Employment

Friday, July 30, 2010

Why Job-Seeking Is Just like Dating

A veteran career counselor says a 15-year-old dating manual offers surprisingly good advice for the job hunt.
by Susan Adams, Forbes.com

What's the best book ever written about looking for a job? According to one career counselor with two decades of experience, it's "The Rules: Time-Tested Secrets for Capturing the Heart of Mr. Right," the throwback dating manual, published in 1995, that feminists love to hate. Hugely popular, the 192-page volume by Ellen Fein and Sherrie Schneider exhorts women to "let him take the lead" (rule No. 17) and advises, "don't talk to a man first" (rule No. 2) and "don't call him and rarely return his calls" (rule No. 5). The main point: Play hard to get.

How does this apply to looking for a job? "It's about developing a strategy that creates desirability," says Roy Cohen, 54, a New York career counselor and executive coach who used to handle outplacement for Goldman Sachs. Cohen has penned an upcoming book, to be published in June by FT Press, called "The Wall Street Professional's Survival Guide."

According to Cohen, many of the rules in "The Rules" work well for job hunters. Example: rule No. 7 advises not to accept a Saturday night date after Wednesday. In other words, don't make yourself available at the last minute. Many job-seekers have picked up the phone at 11:30 in the morning and gotten a hiring manager who says, "We realize we have time to see you; can you come in this afternoon?" Especially nowadays, most desperate candidates are inclined to say, "Yes! My calendar is open!" Wrong answer, says Cohen. "You need to create desirability and attractiveness," he explains. "You do that by appearing slightly unavailable."

Don't lie, he advises. But by mid-morning most folks have some sense of how they're going to spend the afternoon. Stick to your plan, and tell the potential employer you can meet the next day. "All of a sudden, if you say you can come in, you're compromising, you're giving something up," explains Cohen. Instead, he suggests, "Just say, 'I wish I were free this afternoon, but I can't. I can move my schedule around for tomorrow or the next day; how does that sound to you?'" That way you're offering an option but still giving the impression that you're busy and in demand.

What about rule No. 2, "don't talk first"? Cohen suggests a modified version of this directive. If you sit down for a job interview and an awkward silence ensues, consider saying something like "It's great to be here, thank you so much for spending time with me," he says. It's important to appear socially skilled while at the same time allowing the interviewer to set the conversational tone: "You don't want to say or do something that might position you in the wrong light," says Cohen. If you allow the interviewer to take the lead in your conversation, he adds, "you demonstrate that you are prepared to perform for him."

Even in the current grim hiring atmosphere, it's important to show employers you have many options cooking, that you are busy and desirable. But what if you've exhausted online job boards, company postings, and recruiters in your field and come up empty? Pick a company you want to work for, and then tap all your networks, from LinkedIn to your college alumni association, to find a way in. Study the corporate culture. Inquire about the area you want to work in. Forge relationships with people on the inside. "It's just like dating," says Cohen. "You can't establish the rules before you're even in the game."

Unlike "The Rules," the rules of job searchiLinkng apply to males and females in equal measure, says Cohen. Example: A male client of Cohen's is looking for a job as a hedge-fund portfolio manager. He's in conversations with three different funds. The one he least wants to work for is urging him to accept an offer. Cohen is helping his client figure out how to slow things down with the eager employer: "The client is calling the other companies and saying, 'Things are heating up for me right now.' Meantime, he's telling the hot-to-trot fund he's excited about the offer but he needs to tie up some other loose ends." Says Cohen, "Sometimes it makes sense to eliminate a suitor because he's not quite right."


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Barbie's Job History

As America’s favorite model-astronaut-pilot-doctor prepares to switch careers again, we take a brief look at her resume.


We all know that Barbie is far from average. Medical experts say that a real woman with her body proportions (including her size-three feet) would find it very difficult to walk, much less hold down a demanding job.

Fortunately, at 50 years old, Barbie the doll has no trouble standing up to whatever job she chooses. And with 126 of them on her resume--including 10 in recession-snarled 2009 alone--Barbie is not just a fashion icon. She's an employment anomaly.

This year, for the first time, toymaker Mattel invited the public to choose Barbie's new careers. And on February 12, Mattel announced the winners: computer engineer and news anchor. As Barbara Millicent Roberts (her full name), originally from Willows, Wisconsin, prepared for success in these new fields, we took a look at her curriculum vitae and evaluated her on-the-job experience and some past salaries.

Superstar Salaries
Barbie has surely made good money through the years, as a fashion model (1959-present), an astronaut (1965), a pop singer (1986), a WNBA basketball player (2000), and an American Idol winner (2005). But one of Barbie's highest-paying non-celebrity professions was surgeon (1973). In 2010, surgeons can expect to earn a median annual salary of $326,113 (salary information provided by LiveCareer's 2010 Salary Report).

Minimum Wages
Barbie has had plenty of satisfying but low-paying jobs as well. Some of the lowest include babysitter (1963), $20,731; soda-fountain waitress (1998), $20,750; student teacher (1965), $25,271; and candy-store cashier (2002), $26,868. Good thing the Dream House doesn't have a mortgage.

Barbie Heals
This beloved cultural icon has a passion for healthcare: she has been a doctor nine times. A whopping five of her MD stints have been as a pediatrician of some sort. In 1994, Mattel called her a pediatrician. In the new millennium, she has been called a children's doctor (2001), a baby doctor (2005, 2006), and a newborn-baby doctor (2009).

Careers in Overdrive
Barbie seems to thrive on competition--she went through a three-year car-racing phase. First she was a NASCAR driver (1998, 1999). Then she switched gears and became a Formula 1 driver (2001). Amazingly, she never got helmet hair.

A Model Executive
Throughout the years, Barbie has made the most of her business acumen and entrepreneurial spirit as a business executive (1960, 1978, 1985, 1999).

A Dog's Best Friend
In 2009, Barbie's love of animals led her to four dog-oriented occupations: dog trainer/competitor, dog washer, dog park sitter (whatever that is), and pet vet.

President Barbie
You may not have realized that Barbie has been a candidate for the top office of the United States in every presidential election year since 2000--presumably as a write-in candidate. In 2008, when she went up against Obama and McCain, this very active woman was also a soccer coach, a swim instructor, a TV chef, and a zoo doctor. She also made time to attend space camp.

Private Barbie
In the 1990's, the patriotic Barbie served in the U.S. military, holding jobs such as Air Force jet pilot (1990) and Navy officer (1991).

Barbie's Future
Now Barbie is ready to put her tech savvy to work, as a computer engineer. The digital diva sports a fitted T-shirt with a binary code design, along with pink geek glasses and accessories. In this job, Barbie can expect to earn a median salary of $85,726--which she might use to start paying off the educational loans she's sure to have accrued throughout the years.


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Which Jobs Pay New Hires Best?

by Charles Purdy, Yahoo! HotJobs


Most college grads enter the workforce with thousands of dollars in student-loan debt--the College Board cites an average of close to $20,000 for bachelor's degree recipients. And then come the lean years: at the beginning of a career, many people expect to live on the cheap as they build a resume, develop relationships with clients, or continue to hone their skills.

But not all careers require a long apprenticeship. People who want to earn high salaries right from the start of their careers can choose from several fields in which newcomers are relatively well paid, according to the new, second edition of Laurence Shatkin's "250 Best-Paying Jobs" (Jist Publishing).

"Within these occupations, the workers who earn at the 10th percentile--meaning that 90 percent of the workers in the occupation earn more than they do--still earn at least $51,540," explains Shatkin.

In other words, the lowest-earning 10 percent of workers in these careers earn more than 75 percent of all American earners. (Shatkin's salary figures are based on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Employment Survey released in May 2008.)

The following list is taken from the book "250 Best-Paying Jobs." It features ten occupations in which Shatkin says beginners are paid well. People who want an immediate return on their educational investment may want to take note. Have an interest in teeth? Even better:

1. Orthodontists
Beginning Wage: $100,980
Median Earnings: $166,400+

2. Prosthodontists
Beginning Wage: $72,710
Median Earnings: $166,400+

3. Nuclear Engineers
Beginning Wage: $68,300
Median Earnings: $97,080

4. Computer and Information Scientists, Research
Beginning Wage: $57,480
Median Earnings: $97,970

5. Education Administrators, Elementary and Secondary School
Beginning Wage: $55,580
Median Earnings: $83,880

6. Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers
Beginning Wage: $55,330
Median Earnings: $111,680

7. Lawyers
Beginning Wage: $54,460
Median Earnings: $110,590

8. Financial Managers
Beginning Wage: $53,860
Median Earnings: $99,330

9. Chemical EngineersLink
Beginning Wage: $53,730
Median Earnings: $84,680

10. Mathematicians
Beginning Wage: $53,570
Median Earnings: $95,150


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After the Recruiter Says No

How to handle job-search rejections.
by Charles Purdy, Yahoo! HotJobs


You had high hopes for this job: The job requirements matched your skill set perfectly. You aced your interviews. And you imagined hearing those sweet words so many of us long to hear:

"You're hired."

Instead, you got another rejection letter. According to recent U.S. Labor Department data, 5.5 unemployed Americans, on average, are vying for each job opening--so most interviews will end in rejection.

And that can be a crushing blow--but it can also be a career-making moment. When you don't get the job, what should your next steps be?

Don't beat yourself up about it.
John Kador, the author of "301 Best Questions to Ask on Your Interview," second edition (McGraw-Hill), recommends that you try to learn from each rejection--while understanding that it may not be your fault. "Sometimes you didn't do anything wrong," he says. "Someone else was more qualified or more connected. Companies sometimes go through the motions of interviewing applicants when they've already selected a candidate."

While the experience is still fresh in your mind, writing down what you've learned may help you put a positive spin on the experience--and give you something to refer to later, according to Lewis Lin, of SeattleInterviewCoach.com.

Be gracious in defeat.
How you conduct yourself after a rejection letter can determine whether that recruiter will consider you again--or perhaps refer you to another recruiter. Liz Lynch, the author of "Smart Networking" (McGraw-Hill), says, "Send a handwritten card thanking them again for their time, reiterating your interest in the company, and expressing your hope that they'll keep you in mind for future positions. And whatever you do, do not diss them on your blog!"

Ask for feedback.
Kador advises saying that you accept the recruiter's decision before you ask for feedback: "No one will talk to you if they think you're going to argue or appeal."

If you don't trust yourself to keep your cool, you may want to skip asking for feedback. If you do ask, email is the best medium. "Telephoning is probably too intrusive," says Lynch. "And whatever feedback you hear, don't be defensive."

Lin cautions that "you'll get canned responses most of the time" due to fears about legal issues, but he recommends phrasing your request for feedback like this: "If you don't mind me asking, do you have any feedback on how I can improve for future interviews?"

He adds, "You want to keep the conversation as professional as possible. Who knows? You could be their backup candidate."

Keep trying.
In most cases, you should actively pursue new openings at the company. The phrase "we'll keep your resume on file" is usually an attempt to soften the rejection, according to Kador, who says you should keep applying for relevant jobs and staying in touch with the recruiters you've met. "If a posting says no calls,' I wouldn't call," he says. "But that doesn't mean you can't write."

Bring the recruiter into your professional network.
If, down the road, you can help the interviewer or recruiter by recommending a candidate, for instance, or forwarding a relevant article, Kador says you should "go for it--make yourself known as a resource."

Lynch, too, recommends keeping in touch with the hiring manager in a "low-key way" and says that, when you do land a position, you should write him or her a note and include your new business card. Then you can send the manager an invitation to connect on LinkedIn so you can easily stay in touch.


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Education Is Key to Job Satisfaction

by Clare Kaufman, FindtheRightSchool.com

The quest for a happier life could lead you to a college degree. A recent University of Chicago job-satisfaction study, "Job Satisfaction in the United States," identifies the occupations with the happiest workers. According to researcher Tom W. Smith, the most-satisfying jobs involve creative pursuits or caring for, teaching, or protecting other people. Job satisfaction also increases with the prestige of an occupation: eight of the twelve careers that are tops in job satisfaction require a college education.

Here's a look at five of those careers--and the training that can get you started in one.

1. Physical Therapist
Physical therapists (PTs) fall into the second category of happy workers: caretakers. Eight out of ten PTs are "very satisfied" at work. PTs work closely with ill or injured patients, helping them overcome physical challenges and improve their quality of life. Today's physical therapists need a graduate degree to practice. You can get there by completing a two-year master's degree or a three-year professional doctorate from an accredited physical-therapy program. Or start with an associate's degree and work as a physical therapist assistant. You can then upgrade your career while you work by completing the bachelor's and master's degrees online.

  • Salary: $74,410 for physical therapists; $46,300 for PT assistants

2. Education Administrator
The satisfaction of helping students earns education administrators a spot among the happiest professions. Principals, college deans, preschool directors, and other administrators enjoy a 78 percent satisfaction rate. Education administrators lead schools, preschools, colleges, and other education programs. They develop standards, initiate programs to achieve them, and oversee budgets and operations. A master's degree in education (M.Ed.) is the standard stepping stone into an education administrator's job. Many administrators advance into the career by way of a teaching career. You can head directly for the postgraduate credential, or start with a bachelor's degree in education. Online degree programs in education administration are designed to accommodate working teachers' busy schedules.

  • Salary: $86,060 for K-12 administrators; $92,920 for postsecondary administrators

3. Financial-Services Agent
Money can't buy you happiness--but managing other people's money might. Financial-services agents advise their clients about investments, savings plans, and retirement planning. The career combines strategic thinking and helping people, earning it high satisfaction points among 65 percent of workers in the field. A bachelor's degree in business, finance, accounting, or economics sets you up as a financial-services professional. To hone your competitive edge, complete an online MBA degree after you begin working in the field.

  • Salary: $92,050

4. Psychologist
Psychologists find happiness by making other people happier. About 67 percent of psychologists rank their job satisfaction at the highest level. Help your clients overcome emotional and mental obstacles and find their way to a better life. About a third of psychologists operate private practices, further enhancing their happiness through the freedom of self-employment. A master's or doctoral degree in psychology prepares you for a career as a psychologist. You can start with a bachelor's degree in psychology and work as a psychologist's assistant or an administrator in a mental health clinic while you work toward the graduate degree.

  • Salary: $70,190

5. Special Education Teacher
Special education teachers help students who need it most--those facing mental and physical challenges. Helping these students overcome obstacles and achieve success translates into on-the-job happiness for 70 percent of special ed teachers. "Excellent" job prospects and 17 percent employment growth can't hurt either. A bachelor's degree in special education and an approved teacher training program offer a direct route into a special education career. Some states require a master's degree, which you can complete through an online degree program during the first years of your teaching career.

  • Salary: $55,050

Happiness at Work Beyond
Other career categories in the top twelve include clergy, firefighters, office supervisors, and artists.

Work makes up about half of our waking life, so it's no wonder that the road to happiness in life begins with on-the-job happiness. The University of Chicago survey found that nearly half of peoplLinke who like their jobs are "very happy," compared with only 15 percent of people who dislike their jobs. A college degree might not buy you happiness, but it could take you a step closer to finding happiness in your career.

Dr. Clare Kaufman is a freelance writer who covers business and education topics.

Source: Mean salary figures were reported in 2008 by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.


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The Job Market's Temp Recovery

by Charles Purdy, Yahoo! HotJobs

Americans' expectations about employment may be shifting away from traditional notions of what a job looks like: a recent Yahoo! HotJobs poll asked respondents whether they were likelier to accept temporary work this year than last--and 75 percent said yes.

And well they might. The U.S. Labor Department reported that the unemployment rate held steady at 9.7 percent in February, as employers eliminated 36,000 full-time jobs. But it also reported 48,000 new temporary jobs--and since September 2009, 284,000 new temporary jobs have been created.

Traditionally, economists have viewed rises in temp-worker hiring as an early indicator of job-market growth--companies often hire temp workers as a way of starting new projects or increasing production without making a long-term financial commitment to new hires. However, some experts feel that the slow rate of recovery from the current recession means companies will be more cautious than usual about moving from temporary workers to full-time employees.

"After the last two recessions, a lot of businesses don't want to get caught again," Richard Wahlquist, president of the American Staffing Association, recently told the San Francisco Chronicle.

Further, the rising costs associated with taking on full-time employees may force many companies to continue to evaluate cost-cutting measures such as replacing permanent employees with teams of contract workers, even in fields they weren't in before.

"Five years ago, you rarely saw a temporary engineer or a temporary controller--or a bit farther back, a temporary attorney. Now, you do," says Loretta Penn, of Spherion Staffing Services in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.

Good for Business--and Workers?
IT is one industry that has seen more temporary hiring over the past several years. Dave Willmer, executive director of Robert Half Technology, a staffing company that specializes in technology industries, sees this shift as a potential boon for both companies and workers.

"It's a quickly evolving industry--new technologies require new skill sets, so companies are interested in looking at new resources," he says. He notes also that technology companies often work on a project-by-project basis, so assembling project-specific teams makes good sense.

Willmer sees this flexibility as beneficial for IT workers, too--they get opportunities to gain new skills and to network while evaluating new employers. And temporary work is still often a good stepping stone to a permanent position. Willmer adds that in the past few months, he's seen a rise in all three areas of staffing his company works on: temporary, temp-to-perm, and permanent.

Making the Most of a Temporary Assignment
Working with a staffing agency that specializes in your industry is often one way to ensure that you're making the most of contracting opportunities--for example, Willmer notes that his firm provides help with career guidance and training to its contract workers.

Many people see contract or temp work as a last resort during a long stretch of unemployment, but career expert Liz Ryan urges workers to try and see the positives: "Apart from the scheduling flexibility that temporary work provides, many workers are realizing that traditional corporate job security is evaporating so fast that up-to-date skills in a range of environments offer a powerful new kind of career security. ... Temping is the new midpoint on the spectrum between what we used to call permanent' work and freelancing."

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How Long Should Your Resume Be?

Expert advice and 5 tips for determining the right length
by Glassdoor

Over the past couple of months, Glassdoor.com career expert Jeff Hunter has surveyed a group of recruiters and HR managers in order to provide job seekers with insight into the hiring process. His list of ten questions inspired interesting responses, including varied answers regarding resumes and resume length. It's clear that there isn't a straight answer to the age-old question "How long should my resume be?"

Here are some of the responses from top recruiters and HR executives:

"1-2 pages for a junior candidate, 3-4 pages for a senior candidate."--Glenn Kwarcinski, senior technical recruiter in the Wireless Technologies Division of Apple

"One page, but I don't ding people for more than that."--Craig Campbell, director of talent acquisition at Dolby Laboratories

"2 pages . . . that's it. But I believe a true recruiter's job is to set interviews, not submit resumes."--Sean Rehder, recruiter

"There is [no single correct answer.] But remember that the longer you go, the greater the chance of boring the reader."--Jeff Hunter, Glassdoor.com career expert

And here are five tips to consider as you update your resume and debate the length it should be:

1. Make sure your resume clearly and succinctly communicates your achievements. Avoid resume "filler"--vague language that doesn't precisely explain a skill or an accomplishment. According to Rusty Rueff, Glassdoor career and workplace expert, you should try to tie each thing in your work history to a measurable result you achieved.

2. Evaluate whether an achievement is best highlighted in your resume, in an interview, or perhaps in your cover letter. Rueff says, "The resume is an outline, or a storyboard of you. It tells a story of continued achievement and growth. Storyboards hit the high points; the interview is when you can introduce dialogue, drama, the overcoming of barriers, and so on."

3. Consider whether a long-ago job best supports your qualification for a job you're after today. For example, a valuable experience waiting tables at one of the busiest restaurants in your town may have taught you how to multitask, but does that job readily speak to why you would make a great software engineer at Oracle?

4. Look at the format of your resume with fresh eyes and consider whether a brief paragraph or five to seven bullets would more easily express what you managed to do in your last few jobs. Rueff explains, "Consider your audience. For example, if you're applying for a job that will require a lot of writing, consider developing a two- or three-sentence paragraph for each job that gives a hint of your writing skills. However, if you're in a technical field, brief bullets may best showcase your experience. The bottom line is that whether you bullet-point your achievements or offer more color in a paragraph format, everything should be tied to a result and tell a mini-story within the bigger career story of you."

5. Avoid cliffhangers or one-liners that extend your resume to a second or third page. Often that last hanger line will either be ignored or simply have the potential employer asking, "Why didn't they clean that up?!'

And last but not least, if you're concerned about resume length even after running through each of these considerations, do not shrink the font size to something barely readable. Recruiters, hiring managers, and others who can help get you a job want to actually read your resume, so don't make doing so difficult. While there is no rule of thumb when it comes to the overall length, one to two pages is still the average. For your resume, ask yourself whether it's direct, informative, insightful, and appropriate to your skills and experience. No problem, right?!

For more information and tips to help you craft, update, and manage your resume, visit Glassdoor.com.


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How to Prep to Ask for a Raise

by Lydia Dishman, PayScale.com

Even though the recession has been responsible for the loss of 8 million jobs and the lowest pay raises in over thirty years, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. A recent survey by Hewitt Associates, a global human resources consulting and outsourcing company, found that only 13 percent of companies anticipate salary freezes this year, compared with nearly half last year. And those that are planning to increase salaries will do so to the tune of 2.7 percent, also an improvement over 2009.

And that's good news, especially if you're employed in a high-growth industry such as education or healthcare. But just because the time is ripe for pay raises doesn't guarantee you'll get one. Here are some important points to keep in mind before, during, and after you discuss a salary increase.

Know the Policies and Procedures
"First be aware of your company's compensation philosophy or merit-increase practices. Consider whether or not increases are given annually or in the case of a promotion, and align your timing appropriately," advises Niela Hill, director of HR at NorthgateArinso, a global human resources software and services provider. Salary freezes may have disrupted pay-increase schedules last year, but if policies are still in place, you'll score points by timing wisely.

Kerry Patterson, a coauthor of "Crucial Conversations," says employees should evaluate their company's financial standing to ensure that the business is in a position to give them a raise if their contribution warrants one.

Be Cool
Hill says, "The truth is that if any of us were paid what we really think we're worth, we'd all be due an increase." She recommends taking emotion out of the equation and instead focusing on your performance and achievements in the past year.

Barry Maher, the author of "Filling the Glass," adds, "Be ready with a list of your accomplishments--all the reasons you've earned a pay raise, not why you need one."

Keep Tabs on Your Contributions
Maher suggests that this process is easier if you send a short note to your boss at the end of each week, "Just keeping him or her apprised of everything you did." When employee evaluations are due, your supervisor can use those updates to grade your efforts.

It's even better to assign a dollar value to those accomplishments if they earned or saved the company money.

"You should also be able to show a benefit to your boss," Maher explains. In bottom-line terms, demonstrate how increasing your paycheck will advance the interests of both the company and your supervisor.

Know What Your Work Is Worth
Hill and Patterson agree that well-researched salary data on pay for similar roles in similar companies can be a strong negotiating tool. See online salary databases like PayScale.com to research your job.

For instance, if you are currently employed in IT, you can point out to your boss that according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistic (BLS) estimates, your industry is expected to grow by 53 percent over the next decade and that IT support techs can expect to earn $46,400. "Consider whether or not the company would have to pay significantly more to replace you with an external candidate," Hill points out.

Get It on the Calendar
This is a business transaction, so it's important to set the tone right away. Hill advises scheduling a meeting with your supervisor rather than just dropping in for an informal chat. "Let them know in advance the reason for the meeting so you can both be prepared for a professional exchange of ideas," she says.

Watch Your Language
Once you're in the meeting, Patterson stresses using the correct words (think "I've earned," not "I need") to make the request an informed business decision rather than a charitable contribution. "Remain factual but explain how you decided that you deserved higher compensation," says Patterson. If higher-ups disagree with you, ask them to share that reasoning with you. Patterson says, "Add more facts or clarify the questions so he or she may reconsider."

Move Past a No
You're not always going to get the raise you want. Maher says, "When that happens, politely and respectfully ask your boss what specifically you need to do in order to earn the raise in the future." He recommends working out detailed deliverables within a precise time frame. "Take notes. And if possible, get something in writing you can both agree to."

Report your progress regularly. Once you've met those specific goals, Maher says, "it will be very difficult for your boss not to grant your raise or at the very least fight for it."0

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Breaking Out of Long-Term Unemployment

6 ways to prevent being unemployed from hurting your resume and your outlook
by Larry Buhl, for Yahoo! HotJobs


Long-term unemployment can wreak havoc on a person's sense of self-worth and well-being. Worse, big resume gaps, or current unemployment, may also mark a job seeker as "damaged goods" and make a long job search even longer.

"I wouldn't say the bias [against hiring the unemployed] is pervasive, but too many hiring managers don't realize that the world has changed and that people have had a hard time finding jobs through no fault of their own," says Cheryl Ferguson, president of Recruiter's Studio and recruiter for Decision Toolbox.

Throw in the towel? Don't even think about it, career experts say. They suggest these practical steps to help even the most discouraged unemployed job seeker get motivated and beat the odds.

1. Check your mental attitudes.
It's a vicious circle: the longer you're out of work, the more anxious, insecure, or depressed you may be--and this can hurt your chances of landing a job. "Attitude is a crucial part of the job search, and unfortunately it's easy to be caught up in negative mental self-talk, especially with the media telling us how terrible everything is," says Helaine Z. Harris, a Los Angeles-based psychotherapist.

If anxiety or depression is significant, don't be afraid to seek counseling. If that's not an option, simple calming breaths and even meditation can be effective, Harris says. "It's essential to relax and clear the mind, so you'll know the right actions to take and be able to magnetize the opportunities you want." Connecting with nurturing friends and sharing your feelings about being unemployed can also help if you're feeling isolated.

2. Move your body.
There's documented evidence that physical exercise improves mental health and reduces anxiety. And a gym regimen or even daily walks around the neighborhood can help your job-search efforts by adding structure to your day. "Regular exercise creates more self-discipline and shows that you can do hard things, which makes it easier to handle tasks like making difficult phone calls," says Penelope Trunk, creator of the social network site Brazen Careerist.

3. Step away from the computer.
Job boards and social networking sites such as Twitter can be helpful, but they are not the only ways to connect. And relying on them can perpetuate the unemployment "hermit" trap. "If you've been out of circulation for a while, you have to remind people you're still around," Ferguson says. "You're also likely to be a little rusty in networking, so it's important to get out once or twice a week, at least, for a face-to-face meeting, lunch, or networking event."

4. Re-examine employment strategies and tactics.
With a clearer mind, an energized body, and a fuller social calendar, you can better gauge the effectiveness of your search. Career coach and author Dr. Marty Nemko urges unemployed job hunters to not assume they've been doing everything right:

"Are you really spending 30 hours a week job searching? Do you have a job-search buddy, so you can be accountable to each other? Are you active in your professional association, in-person and online? After an interview, have you sent a proposal that explains what you'd do for the employer? Have you followed up relentlessly with warm leads? If you've done all of those things and still aren't getting a job, you probably need to change your job target to a more in-demand job title or a lower-level job," says Nemko.

5. Fill the resume gap.

A resume should be a history of things you've accomplished, not necessarily a chronology of things you've been paid for, according to Trunk. With that philosophy, there's no reason to have a gap in your resume. "There are very few professions where you have to be on the payroll in order to do the work," Trunk says. "If you're a programmer, write a patch on your own time. If you're a shoe designer, design your own shoes. Just do it. You'll have something to show on the resume, and you'll be taking back your power."Link

6. Don't be defensive about unemployment.
You've been out of work for a while. So what? So have many of the other candidates. "Don't hide the fact you've been unemployed," says John M. McKee, job coach and founder of BussinessSuccessCoach.net. "People won't hire others who are prickly."

McKee adds that you might need to stop saying the word "unemployed" if the word is getting in your way. Trunk agrees: "When someone asks what you're doing now, don't say you're out of work, because you're not. You're just not getting paid. Talk about the projects you've done and what you're learning, and then mention, 'I'm looking for a paid position like this.'"


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The Best Jobs for Telecommuting

Top fields for flextime and flexplace work environments
by By Sara Eckel, PayScale.com


Whether you're trying to navigate kids' school schedules or avoid soul-crushing rush-hour traffic, finding a flextime job or a job that allows telecommuting can substantially improve your quality of life. And now that technology has made work more portable than ever--allowing us to work from home, a neighborhood coffee shop, or even a distant city--many industries are allowing employees to take advantage of these advances.

Ellen Ernst Kossek, a professor at Michigan State University's School of Human Resources and Labor Relations, says the jobs that are most adaptable to flexible work arrangements are results-oriented--jobs in which your output is easy to measure, no matter where you are. Writers, graphic designers, and salespeople fit into this category. Here are eight others:

1. Technology Worker (Information Technology Manager: $24 per hour)
Managers at software and information technology companies tend to be more amenable to telecommuting. "They understand the resources, and they tend to attract people who are unhappy in more-regimented environments," says Laurence Shatkin, the author of "The 200 Best Jobs for Renewing America." But this portability has its downsides: "The same thing that makes it possible to do work from home also makes it possible for someone from India or China to do that same job, and many high-growth tech careers are going offshore," he says.

2. Environmental Engineer (Environmental Engineer: $25 per hour)
As businesses, municipalities, and residences increasingly go green, environmental engineering has become a fast-growing field. And like engineering in general, it's quite flexible. "It involves a lot of site visits. However, a lot of the work, like analyzing the data, can be done from home. So it offers flexibility without much worry that your job will be off-shored," says Shatkin.

3. Nurse (Registered Nurse: $29 per hour)
Because nurses are in high demand, they have more power to control their time than people in many other professions. For example, many hospitals set up databases where nurses can set their schedules and swap shifts--without having to go through a supervisor. "You can put in the shift you want and match it up with other people who want different hours," says Ellen Galinski, president and cofounder of the Work Family Institute. This system is now being used in many commercial businesses, such as banks and stores.

4. Medical Billing and Coding Specialist (Medical Biller: $15 per hour)
As our healthcare system becomes increasingly complex, Shatkin says many hospitals and medical offices are outsourcing their billing to outside agencies, and those employees frequently work from home full-time.

5. Corporate Trainer (Employee Trainer: $20 per hour)
When a company gets a new computer system or managers decide that employees need training in soft skills--communication, presentation, and so on--they often hire outside consultants to come in and train employees. These trainers are hired by agencies that send them to offices across the country. "They have a lot of flexibility because they are needed one week and not the other week. And as workplaces become technological, there will be a greater need for trainers like that," says Shatkin.

6. Personal Financial Advisor (Personal Financial Advisor: $18 per hour)
With so many baby boomers approaching retirement age, Shatkin says that financial planning is a growing field. Certified advisors work for themselves, and thus have the freedom to take as much or as little work as they like. "This is growing very fast," says Shatkin. The downside is that meetings tend to take place during the evening, after clients have left work.

7. Transcriber (Medical Transcriber: $15 per hour)
From court transcripts to medical records to closed captions, there is plenty of set-your-own-hours work for speedy typists. Shatkin says closed captioning is a particularly hot field. "When you're watching CNN live, someone has to be pecking away as it happens. This skill is in demand, and the work happens at all times of the day and night. In fact, many people who prepare for court reporting never even set foot in a courtroom. It's the same skill," he says.

8. Social Media Manager (Social Media Manager: $19 per hour)
Are you a whiz at Twitter and Facebook? Many companies and public-relations agencies hire experts who can promote and manage brands from their iPhones. Annemarie Dooling, a social media manager for a digital advertising agency, loves the flexibility of her job. "I'm able to be completely mobile because of the nature of my job," she says. "I often work from a laptop on the way to a conference or meeting. I even check messages in bed on my iPhone."

For tips on making your current job more flexible and telecommute-friendly, see "5 Tips for Successful Telecommuting."

Source: Salary data from PayScale.com. The salaries listed are hourly rates for workers with five to eight years of experience.


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Find a Mentor to Improve Your Career Outlook

by Sara Eckel, PayScale.com

Want an inside track to a successful career? Skill and hard work are important, yes--but one of the most valuable career assets any professional can have is a mentor: a more-experienced person in your field who guides you and helps you develop. "People who have mentors are more satisfied in their careers, get promoted more rapidly, and even make more money than those who don't," says Ellen Ensher, management professor at the Loyola Marymount College of Business Administration.

Many companies, professional organizations, and alumni associations have formal mentoring programs for their employees or members, and it's smart to take advantage of them. But with determination and a little finesse, you can also find a mentor on your own.

1. Develop your network.
Find a wide field of possible candidates by telling everyone you know that you're looking for a mentor. Then make a list of your "dream team"--industry leaders, bosses, people you admire, and so on. "Not everyone can have the CEO of NBC as their mentor, but often high-level executives will connect former proteges with people seeking mentors," says Enscher, who is a coauthor, with Susan Murphy, of "Power Mentoring: How Successful Mentors and Proteges Make the Most Out of Their Relationships."

2. Start small.
You can often find great mentors right in your office--but don't corner them in the break room and pop the question. "It's sort of like asking, 'Do you want to marry me?' and you haven't had a first date," says Ensher. Instead, start by asking one or two smart, specific questions when the opportunity arises. For example, if a senior VP gives a killer presentation on emerging markets, you might ask where she found her data, or if she could recommend any helpful web sites for you to check out.

3. Check your target mentor's resume.
Before talking to potential mentors, arm yourself with some background information. Check out their LinkedIn profiles. Read articles they've written or have been quoted in. Learn about the initiatives they've spear-headed. "You can find out everything about everyone in about three minutes now on the web," says Shelia Wellington, clinical professor of management and organizations at New York University's Stern School of Business, and the author of "Be Your Own Mentor." You don't want to spit back an executive's entire biography at the water cooler, but saying something like "I liked what you had to say about strategy in the newsletter this month" is a perfect ice-breaker.

4. Make a move.
If the executive is receptive to your questions and other small overtures, request a very short meeting--ten to fifteen minutes. "Start to ask little things about how the organization works, or ask for some feedback," says Wellington. The focus should be on how you can improve your skills and serve your employer more effectively--not how the executive can get you a promotion. And be sure to pay for the coffee!

5. Take his or her advice.
Enscher says mentors will often pose a series of implicit or explicit tests to potential proteges--telling them to read a certain book or join a particular trade organization, say. "Sometimes the relationship never gets off the ground because the potential protege doesn't follow through," she says. "So if mentor recommends "Outliers," go read it--and then tell her that you did." You'll show that you value the mentor's advice, and you'll have a perfect excuse to get back in touch.

6. Give back to your mentor.
Mentoring is a two-way street. The mentor is offering you his or her time and expertise and will expect something in return--no matter how young or inexperienced you are. Enscher says you shouldn't think that your relative youth means you have nothing to offer. Can you bring your mentor up-to-date on social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter? Did you find a magazine article your mentor might find useful? Can you offer a fresh perspective on a project? Your offering doesn't have to be huge; it just needs to show that you appreciate the assistance you're receiving.

7. Watch the clock.
When you find a mentor or two, remember that giving you career guidance is not their job. Try to find ways to make the sessions as convenient as possible for them. Ensher says that she counsels her protege while walking her dog on the beach. "I spend an hour giving her coaching and advice," she says. "I also get my cardio in and my dog walked."


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New Rules for the Baby Boomer Job Search

For people looking for work after 50, it's time for a better strategy.
by Mike O'Brien, Climber.com

If you're over the age of fifty and find yourself looking for work, chances are good that you already know the job-search basics--how to update your resume, how to dress for an interview, and how to present yourself and your experience effectively. But a successful employment search can be so much more for a highly skilled, experienced professional. Here are some advanced Baby Boomer job-search tips that'll help you take control.

1. Decide what you (really) want.
If you've received a severance package, use the time it affords to truly consider what you want to do next. Don't just blindly go after the same type of job you just left unless it still holds excitement for you. Do your research, take assessments on career-management sites or with your outplacement service, and identify what your ideal employment opportunity would be. Even if you feel you need to take a new position right away, go into the job search with a goal of finding a position that you'll love--not one that will simply allow you to survive.

2. Embrace networking--including social networking.
Jobs in today's economy are often found through networks--like the networks that you've probably spent the better part of 20 years creating. Beyond your personal contacts, however, take advantage of online networking tools like LinkedIn and even Twitter. According to the 2008/2009 Accenture US Consumer Technology Survey, Boomers increased their uptake of popular consumer technology applications at an average of 50 percent in 2008, nearly 20 times faster than Generation Y. Further, a late-2009 Deloitte & Touche study indicated that 46 percent of boomers maintained a social networking site in 2009-compared to just 31 percent in 2008. And don't be shy about sharing your networking experience during your interview. People who connect well--whether through interpersonal or online networking--are desirable in nearly any position.

3. Be the solution to the "brain drain."
As nearly 78 million Baby Boomers begin to consider retirement, an unprecedented "brain drain" will strike many American business segments, particularly sectors with a higher concentrations of older employees, such as retail, utilities, manufacturing, and healthcare. If you're actively seeking a career position--not just a job to tide you over for the next few years--you could provide a dramatic benefit to your new employer. By being willing to share your experience, expertise, and understanding of your industry, you're not just a new hire--you're an instant mentor to their entire employee base.

4. Explore nontraditional options.
As you consider where you're going, don't define yourself by where you've been. According to a recent study by the Bridgespan Group, nonprofit organizations will need to attract and develop some 640,000 new senior managers over the next decade--the equivalent of 2.4 times the number currently employed. These are not volunteer positions; they're well-paid critical roles. Explore nontraditional job sectors online or through a dedicated career-management site to make sure you're exploring all of your options.

Mike O'Brien is an innovative entrepreneur dedicated to helping others create breakthrough success, and is the founder and CEO of Climber.com, one of the nation's leading online career-management sites. For more information about how to find your perfect career, visit www.Climber.com, or connect with Mike on LinkedIn.


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9 Tips for Getting a Promotion

How to move up the career ladder
by Maria Hanson, LiveCareer


Have you been stagnating at work for months--or even years? You're not alone. According to Randstad's 2009 World of Work survey, 83 percent of workers said they feel fortunate just to have a job. And more than half fear for their economic well-being. Survival is the primary goal. Getting a promotion and career advancement are low priorities these days.

"Many people are forgetting about exploring new opportunities within their organization because of this challenging environment," says Eileen Habelow, Randstad's senior vice president of organizational development.

But it doesn't have to be this way. With the right tools, you can get ahead, even in the current climate. Here are some insider tips for moving up the ladder:

1. Have a plan. "The people who get the best jobs have been planning their strategy for one year or more," says Jay Jessup, the author of the personal-branding book "Fame 101." He cites Oprah Winfrey as a perfect example: "She planned her success every step of the way, and is still thinking ahead five years," he says.

2. Ask for what you want. "If you want a promotion, you need to clearly ask for it. If you don't ask, you won't get it," says Laura Browne, the author of "Why Can't You Communicate Like Me? How Smart Women Get Results at Work." "No one is just going to hand you a promotion."

3. Develop yourself into your next role. Long before you even ask for a promotion, observe the kind of job you want, figure out what it takes to do the job well, and work toward that, advises Sandra Naiman, the author of "The High Achiever's Secret Codebook: The Unwritten Rules for Success at Work." "When appropriate, take on the tasks of the job you're aiming for. But be careful not to step on any professional toes," she says.

4. Bring out your inner Tigger. "The woods are full of Eeyores," says Dan Bowling, former senior vice president of human resources at Coca-Cola Enterprises. "Bosses don't want these negative types. They want Tiggers--the energetic, can-do people who tackle the problem with a smile. Those are the ones who get ahead."

5. Show your face. Telecommuting is not a good idea when you're hoping for a promotion. Neither is communicating mostly by email with bosses and coworkers. "It's all about 'face time,'" says John McKee, CEO of BusinessSuccessCoach.net. "Communicating in person whenever possible is imperative for success seekers."

6. Remember the bottom line. "In any organization, the people who make the money are the ones who stay employed," says career coach Joan Schramm. "Document your efforts toward this goal and your rate of success, and make sure your boss is aware of them."

7. Replace yourself. "Being 'irreplaceable' can hold you back," says HR professional Jodi R. R. Smith, who teaches a seminar called Promote Yourself. "There are times when managers do not promote great employees due to the time, hassle, and stress of having to train a replacement. If you can, train a potential replacement so this won't be an issue."

8. Dress the part. "Dress for the job you want, not the job you have," advises image consultant Heather Alan, of Trel Style ConsLinkulting. "And remember that dark colors are perceived as more authoritative. Even those looking for promotions in the creative field should strive to wear deeper colors."

9. Make your boss look good. "Find out what your boss's boss expects of him, and do what you can to help your boss shine," advises David Wright, the author of "Get a Job! Your Guide to Making Successful Career Moves." "If you help your boss look good to his boss, you look good to your boss."


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Intern Your Way into a New Job

Internships aren't just for college students anymore.
by Robert DiGiacomo, for Yahoo HotJobs!

When you hear the word "intern," you likely think of an eager college student tasked with making copies or fetching coffees. But you might want to think again. At any age, and especially when jobs are scarce, an internship can be an effective way to add new skills in your specialty, gain experience in a completely different field, or simply build up contacts.

Whether you're just starting out or trying to reinvent yourself, the key is to have a plan for how the internship will help advance your career goals. This way, you're less likely to end up being a glorified gofer.

"Interns too often take a passive approach--they should have a clear vision of what a successful internship looks like to them," says Dave Cofer, internship consultant for the Columbus, Ohio, Chamber of Commerce.

Here are four more tips for making the most of an internship.

An internship by any other name
Some of the best untapped opportunities are with employers in burgeoning fields that don't have formal internship programs, according to Steve Langerud, director of career development at DePauw University.

He says, "You want to work with people who are on the leading edge of a field and are so busy they don't have time to think about internships."

To get your foot in the door with such a company, make a pitch that emphasizes your skill set and what you'd like to accomplish within a certain time frame.

"You have to be able to tell them what you want, and not what it's called," says Langerud.

Should you get paid?
If your budget won't allow for an unpaid internship, see if a stipend to cover travel and other expenses is available. Do a Web search to look for grants or other funding in your field.

(For-profit companies that offer unpaid internship programs must meet various criteria--for instance, that an unpaid intern not supplant the role of a salaried worker--to comply with federal labor laws and regulations in many states. Students should check with their college career centers if they have concerns about working without pay.)

For people who are in the workforce, volunteering services as an intern can be a form of "try-buy," according to Sally Haver, senior vice president of business development for The Ayers Group/Career Partners International, a unit of Kelly Services, Inc.

"The prospective [employer] gets a sample of what the person can do, and the person gains insight, knowledge, and skills in the new environment," Haver says.

Never assume, always ask
Once you land an internship, remember to ask the right questions--and don't make assumptions about your role.

"Ask for tasks that have not specifically been assigned, ask for periodic feedback, and ask if you can shadow someone who seems like a potential mentor," Haver says.

Get off the couch
If you're out of a job, an internship might not do more than pay your basic bills, but it will widen your circle of contacts and boost your morale.

"Mindset is such a key factor to how you perform in interviews," Cofer says. "Being out there doing something and interacting with people will keep you productive and motivated, and can serve as a springboard to eventual full-time employment."


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5 Career Myths Busted

Career expert Tony Beshara reveals the truth behind some widely believed but false notions
by Maria Hanson, LiveCareer

Power-hitting recruiter (and frequent guest of Dr. Phil's TV show) Tony Beshara is the myth-buster of the career world. Give him a popular career myth, and if it doesn't hold up to the test of his 36 years in the career business, he'll emphatically smash it to pieces.

"I bust career myths because folks are misled by them," says Beshara, president of Babich & Associates and the author of "The Job Search Solution" and "Acing the Interview." "They read what somebody wrote who found a career once, they think it's true, they 'apply it,' and they are very disappointed."

Here are five popular career myths that Beshara was all too happy to bust:

Myth #1: I can't get a job without experience.

Busted: "Oh, stop it! We all start somewhere. The key is to start somewhere," says Beshara. "It may not be where you think you deserve after spending all that money and time on an education, but if you have to start sweeping floors, start there. More doors are opened from the inside than from the outside." Last year, employers filled 51 percent of vacancies from within, according to a large study by CareerXroads (a recruiting consulting and strategy firm). That's a lot higher than in previous years--so now's the time to get your foot in the door.

Myth #2: All that most workers care about is their salary.

Busted: "If that were true, we'd all rob banks," says Beshara. Sure money is important, but workers usually care about more than just money. According to the 2009 employee job-satisfaction survey by the Society for Human Resource Management, employees identified job security as the most important contributor to their job satisfaction. Benefits were in second place, with salary coming in at number three.

Myth #3: It's too late to change careers.

Busted: "If you have the energy and the attitude, it's never too late," Beshara says. According to an AARP Public Policy Report, 27 percent of older workers who change jobs actually switch occupations. That's a lot of career changing--a.k.a. "recareering."

Myth #4: Multitasking is the most efficient way to work.

Busted: "Multitasking is the poorest way to work," Beshara says. Studies show that performing two mental tasks at the same time significantly decreases brainpower for either task and makes them take longer than they would if done separately. Chronic multitasking can even lead do short-term memory loss, according to research by neuroscientists.

Myth #5: Without close supervision, most workers will try to get away with whatever they can.

Busted: "That went out with the 1950s, at least on the professional level," Beshara says. "There may be a few workers who need to be 'pushed' by someone else to get a job done. But most workers do their best without any coercion." In fact, worker performance may suffer from supervision that's too close. Many studies, including a recent one by the National Contract Management Association, support the idea that micromanagement actually discourages workers. Micromanaging has been found to negatively impact supervisor-employee communication, productivity, problem-solving, and goal attainment.


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8 Easy Ways to Boost Your Salary

by Mary Fineday, FindtheRightSchool.com

Work smarter, not harder. Take simple steps that will help you supersize your paycheck, get more respect at work, and develop a career that truly suits you.

From career training to communication tips, check out our list of ways to boost your paycheck.

Specialize. Are you feeling like you're spread too thin over too many tasks? Become an expert at a few major responsibilities in order to make yourself indispensable in the office. A brief online course can help. For example, if your boss relies on PowerPoint presentations, learn more about the software package and help with the weekly presentation duties.

Diversify. On the flip side, a narrow range of skills could work against you in an office where only a few people perform the majority of the tasks. Think about where you can diversify your skills to offer more value to the team. For example, your front-office clerical skills could be combined with medical assistant training to help prepare you to work in a small doctor's office. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports a median yearly wage of $28,300 for medical assistants, with the top 25 percent earning $33,050.

Train yourself. Think about where you want your career to be in five or ten years. If people at work are always asking you for help with their computers, why not make it official? An associate's degree in IT can help move you into an official role as your company's computer-support specialist. Your employer should be pleased to find that you took the initiative to educate yourself. Computer-support specialists earn a median annual wage of $43,450, while the top 25 percent earn $55,990.

Train others. Prove your value in the workplace by offering to lead training sessions for new hires. Expressing the desire to train others proves your interest in the company, as well as your willingness to take a leadership position and a position of responsibility. Business classes in human resource management and communications can give you the knowledge you need to help new hires begin their careers at your company.

Manage. Interested in climbing up the corporate ladder? Do your part to make your way into a management position. If you have little or no previous management experience, a degree in business administration such as an MBA can help give you the management tools you need to operate confidently at a management level. Then you can combine your work experience with education and rise above your competition. According to the BLS, workers with a master's degree earn an average of almost $200 a week more than those with a bachelor's degree only.

Get certified. Computer certification in technologies such as Cisco, Microsoft, and Linux have value in jobs ranging from help-desk support to high-level project management. Combined with your degree in computer science, finance, or a related field, the certification process gives you a chance to prove your knowledge, keep your technical skills current, and show off your commitment to your job. Network and computer-systems administrators are expected to remain current on new technologies. They earned a yearly median wage of $66,310 in 2008, with the top 25 percent earning $84,110.

Ask. Perhaps the easiest salary-boosting tactic is also one of the most overlooked: asking for what you want. Otherwise, your boss may not know that you're thinking of advancing your career. Set up a meeting and ask what you can do to earn more. Present some ideas and learn more about your strengths and weaknesses as an employee. From there, you should have a clearer picture of how to improve; what's more, your boss will realize you want to.

Move on. Sometimes, a simple salary boost can't be found. If you find yourself stuck in a go-nowhere job, think about using education and training to make the move to a position that is more in line with your ambition and ability.

Of course, none of the tips above can guarantee a higher salary. However, it's a good idea to take some time out of every year to consider where you stand on the office payroll. With a move as simple as a little career training, you can boost your paycheck and earn what you deserve.

Mary Fineday is a freelance writer in Austin, Texas.


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Is Your Network Helping or Hurting Your Career?

5 ways to use a network to your advantage
by Larry Buhl, for Yahoo! HotJobs


Most professionals are aware of the value of networking for career advancement. Appropriate networking can lead to opportunities that are hard to acquire on your own. But there is such a thing as bad networking--and that can do some serious damage.

Career experts point to several common networking pitfalls and how to overcome them:

Problem: Homogeneity If you're interacting only with people who do exactly what you do or who work at the same company--or who are all out of work--they are less likely to help you reach the next rung. If you're all looking for jobs, you may spend your time griping rather than sharing information. And if they see you as competition, they may even actively work against you.

Solution: Expand your circle "You should be looking for diversity on all levels within your network," says Barbara Safani, president of Career Solvers. "Take a look at who's in your network in terms of job titles, age differences, geography, and even ethnicity. Start leveraging the people you know well in your circle, and find out who else they know who may be different from you."

Problem: Desperation Many professionals start networking when they're out of a job. This leads to the (often accurate) perception that you want one thing and aren't likely to offer anything in return. Your contact may help you out, but it may be the only time. Worse, you may acquire a reputation as a taker and not a giver. "If you start your network with an open hand, it's too late," says Heather Hamilton, staffing manager at Microsoft.

Solution: Reach out before you need something Start today. Join a professional organization and keep going back. Develop relationships with people you'd like to know, but don't ask them for a favor right away. Instead, consider why they may want to know you.

Problem: Quantity over quality You share business cards everywhere you go. You have hundreds of "friends" on social media sites. That's great, but it won't take you far unless you actively cultivate at least some of those relationships.

Solution: Get personal "It's important to offer information to people in your network and show them you know something about them," Hamilton says. With social media, it isn't that hard to learn what a person does, what they like to do, and what their interests are. From there, pick out those who can help you, who can reach people who can help you, or who share your interests--and offer them something first.

"If you think the people you want to know don't need anything from you, remember there is more than one way to offer help," Safani says. "You could let a contact know you have industry information, or information or help in one of their hobbies."

Problem: Scattershot networking If you don't know what you want from your network, your contacts won't know how to help you.

Solution: Establish clear objectives "It's important to do the pre-work of networking," says John M. O'Connor, president of Career Pro, Inc. "What do you want to get out of your network? How do you want to be perceived by others? What do you have to offer others? Answer those questions first; then take a disciplined approach and make a plan for reaching out."

Problem: Dead-end contacts If a new job is your goal and you're building relationships only with people who don't know many people, or who are introverted, or who are generally unhelpful (not returning your calls is a sign), then your network isn't working for you.

Solution: Create targets Susan Whitcomb, president of Career Coach Academy, recommends identifying people in companies you want to work for, or people who know people at those companies.

"Your top rung of targets should be people who have relationships with hiring managers and knowledge of the company you want," Whitcomb says. "Next best are those who have knowledge but no relationships at the company. Next are those with relationships but no knowledge. At the lower rung are people who don't know the company and don't know anyone there--they may be good to know personally, but don't expect them to help your career."

There are many kinds of networking--for professional goals, for personal growth, or for fun. But career experts emphasize that, on the career side, networks take much care and feeding. "Networking can be like static electricity--wasted energy--or it can channeled for power," O'Connor says. "If you do it right, it should be like handing someone a cord and letting them plug it in."

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Are You Doing It Wrong? How to Make Networking Really Work.

by Lydia Dishman, PayScale.com

Networking. Does the very thought of getting out there, shaking hands, and schmoozing give you butterflies? You are not alone. But networking, either informally or at an organized event, is something that everyone should actively do--no matter how old they are or where they're at in their career.

"You always love a job until you don't--or until it no longer loves you--so continuing to build and strengthen your network even when you're employed will help you maximize your options if and when it's time to move on," says career expert Liz Lynch.

As founder of The Center for Networking Excellence and the author of "Smart Networking," Lynch knows a strong network can help you get industry information quickly and find opportunities to grow your business. But a recent Yahoo! HotJobs poll found that networking or an in-person referral is the most effective way to find a job today, too: over 20 percent of surveyed workers and job seekers say they've stepped up in-person networking activities in the past year.

Too often, poor preparation or lack of follow-up make networking ineffective. Fortunately, there are some simple things to do before, during, and after networking to ensure that you make a lasting impression.

Polish your image
You just never know when you'll run into a potential client or employer, so it's important to be ready to network at any time. That means keeping business cards handy and up-to-date with a mobile number and links to a professional website and/or a LinkedIn profile.

Prep your elevator pitch
Lynch says it's necessary to be able to answer the question "What do you do?" with a response that rolls off your tongue without being too long or full of jargon and buzzwords. "If you're currently unemployed, you want to answer confidently and in a way that focuses on what you're looking for instead of what you've been through," adds Lynch.

Rachel Weingarten, a marketing and brand strategist, says this is especially important if you've spent years repeating the same thing and ignoring how your skills may have evolved. An easy way to do this is paying attention to how people you admire in your industry are describing themselves. "Don't copy them, but use it as inspiration to create your own short, snappy self description," advises Weingarten.

Target your efforts
To make a real impact with networking, hone in on events and opportunities targeted to your industry. Freelance journalist Gina Roberts-Grey suggests joining a professional organization. "Members often introduce each other to colleagues and share contact information," says Roberts-Grey, adding that networking is also a main function of industry conferences. "Attendees expect to be approached in elevators, hallways, and even bathrooms."

Toot your horn (but pay attention, too)
Once you're talking, Roberts-Grey says, "Don't be afraid to brag a little. If you don't tell the world what you're doing, chances are no one else will." Lynch says that you should also listen and try to find ways to be of help. "Find out if they would be open to meeting with you so you can learn more about their company. Don't push your resume. Focus first on building the relationship," she adds.

Follow up
Roberts-Grey recommends sending an e-mail or follow-up note as soon as possible after the meeting. Weingarten says, "It's polite and professional and works toward cementing more of a relationship with the person you just met," and she suggests including specific details of the conversation.

You should also do your homework by researching growth sectors and average salaries in your industry so you'll be ready to negotiate if you have the opportunity. Says Roberts-Grey, "Don't be afraid to show that you're ready, willing, and able to work with them."


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Mastering the Art of Public Speaking

Confidence in speaking to groups is a powerful asset in any profession.
by Caroline M.L. Potter, Yahoo! HotJobs


Mention the words "public speaking," and many folks start to quake in their boots: a market-research survey of 3,000 Americans found that they feared speaking in public more than heights, financial problems, sickness, and even death. But aside from being an irrational phobia, a fear of public speaking can negatively impact your career.

A recent UC Berkeley study revealed that people who speak up in business meetings are seen as more competent than quieter colleagues, even when their comments aren't valuable. Further, most management positions require some level of public speaking, even if it's simply addressing small groups of staff members. Being comfortable with public speaking helps you exude confidence--which is crucial when you're interviewing for new positions, say, or asking for a raise. It can also help you bond with customers and colleagues.

While there are lots of tricks and tips to help you relax while speaking in public, practice is key. To get hands-on practice and feedback while you grow as a public speaker, you might consider joining Toastmasters International. Joel Goyette, a marketing professional with OpenTable, Inc., has been a member of Toastmasters for nearly two years. He joined just after graduating college, inspired by the teaching style of a favorite professor, who steered him toward Toastmasters when he asked for insights on becoming a more powerful presenter. "After one meeting," says Goyette, "I was sold. The speakers were phenomenal, and the content of interest to me."

He credits the unique structure of Toastmasters for giving him the confidence to speak and up and participate at work. "There are two parts to every Toastmasters meeting--prepared speeches and table topics. In completing the speeches, I became aware of how to effectively present an idea, topic, or project and be a strong presenter. I've also learned how to actively participate with an audience, adapting along the way to best suit the audience," he says. "'Table topics' is the impromptu-speaking portion of the meeting, during which people are randomly called upon to speak. This has given me the cognizance and structure to slow down, think, and formulate a logical response before speaking. These skills are critical in meetings where you don't know what the next question will be."

Goyette now loves speaking to groups and isn't nervous, something he says is possible for all participants. "With support and encouragement, some of the shyest and least confident members have become phenomenal speakers. Toastmasters helps people become better speakers by providing a structure to learn effective public-speaking techniques such as overcoming nervous ticks, eliminating filler words ("ah," "um," "like," and so on), and paying attention to body language and eye contact, as well as providing a sandbox in which to play and improve self-confidence," he states.

The skills he continues to gain gave Goyette the confidence to organize and host an autism awareness event in San Francisco last year, and they help him to expand his network, saying, " I have met countless professionals, been invited to deliver a speech to an audience of 1,000 people, and made new friends."

Tips for finding a Toastmasters International chapter near you:
1. Search on Toastmasters International by zip code. There are more than 12,500 clubs in 106 countries.

2. Contact the club to arrange to be a guest at a meeting, to increase your comfort level.

3. Don't be afraid to audit several different clubs. Goyette advises, "I encourage all of our guests to visit other clubs before joining to make sure they feel at home with our members. As with any social group, shop around until you find a club you are excited to be part of due to professional similarities with members, speaking level, meeting schedule, and so on."


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