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You’re the hiring manager with a major company, and you’ve just been given the task of hiring 5 new professionals within a 30 day time frame. Perhaps a nearly impossible task, you choose to distribute your positions to several contingency recruiting firms, in hopes that someone can find a “needle in a haystack.” The problem is, if the recruiter finds your new hire, you’ll be in the hole between 25 – 30% of the new employee’s first year’s salary. While their service does provide you with a value you really need, it would be nice if there was something that didn’t take such a bite out of your department’s budget.

The good news is there are alternative staffing agencies popping up across the web, that specialize in finding you the quality talent you are seeking, for a fraction of the cost. These companies harness the power of technology, powerful niche job boards, social networking, and other methods to effectively find the ideal candidate for your open jobs, and connect both parties. These quasi-staffing companies never charge any up front fees to handle your jobs, and employ staffs of thousands of recruiters who work in unison to fill your open positions. Instead of charging the typical and customary fees charged for years by Recruiting Agencies, employers can expect to pay anywhere between three to ten percent of the first year’s annual salary.

Whether it’s the ease of use, the affordable cost, or the satisfaction guarantee that comes as part of using this recruiting alternative, one thing that is for sure, is alternative staffing solution companies are here to stay.

Interviewing candidates is a task often conducted poorly. Many managers feel ill-prepared and ill-equipped and as a result often portray a negative image of the company they are representing. Remember, an interview is a 2-way process. It is no good finding the perfect applicant, only for them to be far from impressed if the ‘client side’ of the interview was badly handled.

It is essential that businesses provide appropriate training and guidance to members of staff who will be conducting interviews. This will hone the required probing skills and put the person at ease in preparation for the task. It is advisable to hold a short training course or at the very least shadowing a seasoned interviewer on a few occasions.

As obvious as it sounds, a successful candidate can only be found if all decision makers are fully aware of the skills and qualities required. A clash in what different people are looking out for in the applicant could prove disastrous. Highlighting key skills, attitudes, experience, aspirations will enable the interviewer to prepare appropriate questions and interview structure. For technical recruitment, it will usually be necessary for the candidates to sit a test or for marketing recruitment, perhaps a personality profile. Often the candidate would need to be interviewed by a range of people to effectively extract the necessary information or gain an overall impression of their suitability.

First impressions are important for both parties. A common fault in interviews is the candidate’s ego getting in the way of things. However, this can also be the case with the interviewer. Remember, the company in question has a reputation to upkeep and we all want candidates leaving the premises impressed and eager to work for/ with us. Therefore, it’s important to remember that the interview starts from the moment the applicant enters the building.

Interviewing a candidate in person is the best way to assess personality and core competencies. Use the opportunity to ask relevant questions based on the requirements of the role. The interviewer should always be looking for evidence of the candidate’s skills and experience. Most people believe they are competent at their job. Whether they are good enough for the position you have on offer however is key and therefore you cannot rely on the candidate’s opinions, but be able to judge for yourself. Asking open questions, thus encouraging a more illustrative answer is important.

The interviewer is interested in gaining all the information necessary to make a judgment on whether the applicant can do the job. Therefore, the candidate must feel at ease during the interview and be allowed to answer in their own time. Clearly, some situations will be more pressurised than others such as the recruitment of an SEO Manager, but offering a ‘closed’ demeanor will not help in extracting the required answers. The interviewer must be aware of their own posture and behavior and how this can negatively influence the interview.

It is essential to allow time at the end of the interview for any questions the candidate may have. Also, promoting the company with some background information, an explanation of the role, career opportunities, etc is important. This sounds obvious but is surprisingly omitted on many occasions, leaving the candidate feeling under-whelmed and often disinterested in the company. If this is the person who fits the bill, then you may have blown the chances of them wanting to accept your offer.

To finish the interview, it is important that the candidate is aware of the recruitment process and what will happen next; perhaps there is an interview deadline that has to be reached before a decision is made. Ultimately the applicant must be left in a positive frame of mind with a clear understanding of when they will have a decision and the interviewer must be aware of whether this person ‘fits’ the job role.

Recruiting a new member of staff is often mission-critical; especially for small businesses and the interview process must reflect this. Carried out poorly, it is a waste of valuable time and money, especially if you consider that it is often the most important members of the company who will be ‘sidelined’ while the interviews are being carried out. Investing time and money into an effective recruitment / interview process is essential if the very best candidates in the market are to be highlighted and attracted.

Working in retail can mean many things, however the thing that most people associate with retail is sales. It is similar to the restaurant industry, where people assume that if you work in a restaurant, you must be a server. In reality, there are cooks, dishwashers, prep cooks, managers, and hosts who all support the servers or otherwise work to make your stay pleasant.

The same goes for retail. When you are working in retail, the most common starting position and the position that is most often seen by the public is the position of cashier. A cashier rings up your products, takes your money, and hopefully thanks you for your business, but they are only the face of the company for you, and are a small fraction of the people that are actually working to make your shopping experience a good one.

A retail job might include positions that are considered executive, like human resources managers, technical specialists, accountants or bookkeepers, buyers, loss prevention officers, and more. These are the people who run the store from behind the scenes. They may be the ones called upon to give you a discount on your merchandise, but they are also the people who set schedules, track shipments, make sure that there is enough inventory in the store, hire new employees, and many other jobs.

There are also many supervisory positions that you may see all around a retail store. These people might be managers of many different kinds, who coordinate the supervisors, or they may be the supervisors who actually coordinate the employees. Supervisors may train employees who are new to the business, assign tasks, and sometimes have many other jobs.

However, even if you work in a selling position in a retail store, your job may entail much, much more than just handing someone their change. Any of the following job duties might be things you’re responsible for doing while working:

Cleaning the store: While most stores have a janitorial crew, some smaller stores do not. You might be in charge of sweeping, wiping counters, picking up products, organizing the shelves or racks, and washing the windows.

Reporting shoplifters: In some companies, cashiers are specially trained to spot shoplifting when it happens. You might be asked to help catch thieves as well as confront them.

Customer service: If your store doesn’t have a customer service desk, it might be up to you to help customers find what they need or relay complaints and problems to your manager or the store’s owner.

Take phone calls: Most cashier desks have a phone nearby, and it might be your job to answer it if possible. Callers will commonly ask things like when the store opens and closes, what sales you’re offering for the day, how to get to your store, and so forth. You may have to also answer harder questions about your merchandise or pass the call on to the appropriate person.

As you can see, retail is not just about selling. While this is the main goal of any store, it is important to remember that you can find a job in retail that is more than putting a person’s purchases in bags and taking their money. Even as a cashier, the more responsible you act, the more job duties you will be given, which leads to higher pay and, if you’re lucky, promotion.

There is always a need for working employees in private firms and government agencies which keep concerns with appraising, developing, merchandising and financing commercial, industrial and residential real estate.

Agents and brokers of real estate sector will experience huge employment growth rate in years to come and it is due to the increasing housing needs of a growing population, as well as the perception that investment in real estate sector is very much beneficial. Sales in real estate are continued to be encouraged by low interest rate, which results in the need for more Indian professionals in the national and international market.

Career Opportunities

Real estate majors have career opportunities for employment with various organizations that include insurance companies, commercial banks, mortgage bankers, saving associations, real estate developers, and consulting and property management firms. Even industrial, residential, commercial and brokerage offices offer employment opportunities.

Types of Careers in Real Estate

Careers in Residential Brokerage

These professionals of real estate help people buy and sell homes. They are required to have complete knowledge of areas, such as types of financing, local economics, mortgages, government programs, and real estate and fair housing laws.

Careers in Commercial Brokerage

Commercial brokers have specialization in income-producing properties that include shopping centers, industrial parks, retail stores, warehouses, and apartment and office buildings. Commercial brokers also do work of financial arrangement.

Careers in Industrial and Office Brokerage

Official and industrial brokers have specialization in the selling, developing and leasing property used for manufacturing and industrial purposes.

Careers in Property Management

The primary function of property managers is to maintain the property with the purpose of producing the highest possible financial return over the longest period of time.

Careers in Land Development

Careers in land development are in galore because it is one of the most important and challenging specialties in real estate these days. Developers are those professionals who turn land into profitable industrial, residential and commercial developments.

Careers in Real Estate Research

Researchers in real estate sector provide contribution to the decisions of several other real estate specialists. Appraisers, Brokers, financing experts, property managers and counselors all depend on data provided by researchers.

For many people, the answer to the question, “Do you like your job?” changes depending on what day you ask. Maybe you can relate to this see-saw of emotions when it comes to your 9-to-5. So how does an employee know when it’s really, truly time to move on-and not a temporary sentiment that will pass tomorrow or next week? There are some guidelines, both internal (how you feel inside) and external (what feedback you’re getting from your interpersonal relationships) that provide clues. Keep in mind, however, that every situation is different, and you should ultimately make an informed choice that is best for yourself, your family, and your health.

· You’re sick of it-literally. If you’re sick all the time, your body is saying, “Run-do not walk-to the nearest exit.” Your workplace could be making you sick in a number of ways. Your office may subtly (or not so subtly) discourage employees from using sick days. So everybody comes to work sick, and you spend half the year at the doctor’s office getting prescriptions for antibiotics. Or maybe you’re suffering from stress-related illnesses: constant headaches, body aches, fatigue that never goes away, sleeplessness, and even hair loss. Endless stress can manifest itself in the physical signs above, but it can also take a toll on your mental health, causing depression and other serious consequences. You should never be asked to sacrifice your health for the sake of your job.

· There’s nowhere to go. If you mastered your job duties three years ago and haven’t been challenged since, you’re probably bored out of your mind all day. If you aren’t being given an opportunity to advance at your company-or if the only position above yours is “owner”-you may need to look outside your current organization.

· You’re only paranoid if nobody’s out to get you. Sometimes the office can feel likehigh school all over the again: the cliques, the gossip, the jealousy. If poor relationships with co-workers are making you miserable or preventing you from doing your job effectively, the sad truth is that the situation is probably not going to improve significantly. If you’ve tried the usual HR routes to get a disagreement or personality conflict resolved and nothing has happened, you may want to investigate another job where the atmosphere is friendlier and more conducive to-gasp!-actually working.

· Your boss isn’t crazy about you. Dealing with cruddy co-workers is one thing, but there’s nothing more demoralizing than feeling like your boss is out to get you. It’s possible that you’re just being overly sensitive, but if “sensitive” isn’t how most people would describe you, you may be onto something very real. Sometimes bosses lose confidence in employees for solid reasons: slipping performance, coming in late and leaving early, an overheard phone call or e-mail criticizing the company or boss, etc. But other times, there doesn’t seem to be a reason for the changing demeanor. If you’re being left out of meetings, your work load or job responsibilities are decreasing, and you’re just plain getting the cold shoulder, she may be trying to manipulate you into quitting or is planning to fire you soon. Before you do anything drastic, however, talk to your boss about your perception. If you’re not satisfied after that meeting, get out the “help wanted” section and start looking!

· You’re not comfortable with your job duties. You should absolutely refuse to perform illegal activities for your boss-it’s better to be out of a job than to risk going to jail. But what about those gray areas somewhere below illegal? Some people may have the stomach for a job that requires unethical activity, but if you don’t, again, your boss probably won’t have an epiphany about ethics and change your job description. Better to look at opportunities in another organization.

· Your family is being compromised. It could be the best job in the world, but if it’s wreaking havoc on your family life, you probably shouldn’t continue. Maybe you’re asked to put in grueling hours, have a long commute that puts you home after the kids are in bed, or travel extensively. Whatever the reason, if your spouse and/or kids are unhappy-and have been for some time-you may want to rethink your job.

· You want to quit. This last item is a catch-all of reasons why you simply want to quit your job. Maybe you’ve been offered a better position elsewhere, or maybe you want to stay home with your kids. If your gut is telling you it’s time to quit, it’s a good idea to listen. And remember that nothing is forever. If you decide down the road that you made a mistake, you can always talk to your boss about coming back or explore possibilities elsewhere.

Scanning through the articles on MSNBC I came across a headline that made me stop and gag just a bit. I opened a piece called “The fine art of sucking up to your boss” by Tara Weiss (originally from Forbes.com) and started to scan. When I saw this text: “The key is being covert” I had to close the site and log off completely. I made a note in my To Do list to return and write on this topic because I was so aggravated by the whole thing. I subconsciously fumed all evening. In the morning cooler heads prevailed and I could read the whole article.

Oddly, this article is not entirely about sucking up. At least not in the way you expect from that title. It’s about forging a working relationship with your boss, which is something that I fully encourage and coach others to achieve. Relieved about the overall content I thought I could forego my own article. But then I got agitated again. Why call it “the fine art of sucking up” if you’ve got something else to say? Before you all write in with the answer to my rhetorical question, I know it’s because the title generates interest. In fairness, it did get me to follow the link and read the material. Twice.

So why am I addressing this? Because I still felt that it implied working towards a solid business relationship is a scam of some sort, especially the part about doing it on the sly. Prior to reading the article I had two points in mind: 1) you should be trying to achieve trust and 2) respect the people you work with. Gratefully both are mentioned in the article. I think I’m having a visceral reaction to building trust by secretly tracking your manager’s likes and dislikes. It feels, well, just plain icky.

Believe it or not, most people know when they are being manipulated or handled. If you happen to get discovered, as the article rightly points out, it will not be a good thing. Regardless of your so called good intention, your boss now has to get past this feeling of being deceived. Why not sit down with your boss and ask the questions outright? Here’s a hint, this will probably boost your standing in the respect arena too.

Not sure how your manager prefers to see a report? Ask.

Want to know how your boss likes to work? Ask.

Wondering which communication style your team leader prefers? Ask.

There could be a few people out there who refuse the question, but even that tells you something vital. More likely you’ll get a simple, direct response that is also helping to establish trust. On the off chance the person simply doesn’t know the answer there are many reliable assessment instruments out there. Suggest selecting one and completing it together. Here’s an idea, instead of pretending to work in a way that you aren’t comfortable, why not let your boss know your preferences? If you are always moving out of your comfort zone to work like someone else you’re also taking energy away from your performance. Great bosses are willing to flex their style too.

As I frequently say to those in these situations, you are building a relationship with your boss, client, shareholder, whomever. All relationships take work and effort by the participants involved. No secret there. That hard work relies on the aforementioned trust and respect as well as something that is missing from the sucking up approach – honesty.

Sure you can get by on trickery and politicking once or twice. But if you expend a great deal of energy ‘sucking up’ you’ll probably need to spend an equal amount of time and attention covering your backside. Who needs that?

Put your time and effort into things that showcase your abilities. You are far more likely to move ahead based on how you put your strengths to work. Co-create a working environment that leverages your style as well as your manager’s and demands good open communication. Advance your career by setting yourself up to be successful, not by sucking up.

The physiotherapy career is a healthcare profession which deals with movement disorders of the body arising from certain conditions or illnesses. Treatment through physiotherapy can also be more efficient and cheap than other traditional medication or therapy.

Usually, the person who performs physiotherapy is called a physical therapist. However, there are also other professionals who perform some similar practices, like chiropractors or caregivers. The physiotherapy career is very broad and has various classifications. Examples of these classifications are psychological sickness, physical rehabilitation, occupational health, and care for the aging.

Individuals in the physiotherapy career study their patient’s history and physical condition in dealing with the movement disorders. A career in physiotherapy combines understanding, expertise and methodology to handle certain physical problems of the patient. Physiotherapists trace the roots of these physical problems to certain conditions of particular parts of the human body such as the brain, nervous system, soft tissues, joints, bones, heart or lungs. People interested in this type of career usually associated with other health care professionals. When patients have movement disorders, they are usually advised by their physicians to consult a physiotherapist. Today, the growth of the physiotherapy career can be seen by the increasing number of people who proceeds directly to a physiotherapist without being advised first by their doctors. The physiotherapy professional is likewise associated with the social care industry.

The physiotherapy career has many opportunities. Those in this type of career can practice in different places. They can practice their profession in hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, schools, offices, factories, fitness centers, sports facilities and even the homes of patients. They can be employed by healthcare companies and they can likewise be self-employed professionals.

To begin a physiotherapy career, one must first obtain a degree from an accredited physiotherapy program in their country. The courses taken can include certain sciences such as anatomy, biology, neurology, physiology, pathology, psychology and biomechanics. Physiotherapy education is given through classroom lectures, hands-on learning, practical exercises, are laboratory work. Usually, students are also given a minimum requirement of clinical hours for the program. The requirements for studying physiotherapy will depend on the legal requirements for practicing physiotherapy in every country. There are some countries which require a bachelor’s degree before getting into a physiotherapy program. In some countries, it is also required that they pass a national licensing examination before practicing physiotherapy. The physiotherapy career is devoted to lifetime education. Physiotherapists must continue to improve and hone their skills through mandatory continuous learning through education and work experience.

Without a doubt, physiotherapy requires hard work and perseverance. It is a profession concerned with the health and well-being of patients. Being an occupation dealing with healthcare, the profession itself is associated with the public interest. It is highly ideal that physiotherapy continues to grow and evolve. This can be done through intensive research and of course, through continuous promotion of the career. This type of service is full of opportunities and the benefits can be very rewarding. People interested will find that a career in physiotherapy can be rich with knowledge and application.

Copyright (c) 2008 Steven Magill

In 2006, Bodyguard Careers did a story on the need for trained female bodyguards. The need for women in the executive protection field has continued to grow. In India, a new training course has been established for women to learn bodyguarding skills, to meet increasing demands. Female clients are more frequently requesting female bodyguards.

In Moscow, intelligent women between 21 and 37 can apply at the one school available for training in the field. The attitude however, is rather sexist as regards female bodyguards. First, Russian clients (mostly men) insist that these women must be “very attractive, intellectual and not ‘unfeminine,’ slender, model-like blondes with drivers license, able to act as a personal secretary, speak several languages, know fighting techniques and handle all types of firearms.” These expectations seem to be based on television and movie ideas about the industry, and not at all on reality-something the school’s founder, Nadezhda Mikhailova recognizes. The school does request trainees be healthy (with perfect eyesight,) and applicants must endure detailed psychological tests and tough physical exercises and assessments. Women bodyguards who have completed the program (6 months) have been placed on assignments, however, they are not paid the same as men for the same job. This inequity is not lost on the school’s owner, who regrets that women with the same (or better) skills are not being valued, simply because they are female. “It is known that women more often resort to ‘peace talks’ than force. Women are seldom treated as a source of menace, and this fact helps female bodyguards act promptly and effectively in case of emergency” she says.

In China, businessmen are seeking female bodyguards for protection, and the Tianyu martial arts school has created a training program which encourages women to participate. Course work includes driving instruction, computer skills and self-defense related laws, as well as martial arts. Xing Tianzhu is an instructor at the school and is himself a veteran martial artist, former special forces soldier and former bodyguard. A recent client who hired a graduate of the training program feels women are well-suited to this line of work, commenting, “I think that women tend to work more carefully and their powers of observation are sharper than men. My company also has three or four male bodyguards, and I find it works best when we use men and women in different combinations, depending on the task.”

Libyan president Muammar al-Gaddafi, has been utilizing the skills of female bodyguards for many years.

In 2007, it was revealed that Prince William has two female bodyguards.

Aset Corporation out of Ohio, advertises on their website that their security teams are comprised of both male and female specialists.

Even Hollywood is helping to change perceptions. In the upcoming CBS series “Eleventh Hour,” actress Marley Shelton will be playing the role of a bodyguard to a male government special science advisor.

All over the world, it appears that old ideas about bodyguards and executive protection are changing. In the United States, females who are able to pass the same physical assessment tests and display the intelligence and skills necessary to manage the job are in high demand, and often demanding the highest paychecks.

Mind tricks prevent many job seekers from a full bore job search and landing the right opportunity. If you are interested in a shorter job search you must shake these two mind tricks before you launch a fully engaged search. Today’s job market is tighter, the screening more stringent, so your chances are much greater when your mind is free of doubts and baggage.

Take a moment to get rid of what’s misleading you, and then get a bead on your next role in life. Shaking the mind tricks off for a clear head could trigger an unbelievable job search effort:

1.Forget “Why?” and “Whose Fault?” Here is a common mind trap that floats in and out of people’s heads about to begin a search. It comes from working hard and trying to do all the right things, and then the shock of job loss. Usually everyone feels anger. Studies show, as well as our recent client interviews, that the stress in top jobs and the resulting turnover rates, stems from:
Mergers
Competitive pressure
Foreign competition
Stock price pressure

The real issue is you must accept what has happened. Don’t blame and don’t condemn. You need to forget “Why?” and “Whose Fault?” and get on with an unencumbered mind to a totally focused effort. Acceptance of your situation is essential.

2.Forget the “Replica Job” Finding a next job just like the old one is a hang up that holds many back in the initial search stage. The thinking is understandable in terms of you being able to do what you couldn’t do in the old job or a chance to “show” your old company. Perhaps you could make more money from a more enlightened management? While the replica job makes sense, and you should not overlook it, it can also be a trap, for it probably took years to grow into the old position from a unique situation. Ask yourself what are the chances of finding another company in the same life cycle and same business model as before? So while you find comfort in continuing to do what you have done, there may be even a better fit for you out there. It could be at another level, different industry, your own business, or a complete change in direction.

Casting off the myths of “Why?” and “Whose Fault?” and the “Replica Job” forces you to get free from the past and to cast a broader net. Yes, there are the creative challenges for where to go and the risks of the unknown, but shedding the two mind tricks means you can undertake a full bore search effort that will transfer your talent to one of many new possibilities.

Okay, so you have an interview tomorrow. Do you know what you’re going to wear? How does your resume look? What do you know about the company? Chances are, you have addressed and answered all of these questions, but have you given thought to your salary? Have you thought about how much money you need to make, and do you know how to negotiate pay?

You should never fail to prepare for salary negotiation. The more money you make, the better life you can afford. Not only will a tidy salary help you live well today, it will provide for your future as well.

Approach the Subject Gracefully

It’s natural to feel uncomfortable when talking about money and benefits. Keep in mind, though, that your employer expects you to discuss these matters during the interview. But there is a right and wrong way to broach the subject. This is why you should know how to negotiate pay before you attend the interview.

When you are hired, a company pays you money so that they can use your time, skills and resources. Before you can know what type of salary to ask for, you should know what your skills are worth. Take some time to research what the typical pay for your position is. If a company tries to offer you a substandard salary, stay calm. Politely explain why you are worth the salary you are asking for.

Never ask for a salary that you desire without knowing what the job typically pays. Use facts and tell the employer why you should make a certain amount of money. Include the exact amount that you want to earn in your request.

If an employer is reluctant to give you what you’re asking for, point out your skills and how you performed in previous positions. If you can show an employer why you are worth the money, they will be more likely to grant your salary request. Never take a denial personally. Instead, use facts and research to drive your negotiation home.

Now that you know how to negotiate pay, it is time to move onto other concerns. Ask about the benefits and compensation packages that come along with your position. Be friendly and personable. You need to sell yourself. Never resort to nasty or threatening tactics to get your way. You will not get a job if you have a poor attitude.