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Pile On Mentors in Tough Times [by Bacarisse]

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 22:18:07

Careers Related:: Pile On Mentors in Tough Times
Pile On Mentors in Tough Times

Develop a circle of mentors. Look more widely than your company-assigned mentor. You'll benefit from multiple advisers, especially if you don't click with your official one.

Don't count out your boss. When searching for a mentor, it's easy to overlook the person you see on a daily basis and the one who most likely has a position you covet: your boss. If you like your boss, suggest starting a mentoring relationship.

Start your own program. If your company doesn't have a mentoring program, consider approaching management with the idea of starting one.

Do it now. If you're unemployed, don't wait until you land a position to seek out a mentor.

Once you develop descriptions of those people, contact people in your network to see if anyone knows someone that meets those criteria. In addition to tapping formal sources such as career centers, professional organizations and past employers, spread the word to friends and family.

5 Signs You May Be a Bad Coworker [by Caravan]

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:49:25

Careers Related:: 5 Signs You May Be a Bad Coworker
5 Signs You May Be a Bad Coworker

1. You dump last-minute work on people when you could have avoided doing so.

2. You complain about people without telling them your beefs directly.

3. You exude negativity.

4. You bring your personal life to the office in ways that make people uncomfortable.

5. You're chronically defensive.

Here's how to gain some speed in your job search [by Mike]

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:52:27

Careers Related:: Here's how to gain some speed in your job search
Here's how to gain some speed in your job search

How long does it take to land a job in a tough market? It depends on many factors. Your industry, qualifications, career requirements. Your preparation, diligence and focus. But many job hunters don't have the time to deal with all of these issues. Bills are piling up. They need employment right now.

There are ways to shorten the length of your job search. It takes effort and attention, and perhaps a bit of compromise, but it can be done. The more proactive you are, the better your chances of finding a job quickly, and the sooner you can stop worrying about the bills. Here are a few tips that may help:

Aim for jobs that match your experience.

Get faster results by applying for positions in your current field. Think of it this way: If you have solid experience in sales, you'll slip into an inside or outside sales, marketing, client services or customer support role. But if you try to transition to a position in finance, your search may take longer.

Load up with keywords.

It's essential to create a powerful resume that highlights your value as a new employee. It's also important that your document specifically target your chosen field. But there's one more step to building a high-impact resume. It involves keywords.

These days, many employers screen resumes electronically. They use computer applications to search for specific words and phrases, and only read through resumes that meet their criteria. So, fill up your resume with suitable keywords. Find them by researching job postings and identifying the skills, experience and training required for these roles. Also, mull over your background and call attention to your primary qualifications and credentials.

Talk about your goals.

If you spend most of your job searching time on Internet boards, you probably need to change tactics. The Internet is a great source of information and an excellent communication tool, but job boards tend to move very slowly. If you need a job now, networking is your answer.

Don't give up other methods of job hunting � a speedy job search must cover all the bases, including newspaper ads, networking, recruiters and contacting companies directly. At the same time, it's imperative to let people know about your skills, accomplishments and enthusiasm. If you have bills stacking up, let go of your fear or shyness for a while. Attend meetings, business groups and social events. Contact teachers, friends and acquaintances. Stop by local businesses. Get the word out!

Get ready for interviews.

What's the best way to impress hiring managers in a job interview? Prepare in advance. Know your work history. Gather examples of your achievements. Research the company, and walk in there with a few ideas that might help the organization grow. If certain aspects of your background need explaining (such as employment gaps or layoffs), practice your statements in advance.

Prepare your physical presentation in advance as well. Dry clean your suit. Print several copies of your resume. Be ready for every opportunity that comes along.

Remain focused and confident.

Rushed job seekers, here is my final advice: Keep your eyes open for opportunities in every direction, and target each one with confidence. Go get 'em.

10 Jobs With High Pay and Minimal Schooling Required! [by bright]

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:35:09

Careers Related:: 10 Jobs With High Pay and Minimal Schooling Required!
10 Jobs With High Pay and Minimal Schooling Required!

1. Air Traffic Controllers: $117,200

These workers make sure airplanes land and take off safely, and they typically top lists of this nature. The median 50% earned between $86,860-142,210, with good benefits. Air traffic controllers are eligible to retire at age 50 with 20 years of service, or after 25 years at any age.

Watching blinking dots on a radar screen that control the lives of hundreds can be stressful, and the job require specialized FAA schooling and on-the-job training. Typically, two to four years of training are needed in order to become fully certified, although previous military experience can cut that time down significantly.

2. Industrial Production Managers: $77,670

They oversee manufacturing activities. A college degree is preferred, but not necessarily mandatory. They often work in industries such as aviation and automobiles.

3. First-Line Police and Detective Supervisors: $69,300

Police officers can advance through the ranks to become supervisors by passing exams and achieving good performance reviews, and advanced training can help win promotions.

4. Funeral Director: $49,620

College programs in mortuary science usually last from two to four years. You typically must also serve a one-year apprenticeship, pass an exam and obtain a state license. Hours can be long and irregular. Dealing with dead bodies and crying relatives isn't for everyone.

5. Police and Sheriff Patrol Officers: $47,460

Police corporals had an average minimum annual base salary of $44,160, according to the International City-County Management Association. But total income can significantly exceed base salary because of overtime pay. And police officers can often retire at half-pay after 25-30 years of service.

Applicants usually must have at least a high school education, and some departments require a year or two of college or even a degree. Rookies are trained at police academies.

6. Advertising Sales Agents: $42,750

20% have a high school degree or less, and 10% have an Associate's degree.

7. Real Estate Brokers and Sales Agents: $39,760

Don't let that figure fool you; the highest 10% earned more than $111,500. While advanced coursework is not necessarily required, new entrants must pass an exam and get a state license. Connections in the community and a willingness to work hard are what really count, but experience and a good housing market also help.

8. Occupational Therapist Assistants: $42,060

These workers usually need an associate degree or a certificate. They work with occupational therapists, helping injured patients recover from, or compensate for, lost motor skills. Job prospects are good in the growing health care field, especially for those with some post-secondary education.

9. Occupational Therapist Aides: $25,000

These employees receive most training on the job. Under supervision of occupational therapists, they also work with injured people. Competition for jobs is tougher for those with only a high school diploma.

10. Physical Therapist Assistants: $41,360

These workers deal with physical therapists, helping patents improve mobility, relieve pain or overcome injuries or disabilities. Those working in home health care services tend to make more on average. Aides, earning an average of $22,000, are trained on the job. Assistants, who have greater responsibilities, typically need an associate's degree.

The Bottom Line

Despite a recession, plenty of career paths can lead to well-paying professions without spending four years or more hitting the books, including opportunities in law enforcement, health care and sales. The goal is to find a job that matches your own particular talents and preferences in addition to supporting your lifestyle.

8 hot companies in US that are hiring now [by Mike]

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 20:14:37

Careers Related:: 8 hot companies in US that are hiring now
8 hot companies in US that are hiring now

1. Slide

Type of hire is the budding entrepreneur; someone who in a few years will want to start their own thing. They know that with every effort at Slide they are ultimately investing in themselves the most and so tend to be very productive.

Bring not just your skills, but also your thoughts (about the industry, Slide, etc.) to the interview. If you're engaged and interested, it tends to stand out.

2. DonorsChoose

looking for Customer obsession. Humility and humor.

A plainspoken manner of communicating. Disdain for buzzwords like

3. Meredith Whitney Advisory Group

looking for 10 more people in research, sales trading and back office.

4. VEVO

We're looking to hire roughly 35 at the moment, with more jobs added once the launch happens. We're looking for people across just about every level and discipline. From ad sales, engineering and accounting to music programming, there are a number of positions that we're looking to fill in next six months or so.

5. Kiva

positions growing up to 13 in the next two months.

looking for People who are entrepreneurial, who value teamwork and are incredibly intelligent.

6. Mint

We have 4 open jobs at Mint, and expect about 17 openings after combining with Intuit. We'll be hiring quite a lot -- mostly in engineering, user-interface and -experience design and product management, but also a few in customer service and marketing.

7. Facebook
looking for a culture of entrepreneurs and builders who move fast to get things done and strive to make an impact on the world.

8. Walmart.

We have over 40 positions open in everything from product management to engineering to marketing. We've been able to grow the site at two to three times the rate of the e-commerce industry.

Top 50 BEST JOBS IN AMERICA 2009 [by Bacarisse]

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 23:46:23

Careers Related:: Top 50 BEST JOBS IN AMERICA 2009
Top 50 BEST JOBS IN AMERICA 2009

1 Systems Engineer

Sector: Information Technology

What they do: They're the "big think" managers on large, complex projects, from major transportation networks to military defense programs. They figure out the technical specifications required and coordinate the efforts of lower-level engineers working on specific aspects of the project.

Why it's great: Demand is soaring for systems engineers, as what was once a niche job in the aerospace and defense industries becomes commonplace among a diverse and expanding universe of employers, from medical device makers to corporations like Xerox and BMW.

Pay can easily hit six figures for top performers, and there's ample opportunity for advancement. But many systems engineers say they most enjoy the creative aspects of the job and seeing projects come to life.

Drawbacks: Long hours are common; project deadlines can be fierce.

Pre-reqs: An undergrad engineering degree; some jobs might also require certification as a certified systems engineering professional (CSEP).

2 Physician Assistant

Sector: Healthcare

What they do: Call it MD lite. Working under the supervision of a doctor, PAs do all tasks involved in routine medical care, such as diagnosing illnesses and assisting in surgery. In most states they can write prescriptions as well.

Why it's great: You get the satisfaction of treating patients minus insurance hassles, since PAs have far less administrative responsibility than the typical MD.

You don't have to take on the time or expense of med school and the field is virtually recession-proof, owing to an ongoing shortage of primary-care physicians. PAs are also far cheaper to employ than MDs, so demand is expected to steadily increase as medical facilities try to rein in costs. And since they don't need as much specialized training as doctors, PAs can switch from, say, geriatrics to emergency care with relative ease.

Drawbacks: It's a fairly new profession, so the number of annual job openings is still small.

Pre-reqs: A master's degree; 100 hours of training every two years; recertification every six.

3 College Professor

Sector: Education

What they do: Teach and grade papers, of course. But profs also spend about half their time doing research and writing articles and books about their field.

Competition for tenure-track positions at four-year institutions is intense, but you'll find lots of available positions at community colleges and professional programs, where you can enter the professoriate as an adjunct faculty member or non-tenure track instructor without a doctorate degree. That's particularly true during economic downturns, when laid-off workers often head back to school for additional training.

More valuable perks: reduced or free tuition for family members and free access to college gyms and libraries.

Drawbacks: Low starting pay and a big 50% salary gap between faculty at universities and community colleges. If the position is at a four-year university, you'll probably have to relocate, and you'll be under pressure to constantly publish new work to sustain career momentum.

How to get it: For a tenure track position, you'll need a Ph.D. But all colleges want at least a master's degree and prefer plenty of teaching experience.

4 Nurse Practitioner

Sector: Healthcare

What they do: In addition to performing routine caretaking tasks, nurse practitioners have the advanced medical training to diagnose and treat a wide range of ailments. They can also prescribe medication without consulting an MD.

Why it's great: Thanks to the growth of retail health clinics and the shortage of primary-care doctors, opportunities abound for nurse practitioners in settings from hospitals and urgent-care centers to private practice. They can specialize in fields such as women's health or oncology. Experienced nurse practitioners looking for a change of pace can shift to teaching or medical research.

Nurse practitioners are also specifically trained in patient teaching; disease prevention is typically a large part of their practice.

Drawbacks: Constant insurance headaches. Education requirements are ratcheting up.

Pre-reqs: Must first complete training to get license as a registered nurse; master's degree, plus certification. A doctor of nursing practice degree is increasingly in demand, which requires about three additional years of study.

5 Information Technology Project Manager

Sector: Information Technology

What they do: Keep big tech projects like software upgrades running on time--and on budget.

Why it's great: Lots of opportunity. Just about all companies need techsavvy people who are great managers, Figuring out how to implement cutting-edge technologies keeps the job challenging.

Good upward mobility: IT project managers can rise to chief technology officer of a company, where the salaries can hit $300,000.

Do you prefer to work for yourself? The field offers plenty of consulting work.

Drawbacks: Hours (and hours and hours) of meetings. Aggressive project timelines. Staff jobs can be outsourced to consultants.

Pre-reqs: Five to seven years of technology and computer-related experience. A project management professional certification, along with an MBA, will enhance career prospects.

6 Certified Public Accountant

Sector: Financial

What they do: Crunch the numbers, whether it's for financial analysis or tax preparation.

Why it's great: Businesses began stocking the payroll with CPAs after major accounting scandals earlier this decade, and a host of new corporate accounting rules going into effect soon should ratchet up demand further.

Government agencies are also hiring CPAs, to monitor how well companies are complying with the new regs. Add inevitable changes to personal income tax rules and you have a pretty recession-proof profession.

Drawbacks: Deadlines are nonnegotiable; if you're in tax preparation, kiss your personal life goodbye between mid-February and April 15.

Pre-reqs: A certification exam and, typically, 150 hours of business and accounting classes and work experience.
Do CPAs have great jobs, or what?

7 Physical Therapist

Sector: Healthcare

What they do: Restore strength, flexibility, and range of motion to people who have been sidelined by injury, illness, or disease.

Why it's great: Unlike many health-care professionals, physical therapists generally see great progress in their patients. there's no overnight or shift work.

Drawbacks: The impact of health reform on the profession is a wild card. Can be physically demanding.

Pre-reqs: A master's degree, plus certification and state licensing. Many employers prefer a doctor of physical therapy degree.

8 Computer/Network Security Consultant

Sector: Information Technology

What they do: Protect computer systems and networks against hackers, spyware, and viruses.

Why it's great: No company or government agency can afford to have a serious breach in the security of its computer system. New technologies and an unending supply of creative hackers around the world keep the field challenging. Consultants can often work from home. And top-level pros command big paychecks.

Drawbacks: Talk about stress. If a system is infiltrated by a virus or hacker, it could mean lights out for the security consultant's career.

Pre-reqs: Mostly major geekdom, since the skills can be self-taught. Still, a computer science degree comes in handy. An information systems security professional certification (CISSP) is increasingly favored. Experience is key for better-paying positions: Most companies won't hire a consultant with less than five years of experience.

9 Intelligence Analyst

Sector: Government

What they do: Gather and analyze data related to international policy and military strategy, most often for the government or defense contractors.

Why it's great: Like adventure? Data might be collected from satellite images, wiretaps, Internet chatter, and military and spy reports.

Drawbacks: High stress; you often can't talk about your job outside of work.

Pre-reqs: Security clearance, of course. Foreign languages and often military experience are a huge plus.

10 Sales Director

Sector: Sales and Marketing

What they do: Set and meet sales goals, generate new accounts, and mentor and train new recruits.

Why it's great: A successful sales director--especially one who can weather an economic downturn-- will always be sought after.

Drawbacks: Sales down? You're vulnerable to getting the ax. Commission-based pay can fluctuate dramatically. Expect to be on the road about 50% of the time.

Pre-reqs: 10 years of sales experience and a year or two in management. A proven track record beats an advanced degree.

11 Anesthesiologist

Sector: Healthcare

What they do: Anesthesiologists are medical doctors who administer anesthetics during surgery or other medical procedures.

12 Software Developer

Sector: Information Technology

What they do: Software Developers write and debug software for use in computer applications, websites, and other data processing systems.

13 Pharmacist

Sector: Healthcare

What they do: Pharmacists dispense medications following prescriptions issued by doctors, dentists, or other authorized medical practitioners. In addition, they educate patients on medication use, storage and side effects, as well as help patients to prevent dangerous or harmful drug interactions.

14 Occupational Therapist 23%
15 Nurse Anesthetist 23%
16 Software Product Manager 28%
17 Business Analyst, IT 29%
18 Attorney/Lawyer 11%
19 Physician/General Practice 14%
20 Human Resources Manager 13%
21 Senior Financial Analyst 34%
22 Physician/Obstetrician/Gynecologist 14%
23 Clinical Psychologist 16%
24 Psychiatrist 14%
25 Veterinarian 35%
26 Marketing Manager 14%
27 Speech-Language Pathologist 11%
28 Technical Writer 20%
29 Finance Director 13%
30 Telecommunications Network Engineer 53%
31 Director of Communications 17%
32 Hotel General Manager 12%
33 Securities Trader 25%
34 Account Executive 10%
35 Education/Training Consultant 22%
36 Corporate Paralegal 22%
37 Quality Control Engineer 20%
38 Manufacturing Engineer 20%
39 Computer Software Program Manager 28%
40 Applications Systems Analyst 29%
41 Senior Internal Auditor 18%
42 Commercial Property Manager 15%
43 Creative Director 26%
44 Pharmaceuticals Sales Representative 12%
45 Associate - Investment Banking 34%
46 Training & Development Manager 16%
47 Product Marketing Manager 14%
48 Quality Assurance Manager 16%
49 Financial Research Analyst 34%
50 Outside Sales Representative

How a Good Candidate Clears the H.R. Hurdles [by Bacarisse]

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 18:25:08

Careers Related:: How a Good Candidate Clears the H.R. Hurdles
How a Good Candidate Clears the H.R. Hurdles

So how do you persuade a company to hire you if you are underqualified � or overqualified � for the job, and the laws of supply and demand are against you?

If your only relationship with the company is electronic, via a job board or a posting, your chances are not good. H.R. people confronting hundreds of faceless online applications have one main goal: to weed out as many people as they can.

The employer is not expected to be creative or flexible or see the opportunity in you that you think you might have when the relationship is purely electronic

But if you can establish personal contact with someone on the inside, you may be able to make your case. It�s tiresome to have to repeat this, and a lot of people don�t like to hear it, but it comes down to networking.

Job seekers who don�t fit all the requirements �need to go around the gatekeeper; they need to find another door,

If you are introduced to a hiring manager by someone you know, there is more trust, and suddenly �things aren�t as important as they appeared to be on that job spec

When you get in front of a hiring manager, you can describe your professional successes and show how they are relevant and transferable to the job at hand,

And you can indicate through your words and behavior what a witty, personable, flexible, cooperative and hard-working employee you will be � unlike that perfect match on paper who could turn out be a humorless, lazy, antisocial prima donna.

Emphasizing your humble and cooperative side is especially important when it comes to applying for a job for which you are overqualified, That�s because many employers fear that �along with overqualification comes arrogance

If you came from a high-powered managerial position and are applying for a job in the rank and file, you need to stress that you are a team player, and that you enjoy the camaraderie of being alongside co-workers

You can also emphasize that you appreciate the chance to escape the pressure of a high-powered job, he said. (And you really would, wouldn�t you?)

If you were at a Fortune 500 company and are applying at a much smaller business, you might note your interest in coaching and mentoring younger people, and emphasize that you would welcome a more entrepreneurial environment

All of these arguments also help tame the suspicion that you will leave as soon as the job market improves. And, after all, �it�s always nice to be able to be able to get a Lexus for a Camry price.�

If you are overqualified, be aware that you will not be able to command the salary you had in your last position. Let your interviewer know that you are prepared to accept this.

ALL too often, people do not �listen� to the wording of a job ad, Asking for five years of experience means that the company is willing to pay for only five years even if you have 12, she said. Do not expect the company to pay a premium for those extra seven.

Some overqualified and increasingly desperate applicants may ask themselves: Can I lop that extra seven years off the r�sum�?

The answer is no.

Pile On Mentors in Tough Times [by Doood]

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 21:00:32

Careers Related:: Pile On Mentors in Tough Times
Pile On Mentors in Tough Times

Develop a circle of mentors. Look more widely than your company-assigned mentor. You'll benefit from multiple advisers, especially if you don't click with your official one.

Don't count out your boss. When searching for a mentor, it's easy to overlook the person you see on a daily basis and the one who most likely has a position you covet: your boss. If you like your boss, suggest starting a mentoring relationship.

Consider a "step-ahead" mentor. Many people�often mistakenly�set their sights on the company's top brass as the Holy Grail of mentors. But, more often than not, these relationships aren't the most helpful,

Start your own program. If your company doesn't have a mentoring program, consider approaching management with the idea of starting one.

Do it now. If you're unemployed, don't wait until you land a position to seek out a mentor.

Top 10 essentials to help with job search [by Mike]

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 22:23:40

Careers Related:: Top 10 essentials to help with job search
Top 10 essentials to help with job search

top-10 list of essential tactics to help job seekers gain an edge in a tougher employment market:

�Step outside your comfort zone. Avoid limiting your search to your current industry or field. Identify your transferable skills and experiences, and communicate them to prospective employers.

�Minimize work history gaps. If you are unable to find a position right away, consider temporary assignments, internships and part-time opportunities, all of which can potentially lead to a full-time role.

�Be flexible. Remain open to all possibilities, even if the job title, salary and benefits may not be exactly what you hoped for. Once you get your foot in the door, you will have a chance to prove yourself.

�Find jobs before they�re advertised. Read your local business journals and newspapers to identify companies that are hiring or expanding, and send them your resume.

�Cast a wide "net." General job boards can be useful, but don�t forget industry and trade association websites, which may have more targeted career opportunities.

�Network � online and off. Tell everyone you know that you are looking for a job, whether in-person or using professional networking websites.

�Manage your digital footprint. Think your friends are the only people who viewed those less-than-professional vacation photos you posted online? Think again. With a few mouse clicks, potential employers can dig up information about you on blogs, personal websites and personal networking site profiles. Make sure you do a thorough self-search and take any necessary corrective action.

�Customize. Tailor your resume and cover letter for each opportunity. Employers want to see why you�re the right person for their job.

�Enhance your marketability. Find out what skills are most in demand and take steps to give yourself an edge in these areas. Focus on sharpening both functional and interpersonal skills.

�Meet with a recruiter. Staffing executives can be your eyes and ears in the job market. Recruiters also provide useful feedback on your resume and interview skills, and help you locate full-time and temporary jobs.

Cisco Median Salary by Job [by Caravan]

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 17:58:38

Careers Related:: Cisco Median Salary by Job
Cisco Median Salary by Job

Sr. Software Engineer: $106,995
Software Engineer/Developer: $80,936
Software Engineer: $86,547
Sr. Network Engineer: $101,123
Project Manager: $92,911
Network Engineer: $78,642
Sr. Systems Engineer (networking): $117,377

Data source: (2009)
http://www.payscale.com/research/US/Employer=Cisco_Systems_Inc/Salary