Assess Your Work Style

Find the best jobs for your workplace personality.

by Joanna Boydak, LiveCareer

Do you love to give public presentations? Are you the "go-to" person for people in need of a sympathetic ear? Do spreadsheets excite you? Your answers to these questions will help determine whether your work style is Assertive, Persuasive, or Systemic.

According to career experts, we all have a predominant work style that influences how we approach our work. If there's a good match between your work style and your career, you are more likely to love your job. To find your best career, you need to first identify your predominant work style and then find the work environments and jobs that complement it.

Read on to assess your own work style and for a list of great jobs (with median yearly salaries) for each style:

Assertive:

• Are you a daring risk taker?
• Do you love challenges?
• Do you thrive in a fast-paced work environment?
• Do you like to tell people how things should be?
• Do you enjoy supervising others?
• Do you like to know everything that is going on at work to make certain it is going the way it should?
• Are you comfortable with confrontation?

If you answered yes to most of these questions, your work style is Assertive.

Assertive types excel in management positions that require strong motivational skills. Some great career choices for Assertive types include:

• Regional sales director: $95,819
• Event planner: $76,805
• Restaurant manager: $30,884
• Advertising agency manager: $90,229

Assertive types also make great entrepreneurs. See if you have what it takes to start your own successful business by taking a free entrepreneur test.

Persuasive:

• Do you like giving advice?
• Do you take pride in your ability to influence others?
• Are you really interested in getting to know your coworkers and clients?
• Are you skilled at building strong relationships?
• Are you a great listener?
• Do you want to make a difference in the lives of others?

If you answered yes to most of these questions, your work style is Persuasive.

Persuasive types thrive in jobs that require constant communication and interaction with others. Some great career choices for Persuasive types include:

• Elementary teacher: $54,273
• Human resources administrator: $34,810
• Financial advisor: $71,324
• Health advocate: $93,207

Systemic:

• Do you focus on the facts, not on opinions?
• Are you known for your follow-through?
• Do you enjoy a steady routine?
• Do you have a system for everything?
• Do you apply persistent and steady effort to get things done?
• Do you prefer to ponder important decisions rather than making quick decisions on the fly?

If you answered yes to most of these questions, your work style is Systemic.

Systemic types value precision and efficiency and are excellent problem solvers. Some great career choices for Systemic types include:

• IT coordinator: $81,522
• Physical therapist: $68,163
• Accountant: $55,087
• Civil engineer: $74,878

LiveCareer is the leading online career destination that helps people find the right careers. Over 5 million people have used LiveCareer's products to make better career and educational decisions that have improved their lives. (Median annual salaries provided by LiveCareer's Salary Calculator.)

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Top 5 Ways to Work for Yourself

by Jessica Hanley, FindtheRightSchool.com

Work doesn't have to mean a dreary cubicle and an unappreciative boss--in fact, several of today's most in-demand careers lend themselves to self-employment. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects the following careers to grow faster than average from 2008 to 2018, and some require only a couple of years of career training.

Whether you want to add hours on a contractual basis or start your own business, the following five careers allow you to build client relationships and be your own boss.

1. Accountant
Accountants keep financial records for businesses and individuals, and they often prepare financial statements, budget analysis, and taxes. Unlike management accountants, who are generally employed by large corporations, public accountants and tax specialists find their own work through individual clients. According to the BLS, accountants earned an average salary of $67,430 in 2009, and their employment is expected to grow by 22 percent from 2008 to 2018.

Accountants must be good with numbers, organized, and detail oriented. Most companies require their accountants to hold at least a bachelor's degree in accounting, and accountants who are self-employed often seek certification through the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam.

2. Web developer
Web developers use software languages to develop the technical aspects of Web sites, including organization, layout, and databases. Because Web developers can work from any computer with the required software, they can complete contract projects or run a small business from home. The BLS expects employment of all computer network, systems, and database administrators to grow by 30 percent from 2008 to 2018. In 2009, this group earned an average salary of $70,930.

Most Web developers have a bachelor's degree in computer science, computer programming, or a related field, and they continually learn about new technology and software to keep their work current. If you're interested in becoming a web developer and currently work full time, consider an online bachelor's degree program in computer science.

3. Software applications engineer
Software applications engineers design the computer software we rely on every day, from word processing programs to computer games. Software engineers use computer science and mathematics principles to create and test software that responds to users' needs. Technological advances have allowed many software engineers to telecommute and perform client projects from home. According to the BLS, computer software applications engineers earned an average of $90,170 in 2009, and their employment is expected to grow by 34 percent from 2008 to 2018.

Computer software engineers need technical knowledge, so most prepare by earning a bachelor's degree in computer science, mathematics, or software engineering. Professionals with an associate's degree in computer science may find work as computer programmers.

4. Skin-care specialist
Skin-care specialists, also called estheticians, are beauty professionals who specialize in facials, waxing, exfoliation, and other skin treatments. According to the BLS, 44 percent of cosmetologists (including skin-care specialists) are self-employed, and employment of skin-care specialists is expected to grow by 38 percent from 2008 to 2018. In 2009, skin-care specialists earned an average of $31,990.

Skin-care specialists prepare for state licensing by attending an accredited cosmetology school and completing a program in skin care. These programs can often be completed in less than nine months, allowing you to quickly transition to a career in beauty.

5. Landscape architect
Landscape architects use principles of architecture, engineering, and ecology to design functional, attractive outdoor spaces. They design everything from public parks to shopping centers, and they ensure their designs meet clients' needs without harming the local ecosystem. According to the BLS, approximately 21 percent of landscape architects work for themselves, and their employment is expected to grow by 20 percent from 2008 to 2018. In 2009, landscape architects earned an average salary of $65,910.

Landscape architects should be artistic, good with their hands, and able to draft using computer-aided drafting software. Nearly all states require landscape architects to be licensed, which requires earning a bachelor's degree or master's degree in landscape architecture.

Start working for yourself
Whether you're interested in computers, beauty, or plants, you can work for yourself in one of today's hottest industries. Online degree programs and career training options can help you transition into your dream career without giving up your current job.

Jessica Hanley is a writer pursuing a graduate degree in creative writing. Her previous experience includes marketing for the Penguin Young Readers Group and teaching writing to students of all ages. Jessica received a B.A. in English from Stanford University.

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Making a Transition Job Work for You

by Denene Brox, for Yahoo! HotJobs

Landing a job is tough these days. The job market is flooded with unemployed workers--so finding a job that's a good fit is even tougher.

If you're a professional who has been out of work for a while, you may have to take a "transition job" to make ends meet (or just to keep busy).

Transition jobs often don't require a lot of experience or education, are usually lower paid, and can be easier to land. Industries like retail, health care, and food service hire lots of workers in customer service and support roles. Temporary agencies can also help you stay engaged with the working world.

And there are many other benefits to taking a transition job--it's all about making the most of your opportunities, and spinning the job the right way. Here are some tips on making a transition job work for you.

Fill your resume gaps
In addition to providing you an income, transition jobs put you back into the ranks of the employed, the group most attractive to potential employers.

"Transition jobs help you avoid those large gaps of unemployment on your resume, which is a concern in this economy," says Nancy DeCrescenzo, director of career services at Eastern Connecticut State University.

"I don't think taking a transition job will hurt your resume, because the number-one thing that recruiters and employers ask is what you've been doing with your time. So you're better off doing something than nothing. It shows that you're a go-getter--that you're out there working hard, doing whatever it takes to pay your bills," says career coach Deborah Brown-Volkman.

Network in your target industry
Just because you spend a few hours a day creating latte art at a coffee shop doesn't mean you should stop networking in your desired industry. Continue (or start) to attend industry events and workshops in your target field, and don't neglect potential connections at your transition job.

"One of the big assumptions that people make is that our network has to be in our target industry," says DeCrescenzo. "But your network can be the customers or clients that you interact with in a transition job, that help you make your next move. It's all about networking right now."

Learn a new industry
If you're looking for a position in a different industry, taking a lower-level job in that field will give you the opportunity to learn the business from the ground up, says Joe Watson, the author of "Where the Jobs Are Now: The Fastest Growing Industries and How to Break Into Them."

"It's great to get a transition job in a growth industry such as green energy or health care because it gives you an inside advantage. As the economy recovers, those fields will have exponential growth," says Watson.

Keri Coffman-Thiede took a transition job in customer service while she trained for a new career as a life coach. "My transition job gave me the time to go through coach training and begin my own business," she says.

Focus on transferable skills
Any type of transition job will provide you with transferable skills that will not only help you in future jobs, but also look great on your resume. Highlight skills that are required in many jobs and industries--things like communication skills and project management.

Denene Brox is a Kansas City-based freelance writer. She regularly covers career topics and trends. Visit her online at www.denenebrox.com.

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5 Ways You Bug Your Boss--and How to Stop

Break these bad habits and boost your career

by Susan Johnston, PayScale.com

Even if you get your work done and generally get along with your coworkers, you may have habits that bug your boss. While these quirks may not necessarily get you fired, they can certainly keep you from climbing the corporate ladder.

Here are tips on beating behaviors that bug your boss:

1. Showing up late
According to LaRhonda Edwards, a human resources manager with thirteen years of experience, tardiness is one of the biggest concerns for managers. "If the normal work day starts at 8 o'clock, then the expectation is that you're in the office ready to start your day," she explains. Her advice to the chronically late? "Plan ahead," she urges. "If you live 50 minutes away, you don't leave 50 minutes early. Tag on extra time and anticipate road blocks." Some people even set their clocks a few minutes early to ensure that they're on time.

2. Choosing the wrong mode of communication
Different bosses prefer different modes of communication. Lindsey Pollak, a workplace expert and the author of "Getting from College to Career," says that if you text a boss who prefers in-person meetings, "either your information won't get across or you'll irritate him or her." Fortunately, there's a simple fix: ask your boss how and when to send updates. If you're too shy to ask outright, Pollak suggests observing how your boss communicates with you. "If you have a boss who communicates once a day by email, that's the boss's preferred frequency and method of communication," explains Pollak.

3. Keeping a messy work area
A cluttered, messy work space can give your boss the impression that you're lazy or disorganized, so try to keep your desk neat. "Never put more on your desk than you're going to work on for the day," recommends Edwards. "At the end of the day, make sure you set up for the next day. I may be working on five things at once, but at the end of the day, they're gone, and I set up for the next day."

4. Asking questions you could easily answer on your own
Most managers would rather you ask a question than make a mistake, but many questions can be answered on your own. "Is this something you could ask a colleague?" asks Pollak, adding, "The Internet is so vast that a lot of information you can get yourself." If you must approach your boss with a question or issue, then Pollak recommends brainstorming beforehand. "Rather than saying, 'This client is terrible. What should I do?' think about potential solutions," she says.

5. Forgetting to turn off your cell phone for a meeting
Cell phones are ubiquitous in the workplace these days, but it's still disruptive and disrespectful when they go off during a meeting. Edwards says that you should "put your cell phone on vibrate, or leave it in your office, so it's not a distraction." Plus, that way, you won't be tempted to text!

Boston-based freelance writer Susan Johnston has covered career and business topics for The Boston Globe, Hispanic Executive Quarterly, WomenEntrepreneur.com, and other publications.

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Real Job-Interview Bombs

by Maria Hanson, LiveCareer

For job seekers, landing an interview is a dream come true. But unfortunately, the actual interview can quickly go from dream to nightmare.

"I've heard stories of people being interviewed for the wrong job, interviewers interviewing the wrong candidate and grilling them about the wrong resume--you name it, it has happened," says Ellen Reeves, the author of "Can I Wear My Nose Ring to the Interview?"

You think you've had a bad job interview or two? How do they compare to these bombs from both sides of the interview desk?

Naptime happens
"While I was in the middle of explaining my previous job duties, I realized that the man who was interviewing me had fallen asleep. I spoke loudly and tried coughing, but he was out cold, snoring. Since it was a one-man business, I just wrote him a quick note and left. I never heard back.--Cathy Ng, bookkeeper

Oh, my Lord
"I once had a candidate tell me the prophet of Jesus, who lived in his closet, told him to apply for the job I interviewed him for."--Amanda Schnaub, hiring for a photocopy assistant.

The attorney audition
During an interview at a law firm, the interviewer discovered that law student Jerry Levine had sung a cappella in college. "All of a sudden, he puts down my resume and asks if I know anything from 'Annie,' his daughter's favorite musical. When I said yes, he said, 'If you're interested in continuing this interview, you're going to sing "Tomorrow" to her on the phone right now.' I must have been off-key because I never heard from that firm again."

Don't sweat it
At an interview for a job with a defense contractor, Internet marketing specialist Tom Shivers was faced with a difficult interviewer who stared at him silently after he answered each question. "I was wearing a suit and tie and had just come in from 90 degree heat outdoors. I began to sweat. The interviewer continued to stare--and watch large beads of sweat roll down my face."

Phone interference
Paul Bailo, the author of "The Official Phone Interview Handbook," has fielded more than his share of phone-interview fails:

"One woman placed me on hold for 20 minutes and finally returned, saying she had to let the dogs out."

"A client had SpongeBob SquarePants blasting in the background during the whole interview."

"A former CEO from a utility company conducted his interview from the men's room. The whole time, there was a ton of bathroom noise, water running, toilet flushing...."

The old bait and switchboard
Years ago Rochelle Peachey, who now runs a U.K.-U.S. dating site called I Love Your Accent, interviewed for a job as a temporary telephone operator. "I knew I couldn't work the switchboard, but my friend told me to bluff it because they would like me and train me. I spoke knowledgably--until the interviewer put me in a room with the dreaded switchboard to test me. The lights were flashing; I panicked and climbed out of the second-floor window."

Walk much?
"I had an interview with a corporate headhunter and was extremely nervous. I must have crossed my legs extremely tightly, for a long time, because when the interview ended and I got up to shake hands, I nearly fell to the floor because of my rubber leg. I started to laugh nervously, then hysterically, as I pounded my leg and limped out the door."--Paula Hubbs Cohen, freelance writer

Overcaffeinated
Sue Michaels, now the marketing manager for Sierra College, was offered a cup of coffee before her interview. When she sat down to interview, she went to set the coffee down. The coffee immediately spilled all over the important papers of interviewer.

When interviewers attack
Lawyer Jane Jones (not her real name) was being courted to work at a law firm. Everything was going perfectly until her interview with a partner in the firm. He began attacking her verbally because she was slightly older than other law-school grads and not from the area. "He yelled, 'What did you do with your life?! You wasted it! You'll never be let into the local culture!'"

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7 Top-Grossing Career Paths

by Clare Kaufman, FindtheRightSchool.com

The highest-paid careers might not earn you the most money--when you take into account the cost of education. A true top-grossing career is one that promises a high return on a comparatively low tuition investment. The following top-grossing careers offer the most direct route from a classroom to earning potentials of $100,000 and up.

With these kinds of numbers, it shouldn't take long for your degree to pay for itself--and then some.

1. Pharmaceutical or medical sales representative
With a generous commission structure and a top-selling product, you could be well on your way to six figures straight out of college. Pharmaceutical and medical-equipment sales jobs are among the top-grossing sales positions. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), technical and scientific sales reps reported 2009 average earnings of $81,370, with the upper 25 percent earning over $100,000.

An associate's degree with courses in biology, engineering, electronics, and business offers basic preparation for a career as a scientific sales representative. For the best opportunities, invest four years in a bachelor's degree program.

2. Investment banker
Traditionally, college graduates in search of a quick payday headed into banking. The crisis on Wall Street may have tempered these expectations somewhat, but investment banking continues to offer entry-level analysts the opportunity to earn six-figure salaries right out of the gates. The average starting salary nationwide is $56,534, but top Wall Street players still start some associates out at $100,000. The national average for all securities and financial-services sales agents, which includes investment bankers, was $91,390 in 2009.

A bachelor's degree in business, finance, accounting, or economics offers the best preparation for an career in investment banking. Eventually, you could upgrade your education with an MBA for more opportunities and earning power.

3. Marketing manager
Marketing managers help businesses turn products into revenue. This business alchemy requires a blend of communication with customers, market research, product development, and strategic pricing. Marketing managers earned an average salary of $120,070 in 2009.

A four-year bachelor's degree in business, marketing, or economics is the ticket to a marketing career. To accelerate your advancement, invest in an MBA degree.

4. IT manager
Information technology serves as the nerve center of business in the information economy, empowering workers to transmit, analyze, and store information. An IT manager coordinates the strategic implementation of technology--networks, computer systems, and databases--that makes high-level data management possible. As a reflection of the vital role they play in an organization, their average annual compensation stood at an impressive $120,640 in 2009.

A bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or management information systems is the minimum requirement for a management-level job in IT.

5. Lawyer
Lawyers serve as advocates and advisors to people seeking justice in the criminal or civil courts. They prepare and argue cases before judges and juries, create contracts and other legal documents, and represent their clients in negotiations. Lawyers earned an average salary of $129,020 in 2009.

A bachelor's degree and a three-year professional Juris Doctor degree qualify you for a career as a lawyer. While this intensive schooling can stretch your finances, high-paying corporate employers offer enough starting pay to recoup your investment, and some public service employers offer student-debt forgiveness programs.

6. Engineer
Engineering holds the distinction as the highest-paying occupation for new college graduates. Armed with just a bachelor's degree, engineers in high-demand specialties can earn impressive salaries right out of college. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), petroleum engineers earned a starting salary of $83,121 in 2009. The 2009 national average salary for petroleum engineers was $119,960.

Petroleum engineers need a four-year bachelor's degree in engineering in order to qualify for a position in oil- and gas-well production and design.

7. Airline pilot
Airline pilots operate the highly sophisticated technology on board today's passenger and commercial aircraft. In recognition of their skill and elite training, some full-time pilots with the larger airlines earn generous salaries; the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a 2009 national average of $117,060.

Traditionally, airline pilots qualified for their first job after completing a military or civilian flight training program. Today, most employers require a college degree. A bachelor's degree in aeronautical engineering offers the most comprehensive view of advanced flight technology, but the most common qualification for pilots is a two-year associate's degree.

The bottom line
While no educational program can guarantee a salary, these seven paths can offer big returns on your educational investment. In some cases, a four-year stint in college puts you in line for six-figure earning power and more.

Dr. Clare Kaufman is a freelance writer who covers business and education topics.

Source: Yearly salary figures are from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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Becoming A Flight Attendant

Written by Gen Wright Jun 07, 2009 www.jobsarticle.com

The job as a flight attendant may be a dream job for some. If you are looking to become a fully qualified flight attendant, perhaps it's a good idea to start with some preparations. Here is more information on how to become a flight attendant.

Knowing the job and understanding responsibilities.

Like all jobs, there are challenges for flight attendants. Many job applicants simply focus on the fun aspects of the job - the opportunity to travel, and huge salaries. They forget that just like any other job, there are responsibilities to be fulfilled. So what are the responsibilities of a flight attendant.

The first thing that you should understand, is that although the job appears glamorous upfront, it's actually a serving job. Do a reality check. Do you really like to serve people? Is smiling a natural thing for you to do? What makes you want to become a flight attendant?

Answering these important questions will help you understand yourself better, and at the same time, also help you to prepare for the Interview. The Interview is where most people get hung up. But before we even go there, you have to be shortlisted as an interview candidate first.

Applying for the job as a flight attendant.

When you send in your application, your resume and CV is actually your marketing tool. You are there to market yourself. The function of the resume is to convince whoever is reading the resume to shortlist you for the job. Therefore, in every aspect, it should send out the right messages. For example, the photograph that is attached to your resume is very important. If possible, grab a makeover package, and take some really professional photographs. Send your best photograph in.

Also, first impression counts. Flight attendants are supposed to be sensitive about other people's needs. So your resume should reflect your sensitivity as well. Check for mistakes. The last thing you want is the interviewer to think that you are a careless person!

Preparing for the interview.

There are tons of self help books available in the market on this subject - preparing for interviews. You can browse through some of these materials if you like. But the most important thing is to be honest with yourself. Prepare for the interview by running through some of the toughest questions in your head. The toughest question is perhaps, "Why do you want this job?" If you can't answer that to your own satisfaction, you may very well waver during the interview. Make up your mind about what you want. That way, during the interview, you will sound confident no matter what happens.

And it's every employer's dream to hire confident people. When you sound confident, you have a much greater chance of being selected for training.

And one last thing - be humble during the interview. It's alright to remind the interviewers of your past accomplishments, but it's how you say it that matters. You want to come across as someone who is teachable.

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Factor Model For Portfolio Management

Written by Sania Wilson Jun 07, 2009 www.jobsarticle.com

Before going further into the articles, let me give you a brief idea about Portfolio Management. Portfolio management is more than running multiple projects. Each portfolio needs to be assessed in terms of its'business value and adherence to strategy. Basically, a portfolio is designed to achieve a defined business objective or benefit.

The three-factor model, also known as the Fama and French three-factor model, and was developed in 1993 by Eugene Fama and Kenneth French. This three-factor model is widely canvassed by fund managers and investors to analyze and return consociated market/instruments to make the highest return for the risk taken.

CAPM (Capability Asset Pricing Model) model is the original model of the three-factor model. Hence, it is necessary to understand this model, for a good understanding of the three-factor model. The formula of CAPM is: R= Rf+ beta * (Rm -Rf), where R is the return, Rf is the return rate of risk-free investments, beta is the risk associated with a security market, and Rm is the return rate expected from the market. CAPM model successfully explains around 80% of returns.

The formula of three-factor model is: R= Rf + beta* (Rm-Rf) + Bs*SMB+ Bv* HML.SMB is called as the Small Minus Gap, and HML is known as "High Minus Low". Bs and Bv are beta corresponding to small cap and large cap portfolios having values of either 0 or 1.

The idea behind this model is that, value and small cap stocks often outperform large- cap stocks. The potential reasons for this could be a higher reward for making up higher risk taken and early mispricing of equities. Fundamentally small-cap companies often show better growth and this is reflected on their stock prices.

This model has helped a number of investors and fund mangers to calculate their risks and profits, thereby radiating their portfolio management and belittling risk strategies.

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What’S A Developer To Do? Staying “Fresh” In Down Econo

Written by Eddie Field Jun 07, 2009

There's no hiding it.? Turn on the news.? Open a paper.? Read your email.? Analyze your spam.? The answers all point to the same conclusion - recession, downturn, depression, rising unemployment, layoffs, downsizing, reduction in force, off-shoring, etc.? Have I got you despondent enough?? So now that we are facing this situation, how do we rise to the challenges before us?? How do we best prepare for the future?

1. Update your resume.? How long has it been since you took a bold, fresh look at your résumé?? Is your résumé the same resume you've had for years with the exception that you keep adding the last position?? Résumés, especially in competitive times, need to not only convey your experience.? They also need to "sell" you.? In a sense, your résumé is print advertising and the product is you.? Look at your résumé.? Would you "buy you"?? Go online and look at some samples.? Many professional résumé reviewers will even donate their time to quickly critique résumé layout and design.? Contact local recruiters to see what format they think best presents or "sells" their candidates.? They ought to know as their livelihood depends upon it.

2. Stay active.? Many who have been laid off make the mistake of treating a lay off as an unscheduled vacation.? These individuals soon find themselves running low on funds.? To avoid this situation and shortcoming, treat your extra time as an opportunity.? Staying active will not only keep you productive now but increase your preparedness for getting back to work once that time comes.

3. Stay current.? COBOL developers are very hard to come by; certainly harder to come by than 25 years ago.? There is a very good reason for that - there are fewer shops USING COBOL anymore.? Of course I'm using sarcasm to impress my point but the point is still valid.? Perhaps now is the time to retool a bit.? Are you a C++ developer in a C# .NET world?? Contact local recruiters and find out the TRENDS facing professionals in your area.

4. Learn something.? This is a great opportunity to pick up a new skill or enhance an existing one.? Community and technical colleges offer great training at a great price.? Recent news has actually reported these learning institutions are actually lowering their price because of the increased enrollment.? In addition to these schools, there are technology user groups that meet in local areas across the country.? If you live in any metropolitan area across the United States and Europe, chances are there is an entire group of active users of most technologies (from .NET to SAS, from SAAS to Java, from Linux all the way to Robotics).? Finally, there are excellent tutorial pages and lessons giving step by step tutorials.? More of a visual learner?? Hobbyists are going online in increasing numbers and recording demonstrations and lessons for posting on Google Video and YouTube.? These tutorials range from broad introductions to very specific detailed tasks.? You can also download and install trial software, Beta versions or Express editions (i.e.-Microsoft Visual Web Developer Express Edition).

5. Share what you've got.? You learned it on the playground in Kindergarten.? It's polite to share.? You have a skill and there are those who need your skill.? Teach them.? Just as you can learn from someone either online or in a user group, you can also teach someone.? Perhaps you might post a tutorial mentioned above.? Are you thinking you don't have any sought-after skills?? A simple search of what is out there will dispel that thought.? Volunteer to be a guest speaker at a local college or user group.? The bottom line is think of others.

6. Offer yourself. There are many organizations like non-profits who could benefit from your skills, abilities, talents but lack the capital to pay as much as their professional, industrial, corporate counterparts.

7. Think smaller. Perhaps you've been looking for the long-term perm position of the past. Now may be the time to consider a contract position. If you're used to longer 18-month contracts, now may be the time to seek a shorter 3 to 6 month contract. Shorter still there are project sites you can go to which list project descriptions and allow developers/engineers the opportunity to fixed-bid for participation in that project. Most of these sites even provide space to respond in detail as to how you envision the scope and/or design going to help substantiate your knowledge and experience.

Now may not be the worst time of your life.? Now may be the BEST time of your life.? It can be a time of tremendous opportunity -that is, if you make it such!

For more details and information contact Eddie Field at Summit Consulting Services (www.SummitConsultingServices.net)

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Some Reminders Before Accepting A Job Offer

Written by Mela Jun 07, 2009

In this day when unemployment rate is very high, one is very lucky to get a job offer. But since the profession/career you will pursue will play a big part in your future, it is also wise if you will allow yourself some time to think before accepting a job offer. The following are some things to examine before taking on a new job:

Scrutinize the job description. Review the responsibilities, basic tasks and requirements associated with the job that is being offered to you to get a glimpse of what you can expect from this employer.

Assess yourself. It is not wise to just plunge into something that you don't think will work for you so allow some time to ask yourself some questions. Will you be comfortable with the work schedules or routines? This is because some job requires you to wok at night or even on weekends. Will the work set up allow you to show your skills and be challenged? You may get bored and be an underachiever if the job is too easy or monotonous.

Do you think you can meet the standards and perform the tasks required? The job may be so demanding that your work experiences and skills may not be enough and you end up feeling frustrated.

Will the job simplify or make your life more difficult. Consider the office location; it might be too far that you will spend too much on transportation fares. You may also be required to dress in business attire all the time that you will end up using all your salary to buy clothes. Consider whether your salary will mostly go to work expenses or take too much time away from you and your loved ones.

Will you be comfortable in your new company? If you are someone that dislikes formalities and prefer to be very casual, you may not be able to function well in a very conservative or formal company setting. Consider the people in the company you are applying for. Will your personality and lifestyle blend well with the people you will be working with?

Work Salary and Benefits. Take a look at the compensation package. Is it at par with what other companies offer to people that have the same experience and skills as yours? Aside from the salary, consider also the benefits. Sometimes great work benefits can be more important than salary.

Are there opportunities for growth? Opportunities for advancement must be present in long term jobs so your job performance improved in time and you feel happy and satisfied.

Source: http://www.jobopenings.ph/article_item80/Some_Reminders_Before_Accepting_a_Job_Offer.html

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