Where are all the Jobs?

Saturday, June 23, 2012

The Work Buzz's Latest News: Are your emotions thriving or thrashing in your job?

Are your emotions thriving or thrashing in your job?

Posted: 22 Jun 2012 12:01 PM PDT

Considering the rocky state of the economy right now, you may count yourself lucky just to have a job without giving a second thought to how happy you are there. However, don't be so quick to dismiss your personal feelings about your job —companies know that happier employees are more innovative and loyal. If you're having your emotional needs met within your position, you're a much bigger asset to the company than you may have originally thought.
Mark Ingwer, business psychologist and author of "Empathetic Marketing," shares his insight about satisfying emotional needs in business. Ingwer identifies five core emotional needs that every company and employee should know about in order to be more successful and motivated. Check your professional pulse with these five emotional needs, and find out if you're thriving in your work environment or if you belong on life support.
Belonging
A sense of belonging is indispensable if your company encourages innovation and creativity. Being comfortable around your co-workers and boss establishes an open environment that will be more receptive when pitching new ideas. "Businesses that cater to and help us meet the need to belong will uncover previously unexplored opportunities," Ingwer says. Is your work family a little standoffish? Talk to your boss about team ideas that can bring the group together. An office book chat or a community volunteering day can open up your co-workers and get people talking.
Control
Are you being handed more responsibilities and projects to head as time goes on at your job? Being given more control is a clear sign of how your company measures your worth and is an easy way for you to gauge your place there. Asking for more responsibility or taking the lead on a project shows how confident you are at your workplace too. Ingwer notes, "We only spend energy on controlling outcomes proportional to our belief that we can succeed." If you've been avoiding your to-do list or have shied away from speaking up, now's the time to start taking more control of your career and of your place at your company.
Growth
How challenged do you feel at your job? Being able to grow within a position or company is a major factor in the evolution of your career. "It's important to note that we grow most fully when our enlightenment leads to competency, which is extraordinary knowledge in a given area or subject. In one's career, those who learn more about their niche will get ahead of those who do not," Ingwer says. Look for opportunities to expand your knowledge about your industry, and continue to challenge yourself. When you reach a point where every day feels like a repeat, see if there's an upcoming chance to move up. Make an appointment to speak with your manager about taking on more responsibilities, and ask if your position can grow to include more leadership possibilities or if there's a higher opening within the company for which you can be considered. If the conversation is a dead end, it may be time to consider looking for a more challenging position elsewhere.
Recognition
Are you getting the credit you deserve in your job? Do your co-workers and boss know that you were the one who submitted that great idea? Ingwer notes, "Recognition is paramount anytime the need to motivate groups, and individuals within groups, is central to accomplishing organizational goals … We need look no further than the workplace." If others are looking to you as a leader and professional role model, your reputation is working in your favor for advancing your career. Still going unnoticed for your hard work? Start getting more involved both in public and private ways at work. Speak up more at group meetings, email others your ideas and ask for input, and stay on track with your projects to start getting noticed.
Self-expression
If you're fortunate enough to work in a field you care about, you're already experiencing positive self-expression. "And for many people, the most satisfying vehicle for expression is often the work of one's career," Ingwer explains. But if you're in a job you couldn't care less about, your need for self-expression may leave you wanting more. Look for ways to get your interests involved at work. Love messing around with computers? Ask for technology training. Passionate about sports and fitness? Start a company kickball team or organize a company entry in the next marathon. Your self-expression and initiative will make you a stronger figure in the company and get you noticed for the right reasons.

ResumeBear Blog

ResumeBear: Have These Answers Ready for Your Job Interview

Posted: 22 Jun 2012 07:42 AM PDT

With the competition keener than ever and the economy in a slump, you need to prepare for your job interview thoroughly. It's no longer enough to offer a firm handshake to your interviewer, make eye contact, and nod pleasantly now and then. You need to prepare a dynamic application letter and resume. You need to research the company. And you need to present a confident image and develop the ability to answer tough questions on the spot.
Although no one can predict the questions your potential employer will ask, you can think about how you'd answer some of the commonly asked ones. Here are ten questions for you to consider and a few hints about how to answer them:
Tell me about yourself.
Chances are the employer doesn't want to know how much you weighed when you were born, when you learned to tie your shoes, or how much you had to drink last night. He or she wants to know how you would fit into the company and what your relevant job experience is. You might answer by asking the interviewer what he'd like to know. Or you might talk about your education, the fact that you're a team player, or whatever you think might be important to this particular company.
Why should we hire you?
Even though five people may be waiting outside, you need to sound confident, calm, and capable. Explain how your experience has prepared you for the job. Emphasize the qualities you think the employer is looking for, such as your outstanding work ethic or the fact that you're a fast learner.
What is your worst characteristic?
Some human resource specialists suggest that you make a virtue sound like a flaw. "I tend to be a perfectionist," or, "Everyone says I work too hard." But others say these answers have become clichés. Mention a minor flaw, such as, "I think I'm too outspoken at times, but I'm working on it."
Where do you want to be five years from now?
Let the interviewer know you're looking for job stability and that you aren't planning to use this job as a temporary stopping point in your quest for a better position. You
could say, "I'd like to be employed in a small company like this one, where I can learn,
contribute, and advance."
Why did you leave your last job?
Never put your former employer or your co-workers in a negative light. Don't blame them for your departure. Give a positive reason, such as you left to take advantage of another opportunity that was better suited to your skills.
Tell me about a problem you had in your life and how you solved it.
Be prepared with a short answer that shows you're resourceful. "I really wanted to go to a private university, but my parents didn't have the money. I went to a community college for two years, worked part time and saved my money so I could attend the last two years at the college of my choice."
Have you had difficulties getting along with supervisors or co-workers?
You'd have to be a saint to have had no problems with the people you worked with. You might answer, "Nothing major. I try to get along with everyone."
How do you deal with stress on the job?
The employer wants to know if you're going to run out the door when things get stressful. Ask yourself if you thrive on working with deadlines or if you need creative time to function more effectively. Think about how you handle stress and be honest. "I focus on the work I'm doing," or, "I make time to work out at the gym."
What salary do you want for this job?
Rather than stating a definite figure, tell the interviewer you'd expect to get somewhere in the standard range paid for this position.
Do you have questions for me?
Always have a few questions. They show that you researched the company. Ask about a
current issue the company is working on or how their recent layoff in another department
affected company morale.
Remember– the job interview is a two-way discovery process. By doing your homework and answering interview questions intelligently, you're striving to prove you're the person for the job On the other hand, you need to decide–sometimes in the midst of the questions—if the position you're applying for is what you want to do and if the company is where you want to spend most of your time for the next few (at least) years.
The post ResumeBear: Have These Answers Ready for Your Job Interview appeared first on Resumebear Online Resume.

Friday, June 22, 2012

The Work Buzz's Latest News: Survey: Bosses take more vacation time than their teams

Survey: Bosses take more vacation time than their teams

Posted: 21 Jun 2012 08:08 AM PDT

It's hard to find anyone who doesn't think a vacation is a good thing. Beyond getting to explore different parts of the country or the world, vacations have been shown to improve mental health, prevent job burnout and even enhance creativity. Yet if you're guilty of ending the year without using most of your vacation days, you're not alone — at least among your peers. Your boss, however, might be a different story.

According to a new CareerBuilder survey, 81 percent of managers have taken or plan to take vacation this year, compared with 65 percent of full-time employees. While that number is up from 61 percent in 2011, the number of vacationers did fall well below pre-financial crisis levels. In 2007, 80 percent of full-time workers went on vacation or expected to take a vacation that year.
Take a look at the infographic below for more vacation statistics. Don't worry about getting caught reading this instead of working — chances are your boss is on vacation anyway.

Click to see the full-size image

ResumeBear Blog

The Top 3 Interns Every Organization Must Have

Posted: 21 Jun 2012 09:48 AM PDT

This guest post is by Justin & Dreama Lee, co-founders of InternProfits.com.
In 2012 we're poised to see more students than ever before looking for an internship, and a record number of companies looking to either improve, or start, an internship program.
A lot of organizations are perfectly capable of hiring an intern within their area of expertise: accounting firms hire accounting interns, legal firms offer internships to the next round of "would be" attorneys, and TV and film companies are always ready to hire their next round of interns.
But what about other organizations and businesses? How do they know what interns they should be hiring? What are the top internships for 2012?
What are the internships that are going to drive more leads, more sales, more revenue, and more profit for you organization?
In reality, aren't those the best types of internships? The kind that when the intern is finished, they've contributed to the growth of the organization, and had a rewarding and fulfilling experience? The type of internship that lets the intern walk away with a portfolio of work that they can be proud of?
The type of internship that would inspire the company to hire them because of all of the fantastic results that they've achieved?
Next week, on Thursday February 9th at 10am PST/1pm EST/6pm GMT we're hosting a special webinar for the entire Urban Interns community. The topic of the webinar is "The Top 3 Interns Every Organization Must Have", and it's perfectly timed to set up 2012 as your best year ever.
We've selected this topic because not only do these "Top 3" internships help you grow your organization, but also because the 3 internships are hot! In other words, when you post these positions, motivated, skilled applicants are excited about taking on these projects at your organization.
We love these three internships for a number of reasons:
They instantly help you grow your company and your brand
They can be offered no matter what type of organization your run (for profit, non-profit, or government agency)
They can be offered no matter where your organization is located (these are perfect for virtual interns, so even if you work from home as a "solopreneur" this strategy will still work for you)
It doesn't matter how long you've been in business (so whether you're an established company or a brand new start up, you can implement this)
Interns across the planet are absolutely dying to take any one of the 3 internships (so it makes your job of attracting a high quality candidate that much easier)

Thursday, June 21, 2012

The Work Buzz's Latest News: Career boosters: 5 ways to set yourself apart

Career boosters: 5 ways to set yourself apart

Posted: 20 Jun 2012 08:12 AM PDT

Matthew Tarpey, CareerBuilder Writer
The phrase "There's plenty of fish in the sea" may comfort a recently jilted friend, but it is one of the most intimidating realizations for today's active job seekers. For years you've been pinched on the cheeks and told you're special, but when it comes time for a job interview, you may find potential employers a bit more difficult to impress than your Grandma.
So how can you set yourself apart from the hordes of starry-eyed, gown-wearing, degree-clutching graduates that you're competing with? In her book "The Wall Street Journal Guide to Building Your Career," author Jennifer Merritt offers several career boosters to transform your run-of-the-mill résumé into a job-magnet jackpot.
Industry and professional associations
Many young professionals underestimate the potential payoff of industry and professional associations. Some are convinced they're outdated and redundant, while others are just afraid of the price tag. However, when used properly, these groups can be helpful in expanding your network, staying on top of industry trends and furthering your education.
Once you've signed up, paid your dues and gone through the elaborate hazing process (just kidding), it's up to you to make the whole thing worthwhile. Get involved by attending meetings and mixers, running for positions and joining committees or sub-groups of young professionals. "But don't just stick with the youngsters," Merritt says. "You want to meet people who've been there and done that and whose experiences you can learn from." Don't be intimidated by high-ranking professionals in fancy suits — chances are they'd love to talk about themselves and their accomplishments.
Check out these tips from employers on how to differentiate yourself:

Volunteerism
You may have participated in some charity events through a high-school sports team or a bake sale your mother threw so you'd have volunteer work on your college résumé, but volunteering can benefit you in more ways than merely making you appear charitable.
While it is true that companies like to hire charitable individuals who can help the company's image, there's actually more in it for the company than just saving face. In fact, many companies offer volunteering opportunities to their employees, because a number of studies have shown that giving people time off to volunteer improves worker retention and recruiting.
But you're not here to hear about how much companies like charitable people. You probably know that. What you want to hear is how volunteering can benefit you by expanding your professional network, offering you leadership experience and giving you the opportunity to enhance skills outside of your everyday repertoire. Plus the people you meet while volunteering will know you as passionate and full of character. That can lead to a referral in the future.
Alumni networks
Most recent grads are of the opinion that alumni networks are their alma mater's thinly veiled attempt at squeezing more money out of former students who are no longer paying tuition. For some time that was actually true, but due to the economic downturn and the snail-paced recovery, many alumni networks have started offering other services. Many now offer expert seminars, advanced education opportunities, mixers and dedicated alumni career services. That's a lot better than a yearly magazine and some dinnertime phone calls asking for donations.
Meet-and-greets and seminars hosted by alumni associations are also great opportunities for you to add to your contact list. These can be especially helpful, because people often like to hire and promote other people like them, and sharing an alma mater is a great similarity to have. Plus it's an easy-yet-effective ice breaker.
Skill-related classes and certifications
Employers generally prefer candidates who have demonstrated their ability and willingness to go above and beyond the bare-minimum requirements. So while having a hot-air ballooning license may not help you land a job in marketing, taking classes and earning certifications that are not only interesting to you, but are also related to your field, could prove advantageous in the long run.
In many professions, optional certifications can help you get promotions and stay on track with your career goals. Additional certifications and classes can indicate a deeper level of understanding of your field and convey a strong commitment to your career path. Investigate what certifications your mentors have or the titles of individuals whose jobs you may want in a couple years.
Of course, furthering your education doesn't necessarily have to be career related. Taking classes is a great way to stay active and an excellent answer when potential employers ask, "What have you been up to since graduation?” Plus outside-work interests can potentially create strong connections with a boss or supervisor.
Speak up and become an expert
As Merritt puts it, "You don't need a decade of experience to be considered an expert." Experience doesn't necessarily lead to expertise. Of course it contributes, but so do earning certifications, networking with industry players, being a strong communicator and staying up-to-date on industry trends.
As you grow your professional network, it’s likely you'll meet people who host speaking events that are perfect for a budding expert or an eager first-time public speaker. Proving your knowledge and communication prowess at smaller venues can lead to larger platforms, such as guest blogging or spots on industry panels. Bottom line: If you want to become an expert in your field, go out and become an expert in your field.

ResumeBear Blog

Resumebear: Job Hunting While Still Employed? Keep it Private

Posted: 18 Jun 2012 06:39 AM PDT

As a rule, honesty is usually the best policy when it comes to your career. Don’t lie about your experience, salary or education — you will get caught. Don’t pretend you know what you’re talking about, because you’ll eventually say something that makes you look like a fool. Don’t inflate your job title just to sound important — it will make you look worse.
But when you’re hunting for a job, you might need to stretch the truth a little bit. At the very least, you’ll probably need to get creative when explaining some of your actions. Each job is different, but in most workplaces the boss frowns on employees looking for another job. No one wants to hear, “Hey, I’m running out to interview for a job with a better salary!” at the office.
While we won’t tell you to lie to your boss, we do think you should know about these ways to keep your job search private without harming your current gig:
Let your search do double duty
Career counselor and executive coach Roy Cohen advises employed job seekers to take a two-pronged approach to updating their professional profiles on sites such as LinkedIn. “Make sure that you have a fully fleshed-out LinkedIn profile that promotes both you and your company,” Cohen says.
Take a similar approach with networking.
“Attend as many conferences as possible,” Cohen adds. “They offer you the opportunity to circulate professionally on behalf of your company and yourself.”
Plan interviews strategically
“There are just so many dental emergencies and unexpected family health matters that can be used to explain an absence from the office,” Cohen says. “For networking meetings, always aim for early morning, lunch or after work. Interviews are another matter entirely. The goal is to either string together all of your meetings or arrange one at a time early or late in the day.”
Timing is important. Slipping out of the office for an hour is easier when your boss or gossipy co-worker is relaxing on a beach.
“Find out, to the best of your ability, when your boss and other colleagues will be out of the office, say for business events, conferences or vacation,” Cohen says. “Less monitoring means more freedom to escape from the office.”
Keep the job search to your personal computer
When you’re eager to ditch your current job or you’re just bored sitting at your computer, you might think browsing job postings on the clock is acceptable. That’s not true. Your employer probably has a policy against job searching on the company dime, so don’t risk your job.
“Many work computers are monitored for activity that is not work-related,” Cohen says. “[It's] probably better to use a handheld device like an iPhone to do research. Use your cell phone for nonwork-related calls, and if you do not have a private office, find a private place to make calls. One of my clients actually arranged to have a phone interview at his desk, which was in an open cubicle. Not surprising, his call was heard by others, and he was fired not long after.”
Perhaps the only exception to the rule is if your company has warned that layoffs are coming and that they will affect a large portion of the company. Cohen says your new priority is to find a new job, so the risk is probably worth it in that scenario.
Dress for the role you have, not the role you want
Most job seekers dress up for a job interview, but not all job seekers work in a formal environment. If you show up in a suit at your startup where jeans and sandals are the norm, people will notice. You might be able to make up a reason for wearing a tie once, but if it’s happening every week, you need a new plan.
“It is a challenge for both men and women in a job search. One option is to have a change of clothes so as not to draw attention to the obvious and then to change off-premises, in a gym for example,” Cohen says. “Once in awhile, all of us need to dress up, but that is the exception.”
Don’t panic
“It is never easy to carve out time for a job search. Acknowledge that fact, and don’t beat yourself up for not accomplishing as much as you think you should have,” Cohen says. “Also know that even in the best searches, something will inevitably slip through the cracks. Just know that you will make up for the lapse when your life and schedule stabilize.”
Don’t slack off
Even though getting a new job is your goal, the search shouldn’t cost you the job you have. If you’re going to slack off, wait until you’ve already given your two weeks’ notice (and even then it’s not the wisest way to leave your job). But until you’ve accepted another offer, don’t neglect your current duties.
“Arrive early and/or stay late occasionally at work to fulfill your commitments,” Cohen says. “The shortest path to termination is to not finish your work assignments. When you meet your deadlines, you have far more freedom to stretch the rules.”

The Work Buzz's Latest News: Companies hiring this week

Companies hiring this week

Posted: 19 Jun 2012 08:11 AM PDT

Summer officially starts this week, and while it's tempting to put off the job search and opt instead to head to the beach, summer can actually be a great time to find a job. Warmer temperatures make it easier to venture outside your house to attend networking events. Some events may even take place outdoors, so you can enjoy the weather while meeting potential job contacts. Also, some companies may amp up their hiring during the summer, especially if they are in need of seasonal help. While some summer jobs may be temporary, others may eventually turn into full-time positions.
Here are 10 other reasons why you shouldn't swap your job search for the sun — all of these companies are hiring this week:
1. Amedisys
Industry: Home health and hospice care
Sample job titles: Home health, hospice, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech language pathologist, sales and operations, account executive, business office manager, director of operations
2. Bob Evans
Industry: Restaurant
Sample job titles: Restaurant hourly positions (server, cook, host, etc.), restaurant GM, assistant manager, finance and information technology
3. Century 21 Real Estate LLC
Industry: Real estate
Sample job titles: Real estate agent, real estate sales associate
4. Clayton Homes
Industry: Manufactured housing
Sample job titles: Sales representative, sales manager, manager in training
5. ConAm Management
Industry: Property management
Sample job titles: Leasing consultant, assistant manager, community manager, help desk support, maintenance technician, business manager, groundskeeper, housekeeper, director
6. Echo Global Logistics
Industry: Logistics/technology
Sample job titles: Sales trainee, carrier sales representative, .Net developer, corporate sales executive, senior C# developer, account manager, DBA/report developer
7. FTI Consulting
Industry: Professional services
Sample job titles: Consultant specializing in strategic communications, corporate finance, forensic accounting, eDiscovery or economics; information technology; data center operations; eDiscovery sales
8. Raymond James Financial
Industry: Finance
Sample job titles: IT, finance, administrative, operations, field branch opportunities
9. ResCare
Industry: Human services
Sample job titles: Direct care staff, home health aide
10. Yale Enforcement Services
Industry: Security
Sample job titles: Security officer, security guard, security site supervisor

Where are all the Jobs?

Job Links

Google Search

Saturday, June 23, 2012

The Work Buzz's Latest News: Are your emotions thriving or thrashing in your job?

The Work Buzz's Latest News: Are your emotions thriving or thrashing in your job?

ResumeBear Blog

ResumeBear Blog

Friday, June 22, 2012

The Work Buzz's Latest News: Survey: Bosses take more vacation time than their teams

The Work Buzz's Latest News: Survey: Bosses take more vacation time than their teams

ResumeBear Blog

ResumeBear Blog

Thursday, June 21, 2012

The Work Buzz's Latest News: Career boosters: 5 ways to set yourself apart

The Work Buzz's Latest News: Career boosters: 5 ways to set yourself apart

ResumeBear Blog

ResumeBear Blog

The Work Buzz's Latest News: Companies hiring this week

The Work Buzz's Latest News: Companies hiring this week

Career Igniter