career and job

Kamis, 05 Agustus 2010

Answering Wild-Card Interview Questions

by Maria Hanson, LiveCareer.com


How would you respond if you were asked one of the following interview questions:

"If aliens landed here right now, what would you do?"
"What did you want to be when you were 8 years old?"
"What would your refrigerator say if it could talk?"

These types of odd questions are called "wild cards" because they seem to come out of nowhere. With the current economic climate allowing employers to be more picky, these types of questions are becoming more common. A stellar resume, impressive credentials, and strong interviewing skills are no longer enough.

While a rare interviewer may ask these questions simply to watch you squirm, many wild-card questions serve a purpose. Generally speaking, interviewers ask these questions to see how well you perform under pressure and think on your feet. They also might ask wild cards to break out of the routine of a typical interview in order to get a glimpse of your genuine personality.

Here are some real questions as reported by job seekers, with some insight into what interviewers may be looking for -- and how to deliver:

"If there was a fire in your house, what two things would you save?"

What's the point? The interviewer is trying to determine how well your ideals and principles match the company's values.

Approach: Find an honest answer that aligns you with the values of the company with which you are interviewing.

Possible response: If you're applying for a job as a technical project manager, for example, you might say: "My computer and my family photo album." This shows your obvious technical side but also demonstrates that you prioritize relationships. This could help distinguish you from your fellow techie competitors.

"If you were a cereal, what would you be?"

What's the point? The interviewer is trying to gain some insight into your work personality to see what kind of worker you will be. If you are unsure of what your work personality is, you can take a career interest test to find out.

Approach: Try to tie your answer back to the job requirements.

Possible response: If you were interviewing for a nursing assistant, position, you could say: "Cheerios. Because I'm reliable, consistent, and good for you!" -- all positive qualities for someone in the health-care industry.

"If you were writing an autobiography, what would its title be?"

What's the point? This question gives the interviewer a peek into your self-perception as well as a read on how creative you are.

Approach: Emphasize your main selling points. If you can't come up with something original on the fly, perhaps there is a song or movie title that captures your essence. You don't need to invent something on the spot as long as you can provide a good explanation for the title you choose.

Possible response: If you were applying for a job as a social worker, you could say "I Will Survive," explaining that the hardships you personally experienced made you a stronger person, qualified to help others to work through their own issues.

It's impossible to rehearse the best responses to wild-card interview questions, since, by definition, they are unpredictable. But you can prep. Even if you don't get asked the specific questions you've practiced for, you'll still have a better handle on wild cards in general. If you answer honestly and justify your response, you'll likely impress your interviewers and be one step closer to landing your dream job.


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Where the Community-Service Jobs Are

Where the Community-Service Jobs Are
Details on Wages and Duties in Some Major Programs
by Molly Hallman, PayScale.com



A study by the Corporation for National and Community Service showed that more people are volunteering today than any time since 1974, with the adult volunteer rate jumping more than 32 percent since 1989. As the trend toward civic-mindedness increases, many are interested in full-time service work that will also pay some or all of the bills.

Whether you are about to graduate from college, or have many years of work experience, here are some service opportunities to explore:

Peace Corps
Expertise -- Various, college degree
Service Program Fee -- None
Commitment -- 2 years
Application Deadlines -- None, application process 9-12 months
Pay -- Stipend (don't expect much)
End of Service Awards -- Over $6000 plus partial student loan cancellations

The Peace Corps is not just for recent college graduates. "Persons at every level in their career can find value in serving in the Peace Corps," says Brian Palermi, currently serving in Castries, St. Lucia, West Indies with his wife, Amber. "Serving in the Peace Corps [shows prospective employers that] you are creative, good at problem solving, motivated, hard-working and can survive two years living and working in sometimes difficult conditions."

In the Peace Corps, you aren't given an actual salary, but rather a stipend, allowing you to experience the same economic level as the people you are serving. You do, however, get a $6,000 welcome-back-to-America bonus when you are done. Your medical and dental are paid, and you qualify for partial student loan cancellations. There is no deadline to apply for the Peace Corps, but applications take nine to 12 months to process.

"It is amazing to me how much I learned as a Peace Corps volunteer and how applicable it is to working in the United States," said Trey Waters, a small enterprise development volunteer in Ghana, 2006-2008. "When I left we were operating a functioning tourism site, had started an advertising campaign to get more visitors, set up a functioning accounting system, were able to use money generated from tourism for projects in the community, and had set up a weaving cooperative," said Waters.

Americorps
Expertise -- Various, degree not required
Service Program Fee -- None
Commitment -- 10-12 months
Application Deadlines -- April 1st and July 1st
Pay -- Various, $800 per month is a common wage
End of Service Awards -- $4725 education award or $1200 cash for some

Like the Peace Corps, Americorps is government-sponsored and offers modest compensation. "Americorp participants know they have to sacrifice to adjust to [modest] living. It's a 10-12 month temporary lifestyle change but can be really transformational. They make it work. Sometimes Americorps participants pool resources and a whole lot of them live together. Many get food stamps to keep their pledge to live at the same economic level as those they are serving," says Brighid Jensen, assistant director of student development at Wake Forest University.

There are three basic categories to Americorps: NCCC, Vista, and the generic Americorps umbrella. Former Americorps volunteer Danielle Stanton says, "Helping kids and forming relationships with them was such an amazing feeling. I felt like such a leader by the end of it."

Jensen recommends students allow about three months to research and apply to multiple spots within Americorps to increase their chances of getting into the program. Overall, about one in four applications are accepted. Americorps NCCC is specifically for adults ages 18-24. All other Americorps opportunities have no upper age limit.

Teach for America
Expertise -- Various four-year degrees
Service Program Fee -- None
Commitment -- 2 years
Application Deadlines -- April 1st and July 1st
Pay -- $27,000 to $47,000 per year, depending on location.
End of Service Awards -- $9,495 education award

Teach for America offers college graduates from a variety of disciplines the opportunity to become teachers in under-privileged neighborhoods. Historically very selective, 35,000 people applied for this year's 4,000 slots. Compared to other community service opportunities, Teach for America has the most lucrative benefits including full teacher's starting salary, summer housing, and health benefits. Most participants do not plan to make teaching their career.

Doctors Without Borders
Expertise -- At least two years professional experience, both medical and other fields
Service Program Fee -- None
Commitment -- Usually one year
Application Deadlines -- None, 4-6 month application process
Pay -- $1,404 per month
End of Service Awards -- None

Doctors Without Borders is an NGO (non-government organization) founded in France by doctors and journalists. Not just for doctors, this organization sends participants overseas to deliver hands-on medical care and to design community projects that improve the health of impoverished communities. Nurses, scientists, mental health professionals, financial controllers, logisticians, and water-and-sanitation specialists with two years or more of experience are invited to apply.

Volunteers for Prosperity
Expertise -- Various and numerous
Service Program Fee -- Some yes, some no
Commitment -- Varies depending on position and organization
Application Deadlines -- Varies
Pay -- Varies
End of Service Awards -- No

With this government-sponsored Web portal of non-profits you can search for the type of volunteer opportunity you want. Long-term and overseas opportunities are listed and the criteria and job requirements differ for each one. The way it works is you do your research and contact the nonprofit organization directly. VfP grants are available for individuals with three years of professional work experience. The volunteer who raises at least as much of his or her own funding can apply to receive $500 to $1,000 for travel and other expenses associated with volunteering abroad.


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Best Jobs for Your Health

Best Jobs for Your Health
by Maria Hanson, LiveCareer.com



A job may be good for your financial well-being, but how good is a job for your physical and mental health? There are obvious qualities that make a job healthy, like low risk of injury or opportunities for a fair amount of exercise.

But many jobs can be considered healthy for less tangible reasons. There are certain characteristics that have been scientifically shown to produce big health benefits. Here are four important health-promoting job traits and some sample healthy jobs, along with median salary data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Autonomy/Personal Control

Numerous studies have shown that the more personal control people have in their lives, the less their chances of depression and heart disease and the better their health in general.

Sample Jobs:
CEO: $158,560
Writer: $53,070
Plumber: $45,640

Get-Healthy Tips: If you don't have much personal control in your current job, it may be time to update your skills. Greater education levels often lead to increased autonomy on the job. Or consider starting a business. Entrepreneurs thrive on being their own bosses, and have high levels of control over their ventures.

Take a free entrepreneur test to see if this road to autonomy is right for you.

Mentally Demanding

Recent studies reveal the surprising benefits of working in a mentally demanding job. Not only do those whose brains work overtime have greater cognitive skills throughout their careers and after, they also have less chance of getting Alzheimer's disease.

Sample Jobs:
Research scientist: $112,800
Systems engineer: $75,500
Business analyst: $73,570

Get-Healthy Tips: Try to find ways to take on more challenging tasks at work. Taking classes, attending seminars and reading books can also all benefit your brain -- now and in years to come -- as well as your career.

Take a free education test to find out whether a degree or course can benefit you.

Low Stress

Everyone experiences stress at times, but numerous studies have shown that chronic stress can be harmful to your health. Jobs that are low-stress can help decrease your susceptibility to problems like heart disease, headaches, chronic pain, lowered immunity and even obesity.

Sample jobs:
Librarian: $52,530
Appliance repair: $33,910
Florist: $23,230

Get-Healthy Tips: Being organized with your work projects can diminish stress. Make to-do lists and keep organizers and calendars up to date. In addition, be sure to take breaks, no matter how pressing your deadline. Learn meditation. Research has shown that even a few minutes of meditation a day can clear away stress.

Social

Research has shown that connecting with others in a meaningful way is key to many areas of health. It can lower blood pressure, decrease heart disease, prevent depression, keep you cognitively fit, reduce stress, and increase lifespan.

Sample Jobs:
School counselor: $51,050
Mediator: $50,660
Human-resources recruiter: $45,470

Get-Healthy Tips: If your job lacks a social element, make an extra effort to reach out and connect with others at work. Seek a mentor. Accept group lunch invitations. Or get your social boost by filling up your social calendar outside of work.

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The Hottest Part-Time Jobs

The Hottest Part-Time Jobs
by Woodrow Aames, FindtheRightSchool.com


The testy economy has forced many Americans to rethink their notions of work and careers. Many are happy just to have a steady job. Still others have had to take jobs outside of their chosen professions or add part-time jobs to supplement their income. There are solid choices for part-time jobs with good pay for workers who are looking to re-train, students who are already in a college degree program but need to work to pay for tuition, and working parents who require flexible schedules.

Among the hottest part-time jobs today, you'll find several that require candidates to have completed as little as one or two years of college training. With the flexibility of many online associate's degree programs, you can work your way into a new profession without compromising the hours you put into your current work and family commitments.

Let's look at several part-time positions with solid growth potential, along with the education you'll need to qualify and the hourly wages.

Computer Support Specialist

Computer support specialists are lucky. They're needed by every employer that relies on an efficient, secure computer network to support the organization. Computer support specialists work as part-time or as on-call technicians that install, configure, and lend support to employees. Industries like health care, banking, sales, construction, and manufacturing depend on well-trained, reliable support specialists to handle help-desk tickets.

You can learn the tools of the tech trade while earning an online associate's degree at a college or tech school career training program.

In 2008, computer support specialists earned a median hourly wage of $22.29, and network support specialists drew $33.45 an hour.

Veterinary Technician

Jobs for veterinary technicians are expected to rise by 41 percent during the 2006-2016 decade. According to the Labor Department, more than half of America's pet owners take their animals to a vet for routine or emergency treatment. Learn how to support veterinarians through an associate's or bachelor's degree program to qualify for vet clinic or hospital work.

The median hourly wage in 2008 for veterinary technicians: $14.35.

Massage Therapist

More than 60 percent of working massage therapists in the U.S. are self-employed professionals. Others work in clinics and in partnership with other alternative health practitioners like acupuncturists and chiropractors. Follow massage therapy career training and licensing guildelines for your state, then build your own clientele and set your own hours.

The median hourly wage in 2008 for massage therapists: $19.16.

Bill or Account Collector

Especially now, companies around the country are hiring bill and account collectors to help round up stragglers. The Labor Department projects a 23 percent increase in jobs for bill collectors over the 2006-2016 decade. Not everyone will work for financial institutions or retailers. Many of the jobs will be in doctor's offices and with hospitals. Employers will prefer college-trained employees for their collection teams, the Labor Department says, but may offer career training. You can gain practical knowledge through online associate's degree programs in bookkeeping, accounting, or business.

The median hourly wage in 2008 for bill or account collectors: $15.47.

Dental Assistant

Dental assistants can train for office and chair-side procedures in as little as a year through a certificate program, although there are also degree programs available that take two years. Work part-time hours taking X-rays, prepping patients, and handling the desk. It can be a great part-time, stepping-stone job to hold while you complete dental hygienist training for substantially better pay. Still, the hours and benefits can be nothing to sneeze at if you need a part-time job.

The median hourly wage in 2008 for dental assistants: $15.95.

Product Promoter

Product promoters work in salesrooms, malls, supermarkets, computer and technology trade shows, fairs, and festivals, hawking everything from the latest vacuum cleaner to a speedy computer processor. You'll need strong "people skills" and training in the nuts-and-bolts of the products you're selling. Jobs are predicted to rise by a solid 18 percent between 2006 and 2016. Build your product knowledge through online or campus-based courses in computers, business, fashion design, or sales and marketing.

The median hourly wage in 2008 for product promoters and product demonstrators: $13.05.

Don't underestimate the perks of part-time work, including free time to devote to studies, family, or a job search effort in the field of your choice.

Woodrow Aames has written articles and profiles for Yahoo!, Microsoft Network, Microsoft Encarta, and other websites and print magazines around the world.


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Well-Paid Jobs That Won't Be Outsourced

Well-Paid Jobs That Won't Be Outsourced
by Carol Tice, PayScale.com


Not so long ago, having advanced computer skills was considered the ultimate in job security. How times have changed. Now, tech jobs are among the most heavily outsourced. Research firm Computer Economics recently estimated that more than half of all software application development work was contracted out last year, often to workers in other countries, along with 44 percent of application maintenance tasks and 40 percent of website and e-commerce work.

So which well-paid careers won't be shipped overseas? Our experts -- career coaches Susan Bernstein, founder of Work from Within, LLC in San Francisco, and feature writer and instructor Paym Bergson in Toronto -- offer this list of hard-to-outsource jobs that highlights a variety of industry sectors.

The jobs share a key factor, Bernstein says. "Think about things where you literally have to touch or see people," she says. "Managing anything related to personal services or health care -- that can't be outsourced."

1. Physician assistant -- Despite the global economy, doctors will still need to see patients in person, and physician assistants will need to be on hand to free doctors from many routine clinical tasks. Becoming a physician assistant requires a bachelor's degree and board certification, at the very least, but most physician assistants complete a master's degree, as well. This is a highly lucrative field which, like most jobs in healthcare, is forecast to grow rapidly in the years to come.
Median annual salary: $85,124

2. Education administrator (elementary school) -- If you're a teacher or have been one, completing a master's degree could position you for this well-paid role setting policy and overseeing day-to-day operations at a school -- which can only be done onsite. Bernstein says roles may vary from project management to overseeing staff. Keep in mind that elementary school administration pays more than the job does at many other institutional levels, according to PayScale.com.
Median annual salary: $70,163

3. Facilities manager -- Venues from concert halls to colleges need someone on hand to make sure they're properly maintained and staffed.
Median annual salary: $59,332

4. Dental hygienist -- No matter how far technology advances, it's unlikely you'll be able to get your teeth cleaned here by someone who's overseas. Bergson notes that once you're in the dental field, you can move fairly easily into a variety of other roles including selling dental supplies.
Median annual salary: $57,148

5. Psychiatric nurse -- Nurses in this in-demand field assist patients with mental-health issues, in a range of settings. A two-year degree is the usual starter ticket into this field, which the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) forecasts will see rapid growth. Bernstein reports this field is "the easiest specialty to get into as a nurse," with no waiting for needed hands-on training.
Median annual salary: $56,835

6. Retail sales manager -- If you've held sales positions, consider moving up to management. It's hard enough to motivate salespeople to be their best in person -- it's not going to happen from another country. While many sales managers have at least a two-year degree, others work their way up on the job.
Median annual salary: $48,543

7. Landscaping worker -- Nobody's trimming your hedge from abroad. And gardening work is surprisingly lucrative, and forecast to grow, especially in grounds maintenance for commercial buildings and golf courses. In this enjoyable field, workers are often self-taught. Bergson reports many in colder climes fill in the slow winter months by also offering snow-removal services.
Median annual salary: $46,973

8. Computer network installer -- Though many computer jobs have been widely outsourced, the BLS expects this role to see exceptional job growth. Someone still has to show up in person to set up wireless networks or thread fiber-optic cable to someone's home when they need an Internet connection.
Median annual salary: $46,578

9. Automotive repair -- It would take too long and cost too much in transportation to ship your car off to a foreign land for repairs, so mechanic jobs will stay in the U.S. Ditto for truck and airplane repair. And the BLS expects job prospects to be good, as a wave of workers are hitting retirement age.
Median annual salary: $45,150

10. Catering manager -- Food spoils, and with the trend toward eating local, it's clear that catering isn't going to see much outsourcing, says Bernstein. Some managers learn this task while working in the foodservice industry as chefs or servers, while others have a culinary arts degree.
Median annual salary: $44,356

Business reporter Carol Tice contributes to several national and regional business publications.

Source: All salary data is from 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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10 Best Bets for a Solid Second Career

10 Best Bets for a Solid Second Career
by Molly Hallman, PayScale.com



A layoff can make you rethink your direction and wonder, "Should I do something else?"

According to Clark Beecher, principal at Magellan International, Houston, before you make that decision you should first be aware that corporations on the whole are doing "something else," too.

"Employers will move away from employing people en masse and move toward outsourcing professional services [in areas] like finance, business process consulting, investment banking, and legal," says Beecher. So, if you don't have one now, gaining an essential skill to offer, either on the job, through online resources or at school, may be your key to future paychecks.

Which skills will be in demand? Here are 10 jobs with promising outlooks and experts tips on the training required for them. Check them out if you are considering a new career:

1) Information Technology Manager

According to the Department of Labor Statistics, companies prefer candidates with an MBA and an emphasis in IT. Regardless of the type of MBA, Beecher advises splurging on the best school you can get into. "A degree from a pedigree school can deliver $150-200K per year after five years and that person can expect to earn that much for the rest of their [working] lives," says Beecher.
Median annual salary: $67,393

2) Registered Nurse

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the career with the greatest expected increase in available jobs over the next seven years is registered nurse. If you have an aptitude for science, a compassionate nature, and like the idea of variable hours, an RN degree may be your ticket to future employment. Not to be confused with LPNs or LVNs, it takes four years of education to obtain a bachelor of science in nursing or two to three years to receive and associate's degree from a community college. Either path can lead to an RN certification.
Median annual salary: $55,910

3) Software Developer

Still a strong option both in terms of salary potential and employability, software developers may consider the area of "casual game" development. "One of the fastest growing segments in the gaming industry is casual gaming. Every month an estimated 200 million consumers play casual games online, many of whom do not normally regard themselves as gamers or fans of video games," says Henry DeVries, director of communications at UC San Diego Extended Studies and Public Programs. UC San Diego offers an extension program for casual gaming education to assist graphic artists and programmers.
Median annual salary: $70,834

4) Gaming Manager

Viva Las Vegas! Not to be confused with the above computer gaming industry, this title refers to managers in casinos. Gaming manager jobs are expected increase by 24.4 percent by 2016, according to the BLS. This career path requires a specific effort to gain experience in the gaming industry, knowledge of casino regulations, and the general operations. An associate or bachelor's degree is useful but not mandatory.
Median annual salary: $48,000

5) Environmental Engineer

With our society and government looking for new ways to protect the environment, degrees in environmental studies and engineering are becoming more popular. There are different areas of specialty you can focus on. For example, "Environmental engineers study the environmental impact of a proposed construction project, analyze data and assess the extent of possible harm to the environment. As a result of their evaluation, they may recommend that the construction plans be altered to minimize potential harm," reports Alice Ramey, economist at the Office of Occupational Statistics and Employment Projections, Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Median annual salary: $61,440

6) Pharmacist

If you already have a bachelor's degree and the prerequisites for pharmacy school, a few more years in school can offer an excellent return on your investment. This is one of two careers where PayScale data showed an increase in salary over the last six months. (The other career is physical therapist.)
Median annual salary: $98,232

7) Financial Advisor

Do you love numbers and people? Financial advisors help people make decisions about where to invest their money to help them enhance the quality of their lives. Some training programs exist that do not require a college degree, but the Bureau of Labor Statistics says a bachelor's or graduate degree offers the best prospects both in terms of employment opportunities and higher salaries. With prospects for jobs to increase by 41 percent, this is one to check out.
Median annual salary: $59,979

8) Licensed Physical Therapist

With 27 percent growth expected by 2016, licensed physical therapy is another graduate degree program with promise of jobs in the future and excellent compensation. Most programs require a master's or doctorate-level degree.
Median annual salary: $64,322

9) Paralegal

Job prospects for paralegals are expected to rise 22 percent by 2016. According to the BLS, part of this growth may be attributed to paralegals gaining responsibility and performing more tasks once commonly done by lawyers. If you like responsibility, can work under pressure, and have an eye for detail, a career as a paralegal may be for you. Paralegal education is available as a certificate, post-graduate program, associate, bachelor's and master's degree, or some companies may even teach you on the job.
Median annual salary: $44,751.

10) Social Worker

With 22 percent growth projected, a career as a social worker can begin with a bachelor's degree in sociology or social work. With a variety of potential work environments, ranging from schools to rescue shelters, part-time and full-time job opportunities are expected to increase over the next eight years.
Median annual salary: $40,986

Source: All salary data is from 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 Work in Health Care, Without Ever Seeing Blood or Needles

by Elysha Rom-Povolo, HealthJobsStartHere.com


Even in a tough economy, a health job can offer a good paycheck and great job security. But if you can't stand the sight of blood or needles, you might not have considered what health jobs are out there.

In fact, lots of health jobs don't deal with blood at all -- and many don't even deal with patients.

Here are five examples of great health jobs that don't go anywhere near blood, guts, or needles. You can find out about more about how to get into jobs like these at HealthJobsStartHere.com.

Pharmacy Technician ($28,500 average annual salary)

Some pharmacy technicians work in drug stores or grocery store pharmacies and never even set foot in a hospital. Pharmacy technicians are the people who work the cash register, answer the phone, and perform tasks to prepare medications like counting tablets and labeling bottles. Getting a certification will help you stand out, but most pharmacy technicians get training on the job.

Medical Transcriptionist ($32,960 average annual salary)

Many medical transcriptionists never see patients. Instead, they work on their own, listening to audio recordings made by doctors and typing them up for medical records. Some medical transcriptionists work from the comfort of their own homes. You can begin working as a medical transcriptionist after completing a one- or two-year training program on medical terminology.

Physical Therapist Assistant ($46,300 average annual salary)

Along with the physical therapist, it's the physical therapist assistant's job to help patients overcome challenges like arthritis or lower back pain and regain movement. They might show their patients new exercises and stretches or help out by preparing the equipment for patients to use. Physical therapist assistants need to complete a two-year associate's degree before beginning work, but if you want to see what working in physical therapy is like first, you can get a job as a physical therapist aide without any special training.

Medical Records and Health Information Technicians ($30,610 average annual salary)

If you are a detail-oriented person and interested in an office job, this job might be right for you. Medical records and health information technicians maintain patient files for doctors and insurance companies by making sure that records are entered completely and accurately in the computer. You can become a medical records and health information technician once you complete a two-year associate's degree.

Dietitian ($51,470 average annual salary)

Dietitians are experts on nutrition and food. After getting a four-year college degree, dietitians have a lot of options for where to work and what they want to focus on. They might plan food programs for a cafeteria, work one-on-one with patients who have long-term illnesses like diabetes to develop individual nutrition plans for them, or even consult with athletes to help them eat right to achieve their best performances.

Average salaries are based on May 2008 Wage Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Job descriptions and training requirements are based on the 2008-09 Edition U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook. Salaries, job descriptions and training requirements may vary for different employers and in different parts of the country.

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How to Work in Health Care, Without Ever Seeing Blood or Needles

by Elysha Rom-Povolo, HealthJobsStartHere.com


Even in a tough economy, a health job can offer a good paycheck and great job security. But if you can't stand the sight of blood or needles, you might not have considered what health jobs are out there.

In fact, lots of health jobs don't deal with blood at all -- and many don't even deal with patients.

Here are five examples of great health jobs that don't go anywhere near blood, guts, or needles. You can find out about more about how to get into jobs like these at HealthJobsStartHere.com.

Pharmacy Technician ($28,500 average annual salary)

Some pharmacy technicians work in drug stores or grocery store pharmacies and never even set foot in a hospital. Pharmacy technicians are the people who work the cash register, answer the phone, and perform tasks to prepare medications like counting tablets and labeling bottles. Getting a certification will help you stand out, but most pharmacy technicians get training on the job.

Medical Transcriptionist ($32,960 average annual salary)

Many medical transcriptionists never see patients. Instead, they work on their own, listening to audio recordings made by doctors and typing them up for medical records. Some medical transcriptionists work from the comfort of their own homes. You can begin working as a medical transcriptionist after completing a one- or two-year training program on medical terminology.

Physical Therapist Assistant ($46,300 average annual salary)

Along with the physical therapist, it's the physical therapist assistant's job to help patients overcome challenges like arthritis or lower back pain and regain movement. They might show their patients new exercises and stretches or help out by preparing the equipment for patients to use. Physical therapist assistants need to complete a two-year associate's degree before beginning work, but if you want to see what working in physical therapy is like first, you can get a job as a physical therapist aide without any special training.

Medical Records and Health Information Technicians ($30,610 average annual salary)

If you are a detail-oriented person and interested in an office job, this job might be right for you. Medical records and health information technicians maintain patient files for doctors and insurance companies by making sure that records are entered completely and accurately in the computer. You can become a medical records and health information technician once you complete a two-year associate's degree.

Dietitian ($51,470 average annual salary)

Dietitians are experts on nutrition and food. After getting a four-year college degree, dietitians have a lot of options for where to work and what they want to focus on. They might plan food programs for a cafeteria, work one-on-one with patients who have long-term illnesses like diabetes to develop individual nutrition plans for them, or even consult with athletes to help them eat right to achieve their best performances.

Average salaries are based on May 2008 Wage Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Job descriptions and training requirements are based on the 2008-09 Edition U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook. Salaries, job descriptions and training requirements may vary for different employers and in different parts of the country.


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Interviewing the Interviewer

Smart Questions to Ask the Hiring Manager During a Job Interview
by Doug White, Robert Half International


Of all the questions a hiring manager may ask you during a job interview, the last one could be the most important -- and trickiest to answer: "Do you have any questions for me?"

This simple query can stump even the best-prepared job candidates. Yet, it offers a golden opportunity to set yourself apart from other applicants. Asking smart and pertinent questions allows you to steer the conversation and expand upon your top skills, qualifications, and attributes. Following are wise questions to consider -- and some of the reasons they're worth asking:

Question #1: What are the opportunities for advancement, and do you typically promote from within?

Given the high costs associated with hiring and training new staff, employers are looking for job candidates who will stick around for a while. Asking this question shows that you are ambitious, goal-oriented, and eager to grow with the firm over the long term. It also can help you determine what your professional future with the organization would be like.

Question #2: What types of training programs do you offer?

Employers value workers who keep up with the latest industry trends and developments. By asking this question, you can emphasize your dedication to expanding your skill set. If applicable, it never hurts to mention several specific proficiencies you've gained through previous professional-development programs or continuing education courses you've taken.

Question #3: While researching your firm I learned that the company recently [fill in the blank]. Can you tell me a little bit more about this development?

Impress interviewers by doing your homework. Review the firm's website, marketing materials, executive bios, and recent annual reports to get a good sense of the organization and its leaders. Asking a beyond-the-basics question shows that you're a serious candidate who's interested enough in the position to scratch beneath the surface to learn as much as possible about the firm.

Question #4: Will I primarily be working independently or as part of a team?

Possessing strong interpersonal skills is critical for most positions today. That said, being self-directed also is necessary at times. Depending on how the employer responds to this question, be ready to offer an anecdote from your professional life that highlights your ability to collaborate effectively or work autonomously.

Question #5: Can you tell me what my average day would be like?

This question can help you gather information that allows you to better evaluate your interest in the job. You might learn about aspects of the job that don't appeal to you, such as the expectation that workers stay at the office until late evening, or be reassured that the opportunity is right.

Question #6: What do you enjoy most about working here?

This gives the interviewer a chance to sell you on the company. Pay close attention to how quickly and passionately this question is answered. Happy employees who love their jobs don't have to struggle to come up with reasons why they enjoy their work. A short, ho-hum response may speak volumes.

Finally, at the close of the interview, take a moment to reiterate your enthusiasm about the open position and the company. Thank the interviewer for his or her time, and be sure to follow up with a handwritten note of appreciation.

Robert Half International is the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm with a global network of more than 360 offices worldwide. For more information about our professional services, please visit www.rhi.com. For additional workplace articles and podcasts, visit www.workvine.com.


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How to Switch Careers in a Recession

by Carol Tice, PayScale.com


In the past, people often called Boston career coach Randi Bussin because they were thinking about changing careers. In 2009, most of her clients have to change careers, due to layoffs, cutbacks, or company closures. With whole sectors shrinking, from financial to automotive, many workers can't find another job in their current field.

Changing careers in a downturn isn't easy. Career-changers compete for job openings with more experienced workers in their new chosen field. But for those with determination, a concrete game plan, and a willingness to do what it takes, the down economy can present opportunities to get into a new industry.

Here's a quick guide to career change in today's tough job market.

1. Claim your benefits. If you've been laid off recently, you may qualify for extended unemployment benefits and/or federally funded job retraining. Check with your state unemployment office to find out what's being offered to workers in your situation, and sign up for everything you're entitled to receive.

You can also check with a state community college job office, according to Robin Ryan, author of "60 Seconds and You're Hired." Max out your free benefits to help survive the lean months of your career transition.

2. Pick a path. Don't know what career you'd like to switch to? The Internet offers free and low-cost assessment tests that can help point you in the right direction, says Bussin. A few she likes are O*Net's Work Importance Profiler (free), Career Anchors ($40), Keirsey's Temperament Sorter (free) and Self-Directed Search ($9.95).

Another good source for investigating career options is the easily searchable Occupational Outlook Handbook from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Your local resource librarian at the public library can also guide you to career information, notes Ryan.

3. Get advice. If you can't afford a private career coach, Ryan says, get free career counseling at state unemployment offices or community college job-placement departments. Another option may be your alumni association, says Bussin.

"If people call me but they don't have the money for a career coach," Bussin says, "I say, 'Go back to your school.'"

4. Retrain. Getting training for your new career is vital now, says Ryan. Because the job market is more competitive, you'll need to show prospective employers you've made a serious effort to learn their industry. Explore whether you might beef up your qualifications through a Webinar, online course or industry seminar.

"You need to fill in the blanks yourself," she says. "Go get the training, whether it's another degree, specialized coursework, online classes, or computer classes."

Depending on your field, community and technical colleges may well be one of the lowest-cost places to get job training, Ryan notes. Trade or industry associations may also offer some affordable training options.

5. Be realistic. Starting over in a new field takes time. But investing in education can be a positive alternative to a disheartening job hunt while strengthening your chances of making the jump to a new career. By the time you complete training, Ryan says, the economy will hopefully be rebounding, and you'll be better positioned.

Be sure to investigate whether average salaries in your proposed new career will support the lifestyle you want. If you've been a regional sales manager making $86,417 a year and you're thinking about becoming an elementary school teacher ($44,856/year) or plumber ($42,184/year) instead, you'll be taking a substantial earnings hit.

"A lot of people go through career change and then realize the new career pays $50,000 a year less, and they put the brakes on," Brussin says. "You have to think about what the price is for your happiness."

Business writer Carol Tice is a regular contributor to Entrepreneur, The Seattle Times and other major publications. Contact her at caroltice.com.

Source: All salary data is from 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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