The almighty credit score. It determines your interest rates, insurance premiums, and… an employer’s decision to offer you a job? Is this scary statement really true? Credit expert John Ulzheimer walks you through what employers can and cannot do when it comes to your credit.

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The 8 lowest-paying jobs are:

• Food preparation and serving workers, including fast food (The occupation is now the fourth largest in the country with 2.7 million workers.)
• Dishwashers
• Cashiers (The job is No. 2 on the Bureau of Labor Statistic’s list of biggest occupations with a workforce of about 3.3 million, behind only retail sales people with 4.2 million.)
• Hosts and hostesses
• Amusement park attendants
• Movie theater ushers, ticket takers — Paying more for movie tickets? That money's not giving these folks bigger paychecks. (The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects jobs for ushers and ticket takers to jump nearly 12 percent in the next 10 years. Woo hoo!)
• Farm workers (“Job opportunities for agricultural worker occupations should be abundant because large numbers of workers leave these jobs due to their low wages and physical demands.”)
• Personal and home care aides (The job opportunities in this profession are expected to skyrocket by nearly 50 percent in the next 10 years)

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The trend seem to be gaining traction, if this article from MSNBC.com is to be believed, "Need a job? Contract work could be new normal."

By Eve Tahmincioglu
msnbc.com contributor
May 6, 2010

Stephen Luebkert was laid off in March 2009 from a Boston-based semiconductor company. He lived for four months on his severance while he looked for another full-time job and eventually ended up working again for the same firm.

The difference is that now he is a contract employee. He no longer gets any of the perks of being a permanent worker, including paid vacations or sick days, health insurance or tuition assistance. And he estimates that he makes about 20 percent less — for the same job he was doing before.

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Via WalletPop via Tame Your Tot.

Employees spent 19.2 hours a week -- nearly half a work week -- worrying about what their boss says or does, according to a new survey commissioned by workplace expert Lynn Taylor.

Taylor, author of book of boss-managing tips called Tame Your Terrible Office Tyrant -- TOT, found that 13 of those hours came during the week and 6.2 came when workers should be taking a break from workplace worries: the weekend.

"You have to set limits as you would with a child," Taylor told WalletPop. "Especially in 2010, you can't just manage up, but parent up without patronizing."

Though clearly many employees are worried about keeping their jobs (in another survey, she found workers spend three hours a day worrying about job security), Taylor points out that even if 10% of U.S. employees are unemployed, that means 90% are employed. She advocates for an approach she has given the acronym of CALM:

"Communicate with your boss bravely, openly, honestly and frequently. Take the initiative," she said. "Anticipate -- try to be aware of problems before they escalate and have solutions ready. Laugh -- I believe that levity diffuses tension and creates a better atmosphere. Manage up by using negative and positive enforcement for certain behaviors, much as you would with a child."

In yet another survey, Taylor asked workers to rank what they wished they could tell their bosses.

"The first thing they said they wished they could say was, 'Why don't we compromise?'" Taylor said. "That one is really valid. You can say it to both children and managers."

The others, ranked in descending order:

"I can't hear you when you shout."

"Stop whining."

"That's not allowed."

"I'm leaving." (Taylor notes you can't say unless you actually are prepared to)

"You're cranky, do you need a nap?"

"Go to your room, you're getting a time out."

"If you ask one more time, you'll never get that."

And, drum roll please: "Are you teething or do you just need a cookie?"

Video: How to Deal with a Stupid Boss

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Temp work is no longer seen as work done only by misfits who either can't get a job or refuse to conform to the "normal" workplace. In this economy, you have to find work any way you can. If that means a few hours a week here and there, doing whatever is needed, then you do it. Anything to bring in a paycheck.

It used to be that when temporary hiring picked up, then hiring for "real" jobs soon followed. But, as our friends at MSNBC note, that's not the case anymore.

Read it all: Temp hiring no longer seen as sign of recovery

University of California, Davis Sociology Professor: Temp jobs here to stay

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A couple of them promptly contacted me and politely reminding me that this event was for alumni only and there would a "check-in desk" at the door. I know their intentions were for the best: they were concerned that non-alums would get their hopes up and when they got there, would quickly get their hopes dashed as they got turned away at the check-in desk (full disclosure: I am an alumnus of this university).

I appreciate their concern. I certainly don't want to be putting anyone in an awkward position. But, I've been to many college job fairs and I've never, ever seen anyone confirm if attendees are alumni or not.

Think about it: The career fair is run by the career services office, whose employees are overworked and underpaid. Their job is to support the recruiters. In order to confirm every attendee's alumni status would require a list of graduates from every school from every campus in the state (4 campuses for this university). If the list to be anywhere comprehensive, it would have to go back 20 or 30 years. Who would have the time to compile and verify the accuracy of such a list, assuming it was complete in the first place. Everyone is scrambling to put on the job fair.

The companies are there to find good people. They don't really give a hoot if you're an alumnus or not. They just want to find qualified applicants.

So, those were my thoughts as I composed, and sent, the following email to my group:

Hi all,

I just wanted to clarify something about this post.

A couple of you have alerted me to the fact that this job fair is only for CU Alums. And that there will be a "check in" table at the entrance.

I know that.

So why did I post this knowing that many, if not most, of you are not CU alums? Because my take is, "So what? Go anyway."

I'm a former corporate recruiter who's been to many college job fairs. I've never, ever seen anyone try to confirm your status as an alumus.

The purpose of this event is for the represented companies to find qualified applicants. The university's job is to help them do that. The companies don't really give a hoot if you're an alumnus or not. They're looking for good people to hire.

I believe that, given the state of the economy, and the exceptional challenges job seekers face, you cannot leave any stone unturned. You do what you need to do to get the job. And that may mean going to a job fair at a university you haven't attended, much less graduated from. It may also mean they won't let you in.

But isn't it worth the risk, albeit a small risk, for the opportunity to get an interview and maybe even a job? So, I say go for it. I'd love to know how it goes. If you get a job out of this, then fantastic! As always, feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns about this post. Good luck!

As you can see, my attitude is, the risk is worth the possible reward. What do you think?

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Do you know how to prepare for your interview?

"What does prepared for an interview look like?"

"How can I make them I hire me?" "What if I'm not REALLY qualified or able to do this job?" "How do I know what they are going to ask?"

Where do you find the answers to these common concerns and questions?

A Tough Job Market

Everyday you are reminded that you are in a tough job market. You know that you will have to do something to make yourself stand out from the rest of the crowd. You realize that you are competing against the odds.

The question is, "When there are so many other candidates looking at the same job, how can you make yourself stand?

The answer is: "Personal Interview branding"

What is Branding Yourself?

This is what companies do when they want to sell something - they use whatever methods necessary to tell the customers who they are, what they do and how they do it - they "brand" the product.

How can I brand myself? I'm not a product?

This is one of the main secrets of successful preparation. Begin to think of yourself as a product. What this means is you have to discover What Makes You Unique - and to begin thinking of yourself like a product.

Branding is telling the customer (in this case the interviewer) who you are; what you can do and have done in the past (your unique qualities); and why they should buy (hire you). Effective career branding used in the interview is the same as in business.

Call For An Interview

Let's assume that you have an outstanding resume and that you make it to the top of the stack of resumes of people to be called for an interview.

First of all - you are to be congratulated on getting this far.

The problem is that You - and maybe nine or ten other equally qualified people for the position will receive that same call.

Are you the best? You had better be prepared to prove that you are the best by letting the interviewer know what makes you unique and what you can do for them - you you will bring to the position. Because companies have so many candidates to choose from, they are interviewing more people so that they can select the "best."

What makes you a "remember-able" person? When you are lucky enough to be invited to an interview it is essential that you be ready to sell yourself - to let the interviewer know what makes you unique - What added value you can bring to the position?

In other words, why YOU are the best person for the job?

Your goal is to leave behind an impression of you and your "brand."

Preparation

You can determine your uniqueness and determine your personal interview "brand" and where you should focus your attention by doing some basic preparation.

This process is to identify the points you have to offer - the combination that makes you Unique.

This should be a combination of your education, experience and any special training or certifications you may have, as well as your area of expertise, your strengths, and your personal traits.

You create your statement by listing all these qualities and then making them into a concise statement to present to the employer when any of the standard questions come up.

"What makes you unique?" "Tell me about yourself." "What can you bring to this position that the other candidates can or can't?" "What are you strengths?" "Tell me something about you that will make me remember you after you leave the interview."

You can develop the answers to these questions by using "5 points" to use during the interview. If you use your five fingers to keep focused you can jog your memory if you forget what you were going to say due to being nervous.

Point #1

Your education and years of experience. (More experienced persons will talk mainly about experience and not education.

Point #2

Your area of expertise - or what you know a lot about. (For less experienced people you will have to rely on classes or courses you've taken).

Point #3

Your strength - this is usually a trait that you can use in any job. In other words, a general trait. (Communication, Relating to Others, Analytical Problem Solving, Determination, Adaptability).

Point #4

Your work ethic or work style (This is what coworkers would say to describe you).

Point #5

Something interesting about you (A hobby, somewhere that you volunteer to do, a sport or arts interest. If you can think of something that relates to the job you are applying for that would be a plus).

By summarizing what you have to offer in a methodical way you will be less apt to wander or forget what you intended to say.

You can search for online tools to help you create your personal interview brand or you can write out your job winning brand by following the examples above.

Regardless of the method you use - you should be prepared. It will make a difference in the way that you present yourself and in your being able to talk openly - without being modest about what you have to offer. You will be able to tell the interviewer why they should hire YOU - and what makes you unique.

In fact, preparation will help you in ALL your interactions - social, business, and your day-to-day life. The more you know yourself and are will to talk openly about yourself the more comfortable you will be in talking about yourself - to anybody.

Carole Martin is passionate on the subject of interviewing. Her philosophy is that the interview is a two-way process and preparation and practice are keys to a successful interview. As the interview coach for Monster, she reaches out to millions of people with advice & tips on how to succeed in today's job market. Visit her Free Interview Coaching web site to learn about Interview Branding

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• Even as layoffs persist, some good jobs go begging (seattletimes.nwsource.com)

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• Customer service skills
• Experience may not be required
• Better to be referred or apply in person
• Be flexible
• Consider smaller chains and independent retailers

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‘Official’ job numbers don’t tell the whole story

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Part time jobs are an excellent place to start your work career. It is common for high school students who are just entering the workforce, to start with a part-time job. In fact, there are generally laws which govern, how many hours these individuals may work each week. Part-time jobs are also quite popular for individuals who are employed full time, but want to earn extra money, for any number of reasons.

College students frequently are employed part-time. This makes it possible for these busy people to continue their schooling, while earning pocket money, or money to reduce the cost of their tuition.

One of the issues that many people have with part-time jobs, is that they do not generally offer health insurance. This can be problematic for an individual who works several part-time jobs, rather than a full-time job. It does not however seem to be an issue for those who are specifically seeking part-time employment. Many of these individuals already have health insurance through a different means.

Part-time jobs should be thought of as an opportunity to learn new skills. Pay attention to what you are taught. Consider this as a chance to learn as much as you can, at no charge. This is certainly not an opportunity that comes around every day. Many people in fact become so proficient at what they have learned through a part-time job, that they decide to choose it as a career. What you learn a part-time job, can certainly affect your future.

Do not ever be a slacker. When you are hired for a job, even a part-time job, you have made a verbal contract. Your end of the contract, requires that you work to the best of your ability. Your employers end of the contract, is an agreement that you will be paid a certain amount of money for your work. Most employers greatly appreciate individuals who are willing to work hard. It is not at all uncommon for these employees to be rewarded with full-time employment. Frequently this will mean further training, and the development of new skills.

Do not allow yourself to become the person that no one is happy to see show up at the job. Make sure that you do all of your own work. Do not allow other people to have to take up the slack for you. Make sure that you are always prepared, and keep a neat work area. Whatever you do, always be on time.

It's important to keep in mind that each job has a purpose. Even the smallest tasks of a job are necessary for proper performance. The better you are at this job, the more it will be noticed and appreciated. This will also give you the reputation as a worker who can be depended upon. Reliable people are the first ones to be considered, when better positions become available. It is certainly no secret, that a better position, also means better pay.

If you want to achieve success at your job, you should watch what the successful people are doing. If you copy this, you will be copying the formula for success. Once you have learned this, it is a lesson that you can carry with you throughout your life.

Part-time jobs create the opportunity to learn new skills which may lead to great achievements throughout your lifetime.

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Why not have an awesome career doing something you already love? For example, do you enjoy testing the newest software products on the market? Do you like to work with computers and learn new programs? Then, you need an online IT degree. After graduation, here are some of the fantastic jobs needing talented people like you:

• Interface designer
• Systems analyst
• Database administrator
• Software Support
• Software engineer
• Computer engineer
• Computer programmer
• Network Administrator

With businesses becoming more reliant on technology, employers are looking for individuals who possess the skills to keep them competitive.

Each of these careers is rewarding and necessary, as more and more companies are in need of those who can use this technology to further their businesses. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition, the majority of programmers have a degree in Computer Science or related area of expertise. So, it stands to reason that a technological degree will greatly improve your chances of finding an enjoyable and enviable career.

What will you learn through an Online Information Technology Program?

A computer science or Online Information Technology degree will prepare you for a career in IT, Computer Security or any of the above positions in the same way as a traditional classroom degree. But instead of having to go to class, rearrange your work schedule, or disturb other areas of your life, you can take classes online, study at your convenience and not have to worry about the added costs of parking or leaving work early to attend classes.

With online IT studies, you can take classes in the fields of:

• Hardware and software design
• Software development
• Troubleshooting
• Networking Data Security
• Database management
• Web design
• Develop security plans

As companies continue to grow and advance in the technological age, specialized departments are often necessary keep the businesses up and running, including maintaining open lines of communication with consumers and employees. Companies geared toward manufacturing and computers need talented individuals with expertise in developing new software and hardware to keep up with consumer needs and desires. With so many options, IT students will need to discover their niche of particular interest.

How to choose an online IT degree

When looking for an online degree program, it's important to determine which direction you want to move toward in terms of your career. While some areas of computer science and technology, such as computer programming, have seen a slow decline in the number of open positions since 2006, other areas such as computer support and information security have seen an increase.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition, over the next few years, computer support positions are expected to increase by 13%. This means that you should choose a program that allows you to easily find employment immediately upon graduation. An online Information Technology degree that focuses on a certain area within Information Technology is best if you have a particular talent in that area. You can also choose to become a generalist that specializes in a number of areas. Another pointer is to ensure you choose an IT online program from an online college that is accredited.

An online IT degree can help establish a career in one of the most vital areas in the job market today. Generally, good students will have many employment options and offers following graduation. Even if you choose an occupation less popular than some, the chances o landing that dream job will increase greatly, if you have a degree in Computer Science

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via MSNBC.com

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1) I'm looking to change direction, and have been applying for jobs. I'm think I have the skills for them, but I'm not sure, and

2) I don't know what I want to do.

These are very common dilemmas to be in (I've been there and done that many times). So, don't feel you are alone in this. But, you can feel stuck in this uncertainty and doubt.

If you're feeling like this, there are two exercises I'd like you to do.

1) Take an inventory of your current skills, knowledge, and abilities (KSAs). These are defined by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management as:

* Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA's) - The attributes required to perform a job and are generally demonstrated through qualifying service, education, or training.
* Knowledge - Is a body of information applied directly to the performance of a function.
* Skill - Is an observable competence to perform a learned psychomotor act.
* Ability - Is competence to perform an observable behavior or a behavior that results in an observable product.

For example, you could have knowledge of plumbing, the ability (competence) to install a water pipe, and the skills to use the tools and methods necessary to install a water pipe.

What you want to do is brainstorm ALL your KSAs (in no particular order) that you have. It doesn't matter how insignificant or silly you may think they are. Your task right now is to just list them. then, prioritize them in order of importance or significance. We'll get to what to do with them in subsequent Fight Club meetings.

2) Brainstorm your passions! What do you love to do? What would you do for free because you love it soooo much? Again, it doesn't matter if you think it's silly or weird - it's what you love to do. There's something you love - even if you don't think you do.

Throughout these two exercises, don't be worrying about what other people might think of your list. Who cares? This is about you and you alone. This is about your life. No one is going to live it for you. So, you get to decide how you are going to live your future.

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