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/ Who's Hiring

Companies hiring this week

1. ALL's WELL Health Care Services Industry: Employment Services Sample job titles: Nurse practitioner (RN, LVN and LPN), budget director, cardiovascular technician, clinical laboratory scientist, director of nursing, chief nursing officer, ECHO and EKG technician, laboratory assistant/technician, medical assistant, front/back office, medical social worker (MSW), medical, MRI, ultrasound and x-ray technician, occupational therapist, optical lab technicians/assistant optician, orthopedic technician pathology technician/assistant, pediatric physical therapist, pharmaceutical technicians/assistant, physical therapy aides/assistant, practitioner's assistant (PA), radiology therapist, respiratory therapist, scrub/surgical technologist, specimen processor, VP of client services Location: Bakersfield, CA, Columbia, SC, Culver City, CA, Greeley, CO, Huntington Beach, CA, Jacksonville, FL, Las Vegas, NV, Monterey Park, CA, Northern California, CA, Pasadena, CA, Phoenix North, AZ, ...

/ Interviews

13 ways not to get hired

From start to finish, job interviews are performances, and they can be memorable for all the right reasons or for all the wrong ones. This week CareerBuilder released its annual survey of the most outrageous interview mistakes candidates have made, according to more than 2,000 hiring managers and HR professionals nationwide. Following are examples of unusual tactics job seekers used to stand out—and they're not always for the right reasons: 1. Candidate had a priest contact the hiring manager and ask for candidate to be hired.2. Candidate bought a first class upgrade to sit next to hiring manager on a transatlantic flight.3. During the month of October, candidate came dressed in a costume for Halloween.4. Candidate's wife made homemade lavender soap bars for the hiring manager as a thank you for taking the time to interview the candidate.5. Candidate asked hiring manager to share an ice cream cone.6. Candidate sent a pair of embroidered socks with a note saying he would knock the co...

/ Following Up

Should you follow up after every job application?

Searching for a job can be stressful. When you find a job you think you'd really like, it can feel like one wrong move can spell disaster. While this usually is not the case, it does lead many to question when following up with a potential employer is appropriate. And though there aren't any universal rules on the subject, here are some guidelines to help you determine whether to reach out.Make the connectionMany employers have automated systems that will send a confirmation email when your application has been received – so if you haven't heard back with 24 hours of submitting, it's worth checking in."If you've invested the time it takes to fill out a job application, and these days online applications can be quite lengthy, it is absolutely appropriate and necessary to follow up to be sure your application has been received and to inquire about when you might expect to learn of next steps," says says Julie Kniznik, senior consultant with ClearRock, a Boston-Based HR consulting and ...

/ The Right Job

Build a business's online presence as a computer programmer

Computer programmers are also known as software developers or coders, depending on the industry and job types they work on. They essentially build the tools, apps, or websites that companies use to function and provide their services. For example, a computer programmer might build a reporting software for a digital marketing company that aggregates all client information in one spot. They could also create a website for a catering company that lets customers place orders online. Computer programmers can work on multiple projects in a variety of industries, or specialize in one particular area or language. Keep reading to answer, "what does a computer programmer do?" What can you expect from a computer programming job? Responsibilities The computer programmer job description varies by project, but they essentially work as digital architects to plan, construct, and test the framework for stability. They often work with clients that have limited knowledge of development and need to com...

/ Job Trends

Struggling to make ends meet each month? You’re not alone

You're not the only one scrounging for pennies in the couch at the end of each month — a lot of people are struggling to make ends meet right now. Families are scrimping and saving to meet monthly obligations, paychecks are being used to the max, and in many cases, people are coming up short at the end of the month. All across the U.S., the toll of the recession and stagnant wages have resulted in a precarious balancing act for individuals and families who live with the possibility of financial disaster.According to a new CareerBuilder survey, three-quarters of Americans are living paycheck-to-paycheck to make ends meet. And although making ends meet is a struggle for many post-recession, those with minimum wage jobs continue to be hit the hardest. Of workers who currently have a minimum wage job or have held one in the past, 66 percent say they couldn't make ends meet and 50 percent say they had to work more than one job to make it work.But it's not just minimum wage workers who ar...

/ The Right Job

Design and maintain infrastructure as a civil engineer

Without civil engineering, man would still be living in caves and swimming across rivers. A civil engineer is someone who designs and maintains buildings, roads, bridges, and other structures. Ever since humanity started building huts and roads, there has been a need for people to make sure the construction is safe and stable. This means the civil engineering profession will continue as long as there's a need for housing and maintenance. To fully answer, "what does a civil engineer do," you have to look at the background, the skills, and the day-to-day life of the people who work in the field. Keep reading to learn more about this exciting career, and how you can enter the engineering market. What can you expect from a civil engineering job? Responsibilities Civil engineers can be found in almost any industry, working to optimize the construction of structures while maintaining safety regulations. They're also found in the aerospace and automotive industries, evaluating the weight l...

/ Workplace

15 work emojis that don’t exist — but should

First there were Bitmojis, then there were Kimojis…but where are workplace emojis when you need them? Fortunately for you, we created a brand new set of candid work emojis for you to share with colleagues on a variety of occasions.So feel free to copy and paste the emoji that best suits your current mood and send it to a co-worker.When you have a case of the Mondays…When you don't want anyone to talk to you before you've had your first cup coffee…When you're stuck in meetings ALL day…When you've got gossip…When someone has brought in a smelly lunch and you're forced to deal with it…When you're just watching that clock and counting down to 5 p.m.…When you encounter an awkward bathroom situation…When you have to put your blinders on and become a workaholic for a bit…When you're just pretending to get work done…When someone is a being a true Debbie Downer (you know who you are)…When you realize you really do deserve a raise…When you just want someone to leave you alone because you're b...

/ The Right Job

Put your culinary skills to profitable use as a chef

When you treat yourself to a meal at your favorite restaurant, you can thank the chef for each delicious bite. While the chef might not prepare every appetizer, entree, and dessert by hand, the chef claims responsibility for designing the menu, directing the staff, and ensuring excellent food quality for every patron. Chefs can work at mom-and-pop diners or at five-star restaurants, depending on their aspirations, and many may manage their own restaurants.If you savor spending time in the kitchen, you might as well get paid for every stir of the spoon and slice of the knife. Chefs bring artistry and passion to each meal they create and can shape culinary culture while they experiment with new ideas and pairings. As long as you have the necessary experience and education, you can get a job as a chef and start earning a living from your favorite activity. What Is a Chef? Responsibilities What does a chef do? Your duties and responsibilities will depend on the type of restaurant or foo...

/ The Right Job

Put your mathematical skills to work as a bank teller

Most adults have met bank tellers while involved in their weekend errands or opening bank accounts. Tellers process transactions at the bank, whether the customer wants to deposit funds, cash a check, or withdraw money. In many ways, a bank teller's job mimics the responsibilities of a cashier at the supermarket except that transactions don't include milk cartons or deli meats.Some bank tellers aspire to greater responsibilities at work, while others intend to spend their careers behind the service desk. Either way, this career choice offers opportunities for advancement and a chance to work with other banking professionals. What Is a Bank Teller? Responsibilities What does a bank teller do? Your primary job responsibilities involve meeting customers' needs. When a customer approaches the service desk, you help that customer carry out a goal, such as depositing checks into a checking, savings, or investment account. You might also advise clients about outstanding loans and accept in...

/ The Right Job

Aerospace engineering - Just the right career for you?

Aerospace engineers apply their creativity and logic skills to creating and testing civil and military aircrafts, space crafts, satellites, missiles, and other weapons systems. They must consider numerous factors in their designs, including fuel efficiency, flight safety, speed and weight, environmental impact, and budget. Many aerospace engineers specialize in a particular aerospace field, such as aerodynamics, avionics, systems integration, propulsion, and materials and structures.This aerospace engineer job description should help you determine whether this position is right for you. What Can You Expect From an Aerospace Engineer Job? Responsibilities As an aerospace engineer, you are responsible for a range of tasks related to the design, development, and testing of new and existing aircraft and aerospace products. While activities vary depending on an aerospace engineer's area of expertise, some common duties include: Applying science and technology principles to create new co...

/ Workplace

3 things to know about the July 2016 jobs report

For the second month in a row, the BLS released a jobs report that exceeded expectations. The new July report, released today, showed a total of 75,000 more jobs than economists were expecting (255,000 vs. 180,000 expected).Here are three things to know from today's report:1. What do today's numbers mean looking at the big economic picture? Here are some reactions from leading news outlets:According to The Wall Street Journal:The U.S. labor market in July capped off the best two-month stretch of hiring so far this year, a sign of strength for an economy that has been showing mixed growth signals in recent months.According to CNBC:"This was another strong report that checked most, if not all of the significant boxes," said Curt Long, chief economist at the National Association of Federal Credit Unions. "The labor market should remain strong as long as consumers maintain their robust spending pace."2. The labor force participation has increased. But what does that mean?According to Bu...

/ Job Trends

Want to know where the jobs will (and won't) be in 2021?

Not every occupation can add new jobs as the economy grows. Some are being replaced by advances in technology – like travel agents and printing press operators, while other jobs are lost due to a shift in public behavior – like how doing your taxes online will lead to less demand of accountants.According to CareerBuilder and Emsi research, high-wage and low-wage occupations are each projected to grow 5 percent from 2016 to 2021, but middle-wage jobs are only estimated to grow 3 percent. At the same time, 61 percent of the 173 occupations expected to lose jobs over the next five years are in the middle-wage category. "If we can't find a way to re-skill and up-skill workers at scale, middle-wage workers will become increasingly susceptible to unemployment or will have to move into lower-paying roles that may not support them and their families," says Matt Ferguson, CEO of CareerBuilder. "This can have a negative ripple effect on consumer spend, housing, investing and other key financi...

/ General

Informational interviews: The what, why and how

Informational interviews: They're pretty much the opposite of that Kanye-Taylor phone exchange. And nothing like when Britney was asked about Taylor (and forgot she had met her twice). And they don't even closely resemble this awkward "interview" with Tom Hiddleston… about Taylor Swift.In short, they have nothing in common with any exchange involving Taylor Swift.So, what is an informational interview?While a job interview's primary goal is to – surprise! -- get a job offer, the informational interview is more exploratory. The purpose of an informational interview is to talk to professionals in your industry – or in an industry you'd like to find out more about – face to face, in order to gain insight from their career path and experiences. Are you seeking a career change, or reaching a dead end with job applications and hungry for a fresh perspective? Are you just starting out in your career and hoping to either expand your network or narrow down the types of companies or roles you...

/ Who's Hiring

Companies hiring this month

Looking to beat the heat with a cool new job? Check out these 20 companies with positions to fill in August 2016.1. AerotekIndustry: Multiple Sample job titles: Electrical engineer, maintenance supervisor, machine operator, data entryLocation: Nationwide2. ALL's WELL Health Care ServicesIndustry: Employment servicesSample job titles: Nurse practitioner; budget director; cardiovascular technician; clinical laboratory scientist; director of nursing; chief nursing officer; ECHO and EKG technician; laboratory assistant/technician; medical assistant; front/back office; medical social worker; medical, MRI, ultrasound and x-ray technician; occupational therapist; optical lab technicians/assistant optician; orthopedic technician pathology technician/assistant; pediatric physical therapist; pharmaceutical technicians/assistant; physical therapy aides/assistant; practitioner's assistant; radiology therapist; respiratory therapist; scrub/surgical technologist; specimen processorLocation: Phoen...

/ Workplace

Compete in the 2016 Office Summer Games — and win prizes!

With the 2016 Summer Olympics just around the corner, we wanted to expand the friendly competition to the workplace as well by officially kicking off CareerBuilder's 2016 Office Summer Games.And we want YOU join in!Channel your inner Michael Phelps and go for the gold in our 2016 Office Summer Games contest — today and throughout the Olympic season. McKayla Maroney may not be impressed…but your co-workers sure will be. The best part is, in addition to bragging rights, you can also win actual prizes.Here are 3 easy steps to enter:Step 1: Pick one or all of the following challenges and invite your team or co-workers to compete.Step 2: Share your pictures with us on Instagram - you have to use the hashtag #OfficeOlympics and tag @CareerBuilder in your photos to be eligible to win.Step 3: There will be a daily chance to win and the lucky winners will walk away with official Olympics merchandise including t-shirts, track jackets and more.So what are you waiting for? With a little practic...

/ Assessments

Job or career? How to decide which is right for you

There are two types of people in this world: the ones who entertain and the ones who observe job people and career people. Neither one is better than the other - it's simply a matter of personal preference. After all, not everyone feels the need or desire to work their way up the corporate ladder, while others dream of having a corner office with a view and an executive job title. Then there are people who are a mix of both. For example, many people have pursued long-term careers only to decide later that a job would be better suited to their lifestyle, while others may start off in jobs that they eventually turn into careers. Not sure which category you fall into? Consider the differences between having a job and having a career: Job versus career: What's the difference? A job is defined as "the work that a person does regularly in order to earn money." A career is defined as "a job or profession that someone does for a long time." Career people tend to thrive in a comp...

/ Job Trends

Get to know your job-search competition

It's a buyer's market out there, but job seekers still have stiff competition, with a plethora of other interviewers reaching for the same goal and the same career aspirations as they are. What do those other candidates bring to the table? CareerBuilder lets you know what you're up against.CareerBuilder's Job Competition Snapshot aggregates user-generated information from all applicants for a particular job listing, protecting the privacy of each applicant. Every job listing on CareerBuilder's site enables job seekers to sign in and instantly view:The number of candidates who applied to the positionThe average years of experience candidates haveThe average level of education candidates haveThose who apply to the job can immediately see more in-depth insights from a hiring status report, called Hire Insider. The report includes information on:Applications that have been viewed so farThe number of applicants who are currently employedThe number of applicants who attached a cover lette...

/ The Right Job

Working as an administrative assistant - An excellent choice for generalists

Administrative assistants are responsible for a wide range of duties in jobs that are usually well-suited to candidates with more general backgrounds. Administrative assistants perform clerical duties and administrative tasks to support various types of organizations, and they are employed in offices in almost every business sector. Most entry-level positions are available to those with a high school diploma and good communication and computer skills, but some administrative assistants may need specialized knowledge related to the industry they're working in.This administrative assistant job description can help you decide whether working as an administrative assistant is right for you. What can you expect from an administrative assistant job? Responsibilities As an administrative assistant, you are responsible for a variety of clerical and organizational tasks necessary to keep your employer's business running in an efficient, organized way. Your duties will depend on your industry...

/ How to Search

Pokémon Go tips for finding jobs

Trying to catch 'em all, but your job hunt is getting in the way of your Pokémon hunt? Here are six tips that can help you catch not only Pokémon, but also a new job as well.1. Find the right matchPokémon Go: Match your Pokémon type for the battle ahead Not every Pokémon is right for every battle…Job search: Match your resume to the job you're applying to Similarly, when applying for a job…2. Always be preparedPokémon Go: Use lucky eggs before evolving PokémonA well-timed lucky egg is the key to leveling up faster.Job search: Prepare for the interview by researching before going inResearching the company before your job interview is the key to making a great first impression. 3. Consider all factorsPokémon Go: Look at a Pokémon's moves, not just its CP before transferring itDon't judge a Pokémon by its CP. When deciding which duplicate Pokémon to keep and which to transfer, be sure to compare their moves as well.Job search: There's more to a job than just salaryDon't judge a job by ...

/ Resumes

These 5 simple mistakes could be costing you the job

It's pretty much a given that once a contestant on The Bachelorette becomes a little too confident and boasts about their front-runner status (ahem, Derek), they're basically a goner.Hey, there's nothing wrong with being self-assured, but overconfidence can sometimes cause you to make mistakes and lose out on what you want – whether that's the final rose or the job.Now that job prospects are starting to improve, don't assume you can suddenly slack on any part of the job search. In fact, according to a new CareerBuilder survey, making the following five errors could hurt your chances of hearing "Will you accept this rose?" "You're hired":1. Basic pitches. A common, but often catastrophic, mistake job seekers make is to use the same generic resume and cover letter for every opportunity. In fact, 54 percent of job seekers don't customize their resume for each employer – a big red flag for hiring managers. Your resume should be tailored to match the job description, which can be done by...

/ Job Trends

Is working 9 to 5 a thing of the past?

Dolly Parton may have lamented the plight of working 9-to-5, but today's workers are putting in even more hours to make a living.According to a recent CareerBuilder survey, 3 out of 5 workers believe the traditional 9-to-5 workday is a thing of the past. This belief stems from the fact that work-related tasks are more commonly creeping into workers' personal time. Nearly half (45 percent) of workers complete work outside of typical office hours, and 49 percent check or answer emails after they leave for the day.Who's burning the midnight oil?While there may be general agreement across genders that the traditional 8-hour workday is dead (58 percent of men, 60 percent of women), in practice, there's a little less cohesion. Half (59 percent) of male workers say that they work outside of office hours, versus 42 percent of women. Men are also more likely to remain tied to the office after they leave – 54 percent say they answer emails outside of office hours, as opposed to 43 percent of ...

/ The Right Job

Use both analytics and creativity as a web developer

Most people think web developers only build websites, but there's so much more to the job than that. They also coordinate content and troubleshoot problems that arise within a webpage. The skill set of a web developer isn't just analytical; they also need to be creative and serve as advisors to other members within the company. Often, members of the marketing and sales departments make requests that would damage the website or slow down its performance, and the web designer has to understand the effects these changes have. What Can You Expect From a Web Developer Job? Responsibilities The answer to "what is a web designer?" is complex, and is easier to answer by looking at their daily responsibilities. They need to work with different departments and even different clients to create a blueprint and execute a website through completion. Once the website is built, they need to continue maintaining it with the addition of new content and continue fixing bugs, errors, and other problem...

/ The Right Job

Keep a company running as a systems administrator

Systems administrators are responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the IT infrastructure of a company. This ranges from the servers and the employee network to the physical computers and email software used by the business. System admins are the people you call when something goes wrong, and they are the people who understand the inner workings of the office technology and how to fix it. If email or the internet goes down within a company, productivity comes to a grinding halt and businesses can lose millions in income and labor. This is why systems administrators need to work quickly and methodically to keep everything up and running. Here is everything you need to know to answer the question, "What does a systems administrator do?" What can you expect from a systems administration job? Responsibilities The systems administration job description varies by company, but the general concept is the same: fix and maintain whatever hardware and software employees need to successful...

/ The Right Job

Build systems to solve business problems as a software engineer

Software engineers use math, computer science, and engineering to create the systems computers need to perform their daily functions. From creating updates to computers to building apps that throw tacos at your friends, software engineers create commands for the computers, phones, and machines that we use daily. With the rise of the Internet of Things and smart technology, more companies are looking to create and improve software instead of focusing on the traditional business model of hardware creation. This makes it an incredibly exciting time to enter the field. So here are answers to the question, "What does a software engineer do?" What Can You Expect From a Software Engineering Job? Responsibilities The software engineer job description involves creating solutions for problems faced by the business or the consumers they're marketing to. This can be a highly creative field or a technical one depending on your industry and job function. While the daily tasks may change, most sof...

/ Who's Hiring

Companies hiring: Week of 7/19

1. Covenant CareIndustry: Health careSample job titles: RN, DON, LPN, PT, OT, SLP, LVN, MDS CoordinatorLocation: California, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois2. FirstService ResidentialIndustry: Real estate/property managementSample job titles: Maintenance supervisor, housekeeper, admin assistant, luxury high-rise property manager, community manager-portfolio, community association manager, front desk associate, activities coordinator, executive director, staff accountant, doorman, pool operator, operations director, valet, maintenance technician, resident services, janitor, life guard, billing & collections manager, front desk staff, concierge, front desk manager, portfolio manager, management coordinator, landscaper, activitie directorLocation: Texas, Florida, Georgia3. Intrepid PaymentsIndustry: Banking/FinanceSample job titles: Outside salesLocation: Nationwide4. MedlineIndustry: Medical suppliesSample job titles: Warehouse associates, forklift operatorLocation: Tracy, Calif.5. Missio...

/ The Right Job

Work in the field of your choice as a sales manager

Sales managers direct a company's sales team by developing goals based on data, analysis, and maximized promotions. In addition to helping to implement these processes, they manage personnel through consulting, training, or on-the-job interaction. Sales managers may also have the responsibility of developing relationships with retailers and suppliers. Perhaps the most interesting aspect of the job is that the responsibilities and duties depend on the industry, making the job exciting and allowing candidates to search for one in their preferred field. If you're interested in starting a career as a sales manager, here's a useful guide to help you decide if the position is right for you. What Does a Sales Manager Do? Responsibilities As a sales manager, it is your duty to take available information and use it to maximize a company's revenue and net income. This most often concerns data and financial analyses, but a knowledge of IT and computers are also important. Sales manager jobs in...

/ The Right Job

The career of a retail sales manager

Retail sales managers oversee the day-to-day operations of retail stores' sales departments. They make sure customer service representatives, cashiers, and store department managers perform their duties to a high standard and that customers are satisfied with their shopping experiences. Depending on the store and its products, retail sales managers may need specialized knowledge. However, these jobs are often well-suited to candidates with more general backgrounds and retail experience. Consider the responsibilities, skills, and career path retail sales managers take to determine whether a career in retail management is right for you. What can you expect from a retail sales manager job? Responsibilities What does a retail sales manager do? The duties of a retail sales manager can vary dramatically depending on the type of store they work in. For example, the retail sales manager of a car dealership will do significantly different things on a daily basis than the retail sales manager...

/ The Right Job

Bring Employers and Job Seekers Together as a Recruiter

Recruiters connect business clients with the right candidates for vacant positions. These professionals form points of contact between businesses and potential employees, conducting preliminary interviews and assessing resumes to determine the best fit for potential hires and businesses. While recruiters work for business clients, they also act as advocates for job seekers, coaching them on interview techniques and advising them of new job opportunities as positions arise. Recruiters often specialize in matching job seekers with vacancies in a specific location, industry, job role, or job level.Consider the following overview of the roles and responsibilities to decide whether working as a recruiter is right for you. What Can You Expect From a Recruiter Job? Responsibilities What does a recruiter do? As a recruiter, you'll help businesses fill vacant positions with qualified, motivated, and personable candidates. While responsibilities vary, a recruiter job description typically fea...

/ The Right Job

Improve Processes and Efficiencies as a Production Manager

A production manager typically works in a manufacturing or industrial setting, directing internal processes and ensuring the successful completion of a project. This professional might bring products to market or assemble tools and machinery for industrial use. Whatever the project's goal, a production manager takes responsibility for each resource and process. What is a production manager? Responsibilities From vehicles and consumer electronics to garments and energy production, nearly all industries need production managers to direct a plant's or facility's projects. The production manager oversees each project from start to completion and makes changes to meet budgetary restrictions and respond to the employer's needs. As a production manager, you might perform the following duties: Find ways to source materials less expensively. Decide when and how to use equipment and machinery. Allocate human resources to specific tasks based on skill level and project demand. Hire and termin...

/ The Right Job

Care for Patients in Health Care Settings as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) are nurses who have passed an accredited practical nursing program and the National Council Licensure Examination, or NCLEX-PN. An LPN works one on one with patients to keep them comfortable and collect information for registered nurses (RNs) and physicians. If you're looking for a rewarding job, consider training for a career as an LPN. What does a licensed practical nurse do? Responsibilities An LPN job description will vary depending on where you work. The responsibilities for an LPN at a nursing home, for example, will prove different from the responsibilities for an LPN who provides in-home care or who works at a hospital or doctor's office. As an LPN, you might have to perform the following duties: Register or admit new patients to a health care facility. Take medical histories for new patients to learn about their previous health issues, any genetic predispositions, and medicines they may take. Answer questions from patients and their family ...
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