Where Will the Jobs be in 2020?

To view the original infographic, visit http://www.nextpunch.com/job-growth-2020/.

M. Silvester

Tip Tuesday

Top 10 interview questions...and how you should answer them

As the saying goes, "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail". So here is a valuable insight into the world of interview questions and the techniques best used to answer them.
There are some questions that are asked frequently in interviews and you should prepare your answers beforehand. The key things to remember when responding to interview questions are to keep your answers relevant, brief and to the point. If you are faced with a difficult question, make sure you stay calm, don't get defensive, and take a moment to think about your response before you answer.
Remember, these responses are only suggestions. Try to personalize your response as much as possible.

Question: Tell me about yourself.
A: Identify some of your main attributes and memorize them. Describe your qualifications, career history and range of skills, emphasizing those skills relevant to the job on offer.

Q: What have your achievements been to date?
A: Select an achievement that is work-related and fairly recent. Identify the skills you used in the achievement and quantify the benefit it had to the company. For example, 'my greatest achievement has been to design and implement a new sales ledger system, bringing it in ahead of time and improving our debtors' position significantly, saving the company $50,000 per month in interest'.

Q: Are you happy with your career to date?
A: This question is really about your self-esteem, confidence and career aspirations. The answer must be 'yes', followed by a brief explanation as to what it is about your career so far that's made you happy. If you have hit a career plateau, or you feel you are moving too slowly, then you must qualify your answer.

Q: What is the most difficult situation you have had to face and how did you tackle it?
A: The purpose of this question is to find out what your definition of difficult is and whether you can show a logical approach to problem solving. In order to show yourself in a positive light, select a difficult work situation which was not caused by you and which can be quickly explained in a few sentences. Explain how you defined the problem, what the options were, why you selected the one you did and what the outcome was. Always end on a positive note.

Q: What do you like about your present job?
A: This is a straightforward question. All you have to do is make sure that your 'likes' correspond to the skills etc. required in the job on offer. Be enthusiastic; describe your job as interesting and diverse but do not overdo it - after all, you are looking to leave.

Q: What do you dislike about your present job?
A: Be cautious with this answer. Do not be too specific as you may draw attention to weaknesses that will leave you open to further problems. One approach is to choose a characteristic of your present company, such as its size or slow decision-making processes etc. Give your answer with the air of someone who takes problems and frustrations in your stride as part of the job.

Q: What are your strengths?
A: This is one question that you know you are going to get so there is no excuse for being unprepared. Concentrate on discussing your main strengths. List three or four proficiencies e.g. your ability to learn quickly, determination to succeed, positive attitude, your ability to relate to people and achieve a common goal. You may be asked to give examples of the above so be prepared.

Q: What is your greatest weakness?
A: Do not say you have none - this will lead to further problems. You have two options - use a professed weakness such as a lack of experience (not ability) on your part in an area that is not vital for the job. The second option is to describe a personal or professional weakness that could also be considered to be a strength, and the steps you have taken to combat it. An example would be, 'I know my team thinks I'm too demanding at times - I tend to drive them pretty hard but I'm getting much better at using the carrot and not the stick'.

Q: Why do you want to leave your current employer?
A: State how you are looking for a new challenge, more responsibility, experience and a change of environment. Do not be negative in your reasons for leaving. It is rarely appropriate to cite salary as your primary motivator.

Q: Why have you applied for this particular job?
A: The employer is looking for evidence that the job suits you, fits in with your general aptitudes, coincides with your long-term goals and involves doing things you enjoy. Make sure you have a good understanding of the role and the organization, and describe the attributes of the organization that interest you most.

Other questions to consider:

• How does your job fit in to your department and company?
• What do you enjoy about this industry?
• Give an example of when you have worked under pressure.
• What kinds of people do you like working with?
• Give me an example of when your work was criticized.
• Give me an example of when you have felt anger at work. How did you cope and did you still perform a good job?
• What kind of people do you find it difficult to work with?
• Give me an example of when you have had to face a conflict of interest at work.
• Tell me about the last time you disagreed with your boss.
• Give me an example of when you haven't got on with others.
• Do you prefer to work alone or in a group? Why?
• This organization is very different to your current employer - how do you think you are going to fit in?
• What are you looking for in a company?
• How do you measure your own performance?
• What kind of pressures have you encountered at work?
• Are you a self-starter? Give me examples to demonstrate this?
• What changes in the workplace have caused you difficulty and why?
• How do you feel about working long hours and/or weekends?
• Give me an example of when you have been out of your depth.
• What have you failed to achieve to date?
• What can you bring to this organization?

To view the original article CLICK HERE

Making It Big Monday

The Interview Checklist

The goal of a selection interview is to predict the on-the-job performance of each applicant in order to select the best person for the available position. A handful of "on-paper" qualified candidates are interviewed to clarify their skills and experience and to assist their personal suitability to the position.
An interview should be viewed as an opportunity to show an employer what you have to offer, rather than as a nerve-racking ordeal.

Use this list to help with pre-interview planning.

Be Prepared

• Know where the office is and how you are going to get there on time; getting lost will only add to your anxiety level.
• Take time to choose appropriate attire (preferably the day before) and groom carefully -- appearances are important!
• Learn about the organization; the employer will want to know why you want to work there and how you think you can contribute to the organization's overall goals.
• Identify the relevant skills and experience you can bring to the job.
• Prepare two or three questions to ask the interviewer; avoid asking about benefits until you have been offered the job.

Demonstrate Good Manners

• Arrive 5 to 10 minutes before your appointment time.
• Shake hands firmly with the interviewer when you are introduced and again when the interview concludes.

• Do not smoke, chew gum or drink tea or coffee -- even if you are invited to do so.
• Maintain eye contact with the interviewer; otherwise, you will give the impression that you are disinterested or untrustworthy.
• Try not to fidget; it will distract the interviewer from what you are saying.
• Allow the interviewer to take the lead; do not interrupt when she/he is talking.
• Answer questions clearly and concisely; do not ramble.
• Pause to construct a thoughtful answer; do not blurt out the first thing that comes into your mind.
• Attend to the interviewer's body language and other cues to sense when the interview is concluding; do not linger.
• Thank the interviewer for her/his time before leaving.

Be Yourself

• Convey your strengths and abilities without appearing boastful or conceited; do not exaggerate your qualifications.
• Answer the questions honestly, rather than telling the interviewer what you think she/he wants to hear; you do not want to succeed in getting hired for a job for which you are not suited!
• Do not hesitate to show your (genuine) enthusiasm and engaging personality and... remember to smile.

In General

• Volunteer information only if it is positive and pertinent.
• Watch for opportunities to sell your skills.
• Avoid using negative terms. Substitute the words "challenge" or "opportunity" for the word problem.
• Never forget that your objective is to get a job offer.

To view the original article CLICK HERE

Tip Tuesday

How to Prepare for a Job Fair

Job Fairs are an excellent way to meet a large number of potential employers at one time. Job Fair attendance is useful because it gives you an opportunity to network, pass out copies of your resume, and improve your communication and interview skills.

JOB FAIR TIPS

1. Research Companies – Do your homework. Visit the Career Services Career Fair website for a list of participants to find out in advance who will be attending the Job Fair. Visit the organization’s web sites or read current business articles to learn more about their products, missions, annual budgets, and organizational structure. This will enable you to ask better questions of the company representatives.
2. Prepare Your Resume/Portfolio – Bring lots of copies of your resume. Have your resume reviewed prior to the Job Fair. Bringing a few selected work samples can make a positive first impression on a prospective employer.
3. Present a Professional Appearance – Dress up. Conservative, tailored, business-like clothing is best. Pay close attention to personal hygiene and grooming. Minimal make-up and jewelry. Avoid perfume and/or cologne. Recruiters are watching and listening to determine if you act professionally. Smile.
4. Check Your Attitude – Be optimistic, but have realistic expectations. You will meet employers who are interested in hiring in your field. There may not be immediate vacancies, but when openings occur, the employer will think of you because of your first impression.
5. Practice Your Introduction – Is your handshake a “floppy fish” or a bone-crunching experience? Practice your handshake. Rehearse a brief introduction. Be able to tell the employer about your immediate career goals.
6. Have strategies – Make an “A” list (favorites/must meet) and a “B” list (nice to meet – if time permits). Go to a few “B” list employers first to practice your introduction and questions. Then you’ll be warmed up and feel more confident when you will meet your “A” list recruiters.
7. Avoid long lines – Don’t stand in long lines. Check out the companies without a lot of people lined up. Try to meet the recruiters during down times (especially in the morning or lunch time). You’ll get more of their attention and be able to learn more about the company and hiring opportunities.
8. Gather information - Request a business card from each employer or ask for their name and title. Pick-up all company literature so you can review it after the job fair.
9. Follow-up After the Interview - Follow-up within a week with a letter to each employer that you met. Include the date and time you met, a review of one or two of your primary qualifications with a reference to your knowledge of the company and a request a formal interview.

To view the original article CLICK HERE

Making it Big Monday

Career and Job Fair Do's and Don'ts

Here are the keys for students and job-seekers to successfully navigating a career or job fair. Follow these simple rules and guidelines and you should achieve success in this important strategic tool of job-hunting.

• Do have a specific strategy for maximizing your time at the event. And don't bother spending time with recruiters from companies that do not interest you.
• Do pre-register for the event, and do attempt to get the list of attending companies before the career fair.
• Don't eliminate companies because they are recruiting for positions outside your field; take the time to network with the recruiter and get the name of a hiring manager for your particular career field.
• Do attempt to research basic information about each company you hope to interview with at the job fair. A common career fair question from recruiters is, "Why do you want to work for our company?"
• Don't just drop your resume on the recruiter's table and walk off.
• Do prepare a one-minute "commercial" that focuses on the unique benefits you can offer the employer -- a version of your elevator speech. And do be prepared for common interview questions.
• Do be prepared to talk about your work experiences, skills, and abilities. And for college students, do be prepared for a question about your GPA by some recruiters. (And do use the GPA -- overall, college, major -- that makes you look the strongest.)
• Don't be afraid or intimidated by the recruiter; he or she is there to do a job -- to meet and screen potential candidates.
• Do have a few questions prepared for each recruiter, but don't ask questions that any good job-seeker should already know, such as "What does your company do?" Do check out these Questions to Ask at Career and Job Fairs.
• Do say the recruiter's name several times during your conversation, even if you have to keep glancing at the recruiter's nametag. And do get a business card (or at least contact information) from each recruiter.
• Don't forget to eliminate such bad habits as playing with your hair, chewing gum, fidgeting, rocking from side-to-side, acting distracted, rubbing your nose, etc.
• Do remember all the keys to successful interviewing, including a firm handshake, a warm smile, eye contact, and a strong voice.
• Don't use filler words such as "um", "like", "you know."
• Do bring enough copies of your resume to the career fair. And do bring different versions of your resume if you are searching for different types of jobs.
• Do take advantage of the time you have to build rapport with each recruiter, but don't monopolize their time.
• Don't ever just walk up to a booth and interrupt a current conversation; wait your turn and be polite.
• Do dress professionally -- conservative is always the safe choice. And do wear comfortable shoes.
• Don't waste the opportunity to network, not only with the recruiters, but with fellow job-seekers and other professionals in attendance at the career fair.
• Don't ever say anything negative to the recruiter about your college or previous jobs, companies, or supervisors.
• Do be sure to ask about the hiring process of each company, but don't ask too many questions about salaries, vacation time, and other benefits.
• Do take the initiative and ask about the next step in the process. And do be prepared to follow-up all job leads.
• Do be sure to follow-up with each recruiter. Some experts say to call and leave a message on their voicemail right after the job fair, but at a minimum you should send each recruiter a thank you letter.

To view the original article CLICK HERE

Tip Tuesday

How to Land A Job BEFORE You even Graduate - 34 Tips and Resources

1) Figure it out. The first step in landing that job is figuring out what it is that you want to do! It may seem heavy, but you got to start somewhere. If you're already in school, you have a sense of what industry you'd like to work in (or your hopelessly lost!). Start with that and explore what options you'll have working in that industry at the entry level position.
2) Know the job. After you figure out the kind of job you want, you need to know what the job entails. Learn as much as possible about the job so you can focus on learning and obtaining the skills needed to fulfill the duties required. If know exactly what an employer will be looking for, then it'll be much easier to have it come interview time.
3) Make sure you're qualified. Now that you know what the duties are, it's time to assess your skills. Do you have what it takes to get the job done? Will you be qualified at the time you graduate for this position? There's no point in preparing yourself for a job you can't even get. Know what you're capable of doing and find a job that fits.
4) Take the right classes. The earlier you figure out what kind of job you want, you'll have the opportunity to take the right kinds of classes while in college. It's never a good idea to spend tens of thousands of dollars on your education if it's not focused on a specific end. Plan in advance and take courses that fit into your job description.
5) Take your education seriously. Again, don't waste your money on education if it's not going to be put to use. While you're there, pay attention as much as possible to what you are learning; it not only will prepare you for the job you'll soon have but also give you a taste of what you'll be doing, and will show when you start your career.

Work Experience
6) Get a part-time job. Employers will want to see at least some experience. Even if mommy and daddy are taking care of you like the spoiled little brat that you are, consider having a part time job while in school. The pay might not be great, but at least you'll show some responsibility to any future employers.
7) Make it relevant. Now that you've decided to get off your butt and get a job, think about getting a job that will teach you skills you can use in the future. Don't get a job working in a warehouse doing physical labor if you plan on having a career in sales. Know what basic job principals you need work on and find a job to help strengthen them.
8) Don't get fired. It's bad enough that you only have so little experience up to this point. What's even worse is not having good responsible experience. Getting fired from a job that anyone can do (including a monkey) just shows how irresponsible and immature you are. If you're going to get a job, take it as seriously as possible.
9) Leave a impression. Be the best you can be! Every part time job you have, no matter how insignificant it may seem, plays an integral role in how you develop as a worker and employee. As you succeed in small doses, you grow more confident in your abilities which in turn makes you do an even better job. The cycle of confidence will show later on in the job hunt.

References 
10) Get to know your teachers. Leaving an impression with your teachers is just the same as making nice with an employer. Teachers are experts in their field, and if you can get in on your teacher's good side (or even befriend one), they'll prove to be a great personal reference later in the hiring process.
11) Find a mentor. Take the time to seek out those in your community who share similar interests or even more so work in the same industry that you are trying to get into. You're bound to find someone who you can grab coffee with here and there who's willing to share some tips and information on how to get your foot in the door.
12) Connect with your peers. Make sure your fellow students and friends are aware of your job plans. You might connect with a few that are interested in getting a similar job and can assist you in the process. While you my face some competition, use it to your advantage by keeping an eye on their moves; you can learn a lot from them.
13) Network with everybody. That being said, get out there and start networking! It's kind of a sad truth, but much of life is not based on how smart you are or what it is you know; it's who you know that gets you the good job. Locate places where people of similar interests hang out (happy hours are a good start) and make your face a familiar one.

Activities
14) Have a hobby. You've got to do something with yourself other that working and sleeping that you enjoy (and no getting drunk is not a hobby as much as we all tell ourselves it is!). Try to take your hobby to the next level and compare it to the job or industry you're getting into. Can you find any similarities?
15) Join an organization. There are many organizations and associations located in your area. Find one that you can enjoy being a part of or better yet, find a club that people with influence frequent. Use these events to find common ground with people and plant the seeds for possible job opportunities in the future.
16) Play sports. Almost any job you'll ever get will deal heavily with your ability to work with others. What better way to showcase these abilities than to excel at a team sport? You don't have to be some amazing athlete to play in a sport, and don't always worry about being the all-star. Become an unsung-hero type and it will build character.
17) Share Your Talents. Are you an artist or musician? What kind of gifts do you have to bestow upon the world? Put your artwork in galleries or play a concert at the local coffee house. It will shine on your resume the next time you have an interview, and show potential employers that you have multiple talents and aren't afraid to use them.

Reputation Management
18) Know your criminal record. Have you had any tickets or violations in the past? Know what your criminal record is in case someone checks you out and brings it up in front of you. Never try to hide from any law-breaking you may have committed, but rather be aware of your past and prepared to discuss any details should someone bring them up.
19) Use Google Alerts. A great way to keep on top of what is being said about you online is to use Google Alerts. What happens is, anytime someone blogs about you or mentions your name, Google will know about it. They'll send you emails once they find something! It's also a great way to keep updated about news and events in your industry.
20) Be aware of social networks. We all have MySpace and Facebook accounts; be wary of what pictures of you there are or anything else that may prohibit you from getting hired at a future job. Most of these networks have options to close pages off so only "friends" can view your personal profiles.
21) Get Published. A fantastic way to show your expertise in your industry is to get published either online or in a magazine. Do some research and find out who hires freelance writers; or, you may be able to get published by donating an article. Either way, it's a great tool that any employer would be impressed with.
22) Pay Your Bills. Many employers don't run credit checks on you, but in today's day and age, there's bound to be all kinds of snooping around into your personal life. Make sure you don't have any outstanding tax liens or collections agencies chasing you down for debts you haven't paid.

Self Promotion
23) Build a website. Trust me, if you start a website now that describes your career and accomplishments, you'll definitely reap the benefits once interview time comes around. Many employers are using the web to do background checks on prospects; use your website to make a name for yourself online.
24) Blog as much as possible. Add a blog or use blogging software to maintain updates on your website. Discuss your targeted industry as much as possible. Provide helpful information or talk about how a certain task could be done better or in a different way. This will prove your passion for the job in addition to your knowledge.
25) Create a podcast. Record a podcast every now and then that takes your discussion further. Much like getting published, you could have your podcast published on other sites and blogs and keep track of how many times the podcast was downloaded. Interviews with others in your industry provide great content for a podcast.
26) Shoot a video. Grab a friend and a video camera and shoot a quick introduction to yourself and your website. Amid the hundreds if not thousands of paper resumes an employer has to go through in their lifetime, you're bound to make a big impression by hosting a welcome video on your site.
27) Have business cards. Remember those networking events we discussed earlier? Joined an organization? Have a friend of a friend who knows someone at the place you're trying to work at? Get some business cards printed with your contact information and web address to show everybody you mean business.
28) Run and advertisement. Take the business card to the next level and purchase a small advertisement in your local paper. You could offer a service that plays into the career you're about to get into and maybe even get some freelance work you can use to build up your resume.
29) Use pay-per-click. Anyone can run an affordable advertisement using Google or Yahoo. Target specific keywords that are used often in your target industry and raise some eyebrows online. You could even target your ads geographically if you had different locations in mind.

Find the Job
30) Join Linked-in. Think MySpace for professionals. The more people you meet using Linked-in that already have a presence in your industry, the more chances you have to landing that dream job right off the bat. Simply another way the Internet is changing the way employees get found and hired.
31) Search Online. Start using Monster.com and other online job search services. Post your resume with your targeted graduation date. You never know when a potential employer could be out looking for you, and it doesn't mean they won't give you a shot just because school's not over with.
32) Grab the Yellow Pages. Search the Yellow Pages for companies in your area that you'd consider working for. Contact them and send the your resume, letting them know what your intentions are in the future. They might offer you an internship which you can turn into a full time gig once you graduate.
33) Check out Craigslist. New job listings are posted every day on Craigslist; take advantage of it. Try to find opportunities whenever you can, just to see if someone will bite. Try to get as many interviews as possible; even if you don't get hired, each one will prepare you for the next.
34) Pick up the paper. Lots of employers still use the classifieds to find employees. Don't rule it out when looking for a job opportunity. Get out there, pick up the phone, and get that big job before you even graduate!

To view the original article CLICK HERE

Making it Big Monday

How to Find Employment Before College Graduation

If you are about to graduate from college, you may be a little apprehensive about entering the work force. After all you have been a student for several years and it is now time to enter the real world. Landing a college grad job does not have to be a challenge. There are some things that you can do prior to graduation to get you on the fast track to getting a job as a college graduate.          

 

**Set a goal**

First, you will have to set a goal for yourself and figure out what you are going to do when you do graduate college. Do not just settle on anything just because it generates the most income. However, you do want to get a job that requires a college degree also known as a college degree job. With that said, you should pursue a career field that you are passionate about.

**Complete internships**
Complete internships before you graduate college. This will increase your chances of getting a college degree job in your field. It is good if you could do multiple internships with companies in your field. For instance if your field is accounting, see if you could intern in the payroll department of a company.

**Produce a strong resume**
Once you have in mind the job you want to pursue start by circulating your resume to companies that you have a desire to work for. Make sure that you have a polished resume with your most strongest information about yourself at the top. If you can follow up with these companies with an informal meeting, do so. That way they can actually have a picture of who you are instead of just reading everything from your resume. Remember sometimes competition is fierce so you will want to stick out in the crowd.

**Attend job fairs**
Go to job fairs as often as you can. Sometimes employers will interview prospective employees on the spot.

**Send resumes to non-advertisers**
Send your resume to places even if they are not advertising for a job. When a position does come up, you could be one of the key people that the employer interviews. This has happened to people before and they subsequently get the job because they are not competing with a lot of people for one position.

**Do your research**

Research the company prior to going to an interview. Come to the interview on time. Have a few questions prepared to ask the interviewer.

**Network**

Lastly, make sure you get the word out that you are looking for a job and that you will be a college grad soon. Go to your college career center. They are a valuable resource on resume building, interview advice, and job seeking strategies.

To view the original article CLICK HERE

Top Job Thursday

25 Well-Paying Jobs that Most People Overlook (and Why)

(PART 2)

Here are certain jobs that nobody dreams of doing when they grow up. “Somebody’s gotta do it”, but that doesn’t stop people from praying that “someone” won’t be them. What’s surprising, however, is how much money some of these stigmatized jobs actually pay people who man up and do them. So if you’re on the fence about where your financial future is headed, stop and consider any of the shockingly lucrative jobs that follow.

[NOTE: We realize that there are, technically, people who do want these jobs. The point is to spotlight jobs with stigmas attached to them that pay more than the typical person would think.]

12. Soldier

The U.S. military is suffering one of its biggest recruitment crunches ever, in spite of more money and higher perks people who join. According to MSN, new volunteers are eligible to collect sign-up bonuses of $10,000 (up from $8,000 previously), while soldiers with college aspirations will find up to $70,000 waiting for them at the end of their term. Combine that with PX privileges and the potential for life-long pension and health insurance, and the military might not seem like such a raw deal, but if you don’t live long enough to enjoy that money, or have to discard your principles, it’s simply not worth it for most people.

11. Construction Worker

The life of a construction worker is a constant disaster waiting to happen. Whether you are working beside highway traffic, laying out a bridge across a huge body of water or operating equipment that could saw off a human limb, the threat of danger is always present. When you consider that construction workers do all of this year round, in blazing sun or bone-chilling cold, it’s not difficult to see why people shy away from such work. It does, however, offer an average starting salary of $49,517, according to PayScale.com.

10. Toll booth collector

According to Businessweek’s article “Worst Jobs With The Best Pay”, toll booth collectors earn an average salar of $45,000. If you’re not scared off by the prospect of spending your night in a booth smaller than a jail cell as you take money from people passing through to somewhere fun, it’s not a bad living. BusinessWeek also notes that toll collectors are union employees with good benefits packages and overtime pay that would make non-union workers salivate with jealousy.

9. Highway patrol worker

Most people don’t relish the prospect of patrolling the interstate during early morning hours, but the highway patrol is a pretty decent-paying gig. Salary.com lists the median expected salary for a highway patrol officer at $43,112 with room for advancement. If you can withstand being sworn at and despised by every rush-hour motorist on the road, this might be worth looking into.

8. Plumber

Plumbing the shadowy depths of a stranger’s toilet bowl may not be the stuff dreams are made of, but it might be the path to a decent-sized bank account. The average salary for a journeyman plumber is $41,000 per year, according to Indeed.com’s estimates. This is just a starting point, however, as plumbers are known to charge more and more as they become known and referred around their local area.

7. Hazmat worker

It is the job of hazardous materials workers to neutralize and otherwise deal with dangerous substances or outbreaks. In a typical day, a hazmat worker might find himself handling asbestos, spent oil or fuel, lead-based paint, transmission fluid, mold, toxins, contaminated soil or even radioactive waste. All of this must be dealt with by following strict, federal government mandated regulations and procedures, not to mention intense scrutiny from anyone who happens to be nearby. Beginning hazmat workers can expect to earn roughly $40,000 per year (more in heavily populated metro areas like New York City.)

6. Sports agent

Contrary to popular myth, the life of a beginning sports agent is almost nothing like “Jerry McGuire”. Instead, the book “License To Deal” tells a much different story. Tommy Tanzer, a now-prominent agent, got his start by turning his van into a mobile home and going into debt in order to travel and sign players. Another agent is said to have spent his early days backpacking through South America, sleeping in tents while attempting to sign players from that area. If you are willing to endure this type of struggle, who knows? You just might hang around long enough to negotiate multi-million dollar contracts for sports megastars.

5. Unionized deli clerk

Most people don’t use the words “deli clerk” and “high paying” in the same sentence, but with a little persistence, it can be done. Because the larger grocery chains are heavily unionized, deli clerks who work at those stores are not only guaranteed annual raises, but also constant employment. As anyone who has ever worked at a deli knows, unions will put their weight behind even the most lazy, unproductive employees to ensure that they are not fired. By sticking around long enough, you can eventually take home as much as $40,000 a year for little more than standing in front of a slicer and cutting meat.

4. Embalmer

If you’re interested in job opportunities that pay $34,000 and up, requiring no more than a high school diploma and a training course, the embalming of dead people might be right up your alley! While you will need a license, embalming is a textbook example of a job the world will always need that most people will not want. This walks readers through both the nature of the work and the process of actually getting into the field.

3. Dog walker

Dogs can be scary enough without putting several of them on leashes and hoping they’ll behave for a complete stranger as you walk them around town. However, the undesirability of the job is precisely what makes it high-paying. In a busy metro area, a reputable dog walker can rake it in to the tune of $50 per hour. As one article points out, “that’s more than the average salary of a mid-level manager.”

2. Lab rat

Every day, research labs across the nation are offering money to people who agree to have new drugs or procedures tested on them. If you are willing to ingest new and unproven substances into your bloodstream, there’s virtually no end to the money you can bring in! Simply peruse the Sunday classified ads or keep your eyes peeled for “Test Subjects Wanted” ads on the community bulletin board and you can be taking home as much as $3,000 or more per month.

1. Proctologist

Known ubiquitously as “the butt doctor”, a proctologist is charged with diagnosing and treating problems with the rectum or anus. Using your trusty proctoscope, you will examine patients for such problems as anal tears, fecal incontinence, severe constipation, and even (in rare cases) anal cancer. You will be more or less despised by your patients, but there’s a $226,000/yr salary at the end of the tunnel if you manage to stick with it for a couple years!

To view the original article CLICK HERE

Top Job Thursday

List of Canada's Top 100 employers for 2013

 

3M Canada Co., London. Manufacturing; 1,860 full-time employees. Provides a quiet room for meditation and reflection.

Aboriginal Peoples Television Network Inc. (APTN), Winnipeg. Television broadcasting; 135 employees. Offers subsidies for tuition and professional accreditation.

Accenture Plc, Toronto. Computer programming and consulting; 3,793 employees. Offers employee referral bonuses up to $6,000.

Aecon Group Inc., Toronto. Construction and infrastructure development company; 9,684 employees. Share purchase plan available to all employees.

Agriculture Financial Services Corp. (AFSC), Lacombe, Alta. Credit intermediation; 550 employees. Supports flexible work arrangements.

Agrium Inc., Calgary. Fertilizer manufacturing; 2,251 employees. Manages a popular engineer-in-training program.

Alberta-Pacific Forest Industries Inc., Boyle, Alta. Pulp mills; 450 employees. Offers new employees up to four weeks of paid vacation.

AMEC Americas Ltd., Oakville, Ont. Engineering services; 7,200 employees. Offers referral bonuses for some positions of up to $5,000.

Bank of Canada, Ottawa. Banking; 1,176 employees. Offers a defined benefit pension plan.

Bayer Inc., Toronto. Pharmaceutical manufacturing; 702 employees. Provides a subsidy up to $15,000 for in-vitro fertilization when needed.

BC Public Service, Victoria. Government support; 26,201 employees. Manages an academic scholarship program for children of employees.

Bennett Jones LLP, Calgary. Lawyers; 821 employees. Offers compassionate leave top-up payments of 100 per cent of salary for one week.

Bank of Montreal, Toronto. Banking; 28,686 employees. Offers retirement planning assistance and phased-in retirement work options.

Bombardier Inc., Montreal. Aircraft manufacturing; 24,147 employees. Offers paid internship opportunities for new graduates and younger employees.

Business Development Bank of Canada, Montreal. Banking; 1,958 employees. Flexible health plan offers employees the option of purchasing additional vacation days.

Cameco Corp., Saskatoon. Uranium mining; 3,033 employees. Offers an onsite fully equipped fitness facility at head office.

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, Toronto. Commercial banking; 33,965 employees. Offers referral and year-end bonuses.

Canadian Security Intelligence Service, Ottawa. National security; 3,311 employees. Provides maternity and parental leave top-up payments for new mothers up to 93 per cent of salary for 52 weeks.

Carswell, a division of Thomson Reuters Canada Ltd., Toronto. Book publishing; 984 employees. Manages a two-year leadership program to help promote from within.

Catholic Children’s Aid Society of Toronto. Child and youth services; 581 employees. Offers the option to take unpaid full- and part-time educational leaves of absence.

Cementation Canada Inc., North Bay, Ont. Mine contracting and engineering; 1,034 employees. Added more than 50 new positions in Canada last year.

Ceridian Canada Ltd., Winnipeg. Payroll services; 1,297 employees. Offers formal mentoring, in-house and online training and career planning services.

Certified General Accountants Association of Canada, Burnaby, B.C. Professional organizations; 144 employees. Transit subsidy available for ride-share programs.

College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, Toronto. Professional organizations; 285 employees. Provides flexible work arrangements for new mothers returning to work.

Dalhousie University, Halifax. Colleges and universities; 3,328 employees. Offers a health benefits plan that extends into employees’ retirement years.

Deeley Harley-Davidson Canada, Richmond, B.C. Motorcycle dealer; 139 employees. Matches donations to employees’ favourite charities.

Desjardins Group, Lévis, Que. Credit unions; 37,790 employees. Provides showers and change rooms for bicycle commuters.

DIALOG, Vancouver. Architectural and engineering Services; 540 employees. Provides year-end bonuses for some employees.

Diavik Diamond Mines Inc., Yellowknife. Mining; 1,171 employees. Recognized for its aboriginal development program in partnership with SAIT Polytechnic.

Digital Extremes Ltd., London, Ont. Computer programming; 182 employees. Two full-time chefs prepare free healthy meals daily for staff.

EllisDon Corp., Mississauga, Ont. Building construction; 1,164 employees. Starts new employees with three weeks of paid vacation.

Enbridge Inc., Calgary. Natural gas distribution; 4,681 employees. Partners with the University of Calgary to provide mentoring to undergraduates.

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, Toronto. Hotels; 8,705 employees. Committed to environmental stewardship through its energy and water conservation policies.

General Motors of Canada Ltd., Oshawa, Ont. Motor vehicle manufacturing; 10,317 employees. Provides generous subsidies for tuition and professional accreditation.

Georgian College, Barrie, Ont. Colleges and universities; 791 employees. Recently opened a new Health and Wellness building.

Goldcorp Inc., Vancouver. Gold mining; 2,290 employees. Offers paid time off during the holiday season.

Golder Associates Ltd., Calgary. Engineering services; 2,995 employees. Manages an international employee exchange program.

Great Little Box Co. Ltd., Richmond, B.C. Box manufacturing; 213 employees. Encourages employees to save for retirement through matching RRSP contributions.

Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto. Hospitals; 4,529 employees. Offers in-house and online training programs.

HP Advanced Solutions Inc., Victoria. Computer system design; 403 employees. Considers previous work experience for vacation entitlements.

ISM Canada, Regina. Computer programming; 821 employees. Offers discounts on home computer equipment.

Ivanhoé Cambridge Inc., Montreal. Commercial retail spaces; 1,160 employees. Offers range of alternative work arrangements including flexible hours.

Johnson Inc., St. John’s. Insurance; 1,514 employees. Offers flexible work options including telecommuting and shortened workweek option.

Knight Piésold Ltd., Vancouver. Engineering services; 181 employees. Profit-sharing and year-end bonuses available to all employees.

KPMG LLP, Toronto. Certified public accountants; 5,778 employees. Offers referral bonuses up to $1,000.

L’Oréal Canada Inc., Montreal. Cosmetics manufacturing; 1,200 employees. Recognizes exceptional performance with VIP trips to company-sponsored events.

Ledcor Group of Companies, Vancouver. Building construction; 6,988 employees. Offers formal mentoring for young workers new to the construction industry.

Loblaw Cos. Ltd., Brampton, Ont. Supermarkets; 29,725 employees. Subsidizes memberships to a fully equipped onsite fitness centre.

Manitoba Hydro, Winnipeg. Hydroelectric power generation; 5,980 employees. Recently appointed a northern aboriginal employee counsellor.

Manitoba Lotteries Corp., Winnipeg. Gambling; 1,307 employees. Long-serving employees receive up to six weeks of paid vacation.

Manulife Financial Corp., Toronto. Life insurance; 10,999 employees. Located amidst a beautiful seven-acre garden oasis in downtown Toronto.

Mars Canada Inc., Bolton, Ont. Confectionery manufacturing; 474 employees. Offers reserved car parking for hybrid vehicles at head office.

McCarthy Tétrault LLP, Toronto. Lawyers; 1,467 employees. Offers extended health benefit coverage during maternity leave.

Medtronic of Canada Ltd., Brampton, Ont. Medical apparatus manufacturing; 437 employees. New LEED certified head office offers environmentally friendly features.

Molson Coors Canada, Montreal. Breweries; 2,898 employees. Provides a fitness centre and cafeteria with subsidized meals.

Monsanto Canada Inc., Winnipeg. Agricultural biotechnology; 275 employees. Encourages employee development with tuition subsidies to $10,000.

National Ballet of Canada, Toronto. Dance company; 216 employees. Features an onsite cafeteria, with healthy and special diet menus.

National Energy Board, Calgary. Oil, gas and electric utility regulation; 363 employees. Offers a paid education leave program for employees completing work-related courses at outside institutions.

Northwest Territories, Government of the, Yellowknife. Government support; 5,862 employees. Offers compassionate leave top-up payments for care of a loved one to 100 per cent of salary for seven weeks.

Nuance Communications Canada Inc., Montreal. Software publishers; 522 employees. Offers a share purchase plan and profit-sharing to all employees.

OpenText Corp., Waterloo, Ont. Computer programming; 1,331 employees. Offers signing bonuses for some positions and referral bonuses.

Ottawa, City of. Legislative bodies, 12,103 employees. Offers subsidies for tuition and professional accreditation and career planning services.

PCL Constructors Inc., Edmonton. Building construction; 2,346 employees. Offers in-house apprenticeship opportunities.

Pfizer Canada Inc., Kirkland, Que. Pharmaceutical manufacturing; 2,726 employees. Offers an onsite daycare centre for new mothers.

Potash Corp. of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon. Fertilizer manufacturing; 2,765 employees. Manages an academic scholarship program for children of employees.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Toronto. Certified public accountants; 6,527 employees. Hosts a national PwC hockey tournament with office teams.

Procter & Gamble Inc., Toronto. Toiletry product manufacturing; 2,012 employees. Offers health benefits coverage into retirement, with no age limit.

Rescan Environmental Services Ltd., Vancouver. Environmental consulting; 146 employees. Partners with UBC’s Sauder School of Business in developing a management development program.

SAS Institute (Canada) Inc., Toronto. Computer programming; 269 employees. Features an onsite fully equipped fitness facility with free membership.

Saskatchewan Government Insurance, Regina. Insurance carriers; 1,902 employees. Offers an informal phased-in retirement program.

SaskTel, Regina. Telecommunications; 3,131 employees. Employees and retirees volunteer tens of thousands of hours every year to community projects.

Shaw Communications Inc., Calgary. Communications; 12,666 employees. Offers subsidies for job-related courses and professional accreditation.

Shell Canada Ltd., Calgary. Petroleum and gas extraction; 7,825 employees. Provides a meditation and reflection centre.

Shoppers Drug Mart Inc., Toronto. Drug stores;1,323 employees. Offers referral bonuses up to $3,000.

Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, B.C. Colleges and universities; 2,752 employees. Manages an onsite daycare facility.

Solvera Solutions, Regina. Computer programming; 130 employees. Offers personal paid days off.

St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, Hamilton, Ont. Hospitals; 2,706 employees. Outreach program directs medical personnel, supplies and equipment to countries in need.

Stryker Canada Inc., Hamilton, Ont. Surgical and medical products; 213 employees. Offers year-end performance bonuses.

Suncor Energy Inc., Calgary. Petroleum and natural gas; 12,897 employees. Offers more than 10 personal paid days off taken at the employees’ discretion.

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto. Hospitals; 5,208 employees. Offers fertility drug treatments through its health benefits plan.

Toronto-Dominion Bank, Toronto. Banking; 43,850 employees. Operates an in-house rotational work program for women returning to work.

Technip Canada Ltd., St. John’s. Engineering services; 124 employees. Offers a range of alternative work arrangements.

Telus Corp., Vancouver, B.C. Telecommunications; 24,443 employees. Hosts an annual day of service to encourage employee volunteerism.

Toronto Hydro Corp., Toronto. Electric power distribution; 1,742 employees. Employees can apply for an unpaid leave of absence for up to one year.

Toronto International Film Festival, Toronto. Motion pictures; 149 employees. Offers internship opportunities and in-house training programs.

Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada Inc., Cambridge, Ont. Automobile manufacturing; 7,024 employees. Offers generous discounts for the lease or purchase of new vehicles.

Trican Well Service Ltd., Calgary. Support for oil and gas operations; 2,395 employees. Offers profit-sharing and a share purchase plan available to all employees.

Union Gas Ltd., Chatham-Kent, Ont. Natural gas distribution; 2,192 employees. New employees start at three weeks of paid vacation.

University of New Brunswick, Fredericton and Saint John. Colleges and universities; 1,782 employees. Offers parental leave top-up payments to new fathers or adoptive parents up to 95 per cent of salary for 17 weeks.

University of Toronto. Colleges and universities; 8,485 employees. Manages onsite daycare facilities at each campus location.

Vancouver City Savings Credit Union, Vancouver. Credit unions; 1,836 employees. Recently added a rooftop garden managed entirely by volunteer employees.

Vancouver Island Health Authority, Victoria. Hospitals; 8,098 employees. Offers an onsite co-operatively run fitness facility.

Vancouver, City of. Legislative bodies; 6,898 employees. Depending upon the position, offers flexible hours and an earned days-off program.

West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd., Vancouver. Sawmills; 4,931 employees. Offers a share purchase plan option to all employees.

WestJet Airlines Ltd., Calgary. Air transportation; 5,806 employees. Donated more than 4,790 flights to charitable initiatives last year.

Winnipeg Airports Authority Inc., Winnipeg. Airport operation; 150 employees. Provides discounts at airport restaurants and retail outlets.

Workers’ Compensation Board of Nova Scotia, Halifax. Human resource programs; 382 employees. Offers retirement planning workshops.

World Vision Canada, Mississauga, Ont. Social advocacy; 442 employees. Provides employees with the opportunity to visit locations where World Vision operates.

Xerox Canada Inc., Toronto. Computer manufacturing; 3,588 employees. Encourages ongoing employee development with tuition subsidies up to $6,000.

Yellow Pages Group Co., Verdun, Que. Directory publishers; 2,761 employees. Added more than 280 new positions last year.

To view the original article CLICK HERE

Tip Tuesday

 20 Ways to Get the Job You Want

20 essential tips to finding that job you want

You can help make the job you want happen. The key is believing in you. Plant your feet firmly on the path to the job you desire. Take the time to free yourself of the shackles of doubt so you can see yourself in the most positive accurate way. Confidence is what allows you to see the asset you are. Dream, plan, try and stretch yourself to get that job you desire.

Read more ways to gain confidence on your job pursuit:

1. Stay Positive - Remind yourself of all the positive qualities and skills you bring to any job by making a list.

 

2. Put Your Best Qualities Forward - Keep in mind that you are a composite of all those wonderful qualities and be prepared to share them at your next possible job opportunity.

3. Inner Confident Shows - Inner confidence shines through on the outside and others are attracted to it.

4. Cheer Yourself On - Be your own cheerleader and make it clear what you have to offer.

5. No One is Perfect - Recognize everyone has short-comings and you don't have to be perfect to be an asset.

 

6. Learning is Always a Possibility - If the job requires a new skill, confidently acknowledge that you can gain that skill.

7. Eliminate Stress - Recognize new situations are likely to create stress but you can handle the stress knowing you are capable and will get through it.

8. Open Your Mind - Be open-minded and try a new path and see where it takes you.

9. It's Not All Or Nothing - Don't over value the job you are applying for.

10. No Job is Perfect - There is no such thing as the one perfect job that got away.

11. New Opportunities Await - If one job does not work out, there will be others along the way.

12. The Job Hunt is Your Job - Treat job hunting like a job and schedule specific hours to work on it.

13. Everyone Needs Personal Time S0 Take A Break - It's important to schedule in time for you to take time out to relieve stress through exercise, hobbies, or planned fun time with family or friends.

14. Look For New Hobbies- Schedule in those pleasant activities which keep you feeling good.

15. Exercise Strengthens The Mind - Schedule in time to exercise as it is good for the body and good for the head.

16. Discover Something New - Take the time to try something new and experience that sense of accomplishment.

17. Ask Friends For Help - Don't isolate from your friends as you are not the first or the last person to look for a job.

18. You Can Handle Anything Life Throws At You - Think back to all the difficult situations and problems you have tackled and believe in the confidence you have earned.

19. Keep Your Confidence - Don't let your confidence get rattled when the path gets bumpy.

20. Celebrate Small Victories - Give yourself credit for every step you take and celebrate each victory no matter how small.

To view the original article CLICK HERE

Making It Big Monday

5 Ways to Get the Job You Want -- in Any Economy

With all the bleak economic news and reports of massive layoffs, it's easy to lose sight of an exciting fact of work: There have never been more opportunities and possibilities for talented people than exist today. The rate of new business formation in the United States has passed more than 1 million new companies per year. Employers everywhere are looking for bright, resourceful and committed people to help their businesses grow. The best way to help the best companies find you is to become a self-directed job searcher.

Regardless of your employment experience, your target industry or the economic climate, you can get a job -- a great job -- if you are willing to work hard and know how to work smart. Here are some of the very best ideas, strategies and methods for putting your career back on the fast track.

1. Take control of your career
The average person starting work today will have 11 full-time jobs and as many as five different careers over the course of his or her lifetime. To weather the storms of lifelong career change, you must be proactive, not reactive.
Begin by seeing yourself as self-employed. See yourself as the president of a company with one employee: you. See yourself as having one product to sell in a competitive marketplace: your personal services. You are completely responsible for research and development. No matter who signs your paycheck, you are always on your own payroll. This attitude is the starting point for getting the job you want for the rest of your career.

2. Take stock of yourself
Before you go out and look for a job, do some self-reflection. Make a list of all the things you can do for which someone would be willing to pay. What have you done especially well at your previous jobs? What sort of activities in your work and your personal life do you most enjoy? The good news is that you will always do the very best at something that makes you the happiest. To help yourself follow the right career track, describe your ideal job. The greater clarity you have about exactly what it is you want to do and how much you want to earn, the easier it is for someone to hire you.

3. Understand the job market
All labor, including your own, is subject to the economic law of supply and demand. The only way to ensure you get a rewarding job is by doing something important for which there is a demand in the marketplace and in which you are difficult to replace. A change in technology, consumer preferences or the economy can make a particular talent or specialty obsolete almost overnight. You must continually upgrade your knowledge and skills and adjust your efforts so that they conform to the needs of the current job market. In a free society such as ours, everybody works on commission.

4. Don't mistake unemployment for a vacation Look at your job search as a full-time job, taking 40 to 50 hours a week. Get up and get dressed each weekday morning as if you were going to work, eat a light, high-energy breakfast and then get going. Looking good and staying productive not only improves your attitude, but also impresses other people, both those inside your own house and those on the outside. Remember, you should never see yourself as unemployed. You are a fully employed person in a temporary state of transition.

5. Sow seeds everywhere Most of the jobs available are not advertised. They are hidden and waiting for you to discover them. Along with regularly surfing Internet job sites, be sure to list your qualifications and interests on every site that might attract employers seeking someone like you. Visit community job fairs and talk to exhibitors. Keep an eye out for news of new product releases and then seek out key people in the company. A business expansion represents job opportunities. Gather information about a prominent individual in an organization you would like to work for. Ask that person, by phone, by e-mail or in a letter, to grant you a 10-minute informational interview. Almost invariably, your interest, knowledge and gratitude will pay off in a job offer.

To view the original article CLICK HERE

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.

To view the original article CLICK HERE

Witty Wednesday

43 weird things said in job interviews

"I'm not wanted in this state."
"How many young women work here?"
"I didn't steal it; I just borrowed it."
"You touch somebody and they call it sexual harassment!"
"I've never heard such a stupid question."

Believe it or not, the above statements weren't overhead in bars or random conversations -- they were said in job interviews.

Maybe you were nervous, you thought the employer would appreciate your honesty, or maybe you just have no boundaries. Whatever the reason, you can be certain that you shouldn't tell an interviewer that it's probably best if they don't do a background check on you. (And yes, the hiring manager remembered you said that.)

We asked hiring managers to share the craziest things they've heard from applicants in an interview. Some are laugh-out-loud hysterical, others are jaw dropping -- the majority are both. To be sure, they will relieve anyone who has ever said something unfortunate at a job interview -- and simply amuse the rest of you.

Hiring managers shared these 43 memorable interview responses:

Why did you leave your last job?
"I have a problem with authority." - Carrie Rocha, COO of HousingLink

Tell us about a problem you had with a co-worker and how you resolved it
"The resolution was we were both fired."- Jason Shindler, CEO, Curvine Web Solutions

What kind of computer software have you used?
"Computers? Are those the black boxes that sit on the floor next to the desks? My boss has one of those. He uses it. I don't have one. He just gives me my schedule and I follow it." - Greg Szymanski, director of human resources, Geonerco Management, Inc

What are your hobbies and interests?
"[He said] 'Well, as you can see, I'm a young, virile man and I'm single -- if you ladies know what I'm saying.' Then he looked at one of the fair-haired board members and said, 'I particularly like blondes.'" - Petri R.J. Darby, president, darbyDarnit Public Relations

Why should we hire you?
"I would be a great asset to the events team because I party all the time." - Bill McGowan, founder, Clarity Media Group

Do you have any questions?
"If you were a fruit, what fruit would you be?" - Megan Garnett, Articulate Leadership Team, Articulate Communications Inc.
"What do you want me to do if I cannot walk to work if it's raining? Can you pick me up?" - Christine Pechstein, career coach
"I was a Chamber of Commerce Executive once hiring a secretary. [The candidate asked] 'What does a Chamber of Commerce do?'" - Mary Kurek, Mary Kurek, Inc. Visibility Consulting
"Can we wrap this up fairly quickly? I have someplace I have to go." - Bruce Campbell, vice president of marketing, Clare Computer Solutions
"What is your company's policy on Monday absences?" - Campbell
"If this doesn't work out can I call you to go out sometime?" - Christine Bolzan, founder of Graduate Career Coaching
"How big do the bonuses really get once you make associate? I hear it's some serious cash." - Bolzan
"[The candidate asked,] 'Can my dad call you to talk about the job and the training program? He is really upset I'm not going to medical school and wants someone to explain the Wall Street path to him.' The dad did call. Then that dad's friends called and I ended up doing a conference call with a group of concerned parents ... long story." - Bolzan
"If I get an offer, how long do I have before I have to take the drug test?" - Bolzan
"When you do background checks on candidates, do things like public drunkenness arrests come up?" - Bolzan
"Can I get a tour of the breast pumping room? I heard you have a great one here and while I don't plan on having children for at least 10 or 12 years, I will definitely breast feed and would want to use that room."- Bolzan
"So, how much do they pay you for doing these interviews?" -- Jodi R.R. Smith, Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting

Why are you leaving your current job?
"Because I (expletive) my pants every time I enter the building." - Abbe Mortimore, Human Resources Manager, True Textiles, Inc.
"I was fired from my last job because they were forcing me to attend anger management classes." - Smith

Why are you looking for a job?
"Cigarettes are getting more expensive, so I need another job." - Pechstein
"My parents told me I need to get a job so that is why I'm here." - McGowan

Why do you want to work for us?
"Just for the benefits." - Jennifer Juergens, JJ Communications
"My old boss didn't like me, so one day, I just left and never came back. And here I am!" - Matt Cowall, communications manager, Appia Communications
"I saw the job posted on Twitter and thought, why not?" - Rebecca Gertsmark Oren, Communications Director at The Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity

What are your assets? (as in strengths)
"Well, I do own a bike." - Pam Venné, principal, The Venné Group

What are your weaknesses?
"I get angry easily and I went to jail for domestic violence. But I won't get mad at you." - Pechstein
"I had a job candidate tell me that she often oversleeps and has trouble getting out of bed in the morning." - Linda Yaffe, certified executive coach
"I am an alcoholic and do not deserve this job." - Deb Bailey, owner, Power Women Magazine & Radio Show
"I'm really not a big learner. You know ... some people love learning and are always picking up new things, but that's just not me. I'd much rather work at a place where the job is pretty stagnant and doesn't change a lot." -- Michaele Charles, Voice Communications

When have you demonstrated leadership skills?
"Well my best example would be in the world of online video gaming. I pretty much run the show; it takes a lot to do that." - Rachel Croce

Is there anything else I should know about you?
"You should probably know I mud wrestle on the weekends." - Venne

When can you start?
"I need to check with my mom on that one." - Bolzan

Use three adjectives to describe yourself
"I hate questions like this." - Katrina Meistering, manager of outreach, National Fatherhood Initiative

Tell of a time you made a mistake and how you dealt with it
"I stole some equipment from my old job, and I had to pay for its replacement." - Meistering

Have you submitted your two weeks' notice to your current employer?
"What is two weeks' notice? I've never quit a job before, I've always been fired." - Meistering

Random responses
"One guy [said] 'it would probably be best' if I didn't run a background check on him. Of course, I did, and learned all about his long, sordid past of law-breaking. Our client actually offered him a job as a staff accountant, but quickly retracted the offer when I had to tell them all about his recent arrest for a meth lab in his basement." - Charles
"[A] guy said he did not have a mailing address, as he was living in a gypsy camp at the airport." -- Sandra L. Flippo, SPHR
"I went into the lobby to pick up a candidate. As he stood up, his trousers fell to the floor! [He said] 'Oh, my gosh -- they told me I needed a suit for the interview. I've got no money -- so I borrowed this thing. It's too big!'" - Beth Ross, executive and career coach
"Wow -- I'm not used to wearing dress shoes! My feet are killing me. Can I show you these bloody blisters?" - Bolzan
"May I have a cup of coffee? I think I may still be a little drunk from last night." - Smith
(During a telephone call to schedule the interview) "Can we meet next month? I am currently incarcerated."- Smith

"[A candidate] was asked whether he could advocate impartially on behalf of the various universities he would be representing since he had attended one of them. He responded, 'Well, I don't like to poop where I eat, but I thought my education sucked, so I certainly wouldn't put that school above the others.'" - Darby

 

To view original article CLICK HERE

Tip Tuesday

10 things to do after a job interview

The interview may be over, but your chance to make an impression is not. Here are 10 strategies to continue boosting your candidacy.

1. Show that you're still interested

Leave no doubt in the interviewer's mind about where you stand. Ask for the job at meeting's end with a phrase such as, "I would really like to contribute to this company and am hoping you select me."

Also, don't leave the room without a clear idea of what will happen next in the hiring process. Will select applicants be invited back to meet other people? By what date do they hope to fill the position? Such questions demonstrate enthusiasm for the job, and knowing the hirer's timeframe will help keep you from panicking if a week has passed without a phone call.

2. Set the stage for further contact

Nobody wants to be a pest, but could your silence as days pass be misinterpreted as indifference? Avoid the guesswork by finding out before heading home what the employer prefers in terms of checking in. Lizandra Vega, author of "The Image of Success: Make a Great Impression and Land the Job You Want," suggests asking the recruiter about her preferred method of follow-up communication and whether it would be okay to touch base again.

3. Be punctual

If you tell the interviewer you'll send a list of references tomorrow morning, make sure you do it. Keeping your word and answering requests in a timely manner speaks volumes about the type of employee you might be.

4. Know when to sit tight

If an interviewer requests that you follow up by phone in a week, respect her wishes. Calling the next day can be construed as pushy and desperate.

5. Send a prompt thank-you note

A positive, nonintrusive way to stay on an employer's mind is to send a thank-you note. Vega recommends emailing one within 24 hours of the interview, then following up with a handwritten note that arrives one to three business days later.

6. Send each interviewer a personalized, powerful follow-up letter

This piece of communication is another chance for you to shine, so don't waste space with generalities. Ford R. Myers, a career coach and author of "Get the Job You Want, Even When No One's Hiring," recommends including specific references to each person you met and tying your accomplishments directly to the company's stated challenges.

You also can use the letter to introduce achievements that didn't get discussed and to elaborate on interview answers that you felt lacked punch.

7. Address one of the company's needs

Another effective way to follow up is to act more like a consultant than an applicant. "During the interview, you learn a lot about a company's weaknesses and/or areas where the company wants to expand," states Linda Matias, president of CareerStrides.com and author of "201 Knockout Answers to Tough Interview Questions."

"Consider creating a proposal on how you would address one of those areas. Doing so will demonstrate that you have the knowledge and also the enthusiasm to make a significant contribution."

8. Keep thinking and learning about the company

Be prepared for additional interviews or follow-up phone calls by continuing to research the organization and the field. Gain new information about a topic brought up in conversation. Think of additional questions you'd like answered. These actions show the hirer that you didn't stop caring about the company after the interview was over.

9. Leverage outside resources

Networking should never stop. "If you have contacts and connections with anyone who might influence the hiring decision, or who actually knows the interviewer, ask her to put a good word in for you," Myers says.

10. Accept rejection with grace

Finally, keep emotions in check and don't burn bridges if someone else gets hired. One never knows what the future might hold. The accepted candidate may not work out, or a different position may open up.

"If you are rejected, the first thing you should do (ironically) is send a thank-you note," Myers says. "This will help distinguish you from other rejected candidates and put you in a positive light."

 

To view original article CLICK HERE