Many people today are still out of a job, and trying to decide which field to go into can be a confusing mess. A recent joint report by CareerBuilder and Economic Modeling Specialists Intl can help, by identifying the jobs with the greatest potential for growth in 2013 and beyond: 1. Software Developer The job with the fastest growth since 2010 is a software developer, fueled by companies competing to be the first on the market with new innovations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is projecting a 30% increase in the number of employed software developers from 2010 to 2020. The average salary for a software developer, according to the BLS, is $90,530 per year. They also report that most software developers design computer systems and work in related service firms or software publishers. Most software developers have a bachelor's degree in computer science. 2. Accountant/Auditor Coming in second on the CareerBuilder/Economic Modeling Specialists list are accountants and auditors. … [Read more...] about 5 Careers to Go For in 2013
Archives for May 2013
Just How Do I Go About Finding a Job?
Long gone are the days of walking into an establishment after seeing a hiring poster on the window and securing a job. Today, hardly anyone takes applications at the retail establishment or office. With the advancement of online forms and job websites, many companies are putting their jobs online to get a wider pool of applicants. If you are one of the 86 percent of people looking for a new employment opportunity, here are some tips on getting a job: Get Social To really tap into the largest pool of job availabilities, you are going to have to use social media. … [Read more...] about Just How Do I Go About Finding a Job?
Why it Doesn't Always Pay to Have a Five Year Plan
How many times have you been asked 'what's your five year plan'? Do you reply with enthusiasm, happy to explain in detail your life mapped out in intricate detail, or do you inwardly groan, and wonder why so many people are so concerned about planning way into the future instead of relishing the here and now, adapting to what the future brings? Planning can be an effective way to achieve goals and help motivate towards desired outcomes however the problem is, life isn't predictable, and the best plans in the world can't be guaranteed to succeed in getting what you want. Where are you left then? Despondent, feeling lost, and without the career you were expecting as a result from your five year plan. Things don't always pan out as you'd want or expect. Some jobs are guaranteed, right? Not the case. Nursing is one profession that is often seen to be a sure thing. 'We'll always need nurses'. That's probably what the student nurses in parts of the UK thought while doing their … [Read more...] about Why it Doesn't Always Pay to Have a Five Year Plan
Never Offer to Fix Your Supervisor's Car
Although you may want to offer your services as often as you can in order to make management happy, there are certain things outside of the office you shouldn't engage in. You can be friendly to your coworkers, but there are several aspects of interpersonal relationships you should stay away from. Fixing your supervisor's car may seem like a good career choice as he or she may hold you in higher esteem afterward, but it could wind up blowing up in your face causing a great deal of drama. 1. Skills - While you may want to help to the best of your abilities, you may not have the skills to accomplish your goal. If you were a good mechanic that would have been your career choice and at this point fixing the car isn't such a big deal. However, you could be lacking important knowledge needed to fix the car if you don't have a background in auto-repair. Then you run the risk of causing more damage than there was initially. Your lack of skills could make for a very terrible situation and you … [Read more...] about Never Offer to Fix Your Supervisor's Car
How to Use Facebook to Land a Job Interview
These days, employers and recruiters are using every means available to help make their hiring decisions -- which includes looking through resumes, of course, but also checking out social media sites. Before calling a candidate to set up an interview, most employers are going to do their due diligence, checking out the candidate on Facebook and ensuring there are no obvious "red flags." Of course, if your Facebook page is plastered with drunk, slovenly photos or crass content, you're probably not going to get that interview! As such, articles explaining what not to post on Facebook are a dime a dozen, and for perfectly good reason. Here's a reality that does not receive nearly enough attention, though: While Facebook can absolutely hurt your career prospects, it can also help your career prospects. The answer, then, is not to remove your Facebook page altogether, or to turn your privacy settings on high. The answer is to use Facebook to enhance, promote, and brand yourself -- to … [Read more...] about How to Use Facebook to Land a Job Interview
Bored at Work? Do This!
There are times when there is not enough work to fill the 9-5 work day. This can be a welcome break if the usual is to bogged down under more than you can handle, but if it regularly occurs, it can get very boring. If you find yourself in this situation and are regularly bored at work, do this: Ask for more work There may be other assignments or tasks that you can take on board and this can be a good way to win favour with those you'd like to impress. Training Not only fills the time but expands your knowledge, skills and abilities and may lead to involvement in more aspects of the companies practice and possible promotions. Volunteer to help Helping your colleagues can be a valuable networking tool. A helping hand offered when dearly needed is often appreciated and seldom forgotten. Desk exercises Keep yourself healthy by checking out online exercises that you can do while at your desk. Doing this with even some simple stretches can do wonders to clear your mind, and relax and … [Read more...] about Bored at Work? Do This!
Why Are Accounting Jobs In Demand?
While many college graduates are having problems landing jobs, the one field that has a fairly good track record is accounting. In fact, graduates who have specialized in accounting have an easier time landing jobs than their peers who have other degrees. In addition, senior-level accounting jobs are also increasing which leads many to wonder why accounting jobs are in such demand in a weak job market. Regulations hold the key There have been a number of regulations that lenders, insurance companies and anyone involved in hiring employees need to comply with to avoid paying substantial fees. Rules like Dodd-Frank, the Consumer Protection Act and the Affordable Care Act have all had an impact on companies all over the country. The Securities and Exchange Commission is clamping down on companies reporting their reserves, properly evaluating their portfolios and monitoring positions. This means that the demand for financial analysts, auditors and public accounting specialists is … [Read more...] about Why Are Accounting Jobs In Demand?
Coping With New Job Anxiety
New job anxiety can feel debilitating. Starting a new job, and in particular, the first few days, can be downright nerve-racking. Not knowing anyone, wondering what everyone is thinking of you, worried you will make stupid mistakes, not knowing what you are doing and maybe feeling like a fraud! All these negative thoughts can cast a dark cloud over what can be an exciting time, and quite possibly the start to a positive new chapter in your life. So, how do you get to make the most of this new start, turning down the anxiety to a healthy, low adrenaline level, so as not to just muddle through the first few days in a blurry, stress-filled haze? Sleep. Firstly, you need to give your body what it needs and avoid the stuff it doesn't. Make sure you are getting a good night's sleep, each night. Try and set a regular sleeping pattern that allows you to get enough sleep and wake refreshed and ready for the day. Sleep deprivation can lead to altered emotional states and paranoia and … [Read more...] about Coping With New Job Anxiety
How to Deal with Downtime as a Freelancer
If you work as a freelancer, via an agency, as a temp worker, or are self-employed there will probably be times when the work isn't coming in and you have periods with no income. These times can be worrying, especially if relatively new to this style of working or if finances are tight. Manage Your Money It's essential to have a safety-net of cash that is easy access but not so easy as to be spent at a whim. Ideally, an amount of money equal to 3-6 months of usual out-goings should be enough to cover most situations, should they arise. Keep monthly outgoings to a minimum, to keep payments manageable during periods of no work. When you have worked and saved enough to provide a safety net, with extra savings you know you can safely spend purchase those extras you want with one off payments. This may feel difficult at first, to wait till you've saved before purchasing, but in time this pattern will be second nature, and has the added bonus of avoiding … [Read more...] about How to Deal with Downtime as a Freelancer
Employee Recognition–It Matters
Wouldn’t it be terrible to go to work and never hear a thank you? Unfortunately, there are many of you reading this article that lives that reality every day in your workplace. If you aren’t experiencing it now then you have most likely experienced this at one time or the other in your career. Recognizing employees seems to be at an all-time low these days. This is a mistake if you want high-performing employees or plan on keeping any of your staff for the long term. According to Globalforce, a global provider for employee recognition, “fifty-five percent of survey respondents said they would leave their jobs for a company that clearly recognized employees for their efforts." As an employer you may not be as concerned in today’s economy of losing your staff, however there is a bigger question; at what level are your employees performing if they are not feeling recognized or valuable? If employees are not happy then most likely it will affect their moods, customer service, … [Read more...] about Employee Recognition–It Matters