Friday, July 29, 2011

Posted: 29 Jul 2011 09:51 AM PDT

Whether you're a new grad breaking into the job market, or a seasoned professional looking for a change in pace, you'll want to choose a career that's actually going to be around ten year down the line. Here's our pick for the top five:
1) Healthcare
Healthcare careers are pretty much always a good bet—particularly now that the baby boomers retiring and needing more medical attention. Another plus? No matter what your level of education, there's a healthcare position for you. An advanced degree can lead to a doctor, nurse, or dentist position, while certificate programs feed into careers as a nursing assistant, ultrasound technician, or orthodontic assistant. One of the best job outlooks is for personal and home care aids—the number of jobs in this area are expected to grow almost 50% by 2018—a position that only requires on-the-job training.
2) Engineering
Employment opportunities for engineers are anticipated to develop at an average rate overall, but certain areas are seeing a huge rise in demand. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, biomedical engineering is the #1 fastest growing career in the country. Why? The NY Times credits the rapidly expanding pharmaceutical and genomic industries. Prospects for environmental, civil, and petroleum Engineers will also increase at a faster-than-average clip.
3) Education
Pink slips are being sent out to hundreds of teachers across the country, but careers in education are still a good choice—at least if you can hang in there for a few more years. Over the next decade, retiring baby boomers will leave behind open spaces for fresh talent. Plus, with the population steadily climbing, educational positions like elementary school teachers and school administrators will be in demand.
4) IT (Information Technology)
A CareerBuilder survey reports that 26% of hiring managers are planning to bring new IT workers onboard in 2011. It's no surprise: tech management and support is becoming essential for all modern businesses and organizations. IT project managers, software engineers, network administrators, and web and application designers are among the highest paid. As this field is constantly changing, anyone considering IT should have a flexible attitude towards all things new and different.
5) Marketing
In a world of ever-increasing competition, people with marketing expertise are constantly on call. While the US BLS predicting above-the-norm growth for jobs like market researchers and marketing consultants, there's an even better reason to consider breaking into the marketing world. This career type is unlikely to be outsourced any time soon: a firm grasp on the intricacies of local cultural and social interactions is a major part of what makes professionals successful in this field.
Annie Favreau writes and works for Inside Jobs a career exploration site "where people can explore what opportunities exist and learn what paths can take them there."
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The Work Buzz's Latest News: “Your shark attack survival guide (for the office)” plus 1 more

Your shark attack survival guide (for the office)

Posted: 29 Jul 2011 06:34 AM PDT

Each summer, Discovery Channel's “Shark Week” capitalizes on our collective fear of large, toothy fish with seven days of programming dedicated to topics like "Rogue Sharks," "Killer Sharks" and "How Sharks Hunt."
At the same time, however, the people at Discovery Channel want us to be realistic about the actual incidence of shark attacks. The "Top 100 Shark Facts" listed on DiscoveryChannel.com point out that shark attacks are actually very uncommon. In fact, you're more likely to get bitten by another human than by a shark.
Since shark attacks are pretty rare and getting bitten by another person is not so rare (or not as rare, at least), we decided to focus on a more common kind of shark attack, one that most people should learn to protect themselves from as soon as possible: The office shark attack.
The office shark, characterized by its power-hungry, super-aggressive, man-eating attitude, is native to absolutely every workplace on earth. It attacks without warning and has been known to bite the head off of anything that gets in its way.
To help you survive your inevitable encounter with this beast, we put together a handy how-to guide.
1. Stay out of harm's way: If there was a sign on the beach that said "Danger: Shark-infested waters," you wouldn't go in for a dip, right? So, next time you're assigned a project or scheduled to go on a business trip with the office shark, talk to your boss about being reassigned.
"If you are going to request a change to a new department, try to avoid using the other person being a shark as a reason, though," says Jan Yager, author of "Productive Relationships: 57 Strategies for Building Stronger Business Connections." Hopefully there are other reasons that will put you in a better light. 'I understand there’s an opening in the x,y,z department and I have the skills that they seem to be seeking so I think it will be a good fit,' or something like that."
2. Travel in a pack: If there's no way to avoid the shark at work, at least try to avoid being alone with her. She'll be less likely to attack in front of a group. Plus, you're probably not the only who feels bullied by the shark, so it should be easy to form an alliance against her. "Most likely, the shark is a shark by nature — not just with you. Talk to others and find allies," says Yosh Beier, managing partner at Collaborative Coaching, LLC, an executive coaching firm in Brooklyn, NY.
3. Stay alert: When the shark is around, don't let your guard down. Keep personal and professional information to yourself, since the shark may try to use it against you later, Yager says.
4. Don't panic: Office sharks, too, can smell fear. They prey on the weak, so a confident attitude will keep them away.
"'Sharks don't show aggression right away. Only when they feel that they can get away with it — that the person in front of them lacks confidence — do they step it up from provocative to disrespectful to aggressive," Beier says. "If you are around a shark-kind-of-a-person, send an early message that this is not okay."
5. Defend yourself: According to the Discovery Channel's shark facts, "Punching a shark in the nose or poking its eyes can help to fend it off during an attack. Aim for the sensitive eyes or gills — or, if your aim is off, the much bigger target of the snout. Most sharks don’t want to work that hard for their food and will swim away."
This same strategy will work for the shark in your office. Next time he messes with you — BAM! — whack him in the nose. Just kidding. However, like we mentioned before, sharks pick on the little guys because they can. Put up a bigger fight and chances are, he'll walk away.
Next time the shark tries to overpower your opinion, for example, make sure that you're heard by using this tactic: "Express your disagreement — but don't explain yourself unless follow-up questions are asked. If you have a different opinion, don't say things like 'Could you listen, please,' etc. Just continue to say 'no,' 'I disagree,' 'not how I view it,' etc. until the other person stops and asks you why," Beier says.
6. Size him up: If you're no match for the shark, be careful about how you approach him.
"There are some sharks who will fire you, if it is their company, just because you stand up to them and they want to show you who is in charge," Yager says. “That doesn’t mean you don’t stand up to him or her, but be prepared for that outcome. That means that you have your resume 'dusted off' and you’ve thought through if you absolutely have a financial cushion or even another family member who is working so if you do lose your job, you won’t be out on the street.”
7. Get the heck out of there: "If you find yourself in an organization that tolerates dysfunctional behaviors – well, maybe this is not the place to be. Know your choices," Beier says.
Do you have a shark at your office? How do you handle him or her?

Are you suffering from summer fatigue or job burnout?

Posted: 28 Jul 2011 12:17 PM PDT

In college, one of my professors noted that the amount of absences that particular day was extraordinarily high. Despite it being a sunny, spring day, he wasn't surprised.
"On days with really bad weather, people don't come to class because it's too dangerous to drive," he said. "But I noticed that they don't show up when it's really pretty outside because they'd rather be enjoying the sun."
The weather affects us. Sure, we stay indoors and lazy around when a blizzard slams the city, but we don't necessarily accomplish more when the weather outside is delightful. A CareerBuilder survey finds that workers might be less productive in the summer than in other months, at least according to bosses.
Of surveyed employers, 26 percent believe worker productivity takes a dip in the summer. Bosses attribute this decrease to nicer weather, vacations and children at home during summer break.
Is burnout to blame?
Summer isn't the only culprit, however. Forty-five percent of employers believe workers are burned out on their jobs. Well, they're unfortunately right.

77 percent of workers say they are sometimes or always burned out on their jobs
43 percent of workers say their stress levels at work have increased over the last six months
46 percent of workers say their workloads have increased in the last six months

One reason workers might be noticeably burned out is due to fear of losing their jobs. When the Great Recession began in 2007 and layoffs began to occur regularly for the next year and beyond, workers began to wonder if they were next to receive pink slips. Meanwhile, as companies downsized, responsibilities shifted and suddenly the old adage "do less with more" was a way of life for millions of concerned workers.
Not surprisingly, then, 30 percent of employers say their workers are more productive today than before the recession began. Of those employers who noticed a rise in productivity, 73 percent see the increase still in the workplace today; 14 percent even say an additional increase has occurred in their workplace.
What to do
If you're sluggish this summer and you know it's because of the weather, try not to show it at work. Employers aren't keen on watching their employees perform below their norm. Still, summer only lasts a few months, so eventually you'll be back at normal speed.
If your less-than-stellar performance these days is the result of burnout, you might want to try these steps to unburden yourself:
Say no when you can
Workers, especially those fearful of layoffs, often overcommit and end up with a to-do list that no single human could ever accomplish. Learn to say no when you can't possibly take on another task.
Talk to your boss
This one might be easier said than done, but most bosses want their employees to be happy and be good performers. If you're doing the job of two (or more) workers and you know you're about to buckle under the pressure, let your boss know. Don't whine and complain. Instead, lay out your dilemma and suggest ways to solve it. It's not an easy conversation to have, but it could make your job more manageable and your performance much better.
Find some time to unwind
When the phones ringing off the hook, your inbox is overflowing with unanswered messages, and your boss keeps asking you to work a little later, you feel boxed in. Find a way to take a breather, whether that means eating lunch outside, taking a 15-minute break a couple of times a day, or going to the gym before you head to work. Do something each day that lets you forget work and think about something else.
Find flexibility
Not all jobs have room for flexibility, but some do. If your boss will let you come in late and stay later or come in early and leave early, that could make your life easier. Or maybe you can work from home some days. Some companies, especially during the summer, let workers add on a few extra work hours to each day, say Monday through Thursday, and then have Friday off. Maybe you can come in early and take an extended lunch to get a trip to the gym in. Whatever works for you and suits your job, try it. A few little changes could make keep the burnout away.

How to Lobby For a Job in a Different State | Career Rocketeer

Link to Career Rocketeer - Career Search and Personal Branding Blog

How to Lobby For a Job in a Different State

Posted: 29 Jul 2011 03:30 AM PDT

They say finding a job is a basically a full-time job in itself. Your hours are consumed tailoring your resume, your social networking platforms need to be updated constantly, and you network more than you thought was humanly possible.
However, what happens when your dream job is in a completely different state? Your job search will probably get a little more difficult because you not only have to compete with job seekers in another location, but also you're not in the location, leaving you at a disadvantage.
However, it's still possible to lobby for a job in a different state if you really want it. Here's how:
Do your research. Before anything, it may be a good idea to research as much as you can about the state you would like to relocate to. Can you afford to live there? Will you be okay with a different climate? Can you see yourself there long-term? It's probably better to find out the answers to questions like these sooner than later.
Further, do yourself a favor and look into the company's hiring policies, specifically bringing on people from out of state. Many companies work closely with their communities and would like to have someone on board that knows the area. If you're not that candidate (or don't plan to become that candidate), you may be wasting your time.
Say you are willing to relocate. It may seem obvious to you, but if you don't blatantly indicate that you're willing to relocate, employers aren't going to know. Additionally, many employers may not want to fit your relocation bill, something else you should indicate you're willing to cover.
It may also be a good idea to indicate the areas you're willing to relocate to on your social networking platforms. For example, if you want to move to New York City or Chicago, say so in the biography, status, or about me section of these platforms. So, if an employer looks up your LinkedIn profile, they will have a greater affirmation that you're serious about the position.
Go to the location. This is probably the easiest yet most difficult step when it comes to lobbying for a job. Why? Well, on one hand, you should go to the location to get a real feel of the city. On the other hand, you may have to pound the pavement, networking with people you aren't familiar with. However, going to the location is a necessary step when you want to relocate. It not only shows your dedication to the position, it also gives you the chance to meet with people face to face, an act that could make or break your job search.
Unfortunately, it may take more than one visit to the city of your choice before your job search is complete. Don't get discouraged, though. Like a "normal" job search, things take time. So, be proactive, prepared, and above all ready for a change at any moment.
Have you lobbied for an out-of-state job? If so, how?

Guest Expert:
James Alexander is Vizibility's founder and CEO. He's the guy with two first names. If you 'Googled' his name in 2009, you would never have found him. Now, he ranks within the first few results of a Google search. Find James in Google at vizibility.com/james.

blogging4jobs

I Kan Spel Gud. A Story About Blogging, Life & Living.

Posted: 28 Jul 2011 04:17 AM PDT

domestic abuse survivor, i kan spel gud, grammar police, grammar nazi, blogging misspelling, spelling police, women domestic abuse,

Quick to criticize and late to praise. I received my first negative blog comment in 2008 from someone who commented about about my poor spelling and lack of editing. They urged me to quit blogging altogether because I was unprofessional and lacked attention to detail. I was mortified. It was the first negative blog comment I had ever received. My initial reaction was to delete the comment or keep from publishing altogether. I pondered quickly editing my blog post, deleting the comment, and effectively sweeping my imperfection under the rug. I choose instead to post the comment; a decision today I’m very grateful for. In the days after the negative comment published, my community visited my blog post and came to my aid. The spelling police commenter had made two grammatical and spelling errors of his own in his 300 character comment. This detail was one that I had missed. It was then I first realized the power of the online community.
I had been vindicated.
The most commonly mis-spelled words on the Internet are words and topics I have never considered blogging about. The top three (in case you are wondering) are Rod Stewart, Susan Boyle and pay-per-view.
I believe in the presenting yourself in the best possible manner. I talk about the importance of job seeker branding and personal marketing, but perfection is over-rated. So forgive me if I make mistakes. It’s part of who I am, and if I’m okay with that so I hope you are too.
In 2004, I left a physically and emotionally abusive marriage. My now ex was a recovering alcoholic for whom I made excuses for. I supported him as his personal punching bag and sugar momma. My career was on the fast track. And yet for nearly 7 years, I played it safe trying to fix a relationship that was dysfunctional and broken. When I walked away I promised myself I would never do it again. I spent 7 years playing it safe instead of living my life. Editing the draft of my life instead of pushing play and moving forward. And it will never happen again.
I will never apologize for publishing a post too soon. My blog like myself is a constant work in progress. I’m willing to take that chance. If publishing a post means a mis-spelled word, a grammatical mis-step, or a run in with the homophone police, I’ll take my chances.
A blog is a metaphor for life. Because life is about risk. Don’t spend your life waiting, editing, or on hold. I’m okay with a level of imperfection. It’s what makes me, me.
Photo Credit Giraffe Days.

5 Reasons Job Seekers Should Use Twitter

5 Reasons Job Seekers Should Use Twitter

Posted: 28 Jul 2011 11:00 PM PDT

There are great reasons for taking Twitter seriously, especially when one considers it a new job search tool that hasn't been fully tapped.

To get this useful advice and many other helpful career resources, visit us now at CAREEREALISM.com.

Who’s Your Most Important Customer or Client?

Posted: 28 Jul 2011 10:30 PM PDT

Who is YOUR most important customer or client? Who immediately comes to mind? Well, your number one client or customer is YOUR BOSS. Right?

To get this useful advice and many other helpful career resources, visit us now at CAREEREALISM.com.

15 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Making a Major Career Change

Posted: 28 Jul 2011 10:00 PM PDT

If you're considering a major career change, you may find the process a little overwhelming at first. To help organize your thoughts, ask yourself...

To get this useful advice and many other helpful career resources, visit us now at CAREEREALISM.com.

How to Find Your Voice at Work

Posted: 28 Jul 2011 09:30 PM PDT

I know so many amazing professionals who often tell me speaking up at work is a challenge. It's not they don't have opinions—they certainly do! And it's not because they don't have the smarts—these folks are the best and the brightest. But they still have an incredibly difficult time expressing...

To get this useful advice and many other helpful career resources, visit us now at CAREEREALISM.com.