Finding work in the current economy

By Fred Burns

Unemployment figures in both Europe and the U.S. are still at all-time highs, even though some reports say the problem is getting better. If you are one of the millions of people out of work, and either anticipating or awaiting unemployment payments, there are a number of ways to make ends meet.

Image: Getty Images/SRBichara; royalty free license

Cash in on skills

When you’re out of a job, you can often suffer from a blow to your sense of self-worth. Just keep in mind that you are just as capable as you ever were. There are other ways to make a living. You have a whole host of skills that will apply to careers other than the one you have specialized in.

 Image: Getty Images/Kolobsek; royalty free license

Look beyond your work history, and consider branching out from that narrower focus. For example, if you have been a supervisor, you have the ability to observe and evaluate the work of others. This is a great skill to have in the industry of security. I’m not talking about a night watchman. There are many jobs available in security that never involve being seen by the public. Surveillance is performed in almost every department store, and you are never expected to approach anyone- only report what you are observing. Other places that need this type of surveillance are hospitals, banks, and resorts. You may be the person in the office watching and evaluating what you see on surveillance cameras.

Personal skills

If you have personal skills, it means you are pretty good at reading other people. This is a perfect skill for a security officer at the door of a convention center. You can get training in threat assessment, and that, in combination with your native instincts, can make you a good living in the security industry.

For example, I know a teacher, with a Master’s degree, who has been priced out of the job market. No one wants to pay for someone with 30 years of experience to teach music, when they can hire a fresh-out-of-college grad for one half the salary. They have been out of a job long enough that they can’t get unemployment any more. But, with over 30 years in education, from pre-school up through university, they have a lot of experience in what the security industry calls “threat assessment”. Sure, they had to learn about the more weapon-oriented side of the field, but they can spot a shoplifter a mile away just from the way they are acting.

On the job training

If you are retired military or public service, you already have on the job training for most of the security jobs out there. Maybe you need extra money for your retirement, or just needed out of the pressure of a high risk job. The different levels of security work can provide you with a good living, and you can choose the stress level. Finding a job in this economy is not impossible. Just beef up your resume, and think outside the box.  

About the author: Fred Burns has worked within the security industry for many years. He enjoys writing articles that help people and point them in the right direction. When he isn't writing you can find him working for Crossdeck, a company that provides a jobsearch and access to CCTV training courses.

Finance careers in the Middle East

By Ursula Jones

The booming economy in the Middle East is just one of the many reasons why finance professionals are flocking to the region. The sunny weather, the developmental peak, and the tax free salaries all play a role in attracting more and more people to Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman. And that’s not all; many finance professionals who have found work in the region also report faster career progression there. So if you’re thinking of immigrating for employment purposes, you should definitely consider a career in the Middle East.

Which financial career should you pursue?

Various finance careers are highly in demand in the region but some of the most promising are accounting and audit jobs. Despite the continuous influx of workers from all over the world, there continue to be many finance positions open. This is mainly due to the growth spurt in the business sector there. The accounting and audit positions are the most ideal as they are highly regarded in the business field, and thus usually get the biggest incentives.

Which country should you settle in?

Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the U.A.E. are considered ideal to settle in as they are known as the wealthiest among the emirates. But if you’re really after audit jobs, Dubai is perhaps the best place for you to find lucrative jobs. While Abu Dhabi is rich in projects, Dubai is the center of the Middle East’s entrepreneurial side. Audit jobs in Dubai thrive in its commercialized culture, a result of the large number of businesses that choose Dubai as their main headquarters.

If you don’t want to immerse yourself in the highly commercialized and corporate culture that comes with audit jobs in Dubai, you can also seek finance job opportunities in Bahrain, which is considered as the Middle East’s centre of finance. If you are after IT audit jobs, you should consider Abu Dhabi, where technology is at its peak.

What to expect in terms of work environment

If you’re pursuing an audit job in Dubai or in other countries in the Middle East, you can expect a lot of perks. Aside from the given, i.e. the weather, the tax free salaries, and the thriving business culture, you can also expect one of the most comfortable working environments abroad. Dubai and Abu Dhabi both offer a hodgepodge of cultures thanks to the large variety of immigrant workers there, so they also offer a great opportunity to form new friendships and to learn more about other nations’ cultures. This also helps lessen the culture shock that many immigrant workers feel.

Many people tend to worry about living conditions in the Middle East, but the fact is that the Middle East is generally safer than many other countries and the accommodation options there meet higher standards.

Audit jobs in Dubai are also preferable for those who have plans to pursue further studies. There are large numbers of international schools in Dubai where you can obtain higher levels of education. There is also a host of socializing activities that you can engage in during your free time. Just make sure you are aware of the rules in the specific country you choose to work in, especially with regards to alcohol consumption. These rules vary per country, but they are generally more lenient in Dubai.

Ursula Jones writes about finance and audit jobs in the Middle East from Careers in Audit, for more information please visit http://www.careersinaudit.com

* All images US-PDGov

Business hiring tips: Reasons to hire less educated applicants

Too much education is bad for corporations for a multitude of reasons, but having access to an educated workforce is always good just in case the need arises. Department managers and human resource officials know that hiring people with too much education sometimes leads to more disadvantages than benefits for an employer. Moreover, since businesses are usually in existence for the primary purpose of making employees and employers money, obstacles to that purpose including too much education are to be avoided.

Over-qualification

Overqualified employees get bored, unhappy, annoyed and can disrupt workplace equilibrium with subversive manipulation, underhanded deeds and misplaced professional ambition to the detriment of peers. Such individuals are better off not hired by some employers because they are simply not worth the effort, trouble, and time. This is not to say less educated employees are not capable of the same things. Rather, according to the Harvard Business Review, there is an increased possibility that employee curation decisions will turn bad if more overqualified employees are hired. 

Cost

According to Patricia Schaefer of Business Know How, the Family and Work Institute cites lower education as the dominant factor in lower employee earnings. What if those employees can also do the same job for less though? In some cases including outsourcing, if less educated people can do the same job for a net gain, it is more cost effective to hire them. For example, hiring a 30K per year employee with a Bachelor of Arts with a net profit margin of 21 percent is better than keeping 45K per year employee with a Master of Science. This is especially the case if revenue rises less than the amount needed to offset the higher costs of hiring a more educated employee. 

Turnover

Employees with a lot of education, or higher earnings expectations are less likely to want to stick around a business. The Center for American Progress states employee turnover costs companies because they have to pay for things such as lost productivity in between hires, training expenses for new hires and recruitment costs. If an educated new hire is obviously seeking upward mobility and there is no room in an organization to accommodate that, then hiring a potentially less ambitious or less educated employee is sometimes the solution.

Competition

Educated people know a lot and that is a potential threat to co-workers and managers. In a report published by the InterAmerican DevelopmentBank, it was found that younger employees - some of whom are more educated than those making hiring decisions – are discriminated against in order to preserve the job security of older employees. New hires that have too good a grasp on what is going on, and that are able to out-think both their superiors and colleagues are a job security hazard and put the beloved status quo at risk by rocking the corporate boat. 

Insubordination

The possibility of insubordination is also a potential consequence of hiring an employee with more education than is necessary to work a job. Employees that are overqualified are more likely to become frustrated or disgusted by their work situation thereby raising the probability of an insubordinate act. In "Taming the Difficult Employee", Nancy Aldrich states insubordination arises from "lack of control" and "rewarding negative behavior". Using similar reasoning, being rewarded for getting an education is a negative reward when that reward is a job that is too restrictive and takes away from an employee's sense of control.

Five excellent jobs for extroverts

 Image attribution: Ariaski; CC BY 2.0

By Sandy Richardson

When looking for a job, jobseekers often think about the benefits, pay rate and hours. What many people do not consider is their personality. Certain personality types are better suited for some jobs than others. Extroverts are social by nature and enjoy interacting with people. They also tend to gravitate towards jobs that involve action or being outdoors. Here are five jobs that extroverts may want to consider.

Emergency medical technician

This field can, at times, be action packed. Emergency medical technicians assist people who are in need of urgent medical care. They are also a part of the first response team during an emergency situation. The position is one that is both mentally and physically demanding. The job is ideal for someone interested in the medical field that can take charge while remaining calm. Being an emergency medical technician can be a rewarding experience.

Actor

Acting is the perfect job for the person who is not shy and enjoys having all eyes on them. The career path of an actor can vary from one person to the next. Some actors take a path that allows them to become well-known movie stars, while others may take a lower-profile career choice. As an actor, having strong communication skills is important. Actors need to maintain a network with other actors and industry professionals. Networking can be the difference between a successful career and on that fizzles. Anyone that likes attention and can communicate well should consider acting.

Social worker

Social workers help people with their mental health and social issues. The position is challenging and involves problem solving and dealing with stressed out people. The job may also involve some level of confrontation with the clients in an attempt to help them resolve their problems. Social work is a job for someone that knows they are really good with people and truly cares about their clients.

Chef

An extrovert with a passion for cooking would do well as a chef. Working in a restaurant is fast paced and requires a lot of communication with fellow staff. As a head chef, supervising the entire kitchen is an additional job responsibility. So anyone that is a head chef would need strong leadership skills. This is another job where strong leadership skills come into play. Chefs constantly have to deal with customer implants. Adaptability is also important. The menu and kitchen staff may change frequently. A chef needs to be able to adapt to these changes.

Personal financial adviser

If accounting is for introverts, then personal financial adviser positions are for extroverts. These potentially lucrative jobs are a combination of worlds, numbers and people. Financial advisers work with clients to help them make financial decisions. People with good selling and speaking skills do well in this position. Listening skills are also important. Financial advisers need to know their client’s risk threshold and pay attention to their financial goals.

People spend many years working in their jobs. The amount of money and benefits are important considerations when choosing a career. However, job seekers should not ignore their personality types. Sometimes having an enjoyable job is just as important as any other job search criteria.

About the author: Sandy Richardson is a psychologist and guest author at Best Psychology Degrees, where she contributed to the guide to the Top 10 Online Bachelors of Psychology Programs.

3 great jobs that pay well

When deciding which career to pursue, the median salary of the occupation is among anyone's top priorities. However, there are other aspects which make lucrative jobs which would otherwise be merely good-paying, great. Looking beyond the obvious occupational draw of what an individual happens to enjoy doing, the three great paying jobs that pay well listed here are great for many other reasons.

Job 1: Nursing

The draw for one to become a nurse will, in nearly all cases, deal with more than mere salary. Most individuals drawn to nursing will have a desire to care for and help others - a drive which will undoubtedly be sated with a career in nursing. Of additional interest to those with a desire to pursue nursing is the incredible growth of the occupation in recent years, as well as its predicted growth in the near future: over 600,000 new jobs are expected to emerge in the field, meaning that almost anyone who desires to be a Nurse will have the opportunity to do so.

Not only is there a huge amount of opportunity for those interested on the field; the median salary for a nurse may also serve as a draw for those interested. In recent years the median nurse salary was $65,000, meaning one can pursue their dream of becoming a nurse and make a large enough salary to live comfortably. Technological advancements in the field also contribute to the ease of the job; excising tedious and the otherwise unenjoyable aspects of the job such as patient data recording and collection. With these undesirable elements covered by new technologies, a practicing nurse can enjoy their job to the fullest.

Job 2: Software engineering

For those interested in working with computers and making a great salary, look nor further than a job in Software Engineering. In the ever expanding field of computer-related products, the need for software engineers is ever expanding. With over 175,000 new jobs expected to exist in the field in the next six years, there is no better occupation for the computer-savvy individual. There's no need to sacrifice pay for enjoyment with a job as a software engineer either: the median salary for an individual in the field is $95,000. Those with at least a bachelor's degree in a computer-related occupation (such as Computer Information Systems, Embedded Systems, or Computer Engineering) and practical experience should have the best opportunities in obtaining a job in the field.

Job 3: Computer systems analysis

A relatively new occupation only in existence for about 20 years, Computer Systems Analysis is a another great job that pays well. As with the previous occupation, software engineering, those interested in computers or intra-office communication via technology will be most apt to enjoy a job in this field. There is no better time to pursue a career in it either; 100,000 new system analysts will be required in the next half decade. Their presence in larger business is essential, with companies paying those willing to take the position very well. The median income for the job is $77,000, allowing for an individual interested in computers to do what they love while still making a very lucrative salary. 

For more career advice and online degree options, please visit Career Relay at www.careerrelay.com "Empower Yourself"

The 5 best high paying jobs for introverts

By Joan Garrett

An introvert is a very shy person. Generally speaking, introverts perform best on jobs that do not require a lot of interaction with other people. Below are five of the best occupations for introverts:

Software engineering

A software engineer is a professional who is responsible for coming up with programs and games for computers. Software engineers spend almost all of their day working by themselves, which is why this is a great choice for solitary people. The vast majority of software engineers have a degree in computer science or a related field.

The median salary for a software engineer is around $92,000 per year. However, software engineers can potentially make over $140,000 per year. Years of experience is one of the main factors that determines a software engineer’s salary. People who are interested in becoming a software engineer should be prepared to work long hours. A 2010 survey showed that 25 percent of software engineers work more than 40 hours per week.

Accounting

Accountants are professionals who are responsible for making sure that financial records are correct. They also make sure that taxes are paid on time. A bachelor’s degree is the minimum education that is required to become an accountant. The median salary for an accountant is around $61,900 per year. However, there are some accountants who are making over $106,000 per year.

Most accountants work a standard 40 hour week. It is estimated that 20 percent of accountants work more than 40 hours per week. Accountants are very likely to work long hours during tax season.

Graphic design

Graphic designers spend nearly their entire day at the computer. That is why graphic design is a great career choice for introverts. The specific job duties of a graphic designer may include creating images that illustrate a message, developing graphics for websites, logos and products and reviewing designs for errors.

Almost all graphic design jobs require that a person have a bachelor’s degree in graphic design. People also have the option of earning a bachelor’s degree in a related field and then receiving extra training in graphic design. The average pay for a graphic designer is around $43,500 per year. Graphic designers who are in the top 10 percent salary range are making over $76,910 per year.

Market research analysis

Market research analysts teach companies how to sell products. They also help companies find good places to sell products. This profession requires a lot of focus. Market research analysts are required to have a degree in business administration, marketing research or another related field. It is important to note that a master’s degree is required for some of the more lucrative jobs. The average salary for a market research analyst is around $60,570 per year.

Translator

Translators are responsible for translating text from one language to another. They are required to spend hours looking over texts just to make sure that everything is correct. Translators are required to possess a bachelor’s degree. They are also required to be fluent in English and one foreign language. The average salary for a translator is $43,300 per year.

About the author: Joan Garrett is a career counselor and guest author at Top Counseling Schools, where she contributed the guide to the Highest Paying Counseling Jobs.

* Image license: Creative Commons image source

5 qualities all employers look for

By Chris Mayhew

In this tough economic climate there are thousands of people in this country who are still looking for work. Speaking from experience, the most frustrating part of not being able to find a job or being unsuccessful in an interview is the fact that you know full well you would have been great at that job.

Sometimes you just need someone to take a chance on you and give you a break but for them to be willing to do that you need to display some impressive qualities. Here are five main attributes that any employer will find hard to resist if they see you display them.

1. Confidence – This is a tricky one to get across in an interview situation but if you can show that you are confident it will be well received. Confident people are more likely to be able to work under their own initiative and won’t require constant babysitting. Showing this involves nothing more than a good initial first greeting, a strong handshake and an ability to present well worded answers without too much hesitation. There’s no need to overdo it.

2. Resilience – A lot of jobs will involve dealing with a certain amount of failure so it is important that you show a desire to carry on and learn from your mistakes. Failure is part and parcel of life but it’s the way you react to this that employers will be impressed by.

3. Creativity – How creative we are often determines the ability we have to set ourselves apart from others. In any interview situation there are sure to be other candidates vying for the job so it is important to stand out. Employers will love to hear about the new and inventive ways you approach your work and the problems it may throw up. Creativity is also linked to team work. Creative people are more likely to be able to throw ideas around amongst a team and use other peoples’ input as well as their own to nurture an idea from conception to finished product.

4. Attention to detail – This is another good way of standing out in comparison to other candidates. There will always be a large number of people that are good at the obvious, core techniques that will mainly be used for the job, they wouldn’t have gotten to the interview stage otherwise, but there will be significantly less who display a sense a detail. Use examples from previous jobs or other areas of your life to show that you take notice of the finer areas resulting in great success.

5. Loyalty – Believe it or not most employers don’t enjoy having to conduct regular interviews. They would much rather have a loyal work force and not have to waste time by constantly having to hire and train new staff. Show them that you are a loyal person who will be committed to the course even if it gets tough. Give relevant examples of when you have shown loyalty in the past and let them know how important getting the job is to you.

Chris Mayhew writes here on behalf of Now Go Create. They specialise in improving creative thnking and brainstorm facilitation for businesses by offering a range of training exercises and workshops.

Guest post: The 4 highest paying nursing specialties

By Emily Craft

When pursuing a nursing career, it is important to choose the right specialty according to one's interests, which can become one's focus in the future. As there are many specialties available in the field of nursing, it has become more challenging for nurses to choose the right area of expertise after graduating from nursing school. Also, it is important to keep in mind that a candidate has to pass a series of additional exams and undergo rigorous on-the-job training to be qualified for a specialty. Moreover, when deciding on a specialty, the pay should not the lone factor. With that said, provided below are the four highest paying nursing specialties on today's market.

1. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist

As a certified registered nurse anesthetist, the main responsibility is to administer the anesthesia to patients who have to undergo surgeries. They work closely with physicians belonging to different medical fields including surgeons, anesthesiologists, podiatrists, general medicine practitioners and even dentists. The average annual salary for this position is $135,000. Based on the nurse's experience and his or her location, the amount of compensation varies.

2. Nurse Researcher

Under this field of specialization, a nurse researcher typically assists with the collection of data in relation to the field of health and medical care. The nurse researcher also plays an important role in forming logical conclusions from the data. Also, she is going to play an important role in understanding the complications of a medical condition in a patient by collaborating with scientists and doctors. The average annual salary of a nurse researcher is $95,000 depending on the level of experience and work location.

3. Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Many nurses work under this specialization, and their responsibilities are similar to what a practicing psychiatrist does. A psychiatric nurse also acts as a therapist who is responsible for helping patients to overcome suicidal tendencies, anxiety, depression and other conditions that can be remedied through counseling. A nurse carries out assessment, examination, diagnosis and treatment for patients with mental illnesses. In addition, they performs counseling to the members of the patients' families and provide assistance for the family members to go through these difficult times. The average annual salary of a psychiatric nurse practitioner is $95,000, and this number increases with experience.

4. Certified Nurse Midwife

These nurses function as a primary health care provider for pregnant woman. In most cases, they work with healthy woman who do not have to undergo complicated procedures. They are responsible for taking care of the woman during the process of birth, and they make sure that the patient is able to deliver the child successfully. Certified nurse midwives typically work in hospitals, medical clinics and birthing centers. They perform different types of medical care for woman of all ages. Like their counterparts, their salaries depend on their experience and working locations.

The aforementioned specializations are the top four highest paying specialties in the field of nursing. Before picking a specialty, it is very important for the individual to understand their own areas of interest. In order to the nurse to excel in his or her area of specialization, he or she must tackle the job with passion and interests from within.

Emily Craft is an ER nurse and guest author at Best BSN to MSN Degree Programs, a site with guides and reviews of top-rated BSN to MSN nursing degree programs online.