http://jobs.aol.com/articles AOL Jobs http://o.aolcdn.com/os/careers/images/AOL_jobs_logo.png http://jobs.aol.com/articles en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/05/24/survive-the-interview-from-hell/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/05/24/survive-the-interview-from-hell/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/05/24/survive-the-interview-from-hell/#commentsBy Larry Buhl

Is it not enough to have a resume bursting with accomplishments, an action plan for how you can benefit the company and a winning interview style to land the job? Now, you're also expected to answer brain teaser questions? Seriously?

Seriously. "This trend toward asking off-the-wall questions started in high tech a few years ago and has now emerged in interviews for jobs in a variety of fields," says John O'Connor, president of North Carolina-based CareerPro Inc., a professional career-coaching and branding company.

These questions are often brain teasers and can be anything from a complex, multilayered math and logic problem to a wacky question with no real answer. Some examples include:

• How many rocks are on the face of the moon?
• How many jellybeans can fit into a gallon jar?
• Why are manhole covers round instead of square?
• How many pounds of breakfast cereal are sold in the U.S. every year?
• What are the decimal equivalents of 5/16 and 7/16?

]]>job interviewjob interview from helljob interview mistakesjob interview questionsjob interview tipsCareerBuilder2013-05-24T09:30:00+00:00http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/05/20/noisiest-occupations-hearing/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/05/20/noisiest-occupations-hearing/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/05/20/noisiest-occupations-hearing/#commentsBy Beth Braccio Hering

A loud work environment isn't just annoying and stressful -- it can have long-term consequences. According to Audicus Hearing Aids, an estimated 30 million Americans are exposed to hazardous noise on the job, and up to 60 percent of workers in certain fields experience hearing loss by age 50.

Audicus Hearing Aids compiled a list of high-risk occupations. Some are what you'd expect -- anyone who has ever passed a worker using a jackhammer has wondered how that person tolerates the noise -- but quite a few may surprise you.]]>agricultureAudicuscarpentryconstructiondeaffire fightinghearing lossjobsmanufacturingmilitaryminingnoiseplumbingworst jobsCareerBuilder2013-05-20T07:26:00+00:00http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/05/17/quiz-admin-support-positions/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/05/17/quiz-admin-support-positions/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/05/17/quiz-admin-support-positions/#commentsBy Susan Ricker

Office and administrative support workers are in nearly every industry and are responsible for a variety of tasks that help keep a business running smoothly. Most jobs require a high school diploma or equivalent and can serve as a gateway to a career in a desired field. You may be considering an office or administrative support job for the first time or looking for another option that's better suited to your strengths. Take this quiz to discover which role is right for you.]]>administrative supportbookkeeperclerkscustomer servicefinancehigh school degreejobsmediaquizreceptionistCareerBuilder2013-05-17T07:38:00+00:00http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/05/13/temp-work-smart-move/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/05/13/temp-work-smart-move/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/05/13/temp-work-smart-move/#commentsBy Robert Half International

Temporary work is a career option chosen by thousands of professionals each day. This arrangement can present a rich variety of engagements that allow you to hone existing skills and develop new ones, and it exposes you to a diverse set of individuals -- critical for building your network.

Working as a temporary professional also can ease financial concerns. You can afford to be more selective about the full-time opportunities you pursue if you are generating income through interim work.

And a temporary role may be ideal for professionals who want to spend more time with their families or focus on a hobby or other interest.

]]>job huntingjob search advicelow wage jobstemporary jobsCareerBuilder2013-05-13T07:29:00+00:00http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/05/13/8-jobs-outdoors/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/05/13/8-jobs-outdoors/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/05/13/8-jobs-outdoors/#commentsBy Larry Buhl

Spring has arrived, and with it comes longing glances from office windows as employees dream of a chance to work away from fluorescent lights and cubicle warrens. If you're considering a career change and want it to involve fresh air, here are eight occupations that can be done, at least partly, in the great outdoors.]]>jobsoutdoor jobsspringCareerBuilder2013-05-13T06:31:00+00:00http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/05/08/changing-careers-after-50/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/05/08/changing-careers-after-50/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/05/08/changing-careers-after-50/#commentsBy Tony Lewis, Senior Recruiting Specialist, Insperity

Are you a professional over the age of 50 who is trapped in a job that doesn't meet financial needs or is out of sync with your personality, character or mind? It's not that you are unappreciated or taken for granted. You still have dreams, and your current employment situation is just no longer fulfilling. You are a clever person with substantial skills, and nothing has stopped you from exploring new paths in the past. So don't let anything stop you from refocusing yourself now.

I am an example of someone who, five years ago, found himself wanting to change careers. I entered the workforce as a teacher and spent the next nine years learning and growing in this profession. But after my wife and I began our family, I decided that I needed to be in a profession that allowed me to earn more money. So I took the leap and went into sales. I found that many of my skills as a successful teacher were easily adaptable to a sales career, thus making my transition easier than I imagined.]]>career changechanging careershow i did itjob huntingnetworkingnew-careerSelf-AssessmentCareerBuilder2013-05-08T08:00:00+00:00http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/05/06/working-with-recruiter-tips/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/05/06/working-with-recruiter-tips/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/05/06/working-with-recruiter-tips/#commentsBy KELLY SERVICES

Using the industry knowledge and networks of recruiters can be a critical component of any job search. A professional recruiter can offer career advice, inside knowledge of your target industry or company, compensation guidance and "cultural fit" insight on prospective employers.

With the right recruiter you can:

Avoid the general inbox: Recruiters have relationships with human resources and hiring managers, so your résumé goes directly to them, not a "job response inbox" containing hundreds of résumés.
Access unadvertised opportunities: Recruiters often know about and fill positions well before they are advertised.
Gain valuable insight regarding company culture: A good recruiter should be able to tell you about the company culture and what to expect from individual interviewers on your schedule.
Get your own advocate: As an advocate, a recruiter can present you in the best way, provide feedback and follow-up, and provide assistance through the negotiation and hiring process.]]>job interviewjob interview attirejob interview tipsjob searchJobInterviewTipsrecruitersCareerBuilder2013-05-06T08:50:00+00:00http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/05/06/buck-the-trend-against-working-from-home/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/05/06/buck-the-trend-against-working-from-home/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/05/06/buck-the-trend-against-working-from-home/#comments

By Larry Buhl

Yahoo's recent ban on telecommuting -- an effort meant to "raise employee morale"-- raises questions about the possible downsides of work-from-home jobs. Statistics from the Telework Research Network show that half of the U.S. workforce has jobs that are compatible with at least part-time telecommuting, and nearly eight in 10 employees would like to work from home. But if being out of sight also means being out of mind, telecommuting might not be worth the benefits.

Experts agree that working from home does not necessarily stall careers. But they do have several recommendations for determining whether it's right for your situation and how to make it benefit you and your employer.]]>beneficial to your employerbuck the trendMarissa Mayertelecommutingworking from homeyahooCareerBuilder2013-05-06T08:06:00+00:00http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/05/03/20-companies-hiring-in-may/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/05/03/20-companies-hiring-in-may/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/05/03/20-companies-hiring-in-may/#commentsBy Debra Auerbach

College graduation season is here, and as students don their caps and gowns, they're thinking ahead to what's next -- whether it's going back to school, starting a career or taking another life direction. Those that are entering the workforce may not always know where to begin. A good place to start is by tapping their college's career center or alumni network. If they know what kind of job they want, they should search online job sites to see what's available.

To help college grads -- or any type of job seeker -- with their search, here is a list of 20 companies hiring now.]]>companies hiringemploymentemployment opportunitiesjob openingslooking for workNow HiringCareerBuilder2013-05-03T08:00:00+00:00http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/04/30/things-not-to-say-work/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/04/30/things-not-to-say-work/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/04/30/things-not-to-say-work/#commentsBy Beth Braccio Hering

Don't tarnish your reputation by making whiny, haughty or untrue statements. Remember, silence can be golden -- especially if it prevents you from uttering one of these potentially career-damaging phrases:]]>boredethicsetiquettethings not to say at workwhat not to sayCareerBuilder2013-04-30T08:55:00+00:00http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/04/29/wage-gap-study/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/04/29/wage-gap-study/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/04/29/wage-gap-study/#commentsBy Debra Auerbach

Women have made great strides when it comes to their participation in the workforce, but from an earnings perspective they still lag behind. According to a new study from CareerBuilder and Economic Modeling Specialists Intl., on average, women earn nearly $24,000 less than men, with men earning $68,300 annually and women making $44,400 a year.

The income gap may be in part due to men holding more leadership roles than women. The vast majority -- 83 percent -- of CEOs today are men. A separate CareerBuilder and Harris Interactive study also found that 28 percent of men say they aspire to be in a C-level position (CEO, CFO, CMO, etc.) at some point in their career, while only 16 percent of women have that goal.]]>gender gapglass ceilinginequalitypay inequalitywage gapCareerBuilder2013-04-29T08:22:00+00:00http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/04/26/health-care-careers-degree/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/04/26/health-care-careers-degree/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/04/26/health-care-careers-degree/#commentsBy Jason Lovelace, president of CareerBuilder Healthcare

Many industries were hit hard by the recession and are still struggling to rebound. Yet the health care sector not only made it through the economic downturn relatively unscathed, it experienced growth. This growth has no sign of slowing down -- the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the U.S. will add 5.6 million health care jobs from 2010 to 2020, the largest projected increase of any industry.

Why the industry is booming: Americans are living longer than ever before, and as the population ages, the demand for medical care will only continue to increase. Also, since at its core health care is about patient care, most jobs need to be performed in person and can't be automated or replaced by technology.

Employers need workers at all levels: Yet even though health care workers are in demand, employers often struggle to find the right people to fill open positions. This may be in part due to a misconception that all health care jobs require decades of education and training, potentially discouraging job seekers from entering the field. The fact is that employers are in need of workers across all levels and functions.

The following 11 heath care jobs don't require a four-year college degree to enter the profession and have experienced the most growth in the field since 2010*. For some of the jobs listed, two-year degrees or other certifications may be necessary, while others call for various levels of on-the-job training (such as short term or moderate term).]]>fast-growing careersgrowthhealthcarerecesionsalaryCareerBuilder2013-04-26T08:13:00+00:00http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/04/24/work-stress-solutions/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/04/24/work-stress-solutions/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/04/24/work-stress-solutions/#commentsBy Susan Ricker

Between commutes, budgets, client demands and deadlines, it's no wonder work can be a huge source of stress. More than three quarters of workers are feeling the pressure, too: An overwhelming 77 percent of workers say they are sometimes or always burned out in their jobs, according to a CareerBuilder survey. How can you tell what's worth stressing over and what's not such a big deal? Here are some common areas of stress, as well as tips to help deal with those sore spots while still performing well at work.]]>exhaustiongymhobbiesmanage stressrelaxationtime managementwork stressCareerBuilder2013-04-24T07:31:00+00:00http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/04/24/administrative-professionals-day-tasks-duties/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/04/24/administrative-professionals-day-tasks-duties/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/04/24/administrative-professionals-day-tasks-duties/#commentsBy Susan Ricker

Administrative Professionals' Day is Wednesday, April 24, and recognizes the significant support and expertise administrative professionals provide in the workplace. While this holiday originated as "National Secretaries Day" in 1952, it has now grown to encompass the many diverse roles administrative professionals have taken on. So what does today's administrative professional do? Depending on what industry or organization you're in, the answer may vary. Here's a look at the many different roles and responsibilities of being an administrative professional.]]>administrativeadministrative assistantadministrative professionalCareerBuilder2013-04-24T07:06:00+00:00http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/04/22/green-environmental-jobs/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/04/22/green-environmental-jobs/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/04/22/green-environmental-jobs/#commentsBy Debra Auerbach

Have you ever had an itch to quit your job and instead do work that makes a real difference in the world? In honor of Earth Day on April 22, we've compiled a list of seven jobs that help people live a better life - from the buildings they work and live in, to the energy that fuels their homes, to the air they breathe.]]>architectBetter placeconstructionEarth DayenvironmentalscientistsSTEMCareerBuilder2013-04-22T08:24:00+00:00http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/04/19/rent-salary-cities/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/04/19/rent-salary-cities/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/04/19/rent-salary-cities/#commentsBy Matthew Tarpey

Most experts agree that about one-third of your salary should go toward paying rent. Unfortunately, in some cities that's a tough goal to achieve.

Using data from Economic Modeling Specialists International, along with average rent costs provided by numbeo.com, we've determined how many hours in the office it takes for a person making an average salary to cover the average rent in the 10 biggest U.S. cities. The numbers are based on a 40-hour workweek and a 50-week work year. Keep in mind that working 40 hours a week adds up to about 160 hours in the office each month.]]>affordable citesaffordable housinghourly ratehourly wagemortgagesrentsalary rangeCareerBuilder2013-04-19T06:32:00+00:00http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/04/17/employee-perks-benefits/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/04/17/employee-perks-benefits/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/04/17/employee-perks-benefits/#commentsBy Heather Huhman, founder/president of Come Recommended

Compensation is important to most job seekers and employees, and employers are stepping up this year in that respect. According to CareerBuilder's 2013 Hiring Forecast, 72 percent of employers plan to increase compensation for existing employees and 47 percent will offer higher starting pay for new employees. Increased pay is a great way to retain workers -- in fact, 70 percent reported that increasing salaries is the best way to boost employee retention -- but 58 percent also pointed to better benefits.]]>benefitscompany cultureperksCareerBuilder2013-04-17T09:14:00+00:00http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/04/16/productivity-work-tips/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/04/16/productivity-work-tips/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/04/16/productivity-work-tips/#commentsBy Robert Half International

Most likely you were drawn to your profession because it enables you to use your skills, knowledge and talents to their maximum potential. But if lately you feel as though you're standing still or stuck in a rut, it may be time to step back and evaluate your situation.

This type of objective, frank assessment can be challenging because, when it comes to professional dissatisfaction, there may not be any external factors you can point to as the source.]]>burn outcareer goalsholding backmotivationproductivityCareerBuilder2013-04-16T08:45:00+00:00http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/04/15/parade-salary-survey/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/04/15/parade-salary-survey/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/04/15/parade-salary-survey/#comments By Parade

Ever wonder what your local mayor makes? Or the comedian at the company retreat? (Hint: It's more than you think!) In our annual jobs survey, salary taboos take a hike.

Ben Strothman
Age: 51
City: St. Paul, Minn.
Occupation: Movie projector technician
Pay: $40,000
"It's fun to know that thousands will enjoy my work."

Joseph Koebbe
Age: 85
City: Hardin, Mont.
Occupation: Mayor
Pay: $10,200
The city council of Hardin (pop. 3,500) appointed Koebbe to a third term in 2011.]]>compensationparade salary listprofessionssalarieswagesCareerBuilder2013-04-15T08:30:00+00:00http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/04/10/women-superior-skills/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/04/10/women-superior-skills/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/04/10/women-superior-skills/#commentsBy Stephanie Gaspary, director of social strategy and creative services, CareerBuilder

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' data book on women in the labor force, women have made significant progress in the areas of educational achievement and earnings over the past 40 years. Labor-force participation is significantly higher among women today than it was in the 1970s, but it seems to have peaked at 60 percent in 1999. By 2011, 58.1 percent of women were in the labor force, down 0.5 percentage point from 2010.

While there are a variety of reasons women may be exiting the workforce, the economic benefits to promote female employment are clear. According to a recent paper by management consultants Booz & Co. titled, "Empowering the Third Billion: Women and the World of Work in 2012," "If female employment rates were to match male rates in the United States, overall GDP would increase by 5 percent."]]>career developmentjob growthnew skillswomen in the workplaceCareerBuilder2013-04-10T08:03:00+00:00