Top 10 Online Job Search Tips

While the popularity of online job boards puts millions of jobs at one's fingertips, it has also made the job applicant pool that much bigger.  For this reason, national job search sites and the Internet as a whole have gotten a bad rap from some industry professionals as an ineffective job seeker tool; on the contrary, the Internet actually can be a great resource for job seekers -- they just need to know how to use it. 

When it comes to a fruitful online job search, successful job seekers follow these 10 guidelines.

1. If you build it, they can come. 
Instead of simply posting your résumé on a Web site, take it one step further and design an easily-navigable Web site or online portfolio where recruiters can view your body of work, read about your goals and obtain contact information.

2. Check yourself to make sure you haven't wrecked yourself.
Google yourself to see what comes up -- and what potential employers will see if they do the same. If you don't like what you find, it's time to do damage control.

3. Narrow your options.
Many job boards offer filters to help users refine their search results more quickly.  You should have the option to narrow your job search by region, industry and duration, and, oftentimes, you can narrow it even more by keywords, company names, experience needed and salary.

4. Go directly to the source. 
Instead of just applying for the posted job opening, one of the best strategies to finding a job is to first figure out where you want to work, target that company or industry and then contact the hiring manager. Also, many employers' career pages invite visitors to fill out candidate profiles, describing their background, jobs of interest, salary requirements and other preferences.

5. Find your niche with industry Web sites. 
Refine your search even more by visiting your industry's national or regional Web site, where you can find jobs in your field that might not appear on a national job board.  More and more employers are advertising jobs on these sites in hopes of getting a bigger pool of qualified applicants.

6. Try online recruiters. 
Recruiters will help match you with jobs that meet your specific skills and needs.  Not sure where to start?  Sites such as recruiterlink.com, onlinerecruitersdirectory.com, searchfirm.com and i-recruit.com provide links to online headhunters for job seekers.

7. Utilize video résumés.
Video résumés are just one more way to stand out to employers.  Intended as supplements to -- not replacements for -- traditional résumés, video résumés allow job seekers to showcase a little bit of their personalities and highlight one or two points of interest on their résumés.

8. Run queries.
You run searches on everything else, from your high school sweetheart to low-fat recipes, so why not jobs?  Enter a query that describes the exact kind of job you're seeking and you may find more resources you wouldn't find otherwise (but be prepared to do some sorting).

9. Utilize job alerts.
Most job boards have features that allow you to sign up to receive e-mail alerts about newly available jobs that match your chosen criteria.  Or go a step further and arrange an RSS (really simple syndication) feed from one of these job sites to appear on your customized Internet homepage or your PC's news-reader software.

10. Get connected. 
How many times have you been told that it's not what you know, but who you know?  Thanks to the emergence of professional networking sites like LinkedIn.com, job seekers no longer have to rely on the old standby of exchanging business cards with strangers.  These sites are composed of millions of industry professionals and allow you to connect with people you know and the people they know and so forth. (A word of caution: When you sign up for online social networking sites, you are in a public domain.  Unless you are able to put a filter on some of your information, nothing is private, and it can be difficult to erase once it is posted.) 

 

 

 

 

Source: careerbuilder

10 jobs that pay beginners well

Not all incomes are equal. A surgeon, a retail clerk and a high school teacher don't earn the same amount. Even within each occupation, salaries vary based on experience, training and location.

One expectation that many people have is that workers new to the professional world won't make much money. Consider the stereotype that new college graduates have to move back in with their parents because they can't afford to support themselves. The stereotype isn't entirely unfounded. Walk into the apartments of most 20-somethings and you'll see bare walls and furniture that was probably passed down from someone else. Tight budgets are just a part of starting your professional life.

As with all things, there are exceptions. Not every new worker is trying to earn enough to pay the bills. Some fresh-faced workers earn more than most Americans ever will.

While the majority of newbies shouldn't expect to see big numbers on their pay stubs, others should. Author Laurence Shatkin's book "250 Best-Paying Jobs" highlights the careers with the best salaries. Included in the 250 best-paying jobs are careers that offer large salaries from the start.

"Within these occupations, the workers who earn at the 10^th percentile -- meaning that 90 percent of the workers in the occupation earn more than they do -- still earn at least $51,540," Shatkin says. "This means they earn more than 75 percent of all American wage-earners."

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for all workers is $44,410. So an entry-level worker who is earning $51,540 or more is arguably off to an impressive financial start.

Whether you want to switch careers and enter a new industry or you're just curious who's racking up the cash more quickly than you, here are 10 of the careers Shatkin highlights in the book that pay newbies very well:

1. Airline pilots, co-pilots and flight engineers
Starting wage: $55,330*
Median wage: $103,210**

2. Chemical engineers
Starting wage: $53,730
Median wage: $90,300

3. Computer and information scientists, research
Starting wage: $57,480
Median wage: $100,660

4. Education administrators, elementary and secondary school
Starting wage: $55,580
Median wage: $86,970

5. Financial managers
Starting wage: $53,860
Median wage: $103,910

6. Lawyers
Starting wage: $54,460
Median wage: $112,760

7. Mathematicians
Starting wage: $53,570
Median wage: $99,380

8. Nuclear engineers
Starting wage: $68,300
Median wage: $99,920

9. Orthodontists
Starting wage: $100,980
Median wage: $166,400

10. Prosthodontists
Starting wage: $72,710
Median wage: $118,400




Source: careerbuilder

Six-figure jobs anyone can get

Everybody wants to make money. Ideally, we'd all be rolling in millions from working at our dream jobs, but it's pretty clear that's not going to happen.
These days especially, working has become less about having the job of our dreams and more about paying the bills. You might not want to – or be able to – put in the time and effort to take classes or commit to years of schooling to earn a high salary. Can you make the big bucks without that education?
The short answer is yes -- but not in very many fields. We looked for six-figure salaries that don't require a four-year degree. While we found some that pay an annual mean salary of more than $100,000, most of these positions require you to be in the top 10 percent of earners. It's not impossible, but it will definitely take a lot of hard work.
And it goes without saying that all of these positions require some degree of skill and experience. You can't become fashion designer if you have no fashion sense, for example, and it's not likely that you'll walk away from high school graduation and into a firehouse as the fire chief.

If you're looking to earn those big bucks, but don't have a college degree, here are a few fields to consider:
1. Air traffic controller90^th percentile income: $161,650
75^th percentile income: $142,430
Median annual salary: $109,850
You can become an air traffic controller a couple of different ways without a degree. The first is to have experience through the Federal Aviation Administration or the Defense Department, as a civilian or veteran. The second is to complete an FAA-approved education program.
2. Chief executivesMedian annual salary: $160,720
If you've worked your way up to become the CEO, you may be earning $160,000 a year. It's difficult to get to this stage of your career without a college education, but it can be done. Just look at Bill Gates and Michael Dell, both of whom were college dropouts.
3. Fashion designer90^th percentile income: $130,900
75^th percentile income: $90,020
Median annual salary: $64,260
This is one career where you've either got it or you don't. About 25 percent of fashion designers are self-employed. If you're a real creative genius, you might be able to get by with only a high school education. But if you're smart, you'll at least get an associate degree. It also behooves you to get training in color, textiles, pattern making and computer-aided design.
4. Fire chief90^th percentile income: $109,750
75^th percentile income: $87,190
Median annual salary: $68,250
Most firefighters have a high school diploma. In some cases, community college courses or an associate degree might be a better option for you. Once you're accepted into a fire department, you'll train at the department's academy, where you'll obtain classroom and practical training. To get to fire chief status, you'll definitely have to work your way through the ranks.
5. Network systems and data communications analysts 90^th percentile income: $116,120
75^th percentile income: $55,900
Median annual salary: $73,250
Training requirements for network systems and data communications analysts vary. Some organizations require a bachelor's degree, but often an associate degree, professional certification and work experience can do the trick.
6. Police and detective supervisor90^th percentile income: $116,340
75^th percentile income: $94,560
Median annual salary: $76,500
It's not likely you'll join your local police squad as the supervisor unless you have a few years of experience under your belt. A few squads may require a year or two of college-level course work, but in most places you just need a high school education plus experience. Much of this career is learned on the job or in a training academy
7. Radiation therapists90^th percentile income: $107,230
75^th percentile income: $90,650
Median annual salary: $74,170
At the very least, an associate degree or certificate in radiation therapy is required for this position. Many states also require radiation therapists to be licensed. There is also the option of completing an associate degree in radiological imaging and then finishing a 12-month certificate program in radiation therapy.




Source: careerbuilder

7 gigs that make good second jobs

Perhaps it's to help cover your bills. Or maybe it's to seek fulfillment not experienced at your day job. Whatever the reason, if you are looking to get a second job, you're not alone. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 7 million Americans hold more than one job.

Here, experts and job seekers weigh in on what they consider to be the best moonlighting gigs. The suggestions run the gamut from child care to cosmetic procedures, but all provide a means for pulling in some extra income.

1. Second job: bartender
Details: "I am an attorney who moonlights as a bartender," says Brianna Sadler, partner at a law firm in Minnesota. "It's actually a great way to meet future clients without violating the Model Rules of Professional Conduct, as I am able to have a personal relationship with the guests/clients and help fulfill both their need for a drink and possibly legal advice. As I am a plaintiff's attorney, it's also a great way to pay my rent until I have my 'one big case' we all dream about."
Potential pay: Bartenders earn a mean hourly wage of $10.25, according to the BLS.

2. Second job: freelancer
Details: "I recently started my own consulting business in August, and while I was getting that up and running, I was actively seeking freelance writing work," says Sophia Habl Mitchell, principal at Sophia Mitchell & Associates. "Taking small gigs through freelance sites ... can be a great way to supplement income. The best part is that this work can be done at home, before or after a 'regular job.'"
Potential pay: While pay varies based on the type of freelance assignment, Mitchell says she earned $3,000 in four months by doing a variety of freelance work, including writing for a travel website and ghostwriting blog content.

3. Second job: cosmetic laser technician
Details: "Cosmetic laser technician is a career some people do part time while holding down another full-time job," says Louis Silberman, president of National Laser Institute. "Cosmetic laser technicians work mostly in med spas and doctors' offices as independent contractors. They perform procedures like laser hair removal and laser skin resurfacing. Some RNs have received their laser certification to increase their earning potential by performing cosmetic procedures."
Potential pay: According to the NLI, the most common scenario is a blend of an hourly rate plus commission. The hourly rates usually range from $15 to $25, in addition to a commission ranging from 3 to 20 percent. At med spas, technicians typically receive a gratuity.

4. Second job: child-care provider
Details: My husband and I have two small children, and we juggle going back and forth to the office and staying home with the kids," says Brina Bujkovsky, owner and CEO of The Younique Boutique. "We decided to start a home day care to take advantage of the tax deductions, earn extra income ... and provide playmates for our kids. We are helping the community by providing affordable care for children six weeks and up, and we are earning a nice second income."
Potential pay: Bujkovsky says she makes more than $2,500 a month through her home day-care gig.

5. Second job: Futures trader
Details: A recent survey conducted by TopStepTrader, an international scouting agency that recruits and trains futures traders, found that more than half of the workers surveyed conduct futures trading as a second job. "With the markets open 23-24 hours a day, there is a lot of flexibility and profitability in this career as a second alternative job," says Michael Patak, president and CEO of TopStepTrader.
Potential pay: According to TopStepTrader, part-time traders who trade lightly can earn an estimated $2,000 a month, while active part-time traders can average up to around $4,000 a month.

6. Second job: Container/organization sales consultant
Details: If you're outgoing and like organization, consider being a sales consultant for a container company. In this role, you'll help plan or host fun parties -- often held at people's homes -- where guests will have the opportunity to try out and buy your products. Some companies now offer e-commerce options, too.
Potential pay: Earning potential can vary based on company and role. Lee Padgett of Clever Container says their starting consultants make 20 percent on their retail sales, and after they reach $1,000 worth of product sales, they make 25 percent on their retail sales.

7. Second job: mystery shopper
Details: Bethany Mooradian, author of "The Mystery Shopper Training Program," suggests mystery shopping as a great way to earn extra cash. "To be a successful mystery shopper, a person needs to be reliable [and] honest, have basic Internet skills, decent writing, spelling and observation skills and live in a fairly metropolitan area," Mooradian says. "Any time I've needed money, I just jump right back into mystery shopping ... It's perfect for anyone who wants a flexible way of earning extra income, has basic skills and doesn't want to stay trapped behind a desk."
Potential pay: Mystery shoppers can make up to $38,520 in annual salary, according to CBSalary.com.
Debra Auerbach is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com and its job blog, The Work Buzz. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.

Source: careerbuilder

10 best and worst jobs on TV

The new fall season means cooler weather, football and new TV shows -- lots of them.
This year's fall lineup is chock-full of promising new shows and the return of some fan favorites. With those shows come our favorite TV characters, and that always get us thinking about how some of them make a living.
While many TV characters are doctors, lawyers or cops, the diversity of positions is increasing. From blood-splatter analysts and male prostitutes to high-school football coaches and superintendents, here is a round-up of some of the best and worst TV character jobs we've seen to date, in no particular order.
5 best TV character jobs:
Character: Dexter Morgan
TV show: "Dexter"
Why it's the best: Dexter, a full-time blood-splatter analyst, moonlights as a serial killer. Sure, the job of "cold-blooded murderer" should not top the list of best professions, so we're focusing on his blood-splatter role. While not everyone is cut out for this type of job, no day is the same in Dexter's line of work, and keeping things interesting always rates high on the job-satisfaction scale.
Character: Eric Taylor
TV show: "Friday Night Lights"
Why it's the best: Everything is bigger in Texas -- especially if you have anything to do with football. Although his pay might not be great, Coach Taylor has celebrity status as an inspirational high-school football coach. The impact he has on the kids he coaches, the families he meets and the community in which he lives is admirable and something that many people look for in their careers.
Character: Kalinda Sharma
TV show: "The Good Wife"
Why it's the best: As the in-house investigator for law firm Lockhart/Gardner, Sharma often plays a major part in winning cases. But she doesn't always use ethical -- or legal -- methods. Nonetheless, working for a well-respected organization and having the responsibility of finding evidence that can make or break a case sounds like a pretty interesting career.
Character: Any of the flight attendants
TV show: "Pan Am"
Why it's the best: This new series based on the iconic airline in the 1960s is like "Mad Men" in the sky. The show depicts the glamorous lifestyle of flight crews before anyone worried about the dangers of in-flight smoking, terrorist attacks or even wearing a seatbelt. Though the flight attendants must deal with the pressures of being an attractive, well-kept woman, the perks of the job -- traveling the world, staying in posh hotels and meeting interesting people along the way -- seem to outweigh the downfalls.
Character: Ava
TV show: "Up All Night"
Why it's the best: This new comedy focuses on Reagan and Chris Brinkley as they adjust to parenthood and struggle to balance life at home and work. Reagan returns to her job as a producer on the talk show "Ava." As the host of her own show, Ava is on the same level as Oprah Winfrey -- at least in her own mind. In any case, any time you can be your own boss and have an entire staff of people follow your every command, it's a cool job in our minds.
5 worst TV character jobs:
Character: Reagan Brinkley
TV show: "Up All Night"
Why it's the worst: As we mentioned, Reagan Brinkley is trying live life as a balanced career woman who does it all. Unfortunately, her boss Ava, a vulnerable talk-show host, makes that goal a little harder for her to achieve. Unexpected visits from Ava at all hours of the night, coupled with long hours and ridiculous demands, make her job as a TV producer less than glamorous.
Character: Ray Drecker
TV show: "Hung"
Why it's the worst: Teacher by day, male prostitute by night, Ray Drecker is trying to earn some extra cash to get back on his feet after a nasty divorce. While some men might be willing to take the good with the bad as part of the "world's oldest profession," something tells me that the perks of such activity do not outweigh the risks.
Character: Darren Richmond
TV show: "The Killing"
Why it's the worst: As a city councilman running for mayor of Seattle, Darren Richmond's luck has run out. Or maybe it wasn't there to begin with. After a car belonging to his mayoral campaign is found in a lake -- complete with a body inside the trunk -- he immediately becomes a murder suspect. Constantly being scrutinized under the intense public eye during a political campaign is one thing, but couple that with being involved in a murder case -- no thanks.
Character: Kenneth Parcell
TV show: "30 Rock"
Why it's the worst: Kenneth Parcell "lives for television," so his job performing menial tasks as an NBC page may seem like a dream come true -- but I don't buy it. He acts as a personal assistant to demanding TV personality Tracy Jordan, doing ridiculous things for him such as getting nachos from Yankee Stadium -- just because. Working up the ladder to the job of your dreams is one thing, but always being at someone's beck and call is quite another.
Character: Will Schuster
TV show: "Glee"
Why it's the worst: As the director of the high-school glee club, Will Schuster is likable, most definitely. We empathize with his efforts to make the glee club cool and he's done an OK job of it. But having to deal with condescending co-workers like Sue Sylvester and constantly defending his club members to the school and community have to get tiring. Maybe he should stick to teaching Spanish?




Source: careerbuilder

Getting Hired After Being a Free Agent

Five Tips for Transitioning Consultants, Freelancers

After being a successful consultant who helped clients solve key problems, realize specific outcomes and maximize profitability, you may find it challenging to land a full-time job.

Will employers value you as a focused self-starter? Or will they have concerns that you won't fit in with the team?

The good news is that you -- and your resume -- are likely to find a receptive audience among recruiters seeking experienced professionals who can address specific company needs. (That's provided you're a legitimate consultant, and not just trying to fill a gap in your work history.)

"There's a much faster transition from full-time consulting to full-time gigs, and I don't think there's the barrier or walls there used to be," says career coach Matt Youngquist, principal of Career Horizons. "It's kind of a revolving door, as far as I'm concerned."

Here are tips on how to best market your consulting experience to prospective employers.

1. There's No 'I' in Team

Emphasize your ability to adapt to a range of workplace cultures.

"Generally, consultants tend to be really good team players because they've had to be," says Andrea Hoban, a regional manager with Robert Half International, whose seven divisions offer staffing services in areas such as accounting and finance and information technology. "They're used to working in strange environments and making things happen, which makes them really good collaborators. That's a good quality to have in an employee, too."

2. Good Work Habits Are Good Work Habits, Period

Even if your position is short term, act as if you have a long-term investment in a company, according to Katie Katz, a Chicago-based market sales director for Aquent, a major marketing and creative staffing agency.

"Always go to work with a positive attitude, be very professional in your dealings with everyone, be on time and be very ethical in your work habits," Katz says.

3. Can You Demonstrate Return on Investment (ROI)?

Showing on your resume how you solved a particular problem or generated savings for a client will help establish your credentials.

"If they can show ROI and what they were able to accomplish in a bullet format, that jumps off the page," Hoban says.

4. Get Technical

If you are an expert in a particular aspect of your profession, such as compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act with corporate accounting, or possess knowledge of certain software applications or protocols, spell out this expertise.

"The more specific you can be about what you did and your role in it, the more excited a potential employer will be about what they're reading," Hoban says.

5. Be Authentic

Whether your reasons for moving from freelance to full-time work are financial or career-driven, be upfront about them.

"Employers are looking for people who are in control of their careers and lives," Youngquist says. "[The reasons for job hunting] could be 'I want to be part of a team,' or 'I want to be able to stick around and see my great advice take root.' They just have to be able to understand the story, and how at this time a company's goals and an individual's goals align."

Source: Monster

14 politically correct job titles

Order a sandwich at Subway, and you'll be assisted by one of their "sandwich artists." When perusing the Apple store for a computer or iPad, be sure to ask a "genius" for help.

Job titles have evolved over time for a variety of reasons. Some companies have infused creativity into their job titles as a way to elevate otherwise generic-sounding positions. Others have doled out inventive titles in lieu of promotions or pay raises. Common practice these days is for companies to steer clear of gender-specific job titles, or ones that have politically incorrect undertones, to avoid any chance of discrimination.
"A lot of companies have tried to refine titles to make them gender neutral, to show that gender is irrelevant to the performance of the job," says John Millikin, clinical professor at Arizona State University's W. P. Carey School of Business. "For example, changing postman to postal worker took the actual word 'man' out of the title. Others have tried to drop the feminine version and concentrate on using one term for both genders, such as using actor instead of both actress and actor."

Curious to know whether your title is up-to-date or outdated? Peruse this list of 14 antiquated job titles along with their politically correct replacements:

1. Old: barman/barmaid; New: bartender or mixologist
2. Old: chairman; New: chairperson
3. Old: fireman; New: firefighter
4. Old: fisherman; New: fisher
5. Old: garbage man; New: trash collector
6. Old: nurseryman; New: nursery worker
7. Old: policeman; New: police officer or law enforcement officer (although Senior Product Developer Laurence Shatkin, Ph.D., at career publisher JIST Publishing points out that this revised title is slightly inaccurate, because not all police men or women are officers.)
8. Old: salesman/saleswoman; New: sales worker or sales associate
9. Old: seamstress; New: sewing machine operator
10. Old: steward/stewardess; New: flight attendant
11. Old: secretary; New: administrative assistant
12. Old: waiter/waitress; New: server
13. Old: hairdresser; New: stylist
14. Old: weatherman; New: meteorologist




Source: Careerbuilder

Fields in need of second-language skills

Knowing a second language can pay off more than you think. While it's a definite perk in many career fields, in a tough economic climate, knowing another language is especially important. According to a recent Korn/Ferry International survey of more than 12,000 people, 31 percent of executives who responded are bilingual, and the need for bilingual executives will be even greater in 10 years. Beyond areas such as education where it's an obvious plus, there are plenty of other fields where being bilingual can have a real impact on your candidacy. Anyone from marketers to software developers can find it beneficial to have another language on the résumé.

Here are surprising career fields in which knowing another language can have added value:

Information technology
The impact that outsourcing has had on the tech industry means those who possess foreign language skills have a leg up when managing large projects that often have an international workforce and span several continents. With tech and software support being a large part of the industry, straightforward communication regarding highly technical work is key. Knowing another language also gives you an advantage when creating software for global consumption and helps you understand the needs of some international consumers.
The impact that outsourcing has had on the tech industry means those who possess foreign language skills have a leg up when managing large projects that often have an international workforce and span several continents. With tech and software support being a large part of the industry, straightforward communication regarding highly technical work is key. Knowing another language also gives you an advantage when creating software for global consumption and helps you understand the needs of some international consumers.

Marketing
Anything from translating key documents to using your knowledge to appeal to another culture can come in handy. Since marketing strategy is now a global phenomenon, another language can make you more valuable to the marketing department of multinational companies.
Anything from translating key documents to using your knowledge to appeal to another culture can come in handy. Since marketing strategy is now a global phenomenon, another language can make you more valuable to the marketing department of multinational companies.

Hospitality
As the tourism industry grows and air travel increases, knowing another language can be a huge perk when working in hospitality. Visitors may find an environment more welcoming if someone can speak to them in their own languages.

Law enforcement
With so many non-U.S. born people in the U.S., working to keep order requires knowledge of other commonly used languages such as Spanish, Mandarin and French. Being bilingual can also help law enforcement officers solve crimes while using fewer resources.

Airlines
In the airline industry, cabin crew and customer service representatives are often expected to speak another language in order to communicate with clientele from all over the world. With an uptick in international air travel and customers who speak so many different languages, speaking a multitude of languages can often be a requirement.
In the airline industry, cabin crew and customer service representatives are often expected to speak another language in order to communicate with clientele from all over the world. With an uptick in international air travel and customers who speak so many different languages, speaking a multitude of languages can often be a requirement.


Gaming
With virtual gaming on the rise, those behind the scenes must know how to appeal to a global audience. Speaking another language is one way to stand out to hiring managers. Bilingual applicants are sought after because they can help identify with audiences abroad and ensure consistency for different groups.
With virtual gaming on the rise, those behind the scenes must know how to appeal to a global audience. Speaking another language is one way to stand out to hiring managers. Bilingual applicants are sought after because they can help identify with audiences abroad and ensure consistency for different groups.

Government If you're eager to work for a government agency, knowing another language can give you a leg up. Anything from doing intelligence work to working in foreign embassies requires thorough knowledge of another language. Additionally, the need for bilingual security experts will mean growth for those who are fluent in various languages.

Library science
Working with research collections and books can be an obvious tie-in for those who want to use their multiple language skills. Anything from selecting to cataloging books can require knowledge of a non-English language. Additionally, libraries in immigrant neighborhoods have a need for bilingual librarians to help patrons with their needs.

Health care
With so much of the population born outside of the U.S., many medical facilities are in need of multilingual personnel. While translators commonly work in the hospital, knowing another language can help you connect with both patients and other hospital workers. It's especially useful in emergencies.
With so much of the population born outside of the U.S., many medical facilities are in need of multilingual personnel. While translators commonly work in hospitals, knowing another language can help you connect with both patients and other hospital workers. It's especially useful in emergencies.



Source: careerbuilder

Top paying jobs for the class of 2012

Historically, college graduation has been a time of celebration. The years of hard work and studying have come to end, and life in the real world -- with a real paycheck -- can finally begin. Yet for the students who graduated from college over the past three years, leaving the safe haven of a university campus and entering into the unstable job market was more panic provoking than festive.

Now, in 2012, we can at last say that things are really and truly looking up for new college grads. According to the annual survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, overall, employers plan to hire 19.3 percent more new college graduates this fall than they did in the fall of 2010, the first double-digit percentage increase since 2007. In comparison, last year, hiring managers reported that they would be hiring 6.9 percent fewer new grads than the year prior.

There's good news on the pay front, too. Salaries for the graduating class of 2012 are up from the previous year for the first time since 2008. On average, students can expect a starting offer of around $50,462, 5.9 percent higher than the average offer of $47,673 that 2010 grads received. Plus, 75 percent of employers surveyed said they planned to offer higher salaries to this year's graduating class.

Like every year, though, certain degrees command a higher salary than others. While graduates from a variety of majors and disciplines have a shot at a decent salary in 2012, almost all of the top-10 offers will go to engineering and computer science grads. According to the NACE survey, the following are the highest anticipated payouts:

1. Chemical engineering
Average annual salary offer to 2012 grads: $66,886
2. Computer science
Average annual salary offer to 2012 grads: $63,017
3. Mechanical engineering
Average annual salary offer to 2012 grads: $60,739
4. Electrical/electronics and communications engineering
Average annual salary offer to 2012 grads: $60,646
5. Computer engineering
Average annual salary offer to 2012 grads: $60,112
6. Industrial/manufacturing engineering
Average annual salary offer to 2012 grads: $58,549
7. Systems engineering
Average annual salary offer to 2012 grads: $57,497
8. Engineering technology
Average annual salary offer to 2012 grads: $57,176
9. Information sciences & systems
Average annual salary offer to 2012 grads: $56,868
10. Business systems networking/ telecommunications
Average annual salary offer to 2012 grads: $56,808
For those who aren't graduating with an engineering or computer science degree, however, all hope for a high salary is not lost. There are other majors that can expect offers of more than $50,000 per year. Here are 10 more degrees that will pull in the big bucks.
1. Nursing
Average annual salary offer to 2012 grads: $55,774
2. Mathematics
Average annual salary offer to 2012 grads: $55,300
3. Economics
Average annual salary offer to 2012 grads: $54,634
4. Management information systems/ business data processing
Average annual salary offer to 2012 grads: $$54,372
5. Finance
Average annual salary offer to 2012 grads: $53,048
6. Agricultural sciences (not including plant science, animal science or conservation majors)
Average annual salary offer to 2012 grads: $52,934
7. Human resources
Average annual salary offer to 2012 grads: $52,532
8. Logistics/materials management
Average annual salary offer to 2012 grads: $50,602
9. Accounting
Average annual salary offer to 2012 grads: $50,316
10. Liberal arts & sciences/general studies
Average annual salary offer to 2012 grads: $50,313

Source: careerbuilder

I actually get paid to do this

Meet 10 people with surprising, unusual jobs

Beth Braccio Hering, Special to CareerBuilder

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Their jobs may not be the most common in the world, but they are certainly some of the most interesting. Meet 10 people with unusual positions that might make the rest of the workforce a wee bit envious:

1. Chocolatier
What kid doesn't wish he could grow up to work in a candy factory? As chief chocolatier and vice president of operations for Bissinger's Handcrafted Chocolatier in St. Louis, Mo., Dave Owens is a real-life Willy Wonka. Besides making sure that the molasses puffs are up to par and the chocolate-caramel lollipops are just perfectly chewy, he also helps the 340-year-old company develop new products by putting a spin on its traditional recipes (margarita salt caramels, anyone?).

2. Professional rum drinker
While the title sounds like something you might have dreamed of becoming during college, Chicago-based Edward Hamilton takes his rum seriously. Hamilton has spent 20 years sailing the Caribbean learning about rum, and he shares his knowledge with companies in the adult beverage industry. He also writes books, serves as an expert source for media inquiries about rum and operates the website Ministry of Rum.

3. Social media trainer
Though it may look like she's "playing" on the computer all day, Kerry Rego of Santa Rosa, Calif., is actually hard at work. As a social media trainer, Rego customizes Facebook pages, sets up e-mail newsletters and teaches individuals and businesses that a "Tweet" is more than a noise a bird makes.

4. Game designer
Like Rego, Jim Zielinski often looks like he is playing during working hours. As a senior game designer with Incredible Technologies in Arlington Heights, Ill., he is paid to dream up greens, sand traps and water hazards for Golden Tee's virtual golf courses. To add elements of realism to the fictitious fairways, Zielinski studies and incorporates native plants and wildlife into the settings.

5. Tour package organizer
When Ludus Tours organizes trips to events such as Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany, or the recent Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Canada, someone needs to make sure that the clients are having a good time. Enter poor Victoria Whyte, a public relations manager who is often called upon to leave her desk to scout out areas first-hand and help vacationers find things like the best dance bars around Pamplona, Spain, when in town for the Running of the Bulls.

6. Professional bargain hunter
Karen Hoxmeier of Murrieta, Calif., not only benefits from finding a good bargain -- she gets paid to pass it along. What started out more than a decade ago as a hobby has developed into MyBargainBuddy.com, a website devoted to great deals, coupon codes and other ways to save. Stores pay Hoxmeier a commission to list and sell their merchandise, and thousands of members take advantage of not having to scout out deals on their own.

7. Matchmaker
While many of us have played amateur matchmaker by setting up friends on dates, Emily Fry puts her knack for pairing to professional use. As president of In Good Company, an upscale matchmaking service located in Chicago, Fry gets to meet new and interesting people every day and find out what makes them tick. Then, she matches up clients and waits to see if the fireworks start.

8. Personal historian
Another worker who gets to meet interesting people on a daily basis is Corina Kellam, founder of Life History Books. Individuals and families hire her team of personal historians to conduct interviews, collect photos and organize the information into high-quality books that preserve personal memories for generations.

9. Certified image consultant
Sort of a modern-day fairy godmother, Julie Maeder of New Leaf Image Consulting in Troy, Mich., helps improve her clients' self-esteem through style and wardrobe changes. In addition to shopping for garments and accessories that specifically flatter each individual, she raids their closets to "edit out everything that doesn't fit, flatter or make them feel fantastic." She even does hair and make-up "makeovers" for those wanting a greater change.

10. Corporate comedian
Finally, imagine getting paid "to make people laugh so hard that they almost wet their pants." This is what Kevin Carroll of Westport, Conn., says he does as a corporate comedian -- someone hired to invigorate business events and drive home key messages in a humorous manner. Carroll's specialty is roasting: creating a custom, good-natured presentation (complete with Photo-shopped slides) based on tidbits he learns beforehand about key people. "It creates great energy and a buzz in the room and sends everyone off on a high."


Source: careerbuilder

7 jobs for people with a teaching background

The average person spends anywhere from 40 to 50 years in the workforce. That's a long time to commit to a single career path.

While workers in many professions experience natural changes in the direction of their career every so often -- a marketing coordinator may go on to be a manager or executive; a lawyer may progress from associate to partner -- those in education often stick to the same job function for long periods of time. Teachers may get pay raises every so often, but the scope of their job doesn't necessarily change with their salary increases.
If you're a teacher looking to take your profession in a new direction, the following jobs will allow you to put your education background to good use outside of the traditional classroom.

1. Instructional coordinator: Also known as directors of instructional material or curriculum specialists, instructional coordinators work on the strategic side of education. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, sample duties include selecting textbooks, assessing curricula for quality, implementing new technology in classrooms and training teachers. Most instructional coordinators have a background in education, either in teaching or administration.
Median annual salary: $56,880*
2. Corporate trainer: Teachers can parlay their talent for instruction and skill development into a career in corporate training. Companies employ corporate trainers to mentor new hires, teach professional development classes and keep employees up-to-date on new technologies and processes. Most corporate training roles will fall under a company's human resources department.
Median annual salary: $51,450
3. Private tutor: Those with an entrepreneurial streak might consider starting a business as a private tutor. Like teachers, private tutors work directly with students, but on a one-on-one basis. For those who don't want the hassle of running a business, companies such as Varsity Tutors match certified tutors with students.
Median annual salary: Salary varies by experience, education level and region. A search for tutors on Care.com found that less-experienced tutors charged as little as $15 an hour, while more advanced tutors charged $50 an hour or more.
4. Administrator: A career as an education administrator is a good fit for those who wish to take on a leadership and management role in the education system. Unlike teachers, education administrators have less interaction with students and instead spend more time overseeing and managing teachers and other staff in their school or district.
Median annual salary: $83,880
5. Standardized test developer: Standardized test developers do just that -- they write questions and passages for standardized tests used in education. Test developers may also verify test content and review it for accuracy and fairness.
Median annual salary: N/A
6. Educational program director: Working in facilities such as museums, zoos and national parks, educational program directors plan and develop the learning programs used to instruct student and community groups who visit the facilities.
Median annual salary: Salary varies by type of facility and experience level. According to CBSalary, for example, museum educators earn an average salary of $38,341, while park naturalists -- those who create public programs at national parks -- earn about $37,673 per year.
7. Textbook author: Textbook authors conduct research, write passages and verify information for student textbooks. Though full-time, salaried jobs can be found with major book publishers, some textbook authors work on a freelance or contract basis.
Median annual salary: $53,070




Source: careerbuilder

Part-Time Jobs for Older Workers

"Your company won't always take care of you. So you've got to take care of yourself." That sobering advice, from syndicated career advice columnist Jim Pawlak, is hitting home with an increasing number of men and women who were raised to believe that doing a job well translates into a lifetime of security but instead find that job security is rare.

Older workers are discovering this firsthand. Though workers older than 45 make up 25 percent of the workforce, they represent 35 percent of the long-term unemployed. And the Economic Policy Institute in Washington, DC, says that while some laid-off older workers find comparable jobs, many accept pay cuts of up to 20 percent just to return to work.

The good news is that older workers may have fewer financial obligations than younger colleagues. Children are out of college, and homes may be paid for.
For these men and women, a part-time job may be an answer, although it will probably mean taking a more junior position, because, as Pawlak notes, there are no part-time positions in management. Part-time jobs are more likely to be lower-level positions in industries like retail and healthcare. And even for these positions, older workers must still brush up on computer skills and evaluate whether they need to expand their skill sets. But with a bit of insight and creativity, older workers can land part-time jobs that provide stimulation and challenges -- and pay more than minimum wage.

Flexibility Can Pay Off

Steve Reilly spent three decades in information technology, but when work in that field dried up, he turned to real estate. He enrolled in the necessary courses, researched firms in his area, and sold himself as someone with both technical and organizational skills. "It's different than getting paid for work every day," he says. "But I love the challenge of helping people -– not organizations –- deal with problems."

Michael, who asked that his last name not be used, had to dumb down his resume to get work in a Phoenix frame shop. Thirty years of hiring engineers and running MIS projects priced him out of similar work in a stagnant field flooded with younger, cheaper employees. So he turned to his earlier background as an artist, called himself a high school graduate and landed a job.

His hours vary, but he's made himself valuable because he volunteers to work any shift. He's earning less than he once did, but he'll soon be a manager.

Dave Harrison and his wife, Marianne, were also looking for work. They weren't laid off, but after retiring in their late 50s and moving to Florida, they wanted to work again. In their new community, they networked and asked everyone they met for advice. They applied for full-time positions. When granted interviews, they offered to work part-time to help prospective employers save money.

Eventually, Marianne got her job as an aide in an academic office that way. Dave's job as an assistant in the office of a youth sports organization was advertised as part-time.

The key is that "we took jobs where the tasks were less than we could handle, and the pay was less than we hoped to earn," says Dave Harrison. "We knew if we got our foot in the door, we would earn our way to more responsibility and more pay." They set a target of one year to prove to their employers that they could do more than they were hired for and should be compensated accordingly.

They proved themselves indispensable. In less than a year, Marianne was managing logistics for a graduate MBA program while her husband became executive director of a 1,200-player program.

"No one would hire us part-time at a salary we deserved," he says. "We had to prove our value during the first year, and swallow our pride about wages."

Advice for Older Job Seekers

Dave Harrison recommends a few strategies for older workers who are looking for work:

• Examine all potential job opportunities, full-time and part-time.
• Accept less-than-desirable assignments.
• Give an employer more than expected.
• Give an employer enough time to appreciate your contributions before asking for more compensation

Lastly, he stresses the importance of working in a nonbureaucratic environment. "You want a place that is small enough so that one person's efforts can be seen and acknowledged," he says.




Source: Monster

Six High-Paying Contract Jobs

The bad news: In this sluggish economy many companies are still reluctant to hire full-time employees (FTEs). The good news: Many of those same companies are actively recruiting independent contractors. And while contract jobs are temporary, an independent contractor is often first in line when a full-time position opens up.

The best news, at least if benefits aren’t important to you:

Many The best news, at least if benefits aren’t important to you: Many contract jobs pay better -- some more than 20 percent better -- than full-time jobs. Online salary database PayScale crunched some numbers and found six jobs where the freelance rate is significantly higher than the full-time salary.

Registered Nurse
Median annual FTE pay: $54,800
Median annual contractor income: $67,100
Increase over full-time pay: +22.4 percent
Typical degree: Associate's degree in nursing

The Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) projects 582,000 new nursing jobs will be added between 2008 and 2018, the highest numerical increase of all occupations. That puts potential employees -- and contractors -- in a strong position to bargain salary or hourly pay.

Find nurse jobs.

Database Administrator
Median annual FTE pay: $64,100
Median annual contractor income: $77,300
Increase over full-time pay: +20.6 percent
Typical degree: Bachelor's in computer science

Database administrator jobs can be found in government, banking, data processing, healthcare and especially the computer industry. An MBA is an advantage in landing the highest-paying contract jobs.

Find database administrator jobs.

Physical Therapist
Median annual FTE salary: $68,000
Median annual contractor income: $80,700
Increase over full-time pay: +18.7 percent
Typical degree: Master’s in physical therapy

Like many healthcare professionals, physical therapists are expected to be in high demand through 2018, according to the BLS. The growing number of elderly adults needing physical therapy will drive much of that increase.

Find physical therapist jobs.

Systems Administrator
Median annual FTE salary: $51,000
Median annual contractor income: $58,300
Increase over full-time pay: +14.3 percent
Typical degree: Bachelor's in computer science

According to the BLS, system administrator jobs are forecasted to grow 23 percent between 2008 and 2018, much faster than the average compared with other occupations.

Find systems administrator jobs.

Web Developer
Median annual FTE salary: $52,600
Median annual contractor income: $59,700
Increase over full-time pay: 13.5 percent
Typical degree: Bachelor’s in computer science

Although competition for these jobs has increased, demand is strong. The BLS classifies Web developers with network systems and data communications analysts, which it lists as one of the 30 fastest-growing occupations through 2018.

Find Web developer jobs.

Heavy Equipment Operator
Median annual FTE salary: $37,100
Median annual contractor income: $40,900
Increase over full-time pay: +10.2 percent
Typical degree: High school, vocational school

Unlike the other jobs here, only a small percentage of heavy equipment operators are self-employed, according to the BLS. Jobs can be found in highway, bridge and railroad construction, as well as civil engineering and local government projects.

Find heavy equipment operator jobs.

Before you start searching for high-paying contractor jobs, remember that as a contractor, you’ll be paying self-employment taxes. On the other hand, you’ll be able to write off business-related expenses, so be sure to save every receipt. 

Source: Monster

45 jobs at nine salary levels

When it comes to making money, everyone has goals. While some people aim to make millions, others are happy with just a little something -- anything -- coming into their bank accounts.

Not to mention that different careers pay different salaries. Experience and education play a role, too. So even though you may think you deserve to be paid $85,000, your job may pay only $45,000.
Even in that case, you'd be lucky. According to the National Compensation Survey, $43,460 is the national average salary across all occupations.

To give you an idea of the range of salaries in various occupations, here are five jobs within each salary range, from $20,000 to $100,000*:

Salary range: $20,000-$29,999
1. Personal home and care aides: $20,280
2. Manicurists and pedicurists: $22,150
3. Funeral attendants: $23,880
4. Landscaping and groundskeeping workers: $25,340
5. Dietetic technicians: $28,530
Salary range: $30,000-$39,999
6. Veterinary technologists and technicians: $30,580
7. Travel agents: $32,450
8. Dental assistants: $34,000
9. Police, fire and ambulance dispatchers: $36,470
10. Massage therapists: $39,780
Salary range: $40,000-$49,999
11. Surgical technologists: $40,710
12. Law clerks: $41,960
13. Flight attendants: $43,350
14. Firefighters: $47,270
15. Health educators: $49,060
Salary range: $50,000-$59,999
16. Food service technicians: $50,850
17. Respiratory therapists: $54,200
18. Anthropologists and archaeologists: $57,230
19. Editors: $58,440
20. Public relations specialists: $59,370
Salary range: $60,000-$69,999
21. Zoologists and wildlife biologists: $60,670
22. Insurance underwriters: $63,300
23. Registered nurses: $66,530
24. Audiologists: $66,850
25. Budget analysts: $69,240
Salary range: $70,000-$79,999
26. Microbiologists: $71,980
27. Computer programmers: $74,690
28. Sociologists: $76,190
29. Radiation therapists: $77,340
30. Marine engineers and naval architects: $79,240
Salary range: $80,000-$89,999
31. Chiropractors: $80,390
32. Administrative services managers: $81,530
33. Financial analysts: $85,240
34. Producers and directors: $86,870
35. Biochemists and biophysicists: $88,550
Salary range: $90,000-$99,999
36. Art directors: $91,520
37. Construction managers: $93,290
38. Compensation and benefits managers: $95,230
39. Purchasing managers: $96,910
40. Advertising and promotions managers: $97,670
Salary range: $100,000-$109,999
41. Political scientists: $101,050
42. Astronomers: $102,740
43. Judges, magistrate judges and magistrates: $103,990
44. Air traffic controllers: $106,990
45. Law teachers, post-secondary: $109,150

Source: careerbuilder

8 jobs we'd love to eavesdrop on

On a recent flight, just before takeoff, the pilot told us passengers that we could listen to the control tower conversation by tuning in to one of the audio channels in our seats. I put my headphones on and listened to the back-and-forth between air traffic controllers and pilots as they tried to get everyone's flights up in the air.

Holiday traffic had the runways backed up, and for the next 45 minutes I heard a lot of conversations. Some were terse, some humorous, some disconcerting (such as my pilot telling the tower, "We might need to return to the gate -- we've wasted a lot of fuel already.") and others just confusing. Looking around at the scrunched faces and fingers frantically pushing the "up" volume button, I realized that other passengers also were engrossed in what they were hearing. The exciting chatter happening in our headphones was new to us. The other passengers not listening to the channel were blissfully unaware that chaos was happening all around them.

The whole situation made me realize that the conversations you'd hear during my average workday would probably bore you, or leave you scratching your head. My job is interesting to me, but for most people, listening to talk about content calendars, unemployment figures and what happened on last night's episode of "Community" wouldn't have droves of people tuning in.

But it did make me think about all the other occupations that probably have some pretty great conversations, but that only a few people get to hear. Here are eight jobs that we'd love to eavesdrop on:

Personal assistants
Any type of personal assistant, whether for a business executive or a Hollywood celebrity, puts up with a lot of demands. If the boss is really busy and doesn't have time to perform menial tasks that the rest of us have to do ourselves, assistants can end up hearing some interesting things. Someone has to order flowers for the boss's "lady friend" (who isn't his wife). Or maybe a Hollywood A-lister wants to know why her dressing room isn't filled with adorable puppies and kittens for her to play with. Imagine the conversations assistants must have with their bosses.

CIA agents
For the safety of everyone in the country and for our mental health, the CIA keeps a pretty tight lid on its secrets. We're all thankful for that. Because they're so good at their jobs, however, CIA agents are mysterious to most of us. Wouldn't you love to know whom they talk to on a daily basis and what they say? Are they listening to someone's tapped phone? Maybe the average day isn't as exciting as we imagine, but we don't know because we never get to hear these conversations.

Department-store Santas
If you've ever tried to talk to a toddler for more than two minutes, you know how difficult it can be. Now imagine doing that for hours at a time with overbearing parents yelling, "Sit on Santa's lap! He's your friend!" It's not an easy job, and few people are strong enough to do it well, but listening to children ramble, cry and list all the gifts they want would be entertaining to eavesdrop on for a day.

Divorce attorneys
What's said between an attorney and a client is privileged information and for good reason. However, sometimes when you see two people who went from love to hate seemingly overnight, the tabloid-reading part of you can't help but think, "What went on in that marriage?" These are the moments when you have absolutely no right to listen to someone's private conversations, but you really wish you could.

Flight attendants
On a plane, you can't always hear other people's chatter above the roar of the engine, the whir of the overhead vents and the thump of the child kicking the back of your seat. If you could, however, you'd hear some unforgettable exchanges. Passengers ask flight attendants for blankets and pillows or to adjust the plane's temperature. Sometimes flight attendants have to act as referee when two passengers are fighting over elbow space on the armrest. Ever the professionals, flight attendants have to keep their cool when dealing with passengers, but you know they exchange some pretty interesting stories behind the scenes.

Hair stylists
Simply sitting in the chair getting my hair cut, I have heard some conversations that I'll never forget. Outside of a psychiatrist's office, I think a hair salon is the only place you'll hear people share personal secrets with a room full of strangers. Stylists are usually good at nodding and joining in the conversation, whether or not they actually care, and customers keep right on blabbing.

Human resource managers
As with attorneys, HR mangers aren't allowed to share much of what's discussed behind closed doors. Yet that's precisely why we're so curious. We don't really care what's going on with Lou from marketing, but we would like to hear the outrageous problems -- many of which are not work-related -- that HR managers get asked about.

The president
Forget about party affiliation and which candidate you'll be casting your vote for; we all want to hear the confidential conversations taking place in the Oval Office. The president knows information before many of us ever hear it, and plenty of what's shared in the executive branch never reaches our ears. Some of that confidential information would probably make us lose sleep at night, but for one day it would be interesting and perhaps life-changing to hear it. Presidents make decisions that directly affect millions of Americans and indirectly affect the lives of people around the globe -- workplace chatter doesn't get much more interesting than that.



 Source: careerbuilder

20 Jobs You Can Get With a High School Diploma

For many, the road to success cuts through college and often graduate school. But the skyrocketing cost of education coupled with the widespread squeeze on people's bank accounts and time, makes pursuing a traditional four-year or graduate degree a pipe dream.

For others, like IT professional Chris Moyer, success isn't contingent on a bachelor's or master's degree. Moyer's career path began in high school, where she was able to take two weeks of technical training per month. After high school, she moved into data entry and computer operations.  While she raised her small children, she did temporary computer work and then went to technical school for computer programming.
"I found a job at a small company, which had purchased a computer and some business software and needed someone to get it up and running," Moyer says. "I took the job at minimum wage and earned the experience I needed to move on. There were similar jobs after that and I increased my salary along the way."
She eventually worked her way into consulting and today, Moyer is an assistant vice president of IT working for a major bank.

Moyer's situation is not unique. There are millions of people who find themselves in this situation including those who:
·         Have a high school diploma or GED
·         Have some work experience but no college degree
·         Want to try a new career but don't want to go through years of schooling
·         Can't afford the money or time to go back to school

So how do you land a job or change careers when your educational options are limited? Here are 20 jobs that require a high school degree, on-the-job training, vocational training, certification or a combination:

1.       Automotive service technicians
What they do: Also called mechanics, automotive service technicians inspect, maintain and repair automobiles and light trucks using traditional equipment and computerized tools
What they need:* Postsecondary vocational award; certification from National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) is highly regarded
What they earn:** $37,662

2.       Accounting clerks
What they do: Also known as accounts payable clerks or accounts receivable clerks, duties may include posting details of transactions, computing interest charges, making sure loans and accounts are up-to-date, and ensuring account accuracy
What they need:* A high school diploma and some accounting coursework or relevant work experience
What they earn:** $29,991

3.       Carpenters
What they do: From highways and bridges to kitchen cabinets, carpenters construct, erect, install and repair structures and fixtures made from wood and other materials
What they need:* About three to four years of both on-the-job training and classroom instruction
What they earn:** $36,889

4.       Customer service representatives
What they do: Serve as the direct point of contact for customers of all types of businesses by answering questions and concerns, providing information and addressing complaints
What they need:* Moderate-term on-the-job training
What they earn:** $31,685

5.       Dental assistants
What they do: Not to be confused with dental hygienists, dental assistants work closely with dentists and perform a variety of duties including instrument sterilization, obtaining records and preparing patients for treatment
What they need:* Many skills are learned on the job, but there are also dental-assisting programs, which often take one year or less to complete
What they earn:** $32,246

6.       Electricians
What they do: Install and maintain wiring, fuses, circuits, outlets, load centers, panel boards and electrical machines in homes and businesses
What they need:* Long-term on-the-job training, often in the form of an apprenticeship program lasting four to five years
What they earn:** $47,869

7.       Fitness trainers
What they do: Lead and instruct people in exercise activities, either individually or in a group setting , in fitness centers, gyms, hospitals, universities and clients' homes
What they need:* Postsecondary vocational award or certification is critical and depends on the employer and specific type of fitness work.
What they earn:** $24,890

8.       Gaming managers and supervisors
What they do: Oversee the operations and personnel in an assigned area of a casino or gaming facility and ensure workers and gamblers are aware of and adhering to the rules of the games
What they need:* Related work experience and a license from a regulatory agency
What they earn:** $47,429

9.       General maintenance and repair workers
What they do: Troubleshoot, inspect and diagnose problems in many different crafts (like carpentry, plumbing, air conditioning and heating, and painting) and decide the best way to correct them
What they need:* Moderate-term on-the-job training
What they earn:** $27,890

10.   Home health aides
What they do: Assist elderly, ill or disabled people at home instead of health-care facilities. They provide  services like administering medications and checking temperatures, and may also do housework and assist with personal care
What they need:* Short-term on-the-job training by registered nurses or experienced aides
What they earn:** $22,163

11.   Interpreters and translators
What they do: Interpreters convert one spoken language into another and must express thoughts and ideas clearly; translators convert written materials from one language into another and should have excellent writing and editing skills
What they need:* Fluency in two or more languages and long-term on-the-job training
What they earn:** Interpreters -- $37,700; Translators -- $42,229

12.   Manicurists and pedicurists
What they do: Also called nail technicians, they groom and polish fingernails and toenails and provide manicures and pedicures
What they need:* Postsecondary vocational award; license may be required
What they earn:** $19,978

13.   Medical assistants
What they do: Perform administrative and clinical tasks (depending on what's allowed by the state) in doctor and other health practitioner offices
What they need:* Some may be trained on the job but others complete one- to two-year programs
What they earn:** $30,136

14.   Nursing aides, orderlies and attendants
What they do: Provide a variety of hands-on and routine tasks in many aspects of a patient's care, including but not limited to: helping patients eat and groom, escorting them to exam and operating rooms, and taking temperature or blood pressure
What they need:* Postsecondary vocational award
What they earn:** $25,133

15.   Office clerk
What they do: Specific duties vary depending on type of office but can include administrative duties, data entry and using office equipment
What they need:* Short-term on-the-job training
What they earn:** $29,410

16.   Pharmacy technicians
What they do: Work in retail and mail-order pharmacies assisting pharmacists by preparing medication, stocking shelves and performing administrative duties; state rules regulate specific duties
What they need:* Moderate-term on-the-job training or certification
What they earn:** $28,624

17.   Restaurant cooks
What they do: Measure and cook ingredients according to recipes, use kitchen equipment and order food supplies
What they need:* Long-term on-the-job training or vocational training
What they earn:** $21,774

18.   Retail salesperson
What they do: Assist customers in choosing merchandise, maintain the look and feel of store to set standards, and operate the cash register
What they need:* Short-term on-the-job training
What they earn:** $24,223

19.   Skin care specialists and estheticians
What they do: Cleanse and beautify the skin by giving facials, full-body treatments, head and neck massages, as well as apply makeup
What they need:* Postsecondary vocational award and license
What they earn:** $28,259

20.   Truck drivers, heavy and tractor-trailer
What they do: Drive and operate large capacity trucks and vans and transport goods including cars, livestock and other materials city to city or over long distances
What they need:* Moderate-term on-the-job training, good driving record and commercial driver's license
What they earn:** $34,618

Source: careerbuilder

Coaxing 'outside the box' back in

The worst corporate jargon offenders

It's mission-critical that we circle back on this very important matter of corporate jargon in the workplace. Let's focus on the low-hanging fruit with a small group first and then loop everyone in. Being proactive about our learnings will really incentivize the group to focus on the most critical action items and value-add for maximum impact. Let's start high level, drill down from there and circle back after lunch to figure out next steps.
Wait, what? Annoying, right? If you're anything like me, corporate jargon makes your skin crawl -- but in today's workplace, it's sometimes hard to get away from it. Most of us have been guilty of at least one of the business "buzzwords" below.


A recent CareerBuilder survey asked employees what corporate jargon they would like to eliminate. "Outside the box" is the most popular -- or unpopular -- word depending on your view. The next-worst offenders are:

• Outside the box (31 percent)
• Low-hanging fruit (24 percent)
• Synergy (23 percent)
• Loop me in (22 percent)
• Best of breed (19 percent)
• Incentivize (19 percent)
• Mission-critical (19 percent)
• Bring to the table (18 percent)
• Value-add (17 percent)
• Elevator pitch (16 percent)
• Actionable items (15 percent)
• Proactive (15 percent)
• Circle back (13 percent)
• Bandwidth (13 percent)
• High level (10 percent)
• Learnings (9 percent)
• Next steps (6 percent)

Navigating workplace issues can be tricky enough without throwing flowery, clichéd or just plain made-up words and phrases in one another's faces. It only takes one brave person to turn "outside the box" into "creatively" or "let's circle back" to "I'll call you," and we can begin to peel back the layers of complexity and really talk honestly to one another.

Grasping for an original thought or non-business-speak term that describes what we want to achieve can be difficult, but it also makes it easier for others -- inside or outside our workplaces -- to understand us. It brings a fresh perspective to the same old "strategy planning session." And it can make tasks easier, not just for employees who have been with the company for some time and have deciphered the internal lingo, but for new employees, for whom clarity and simplicity is essential while getting used to a new role. Let's stop wasting one another's time with meaningless buzzwords and start saying what we really mean.

Corporate jargon: Breaking down the buzzwords
Here are a few examples of corporate jargon, each followed by an example of a simplified version. Dig around in your own emails -- you likely have some examples to work with, too. Sometimes, simpler words actually give us room to add context around a situation.

Jargon: "It's mission-critical that we do this."
Alternative: It's important that our company do this to reach our fourth-quarter sales goals."
Jargon: "Let's circle back in a couple of weeks."
Alternative: "Let's talk again on Dec. 18. I will send you a calendar invitation."
Jargon: "Be sure to loop me in."
Alternative: "Please include me in future conversations about this."
Jargon: "What does she bring to the table?"
Alternative: "What specific qualifications would she bring to the position that other candidates are lacking?"
Jargon: "The social media element of this project will be a compelling value-add for the client."
Alternative: "By helping our client build relationships on sites like Twitter and Facebook, we can add more value to this project and help them meet their social media goals."
Jargon: "How do we incentivize our employees to be more productive?"
Alternative: "What can we do to make employees excited about coming to work again?"
Jargon: "Let's start with the low-hanging fruit."
Alternative: "What are the easiest goals for us to reach right now? Let's focus on those first."


Source: careerbuilder