Wall Street Shakeup Changes the Job-Search Game

by Joe Turner, for Yahoo! HotJobs


The recent Lehman Brothers bankruptcy and Merrill Lynch sell-off are just tips of a much larger iceberg that will have far reaching economic implications for all of us in the United States. Tens of thousands of layoffs in and beyond the financial industry will signal more sober times as companies across the country will be forced into rethinking their future hiring plans.

Investors are primed for even more bad news. For example, how the untold costs of Hurricane Ike will hit the insurance and energy industries. Further drops in the stock market and other economic losses will also likely occur in the weeks ahead.

One fact seems certain. All of these circumstances will combine to have huge ramifications for job seekers. The combination of a failing economy along with rising unemployment will require individuals to take a fresh approach to their job search.

Referencing the most recent economic crisis, Neil McNulty, principal recruiter, McNulty Management Group states, "The game has changed, but the rules remain the same: Now, more than ever, job seekers need to change their mindset from looking for 'openings' to looking for 'opportunities' ... and opportunities are borne out of crisis and chaos, and exist even in the worst economy."

This means that you, as a job seeker, must look beyond job postings and move into marketing yourself to the managers of the companies and organizations who are experiencing problems that you can solve.

Action Steps:

1. Change your mindset from a passive job seeker to an active problem-solver. Don't just rely on the Internet to find job openings. Scour the marketplace to identify the hidden jobs that aren't advertised. Get yourself in front of people who are receptive to a problem-solving approach rather than one of "Will you hire me?"

2. Talk "results" rather than skills. Stop thinking of yourself as just an assortment of job skills and focus on results that employers want to buy. See yourself as a product to package and market, and then create your own marketing campaign to find your desired job. This includes having a state-of-the-art resume, and sharpening your interviewing skills.

3. Think and talk in terms of Return-on-Investment. View yourself as a mini Profit-and-Loss center for an employer. Be prepared to talk the language of money and demonstrate ways you have helped to positively impact the bottom line of your past or current employer. This means demonstrating ways you've helped make money or save money for your employer or their clients. As employees, we all touch money, though some of us may be closer to it than others. All of us must find ways to prove that we make or save money, and be ready to indicate that in short "sound bites" when we get the opportunity.

Joseph P. Kennedy said many years ago, "When the going gets tough, the tough get going." That statement is just as true today as it was then. In this tough economy, whether employed or not, we all share something in common. We all have to get tough, and we all have to get going.

As a recruiter, Joe Turner has spent the past 15 years finding and placing top candidates in some of the best jobs of their careers. Author of "Job Search Secrets Unlocked" and "Paycheck 911," Joe has interviewed on radio talk shows and offers free insider job search secrets at jobchangesecrets.com.

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The First 5 Things to Do in a Layoff

Don't Leave the Building Without...
by Caroline Potter, Yahoo! HotJobs


These days, if you find yourself being shepherded into a conference room with your coworkers, you might expect a pink slip -- not an impromptu pizza party. You may feel blindsided (not to mention angry, nauseous, and panicked), but you must fight through the momentary confusion to get your bearings and take action immediately.

Liz Ryan, a thought leader on the changing workplace, says, "During a layoff meeting, adrenaline is racing through your body. People lose their minds! So, first, take five minutes to gather your thoughts. Sit down. Ask for a cup of coffee." Then, follow these five steps to make sure you're leaving the building with your dignity -- and everything you need to land on your feet.

1. Don't leave without your contacts.

If you don't have a backup of your contacts at home, Ryan reveals, "The very first thing to do is to get your contacts. If you're in the conference room and being seen out the door, you obviously can't. But if they let you go back to your desk and sit down -- and most companies will let you do that today -- save your contacts. If there's someone hovering, just say, 'Look, I'm just downloading my Outlook contacts.'"

Your contacts are paramount to jumpstarting your new job search. She advises the newly unemployed, "You want to write to each of your contacts and let them know that you've been laid off and give them a paragraph about what you're looking for." Your network will immediately start looking for work for you -- while you're distracted dealing with other tasks.


2. Don't leave without a layoff letter.

The founder of AskLizRyan.com, Ryan directs employees, "Get something in writing about this termination before you leave the premises." Unemployment is not retroactive, so you should go to your local Unemployment Office within 48 hours, and having such a letter will help.

"If you walk in with something in writing from your former employer saying that you were laid off and you worked there from this date to that date, it will speed up the processing of your check," she shares. And because most unemployment checks aren't as much as regular wages, it's important to bring in as much money as possible as quickly as possible.


3. Don't leave without your last paycheck.

"It's imperative that you get your last paycheck. That is a legal requirement, and people can go through hell chasing it down if they leave without it," says Ryan, a former human resources executive. She continues, "If you ask for it, they must give it to you. If they can't hand you a live check, ask for a written statement."

Also, make sure you're paid for any time off you're entitled to, such as accrued vacation or sick days. Ryan reminds workers, "If you're getting severance and an HR person tells you it will be three weeks or three months, get that in writing, too." Be sure to ask about any bonuses or pay increases that may not have gone through. "There is no harm in asking," adds Ryan, who also writes the Savvy Networker column for Yahoo! HotJobs.


4. Don't leave without your COBRA information.

"Make sure you get your COBRA information from HR before you head home," Ryan states. "You should receive a written document that indicates that your insurance will end on a certain date." You don't have to panic about pricey COBRA payments immediately as you have 45 days to retroactively enroll, but you'll need the registration materials and you must know your termination date. She notes, "COBRA is expensive, but if you don't have another place to turn, do it until you find your next job."


5. Don't leave without a recommendation.

"This is situational and depends on whom you know, but if you're in the conference room and your boss is saying, 'Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry. This layoff is because our new product line isn't selling the way we thought it would,' then you should immediately ask, 'Can I use you as a reference?'"

Your boss will likely agree -- so Ryan suggests taking it a step further by asking, "Will you write me a letter of recommendation right now?" Ask your supervisor to detail your strong performance in your position and mention that your departure is because of the company's financial position." She also suggests asking for an endorsement on LinkedIn and accepting whatever additional help you're offered.

Ryan reveals, "I'm a big advocate for employees, so when I've had to lay someone off, I've written that person a new resume! You should tap into whatever the company has available. If you leave with all of these things, you have to give yourself a huge pat on the back."

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Finding the Right Match

How Dating Lessons Can Apply to Your Job Search
by Marc Hertz, The Creative Group


If you're in the middle of a job search, a change of perspective might help you gain the edge you need to secure a new opportunity. One approach to consider: Think of the process like dating.

From wooing a potential employer to the nervousness of the first face-to-face meeting, dating and searching for a job may have more in common than you think. Here are a few similarities between the two and what you can learn from them:

Play the odds. Much like dating, the job search is a numbers game. The more you "advertise" yourself, the better your chances of finding a match. Tell everyone you know when hunting for a new position. Also, consider where you can meet new contacts. That includes many of the same places you might look for a date, like the gym, grocery store or even at your dentist's office. You never know where you will meet someone who could assist you.

And don't forget about the Web. In a survey by our company, nearly two-thirds of executives said professional networking sites -- such as LinkedIn -- will prove useful in their recruiting efforts over the next three years.

Don't be afraid to follow up. One of the biggest hurdles daters face is knowing when to follow up with someone they just met. The same thought may go through your head once you submit your resume to a potential employer. Instead of allowing yourself to get tied up in knots, be proactive.

According to another survey by our company, 82 percent of executives polled said that job seekers should contact hiring managers within two weeks of submitting application materials. By doing so, you'll be able to reaffirm your interest in the position and judge your status.

Put your best foot forward. For all intents and purposes, an interview is a first date. You're trying to impress a hiring manager and convince him or her to see you again. By arriving to the interview ahead of time, dressing in a professional manner and having thought about your answers to typical questions, you can show the person that you're serious about the position and are a strong candidate.

Most importantly, like dating advice you've probably received in the past, the best strategy is to be yourself. Disguising your personality won't help you -- or the hiring manager -- determine if the opportunity is right for you.

Assess the other party. Part of your mission while on a date is getting a sense of what that the other person is like. The same is true of a job interview. Research the firm ahead of time so you can come with questions about the company, its culture and the position. For example, what is the firm's long-term outlook? How common is it for employees to work on the weekend? What are the growth prospects like? The hiring manager's answers will help you identify any incompatibilities or determine that you've found the right match.

A final word of advice, whether you're looking for your soul mate or a job: Keep a positive attitude. Both searches can prove frustrating and take longer than you expect. But it's worth the time and effort when you find the right match.


The Creative Group is a specialized staffing service placing creative, advertising, marketing and web professionals with a variety of firms on a project basis. For more information, visit creativegroup.com.

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The Election's Lessons for Your Next Job Interview

5 Do's and Don'ts from the 2008 Presidential Race
by Heather Boerner, Yahoo! HotJobs


The U.S. presidential race is the nation's largest job interview, and we're all the hiring managers. So in this historic election year, what can job seekers learn from Senators Barack Obama and John McCain? A lot -- both about what works in an interview and what might cost you the job.

Consider these tips from the campaign trail:

Do know your talking points.
One thing McCain and Obama have done well this campaign is know who they are and how to share it with the public through talking points.

"The lesson for job interviewees is to stay on message," says Thom Singer, author of "Some Assembly Required: How to Make, Grow and Keep Your Business Relationships." "Know in advance what you want to tell the person interviewing you."

What are your strengths? What's your passion? Know your answers and pepper them throughout the interview.

Do practice speaking skills.
Poorly spoken people rarely become president.

Even if your job doesn't require much talking, the interview will. Take a tip from Sen. Obama, who transformed his bureaucratic speaking style years ago into today's soaring oratory.

"By the time you get to the interview, the interviewer has already determined that you're qualified for the job, or you wouldn't be there," says career coach Cheryl Palmer. "The more you can make a personal connection, the more you demonstrate that you will be able to walk into the job and contribute, the more chance you have of getting the job."

Do keep it concise.
There's a reason debates limit candidates' response times to two minutes.

"Usually two minutes is sufficient to answer a question," says Palmer. "More than that and you're probably going to give the interviewer more information than she wants. Significantly less and you are probably not providing enough information."

Don't assume one answer fits all.
Sen. McCain doesn't give the same speech to veterans and businessmen. Your interviews aren't interchangeable, either. Research the company's website for its mission statement, press releases and strategic plan, and tailor your talking points.

"A common interview question is, 'What do you know about our company?'" says Palmer. "Candidate A might say, 'I was hoping you could tell me more.' If Candidate B says, 'I know this company is working on XYZ initiative. I was wondering how this position fits in with that initiative,' right off the bat, the interviewer is going to see that Candidate A needs a job, any job, but candidate B wants this job at this company."

Don't manipulate.
Want the job badly? Keep it honest.

"If you fake it, someone always gets caught," warns Singer. Instead, ask yourself these questions from Jamie and Maren Showkeir, coauthors of "Authentic Conversations: Moving from Manipulation to Truth and Commitment":

* Are you complimenting that family photo because you mean it or because you want to get in good with the manager? The manager is likely to tell that you're trying to suck up and tune out.

* Are you desperate? "The more you want the job, the more likely you are to engage in over promising, spinning or overstating your accomplishments," says Jamie Showkeir.

If necessary, mention at the outset that you think the job is a good fit and you're a little nervous. That way, you acknowledge the elephant in the room and you're free to be honest and make a connection with the interviewer.

The good news? The more honest you are, says Jamie Showkeir, the more likely you are to get the right job for you.

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Job-Search Tips for Older Workers

by Joe Turner, for Yahoo! HotJobs


Does age bias exist in the hiring process today? That's a tricky question, as it's often hard to prove. Nonetheless, many mature workers seem to face more of an uphill battle today when competing against candidates from Gen X and Gen Y.

Here are five pointers for those job hunters who may have a few years under their belts.

1. Change Your Mindset

Remind yourself that you're experienced, not old. You're seasoned, not over-the-hill. You're here-and-now, not history. It's all about spin and reframing. If you have any doubts, just watch the presidential campaign.

The latest recession has created a lot of employment casualties and anxiety. But there's hope. Just because you're an older worker doesn't mean you're permanently sidelined. We may not all agree on which candidate would make the better president, but we can all agree that today's job market is tough, challenging and competitive. You can win in any job market with a can-do attitude and by powering up the tools you use to find a good job.

2. Go on the Offensive

You may be an older worker, but you're not stupid, and you're not dead. Use your savvy to sell against youth and experience. Heck, John McCain did it. Why not you? There are benefits to being older, like having wisdom and common sense, and a long work record of accomplishments. Sell your track record.

During the interview, take advantage of your lengthy work history. Remember when you were fresh out of school and had no experience? It's hard breaking into a career or getting a job without experience. Aren't you glad you're not in that position anymore? Appreciate being on the other end of the spectrum now, and turn your age into an advantage. Start by seeing your age as a strength and an asset.

3. Wear Just One Hat

Focus only on the job title for which you're applying. Tell them what they want to know and nothing more. Most likely you've worn many different hats during your career. If your duties and experiences from some of your previous positions don't address the job title's requirements, don't emphasize them. In fact, get them off your resume entirely if you can, as it will only give employers another reason to screen you out and you don't want that.

Your experience is your story. Tell it your way. Magnify only the aspects of your background that are relevant to your target objective. You want to focus your resume to reflect yourself in the most positive, powerful ways possible.

4. Modify Your Resume

Take another look at your resume. Ask, "Would I hire myself for this position?" You can't do anything about your age, and you can't change the cultural and employment biases against older workers. But you can stack the job hunting deck in your favor by reworking your resume to emphasize your strengths. Spin your story in your favor. Make sure everything on it relates in some way to your desired job objective.

Drop old work history from your resume. You generally shouldn't need to show more than 10 years' work history. Any prior work is most likely irrelevant now, bores the reader, and emphasizes your age. Remove obvious road markers, like dates. For example, remove college degree dates and other older professional training dates that may go back more than a few years. Of course you've been around a while, but you don't have to shine a flashing light on this.

5. Sell Results

Here's the most important tip of all: Hiring managers today are looking for results, not years. Talk the language that an employer understands and appreciates, which is Return-on-Investment. Instead of citing 20 years of experience, identify your benefits to the employer and put them into monetary terms as much as possible. Back up your accomplishments with facts that are benefit-based. Sell them from the perspective of the end result of your work, and how it positively impacted your present and previous employers.

Money talks, and it talks rather loudly. As an employee, you either make money or save money for your employer. If the hiring manager doesn't see your value in one of these two categories, then you don't want to work for this company. In this recession, if the company isn't concerned about its bottom line, then it may not be around for long, and isn't a viable option for you anyway. Get as close to money as you possibly can in the language of your accomplishments and list them on your resume.

As a recruiter, Joe Turner has spent the past 15 years finding and placing top candidates in some of the best jobs of their careers. Author of "Job Search Secrets Unlocked and Paycheck 911," Joe has interviewed on radio talk shows and offers free insider job search secrets at jobchangesecrets.com.

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Big Bucks Without Big Debt

Earn $100K Salaries, No Advance Degree Required
by Grace Chen, FindTheRightSchool.com


Don't be afraid to fantasize about earning six figures. Doctors and lawyers aren't the only professionals in the $100K club. In fact, there are quite a few well-compensated professions that are open to bachelor's degree holders. Even if you don't quite reach those elusive six-digits, the following careers can offer a hefty paycheck without the decades of student loan payback that can come with a master's or doctoral program. Best of all, if you're open to relocating, each of the five professions below holds the possibility of hitting that magic number--if you're willing to choose your zip code with care.

Police Supervisor

The Job: As a supervising police officer you'd be in charge of overseeing subordinate officers, keeping records of your force's activities, and assigning duties to station personnel. The ability to exercise good judgment in intense and high-pressure situations is crucial for this job. You'll also have to be willing to work overtime as well as weekends and holidays to ensure the round-the-clock police coverage your community needs.
The Debt: The minimum requirement for police supervisors in many states is simply a high school diploma. Since you're new to the field, get a jump on competition by earning an associate's or bachelor's degree in criminal justice or law enforcement.
The Zip Code: Check out 12123, Nassau, New York, where first-line supervisors of police officers made an average salary of $113, 810 in 2007, close to $40,000 more than the national average.

Registered Nurse (RN)

The Job: All RNs, regardless of their focus, are responsible for providing medical care and education to patients and their families. If you're an adrenaline junkie, you could thrive as an emergency room nurse. Can't get enough of newborns? Consider a career in neonatology nursing.
The Debt: Take your pick from an associate's degree in nursing (ADN), a bachelor's of science degree in nursing (BSN), or a diploma program in nursing.
The Zip Code: While median earnings of RNs nationwide are nothing to sneeze at (close to $60,000 in 2007), nurses in San Jose, California (95101), banked an average of $95,580.

Computer Software Engineer

The Job: Software engineers focus on designing and developing computer software to meet the needs of the rapidly growing population of computer users worldwide. In addition to being one of the fastest-growing careers in the nation, this profession lends itself to telecommuting, an added perk if you don't want to leave home to find a higher-paying position.
The Debt: In 2006, eighty percent of all software engineers had at least a bachelor's degree. If you're an aspiring computer software engineer, check out degree programs in computer science or software engineering.
The Zip Code: Average wages for professionals in this field in Haverhill, Massachusetts (01830), were $106,270 in 2007, while nationally the average was $85,660.

Dental Hygienist

The Job: It may not seem glamorous, but keeping people's mouths clean is a practical career choice offering job security, high wages, and even some flexibility in scheduling. Strong interpersonal skills are a must for these professionals, who spend their days up close with their patients.
The Debt: At the bare minimum you'll need an associate's degree or certificate in dental hygiene to practice in a private dental office or clinic. Earning a bachelor's degree could help you compete for higher-paying jobs.
The Zip Code: Most hygienists earn a comfortable living regardless of their location -- the national average was just over $64,000 in 2007. Zip code 98221 (Anacortes, Washington) tops the list of high-paying cities, however, where hygienist salaries average $97,600.

Interior Designer

The Job: Although reality TV shows have created a generation of amateur in-home designers, professionals in this field work in spaces ranging from airports to schools. In addition to combining paint colors, fabrics, window treatments and light fixtures, interior designers must also be able to read blueprints, understand fire codes, and collaborate with architects and contractors.
The Debt: You'll need at least an associate's degree to land an entry-level position as an interior designer. In 23 states designers must be licensed.
The Zip Code: Average earnings for interior designers were just over $50,000 in 2007. Head for Grand Rapids, Michigan (49501), however, and you could make double that.

You don't have to spend the next 10 years in school to make a comfortable salary. Choose your field of study and your future home with care and you could soon find yourself working your way to a six-figure paycheck.

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Save the Day: How to Find an Extra Hour at the Office

by Caroline M.L. Potter, Yahoo! HotJobs


Everybody's trying to find ways to save these days, whether it be on food expenses and gas prices or payrolls. Layoffs or hiring freezes may prompt your employer to ask you to do the work of two -- or even three -- or to increase your output.

If you're already feeling like there aren't enough hours in the day to get your work done, you may wonder how you'll get more done. Don't despair. Donna Rae Smith, founder of Bright Side, a behavior change firm near Cleveland, has tips to help you save at least an hour a day so you can carry your load without collapsing.

She says, "These are five simple steps that anyone can begin using today to make themselves more productive and accomplish more -- with less stress."

1. Make a V.I.T. (Very Important Task) List

It's easy to get mired down in the mundane at work, so don't. Smith suggests, "Don't become distracted by the insignificant or get caught in the swirl of busyness doing things that don't add value." Keep your eye on your professional future to prioritize what's on your plate so you are more likely to move up.

"Obviously," she says, "the urgent and important go to the top of the list. Next, look at the important, but not urgent. These are tasks that, while important, can be done bit by bit, little by little." Responsibilities that don't fall into either category should be given a much lower priority. If you're worried about something sliding, review your list with your supervisor to make sure your expectations are the same.

2. Give Meetings a Makeover

Everyone talks about how much they hate meetings, and no one does anything about it. Except for the smart folks at Procter & Gamble, a Bright Side client. Shares Bonnie Curtis, manager of Global Oral Care at P&G, "We removed the table from our conference room. It's become a symbol of us creating an atmosphere of authenticity and productivity; our people feel that they are working in a safe and inclusive environment which has resulted in them being open to new ideas."

In addition to this strategy, Smith says, "Brief, regular meetings to update progress, make decisions, and commit to next steps are more efficient and effective than grand, comprehensive gatherings."

3. Email Is as Easy as 1-2-3

In the ultimate digital age, it may sound impossible, but if you want to save time you must break the cycle of email addiction. Reveals Smith, "Although it can be a wonderful productivity tool, email can become a burdensome nightmare." She and her staff at Bright Side advise workers to restrict themselves to checking it just three times each workday -- once in the morning, once mid-day, and a final time near day's end. Use your newfound time "doing what you need to be doing," she adds.

4. Get Chunk'd!

Stop thinking of your time at work as a homogenous workday, and instead heed Smith's suggestion to work in "chunks" of time. Create them by cutting yourself off from other tasks and coworkers not related to the task at hand so you can completely focus. "[Chunks are] a great way to complete the urgent and important tasks [that are at the top of your list]," she states.

5. Swing Your Shift a Bit

Streamline your lunchtime by beating the crowds. Smith advises, "Go off peak. Instead of eating lunch between noon and 1:00 p.m., go to lunch at 11:00 a.m. or at 1:30 p.m." Not only will you enjoy better service and shorter lines, according to the Bright Side experts, but, "During the relative peace while everyone else is at lunch, you'll be able to focus and get more done."

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Let's Do Lunch ... or Not

Making the Most of a Disappearing Lunch Break
by Doug White, Robert Half International


Chew on this: The traditional "lunch hour" seems to be going the way of the dinosaur. According to a new national survey by our company, senior executives say their typical lunch break is now just 35 minutes, down from 42 minutes in 2003. Moreover, respondents work through lunch three days a week on average.

Given that higher-ups tend to set the example for their employees, it's likely that you also frequently dine at your desk. While this means you rarely miss a call or impromptu meeting, there are significant downsides. After all, feeling chained to your chair can lead to burnout and stress -- not to mention crumbs in your keyboard.

Here are some healthy tips and tactics for making the most of the shrinking lunch break:

Become a morning person. When planning your day, set a few early goals for yourself. In addition to your daily to-do list, consider creating a "to-do by noon" list, for instance. Meeting these deadlines will give you a sense of relief and accomplishment, setting the stage for a more relaxing and enjoyable lunch.

Don't pile up peoples' plates. In today's decentralized business environment, some of your coworkers and clients are likely spread across the country or various continents. When arranging calls or videoconferences with people in different time zones, try to work around the lunch hours of all involved. If you are considerate of others' lunch schedules, they'll likely return the favor and accommodate yours.

Seek a change of scenery. During peak workload periods, it's difficult to escape to your favorite sandwich shop. If you don't have time to leave the office, at least step away from your workspace and eat in the lunchroom or break area. Even taking a quick walk outside can help clear your head. And if you absolutely must stay close to your computer or phone, roll your chair away from your desk for a short time and focus on a non-work activity such as reading a magazine or completing a crossword puzzle.

Finally, remember that the lunch break is not just about eating. It's also an important time to recharge and socialize, both of which are essential to maintaining morale and perspective. If you work in a fast-moving environment where group lunch outings are few and far between, find other times to socialize with colleagues.

Put simply, make a concerted effort to catch up and build rapport with fellow team members -- even if it's during trips to the vending machine.

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 rhi.com. For additional workplace articles and podcasts, visit workvine.com.

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Will Your Job Last? A Recession Checklist for Your Career

by Bob Rosner and Sherrie Campbell, PayScale.com


When the economy takes a nosedive, it's normal to feel concerned about your career. But, how real are those concerns based on your specific job and company? Though the unemployment rate is certainly on the rise and the financial market is beyond volatile, not every company is planning on layoffs or headed toward bankruptcy.

Rather than worrying about all of the possible doom-and-gloom scenarios, it's best to get a clear picture of where you and your company actually stand.

Here are some tips for checking the vital signs of your company and yourself during an economic recession:

Check Your Company and Department

Asking you to study your company can seem like a request for unpaid overtime, but this exercise can pay more than time-and-a-half. You work hard, but how much effort do you put into getting an independent view of your company? Do you ask hard questions about the direction competitors or customers may head in the future?

* Research your company. Most of us take our company's solvency for granted. You can't afford to do that during a recession. Dedicate an hour each week to taking your company's pulse. If your company is publicly traded, take stock in how it's doing. Call a broker and utilize the free phone consultation, if they offer it, to ask direct questions about your company and its future prospects. Or, go online and look at the free research information provided by online brokers. If your company isn't quite so public, keep in contact with vendors and make sure they're being paid on time.

* Do department due diligence. When Microsoft was booming, they announced a layoff of people in their floppy disk division. Even growing companies have parts of the organization that aren't keeping pace. Be sure that you don't get stuck in your company's dying floppy division, or its equivalent. Look for opportunities to get to know people in strongest departments by serving on task forces or just networking on your own time.

* Watch for game-changers. In sports, a game-changer is something that changes the entire direction of a game. At work game-changers can be a huge new competitor, a new piece of legislation that will directly affect your business or a competitor getting bought by a bigger player. When preparing for a recession, follow business news on the Web, network within your industry and talk to colleagues who are in the know.


Check Geography

In retail the mantra is "location, location, location." However, this mantra might be even more relevant for your career during a recession. There are always some regions that are less hard hit by tough times. That's why it's important to keep your eyes on the other parts of the country to see if there are, indeed, greener pastures out there for your career.

* Take a geography quiz. Read business sections of different local newspapers. Read national stories talking about different regions. See if you can make a friend in sales who can tell you if sales in another part of the country are doing better than in your backyard.

* Check out the cost of living. You can make geography work for you by exploring parts of the country that are much cheaper places to live. PayScale's Cost of Living Calculator is a great tool to use to see if there is a region that will leave more cash in your pocket each month.

* Telecommute. Work at a company based in a region that is faring well while living in a city with a lower cost of living. Many people live thousands of miles from their office. And, many companies realize that it's cheaper to have a person work from home. They don't have to give that employee a desk, office space, etc. Explore your options.

Check Your Own Career Vital Signs

Do you like, love, or just plain hate your job? If the answer is "hate" and you're hoping to make a move, be proactive. Don't wait for your company to make the decision for you. Don't stop working toward your career goals during an economic recession. Those goals are just as important now as they were before the economy took a turn for the worse.

* Get happy. Next time you are at a party listen to yourself talk when someone asks you how work is going. Do you get excited like this is a vital part of your life? Or, do you sound like you are talking about someone who died? Another way to take your own temperature is to make a list of the things you like about your job and the things you don't like. If the list of things you don't like dwarfs the list of likes, it's probably time to start looking for new opportunities.

* Talk to people about their jobs. The best way to do this is through "informational interviews." This is where you talk to people who actually do a job that intrigues you. The goal is not to get hired but to get a first-hand glimpse of what it is like to actually do the job that interests you. Ask people what they like, what they don't like and if there are other people you should talk to.

* Get better. Most of us have access to corporate training programs, conferences, etc. But we're all so busy that we tend to put them on the back burner. While preparing for a recession, it's important to make the commitment to continually expand your skills. So, on a regular basis (monthly or quarterly) look to develop your expertise. If your company won't support the effort, look for online education opportunities that will give you more options in the future.

Bob Rosner and Sherrie Campbell author the weekly internationally-syndicated workplace911 column. Bob's a best-selling author and award-winning journalist. Sherrie's a work relations expert and award-winning comedian. Together they offer 12 years of quick, intuitive and humorous column responses on their workplace911.com website.

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How to Work in Health Care Without Being a Caregiver

by Caroline M.L. Potter, Yahoo! HotJobs


While much of the economy falters, the health-care sector remains hot. Why? According to George Rainer, vice president of human resources for Winthrop University Hospital in Mineola, New York, "Health care isn't completely recession-proof, but it's certainly more so than other industries. People get sick, and we have to be here to take care of them -- no matter what the economy looks like."

But what if a career as a hands-on caregiver, such as a physician or nurse, isn't right for you? There are still ways to build a successful career at a medical center near you.

A City Within a City

Rainer, who has worked at Winthrop for 20 years, says, "What a lot of people are unaware of is that hospitals are really small cities. They have just about every job imaginable within the four walls." His colleague Karin Weisenberger, R.N., senior director of human resources, concurs: "We have so many nonclinical positions here, many of which don't require degrees, in service areas as well as clerical positions throughout the hospital. And there are many nonclinical positions in admitting and billing."

There are professional-level positions, too, in administration, education, fundraising, legal, marketing, operations, and quality assurance as well as finance. "Most hospitals have large accounting departments, and it's not always essential to have direct health-care experience," points out Rainer, who was downsized out of a job with one of New York's largest banks in tough economic times two decades ago.

A Matter of Degrees

Because of the array of opportunities at most hospitals, there's a place for holders of a variety of professional degrees. A degree specifically focused on health care, but not caregiving can help you get ahead. Weisenberger notes, "Administrators for most departments have a clinical degree and perhaps a degree in health administration or public health. But you'll also find practice managers at our outpatient facilities who have MBAs or degrees in public health administration."

She also reveals, "We have programs here at our hospital for people in nonclinical positions to go back to school and earn clinical degrees. And some of our nurses are now pursuing nonclinical positions through administrative degrees."

Adds Rainer, "There is a very high emphasis on continuing education when you work in health care."

The Rewards

Working in a hospital isn't right for everyone, but its challenges are far outweighed by its rewards. In addition to stability, there's the "feel-good factor" you'll experience every day. Says Rainer, "There's an intrinsic reward you get from being in the business of helping people. I rarely have patient contact, but I still enjoy the feeling of knowing I am helping people indirectly."

Weisenberger, who's also a trained critical care nurse, says, "I really love my job!" And while you may not be able to snag her precise position, she and Rainer agree that there are no unimportant jobs at any hospital. "Every person here carries a lot of responsibility because nothing must go wrong, whether you're in hospitality, engineering, or in the operating room. There's always an emphasis on quality," Ranier says.

Hiring Hints

You can search Yahoo! HotJobs for jobs at area hospitals, visit each medical center's career section on its website, or peruse newspaper ads for openings. But what if you don't see an opportunity that fits your qualifications? Rainer advises job seekers to drop their resumes off in person at a hospital's human resources department. "HR receptionists are able to pick out people who are a cut above the rest, so there's a higher likelihood that you'll get attention."

Weisenberger, a Winthrop employee for nine years, urges interested candidates to attend local health-care job fairs. "Look in your major local papers, such as The New York Times, for health-care job fairs and see if the hospital you're interested in will be there. Go and you'll have a better chance of getting the ear of someone you might not have had the opportunity to meet at the HR department," she urges.

Also, consider volunteering at a hospital first to see if it's right for you and to stand out as an applicant. Rainer says, "When people volunteer, it's a good indication that they're a cut above other applicants, that they're going above and beyond. We're trying to find those people, the ones who are willing to make a difference."

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Acing the Panel Interview

by Marc Hertz, Robert Half International


Meeting with one hiring manager is enough to make most job seekers nervous. But what about when you have to face a panel of interviewers? The panel interview has become increasingly popular as employers search for ways to better evaluate prospective hires and ensure those they bring aboard will be successful.

The inherent differences between a panel interview and a typical one mean you may have to learn new strategies to succeed. Following are a few tactics that can help set you apart from other job hopefuls during a panel interview:

Plan ahead. Because you'll be talking with multiple people, try to learn as much as you can about each person. Ask the hiring manager who you'll be meeting with and what positions they hold. Search online to learn about each person's background. One of the interviewers may have published an article in an industry publication, for example, or he or she may have a LinkedIn account you can peruse. This information will help you better understand each person's frame of reference and the chain of command within the company.

Gauge your audience. If you aren't able to learn about who you're meeting with beforehand, do your best to work with the information the hiring manager gives you when you arrive for the interview. For example, if you find out you're meeting with someone in the human resources department, the hiring manager and a vice president, you may want to give more attention to the VP. Observing how people interact with one another can help. If it's obvious that everyone is deferring to one person, make it a point to answer that person's questions with particular care. That said, you should include all of the participants. If one of the interviewers seems like the wallflower of the group, go out of your way to ask if that person has any questions. You want to make a positive impression on everyone, and you never know who makes the final hiring decision.

Consider eye contact. There's a natural tendency to focus your gaze on the person who asked you a question, but by doing so, you'll exclude everyone else. While you should concentrate on the person you're responding to, don't forget to look at the others while answering as well.

Remember everyone's name. At the start of the discussion, jot down the name of each interviewer so you can refer to everyone correctly during the course of the discussion. One of the biggest faux pas you can make is calling an interviewer by the wrong name or forgetting it completely.

Be cool. One of the employer's main goals during a panel interview is to determine how you react under pressure. Though it can be extremely nerve-racking to be under the gaze of several hiring managers at once, do your best to remain calm and collected. Take a moment or two to compose yourself and prepare an answer before responding to questions, and avoid the temptation to over-respond. Also, keep tabs on any nervous habits you have -- foot tapping, for example -- that may betray your poised exterior.

Follow up. It's always smart to send a thank-you note after an interview, but what do you do after meeting with multiple people? If you were able to collect business cards, you'll have each person's contact information. If that opportunity didn't present itself, get in touch with your initial contact and ask for everyone else's e-mail address. Instead of sending one message to multiple people, write an individual note to each interviewer about how much you enjoyed meeting him or her while expressing your continued interest in the position.

A panel interview can be intimidating, but by taking the time to prepare, you give yourself a much better chance at success.

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 rhi.com. For additional workplace articles and podcasts, visit workvine.com.

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