation faces that environmental engineers will help us solve. Our focus in the coming decade will likely be much more on improving the world around us and preserving its resources. Perhaps this is why, in the field of engineering, environmental engineers are expected to see the most job growth between now and 2016.

Average Salary: $74,820 is the mean annual salary for environmental engineers.

Career Training: A bachelor's degree in engineering is often a basic requirement for entry-level positions. A degree program might involve special training in environmental engineering, as well as courses in mathematics, science, and computers.

Globalization

Increasingly, businesses deal with clients, companies, and contacts all across the globe. This creates new needs for trained professionals with specialization in the global market, whether in business, marketing, or social relations.

Accent-Reduction Specialist: Accent and speech training is no longer just a need for anchormen and actors. According to U.S. News and World Report, accent-reduction specialist is the number one best-kept-secret career. Many businesses today deal with contacts around the country and the world. Corporations increasingly need accent-reduction specialists to train employees (from phone representatives in India to corporate managers in Alabama) in unaffected speech.

Average salary: $63,740 is the mean annual salary for jobs like this one.
Career Training: Speech therapists or ESL teachers are most likely to hold this job. A master's degree and licensure in speech-language pathology or ESL training are common requirements.

Health Care

It's no secret that health care careers are on the rise. With baby-boomers aging, new technologies developing in the field, and Obama's plans for health care in the coming years, this field is expected to generate three million new jobs between now and 2016 --that's more than any other industry.

Surgical Technologist: Also known as "scrubs" or "operating room technicians," surgical technologists assist in the OR before, during, and after an operation. They play a key role in the functioning of an operating room by preparing equipment, the OR area, and patients for procedures. Job growth for this profession is "much faster than average," according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with 24 percent growth expected between now and 2016.

Average Salary: $38,800 is the mean annual salary for surgical technologists.
Career Training: The common path to becoming a surgical technologist is to complete a nine- to 24-month training program resulting in a certificate, diploma, or associate's degree.

Technicians

With the recession, Americans are more likely to tighten their belts and repair the appliances and automobiles they already own instead of buying new ones. This means careers for technicians should be steady.

Auto Mechanic: Job growth for mechanics is above average, due not only to economic factors, but also because of a growing population (meaning more drivers and more cars on the road) and current mechanics expected to retire.

Average Salary: $36,480 is the mean annual salary for mechanics.
Career Training: Vocational school or community college after high school is often necessary for auto mechanics. Earning a certificate or associate's degree may make job competition easier.

Patricia Cecil-Reed is a writer based in Brooklyn, NY. She holds a bachelor's degree in literature from Sarah Lawrence College.

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6 Ways to Find a Stimulus Job

by Larry Buhl, for Yahoo! HotJobs

Now that President Obama has signed the $787 billion stimulus bill into law, money will begin flowing to local governments and industries -- and jobs will follow.

Where will these jobs show up, and how do you land one? According to

Laurence Shatkin, career information expert and author of "Great Jobs in the

President's Stimulus Plan," there is no clearinghouse for stimulus jobs.

"You'll generally be using some of the same tactics as you would in an ordinary job search,

" Shatkin tells Yahoo! HotJobs. "That means gathering information and building network connections."

There are, however, a few specific ways to make it easier to find a stimulus job:

Focus.
Forget about searching for a generic "stimulus job" -- there's no such thing, technically. If the president's plan works as envisioned, government money will create jobs, directly and indirectly, across a wide variety of fields -- I.T., education, construction, transportation, health care, energy, and the "green" sector -- for both white- and blue-collar workers. Start by focusing on one or two industries that will likely benefit from an infusion of government cash and may need someone with your skills, then go about looking for specific sectors and companies that may be hiring.

Do your research.
Once you've narrowed your fields of interest, start your research on the Web to find out who may be hiring. If you're interested in green jobs, for example, type "wind turbine" or "solar jobs" or "retrofitting" in a search engine and see what comes up, Shatkin said. In addition to searching on Yahoo! HotJobs, you can check out industry-related networking sites: sustainablebusiness.com for green jobs, ihireconstruction.com for construction jobs, higheredjobs.com for education are just a few examples. Some of these are open to anyone, regardless of training, background, or credentials.

Follow the money.
If President Obama gives a speech in Indiana about retrofitting manufacturing plants, or Vice President Biden talks in Philadelphia about expanding travel infrastructure, listen up. That's a sign contractors in those areas -- possibly in your own city -- will be clamoring for their share of government largesse. The next step is finding out exactly who is getting that money. Check out your local newspaper daily to see what companies may be getting government contracts; the front page and the business section should have the details.

Cold call.

If you've identified an industry that sounds promising, call a company to see if they or any competitors are hiring. Who do you call? Not human resources, according to Shatkin. "This is not a call to ask for a job necessarily, but rather to get some information and to network. To do that, you want to reach someone who actually makes hiring decisions, preferably the chief operating officer." Shatkin suggests calling before 8 a.m. or after 5 p.m. to lessen the chance of assistants running interference and "losing" your message.

Retrofit your resume.
Good news: You don't necessarily have to go back to school to land a stimulus-related job. Many positions will have on-the-job training, and others require no training at all, according to Shatkin. But to land one of these jobs, you would have a leg up if you tailor your resume to the industry. For example, if you are an accountant (or systems analyst, project manager, accounts payable manager, etc.) with experience in more than one industry, emphasize the field that most closely matches the job you're pursuing.

Plan for the long term.
Many of the stimulus-created jobs and careers will be around long after the economy recovers. Make sure you're ready for advancement by adding to your skill set now, recommends Harry Holzer, an economist at Georgetown University.

"Even if you're going for a job that doesn't require training, you'd be better positioned for a long-term career if you diversify your skills by gaining additional training."

Shatkin and other job experts emphasize that jobs aren't going to flood the job market overnight.

"Job creation from the stimulus will be ramping up over the summer and throughout 2010," Holzer says. But if you do your prep work now, you can have the inside edge when the jobs do come online, and lay the foundation for a long-term career.

"In some newer fields, such as solar power, you can get in on the ground floor this year and be an 'old hand' in as little as three years," Shatkin says.

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6 Jobs You Can Get From the Stimulus Plan

by Cherie L. Berkley, PayScale.com

With President Obama's stimulus package at nearly $800 billion, what new job opportunities does it create for you? Here are six gigs that are likely to come out on top.

1. Accountants and auditors. Expect accountants to be in even hotter demand. The plan requires transparent tracking of government expenditures from the stimulus funds; some experts call it an "accounting of the accounting." Additionally, the new Financial Stability and Recovery Plan mandates increased transparency and lending accountability from financial institutions that take Troubled Asset Relief Program (T.A.R.P.) funds from the feds. Translation: The financial sector will need more accountants to help it mind its Ps and Qs, stay out of trouble, and get the biggest bang for its borrowed bucks. Median salary, Auditor = $65,185 per year

2. Census workers. The Census Bureau received a $1 billion boost from the stimulus plan for the 2010 census. States such as Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas hope to hire 75,000 people combined, according to the Census Bureau. Jobs will last between six to 18 months depending on the position. New opportunities will be available for canvassers and office workers. While temporary, these positions are nationwide, numerous, and may get people over the hump of the recession. Median salary, Statistician = $80,567 per year

3. IT professionals. The stimulus plan designates money and incentives toward adopting health information technology and broadband Internet expansion. This puts software engineers, computer equipment makers, telecommunications technicians, network engineers and other IT professionals in a great position for job growth. Other related jobs, such as data entry workers, will also be needed to get electronic medical records ready to go online. Median salary, Information Technology Consultant = $80, 316 per year

4. Green-collar jobs. There is a recurrent call throughout the stimulus plan for energy efficiency and energy renewal. Expect to see a slew of new jobs that will help people "green up" their act, thanks to corporate and individual tax incentives to do so included in the stimulus plan. Environmental engineers, environmental lawyers, urban planners, conservation scientists, and energy consultants are just a few of the professionals needed so that companies can retrofit their operations or build brand new ones to comply with a greener world. And since homeowners will receive tax credits toward products that make their houses more energy-efficient, there will be a need for more jobs related to everyday goods and housewares, such as product engineers and retail salespeople. Even prior to the stimulus plan, the American Solar Energy Society forecasted that by 2030, the number of direct and indirect jobs related to renewable energy and energy efficiency was expected to reach nearly 40 million. Median salary, Environmental Engineer = $64,315 per year

5. Infrastructure-related workers. The plan designates a substantial chunk of money to renovate or build more roads, schools, bridges, public parks, community health-care centers and VA hospitals. As a result, more construction workers, electricians, and roofers will be needed to get these projects off the ground. Given the additional funds designated to the Army Corp of Engineers, you can include civil and chemical engineers, and urban planners on the list of careers in demand. Median salary, Electrician = $41,181 per year

6. Scientists, chemists, and lab workers. Health care is a top priority, as well, in the stimulus plan. The plan includes $8.5 billion for research grants, in areas such as cancer, Alzheimer's, heart disease and stem cells, and $1.5 billion to renovate research facilities, according to The New York Times. The research grants include money designated toward climate and environmental research as well as clean and renewable energy. Median salary, Research Chemist = $59,706 per year

Source: All salary data is from PayScale.com. The salaries listed are median, annual salaries for full-time workers with 5-8 years of experience and include any bonuses, commissions or profit sharing.

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6 Soft Skills That Could Land You the Job

by Larry Buhl, for Yahoo! HotJobs

WANTED: Payroll Manager with BA in accounting, five years of management experience, extensive knowledge of payroll principles, and a sense of humor.

Wait. Humor? Now you have to reconcile W2s, process checks, and crack up coworkers? Has the job market become that competitive?

Not exactly. Employers seem to demand the moon these days, but they're really looking for candidates who may be easier to work with (assuming they already have the core skills to do the job). That means "soft," or intangible qualities, such as leadership, sense of humor, or "playing well with others," can be a strong competitive advantage for the job seeker. When a search comes down to two systems analysts with similar backgrounds and core competencies, the one who also may be a better "team player," or can "wear many hats," is more likely to get the nod.

Qualities You'll Need

"Today, employers want to see a candidate's ability to show value in the workplace beyond the job description," Stefanie Cross-Wilson, co-president of recruitment and talent management at Hudson, tells Yahoo! HotJobs. "It's the tangible skills or core competencies that get you in the door. It's the soft skills that often get you the job."

Any of these six qualities could give you a competitive edge:

Leadership/Team Building. Leadership skills are not only critical for supervisory positions, but also for candidates who may want rise to positions where they'll give directions to others, experts say.

Team Player. Employers like people who play well with others. Even if the job you seek isn't officially part of a team, an employer may want examples of how you collaborated with people who don't report to you.

Goal-Oriented Self-Starter. This doesn't necessarily require motivating others. While employers don't necessarily want loose canons or mavericks, they do appreciate people who don't need to be told what to do and can set their own tasks and follow through.

Excellent Communicator. No matter what the core job duties are, the ability to write a coherent memo or email, give clear verbal instructions, and help meetings run smoothly -- or, at least, not sabotage meetings -- will probably be needed.

Flexibility/Multi-Tasking Ability. Sometimes employers will call this the "ability to wear many hats." Most professionals have multiple job duties even in the best of times. In an environment rife with layoffs, managers are especially comforted knowing a candidate can take on even unanticipated tasks.

Sense of Humor. Unless you're applying to Comedy Central, you don't have to make them double up laughing, according to John McKee, president and founder of BusinessSuccessCoach.net and author of "Career Wisdom."

"While I don't hear recruiters asking for candidates who can tell a joke well, I do believe that evidence of light-heartedness and/or the ability to lighten up a tough situation is valued, and self deprecation seems to be well-received," McKee says.

Putting the Skills in Play

Other common soft skills demanded on job listings include "time management" (you can get everything done on time), "strong work ethic" (you're not inclined to take three-hour lunches), and "problem solver."

Though you might be able to hint at any of these qualities on your resume, it's really in an interview where you let the skills shine. "At interview time, most hiring managers are digging deeper into core skills, but also evaluating soft skills, which depend on what is necessary for the position," says Lindsay Olson, partner and recruiter at Paradigm Staffing.

You don't have all of these soft skills? Don't worry. Even in today's job market, it's not necessary to be super-human. Cross-Wilson says: "Employers don't expect you to be brilliant at everything. In the interview you can be honest if there is a weakness you have. If you are able to be relaxed and be yourself, they'll see you as authentic."

Build Mini-Stories

Olson suggested that job seekers build "mini-stories" around the soft skills they think would be valuable for the job and share them at the interview. "You should prepare specific examples of how you dealt with a specific task or issue that will help others understand you have skills to solve their problems too."

What if you don't think you have the necessary soft skills to land the job? It's not like you can take a class to boost your sense of humor, but you can ask a mentor or a friend for help in improving, for example, your email etiquette. Many soft skills can be built or improved on the job, experts say. Consider volunteering for more responsibility, or jump at the chance to be on a team, so that you'll have anecdotes to tell on your next interview.

Also on Yahoo! HotJobs:

How flexible should you be?
Appearance matters: Use your looks for career success
10 ways to ruin a job interview
Find a new job near you

6 Fields That Stand to Benefit From the Stimulus Plan

How Job Seekers Can Benefit, Too

by Larry Buhl, for Yahoo! HotJobs

President Obama has promised the $787 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act -- commonly known as the stimulus plan -- will boost to the flagging economy by creating jobs in a variety of sectors.

Though it will take a while before federal, state, and local governments determine how exactly to allocate the funds, economists agree that six sectors are poised to see a boost as a direct or indirect result of the stimulus. These include:

Construction

The biggest thrust of the stimulus plan is a national two-fer: creating jobs while shoring up the nation's infrastructure, including roads, bridges, rail lines, and wastewater and drinking water facilities. The Associated General Contractors of America estimates that stimulus spending would create or save 1.85 million jobs, including 640,000 in construction and 300,000 among suppliers and equipment manufacturers. Job opportunities will be even broader than traditional hard-hat jobs; there will also be openings for transit coordinators, waste disposal engineers, and accountants and managers with experience in large construction projects.

The Green Sector

This is a broad category of jobs, and there is some overlap with construction and energy. But generally these jobs are in some way aimed at reducing greenhouse gasses, reducing dependence on oil, or reducing consumption of other non-renewable sources. Examples can range from architects, to manufacturers and installers of solar panels, to energy rating auditors.

Medical Information Technology

The stimulus bill includes $19 billion for updating health information technology. This is intended to increase the number of physicians who use computers in their practice and will likely create opportunities for training health personnel and running health systems. It could also lead to job openings in hardware and software companies, from computer assemblers to systems analysts to project managers.

Education

Many states have made cuts in their education budgets, but the stimulus plan calls for a $53.6 billion state-stabilization to help states avoid further cuts and layoffs. Funding could also lead to new jobs for teachers and administrators in areas such as Head Start and other early-education programs. The stimulus also sets aside funds for modernization of schools (which overlaps with infrastructure and construction).

Energy and Utilities

A key part of the stimulus plan, and a campaign pledge by Obama, is the modernization of the nation's electrical grid. "Smart grid" jobs will include regulators hired by public utility commissions, in addition to load management engineers, meter manufacturers and systems control center operators.

Federal Government

A $787 billion package doesn't just administer itself. There will be openings for more lawyers, regulators, accountants, and administrators to ensure all of the dollars go where they're intended.

Too Soon to Celebrate?

Despite the oft-heard new phrase, "shovel-ready jobs," the stimulus won't create jobs overnight, economists say. Harry Holzer, an economist at Georgetown University and the Urban Institute, tells Yahoo! HotJobs that the stimulus is laying the seeds for future growth but, alone, won't turn around the job market.

"It takes time for government investment to expand the job market," Holzer says. "The most that economists expect in 2009 is fewer pink slips than we might have seen (without the stimulus). We need to also limit the damage of housing and credit markets as well as overseas markets, in order to achieve a broad-based economic recovery."

Sophia Koropeckyj, an economist at Moody's Economy.com, says that the stimulus plan is more about stopping the economic pain and limiting damage in the short term.

"Automatic stabilizers in the plan, such as unemployment insurance benefits, will have an immediate effect," she says. "In the second half of this year, tax cuts will help support employment, and by next year, state aid and infrastructure spending should begin to kick in."

Plant Your Own Seeds

Assuming that seeds planted by the stimulus plan bears fruit in all of these sectors -- and more -- how can job seekers prepare to benefit, whether this year or next? Economists believe that landing a stimulus-created job relies on the usual, time-tested qualities: education, experience, skills, and networking.

"A recession is a good time to get new training, update skills, or get certified in a new field," Holzer says. "Beyond that, (job hunters) should be patient and realistic and should keep an eye on sectors and industries and companies where new demand is opening up."

For more information on the types of job created in the stimulus plan, see "Jobs in All 50 States" on the White House blog and this study from the Council of Economic Advisers.

Also on Yahoo! HotJobs:

Green-collar jobs are poised for growth
Career trends to watch this year
Online essentials for your job search
Find a new job near you

Wanted: You! 10 Jobs Where Employers Come Looking For You

by Romy LeClaire Loran, FindtheRightSchool.com

Within the next few years, jobs will outstrip demand in some professions. Some employers may even woo you with incentive bonuses, well-paid salaries, and good benefits packages. So, instead of preparing for a career where the job search process is long and grueling, why not find a career where prospective employers practically come knocking on the door?

Accountants

With an array of new businesses and ever-changing laws, accountants will be needed to assist clients with their record keeping and tax needs. A bachelor's degree in accounting can get you started in this rapidly growing profession, which paid an annual average salary of $63,180 in 2007, according to The Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS).

Computer Software Engineer

We may not even realize it, but software plays an increasing role in our lives. Don't believe it? Your last trip to the grocery store or even the fast food joint down the street was made quicker and more efficient with computer software. If you enjoy math and computer science, you can earn your bachelor's degree in computer science or in computer engineering and become a computer software engineer. In 2007, you would have made a yearly average wage of $85,660.

Dental Hygienist

As the need for dental care increases, dentists continue to rely heavily on their hygienists for cleaning, X-rays, and preventative care. Many dental hygienists work part-time and enjoy flexible hours. An online dental hygiene program can help prepare you for this lucrative career, which is expected to grow 30 percent by 2016. In 2007, dental hygienists made an annual average salary of $64,910.

Elementary Teacher

Want to contribute to the future? With many teachers nearing retirement, the need continues to grow for new elementary teachers who enjoy kids and want to see them reach their potential. You'll need a bachelor's degree in education or another related field. Certification requirements vary by state, but in 2007 elementary teachers earned $50,040 on average, with the added bonus of time off during the year.

Environmental Science and Protection Technician

As more companies, businesses, and governments need to go green, the number of people who can monitor pollutants and wastes will increase dramatically. As an environmental science technician, you'll help find new ways to alleviate environmental stress on the planet. An associate's degree in applied science may be all you need in some instances for this quickly growing profession, which paid an average of $42,190 in 2007.

Nurse

The need for nurses is expected to grow considerably as the population continues to age. Hospitals, doctors' offices, clinics, and nursing homes will need nurses with a bachelor's degree or an associate's degree from an approved nursing program. The 2.5 million nurses in this country made, on average, $62,480 annually in 2007.

Personal Finance Advisor

If you enjoy helping others and have an interest in the world of finance, becoming a personal finance advisor may be for you. A bachelor's degree in finance will prepare you for this rapidly growing and increasingly complex profession. By helping clients make financial decisions relating to investments, personal finance advisors earned an average yearly wage of $89,220 in 2007.

Physical Therapist Assistant

The baby boomers may be aging but they still love to play. After an injury or for a complaint such as arthritis, patients need treatment, and physical therapists need qualified assistants. An online associate's degree from an accredited physical therapist assistant program can prepare you for this career. In 2007, physical therapist assistants made $44,340 a year.

Skin Care Specialist

With an increasing population that is also interested in skin care, the need for skin care specialists or estheticians is on the rise. In 2007, skin care specialists earned an average annual wage of $30,600. A program in skin care will give you the career training you need to provide facials, body treatments, and make-up advice to keep your clients looking gorgeous.

Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselor

Substance abuse and behavior disorder counselors assist clients with their recovery from addiction. Whether their clients are facing problems with alcohol, drugs, gambling, or eating disorders, counselors help them get on with their lives. A bachelor's degree in counseling and career training can prepare you for this worthwhile but emotionally demanding job, which paid an average yearly wage of $37,830 in 2007.

Veterinary Technologist and Technician

Veterinary technologists and technicians serve as nurses to pooches and felines. You may also work in an aquarium or a zoo. A two- or four-year program in veterinary technology can provide you with career training in this quickly growing profession, which paid $28,920 on average in 2007.

Online associate's degrees and bachelor's degrees have never been so accessible. With many schools and programs to choose from, you can begin the career training you need for a profession whose employer just may be looking for you.

Where the Jobs Are

by Elysha Rom-Povolo, HealthJobsStartHere.com

With the economy in the dumps, job security is more important than ever. And that means choosing a field where you can be sure your skills will be in demand for years to come.

Health care is one of the fastest growing industries in the nation. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), over the next eight years health care job openings are expected to grow twice as fast as those in all other sectors of the economy combined.

In fact, seven of the top twenty fastest-growing careers are in health care. Here's where the opportunities are (with data from BLS):

1. Home care aide
Expected job growth: 53%

There are minimal requirements to become a home care aide -- and it's one of the most in-demand jobs in the country. Home care aides care for people who are disabled in their own homes. Besides assisting with laundry, meals and household tasks, home health aides may also advise patients and their families on nutrition, cleanliness, and other household activities. If you're looking for a health job that doesn't require special training, this is a great place to start. Typical salaries range from $17,895 to $23,481 a year.

2. Medical assistants
Expected job growth: 36%

Medical assistants help with essential administrative and clinical tasks that keep hospitals and clinics running smoothly. They update medical records, fill out insurance forms, handle billing and bookkeeping, and take patients' vital signs. Medical assistants make between $24,317 and $36,987 a year and can be trained on the job or through a short certification program.

3. Physical therapists and physical therapist assistants
Expected job growth: 33%

Physical therapists help people recover from injuries and prevent permanent physical disabilities. While becoming a physical therapist requires a master's degree, you can get certified as a physical therapist assistant in just two years and begin earning $44,762 to $61,139 a year right away.

4. Pharmacy technicians
Expected job growth: 32%

Pharmacy technicians help pharmacists provide medication to patients by preparing prescriptions, maintaining patient records, organizing insurance claim forms and stocking inventory of medications. Pharmacy technicians enter the field through on the job training, and typically make $30,085 to $40,285 a year.

5. Dental hygienists
Expected job growth: 31%

Dental hygienists clean teeth, look for oral disease and provide preventative care. Since they often work with the dentist during treatment, dental hygienists also have to be familiar with various instruments including ultrasonics, X-ray machines, and syringes. Dental hygienists must complete a two-year certification program before entering the field and they earn between $60,654 and $93,475.

6. Physician Assistants
Expected job growth: 30%

Physician assistants perform tasks typically performed by a doctor. They take medical histories, examine and treat patients, order and interpret laboratory tests and X-rays, make diagnoses and prescribe medications. They also treat minor injuries and may supervise technicians and assistants. This job requires a master's degree and brings a salary of $70,390 to $98,751.

7. Occupational Therapists
Expected job growth: 29%

Occupational therapists help people with mental or physical disabilities develop or recover the skills they need for work and daily living. Occupational therapists are required to earn a master's degree and make a salary of $64,402 to $88,664. However, if you are looking to get into the field more quickly and still make some money, consider getting a two-year certification as an occupational therapist assistant and making $43,337 to $59,404.

6 Unusual High-Paying Careers

by Gabby Hyman, FindTheRightSchool.com

American job titles and responsibilities are constantly morphing to suit the economic and cultural transitions of our madcap age. Euphemisms are often the way recruiters dress up old job titles to narrow the field to specialists. A "hash slinger" is now termed a "culinary resource professional." Kidding aside, today's workers are often forced by marketplace realities to undergo at least one rapid job change over their adult lives. Many enroll at online colleges and trade schools to garner fresh skills that fit their experience and previous training.

Some of these hot new careers you may have never heard of are "green-collar" jobs. These jobs are on the rise as the business world responds to dramatic increases in energy costs and environmental regulation. And while disposable income seems threatened by a roller-coaster economy, other new careers are springing up to suit those who have cash to spend.

Here are six hot career fields you may not have heard of:

Eco Tourism Director

Traditional hospitality careers are increasingly marching to the ecotourism drumbeat. According to the International Ecotourism Society, ecotourism is growing at three times the rate of traditional vacationing, increasing annually up to 30 percent. If you're just preparing for the field, seek an associate's degree in hospitality, travel, or tourism. If you're already aboard, why not train to manage a hotel, bed and breakfast, spa, or resort with a graduate degree in business or hospitality? The majority of lodging managers are self-employed professionals. Top earners in 2007 averaged $83,240 for the year.

Professional Hacker

Ever hear of a certified ethical hacker? That's the professional IT certification for a computer scientist that works as a security specialist, forensic investigator, or network defense architect for corporations, the government, and law enforcement agencies to help prevent hacking or to track down perpetrators. To get into the field, you'll need more than the hacking skills you tweaked together in your garage. Begin by earning a bachelor's degree in computer science or information technology. You can get additional online college training in network security. The top 50 percent of computer scientists earned between $97,970 and $123,900 in 2007.

Pet Psychologist

Don't be so shocked. Even Sparky sometimes needs help to keep from gnawing through the neighbor's bed of prized roses. Once the local vet has ruled out physical ailments that can contribute to rude pet behavior, people who love their animals may need to call in a trained, certified behaviorist or pet psychologist. As with human patients, pets can be analyzed and taught to act contrary to destructive impulses. There are even certified applied animal behaviorists. To get into the field, you'll need a master's or doctorate degree in psychology, preferably with additional work in zoology and animal behavior. Salaries vary greatly by locale, but can be upwards of $90,000 a year.

Conservation Consultant

There are companies who are greatly concerned with increasing energy efficiency. And there are those with a conscience, striving to reduce their carbon footprint. When Yahoo! decided to go carbon-neutral by 2007, they hired a director of energy strategy and climate change. Combine your thirst for conservation with an engineering degree to prepare for this thriving field. The U.S. Labor Department predicts a hefty 25 percent increase in environmental engineers during the 2006-2016 decade. In 2007, the top 50 percent earned between $70,000 and $106,000.

Fashion Consultant/Personal Shopper

Among those who care about their appearance, many are born with amazing taste; some have to work for it. Fashion designers and consultants help those who can afford personal attention to transform their image. You can be the one to consult on hair, makeup, and fashion--and then be the one to take your clients shopping. Get career training through an associate's or bachelor's degree program in fashion design. Top earners in the fashion design trades in 2007 took home $121,640 on average.

Mobile Experience Architect

The cool streaming videos and eye-popping CD covers that get delivered to the screens of millions of cell phones and PDAs each hour are designed to make you spend money. Information architects create the structure and mind-manipulating patterns (site maps) of each mobile delivery. You'll need to learn about marketing, strategy, and user testing through a degree program in computer science, Web design, or business. There's even an IT certification for professional mobile architects. Salaries range into six figures.

As our world rapidly evolves, it's no surprise that the work landscape is evolving as well. You can prepare for and keep up with the changes by updating your training and credentials.

Gabby Hyman has created online strategies and written content for Fortune 500 companies including eToys, GoTo.com, Siebel Systems, Microsoft Encarta, Avaya, and Nissan UK.

Recruiter Roundtable: Keys to Success in 2009

Expert Advice on What Job-Seekers Must Do This Year

The Recruiter Roundtable is a monthly feature that collects career and job-seeking advice from a group of recruiting experts throughout the United States. The question we put before our panel this month is:

In light of the troubling economic climate and tightening job market, what is the one thing that job-seekers must do in order to be successful in landing a good job in 2009?

Exhaust All Options

Tell everyone you know about the type of position you are looking for, network online and at industry events, go on informational interviews, work with a recruiting firm, take on temporary assignments, and be flexible when meeting with prospective employers.

When developing your cover letter and resume, quantify the value of your contributions to previous employers, including how you helped cut costs, reduce inefficiencies or improve profitability. There are opportunities available, but job seekers will have to work harder to find them and cannot afford to leave even one stone unturned.
-- DeLynn Senna, executive director of North American permanent placement services, Robert Half International

Network With Smarts

Candidates must be building and strengthening their network -- ideally before it's needed. Find networking events to go find other like-minded individuals and connectors. Build your online presence through your social networks and be an active participant in the community. And remember to give more than take -- share your knowledge, help others be better, and invest time in building strong, long-lasting relationships. These are the relationships that could turn into future job leads.
-- Lindsay Olson, partner, Paradigm Staffing

Flexibility Is Key

Stay open to opportunities in new or related industries, companies of a different size, or in a different location; and be aware that with the advent of technology, a new location just may be your home office.

Be flexible. You may or may not have to travel a bit more, take a different title, or give up some of the perks you've had in the past to assume your new role. All things being equal, if you're flexible around these topics you're chances of getting hired increase considerably.
-- Cheryl Ferguson, recruiter, The Recruiter's Studio

Diversify and Listen

My advice is two-fold: Be ready to diversify the ways in which you communicate your experiences AND listen well.

First, make a laundry list, just for yourself, of all the projects, contributions, ideas, etc., from your last three positions. This is what's not on your resume. It jogs your memory about how you have differentiated yourself. You'll recall and distill examples of your success, and you'll be ready for more questions.

Second, listen closely to what the recruiter and/or hiring manager is asking you. They are looking for something very particular, whether the opportunity is leadership or entry-level. Walking someone through your resume or citing examples that they're not seeking could hinder your ability to seem specific to their job. You want to be very clear about your transferable skills and your willingness to adapt to their environment.
-- Ross Pasquale, recruiting/sourcing consultant, Monday Ventures

Tailor Your Resume

The most important thing that job seekers must do in 2009 to be successful is to diversify the content of their resumes based on the roles that they are applying for. For example, a job seeker may have worked in the past as a Java engineer, and also obtained project management along the way. However, a resume that is oriented strongly toward being a Java engineer has only a slight chance of being considered for a project-manager position.

For job seekers to increase their chances at success, they should shape their resumes to reflect relevant matching skills with the job posting(s) they are applying to. By doing so, a recruiter and/or hiring manager will more easily understand how a job seeker's past experiences apply to the posted role. This method increases the chance of being considered a strong candidate, receiving an interview, and, ultimately, a new position.
-- Joanna Samuels, senior account manager, GravityPeople

Jobs That Will Never Go Away

by Romy LeClaire Loran, FindtheRightSchool.com

Choosing a career path can be challenging. Half of all college students change their majors at least once as they travel the sometimes bumpy road that will lead right degree. If you want to follow your dreams as well as provide for a certain future, take heart. As long as human beings continue to inhabit the planet, there are many worthwhile and fulfilling jobs that will never go away.

Accountant
As long as there are taxes, there will be a need for skilled accountants to work with clients, helping them keep their books in order. While accounting technology becomes more sophisticated, many accountants also assist clients with the technological aspects of record keeping and tax preparation. An online degree can prepare you for this field by providing accounting coursework and career training. Many assistant accountants begin with training and an associate's degree. Armed with a bachelor's degree in accounting, you could make an average annual salary of $63,180, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Computer Support Specialist
If you thrive on helping your friends and family solve their computer woes, consider becoming a computer support specialist. With computers playing such an important part of daily life, computer support specialists provide their clients much needed technical assistance. As a computer support specialist, you will meet with clients in person or answer questions remotely, via Internet, or on the phone. Many computer support specialists either have a bachelor's degree in computer science or an associate's degree in a computer-related program. In 2007, computer support specialists made an average annual salary of $45,300, according to the BLS.

Entrepreneur
To be an entrepreneur you need to be an independent, outgoing risk taker as you establish your own business or company. Although it may be hard to know whether a business will succeed, there will always be a need for a variety of goods and services and businesses to supply them. An online degree in business can help make your dreams a reality, as you earn your associate's or bachelor's degree. Although salaries can vary greatly with the self-employed, small business owners made an average annual wage of $36,000 to $75,095 in 2008, according to Pay Scale.

Mechanic
As anyone who commutes or runs to the store knows, we live in a nation of automobiles. If you know the make and model of every automobile that zips by and have an interest in what's under the hood, consider becoming an automotive service technician or mechanic. Automotive service technicians and mechanics diagnose problems with cars and light trucks and fix them. Mechanics need to be analytical, good problem solvers, and willing to work with computerized diagnostic tools and programs as well as traditional tools. You can also specialize in an area such as brakes or cooling systems. Online career training can get you started. Programs range from six months to two years. Mechanics made an average annual salary of $36,480 in 2007, according to the BLS.

Paramedic
Paramedics make life and death decisions, assessing injuries and providing emergency medical care. To be a paramedic you have to be agile, strong, and be willing to work under pressure. Although the hours can be long, many paramedics find great satisfaction in helping others. An EMT paramedic has usually taken courses in anatomy and physiology and completed a one-to-two-year program -- or the equivalent of an associate's degree. Basic and intermediate certification can get you started in this fast paced, much needed career. According to the BLS, paramedics earned an average of $30,870 annually in 2007.

Teacher
As long as human beings continue to have children, there will be a need for teachers. If you enjoy working with young children and want to teach, you can make $50,040 on average annually if you are an elementary school teacher, and $52,450 annually if you are a secondary teacher, according to the BLS. Elementary teachers have the pleasure of teaching all subjects. Secondary teachers also get to follow their bliss. By focusing on specific certification areas, secondary teachers specialize in the subjects they want to teach. Many online programs can get you started towards a bachelor's degree in education and certification.

Whatever your calling may be, with the right degree and career training, your career prospects for these much-needed jobs can help keep you from becoming outsourced or even worse, obsolete.

10 Hot Professions for 2009

by Joy Victory, Payscale.com

As the global economy continues to falter, job prospects for 2009 are expected to slow. But if you're lucky enough to be in one of these top fields, your job future is still quite bright. Take a look at this list below and either thank your lucky stars that your job is already on it, or consider seeking the education and experience for the career that most interests you.

Auditor. With all of the economic upheaval, businesses are being watched more carefully than ever. "There is a lot of money flowing into companies right now due to the stimulus package," says Ron Mitchell, CEO and co-founder of GottaMentor, a career coaching service located in New York City. "And, we've all seen some issues with, 'Where is this money going to?'" He adds that auditors are mostly working for the big four [accounting firms] and also as internal auditors. Average Yearly Salary - $64,914

Career Counselor. More folks than usual are starting off the new year without a job in sight. How can the out-of-work find gainful employment? From outplacement agencies to government programs, career counselors and coaches will be very busy in 2009 helping make things easier. Mitchell encourages those seeking work to get professional help, saying, "Many individuals will need to completely re-engineer their careers. In order to do that, people need personalized guidance and feedback from an expert counselor." Average Yearly Salary - $54,426

Counselor. Besides their bank accounts, people's self-esteem and confidence are getting hit hard these days. "People's self worth is tied up in their job, so you have a huge identity crisis happening. Counseling and mental health services will be in high demand," says Mitchell. Guidance and some soul-searching can result in new and better careers for those in transition. Average Yearly Salary - $40,275

Public Relations Specialist. Rather than promoting a line of sparkly, new products or an exciting initiative, many public relations professionals will spend the upcoming year smoothing over unfortunate events. Mitchell predicts: "Being able to tell a story about major layoffs, reduced sales, and failed mergers, without causing a panic in the market, will become even more important." Average Yearly Salary - $44,334

Factor. A what? Didn't you study those in algebra? While this career is fairly foreign to most folks, now that bank loans are hard to come by, factoring allows small business to get funding based on their current accounts receivable -- the money they expect to have coming in. Factoring works well for retailers and other businesses that have big receivables. Mitchell explains that factoring is a legitimate source of funds in hard times. He says, "It's a huge business and, at a time when people can't get other types of lending, factors are skilled experts at lending against accounts receivables." Average Yearly Salary - $79,846

Health-Care Technician. You may know that nurses are in demand, but what about the folks they work with? "There's never enough of them, like radiology technicians, lab assistants, and home health aides. Health-care is the largest industry in the country, and in the more technical aspects of those careers we have a huge shortage of personnel," says Mitchell. Average Yearly Salary (Pharmacy Technician) - $32,531

Mechanical Engineer (and all engineering fields). With every passing year, more skilled-labor jobs are replaced by complex automation or robotics systems. For example, some hospitals have turned to "robotic pharmacies" to help dispense medication. It's the engineers who help build these automated systems, says Jim Turnquist, director of career services at Michigan Technological University in Houghton, Mich. "In the U.S. we only graduate 70,000 engineers per year, but we're going to need 100,000 per year. The demand is going to go way up." Average Yearly Salary - $71,490

Networking/System Administrator. Since almost all business transactions these days are done with the assistance of a vast computer network, the people who understand how to keep computer networks running smoothly are critically important -- and consequently, in high demand. "Network and system administrators maintain the company's infrastructure. People need people to fix and monitor their infrastructure, keep them updated," Mitchell says. Average Yearly Salary - $54,193

Nurse. The health-care field has been booming for a long time, and all signs indicate it will continue to do so, says Turnquist. He also says college students and people looking for a new job field would be wise to consider physical therapy and similar "exercise science" fields, since aging Baby Boomers will be looking for ways to remain active long into their later years. Average Yearly Salary (Registered Nurse) - $53,840

Software Designer/Developer. Companies from all sectors of the economy are looking for software engineers and programmers, says Turnquist. This is because society in general is becoming more tech-dependent -- just think of how rapidly cell phones change with each passing year -- requiring software developers that can stay abreast of all the changes. Average Yearly Salary - $72,070

Source: All salary data is from PayScale.com. The salaries listed are median, annual salaries for full-time workers with 5-8 years of experience and include any bonuses, commissions or profit sharing.

5 Top Green Jobs

In-Demand Jobs That Make Green Industries Go

by Kristina Cowan, PayScale.com

With high energy costs bearing down on individuals and companies alike, green industries offer viable solutions to our world's energy fix, and plenty of jobs. Experts point to a host of in-demand green jobs, a handful of which are below, noting that as the industries and technologies constantly evolve, so too will these jobs.

Wind-Energy Developer
The U.S. wind-energy market is very competitive, drawing new players and offering growth opportunities in all sectors of the industry, according to the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA). In especially high demand are wind-energy developers, who do the front-end work, including finding plots of land for wind farms, collaborating with meteorologists on wind assessments, and working with land owners and local regulatory agencies and power companies, according to Chris Beck, president of Global Recruiters of Boulder in Colorado, which specializes in recruiting for renewable energy and sustainable industries.

"We see developers who may have engineering, law, construction backgrounds. It really is a fusion of a lot of different disciplines," Beck says. They can earn salaries between $110,000-$180,000, he notes, and often have large bonuses based on successful projects, which can easily add 50 percent or more to their salaries.

Wind Construction Project Manager
After a developer lays the groundwork for a wind farm, the construction manager "takes over and gets the thing built," Beck explains. These positions manage the daily activities of constructing wind farms, such as road work, foundations, collection systems, substation, interconnection, and commissioning, according to AWEA.

"They usually have an engineering background, and oftentimes they have experience building other energy-generating systems, like a fossil fuel plant," according to Beck. Their salary range is between $110,000-$130,000, he says.

Sustainability Director
Sustainability directors devise ways for companies to be more environmentally sensitive through such methods as reducing a company's "carbon footprint." The footprint measures the amount of greenhouse gases produced by burning fossil fuels for electricity, heating, etc., according to CarbonFootprint.com.

Directors' broad range of responsibilities fall into two categories, says Richard Eidlin, the Colorado-based business outreach director at the Apollo Alliance, which promotes clean energy and a reduction in dependence on foreign oil. There's an internal side of the job that looks holistically at how a company operates and creates ways to boost the bottom line through energy efficiency. On the external side, the director interacts with suppliers, regulators and products designers, as well as customers, investors, and advocacy groups.

Eidlin says the jobs are fairly high-paid, earning $100,000 and up and usually require a background in science or engineering, depending on the company. "People interested in science, society, and policy would find this position of interest, because you have to keep track of all three to do well," he explains.

Energy Engineer
Energy engineers help companies reduce their energy costs, often focusing on making buildings more energy efficient. These positions are in high demand, according to Beck, as more companies strive for energy efficiency. Mechanical engineers are good candidates for these jobs; they simply need to learn about energy efficiency tools and techniques, Beck explains. He says their salary range is between $65,000 and $120,000.

If you're looking for a full-time energy engineering gig, your best bet may be at a larger firm with a bigger budget, according to Eidlin.

Environmental Engineer
Using biology and chemistry principles to develop solutions to environmental problems is the work of environmental engineers, who seek to limit the effects of acid rain, global warming, car emissions, and ozone depletion. "Assignments include the development of long-range community, regional, or facility plans to serve the public and protect the environment," according to Alexandra Levit's new book, "How'd You Score That Gig?: A Guide to the Coolest Jobs-and How to Get Them." "Environmental engineers are the ones behind the scenes, working every day to keep our planet from deteriorating more than it already has."

The Bureau of Labor Statistics says environmental engineers should see employment growth of 25 percent between 2006 and 2016, much faster than the average for all occupations. PayScale salary data shows the annual median salary for environmental engineers with five to nine years of experience at $61,142.

6 Jobs That Thrive When the Economy Falters

by Kristina Cowan, PayScale.com

Each day, as our tattered economy shreds a bit more, you may wonder, "Is anyone out there actually doing well?" Yes, experts say, some careers are in demand -- particularly those that will help reshape businesses and thereby revive the economy.

According to executive search firm CTPartners' 2009 "Hot Jobs" report, as government rescue plans unfold and companies are restructured, sought-after experts will be in disciplines like risk management, restructuring and financial engineering. "Wall Street in turmoil" will be hiring for a number of positions, according to the report. Meanwhile, Lynne Sarikas, director of the MBA career center at Northeastern University's College of Business Administration, points to other hot spots for jobs. Read on for a closer look at six of them:

1. Restructuring Officers

While restructuring may be a dreaded word, it's often essential to setting a workplace straight after a major shakeup. Restructuring officers lead companies through bankruptcy, mergers and acquisitions, or other major reorganizations, and can command hefty pay. At a Fortune 1000 company, a restructuring officer could earn $750,000-$1 million in cash and the same value in restricted stock, says Simon J. Francis, a partner with CTPartners.

2. Turnaround Experts

Like it or not, our economy has to be turned around. Newly hired CEOs and CFOs at private equity companies that buy distressed assets are "turnaround experts," explains Francis. They provide strategies to improve operational and financial performance, reorganize balance sheets, develop refinancing options and implement operational changes to regain profitability. A CEO could make $500,000-$1 million plus 3-5 percent equity, and the CFO could make $500,000-$750,000 plus 1-2 percent equity, Francis says.

3. Distressed Asset Managers

These professionals are financial fix-it gurus. They handle a troubled company's assets, including refinancing, general partner substitution, legal action, loan restructuring, recapitalization and compliance. Not surprisingly, pay beats that of your typical handyman's -- potentially around $1 million a year or more, according to CTPartners.

4. Bankruptcy Attorneys

As bankruptcy increases, this field will grow, says Sarikas of Northeastern University. Bankruptcy attorneys advise clients on debt relief options and guide insolvent individuals and businesses through each phase of a federal bankruptcy filing, according to FindLaw.com. The median salary for an attorney* with 5-9 years of experience is $88,461.

5. Financial Analysts

Getting the most bang for your buck is more important than ever, and financial analysts can help. They assess the economic performance of companies and industries for firms and institutions with money to invest. The median salary for financial analysts* with 5-9 years of experience is $56,940.

"Companies need employees with strong quantitative and analytical skills to monitor and evaluate business results ... and to make recommendations. Companies will continue to try to do more with less, so understanding the results in detail will be critical," Sarikas explains.

6. Budget Analysts

Budget analysts keep a careful watch on where the money goes, a top concern nowadays. "Preparing the company budget will be critical, and with financial uncertainty it will be more challenging than ever," Sarikas says.

In private firms, a budget analyst's main responsibility is to examine the budget and find new ways to improve efficiency and increase profits. In nonprofit and governmental organizations, which typically aren't focused on profits, analysts search for the most efficient way to distribute funds and other resources among various departments and programs. Budget analysts* with 5-9 years of experience earn a median salary of $55,305.

Whether or not these career options appeal to you, they underscore how vital it is for workers to stay in demand in any job market. If you're looking for new work, experts suggest tapping skills you already have and reconfiguring them. "Keep your skills up and go with the trend," says Barbara Safani, president of New York-based Career Solvers, a career-management firm.

You don't have to be a "turnaround expert" -- just a more marketable version of yourself.

*Salary data from PayScale.com.

Also on Yahoo! HotJobs:

Job-hunting in an unsteady economy
Create a winning job-search game plan
4 career risks worth taking
Find a new job near you

Job Talkin'
Make Your Resume Stand out From the Pack

by: Brad Karsh

Question: I have recently moved, and it has been tough finding work. I started looking for work back in April. What can I do to enhance my resume and land a job?

-- Trying to Stand Out, South Bend, IN

Answer: So, what can you do to make sure your resume is selected from a stack that could be 400 deep? That's the challenge when it comes time to writing your resume.

The key is to make sure you write an accomplishment resume as opposed to a job-description resume.

Focus on Accomplishments

This is the single biggest mistake that virtually all job-seekers make: Most people write job description resumes. In essence, they describe not only what they did, but what anyone would have done. Here's an example:

Sales Representative, Szabo Industrial, Minneapolis, MN, 2003-Present

* Sold manufacturing components to clients throughout the Midwest

* Developed and maintained strong relationships with all customers

* Created call lists and scheduled in-person visits

* Managed personal budget and prepared reports

Now that may sound good, but the sad fact is that every sales rep in the history of Szabo Industrial -- or any company for that matter -- did those exact same things. The recruiting director will not say, "Wow this guy was a sales rep and he developed relationships with his clients -- let's get him in here."

The key to a great resume is to focus on what YOU specifically accomplished. What did you do that was unique, special, different, or distinctive?

Define Your Accomplishments

Think about your accomplishments -- both in terms of scope and results.

Scope: How big? How much? How many? How often?

Results: Did you grow sales? Did you save the company money? Were you recognized for your achievement? Did you create something new?

If you can guess from these questions, you get accomplishments through numbers, numbers, and more numbers. You want to be as specific as you can in everything you write.

A Better Example

Let's look at a new version of the sample resume. Same person, same job, but a very different resume

Sales Representative, Szabo Industrial, Minneapolis, MN, 2003-Present

* Sold $35 million in industrial products to more than 1,200 clients throughout the Midwest

· Ranked second out of 21 national sales reps

· Exceeded company-mandated sales goals by 19%

* Personally secured more than 350 new customers through dedicated cold calling and in-person visits

* Managed a budget of $75,000 annually -- decreasing spending by 18%

* Prepared dozens of comprehensive summary reports delivered monthly to national VP of sales

Sounds quite a bit better, doesn't it? Wouldn't you want to hire this person? I know I would.

Here's a great evaluation tip: If what's written on your resume can be written by the person who held the job before you or after you -- rip up your resume and start over.

Good luck!

Brad Karsh is president of JobBound, a career consulting and resume writing firm. One of the nation's leading job search experts, he's author of "Confessions of a Recruiting Director." If you have a question for Brad, email him at jobtalkin@yahoo.com.

Job Hunting For Dummies , 2nd Edition

by Max Messmer

Based on what I see in this resume, you seem to be overqualified for this position. What do you think?

In many cases, the main concern of an interviewer who brings up the issue of being “overqualified” is that you’re taking this job as a stop-gap measure and that as soon as something better comes along, you’ll be out the door. Sometimes, too, the interviewer simply feels uncomfortable hiring you for a job that is clearly “beneath” you.

The best way to respond to this question is to acknowledge that, yes, you may be overqualified, but that this fact works to the company’s advantage. Your ability to override the concerns embedded in this question depends on your ability to give the interviewer reasonable assurance that you’re going to make this job a priority. Among the reasons that could carry some persuasive weight are the following.

ü You have decided to make a career change and recognize that you can’t aim as high as you normally might.

ü The jobs for which you are qualified are in short supply in this particular region, and you have decided that you don’t want to move.

ü You have a personal interest in the job at hand that has little to do with your qualifications (that is, something you’ve always wanted

to do but never had the opportunity to do before).

Pitfall to avoid: Arguing the point – insisting that you aren’t overqualified when you clearly are; suggesting that you are “curious” or imitating that you are halfhearted in your pursuit.

6 Unusual High-Paying Careers

by Gabby Hyman, FindTheRightSchool.com

Here are six hot career fields you may not have heard of:

Eco Tourism Director

Professional Hacker

Pet Psychologist

Conservation Consultant

Fashion Consultant/Personal Shopper

Mobile Experience Architect

As our world rapidly evolves, it's no surprise that the work landscape is evolving as well. You can prepare for and keep up with the changes by updating your training and credentials.

Gabby Hyman has created online strategies and written content for Fortune 500 companies including eToys, GoTo.com, Siebel Systems, Microsoft Encarta, Avaya, and Nissan UK.

Smart Ways to Trim Big-Ticket Expenses

by Steve Santiago
Friday, November 7, 2008

provided by

Anyone on a tight budget knows how hard it can be to save money these days, especially when most of your income is spent paying for such basics as food, gas and housing.

Barring unexpected windfalls such as an inheritance or a huge salary increase, today's cash-strapped families need to take a look at their spending habits if they expect to free up money for emergencies, retirement or even dinner and a movie.

The first step is coming to terms with wants versus needs. Next, tally all major monthly expenses and investigate whether they can be obtained more cheaply.

Budget-conscious consumers can find dozens of ways to trim fat from bloated household budgets, but rather than focus on minutiae, we've compiled ideas that provide the biggest bang for the buck.

7 Ways to Cut Back Expenses

1. Homeowners Insurance

If you can afford to, consider raising your deductible to $500 or $1,000. You can also reduce your premium by reducing coverage on the "household contents" portion of your insurance policy. This part of your homeowner's policy covers your personal belongings rather than the structure itself.

Most insurance companies offer discounts if you buy your homeowners and automobile policies from them. You can also reduce your premium by installing smoke alarms, deadbolt locks and home security systems that are monitored 24 hours a day.

Potential Savings: By raising your deductibles, combining policies and installing home security devices, you can save as much as 25 percent every month on premiums, according to the Insurance Information Institute.

2. Auto Insurance

Start by shopping around and requesting multiple quotes. (You might also want to get quotes for homeowners insurance at the same time, since having multiple lines with one company usually results in reduced costs.) Make sure the coverage you seek from competitors matches the coverage you have (or want) so that the comparisons are apples-to-apples.

Auto polices can vary by several hundred dollars, depending on the insurance company and your driving record. Blemishes like speeding tickets and chargeable accidents will cost you more.

Be sure to advise your insurance agent of your car's safety features. Such things as air bags, anti-lock brakes, daytime running lights and anti-theft devices can shave dollars off your premium.

Be sure not to skimp on liability insurance, though. A March 2008 report by AAA concluded that the average cost of a crash-related injury was $68,170, factoring in medical costs, property damage and rehabilitation, etc.

"If you're in a nasty accident you could lose everything," says Gary Foreman, publisher of Stretcher.com. "That is not the place to start saving."

You can also save money by raising your auto insurance deductible, but make sure that you can afford the increased deductible if you're in an accident. If you own an older vehicle that is fully paid for, you may want to drop comprehensive coverage altogether and opt for general liability coverage only.

Potential Savings: Increasing your deductible from $200 to $500 could cut costs on your collision and comprehensive coverage by 15 percent to 30 percent. Opting for a $1,000 deductible could save you 40 percent or more, according to the Insurance Information Institute.

3. Groceries

The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics says Americans spend nearly 14 percent of the household budget on food. Gary Foreman, publisher of Stretcher.com, believes it's closer to 20 percent, and of that amount, 25 percent is wasted.

"That's because it either: 1) Gets bought and goes bad before they cook it; or 2) They cook it and it goes into the refrigerator -- with every intention of turning it into tomorrow night's leftovers -- but it ends up becoming a science project," he says.

The Goal: Reduce wasted food by 25 percent. You'll see your grocery dollar go a lot further. Cutting coupons can make a dramatic difference.

"Layer the savings, don't settle for just one kind of savings at the grocery store," says Ellie Kay, author of "How to Save Money Every Day."

She advises shoppers to learn to compound savings by monitoring store sales and using double coupons, cash-off-your-next-shopping-trip vouchers, store coupons and more.

It's a good idea to keep track of the prices of frequently bought items in a notebook, suggests Gary Foreman, publisher of Stretcher.com. "So when you see a sale price, you can truly judge if it's a good deal and stock up on it."

Shopping Tip: Make a simple meal plan for the entire week before you go shopping to keep you from buying things that look enticing but don't get eaten.

Cooking Tip: Microwaves can be a busy family's best friend. Prepare a dinner plate or two using leftovers; date and freeze them. Display a list of meals on the front of the freezer. When something gets eaten, cross it off the list. When a new meal is ready for the freezer, add it to the list in chronological order so older food gets eaten first.

Potential Savings: Ellie Kay says the average family of four can save up to $3,900 per year by following these tips.

4. Communications

Premium cable channels and cell phone plans with thousands of minutes and options like texting and Web access go right to the top of the "want" list rather than the "need" list.

The average monthly price for expanded basic programming is $42.76, according to the National Cable & Telecommunications Association. Add a couple of premium channels, a sports package or two and your monthly bill can easily top $100 per month.

"Nobody should be in the position that they are going to lose their home or can't make credit card payments on time because they absolutely have to have HBO2," says Gary Foreman, publisher of Stretcher.com.

Consider if you really need extra cell phone options or an infrequently used landline. The average monthly cost for bundled cell phone service (including voice, Web access and texting options) is between $99 and $149, plus taxes and surcharges.

Potential Savings: $100 or more per month.

5. Clothing

Families with young children tend to spend more on clothing because kids seem to grow into the next size overnight, and they tend to be a little rougher on their wardrobe. The solution? Shop the clearance racks often.

"I purchased six pairs of jeans for my kids this way, with original prices at $60 and sales prices at $20 for a total savings of $240," says Ellie Kay, author of "How to Save Money Every Day."

Another solution is to buy used clothing at consignment or thrift shops, but make sure it's in good condition.

Financial adviser Susan Zimmerman of Mindful Asset Planning in Apple Valley, Minn., says she saved a bundle by waiting until her children were older before they got the latest gear.

"I didn't buy toddler and preschool clothes at a store at all," she says. "I got them at garage sales and things like that."

Potential Savings: Hundreds of dollars, depending on how many children you have and how often you need to buy clothing.

6. Utility Bills

The typical American family spends more than $1,600 a year on home utility bills, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. The price of home heating oil alone rose 49.2 percent between August 2007 and August 2008, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Much of that energy is wasted through cracks in windows and doors and through open chimney flues.

Close the damper on your fireplace if you have one. Leaks through the damper can increase your heating bills by 8 percent or more.

In colder climates, small improvements such as caulking and using plastic films around window frames will stem the amount of heat that's wasted.

"Start with obvious things like weather stripping the house to reduce air conditioning and heating costs," says Gary Foreman, publisher of Stretcher.com. "Any time you can create an air pocket that way, you will save on your heating bill."

Set your thermostat back when you're not home and while you're sleeping. Lower the temperature on your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. An added benefit is that you'll prevent unnecessary scalding injuries.

Potential Savings: You can save up to 10 percent on your heating and cooling costs. A dwelling that incorporates a "whole-house energy efficiency plan" by using proper insulation, compact fluorescent light bulbs and energy-efficient appliances can cut energy costs by up to 25 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

7. Entertainment

Just because you're in "savings combat mode" doesn't mean you have to wait until 49-cent-burger-night to treat the gang to dinner and a movie. One way to curb expenses: Invest in region-specific entertainment coupon books at such sites as Entertainment.com.

The books sell for between $25 and $45 each and pay for themselves in short order. The discount coupons offer deals for eating at local restaurants, but an added benefit is you can also save on movie theaters, theme parks and other local stores.

Potential Savings: The coupon book for the Fort Lauderdale, Fla., area claims more than $18,200 in savings if you use every coupon. Of course, you don't want to use every coupon or your entertainment expenses will be through the roof! But even if you were to use just 10 percent of the coupons, you'd save about $1,820.

Seven Hot Careers in a Cool Job Market

by Richard Barrington

Job seekers should not be discouraged by recent stories proclaiming the weakness of the job market. While unemployment has risen recently to 6.1 percent, this is not much higher than the 50-year average unemployment rate of 5.8 percent, and well short of the double-digit unemployment rates of the early 1980s. Better yet, there are particular occupations which remain very much in demand.

Job seekers should focus their searches on in-demand sectors, and if necessary seek additional career training to qualify for work in those sectors. These days, with online career training programs available, employees can adjust their qualifications without having to give up their existing jobs.

Jobs and Career Training

Training and education in the following seven prominent careers can give you the skills to compete for today's in-demand jobs. These seven careers combined recently turned up over 185,000 current listings on just one national employment database. The jobs are there. You've just got to know where to find them.

Health Care/Health Services. Based on current employment listings, this is the undisputed leader in job demand today, with nursing at the forefront. This profession benefits from a long-term rise in health care demand due to a U.S. population that is both growing and aging in aggregate. As industry growth also creates a number of organizational roles which need to be filled, not all health care jobs involve dealing directly with patients. An associate's degree in medical coding and billing can qualify you for recordkeeping positions, while a bachelor's degree in health care administration could put you on the road toward a management role.

Culinary and Hospitality. The hospitality and food service industries are good sources of job demand because they are labor intensive and require in-person work that cannot be outsourced to a remote location. For folks who feel a creative attraction to cooking, a program in culinary arts can be the start of a career as a chef. For those interested in the management side of the business, an associate's or bachelor's in restaurant management would be more appropriate.

Accounting & Finance. Accounting and finance remains a robust field for job demand. Besides the ever-increasing complexity of the tax code, regulations in the wake of Enron and other scandals a few years back led to increased corporate accounting and audit obligations which greatly increased the workload. The result? More jobs in this field, which can lead to very lucrative careers. You'll want a bachelor's degree in accounting or finance to break into this profession.

Computer Software. Software programmers, designers, and engineers create the programs and applications which take computer functionality to new heights. An associate's degree might get you started in this field, though a bachelor's would carry more weight. Consider coursework focused on programming or computer science.

Automotive Repair & Maintenance. Two pieces of good news here. One is that people are holding onto their cars for longer than ever nowadays--bad news for car sellers, but good news for car mechanics. The other piece of good news is that this is a relatively outsourcing-safe profession that's still performed on location, so there are typically jobs in every part of the country. While you may not need a degree, some formal training in automotive mechanic or a specialty like diesel mechanic will help you get started.

Computer Hardware. If software is the fuel of the information superhighway, hardware is the horsepower. Understanding how to design, configure, and maintain systems and networks is a vital function not only within the computer industry, but also for any reasonably-sized business which relies on computing power. A bachelor's degree in information technology or networking is a good background here.

Education. There is a constant flow of demand for teachers, and with a growing population, that shouldn't fade anytime soon. This is another job that's local in nature, so teaching jobs are available throughout the country and most are not vulnerable to outsourcing. A bachelor's degree in education is a start, though in a few states you may be required to go on and get your master's degree as well.

Conclusion

Since career training decisions should be made with the long-term future in mind, there is a real silver lining to choosing coursework or degrees when the job market is a little soft. Often times, jobs which are products of roaring economies turn out to be short-lived once the next downturn hits. In today's economy, you can get a glimpse at careers that are thriving despite a soft job market. These could well turn out to be the best career directions to take for the long run.

Big Bucks Without Big Debt

Earn $100K Salaries, No Advance Degree Required

by Grace Chen, FindTheRightSchool.com

Don't be afraid to fantasize about earning six figures. Doctors and lawyers aren't the only professionals in the $100K club. In fact, there are quite a few well-compensated professions that are open to bachelor's degree holders. Even if you don't quite reach those elusive six-digits, the following careers can offer a hefty paycheck without the decades of student loan payback that can come with a master's or doctoral program. Best of all, if you're open to relocating, each of the five professions below holds the possibility of hitting that magic number--if you're willing to choose your zip code with care.

Police Supervisor

The Job: As a supervising police officer you'd be in charge of overseeing subordinate officers, keeping records of your force's activities, and assigning duties to station personnel. The ability to exercise good judgment in intense and high-pressure situations is crucial for this job. You'll also have to be willing to work overtime as well as weekends and holidays to ensure the round-the-clock police coverage your community needs.
The Debt: The minimum requirement for police supervisors in many states is simply a high school diploma. Since you're new to the field, get a jump on competition by earning an associate's or bachelor's degree in criminal justice or law enforcement.
The Zip Code: Check out 12123, Nassau, New York, where first-line supervisors of police officers made an average salary of $113, 810 in 2007, close to $40,000 more than the national average.

Registered Nurse (RN)

The Job: All RNs, regardless of their focus, are responsible for providing medical care and education to patients and their families. If you're an adrenaline junkie, you could thrive as an emergency room nurse. Can't get enough of newborns? Consider a career in neonatology nursing.
The Debt: Take your pick from an associate's degree in nursing (ADN), a bachelor's of science degree in nursing (BSN), or a diploma program in nursing.
The Zip Code: While median earnings of RNs nationwide are nothing to sneeze at (close to $60,000 in 2007), nurses in San Jose, California (95101), banked an average of $95,580.

Computer Software Engineer

The Job: Software engineers focus on designing and developing computer software to meet the needs of the rapidly growing population of computer users worldwide. In addition to being one of the fastest-growing careers in the nation, this profession lends itself to telecommuting, an added perk if you don't want to leave home to find a higher-paying position.
The Debt: In 2006, eighty percent of all software engineers had at least a bachelor's degree. If you're an aspiring computer software engineer, check out degree programs in computer science or software engineering.
The Zip Code: Average wages for professionals in this field in Haverhill, Massachusetts (01830), were $106,270 in 2007, while nationally the average was $85,660.

Dental Hygienist

The Job: It may not seem glamorous, but keeping people's mouths clean is a practical career choice offering job security, high wages, and even some flexibility in scheduling. Strong interpersonal skills are a must for these professionals, who spend their days up close with their patients.
The Debt: At the bare minimum you'll need an associate's degree or certificate in dental hygiene to practice in a private dental office or clinic. Earning a bachelor's degree could help you compete for higher-paying jobs.
The Zip Code: Most hygienists earn a comfortable living regardless of their location -- the national average was just over $64,000 in 2007. Zip code 98221 (Anacortes, Washington) tops the list of high-paying cities, however, where hygienist salaries average $97,600.

Interior Designer

The Job: Although reality TV shows have created a generation of amateur in-home designers, professionals in this field work in spaces ranging from airports to schools. In addition to combining paint colors, fabrics, window treatments and light fixtures, interior designers must also be able to read blueprints, understand fire codes, and collaborate with architects and contractors.
The Debt: You'll need at least an associate's degree to land an entry-level position as an interior designer. In 23 states designers must be licensed.
The Zip Code: Average earnings for interior designers were just over $50,000 in 2007. Head for Grand Rapids, Michigan (49501), however, and you could make double that.

You don't have to spend the next 10 years in school to make a comfortable salary. Choose your field of study and your future home with care and you could soon find yourself working your way to a six-figure paycheck.

Quick Paths to a Health-Care Career

by Tamar Snyder, ClassesUSA.com

Worried about the effect of the recession on your career prospects? Don't be. Even in an economic downturn, one sector is staying strong -- health care.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' (BLS) Current Employment Statistics, health care employment continued to grow in the first few months of 2008. During the past 12 months, the health care sector overall has grown by 363,000 jobs, making it the largest industry in the United States, accounting for 13.5 million jobs.

Better yet, the health care sector will generate 3 million new jobs by 2016, more than any other industry -- thanks, in part, to aging baby boomers and increased numbers of retirees. Plus, most positions will require less than four years of college education. Here's a look at the four accessible health care jobs -- and the education or training necessary to break into this growing field.

Registered Nurse

Registered nurses are in high demand. If you're nurturing, detail oriented, and capable of staying calm in stressful situations, a career in nursing may prove a good fit. By 2010, 1.7 million nurses will be needed, but only 635,000 will be available. Demand is highest for nurses in emergency room, operating room, intensive care, pediatrics and labor and delivery room. Median salary in 2006 was $57,280. To become a nurse, enroll in a nursing program, which range from bachelor's, associate degrees, and diplomas.

Health Information Technicians

Were you the designated "note taker" in class? If you're super organized and meticulous to boot, a career in health information technology may suit you. Health information technologists maintain the medical records for patients -- including observations of their general health, medical history and symptoms, X-rays, diagnoses, surgery and treatments. Don't especially like working with people? This is one of the few careers in the health field where you can hunker down in your office, during day, evening, or night shifts. Computer skills are essential in analyzing data. Health information technicians typically earn around $29,290, according to latest BLS figures, and have an associate degree from a community or junior college. Many employers prefer to hire technicians who have become Registered Health Information Technicians (RHIT).

Dental Hygienists

Dental hygienists earn an average of $64,740 and enjoy a relatively "clean" job fostering good oral hygiene by scraping teeth, applying fluoride or sealants, and sometime taking and developing X-rays. Perks often include flexible hours; more than half of all dental hygienists work part time. Many dental hygienists arrange their schedule so they only work two to three days a week. As for educational requirements, you'll need an associate degree or certificate from an accredited dental hygiene school and a state license.

Health Service Managers

Health service managers, also known as health care administrators, manage the business end of specific clinical departments or entire health care facilities. They can be in charge of millions of dollars worth of equipment and hundreds of employees. They must be good managers with an understanding of finance and accounting. The job generally requires some travel and overtime, and pays a median salary of $73,340, according to the BLS. While a master's degree in health services administration, public health, or business administration is standard, a bachelor's degree can land you an entry-level job at smaller facilities.

Myth or Truth: Part-Time Careers, Full-Time Benefits

by Clare Kaufman

In any given week, an estimated 23 million Americans work part-time. One in four part-timers gets full health care benefits anyway. One in three counts on retirement benefits such as pension plans and 401Ks. It's not hard to find a career that balances quality of life and your basic needs. The trick is knowing where to look.

Flexible hours and life-friendly workweeks don't have to cost you critical benefits. Many employers are extending full-time benefits packages to workers who log as few as twenty hours per week. Banks, universities, hospitals, and the government are among the employers most likely to offer their part-time employees full-time support. Here's a look at the top careers for workers looking to earn full benefits in half the time.

1. Dental Hygienist

Dental hygienists enjoy some of the most enviable employment terms around: flexible scheduling, plentiful job opportunities, and full medical benefits. More than half of dental hygienists work part time. Nearly all of them--86 percent, according to the American Dental Association--receive hospital and medical benefits.

The overwhelming demand for dental hygienists may explain the favorable work conditions. The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts job growth of thirty percent in the decade from 2006 to 2016, making dental hygiene among the top twenty fastest growing occupations in the nation.

A dental hygienist career starts with a certificate or college degree from an accredited dental hygiene program. The associate's degree in dental hygiene is the most common qualification.

Salary In addition to guaranteed medical care and other benefits, dental hygienists earned a mean hourly wage of $31.21 in 2007.

2. Physical Therapist

Medical benefits are a feature of many part-time health care jobs. A good proportion of the 20 percent of physical therapists who work part time enjoy the same benefits as their full-time colleagues. Physical therapists also top the Bureau of Labor's chart of fast-growing occupations, with 27 percent job growth expected through 2016.

A bachelor's degree in physical therapy is the minimum qualification for a career as a therapist. In addition, all fifty states require a license to practice. Physical therapy programs combine courses in anatomy and sciences with a clinical practicum in a hospital or clinic.

Earnings Besides benefits, physical therapists earn an estimated hourly wage of $34.39, according to the latest Department of Labor figures.

3. Retail Sales Associate The right retail job can earn you a fu

ll spectrum of benefits in a fraction of the time. With customer service at a premium, many companies are willing to offer attractive benefits packages to retain qualified workers. Steve Nord, a benefits manager at UPS, explains: "Offering benefits to part-timers allows us to bring employees into the corporation and turn them into long-term employees--it's definitely a retention strategy."

Employers increasingly expect to see a college associate's or bachelor's degree on an applicant's resume. A business degree with coursework in retail merchandising and customer service offers excellent preparation for the job. The credential can also put you on the fast track to the best sales positions--including the ones with the best benefits packages.

Earnings Sales associate wages vary based on the retail segment. The national average in 2007 was $11.79. Insurance employers pay the most, at $22.57 an hour. Automobile salespersons also rank near the top, at $21.52.

4. Kindergarten Teacher

Public school teachers are sometimes among the beneficiaries of the public sector's famed benefits packages, including generous pension plans. Government employers often offer better benefits packages than their private sector counterparts. According to the Department of Labor's August 2008 statistics, 40 percent of government jobs come with full retirement benefits, as compared with 32 percent across corporate America. Kindergarten teachers may even earn these benefits working less than forty hours a week.

A bachelor's degree and an approved teacher training program are the standard prerequisites for the state teaching license required by all public schools. An early childhood education degree can offer good preparation for a career teaching kindergarten.

Earnings Kindergarten teachers earned a mean salary of $47,750 in 2007.

5. Bank Teller or Financial Manager

The banking and financial sector traditionally offers its part-time workers full-time benefits. Flexible and part-time schedules are widely available in bank branch positions such as bank teller. One in four tellers is a part-time worker.

An associate's or bachelor's degree in business offers a solid start to a career in banking. While a college degree is not required for part-time teller positions, the qualification is necessary for advancement into management positions.

Earnings Bank tellers earned a mean hourly wage of $11.36 in 2007. With a college degree, tellers can advance into managerial positions and earn significantly more--$51.06 per hour.

Life-friendly work schedules no longer require workers to compromise their health care or retirement benefits. As employers recognize the important role part-timers play in business agility and success, more and more part-time jobs are coming with full-time benefits.

Free Stuff: Jobs with the Biggest Perks

by Gabby Hyman

Perks! You've heard about them and you want them. C-level managers at corporations enjoy a lot of them including concierge service, routine massages, exclusive parking spaces, company limos, and jets. But CEOs are not the only workers with extras that make stress tolerable and add value to your overall compensation package. Products and services managers often have company cars, employer-paid cell phones, supplemental health and life insurance, laundry and daycare service, and tuition reimbursement.

Many of today's employers are offering subsidies or other financial incentives to buy hybrid cars or energy efficient homes. Today's dot-com employees expect relaxed dress codes, free lattes, subsidized meals, and employee gym privileges. Some even bring their dogs to work. If you're looking for hidden perks that add compensation for on-the-job frustrations, here are a few careers with built-in benefits.

Marketing Managers

Marketing managers and reps are closely aligned with their clients. If you work in the entertainment industry, expect tickets to concerts, sporting events, plays, banquets, and conventions-and bling galore. If you're in the tech sector, you'll probably have a company car and a paid cell phone. Prepare by earning a bachelor's degree in marketing or advertising or an MBA degree. Expense accounts for dinner, travel, and entertainment often go along with the job. And the wages look pretty good. The median 2007 annual salary: $104,400.

Lodging Managers

Hours are long and customers rarely stop whining. But if you work for a major hotel chain, expect complimentary or deeply reduced prices for lodging and tourism excursions for you and your family-and not just at the properties you represent. Job prospects are good, too, with business travel and vacationing remaining strong despite rising fuel costs and economic stagnation. You'll need a degree in hospitality management or enroll in your company's management career training program to qualify. Median annual wages in 2007: $44,240, with top-end wages surpassing $80k.

Network Administrators

Network administrators plan, install, and maintain the secure operations of an organization's internal network and public-facing internet. They enjoy top-end salaries in the six figures and, depending on their employers, have casual dress codes, cell phone service, laptops, free coffee and soft drinks, massage service, gym memberships, and subsidized dining. The hours can be hectic. Median annual wages in 2007: $64,690.

Pharmaceutical Sales Representative

The pharmaceutical industry is predicted to grow 23 percent by 2012. Pharmaceutical sales representatives typically combine earnings with a base salary and a commission with a high upside. You'll have a territory to manage and may spend half the year on the road. But you'll probably get a company car and cell phone to ease your travels. Many reps also receive lodging, airline, or other travel discounts, along with gym memberships and (of course) great health care. You'll need a bachelor's degree in science (biology, chemistry, biochemistry) and/or marketing training. The median annual wage in 2007: $77,200.

Broadcast or Sound Technician

Competition may be tough for the top-end jobs with big city broadcast studios or working the sound board for Jay-Z, but opportunities abound for highly trained electrical technicians in setting up communications or mixing boards at corporate events, conventions, news conferences, concerts, plays, and at local recording studios. As for perks, consider plenty of free admissions to rock shows, fashion engagements, or awards parties--and plenty of T-shirts and CDs for your music collection. You'll get career training through associate or bachelor's degree programs at trade schools and colleges. Median 2007 annual wage: $46,550.

Aircraft Mechanic

This one's a no-brainer. One major airline allows mechanics to participate in ownership. Perks include no-restriction, no-limit stand-by ticketing for all the routes the airline serves. Many employers offer gym memberships, employee discount purchase plans, and partnership discounts at hotels and resorts. Few mechanics receive on-the-job career training. You'll need to complete associate or bachelor's degree programs in aircraft maintenance or avionics technology. Median 2007 annual wage: $49,010.

Lastly, if your career choice is not listed, it doesn't mean you shouldn't ask for perks. Government employees get discounts on computers and software. Many companies have business alliances that award employees discounts on car purchases, office supplies, books, home furnishings, movie theatres, clothing, camping gear, electronics, and fitness club memberships. Bartenders, wait staff, and hospitality workers also can add substantial tips to their total income package.

6 Job-Hunting Advantages

How to Beat Pessimism and Get an Edge in a Tight Market

by Tom Musbach, Yahoo! HotJobs

Pessimism among U.S. job seekers has risen because of the troubled economy, but experts say the downturn shouldn't discourage people who want to find a new or better job.

According to a Yahoo! HotJobs survey in August, 53% of workers believed the job market would get worse in the next six months. In addition, 28% said they wanted to look for a new job but were too discouraged by the current economic climate.

Despite those sober perceptions, some sectors in the job market are seeing plenty of hiring activity.

"There's no reason to start panicking," said John Challenger, CEO of Challenger, Gray & Christmas, the nation's first outplacement consulting organization. "You can't think of the job market as too monolithic. A number of industries out there are doing very well currently. Health care, energy, international business, agriculture, and commodities are thriving."

Regardless of your chosen industry, experts recommend six ways to overcome pessimism and gain an advantage in a tight job market:

* Hone your marketable skills. "Employers continue to report challenges finding skilled professionals in many specialties," says DeLynn Senna, executive director of permanent placement services for North America for Robert Half International. "By researching in-demand abilities and enhancing your expertise in these areas, you can give yourself an edge."

* Commit to action, repeatedly. "Even if there are no immediate prospects in sight, devise a schedule that involves you in job-hunting activities at least a few hours a day and stick to it," says Alexandra Levit, author of "Success for Hire: Strategies to Find and Keep Outstanding Employees." The schedule will keep you moving steadily forward until you catch a break, she adds.

* Network online and off. "When looking for a job, tell everyone about your situation and the type of opportunity you're seeking," says Senna. "And don't forget about the Internet -- employers increasingly are turning to their online connections during the hiring process."

* Learn from your misfires. Oscar Adler, author of "Sell Yourself in Any Interview," compares job-hunting to baseball, noting that players don't always hit home runs. "Notice after every at bat professional ballplayers think about what they did wrong. The job seeker should do the same."

* Don't limit your possibilities. "Unless it's drastically lower than your job expectations, a lesser title, pay, or benefits may get you in the door," says Pat Mayfield, president of Pat Mayfield Consulting. "Once you've landed a job you will have a chance to prove yourself and move up."

* Reach out to your support systems. A lengthy job search can take a toll on your self-esteem. "Instead of withdrawing from the people you care about, make an effort to connect with them," says Levit. "Their support will help sustain a positive attitude, which is critical when you're networking and interviewing."

Find the Job That Is Right for You

by Robert M. Detman, for Yahoo! HotJobs

Some people were born knowing what they wanted to do. For the rest of us, it may require years of education and amassing a multi-page resume. Defining your personal job nirvana requires many considerations, but some tips below may help you find the job that is right for you.

The Self-Knowledge Base

Define the terms. "We can't possibly find satisfaction and fulfillment if we don't first define it," says Marilyn Walker, founder and managing director of the Right Turn on Red Career Assessment Center. People must define their standards of success, and then they need to look inward to assess their strengths and weaknesses, and decide what they are passionate about. "It's only work when you don't like doing it every day," Walker says.

Brainstorm. "Start picking your successful friends' brains," suggests Mike Beasley, an executive and career development coach. Ask friends to meet with you to discuss ideas and to help you focus on your career options. In some cases, your friends will have a keen insight on what your likes and dislikes are, so Beasley suggests you take notes while you meet. "Follow those threads. Think of the search as a scavenger hunt."

Test yourself. Career assessment tests, such as the Myers-Briggs Career Report and MAPP (Motivational Appraisal of Personal Potential), can provide objective data about one's hidden strengths. Career tests can help clarify one's aptitude, personal interests, and various personality factors.

"These assessments are similar to what many employers are utilizing today, and they help the individual consider the many dimensions that will contribute to satisfaction," career assessment director Walker says.

The Focused Search

Target. "Get organized and put your thoughts down on paper," suggests Bob Basile, of Career Coaching, Inc. He stresses that these ideas can be considered "buckets" into which you categorize and organize your preferences, allowing you to target ideas and weed out the unlikely paths.

Research. A wide variety of job and profession data -- who's hiring, trends, economics -- is available. "There are companies such as Wetfeet.com and Vault.com that do industry research," Basile says. In addition, a search on the Bureau of Labor and Statistics or the salary calculator on Yahoo! HotJobs can provide salary information based on education and experience levels.

Get in touch. "Informationally network," Basile says. "Once you have chosen which 'buckets' are most appealing to you and you have done your homework, it is now time to speak to people within these industries." Also look to your immediate resources, gathering information from friends and their contacts.

Follow through. Finally, career coach Basile advises that after you have selected your ideal job and have prepared yourself to go for it, you will still have to land that job, and perseverance is essential. "Don't assume a company isn't hiring because they don't have a job posted."

Fastest-Growing Industries

by Tara Weiss, Forbes.com

Amid all the gloomy talk of recession, layoffs, and continued financial turmoil, there are some sectors where more jobs will be created over the next few years.

That's according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' (BLS) latest 10-year outlook for job creation. Though it was prepared before the recent chaos in markets and banking, the forecast still makes some reasonably valid assumptions.

Among them: consultancy. Companies will still need outside guidance in crafting their decision-making, no matter how troubled the industry, so think about getting into management or scientific or technical consulting. The BLS says these kinds of high-paying (an average $467,000 annually) jobs will increase to 1.6 million by 2016, up from 920,000 in 2006.

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More from Forbes.com:

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"Globalization, the heightened need for security, and mergers and acquisitions have made the business world a more complex place, and [businesses] use consultants to help move through that landscape," says Eric Figueroa, an economist with the BLS.

Another growth field: firms that specialize in human resources. As companies consolidate to save money, they are transferring their human-resources functions to these specialized organizations.

Health care will be the second-fastest-growing industry, driven partly by demographics: The number of people 65 and older is expected to increase to nearly 46.4 million by 2016, from 35.6 million two years ago. The sector as a whole is projected to add 4 million jobs through 2016; that includes 480,500 home health-care aides and 512,500 nursing home workers.

Adding to the health-care boom are technological breakthroughs which continue to increase life expectancy. Medical advancements in the treatment of infertility and cancer also increase the need for more health care professionals.

Jobs within the leisure and hospitality sector will continue to grow -- assuming people still have money to travel and stay in hotels. The industry as a whole should add 1.9 million jobs, the BLS says, half of which will be in food and drink service. No surprise there: Americans are working longer hours and want inexpensive, fast meals.

Education is also expected to be an expanding industry. Initiatives in universal preschool and all-day kindergarten will drive demand for more teachers and school administrators.

Much less convincing is the projection about financial services, made before the market meltdown and President Bush's recent warning that the economy may be headed toward a recession.

Yes, the BLS projected an addition of 1.2 million jobs, and yes, there are millions of baby boomers who will need help with pensions and other self-directed retirement decisions. But Wall Street banks and other big financial institutions are in the midst of laying off tens of thousands of people.

Did BLS experts know about the credit crisis when they made this forecast? No, and Figueroa offers an explanation: "We do a 10-year projection, because [we're] not trying to forecast the business cycles," says the BLS economist. "We don't forecast recession. Things can average out."

5 Career Changes You Can Actually Make

by Gabby Hyman, FindTheRightSchool.com

While it's certainly true that many Americans devote their entire working lives to a single employer, the practice is becoming rare in the private sector. On average, a job in this country lasts only three-and-a-half years.

You might shift roles in your profession as you advance into management positions. Or you may leap into a new career entirely, training in mid-life for a career that reflects your true passions. In turbulent economic times, you may head back to college to prepare for a radically different, better-paying profession.

Seven in 10 Americans admit that they'd change jobs tomorrow if only they could.

Well, they can -- and so can you. Online college degree and career training programs offer unparalleled scheduling flexibility, allowing you to shift lanes without slowing down. Some employers will even reimburse your tuition if you're training for management.

Here are five growing fields that make for easy transitions, along with salary figures and the training necessary to make your move:

Accountant
Accountants, contrary to old tales, don't sit around all day chewing on pencils and pining for adventure. They earn good wages and tackle dynamic tax, earning, or investment problems for corporations and private individuals. The United States will add 226,000 openings for accountants and auditors over the next decade, for an 18 percent overall increase.

To prepare, keep your day job; meanwhile, enroll in an online bachelor's degree program in accounting. The best jobs will go to those who pursue a master's degree in accounting or finance--also available online. Accountants and auditors drew a median annual wage of $63,180 in 2007.

Nursing Administrator
Nursing administrators often begin their careers as floor nurses. Nurses earn good wages and have plenty of job options from which to choose. But some either burn out from stress or want to earn more as health care managers. The Labor Department reports that all advanced practice nursing specialties require completion of a master's degree in nursing (MSN) or business administration.

Typically an online RN to MSN program includes a first-year program that satisfies bachelor's degree requirements. The earnings keep pace with the level of educational attainment. For example, median annual wages for nurses in the U.S. were $62,480 in 2007, compared with a median annual wage of $84,980 for medical and health-services managers.

Massage Therapist
Most people become massage therapists because they believe in hands-on healing. Many train online in their spare time while continuing to work in their current careers until they're licensed and ready to change. Some mix in massage therapy with an existing career in healing arts to add a part-time income. Or, you may just be tired of corporate America and ready to follow your dreams.

Employment of massage therapists is projected to increase 20 percent through 2016, meaning that the profession is being rapidly absorbed into mainstream American health care. You'll find jobs with existing practitioners, chiropractic offices, spas, hotels, athletic organizations, and clinics. Each state has its own set of licensing requirements. The median annual salary for massage therapists in 2007 was $40,330.

Management Analyst
Take your existing career and deep subject knowledge into the higher echelons of consulting. Jobs for management analysts are predicted to grow by a hefty 22 percent over the 2006-2016 decade. Businesses in the financial, high tech, and sales sectors are on the lookout for expert advice in streamlining operational practices and increasing the bottom line.

One of the best ways to qualify is to add a master's degree in business administration. Online MBA programs complement your existing specializations in biotechnology, IT, health care, marketing, or engineering. You'll be rewarded for your continuing education. The median salary for management analysts in 2007: $80,460.

Technical Writer
Who says majoring in English can't pay? While your peers may understand technology, health care, engineering, or finance, many of them simply cannot cobble a verb and noun into a coherent sentence. If you're a frustrated prose writer with an arts degree, enroll in a technical writing training program to learn the communication paradigms used in business and technology. Or, if you're an accomplished engineer or techie, learn the writing fundamentals in creating white papers, online copy, training manuals, and marketing publications.

A bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or English with a concentration in technical writing will get you going -- or take classes in publications design, graphics, and technical documentation. Median annual earnings for technical writers in 2007 were $62,780.

Gabby Hyman has created online strategies and written content for Fortune 500 companies including eToys, GoTo.com, Siebel Systems, Microsoft Encarta, Avaya, and Nissan UK.

Relax: Find a Low-Stress Job with High Potential

by Vicki Salemi, ClassesUSA.com

"People should look for a job situation or niche that's less stressful than the norm. For instance, stress levels are related to the impact of your decisions in life-or-death situations and consequences of your actions on the job."

Read below about several jobs that can enable you to experience low stress along with job satisfaction and career growth.

Mathematician

Although the most stressful aspects of the job are the importance of being exact and a level of competition, in essence it's all good. Shatkin explains, "Mathematicians are not under pressure as this isn't life and death; they're dealing with theoretical realms."

According to the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics, a Ph.D. in mathematics is usually the minimum requirement for entry into the field. BLS indicates the average salary in May 2006 was $86,930.

Archivists

While this occupation focuses on planning and overseeing the arrangement of exhibitions of collections, there's a certain degree consistency and low stress levels. Stuart Sidle, Ph.D. and assistant professor of psychology and I/O (industrial organizational) psychology program coordinator, University of New Haven, says, "When people have control over how they organize their tasks, how they behave, the predictability of their job, and the freedom to make a mistake where no one's going to die as a result, they experience low stress."

People typically pursue a bachelor's degree in history or library science prior to entering this field. According to BLS, in May 2006 the average earnings were $40,730.

Foresters and Conservation Scientists

Foresters and conservation professionals typically work outdoors in seasonal activities (think: putting out forest fires and maintaining recreational facilities). They also select and mark trees for thinning or logging, manage forest protection activities and patrol park areas to prevent damage.

Least stressful aspects of the job, as pointed out by Shatkin, are the low level of competition, rarely dealing with unpleasant or angry people, and the lack of time pressures which are normally embedded in higher maintenance occupations. According to BLS, the average earnings were $54,970.

Travel Agents

Some aspects of this profession include computing costs of travel and accommodations, booking various tours, and selling travel packages. Although accuracy is paramount to success on the job, least stressful aspects include a comfortable pace and low frequency of conflict situations.

BLS notes the average earnings are $29,210 and Shatkin points out this job affords flexibility to be self-employed or work part-time.

"Stressors of any job include the duration of the work week, dealing with angry people, confronting situations and competition. People should look for a job situation where normal work hours are encouraged."

Don't Panic: The Right Job Is Just Around the Corner

by Caroline Potter, Yahoo! HotJobs

Fuel prices are up. Food prices, too. And don't forget foreclosures. The U.S. is still at war and unemployment has reached 5.5%. It's the real-life equivalent of "Lions and tigers and bears!" But, oh my, does a job seeker really have to think the worst is yet to come -- if it isn't already here?

Nah!

Don't focus too much on the bad news. There's plenty of good news -- and good jobs -- out there.

John Challenger, CEO of Challenger, Gray & Christmas, the nation's first, oldest, and premier outplacement consulting organization, points out, "There's no reason to start panicking. Jobs are opening up all the time." And while the economy is a bit sluggish as of late, Challenger says, "You can't think of the job market as too monolithic. A number of industries out there are doing very well currently. Health care, energy, international business, agriculture, and commodities are thriving."

Health care, sales, and technology are among the categories with the most job listings on Yahoo! HotJobs, and each have enjoyed the biggest category growth from March to April this year.

Whatever the economic climate, you can use these four strategies to maximize your opportunities:

Rely on Research

Outplacement and job-market expert Challenger recommends that job seekers do their due diligence. "What's going in the economy? What's going on in my market? Where are the companies that are hiring? Research all this on Yahoo! Finance and see who's doing well in the market and position your next job search around companies that are in growth mode right now."

However, even if an organization's numbers are down, he reminds professionals, "Don't give up on a company that's doing poorly. Troubled companies need good people to solve their problems."

Think Positive

Janet White, author of "Secrets of the Hidden Job Market: Change Your Thinking to Get the Job of Your Dreams" and founder of jobmarketsecrets.com, thinks workers should stop reading the headlines. "Don't buy it," she says. If you begin your job search with the wrong mindset, it may not go right.

"Avoid falling into the mindset that it's tough out there, there's a lot of competition, and not enough opportunity for you," White says. "Imagine yourself being in the job you want. Hold the vision of having it -- go back to daydreaming about it. Whatever you believe to be true becomes your experience. You can believe that it's hard or you can believe that you can have the job of your dreams."

Don't Blame the Economy Alone

Are you flying blind or do you have a solid job search strategy? Susan D. Strayer, author of "The Right Job Right Now: The Complete Toolkit for Finding Your Perfect Career," says, "One of the things I always see when there is an economic downturn is that job seekers tend to be lazy in their searches and blame it on the economy. People are sending out hundreds of untargeted resumes -- whether it's a bad economy or a good economy. That's not a good strategy."

Strayer, an HR executive and career coach, counsels her clients, "You have to focus on your search strategies. And conversations are the biggest piece of that. You need to find advocates within a company." Start reaching out to your network to find these folks and talk to them. She believes insiders can not only help you tailor your resume and approach, "They can also give you a real state of the union -- letting you know which divisions are and aren't doing well and which vacant positions are on hold."

While she, like Challenger, believes there are certain industries you can't be optimistic about, she reminds job seekers, "You should always be optimistic about your search."

Market Yourself (in Any Market)

The experts at Yahoo! HotJobs remind job seekers, "Although we are seeing unemployment rise and the economy somewhat weaken, there will always be jobs available for those who are determined to find the right fit. But it's important to remember that looking for a job is all about marketing yourself."

The best strategy for positioning yourself as the most attractive candidate starts with a tight resume. Also, there are jobs lurking around every corner, but you won't find them unless you network.

Finally, make full use of the array of tools available on Yahoo! HotJobs to enhance your efforts. Resume and interview tips, online search agents, and job recommendation services are just a few of the features that can help you find work fast.

Job Hunting in an Unsteady Economy
7 Tips for Success

by Tom Musbach, Yahoo! HotJobs

Whether or not the U.S. economy has hit a recession, one thing is clear these days: Uncertainty is in the air, and it affects nearly every economic sector, including the job market.

The recent rise in the U.S. unemployment rate -- 5.0% in April -- indicates that fewer jobs are being created, but the shrinkage may not affect job-seekers in some fields, such as technology or health care. Nonetheless, experts say job seekers should pay attention to current economic conditions and expect that the job-search process may take longer.

Adjust Your Approach?

"The unemployment rate has risen, but it is not at a point that should cause job seekers to panic," says John Challenger, CEO of outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas Inc. "Even at 5.2% or 5.3%, there is still demand for workers. Those seeking jobs in construction or mortgage lending might have a more difficult time finding employment, but we have not seen a significant downturn in hiring in other sectors."

Alexandra Levit, author of "They Don't Teach Corporate in College," suggests job seekers may want to alter their approach due to economic uncertainties.

"Perhaps this means earning a paycheck at your current job while conducting interviews over your lunch break or doing volunteer work on the weekend that might lead to a paid gig," she says. "If you are currently unemployed, you may have to settle for a situation that's not 100% ideal in order to keep yourself afloat through the downturn."

David Bach, a workforce development specialist in San Francisco, says job seekers can "improve their competitive edge by becoming more aware of the top ongoing employers." Fields that are less affected by the evolving economy -- such as education, health care, and energy -- make an ideal focus right now, he adds.

Tips for Reaching Your Goal

Experts recommend the following actions to increase your job-search success in an uncertain economic climate.

* Tailor your presentations; don't be generic. "In developing a resume and other promotions materials, think about how your current skills and talents apply directly to the responsibilities you'll hold in the new job," says Levit.

* "Create a target list of companies," says career coach Julie Jansen, author of "You Want Me to Work with Who?" She suggests sending the list to 25 people, asking them if they can put you in touch with an employee at one of the listed companies.

* "Make yourself and your skills more visible," says Bach. He suggests posting and refreshing your resume in more places, such as online job boards, and going to job fairs.

* "Create an advisory board of smart and empathetic people and confer with them regularly about your job search," says Jansen.

* "Hone and utilize your 'elevator pitch' as often as possible," says Bach, referring to a 30-second summary of your professional assets.

* Keep your spirits high. Don't let the process overwhelm you or weigh you down. Jansen advises, "Make a list of your five favorite things to do, and do them!"

* Make an effort daily. "Do one thing each day -- like emailing a new contact or attending a networking event -- that moves your job search forward," says Levit. "Your worst enemy is inertia."

Six Common Job-Interview Questions

Try These Sample Questions to Help Get Ready

By Tom Musbach, Yahoo! HotJobs

One of the easiest ways to build confidence before a job interview is to prepare answers to questions you might be asked. Whether you're applying for a position as a web programmer, accountant, or legal secretary, interviewers often use some general questions to assess candidates, so you'll increase your chances for success if you prepare for them in advance.

Six common questions are listed below, along with insights from several recruitment professionals about how to answer. As part of your interview preparation, take the time to formulate answers to each question, focusing on specific tasks and accomplishments.

"What are your strengths and weaknesses?"

This is one of the most well-known interview questions, and interviewers often ask it indirectly, as in, "What did your most recent boss suggest as areas for improvement in your last performance review?"

Lindsay Olson, founder of Paradigm Staffing Solutions, a firm specializing in hiring public relations professionals, suggests tailoring your "strengths" answer to skills that will benefit the prospective employer. Though you may have a knack for building gingerbread houses, it might be of little value for the job at hand.

When it comes to weaknesses, or areas of growth, Olson recommends building on your answer to include "how you have improved, and specifics on what you have done to improve yourself in those areas."

"Why did you leave your last position?"

"Interviewers will always want to know your reasoning behind leaving a company ? particularly short stints," says Olson. "Be prepared to tell the truth, without speaking negatively about past employment."

"Can you describe a previous work situation in which you ... ?"

This question comes in many forms, but what the interviewer is looking for is your behavior on the job. Your answer could focus on resolving a crisis, overcoming a negotiation deadlock, handling a problem coworker, or juggling multiple tasks on a project.

The theory behind this type of question is that past behavior is the best predictor of future behavior, according to Yves Lermusi, CEO of Checkster, a company that offers career and talent checkup tools. "The key to responding well is preparing real job examples, describing your behavior in specific situations that demonstrate important skills that the job requires."

"What is your ideal work environment?"

This question is not about whether you prefer a cubicle or an office, so think broadly to include ideas about supervision, management styles, and your workday routine.

Bob Hancock, senior recruiter for video game publisher Electronic Arts, says that he uses this question with candidates because it can give "a sense of their work habits, how flexible they are with their schedules, and how creative they are."

"How do you handle mistakes?"

The best strategy for this general question is to focus on one or two specific examples in the past and, if possible, highlight resolutions or actions that might have relevance to the job you're interviewing for.

"Employers want to know they're hiring someone with the maturity to accept responsibility and the wherewithal to remedy their own mistakes," says Debra Davenport, a master professional mentor and columnist for the Business Journal in Phoenix.

"What is your most notable accomplishment?"

Paradigm Staffing's Olson suggests that candidates think of three or four accomplishments and quantify what their actions meant in terms of increasing revenues, saving resources, or improving resources.

"Being able to quantify your achievements in your career will launch you ahead of the rest," she says, "and demonstrate your ability to do the same as a future employee."

The New Power Jobs

by Heather Boerner, for Yahoo! HotJobs

White-hot jobs are opening up in the power sector.

"These aren't just hot jobs, they're sizzling jobs," said Christine Real de Azua, spokeswoman for the American Wind Energy Association. Wind energy grew by 45 percent last year. "We need every type of job candidate."

Indeed, with oil topping $100 per barrel, expect power industry jobs to explode in the next 10 years -- and not just in petroleum or the electric company. Want to repair wind turbines, manage a nuclear reactor or install solar panels? The jobs await.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and energy leaders reveal what fields are expected to grow, and they are listed below with projected growth levels through 2016, salary data, and what you need to get a related job.

Engineers
11 percent projected growth
$44,790-$145,600 annually, depending on specialty

"We're experiencing a comeback in 'dirty jobs,'" said Chris McCormick, partner and head of the energy division of venture capital firm Landmark Ventures. "While a few years ago, what we wanted were the 'clean' jobs in computer engineering, now we're back to the types of engineers who get their hands dirty with chemistry and broad-application engineering."

Chemical engineers who work with biofuels, electrical engineers who design power plants, mechanical engineers who find better ways to capture air and wind energy, and nuclear engineers who make plants run more efficiently will all be in high demand -- with salaries to match. While some engineers, like chemical engineers, may need a PhD to do their jobs, most others, like environmental engineers, only require a bachelor's degree in physics or engineering, according to the BLS.

Nuclear Power Reactor Operators
11 percent projected growth
$35,590-$75,240 annually

"When I got out of college, people told me, 'Go do other things.' The conventional wisdom was that nuclear power was going to go away," said Carol Berrigan, senior director for industry infrastructure at the Nuclear Energy Institute. "But now, with some regulatory changes, we have something like nine applications out there for 16 new nuclear power plants in the next few years."

Which jobs will grow fastest? Think Homer Simpson, but with more computer knowledge and less buffoonery. On top of the billions of dollars the industry is spending on new construction, the field's employees are aging: In the next 10 years, half of all nuclear reactor operators are expected to retire. You don't need to have an engineering degree for these jobs, but you should expect extensive on-the-job training and classroom instruction as well as licensing exams, according to the BLS.

Industrial Machinery Mechanic
9 percent projected growth
$42,350 median annual income

Someone's got to install the solar panels and repair wind turbines, and industrial machinery mechanics are often the ones who get the jobs. In solar, Tioga Energy's Executive Vice President Preston Roper said the biggest demand is for solar installers.

Both Roper and Real de Azua said local community colleges are the places to go to get the training necessary for the jobs. Many are offering specialized training in solar or wind repair work.

Skilled Trade Workers
Electricians: 7 percent projected growth
$44,780 median annual income

Line Workers: 7 percent projected growth
$52,570 median annual income

Welders: 5 percent projected growth
$32,270 median annual income

These workers repair the lines that bring power to your home and build and repair power plant structures. Want one of these jobs? Usually you don't need post-high school education, but you will need an apprenticeship through a union or other skilled trade group. The programs usually take about four years

Technology: It's Where the Jobs Are

by Arik Hesseldahl, BusinessWeek.com

Here's a hint for high school graduates or college students still majoring in indecision: Put down that guitar or book of poetry and pick up a laptop. Study computer science or engineering, and plan to move to a big city.

A new survey out this week from AeA, the group formerly known as the American Electronics Assn., reports that jobs in the technology industry are growing at a healthy clip, especially in large cities. The organization's Cybercities 2008 survey says that 51 cities added high-technology jobs in 2006, the most recent year for which data were available. The survey tracks new jobs related to the creation of tech products, including fields such as chip manufacturing and software engineering. It is the AeA's first such survey since 2000, which was taken before the crash of the tech bubble that created so many jobs in the late 1990s.

And while slowing economic conditions have dulled the pace of growth since the 2006 data were collected, AeA researcher Matthew Kazmierczak says it's far from turning south. "Nationally, there are some data that show the rate of growth has slowed since 2006, but it hasn't gone negative," he says.
The leader in number of jobs gained is Seattle, home to such tech companies as Amazon, RealNetworks, and software giant Microsoft, based in nearby Redmond, Wash. Seattle added a net 7,800 jobs during the period surveyed, followed by the New York and Washington (D.C.) metro areas, which added more than 6,000 jobs apiece. The fastest-growing area on a percentage basis was the combined metro area of Riverside-San Bernardino, Calif., which saw its tech-employment figures grow by 12%. Riverside-San Bernardino benefited from higher costs of living in nearby Los Angeles and Orange County.

Salary Strength

The highest concentration of technology workers -- 286 for every 1,000 workers -- was in, no surprise, Silicon Valley. Boulder, Colo., came in second, with 230, and Huntsville, Ala.; Durham, N.C.; and Washington rounded out the top five in density.

Now for the answer to the question on everyone's mind: Where are the highest salaries? That would be Silicon Valley, where the average tech worker is paid $144,000 a year. That's nearly double the $80,000 national average for tech jobs. Runners up included San Francisco and Oakland, Calif. Austin, Tex., home of Dell came in fourth, and Seattle was fifth. San Juan, Puerto Rico, had the lowest salaries, with an average of $38,000 a year, but living expenses there are also considerably lower.
What does all this mean? There's still a labor shortage in tech. And if you took Economics 101, you know that's good news for paychecks. Already, tech wages are 87% higher, on average, than in the rest of the private-sector job market. Tech wages are also growing faster, by an average of 4% a year -- double the 2% reported for private industry as a whole. And in Austin, San Diego, and Sacramento, Calif., tech salaries tend to be twice what they are for private-sector jobs generally.

A Shrinking Pool of Potential U.S. Hires

The AeA's findings jibe with what the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says on the subject of technology jobs: More than 850,000 IT jobs will be added during the 10-year period ending in 2016, which would be a rise of 24%. Add all the jobs that will replace retiring workers, and the total increase could be a tidy 1.6 million. That means one job in every 19 created over the course of the next decade will be in technology.

And while demand for tech-savvy employees is certainly multiplying, another survey, this one from the Computing Research Assn. and released in March, found a 20% drop in the number of students completing degrees in computer-related fields, and the number of students enrolling in these programs is the lowest it's been in 10 years, as far back as the data go.

AeA's Kazmierczak says this confirms what its members are saying about their ability to hire new employees. Unable to find enough U.S. citizens for tech jobs, U.S. companies scoop up as many foreign nationals as they can using the limited pool of H-1B work visas issued by the federal government each year. But it's not enough, and the process is slow and cumbersome. "Our members are having problems finding a number of qualified workers," he says. "The U.S. doesn't really allow foreign nationals to compete in the job marketplace -- we essentially tell them to go home to their own countries and to create competition there."

Click through BusinessWeek.com's slide show of the best cities for technology jobs.

The 10 Biggest Minutes of Your Interview

Why the first 10 minutes of your interview can make or break you and how you can prepare.
By Joe Turner, Career Coach

You've heard it said often: "First impressions are the most important."

When it comes to the job interview, here's recent proof that bears this out:

"Hiring managers often know whether they might hire someone soon after the opening handshake and small talk," a new survey suggests. Executives polled said it takes them just 10 minutes to form an opinion of job seekers, despite meeting with staff-level applicants for 55 minutes and management-level candidates for 86 minutes, on average. Executives were asked, "How long does it typically take you to form either a positive or negative opinion of a job candidate during an initial interview?" The mean response was 10 minutes.*

This came from a survey published April 12, 2007, and developed by Robert Half Finance & Accounting, the largest specialized financial recruitment service in the world. It included responses from 150 senior executives with Fortune 1000 companies.

So what does this mean for you as you approach job interviews?

Max Messmer, chairman and CEO of Robert Half International, sums it up when he says, "The interview begins the moment job seekers arrive, so applicants need to project enthusiasm and confidence from the start. The opening minutes of the conversation often set the tone for the rest of the discussion, making it wise to prepare especially well for the first few interview questions."

Here's how to make the first 10 minutes of your interview work in your favor:

1. Know the four most important questions

Pay close attention to those four most important questions they want answers to:

1. Why are you here?

2. What can you do for us?

3. Will you fit in? (Will you get along with our values and culture here?)

4. What makes you different from everyone else that we may have talked with? (Will you go that extra mile?)

Rehearse your answers with your own personal "stories." These are short narratives describing times when you overcame a crisis, led a team, met a deadline, resurrected a failed project, etc.

Some common questions you'll often encounter at the beginning of the interview:

"Tell me a little about yourself." (Question #2: "What can you do for us?")

"What do you know about us?" (Question #1: "Why are you here?")

"Why are you here today?" (Same)

"Why are you looking to change jobs?" (Question#2: "What can you do for us?")

"What's your most important accomplishment to date?" (Same)

Why should we hire you (over everyone else we've seen)? (Question #4: "Will you go the extra mile?")

2. Know the company

Do your homework. Always research the company before you interview. Know who they are, what they do, what their major products and services are, who their competitors are and the current "buzz" about them.

Here's why:

The first few minutes of the interview are the time to flatter them. Remember the question, "Why are you here?" Show them that you've done your research and not only know something about their company, but also have several reasons for being enthusiastic about working for them. Let this enthusiasm carry over into your demeanor as you walk in the door.

3. Know your role

First impressions count for a lot, especially in the job interview. You're on stage from the minute you enter the room. So play your role by first getting into character:

The "character" you play is that of a problem solver, not a job seeker.

As a problem solver, you know why you are here, you're excited about this company, and you know you can help them achieve their goals. With this kind of ammunition, you can score direct hits on their opening questions and win big points for yourself by demonstrating you are both knowledgeable and excited about their opportunity.

Now have a killer interview!

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

How to Prepare for an Unexpected Job Search
by Clare O'Keeffe, Salary.com

A glance at the newspaper headlines in the past few months tells a disturbing story. Whether or not one uses the dreaded "R" word, it's clear that more and more companies are reevaluating their workforces. Instead of worrying about your job security, be proactive and lay the groundwork in case you should need to find a job quickly. A little planning can go a long way if you are faced with an emergency job search.

The following eight tips will help you prepare for an unexpected job search. At the same time, however, they are a great way to both update your network and assess your current situation.

Network everywhere you go, all the time.

Networking is one of the most important aspects of a job search. By joining professional associations and attending their events you will build your own personal network. When the time comes, you'll be able to reach out to people with whom you already have a professional relationship. Social networking sites such as LinkedIn are also an excellent way to keep up with contacts. They make it easy to stay in touch with former coworkers and connect to other people in your field.

Check in with your "affinity groups."

The link to college doesn't end at graduation. Most colleges and universities maintain extensive alumni networks. These databases can be used to connect to other alumni in your industry. You can either explore it more formally by looking for job openings or you can use it more informally by setting up informational interviews.

Keep your resume current.

As your job evolves and your skill sets grow, be sure to revise your resume. Promotions, rewards, and important projects should be continually added. It is a living document that should reflect all the work you have put into your career. If and when the time comes, post your resume on several sites. The big sites are good for volume, but don't forget sites that specialize in jobs in your geographic area and your industry.

Research the value of your skills and experience on the talent market. The Salary Wizard is a great place to start.

Consider working with a headhunter.

Corporate recruiters, or headhunters, can be a great resource. Even if you aren't looking for a new job yet, they can show you potential options. And, if you do have to conduct an emergency job search, they'll already be familiar with your resume.

Dust off your references.

Stay in touch with your former employers. Checking in with your previous bosses not only keeps them updated on your career, but also ensures that the memory of your employment stays fresh in their minds. By the same token, make sure you have their current contact information.

Put things in order at work.

Get in the habit of keeping organized and detailed records. Whether you are laid off, promoted, or find employment elsewhere, one day you will be turning over your current responsibilities to someone new. The transition will be much easier if everything is in order. Keep your files organized and be sure to document as many of your processes as possible. Be sure not to neglect your relationships with your coworkers. A good workplace dynamic will improve productivity.

Contemplate your next move.

All the work you have done to prepare for an unexpected job search can be a great springboard into a planned job search. Evaluate your present situation. Take the time to consider what you like and dislike about your career. Do you want to stay in your industry? Are you looking for more risk, less risk, or the same? Are you satisfied with the workplace environment? Does your current job meet your needs?

Go for your dream job.

After assessing your current job, you'll be better able to articulate what you are looking for in a new job. It might be time to take a risk and apply for your ideal job. If your heart is in your work, you'll be a better, more efficient, and more attractive candidate.

That's a Real Job?!
3 Surprising Success Stories

by Jennifer Merritt, ClassesUSA

Can you believe some people are lucky enough to play with food, listen to music, travel the world, and get paid for it? Neither did we, until we unearthed these three fun jobs that provide a good living, too.

Food Stylist

Rachel Ray's cooking show may only take 30 minutes to watch, but hours of prep work and sweat went into that yummy chicken dish. Denise Vivaldo is a culinary consultant whose services include prepping food for shows like Ray's, and she insists it's the hardest, most physically laborious work. "My years as a caterer prepared me for being a food stylist," she says. "Lug, schlep, cook, and present."

Vivaldo, a graduate of the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco, broke into the business when one of her buffet presentations at a catered event caught the eye of famed television show producer Aaron Spelling. "He came to one of my parties on a Friday night. I went to work on a production that following Monday morning and have never stopped working," she recalls.

But achieving success is more than nabbing a lucky break. Knowing how to sell is also a key asset. "Either you are selling a brand -- like Rachel Ray, a cookbook, or a lifestyle; certain China, a kitchen knife?, how you represent that food is supporting or persuading that sale." Other steps to success include learning "everything you can about food and apprentice with everyone you can," Vivaldo says. "Work for free, if necessary." And, of course, some culinary courses help, too.

Music Supervisor

Got the catchy tune that carried the final scene of last night's "The Hills" stuck in your head? Thank Jon Ernst. As a music supervisor for the show, and its predecessor, "Laguna Beach," Ernst has the enviable job of sifting through myriad musical submissions he receives each day from independent artists, record labels, and agents.

Ernst studied at Berklee College of Music and the University of Florida where he earned a degree in business, but it was his talent as a singer and songwriter that led to composing and selecting music for various MTV shows. "I like to keep a very open-door policy when it comes to submitting music for me to consider for use in my shows, because I never know where I'll find the next great musical gem that becomes the perfect song to fit the perfect scene," he says.

In this gig, Ernst believes real-world experience is paramount. "Find yourself an internship or assistant job with a company that specializes in film and TV music, whether it's a studio or an independent music supervision firm," he advises. "Also, work on developing a broad knowledge of all musical styles, since you never know what you'll be called on to find for a project."

World Traveler

Christina Stubbs has walked the Great Wall of China, gone snorkeling in Bora Bora, and hiked in Patagonia. As a lover of travel, she sought to do all these things on her own, except that she's lucky enough to have a job that pays her to do it all.

As the marketing manager at Absolute Travel, a New York-based luxury tour company, Stubbs develops marketing initiatives, works with designers on creative material, writes copy, and travels frequently to make sure hotels and activities are on par with the demands of high-paying jet setters. What helped her land the job is what so many people refer to as a "useless liberal arts degree."

"I am really glad that I was an English major," says Stubbs, who studied history and English at Oberlin College. "Once you're in the working world, you realize that being able to write and edit is a skill that is just as valid and useful as any other."

Stubbs' advice is to not be afraid to take risks, recalling how she was offered two jobs at the same time. "The salary offered at one job was more in line with what I had been making in the past, but I decided to take the pay cut for this job because I wanted to learn a new industry and try something different," she says. Five years later, she's still happy with the decision she made.

10 Hot Jobs That Start at $50K+

by Cherie Berkley, PayScale.com

You may be the new kid on the job block, but that doesn't mean your salary has to start low on the totem pole. The PayScale.com Salary Survey identified an array of exciting jobs that pay a total compensation close to or above an impressive $50,000 per year right from the start.

Here is a list of 10 hot professions that show you the money.

1. Investment Banking Analyst. If you are good with numbers and solving real-world problems, this job pays handsomely in the early years and has strong long-term earning potential.

Typical Starting Salary: $59,084

2. Business Analyst, Computer Software. Data mining is a new and hot field with strong career potential. Normally used by financial institutions such as banks, data miners sort through vast amounts of information that help companies make the best use of the information in their data warehouses. Master's degrees in computer science, physics, or statistics are usually required.

Typical Starting Salary: $50,727

3. Forensic Computer Analyst. Computer forensics is the analysis of information contained within and created with computer systems and computing devices. These analysts investigate causes of computer meltdowns, who has misused a computer system, or how someone committed a crime. These professionals are quite popular in white-collar criminal investigations.

Typical Starting Salary: $51,852

4. Junior Associate Attorney. The financial scales of justice certainly tip toward the side of the average attorney. And just after five years experience the average salary jumps to $89,210. Depending on the field of specialty, the long-term earning potential is almost limitless. Big-shot lawyers like former Sen. John Edwards (malpractice) and celebrity criminal defense attorney Mark Gerago have cleaned up millions in their careers.

Typical Starting Salary: $52,678

5. Physical Therapist. If anatomy is your thing, physical therapy may be your path to greener pastures. PTs can even specialize in areas such as hand or back therapy to boost their marketability -- and salary potential.

Typical Starting Salary: $52,573

6. Nurse Practitioner (ARNP). Nursing opportunities never seem to go out of style, and neither does demand in this area. If a doctor cannot squeeze you in for an appointment, chances are there is a nurse practitioner standing by in his place. While nurse practitioners don't command the big bucks that physicians do, their services certainly don't come cheap.

Typical Starting Salary: $67,166

7. Electrical Engineer. It is easy to do the math on how marketable engineers are. Companies dig deep to lure young electrical engineers and other subspecialties across the board. Electrical engineers focus on using electricity to transmit energy. Payscale.com shows that experienced electrical engineers earn an average of $81,078.

Typical Starting Salary: $54,401

8. Software Engineer. Software engineers design, write, and test computer programs. Computer networking and information technology are hot fields that are here to stay.

Typical Starting Salary: $56,795

9. Pharmaceutical Sales Representative. You don't have to be a physician or even science major to make big bucks in medicine. Just about anyone with a college degree and a killer personality can be trained in pharmaceutical sales. These professionals make sales calls to doctors' offices hoping to convince the doctors to prescribe the latest drugs made by the pharmaceutical company they represent. Seasoned pros can make six-figure salaries in this field.

Typical Starting Salary: $51,104

10. Veterinarian. Do you love animals? Veterinarians can combine a passion for their warm, furry friends with great earning power. With growing animal research and interest in pet care, veterinarian medicine is bound to be a popular profession for years to come.

Typical Starting Salary: $59,084

No matter what your skill, passion, or personality, the job market offers numerous professions that also have above-average starting salaries. Just keep your eyes open and reach for the green.

How to Impress at a Job Interview

By katiespen

So, your resume was impressive enough to get you that job interview. You’re sure that you’re the right person for the job, but then you hear, “Don’t call us, we’ll call you.” What went wrong? Job interviews can be intimidating and frustrating, especially after you’ve been through a few and still find yourself jobless. Just follow these simple tips to learn how to impress at a job interview.
Things you’ll need:

      • Confidence
      • Research on the company
      • A professional outfit

Step 1

Exude confidence. Stand up straight. Make eye contact. Offer a firm handshake. These simple steps can show the interviewer that you feel confident in your ability to handle the job and yourself.

Step 2

Make small talk. Ask the interviewer how they’re doing or mention the weather. Small talk is a great way to break the ice and give the two of you a moment to relax before the real questions begin.

Step 3

Do your homework. Almost every company has a website, so find out everything you can about the company. You can also do a search for their company on the Internet and find out what consumers and competitors have to say. Come prepared to use terms that are common for that industry.

Step 4

Look your best. Even if you are completely broke, you need to look as though you already have money. Wear your nicest clothes that you have, cleaned and freshly ironed that day. Brush your hair, and make sure your hands and nails are clean. Make sure your breath is fresh and keep your perfume or cologne to a minimum.

Step 5

Be honest. Most interviewers know when a person is lying to them and will make a mental check to not hire you. Even if you get away with the lie in the initial interview, you will eventually be caught in the lie in the future, which would be even more embarrassing.

Step 6

Emphasize your strengths. One of the most common questions asked during an interview is to list your strengths and weaknesses. Obviously, you want to talk more about your strengths. However, you can really impress an interviewer if you show them how you can be strong despite your weaknesses. Show them how you’ve learned from your weaknesses.

How to Dress for a Career Fair

By eHow Careers & Work Editor

First impressions still count. It is important to put your best foot forward when meeting potential employers at a career fair. If a potential employer is distracted by the way you're dressed, it is unlikely that they are paying attention to your qualifications. Dressing appropriately for the occasion will help make that first impression count.

Step 1:
Wear interview attire. In some cases business casual attire is also appropriate, but it's better to err on the side of caution. Potential employers are much more impressed with those who overdress than those who are under-dressed.

Step 2:
Choose a matching suit. A suit is the safe choice for both men and women. The colors should be conservative. Dark colors such as navy, dark gray and black are appropriate for a career fair.

Step 3:
Make sure that your shoes are comfortable. Since job fairs include a good deal of walking and standing, it is important that shoes don't leave you hobbling before you get through all of the potential employers. Shoes should be conservative and polished.

Step 4:
Attempt to cover all tattoos and body piercings. Although tattoos and piercings aren't as taboo as they once were, covering them up is still a good idea when attempting to look professional. Keep jewelry to a minimum. A conservative watch is a good jewelry choice for a career fair.

Step 5:
Use minimal cologne or perfume. You don't want a potential employer to smell you coming from a mile away. Many people are allergic to perfumes and cologne, so not wearing any could win you brownie points with a potential employer.

Five Secrets of Successful Job Hunters

Joe Turner, for Yahoo! HotJobs

Completing a 26-mile marathon race shares some characteristics with a successful job search.

There is one "winner" who crosses the finish line first. There are the many who quit before they've completed the race. Finally, there are the rest of us who don't finish first, but are determined to complete the race nevertheless.

For most of us, half the battle is finishing the race, regardless of where we place among the finishers. The same goes for a job search.

The Five Secrets

1. Visualize. Marathon runners and other goal-directed athletes are great at visualization. They set a goal and see themselves achieving it. The same applies for your job search. Set a goal and see yourself achieving it. No matter how many setbacks you have, hold that vision of the job you want. Continue to hold it. Focus on the outcome you want, and not on how you're going to achieve it. Picture it in your mind. Be specific. What is your supervisor like? How about your co-workers? What is your workspace like? What hours do you work? Including your right brain in the imagination and visualization process enhances the achievement of your goal.

2. Be Persistent. Just as in running a marathon, nothing worth having is ever easy to achieve. There is a lot of rejection in job search. Sometimes it seems as if you'll never get a "yes." Remember what good sales people already know: that winning a sale, a job, or any other goal is a numbers game. Commission sales people will tell you that every "no" is one step closer to a "yes." When you can see your process from a more objective viewpoint, knowing that you're one more rejection closer to a "yes," you'll be less inclined to take the "no's" personally or get discouraged.

3. Replenish Yourself. The job search process, like a marathon race, can be an endurance test with a lot of disappointments and setbacks. It can also go on for weeks, months, and for some people, even a year or more. If you're going to outlast this process and prevail, you have to take care of yourself. This means taking time to relax to take your mind off the challenges, frustrations and rejections. Work hard on your job search, then take time out to exercise and pursue activities that bring you joy and replenish you.

4. Inoculate Yourself Against Negative Messages. Succeeding at a job search is a mental process, and negative input from anywhere can poison your mental outlook and encourage fear, discouragement, anxiety, anger, and other negative emotions. Associate with positive people and protect yourself from all types of negativity. A job search can be a big undertaking. You need all of the assets and advantages that you can possibly bring to the party. You can't afford to be exposed to the negativity of others. This includes friends, relatives, and negative articles in newspapers and magazines as well as negative TV shows. Make a point of reading books and articles that motivate, encourage, and inspire you.

5. Meditate. This can be the most important secret, yet it can be very simple. Take some time every day to be still and to get away from the "white noise" of life. Whether you are a spiritual person or not, commit to some quiet time away from the noise of TV, radio, and other distractions. Give yourself the gift of quietness to contemplate, calm down, and center yourself. Even five minutes of quiet time can make a positive difference in your life. It will ground you and make it easier to face and overcome the stresses of your job search journey ahead.

As with successful marathoners, job hunters have some secret tactics that make their success look easy to others. Winning the job search game has a mental component. Developing the above five winning secret tactics will enhance your chances of success, and make the process more pleasant and less stressful.

As a recruiter, Joe Turner has spent the past 15 years finding and placing top candidates in some of the best jobs of their careers. Known on the Internet as "The Job Search Guy". Joe has also authored 'how-to' books on interviewing and job search. Discover more insider job search secrets at his site.

The Big Question: 'Why Should I Hire You?

by Joe Turner, for Yahoo! HotJobs

"Why should I hire you?"

This is the classic question most of us hear during an interview. It's often preceded by the phrase, "I've already interviewed another person for this position who looks perfect."

Then comes the killer question, "Why should I hire YOU?"

Be careful to avoid clever retorts or comedic one-liners here. Your interview is serious business and a wrong answer will send you packing. This is, in fact, the one question that interviewers like to ask because the answer can so easily separate the contenders from the also-rans. Give a wrong answer and the large "Game Over" sign flashes above your head.

The 'Story' Approach

What they really want to know is, "How are you different than all the other candidates who have applied for this position?" With this in mind, a good way to approach your answer here is to launch into your best "story" that answers this question, "Will you go the extra mile?"

Why is the employer asking why they should hire you? Because there are only five areas of interest that they have about you as a candidate:

      • Your skills
      • Your knowledge about the company
      • Your manageability
      • Your affordability
      • Whether you can go above and beyond your job description

In this day of "lean and mean" operations philosophy, employers are looking for employees who can think bigger and perform duties above and beyond their jobs.

Demonstrate Your Accomplishments

Realize that there will always be competing candidates with a higher skill level, more experience, more education/training, or even a smoother interviewing style. The one equalizer though, is the ability to demonstrate how you have risen above and gone that extra mile to accomplish an important task, complete the job or realize an important goal.

Here, you recant that story of exactly how you worked 60-hour weeks, acquired new skills, or whatever it took to distinguish yourself and meet the challenge head on to successfully make the sale, save the project or rescue a client. If you can monetize (put a dollar value on) the end result, your story will only be that much more dramatic.

Tell It Often

Knowing this ahead of time, it's wise to put in the time beforehand to work on your answer to this question. Pick your best example of how you went above and beyond in your job. Work on your story to perfect it. Set the scene, describe the challenge and describe your role and the successful conclusion. Use this as an example of how you use your particular set of skills in an extraordinary time to "give it your all" and produce a clear benefit to your employer.

Since no other candidate can duplicate your own personal story here, you'll make a memorable impression. Not only that, but quite possibly you'll pull yourself ahead of that "perfect" candidate who preceded you.

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

Got Work?

By Sandy Cosser

Anyone who has ever looked for a job, and that includes everyone, has probably tried looking for a job online. It’s a fairly easy thing to do and there are loads of sites available that offer online job hunting. Some are very basic. They are your simple, place your ad, search, find, and apply kind of sites. And some sites offer more. They are more interactive and some even have more of a personal touch. They take the time and put in the effort to make it much more than a cold transaction. They want to make sure that everyone gets the best out of the deal and so they work hard to make sure that only the right candidates are short listed for the jobs advertised.

Sites that go that extra mile usually allow job seekers to upload their CVs to the sites. Or they may have pre-selected templates so that applicants can recreate their CVs on the sites and save them accordingly. Employers then have the opportunity to browse through CVs and find suitable applicants if they so choose (and if they have the time) or the site can match suitable CVs to jobs posted. Employers posting jobs can also create a profile to provide information about their company and can have their advertisements branded with their company’s logo.

Some sites offer an online marketing consultant who will manage and groom your profile page or your mini recruitment website should you have one. This dedicated account manager is also there as a primary phase of support, who will do his or her best to meet your needs. If the site is a good one, it will offer specialized HR SEO techniques, which it constantly develops to increase efficiency and to improve your results. This will in turn increase your return on investment.

In some cases Authorized Employers Agents may be used to exclusively manage the direct recruitment process and/or advertising. In some rare instances employers do not want to use their own branding and then the agent’s logo will be used instead, but it will be accompanied by a small graphic so that those concerned will know that they are applying to an agent and not directly to the employer.

Anyone who has ever applied to a job online, and that must include nearly everybody, Will have found how easy and convenient it can be. There is no paperwork. You are virtually assured of everything getting there safely. No waiting on the postal system. No dodgy fax lines. Communication is virtually immediate. It is easy to follow up and check details or send additional information. And you can adapt your CV quickly and easily to suit the job that you are applying for. Covering letters are a breeze. Job-hunting has never been easier than when you do it online.

On sites like those described in this article, where jobseekers and employers are put in touch, the task of applying for jobs is made even easier. Often all you have to do is enter the region where you would like to work and the category of job that you are looking for and the site does the rest. It comes up with your options and you decide which jobs you like the sound of and would like to apply for. If there are no jobs in that category or for that region it tells you and you are unfortunately out of luck. You should always try another category that your required job could be under, however, because not all people categorize jobs in the same way.

Online job seeking and employer advertising sites have, if not revolutionized the classifieds arena, then certainly moved it along at a mighty swift pace. Job-hunting online is easier and more convenient than searching through pages and pages of classified newspapers and then phoning and posting or faxing your CV through. It sends an easily adaptable CV and all necessary accompanying documents to the intended recipient with the click of one button. No mess, no fuss and no ink stains on your fingers. If you haven’t tried it, it’s time you did. It’s almost worth giving up your job just so that you can apply for a new one.

Sandra wrote this article for the online marketers Employers Jobs job search engine one of the most powerful and recognized employers “only” websites in the industry
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sandy_Cosser

The Best Student Job Interview Tips

By Tom Tessin

Jobs have been increasingly harder to come by especially for a recent college student. The United State's job market is and has been in a slump for the past several years. Unemployment levels are increasing which means your chances of scoring a job, especially after college is decreasing. As a recent college graduate, time is of the essence as you will most likely have debts and loans that will need to be paid back sooner rather than later. Upon receiving a time and date for an interview there are several tips you can follow that will help make you stand out and have a successful meeting with your potential employer.

Tip #1 Watch what you are wearing. Dressing appropriately is an immediate notification of the seriousness and professionalism you are showing to your potential employer. You may have heard the phrase "Dress for the job you want" and this is all too important for the initial interview. Wearing dress pants and a dress shirt if you are a male, and a skirt and blouse if you are a female are great starts. If you are applying for a job in the field of transportation, construction, mechanics, or something of that nature this is not very applicable. Also avoiding excessive jewelry and perfume or cologne is suggested.

Tip #2 Go to the interview alone. You are an adult, and an educated one at that. There is no reason for someone else such a friend, relative, or sibling to go with you. You are applying for the job and no one else.

Tip #3 Watch how fast you talk during the interview. On that same note, try to pace the speed of the conversation. Don't talk too much, but answer the questions directly and elaborate when you need to. You can only say so much about where you went to college or what your family is like.

Tip #4 Arrive to the interview early. Roughly half an hour is a good start. You may be filling out paperwork or signing documents before your scheduled meeting. Arriving early ensures you have time to do this, whether they told you about it or not.

Tip #5 Turn off your cell phone or other device prior to your interview. There isn't much more distracting than a ringing or vibrating phone during an interview.

Tip #6 Be enthusiastic! Make sure the employer knows just how interested you are in the position and what an asset you can be for the company.

Tip #7 Be yourself. Try to remain calm and look into the person's eyes. Most likely you will be interviewed by someone who has been a part of the interview process for a while and will see past lies, anxiousness, and nervousness. Be yourself and they will appreciate it.
None of these tips will guarantee you get the job. But all of them will increase your chances and should help you get the job you want. Even if you don't get the job, look at every interview process as a learning experience and learn from it.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tom_Tessin

10 Reasons Your Job Search is Failing

By Mary Lorenz, CareerBuilder.com Writer

On paper, the prescription for unemployment is rather formulaic: send in résumé, go on interview, be your charming self, get hired.

The frustrating reality isn't nearly as simple. Getting an interview alone is an exercise in persistence and patience.

Here are 10 reasons for why you're not landing that interview and what you can do to reverse the trend.

1. Your résumé and cover letter are as articulate as Courtney Love's Web blog. If your application materials contain typos, grammatical errors and irrelevant or inconsistent information, employers will take notice -- in a bad way. Once you've looked over your résumé and cover letter to the point of dementia, take this advice from Joyce Gioia of the Herman Group: have three people, for whom English is a first language, review your résumé and cover letter before you send it.

2. Your cover letter is generic. Make it personal by tailoring it to the particular job and addressing it to a person, not "To Whom It May Concern." And include a sentence or two about how you are the right fit for that particular job. If no contact is listed, take the initiative to find out who the hiring manager is by searching the company's Web site or calling the reference desk.

3. Your letter is a Cliff's Notes version of your résumé. Instead of simply restating what's on your résumé, include new information like how you found out about the job, why you want to work there and what you can do for them. Finally, close with something that will encourage a response, such as a request for an interview.

4. Your letter exudes self-consciousness, not self-confidence. If you don't feel qualified for a job, why are you applying for it? Don't call attention to your shortcomings in a letter; emphasize your strengths by focusing on your skills, experience and ability.

5. You cross the line from sounding confident to sounding cocky. Don't mistake selling yourself with bragging. Putting "I would be an asset to your company" in your cover letter catches the eye; writing "You would be crazy not to hire me" turns the stomach.

6. Your MySpace page lists "binge-drinking" as a favorite pastime. Don't post anything on a publicly accessible Web site that you wouldn't want a potential employer to see. Not all hiring managers run searches on job candidates, but some do, and it's better to err on the side of caution. Google yourself to see what comes up, because recruiters will see the same results.

7. You assume e-mail is enough. Hitting the send button on an online application is only the first step in landing an interview. For one thing, not every e-mail is received or read. Try following up your application by sending a paper résumé and cover letter via snail mail (indicating you've already applied online). After that, call the hiring manager to see that they've received your application and check on the status of the job in question.

8. You assume the Internet is enough. The majority of all employment opportunities aren't advertised, so be proactive: Contact human resources managers at companies you want to work for inquiring about positions available; register with a job recruitment agency; attend industry events to stay on top of news; and devote energy to meeting like-minded professionals who will be the keys to discovering more opportunities.

9. You misrepresent yourself. It may sound like a no-brainer, but misrepresenting yourself on a résumé is bound to catch up with you. Upon performing a reference check, Denise Moorehead, communications director of a non-profit service agency in Boston, once discovered a job candidate had left her previous job a year earlier than she'd admitted. It turned out that the candidate had gotten burned out and decided to take a year to temp and regroup, but thought the obvious employment gap would be held against her, so she simply lied about it. "I figured if she'd lie about something this easy to explain, she might lie about the deadline-driven work she would have to do with me," Moorehead says.

10. You give up. Remember that looking for a job is a full-time job. If you're not hearing back from employers, considering changing your strategy. Experiment with different cover letters, revise your résumé on a regular basis and look for opportunities to add to your experience even when you're not working (i.e. taking classes, participating in workshops, volunteering).

Get Your 50-Plus Resume Right

How Older Workers Can Balance Experience with Relevancy

by John Rossheim, Monster Senior Contributing Writer

When older workers hit the job market, they commonly take two common -- and ill-advised -- strategies for resume preparation.

Many 50-plus job seekers adopt an "I am what I am" approach. Believing there's no sense in repackaging the defining moments of their careers, they simply update the top of their traditional chronological resume with a brief description of recent projects, while subtracting a few lines from the bottom to abbreviate (not eliminate) mention of a job at a company they left a quarter of a century ago.

The opposite tack, often taken out of fear of age bias and professional obsolescence, is the "I am whatever they want me to be" approach. Swayed by well-meaning friends or strident self-help books, these older job seekers start from scratch, selectively creating a chronology-free professional identity from their past that precisely matches the needs of the hiring company du jour. The resulting functional resume is so artful that it could be mistaken for fiction.

Career experts recommend a superior alternative: The middle path. Workers should highlight their latest and greatest accomplishments in terms that will appeal to youthful recruiters and hiring managers, customizing each resume to directly address the needs of prospective employers without pandering to each job posting down to the bullet point. Here's how to get started.

The Age-Old Question: Which Resume Format?
Choosing a resume format can seem like such a critical decision that it paralyzes some 50-plus job seekers. A common-sense approach may help you address this issue.

"There's no reason to disguise the dates in a work history; just don't use your entire history," says Sarah Hightower Hill, CEO of Chandler Hill Partners, a career search strategies firm.

Many experts suggest setting a time limit on work history. "Experience more than 10 years old is irrelevant, because work has changed so much," says Carleen MacKay, a practice leader at staffing firm Spherion.

The resume date issue hit home for 48-year-old Sue Gehm, who decided to seek a new career direction in education or elsewhere after serving as a permanent and substitute schoolteacher for many years.

"I called the HR superintendent, and he said, ‘Well, your degree is from 1979,' so I realized my degree effectively had expired," says Gehm.
One solution: Include dates on a time-limited work history but omit them from your resume's education section.

Emphasize Accomplishments, Not Years of Experience
Too many dates going too far back isn't the only factor that ages a resume. Another common mistake is to brag about depth of experience as a virtue unto itself. By contrast, recent accomplishments that are relevant to the job opening automatically make a candidate appear more youthful.

As you draft your resume, "compare yourself to younger workers, who are engaged with the job market and know what employers want," says Karen Riggs, a professor of telecommunications at Ohio University and author of Granny@Work: Aging and New Technology on the Job in America.
Claims of experience that may span the lifetime of an industry also raise another risk commonly faced by older candidates: Being seen as overqualified.

Avoid that dubious distinction by deemphasizing prestigious assignments not immediately relevant to the current opening.

Address the Technology Issue Head On
Whether you're a programmer analyst or a cosmetics executive, your resume must confront any reservations the prospective employer may have regarding your technical aptitude.

One concern employers have about hiring older workers is that they haven't kept up with technology. So you should flaunt what you've got in this area, whether it's an impressive list of certifications or a simple mention of office-productivity software training you've undertaken.

You also can't ignore the fact that many employers, especially large ones, winnow the thousands of resumes they receive by analyzing the keywords they contain, especially for technical positions.

With the help of a knowledgeable friend or coworker, audit your resume to make sure it speaks the present-day language of your target industry.

10 Questions to Dazzle Would-Be Employers

By Kate Lorenz, CareerBuilder.com Editor

Your suit is crisp -- you look impressive. Your résumé is flawless -- you seem great on paper. Now, for the last piece of the successful job search puzzle -- "wowing" them at the interview.

How do you do it? Try asking questions. Besides showing your interest in the position and the company, asking questions gives you an active role in the interview and lets you steer the interview into areas where you shine.

To make sure your next interview is as smooth as your freshly pressed suit, try these 10 questions on for size:

1. "What type of growth and advancement opportunities does this position and the company offer?" This tells the interviewer that you have a long-term vision for your professional future and that you're not just looking for a paycheck; you're looking to secure a career.

2. "How do you see me benefiting the company?"
Finding out why you were selected out of possibly hundreds of other candidates gives you a chance to expand on the qualities that caught their eye, further making the case for your hire.

3. "What would my first project be if I'm hired?"
This will give you a specific idea of what you can expect when you walk into the office that first day after being hired. It also can give you a heads up as to what will be expected of you, allowing you to build on those attributes during the interview.

4. "Are continuing education and professional training stressed?" This shows your willingness to learn new skills and adapt to new challenges or initiatives. Adaptability is very important in today's fickle economy and could be key to retaining your job in a reorganization.

5. "Why did you choose this company?"
Hearing why a current employee opted to work at the firm can give you some insight into some of the strengths and opportunities within the organization.

6. "What is the company's culture?"
This will reveal those "intangibles" of a company that have nothing to do with professional experience or required education. If you need a traditional, office/cube environment to stay focused and get the job done, a more creativity-driven workplace which allows music streaming from computers, nerf hoop tournaments and ultraflexible schedules may not be conducive to your productivity.

7. "Who will evaluate me if I'm hired?"
Ask this question, and you'll discern the company and departmental structure under which you will be working. For instance, will you report directly to the vice president or will there be a succession of middle managers between you?

8. "What exactly are the job responsibilities?"
Job ads usually list the general areas of responsibility for a position. It's always good to confirm what the actual duties will be. You don't want to start your new job as an engineer and find out you're responsible for the weekly doughnut run.

9. "When will a decision be made on the successful candidate?" Knowing this helps you determine the timing of your interview follow-up activities.

10. "May I contact you if I have other questions?"
It's always good to wrap up the interview with this question. It keeps the door open for further communication, giving you one last chance to make your case.

Now your feeling confident, well prepared and oh yes, remember- You Look Marvelous

The After-50 Career Change

by James Gonyea, Monster Contributing Writer

Before turning 50, I couldn't figure out why so many people who reached that milestone made such a big deal of the event. Now that I'm safely past 50, I understand.

If there's a single word that describes the difference in my life since I turned 50, it's "adjustment." It seems I'm constantly making adjustments of one sort or another and faster than I ever did when I was younger. It takes me more time to do certain tasks, and I'm not as fast at recalling important names or events. So, to continue enjoying a rewarding life, I've had to learn how to adapt to my advancing age.

As a career counselor, I've noticed that successful career changing for the over-50 group requires a variety of adjustments. The following thoughts have proved helpful to my older clients:

Know Yourself
Explore your personality and what you need to be happy. This information is key to making good career decisions.

Take Time to Think
Chances are you've had little free time or the inclination over the last 20 to 30 years to take stock of your life. To avoid the "I wish I had or had not..." syndrome that happens to so many older people, take time now to determine what you want to do with your years ahead.

Seek Professional Help
Note how good you are at your own career. No doubt you'll agree that your experience can be a great asset to less-experienced colleagues. Now try to understand how much you might gain from seeking help from others, such as career counselors who are experienced in helping people find the right career.

It's Not About the Money
Yes, you still need a decent income to afford life's necessities and luxuries. But you should also focus on personal satisfaction, developing your talents and contributing to society.

Self-Actualization
It's common to hear people in the 50-plus group talk about how important it is to maximize the development of their knowledge and skills. Mastering one's own craft is the normal goal for most workers, either for its own sake or spiritual reasons.

Deal with the Fear
Change is never without stress and anxiety. Talk to your spouse, children, friends, relatives and colleagues about the changes you're going through, and seek their assistance and support.

Be Realistic About What You Can Do
Put away your dreams about becoming the oldest president of the United States. Set realistic goals, and enjoy the success and rewards that can come from achieving them.

Don't Hate Them Because They're Younger
Remember when you were young, how excited you were to be part of the action and how great it was when someone older helped you along? Now it's your turn to team up with younger people. They need your help, and you need them, too.

Use Your Network
Refer to the friends, colleagues, relatives and acquaintances you've acquired over your lifetime for information and assistance when planning your after-50 career.

Consider All Options
Don't limit your thinking to only full-time employment. Consider consulting, volunteering, part-time work, temp work and self-employment as viable career options. A combination of several of the above may be the best option for realizing your financial goals.

Stay Strong
The best defense against the obstacles that inhibit older workers is to stay in great shape, both mentally and physically. Get in the habit of reading books on positive thinking and exercising on a regular basis.

Be Flexible
Learn to adjust and change. Understand that you've become set in your ways and how this type of behavior often conflicts with the times.

Your post-50 years can be your most enjoyable and rewarding if you have the right attitude. Fight the battles you can win, forget the rest and use your time where it counts most: Enjoy your family, help others through your work and become the best person you can be.

30 Interview Questions You Can't Ask and 30 Sneaky,

Legal Alternatives to Get the Same Info

By HR World Editors on November 15, 2007

In every job interview, the goal is to obtain important information while building a friendly rapport with the candidate. But some questions are just a little too friendly. Protect yourself and your company from legal trouble and embarrassment by avoiding the wrong questions while still getting to the root of the concern behind the question. Read on for 30 ways to turn litigious questions into harmless, legal alternatives.

Nationality
Certainly, you want to be sure that a candidate can legally work for you, but it's important to be careful how you ask. These questions address citizenship, language and other touchy subjects.

1. What you can't ask: Are you a U.S. citizen?

Although this seems like the simplest and most direct way to find out if an interviewee is legally able to work for your company, it's hands-off. Rather than inquiring about citizenship, question whether or not the candidate is authorized for work.

What to ask instead: Are you authorized to work in the U.S.?

2. What you can't ask: What is your native tongue?

Finding out about a candidate's native language may seem like a good way to find out about their fluency, but you may offend applicants that are sensitive to common assumptions about their language. Additionally, as an employer, it's not your concern how the applicant attained fluency in a language — just that they are fluent.
What to ask instead: What languages do you read, speak or write fluently?

3. What you can't ask: How long have you lived here?

Familiarity with local culture may be important to the position, but it's important not to ask about a candidate's residency in the country or region directly. Rather, ask about their current situation, and they may volunteer information about their past along the way.

What to ask instead: What is your current address and phone number? Do you have any alternative locations where you can be reached?

Religion
Religion is a subject that should be treaded upon lightly at the office, and even more so in interviews. Protect yourself from overstepping the boundaries but still get the information you need with these questions.

4. What you can't ask: What religion do you practice?

You may want to know about religious practices to find out about weekend work schedules, but it's imperative that you refrain from asking directly about a candidate's beliefs. Instead, just ask directly when they're able to work, and there will be no confusion.

What to ask instead: What days are you available to work?

5. What you can't ask: Which religious holidays do you observe?

Again, scheduling is important, but don't risk stepping on toes to find out what you need to know. Simply confirm that your interviewee can work when you need them to.

What to ask instead: Are you able to work with our required schedule?

6. What you can't ask: Do you belong to a club or social organization?

This question is too revealing of political and religious affiliations that candidates are not required to share such information with potential employers. Additionally, this questions has little to no relation to a candidate's ability to do a job. For this question, it's important that the wording focuses on work.

What to ask instead: Are you a member of a professional or trade group that is relevant to our industry?

Age
Maturity is essential for most positions, but it's important that you don't make assumptions about a candidate's maturity based on age. Alternately, you have to be careful about discrimination towards applicants nearing retirement. These questions will keep you in the clear.

7. What you can't ask: How old are you?

While it seems like a simple question, it's in fact quite loaded. Knowledge of an applicant's age can set you up for discrimination troubles down the road. To be safe, just ensure that the candidate is legally old enough to work for your firm.

What to ask instead: Are you over the age of 18?

8. What you can't ask: How much longer do you plan to work before you retire?
Again, asking this question opens up discrimination troubles. While you may not want to hire an older worker who will retire in a few years, you can't dismiss an applicant for this reason. Instead, see what the candidate's plans are for the future; they may plan to work for a number of years.

What to ask instead: What are your long-term career goals?

Marital and Family Status
These questions primarily concern women with children, but they're applicable to everyone. Ensure that you don't make assumptions, and avoid embarrassing candidates by using the following questions.

9. What you can't ask: Is this your maiden name?

This question, like many others, may seem innocent and simple, but it's off-limits. A woman's marital status isn't something that's required to be shared with employers. Instead, verify whether or not she's gained experience using any other names.

What to ask instead: Have you worked or earned a degree under another name?

10. What you can't ask: Do you have or plan to have children?

Clearly, the concern here is that family obligations will get in the way of work hours. Instead of asking about or making assumptions on family situations, get to the root of the issue by asking directly about the candidate's availability.

What to ask instead: Are you available to work overtime on occasion? Can you travel?

11. What you can't ask: Can you get a babysitter on short notice for overtime or travel?

Don't make the mistake of assuming that a candidate has children or that they don't already have proper child care plans. As with many other questions, the key here is to ask directly about availability.

What to ask instead: You'll be required to travel or work overtime on short notice. Is this a problem for you?

12. What you can't ask: Do you have kids?

This one is for positions in which the candidate may work with children. The added experience of children at home may be a bonus for you, but it's not an employer's place to ask about this. Rather, inquire about the candidate's experience, and they may volunteer this information to you anyway.

What to ask instead: What is your experience with "x" age group?

13. What you can't ask: Who is your closest relative to notify in case of an emergency?
Although not especially offensive, this question makes assumptions about the candidate's personal life. They may not be close to relatives and instead prefer to list a friend or caretaker.

What to ask instead: In case of emergency, who should we notify?

14. What you can't ask: What do your parents do for a living?

Asking a candidate about their parents can reveal a lot, but it's not directly related to their future performance in a position. However, if you are trying to find out if your candidate's family has traditionally worked in your industry, this question is a good way to find out.

What to ask instead: Tell me how you became interested in the "x" industry.

15. What you can't ask: If you get pregnant, will you continue to work, and will you come back after maternity leave?

Ultimately, you want to invest your time in a candidate that will stick around, but you can't ask a woman to share her pregnancy plans, or lack thereof, with you. Discuss her general plans for the future to gauge her commitment level, baby or not.

What to ask instead: What are your long-term career goals?

Gender
Once you've reached the interview stage, a candidate's gender is almost always clear. It is important, however, to ensure that you don't make assumptions about a person's abilities based on this information.

16. What you can't ask: We've always had a man/woman do this job. How do you think you will stack up?

Leave gender out of this question, and you should be fine. Inquire about th applicant's ability to handle the job, but don't ask directly about how being a man or woman could affect it.

What to ask instead: What do you have to offer our company?

17. What you can't ask: How do you feel about supervising men/women?

This question, although it may seem like a valid concern, is not acceptable. The candidate may not have any issues working with the opposite or same sex, and you'll seem crass for even bringing it up.

What to ask instead: Tell me about you previous experience managing teams.

18. What you can't ask: What do you think of interoffice dating?

The practice of interoffice dating can be distracting, break up teams and cause a number of other problems in the workplace. But asking this question makes assumptions about the candidate's marital status and may even be interpreted as a come-on.

What to ask instead: Have you ever been disciplined for your behavior at work?

Health and Physical Abilities
Your employees' health and abilities may be essential to getting the job done, but it's important to avoid assumptions and discrimination. Stick to these questions in order to avoid embarrassment and legal troubles.

19. What you can't ask: Do you smoke or drink?

As an employer, you probably want to avoid someone who has a drinking problem or will take multiple smoke breaks throughout the day. It's even a concern for insurance. Instead of asking about this directly, find out if they've had trouble with health policies in the past.

What to ask instead: In the past, have you been disciplined for violating company policies forbidding the use of alcohol or tobacco products?

20. What you can't ask: Do you take drugs?

This question is just a simple confusion of terms. Your interviewee may think you're asking about prescription drugs, which is off-limits. Make sure you specify that you want to know about illegal drug use instead.

What to ask instead: Do you use illegal drugs?

21. What you can't ask: How tall are you?

In a labor environment, height may be essential to the job, but this question is too personal. As with many of these questions, it's best just to ask directly about the candidate's ability to do what's required of them.

What to ask instead: Are you able to reach items on a shelf that's five feet tall?

22. What you can't ask: How much do you weigh?

This highly personal question is embarrassing for most and is not necessarily relevant to a candidate's ability to do even a physical-labor job. Avoid making assumptions, and ask about abilities directly.

What to ask instead: Are you able to lift boxes weighing up to 50 pounds?

23. What you can't ask: How many sick days did you take last year?

No one wants a flaky employee, but even the most dedicated workers get sick every now and then. Take a look at missed days as a whole to measure the candidate's commitment.

What to ask instead: How many days of work did you miss last year?

24. What you can't ask: Do you have any disabilities?

Disabilities, whether they're physical or mental, may affect a candidate's ability to do the job, but it's critical that you avoid asking about them. Rather, find out if the applicant can handle doing what's required.

What to ask instead: Are you able to perform the specific duties of this position?

25. What you can't ask: Have you had any recent or past illnesses or operations?

Again, gauging commitment is important, but illness isn't something that most people can help.The answer here is to make sure that the candidate can perform the job while avoiding questions about his or her physical abilities.

What to ask instead: Are you able to perform the essential functions of this job with or without reasonable accommodations?

Miscellaneous
Avoid interviewing gaffes by sidestepping these questions about residence, legal troubles and military service.

26. What you can't ask: How far is your commute?

Although hiring employees who live close by may be convenient, you can't choose candidates based on their location. Find out about their availability instead.

What to ask instead: Are you able to start work at 8 a.m.?

27. What you can't ask: Do you live nearby?

If your candidate lives outside of the city your company is hiring in, it may be necessary to have them move to your area. But again, you can't discriminate based on location. Rather, find out if the applicant is willing to move closer to the office.

What to ask instead: Are you willing to relocate?

28. What you can't ask: Have you ever been arrested?

In sensitive positions, like those that deal with money, you may want to find out about your candidate's legal fortitude. But ensure that you ask only directly about crimes that relate to your concern.

What to ask instead: Have you ever been convicted of "x" (fraud, theft and so on)?

29. What you can't ask: Were you honorably discharged from the military?

A bad military record can be illuminating, but you can't ask about it. Instead, ask about the candidate's experience, and they may volunteer this information on their own.

What to ask instead: Tell me how your experience in the military can benefit the company.

30. What you can't ask: Are you a member of the National Guard or Reserves?

Losing an employee to military service can be disrupting, but it's critical that you don't discriminate based on assumptions of a candidate's upcoming military commitments. Find out what their plans are for the short term instead.

What to ask instead: Do you have any upcoming events that would require extensive time away from work?

Five High-Demand Jobs in 2008

by Robert McCauley, Robert Half International

Professionals in many fields will have something to smile about in 2008. Employers are willing to increase compensation to recruit those with experience in high-demand specialties. Here are some of the hottest positions for the new year, based on research gathered for the "2008 Salary Guides" from Robert Half International.

Public Accountants

Demand continues to grow for public accountants as firms look for professionals to deliver diverse service offerings. Average starting salaries for senior managers and directors at midsize firms ($25 million to $250 million in sales) are projected to increase 7.7% in the year ahead, to between $88,250 and $129,250 annually. Even those just entering the profession will benefit from the trend. At small firms (up to $25 million in sales), professionals with one to three years of experience can expect a 7.7% increase in average starting salaries, to a range of $44,750 to $53,250 per year.

Candidates who possess a certified public accountant designation and public accounting experience are the most highly sought, both within public accounting firms and within corporate accounting departments. Despite the need, employers have become increasingly discerning when it comes to new hires. Organizations are looking for accountants who, in addition to having financial skills, are proficient with technology and are good communicators.

Senior-Level Administrators

In the administrative field, experience leads to job opportunities. Senior-level professionals are seeing higher starting salary increases compared to other support positions because individuals in these roles are being asked to take on tasks such as budgeting and project management. In addition, companies are placing increased weight on industry experience and advanced skill sets when evaluating applicants. Senior executive assistants, for instance, can expect base compensation to rise 3.7% over 2007 levels, to the range of $40,500 to $56,750 per year. Salaries for senior administrative assistants will rise 3.6%, to between $31,000 and $40,500 annually.

Administrative professionals at all stages of their careers can benefit from certification. Our research shows employers are willing to offer an average of 7% more to candidates with designations such as certified administrative professional and certified professional secretary, and an average of 11% more to those who possess the Microsoft Office Specialist certification.

Lead Applications Developers

In the technology field, lead applications developers -- professionals who manage software development teams and projects -- will see the greatest starting salary gains of any IT job classification in 2008. Base compensation for these individuals is expected to rise 7.6%, to between $80,250 and $108,000 annually.

Hot development skills include experience with .NET framework, C#, XML and Java Enterprise Edition, as well as the ability to interface with Microsoft SQL Server and Oracle database applications. In particular, companies seek skilled lead applications developers with the ability to understand and solve business problems.

Attorneys

It's a good time to be in the legal field. Licensed attorneys with one to three years of experience at large law firms (75 or more attorneys) will see average base compensation rise 8.2%, to the range of $114,000 to $147,500 annually. Attorneys with experience in high-growth specialties such as intellectual property, corporate transactional law and litigation are likely to receive the highest salary offers.

In addition to possessing legal skills, attorneys need to be computer-proficient. Employers now routinely expect candidates to be adept at online searches and able to use tools such as docketing databases and case management database software.

Web Design Professionals

For many organizations, the Internet is the primary channel for communicating with customers and building brand identity. As a result, Web design professionals are in high demand. For example, website designers can expect starting compensation of $46,500 to $68,500 per year in 2008.

The most in-demand applicants can leverage print and Web design expertise to create cohesive, compelling marketing campaigns. Consequently, Web designers who possess a thorough understanding of front-end development, and expertise in applications such as HTML, Cascading Style Sheets and Flash ActionScripting, will command the highest salaries.

Robert Half International, the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm, is a recognized leader in professional consulting and staffing services, and is the parent company of Protiviti, a leading independent internal audit and risk consulting firm. The company has staffing and consulting operations in more than 400 locations worldwide.

10 Careers Where You'll Be "In Demand"

by Richard Barrington

If you think looking for a job and finding a career is the same thing, think again. With the U.S. unemployment rate under 5%, almost anybody can find a job. The bad news is that many of these jobs are low-paying, come without benefits, or offer little in the way of security. Finding a career where you have the upper hand takes a little more long-term planning than simply finding a job, but it will be well worth it in the long run.

These ten careers--in four major job sectors--are likely to be rewarding because employees in these fields are expected to find themselves in an employee's market.

Healthcare
For better or worse, you can't fight demographics, and those demographics show that the average American is getting older. Healthcare needs increase with age, so as the baby-boom generation enters retirement, healthcare workers are going to be in more demand than ever.

Career possibility #1: Personal/Home Health Aide. As people age, healthcare becomes more of a day-to-day issue, which is why personal/home health aides are in such demand. Health aid training will give you enough background to get started in this field.

Career possibility #2: Medical Assistants. Demand for this occupation is growing, but so is the demand for formal training. You'd want to take some medical assisting courses in school--or even consider a medical assisting degree.

Career possibility #3: Mental Health Counselors/Social Workers. The psychological aspect of healthcare cannot be overlooked. Consistent with the theme of an aging America, Alzheimer's disease is creating more and more mental health challenges, but there are also conditions such as autism which are becoming more common in the general population. Psychology programs are offered in many schools, and online psychology degrees are also available.

Information Technology
The big concern with information technology (IT) has been that some programming and customer support functions have been outsourced overseas. However, certain IT functions are more hands-on, and these are the areas where trained workers remain in demand.

Career possibility #4: Network Systems and Data Communications Analysts. Mastery of the computer system makes you indispensable to an organization. This takes a high level of training, so a degree in information technology is a must. Experience plus training is even better, so if you are already working, consider earning an IT degree online.

Career possibility #5: Computer Software Applications Engineers. Routine programming can be outsourced, but there will never be any substitute for the ability to create new, value-added applications. A computer programming degree is a good start, or go online to check out other types of computer science degrees.

Education
Teaching is another career that is hands-on enough to be immune to outsourcing.

Career possibility #6: Teacher. Dedicated teachers are in demand in virtually every part of the country, and with the general population growing; this demand is not going to wane any time soon. You will need a degree in education, and an online teaching degree is one way of meeting this requirement. You'll need teacher's certification as well, so check your state department of education website.

Professional Services
The nature of these services is highly-individualized, which is one of the reasons trained professionals are in demand.

Career possibility #7: Paralegal/Legal Assistant. These occupations are in demand because they can leverage the time of high-priced lawyers. There are paralegal schools across the country and online where you can pursue a paralegal degree or legal assisting training.

Career possibility #8: Financial Services. The heart of the baby boom is entering its peak savings years. Careers in finance can be highly compensated, so an MBA in finance may be well worth the investment. An online finance degree can be a way to give your current career a new boost.

Career possibility #9: Accountants and Auditors. These have some of the same characteristics as financial services careers. Training can be found at a variety of accounting schools, or consider an online accounting degree. Specialize in taxes or estate planning or fraud to attract even bigger opportunities.

Career possibility #10: Employment Services. With all the job demand described above, it should be no surprise that this is expected to be the fastest growing segment of the professional and business services sector. Plus, what better way to keep track of evolving employment trends than working as a recruiter or placement specialist? Consider earning a human resource management degree either online or at a traditional school.

As always, check out the relevant accreditation standards for any career training and educational program you choose. As for making that choice, the bottom line is, if you want a job where you'll be in demand, just look at society's trends and follow those trends toward your new career.

Five Hot Business Careers, No MBA Needed

by Tamar Snyder, ClassesUSA

MBA doesn't stand for "Money Boost Assured." Sure, the degree can help you land a higher salaried job -- but it may pay to think outside the MBA box, say some experts.

"MBA degrees are crutches," contends Penelope Trunk, author of "Brazen Careerist: The New Rules for Success" (Business Plus, 2007). "The more you move around outside of the Fortune 500, the less you need an MBA."

Here's an overview of five promising careers that don't require an MBA to get ahead.

1. Event Planning

If you possess organizational skills, creativity, and a sparkling personality, you may want to become a party or event planner. It'll be your job to make sure that Bar Mitzvahs, corporate receptions, and weddings take place without a hitch. Attention to detail is a must: Party planners are in charge of everything, from choosing a venue, ordering food, proofing invitations, and making travel arrangements.
Lots of evening and weekend work is required, but the rewards are many. While event planners sometimes earn a flat fee of a few thousand dollars per event, many typically charge an hourly rate that ranges from $20 to $40. The more complex the event (think of a post-Oscar party!), the more money a planner can command.

2. Public Relations (PR)

Are you what "The Tipping Point" author Malcolm Gladwell termed a "connecter": someone who knows everybody and for whom networking comes naturally? If so, a career in public relations may be your path to success sans an MBA. PR professionals draft press releases, organize events, and contact media to obtain coverage for the organizations and products they represent. They tend to be creative, resourceful, and have superb communication skills.

Be aware: PR associates often work irregular schedules, and unpaid overtime is common. Although there is no specific educational requirement necessary to break into the field, taking on internships in the field during your undergraduate studies are often the surest ways to securing a job. The median salary for a public relations specialist was $43,830, according to 2004 government stats, although experienced PR workers can earn upwards of $81,000 per year.

3. Advertising

Obsessed with the new TV show "Mad Men"? Though times have changed, advertising is still a thriving career for those with the energy, creativity, and drive to put in long hours in exchange for that expense account. Advertising sales agents work for ad agencies and typically hold a bachelor's degree in a related field, such as communications or marketing. They create ad campaigns for corporations, and help coordinate the efforts of copywriters, art and marketing departments. Travel is part and parcel of most ad jobs. The median salary for advertising account executives is $40,300, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

4. Web Designer

Thanks to the Internet boom, trained Web designers are in demand. These creative professionals work with companies to design and maintain Web sites that effectively convey their corporate missions, contact information, latest news, and more. Web designers must be well versed in HTML and computer graphics programs like Dreamweaver, Photoshop, Illustrator and Flash, which are often taught in 6- to 12-month certificate programs.

While freelancers can work out of a home office, Web designers must be especially attentive of deadlines and willing to make last-minute changes beyond 5 p.m. and on weekends. The average salary is just under $60,000 per year.

5. Search Engine Optimization

You've no doubt heard the terms "search engine optimization," or SEO. Professionals in this field help increase traffic to Web sites. There are currently more jobs than skilled marketers available to fill them. Salary starts at $40,000, but a proven marketer can earn in the six figures.

When it comes to search engine optimization -- a very new field -- degrees are secondary to proven experience," says Amanda Vega, owner of Amanda Vega Consulting, which provides Web site development, marketing, advertising, and public relations services. Vega holds an MBA from Columbia University but says education was a personal goal, not merely a means of making more money. "You gain advancement both in title and salary through hard work and experience."

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Interviewing the Interviewer

Smart Questions to Ask the Hiring Manager During a Job Interview

by Larry Buhl, for Yahoo! HotJobs

Job Talkin' Make Your Resume Stand out From the Pack

Make Your Resume Stand out From the Pack

by: Brad Karsh

Question: I have recently moved, and it has been tough finding work. I started looking for work back in April. What can I do to enhance my resume and land a job?

-- Trying to Stand Out, South Bend, IN

by Tom Musbach, Yahoo! HotJobs

Pessimism among U.S. job seekers has risen because of the troubled economy, but experts say the downturn shouldn't discourage people who want to find a new or better job.

According to a Yahoo! HotJobs survey in August, 53% of workers believed the job market would get worse in the next six months. In addition, 28% said they wanted to look for a new job but were too discouraged by the current economic climate.

Job Talkin'
Make Your Resume Stand out From the Pack