Capture Real-World Career Insight & Advice That Will Prep You for The Big Time

They're Hiring!

Feeling a little discouraged by the job market news? While the economy seems to be showing signs of life, the job market is still lagging behind, with more have lost their jobs.

Even the news of the unemployment rate could play psychological games with jobs seekers, making them feel as though there is no hope. However, there are still many industries that are hiring. According to one article, those industries include health care, information technology, accounting and restaurants.

If you are looking for jobs in these areas, be sure that you have a focused search and are including niche job site such as Dice.com (technology) and AccountingJobsToday.com.

Also, don't forget to use your social media and networking connections. A different article points out that sites such as LinkedIn are the "resume of the future". If you are not up to speed on how to use these online tools, start stretching your social media wings now, and become more acquainted with the power of these communities.

So keep your resume sharp and updated, and start looking at the industries that are ready to find and hire talent.

Mature workers need flexibility and training too!

I was surprised to read an article about the graying of the workforce, and how few companies provide for the needs of this important sector or the workforce. In the past 10 years, the major concern for employers was how to shore up knowledge gaps due to the impending retirement of the baby boomers. Now that the boomers and older members of the workforce have continued to work, employers seem to be forgetting they have needs too.

There is much emphasis on recruiting younger members of the workforce, and what employers need to do to attract these tech-savvy, philanthropic-minded, emergent workers. But older workers, who still possess the knowledge and experience that their younger counterparts don't have, are looking for opportunities for training and flexibility as well.

When you consider the boomer generation and the responsibilities they may have at home, such as taking care of elderly parents, flexibility would be a key benefit for them.

And what about training? The attitude of some companies is - "why spend money to train employees who may not be with the company for the long haul?" In reality, most workers over 50 are preparing to work well into the 70's and even into their 80's. So instead of having them lag behind, why not give them the tools they will need to be productive?

Each year, AARP publishes its list of the Best Employers for Workers Over 50. The companies listed are all representative of those that are doing their part in maintaining a healthy, happy mature workforce. So managers and executives take heed, and stay tuned into ALL of your employees' needs.

Most Lucrative College Majors

Still believe that doctors and lawyers are making the most money? Think again.

According to a recent study by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, those who major in areas with a strong focus in math can look forward to having the most lucrative careers.

One article lists the top 15 earning degrees, which include engineering, science and technology degrees.

So if you want to earn a top salary, sharpen those math skills and look in to pursuing one of those top degrees.

Is running late an epidemic?

A recently released CareerBuilder survey reveals that more workers are arriving late to work - at least once week - more often this year than last.

The most cited reason why workers show up late is heavy traffic, followed by a lack of sleep. The bottom line is that it's workers' responsibility to get to work on time. It is as much part of the job as meeting deadlines.

Every once in a while, showing up late to work is unavoidable, but when it becomes a habit, that is unacceptable and behavioral changes need to occur. If your employer's policy on tardiness is a strict one, you could be in danger of being overlooked for promotions, or worse, even lose your job.

If you are habitually tardy, own up to it and be prepared to make changes to your routine. Traffic an issue? Then wake up 15-20 minutes earlier to beat the rush. Oversleep? Monitor your caffeine in take and don't have any too late at night. Need to iron your clothes? Do so the night before.

These are small changes that can be made to your daily routine, but the biggest change may nee to be your mindset. Once you get away with being late, it's easier to be late again and again. If you set your mind to being at work on time, then you have a better chance of turning your tardiness into punctuality.

Avoid Recession Burn Out

I was watching the news the other day and saw two stories in one broadcast about the economy. One story was about how the job market is struggling and many employees are still in danger of losing their jobs. The other story was about a rebounding economy and job growth being just around the corner. Huh?

With all of these conflicting stories, what are we supposed to think? It can be down right mind-boggling, and cause anxiety.

So here are my quick tips to beat recession talk burn out:

1. Take in the news, but do not hang you hat on any one story. Bottom line - it's been bad, but there are positive signs that it's getting better.
2. Keep your nose to the grindstone. Don't worry about what could happen, focus on what is happening right now and do your part to stay productive at work.
3. Go a head, have a coffee break. Stressing yourself out and staying stuck to the cubicle is going to make you less productive. Take a break by going on a walk or getting a cup of coffee.
4. Avoid the office hen house. You know, the colleagues who spend a good part of lunch or break time hashing out the rumor mill about layoffs and office closings.
5. Stay positive. Easier said than done, but having a positive attitude is sometimes all it takes to have good things come your way.