CeeBee: CareerBuilder.com's Job Search SmartyPants

Get Paid to Relocate

After 4 years of working in the same city, it was time for a change. So, I packed up and moved - but not without looking for a job first. While I didn't find one that was willing to pay for my move to the new job, one-third of employers say they have paid to relocate an employee from another area to their company's location in the last two years, according to a new study from CareerBuilder.com and Apartments.com.

"Given the shortage of qualified workers, 14 percent of the employers wer surveyed say they're more willing to pay to relocate new employees from another area to their company's location this year compared to last year," says Rosemary Haefner, vice president of human resources for CareerBuilder.com.

Forty precent of employers say they're willing to spend $1,000; one-third says they'll spend more than $2,500 and one-in-ten are willing to pay more than $10,000.

If you're looking to relocate, Kevin Doyle, senior vice president and general manager of Apartments.com suggests the following tips:

• Rent initially. When relocating to a new city or state, it makes sense to rent first because it allows you to learn more about the area you're relocating to without the commitment of home ownership. It also gives you time to get acquainted with your new job and new city.
• Purge. View moving as an opportunity to de-clutter by donating, recycling or disposing of those things you don't need or want.
• Stay organized. When moving for a new job, time may not always be on your side. Therefore, you need to plan ahead as much as possible. Create a file that includes a detailed timeline for the moving process, important contact information and any necessary documents.
• Keep records. From your job offer, to specifics about your relocation package, to phone numbers to photographs of your new apartment - keep detailed records of all aspects of your move. Be sure that you keep these records handy - do not include them in the items that will be transferred by the movers.

Click here for the full release.

Get the recognition you've earned!

At my first job in 'the real world,' one of my biggest complaints was the lack of recognition I received for my hard work. I didn't have this "entitlement attitude" that people speak of these days - I didn't feel my company owed me anything, in fact.

But, as I put countless hours of hard work into every project I did, always going the extra mile to make a client happy, it was extremely unmotivating to continue working diligently in an environment where not only did I not get a "nice job," or "thank you" for my contributions - I never even got a wink or a nod that indicated my employers knew I even worked there at all.

I was not alone in my quest for recognition - in fact, many employees feel the same way. What I've come to find out is that many employers WANT to give their employees recognition - they just don't put it at the top of their "to-do" list.

Cindy Ventrice, author of "Make Their Day! Employee Recognition that Works," offers the following advice for employees to take matters into their own hands and get the recognition they deserve.

"When you aren't getting the praise and acknowledgment that you deserve, it is probably time to take matters into your own hands," Ventrice says. "There are ways to let your boss know what you are doing without bragging or embarrassing yourself in front of your co-workers."

• Publicly congratulate your co-workers for their accomplishments. Be sure to point out any accomplishments that might be a little off the manager's radar. Keep your remarks succinct. If you compliment others, hopefully, one or more will mention your contribution. Even if they don't, praise them anyway. It will make it more palatable when you praise yourself. If it isn't always about you, people will be more willing to see self-recognition in a positive light.

• Go ahead. Tell your boss what you've accomplished. Do it privately and remember to share the credit. Emphasize how others helped you. Most of the time, you didn't accomplish what you did in isolation. Others helped, even if it was by taking up the slack while you got the project done.

• Describe what you learned from the experience. This turns the conversation into a development conversation rather than an opportunity to brag.

• Compliment your boss. Make it genuine. Do it privately. Middle managers are the most under-recognized group out there. They are operating at a recognition deficit. Give them a little praise, show them a little appreciation and they may recognize you and everyone else a little more frequently.

How do you know if you've gone too far?

"It is possible to step over the line and become known as an attention seeker. Watch people's reactions when you recognize. Do they look bored, frustrated or annoyed? You might be overdoing it a bit," Ventrice says.

On the other hand, you will know you're having the right effect if people want to work with you, acknowledge you and respond to your requests quicker, Ventrice adds.

Leaps of faith

I've come across a few articles in the news lately about people taking a "leap of faith" when it comes to their job.

In some cases, people realize their current occupations just aren't doin' it for them anymore. Or sometimes, these folks have had an underlying passion for something unrelated to their current job, but for whatever reason - fear, lack of resources or whatever -they haven't acted on it.

Ditching corporate America to pursue personal passions - anything from animals to quilting to art - can be risky business. It usually requires deep pockets, lots of patience and plenty of determination.

That being said, it can be done.

For example, Jill Lurato changed the face of pet care in parts of New York and New Jersey. She spent 15 years working for a Fortune 50 company, dealing with stressful commutes, downsizings, mergers and other day-to-days in the corporate world. Finally, she developed a "plan B," which included pouring her passion for pets into a lucrative business endeavor by launching an at-home petsitting and dog-walking service. She now enjoys a fun and healthy lifestyle, while gaining financial security and professional independence.

Lurato is one of many examples of what can happen when you take a leap of faith with your career.

Follow these tips if you're feeling like taking the jump:

• Learn more. Research the field or passion you want to pursue. Sign up for classes that will give you the necessary background, education or training you need to excel in that industry. Investigate levels of pay and where your skill level would land you in that spectrum.
• Find a mentor. Find someone else who has taken the same leap of faith you're pondering. Ask them what they did to get there, what obstacles they faced and any advice they have to offer you.
• Track obstacles. Ask yourself what's keeping you from pursuing your passion. Are you lacking financial support? Education and training? Make a plan for how you can tackle each of the challenges you face.
• Seek expert advice. Find a career counselor to help you make a plan to take the leap into a new career. Hire a financial planner to help you budget while you make the financial sacrifices necessary to take the plunge.

Good luck!

Yes, you really do need a cover letter

I recently hired someone new and I can't tell you how many applications I received without a cover letter. That was the first thing I looked for and, if the application didn't have one, I immediately deleted it.

It takes just seconds to make a first impression. If a hiring manager sees you don't have a cover letter upon first perusing your application, it's possible you could lose all chances of being contacted for that job.

Here are some tips for a foolproof cover letter:

Cover the basics.
Your letter should be brief, easy to read, and always include your full name, address and phone number in case your cover letter becomes separated from your resume. Don't forget to proofread to avoid spelling errors and typos. Make sure the job title and employer name are correct, too.

Target it.
Avoid using "Dear Hiring Manager" and find out the name of the company's human resources contact or recruiter. You can find this information by logging on to the company's Web site or calling the main phone number and asking a receptionist for the name and title of their corporate recruiter. Once you have a contact name, experts recommend using the person's formal title such as "Mr.," "Ms." or "Mrs."

Be detailed.
State which job you are applying for in the very first paragraph and make sure to include other specific details such as a job ID number (if one was provided) and where you heard about the opening. The reason for this detail is simple: Many recruiters are responsible for multiple openings within their companies and must be able to determine which job your application is targeting. And if you were referred to the company by an employee, be sure to mention this in your letter as many companies have employee referral programs.

Have personality.
One of the objectives of a good cover letter is to make a personal connection with the reader. Gone are the days when you could simply change the name of the company in your salutation, attach it to your resume and fire it off to the employer. Recruiters see right through these types of letters and recognize them for what they are - a lazy person's attempt to find a job.

Do some legwork.
A winning cover letter will require some research into the company's history and recent accomplishments. It should show the reader that you have some knowledge of their company and that you made an informed decision when you decided to apply for a job at their company.

Show your worth.
When writing your letter, keep the requirements of the job in mind and address them specifically.  Remember, it's not what the company can do for you; it's what you can do for the company that counts.

Get the interview.
Go ahead and tell the hiring manager you want that interview. Express that your cover letter and resume are just the tip of the iceberg and you look forward to a face-to-face conversation.

If you are still unsure about where to begin when writing a cover letter, you can find samples of dynamic cover letters online and at bookstores.

What Can I Do With a Liberal Arts Degree?

Perhaps the most persistent -- and often most annoying -- question college students hear throughout their years (second only to "What's your major?") is "So what are you going to do with your major?"

The truth, for many of them, is that they simply don't know. And that is totally okay.

While choosing a major will help you prepare for a career in a specific field, it can also provide a solid basis for pursuing a career in a seemingly dissimilar field. For example, history majors can go into government, journalism or even museum work, and it's not unusual for theater majors to work in business.

Before you think about what you're going to do with your major, find out what you can you do with your major.

Art:
So daddy wasn't thrilled when you announced that you were switching from pre-med to art history, eh? "At least I'll be rich in spirit," you offer as the smallest hints of tears replace the dollar signs in his eyes.

But art majors aren't necessarily destined to be starving artists. You can go into any number of fields, ranging from commercial art, media and photography to art therapy. If you've still got a place in your heart for scrubs, supplement your studies with psychology or counseling courses to pursue art therapy. If commercial art appeals to you, intern with a photographer, magazine or other media outlet and compile a portfolio as you go along. The same goes for studio art, wherein interning or volunteering for a museum will help you see the administrative side of this field.

Biological Sciences:
Lest you shy away from concentrating on the biological sciences (biology, microbiology, zoology, etc.) because you don't want to go to grad school, know that there are plenty of career options for those with bachelor's degrees in biology. Not only does an undergraduate degree prepare you for a career in the rapidly-growing healthcare industry, it also qualifies you to work as a laboratory assistant, technician, technologist or research assistant.

Should you feel the need to break out of the lab, you could also do non-technical work like writing, illustration, sales, photography and legislation by signing up for relevant electives, doing part-time work or interning.

Psychology:
Yet another major that seems to ensure that, unless you have a graduate degree, you'll be reduced to spouting Freud to the patrons you serve at the local café after graduation.

Not so. Psychology provides a strong liberal arts background, allowing graduates to pursue work in several fields like public relations, retail management, sales, market research, advertising and education. Again, it's important to pursue outside interests in different fields, both to further your work experience and make contacts.

English:
Majoring in English isn't just for future teachers anymore. Those with a background in English have a variety of options when it comes to choosing their fields of work, including law, public relations, advertising, publishing and well, okay, teaching. English majors looking to work in law should obtain summer work at law firms and tweak their speech and debate skills. Picking up an LSAT prep book probably wouldn't hurt, either.

Foreign Language:
Yes, you've taught all of your friends dirty words in three different languages, but what else can you do? Well, a lot, actually.

For one thing, the government (including the FBI, CIA, Customs Service and the Library of Congress) is one of the largest employers of people with foreign language skills. Foreign language majors can also go into arts and entertainment by working at museums, book publishers and film companies, or into commerce and work at American firms abroad or international firms in the U.S.

Travel, tourism, service and education are also popular industries for foreign language graduates. Try to become as accustomed to the culture of the language(s) you're studying as possible, in any way possible, from studying or working abroad to renting foreign language movies and books.

Political Science:
So you want to go into politics, but you're neither an Austrian bodybuilder/movie star nor a former professional wrestler... that's probably okay. In fact, some might say a more typical approach would be to supplement that political science major with participation in student government, a model United Nations or local political campaigns if they hope to go into government, law or politics.

Other career options include journalism, non-profit work, business, broadcasting or education. A degree in political science can also be good preparation for post-graduate studies in psychology, law and business.

Whatever your major, keep your options open by volunteering, interning, doing part-time work or taking classes in other areas that interest you. Involve yourself in community events and get to know local professionals who can give you contacts, advice and references.

And the next time someone hassles you about what you're going to do with your major, resist the urge to tell that person where you'd like to stick it; instead, say with every confidence that you have a variety of options to pursue, but you don't want to narrow them down quite yet.

By: Mary Lorenz, CareerBuilder.com

Find a Job This Fall

More Likely to Find a Job This Fall

If you’re in hot pursuit of your perfect job, but still having trouble finding something this summer, our studies show that you may have a better chance this coming fall.  We just released a new survey on job recruitment and job changing trends and here’s what we found:

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HIRING HIGHLIGHTS

"As economic growth shows signs of moderating, job creation levels in the US have dipped in recent months. While some employers are proceeding with caution in terms of

recruitment plans, others are expecting an uptick in hiring in the fall,” said

Matt Ferguson, CEO of CareerBuilder.com. “One-third of hiring managers say they are

allocating more money to their recruitment budgets in the second half of the year,

compared to the first half. Forty-seven percent of hiring managers expect to add

headcount in the third quarter, while 13 percent plan to eliminate staff.”

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Amount of Employees Being Hired

While half of hiring managers plan to hire less than 10 new employees, three-in-ten

expect to add more than 20 and one-in-five expect to add more than 50.

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Hiring Cycle

Hiring managers continue to struggle with finding qualified candidates. Twenty-two

percent of hiring managers say it takes them one to two months to fill an open position,

while 11 percent spend two to three months. One-in-ten hiring managers surveyed say

their hiring cycles run three months or longer.

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Most Popular Positions for Recruitment

The leading areas for job requisitions in the upcoming quarter include healthcare, sales,

customer service, information technology, retail and accounting/finance. In terms of job

level, recruiting for professional and technical workers is poised to remain strong.

Thirty-four percent of hiring managers say they plan to add professional and technical

staff members during the third quarter. Fifteen percent expect to recruit employees for

manager, director and senior executive level positions, up from 12 percent last quarter.

Sixteen percent plan to recruit for administrative and clerical employees, down from 19

percent last quarter.

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Most Popular Resources Used to Recruit

Hiring managers are employing a variety of tools to find qualified candidates, with online

resources ranking most popular. Twenty-eight percent of hiring managers surveyed said

they use online resources most often to find qualified candidates, compared to 23 percent

who use newspaper classifieds, 19 percent who rely on employee referrals and 10 percent

who use professional recruiters.

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JOB CHANGES

Plans to Change Jobs in Q3 2006

Close to one-in-five workers plan to take advantage of the tightening labor market and

change jobs in the next six months. One-in-ten plan to do so in the third quarter.

The current labor conditions are driving up the number of workers who are passively

looking for a new job. Fifty-seven percent of workers report they are not actively

searching for a new position, but would be open to a new job if they came across the right

opportunity.

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Survey Methodology

The survey, "Q3 2006 Job Forecast," (download pdf) was conducted from June 6 to June 16, 2006. Methodology used to collect survey responses totaling more than 2,200 workers for this

study involved selecting a random sample of comScore Networks panel members. These

Web Panel members were approached via an e-mail invitation, which asked them to

participate in a short online survey. The results of this survey are statistically accurate to

within +/- 2.08 percentage points (19 times out of 20). Note: this sample included more

than 1000 hiring managers. The results for the hiring managers are statistically accurate

to within +/- 3.65 percentage points (19 times out of 20).

By: Candace Corner   CareerBuilder.com

Consider Government Jobs this 4th of July

With the July 4th holiday weekend upon us its likley that you may be spending more time at the grill, parades and fireworks than on your job search. And while a little vacation can do a lot for your motivation and enthusiasm, your job search is still an important priority.

This patriotic time of year reminds us that the federal, state and local governments are large employers with a variety of job opportunities available. These jobs also have advantages that often are overlooked. Some of the perks include good benefits packages, retirement packages and stability within your job despite economic conditions.

The top government jobs you will find available on CareerBuilder.com include:

Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers

Fire Fighters

Bus Drivers, transit and intercity

Water and liquid waste treatment plant and system operators

Correctional Officers and Jailers

Maintenance and Repair Workers, general

Court, Municipal, and License Clerks

Office Clerks, General

Janitors and Cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners

Recreation Workers

City Manager

Assistant Chief Administrative Officer

Engineer

Chief Financial Officer

Information Services Director

Chief Administrative Officer

Fire Chief

Economic Development Director

Chief Law Enforcement Official

Human Resources Director

Public Works Director

Parks and Recreation Director

Human Services Director

Health Officer

Purchasing director

Check out these government job opportunites and put your job search in motion again after the holiday. We'd also like to wish you all a happy and safe July 4th from everyone at CareerBuilder.com.

*NOTE - the jobs listed when you click through these job title links above are for the entire country. Use the left side navigation to narrow the search to your city and state and only see those jobs.

18 ways to Impress at Your New Job

CareerBuilder.com

It can take four to 14 months to find the right job... and fewer than 90 days to lose it. According to executive coach Linda Seale, most professional and managerial dismissals are due to failure to understand and fit into a company's culture.

It is during these first weeks on the job that your boss and colleagues form the most lasting impressions about you. But remember, they don't expect you to be perfect. As long as you show intelligence, versatility and a willingness to work and learn, people will be happy to have you aboard and rooting for you to succeed.

Here are 18 ways to make sure you get off on the right foot:

1. Take a break. Take a week's break between jobs to clear your head. At the very least, get a good night's sleep before your first day so you'll be at your best.

2. Check your interview notes. Recall the names and titles of everyone you met and interviewed with so you will be able to greet them and pronounce their names correctly.

3. Study up. Collect back issues of the company's newsletters, annual reports and press clippings. Check out your competitors' literature, too, to get a better handle on the "big picture."

4. Work full days. Know where and when to report on day one. Get there 30 minutes early and leave when or after most of your co-workers do. Notice people's schedules and work habits, so that you'll know the optimal times and means to connect with others.

5. Project positive energy. Look and act as if you're happy to be joining the team.

6. Look good. All eyes are on you, so pay attention to your grooming. Dress tastefully and slightly above dress code.

7. Keep a journal. Write down procedures, names of key people and contact numbers, so that you'll look like a quick study.

8. Be flexible. Expect and embrace the inevitable challenges of your position. A flexible attitude will decrease stress for you and others.

9. Show appreciation. Be kind and appreciative to everyone who helps you learn the ropes.

10. Listen 80 percent; Talk 20 percent. Resist offering opinions or assessments -- that road is full of land mines. You'll get more respect by listening and absorbing what your co-workers have to teach rather than by showing off how much you know.

11. Get to know your boss. Observe your boss' personality and work style, and tailor your interactions to his or her preferences.

12. Clarify expectations. Make sure you and your boss are on the same page. Find out:

What priorities and issues need to be immediately addressed.

How often and in what format you should provide project updates.

How your performance will be evaluated.

13. Connect with colleagues. Get to know as many people as you can especially your teammates and those with whom you will work regularly. Establish the foundation for a relationship, and trust and information will follow.

14. Identify key players. Find out who the decision-makers, influencers, stars and up-and-comers are. Notice the traits they have in common and try to emulate them.

15. Uncover hidden agendas. Identify any political forces at work. While you want to avoid getting involved in politically charged situations, it's helpful to be aware of undercurrents.

16. Take initiative. As you finish assignments and are ready to handle a bigger workload, ask for more. Pick projects that have support from upper management and buy-in from your staff.

17. Don't make major changes. Even if your interviewer told you the company was looking for fresh ideas, proceed carefully. Show respect for those who have invested energy in a project or system before trying to change it. There may be obstacles you aren't aware of. Ask why things are done the way they are and seek feedback from people whose support you need. Applaud what is being done right and frame changes as enhancements.

18. Be a team player. Don't engage in gossip. Always make your boss look good. Share credit with your workmates.

You're Fired

There are a lot of people out there who hold true to the policy that a company has a right to fire an employee with or without just cause.  Being chronically late, drunk on the job or stealing are obvious grounds for termination, but in other cases, being fired is a matter of circumstance.  The following are news headlines featuring people being fired for various reasons.  Was it just cause or out of line?  Tell us what you think. 

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Woman fired over bumper sticker

Veteran fired over tattoos

Woman fired over sandwich

Woman fired over in vitro fertilization

Woman fired over “missing smile”

Man fired for taking chocolate from garbage bin

Woman fired over wearing a cross on her necklace

Woman fired for her weight

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By: Candace Corner

Communications Specialist

CareerBuilder.com

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You can always start to look for a new job on CareerBuilder.com. Search & Apply for a job online today.

Restaurant Jobs vs. Retail Jobs

Whether it was the first job you had when you were 16, or something you dabbled in a few months ago for secondary income, chances are you have or will venture into restaurant jobs or retail jobs at some point in your life.  Once you get locked into your restaurant serving gig or log in a few years of cashiering, making the move from restaurant to retail or vice versa may be a little tricky.  High-end restaurants start looking for people with more experience and retailers will want to know that you’ve nailed the basics before you move to management. 

Both environments can offer flexible scheduling, and company discounts, but before you decide which way to go for a little extra cash, here are some things to consider:

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Restaurant-related work

Working at a restaurant or bar offers you flexibility, company discounts at your company and their affiliates and (depending on your position) fast cash in your pocket, Keep in mind that the schedule flexibility may come with the cost of mandatory holiday hours.  Pocketing your earnings after each shift means you won’t be getting much of a weekly paycheck, so remember to keep track of what you make and put it away before you blow it all on after-shift drinks with your co-workers.  While servers fill the bulk of restaurant-related employment, don’t rule out applying for a job as a cook, host, delivery driver or bartender.  Choose the position based on what the job requires and find what fits you best.

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Retail-related work

Retail work also offers flexibility and company discounts, but if the bulk of your pay is commission, you may have to fight for customers.  Weather plays a key role in when and what people buy, so your income may follow accordingly.  Turnover is high, so you may be frequently working weird hours with new people.  Sales associates and cashiers are the majority, but stocking, tagging, driving, cleaning and marketing-related positions are also available.  Putting your foot in the door in sales could provide you with a start to move up with the company.

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Search Tip: When you click through to see the jobs linked through this article, narrow the job results by using the city & state links on the left side of the page. This way you can see these jobs located near you.

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By Candace Corner

Communications Specialist

CareerBuilder.com