Does it sound familiar?

Logic tells us that any job is better than no job, especially with unemployment being the way it is. But hating your job, as over 80% of working people do, takes a huge emotional and psychological toll which often manifests in physical illness (real, feigned and imagined).

The effects are not only felt in people’s personal lives but also in the corporate environment. People who hate their jobs simply aren’t as productive as those who love their jobs, or feel more or less neutral about going to work every day. Job haters tend to use all their available sick days in a given year, they take long coffee breaks, gaze out the window and generally seek distractions. The quality of their work is also often poor because they lack the motivation to put in the effort required.

Of course, quality of work doesn’t suffer as much when the boss is something of a demon.

Horrible bosses are able to suck the joy out of even the most satisfying jobs. Countless people who are passionate about their career paths stumble in the face of a boss with absolutely no people skills. Horrible bosses come in all forms. There are those that micromanage every single process, that are weak and unable to lead, that take all the glory and shrug off all the blame, that delegate everything, that lose their tempers and shout, that are hypocritical, that gossip, that express overt favouritism … the list goes on.

The sad truth is that the perfect boss doesn’t exist. Even bosses that seem decent for years can turn on a dime and make life impossible. It’s up to you how you decide to handle it. Some people have a very basic philosophy: they won’t work for anyone who doesn’t respect them. Other people don’t have that luxury. Mortgages, kids in school, car payments, insurance, pension plans and medical aids are all very effective at keeping people miserable in jobs they hate.

Tips to survive the job you hate

• Talk about it. It’s not just enough to complain to your friends and family about how much you hate your job; you also have to talk to someone in your HR department. The people in the HR department are there for their ability to solve people-problems. They’re trained to help you manage stress and deal with internal hassles all while maintaining confidentiality. If the problem is a big one, like sexual harassment, then they will ask your permission before taking the matter further.
  If you work for a very small company without an HR department then you’ll have to bite the bullet and try talk to your boss or immediate manager.
• Get a hobby. As difficult as it sounds you need to make a concerted effort to leave your work problems at work. The best way to do this is to distract yourself with something that you love, or to try different things until you unlock your secret passion. Many community centres and libraries offer classes and groups for a range of activities, such as pottery, pencil drawings, scrapbooking, writing, yoga, pilates and aromatherapy. A lot of places will let you try out a lesson for free to see if you like it before committing yourself to the class. Find out about local sports clubs in your area, even if it’s just bowls or hiking. Alternatively, research some hobbies on the internet. You’ll find information and tutorials on anything from bird watching to knife making.
• Save the best for last. People have a tendency to leave the worst for last, but, thinking back to you childhood again, do you remember saving the best food on your plate for last? Remember holding breath while bolting the broccoli and then savouring the mashed potatoes? Revive this childhood tradition in the workplace. Rather than procrastinate and leave the most tiresome and dreaded assignments or tasks for the end of the day or the end of the week or the last minute of the deadline, get them done first. Having the worst behind you allows you to savour the bits of your job that you still enjoy. Otherwise, even the fun bits are tainted by the awful bits looming over your head.

If nothing helps and you still feel like crying in the car on your way to work every morning you should think very seriously about putting your CV on some job sites and expanding your horizons. In the end, no job is worth your self-esteem, dignity and sanity.

Sandy writes for a number of different blogs, on a number of different topics, including job posting software, advertising, travel, technology and the environment.

Your first day in any job is nerve-wracking and you might feel anxious about how to should conduct yourself in order to make the best first impression. Below are some top tips on how to survive your first day in your new job.

Smile and appear friendly

First impressions count and it is said that a person decides on their opinion of you within the first few seconds of meeting you. Therefore you want to impress them, especially if it is your first day with the company. Regardless of whether that person is a post person or a manager, you want them to remember you as a good addition to the company. As soon as you enter the building, you should have a big smile on your face and greet them with something pleasant. Also, make sure that you are wearing something suitable. Even if you are not sure of the dress code (some companies are more casual than others) dress smartly as this will always ensure that you appear professional.

Be enthusiastic about working with a variety of people

Working within most organisations will require you to work with a wide variety of people from all different backgrounds. Be enthusiastic about meeting and working with these people. It may be that you don’t initially get on this with certain employees, but make an effort to hide this. You never know, this could change as you get to know them better.

Listen and be prepared for the need to learn

Never assume that you know better. This can be difficult if you are used to working independently or maybe running your own business, but if you are walking into a new company then this is essential. Make efforts to listen to every point made by employees within your new company. They will have knowledge that you do not and they could provide you with handy tips that will make settling in easier.

Being prepared to learn is also another important thing on your first day. You will be bombarded with information about how things are done and you need to remember not to be resistant to change. Look upon it as a positive thing and a way of adding strings to your bow.

Ask questions

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. It might be easier to stay quiet and feel like you are being less hassle to anyone working with you, but asking questions will benefit you in the future. Co-workers will be happier to answer questions a few days in, but they will not be so sympathetic when you have been with the company months and you are asking lots of questions then.

Take note of important points

Most organisations will have staff handbooks with lots of information about how you should conduct yourself. You might also get some sort of official induction which will provide you a chance to find out more about working within the company. Make use of this and follow the protocols set down by the company. This will help you to settle in and will help you to avoid having any disagreements with co-workers or superiors.

Don’t push the boundaries

The downside of being new is that you are being watched and judged. Therefore, be on your best behaviour and try not to get yourself noted for all the wrong reasons. When you have been at the company for a while you might be able to take an early lunch or risk being a little late, but at the beginning this should be avoided. Even if you haven’t got an official trial period imagine you do and then show yourself to be a reliable employee.

Steve Waller has helped people find their way back into work for years and getting them through their first day is all part of the service. He runs a job centre website that allows people to search for vacancies on a number of job boards quickly and efficiently to get the most out of their time.

Finding a job after college can be a challenging task. Well, to make job-hunting easier for you, here are some helpful tips for landing your dream job after college:

Check out career centers

Even when you’re just still in college, try to get ahead of the pack by finding your next job with College Career Centers. All colleges and universities have a career center. The centers are obliged to help students find a job. Did you know that career counselors working in your college have connections with the Human Resource Departments of companies? In fact, both large scale and small scale businesses recruit potential hires from colleges.

Here’s a tip- even if you’re just a freshman, try to establish linkage with your career center. You can talk to the counselors about your future plans. Eventually, when they get to know you, you will be updated with the latest job opening upon your graduation.

Participate in career and job fairs

There are a lot of career and job fairs out there being organized by both private and government offices as well as other organizations. You can search online for job fairs in your area, or simply ask people around and look for ads in the daily paper. It will also help if you already have a draft application letter and updated resume at hand so that you can bring these along when you apply for a job. Don’t forget to dress well and wear a smile when you apply for jobs.

Find a job early

It’s best to go job-hunting even before you graduate just to give you an edge over the rest. Once you decide what to do after college, you can start to plan for dream job. Completing a career assessment test in college will help you narrow down your career choices. Only then will you be able to identify companies that will help you meet your goals.

Internships

A very effective strategy for landing your dream job is to establish connection with the company you are targeting to work for. While in college, it would help if you apply for internship in the company you want to be hired in. This would give you the chance to experience the working environment which will eventually help you decide whether you really want to work in that company. At the same time, the company’s human resource division will be able to assess your performance and observe your work behavior.

As you can see, there are a few different ways you can snag a job after college. Consider these tips above and allow all your hard work to pay off quickly.

This article was written by the writer of FindCollegeCards.com, a website that offers the best Student Credit Cards, as well as a helpful college blog.

It’s hard to ignore the news and data that shows that college graduates are struggling to find a job out of school. This is especially true for the classes of 2010 and 2011. While there are reports that show that hiring is going up, a majority of students from the class of 2011 did not receive a job offer. While students are doing their best, they are also making a few mistakes during the job search process.

I recently spoke with the Director of HR for our online sunglasses company, Terra Kash-Hamilton, to get her opinion on why well qualified graduates are having trouble finding a job after graduation. She shared a few critical errors she sees students and recent graduates making when approaching the job search:

1. Starting the job search too late- There are several students that wait until they have graduated to start searching for a job. It’s never too early to start searching for a job! You should start your job search no later than the beginning of your last semester. Depending on the organization or industry you want to work in, the hiring process can take up to a month. In today’s job market, it can take a few months to even get your foot in the door with an interview. By waiting until graduation to start the job search, there will be a gap on your resume and employers will wonder what you’ve been doing for the past few months.
2. Need to be more proactive- You need to do more than apply for jobs online that you found on different websites and job boards. Employers receive hundreds of applicants for every opportunity they post. You should do everything you can to make sure your application and resume sticks out. Take advantage of your career development center to beef up your resume and write a stellar cover letter. In addition to applying to job boards, Terra mentioned that it’s extremely important to attend job fairs. Career fairs are the best ways for current seniors and recent grads to get their resume into the hands of a recruiter. It’s also a great way for you to introduce yourself in person and put a face to the name.
3. Not being prepared for interviews- Recruiters are shocked when students and recent graduates come to an interview and try to wing it. You did all of the ground work to receive the coveted interview, and then don’t give everything you have into preparing for the interview. Make sure to do your homework on the company before coming into the office. Learn their core values and come prepared with questions that aren’t answered on the company’s website. Although easier said than done, try not to be nervous. Recruiters want fun, open, and relaxed people to be on their team, so do your best to do so. Often times the recruiter can be just as nervous as you are.

Adam Bruk is an online marketing specialist who helps professionals find the best dress socks to accompany their professional wardrobe. When he isn’t busy at work, he enjoys golfing, traveling, and helping friends with interviewing in hopes that they also land a great job.

These days it’s all too common that people have “crises” every several years or so. First, you graduate college, work for a few years, then comes the “quarter-life crisis”. During this phase you may consider getting a graduate degree or a second undergraduate degree. This will allow you to either progress in your previous career, or change careers completely. After this crises comes the mid-life crisis. In this day and age, people are trending towards having more than one midlife crisis. Every 5-10 years they may feel the urge to change careers and get out of their rut.

During the past decade as the economy has wavered up and down, even more people have begun to consider changing careers. This decision may be due to a mid-life crises or forced due to loss of a job. Either way, there are a few things you should take into consideration when you are deciding on the “ifs” and “whats” of a new career.

1. You’ll need to work for it. The job field has grown fierce of late. Even in the medical and educational fields, which continue to grow even during tough economic times, it has been difficult for many to find jobs. If you are considering a career change, make sure you are ready to meet the competitive world of job hunting. You are going to have to do your best in school and learn how to show off any other talents that you have. Whatever you can do to make yourself stand out, do it!
2. Pinpoint your talents. It’s the little things that are really going to make you stand out from other job competitors. If you have a degree in something, you could go take a few certification classes in a related area to make you stand out even more.
3. Be flexible. Being willing to change your home base could become vital to your success in making a career move. And what’s more, you need to learn to accept that you might not get the exact career that you want. You may have to settle for something that’s just close. This can actually be a good thing because it will allow you to further expand your skill set.
4. Be passionate. Make sure that when/if you decide to change careers that you pick something you are truly passionate about. It’s important that you pick a job that is functional and will give you good earning potential and job security. However, you also need to choose something that you enjoy. If you don’t, then you’re going to be right back to yet another mid-life crisis before you’ve even started progressing within the current change.
5. Act like you know what you’re doing. It’s possible that when you apply for new jobs, you may not fully have all the skills necessary. Even if you are a quick learner, many employers might fear hiring someone without proven experience. One thing you can do to allay their fears about choosing you is to act confident. As the old saying goes, “fake it ’til you make it.” With this attitude, you’ll be able to find satisfaction with your new career as you grow and learn new skills.

Natalie Clive writes for MyCollegesandCareers.com. My Colleges and Careers is a website designed to help prospective students find the best online colleges and degree programs to help them fulfill their career goals.

Congratulations! You landed the job. But before you discuss salary and benefits with your new boss, you may need to do some research and hone your negotiation skills. Negotiation is the effort between two parties to come to a satisfactory agreement. Job applicants and new hires sometimes negotiate for their starting salaries and benefits.

Factors

It is likely that the biggest factors in negotiating your salary will involve supply and demand, your skill levels, and the relationship between the value of your skills and the needs of the employer.

If you are an entry-level worker with little experience and no specialized skills, you may not have a lot of room for negotiation. Most companies have a salary scale and pay all entry-level employees a set amount.

Other factors that affect salary negotiations may include:

The salary scale for that position within the organization

The current economic climate

The size of the company. Large companies may have more money but they usually have more policies, procedures, and bureaucracy. In small companies, there may be more latitude but they may have fewer resources.

Perks. Jobs that come with bonuses, benefits, company cars, tuition reimbursement, etc., sometimes have less flexible salaries because the position provides plenty of other forms of compensation.

Industry trends and the financial situation of the company you are interviewing.

Negotiation Tips

Salary negotiation is not about winning, it is about resolution and compromise. If either side feels they have not negotiated, both sides lose.

Remember, supply and demand and skill levels affect wages. The less experience and the fewer skills you have, the less room you have to negotiate.

Do Your Homework

Your level of education, skills, and experience will likely be a big factor in salary negotiations.

Once you are ready to start negotiating a salary and have a tentative figure, focus on your accomplishments and achievements and determine how they convert to value.

If you think your skill set is worthy of a large salary, make a case for that during the hiring process, in hopes of negotiating a higher salary.

It is likely that the biggest factors in negotiating your salary will involve supply and demand and your skill levels, the relationship between the value of your skills and the needs of the employer.

If you are an entry-level worker with little experience and no specialized skills, you may not have a lot of room for negotiation.

Most companies have a salary scale and pay all entry-level employees a set amount. Companies that are showing a healthy profit and are involved in a growing niche, are more likely to offer higher salaries; so do your homework. Research the company before negotiating your salary.

Justin blogs on a daily basis. Furthermore, he works for a girls costumes company. A company which is known for there girls fairy costumes.

I recently wrote a guide to effective radio advertising for small businesses and it occurred to me that many of the principles of successful advertising can and should be applied to selling yourself when job seeking.

If you’re in the process of finding a new position it might be helpful to think of yourself as ‘the product’ and keep the following points in mind.

What is your Unique Selling Point?

This is probably the most important thing that any advertiser needs to know and convey to their market.  What makes their product or business different to their competitors’ product or business?  Same goes for you.  When applying for a job, chances are there are others with your qualifications.  There are bound to be others with some of your work experience.  So what is your Unique Selling Point?  Do you have a passion outside of work that somehow ties in to the position you are seeking?  Have you worked with charity and has that given you relevant skills?  Are you musical?  Well-travelled?  There is something about you that is unique and that something may just be what makes the job yours over the other applicants.

Know your target market

In the world of advertising, there is really no point in using Gen Y slang to sell retirement housing to seniors.  Similarly, do some research into the company to which you are applying.  Does the company have a conservative culture? If so, ensure you have a traditionally formatted resume and a formal cover note. Is it a creative environment?  Put a little more care into creating an imaginative, eye-catching resume.

Keep it simple

This is a trap that those new to advertising can fall into.  They mistakenly believe that bells, whistles, zany voices and a crowd of thousands is what makes a ‘good ad’.  Sometimes it can, but more often than not, a good, effective ad is one where the message is simple.  That message is then conveyed clearly and not lost in the clutter.  Keep this in mind when putting together your next job application.  You may be extremely proud of the tunnel ball championship you won when you were in the eighth grade but is it relevant to the job you are going for?  Probably not, so leave it out.  It’s clutter, and it could keep your potential employer from seeing your other, more significant, superstar achievements.

Be specific

When advertising, rather than saying ‘we’ve got big bargains’ it is far more effective to say ‘prices start from as low as $20’.  When it comes to creating your job application, be specific.  ‘Managed a large team’ may be impressive, but ‘managed a team of 30 sales representatives’ is better.

Keep it credible

A business that trumpets to the world ‘Closing down sale!  Massive markdowns!  Everything must go!  Never to be repeated deals!’ may get customers through the door.  But how many of those customers will come back when that ‘closing down’ business is still open the following month and having another ‘once in a lifetime’ sale?  That business has destroyed its credibility.

Likewise, when selling yourself in a job seeking situation, absolutely talk yourself up BUT only if you can back up any claims you have made.  Most employers will at the very least run reference checks, so it’s not a good look if they catch you in a lie before you’ve even had an interview.  Further, it may jeopardise your chances with any future positions in the company too.

Remember, you have a fabulous product to sell to potential employers – you!  So keep these tips from the advertising pros in mind and sell, sell, sell.

Dani Bellamy is a professional writer with over 15 years experience in the radio industry.  She is currently writing about the fascinating world of collectable Japanese erasers and other fun things that lurk within pencil cases for www.coolpencilcase.com.

Many workers suffer from problems outside their place of employment which could, if left unattended, impact upon their professional life. Issues such as stress or even mental illness and substance abuse constitute such afflictions. In efforts to combat these problems, which could result in absence or distractions at work, many businesses have sought to implement preventative measures and have looked at programs which aim to support their employees through their issues. Employment Assistant Programs (EAPs) are designed specifically to help employees tackle any of their problems and oftentimes provide confidential access to professional counsellors.

What issues do EAPs cover?

EAPs offer a wide range of help for various personal problems. Not only are they aimed at helping the individual afflicted for the benefit of the business, EAPs also offer support to family members of the employees too. Amongst the many areas that EAPs are willing to help include, but are not limited to, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, financial advice, relocation support, workplace stress management, bereavement and help with healthcare services.

How much do such programmes cost?

For full time employees there is usually no charge at all; EAPs are paid for by businesses and companies to help their employees and to increase productivity in the work place. Aside from the lack of cost, all EAP consultations and referrals are confidential too. There may, however, be slight restrictions on these programs and services for individuals who are not on full time contracts. This could, for example, mean that a part-time employee may only have a limited number of counselling sessions with a counsellor before additional sessions are charged for. To check the details of an individual business’s programme an employee would have to get in touch with their program administrator (whom is usually found in a company’s HR department).

Why do employees provide these services?

Although these services do help those who need them to a large degree, the reason for their implementation is not entirely altruistic. Absences caused by personal issues and lack of concentration caused by similar problems can cause huge drains on a company’s bottom line. It has been figured that offering EAPs works out saving a company money in the long run despite not charging the employees for this service. For every dollar invested in EAPs, according to the United States Department of Labor study, between five and sixteen dollars are saved. These saving come in the form of a lack of absenteeism, down by up to two thirds for treated alcohol accusers, and a one third decrease in the amount of sickness benefits claimed. Similarly work-related accidents and compensation claims have also reduced significantly where EAPs are offered.

Kieron Casey is a BA (Hons) Journalism graduate who blogs regularly on a number of topics including careers, employment and EAPs.

Going to back to work after a prolonged period at home can be a daunting thought. The world of work changes quickly and you might be unfamiliar with the important things that have happened while you have been bringing up your children. It may have been a long time since you sat, armed with your resume, in front of that interview panel, but you should be confident and use the range of skills that you have. Now that you feel you are ready to go back to work, there are some things you can do to prepare yourself for applying and interviewing for your new job.

How to format your resume

For parents returning to work a chronological resume (the most popular kind) is probably not the best one to use. You should use a combination format which lists your skills and then your professional experience. The dates of your employment are not central on your resume which means that the employer will not immediately see the gaps. Your resume will probably only get a minute’s glance, so you will need to make sure that it creates a good impression.

Refine your work history

Think about what you have been doing during the period you have spent out of paid employment. Bringing up your children will have provided you with lots of opportunities that you can include on your resume. You may have been part of a Parent Teacher Association or done some fundraising for your child’s school/nursery. Volunteer work is incredibly valuable in terms of skill building, especially if you took on any roles with responsiblity, such as organising a team. Continuing your education is also important, so if you have been completing evening classes or other study you should include this on your resume. Lastly, if you have done any part-time work or you have been self-employed you should make sure you describe the skills you used. Remember for example, that to be self-employed you need to be motivated to carry out work unsupervised. Always be honest about your work history. If you are not including your period at home on your resume then you should explain this in your covering letter.

Should you document your time at home?

There is no need for you to invent a title for your role at home. Unless you are applying for a job in teaching or a nursery school for example, you shouldn’t need to include your period at home on your resume. Concentrate on including things which have provided you with the new skills or experience that makes you suitable for the kind of jobs you will be applying for.

The interview

Be prepared to be questioned on your gap in employment. You need to be able to explain what skills, if any, you have gained during this time. If you don’t feel you have done any relevant training recently, then you will need to describe the skills you possess that make you suitable for the role. The main thing you need to remember is to be confident about your skills; if you’re not sure you can do the job then your potential boss won’t be either.

Returning to work should be an exciting experience. It may be difficult for you if you have been at home for a long time, but think of going back to work as starting a new chapter. Be prepared for it to be tough and sometimes disappointing. Take any setbacks as opportunities to learn and put your new knowledge into continuing your search for the right job.

Emily Cotton is passionate about getting women who have put their careers on hold to raise kids back into work and sees jobs as an HR administrator as a good way to get your foot in the door of many companies ready to move up within that organisation when opportunities present themselves.

Summer-time has arrived which means students have been granted ultimate freedom until the leaves begin to brown. This may seem like a good time to doss around and sleep until noon, but making the most of your free time can leave you feeling refreshed in preparation for the new academic year. Here are some ideas of how to spice up your summertime.

Volunteer

Rather than applying for random positions which involve volunteering for organisations of little interest to you in a bid to feel a valuable member of society, apply for a charity that supports a cause that you have genuine passion to assist. You’re more likely to enjoy the work and continue your voluntary placement for longer. There are many different volunteering positions available, try to aim for a position which is relevant to your desired career path to gain some valuable experience as well as helping the charity.

Find a summer job

Many online recruitment companies have specialist sections dedicated to finding summer jobs for students. There are a variety of seasonal opportunities ranging from working part time in a local supermarket, to holiday repping abroad in a popular resort. Earning extra cash will allow you to do more activities throughout the summer or save money for future use.

Working abroad for the summer can end up being the working holiday of a lifetime. Many people return to the same resort each year and make valuable friends. You could even get your friends from home to book a holiday in the resort you’re working in and visit you.

Take a well-deserved break

Booking a holiday or vacation of some description just before the start of the new term is a great way to uplift the end-of-summer depression and set you up for the new term. The holiday could be as simple as camping for a weekend in the countryside or a holiday abroad with friends. Having something to look forward to and save cash for can keep excitement fresh and provide a work incentive throughout the summer.

Join a new class

Learn a new skill over the summer by joining a club. Theatre groups, fitness classes and short courses are just some of the many great ways to broaden your social horizons, as well as discovering new passions and talents you never knew you had. Extra-curricular pastimes and hobbies also show personality and indicate the ability to learn different skills for future employment.

Being productive over the summer can leave you feeling ready to jump back into education with a fresh mind after fulfilling your holiday period. Make sure you have an action packed summer and avoid excessive oversleeping!

This guest article was written by Stephanie Staszko on behalf of online recruitment company Blue Octopus.

There are some real horror stories about bully bosses who have continually abused their employees. Not many situations can be as depressing as having to go to a job each day expecting to be abused. Such abuse can change a person, not just their attitude toward work, but their whole perspective on life in general. Here are 7 tips to help neutralize the tactics of a bully boss, and assist you in coming out of the situation intact.

Always Behave Properly

One of the first mistakes many employees make is they stoop to the level of the bully boss. They may yell at the boss, launch insults or generally act in an unprofessional manner. This of course proves to be deadly for them. Remember they are the boss! If you are not fired for acting inappropriately, there will be negative consequences. For your own good don’t stoop, and always behave according to proper workplace etiquette, without exception.

Speak With a Respectful Tone

Keep in mind that although the boss may have a long history of being a bully, while you interact with them everyone is listening to your words and tone too. This may seem unfair, but it is a fact. If asked about a particular incident later, others will recollect not only the bully’s tone of voice and words, but yours as well. To protect your job and professional reputation always speak to the boss, bully or not, in a respectful tone.

Maintain a Positive Attitude

Dealing with a bully boss can be extremely frustrating, and this is why maintaining a positive attitude is so important. A positive attitude can keep you centered and focused. Think of your positive attitude as armor shielding you from the negativity which is being projected by the bully boss. At the beginning of the day find your positive mental and emotional center, remain there no matter what happens, and don’t let the bully get under your skin.

Take Personal Responsibility

In many situations the bully boss is justified for their concerns, goals may not have been reached, and quality of the job may be lacking. Unfortunately they don’t know how to handle resolution properly. Opposing a boss under these circumstances will only escalate the situation because they feel justified. To minimize any further escalation, take a look at the facts and take personal responsibility for any shortcomings, regardless how it is delivered.

Be Firm, Yet Non-aggressive

No employer has the right to treat its employees with in an abusive manner. This includes physical or verbal abuse, borderline or otherwise. Let the bully boss know in a respectful manner how inappropriately they are treating you. Avoid accepting any justification for their actions, and maintain a firm, yet non-aggressive stance that their behavior must change immediately. Being firm often is the tipping point for a bully to stop the abuse.

Remain Detached

One of the main reasons many employees are unable to deal with a boss who is a bully is they take it personally and get emotionally involved. In doing so, they lose their perspective and often act inappropriately themselves. They get personally drawn in to the conflict and are unable to refrain from responding aggressively. To prevent this from occurring to you remain emotionally detached, using your intelligence instead, and only doing what is right.

Keep a Log of Incidents

Under most circumstances it is only a matter of time before a bully boss is discovered, and must face the music of superiors. But in the meantime, if the employees have done everything necessary to promote change it might be time to go over the boss’s head and report them directly to the higher authority. Keeping a log of bullying and abusive incidents which include the dates, times, and actions will help expedite an inquiry or a resolution.

This post was contributed by Andrew G. Rosen, editor of the popular career advice blog Jobacle.com and the author of How to Quit Your Job Gracefully. Follow him on Twitter @jobacle.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate is currently over 9%. While the job market seems to be getting a little better, unemployment is still depressingly high. As too many workers already know, being unemployed is not easy. As the bills begin to pile up, many consumers are unsure of how they are going to pull through.

When a person loses their job, certain changes need to be made. Periods of unemployment can put a huge strain on a person’s finances. Skipping important payments or making poor financial decisions can affect a person for years. Fortunately, whether you are receiving unemployment payments or dipping into your savings, it is possible to successfully manage your finances until you secure new employment.

What to Do After Losing Your Job

Once a worker has lost their primary source of income, it’s time for them to take a careful look at their finances. Workers first need to determine how much money they have available to them. Consider unemployment payments, savings, and any other sources of income.

Next, determine how long this money will last when paying all of your bills. If living off of savings, how many months will your savings cover? If living off of unemployment, how long will these benefits last? Carefully create a budget that works with the amount of money you have to work with.

When determining a budget, cut out all unnecessary expenses. This is not the time to make large purchases or take advantage of your credit limit. Many people assume that they will be only be out of a job for a short time, but with the job market as competitive as it is, it’s important to plan for the worst.

How to Prioritize Bills During Unemployment

If money does get tight, consumers may need to prioritize their bills. A person’s first priority should be their secured debts, like their mortgage and car payment. Utilities and car insurance are also important expenses and should be at the top of the list.

Unsecured debts, like credit cards and student loans, should be the next priority. Not paying these bills will have a very negative impact on a person’s credit. It’s also important to remember that student loans can not be discharged through bankruptcy. If a person doesn’t pay these bills, their interest rates may increase and they will end up with expensive late charges and other fees.

During unemployment, it’s important to take advantage of all available income opportunities. As soon as a person loses their job, they need to apply for unemployment. If possible, get a part time job to help pay the bills.

When to Seek Help

If a person’s finances become unmanageable, they may want to speak with a credit counselor. Credit counselors help consumers by creating budgets and working with their creditors to reduce interest rates. They may even be able to arrange more beneficial payment plans.

If the situation becomes dire, bankruptcy may be an option. Fortunately, with careful budgeting and prioritizing, most people will be able to stay afloat, even through long periods of unemployment.

Don Jones is a contributing writer at creditcardsbankruptcy.com

Ageism exists. Despite the fact that it’s illegal for employers to disregard prospective employees based on age, it happens. Combating ageism could cost a lot of money, especially if you decide to pursue it in court and, because ageism can sometimes be difficult to prove, chances are you might not win.

But, that doesn’t mean you can’t combat ageism and score a great job. You can by keeping a few simple techniques in mind.

Stay positive

Just about everyone knows the frustration and anger of being unfairly judged – whether it’s on the basis of looks, economic status, or age. The key to beating ageism in the job hunt is not to let that anger and frustration show, at least in front of the prospective employer. Go into a job interview positive and enthusiastic about the position. The quickest way to lose out on a job opportunity is to display bitterness and anger or even to say that you’ve been discriminated against because of your age. Go into every interview positive and enthusiastic, and the prospective employer is more likely to pay attention to your attitude rather than your age.

Focus on your experience

Your age, as the old saying goes, is nothing more than a number, so forget about it when you walk into a job interview. Focus on your experience. What do you bring to the company? Whether you believe it or not, you actually have an advantage over your younger competitors, especially those just out of college. Think about all of your attributes – attention to detail, career accomplishments, education, and experience – and use all of that to sell yourself at the interview.

Stay up-to-date with technology

We live in a high tech world, and employers expect job applicants to have the skills necessary to operate a computer, for example, to successfully navigate the internet, and to use popular computer programs. If your skills are rusty or you don’t have the necessary skills, invest the time and the money to get them. Many community colleges offer credit and non-credit classes at reasonable fees that will allow you to polish your technological skills.

Polish your resume

Your resume plays an important role in you landing a job interview. Have you looked at it lately? Before you send it out again, do a thorough review of it, and ask yourself several questions:

• Is the layout clean and professional?
• Is the layout modern? Go online to check out the popular resume formats today.
• Did you list all of your jobs or just those that are relevant to the position for which you are applying? You should only include those that are relevant to the jobs for which you are applying, and employment experts recommend going back approximately 15 years with your employment history rather than providing your whole history.
• Have you included the dates of your employment? Not putting dates you worked at companies can be a red flag to employers.

If you are having trouble getting your resume started or would like to see what works for others, be sure to check out our sample resumes section.

Ageism doesn’t have to define your job search. You define your job search and your place in the job market. Show your self-confidence, be positive, and take the steps necessary – polishing your resume and updating your skills – needed to impress an employer regardless of your age, and you increase your chances of landing a job sooner rather than later.

Since most economies are in a recession, many people have stopped looking for work and instead are looking to education.  Many hope that an MBA will put them into a better position, or get them a position, while we’re getting out of this recession.

Before you jump in though, consider these four options carefully

Where do I want my career to go?

This is the real question you must answer, and not just for the admissions essay.  Without an honest answer to this question, it becomes too easy to miss the little opportunities which will pop up while you study.  Knowing the path you want to take in the next 5-10 years will direct you toward the best school, the right courses and the most relevant networking activities.

How do I expect an MBA to help me?

Is an MBA the right course of action?  If you know what you want from your career, there could be a better route.  There are plenty of excellent Master’s programmes which may actually help more than an MBA.  Programs tightly focused on specific areas of interest, such as Technology Management, Human Resources, Innovation or Marketing offer expertise and differentiation.

Or… maybe the time is not right.  A few extra years in your field may give you deeper business exposure which will yield benefits as you’re learning business theories, debating case studies or just talking with your classmates.  Experience has always been the best teacher.

Which program will help my career the most?

Some schools are better than others in areas of business such as Marketing, Strategy, Entrepreneurship, etc.  After gaining enough experience, an Executive MBA offers the theory and the chance to learn with other senior leaders with less impact on the office.

Ask the first two questions, ask them again, then do your research.

What are my constraints?

Constrained by location? Financial commitments? Language considerations?

MBA tuition fees vary greatly by school.  Don’t think though that you need to pay a lot of money for a quality education.  Return on investment is an important consideration, most especially for a full time programme.

Part time programmes are available at many institutions.  Take a look at those as well.  While you’re looking at them, keep in mind that the in-company project is almost always with your own employer.  Will you have a project to work on?  And most importantly, you may need to negotiate extra time off.  Many employers are happy to accommodate something.

Location is slowly sliding away as a consideration, as online programmes become world-class.  If you’re motivated and disciplined enough for the self-study needed for an online programme, this is a great opportunity to check out some schools in other countries.  Your network will grow while you continue to work.

These questions are a starting point to finding the best education to enhance your career.  This kind of educational decision will have significant career impact, so the more a course of study dovetails with career goals, the better the outcome.

Melissa Langeman is a Business Analyst on sabbatical in Belgium, fresh from a posting in India. An MBA student, her business blog covers careers, travel and the MBA experience in a foreign land.

The past year has seen tens of thousands of people lose their jobs as the recession savagely took hold in Britain. Businesses folded, and not just the small ones – entire banks and franchises went bust overnight, leaving scores of people wondering how they’re going to pay the mortgage. If you or your partner has been affected, it can feel like all is lost. However, help is available and you are certainly not alone in your situation.

If you’re lucky enough to have retained your job, you’ll know as well as anyone that the economy is not out of the woods yet. There are a number of strategies you can adopt to make sure you still have a job long after the market has finished stabilizing.

Consider moving companies.

This is contrary to almost all advice given about the recession, but guides often overlook the situations where it is recommended to leave your current position. While this course of action always carries a certain element of risk, it is sometimes advisable to assess your options and possibly jump ship.

If your company is facing widespread redundancies, start looking for another job the second you catch wind of this information. A large-scale job loss will result in a market-place flooding of professionals from your sector in the commutable region. If you find yourself getting axed with them, the competition for any vacancies you may subsequently find will be dramatically increased (as will your chances of being out of work for longer).

If you happen to gain an interview with a prospective new employer, be sure to ask questions as to how the position came up. Was your predecessor made redundant? If so, they may be hiring you as a way of cutting wages and your job security in this role will be less than enough to transfer from. However, if it is a new position then the company is probably doing well through the recession and expanding successfully – something which may be worth moving to.

Head down, eyes forward

Stop over achieving. If you’re a go-getter who constantly dazzles your employers by going above and beyond the call of duty, then kudos to you – but now is not the time.

Once again, this may seem counter-intuitive. Surely it is more important than ever to prove your worth to the company? Yes and no, but the general rule of thumb is that any behaviour which may attract attention should be avoided at all costs.

Your superiors, particularly middle management, will feel edgy around over-achievers who threaten their own position and make them look inadequate by comparison. The best advice is to blend in with the crowd and become ‘another number’ – and don’t worry, you will have your opportunity to shine later.

Bury the hatchet

Similar to the last point: remove yourself from office politics. If you’ve made enemies amongst co-workers, do whatever is necessary to right any wrongs (without making a spectacle of the whole affair) and get on an even keel, regardless of how much it pains you. The idea is to be ‘nice’ to everyone – don’t try to get one over on any party or parties in an effort to advance your career, and don’t be overly friendly either.

Everyone, from the guy in the post room to your boss, is capable of undermining you. Don’t make yourself a target for character assassination, because when the chips are down your colleagues wouldn’t think twice about betraying you for the sake of their own livelihood.

Get a Clue

Losing your job is one of the most devastating things that can happen to someone. Whether it’s avoidable or not, it doesn’t always have to be unpredictable.

Keep your eyes and ears tuned in to what’s going on around you. Clues about forthcoming job cuts can be taken from instinct, such as management subtly changing their approach or attitude, but more often than not you’ll be able to find concrete evidence as to the state of play.

It’s the job of journalists to dig out information, so keep one eye on the press and pay attention to any articles and announcements not only about your company but also the competition. If you’re savvy enough to interpret them, stock and share figures are a good source of getting a general feel for where the market is heading.

Become Indispensable

Without contravening the first point (ruling against excelling in the workplace), it’s a good idea to shift gears and get yourself into a position of worth. You may think you are indispensable already, but the unfortunate news is that you’re probably not.

Try to pick up extra tasks. Benefit from company training and enlist yourself on as many workshops as possible. If there isn’t an extra job you can do, make one up – think long and hard about what you can bring to the company and carry out (basically, actually do everything you said you would back in the interview!)

It goes without saying, but if the company is faced with cutting loose the employee who troubleshoots for the IT department or the one who troubleshoots for both the IT and graphics departments, it’s a no-brainer which management would choose.

This short guide was provided by reclining sofas supplier sofasandsectionals.com.

The demand for workers in health related fields has been growing exponentially over the past decade. Analysts expect that growth to continue at least another 20 years. One of the main causes for the increase in health care jobs is that the Baby Boomer population is beginning to reach retirement age. As the largest demographic in the United States continues to age, they will need more health care specialists to help them deal with the health problems that naturally go along with getting older.

Physician and Dental Assistant Work Growing

Two of the fastest growing fields in today’s health care market are as physician assistants and dental assistants. Unlike a medical assistant, a physician assistant can diagnose patients, run lab tests, and perform routine examinations. To become a physician assistant, you must complete a formally accredited program through a college or university, as well as pass a licensing exam. Dental assistants perform many of the routine duties in a dentist’s office, including teeth cleaning and taking x-rays. You can become a dental assistant without formal training, but you will have a better chance at advancing in the career if you attend some training courses.

Rising Demand for Registered Nurses

Economists expect the demand for new registered nurses to grow by as much as 22 percent over the next 10 years. A registered nurse performs duties that range from administering medication to keeping track of a patient’s progress over time. Some registered nurses work in hospital settings, while others work in smaller clinics or urgent care settings. The educational requirements for becoming a registered nurse generally take four years to complete. You will need to pass a certification exam before you will be able to work as a registered nurse. You can find work as a nurse’s aide to gain more experience until you complete training.

Cardiovascular Related Jobs

Heart disease is one of the leading causes of illness and death in the United States today. The cardiovascular field has a high demand for technicians and technologists, and demand should continue well into the next decade. Cardiovascular technologists and technicians prepare patients for heart surgery and assist the surgeon during the procedure. As the aging population becomes larger, more patients will need cardiovascular treatment from licensed cardiovascular technicians and technologists. You can begin working in this field after completing a 2-year degree program through a technical school or community college, although 4-year degrees are available and will help you begin at a higher salary.

Health Related Clerical Positions

Health care job growth is not limited to those who work directly with patients. There is a growing need for people who can handle the paperwork related to health care service. Medical billing, data entry, and insurance specialists are all important to making sure the business side of health care is operating correctly. You can begin working in a clerical role with very little training, but your best chance for a long-term career will be to receive specialized training in a specific area of medical administration.

Jessica Bosari writes about careers and health topics for AlliedHealthWorld.com. The site matches students to the best programs in healthcare, offering healthcare administration salary and other health career information.

Having a plan is always important to success, but it is especially critical now because you have less time to go off on tangents. You need to clearly define what you want to accomplish during your job search and exactly how that will be executed.

Be selective.

Because your time is more limited, you need to pick and choose the activities that will give you the biggest bang for your buck. Maybe that will entail belonging to a professional organization and attending the monthly/quarterly meetings, joining an industry group on LinkedIn, taking a class to learn about a new development in your field, or taking on a volunteer opportunity that closely aligns with what you do for your profession. Remember, it’s quality, not quantity.

Keep a schedule.

Utilize one of the many free calendar / to-do lists that allow you to identify what parts of each day, or week, you can allot to seeking out new career opportunities. It’s best to get in the habit of using these type of software programs in your everyday life. Many of them such as Evernote sync up with smart phones so you’ll always be able to view, add, and edit your schedule.

Always be networking.

Literally every time that you are out and about, you should be networking — at the gym, at your kids’ activities, in the grocery store. That doesn’t mean you will be doing some sort of narcissistic broadcast of what your needs are. But you never know who you may strike up a conversation with and if a connection will take root in one of those chance meetings. Every relationship starts with a seed, and you need to cultivate that seed until it grows into a plant. A little corny metaphor but it helps to think of networking as a process you need to work at.

Remember discretion.

This point really underscores all that you do. You have a job, so you want to make sure that your activities don’t put that in jeopardy. Be very careful who you divulge things too, you never know the extent of other peoples network. That guy at the gym could be the husband to your HR rep. Likely? Probably not, but it’s always best to stay on the safe side so you don’t find yourself completely unemployed. Basically before disclosing too much, make sure you know enough about them to ensure that you aren’t shooting yourself in the foot at your current job.

A dental hygienist doesn’t require any special degree, just good experience in a dental office. They usually work side-by-side with a dentist.

• Average Annual Income : $67,340
• Top 10% : $93,000 (Experienced)

2. Commercial Pilot

To be a commercial pilot, you just need proper training from a certified school (and quite a bit of training hours). You can earn a handsome earning from this position.

• Average Annual Income : $66,000
• Top 10% : $120,500 (Experienced)

3. Detective and Criminal Investigator

This job or profession also doesn’t require any special qualifications or degrees. You have to be very sharp minded and clever thinker, nothing else.

• Average Annual Income : $62,000
• Top 10% : $99,900 (Experienced)

4. Real Estate Broker

This trade profession based only on PR and active information about your around. You can earn a good amount by just guiding a person to his destination property.

• Average Annual Income : $55,700
• Top 10% : $166,000 (Experienced)

5. Funeral Director

You don’t need to have any special degree for the eligibility of this post.  He is the person who involved in the business of funeral rites. Their common tasks often include embalming and burial or cremation of the dead, and also the arrangements of the actual funeral ceremony.

• Average Annual Income : $54,300
• Top 10% : $94,000 (Experienced)

If you don’t have a Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn account, you should seriously consider opening an account immediately. Social networks aren’t simply to help you maintain contact with old friends and relatives, at least not anymore. When understood, these resources can greatly influence your professional career and/or business.

Below are some suggestions referring to each social network and how you can utilize it effectively to build your personal “brand.”

Twitter

What can you say in less than 140 characters? It could be news, a product launch, a link to a funny picture or video, pretty much anything you want. As an example, a politician may “tweet” (meaning: write about) his campaign and appearances on television. Anyone who “follows” him will get this information and it can easily be shared with others. If you haven’t started a Twitter account yet, start now. It’s easy, fun and fast. You can stick with business related tweets, or more personal things. It’s up to you! Just make them good enough to where people will like what you say and want to follow your tweets.

Facebook

Facebook pages are a huge resource for any business, or professional looking to build a bigger fan base and reach more people. At no cost to you, a Facebook page easily enables you to find and communicate people who are interested in what you have. Also, Facebook has an excellent advertising system set up which enables you to choose very specific target audiences. There is also a section found in the Facebook marketplace where people can post and lookup jobs in their area.

LinkedIn

LinkedIn is basically the business version of Facebook. You can look up people you currently work with or have worked with in the past. They can recommend you to others who might be looking into doing business with you. Potential employers can see what your previous work experience and education were with detailed descriptions and without calls or emails. 73 of the Fortune 100 companies use LinkedIn to hire employees, and more are joining every day.  A profile on LinkedIn will greatly increase your professional credibility and open your options to many other companies you would have otherwise never had contact with. Use LinkedIn to network with individuals that you think may be beneficial to maintain a relationship with. It is so easy that even a seasoned piano-tuner can effortlessly make a profile and start connecting with other people who might be interested in his services.

Social media has become a part of our everyday lives, especially the professional aspects. Whether it be laziness, or a fear of not knowing what to do, there are no excuses for not having accounts with Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. These tools will enable you to build your career in ways you would have otherwise never been able to. The networking capabilities are also greatly beneficial and will help you all throughout your life.

About the Author

Parker Boyack is a writer for MyCollegesandCareers.com. My Colleges and Careers helps people determine if an online education is right for them and helps them search for online degrees that can help them reach their goals.

Have you ever feel like the poor interviewee in this video? However qualified you are and whatever value your experience could bring to the right role, it sometimes seems as if you just hit a wall with certain recruiters and employers if you are above a certain age.

It doesn’t have to be like this. Whatever age you are, it pays to get smart about your job search. ResumeBucket.com has thousands of job postings for people of all ages across hundreds of industries. Get clear on what you want and what your priorities are, many people don’t realize that these things change as you get older. Spend the time thinking these things out then create a plan of attack.

If you need help and advice in shaping your career as an older worker, we here at ResumeBucketBlog.com write at least three job search related articles per week. You can manually search our archives for useful topics or just browse through the categories listed on the right hand side. If you have a specific question about an article feel free to post in the comments section or send an e-mail to aaron@resumebucket.com

1. Setting goals based on outcome instead of performance. Focusing on outcome forces you to look for a quick way to get to the end result instead of taking your time to go through the appropriate steps of goals setting. When you set goals properly you will be doing it in a step by step manner. Furthermore, failing to achieve an outcome based goal for reasons outside your control can lead to a loss of enthusiasm and feelings of failure. Always set performance goals instead as this will give you a higher chance of succeeding.
2. Setting unrealistically high goals. This is a set up for failure: When a goal is perceived to be unreachable, no effort will be made to achieve it. Before you even get started, you have set your self at a disadvantage. Set realistic goals so that you can best decide how to go about achieving them. In retrospect to the above, goals can be set so low that you feel no benefit in achieving the goal. Always set goals that are challenging enough to be worth the effort, but not out of reach.
3. Setting vague and ambiguous goals. Goals that are not specific enough to lead to action are useless. How can you tell whether these types of goals have been achieved? If achievement can’t be measured against your expectations, you cannot observe progress towards a greater goal. And without being able to measure progress, goal setting becomes pointless. Key: Set precise and quantitative goals.
4. Not having an organized approach for setting and measuring goals.
   This leads to certain goals being forgotten, any achievement of goals will not be measured, and there will be no feedback for shaping new goals. Goals should be organized and attempted in a systematic approach. This will help you identify what does and doesn’t work.
5. Setting too many goals. With too many goals it will be hard to prioritize. This can lead to a feeling overwhelmed. If working towards your goals becomes too taxing, it will be easy to put off the smallest of task required as the next step. The key here is to have balance and harmony. Working towards your goals is just a part of your life. And your goals will best be achieved when they are in harmony and not conflict with the rest of your life. Remember that you deserve time to relax and enjoy being alive and not solely focused on your goals and achievements.

When goal setting does go wrong, not only are the benefits of goal setting lost, but the whole process of goal setting will seem useless, like a waste of time. You can avoid this and set goals effectively by being mindful of the 5 pitfalls listed above.

The next popular degrees on the list according to the most recent Digest of Education Statistics, which is put out by the U.S. Department of Education are as follows:

• Social sciences
• Health professions and related clinical sciences
• Education
• Visual and preforming arts
• Engineering and engineering technologies
• Communication and communication technologies
• Biological and biomedical sciences

If you are thinking about earning your bachelor’s degree in any of the above fields, here are some possible careers and jobs on ResumeBucket.com that line up with current market demands and are fits for anyone fresh out of college.
Tip: If you see a job opening you like but they require experience, send a message to the hiring manager asking about any internship possibilities to get your foot in the door.

Business
Degree: Marketing, Management, Finance

Career: Marketing Manager

Marketing Management is a business discipline which is focused on the practical application of marketing techniques and the management of a firm’s marketing resources and activities. Rapidly emerging forces of globalization have compelled firms to market beyond the borders of their home country making International marketing highly significant and an integral part of a firm’s marketing strategy. Marketing managers are often responsible for influencing the level, timing, and composition of customer demand accepted definition of the term. In part, this is because the role of a marketing manager can vary significantly based on a business’ size, corporate culture, and industry context.
- Source

ResumeBucket.com Related Job Postings
Jr. Marketing Manager for fuhu.com • Digital Marketing Specialist for Valiant Enterprises

Career: Human Resources

Individuals who make up the workforce of an organization, although it is also applied in labor economics to, for example, business sectors or even whole nations. Human resources is also the name of the function within an organization charged with the overall responsibility for implementing strategies and policies relating to the management of individuals (i.e. the human resources).
- Source

ResumeBucket.com Related Job Postings
Student Recruiter for TIPS • Account Support Administrator

Social Science
Degree: Psychology, Sociology

Career: Social Worker

The field works towards research and practice to improve the quality of life and to the development of the potential of each individual, group and community of a society. Social workers perform interventions through research, policy, community organizing, direct practice and teaching. Research is often focused on areas such as human development, social policy, public administration, program evaluation and international and community development. Social workers are organized into local, national, continental and international professional bodies.
-Source

ResumeBucket.com Related Job Postings
Social Worker for Phoenix City Services • Case Manager for the Institute for Children & Family Health • Research Assistant for Child Trends

Communication Technologies
Degree: Advertising, Public Relations, Journalism

Career: Social Media Marketing

A recent addition to organizations’ integrated marketing communications plans. Integrated marketing communications is a practice organizations follow to connect with their target markets. Integrated marketing communications coordinates promotional elements:advertising, personal selling, public relations, publicity, direct marketing and sales promotion.
- Source

ResumeBucket.com Related Job Postings
Social Media Guru for BUMP.com • Project Manager in Social Media for Hirestrategy

Career: Publicist

Generate and manage publicity for a public figure, especially a celebrity, a business, or for a work such as a book, film or album. Most top-level publicists work in private practice, handling multiple clients.
- Source

ResumeBucket.com Related Job Postings
Research Writer for Party Earth • Blogger for Fresh Healthy

The following is a few aspects of networking to keep in mind when building your list of contacts.

Communication

The fundamental core of all successful relationships. Connections aren’t only made at corporate networking events but often happen in much more convenient places like the work place or extended family. Taking spontaneous chances and involving yourself in something you normally wouldn’t is an amazing way to not only work on your communication skills but to network with like minded people and begin building up your contact base.

Curiosity

Approach the act of meeting new people with a curiosity and joy instead of treating it like a chore. Many successful people are successful because they have a general interest in exploring and listening to other people. When you meet someone show interest! Find out some facts about them. Everyone loves to talk about themselves so ask questions about what they love, what are their goals and dreams. These are intimate questions that help establish an initial sense of commendatory between two people.

Persistence

A big problem people run into while building their contact sources is not following up after an initial interaction. You’ve already broken the ice so shooting a follow up e-mail is simple and takes no time on your part. If you have fears of being neglected then just realize that if you don’t follow up you will for sure be neglected. Be persistent but try to be invasive. Sometimes it’s a fine line so gauge your audience appropriately.

Assistance

Be a resource. If the idea of networking makes you uneasy, shift your mindset so you think about the process as an opportunity for you to help others. In creasing your network means you can be a better resource to a greater amount of people which is a genuinely good feeling. Like stated earlier, networking is tough and taking time to maintain but once you start getting little payoffs in the form of assisting others you’ll be reminded why you started.

Visibility

One of the most important aspects in great networkers is their ability to be seen by other people. This includes created a presence on the Internet with sites like ResumeBucket.com, LinkedIN, and Facebook. The sheer volume and reach of the Internet makes it a requirement for any one looking to make connections in their lives. But don’t spend all your time on the Internet, if you aren’t seen at the office function or maybe a fundraising event you’ll never know who you missed connecting with.

Appreciation

Show the people in your network your gratitude each time they do something for you, no matter the size or the favor.

When you finally graduate from college and enter the workplace, it can be like landing on another planet! People who have successfully navigated several years of the college environment, possibly succeeding very well academically while at the same time enjoying the social aspect, can suddenly find themselves lost and feeling helpless in this new work environment.

Let’s look at some of the differences and similarities between your day at college and your day in the workplace.

In college, your day is structured around the various subjects and classes you’ve elected to take.  Typically, the day is divided into equal segments or classes, and you may very well not be involved in all of them on a given day. This has several results.

First, in each class you’ll be expected to concentrate on one subject only: the subject of the class. Whether it’s a practical, hands-on experience or a lecture, your mind can focus easily on the subject at hand.

Second, if you have a free block of time between scheduled classes, you can do whatever you like with that time. You might decide to review what you studied your last class; do some preparation or homework for the next one; catch up on lost sleep; meet a friend for coffee, or any other thing that appeals to you. Free time is free time.

Third, at the end of the day you can leave. Based on your timetable, that time might be different every day but you always know what time you can go home.

The workplace is quite different from this scenario.

There’s no nice neat division into time blocks you can devote to one activity and concentrate on it. Whatever your job happens to be, it will certainly involve a number of different activities and responsibilities. First, there’s your primary job function. If you’re an accountant, you’ll work on client files; if you’re a nurse you’ll spend time looking after patients; if you’re a retail clerk you’ll wait on customers. These are the primary functions, and they may be the reasons you chose this particular job.

But the time you get to spend on this work is not laid out neatly throughout the day. Instead, there are tasks that have to be completed in a certain timeframe — they may take an hour, a day or several days. But rarely do you have the luxury of working through a project until it’s done. Why? Well, there are all those other things you didn’t know you were signing up for!

Meetings, for one thing. In the average workplace, more time is spent attending meetings than almost anything else. You’ll have to go to some of these meetings, and quite often you’ll have little or no input into the discussion. If the meeting lasts an hour, you’ve now lost an hour of time from your main project and you still have to complete it. You’ll also be interrupted by colleagues who need your help, or information, or the answers to questions. Same result: time away from the project, and the project still has to be finished. That’s way different from college!

Then there’s that question of free time. Free time? What free time? You’re there to do a day’s work and you’re expected to work all day with the exception of lunchtime and perhaps the odd break. Coffee breaks used to be free time, but that’s almost gone now and you’re expected to drink coffee at your desk while getting on with your work.

Finally, unless you work in a factory where a whistle blows at the end of the workday, you won’t always get to leave at the time you expect. Oh yes, 5 p.m. is the designated finishing time, but if you’re involved in a meeting at that time you can’t just get up and leave! If a deadline is looming, you may have to stay to help someone else on your team finish an assignment. Or you may just be behind because the job is taking longer than you thought. But whatever the reason, finishing time at work is not the same as finishing time at college.

Now these may sound pretty negative, but that’s not necessarily so. After all, if you’ve found a job you enjoy, you may not mind leaving a bit late. And meetings, while they can be frustrating, are also a good way of keeping up with what’s going on in the company.

And then of course there’s the big difference: money! When you’re in college, you are paying to get your education. But when you get into the workplace, you’re being paid for doing the work.

One thing that could be classified as a difference or a similarity is responsibility. At work, they are paying you and you are expected to get the work done, so you have a responsibility to your employer. At college, you are responsible for learning. That is, in fact, the work of a college student: learning. This time, the person you are most responsible to is yourself. And if you can’t meet that responsibility in college, you’re setting yourself up for some hard times when you get into the workforce.

Time out from work is something that all of us may have to contend with on our resumes at any time. There are a wide range of different reasons why time out of employment might be necessary. These might include the birth of a child, taking care of a sick person, taking time out to travel or recovering from illness, among others. Or, more commonly right now, you may have been fired due to downsizing in this depressed economy.

Whatever the reason for your absence, you need to be able to handle it in a way that does not put the employer off, particularly in the current job market. Anything that can strike one more candidate off the list easily is an opportunity that a recruiter will take. Presenting downtime in your career in an effective manner has never been more important.

Where gaps exist in your employment history, it is often best just to be straightforward and direct about it, of course being sure to put a positive spin on what happened. If you were fired because you and your boss couldn’t see eye to eye, it is probably best not to say that in exactly that way, or you may be labeled as “difficult” or considered to not be a team player. Simon left his job due to continual difficulties with his manager. On his resume, he presented the positive steps that he had taken during his time out to find another job. He said,

“I didn’t have too many issues finding another job, because on my resume I listed the projects I worked on in my gap time, which included building my own website. At the interview, I told my new employer the truth, which was that I did not see an opportunity for growth, and I wanted to pursue new goals.”

Some experts argue that where a resume is patchy, the best solution is to use a “functional” resume rather than a chronological one. Listing jobs by function instead of in chronological order makes it harder for employers to spot gaps, especially smaller holes. This is particularly true when you consider that most employers will only look over your resume for a few seconds. With this type of resume, the gap may not be identified until the interview, and once you have your foot in the door, you have a better chance of getting the job.

At an interview, you will almost certainly be asked about gaps. Whatever the hole in your resume, you need to try and present it in a positive light. Michelle took time off while she raised her small child. She took two years out of her business management career to do this. Michelle said,

“After taking a year out when Beth was born, I realized that it wouldn’t be easy to sell this time off, despite the fact that I think motherhood is important in society. So I enrolled myself on an evening class in project management. This way, I’m gaining new skills to help ease me back into the workplace.”

As a result of her actions, Michelle will be able to demonstrate to recruiters that she continued to take an interest in her professional development during her gap, and that she is committed to getting back into the workforce.

If you are currently on a gap from work, you should try to find some constructive activities to keep yourself occupied and show prospective employers that you have used your time well:

Volunteering

One activity that usually goes over well with employers, is volunteering. This is particularly helpful for your resume if you want to gain new skills. Volunteering in order to add new strings to your bow is highly commendable and shows prospective employers that you are committed to your goals.

Learning

You might also consider taking a class in order to increase your skill set. Since you’ll be free during the day, you will potentially have a wider range of options open to you, as your hours may be more flexible. Taking a language or other very practical class can only serve to make you more employable.

Contract Working

Alternatively you might consider working on a short-term contract (temping) basis while you are unemployed. This may help you to gain new skills, it could lead to a full time, permanent position, or in the worst case it will simply help you to make ends meet while you are unemployed.

Brushing Up Your Resume

While you are working on your resume, it might be a god idea to check out our sample resumes database, which has a number of examples to get your resume completed.

These days many people in a wide variety of professions choose to freelance for a period of time. This may be tough choice, because you prefer working on a freelance basis, or because you got laid off, or otherwise had to leave a job. Prospective employers could see stretches of freelance time as unproductive and negative, but you have the ability to turn this time around to your advantage, really selling the additional skills, abilities and experiences that you developed as a freelancer into a huge positive. Here’s how it is done:

You’ve Run Your Own Business

One of the most important aspects of your freelance time that you should remember is that you are effectively running your own business. You are responsible for soliciting work, making sure that you get paid, and everything in between. You’ve shown initiative and an entrepreneurial spirit. If you spin this fact in the right way, how could any employer not see it as a huge positive?

You’ve Planned and Organized

Freelancing has highs and lows, and makes you more resilient. You have to plan and chase work to survive. Every day, week and month, you have to ensure that you have enough work to subsist (at a minimum). This takes significant planning skills. While you are working on projects for clients, you also need to be organized enough to be chasing new work and wooing new clients. You have to be able to sell yourself hard, all of the time. Planning, organizing and selling are three key skills that many employers seek. Make sure to work these into your resume.

Client-facing

During your time as a freelancer you will have worked for a number of different clients. Your role is client-facing. You have to manage your clients effectively and make sure that you continually work really hard, so that they are satisfied. This is work experience that many candidates do not have, and it demonstrates a level of responsibility, reliability and maturity that other candidates may not be able to so easily illustrates. The client management side of your freelance role should be highlighted on your resume.

Project Management

While freelancing, you may have managed projects. You might have worked for a client to deliver a large amount of work in different stages (milestones). You may have defined the scope of a large project. Possibly, you even sub-contracted some of your work, hiring and managing other freelancers to deliver work on time and to budget. Project management skills are important in most organizations, and these skills can serve you well in the workplace. Make sure potential employers are aware of them.

Gained New Highly Sought-After Skills

Freelancing often involves the developing of new skills. For example, many freelancers these days have developed their own website. Even if you have done this just using Wordpress, or another similar easy-to-use format, you will still have gained new skills. You’ll have had to select a design, and write copy for your website. You may have learned something of keywords and search engine optimization, to try to improve the ranking of your site in searches. Perhaps you monetized your site, brining in revenues through having ads on your website. These days, almost all businesses have websites that need developing, improving and maintaining, so frequently these types of skills are very valuable to a potential new employer. Don’t leave them off your resume.

Prioritization and Time Management

Time management is one of the key skills that most effective freelancers develop. You need to organize your time effectively, so that without a boss breathing down your neck, you deliver work on time to clients. Managing a number of different clients and jobs at any given time requires excellent prioritization and time management skills. It necessitates a good judge of how long different projects will take to complete and scheduling them in the right order, to ensure that all work is completed, delivered and approved ahead of the deadlines. Employers need a staff that can prioritize work and manage its time effectively. This means less micro managing for the boss. Work these skills into your job applications.

Setting Your Own Goals—and Meeting Them!

During your time freelancing, whether you carried this out formally, or just thought about it briefly, you will have set your own goals. You will have figured out how much work you could take on, how much money you needed to bring in each month, and you will have worked toward that target. This skill that you will have developed is also one that will impress potential new employers.

LOS ANGELES – Oct. 13, 2010 – ResumeBucket, the fastest-growing free online employment service, today announced the results of a study revealing what recruiters were searching for in the third quarter of 2010 (Q3). Compiled from a two-part study, ResumeBucket first reviewed the top 100 typed keywords most searched by recruiters looking for candidates. The top keywords and the industries they relate to were then categorized as follows:

Armed with the keyword results and top industries, the second half of the study included a survey sent to 1,500 HR managers and recruiters of the employers that currently use ResumeBucket’s services. The 10 question survey sampled recruiters’ plans for hiring in Q4 and into 2011; what stands out in a resume; and what tools they use to find candidates. Some of the key findings include:

• 93.5% of respondents plan on hiring in Q4 2010
  • 46% of those looking to hire 1-5 employees
  • 41.4% looking for 10 or more employees.
  • 51.6% of employers said that “Results stated in the candidate’s experience” was the most eye-catching aspect they looked for on a resume – several times the second most common result, the list of Previous Employers, at 17.6%, and the third most common, tailored content for the job, at 13.2%.
  • Only 2.2% of employers identified a candidate’s school as the most important area of a resume.
  • 87.4% of our employers primarily search for candidates on online Job Boards, as opposed to newspapers (4.6%), Trade Publications (2.3%), and professional recruiting or staffing services (5.7%).
  • 15% of Employers had made a hire through ResumeBucket within the past 3 months.

For more information about the study, or for a detailed results breakdown, contact ResumeBucket at info@resumebucket.com.

About Resume Bucket

ResumeBucket is the fastest growing free online employment service. Helping job seekers build a personal brand and better represent themselves to future employers, ResumeBucket provides each candidate their own website where they can easily post, edit, share and track their resume online. Nearly 300,000 people have already taken advantage and published their resume using the free service.

ResumeBucket is also a resource, accessed for free, by more than 1000 top employers to regularly search qualified resumes and post open positions. ResumeBucket is currently used by companies of all sizes, from SMBs to Fortune 100s, including Accenture, CBS, Dell, Ford/Mercury, GE Healthcare, Intel, Sears Holdings, Time Warner, Twitter, Waste Management and Yahoo!

For more information, please visit www.ResumeBucket.com.

1. Introspection
2. Always be learning
3. Put distance between yourself and the chaos
4. Get a veteran to mentor you
5. Engage with others. Always be networking
6. Create goals. Long term and short term
7. Integrity is everything
8. Stay positive
9. Reward yourself
   
10. Have a Plan B

I purposely left out details of each point. Those are for you to fill in yourself. Write these down and formulate your own plan to Boost Your Career Potential.