Feeling Pain on the Job?

Many people, unfortunately, experience some amount of pain on the job.

The pain could obviously be linked to physical activity at work involving lifting, climbing or bending etc and sometimes the pain could be the result of accidents or compromised safety.

This article, Killer Jobs: 10 Painful Professionas, looks at the top 10 jobs with the potential for the most pain. Many such as Police Officers and Fire Fighters are as expected. Others, probably less expected includes musicians, bloggers and dancers.

Mitchell Freedman, director of physical medicine and rehabilitation at the Rothman Institute at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia says, "the instance of chronic pain goes up with job dissatisfaction, a feeling of helplessness about your job."

America's Aging Workforce

Did you know?

- Experts estimate that by 2020, one in three workers will be 50 or older.
- Many of America's Baby Boomers, a third of the workforce, are set to retire by the end of the decade.

In today's global environment, employees are discovering that career skills developed earlier may becoming obsolete. Baby Boomers have to be really open to new career training to embark on new careers or reenter the workforce .

Companies are really tackling employee recruitment and retention to make sure they access and keep the top talent they need to succeed moving forward.

In a recent survey, Career Builder looked at one of the strategies that retail employers use to maintain their workforce. Nearly 19% of retail employers reported concern over the loss of intellectual capital at their organizations as a large number of workers transition from careers into retirement. Employers are increasingly attracted to the retired worker.

The survey reported that 28% of retail employers are likely to rehire retirees from other companies in 2008. This they say is due to a shortage of qualified workers.
Eleven percent of these retailers planned to provide incentives for workers at or approaching retirement age to continue their careers with the company.

What's your company doing?

Near Philly Career Events

Bucks County Career Fair - Tuesday, May 20, 2008
10am - 3pm
Raddison Hotel Philadelphia Northeast
Route 1 at Old Lincoln Highway
Trevose , PA

Jobs Gone Wild - Thursday, May 29, 2008
10am - 2:30pm
Power Plant Live!
34 Market Place, Baltimore, MD

PA Career Link Indiana County Job Fair 2008 - Thursday, May 22nd
11am - 6pm
S&T Bank Arena
at White Township Recreation Complex
497 East Pike Road, Indiana PA 15701

50 Hot Resume Tips

Does your resume need a facelift?

Resume writing fundamentals have changed a lot over the last several years. These 50 hot resume writing tips can give your resume a needed facelift.

Professional resume writers agree that there are many correct ways to write a resume. In fact, get 10 professional resume writers working for the same client and they could feasibly come up with 10 different resumes; all of which could be very good.

Regardless of the resume format and choice of words, resume writers are driven to help candidates develop powerful, professional resumes. The goal is to help create strong resumes to help job seekers promote their own unique personal brand.

Here are 50 resume writing tips to help proofread a resume regardless of who does the resume writing.

-Proofread resumes for grammar, spelling and factual errors
-Use consistent font size. Watch bullet sizes
-Limit or avoid graphics completely when writing a resume
-Use upper case letters sparingly and only when appropriate
-Fancy, expensive resume writing paper is not always a priority
-Using bullets will make resumes easier to read
-Do not use “responsibilities”, “responsibilities include” and “duties include”
-Volunteer work and community service can really enhance a resume
-Adjust margins if the resume is slightly too long
-void personal pronouns like “I”, “my” and “me” except in the objective statement
-Do not list complete addresses of past employers
-Do not include names of references on the resume. Add a separate reference document.
-The top 30-40% of the resume gets the most attention
-Use an ASCII font
-Use page numbers if the resume is more than one page
-Add name and contact to all pages if more than one page
-Try a resume blaster service
-Print out an online profile is not the same as having a resume
-Use tables to align columns and remove lines
-Use a professional email address on your resume
-Hyperlink your email address
-Do not place information above your name
-Set resume margins no smaller than .5
-New college graduates should put education close to top of resume
-With years of experience, move education to the bottom of the resume
-A resume has about 30 seconds to make an impression on the recruiter - make it easy to read
-Change the resume objective statement as needed
-Write a strong "Summary of Qualifications"
-Use industry “buzz words” or keywords on a resume
-Resumes must identify specific successful outcomes
-Use $, % and # to demonstrate achievements
-One specific phrase to try and avoid – Entry Level
-Do not use one word resume objectives eg "Sales"
-Research advantages of the Chronological Resume vs Functional resume
-Be consistent with date formats on the resume eg 09/02, Sep 02, Sep 2002
-Consider the Combination resume
-Get others to proof read your resume – be open to criticism
-It is not necessary to include every job you have ever had
-Keep all resume content relevant
-Not all online resume writing services are equally capable
-Always keep a resume writing guide on your desk for quick reference
-Resumes, cover letters and thank-you letters can have the same letter head format
-Try to bring quality resume paper for interviews
-Lying on a resume is not smart or necessary
-Do not include social security numbers; some federal resumes may require it
-Use Action Verbs on the resume to describe accomplishments
-Use short paragraphs. 3-5 sentences maximum
-White space on a resume is not a bad thing
-Make sure your resume contact information is current. If the recruiter cannot connect with you, you have sabotaged your own job search.
-Consider working with a professional resume writer for a resume critique

More on Resumes:
Resume/Interview FAQs
Which Resume Format Works Best

Coaching Baby Boomers Through Career Transitions

Andrew Susskind who specializes in coaching baby boomers through career transitions says,

"A lot of people are evaluating where they are, where they've been and where they're going."

He discussed the value of using a private coach to help baby boomers make a difference.

Erin Chambers points to 6 tips for using a coach in an article for the Wall Street Journal.

Stay-At-Home-Moms Earn $116,805?

Ok...now that I have your attention...you should know that this is based on the Mom-Calculator at Salary.com.

Every year for Mother's Day, Salary.com looks at all the jobs done by stay-at-home-moms and adds a resonable rate based on prevailing wages.

As the survey reports:

Stay-at-Home Moms work a 94.4 hour "workweek" - over half her time spent on the job is overtime. The Working Moms reported an average 54.6 hour "mom work week" in addition to their paying jobs.

Of course the Salary.com report does not tell us to whom we should submit a bill for these services. (:>

Check out this post for more information on making some real money working from home.

Summer Jobs for Teachers

Summer's coming and school will be out soon; not just for students and teens but for teachers as well.

Once the euphoria of a well deserved break goes away, teachers might be thinking about summer working plans.

Debbie DeSpirit says that "many (teachers) begin a mini career in the summer. Construction, Day Care, Landscaping, and Resort Guide are just a few summer positions available for teachers".

Explore this great article at Suite101 with tips for successful summer employment for teachers seeking options in the summer.

3 Common Job Search Problems

Kevin Dillon surveyed 159 job seekers to identify the top 3 job search problems they encounter and they look for jobs.

Top 3 job search problems identified in the survey:

1. Problem #1: How can I make contact with someone at a company where I'd like to work? I want to send my resume to a live person when applying for jobs.

2. Problem #2: How can I find unadvertised job leads? I want to get beyond recruiters and HR gatekeepers to find someone who cares.

3. Problem #3: How can I find good answers to the most common interview questions?

Kevin offers some good solutions to help job seekers overcome these top 3 job search problems at Workbloom.

Succeeding in the Assessment Center Interview

The Assessment Center interview does not refer to a specific location, but instead to a process of candidate selection. Hr-Guide.com defines an Assessment Center Interview as a variety of testing techniques designed to allow candidates to demonstrate, under standardized conditions, the skills and abilities that are most essential for success in a given job.

Here are some tips to succeed in the Assessment Center Interview:

1. All the same general rules for interview preparation apply. These include avoiding wardrobe malfunctions and showing up on time, well rested and prepared to do well.

2. Take the simulation sessions seriously. You are being monitored so behave as you would on the job.

3. Become very familiar with the job description and the expected success behaviors BEFORE the interview.

4. Don't try and "figure out" what they are trying to measure while in the interview. Focus on the tasks at hand.

5. If given pre-interview materials ahead of time - Read them!

6. Brush up on your industry technical skills before the interview.

7. Read instructions carefully.

8. Do an audit of your materials to make sure you have all you need to proceed successfully.

Which Resume Format Really Works Best?

There are basically three types of resume formats that are widely acceptable:

1. Chronological Resumes - Written with a reverse timeline where more recent items come first.
2. Functional Resumes - Written with emphasis on categorizing experience in broad functional areas.
3. Combination of chronological and functional styles in one document.

Of course, there is no one right way to write a resume, despite what you read. However, Career-Resumes is a solid resume writing service, under the leadership of Peter Newfield.

Career-Resumes lists the following quick guidelines to help you get the best format for you.

~~You are targeting a job that is a step up the ladder from your current position and you have at least three years experience in the field. Use a chronological resume.

~~You are targeting a job that is a lateral move and you have at least three years experience in the field. Use a chronological resume.

~~You are targeting a position in a different but somewhat related field where you would use skills that you have used in your current job. Use a combination resume.

~~You have a long, progressive career history in the same field and are targeting a lateral or upward career move. Use a chronological resume.

~~You are targeting a position in the same field but with significantly different required skills and job description. Use a combination resume.

~~You are military separating from the service and targeting a civilian job. Use a combination format.

~~You are in a technical field where you have used many different technologies, been involved in many projects, and have a broad array of skills. You are targeting a similar position or moving up. Use a combination format.

~~You have significant hurdles in your employment history such as large gaps, significant job hopping, or legal troubles and are targeting a position in your field. Use a functional format.

~~You are changing fields completely and your prior work history has no relevance to your new one (e.g. moving from computer programmer to chef). Use a functional format.

Not Your Father's Vo-Tech! Pennsylvania Vo-Techs Redefining Themselves

VoTech education in the Lehigh Valley of Pennsylvania is changing per an article in Morning Call.

The article states, "No longer just a stopping point for students destined to become carpenters, beauticians or mechanics, area vo-techs are now tailoring courses and curricula to help students land high-paying white-collar jobs in fields such as architecture, Web design and health care".

Example of one student who will benefit?

Tara VanDenEynde is 18 years old and spends half of her day at the Lehigh Career & Technical Institute in the school's dental lab. Her anticipated salary as a Dental Hygienist after completion of her Associates? $55K.

How is Tara different from VoTech students in years gone by? She is an honors student at Northwestern Lehigh High School.

Emma Ratz is enrolled at Lehigh in the Commercial Photography program. "Almost everything about this school, a student had a part in...I love this school. If feel like I have a family here".

If you or someone you know is exploring vocational training and careers, take another look at VoTech education and how it is evolving to meet the needs of students and communities. Read Resume/Interview FAQs for Vocational students and grads at BullsEyeResumes. Check out the BullsEyeResumes-Vocational blog.

During-The-Job-Interview-Tips

Jobscribble.com posts the following list of during-the-interview tips. Many of these interview tips are just the details that will cause many college students to falter in the interview.

Might be a good idea to have the list to read or scan just before you go into the interview.

-Greet your interviewer, and everyone else you meet on site, with a firm handshake and say hello. Use Mr., Ms. or Mrs. (unless the interviewer asks you to use their first name)

-It is polite to sit when you are asked to or after the interviewer sits

-Relax and listen carefully

-If you don’t understand the question, let interviewer know you don’t understand the question and ask if they can rephrase the question

-Look at the interviewer and smile once in a while (don’t look down or away)

-Don’t just say “yes” and “no” or “I guess” when you are asked questions

-Give short (I prefer to use the word concise) explanations, examples and mention your accomplishments. (Learn about a Kudos Folder)

-Don’t memorize your answers (You may sound robotic and not real)

-During an interview, talk about your skills, abilities, education fit the job requirements

-Don’t swing your leg, tap your fingers or other nervous movements

-Keep your arms comfortably on the chair or on your lap but don’t folder your arms in front of you

-Don’t smoke, chew gum, eat, or drink during the interview. (Unless interviewing over a meal)

-Use good grammar and speak clearly

-Don’t bring friends, children, boyfriend or relatives to the interview

-Be truthful, enthusiastic and but don’t appear desperate

-Don’t avoid questions, be direct and answer them

-Don’t talk about personal life and problems (don't talk badly about prior jobs either)

-Show your willingness to learn new things and to be flexible

-Don’t ask about the salary and benefits until interviewer brings it up

-Interviewer may ask you if you have any questions so ask a few good questions

-Ask for the job! When the interview ends, let the employer know you really want the job and you hope you are selected

-Ask when you can follow-up

-Thank the interviewer for their time and firmly shake his/her hand

Most importantly - Stay positive!
After the interview make notes on what you did well and how you could have improved. Read more about College Resume & Interview FAQs in preparation for your interview.

250 Best Jobs Through Apprenticeships

Michael Farr and Dr. Laurence Shatkin have written a new comprehensive resource that lists all 876 apprenticeships that are registered with the U.S. Department of Labor. The text not only explains how to become an apprentice, where the opportunities are, what the requirements are but examines the pros and cons of apprenticeships.

You can find new and used copies on-line costing anywhere from $10.00 to about $25.

Jist Publishing is a great source for books and resources on career planning.

Evaluate Career Training Programs Carefully

Reported by: The Dallas Business Journal on 2/15.

The Texas Workforce Commission issued five cease and desist orders to health care career schools in McAllen and the Dallas area.

The schools are:
-The Esther Medical Tutorial & Nursing Review Center in Richardson
-The Vocational Training Education Center in Irving
-Career Advanced Medical Clinic and Training, in Dallas
-Merit Excellence Institute of Carrollton
-IF Tech in McAllen.

The Texas Workforce Commission claims none of the schools have obtained valid licenses or exemptions under the Texas Education Code.

"Students are paying large amounts of money for training, which will not allow them to be eligible to take the NCLEX licensing examination in Texas," said Mary Beth Thomas, director of nursing practice and education with the Texas Board of Nursing, in a release.

The Office of the Attorney General is responsible for enforcing the civil penalties of $1,000 per day per violation in instances when state agencies issue cease and desist orders. The Texas Workforce Commissions' Regulatory Integrity Division issued the orders.

Read more about Resume/Interview FAQs for Vocational students and grads.

Good Trades People are Hard to Find

Employment services, Manpower Inc, said in its annual survey of staff shortages, that employers are increasingly "desperate for plumbers, welders and other technical staff".

The survey of just under 45,000 employers in 32 countries shows that employers are really feeling the need for qualified trades people. Manpower Inc CEO, Jeff Joerres told Reuters that "we've grown up and others have grown up talking about the knowledge environment and parents encourage their children to go to college to get ahead".

This is actually creating a major void for qualified trades people.

Some other highlights from the 2008 Q2 survey:
- Of the 14,000 employers surveyed, 26% expect to increase their workforces in Q2 of 2008
- Of the 14,000 employers surveyed, 9% expect to reduce staff levels in the same period.
- Employers in the west and mid-west anticipate slower rate of hiring
- 5% of the employers are undecided about their April - June 2008 hiring plans

Read more - Manufacturing Jobs Desperately Need Skilled Employees

Free Online Resume Help

There are tons of places offering free online resume help for job seekers. If you have lost your job or are worried about what the pending recession might do to your job, career or company; you might want to consider updating your resume.

Here are a few resources for you to use to help you get started.

- Top misspelled words on resumes, cover letters and application forms from the Office of Employment and Training from the state of Kentucky.
- Free Resume Critiques for Hourly/Skilled employees from BullsEyeResumes.com
- How to Organize Your Resume
- A 20-point Checklist to Make Sure Resume Contact Information is Error Free
- Creating a Targeted Resume Objective

Finding Apprenticeships in Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania Apprentice Coordinators Association website is a great place to find more information about apprenticeship programs in this state.

General qualifications, terms of apprenticeships, admission deadlines and contact information are available for the following members:

- Bricklayers and Allied Crafts
- Boilermakers
- Carpenters, Floorlayers and Allied Trades
- Elevator Constuctors
- Heat and Frost Insulators
- Iron Workers
- Laborers
- Operating Engineers
- Painters, Glaziers and Drywall Finishers
- Plasterers and Cement Masons
- Plumbers
- Roofers
- Sheet Metal Workers
- Sprinkler Fitters
- Steam Fitters

What Are You Worth?

If you want to know what your skill is worth, Payscale.com is an awesome tool to use. Narrow your search based on criteria such as:
-Company Size
-City
-Experience
-Skills
-Degrees or Training



Some of the other survey reports by city from Payscale.com include:
Salary
Hourly Billing Rate
Hourly Rate
Bonus
Vacation Weeks
Commission
Commute Time
Profit Sharing

Should I Stay or Should I Go?

Have you thought about looking for a new job this year?

The third annual Franklin-Covey New Year's resolution survey actually had three job related issues in the top 10 resolutions for 2008.

-Develop a new skill or talent
-Work less, play more
-Change employment

The Career Journal offers a quick little questionaire about your satisfaction with your current career.

Check it out. Maybe you see things differently afterwards.

Hourly Skilled Workers Are in Demand

Paul Barton, a senior associate at the Educational Testing Service, posed a provocative question in the title of his report: “How many college graduates does the U.S. labor force really need?”

His survey counted the number of college-educated workers in jobs that do not require such degrees. Barton found that 60% of people in existing jobs have “some college” or post-secondary credential — yet only one in three jobs actually requires that level of education. In the mean time blue-collar trades people — from truck drivers to plumbers to electricians — are perpetually in demand. None of these fields require training that cannot be gained on-the-job or through apprenticeship programs.

Keep in mind that less than 40% of the largest and fastest-growing job classifications require four-year diplomas. Hourly/Skilled workers really continue to be the backbone of the US economy.

Read more at TC Palm News

Use an Outplacement Service After Layoff

Many companies that are considering reducing their workforce will often hire contractors to provide outplacement services for the staff.

Some of the services that these outplacement services offer include:

-Resume writing
-Job search preparation
-Interview skills training
-Career coaching through one-on-one sessions or in group workshops
-Office resources for you to use in the job search such as computers and internet access

Keep in mind that these outplacement services are usually available to you for a limited time only. Be sure to utilize them during the contracted period. You may have to pay for job search services beyond the contract period.

Be wary also of other services not contracted by your company, who prey on the newly laid off and charge outrageous fees, promise a lot and deliver little or nothing for you.

Here are some resources when using outplacement firms:

Here are some resources when using outplacement firms:

Association of Career Firms International
Do your due diligence and find an outplacement firm in your specific area either in the US or Canada.

Association of Career Professionals
Look for members who specialize in career management and transition

Regardless of who you choose to work with, do not give up your power to others. Much of the legwork and research you will be able to do on your own. The key to successful transitions:
1. Stay positive (Read - A Positive Attitude is Key to Successful Career Transitions)
2. Check out the 30-Days To Career Satisfaction blog entries for November 2007

Can People Really Make Money Online Part-Time?

You have probably heard that some people are making money online. In fact, some say that some risk takers can make a lot of money online.

Is it real? For many it is. For most the jury is probably still out.

As you consider whether you should leave your regular day job to make money online, these resources might help.

1. StartupNation
2. Rob Malon
3. Forbes - How to Make Money Online
4. Jay Levinson - Gorilla Marketing Association
5. Money Making Mommy

Bear Stearns Employees Lose Jobs and Savings

Imagine losing your job and your savings all at the same time?

It's hard to imagine that massive layoffs won't follow the Bear Stearns meltdown last week. Many Bear Stearns employees not only worked for the company, but also had significant dollars invested in the company's stock. Imagine the stress of not only worrying about losing your job but losing your savings as well - all at the same time.

As people evaluate a company for employment, many will look for companies that have performed well over time and place great value on what they perceive as stability.

Bear Stearns, at 85 years old, appeared to be such a company - up until a week ago when they collapsed and was rescued by JP Morgan for about $2 per share. The dust is still settling on that number, by the way.

This corporate instability is one paradigm that job seekers and employees today must acknowledge and learn how to deal with. Scanning the internal and external business environment is a must. There is no guarantee that we will see it coming, but we need to be vigilant to recognize when things are trending against us. It is no longer acceptable, to think just about our careers and not think about the industry in which we work.

For example, even though the financial sector has lost jobs, not all financial analysts are in vulnerable industries.
Be courageous and do not be afraid to ask questions.

Here are some resources to poll your values:
Career Paths Online
Work Values Checklist
Career Values Connection
Why Do Career Values Matter

BullsEye Resume Blog Rated #49 for HR

Our blogs at BullsEyeResumes have made it into the Top 50 of Success-In-HR's list of blogs that offer real help to professionals.

We are really excited about that and thank the folks at SuccessinHR.com for the work they do.

The BullsEye Team

US Economy Loses 63000 Jobs in February

Some experts continue to say that the US economy is not yet in a recession, but may be approaching one. The 63,000 workers whose jobs were shed in February 2008, might disagree and think the recession is already here.

Some sectors already hard hit with layoffs include real estate, automotive, construction and banking.

This latest report on job losses for February reflects the largest drop in the last five years since May and June 2003.

As you take in this news of a tightening economy, your stress level might be increasing a bit. Your goal at this time should be to keep being productive at work and continue to scan your work environment for how you can help your company maintain a healthy bottom line:

Here are some suggestions:
1. Keep thinking about creative solutions to possibly lower costs
2. Explore ways to help your company find new clients
3. Go the extra mile with existing customers to keep them happy
4. Be responsive to your vendors
5. Look for collaborative opportunities inside your company

As you think about ways to help your company, think also about ways to help yourself:
1. Plan and evaluate your plans periodically
2. Look around the internet for free online resume help to prepare your marketing documents.
3. Rejuvenate your networks and keep in touch with others. Offer help where you can.
4. Keep an eye on employers in your industry or related industries that are growing or hiring despite the slowdown.
5. Start updating your Kudos Folder.

Additional resources:
Staying Up and Productive in Down Times
3 Surefire Ways to Recession Proof Your Career - Part 1
3 Surefire Ways to Recession Proof Your Career - Part 2
30-Days to Career Satisfaction - Read the 30 blog entries for November 2007 starting here.

Revamping Your Resume

When was the last time you looked at your resume?

Twice per year, I conduct a resume writing workshop titled "Looking Good on Paper" for professionals working in higher education. Invariably, workshop participants express concerns about what to write in a resume.

Many people, in fact, avoid making changes all together and delay updating their resumes to include current data.

If you are thinking about a resume makeover, use these online resume resources to help you:

- 20 Point checklist to make sure resume contact information is error free
- Writing a targeted resume objective to focus your resume
- How to showcase education on your resume

Look for free online resume help from professional resume services.

Top 25 Careers to Pursue in a Recession

The number of Americans who filed jobless claims increased by almost 20,000 over the projected amount this last week ending 2/23.

Coupled with layoffs in the homebuilding and automotive sectors, this is futher indication of a softening US economy.

HR World has identified the Top 25 careers they think will continue "go on like clockwork" or see growth even when disposable incomes shrink.

The Top 10 from the list are:

-Health Care
-Energy
-Education
-Utilities
-International Business
-Public Safety
-Funerals
-Accounting
-Federal Government
-Pharmaceuticals

Check out the entire list here and add others that you think are also good in a recession.

9 Key Elements of a Good Reference Letter

It's that time of year again when job search goes into high gear with millions of new college and high school grads pounding the job search pavements.

Many may be looking to you for letters of recommendations and letters of reference.

To draft a good reference letter for a job seeker, pay attention to these nine components.

(Read the complete article at BullsEyeResumes)

1. Stay positive, honest and personal.
2. Qualify yourself early in every reference letter you write.
3. State the nature of relationship you have had with the job seeker.
4. State why the opportunity to support this job seeker excites you and say how you feel about being asked to write this reference letter.
5. Identify which 2 or 3 specific behaviors and qualities which, in your opinion, are most meaningful to the employer.
6. Why would the job seeker be a good fit for the organization in question? How could they bring value to the bottom line?
7. Write about your willingness to work with the job seeker again.
8. Share your availability for follow up.
9. When writing a reference letter, it is not the time to err on the side of brevity.

The overall goal? Be superfluous and be long winded. Be relevant.

Career Transition Resource List

How seriously are you thinking about making a career transition?

Are you approaching a fork in your career path and wondering which way to go?

Some people, although dissatisfied with their jobs or careers, will still hesitate to change jobs especially when they feel the country might be moving towards recession. Make no mistake about it, it is always a good idea to err on the side of caution as you make your career decisions.

However, regardless of whether we are in a recession or in boom times, due diligence is very important as you consider a career transition.

Here are some resources to help you with further career personal exploration:

1. Check out the November 2007 blog entries here at BullsEyeResumes.com. November is always celebrated at National Career Development Month and so for each day that month, we shared a different piece of career advice.

2. Check out the top Career Blogs on the internet at Risesmart and bookmark your favorites. BullsEyeResumes recently debuted on that list. We are pretty excited about that since although BullsEye Resumes has been around for six years, our blog is pretty new.)

3. Bootstrapper's List of 50 Tools to Change Your Career Path offers a super list of articles.

4. Read Anita Bruzzese at 45things. Check out her new book "45 Things You Do That Drive Your Boss Crazy…and How to Avoid Them"

5. Read relevant career articles at BullsEyeResumes

Ford Motors Does Another Payout!

From payouts to buyouts, this timeline for Ford Motor company shows the writing has been on the wall for a while. Hopefully the employees affected by these latest round of buyouts, will thrive in new careers.

Ford Offers Buyouts, Early Retirement to 54,000 - January 2008
Ford Motor Co. will offer buyout and early retirement packages to 54,000 U.S. hourly workers in an effort to cut costs and replace those leaving with lower-paid workers. Thursday's announcement came as Ford said it narrowed its losses in 2007 but warned that the outlook for U.S. sales in 2008 remains grim.

FORD'S Hourly buyout acceptances reach 38,000 this year - November 2006
As part of a key objective of its North American turnaround plan, Ford Motor Company confirmed today that so far this year about 38,000 of its UAW-represented hourly workers have accepted package offerings for voluntary separations from the company.

New Ford CEO to Get $18.5 Million Payout - September 2006 Ford Motor Company new chief executive will get an annual base salary of $2 million and an immediate payout of $18.5 million for taking the job, the company said Friday in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Judge Likely to Approve $10.5 Million Ford Payouts - March 2002
Easy approval is expected Thursday when a judge reviews Ford Motor Co.'s proposed $10.5-million settlement of two class actions stemming from the automaker's controversial and now-abandoned manager evaluation system. Under terms reached last November, about 500 current and former mid-level managers would receive $5,000 to $100,000 each, minus attorney fees. The payments are meant to reimburse workers for raises, bonuses or promotions they did not receive. About 80 percent of the class members who were not active in the two lawsuits would get $5,000 or $14,000, depending on factors such as whether they took a buyout offer.

Payouts for low performance Is insult being added to injury - July 1998
By fall, Ford Motor Co. is planning to offer more than 5,000 white-collar workers cash and other incentives to leave the company. But this plan is different from previous early-retirement offers. Only workers deemed "low performers" or "average/solid performers with limited potential" will be eligible to participate, according to a Ford internal memo obtained by the Detroit Free Press.

Coping With Job Loss

As I read about General Motors' new buy outs to about 74,000 employees, I thought about the changes that are to come in the lives of many of these employees. Some of these employees will receive cash payments of up to $140,000. Some people, I am sure will welcome the offers and others will not. Here is a quote from CNN Money which I think speaks to some of the difficult choices people are going to have to make.

Those who leave and agree to sever all ties with the company - including giving up lucrative pension and health care coverage - will receive a lump sum of $140,000 if they have 10 years of service. They will receive $70,000 if they have less than 10 years of service.

Many people actually perceive any kind of change as a loss and I thought I would just put together a collection of articles that speaks to us about job loss.

-10 Tips on How to Survive Job Loss
-Coping With job Loss
-Professionals in Transit
-Typical Reactions to Job Loss
-Financial Planning Association
-Job Loss can Lead to Depression

If you or someone you know is coping with job loss, share your comments here.

Green Collar Jobs?

Everybody's talking about "going green", "green collar jobs" and the "green economy".

A recent article in the Washington Post offers this explanation of what these might be all about. The term "green collar", which has been around since 1992, is primarily used by those who have been involved with environmental work. It is a spin off from the terms "blue collar" or "white collar"; both terms we know pretty well.

If you are looking for a recession proof career - consider going "green". Raquel Pinderhughes at Urban Habitat identifies and lists "green" jobs in these 22 specific sectors:

-Bicycle repair and bike delivery services
-Car/truck mechanic jobs, production jobs, and biodiesel gas-station jobs
-Energy retrofits to increase energy efficiency and conservation
-Green building
-Green waste composting on a large scale
-Hauling and reuse of construction materials and debris (C&D)
-Hazardous materials clean-up
-Landscaping
-Manufacturing of solar panels, bike cargo systems, green waste bins, etc.
-Materials reuse
-Non-toxic household cleaning in residential and commercial buildings
-Parks and open space expansion and maintenance
-Printing with non-toxic inks and dyes
-Public transit jobs related to driving, maintenance, and repair
-Recycling and reuse
-Small businesses producing products from recycled materials
-Solar installation
-Tree cutting and pruning
-Peri-urban and urban agriculture
-Water retrofits to increase water efficiency and conservation
-Whole home performance, including attic insulation, weatherization, etc.