www.hkpcc.hk: 七月 2011

2011年7月31日星期日

5 Hiring Secrets Every Job Seeker Should Know

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Have you ever wondered how companies determine which candidates get interviewed and which don't? Have you ever been left scratching your head trying to figure out why you never even received a call for the job you were sure was the perfect fit? Reader's Digest did, and their April edition features 50 secrets HR won't tell you. Here are just a few.

1. Keywords are key.

It's not unusual for your resume to be scanned for keywords by an applicant tracking system before a person lays eyes on it. Try to include the functional and industry keywords used in the job posting in your resume to increase the likelihood of having your resume read by an actual person. For example, an accountant might include words such as general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and GAAP on his resume.

2. Every detail on your resume is part of your brand.

A beautifully written resume with an impeccable design will fall flat if it is coupled with an unprofessional e-mail address. Everything you put on your resume is reflective of your overall brand. Don't compromise your candidacy by including a questionable e-mail address. HR and hiring managers can tell when your e-mail address is the name of your pet, your kid, or your favorite catch phrase. Stick with your name or some version of it.

3. HR is not your ticket in.

HR acts as a gatekeeper. They are there to screen people out and may not be willing to look at candidates that are outside the box of the narrow job description the hiring manager has given them. Instead of contacting HR when a position is available, get creative and try to find the actual hiring manager of the department you'd like to work in at you target company, by leveraging your contacts and using tools such as LinkedIn. Unless you want a job in HR, HR is not your decision maker. Source your decision maker (the person who would be your boss or your boss's boss) and start conversations with them instead.

4. Relationship trumps resume.

People get great jobs with great resumes. They also get great jobs with lousy resumes. Relationships are more important than resumes. People like to hiring people that come recommended. There is less risk and less potential for wasted time and money. When there is no relationship, the resume is often the sole tool used to judge a candidate. And that can be a hard sell. When a trusted company employee is advocating for you, the resume becomes a tool to supplement the hiring process rather than the only touch point.

Discrimination is alive and well.

Hiring managers discriminate based on age, race, family status, employment status ... you name it. And even though more stringent anti-discrimination legislation has been introduced, my guess is that discrimination will unfortunately continue to occur. The best you can do is show relevance and prove you are a qualified candidate for the job. In addition, find a company "cheerleader" who can promote the value you would bring to the company and help you get past discriminatory behavior.

10 Best Cities to Find a Job

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You'll have to invest in some serious winter gear if you're interested in moving to the best city for finding employment in America. That title goes to Minneapolis, according to a survey recently done by Ajilon Professional Staffing. According to the study, which was published by Forbes, not one city on the West Coast made the top 10 list, although the others are fairly evenly scattered throughout the rest of the United States.

Ajilon compiled its list using Department of Labor statistics and insights from its regional market branches. Each of the cities on the list has an unemployment rate of 8 percent or lower, below the current national average of 8.9 percent. A number of other factors were also considered in determining the list, including the diversity of industries in the city, cost of living, the range in size of companies offering employment, and level of higher education among its residents.

Minneapolis-St. Paul rose to the top of this year's list partially because of the fact that hiring is on the rise there for many of the big industry players in fields including financial services, health care, retail, and manufacturing -- contributing to a lower level of unemployment.

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Also, there's an increased demand in Minneapolis for specialty positions, including specialty tax and compliance, IT audit and SEC-related experience. Combined with additional factors including relatively low cost of living and low crime and poverty rates, the Twin Cities comes out on top of the list.

You'll find much warmer temperatures in the second best city. That would be none other than the very hip Austin, Texas. It rated high on the list because of its low cost of living and diverse talent pool. Austin's thriving educational community also contributed to boosting job growth in the market. Home to several major universities, including the University of Texas, local businesses can select from a vast pool of well-educated recent graduates.

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2011's Top 10 cities:

St. Paul, Minn.Austin, TexasSalt Lake City, UtahBoston, Mass.Milwaukee, Wis.Richmond, Va.Albany, NYBaltimore, Md.Pittsburgh, Pa.Dallas, Texas

"All of these cities possess unique characteristics such as low cost of living and heavy diversity of industry that bring about an optimal environment for low unemployment in their areas," said Jodi Chavez, senior vice president at Ajilon Professional Staffing.

10 Reasons You Can Be Fired

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By Kelly Eggers

Nobody wants to get fired. Most people avoid it by generally doing good work and keeping complaints about their jobs to themselves or close family.

Unfortunately, it's not that simple. There are many things that can get you fired beyond the obvious; you don't have to burn down the office to earn a pink slip.

"If you have created a situation for yourself where there's some level of dissatisfaction with your performance, any organization with figure out where there is an option or a point of entry where they can separate you from them," said Roy Cohen, a New York City career coach and author of The Wall Street Professional's Survival Guide. "Assuming you're in an employment-at-will environment, you don't ever have to be told why you're being fired."

Most professional employees are "employees-at-will," which means that they can be fired for any reason – or none at all. Employment-at-will laws vary from state to state, but if you're not in a union or don't have a contract, they likely apply to you.

It may not be fair to get fired because you choose not to shower, think you're smarter than your boss or have issues admitting when you're wrong, but it can happen. Here are ten ways to get thrown off your job.

1. Get Conveniently Sick

It's okay to take sick days when you need them, but if you take too many at the wrong times, it could mean more free time to convalesce.

"If you want to get fired, repeatedly call in sick on Mondays," said Randy Merrell, vice president of operations at Elite Network, a San Francisco-based search firm. "Muscle up and get yourself in there. Hangovers are no excuse."

The same goes for vacation days, said Cohen. Ditching the company for a few days of sun and surf in the middle of a busy season reflects poorly on your dedication to the well-being of the business.

"An administrator in my client's department had a key role in planning a major event, and the admin called in sick for three days the week before the event," said Cohen. A check of her records showed that she had a pattern of calling in sick around major events. "All of the work gets dropped on others' shoulders. Her sick days might have been legit, but they were legit too frequently," he said. That, when combined with her sloppy work and incomplete projects, got her cut from the roster.

2. Lie on Your Job Application

Everyone beefs up their resume, and assumes that once they have the job, it's no longer important what they did to get it. Not so fast. If your job performance lags, your resume may be reviewed again. An inconsistency or poorly timed embellishment could be used to get rid of you.

"If they're dissatisfied with you and then they find out that you lied, that's an easy ticket for them," said Cohen.

For example, Bruce Hurwitz, president and CEO of New York-based Hurwitz Strategic Staffing, recalls a staff member at a former employer who noted on his resume that he had his CPA when he did not. He had taken all the coursework, but did not take the exam.

"He had the job, was doing a good job, but was fired on the spot when his boss found out he had lied on his resume. The job didn't require a CPA, but the boss checked to see if he had it anyway," said Hurwitz. "Even though it wasn't a requirement, it reflected on his character."

3. Be Disgusting

If you aren't diligent with your hygiene, people probably aren't going to go out of their way to keep you around.

"I have a number of clients who are managers that have employees who were unkempt," said Cohen. "When it came time for downsizing, they were at the top of the list."

You might think that hygiene habits should be a personal decision left to each staff member's own discretion, but Cohen said that the reach of bad body odor goes beyond the cubicle around you. "It's engaging in anti-social behavior," he said. "Not bathing, being unkempt... You have to be very careful, especially if you're in a client-interfacing role."

4. Stay Anonymous

As the old adage goes, the squeaky wheel gets the grease. If you always keep your head down, never remind your boss of your accomplishments, and aren't a familiar face to the higher-ups, you aren't going to be remembered for what you're worth when headcount is being shaved.

"It's not enough to just work hard, stay late, and be intelligent," said Linda Farley, founder of Farley Training, a San Antonio-based management coaching firm. "It shows you're not a team player. If you don't speak up in meetings and share your ideas, you'll be the one who doesn't have ideas," instead of the one who works late and meets deadlines.

"People need to know you as a person before they can trust you as a worker," she said.

5. Never Compromise

An ego is arguably a necessity in the business world. But a big head that's consistently getting in the way of efficiency and teamwork is a head that will roll.

"If you're not forceful to the proper degree in promoting your own ideas, you're not going to get anything accomplished," said Hurwitz, but you have to be able to do it in the proper way.

Those who always need to do things their way, "come across as single-minded and critical of others' ideas," said Cohen. "If your ideas are smarter than everyone else's, they'll rise to the surface and be appreciated -- unless you don't listen to anyone else, ever."

6. Be Ungrateful

With unemployment hovering around 9%, try to be thankful for what you have, instead of whining about what you think you deserve. A lack of humility can earn you a pink slip.

"If you want out, ask for a raise before a round of job cuts, and get angry when they don't give it to you," said Cohen. "It shows poor judgment."

Another way to get the ax, said Cohen, is telling your boss that the work they're providing you with is beneath you.

In one word, complain. "That's how you get your name at the top of the list," said Cohen.

7. Don't Respect the Chain of Command

It's likely that the current chain of command in the office has long been in place, and for good reason. Except in the most extreme of circumstances, experts recommend respecting it.

"When you're emotionally intelligent, aware of your surroundings and know who the players are, you have a sense of what you should say when, and when you should keep your mouth shut," said Farley. "You know when you should go over someone's head, and when you should follow the chain of command."

No matter how much you hate your boss or how dumb you think he is, it's usually career suicide to reveal those sentiments to a higher-up.

8. Spend Time With the Complainers, Non-Performers and Gossips

When company information is leaked or major deadlines are missed, someone will likely be fired. Even if you weren't involved, you don't want your name associated with those of the usual suspects.

"Even if you're not a non-performer or a complainer yourself, if you're associated with them, people will start thinking of you in that way," said Farley of Farley Training.

There's a "birds of a feather" mentality to this one -- if you're in a clique with your most toxic colleagues, it's easy for your boss to liken you to them. "If you are associated with the gossip, it's going to be assumed you are spreading rumors too," said Hurwitz, of Hurwitz Strategic Staffing.

9. Never Take Responsibility When Things Go Wrong

Take a page out of former Rep. Anthony Weiner's book on this one. If you do something stupid, don't lie about it. The truth will come out -- and you'll get a lot of negative attention if you're forced to admit you tried to cover up.

"It's not the crime, it's the cover-up," said Hurwitz. "If you're the source of bad news about you and if you admit to your mistakes and you don't repeat them, that's a positive. You'll get credit for it."

But if you blame failed technology, time crunches, or the errors of your colleagues when things go awry and you're to blame, you're expendable.

10. Take Credit for Other People's Work

No one likes a freeloader. If you are the worker who never presents an original thought at work, or you take credit for others' accomplishments, you're likely to find yourself out the door.

"One guy stole commissions from co-workers when everyone was out on Christmas break," said Merrell at Elite Network. Commissions at the company were given to the person who did the legwork and sold the services to the client, said Merrell, not by the person who answered the phone when the client called to conclude the sale. "The company policy was that you gave commission credit to the correct person, even when they were out," said Merrell. "I took great pleasure in firing this guy."

Write to Kelly Eggers

10 Easy Ways to Use QR Codes to Market Your Business

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Have you ever heard of a QR code or Microsoft Tag? If those terms sound like a foreign language, you're not alone. While major brands like Kraft Foods, Procter & Gamble and Macy's have embraced them in recent marketing campaigns, the average small business owner may not know that QR codes can drive customers to their products and services.

Although they've have been around since the early '90s, QR codes didn't become popular in the United States until recently. QR or Quick Response codes are 2-dimensional bar codes, similar to those found on price tags at clothing stores. A Microsoft Tag works just like a QR code, but can only be scanned with a Microsoft Tag Reader. Using a code reader available on a smartphone, potential customers can scan your QR code and see where it takes them. Major brands are using QR codes to take customers to discounts, freebies and special promotions.

"QR codes have helped us introduce our company to an entirely new customer base," said Amy Bergeron, director of marketing at the Kursch Group, a commercial real estate company in Victorville, Calif. "We've put QR codes in storefronts of properties we are marketing. Now when potential buyers scan the QR codes with their smart phones, it takes them to a website that is set to showcase a particular location. They can see pictures of the property, get details such as square footage and price, and contact a Realtor, all without having to make a phone call or search the Internet."

While QR codes and Microsoft Tags can be used to educate potential customers about a product or service, they can also be used to reward them for their interest in your brand. Major corporations like Best Buy, Starbucks and Nike are using QR codes to cultivate new customers and thank existing ones that have been loyal to the respective brand.

"We're seeing marketers using QR codes to create buzz and get consumers excited about their brands," said Matthias Galica, a founder and CEO of ShareSquare, a platform that allows anyone to create, share and market QR codes. "QR codes have been around for a long time and are in use around the world, but in the U.S., they've taken off because now there is an installation base. As long as you have a smart phone, you can install a QR code reader. That has caused an explosion in their popularity and use over the past few years."

So how can you use QR codes and Microsoft Tags in your business? Here are 10 strategies to get you started.

1. Give them a discount. When customers scan your code, reward them with a coupon for a 20% discount off their next purchase.

2. Give them a daily deal. Encourage customers to scan the same QR code every day for a week, to get a daily deal good for discounts, freebies and other rewards. This will create constant buzz about your product or service and keep your customers coming back.

3. Give them a freebie. When customers scan your QR code, give them something free like a product sample or a 2-for-1 deal.

4. Reward them for taking action. Use QR codes to build your Facebook fan page or e-mail newsletter list. When customers scan your QR code, take them to a website where they can sign up for your e-mail newsletter or like your Facebook page. Once they complete the call to action, send them an e-mail with a discount, freebie or special promotion.

5.Give them a free download. If you use e-books to market your business, use QR codes to distribute them. When customers scan the code, give them a free e-book download and the opportunity to sign-up to receive future special promotions from your company.

6. Give them a free tickets. If you use event marketing to promote your business, use QR codes to hand out free tickets. When the code is scanned, make sure it leads to a website where potential customers can download their free tickets.

7. Give them exclusive access. QR codes can be used to give potential and existing customers exclusive VIP access to events, sales and special promotions. When the code is scanned ensure that it leads to a website, video, text message or phone number that will allow customers to enjoy their exclusive access.

8. Give them a heads up. If you want to pique a customer's interest in a specific product or service that you're planning to offer on sale, use QR codes and tags to tell them about it in advance. Place a QR code on your printed marketing materials that leads to a website where customers can get details about the sale and even pre-order.

9. Give them an invitation. Use QR codes or tags in your event marketing to invite potential customers to events. If you're having a launch party for a new product, create a QR code that leads to the event invite and a way for customers to RSVP.

10. Give them some help. Use QR codes or tags to give customers more information about your product or service. Put a QR code or Microsoft Tag on your website, printed marketing materials or promotion items that leads to an FAQ web page where customers can get answers to their questions via email or live chat.

Additional Tips:

Educate your customers about QR codes and how they can use them to get access to discounts, special offers and other promotions that will save them money on your product or service.Show your customers where they can download QR code readers for iPhone, Android and Blackberry to unlock your company's QR codes.Place links to popular code readers on your marketing materials to make it easy for customers to unlock your QR codes.Use one of these five free tools to generate QR codes for your business:

ShareSquare – http://www.GetShareSquare.com

Bitly – www.bitly.com

BeQRious - http://www.beqrious.com/

Maestro - http://www.sparqcode.com/static/maestro

Delivr - http://delivr.com/

Tasha Cunningham is a tech columnist for the Miami Herald newspaper, where she writes BizBytes 101, a bi-monthly column about PR, social media and technology trends for business owners. She has been featured on The Today Show, on CNN, and in the New York Times, among other media outlets. Read her blog on Red Room.

10 Things You Need to Know Before You Demand Your Work Break

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Almost everyone I talk to about this issue is absolutely sure they're entitled to two 15 minute work breaks and one lunch break a day. Almost everyone is wrong. Before you smart off to your boss who's demanding you return to work before you finish your coffee, here are 10 things you need to know about work breaks.

1. No work breaks required by federal law

No federal law requires any work breaks for meals or rest. Need a bathroom break? Not federally required. Can't hold it? Complain to your member of Congress.

2. Meal breaks

Only 20 states (and two U.S. territories) have meal break requirements for adults.

3. Non-meal breaks

Only nine states require some non-meal breaks for adults.

4. Disability and medical accommodation

If you need breaks to accommodate a disability or a worker's compensation injury, then the employer might have to grant them. Sometimes, health conditions require work breaks. For instance, diabetics need to eat periodically and may need an insulin shot while at work. Some medical conditions require breaks for medications, rest periods and frequent bathroom stops. If you think this applies to you, speak to your health care provider about seeking an accommodation under the Americans With Disabilities Act or intermittent leave for partial days under the Family and Medical Leave Act. If you do need a work break for a medical condition, the best time to seek an accommodation for it is before you run into a disciplinary issue.

5. Nursing mothers

You do have a federal law that protects you. If you're not exempt from overtime pay, and if your employer has at least 50 employees in a 75 mile radius, you're allowed reasonable unpaid breaks to express breast milk until your child reaches age 1 year. Employers also have to provide a place, other than a bathroom, shielded from view and free from intrusion from coworkers and the public, for you to do this. Some states provide more protections for nursing moms, and also cover smaller employers. Twenty-four states have laws protecting nursing mothers at work.

6. Payment for breaks

If you take a break of 20 minutes or less, the employer has to pay you for it. If your break is more than 20 minutes, the employer can deduct for the time taken as a break. If you have to work during your break, or if your employer permits you to work during your break, they have to pay you for the time you worked (and maybe for the whole break). Punch in and out accurately if you have a time clock. Otherwise, keep accurate records of all your time. If you work at your desk or if your employer calls you back to work, punch back in.

7. Child and teen labor

One Federal law, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) restricts the number of hours that people under age 16 can work. Some states have additional restrictions on child labor, and some have restrictions on non-adult employees over age 16.

8. Bathroom breaks

I wasn't kidding. There really is no federal law requiring bathroom breaks. OSHA is the most likely federal agency to care if your employer won't give you a bathroom break. That's because denying reasonable bathroom breaks is probably a health hazard.

9. Union contracts

Your union contract might have some break requirements, so read it carefully. If the employer isn't giving breaks that you bargained for, contact your union rep.

10. Insubordination vs. retaliation

Don't demand breaks that you're not legally entitled to. If you are legally entitled to a break, then you probably can't be fired for objecting to having your break denied. However, if you get it wrong and insist on a break you're entitled to, your company can fire you for insubordination.

What Are the Benefits of Finding Local Jobs?

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Job seekers who have been looking for a position for a while are often tempted to apply to listings outside of their own city. The downside is that such people may miss out on the benefits of local jobs. For example, while these jobs may seem like they are in short supply, local residents typically have a better chance of getting and keeping them than commuters, or candidates applying from other regions or countries. Of course, the short drive is often a benefit on its own, as it can save the local employee up to a few hours each day. A related advantage is the lack of wear and tear on the car, along with the ability to spend very little on gasoline. One of the main benefits of local jobs is that people who live nearby are typically more likely to get the position than those living out of town. This is because many employers assume that local residents will stay at the job longer than those who commute long distances, as the latter types of employees tend to resent fighting traffic everyday during their long drive. Thus, many people working at local jobs are generally happier with their position, which often shows employers that they have less risk of quitting the job in favor of a closer option. The hiring process is also much simpler, as it is not necessary to get on a plane to got to an interview, and potentially even need to stay overnight in a hotel; this also means that the company might be more likely to invite a local applicant to an interview, since they will not have to pay travel expenses. Of course, employers usually a have a good reason to believe that long-distance commuters are generally less happy at their jobs. This is because some commuters spend up to a few hours per day driving to and from work. Not only can this be frustrating due to rush hour traffic, but it also takes time out of their day. It often requires employees to wake up much earlier than they would like, and get home barely in time for dinner. Typically, such employees only deal with this inconvenience because they cannot find a closer job. Employees from further away, will likely find starting their new job more stressful since they will be looking for housing and getting to know a new locale at the same time Not only does a long commute take time out of an employee's day, but it also tends to cost a lot of money over time. The inability to find local jobs may force commuters to put a lot of wear and tear on their vehicle due to their long daily drive. This often requires more frequent oil changes, tire replacements, and major repairs, which can get expensive. Additionally, gasoline is a common expense among commuters, as some people need to fill up their tank a few times per week. Thus, even local jobs that pay a lower salary may seem appealing to those who are tired of traveling to work everyday.

What Are Some Ways to Handle Job Rejection?

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The working world can be a bit daunting if you are not ready and willing to accept whatever comes your way. While many people go into an interview excited at the prospect of landing a new job, the reality is that it may not happen. When job rejection happens, there are ways to handle it so that you can move on and work on landing a different job. When you learn that you did not get a job, attempt to understand what may have been some factors in why you were not hired. Go over the interview in your mind to see if there were any moments where you may have made an error. Not only can this be helpful in understanding why you did not get the job, but it can also be useful in improving your interview techniques. While you may want to obsess over why you did not get a job, this could be what holds you back. After you take a minimal amount of time evaluating your interview, move forward and push that experience out of your mind. Dwelling on job rejection cannot only have an effect on your confidence, but it can also keep you from getting another job that you want. Job rejection can be a big wake-up call as to what you can do to improve professionally. Take what happened and use it to your advantage. Do your research to find out what qualifications you need to get the type of job you desire and how you can go about getting them. Consider it motivation for you to be the employee that the company is looking for, not someone that they would turn away. When some people find out that they did not get a job that they wanted, they may quit looking for a job altogether. It is counterproductive, but the fear of facing rejection again may convince some to avoid putting themselves in the situation at all. Instead of letting the job rejection get the best of you, put yourself out there and keep searching. Apply to every listing you come across that you believe you are qualified for and get your resume out there. Many people are going to face a job rejection at some point in their life. It doesn’t matter how many jobs you applied for and didn’t get, what matters is what you do to help yourself get the next job you apply for. Instead of thinking negatively, focus on the possibility that the next interview you walk into may be the one that gets you the job.

What are Some Summer Jobs for Teenagers?

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Summer jobs for teenagers come in all shapes and sizes. During the summer, teenagers are out of school and often looking for money to spend to go out with their friends. The best way to do this is to find a summer job to occupy themselves before the rigor of class and homework begins again in September. Many summer jobs for teenagers take advantage of the nice weather, the long days, and the simple services and hard work capable of teenagers.Always popular among the list of summer jobs for teenagers is the do-it-yourself lawn cutting service. Involving little more than lawn cutting equipment, a few friends, some fliers, and an active participation, the lawn cutting service can make up to $15-$20 US Dollars (USD) an hour. Depending on rates, a teenager can cut for neighbors, friends, and relatives, and can find business through bulletin boards and fliers around the neighborhood. Through internet advertisment as well, summer jobs for teenagers may take on a new approach as online jobs for teenagers. Many restaurants look for employment during the busy summer months, providing another helpful opportunity for summer jobs for teenagers. Fast food chains look for help behind the counter or cleaning and taking out garbage; restaurants look for bus boys, hosts and hostesses, and servers. These jobs can pay as low as $8-$9 USD an hour, but some do include good tips and friendly customers. Many of these jobs recruit teenagers for evening hours, 5pm to 10pm shifts are typical, allowing for the sleep-loving high schooler to remain in bed until the late afternoon. With business increased as the weather improves, many department stores, markets, and grocery stores provide summer jobs for teenagers. These places offer teenagers jobs pushing shopping carts, working cash registers, providing customer services, bagging groceries, cleaning aisles, stocking products, and unloading merchandise. These jobs also offer many evening shifts, with early clock-out times around 10pm, allowing the teenager to maintain a social life. They also offer morning and after noon shifts frequently as many full time staffers will take time off during the summer months. Summer jobs for teenagers can also take the form of newspaper routes, car washes, assistants in buildings and offices, and caddies at golf courses. Large work places like hospitals also offer ample employment opportunities as they employ many workers. Summer jobs for teenagers are often simple jobs with moderate pay and easy hours. The work is not too demanding and the hours are usually flexible, allowing a teenager to maintain some responsibility while still enjoying their high school years.

What Are the Best Jobs for College Students?

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Jobs for college students are numerous and include work study jobs, internships, telecommuting jobs, babysitting and tutoring, and jobs in the retail and service industries. When choosing a job as a student, it is important to consider your financial needs as well as your interests. Many students will look for college jobs that mesh well with their career paths, hobbies, or academic interests.Work study jobs are some of the most common jobs for college students since they are specifically designated for students who have demonstrated financial need. Each university’s work study program will vary, but almost all schools offer a wide range of work study jobs and place a cap on the number of hours a college student can work each week. Some students enjoy working in the library or mail room, where hourly wages are generally low, but there is often free time to work on homework or study. Others will want to work in a research lab or departmental office where the workload is greater, but the opportunities to learn about their fields of interest is also greater. There are also many jobs for college students who do not qualify for the work study program or who are interested in working off-campus. It is possible to find paid internships with local companies or organizations who will usually offer an hourly wage or a stipend. Many of these jobs can be beneficial to students because they allow student interns to learn relevant skills, form a relationship with the company, and possibly become hired full-time by that company once they graduate. Telecommuting jobs for college students are also a popular choice due to the freedom that they offer. The ability to work from home or in the school library, the flexibility of scheduling, and the freedom to choose the workload are all appealing aspects of telecommuting. International students frequently benefit from telecommuting jobs, especially if they have difficulty finding an off-campus job in the country in which they are studying. Babysitting and tutoring jobs are very popular choices for students who are interested in teaching or counseling after they graduate. These jobs are viewed by many students as broadening experiences because they offer the chance to work with children or younger students. Some babysitting and tutoring jobs require a car but many are flexible about transportation, and some will even provide transportation for the student. Sales associates and food service positions are also common jobs for college students. These jobs generally pay more than work study jobs, and they offer unique benefits like discounts at the store or restaurant where the student works. Some students also enjoy the experience of working with other employees who aren’t current college students because it offers a temporary break from the college campus environment.

What Are the Different Types of Summer Music Jobs?

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Summer music jobs range from camp counselors at music camps to working at recording studios. A music job may be designed to teach the employee new skills, or simply to provide the employee with money. Besides jobs specifically requiring music teaching or performance skills, there are also jobs that may provide benefits to people interested in music. These include journalism and music library jobs. Even if one cannot find a job that specifically relates to playing or teaching music, these jobs may provide knowledge and experience that will prove valuable later in one's career.Playing music itself is often considered one of the most desirable summer music jobs. This can be accomplished by busking in busy areas or playing professionally at events such as weddings or parties. Some summer music jobs can last several months, such as playing live music for theater productions. These may not be sufficient to meet all of a person's financial needs, but they can often easily be combined with another part-time job. Working as a music instructor at a camp can be an excellent summer music job, particularly for students, as these establishments often recognize school commitments. While children's summer camps are likely the most popular, there are also day camps that provide music therapy for mentally disabled individuals or other groups. It is easier to get summer music jobs at these kinds of institutions if one has additional experience working with the target group, such as children or the mentally disabled. Some people who have a background in writing and the history or criticism of music are able to find music journalism jobs or internships. These are particularly competitive and usually do not involve performance, but they can be excellent stepping-stones toward careers in professional music journalism. Often, journalism internships are unpaid, which can be difficult to manage even for the summer. Careers relating to music often appear in unexpected fields. For instance, libraries may hire students for summer music jobs involving cataloging a collection of records, CDs, or sheet music. A company might provide a summer music position involving the organization of a music education website. These positions provide valuable experience and exposure to large amount of information about music, which can be useful when seeking more permanent employment. Summer music jobs are often low paying and designed to attract young music students, which can be difficult for people with financial needs. While some jobs pay a salary or hourly wage, some may only pay a stipend. Additionally, these jobs usually do not evolve into a year-round job, although it may be possible to get the job back the following summer. If a more permanent summer music job is desired, it is best to make this desire clear before accepting any employment.

What Are the Different Types of Summer Art Jobs?

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Summer art jobs come in quite a few varieties, but not all involve making one's own art. For instance, there are a number of art jobs that involve helping others make art. Some summer art jobs may involve teaching people about art. Rarely, one may find a scholarship or grant that will support a summer of making art, but this is often not a replacement for a job. For many people, summer art jobs are a great way to get in touch with others in the art community and inspire a love of art in others.One of the most popular kinds of summer art jobs involves teaching others to make or enjoy art. Teaching at a summer art camp is a great way to get hands-on experience working with whimsical materials, all while encouraging children to express themselves through art. Institutions that practice art therapy, which often involves working with disenfranchised groups, sometimes have summer art jobs available. These jobs often look for potential employees who are not interested in a permanent position, but they also frequently hire the same teachers every summer. A person interested in summer art jobs might consider working in an art museum or small gallery. This is a particularly good fit if one is mainly interested in art history or another academic study of art. It is sometimes possible to get a summer job in a gallery that has a unique specialty. When one is responsible for explaining or selling art, one often develops a large amount of knowledge about the subject. Other unique jobs, such as working as an intern for any art professional, can provide valuable job experience and references. Many jobs involve applying artistic skill to practical areas, and these can pay particularly well. A summer job in graphic design, printing, or even photography can lead to a full-time job later on. Particularly crafty people may be able to make a summer job out of selling art at small markets or even online. Art is a field that often rewards initiative, and a person with a good product and a good strategy can often make a living wage. Rarely, a person may apply for and receive a stipend that allows for a summer of creating art. Frequently, a stipend is intended for minimal living expenses and art supplies, but a frugal person may be able to turn a meager grant into a summer free of work. While this kind of summer job is not technically a job, the prestige associated with the award may be worth giving up professional advancement. Independent work made possible by an art grant is often the ideal summer job for art students, so it is important to apply to as many grants as possible in order to maximize one's chances of success.

What Are the Different Types of Summer Jobs?

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There are a number of summer jobs available for people who need to find different employment in the summer; seasonal jobs or jobs in the tourism industry are often some of the most common. There are a number of outdoor jobs in the summer, but do not discount jobs that are available year-round as well, such as working in retail or in an office environment. Summer internships are another option, for those who wish to further a career, or to get university credit. Summer internships may often be completed abroad as well, for an even more rewarding experience. Summer jobs that are only available seasonally are quite popular, and are often fairly easy to get into. These include jobs at a community pool such as lifeguarding, for example, or running an ice cream stand. Restaurants often hire extra servers, table cleaners, or kitchen workers such as dishwashers or line cooks in the summer when they get busier. Bartending is another potential summer job, though some restaurants will require their bartenders to have attended bartending school. Road maintenance and repair crews will often hire extra help in the summer as well. Depending on the area in which one lives, there may be additional summer jobs available as well. If there are summer camps nearby, they are often looking for camp counselors; the same is true of daycares, which often become much busier in the summer when kids are out of school. Any attraction for tourists, such as lakes, beaches, or amusement parks, just to name a few, is an easy way to find summer jobs. Local hotels, motels, or resorts may also offer summer jobs, which may include everything from working at the front desk to performing housekeeping tasks or maintaining security around the property. Festivals or fairs may also hire temporary workers. Of course, some people take summer jobs not just to make some extra money, but also to further a career or a university degree. There are many internships available during the summer, which can be especially convenient because then they do not detract from coursework during the year. Internships may be found by searching online, or by contacting the university; most universities offer help in placing students in internships or study abroad programs. Though internships are typically unpaid summer jobs, they may sometimes offer a small stipend, or free room and board, for example, as well as valuable life experience and credit toward coursework.

2011年7月29日星期五

$7.6 Million Giveaway for Veterans

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Going on the theory that veterans who have led and inspired troops on foreign soil will be naturals at leading people back home, ActionCOACH, a business and executive coaching company, is launching Free Franchise for the Forces, a program that will award $7.6 million in franchises to 100 eligible Veterans from the U.S. armed forces.

"The U.S. military is a great training institution for success in the business world and its 'alumni' make very attractive franchisees for us," said ActionCOACH CEO for U.S.A. & Canada, Jodie Shaw. "The majority of those who serve in the military return home with skills in leadership, teamwork and integrity, and the fact that we follow a proven path to success with a disciplined approach makes our franchise especially attractive to veterans."

To be considered, you must have been honorably discharged from the U.S. armed forces and apply within the next six months, starting May 1, 2011. The selected candidates will join the ranks of over 1,000 business coaches in 34 countries and become part of an award-winning, global business-coaching company.

As part of the giveaway, ActionCOACH will waive its $50,000 franchise fee as well as the training and tech fee of $26,250 for as many as 100 qualified veteran applicants. Candidates will be liable for ongoing royalties and marketing fees as well as their travel arrangements to and from Las Vegas, Nev., where training will take place in the months of September and October.

According to Shaw, business coaching is in high demand. "Despite an extremely frail economy, our franchisees have enjoyed a 20 percent increase in average quarter-over-quarter revenue in 2010," she said.

6 Guidelines for Your Summer Work Wardrobe

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Dressing for summer in the office can be tough. Ninety-degree weather and a suit jacket don't exactly mix, but neither do guys in shorts and corporate boardrooms. Not to mention the fact that, at any given point during the summer, it's about 40 degrees cooler in the average office building than it is outside.

But it is possible to create a summer work wardrobe that's comfortable yet professional, and cool yet collected. Here's how.

1. No flip flops

Ladies, this faux-pas is typically committed by you, so listen up: "Flip flops are beach wear which transpired into 'commuter-wear' and then slowly into office wear," says Lizandra Vega, author of "The Image of Success: Make a Great Impression and Land the Job You Want."

Not only do they look unprofessional, but their namesake "flip-flop" noise is an easy way to drive your co-workers nuts every time you walk by their desks, so opt for strappy sandals, espadrilles or ballet flats instead.

2. Choose light colors

"Lighter color garments help you keep cool during hot summer months," Vega says. "Dark colors absorb heat, while light colors reflect heat." That said; make sure the color isn't too light. See below.

3. No peep shows

Summer clothing is often made of lightweight, lightly colored fabric. This can make for a comfortable commute, but it can also make for awkward over exposure. "Avoid apparel in fabrics that are so lightweight that they are see-through," Vega says.

4. Wear an undershirt

It may seem counter-intuitive to add an extra layer when it's hot out, but (men especially), if you don't already wear an undershirt, you might want to start now. The extra layer will help absorb sweat during a mid-summer commute.

"Wearing a cotton undershirt actually helps men feel cooler as it will absorb perspiration," Vega says. "[Plus],if a lighter fabric shirt is chosen, the undershirt will prevent it from being see-through."

5. For women, dresses are best

Women are at a serious advantage when it comes to dressing for summer at the office for one simple reason: They can wear dresses.

"Dresses are a great option because it avoids having to wear a jacket," Vega says. "A wrap dress, a sheath or shift dress are appropriate options."

If you will be forgoing the jacket, look for styles with short or three-quarter length sleeves, even sleeveless if you feel comfortable. Tank-style dresses are too casual for the office without a jacket or cardigan, though.

6. Keep an extra layer at work

Women can keep a wrap or lightweight, neutral-colored cardigan in their desks in case the air conditioning is kicked into overdrive. Men can do the same with a blazer or sweater.

What is your go-to outfit for summer? What's the biggest faux-pas for office attire? Share your opinions in the comments section, below.

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