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	<title>The Work Buzz &#187; CareerBuilder blogger</title>
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		<item>
		<title>Are you overworked?</title>
		<link>http://www.theworkbuzz.com/worklife/working-50-hours-per-week/</link>
		<comments>http://www.theworkbuzz.com/worklife/working-50-hours-per-week/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 02 Feb 2010 14:00:02 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>CareerBuilder blogger</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Work/Life]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[burnout]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[overworked]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[stress]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.theworkbuzz.com/?p=3877</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Working overtime is never fun, no matter what state the economy is in. But, when the economy did take a turn for the worst, many employees found themselves with increased workloads, a worse work/life balance and working longer hours &#8212; all for the same compensation. In a 2009 CareerBuilder survey, 34 percent of employers said [...]


Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://www.theworkbuzz.com/fun-stuff/boss-halloween-character/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Which Halloween Character Is Your Boss Most Like?'>Which Halloween Character Is Your Boss Most Like?</a> <small>Two days until Halloween! I got the finishing touches to...</small></li>
</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.theworkbuzz.com/wp-content/uploads/workinglate.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-3898" title="Beautifil lady is surfing the internet late" src="http://www.theworkbuzz.com/wp-content/uploads/workinglate-300x199.jpg" alt="" width="210" height="139" /></a>Working overtime is never fun, no matter what state the economy is in. But, when the economy <em>did </em>take a turn for the worst, many employees found themselves with increased workloads, a worse work/life balance and working longer hours &#8212; all for the same compensation.</p>
<p>In a 2009 <a href="http://www.CareerBuilder.com" target="_blank">CareerBuilder</a> survey, 34 percent of employers said their workload had increased in the past six months; 8 percent said it greatly increased. In addition, 21 percent of people said they took on additional responsibilities.</p>
<p>While those who are unemployed say that people should be happy they have a job at all, rather than complaining about hours or workload, it’s easier said than done. It’s hard not to complain when you pick up the slack, work more hours and get paid the same amount. But, while it undoubtedly sucks at the moment, your hard work could potentially pay off in the long run.<span id="more-3877"></span></p>
<p>“For those who don&#8217;t get laid off and take on more responsibility it can be a great opportunity. For one, people who pick up the slack will be appreciated by the management and when things turn around, the management will remember them. It’s a way of building greater loyalty from management in the hard times,” says Paul Sorbera, president of <a href="http://www.youralliance.com/" target="_blank">Alliance Consulting</a>.</p>
<p>If you find that your workload has increased or you’re working more and more hours each week, here are some pros and cons to consider about your situation:</p>
<p><strong>Pro No 1: You have a job.</strong><br />
Do you have to be happy about working more hours or having an increased workload? Of course not. But, by all accounts, you do have a job to complain about, which is more than can be said for millions of other people. You and your family have the peace of mind knowing that a paycheck is coming and food will be on the table.</p>
<p>“If you can make peace with extra hours [or] multiple roles, you can alleviate resentment, bitterness and stress,” says Debra Condren, author of <a href="http://ambitionisnotadirtyword.com/" target="_blank">Ambition is Not a Dirty Word</a>. “This pressure won’t go on forever; if it does, find silver lining. Eventually seek out new opportunities and make a move.”</p>
<p><strong>Pro No. 2: More recognition.</strong><br />
If you step up to the plate without complaint, no matter how many hours you’re working, how many people’s jobs you’re doing or much money you’re making, someone is going to notice.</p>
<p>“The additional hours worked may lead to a promotion sooner than someone who only works 40 hours a week,” says Jane Goldner, president and founder of <a href="http://www.thegoldnergroup.com/home/tgg.aspx" target="_blank">The Goldner Group</a>. When business does start to pick up, you’ll hopefully be one of the first people to get more opportunities.</p>
<p><strong>Pro No. 3: Employee incentives.</strong><br />
Not all companies are able to give employees motivation to put in long hours, but some are doing what they can, Goldner says.</p>
<p>“Some companies have added time-saving features, such as the ability to fill prescriptions at work and child care,” she says. “These incentives can help motivate employees to work harder, and for longer periods of time.”</p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong>Pro No. 4: More exposure.</strong><br />
In addition to building on loyalty with your employer, Sorbera says you are putting yourself in a good position to be seen by all parts of an organization.</p>
<p>“We see many people gaining higher level work task, projects and responsibilities that will gain them greater exposure internally,” he says. “We see this in every downturn that the survivors and people who distinguish themselves during the difficult times are in a position to advance either short term to fill vacancies, or when things turn around.”</p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong>Con No. 1: Not enough recognition.</strong><br />
While working overtime can get you recognition, there is also the possibility that your company will just expect you to step up &#8212; and not reward you for it.</p>
<p>“Working longer hours is enabling your employer&#8217;s dysfunction,” says Stever Robbins, host of the “<a href="http://getitdone.quickanddirtytips.com/" target="_blank">Get-It-Done Guy</a>” business podcast on personal productivity. “You&#8217;re giving your employer the illusion that layoffs are free. They aren&#8217;t. By being willing to try to cover for laid-off employees, you&#8217;re just pushing off the day when your employer must realize that layoffs must be accompanied by decreased ambitions.”</p>
<p><strong>Con No. 2: Jilted work/life balance.</strong><br />
In a recent CareerBuilder survey, 23 percent of workers were dissatisfied with their work/life balance. When you’re working 50 or 60 hours per week, you can assume that number will increase.</p>
<p>“The employee has less time to spend with friends and family, which can lead to a much more depressed and less productive worker,” Goldner says. “Working longer hours not only affects the employee, but their families too. Having less personal time means spending less time with your kids and spouse, and this can really strain relationships.”</p>
<p><strong>Con No. 3: Possible health issues.</strong><br />
When you’re working too much, there’s not enough time to be active and live a healthy lifestyle.</p>
<p>“Employees have less time to stay active, and lead a more sedentary lifestyle when they work 50-60 hours [per week],” Goldner says. “Higher levels of stress are linked to heart disease, obesity and many other conditions.”</p>
<p><strong>Con No. 4: Less productive.</strong><br />
Long hours don&#8217;t equate to more work, Robbins reminds. “Your productivity tanks when you&#8217;re stressed about not being able to take care of your personal life or if you&#8217;re missing sleep,” he says.  Robbins estimates that working 60-hour weeks depresses your productivity to 80 percent, at least, which is equivalent to a 48-hour work week. “Only with the 60-hour version, you also get the stress of having no life,” he says.</p>


<p>Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://www.theworkbuzz.com/fun-stuff/boss-halloween-character/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Which Halloween Character Is Your Boss Most Like?'>Which Halloween Character Is Your Boss Most Like?</a> <small>Two days until Halloween! I got the finishing touches to...</small></li>
</ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>16</slash:comments>
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		<title>10 Signs Time to Quit</title>
		<link>http://www.theworkbuzz.com/office-etiquette/10-signs-time-to-quit/</link>
		<comments>http://www.theworkbuzz.com/office-etiquette/10-signs-time-to-quit/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 26 Jan 2010 19:04:37 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>CareerBuilder blogger</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Office Etiquette]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Work/Life]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[dissatisfaction]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Job Search]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[quitting]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.theworkbuzz.com/?p=3850</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[How many times a day do you say to yourself, “I like what I do, but not where I work?” Or the opposite, “I like where I work, but not what I do?” The current economy has kept many employees stationed for the past couple of years, not because they love what they do &#8212; [...]


No related posts.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong></strong><a href="http://www.theworkbuzz.com/wp-content/uploads/stressed2.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-3852" src="http://www.theworkbuzz.com/wp-content/uploads/stressed2-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a>How many times a day do you say to yourself, “I like what I do, but not where I work?” Or the opposite, “I like where I work, but not what I do?”</p>
<p>The current economy has kept many employees stationed for the past couple of years, not because they love what they do &#8212; but because they are too scared to pursue other opportunities. But, according to a recent Gallup Poll, 71 percent of employees feel disengaged from their jobs. So what should you do? Continue to stay in a job where you are unhappy? Or start looking for somewhere where you’ll be happier?</p>
<p>People quit their jobs for many reasons. Maybe you don’t like your co-workers or your boss drives you crazy. Maybe there’s nowhere for you to move up in the company. Maybe you’re overworked and underpaid. Maybe you’re all of the above.</p>
<p>While the choice to move on to greener pastures is up to you, here are 10 signs that should tell you if it’s time to start thinking about moving on:<span id="more-3850"></span><strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong>1. Your co-workers drive you crazy.</strong><br />
Co-workers can be a curse or a blessing in the workplace. When you work with people you love, it’s one thing. But how are you supposed to get any work done when your colleagues are irritating you, offending you, distracting you, coming in late, leaving early, talking loudly on the phone, procrastinating or coming to your desk to gossip? If you find that you want to tear your hair out at the end of each day because of your colleagues, it might be time to look for more tolerable people.</p>
<p><strong>2. You hate going to work.</strong><br />
When Sunday night rolls around, are you dreading going into the office the next morning? As soon as you arrive on Monday morning, are you already thinking about Friday at 5 p.m.? I think all of us have had to go to job that we hate at least once, and if you haven’t &#8212; you’re the exception, not the rule (not to mention extremely lucky). When you’re spending 40+ hours at work, the last thing you want is to hate every second you’re there. If you do, it might be time to start thinking about your next career move.</p>
<p><strong>3. You’re bored.</strong><br />
Most people like to feel challenged at work. If your work has started to seem too easy or repetitive, it’s a sign that you need more responsibility or extra a change in roles. But, don’t confuse boredom with slacking off. There’s a vast difference between watching YouTube videos all day long with work piling up next to you and watching YouTube videos all day long because you’ve completed all there is to do.</p>
<p><strong>4. The company &#8212; or your job &#8212; is in trouble.</strong><br />
It’s no secret that many companies are still struggling as a result of the economy. There continue to be layoffs and budget cuts. While we don’t suggest quitting your job in a panic without having some sort of plan as to what your next step is, we do think you should pay attention to what’s going on at your company. If you’re concerned about the state of your job or the company, approach your manager with any concerns before taking other actions.</p>
<p><strong>5. You don’t feel at home.</strong><br />
Sometimes we forget how important it is to feel comfortable at work &#8212; that is, until we don’t. If competition seems far from friendly, your colleagues steal your ideas, your ethics or values conflict with the company, or even if your casual style clashes with the buttoned-up policies of management, you might try to find a company where you feel more at home.</p>
<p><strong>6. You can’t stand your boss.</strong><br />
Just because someone is a manager or boss doesn’t give him free reign to be a jerk. Whether you realize it or not, your relationship with your boss has a huge impact on your overall professional happiness and success. After all, even the best job can be terrible if your boss is lousy. If you don’t see eye-to-eye or your manager is untrustworthy or unwilling to help you succeed, it might be time to look for a new job &#8212; with a new supervisor.</p>
<p><strong>7. Your career is at a standstill.</strong><br />
Maybe you’ve been doing the same job for several years and you’re ready for more responsibility. Maybe you’ve lost your passion for what you used to love. Maybe you work at a company where there’s no other role for you than the one you’re currently in. Start by talking to your boss about taking on more work, or trying different tasks. Express to him or her that you want to continue to develop your skills and reach your goals. If no alternatives are available, it might be time to start looking around.</p>
<p><strong>8. You’re not valued.</strong><br />
Recognition is important &#8212; you need to feel as though you’re making a contribution and like other people will give you credit for your successes. Is your company doing anything to reward your efforts? Do you get bonuses, perks or positive feedback? If your boss has never heard of positive reinforcement, it might be time to find company that will value your talent.</p>
<p><strong>9. Your work environment sucks.</strong><br />
State of the economy aside, every job and every company experiences highs and lows. It doesn’t take a psychiatrist to know that working in place with negative energy or low morale is draining on even the happiest soul. If you find that you’re always feeling stressed out, depressed or having a negative attitude, it might be time to explore more positive options.</p>
<p><strong>10. You’re exhausted.</strong><br />
Everyone says they’re stressed. But some people are <em>really </em>stressed. Too many projects and not enough help equal a heavy workload and job burnout. We don’t advise quitting when the going gets tough once in a while &#8212; let’s be honest, everyone has to take one for the team at some point. But, if there’s no end or reprieve in sight, do yourself (and your sanity) a favor and see what else is out there.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.bing.com/search?q=signs+you%27re+being+fired&amp;form=ap">Bing: Signs you&#8217;re about to be fired</a><br />
<a href="http://www.bing.com/search?q=%22exit+interview+tips%22&amp;form=ap">Bing: Exit interview tips</a></p>


<p>No related posts.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>3</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>Need a Good Read Today?</title>
		<link>http://www.theworkbuzz.com/featured/need-a-good-read-today/</link>
		<comments>http://www.theworkbuzz.com/featured/need-a-good-read-today/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 25 Jan 2010 17:48:13 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>CareerBuilder blogger</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[branding]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Career Advice]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Job Search]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Networking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[reading]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.theworkbuzz.com/?p=3844</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Good morning, WorkBuzzers! Nothing can bring down my good mood this morning &#8212; not even the fact that&#8217;s Monday. Why? The elation I feel from the Vikings&#8217; loss to the Saints in the NFC Championship last night is immeasurable. I was going to write a football-related blog &#8212; something along the lines of why professional [...]


No related posts.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Good morning, WorkBuzzers! Nothing can bring down my good mood this morning &#8212; not even the fact that&#8217;s Monday. Why? The elation I feel from the Vikings&#8217; loss to the Saints in the NFC Championship last night is immeasurable. I was going to write a football-related blog &#8212; something along the lines of why professional football kickers might have the hardest job in the world &#8212; but time got the best of my morning, per usual.</p>
<p>Instead, I thought I would start off your week with some interesting articles I found on my TweetDeck this morning. Stay tuned tomorrow for a post about how to know when it&#8217;s time to quit your job.<span id="more-3844"></span></p>
<ul>
<li><strong><a href="http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/bestcompanies/2010/full_list/" target="_blank">100 Best Companies to Work for</a> </strong>(via <a href="http://twitter.com/CBforEmployers" target="_blank">@CBforEmployers</a>)</li>
<li><strong><a href="http://www.employmentdigest.net/2010/01/the-top-10-job-search-personal-branding-mistakes/" target="_blank">Top 10 Job-Search Personal Branding Mistakes</a></strong> (via <a href="http://twitter.com/InterviewCoach" target="_blank">@interviewcoach</a>)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-828-Entry-Level-Careers-Examiner~y2010m1d25-Five-tips-for-turning-temp-work-into-fulltime-employment" target="_blank"><strong>Five tips for turning temp work into full-time employment</strong></a> (via <a href="http://twitter.com/HeatherHuhman" target="_blank">@heatherhuhman</a>)</li>
<li><strong><a href="http://money.cnn.com/2010/01/25/news/economy/workplace_loyalty/" target="_blank">Working Twice as Hard for Half the Money</a> </strong>(via <a href="http://twitter.com/CareerBuilderPR" target="_blank">@CareerBuilderPR</a>)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/article/20100125/NEWS03/1250321/1004/NEWS03" target="_blank"><strong>New Year is Time to Fine-Tune Your Job-Hunting Strategies</strong></a> (via<a href="http://twitter.com/BriteTab" target="_blank">@BriteTab</a>)</li>
<li><strong><a href="http://www.kristidaeda.com/2010/01/25/your-5-step-recipe-for-a-memorable-job-search-message/" target="_blank">Your 5 Step Recipe for a Memorable Job Search Message</a> </strong>(via <a href="http://twitter.com/KristiD" target="_blank">@kristid</a>)</li>
</ul>
<p>Happy Monday!</p>


<p>No related posts.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>3</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>Is &#8220;To whom it may concern&#8221; the kiss of death?</title>
		<link>http://www.theworkbuzz.com/career-advice/whom-it-may-concern-kiss-of-death/</link>
		<comments>http://www.theworkbuzz.com/career-advice/whom-it-may-concern-kiss-of-death/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 19 Jan 2010 20:12:57 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>CareerBuilder blogger</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Career Advice]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Job Search]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Resume]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cover letter]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[dos and donts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[employer research]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[job application]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[personalize]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[to whom it may concern]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.theworkbuzz.com/?p=3822</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Most job seekers know that, whenever possible, it&#8217;s best to address your cover letter to the person who has the power to hire you &#8212; or at least the person who can bring you in for an interview. But, all too often, if a name isn&#8217;t listed on a job posting, the job seeker resorts [...]


Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://www.theworkbuzz.com/employment/employers-dont-call-back/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Why Don&#8217;t Employers Call You Back?'>Why Don&#8217;t Employers Call You Back?</a> <small>Of all the complaints we hear from job seekers, one...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://www.theworkbuzz.com/interviews/burning-bridges/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Don&#8217;t Burn Bridges in Your Job Search'>Don&#8217;t Burn Bridges in Your Job Search</a> <small>When in need of something to blog about, turn to...</small></li>
</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.theworkbuzz.com/wp-content/uploads/Kiss_of_Death_trailer_scrennshot_5.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-3825" src="http://www.theworkbuzz.com/wp-content/uploads/Kiss_of_Death_trailer_scrennshot_5-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a>Most job seekers know that, whenever possible, it&#8217;s best to address your cover letter to the person who has the power to hire you &#8212; or at least the person who can bring you in for an interview.</p>
<p>But, all too often, if a name isn&#8217;t listed on a job posting, the job seeker resorts to an old-fashioned salutation like, &#8220;To Whom It May Concern.&#8221; What they don&#8217;t know, is that this approach can sometimes be considered the kiss of death.</p>
<p>Impersonal salutations like &#8220;Dir Sir/Madam&#8221; or &#8220;To Whom It May Concern,&#8221; show an employer two things. The first is that you lack the initiative to locate the appropriate contact; the second is that you show a disregard for any research needed to be done on your part. In short, employers will think you&#8217;re lazy and your cover letter will end up in the trash.<span id="more-3822"></span></p>
<p>One of the most common <a href="http://www.theworkbuzz.com/featured/ask-the-work-buzz-3/" target="_blank">questions </a>we get is how to find the name of  a hiring manager, particularly at a large company. Here are four ways to find out the addressee of your cover letter:</p>
<p><strong>1. Read the job posting</strong><br />
A no-brainer, but still needs to be mentioned. Sometimes you&#8217;ll get lucky, and the job you want to apply for will list a contact right in the posting. But even then, you sometimes need to dig a little deeper. Say, for example, the listed contact is &#8220;Chris Smith.&#8221; You don&#8217;t know if Chris is a man or a woman. If you can&#8217;t find that out, it&#8217;s safe to address your letter &#8220;Dear C. Smith.&#8221; That way, you&#8217;ve made it personal, but you haven&#8217;t offended anyone.</p>
<p><strong>2. Call the company</strong><br />
If a job posting does not list a contact name, call the company. Yes, it really is that simple. Call the main number listed for the company and ask for the name of its corporate recruiter or hiring manager. Or, call and say you were wondering who manages the position to which you&#8217;re applying. That way, your materials get sent directly to the person who needs to see them.</p>
<p><strong>3. Look on the Internet</strong><br />
A simple search on your favorite search engine can often do the trick. One search and anything from company directories to employer background information to stock market share could pop up. Try searching &#8220;ABC company hiring manager&#8221; and see what you find. The Internet is a wealth of information, if you just put in a little effort to find out what you want to know.</p>
<p><strong>4. Ask your personal contacts</strong><br />
We always try to stress the important of networking in your job search. Surprisingly, many people ignore that advice in situations like writing your cover letter. Let&#8217;s say you find a job that interests you, and there&#8217;s no contact information listed. You go to one of your contacts and have the following conversation:<strong></strong></p>
<p><strong>You</strong>: &#8220;Hey, do you happen to know of anyone who works at ABC Company?<br />
<strong>Contact</strong>: &#8220;Actually, I used to work there five years ago.&#8221;<strong></strong><br />
<strong>You</strong>: &#8220;Really? I&#8217;m applying for a position there. Do you know <span style="text-decoration: line-through;">how</span> who I might report to?&#8221;</p>
<p>Or maybe the conversation goes like this:</p>
<p><strong>You</strong>: &#8220;Hey, do you happen to know of anyone who works at ABC Company?&#8221;<br />
<strong>Contact</strong>: &#8220;I don&#8217;t, but I know my colleague worked there before coming to work with us .&#8221;<br />
<strong>You</strong>: &#8220;Really? Do you think I could have his or her name to see if they can help me find out who to send my application materials to?&#8221;</p>
<p>You get the picture. The bottom line is everybody knows someone &#8212; you just never know until you ask.</p>
<p>If you try all of these methods and you&#8217;re still coming up short, Wendy Enelow and Louise Kursmark, <a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/Article/CB-1468-Cover-Letters-and-Resumes-Q-amp-A-Your-Cover-Letter-Questions-Answered/" target="_blank">co-authors of &#8220;Cover Letter Magic</a>&#8221; and two of the nation&#8217;s most reputable career coaches, examine a few possible salutations and a few key points to remember about each one.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Dear Sir/Madam</strong>. All-purpose and inoffensive, although it might be perceived as stodgy and old-fashioned.</li>
<li><strong>To Whom It May Concern</strong>. Another standard; has the downside of being impersonal and old-fashioned.</li>
<li><strong>Dear Hiring Executive</strong> (or Hiring Committee). Formal, but appropriate.</li>
<li><strong>Dear Human Resources</strong> (or Human Resources Representative). Acceptable only if you&#8217;re writing to a &#8220;blind ad&#8221; that lists only a P.O. box and you cannot call to get a specific individual&#8217;s name.</li>
<li><strong>Dear Hiring Authority</strong>. Acceptable only if, despite your best efforts, you have been unable to uncover the name of the non-HR person to whom you&#8217;re sending your résumé.</li>
<li><strong>Good Morning (or Good Day)</strong>. A bit more up-to-date, but it reminds us of junk-mail greetings that try (unsuccessfully) to be personal.</li>
<li><strong>Re: Job Title You&#8217;re Applying For</strong> (leaving off a specific salutation). A useful method for replying to want ads, when you truly don&#8217;t know to whom you are sending your résumé. We think it&#8217;s preferable to the &#8220;Dear Human Resources&#8221; greeting.</li>
<li><strong>No Salutation</strong> (begin your letter immediately after the inside address). Again, perfectly acceptable for want-ad replies. Might be considered an improvement over old-fashioned, nonspecific greetings.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Editor&#8217;s note &#8211; 2/16/2010:</strong> <em>We appreciate all the comments our readers are leaving. To gauge more hiring manager opinions, we took this debate to the hiring managers themselves on our FaceBook page for Employers: </em><a href="http://www.facebook.com/CBforEmployers"><em>http://www.facebook.com/CBforEmployers</em></a><em> The verdict so far? It&#8217;s <strong>not</strong> a deal breaker. </em><em>While using general addresses are not deal breakers, the lesson, however, is to make sure you personalize your cover letter as much as possible when you can because the more you can do to catch a hiring manager&#8217;s attention, the better!</em></p>


<p>Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://www.theworkbuzz.com/employment/employers-dont-call-back/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Why Don&#8217;t Employers Call You Back?'>Why Don&#8217;t Employers Call You Back?</a> <small>Of all the complaints we hear from job seekers, one...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://www.theworkbuzz.com/interviews/burning-bridges/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Don&#8217;t Burn Bridges in Your Job Search'>Don&#8217;t Burn Bridges in Your Job Search</a> <small>When in need of something to blog about, turn to...</small></li>
</ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>235</slash:comments>
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		<title>Timing Important When Asking for a Raise</title>
		<link>http://www.theworkbuzz.com/compensation/asking-for-a-raise/</link>
		<comments>http://www.theworkbuzz.com/compensation/asking-for-a-raise/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 12 Jan 2010 20:07:07 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>CareerBuilder blogger</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Compensation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[boss]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[promotion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[raises]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.theworkbuzz.com/?p=3802</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Asking for a raise is never easy, and the current state of the economy makes it even more nerve-wracking. But asking for a raise that you know you deserve doesn’t have to be as torturous as you might think — especially if the timing is right. “If your performance and the quantifiable results from your [...]


Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://www.theworkbuzz.com/career-advice/how-to-prove-youre-needed/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: How to prove you&#8217;re needed'>How to prove you&#8217;re needed</a> <small>If you&#8217;ve read our posts before, you know we encourage...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://www.theworkbuzz.com/career-advice/boss-problems/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: When your boss forgets to be the boss'>When your boss forgets to be the boss</a> <small>I fully admit that I&#8217;m not the reality TV junkie...</small></li>
</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.theworkbuzz.com/wp-content/uploads/AskforaRaise.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-3804" src="http://www.theworkbuzz.com/wp-content/uploads/AskforaRaise-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a></p>
<p>Asking for a raise is never easy, and the current state of the economy makes it even more nerve-wracking. But asking for a raise that you know you deserve doesn’t have to be as torturous as you might think — especially if the timing is right.<span id="more-3802"></span></p>
<p>“If your performance and the quantifiable results from your initiatives have exceeded expectations and have resulted in X increase in profits, Y cost savings, Z brand expansion or customer base … then move forward,” says Marshal Backlar, president of Backlar Consultants. “But remember, timing is important: Knowing your company’s culture and climate, and your boss’s mood and confidence, will enable you to choose your time well. Just as important, you must understand and respond to the ‘them’ part of the equation.”</p>
<p>So, assuming that you meet all the requirements of deserving a raise, and you don’t just <em>want </em>one, when you choose to present your case is key. If you needed to borrow money from your parents, for example, you wouldn’t want to ask them right after they’d just shelled out $1,000 toward your tuition, would you? Probably not.</p>
<p>The same principle applies when asking your boss for more money. You can’t just waltz into your boss’s office and say, “Hey, I think I deserve a raise.” You need to plan and prepare for the discussion.</p>
<p>While the most logical time to discuss a raise is during your performance review, it could be beneficial to talk with your supervisor about the issue before your next evaluation rolls around. Especially if you’ve just had a major accomplishment that benefits the company and your annual review is still nine months away. Whatever you do, make sure you tell your boss you’d like to schedule a time to discuss your compensation. The last thing you want to do is catch him or her by surprise, which can often result in defensiveness.</p>
<p>Here are a few opportune times to consider asking for a raise:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>The company just received good news</strong>. If the company just got good news, such as landing a new client or  signing a $500,000 deal, it might be a good time to broach the topic of a raise — especially if you played a role in the news. If you scored a new client or landed a big deal, you’ll be able to make a strong case regarding your contribution to the company.</li>
<li><strong>You just completed a major project. </strong>If you’ve just successfully completed a major project, it’s a great time to meet with your boss to talk salary. Again, your case will be strengthened by your accomplishment. Just be sure to schedule the meeting at a time when you know he or she won’t be overwhelmed with deadlines.</li>
<li><strong>You’re given more responsibility or a new position. </strong>If you’re doing more in terms of your job duties, it’s only fair that you would be compensated for it. While that seems logical to you, it might not make sense to your boss, so it’s up to you to bring it up if he or she doesn’t. The next time your boss gives you additional responsibility, ask if you can also discuss more money to go along with those duties. Just be sure to give reasons why you think those undertakings deserve a higher compensation.</li>
</ul>
<p>When not to ask for a raise:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>End of the fiscal year</strong>. This is probably one of the worst times to ask for a raise. Why? Most managers are preparing their budgets for the next year or completing finance reports — aka, figuring out how they spent their money — for the past year. Asking for money during this time will stress your manager out and may affect whether or not you get that raise.</li>
<li><strong>After mass layoffs</strong>. If your company recently laid off employees, there’s a pretty good chance that it is struggling and looking for ways to cut cost. That means you’re going to have trouble getting a raise.</li>
<li><strong>If your company has been hit hard by the economy. </strong>Be sensitive to things like how the economy has affected your company or how your company is doing financially.  If your company is in the red (or fighting like heck to stay out of it), it’s not likely you’ll get more money, no matter how good you are or how hard you work.</li>
</ul>
<p>Think you deserve a raise and your timing is right? Check out these articles for tips on how to ask for one the right way:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/Article/CB-922-Getting-Ahead-Five-Ways-to-Ask-for-a-Raise/" target="_blank"><strong>5 Ways to Ask for a Raise</strong></a><br />
<a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/Article/CB-1420-Getting-Ahead-Can-You-Ask-for-a-Raise-in-This-Economy/" target="_blank"><strong>Can You Ask for a Raise in This Economy?</strong></a><br />
<a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/Article/CB-1484-Getting-Ahead-10-Pitfalls-to-Avoid-When-Asking-for-a-Raise/" target="_blank"><strong>10 Pitfalls to Avoid When Asking for a Raise</strong></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.bing.com/search?q=negotiating+salary+tips&amp;form=ap">Bing: Salary negotiation tips</a><br />
<a href="http://www.bing.com/search?q=Perks+Instead+of+Raises&amp;FORM=ap">Bing: Raises vs. perks</a></p>


<p>Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://www.theworkbuzz.com/career-advice/how-to-prove-youre-needed/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: How to prove you&#8217;re needed'>How to prove you&#8217;re needed</a> <small>If you&#8217;ve read our posts before, you know we encourage...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://www.theworkbuzz.com/career-advice/boss-problems/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: When your boss forgets to be the boss'>When your boss forgets to be the boss</a> <small>I fully admit that I&#8217;m not the reality TV junkie...</small></li>
</ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>20</slash:comments>
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		<title>Where Will The Jobs Be This Decade?</title>
		<link>http://www.theworkbuzz.com/employment-trends/jobs-this-decade/</link>
		<comments>http://www.theworkbuzz.com/employment-trends/jobs-this-decade/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 05 Jan 2010 16:56:57 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>CareerBuilder blogger</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Employment Trends]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[2010]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[industry growth]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[job growth]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jobs]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.theworkbuzz.com/?p=3768</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I don&#8217;t know about you, but it&#8217;s still hard getting back into the swing of things after the holidays. Call me crazy though &#8212; I am almost grateful to be back in some type of routine &#8230; almost. While thinking about what I wanted to write about today, my uncle Bob e-mailed me with an [...]


Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://www.theworkbuzz.com/employment-trends/most-wanted-workers/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: The future’s 15 most wanted workers'>The future’s 15 most wanted workers</a> <small>This spring there seems to have been an explosion of...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://www.theworkbuzz.com/current-affairs/u-s-loses-190000-jobs-in-october/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: U.S. loses 190,000 jobs in October'>U.S. loses 190,000 jobs in October</a> <small>Today the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released new data...</small></li>
</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=121875404"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-3771 alignleft" src="http://www.theworkbuzz.com/wp-content/uploads/empforecast-300-150x150.gif" alt="Interactive: The Decade Ahead in Jobs" width="150" height="150" /></a>I don&#8217;t know about you, but it&#8217;s still hard getting back into the swing of things after the holidays. Call me crazy though &#8212; I am almost grateful to be back in some type of routine &#8230; almost.</p>
<p>While thinking about what I wanted to write about today, my uncle Bob e-mailed me with an interesting article he heard on NPR yesterday morning about where the jobs will be in the coming decade, and I wanted to share it with you.</p>
<p>The gist of the article says that it&#8217;s going to take the U.S. a while to recover from the slump we&#8217;ve been in, but that in the next 10 years, we should expect to see about 15 million new jobs. The author predicts strong job growth for the high-paying jobs and the low-paying jobs at both ends of the labor market, but less growth in the middle to replace the well-paying manufacturing jobs the U.S. is losing.</p>
<p>I&#8217;ve included highlights from the article in this post, but for the full story, click <a href="http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=122123729" target="_blank">here</a><span id="more-3768"></span></p>
<h2>Where The Jobs Will Be This Decade</h2>
<div>
<p>by <a href="http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=2101404" target="_blank">John Ydstie</a></p>
<blockquote><p>This month we begin a new decade with a big economic question: Where are the jobs?</p>
<p>The first decade of this century ended as a disaster for employment. Since the recession began two years ago, the U.S. has lost more than 7 million jobs.</p>
<p>Just to regain the jobs we&#8217;ve lost will be a huge challenge, says Harvard University labor economist Lawrence Katz. &#8220;We would need well over 300,000 [jobs] a month for four years in a row just to make up what we&#8217;ve lost in the last couple of years,&#8221; Katz says.</p>
<p><strong>Jobs On The Horizon</strong><br />
Katz thinks it could take half a decade or more just to get to the employment levels we had two years ago. Still, he expects that during this new decade, the U.S. economy will eventually create 15 million new jobs, with the unemployment rate falling to around 5 percent.</p>
<p>The real question, he says, is what kind of jobs they&#8217;ll be. &#8220;The worrisome trend is something I&#8217;ve called the polarization of the labor market.&#8221;</p>
<p>Katz says the U.S. has experienced this for the past 15 years or so. It results in strong job growth for the high-paying jobs and the low-paying jobs at both ends of the labor market, but less growth in the middle to replace the well-paying manufacturing jobs the U.S. is losing.</p>
<p>Projections for the next decade from the Bureau of Labor Statistics suggest that elements of that basic trend will continue.</p>
<p><strong>Top 10 List</strong></p>
<p>Dixie Sommers, assistant commissioner for the Bureau of Labor Statistics, recites a list of the 10 occupations that the BLS expects will provide the greatest number of new jobs over the next decade. These include:</p>
<p><strong>1. <a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobs/keyword/registered_nurses/?siteid=cbworkbuzz" target="_blank">Registered nurses</a></strong></p>
<p><strong>2. <a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobs/keyword/health_aid/?siteid=cbworkbuzz" target="_blank">Home health aides</a></strong></p>
<p><strong>3. <a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobs/keyword/customer_service/?siteid=cbworkbuzz" target="_blank">Customer service representatives</a></strong></p>
<p><strong>4. <a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobs/keyword/food_preparation/?siteid=cbworkbuzz" target="_blank">Food preparation and serving workers</a></strong></p>
<p><strong>5. <a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobs/keyword/home_care_aid/?siteid=cbworkbuzz" target="_blank">Personal and home care aides</a></strong></p>
<p><strong>6. <a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobs/keyword/retail/?siteid=cbworkbuzz" target="_blank">Retail salespersons</a></strong></p>
<p><strong>7. <a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobs/keyword/office_clerk/?siteid=cbworkbuzz" target="_blank">Office clerks</a></strong></p>
<p><strong>8. <a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobs/keyword/accountant/?siteid=cbworkbuzz" target="_blank">Accountants</a></strong></p>
<p><strong>9. <a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobs/keyword/nursing_aid/?siteid=cbworkbuzz" target="_blank">Nursing aides, orderlies and attendants</a></strong></p>
<p><strong>10. <a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobs/keyword/teacher/?siteid=cbworkbuzz" target="_blank">Postsecondary teachers</a></strong></p>
<p>Six of the top seven fastest-growing occupations are low-skill, low-wage jobs.</p>
<p><strong>Less Training Required</strong><br />
For those who want to spend less time in school than accountants and nurses, but still make good money, Sommers suggests firefighting or becoming a sales representative for a manufacturer — especially one making technical and scientific products. Sales representatives can make about $70,000 a year, she says.</p>
<p>Finally, over the next decade, the best-paying, fastest-growing job that also requires little training is truck driving. According to the BLS, the folks driving the big tractor-trailer rigs earn about $37,000 a year on average.</p></blockquote>
</div>


<p>Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://www.theworkbuzz.com/employment-trends/most-wanted-workers/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: The future’s 15 most wanted workers'>The future’s 15 most wanted workers</a> <small>This spring there seems to have been an explosion of...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://www.theworkbuzz.com/current-affairs/u-s-loses-190000-jobs-in-october/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: U.S. loses 190,000 jobs in October'>U.S. loses 190,000 jobs in October</a> <small>Today the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released new data...</small></li>
</ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>349</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>Résumé 101: New Résumé, New Year</title>
		<link>http://www.theworkbuzz.com/resume/resume-101/</link>
		<comments>http://www.theworkbuzz.com/resume/resume-101/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 17 Dec 2009 17:14:20 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>CareerBuilder blogger</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Resume]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[resume advice]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[resume help]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[resume writing]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.theworkbuzz.com/?p=3720</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Now that we&#8217;re in a new year, we want to make sure that you’re armed with best information  so that you can land a job ASAP. Many factors played into your not being able to find a job  in 2009. While the economy and the job market had plenty to do with it, there comes [...]


Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://www.theworkbuzz.com/career-advice/ask-age/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Ask The Work Buzz! More on age'>Ask The Work Buzz! More on age</a> <small>Here&#8217;s a question from Peter: I am starting a job...</small></li>
</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a rel="attachment wp-att-3722" href="http://www.theworkbuzz.com/resume/resume-101/attachment/2010resume/"><img class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-3722" src="http://www.theworkbuzz.com/wp-content/uploads/2010Resume-150x150.jpg" alt="2010Resume" width="150" height="150" /></a>Now that we&#8217;re in a new year, we want to make sure that you’re armed with best information  so that you can land a job ASAP.</p>
<p>Many factors played into your not being able to find a job  in 2009. While the economy and the job market had plenty to do with it, there comes a point when you have to look at yourself and what you are (or aren’t) doing and how it’s affecting your job search. Let’s start with the most basic thing you need in your job search: a résumé.</p>
<p>Here’s a little résumé 101 to refresh your job search this year, excerpted from “<a href="http://www.careerbuildermarketing.com/career-building/" target="_blank">Career Building: Your Total Handbook for Finding a Job and Making It Work</a>.”</p>
<p><strong>Writing your résumé: </strong>Hiring managers spend an average of one minute scanning a résumé. You have just a short window to convince them that you’re either fabulous or the most boring person alive. Which is it gonna be?</p>
<p>Here are the elements that your résumé should include:<strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong>Contact information:</strong> Your name (if your formal name is Abigail but you go by Abby, use Abby), address, phone number, e-mail address and Web site. And make sure to use a professional e-mail address for your job applications. Employers aren’t likely to call HotPants1234@hotmail.com.</p>
<p><strong>Career summary or objective:</strong> This gives the hiring manager an idea of who you are immediately — before spending the 60 seconds skimming your résumé and deciding if he wants to bring you in for an interview. Many job seekers equate a summary with an objective. While both are two to three sentences appearing at the top of your résumé, they are different.</p>
<p>An objective states a job seeker’s desired job description, and is often ideal for people who are just starting out in the work force or changing industries. Some words of warning: It could pigeonhole you and limit how employers see you. If you are looking to take the next step in your chosen field, consider writing a career summary instead.</p>
<p>A career summary gives an overview of your work experience and/or relevant education.</p>
<p><strong>Summary of qualifications:</strong> This calls out the most relevant information for the job. If you include this, the hiring manager doesn’t have to hunt for your abilities. This is an easy way to tailor your résumé for each job application. Look at the required skills listed in a job posting and use this as an opportunity to highlight the skills needed for the job. If you are changing careers or industries, this section helps you highlight certain transferable skills.</p>
<p><strong>Technical skills: </strong>This is where you can show your computer and software proficiency. Are you missing a technical skill listed in the job description? Don’t throw in the towel. Seventy-eight percent of hiring managers report they are willing to recruit workers who don’t have experience in their particular industry or field and provide training/certifications needed.</p>
<p><strong>Work history:</strong> This is where you list chronologically any work experience – titles, employer and dates of tenure. List only the most recent and <em>relevant</em> information; no one cares about your ninth-grade babysitting club … unless you are looking for something in child care (even then, save it for your cover letter).</p>
<p><strong>Education:</strong> Include your dates of graduation, college major and minor, degrees earned or expected graduation date.</p>
<p>So there you have it; the very basics you should include on your résumé. Other things to remember to include? Keywords, accomplishments and no errors.</p>
<p>If you need some help writing your résumé, check out <a href="../resume/resume-101/www.cbresume.com" target="_blank">CBResume</a>, or if you’d like a free critique of your current résumé, click <a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/Resumes/ResumeCritiqueLanding.aspx" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>
<p>Questions? Just ask us here. In the meantime, here is some more light résumé reading to check out:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/Article/CB-1321-Cover-Letters-and-Resumes-The-Résumé-Black-Hole/" target="_blank">The Résumé Black Hole</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/Article/CB-1375-Cover-Letters-and-Resumes-Buzzwords-That-Can-Damage-Your-Résumé/" target="_blank"><span>Buzzwords That Can Damage Your Résumé</span></a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/Article/CB-1304-Cover-Letters-and-Resumes-HD-Résumé-Making-Things-Crystal-Clear/" target="_blank"><span>HD Résumé: Making Things Crystal Clear</span></a></li>
</ul>
<div style="overflow: hidden; width: 1px; height: 1px;">&lt;!&#8211;[if gte mso 9]&gt; Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 &lt;![endif]&#8211;&gt;&lt;!&#8211;[if gte mso 9]&gt; &lt;![endif]&#8211;&gt;<!--  /* Font Definitions */  @font-face 	{font-family:"Cambria Math"; 	panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; 	mso-font-charset:0; 	mso-generic-font-family:roman; 	mso-font-pitch:variable; 	mso-font-signature:-1610611985 1107304683 0 0 159 0;}  /* Style Definitions */  p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal 	{mso-style-unhide:no; 	mso-style-qformat:yes; 	mso-style-parent:""; 	margin:0in; 	margin-bottom:.0001pt; 	mso-pagination:none; 	mso-hyphenate:none; 	font-size:12.0pt; 	font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; 	mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; 	mso-fareast-language:#00FF;} p.MsoBodyText, li.MsoBodyText, div.MsoBodyText 	{mso-style-unhide:no; 	mso-style-link:"Body Text Char"; 	margin:0in; 	margin-bottom:.0001pt; 	mso-pagination:none; 	mso-hyphenate:none; 	font-size:12.0pt; 	font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; 	mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; 	mso-fareast-language:#00FF;} span.BodyTextChar 	{mso-style-name:"Body Text Char"; 	mso-style-unhide:no; 	mso-style-locked:yes; 	mso-style-link:"Body Text"; 	mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; 	mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; 	mso-fareast-language:#00FF;} .MsoChpDefault 	{mso-style-type:export-only; 	mso-default-props:yes; 	font-size:10.0pt; 	mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt; 	mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;} @page Section1 	{size:8.5in 11.0in; 	margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in; 	mso-header-margin:.5in; 	mso-footer-margin:.5in; 	mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 	{page:Section1;} --><!--[if gte mso 10]&gt; &lt;!   /* Style Definitions */  table.MsoNormalTable 	{mso-style-name:&quot;Table Normal&quot;; 	mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; 	mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; 	mso-style-noshow:yes; 	mso-style-priority:99; 	mso-style-qformat:yes; 	mso-style-parent:&quot;&quot;; 	mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; 	mso-para-margin:0in; 	mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; 	mso-pagination:widow-orphan; 	font-size:11.0pt; 	font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; 	mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; 	mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; 	mso-fareast-font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;; 	mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; 	mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; 	mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; 	mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;; 	mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} --> &lt;!&#8211;[endif]&#8211;&gt;</div>
<p class="MsoBodyText"><strong><span>Work history:</span></strong><span> This is where you list chronologically any work experience – titles, employer and dates of tenure. List only the most recent and <em>relevant</em> information; no one cares about your ninth-grade babysitting club … unless you are looking for something in childcare (even then, save it for your cover letter).</span><span> </span></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText"><span> </span></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText"><strong><span>Education:</span></strong><span> Include your dates of graduation, college major and minor, degrees earned or expected graduation date.</span><span> </span></p>


<p>Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://www.theworkbuzz.com/career-advice/ask-age/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Ask The Work Buzz! More on age'>Ask The Work Buzz! More on age</a> <small>Here&#8217;s a question from Peter: I am starting a job...</small></li>
</ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.theworkbuzz.com/resume/resume-101/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>21</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>Don&#8217;t Despair &#8212; You May Get That Raise, After All</title>
		<link>http://www.theworkbuzz.com/featured/holiday-cutbacks-and-perks/</link>
		<comments>http://www.theworkbuzz.com/featured/holiday-cutbacks-and-perks/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 10 Dec 2009 17:07:07 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>CareerBuilder blogger</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cutbacks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[holiday]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[perks]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.theworkbuzz.com/?p=3688</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[After a year filled with layoffs, salary cuts, benefit losses and disappearing perks, I&#8217;m sure I&#8217;m not the only one who wasn&#8217;t expecting much by way of a raise or other end of year perks in the next month. So, you can imagine my pleasant surprise (and I, yours) at the results of a new [...]


Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://www.theworkbuzz.com/career-advice/office-holiday-party/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: How to use the office holiday party &#8230; if you have one this year'>How to use the office holiday party &#8230; if you have one this year</a> <small>Over the years I’ve attended all kinds of work holiday parties....</small></li>
<li><a href='http://www.theworkbuzz.com/job-surveys/this-year-workers-need-a-break/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: This Year, Workers Need a Break'>This Year, Workers Need a Break</a> <small>Memorial Day is probably my favorite holiday of the year....</small></li>
<li><a href='http://www.theworkbuzz.com/fun-stuff/another-holiday-party-poll/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Another holiday party poll'>Another holiday party poll</a> <small>Last week, two of our posts were dedicated to holiday...</small></li>
</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a rel="attachment wp-att-3689" href="http://www.theworkbuzz.com/featured/holiday-cutbacks-and-perks/attachment/gift/"><img class="size-full wp-image-3689 alignleft" src="http://www.theworkbuzz.com/wp-content/uploads/gift.JPG" alt="gift" width="185" height="114" /></a>After a year filled with layoffs, salary cuts, benefit losses and disappearing perks, I&#8217;m sure I&#8217;m not the only one who wasn&#8217;t expecting much by way of a raise or other end of year perks in the next month. So, you can imagine my pleasant surprise (and I, yours) at the results of a new <a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/share/aboutus/pressreleasesdetail.aspx?id=pr540&amp;sd=12%2f10%2f2009&amp;ed=12%2f31%2f2009&amp;siteid=cbpr&amp;sc_cmp1=cb_pr540_" target="_blank">CareerBuilder</a> survey. Employers said they still plan to reward their employees with holiday perks like bonuses, gifts and parties &#8212; just on a scaled back level.</p>
<blockquote><p>“After a challenging year, some organizations are cutting back on the holiday perks that they may have offered in previous years,” said Rosemary Haefner, Vice President of Human Resources for CareerBuilder. “Even though holiday bonuses, gifts and parties may be trimmed back this season, employers are doing what they can to reward their workers and get their staffs in the holiday spirit.”</p></blockquote>
<p>Here&#8217;s what employers are saying when it comes to giving this quarter:<span id="more-3688"></span></p>
<p><strong>Bonuses:</strong> About 29 percent of employers plan to give their employees holiday bonuses this year. Of those employers, 16 percent are planning to give the same amount as in previous years, while 11 percent plan to give less. Twelve percent of employers say they will not be issuing holiday bonuses.</p>
<p><strong>Gifts:</strong> Twenty-six percent of employers plan to give holiday gifts, with 15 percent planning to spend the same amount for workers as in previous years. Eight percent plan to spend less, while another 8 percent say they are not planning to give holidays gifts in 2009.</p>
<p><strong>Parties:</strong> About 49 percent of employers are planning to throw a <a href="http://www.theworkbuzz.com/career-advice/office-holiday-party/" target="_blank">holiday party</a> for employees this year. Of that group, 30 percent plan to throw the same party as in previous years, while 18 percent are planning something on a smaller scale. One-in-ten (11 percent) employers don’t plan to have a holiday party in 2009.</p>
<p>Are you going through holiday cutbacks at your office? Here are a few tips from Haefner on how to make it through:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Be realistic in your holiday budgeting:</strong> If you’re anticipating a bonus this season, be sure to budget accordingly so that you can handle your financial obligations if your bonus is lower than in years past or is eliminated.</li>
<li><strong>Volunteer as a group</strong>: While companies may not have the budgets to throw a holiday party this year, employees can suggest charity work as an alternative.  Volunteering with your team or company still allows you to be out of the office in a social setting while giving back to your local community and maintaining your holiday spirit.</li>
<li><strong>Don’t be a scrooge:</strong> Even if your company holiday party is cancelled, it doesn’t mean that you can’t celebrate the season with co-workers. Office potlucks or casual get togethers are a great way to have a low-key celebration in the office with your colleagues.</li>
</ul>


<p>Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://www.theworkbuzz.com/career-advice/office-holiday-party/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: How to use the office holiday party &#8230; if you have one this year'>How to use the office holiday party &#8230; if you have one this year</a> <small>Over the years I’ve attended all kinds of work holiday parties....</small></li>
<li><a href='http://www.theworkbuzz.com/job-surveys/this-year-workers-need-a-break/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: This Year, Workers Need a Break'>This Year, Workers Need a Break</a> <small>Memorial Day is probably my favorite holiday of the year....</small></li>
<li><a href='http://www.theworkbuzz.com/fun-stuff/another-holiday-party-poll/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Another holiday party poll'>Another holiday party poll</a> <small>Last week, two of our posts were dedicated to holiday...</small></li>
</ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>9</slash:comments>
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		<title>What&#8217;s Your Most Embarrassing Interview Moment?</title>
		<link>http://www.theworkbuzz.com/fun-stuff/embarrassin-interview-moment/</link>
		<comments>http://www.theworkbuzz.com/fun-stuff/embarrassin-interview-moment/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:39:20 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>CareerBuilder blogger</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fun stuff]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Interviews]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Office Etiquette]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[contest]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[embarrassing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[interview]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.theworkbuzz.com/?p=3622</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[We&#8217;ve all had embarrassing moments. (I&#8217;m going to keep it professional and not share mine with you here, but I assure you, it&#8217;s one for the books.) Anyway,  as I was saying, we&#8217;ve all had embarrassing moments. For some people, it unfortunately happened in the worst place possible: the interview. If you&#8217;re sick of recounting [...]


Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://www.theworkbuzz.com/job-search/employers-say-some-strange-stuff-too/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Employers can say some strange stuff, too'>Employers can say some strange stuff, too</a> <small>You might have read fellow Work Buzzer Kate Lorenz&#8217;s article...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://www.theworkbuzz.com/career-advice/interview-mistakes-you-wish-you-could-take-back/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Interview mistakes you wish you could take back'>Interview mistakes you wish you could take back</a> <small>When I look back at pictures of myself from years...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://www.theworkbuzz.com/featured/embarrassing-observation/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: &#8220;You Have Something In Your Teeth&#8230;&#8221;'>&#8220;You Have Something In Your Teeth&#8230;&#8221;</a> <small>We&#8217;ve all been embarrassed at work. In fact, just this...</small></li>
</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a rel="attachment wp-att-3623" href="http://www.theworkbuzz.com/fun-stuff/embarrassin-interview-moment/attachment/monkey-embarrassing-moment/"><img class="size-full wp-image-3623 alignleft" src="http://www.theworkbuzz.com/wp-content/uploads/monkey-embarrassing-moment.jpg" alt="monkey-embarrassing-moment" width="240" height="167" /></a>We&#8217;ve all had embarrassing moments. (I&#8217;m going to keep it professional and not share mine with you here, but I assure you, it&#8217;s one for the books.)</p>
<p>Anyway,  as I was saying, we&#8217;ve all had embarrassing moments. For some people, it unfortunately happened in the worst place possible: the interview.</p>
<p>If you&#8217;re sick of recounting your embarrassing interview moment in exchange for nothing more than a bunch of laughs from your friends and family, now you can tell it for a good reason: You might be able to win an 8-GB iPod Nano with built-in video camera.<span id="more-3622"></span></p>
<p><a href="https://www.britetab.com/" target="_blank">BriteTab</a>, a resume writing service, just launched <a href="http://www.interviewfollies.com/" target="_blank">InterviewFollies.com</a>, a site that encourages users to post their embarrassing or funny job interview moment that they may have experienced, seen or heard about. Just by sharing your story, you&#8217;ll have the chance to win an iPod Nano with  built-in video camera. Plus, you can promote your story however you want &#8212; through your <a href="http://www.facebook.com/CareerBuilder" target="_blank">Facebook </a>page, <a href="http://twitter.com/CBforJobSeekers" target="_blank">Twitter</a> account or your personal blog.</p>
<p>Visitors to the site will be able to vote for their favorite stories; the person behind the story that received the most votes win. There is a winner every two weeks for six weeks, which means you can submit your story up to three times for a chance to win.</p>
<p>From all of the things I&#8217;ve heard from hiring managers, I have about 100 stories I could enter in this contest. But, I&#8217;ll leave it you guys.</p>
<p>Before you share your embarrassing interview moment on InterviewFollies, share with us here. You won&#8217;t win an iPod Nano, but maybe if you&#8217;re story is funny enough, we can use it an upcoming article.</p>
<p>In the meantime, here is some reading on interviewing to keep you busy:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/Article/CB-1357-Job-Search-The-Worst-Interview-Faux-Pas/" target="_blank"><strong>The Worst Interview Faux Pas</strong></a><br />
<a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/Article/CB-1334-Getting-Hired-7-Ways-to-Wreck-Your-Job-Interview/" target="_blank"><strong>7 Ways to Wreck Your Interview</strong></a><br />
<a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/Article/CB-1259-Getting-Hired-10-Signs-Your-Interview-Went-Well/" target="_blank"><strong>10 Signs Your Interview Went Well</strong></a><br />
<a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/Article/CB-1258-Getting-Hired-You-Said-What/" target="_blank"><strong>You Said What?!</strong></a></p>


<p>Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://www.theworkbuzz.com/job-search/employers-say-some-strange-stuff-too/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Employers can say some strange stuff, too'>Employers can say some strange stuff, too</a> <small>You might have read fellow Work Buzzer Kate Lorenz&#8217;s article...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://www.theworkbuzz.com/career-advice/interview-mistakes-you-wish-you-could-take-back/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Interview mistakes you wish you could take back'>Interview mistakes you wish you could take back</a> <small>When I look back at pictures of myself from years...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://www.theworkbuzz.com/featured/embarrassing-observation/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: &#8220;You Have Something In Your Teeth&#8230;&#8221;'>&#8220;You Have Something In Your Teeth&#8230;&#8221;</a> <small>We&#8217;ve all been embarrassed at work. In fact, just this...</small></li>
</ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.theworkbuzz.com/fun-stuff/embarrassin-interview-moment/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>11</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>More Companies Hiring for the Holidays</title>
		<link>http://www.theworkbuzz.com/employment/more-companies-hiring-for-the-holidays/</link>
		<comments>http://www.theworkbuzz.com/employment/more-companies-hiring-for-the-holidays/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:43:59 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>CareerBuilder blogger</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Employment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Employment Trends]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Part time]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[part-time work]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[seasonal]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.theworkbuzz.com/?p=3606</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[In the past few weeks, we&#8217;ve talked  a lot about seasonal hiring and we got a huge response to the blog where we posted 10 companies hiring for the holidays. Based on all of your comments, it sounds like a few of you are looking for some more options. Ask and you shall receive, my [...]


Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://www.theworkbuzz.com/job-search/companies-holiday-hiring/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: 10 Companies Hiring for the Holidays'>10 Companies Hiring for the Holidays</a> <small>Yesterday, Kate gave you the latest outlook out seasonal hiring...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://www.theworkbuzz.com/employment/whos-hiring-right-now-these-companies-are/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Who&#8217;s hiring right now? These companies are!'>Who&#8217;s hiring right now? These companies are!</a> <small>To cut to the chase, you want a job. If...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://www.theworkbuzz.com/job-surveys/holiday-hiring/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Holiday season hiring outlook'>Holiday season hiring outlook</a> <small>If you are hoping to snag a seasonal job during...</small></li>
</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In the past few weeks, we&#8217;ve talked  a lot about <a href="http://www.theworkbuzz.com/job-surveys/holiday-hiring/#more-3465" target="_blank">seasonal hiring</a> and we got a huge response to the blog where we posted <a href="http://www.theworkbuzz.com/job-search/companies-holiday-hiring/" target="_blank">10 companies hiring for the holidays</a>. Based on all of your comments, it sounds like a few of you are looking for some more options.</p>
<p>Ask and you shall receive, my friends.</p>
<p>Here are six more companies that are hiring seasonal workers. If you&#8217;d like even MORE results, please go to <a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/?siteid=cbworkbuzz" target="_blank">CareerBuilder.com</a> and search &#8220;<a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobs/keyword/seasonal/?siteid=cbworkbuzz" target="_blank">seasonal</a>&#8221; or &#8220;<a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobs/keyword/holiday+help/?siteid=cbworkbuzz" target="_blank">holiday help</a>.&#8221; You can search more specifically within your preferred industry.<span id="more-3606"></span><strong> </strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobs/keyword/Durham_School_Services/?siteid=cbworkbuzz" target="_blank"><strong>Durham School Services</strong></a><br />
<strong>Industry: </strong>Transportation<br />
<strong>Positions hiring: </strong>Bus drivers<br />
<strong>Number of position: </strong>250<strong><br />
</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobs/keyword/H_R_Tax_Block_Services/?siteid=cbworkbuzz" target="_blank"><strong>H&amp;R Block Tax Services</strong></a><br />
<strong>Industry: </strong>Accounting and finance<br />
<strong>Positions hiring: </strong>Office manager, client services,<br />
<strong>Number of positions: </strong>500+</p>
<p><a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobs/keyword/Target/?siteid=cbworkbuzz" target="_blank"><strong>Target</strong></a><br />
<strong>Industry: </strong>Retail<br />
<strong>Positions hiring:</strong>Various<br />
<strong>Number of positions: </strong>25+</p>
<p><a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobs/keyword/Tiffany_Co/?siteid=cbworkbuzz" target="_blank"><strong>Tiffany &amp; Co.</strong></a><br />
<strong>Industry: </strong>Jeweler<br />
<strong>Positions hiring:</strong>Sales associates<br />
<strong>Number of positions: </strong>25+</p>
<p><a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobs/keyword/U.S.+Cellular/?siteid=cbworkbuzz" target="_blank"><strong>U.S. Cellular</strong></a><br />
<strong>Industry: </strong>Wireless<br />
<strong>Positions hiring:</strong> Cashier, greeters, retail wireless consultants, sales managers, store managers, bilingual (Spanish speaking) retail wireless consultants and cashier greeters, service technicians, customer service representatives, customer service operations , bilingual (Spanish speaking) Customer Service Representatives<strong>; </strong>marketing, accounting, finance, project management, public affairs, human resources, engineering, IS/IT, sales operations<br />
<strong>Number of postions: </strong>550+</p>
<p><a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobs/keyword/veolia+transportation/?siteid=cbworkbuzz" target="_blank"><strong>Veolia Transportation</strong></a><br />
<strong>Industry: </strong>Transit<strong> </strong><br />
<strong>Positions hiring:</strong> Safety managers, maintenance managers, general manager, drivers and mechanics<br />
<strong>Number of positions: </strong>150+</p>


<p>Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://www.theworkbuzz.com/job-search/companies-holiday-hiring/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: 10 Companies Hiring for the Holidays'>10 Companies Hiring for the Holidays</a> <small>Yesterday, Kate gave you the latest outlook out seasonal hiring...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://www.theworkbuzz.com/employment/whos-hiring-right-now-these-companies-are/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Who&#8217;s hiring right now? These companies are!'>Who&#8217;s hiring right now? These companies are!</a> <small>To cut to the chase, you want a job. If...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://www.theworkbuzz.com/job-surveys/holiday-hiring/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Holiday season hiring outlook'>Holiday season hiring outlook</a> <small>If you are hoping to snag a seasonal job during...</small></li>
</ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>22</slash:comments>
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