8 tips to apply for an out-of-state job

You've been looking for a job for months, to no avail, so you've decided to start fresh -- in a new city, in a different state, hundreds of miles away. Some people might think you're crazy, but expanding your job search might actually be the best thing you could do.

"People should not limit themselves to one area. There are many jobs in specific fields that are hot in certain geographic locations [and not so hot in] others," says Gina Kleinworth, social media coordinator for HireBetter in Austin, Texas. "In these times when jobs can be scarce, you must be open to going where the jobs are. They are not going to come to you."
While submitting your résumé to an out-of-state employer is a good way to ramp up your job search, it's not without challenges. Job seekers may worry that hiring managers may not consider their résumé as seriously as a local candidate, for example, but that's not necessarily true.
"At first, hiring managers may be inclined to consider candidates that are local or within commuting distance. But as the search continues they can become more open to candidates that are applying from out of the area," Kleinworth says. "Hiring someone from out of the area can be a great way to bring in top talent that you wouldn't otherwise find in your local area."
The level of the position can also be an obstacle when you apply for a job out of state. An executive out-of-state applicant might be more appealing to an employer than an entry-level candidate, for example.
"Generally, entry level jobs are more abundant," Kleinworth notes. "You normally see people relocating for a job because it is a step above their current level, a great new opportunity or is in a more desirable location. This usually isn't the case with entry-level positions."
Other obstacles that job seekers might consider when searching for a job in a different state include:

Lack of contacts

Fewer (or no) opportunities to attend networking events

Traveling for multiple interviews

Difficulty obtaining current and accurate information on the local job market

While it may seem like the odds are stacked against you, it's important to remember that you're going to face difficulties whether you're searching locally or out of state. And like all challenges, there is a way to overcome them, if you just know how.
Here are eight best practices and tips that job seekers should keep in mind when submitting their résumé out of state, according to Kleinworth and Barbara Babkirk, master career counselor and owner of Heart At Work Career Counseling in Portland, Maine.
1. Identify your career and personal goals
"Clarify the type of job want. Are you interested in changing careers or just employers?" Babkirk asks. "Where do you want to live, including location and type of residence? What is your ideal time frame for moving?"
2. Write a job description that reflects what you want and use it as a benchmark
"Know what is necessary or negotiable for you in terms of: salary and benefits, responsibilities, physical work environment, colleagues, skills and workplace culture," Babkirk says.
3. Research the new location
"Look at the quality of the schools if you have children, make sure the housing is acceptable and within your new price range, check out the crime rate where you'd be wanting to live, research the demographics, look into services available and how they compare with what you are looking for," Kleinworth says.
4. Identify and research key resources in your industry or career field
"Research the professional associations affiliated with your target job. The Encyclopedia of Associations, available in libraries and online, gives useful descriptions," Babkirk says. "Note the officers' names and the date and place of their annual conference. Plan to attend if possible. Contact the association's officers for help with networking."
5. Be rational
"Be realistic about what it will truly cost you to relocate if the new employer doesn't offer assistance," Kleinworth says. "Moving is expensive."
6. Network your way out of state
"Tell anyone you know of your plans to relocate. Ask if they know anyone who lives and works in your target location and if they would be willing to send an e-mail asking if you might contact them for networking," Babkirk says.
7. Stay focused on your goal and take specific steps each week toward it
"Before you know it, you'll be living and working where you want to be," Babkirk encourages.
8. Don't give up
If you are committed to finding the perfect job- it does exist and you can have a job you love in a place you love living in.

12 jobs requiring short-term on-the-job training

If you're looking to change careers, but you want to avoid going back to school or enduring lengthy preparation, you should consider jobs that offer short-term on-the-job training.

In his recently released book, "Best Jobs for the 21st Century," career information expert Laurence Shatkin, Ph.D., shares the best jobs requiring short-term, on-the-job training. These jobs are classified as such because, "It is possible to work in these occupations and achieve an average level of performance within a few days or weeks through on-the-job training."

Shatkin compiled these lists by sorting jobs in several categories from highest to lowest in terms of median annual earnings, growth rate through 2018 and number of annual openings, assigning a number to their relative position on each list. He then combined the job-position numbers on the three lists, putting the job with the best total score at the top, followed by the job with the next-best total score, and so on.
Shatkin notes that the data have limitations, and that not all jobs on this list will be right for everyone. Earnings may vary drastically based on level and years of experience, location and other factors. The list is meant to serve as a helpful guide on jobs that, on average, have higher pay, faster projected growth and more openings than most other jobs in the category.

Here are 12 of the best jobs requiring short-term on-the-job training:

1. Bill and account collectors
Annual earnings: $31,310*
Percent growth: 19.3
Annual openings: 15,690

2. Home health aides
Annual earnings: $20,560
Percent growth: 50
Annual openings: 55,270

3. Personal care aides
Annual earnings: $19,640
Percent growth: 46
Annual openings: 47,780

4. Refuse and recyclable material collectors
Annual earnings: $32,640
Percent growth: 18.6
Annual openings: 7,110

5. Receptionists and information clerks
Annual earnings: $25,240
Percent growth: 15.2
Annual openings: 48,020

6. Office clerks, general
Annual earnings: $26,610
Percent growth: 11.9
Annual openings: 77,090

7. Teachers and instructors (includes all teachers and instructors not listed separately in BLS)
Annual earnings: $29,820
Percent growth: 14.7
Annual openings: 22,570

8. Landscaping and groundskeeping workers
Annual earnings: $23,400
Percent growth: 18
Annual openings: 36,220

9. Interviewers, except eligibility and loan
Annual earnings: $28,820
Percent growth: 15.6
Annual openings: 9,210

10. Health-care support workers
Annual earnings: $30,280
Percent growth: 17.1
Annual openings: 5,670

11. Helpers -- electricians
Annual earnings: $27,220
Percent growth: 24.7
Annual openings: 4,800

12. Tree trimmers and pruners
Annual earnings: $30,450
Percent growth: 26.3
Annual openings: 1,720

15 summertime jobs

With much of the country experiencing warmer-than-average temperatures this spring, it's almost like summer is already here. If you're tired of being cooped up in an office, or you're a job seeker in search of a cubicle-free gig, check out these 15 jobs that will get you outside this summer.


1. Forest/conservation workers*: Forest and conservation workers are the ultimate outdoorspeople. They typically perform maintenance and upkeep of state parks and forests.
Mean hourly wages: $11.49**
2. Lifeguards: While these workers always have the best tans, they also have one of the most stressful summer jobs. They must constantly be alert and prepared to handle and respond to emergencies. Beach lifeguards go through physical tests before becoming certified.
Mean hourly wages: $10.70
3. Landscaping/lawn-care workers: Grounds-maintenance workers provide a pleasant outdoor environment by ensuring that the grounds of houses, businesses and parks are attractive, orderly and healthy. If you have a green thumb, start by working at a local greenhouse or nursery.
Mean hourly wages: $11.41
4. Bike messengers: Looking for a life of danger? Couriers and messengers transport documents and packages for individuals, businesses, institutions and government agencies. Not only do you have to know your way around a city, but you also must know local bike laws, be aware of traffic flow and delivery items expediently.
Mean hourly wages: $11.58
5. Walking food vendors: These vendors sell food and beverages to fans at sporting events, concerts and other performances. It's a physically demanding position that involves constant standing, walking, lifting, reaching and climbing stairs. Most positions pay on commission.
Mean hourly wages: Pay varies by position/location
6. Camp counselors: Camp counselors design and lead leisure activities for groups in recreation facilities, such as playgrounds, parks, camps and senior centers. Activity areas include arts and crafts, sports, games, music and camping. Some certification may be required but is often offered at the camp or center.
Mean hourly wages: $10.70
7. Nannies/baby sitters: Whether a casual baby sitter or a full-time nanny, you're caring for children's basic needs, such as bathing and feeding. In addition, some help children prepare for kindergarten or help with homework.
Mean hourly wages: Pay varies by level of experience and full-time or part-time status
8. Hospitality/cruise-ship workers: Want to make money while vacationing at sea? Working on a cruise ship can be the best of both worlds. Guest-service workers accompany tour groups and describe points of interest. They may assist tourists in itinerary planning, obtaining travel certificates and currency conversion. Since hours fluctuate, you may have time off to take in local sights.
Mean hourly wages: $22
9. Golf caddies: Golf caddies assist golfers on the course, helping with clubs and ancillary duties to ensure that the golfer has an enjoyable time.
Mean hourly wages: Pay varies by course, with some offering minimum wage, and others paying by number of rounds worked; tips are also often received
10. Amusement park workers: Amusement parks employ a variety of workers, including maintenance technicians, guest services and entertainers. Depending on experience and longevity, seasonal workers can move into full-time positions.
Mean hourly wages: $10.14
11. Event planners: Summertime is a popular season for events, especially when it comes to wedding planners. Meeting, convention and event planners coordinate all aspects of professional meetings and events. They choose meeting locations, arrange transportation and coordinate other details.
Mean hourly wages: $21.76
12. Tour guides: If you have a big personality, tour-guide work may be the right fit. Typically, this job escorts individuals or groups on sightseeing tours or through places of interest, such as industrial establishments, public buildings and art galleries.
Mean hourly wages: $12.82
13. Stable/ranch hands: If you're looking for a rural summer experience, many farms employ seasonal workers. Duties include dealing with livestock or assisting in crop maintenance and general labor.
Mean hourly wages: $29.21; pay may vary by farm size or employer
14. Servers/bartenders: Many restaurants and bars hire additional staff to help with summer crowds. Depending on previous experience, opportunities are available at different types of establishments, from family-friendly to upscale.
Mean hourly wages: Pay is typically minimum wage plus tips
15. Dog walkers: If you're not looking for a new career this summer but want to take advantage of the great weather, considering becoming a dog walker. Dog walkers may be self-employed or work for their local shelter or groomer.
Mean hourly wages: Pay varies based on whether you work independently or for a shelter/groomer

Source: careerbuilder

How Pinterest Can Help Your Job Search

If you haven't yet discovered the addictive time-suck that is Pinterest, here's the deal: It's a web-based bulletin board where users pin beautiful, inspirational pictures.

Most people use it to pin pictures of pretty clothes, interesting home decor, and drool-inducing food, but we've got another idea -- use Pinterest for your job search.

Here are five ideas of how to do just that:

1. Find companies you want to work for.

Companies large and small quickly figured out the value of Pinterest for their sales and marketing (see Zappos and Whole Foods). Those pin boards can help job seekers get a sense of the company's culture, priorities, outreach strategies and overall tone.

Are they buttoned-up or casual? What's their main marketing focus? What language do they use to talk about themselves and their products? These insights can help you craft standout, tailored job applications that show you've done your homework and understand the company.

2. Put your resume on Pinterest as a portfolio.

We love this idea from Mashable suggesting Pinterest as a way to create a visual representation of your resume or professional experience.

Create boards for your work experience, awards and accomplishments, degrees or classes, a portfolio of your work, and even your hobbies and interests. As long as you have or can find pictures demonstrating these things visually, you can create an eye-catching Pinterest portfolio to share with employers.

3. Follow college career offices.

Some college career folks are brilliantly using Pinterest to give expert job advice to college students and recent grads. Even if your school's career office isn't on Pinterest yet, you can follow any that are, like those at the University of Pennsylvania, the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and Bucknell University. These offices have pin boards for professional dress, job search tips and career research.

4. Follow career experts.

Independent career experts are using Pinterest to help job seekers (or perhaps to make themselves feel better about being pin addicts).

Sites like Career Bliss, The 405 Club, FlexJobs and of course, Brazen Careerist, offer career advice and inspiration, from touchy-feely quotes which (thank goodness you're alone) bring a tear to your eye, to laughable cartoons to help get you over an appalling job interview.

5. Use Pinterest to inspire yourself.

If nothing else, Pinterest is an easy way to overload your senses with the things you love. And when you're in the middle of a job search, or just trying to figure out what you might want to do in life, it's easy to forget about what makes you happy.

Create pin boards to make yourself smile giddily, laugh loudly and simply feel GOOD. Stare at your motivational eye candy for a few minutes before going to a job interview to put your mind in a happy, confident place.

For your job search or career exploration, the more networking the better. Pinterest is another, albeit prettier, way to connect with people, learn about companies and their cultures, and pump yourself up for career success.

And the best thing about Pinterest is you can't do it wrong. As long as you're inspiring yourself, and maybe some employers, you're on the right track.

By Brie Reynolds 

9 jobs for communicators

All jobs require varying degrees of communication. An information technology position, for example, may involve little external communication throughout the day, but customer-oriented workers may talk with clients from the minute they arrive to the minute they leave. Not everyone is cut out to be -- or wants to be -- "on" all day.

Dianna Booher, author of "Communicate with Confidence" and "Creating Personal Presence: Look, Talk, Think, and Act Like a Leader," says that many top communicators have similar traits that help them succeed. "Some people pride themselves on 'telling it like it is,'" Booher says. "Actually, they don't know the difference in being direct and being tactless, in being neutral and being negative. Good communicators can be direct with tact." Other qualities that Booher says communicators have include: creativity, highly effective listening skills, the ability to bring lackluster concepts to life, a positive attitude and comfort in social situations.

Some communication-related jobs are obvious: writers, radio or TV broadcasters, public relations experts, sales representatives. Here are nine jobs* that may not immediately come to mind but that require well-honed communication skills:

1. Human resources specialists provide clerical and administrative support to one or more functional areas within human resources and assist in such duties as recruiting, screening, interviewing and placing workers.
Median annual earnings: $56,262

2. Social media marketing/public-relations specialists promote, market and sell an organization's products and services and generate customer leads. They also may coordinate and manage advertising, press releases, sales promotions, product literature, trade shows, seminars and special events, direct mail campaigns, Web-based communications, audio and video clips and/or other materials used to promote products.
Median annual earnings: $51,280

3. Teachers (postsecondary) instruct students in a wide variety of academic and vocational subjects beyond the high-school level.
Median annual earnings: $58,830

4. Registered nurses treat patients, educate patients and the public about various medical conditions, and provide advice and emotional support to patients' family members.
Median annual earnings: $62,450

5. Corporate trainers create, procure and conduct training and development programs for employees.
Median annual earnings: $54,160

6. Customer service agents or managers provide a valuable link between customers and the companies that produce the products they buy and the services they use. They respond to customer inquiries and ensure that problems are resolved.
Median hourly wages: $14.36

7. Administrative assistants perform and coordinate an office's administrative activities and store, retrieve and integrate information for staff and clients.
Median annual earnings: $29,050

8. Meeting planners for associations or corporations coordinate every detail of meetings and conventions, from the speakers and meeting location to arranging for printed materials and audio-visual equipment.
Median annual earnings: $44,260

9. Website developers create applications for the Web using software languages and tools. They identify a site's users and oversee its production and implementation. They determine the information that the site will contain and how it will be organized and may use Web-development software to integrate databases and other information systems.
Median annual earnings: $66,310

10 Jobs That Pay $90,000

The more money you earn, the more you spend -- or so goes the old saying. The cautionary advice warns cash-strapped dreamers that earning more money won't solve all your problems and you'll actually find yourself just as broke as before you were raking in the dough.
While that may be true for many people, you probably wouldn't brush away the chance to receive a bigger paycheck. The extra income could give you more mad money, be a chance to boost your savings account, or keep you from living paycheck to paycheck. With a national median income of $42,504 a salary more than double that amount would be a big financial boost for many Americans.
To give you an overview of who's earning these salaries, we put together a list of 10 jobs with salaries in the $90,000* range. In addition to their salaries, you'll find the prerequisites necessary to obtain these jobs and the industries that employ the most of each occupation.
Here are 10 jobs that earn between $90,000 and $99,999:

1. Computer hardware engineers are invested in the research, conception and manufacturing of computer hardware, which includes computer monitors, keyboards, chips and other similar items.**
Requirements: Computer hardware engineers should have at least an undergraduate engineering degree with course work pertaining to their field.***
Top industries: Computer systems design and related services; semiconductor and other electronic component manufacturing; computer and peripheral equipment manufacturing.
Annual median salary: $91,860

2. Post-secondary health specialties teachers specialize in a variety of medical fields, including veterinary medicine, dentistry, therapy, pharmacy and others.
Requirements: Most universities require a Ph.D. for permanent positions, but a master's degree is often acceptable for part-time or temporary teachers.
Top industries: Colleges, universities and professional schools; junior colleges; general medical and surgical hospitals.
Annual median salary: $98,234

3. Post-secondary business teachers teach courses on business administration, finance, marketing and other related topics at colleges, universities and vocational schools.
Requirements: To obtain a full-time, permanent position, business teachers should have a master's degree with the right combination of experience or a Ph.D.
Top industries: Colleges, universities and professional schools; junior colleges; business schools and computer and management training.
Annual median salary: $98,096
4. Computer and information research scientists use their research to address new problems in computer software and hardware. Research scientists working in universities might focus on theory more than those working for other employers.
Requirements: Research scientists need a Ph.D. (most likely in computer science), though you can find some lower-level jobs with a bachelor's or master's.
Top industries: Computer systems design and related services; federal executive branch (OES designation); scientific research and development services.
Annual median salary: $97,970
5. Physicists study the principles of motion, energy, structure and matter. Whether they concentrate on applied sciences or take a more theoretical route, all physicists work toward understanding how the laws of physics impact the universe.
Requirements: A Ph.D. in physics and related work and research experience are necessary for teaching and research work.
Top industries: Scientific research and development services; federal executive branch (OES designation); colleges, universities and professional schools.
Annual median salary: $96,850
6. Marketing managers formulate a marketing firm's strategy by targeting customers and appropriate markets and responding to competition. They work with other marketing professionals to publicize via radio, TV, the Internet and other outlets.
Requirements: Many employers require a four-year or graduate degree in business administration with course work related to your specific industry.
Top industries: Management of companies and enterprises; computer systems design and related services; management, scientific and technical consulting services.
Annual median salary: $95,320
7. Sales managers oversee a company's sales strategy, which can mean training salespeople and assigning territories to cover. They help the company reach its sales goals as well as maintain good relationships with vendors and distributors.
Requirements: A college or graduate degree and a relevant internship or experience in your industry.
Top industries: Management of companies and enterprises; automobile dealers; wholesale electronic markets and agents and brokers.
Annual median salary: $94,910
8. Petroleum engineers look for drilling locations that contain natural gas or oil. They study the geographic traits of the sites and work with other specialists to find the most efficient way to pump out the oil or gas.
Requirements: Entry-level engineering positions require at least a bachelor's degree in engineering, though academic work in other sciences can be helpful.
Top industries: Oil and gas extraction; support activities for mining; petroleum and coal products manufacturing.
Annual median salary: $94,330
9. Optometrists provide eye care to patients who need exams, glasses, contact lenses or other vision-related services. They test and treat patients for vision problems and diseases, such as color blindness and glaucoma.
Requirements: A doctorate in optometry is required to be a practicing optometrist, and a residency can boost your chances of landing a job.
Top industries: Offices of other health practitioners; offices of physicians; health and personal care stores.
Annual median salary: $93,800
10. Post-secondary atmospheric, earth, marine and space sciences teachers teach courses on various physical sciences, excluding chemistry and physics. They divide their time between the teaching in the classroom and researching their specialty.
Requirements: Post-secondary teachers will need at least a master's degree in order to teach, part time or temporarily, while full-time, tenure-track positions require a Ph.D.
Top industries: Colleges, universities and professional schools; junior colleges.
Annual median salary: $93,606

12 Jobs Suited for Home-based Work

For years now, steady advances in mobile communications technology --  including smart phones, high-speed Internet and wireless laptops -- have boosted personal productivity, both at work and at home. But for home-based employees, these handy gadgets have completely transformed their work-life balance, according to findings reported from the June 2009 Kelly Global Workforce Index.
The ranks of home-based workers have grown in step with every new development in technology. Let's face it: We'd all rather commute down our own hallways than across town in bumper-to-bumper traffic. But are you actually set up for it?

While some types of work, and some types of employees, are better suited to remote working arrangements, there are also some essential technologies you'll need to have in place to be truly effective. Contemplate these key points as you set your remote career in motion:

Jobs and skills that fit home employment
Before anything, consider the nature of your existing job skills, or of the home-based position you'd like to attain. Some types of work are especially well-suited for work in the home environment, including:

1.     Administrative or clerical
2.     Consulting in fields such as engineering, finance, HR, IT or science
3.     Contact / call center
4.     Customer service
5.     Creative services
6.     Field sales
7.     Professional services like accounting, tax or legal
8.     Research
9.     Telesales / telemarketing
10.  Translation
11.  Writing and editing
12.  Web design and development

Of these categories, customer service and call center jobs in particular will continue to present options for workers seeking a home-based lifestyle. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2.06 million customer service representatives were employed in the United States in 2004. That number is expected to rise 23 percent to 2.53 million by 2014 -- all while more companies are expected to employ more home-based agents, for related savings on their infrastructure and other cost efficiencies.

Technology drives how and where we work
Recent findings from a 2009 Kelly Global Workforce Index survey indicate that the explosion of mobile communications technology is driving big changes in employee behavior and a shift in our work-life balance. Eighty-four percent of respondents said technology has boosted their personal productivity.
Seventy-five percent of respondents agreed that the opportunity provided by devices such as smart phones and laptops to remain in contact with work is a positive development -- even though almost one-third are working longer hours as a result. In deciding where to work next, 87 percent reported that a policy for working remotely would be an important factor.

George Corona, Kelly Services executive vice president and chief operating officer, confirmed that the spread of mobile technologies is transforming the way that people interact with their work and their attitudes towards employment. "There is an overwhelming view that the technology provides greater flexibility in working arrangements and a better balance between work and personal life," Corona noted.
The survey showed that globally, while Gen Y workers (ages 18-29) are at the forefront of the technology-driven lift in productivity, Gen X (ages 30-47) and baby boomers (ages 48-65) are each experiencing significant efficiency gains as well.

Technical job requirements for at-home work
A number of personal skills are commonly expected of home-based employees, like exceptional motivation, time management, self-discipline and the determination needed to succeed without much direct supervision.
But many capable applicants often overlook the common technical aspects required in working from home, including a host of basic necessities, depending on your desired assignment:

·         A dedicated work space free from household distractions
·         A desk, chair and work station
·         A filing cabinet, drawers, shelving and office supplies
·         A personal computer or laptop, with speakers and sound card preferred
·         A reliable high-speed or broadband Internet connection
·         A dedicated phone land line, printer and fax machine
·         Windows 2003 or higher, plus office, data security and e-mail software
·         A quality headset

The good news? Preferred employers often make home-based workers eligible for a wide range of employee discounts to help obtain this required equipment. Responsibility for installing and maintaining all equipment usually falls on the employee, with IT support.

Time  well-spent
"The revolution in personal communications has improved work-life balance through flexible work practices, working from home and other family-friendly arrangements, while delivering a significant boost to organizational efficiency," Corona concludes. And with technology marching ever forward, these seem like improvements that are here to stay.

Without a doubt, the convenience of working from home can allow you to eliminate the time, hassle and expense of commuting; save gas; and spend more time each day doing the things you enjoy. But like any good idea, just be sure that when you're ready to make the switch to home-based employment, you have the right skills and technology in place to thrive.



Source: careerbuilder