Executive Recruiter Tip They Dont Work For You

Writen by Paul Megan

Changing jobs at the senior level?

We'd all like someone out there doing the hard work for us. And we'd like to believe that recruiters are there for us . . . on the lookout for job opportunities for us . . . opening doors for us . . . giving us the inside track to high-paying employment opportunities.

NOT!

Executive recruiters do not work for you. They are retained by a company to find someone to fill a slot. They are paid by the company. And that's where their loyalty is.

They are matchmakers who may have an interest in you. Here are three qualifications they are looking for in a candidate.

1. You're easy to sell to their clients. You have the capabilities, strengths, assets and education that match the recruiter's specialty.

2. Your work function, geographic location and industry experience match the client's specifications.

3. You're a perfect fit for the position that's open right now.

Recruiters aren't career counselors. They're not going to take the time to write your resume. They won't teach you how to interview effectively . . . and they're not going to hold your hand during the process.

Corporations retain executive recruiter for several reasons. They expect a recruiter to be knowledgeable in certain specialties or sectors so they can provide quick access to qualified candidates. Or a corporation may have the need for absolute discretion. Sometimes the company has particular time constraints.

So here's an important executive recruiter tip follow-up:

Don't place a lot of job campaign emphasis on recruiters. They play a very limited role in your search.

The good news is there's a formidable plan that can get you guaranteed results in as little as 14 days! Spending your time and energy getting truly impressive results makes a lot more sense. What's more, it can put you in the driver's seat rather than passively waiting for some recruiter to give you a phone call.

In other word, you can turn your job search into the career adventure of a lifetime!

Paul Megan writes for EEI, the world-class pioneer in alternative job search techniques and non-traditional career advancement strategies . . . since 1985. Grab our stunning FREE REPORT: "How To Lock Up A High-Paying Job In 14 Days (Or Less)!" Click on RSS. http://www.fastest-job-search.com

The 25 Steps In An It Contractor Lifecycle

Writen by Gerry McLaughlin

What lies in store for the IT Contractor? I have seen the whole lifecycle at least three times, so let me tell you what to expect. To be forewarned is to be forearmed, so you might want to remember where you are in the cycle and what lies ahead.

We might as well start when the economy is in boom conditions.

1. IT Contractors are at premium as companies grab as many as they can get.

2. IT Contractor rates rise rapidly.

3. IT Contractors think their time has come and that the gravy train will go on forever. They think that just a few years of this and their pile will be made and they can then get out and live the high life. To bring this date sooner they also invest their excess money in the booming stock market.

4. A ton of permanent IT workers who would never have risked becoming a contractor before feel that the risk has been diminished and become contractors.

5. This means that there are heaps more permanent positions which will be filled temporarily by contractors.

6. Employers and the consultancies start to lobby the Government about a skills shortage.

7. Loads of students going to college take IT related classes to take advantage of the new boom. This means that when the downturn comes there will be even more IT folk competing for fewer jobs.

8. The boom economy starts to turn down.

9. The Government, who are always behind the cycle, starts opening the floodgates to tens of thousands of cut-price IT workers from the developing world whilst saying that they are not replacing IT workers and that they are not undercutting those IT workers.

10. As company profits suddenly start to dip, V.P. s of Operations are told to find ways of cutting costs so that profits can be protected.

11. Great swathes of IT Contractors get cut from the books of companies across the country.

12. IT Contractor rates start falling. Some companies issue take-it-or-leave it 10 percent cuts across the board to all their contractors--even those with perfectly valid contracts with plenty of time to run. Some companies even go back for a second bite of the cherry.

13. In the second wave, companies start laying off their permanent IT workers to cut costs.

14. Many companies decide that the way forward, to cut costs, is to outsource their entire IT department, many of them sending IT jobs offshore never to return.

15. Not only have tens of thousands of IT Contractors lost their jobs but they see the Stock Market, where they'd invested their hard earned contracting cash, sinking, meaning that they have lost not only their income stream but much of what they have invested for a rainy day and for the future.

16. Many IT Contractors, who have spent their remaining cash on staying afloat, run into problems with the Inland Revenue, Customs & Excise etc., and run into terrible financial problems. Indeed many even lose their partners and family as the pressure builds.

17. Gloom and doom is everywhere as the pundits, and many contractors, say that the best days are over and that IT contracting has had its day. They even say that the bottom of the market is actually the new peak and that there will be even fewer contractors in the future.

18. Some IT Contractors get out of the industry altogether and those that can, take a permanent job. There is much weeping and gnashing of teeth.

19. Many IT graduates appear on the market just as the party is over. Like last time, only one-in-five IT graduates will actually get a job in IT.

20. The recovery begins slowly but gradually gathers momentum as companies get more confidence and make those long outstanding major system changes and give budget to projects that have been on the back burner for ages.

21. Companies take on IT Contractors in the early stages of the recovery as they don't yet have the confidence to take on permanent IT workers yet (or they may not be legally able to as they have so recently laid off a whole load of them).

22. The recovery in the IT Contracting market becomes more gentle but more stable. This usually lasts for three or four years. This is the best time for IT Contractors as, although rates are not as high as during a boom, the market is more stable and we are still well away from a downturn.

23. In a downturn, the most important business driver is cost and the Finance Director is in the ascendant at a company. In an upturn, time-to-market becomes the most important business driver and the Sales and Marketing Directors are in the ascendant. Companies want to get more and better and quicker products to market and the IT systems component is normally crucial in many products and services. Therefore they need new projects but don't want to take on extra staff for one-off projects. This is where IT Contractors come in and companies start competing for them.

24. Suddenly, just when companies need them most, there are many more IT Contracts available than there are IT Contractors.

25. Return to Step One.

Gerry McLaughlin has fulfilled every role in Software Development from Trainee Programmer through Systems and Business Analysis, Project Leader and Manager, Systems Manager and Chief Information Officer with a department of 80 people. Tens of thousands of IT Contractors visit

http://www.ITContractor.com each month to keep themselves in touch with the market.

5 Failproof Ways To Get A Raise

Writen by Tony Jacowski

No one asks for a raise just for the sake of asking. You need a raise, maybe to move to a new home, or you may want to support your spouse's college education. You may even be putting in 50-60 hours a week for the sole benefit of the employer; whatever the reason, you have identified that you need it.

The big question is, "do you deserve it?" You can confidently ask for the raise when you are sure of yourself.

Five Ways To Get A Raise.

Here are five sure-fire ways of getting a raise.

1. Don't Ask For A Raise Without A Fail-Proof Plan In Place: Bosses sometimes listen only to well thought out plans which they can hardly refute. If you did not know, they are where they are because can resist such demands which call for additional expenses and can improve the bottom line of the company by curtailing costs (i.e. – your salary!). Your plan can include how an additional $10K or $20K raise can benefit the company. You presentation needs to include what the company is losing and where, by situations not being attended to and how you propose to reverse the trend. But play your cards safely; it can backfire on you if you disclose all your plans.

2. You Need To Occupy An Indispensable Position To Force A Raise: Employers will always be looking to reduce the biggest component of expenditures, which is salary, by at least capping it. However, this does not limit them to raise a high performer's salary even when the 'budget is very tight'. Once you are indispensable, your boss sees you as a value adder and he can ill-afford to lose you to his competitor.

3. Know The Industry Standard Salary For Your Position: This is one of the main reasons for asking for a raise; you have recently discovered that you are being poorly paid vis-à-vis your counterparts in other organizations. But if you are unaware of this, your boss may turn down your proposal saying 'you are already drawing the highest salary in the industry'; or 'this is the highest you can get anywhere for this position.' Know what the standard is in comparison to what you are already getting!

4. Have Options Ready To Suggest To Your Boss: It is possible that the boss might be bound by true constraints. Keep ready alternatives like a housing allowance or extra bonuses directly connected to your performance. Having taken the step to ask for a raise, you shouldn't come away empty-handed. And you won't, if you have prepared correctly.

5. Predict The Grounds On Which You Can Be Rejected: The objections that your boss might raise will always be your weak points or the organization's overall weak financial position. But your demand is based on your measurable performance; the company's overall weakness shouldn't bother you. If nothing appears to move, ask your boss whether you need to speak to upper management. His reaction to this may not be positive, but handling this situation tactfully should save the day for you and get you what you want.

Tony Jacowski is a quality analyst for The MBA Journal. Aveta Solutions – Six Sigma Online ( http://www.sixsigmaonline.org ) offers online six sigma training and certification classes for lean six sigma, black belts, green belts, and yellow belts.

Hunting The Executive Head Hunter

Writen by David Leonhardt

5 tips to win over an executive head hunter or management recruiter

Many job seekers find themselves overwhelmed with dread at the prospect of hunting down a new career position on their own. That's why many people hope to hang their hats on the connections of executive head hunters to do their hunting for them in their ongoing (never-ending?) quest for the ultimate trophy career.

In order to convince a reliable executive head hunter, a job seeker has to plan his attack. A well connected executive recruiter will not take on just any person in a suit. You have to build a solid foundation well in advance of making contact.

Just like animal-hunting needs supplies, recruiter hunting requires strategy and supplies, too. Here are five tips to successfully capture the prize – the services of an executive recruiter.

Do Your Homework

The savvy job-seeker must be well armed with knowledge – not just about his or her interests and skills, but also in the head hunter's interests and specialties. Yes, it helps to approach a head hunter who understands your field and has built up connections, because there is very little need for chemical engineers at an accounting firm (although chemical makers have been forced to allow accountants into their sanctums, but that's another story).

At the same time, an executive management recruiter has no interest in your skills, even if you have won dozens of awards for the French pastries you have created.

Of course, it helps to familiarize yourself with the job market. That is the executive recruiter's job, but it is also yours.

You will also get a lot further if you have assessed your own skills, not just your desired employment. If you clearly are not qualified for what you seek, you won't sell yourself to the head hunter. And if you can't sell yourself to the head hunter, he or she won't bother trying to sell you to anyone else.

Identify Reputable Executive Recruiters and Head Hunters

Unfortunately, in the 21st century there are a growing number of conmen and scam artists who have injected themselves in the business of executive head hunters and recruiters. Therefore, as you begin your search for a bona fide and qualified executive recruiter, it is vital that you ask around.

Before you approach an executive head hunter, find out all that you can about their operations, history and experience from as many independent resources that you can access. Make it a point to find other men or women who have used their services. Find out who has actually landed jobs for other people, before placing your career in the hands of a charlatan.

Prepare a Solid Resume

OK. so this might be obvious. But it is not always done. Prepare a professional resume before you make contact with the executive head hunters on your list. Your resume is your calling card, and it will determine whether the recruiter will even want to let you waste his secretary's time.

Line Up Solid References

Before knocking on head hunter doors, make certain that you have handy a list of professional references.

Just as you will want to know the details about any executive recruiter you approach, these professionals will want to know a good deal about you as well. They will want to be able to contact your references, men and women who can support your professional aspirations with solid testimony about your prior accomplishments, your character, your skills and even your weaknesses, too.

Make sure to ask permission from each reference in advance, so they don't get caught off guard and say something like, "well, uh, let me see, um...you were calling about whom?"

Schedule a One on One Head Hunter Meeting

Finally, when you have all your ducks lined up, you are ready to meet the executive head hunter who will land you that ultimate trophy career. Of course, it helps to pick more than just one recruiter, and it also helps to schedule a meeting at their convenience.

There you have it. You are ready to go and hunt an executive head hunter. Job-searching couldn't be more fun unless it came with a candy cherry on top and a complementary subscription to Laugh magazine. Happy hunting.

David Leonhardt is a Canadian website marketing strategies consultant. He wrote this article for the Directory of Executive Recruiters and Head Hunters.

Do You Have A Quothotsytotsyquot Resume

Writen by Marilyn Tellez

I begin this article with a bit of slang description. What do I mean by a "hotsy totsy" resume? I mean one that does the following for you, the job seeker and a possible employer.

1. It has a concise job objective, based on what the employer wants. Follow the employer's lead.

2. It describes what you, the job seeker, can do for that employer. No long-winded explanation of how wonderful you are. The employer is WONDERFUL!

3. Educational experiences, which can get the job done. Just the facts ma'am.

4. A brief paragraph of how your skills match the job. Short descriptions of skills. Very upbeat.

5. Say you want an interview. Do you?

6. No mention of references. References come during or after an interview. Do you need to trot out your pedigree now?

7. Make sure your information is available. Address; phone, email, etc. Check the resume twice more.

A "hotsy-totsy" resume is inviting, clear and keeps the employer, ALWAYS, in mind.

Being brash, self-confident and assertive is what most employers want. They just don't say it. Milquetoasts are for the backroom.

You want to be in the "front room" don't you? Then, get big, bad and brash with a hotsy-totsy resume.

Not overpowering, just brash and beautiful!

Marilyn J. Tellez, M.A.
Certified Career & Job Transition Coach
Phone: (509) 469-3514
Email: doitnow@nwinfo.net
Web: http://www.doitnowcareers.info

The Best Way To Resign

Writen by Richard Clarke

When its time to leave the company you currently work for you should always act in a professional manner. Remember you may need them for a reference and also you never know when you may cross paths with them again.

Just imagine if you had let your emotions run away with you and you had told the boss exactly what you thought only to find later that they knew your new employers or worse still eventually ended up working with or in your new company.

So best thing to do is always keep things on a nice basis. Keep calm, never express any anger. The following are some points you may wish to note:-

You should:-

• Stay professional
• Advise your employers face to face and give them your resignation letter
• Remember you may come into contact with them at a later stage
• Chose your references carefully and let them know your intentions and why you think you're suitable for the new job.
• Avoid any insults or aggressive conduct

You should never:-

• Hand your notice in when you're angry
• Think that you have to give any reason at all why you want to leave – it's your choice
• Vent your frustration at them telling them of all the bad things you don't like about their company.

If the issue that made you want to think about leaving related to financial reasons you should tell them so. It's possible they may want to think about increasing your package rather than losing you to another company. Sometimes a letter of resignation can trigger this but you need to think carefully you don't want to be back in the same position in another year's time and you would also be messing about the company that has made you the offer and that might scupper any chance of you getting back in with that employer in the future.

When you resign it's a good idea to do so after you have obtained another position. Not only would that give you less of the obvious financial strains that leaving a job without one to go to would produce but you would also be better placed. It's often a fact that employers often prefer to employ those that are already in employment rather than those that are not. So try to get your ideal new job secured first. A number of online job sites can help you find what you need in this direction. The online job site www.redgoldfish.co.uk is extremely useful for finding new jobs and can help you secure your ideal job using the free services the site offers. Even if you dont have a current CV the site will help you build one free of charge so that you can present your details to new employers in the best possible light. It's nice to be in a position of power when resigning knowing that you have an alternative job lined up, so you should take advantage of the free job sites available on the internet as one of the ways to put you in a position of strength when you make that resignation decision.

Despite the fact that it's a good idea to find alternative employment first prior to resigning many employees do resign without a job to go to, often it might be because they want to take a gap from work to reassess what they want to do next or just to take a holiday to think things over. What ever your reasons or choices for wanting to resign you should always think carefully about it and always go about it in a professional manner.

Richard Clarke is on the development team at Redgoldfish Jobs which is a UK job site dedicated to providing Job Search facilities and information to help job seekers find ideal employment within the UK.

Managing A Forced Job Change

Writen by Tony Jacowski

Job changes are not always pleasant phases for everyone. Many employees who have been forced to change their jobs for some reason or the other have failed miserably to manage this phase in their lives, and ended up in bad scenarios. When a job change causes you anxiety, it can be unsettling, to say the least!

Let's look into what causes people to arrive at this stage and whether it applies to employees of all age groups. Finally, we will see the steps one needs to take to safeguard his/her career and avoid trauma.

Reasons For Anxiety

A first job change for people in their late 20s and early 30s is a big challenge. It is especially daunting when expenses have gone through the roof and they have the additional responsibilities of supporting their families and raising children.

The phenomena of forced job changes are not new. Many people in the 20-30 year old age group will have bitten off more than they can chew, and a forced job change unsettles their lives. The reasons for a forced job change could range from a falling-out with the boss to downsizing or a company relocation.

Not having another job before you give up your present one is what can hurt you the most. The thoughts of staying home until you can find another job can be agonizing.

Then there are the monthly bills, which can't be ignored. Most people in this age group will have bought cars or have a home and mortgage, which in all likelihood will be still new.

This anxiety related to a forced job change is not limited to any particular age group. Young employees new in their jobs and the workforce, often chuck their jobs on an impulse. If it takes a long time to get another job, the reason they left their jobs in the first place will haunt them.

Accept The Reality

You have reasons to believe that you were loyal to the organization, but you still need to accept the reality of your situation. Job losses are not new and you are not the only one that has found themselves in that situation. Self-pity and other negative thoughts will only make the situation worse. Immediately engaging in either job search or some activity will help to keep you active and divert your mind away from negative thoughts.

Take big strides, get out there and search for a job! It is not necessary to find a job exactly like your first one. It is quite possible that you have picked up many skills than you had at your first job. You can pursue one of them if there is a promising career prospect for it. Handling job interviews likewise should not be a problem. However, if you feel that you need practice in this area, by all means practice with a relative or friend.

A forced job change can be a scary event. The important thing to remember is that if you prepare well, and jump right back into the job hunt, you will eventually be successful.

Tony Jacowski is a quality analyst for The MBA Journal. Aveta Solutions – Six Sigma Online ( http://www.sixsigmaonline.org ) offers online six sigma training and certification classes for lean six sigma, black belts, green belts, and yellow belts.

Employment Background Screening

Writen by Josh Riverside

An employee background check can include a number of verifications such as the applicant's educational background, previous employment, social security number, credit history, criminal history, drug history, and medical history.

All these checks are to ensure the employer or the company that the candidate is indeed trustworthy and would not create any problems with the other employees or company records or in general with the company in the future.

An employee background screening might involve some basic information such as educational qualifications, date of birth, previous employers and the references provided. However, some background checks could also be industry specific.

If the post is for that of a driver of a utility vehicle or company vehicles, it might prove useful to check the driver record. Motor vehicle or past driving history might provide an indication of the person's behavior with a vehicle. Also, a driver who deals with school buses and who deals with kids needs to have a clean criminal and sexual abuse record.

Companies that require the applicant for office jobs need to know about the applicant's criminal records to avoid any thefts in the office. Also a sexual harassment record can prove to be very helpful in the long run, particularly if the person is in an office with female employees.

If the application is for a worker who might need to lift weights or other work that might require physical labor, it might help to check the applicant's medical history. Also, the worker's compensation history can help the company from avoiding hiring someone who is forever looking for chances to sue the owners or the company.

Companies that provide corporate credit cards must check for the bankruptcy history of the applicant along with the credit rating. This will help in avoiding hassles relating to the credit card.

Employers must take care to get to know that the applicant does not have a drug related problem as this might make the situation in the office dicey. This can be done along with the medical background check.

Employers can either hire an agency for the applicant's pre-employment screening or have a department within the company itself to deal with such screenings. However, these agencies have to follow certain rules dictated by the FCRA while conducting a background check. The reports must contain accurate information and must not mislead the employer.

Employment Screening provides detailed information about employment screening, employment drug screening, and more. Employment Screening is affiliated with Background Checks.

Career As A Motor Home Delivery Person

Writen by Lance Winslow

Did you know if you love to travel or want a job driving for a living that you can make money delivering motorhomes? It is true. And it makes sense for those who love to drive but do not want to deal with people like they would if they were driving a bus, taxi cab, limousine or coach. Of course you could get a job as a truck driver too, but delivering motorhomes is nice because they are generally new or very nice.

How much do they pay you? Well often if you drive one across country you can make $2500 or so and they pay for the gas and pay you 40% up front so you can buy fuel have some cash and then get paid the rest when you drop it off. And best of all many people get to drive some very nice vehicles and they give you money for a return airline ticket.

Of course most pocket this money and find a motorhome to drive back the other way and get paid going both ways. So they can make $5,000 per two weeks driving each way. And still have plenty of time once they get back to enjoy their own home until they need some more money. What kinds of people take these jobs? Well people with good driving records who are not afraid to travel and enjoy the open road of course. Consider this in 2006.

"Lance Winslow" - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; http://www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/

The Cost Of Being A Perfectionist Or A Workaholic For Attorneys

Writen by Alvah Parker

Are you a perfectionist and/or a workaholic? In today's world most attorneys and other professionals are working long hours. Doing a good job of course is essential to winning and keeping clients but some people go a bit overboard. Do you attend to the smallest detail yourself, work at your desk through lunch and stay at work late into the evening? If you said yes, you are not alone.

I recently heard a speaker refer to workaholism as the only addiction that can appear on your resume. I'd add perfectionism to that too. People (Maybe just Americans?) today brag about workaholism and perfectionism. Both seem attractive to those managing the practice who believe they are getting a lawyer who will produce mountains of perfect work! Dream on!

What happens to the attorney who works incredible hours or the one who is never satisfied with the quality of the work? These lawyers are candidates for burn out, unrelenting stress and illness and will always be unhappy about lack of time for fun and family. If they have any extra time to consider alternatives they may be the people who leave the law to find other occupations. Otherwise they run on empty and feel that way too!

Is this you? Do you have a critical inner voice that tells you, you never do your work well enough or fast enough? Does your critic tell you your work will only be worthwhile if you make it perfect? The problem is that that fault finding critic is NEVER satisfied and your days just get longer and longer. There is no satisfaction.

My time management tips might be helpful initially but sooner or later there just aren't enough hours in the day. Sometimes too the work ethic in the law firm creates pressure to continue these bad habits. Law firms whose practice management philosophy encourage this give up more than they realize.

Creativity only comes when the mind is allowed to rest. How many of us get lots of wonderful ideas as we lie down to go to sleep at night? It may be the only time our minds are quiet enough.

The Boston Globe ran a story a couple of weeks ago about a repair foreman for the public transit system who found a solution to a problem that had plagued the system. The foreman found the solution by observing the butcher in a butcher shop on his day off! Wonderful ideas come when a person has time to relax and be a creative.

I've just had my own experience with perfectionism. In the singing workshop I did a couple of weeks ago. My goal was to sing a song in an on stage in front of an audience. The night of the performance I was extremely nervous. I'd practiced and practiced but occasionally I did forget a lyric and it usually happened when I was scared.

Sure enough when I got out on the stage my mind went blank! I took a couple of breaths and miraculously the words came back so I could start. As I continued singing some of the words escaped me again but I managed to get through the song by putting in other words.

No one else seemed to notice and the audience acknowledged me by clapping vigorously. My colleagues congratulated me and told me how wonderful I was. I'd accomplished my goal to perform in front of an audience but I didn't get the feeling of satisfaction that I expected because it wasn't perfect.

The choice to be a workaholic and/or a perfectionist is in the hands of each individual. I know perfectionism is hurting me and I want to change. Making a conscious effort to change my inner messages is a first step. For those of you working long hours and hating it. There is a solution for you too. How do you figure out what the steps are? A Practice Advisor and coach can help!

Take Action

1. Do you have a tendency to be a perfectionist and/or a workaholic? Is it negatively impacting your life?

2. Make a list of activities you wish you had time for. Choose one activity and plan to do spend some time doing it in the next week. Do this weekly for the next month and then revisit your list.

3. Take an exploratory bike ride or walk. Get lost! Really!!! Is there a benefit? Think about how this might apply to the work that you do?

4. What do you need to do to get out of your comfort zone and stretch? What can you do to enjoy your mistakes?

About Alvah Parker

Alvah Parker is a Business and Career Coach as well as publisher of Parker's Points, an email tip list and Road to Success, an ezine. To subscribe send an email to join-roadtosuccess@go.netatlantic.com

Parker's Value Program© enables clients to find a way to work that is more fulfilling and profitable. She is both a Practice Advisor and Coach to attorneys, managers, business owners, sole practioners, and people in transition. Alvah is found on the web at http://www.asparker.com She may also be reached at 781-598-0388

Job Interviews Traditional Questions Are Still The Tradition

Writen by Carla Vaughan

Job interviews can be so frightening. They may even be worse on the nerves than public speaking, which is also a huge fear for most people. How can a person overcome some of the fears of interviewing?

The most important thing you can do to feel more comfortable in a job interview setting is to prepare for the situation. Being prepared for an interview is essential – not only for your success in finding a great job, but also in keeping your nervous system from going crazy.

When you are able to answer many of the expected questions asked in a job interview, you will be far more confident and successful.

Here are some questions to help you prepare for your next job interview. Either recite your answers, write them down – or both. Go over them until you feel you can answer them without hesitation.

1. Why did you leave your last job?
2. Why should I hire you?
3. What are your strongest abilities?
4. How do your skills relate to our needs?
5. How would a good friend describe you?
6. Describe the best job you've ever had.
7. What would your last boss say about your work performance?
8. Name two things that you would like to accomplish while working here.
9. What makes you qualified for this position?
10. What are you looking for?
11. Would you accept part time or temporary work?
12. Are you willing to work overtime?
13. What would you like to know about our firm?
14. Tell me something about yourself?
15. What are your greatest strengths/weaknesses?
16. Where do you want to be in 5 years?
17. Why do you want to work for us?
18. What motivates you to go the extra mile on a project or job?
19. What kinds of people do you enjoy working with?
20. What kinds of people frustrate you?
21. Do you consider yourself a leader?
22. What do you see yourself doing five years from now? Ten years from now?
23. What are your long range career objectives?
24. How do you plan to achieve your career goals?
25. Why did you choose this career?
26. Have you ever had difficulty with a supervisor? How did you resolve the conflict?
27. What have you learned from your activities?
28. Were your extracurricular activities worth the time you put into them?
29. What interests you about our company?
30. How long would it take for you to make a meaningful contribution?
31. How does this assignment fit into your overall career plan?
32. Are you willing to submit to a background check?
33. What concerns you about our company?
34. Describe the most rewarding experience of your career thus far.
35. If you were hiring a job-seeker for this position, what qualities would you look for?
36. Do you have plans for continued study? An advanced degree?
37. Are you willing to do whatever it takes to be successful in this job?
38. In what kind of work environment are you most comfortable?
39. How do you work under pressure?
40. What's one of the hardest decisions you've ever had to make?
41. How well do you adapt to new situations?
42. How many hours per week do you expect to work?
43. What can you do for us that someone else can't?
44. What do you look for in a job?
45. What are the most important rewards you expect in your career?
46. Why did you decide to apply for this position?
47. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
48. What is more important to you: integrity or success?
49. What kind of work environment do you prefer?
50. How would you characterize your work ethic?
51. What else besides your school and job experience qualifies you for this job?
52. How do you determine or evaluate success?
53. What do you think it takes to be successful in a company like ours?
54. In what ways do you think you can make a contribution to our company?
55. Have you ever been fired or forced to resign?
56. How do you work in groups, and what experience have you had working in groups?
57. Are you easy to get along with?
58. What does "failure" mean to you?
59. What questions didn't I ask that you expected?
60. What do you know about our competitors?
61. How will you fit in with the corporate culture here?
62. What two or three things are most important to you in your job?
63. Are you seeking employment in a company of a certain size? Why?
64. What are your expectations regarding promotions and salary increases?
65. What criteria are you using to evaluate the company for which you hope to work?
66. Are you willing to relocate?
67. How do you deal with competition?
68. If a background check were performed on you, what would it show?
69. What are some things you would like to avoid in a job? Why?
70. What are some of the things about your last job that you found difficult to do?
71. Do you have your reference list with you?
72. How has your present job developed you to take on even greater responsibilities?
73. What do you have going for you that might make you successful in such a job?
74. Would you like my job?
75. What do you do when people disagree with your ideas?
76. What plan of action do you take when facing a problem?
77. What is the most boring job you have ever done?

Yes, that is a long list of questions. Of course, you do not need to have an answer for every single one, but the more prepared you are, the better you will do. Also, as you answer some questions, it becomes easier to answer others, so you will gain a lot from going through the list and tackling as many questions as possible.

Interviewing is never going to be easy, but it can be EASIER if you are well prepared. Show your confidence the next time you are in a job interview setting and the employer will definitely take notice.

Good luck.

For additional information on interviewing, follow this link to: Interview Mistakes.

Carla Vaughan

Carla is the proud owner of Professional-Resume-Example.com, a site devoted to assisting candidates in the job-search process. She holds a B.S. in Business from Southern Illinois University and has authored several books.

Click here to read Job Search Articles

Medical Assistant Careers On The Rise

Writen by Melissa Steele

Medical assistants are one of the high growth jobs in the healthcare industry. If you are thinking about embarking on a new career, you might want to consider being a medical assistant. The health care field is growing on a daily basis, mainly to due to advances in medicine. There is always a great need for medical assistants in hospitals, medical centers and clinics. The aging of America's largest generation is also pushing the need for additional medical assistants over the next several years.

Medical Assistants are responsible for administrative and clinical tasks. These assistants are responsible for keeping health care offices running smoothly. The duties of medical assistants vary from office to office. Some of the administrative duties performed by medical assistants include answering phones and scheduling appointments, updating and filing patient medical records, filling out insurance forms, and billing. There are also clinical duties to be performed by medical assistants. These duties can vary according to differences in state law. Some of the tasks performed medical assistants include taking vital signs, preparing patients for examinations, or assisting doctors with examinations. Medical assistants also collect specimens, administer medication as authorized by a physician and telephone prescriptions to pharmacies. They are also responsible for taking blood, changing sutures and dressing, and keeping examination rooms clean and tidy.

Medical assistants can move up in their careers by specializing in particular healthcare areas. There are also advancement opportunities by moving up to office manager. With additional certification and education, medical assistants can advance to other health care jobs such as nursing. Medical assistants with further formal training and current job experience are great candidates for career advancement. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that medical assisting will be one of the fastest growing jobs on average through 2014. This is due to the increasing use of medical assistants across the healthcare industry. The earnings of medical assistants vary, depending on their experience, skill level, and location. Median annual earnings of medical assistants were $24,610 in May 2004.

Now is the time to get in on the ground floor of this fast growing occupation. Healthcare employers prefer graduates of formal programs in medical assisting. Such programs are offered in vocational-technical high schools, postsecondary vocational schools, and community and junior colleges. Postsecondary programs usually last 1-year, resulting in a certificate or diploma, or 2 years, resulting in an associate degree.

Melissa Steele, College Degrees @ EducationGuys.com

Career Vision Tools To Map Your Future

Writen by Melanie Keveles

"If You Don't Know Where You're Going, You'll Probably End Up Someplace Else" is a book by David Campbell that's been around for years. It's been some time since I've read it, but the title sticks in my mind because it's so catchy… and true!

There are a variety of different ways to plot the future on paper - sort of like using a travel guide or roadmap such as you would use to take a road trip across country. My husband and I have been members of the AAA of Wisconsin for years. We wouldn't think of driving anywhere of distance without having our trusty detailed maps within reach in the car.

Likewise with your career future. It helps to map it out so that you know where you're going - and when you've arrived. A simple visual I like to use with career searching clients is a Venn diagram. These diagrams usually consist of three overlapping circles, sort of like a round pretzel. Venns help you describe and compare the elements and characteristics of items.

Often I get very basic with people and have them compare just two elements - who am I and What is the Best Setting for Me in the World of Work? We place Who Am I in the circle on the left and World of Work on the right hand circle. The overlapping area we call Best Fit. The space on the left looks at values, skills, interests, passions and talents. The circle on the right is reserved to explore career opportunities in the marketplace - the context in which they would be working. Often career seekers are so outwardly focused, looking at job ads both on the Internet and in the newspaper that they neglect to explore much about themselves that would lead them to a work environment that would best suit them. Therefore, I purposely have my clients focus a lot of energy on exploring who they are.

There are plenty of opportunities to consider the job opportunities out there - but not knowing who you are and where you best fit will cripple the best of us - trying to fit our round peg selves into square peg job situations. So it's important to fill out as much detail as possible in each of the circles.

Another way to map your future is by starting backwards from the end point - where you're going. There are two wonderful maps we can use to plot this out as well. This process works both for those looking for career opportunities as well as for small business start-ups. It is useful to use these techniques after first working with the Venn diagram.

The first approach comes from Barbara Sher's book Wishcraft that details a process the author claims she found businesses using. For example, let's say that through the soul searching you did with your Venn diagram you discovered you want a job in customer service in the computer industry. Your map will look different according to whether you have any background in this field or not, but the steps will be essentially the same, no matter your level of experience.

Sher suggests that you ask yourself, "Can I do this today?" If not, what do I have to do first? In other words, you work backwards from your end goal of your customer service position. You identify each of the steps you'd need to take to get there, starting from your end point and working backwards. You plot this out on paper using words and phrases and circles and lines to connect each one of the steps you'll be taking along the way to your goal. You work backwards to your beginning steps, until you identify all the small steps you can start towards your goal today. The beauty of this process is that you do it backwards - from the end point back to the present moment. This alleviates questions you may have that will have you spinning your wheels because you don't know what to do.

An alternative to this approach is a Mountain Top exercise author Gail Blanke explains in her book titled In My Wildest Dreams: Simple Steps to a Fabulous Life. Here you draw a triangle minus its bottom piece to represent a mountain. At the very top of the triangle or mountain is the final event such as being hired as director of public relations for a cruise line. Each leg of the triangle is a journey you have taken to get to your end point. You plot out with the help of a friend or a coach all the steps you take along the way to get to your destination – the final career triumph. This process affords the individual two different approaches to the end point since each leg of the triangle is explored with entirely different steps.

Try using these suggested maps to plot your career future or you create your own visual approach such as clipping magazine photographs to create a collage "map" of your ideal future to hang in a prominent place where you will view it continuously. Challenge yourself to consider what sort of visual will help you most map out your future.

Whatever you choose— do it. Make a pact with yourself to visually represent your future so that you will know where you're going — and you'll get there with ease. If you have some favorite approaches that we haven't mentioned here, be sure to contact us so that we can pass this information along to others.

Melanie Keveles MA, CPCC, Certified Professional Life Coach. She's a "dream champion," working with people who want to change career direction, start a business or publish a book. She's available via e-mail at mkeveles@onlinecoaching.com, by phone at 715-394-4260, or http://www.onlinecoaching.com.

Retirement Is It A Career Change Option

Writen by Peter Fisher

Retirement might be the answer when you ask yourself "why do I want to make a career change" and you decide that what you actually want is not so much a career change as to stop what you've been doing altogether.

This may be a good choice for some – those who can afford it – but not necessarily the right choice for all. Of course retirement doesn't have to mean doing nothing at all, in fact with longer life-expectation, that probably isn't an option for many of us.

For most people considering retirement, or early retirement, the main concern is money. Some of you will have no worries, you've planned for it, and you've invested your savings and budgeted ahead. But even with the best savings rates, it won't be like that for the majority, especially with what's happening to pension funds every day.

However, far from thinking of putting your feet up, you might think about other ways to supplement your investments or pension. But first ask yourself what is your reason and motive for wanting to work, because this will affect whatever decision you make.

Perhaps it's about supplementing your personal pension income, or about companionship? Is it about the need for mental stimulation or to have a sense of purpose? Perhaps you're concerned that without a job you lose a large part of your identity? You want to protect the value of your savings and investments?

The answer is probably a combination of these factors, so use the career change guidance throughout my web-site to establish your priorities and avoid drifting into something that won't satisfy you. If you need to get out of the house and make new friends then don't choose a solitary job working from home.

Of course some people know exactly what they are going to do; it's all pre-planned or has been worked out with guidance similar to this.

If you're taking early retirement, why not ask your employer if they could continue to use your skill and knowledge as a consultant - you can do this either as self-employed or as an employee of your own small business.

Running a small business can be one of the most satisfying retirement occupations, and there are thousands of success stories of those who took the plunge at 55-plus. These people have built businesses that provide involvement, fun and income plus creating something of value to pass on to the children or grandchildren.

If you have a skill or specialist knowledge to offer, the drive to do something with it, the time to invest and the health to support your ambition, then you have the basis of a

business that can bring real retirement benefits, allow you to make the most of your investment income, and above all continuing career satisfaction.

You probably haven't given it much thought but you could build an online business based upon what you know. You've amassed a great deal of knowledge from your work experience, your hobbies, passions, or past-times. Take a look at my web-site now; this all comes from my specialist knowledge and a set of tools called Site Build It that removes any need for technical knowledge – you could do it too, and if you like I'll show you how.

With his background of over 25 years running businesses, and as a Career Coach and Consultant in many sectors, Peter Fisher is well placed to guide job seekers through the steps needed in order to achieve that all important new position.

He has personally coached thousands of individuals to career success.

He writes a distillation of these years of experience with all the essential facts and actions you must complete in order to achieve your own success. He is very clear that you shouldn't be misled by others into thinking of "acing interviews" or "finessing" your way into a business; the most sustainable and fulfilling roles are gained through understanding your own specific needs and creating your strategy accordingly.

You can learn more about his dynamic and comprehensive approach to career change, with every page dedicated to helping serious career changers if you go to http://www.your-career-change.com/index.html

If you are attracted to the idea of trying an on-line business read this page first http://www.your-career-change.com/Retirement.html

Temping A Backdoor Entrance To New Careers

Writen by Scott Brown

If you're in between jobs or having trouble finding the career you want, you might want to consider temping. It's a great way to avoid having gaps on your resume and you may also get a chance to learn something new. If you're looking to change careers but don't know where to start, it's also a great way to gain experience without making a life change. You can temp for a little while and then decide if it's time to change fields. Experience will get you everywhere so go out and get some

Listing it on your resume

A lot of people are afraid to take a temp job because they're afraid of how it will look on their resume. But keep in mind that temping is not what it used to be. If you present it the right way, an interviewer will focus on your skills and experience, not that fact that you held a temp job. Temping jobs are great for mid-life career changers, as they can help you find yourself in terms of your new career. People often take temping jobs when they are in between jobs and need some income for the time being. However, some temp jobs last longer than "permanent" jobs.

Simply list your temp job(s) by the employer(s) you worked for. If you list the job as "Johnson Temp Agency" if may hurt your chances of getting a permanent job. While there's nothing wrong with doing temporary work, we are often judged by the content of our resumes before we even meet an employer. List the job title, employer, and then the name of the agency to avoid unnecessary biases. For example:

Administrative Assistant, ABC Corporation, New York, NY

January 2004-present

This way, if someone is quickly skimming your resume, they won't immediately see that you were/are employed as a temp.

De-emphasize the "temporary" part

These days regular jobs are sometimes just as temporary as temp jobs. It's a tough economy with a lot of competition. But your temping experience can be an advantage if you have gotten a lot out of it. Remember, if your stint as a temp was brief, you don't even have to list it all. However, if the experience (long or short) has benefited you as a professional, by all means, mention it Here are some quick reasons why you should mention your temping experience:

• You went above and beyond the call of duty at your temp job

• As a result, you have more skills, learned new programs, etc.

• You worked for a nationally recognized firm for a period of 6 months or more

Remember, it's your choice whether or not you even use the word "temp." You might want to avoid using words like "temporary" or "temp altogether. Just be honest if you are questioned about your work history. When it comes time for an interview, keep your spirits up. Be as upbeat as possible about your temping experience and share all the positive aspects that have molded you into the professional you are today. Keep in mind that your feelings on the subject will show through. So think of your temping experience as a good one and others will too!

About The Author
Scott Brown is the author of the Job Search Handbook (http://www.JobSearchHandbook.com). As editor of the HireSites.com weekly newsletter on job searching, Scott has written many articles on the subject. He wrote the Job Search Handbook to provide job seekers with a complete yet easy to use guide to finding a job effectively. To download your own free copy of the Job Search Handbook, visit http://www.JobSearchHandbook.com.

Things All College Students Should Know Before Their Career Starts

Writen by Josh Rives

Changing from a career as a college student to the dreaded career in "the real world" leaves many students in somewhat of a culture shock. Many college students have an internship or two under their belt by the time they get to college and I highly recommend that to ease the transition.

Here are some things that you can realize or change as a college student that will help you in moving to a 9 to 5:

1. Change doesn't come easy
   

   Most college students come out thinking they will fix everything in a company. Keep this attitude but be realistic. Even if the way something is done now is inefficient, change is a big deal. People don't like to change because they have to re-learn or break a habit. There is also usually a bigger picture than you don't yet know. Just because it should change doesn't mean it will.

2. Connections often trump performance
   

   You will experience this especially in your job search. The easiest way to get a job is not submitting your resume online, but through someone on the inside. You are also going to see this in your superiors and co-workers. Your superior may not be as qualified or knowledgeable, but they know more people than you. Of course connections without good performance backing you up will catch up to you.

3. Be a nerd, but with social skills
   

   Nerds are not hugely successful, nerds with social skills are successful. Unless you invent time travel, how well you can talk to a computer doesn't matter if you can't also talk to superiors, co-workers, investors and customers.

4. Keep it simple
   

   Many students try to impress with essay emails or big words. Emails should reflect the way you would explain in person. Long emails get ignored or skimmed, so keep them short and/or bulleted. Don't make me get a dictionary or read a novel.

5. Be casual, yet professional
   

   You will not talk work all the time. Share stories to build relationships, but learn what to talk about with different people. You won't share the same stories or detail with superiors as you do peers. Even with peers it is possible to go to far.

6. Use your first job experience
   

   More than likely your first job is not where you will retire. You need that job to get experience, but it doesn't have to be your life's calling. Use what you learn to find out what it is you do want to do for the rest of your life.

7. Maintain an attitude of innovation
   

   While this may seem to contradict some of what I said, maintain an attitude of bringing innovation. The routine of working can dull your creativity, but people don't get promoted (usually) for consistently meeting expectations. Bringing innovation will exceed expectations, so maintain your "change the world" attitude, but don't expect it to happen tomorrow.

Josh Rives http://www.linktipidea.com

Computer Training For Improving Soft Skills

Writen by Natalie Aranda

The increased demand for qualified IT personal and skilled networking technicians has made the workforce diversity more competitive, as computer training is essential to any company's growth.

Although computer based training is provided by diverse high school nationwide as well as colleges and other educational center, employers consider the need of a better IT training.

Technical training for improving soft skills can be achieved easily because of the use of computers in almost any household in the United States and other countries, as well as in all respectable businesses from small-medium to major companies with the latest technologies and equipment.

Computer training software is available almost anywhere, allowing people to gain the necessary skills in areas such as accounting and finance, administrative support, business, communication, consulting, selling and customer service, human resources, industrial operation, management, marketing, personal development, networking and safety, strategic planning, technical training and IT training.

Computer based training comes in the form of CD-Rom courses, so any individual who knows how to turn on a computer can learn through a diligent application process at home, office or school, and even at Internet cafes.

The scope of the deficiency of technical training underscores the need for IT training courses as complementary to any other former education.

Other advanced computer skills can be easily acquired with high-quality computer training, as a long-term reliance alternative that increases the opportunity of recruitment for workers.

Networking sectors and other companies which performance is based on computer systems, strongly promote among their employers the enrollment in computer based training programs to improve their skills, while they stay updated in new technologies.

From creative computer based training to IT training, CD-Rom software can be combined with interactive online courses and tests to round the individuals' learning experience. Technical training can be combined with live practice, which aids in improving overall skills.

Although some companies do not have a web server of their own or cannot afford the licensing to own computer-training software, a CD-Rom is the perfect answer to offer their employers a computer based training experience.

Furthermore, many courses online, or through land-bases institutions, offer along with the learning material computer, training CD's to allow the student to practice at home, or elsewhere when they are not connected to the Internet.

IT training and technical training software is usually accompanied by a complete step-to-step development guide, which allows people to practice safely with their own equipment or those in their work environment.

Natalie Aranda writes about technical training and computer training. Computer based training or CBT comes in the form of CD-Rom courses, so any individual who knows how to turn on a computer can learn through a diligent application process at home, office or school, and even at Internet cafes. NETg integrated solutions are designed specifically to help unlock the potential of people throughout a whole organization, in order to achieve competitively results.

How To Start A Career In Social Work

Writen by Eric Morgan

Over 600,000 social workers strive every day to make a positive impact on the lives of others. If you're passionate about helping individuals, families, organizations, and communities, a career in social work might be right for you. Social workers find themselves helping people from all walks of life in a variety of atmospheres from schools to hospitals to prisons to nursing homes and handle casework, policy analysis, research, counseling, and teaching. They deal with issues such as poverty, abuse, addiction, unemployment, death, divorce, and physical illness. If a career switch to social work appeals to you, following is a brief background of social work basics and how to make a smooth transition.

Career Outlook: According to the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the social work profession is expected to grow by 30% by 2010 and is expected to grow faster than average for all occupations through 2014.

Median Annual Earnings for Social Workers (U.S., 2004)

• Child, Family, And School Social Workers: $34,820
• Medical And Public Health Social Workers: $40,080
• Mental Health And Substance Abuse Social Workers: $33,920 • All Other Social Workers: $39,440

Education Requirements: All social workers must have a bachelors (BSW), masters (MSW), or doctoral degree (DSW or Ph.D.) and complete a predetermined number of hours in supervised fieldwork. Social workers also have to graduate from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The CSWE reports that in 2004 there were 442 BSW programs and 168 MSW programs. While some people work with only a BSW, career options are more limited, so the MSW or DSW is more common.

• BSW: Accredited BSW programs typically take four years to complete and require 400 hours of supervised field experience. With a BSW, a graduate can work in an entry-level position, such as a caseworker.

• MSW: An MSW requires two years of study and has a prerequisite of an undergraduate degree in social work, psychology, or a similar field. An MSW allows a social worker to work in a clinical setting to diagnose and treat psychological problems.

• DSW: A doctoral degree takes anywhere from 4-7 years. A DSW has extensive training in therapy and research and is qualified to teach in a university setting.

If you lack the educational or professional background, an associate's degree may be a good place to start to see if you're willing to make the necessary educational commitment.

For information regarding accredited social work programs, visit the Council on Social Work Education's website: www.cswe.org

Licensing and Exams: Social workers must be licensed. For licensing purposes, each state has its own requirements, but an MSW is usually a minimum. In addition, licensing requires 2 years or 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience.

After completing school and hour requirements, social work candidates must pass an exam. The Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) develops and maintains four categories of social work licensure examinations: Bachelors, Masters, Advanced Generalist, and Clinical. Candidates should check with individual boards to find out which examinations are appropriate for the jurisdiction where they want to be licensed.

According to the ASWB's website:

"Each examination contains 170 four-option multiple choice questions designed to measure minimum competencies at four categories of practice. Only 150 of the 170 items are scored; the remaining 20 questions are "pretest" items included to measure their effectiveness as items on future examinations. These pretest items are scattered randomly throughout the examination. Candidates have four hours to complete the test, which is administered electronically."

For information on state licensing requirements, see the Association of Social Work Boards website: http://www.aswb.org/education/boards/

For information on exams, visit http://www.aswb.org/exam_info.shtml

Continuing Education: As part of renewing licenses every two years, almost all states require continuing education (CE) courses. Each state's CE requirements vary in number of hours and approved courses, so be sure to check with the board over your jurisdiction to make sure you are in compliance with CE requirements. Many courses are available online, at sites such as www.speedyceus.com, which save time and money.

Types of Licenses: There are several different kinds of licenses available: L.C.S.W. (or A.C.S.W., L.C.S., L.I.C.S.W., C.S.W.)

The licensed clinical social worker has a graduate academic degree, has completed supervised clinical work experience and has passed a national- or state-certified licensing exam. This advanced practitioner holds a license that allows him or her to receive health-care insurance reimbursements. (National Association of Social Workers)

SSW: School social work is a specialized area of practice within the broad field of the social work profession. School social workers bring unique knowledge and skills to the school system and the student services team. School social workers are instrumental in furthering the purpose of the schools: to provide a setting for teaching, learning, and for the attainment of competence and confidence. School social workers are hired by school districts to enhance the district's ability to meet its academic mission, especially where home, school and community collaboration is the key to achieving that mission. (School Social Work Association of America)

Other specialties and certifications, offered by the National Association of Social Workers, include:

• Academy of Certified Social Workers (ACSW)
• Qualified Clinical Social Worker (QCSW)
• Diplomate in Clinical Social Work (DCSW)
• Certified Clinical Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs Social Worker (C-CATODSW)
• Certified Advanced Children, Youth, and Family Social Worker (C-ACYFSW)
• Certified Children, Youth, and Family Social Worker (C-CYFSW)
• Certified Advanced Social Work Case Manager (C-ASWCM)
• Certified Social Work Case Manager (C-SWCM)
• Certified Social Worker in Health Care (C-SWHC)
• Certified School Social Work Specialist (C-SSWS)

Eric Morgan has been assisting companies with internet marketing for over 7 years. He currently works for MWI web design in Salt Lake City, Utah. For more information on this topic please visit Speedy CEUS - Social Worker Education.

Good Employers Want A Balance Of Assertiveness And Agressiveness How To Cultivate That Vital Balan

Writen by R Sodoma

Employers often avoid hiring overly aggressive employees as they drive business away. However employers want and hire assertive employees because assertive behavior projects capability and promotes a healthy productive working environment. What are these traits and how can you create a healthy balance?

Assertive behavior can be many things. It can be standing up for your rights, expressing yourself honestly, courtesly and comfortably as well as observing and respecting the rights of others.

Assertive behavior promotes equality and a healthy balance in human relationship. Assertion is based on human – right- especially the right to be treated with respect in all situations. Every person has the right to be listened to and taken seriously, to say yes or no with conviction, to express his or her opinion, and ask for what he or she wants.

Assertive behavior is critical to a successful job search and career potent ional because it conveys self-esteem and capability.

Employers hire people who behave confidently and are able to convey their job descriptions comfortably and clearly. They want employees who strengthen human relations and project competence in the workplace. They hire applicants who demonstrate assertiveness in interviews, resumes, and all communications. To reach your full potential, be assertive and tactful expressing yourself, and respect the rights of others.

Generally personality types fall into three general categories. Nonassertive, aggressive and assertive. Employers avoid hiring nonassertive and aggressive employees because they are often detrimental in the workplace.

People who are nonassertive have difficulty expressing thoughts or feelings because they lack confidence. They may become unhappy because they permit others to abuse their rights. They project their feelings of unhappiness others.

Aggressive based people often violate the rights of others with domineering, pushy behavior. Their goal is to dominate because they fear loss of control. Overly aggressive employees drive business away. The good employers who you would wish to work for usually identify such trouble and avoid hiring these types.

Assertive behavior is essential to career success. Assertive people are confident, express their needs and opinions comfortably, and are sensitive to the needs of others. The type of employer that you would want to work for usually search out assertive employees as their behavior projects capability and promotes a healthy , productive working environment.

What are techniques by which you can develop assertiveness? Practice expressing your feelings and needs calmly and clearly. As well continually demonstrate acceptance and respect for others by praising them sincerely and honestly whey they perform or behave well.

The whole point is to deal with other people in a sincere and truthful way. Imitate friendships. Express your opinions in meetings or conversations particularly when you strongly believe or are knowledgeable about the topic. Don't talk just to be noticed. Contribute something to each conversation.

It may help to join a professional or service organization or club. You can always volunteer. This is good way to network and build your assertive skills.

Remember the type of employer that would have a pleasing, easy going workplace without great interpersonal conflicts is the place you want to be.

Generally the people who do the hiring in such progressive firms recognize the traits of the applicants that they wish to hire. A balance of assertive behavior without overly aggressive tendencies is preferred. Groom yourself for those personal traits.

Mr. R. Sodoma Career Motivation and Trends Counsellor. Winnipeg Job Shark winnipegjobshark@yahoo.com http://www.vintagecomputermanuals.com http://www.winnipegjobshark.com

Offshore Oil Rig Jobs

Writen by Claire Calkin

While many of the offshore oil rig jobs are physical in nature, many of the rig companies go out of their way to make sure your time spent onboard is an enjoyable one. For instance employees may find themselves living in accommodation wings that meet 4 or 5 star hotel standards - despite the fact that you a living in the middle of the ocean. While you are on board the company will usually meet all food, board and laundry expenses, along with travel and transfer costs.

There are a large number of offshore oil rig jobs that are available. The range of employment opportunities include:

Driller, Derrickman, Shakerhand or Mudman, Toolpusher, Floormen or Roughnecks, Motorman, Assistant Driller, Crane Operator, Roustabouts, Cleaner/Painter, Storekeeper, Mechanic/Electrician, Sub Sea Engineer, Rig Mechanic, Rig Electrician, Rig Welder, Barge Engineer, Ballast Controlman or Watchstander, Captain and Chief Engineer, Rig Medic and Safety Man.

Most offshore oil rig jobs call for a 14/21 day rotation that means you work for 14 days and have 21 off. This equates to you having approximately 3/5 of the year off on holiday.

In the offshore oil rig industry, there are opportunities for drilling employment and travel to countries such as: Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, the United States, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Venezuela, Mexico, Russia, Norway, China, Canada and the United Kingdom.

Typically salaries for roustabouts and roughnecks (drill deck workers) are approximately US $300 per day. Annual salaries work out to be approximately US $47,000.

More specialized jobs such as that of Driller is likely to make around $56,000 per annum, which Toolpushers, Drill Leaders and Supervisors are likely to earn around the US $75,000 - $100,000 mark per year.

Entry level positions typically make between US $50,000 - US $80,000 per annum. Trades, technical and professional positions will likely earn between US $70,000 - US $220,000 per annum. The website at http://www.oil-rig-job.com features more information on getting jobs in this industry.

Life Offshore

- You will be issued with safety boots hard hat safety glasses and coveralls.

- Keep a good attitude and be focused on why you wanted to work offshore.

- There are smoking rooms at various places on a rig where safety matches will be supplied.

- For meals you take off your work gear and eat in the galley.

- You may have to work a night shift or two as an oil rig is a 24 hour operation.

- Don't upset the radio operator, medic or chef. Helicopters, medical attention and food are most important.

Aboard an oil rig every piece of lifting equipment has a color code on it - this is an indication that it was tested as safe to use on the last lifting equipment check. Only items with the current color code on them should be used.

When working in the petroleum industry, don't bring alcohol, illegal drugs, weapons (of any description) including knives, flammable items, lighters and matches (safety matches will be provided in the smokers room) when working on energy jobs.

If working aboard an offshore rig, remove batteries from electrical equipment before checking in you luggage. If you are to be transported by helicopter your mobile phone may be taken from you before you board the helicopter.

A number of people working aboard oil rigs work are in support roles such as catering crew and doctors, etc. The following is an outline of what may be expected for doctors or medics. Because of the physical size of rigs, many of these types of roles are sole charged and one must be able to make do with the facilities and resources at end. In the case of doctors or medics based aboard oil rigs, it may be necessary to treat patients suffering from a huge variety of ailments and illnesses. Issues can arise as a lot of the workers aboard oil rig installations may speak foreign languages, so it is critical for the medical personnel to be able to quickly and effectively diagnose the problem. Generally medical staff will work one of two shifts, either day or night. Their role can often also include checking and maintianing stocks of emergency supplies, testing and verifying drinking water supplies are clean, as well as inspecting both raw and cooked foods from the kitchen. They are also often responsible for conducting weekly first aid seminars for all workers aboard the oil rig.

Claire Calkin has been working in the oil rig employment industry for over 4 years and during this time has provided countless people with advice and assistance on how to best get jobs in the oil industry.

claire@oil-rig-job.com

http://www.oil-rig-job.com

A Freelance Lifestyle The Pros Of Pursuing One

Writen by Chris King

A freelance lifestyle isn't for everyone. But, if you are dissatisfied with your current career, you might want to try it. Here are some of the pros that work for me in my freelance lifestyle:

Flexibility and Autonomy (being in control). I love having the flexibility of doing what I want and need to do, when I want to do it. I can work late into the night, early in the morning, or all afternoon. It is up to me. As part of my schedule, I teach fitness classes most mornings, so work my projects and meetings around those classes. I also like the flexibility that comes with taking on projects that I enjoy, and turning down those that don't appeal to me.

Creativity and Change. By working in a variety of areas and for a variety of clients, I have the opportunity to approach each project with a fresh burst of creativity. It keeps me filled with excitement, enthusiasm, and energy which when combined really pay off for the client too. Even when I am hired by the same client again and again, the type of projects usually change.

Achievement, Development of Expertise, and Mastery of Many Skills. Being a lifelong learner, I am delighted when hired to tackle a new project that involves upgrading my expertise and skills. Also, whenever I am between projects, and even when I am in the middle of them, I continually take classes and work on achieving new levels of expertise. In addition, seeing a project through to completion gives one a great sense of accomplishment.

Pleasure of Doing What One Likes. There are so many benefits to pursuing what we like and love to do. I feel that it strengthens our emotional and physical health, gives meaning to our lives, and adds to our growth as a human being. I am not a millionaire financially, but I can honestly say that as a free agent and independent professional, I go to bed at night smiling and I get up in the morning excited and happy to start all over again.

Chris King is a free agent, professional speaker, storyteller, writer, website creator / designer, and fitness instructor. Chris has what she calls a "Portfolio Career" --many careers at the same time. If you wonder if you could handle and love having a "Portfolio Career" you will find a free assessment to take at http://www.creativekeys.net/portfoliocareertest.htm Sign up for her eclectic E-newsletter, Portfolio Potpourri, at http://www.freelanceliving.com You will find Chris' business website at http://www.creativekeys.biz

Are You Considering A Career In Nursing

Writen by Timothy Rea

If you think you might want to be a nurse, there are a lot of employment options you can consider.

Nursing is a time-honored profession, and in today's world of modern medicine it can also be a lucrative profession. There is no doubt that a nurse must be dedicated and diligent. If you really aren't the kind of person who can give that extra ounce of energy, nursing is not a career you will enjoy.

But, if you like helping people and are interested in science and medicine, this field may be for you!

Nursing also gives you a lot of options regarding work environment. Most people think of a nurse as the person who stands next to your hospital bed, but nurses today have a lot more options and it is easier to find a work environment that suits your tastes and preferences.

Private Duty Nurses work with one patient in the hospital or at home to help them recuperate from an illness or to care for a patient with a chronic or terminal illness.

Hospice Nurses work with a patient and family to ease the dying process and communicate with doctors and other medical staff regarding medical issues. This care allows the patient to stay at home and be more comfortable during the final days of his or her life.

Operating Room Nurses are in the thick of things, and must understand the use of modern operating room equipment, the type of procedure the doctor is doing and the kinds of tools the doctor will need. The nurse must be ready to assist the doctor on a moment's notice.

Trauma Nurses work in large hospitals and handle trauma patients who may come in by helicopter or ambulance from automobile accidents, train or airplane crashes, fires or other major events. Some trauma nurses also work in the helicopters that are dispatched to pick up the patients.

Institutional Nursing for schools and colleges is also a growing field for nursing jobs. These nurses treat everything from a cold or flu to a sprain or sports injury and often get to know their charges very well. It is a great place for someone who loves kids or just likes less stress on a daily basis. These jobs can also include placement in a women's shelter, homeless shelter or other non-profit outreach organization.

Home Health Care Nursing has evolved. Today, home health care nurses work in rural, suburban and urban areas, traveling from patient to patient to care for and monitor the patient's needs and communicate with doctors and other medical staff. This home care allows the patient to remain at home, with family, or alone, and still get the care they need. Nurses can now use mobile monitoring equipment to monitor everything from heart rate and blood pressure to blood sugar for diabetics and more, so the nurse can treat one patient and check on another one in the car on the way to visiting a third patient.

Hospital Nursing is also a brave new world. Nurses learn to use and monitor new equipment every day, and have the responsibility to care for patient's recuperating from surgery or illness. Their daily care and interaction with the patient has a major impact on how fast the patient recuperates and on the patient's attitude. There is nothing like the feeling you experience when you walk in the door to start your morning shift and your patient says "Boy, am I glad to see YOU". Years after a hospital stay, patients will still speak fondly of a favorite nurse who eased the discomfort of their hospitalization.

It's all in a day's work!

If you think nursing is for you, look into local nursing schools and get started on the path to nursing.

With a short supply of qualified nurses to staff our hospitals, schools, hospices and other facilities, another pair of hands would be most welcome!

Visit our web site to learn everything you need to know about nursing and nursing jobs: http://www.nursingjob-resource.com

Should You Become A Massage Therapist 4 Questions To Ask Yourself First

Writen by Ian Henman

What do you think about first when you think about becoming a massage therapist? Learning about how the human structure works, and how to work out aches and pains? How about the human interaction you'll receive working with different clients day in and day out? We've put together a list of 4 questions to ask yourself to determine if you have the right stuff to consider a career in massage therapy.

1.)Do you like caring for and helping other people?

It makes sense that this is the number one question to ask yourself, if you're not interested in helping others (while of course none of us would admit it) a career in massage therapy probably isn't for you. Based on the fact that 95% of your job is spent interacting and caring for clients if you don't want to help them, you won't enjoy your time.

2.)Do you mind working silently, without the normal office chatter?

A massage therapist while they care for many clients in the run of week, don't get into the same banter as say a hairdresser would with their clients. Often a client is there for a relaxing experience receiving their massage, and would like to lay in silence forgetting about the outside world for 30-60 minutes. It's important that you're able to work silently, and not let this get to you.

3.)Do you work well alone? Or do you require supervision

Being able to manage your own time properly both while with a client, and booking appointments etc. is important to being a successful massage therapist. Since the majority of time is spent one-on-one with the client there are no direct supervisors ensuring you're doing your job correctly. Also if you work for yourself, there is no one around ensuring your looking for new business, and booking appointments to keep your business in growth mode.

While many massage therapy graduates work for spas, medical clinics, or sports facilities and don't need to look for their own client base it's important to know that you have that option down the road if you want to go out on your own.

4.)Are you able to empathize with a person's problem, and keep work separate from your emotions?

Often a massage therapy client will be suffering from an accident or medical situation. This can sometimes be difficult to deal with, as our first instinct maybe to feel bad for the person. It's important to be able to empathize with them but not feel bad for them. Separating our personal feelings about a situation like this from our professional atmosphere is a must to be able to handle the many different types of patients and clients you'll encounter during your career as a massage therapist. Beyond these questions, it's important that you know you enjoy working with the public, and a strong communicator. Whether you're working for a spa or for yourself in the massage therapy business one thing is consistent you will be working with members of the public, and you will be supplying them with a service. You must be able to feel comfortable with the situation, and understand what the entire career entails before making your decision.

Massage therapy is a very rewarding career, and can allow a person great flexability in their schedule especially if they choose to work for themselves, but it is not a lazy job. It brings great pride to know your helping others, and making a difference. I hope this article has shed a little more light on what it takes to become a massage therapist besides the certificate and education.

If you're interested in a career in massage therapy visit our website to find the massage school closest to you Massage Schools

A Closer Look At Two Interview Questions

Writen by Judi Perkins

A job interview is stressful. The person who hasn't made a lot of changes isn't practiced at what is involved (nor should they want to be), and the person who has made a lot of changes doesn't have any idea as to what's involved either, or they wouldn't be making so many changes!

Preparing for the interview de-stresses the situation considerably. Yet, 78% of all candidates - regardless of the level for which they are interviewing - wing it! And frequently cause themselves to be weeded out in the process.

Like so much of the interview, seemingly innocent questions can trip you up. You think you are answering them in a way that puts you in the best light, but you'd be surprised at how many people completely miss the boat. Merely to hope an interview has a positive result is not enough. That's basically forfeiting your ability to drive up the percentage of a positive outcome.

For instance, in response to the question, "Why do you want to work here?" some people will say things such as:

"I've worked in this industry for 15 years and been very successful. I feel I can make a difference in your organization. I have a proven track record of leadership. I've read in the paper that your company is having some problems, and with my experience as a Director of XXXXX, I can help straighten those out."

That answer may sound good and appear to suffice, but on a scale of 1 - 10, it ranks about a 4!

Why? The answer shows no research, no thought, no consideration. It sounds stock and could suffice for any number of companies. Overall, unimpressive.

In my experience as a recruiter, I've found that while mid level management tends to UNDERanswer the question, upper level management will often OVERanswer the question. One group doesn't provide enough information because of a limited lack of experience. The other group has been around, worked their way up the ladder in more than one company, and in their attempt to sound thoughtful, intelligent, and wise, end up saying very little at all.

Let's look closer.

WHY DO YOU WANT TO WORK HERE?

Here's where you get to show off your research. Tell the interviewer what you've learned about the company, and why it's appealing to you. SPECIFICS are the key here.

Relate those specific examples from your experience to what you've learned about the company, their focus, and their market. Look to your personality and what motivates you and how that relates to any details you learned from the ad, your recruiter, your friend who referred you, or from where you learned of this opportunity.

For instance, perhaps their ad stated that they were looking to establish a marketing department from ground up. If you thrive on growth, challenges, making things happen - there's your answer - along with examples of how you have grown, established, or done market research in a parallel situation.

And you might ask, "What if it's not a high profile company? What if it's on the small side and local?" Right. Not every company is the size of General Electric or even a regional public powerhouse that you can look up in Dun & Bradstreet.

But most librarians are more than willing to help you find any information that might be present in any of their research books. Local newspapers may have done stories on the company, and the library would have those too. And these days, most companies have a website.

Share what you can do and why you feel you can make a contribution and benefit the company. This question is about how YOU can benefit the company, not how the company can benefit YOU.

TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF

Some interviews are lost right at this point. This is not an invitation to go on ad nauseum about everything that has happened to you since you were five years old or since your first job out of college. Nor is it the time to shrug your shoulders and give an unplanned, one-sentence answer.

Some people, especially those who haven't prepared and have a tendency to talk when they get nervous, find themselves rambling. Put together a nice little 2 - 3 minute verbal bio about your career, your qualifications, and why you are interested. Know what you're going to say in advance.

A FEW POINTS TO REMEMBER

In recruiting we used to say, "'A' candidates for 'A' companies, 'B' candidates for 'B' companies and 'C' candidates for 'C' companies," and a 'B' candidate is not only some one who's talents and track record is only so-so, it's also an 'A' candidate whose poor interviewing skills MAKE him a 'B.'

Knowing who you are, what you want, what you have to offer and what you've accomplished - and having it all on the tip of your tongue - can make or break you for a job offer - not just for your perfect job, but sometimes for even finding ANY job.

Being able to sell yourself, your skills, how you can benefit a potential company and then being able to close the deal necessitates taking the time to research and learn the company. It means knowing yourself well enough that you can apply aspects of your capabilities to the individual facts and details of that INDIVIDUAL company - and that you can do it smoothly without groping for words or just winging it.

And last, but not least, the words of Peter Handal of Dale Carnegie Training, echo the importance of interview preparation, including what strikes most people as silly - role playing. But as he said, "you only have one chance to make a really good impression," and if you don't take it seriously enough to study and thoroughly prepare, someone else will, and that's the person who will get the job!

Do your homework before EVERY interview! There's no chance to make a second good impression!

Judi Perkins has been a search consultant for 25 years in both the contingency and retained market, with a short stint in the temporary and local permanent placement markets. She has owned her own firm and successfully assisted numerous repeat clients in hiring all levels of management. She is a Career Expert and Forum Moderator with http://www.CareerCube.net To sign up for her newsletter and learn thousands of powerful concepts to find your perfect job go to http://www.findtheperfectjob.com

Nursing Job Descriptions

Writen by Elizabeth Morgan

In the United States, there is a very high demand for nurses because the country's population is aging, especially the baby boomers. This means that more health care professionals are needed to care for these people. The career prospects for nurses in the country continue to look bright for the future. As a result, it can be expected that more people would pick nursing as a career option. However, people who wish to do so should be aware of the responsibilities of nurses so they can prepare themselves.

General job description

The general job description of almost all nurses involves performing some basic duties including treating patients, educating people on various medical conditions, and providing emotional support and advice to patients and their families. In addition to this, nurses also record the medical histories of patients and their symptoms. Furthermore, nurses help in performing and analyzing the results of diagnostic tests. They also help in the rehabilitation of the patient.

Apart from what has been mentioned, registered nurses are also responsible for teaching patients and their families how to manage the illness, which may include teaching them about post-treatment home care. In addition to this, some nurses also provide grief counseling for families who may have a critically ill relative. Furthermore, nurses take the lead role in undertaking health screening, immunizations, blood drives and public health seminars.

Specialization

Registered nurses may opt to specialize in one field. The different types of specialization available to nurses are divided into four categories: specialization based on the work setting or type of treatment, specialization on certain diseases or conditions, specialization on a specific organ system, and specialization on a specific population. In some cases, nurses combine two or more of these specialization types. The duties and responsibilities for each vary depending on the area of specialization. One example of this is that a nurse who has specialized based on a work setting, like ambulatory care, would require a nurse to treat patients on an outpatient basis.

The career prospects for nurses, especially in countries with aging populations, can be expected to remain bright. As a result, it can also be expected that a lot of people would want to pick nursing as a career option. However, knowledge about the responsibilities that aspiring nurses can expect to have when they become nurses is an essential piece of information that could help them prepare for a demanding career.

Job Descriptions provides detailed information on job descriptions, accounting job descriptions, free resume-writing tips, how to write a resume and more. Job Descriptions is affiliated with Executive Job Search.

Building Your Ideal Practice Whats In Your Work Model

Writen by Jeff Herring

The credit card commercial asks:

"What's in your wallet?"

The message is that they want to save you from the ravages of high interest from other credit card companies.

When I ask:

"What's in your work model?"

I want to save you from the ravages of having a job and living paycheck to paycheck.

Work once - get paid once

If you get paid per hour for what you do, you have a job. And in most cases, J-O-B stands for Just Over Broke.

Even if you have a very high hourly fee, you still have a job and are trading time for money. In my private practice, my hourly fee is high enough to pay the bill and provide for a family of four people.

That's the good news.

The bad news is that I am still trading time for money and I'm limited by the number of hours I can put in. If I'm not there in my chair, I'm not making any income.

Work once - get paid, get paid, get paid, paid, paid

I like this work model a whole lot better.

With a properly structured website you can have products that can be purchased while you are doing something else. For example, I have a set of article templates that help writers write articles quickly. I worked once to create it. Now I get paid, paid, paid, everyday when someone orders the templates.

Whatever your business, whatever your area of expertise, you do have a choice:

Work once - get paid.

Work once - get paid, get paid, get paid, paid, paid.

It's your call.

Visit The Article Guy for more leading edge tips and tools for writing articles that bring you prospects, publicity and profits. You can also subscirbe to our monthly Article Empire Tips Newsletter. You are also invited to visit my Express-Start Article Writing Program for more information on the next article writing tele-seminar.