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If you are looking for work, here are the top 13 companies that are hiring RIGHT NOW.

1. 7-Eleven – Convenience retailer with 7,600 stores in North America alone
   • Hiring for operations, accounting, information systems, merchandising, and marketing
2. Banfield – Largest pet veterinary practice in the world, with headquarters in Portland, Oregon
   • Hiring veterinarians, nurses, office managers, and client service coordinators
3. Farmers Insurance – The third largest property and casualty insurance group
   • Franchising options available
4. Gentiva Health Services – Offers in-home care services, including nursing, therapy, pharmacy, and senior health
   • Hiring nurses, physical therapists, sales associates, managers, and administrative support professionals
5. HealthMarkets – Individual health insurance provider
   • Hiring insurance agents
6. ITT Corporation – provides leading-edge product development, technology, engineering, research and project management services to government, industrial and commercial customers
   • Hiring engineers, information technology personnel, and former military
7. M.A.R.S. International – Offers mobile cosmetic repair and reconditioning services to industries including hotels, motorcycles, boats, automobiles, and RV’s
   • Hiring technicians and managers
8. PricewaterhouseCoopers – Provides industry-focused assurance, tax, and advisory services
   • Hiring in audit, tax, advisory, marketing, sales, human resources, and information technology
9. ServiceMaster – Provides lawn care, pest control, home warranties, house cleaning and home inspection
   • Hiring landscapers, exterminators, inspectors, etc.
10. State Farm – Large insurance company that insures more cars and homes than any other company in the country
    • Hiring for positions in claims, underwriting, systems, and information technology
11. Sutter Health – Health care service provider
    • Hiring in information technology, administration, health care
12. The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company/Scotts LawnService – Supplier and marketer of lawn and garden care products
    • Hiring territory service representatives, sales representatives, and customer service representatives
13. URS Corporation – Provider of engineering, construction, and technical services for public and private companies
    • Hiring for positions is engineering, construction management, program management, power, environmental, health and safety, homeland security, logistics, operations, and maintenance

Interviewing for a job can be nerve wracking, especially if it’s a job you really want. You are often caught off guard by some of the interview questions, and you are expected to be able to answer each question thoroughly. Here are a few tips you can follow to make sure you are fully prepared for your next interview, which can help relieve some of the stress involved in the job hunting process.

1.  Prepare Your Responses

Think of some of the most common questions interviewers ask and prepare your responses beforehand. Some examples of common interview questions include “What do you know about the position,” “Explain your background in relation to the job requirements,” and “What are your main strengths and weaknesses?” Write down your responses and try to memorize them before the interview.

2. Practice

Practice answering interview questions with a friend or in front of a mirror. Think of examples you can use to describe your work experience and skills and how they can benefit the company.

3. Be Organized

Pick out your most professional and conservative outfit, and make sure it is clean without any wrinkles. Make a portfolio of your work and bring copies of your resume, as well as materials for taking notes.

4. Arrive On Time

Be at least five minutes early for your interview so that you have time to gather your thoughts so you don’t feel rushed. If needed, drive to the interview location beforehand so you know exactly how long it will take to get there.

5. Be Relaxed

Try to stay calm during the interview. Take deep breaths and relax so that you aren’t rushing through your answers. Make eye contact with the interviewers and listen to the whole question before answering. Try not to let your mind wander, it will make you look like you are not interested.

6. Follow Up

Send a thank you card after the interview. If there was more than one interviewer, send a card to each person. This shows that you are truly interested in the position.

Handshakes, paper business cards and business suits are things of the past, or at least things in need of a virtual make over.  That’s right. Iconic images of business networking are being upgraded to meet the needs of the online environment.  However, the site of this surge in online networking may surprise you; it’s all going down in the online classroom.

The truth of the matter is that distance learning has, for several years, enabled students to make vital business contacts, receive constructive feedback and explore novel ideas within a safe environment.  The opportunity to interact with like-minded professionals is not only spawning exciting, intellectual conversation within the classroom, but creating noteworthy business ventures outside of the classroom as well.  As more students log on, the potential possibilities for job opportunities, business ventures and collaborative innovations reach new heights.  However, online networking can prove to be more than just a benefit of distance education, but a challenging skill that requires refinement.

Therefore, we’ve compiled a list of tips to help you hone your online networking skills and, possibly, make that life-changing connection.

Be aware of your setting. Communicating clearly and efficiently is a key to online networking. Therefore, if you are not familiar with the online mode of communication, take extra steps to correct this problem. Consider reviewing the online tutorial about the functions of your online classroom.  Be sure to read all guidelines and instructions before entering into a discussion.  As time goes on, spend some time going over archived discussions in order to gain additional insights into a topic or potential contact.

Keep contact info handy. When participating in a class discussion or chatting in a lounge, it is always a good idea to have an updated business card available online.  Therefore, if a fellow student has to quickly log out of a conversation, you will be able to forward your information to him or her with just the click of a button.

Proofread, Proofread, Proofread. Just like traditional networking, online networking is all about presentation.  Before posting information or sending a chat response, be sure to look for errors.  All information needs to be clean and concise.  While this may seem simple, it is easy to forget this nominal detail due to the fast-paced nature of online interaction.  It is also important to remember your tone.  While statements and opinions may sound appropriate in your head, they can easily be misconstrued online.  Read your message several times to ensure a proper tone is being conveyed.

Don’t dominate every discussion. Online networking is not always about being the star of the class.  While you need to be attentive to your academic goals, there is no need to command attention in every class discussion or online chat session.  Being selective in your commentary can show your thoughtful knowledge regarding a topic and thus, earn you more credibility.

Don’t overload the class with group emails or posts. There is a time and a place for trying to stir up interest in an outside business venture.  Remember, the original, and sometimes only, intent of your fellow online students is to earn their degree.  If you are interested in discussing potential opportunities and outside resources, ask interested parties to meet you in a chat room after class hours.

Create a sig line. With each electronic message, you are able to attach a signature file, or sig line.  This brief line of text enables you to create an image or idea with which to associate yourself.  This information provides some insight into who you are and helps potential contacts and/or clients identify you.

Be respectful. As mentioned previously, it is important to watch your tone and avoid sarcasm.  Distance education offers students the opportunity to discuss and explore topics and opinions within a safe environment.  Therefore, remember to always be respectful and tolerant of fellow students’ ideas and opinions.  Rash remarks can quickly and easily offend other members of the class.

In the end, online networking is all about being courteous and professional. Don’t let the educational setting fool you. While earning your degree should remain your top priority, there are still real opportunities to develop productive professional relationships through your distance learning experience.  Use your online learning experience to your advantage.

Have you ever wanted to go back to school, but did not think you had the time or money? With the flexibility of a distance learning degree program, time is no longer a factor. However, for those individuals who would like to increase their pay wage, money may still be an issue. The good news is, today, many businesses are helping professionals pay more than their bills. Now is the time to discover how you can persuade your employer to pay for your online education.

First of all, your company may already have what is called a tuition assistance or tuition reimbursement program. A tuition assistance/reimbursement program allows you to take classes while your company pays for it. You should take a trip to the human resources (HR) department to learn more about the programs your company offers. In case the company does not have a program in place, don’t fret. All you have to do is a little research and planning. Then you can go to your employer and suggest a personal tuition reimbursement/assistance program.

The first step in talking to your employer about paying for your online education is to plan. Go online and figure out what degree program or set of online courses appeals to you. Be sure you look at when the courses are available and what skills they will help you to develop. Your boss will take you seriously if you can answer his/her questions about the courses or the degree program you want the company to invest in.

The second step is to list all the ways that your degree or set of courses will benefit the company. Reasons, like “it will save the company money in the long-run” or “it will give the company a more professional image,” will be likely to persuade your boss to put money into your education.  Keep in mind that while you may want a degree in art, it would be more beneficial to the company for you to earn your MBA. Your employer is not likely to pay for courses or a degree that would not directly benefit the company.

The next step is to think of solutions for every possible concern your boss might have. For example, if you think your employer is worried about the classes taking you away from your job, you would explain the flexibility and versatility of online learning. You could also reassure your boss that you will be studying in your free time and it will, in no way, negatively affect your ability to do your job. In fact, the skills you learn through online learning will improve your ability to do your work.

Finally, it is time to set up an appointment with your employer to discuss tuition assistance/reimbursement. You should practice your presentation beforehand and bring your lists of facts along to supplement your case. Do not be discouraged if you are turned down. Leave the information with your boss and try again in a few months’ time. Any new idea will take some getting used to.

If your employer approves of tuition assistance/reimbursement for you, be prepared for some stipulations. Different companies may ask for different things when it comes to paying for your education. For example, you may be asked to choose from a list of colleges/universities, enroll in a job-related degree program or set of courses, pay the tuition yourself and be reimbursed later, earn a “C” or better in your courses, or even pay back the tuition costs if you leave the company. In addition, if you are going to be reimbursed after you pay the cost, some companies will only pay up to 80% of your tuition or pay a certain amount depending on the grades you earn.

Keep all of these things in mind, but do not let it deter your education any longer. Even being reimbursed for 80% of your degree is better than having to pay it all and knowing your boss supports you will encourage you as you are studying to be a better employee.

Soldiers Turning to Online Degrees for Education

Online degrees are becoming more and more popular with military veterans who do not have the time and/or resources to attend college in a traditional environment. By attending school online, these soldiers can spend more time at home with their loved ones or working to provide for their families.

Active duty soldiers are also taking advantage of online education, often choosing to continue working toward their online bachelor’s degree from the front lines in Iraq and Afghanistan. The online environment allows these soldiers to keep up with their classes while fulfilling their deployment. In 2007, over 710,000 online courses were taken by military personnel from the Army, Navy, Marines, and Air Force.

There are also many financial aid resources available for active duty and retired military personnel. The Department of Defense, as well as the federal government, offers tuition reimbursement to members of the armed forces, which is a huge incentive for military members to pursue an education. Private scholarship foundations, such as the Sentinels of Freedom, Operation Helping Heal, and others, offer aid to soldiers pursuing an education. Many colleges also waive or reduce the tuition costs for veterans and active duty soldiers.

Many soldiers choose online degree programs because they have been wounded in combat and cannot attend regular classroom sessions. The flexibility of an online education allows them to recover from their wounds in the comfort of their own homes without worrying about how they are going to get to and from class.

The Army has a program in place to help soldiers get an education. Launched in 2001, eArmyU provides tuition assistance for soldiers. They also provide laptop computers for soldiers who enlist in a combat or operational unit. The only eligibility requirements are a high school diploma or GED, 3 years of service remaining and approval from their commander. All tuition, books, course fees, and internet services are paid for, and soldiers must complete 12 credit hours in a three year period. In the seven years the program has been available, over 50,000 army personnel have taken college courses.

With so many colleges providing online degrees and numerous scholarships and tuition assistance available, the number of military personnel taking online courses is sure to increase every year, proving that deployment doesn’t have to be the end of pursuing an education.

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Military Spouses Enjoy Educational and Employment Assistance on Multiple Levels

With the economy tanking, there are millions of people who are out of work and can’t find a decent job in their area. Fortunately for the people who live in the cities listed below, they have the best chances of finding a job in the near future. The following list includes the top 20 cities for job growth in 2009.

1. Odessa, TX
   • Unemployment Rate: 5.3%
   • Average Annual Salary: $34,380
2. Grand Junction, CO
   • Unemployment Rate: 7.2%
   • Average Annual Salary: $36,550
3. Longview, TX
   • Unemployment Rate: 6.0%
   • Average Annual Salary: $32,060
4. Houma-Bayou Cane –Thibodaux, LA
   • Unemployment Rate: 3.5%
   • Average Annual Salary: $34,480
5. Killeen-Temple-Fort Hood, TX
   • Unemployment Rate: 3.5%
   • Average Annual Salary: $32,100
6. Austin-Round Rock, TX
   • Unemployment Rate: 3.5%
   • Average Annual Salary: $41,330
7. McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX
   • Unemployment Rate: 9.6%
   • Average Annual Salary: $27,750
8. Laredo, TX
   • Unemployment Rate: 7.4%
   • Average Annual Salary: $29,680
9. Houston-Sugarland-Baytown, TX
   • Unemployment Rate: 6.4%
   • Average Annual Salary: $41,020
10. Tulsa, OK
    • Unemployment Rate: 6.2%
    • Average Annual Salary: $35,720
11. Athens-Clarke County, GA
    • Unemployment Rate: 7.3%
    • Average Annual Salary: $35,170
12. Kennewick-Pasco-Richland, WA
    • Unemployment Rate: 8.5%
    • Average Annual Salary: $43,480
13. Morgantown, WV
    • Unemployment Rate: 4.6%
    • Average Annual Salary: $34,010
14. Lafayette, LA
    • Unemployment Rate: 3.9%
    • Average Annual Salary: $34,490
15. Fargo, ND-MN
    • Unemployment Rate: 4.9%
    • Average Annual Salary: $34,940
16. College Station-Bryan, TX
    • Unemployment Rate: 4.8%
    • Average Annual Salary: $39,390
17. Coeur d’Alene, ID
    • Unemployment Rate: 9.4%
    • Average Annual Salary: $34,610
18. Bismarck, ND
    • Unemployment Rate: 5.4%
    • Average Annual Salary: $34,370
19. Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
    • Unemployment Rate: 8.0%
    • Average Annual Salary: $46,540
20. San Antonio, TX
    • Unemployment Rate: 6.0%
    • Average Annual Salary: $34,610

References

2009 New Geography Best Cities for Job Growth. http://www.newgeography.com/content/00741-all-cities-rankings-2009-new-geography-best-cities-job-growth

United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. http://www.bls.gov/eag/eag.us.htm

Translating the quality and legitimacy of your online degree to the job market can be a difficult task for many up-and-coming professionals. Within the business world, distance learning is still working to establish its reputation as an accepted form of higher education.  After all, the online education explosion is a relatively new phenomenon.  Therefore, online graduates may have to go the extra mile in order to prove the quality of their degrees.

Your prospective employer may not be aware of the numerous skills online education and the work environment have in common.  To get a better picture of what you can take away from your e-Learning experience, check out the benefits below.

• Managing One’s Time: Use your time wisely. It is not just a phrase anymore; it is a skill.  Online instruction gives students an incredible amount of academic freedom when it comes to schedule and pace.  Graduates of distance learning programs can easily transfer their ability to effectively manage assignments and class session into the corporate world of deadlines and board meetings.

• Confidence in One’s Technical Abilities: In business, you cannot hide from technology, as it permeates every aspect of the corporate environment.  For online learners, this job requirement would not even cause them to break a sweat. Online degree graduates have the benefit of familiarity and hands-on experience with numerous types of technology.  Virtual experience teaches one the proper protocol expected when using each medium of technology. With all this insider knowledge, how can you not stand out from the rest?

• Self-Will and Personal Drive: Finding the right program, keeping pace with the accelerated format, scheduling time to study and meeting course deadlines are all part of the virtual academic experience, and all of which can prove to be quite a challenge.  Make sure your potential employer knows of the personal dedication you have to accuracy, efficiency and success.

• First-rate Communication Skills: Between the different people and technologies encountered in the online classroom, students are exposed to all types of ways to communicate, and each requires its own form of etiquette.  Explain how your experiences online have built an excellent foundation of communication skills.

• Leadership Skills: In order to compensate for face-to-face interaction, online courses utilize group projects.  Group projects allow students to set and assume different functions in the overall learning process.  Team leaders are able to highlight their leadership skills by coordinating schedules, setting goals, evaluating work and guiding a product to completion.  Be sure to emphasize your ability to effectively lead a team and produce a successful project to possible employers.

• High-level Functioning within a Team Environment: Part of the distance learning experience is interacting with and learning from a variety of people. e-Learners encounter opinions, skill levels and work efficiency levels that often vary from their own. Therefore, the ability to adapt and highlight individual strengths is a major asset students can take away from online education.

• Current Awareness of Industry’s Tends: Distance education has the unique advantage of offering not only the latest technology, but the most up-to-date information within a field.  Being so connected to the Web, students always have a plethora of useful and reputable resources at their fingertips

They say “it takes a village to raise a child” but actually, it takes a good teacher to sow the seed, to inspire and to model knowledge, passion, will to grow and will to become. Every one of us reading this article can think of one or more teachers that made a substantial difference in our lives. It is your turn now to make your life count and be one of those teachers that are part of someone’s good memories.

How To Use Social Media to Find a Job

If you’re one of the millions of people who are out of work today, then you know that finding a job in this economy seems next to impossible. Searching job sites like CareerBuilder and Monster for a job takes up a lot of time, plus for every job you apply to, there are hundreds of other applicants who applied as well. Fortunately there is a better way to conduct a job search on the internet. Using social media sites is a better way to connect with job recruiters and land the job of your dreams.

You’re probably wondering which social media sites are the best to use for this purpose. The truth is that all of them provide some valuable connections that can help you in your job search. These include Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Twitter
Twitter allows you to connect with people who have shared interests without having to know them personally. This provides a distinct advantage over other sites because you can start following people in your target industry without requesting their permission. You can then start a conversation with the people you follow and build up a rapport. Then use the site to tell people you are looking for a job. Many of your contacts on Twitter can help you get in touch with the right person.

Twitter also provides a unique opportunity to search for jobs. In Twitter Search, type in a few key words (i.e. engineering jobs) and all conversations with these words will show up. You can also subscribe to the RSS feed for this search and check it a few times a day.

Facebook
Facebook is one of the most popular social networks today. Millions of people are on this site, which is an advantage for you, the job seeker. Search for people you know in your industry to add as friends, and make sure to show your skills on your profile. You can participate in discussions and let people know you are an expert in your field, which will get the attention of the hiring manager browsing the site looking for potential job applicants.

LinkedIn
LinkedIn has the unique designation of being a social network for working professionals. This can help you immensely in your job search. You can connect with former co-workers and colleagues around the world, and let them know you are searching for a new job. You can also get recommendations from people in your network, which will stand out to a hiring manager looking at your profile. You can also utilize LinkedIn’s search engine to look for a job, as well as browse company profiles to see what they value in their employees.

Regardless of which social network you choose, there are a few tips you should follow to maximize your chances of finding a job using social media.

Make Connections
More so now than ever, it’s more about WHO you know than what you know. Making connections with people in your industry can prove to be invaluable in tough times. A lot of jobs get filled before anyone knows about them, because recruiters recommend people they know in the industry. To build a network of contacts, you need to get in touch with colleagues, former classmates, former co-workers and supervisors, and alumni. It also helps to find contacts in other industries to broaden your reach.

Ask for Help
Once you have made connections with a few people, let them know you are looking for a job and ask for their help. They can help you find a job that is a good match for your skills, and provide valuable advice on how to get your foot in the door. You can also leverage your contacts by reaching out to their contacts to broaden your network.

Promotion is Key
To get yourself out there for recruiters to see, you need to promote your skills. Tailor your profile to showcase your skills and experience, and leave out any questionable details or facts that could turn off a potential employer. Some job seekers find it helpful to create a website that includes a portfolio and resume, and then link to it from your social network profile. Most recruiters will look at a website if it is listed in your profile, which could prove to be invaluable and provide more relevant information about your skills than your profile is able to.

Join the Discussion
Start participating in discussions and showcase your expertise. This can help you make connections and help you leverage your skills. It is important to be seen as a trustworthy and knowledgeable source that others can turn to for answers and advice. Once you establish your credibility, others will be willing to help you in your job search.

References
Guy Kawasaki. “Ten Ways to Use LinkedIn to Find a Job.” http://blog.guykawasaki.com/2009/02/10-ways-to-use.html

Louise Fletcher. “Using Twitter for Job Search.” http://blueskyresumes.com/blog/using-twitter-for-job-search

John Boyd. “Using Social Media to Find a Job in a Down Economy.” http://blogs.zdnet.com/feeds/?p=374

Lost Your Job? Go Back to School!

The recession has cost millions of people their jobs, causing the job market to be flooded with new applicants. This lowers everyone’s chance of getting a new job, and many industries have implemented a hiring freeze. So instead of sitting around hoping you’ll find a new job, why not spend your time wisely and go back to school?

Retraining can be essential to finding a career in this economy. The stimulus package recently passed by the federal government includes $1 billion in state aid for training and re-employment services to dislocated workers. This means that there will be money available for people who have lost their jobs to go back to school. It’s an investment in your future that you can’t pass up.

Now is the perfect time to enroll in an online degree program. You can complete the coursework on your own time, which gives you the time to search for a job. Plus, there are many degree programs available in industries that are still growing regardless of the recession, such as healthcare and technology. Continuing your education will allow you to retrain for a better job and network with new people who can help you in your search for a new career.

Colleges offering online degree programs have seen a significant increase in enrollments in the last year because of the recession. Major online colleges have seen enrollments increase as much as 18 percent. The cost of an online degree can be significantly lower than a traditional degree as well. There are no commute costs, and some schools charge less for their online degree programs.

There are a few steps you can take to maximize the benefits of retraining and minimize the effect a lay off can have on your life.

1. Be Prepared. A layoff can occur at any time, so make sure that you contact your state unemployment agency about unemployment benefits. Visit the Department of Labor website for state contact information.
2. Do Your Research. Spend some time researching online degree programs in your area of interest. Make sure you meet all of the requirements for enrollment and complete financial aid requests.
3. Make a Plan. Contact your state’s agency that handles state-approved training. You can receive aid to pay for your education while you are unemployed, which will significantly decrease the financial burden.

By going back to school, you will be investing in your future and gaining the expertise necessary to gain employment once you complete your training. Even if you haven’t been laid off, going back to school can be beneficial. By keeping up with current trends and issues in your field, your employer will value you more and keep you around. Continuing your education is definitely worth the time and effort in this economy.

References

“Going Back to School to Get a Job.” http://money.cnn.com/2009/01/27/news/economy/job_retraining/

“Laid Off and Learning.” http://learning.monster.com/learning/resources/article/103869?id=5f83f5e4af61e98b75b790ce4edc73f8

“University of Phoenix, Grand Canyon University Prosper in Recession.” http://www.gcu.edu/index.php?mact=News,cntnt01,print,0&cntnt01articleid=25&cntnt01showtemplate=false&cntnt01returnid=69

Everyone gets stuck in a rut once in a while. You feel like your life is planned out for you and you get bored with your everyday routines. If you feel like your career is stalled and you’re looking for a jump-start, then consider the following:

1. Change Careers

Research other career paths that interest you. Find someone you can shadow for a few days to get a feel for what the job is like, then go for it. If you need to go back to school, look into online programs that will allow you to keep your job while working towards a new degree. Changing careers can be a risky move, but in the end it just may be worth it.

2. Transform Your Image

Sometimes all it takes to jump-start a stalled career is an image transformation. Analyze your professional image and pinpoint factors you can improve on, such as your presentation and verbal skills. This can boost your self confidence and help you get what you need out of your job. By changing the way you think and act, others will take notice and change their response to you. Who knows, you may just get a promotion or a new set of responsibilities that will help you restart your career.

3. Take Initiative

Decide what you want out of your job and go get it. Talk with your supervisor about opportunities for advancement. Ask them what they want you to accomplish in your position, and if it becomes clear to you that the job is a dead-end, it could be the push you need to start looking for a new job.

4. Start Networking

Join a social community such as LinkedIn or Facebook and meet people in similar fields. Ask people if they know of other opportunities in the field and what they have done to get ahead. You may also find someone who can mentor you and help you decide on a path to take. Networking may also bring you new clients, friends, and tools to help you on your journey.

5. See a Career Development Professional

If all else fails, make an appointment with a career counselor to get some insight into what needs to be done to jump-start your career. They can provide valuable advice that you won’t get anywhere else. Be sure to check their credentials; most career counselors are members of the National Career Development Association, and the NCDA website has a tool that lets you search for a qualified counselor.

References

“Get Career Advice from a Pro” About.com

“Re-energizing a Stalled Career.” Career Directions LLC.

“Feel Like Your Career is at a Standstill?” CanadaJobs.com