Certainly there are many of us out there seeking jobs. Either we were laid off or just can’t stand our employers and their weird take on employee’s rights or practice of the Peter Principle and the promotion of serial incompetents and mental patients. In job searches for those who aim higher than the food service industry, the search usually entails recruiters. After God made the weasel, rat, leech and lawyer, the recruiter appeared, which is another explanation of the extinction of the dinosaurs and other species.
Over the past couple of years I have noticed a trend among the jobs I have fielded through recruiters – “bait and switch.” They call about a position and salary that makes one’s mouth water and keeps an erection for days or weeks, depending on how fast the process goes until the truth comes out.
It Starts Normally…
My last job of seven years was a bait and switch. It seems I was the only candidate this recruiter presented that made it to the interview stage. I was told it was a creative director position for just under a six-figure salary; certainly a great salary in that area of the country. Doing the dance with the employer, I received an e-mail detailing my interview schedule but at the top it read, “interviewing as: Designer.”
InstantShift - Bait and Switch Job Seeking
When I brought this up to the recruiter, he said to ignore it and just go on the interview but I shouldn’t bring up titles or salary. That’s not an odd request as part of the recruiter’s job is negotiations with the employer. I interviewed and it was obvious they wanted me as a designer. The offer came in for a design position, naturally at a lower salary and the recruiter was beside himself with glee that he had closed the deal. I told him I wasn’t interested and that I had another offer for an art director position for slightly less than the other position.
“Let me make a call and work this out,” he stammered.
He called back the same day and claimed that I would be a creative director but the company wanted me to learn the business from “the ground up.” He said they would promote me to art director in six months and then creative director in a year. It didn’t sound like an odd plan but I insisted the salary be the original offer that was dangled in front of me, and the “plan,” in writing. He came back with a higher salary then the company’s original offer, but nowhere near the creative director salary and a promise of a written agreement but I needed to start right away. I told him I would think it over.
The other firm was dragging its heels on a written offer and start date and my then wife insisted I take the other job, which was in another city so she could empty our bank account and divorce me. Well, she didn’t say the last part but that’s what happened.
Needless to say, after eight months firmly entrenched and a phone meeting with the firm’s staffing person, I found out there never was a creative director position and none of the promises made by the recruiter were ever relayed to the company. The recruiter had left the firm and the new head weasel didn’t want to “annoy” their client (my employer).
Since leaving that firm, I have had a string of bad luck with recruiters. My résumé doesn’t make it to the employer on time, the job was not a creative director position but a cafeteria bus boy position, the salary is a fourth of what was conveyed and the titles and duties never quite seem to be what the recruiter said.
Does It Happen Often?
The other day, I listed a question about bait and switch on the LinkedIn questions board (a social media site for business. It’s like Facebook but without the swearing, videos and sexual innuendo…come to think of it there is plenty of sexual innuendo. It’s almost a make out party). Within three hours there were a dozen answers. I had hit a hot button.
InstantShift - Bait and Switch Job Seeking
Job seekers had also experienced bait and switch with infuriating results. Recruiters responded in a very passive/aggressive tone. All of the blame, they wrote, is with the employers not making things clear, job seekers who “demand” a salary range for the job, which one recruiter claimed was impossible as the employer would “match the salary to the person’s skill set” and, of course, on job seekers who should “shut up and accept anything in this economy.” Now I love recruiters even more!
Yes, the economy stinks and most employers have learned that hiring young and cheap saves operating costs, but what can be expected from someone who is overqualified, working for less than they are worth? Less engagement? Moving on when another, fairer opportunity arises? More insightful business decisions that made this country great…or a miserable failure depending on how one describes record unemployment and a doomed trade deficit.
I wrote and asked one recruiter, who claimed he was the best and all other recruiters were incompetent, if he sent a candidate a job description or salary range before the interview process. He replied that he didn’t as the employer may change duties and salary based on the person’s skill set and the “internal politics” of the firm. Ah, good! Nothing works better than the trust system in business.
Of late, when contacted by a recruiter, I ask a lot of questions. I go to the internet to research the employer and then discuss my findings with the recruiter. Recently I had to ask if numerous pending law suits and government probes on one firm might effect my salary or the longevity of my employ. I was told the recruiter was unaware of any of this. Nothing like a recruiter with the whole story!
Steps To Safeguard Your Career
When you are contacted by a recruiter, It’s best not to yell, “Thank goodness, I was about to become homeless!”
In the recent past, it was always easier to find a job while you have one. Employers use to think that the best people were kept and everyone else let go was incompetent. The truth is, the lower-paid incompetents kept their jobs and the experienced, higher-paid workers were let go. Not to say employed readers of this article are incompetent, but look around you and tell me there’s not a good deal of truth sitting at other desks, drooling and sticking paperclips into electrical outlets repeatedly, expecting different results every time.
It’s been tough on all of us. Act professionally and, as if stopping your freelance career for a staff position is of equal weigh to a full time position, be calm and detached but interested. You can dance and sing once the phone is hung up.
While I had a job, many recruiters tried to convince me that a lateral move to one of their clients was a great opportunity. You need to add up not just the dollars, but the company culture, city, lifestyle, relocation costs, job security, etc. You also have to remember if you’ve signed a non-compete with your present employer. If you did, you may not be able to work in the industry for a year or more. So how do you move on to another company? You don’t – mWaaa-ha-ha-ha-ha! Big competitors hire the other firm’s discards all the time (never fire someone you don’t want working for your competitor). A smaller company may be too frightened of legal actions if they hire you. I had to reveal that in interviews (as I was always asked) and one recruiter scolded me for saying it. Sorry! Let me start with this company based on lies!
A lateral move, unless it is a company that is showing growth, is a losing proposition. Making any move when you are hurting for a salary has few problems, unless you find yourself in a city you wouldn’t live in if you didn’t work there. When you are let go, moving elsewhere is up to you. It pays to ask a recruiter to negotiate an “escape clause,” spelling out costs of being moved back where they found you.
As part of a salary negotiation, aside from a bit more money and a signing bonus, I was given one extra week of vacation. When my years at the company entitled me to an additional week of vacation, I was told I had it already and they never agreed to keep extending my vacation by a week. In essence, I argued, they were lowering my salary by one week. I lost that and the recruiter, who didn’t want to anger the client, had been replaced by another recruiter, who said she didn’t know me and it was my tough luck. Get it in writing and have the recruiter give you a copy. Don’t sign anything until you have copies in hand. There is no he said/she said in business – only paperwork.
How To Spot The Great Recruiters
There are some great recruiters out there. I have them all on my mailing list. There is a large percentage that aren’t. If they haven’t connected with me on LinkedIn, I have to wonder how connected they are in my profession. LinkedIn is a great tool for researching recruiters and workplaces as well.
Look at the recruiter’s connections. 500+? Any recommendations? What companies do they deal with on a regular basis? Then check out the people who gave the recruiter a recommendation. Did they keep the job the recruiter had gotten them? Look at the dates of the recommendation, job mentioned and the person’s present position. Are they still where the recruiter placed them? If not, was it shorter than two years?
Then send a message to some of these people and ask for an updated reference. The last time I did that, I got nothing but thumbs down for the recruiter.
I encourage interviewing as much as possible. It keeps your skills sharp and you network with the people with whom you interview (many high level people with whom I interviewed went elsewhere and are in my network connections – which is good because now they can tell me why I wasn’t hired…and why I am lucky I wasn’t hired).
InstantShift - Bait and Switch Job Seeking
If it involves travel, well, I love the adventure and visiting different cities, but there is a cost you need to pass on to the firm interviewing you. Gas and tolls to the airport, parking, meals and certain travel expenses can add up to almost $100 for a one-day trip. Make sure the recruiter knows you expect the expenses to be reimbursed. A couple of interviews a month will break you, otherwise. Even across town, you are going to have expenses. Maybe I’m dreaming, these days. Do we need to spend money to show we need a job?
Rather then drone on about the good, the bad and the disgustingly ugly, let me draw some quick tips based on observations, experience and some stolen passages from Harry Potter:
A GREAT recruiter will have done all the research on the client, the people with whom you are interviewing, the salary range and title with job description (one had area information for living and lifestyle).
A BAD recruiter will refer to the client as “what’s-their-faces!”
A GREAT recruiter will go over what you should say in the interview with tips for steering things to your strong points.
A BAD recruiter will be using foul language while trying to remember where it was he/she was sending you to interview.
A GREAT recruiter will explain the salary range, what will effect it, how past placements went, bonuses, relocation costs, etc. It’s not a promise but a guideline. If the client calls and says, “We have to have Kris!” the recruiter will know how far to push.
A BAD recruiter will respond to a question about salary range with, “I’m trying to convince them they have to pay for quality.”
A GREAT recruiter makes sure they have all your travel arrangements set and will be available at the vulnerable time when you arrive at the airport and await pick up by the client, for last minute instructions and updates.
A BAD recruiter has gone to the airport and cashed in your ticket for crack money.
A GREAT recruiter will be available after you return to the airport to chat about how the interview went. It’s important to relay what was said, how you felt, any emotions you picked up on from people. A great recruiter knows the questions to ask to get the information he/she needs when they contact the client, i.e., “Speider thought you might have been put off by the fact his fly was open for the entire interview. He said you kept throwing up. I hope that wasn’t due to his work?!”
A BAD recruiter is still in a crack-induced haze.
A GREAT recruiter will call you as soon as he/she has spoken with the client. If it’s good news, you await the next move. If it’s not good news, the recruiter should have some idea of why, i.e., “they hated your work but loved the open fly!”
A BAD recruiter is never heard from again. Poor crack-addicted recruiter!
What About The “Local Yokels?”
Many freelancers work through placement recruiters for on-site work. More than once I showed up at a client for an assignment, only to find out that they asked for a “great illustrator” and NOT someone who was “great AT Illustrator.”
All of the same rules apply. The great ones are wonderful but few. The bad ones, usually are out of the business before you can request your first weeks pay.
One word of warning on every placement recruiter; they may conversationally ask who in town you are working for. Tell them and they will be on the phone with your clients in two minutes, undercutting your price. The recruiter, when calling to give you the heads up on an upcoming assignment won’t tell you who it’s for, because they don’t want you doing the same thing to them, they want to do to you. Just smile and say, “oh, I’m working here and there, for him and her, this and that!”
Placement people are also notorious for looking the other way on bait and switch assignments. A client wants a designer to “do some little designs for some print pieces.” You show up and are re-branding them for $15 an hour and building their web site.
Will the agent go back and ask their client to pony up more money for the different project description?
A GREAT recruiter will.
A BAD recruiter bonks you over the head with a shovel and dumps you at the edge of town so you can’t turn in your time sheet at all.
If I was a vindictive person, I would take any job via a bad recruiter and then resign just short of the period needed for them to earn their fee but I’m not vindictive, despite what you may see on my Twitter posts and what long-time friends may say. I’m also looking for a great staff position. Maybe you could recruit me for “what’s-their-faces?”
by:instantshift.com
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Five low glamour high profit businesses
Office life just doesn't work for some people. So what keeps countless Americans in jobs they hate instead of at the helm of businesses they love? Most of the time, it's the fear of leaving a secure paycheck for an uncertain future. But what these would-be entrepreneurs don't realize is that there are some low-risk business options out there that don't require a six-figure investment. For those who are ready to ditch their 9-5 jobs, franchises offer a tested and affordable business model. In fact, many franchises can be started for less than $50,000.
Dry Cleaning Gopher
Keep former office mates looking dapper by owning PRESSED4TIME, a mobile dry cleaning service. With this business, all you need to do is pick up and deliver dry cleaning and shoes for repair from businesses and office buildings. A local plant does the dry cleaning; a repair shop fixes the shoes. Your job is simply to acquire customers and pick up and deliver their clothes.
The investment costs for PRESSED4TIME range from $20,000 to $30,000 with a $21,000 franchise fee. You can keep overhead costs low by working from home. You can go solo with one van or acquire additional vans and staff to expand your business. No previous dry cleaning experience is needed; the PRESSED4TIME home office provides training, arrangements with a local dry cleaning plant, and is available for ongoing advice and assistance.
Mobile Pet Groomer
Animal lovers should check out the Hydro-Groom Mobile Pet Wash franchise. With dogs and cats in 60 percent of U.S. households, there is no shortage of four-footed clients in need of grooming. This service is in especially high demand for busy families, senior citizens, and people who are housebound due to illness or a handicap.
The Hydro-Groom mobile unit is a small trailer that is hitched to your personal vehicle. The unit contains all necessary equipment for grooming and washing pets. No grooming experience? No problem. Hydro-Groom provides comprehensive on-site/on-the-job training for all new franchisees and 24/7 support to help you grow your business.
Investment costs for Hydro-Groom run from $15,000-$37,000 and you can run a single or multi-unit operation. Your income level depends on your ability to obtain and retain customers and how well you can keep their furry friends looking great.
PosiGrip
Believe it or not, there is money to be made from slippery floors. PosiGrip is a high-profit business that reduces the risks of falls and injuries in the home and workplace with an investment price tag of just $10,000 for franchise licensees. A non-slip tread design is applied to floors, tile, tubs, and showers, making them safer without changing the surface's color or appearance. The customer base for PosiGrip is huge, including malls, hotels, hospitals, offices, homes, restaurants, and airports. Any place with foot traffic is a place with a potential PosiGrip customer.
ACE/Security Laminates
Crime can pay—especially if your business involves protecting homes and offices from the bad guys. ACE/Security Laminates is the world leader in security window laminate protection and safety window film. ACE/Security Laminates' protective coatings make glass more resistant to rocks, sledgehammers, baseball bats, and even a bomb blast with over 2500 pounds of explosives.
With rising crime rates and the threat of terrorism, this business can be quite lucrative for a dedicated and determined entrepreneur. Dealership packages start at $25,000; investment costs scale up according to the size of your territory. New owners receive equipment and training as well as ongoing support from company headquarters.
SpanishFUN
ÀHabla espa–ol? Like to teach? You may want to consider a SpanishFUN franchise. SpanishFUN is a teaching franchise offering children ages 2-10 introductory second language skills with activities in a relaxed and entertaining atmosphere. Your customer base includes individual kids, youth groups, pre-schools, and childcare centers. Given that Latinos are the fastest growing group in the U.S., fluency in Spanish will be vital to anyone entering the working world.
The best part is that SpanishFUN is one of the more affordable businesses to start. Investment costs run about $12,500 and include an exclusive territory, teaching aids, and in-home training. Classes can be taught in your home or on location. You don't have to be fluent in Spanish to own the business either. You can work alone or hire additional instructors to increase your ability to grow the business.
You can leave your office job behind
With some courage and a modest cash investment, you too can leave your cubicle behind. If you're serious about going into business for yourself but don't know where or how to begin, franchises may offer the perfect opportunity to unleash your inner entrepreneur. To find a franchise opportunity that fits your needs, the International Franchise Association is a great place to start. You may also want to attend a trade show such as the West Coast Franchise Expo and the International Franchise Expo in Washington D.C. for more information on how to start your own franchise.
legalzoom.com
Dry Cleaning Gopher
Keep former office mates looking dapper by owning PRESSED4TIME, a mobile dry cleaning service. With this business, all you need to do is pick up and deliver dry cleaning and shoes for repair from businesses and office buildings. A local plant does the dry cleaning; a repair shop fixes the shoes. Your job is simply to acquire customers and pick up and deliver their clothes.
The investment costs for PRESSED4TIME range from $20,000 to $30,000 with a $21,000 franchise fee. You can keep overhead costs low by working from home. You can go solo with one van or acquire additional vans and staff to expand your business. No previous dry cleaning experience is needed; the PRESSED4TIME home office provides training, arrangements with a local dry cleaning plant, and is available for ongoing advice and assistance.
Mobile Pet Groomer
Animal lovers should check out the Hydro-Groom Mobile Pet Wash franchise. With dogs and cats in 60 percent of U.S. households, there is no shortage of four-footed clients in need of grooming. This service is in especially high demand for busy families, senior citizens, and people who are housebound due to illness or a handicap.
The Hydro-Groom mobile unit is a small trailer that is hitched to your personal vehicle. The unit contains all necessary equipment for grooming and washing pets. No grooming experience? No problem. Hydro-Groom provides comprehensive on-site/on-the-job training for all new franchisees and 24/7 support to help you grow your business.
Investment costs for Hydro-Groom run from $15,000-$37,000 and you can run a single or multi-unit operation. Your income level depends on your ability to obtain and retain customers and how well you can keep their furry friends looking great.
PosiGrip
Believe it or not, there is money to be made from slippery floors. PosiGrip is a high-profit business that reduces the risks of falls and injuries in the home and workplace with an investment price tag of just $10,000 for franchise licensees. A non-slip tread design is applied to floors, tile, tubs, and showers, making them safer without changing the surface's color or appearance. The customer base for PosiGrip is huge, including malls, hotels, hospitals, offices, homes, restaurants, and airports. Any place with foot traffic is a place with a potential PosiGrip customer.
ACE/Security Laminates
Crime can pay—especially if your business involves protecting homes and offices from the bad guys. ACE/Security Laminates is the world leader in security window laminate protection and safety window film. ACE/Security Laminates' protective coatings make glass more resistant to rocks, sledgehammers, baseball bats, and even a bomb blast with over 2500 pounds of explosives.
With rising crime rates and the threat of terrorism, this business can be quite lucrative for a dedicated and determined entrepreneur. Dealership packages start at $25,000; investment costs scale up according to the size of your territory. New owners receive equipment and training as well as ongoing support from company headquarters.
SpanishFUN
ÀHabla espa–ol? Like to teach? You may want to consider a SpanishFUN franchise. SpanishFUN is a teaching franchise offering children ages 2-10 introductory second language skills with activities in a relaxed and entertaining atmosphere. Your customer base includes individual kids, youth groups, pre-schools, and childcare centers. Given that Latinos are the fastest growing group in the U.S., fluency in Spanish will be vital to anyone entering the working world.
The best part is that SpanishFUN is one of the more affordable businesses to start. Investment costs run about $12,500 and include an exclusive territory, teaching aids, and in-home training. Classes can be taught in your home or on location. You don't have to be fluent in Spanish to own the business either. You can work alone or hire additional instructors to increase your ability to grow the business.
You can leave your office job behind
With some courage and a modest cash investment, you too can leave your cubicle behind. If you're serious about going into business for yourself but don't know where or how to begin, franchises may offer the perfect opportunity to unleash your inner entrepreneur. To find a franchise opportunity that fits your needs, the International Franchise Association is a great place to start. You may also want to attend a trade show such as the West Coast Franchise Expo and the International Franchise Expo in Washington D.C. for more information on how to start your own franchise.
legalzoom.com
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Top 10 Companies Hiring This Week
September 25 - October 1
We know that your job search can get quite frustrating these days with more people trying to find a job and fewer employment opportunities available.
To ease the burden, we've tracked down 10 top companies that are hiring this week -- from sales jobs to finance jobs, full-time jobs to part-time jobs. We hope you find a job that's perfect for you.
Good luck job hunting!
1. Macy's
Originally founded as Federated Department Stores in 1929, the company was officially renamed Macy's in 2007. With over 800 stores across the nation, Macy's is one of the largest retail companies in the United States. Macy's sales rose throughout 2010 and it already has announced plans to hire 3,500 employees in the next two years.
Employee Review: "The management is competent. Employees are given a good discount and still able to use coupons. You can pick up more hours online when they become available."*
Top Job Categories:
Retail Jobs
Sales Jobs
Professional Services Jobs
See all Macy's jobs
2. UnitedHealth Group
UnitedHealth Group currently provides health insurance services to over 75 million people worldwide. The company recently has been actively involved in creating several technological advancements in the health care field, including the development of video conferencing systems for patient/doctor communication, the creation of electronic health records systems, and the release of an iPhone app to locate participating physicians.
Employee Review: "I really enjoyed my time at UnitedHealth Group. The trainers were very knowledgeable and were always there to answer any questions that I had. I worked as a claims associate for just a few short months before being promoted to another department. I then went on to work from home! Only left this company because of personal issues not related to my job. Great place to work!"*
Top Job Categories:
Health Care Jobs
Management Jobs
Insurance Jobs
See all UnitedHealth Group jobs.
3. Ernst & Young
Headquartered in London, England, Ernst & Young is one of the so-called Big Four accounting firms. The company's activities consist mainly in doing financial audit work for other corporations.
Additionally, the company is actively involved in areas such as actuarial consulting, as well as due diligence research for mergers and acquisitions.
Most of the major U.S. accounting firms have been in a hiring frenzy as of late. Ernst and Young is no exception: In March it announced that it is looking to hire 7,000 employees from college campuses (2,500 of whom will be interns) and an additional 6,000 experienced workers.
The company is currently celebrating the 25th anniversary of its Entrepreneur of the Year program. For the last several months the company has been announcing its regional winners, with the national title to be awarded in November.
Employee Review: "Excellent brand, great client base, excellent opportunity to work globally. Focus on people is strong given the nature of consulting."*
Top Job Categories:
Accounting Jobs
Management Jobs
Finance Jobs
See all Ernst & Young jobs
4. Snap-On Tools
Founded in 1920, Snap-On designs, manufactures and markets professional-grade tools in the United States. They operate on a franchise model, with dealer vans that function as mobile showrooms. This sales and marketing method has proven successful, and is the basis for the company's entire business model.
Snap-On has a history of involvement in the automotive and motor sports industries. Their tools are popular among mechanics, and the company has traditionally sponsored various motor sport teams in the U.S., including Roger Penske Racing and Penske's Sprint Cup Series team.
The company recently announced a credit program for prospective franchisees. This program will allow for financing of the startup costs of a Snap-On franchise for a minimum of $37,000.
Employee Review: "Progressive environment, clear strategic business objectives and communications, clear mission, vision values communications. Company going through changes for the better."*
Top Job Categories:
Franchise Jobs
Business Opportunity Jobs
Sales Jobs
See all Snap-On Tools jobs
5. Bridgestone
The company is headquartered in Tokyo and, with all its subsidiaries included, employs over 150,000 worldwide. In 1906, Bridgestone founder Shojiro Ishibashi took over his family's clothing business at 17 years of age.
He revolutionized the traditional Japanese socks known as "tabi" with the creation of a rubber-soled version, which could be used as work shoes. It was this same tabi-sock division of his company that produced the first Bridgestone tire in April 1930.
In 1988 the company purchased the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company, solidifying Bridgestone's position as a major player in the worldwide tire market. Since then the company has continued to grow and currently has manufacturing centers in 25 countries.
In May, the company was recognized as one of Boeing's "Suppliers of the Year." The airline manufacturer works with around 17,500 suppliers, and Bridgestone was among 15 companies honored (in various categories) for their service to the company.
Employee Review: "As industry leader, Bridgestone is a global brand with great quality tires. The products are recognized [the] world over and [the] customer recognizes the quality."*
Top Job Categories:
Retail Jobs
Automotive Jobs
Installation/Maintenance/Repair Jobs
See all Bridgestone jobs
6. Target
The Target Corporation is the nation's second largest discount chain, after Wal-Mart. The company operates roughly 1,750 Target and SuperTarget locations in 49 states, in addition to their online Target.com business. Headquartered in Minneapolis, the company employs roughly 355,000 employees.
The company's founder, George Dayton, opened his first store in 1902, which he called Goodfellows, in Minneapolis. Sixty years later, the company opened its first Target-branded store in Roseville, Minn. Some two decades later, the company had its first year with over $1 billion in revenue.
Target has announced plans to enter the Canadian market in 2013. The company already has signed a $1.82 billon deal with Canadian retail-chain Zellers to take over as many as 220 store leases, and Target has already announced the proposed location of its first 105 Canadian locations.
Employee Review: "Great place for growth. Have been there for two years and it has been pretty good to me. I love to work hard so it is good place for that."*
Top Job Categories:
Management Jobs
Engineering Jobs
Retail Jobs
See all Target jobs
7. AT&T Retail
With over 96 million mobile customers, AT&T Wireless is the 20th-largest mobile phone service provider in the world, and according to Forbes, the 14th-largest company in the world by market value.
The company's mobile division is headquartered in Dekalb, Ga., just outside of Atlanta. Between the years of 2005 and 2007, the company acquired Cingular Wireless and BellSouth. Until recently, AT&T Wireless was the exclusive carrier of Apple's popular iPhone line in the United States.
Earlier this year, the company announced plans to acquire T-Mobile USA for approximately $39 billion. This acquisition has recently hit a roadblock, with the courts citing "higher prices and less choice" as potential large-scale problems. A marriage of the two giants is still under debate.
Employee Review: "They provide great benefits and pay. I know they match quite a bit for 401(k) investment. It is a great job for someone interested in technology and learning about new technologies. Also, it is great to know that you are helping others out on a daily basis."*
Top Job Categories:
Sales Jobs
Retail Jobs
Customer Service Jobs
See all AT&T Retail jobs
8. RadioShack
Affectionately known as "The Shack" by some, Radio Shack has almost 7,200 locations worldwide. In order to staff these locations, as well as their corporate offices, the company employs somewhere in the neighborhood of 35,000.
The company is known for selling electronic products and parts, as well as mobile phones and coverage, offered from a variety of carriers, including AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and various pre-paid services.
The company has obviously come a long way since it was founded by Norton Hinkley and Dave L. Tandy in 1919 as the Hinkley-Tandy Leather Company. From its humble beginnings selling shoe leather parts in Fort Worth, Texas, the company has evolved into one of the nation's largest consumer electronics retailers.
Employee Review: 'Made many friends and had some really good customers. Salary is commission plus base-rate, so averaged a decent amount on my pay checks."*
Top Job Categories:
Sales Jobs
Customer Service Jobs
Management Jobs
See all RadioShack jobs
9. Banfield Pet Hospital
Founded in 1955, Banfield operates nearly 700 veterinary clinics in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. The company holds an ongoing partnership with PetSmart stores, providing veterinary services inside many stores. Banfield is the largest privately-owned veterinary practice in the United States.
Community involvement is important to Banfield and its employees. They recently partnered with the American Heartworm Society to educate pet owners on the dangers of heartworm disease in pets. Additionally, Banfield offered free boarding of pets during recent wildfires near Houston, Texas.
Employee Review: "Very fair compensation; competitive pay. Good increases to internals who are being promoted. Opportunity for promotion; very structured talent review process with specific goals to help you achieve a promotion."
Top Job Categories:
Health Care Jobs
Customer Service Jobs
Other Jobs
See all Banfield Pet Hospital jobs
10. Terminix
Founded in 1972, Terminix is the largest pest-control company in the world. They operate in 45 states in the United States and 14 countries worldwide. Although originally operated independently, Terminix is now a division of ServiceMaster and headquartered in Memphis, Tenn. The company offers franchise opportunities to areas not directly represented by Terminix.
Terminix was recently involved in a lawsuit in California for unpaid overtime to termite inspectors in training. The suit was originally filed in May 2008, and the company has since changed their trainee policies to allow for overtime and other benefits.
Employee Review: "Flexible work environment. Good products and service to sell. They would give you very good product backup to use as leverage against competition."*
Top Job Categories:
Sales Jobs
Business Development Jobs
Training Jobs
See all Terminix jobs
By AOL Jobs Contributor
We know that your job search can get quite frustrating these days with more people trying to find a job and fewer employment opportunities available.
To ease the burden, we've tracked down 10 top companies that are hiring this week -- from sales jobs to finance jobs, full-time jobs to part-time jobs. We hope you find a job that's perfect for you.
Good luck job hunting!
1. Macy's
Originally founded as Federated Department Stores in 1929, the company was officially renamed Macy's in 2007. With over 800 stores across the nation, Macy's is one of the largest retail companies in the United States. Macy's sales rose throughout 2010 and it already has announced plans to hire 3,500 employees in the next two years.
Employee Review: "The management is competent. Employees are given a good discount and still able to use coupons. You can pick up more hours online when they become available."*
Top Job Categories:
Retail Jobs
Sales Jobs
Professional Services Jobs
See all Macy's jobs
2. UnitedHealth Group
UnitedHealth Group currently provides health insurance services to over 75 million people worldwide. The company recently has been actively involved in creating several technological advancements in the health care field, including the development of video conferencing systems for patient/doctor communication, the creation of electronic health records systems, and the release of an iPhone app to locate participating physicians.
Employee Review: "I really enjoyed my time at UnitedHealth Group. The trainers were very knowledgeable and were always there to answer any questions that I had. I worked as a claims associate for just a few short months before being promoted to another department. I then went on to work from home! Only left this company because of personal issues not related to my job. Great place to work!"*
Top Job Categories:
Health Care Jobs
Management Jobs
Insurance Jobs
See all UnitedHealth Group jobs.
3. Ernst & Young
Headquartered in London, England, Ernst & Young is one of the so-called Big Four accounting firms. The company's activities consist mainly in doing financial audit work for other corporations.
Additionally, the company is actively involved in areas such as actuarial consulting, as well as due diligence research for mergers and acquisitions.
Most of the major U.S. accounting firms have been in a hiring frenzy as of late. Ernst and Young is no exception: In March it announced that it is looking to hire 7,000 employees from college campuses (2,500 of whom will be interns) and an additional 6,000 experienced workers.
The company is currently celebrating the 25th anniversary of its Entrepreneur of the Year program. For the last several months the company has been announcing its regional winners, with the national title to be awarded in November.
Employee Review: "Excellent brand, great client base, excellent opportunity to work globally. Focus on people is strong given the nature of consulting."*
Top Job Categories:
Accounting Jobs
Management Jobs
Finance Jobs
See all Ernst & Young jobs
4. Snap-On Tools
Founded in 1920, Snap-On designs, manufactures and markets professional-grade tools in the United States. They operate on a franchise model, with dealer vans that function as mobile showrooms. This sales and marketing method has proven successful, and is the basis for the company's entire business model.
Snap-On has a history of involvement in the automotive and motor sports industries. Their tools are popular among mechanics, and the company has traditionally sponsored various motor sport teams in the U.S., including Roger Penske Racing and Penske's Sprint Cup Series team.
The company recently announced a credit program for prospective franchisees. This program will allow for financing of the startup costs of a Snap-On franchise for a minimum of $37,000.
Employee Review: "Progressive environment, clear strategic business objectives and communications, clear mission, vision values communications. Company going through changes for the better."*
Top Job Categories:
Franchise Jobs
Business Opportunity Jobs
Sales Jobs
See all Snap-On Tools jobs
5. Bridgestone
The company is headquartered in Tokyo and, with all its subsidiaries included, employs over 150,000 worldwide. In 1906, Bridgestone founder Shojiro Ishibashi took over his family's clothing business at 17 years of age.
He revolutionized the traditional Japanese socks known as "tabi" with the creation of a rubber-soled version, which could be used as work shoes. It was this same tabi-sock division of his company that produced the first Bridgestone tire in April 1930.
In 1988 the company purchased the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company, solidifying Bridgestone's position as a major player in the worldwide tire market. Since then the company has continued to grow and currently has manufacturing centers in 25 countries.
In May, the company was recognized as one of Boeing's "Suppliers of the Year." The airline manufacturer works with around 17,500 suppliers, and Bridgestone was among 15 companies honored (in various categories) for their service to the company.
Employee Review: "As industry leader, Bridgestone is a global brand with great quality tires. The products are recognized [the] world over and [the] customer recognizes the quality."*
Top Job Categories:
Retail Jobs
Automotive Jobs
Installation/Maintenance/Repair Jobs
See all Bridgestone jobs
6. Target
The Target Corporation is the nation's second largest discount chain, after Wal-Mart. The company operates roughly 1,750 Target and SuperTarget locations in 49 states, in addition to their online Target.com business. Headquartered in Minneapolis, the company employs roughly 355,000 employees.
The company's founder, George Dayton, opened his first store in 1902, which he called Goodfellows, in Minneapolis. Sixty years later, the company opened its first Target-branded store in Roseville, Minn. Some two decades later, the company had its first year with over $1 billion in revenue.
Target has announced plans to enter the Canadian market in 2013. The company already has signed a $1.82 billon deal with Canadian retail-chain Zellers to take over as many as 220 store leases, and Target has already announced the proposed location of its first 105 Canadian locations.
Employee Review: "Great place for growth. Have been there for two years and it has been pretty good to me. I love to work hard so it is good place for that."*
Top Job Categories:
Management Jobs
Engineering Jobs
Retail Jobs
See all Target jobs
7. AT&T Retail
With over 96 million mobile customers, AT&T Wireless is the 20th-largest mobile phone service provider in the world, and according to Forbes, the 14th-largest company in the world by market value.
The company's mobile division is headquartered in Dekalb, Ga., just outside of Atlanta. Between the years of 2005 and 2007, the company acquired Cingular Wireless and BellSouth. Until recently, AT&T Wireless was the exclusive carrier of Apple's popular iPhone line in the United States.
Earlier this year, the company announced plans to acquire T-Mobile USA for approximately $39 billion. This acquisition has recently hit a roadblock, with the courts citing "higher prices and less choice" as potential large-scale problems. A marriage of the two giants is still under debate.
Employee Review: "They provide great benefits and pay. I know they match quite a bit for 401(k) investment. It is a great job for someone interested in technology and learning about new technologies. Also, it is great to know that you are helping others out on a daily basis."*
Top Job Categories:
Sales Jobs
Retail Jobs
Customer Service Jobs
See all AT&T Retail jobs
8. RadioShack
Affectionately known as "The Shack" by some, Radio Shack has almost 7,200 locations worldwide. In order to staff these locations, as well as their corporate offices, the company employs somewhere in the neighborhood of 35,000.
The company is known for selling electronic products and parts, as well as mobile phones and coverage, offered from a variety of carriers, including AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and various pre-paid services.
The company has obviously come a long way since it was founded by Norton Hinkley and Dave L. Tandy in 1919 as the Hinkley-Tandy Leather Company. From its humble beginnings selling shoe leather parts in Fort Worth, Texas, the company has evolved into one of the nation's largest consumer electronics retailers.
Employee Review: 'Made many friends and had some really good customers. Salary is commission plus base-rate, so averaged a decent amount on my pay checks."*
Top Job Categories:
Sales Jobs
Customer Service Jobs
Management Jobs
See all RadioShack jobs
9. Banfield Pet Hospital
Founded in 1955, Banfield operates nearly 700 veterinary clinics in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. The company holds an ongoing partnership with PetSmart stores, providing veterinary services inside many stores. Banfield is the largest privately-owned veterinary practice in the United States.
Community involvement is important to Banfield and its employees. They recently partnered with the American Heartworm Society to educate pet owners on the dangers of heartworm disease in pets. Additionally, Banfield offered free boarding of pets during recent wildfires near Houston, Texas.
Employee Review: "Very fair compensation; competitive pay. Good increases to internals who are being promoted. Opportunity for promotion; very structured talent review process with specific goals to help you achieve a promotion."
Top Job Categories:
Health Care Jobs
Customer Service Jobs
Other Jobs
See all Banfield Pet Hospital jobs
10. Terminix
Founded in 1972, Terminix is the largest pest-control company in the world. They operate in 45 states in the United States and 14 countries worldwide. Although originally operated independently, Terminix is now a division of ServiceMaster and headquartered in Memphis, Tenn. The company offers franchise opportunities to areas not directly represented by Terminix.
Terminix was recently involved in a lawsuit in California for unpaid overtime to termite inspectors in training. The suit was originally filed in May 2008, and the company has since changed their trainee policies to allow for overtime and other benefits.
Employee Review: "Flexible work environment. Good products and service to sell. They would give you very good product backup to use as leverage against competition."*
Top Job Categories:
Sales Jobs
Business Development Jobs
Training Jobs
See all Terminix jobs
By AOL Jobs Contributor
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Internet Marketing for Small Business
When I decided to start my business, I had one thing set in my mind "I will not spend half my capital on marketing!" That is when 'Internet marketing' was introduced to me as a concept. Since no one around knew exactly what it meant and included, I started out on one of my research rampages. They say, knowledge and wisdom increase when shared. Well, lets just say, I am super greedy!
Have you gotten absolutely bored of people advising you to "use the internet for marketing" without telling you how? Well, here is your chance to clear your doubts. There are many many ways to market the business far and wide without really enduring much expenditure. I am sharing my findings here. Simply, follow this "to do" list.
Thing to Do #1:
Register on Google Adwords. It is a very popular Internet marketing method. The information about your business will be available at relevant virtual locations. This way, there is a major credibility added to your brand. More so, your business will appear on the global as well as local platforms. What more can you want?
Thing to Do #2:
Make a website or, at least, a blog of your organization. This way information about your business/product/service will be available at a convenient virtual location. This can have a lot of advantages. We shall discuss them in the next points.
Thing to Do #3:
Make sure that all the content on your blog or website is search engine optimized. This way not only will the Google adwords work for you, but also the searches will contain your website. The more optimized your web content, the higher you will rank on the pages, the more visitors you will have. You can also earn from Google Adsense this way.
Thing to Do #4:
Use social networking sites for your advantage. You can advertise on facebook, twitter and orkut. Make pages and communities on them. You can also have people who place orders or make appointments or take advice or information from you directly at these sites. You can cash on the mental availability of any individual online on these websites.
Thing to Do #5:
You can provide links of your web space on other websites or relevant forums. Write for online newsletter regarding the relevant topics, end it with your link. This way the reader will genuinely visit your site and the goodwill will start to build instantly.
Thing to Do #6:
When sending an official or personal email, you can keep the web-link and contact number of your organization in the signature. Save it in the settings itself. Regular visibility of a certain name or word clicks the curiosity button enough to make any one click on the link and visit the site.
Thing to Do #7:
Online referral programs like banner advertisements on other sites and their advertisements on yours can also help increase your visibility.
So, I believe by now you agree, online marketing is a good way to market your business. Cash on the 'free'-dom of the Internet. But, make sure you follow ethical modes. On the net, one mistake is enough to nullify months of good work! All the best!
By Rashida Khilawala:buzzle.com
Have you gotten absolutely bored of people advising you to "use the internet for marketing" without telling you how? Well, here is your chance to clear your doubts. There are many many ways to market the business far and wide without really enduring much expenditure. I am sharing my findings here. Simply, follow this "to do" list.
Thing to Do #1:
Register on Google Adwords. It is a very popular Internet marketing method. The information about your business will be available at relevant virtual locations. This way, there is a major credibility added to your brand. More so, your business will appear on the global as well as local platforms. What more can you want?
Thing to Do #2:
Make a website or, at least, a blog of your organization. This way information about your business/product/service will be available at a convenient virtual location. This can have a lot of advantages. We shall discuss them in the next points.
Thing to Do #3:
Make sure that all the content on your blog or website is search engine optimized. This way not only will the Google adwords work for you, but also the searches will contain your website. The more optimized your web content, the higher you will rank on the pages, the more visitors you will have. You can also earn from Google Adsense this way.
Thing to Do #4:
Use social networking sites for your advantage. You can advertise on facebook, twitter and orkut. Make pages and communities on them. You can also have people who place orders or make appointments or take advice or information from you directly at these sites. You can cash on the mental availability of any individual online on these websites.
Thing to Do #5:
You can provide links of your web space on other websites or relevant forums. Write for online newsletter regarding the relevant topics, end it with your link. This way the reader will genuinely visit your site and the goodwill will start to build instantly.
Thing to Do #6:
When sending an official or personal email, you can keep the web-link and contact number of your organization in the signature. Save it in the settings itself. Regular visibility of a certain name or word clicks the curiosity button enough to make any one click on the link and visit the site.
Thing to Do #7:
Online referral programs like banner advertisements on other sites and their advertisements on yours can also help increase your visibility.
So, I believe by now you agree, online marketing is a good way to market your business. Cash on the 'free'-dom of the Internet. But, make sure you follow ethical modes. On the net, one mistake is enough to nullify months of good work! All the best!
By Rashida Khilawala:buzzle.com
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Where to find jobs hiring now
The ability where to find jobs hiring now can be a daunting task for an unemployed worker, but it is not impossible when approached with the proper game-plan. The competition for jobs in an economy that is experiencing recession is fierce, but by knowing where to find jobs hiring now an applicant will find the path of employment much less stressful and easier to manage. When looking to find jobs hiring now an individual must first determine the type of position they are seeking in terms of career field, full-time or part-time work, and the amount of money they desire as a salary. This simple use of thought processes enables an individual seeking to find jobs hiring now to eliminate those that are not suited to their best interests, and thereby save a good deal of work in their personal job search.
Where to find jobs hiring now starts with getting your personal information to as many prospective employers as is humanely possible. Finding jobs that are hiring now is best approached with the use of telephone calls to companies to inquire as to their current hiring situation, and then by following up with a resume delivered either by fax or in person. The internet is another wonderful way to find jobs hiring now, and is probably the quickest manner by which to achieve success in your job search. Internet blogs, employment websites and individual company websites offer a variety of precise information for a person job searching, and much ground can be covered even at 2 AM. These websites can help a displaced worker save time by allowing them to find jobs that are hiring now without the expenditure of time and gasoline spent running all over town in a job search.
This is not to imply where to find jobs hiring now can be completely done from home - it is a diverse effort that requires it's fair share of leg-work. State offices of employment and the Veterans Administration offer sound advice and leads on where to find jobs hiring now and should be incorporated into nearly every job search to up the chances of success. Another great way to find jobs hiring now is to devote 2 days a week to knocking on doors and filling out applications in person. An experienced worker with good skills may be able to find jobs hiring now in this manner by the sheer strength of their abilities in an economy torn by recession.
helium.com
by Thom W. Conroy
Where to find jobs hiring now starts with getting your personal information to as many prospective employers as is humanely possible. Finding jobs that are hiring now is best approached with the use of telephone calls to companies to inquire as to their current hiring situation, and then by following up with a resume delivered either by fax or in person. The internet is another wonderful way to find jobs hiring now, and is probably the quickest manner by which to achieve success in your job search. Internet blogs, employment websites and individual company websites offer a variety of precise information for a person job searching, and much ground can be covered even at 2 AM. These websites can help a displaced worker save time by allowing them to find jobs that are hiring now without the expenditure of time and gasoline spent running all over town in a job search.
This is not to imply where to find jobs hiring now can be completely done from home - it is a diverse effort that requires it's fair share of leg-work. State offices of employment and the Veterans Administration offer sound advice and leads on where to find jobs hiring now and should be incorporated into nearly every job search to up the chances of success. Another great way to find jobs hiring now is to devote 2 days a week to knocking on doors and filling out applications in person. An experienced worker with good skills may be able to find jobs hiring now in this manner by the sheer strength of their abilities in an economy torn by recession.
helium.com
by Thom W. Conroy
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Latest home based business ideas
Why do so many people dream of a home based business? Firstly, it’s a chance to escape the dreary world of a nine to five job. Secondly, it’s an opportunity to leave the influence of the boss and workplace hierarchy to devlop your own ideas.
Working at home inspires ideas of freedom, of control over your own life, of flexible working hours, and just rewards for work well done. And there is no work uniform to be worn. Most importantly, you get to choose exactly what it is that you do.
It comes as no surprise then that working from home is a growing trend, especially amongst women. This growing body comprises employees of different types, including freelancers, independent contractors, consultants and “telecommuters”.
In this article you will learn how to research and put into practice the latest home based business ideas.
Do your research
If you feel this move could be for you, it’s important to identify the most suitable home business career. This means doing some research. Don’t just go for the first thing that appeals to you: write up your CV as clearly and accurately as if you were applying for a regular job. Be honest about your skills, experience and personal qualities. Also do an inventory of the facilities and equipment you have at home, because for many jobs you’ll need to add to this, even if it’s only a software program.
Also take a good look at your lifestyle. Again, be realistic about how many hours you will be available to work. It is easy to think that you’ll have plenty of time, when in reality the conflicting demands of home and family can take over, precisely because you are in the house and not somewhere else.
It should also go without saying that you need to be happy with whatever it is you decide to do. If you’re not, it defeats the point of working at home in the first place. You could end up doing something you really don’t like just to earn money, with far more stress than if you were in a regular job. The latest-home based business idea may sound like fun on paper, but check out what it is like on a day-to-day basis before you commit your own time and money. It is always a good idea to speak to several other people who are already running similar home based businesses, to find out the good and bad points about this type of business.
The most obvious choice for a home job would be the office job you do at the moment, but completed at home instead of in the office. Would your existing employer allow you to telecommute? Perhaps they would allow you to work part-time in the office and part-time at home. It’s worth looking into.
Another option is to have a freelance job. This is very suitable for creative occupations, such as graphic and web site design, writing, etc. The difficulty with this kind of work is obtaining enough regular work to give you a steady income, so research what’s already being provided in your area. Find out how much competition there is, who the practitioners are working for, and what they are charging. You will need to not only be good at the service you’re providing, but good at marketing what you do as well.
Making the latest home based business ideas work for you
Remember that marketing this kind of career is going to cost you some money as well as effort, so you’ll need to budget for this. Do you know anybody who already works on a freelance basis, perhaps providing a different kind of service to the one you offer? It could be worth buying them lunch to hear about how they have approached building up their business.
The most important thing at this stage, whatever line of work you’re looking at, is to be clear about your prospects. However much money you think you’re going to earn, the reality is that you’re likely to earn a lot less, certainly in the early days. So do some careful budgeting. Be realistic about your monthly outgoings and how much you need to live on.
There are many work-from-home jobs advertised that promise you a huge amount of money for just a few short hours per week. It’s best to take the view that this simply will not happen – the very few people who are earning that kind of income are the ones who’ve set the business up, not the people who are working for them. And even then, it will have taken them years to develop the work to that level. The latest home based business ideas can sound very enticing and lucrative, but always be wary of any claims made for these business ideas.
If you don’t have a specialist skill, it’s possible that you might have to do more than one job to make your way. Or perhaps you can do a specialist job, backed up with something unskilled that brings extra money in. This might be most appropriate if you’re a parent with young children and can only manage a few hours per day.
Should you go for it?
To start with, a good idea is to sit down with a sheet of paper. Divide it into two columns. On one side, write down the pluses and minuses of working for an employer away from home. On the other, do the same thing but for home employment. When you’re looking at the results, think about things such as whether you need to be around other people or whether you’re happy working alone, whether you can cope with a lack of financial security, whether you are extravert enough to get out there and market whatever service or product you are providing, whether you have the spare funds to pay for marketing costs such as a website, whether you’re willing to go on courses to improve your skills base … the list goes on.
Hopefully you will find the solution that’s right for you, earning enough money while being happy with what you’re doing. Good luck with putting the latest home based business ideas in to practice!
by:alec.co.uk
Working at home inspires ideas of freedom, of control over your own life, of flexible working hours, and just rewards for work well done. And there is no work uniform to be worn. Most importantly, you get to choose exactly what it is that you do.
It comes as no surprise then that working from home is a growing trend, especially amongst women. This growing body comprises employees of different types, including freelancers, independent contractors, consultants and “telecommuters”.
In this article you will learn how to research and put into practice the latest home based business ideas.
Do your research
If you feel this move could be for you, it’s important to identify the most suitable home business career. This means doing some research. Don’t just go for the first thing that appeals to you: write up your CV as clearly and accurately as if you were applying for a regular job. Be honest about your skills, experience and personal qualities. Also do an inventory of the facilities and equipment you have at home, because for many jobs you’ll need to add to this, even if it’s only a software program.
Also take a good look at your lifestyle. Again, be realistic about how many hours you will be available to work. It is easy to think that you’ll have plenty of time, when in reality the conflicting demands of home and family can take over, precisely because you are in the house and not somewhere else.
It should also go without saying that you need to be happy with whatever it is you decide to do. If you’re not, it defeats the point of working at home in the first place. You could end up doing something you really don’t like just to earn money, with far more stress than if you were in a regular job. The latest-home based business idea may sound like fun on paper, but check out what it is like on a day-to-day basis before you commit your own time and money. It is always a good idea to speak to several other people who are already running similar home based businesses, to find out the good and bad points about this type of business.
The most obvious choice for a home job would be the office job you do at the moment, but completed at home instead of in the office. Would your existing employer allow you to telecommute? Perhaps they would allow you to work part-time in the office and part-time at home. It’s worth looking into.
Another option is to have a freelance job. This is very suitable for creative occupations, such as graphic and web site design, writing, etc. The difficulty with this kind of work is obtaining enough regular work to give you a steady income, so research what’s already being provided in your area. Find out how much competition there is, who the practitioners are working for, and what they are charging. You will need to not only be good at the service you’re providing, but good at marketing what you do as well.
Making the latest home based business ideas work for you
Remember that marketing this kind of career is going to cost you some money as well as effort, so you’ll need to budget for this. Do you know anybody who already works on a freelance basis, perhaps providing a different kind of service to the one you offer? It could be worth buying them lunch to hear about how they have approached building up their business.
The most important thing at this stage, whatever line of work you’re looking at, is to be clear about your prospects. However much money you think you’re going to earn, the reality is that you’re likely to earn a lot less, certainly in the early days. So do some careful budgeting. Be realistic about your monthly outgoings and how much you need to live on.
There are many work-from-home jobs advertised that promise you a huge amount of money for just a few short hours per week. It’s best to take the view that this simply will not happen – the very few people who are earning that kind of income are the ones who’ve set the business up, not the people who are working for them. And even then, it will have taken them years to develop the work to that level. The latest home based business ideas can sound very enticing and lucrative, but always be wary of any claims made for these business ideas.
If you don’t have a specialist skill, it’s possible that you might have to do more than one job to make your way. Or perhaps you can do a specialist job, backed up with something unskilled that brings extra money in. This might be most appropriate if you’re a parent with young children and can only manage a few hours per day.
Should you go for it?
To start with, a good idea is to sit down with a sheet of paper. Divide it into two columns. On one side, write down the pluses and minuses of working for an employer away from home. On the other, do the same thing but for home employment. When you’re looking at the results, think about things such as whether you need to be around other people or whether you’re happy working alone, whether you can cope with a lack of financial security, whether you are extravert enough to get out there and market whatever service or product you are providing, whether you have the spare funds to pay for marketing costs such as a website, whether you’re willing to go on courses to improve your skills base … the list goes on.
Hopefully you will find the solution that’s right for you, earning enough money while being happy with what you’re doing. Good luck with putting the latest home based business ideas in to practice!
by:alec.co.uk
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
5 Flexible Career Choices
Want some flexibility with your work schedule? To the cloud!
Cloud-computing refers to the ability to share files and applications via the internet.
Cloud-working, meanwhile, is a new way to describe an old career trend that is surging in popularity: telecommuting.
"We've seen a 400 percent increase in telecommuting job openings over the last three years," says Sara Sutton-Fell, founder and CEO of FlexJobs, a subscription job search site.
Would you like a career with a more flexible work schedule? Keep reading to see which careers often offer convenient telecommuting options.
Flexible Career #1 - Medical and Health
Medical and health care opportunities lead all other flexible and telecommuting career categories in job listings, according to a May 2011 FlexJobs survey. Newer innovations like digital images have led to an increase in opportunities for everyone from nurses to health care support workers to work offsite via an internet connection and telephone.
How to Prepare: Studying medical assisting in a certificate or associate's degree program is a common way to prepare for a career as a medical assistant, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. For nurses, earning your associate's or bachelor's degree in nursing is recommended.
Average Earning Potential for Medical and Health Careers:*
Medical Assistants: $29,760
Medical Transcriptionists: $33,530
Registered Nurses: $67,720
Want to Pursue a Career in the Medical Field?
Search for Nursing and Medical Assisting Programs Now
Flexible Career #2 - Sales
In sales, your numbers refer to your productivity and your performance is what could ultimately define you and your career. Do your job well and you may be able to pick and choose where you work. In fact, many sales reps have the freedom to determine their own schedules, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
How to Prepare: Sales reps with a college degree have the best job prospects, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Recommended degrees include sales, marketing, and business administration.
Average Earning Potential for Sales Careers:*
Sales Reps: $60,430
Sales Reps (Wholesale and Manufacturing): $62,720
Sales Reps (Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific): $84,360
Want to Pursue a Sales Career Path?
Find the Right Business School for You Now!
Flexible Career #3 - Online Teaching and Tutoring
The proliferation of online schools has led to an increase in demand for online teachers, according to Sutton-Fell, who also mentions tutoring as a possible telecommuting career option. Many lessons are posted in advance, though some classes involve real-time lecturing via a headset and webcam. Online teaching and tutoring opportunities could also serve as potential second and third jobs that you can fit around work and family responsibilities.
How to Prepare: You'll need a bachelor's degree, at a minimum, and often a graduate-level degree in the area you want to teach could be necessary, particularly if you plan to teach at a college or university, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. To teach public school, you need your teacher certification. For tutors, any degrees and certification you earn could help you build up your resume to attract clients.
Average Earning Potential for Teaching and Tutoring Careers:*
Adult Basic and Secondary Education and Literacy Teachers and Instructors: $51,080
Postsecondary Communications Teachers: $67,820
Postsecondary Computer Science Teachers: $78,190
Explore Your Options in Teaching - Find Education Degree Programs
Flexible Career #4 - Customer Service and Support
Working from home is becoming more common for customer service reps, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, which describes it as one of the largest occupations in the country. For those who work in a call center, the Department of Labor says there are many part-time and split shift customer service opportunities available.
How to Prepare: While it is possible to get hired with just a high school diploma, customer service reps with an associate's or bachelor's degree could have better odds of finding a job, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, which recommends taking computer-related courses or studying English and business.
Average Earning Potential for Customer Service and Support Careers:*
Administrative Support Workers: $32,600
Customer Service Reps: $32,780
Computer Support Specialists: $49,930
Search for Technology Support Programs
Flexible Career #5 - Web & Software Development
Working in the cloud-computing industry is a great way to use the "cloud" to work where and when you want. Whether you are designing applications and networks or developing software, a laptop may be all that's required in this flexible career choice.
How to Prepare: Having a degree or certificate can help demonstrate to employers that you are qualified for this type of work. The U.S. Department of Labor recommends studying subjects like computer science, engineering, programming & software, network administration, and database technology.
Average Earning Potential for Web & Software Development Careers:*
Network Systems Administrators: $72,200
Computer Programmers: $74,900
Computer Support Specialists: $49,930
By Chris Kyle
Cloud-computing refers to the ability to share files and applications via the internet.
Cloud-working, meanwhile, is a new way to describe an old career trend that is surging in popularity: telecommuting.
"We've seen a 400 percent increase in telecommuting job openings over the last three years," says Sara Sutton-Fell, founder and CEO of FlexJobs, a subscription job search site.
Would you like a career with a more flexible work schedule? Keep reading to see which careers often offer convenient telecommuting options.
Flexible Career #1 - Medical and Health
Medical and health care opportunities lead all other flexible and telecommuting career categories in job listings, according to a May 2011 FlexJobs survey. Newer innovations like digital images have led to an increase in opportunities for everyone from nurses to health care support workers to work offsite via an internet connection and telephone.
How to Prepare: Studying medical assisting in a certificate or associate's degree program is a common way to prepare for a career as a medical assistant, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. For nurses, earning your associate's or bachelor's degree in nursing is recommended.
Average Earning Potential for Medical and Health Careers:*
Medical Assistants: $29,760
Medical Transcriptionists: $33,530
Registered Nurses: $67,720
Want to Pursue a Career in the Medical Field?
Search for Nursing and Medical Assisting Programs Now
Flexible Career #2 - Sales
In sales, your numbers refer to your productivity and your performance is what could ultimately define you and your career. Do your job well and you may be able to pick and choose where you work. In fact, many sales reps have the freedom to determine their own schedules, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
How to Prepare: Sales reps with a college degree have the best job prospects, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Recommended degrees include sales, marketing, and business administration.
Average Earning Potential for Sales Careers:*
Sales Reps: $60,430
Sales Reps (Wholesale and Manufacturing): $62,720
Sales Reps (Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific): $84,360
Want to Pursue a Sales Career Path?
Find the Right Business School for You Now!
Flexible Career #3 - Online Teaching and Tutoring
The proliferation of online schools has led to an increase in demand for online teachers, according to Sutton-Fell, who also mentions tutoring as a possible telecommuting career option. Many lessons are posted in advance, though some classes involve real-time lecturing via a headset and webcam. Online teaching and tutoring opportunities could also serve as potential second and third jobs that you can fit around work and family responsibilities.
How to Prepare: You'll need a bachelor's degree, at a minimum, and often a graduate-level degree in the area you want to teach could be necessary, particularly if you plan to teach at a college or university, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. To teach public school, you need your teacher certification. For tutors, any degrees and certification you earn could help you build up your resume to attract clients.
Average Earning Potential for Teaching and Tutoring Careers:*
Adult Basic and Secondary Education and Literacy Teachers and Instructors: $51,080
Postsecondary Communications Teachers: $67,820
Postsecondary Computer Science Teachers: $78,190
Explore Your Options in Teaching - Find Education Degree Programs
Flexible Career #4 - Customer Service and Support
Working from home is becoming more common for customer service reps, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, which describes it as one of the largest occupations in the country. For those who work in a call center, the Department of Labor says there are many part-time and split shift customer service opportunities available.
How to Prepare: While it is possible to get hired with just a high school diploma, customer service reps with an associate's or bachelor's degree could have better odds of finding a job, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, which recommends taking computer-related courses or studying English and business.
Average Earning Potential for Customer Service and Support Careers:*
Administrative Support Workers: $32,600
Customer Service Reps: $32,780
Computer Support Specialists: $49,930
Search for Technology Support Programs
Flexible Career #5 - Web & Software Development
Working in the cloud-computing industry is a great way to use the "cloud" to work where and when you want. Whether you are designing applications and networks or developing software, a laptop may be all that's required in this flexible career choice.
How to Prepare: Having a degree or certificate can help demonstrate to employers that you are qualified for this type of work. The U.S. Department of Labor recommends studying subjects like computer science, engineering, programming & software, network administration, and database technology.
Average Earning Potential for Web & Software Development Careers:*
Network Systems Administrators: $72,200
Computer Programmers: $74,900
Computer Support Specialists: $49,930
By Chris Kyle
Monday, September 19, 2011
The 50 Best Careers of 2011
It pays to be smart when choosing your career, particularly now that the job market is (slowly) improving. With the recession officially over, anyone who's out of work or eager to change jobs is on the lookout for opportunities. But where, exactly, are the jobs? Which occupations offer decent salaries, quality of life—and are likely to stick around for the next decade?
Our list of 50 Best Careers answers those questions. We've highlighted dozens of high-opportunity professions—careers you may want to consider as you decide where to look for your next paycheck. Based on job-growth projections, salary data, and other factors like job satisfaction, these occupations span a variety of industries, so you can find the right position for you no matter what your interests.
What's new on the list this year? Several of our picks reflect the recent uptick in the economy, while others are long-time contenders that finally muscled their way onto the roster. With an aging baby boomer generation, healthcare continues to make a strong showing. All of the healthcare jobs on last year's list have made the cut again this year, plus two new positions: massage therapist and athletic trainer. While the field of athletic training doesn't offer the sheer number of positions as nursing or dental hygiene, it outranks nearly all other healthcare occupations for expected job growth.
[See Tips for Landing Jobs on Our List.]
Technology positions also account for a good chunk of our top-choice careers. Computer support specialist joins the ranks this year with upward trending employment numbers. Education administrator, which ranked particularly high for job satisfaction, made it onto our lineup of social service jobs. In the business category, we added sales manager, an occupation that's making a comeback along with the economy.
On our creative and service jobs list, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration technician is new this year, largely because of its high expected job growth. Interpreter/translator, an occupation that's increasingly in demand as a result of globalization, also made the cut.
To come up with this year's list, U.S. News considered job-growth projections from the Labor Department, estimates for 2008 to 2018, the most recent data available. We narrowed it down to occupations that are expected to add jobs at an above-average rate over the next decade, as well as those that provide an above-average median income. Sales manager makes the highest median annual salary on our list, nearly $97,000. Computer software engineer, physician assistant, meteorologist and education administrator all bring in median average salaries in the mid-$80,000 range.
We also considered, where possible, data on job satisfaction, turnover, and impending retirements, which crank up openings in jobs that may have only slightly above-average employment growth. We talked with labor and industry experts as well, gathering anecdotal evidence about employment prospects and job satisfaction. We excluded careers that lack a statistically significant number of positions and therefore provide opportunity for only a small number of workers. When necessary, we favored jobs that would help diversify our list in terms of category and educational requirements, since not everyone wants to work in healthcare or go to school for six years.
[See 10 Smart Ways to Use Social Media in Your Job Search.]
Most of the jobs that were cut from the list this year showed a higher-than-average unemployment rate or shrinking employment numbers during the last few quarters. From the creative and service jobs category, funeral director, plumber, security system installer, and landscape architect got the boot. In business, we cut market research analyst, loan officer, and cost estimator.
Of course, no one job is best for everyone, and everyone has their own ideas about what makes a job great. "You have to like what you're doing or you're not going to be successful at it," says Emily Bennington, who helps college graduates transition into careers through her company, Professional Studio 365. At the same time, "if you're not getting paid to do it, you're not going to love it for very long."
Qualities that make a job desirable also change with the times and circumstances. Tom Smith, director of the General Social Survey, conducted by the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago, expects his next set of job-satisfaction data to show that workers value stability more than they did before the recession. "Occupations that have greater job stability perhaps have improved in the public's evaluation," he says.
[For more career advice, visit U.S. News Careers, or find us on Facebook or Twitter.]
Even as hiring picks up, the odds can seem daunting to job seekers. In a struggling economy with a 9.6 percent unemployment rate, competition is stiff even for some jobs that made our list. For every job opening in September, there were about five unemployed people, according to the Labor Department. While that's an improvement from 6.2 people for every job opening in November 2009, the most recent peak, "it's still a very tough job market," says Steve Hipple, an economist at the Labor Department. During the three years before the recession, the rate averaged 1.7 unemployed people for every job opening.
Others like John Challenger, CEO of outplacement company Challenger, Gray & Christmas, are more optimistic. "The whole environment has changed," says Challenger, who talks daily with companies that are hiring, as well as job seekers. "(It's) certainly not gang-busters by any means ... but it feels like springtime compared to last year's winter in the job market."
Whether you're out of work or your job has simply fallen out of favor, you'll likely find an occupation on our list that suits you. For each profession, we've offered a summary of what you can expect on the job, as well as advice from hiring managers and people who work in that industry about how to land one.
Here's our list of the 50 Best Careers of 2011—click each job to learn more:
Business Jobs:
• Actuary
• Financial adviser
• Financial analyst
• Logistician
• Meeting planner
• Public relations specialist
• Sales manager
• Training specialist
Creative and Service Jobs:
• Commercial pilot
• Curator
• Film and video editor
• Gaming manager
• Heating, air conditioning and refrigeration technician
• Interpreter/Translator
• Multimedia artist
• Technical writer
Healthcare Jobs:
• Athletic trainer
• Dental hygienist
• Lab technician
• Massage therapist
• Occupational therapist
• Optometrist
• Physician assistant
• Physical therapist
• Physical therapist assistant
• Radiologic technologist
• Registered nurse
• School psychologist
• Veterinarian
Social Service Jobs:
• Clergy
• Court reporter
• Education administrator
• Emergency management specialist
• Firefighter
• Marriage and family therapist
• Mediator
• Medical and public health social worker
• Special-education teacher
• Urban planner
Technology Jobs:
• Biomedical engineer
• Civil engineer
• Computer software engineer
• Computer support specialist
• Computer systems analyst
• Environmental engineering technician
• Environmental science technician
• Hydrologist
• Meteorologist
• Network architect
money.usnews.com
By Alexis Grant
Our list of 50 Best Careers answers those questions. We've highlighted dozens of high-opportunity professions—careers you may want to consider as you decide where to look for your next paycheck. Based on job-growth projections, salary data, and other factors like job satisfaction, these occupations span a variety of industries, so you can find the right position for you no matter what your interests.
What's new on the list this year? Several of our picks reflect the recent uptick in the economy, while others are long-time contenders that finally muscled their way onto the roster. With an aging baby boomer generation, healthcare continues to make a strong showing. All of the healthcare jobs on last year's list have made the cut again this year, plus two new positions: massage therapist and athletic trainer. While the field of athletic training doesn't offer the sheer number of positions as nursing or dental hygiene, it outranks nearly all other healthcare occupations for expected job growth.
[See Tips for Landing Jobs on Our List.]
Technology positions also account for a good chunk of our top-choice careers. Computer support specialist joins the ranks this year with upward trending employment numbers. Education administrator, which ranked particularly high for job satisfaction, made it onto our lineup of social service jobs. In the business category, we added sales manager, an occupation that's making a comeback along with the economy.
On our creative and service jobs list, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration technician is new this year, largely because of its high expected job growth. Interpreter/translator, an occupation that's increasingly in demand as a result of globalization, also made the cut.
To come up with this year's list, U.S. News considered job-growth projections from the Labor Department, estimates for 2008 to 2018, the most recent data available. We narrowed it down to occupations that are expected to add jobs at an above-average rate over the next decade, as well as those that provide an above-average median income. Sales manager makes the highest median annual salary on our list, nearly $97,000. Computer software engineer, physician assistant, meteorologist and education administrator all bring in median average salaries in the mid-$80,000 range.
We also considered, where possible, data on job satisfaction, turnover, and impending retirements, which crank up openings in jobs that may have only slightly above-average employment growth. We talked with labor and industry experts as well, gathering anecdotal evidence about employment prospects and job satisfaction. We excluded careers that lack a statistically significant number of positions and therefore provide opportunity for only a small number of workers. When necessary, we favored jobs that would help diversify our list in terms of category and educational requirements, since not everyone wants to work in healthcare or go to school for six years.
[See 10 Smart Ways to Use Social Media in Your Job Search.]
Most of the jobs that were cut from the list this year showed a higher-than-average unemployment rate or shrinking employment numbers during the last few quarters. From the creative and service jobs category, funeral director, plumber, security system installer, and landscape architect got the boot. In business, we cut market research analyst, loan officer, and cost estimator.
Of course, no one job is best for everyone, and everyone has their own ideas about what makes a job great. "You have to like what you're doing or you're not going to be successful at it," says Emily Bennington, who helps college graduates transition into careers through her company, Professional Studio 365. At the same time, "if you're not getting paid to do it, you're not going to love it for very long."
Qualities that make a job desirable also change with the times and circumstances. Tom Smith, director of the General Social Survey, conducted by the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago, expects his next set of job-satisfaction data to show that workers value stability more than they did before the recession. "Occupations that have greater job stability perhaps have improved in the public's evaluation," he says.
[For more career advice, visit U.S. News Careers, or find us on Facebook or Twitter.]
Even as hiring picks up, the odds can seem daunting to job seekers. In a struggling economy with a 9.6 percent unemployment rate, competition is stiff even for some jobs that made our list. For every job opening in September, there were about five unemployed people, according to the Labor Department. While that's an improvement from 6.2 people for every job opening in November 2009, the most recent peak, "it's still a very tough job market," says Steve Hipple, an economist at the Labor Department. During the three years before the recession, the rate averaged 1.7 unemployed people for every job opening.
Others like John Challenger, CEO of outplacement company Challenger, Gray & Christmas, are more optimistic. "The whole environment has changed," says Challenger, who talks daily with companies that are hiring, as well as job seekers. "(It's) certainly not gang-busters by any means ... but it feels like springtime compared to last year's winter in the job market."
Whether you're out of work or your job has simply fallen out of favor, you'll likely find an occupation on our list that suits you. For each profession, we've offered a summary of what you can expect on the job, as well as advice from hiring managers and people who work in that industry about how to land one.
Here's our list of the 50 Best Careers of 2011—click each job to learn more:
Business Jobs:
• Actuary
• Financial adviser
• Financial analyst
• Logistician
• Meeting planner
• Public relations specialist
• Sales manager
• Training specialist
Creative and Service Jobs:
• Commercial pilot
• Curator
• Film and video editor
• Gaming manager
• Heating, air conditioning and refrigeration technician
• Interpreter/Translator
• Multimedia artist
• Technical writer
Healthcare Jobs:
• Athletic trainer
• Dental hygienist
• Lab technician
• Massage therapist
• Occupational therapist
• Optometrist
• Physician assistant
• Physical therapist
• Physical therapist assistant
• Radiologic technologist
• Registered nurse
• School psychologist
• Veterinarian
Social Service Jobs:
• Clergy
• Court reporter
• Education administrator
• Emergency management specialist
• Firefighter
• Marriage and family therapist
• Mediator
• Medical and public health social worker
• Special-education teacher
• Urban planner
Technology Jobs:
• Biomedical engineer
• Civil engineer
• Computer software engineer
• Computer support specialist
• Computer systems analyst
• Environmental engineering technician
• Environmental science technician
• Hydrologist
• Meteorologist
• Network architect
money.usnews.com
By Alexis Grant
Monday, September 12, 2011
Top 5 In-Demand Degrees
Do you want to be more marketable to employers?
New research shows that having the right degree could help.
"As is typically the case, business and engineering majors, plus those earning degrees in technical fields, including computer science, are most in demand at the bachelor's degree level," writes the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) in its "2011 Job Outlook".
While some studies break down which degrees are most popular nationwide, NACE's study is unique in that it polls employers and asks them to forecast their hiring intentions.
Thinking about going back to school and not sure what to study?
Check out NACE's 5 most in-demand bachelor's degrees.
In-Demand Degree #1 - Accounting
Knowing how to read and balance a financial spreadsheet could come in handy when marketing yourself to companies. When asked for your skill-set, you'll be able to respond confidently that you are well-versed in the latest accounting theories and practices and know how to use the most current software.
Want to Earn an Accounting Degree? Find the Right School Now.
In-Demand Career Prospects: Employment opportunities for accountants will rise 22 percent through 2018, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Closely related careers include budget analysts and loan officers.
Related Careers and Average Salaries:*
Loan Officer: $65,900
Accountant: $68,960
Budget Analyst: $70,660
Search for Accounting Programs
In-Demand Degree #2 - Finance
Want to impress high-level business employers? Understanding the markets and how businesses raise and invest capital is a good place to start. Studying finance in school could ground you in basic economic theories while allowing you to pick up the latest buzz words used by the banking and business worlds.
Want to Earn a Finance Degree? Find the Right School Now.
In-Demand Career Prospects: Job prospects for financial analysts, to name just one possible profession, are expected to grow 20 percent through 2018, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Other closely related careers include personal financial advisors and actuaries.
Related Careers and Average Salaries:*
Financial Analyst: $86,040
Personal Financial Advisor: $91,220
Actuary: $98,620
Search for Finance Degree Programs
In-Demand Degree #3 - Engineering
Engineering is a common choice for any list of top majors and our list of in-demand degrees is no different. Drilling down even further, electrical engineering graduates are poised to find the greatest success in the job market, according to the NACE survey, followed by mechanical engineering grads.
Want to Study Engineering? Find the Right School Now.
In-Demand Career Prospects: The future looks bright for engineering graduates, with engineering jobs as a whole expected to climb 11 percent through 2018, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
Related Careers and Average Salaries:*
Mechanical Engineer: $82,480
Civil Engineer: $82,280
Electrical Engineer: $87,770
Search for Engineering Programs
In-Demand Degree #4 - Computer Science
Going back to school to study computer science is a great way to stay relevant. Computers have revolutionized the business world and even the way we enjoy our free time. At the center of this perfect storm are computer scientists, who are always looking for more creative and efficient ways to do things.
Want to Earn a Computer Science Degree? Find the Right School Now.
In-Demand Career Prospects: Job opportunities for computer scientists are expected to grow 24 percent through 2018, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Related careers include computer network systems administrators and computer support specialists.
Related Careers and Average Salaries:*
Computer Support Specialist: $49,930
Network Systems Administrator: $72,200
Computer Scientist: $103,150
Search for Computer Science and IT Programs
In-Demand Degree #5 - Business Administration
Business administration is such an in-demand degree, in part, because it's so flexible. Want to work at a bank? Business programs include finance classes. Or maybe you want to work in communications, marketing, or e-commerce? Again, this degree could cover some very relevant topics. Whether you want to work for a big or small business, studying business administration is a good way to prepare yourself.
Want to Earn a Business Administration Degree? Find the Right School Now.
In-Demand Career Prospects: There are plenty of different routes to go here. Public relations specialists, to name one, are enjoying a 24 percent surge in opportunities through 2018, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Market researchers are doing even better, with a 28 percent jump in employment opportunities. Operation research analyst jobs, meanwhile, are growing 22 percent through 2018.
Related Careers and Average Salaries:*
Public Relations Specialist: $59,150
Marketing Specialist: $66,850
Operations Research Analyst: $76,980
By Chris Kyle
New research shows that having the right degree could help.
"As is typically the case, business and engineering majors, plus those earning degrees in technical fields, including computer science, are most in demand at the bachelor's degree level," writes the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) in its "2011 Job Outlook".
While some studies break down which degrees are most popular nationwide, NACE's study is unique in that it polls employers and asks them to forecast their hiring intentions.
Thinking about going back to school and not sure what to study?
Check out NACE's 5 most in-demand bachelor's degrees.
In-Demand Degree #1 - Accounting
Knowing how to read and balance a financial spreadsheet could come in handy when marketing yourself to companies. When asked for your skill-set, you'll be able to respond confidently that you are well-versed in the latest accounting theories and practices and know how to use the most current software.
Want to Earn an Accounting Degree? Find the Right School Now.
In-Demand Career Prospects: Employment opportunities for accountants will rise 22 percent through 2018, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Closely related careers include budget analysts and loan officers.
Related Careers and Average Salaries:*
Loan Officer: $65,900
Accountant: $68,960
Budget Analyst: $70,660
Search for Accounting Programs
In-Demand Degree #2 - Finance
Want to impress high-level business employers? Understanding the markets and how businesses raise and invest capital is a good place to start. Studying finance in school could ground you in basic economic theories while allowing you to pick up the latest buzz words used by the banking and business worlds.
Want to Earn a Finance Degree? Find the Right School Now.
In-Demand Career Prospects: Job prospects for financial analysts, to name just one possible profession, are expected to grow 20 percent through 2018, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Other closely related careers include personal financial advisors and actuaries.
Related Careers and Average Salaries:*
Financial Analyst: $86,040
Personal Financial Advisor: $91,220
Actuary: $98,620
Search for Finance Degree Programs
In-Demand Degree #3 - Engineering
Engineering is a common choice for any list of top majors and our list of in-demand degrees is no different. Drilling down even further, electrical engineering graduates are poised to find the greatest success in the job market, according to the NACE survey, followed by mechanical engineering grads.
Want to Study Engineering? Find the Right School Now.
In-Demand Career Prospects: The future looks bright for engineering graduates, with engineering jobs as a whole expected to climb 11 percent through 2018, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
Related Careers and Average Salaries:*
Mechanical Engineer: $82,480
Civil Engineer: $82,280
Electrical Engineer: $87,770
Search for Engineering Programs
In-Demand Degree #4 - Computer Science
Going back to school to study computer science is a great way to stay relevant. Computers have revolutionized the business world and even the way we enjoy our free time. At the center of this perfect storm are computer scientists, who are always looking for more creative and efficient ways to do things.
Want to Earn a Computer Science Degree? Find the Right School Now.
In-Demand Career Prospects: Job opportunities for computer scientists are expected to grow 24 percent through 2018, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Related careers include computer network systems administrators and computer support specialists.
Related Careers and Average Salaries:*
Computer Support Specialist: $49,930
Network Systems Administrator: $72,200
Computer Scientist: $103,150
Search for Computer Science and IT Programs
In-Demand Degree #5 - Business Administration
Business administration is such an in-demand degree, in part, because it's so flexible. Want to work at a bank? Business programs include finance classes. Or maybe you want to work in communications, marketing, or e-commerce? Again, this degree could cover some very relevant topics. Whether you want to work for a big or small business, studying business administration is a good way to prepare yourself.
Want to Earn a Business Administration Degree? Find the Right School Now.
In-Demand Career Prospects: There are plenty of different routes to go here. Public relations specialists, to name one, are enjoying a 24 percent surge in opportunities through 2018, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Market researchers are doing even better, with a 28 percent jump in employment opportunities. Operation research analyst jobs, meanwhile, are growing 22 percent through 2018.
Related Careers and Average Salaries:*
Public Relations Specialist: $59,150
Marketing Specialist: $66,850
Operations Research Analyst: $76,980
By Chris Kyle
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Best ways to find jobs in USA
If you are also like those people who are still roaming around with no jobs in their hand then you must have a look at this article written below.
If you want to find jobs in USA and want to search opportunities for you, then you can avail the services of some good employer USA company which can help in guiding you and give you advice to have a job which was your dream company.
As the current time is of recession therefore it has become more difficult to search jobs in USA, and above this difficulty comes another difficulty of not getting a job which is desired by you.
Because of this there is a compulsion on people to work in those sectors of which they do not have any knowledge. The problem behind this is that both the economic and financial conditions are very poor, so naturally it is difficult to find a dream job of your type.
At times innocent people are fooled by some recruitment companies who charge good sum of money from people and show them fake promises which they won't fulfill. And those innocent people when do not get jobs for themselves their moral goes down and determination vanishes. There are people who come in depression because of the fact as they can not get jobs which they desire. The other problem is that they do not get good consultants who can guide them in searching a good job.
When you plan to select a recruitment company or a consultancy firm then make sure that you do proper research work before selecting one. If you wish to have a job which suits your profile then you will have to work hard to find a nice employer USA recruitment firm.
The only negative point about these firms is that they charge high amounts from people.
So when you go for selecting then ask as many questions as you can, and all the queries must be asked until you get satisfied. You must ask questions that are valid that is some questions that how you can find good opportunities for searching a fine job.
On your part you are only required to find a USA company which will help you to search a job for you.
This is a very important decision of your life so you must be careful in taking this decision, so that later you do not regret. All terms and conditions must be properly read by you. So you must have proper enquiry done earlier.
So if you wish to have a job for you then do not waste time in just thinking what to do? Register yourself in a nice employer USA recruitment firm which will help you find jobs in USA. So all the best to you for finding a job of your type. Every person finds a JOB, Job Cluster provides you a best way for finding a job in USA. For sure your search ends here.
by:Swadesh Rohilla:jobs.ezinemark.com
If you want to find jobs in USA and want to search opportunities for you, then you can avail the services of some good employer USA company which can help in guiding you and give you advice to have a job which was your dream company.
As the current time is of recession therefore it has become more difficult to search jobs in USA, and above this difficulty comes another difficulty of not getting a job which is desired by you.
Because of this there is a compulsion on people to work in those sectors of which they do not have any knowledge. The problem behind this is that both the economic and financial conditions are very poor, so naturally it is difficult to find a dream job of your type.
At times innocent people are fooled by some recruitment companies who charge good sum of money from people and show them fake promises which they won't fulfill. And those innocent people when do not get jobs for themselves their moral goes down and determination vanishes. There are people who come in depression because of the fact as they can not get jobs which they desire. The other problem is that they do not get good consultants who can guide them in searching a good job.
When you plan to select a recruitment company or a consultancy firm then make sure that you do proper research work before selecting one. If you wish to have a job which suits your profile then you will have to work hard to find a nice employer USA recruitment firm.
The only negative point about these firms is that they charge high amounts from people.
So when you go for selecting then ask as many questions as you can, and all the queries must be asked until you get satisfied. You must ask questions that are valid that is some questions that how you can find good opportunities for searching a fine job.
On your part you are only required to find a USA company which will help you to search a job for you.
This is a very important decision of your life so you must be careful in taking this decision, so that later you do not regret. All terms and conditions must be properly read by you. So you must have proper enquiry done earlier.
So if you wish to have a job for you then do not waste time in just thinking what to do? Register yourself in a nice employer USA recruitment firm which will help you find jobs in USA. So all the best to you for finding a job of your type. Every person finds a JOB, Job Cluster provides you a best way for finding a job in USA. For sure your search ends here.
by:Swadesh Rohilla:jobs.ezinemark.com
Friday, September 9, 2011
10 High-paying Dirty Jobs
At some point in our lives, most of us have probably seen a task so revolting that we've admitted, "You couldn't pay me to do that." But not everyone feels that way. If a job needs to be done, chances are you can find someone to do it -- especially if the price is right.
Whether it's cleaning up human excrement or taking care of the dead, many people are willing to pay enough money not to do it, and they'll gladly pass the buck. Although most of us would rather live in blissful ignorance of what goes on in these nasty but necessary jobs, finding out the grisly details might send us thanking our lucky stars for our cushy jobs. On the other hand, taking a peek into the paychecks might have us considering a career change. If you're willing to get your hands dirty, you'll be able to rake in a nice living, in many cases for only a few months of work out of the year and without a college degree.
A dirty job may mean working with stuff that grosses most people out, but you can make a decent amount of money and you may also be happier with it. Some studies show that jobs with hands-on, manual activities make people happier than office jobs [BBC News]. In the movie "Office Space," the main character despised life as an office drone and finally finds happiness in a lowly construction job.
If you want to make a nice living but dread mind-numbing office work and fluorescent-lit cubicles, one of these jobs might be a perfect for you. But check a weak stomach at the door: These jobs entail revolting, dangerous and sometimes psychologically disturbing duties. First, we'll do a Dumpster dive into the life of a garbage collector.
Job 10: Garbage Collector
Most of us wash our hands of garbage as soon as we set it on the curb. If we can avoid the chore of taking the trash out, we toss our rubbish in the trash can and forget about it. Not so for the garbage collector.
If you've ever noticed an overflowing trashcan on a public street, you may have taken a moment to feel bad for the person who'll have to clean it all up. In the pinnacle of dirty jobs, garbage collectors have to deal hands-on with our trash, day in and day out. In this thankless job, they make sure it gets from our curbs to the landfill. Sanitation workers often put in long shifts, traveling up and down our streets to pick up trash while dodging impatient drivers -- who occasionally hit the guys who are emptying trash cans. That's one reason why trash collecting consistently ranks high on lists of dangerous jobs [source: Morsch].
Aside from angry drivers, these guys deal with forces of nature as well -- working in rain, snow and sleet. And let's not forget the smell. The reek of dirty diapers and rotting eggs can't be pleasant, especially combined with -- and particularly after -- stewing in the sun on a hot day. Even if sanitation engineers eventually get used to the smell, it probably doesn't make them popular after working a long shift.
Despite the dirt, the danger and the smell, there's no shortage of garbage collector jobs. The average annual salary for this occupation is about $43,000 [source: SimplyHired]. In California, the average hourly wage is $16.04, and in some places, the overtime can help shoot the pay to over $60,000 a year.
Job 9: Gastroenterologist
Sometimes the hardest tasks have to do with looking within ourselves. And we're not talking about soul-searching. Whatever we eat goes through a 25-foot (7.62 meter) journey in our digestive tract, and when problems arise, there's one kind of doctor we can go to for help -- the gastroenterologist -- also known as a GI doctor. These doctors specialize in the process that most of us wish would remain mysterious -- the body's digestion.
Nobody likes to talk about or describe their digestive problem. Whether it has to do with gas, abnormal stools or a pain in the rear, GIs diagnose and treat some of the most uncomfortable and embarrassing of ailments. So you can bet that the GI's patients aren't always happy to see him.
On top of it all, it's not easy to become a GI. These doctors have to go through four years of medical school, three years of residency and two to four years of a fellowship to become full-fledged gastroenterologists [source: AGA].
Why put yourself through so much grueling training for what's sure to be an aromatic job? Well, if helping people isn't enough of an incentive, it doesn't hurt that GIs make a handsome salary. Most GIs make between $250,000 and $400,000 a year -- not too crappy [source: Salary.com].
Job 8: Oil Rig Worker
To say that oil is a booming industry would be an understatement. Given that modern economies largely depend on it, and as prices soar, you can bet that companies will pay a lot to find and drill for this black gold. But for most workers, striking oil isn't so glamorous in real life. Daily life on an oil rig is dirty and dangerous.
Offshore rig life is especially difficult. It involves spending weeks at a time sleeping, eating and working 12-hour days or nights on a man-made drill rig in the middle of the ocean. Aside from the cramped conditions, heavy machinery and explosive materials make this a perilous job that requires hardhats and steel-toed boots. And the business side of oil drilling isn't the only part that's booming -- the machinery is extremely loud. Workers are typically required to wear earplugs on the job to prevent permanent hearing loss, and they communicate through hand signals.
But if you can stand the strenuous work and the time away from home, you'll be sitting pretty. Even lowly workers can get a nice annual pay over $40,000 [source: Miller]. Salaries can skyrocket for people with certain college degrees and for overseas work [source: OilJobFinder].
Job 7: Portable Toilet Cleaner
This job is a sort of combination of garbage collector and GI, and arguably more disgusting than both put together. Although most people in polite society methodically avoid situations where they need to use a portable toilet, modern outhouses can be lifesavers. As gross as they can be, they'd be worse without the folks who clean them for a living.
Using a tank and a vacuum wand, cleaners must suck up all the waste in a portable toilet. After picking up any stray toilet paper, they also wash down all surfaces that could possibly be soiled, including the walls. This is when a high-pressure hose comes in handy [source: Douglas]. Usually, cleaning one portable toilet takes only a few minutes, and most workers clean from 10 to 60 of them a day [source: AOL]. But it's not always that easy: Portable toilets that tip over require more damage control.
Nevertheless, some cleaners grin and bear it -- and take home $50,000 a year [source: AOL]
Job 6: Crab Fisherman
When most people think of fishing, they usually think of lazy afternoons on the lake and father-son bonding. It may come as a surprise, but fishing persistently ranks as the most deadly occupation in the U.S. [source: Christie].
If you've ever seen an episode of "Deadliest Catch," you probably have an idea of why that's true. Off the Alaskan shore, crab fisherman face freezing waters and storms that give way to gargantuan ocean waves. If the fishermen can protect themselves from being swept overboard in a storm, they'll still have to worry about the dangers of fishing machinery and coils on crab boats, which can also fling them overboard. And even if they avoid drowning, cold temperatures can give way to fatal hypothermia. These workers brave harsh conditions in shifts that can last as long as 21 hours to haul hefty catches [source: Miller].
But, as you might expect, the crab fishing industry is as lucrative as it is dangerous. For a few months of work out of the year, experienced workers can rake in about $60,000 [source: Miller]. It all depends on how successful the yield is for a particular boat.
Job 5: Sewer Inspector
Rats, roaches, dark passages and the occasional corpse -- no, we're not talking about a day in the life of Indiana Jones. In a much less glamorous role, the sewer worker deals with all of this stuff and more while braving the depths of the hundreds of miles of sewers beneath our cities.
After we've done our business in the bathroom, all we have to do is flush our waste goodbye, and we'll never have to see it again. But this isn't the case for the people who take care of our sewer systems. Their job entails walking and sometimes crawling through sewer tunnels to inspect for cracks, clogs and other problems. As if wading through human excrement didn't sound bad enough, some workers are also sewage divers. As you probably guessed, they have to go all out to swim through sewage to clean out clogs. In addition to the excrement, smell, and creepy crawly bugs and rats, sewer workers sometimes come across dead bodies, both animal and human.
Before you write off these employees as nuts for voluntarily diving into human waste, note that, with above a high school education, they can make over $60,000 a year [source: Speer]. Many people consider sewer inspectors noble stewards of Mother Earth because they keep our water and our streets clean.
Job 4: Coal Miner
Joining the ranks of garbage collecting and fishing, coal mining is also one of the most dangerous professions today [source: Alford]. Although mining has come a long way since "How Green Was My Valley" days, it remains a tough job. Coal mines contain methane, and explosions can occur when falling rocks cause sparks. What's more, unstable mines can collapse and kill workers.
Aside from these dangers, working directly with coal is literally dirty. Forget getting your hands dirty -- working in a coal mine will get your everything dirty. Coal dust coats all surfaces and contaminates the air. Just from breathing, coal miners ingest coal dust and sometimes develop black lung, a condition that causes shortness of breath and emphysema. Although improvements in mine ventilation have reduced the number of cases of black lung, it's still a problem [source: HealthAtoZ].
Nevertheless, even if it's covered in a film of black dust, money is still money. In West Virginia, where coal is a huge industry, coal miners earn an average annual salary of around $64,000 [source: Brook].
Job 3: Embalmer
Most cultures have long and ancient traditions of funeral rites and special treatment for the dead. Some of these traditions include ritualistic attempts to preserve the body as much as possible. Whereas ancient Egyptians would mummify, many modern cultures embalm.
When a person dies, the body quickly becomes pale and unsightly. This doesn't make for a very pleasant experience when family and friends say their goodbyes to their dearly departed loved ones. That's where the embalming process comes in. It delays the decomposition of a corpse and cosmetically restores it to look presentable for the viewing. It also sanitizes the body to prevent spreading infection [source: Aurora Casket Company].
The details of embalming aren't pretty. It involves first washing the body with germicidal soap and massaging out stiffness. Then embalmers drain the blood and gases and inject disinfecting embalming fluid. Preparing the face involves securing the mouth shut with wires and the eyes shut with glue [source: Redwood Funeral Society]. Morticians can also beautify the body with makeup, manicuring and shaving. They also dress the body before the funeral for viewing.
Embalmers are exposed to toxic cleaning chemicals during the process and to diseases from handling the bodies. In addition to needing a rock-solid constitution in dealing with corpses, those charged with this brave task also have to switch gears and tactfully interact with the family of the deceased.
Embalmers, morticians and mortuary workers earn about $41,000 on average, and the pay rises with experience [source: CNNMoney].
Job 2: Plumber
For the modern American, the idea of living without indoor plumbing is unthinkable. Plumbing may be one of the greatest advances of society because it offers us significant comfort and convenience. No longer do we have to step outside to brave harsh elements of nature to get water from a well or to enjoy the privacy of the outhouse. So when pipes get clogged or spring a leak, most of us can't last long without calling in a plumber.
Plumbers have the quintessential blue-collar job, often having to crouch under sinks or through the crawl spaces under houses. If these cramped and dirty conditions aren't bad enough, they deal with our revolting clogs and waste or dangerously hot pipes. Customers commonly call with plumbing emergencies at all hours, making schedules unpredictable.
But despite the drawbacks, plumbers make a nice living, as even entry level plumbers typically pull in between $35,000 and $40,000 a year [source: Salary.com]. On average, plumbers make about $47,000 annually [source: CollegeBoard].
Job 1: Crime Scene Cleaner
Talk about cleaning up after someone. In the aftermath of a bloody crime or the discovery of an illegal chemical lab, the police investigators rush in to save the day and bring the perpetrators to justice. But in the hurry to clean up crime in the city, police don't have time to clean up the walls. Be it blood and guts or hazardous chemicals, not a lot of people jump at the chance to be a crime scene cleaner.
Murders and suicides can get extra bloody. Throw in fragments of bone, gore and other body pieces strewn about the place, and you've got quite a mess. This job isn't for the faint of heart -- anyone who is prone to getting queasy or emotional won't succeed in this line of work. Developing stress disorders from this work isn't uncommon. It's also pretty dangerous. Even on days they don't have to deal with anthrax-laden labs, they do have to worry about getting infectious diseases from the body fluids. This means suiting up with hazardous materials protection gear.
Depending on how bad the mess is, the cleanup could take a few hours to a few days. But you won't hear these crime scene cleaners complaining too much -- they charge by the hour. With a little experience under your belt and flexibility with your work hours, you can easily make about $75,000 a year with this job [source: Sahadi]. Although you don't need a college degree to get a crime scene cleaning job, it can help boost that salary into six figures.
There's no doubt these past 10 jobs justify the old maxim, "It's a dirty job, but somebody's got to do it." Maybe the next time we see a garbage collector or meet a funeral home worker, we can tip our hats to them for doing the jobs that most of us couldn't handle for one day.
by Jane McGrath:money.howstuffworks.com/
Whether it's cleaning up human excrement or taking care of the dead, many people are willing to pay enough money not to do it, and they'll gladly pass the buck. Although most of us would rather live in blissful ignorance of what goes on in these nasty but necessary jobs, finding out the grisly details might send us thanking our lucky stars for our cushy jobs. On the other hand, taking a peek into the paychecks might have us considering a career change. If you're willing to get your hands dirty, you'll be able to rake in a nice living, in many cases for only a few months of work out of the year and without a college degree.
A dirty job may mean working with stuff that grosses most people out, but you can make a decent amount of money and you may also be happier with it. Some studies show that jobs with hands-on, manual activities make people happier than office jobs [BBC News]. In the movie "Office Space," the main character despised life as an office drone and finally finds happiness in a lowly construction job.
If you want to make a nice living but dread mind-numbing office work and fluorescent-lit cubicles, one of these jobs might be a perfect for you. But check a weak stomach at the door: These jobs entail revolting, dangerous and sometimes psychologically disturbing duties. First, we'll do a Dumpster dive into the life of a garbage collector.
Job 10: Garbage Collector
Most of us wash our hands of garbage as soon as we set it on the curb. If we can avoid the chore of taking the trash out, we toss our rubbish in the trash can and forget about it. Not so for the garbage collector.
If you've ever noticed an overflowing trashcan on a public street, you may have taken a moment to feel bad for the person who'll have to clean it all up. In the pinnacle of dirty jobs, garbage collectors have to deal hands-on with our trash, day in and day out. In this thankless job, they make sure it gets from our curbs to the landfill. Sanitation workers often put in long shifts, traveling up and down our streets to pick up trash while dodging impatient drivers -- who occasionally hit the guys who are emptying trash cans. That's one reason why trash collecting consistently ranks high on lists of dangerous jobs [source: Morsch].
Aside from angry drivers, these guys deal with forces of nature as well -- working in rain, snow and sleet. And let's not forget the smell. The reek of dirty diapers and rotting eggs can't be pleasant, especially combined with -- and particularly after -- stewing in the sun on a hot day. Even if sanitation engineers eventually get used to the smell, it probably doesn't make them popular after working a long shift.
Despite the dirt, the danger and the smell, there's no shortage of garbage collector jobs. The average annual salary for this occupation is about $43,000 [source: SimplyHired]. In California, the average hourly wage is $16.04, and in some places, the overtime can help shoot the pay to over $60,000 a year.
Job 9: Gastroenterologist
Sometimes the hardest tasks have to do with looking within ourselves. And we're not talking about soul-searching. Whatever we eat goes through a 25-foot (7.62 meter) journey in our digestive tract, and when problems arise, there's one kind of doctor we can go to for help -- the gastroenterologist -- also known as a GI doctor. These doctors specialize in the process that most of us wish would remain mysterious -- the body's digestion.
Nobody likes to talk about or describe their digestive problem. Whether it has to do with gas, abnormal stools or a pain in the rear, GIs diagnose and treat some of the most uncomfortable and embarrassing of ailments. So you can bet that the GI's patients aren't always happy to see him.
On top of it all, it's not easy to become a GI. These doctors have to go through four years of medical school, three years of residency and two to four years of a fellowship to become full-fledged gastroenterologists [source: AGA].
Why put yourself through so much grueling training for what's sure to be an aromatic job? Well, if helping people isn't enough of an incentive, it doesn't hurt that GIs make a handsome salary. Most GIs make between $250,000 and $400,000 a year -- not too crappy [source: Salary.com].
Job 8: Oil Rig Worker
To say that oil is a booming industry would be an understatement. Given that modern economies largely depend on it, and as prices soar, you can bet that companies will pay a lot to find and drill for this black gold. But for most workers, striking oil isn't so glamorous in real life. Daily life on an oil rig is dirty and dangerous.
Offshore rig life is especially difficult. It involves spending weeks at a time sleeping, eating and working 12-hour days or nights on a man-made drill rig in the middle of the ocean. Aside from the cramped conditions, heavy machinery and explosive materials make this a perilous job that requires hardhats and steel-toed boots. And the business side of oil drilling isn't the only part that's booming -- the machinery is extremely loud. Workers are typically required to wear earplugs on the job to prevent permanent hearing loss, and they communicate through hand signals.
But if you can stand the strenuous work and the time away from home, you'll be sitting pretty. Even lowly workers can get a nice annual pay over $40,000 [source: Miller]. Salaries can skyrocket for people with certain college degrees and for overseas work [source: OilJobFinder].
Job 7: Portable Toilet Cleaner
This job is a sort of combination of garbage collector and GI, and arguably more disgusting than both put together. Although most people in polite society methodically avoid situations where they need to use a portable toilet, modern outhouses can be lifesavers. As gross as they can be, they'd be worse without the folks who clean them for a living.
Using a tank and a vacuum wand, cleaners must suck up all the waste in a portable toilet. After picking up any stray toilet paper, they also wash down all surfaces that could possibly be soiled, including the walls. This is when a high-pressure hose comes in handy [source: Douglas]. Usually, cleaning one portable toilet takes only a few minutes, and most workers clean from 10 to 60 of them a day [source: AOL]. But it's not always that easy: Portable toilets that tip over require more damage control.
Nevertheless, some cleaners grin and bear it -- and take home $50,000 a year [source: AOL]
Job 6: Crab Fisherman
When most people think of fishing, they usually think of lazy afternoons on the lake and father-son bonding. It may come as a surprise, but fishing persistently ranks as the most deadly occupation in the U.S. [source: Christie].
If you've ever seen an episode of "Deadliest Catch," you probably have an idea of why that's true. Off the Alaskan shore, crab fisherman face freezing waters and storms that give way to gargantuan ocean waves. If the fishermen can protect themselves from being swept overboard in a storm, they'll still have to worry about the dangers of fishing machinery and coils on crab boats, which can also fling them overboard. And even if they avoid drowning, cold temperatures can give way to fatal hypothermia. These workers brave harsh conditions in shifts that can last as long as 21 hours to haul hefty catches [source: Miller].
But, as you might expect, the crab fishing industry is as lucrative as it is dangerous. For a few months of work out of the year, experienced workers can rake in about $60,000 [source: Miller]. It all depends on how successful the yield is for a particular boat.
Job 5: Sewer Inspector
Rats, roaches, dark passages and the occasional corpse -- no, we're not talking about a day in the life of Indiana Jones. In a much less glamorous role, the sewer worker deals with all of this stuff and more while braving the depths of the hundreds of miles of sewers beneath our cities.
After we've done our business in the bathroom, all we have to do is flush our waste goodbye, and we'll never have to see it again. But this isn't the case for the people who take care of our sewer systems. Their job entails walking and sometimes crawling through sewer tunnels to inspect for cracks, clogs and other problems. As if wading through human excrement didn't sound bad enough, some workers are also sewage divers. As you probably guessed, they have to go all out to swim through sewage to clean out clogs. In addition to the excrement, smell, and creepy crawly bugs and rats, sewer workers sometimes come across dead bodies, both animal and human.
Before you write off these employees as nuts for voluntarily diving into human waste, note that, with above a high school education, they can make over $60,000 a year [source: Speer]. Many people consider sewer inspectors noble stewards of Mother Earth because they keep our water and our streets clean.
Job 4: Coal Miner
Joining the ranks of garbage collecting and fishing, coal mining is also one of the most dangerous professions today [source: Alford]. Although mining has come a long way since "How Green Was My Valley" days, it remains a tough job. Coal mines contain methane, and explosions can occur when falling rocks cause sparks. What's more, unstable mines can collapse and kill workers.
Aside from these dangers, working directly with coal is literally dirty. Forget getting your hands dirty -- working in a coal mine will get your everything dirty. Coal dust coats all surfaces and contaminates the air. Just from breathing, coal miners ingest coal dust and sometimes develop black lung, a condition that causes shortness of breath and emphysema. Although improvements in mine ventilation have reduced the number of cases of black lung, it's still a problem [source: HealthAtoZ].
Nevertheless, even if it's covered in a film of black dust, money is still money. In West Virginia, where coal is a huge industry, coal miners earn an average annual salary of around $64,000 [source: Brook].
Job 3: Embalmer
Most cultures have long and ancient traditions of funeral rites and special treatment for the dead. Some of these traditions include ritualistic attempts to preserve the body as much as possible. Whereas ancient Egyptians would mummify, many modern cultures embalm.
When a person dies, the body quickly becomes pale and unsightly. This doesn't make for a very pleasant experience when family and friends say their goodbyes to their dearly departed loved ones. That's where the embalming process comes in. It delays the decomposition of a corpse and cosmetically restores it to look presentable for the viewing. It also sanitizes the body to prevent spreading infection [source: Aurora Casket Company].
The details of embalming aren't pretty. It involves first washing the body with germicidal soap and massaging out stiffness. Then embalmers drain the blood and gases and inject disinfecting embalming fluid. Preparing the face involves securing the mouth shut with wires and the eyes shut with glue [source: Redwood Funeral Society]. Morticians can also beautify the body with makeup, manicuring and shaving. They also dress the body before the funeral for viewing.
Embalmers are exposed to toxic cleaning chemicals during the process and to diseases from handling the bodies. In addition to needing a rock-solid constitution in dealing with corpses, those charged with this brave task also have to switch gears and tactfully interact with the family of the deceased.
Embalmers, morticians and mortuary workers earn about $41,000 on average, and the pay rises with experience [source: CNNMoney].
Job 2: Plumber
For the modern American, the idea of living without indoor plumbing is unthinkable. Plumbing may be one of the greatest advances of society because it offers us significant comfort and convenience. No longer do we have to step outside to brave harsh elements of nature to get water from a well or to enjoy the privacy of the outhouse. So when pipes get clogged or spring a leak, most of us can't last long without calling in a plumber.
Plumbers have the quintessential blue-collar job, often having to crouch under sinks or through the crawl spaces under houses. If these cramped and dirty conditions aren't bad enough, they deal with our revolting clogs and waste or dangerously hot pipes. Customers commonly call with plumbing emergencies at all hours, making schedules unpredictable.
But despite the drawbacks, plumbers make a nice living, as even entry level plumbers typically pull in between $35,000 and $40,000 a year [source: Salary.com]. On average, plumbers make about $47,000 annually [source: CollegeBoard].
Job 1: Crime Scene Cleaner
Talk about cleaning up after someone. In the aftermath of a bloody crime or the discovery of an illegal chemical lab, the police investigators rush in to save the day and bring the perpetrators to justice. But in the hurry to clean up crime in the city, police don't have time to clean up the walls. Be it blood and guts or hazardous chemicals, not a lot of people jump at the chance to be a crime scene cleaner.
Murders and suicides can get extra bloody. Throw in fragments of bone, gore and other body pieces strewn about the place, and you've got quite a mess. This job isn't for the faint of heart -- anyone who is prone to getting queasy or emotional won't succeed in this line of work. Developing stress disorders from this work isn't uncommon. It's also pretty dangerous. Even on days they don't have to deal with anthrax-laden labs, they do have to worry about getting infectious diseases from the body fluids. This means suiting up with hazardous materials protection gear.
Depending on how bad the mess is, the cleanup could take a few hours to a few days. But you won't hear these crime scene cleaners complaining too much -- they charge by the hour. With a little experience under your belt and flexibility with your work hours, you can easily make about $75,000 a year with this job [source: Sahadi]. Although you don't need a college degree to get a crime scene cleaning job, it can help boost that salary into six figures.
There's no doubt these past 10 jobs justify the old maxim, "It's a dirty job, but somebody's got to do it." Maybe the next time we see a garbage collector or meet a funeral home worker, we can tip our hats to them for doing the jobs that most of us couldn't handle for one day.
by Jane McGrath:money.howstuffworks.com/
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Job Opportunities For Felons
Jobs For Felons where do you start? It’s a rough road ahead for felons who wish to take a job and start afresh. Getting past the background checks is difficult and nobody seems willing to work with ex felons. But felons do need to make money. Where do you find jobs for felons? Are there any? Let’s examine a few prospects.
Transport brokering is one way to go. You do need a license to begin a transport brokering job but if your felony was not related to drugs it’s possible to get that license as long as you meet the standard qualifications.
Transport brokering is a job you can do at home if you want to. Basically, it’s about finding people who need to move things around the country, and brokering a deal with a transport company. There are many kinds of people who need this service. Companies often need to transport cargo across the country. Families moving to another city need to transport household goods and cars. Those moving South for the winter may want their car transported on a car carrier rather than driving it themselves.
When you broker a deal between the transport company and the customer, you get paid a handsome amount of money. The best part of this business is that you need a license, and once you get that license in spite of having a felony you can earn far more than the average crowd.
Another job you can consider is manual labor. The employers have their own guidelines on hiring felons, depending on the number and graveness of the felonies. For example a manual labor company may consider giving jobs to felons who have less than 3 non-violent felonies in the past 10 years. The pay for manual labor is quite good: anything from $15 to $30 per hour depending on the job.
Felons looking for jobs can also try their luck with temporary agencies. They are great for felons looking to find their way back into the mainstream. Employers often use temp agencies to try out new recruits before hiring them. Sincere and productive employees are hard to find. If employers see that you work hard and you are punctual, they can offer you a permanent job.
To find a temp job as a convicted felon it is best to approach small independent agencies rather than big companies. Small independent temp agencies have fewer restrictions on hiring and they are free to hire anyone including ex offenders. Although temp jobs are not all that well paying, they greatly improve your chances of finding a good long term job.
It is definitely not easy to find jobs for felons but all you can do is find as many resources as you can, explore your options and persist with your goal of landing a decent job. Technology has opened up a wide range of jobs today and you only have to surf the Internet to explore what you can do in the online world. Let’s talk a bit about online jobs for felons.
Online jobs don’t need you to go through background checks and there’s no boss to keep tabs on you. If you can find a job that pays well, you can avoid the heartbreaking rounds of interviews and rejections that you face in the outside world.
Get-Paid-To Jobs are extremely popular online jobs. Get paid to post (GPTP), get paid to read (GPTR), get paid to take online surveys (GPTOS), and get paid to complete offers (GPTCO) are some of the jobs you can take and earn decent amount of money.
GPTP Jobs pay you a small sum for every post you write on forums. These are not very well paying jobs but if you are already in the habit of posting on forums for fun, you can earn a couple of dollars from your pastime.
GPTR Jobs are those in which you sign up for emails and click on the link provided in the emails. The emails are from advertisers who get paid by companies to send emails to as many people as possible. The advertisers pay you a share of the money just to read these emails.
GPTOS Jobs involve taking surveys from market research companies that analyze market trends and provide valuable input to companies. These are well paying jobs and ex offenders can easily make their living by taking surveys every day.
GPTCO Jobs are popular with work at home moms and those looking for extra cash. Many sites pay you for clicking on ads and completing the offers. Like GPTR jobs, these are also part of advertising campaigns.
Apart from Get-Paid-To jobs, there are many other ways by which you can earn money online without the need of having specific skills. Jobs for felons are available, but you need to look for them in the right places. It’s a waste of time to apply at places where they need background checks. Everybody deserves a second chance, but unless the employer is a felon himself, it’s hard to convince them. The better choice is to be self employed which will ensure great jobs for felons.
jobsforfelonsz.com
Transport brokering is one way to go. You do need a license to begin a transport brokering job but if your felony was not related to drugs it’s possible to get that license as long as you meet the standard qualifications.
Transport brokering is a job you can do at home if you want to. Basically, it’s about finding people who need to move things around the country, and brokering a deal with a transport company. There are many kinds of people who need this service. Companies often need to transport cargo across the country. Families moving to another city need to transport household goods and cars. Those moving South for the winter may want their car transported on a car carrier rather than driving it themselves.
When you broker a deal between the transport company and the customer, you get paid a handsome amount of money. The best part of this business is that you need a license, and once you get that license in spite of having a felony you can earn far more than the average crowd.
Another job you can consider is manual labor. The employers have their own guidelines on hiring felons, depending on the number and graveness of the felonies. For example a manual labor company may consider giving jobs to felons who have less than 3 non-violent felonies in the past 10 years. The pay for manual labor is quite good: anything from $15 to $30 per hour depending on the job.
Felons looking for jobs can also try their luck with temporary agencies. They are great for felons looking to find their way back into the mainstream. Employers often use temp agencies to try out new recruits before hiring them. Sincere and productive employees are hard to find. If employers see that you work hard and you are punctual, they can offer you a permanent job.
To find a temp job as a convicted felon it is best to approach small independent agencies rather than big companies. Small independent temp agencies have fewer restrictions on hiring and they are free to hire anyone including ex offenders. Although temp jobs are not all that well paying, they greatly improve your chances of finding a good long term job.
It is definitely not easy to find jobs for felons but all you can do is find as many resources as you can, explore your options and persist with your goal of landing a decent job. Technology has opened up a wide range of jobs today and you only have to surf the Internet to explore what you can do in the online world. Let’s talk a bit about online jobs for felons.
Online jobs don’t need you to go through background checks and there’s no boss to keep tabs on you. If you can find a job that pays well, you can avoid the heartbreaking rounds of interviews and rejections that you face in the outside world.
Get-Paid-To Jobs are extremely popular online jobs. Get paid to post (GPTP), get paid to read (GPTR), get paid to take online surveys (GPTOS), and get paid to complete offers (GPTCO) are some of the jobs you can take and earn decent amount of money.
GPTP Jobs pay you a small sum for every post you write on forums. These are not very well paying jobs but if you are already in the habit of posting on forums for fun, you can earn a couple of dollars from your pastime.
GPTR Jobs are those in which you sign up for emails and click on the link provided in the emails. The emails are from advertisers who get paid by companies to send emails to as many people as possible. The advertisers pay you a share of the money just to read these emails.
GPTOS Jobs involve taking surveys from market research companies that analyze market trends and provide valuable input to companies. These are well paying jobs and ex offenders can easily make their living by taking surveys every day.
GPTCO Jobs are popular with work at home moms and those looking for extra cash. Many sites pay you for clicking on ads and completing the offers. Like GPTR jobs, these are also part of advertising campaigns.
Apart from Get-Paid-To jobs, there are many other ways by which you can earn money online without the need of having specific skills. Jobs for felons are available, but you need to look for them in the right places. It’s a waste of time to apply at places where they need background checks. Everybody deserves a second chance, but unless the employer is a felon himself, it’s hard to convince them. The better choice is to be self employed which will ensure great jobs for felons.
jobsforfelonsz.com
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