10 Tips to Reduce Stress at Work

Too much stress can have a negative impact on your well-being. Stress can not only cause anxiety and depression, but can also have a negative impact on your health. Most people have filled days with little time to spare. Bad and unforeseeable things come up here and there, and the To-Do list keeps on getting longer and longer with no perspective of seeing light at the end of the tunnel. Learning how to cope with all this will be the deciding factor on your stress level.

Whether it is your boss that causes you stress or you simply have too much to do, keeping a positive outlook on things is the number one key to manage your stress effectively. Below are 10 simple tricks that will help you create a positive environment. It will help reduce stress, make you more efficient, and overall a happier person at work and in your personal time.

1. Be Well-rested

Getting enough sleep is crucial. Many people watch TV until late at night and then are surprised that they have difficulty falling asleep. As relaxing it may seem to you, watching TV causes your mind to keep running. Instead get some rest not just physically but also emotionally. Listening to calm music and drinking bed time tea are two great alternatives to watching TV and eating popcorn. If this still doesn't help you get a better night of sleep, pay closer attention to what you are eating at what time. It is advisable not to eat any later than 4 hours before you plan on going to bed. Having too much food in your stomach close before bed-time will make it much more difficult for your body to find rest.

2. Get up With Enough Time

Start the day on a positive note! Avoid cutting your time too short in the morning. Starting your day off stressed on time will leave a negative impression in your head that will carry on throughout the day. Instead get up with enough time to shower, to get dressed, and to eat a little bit of breakfast.

3. Eat Breakfast

Eating a balanced breakfast will fuel your body with viable nutrients and sustainable energy. Avoid eating on the run, but instead take a few minutes to sit down. Stay away from breakfasts with too much simple sugars and simple carbs as they will cause a quick spike in energy at first with a crash shortly after that leaves you off more lethargic than before you ate. A few slices of whole-wheat toast with some lean ham and an egg or two are a great way to start the day.

4. Dress Right

Make sure that you keep your wardrobe somewhat organized. Finding your work clothes easily will make it much easier to get ready in the morning. Pay attention to the colors you are wearing. If a suit and tie is part of your business attire, use "positive colors" such as blue and green. Especially blue is said to have a calming effect on people including yourself. A blue suit and/or dress shirt are great. If you like to wear more color, then do this in your smaller pieces of clothing such as your neckties. A light green necktie will give your outfit a fresh and positive look that will carry over to your attitude.

5. Beat Traffic

Know what time to leave and what route to take to work to beat rush hour. Spending an hour in stop and go traffic will cause your unnecessary stress. Also consider other forms of transportation or car-polling with close by living co-workers.

6. Organize Your Work-space

When you leave work, make sure to clean up your desk. You will be glad the next day! Starting your day on a clean and well organized desk is an important part on reducing stress at the office. In addition, having a clean desk will have a positive projection on co-workers and superiors. It shows that you are a well-organized person that pays attention to detail.

7. Plants

Bring more life into your workspace with plants. Weather you prefer the look of cut bamboo on your desk, or a larger plant in the corner is personal preference. Research has shown that plants will help in creating a positive and friendly environment that has a more soothing effect on people.

8. Pictures Give your workspace a familiar face by bringing in a few pictures of people or things that are important to you. Having a picture of your wife and kids on your desk will help reduce stress.

9. Be Productive Make a To-Do list at the beginning of each day. Prioritize each item based on importance and timeliness. Also estimate how long it will take to complete each task. Not only will this help you create an achievable goal for the day, but is will also help to track progress using time as a measure.

10. Communicate

Is your boss causing you stress? Keeping good communication will help! If your boss is not doing his/her part, take the initiative and open up the communication. Communication will help you know what is expected of you, as well as it is important for your boss to know what he/she can expect.

If you follow the tips above you will have done a great step in managing your stress. No matter what you do, keep a positive attitude and have confidence in your abilities.

About the Author

H Pohl regularly writes and distributes articles to online publications and magazines. He is the founder of http://www.ties-necktie.com/ home of quality mens neck ties, silk ties, and bow ties.

What Can I Achieve With an IT Career?

With a worldwide financial meltdown in progress, and major league players like Yahoo! announcing that they suffered a 64% downturn in profits in the last fiscal quarter of 2008, is this really the time to think about a career move into IT?

The marketplace – is IT really that important?

Well, it’s not all bad news on the job front in the UK. Research published by the Globalisation and Economic Policy Centre at the University of Nottingham(2) has said that although one in seven private sector jobs are lost in the UK each year, more are being created in their place. The indications are that the private sector work market is extremely fluid.

Dr Peter Wright, associate professor at Nottingham University confirms this notion of a constantly evolving marketplace: “This shows how dynamic the UK employment market is. This also has important implications in terms of training provision, as many workers are likely to need to regularly change or update their skills.”

The growing and transient job market has shifted position in the UK over the past 30 years, away from manufacturing and towards IT based industries – ranging from the financial sector, multi-media applications, even the much-maligned call centre. The opportunity for careers in IT has never been broader, or more accessible.

The widespread adoption of the Internet as a tool for business has seen a surge in ‘over the ‘net’ sales. In 2005, 93% of business in the UK with ten or more employees reported that personal computers were being used in day-to-day business (2).

Amongst the largest businesses (those with 1,000 or more employees), the figure was nearly 100%. This demonstrates quite clearly how essential information and communication technology (ICT) has become to the UK and indeed the global economic model.

The same survey by the Office of National Statistics (ONS) found that in 2005 the value of sales over the Internet was £103 billion, accounting for 34% of sales across all kinds of ICT by non-financial sector businesses. If you include the financial sector into that equation, the numbers increase dramatically.

Even industries that you would not normally expect to be heavily influenced by the use of IT, such as wholesale, retail, catering and travel, reported the highest value of sales over the Internet at £49 million, representing £47 out of every £100 of goods sold.

The clear indication amongst all these statistics is that jobs in IT have never been more important to the global economy. Without a solid foundation in the application of ICT technology, a business will be hard pressed to compete on equal terms with its rivals. Which is why IT careers will continue to offer both opportunities for employment in almost any marketplace and a decent salary to boot. The stale, hackneyed vision of ‘speccy techs’ in the IT department of any company is now passé. Geek is the new chic.

IT career development

Over one million people are currently employed in the IT sector, and over 150,000 new entrants are needed by a whole range of industries in the UK every year. However, your horizons are not just restricted to the UK. With internationally recognised qualifications crossing borders and country boundaries, the chance to work anywhere in the world has opened up the movement of IT professionals across the globe. The international oil industry, for example, is prepared to pay well for IT professionals who can incorporate their IT training into oil exploration and research into alternative fuels.

If heavy industry is not your particular field, then the more creative industries now rely on those with good IT qualifications and experience to supply them with ever more exciting visual images – on their websites, their advertising and their marketing. Without the benefit of IT, the Internet would be a far less visually stimulating place. Starting salaries in the industry average around £23,000. With higher level qualifications and a willingness to continually update and compliment your training, that figure can rise considerably.

Working life has changed dramatically in the past few years, with more people starting to realise that the possibility of working from home gives them a greater control over their work/home life ratio. Christopher Pissarides, in his keynote address to the Austrian Presidency conference on Innovations in Labour Market Policies(3) concludes that, “…essential labour market reforms include an increase in the flexibility of employment.”

Although he highlights the UK and the Netherlands as being the most pro-active countries in developing a more flexible working environment, the advent of a new age in which IT careers play a dominant role can only help to improve that situation. IT is a multi-faceted career choice that enables people to be particularly selective about how they work and how their career develops. It gives them the opportunity to take back control of their careers.

With the right IT training, which can be incorporated into career development or run parallel to an existing job, the potential marketplace opens up for a candidate. Networking (a particular growth industry as the national boundaries break down between businesses), database administration, web design and programming are all real-time opportunities, once the appropriate training has been applied. A senior web designer can earn as much as £40,000 and, if you cast your net further afield and look to working abroad, can be much higher.

So what can you achieve with an IT career? Take your pick - of locations, of job descriptions, of future career development – whatever you like. The limits are only ones that you impose yourself. The IT industry is far from fully grown, and with the rate of technology development growing rapidly, there is little chance that a newly qualified IT specialist will be entering a shrinking marketplace anytime soon, despite the poor figures from Yahoo!.

In the 18th Century, the Industrial Revolution propelled the world forward into a new age. In the 21st Century, it is safe to assume that the second revolution, the Technological Revolution, has only just started.

(1) HRM Guide 2008 – University of Nottingham
(2) Office of National Statistics, e-Commerce survey
(3) Innovations in Labour Market Policies: Challenges in Times of Globalisation – Vienna, 16-17th February 2006

About the Author

Karl Parkinson, Chairman. Computeach - With over 40 years of experience in the IT Training Industry, Computeach provides innovative and truly blended learning solutions to a wide range of customers. For more information visit - http://www.computeach.co.uk/ For interviews, images or comments contact: Rosie Guise, Marketing, Computeach International Ltd, Phone: 01384 458515, Email: rosie.guise@computeach.co.uk

Job Hunting: 3 Tips For Successful Interviewing

It can be a nerve-wrecking prospect to think about your impending job interview. What will you say? How will you dress? What if the interviewer asks questions for which you don’t know the answers? These are all questions you may run through your mind before ever meeting the prospective employer.

But while interviews can be intimidating, they don’t have to be feared – especially if you come equipped with the right knowledge. So let’s look at three tips that can help you place the job you want in the palm of your hands.

Tip #1: Conduct Practice Q&A Sessions

Before you ever set foot on the property of your prospective employer, it is important that you mentally prepare for the challenge you’re up against. Being that you’ve never interviewed before, it may seem impossible to prepare for the unknown. But luckily for you, there are bound to be some individuals in your life who have been on job interviews. So give them a job of helping you prepare.

A good way to start your preparation is by first conducting some research on the company you are interested in working for. After you’ve learned the company’s overall mission, what they look for in employees, and most importantly, what they want in the hiring position, you can give this information to your helper. Then he or she can compose interview questions, have you show up for the mock interview in full attire, and ask the questions so that you can begin to feel comfortable with the process.

Tip #2: Dress for Success

This is probably one of the more important aspects of interviewing for any position, no matter how casual you think it might be. The prospective employer wants to confirm how serious you are about the job, something that is partially accomplished by dressing up in business attire for the interview.

While this may seem to be common sense to some, there are many newcomers to the world of interviewing who show up wearing khaki pants or low-cut tops. So if you already knew that wearing a business suit (clean with no wrinkles) is the way to go, good job. But if you were just about to walk out of the door in your T-shirt and khakis, you may want to go change your clothes.

Tip #3: Speak from the Heart

Starting off in your practice Q&A session, and eventually transitioning into your actual interview, it is important that you place personal value on your decision to apply for the job. If you go into the interview thinking that you won’t like the job, the interviewer might sense the apprehension and pass you up for the position. However, if you come in genuinely enthusiastic about the position, it will be much easier for you to find the right words to express that enthusiasm.

If you follow these three tips, you’ll be that much closer to securing the job of your dreams. So practice, practice, practice with your Q&A session, go buy a suit that makes you feel comfortable, and go to the interview with great passion. You’ll see that your budding confidence in your interviewing skills will skyrocket in time for your very first interview.

About the Author

Heather Eagar is a former professional resume writer and is passionate about providing working professionals with current, reliable and effective job search tools and information. If you need a resume writer, compare the top companies in the industry at http://www.resumelines.com

Captivating Careers in the Motion Picture Business

In the hearts of the billions of movie and television watchers all over the world, the movie industry is a one big magical carousel ride with gorgeous women, manly heroes, attractive sets and fashions, astounding special effects, exotic locales to visit and an perpetual flow of cash.

This is just just illusions; the truth is the hard work and dedication that goes on behind every scene to create these magical images.

If you are considering joining the television business for the fun and the cash, then you have to give that notion up and look someplace else. But if you possess ability, the dedication, the correct attitude and the power to endure hard work, then welcome.

Jobs on-camera

Famed actors and actresses didn't acquire their recognition in a single day. Most of them worked as horse stall cleaners, limousine drivers, set carpenters and department store managers. Some were employed in restaurants as waiters or parking attendants in between bit part gigs.

Most movie stars started as movie extras and bit actors. Extras are the individuals in the background in a movie scene. Starting as an extra gives you the eye-opening opportunity to acquaint yourself in the various aspects of movie production. If you stand out from among the other extras in the movie, you may just catch the director's eye.

Movie stunt people are the daredevils who make the onscreen star look good and indestructible. They are sometimes known as stunt doubles who "take the fall" instead of the real actors in very unsafe scenes. The guy you saw dangling on a fire hose down the burning Nakatomi Tower building was definitely not the star. It was a stunt double wearing the same outfit as the lead guy.

Employment behind the camera

What is seen in front of the camera is just the proverbial tip of the iceberg. A scene is delineated by the change in the camera placement (or angle) in the movie. Hundreds (sometimes thousands!) of scenes are needed to finish a film. Each scene usually takes a little less than an hour to set up before it is ready to be shot. Some elaborate scenes can take weeks to prepare. Scenes of this sort often involve the building of huge sets and backgrounds, exceptional stunt set up, rehearsals of scenes involving hundreds or thousands of extras, or huge dramatic explosion scenes. Careers and positions behind the scene are just as interesting as the ones in front.

The cameraman is responsible for the recording of the movie on a movie camera. He or she is responsible for the light design that sets the mood or temperature of the scene being filmed. He or she knows how to set up his shots by capturing the perfect camera angle, using the appropriate lenses and finding the proper aperture setting.

Careers in the film industry include the team of production designers. They are responsible for the film's set and it's construction. They must set up the needed physical atmosphere whether the position is a house, a burning building, a sinking luxury liner or a ghost-ridden capitol building. Very truthfully, the set creation, decorations, background colorations, backdrops and textures all passed the eye of the production designer.

The special effects group is responsible for the construction of special sets and special devices that help make visually amazing scenes. You have seen their expertise in films: the sinking luxury ship, the great earthquake that destroyed L.A., the napalm bomb in Vietnam or the out of control bus that was set to blow up.

Post-production careers

As soon as the principal photography is finished and "in the can", the film is then processed and taken to a dust-free room where the movie editor can cut and edit it. It is the duty of the film editor and his assistants to put the scenes together, arranged in the correct sequence.

About the Author

Stimulating jobs in the film industry are far more plentiful than what was enumerated here. If you have got what it takes, then join in and be a part of the team. And if careers in the movie business are not what you are after, remember, there are always quality control careers.

New-Age Recruiting: Using Online Social Networks to Secure Employment

The world of job recruiting has changed drastically in recent years. Whereas in the past, the route to securing employment was simply getting your resume together and responding to help-wanted ads – or even getting approached by a headhunter – now much of the recruitment process is taken care of on the Internet.

Both recruiters and job seekers are finding that by mingling with one another through mediums like online social networks, they can accomplish their combined goal of getting a person employed. It is for this reason that taking the time to understand social networks is beneficial, especially if you’re actively seeking employment. So let’s take a closer look at this new and exciting aspect of job recruiting.

What are Online Social Networks?

Very similar to the idea of the traditional social network, an online social network offers a space on the Internet where individuals with similar interests or agendas can congregate to share ideas, insights, and help one another achieve goals. Before, you may have found yourself joining a national collegiate fraternity or sorority, or even a club or organization in your community, to achieve this type of networking experience. But now, organizations and groups with a similar purpose have moved onto the Internet, affording more people from around the country the opportunity to network.

Utilizing Online Social Networks to Your Benefit

So what can an online social network do for you? Along with fraternizing with your peers, they are great for helping you find employment. Job seekers are becoming increasingly aware that many recruiters spend time searching popular social networking websites like LinkedIn, Myspace, Plaxo and Facebook to interact with and often times recruit new job candidates. So to make themselves findable for recruitment, they congregate in those places.

If you are serious about finding employment, it is in your best interest to join one or more of these online social networking sites. There you can post your resume and give other useful information about yourself that will offer insight into your qualifications. Once you’ve posted your resume, you can visit field-specific blogs on these sites or in other places. Just like with social networking sites, recruiters often choose this avenue to seek out candidates and make employment invitations.

Carefully Monitor Your Social Networking Behavior

While online social networks are great places to find career opportunities, you should definitely be aware of your actions while there. Fun-filled sites like Myspace and Facebook can easily lure you into their excitement; however, if your purpose is to be seen by recruiters, you might find yourself projecting a non-professional image. To avoid this from happening, remember not to post unflattering pictures of activities you partake in with your buddies on your profile. And ask your friends to refrain from leaving risqué comments on your page. Since your main goal is to make your profile as professional as possible, you don’t want to give recruiters any reason to second-guess your qualifications.

The opportunities to secure employment with the click of a mouse are better than ever. So before you print off you next resume or think about going to a job fair, consider joining a professional online social network. You may just find that your next employment connection will be right on the other side of your computer screen.

About the Author

Heather Eagar is a former professional resume writer and is passionate about providing working professionals with current, reliable and effective job search tools and information. Check out reviews of the top resume services in the industry at http://www.resumelines.com

Wedding Videography - How to Become a Videographer

Videography is an art of capturing moments in time. Vision and inspiration are usually the foundation of a good video. A good videographer will spend many hours of documenting your special day. Then will spend another countless hours of editing your videos, from cutting out scenes to putting the right music, until everything flows smoothly.

This art requires extensive technical knowledge and high tech equipment. There are two ways to become a professional. Some people arrive at this career by regularly videotaping events for family and friends and deciding to go professional while others attend film school. There are formal schools that offer courses to teach control camera movements and correct lighting effects for various situations. A skilled cameraman will usually know how to use natural lighting effects to his advantage.

To become a videographer, you must first decide the kind of services you will offer. The choices range from wedding videography to taping corporate meetings and conferences. You can also videotape milestones like anniversaries, birthdays, memorials and reunions. Or you can also opt for theatre, dance and music performances.

The next step is to find and enroll in a film school that offers classes on the basics. Once you are equipped with the basic knowledge of technical skills and strategies, you need a lot of practice. This is the most important ingredient of achieving your goal of becoming a professional.

The next essential factor is to have the right equipment. If you do not have money to buy a good camera, just borrow one. Then practice what you’ve learned in class and shoot lots and lots of videos. The more you shoot and apply those techniques you learned in class the better you’ll get at it. Remember to analyze your videos so you will be able to know the mistakes you made and correct them.

If you are confident enough then it’s time to apply for a job. Look for local studios that are in need of a neophyte. Working for a studio like this will help you acquire the experience you need if you are ever planning to set up your own business in the future.
Once you are hired, you need all the proper equipment especially the digital camera and other camera accessories like the tripod, batteries and lighting equipment. For editing purposes, it is also essential to have a computer.

Be visible in local events. In this way, you will be able to offer your services and meet the right people for possible future engagements. Also be active in videotaping events for your family and friends. You can attract a lot of referrals from them and this will be a good way of promoting your business.

In the long run, it does not really matter if you choose to be shooting a wedding videography or a sports competition. It will be your skill, experience, style, dedication, shooting and editing techniques that will help you achieve your goal of becoming a successful videographer.

About the Author

Get prices on wedding videography for your wedding at http://www.memoriesputtomusic.com

Wedding Videography - A Career As an Event Planner

Special events often pop in and out of our everyday lives. We are so busy working that it is often difficult to plan them ourselves. The solution to this problem is an event planner. When you think of an “event”, we have a perception of something extravagant like Mardi Gras, Academy Awards and other big occasions we see on television. However, an event planner works on smaller events as well like weddings and business conferences.

An event planner’s main job is to guarantee that all details of an event are taken cared of and the program will flow as smoothly as possible. If you are planning to have a career in event planning, you must have the ability of juggling many things at once without forgetting even the smallest details. You must also be goal oriented, time conscious and patient. In this kind of business not everything will turn out the way it’s supposed to so you have to be creative enough to provide alternatives to your client.

Special events occur for different purposes. It may be celebrations like reunions and weddings. An event planner can act as a wedding planner in charge of booking the ceremony and reception locations, and hiring a good studio for the wedding videography among others. She can also be the one to facilitate educational conferences and meetings.

Event planning can also be business related. Big companies hire event planners for their promotions. Some of these companies include hotels or resorts, non profit organizations, country clubs, theme parks and convention centers. They usually hold charity events, fashion shows, product and service launching.

There are a number of good schools and online universities that offer event planner certification. A good program will usually include technical instruction on the planning process of events and the business end instruction on how to run the business. Opportunities for internships under experienced event planners may also be offered. In some event planner certification programs, students are also required to have hands on experience by planning their own event and this will eventually help them develop their portfolio for future clientele.

When starting your career as an event planner, consider first the type of event you want to pursue. If you are more into weddings like handling flower arrangements, bridesmaid dresses and wedding videography then consider tackling celebration events. If you prefer planning corporate affairs, then you may choose to plan board meetings, conventions and product launches.

Once you get a head start as an event planner, you will begin to like it and eventually love your job. You will have this drive in you to learn more about the business. And this is where passion and determination for the job sets in. Every event you attend will be a time for learning and growth. You will find yourself searching for professional improvement and striving to be better in everything you do. Once you acquire all these qualities, you are definitely on your way to becoming a successful event planner.

About the Author

Get prices on wedding videography for your wedding at http://www.memoriesputtomusic.com

Top Six Job Search Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

Many job seekers think that whether they land a new position is a matter of luck: it’s good luck if they’re hired, and it’s bad luck if they’re not. The truth is that what separates successful job hunters from unsuccessful ones often is a question of preparedness, persistence, and hard work. A little common sense never hurt, either. Below are the biggest mistakes that people make when looking for a new job—and how you can avoid them:

• Leaving your current job before lining up something else. This isn’t a good idea even in a thriving job market, but it’s an especially bad idea in an uncertain economy. No matter how irritating your co-workers are or how obnoxiously your boss behaves, stick it out until you land something new. Just think of your daily grind as motivation to find a great new gig. The caveats: if something illegal is going on or your office is toxic to your health, get out now and wait tables for a while if you have to.

• Not taking the search seriously. Too many people who say they’re looking for a new job take fail to approach it as the serious endeavor that it is. They send out an “okay” resume that they’ve had for 10 years, don’t bother to proofread their cover letter for errors, or flake on sending a thank-you note after an interview. A job hunt is important, and you don’t want to burn bridges with potential employers because you’re too lazy to put in some effort. The solution? Get serious! Print out your resume and cover letter on high-quality paper, update your resume every few months, and contact the people you plan to list as professional references so they aren’t caught off guard when a hiring manager calls them.

• Lying on paper or in an interview. You were just a few credits shy of graduating from college, but that’s close enough, right? Wrong. Most of us don’t fudge on the big stuff—like fabricating degrees or places of employment—but many job hunters blur the line of truth when it comes to responsibilities they’ve had or skills they’ve mastered. Don’t risk it. If you don’t have the experience you need to land the job you want, work on getting it, rather than making it up.

• Not keeping your network up to date. The worst time to realize you’ve let your network disappear is when you want (or need!) to look for a new job. Think of your network of contacts, associates, and mentors as a sort of life raft for those unexpected moments that pop up in everyone’s career. When you tend to those relationships with periodic phone and email check-ins, coffees, and the occasional lunch, you’re maintaining a valuable pipeline that can come in handy when you need to know where the jobs are—fast. If you’ve let things slide in that area, pick up the phone and ask a few people if they’ll have coffee with you. They may be able to help you, but if they can’t today, don’t make the mistake of letting the relationships lapse again. You never know when you might need their help.

• Not telling the employer what’s in it for them. You’ve got a car payment due in two weeks. You want a better title. You need health insurance. All of these are great reasons to look for a new job, but they aren’t great reasons for someone to hire you. See the difference? An employer wants to hear what kind of value you’ll bring to the company and why she should take a chance on you, rather than the other 50 candidates. Think about what you bring to the table, and then sell it.

• Leaving the rest up to fate. Your great resume got you an interview, and the interview went well. While you may be tempted to simply wait by the phone until you hear from the company, there’s still plenty you can do. First, send a thank-you note to everyone you talked to (within one day of the meeting). Thank them for their time and let them know that you’re available if they want to meet with you again. Second, follow up with anyone who may still have influence over whether you get the job. Let your references know they may be getting a call and thank them for agreeing to put in a good word for you. If you have a professional contact within the company, thank them for their help in learning about the opening, securing the interview, etc. Lastly, if you haven’t heard from the company in a while, it’s okay to place a brief phone call letting them know you’re still very interested

About the Author

Jason Kay recommends that you learn more job search strategies at JobGoRound.com

What Careers Are Best in a Bad Economy

With all the concern over the economy, one thing that people keep talking about is the job market. Especially young men and women that are still in preparation to enter the job market a few years from now might be concerned with what the future may hold for them. If you are currently in school and want to ensure a stable profession to pay off all those accumulated school loans, the information below might be of help. Knowing what industries are in demand, and where people are looking for skilled employees are two very important factors to consider for planning a successful future.

Ten of the fastest-growing occupations
Do any of the fields interest you? If yes, your future is looking bright. Even though pay is important, make sure you find a profession that you are passionate about. After all, a career and profession is a large part of your life. You want to pick an area that is of some interest to you and that you are excited about.

Network Systems and Data Communications Analyst

1. Salary: $46,000 range
2. Bachelor's degree needed

Personal and Home Care Aide

1. Salary: Under $20,000
2. No college education required

Home Health Aide

1. Salary: Under $20,000
2. No college education required

Computer Software Engineer

1. Salary: $46, 000 range
2. Bachelor's degree needed

Veterinary Technologist or Technician

1. Salary: $20,000 - $30,000 range
2. Associate degree needed

Personal Finance Advisor

1. Salary: $46,000 or more
2. Bachelor's degree needed

Makeup Artists for Theater

1. Salary: $30,000 - $45,000 range
2. Postsecondary vocational needed

Medical Assistant

1. Salary: $20,000 - $30,000 range
2. No secondary education needed

Veterinarian

1. Salary: $46,000 range
2. Professional degree needed

Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselor

1. Salary: $30,000 - $45,000 range
2. Bachelor's degree needed

Best U. S. cites to find jobs currently

Do any of the cities interest you? In general it is advisable to pick a geographic location that you can see yourself living in for the long run. If you love to ski for example, and are interested in technology, then you are in luck. Salt Lake City would just be perfect for you.

1. Salt Lake City, Utah (for technology related jobs)
2. Atlanta, Georgia (for transportation, distribution and financial service jobs)
3. Indianapolis, Indiana (agricultural related jobs)
4. Omaha, Nebraska (financial services and agricultural related jobs)
5. Seattle, Washington (aerospace and global trade related jobs)

Cities with lowest unemployment rate:

Low unemployment rate is usually a good indicator of a regions economic prosperity. A low unemployment rate is a good sign that the demand for skilled workers is larger than the supply. Any of the cities below would offer good opportunities for job seekers.

1. Sioux Falls, South Dakota (2.4% unemployment rate)
2. Rapid City, South Dakota (2.5% unemployment rate)
3. Idaho Falls, Idaho (2.5% unemployment rate)
4. Bismarck, North Dakota (2.6% unemployment rate)
5. Houma, Louisiana (2.7% unemployment rate)
6. Morgantown, West Virginia (2.8% unemployment rate)
7. Logan, Utah (2.8% unemployment rate)
8. Fargo, North Dakota (2.9% unemployment rate)
9. Casper, Wyoming (2.9% unemployment rate)
10. Billings, Montana (3% unemployment rate)

Knowing what you want to do and what geographic locations are most prosperous for you is half the battle. The second part is to be proactive in your job search. Don't expect people to come looking for you. Instead go out and prospect for your dream job just like you would going shopping for some new clothes. Gather information about different companies in your field of interest, find out who is in charge of hiring, and send out your resume. The more resumes you send out the higher the probability that you will get a call back for an initial interview. It is simply a numbers game! Last but not least: Keep a positive attitude and never take a rejection personal.

About the Author

H Pohl regularly writes and distributes articles to online publications and magazines. He is also the founder of http://www.ties-necktie.com/ and online specialty retailer offering mens silk neckties, bow ties, and cufflinks. Many of his articles focus on how to succeed in starting your own business.

The 1, 2, 3’s of Accountant Career Options

An accounting career is a highly popular choice for many people. Although accounting may not be considered one of the most exciting professions, there is certainly a high sum of money to be made as an accountant. There are also many career opportunities and accounting careers options for qualified accountants. There are also some very interesting and exciting options for accountants due to the fact that virtually every single company and organization requires an accounting department. That translates to countless opportunities to live and work. In addition, there are many different industries to choose from according to your needs and interests.

It is estimated that there are over 1 million accounting positions in place currently in the United States, with that number growing every year. There are countless opportunities in government and private industry as well as a high number of self employed accountants and book keepers. Accounting provides the rare opportunity of choice as you can just as easily work for yourself as for someone else, or even do both. Teaching is also a possibility for qualified accountants.

There are several different types of accountants. These include:

- Audit accountant
- Budget analysis accountant
- Financial accountant
- Management Accounting
- Tax accounting

Audit Accountant

Auditing is an important aspect of any business. Audit accountants check accounting ledgers and financial statements. This sort of work gives an accountant excellent experience in the business environment. Internal auditing is becoming of increased importance and these accountants must check the books for waste, fraud, mismanagement and other discrepancies.

Budget Analysis Accountant

A budget analyst accountant must develop the financial plans for an organization, as well as manage them. Government and the private industry provide many budget analysis jobs.

Financial Accountant

These accountants prepare financial statements with information from the general ledgers. Financial decisions can also be made with the help of financial accountants. Depending on the organization they can have a say in planning, long term business projections, employee benefits and other aspects.

Management Accounting

Capital budgeting and business analysis are two parts of the organization that Management Accountants have a role in. They work alongside other managers to develop new business.

Tax Accounting

Tax accountants prepare personal income tax statements and business taxes.

These accounting jobs provide a wide scope of choice for any qualified accountant, making this field one of the most diverse and varied fields of work available.

Accounting Salary: What to Expect

If you are planning on becoming an accountant then you will want to know what kind of salary to expect. Unlike many other fields of work, accounting can encompass many forms. Four main sectors you can work in as an accountant include:

- Private Sector
- Public Sector
- Non-Profit Sector
- Self Employed Accountant

You may have already decided that you want to become self employed once qualified. Although this is a wonderful way to work as an accountant, it is generally advisable to seek employed experience before embarking on self employment. Many accountants work a full time job and also have their own clients.

All companies, corporations and governments have accounting departments. That makes accounting highly flexible and ensures a never ending supply of positions. Accounting is certainly one field of work that will never be made redundant. It is also difficult to outsource most accounting tasks to overseas markets due to the in depth knowledge required of the national and local economics. This makes accounting a very secure field to work in as well.

The medium annual salary of accountants in the US is about $38,000. Auditors are listed as having a similar median wage. Of course, there is scope and potential for much improvement in this field and generally those with experience earn much more than the median.

Some other median salaries in various sectors of accounting include:

- State Government: 35,900
- Federal Government: 43,100
- Local Government: 36,400
- Commercial Banks: 35,700

As you can see, gaining an accounting position within government is an ideal place to start due to the higher wages, benefits and relative job security.

The top 10 percent of accountants and auditors have an average salary of nearly $80,000 whilst the bottom percentage earns under $25,000. Without doubt this lowest percentage consists mainly of graduate and inexperienced accountants.

You will require a bachelor's degree to work in accounting. Although this can have a short term financial impact, people can generally pay back their college fees quickly after becoming employed. Unlike other fields of study, accounting students rarely have a hard time finding a job after or whilst studying.

If you wish to improve your salary then consider a masters degree or study areas which focus on a particular aspect of accounting such as auditing, management accounting, corporate tax accounting, financial advisor and others. All of these advanced lines or work command much higher salaries and are highly interesting compared with regular accounting.

About the Author

Want more information on accounting careers? Learn about top accounting schools and accountants salary range from http://www.careertoolkits.com

You’re So Great, You Don’t Need a Resume

I’ve been hearing a lot said lately about bypassing a resume completely in your job search. Many of the proponents of this idea have some valid points to consider:

1. A resume sets you up for rejection with employers. They see your resume, assess you in 30 seconds or less, and place you on one of two piles (call or don’t call).

2. You’re just one of the herd; you don’t stand out. The resume makes you look like everyone else, no matter how well written it is, because you are essentially doing the same thing everyone else is doing…seeing a posting online and submitting your resume for that posting.

3. A resume cannot capture the essence of who you are. A resume is meant to capture your work history as well as your accomplishments within that history. So unless all you are is your work, it is only going to describe a snippet of your life.

By and large, I agree with these points. As you will see later on, though, I’m still not sold on bypassing the resume because of them. My position is that the resume is not the problem; it is how the job seeker uses the resume that is.

Nevertheless, the main thread behind the “bypassing the resume” argument, and the one that really gives me pause, is that really great people do not need resumes. So if you want to be a really great person, then you don’t need one either.

Huh?

First of all, what does it mean to be “really great” or “really spectacular”? In the eyes of these professionals, it means to be different, to stand out. Now I personally would debate that a bit. I think there are a lot of ordinary people who have done really spectacular things without really trying to be different or to stand out.

And I would also argue that there are a lot of unique people out there who stand out that don’t seem really great to me. So while I would agree that a job seeker needs to differentiate from the crowd, I would not agree that the main aim of the job seeker should be to be as unique as possible.

Maybe it depends on the goal. Most seekers out there have one aim: to find a job. And many of them want that job to be within corporate America. They aren’t looking to be the next online marketer extraordinaire or infomercial star.

Let’s face it…if ever there was a place that wasn’t keen on unique, it’s corporate America.

So writing a really cool blog or putting together an innovative presentation may definitely get you some notice; it may not get you the job. Remember that most of the people doing the hiring have all jumped through the hoops and earned their stripes. They aren’t always receptive to those who don’t.

Therefore, a job seeker needs to be astute and tactful…know when to take that risk and be that breathe of fresh air but also know how to empathize and fit in. Boy, if you can do that well, you are really spectacular!

Once you get past the “really great people” portion of their argument, however, what it all comes back to is, typically, networking and self-motivation. And on those two points, I would most definitely agree.

A resume doesn’t get you a job. That’s not shocking news, I hope. It’s the job seeker. You determine whether you get a job.

The strategy, the effort, the knowledge, the commitment, and the follow-through you place on the search are what help determine the outcome.

Someone who uses his or network of colleagues and friends, who diversifies his or her approach (not just relying on recruiters and online job postings), and who recognizes that they need to make their target audience feel as if he or she can come in and solve the problems the company faces is the one who will get the job. And you know, it is possible that he or she could do it without a resume.

Here’s an example:

Jon calls up his old colleague, Joe. He tells Joe that he is looking for X position in Y industry. Joe says he happens to know someone who might be looking for that. Joe suggests that they all go to lunch next week to discuss the opportunity. They go to lunch. Jon meets Joe’s friend, Suzy. Suzy is impressed with Jon because he comes prepared. Joe tipped him off to some of the issues that Suzy has been dealing with. So Jon brainstorms a few ideas that might help Suzy out. Suzy likes them, and tells him to call her office to set up another meeting to discuss a working relationship.

No resume needed.

But that’s just one scenario. All of Jon’s job search tactics aren’t going to go that way. Someday, sometime, someone is going to ask for a resume. He can’t very well say, “gee, I have this great blog you can read.”

My real beef with the “bypassing the resume” thing is that it is kind of like the whole “miracle job hunting pill” concept that some people want you to swallow. “Just do this, and your problems are solved!” “You know, if you were really something special, you wouldn’t be a schmuck like everyone else.”

Although job seekers need to understand what a resume can and cannot do, they really need to focus more of their energy on developing a strong strategy for their job search than on trying to get away with not using a tool that can come in handy to them.

I’m not sure I understand the logic in turning your nose up at something that is meant to help you. And although I agree that most job seekers don’t have a clue about how to wield that tool effectively, I think they are capable of learning how.

(But, then again, what do I know, I’m just ordinary like everyone else!)

About the Author

My company is called No Stone Unturned, and I am an MBA and certified professional résumé writer (CPRW). I have been in the career consulting business since 2002 with an additional 8 years of corporate hiring experience. You can check out my website that offers tools such as the No Nonsense Job Search Strategy guide and other Job Search Tips.

Why Would a Job Seeker Use a Temp Agency

Career seekers face the mounting dilemma of trying to improve their skills in an ever changing job market. They also have to compete with hundreds of thousands of other people who are trying to locate quality work.

A job hunter who has someone with the proper connections on their side can improve their chances of not only obtaining a job, but locating one in a place they will enjoy working at. This is why looking for employment through temp agencies is a great idea.

A recruiting agency has access to a database of jobs that may be offered exclusively through the agency. This exclusive job bank will significantly edge out competitors increasing your odds of obtaining the job you want.

Other benefits include:

Skill matching - There is nothing more frustrating than working at an organization where your experience and knowledge are not being applied. By looking for work through recruiting agencies, you can find an employer who actually wants to utilize the skills you possess.

Assessment and Training - HR consulting companies often test prospects to see how they rate in regards to their given skills. They also offer training for people who wish to learn new computer applications or software. This is a particularly priceless too for work at home mothers who may be rusty after years away from the job market. Training courses can also enable people to increase their earning potential and job market value.

Job variety - People who enjoy flexibility and variety will thrive at a temp agency. Not only will they have the ability to work in various companies and environments, they’ll diversify their career portfolio. There are of course, businesses that are looking for long term employees if someone wants something more permanent and stable. If you want a more secure job status, you can ask the human resource consulting representative if they have clients that offer temp to perm contracts.

Temp to perm contracts - with a temp to perm contract, an employee agrees to work for a period of time for a company so the business can see how well they fit. The contract is usually for ninety days (3 months) after which the company makes a determination as to if the employee is well suited for the job. If they are, the worker is hired on permanently and released from their contract with the temp agency.

Placement at hard to get into companies

The greatest benefit to job seekers who use temp agencies is the fact that these placement firms have access to companies that are often difficult to get into. Even certain fortune five hundred companies may utilize a human resource consulting firm in their bid to locate quality employees. If there is a company in particular you would like work for, your best bet is to call their internal HR department and find out what temp agency they utilize. You can then visit the recruiter’s office to see if there are any available vacancies within that organization.

A word of caution -- while it may be tempting to apply to several different temp agencies, it is far better to find one agency you like and work through them. The reason being is temp agencies look for employees that are reliable. If you prove yourself to be someone who consistently shows up to jobs on time and performs well, you may be considered for a job that offers permanent employment. However, if you sign up for more than one hr consulting facility, you may have to turn down one job to get another-the agency that is continuously put off will they will see you as unreliable and cease to use you. In time, you may run out of job pools to utilize.

If you are smart, and honest, a human resource consulting firm could end up landing you an entry level position at a great company!

About the Author

Temp agency provides temporary staffing, permanent recruiting, and human resource consulting. When looking for information on temporary staffing, consider Drake International.

Networking Can Jump-Start Your Career

here are a number of ways that you can acquire the job you want. You can go the traditional route of finding an ad and applying for the job, or going through the temp agency where you can get your feet wet in certain fields.

But another great way to get a job is through networking. Whether you have a family member who can make recommendations for you, or you join an organization where you get inside tips on companies, meeting the right people help you get you the job you want. Let’s look at some ways you can make networking work for you.

Talk to Your Friends and Family

If you’re really looking to find work and the want ads haven’t been very good to you then you may want to start networking with people that you trust the most: your friends and family. Not only can they surprise you with the information they know, they have your best interest at heart, which is always a plus.

Since your relationship with them is more likely to be casual, you can simply ask if they know of any job leads or people that you can link with for opportunities, without having to worry about being professional. You may just find that by networking close to home, you can find your next job lead in no time.

Join Clubs, Organizations or Advisory Boards

Making strides in a local or national club is another route that you can take to network your way to a great job. For instance, if you’re in the IT field, you might want to join The Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP) to make connections and learn the ins and outs of your field. And if you career choice is accounting, you might want to join the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).

If you’re already a professional in your field and are looking for new opportunities, you can always join the advisory board of one of your local organizations. For instance, if you’re working in the field of communication and want to raise your stakes as a professional, you can vie for a spot on the advisory board of Girl Scouts of America where you will be able to show your community service efforts and meet important people at the same time.

Try Online Networking

A newer form of networking that has proven to be successful in acquiring employment is online social networking. Whether you’re participating in fun sites like Myspace and Facebook, or professional sites like LinkedIn, you will find that many recruiters are locating candidates through this online vehicle. It’s good to research sites that recruiters visit most, check out blogs, and learn the culture before diving in. That way, if you set up a website profile or participate on message boards, you will be able to make the best first impression possible every time.

Networking is a great way to create new opportunities in your field. So conduct your research, make your connections, and get those opportunities started. In no time at all, you’ll see that your efforts will begin to pay off.

About the Author

Heather Eagar is a former professional resume writer and is passionate about providing working professionals with current, reliable and effective job search tools and information. Looking for resume writers? Check out reviews of the top resume services in the industry at http://www.resumelines.com

Is Fear of Failure Holding You Back From Freelance Success?

Necessity. It’s the Mother of Invention. Necessity is typically followed by action of some sort. It also brings about motivation, and together with discomfort, the three are key factors in determining your success as a freelancer.

Fear often causes paralysis, and is a significant hindrance to your success. Unfortunately, discomfort often causes fear. So are you doomed for failure if you’re afraid? Not necessarily, because discomfort can also create a sense of necessity.

There are usually two classes of freelancers: Those who want to freelance, and are starting out by taking on some side projects while holding down a full-time job, and those who have either been fired, laid off, quit their jobs or can’t find a job, and are freelancing not only because they want to, but because they have no choice if they want to survive. Which group do you think is going to achieve quicker success?

My goal here is not to paint a rosy picture of the power of positive thinking. While I do believe those ideas and practices hold merit, I’m here to point out some facts that will make sense to you and hopefully allow you to move forward with a successful freelance or consulting career.

If you are starting out as a freelancer, you have to have a strong motivation to succeed. Those of you with steady jobs: You may have a strong motivation to succeed, but I would argue that for most of you, that motivation isn’t as strong as someone who has found themselves out of work and is freelancing to put food on the table. That’s because you have some level of comfort in your life. You know that your next paycheck is coming, regardless of whether you land a new project in the next month or not. Necessity is the driving force behind the motivation of the group that is out of work. They take action every single day because it’s necessary for them to do so if they want to feed their families.

For you to succeed, you must take action. If you’re fearful of failing, you may be stalling without realizing it. Having that comfort zone allows you to be afraid and inactive, but it is also holding you back from realizing your dreams. I’m not advocating for you to quit your day job. I’m asking you to step outside of your comfort zone and take action. Take advantage of every single bad day you have at work. If you want to quit and freelance full-time, there must be a reason. You must not be completely happy with your current situation, or you’d probably stay there. So take advantage of every little ounce of discomfort that comes your way, and allow it to motivate you to take action. Is your boss giving you a hard time? Let yourself feel like it’s absolutely necessary that you be able to quit your job in less than a month, and take action every single day towards that goal.

Identify what you’re afraid of that might be holding you back, and take action by finding a solution. Afraid of not having health insurance? There are plenty of companies that offer that and numerous other benefits to independent consultants, such as MBO Partners. Fearful of not being able to find clients? Join your local Chamber of Commerce, attend some networking events. Do a couple of pro-bono jobs to build your portfolio, and get some testimonials from those clients.

Challenge yourself to do one small thing every single day that is a bit out of your comfort zone, and will get you closer to reaching your goals. Ask any highly successful person how they did it, and they’ll tell you they kept getting back up and trying again every time they failed. The only difference between them and you is that they kept taking action in the face of fear, and the face of failure.

About the Author

Angela Stringfellow is a marketing communications consultant and an MBO Partners associate. Visit their website, http://www.mbopartners.com

Writing a Great Federal Resume

A federal resume is a tool for gaining or advancing one’s career in the government arena. At its core, it is similar to the standard private sector resume. However key differences exist in the type and amount of information provided. Therefore, in order to be successful with federal employment, it is necessary to be mindful of these differences.

Unlike the private sector, federal resumes are reviewed by people rather than software. Further, these individuals are seeking information that demonstrates that the application has direct knowledge or experience of the position he/she has applied for. Therefore, it is necessary to review the specific job announcement for the skills and knowledge required. A resume that speaks directly to the skills and duties of the position and uses key words related to the position is most effective. It should use previous experiences, often accompanied by quantifiable results and accomplishments, to directly show that a candidate can perform the duties of the position being applied for.

Information in a federal resume is most commonly presented in chronological format. However, a candidate’s educational history should be listed prior to the individual’s work history. The highest level of education attained should be listed first followed by earlier schooling including high school. If college coursework has been completed, but a degree was not received, the number of course hours completed should be indicated. Further, the work history should be listed in reverse order with most recent experience listed first. Finally, the resume should cover the candidate’s work history for at least the last 10 years.

Once the content of the resume is drafted, it is necessary to ensure that it is properly formatted. The resume is usually in a commonly accepted font such as Times New Roman or Arial with the main text in 11 point type. The margins of the document should be no less than 1 inch. Given the amount of information to be conveyed, a federal resume, which averages 3 to 5 pages in length, is typically longer than the private sector resume.

There are several key pieces of information that must be included on a federal resume that are not typically utilized on a private sector resume. The first of these is the placement of the announcement number, title, and grade of the job being applied for at the beginning of the resume. Additionally, it is necessary for the candidate to include his/her social security number and veteran’s preference. For each position listed on the resume the number of hours worked per week and the hourly or annual salary of the position should be indicated. Further, if it was a government position, the GS numbers and grades for current or past federal jobs. Finally, the supervisor’s name, phone number, and address for each position on the resume should be provided; whether the recruiter has the candidate’s permission to contact the supervisor must also be indicated. If a candidate specifies that a recruiter does not have permission to contact a supervisor listed on the resume, it is suggested that this issue be addressed in the cover letter that accompanies the resume.

In addition to the formal resume above, candidates for federal employment typically need to address knowledge, skill, and abilities (KSA) factors indicated in the job announcements on separate attachments submitted with the resume.

By observing a few stylistic and information differences, candidates for government employment can create a resume that speaks strongly to their abilities to perform the duties of the job to which they are applying.

About the Author

Jason Kay recommends visiting KSADoctor.com to learn lots more information relating to federal government job applications. They can assist with federal resume writing, KSA writing, and more.

Writing a Great Federal Resume

A federal resume is a tool for gaining or advancing one’s career in the government arena. At its core, it is similar to the standard private sector resume. However key differences exist in the type and amount of information provided. Therefore, in order to be successful with federal employment, it is necessary to be mindful of these differences.

Unlike the private sector, federal resumes are reviewed by people rather than software. Further, these individuals are seeking information that demonstrates that the application has direct knowledge or experience of the position he/she has applied for. Therefore, it is necessary to review the specific job announcement for the skills and knowledge required. A resume that speaks directly to the skills and duties of the position and uses key words related to the position is most effective. It should use previous experiences, often accompanied by quantifiable results and accomplishments, to directly show that a candidate can perform the duties of the position being applied for.

Information in a federal resume is most commonly presented in chronological format. However, a candidate’s educational history should be listed prior to the individual’s work history. The highest level of education attained should be listed first followed by earlier schooling including high school. If college coursework has been completed, but a degree was not received, the number of course hours completed should be indicated. Further, the work history should be listed in reverse order with most recent experience listed first. Finally, the resume should cover the candidate’s work history for at least the last 10 years.

Once the content of the resume is drafted, it is necessary to ensure that it is properly formatted. The resume is usually in a commonly accepted font such as Times New Roman or Arial with the main text in 11 point type. The margins of the document should be no less than 1 inch. Given the amount of information to be conveyed, a federal resume, which averages 3 to 5 pages in length, is typically longer than the private sector resume.

There are several key pieces of information that must be included on a federal resume that are not typically utilized on a private sector resume. The first of these is the placement of the announcement number, title, and grade of the job being applied for at the beginning of the resume. Additionally, it is necessary for the candidate to include his/her social security number and veteran’s preference. For each position listed on the resume the number of hours worked per week and the hourly or annual salary of the position should be indicated. Further, if it was a government position, the GS numbers and grades for current or past federal jobs. Finally, the supervisor’s name, phone number, and address for each position on the resume should be provided; whether the recruiter has the candidate’s permission to contact the supervisor must also be indicated. If a candidate specifies that a recruiter does not have permission to contact a supervisor listed on the resume, it is suggested that this issue be addressed in the cover letter that accompanies the resume.

In addition to the formal resume above, candidates for federal employment typically need to address knowledge, skill, and abilities (KSA) factors indicated in the job announcements on separate attachments submitted with the resume.

By observing a few stylistic and information differences, candidates for government employment can create a resume that speaks strongly to their abilities to perform the duties of the job to which they are applying.

About the Author

Jason Kay recommends visiting KSADoctor.com to learn lots more information relating to federal government job applications. They can assist with federal resume writing, KSA writing, and more.

How to Make Your Drawings Realistic

Learning how to make your art more realistic may be easier than you think. The first thing you do, is to begin to see objects in this world as simple shapes. About 80 percent of art is thinking and seeing things like an artist. The other 20 percent is technical skill. There are a handful of basic shapes. These are, circle, square, rectangle, and triangle. As you look at the screen of your computer monitor to read this article, you can boil down the computer monitor as a square.

Now, taking this further into a 3 D world, the circle becomes are ball or sphere, the square becomes a cube, the rectangle becomes a rectangular cube or cylinder and the triangle becomes a pyramid. So as you begin to draw animals, flowers, bodies, and faces of people, you basically first draw out the basic shapes. These shapes are a lot easier to draw and put down on paper than trying to draw all of the complex details all at once.

For example, if you’re drawing a portrait of a person, you draw out the basic shapes. Then, after you’ve got the shapes, you work on the shading. Shading is the magic behind your realistic drawings. Shading is what makes your drawing come to life from 2 D to 3 D. There are different types of shading techniques. One of them is crosshatching.

One of the most important things in drawing and illustration is crosshatching. Crosshatching is shading with two or more sets of intersecting parallel lines. These are graded markings that indicate shaded and light areas in your drawings or paintings.

When you learn the basics of drawing, it will show in your quality of drawings and art. This takes a great amount of practice, especially if you’ve never done this before. To practice, create a column of about 5 blocks. With a 2B pencil, make the last block on the right as dark as possible. On the other end, you want to keep that block white. In between, you create a graduation from dark to light.

As you do this notice how you lighten up on the pressure of the pencil as you increase the lightness of the value. Start by doing a linear cross hatch. Make your lines as close together as possible. Go slow. Don’t try to rush. Take your time and do it right. Lines can be crosshatched in four different directions; horizontal, vertical and 2 diagonals. For light tones, use only two different directions. For darker tones, you want to use all four directions.

After you’ve done that, repeat. Try it with spacing the lines wider apart. Also, try it by spacing the lines closer together. You can also change the pencils to a 2 H or a 6 B to see how different your results will be. Keep your pencils sharpened. If your pencils are dull, you’ll also get different results. Be sure to do this slow and take your time. You want your hand to be able to be accurate and precise. This takes time and practice.

Creating realistic drawings and illustrations can be fun and profitable. Shading and crosshatching are just two key elements of creating realistic drawings. Remember, the key to getting good is practice, practice and more practice. Also don't forget to have fun with this.

About the Author

For more information on how to draw and access free art lessons visit John Sandy at http://www.JohnSandy.net

3 Ways to Find the Perfect College

Now you have determined to advance your education? No matter whether you graduate from high school or else have decided again to go to school in order to earn college degree, then there are lots of options out there. But, what is accurate for one individual is not necessarily right option for everybody. Thus how to find right college? Here are some simple steps that you may take to realize what is best option for you & your career:

Find degree program, which interests you

Though there are simple steps, all need some amount of investigation. You have to research what kind of program that you are been interested in studying. Begin with profession, which interests you and expand on profession that you are in. By using different tools, like Occupational Handbook, you may find average education rank, salary & work situation for different vocations. Pick out some of professions, which you think you are interested in, & move on to next step.

Find & study colleges with the programs

When you decide what type of degree you would like to pursue, then you have to find right college. One simple way to look for right college is to make use of college search engines. The college search engines are used to search accessible programs at all colleges over that country. Loads of college search engines have online programs of degree that are at times hard to find. A few college search engines let you look for by the zip code and state thus you may find schools located in your area.

Narrow your choices down to some colleges that interest you. Check out the programs & degree program. Look at all required classes that you should take & compare to classes you want to take. Check out different student services that college needs to present. Do they give any student discounts and online classes? What about electronic library? You will find many online sources obtainable in this age of technology. And are they near by in nearness to your house? Try and use search engine, which allows you search by the zip code and state. Ask some simple questions to decide which college is correct for you.

Ask for the information

Determining on where you can get college degree is easy as asking question. If your questions are not answered then ask the representative. The college representatives will be very happy to answer al your questions and inform you regarding their college. Lots of different degree courses have some online forms, which are obtainable to fill out & get more information. Also you can call and e-mail representative to find more info & set up the appointment with adviser to observe which college program will fit best to you.

When you go to college, you will get many options. Research every degree program, and look at diverse colleges, read articles regarding education or ask friends who already have attended colleges to learn what kind of degree program & college will best suits your requirements.

About the Author

Compare student credit cards and find more of Tom's work all at FINDcollegecards.com.

Choosing Your Dream Career

The path to finding the career of your dreams can sometimes feel so daunting. To make matters worse, it can seem that while you struggle to figure out just what it is you want to do, others have the good fortune of recognizing and living out their dreams everyday.

But rest assured that these people are by far in the minority. So if you’re a part of the majority and are trying to figure out how to do what you absolutely love – or even figure out what you love – there are ways you can get this done. Let’s look at ways you can move toward settling into your dream career …

Look at What Sparks Your Interests

Okay, this is going to take a lot of nerve on your part, but if you want to find your dream career, you’re going to have to go after what you like. Scary, right? You’ve spent so much of your life doing what others have wanted you to do that it’s hard to believe that you are actually allowed to do what is interesting to you. But you are.

Think about it, there are people making a living playing their favorite instrument, dressing up in makeup and “clowning around” or going the traditional route of joining the ranks of Corporate America – and you can do it too. The main way for you to accomplish this goal is to take note of the projects you absolutely love then explore ways to turn that love into a tangible career.

Take Personality Tests

This may sound like an unorthodox route to take, but if you really want to tap into a career that suites you specifically, there are tests you can take to help you determine, based on your interests, what careers would be best suited for you. Two tests you can take online are the Keirsey Temperament Sorter and Ansir Self-Perception tests.

The Keirsey Temperament Sorter is the most widely-used personality test in the world. By looking at your temperament, communication and action characteristics, it helps you determine your organization, career, and personal development attributes. The Ansir Self-Perception test is another personality test that is widely used. It was created to help you identify your dominant strengths and innate potential so that you can quickly move toward what best suits your personality. Both of these tests work well to give you insight into aspects of your personality that you may not have been aware of. But most importantly, they help you correlate those personality traits with various career options, helping to make finding your dream career a little easier.

Try Temporary Work

A third way that you can make strides toward your dream career is by taking on temporary work. Whether you’re linking up with the traditional temporary agency for clerical work, or one that focuses on specific professions, this is a great way to test the waters of different careers without having to commit permanently to any.

The more you’re willing to get out there and search, the more likely you are to find what it is you really love. So don’t be afraid to go after your dream job. You may find it to be the best decision you’ve ever made.

About the Author

Heather Eagar is a former professional resume writer who is passionate about providing working professionals with current, reliable and effective job search tools and information. Need a resume service? Check out reviews of the top resume services in the industry at http://www.resumelines.com

Becoming A Freelance Computer Programmer

Usually, when a student or prospective computer programmer envisions working in the field, they think of working for a company, the government, or some other formal entity as a direct employee, enjoying the perceived security and benefits of working for an established entity. For some, working outside of the office as a freelance computer programmer is a terrifying prospect. For others, confident in their skills and attracted to the prospect of flexibility and higher compensation, it's the ticket to a whole new ballgame. Freelance programming is an avenue that offers significantly higher pay coupled with very flexible hours. These individuals, working as freelance programmers, accept short-term (or less than permanent positions, in any event) from a variety of companies that employ them to complete specific projects. For them, the higher pay and flexibility is too attractive to resist. And when you factor in the opportunities to both apply your skills in a number of environments and gain very valuable experience, and the chance to earn outstanding compensation; it's easy to see why many make this their preferred career path.

So why do companies hire freelance programmers? One reason companies hire freelance programmers is that even though freelancers usually charge more money on an hourly basis than employees, the company still saves money. Freelancers only receive payment for time spent working on a software development project and their services can be discontinued at any time. Many freelancers provide their own hardware and software. Also, they do not receive employee benefits which are usually quite expensive. Another reason companies use freelance programmers is that freelance programmers are expected to be able to complete projects faster and more efficiently than employees. Above all these, contract programmers get hired to perform programming work that companies do not have the in-house talent to accomplish. Some companies do not have any in-house programmers or they may need special technical skills for an application development project.

Now that you've decided to become a freelance programmer, where do you start? The first area to work on is your programming knowledge and skills. As a freelance programmer, your clients will consider you an advisor and consultant. You need to be able to answer difficult questions that may rise up along the way during the project. Your clients will not provide on the job training. It is imperative that you gain expert level skill in the technologies that you specialize in. Start by browsing the online knowledge bases for computer languages. These usually contain everything you need to know about how the language works. You can also visit online programming forums and communities to learn tips and tricks. A good place to look is www.becomeacomputerprogrammer.com. Invest in developing strong technical skills and it will definitely pay off in your client referrals and testimonials.

Build a customer base – "The hardest thing is to get started." Says Lisa, a web developer in Huntington Beach, CA. "It's really slow to start, and you need to stick with it for a while before you can actually feed yourself." That's the reality of being a freelancer – most often, you're the one responsible for lining up work for yourself. For some, chasing opportunity and building their business is exciting all by itself. For others, it's drudgery. A good strategy to follow is to build that customer base before you leave your regular job, so that once you're on your own you have an existing base of customers and work to support yourself as you expand that base of business.

In conclusion there are distinct advantages and disadvantages to working as a freelance programmer. If you prefer the "security" of having a steady paycheck or dislike the idea of running your own business, then freelancing may not be for you. Working as a freelancer involves doing your own accounting, purchasing health insurance and managing your productivity carefully. If you don't want to be responsible for these, then consider full time employment. On the other hand, if you are excited at the thought of being able to control where and when you work, charge more for your services while creating a successful business, you should definitely give freelance programming a try.

About the Author

Ken Dancek considers the role of the Computer Programmer the hottest in the Information Technology industry. If you would like to earn more money and have more fun working as a Computer Programmer visit: http://www.becomeacomputerprogrammer.net/?s=kendancek

Measuring Your Level of Competency at Your Job

Motivation is the individual’s willingness to exert effort to achieve specific goals. Psychologist Abraham Maslow theorized that a heirarchy of needs motivate people

1. psychological
2. safety
3. belonging
4. esteem
5. self-actualization.

According to his theory, individuals are motivated by the needs located a step above the minimum needs that are fulfilled. Once a set of needs have been fulfilled, they are not likely to get fulfillment from needs at lower levels. People are also not likely to get motivated by an environment that will fulfill needs at a high level when their low level needs have not yet been fulfilled.

According to Frederick Herzberg, an employee’s motivation is affected by factors like recognition, achievement, recognition, challenges, quality of work content, growth, and advancement. Factors like the administration, salary, and company policies produce dissatisfaction. Herzberg figured out that there are other factors needed to keep employees from being demotivated and to produce an environment that will motivate them. These factors affect the policies and administration, the supervision received during the job, interpersonal relations, working conditions, salary, and security. Although these do not necessarily make employees more motivated, it decreases dissatisfaction and brings peace and order to the workplace.

Job satisfaction is a multifaceted and complex notion that means different things to different individuals. Although job satisfaction is linked to motivation, the relationship between the two is not very clear because satisfaction is very different from motivation. Job satisfaction has more to do with a person’s attitude and is typically associated with a feeling of achievement. The relationship between job satisfaction and individual performance is still an issue of controversy and differing opinions. One view says that satisfaction leads to improved performance, whereas another says performance leads to better job satisfaction.

Individual performance is typically determined by three different factors: motivation, ability, and work environment and information needed to get the job done. Motivation is the desire to do the job, and ability is the person’s capability to do the job. Medical students go through rigorous education and training programs to provide them with the ability to handle various cases. During their residency they receive training from the best doctors in their required field. Ability is not usually a problem. But when motivation becomes the issue, the task is more challenging. It’s not often easy to figure out why a person is not motivated enough and how this behavior can be changed. Thus, motivation plays an important part since it directly affects individual performance.

Respect can be shown by simple but powerful actions. These tips will give you ideas on how you might show respect at work while helping you avoid needless disrespect.

Encourage your coworkers to express their ideas and listen to what they have to say before you say what you think. Do not cut off someone while he or she is still speaking.

Use your coworkers’ ideas to improve work. Let them know if their idea has been used, or encourage that person to implement the idea.

Treat your coworkers equally, no matter what their gender, religion, race, age, or size is. Treating people differently based on these can constitute as harassment.

Make sure your coworkers are involved in all meetings, discussions, and events. Although not everyone can take a lead role in these activities, make sure nobody is excluded either. Provide equal opportunities for all to be a part of committees or teams.

About the Author

Jon Caldwell is a professional content manager. Much of his articles can be found at http://effectivemedicaljobmotivation.com

IT Qualifications – What Can You Achieve?

IT is now an integral part of almost every aspect of modern life. It is an astonishing fact that around 21 million people in the UK use IT at work each day, while the IT industry itself is responsible for the design, development, manufacture, selling, installation and maintenance of computer-based information systems in everything from laptops to power-stations. There are an estimated 1.1 million IT professionals in the UK, distributed between around 120,000 IT companies and other industries, such as finance, the public sector, transport, storage, banking and communications. In addition, the services supplied by these professionals have a significant effect on the country’s economy, being worth an estimated £57,000 million per year.

London and the South East employ around 40% of new graduates, where Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales account for only around 11% of the workforce. The average starting salary for a new graduate is around £30,000 with more experienced graduates and those aligning directly to large organizations being able to command more. The most common jobs in IT for new graduates include software engineering, IT consultancy, computer programming, systems analysis, computer analysis and computer operations management. As well as requiring IT skills, these posts also require problem-solving and strong communication skills, with the ability to work as part of a team.

The IT industry invests more in training than any other industry in the UK. The type of IT training depends on the aims of the business or company that a graduate is working for, but it is usually based in working with new technology. However, many graduates and professionals take it upon themselves to learn new IT skills to further their chances in the industry. There are training courses in most aspects of IT, including desktop support technicians, design and development courses, database server infrastructure design and professional developer qualifications. The industry seems to favour those with extra qualifications and these can lead to higher wages and longer IT careers. Courses are certified by most of the large operators, including Microsoft, Cisco, CompTIA, CIW, Computeach, IC3 and Adobe.

There is a current trend in the UK IT industry for out-sourcing and off-shoring work; around 8% of IT operations are out-sourced overseas, pointing to a significant IT skills gap in the UK. Some companies have reported delays in the development of new products and services directly as a result of this. As the link between a lack of qualified professionals and product-delay becomes more evident, there has been a drive for more innovation and investment into IT training. Business projects that do not use IT in some shape or form are now in a significant minority, with companies now willing to spend more on new IT systems and professionals to maintain them. In the advent of this IT-driven age, even the government is looking for fully-qualified recruits to develop complex IT infrastructures for new ventures, such as the introduction of national ID cards and the smooth operations behind the 2012 Olympics.

IT has not only seen the dawn of a new era in business and commerce, but it looks to be a vital component of our everyday lives for the foreseeable future.

About the Author

Karl Parkinson, Chairman. Computeach - With over 40 years of experience in the IT Training Industry, Computeach provides innovative and truly blended learning solutions to a wide range of customers. For more information visit - http://www.computeach.co.uk/ For interviews, images or comments contact: Rosie Guise Marketing Computeach International Ltd Phone: 01384 458515 Email: rosie.guise@computeach.co.uk

How to Market Yourself in a Tough Economic Climate?

Companies are inundated with CV's on a daily basis, how easy do you think it is to get through the screening process? There is no doubt that these days it's getting even harder than before. One of the best skills you can learn is how to market yourself.....

Marketing yourself will get you a lot further and a lot faster. When you go for a job you are marketing yourself but you are also selling the most difficult product to sell - you, that's why getting a job is so tough. It's actually much easier marketing products and services to people who want your products and services than it is to get a job. Because there are so many people out there looking at the same jobs and opportunities, you have to outsell the other person. You have to equip yourself with the best strategy, the best preparation and skills required to market you as the product, demonstrating clear benefits to the prospective employer. Remember you are the product/service that needs to convince people to buy!!

SWOT Analysis on yourself

This is an important first step, just like you were going to plan a new product/service to the market you will need to understand various factors. Without doing this due-diligence in the first place I am sure you will fail to penetrate the market successfully. You need to sit down and consider the following:

* What are your talents? (features of a product)
* What benefits will you bring to your new employer? (Benefits of the product)
* What is your focus?
* Where would you like to be in 2, 5 and 10 years time?
* What are your weaknesses? How will this impact your effectiveness?

How can you turn these into positives?

Develop a Strategy

This is very important; again you would not launch a product and/or new service without developing a strategy. From your point of view you need to sit down and be clear on what it is you're looking for, you're areas of flexibility and your dream job!

How can I develop a strategy? You should look at the market, are you interested in competitors? Who are they? Do you know the type of company you are looking to join? The type of sector? The culture? These all need to be considered.

You need to decide which potential agencies to engage with, don't just engage with everyone. Pick suppliers who are targeted to specific markets and have a real knowledge of their sector. Research job boards, make sure you understand which ones offer the most opportunities with your skills and look into networking sites. This is a great way to make connections with hiring managers/companies directly (http://www.linkedin.com , http://www.xing.com & http://www.ecademy.com are my favourites.)

The Basics: But forget them at your peril!!

Make sure you're CV is 100% accurate in terms of spelling, grammar and punctuation. This is the first way you can turn off a prospective customer. Would you buy a product that looked faulty or the packaging was messy/information was spelt wrong or inaccurate - I doubt it!

Make sure you have your CV proof read by others, the layout is impeccable, to the point and contains killer content that stands out. Not just I did this, I did that etc etc. You need to make sure it demonstrates real value throughout, like a brochure that would tempt someone to buy a product / service.

What you can do in your current job to help

Make sure that you constantly have a focus and plan as to where you want to go and be. Then you can align your skills towards that route, if you are looking to move in different directions look into training, self development and qualifications. Additional extra's to your profile will always help your CV and find out what your customers (potential employer) actually want to see on a CV.

Remember, when you have products and services that people want, marketing to them is easy, it will also mean you will then have more people coming to you as your skills will be in demand.

Be-Proactive

This is key to marketing yourself, as above you can help yourself get found but combine this with a pro-active approach and you will get where you want to go so much faster. Make connections on the job currently (you never know where you're boss will end up), facilitate the networking sites, research who you want to work for and go out there and get them. Don't rely on agencies and don't blame them if you don't get where you want to go - THIS IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY! Agencies can help you and use them as a tool, but make sure you act yourself. Remember a multi-communication approach is far more effective than relying on one avenue.

The Sales Stage

So you have got several interviews lined up - you have managed to market yourself successfully to this point and know you're really embarking on the crunch stage which will be the interview. This is getting you close closing the sale.

To prepare for this make sure you do the following:

* Thoroughly research your audience (company & individuals)
* Practice interviewing with members of the family, friends and/or a professional interviewer
* Read interview techniques & prospective questions, have all the answers in your head for any eventuality
* Make sure you are immaculately presented
* Remember to focus on your impact / initial impression - people form opinions of others within the first 10 seconds of meeting
* Remember to talk clearly, succinctly, to the point and with examples (your features and benefits)
* Build rapport and smile - this can go a long way

Hopefully all of the above has given you a useful insight into how you can market yourself to be successful in this tough economic climate - to stand out of the crowd you need to market yourself effectively. Without doing this you as a product / service may be left on the scrapheap.

About the Author

Edwin Abl is a Director of Consegna UK which is a leading recruitment consultancy specialising in jobs in Management Consulting and the Technology sectors.