Top Job Thursday

The Best-Paying Seasonal Jobs

This year, retailers expect to hire 700,000 seasonal workers. Companies like Wal-Mart, Macy’s, Target, JCPenney and Kohl’s will each fill about 80,000 temporary holiday positions. In addition to major retailers, hundreds of holiday-related businesses–greeting card makers, decorating and design firms, caterers and travel services–will also staff up to meet the season’s increased demand. Hiring managers report that this year’s holiday job market will be the best it’s been in the last five years.

“A lot of people don’t realize that seasonal hiring includes good-paying professional jobs,” says Sara Sutton Fell, the CEO of FlexJobs, a service that helps job seekers find flexible professional positions. “There’s much more out there beyond low-level sales work.”Sutton Fell says companies are increasingly hiring seasonal professionals, meaning contractors and temporary part-time or full-time workers, in lieu of salaried workers because it keeps their costs down while also meeting the holiday rush. Workers benefit from the flexible scheduling and the visibility among potential employers. “It’s a fantastic way to get your foot in the door,” she says. “If you perform well and make good contacts, you might be able to convert that into something long-term.”

Holiday hiring begins in late October and really picks up throughout November, Sutton Fell says, while the employment period lasts until early January or slightly longer. Most seasonal positions are related to the uptick in holiday shopping, which creates a broad and deep impact on the economy. This year, the National Retail Federation forecasts $586 billion in holiday spending in the U.S., a 4.1% increase from 2011.

When it’s boom-time for retailers, it’s also crunch time for marketers, who organize seasonal advertising campaigns and brand-building events. One of the best-paying yuletide jobs is marketing coordinator. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the position earns a median of $52 an hour to develop and execute marketing strategies and lead marketing events.

Companies also ramp up their efforts on social media during the holidays to advertise products and deals and monitor consumer feedback. A social media assistant earns approximately $17 an hour to support the brand’s digital outreach. And with more people in stores, it’s also a good time to analyze consumer trends. A seasonal marketing research surveyor earns about $17 per hour to collect and evaluate consumer demographics and data.

Increased shopping also means businesses need to field more customer questions and complaints. Sutton Fell says companies like Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus hire customer service representatives en masse during the holidays. They earn a median of $15 an hour to process customer requests and handle questions by phone and email. Also, somewhat ironically, seasonal recruiters are in demand during the fall and winter months to help with the hiring influx. They earn a healthy median of $25 per hour.

Other top-paying seasonal jobs include decorators, who design holiday window displays and building decor; production designers, who lay out holiday cards and party invitations; and photographers, who take family photos for holiday cards and photograph events.

Those looking to secure a holiday job should start today, says recruiting and job search expert Alison Doyle. If you’ve identified a company you’d like to work for, she recommends going directly to the career section of its website to search for openings. If not, she suggests searching keywords like “seasonal,” “holiday” and “temporary” and your location on job search sites like Simply Hired and Indeed.

“It’s important to apply for these jobs as carefully as full-time positions,” Doyle warns. Hand in a perfect resume, attach a cover letter if possible, have references ready and present yourself professionally on the interview. “Sometimes employers use these jobs as a way to screen employees. You may have a chance of getting a permanent position.”

Top 10

1. Marketing Coordinator - avg $52/ hr
2. Seasonal Recruiter - avg. $25/ hr
3. Production Designer - avg. $21/ hr
4. Tax Site Manager - avg. $19/ hr
5. Marketing Research Surveyor - avg. $17/ hr
6. Social Media Assistant - avg. $17/ hr
7. Seasonal Operations Professional - avg. $17/ hr
8. Customer Service Representative - avg. $15/ hr
9. Sales Photographer - avg. $14/ hr
10. Decorator - avg. $14/ hr

To view the original article CLICK HERE

Witty Wednesday

 Time Management for Business

 

www.wordsandtoons.com

Tip Tuesday

Time management: Tips to reduce stress and improve productivity

Effective time management is a primary means to a less stressful life. These practices can help you reduce your stress and reclaim your personal life.

Do you find yourself overwhelmed by the number and complexity of projects that need to be completed at work each day? As the day flies by, do you often feel as if you haven't paid enough attention to each task because other tasks keep landing on your desk, co-workers interrupt you with questions or you can't get it all organized?

You probably know that managing your time effectively will help you get more done each day. But it has important health benefits, too. By managing your time more wisely, you can minimize stress and improve your quality of life.

But how do you get back on track when organizational skills don't come naturally? To get started, choose one of these strategies, try it for two to four weeks and see if it helps. If it does, consider adding another one. If not, try a different one.

• Plan each day. Planning your day can help you accomplish more and feel more in control of your life. Write a to-do list, putting the most important tasks at the top. Keep a schedule of your daily activities to minimize conflicts and last-minute rushes.
• Prioritize your tasks. Time-consuming but relatively unimportant tasks can consume a lot of your day. Prioritizing tasks will ensure that you spend your time and energy on those that are truly important to you.
• Say no to nonessential tasks. Consider your goals and schedule before agreeing to take on additional work.
• Delegate. Take a look at your to-do list and consider what you can pass on to someone else.
• Take the time you need to do a quality job. Doing work right the first time may take more time upfront, but errors usually result in time spent making corrections, which takes more time overall.
• Break large, time-consuming tasks into smaller tasks. Work on them a few minutes at a time until you get them all done.
• Practice the 10-minute rule. Work on a dreaded task for 10 minutes each day. Once you get started, you may find you can finish it.
• Evaluate how you're spending your time. Keep a diary of everything you do for three days to determine how you're spending your time. Look for time that can be used more wisely. For example, could you take a bus or train to work and use the commute to catch up on reading? If so, you could free up some time to exercise or spend with family or friends.
• Limit distractions. Block out time on your calendar for big projects. During that time, close your door and turn off your phone, pager and email.
• Get plenty of sleep, eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly. A healthy lifestyle can improve your focus and concentration, which will help improve your efficiency so that you can complete your work in less time.
• Take a time management course. If your employer offers continuing education, take a time management class. If your workplace doesn't have one, find out if a local community college, university or community education program does.
• Take a break when needed. Too much stress can derail your attempts at getting organized. When you need a break, take one. Take a walk. Do some quick stretches at your workstation. Take a day of vacation to rest and re-energize.
• Ask for professional help. If you're too frazzled to think about trying any of these tips, it's time to ask for help. Does your life feel totally out of control? If so, contact your employee assistance program (EAP) at your workplace for assistance, or discuss your situation with your doctor.

To view the original article CLICK HERE

Making It Big Monday

Time Management in The Workplace: 5 Quick Tips for Newbies in the Workforce

As a newbie in the workforce, time management in the workplace is an important skill that you must possess. It can determine the not just your career success but your work life balance.
Being new in the workforce, sometimes it can get quite stressful especially when you are learning new roles and responsibilities. You need to juggle a few things at the same time and you also seek to have a life out of the office.
Completing jobs assigned in the workplace in the highest standards is a key determinant of career success. This is where time management in the workplace comes into play.
These are some time management in the workplace tips you should be conscious of if you want to increase efficiency:

1. Understand Roles
Be sure you understand your own role and responsibilities in the office. This helps when work is assigned to you. Being new in the workplace - you may not know what is needed and expected of you. This can cause delays and hence hamper your efficiency.
Have you been given a job scope? If it is a special project for which you have been pulled in, do you know what are the expertise expected of you? Clarify to avoid wasting time. The first time management in the workplace advice is to understand your roles and those of your colleagues.

2. Do The Important And Urgent First
The second time management in the workplace tip is to prioritize your tasks at hand. Inevitably, you will be asked to complete a few tasks at the same time. There will also be situations where colleagues or clients would come in with last minute requests.
Prioritize your work. Do not overwhelm yourself with too long a to-do list. Many newbies pursuing career success make the wrong assumption that the more they complete at work the better it is for them. This is not necessarily so. Too long a to-do list may cause you to procrastinate on starting the work.

3. Do Not Waste Time
One of the biggest mistakes with a to-do list is that there is no time allocated for each task. I often make this mistake early on in my career - a list of to-do things but without an estimated time attached to complete each of them. Hence the list becomes a source of stress at the end of the day.
 I also realize that it wastes a lot of time. You end up pending too much time on a task that may have needed less time than what you have spent to complete.

Time management in the workplace includes being conscious of time robbers. For example, taking long tea breaks, long smoking breaks, chatting on the phone and surfing on the Internet. Realize that these ‘luxuries’ have a price tag attached to it – your career success.

4. Do It Right The First Time
How many times have you seen fellow colleagues fighting mini crisis that can be avoided if only someone gets it right the first time? Whatever you are doing, get it right the first time. Have a high personal standard that says nothing leaves your hand unless you know you have done your best.

This time management in the workplace tip while easy to understand, is not easy to practice. Chances are that as a newbie pursuing career success you will have a tendency to rush through your work assuming that speed is a surrogate measurement of efficiency. Not so, quality of work is important too.

5. Do It Now
Another common time management mistake for those new at the workplace is procrastination. There are many causes of procrastination. If you feel you have the necessary time management skills but still find yourself procrastinating then you may want to find out the causes and address them.
One quick and simple way of time management in the workplace is to do the task immediately. Do not over rationalize and craft the perfect plan. A good plan executed today is better than an excellent plan not executed at all.
To view the original article CLICK HERE

Top Job Thursday

Careers That Are Fun & High Paying

Finding a job that is both enjoyable and pays well is a common goal. However, this enticing combination can be elusive. Generally, you are considered lucky if you have a job that falls into either category. If you make a lot of money, at least you're well-compensated for work you don't enjoy. If you love your job, at least you get to have  fun even if the money isn't so easy to come by. But for a lucky few, there are careers that encompass both. A high salary is a fairly easy to calculate, but the enjoyment you get from a career will vary from one person to the next.

 

Traveling

• If you enjoy traveling the world, there are a few high-paying jobs that may be perfect for you. Aircraft pilots for major airlines command salaries that are right up there with doctors and surgeons. Pilots can make as much as $133,000 to $145,000 a year, as of 2009. If you'd rather travel on the water than in the skies, consider working your way up to the captain of a cruise line. This job can earn as much as $250,000 annually. If you prefer to spend more time at your destination than you spend traveling there, consider the fact that rock bank roadies, pro golf caddies, high-end photographers and nearly any job in the movie production business will entail extensive travel to be on location.

 

Helping Others

• If you get a rush from helping others and even saving lives, the medical field is the ultimate in enjoyable, high-paying jobs. Physicians and surgeons make around $147,000, dentists make more than $90,000 and even pharmacists can have salaries in the six-figure range. Of course, these jobs all require extensive schooling and the desire to deal with life-and-death situations, but for many people that's highly desirable.

 

Being Creative

• If you're the creative type, there's a chance that your efforts will pay off. Most people who write, paint or act enjoy their work very much. The tricky part about these jobs is that they can pay very well, or they can pay little to nothing. Successful greeting card writers can make as much as $150 a card. If this is your thing, you may be able to crank out several cards a day. Successful authors can receive never-ending royalties from their books. And we all know that with the right talent and a little bit of luck, becoming successful in Hollywood is a lucrative career.

Playing All Day

• Believe it or not, there are people who have made a career out of playing. The obvious examples are pro athletes. However, you can also make a living as a pro card player or professional gamer. If you can't break yourself away from the video games, this may be the ideal career for you. A professional gamer can make as much as $70,000 a year. The catch is that this kind of money is contingent upon winning competitions and therefore can't always be relied upon.

Researching

• If you enjoy science and like learning new things, there are a variety of careers that can earn you a lot of money while you explore your favorite scientific pursuits. Astronomers can earn around $99,000. Physicists can make around $96,800. Nuclear scientists bring in a salary of about $94,400. So if researching these or other fields is your kind of thing, these careers could be perfect for you.

To view the original article CLICK HERE

Witty Wednesday

Funny Job Titles

Update 25/09/09: when I blogged this article, all the funny job titles linked to real postings on Craigslist. As time passed, Craigslist removed the old postings, breaking all my links so I’ve removed them. Believe me though, those were the real titles used. Enjoy!

1. experienced bra fitter – I bet they had trouble finding candidates for this one.
2. PlayStation Brand Ambassador – please report to your residence in the United States of Nintendo.
3. Eyebrow Threading – I REALLY hope this has something to do with dolls.
4. Administraive/ Secretary – ok, ok, we get it. It’s clear where you need help.
5. Finish Carpenter – for when the Start Carpenter gets tired.
6. Helpdesk Technician @ Pentagon – “Uh, hello? I’m having a problem with this missile…”
7. Nail Tech – so nails can be pretty complicated…
8. Remedy Engineer – aren’t those called “doctors”?
9. Saltlick Cashier – new trend in the equestrian industry. Ok, enough horsing around.
10. Molecular Biologist II – when Molecular Biologist I gets promoted.
11. Breakfast Sandwich Maker – we also got one of these recently.
12. Hotel Housekeepers – why can’t they just say ‘hotelkeepers’?
13. Preschool Teacher #4065 – either that’s a really big school or they’ve got robot teachers.
14. glacéau drop team – for a new sport at the Winter Olympics: ice-water spilling.
15. PLUMMER/ELECTRICIAN – get a dictionary/thesaurus first.
16. DoodyCalls Technician – they really shouldn’t put down janitors like that.
17. Golf Staff – and here I thought they were called clubs.
18. Pressure Washers – what’s next, heat cleaners?
19. Sandwich Artist – another “Jesus in my food” wannabe.
20. Self Storage Manager – this is for self storage?
21. Qualified Infant Caregiver – too bad for all the unqualified caregivers on the list.
22. Ground Support – but there’s just more dirt under there.
23. Gymboree Teacher – the hardest part is not burning your hands sliding down the pole.
24. COMMERCIAL space hunter – so they did find animals further out in the cosmos? Who knew.
25. JOB COACH – if they’re unemployed when they get to you, what does that say about them?
26. KIDS KAMP INSTRUCTOR! – no spelling ability required.
27. POOLS SUPERVISOR – “yeah, they’re still wet…”
28. HOUSE MANAGER/TEEN SUPERVISOR – see the dictionary under P, for Parent.
29. Licensed Seamless Gutter Contractor – just sounds bad.

Funny Job Listings

1. Drive Around Round Rock and get paid!! – seems simple enough.
2. Landscaping Labor – the new Green Party.
3. ROCKSTAR DEVELOPER – and you thought only American Idol was manufactured.
4. Wine & Spirits retail store looking for partime help – maybe they should stop drinking their merchandise first.
5. Attractive, Busy Professional Seeks Very Attractive Personal Assistant – sounds one-sided to me
6. The Perfect Nanny Needed – Didn’t Ms. Doubtfire retire when the movie ended?
7. You might want to work with us forever – depends on your health plan.
8. I WANT TO HIRE YOU ON AT $500 PER DAY – what happens at the end of that day?
9. Where Are You? – right here. Where are *you*?
10. RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE – it’s gonna be a long night for poor Chris.
11. BURNING BONZAI Server Needed – Bonzai server + matches = voila!
12. Part Time Dog Walker Needed! – wait, what’s the full-time dog walker doing?
13. Secret Shoppers Needed In Hollywood Hot Spots ASAP!!!! – oh great. You weren’t supposed to tell anyone!
14. The easiest “SALES JOB” – EVER GONE FISHING WITH DYNAMITE? – uh, “NO”.
15. SUPERINTENDED NEEDED – Superintended left already. She had stuff to take care of.
16. Terramar Walnut Creek Seeks Front of House Manager! – no deal, I can only manage the back of the house.
17. Part-time Quick Books – last time I checked they were books full-time.
18. I Wish I Could Hire Everyone – better start looking for a really big office.
19. Get Paid to Wave and Dance!!!! – This is one job I can do for free!
20. Wanted: Happy Person – would that be “in your face happy”, “perky happy” or just plain happy?
21. NATURAL PET STORE – the fake pet store is one street over from there.
22. We Can’t Afford 8 More Years. Help Elect Democrats in November – talk about a pessimist. They already think that the Democrats will lose again twice more

Read more at: http://jobmob.co.il/blog/funny-craigslist-job-titles-listings/#ixzz2CgJoqQgJ

Tip Tuesday

7 tips for balancing school, work, family... and everything else in your life

If you're anything like me, you're struggling to balance family responsibilities, a job (or two!), and time for yourself.

The danger in trying to do it all is that you risk things falling through the cracks. This can be especially true for women trying to go back to school.

The good news is that there are ways to make it work.

I recently spoke with life and career coach Meredith Haberfeld, founder of Meredith Haberfeld Coaching. She had a lot to share about ways to help balance school with work, family, and life.

Check out these 7 tips for balancing it all.

Tip #1 - Set attainable goals.

Pick realistic goals and focus on accomplishing them. Every success could give you more confidence to tackle the next goal.

If you can only manage to fit one business class into your busy schedule, for example, then just take one class and give it your full attention.

"When a goal seems big and daunting, one of the smartest places to start is to break it into the different pieces that will build toward the goal," says Haberfeld. "When you break it into smaller bits, each bit is more manageable."

Tip #2 - Make a schedule.
Ever feel like there aren't enough hours in the day to get everything done?

Try sitting down with your schedule to get a handle on how much time you actually have. Look for the pockets of time between your professional and family obligations and see where you can plan in the time you need for homework.

"That small amount of planning makes the experience of dealing with a full life profoundly more manageable and fulfilling," says Haberfeld.

If your day still feels too hectic, consider going to sleep and getting up earlier. You might be surprised at what you can accomplish in the hour or two before the rest of the house wakes up.

Tip #3 - Stay organized.

"A place for everything and everything in its place" may sound simplistic, but the benefits of keeping your physical space organized go far beyond simply knowing where your car keys are hiding.

"Having our physical space organized makes thinking easier... When our physical space is hectic, our thoughts are more hectic," says Haberfeld.

If you're feeling overwhelmed, Haberfeld suggests spending fifteen minutes to organize one small area in your home or office. It might be just the thing you need to bring order to your thoughts as well.

Another tip: Don't forget to keep your calendar updated. If you can see deadlines coming, you're more likely to prepare ahead of time and save yourself from pulling an all-nighter to finish a project or cram for a test.

Tip #4 - Take breaks when you need them.

Going back to school is a big commitment - whether you're in a medical assisting certificate program or a bachelor's degree in business.

Feel yourself getting overwhelmed? Give yourself permission to take a break. That might mean closing the books, going for a quick walk - or taking a night off from studying altogether.

If you find yourself burning the midnight oil for weeks on end, Haberfeld suggests working downtime into your schedule. "It's important to plan time to relax," she says, "or you become less effective."

Tip #5 - Stay focused.

When you're at school, really try to keep your thoughts on school. Don't think about the bills you have to pay at home, or who's going to take the kids to soccer practice.

Likewise, when you're with family, enjoy being with family. You can help keep these areas of your life separate by planning study time into your schedule - and making sure you use that time to study.

Tip #6 - Keep your eyes on the prize.

Trying to balance school with everything else in your life might be tough, so always try to remember why you're doing what you're doing. A little sacrifice and effort in school now could offer big dividends when you're taking that shiny new diploma on the job hunt with you.

It might help to write out your academic goals. How many courses do you need to take? What is your time line? Tracking your progress can be great motivation to keep moving forward.

Still feeling discouraged? Don't worry - it's natural to feel doubt when you're struggling to juggle so many things. Just try to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Tip #7 - Don't expect perfection.

Last but not least: Remember that as much as you may want things to go exactly according to plan, life often has a way of changing those plans for us.

So maybe you don't cross off every single item on your daily to-do list. Do what you can do, and don't be too hard on yourself. Tomorrow is a new day.

To view the original article CLICK HERE

Making It Big Monday

Work-Life Balance Defined - What it really means!

Despite the worldwide quest for Work-Life Balance, very few have found an acceptable definition of the concept. Here's a proven definition that will positively impact your everyday value and balance starting today.

Let's first define what work-life balance is not.

Work-Life Balance does not mean an equal balance. Trying to schedule an equal number of hours for each of your various work and personal activities is usually unrewarding and unrealistic. Life is and should be more fluid than that.

Your best individual work-life balance will vary over time, often on a daily basis. The right balance for you today will probably be different for you tomorrow. The right balance for you when you are single will be different when you marry, or if you have children; when you start a new career versus when you are nearing retirement.

There is no perfect, one-size fits all, balance you should be striving for. The best work-life balance is different for each of us because we all have different priorities and different lives.

However, at the core of an effective work-life balance definition are two key everyday concepts that are relevant to each of us. They are daily Achievement and Enjoyment, ideas almost deceptive in their simplicity.

Engraining a fuller meaning of these two concepts takes us most of the way to defining a positive Work-Life Balance. Achievement and Enjoyment answer the big question "Why?" Why do you want a better income…a new house…the kids through college…to do a good job today…to come to work at all?

Most of us already have a good grasp on the meaning of Achievement. But let's explore the concept of Enjoyment a little more. As part of a relevant Work-Life Balance definition, enjoyment does not just mean "Ha-Ha" happiness. It means Pride, Satisfaction, Happiness, Celebration, Love, A Sense of Well Being …all the Joys of Living.

Achievement and Enjoyment are the front and back of the coin of value in life. You can't have one without the other, no more than you can have a coin with only one side. Trying to live a one sided life is why so many "Successful" people are not happy, or not nearly as happy as they should be.

You cannot get the full value from life without BOTH Achievement and Enjoyment. Focusing on Achievement and Enjoyment every day in life helps you avoid the "As Soon As Trap", the life dulling habit of planning on getting around to the joys of life and accomplishment "as soon as…."

My caffeine source is diet cola. But I'm a somewhat fussy diet cola drinker. I don't like cans or bottles, I like fountain. And there is a big difference in fountain drinks. So I know all the best fountains within a five-mile radius of my house and office. My favorite is a little convenience store near my home called Fitzgerald's.

Let's say I'm wandering into Fitzgerald's at 6 in the morning, in my pre-caffeinated state and the implausible happens. Some philosophical guy bumps into me, and says…. "Heh mister… what's your purpose in life?" Well even in that half-awake condition, I'd have an answer for him. I'd say, "You know, I just want to achieve something today and I want to enjoy something today. And if I do both of those things today, I'm going to have a pretty good day. And if I do both of those things every day, for the rest of my life… I'm going to have a pretty good life."

And I think that's true for all of us. Life will deliver the value and balance we desire …when we are achieving and enjoying something every single day…in all the important areas that make up our lives. As a result, a good working definition of Work-Life Balance is:

Meaningful daily Achievement and Enjoyment in each of my four life quadrants: Work, Family, Friends and Self.

Ask yourself now, when was the last time you Achieved AND Enjoyed something at work? What about Achieved AND Enjoyed with your family; your friends? And how recently have you Achieved AND Enjoyed something just for you?

Why not take 20 minutes on the way home from work and do something just for yourself? And when you get home, before you walk in the door, think about whether you want to focus on achieving or enjoying at home tonight. Then act accordingly when you do walk in the door.

At work you can create your own best Work-Life Balance by making sure you not only Achieve, but also reflect the joy of the job, and the joy of life, every day. If nobody pats you on the back today, pat yourself on the back. And help others to do the same.

When you do, when you are a person that not only gets things done, but also enjoys the doing, it attracts people to you. They want you on their team and they want to be on your team.


Simple concepts. And once you focus on them as key components of your day, they are not that hard to implement. So, make it happen, for yourself, your family and all the important individuals you care about…every day for the rest of your life… Achieve and Enjoy.

To view the original article CLICK HERE

Top Job Thursday

Top 10 Highest Paying Non-Clinical Careers

 

Most healthcare careers don’t involve giving shots and taking temperatures. There are dozens of health careers that are labeled “non-clinical” – those jobs that require both business savvy and healthcare knowledge. Whether you have an Associate degree or a Master’s, there is a non-clinical healthcare job that’s just right for you. The best thing is that non-clinical careers have great salaries! It’s not just doctors making the big bucks anymore. What jobs have the best pay? Find out now.

Healthcare Administrator

Healthcare administrators rival doctors and dentists in annual salary. This demanding job can pay up to $100,000 a year at some major healthcare systems. For those interested in healthcare administration, an advanced degree can go a long way. Many employers require at least a Master’s in Healthcare Administration for their top-level jobs. Of course, it is possible to get into health services management with a Bachelor’s degree – just make sure you study both healthcare and business.

2006 Hourly Wage Range
Bottom 10%: $22
Median: $35
Top 10%: $61

Health Educator

Health educators work to encourage healthy lifestyles and wellness through educating individuals and communities about behaviors that promote healthy living and prevent diseases and other health problems. Part teacher, part doctor, health educators work in a variety of settings including schools, community centers, and healthcare systems. Health educators can may upwards of $73,000 a year.

2006 Hourly Wage Range
Bottom 10%: $12
Median: $20
Top 10%: $35

Medical Social Worker

A demanding job with plenty of rewards, medical social workers help to ensure patients and their families are prepared for the road ahead. They provide support for vulnerable patients in order to help them cope with chronic disease or terminal illness, such as cancer or AIDS. Although turnover is relatively high, those who stick with this career can make roughly $65,000 a year.

2006 Hourly Wage Range
Bottom 10%: $13
Median: $21
Top 10%: $31

Medical Equipment Preparer

Although not often seen, medical equipment prepares are an important part of any hospital or private practice. They test, repair, and adjust medical equipment that is necessary for providing healthcare to patients. Without them, MRIs would not function and x-rays could not produce images. Medical equipment preparers can learn their trade through on-the-job training or vocational degree programs. With education and training, medical equipment preparers can make as much as $66,000 a year.

2006 Hourly Wage Range
Bottom 10%: $11
Median: $20
Top 10%: $32

Mental Health Counselor

Mental health counselor work in public and private settings, counseling patients with an emphasis on prevention. They deal with patients who have substance abuse problems, marital issues, and depression. This is one of the few careers that requires an advanced education. A Master’s degree as well as licensure in the state you intend to practice is in is necessary. The years of schooling are well worth it, though. Mental health counselors can make up to $60,000 a year on top of having an incredibly rewarding career.

2006 Hourly Wage Range
Bottom 10%: $11
Median: $17
Top 10%: $29

Athletic Trainer

According to the National Athletic Training Association, “Athletic training is practiced by athletic trainers, health care professionals who collaborate with physicians to optimize activity and participation of patients and clients. Athletic training encompasses the prevention, diagnosis, and intervention of emergency, acute, and chronic medical conditions involving impairment, functional limitations, and disabilities.” Athletic trainers are often self-employed, and the best ones can change whatever they please. For the rest, the average salary is $49,000 a year.

2006 Hourly Wage Range
Bottom 10%: $7
Median: $12
Top 10%: $27

Rehabilitation Counselor

Rehabilitation counselors counsel individuals to maximize the independence and employability of persons coping with personal, social, and vocational difficulties that result from birth defects, illness, disease, accidents, or the stress of daily life. They work in partnership with other healthcare professionals to maximize a patient’s ability to be an active member of society. This demanding career is perfect for someone who enjoys a challenge and gains a great deal from seeing others succeed. The pay isn’t bad either. Rehabilitation counselors can make up to $54,000 a year.

2006 Hourly Wage Range
Bottom 10%: $9
Median: $14
Top 10%: $26

Medical Records and Health Information Technician

One of the fastest growing careers in the nation, Medical Records and Health Information Technicians is an important part of any hospital, nursing home, or clinic. These organized individuals process and maintain the records of the many patients that a hospital or clinic sees. In some instances, there can be thousands of records. New technology in electronic health records means that medical records and health information technicians need to able to learn new system quickly and adapt to the changing environment. Medical records and health information technicians can make up to $45,000 a year in many large health systems. Learn more about medical records and health IT here.

2006 Hourly Wage Range
Bottom 10%: $9
Median: $13
Top 10%: $22

Medical Secretary

Medical secretaries are in demand! They are one of the ten most in-demand jobs in healthcare today. With an expected 9-17% growth rate, medical secretaries should find no problems landing the job of their dreams. Advanced education with a Bachelor’s degree or continuing education classes will make a candidate even more desirable. A medical secretary salary is also desirable – it can be as much as $42,000 a year.

2006 Hourly Wage Range
Bottom 10%: $10
Median: $14
Top 10%: $20

Medical Transcriptionist

Medical transcriptionists use a headset and foot pedal to listen to recordings by physicians and other healthcare professionals dictating medical reports including operations, chart reviews, and ER visits. Despite new technology, medical transcriptionists remain in demand with an estimated 9-17% growth rate over the next eight years. Medical transcriptionists should take their popularity and run with it, especially with ever-increasing salaries. Medical transcriptionists can make up to $42,000 a year at larger hospitals.

2006 Hourly Wage Range
Bottom 10%: $10
Median: $14
Top 10%: $20

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Witty Wednesday

Six Job Hunter Horror Stories

Job hunting can be a scary endeavour. The following true stories will raise the hair on the neck of even the bravest job seekers. You can learn from their hard-earned lessons. (Names have been changed to protect the traumatised.)

Horror Story No. 1: The Invisible Man
"I'd been looking for a different job for several months and after much searching I was finally offered a new position," Julie N., an administrative assistant, says. "Of course I accepted, but days after I'd given notice to my current employer, my new employer called and told me they had re-evaluated their financial situation. They were rescinding their offer!

"Panicked, I tucked my tail between my legs and went looking for my current boss to tell her I wouldn’t be resigning after all. I made every effort, but she was tied up in meetings all day. The following morning, during a staff meeting she made reference to my upcoming departure. I was stuck. I had no choice but to reveal my predicament and ask for my old job back – in front of the entire office staff. She gave me two months to find a new job."

Lesson: Always confirm a new job offer before you resign from the old one.

Horror Story No. 2: A Nightmare on Elm Street
"I once called regarding an ad for a 'marketing rep.' The interview consisted of walking door to door (in coat and tie) with another employee as we tried to sell car servicing vouchers," Phil G., an account executive, remembers. "He would try to make a sale, and then ask me to try one as part of the interviewing process. In between, my interviewer would ask me questions about my career goals and dreams.

We stopped for lunch at a McDonald’s and he had to borrow money from me so he could eat! The final stage of the interview included a closed-door motivation session with all of the current marketing reps. They sang songs, clapped, and chanted the company motto (which I don't recall). I had to think fast. It was raining that day. I told my coach/interviewer that I had left my car window open. I got up, ran out and never looked back."

Lesson: When scheduling an interview, inquire about the role and location.


Horror Story No. 3: Friday the 13th
"One of my first jobs as a supervisor was to interview candidates for an administrative assistant position," John S. recalls. "We scheduled a full day of initial interviews. Following a very wet and rainy night, some areas of our office roof were leaking and maintenance had a couple of buckets in the hallway. Not a great first impression, but well, it was a quaint old office building.

"Each applicant had to complete a battery of written tests. As one candidate dutifully sat at a desk outside my office, I heard a 'crack,' a 'swoosh' and then a huge splash. The ceiling tile just above the candidate had collapsed under the weight of the rain water and drenched her. Wet but unharmed, the experience clearly dampened her spirits and her expensive interview suit. She immediately informed me that she was no longer interested in the job."

Lesson: Prepare for a rainy day and bring an umbrella.


Horror Story No. 4: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
"Looking to escape the policies, procedures and politics of a big company, I sent my C.V. to a small, privately-owned manufacturing company that was looking for a top executive. I received an invitation from the owner of the company to come to an interview. His office had a fireplace, very comfortable-looking sofas and looked more like a living-room than an office. The interview went well and I was excited about the flexibility of the job, the tremendous earning potential and the opportunity to travel around the world to visit clients," Patrick L., a top financial executive says.

"That is, until the owner asked if my wife would be willing to travel with me. I explained that wasn’t possible as she too was a professional and had her own full-time career. He then asked if I would be comfortable travelling with an escort as many of their international clients expected to be entertained and treated to lavish dinners with their significant others! Having invested an equal number of years in both my marriage and my career, I decided I wasn’t willing to put either at risk, even if this sounded like my dream job."

Lesson: Don’t lose sight of what really matters.


Horror Story No. 5: House of Wax
"I drove 300 miles each way at my own expense to interview for a position at a particular company," Matthew H., a marketing manager, says. "When I sat down for the interview, the interviewer (an assistant manager) only asked me ONE question, "Can you tell me about yourself?" After I gave a brief 90 second introduction, she indicated that was all the questions she had and asked if I had any questions for her."

"Somewhat baffled, I proceeded to INTERVIEW HER -- on her background and skills, her position, her department, the company, company culture, etc. With such a complacent and unenergetic attitude to recruiting qualified employees, I left that interview and the company unimpressed."

Lesson: Thoroughly research a company and prepare a list of questions before heading out to an interview.


Horror Story No. 6: Psycho
"I had been looking for an opportunity to relocate to the North-East from London and move into sales management, when I received a call from a company in Liverpool about a position as a regional sales manager. They offered to fly me in for an interview with two of their senior sales managers. I had heard industry rumours that the company wasn’t doing too well and that their technology wasn’t exactly keeping pace with the competition. But I was impressed that they were going to pay for me to fly in from London, and was flattered that they were interested in me," Tricia C., a national sales manager, recalls.

"When I arrived, I discovered that the address they provided was not a company office, but instead it was a low-budget B&B close to John Lennon airport. The room number they gave me was for a guest room, not a meeting room. I was greeted by two old seemingly unwashed guys in badly-fitting suits who had spread a number of company brochures out on the bed. The rumours were obviously true!"

Lesson: Trust your instincts and first impressions.

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Tip Tuesday

9 Little-Known Ways to Advance Your Career

 

Setting long-term goals and creating a plan for achieving them are important for career growth, but small changes to your daily routine can have a big impact on your professional prospects, too. Following are nine simple -- yet often overlooked -- actions that can help you advance professionally.

1. Speak up.
Actively participating in office discussions demonstrates your enthusiasm and interest in the company. Before you attend meetings, review the agenda and prepare a few points of interest on the topics to be addressed. While you don't want to talk to hear yourself speak, do not hesitate to share your ideas when you have something valuable to add.

2. Sit in the 'hot seat.'
Did you know that where you sit in a meeting can determine if you get a plum assignment or not? Choosing a seat near the meeting leader signals your support and helps ensure you're seen and heard. And by placing yourself at the center of the action, you're likely to participate more.

3. Exercise your bragging rights. You may have heard the phrase, "It's not what you know, it's who you know." But in the office, it often comes down to who knows you. Imagine the executives in your company are having a meeting to decide who will work on a high-profile project. Would anyone in the room mention your name? If not, you've got some self-promoting to do. E-mailing a weekly status report to your boss detailing major accomplishments or volunteering to present your group's milestones at a meeting are easy ways to increase your visibility.

4. Go beyond the call of duty. Another way to raise your profile is to assist colleagues with their workloads or take on tasks outside your job description. You might, for example, volunteer to serve as a trainer during new-hire orientations, lead the internship program or help organize the company's annual team-building event. These types of duties may not seem glamorous, but they're often near and dear to executives' hearts, and they force you to move out of your comfort zone.

5. Accept credit graciously.
When someone compliments you for doing a good job, how do you react? If you typically shrug it off and say, "It was nothing," you may be leaving the door open for someone else to steal your thunder. Try instead, "Thank you. I'm glad the hard work paid off," or "Thanks. I'm really pleased with the way it turned out, too." Just be careful about accepting credit that's not yours -- it's a sure-fire way to create tension and animosity among your teammates.

6. Shoot the breeze.
Did you know the gift of gab can lead to improved work performance? Forty percent of workers polled by Robert Half International said water cooler conversations increase productivity by providing opportunities for employee bonding. In addition to engaging in occasional chit-chat with your co-workers, be sure to partake in company gatherings, such as the annual picnic or holiday party, and team-building activities. Through these informal events, you can develop camaraderie with other employees and make valuable new contacts within the organization.

7. Eat, drink and demonstrate proper dining decorum. The business lunch is becoming increasingly common, so it's in your best interest to learn proper dining etiquette. Being rude to wait staff or arriving late, for example, may cost you; these were cited as the top business blunders a professional can make during a lunch meeting by executives surveyed by Robert Half. Ordering the rib platter (or equally messy foods), constantly checking your cell phone or broaching business matters before orders are placed can also be a recipe for disaster.

8. Make more meaningful connections.
Conferences and industry events are great opportunities to network, and there are a few tricks to help you make good first impressions. For example, wearing your name tag on the right side, near your shoulder, makes it easier for others to see and remember your name as they shake your hand. Using the back of people's business cards to write information about them, such as their interests, also will help jog your memory after the event and provide motive to follow up.

9. Give thanks.
If someone recently helped you -- perhaps your neighbor alerted you to an employment opportunity or a friend proofread your résumé -- let the person know you appreciate the support. Take a few moments to write a short, sincere thank-you note. The respect, kindness and personal touch will create an indelible mark in your recipient's mind and improve the chances he or she will help out again.

 

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Making It Big Monday

Advance Your Career: Tips To Help You Stand Out In Your Profession

During the course of my career I was able to compile tips, techniques, and strategies which I feel can serve to advance one’s career and help you to stand out at work. I have to admit it was only through trial and error that I was able to put these things into practice. You make plenty of mistakes but you never give up you always want to try and move forward. It’s only through perseverance and determination that you are able to accomplish those things that seem impossible at times. Here are some attributes that have served me well in my pursuit of success.

Number 1. Know yourself – your strengths, abilities and limitations. Once you know your major characteristics you will be able to pin point the career path you should take and put all of your energy attention and passion into that endeavor. There is nothing worse that giving something your all while you are speeding along on the wrong career path, putting all your talent and ability to work doing things that you can never be the best at.

Number 2. Be a prudent risk taker – Think Big. To stand out at work and get ahead of the times calls for you to take risks. You should take risks only when they have been well thought out and planned. Never go hap hazard into any venture will out giving it some thought and developing a plan of action to get there. You also have to think big. When you develop a plan of action it should encompass the entire organization, or an entire department. It should never be just about you. Think big and try to develop win/win situations whenever possible. Think in terms of impacting the entire organization.

Number 3. Set Goals that Stretch You. You have to get out of your comfort zone. Establish some goals that are attainable with effort. When you have goals that stretch you chances are you’re excited, enthusiastic, passionate, and energetic in the pursuit of those goals. Goals that are easily attained don’t ignite any type of fire within.

Number 4. Keep your horizons and interest broad. Never limit your career perspective and outlook. There are always other possibilities and different roads to travel. Learn new things at every opportunity because you never know when your increased knowledge base is going to enable you to take on greater responsibility in the form of a promotion.

Number 5. Learn from failure and mistakes. It’s okay to fail and have set backs. Every person that has achieved any type of note worthy success will tell you that they have failed not only once but sometimes three or four times. Use your failures as learning experiences that catapult you forward to take on the next challenge. Make amendments and adjustments based on the lessons learned from
past failures. Never let failures impede your progress.

Number 6. Remember the first person plural – think in terms of we. Share your best demonstrated practices with your co-workers, teammates, department, and the entire organization if possible. When you help another person meet their goals and objectives it in turn helps you achieve the career advancement you seek. Always look for ways to help others.

Number 7. Keep your sense of humor. Never get characterized as a person who can never have fun or is always serious. You can be perceived as unapproachable and this can limit your career advancement and keep you from getting ahead and standing out.

Number 8. Develop your interpersonal skills – communicate well. It is imperative that you enhance your ability to communicate. Look for ways to improve your presentation skills. If you are able to communicate with every level of employee within an organization, including upper management, this will do more to help you stand out.

Number 9. Work hard – very hard. Be the first one to work and the last one to leave. When you work on a project try to get it done efficiently and effectively. Make working hard a habit. Become known as the person who works harder and smarter than all others within your department.

Number 10. Be committed to the vision. Find ways expand on the company vision or mission. Be exceptionally committed to the cause.

Number 11. Share the responsibility and the credit. Look for ways to recognize your peers, and upper management. Be quick to praise others for their accomplishments.

Number 12. Keep your word. Develop a reputation for integrity and honesty. Do what you say you will do. Others will begin to trust you and look to you for answers and you will become known as a person with a good reputation.

Put these things into action consistently and you will begin to stand out at work in the sight of all involved.

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Top Job Thursday

10 Best-Paid Skilled

Labor Jobs

 

Skilled labor jobs can pay well, even very well. Yet, many young people feel the pressure to get a college degree and don't consider hands-on labor. Fortunately, a growing movement hopes to get younger workers enthused about building, fixing, and installing.
Mike Rowe of the popular TV series "Dirty Jobs" says, "Tradesmen need fans, regular people who understand the magnitude of their work, the impact of their chosen profession, and the importance of their skill." What this country needs, according to Rowe are more people willing to take the time to master heating and air-conditioning, electricity, creating solid foundations, smooth roads, and functional plumbing.
Ross Porter, President of IRWIN Tools based in Huntersville, North Carolina asserts, "A job in a skilled trade is a solid, decent and admirable way to support a family. To work with one's hands-to build something-always has been and always should be commendable."
Are you interested in earning high pay while working with your hands? Here's a list of the top 10 most highly-paid jobs that have the most potential for growth, according to PayScale.

1. Wind Turbine Technician
Average Salary: $67,500 per year
Wind turbine service technicians, also called wind techs, are responsible for repairing and maintaining the complicated machinery inside wind turbines. Their work can be as simple as changing light bulbs or as complex as repairing a circuit board. The field is so new there isn't an official certification track yet, however according to the American Wind Energy Association, the amount of energy provided by wind turbines grew by 39 percent each year between 2004 to 2009. Get ready to be blown away by your pay. With five to eight years of experience some techs can earn over $84,000 per year.

2. Plumber
Average Salary: $51,600 per year
This career is about much more than fixing leaky toilets. Plumbers install and repair the water, waste disposal, drainage, and gas systems in residential, commercial and industrial buildings using a variety of materials from copper to cast-iron. They must be able to follow building plans or blueprints and instructions from supervisors, lay out the job, and work efficiently with materials and tools. There's room for creativity as plumbers have become more involved in the design process of water and waste systems. No wonder highly-skilled professionals can take home over $92,000 per year.

3. HVAC Controls Technician
Average Salary: $51,000 per year
Without workers skilled in the science of heating, air-conditioning and refrigeration systems, we wouldn't be able to control the temperature, humidity, and the total air quality in residential, commercial, industrial, and other buildings. They also help with the storage and transportation of food, medicine, and other perishable items. Many HVAC technicians will specialize in either installation or maintenance and repair, but must first train to do both. High school students interested in this career should take courses in shop, math, mechanical drawing, applied physics and chemistry, electronics, blueprint reading, and computer applications.

4. Elevator Mechanic
Average Salary: $49,900 per year
Mechanics are responsible for assembling, installing, maintaining and replacing elevators, escalators, chairlifts, dumbwaiters and moving walkways in new and old buildings. They must complete a four-year apprenticeship offered by local joint educational committees representing the employers and the union-the International Union of Elevator Constructors. The good news is that job prospects and salaries are looking up in this industry. Top earners make about $96,700 with over five years experience.

5. Maintenance Supervisor
Average Salary: $48,800 per year
You'll find maintenance and repair workers in almost every industry, and with them comes their supervisor. Responsibilities include supervising, troubleshooting and project management of machines, mechanical equipment, buildings, plumbing, electrical, and air-conditioning and heating systems. Many supervisors get their start right out of high school. Courses in mechanical drawing, electricity, woodworking, blueprint reading, science, mathematics, and computers are useful and education at a technical college is an important part of training.

6. Construction and Building Inspector
Average Salary: $48,000 per year
Got an opinion on those potholes on the interstate? How about your neighbor's sloping porch? If so, a career as an inspector is right up your alley. You'll examine buildings, highways and streets, sewer and water systems, dams, bridges, and other structures for compliance with building codes and ordinances, zoning regulations, and contract specifications. About 44 percent of inspectors worked for local governments but plenty of home inspectors are self-employed and make their own hours.

7. Project Supervisor, Construction
Average Salary: $46,600 per year
Independent types who want to manage a team and a project yet still work for themselves will be in good company as the BLS finds over half of construction supervisors are self-employed. Far from working alone, managers work with owners, engineers, architects, and others to coordinate and supervise construction from the concept through final build,the project gets completed on time and within budget.

8. Bricklayer
Average Salary: $46,200 per year
Talk about staying power: the buildings, fences, roads and footpaths crafted by brickmasons, blockmasons, and stonemasons often outlast the individual because of the durability of concrete, stone and brick. The work itself ranges from simple masonry on walkways to complex installations of exteriors on a highrises. Training often happens on the job as an assistant to carry materials, move scaffolding and mix mortar. Learning restoration skills such as cleaning and pointing are essential to becoming a full-fledged craftsman. Registered apprenticeship programs usually last between three and four years.

9. Refrigeration Mechanic
Average Salary: $45,600 per year
You won't have to worry about becoming a desk jockey if you pursue a career as a refrigeration mechanic. Your "office" can be in any number of places including homes, stores, hospitals or factories that need installation, service, and repair of refrigerating systems. On the job, mechanics are required to read blueprints, design specifications, and manufacturers' instructions to install motors, compressors, condensing units, evaporators, piping, and other components. Systems must also be charged with refrigerant and checked for proper operation and leaks.

10. Biomedical Equipment Technician (BMET)
Average Salary: $45,500 per year
If you are fascinated by how things work, this could be the job for you. BMETs maintain, adjust, and repair every kind of healthcare machinery from patient monitors and defibrillators, to X-rays, electric wheelchairs and eye testing equipment. With the strength of the healthcare industry, this is a great occupation to pursue. Be prepared to head back to school if you want to work in this field. Employers generally prefer applicants with an associate's degree in biomedical equipment technology or engineering. Go for a four-year degree if you want to advance.

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