Recent years have seen significant changes in the way career development support is delivered. Many of these adjustments have to do with advances in technology but closely linked is a major change in the human aspect of career coaching.

So what's different? The most noticeable development has been that career coaching and outplacement support is no longer exclusively accessible to senior managers. Nowadays companies recognise that it pays to be seen to offer support to all employees being laid-off.

No longer is outplacement provided behind the doors of oak panelled offices. Resource centres are often set up on the client companies site and the whole matter is dealt with in a much more open way. Any stigma that once surrounded redundancy has now all but disappeared along with the majority of the three-piece chalk-striped suits who helped those senior managers back into work by flicking through their address books. Redundancy is just one of a number of ways by which people leave their employer and is not considered a mark of failure.

This has all come about as a result of the increased pace of business. The need to stay competitive in times of rapid technological change and competitive pressure has meant constant re-organisation, such that where last year there was, for an employer, a great need for certain skills, today the same organisation may have no need of them. In other organisations, redundancy is the result of simple cuts as they attempt to keep their heads above water; non-core functions are removed or outsourced.

This has led not only to a growth in outplacement but, with the changing nature of the relationship between employee and employer, individuals now recognise the need to take responsibility for their own careers. We have seen a significant growth in individual career coaching as people attempt to maintain their employability in an environment in which skills and capabilities can become obsolete in a matter of weeks.

All this has been made possible to some degree with advances in technology. The older model; private and tailored, focused on the use of paper based psychometric assessment and ability tests, to ascertain the client's capabilities and suitable types of work and roles. It would then move on to the CV writing service wherein the client would be interviewed at length with a new CV as the output. If required, interview practice would be available but most important was the promise of "access to the hidden job market". This, in essence, meant that the consultant would introduce the client, by way of forwarding the CV, to a number of recruiters and headhunters. As time passes and the candidate fails to secure employment, the consultant would ease them into re-evaluating their expectations (downwards!) until eventually a role was secured. This method is still available for those that want it and there are plenty of organisations willing to provide it.

The new career transition model operates in a very different way. Where before the relationship was expert and client, the industry has now become more complex with the consultant taking on different roles according to the stage of the process the client is at and the need: counsellor, expert, teacher, facilitator and partner.

Perhaps ironically, technology has played a large part not only in bringing about the need for career support, but also in helping to deliver that support.

The requirement for lower cost delivery in order to meet the budget available for junior employees has precipitated more group work, which in turn means that the client is responsible for managing their own transition process.

Psychometric and ability tests can now be conducted on-line although the most professional will require 1:1 feedback. While there are a number of tests that offer on-line feedback, these cannot provide the detail that a personal session can reach when focussing on such matters as suitability for roles and organisations, cultural fit and ways of working.

E-learning supports the philosophy of giving clients the tools to manage their own transition rather than doing it for them. An internet, intranet or CD course offers, amongst a wealth of possibilities, features such as filmed demonstration interviews alongside interactive learning modules and examples of hundreds of CV's and application letters that can be used for inspiration.

Group learning has also been assisted by improved technology. Whereas until now it has been necessary for either the consultant or client to travel, online conferencing, using such facilities as Webex, allow groups to convene remotely and yet are fully functional with full voice contact, presentations, file transfer and private interaction between participants. Web-conferencing offers the added benefit of making it easier for people of different levels of seniority to work together.

In terms of information that aids the job search process, there are now more job boards on the internet than you can shake a stick at. If I'm honest I'd like to do more than shake the stick at most of them. In general they are a very poor method of identifying suitable roles because they tend to make it difficult for the best candidates to stand out. Job boards do have their uses, however. One is that they make it fairly easy to discover salary levels and the type of qualities required for many positions. The other is that they help jobseekers to identify active recruiters handling the type of role they are looking for.

A proliferation of on-line services now exist to help jobseekers identify opportunities worthy of a speculative approach. Execubank is just one that report news of corporate activity, including relocation, expansion and contraction. There are also a number, such as OneSource, that provide detailed company information including accounts, key personnel contact details and links, all of which help both for applications and interview preparation.

One-to-one consulting has also benefited from web-based tools. One of my favourite examples is the deaf client I worked with using internet messaging. My client had no need to come into town to see me and we were able to develop a much closer relationship working online in this way than we had previously managed with the help of an interpreter. VoIP technology has also made communication easier. Whereas previously high international telephone charges would have made contact with overseas clients unappealing, with Skype a coach is able to talk to clients anywhere around the globe at no cost and the conversation is as clear as if we were sitting in the same room as each other.

Neither of these methods is able to facilitate the depth of relationship that one-to-one coaching delivers and in particular, are not well suited for working with people who are angry, upset, or especially confused. However, there is no doubt that they can be effective for the transfer of knowledge and to motivate and encourage the client.

The reduced human contact that is implied by the use of technology is not to be overlooked. Certainly for those who have been made redundant, contact with other people is a crucial factor in determining how quickly and successfully they return to work. Fortunately, networking is no longer the "old school tie" thing it once was. We now teach networking as one of several job search tools. Put into practice, clients now interact with other people more than their erstwhile counterparts receiving traditional outplacement services would probably have done.

The danger with these advances is that, in pursuit of more clients with less to spend, the career transition industry becomes hi-tec / lo-touch when previously it was lo-tech / hi-touch.

Technology has opened up career consulting for many who might not have been able to afford it, however, the real value is in a good 1:1 mentoring and coaching relationship where specific individual needs are addressed.

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Ever hear the story of the two masons working side by side at a building site? They're doing the same work under pretty much the same conditions. Then, one day a stranger comes along, approaches one of the men and asks him, "What are you doing?" "I don't know and I don't care," replies the man, his voice brimming with irritation. All I do is slap this crummy mortar on these crummy bricks and pile them up in a crummy line. That's what I'm doing."

The stranger returns to the building site the next day. This time he approaches the second man, asking him the same question. "Tell me," he said, "what are you doing?" Smiling at the stranger, the man proudly replies, "Why, I'm helping to build the new cathedral."

I don't know about you, but in my twenty years in management I met plenty of people like the first mason. People doing what they were told to do, without a greater context or purpose. People focused on what they were doing, not why they were doing it. People who clearly didn't like their job, and clearly weren't winning at working.

When you define the purpose for your work, you create a vision behind the tasks, and that vision changes results. Think about it. What are you helping to build in your workplace? Why does your work matter? Before you say it doesn't, think again. You have an important role or you wouldn't be paid to do it. Of course, it's unlikely you'll find the purpose outlined in your job description. You see, defining your purpose is not about the tasks you do. It's about the reason for the tasks.

So if you're an employment specialist in Human Resources, your purpose is not to hire people. That's a task. The reason behind the task might be to increase your company's competitive edge with exceptional people. If you're a web designer, your job is not to build websites. That's a task. Your purpose is in the why of it. Maybe it's to build the corporate brand or make life easier for your customers. Look beyond your title.

In one of my jobs, my purpose was to help the company develop a winning culture; in another it was to help build trust in the corporate brand so new customers would give us a try. My job title would never have told you about either.

But here's a secret. People who are winning at working don't wait for someone else, like their boss, to define their work's purpose. They figure it out. They define it. They create a vision for themselves.

People who are winning at working can articulate how the work they do supports their organization's vision, values, goals and objectives. They're not satisfied doing tasks like the first mason. They're like the second. They want to understand and contribute to the whole. They want to know that what they do at work matters. Want to be winning at working? Define your work's purpose. And get beyond your tasks.

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Pursuing higher education is the goal of many people today as today's job markets increasingly require more and higher quality education in order to find meaningful employment. When faced with the decision of which college to attend in order to get that needed college degree, the choices can be almost overwhelming. One avenue of higher education that you really should consider however is an online degree.

For many years the only way to get a more advanced degree was by attending traditional brick and mortar colleges and universities that specialize in the field(s) that interests you. The educational landscape has changed dramatically though with the increased acceptance and quality of online schools that can offer the same educational and acedemic benefits while removing many of the hardships and difficulties often associated with attending schools offline.

One of the great benefits of getting your education online is that it allows you to participate in courses that may not be found locally at the colleges that are near you. The internet makes taking any course practical no matter where you live. Another important convenience factor for many is the time commitment needed to succeed in an online school. Many people work full time while pursuing an advanced degree and that can often interfere with a college schedule at traditional schools.

But online schools are more flexible in their course requirements and many find that they can successfully negotiate a full time job with their college workload without undue stress and hardship. If you happen to be a family caretaker the flexibility that an online schools offers can be just what you need to make the pursuit of an advanced degree attainable.

One word of caution however. Be sure that the school you choose online is fully accredited. This way any courses that you complete can be fully transferred as college credits if and when you have to change your curriculum or school. And employers will look much more favorably on an education received from fully accredited schools that have a solid reputation for education excellence.

The type of degree that you can get online is a wide open field including associate, bachelor, master, and even Phd and doctorate degrees. The fields of study also are wide-ranging as well. Generally, if you can get a degree in a particular field of study offline, you can pretty much count on being able to accomplish the same program online too.

So when looking to advance your education don't limit yourself to just the offline schools. Give serious consideration to online higher and advanced education too, and it may be just what you need to get the college degree that you really want.

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In order to get that promotion you feel that you deserve, it's often necessary to further your education. One of the best, and most convenient, ways to do this is to explore earning your Master's degree online. This innovative and exciting method of personal and professional improvement has the benefit of allowing you to enhance your career opportunities by earning a graduate degree.

Earning your Master's degree will get you on the right track toward higher pay, more interesting and challenging work, and unlimited growth potential. Getting a Master's degree online is perfect for those who are looking to promote within an organization, seek employment elsewhere, or who want to change the course of their professional lives entirely. It is convenient and flexible. Several online Universities offer accelerated degree programs, and most all Universities permit students to seek their graduate degrees on a part time basis.

There are many advantages of choosing to earn a Master's degree online. There is no need to live near or commute to a school when classes can be attended and coursework submitted online. This provides a vast array of excellent accredited University from which you can choose to attend. Attending graduate school online is a great option if you have reservations about returning to school after several years. Choosing this route can make it easier to ease into the routine of class work and projects, and can reduce the stress of feeling the need to fit in with younger classmates. Additionally, course availability if often convenient for those who work full time and/or care for a family. Universities often offer evening and weekend sections of courses, which will interfere very little with personal and professional commitments.

There are many Master's degree programs available to earn online. M.B.A. programs, Nursing, Information Technology, Healthcare, Education, and Liberal Arts are but a few of the examples of graduate degrees available. These degrees are available from many accredited colleges and Universities. These institutions may be online-only schools that offer cutting edge technology in distance learning. Nearly all major traditional colleges and Universities are now offering some type of Master's degree programs via online learning, seeing the advantages of becoming part of this exciting time in technology.

You might be concerned about affording graduate school. After all, graduate tuition is significantly more expensive than undergraduate tuition. This is no different from attending a traditional face-to-face college or University. Financial aid is often available to students who wish to earn their Master's degrees online. This aid comes in the form of grants, loans, and even scholarships awarded to qualifying students. Make sure to check with the University of interest, as some only award certain types of aid to full-time students. Also, many employers may be willing to pay for part or even all of an employee's tuition. After all, investing in an employee's future is also investing in the organization's future.

There is a big misconception that earning your Master's degree online will not be as enriching an experience as attending face-to-face classes at a traditional University. This is not necessarily the case. While it is true that attending school online does require a certain amount of self-discipline and motivation, programs offered online present the same opportunities for group work, independent study, and interpersonal communication as their traditional counterparts. In fact, earning your Master's degree online might help to facilitate the learning process as well as develop time management skills. It also gives you the added benefit of increasing your knowledge of the Internet and its technologies, which may help to advance your career even more. Earning your Master's degree online is a valuable, convenient, and flexible way to broaden your career opportunities.

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Have you been looking for a job for ages? Been to all the online job boards? Do you routinely check the help wanted section every morning with little success?

In this age of downsizing and layoffs, you are not alone. Many people start each day with a cup of coffee in one hand and a pencil in the other while pouring over the employment section of the paper.

Even though it is frustrating and you wonder if any job out there will really be for you, you trudge on, a folder full of resumes in your arms you get in the car for a long day of driving around and delivering them to prospective employers.

If you think the only way to find a job is to have connections, you may be partly right. With such a demand for employment many jobs never make it to the paper. How can you compete?

One way to get the word out and perhaps find some job opportunities that might not otherwise present themselves is to network. Tell friends, family and acquaintances of your job search. These people may have businesses or friends with business where you can be the first one to get an "in" when a position opens up.

They may also hear of someone who is hiring and keep you updated on opportunities you may not otherwise have heard about. Their personal referral can also make an impression on the employer in your behalf.

Another way to get the jump on other job candidates is to hook up with the recruiting mangers at companies you are interested in. Write down a list of companies that you would like to work for. Then call them and inquire about open positions. Make sure you talk to the human resources manager or the person who is in charge of hiring for your type of position.

Once you know who that person is, you can send a resume directly to them. Write a cover letter that expresses your interest in the company and why you'd like to work for them. Follow up with the person several days later. Just tell them you are making a quick check to make sure your resume arrived and ask if there are any positions that may become available.

If there is nothing right now, let them know to expect your call in a few weeks. Sometimes positions come up out of the blue and by staying in touch with the hiring manager you might luck out. This is a fine line, however, as you want to stay at the front of their minds without seeming to be a pest. No one wants to hire a pest.

This method of finding out about jobs s not a big secret. If you're not taking advantage, someone else will so don't feel like you are being too pushy or "cheating". You can't afford to miss out on making yourself known to employers before the job posting is made public.

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I'm the type of person that considers a healthy, enjoyable job alot more valuable than a high paying one. This may be as foreign a concept to some people as our society continues to descend into the depths of materialism. Id gladly take a job doing something i loved and with people i enjoyed for a bit less money than I would have pocketed working at the vomitoriam.

So, amidst the whirlwind of resumes, applications and soul scorching interviews, take a moment to consider the environment of your workplace-to be. Have a chat with one of the low-level employees, and if they stare back at you with dull dead eyes, then you might want to reconsider your placement.

Even if your not making the big bucks right away, even the most un-motivated types will quickly rise in the ranks due the the enjoyment of the work. Its as simple as this "we like to do what we like to do". And trust me, if you think finding such a job impossible, know that people get paid to do all kinds of strange and even fun things. Take for instance the professional wine taster. Or perhaps the guy who gets to test the water slides after their manufacturing.

Remember to keep these words in the back of your mind, and hopefully you'll the job that's really right for you.

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How to Make the Best Out of Job Fairs

Finding a job is such a daunting task. Here, there, and everywhere, job seekers tend to look for the best means in order to find the best jobs.

However, most of them are predisposed to neglect job fairs. This is because many job seekers get annoyed with the jam-packed, full of activity, and baffling series of events. Nevertheless, they are still the best place to land a job.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics in the United States, the employment status is likely to boost by 15%. That is why job fairs are the best places to find a job because many companies will be participating in the event.

Job fairs are not really that bustling. The important thing is to obtain the necessary requirements needed in job applications and the rest, as they say, is history.

Here are some of the things that a job seeker must have by the time he or she is at the job fair in order to make the most out of it:

1. Advance research can be very helpful.

Most job seekers aim to find the best employment possible. Hence, it is important to do some advance research before going to a job fair.

Usually, the organizers of this event will post the companies that will participate on the job fair. Obtaining some information about the companies and the position that is open for the job would be an edge over the others.

2. Job seekers should have enough resumes.

It would be better if job seekers have enough resumes, at least 25, before going to the job fair. In this way, the applicant will be able to provide resumes to all of the potential employers in the job fair. The more applications you deliver the better chances of landing a job.

3. Job seekers should know how important it is to dress for the occasion.

As they say, first impressions last. Hence, in order to cut above the rest of job seekers, an individual should learn how to impress his or her future employer by dressing for the best. It should project a professional outlook, enthusiasm, and the determination to get the job that he or she really wants.

4. Job seekers should be prepared for some on-the-spot interviews.

5. An applicant should have a list of the companies where he or she had given his or her resume.

Knowing these things can be very helpful especially if it is the applicants first time in a job fair. Hence, people should be more aware of the benefits they can derive from job fairs alone.

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Are you thinking about getting your online health care degree but don't know where to start? Afraid of choosing the wrong college or school? Here's a simple guide to help you get started building the career that you've always wanted.

Making the decision to get your online health care degree is not any easy one. There are many things that you should consider, before choosing your school, such as credit requirements and tuition fees. With so many different schools offering certification, it isn't easy to choose. One of the first things that you should decide on is what exactly do you want to study. Do you want to work as a medical transcriptionist, or as a medical coder? Does Biomedical photography sound interesting? Once you know in which area you want to earn your degree, you can now focus on choosing an online institution that's right for you.

There are several things that you should consider when choosing your school, for your online health care degree. Is the school accredited; if so, by whom? More and more diploma mills are seeping into the legitimate education market, so it pays to learn as much as you can about where you'll be learning about health care administration. Do the instructors know anything about working in the health care field? Do they have actual administration experience? What sort of computer programmes does the degree emphasis? Will you learn Linux, Cisco, Oracle, or other skills related to the health care administration field? The answers to these questions will determine your final choice of school.

It is also important that you verify that the college's programmes will help you meet your State's licensing requirements, because there is no point in earning a degree in the health care administration field, if you can't practice it or look for employment.

This is an exciting time in your life- so make the most of it by finding the course that's right for you!

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If you have ever wanted to have a nursing job, you probably know that there are a few things you have to do to secure a position in this field. The first and most crucial step to acquiring a nursing career is to attend school so you can hone your skills. When you're applying for college, check to see what the nursing program is like before you commit to it. If it's rated high, you've made the right decision. You will want to attend a school that has a reputable program so you will feel confident in your nursing career.

Another great idea to help secure a nursing job for you once you've graduated is to get an internship. Try a local hospital or a doctor's office to see if they're interested in letting you work there gratis. Not only will you get college credit, but it will help you gain the on the job experience you'll need for your eventual employment in the nursing career field.

You will have a better chance at getting a nursing job if you're willing to relocate. Your odds at finding employment are much greater if you will take a travel nursing job instead of one that is close to you. A travel nursing job could be in another city, or in another state but it's important you take whatever nursing career position that is offered to you. You need the experience and it will look great on your resume. Once you've gained enough experience in your nursing career job, you will be much more likely to get a job in the city you want.

So, it's wise to gain as much employment experience as possible so that you will be a highly sought after nurse that doesn't have to take travel nursing jobs unless you want to!

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Have you made the right choice? Before deciding to resign from your current position and move to a new employer, you should weigh up as objectively as possible all the relevant factors: remuneration, working environment, location, travel demands, training and development opportunities, promotional prospects, and your future bosses.

Consider also what impact a job with the new company would have on your resume. Once you have received and accepted a formal written commitment from your new employer, you should serve notice immediately.

It is important to behave in a professional manner throughout the resignation process. Your character and your personal integrity should never be in question. Be positive; be co-operative; and avoid recriminations.

State that you are leaving the company and hand in your letter of resignation at the same time.

Be prepared for a reaction. If your employer presses you for reasons, give brief and positive answers. Don't argue or complain. Don't allow yourself to be deflected from your purpose or drawn into a protracted discussion.

Do everything possible to establish a friendly tone and leave a good impression. State that you are leaving because your new employment offers you opportunities for advancement. Your decision is the result of careful consideration.

Your written resignation should be concise and definite. Do not go into details or give your reasons for leaving. If you have any grievances, don't express them in the letter. Give no cause for animosity. Ask if there is anything you can do to ensure a smooth transition.

In the letter, state that you are leaving and when. Give as much notice as possible. Two weeks is generally acceptable, but check your contract or the company handbook.

Sample letter:

Dear ( )

I have decided to resign my position as (……..) at (company) effective (date) to take a position with (new employer). I greatly appreciate the opportunity that you and (the company) have given me to develop my skills and further my career.

I shall make every effort to ensure that the transition period goes smoothly for all concerned.

Yours sincerely

( )

Counter offer. Your decision was carefully thought out, so stick to it. Changing your mind makes you appear indecisive and creates a negative impression. It calls into question your long-term commitment and loyalty to your current employer.

During the period of notice, carry out your duties in a diligent and professional manner. Assure your boss that you will complete any outstanding task. If this is not possible, leave detailed instructions for your replacement. Check that all your records are in order. Inform your colleagues that you are leaving. When discussing things with them, resist the temptation to make disparaging comments about your present job or boast about your new one. Do your best to leave on good terms with everybody.

Exit Interview. Many companies expect their employees to attend an exit interview with the Human Resources Manager. If requested to do so, co-operate fully. Conduct yourself in a professional manner. Say only positive things about your employer and the company. Focus on accomplishments or learning experiences you had while employed there. Remember that anything you say is likely to be recorded in the personnel profile.

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How do I become a private investigator?

That's a complicated question with several parts that largely depend upon in which state you plan on working. You have two options; you either work for a licensed private investigations agency or you go to work for yourself and obtain your own PI company license. Either way, you there are two considerations you must address at some point:

The first consideration is licensing; all but only a handful of states require a state-issued license to be a private investigator. Each state has different background, education and experience requirements that may vary from simply attending a state-approved training course to pre-licensing education, exams, years of work experience and obtaining a sizable professional liability insurance policy with "errors and omissions" coverage. To make matters just a little more confusing, there are some cities that require private investigators to either register or obtain a municipal license in states that do not otherwise require them.

The second consideration is training. Private investigation specific training is the most important investment you can make in yourself! Since most new PIs don't have the ability or are not ready to start up their own investigations company you will most likely be looking for employment with an established agency. As an owner of an established and well respected detective agency I get resumes all of the time; the first thing I look for before considering a candidate is to ask the question, "How has this person invested in themselves before asking me to invest in them?"

What if I do not have the minimum experience required by the state to obtain my own company license? How will I ever break into the industry?

If your goal is to eventually own your private investigations agency, no problem... every state that requires experience also has a program in place to see that new investigators have access to eventually obtaining their own license. For example, in Texas where we hold an agency license those who are too new simply go to work for an established company until they have the required number of hours to be able apply for their own license. In Florida (where we also have an agency license) they specifically provide internship licenses. Again, every state is a little bit different but thousands of successful private investigators are working today and tens of thousands have come before us; we all had to get started someplace... you can too.

Also, consider your own background and employment related experience carefully some of it may apply. I have known loss prevention agents, security guards (in specific roles), accountants, firemen, bail bondsmen, alarm installers, teachers, and even a librarian use their previous employment experiences to apply for their own agency license.

What type of training should I be looking into?

Any amount of training is great though most PI companies don't place a whole lot of credibility with the courses from PCDI, Harcourt, and Thompson Direct. You could honestly do much better and at less cost.

Instead, look for academies or training programs that have been created by private investigators. Who knows better about what a new or an aspiring private detective needs to know than an investigator who has been in the field for a considerable amount of time?

Also... look to see that the sponsoring company is active in the industry as well. Are they still providing regular private investigative services to a robust clientele? It's sad, but many PIs who wash out over a very short period of time in the business look to teaching. In reality, you will learn very little from those who could not make it themselves; success breeds success!

Lastly, I have a little secret I would like to share with you...

Look over the education provider's entire website and see if you find boastful claims or where the company is bashing other educators. This is a very tight-knit industry and you will find that students who complete training programs from educators that spend time "bad mouthing the competition" have a terrible time getting a break simply because of the animosity created through their educator's use of negative advertising. I know that seems unfair but it is a reality in this business. This does not mean, however, that you should dismiss the negative press but the first thing an excellent private investigator learns is how to evaluate a claim, identify the source and make a judgment based on additional facts and research. Some statements will have merit while others will not; it's up to you to make that decision.

What is the difference between a private investigator and a private detective?

Nothing. The terms are used interchangeably but some states choose to use the term "detective" while most use the term "investigator."

I really just want to help my friends and family to find old friends or people who owe them money. Do I need a PI license?

That's a great question. Generally speaking, in those states where it is a requirement you will need to obtain a license if you hold yourself out for hire or accept payment from another person or business and participate in or provide the following services:

* Surveillance

* Obtaining or furnish information related to a crime or the identity, habits, business, occupation, knowledge, movement, location, affiliations, associations,transactions, acts, reputation, or character of a person, group or company.

* Securing evidence for use before a court, board, officer, or committee

* Locating or recovering lost or stolen property and unclaimed funds.

* Determining the cause or responsibility for a fire, libel, loss, accident, damage, or injury to a person or to property.

Some states may specifically include such things as service of process, bail enforcement, personal protection and genealogical research under those activities that require a private investigator's license as well.

Do I have to have a degree in Criminal Justice from a college or university?

No, though some states may accept a degree in Criminal Justice, Administration of Justice or Police Sciences in lieu of the minimum experience requirements. One recent study conducted on behalf of the Virginia Department of Justice concluded that almost 57% of all private investigators do not have a college education.

If I do not have a college education do I have to have a background as a police officer or other law enforcement related profession?

No. Most private investigators do not have a law enforcement background before entering into this industry. It is true that many private investigators may have once had a career in criminal justice but the bottom-line is that private investigation and law enforcement is very different and my experience has been that very few who make the transition from law enforcement are prepared for this type of work, either technically or creatively, on their own. Most of them recognize this and seek industry specific training as well.

What type of person makes a successful private investigator?

This business requires a rare blend of logic and creativity; it's rare because logical people tend to not be very creative and vice-versa.

I would say that any successful detective must first have the ability to communicate. This means that he or she must have the ability to connect with people of all walks of life, regardless of economic status, ethnicity or education. It also means that the investigator must have the ability to clearly present a simple fact or a complex investigation in writing. The end result of an investigation is the investigative report, which is given to the client upon conclusion of the assignment; this is essentially our work product. If you cannot write reasonably well, your reputation will surely suffer as a result.

Secondly, great investigators have a burning desire to answer any question that is put to them only after a careful and determined effort to identify the facts and circumstances that contribute to a complete and unbiased explanation. We are in the business to provide facts, not opinions; we let our clients draw their own conclusions from our report. Oftentimes in order to get to those facts, we must be relentless in our pursuit of information. This is where logic meets creativity. Dead-ends often only require a different approach!

Lastly, I believe that every investigator should possess a varied set of experiences and knowledge. One characterization of the private detective industry I can make is that by and large we represent a vastness of experience, skills, and trades. One of the most accomplished investigators I have ever met listed "Mom" on her resume. When she decided to become a private investigator she had no appreciable skills that she could put in her resume but through her own experiences she had developed an intuition that was almost never wrong and she could simplify complex problems into there most basic parts. I have personally hired a plumber, building contractor, car salesman, and a host of other seemingly unrelated career types into my own company, CompassPoint Investigations, because they had certain intangibles that made them great in this business!

The bottom line is that anyone can train to become a wildly successful private investigator, just like one can train to become a barber or an attorney, but an aspiring detective has to bring some things to the table that cannot be easily taught: creativity, logic, the ability to communicate and an insatiable curiosity!

I have a criminal conviction in my background from many years ago. Will this affect my ability to become a private eye?

Every state that requires a license to be a PI also requires a background investigation as a part of the licensing process. I believe that a felony conviction will be an automatic disqualification in almost every instance (though I know a felon who has a PI license issued by the city of Columbus, MO.), while misdemeanors may be considered depending upon the crime, its seriousness and the amount of time that has passed since the conviction; again this will vary by state.

Will my military discharge affect my ability to become a private investigator?

In some cases a discharge that is anything but honorable may prevent you from becoming a PI. Just as in the answer to the criminal conviction history above, some states require PI applicants be free from negative military discharge classifications- Bad Conduct Discharge, Less than Honorable or Other Than Honorable service characterizations are grounds for denial of a PI license in several states and jurisdictions.

Perhaps the Florida Division of Licensing put it best: "Private investigators and private investigative agencies serve in positions of trust. Untrained and unlicensed persons or businesses, or persons not of good moral character, are a threat to the public safety and welfare. The private investigative industry is regulated to ensure the interests of the public are adequately served and protected."

Can I just specialize in a particular type of investigation or will I have to do the surveillances and cheating spouse investigations too?

I absolutely recommend that investigators find their niche and specialize in only a few types of investigations! There are several important reasons for this, which I discuss in my training programs, but it can be summed up this way: when you are the most notable investigator in your region of the country for a specific type of investigation, you will find MANY additional opportunities to make a lot more money than if you advertise yourself as a "jack of all trades." This has been proven across the country time and time again and is a major topic of discussion in our upcoming private investigation marketing manual.

What types of assignments do private investigators typically take?

Wow, the options are endless and the subject really deserves its own entire section! I have listed the most obvious types of private investigator assignments in an article you can find by going to my Articles Page. I will eventually briefly describe each type of investigation in the next couple of weeks. Continue to check in as we are constantly making additions.

What type of investigation or specialty assignment pays the most?

I don't know that anyone can answer that question definitively, but I will say that surveillance is typically the most lucrative type of assignment a private investigator can get because it is solid, billable, blocks of time. I am aware that there are particular types of investigations where investigators are making anywhere between $300 and $500 an hour for activities like forensic computer evaluation, security consulting, automobile repossession, and a few others specialties. I personally have made $10,000 in an hour on several occasions in 14 years doing bail fugitive recovery work, those types of paydays are few and far between. Overall I average almost $150 an hour while engaged in bail enforcement, not too bad by most people's standards, though many investigators just don't have the stomach for that type of work. It can be extremely dangerous, it is a very competitive field and you get paid only if you can complete the case.

Is private investigation dangerous work?

Obviously, there are some PI jobs that are more dangerous than others like collateral repossession or bounty hunting but, generally speaking, private investigation is not a dangerous job. We all have heard the stories of PIs getting caught while on surveillance by an irate cheating husband or being chased out of a yard at the business end of a shotgun while serving a subpoena. Most episodes of Magnum PI had Tom Selleck dodging bullets, too. Certainly, scary things can and do happen on rare occasions but like all war stories, the ones that seem to get a lot of attention play out more like fiction than reality. Safety is always at the forefront of every trained investigator's mind.

"L. Scott Harrell is the author of several private investigator training
courses stemming from 14 years of experience as a private detective and
principal of CompassPoint Investigations.

More information regarding CompassPoint Investigations and the private
investigation industry can be found via the internet:
http://www.BeAPrivateEye.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=L_Scott_Harrell"

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Q. I didn't get a job that I interviewed for. The employer told me that I had "failed" the personality quiz. How is that possible? Does this mean that I have no personality?

A. "Fail" is a pretty strong word when it comes to taking a personality quiz. In fact, it is so strong that it makes me wonder about the professionalism of the potential employer that administered the personality quiz to you.

There is no pass/fail in a personality quiz; especially an employment personality quiz. There are simply factors that are important to the employer that either are, or are not, present in your personality.

To say that you "failed" the personality quiz is a misnomer. You simply did not have some personality traits that the employer deemed important for the particular job that you applied for.

Other than the fact that they insulted you, they probably did you a favor by giving you that personality quiz. By screening you out based upon a certain personality profile, they saved you from accepting a job that you would probably have ended up hating and leaving after a short while.

A personality quiz is an interesting animal. There are actually many different types. You've already encountered a pre-employment personality quiz, but that's not the only type out there.

Before we go off into the subject of a personality quiz, it's important that we agree upon the definition of the term personality. Let's keep it short:

Your personality consists of all the traits and behaviours that make you unique and that determine how you are likely to act in any given situation.

Given that this definition is true, then a personality quiz is designed to measure those traits and to quantify them into some meaningful profile that enables someone to predict how you will behave.

Is that really possible? Yes, in most instances it is possible to accurately how someone is LIKELY to behave under a given set of circumstances. The key word here is LIKELY. We've all seen or read about people who have exhibited extraordinary acts of heroism who were otherwise thought of as a most unlikely hero due to being timid, shy, young, or whatever.

It is not possible to totally predict anyone's behaviour no matter how sophisticated a test is or how educated the person who designed it was.

While the pre-employment personality quiz is designed to match candidates with job vacancies and predict the likelyhood of that candidate thriving in that particular business' culture, there are also other types of personality quiz that are used for other purposes.

Closely aligned to the pre-employment personality quiz is the promotion candidate personality quiz. A quiz of this type is designed to match the personality of an existing employee, who is being considered for promotion, to the type pf personality that is needed to survive in the position for which there is a vacancy.

A relationship personality quiz is designed to test the compatibility factors between two people. It measures those traits that have been determined to promote a long term relationship.

There is also a type pf personality quiz that measures a person's sanity. It is typically used by the legal system to determine if someone is "legally insane" and can be held accountable for their actions in a court of law.

And then there is the personality quiz that is designed for entertainment purposes only. These are typically found in magazines and are developed by writers for the sole purpose of amusing their readership if not for simply filling pages.

You shouldn't put too much weight on your scores for this type of personality quiz. The questions are rarely scientific and there is no sense getting your panties in a wad over something that has no real merit.

As far as the "scientific" personality quiz is concerned, none of them are 100% accurate and a skilled quiz taker, or a pathological lier, can skew a personality quiz to meed their own purposes. Like anything else that can't be seen, touched, or smelled, take these personality quiz results with a grain of salt.

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The Internet has simplified everything from shopping to banking and now even employment has been made easier because you can have a job online. That is right, as amazing as it sounds you can work from the comfort of your home, while traveling, or anywhere you have a computer because your job online only requires you meet deadlines. You can work whenever fits your schedule, meaning you have more time for the important things like your family and have your job online to help pay the bills. If you are interested in finding a job online, but are not sure what you could possibly do, consider the following job titles. Right now you can find a job online in any of these markets as well as many others.

Job Online Suggestion #1 Writing The Internet is made up of words, mostly, so writers have a great opportunity for finding a job online. Web sites always need new content, other sites need new e-book titles, and companies need individuals to write things as well. Finding a job online if you are a writer should be a mouse click away.

Job Online Suggestion #2 Transcription Experienced transcriptionists can find a job online in a hurry simply by doing a quick search in Google. This is because many medical offices prefer to contract out transcription work, which is good for you because it is a job online that lets you live your life and work when you want to.

Job Online Suggestion #3 Administrative Assistant Many administrative assistant duties can easily be performed online from typing to creating reports, making travel arrangements, and other similar duties. Because of this many administrative assistants have a job online that allows them to meet the demands of their work yet spend time as they choose.

Job Online Suggestion #4 Programming Computer programmers have long since had a job online simply because of the nature of their expertise. Beyond programming, webmasters, designers and anyone with computer knowledge can find a job online.

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Not all jobs have to be full-time and intense. If you're looking for a bit of extra cash, why not take on a job that's fun and nearly hassle-free?

Market research companies are always looking to add consumers just like you to their database. Sign up with as many market research companies as you can in order to increase your chance of attending focus groups or one-on-one surveys. Groups usually last anywhere from half an hour to two hours and can range in pay anywhere from $50 to $200 cash. You can search online in many great places for focus groups and for market research companies. Even if you don't qualify for what they're looking for immediately, forward your information and sign up with them anyway! You might be surprised at the amount of groups you may qualify for in the future!

Do you need a flexible job with hours that can fit into your schedule? Perhaps you should look into providing personal services, such as pet sitting, babysitting, or personal assistance. The hours are usually flexible, and the individuals needing this service tend to be very understanding about your demanding schedule. For a part-time job, a personal service job tends to be good paying.

Are you a student? There are many employers that will hire a student simply because they're majoring in a related field of study. You won't have to go through tons of interviews and wait weeks or months to start a part-time position. It is a good opportunity to get hands-on training in your chosen career path, and will look good on a resume when you graduate. Some companies offer employment on a semester to semester basis.

Looking for something that's fun? Try a part-time job with the park district or the zoo. Maybe you can find part-time work on a film set, or as an extra! You might find yourself in a movie one day!

Temp agencies will send you to various companies to help out with mass mailings and other marketing projects, should you ask for this type of work. These are usually fun and easy! There are other temporary employment opportunities as well, but the great thing about being a temp is that you have the option to accept or decline an assignment and you can work as much or as little as you need.

Promotional work can be very profitable for working only a few days each month. The work is usually fun and exciting and you'll end up working on some really interesting and unique promotions and events.

A part-time job doesn't have to be boring and it doesn't have to involve fast food. It can be an entertaining and enjoyable experience!

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Best Jobs

Employers have said that they are more likely to be 12 percent more graduates this year than last year. It is the first projected increase since the year 2000.

In another study, a projected 60 percent of US business plan to employ the same number of graduates this year as with last year. That is an increase of fifty-five percent from last year, according to the CERI (Collegiate Employment Research Institute) at MSU.

According to recent studies, US Corporations and businesses will employ more graduates with a bachelor's degree in business, biological and physical sciences. Those with construction management, engineering degrees, health care and accounting will also experience an increase in hiring. Other fields will have a slight decline.

On the average, companies are hiring forty three percent of its interns to fulltime and regular status. The expected increase in the hiring of graduates coincides with an expected growth forecast of the economy next year according to a recent survey by the Federal Reserve Bank.

A lot of companies are coming out of a slump and are now hiring their interns and looking for more. A lot of companies are posting jobs and coming into different campuses.

Most experts advise that during the holidays, whether you're looking for permanent employment or internship, it is time to step up your search.

Take advantage of the holiday events you're going to, discuss what you're looking for and your goals. Businesses don't want to be flooded with calls and faxes of resumes. They will probably rely on word-of-mouth to get a handful of candidates The holidays are a perfect time to network.

What to expect:

Companies will hire more students earning bachelor's degree in business and management, physical and biological sciences. Engineering, health care and accounting degrees also would experience an increase. Other degrees will experience a decrease in hiring

Businesses expect to employ about the same volume of MBAs this year as last year. Businesses have found employees with bachelor's degrees being able to do some work being done by MBAs.

It will be harder for graduates with computer science degrees to find work.

Companies are more likely to employ students who have undergone internships. The work experience, they say, makes a lot of difference. Federal agencies will employ more graduates but not nearly enough to offset the decrease in hiring by the state and local government agencies.

On average, starting salaries will increase by 1 to 2 percent.

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When its time to leave the company you currently work for you should always act in a professional manner. Remember you may need them for a reference and also you never know when you may cross paths with them again.

Just imagine if you had let your emotions run away with you and you had told the boss exactly what you thought only to find later that they knew your new employers or worse still eventually ended up working with or in your new company.

So best thing to do is always keep things on a nice basis. Keep calm, never express any anger. The following are some points you may wish to note:-

You should:-

* Stay professional * Advise your employers face to face and give them your resignation letter * Remember you may come into contact with them at a later stage * Chose your references carefully and let them know your intentions and why you think you're suitable for the new job. * Avoid any insults or aggressive conduct

You should never:-

* Hand your notice in when you're angry * Think that you have to give any reason at all why you want to leave - it's your choice * Vent your frustration at them telling them of all the bad things you don't like about their company.

If the issue that made you want to think about leaving related to financial reasons you should tell them so. It's possible they may want to think about increasing your package rather than losing you to another company. Sometimes a letter of resignation can trigger this but you need to think carefully you don't want to be back in the same position in another year's time and you would also be messing about the company that has made you the offer and that might scupper any chance of you getting back in with that employer in the future.

When you resign it's a good idea to do so after you have obtained another position. Not only would that give you less of the obvious financial strains that leaving a job without one to go to would produce but you would also be better placed. It's often a fact that employers often prefer to employ those that are already in employment rather than those that are not. So try to get your ideal new job secured first. A number of online job sites can help you find what you need in this direction. The online job site www.redgoldfish.co.uk is extremely useful for finding new jobs and can help you secure your ideal job using the free services the site offers. Even if you dont have a current CV the site will help you build one free of charge so that you can present your details to new employers in the best possible light. It's nice to be in a position of power when resigning knowing that you have an alternative job lined up, so you should take advantage of the free job sites available on the internet as one of the ways to put you in a position of strength when you make that resignation decision.

Despite the fact that it's a good idea to find alternative employment first prior to resigning many employees do resign without a job to go to, often it might be because they want to take a gap from work to reassess what they want to do next or just to take a holiday to think things over. What ever your reasons or choices for wanting to resign you should always think carefully about it and always go about it in a professional manner.

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In the current climate, many people are looking away from the traditional job market towards working for themselves. The massive redundancies and job-insecurity has caused many people to radically rethink their career plans. With the ever rising cost of living, many would be happy just earning extra money to support their family and to pay the bills.

In this article, you will discover what you really enjoy in life and how to turn it into a money making opportunity, and perhaps even a full-time career. Your only limitations are those you impose upon yourself! At the very least, what you learn will help you to be happier with your current job.

First of all, a little exercise to get you started. Make a list of everything and anything you really enjoy and are passionate about. This can be anything at all, from playing with Lego through to planning projects or programming in Cobol. Write down everything you think of, no matter how silly or pointless you think it may be. They are all important and must be included on your list.

Go through the list and ask yourself whether you truly are passionate about each one. Ask the question, "If someone offered to pay me to do this, would I be happy?" If you would not, then cross it off your list.

Look at each item on your list and ask yourself what you enjoy about it. You may enjoy the peace and tranquillity of gardening, or the fast paced life style of project management. Write this down too by each item.

The why you enjoy it is very important because it gives you an insight into your inner workings. When you understand what it is that you enjoy about something, you can look at applying that quality specifically to your life and current job to improve your happiness. If you like peace and tranquillity but your job is hectic, you could take time out for a walk in a park or to meditate to bring into your job peace and tranquillity. You could make sure you take a lunch break and switch off your phone.

Once you have identified the things you are passionate about, write down next to each one how much time a month you currently spend doing them. You may love surfboarding but only manage to go once a month or you may be passionate about cooking yet have to live on fast food because of your lifestyle.

From now on, make a commitment to yourself to spend time doing the things you are passionate about every single month. You will find that not only does your level of happiness improves, but your energy increases and life feels so much better because you are doing things that you love.

Carry your list around with you for at least a fortnight, adding to it each time you think of something you are passionate about. Then repeat the process above for each new item, analysing it and understanding what it is you like about it.

Do you have what it takes?

Whatever your current job situation, working for yourself can be a very appealing option. But the question is, 'do you have what it takes to work for yourself?' Not everyone does, but the good news is that the necessary skills can be learnt by anyone.

To successfully work for yourself you need to have all of the following skills to some degree. The better you are at each skill, the more chance you have of being successful on your own.

Motivation: You must be able to motivate yourself and to not rely on others to push you along. When you work for yourself, there is no boss telling you what you need to do, when you need to do it by, and providing you support and guidance when you need it. You are the boss! Working for yourself, it is all your responsibility. If you cannot take the responsibility, then you are best off staying in employment.

Belief: You must believe in yourself and in your business and / or product. It is very difficult to do well at something you do not fully believe in. Your belief and passion about what you do comes across to your customers. This has a positive effect in building their confidence and in turn, your business. Before starting any business or selling any product ask yourself if you believe in the product and business.

Development Time: It is important to spend time developing yourself and increasing your skills. Many technical people forget to develop soft skills, and vice versa. Aim to attend at least two courses or workshops a year. Also regularly read relevant books to develop these skills. You have to stay one step ahead of the competition in order to be a phenomenal success.

Determination: You must be determined to succeed and not to give up. There are times when it will be tough, but you are the boss and the one solely responsible for making it good again. You may get knocked back on occasion, but a true success just keeps on going in the face of set-backs.

Inter-personal skills: Working for yourself does not mean you will be locked in a room alone. You will often have to interact with other people; your customers. Good inter-personal skills will make this experience more rewarding and help you get the best from people. They will help ensure you have a successful business.

Communication skills: Both written and spoken communication skills are important. Often in the market place today, words are the key to the success of your business. Therefore, spend time developing your skills in this area - it will pay you back many fold to do so.

How many of the above skills do you currently have? Do you feel you are weak in any of these areas? If so, then strengthen them by attending courses or reading some relevant books. Being strong in all the above areas is not necessary for personal success, but will help to make it much easier.

Look at the list of things you are passionate about, and think about how the above skills can be applied to and compliment these.

Finding your ideal career

Now, back to the list of things you are passionate about. Take a new sheet of paper and write the first item on your list at the top of this new paper. Underneath it, brainstorm all the jobs you can think of that involve your passion. Let your imagination run riot and be as creative as you can. Each item you have written down offers you many possibilities. Also use the reasons you enjoy the item to help in this exercise.

Using gardening as an example, you could write down: gardener, author, teacher, TV presenter, landscape designer, tree doctor, and farmer, park ranger, and so on, just to mention a few.

Still on the same item from your list, write down all the ways you can think of to make money from it.

With our gardening example this may be growing and selling plants or vegetables, or doing gardening for people in your neighbourhood. There are of course many other opportunities here. Be creative and imaginative and think outside of your normal box.

Look at all these ways of making money and note the ones you can start right now and ones that you would really like to do. Perhaps you could start on one or two of these now, whilst still working in your current job.

Repeat the above exercise for each item that is on your list. Over the next few weeks keep adding to these lists. This exercise stimulates your mind to be creative, which results in creating many more great ideas – often when you least expect it, so make sure you write them all down.

The results of these exercises will be a list of what you enjoy doing, why you enjoy doing and a list of possible careers and money making opportunities that you would gain pleasure from. You do not have to make a massive move and quit your job right now. You can take your time, and slowly begin building your own business, or just earn a bit of extra money to help pay the bills whilst keeping your current job. You can also use this list to determine what career is best for you and begin planning a move to this new career.

Ask yourself the question, "If I could do anything at all, what would it be?" The answer to this question will help you determine which of the items on your list to pursue first. It is important not to spread yourself too thinly otherwise you may find that nothing ever gets done. Once you have decided which way to go you must do a goal setting exercise and work out your route to your target.

Pursuing your passion means living life to the full. It means waking up each morning and looking forward to working. It means more energy, more fun and feeling more alive. Sadly today many of us are working jobs we would rather not be doing. Perhaps it is time that you took advantage of the shifting economy and lived your passion instead of dreaming it?

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You may have been raised to think that firing your boss and becoming your own boss is an irresponsible, impulsive, and selfish thing to do. Think again.

Firing your boss may be the only responsible action to take if you want to build financial security for your family and provide the emotional security to your children that having parents involved in their daily lives provides.

Most companies are not family-friendly. Here are some enlightening statistics provided by mothersandmore.org.

• 70% of working fathers and mothers report they don't have enough time with their children.
• 59% of women and 38% of men report they have no flexibility in determining the start and end times of their workday.
• 63% of all employees would like to reduce their current total work week if they could.
• 88% of women working part time are NOT likely to receive health insurance or pension benefits from their employers.
• Wage penalty for motherhood: 5% per child.

We are all brainwashed and trained at an early age by parents, teachers, and society that getting a job is what we are supposed to do. Maybe this was a good thing to do in the 1950s, 60s, and even 70s. I'm not sure. But things started changing rapidly in the 1980s with technological advances and the first big wave of corporate downsizing.

Before I go any further, I don't want to leave you with the impression that I think all companies or organizations are bad. There are many organizations that have transcended the industrial-age command-and-control type mentality and offer team members opportunities to learn, grow, play, evolve as people, and have a fulfilling family life. These entities are to be applauded and celebrated. They have gone Cubeless. If you are lucky enough to work for one of these enlightened organizations, you may not need to read any further. (Please send me an email so that I can recommend your organization on my website: coach@corporaterebels.com).

If, however, you find yourself in a work environment that does not support your higher good, that prohibits emotions and passion, that requires you to wear the Corporate Cubeface, that punishes you for having a life outside of work, that has illogical rules for success like "work 70 hours a week and look and act like the CEO", then it may be time for you to considering firing your boss. (I call these work environments the Corporate Cubeworld. Please visit www.culturebuilders.com for a detailed description of the Corporate Cubeworld.)

The Corporate Cubeworld no longer provides lifetime employment. The Corporate Cubeworld does not value family life. And technology has enabled anyone to start a business from anywhere.

The Conference Board released a report on February 28, 2005 stating that "Americans are increasingly unhappy with their jobs. The decline in job satisfaction is widespread among workers of all ages and across all income brackets." The report showed that:
• 25% of American workers are just "showing up to collect a paycheck"
• 40% of workers feel disconnected from their employers
• Two out of every three workers do not identify with or feel motivated to drive their employers' business goals and objectives.

They also found that money cannot buy satisfaction. Job satisfaction has declined across all income levels and only 14% of workers earning $50,000 or more are "very satisfied" with their jobs. The report says that "Rapid technological changes, rising productivity demands and changing employee expectations have all contributed to the decline in job satisfaction."

My interpretation of this: the Corporate Cubeworld is inherently rigid and inflexible and demands more and more from workers who are less and less willing to surrender their lives to their jobs.

This report shows is that there is a LOT of unhappy workers in America today. Is there something wrong with all of these people or is it more plausible that there is something inherently broken in the Corporate world?

I would like to point you to a vision of an alternative work world. One in which you build a life while you build your business. One in which you build multiple revenue streams, some active and some passive. One that is integrated with the life you want to be living.

A Vision of Life After You Fire Your Boss
and Step Outside of the Cubeworld

1)You feel passionate about the work you do.
2)Your work is an expression of your true self.
3)You are free to express your passion and all of your other natural, human emotions.
4)Cooperation is valued over competition.
5)Mindful parenting is viewed as important and challenging work that adds to your value as a worker.
6)Personalized vision and purpose statements replace titles.
7)Office spaces are wherever you work most effectively and efficiently (i.e. park bench, coffee shop, home office).
8)Work hours are flexible and determined by your body clock, lifestyle, and inspiration.
9)You are free to pursue many vocations simultaneously.
10)The point is not to climb a linear, vertical career ladder, but to try on different works, fail joyously and repeatedly, while building wealth, having fun, and learning.

My vision for the future is one in which Corporate Cubeworlds are rare. They become extinct because people are no longer willing to work in Cubeworlds. The Corporate Cubeworld comes down like the Berlin Wall. In order to attract workers, companies find that they must go Cubeless.

Do I seem idealistic to you? Do you think that my vision is impossible?

I know that it is possible because I have coached hundreds of people out of the Cubeworld and into lives that are fun and that work for them.

The real key is not to trade one boss for another boss. Stop trading your time for dollars. Stop being a wage slave.

All Corporate Cubejobs are earned income jobs. You trade your time for dollars. If you stop trading your time, the dollars stop coming. This is a huge problem if you decide to have a baby, or you get sick, you want to take an extended vacation, or are ready to retire, etc.

Often people go from a salaried earned income situation to a self-employed earned income situation and not a whole lot changes. Maybe they work from home. Maybe they now answer to clients instead of a direct boss. Maybe they work less. Maybe they work more.

But often the self-employed need to work ON the business and IN the business. Many people find themselves working MORE to make the same money or working less and making a lot less money. And the self-employed often think about work 24/7 even if they aren't working 24/7. As a self-employed person, you become responsible for marketing, sales, bookkeeping, operations, and fulfillment.

So, how do you build a company and life that works? I believe that the best situation is one in which you pursue your passion as directed by your heart and that you build a business that offers multiple streams of passive income in addition to your earned income.

Passive (or residual income) is income that you collect from your indirect or past action. For example, I can coach a person on the phone and charge them $150 per hour and trade my time for dollars. This is earned income. I can also offer a tele-class and charge $49 for each participant (earned). But I can also record the class and continue to offer the recording to others (passive).

There are so many exciting ways to combine earned and passive income. It requires imagination, courage and planning.

Are you ready to Fire Your Boss and start creating work that you love, that gives you energy, and that feeds your soul? Are you ready to secure your retirement by creating passive revenue streams in addition to your earned income streams?
Are you ready to evaluate work, relationships, and opportunities by the amount of joy they give you?

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Five worst ways of hunting for job: The five worst ways to try to find a job, listed in order from worst to least worst (awful grammar!) are:

Using The Internet:

The success rate of using the internet turns out to be around 4%. That is out every 100 job hunters who use the internet as their search method only four will find a job, while 96 job hunters out of a 100 will not find the jobs that are out there, if they use only the internet to search for jobs. 4% is a summary of a range, so if you are seeking a technical or computer related job, an IT job, or a job in engineering, financing, or health-care the rates rise. I would say that this rate would be around 10%. For the other 10,000 job titles that are out there, the rate appears to drop to around 1%. Make sure that you know the odds of any job hunting method. This way you know ahead of time what your odds are, in this case (internet search) really bad. This way of the method does not work for you will not take it so personally.

Mailing Out Resumes To Employers At Random:

This method is claimed to have about a 7% success rate. Out of every 100 job hunters 7 will find a job, 93 job-hunters out of 100 will not find a job if they use only this method to search for them. One study showed that out side of the internet only 1 out of 1470 resumes actually resulted in a job. In other words resumes here had a 99.94% failure rate. Again before you use any job hunting technique, know the odds ahead of time, so if it does not work out you will not take it personally.

Answering Ads In Professional or Trade Journals, Appropriate To Your Field:

This method again only has a success rate of 7% that is out of every 100 job hunters only seven will find a job using this method. 93 job-hunters out of 100 will not find the jobs which are out there if they use only this method. Again it is really important to make sure that you know the odds of finding a job using this method. That way if you know the odds are bad and you don't get the job, you will not take it personally.

Answering Local Newspaper Ads:

This method had a 5-24 % success rate. This is out of every 100 job-hunters who use this method five to twenty four will find a job, and 76-95 job-hunters out of hundred will not find the jobs they are looking for.

Going To Private Employment Agencies or Search Firms For Help:

This method has a 5-28% success rate, which means that out of every 100 job-hunters between 5 and 28 will find a job, which leaves 72-95 job-hunters out of 100 who will not find the job they are looking for just using this method. (This fluctuation can be due to the level of salary being sought after, the higher the salary being sought; the higher the salary being sought, the fewer job-hunters who are able to find a job, using only this method).

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Finding employment as a flight technician can be especially challenging for some as the opportunities are fairly limited depending on your current residency and your willingness to relocate. At the same time there are a number of resources available to you at your fingertips to help you in your quest to find work. The following are some of the resources that I have found helpful in tracking down opportunities ...you may too!

Direct Contact - It goes without saying that contacting a particular company directly is the best way of determining if they utilize flight technicians and whether they currently have an opening. Of course, this can be a long and drawn out process as this method becomes a literal roll of the dice. Still, it is an important part of the entire job search process.

NBAA F/A Committee -- The National Business Aviation Association [NBAA] is an important voice for business aviation. Their Flight Attendant Committee is not just concerned with corporate flight attendants, but they also are a voice for business flight technicians. The NBAA is an excellent place to network; in addition, you can apply for a scholarship to help you keep up with your training. Visit http://web.nbaa.org/public/about/committees/fltatt/ for more information.

Job Sites -- An internet search will reveal many job sites that list opportunities for flight technicians from time to time. Before joining a paid site check out the national job sites including Monster, Yahoo, and Hot Jobs for opportunities. As for the paid sites they include: Air Jobs Daily, AviaNation, Climb to 350, AEPS, Plane Jobs, Jet Jobs, Parc Aviation, Flight Deck Recruitment, and others. Recruiting companies include: JSFirm, Turner Services, API, and Aerotek. Finally, there are a bunch of sites that do not charge you for registration, so your search for work with them is free. Try: Flite Jobs, Nation Jobs, Aviation Employment, and the Aviation Employment Board at www.aviationemploymentboard.net for current openings.

Corporate Flight Attendant Community -- This privately owned site lists opportunities primarily for business flight attendants, however when opportunities for flight technicians become available they are listed here as well. This active site is free to join and all opportunities are listed right on the forum. Visit www.corporateflyer.net for more information.

Of course, a part of any well thought out job search includes the marketing of your name and skills. Conferences, seminars, airport events, and corporate open houses are all excellent opportunities for you to present yourself to potential employers. Becoming a member of the NBAA or Professional Aviation Maintenance Association [PAMA] can go a long way in helping you to establish yourself in this highly competitive, but rewarding field. Be resourceful and start working on your self promotional plan today!

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Dirty words for jobseekers include downsizing, acquisitions, mergers, closures, cutbacks, and layoffs. No one wants to lose their job, especially with rising gas, utility, and cost-of-living prices. Just the mention of proposed company changes has employees turning to the rumor mill with the same aggressiveness that paparazzi clamor for celebrities' pictures.

Let's be honest, no one looks forward to being let go, for any reason, and unemployment isn't enough to keep most families afloat. People rely on their incomes; therefore, identifying any hint of a layoff is critical to jobseeker survival. Facing unemployment can be daunting, but the true test is how you prepare for it with the time you're given.

Unlike days passed, companies rarely announce an upcoming layoff, unless the story is leaked and somehow makes the six o'clock news. A number of reasons account for these tactics, for example, the attitude and dedication of employees oftentimes change once their necks are potentially on the chopping block. In addition, private documents may suddenly disappear at the hands of disgruntled employees. Companies have too much to lose, so you can understand the need to keep a layoff or downsizing hush-hush.

So, how do you learn what's going on behind your back? Companies doomed with potential layoffs oftentimes drop breadcrumbs before making cuts:

A management or executive-level restructuring, elimination of a second or third shift, and changes in inventory or production levels, are all signs that something is going on. Ask co-workers, particularly those involved with inventory and clients, how things are going. Account managers, for example, will be the first to know when a large client won't be renewing a major contract or if sales have dropped significantly. An inventory and procurement professional will be the one to ask whether suppliers have stopped being delivered to due to late or non-payment issues.

Check the pulse of the local media. Newspapers and business publications can offer a window into the financial health of your employer. Stories and articles covering missed contracts or severed business relationships should capture your interest.

Keep in mind, negative indications doesn't mean you should react hastily. Companies always undergo changes — more so in today's market. Cutting the fat and shifting to lean operations is a necessity to staying profitable and continuing to grow in competitive markets. As companies are being transformed, retraining or cutting back on staff is sometimes unavoidable.

Let's say the above signs are present in your situation. Immediately shift into survival mode, especially if the layoff is rumored to happen within hours or days. Have you heard the adage, a large project is better completed when broken down into proportional smaller projects? Facing unemployment or termination is much more manageable and "chewable" if you conduct an in-depth analysis of where you stand.

Update your resume and start scanning for potential employers. Remember, I mentioned above about reading newspapers and business publications? Those same publications can be a huge asset to you while you're job searching, because they also tell you what companies are expanding, landing the big contracts, and expecting to see growth. Look at industries (possibly outside your current one) that aren't facing job losses because you don't want to jump from one sinking ship to another.

Get your financial affairs in order. Unemployment and severance will help for a short time, but prepare for being unemployed much longer, even if your company plans to call you back. It's difficult to foresee who will obtain a job immediately or the actual timeframe in which you'll be called back, so prepare for the worst-case scenario. Save more money than ever before, and sell assets that no longer benefit you or depreciate (lose value) consistently over time. Selling an unused boat, for example, can offer enough money to support your family for a few weeks up to a couple of months. Much as a business expands and contracts, you will find it necessary to do so also.

Cut back on frills and wants. If your company is cutting back, you should too. Controllable, and unnecessary, expenses include morning cappuccinos or dining out for lunch. With jaw-dropping gas prices, a person could easily save $20 to $80 a week by carpooling to work.

By tightening the belt, your hard-earned dollars will stretch farther and will make your job search less stressful. One of the biggest killers for surviving job loss, in my opinion, is desperation. When funds run dry or drastically low, jobseekers become desperate and make critical mistakes during their job search. Don't put yourself on that path.

Approach your HR department with a "what if" scenario to determine if outplacement services would be offered should the company announce an official layoff. It's unlikely that your human resources department will offer-up details about an upcoming layoff, so pitch a "if there was a layoff" scenario and determine what the company's actions would be.

Will you be able to cover your expenses at half your salary? Since unemployment rates hover around 50% of your current wage, sit down and create a detailed spreadsheet that includes your forecasted amount of unemployment in relation to monthly expenses.

Identifying warning signs for workforce changes will provide necessary time to plan and prepare. Taking control of the situation, before it takes control of you, will make a huge difference.

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Advances in scientific technology in examining crimes scenes have turned forensic science into a high demand and rapidly growing career field. Adding to the popularity of forensic science jobs are TV shows like CSI – Crime Scene Investigators. This article will serve as an overview for a career in forensic science that includes many subcategories like forensic science consultants, fingerprint technicians, fingerprint examiners, forensic investigators and evidence technicians.

Forensic Scientist Job Description

Forensic scientists investigate crimes by collecting crime scene evidence and using the natural sciences to analyze the data they recover. They generally work 40 hours each week in a forensic science laboratory. Forensic science technicians are often required to go to the crime scene and collect the physical evidence that can be found. They work closely with government officials and police detectives in order to help solve crimes.

Additional tasks forensic scientists have include:

Reconstructing crime scenes

Collecting and analyzing DNA samples

Reporting investigative findings

Examining firearms and bullets

Analyzing textual evidence

Taking fingerprints

Interpreting laboratory findings

Keeping logs and records

Operating all laboratory equipment

Most forensic scientists specialize in certain types of evidence such as DNA analysis, firearm research and weapons testing, examining fiber, hair, tissue, or body fluid substances. They often work with chemicals, fluid samples and firearms that demand safety precautions. However, the risk of harm or contamination within these working conditions is minimal.

Salary Ranges / Job Outlook for a Forensic Scientist

Of all science technicians, forensic scientists currently earn the second highest annual salary. In 2002 the average pay rate for a forensic scientist was $19.73 per hour, or approximately $41,000. The low ten percent of this scale earned around $12.06 per hour - $25,100 yearly. The highest ten percent earned around $31.49 per hour - $65,500 yearly. However, the pay range depends upon factors like type of specialty, years of experience, type of employment and location.

In the United States, the employment rate for forensic scientists is expected to grow steadily over the next decade. Current Nationwide trends estimate that job openings for forensic scientists will rise approximately 19 percent by 2012. These numbers indicate more than 360 job positions opening up each year. In 2002, forensic scientists held approximately 8,400 job positions. These scientists work mainly for State and local governments, but keep close professional relationships with police investigators and other crime experts.

Employment rates are dependent upon field development, government spending abilities, local population growth and the locality's crime rate. Job growth for forensic scientists can be attributed to rapid scientific and technological advances. Researchers are developing and perfecting new experimental methods every day. This will cause forensic science departments to fill the technician positions this research will create. Currently, the number of skilled, experienced applicants is low. These low numbers mean that forensic scientists working for State and government departments are highly likely to receive positive employment prospects and benefits.

Education / Getting Started

Although organizations seek applicants with bachelor's degrees, many employers will hire candidates who have completed specific training programs, obtained certification or possess an associate's degree. Training and certification programs generally take only two years to complete and will earn graduates the opportunity for a career in forensic science. Programs with a focus in criminal investigations and criminal justice can help prospective applicants specialize as forensic consultants, fingerprint technicians, forensic investigators, laboratory technicians and fingerprint examiners.

There are various courses that must be taken to qualify as a forensic science technician. Some important courses include chemistry, computers and electronics, law and government, public safety, mathematics, writing and communications. Prospective scientists must have good decision making skills as well as written and oral expression. Additional skills include inductive reasoning, information ordering, critical thinking and the ability to identify patterns and details. Because forensic scientists work in crime scenes that may be stressful and emotionally draining, they must be able to control their emotions and handle situations that can be distressful.

Employers usually look for people with previous forensic experience. Many forensic science technicians begin in entry level trainee positions that help them gain job experience. Another good way to get experience is through internship programs that are offered by numerous schools. Forensic scientists also start out as forensic laboratory technicians and after developing those skills, advance to crime scene technicians.

Advancements in science and technology continue to improve the accuracy and importance of crime scene evidence in prosecuting criminals and defending the accused. Training to be a forensic scientist will put you on the front line of this interesting and necessary analysis.

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Is every job description you read the same? No.

Is every job you submit your resume to the same? Of course they aren't.

If all these job descriptions are different, why do you submit the same resume?

Every day, people send the same generic resume out as though each position was identical and each employer was attempting to hire identical skills and attributes. Too often, the results they receive are like the broken watch that is right twice a day—hit or miss success.

They list their name, address, phone numbers and email address, list an objective, education, and chronology of experience with dates of employment. The resume includes some successes or accomplishments. This is their resume.

In the days prior to computers when changing a resume required you to re-type different versions, this made sense. Today, when computers allow you to customize, spell and grammar check documents so easily, you are missing out on opportunities and costing yourself money by being lazy and not tailoring your resume for each opportunity you are interested in.

Here are several steps that you can do to improve your resume and get better results.

1.Each employer will be interested in different attributes of your experience. They often indicate it by the items they describe in their job ad. Emphasize the experiences that you have that relate to the skills being sought and the functions you will perform in the job they will ask you to perform. If you are applying for a staff position, emphasize your staff experience and minimize your management experience. If you are being hired to be a leader, write about your recent leadership.
2.Employers are more interested in recent work, rather than work you did many years ago. Use more space in your resume to highlight recent experience, rather than things you did before George W. Bush became President.
3.Like setting a goal where you make them specific, measurable, achievable within a specific period of time, describe your successes or achievements concretely. Reducing costs is a nice start but it is more powerful to describe something as reducing operational costs globally by 2%. Increased departmental sales by 27% resulting in . . . You get the idea. Use action verbs wherever possible.

4.Ask someone you trust to critique what you've written. Too often, people believe that they can do everything by themselves without asking for help. Ask a friend in your industry to critique what you've written to insure you're on target and aren't missing the mark.

When you go to a restaurant and order a meal, you have the expectation that it will be prepared in a way that will please you and be presented on the plate beautifully. Writing a great resume requires that you be the chef and prepare a meal that is both visually appealing and tastes great too!

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