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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The Ins and Outs of Exit Interviews

How to Exit Like a Pro and Keep Good References
by Susan Johnston, for Yahoo! HotJobs


Exit interviews are one of the last items on your to-do list as you leave a job. Though you might be itching to just finish the job already and say "sayonara" to a micromanaging boss or a position you've outgrown, human resources managers appreciate it when employees take the time to give a thorough and thoughtful exit interview.

Here's how to handle an exit interview and leave on a positive note.

1. Ask for anonymity.

You'll feel more comfortable discussing management styles or communication issues if you know that your interviewer will not mention your name when sharing feedback with management. The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) considers anonymous exit interviews a best practice, because it ensures honest, open communication.

Deb Keary, director of human resources at SHRM, adds that "If I were the employee, I would ask and make sure you like the answer before you give out comments."

Hannah Seligson, author of "New Girl on the Job: Advice from the Trenches," takes this a step further: "Unless it's in writing that what you say at an exit interview is confidential, I would assume not that it's confidential ... don't just assume things will be kept confidential; put it in writing."

2. Anticipate the important questions.

Chances are you will be asked why you are leaving and what (if anything) would have persuaded you to stay. According to Keary, "They want a candid answer. HR hates turnover, and they hate to lose good people. You should anticipate and give an honest answer."

Keary adds that employees leave for any number of reasons: They were offered more money or more career growth, they wanted to change industries, or simply needed a new environment. You probably already know your reason, so think of a diplomatic way to explain it without pointing fingers.

3. Offer constructive solutions.

Maybe you didn't work well with your manager or took the fall for an error that wasn't your fault. "If blame was misappropriated to you because of leadership or communication issues, an exit interview can be a good time to clear that up," notes Seligson. "However, make sure it doesn't sound like you are pointing fingers, or that could come off sounding too victimized."

HR departments appreciate recommendations instead of rants. "I hope you're not leaving angry," says Keary, "but if you are, it's better to talk in generalities. For instance, 'My department's management could use some guidance in interpersonal relations.' They can't do much with 'So-and-so is a witch.' Offer suggestions to help. I'd be in the recommending mode rather than the taking-it-out-on-HR mode."

When HR departments hear the same comments about certain departments, they get the gist without you spelling it out. And by taking the high road instead of bad-mouthing a boss or coworker, you'll be better positioned for a reference later on.

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Moving Forward After a Job Loss

by Marc Hertz, Robert Half International


You've been with your company for a few years and enjoy what you do. Then one day, you get called into your boss's office and are told the organization is making some changes -- you've been let go. What do you do next?

If you've lost a job, the future can feel uncertain, especially in today's economic climate. But with a plan in place and the right attitude, you can increase your chances of finding a new position quickly.

Here are some tips:

Mourn the loss. Take the time you need to recover from the shock, but try not to dwell on the situation. Realize that as difficult as a layoff is, you will get through it. In fact, most people have lost a job at some point in their careers, and some even feel it has led to better opportunities.

Do some soul searching. You may need to find a job immediately and can't afford to be picky about what you do next. But if you have the luxury of time, consider if you want to follow the same career path or veer in another direction. It's possible that you weren't passionate about your former job or that you've thought about other options that you have yet to pursue. Consider your interests and how they align with your skills and experience.

It's easiest to seek something related to what you've been doing so you can take advantage of your transferable skills. For instance, if you've worked as a legal secretary and you're interested in becoming a paralegal, you can utilize your background working in law firms. Keep in mind, though, that you may have to pursue additional training or earn a specialized credential, such as a paralegal certificate.

In addition, if you're in an industry like manufacturing, where downsizing has occurred, you may consider looking into sectors that offer growth prospects, such as health care.

Use your network. This is the time to utilize the network you've built over your professional career. Get in touch with former coworkers and supervisors, business contacts, friends, and family members to let them know that you're looking for new opportunities. Be specific about what skills you can offer a potential employer and what type of position you seek to give people a better chance of helping you. Meanwhile, continue to expand your network. Attend industry conferences and alumni functions, and explore online networking avenues such as LinkedIn or Facebook.

Register with a staffing firm. As the old saying goes, two heads are better than one. When you register with a staffing firm, a representative from the company will look for a suitable full-time or temporary position for you, effectively doubling your job search efforts. You also can build skills and earn money by taking on interim assignments. In addition, a staffing manager can help you revamp your resume, and you may have access to free training so you can fill any skills gaps you might possess.

The ability to maintain a positive attitude has a lot to do with being able to recover from a job loss. Don't overlook the value of getting support from loved ones. Chances are that some of them have gone through similar experiences, and they can offer valuable advice that will help you as you move forward in your professional life.

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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Working Vacation: Jobs in a Winter Wonderland

by Kim Ruehl, PayScale.com


Considering the recent economic turbulence, you might have given up on a winter getaway this year. Who can afford the time off work, much less the high price of flights, hotels, and rental cars? Hang on, snow lover! There is a golden path to free lift tickets! Why not work for a season at your favorite ski resort?

Whether you'd like an easy job that lets you ski most days or you're actually looking for career advancement, there are plenty of options for getting away this winter without breaking the bank. Check out these two success stories for some inspiration.

Hard-Core Ski Nut

Does the sight of fresh powder sailing past your goggles make you come alive? Well, you should consider following the tracks of Jeremy Milo. A Stanford University grad planning to get an MBA, Milo decided to take a break before business school and work ski patrol at North Star ski resort near Lake Tahoe. Now working for Google, Milo wistfully recalls the joys and challenges he experienced during that awesome winter.

Great friends. Milo especially enjoyed the interesting folks he met from around the world. He says, "A lot of the people would be seasonal then go to South America or Australia to work during winter there. It was a very international crew."

Paid with perks. Just how much is that season's ski pass worth to you? Hopefully, a lot -- since you're unlikely to find a high-paying seasonal gig outside of waitressing and bartending. Milo recalls making barely more than $8/hour in 2001. But, for him, it wasn't about the paycheck; it was about more moguls. Plus, he says that resorts often work together so that you can ski for free on nearby mountains and trails. This is a great advantage, Milo says, because "sometimes skiing where you work is the last thing you want to do on your day off."

Physically demanding. Whether you drive a snow plow, stand at the lifts all day, or fit ski rentals, mountain gigs can be hard work for your body. If your current job has you sitting at a desk all day, some physical activity might come as a welcome relief. Ski patrol is an extreme example of that, says Milo: "You're an ambulance on skis out there. You feel like you worked hard at the end of day."

Spa Bunny

Maybe you'd like to experience the relaxed mountain lifestyle but don't want to work outdoors. There are always office, retail, and restaurant gigs to choose from. Or, how about working in a spa? Sarah Komyate moved to Big Sky Resort in Montana a year ago to join an independent massage practice.

"When I finished massage school in Seattle," she says, "I found an ad looking for a massage therapist out here. I came on vacation in February 2007, interviewed, and moved out for the job last November."

Plenty of clients. Business really thrives in the winter because demand is high. "Our massage business has a location in the village, a room in one of the hotels, and we do a lot of outcalls to people's homes," Komyate says.

Back to nature. For most seasonal workers the greatest perk of working in a ski town is the natural beauty. "We get to live in a remote, very peaceful place in the world. We rarely drive on the freeway, there is wildlife all around us, and it's beautiful here," says Komyate. She adds that despite the increasingly high amount of clients and busy days on the job, "It's just a low-stress place. If you're looking for some peace, solitude, and a few good people then definitely [try working a season]."

Deep discounts. While working for an independent firm doesn't score you unbridled free access to the mountains, your employer may be able to afford you discount lift tickets. Komyate says, "I would rather work for a small business and make better money." Meanwhile, her employer is still able to afford her a sizable discount on a pass for the whole season: $500 off the retail price.

So, if you find yourself daydreaming of double black diamonds, apply now! Seasonal positions are already filling up for this winter. Just pick your favorite place -- Breckenridge, Jackson Hole, Alta, or Sugarbush -- and make your "working vacation" happen this year.

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You Already Have What It Takes to Be a Manager

How School-Yard Lessons Can Pay Off
by C.J. Liu, PayScale.com


Remember all the advice you got as a kid about playing fair at recess, sharing in the classroom, and doing your homework on time? Being a great manager requires pretty much the same set of skills. The only difference is that this time around you get to be the captain of the kickball team.

Be yourself. As a leader you want to be authentic. Know your strengths, skills, and what you stand for. Your job is then to make your actions, thoughts, and words line up with who you are. Your employees will appreciate your consistency.

Do the right thing. No one wants to follow someone they don't trust. Trust is earned by walking your talk. If you want people to be on time to meetings, do it yourself first.

Be nice to others. Believe it or not, you can treat your employees respectfully and see big profits at the same time. When your team stays late to hit a last-minute deadline, take the time to acknowledge them and offer some comp time as a reward. They'll be more likely to stand by your side and less likely to complain.

Use your words. Clear communication is the key to success as a manager. Make sure that your employees understand the team's goals and what success looks like. Everyone should know who is responsible for which tasks and what the deadlines are. This method keeps finger-pointing to a minimum and reduces the chance that things will fall through the cracks.

Clean your room. There will be times when you have to do things you don't like to do. Saying "no," firing someone and delivering hard feedback are tough tasks for any leader. Before pulling the trigger, make sure you have all of your facts straight and aren't acting impulsively. Instead, act for the good of the whole. That way you'll have better luck sleeping at night.

Follow the rules. Just like the playground, your organization has both stated and unstated rules of conduct. Pay attention so you know which behaviors are considered out of bounds. Is it going to be career suicide if you don't play hoops with the boys on Fridays? Will wearing heels and pearls help or hurt your chance at a promotion?

Pick a winning team. Similar to picking sides for kickball, you want the most skilled group with the best ability to produce results. Choose people who compliment your strengths and make up for your shortcomings. If you're good at staying organized but struggle to come up with fresh ideas, be sure to hire at least one person who is creative and can help you dream big.

C.J. Liu is a certified professional coach, who helps professionals define success on their own terms. C.J. offers leadership training retreats and also has taught for the University of Washington.

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The Secret Technique of Hiring Managers

How to Anticipate and Succeed in Behavioral Interviews
by Jen A. Miller, Experience.com


Let's be honest: Coming out of college, you probably don't have that much real world experience. So how are you going to talk about past experiences in a job interview for a sales position if you haven't sold anything? And how is a potential employer going to gauge whether you'd be a good fit for the company?

Hiring managers have a secret -- it's called behavioral interviewing, a technique developed in the 1970s for employers who were frustrated that the people they interviewed turned out to be much different than the people they actually hired.

What Behavioral Interviews Show

Why the big deal about it? One study showed that behavioral interviews were 55 percent predictive of future job behavior while traditional interviews clocked in at only 10 percent. And behavioral interviewing also cuts through resume exaggerations -- according to the Society of Human Resource Management, 51 percent of resumes have inaccuracies.

If you're being asked open-ended questions that force you to draw on events that have happened in your life to answer, you've got yourself a behavioral interview. The difference between "What's your weakness"? and "Tell me about a time you failed at something" might not seem like much, but it forces you to give a different kind of answer.

"Employers love behavioral-based interviewing because it allows them to see patterns that are often missed when people are answering basic questions," says Roberta Chinsky Matuson, principal of Human Resource Solutions, an HR consulting firm. "Employers can get past what a candidate says and focus on how they respond."

Behavioral interviewing also helps employers get over that hurdle of experience, so any experience you've had is fair game -- extracurricular activities, Greek life, relationships. You can even go back to things that happened to you in Boy or Girl Scouts, or on a sports team.

Simple Preparation Tips

Some employers like behavioral interviews because they think you can't prepare for it. Think again. No matter how many employers say you can't prepare for them, you can still dig deep into your memory before the interview and be ready to talk experiences that could fit situations your potential employer throws at you.

Here are some questions you might encounter, courtesy of Scott Weighart, author of "Find Your First Professional Job: A Guide to Co-ops, Interns and Full-Time Job Seekers":

Tell me about a time you:

* failed at something
* had to take an unpopular stand
* really had to go way above and beyond
* had to show exceptional attention to detail
* dealt well with a difficult colleague/co-worker
* showed that you can multitask under pressure


Make sure you prepare your stories, too -- you might be able to wing it, but you won't give the best answers if you do.

And don't even think of making stuff up. "You don't want to invent stories about yourself that aren't true. Those would be seen through pretty quickly because you need so much detail," says Weighart.


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7 Fun and Frugal Office Holiday Celebrations

by C.J. Liu, PayScale.com


This holiday season you may find your company party budget a bit sobering. While it's tempting to bring forth your Ebenezer Scrooge, remember that the holiday spirit is more about investing in and valuing relationships than spending on an expensive party.

According to an October 2008 survey by Challenger, Gray, and Christmas, Inc., an outplacement consulting firm headquartered in Chicago, 13 percent of all businesses surveyed will be spending less than they did last year on holiday parties, with budget cuts expected to average 53 percent. More than half of the employers holding parties are having them on a workday or near the end of the workday.

To help you appreciate each other without breaking the bank, here are seven, low-cost office celebration ideas:

1. Make music. You can learn a lot about a person through their musical tastes. Have each person on the team share their favorite winter tune for a group CD. Then, host a CD release party, complete with holiday cookies and hot apple cider.

2. Give a pat on the back. You dream of the day that your boss and coworkers will lavish praise upon you. Why not experience it now? Do a Secret Santa exchange where each person draws three different names out of a hat then writes holiday cards to those three coworkers describing what they most appreciate about them.

3. Enjoy festive foods. Share what the holiday spirit means to you -- with food. Have each person bring a traditional family dish accompanied by a story about who usually made it for them, why it's a favorite and the recipe.

4. Do a favor. Wouldn't it be a treat to have your own personal assistant? Have everyone in the office create a wish list of ways they'd like to be pampered, from having copies made to lunch delivery. Next, put the lists in a hat, have everyone pick out one and then enjoy both giving and receiving.

5. Give to others. How about some office competition for a cause? Divide coworkers into teams and have each team pick a charity they want to support. Then, go bowling and let each team donate a certain sum of company money based upon their bowling record.

6. Relive your childhood. Isn't the best thing about the holiday season reliving your childhood? Have a game day where you play favorite childhood games like pin the tail on the donkey or musical chairs. You'll feel like a kid again.

7. Play truth-or-dare. Create a bunch of work-friendly, holiday-related truth-0r-dare questions. Find out when your boss first learned about Santa Claus or laugh as the finance group serenades the front office staff with "Jingle Bells."


C.J. Liu is a certified, professional coach who helps professionals define success on their own terms. C.J. offers life, business, and career coaching and can answer your questions at cjliu@mywholelife.net.

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6 Unusual High-Paying Careers

by Gabby Hyman, FindTheRightSchool.com


American job titles and responsibilities are constantly morphing to suit the economic and cultural transitions of our madcap age. Euphemisms are often the way recruiters dress up old job titles to narrow the field to specialists. A "hash slinger" is now termed a "culinary resource professional." Kidding aside, today's workers are often forced by marketplace realities to undergo at least one rapid job change over their adult lives. Many enroll at online colleges and trade schools to garner fresh skills that fit their experience and previous training.

Some of these hot new careers you may have never heard of are "green-collar" jobs. These jobs are on the rise as the business world responds to dramatic increases in energy costs and environmental regulation. And while disposable income seems threatened by a roller-coaster economy, other new careers are springing up to suit those who have cash to spend.

Here are six hot career fields you may not have heard of:

Eco Tourism Director

Traditional hospitality careers are increasingly marching to the ecotourism drumbeat. According to the International Ecotourism Society, ecotourism is growing at three times the rate of traditional vacationing, increasing annually up to 30 percent. If you're just preparing for the field, seek an associate's degree in hospitality, travel, or tourism. If you're already aboard, why not train to manage a hotel, bed and breakfast, spa, or resort with a graduate degree in business or hospitality? The majority of lodging managers are self-employed professionals. Top earners in 2007 averaged $83,240 for the year.

Professional Hacker

Ever hear of a certified ethical hacker? That's the professional IT certification for a computer scientist that works as a security specialist, forensic investigator, or network defense architect for corporations, the government, and law enforcement agencies to help prevent hacking or to track down perpetrators. To get into the field, you'll need more than the hacking skills you tweaked together in your garage. Begin by earning a bachelor's degree in computer science or information technology. You can get additional online college training in network security. The top 50 percent of computer scientists earned between $97,970 and $123,900 in 2007.

Pet Psychologist

Don't be so shocked. Even Sparky sometimes needs help to keep from gnawing through the neighbor's bed of prized roses. Once the local vet has ruled out physical ailments that can contribute to rude pet behavior, people who love their animals may need to call in a trained, certified behaviorist or pet psychologist. As with human patients, pets can be analyzed and taught to act contrary to destructive impulses. There are even certified applied animal behaviorists. To get into the field, you'll need a master's or doctorate degree in psychology, preferably with additional work in zoology and animal behavior. Salaries vary greatly by locale, but can be upwards of $90,000 a year.

Conservation Consultant

There are companies who are greatly concerned with increasing energy efficiency. And there are those with a conscience, striving to reduce their carbon footprint. When Yahoo! decided to go carbon-neutral by 2007, they hired a director of energy strategy and climate change. Combine your thirst for conservation with an engineering degree to prepare for this thriving field. The U.S. Labor Department predicts a hefty 25 percent increase in environmental engineers during the 2006-2016 decade. In 2007, the top 50 percent earned between $70,000 and $106,000.

Fashion Consultant/Personal Shopper

Among those who care about their appearance, many are born with amazing taste; some have to work for it. Fashion designers and consultants help those who can afford personal attention to transform their image. You can be the one to consult on hair, makeup, and fashion--and then be the one to take your clients shopping. Get career training through an associate's or bachelor's degree program in fashion design. Top earners in the fashion design trades in 2007 took home $121,640 on average.

Mobile Experience Architect

The cool streaming videos and eye-popping CD covers that get delivered to the screens of millions of cell phones and PDAs each hour are designed to make you spend money. Information architects create the structure and mind-manipulating patterns (site maps) of each mobile delivery. You'll need to learn about marketing, strategy, and user testing through a degree program in computer science, Web design, or business. There's even an IT certification for professional mobile architects. Salaries range into six figures.

As our world rapidly evolves, it's no surprise that the work landscape is evolving as well. You can prepare for and keep up with the changes by updating your training and credentials.


Gabby Hyman has created online strategies and written content for Fortune 500 companies including eToys, GoTo.com, Siebel Systems, Microsoft Encarta, Avaya, and Nissan UK.

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Choosing Your Resume Strategy

Should You Be a Specialist or Generalist?
by Larry Buhl, for Yahoo! HotJobs


In a buyer's (and increasingly picky buyer's) market, you may be tempted to throw all your skills on the resume, praying that the sheer variety of your experiences will overwhelm an employer. After all, you wouldn't want a potential employer to overlook that one gem in your background that could really set you apart.

But does the generalist resume work best today? Not necessarily. Recruiters say emphasizing the breadth of your experience depends on what you're looking for.

The Generalist's Advantages

Positioning yourself as a generalist could be effective if you:

Target small companies. "A company with than 500 employees may see a job seeker with a broad base of skills as giving them more for their money," Dave Upton, founder and CEO of ExecuNet, tells Yahoo! HotJobs. At tiny companies or start-ups, a broad array of skills is often essential due to the need to wear different hats, Upton added.

Target downsizing companies. Organizations that consolidate functions will often want someone who can do many things, such as a single HR generalist who can handle compensation and benefits as well as recruiting functions, says Stefanie Cross-Wilson, co-president of recruitment and talent management at Hudson.

Will take any job. Recruiters agree that the scattershot approach yields scattershot results even in the best of times. But if you simply want a foot in the door of a company -- any company, doing anything, anywhere -- selling yourself as a jack-of-all trades could pay off.

The Specialist Positioning

Selling yourself as a specialist is preferable if you:

Know exactly what you're looking for. If you're sure about what you want and know how your skills match up to the requirements, make the case that you're the one they need and don't muddy your resume with a variety of unrelated skills.

Work in a competitive industry. These days, employers who used to receive dozens of resumes for a position may see hundreds or thousands. The person who fits the job best, particularly in a competitive field, is more likely to get the job than someone who can do a bit of everything, recruiters say.

Seek a job requiring specialized skills. An employer filling a job that requires deep knowledge of industrial automation, forensic accounting, or video game design, to name a few, can usually find a candidate with the exact skills to match the job. If you don't have the specific skills, your knowledge of gardening, accounting, or music theory, while nice to have, won't make up that deficit.

The Best Approach

Still not sure which approach is best? Recruiters recommend playing it safe by positioning yourself as a "specialist, with breadth." To do this:

* Research a job opening and the company to find out exactly what skills are needed, and what other skills might be useful.
* Emphasize the depth of your expertise in the most necessary job skills -- the ones that actually match the job description -- and add your compatible skills at the bottom of the resume.
* Don't send out a hodgepodge resume. You're more likely to confuse the recruiter or the hiring manager, who may think of you as a dabbler without depth.

This tactic, recruiters say, will cover your bases by showing the breadth and depth of your skills, and that could be a winning combination in a tight job market.

"When more people are vying for the same jobs it's even more important to show your skills fit well," says Lindsay Olson, partner and recruiter, Paradigm Staffing. "If you are a generalist, then you should be able to tweak your resume to fit the position. A resume should show me how you fit the requirements, not make me guess."

Cross-Wilson agrees: "If you possess the 'nice to have' skills, then show them, but not at the expense of the 'must have' skills. In most cases, if you are not competitive on the must-haves, you will not get the job."

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