Green Works: Low-Cost Training for an Earth-Friendly Career

by Siri Anderson, PayScale.com

The green economy is coming -- some say it's already arrived -- and around the country new jobs and training programs are popping up rapidly, while old jobs are changing to align with sustainable practices. Green services and products are already in demand, and workforce development experts agree that this movement is going to have enormous impact on jobs of every level.

"This will affect all areas of the economy in ways we are only beginning to find out," says Julian L. Alssid, executive director of Workforce Strategy Center (WSC), an East Coast-based organization that consults with economic development agencies and educational institutions to help state and regional economies grow. "If we do this well, green will become a part of every job."

Green enthusiasts believe that blue collar and white collar will one day be ideas of the past, with "green" collar leading the way of the future. Do you know how your job could change to "go green"? And could the green economy present an opportunity for you to increase your marketability and earning power?

Going Green: Opportunities for Low-Cost Training

One of the unique features of the green economy movement is its efforts to include the poor and socially disadvantaged as a starting point for change. According to Marcy Drummond, vice president of workforce and economic development for Los Angeles Trade-Tech College (LATTC), in most economic shifts, "The poor are first to be left behind. We wanted them to be first [to succeed]."

Over the past three years, this LA community college has pioneered team-taught, comprehensive programs aimed at overcoming traditional barriers that underprivileged students have in attaining a degree and long-term, gainful employment. A range of green certifications are available at LATTC, from solar panel installation and weatherization to sustainable architecture and landscaping. Program lengths range from just a couple of weeks to two years for a certificate.

Programs like these aren't solely for the underprivileged, however, and the first place to look for a similar program in your area is your local community college. Drummond says that more and more programs are going to be available in the near future, especially because much of the stimulus money will be funneled to these institutions first.

The Green-Collar Office Job

If you don't work in the energy industry, green may still have an impact on your position. Vicki Krantz, director of business and professional programs at UC San Diego Extension, is seeing that, "Really smart firms are thinking about every stage of the life of their product." And this goes far beyond just production, packaging, and transportation.

UCSD Extension is one of the first institutions to start green training from the business point of view, training students to incorporate sustainability into all levels of an organization. Accountants can take carbon accounting classes to track a company's carbon footprint. Marketers can develop skills in green marketing so that their claims to be a green company are valid. Managers can take classes on how to include sustainability into corporate strategies.

Though a lot of buzz is on emerging clean tech, solar tech, and bio fuels, according to Krantz, the best businesses of any industry are going to set the vision for sustainability and encourage all employees to translate that into their discipline -- from the receptionist who reduces paper use to the CEO who makes fewer business flights each year.

The Green CEO and Entrepreneur

If there's any evidence that the green movement has begun from the ground up, it's shown in how few business leaders are prepared to enter the highly regulated energy field. They want a piece of the pie, though, so they're learning quickly.

Charley Polachi, partner and co-founder of Polachi Inc., has been a member of the steering committee for the Clean Energy Fellowship Program, a course started in early 2008, designed for CEOs and entrepreneurs who want to get into clean tech industries.

The unique feature of clean tech is the degree to which it is regulated -- there are a whole new set of rules and a large infrastructure already in place that business leaders need to understand before jumping in. In the Clean Energy Fellowship Program, entrepreneurs and CEOs learn how to navigate the regulation, come up with funding and develop partnerships with very big companies so that their innovations can become a part of the larger energy infrastructure.

This program was the first of its kind in the country, and admission is highly selective. However, there is a lot of interest in expanding, and other organizations have been looking at the Clean Energy Fellowship program as a model to prepare future green-business leaders.

Green Works: Fast-Track to a Well-Paid Job?

"All you need to know is there's a lot of money, in terms of training," says Alssid of WSC. The stimulus package and consumer demand are supporting huge investments into programs that help to "green" jobs. However, Alssid also cautions, "This is in a totally emergent state ... it will be up to the individual to zero in on those places that are doing this well. So do your homework."

The importance of community colleges shouldn't be underestimated. They have the resources to create programs quickly, and they will be the first to access stimulus funds. Workforce training centers are also great places to ask for help, and every state has their own way of organizing them -- search "your state" and "workforce development" on the Internet to find one in your area. In addition, websites such as GreenForAll.org, CareerVoyages.gov, and Online.OnetCenter.org have excellent information on career outlooks, training programs and financial assistance.

"If you take advantage of this now, it'll be an edge. Within a couple of years it will be standard," predicts Krantz of UCSD Extension. "Don't think of this as a passing fad at all. This is the new normal."

For the underprivileged, the green economy and funding for training present a great opportunity for increased earning potential. For those already in a busy career, going green may be inevitable, so becoming a leader in the movement could pay off long-term.

Job Info , Jobs Sources , Career

Buzzwords That Derail Your Job Hunt

Recruiter Roundtable Looks at Overused Terms

by Yahoo! HotJobs

The Recruiter Roundtable is a recurring feature that collects career and job-seeking advice from a group of recruiting experts throughout the United States. The question we put before our panel this month is:

What buzzwords or phrases do you feel have lost meaning because they are all too commonly used by job seekers in resumes or interviews?

Quantify Wherever Possible

If a resume is filled with points that are lacking in substance and not supported by accomplishments, it can be a red flag to employers. For instance, hiring managers typically don't look favorably on materials filled with terms such as "enhanced," "familiar with," "responsible for," and "solutions-oriented" that don't also include details on actual achievements.

Job seekers need to focus on quantifying the results of their previous work history as much as possible. For example, "reduced the quarter-end reporting process by three days" will have a greater impact than "streamlined a reporting process."

When you're crafting your resume and speaking with hiring managers, convey how you could contribute in the position you're applying for and back up your assertions with strong examples. In particular, detail how you've positively impacted previous employers' performance and bottom line, including specific ways you helped reduce costs or increase profits.
-- DeLynn Senna, executive director of North American permanent placement services for Robert Half International

Demonstrate Your Creativity

The one buzzword that gets me the most is "out-of-the-box," "outside of the box," or any similar variation. Though I don't hear it used as much as it was a few years ago, it means nothing to me. This common buzzword deserves a more in-depth explanation from the speaker. What does "out of the box" mean to you and how has your creativity delivered results?
-- Lindsay Olson, partner, Paradigm Staffing

Watch for Generalities

To be perfectly frank, I normally do not look at many of the words at first glance. I am looking for profile -- who do they work for? Is there a track record of job stability or job hopping? Where did they go to school?

I do have clients that scan resumes, truly read them, and look for typos. Most people spend 6-8 seconds looking at a resume, determining if they want to read on. What pile do they belong in? The buzzwords can clutter this decision-making.

During an interview and of course on a resume, I would recommend that ALL candidates attempt to quantify their accomplishments rather than use phrases like "managed" and "strong communication skills." What do these mean? Instead, clearly demonstrate the results of your work. Provide real examples and figures -- i.e. "improved operations by 30% by... ."
-- Carolyn Dougherty, owner of IntelliSource, Inc.

Job Info , Jobs Sources , Career

The Truth About Lying During a Job Interview

by Robert DiGiacomo, for Yahoo! HotJobs

Telling the whole truth about yourself in a job interview may mean losing a position to a better-qualified candidate. But the alternative -- lying about your degree, qualifications, or experience for short-term gain -- inevitably will come back to haunt you.

Still, there are gray areas in which a small fib -- or embellishment -- could go a long way toward helping you land a job.

"I'm a pro-fibber," says blogger and consultant Nicole Williams, author of the forthcoming book "Girl on Top: Your Guide to Turning Dating Rules into Career Success." "At the same time, you have to be aware of the risks and do it very strategically."

Here are six areas in which you can enhance your credentials without having a Pinocchio moment during an interview -- or even worse, after you've gotten the job.

What's Your Real Salary?

How much people make is "the No. 1 lie," says Julie Jansen, a career coach and author of "I Don't Know What I Want, But I Know It's Not This." "I tell my clients not to embellish their salaries."

Instead, Jansen recommends you can provide recruiters with the value of your entire compensation package -- including salary, vacation and other benefits -- and request a percentage increase on top of that amount.

Managing Your Title

It's OK to stretch the truth about your title, if your actual responsibilities are more demanding than your job implies, according to workplace columnist and speaker Alexandra Levit.

"A lot of times titles don't tell the whole story," says Levit, author of "They Don't Teach Corporate in College: A Twenty-Something's Guide to the Business World." "You might spin your title to reflect what you actually did."

For Love of Industry

Faking a strong interest in a particular industry is preferable to telling a recruiter you're desperate for any job he or she has to offer.

"I think it's acceptable to lie about being passionate about an industry," Jansen says. "Nobody was born being passionate about manufacturing."

Who You Know

Drop names, if you've actually met or interacted with an industry mover or shaker.

"It's a matter of degree -- I wouldn't go full tilt and say [someone's] one of my best friends if they're not, because you can be found out," Levit says.

Fired or Quit?

If you were let go or laid off from your last position, be honest about the circumstances if asked. Then try to refocus the conversation on your future.

"You should immediately turn [the subject] into a positive by saying you're looking for a new challenge," Levit says.

No Time for Tears

Even if a position seems a bit of a professional stretch, don't let on that you have any doubts about your ability to get the job done.

"Can you imagine someone saying they're scared?" Williams says. "That may be the truth, but you don't want to hear it in an interview. Get a therapist or get a friend -- your boss is not your friend."

Job Info , Jobs Sources , Career

Gossip Your Way to a Great Job

by Maria Hanson, LiveCareer


Titillating as it can be, gossip is something most people realize they should avoid, especially at work.

But there is an upside to gossip. In a recent survey by staffing firm Randstad USA, more than half of the respondents felt gossip was useful to job hunting. Gossip can also help you identify new opportunities within your own workplace. And even the most casual office chit-chat can give you insight into your work, your company, and even your own job security.

Follow these tips to gossip to your career advantage:

1) Rethink your idea of gossip. Work gossip isn't just about who's dating whom in the office. Any piece of information about a company or industry can be used to your advantage. Reading journals and websites specific to your industry may give you useful information about which employers are growing their workforce. Or hearing a rumor that free snacks in the break-room are a disappearing perk can be a heads up that your organization is doing some belt-tightening.

2) Don't automatically shun all gossip. People often hear important work-related items first through the office grapevine. By ignoring all gossip, you could be isolating yourself. Attend seminars, parties, and other gatherings that provide a chance for networking. Be receptive, listen, and ask probing questions. But don't participate in talking badly about anyone.

3) Filter the gossip. If you just listen, and tune out the nasty stuff, you won't get a rep as a gossip monger. But you'll be on the right channel if there's news that could help your career. Open your ears and extract the opportunity-rich tidbits. For example, you may hear about something as seemingly insignificant as a hiring manager's love of dogs. If you're a dog lover, this could be just the gem you need to make a connection with the person who makes hiring decisions.

4) Put the info to work. Take the information you've gathered and use it to get to the right people. Email the hiring manager of a company that just won a big contract -- and send your resume highlighting your relevant experience.

Find out how to tailor your resume for a specific position with your free resume guide.

5) Befriend a connector. Share your gossip with a connector. A connector is someone who seems to know everyone and effortlessly disseminates news. Likewise, if you need to do damage control, there's no one better to approach.

6) Be your own gossip. If you've had a success you want known -- something that could get you noticed in high places -- get the word out there yourself. Not sure how to toot your own horn? Appropriate bragging has its place in the workplace. For example, at a staff meeting, you could mention a successful group project that you spearheaded. This can get you and your team the favorable attention you earned.

Gossip doesn't have to involve backstabbing or spreading hurtful rumors. Useful gossip is about connecting with others in a positive way. Knowing your interests and using this knowledge to make connections with others can help your career.

Job Info , Jobs Sources , Career

7 Creepy Careers With Staying Power

by Bridget Quigg, PayScale.com

Sometimes making a living requires working with blood, dark spaces, or creepy-crawlers. Are you up for a little fright? The following jobs each include something a little unsettling, but one just may be the right fit for you.

Take a look and see if you're brave enough to make a "creepy" career move.

1. Funeral Director
Median Salary: $46,000

While shows like "Six Feet Under" like to emphasize the drama in this career, a calm demeanor, soothing words, and attention to detail are the qualities most needed to excel. As James Olson of Lippert-Olson Funeral Home in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, says, "I don't think of what I do as creepy. Being able to give a person the opportunity to grieve for their loved one is an honor."

Besides ensuring that the funeral service goes smoothly, funeral directors must also coordinate transportation and burial of the body. Employment projections for this job are good. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), funeral directors are older, on average, than workers in other fields, so many are expected to retire in the coming decade.

2. Pest-Control Worker
Median Salary: $35,600

How do you feel about getting up close and personal with the pests of the world? Whether you're talking about spiders, rodents, or roaches, pest-control workers must take on the creepy-crawly creatures that the rest of us try to avoid. This job requires training and certification by law and, though a high school degree is all that is needed to start, 4 out of 10 pest-control workers have attended college or have college degrees, according to the BLS.

3. Phlebotomist
Median Salary: $27,400

Warning: Strong stomach required. These folks spend all day drawing vials of blood for medical tests, blood collection and donation. Phlebotomy work can be found in plenty of places, according to the National Phlebotomy Association, such as hospitals, neighborhood health centers, public health facilities, and HMOs.

Safety is a big concern, so there are recommended training, education and certification programs offered through groups like the National Phlebotomy Association and the American Society of Clinical Pathologists. Some phlebotomists learn their skills on the job and, depending on the state, a license may be required. The BLS expects the greatest job growth in this profession to occur outside of hospital settings, such as diagnostic laboratories or physicians' offices.

4. Archaeologist
Median Salary: $47,200

Archaeologists regularly uncover human remains and ancient artifacts to discover more about our ancestors. And, it turns out, that work can be pretty fun. According to Adam Freeburg, a Ph.D. student in archeology at the University of Washington, "It's a job outside, and I like to work outside. It involves history, and I like history." Freeburg currently works on a dig in Kotzebue, Alaska, and says the work he does is worth seeing snow fall in July.

A Ph.D. will give you the best employment opportunities as an archeologist, but the BLS states that a bachelor's degree can get you started in an entry-level job in this field, such as research assistant or writer. Also, job opportunities are expected to grow in the coming years for archaeologists at construction sites, with more openings at sites with historic significance.

5. Theatrical Makeup Artist
Median Salary: $44,300

A gashed lip, a missing eye, five freshly burned fingers -- sometimes makeup artists are asked to do everything they can to make our skin crawl. A 30-year veteran of Hollywood film and theater makeup, Sue Cabral-Ebert says this is a fun gig, where teamwork is key and actors usually find the horror makeup a laugh.

She says, "Actors are better with gore because they can wash it off and say, 'Hey, I scared some people. That was fun.'" She says that, by contrast, aging their faces pushes actors into the future, and that can be depressing.

This job usually offers the benefit of a flexible work schedule, though depending on the production you're working with, the hours can be grueling. According to the BLS, the greatest number of theatrical makeup artists work in Los Angeles and New York City and, while a college degree is not always required, a state cosmetology license may be.

6. Night Security Guard
Median Salary: $28,700

It's no surprise that these uniformed guards often look unflappable, because they actually chase down things that go bump in the night, while most of us would run in the other direction. The outlook for this job is excellent. According to the BLS, the field should grow 17 percent through 2016.

A license is required in most states to work as a security guard, and if the job requires carrying a gun, there's more training and licensing needed. The BLS notes that greater exposure to danger or more required training can increase earnings for a security guard, such as working at a nuclear power plant or weapons installation. Though, these higher-paid jobs can be tough to get.

7. Sewer Pipe Cleaner
Median Salary: $35,900

In big cities, massive sewer systems go every direction underground, some with pipes tall enough to stand in. Would you like to work in a cramped, smelly, and somewhat creepy place? Maybe so, since it is a job field that is expected to grow at a steady pace over the coming years, according to the BLS.

On-the-job training is common in this profession, where a high school diploma is typically the highest education required. Plus, in less urban settings, these same skills can result in jobs that allow you to work above ground and stay a little cleaner.

Source: Salary data is provided by PayScale.com and represents median annual salary numbers for US workers with 5-8 years of work experience and includes all bonuses, commissions and profit sharing.

Job Info , Jobs Sources , Career

Smart Risks vs. Foolish Risks

5 Risks That Could Help Your Career

by Margaret Steen, for Yahoo! HotJobs

Playing it safe with your career may seem smart. But to really get ahead, you may need to take some risks.

"Nothing gives your career a boost like succeeding at a risk," says Sheila Wellington, author of "Be Your Own Mentor" and a professor at New York University's Stern School of Business. "It helps you break out of the pack."

Still, before you take a risk -- whether it's quitting your job or confronting your boss -- consider whether it's smart or foolish.

Make sure you know yourself and your organization well enough to understand what happens if you take a risk and it doesn't work out. Will failure damage your career, or will coworkers admire your initiative? Will you be devastated, emotionally or financially, if you don't succeed? Or do you have a high tolerance for failure?

That's what Wellington and other experts say you should consider when evaluating career risks such as these:

* Taking on a tough project. Succeeding where others have given up is a great way to make a name for yourself.

"It's a way to get ahead, to take something that's big and dangerous," says Norm Meshriy, a career counselor and principal of Career Insights in Walnut Creek, California.

But look at what has happened to others who have tried. Have they had their reputations tarnished? Or have their efforts been rewarded?

* Changing careers. It's exciting to think about making a fresh start. But especially in today's economy, make sure you have a Plan B.

"The biggest risk in terms of a job transition is going to a different job in a different industry," says Michael Beasley, owner of Career-Crossings in Portola Valley, California, and a consultant with Right Management. You'll have a lot to learn -- right at the time when you need to be proving your worth to your new employer.

* Taking a contract job. If you have to choose between a contract job at a company where you really want to work and a permanent position at a less desirable company, taking the contract job is the bigger risk -- but could have the bigger payoff.

The key to your decision is "finding out every single thing that you can know" about the company, Beasley says. Assess your chances of being hired on permanently at the end of the contract.

* Taking time off between jobs. This risk can have big personal payoffs. It can also give you time to explore new career options. You can make it less of a career risk by keeping your network current and having a compelling story to tell about what you did with your time.

* Confronting your boss. Disagreeing with your boss in anger, without having thought through what you're going to say, is a foolish risk. But arranging a meeting with your boss outside of the office and offering a rehearsed, well-crafted explanation of how you feel can be a risk worth taking, Meshriy says.

You may not get the answer you want, but you will get better insight into your situation.

Whenever you are contemplating a risk, remember that doing nothing can also be risky.

"Your performance will suffer if you're not happy in your job, or an opportunity could slip away," Beasley said.

Job Info , Jobs Sources , Career

Ceiling Busters: 4 Paths to Career Advancement

by Woodrow Aames, FindtheRightSchool.com

Hitting a career plateau can be unsettling and disappointing. You know you've hit a plateau when you've gone as far as you can in your job and you find it unchallenging and well below your earning expectations.

Continuing education can be a real tonic. By adding a certification or advanced degree in your field, you can become more competitive for advancement or find fresh interest in a profession that has gone stale. Online career training or college degree programs can take as little as a year, while some educational pathways take a little longer. But the flexibility of online learning means you can meet your work commitments or family obligations while injecting fresh energy into your professional life.

If you love your field, take a look at these fast-growing careers and advanced training that can boost your challenges, responsibilities, and earnings.

Health Care: Medical and Health Services Managers

If you've gone as far as you can go with your existing health care training, consider taking a new degree to move into management. For registered nurses, convert your associate's degree into a bachelor's degree to qualify for teaching or leadership roles. RN to BSN programs can add skills that interest hiring managers.

Or enroll in an online master's degree program in health services administration, business administration, or public health administration to move into human resources, operations, or facility management. Job openings for health care managers are predicted to increase by 16 percent during the 2006-2016 decade.

Earnings: The median 2008 wage was $80,240, with top-tier salaries at $137,800.

Business: Management Analyst

Backed up against the wall in your business life? Become a consultant. Jobs for management analysts are expected to grow by 23 percent between 2006 and 2016. More than a fourth of all management analysts are self-employed contractors. That means you're the boss. To qualify, enroll in an online master's degree or MBA program in information technology, marketing, finance, human resources, or management.

You can build upon your experience and training in your current field, while preparing to lend your knowledge through your own consultancy or a management services company. This ceiling-buster career serves organizations across the entire business spectrum. Management analysts are hired to help streamline business processes, helping organizations become and remain profitable. Some take long-term positions with government agencies.

Earnings: The median 2008 wage was $73,570, with top-tier salaries at $133,850.

Education: Post Secondary Teachers

You've reached the top-end of your profession and still find it wanting. You're sure you know the business so well you could teach it. And here's a good reason why you should: Jobs for postsecondary teachers are expected to increase 23 percent between 2006 and 2016. Qualifications for educators vary by institution.

For most colleges and universities, you'll need to return to school to complete a Ph.D. in your specialty. Community colleges and trade schools may hire instructors who hold a master's degree, and some vocational schools will allow teachers to combine an undergraduate degree with extensive professional experience.

Earnings: Salaries vary greatly by institution. The middle 50 percent earn between $39,610 and $80,390, with top salaries reaching more than $113,450.

Computer Technology: Database Administrator

You've worked the help desk long enough. Perhaps you've built and massaged databases for several years and the bachelor's degree you earned a few years ago in computer science now seems like common currency. Now's the perfect time to keep your day job and enroll in an online advanced degree program in technology, or an MBA degree program in IT management.

If you're looking for rapid career growth, consider that jobs for computer scientists and database administrators are slated to increase by 37 percent from 2006 to 2016. Add some certifications along the way in dedicated software to build a rock-solid ticket.

Earnings: The median 2008 wage was $69,740, with top-tier wages of $111,950.

Considering the upside of these professional roles, it makes for sound career strategy to seek advanced training. The scheduling flexibility of online college degree programs make it convenient for professionals to remain in their jobs while training for advancement. And some employers will reimburse you for tuition and books. Goodbye, plateau.

Job Info , Jobs Sources , Career