6 Style Tips for Interview Success

by Robert DiGiacomo, Yahoo! HotJobs

In a tight job market, what you wear to an interview could be the difference between getting an offer and getting rejected.

"By not really investing in your appearance, it can actually cost you the job," says New York-based image consultant and personal stylist David A. McKnight.

"Nine out of 10 employers say, when all else is equal, they select the most attractive candidate, or the candidate that presents themselves the best."

Here are six style tips to ensure your look is a career asset, not a liability.

Create Your 'Visual' Resume

Make sure your attire is sending the right message about your capabilities, advises Mary Lou Andre, a Needham, Massachusetts-based image consultant and author of "Ready to Wear: An Expert's Guide to Choosing and Using Your Wardrobe."

"Shift your thought pattern on dressing from a fashionista type of approach to one tied to competency, communication, respect, and appropriate boundary-setting," Andre says. "You don't have to be boring, but you do have to think about it."

Suit Up

Unless you're told otherwise, always wear a suit to a first interview. For women, a pantsuit is no longer a fashion don't, and is as acceptable as the traditional skirted "power suit."

"A suit is a sign of respect for the company, as well as the person interviewing you," McKnight says. "It's always better to be overdressed than underdressed."

The Rules Apply

Knowing an office's "rules" -- whether written or not -- is critical, especially for younger job seekers, according to Andre.

A young guy who doesn't wear socks to an interview at a financial firm won't be taken seriously, while a young woman should be careful not to bare too much skin.

'Mad' for Tradition

More than one in three people say their workplace has gotten more formal over the past 12 months, according to a recent Yahoo! HotJobs poll.

But while the fitted suits and skinny ties made popular by the retro TV series "Mad Men" can work in most office settings, it's important not to go overboard.

"You don't want people to stop and stare," McKnight says. "You need to understand the balance between looking trendy and looking current."

Put Your Best Foot Forward

Clothes may make the man, but beware the wrong shoes, especially if they're unpolished.

"When you look at men's shoes, if they're square toed, chunky, or have rubber soles, that completely dismantles the whole appearance," McKnight says.

Stretch Your Fashion Budget

If your budget doesn't allow for major purchases, Andre recommends spending $100 on tailoring to update key pieces or improve their fit.

Another wallet-friendly purchase is a basic dark suit, which doesn't show wear and tear and can be worn with different ties or accessories to first, second, and third interviews.

Finally, weed out anything you're not wearing on a regular basis.

"Shop in your closet first," Andre says. "We wear 20 percent of what's in there 80 percent of the time. Give yourself permission to get rid of that other 80 percent. Turn it into cash by selling it, or give it to charity."

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4 Tips for Getting a Job With Bad Credit

by Thea Nyberg, PayScale.com

Maria W* had just interviewed for her dream job at a public relations agency. The meeting was positive and she was hoping for a job offer when she got the call. "I was informed that they had decided to go with their second-choice candidate," says Maria. "I had failed their credit check."

With roughly 10 percent of American workers currently out of a job and their bills mounting, Maria's story is becoming all too common. Dennis Nason, CEO of the recruiting firm Nason & Nason, says that long-term unemployment has created a snowball effect. "The longer [a person] is out of work, the more they rely on credit and the tougher it is to make payments," he says. "If you are late the rates go up, banks cut credit, and your score plummets even lower, making it tougher to find a job."

According to Nason, employers are looking at credit reports to find patterns or destructive habits that would be a security risk or detrimental to the work environment. Nason explains that a credit score below 700 is a warning, below 650 is a concern, and below 600 is considered a red flag. Although some employers try to look past the numbers, rigid company policy can prevent them from being sympathetic.

So what can a job seeker with poor credit do?

1. Understand your rights.

Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), employers must gain permission to conduct a background or credit check. Additionally, employers must notify the job seeker if their credit score was the reason they were not hired. The employer must also report which credit reporting agency provided the information and provide a copy of the report so that the accuracy of its contents can be reviewed by the prospective employee.

Jordan Goodman, personal-finance expert and author of "Master Your Debt" explains that each credit reporting agency (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion) must provide consumers with one free report a year, which was mandated by the FCRA. "Spread them out throughout the year," says Goodman. "You cannot get your score for free, though, just your report." To obtain the free yearly report, go to annualcreditreport.com, a Web site maintained by the three nationwide consumer reporting agencies.

In two states -- Washington and Hawaii -- state laws limit the use of credit histories in screening for job candidates. And in July 2009 a bill was introduced, H.R. 3149: The Equal Employment for All Act, which aims to amend the FCRA to prevent employers from using credit checks in their employment decisions against prospective and current employees. The bill's progress can be tracked through Congress via websites such as govtrack.us and opencongress.org.

2. Know where you stand.

"Pull your own credit report when you're considering applying for jobs," says personal-finance expert Peter Dunn, author of "60 Days to Change: A Daily How-to Guide with Actionable Tips for Improving Your Financial Life." "If you're on top of your credit report, you won't encounter any surprises during interviews."

Dunn also suggests being prepared in advance by knowing which job applications are likely to result in a credit check. "Nearly all federal, state, and local government employers will look at your credit status, as well as institutions/organizations (including nonprofits) that are at all regulated," he explains.

To keep an eye on your credit, Goodman recommends signing up for yearly service at guardmycredit.com, an Equifax credit watch system. The site allows you to look at your score in great detail and identify theft or inaccuracies, and alerts you when your score goes up or down.

3. Be up-front.

When discussing your credit situation with a prospective employer, candor is always best, explains Dunn. "There's no need to apologize to a prospective employer for your problems. Don't whine or get defensive. Try to put yourself in the prospective employer's shoes. Would you hire you?" he says.

Goodman also recommends an up-front approach. "You have to show how you handled the situation as responsibly as possible," he says. Most importantly, Goodman suggests, you have to make a case for your employment. "Show enterprise and make yourself unique and valuable," he says. "Really understand the company you are applying [to] and what you bring to the table that will make them better. Make it easy for them to say 'yes' and hard to say 'no.'"

4. Clean up your credit -- quickly.

Job hunters should scrutinize their reports very carefully and take care of any issues that may be negatively affecting their credit, according to Goodman. "Under the FCRA, consumers have the right to challenge derogatory credit -- inaccurate or accurate -- on their report," he explains. "The original creditor has 30 days to respond, and if they don't respond within 30 days, it goes off the report."

Although a poor credit rating may seem beyond repair to frustrated job seekers, Dunn suggests the following steps to improve your score quickly.

• Get current on your bill and credit card payments.
• If you are behind, call your creditor(s) and work out a payment plan.
• Do not ignore your bills -- especially those in collection.
• Here's an incentive: Just two months of making your payments on time can improve your score by 20-30 points.

*Name has been changed to protect identity.
Based in Seattle, Thea Nyberg is a freelance writer and editor.

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Getting a New Boss Offers Challenges and Opportunities

How to Make the Change Work for You

by Denene Brox, for Yahoo! HotJobs

Getting a new boss is something we all face at one time or another in our careers. Whether you are starting a new job or your department is going through staffing changes at your current job, getting a new manager can present new challenges as well as new opportunities for your career.

Learning how to navigate this new relationship and thrive under new leadership is a job skill that everyone needs to learn. Here's how.

Take the initiative to get to know your new boss.

To get off on the right foot with a new boss, the most important thing you can do is learn their communication style and expectations for your position. Don't wait for your boss to initiate a meeting; take the lead and schedule some time to get to know your new manager.

"It's really up to the person getting a new boss to schedule a meeting and have questions prepared," says Jean Kelley, president and founder of Jean Kelley Leadership Consulting. "Some questions you might ask include: How are you going to measure my success? What do you value in an employee? What is the biggest challenge in your area in the next six months? How do you perceive me helping you be successful? Also be sure to ask practical questions, like what phone calls are really important to get through to them."

It's also important to learn your new manager's communication style. It may be very different from your previous boss's. "Whereas your former boss might informally pick up the phone and ask a question, the new boss may be more formal and send a terse email. Learn that communication style and be able to adapt, advises Jay Block, author of "101 Best Ways to Land a Job in Troubled Times."

Expect and accept changes.

Getting a new manager is often only the beginning of changes to come. Depending on your boss's personality and goals, he or she may make structural changes to the staff, meetings, and the overall goals of your department.

"If you have a boss who comes in and wants to make lots of changes to projects you've been working on, you have to manage yourself through those changes," says Beth Banks Cohn, author of "Taking the Leap: Managing Your Career in Turbulent Times ... and Beyond."

"They're not doing it because you weren't doing a good job; they're doing it because they want to make changes that they think will move the organization forward. Don't take it personally, and learn to manage your emotions around that."

Take advantage of a clean slate.

A new boss can be a great time to start fresh, especially if he or she is from outside the organization or you're starting a new job with a new company. "Getting a new boss is a clean slate," says Kelley. "It's a brand-new opportunity at rebranding yourself. Maybe you didn't get along with your last boss and this is an opportunity to really make a contribution."

"There are a lot of positives about getting a new boss," notes Banks Cohn. "It can serve to be a catalyst for you to move forward in ways that you never expected. One of the things about having a boss for a long time is that you get very comfortable. But having a new boss can create new opportunities for you. It could mean working on something different. It's full of opportunity, but you have to look at it that way, you have to have that mindset."

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7 Growing Jobs in the Small-Business Sector

by Carol Tice, PayScale.com

If you've been focusing your job search on major corporations, you may be missing out on the hottest hiring spot in our slowly dawning economic recovery: small business.

Small businesses employ just over half of all private-sector workers, according to the Small Business Administration, and they generated 64 percent of all net new jobs over the past 15 years. Historically, as businesses start to hire again coming out of a downturn, small businesses lead the way.

Hidden in last December's depressing 84,000 net job losses was one interesting indicator of a small resurgence in small-business hiring: Small businesses in the service sector added 11,000 jobs that month, an ADP study showed.

How can you target jobs at small businesses? We spoke to two experts who offer search tips for finding the well-paid, small-business jobs that may emerge in the coming year. Our experts are Drew White, chief financial officer at small-business financial research firm Sageworks; and Debra Yergen, author of "Creating Job Security Resource Guide."

Sales

At the top of the list of roles small business owners in all industry sectors will fill first are sales positions, says Yergen. As soon as small businesses sense the economy is turning, they'll add sales staff to try to capture more business.

To find local small businesses in your sector that are hiring, network at business events, or look at niche industry websites online, Yergen says. Some employers who are tired of getting overwhelmed with resumes when they post jobs on major online portals are using niche sites instead.
General Sales Manager: $59,400

Green Jobs

Fueled by federal money from the stimulus bill, environmental jobs are forecast to grow in the coming year. Try specialty job-search sites in the sector, such as ecojobs.com, to find openings in hot niches like solar-photovoltaic installers and wind-turbine service technicians. Government-contracting rules require that a portion of awards go to small businesses -- you can look on Recovery.gov to find names of companies that have won stimulus contracts.
Project Manager, Environmental: $65,200

Computers and Technology

This is another area the stimulus bill directed ample funding toward, especially healthcare-related technology. A recent search on computerjobs.com for security-related jobs turned up nearly 700 postings for computer security specialists, information systems security managers, information security analysts, and similar posts.
Security Administrator, Computer Network: $71,800

Maintenance and Repair

When money's tight, companies seek to save on expenses, and tend to spend more on maintaining and fixing their equipment. Many repair companies are either small, local businesses or locally owned franchisees of a national chain. A good site for careers in this field is mepjobs.com, Yergen says.

"Things keep breaking," Yergen notes, "and when companies are watching their hard costs, they will repair whenever possible."
HVAC service technician: $44,000

Food and Beverage

Food-related businesses continued to grow modestly last year, particularly in grocery, says Sageworks' White. Seek out niche, locally owned grocery stores to find small-business job opportunities. A good job site for this industry is careersinfood.com. Jobs in the sector include roles behind the scenes in areas such as finance, IT, buying, and public relations, as well as bakers, meat cutters and customer-service reps.
Assistant Manager, Restaurant: $37,200

Outpatient Medical Centers

Follow sales-growth trends here to spot possible small-business job opportunities, says White. Niches within health care that saw solid sales growth last year include outpatient medical centers, which grew 12.4 percent last year. Though some are national chains, many outpatient centers are locally owned small businesses. Well-paid jobs in this field recently listed on the job site Medicalworkers.com include physical and occupational therapists, registered nurses, and outpatient clinicians.
Occupational Therapy Assistant: $43,300

Non-Physician Health Practitioners

Second in sales growth with an 11 percent gain are offices of non-physician health practitioners such as chiropractors, optometrists, podiatrists and mental-health practitioners. Many such healthcare practices are small business owned by the doctor-partners. For one example of the opportunities here, the job site Optometry.com had more than 250 recent job listings including openings for opticians, optometric assistants, optical sales managers and lab technicians.
Optometric Assistant: $36,300

Source: Salary data from PayScale.com, a leading online provider of employee compensation data. The salaries listed are median annual salaries for full-time workers with 5 to 8 years of experience and include any bonuses, commissions, or profit sharing.

Business writer Carol Tice is a regular contributor to Entrepreneur, The Seattle Times and other major publications.

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Insider Secrets to Get Your Resume Read

by Maria Hanson, LiveCareer.com

It's becoming harder than ever to get your resume read by a real person.

"HR people are drowning in resumes, and despite their best intentions, many can't keep up," says executive recruiter Mike Travis.

Help your resume win the attention it deserves by following these up-to-date tips from industry insiders.

* "Keep it shorter, tighter, and more laser-focused," advises resume expert Louise Kursmark. "Resumes are by necessity becoming crisper and more to the point." With Twitter, texting, and a barrage of quick-hit multimedia messages, we're getting accustomed to the succinct. "Readers quickly lose interest in wordy resumes that don't get right to the point," she says. This goes for cover letters, too.

* "Show some humor or personality," says Jennifer Turner, of Talagy recruiting and staffing company. "I recently called a candidate, even though he didn't match any current positions, because his online resume title was, 'Smart and Funny Sales Guy.'"

* "Make your resume read like a news story, not an encyclopedia entry," suggests Sam Levine, of The Buttonwood Group. Pop an eye-catching headline and lead on the top and be sure to include a summary of qualifications.

* "Be results-oriented," advises Erin Riley, assistant director of career services at the Chapman University School of Law. Whenever possible, quantify your accomplishments. Example: Instead of simply writing "Drafted OSHA appeal," she says, include results: "Drafted OSHA appeal resulting in 90% reduction of employer fine for employee's serious on-the-job injury."

* "Show what sets you apart," says Nancy Keene, a director of Stanton Chase global executive search firm. "I like to see some indication of personal interests. It's a good conversation trigger and provides some additional insight into who the person is."

Riley agrees. "It's an opportunity to make yourself memorable as an applicant," she says. While an actual Personal Interest section is not usually advised, you can find ways to integrate your interests into your resume. For example, you could list your volunteer activities to give hiring managers some sense of your passions.

* "Use appropriate keywords," suggests Kursmark. Since machines are increasingly reading your resume before people are, give the tracking systems what they're looking for: the most significant keywords from the job description that fit your qualifications -- anything from degrees to programming languages and other specialized job-related skills.

* "Let others sing your praises," says Richard Deems, co-author of "Make Job Loss Work for You." "We add a section at the end we title, 'What Others Say.' Then we list five short statements, usually without attribution, that others have said about the person." Examples: "Sticks with it until the job gets done," or "The most creative, prolific employee I've ever had."

* "If your name is difficult to pronounce, include your nickname," says Heather R. Huhman, president of Come Recommended. Like it or not, "Companies are more likely to call you for an interview if you provide a name they can easily pronounce," she says.

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The Best Majors for Making $100K

by Michelle Goodman, PayScale.com

Want to get the most bang for your tuition buck? Although not all graduates wind up making top dollar or working in their field of study, some majors -- mainly those steeped in math and science -- are more likely to lead to a six-figure salary.

Sure, these majors will involve more academic rigor, but as Lindsey Pollak, author of "Getting from College to Career: 90 Things to Do Before You Join the Real World," points out, "Sticking with them really has the rewards."

Following are the top majors that can yield an annual income of $100,000 or more once you've been on the job a decade. Although a bachelor's degree is required for each, and some of these fields require additional certification or licenses, graduate degrees are not necessary.

Petroleum engineering
Engineering majors can go in a number of different directions, says Al Lee, director of quantitative analysis at PayScale.com, an online salary database. Petroleum engineers, who travel the world mining the earth for energy resources, are at the top of the salary spectrum. "If you can hack the work, it's the surest bet you'll make six figures," Lee says. Petroleum engineer, median annual salary: $168,000.

Electrical engineering
If you think majoring in any of the engineering disciplines will pigeonhole you, you're wrong. "Having that deep level of knowledge doesn't close off your options," Pollak says. "It widens them." Electrical engineers design and test everything from medical equipment to aviation equipment to consumer electronics. "You could even be working on the iPod," Pollak says. For more details on the field, see the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). Senior electronics design engineer, median annual salary: $105,000.

Applied mathematics
"People with an applied math focus earn substantially more," Lee says, adding that mathematics can serve as a solid foundation for a number of career paths. Teaching mathematics won't earn you six figures, he says, but crunching numbers as an actuary for the insurance industry can. So can working as a business analyst for the financial, technology, manufacturing, and numerous other business sectors. Actuary, median annual salary: $139,000.

Biomedical engineering
"The biomedical field is growing rapidly," thanks to technological advances like miniaturization and the medical community's increased understanding of the human body, says Laurence Shatkin, author of "Your $100,000 Career Plan: Match Your Personality to a Six-Figure Job." Biomedical engineers play a large role in contributing to patient health, developing everything from artificial joints to defibrillators that can be implanted in a person's chest, Shatkin explains. Biomedical engineering director, median annual salary: $160,000.

Computer engineering
You can't go wrong with a computing background. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer software engineer will be one of the fastest growing professions this decade. But don't think this major limits you to working at computer software or hardware company. "Having that knowledge can put you in any industry, from where publishing is going to where finance is going to where government is going," Pollak says. "There's a big effort right now to computerize the nation's health-care records. That will take a lot of elegant engineering," Shatkin adds, noting that a significant portion of the 2009 federal stimulus package was designated for this purpose. Information technology director, median annual salary: $114,000.

Physics
Pursuing a PhD, and eventually a research position in physics, probably won't put you over $100,000 a year, Lee says. But moving into a software development, systems engineering, or electrical engineering job can put you on the six-figure track. "That scientific mind that has a knack for understanding systems is very valuable to employers. People like logic, particularly because we live in a world of machines," from computers to color copiers to our cars, Pollak says. Software architect, median annual salary: $120,000.

Aerospace engineering
Does the thought of designing aircraft and spacecraft fascinate you? That's what aerospace engineers do. In this industry, you could find yourself working with companies from other nations. "There's a lot more international collaboration going on. It's become a very global pursuit," Shatkin says, pointing out that some of the production of Boeing's new 787 Dreamliner was outsourced to multiple European and Asian countries. For this reason, Shatkin says a proficiency in a second language could help give you an edge in the field. Aviation/aerospace program manager, median annual salary: $113,000.

Chemical engineering
It takes a chemist to discover a new substance in a test tube, says Shatkin, but it takes an engineer to work out the production process and develop the product for the commercial marketplace. Chemical engineering is a huge industry, he adds, spanning everything from pharmaceuticals and cosmetics to paints, solvents, and coatings. "The key word here is optimizing," Shatkin says. "Engineers specialize in optimizing a product so it works consistently, economically, and safely." Senior chemical engineer, median annual salary: $114,000.

Source: Salary data from PayScale.com. The salaries listed are median annual salaries for full-time workers with only a bachelor's degree and 10 years of experience. The salaries listed include bonuses, commissions, and profit sharing.

Michelle Goodman is a freelance business writer and author of "The Anti 9-to-5 Guide" and "My So-Called Freelance Life."

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Temp Worker Increase Spurs Hope for Job Recovery

5 Reasons to Consider Taking a Temporary Job

by Margaret Steen, for Yahoo! HotJobs

In a signal that the job market may be inching toward recovery, employment by temporary staffing firms has risen for the past several months.

"That's a sign that business owners are facing more demand and more need for work, yet they are very thinly staffed because of the recession," says John Challenger, CEO of global outplacement firm Challenger Gray & Christmas.

The increase in temporary hiring is often a first sign of a job market recovery.

Signs of Hope

"It's a leading indicator for employment," says Scott Wintrip, founder and president of StaffingU.net, which provides training, coaching, and consulting for staffing and recruiting firms. "This recession hit very deep and very hard. I think employers will be even more reluctant to hire full-time people right away, but the work still needs to get done."

This is good news for workers, even those who are looking for full-time work. As employers become convinced that the turnaround will last, they will convert some of the temporary workers to regular full-time workers.

Temp Advantages

There are several reasons for unemployed workers to consider temporary work:

* Just as employers use temporary assignments to test out workers before making a commitment, workers can check out employers. If the temporary job could lead to a full-time job, you get to see if it's a good fit before making a long-term commitment.

* If you work at several different temporary jobs, you can learn about different types of companies.

* Simply working can provide both a psychological and a financial boost when you're unemployed.

* Employers may view someone who is working, even if it's at a temporary job, as a more desirable candidate than one who is not. This is not always true -- there are ways to handle your unemployment to make it less of a red flag for hiring managers. But in many cases it sounds better to be able to say you're working.

* The staffing firms that place you in temporary positions may also fill regular, fulltime jobs. Having them know you and your abilities can help your job search.

Temporary jobs, therefore, can be "a bridge to full-time employment," Wintrip says.

Possible Downsides

There are, of course, also some disadvantages to temp work: Short-term work can be sporadic, so you may need to register with more than one agency to keep yourself busy. And depending on the particular job and company, you may not feel like you're truly part of the team.

It's also true that the more time you spend working at a temporary job, the less time you have to focus on your job search. Still, for many unemployed workers, the advantages of temporary work can outweigh the disadvantages.

What's the best way to find a temporary job? Talk to staffing firms that specialize in your field -- there are many niche firms that fill positions in particular industries or positions. It's best to work with an agency that knows your field and your local job market.

It's also important to "remain open to what employers are willing to offer you," Challenger says. "In better times you might not take that temporary job if it was offered to you, but today, given the fragility of the economy, be open to that possibility."

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Own the Interview: 10 Questions to Ask

by Larry Buhl, for Yahoo! HotJobs

For many job seekers an interview can seem too much like an inquisition. That's usually because they're doing all the answering and none of the asking.

"Somewhere in the interview you have a chance to impress the employer on your own terms and see if the job is a good fit for you," says Florida-based career coach and executive recruiter Jonathan Milligan. "And you absolutely should take this opportunity. By asking the right questions you can determine if the job is right for you and also show you're engaged and interested in the job."

Employment experts identify five key question areas where you can gain insight, put yourself in a good light, and take some control in the interview.

Identify their pain.

• "What is one of the biggest problems the company faces that someone with my background could help alleviate?"
• "If I started in this job tomorrow, what would be my two most pressing priorities?"

Find out where the company is going.

• "Where do you see this department/company in five years?"
• "What are the long and short term goals of the company/department/work group?"

Determine whether you'd fit in.

• "How would you describe your company's culture?
• "What tangible and intangible qualities attracted you to the organization?"

Show you're really interested.

• "What additional information can I provide about my qualifications?"
• "What are the next steps in the selection process?"

Ask follow-ups.

• "Can you clarify what you said about ...?"
• "Can you give me some examples of ...?"

"By requesting clarification or examples, you show interviewers you care and that you're thinking deeply about the issues they brought up," says learning and development consultant Bill Denyer. He suggests taking notes in the interview, using keywords to jog your memory of what was discussed but not burying your head in your notebook.

What you don't want to ask are questions with obvious answers, according to Susan RoAne, author of "Face to Face: How to Reclaim the Personal Touch in a Digital World."

"You really need to do your homework," RoAne tells Yahoo! HotJobs. "Before the interview go to the company website and use search engines to get up to speed, and browse social networking sites like Yahoo! Groups to see who knows what about the company."

"And never, never ask an interviewer, 'How long is the vacation'? or, 'What does your company do?'" RoAne added.

Some experts suggest waiting for the inevitable "Do you have any questions for us?" at the interview, while others recommend looking for conversation openings to ask appropriate questions.

"It depends on the situation," Milligan says. "If the interviewer seems to be reading from a sheet of questions, don't interrupt. If it's a more casual conversation, you may have chances to turn the questions back on the interviewer."

"It's important to remember the job interview is a two-way street," RoAne said.

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5 Ways Volunteering Can Help You Get a Job

by Amy Neumann, for Yahoo! HotJobs

There are a lot of obvious benefits to volunteering for your favorite charity -- a sense of accomplishment, giving back to others, gaining perspective, and meeting new people. You can also find business benefits, and ways your efforts can help land you your dream job.

Develop New Skills

Volunteering can be a positive way to get training in areas your current or past jobs didn't provide. If you need some additional experience for a particular job or promotion, there are many options. For example:

• Project management -- organizing events or fundraising efforts
• Sales skills -- contacting people for donations or recruiting volunteers
• Managing a team -- many projects require a group effort, and a leader to coordinate it

VolunteerMatch.org offers free webinars on "How to be a great volunteer" to get you started.

Meet New Networking Contacts

You never know who you'll meet doing charity work. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 42.8% of all volunteers in 2009 had a bachelor's degree or higher, while the U.S. Census 2007 put the national average of degree holders at 25.6%. So your chances of meeting professionals in the volunteer pool are good. If you choose a volunteer role related to your target job, you might run into people with similar interests or that have jobs similar to the one you want.

Impress Employers With Your Ambition

Many companies have a strong social responsibility core, and showing your charitable side displays a good cultural fit.

Tony Blake, staffing director at DaVita, a Fortune 500 kidney dialysis provider, notes that candidates who volunteer stand out in a positive way. "As our CEO Kent Thiry says, 'We're a community first and a corporation second.' We value the passion and involvement with community. It adds depth to a candidate's resume and experience, and it gets noticed."

Fill in Employment Gaps, Add Experience

Volunteer experience is also professional experience. List the organization and dates, and instead of using the title "volunteer," use your responsibilities as a title -- "project coordinator" or "instructor." Mention your accomplishments, results, or awards like any other job, without being misleading.

Using your time to gain new skills and help your community -- either while looking for employment or while working -- highlights your willingness to jump in, learn new things, and do more.

Get That Extra Spring in Your Step

Giving back can be an energizing boost to your self-worth and confidence. Volunteers are the backbone of any nonprofit. By helping others, you'll get that fulfilling "I made the world a little better" feeling in return.

"Without our 14,000 volunteers putting in 45,000 hours of service each year, we could only serve a tiny fraction of the 1.2 million meals we serve a year," says Andy Bales, CEO of Union Rescue Mission in Los Angeles. "There are opportunities to mentor, tutor, plan events and activities, work in the back office, and multiple other options. Volunteers really do impact peoples' lives."

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Super Staying Power: How to Not Lose Your Job

by Caroline M.L. Potter, Yahoo! HotJobs

You hear a lot about how to get a new job, but do you hear enough about how to keep the one you've got? Now more than ever, a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. Just as with the dating world, you're always more attractive to a professional suitor when you've already got a position. So, how can you hang on to the job you've got in these still-tough times?

Jason Seiden, author of "Super Staying Power: What You Need to Become Valuable and Resilient at Work," says, "If you start by thinking, 'What are the things I need to do not to lose my job,' you'll wind up on the unemployment line."

Instead, he advises workers, "First, you need to recognize that the old world is gone. There is flux all the time. This ambiguity is permanent."

Use these strategies to embrace the unknown and thrive amid the chaos of your current position.

1. Have confidence.

Seiden, a leadership and career development expert, states, "Work as if you are totally confident that your job is there forever." That's a tall order, but, he says, "If you bring worry into work, people are going to smell it."

He recommends avoiding entertaining paranoia at every turn, wondering why you were or weren't given a particular project or assignment. "Even if you see the writing on the wall [that your job is not going to last], you have to put blinders on." Just keep showing up, physically and mentally, to do a great job in the here and now.

2. Don't ask for clarity.

Nobody seems to get enough feedback or direction these days, and if your workplace is in flux, as many are, you'll probably get even less. Get over it, says Seiden. "When a worker asks for 'all the details' about a project, her boss is going to see a lack of critical thinking, a lack of being able to handle ambiguity." And, a lack of independence.

He urges professionals to create their own environments at work and resolve problems themselves, "whether your boss is a micromanager or not."

3. Use positive language.

It's very basic, but, says Seiden, "This is also very tactical and very powerful. Semantics matter. You need to frame things in the positive." A can-do attitude will help you go the distance, even when things are strained.

"If you need a resource for a project, don't tell your boss, 'I can't do this until I get this resource.' Instead, say, "Of course, I can do this, and I'm going to need this resource.' It's a simple thing that can save your job," Seiden says.

"If you think about the people you like spending time with, you'll realize how powerful positive language can be."

4. Find passion where you are.

Don't daydream about the market improving enough for you to jump ship and pursue your passion. Rather, he advises, "Stop looking for your dream job, and start creating it where you are. You don't follow your passions; you cultivate them. Passion is fire in your belly that starts as kindling. Settle in, get your fire burning, and create the job you want right now."

He suggests setting small goals you can accomplish every day, admitting, "Most jobs are not that exciting, but if you focus on everyday goals, you'll gain satisfaction from that." Start feeling good about getting your part done in your current job and then think about whether or not you want to move on. "Most people," Seiden shares, "never give their job a chance."

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Five In-Demand Careers That Make a Difference

by Jessica Hanley, FindtheRightSchool.com

If you're contemplating a career change, you may be interested in seeking work that makes a difference in peoples' lives. And many careers that give you opportunities to help others also offer job security in fast-growing fields.

Online education and other training options can prepare you for a career you feel good about, without forcing you to sacrifice your current income. Here are five such careers that are expected to grow faster than average in the next several years.

1. Special Education Teacher

Special education teachers teach students with cognitive, emotional, and physical disabilities. With school enrollment of special needs students rising, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects employment of special education teachers to rise by 17 percent from 2008 to 2018. In 2008, special education teachers in elementary schools earned an average of $52,970; those in high schools earned an average of $55,050.

State licensing for special education teachers generally requires a bachelor's degree in special education or completion of a state-approved licensing program. A master's degree in special education may be required. Several on-campus and online degree programs can help you prepare for this rewarding, in-demand career.

2. Occupational Therapist Assistant

Occupational therapists help people with physical and mental disabilities navigate everyday life and work. These therapists depend on their assistants to help patients perform exercises and to monitor patient activity and progress. In 2008, the average salary for occupational therapist assistants was $48,440, and the BLS expects the field to grow by 30 percent through 2018.

Occupational therapist assistants are required to earn an associate's degree in occupational therapy and pass a national licensing exam before beginning work. Associate's degree programs in occupational therapy take approximately two years to complete and include basic anatomy, health, and physiology courses, in addition to clinical experience.

3. Registered Nurse

Registered nurses work in hospitals, care centers, and medical offices to help evaluate and care for patients. According to the BLS, nurses earned an average of $65,130 in 2008, and employment is expected to grow by 22 percent from 2008 to 2018.

Registered nurses must be licensed by their state, and most prepare for licensing by earning either an associate's degree in nursing or a bachelor's of science in nursing from an accredited nursing school. Online degree programs in nursing are becoming more abundant and allow you to work toward a degree without giving up your current job.

4. Pharmacy Technician

Pharmacy technicians work with licensed pharmacists to fill prescriptions, assist customers, and stock the shelves of pharmacies. Pharmacy technicians earned an average of $28,500 in 2008, and the BLS expects their employment to increase by 31 percent through 2018.

Pharmacy technicians don't have strict educational requirements, but many employers prefer to hire technicians who have completed high school and a formal pharmacy technician education program. These programs range from six months to two years in length and ensure basic pharmaceutical knowledge and laboratory skills.

5. Mental Health Counselor

Mental health counselors work with individuals, families, and groups to improve overall mental health. Many patients of mental health counselors suffer from depression, anxiety, addiction, or stress, and counselors use a variety of therapeutic techniques to address these problems. The BLS expects employment of mental health counselors to increase by 24 percent from 2008 to 2018. In 2008, mental health counselors earned an average of $40,270.

Though licensing requirements vary by state, most mental health counselors are required to have a master's degree in psychology or clinical mental health counseling. Most mental health master's degree programs take between two and three years to complete and include a period of supervised clinical experience. Online degree programs in psychology allow you to work toward a master's degree without leaving your current job.

Making a Difference

Helping other people could be a way to help yourself to a more rewarding career. If you have compassion, dedication, and a desire to make the world a better place, seek out training centers, local colleges, and online degree programs that can help you make a transition.

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Work Email Disasters: 4 Ways to Avoid Mortifying Moments

by Maria Hanson, LiveCareer.com

Have you ever written an email for your lover and accidentally sent it to your entire address book? Or zinged off a juicy email about a coworker--to that very coworker? It's safe to say we've all clicked on the "Send" button seconds before realizing that we've just done something incredibly stupid.

And misery loves company, so we bring you some mortifying real-life email disasters and tips for avoiding future embarrassment.

Email disaster: "Sally, my fiance, had bought me a skimpy red Speedo bathing suit for my birthday. She didn't get a chance to see me in it, so I took a picture of myself wearing it in a joking muscleman pose. The subject line was 'You want some of this?' Five minutes later I got a note from my boss, Salvatore, saying, 'Not really. But thanks anyway.' I wanted to die."--Joe, an accountant who asked that his last name not be used

Lesson 1: Make sure your automatic email address function fills in the intended email address. It's too easy to hit "Send" after typing in just a few letters of a name and having the wrong one pop up in the "To" field.

Email disaster: "Years ago, I drafted an email with an account update for my boss. In the subject line, for fun, I wrote 'email for the Doberman,' because the client's last name was Troberman and he had a fairly aggressive 'bark.' My boss rewrote the email to be his, but he didn't change the subject... . My boss was not happy with me!"--Laura Beck, public relations account executive

Lesson 2: Be careful with subject lines and other email content, since you never know where they'll end up. As a general rule of thumb, never email anything that you wouldn't send to any colleague or client.

Email disaster: "I got an email that sent me into orbit, and I wrote a tirade that I thought I was forwarding to my boss. But unfortunately I replied to the email instead of forwarding. There is something about a making a mistake like that, that you know the second you hit the button."--Eleanor Taylor, senior marketing strategist

Lesson 3: If you're upset, don't send an email right away. Give yourself time to cool off. Also beware of the common mistake of replying to an email you mean to forward, or of choosing "Reply All" by accident. (Some email programs also let you select a sending delay during which you can retrieve your email message even after pressing "Send." If you know you have to watch your temper, choosing this option may be a good idea.)

Email disaster: "A work fling and I had lots of fun until one day he accidentally sent me an email that was intended for another girl he was also hooking up with. In the email he went on and on about how terribly annoying and horrible I was. I was devastated."--Sascha Rothchild, author of "How to Get Divorced by 30: My Misguided Attempt at a Starter Marriage"

Lesson 4: Check and double-check the "To" field before sending. Another good policy is to fill in that field last.

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Your Temp-to-Perm Hiring Strategy

by Carol Tice, PayScale.com

In the uncertain recovery of 2010, employers are shying away from making full-time hires. But temporary hiring is on the rise. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that 52,000 temporary workers were hired in November, outstripping hiring in any other sector; in December, another 47,000 temporary workers were hired.

It's no secret that many employers have used temporary hiring as a way to try out new workers without making a commitment to provide full benefits--and this practice is on the rise. But experts say that with careful planning, you can use a temp job as a springboard to a permanent position in 2010.

Exploding the myth of "temp-to-perm" listings

Temporary jobs used to be advertised separately from permanent job offers. That's all changed in the past few years.

"Now, out of 100 temporary job listings, we know up front about 20 are temp-to-perm," says Loretta Penn, president of Spherion Staffing Services in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., the division for Spherion's clerical, light-manufacturing, and call-center temporary hiring.

That may sound promising, but jobs advertised as temp-to-perm don't necessarily offer a better shot at a permanent position than jobs advertised as temporary hires, says Seattle career expert Robin Ryan, the author of "Over 40 and You're Hired"--so don't count them out. She adds that "temp-to-perm" is essentially a meaningless phrase.

"Temp-to-perm is just the hook to bring you in," says Ryan.

Targeting your temp-to-perm search

If you're a temporary hire made through an employment agency, know that the company cannot hire you full-time without paying a steep fee to the agency.

Because of this, Ryan suggests targeting larger companies in your temp-to-perm hiring search. A big firm might have the deep pockets to pay off your agency, but a small company may find the fee too great a barrier.

Finding the temporary job that you can turn into a permanent one requires a sophisticated, strategic approach. It's not just about grabbing the first available temp job, says Ryan. Think in terms of exactly where you'd like to work, and then engineer your search from there.

Identify promising companies or industry sectors that need your skills. Then call the company HR department directly, or find out which temp agencies that company works with, says Ryan. Large corporations often have a few preferred vendors, so make sure you register with an agency that can place you at your dream company.

When you get an interview at a company you've targeted, consider working for less pay than you might normally accept, recommends Sara Fell, CEO of FlexJobs.com. It might help you get your foot in the door.

"Instead of a higher rate, ask for a bonus for getting the project done on time," she says. "Show the employer you're concerned about giving them value for the money."

Range of temp-to-perm jobs grows

The number of careers where a temporary job might grow into a permanent one has greatly expanded in recent years, says Fell. For instance, listings for temporary or project work on FlexJobs recently included a position for an agronomist, a job involving research into crop production and soil management. This job pays a median annual salary of $53,906, according to online salary database PayScale.com.

"Five years ago, you rarely saw a temporary engineer," says Spherion's Penn, "or a temporary controller--or a bit farther back, a temporary attorney. Now, you do."

Permanent salaries for these positions can be substantial, with project engineers earning a median wage of $75,821; financial controllers, $87,003; and attorneys, $78,114.

Once you're in a temporary job, do your best work to position yourself for a permanent hire, says Ryan. Whatever you do, don't start asking your new employer whether they'll consider keeping you on your very first day.

What's the smartest approach? "Be there a couple of weeks, or even a month or two," she says. "As they get to know you, they are much more likely to help you."

Business writer Carol Tice is a regular contributor to "Entrepreneur," the "Seattle Times," and other major publications.

Source: All salary data is from leading online salary database PayScale.com. The salaries listed are median, annual salaries for full-time workers with 5-8 years of experience and include any bonuses, commissions or profit sharing.

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How to Social Network Your Way into a Job

by By Karen Noonan, TradePub.com

Networking is a crucial component of any job search. And today's social-networking technology makes it easier than ever to network your way into the job of your dreams.

Many companies are employing social media as a means to market their products. And just as they are relying on blogs, wikis, forums, and social networking to pitch their news, they are starting look at how job seekers pitch themselves via these channels. (To learn more about how companies are taking advantage of social media, download "12 Essential Tips for Success in Social Media" for free here.)

Use these tips to ping, tweet, poke, and post your way into your dream job or a new career.

1. Get LinkedIn to various networks.

A good rule of thumb for job searching is to make yourself visible and available. Traditionally, that means posting your resume on sites like Yahoo! HotJobs and making sure your friends and family know you're looking. But today, it's more than that. You need to become visible across the web.

Establish your web presence in various avenues, so employers can find you. Create profiles on multiple social networking sites and even consider starting a blog about your trade.

According to Paul Gillin, a social media marketing consultant and the author of "Secrets of Social Media Marketing," LinkedIn and Twitter are the two outlets you want to be sure to use as a job seeker.

LinkedIn is the place to start, according to Gillin. "The reason for that is that LinkedIn is very targeted and very focused" he says. "It's got all the tools and it's got this unique, degrees-of-separation concept where you can find people by being introduced by a common link." Finding common connections through the LinkedIn tools is a great place to start networking for a new career.

Secondly, Gillin gives high praise to Twitter as a job seeker's tool. "I recommend Twitter because it may be the fastest way to get in touch with someone you want to reach," Gillin says. "Anyone on Twitter can get a message to anyone else who is on Twitter."

Gillin notes that finding an email address for a contact within a company can be a challenge. But locating someone on Twitter and sending him or her a quick note is relatively simple. And emails to potential employers tend to be formal and somewhat wordy--these long-form emails are often ignored. But, Gillin says, "because Twitter is so brief, people tend to respond quickly on Twitter."

2. Clean up your social-networking presence.

Having a social-networking presence can be a great way to land your dream job. But it can also be a liability. Make sure your online appearance projects the image you want to share with potential employers.

HR professionals and recruiters have gotten very good at finding ways around privacy limitations when investigating job candidates. Even if you think you have a private profile, use caution.

"If you're going to share photos of yourself face down in a puddle of beer, you should choose to do that under a pseudonym," recommends Gillin. "Think of how you want to appear to the outside world."

Your online personality is as important as your resume. Just as you would proofread a cover letter or resume before sending it, edit your Facebook profile, tweets, and blog posts with the same detail.

"Spell checker is not sufficient for that task," Gillin says. "Before you publish anything online, have someone who knows the language read your website."

And monitor your behavior online as well--that is, "avoid loose-cannon behavior," Gillin says. Posting overtly nasty or vindictive comments, incorrect facts, or anything that doesn't appear polished can hurt your chances.

3. Have a distinct message about yourself.

Searching for a job is a marketing task--you are marketing yourself to a specific audience. And as with any good marketing plan, you need to develop the message that you want to get across. Define the message, and then figure out how to get that message heard. Find information that backs up the claims you make about yourself.

"It could be your words, pictures of the work that you do, or evidence of your achievements," Gillin says. "Then you promote those. You use the various social-media tools to push that out."

It's important to show employers what you've done. Post it on your Facebook page, tweet about it, etc.

4. Be honest.

"12 Essential Tips for Success in Social Media," a marketing brief focused on how to effectively engage through social marketing, urges social networking participants to be honest.

"One characteristic of social media is that people are more aggressive about reading between the lines to interpret other people's intentions. And they're remarkably savvy about it. ... If someone suspects you're in some way misrepresenting yourself, they'll use any of the tools available to investigate your past postings across the blogosphere to sniff out what you're really up to. It happens all the time, and it severely undercuts the credibility of anyone exposed as a shill. Whether you're launching your own social media site or just participating in discussions around the Web, be conspicuously honest and straightforward about who you are and whom you represent."

Creating a Facebook profile about your accomplishments is a great tool, but only if you have actually achieved the success you post about. Present yourself to the Web professionally, thoughtfully, and honestly.

5. Participate in the conversation.

Your personal web presence is incredibly important, but don't forget that your potential employer likely has its own presence as well.

According to "12 Essential Tips," the key to building influence in your community is getting involved: "You need to participate in the conversation. If you've already identified the people influencing market dialog, comment on their blogs. Write posts that track back to their blog if they allow that. Write posts that engage or challenge them on a topic that matters. Go forth and get in the conversation; don't wait for it to come to you. To be successful, you need to continually engage and develop relationships through dialog with the influencers."

Find blogs and forums within your industry and become a participant. It's possible that your future boss operates or participates alongside you. Your thoughtful comments within popular industry spaces online will bolster your credibility and improve your chances of landing your dream job.

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The Business of Blogging

Can You Make Big Bucks Online?

by Gina Pogol, FindtheRightSchool.com

If you've ever fantasized about quitting your day job and getting paid to express yourself, a blog may be a dream come true for you. Millions of people have managed to make or enhance careers by blogging--and you can join them.

Blogs make their mark on the Internet in many ways: they provide expert information, canny insight, or creative expression. Bloggers connect people, communicate ideas, endorse viewpoints, promote products, and much more--and they make money. Consider your potential online contribution--are you passionate and knowledgeable about a particular subject? Highly educated in an esoteric practice? A natural leader? Pithy? Witty? Your voice is your product--choose it wisely.

Scribbling Rivalry--Beat Your Competition Five Ways

By some estimates, there are about 200 million blogs online. The vast majority of bloggers don't come close to making a living at it. The ones who do make a living follow certain rules.

1. Treat it like a business. You can't expect to earn a business-grade income if you treat your blog like a hobby. Schedule plenty of time to work on your blog--it's crucial for building a following. Entrepreneurship career training can increase your chance of cyber success, and online degree programs make time management easier. Your blogging efforts constitute self-employment--if you don't know how to manage money, sell yourself, and grow your business, you may be setting yourself up to fail. Up your odds with an online degree--bachelor's or associate's--in business.

2. Educate yourself. Don't expect to be a slacker if you blog--winning businesses invest time and money in their endeavors. Continuing education in your chosen subject is de rigueur for successful blogging, and Web-development or -design classes can vastly improve your product. An online degree at the bachelor's level or higher enhances your credibility and is easy to work in with your blogging efforts.

3. Play well with others. Cyber-schmooze! Profitable bloggers take part in their online communities. Seek out the top dogs in yours and make friends. Exchange comments, share news, and take a leadership role in your corner of the blogscape. Attend the Blog World convention and put faces with bylines--take classes, get to know the latest blogging tools, and socialize.

4. Make money on several fronts. Blogging bucks can be earned in many ways, but don't make the mistake of relying solely on advertising. Affiliate marketing arrangements can be lucrative. Other bloggers have developed followings and then signed six-figure book deals. Not sure how to do it? Try taking a marketing class or even earning a marketing degree.

5. Toot your own horn. Some bloggers don't make the blog their career at all--they use their blogs to promote themselves in another business, such as consulting, financial planning, real estate, or law. Start by adding some writing classes to your online degree program. Bachelor's and associate's coursework abounds; a flexible schedule provides plenty of time for writing.

The Write Stuff: Careers in Blogging

Here are some popular ways to earn profits from your passion.

1. Writers and Editors: Like acting, music, and other creative professions, writing attracts many practitioners--but relatively few are successful enough to earn a living. Today's employers check out potential hires online--a fabulous blog is a great way to promote your writing skills and establish your standing. Corynne Steindler's gossip blog Jossip got her hired to write for the "New York Post," and Gawker's Jessica Coen landed an editing gig with "Vanity Fair." According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employers prefer to hire writers with degrees in communications, journalism, English, or other liberal arts degrees, but people with other backgrounds (for example, technical) may also find good writing jobs. Highly qualified writers can earn six-figure incomes.

2. Political Analysts: Some of the most prominent bloggers specialize in politics. If you'd love to pow-wow with power brokers and move and shake your way to the top of the blogosphere, this may be your niche. Give people a reason to seek out your opinion by earning your degree in political science. Political scientists study public opinion, decision-making, policy, and ideology. You might create or analyze a public-opinion survey, review election results, or interview public officials. The field is experiencing rapid growth, and its in-demand employees earned a median income of $104,130 in 2008.

3. Travel: Yes, you can combine writing and traveling--and yes, everyone will be jealous of you! A well-conceived and executed travel blog can net you a career as a corporate travel consultant, travel agent, tour guide, or travel companion, or you can even start your own company. According to BizReport.com, the majority of travel arrangements are made online. It reports, "Web 2.0 elements, such as video, blogs, travel bookmarking, and travel communities are giving travelers the raw information they desire to make complex travel decisions."

4. Business Consulting: According to "Business Week," "consultants establish their brands and reps with their blogs." But of course you need some expertise to advertise, don't you? That's where your business education comes in--according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 73 percent of consultants have at least a bachelor's degree. The highest demand for business consultants, according to Entrepreneur.com, is in accounting, advertising, auditing, business management, human resources, insurance, marketing, payroll, and taxes. Degrees in these fields can all be earned online--for extra marketability, go further--acquire an online master's degree in business (MBA) while building your practice.

5. Professional Blogging: Popular blogs can land sponsorship deals for as much as $25,000 per month, say consultants. Not too shabby, but how do you get there? Try time, quality content, and regular and frequent updating. What should you blog about? Whatever works for you. According to ProBlogger, posts that generate the most activity offer DIY help, "meaty" in-depth reads, stories people can relate to, Q and A, debate or controversy, humor, or lists and resources. Earning a degree in one of many subjects can boost your online skills and education, increasing your chance of creating a winning blog.

A good blog is a great way to promote your writing skills and establish credibility. There are many ways to achieve a fantastic and fun career by blogging. Put your unique combination of education, experience, and personality to work on the Web, and you too can love what you do.

Gina Pogol enjoys a fabulous career as a freelance writer and financial blogger. She earned a B.S. in Financial Management from the University of Nevada as well as a certificate in Paralegal Studies and an AS degree in Computer Programming.

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Top 10 Office Phobias

by Maria Hanson, LiveCareer

Psychiatric literature is filled with examples of odd and little-known phobias. There's pentheraphobia (fear of your mother-in-law), omphalophobia (fear of belly buttons) and consecotaleophobia (fear of chopsticks). And let's not forget lutraphobia (fear of otters) or peladophobia (fear of bald people).

Since it seems there's an official phobia for just about anything anyone has ever feared, we were surprised to find very little about office-related phobias in the relevant literature. So we did an informal survey, and the result is the following list--the Top 10 Office Phobias:

1. Tonerphobia Fear of changing the toner in the copying machine. The inside workings of a copier are dark and scary. Reaching in to mess with its guts is a task that makes mere mortals cringe.

2. Javabreathophobia Fear of being trapped in a face-to-face conversation with the guy with coffee breath. Starbucks sells mints right next to their cash registers--for good reason.

3. Splashaphobia A common fear of changing the bottle on the water cooler. Those full water bottles are, what, like 200 pounds? And when you turn them over, who knows how badly you'll flood the office? Better leave it to the next thirsty person.

4. Zombiephobia Fear of becoming so bored you will morph into a zombie. Usually happens in staff meetings filled with phrases like "raise the bar," "at the end of the day," and "think outside the box." (Escape the monotony of a boring job by finding a job you love. Take a free career assessment test to find the jobs best suited for your interests and personality.)

5. Tunaphobia Fear of your cube neighbor unwrapping yet another tuna sandwich for a nice, long, odiferous lunch at her desk. Tunaphobia isn't limited to fish sandwiches; it applies to any stinky food item whose odors you can't escape.

6. Cubaphobia Fear of ugly, beige, soulless spaces with walls that are five feet high and seem engineered to amplify every loud, obnoxious phone conversation within 57 feet.

7. Forwardphobia Fear of receiving kitschy forwarded messages with saccharine tales of friendship or pictures of cutesy wildlife. Every office seems to have a forwarder of such messages.

8. Sciencefairophobia Fear of what's growing on leftovers in the company fridge. Hairy pizza is not OK.

9. Popophobia Fear of going postal next time the gum snapper next to your cube pops another chunk of Bubblicious into her mouth.

10. Weekendophobia Fear of the ubiquitous questions "So any big plans for the weekend?" and "So did you have a good weekend?" from people who just don't care. May make you long for a permanent weekend.

If you really dread going into the office, the problem may be more than just an annoying gum snapper. You may be in the wrong job. Take a free career test to uncover your dream job and the path to happiness.

And if you're looking to find refuge in a new job, get a free resume assessment with a resume test--all the expert advice you need to fine-tune your resume and get job-search results.

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Career Relocation Tips from Career Mover Patricia Roberts

by Gina Cappiello, www.123Movers.com

Patricia Roberts knows what it's like to relocate for work. As one of the first females selling with General Motors, she has moved 22 times for the sake of her career. Retired as of 2006, Roberts now resides in Michigan and works from home as the Director of Business Development for AskPatty.com, a website devoted to giving women automotive advice. We spoke with Roberts about her moving experiences and asked her to give job seekers some moving tips:

Don't constrain yourself based on location

You don't shop at an automotive store for jewelry, so why look for a job in an area where there are none? "Michigan is going through a huge contraction with the auto industry, but we don't have the people with the skills with the companies that are coming in," said Roberts, a Michigan native who has relocated with Michigan movers in the past. "I encourage everyone to leave for work because if you're in an area where there's nothing and you have no hope, you have to do what you have to do."

Move to where the jobs are

"I always encourage people to go where the opportunities are," said Roberts, whose 22 moves happened because of job promotions. If you can't find a job first, Roberts suggests packing up and moving out to where work is anyhow. Even if you have to leave the family behind for a bit, she emphasized the fact that it's not too difficult to move nowadays. "It doesn't cost anything to make a call anymore with Skype or cell phone plans with flat rates," said Roberts. "There is so much more connection available today that I don't think it's as traumatizing to pick up and go as it used to be. Go where the work is and grow from it, because it's ultimately the right decision for the family."

Embrace your move

"Moving is a stressful event even with all my experience," said Roberts. "Even though I know things are going to be fine, I get sick to my stomach about it." Although moving gets Roberts stressed at times, she's always embraced and enjoyed every move she made. She also considers moving to be a great way for a family to learn and grow. "The people I used to work with are moving to China and India for work now. It's a bigger move, but they all made the right decision as a result of it. They're exposed to a new country and learned about themselves through others." By embracing and learning to love your move, you'll be on your way to enjoying your new life.

Moving for a new job doesn't have to be a strenuous or upsetting experience. "There's always a bright side to moving," said Roberts, "like making new friends, going through new experiences, and such." Focus on the positives for your next job relocation, and you'll be in great shape when moving day arrives.

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