Monday, August 8, 2011

Posted: 08 Aug 2011 07:01 AM PDT

Nosy isn't generally considered a positive attribute in a job candidate. Nobody can stand the office gossip, right? But some jobs require—even demand—an inquisitive personality. So if you're the type who needs to know every single detail of who's dating who or which up-and-comer is getting a raise soon, stop quashing your instincts and consider a career change. Insatiable curiosity for what's happening in the lives of others is the perfect skill for these six jobs:
1)      Private Investigator — What could be better than being paid to find the dirt others want to keep hidden? Following spouses accused of cheating, digging up confidential business memos, and tracking down missing persons is all part of the daily grind. Another plus? Due to heightening security demands, employment of private detectives and investigators is expected to grow 22 percent during the 2008-18 decade—much faster than average.
2)      Gossip Columnist — For those who can rattle off Brad Pitt's dating history since he was born without batting an eye, you may find career bliss as a Gossip Columnist. Combining journalism with a healthy dose of creative speculation, they schmooze with celebrities and talk with "unnamed sources" to bring readers the latest on who's in rehab and who's on bump watch. There aren't many ready-made openings for gossip columnists, so this job is suited to people with enough ambition and entrepreneurial drive to carve out their own niche.
3)      Market Researcher — Like Mrs. Mind-Your-Own-Business who lives at the end of the cul-de-sac, Market Researchers scrutinize the way people behave. More specifically, they figure out how and why certain types of people buy certain types of products. The mathematically minded will enjoy this position: the job revolves around analyzing raw data in order to help companies develop, enhance, and market their goods and services. As I've mentioned before, this career path comes with an added bonus: it's unlikely to be outsourced any time soon. That's because a firm grasp on the intricacies of local cultural and social interactions is a major part of what makes professionals successful in this field.
4)      Digital Photographer — Confused why this job makes this list? One word: Paparazzi.
5)      Personnel Coordinator — Personnel Coordinators deal with two things: paperwork and people. Whether it's making sure employees have dotted the i's and crossed the t's on the required documents that keep a company out of trouble (think liability release forms), overseeing the hiring process of a new employee, or investigating employee efficiency, Personnel Coordinators handle a lot of confidential information. The downside is that you can't actually share any of the juicy details when you're chatting over coffee with your co-workers.
6)      Customs Patrol Officer — The granddaddy of all nosy jobs, Customs Patrol Officers are required to ask lots and lots of questions, all in the name of protecting the nation's borders. While monitoring the international comings and goings of ships, planes, cars and foot traffic, they get to peak into people's trunks, verify identification, and occasionally testify in court proceedings.
This list is just the tip of the nosy jobs iceberg. Do you know a position that's perfectly suited for the uber-curious?
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.

How to Make the Most of Chance Encounters | Career Rocketeer

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How to Make the Most of Chance Encounters

Posted: 07 Aug 2011 03:30 AM PDT

I am like most of you. I have attended networking functions, book signings, conferences, etc., where I got a chance to meet some famous people who some might call movers and shakers. I have stood in line waiting to shake their hand and sometimes pose for a photo. You have little time to say much of anything except smile, shake hands, say hello or nice to meet you, I am a big fan, I enjoyed your book or movie, and then you move on.
These encounters are not designed to engage in a meaningful discussion. However, sometimes you find yourself in the right place at the right time with the right person. When that happens are you prepared with more than a firm handshake, a smile and a hello?
I just finished reading Frances Hesselbein’s book entitled My Life in Leadership. Prior to finding this book on the bookshelf in my local library, I never heard of Frances Hesselbein. Frances was the former CEO of the Girls Scouts of America. She was the first CEO to come from the rank and file. She also received the Presidential Medal of Freedom awarded to her by President Clinton. So, despite my limited knowledge, Frances has done quite well without me. She is currently the President and CEO of the Leader to Leader Institute formerly the Peter F. Drucker Foundation for Nonprofit Management. I was curious to learn how Frances got involved with Peter Drucker.
Frances writes about when she first became the executive director of the Talus Rock Girl Scout council. “The first day I walked into the office, under my arm were six copies of Peter Drucker’s The Effective Executive, one for each staff member. I did not know Peter Drucker…” Frances became a big fan of Peter’s work and incorporated many of his ideas. Fast forward eleven years and Frances is invited to an event where Peter Drucker was the featured speaker. The dinner included a 5:30 pm reception.
Frances arrived right at 5:30 pm and the only people there were two bartenders. However, that changed seconds later when a man walked in. Can you guess who it was?
Good guess, that’s right, Peter Drucker and he said to Frances, I am Peter Drucker. Frances was stunned and instead of saying, how do you do, she blurted out, do you know how important you are to the Girl Scouts? Peter said, no tell me, and Frances proceeded to tell him. That chance encounter resulted in a lasting friendship and professional relationship.
I know some of you think this could or would never happen to you. I believe this happens quite often. However, before you dismiss it as an unlikely possibility answer the following.
Was Frances prepared for a chance encounter? Are you?

Guest Expert:
Tom Cairns is a former Senior VP, Presidential appointee, human resources warrior, adjunct faculty, and breakthrough thinker. He draws from his business, education, and government experience where his hands-on approach and uncompromising integrity produced measureable results. He is known as a specialist in succession planning, mergers and acquisitions, project management, leadership development and coaching, and strategic planning. He is performance driven and has the ability to connect with people inspiring them achieve unparalleled results. You may contact him via e-mail at tom@cairnsblaner.com. Follow him on Twitter. His website and blog is: http://www.cairnsblaner.com.

LinkedIn Etiquette: Don’t Be a Whiner or Baby

LinkedIn Etiquette: Don’t Be a Whiner or Baby

Posted: 07 Aug 2011 11:00 PM PDT

LinkedIn is a business network. It is not Facebook, nor is it kindergarten. Here are a few etiquette tips people should know for LinkedIn.

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

How to Be Persuasive in the Workplace

Posted: 07 Aug 2011 10:30 PM PDT

Here are three basic steps to be persuasive in the workplace. I had a few questions from professionals who wanted assistance in the art of persuasion.

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

Want Stronger Results? Try a Networking Resume

Posted: 07 Aug 2011 10:00 PM PDT

Trying to engage high-level decision-makers in a job search? Try a Networking Resume, a powerful sound bite that encapsulates your career.

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

What Does Your LinkedIn Headline Say About You?

Posted: 07 Aug 2011 09:30 PM PDT

Did you realize LinkedIn has a built-in marketing and search engine-friendly capability that is easy to use--and often overlooked? Yes? No?

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