The slide in gasoline prices won’t put more Americans behind the wheel.
It estimates that it now takes a 25% to 50% plunge in gas prices to increase car travel just 1%, compared with a 12% drop in the mid-1990s. (Prices have fallen 28% from the 2014 peak.) And it estimates that gas prices next year will average 23% less than this year’s average, and increased fuel economy will balance out an increase in miles traveled and other factors, leaving consumption in December virtually unchanged from a year earlier.
The reasons for this drop in what economists call price elasticity aren’t particularly new. The EIA lists five possible explanations:
People are driving less, period. This is measured by the vehicle miles traveled per capita. Growth slowed in the late 1990s — and has declined in recent years. Before the peak, hit in 2007, U.S. travel behavior closely tracked economic growth; that is less so now.
More retirees as baby boomers stop working. Retirees tend to drive less than those who work.
The trend toward living in urban areas. Those people tend to drive less than those in the suburbs and rural areas.
Teens aren’t as excited about driving either. They are delaying getting their drivers’ license — or skipping it.
A smaller percentage of the typical household budget is being spent on gas, which could make drivers less sensitive to the ups and downs in price.
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
Best places to retire over seas
Retirement around the corner? Thinking about that adventure you never had time to take....deciding on the best place to retire abroad is not easy but here are the top 9 places to consider:
*Algarve, Portugal
Estimated expat population: 100,000+
*Cuenca, Ecuador
Estimated expat population: 5,000+
*Ambergris Caye, Belize
Estimated expat population: 2,000+
*Dumaguete, Philippines
Estimated expat population: 5,000+
*Barcelona
Estimated expat population: 35,000+
*George Town, Malaysia
Estimated expat population: 40,000+
*Chiang Mai, Thailand
Estimated expat population: 20,000+
*Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Estimated expat population: 40,000+
*City Beaches, Panama
Estimated expat population: 2,000+
*Algarve, Portugal
Estimated expat population: 100,000+
*Cuenca, Ecuador
Estimated expat population: 5,000+
*Ambergris Caye, Belize
Estimated expat population: 2,000+
*Dumaguete, Philippines
Estimated expat population: 5,000+
*Barcelona
Estimated expat population: 35,000+
*George Town, Malaysia
Estimated expat population: 40,000+
*Chiang Mai, Thailand
Estimated expat population: 20,000+
*Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Estimated expat population: 40,000+
*City Beaches, Panama
Estimated expat population: 2,000+
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
Signs of Improving U.S. Job Market
Nov. 19 (Bloomberg) -- More than five years into the economic expansion, the signs that economists look for to herald the pickup in pay that has long eluded American workers are starting to emerge.
Wages and salaries climbed last quarter by the most since 2008 as a dwindling number of unemployed per job opening approached a tipping point. Amid rising profits and sales per employee, some companies have a cushion to boost compensation.
Evidence of a rebound in employee earnings is appearing in certain industries and regions, including Texas and North Dakota, that are riding the energy boom and the strengthening homebuilding market in the U.S. Southeast. While plenty of slack remains in the economy, raises are likely to filter to other areas as job creation whittles away at U.S. unemployment.
Wages and salaries climbed last quarter by the most since 2008 as a dwindling number of unemployed per job opening approached a tipping point. Amid rising profits and sales per employee, some companies have a cushion to boost compensation.
Evidence of a rebound in employee earnings is appearing in certain industries and regions, including Texas and North Dakota, that are riding the energy boom and the strengthening homebuilding market in the U.S. Southeast. While plenty of slack remains in the economy, raises are likely to filter to other areas as job creation whittles away at U.S. unemployment.
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
New Airplane Passenger Screening
A new method of screening airplane passengers for signs they may be dangerous is 20 times more successful at catching deceptive passengers than the screening method traditionally used in the U.S. and other countries, a new study suggests.
The new method is based on asking passengers open-ended, conversational questions, whereas traditional screening methods focus on observing people's body language.
In the study, which was funded in part by the British government, 204 mock airplane passengers — including acting students and undercover police detectives — were given cover stories, and asked to attempt to deceive security agents in real airport screenings in Europe. As an extra incentive, the mock passengers were given money if they successfully avoided detection by the security agents.
Trained security agents who used the new, conversation-based screening method successfully detected 66 percent of the mock passengers. On the other hand, security agents looking for signs of suspicious body language — such as lack of eye contact and fidgeting — detected just 3 percent of mock passengers. [5 Cool New ID Technologies]
The latter method is widely used in airports in the United States and the United Kingdom, even though it has not been proven effective in real-life settings, the researchers said.
In the new method, called Controlled Cognitive Engagement (CCE), security agents engage in an informal conversation with passengers, asking them open-ended questions. Based on the passenger's responses, the agent asks questions seeking information that the passenger should know if his or her account is true.
But the agents are not necessarily interested in the accuracy of the passenger's responses — rather, they are looking for changes in the passenger's behavior, such as increasingly shorter responses, or evasive or erratic responses, the researchers said.
For example, the agent might ask the passenger about the people that person is visiting, and how long it takes to get to the airport from where the individual lives.
The new method is based on asking passengers open-ended, conversational questions, whereas traditional screening methods focus on observing people's body language.
In the study, which was funded in part by the British government, 204 mock airplane passengers — including acting students and undercover police detectives — were given cover stories, and asked to attempt to deceive security agents in real airport screenings in Europe. As an extra incentive, the mock passengers were given money if they successfully avoided detection by the security agents.
Trained security agents who used the new, conversation-based screening method successfully detected 66 percent of the mock passengers. On the other hand, security agents looking for signs of suspicious body language — such as lack of eye contact and fidgeting — detected just 3 percent of mock passengers. [5 Cool New ID Technologies]
The latter method is widely used in airports in the United States and the United Kingdom, even though it has not been proven effective in real-life settings, the researchers said.
In the new method, called Controlled Cognitive Engagement (CCE), security agents engage in an informal conversation with passengers, asking them open-ended questions. Based on the passenger's responses, the agent asks questions seeking information that the passenger should know if his or her account is true.
But the agents are not necessarily interested in the accuracy of the passenger's responses — rather, they are looking for changes in the passenger's behavior, such as increasingly shorter responses, or evasive or erratic responses, the researchers said.
For example, the agent might ask the passenger about the people that person is visiting, and how long it takes to get to the airport from where the individual lives.
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
The 10 Best Jobs - Pay Raises & Growth - 2014
10. Astronomers
Average annual salary: $110,450
One-year opportunity growth: -18.0%
One-year salary growth: +14.5%
9. Law Professors
Average annual salary: $105,080
One-year opportunity growth: +2.2%
One-year salary growth: +5.1%
8. Genetic Counselors
Average annual salary: $63,590
One-year opportunity growth: -1.0%
One-year salary growth: +12.0%
7. Aircraft Pilots and Flight Engineers
Average annual salary: $101,350
One-year opportunity growth: +9.0%
One-year salary growth: +3.0%
6. Pediatricians
Average annual salary: $157,610
One-year opportunity growth: +1.1%
One-year salary growth: +1.9%
5. Personal Financial Advisors
Average annual salary: $75,320
One-year opportunity growth: +4.6%
One-year salary growth: +11.6%
4. Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers
Average annual salary: $51,010
One-year opportunity growth: +12.7%
One-year salary growth: +11.1%
3. Dentists
Average annual salary: $163,450
One-year opportunity growth: +1.0%
One-year salary growth: +5.5%
2. Psychiatrists
Average annual salary: $178,950
One-year opportunity growth: +3.4%
One-year salary growth: +3.2%
1. Family and General Practitioners
Average annual salary: $176,530
One-year opportunity growth: +9.8%
One-year salary growth: +2.6%
Average annual salary: $110,450
One-year opportunity growth: -18.0%
One-year salary growth: +14.5%
9. Law Professors
Average annual salary: $105,080
One-year opportunity growth: +2.2%
One-year salary growth: +5.1%
8. Genetic Counselors
Average annual salary: $63,590
One-year opportunity growth: -1.0%
One-year salary growth: +12.0%
7. Aircraft Pilots and Flight Engineers
Average annual salary: $101,350
One-year opportunity growth: +9.0%
One-year salary growth: +3.0%
6. Pediatricians
Average annual salary: $157,610
One-year opportunity growth: +1.1%
One-year salary growth: +1.9%
5. Personal Financial Advisors
Average annual salary: $75,320
One-year opportunity growth: +4.6%
One-year salary growth: +11.6%
4. Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers
Average annual salary: $51,010
One-year opportunity growth: +12.7%
One-year salary growth: +11.1%
3. Dentists
Average annual salary: $163,450
One-year opportunity growth: +1.0%
One-year salary growth: +5.5%
2. Psychiatrists
Average annual salary: $178,950
One-year opportunity growth: +3.4%
One-year salary growth: +3.2%
1. Family and General Practitioners
Average annual salary: $176,530
One-year opportunity growth: +9.8%
One-year salary growth: +2.6%
Thursday, September 25, 2014
Quote of the month....
"Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life."
-Confucius
-Confucius
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
The "rules" of a new job....
When you’re new to a job, you’re subject to a whole different set of rules than you are once you’ve been there longer. Actions that might go unnoticed six months down the road can raise concerns about your work ethic, reliability and judgment. Here are eight things that you shouldn’t do when you’re new to the job – but might be OK to do later.
1. Asking for vacation time during your first few months.
In most cases, taking time off soon after starting a job will raise eyebrows. Exceptions to this are if a close family member is seriously ill or if you cleared the time off before accepting the job.
2. Complaining to your co-workers about your new boss.
Frankly, it’s not great to complain to your co-workers about your boss no matter how long you’re been at your job – but when you’re new, it comes across as especially tone-deaf.
3. Bad-mouthing your old job or old boss.
Once they know you better, your new co-workers might be thrilled to hear your war stories about your crazy former boss or your nightmare cubicle-mate at your old job. But if you share that stuff when you’re new, you’ll just come across as someone willing to bad-mouth colleagues.
4. Taking long lunches before you know the lunch culture of your new workplace.
This sometimes trips up people coming from a workplace where hour long lunches were the norm and are moving to an office where people take half an hour or simply eat at their desks. When you’re starting a new job, it’s smart to observe the lunch culture for a few days until you have a feel for your new office’s norms.
5. Pushing the envelope on business expenses.
As the new guy, there’s no faster way to torpedo your reputation than asking to stay at a more expensive hotel during business travel or rent a nicer car.
6. Using bawdy humor.
It might never be OK to do this in your workplace, but there are certainly some offices that have a higher tolerance for risqué humor than others. Wait until you have a much better feel for your new office’s culture before breaking out even borderline jokes. Even then always proceed with caution.
7. Spending time on Facebook or other social sites.
Once you’ve proven yourself as someone who works hard and produces high-quality work, it might be entirely fine to take the occasional Facebook break. But when you’re new on the job, being spotted on time-wasting sites is likely to make your co-workers – and especially your manager – worry about your work ethic. This behavior may not be acceptable later either, it’s always good to ask co-workers or watch their behavior before logging on.
8. Calling in sick during your first month, unless it’s truly dire.
Rightly or wrongly, if you call in sick while you’re new on the job, your manager is likely to worry that it’s going to be the start of pattern and that you’re not reliable.
1. Asking for vacation time during your first few months.
In most cases, taking time off soon after starting a job will raise eyebrows. Exceptions to this are if a close family member is seriously ill or if you cleared the time off before accepting the job.
2. Complaining to your co-workers about your new boss.
Frankly, it’s not great to complain to your co-workers about your boss no matter how long you’re been at your job – but when you’re new, it comes across as especially tone-deaf.
3. Bad-mouthing your old job or old boss.
Once they know you better, your new co-workers might be thrilled to hear your war stories about your crazy former boss or your nightmare cubicle-mate at your old job. But if you share that stuff when you’re new, you’ll just come across as someone willing to bad-mouth colleagues.
4. Taking long lunches before you know the lunch culture of your new workplace.
This sometimes trips up people coming from a workplace where hour long lunches were the norm and are moving to an office where people take half an hour or simply eat at their desks. When you’re starting a new job, it’s smart to observe the lunch culture for a few days until you have a feel for your new office’s norms.
5. Pushing the envelope on business expenses.
As the new guy, there’s no faster way to torpedo your reputation than asking to stay at a more expensive hotel during business travel or rent a nicer car.
6. Using bawdy humor.
It might never be OK to do this in your workplace, but there are certainly some offices that have a higher tolerance for risqué humor than others. Wait until you have a much better feel for your new office’s culture before breaking out even borderline jokes. Even then always proceed with caution.
7. Spending time on Facebook or other social sites.
Once you’ve proven yourself as someone who works hard and produces high-quality work, it might be entirely fine to take the occasional Facebook break. But when you’re new on the job, being spotted on time-wasting sites is likely to make your co-workers – and especially your manager – worry about your work ethic. This behavior may not be acceptable later either, it’s always good to ask co-workers or watch their behavior before logging on.
8. Calling in sick during your first month, unless it’s truly dire.
Rightly or wrongly, if you call in sick while you’re new on the job, your manager is likely to worry that it’s going to be the start of pattern and that you’re not reliable.
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
Best Stress Relievers
One thing that can help you get some relief, is the fact that no matter how many commitments, responsibilities, and unfinished jobs you may have, you can only do one thing at a time. The way to get many things done is, to focus on one at a time and relax for a while, before you start the next one. Here are some of the best workplace stress busters.
Talk it Out
Talking to somebody, especially a close confidante, helps you relax. Especially, if you both are in the same boat and are under the same levels of stress at work. Your worries get divided by two. Having company helps. Being alone, all the time, freaks you out, which heightens stress levels. Talk and laugh about your predicament and chill out with your buddy. If you are an entrepreneur and your own boss, you need some good advisers around you, who know things and make sense. If there are none such at the workplace, let there be someone at home, who is a friend, philosopher, and guide you can talk to.
Hit the Gym
Working out is a great way of relaxing. If your workplace has a gym, take a break from work and work out for a short while, in the gym. If you do not have a gym around, just go to the terrace, get some fresh air and do some push ups or sit ups. Punch the air around you and let it all out.
Meditate
No matter how much chaos reigns around you, there is a tranquility zone, which you can enter any time you want. It is within you and it can be reached through meditation. Take a break and find a place at work or outside, where you will not be disturbed. You can even do this right there in your cubicle. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and let go of all thoughts and if you must have any, think about the best things in your life.
Let Music Calm your Nerves
Taking a break and listening to some of your favorite music is also a great stress buster. Music has the power to take you into a whole new world, away from your daily worries. It is a great way of chilling out.
Take A Walk
Stepping out of your workplace and taking a quiet walk, also helps. If there is a park around, go in there. Have some snacks sitting on a park bench. Move around, look at the world around you and forget your worries for a while. Let your legs get some exercise and mind some relief. A walk works for me, as it also clears my thoughts about things. You could listen to music while you are at it. Try it out.
Sleep Soundly
If you have had a sound sleep (at least 8 hours), you automatically reduce the stress that builds up from a tired and sleep-deprived brain. No matter what happens, get your eight hours of sleep. You will be fresh as a daisy when you wake up and ready to take on work and pretty much anything life throws at you. Having adequate sleep will surely help.
Let there Be Laughter
Where there is laughter, there is no stress. That is a very simple rule. Do not take life too seriously. Smile and be merry, that you are alive. Crack some jokes around in the workplace, once in a while. Smile, when you see people around. It spreads positive energy. Life is too short, enjoy it while you can.
Have a Life Beyond the Workplace
One of the prime reasons of stress at work is making work, your life. If you are going to think about nothing other than work all the time, there is bound to be stress. If you do not get a life beyond work, in which you can chill out, you will face a burnout problem, some years down the line. So, switch off thoughts about work after you leave office and get a life beyond it. Work hard, but party hard at times too. Have a social life and a work life, and keep them apart.
Talk it Out
Talking to somebody, especially a close confidante, helps you relax. Especially, if you both are in the same boat and are under the same levels of stress at work. Your worries get divided by two. Having company helps. Being alone, all the time, freaks you out, which heightens stress levels. Talk and laugh about your predicament and chill out with your buddy. If you are an entrepreneur and your own boss, you need some good advisers around you, who know things and make sense. If there are none such at the workplace, let there be someone at home, who is a friend, philosopher, and guide you can talk to.
Hit the Gym
Working out is a great way of relaxing. If your workplace has a gym, take a break from work and work out for a short while, in the gym. If you do not have a gym around, just go to the terrace, get some fresh air and do some push ups or sit ups. Punch the air around you and let it all out.
Meditate
No matter how much chaos reigns around you, there is a tranquility zone, which you can enter any time you want. It is within you and it can be reached through meditation. Take a break and find a place at work or outside, where you will not be disturbed. You can even do this right there in your cubicle. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and let go of all thoughts and if you must have any, think about the best things in your life.
Let Music Calm your Nerves
Taking a break and listening to some of your favorite music is also a great stress buster. Music has the power to take you into a whole new world, away from your daily worries. It is a great way of chilling out.
Take A Walk
Stepping out of your workplace and taking a quiet walk, also helps. If there is a park around, go in there. Have some snacks sitting on a park bench. Move around, look at the world around you and forget your worries for a while. Let your legs get some exercise and mind some relief. A walk works for me, as it also clears my thoughts about things. You could listen to music while you are at it. Try it out.
Sleep Soundly
If you have had a sound sleep (at least 8 hours), you automatically reduce the stress that builds up from a tired and sleep-deprived brain. No matter what happens, get your eight hours of sleep. You will be fresh as a daisy when you wake up and ready to take on work and pretty much anything life throws at you. Having adequate sleep will surely help.
Let there Be Laughter
Where there is laughter, there is no stress. That is a very simple rule. Do not take life too seriously. Smile and be merry, that you are alive. Crack some jokes around in the workplace, once in a while. Smile, when you see people around. It spreads positive energy. Life is too short, enjoy it while you can.
Have a Life Beyond the Workplace
One of the prime reasons of stress at work is making work, your life. If you are going to think about nothing other than work all the time, there is bound to be stress. If you do not get a life beyond work, in which you can chill out, you will face a burnout problem, some years down the line. So, switch off thoughts about work after you leave office and get a life beyond it. Work hard, but party hard at times too. Have a social life and a work life, and keep them apart.
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
The top 10 most affordable for renters:
Homeownership isn’t for everyone. Some, including many young adults, simply don’t have the money for a down payment on a house. Others covet the flexibility of renting, which makes it easy to move across town for a better apartment or cross-country for a better job.
Renting is an especially popular option in big cities, where career, social and educational opportunities tend to be clustered and populations tend to be more transient.
in a 2013 census, here are the top 10 cites most affordable to renters:
1: Raleigh, NC - Average monthly rent: $640
Renter population: 31.8% (132,947 out of 417,485 households)
Median household income for renters: $34,567
Cost of living: 7.4% below the national average
Rental vacancy rate: 11.7%
2: Las Vegas, NV - Average monthly rent: $776
3: Dallas, TX - Average monthly rent: $813
4: Tulsa, OK - Average monthly rent: $600
5: Birmingham, AL - Average monthly rent: $685
6: Austin, TX - Average monthly rent: $983
7: Memphis, TN - Average monthly rent: $711
8: Dayton, OH - Average monthly rent: $763
9: Omaha, Neb - Average monthly rent: $674
10: Richmond, VA - Average monthly rent: $883
Renting is an especially popular option in big cities, where career, social and educational opportunities tend to be clustered and populations tend to be more transient.
in a 2013 census, here are the top 10 cites most affordable to renters:
1: Raleigh, NC - Average monthly rent: $640
Renter population: 31.8% (132,947 out of 417,485 households)
Median household income for renters: $34,567
Cost of living: 7.4% below the national average
Rental vacancy rate: 11.7%
2: Las Vegas, NV - Average monthly rent: $776
3: Dallas, TX - Average monthly rent: $813
4: Tulsa, OK - Average monthly rent: $600
5: Birmingham, AL - Average monthly rent: $685
6: Austin, TX - Average monthly rent: $983
7: Memphis, TN - Average monthly rent: $711
8: Dayton, OH - Average monthly rent: $763
9: Omaha, Neb - Average monthly rent: $674
10: Richmond, VA - Average monthly rent: $883
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
Is your job endagered? See the list below....
CareerCast posted its report on the 10 most endangered jobs for 2014, and the theme this year seems to be PAPER.
According to recent studies, a “dramatically lower demand for paper” is due to a number of factors, from people reading the news on their tablets and smart phones, to shopping catalogues moving online, and people using email and social media to stay in touch rather than writing letters. Going paperless doesn’t only affect printing workers, who can expect a -5% hiring outlook, but also lumberjacks and mail carriers, who have hiring outlooks of -9% and -28% respectively.
The 10 most endangered jobs were calculated using data from CareerCast’s 2014 Jobs Rated Report, and from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Some of the jobs are threatened by longer term trends, such as newspaper reporters, who have a hiring outlook of -13%. According to the report, “Layoffs and furloughs in the industry are commonplace.”
Please see the list below:
MAIL CARRIER
Median Salary: $53,100
Hiring Outlook: -28%
FARMER
Median Salary: $69,300
Hiring Outlook: -19%
METER READER
Median Salary: $36,410
Hiring Outlook: -19%
NEWSPAPER REPORTER
Median Salary: $37,090
Hiring Outlook: -13%
TRAVEL AGENT
Median Salary: $34,600
Hiring Outlook: -12%
LUMBERJACK
Median Salary: $24,340
Hiring Outlook: -9%
FLIGHT ATTENDANT
Median Salary: $37,240
Hiring Outlook: -7%
DRILL-PRESS OPERATOR
Median Salary: $32,950
Hiring Outlook: -6%
PRINTING WORKER
Median Salary: $34,100
Hiring Outlook: -5%
TAX EXAMINER AND COLLECTOR
Median Salary: $50,440
Hiring Outlook: -4%
According to recent studies, a “dramatically lower demand for paper” is due to a number of factors, from people reading the news on their tablets and smart phones, to shopping catalogues moving online, and people using email and social media to stay in touch rather than writing letters. Going paperless doesn’t only affect printing workers, who can expect a -5% hiring outlook, but also lumberjacks and mail carriers, who have hiring outlooks of -9% and -28% respectively.
The 10 most endangered jobs were calculated using data from CareerCast’s 2014 Jobs Rated Report, and from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Some of the jobs are threatened by longer term trends, such as newspaper reporters, who have a hiring outlook of -13%. According to the report, “Layoffs and furloughs in the industry are commonplace.”
Please see the list below:
MAIL CARRIER
Median Salary: $53,100
Hiring Outlook: -28%
FARMER
Median Salary: $69,300
Hiring Outlook: -19%
METER READER
Median Salary: $36,410
Hiring Outlook: -19%
NEWSPAPER REPORTER
Median Salary: $37,090
Hiring Outlook: -13%
TRAVEL AGENT
Median Salary: $34,600
Hiring Outlook: -12%
LUMBERJACK
Median Salary: $24,340
Hiring Outlook: -9%
FLIGHT ATTENDANT
Median Salary: $37,240
Hiring Outlook: -7%
DRILL-PRESS OPERATOR
Median Salary: $32,950
Hiring Outlook: -6%
PRINTING WORKER
Median Salary: $34,100
Hiring Outlook: -5%
TAX EXAMINER AND COLLECTOR
Median Salary: $50,440
Hiring Outlook: -4%
Monday, July 7, 2014
If you’ve ever written a cover letter, you’re likely familiar with the pressure of trying to present yourself as the most professional, knowledgeable, qualified candidate in what will surely be a sea of competition.
By following a few fundamental rules and focusing on just a handful of key elements, you can make your letter (and by association, yourself) shine:
1. Remember, brevity wins
Often, in our eagerness to showcase our experience, skills and enthusiasm, we become long-winded. Avoid the temptation to expound upon every last detail that demonstrates how you’re the perfect fit for a particular job.
Instead, be brief. Seriously, two or three paragraphs are all that’s needed. Recruiters and hiring managers are ruthless skimmers, and verbose cover letters only communicate that you have no idea how their world works.
2. Display nuggets of knowledge
Understand your audience and write for the particular company you’re applying to. Again, with brevity in mind, let your reader know that you’ve done your research.
3. Keywords are key
It seems like the world is driven by keywords. Without littering your cover letter with jargon, include keywords in the natural flow of your writing.
4. Connect the dots
Cover letters exist simply as a means of introduction — a way for applicants to connect their experience and skills to the requirements of a position and thereby spark just enough interest to land an interview.
It’s important to make these connections explicit for the reader, especially if your qualifications may not be immediately clear. Briefly and concisely explain how what you’ve done in the past makes you uniquely qualified and immediately valuable.
5. Show yourself
Within the bounds of professionalism, it’s perfectly fine to convey a bit of personality in your cover letter. Without being too informal, write the way you speak, add a bit of humor, or include a relevant quote.
6. Proofread obsessively
I believe it was Dr. Seuss who said, “Proofread standing on your head. Proofread sitting down. Proofread in the country. Proofread all over town.” It’s so true. Proofing and editing what you’ve written is absolutely essential.
By following a few fundamental rules and focusing on just a handful of key elements, you can make your letter (and by association, yourself) shine:
1. Remember, brevity wins
Often, in our eagerness to showcase our experience, skills and enthusiasm, we become long-winded. Avoid the temptation to expound upon every last detail that demonstrates how you’re the perfect fit for a particular job.
Instead, be brief. Seriously, two or three paragraphs are all that’s needed. Recruiters and hiring managers are ruthless skimmers, and verbose cover letters only communicate that you have no idea how their world works.
2. Display nuggets of knowledge
Understand your audience and write for the particular company you’re applying to. Again, with brevity in mind, let your reader know that you’ve done your research.
3. Keywords are key
It seems like the world is driven by keywords. Without littering your cover letter with jargon, include keywords in the natural flow of your writing.
4. Connect the dots
Cover letters exist simply as a means of introduction — a way for applicants to connect their experience and skills to the requirements of a position and thereby spark just enough interest to land an interview.
It’s important to make these connections explicit for the reader, especially if your qualifications may not be immediately clear. Briefly and concisely explain how what you’ve done in the past makes you uniquely qualified and immediately valuable.
5. Show yourself
Within the bounds of professionalism, it’s perfectly fine to convey a bit of personality in your cover letter. Without being too informal, write the way you speak, add a bit of humor, or include a relevant quote.
6. Proofread obsessively
I believe it was Dr. Seuss who said, “Proofread standing on your head. Proofread sitting down. Proofread in the country. Proofread all over town.” It’s so true. Proofing and editing what you’ve written is absolutely essential.
6 Jobs That Pay Over $80K Per Year
Here are 6 of the hottest jobs out there now that pay over 80k per year:
Neonatologist
Median Annual Salary: $209,600
If you can envision yourself putting the tiniest premature babies on the road to a healthy childhood, a neonatologist may be the career for you, provided you have an aptitude for advanced math and science. Also be sure to account for four years of medical school and four years of residency before coming within shooting range of a salary like this.
Senior IT Project Manager
Median Annual Salary: $109,800
Senior IT project managers supervise all aspects of a computer system install: They must be fluent in the lingo of coders and engineers while capable of reassuring executives that the project will come in on time and within budget. Typically a bachelor’s degree is the minimum, as most IT project managers work their way up through the ranks, but certifications and master’s degrees will bolster a project manager’s prospects.
Magazine Publisher
Median Annual Salary: $105,100
Magazine publishers supervise every aspect of a publication: editorial, advertising, circulation and marketing. In this role you’ll need a mix of profit-minded business savvy and a passionate devotion to journalism and storytelling. While a bachelor’s or master’s degree can provide a strong grounding in the publishing business, most publishers work their way up through the ranks through the business or editorial sides of their magazines.
National Account Manager
Median Annual Salary: $89,900
Key players in the business-to-business realm, national accounts managers supervise the relationship between companies and their key clients, making sure products and services are delivered to the customer’s satisfaction. A bachelor’s degree is the base minimum, as years of proven experience are the key to becoming a national accounts manager, but an MBA might give a candidate a leg up for a hotly contested opening.
Product Marketing Manager
Median Annual Salary: $86,600
You’ll need a combination of innate creativity and an ability to supervise creative people to succeed as a product marketing manager, where you’ll coordinate advertising, public relations, marketing support and campaign budgets either for clients in an agency or a company marketing department. Bachelor’s and master’s degree are helpful, but this job also requires an intuitive ability nurtured over years in the marketing trenches.
Human Resources (HR) Director
Median Annual Salary: $86,600
Human resources directors are tasked with hiring new workers and supervising the pay, benefits and career prospects of existing employees. They’re usually also in charge of payroll and mediating disputes between workers and managers. In a union shop, they’re usually on the company’s bargaining team. A bachelor’s degree is the minimum but people with master’s degrees may have an edge in getting this job.
Find human resources director jobs.
Neonatologist
Median Annual Salary: $209,600
If you can envision yourself putting the tiniest premature babies on the road to a healthy childhood, a neonatologist may be the career for you, provided you have an aptitude for advanced math and science. Also be sure to account for four years of medical school and four years of residency before coming within shooting range of a salary like this.
Senior IT Project Manager
Median Annual Salary: $109,800
Senior IT project managers supervise all aspects of a computer system install: They must be fluent in the lingo of coders and engineers while capable of reassuring executives that the project will come in on time and within budget. Typically a bachelor’s degree is the minimum, as most IT project managers work their way up through the ranks, but certifications and master’s degrees will bolster a project manager’s prospects.
Magazine Publisher
Median Annual Salary: $105,100
Magazine publishers supervise every aspect of a publication: editorial, advertising, circulation and marketing. In this role you’ll need a mix of profit-minded business savvy and a passionate devotion to journalism and storytelling. While a bachelor’s or master’s degree can provide a strong grounding in the publishing business, most publishers work their way up through the ranks through the business or editorial sides of their magazines.
National Account Manager
Median Annual Salary: $89,900
Key players in the business-to-business realm, national accounts managers supervise the relationship between companies and their key clients, making sure products and services are delivered to the customer’s satisfaction. A bachelor’s degree is the base minimum, as years of proven experience are the key to becoming a national accounts manager, but an MBA might give a candidate a leg up for a hotly contested opening.
Product Marketing Manager
Median Annual Salary: $86,600
You’ll need a combination of innate creativity and an ability to supervise creative people to succeed as a product marketing manager, where you’ll coordinate advertising, public relations, marketing support and campaign budgets either for clients in an agency or a company marketing department. Bachelor’s and master’s degree are helpful, but this job also requires an intuitive ability nurtured over years in the marketing trenches.
Human Resources (HR) Director
Median Annual Salary: $86,600
Human resources directors are tasked with hiring new workers and supervising the pay, benefits and career prospects of existing employees. They’re usually also in charge of payroll and mediating disputes between workers and managers. In a union shop, they’re usually on the company’s bargaining team. A bachelor’s degree is the minimum but people with master’s degrees may have an edge in getting this job.
Find human resources director jobs.
Thursday, June 19, 2014
15 Smartphone Apps that can make you $$$
1. Pact
For those who want to make money and get healthy, Pact makes it easy to work on both goals at the same time.
The app is actually broken down into three separate options: Veggie Pact, Gym Pact and Food Log Pact. You commit to a specific goal, track your progress on the app and then earn cash for meeting your goals. The downside is, if you fail to keep your commitment, you could have to pony up cash to pay the more dedicated users.
Pact is available for free for both Apple and Android devices.
2. Viggle
Also available to Apple and Android users, Viggle rewards you for watching TV or listening to music. You simply tap the app so it can use audio to recognize the show or music and then the app issues you points. Those points can be redeemed for gift cards.
You can also use the Viggle Live feature to answer trivia or take polls while watching a show to earn extra points. As a free download, Viggle can be an easy way to earn some extra rewards, but be aware that some reviewers have said the app offers a limited selection of gift cards for redemption.
3. Ibotta
The couponers in the crowd probably already know about Ibotta. The app made a splash when it debuted as a totally digital way to earn grocery savings, but it has since expanded to include movie theaters, restaurants and other retailers.
Before shopping, users unlock rebate offers by completing tasks such as posting about the offer to Facebook or Twitter, viewing nutritional information or answering a trivia question. Then you buy a specified product and upload the receipt to claim your rebate cash.
Both Android and Apple devices can download Ibotta for free.
4. Checkout 51
Checkout 51 is a relative newcomer in the world of apps and, like Ibotta, can save you money on groceries and personal care items. However, there are no rebates to unlock; the app simply lets you clip and redeem coupon offers.
After you download the app for free from either the Apple App Store or the Android Google Play store, select the offers that interest you. As of this writing, sample offers include 50 cents for a purchase of sliced cheese, $1 for window cleaner and $2 for two boxes of cereal, among others. Once you’re done shopping, upload your receipt for verification and to receive your account credit.
5. Receipt Hog
Another app that rewards you for taking photos of receipts is Receipt Hog. However, unlike Ibotta and Checkout 51, there are no specific purchase requirements. Snap a photo of your receipt from grocery stores, dollar stores, convenience stores and similar retailers for a credit of coins that can be converted to cash or gift cards.
If you’re wondering why Receipt Hog would pay to see your receipts, it’s because the company operating the app is a marketing firm that is gathering data to create research reports. According to the company, all data is anonymous for reporting purposes.
You can download Receipt Hog for free for either your Apple or Android device.
6. Shopkick
If you still do most of your shopping at brick-and-mortar businesses, Shopkick can be a great way to earn reward points that can be redeemed for gift cards.
Users of the app receive “kicks” for walking into participating stores, scanning items and making purchases. Shopkick is a free download for Apple and Android devices.
7. CheckPoints
CheckPoints works under the same premise as Shopkick. You earn points by checking in at stores and completing tasks such as scanning products. However, CheckPoints offers expanded point-earning possibilities, including rewards for watching videos, shopping on the Web and taking quizzes. Points can then be redeemed for gift cards.
The app supports both Android and Apple devices.
8. Fiverr
You might be familiar with the desktop version of Fiverr, the site that allows you to sell gigs for $5 each. A gig might be anything from completing some quick graphic design work, providing professional advice or creating personalized jewelry. If you have a talent or skill, chances are it can be turned into a Fiverr gig.
Now, Fiverr sellers can use a mobile app to manage their account and sales. However, be aware that the official version of the app is available only for Apple devices. While the Google Play store has plenty of apps using the Fiverr name, these are created by third-party developers and tend to have poor reviews.
9. Field Agent
Field Agent is one of several apps that let you earn some extra money in your spare time by completing market research tasks.
According to the app, most tasks pay from $3 to $12 and may include checking whether a product is in stock at a particular store, snapping a photo of a display or taking a brief survey. When it comes time to cash out, users can receive their money either through PayPal or Dwolla.
Field Agent is available only in the Apple App Store.
10. Easy Shift
Like Field Agent, Easy Shift is an Apple-only app that allows users to earn money for completing tasks such as taking photos of promotional displays. Tasks typically must be completed within 24 to 48 hours, and payment is made via PayPal.
11. Gigwalk
Android users feeling left out because Field Agent and Easy Shift don’t support their phones may want to try Gigwalk instead. Operating under a similar premise, Gigwalk pays users for checking product inventory levels at area stores.
Gigwalk is available for free for both Apple and Android devices.
12. Rewardable
Yet another task-oriented app is Rewardable. As with the apps above, you have the opportunity to sign up for tasks such as checking displays, taking photos and recording information such as prices and inventory levels. According to the company, tasks can take five to 15 minutes to complete and may earn you up to $20 a pop.
Rewardable is a free app for Apple and Android devices.
13. IPoll
If you love sharing your opinion, you might want to download iPoll. Available for free to both Apple and Android users, the app offers “missions” that include taking surveys or providing feedback on products or services. Other earning opportunities include market research activities such as taking photos of store displays.
IPoll will notify you of available missions nearby, although it appears those in large metro areas may benefit most from the app. Some reviewers indicate missions in their area are few and far between.
14. App Trailers
App junkies should consider making some money off their obsession by downloading App Trailers. Compatible with Apple and Android devices, App Trailers rewards users for watching 30-second overviews of apps. You won’t get rich, but if you are already spending a lot of time reviewing the latest apps, you might as well get paid for it, right?
15. ESPN Streak for the Cash
This final app isn’t a sure thing, but it does offer the promise of the largest payout. ESPN Streak for the Cash asks users to predict the winner of a weekly sports competition. At the end of each month, the person with the longest streak gets a monthly prize – currently set at $20,000.
The longest streak on record, as of this writing, is 19, and you can get your chance to go toe to toe with the champion by downloading the free app on your Apple or Android device.
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Thursday, June 12, 2014
Best Jobs in 2014 - Top 5
1. Network Systems and Data Analyst
Technology is playing a huge part in businesses, which means that more data analysts are going to be required in the coming years. Instead of choosing an IT career that is declining, invest in the necessary education to be a data analyst.
2. Personal/Home Care Aides
With the baby boomer generation getting older, it is expected to fuel the need for care givers throughout the country. If you are interested in a medical or nursing career, this could be a great first step towards achieving that goal.
3. Home Health Aides
This job is slightly different from a home care aide, with the services involved including housekeeping, cooking, and/or babysitting. Home health aides do not need to complete a higher education, with a high school diploma said to be enough in almost all states. There will be a 49% increase in the availability of these jobs by 2016, in addition to a solid median pay of $20,000 to $25,000.
4. Software Engineers
With a median pay of $100,000 and an expected rise in employment of 44% by 2016, being a software engineer could be a very lucrative career. Most workers have a bachelor’s degree, while at least half go on to obtain their Master’s or PhD.
The world is becoming more connected with each passing day, and businesses recognize this. They will need to improve their computer networking, which is where software engineers come in. It can be expensive to maintain these computer networks, and businesses want to be as efficient as possible, which is why innovative software engineers will always do well.
Another great aspect to being a software engineer is the flexibility in work hours. As long as you get your work done by a certain deadline, there is no need for you to work the typical 9-5 hour days.
5. Veterinary Technologists/Technicians
The educational background for becoming a veterinary technician is two-fold. Either you can go to two year vet school and get your associate’s degree, or you can get a four year bachelor’s degree from one of the specific schools listed by the state.
With people becoming more concerned about the well being of their pets, the veterinary business is booming.
Technology is playing a huge part in businesses, which means that more data analysts are going to be required in the coming years. Instead of choosing an IT career that is declining, invest in the necessary education to be a data analyst.
2. Personal/Home Care Aides
With the baby boomer generation getting older, it is expected to fuel the need for care givers throughout the country. If you are interested in a medical or nursing career, this could be a great first step towards achieving that goal.
3. Home Health Aides
This job is slightly different from a home care aide, with the services involved including housekeeping, cooking, and/or babysitting. Home health aides do not need to complete a higher education, with a high school diploma said to be enough in almost all states. There will be a 49% increase in the availability of these jobs by 2016, in addition to a solid median pay of $20,000 to $25,000.
4. Software Engineers
With a median pay of $100,000 and an expected rise in employment of 44% by 2016, being a software engineer could be a very lucrative career. Most workers have a bachelor’s degree, while at least half go on to obtain their Master’s or PhD.
The world is becoming more connected with each passing day, and businesses recognize this. They will need to improve their computer networking, which is where software engineers come in. It can be expensive to maintain these computer networks, and businesses want to be as efficient as possible, which is why innovative software engineers will always do well.
Another great aspect to being a software engineer is the flexibility in work hours. As long as you get your work done by a certain deadline, there is no need for you to work the typical 9-5 hour days.
5. Veterinary Technologists/Technicians
The educational background for becoming a veterinary technician is two-fold. Either you can go to two year vet school and get your associate’s degree, or you can get a four year bachelor’s degree from one of the specific schools listed by the state.
With people becoming more concerned about the well being of their pets, the veterinary business is booming.
Thursday, June 5, 2014
The best (and worst) words to have on your résumé
Do you consider yourself a hard worker? A real go-getter? Someone who likes to think outside of the box? Then you're just the type of person who needs to review their résumé ASAP.
A recent CareerBuilder survey found there are some words hiring managers and human resources pros just don't want to see on your résumé. And if you've called yourself a go-to person, a team player or a strategic thinker, you'll need to make a few changes before you send your résumé to anyone else.
The deal-breakers
Unless you want to end up on an employer's "Do not call" list, think twice before you put any of these empty words on your résumé -- they won't accomplish as much as you might hope.
•Best of breed: 38 percent
•Go-getter: 27 percent
•Think outside of the box: 26 percent
•Synergy: 22 percent
•Go-to person: 22 percent
•Thought leadership: 16 percent
•Value add: 16 percent
•Results-driven: 16 percent
•Team player: 15 percent
•Bottom-line: 14 percent
•Hard worker: 13 percent
•Strategic thinker: 12 percent
•Dynamic: 12 percent
•Self-motivated: 12 percent
•Detail-oriented: 11 percent
•Proactively: 11 percent
•Track record: 10 percent
You don't have much time
Given the amount of time your résumé has to make an impression, it should come as no surprise that your choice of words can be exactly the reason you aren't brought in for an interview. In fact, if you get more than a couple minutes of attention, you should consider yourself lucky.
Sixty-eight percent of hiring managers and human resources pros will spend two minutes or less reviewing each résumé they receive; 17 percent will actually spend 30 seconds or less.
The words they actually want to see
If you really are a hard worker, prove it by backing up that claim with some data.Rather than focusing on your previous duties to capture your relevant experience, focus on what you've been able to achieve using your relevant skills. The following terms -- mostly verbs -- should help you refocus your résumé on what truly matters. As an added bonus, hiring managers would love to see these terms:
•Achieved: 52 percent
•Improved: 48 percent
•Trained/mentored: 47 percent
•Managed: 44 percent
•Created: 43 percent
•Resolved: 40 percent
•Volunteered: 35 percent
•Influenced: 29 percent
•Increased/decreased: 28 percent
•Ideas: 27 percent
•Negotiated: 25 percent
•Launched: 24 percent
•Revenue/profits: 23 percent
•Under budget: 16 percent
•Won: 13 percent
The bottom line: You can't afford to make a bad first impression, and you don't have a lot of time to make a good first impression. With some hiring managers, you'll have 30 seconds to make your case, and the numbers say you probably won't make it past two minutes.
A recent CareerBuilder survey found there are some words hiring managers and human resources pros just don't want to see on your résumé. And if you've called yourself a go-to person, a team player or a strategic thinker, you'll need to make a few changes before you send your résumé to anyone else.
The deal-breakers
Unless you want to end up on an employer's "Do not call" list, think twice before you put any of these empty words on your résumé -- they won't accomplish as much as you might hope.
•Best of breed: 38 percent
•Go-getter: 27 percent
•Think outside of the box: 26 percent
•Synergy: 22 percent
•Go-to person: 22 percent
•Thought leadership: 16 percent
•Value add: 16 percent
•Results-driven: 16 percent
•Team player: 15 percent
•Bottom-line: 14 percent
•Hard worker: 13 percent
•Strategic thinker: 12 percent
•Dynamic: 12 percent
•Self-motivated: 12 percent
•Detail-oriented: 11 percent
•Proactively: 11 percent
•Track record: 10 percent
You don't have much time
Given the amount of time your résumé has to make an impression, it should come as no surprise that your choice of words can be exactly the reason you aren't brought in for an interview. In fact, if you get more than a couple minutes of attention, you should consider yourself lucky.
Sixty-eight percent of hiring managers and human resources pros will spend two minutes or less reviewing each résumé they receive; 17 percent will actually spend 30 seconds or less.
The words they actually want to see
If you really are a hard worker, prove it by backing up that claim with some data.Rather than focusing on your previous duties to capture your relevant experience, focus on what you've been able to achieve using your relevant skills. The following terms -- mostly verbs -- should help you refocus your résumé on what truly matters. As an added bonus, hiring managers would love to see these terms:
•Achieved: 52 percent
•Improved: 48 percent
•Trained/mentored: 47 percent
•Managed: 44 percent
•Created: 43 percent
•Resolved: 40 percent
•Volunteered: 35 percent
•Influenced: 29 percent
•Increased/decreased: 28 percent
•Ideas: 27 percent
•Negotiated: 25 percent
•Launched: 24 percent
•Revenue/profits: 23 percent
•Under budget: 16 percent
•Won: 13 percent
The bottom line: You can't afford to make a bad first impression, and you don't have a lot of time to make a good first impression. With some hiring managers, you'll have 30 seconds to make your case, and the numbers say you probably won't make it past two minutes.
5 Common interview questions and how to answer them
An essential part of interview preparation is formulating answers to specific questions. And there are some standard questions that frequently come up during an interview. Here are five of the most common interview questions, as well as what the employer is looking for in your response.
1. Tell me about yourself
This is the most predictable yet sometimes the most frustrating of all interview questions. The interviewer has a copy of your résumé in front of her so why ask the question? This is simply your opportunity to present yourself in the best possible light.
For best results:
•Focus on three or four areas within your résumé that are relevant to the job opening.
•Be concise. Limit your moment in the spotlight to two or three minutes maximum.
•Show enthusiasm. Hiring managers love a genuinely interested candidate.
•Don't get personal. Focus solely on your professional achievements.
2. What do you know about the company?
A vital element to interview preparation is researching the company, including its background, structure and current industry trends. Employers are most impressed by candidates who have taken the time to thoroughly investigate their brand. To stand out from the competition, always check current press releases or company updates on the morning of your interview to reiterate your enthusiasm and interest in the role.
3. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
This is another favorite from the lineup of interview questions and answers.
Responding to the strengths element of this question should be relatively straightforward if you have thoroughly analyzed the job posting and identified the key skills needed. By highlighting your personal strengths that most closely match the company's needs, you are emphasizing your suitability for the role. When it comes to weaknesses, restrict it to just one. It's not a trick question; everyone has weaknesses. The key is to demonstrate your willingness to work on improving them. Admitting to a weakness also shows a level of self-awareness.
4. Why do you want to leave your current position?/Why do you want this job?
Most candidates typically respond to this question by outlining what benefits they will gain from accepting a particular job. The employer ideally wants to know not only what the company can do for you but what you can do for the company. What aspects of your qualifications and experience will add value to the organization if you are offered this job? If you are currently employed but miserable in your present role, it is essential to focus on the benefits of joining the employer, rather than how terrible your predicament is. A negative attitude is one of the principal reasons that new employees fail to succeed in a new job.
5. Where do you see yourself in five years' time?
Unless you've been peering into your crystal ball recently, it's impossible to give an accurate answer to this question. What the employer is looking for is an indication of long-term commitment. If you are the preferred candidate, will their investment pay off? Your response should imply that you intend to stick around and grow your career with the company. You may also want to turn the tables and ask the hiring manager where she sees the company in five years' time.
1. Tell me about yourself
This is the most predictable yet sometimes the most frustrating of all interview questions. The interviewer has a copy of your résumé in front of her so why ask the question? This is simply your opportunity to present yourself in the best possible light.
For best results:
•Focus on three or four areas within your résumé that are relevant to the job opening.
•Be concise. Limit your moment in the spotlight to two or three minutes maximum.
•Show enthusiasm. Hiring managers love a genuinely interested candidate.
•Don't get personal. Focus solely on your professional achievements.
2. What do you know about the company?
A vital element to interview preparation is researching the company, including its background, structure and current industry trends. Employers are most impressed by candidates who have taken the time to thoroughly investigate their brand. To stand out from the competition, always check current press releases or company updates on the morning of your interview to reiterate your enthusiasm and interest in the role.
3. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
This is another favorite from the lineup of interview questions and answers.
Responding to the strengths element of this question should be relatively straightforward if you have thoroughly analyzed the job posting and identified the key skills needed. By highlighting your personal strengths that most closely match the company's needs, you are emphasizing your suitability for the role. When it comes to weaknesses, restrict it to just one. It's not a trick question; everyone has weaknesses. The key is to demonstrate your willingness to work on improving them. Admitting to a weakness also shows a level of self-awareness.
4. Why do you want to leave your current position?/Why do you want this job?
Most candidates typically respond to this question by outlining what benefits they will gain from accepting a particular job. The employer ideally wants to know not only what the company can do for you but what you can do for the company. What aspects of your qualifications and experience will add value to the organization if you are offered this job? If you are currently employed but miserable in your present role, it is essential to focus on the benefits of joining the employer, rather than how terrible your predicament is. A negative attitude is one of the principal reasons that new employees fail to succeed in a new job.
5. Where do you see yourself in five years' time?
Unless you've been peering into your crystal ball recently, it's impossible to give an accurate answer to this question. What the employer is looking for is an indication of long-term commitment. If you are the preferred candidate, will their investment pay off? Your response should imply that you intend to stick around and grow your career with the company. You may also want to turn the tables and ask the hiring manager where she sees the company in five years' time.
Thursday, May 29, 2014
The 7 top reasons you may retire poor. Things to avoid!
1. You're too busy keeping up with the Joneses
You can't spend your whole life pretending to be rich and then think you'll retire rich too. Living within your means isn't glamorous, but it is smart. And being smart is what will make you a wealthy retiree.
Rather than upgrading your smartphone every two years and your car every three, try being content with what you have. It doesn't matter if all your friends are remodeling their kitchens, if yours works perfectly fine, leave it be.
2. You're not saving enough money
When you're not spending money to constantly upgrade your toys, you'll have more money to save for retirement.
Failure to save enough money is a sure way to retire poor. Ideally, 10 to 15 percent of your income should be going into a retirement account each month.
3. Your savings priorities are all wrong
On the other hand, you could be saving money but have your priorities all wrong. Yes, college for the kids is important, but not at the expense of your retirement account. The kids can always get scholarships, jobs or even loans if absolutely necessary.
Make your retirement savings a top priority. Again, you should be setting aside 10 to 15 percent of your income in retirement accounts. Once you hit that level, you can start putting money in the kids' college funds.
4. You save your money in the wrong accounts
Another common mistake is putting retirement money in the wrong accounts. A typical savings account isn't going to cut it. Whole life insurance or an annuity aren't fabulous options either.
Instead, put that money in tax-sheltered retirement accounts such as 401k's or IRAs. These accounts come with tax benefits as well as stiff penalties for early withdrawals. That second part is an essential component of ensuring your retirement savings are still there at retirement time.
5. You finance everything
Rather than spend your money on interest, flex your self-discipline muscles and wait until you have enough saved up before buying whatever it is you want. If you keep yourself out of debt, you'll be amazed at how far you can stretch your paychecks. Then you can live comfortably now and bank enough to live comfortably in the future.
6. You've let your credit score go
Neglecting to maintain your credit score by making timely payments is a major mistake that can lead to destitute retirement years. If your number is on the low side, use these tips to bring up your score quickly.
7. You're a chicken when it comes to investments
Finally, no guts, no glory can apply to your investments.
Sure, you don't want to be dumb about your money; placing 100 percent of it in volatile stocks a few years before retirement is a good way to land you in the poor house. But at the same time, you want to be aggressive enough with your allocations to ensure your returns at least outpace inflation.
You can't spend your whole life pretending to be rich and then think you'll retire rich too. Living within your means isn't glamorous, but it is smart. And being smart is what will make you a wealthy retiree.
Rather than upgrading your smartphone every two years and your car every three, try being content with what you have. It doesn't matter if all your friends are remodeling their kitchens, if yours works perfectly fine, leave it be.
2. You're not saving enough money
When you're not spending money to constantly upgrade your toys, you'll have more money to save for retirement.
Failure to save enough money is a sure way to retire poor. Ideally, 10 to 15 percent of your income should be going into a retirement account each month.
3. Your savings priorities are all wrong
On the other hand, you could be saving money but have your priorities all wrong. Yes, college for the kids is important, but not at the expense of your retirement account. The kids can always get scholarships, jobs or even loans if absolutely necessary.
Make your retirement savings a top priority. Again, you should be setting aside 10 to 15 percent of your income in retirement accounts. Once you hit that level, you can start putting money in the kids' college funds.
4. You save your money in the wrong accounts
Another common mistake is putting retirement money in the wrong accounts. A typical savings account isn't going to cut it. Whole life insurance or an annuity aren't fabulous options either.
Instead, put that money in tax-sheltered retirement accounts such as 401k's or IRAs. These accounts come with tax benefits as well as stiff penalties for early withdrawals. That second part is an essential component of ensuring your retirement savings are still there at retirement time.
5. You finance everything
Rather than spend your money on interest, flex your self-discipline muscles and wait until you have enough saved up before buying whatever it is you want. If you keep yourself out of debt, you'll be amazed at how far you can stretch your paychecks. Then you can live comfortably now and bank enough to live comfortably in the future.
6. You've let your credit score go
Neglecting to maintain your credit score by making timely payments is a major mistake that can lead to destitute retirement years. If your number is on the low side, use these tips to bring up your score quickly.
7. You're a chicken when it comes to investments
Finally, no guts, no glory can apply to your investments.
Sure, you don't want to be dumb about your money; placing 100 percent of it in volatile stocks a few years before retirement is a good way to land you in the poor house. But at the same time, you want to be aggressive enough with your allocations to ensure your returns at least outpace inflation.
Thursday, May 15, 2014
Top 10 Cities to work in if your in your 60's
Just more than a quarter (26.2 percent) of people age 60 and older remain employed. But in some cities, nearly a third of the population continues to work during the traditional retirement years, according to 2013 Census Bureau data. Here are the places those ages 60 and older are the most likely to be employed.
1-Madison, Wis.
Employment in government, education and health care jobs is prolific in Madison. These industries are also known to be friendly to older workers, which could be why 31.9 percent of people age 60 and older are employed in the Madison metro area.
2-Denver, CO
The local, state and federal governments provide a large number of jobs in the Denver area, as does the University of Colorado, Denver public schools and several large hospital systems. Some 31.9 percent of people in their 60s and older continue to be able to find employment.
3-Houston, TX
The largest employers in the Houston area, which includes Sugar Land and Baytown, include several large hospitals and oil companies. Nearly a third (32 percent) of Houston’s seniors are employed at age 60 or older.
4-Des Moines, Iowa
Some 32.1 percent of Des Moines seniors work into their 60s or later. Major employers in the Des Moines area include state and local government, insurance companies and health care services.
5-Boston, MA
Boston’s many hospitals and colleges are the largest employers. Several financial services companies are also among the institutions that employ thousands of Boston-based workers. Some 32.3 percent of Bostonians remain on the job at age 60 or older.
6-Austin, Texas
City, state and federal government jobs, the public school system and tech companies including Dell and IBM keep the economy strong in Austin. Just under a third (32.4 percent) of people age 60 and older are able to keep working in Texas' state capital.
7-Omaha, Neb.
Government institutions, including the Offutt Air Force Base and Omaha Public Schools, and major medical centers such as Alegent Health, Methodist Health System and the Nebraska Medical Center are among the largest employers in this state capital city. Some 32.7 percent of seniors are still working in Omaha.
8-Bridgeport, Conn.
A third of workers (33.4 percent) in the Bridgeport metropolitan area, which includes Stamford and Norwalk, are employed at age 60 or older. Many of the largest employers are health care providers, including Bridgeport Hospital and St. Vincent’s Medical Center.
9-Salt Lake City, UT
Just over a third (33.8 percent) of senior citizens remain employed in Salt Lake City. Education jobs at the University of Utah and public schools and government positions at state and local offices are among the most common employment opportunities in Utah’s state capital city.
10-Washington D.C.
More people age 60 and older (36.8 percent) work in the Washington, D.C., metro area than any other area of the country. The federal government and its contractors and businesses that cater to these employees create a steady supply of employment opportunities in the area.
1-Madison, Wis.
Employment in government, education and health care jobs is prolific in Madison. These industries are also known to be friendly to older workers, which could be why 31.9 percent of people age 60 and older are employed in the Madison metro area.
2-Denver, CO
The local, state and federal governments provide a large number of jobs in the Denver area, as does the University of Colorado, Denver public schools and several large hospital systems. Some 31.9 percent of people in their 60s and older continue to be able to find employment.
3-Houston, TX
The largest employers in the Houston area, which includes Sugar Land and Baytown, include several large hospitals and oil companies. Nearly a third (32 percent) of Houston’s seniors are employed at age 60 or older.
4-Des Moines, Iowa
Some 32.1 percent of Des Moines seniors work into their 60s or later. Major employers in the Des Moines area include state and local government, insurance companies and health care services.
5-Boston, MA
Boston’s many hospitals and colleges are the largest employers. Several financial services companies are also among the institutions that employ thousands of Boston-based workers. Some 32.3 percent of Bostonians remain on the job at age 60 or older.
6-Austin, Texas
City, state and federal government jobs, the public school system and tech companies including Dell and IBM keep the economy strong in Austin. Just under a third (32.4 percent) of people age 60 and older are able to keep working in Texas' state capital.
7-Omaha, Neb.
Government institutions, including the Offutt Air Force Base and Omaha Public Schools, and major medical centers such as Alegent Health, Methodist Health System and the Nebraska Medical Center are among the largest employers in this state capital city. Some 32.7 percent of seniors are still working in Omaha.
8-Bridgeport, Conn.
A third of workers (33.4 percent) in the Bridgeport metropolitan area, which includes Stamford and Norwalk, are employed at age 60 or older. Many of the largest employers are health care providers, including Bridgeport Hospital and St. Vincent’s Medical Center.
9-Salt Lake City, UT
Just over a third (33.8 percent) of senior citizens remain employed in Salt Lake City. Education jobs at the University of Utah and public schools and government positions at state and local offices are among the most common employment opportunities in Utah’s state capital city.
10-Washington D.C.
More people age 60 and older (36.8 percent) work in the Washington, D.C., metro area than any other area of the country. The federal government and its contractors and businesses that cater to these employees create a steady supply of employment opportunities in the area.
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
North Dakota Wants YOU!
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - North Dakota officials are sending a plea to people across the country: We need you. Officials say, there are some 25,000 more jobs than takers in all industries in the state.
The state's unprecedented oil bonanza has made it the economic darling of the nation — boasting a sturdy economy, a state government budget surplus, and its highest population ever, as swarms of people have migrated to North Dakota.
The $800,000 campaign is being paid for equally by tax-supported state funds and a donation by Hess Corp., a New York based Oil Company.
North Dakota has the lowest unemployment rate in the nation, at less than 3 percent. It is leading the nation in population growth and the number of residents in the state is at an all-time high, at more than 725,000 people, according to the Census Bureau.
The surge in economic activity and population growth has come largely from oil. The state has gone from the nation's ninth-biggest oil producer in 2006 to the second, behind only Texas. The turnaround in the state's fortunes began about seven years ago, reversing a more than 70-year trend of migration out, when more people were going than coming.
Contact Black-Peak Technology for our current employment opportunities at:
jim@black-peak.com
info@black-peak.com
The state's unprecedented oil bonanza has made it the economic darling of the nation — boasting a sturdy economy, a state government budget surplus, and its highest population ever, as swarms of people have migrated to North Dakota.
The $800,000 campaign is being paid for equally by tax-supported state funds and a donation by Hess Corp., a New York based Oil Company.
North Dakota has the lowest unemployment rate in the nation, at less than 3 percent. It is leading the nation in population growth and the number of residents in the state is at an all-time high, at more than 725,000 people, according to the Census Bureau.
The surge in economic activity and population growth has come largely from oil. The state has gone from the nation's ninth-biggest oil producer in 2006 to the second, behind only Texas. The turnaround in the state's fortunes began about seven years ago, reversing a more than 70-year trend of migration out, when more people were going than coming.
Contact Black-Peak Technology for our current employment opportunities at:
jim@black-peak.com
info@black-peak.com
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
Want to ruin your career? Well follow the details below...
Here are six examples of ways you could potentially ruin your career, and how to avoid becoming a victim of these errors. Yes, mistakes happen to the best of us. They don't always result in major consequences, but sometimes they can cause a bump in your career.
1. Arriving late to an interview
While sometimes you want to arrive fashionably late to an event, an interview is not one of those times. You don't want the hiring manager's first impression of you to be negative, all because you couldn't get your act together to show up on time. If you live far away, you should leave early to avoid any traffic or public transportation issues. a good rule of thumb to follow is to give yourself enough time to arrive 10 minutes early.
2. Being overly confident in an interview
You may have every skill and qualification listed in the job posting, and then some. So you may go into the interview feeling confident, which isn't a bad thing. But taking that confidence too far can backfire. Its best to remain confident in your skills and knowledge but to ensure to portray you are open to new training experiences.
3. Not being accessible to your boss
If your boss asks you to help out on something, you need to accept the work, and enthusiastically, unless you have a legitimate, significant reason why you can't. While always important, being accessible is especially crucial when you're new to a job.
4. Talking a little too casually around the office.
There may be times when you're frustrated with your boss and want to tell him exactly how you feel. Or maybe you just heard a funny, albeit slightly dirty, joke you think your colleagues would enjoy. But do yourself a favor, and hold back from using any potentially offensive language while in a professional setting.
5. That dreaded "reply all" scenario
Let's say you find yourself in a situation where you're the one who just replied all to an email from your co-worker or boss, and the content of your email wasn't so professional. Don't run out of your office, change your name and move to another state just yet. The only good way to put this behind you is to be honest, accept blame, and grovel a bit. Your boss will respect you more for your honesty than for trying to BS your way out of it. Keep it clear, simple, and don't dwell on the details. Ensure he knows that it will never happen again and keep that promise!
6. Cancelling meetings repeatedly
There will always be times when you'll need to cancel or re-schedule meetings. And you'll have meetings cancelled on you as well. Things come up, people get busy -- that's just the nature of business. But be careful not to become a repeat offender, because that can reflect poorly on you. Try to always make your appointments and if you need to cancel, make sure to do so with enough notice and consideration for the other parties schedule.
1. Arriving late to an interview
While sometimes you want to arrive fashionably late to an event, an interview is not one of those times. You don't want the hiring manager's first impression of you to be negative, all because you couldn't get your act together to show up on time. If you live far away, you should leave early to avoid any traffic or public transportation issues. a good rule of thumb to follow is to give yourself enough time to arrive 10 minutes early.
2. Being overly confident in an interview
You may have every skill and qualification listed in the job posting, and then some. So you may go into the interview feeling confident, which isn't a bad thing. But taking that confidence too far can backfire. Its best to remain confident in your skills and knowledge but to ensure to portray you are open to new training experiences.
3. Not being accessible to your boss
If your boss asks you to help out on something, you need to accept the work, and enthusiastically, unless you have a legitimate, significant reason why you can't. While always important, being accessible is especially crucial when you're new to a job.
4. Talking a little too casually around the office.
There may be times when you're frustrated with your boss and want to tell him exactly how you feel. Or maybe you just heard a funny, albeit slightly dirty, joke you think your colleagues would enjoy. But do yourself a favor, and hold back from using any potentially offensive language while in a professional setting.
5. That dreaded "reply all" scenario
Let's say you find yourself in a situation where you're the one who just replied all to an email from your co-worker or boss, and the content of your email wasn't so professional. Don't run out of your office, change your name and move to another state just yet. The only good way to put this behind you is to be honest, accept blame, and grovel a bit. Your boss will respect you more for your honesty than for trying to BS your way out of it. Keep it clear, simple, and don't dwell on the details. Ensure he knows that it will never happen again and keep that promise!
6. Cancelling meetings repeatedly
There will always be times when you'll need to cancel or re-schedule meetings. And you'll have meetings cancelled on you as well. Things come up, people get busy -- that's just the nature of business. But be careful not to become a repeat offender, because that can reflect poorly on you. Try to always make your appointments and if you need to cancel, make sure to do so with enough notice and consideration for the other parties schedule.
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Outrageous things people have put on their resumes
Being creative on your resume can be a good thing. But beware of crossing the line between creative and crazy.
While the most common resume mishaps are typos and misspellings, some people venture to the weird and wacky. Career and recruitment experts weighed in on the most ridiculous things they've seen on resumes.
1. A plastic foot
"A candidate sent me a plastic foot, with the opening line of her cover letter stating that she wanted to get her 'foot in the door,'" says Brooks.
"Throughout the letter she added other foot references such as 'her shoe was the right fit.' It wasn't."
2. A vial of fake blood
On another occasion, Brooks received a resume that had a small plastic vial of red-colored liquid attached to it and a note saying the candidate would "sweat blood" for the job.
Creative? Yes. But probably not the best way to win over your prospective employer (unless it's Dracula).
3. Body measurements
Gene Gordon, a sourcing expert for recruiting company Decision Toolbox, says he once received the following information on a resume:
Height: 5'4"
Waist: 28"
Hips: 33"
Bust: 34"
Shirt Size: M
Pant Size: 5/6
Shoe Size: 8 1/2
Hair: Reddish black
Eyes: Earth Green
The physical statistics were in no way relevant to the job application, Gordon added.
4. A table of contents
A good rule of thumb is to keep your resume to only one page. Two pages is pushing it, and anything beyond that is far too long.
5. A chocolate croissant addiction
Just as weird statistics don't belong on your resume, neither do irrelevant interests. Marc Goldman, executive director of the career center at Yeshiva University, says he's seen people list interests such as "eating chocolate croissants" or "Settlers of Catan," the popular board game.
Goldman says people who include random interests on their resumes often do so with the hope of sparking a conversation over a mutual passion with an interviewer. Sometimes that works, but often it doesn't.
6. Knowing how to use a paper shredder
There are skills worth mentioning on a resume, and then there are those that will earn an eye roll from your recruiter.
Some highlights?: Understanding how to use Microsoft Word, the fax machine, and a paper shredder. These skill are not worth mentioning to say the least.
7. Proficiency in the English language
When you've got limited space to sell yourself, you don't want to waste it stating the obvious. Goldman says he once received a resume that listed "English" as one of the candidate's languages. Seeing as the resume was written in English, the clarification was not necessary.
While the most common resume mishaps are typos and misspellings, some people venture to the weird and wacky. Career and recruitment experts weighed in on the most ridiculous things they've seen on resumes.
1. A plastic foot
"A candidate sent me a plastic foot, with the opening line of her cover letter stating that she wanted to get her 'foot in the door,'" says Brooks.
"Throughout the letter she added other foot references such as 'her shoe was the right fit.' It wasn't."
2. A vial of fake blood
On another occasion, Brooks received a resume that had a small plastic vial of red-colored liquid attached to it and a note saying the candidate would "sweat blood" for the job.
Creative? Yes. But probably not the best way to win over your prospective employer (unless it's Dracula).
3. Body measurements
Gene Gordon, a sourcing expert for recruiting company Decision Toolbox, says he once received the following information on a resume:
Height: 5'4"
Waist: 28"
Hips: 33"
Bust: 34"
Shirt Size: M
Pant Size: 5/6
Shoe Size: 8 1/2
Hair: Reddish black
Eyes: Earth Green
The physical statistics were in no way relevant to the job application, Gordon added.
4. A table of contents
A good rule of thumb is to keep your resume to only one page. Two pages is pushing it, and anything beyond that is far too long.
5. A chocolate croissant addiction
Just as weird statistics don't belong on your resume, neither do irrelevant interests. Marc Goldman, executive director of the career center at Yeshiva University, says he's seen people list interests such as "eating chocolate croissants" or "Settlers of Catan," the popular board game.
Goldman says people who include random interests on their resumes often do so with the hope of sparking a conversation over a mutual passion with an interviewer. Sometimes that works, but often it doesn't.
6. Knowing how to use a paper shredder
There are skills worth mentioning on a resume, and then there are those that will earn an eye roll from your recruiter.
Some highlights?: Understanding how to use Microsoft Word, the fax machine, and a paper shredder. These skill are not worth mentioning to say the least.
7. Proficiency in the English language
When you've got limited space to sell yourself, you don't want to waste it stating the obvious. Goldman says he once received a resume that listed "English" as one of the candidate's languages. Seeing as the resume was written in English, the clarification was not necessary.
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Easy Ways to Prioritize Work Tasks
Put these into practice and you'll never wonder what to work on first again!
Tip #1: Be realistic
You'll never get everything done, so you may as well accept that now. Those tasks that are at the bottom of your To Do list aren't urgent or important enough to work on right now. It will be easier for you to focus on the important tasks once you realize that your time is limited and that you have to get realistic about what you can achieve in a day.
If something does become urgent or important, it will naturally rise to the top of the To Do list and you can deal with it then.
Tip #2: Use task management software
It's impossible to manage your To Do list effectively if it is split between sticky notes, a notebook, an online system and your diary. Pick one way of managing your tasks and keep to it. This will help you put tasks in order of importance and track progress so you'll always be able to see what your priorities are at any given moment, from wherever you are working.
Tip #3: Create a prioritization code
Find a way of categorizing project tasks that means something for you. That could be High, Medium and Low or giving them a number from one to three. You could use colors and mark the tasks red, yellow or green. Choose something visual that will work on screen and on paper. This will help wherever you are making notes as you'll be able to instantly tell what you should be working on first.
Remember, just because a task is marked on your list as Low priority now, it won't necessarily stay that way. Keep going back to your task list and reviewing the priorities that you have allocated to each item. You'll have to update your categorization as and when something becomes more urgent or important.
Tip #4: Delegate
What can you give other people to do? It might feel as if you have to keep a lot of the project tasks for yourself but there probably are other people on the team who could complete them just as well as you. Look at the workload of the whole team and think about who could take on a few extra tasks.
You could delegate the high priority work but you might feel better if you can keep control of that and delegate some of the work that you have categorized as of lower importance. It depends on how much you can count on your team members and whether you think they will be able to turn around urgent work quickly given their existing workload. However you decide to delegate, it will really help you as it frees up your time to do other priority work and makes you think about how you should be spending your time most effectively.
Tip #5: Ask your supervisor
Still not clear about where your priorities should be? You can always get a second opinion. Talk to your supervisor about what tasks he or she thinks are the most important for moving the project forward. Then focus your time and energy into completing those tasks. Just be sure to ‘sanity check' the tasks that your sponsor highlights as important—they may be essential to your sponsor but not urgent or important to the project overall, so you may have to adapt your priorities accordingly.
Tip #1: Be realistic
You'll never get everything done, so you may as well accept that now. Those tasks that are at the bottom of your To Do list aren't urgent or important enough to work on right now. It will be easier for you to focus on the important tasks once you realize that your time is limited and that you have to get realistic about what you can achieve in a day.
If something does become urgent or important, it will naturally rise to the top of the To Do list and you can deal with it then.
Tip #2: Use task management software
It's impossible to manage your To Do list effectively if it is split between sticky notes, a notebook, an online system and your diary. Pick one way of managing your tasks and keep to it. This will help you put tasks in order of importance and track progress so you'll always be able to see what your priorities are at any given moment, from wherever you are working.
Tip #3: Create a prioritization code
Find a way of categorizing project tasks that means something for you. That could be High, Medium and Low or giving them a number from one to three. You could use colors and mark the tasks red, yellow or green. Choose something visual that will work on screen and on paper. This will help wherever you are making notes as you'll be able to instantly tell what you should be working on first.
Remember, just because a task is marked on your list as Low priority now, it won't necessarily stay that way. Keep going back to your task list and reviewing the priorities that you have allocated to each item. You'll have to update your categorization as and when something becomes more urgent or important.
Tip #4: Delegate
What can you give other people to do? It might feel as if you have to keep a lot of the project tasks for yourself but there probably are other people on the team who could complete them just as well as you. Look at the workload of the whole team and think about who could take on a few extra tasks.
You could delegate the high priority work but you might feel better if you can keep control of that and delegate some of the work that you have categorized as of lower importance. It depends on how much you can count on your team members and whether you think they will be able to turn around urgent work quickly given their existing workload. However you decide to delegate, it will really help you as it frees up your time to do other priority work and makes you think about how you should be spending your time most effectively.
Tip #5: Ask your supervisor
Still not clear about where your priorities should be? You can always get a second opinion. Talk to your supervisor about what tasks he or she thinks are the most important for moving the project forward. Then focus your time and energy into completing those tasks. Just be sure to ‘sanity check' the tasks that your sponsor highlights as important—they may be essential to your sponsor but not urgent or important to the project overall, so you may have to adapt your priorities accordingly.
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Top 5 most content places to live in the US - 2013
Most content No. 1: North Dakota
Well-Being Index score: 70.0
Life expectancy: 79.5 years (tied-18th highest)
Pct. obese: 26.0 (24th lowest)
Median household income: $53,585 (19th highest)
Pct. with high school diploma: 91.7 (tied-5th highest)
Due in large part to profitable oil discoveries in the region, North Dakota's economy grew by more than 13 percent in 2012,and continues to grow well into 2014. The state's unemployment rate has also been very low in recent years, clocking in at 2.6 percent in December 2013 compared with 6.7 percent nationally. With such low unemployment, it's perhaps not surprising that economic confidence levels in the state were among the highest 10 in the country.
More than nine in 10 adults were satisfied with their jobs in 2013, one of several reasons the state's residents rated their work environment best in the nation. Supervisors in the state were more likely to treat their subordinates as partners than in any other state. With good wages and plenty of jobs, the vast majority of residents had enough money for adequate shelter, food and medicine. This growth continues
5- Montana
4- Minnesota
3- Nebraska
2- South Dakota
1- North Dakota
Well-Being Index score: 70.0
Life expectancy: 79.5 years (tied-18th highest)
Pct. obese: 26.0 (24th lowest)
Median household income: $53,585 (19th highest)
Pct. with high school diploma: 91.7 (tied-5th highest)
Due in large part to profitable oil discoveries in the region, North Dakota's economy grew by more than 13 percent in 2012,and continues to grow well into 2014. The state's unemployment rate has also been very low in recent years, clocking in at 2.6 percent in December 2013 compared with 6.7 percent nationally. With such low unemployment, it's perhaps not surprising that economic confidence levels in the state were among the highest 10 in the country.
More than nine in 10 adults were satisfied with their jobs in 2013, one of several reasons the state's residents rated their work environment best in the nation. Supervisors in the state were more likely to treat their subordinates as partners than in any other state. With good wages and plenty of jobs, the vast majority of residents had enough money for adequate shelter, food and medicine. This growth continues
5- Montana
4- Minnesota
3- Nebraska
2- South Dakota
1- North Dakota
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
5 common interview questions, and how to answer them.
An essential part of interview preparation is formulating answers to
specific questions. And there are some standard questions that frequently
come up during any interview. Here are five of the most common interview
questions, as well as what the employer is looking for in your response.
1. Tell me about yourself
This is the most predictable yet sometimes the most frustrating of all
interview questions. The interviewer has a copy of your résumé in front of
her so why ask the question? This is simply your opportunity to present
yourself in the best possible light.
For best results:
•Focus on three or four areas within your résumé that are relevant to the
job opening.
•Be concise. Limit your moment in the spotlight to two or three minutes
maximum.
•Show enthusiasm. Hiring managers love a genuinely interested candidate.
•Don't get personal. Focus solely on your professional achievements.
2. What do you know about the company?
A vital element to interview preparation is researching the company,
including its background, structure and current industry trends. Employers
are most impressed by candidates who have taken the time to thoroughly
investigate their brand. To stand out from the competition, always check
current press releases or company updates on the morning of your interview
to reiterate your enthusiasm and interest in the role.
3. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
This is another favorite from the lineup of interview questions and answers.
Responding to the strengths element of this question should be relatively
straightforward if you have thoroughly analyzed the job posting and
identified the key skills needed. By highlighting your personal strengths
that most closely match the company's needs, you are emphasizing your
suitability for the role. When it comes to weaknesses, restrict it to just
one. It's not a trick question; everyone has weaknesses. The key is to
demonstrate your willingness to work on improving them. Admitting to a
weakness also shows a level of self-awareness.
4. Why do you want to leave your current position?/Why do you want this job?
Most candidates typically respond to this question by outlining what
benefits they will gain from accepting a particular job. The employer
ideally wants to know not only what the company can do for you but what you
can do for the company. What aspects of your qualifications and experience
will add value to the organization if you are offered this job? If you are
currently employed but miserable in your present role, it is essential to
focus on the benefits of joining the employer, rather than how terrible your
predicament is. A negative attitude is one of the principal reasons that new
employees fail to succeed in a new job.
5. Where do you see yourself in five years' time?
Unless you've been peering into your crystal ball recently, it's impossible
to give an accurate answer to this question. What the employer is looking
for is an indication of long-term commitment. If you are the preferred
candidate, will their investment pay off? Your response should imply that
you intend to stick around and grow your career with the company. You may
also want to turn the tables and ask the hiring manager where she sees the
company in five years' time.
specific questions. And there are some standard questions that frequently
come up during any interview. Here are five of the most common interview
questions, as well as what the employer is looking for in your response.
1. Tell me about yourself
This is the most predictable yet sometimes the most frustrating of all
interview questions. The interviewer has a copy of your résumé in front of
her so why ask the question? This is simply your opportunity to present
yourself in the best possible light.
For best results:
•Focus on three or four areas within your résumé that are relevant to the
job opening.
•Be concise. Limit your moment in the spotlight to two or three minutes
maximum.
•Show enthusiasm. Hiring managers love a genuinely interested candidate.
•Don't get personal. Focus solely on your professional achievements.
2. What do you know about the company?
A vital element to interview preparation is researching the company,
including its background, structure and current industry trends. Employers
are most impressed by candidates who have taken the time to thoroughly
investigate their brand. To stand out from the competition, always check
current press releases or company updates on the morning of your interview
to reiterate your enthusiasm and interest in the role.
3. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
This is another favorite from the lineup of interview questions and answers.
Responding to the strengths element of this question should be relatively
straightforward if you have thoroughly analyzed the job posting and
identified the key skills needed. By highlighting your personal strengths
that most closely match the company's needs, you are emphasizing your
suitability for the role. When it comes to weaknesses, restrict it to just
one. It's not a trick question; everyone has weaknesses. The key is to
demonstrate your willingness to work on improving them. Admitting to a
weakness also shows a level of self-awareness.
4. Why do you want to leave your current position?/Why do you want this job?
Most candidates typically respond to this question by outlining what
benefits they will gain from accepting a particular job. The employer
ideally wants to know not only what the company can do for you but what you
can do for the company. What aspects of your qualifications and experience
will add value to the organization if you are offered this job? If you are
currently employed but miserable in your present role, it is essential to
focus on the benefits of joining the employer, rather than how terrible your
predicament is. A negative attitude is one of the principal reasons that new
employees fail to succeed in a new job.
5. Where do you see yourself in five years' time?
Unless you've been peering into your crystal ball recently, it's impossible
to give an accurate answer to this question. What the employer is looking
for is an indication of long-term commitment. If you are the preferred
candidate, will their investment pay off? Your response should imply that
you intend to stick around and grow your career with the company. You may
also want to turn the tables and ask the hiring manager where she sees the
company in five years' time.
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Running late for work?.... It's more common than you think.
There are times when the real world doesn't go along with your plans, like when you miss every light on your way to work, the trains are delayed or the weather makes it impossible to move at a normal speed.
These common occurrences are a mildly frustrating way to start your workday, but as isolated experiences go, they're not too bad.
In a new nationwide CareerBuilder study, more than 3,000 full-time, private sector workers and more than 2,000 hiring managers and human resource professionals across industries and company sizes were asked about coming in late and what's OK, what's not OK and what's downright strange.
Check out how your habits compare to that of workers across the country, whether your boss is more lenient or strict than others, and also read the wildest late excuses managers have heard.
Blame it on traffic
Though it's a regular part of our schedule, workers across the country are occasionally late surprisingly often. Nearly one quarter (23 percent) of employees admit to being tardy at least once a month on average, with 15 percent admitting to arriving late at least once a week.
And what's holding us back from getting to work? Traffic remains the most common reason employees say they're late (39 percent), followed by lack of sleep (19 percent), problems with public transportation (8 percent), bad weather (7 percent) and dropping the kids off at daycare or school (6 percent).
Don't be a repeat offender
Knowing your company policy on when to arrive for work will help clarify your manager's expectations, as well as help you avoid trouble. What's the worst thing that can happen if you're late? It turns out, you could lose your job: 35 percent of employers have fired an employee for tardiness, and
48 percent of employers expect their employees to be on time every day.
If you're running late, it can be courteous to let your boss know. However, you may want to rehearse what you'll say before you actually say it. Whether it's real or not, if an excuse sounds too wild to be true, your boss is probably going to have a hard time being sympathetic.Employers shared some of the most memorable excuses they've received from employees who were running late, including:
These common occurrences are a mildly frustrating way to start your workday, but as isolated experiences go, they're not too bad.
In a new nationwide CareerBuilder study, more than 3,000 full-time, private sector workers and more than 2,000 hiring managers and human resource professionals across industries and company sizes were asked about coming in late and what's OK, what's not OK and what's downright strange.
Check out how your habits compare to that of workers across the country, whether your boss is more lenient or strict than others, and also read the wildest late excuses managers have heard.
Blame it on traffic
Though it's a regular part of our schedule, workers across the country are occasionally late surprisingly often. Nearly one quarter (23 percent) of employees admit to being tardy at least once a month on average, with 15 percent admitting to arriving late at least once a week.
And what's holding us back from getting to work? Traffic remains the most common reason employees say they're late (39 percent), followed by lack of sleep (19 percent), problems with public transportation (8 percent), bad weather (7 percent) and dropping the kids off at daycare or school (6 percent).
Don't be a repeat offender
Knowing your company policy on when to arrive for work will help clarify your manager's expectations, as well as help you avoid trouble. What's the worst thing that can happen if you're late? It turns out, you could lose your job: 35 percent of employers have fired an employee for tardiness, and
48 percent of employers expect their employees to be on time every day.
If you're running late, it can be courteous to let your boss know. However, you may want to rehearse what you'll say before you actually say it. Whether it's real or not, if an excuse sounds too wild to be true, your boss is probably going to have a hard time being sympathetic.Employers shared some of the most memorable excuses they've received from employees who were running late, including:
- Employee claimed a zebra was running down the highway and held up traffic (turned out to be true)
- Employee woke up on the front lawn of a house two blocks away from his home
- Employee's cat got stuck in the toilet
- Employee couldn't eat breakfast -- he ran out of milk for cereal and had to buy some before getting ready for work
- Employee was late to work because he fell asleep in the car when he got to work
- Employee accidentally put superglue in her eye instead of contact lens solution, and had to go to the emergency room
- Employee thought Halloween was a work holiday
- Employee said a hole in the roof caused rain to fall on the alarm clock and it didn't go off
- Employee was watching something on TV and really wanted to see the end
- Employee forgot that the company had changed locations
- Employee got a hairbrush stuck in her hair
- Employee was scared by a nightmare
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Are You Likeable Enough to Succeed?
Success is putting your mind to an ambition and achieving that aim, whether it is to be Prime minister, a good parent, or to score a goal in your Sunday league game.
For most people to be happy they need to work in a pleasant friendly environment get on well with colleagues, to be intellectually stimulated, challenged and rewarded. You should not accept a job with a company if you think that it cannot offer you these things. For your part, you have to have the right stuff, in terms of both skills and personality, these will help you find a job in the first place and will set you in good stead throughout your career regardless of the industry sector.
Making allies in the workplace
It pays to have friends at your place of work, not only can they make tea for you, but if you get on well with your colleagues then the office will have a more pleasant atmosphere and you will not dread coming into work every morning.
We spend a lot of time with our work colleagues, if you work 9-5, 5 days of the week then in the course of a lifetime you probably spend a lot more time with them than you do your loved one. So take the time to be friendly, it helps if you are a positive, outgoing, cheerful, and a likeable person. Having a reputation as the office social outcast will get you nowhere. Arguing everyday will only make you and everyone else unhappy.
To, make it to the top you have to be good with people. Your fellow colleagues will also have promotional aspirations, they could be useful contacts in years to come.
Look out for number one while being a team player
Do not be single-mindedly ambitious, the best personnel are team players. However it does no harm to have a goal and to go out of your way to achieve it. Ambition is a healthy quality and one that is picked up upon from the interview onwards, you have to be proactive in making your wants come true.
We all need self-belief, without it we wouldn't get out of bed in the morning. You need to believe that you are capable of being successful, and achieving your ambitions. When you believe it you can set about convincing other people of what you are capable of.
Everyone has the potential to succeed you just need a target to aim for. Making a rough career plan will help you achieve this, ask yourself where you want to be in the five or ten years time. Define your ambition and then to go out and make it happen.
For most people to be happy they need to work in a pleasant friendly environment get on well with colleagues, to be intellectually stimulated, challenged and rewarded. You should not accept a job with a company if you think that it cannot offer you these things. For your part, you have to have the right stuff, in terms of both skills and personality, these will help you find a job in the first place and will set you in good stead throughout your career regardless of the industry sector.
Making allies in the workplace
It pays to have friends at your place of work, not only can they make tea for you, but if you get on well with your colleagues then the office will have a more pleasant atmosphere and you will not dread coming into work every morning.
We spend a lot of time with our work colleagues, if you work 9-5, 5 days of the week then in the course of a lifetime you probably spend a lot more time with them than you do your loved one. So take the time to be friendly, it helps if you are a positive, outgoing, cheerful, and a likeable person. Having a reputation as the office social outcast will get you nowhere. Arguing everyday will only make you and everyone else unhappy.
To, make it to the top you have to be good with people. Your fellow colleagues will also have promotional aspirations, they could be useful contacts in years to come.
Look out for number one while being a team player
Do not be single-mindedly ambitious, the best personnel are team players. However it does no harm to have a goal and to go out of your way to achieve it. Ambition is a healthy quality and one that is picked up upon from the interview onwards, you have to be proactive in making your wants come true.
We all need self-belief, without it we wouldn't get out of bed in the morning. You need to believe that you are capable of being successful, and achieving your ambitions. When you believe it you can set about convincing other people of what you are capable of.
Everyone has the potential to succeed you just need a target to aim for. Making a rough career plan will help you achieve this, ask yourself where you want to be in the five or ten years time. Define your ambition and then to go out and make it happen.
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
5 Small Things That Make a Big Difference to Hiring Managers
You apply to your dream job and breeze through the first round of interviews. HR loves you, the fit seems great, and they email you the very next day to come in for another round a week later.
This time, you meet with 3 more managers and spend nearly 5 hours learning about the company. Things go even better than the previous round, and you find out that you are one of the finalists for the position.
A week later you’re sitting at your desk (admittedly, dreaming of the moment when you’ll get to give your notice) when you see a call from the company coming in on your mobile phone. You sprint to a private conference room, breathlessly answer the call, only to have your HR contact tell you "I am SO sorry. You were a really fantastic candidate, it was incredibly close, and this was a really difficult decision. But in the end, unfortunately we’ve decided to make an offer to the other finalist."
Devastating, right?
So in a scenario where there might be 500 resumes, funneled down to 50 and then 10, and then narrowed again to the top 3-5 candidates, everyone is going to be good. You’re all going to have a solid education. You’re all going to have relevant work experience. You’re all going to do pretty well on your interview.
This means the decision on who to hire could come down to something very, very small. So why not make sure you have that edge? Here are some tips.
5. Get a Wardrobe Update
Yes, the suit you bought 4-5 years ago to wear to your buddy’s wedding is "fine." It still fits you pretty well, you washed the dress shirt you usually wear with it, and you’re wearing your lucky tie.
But what if you invested in a brand new suit in the latest style and had it tailored to fit your 2014 body, not your 2009 body? What if you bought a brand new white dress shirt that is so crisp that it makes the new suit look even better? What if your old tie wasn’t really lucky? It was just old.
4. Pay for a Professional Headshot
How about your LinkedIn page, your Gmail account, and your Skype avatar? Do you use a professional headshot photo, or that halfway decent picture someone took from their phone?
3. Create a Stylish Resume
For conservative fields like finance, it could be an interesting font, a shaded box, or a very small splash of color. For more creative fields, it could be as extreme as infographic elements worked into the layout. In an increasingly design-centric world, could this small tweak set you apart?
2. Don't Just Say It, Show It
Truth: Once a hiring team starts going round after round of interviews with multiple candidates over several weeks, they all start to run together. The winning candidate might just be the person who does something memorable and sticks out in the mind of the hiring manager.
1. Control Your Personal Brand
If there’s one thing you can be certain of, it’s this: At some point during the hiring process and before you’re given an offer, the hiring company will Google you.
This time, you meet with 3 more managers and spend nearly 5 hours learning about the company. Things go even better than the previous round, and you find out that you are one of the finalists for the position.
A week later you’re sitting at your desk (admittedly, dreaming of the moment when you’ll get to give your notice) when you see a call from the company coming in on your mobile phone. You sprint to a private conference room, breathlessly answer the call, only to have your HR contact tell you "I am SO sorry. You were a really fantastic candidate, it was incredibly close, and this was a really difficult decision. But in the end, unfortunately we’ve decided to make an offer to the other finalist."
Devastating, right?
So in a scenario where there might be 500 resumes, funneled down to 50 and then 10, and then narrowed again to the top 3-5 candidates, everyone is going to be good. You’re all going to have a solid education. You’re all going to have relevant work experience. You’re all going to do pretty well on your interview.
This means the decision on who to hire could come down to something very, very small. So why not make sure you have that edge? Here are some tips.
5. Get a Wardrobe Update
Yes, the suit you bought 4-5 years ago to wear to your buddy’s wedding is "fine." It still fits you pretty well, you washed the dress shirt you usually wear with it, and you’re wearing your lucky tie.
But what if you invested in a brand new suit in the latest style and had it tailored to fit your 2014 body, not your 2009 body? What if you bought a brand new white dress shirt that is so crisp that it makes the new suit look even better? What if your old tie wasn’t really lucky? It was just old.
4. Pay for a Professional Headshot
How about your LinkedIn page, your Gmail account, and your Skype avatar? Do you use a professional headshot photo, or that halfway decent picture someone took from their phone?
3. Create a Stylish Resume
For conservative fields like finance, it could be an interesting font, a shaded box, or a very small splash of color. For more creative fields, it could be as extreme as infographic elements worked into the layout. In an increasingly design-centric world, could this small tweak set you apart?
2. Don't Just Say It, Show It
Truth: Once a hiring team starts going round after round of interviews with multiple candidates over several weeks, they all start to run together. The winning candidate might just be the person who does something memorable and sticks out in the mind of the hiring manager.
1. Control Your Personal Brand
If there’s one thing you can be certain of, it’s this: At some point during the hiring process and before you’re given an offer, the hiring company will Google you.
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
U.S. boom in oil & natural gas
A U.S. boom in oil and natural gas production is fueling a wide range of potential opportunities for investors. But they may not be the ones you’d expect.
In 2012, the U.S. saw the largest expansion in domestic oil and gas production in the more than 150 years since it began drilling commercial wells. Improved technology that can unleash oil and gas from shale rock formations helped domestic oil output grow last year by a record 853,000 barrels a day, to the highest level in 17 years, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. And for natural gas, whereas the amount extracted from shale represented just 2% of the U.S. natural gas supply in 2000, it was 37% in 2012.
This U.S. energy boom comes largely thanks to the technology of "fracking," or hydraulic fracturing, coupled with horizontal drilling methods that allow for much faster, more efficient extraction of oil and natural gas. Fracking is controversial, with opponents noting that its methods — pumping a mixture of water, sand and chemicals under high pressure into source rock to crack it open, allowing gas and oil to flow — may result in groundwater pollution and other problems. But energy companies have continued to invest aggressively in this technology. And as processes have improved, natural gas production has become far more predictable.
Another area to look at may be the U.S. petrochemical industry, which has largely switched from oil to natural gas for feedstock used to make chemicals such as ammonia, a vital ingredient of fertilizer. Those cheaper chemicals serve as economical raw materials for everything from auto manufacturing to farming and household goods, and can now be exported at globally competitive prices.
What's Next for Natural Gas?
Today's investing landscape could shift if the U.S. eases restrictions on selling surplus natural gas overseas. A Department of Energy study released last December suggested that increased exports could provide a broad boost to the economy. But it would likely raise U.S. prices for the fuel, and that worries groups such as America's Energy Advantage, a coalition of energy-dependent companies. At the same time, however, issues around the potential environmental damage caused by fracking could intensify and may need to be resolved one way or the other.
In 2012, the U.S. saw the largest expansion in domestic oil and gas production in the more than 150 years since it began drilling commercial wells. Improved technology that can unleash oil and gas from shale rock formations helped domestic oil output grow last year by a record 853,000 barrels a day, to the highest level in 17 years, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. And for natural gas, whereas the amount extracted from shale represented just 2% of the U.S. natural gas supply in 2000, it was 37% in 2012.
This U.S. energy boom comes largely thanks to the technology of "fracking," or hydraulic fracturing, coupled with horizontal drilling methods that allow for much faster, more efficient extraction of oil and natural gas. Fracking is controversial, with opponents noting that its methods — pumping a mixture of water, sand and chemicals under high pressure into source rock to crack it open, allowing gas and oil to flow — may result in groundwater pollution and other problems. But energy companies have continued to invest aggressively in this technology. And as processes have improved, natural gas production has become far more predictable.
Another area to look at may be the U.S. petrochemical industry, which has largely switched from oil to natural gas for feedstock used to make chemicals such as ammonia, a vital ingredient of fertilizer. Those cheaper chemicals serve as economical raw materials for everything from auto manufacturing to farming and household goods, and can now be exported at globally competitive prices.
What's Next for Natural Gas?
Today's investing landscape could shift if the U.S. eases restrictions on selling surplus natural gas overseas. A Department of Energy study released last December suggested that increased exports could provide a broad boost to the economy. But it would likely raise U.S. prices for the fuel, and that worries groups such as America's Energy Advantage, a coalition of energy-dependent companies. At the same time, however, issues around the potential environmental damage caused by fracking could intensify and may need to be resolved one way or the other.
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Oil Industry in North Dakota
Workers are landing jobs that pay six-figures in the oil boomtowns of North Dakota. Many of the highest-paying jobs are at oil companies, where workers make an average salary of about $100,000.
At 3.5%, North Dakota's unemployment rate is the lowest in the country.
(Nationwide, the rate is 9.1%). But among the small towns that lie along the Bakken oil formation, like Williston, Watford City and Belfield, unemployment is just 1.5%.
Halliburton (HAL, Fortune 500), Continental Resources (CLR), Hess (HES, Fortune 500) and Whiting Petroleum (WLL) are among some of the biggest players in the area. And jobs include everything from working on a rig to hauling crude and equipment in trucks to helping with administrative work, said Shawn Wenko, workplace development coordinator for the city of Williston.
But it's not just the oil companies that are hiring. The oil boom has brought such a big influx of people that every single industry -- from hospitality to retail -- has been hit with overwhelming demand as a result.
Contact Black-Peak Technology for more information and employment opportunities.
At 3.5%, North Dakota's unemployment rate is the lowest in the country.
(Nationwide, the rate is 9.1%). But among the small towns that lie along the Bakken oil formation, like Williston, Watford City and Belfield, unemployment is just 1.5%.
Halliburton (HAL, Fortune 500), Continental Resources (CLR), Hess (HES, Fortune 500) and Whiting Petroleum (WLL) are among some of the biggest players in the area. And jobs include everything from working on a rig to hauling crude and equipment in trucks to helping with administrative work, said Shawn Wenko, workplace development coordinator for the city of Williston.
But it's not just the oil companies that are hiring. The oil boom has brought such a big influx of people that every single industry -- from hospitality to retail -- has been hit with overwhelming demand as a result.
Contact Black-Peak Technology for more information and employment opportunities.
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Alaska USL&H Insurance
Black-Peak Technology is happy to announce we are now covered for USL&H and Workers Compensation insurance in Alaska and surrounding waters.
What is USL&H you ask?
USL&H is a Federal act (sometimes referred to as the United States Longshoremans & Harbor Works Act) designed to provide compensation to an employee if an injury or death occurs upon navigable waters of the US - including any adjoining pier, wharf, dry dock, terminal, building-way, marine railway or other adjoining area customarily used by an employer in loading, unloading, repairing, dismantling or building a vessel.
Black-Peak also has workers compensation insurance coast to coast for all your staffing needs.
What is USL&H you ask?
USL&H is a Federal act (sometimes referred to as the United States Longshoremans & Harbor Works Act) designed to provide compensation to an employee if an injury or death occurs upon navigable waters of the US - including any adjoining pier, wharf, dry dock, terminal, building-way, marine railway or other adjoining area customarily used by an employer in loading, unloading, repairing, dismantling or building a vessel.
Black-Peak also has workers compensation insurance coast to coast for all your staffing needs.
Friday, January 17, 2014
Top 10 Jobs for 2014 - Black-Peak Technology Staffing with Jim Bernier
10. Natural Sciences Manager
This job is considered to be one of the top paying jobs and it is standing
on the number 10. These are expected to work as the land managers and are
responsible for the higher production.
9. Marketing Manager
Marketing has no limits and you can make a lot of profits. These jobs are
globally recognized and these include some of the serious areas that are
related to the economic sector. Presently this job is standing on the number
9.
8. Computer and Information Systems' Manager
Information technology is one of the best areas that is in demand forever.
The main thing about this job is the security and management in some of the
sectors that are public or private in function.
7. Air Traffic Controller
The main industry is one of those industries that are related to the
locomotion. This sector is more popular as compared to that of other sectors
because this job needs expertise and skills.
6. Lawyers
Crimes are present in every society and there is a need to defend some of
the cases. Best thing about this job is that you can earn your money at any
part of the world. The legal systems are always praised.
5. Dentist
The medical fields are always liked and there are many prospects. But there
is a great difference between the culture of the developed and the
developing nations. The main thing about this sector is that you can make a
lot of profits.
4. Airline Pilot
This industry is also considered as one of the highest paying jobs in the
world. The main thing in this job is the responsibility because this job
needs a lot of efforts.
3. Engineering Manager
The engineers are best known due to the works that are conducted by these
specialists. Construction, designing and execution of any project are
directly or indirectly dependent upon these managers.
2. Chief Executive Officers
CEO are directly or indirectly involved in some of the serious decisions
that can take a company to new heights. Some of the serious jobs come under
this category.
1. Surgeon
This job is considered as one the highest paying jobs that have very good
future. Currently surgeons are being apid at the highest pays in the United
States. There is fact that surgeons are also demanded all over the world.
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Black-Peak Technology Staffing with Jim Bernier
Three Ways to Make an Offer
Let's assume you've got a candidate and an employer who have wrapped up their interviews and want to work together. How, exactly, do you choreograph an offer and get it accepted?
I take the position that an offer is worthless or even counterproductive unless it's accepted. Therefore, a "clean" offer is the gold standard to strive for.
A clean offer is an offer that's been pre-accepted by the candidate. In other words, you've closed the candidate at a salary lower than what you know or anticipate the company is planning to offer, and tied up any loose ends that might present a problem. So, when the company tells you they've decided to make an offer, you reply that the candidate has already authorized you to accept. To seal the deal, you ask the employer to call the candidate to shake hands over the phone, and generate a letter of acceptance for the candidate to sign and date.
A less desirable option is the "conditional" offer, in which the offer is extended and accepted, but with one or more components to be determined prior to the start date. Conditional offers are fairly common in sales positions, in which there might be two or three different commission plans to choose from, or territories that need to be carved out. Generally, these deals can be put to bed with a simple meeting between the candidate and his or her prospective supervisor. But if the stumbling blocks are significant (as in dealing with a relocation), you might need to make eleventh-hour adjustments to protect the placement.
Avoiding a Train Wreck
The most risky offer is the "hope and pray" offer, in which the company extends an offer and waits for the answer. As a spectator, you're stuck in the middle, hoping and praying the offer will satisfy the candidate.
If the offer is accepted, congratulations. If the offer is rejected, the employer has to decide whether to up the ante, negotiate the sticking points, or find another candidate. I really dislike "hope and pray" offers, as there are too many unknowns. For example, is it the terms of the offer driving the candidate's decision – or is it the job itself? You can always adjust a compensation package; but you can't easily change the job, the company or the culture. And if the candidate isn't thrilled, you've got no Plan B to fall back on.
Most "hope and pray" offers allow the candidate time to "think it over," which creates a recruiting dilemma. Do you coax, bully or beg? Play good cop or bad? Shut up or make a nuisance of yourself?
I've found the best thing to do is stay calm, go to a neutral corner and wait it out, unless the candidate has a question or needs factual information. To increase your leverage, you and the employer can set a "drop dead" date, after which the offer expires.
Not long ago, I found myself in a potential train wreck situation. The candidate, after completing two strong interviews, said he wanted to work for my client company. The company also was interested, but wanted me to do some due diligence before they extended an offer.
The candidate then confessed that he had somehow attracted the interest of a couple other companies, and had scheduled interviews with both. When I asked how my company ranked in comparison to the others, he was unwilling to say. When I asked if he could name a price at which he'd shut down all other activity and accept an offer from my client, he couldn't do it.
So, rather than wage a bidding war we were certain to lose, my client and I decided to pass on the candidate and find someone who really wanted the job and was willing to commit. While it was heartbreaking to let an otherwise qualified candidate slip through our fingers, it reminded me that my role is to help the employer hire great talent -- not hand over a bargaining chip to a wily candidate.
Let's assume you've got a candidate and an employer who have wrapped up their interviews and want to work together. How, exactly, do you choreograph an offer and get it accepted?
I take the position that an offer is worthless or even counterproductive unless it's accepted. Therefore, a "clean" offer is the gold standard to strive for.
A clean offer is an offer that's been pre-accepted by the candidate. In other words, you've closed the candidate at a salary lower than what you know or anticipate the company is planning to offer, and tied up any loose ends that might present a problem. So, when the company tells you they've decided to make an offer, you reply that the candidate has already authorized you to accept. To seal the deal, you ask the employer to call the candidate to shake hands over the phone, and generate a letter of acceptance for the candidate to sign and date.
A less desirable option is the "conditional" offer, in which the offer is extended and accepted, but with one or more components to be determined prior to the start date. Conditional offers are fairly common in sales positions, in which there might be two or three different commission plans to choose from, or territories that need to be carved out. Generally, these deals can be put to bed with a simple meeting between the candidate and his or her prospective supervisor. But if the stumbling blocks are significant (as in dealing with a relocation), you might need to make eleventh-hour adjustments to protect the placement.
Avoiding a Train Wreck
The most risky offer is the "hope and pray" offer, in which the company extends an offer and waits for the answer. As a spectator, you're stuck in the middle, hoping and praying the offer will satisfy the candidate.
If the offer is accepted, congratulations. If the offer is rejected, the employer has to decide whether to up the ante, negotiate the sticking points, or find another candidate. I really dislike "hope and pray" offers, as there are too many unknowns. For example, is it the terms of the offer driving the candidate's decision – or is it the job itself? You can always adjust a compensation package; but you can't easily change the job, the company or the culture. And if the candidate isn't thrilled, you've got no Plan B to fall back on.
Most "hope and pray" offers allow the candidate time to "think it over," which creates a recruiting dilemma. Do you coax, bully or beg? Play good cop or bad? Shut up or make a nuisance of yourself?
I've found the best thing to do is stay calm, go to a neutral corner and wait it out, unless the candidate has a question or needs factual information. To increase your leverage, you and the employer can set a "drop dead" date, after which the offer expires.
Not long ago, I found myself in a potential train wreck situation. The candidate, after completing two strong interviews, said he wanted to work for my client company. The company also was interested, but wanted me to do some due diligence before they extended an offer.
The candidate then confessed that he had somehow attracted the interest of a couple other companies, and had scheduled interviews with both. When I asked how my company ranked in comparison to the others, he was unwilling to say. When I asked if he could name a price at which he'd shut down all other activity and accept an offer from my client, he couldn't do it.
So, rather than wage a bidding war we were certain to lose, my client and I decided to pass on the candidate and find someone who really wanted the job and was willing to commit. While it was heartbreaking to let an otherwise qualified candidate slip through our fingers, it reminded me that my role is to help the employer hire great talent -- not hand over a bargaining chip to a wily candidate.
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