Why my youthful disdain toward money? Because I had a savings account, that’s why. All the money I got for birthdays/Christmas/grade school graduation went straight to the bank, and my parents expected me to be happy when I exchanged a would-be shopping spree at Toys-R-Us for a deposit receipt and a lollipop. I was eight, and I was not happy.

Reflecting on those times now, I realize I’d be thrilled with a savings account as well-endowed as the one I had in fifth grade — its present-day counterpart is paltry, to put it optimistically. Though I know the importance of saving money, there are certain times when it seems almost impossible to save — a feeling that is shared by an increasing number of workers these days.

According to a new CareerBuilder survey: “Saving money is not an option for some workers, as one-third (33 percent) state that they do not participate in any programs such as 401(k), IRAs or retirement plans. One-in-three (30 percent) report that they don’t put any money aside into their savings each month, while 28 percent set aside $100 or less per month for savings and 14 percent save less than $50.”

The survey also reports that the number of workers living paycheck to paycheck has risen in the last year: 77 percent of workers report living paycheck to paycheck in 2010, compared with 61 percent who reported doing so in 2009.

Unfortunately, since we’re in the middle of a recession, it’s likely that many of us will be living with tight purse strings  for the foreseeable future.

Yet according to Rosemary Haefner, vice president of human resources for CareerBuilder, that may not be such a bad thing, since living on a budget  may ultimately make us more financially responsible. “The last 18 months have required some workers to tighten their day-to-day spending and make some adjustments to their financial futures,” says Haefner. “Our survey found that six-in-ten workers say that the recession has made them more fiscally responsible. Maintaining a budget is not only important now, but will better position workers – both personally and professionally – for the long run.”

When it comes to  budgeting, workers reported using the following tactics to help make ends meet:

•             Cut back on leisure activities – 54 percent

•             Used coupons or shopped at discount stores – 48 percent

•             Drove less to save on gas – 37 percent

•             Cancelled cable and other subscriptions – 12 percent

•             Used public transportation – 5 percent

Cut back on cable, carpooling to work and still stretching your paycheck thin? Haefner offers the following tips for getting the most out of your money and creating a livable budget:

Cut back where you can – That daily dose of Dunkin Donuts coffee can add up. Create a spreadsheet or keep a small notebook to track your expenses. At the end of the month, analyze where your money goes, and cut back where you’re spending unnecessarily.

Be saving savvy – While you may not be able to stash away a few hundred dollars each month, it’s still important to save what you can, even if it’s a small amount. If you tend to spend whatever is in your checking account, try setting up an automatic deposit into a savings account. 

Maximize your benefits– Talk to your HR department to see if there are any benefits you’re not taking advantage of.  Many companies offer perks like free museum admission, discounts at certain stores, etc. Also, if necessary, re-evaluate your benefits plan to make sure you’ve selected the right one for your budget.

For more on the recession and its effect on workers, check out:

Is Going Back to School the Right Move?

Workplace Fatalities Reach Record Low

Surprising Growth Industries

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According to a recent CareerBuilder survey, workers and job seekers are paying pretty close attention to the social media profiles of employers as well  – and based on the survey results, it seems they have formed some fairly strong opinions about what they like — and don’t like — to see.  

Among the information respondents said they’d most like to see on a company’s social media page:

• Job listings — 35 percent
• Q&A or fast facts about the organization — 26 percent
• Information about career paths within the organization — 23 percent
• Evidence that working at the company is fun — 16 percent
• Employee testimonials — 16 percent
• Pictures of company events — 12 percent
• Video of new products/services — 10 percent
• Company awards — 9 percent
• Research or studies that the company has conducted — 9 percent
• Videos of a day on the job — 8 percent

On the other hand, top social media turn-offs were:

• Company communication that reads like an ad — 38 percent
• Failure to reply to questions — 30 percent
• Failure to regularly post information — 22 percent
• Removing or filtering public comments — 22 percent

Regardless of whether or not employers have gotten the hang of it yet, they are catching on fast to the power of social media, be it through promoting their company on Twitter, or searching for potential employees on LinkedIn.  Thirty-five percent of employers reported using some form of social media to promote their organization, while 21 percent said they use social media to recruit and research job candidates.

“As communication via social media becomes increasingly pervasive, organizations are harnessing these sites to help achieve a variety of business goals,” said Jason Ferrara, vice president of corporate marketing for CareerBuilder. “Social media allows organizations to communicate in ways that didn’t exist 10 years ago, promoting their services and brands while also supplementing their recruitment strategy.”

Yet employers still have a leg up on job seekers when it comes to managing their online reputation. Forty-three percent of employers reported that their social media outreach was handled by the marketing department, while 26 percent said it was handled by the public relations team.

Want to know more about social media and your career? Check out:

Fired for a Facebook Joke … Again

Social Media Guidelines in Your Job Search and Workplace

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The survey, which asked participants to rank an applicant’s ability to perform a specific job based on pictures alone, found that while attractive women had an advantage in jobs with a “feminine” typecast, like secretarial positions, they were seen as less suitable for jobs like prison guard, tow-truck driver, mechanical engineer and director of security.

In a statement, lead researcher Stefanie Johnson, an assistant professor of management at the University of Colorado, said “In these professions being attractive was highly detrimental to women. In every other kind of job, attractive women were preferred. This wasn’t the case with men which shows that there is still a double standard when it comes to gender.”

The report also stated “We found that attractiveness is beneficial for men and women applying for most jobs, in terms of ratings of employment suitability. However, attractiveness was more beneficial for women applying for feminine sex-typed jobs than masculine sex-typed jobs.”

The new study comes on the heels of a variety of other recent reports on appearance and the workplace — one which suggested that women who dressed “provocatively,” felt more productive at work.  

Another, conducted by Newsweek, found that among nine employee characteristics, hiring managers ranked “looks” as the third most important trait. Newsweek also reported that 57 percent of the 202 hiring managers surveyed felt that unattractive candidates typically have a tougher time landing a job — even if they are well-qualified for the position.  

What do you think about all of this so-called “beauty-bias?” Let us know in the comments section.

For more on the role looks play at work, check out:

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And according to a new CareerBuilder survey, your body language can also hurt your chances of landing a job … especially a lack of eye contact.

In the survey of more than 2,500 hiring managers, 67 percent said that failure to make eye contact would make them less likely to hire a job candidate. Other nonverbals that hiring managers cited as negative included these seven things:

• Lack of smile – 38 percent
• Fidgeting too much – 33 percent
• Bad posture – 33 percent
• Handshake that is too weak – 26 percent
• Crossing arms over their chest – 21 percent
• Playing with their hair or touching their face – 21 percent
• Using too many hand gestures – 9 percent  

“In a highly competitive job market, job seekers need to set themselves apart in the interview stage,” said Rosemary Haefner, vice president of human resources for CareerBuilder. “All that pressure, though, may have some job seekers making body language mistakes that don’t convey a confident message. To avoid these faux pas, and ensure you’re remembered for the right reasons, try practicing ahead of time in front of a mirror or family and friends.”

Haefner offers the following tips to avoid body language missteps during an interview:

• Keep calm. To make the best impression and avoid nervous body language, take measures to stay as calm as possible before the interview. Leave the house with plenty of time to get to the interview, avoid caffeine if possible and take deep, calming breaths.
• Practice makes perfect. The old adage proves true in this case, as you’ll feel more comfortable the more you prepare for the interview, and in turn, it will help decrease your anxiety. Rehearse ahead of time with friends or family, do your homework on the company and be prepared for common interview questions.
• See for yourself. Viewing yourself while speaking can help you notice what body language mistakes you might be making without realizing. Look in a mirror while practicing interview responses or videotape yourself to figure out your typical physical movements, and whether or not you need to change them.

Saylor, who is a certified group dynamics and behavioral coach, says it is possible to change your behavior and be conscious of what messages you’re sending with your own body. Her book gives the reader tips on overcoming many communication roadblocks including how to project confidence, how to look intelligent, how to eliminate verbal pauses, and how to use your posture to show confidence.

For additional blog posts on what makes a hiring manager say “yay” or “nay,” check out the following:

• What makes them want to hire you?
• What can a handshake say about you?
• Interview mistakes you wish you could take back

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According to the U.S. Small Business Association, small businesses (those with less than 500 employees) create over half of our nation’s GDP and nearly two-thirds of all new jobs. Additionally, according to CareerBuilder’s latest survey, unemployed workers have a good chance of being hired by a small business — or starting one of their own — during the second half of 2010.

“Historically, it has been the small business sector that has created the most jobs at the end of an economic downturn, allowing the overall job market to bounce back faster,” said Brent Rasmussen, president of CareerBuilder North America. “The intellectual capital that companies were forced to lay off over the last 18-24 months was substantial and it is not surprising that many individuals are using their business skills to create their own opportunities.”

According to the CareerBuilder survey, from July-December 2010:

• Thirty-two percent of companies with 500 or less employees plan to hire new workers. 
• Twenty-one percent will hire full-time, 11 percent will hire part-time and 6 percent will hire contractors or temporary workers.   
• Twenty-four percent of companies with 50 or less employees plan to bring on new workers.  
• Twenty-six percent of workers who were laid off in the last six-months say they are considering starting a small business instead of looking for full-time work.  

The survey also found that there is no shortage of imagination when it comes to small-biz start-ups, either. The following is a sampling of the types of businesses survey participants indicated they have started over the last year (check out lucky #13, that candle-hawking friend story was no joke):

1. Bakery
2. Board Game Design
3. Cleaning Company
4. Computer Services
5. Craft and Antique Business
6. E-commerce retail site/EBay
7. Event Planning
8. Freelance Journalist
9. Handyman
10. HR Consulting
11. Lawn Service
12. Recycled Yarn Retail Store
13. Scented Candle Business
14. Sports Camp for Kids
15. Umpiring/Refereeing

Whether you’re thinking about starting your own version of Merry Maids or you’re looking to give Mrs. Fields a run for her money, below are a few ideas (get more tips here, here and here) to take into consideration before starting your own small business:

• Build off what (and whom) you know: Use the knowledge from your past experiences and jobs to develop your business. Reach out to former colleagues, vendors, clients, etc. to let them know that you’re in business for yourself.
• Try contract or freelance work first: Taking on contract and temporary opportunities will help you build your portfolio and networking contacts. If you’re in a product-based business, take on small jobs or orders first, to work out any kinks. If you’re starting a bakery, for example, offer to cater desserts for a family celebration, before taking on paying customers.  
• Promote your business with social media:Promote your personal brand by starting a blog, or using sites like Facebook, Twitter, Brightfuse.com and others.  Make sure to include links to past work, testimonials and accomplishments.  
• Consider a franchise: Going in on a franchise business with others or on your own can be a great way to dip your foot in the water of owning your own business. Franchisees gain access to the names, resources, and marketing materials of well-known companies, in exchange for a percentage of the franchise profit.

Need inspiration? Check out these interviews with successful entrepreneurs: Interior designer, matchmaker, online community builder.

Also, check out:

7 Easy Steps to a Freelance Life

The New Generation of Entrepreneurs

5 Unusual Work From Home Jobs

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Therefore you probably shouldn’t be surprised that workers needed some serious motivation to eat better and smoke fewer cigarettes. Forty-seven percent of workers say they have brought their homemade lunches to work in order to eat healthier or save money in light of the struggling economy, finds a new CareerBuilder.com survey. Perhaps more surprising is that 44 percent of workers who smoke admit they are more likely to quit smoking given today’s economy. In addition, 21 percent of surveyed smokers have decreased the amount of smoke breaks during the workday and 20 percent have already quit smoking.

The health benefit
The economy affected everyone on some level, and bank accounts were where most people felt the repercussions. Therefore workers looking to stretch their budgets probably realized the cost of a homemade sandwich was significantly less than one you buy from the local deli. Plus, scaling back on cigarettes or eliminating them as an expense means additional money in your pocket. Of course, the added benefit is that personal health also improves as a result. When you’re packing your lunch, you know you won’t be getting any ingredients you don’t want. And healthier lifestyles result in fewer medical expenses in the long run, which help your checking account balance.

The unhealthy effects
Still, economic troubles haven’t necessarily made every workplace a template for wellness. Having time away from the stress of the workday is important, yet 32 percent of workers take less than a half hour for lunch. Five percent of workers don’t even take a full 15-minute break. Perhaps most bothersome is that 10 percent never take a lunch break and 16 percent work through their lunch hour.

Not everyone is glued to their workspace during lunch, however. Workers like to multitask, as we’ve discussed, and many use their lunch hour to do more than eat. They use their breaks for the following:

• Hanging out with co-workers – 23 percent
• Running errands – 18 percent
• Doing work – 16 percent
• Walking – 10 percent
• Shopping – 7 percent
• Working out – 3 percent

So, has the economy improved your health habits at all? At a glance, the results of the survey aren’t surprising because brown-bagging your lunches is cheaper than paying $12 for a salad every day. And eliminating the cost of cigarettes is like finding extra money in your pocket. But you have to think some workers are eating as a result of stress or have had to cut out paying for a gym because of the cost. Let us know if your health habits have changed (for better or worse) as a result of the lackluster economy.

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The study, which polled close to 1,300 British professionals, found that 78 percent of respondents felt that the way they dressed was the most important factor in enhancing their work performance. Of the women who agreed that the way they dressed made them better workers, 53 percent responded that “dressing provocatively helped their productivity.”

Lisette Howlett, managing director of HireScores.com, tried to explain the correlation between provocative attire and improved work performance in a company press release. “I was curious as to why women feel productive when they dress more provocatively and having checked this out concluded that this is because it gives them a sense of empowerment which in turn makes them more confident in the office.  Indeed feeling confident and positive seem to be two key factors to high work performance, ” Howlett said.

Yet the number of women who feel that dressing provocatively can be equated with productivity seems unexpectedly high, especially given the recent case of Debrahlee Lorenzana — the curvaceous female banker who alleged that she was fired from Citibank for being “too sexy.”

After all, although Lorenzana made a case that the firing was unfair, the fact that her style of dress could be grounds for termination is, in itself, enough to spark a debate about whether dressing sexy at the office is worth the risk of losing your job.

And then there’s the argument that — while Lorenzana’s figure (whether enhanced or not) is decidedly not the concern of her male counterparts — it is still clear that she was viewed as a sex-symbol in her office; a  counterproductive stigma for a woman looking to climb the corporate ladder. It seems that, while feeling attractive may provide a short-term confidence boost, in the long-run exuding a sexy image can  have a negative impact on one’s career. 

“Dressing provocatively will absolutely backfire on women who want to be taken seriously in the workforce,” says Lizandra Vega, author of “The Image of Success: Make a Great Impression and Land the Job You Want.”  ”Women may think that it gives them a competitive edge over other ‘less sexy’ women, but dressing in a provocative manner will hinder a woman’s chances of competing for senior level, highly authoritative positions that their male counterparts are also vying to attain. Dressing provocatively is associated with being a bimbo rather than a smart executive who can make intelligent decisions. Women may be able to get away with provocative dressing for jobs that are support level jobs (to men), but it will definitely hinder crossing the line to senior level, executive positions,” she says.

Though provocative dressing may not be the best way to get ahead, that doesn’t mean that women should be relegated to baggy pantsuits and clogs at the office, for fear of being “too sexy.”

Indeed, says Vega, a happy medium can be determined. Below, she helps establish the line between clothes that flatter and clothes that flaunt, with these guidelines for looking pretty, polished and professional in the workplace:

• Keep skirt hemlines right above the knee cap
• Maintain shirt buttons closed just enough where cleavage is not showing
• Wear comfortable pumps with a heel that is between 1/2″-2 3/4″ high.
• Leave strappy sandals, peep toe shoes and slides for weekend wear not office wear.
• Wear hosiery at all times.
• Wear undergarments that adjust and maintain your body parts in their proper place rather than having them jiggle and bounce.

What do you think about provocative clothing and the workplace? Let us know in the comments section, below.

For more information on dressing for the job you want, check out “The Image of Success.”

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As you might expect, employers are cautiously optimistic when it comes to hiring. Between July and December, 41 percent of surveyed hiring managers plan to hire new employees. Approximately 20 percent of hiring managers plan to hire full-time, permanent employees in the third quarters, which is similar to figures in both the first and second quarter of this year.

What does this mean? Simply, don’t expect a hiring sea change in the next three months. Employers have held a consistent approach to hiring this year and plan to continue. Although everyone (employers and job seekers alike) would like to see a boom in new workers, take heart that companies aren’t looking just to boost their payrolls momentarily and then have to downsize — they’re looking to fill positions for the long haul.

However, for those of you looking for work, here are the sectors where employers plan to begin hiring. Note that the focus is on positions that bring in revenue for the company:

• Customer service (25 percent of hiring managers)
• Sales (22 percent)
• Information technology (18 percent)
• Administrative (13 percent)
• Business development (10 percent)
• Accounting/Finance (10 percent)

What to expect for the rest of 2010:

1. Emerging jobs: Much of the year’s hiring will be in positions that either didn’t exist a few years ago or weren’t in high demand until recently. According to the survey, 24 percent of hiring managers will recruit for jobs in social media, green energy,  cybersecurity, global relations and health-care reform.

2. Employees jumping ship: Some human-resources professionals worry that an improving economy could mean their top performers will leave in pursuit of another job. Fifty-six percent fear their top talent will leave, and the survey finds that 29 percent of workers do plan to change jobs when the economy is in better shape.

3. Skilled labor is still hard to find: Although the job market has no shortage of applicants, it does have a shortage of qualified workers, according to employers. Twenty-two percent of employers report that they are having difficulty filling positions with qualified candidates. IT, customer service and communications are suffering from a shortage of qualified workers, hiring managers say.

Looking ahead at Q3:
Most job seekers want to know three things: Is anyone hiring? Where are they located? How much will they pay?

Is anyone hiring?

Yes! Although most employers don’t plan to hire new employees, approximately one-fifth do.

• 21 percent of employers will add full-time, permanent  employees.
• 8 percent plan to downsize.
• 65 percent don’t expect a change in  head count.

Where are they hiring?
Hiring seems to be occurring at the same pace throughout the country.

• 22 percent of Western employers intend to add full-time, permanent workers.
• 21 percent of Northeastern and Midwestern employees say the same.
• 20 percent of Southern employers have the same plan.

How much are they paying?
While many employers don’t foresee any salary raises or cuts, some do. However, most employers who will be giving raises expect them to be  moderate.

• 42 percent of employers do not plan any change in salary levels.
• 31 percent expect to see an increase of 1 to 3 percent.
• 12 percent plan increases between 4 and 10 percent.
• 1 percent expect an increase of 11 percent or more.

What do workers think?
The recession has caused many workers to re-evaluate their situations, from expenses to education to employment. The economic troubles of the past two years have not been kind to some companies, as 25 percent of workers admit to having a worse opinion of their employers as a result of the Great Recession. On the other hand, 14 percent have a better opinion and 61 percent have unchanged views.

Why do workers want to leave?
As mentioned above, 25 percent of workers plan to leave their organizations in the next 12 months. Why?

• 30 percent of workers blame the recession. They feel overworked, the climate has changed, and resentment lingers from layoffs.
• 33 percent of workers believe they are overqualified for their positions.
• 23 percent of workers are not interested in their work.

Of course, you might not be surprised to learn that the No. 1 reason employees would stick around is an increase in salary. If that’s not an option, employee recognition will do.

You can read more in the complete forecast here. Do you agree with what employers say or do you see a different future in the coming months? Let us know.

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The house was strangely calm, and people were having appropriate, civilized conversation. I looked around, and realized that Uncle Steve, the family court jester, was missing. Grandma Jean, who was celebrating her 54^th wedding anniversary, must have read my mind: “Hey! Where’s Steve?! I thought he was comin’?” she yelled to the group. 

His wife sighed and answered, “He really wanted to make it, but he worked late and had to mow the lawn, plus he has to pick the kids up from youth group and soccer practice – he just didn’t have time to stop by.” Although we were all a little bummed that we’d been left to entertain ourselves, we understood — Steve had a lot on his plate.

Although a busy schedule is nothing new for most parents, the struggling economy has definitely added pressure to working dads — who may find themselves working longer hours, or even second jobs. In fact, according to CareerBuilder’s annual Father’s Day survey, 42 percent of working dads said they are the sole provider for their household and nearly one-in-ten (9 percent) have taken on a second job in the last 12 months to provide for their family. Additionally, one-in-ten working dads said their spouse or significant other has become unemployed in the last 12 months.

All this added stress at work often means more time spent at the office and less quality time spent with family.  According to the survey, 63 percent of working dads said they work more than 40 hours per week, with 31 percent reporting that they typically bring work home five days a week or more.  Close to four- in-ten working dads said they spend two hours or less with their children each work day.

Although a work/life balance may be tough to achieve, it’s not impossible. “Especially in tough times, working dads have to be more creative and strategic to successfully juggle both work and family commitments,” said Jason Ferrara, VP Corporate Marketing at CareerBuilder and father of two. “Employers understand the importance of working dads’ time away from the office and continue to place an emphasis on work/life balance through benefits that encourage employees to better manage their schedules. However, year over year, we find that nearly half of working dads do not take advantage of the flexible work arrangements offered to them.”

Ferrara recommends the following tips for working dads navigating through difficult economic times:

Communicate – Try and sit down for family dinners a few times a week. It’s the perfect opportunity to listen to what is going on in your family’s lives, and talk about what is going on in your office. Sharing the reasons behind your busy schedule will help everyone understand why you are away or have to do some work when you are home.

Learn to say no – Besides time spent in the office, activities associated with work can also eat away at free time. You don’t have to say yes to every dinner, seminar or golf invitation that’s sent your way. Determine what additional activities are necessary, and which you can turn down.

Develop a master family calendar – Keep a calendar at home with each family member’s important events, from soccer games and field trips, to weddings and work parties. Arrange to use vacation days for anything you can’t miss.

Play now, work later – Chances are, your kids go to bed before you do.  Wait until they go to sleep before finishing up work or checking e-mail.  

Plan a family event in your office – You’re probably not the only dad in the office. Get together with co-workers to plan a kid-friendly potluck or event. Summer is a perfect time to do so, since kids are out of school, and the office may be less hectic.

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CareerBuilder’s annual survey about unusual tactics came out recently and it turns out more and more job seekers are trying everything and anything to stand out from their competitors. Twenty-two percent of hiring managers reported that, compared to last year, they are seeing more job seekers try unusual tactics to capture their attention. This is up from 18 percent who said the same in 2009 and 12 percent in 2008.

While you don’t want to be remembered for the wrong reasons, some hiring managers, say that unusual tactics can be effective. One-in-ten said they have hired someone who used an unconventional tactic to get their attention.

If you’re thinking about trying something to catch an employer’s eye, it’s all about the execution. You want to be remembered in a good way, so be professional and creative. Consider some of these unusual job seeker tricks that have actually worked:

• One candidate brought in a video recommendation from a former boss
• The person applying for a casino dealer job dealt a game on the interviewer’s desk and interacted with imaginary gamblers
• The applicant identified an existing technology problem and solved it
• A prospective teacher brought in a box of props to demonstrate her teaching style
• An applicant created a full graphics portfolio on the employer’s brand
• The successful candidate submitted a business plan with his job application

Tell us, have you ever tried something unusual or unique to get an employer’s attention? Did it work or did it backfire?

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