Top Certifications to Enhance Your Career

Targeted Training and Good Salaries in Less Than Two Years
by Amelia Gray, FindtheRightSchool.com


Looking for a career change, but not sure you're ready to spend years in school? No matter what you're looking for in your job future, certifications can bring big changes. These certifications are concentrated career-advancers that can give you the targeted training you need to prove your knowledge to hiring managers. Become indispensable in your field with a shorter degree commitment than either a bachelor's or associate's degree.

Cisco Certified Network Associate
This essential IT certification proves your skill with the industry's most ubiquitous networking products. CCNA training prepares IT professionals to mitigate security threats and work with wireless networking technology. CCNA training is a must for anyone interested in network administration, information systems, and management. Network and computer systems administrators saw mean annual earnings of $67,850 in 2007, the BLS reports.

Dental Assisting
When dentists want to expand their business, assistants are often the first hires. Excellent job prospects are expected, with 82,000 new dental assistant jobs projected to enter the field through 2016. What's more, this growing, interesting career can be had with a short certificate program. Dental assistants earned mean annual wages of $32,280 in 2007, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports.

CompTIA Project+
Gretchen Koch, director of skills development programs at CompTIA, reported to Computerworld that as of late July, The Computing Technology Industry Association awarded 20 percent more Project+ certifications than in the previous year. According to CompTIA, the certification "allows employers to validate the basic project management skills of any employee." In plain English, that means you get a little more control over your climb up the ladder.

Court Reporting
This specialized career combines elements of transcription, reporting, and skilled labor. Career prospects for court reporters are expected to be excellent for those with certification, the BLS reports. Salaries are also looking up: In 2007, court reporters saw mean annual earnings of $48,380. This criminal justice career requires only a short certificate program, making training to become a court reporter a solid option.

Microsoft Certified IT Professional
In the IT world, certification is a way to stay current and distinguish your skills in a swiftly changing job environment. IT infrastructure is the focus of this certification, which gives students focused training in an essential element of the industry. Windows system administrators benefit the most from this certification. According to the BLS, computer support specialists and system administrators saw mean annual earnings of $67,850 in 2007.

Paralegal
Working behind-the-scenes in a law firm could be one certification away. If you already have a bachelor's degree in another field, you might feel like you're stuck in one industry for the rest of your working life. Fortunately, certification programs open up your options. Earning a certificate in paralegal studies could have you earning mean annual wages of $47,600, as reported by the BLS. If you don't have a bachelor's degree, an associate's degree in the field is all you need for most positions.

Accounting Clerks
While fully licensed accountants require years of school, the clerks who work with them need only a certificate, which stands in for valuable work experience in the field. Salaries for the career are another perk of gaining the knowledge that will have you doing your own taxes every year. Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks earned mean annual wages of $32,780 in 2007, the BLS reports.

Fire & Emergency
Hiring managers for fire department and EMT personnel are looking for the kind of worker that is trained, professional, and able to go to work in stressful situations. Certification in fire and emergency services gives you a background in policy and safety guidelines that will prepare you to work in this important field. In 2007, fire fighters earned mean annual wages of $44,130, according to the BLS.

Graduate Certifications
Add to your existing bachelor's or master's degree with a certification that can take your career to the next level. The business, IT, and vocational certifications at the graduate level offer a range of advanced training opportunities. Graduate certifications are available in information systems, Six Sigma, quality assurance and other fields.

While no certification program can guarantee career advancement, a new job, or a particular salary, they're one way to advance your skills without spending years in school. Whether you're in a career with a swiftly changing job description or trying to leave your current dead-end job for greener pastures, certificates offer an alternative to a traditional associate's or bachelor's degree.

Amelia Gray is a freelance writer in Austin, Texas.

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A Stimulus Plan for Your Job Search

by Doug White, Robert Half International


In an effort to revive the economy, Congress recently passed a $787 billion stimulus package. There are probably days when you need your own stimulus plan. Like the economy, you may feel stuck in a slump, especially if you've spent months looking for employment. But instead of losing heart, use this multifaceted plan to recharge your job search:

Build Up Your Networking Infrastructure

The road to a new job often begins with a member of your professional network. Deepen your contact list by meeting new people in any way you can. Get active on networking sites such as LinkedIn, Facebook and niche portals relevant to your industry. For instance, DesignerID is geared specifically toward graphic designers.

Supplement your online efforts by joining professional associations and regularly attending industry events where you can meet others face to face. You also might look into support groups for out-of-work professionals. As the recession has intensified, more people are gathering both online and off to commiserate and share employment leads, interviewing advice, and job-hunting war stories.

In addition, remember that you never know who might be able to offer an "in" with an employer. Spread the word about your job search and career goals to everyone, from friends and relatives to neighbors and former classmates.

Invest in a Targeted Resume

Customization is king. Don't blindly blast the same one-size-fits-all resume to every employer with an opening. While it's smart and efficient to create a solid basic resume, take the time to tailor your document to the specific opportunity. The extra effort can yield huge dividends. Research each prospective employer and mirror the language from the job posting to play up your skills, qualifications and accomplishments that directly relate to the position. Reviewing the firm's website, marketing materials, and recent annual reports will give you a good sense of its mission, history and culture.

You'll gain even more of an edge by submitting a well-crafted cover letter -- a valuable sales tool that many job seekers fail to utilize. Within the letter, expand upon your biggest strengths, highlight your knowledge of the firm, and reiterate your enthusiasm about the job.

Ease Anxiety Through Action

Does your self-confidence need a bailout? A protracted job search can understandably test anyone's pride and patience. But don't let fears and frustration undermine your focus. Hiring managers will want to know what you've been up to beyond just "looking for a job." Instead of wallowing in worry, turn downtime into learning time. Stay current on industry trends and expand your skills by taking a professional-development class, attending conferences, continuing to read trade publications, or even teaching yourself a new software program.

Pursuing temporary work is another smart way to show employers that you've remained engaged while on the job hunt. Many organizations that have instituted hiring freezes or laid off employees due to the recession are seeking the services of interim professionals to keep productivity and service levels high. Project work allows you to stay busy, make valuable new contacts, earn money and get your foot in the door with companies that, at some point, will again be looking to hire top-quality full-time employees.

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

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by Lila Daniels, FindtheRightSchool.com


In work, as in life, crushes come and go.

Who hasn't been seduced by a hip, downtown office or some stellar-sounding perk? But soon, the bloom is off the rose and there you are, toiling away at a job you barely tolerate. The reason career crushes crash and burn is that they aren't built on anything real. True love is built on hard work. In the job world this often translates to schoolwork and a willingness to start from the ground up.

It was true for Dan Lyons, a freelance television producer. "After getting a bachelor's degree in communications and spending a summer at film school, I spent a lot of time at my first job answering phones," said Lyons. He stuck with it and now has a career that takes him all over the world, working with engaging people from scientists to celebrities.

In addition, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that producers earn a median salary of $61,090. Sounds like a dream, right? Perhaps, but Lyons said the job isn't for everyone. There are long hours and lots of airline travel involved. So, how do you figure out the career that is made for you?

A Career You Can Commit To

Spend some time thinking about all the ways people find deep satisfaction in life --perhaps through their creativity, their connections to others, by traveling to foreign shores, or even just being outdoors. Then, figure out what motivates you beyond the paycheck.

When you're trying to write your own career love story, it never hurts to hear how others fell head over heels. It's equally important to get all the facts before jumping in. Here are a few fairy tale careers and the real facts that go with them, including BLS median salary statistics.

Public Relations

Even before we fell for Samantha Jones' fictional PR career in "Sex and the City," public relations posts have been objects of affection. Some fall for the celebrity angle. Others are drawn to the ever-changing nature of the work. In an interview for "On The Page," Melissa Menta says she feels lucky to have her job. She describes her work as an executive director of public relations this way, "Some days I sit and write and I think strategy and corporate, other days it's celebrity stuff. It doesn't ever get boring."

The Real Facts: To make this career match, you'll need a degree in public relations or communications, some prior experience, and the ability to multi-task big time. What you get is a dynamic job working with powerful, interesting, and even famous people. Specialists in PR earn median salaries of $49,800, while managers make $86,470.

Chef

When asked by the Naples Daily News what inspired him to become a chef, Mark Thomas Beatty replied that he loves food. This is a common ingredient to many chef's career love stories.

The Real Facts: You'll need to blend a stint at culinary school with your passion for food. Long hours on your feet and constant pressure, along with working weekends and holidays, will test your mettle. If you're meant to be a head chef, median salaries are $37,160.

Wedding Consultant

What better way to fall in love with your work than to be around people who are madly in love with each other? Sure, you might run in to a bridezilla every now and again, but how many other job descriptions include wine and cake tastings? Weddings are big business. The Association of Bridal Consultants calls it a $165 billion industry, with 2.4 million weddings in the U.S. every year.

The Real Facts: Many wedding planners start out with hospitality training -- working as caterers or event planners often for a high-end hotel or resort. With experience and industry connections, they branch out on their own. Salaried meeting and event planners earn a median salary of $43,530. Some independent wedding consultants charge between 10 and 20 percent of the overall cost of the wedding, while others charge a flat fee.

Before You Settle Down

You wouldn't get married on the basis of a few dates, so don't even think of committing to a career on a whim. It's important to take your career possibilities for a test drive. Talk to some professionals in the field that interests you. If it still sounds good, start taking some courses on campus or online. Many schools offer internships, perhaps the best way to road test your dreams.

Once you've found the match made for you, be prepared to pay your dues. Take some career advice from Dan Lyons: "While you've got to start somewhere, don't get too good at the grunt work. Do your job well, but show them you've got potential to do more."

Lila Daniels is a freelance writer living in Vermont. She previously worked in higher education publishing and as a high school art teacher.

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Cover Letters that Catch the Eye

by Heather Boerner, for Yahoo! HotJobs


Throw away your form letter. These days, getting your cover letter noticed means getting creative.

"A good cover letter can be the difference between getting a job and not getting a job," said Gretchen Hirsch, writing coach and author of "Talking Your Way to the Top." "How you stand out, how you tell your story, is with cover letters."

Consider these tips from hiring managers and writing coaches:

Start Strong

News reporters know most people only read three paragraphs, so they lead with the most important information. You should, too. Start with a relevant professional accomplishment, said Sherry Mirshahi, a resume writer and interview consultant with Interview Roadmap.

"The accomplishment should be aligned with at least one of the qualifications the employer seeks," she said. "This encourages the reader to continue reading and automatically positions you as an expert."

Keep It Employer-Focused

Talk about how the job fits your goals in the interview. Use the cover letter to show how you can help the employer meet her goals, said Alison Farrin, hiring manager and owner of Innovative Pension.

Make sure your cover letter shows that:

* You've looked at the company website and know what they do.
* You can help cut costs or increase profits.
* You have something that makes you special and will make the company special.

Farrin suggests the following example:

The description of your company's range of services indicates that you place a high value on quick response to clients but with particular attention to details. In my position with XYZ Company, I was employee of the month six times based on my fast, accurate service record. I look forward to improving on that record with a company that values my skills in this area.

"If I received a resume that took the time to come up with anything remotely close to this kind of thoughtful information, once I picked myself up off the floor, I would be picking up the phone," she said.

Write a 'Charticle'

Short charts in magazines attract more eyes than long articles. So ditch paragraphs in favor of columns, said Malcolm Munro, a career coach and author of "Marketing Yourself for Your Dream Job."

In one column, list the attributes the employer needs. In the next, show how you meet them. For instance, if it asks for four years experience, list that you have six. If it asks for a self-starter, list your experience starting and leading a team and how it increased profits.

Keep It Short

"If you're a hiring manager and you're going through resumes for eight hours a day, cover letters better be real short," said Munro. "No one wants to read a long one."

Keep it less than one page with lots of white space and in 12-point type. If it's longer, ask yourself if each sentence meets the qualifications in the first section. If not, cut it.

Munro says, "What you're telling the hiring manager [in a short cover letter] is, 'I'm the perfect fit, write notes here and call me in.'"

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Tips on public speaking

The majority of public speakers present speeches on interesting material, yet bore their crowd into a daze somewhere between sleepiness and death. Other people simply project their nervous feelings into the audience, promoting a chaos stricken environment. Although a fifth grade speech might not get you an Oscar, you can amuse your peers. Or although a business speech promoting the new line of four-ply toilet paper might not seem to be attention grabbing, it can be.

When the speech first starts off don’t jump right into the material and facts, instead tease your audience. If you are talking about the mating habits of bumble bees don’t open your speech with a statistic on bees. Instead start off by talking about Whinny the Pooh, and his infamous honey jar. Explain that when you used to read that story, you never knew where the honey came from. Then slowly wean them off the shock of the cartoon character being present in a factual speech, and start talking numbers.

Approximately ever other sentence you should look at a new person, in a new portion of the room. Always keep your eyes focused on them, as if you are telling them your deepest secrets. Try to memorize the speech ahead of time, it will make a world of a difference. If you can’t memorize the speech, don’t read off of the cards, simply read off an outline which is on the cards.

Get into the speech, for the first time ever you can be over dramatic and people will find it enthralling or amusing, depending on the subject material. When you are talking about how the bees produce a large amount of honey each day, sigh and laugh. Make off-color comments about how you wouldn’t want to be a bee. Don’t keep a monotone voice throughout the presentation. Whisper weird items of the speech… or laugh and elevate your voice for absurd facts.

Try to appear relaxed, and as if you are having a good time. If you are thoroughly animated, and attempt to get the audience involved, they will stay with you through the speech, even if you are talking about the production of paperclips. Ask rhetorical questions throughout the speech, for example with the Whinny the Pooh example, ask the audience how many of them wondered where honey came from when they read those stories. Then laugh and pretend as if you were answered.

Enjoy public speaking, it is your time in the spotlight. No matter what precarious of a situation you arrive in, if you blow it off and make a joke out of it, everything will turn out ok. If you fall on the stairs on your way up to the podium, when you start speaking throw in a laugh and a comment about how those stairs just jumped out at you. No one will ridicule you if your laughing as well.

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Plan B: Should You Take a Survival Job?

by Margaret Steen, for Yahoo! HotJobs


If you're out of work and your job hunt is not going well, you may be considering taking a "survival job" -- one that will help pay the bills but doesn't compare to the one you lost.

But how will employers considering you for a professional job view a stint working retail or doing low-level work in your field?

Experts say this is the wrong question: The key is to consider your own circumstances, rather than what other people will think.

Stigma Factor Wanes

For example, some people consider a survival job because they're convinced they will seem more appealing to employers if they are employed. But Mary Jeanne Vincent, a career coach in Monterey, California, said employers have grown more understanding of unemployment.

"Today, it happens so frequently, it just doesn't have the stigma," she says.

On the other hand, some people may resist taking a survival job because they don't know how they'll explain it to potential employers. This, too, is the wrong way to approach the issue.

As long as you can explain your decision in positive terms -- whether it's how you have been spending your time while not working or what you have learned from your survival job -- you don't need to worry much about employers' opinions.

"How do you explain what you gained from doing it, and why you did it?" says Ken Soper, a career counselor in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Instead, focus on your own situation -- beginning with finances.

"Some people are very close to the edge" financially, Vincent says. If you can't put food on the table or fear you might lose your home, then you shouldn't hesitate to take a paying job.

Factors for Your Decision

On the other hand, Vincent said she sees some people who have been job-hunting only a few weeks and think they should take any job that's offered, even if they have the money to search longer. That can be a mistake as well.

When weighing whether to take a survival job, consider these advantages:

* It shows your character. "It will say something about your values and how hard a worker you are -- you're willing to do what needs to be done," Soper says.

* It expands your horizons. "Sometimes it opens up opportunities that you would never have considered," Vincent says.

* It slows the financial bleeding.

Weigh them against these disadvantages:

* It will slow your search for a better job. It takes time and energy to look for a job, and working will cut into both. Consider how you will carve out time to continue your job search.

* It could halt your search altogether. "You don't want to get a false sense of security" and stop looking for the job you really want, Vincent says.

* It may not pay enough to make it worth your time. A commission-only job, for example, may feel good because it gives you something to do. But selling things in a down economy is tough, and you may expend a lot of time and energy without really helping your financial situation.

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How to Work a Room

Unusual advice about networking at a group gathering
by Susan Adams, Forbes.com

On a couple of occasions lately, I found myself in places where I felt I had to do some serious networking. One was my thirtieth college reunion; the other, a meeting of the Clinton Global Initiative. Though I'm not a shy person, I felt stymied. I had trouble starting conversations and, then, once I did, figuring out how long to linger before moving on. If only I knew how to work a room.

In hopes of doing a better job next time, I've interviewed four professionals who have focused on the subject. One of them, Ali Binazir, a hypnotherapist and author in Santa Monica, Calif., has put together an eight-step plan. A Harvard graduate with a medical degree from the University of California at San Diego, Binazir has worked as a McKinsey & Co. consultant to biotech and pharmaceutical companies and has spent time studying Eastern philosophy. He wrote "The Tao of Dating: The Smart Woman's Guide to Being Absolutely Irresistible."

I find some of Binazir's advice a little off the wall--he recommends walking up to potted plants and introducing yourself--but I figured that perhaps if I could put his steps into practice, I'd improve my networking skills.

One of his suggestions seems easy to follow and especially useful: Arrive early. That way, you take on what he calls "host physiology." If you're one of the first in the room, you can adopt the mindset of someone who is there to meet and greet, as opposed to walking into a room of 200 people who are already talking to one another.

Binazir also recommends that you wear something that can make for a conversation starter, such as an unusual brooch or lapel pin. His own signature: a jaunty white hat. And he suggests you always be prepared with some conversation starters drawn from news headlines, like, right now, Mark Hurd's resignation as Hewlett-Packard's chief executive. He exhorts you to get into what he calls "a powerful state" before walking into an event, by engaging in five minutes of meditation or closing your eyes and taking ten deep breaths.

Next, one of his oddest suggestions: Make friends with your environment. Go up to an object in the room, like a plant or an armchair, and introduce yourself. "It creates a shift in your mind, and the whole environment goes from feeling foreign or hostile and becomes yours," he says. He also recommends positioning yourself so that you're framed by a doorway, in order to look more inviting to others.

Warm up by using your prepared conversation starters with the next person you see. Binazir likes to begin on the periphery of a crowd and work his way in. You can also stand by the bar, or, if you're female, near the restroom, where there's often a line. He also likes what he calls a "two-hit technique," where he starts a conversation, excuses himself, and then returns later to the same person. "If you see someone multiple times you feel as if you know them," he explains.

To establish rapport, mirror the other person in word and gesture. He also recommends what he calls the "million-dollar handshake." Imagine that the next person you'll meet is your best friend from elementary school, whom you haven't seen in decades. Shake the person's hand as though he were that person. Cover both hands with your free hand, and count off three seconds before releasing.

Another technique: Tell a memorable story about yourself.

Don't wait until the end of a conversation to exchange contact information, he advises. He carries a digital camera to events and snaps pictures of people he wants to remember. When he follows up with an email, he attaches photos.

It's tough for me to swallow all of Binazir's ideas. I've never meditated, I'm not interested in conversing with a piece of furniture, and I don't know any party tricks. I find it enough work to strike up an engaging conversation without trying to calculate the moment to snap a photograph. Besides, I'd feel embarrassed doing so.

Other networking professionals I interviewed disagree with several of Binazir's tactics. Don Crowther, an online marketing consultant at 101PublicRelations.com, says you should wait until a conversation's close before exchanging contact information. Marcie Schorr Hirsch, a career coach and consultant with Hirsch/Hills Consulting, says it's unrealistic to be so strategic about working a room. "Networking is a non-linear function," she insists.

Nicholas Boothman, the author of "How to Make People Like You in 90 Seconds or Less," says it's better to start in the middle of a room rather than skimming the periphery. But Boothman also maintains that working a room is a fallacy anyway. "It's nonsense," he says. "People who work a room are off-putting to other people." At large social or business events, your goal should be to make connections with two or three people, he says. "That can be much more valuable than flitting around like a social butterfly."

In that case, maybe I'm not so bad at this networking thing after all.

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Reducing stress in the workplace

There isn’t a person alive who does not suffer from stress. Some people don’t even know they are suffering from stress because they don’t take the time to notice how they are feeling. Such people often feel overwhelmed, burned out, or stressed out much of the time, no matter whether they are at work or at home. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Only you can control how you feel, but you can’t do that unless you are aware of how you feel. Once you become aware, you can choose how to react to whatever is happening around you. But the key is that you have to be aware of what is going on in your body. This guide will help you learn to take a few moments out of your day and check in with yourself so you can go through your workday as smoothly and stress-free as possible.

1. Take a few moments in the morning to be silent, gaze out the window, take a slow walk, or meditate. Orient yourself to being awake and notice how that feels. It will help if you can start out your day with a feeling of inner peace.

2. Take a few minutes to do nothing but breathe while your car is warming up. Check in and see how you are feeling right now, knowing you are on your way to work.

3. Become aware of any tension within your body as you are driving to work. Consciously work at releasing that tension. Notice the difference in what it feels like to drive while tense and while relaxed.

4. Decide not to play the radio and just be with yourself instead.

5. Stay in the right lane and do not go above the speed limit. Do not succumb to societal pressure to rush everywhere. It’s ok to get where you are going in your own time.

6. Pay attention to your breathing when stopped at a red light. Don’t wait impatiently for the light to change to green—just sit.

7. Take a moment to orient yourself to your workday after you park your car. Allow yourself to transition from home mode to work mode.

8. When you are sitting at your desk, periodically monitor your body tensions. Consciously attempt to relax and let go of any excess tension you may have.

9. Use your breaks to truly relax, rather than grab a quick snack or smoke. Take a short walk or meditate.

10. Change your environment at lunch. Perhaps eat outside in nice weather. Or find somewhere quiet where you can talk to co-workers or eat alone.

11. Try closing your door if you have one for a few minutes for a time-out. You have to take care of yourself before you can take care of anyone or anything else.

12. Stop working for a few minutes every hour or so in order to become aware of your breathing and bodily sensations. Take time to get back in touch with your feelings.

13. Use everyday cues from your work environment, such as the phone ringing or the time on your computer terminal, as reminders to stop and take a moment to breathe.

14. Take time during your lunch break to talk with your coworkers about non-work-related topics.

15. Choose to one or two lunches in silence each week. Eat slowly and mindfully.

16. At the end of the day, make up a “Got Done” list and congratulate yourself on all you accomplished.

17. Pay attention to the walk to your car—how does the air feel? Is it cold or hot out? If it isn’t to your liking, try to accept it rather than resisting.

18. While the car is warming up, consciously transition yourself from work to home. Just sit and enjoy the moment.

19. While driving home, notice if you are rushing. How does that feel? What can you do to change it? Remember, only you can control how you feel.

20. When you park your car at home, take a minute to come back to the present. Orient yourself to being at home again.

21. Change out of your work clothes as soon as you can. It helps you make a smooth transition from work mode to home mode. Then, if possible, take 5-10 minutes to be alone and check in with yourtself.

Stress can kill, but you don’t have to be a victim if you make a conscious choice to focus on your feelings and choose what to do with those feelings. You don’t have to react to stress; you can choose how to respond to it.

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Preparing to Start Your New Job: A Checklist

by Gina Cappiello, www.123Movers.com


Congratulations on landing your new job! The hard part may be over, but you still have some loose ends to tie up. This is a checklist of tasks to take care of before, during, and after your first day at work.

Before the First Day

Double-check everything. Cathie Faerber, managing director of The Wellesley Group, recommends confirming the details of your first day by double-checking everything: not only when and where to arrive, but also things like the office dress code. She says this will help you avoid any confusion or embarrassment.


She adds, "Verify if there are any drug-testing or pre-employment activities that need to be completed prior to your start date. And then get them completed."

Update your network on your newly employed status. "No doubt you have called upon your network to help you with landing a job," says career coach and president of Call to Career, Cheryl Palmer. Do the polite thing and let them know that you are no longer unemployed. "You can send an email to everyone, letting them know the name of the company and your job title," she says.

Remember the little people. "If you networked your way into the company, it's time to break out the thank-you notes and show some love," says career coach and author of "Career Sudoku: 9 Ways to Win the Job Search Game," Adriana Llames. Along with thanking your network contacts, take some time to thank your references. "Eighty-five percent of companies are calling on them today, and their kind words likely played a part in your landing your new role," she says.

You may also want to send token gifts (a gift card for a coffee drink, for instance) to contacts and references who were instrumental in your job offer.

During the First Day

Make a good first impression. Come into the workplace with a positive and open-minded attitude. "Be friendly to everyone, and try to understand the inner workings of the organization," Palmer recommends. She also says to accept invitations to lunch from new coworkers. "It's a way of getting to know them, and not accepting their invitations could be considered rude," she says.

Plus, if you're relocating for your new job, getting to know coworkers is a good way to start making friends and learning about your new home.

Find out what the boss's top priorities are. By knowing what your supervisor's needs are, you can start formulating a plan of attack and prioritizing work. "You don't want to wait until you are a few months into the new job to find out that what you think is a priority is not what the boss thinks is a priority," says Palmer. Also, "it's a good idea to have a few goals on paper before your first meeting with your manager," says Llames, to show your supervisor that you are proactive.

After the First Day

Get through the paperwork. Use the end of your first day to review company literature, such as information about benefits and corporate policies. "Ensure that you have a thorough understanding of the policies that you will be governed by as an employee of the firm," says Faerber. She also suggests completing all forms and returning them the next day. "Prompt attention is important--and they will be watching."

Treat yourself. "It takes 21 days to develop a habit," says Llames, so you may feel a bit tired or overwhelmed during the first few weeks at your new position. Make sure to relax, unwind, and get plenty of sleep to avoid exhaustion. Llames also says that after 30 days of working at your new job to treat yourself to something special. "Do something you normally would never do, just because you've earned it."

"Ultimately, you want to get off on the right foot," says Faerber. "These details will go a long way to make the right impression."

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Phone Interview Tips

Types of Telephone Interviews

Many companies conduct pre-employment interviews via telephone at various stages in the screening process.

Initial Pre-Screening Calls

It's quite common for the individuals responsible for coming up with a short list of potential new hires to conduct initial screening interviews by telephone. During this type of conversation, the interviewer focuses on determining whether or not the candidate has the basic skills and qualifications necessary to proceed with the interview process as well as discovering whether or not the person is truly interested in the job. This type of telephone interview is generally very brief, leading to a scheduled face-to-face interview for the best qualified candidates who are interested in pursuing employment with the company.

Formal Telephone Interviews

In some cases, in-depth interviews are conducted via telephone. This is common when the company is interviewing candidates who need to relocate in order to take the position, or in cases where the hiring manager is located in a corporate office setting rather than at the actual site where the job opening is located. After all, companies aren't likely to go through the expense of bringing in out of town applicants to interview until they have narrowed the list of possibilities down to just a few final candidates. First, and sometimes second, interviews are frequently handled by telephone.

Interviews for Virtual Workplaces

In some cases, companies rely solely on telephone interviews. Many companies are now hiring people to become members of a virtual workforce that provides services for the organization from their own home offices or satellite office locations around the world. For these types of employment situations, it's likely that the entire interview process will be conducted by telephone.

Three Key Phone Interview Tips

If you have the opportunity to participate in a phone interview, then the following tips can help you to put your best foot forward.

1. Proper Preparation

Proper interview preparation, regardless of the interview form, involves conducting research about the company and the particular type of job you are applying for. If the interviewer asks you why you have chosen to seek employment with the company, you should be able to give sound reasons based on facts that can be found on the company's website. Further, if the interviewer asks you to describe what duties you expect to perform in the position, you should be able to demonstrate that you have a basic understanding of the responsibilities commonly associated with the job title.
You should also spend some time practicing how you will respond to interview questions that you are likely to be asked. While it's impossible to know exactly what questions an interviewer will ask, it's a good idea to review a list of common interview questions when you start looking for a new job. That way, you can be prepared to provide coherent, effective responses that present you in the best possible light.

2. Convey Professionalism

Whether you are participating in a pre-screening, formal, or final interview telephone conversation, it is essential that you come across as a competent professional throughout the interaction. When you are interviewing face to face, your attire, demeanor, and nonverbal communication can help reinforce positive traits to employers. On the telephone, the impression that you make is tied solely to your voice and language skills.
In addition to providing well thought-out, intelligent answers to questions, be sure to watch your tone of voice and grammar. Take care to project confidence in your abilities. Be sure to smile as you are talking. Even though the interviewer won't be able to see that you are smiling, it will be conveyed in your voice. This will help you come across as someone with a positive, upbeat attitude.

3. Control Background Noise

When you are participating in a telephone interview, it's essential to keep background noise to a minimum. This sends a positive message about the level of professionalism that you will bring to the job if you are hired.
Turn off the television and your computer, put the pets outside, and make sure that your family knows to be quiet and avoid interrupting you during the time that you are on the telephone. If you have young children at home, this may be a good time to ask a friend or family member to babysit or take them to a mom's day out program.

Telephone Interview Success

Remember that the ultimate objective of any job interview is to convince the person in charge of hiring that you are the right choice for the job. Whether you are sitting down across a conference room table from an interviewer or if the conversation is taking place by telephone, it's up to you to come across as a skilled professional who will be a valuable addition to the company's workforce. Follow these three important phone interview tips, and you will be on your way to enjoying a positive experience the next time you have an opportunity to speak with a hiring manager via telephone.

Initial Author: Mary Gormandy White

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Ten Free Job Interview Tips

 

Research the Company Ahead of Time

When you arrive at a job interview, you should be prepared to show that you've taken the time to research and learn about the company. With so much information readily available online, interviewers expect applicants to at least take enough initiative to read through the company's website prior to showing up for an interview appointment. Almost every hiring manager asks applicants why they're interested in working for the company. Be prepared to provide a knowledgeable answer to that question that includes information about what you know about the organization and reasons that you feel you will be a good fit there.

Practice Interview Questions

Before you go to an interview, be sure that you are prepared to answer common interview questions. While you can't be certain exactly what you'll be asked, there are certain types of questions that come up in almost every employment interview situation. You can find examples of typical questions and suggestions for responding to them in the Difficult Interview Questions and Behavioral Interview Questions articles. Consider recording your responses and asking knowledgeable friends to listen to them. That way you can benefit from feedback provided by other people.

Dress for Success

You've probably heard the old saying that you never get a second chance to make a first impression, and the sentiment is certainly true. The way that you dress when you go on a job interview plays an important role in how the interviewer perceives you. While dress codes vary from one company to another, it's a good idea to dress in conservative, professional attire, no matter what kind of job you are seeking. If you are interviewing for a professional position, it's advisable to wear a dark suit. Regardless of the type of job, you should wear clothes that are clean, neatly pressed, and in good repair. You should also make sure that your shoes are scuff-free and in good condition. Accessories should be kept to a minimum. It's also a good idea to avoid wearing heavy fragrance.

Bring Your Resume and Reference Sheet

Don't assume that the interviewer will have your resume just because you have already submitted it to the company. Bring a clean copy of your resume and reference sheet printed on quality paper so that you can provide them to the hiring manager immediately if he or she requests them. It's best to carry them in a small briefcase or portfolio that coordinates with your clothing.

Arrive on Time

Avoid being tardy for a job interview appointment. Make sure to arrive a few minutes before the time you are scheduled to speak with the hiring manager, even if that means leaving home much earlier than you feel might be necessary. After all, you never know what traffic will be like between your home and the location of the interview.

Turn Off Your Cell Phone

Before you go into the building, turn off your cell phone. Do not just turn it down or set it to vibrate. Make sure that it will not make any noise at all. Do not touch it or look at it at all during the time you are in the office, not even while you are waiting for the interviewer in the lobby.

Be Polite to All Employees

Keep in mind that the interview process begins the minute you arrive on the grounds. Employees may be observing you as enter the building. They may even be taking notice as you drive into the parking lot. Treat anyone you meet while at the company with the utmost respect. Supervisors frequently ask other employees for their impressions of people who are applying for jobs. Even if you have a terrific interview with the human resource manager, you are not likely to be hired if you make a bad impression on anyone else at the company.

Greet the Interviewer Warmly

When you are called back to speak with the hiring manager, greet him or her warmly. Extend your arm for a professional handshake and introduce yourself while smiling and making eye contact. Open the conversation by thanking the interviewer for taking the time to speak with you about the position.

Focus on the Questions

Listen closely to the questions that you are being asked, being sure to answer them thoroughly and accurately. Do not get off the subject or provide personal information about yourself beyond the scope of what the interview requests.

Send a Follow-Up Letter

One of the best ways to distinguish yourself from other job applicants is to send a follow up thank you letter or note to the person who interviewed you.

Best of Luck with Your Job Search

While it's not realistic to expect that you'll be offered every job for which you submit an application, learning and applying these free job interview tips can help prepare you to make the best possible impression on hiring managers. If you have other tips to share with readers, please leave them in the comments section below.

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Employee motivation tips: keeping them loyal

Increasingly, numbers show that keeping a good employee is the most profitable move for a business to make. High turnover can be devastating and discouraging employees from wandering the classifieds isn’t easy in today’s world. But offering a larger salary just won’t do it anymore. Employees are looking for freedom and personal respect to make their careers whole. Use these suggestions to spur loyalty and aid turnover.

Motivation starts with the individual. Listening to employees’ individual needs and concerns is the first step to preventing them from straying. Suggestion boxes and regular reviews are a great start, but casual conversations tend to reveal more than formal forums. Asking direct questions is the best way to get answers—a straightforward “How do you like your job?” can reveal what brings satisfaction and discontent.

Use an incentive program to give employees accountability. Every employee likes to know how their hard work reflects on the company. Setting up incentive programs that tie the individual’s achievement to the company’s success fosters pride and self-worth. Doing this gives the employee ownership in his actions and will also provide a yardstick to track productivity.

Reward top producers with “everyday” bonuses and set up a system that compliments the incentive program. A weekly or monthly giveaway (for a free lunch, tickets or small gift certificates) reminds employees that they are recognized. These gifts aren’t bribes; they should earnestly address the employees’ needs.

Set attainable goals. The quarterback and receiver love the glory of a long-bomb touchdown, but a nickel-and-diming technique to win yardage is easier for the whole team. We live in a world filled with pressure, adding more to the cooker won’t complete the project any sooner. People respond to reasonable, realistic requests. Then, by gradually increasing expectations those higher goals can be obtained.

Offer competitive salaries. This sounds pretty easy, but as long as rewards, bonuses and pats on the back are getting handed out, solid paychecks should be too. Often employers look at these extras as part of their employees’ earnings--and they are. But a salary is payment for work and a bonus is payment for individual or company success. Employees know the difference and so should employers.

Communicate your needs efficiently. In most cases the hardest part about instructions is following them. Management often gets wrapped up in delegating without providing a true purpose. Don’t be afraid to reveal business plans and company goals. Sharing the whole picture provides a long-term investment to the worker and makes it easier for him to picture a long-term relationship with the company.

Be flexible. Just as a businesses’ needs change, so do the employees’. Flexibility goes hand in hand with communication. It’s needed to make changes and to explore options. Flexibility is another way to show employees willingness to keep them satisfied. Changing company policies to incorporate individual happiness doesn’t sound like the “corporate” thing to do, but it ensures the strength and integrity of your workforce.

Above all, say, “Thank you.” Offering respect gives more worth to a hard day’s work than anything else. Thank yous are priceless to keeping an employee loyal. This type of positive reinforcement is an easy and inexpensive gesture to make. It also offers the employee the kind of instant gratification people in the 21st century need to get through the day, and the workweek.

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Office tips: how to prevent employee theft

Employee theft can be a problem in a small business or a major corporation. It’s a subject we’re uncomfortable to discuss because we don’t want to think of our fellow co-workers as thieves—and most aren’t. Only a small percentage of our workforce believes it’s ok to take what doesn’t belong to them. But it’s the presence of these unscrupulous individuals that force companies and employees to use various means to protect their property in the workplace.

Personal Security Measures

Employees must take responsibility for protecting their personal property. Here are some suggestions:

* Keep your purse or wallet with you at all times, if possible. Otherwise, lock them up at your desk. And make sure you have the only key.

* Secure all personal items when you leave your area. If you have an office, lock your door when you step away.

* Unattended coats and jackets are fair game for dishonest co-workers. Before placing outerwear in closets, or on coat racks, remove cash and other valuables from the pockets.

Departmental Security Measures

Many departments are located in areas with little security. This is ideal for thieves. Here’s how to stop them:

* Challenge strangers loitering in your area and ask to see identification. If they refuse, call security.

* Make sure there’s staff around to challenge strangers wandering into your area, especially during meetings and lunchtime.

* Some departments allow employees to have direct access to office supplies. This may be convenient, but certain workers will take advantage and steal supplies to use at home. Therefore, choose only a few individuals to be responsible for distributing office supplies to their co-workers, and have them maintain accurate inventory records.

Organizational Security Measures

Companies should have certain measures in place to combat employee theft. Here are some effective ones:

* Document the company’s policy on security and communicate it to all employees. As a deterrent, each worker should know the penalties involved with committing employee theft.

* Issue identification badges to all employees, contractors, and visitors, and require everyone to wear their ID while in the workplace.

* Conduct extensive screening and background checks on all employees and contractors.

* Install security cameras throughout the workplace.

* Create a security awareness program that teaches workers how to prevent employee theft.

* Appoint employees as security managers for each department. Managers should hold periodic meetings to update employees on changing policies.

* Allow only authorized individuals to access rooms where computers and other expensive equipment are stored. Rooms should remain locked when no one’s inside, and the names of all employees, and their times of entry and exit, should be written in a log book.

* Record serial numbers for all expensive equipment issued to employees.

* Make sure terminated and retired employees surrender any equipment issued to them, and have them turn over their ID to security.

Stealing in the workplace will never be eliminated, but it can be greatly diminished if companies are proactive and tackle the problem. Organizations must involve their staff by developing clear and effective measures and policies regarding the prevention of employee theft.

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Hot Prospects From Cold Calling

by Larry Buhl, for Yahoo! HotJobs


In the era of emails and online social networking, the old-tech method of pitching yourself over the telephone is an overlooked way to job hunt. Some experts say it's overlooked for a good reason: Cold-calling strangers has a pretty low return on investment.

In fact, in a 2009 ExecuNet Job Market Intelligence Survey, only 3% of executives say cold calling is an effective career strategy (whereas 73% said networking was effective). Dave Opton, founder and CEO of ExecuNet, said job seekers at all levels of the career ladder are better off relying on job-search strategies.

"Put yourself at the other end of the call," Opton tells Yahoo! HotJobs. "If you're busy, are you going to want to spend time on the phone with a stranger who's calling you for a job? Probably not."

Then again, Opton admits that very often people aren't effective at cold calling because they don't know how to do it right, and that under the right circumstances a cold call could pay off.

How can it work, and for whom? Experts have a few suggestions.

1. Know yourself. If you are shy, hate talking to strangers, have a less than compelling phone presence, or possess a less than bulletproof ego, you'll end up being frustrated with cold calling. If you're outgoing and articulate, have a thick skin, and already have experience in sales or marketing, you'll stand a much better chance of getting what you want from a cold call. Furthermore, if you have a distinct skill set that causes you to stand out from the crowd, cold calling can be more effective, according to Massachusetts-based career coach Jean Knight.

2. Call the right person. It's safe to cold call a recruiter, but take the time to find out a specific manager to contact. "Forget about calling human resources, unless you want a job within that department," Knight says. "HR will just tell you to send in a resume. Do some research to find the hiring manager."

3. Name-drop if possible. Cold calling works best when someone at the organization has already referred you, so use that referral if you can. If you can't, never lie about being referred. You will be discovered and remembered, and not in a good way.

4. Have a compelling pitch. Sales people use scripts to sell products and services. No matter what field you're in you'll need a script -- a powerful, short one -- to sell yourself to a stranger over the phone. "You need to hook the caller in 10 seconds," Knight says. "If you say, 'Hi, I'm Joe Smith and I'm calling about the network administrator position,' you won't get anywhere. If you say, 'Hi, I'm Joe Smith and I worked with one of your competitors for five years and managed projects involving Java for five years and I think I would be perfect for the network administrator position,' you may get a chance to set up a meeting."

5. Practice your pitch. "Try out your pitch on your coach, a colleague, or a friend who can give you an unbiased opinion," according to career coach and author Deborah Brown-Volkman. "And make sure you can be as polished and professional and passionate on your twentieth call as you are on your first," she tells Yahoo! HotJobs.

6. Follow up, but don't stalk. If you're sure your pitch is stellar but you keep getting the hiring manager's voice mail, keep trying, Brown-Volkman recommends. "Very often people are simply busy, so try calling three or four times before you decide if you want to continue, and don't take it personally if they don't get back to you." If you receive a firm "not interested," know that it's time to move on.


Even though cold calling is one of the less effective job-search strategies, it still works better than cold-emailing, according Brown-Volkman. "Today everyone sends emails, which are easy for the receiver to delete. An email is a passive medium, and can't convey passion the way your voice can. A phone call is a stronger form of connection, and because fewer people use cold calling you stand a better chance of standing out."

Still even the best cold-calling strategies are never as effective as networking. But when used together, these strategies can lead to hot prospects. "When it comes to hunting for a job, it's all about building trust and building relationships," Upton says. "To have the best chance at success you should build your network to where you get referrals instead of having to 'dial for dollars.'"

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What Are Green-Collar Jobs?

What Are Green-Collar Jobs?
by Ada McMahon, Green for All


So you've heard President Obama talk about green-collar jobs, and you're ready to get one for yourself. If only you knew what a green-collar job actually is.

The simplest definition of green-collar jobs comes from Green for All founder Van Jones:

"A green-collar job is a blue-collar job, upgraded to better respect the environment."

Jones knows what he is talking about. After all, he now serves as Special Advisor on Green Jobs to the White House.

Transforming Blue-Collar Work

Everyone knows what a blue-collar job is, right? Many green-collar jobs are in familiar fields like manufacturing, construction, and maintenance and repair.

And like blue-collar jobs, many green-collar positions do not require a college or graduate degree. Rather, some additional technical skills and job training are often enough to ramp up workers for green-collar jobs.

For a job seeker, this can be good news. You may not need to learn entirely new skills in an entirely new field. Instead, a few months of training may be enough to "green" your trade.

A steel worker is working a green-collar job if he or she is building a wind turbine.

Another simple, yet essential, tenet of a green-collar job is that it is good for people and planet. The "people" part means workers in green-collar jobs must be paid a family-supporting wage, have safe working conditions, and have opportunities for career advancement. Pushing a broom for $7 an hour doesn't count as a green-collar job, even if it's a solar-panel factory you're cleaning.

Over the next 18 months, green-collar jobs are expected to grow significantly in the United States, mainly due to government investment through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (aka the stimulus package). This means more training programs that will give you a leg up in entering green-collar fields.

Opportunities to Watch For

Look for growth in these fields below. This list illustrates the range of green jobs available, from "green-collar" to white-collar work in green fields:

Green Building Retrofitting -- Fixing up buildings so that they leak less energy helps homeowners save on energy bills, lowers the use of dirty energy, and creates jobs like:

- Energy auditor
- Green carpenter
- Insulation installer
- Environmental compliance specialist

Mass Transit and Transportation -- Clean mass transit options (trains and zero-emissions buses) that cut down on carbon pollution.

- Civil engineers
- Rail track layers
- Bus/train systems operator
- Urban planner

Renewable Energy -- Wind and solar energy are clean and safe energy sources, and rapidly expanding fields. It takes 250 tons of steel to make one wind turbine -- that's a lot of work for steel workers, many of whom are currently unemployed.

- Wind turbine machinist
- Solar and PV (photovoltaics) installer
- Iron and steel workers
- Solar operations engineer

Public Utilities (recycling, water treatment)

- Recycling center operator
- Waste water engineer
- Water quality consultant

Learn more at GreenForAll.org, or download the "Green Jobs Guidebook."

Green For All is a national organization dedicated to improving the lives of all Americans through a clean-energy economy. The organization works in collaboration with the business, government, labor, and grassroots communities to create and implement programs that increase quality jobs and opportunities in green industry -- all while holding the most vulnerable people at the center of its agenda. For more information, please visit GreenForAll.org.