CeeBee: CareerBuilder.com's Job Search SmartyPants

Love the snow? Work with it!

Happy Hump Day!

I think just about everywhere in the U.S. (except maybe the South) has gotten hit in the past week with some kind of winter storm. For us, first it was an ice storm on Saturday, and last night we got hit with another 6 inches of white fluff.

I love snow as much as the next person, but I especially like it under the following conditions:

• It's Christmas.
• I don't have to drive.
• I don't have to go anywhere.
• It's not extremely cold outiside.

Ok, ok, so those aren't the most likely conditions... I'll deal with it. The point is, whenever there's a winter storm, I always think about those who can't avoid the snow because they work with it. Their job is to keep the streets clean, the sidewalks shoveled and the highways salted.

Do you love the snow and want to help keep others safe during their winter travels?

Here are five jobs that let you do just that:

Snow shoveler: Shovels snow into truck or open sewer from streets and other public thoroughfares. Chops ice and packed snow, using pick or ice-chopper, to clear area around catch basins, fire hydrants and street corners. May spread salt or thawing chemicals onto roadway from rear of moving truck, using shovel. Average salary: $31, 972

Snow removing supervisor: Supervises removal of snow from thoroughfares and public places, such as airports, government buildingsand streets. Average salary: $39,469

Snow plow operator: Maintains highways, municipal and rural roads, and rights-of-way in safe condition, performing combination of following duties: erects and repairs guardrails, highway markers, and snow fences, using handtools and nails, and power tools. Average salary: $39,890

Snow making supervisor: Supervises those who tend artificial snow making equipment of ski resort to produce artificial snow along ski trails: rides chair lift or drives snow-terrain vehicle along ski trails to reach snow equipment. Average salary: $60,614

Snow blower: Operates a snow blower to clear sidewalks and paths. Average salary: $18, 712

Happy Halloween!

Halloween is here and thrill-seekers in offices around the country are crafting creative costumes to wear to work, spooky cube décor and ways to frighten their co-workers while they're chained to their desk on their favorite day of the year.

The biggest "scare factor" of most people's jobs is merely the simple act of coming to the office everyday. But some workers don't have to look farther than their own occupation to get their Halloween fix.

The following jobs deal with matters from corpses to violence to death to the supernatural. They're not for the faint of heart, but if you wish Halloween was year-round, consider one of the following 10 spooky jobs to keep you looking over your shoulder every day.

Coroner
Why it's spooky: Coroners observe corpses and investigate the cause, time and manner of death, mostly when it happens under unusual circumstances.
Scary salary: $35,866*

Ghost hunter
Why it's spooky: Ghost hunters use scientific tools to measure and collect evidence of paranormal activity in areas that are said to be haunted. Teams of these people are called paranormal investigation teams.
Scary salary: Salary information is not available

Mystery writer
Why it's spooky: Mystery writers need the creative mind to develop scary plots, suspenseful story lines and twisted characters to comprise compelling novels for their readers.
Scary salary: $45,442

Mortician
Why it's spooky: Morticians (also known as undertakers or funeral directors) oversee all funeral arrangements for the deceased, including details of body preparation for viewing and preparing the body itself.
Scary salary: $42,284

Witch doctor
Why it's spooky: Witch doctors are healers through magic and witchcraft. They believe illnesses and injuries are caused by magic and witchcraft and so they are best treated that way. 
Scary salary: Salary information not available.

Embalmer
Why it's spooky: Embalmers prepare corpses for burial or cremation by washing, drying and disinfecting the body; releasing excess air from the lungs; draining blood from the circulatory system and replacing it with embalming fluid and applying cosmetics to create a more lifelike appearance.
Scary salary: $34,791

Crime scene cleanup
Why it's spooky: Crime scene cleaning crews sanitize and clean the aftermaths of crimes on all levels, from murders to domestic violence.
Scary salary: $35,000 average starting salary; can increase to $75,000 or $80,000 based on markets with higher violent death rates.

Grave digger/Cemetery worker
Why it's spooky: Grave diggers work in cemeteries digging graves before funerals, oftentimes working late into the night or early morning hours. Cemetery workers assist in the upkeep of grave and memorial sites.
Scary salary: $33,601 for grave diggers. Cemetery workers' salaries are determined by whether the individual is working for a distinguished cemetery and whether the location is non-profit, according to the International Cemetery and Funeral Association.

Obituary writer
Why it's spooky: Obituary writers are responsible for writing summaries of the lives of the deceased for such publications as newspapers, magazines and Web sites.
Scary salary: $42,150

Crematorium technician
Why it's spooky: These technicians incinerate corpses and collect the ashes to give to family and loved ones.
Scary salary: $35,000

*Salary information from Salary Expert, International Cemetery and Funeral Association and the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

                               

Happy National Boss's Day!

Today is National Boss's Day, a day for employees to show their appreciation to their supervisors for their kindness and fairness throughout the year (that's the hope, anyway). Not feeling like your boss deserves anything for his antics? Suprisingly, your co-workers probably don't agree with you.

In a recent study by Robert Half International and CareerBuilder.com, most of workers surveyed said they are satisfied with their boss's performance. Six-out-of-ten respondents said their supervisors are trustworthy, while only 25 percent said they would do a better job if they were boss.

The day was initiated by Patricia Bays Haroski with the Chamber of Commerce in 1958. She chose October 16 because it was her current boss's (who happened to be her father) birthday, because she thought he was an exemplary boss.

Looking for a way to show your boss your appreciation? Try the following methods to say 'Thanks, boss!'

• Give he or she a greeting card. Or, if  the holiday slipped your mind, go online and send an E-card. Make sure to write a sincere message.
• A funny book, such as "The Worst Case Survival Handbook: Work," or "Cube Monkey's, a handbook for surviving the office jungle."
• A bottle of wine or basket of gourmet food.
• A desktop gift set, like a picture frame or a new planner.
• Treat he or she to lunch.
• Something that he or she can enjoy outside of work, like a gift certificate to a restaurant.

Small Town Jobs

I recently returned from a short vacation in a small, coastal town in Oregon. It was one of those places that is breathtakingly beautiful - but at the same time, it's so small that it makes you wonder, how do people make a living here?

As the days went on, I answered my own question.  Roseanna's Cafe, Lex's Cool Stuff, Bernie's Grocery - everyone owned something in town. Then it hit me: this is the kind of town that will always have places for people to work.

So, I decided I would give those folks who want to get out of the city for a bit and explore something new, a few ideas.

Here are 10 jobs you could pursue in a small, coastal town:

• Hotel front desk   Every tourist town needs a place for its guests to sleep.

• Grocery clerk   There will always be a demand for guests to have snacks,water and soda while they entertain themselves and others.

• Wait staff  Eating out on vacation is a must - everyone will need a waiter/waitress to recommend the town favorites.

• Coffee shop barista  Unfortunately, not every town has a Starbucks, so out-of-towner's depend on the local coffee shop and bakeries for their morning fix.

• Postal worker  Forget to leave the keys under the mat for your housesitter? Stop by the local post office and have this guy/gal help you out.

• Bartender   My family was ecstatic to find that the local watering hole was showing the NFL Sunday Ticket... a townie tavern is a must on any vacation.

• Gift shop sales associate  Who else will help you purchase the trinkets to remind you of your trip?

• Parks & recreation employee   Every small town has something to see - whether it's the state park or the state flag, these workers can help you find it.

• Forestry technicians   In coastal towns, vegetation is abundant - these guys must tame it to keep it beautiful and under control.

• Seafood manager   Another coastal specialty, seafood managers need to sort and select all of the best sea creatures to wow your taste buds.

Virtual reality can land you a real job

Have you ever sat at your desk and wished you were doing something - ANYTHING - else? Perhaps you wish you were off fighting a fire? Playing a live concert? Pitching for your favorite baseball team (that happens to be playing right now!)?

Workers and job seekers alike now have the opportunity to work cool jobs - with the potential to lead to real jobs - and earn pay in Second Life's virtual world - and CareerBuilder.com was the first of the major job boards to offer the opportunity.

In Second Life, a three-dimensional online community where people can live out digital experiences mirroring real life,  companies have begun posting jobs and hosting career fairs as additional way to market their company as well as recruit new employees.

For example, CareerBuilder has 50 branded kiosks in locations across Second Life, where users can use the kiosks to search for real jobs on CareerBuilder.com. They can also search for virtual jobs they can instantly, without applying or interviewing.

In addition to job kiosks, CareerBuilder has 'Buzz Agents' who are dressed CareerBuilder clothing as an additional branding tool for CareerBuilder. Other companies hosting job fairs have hiring managers, dressed to the nines, that are looking for potential candidates. The job fairs even allow candidates to find recruiters and major companies and drop off their resume.

So, if you're looking for a new way to change up your job search, log into Second Life (basic membership is free) and start getting creative.

CareerBuilder joins Facebook.com

If you find yourself too busy on social networking sites like Facebook.com to look for a job, I've got good news: CareerBuilder.com will do the looking for you.

CareerBuilder.com has launched new two applications on the Facebook Platform for job and internship matching. Users who add the applications will receive continuously updated  job and internship listings. Based on information like major in school, hometown and network, users will receive the most relevant jobs from CareerBuilder's database in their profile. You can apply to jobs directly or access a link to  search for more job on the CareerBuilder.com Web site.

As with any information shared over the Internet, Richard Castellini, Vice President of Consumer Marketing at CareerBuilder.com, warns Facebook users to be mindful of what they include on their profiles.

Follow Castellini's tips to make your profile employer-friendly:

1. Promote yourself. Employers often look at profiles to get a better sense of the candidate’s talents and fit within the company culture. Use your profile to showcase your creativity and contributions. Highlight achievements and awards, post things you’ve written or designed, include community or volunteer activities or other pertinent information.

2. Have no regrets. Don't post anything on your profile or your friends’ profiles you wouldn't want a prospective employer to see. Derogatory comments, risqué photos, foul language and lewd jokes all will be viewed as a reflection of your character.

3. Be discreet. If your network offers the option, consider setting your profile to “private,” so that it is viewable only by friends of your choosing. And since you can't control what other people say on your site, you may want to use the “block comments” feature.

Remember, you must have a Facebook account to add the application!

Click here to read the full press release. 
Click here to add the Find A Better Job application. 
Click here to add the CBcampus.com Internship application.

The Yawn of a New Day

According to a new survey by Harris Interactive and Diet Pepsi MAX, 55 percent of Americans yawn at least five times a day, with 28 percent admitting to yawning 10 or more times a day.

While yawning at work is common, the survey also revealed a few surprising facts about yawning etiquette, yawning in the workplace and just yawning in general.

• Half of all respondents (58 percent) have yawned in a meeting.
• Nearly one-in-five Americans feel embarrassed having yawned at work.
• Nearly half (42 percent) find it offensive when someone yawns in the middle of a conversation.
• About 18 percent of respondents has faked a yawn to get out of a conversation.
• Nearly one-in-ten Americans has even yawned on a job interview.

Yawning etiquette

• One-in-ten respondents not only failed to cover their mouth, but their lack of etiquette led to a bug flying into their mouth.
• Nearly one-third (29 percent) attempt to stifle their yawn.
• Twenty-four percent are proud and loud yawners and make a sound.
• Nearly half (45 percent) of all New Yorkers surveyed say they apologize after yawning and cover their mouths (78 percent) compared to 31 percent who apologize in Los Angeles and cover their mouths (61 percent).
• Eighty-five percent of respondents believe excessive yawning shouldn't have professional repercussions.

Political Drowiness

• Twenty-three percent of Washington, D.C. residents cite "socializing and staying out late" as the reason they feel tired during the day at work.
• Nationally, 56 percent of those who consider themselves Democrats claim to have caught someone sleeping at work. But, 43 percent of Republicans said the same.
• Democrats are more than twice as likely as Republicans to be embarrassed about yawning at work (25 percent to 11 percent).
• Democrats are also more likely than Republicans to be offended by someone yawning in the middle of a conversation (46 percent to 39 percent).

Note: These results are from the "Diet Pepsi MAX Yawn of Time" survey. These results do not reflect CeeBee's political views or opinons.

Death Grips

Happy National Handshake Day!

You heard me right - it's National Handshake Day, according to Chase's Calendar of Events.

Take today to perfect your grip - workplace/career experts Pamela J. Holland and Marjorie Brody (also co-authors of Help! Was That a Career Limiting Move?) offer 10 nightmarish handshakes to avoid:

1. The “macho cowboy”… is the almost bone-crunching clasp many businessmen use to shake hands. What are they trying to prove, anyway? There’s no need to demonstrate your physical strength when shaking another person’s hand.
2. The wimp… is usually delivered by men who are afraid to “hurt the little lady” when shaking women’s hands. Modern female professionals expect their male counterparts to convey the same respect they’d show their male colleagues.
3. The “dead fish”… conveys no power. While there’s no need to revert to the macho cowboy death grip, a firm clasp is more powerful than one that barely grabs the hand.
4. The “four finger”… is when the person’s hand never meets your palm, and instead clasps all four fingers, crushing them together.
5. The cold and clammy… when it feels like you’re shaking hands with a snake. Warm up your hand first before grabbing someone else’s
6. The sweaty palm… is pretty self-explanatory, and pretty gross. Talcum powder to the rescue.
7. The “I’ve got you covered” grip… when the other person covers your hand with his or her left hand as if your shake is secretive.
8. The “I won’t let go”… seems to go on for eternity because the other person won’t drop his or her hand. After two or three pumps, it’s time to let go. “It’s a lot like a kiss – you know when it’s over,” Brody says.
9. The “southpaw”… when the person uses the left hand to shake the right hand has food or a drink. Always carry your drink and plate with your left hand to keep your right one free for meet and greets.
10. The “ringed torture”… when the person’s rings hurt your hand. Try to limit the number of rings you wear on the right hand to only one or tow and be mindful of any that have large stones.

Does it pay to have a cool job?

I always wonder - who is the person that writes the blurb on the back of my  new DVD? Whose voice am I listening to in the movie theater during previews?  Whose job is it to map out the do's and don'ts of traveling abroad?

These things don't come about by themselves - it's someone's job to do them. If you think about it, there is a job for almost everything. Some jobs are awesome, others are awful, most are just enjoyable enough to get us through the day.

What about people who have those really "fun," "cool" jobs? You know, the people who love talking about their job because they know others will "ooo" and "ahhh" at the cool factor of their work?

What I've always wondered is, do they pay well?

Check out these fun jobs and how much you'll earn:

Travel Agent
Why it's cool: Travel from your desk by making flight and hotel accommodations, recommending tourist attractions and restaurants and providing travel advice to clients - all while reaping benefits like reduced rates for transportation and lodging.
What it pays: $27,640

Sports Agent
Why it's cool: Agents get to haggle with money for a living. Securing and negotiating employment and endorsement deals as well as handling public relations matters for clients are among the day-to-day for these folks.
What it pays: $64,100

Wedding Planner
Why it's cool: Helping brides plan the wedding logistics, from choosing colors to church decorations to party favors, allows you to hone your people-helping skills and have fun at the same time.
What it pays: $30,300

Sommelier
Why it's cool: How cool would it be to know, off the top of your head, that oysters and Chablis pair well, or to be able to go to a meeting where tasting wine was the entire agenda?
What it pays: $110,000 at upscale restaurants

Impersonator
Why it's cool: Masquerade as your favorite pop icon, political figure or even as the opposite sex in this creative profession.
What it pays: $23,500

Groomer
Why it's cool: Perfect for animal lovers, groomers are responsible for maintaining animals' (usually a dog or cat) appearance. They give baths, manicures and haircuts to our furry friends, saving us time and trouble.
What it pays: $60,000

(for the full story, read Fun Jobs : Do They Pay?)

Dream Jobs Contest!

Can Dream Jobs Come True?
Enter to Win Your Dream Job!

Walt Disney once said, "All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them."

But what about dream jobs? Can we truly love what we do and get paid for it?

Recently, CareerBuilder.com and Disney Parks took a look at the idea of dream jobs and the people living out their fantasies. According to their survey of over 6,000 workers nationwide, a staggering 84 percent of people say they aren't in their dream jobs. What's the biggest thing missing? Fun.

"What defines a dream job is surprisingly reminiscent of childhood wishes for many workers.  Workers said they want to enjoy their work experience, apply their talents and feel like they're making an impact," says Richard Castellini, senior career advisor for CareerBuilder.com. "Having fun at work was the most important attribute of a dream job for 39 percent of workers, which heavily outweighed the 12 percent who said salary was most important."

Who's Living the Dream?

Professions reporting the highest percentage of those feeling they are already in their dream jobs included police and firefighters, teachers, real estate professionals, engineers, travel professionals and nurses.  Those professions with the least amount of workers feeling they have their dream jobs included accommodations/food services, manufacturing and retail.

"As children, excitement and imagination played a major role in defining career paths. We dreamed of becoming firefighters, princesses and dancers," says Castellini. "But today, a majority of workers aren't living out the aspirations they had 20, 30, or even 40 years ago."

Where Dream Jobs Come True

In the CareerBuilder.com and Disney Parks survey, a majority of respondents thought it would be fun to work at a Disney theme park (57 percent).  And now Disney Parks is giving Americans the chance to live out their "Dream Jobs" for a day in conjunction with its "Year of a Million Dreams" celebration.

Workers across the country can compete for a chance to win one of five Disney Dream Jobs: 1) a Jungle Cruise Skipper 2) Haunted Mansion Butler or Maid 3) Apprentice Pirate 4) Princess-in-Waiting or 5) Disney Park Parade Performer.  If you want to apply for a Disney Dream Job and you're 18 or older, go to www.careerbuilder.com/disneydreamjobs from January 24 to February 20 to win the opportunity to work at a Disney Park for one day.  Contestants are asked to submit creative and original video resumes, including why you want to work at a Disney Park, qualifications and skills for your desired position, and why it's your Disney Parks "Dream Job". 

Five finalists will be selected for each of the five "Dream Jobs" by the public. Along with their dream job, winners will receive a trip to the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, CA in June 2007. Check out the Web site above for complete rules and regulations.