JIST's Job Search and Career Blog

This blog has moved to JIST's new site!

2012-01-12T05:38:00.000-08:00

I’m thrilled to announce that JIST Publishing has launched its new website. In addition to improved search functionality, user-friendly organization, and a great new look, the site is able to host its own blog. As a result, this particular blog will no longer be updated after today.

To view JIST’s new blog, click here.

Students and graduates should network for better career success

2012-01-05T05:23:00.000-08:00

College students and recent graduates face a challenging job market, but expert networking can help them secure employment, Louise M. Kursmark says in her new book, Best Resumes for College Students and New Grads.

“With the ease of online search strategies, a lot of job seekers reach no further than their computers when starting to look for jobs,” Kursmark says. “Don’t make this mistake! Instead, spend most of your time talking to people you know who can give you advice, suggestions, leads and referrals that will bring you to the notice of people who can hire you.”

Kursmark offers simple tips to make networking easy and rewarding:

Don’t ask for a job; most people won’t be able to give you one.

Don’t assume people won’t be able to help; people have diverse connections you can’t anticipate.

Prepare and practice your introduction.

Try to set up an in-person meeting whenever possible.

Don’t expect your contacts to run your job search for you.

Be clear about your job target and how your contacts can help you.

Use powerful social media to extend your contact network.

Make a great impression.

Follow the No. 1 rule of networking: “Give to get.”

Follow up on all leads and let your contacts know how helpful they’ve been.

“Your network can open doors for you, provide valuable inside information, connect you to your dream job or dream company, and transform your job search from online drudgery and frustration to a series of positive and helpful interactions,” Kursmark says.

Additional information can be found in Best Resumes for College Students and New Grads. The book was published in January of 2012 and is available at major bookstores, Amazon.com and jist.com.

What JIST has in development for 2012

2012-01-02T08:01:00.000-08:00

We’d like to wish all of our customers, authors, distributors, catalogers, and vendors a Happy New Year. Our success stems from your support and we value our relationship with each of you.
JIST has many exciting projects in development for 2012. This month we’ll launch a new and improved jist.com, which will be more user-friendly and better organized to help you find the right materials for your needs.

We’re releasing new editions of some of our most popular products, including the Occupational Outlook Handbook 2013, O*NET Career Interests Inventory, Transition-to-Work Inventory, Job Savvy, and College Majors Handbook with Real Career Paths and Payoffs.

We’re also publishing brand new titles including the Planning Your School-to-Work Transition workbook, the Military-to-Career Transition Inventory, and the Quick Military Transition Guide.

Many of these projects were pushed into development, based on the feedback of our customers. If you have your own ideas to share with us, we’d love to hear them! Many of the products we publish and the marketing materials we distribute are driven by the needs of our customers. It’s our job to help others succeed in the world of work, and we’re determined to help even more people do that in 2012.

JIST’s New 2012 Catalogs

2011-12-19T06:09:00.000-08:00

We’re wrapping up the development of our new 2012 catalogs, which will hit mailboxes in the middle of January. These catalogs are packed with information on our new and upcoming products, popular backlist titles, as well as packages and teaching modules.

If you would like to receive our 2012 Workforce Development and Postsecondary Catalog or our 2012 School Catalog, please email sdehne@jist.com. Be sure to specify your name, title, the organization you represent, and your mailing address.

Another great way to stay on top of JIST’s newest releases, special offers, and upcoming events is to subscribe to our e-mails. If you’re interested in subscribing, email sdehne@jist.com or click here.

Fast-growing jobs hold great potential for job seekers

2011-12-13T11:07:00.000-08:00

By Lori Michelle Ryan, JIST Publishing

The turn of the century brought many changes to the working world. Social media and the Internet are more important in our lives than ever before, and the recession slashed countless jobs and occupations. Moving forward, how do job seekers and career changers know which jobs to focus on under such tumultuous circumstances?

Job seekers should consider careers that are growing rapidly, despite the recent challenges. Author Laurence Shatkin, Ph.D., breaks down the top 100 fastest-growing jobs in his new book, Best Jobs for the 21st Century. Here are the top 10:

1. Biomedical Engineers
74 percent growth

2. Home Health Aides
50 percent growth

3. Personal Care Aides
46 percent growth

4. Financial Examiners
41.2 percent growth

5. Medical Scientists (except Epidemiologists)
40.4 percent growth

6. Physician Assistants
39 percent growth

7. Skincare Specialists
37.8 percent growth

8. Biochemists and Biophysicists
37.4 percent growth

9. Athletic Trainers
36.9 percent growth

10. Physical Therapist Aides
36.3 percent growth

Additional information can be found in Best Jobs for the 21st Century. The book was published in December of 2011 and is available at major bookstores, Amazon.com and jist.com.

Top 10 Best Jobs Overall for the 21st Century

2011-12-06T07:17:00.000-08:00

By Lori Michelle Ryan, JIST Publishing

Today’s job seekers face numerous obstacles: a recession that has eliminated countless positions and crowded the job-seeking field; ever-changing technology; and pressures to do more with less. It can be difficult for anyone to decide which career to pursue.

Best Jobs for the 21st Century helps job seekers quickly and easily focus their career options and learn more about jobs of interest. Author Laurence Shatkin, Ph.D., includes 69 lists divided by demographic, experience, salary and more. The “Best Jobs Overall” list contains 400 jobs ranked by the best combination of pay, growth and openings. Here are the top 10 best jobs overall for the 21st Century:

Software Developers, Applications
Annual earnings: $87,790
Percent growth: 34
Annual openings: 21,840

Physicians and Surgeons
Annual earnings: $165,279
Percent growth: 21.8
Annual openings: 26,050

Software Developers, Systems Software
Annual earnings: $94,180
Percent growth: 30.4
Annual openings: 15,340

Management Analysts
Annual earnings: $78,160
Percent growth: 23.9
Annual openings: 30,650

Computer Systems Analysts
Annual earnings: $77,740
Percent growth: 20.3
Annual openings: 22,280

Registered Nurses
Annual earnings: $64,690
Percent growth: 22.2
Annual openings: 103,900

Civil Engineers
Annual earnings: $77,560
Percent growth: 24.3
Annual openings: 11,460

Medical Scientists (except Epidemiologists)
Annual earnings: $76,700
Percent growth: 40.4
Annual openings: 6,620

Physical Therapists
Annual earnings: $76,310
Percent growth: 30.3
Annual openings: 7,860

Dental Hygienists
Annual earnings: $68,250
Percent growth: 36.1
Annual openings: 9,840

Additional information can be found in Best Jobs for the 21st Century. The book was published in December of 2011 and is available at major bookstores, Amazon.com and jist.com.

Recently Released from JIST!

2011-12-01T07:38:00.000-08:00

We’re excited to announce that we’re releasing two new editions this month! One is part of our Best Jobs series and the other was written by Louise Kursmark, one of the nation’s most renowned professional resume writers. See below to learn more about how these books can help you plan your career and education and succeed in the job hunt.

Best Jobs for the 21st Century, Sixth Edition
By Laurence Shatkin, Ph.D.

Are you looking for your first job or a better job? Planning your education and career options? Interested in exploring better-paying or more interesting jobs at your current education level? This book is ideal for making important career plans and decisions.

In two easy steps, this reference will help you learn about jobs that offer an entire package of rewards. First, you’ll browse more than 65 lists that reveal the best jobs for pay, growth, openings, and more. Then, you’ll choose from 500 occupations to review descriptions of the jobs that interest you most. These descriptions offer details about wages; projected growth through 2018; openings; required education, training, and experience; career clusters and pathways; and more. There is also information about each job's top three industries for growth. Plus, this edition features the best jobs in the 16 career clusters and the best jobs in urban and rural areas.
This book is available at major bookstores, Amazon.com, and jist.com.

Best Resumes for College Students and New Grads, Third Edition
By Louise Kursmark

If you’re a college student or recent grad, you have your work cut out for you in the job market. Not only are you competing for internships and jobs against more experienced candidates, you may have had little to no instruction on how to write a resume. This is problematic, because a solid resume is essential for effectively marketing yourself to employers and recruiters.

With this guide, you can gain an advantage over your competition. Author Louise Kursmark, one of the nation’s leading professional resume writers, lends situation-specific advice for creating resumes and explains how to use them effectively while navigating the job market. She also provides guidance on writing cover letters, identifying skills, and presenting college experience effectively. You can browse a collection of more than 100 professionally written resume and cover letter samples—all written for college students and new graduates.

This enhanced edition includes a chapter on using social media and other online resources in the job search, as well as updated resume samples.

This book is available at major bookstores, Amazon.com, and jist.com.

Simple guidelines to writing a stellar resume

2011-11-29T05:54:00.000-08:00

By Lori Michelle Ryan, JIST Publishing

Your resume should communicate vital information to a potential employer, but how do you know if yours is up to par and will compete with other resumes?

Authors Wendy S. Enelow and Louise M. Kursmark explain in their new book, Expert Resumes for Managers and Executives, that strict rules for writing resumes really don’t exist, but job seekers should consider some simple standards that most employers have come to expect. Here are some of Enelow and Kursmark’s tips:

Content standards
• Writing style: Always write in the active, not passive, voice.
• Phrases to avoid: Do not use “responsible for” or “duties included,” which are passive.
• Resume style: Organize your resume chronologically, functionally or both.
• Resume formats: Use paragraphs, bullets or both.
• Email address and URL: Include your email address and URL at the top of your resume.

Presentation standards
• Font: Use a “clean, conservative, easy-to-read” font. Some suggestions include Tahoma, Arial, Krone, Soutane, CG Omega, Century Gothic or Gill Sans.
• Type size: Ten- to 12-point fonts generally are easy to read.
• Page length: One to two pages usually is enough.
• Paper color: Use white, ivory or gray paper.
• Graphics: Entry-level or midlevel job seekers may use graphics to enhance their resumes; senior or executive job seekers should avoid them.
• White Space: Leave plenty of white space to ensure readability.

Accuracy and Perfection
• “Your resume must be well written, visually pleasing, and free of any errors, typographical mistakes, misspellings and the like. … Carefully proofread your resume a minimum of three times, and then have two or three other people also proofread it.”

“Consider your resume an example of the quality of work you will produce on a company’s behalf,” say Enelow and Kursmark. “Take the time to make sure that your resume is perfect in all the details that make a difference to those who read it."

Expert Resumes for Managers and Executives, Third Edition, is available at major bookstores, Amazon.com and jist.com.

Avoid these 11 mistakes during your federal job search

2011-11-17T10:27:00.000-08:00

By Lori Michelle Ryan, JIST Publishing

Federal job seekers often are frustrated with, overwhelmed by or puzzled over the complex federal hiring process. In their new book, Find Your Federal Job Fit, authors Janet M. Ruck and Karol Taylor explain that the “federal application process, which is unlike any other, can be cumbersome and confusing at times. It is based on a set of laws and regulations that were written for a specific purpose. Over time, layers of new laws were added. Eventually they created a morass of rules that now make up the federal hiring system.”

Federal job seekers, especially those just starting their searches, often make mistakes during the application process that could easily be avoided. Ruck and Taylor highlight 11 mistakes that many federal job seekers make, and how to avoid them. The errors include:

Beginning the federal job search without target occupations: “Time spent in self-assessment and career exploration can pay dividends in seeking and finding a federal job that fits.”

Taking any federal job to get your foot in the door of the federal government: “Lateral transfers often are difficult to obtain. Given the arduous hiring process, federal managers are reluctant to allow employees to move from their current positions.”

Narrowing your job search geographically by focusing only on Washington, D.C.: “Only 15 percent of federal jobs are in D.C.”

Overlooking networking as a powerful federal job search tool: “Although federal law requires that the federal application process adhere to strict guidelines, you can find out about federal opportunities in many ways.”

Applying with a generic resume: “A one-size-fits-all resume robs you of the opportunity to market your qualifications in the context of the job.”

Not promoting yourself: “In a competitive marketplace, applicants who have the ability to toot their own horn are likely to get noticed, interviewed and hired.”

Applying for everything: “You are wasting your time by applying for a position without sufficiently analyzing the vacancy announcement.”

Not spending enough time targeting application materials to your audience: “Give yourself a chance to get an interview by analyzing the vacancy announcement and writing for your audience.”

Choosing jobs based on salary only: “If the salary for a federal position seems low compared to what you earned in the private sector, consider the many benefits of federal employment.”

Applying only for jobs on USAJOBS: “Federal law does not require that vacancies be posted on USAJOBS; the law requires only that jobs be advertised. Some federal agencies post their jobs on their own websites only.”

Misrepresenting background and experience: “It is certainly important to sell yourself, but do so authentically and honestly.”

Dr. Rich Feller, professor of counseling and career development at Colorado State University, said Ruck and Taylor’s advice comes at the perfect time.

“The federal government needs the best and brightest to deliver solutions in agencies that focus on issues from Main Street to outer space,” Feller said. “Fortunately, this book lands at the right time when many workers feel nervously employed, discouraged and eager to find some certainty, a second chance or a new purpose.”

Find Your Federal Job Fit is available at major bookstores, Amazon.com and jist.com.

Three job-seeking steps for managers and executives

2011-11-15T06:41:00.000-08:00

By Lori Michelle Ryan, JIST Publishing

The U.S. Deparment of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts total employment will increase by 15.3 million positions, or 10.1 percent, through 2018. This will result in more opportunities for job seekers, including managers and executives, but also fierce competition for these open positions.

In their new book, Expert Resumes for Managers and Executives, authors Wendy S. Enelow and Louise M. Kursmark offer advice to managers and executives on how to set themselves apart from other job applicants. The authors recommend taking three key steps to finding a job:

1. Write a powerful resume: “As companies have undergone massive changes, employment has become increasingly competitive. As a job seeker, you must know how to position yourself above the crowd of other candidates applying for similar opportunities. The best way to achieve that is with a powerful resume that clearly communicates your accomplishments, your unique brand and the value you bring to a new employer.”

2. Become a savvy job seeker: “To be an educated job seeker, you must know what you want in your career, where the hiring action is, what qualifications and credentials you might need to attain your desired career goals, and how best to market your qualifications. … You must be a strategic marketer, able to package and promote your experience to take advantage of the ever-changing wave of employment opportunity.”

3. Launch a successful search campaign: “The single most important thing to remember is that a job search is marketing! You have a product to sell—yourself—and the best way to sell it is to use all appropriate marketing channels just as you would for any other product.” According to Enelow and Kursmark, an effective job search marketing plan should include:

• Referrals
• Networking
• Responses to online job postings
• Responses to newspaper, magazine and periodical advertisements (print)
• Targeted email campaigns (resumes and cover letters) to recruiters
• Targeted email and print campaigns to employers
• Online resume postings

In addition to this three-step action plan, Enelow and Kursmark’s book includes hundreds of examples of resumes and several cover letters to help managers and executives achieve job-hunting success.

Additional information can be found in Expert Resumes for Managers and Executives. The book published in November 2011 and is available at major bookstores, Amazon.com and jist.com.

Enhance your electronic bookshelf with JIST's ebooks

2011-11-10T10:17:00.000-08:00

We’re excited to announce that many of our titles are now available as ebooks! The following list outlines which titles are currently available, but keep in mind that this list will continue to grow.

JIST’s ebooks can be used on the device of your choice, including iPads, iPhones, Kindles, Sony Readers, computers, and a variety of other mobile devices. Visit oreilly.com to download JIST’s job search, career management, and college success titles today!

Job search and Career Success

Top 100 Careers Without a Four-Year Degree, Tenth Edition
Gallery of Best Resumes, Fifth Edition
The Sequel
Paint Your Career Green
Federal Resume Guidebook, Fifth Edition
EZ Occupational Outlook Handbook, Second Edition
Job Search Handbook for People with Disabilities, Third Edition
The Quick Resume & Cover Letter Book, Fifth Edition
Expert Resumes for Teachers and Educators, Third Edition
The 9-to-5 Cure
Expert Resumes for Computer and Web Jobs, Third Edition
Overnight Career Choice, Second Edition
I Found a Job!
Eliminated! Now What?
Find a Job Through Social Networking, Second Edition
2011 Career Plan
Step-by-Step Resumes, Second Edition
Step-by-Step Cover Letters
Top 100 Health-Care Careers, Third Edition
Expert Resumes for Health-Care Careers, Second Edition
Top 300 Careers, Twelfth Edition
100 Fastest-Growing Careers, Eleventh Edition
Jobs That Matter
Big Career in the Big City
Expert Resumes for Career Changers, Second Edition
Young Person's Occupational Outlook Handbook, Seventh Edition
Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010–2011
The Twitter Job Search Guide
250 Best-Paying Jobs, Second Edition
The Smart New Way to Get Hired
FBI Careers, Third Edition
Resume Magic, Fourth Edition
Cover Letter Magic, Fourth Edition
Expert Resumes for Military-to-Civilian Transitions, Second Edition
Military-to-Civilian Career Transition Guide, Second Edition
Start Your Own Business and Hire Yourself
Make Job Loss Work for You
Sales and Marketing Resumes for $100,000 Careers, Third Edition
Guide to America's Federal Jobs, Fourth Edition
Tell Me About Yourself
300 Best Jobs Without a Four-Year Degree, Third Edition
15-Minute Cover Letter, Second Edition
Gallery of Best Resumes Without a Four-Year Degree, Fourth Edition
200 Best Jobs Through Apprenticeships, Second Edition
200 Best Jobs for College Graduates, Second Edition
Best Jobs for the 21st Century, Fifth Edition
150 Best Recession-Proof Jobs
Next-Day Job Interview, Second Edition
30-Minute Resume Makeover
Interview Magic, Second Edition
Career Quizzes
The Christian's Career Journey
Expert Resumes for People Returning to Work, Second Edition
150 Best Jobs for Your Skills
Gallery of Best Cover Letters, Third Edition
The Career Coward's Guide to Interviewing
Expert Resumes for Managers and Executives
Same-Day Resume, Second Edition
Job Search Magic

College Success

College Major Quizzes
College Success Guide, Second Edition
10 Best College Majors for Your Personality, Second Edition
Panicked Student's Guide to Choosing a College Major
Community College Companion
Parent's Guide to College and Careers
The Kids' College Almanac, Fourth Edition
50 Best College Majors for a Secure Future
One-Hour College Application Essay
College Majors Handbook with Real Career Paths and Payoffs, Second Edition

JIST's Experience at the National Career Pathways Conference

2011-11-09T05:17:00.000-08:00

JIST recently exhibited at the National Career Pathways Conference (NCPN) in Orlando. Our Inside Sales Manager, Athena Wampler, represented JIST at the event and spent most of her time there talking to attendees about our assessments, Quick Series booklets, and pocket guides. These brief, convenient tools are ideal for educators, instructors, and workforce development professionals working with groups of people. To request sample copies for review, visit jist.com.
Here are some photos of Athena chatting with attendees during the NCPN conference.

Federal jobs are available outside the U.S.

2011-11-04T07:25:00.000-07:00

By Lori Michelle Ryan, JIST Publishing

Job seekers looking for a change of scenery may consider applying for a federal job outside the U.S., says Laurence Shatkin, Ph.D., in 150 Best Federal Jobs. About 36,000 people are employed in foreign countries, and 15,000 people in U.S. territories. The countries with the most U.S. federal employees are Germany, Puerto Rico, Japan, South Korea, Guam, Italy, and the United Kingdom.

Current federal employees have an advantage because they often transfer to a similar position and fill many of these openings; however, some jobs go to new employees, especially through the Department of Defense Dependents School or the Peace Corps. Opportunities can be found at USAJobs.gov, where job seekers can filter positions by the country in which they hope to work.

In the book Shatkin says that qualifications generally are the same as for U.S. positions, but knowing a second language is helpful. In addition, employees earn a similar salary.

The top jobs in foreign countries:

1. Teachers and Instructors
2. Social and Community Service Managers
3. Business Operation Specialists
4. Computer and Information Systems Managers
5. Education, Training, and Library Works

The top jobs in U.S. territories:

1. Security Guards
2. Compliance Officers
3. Social and Community Service Managers
4. Registered Nurses
5. Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs

150 Best Federal Jobs is available at major bookstores, Amazon.com, and jist.com.

Recently Released from JIST Publishing

2011-11-01T07:00:00.000-07:00

Hitting bookshelves this month is a new book by federal job experts Karol Taylor and Janet Ruck, as well as a new edition of Expert Resumes for Managers and Executives. See below to learn more about how these books can accelerate your success in the job hunt.

Find Your Federal Job Fit
By Karol Taylor and Janet Ruck

Many people know that federal jobs are often a hot ticket to good pay, great benefits, security, and a flexible schedule. Yet, few have any idea which federal jobs fall into this category, let alone they type of jobs that suit them best.

This guide demystifies the career-decision-making process and gives valuable insight about government job seeking. The first part of this book discusses how to find the right occupation, develop a vision for your career, assess yourself, develop essential skills, and create a career plan. The second part overviews the federal government as an employer. Readers learn about jobs' benefits and locations, discover how to match themselves to jobs and agencies, and uncover which skills the government prefers most.

The authors reveal insider advice on the federal hiring process, including guidance on resumes, interviewing, networking, vacancy announcements, distinguishing yourself, and common mistakes federal jobs seekers make.

Expert Resumes for Managers and Executives, Third Edition
By Wendy Enelow and Louise Kursmark

Vying for a management or executive position is an ambitious and exciting undertaking. A powerful, performance-based resume that communicates the job seeker's qualifications in a strong and effective written presentation is a key tool for landing a great management position.

Expert Resumes for Managers and Executives gives readers the strategies and insight they'll need to create a strong resume. The book features a collection of nearly 100 professionally written resumes aimed at people at all levels of management, from front-line supervisors to top-level executives. In addition, the authors present sound resume-writing advice, including up-to-the-minute information on how to create and distribute a resume online.

This edition has been enhanced with updated sample resumes, a resume questionnaire worksheet for documenting experience and accomplishments, and an appendix of resume power verbs.

Both of these books are available at major bookstores, Amazon.com, and jist.com.

Focus on Yourself First to Find Your Federal Job Fit

2011-10-27T05:22:00.000-07:00

By Lori Michelle Ryan, JIST Publishing

Applying for a job with the federal government can be a difficult and maddening ordeal that involves a long application process and a complex organizational structure. Federal job seekers are often told to take any federal position just to get their foot in the door. However, this advice is outdated and misleading.

In their book, Find Your Federal Job Fit, Janet M. Ruck and Karol Taylor describe how to develop a career identity through a planning process that is designed to help individuals find the federal position that suits them best.

To better understand your career identity, Ruck and Taylor say you must figure out why you work, and what meaningful work is for you.

“Work is an extension of your place in the world, and ideally it expresses who you are,” they say.“Can you identify what you are called to do in life? Usually characterized by a passion or a great yearning to pursue a field, discipline or venture, meaningful work and activities can sometimes make themselves known to you before you are aware of or identify them.”

After identifying your meaningful work, the authors advise creating a personal mission statement and identifying your life purpose using some simple questions:

What do you consider to be your best characteristics?

How do you reveal these characteristics to others?

What are some ways in which you would like to utilize these characteristics in your life and your work?

The next step to generating a career identity is to develop a personal brand, which can help you stand out from other federal job applicants. The personal brand, the authors say, “reflects who you are and shows through your actions what you stand for. … A personal brand is authentic and organic and emanates from who you are in reality. It is not contrived, forced or created, yet it must be cultivated, reinforced and nurtured.”

Using your personal brand, create a statement that succinctly summarizes the qualities you possess that would be desirable for a federal position. Ruck and Taylor recommend these steps:

Focus on a unique self-description

Describe what you do

Explain how you are unique

Describe your goal

When you’ve completed these exercises, you can consider them together to develop your career goal, which could point you toward your future federal career. Create a vision of where you want to work, what you want to do and how you can contribute to the job.

Finding a federal job doesn’t have to be a daunting task; you can simplify the process by first focusing on yourself and developing your career identity.

Find Your Federal Job Fit is available at major bookstores, Amazon.com and jist.com.

Tips help managers and executives write expert resumes

2011-10-25T05:35:00.000-07:00

By Lori Michelle Ryan, JIST Publishing

Job seekers often communicate a first impression through their resumes. Wendy S. Enelow and Louise M. Kursmark, in the newly updated edition of Expert Resumes for Managers and Executives, stress how important a strong resume is for all applicants.

“A vital component of your career management plan is your resume, which must instantly position you as a well-qualified and highly competitive candidate,” the authors said. “The easiest way to accomplish that objective is by developing a powerful, performance-based resume.”

In their book, Enelow and Kursmark provide numerous resume samples, divided by career field, that are aimed at people at all levels of management, from front-line supervisors to top-level executives. They also offer nine strategies for writing effective resumes:

Write to the job you want: “You cannot write an effective resume without knowing, at least to some degree, what type or types of positions you will be seeking.”

Sell it to me … don’t tell it to me: “If you ‘tell it,’ you simply state facts. If you ‘sell it,’ you promote it, advertise it, and draw attention to it.”

Use keywords: “Keywords are … specific to a particular industry or profession. … When you use these words and phrases, you are communicating a specific message.”

Use the “big” and save the “little”: “Try to focus on the ‘big’ things—revenue and profit growth, new initiatives and ventures, special projects, cost savings … then save the ‘little’ stuff—the details—for the interview.”

Make your resume “interviewable”: After “you are contacted for a telephone or in-person interview, your resume becomes all-important in leading and prompting your interviewer during your conversation.”

Eliminate confusion with structure and context: “Be consistent; make information easy to find; and define the context in which you worked.”

Use function to demonstrate achievement: “A resume that focuses on your job functions can be dry and uninteresting and says little about your unique activities and contributions.”

Remain in the realm of reality: “Do not push your skills and qualifications outside the bounds of what is truthful.”

Be confident: “There is only one individual with the specific combination of employment experience, qualifications, achievements, education and technical skills that you have.”

“Your resume can have tremendous power and a phenomenal impact on your job search. So don’t take it lightly,” say Enelow and Kursmark. “Rather, devote the time, energy and resources that are essential to developing a resume that is well-written, visually attractive and effective in communicating who you are and how you want to be perceived.”

Expert Resumes for Managers and Executives is available at major bookstores, Amazon.com and jist.com.

Looking for a federal career? Find it on the list of 150 Best Federal Jobs

2011-10-21T08:25:00.000-07:00

By Lori Ryan, JIST Publishing

Finding and obtaining any job with the federal government can be a tough task, but how do you know which are the most promising positions to seek? Laurence Shatkin’s new book, 150 Best Federal Jobs, breaks down the top federal jobs into several categories, including demographics, career clusters, geography and personality type.

Shatkin also offers the top federal jobs overall, based on a score calculated by pay, growth and number of openings. “This means,” Shatkin explains in the book, “that some jobs with low pay and modest growth but a high number of openings appear higher on the list than some jobs with higher pay and modest growth but a low number of openings. A ‘right’ job for you could be anywhere on this list.”

The federal government has a projected 10 percent increase in employment through 2018 and offers good salaries and benefits, job security and flexible work schedules throughout the country. See which positions Shatkin ranked in the list of top 10 overall best federal jobs:

1. Financial Examiners
Annual Earnings: $101,770
Percent Growth: 41.5 percent
Annual Openings: 260

2. Air Traffic Controllers
Annual Earnings: $113,840
Percent Growth: 10.7 percent
Annual Openings: 780

3. Lawyers
Annual Earnings: $131,410
Percent Growth: 8.4 percent
Annual Openings: 960

4. Detectives and Criminal Investigators
Annual Earnings: $73,320
Percent Growth: 29.8 percent
Annual Openings: 1,160

5. Computer and Information Research Scientists
Annual Earnings: $99,730
Percent Growth: 19.5 percent
Annual Openings: 200

6. Social Scientists and Related Workers
Annual Earnings: $75,540
Percent Growth: 19.3 percent
Annual Openings: 800

7. Accountants and Auditors
Annual Earnings: $87,730
Percent Growth: 11.1 percent
Annual Openings: 740

8. Aerospace Engineers
Annual Earnings: $109,190
Percent Growth: 12 percent
Annual Openings: 200

9. Logisticians
Annual Earnings: $76,000
Percent Growth: 17.8 percent
Annual Openings: 730

10. Political Scientists
Annual Earnings: $113,050
Percent Growth: 18.4 percent
Annual Openings: 120

150 Best Federal Jobs is available at major bookstores, Amazon.com and jist.com.

Active vs. Passive: Which Job Search Behaviors Are You Supporting?

2011-10-18T06:34:00.000-07:00

By Darlene Divine

Don’t worry—this isn’t a grammar lesson! This is about determining which behaviors you’re promoting with clients or students during the job hunt.

First, let’s take a look at two job seekers.

Job Seeker #1
Dave is a bookkeeper and just received notice that his employer is closing its doors after forty years in the tool and die business. To begin his hunt for a new job, Dave registers with a local One Stop employment center to receive help in exploring his career options, brushes up his resume and checks out job opportunities.

But Dave doesn’t end his job search there. He decides to post his resume on some of the top Internet job sites and follow up on job leads from friends and family members. Dave also makes a list of organizations that he’s interested in working for and begins contacting hiring managers.

Job Seeker #2
Jill graduates this spring with a degree in computer science and is currently looking for her first full-time position. She stops by her university’s career services office for tips on putting together a resume and talks with a career counselor about the best online job boards. After sharpening her resume, Jill posts it on all the major career websites. She keeps her cell phone on, waiting for employers to call.

Now consider this. Both job seekers made an effort to find employment, and they both utilized available resources to help them in their job search. But who will find a job faster?

In the best-selling workbook Getting the Job You Really Want, author Mike Farr stresses the importance of actively approaching the job hunt because it’s typically more effective than passive strategies. Farr urges job seekers to repeatedly ask themselves: Is what I am doing now likely to result in an interview?

Although both Jill and Dave took the appropriate steps to find a job, Dave’s multifaceted approach was actively engaging contacts and employers, which helps get the job quicker. So encourage your clients and students to go out and make things happen!

With more than 500,000 copies in print, the recently revised Getting the Job You Really Want workbook gives job seekers step-by-step advice for finding a good job in less time and can also be used in conjunction with the Getting the Job You Really Want Video Series. Visit jist.com for more information about incorporating this easy-to-use and cost-effective curriculum into your program.

15 College Courses Connected to a Secure Future

2011-10-13T08:42:00.000-07:00

College students contemplating which classes to enroll in next semester may want to check out the following list. Featured in 50 Best College Majors for a Secure Future, this list identifies which courses are best connected to high-security majors.

1. Statistics for Business and Social Sciences
2. Calculus
3. Organic Chemistry
4. General Chemistry
5. Introduction to Computer Science
6. English Composition
7. Statistics
8. Seminar (reporting on research)
9. Foreign Language
10. General Biology
11. Introduction to Biochemistry
12. Introduction to Psychology
13. College Algebra
14. Oral Communication
15. General Microbiology

Laurence Shatkin, Ph.D., the occupational expert who developed this list, says, “You might want to take some of these courses as electives—that is, optional courses that are not required for your major—because they may contribute in some way to knowledge that will be particularly useful in jobs that are relatively secure during economic downturns.”

Additional information about high-security majors can be found in 50 Best College Majors for a Secure Future. The book is available at major bookstores, Amazon.com, and jist.com.

Striving for a Promotion? Avoid Making These Mistakes!

2011-10-11T05:51:00.001-07:00

When it comes to getting ahead in the world of work, some people make it look so easy. It’s almost as if they know of a secret fast-track that’s helped propel them from one level to the next. They land jobs at the best companies, impress all the right people, and seem to be promoted even before the ink on their initial job offer is dry.

On the other hand, the world of work is certainly filled with people who just can’t seem to climb the next rung of the corporate ladder. No matter how much they want it, being promoted seems impossible.

Career expert Susan Britton Whitcomb identifies the characteristics and behaviors that differentiate these two types of people in her book, 30-Day Job Promotion. “Having interviewed numerous managers and worked with hundreds of career-minded clients over the years, a clear pattern has emerged: Those with the greatest promotablility demonstrated a blend of hard skills and, more importantly, soft skills. For example, confidence, critical thinking and commitment,” says Whitcomb.

But what about people who can’t position themselves in the promotion pipeline? Why aren’t they moving forward, even though they’re perfectly qualified for a higher-level position? Part of the problem may be that, because of their attitudes and behaviors, decision-makers ruled them out of consideration for a promotion long before the option was ever even available.

According to Whitcomb, there are several mistakes a person can make that will hinder their chances of being promoted or earning the support of their superiors and colleagues. In 30-Day Job Promotion, she outlines the following faux pas:

• Not dressing, speaking or acting the part. When it comes to being promoted, looks do matter. If you don’t look the part, it will be much more difficult for decision-makers to envision you in it. Instead of dressing sloppy or inappropriately, strive to dress in a manner similar to people two levels above you.

• Being unprepared with talking points about the value you’d bring to the position.
Just because the decision-maker in the promotion process is already familiar with you, doesn’t mean you’re done proving yourself to him or her. Highlight your skills, knowledge and strengths to reinforce your return-on-investment.

• Being deceitful or double-minded. If you’re acting friendly and respectful to superiors one moment, and undermining them behind their backs the next, you risk developing a reputation for being two-faced and untrustworthy.

• Being clueless about the big picture. Decision-makers want to know that promoting you will impact the company’s bottom line. If you can’t convince them that your new ideas and extra effort will achieve the company’s goals, you probably won’t gain their buy-in for a promotion.

• Pouting or grousing. It’s important for leaders to exude a positive attitude at all times—both good and bad. Decision-makers will never be able to support you as a leader, worthy of promotion, if you’re being bitter, negative or dismissive of others because you don’t get your way at work.

• Expecting a promotion without going above and beyond in your current position. Some people mistakenly believe that because they do their job well and do what’s asked of them, they’re entitled to a promotion. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Employers want to advance employees who exceed their expectations and are willing to take on more than what their job description entails.

• Overusing the terms “my career” or “promotion” in your discussions with your manager. In most situations, your employer’s needs come before your own. Therefore, expressing that you’d like to take your career to the next level won’t get you nearly as far as something such as, “I’m committed to doing everything I can to help this company grow and succeed.”

Whitcomb reminds, “Remember, getting promoted is not for the faint of heart. To climb the ladder, you’ll need a proactive plan, proof of performance, the right perception of you, perseverance and a positive attitude.”

30-Day Job Promotion is available at major bookstores, Amazon.com and jist.com.

College Admissions: Choosing an Essay Topic that Works for You

2011-10-07T05:43:00.000-07:00

Perhaps you've had your heart set on graduating with a degree from an Ivy League school. Maybe you've simply coasted through high school in the middle ranks of your class. Or maybe, you botched your SATs and ran out of time to retake the exam. No matter what the situation may be, you know you need a killer college application essay to get your foot in the door.

The problem is you have absolutely no idea what you're going to write your essay about.

Writer's Block

"Finding a topic to write about can be one of the most perplexing steps in the college admissions process. Many students think they haven't done something 'important enough' to write about. Or they worry that their hobbies and interests just won't engage an admissions dean. They think their entry must be Pulitzer-worthy and worry that they won't stand out in a pool crowded with high achieving applicants," says Jan Melnik, author of One-Hour College Application Essay.

The truth is college applicants don't have to be an all-star to impress readers. They don't have to write a masterpiece either. They simply have to be themselves—meaning they must write an essay that provides a glimpse into their personality, passions and goals.

"You need to show how you've become the person you are today—or the person you want to become," says Melnik.

Starting with the Don'ts

When writing an essay it's important to realize there are a handful of topics that are popular choices among college hopefuls, but too often these topics fail to make an impact on admissions' deans.

Based on her survey of deans and directors of admission, vice presidents of enrollment, and senior-level admissions experts at universities and colleges across the nation, Melnik found that applicants should avoid writing sports stories or about dead relatives or friends. Such stories—no matter how exciting or traumatic they may be to the applicant—are not unique enough experiences to share. In some cases, it is okay to mention these issues if the essay addresses how these experiences will affect the applicant's future actions and make them more a more compelling candidate than others.

Other essay faux-pas include name-dropping, calling attention to negatives such as a low GPA, using a list format, and mimicking statements featured on the college or university's viewbook or Web site.

Write What Works

So what topic is okay to write about? Melnik and professionals involved in the admissions process around the nation say, "Make sure you are genuine and can explain who you are as a person that can separate you from someone else." Applicants should ask themselves what makes them different from other applicants and discover what skills and abilities they can offer the college or university that are not reflected on their transcript.

Another effective essay strategy encourages applicants to address what about the college or university interests them and how their talents and skills may be put to use throughout their college experience.

"Colleges are looking for interesting thinkers who will contribute to the campus community, to the community after college, and also to a profession. If the applicant has a special talent or passion for something that is valued at the college—this will be important to incorporate in an essay," says Melnik and Don Bishop, Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management, Creighton University.

Above all, remember that deciding what to write the application essay about takes time and is an opportunity to be fresh and creative. Melnik reminds, "Selecting the essay topic that is right for you is essential. Give yourself enough time to experiment with different ideas to find the one topic that really resonates with you and that you can feel excited about."

Next, applicants should zero in on writing their essay introduction. They can begin their essay in a number of ways, such as asking a question, jumping into the middle of a story that’s about to be told, or even revealing the end of a story. The body and conclusion of the essay can be used to fill readers on the back story and explain why the story is relevant to the applicant. For applicants struggling with their introduction, Melnik suggests moving on to the body of the essay and coming back to the introduction later.

To write the body, applicants should ask themselves a few questions about the story they’re telling in the essay, including what happened, what’s important, and how did it make the writer feel. Remember to address the questions a stranger who knows nothing about the story may have.

Similar to writing the introduction, concluding the essay can be done in several ways. Applicants can create a sense of closure or, if they’re feeling more creative, write a conclusion that begs the next question, according to Melnik. In either approach, applicants should avoid a conclusion that cuts off too severely. “It should be clear to the reader that you meant to stop exactly where you did. Play with several techniques to see which will have the greatest impact on the reader,” suggests Melnik.

One-Hour College Application Essay is available at major bookstores, Amazon.com and jist.com.

Special Offers on JIST.com

2011-10-04T05:45:00.000-07:00

For a limited time JIST is offering discounted pricing on the following items. These products must be purchased through jist.com to qualify for the special pricing.

Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-2011

This best-selling reference features well-written, interesting descriptions for more than 300 major jobs in the U.S., plus summary information on additional jobs. In each description, the book discusses the nature of the work, work environment, job outlook through 2018, required training and education, earnings, related occupations, and additional information sources, including websites. Packed with practical, current information, the OOH is a valuable resource for anyone doing career research, making career decisions, writing resumes, and preparing for interviews. Learn more.

Hardcover Price:
~~1— 4 copies $25.95 each~~ Now 1—4 copies $18.16 each
~~5+ copies $21.95 each~~ Now 5+ copies $15.36 each

Softcover Price:
~~1— 4 copies $19.95 each~~ Now 1—4 copies $13.96 each
~~5+ copies $16.95 each~~ Now 5+ copies $11.86 each

Getting the Job You Really Want, Sixth Edition

This complete curriculum provides the core materials that thousands of schools, colleges, and workforce development programs have used successfully for many years—plus new and enhanced content! Using this workbook, readers learn proven techniques on all major job search topics. They gain results-oriented, step-by-step instructions for identifying skills, determining ideal jobs, exploring career alternatives, finding unadvertised jobs, preparing for interviews, creating resumes, and much more. Learn more.

~~Price: $21.95~~ Now $20.95!

Getting the Job You Really Want Video Series, Sixth Edition

This comprehensive set of DVDs takes you step-by-step throughout every phase of the job search, plus keeping it! The series teaches how to identify what you want in a job, find the job in less time, interview effectively, negotiate pay and benefits, keep that job, and move up. This series is an ideal supplement to the Getting the Job You Really Want workbook and other job search books available from JIST. Learn more.

~~Price: $995.00~~ Now $795.00!

Job Search Advantage

Give individuals the edge they need with this new self-paced, online workshop. Job Search Advantage quickly and affordably trains clients and students without instructors, preparation, and classrooms. It covers the essential steps proven to cut job search time in half. Millions of job seekers have found better jobs faster using the techniques featured in this online workshop.

Available 24/7 from any computer with Web access, this convenient class teaches the most effective job search methods and explains how to write a resume and cover letter, score more interviews, answer any interview question, and more. Videos, checklists, examples, interactive quizzes, and downloadable content reinforce the workshop's key objectives. Learn more.

~~Price: 1–50 workshops $29.95 each~~ Now $23.95 each
~~Price: 51–200 workshops $28.95 each~~ Now $23.95 each
~~Price: 201+ workshops $26.95 each~~ Now $23.95 each

Soft Skills Advantage

This self-paced online workshop teaches people how to succeed at work with soft skills. Through seven lessons, individuals learn what soft skills are and why they are important for keeping a job. Many studies have identified the soft, or intangible, skills that employers want in employees, such as honesty, good communication skills, and positive attitudes. Understanding and improving soft skills will help workers at all levels and exceed employer expectations.

Available 24/7 from any computer with Web access, this convenient workshop includes videos, examples, interactive quizzes, and downloadable content that reinforce key objectives. After completing the workshop, participants can print a "Soft Skills Advantage Summary" and a Certificate of Completion. Learn more.

~~Price: 1–50 workshops $29.95 each~~ Now $23.95 each
~~Price: 51–200 workshops $28.95 each~~ Now $23.95 each
~~Price: 201+ workshops $26.95 each~~ Now $23.95 each

Additional Web Specials

For a limited time, JIST is offering 50% discount on more than a dozen reference books and trade titles. Click here to learn more about these great deals.

Get Published with JIST!

2011-09-27T11:22:00.000-07:00

Do you teach job search methods to high school students and young adults? Do you have experience as a writer? Are you familiar with JIST’s self-directed job search techniques?

JIST Publishing seeks a work-for-hire writer/author to revise the Young Person’s Guide to Getting and Keeping a Good Job workbook and instructor’s guide. Please respond with your resume and a writing sample by Oct. 14 to Susan Pines, spines@jist.com. No phone calls, please.

How to Avoid a Cover Letter Catastrophe

2011-09-27T05:38:00.000-07:00

Too often, job seekers agonize over their resume, believing if they are able to perfect it, they’ll have no trouble landing job interviews. Writing a strong resume should certainly be an aspiration of all job seekers, but it is also one that sometimes leads to the dismissal of another key ingredient in the job search—a cover letter.

An Accountemps survey found that 60 percent of executives believe a cover letter is either as important as or more critical than a resume. Yet, many job seekers spend the majority of their time creating a stand-out resume, only to hastily write a bland cover letter to accompany it.

In doing this, many job seekers fail to make the most of an opportunity that allows them to paint a unique and intriguing picture of themselves for potential employers—something even the strongest resumes often fail to do.

“Cover letters allow you to pick and choose the skills you want to highlight based on the requirements of a particular position. Cover letters give you the platform to create a vision of who you are that relates directly to the company’s or recruiter’s hiring criteria, while remaining 100 percent accurate and honest,” say Wendy Enelow and Louise Kursmark, authors of Cover Letter Magic, Fourth Edition.

However, the vision job seekers hope to create of themselves is often lost in a sea of questions that routinely baffle them as they struggle to write their cover letters.

“With more than 25 years of combined experience in resume and cover letter writing, career coaching, and job search marketing, we’ve heard just about every question imaginable, and then some,” say Enelow and Kursmark.

Here are some of the most frequently asked cover letter questions and the recommendations Enelow and Kursmark offer job seekers to help them prevent making a mistake that could cost them the chance to land the job of their dreams.

How long should my cover letter be?

Typically, cover letters should be one page in length. However, there are a few instances when more than one page is needed to address the three key components of a cover letter, which include why the applicant is writing, a discussion of their skills and achievements, and a request to interview for a particular position.

The instances when a two-page letter is needed generally applies to career changers; industry changers; scientists; technologists; and people seeking senior-executive, government, university and academic jobs. Two-pages, however, is plenty. Cover letters should never exceed two pages.
Should I include salary information in my cover letter?

That depends. If salary information has not been requested first, the cover letter should never volunteer it. However, if the information has been requested, it is essential that salary information is included. Choosing not to address this information may seem impolite and appear as though the applicant was unable to follow simple directions.

Should I send my resume and cover letter to the Human Resources Department?

No! It is always in the job seeker’s best interest to send their resume and cover letter to a specific person. Unfortunately, an employer’s name and contact information may be unavailable, forcing a job seeker to blindly mail his or her resume and letter to an unknown individual within an organization or company. Should this situation occur, it is more beneficial to send a resume and cover letter to the President, CEO, COO, CFO, Vice President of Sales, Director of Customer Service, Accounting Manager, or whoever is the decision-maker for the department in which the applicant is interested.

What if I don’t know the addressee’s name?

A few appropriate options include: Dear Sir/Madam, To Whom It May Concern, Dear Hiring Executive or Hiring Committee, and Re: Job Title You’re Applying For. Another approach would be to disregard a salutation and immediately begin the letter after the inside address.

A few salutations that should never be used include: Dear Sir, Gentlemen, and Dear Gentleperson.

What if I am unsure of the addressee’s gender?

It can be risky to guess or assume a person is a “Mr.” or “Ms.” based on their first name. If a job seeker is unable to determine the gender of a potential employer or recruiter, it is best to address all job search correspondence using the first initial of the addressee’s first name and their last name, such as Dear J. Doe.

Should I use the same paper for everything?

Generally, all job search correspondence—resumes, cover letters, thank you letters, and any others—should be consistent with one another. However, in some instances it would be wise to choose paper that coordinates, but is unique and different. Graphic artists and creative professionals, for example, may elect to use paper that features a logo or design to demonstrate their visual innovation. Job seekers should use good judgment to determine whether or not this approach is appropriate for their situation.

Should I follow up a faxed or e-mailed resume and cover letter?

Because electronic communication, such as fax and e-mail, has become a mainstream format for job search correspondence, job seekers no longer run the risk of not reaching their intended employers or recruiters. It is no longer necessary to follow up with a hard copy, unless employers have specifically requested that applicants do so.

As job seekers ask themselves and others these questions, it is important they take their individual situation and career goals into consideration first.

“Job search is not an exact science, and there are no exact answers. In fact, the answer to almost every question is, ‘It depends’—on the situation, the job seeker, the position, the industry, the economy, the location, and a number of other factors,” say Enelow and Kursmark.

“Therefore, the challenge of your entire job search campaign: it all depends!”

Cover Letter Magic, Fourth Edition, is available in major bookstores, at Amazon.com and at jist.com.

Preview JIST’s Newest DVD “Workplace Communication Skills”

2011-09-22T05:46:00.000-07:00

Studies show that the ability to communicate effectively ranks as the top skill employers desire in new hires. JIST’s recently released DVD Workplace Communication Skills teaches viewers how to improve their communication skills for on-the-job success. Viewers are given guidance for developing their verbal, listening, nonverbal, and written skills. The program also depicts scenarios of good and poor communication skills in action. It also addresses communication through e-mail, voicemail, cell phones, video conferencing, and online sites like Facebook and Twitter.

Here is a brief clip from Workplace Communication Skills, which is available at jist.com.

New Book Spotlights the Best Federal Jobs Overall

2011-09-20T05:47:00.000-07:00

The nation's largest employer wants you! With a projected 10 percent increase in employment through 2018, the federal government offers good salaries, great benefits, job security and flexible work schedules in locations across the country.

Yet some federal jobs offer better pay and more opportunities than others. Laurence Shatkin's new book 150 Best Federal Jobs can help you target your federal job search toward the occupations that are most promising. Through more than 55 "best federal jobs" lists, Shatkin reveals which occupations are the best for pay, growth, annual openings and dozens of additional criteria.

To create the list of "best federal jobs overall," Shatkin identified occupations in the federal government that have the best combination of three economic factors: earnings, job growth and job openings. Here are the five jobs that topped Shatkin's list:

Financial Examiners
Average Annual Earnings: $101,770
Percent Growth: 41.5 percent
Annual Openings: 260

Air Traffic Controllers
Average Annual Earnings: $113,840
Percent Growth: 10.7 percent
Annual Openings: 780

Lawyers
Average Annual Earnings: $131,410
Percent Growth: 8.4 percent
Annual Openings: 960

Detectives and Criminal Investigators
Average Annual Earnings: $73,320
Percent Growth: 29.8 percent
Annual Openings: 1,160

Computer and Information Research Scientists
Average Annual Earnings: $99,730
Percent Growth: 19.5 percent
Annual Openings: 200

“Remember that almost all of the federal occupations featured in the book may be pursued outside of the federal government. If you prepare for an occupation that has only a small number of federal openings per year and you fail to get hired into one of those openings, you may still have many job opportunities in the private sector,” Shatkin explains.

Additional information about the federal government and its job market can be found in 150 Best Federal Jobs. The book is available in major bookstores, at Amazon.com and at JIST.com.

September Discounts on JIST.com

2011-09-13T05:46:00.000-07:00

Etiquette Tips for Informational Interviews

2011-09-08T05:40:00.000-07:00

If there’s a secret to changing careers successfully, Katy Piotrowski thinks she’s got it. As a career counselor for more than 15 years, she’s used her share of tools and strategies to help people find the right-fit career—assessments, how-to processes, career experiments—you name it. While all of these methods have worked for Piotrowski’s clients, one strategy in particular outshines the rest when it comes to helping people make smart career decisions.

“Informational interviewing is by far the best way I’ve found for helping people make effective progress toward changing careers. And because so few people seem to know about it and use it, I consider it my best-kept secret to successful career change,” says Piotrowski in her book The Career Coward’s Guide to Changing Careers.

Often people confuse informational interviews with job interviews. The two are very different, however. Job search interviews call on job seekers to sell themselves. The primary purpose of an informational interview is simply to research.

“Informational interviewing is the process of talking with a specialist to gain an insider’s view of what their career is truly like. If you’re interested in a career, interviewing a specialist in the area allows you to learn firsthand how they got started in their work, the pros and cons of their career, what kind of training they suggest, expected pay ranges, and typical career paths,” says Piotrowski.

Career changers run into trouble when they treat these types of interviews as though they were the same as a job interview. To help people prevent this mistake and get the most from their informational interview, Piotrowski offers the following do’s and donts:

Do schedule a meeting that works for both parties. Most people prefer to meet during business hours. If this is not possible, try to accommodate the specialist. One approach is to say something along the lines of, “I am finished with work at 5:30, and I could talk with you sometime after that, if that would work for you. I’m also available during the weekend. Which time do you prefer?”

Don’t dress inappropriately. Skip the suit. It’s more appropriate for job interviews. Nevertheless, aim to look neat. In most cases, a nice pair of slacks and a collared shirt will be sufficient.

Do use an agenda. Come to the interview prepared with a list of questions to ask the specialist. Share a copy of the questions with him or her at the beginning of the conversation to help them stay focused. Also, it can be very helpful to do a little research about the specialist’s job and company before the interview.

Don’t bring your resume to an informational interview. The focus of the meeting should be on gathering information about a job, rather than gunning for one on the spot. So, unless the specialist asks upfront for the resume, it’s best to leave it at home.

Do take notes. The specialist will likely share a lot of information during the meeting that will be important to remember later. Bring along a notepad or tape recorder that can be reviewed after the interview. Just make sure to ask for the specialist’s permission first.

Don’t dominate the conversation. You should talk 25 percent or less of the time and listen for 75 percent or more of the conversation.

Do prevent distractions. A cell phone, Blackberry, or any other beeping device should be turned off so that the specialist is getting all the attention they deserve.

Don’t lose track of time. Keep a timepiece in clear view to keep track of how much time is left. As the end of the timeframe nears, say “I asked for 30 minutes, and I want to be respectful of your time. Should we wrap up now, or should we keep talking?”

Do wrap up successfully (and say "Thank you!"). This is the time where it’s appropriate to confirm contact information of referrals the specialist has offered, ask for business cards, and let the specialist know the meeting was appreciated. Follow up with an e-mail or handwritten note to thank him or her again for their time and insights.

Don’t jump on "want a job" offers. Occasionally a specialist may be impressed with the interviewer enough to offer him or her a job. Rather than saying “Yes!” on the spot, respond with something along the lines of, “Wow, I’m really flattered. Thank you! Because I’m still researching my career path, I’m not ready to make that kind of decision right now. Could I get back to you in the near future, once I’m clearer about my plans?”

Sound scary? Most people think so at first, but Piotrowski believes informational interviewing is actually much simpler and less intimidating than many realize.

“Basically, you just need to ask questions and listen. Once you’ve conducted an informational interview or two, you’ll see that it’s really just a fun way to learn about careers that appeal to you.”

The Career Coward's Guide to Changing Careers is available on Amazon.com and at jist.com.

Nine Reasons to Pursue a Federal Job

2011-09-07T05:44:00.000-07:00

Occupational expert and author Laurence Shatkin, Ph.D., is widely known for pinpointing which occupations and industries are most likely to offer employment opportunities, job security and great rewards. In his newest book, 150 Best Federal Jobs, he demystifies the world of federal employment, explaining its advantages and identifying its most promising jobs.

He explains, “The federal government is one of the few industries that were not badly hurt by the recent recession. It continues to offer jobs in a wide variety of fields in locations across the country.”

Here are some of the many reasons Shatkin says people may want to pursue federal jobs, rather than those in the private sector.

• Federal jobs tend to be more secure. When agencies need to reduce their size, they usually do so by attrition (that is, not replacing people who leave). Employees can challenge termination or other personnel decisions through a formal appeals process.

• Hiring and promotion in federal jobs are guided by a stronger commitment to diversity and inclusion than you’ll find in most private-sector worksites.

• Federal jobs offer a wider selection of health-insurance plans than do private-sector employers. Retirees can continue their health-insurance coverage for the same fee they paid while working.

• Federal jobs offer better retirement benefits than many jobs in the private sector.

• Federal jobs offer 10 holidays per year.

• Federal jobs offer 13 vacation days per year to beginning workers, 20 days after 3 years, and 26 days after 15 years. To this, add 13 days of sick leave per year.

• Federal jobs often permit flexible work arrangements. For example, you may be able to work four 10-hour days per week or do some work from home. Workers are rarely required to work more than 40 hours. This can make a huge difference in some fields such as law and accounting.

• High-quality day care for children is often available at federal job sites or sometimes is subsidized at off-site centers.

• Federal jobs can give you the satisfaction of serving the nation.

Additional information about the federal government, as well as more than 55 “best federal jobs” lists can be found in 150 Best Federal Jobs. The book is available in major bookstores, at Amazon.com and at JIST.com.

Recently Released from JIST Publishing

2011-09-01T07:51:00.000-07:00

We’re pleased to announce that we’ve added a new book to our renowned Best Jobs series. 150 Best Federal Jobs hits shelves this month and it’s packed with information useful to anyone interested in working for one of the nation’s most exciting employers: the federal government!

See below for additional information about the book, which is available in major bookstores, at Amazon.com, and at JIST.com.

150 Best Federal Jobs
By Laurence Shatkin, Ph.D.

With a projected 10 percent increase in employment through 2018, the federal government offers good salaries, great benefits, job security, and flexible work schedules across the nation. Yet some federal jobs pay better and promise more growth than others.

This new addition to JIST's popular Best Jobs series helps readers target their federal job search toward the most promising occupations in just two steps. First, readers will study the 55 "best federal jobs" lists, which are organized by pay, growth, openings, gender, education and experience levels, and much more. A bonus list reveals which federal jobs are posted most frequently.

In the next section of the book, readers are able to explore 150 job descriptions to learn about the occupations that interest them most. Each description gives detailed facts on the job’s

• pay, growth, and openings
• comparative data for jobs in all industries
• considerations for job outlook
• required education and training
• G.S. Series information
• skills needed
• work environment
• and more

Readers will also learn about why the federal hiring process is unique, discover how to search and apply for jobs, and identify where jobs are located. Additional material covers the pay systems for federal jobs, opportunities for veterans and job seekers with disabilities, and college majors that connect to federal jobs.

The Many Routes to a Green Career

2011-08-30T07:13:00.000-07:00

The green job market is growing, and experts say we shouldn’t expect that growth to slow down any time soon. In fact, Stan Schatt and Michele Lobl, co-authors of the recently released book Paint Your Career Green, say “The future is likely to see an explosion in the number of ‘green jobs,’ with corresponding new career tracks.”

If you’re interested in establishing a career in the up-and-coming green industry, now is a great time to acquire the training you’ll need. Opportunities abound for you to earn certification in much less time than it would take you to prepare for careers in other industries. According to Schatt and Lobl, colleges and nonprofit organizations are adding new green certificate programs all the time. “In many ways, now is the ideal time to make a change. Because green industries are in their infancy, even minimal training will give you an edge and make you a valuable asset. With green industries beginning to mature several years from now, educational requirements are bound to become far more demanding as new types of green certification become standard,” they explain.

They also note that many of the most attractive certificates are being offered by community colleges or educational organizations online. They encourage you to remember that even though an associate degree requires two years of study, many community colleges offer certificate programs lasting only a year

In Paint Your Career Green, Schatt and Lobl provide information about training programs, the schools offering these programs, and the state where training takes place. To view examples of some of the training options they mention, click here.

Paint Your Career Green is available at Amazon.com, at major bookstores, and at JIST.com.

15 Tips for Designing an Eye-Catching Resume

2011-08-29T06:22:00.000-07:00

FACT: Looks do matter—at least, as far as your resume is concerned.

Your resume can feature an impressive work history, stellar achievements and in-demand skills, but if this content is strewn haphazardly across the page, it probably won’t make the impact you want. That’s why your resume’s layout and design are just as important as the information it contains.

“Whether your resume is presented on paper or on-screen, it is important that it be inviting and easy-to-read. Otherwise, it may not be read at all,” explains David F. Noble, Ph.D., in the recently released fifth edition of his book Gallery of Best Resumes.

Noble’s book is packed with advice on how to format a resume for maximum impact and readability. Here are a few of the tips he shares.

• Try left- or right-aligning dates. This technique is especially useful in chronological resumes and combination resumes.

• Resist the temptation to use full justification for text (in which each line goes all the way to the right margin). The price you pay for a straight right margin is uneven word spacing. Words may appear too close together on some lines and too spread out on others. Although the resume might look uniform, you lose readability.

• To call attention to an item in a list, use a bullet or a box instead of a hyphen.

• Try using bullets of a different style, such as diamond bullets, rather than using the usual round or square bullets.

• Brevity is not always the best strategy with bullets. When you use bullets, make certain that the bulleted items go beyond the superficial and contain information that employers want to know. Many short bulleted statements that say nothing special can affect the reader negatively.

• Beware of becoming “font happy” and turning your resume into a font circus. Frequent font changes can distract the reader, and so can gaudy display type. Also, if you are e-mailing or submitting your resume online, uncommon fonts may not display correctly if the people receiving your resume don’t have that font installed on their machines.

• If your resume will be printed, use a serif font for greater readability. Serif fonts have little lines extending from the tops, bottoms and ends of the characters. These fonts tend to be easier to read than sans serif (without serif) fonts, especially in low-light conditions.

• If your resume will be read on-screen, consider using a sans serif font, which is the standard for on-screen text. Sans serif fonts sometimes are used for section headings or your name at the top of the resume.

• Think twice about underlining words in your resume. Underlining defeats the purpose of serifs at the bottom of characters by blending with the serifs. In trying to emphasize words, you lose some visual clarity. This is especially true if you use underlining with uppercase letters in centered or side headings.

• When you want to call attention to a word or phrase, use bold or italic. Boldfacing can make different job experiences or achievements more evident. You might consider using italic for duties, strengths, achievements or company descriptions.

• Use a horizontal line to separate your name (or name and address) from the rest of the resume.

• Use horizontal lines to separate the different sections of the resume.

• Be consistent in your use of line spacing. How you handle line spacing can tell the reader how attentive you are to details and how consistent you are in your use of them. If, near the beginning of your resume, you insert two line spaces (two hard returns in a word processing program) between two main sections, be sure to put two line spaces between all the main sections in your resume.

• Make each page a full page. More important than the number of pages is whether each page is a full page. A partial page suggests deficiency, as if the reason for it is just that information on page one has spilled over onto page two. Then it becomes evident that you don’t have enough information to fill two pages. In that situation, try to compress all your information onto the first page. If you have a resume that is almost two pages, make it two full pages. Achieving this look may require that you adjust the character and line spacing settings in your word processing software.

• Have a comfortable mix of white space and words. If your resume has too many words and not enough white space, it looks cluttered and unfriendly. If it has too much white space and too few words, it looks skimpy and unimportant.

Gallery of Best Resumes, Fifth Edition, is available at Amazon.com, in major bookstores and from the publisher.

Resume Tips for Ex-Offenders Turned Job Seekers

2011-08-25T05:52:00.000-07:00

Each year, federal and state prisons release more than 600,000 offenders back into society, according to JIST’s correctional video series Countdown to Freedom.

Although many offenders develop valuable work skills and experience during their incarceration, their reentry into the regular workforce can be problematic.

“Turning one’s life around and finding employment after incarceration can be a daunting task,” say Wendy Enelow and Louise Kursmark, co-authors of Expert Resumes for People Returning to Work, Second Edition.

Anyone who has ever written a resume knows the process can be difficult, but people who have served time also face a handful of other unique challenges in their writing process and throughout the job search. For instance, a considerable employment gap in a person’s career or work experience based within a correctional facility may trigger an employer to think twice about interviewing the job seeker.

Fortunately, there are strategies to help offenders prevent these scenarios from coming between them and an interview. Enelow and Kursmark suggest offenders use a functional/skills resume format, rather than a chronological format that focuses on a person’s past employment experience.

“The focus of functional/skills resumes is on your skills, qualifications, project highlights and achievements. You want to draw your readers’ attention to the experience, knowledge and value you bring to their organization,” say Enelow and Kursmark.

“At the same time, it’s beneficial to downplay your previous work experience so that you’re not drawing attention to the fact that you haven’t worked for years.”

Other tips Enelow and Kursmark have for job seekers making the transition from incarceration to the workforce include:

• In the Employment History section of the resume, address employment during incarceration under a “temporary assignments” listing.

• In situations of limited work experience and education, highlight personal attributes to convey the soft skills that will be important to employers.

• Use all relevant work experience of jobs held while in prison to show broad qualifications and job stability.

• List any training or certification received during incarceration if it applies to the available position.

If the incarceration period is short, it is acceptable to ignore the most recent months or years and concentrate on prior work experience related to current career goals.

In some instances, it is acceptable to list a correctional facility as a place where work experience was earned. For example, a job seeker may be interested in a position with a center for troubled youth. Rather than glossing over a troubled past, the job seeker could make a strong case for a life turnaround and skills learned through personal experience. This would most likely appear in a profile or objective section of the resume.

Although tips like these may help job seekers keep their incarceration off the radar of employers, this information must be disclosed if asked on a job application or in an interview. Should this subject arise during an interview, job seekers should be mindful that it’s an opportunity for them to discuss their experience in further detail.

Expert Resumes for People Returning to Work is available at Amazon.com, major bookstores, and jist.com. The Countdown to Freedom Video Series is available at jist.com.

Breaking the Employment-Gap Barrier

2011-08-23T05:31:00.000-07:00

By Darlene Divine, JIST Publishing

A large gap in employment caused by extended joblessness, incarceration or illness certainly puts the brakes on an individual’s career journey, but this barrier can be broken.

The primary issue with a lengthy term of unemployment is that from the first glance of a resume, an employer begins to question the applicant’s dependability, integrity, and skills. Questions arise, such as:

• Why couldn’t this person find a job?
• Is the applicant lazy?
• What is he or she trying to hide?

The key is to avoid being screened out before presenting relevant qualifications.

In the workbook Overcoming Barriers to Employment Success, John J. Liptak, Ed.D., suggests that cold calling is one of the best ways to ensure the employment-gap barrier doesn’t eliminate job prospects. To be successful, Liptak offers five simple steps for implementing this job search strategy.

1. Research and screen organizations of interest to find the best match for a job seeker’s skills and experience.

2. Identify hiring officials in these organizations, such as the manager of the department an individual would like to work for.

3. Send a well-crafted cover letter and resume customized for each employer.

4. Make the phone presentation two to three days after the resume and cover letter arrive using a phone script as a guide.

5. Ask for an interview to present skills and discuss future openings if none currently exists.

Keep in mind, the best job search plan is to incorporate multiple strategies. In addition, individuals unemployed for a long period of time must be prepared to address tough questions related to employment gaps in the interview.

Designed for any individual looking to conquer their employment obstacles, Overcoming Barriers to Employment Success is a dynamic resource for reaching clients with even the most challenging backgrounds. It is available at jist.com.

It’s About Time Everyone Updated Their Resume

2011-08-18T05:25:00.000-07:00

Next month, individuals throughout the world will be encouraged to bring their resume up-to-date as part of “International Update Your Resume Month,” an annual campaign led exclusively by Career Directors International (CDI).

This initiative isn’t just for individuals thinking about changing jobs in the near future. It’s for everyone, including professionals who need to document the skills, achievements and experience they’ve developed over the past year; people who are interested in obtaining a side gig or promotion; and anyone who wants to be prepared in the event of a layoff or industry collapse.

Resume expert David F. Noble, Ph.D., shares a wealth of advice in the new fifth edition of his book Gallery of Best Resumes that would greatly benefit people of all ages and experience levels needing to modernize and strengthen their resume.

Here are a few of Noble’s tips:

• Include a Profile section that is focused, interesting and unique. A Profile section can be your first opportunity to sell yourself.

• When your skills and abilities are varied, group them according to categories for easier comprehension.

• Consider including a Highlights section to draw attention to special accomplishments or achievements.

• Summarize your qualifications and work experiences to avoid having to repeat yourself in the job descriptions.

• Create a prominent Expertise section that draws together the skills and abilities you have gained in previous work experience.

• Incorporate testimonials in your resume. These can be quotes from performance reviews or comments from clients, for instance. Devoting a whole column to the positive opinions of “external authorities” helps make a resume convincing as well as impressive.

• Instead of just listing your achievements, present them as challenges or problems solved, indicating what you did when something went wrong or needed fixing.

Additional resume tips and hundreds of resume samples can be found in Gallery of Best Resumes, Fifth Edition, which published this month. The book is available at Amazon.com, in all major bookstores and from the publisher (www.jist.com or 1.800.648.JIST).

Preview JIST’s Newest DVD “Workplace Communication Skills”

2011-08-16T05:39:00.000-07:00

Communication skills top the list of qualities that employers seek from job candidates, according to a recent survey conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). Individuals who possess stellar communication skills are more likely to land jobs, keep them and get promoted.

JIST’s newest DVD, Workplace Communication Skills, teaches viewers about the importance of good communication in the workplace and how to improve upon these skills. Viewers get guidance for developing their verbal, listening, nonverbal, and written skills. The program depicts scenarios of good and poor communication skills in action and includes expert interviews on workplace communication. This DVD also addresses communication through e-mail, voicemail, cell phones, video conferencing, and online sites like Facebook and Twitter.

To preview the program, check out this video clip.

Get a Green Job Now Without Starting Over

2011-08-09T05:58:00.000-07:00

Billions of dollars are being invested in the development of new green technology. As a result, there’s a growing need for skilled workers in many occupations and industries that are new or evolving.

In their recently released book Paint Your Career Green: Get a Green Job Without Starting Over, Stan Schatt and Michele Lobl explain, “These funds will spawn the development of new businesses that will design, build and sell alternative-energy vehicles and research, manufacture and install smart grids and other environmentally friendly technologies. The trend is clear: As products move from the research and design stages to production and distribution phases, there will be an increased need for people trained and ready to fill new career positions. Fuel-cell batteries will need to be produced, distributed, sold and then repaired. Old diesel engines will need to be retrofitted. New public-transportation initiatives will require people to plan, schedule, analyze and drive new vehicles.”

Schatt and Lobl further explain that many green industry positions look and feel like similar jobs in other industries. For example, a financial analyst could become an energy auditor after acquiring knowledge of green technology costs. A construction sales manager could become a solar energy sales manager after acquiring knowledge on solar technology.

“In many ways, now is the ideal time to pursue a green job,” say Schatt and Lobl. “Because green industries are in their infancy, even minimal training will give you an edge and make you a valuable asset. When green industries begin to mature several years from now, educational requirements are bound to become far more demanding as new types of green certification become standard.”

Schatt and Lobl’s book, Paint Your Career Green, is packed with additional information about the green jobs market, plus practical advice for achieving a green, in-demand opportunity. Throughout the book, they provide:

Guidance for assessing your career direction and making a green career-change plan.

A rundown of green certificate programs that offer retraining in a short time.

Tips for researching green careers and employers.

Advice on leveraging social networking to find green opportunities.

Resume and cover letter tips for hitting the green angle without overdoing it.

Interview strategies for career changers.

Paint Your Career Green: Get a Green Job Without Starting Over published this month and is available in major bookstores, at Amazon.com and from the publisher.

Labor Market Trends and Their Impact on Your Career

2011-08-03T10:54:00.000-07:00

There’s no crystal ball that can reveal which fields and occupations will die or thrive in the years to come. That doesn’t mean that there’s a lack of knowledge about what to expect from the future job market.

Every day, occupational experts like Laurence Shatkin analyze trends in the labor market and interpret how these trends might affect people’s careers—now and in the future.

In the recently released tenth edition of Top 100 Careers Without a Four-Year Degree, Shatkin identifies the following labor market trends and explains how they can have a profound effect on a person’s success in the job search and their career.

Education pays.

It’s no secret that people who have more education and training generally earn more than those with less, but the advantages don’t stop there. According to Shatkin, “Jobs that require education and training beyond high school are projected to grow significantly faster than jobs that do not. People with higher levels of education and training are less likely to be unemployed, and when they are, they remain unemployed for shorter periods of time. There are always exceptions, but it is clear that more education results in higher earnings and lower rates of unemployment.”

Knowledge of computer and other technologies is increasingly important.

Shatkin explains that in all fields, people without job-related technical or computer skills tend to have a more difficult time finding good opportunities because they are competing with others who do have these skills. “Employers hire people who have the skills they need, and people without these abilities won’t get the best jobs. So, whatever your age, consider upgrading your job-related computer and technology skills if they are not up to date—and plan to keep them current on your present and future jobs,” he adds.

Ongoing education and training are essential.

According to Shatkin, rapid changes in technology have prompted the requirement for people to continue learning throughout their work life. He says, “Jobs are constantly upgraded, and today’s jobs often cannot be handled by people who have only the knowledge and skills that were adequate for workers a few years ago. To remain competitive, you will need to constantly upgrade your technology and other job-related skills. This may include taking formal courses, reading work-related magazines at home, signing up for on-the-job training, or participating in other forms of education.”

Career planning is more important than ever.

“Most people spend more time watching TV in a week than they spend on career planning during an entire year. Yet most people will change their jobs many times and make major career changes five to seven times. For this reason, it is important for you to spend time considering your career options and preparing to advance,” explains Shatkin.

In addition to covering these labor market trends and many others, Shatkin provides a wealth of other occupational information throughout Top 100 Careers Without a Four-Year Degree, Tenth Edition. The book overviews 100 careers that do not require a bachelor’s degree. These job descriptions include information about each job’s pay, outlook, education requirements, skills needed, and much more.

The book also includes checklists and a “Job-Match Grid” that helps readers assess their skills and match them to the occupations in the book. A bonus section gives readers results-oriented career planning and job search advice. Readers will learn how to develop a “skills language,” take advantage of the most effective job search methods, prepare for interviews and more.

Top 100 Careers Without a Four-Year Degree, Tenth Edition, is available at Amazon.com, major bookstores, libraries, and jist.com. To learn more about the book, read excerpts or view the table of contents, click here.

Recently Released from JIST Publishing

2011-08-01T08:46:00.000-07:00

We’re thrilled to announce that we’re releasing a few new books this month, as well as a new DVD and a new booklet in our Quick series. See below for details about these items.

Paint Your Career Green
Book by Stan Schatt and Michele Lobl

People's interest in green jobs is soaring, but few books actually address what these jobs are and how they can be obtained. In fact, Paint Your Career Green is the only book that offers practical advice on what it takes to transition into a green career.

This book provides a roadmap for people who want to avoid starting over or taking a severe pay cut when they change careers to become part of a growing green industry. Readers will learn about green certificate programs that offer retraining in a short timeframe. They'll also gain practical tips on how to manage finances while changing careers, tools for assessing themselves and building a career-change plan, and advice for using social networking websites to uncover green opportunities.

Authors Stan Schatt and Michele Lobl also guide readers through key job search stages, equipping them with resume and cover letter tips and interview advice specifically tailored for career changers.

Learn more
Read an excerpt
View the table of contents

Gallery of Best Resumes, Fifth Edition
Book by David Noble

Getting more than a moment of attention from potential employers isn’t easy in today’s job market. Not only are job seekers competing with a pool of other candidates, they’re also up against resume screening software. Overcoming these obstacles is essential, and Gallery of Best Resumes helps job seekers do that and much more.

This book showcases the very best resume samples—selected from thousands of submissions developed by professional resume writers throughout the nation. These powerful resumes cover jobs from all occupational groups at all levels. In addition, the author provides a wealth of guidance on writing, designing, and using resumes and cover letters to get more immediate results in the job search.

New content for this edition includes updated sample resumes and more coverage of electronic resumes, including samples and tips for creating and formatting them.

Learn more

Top 100 Careers Without a Four-Year Degree, Tenth Edition
Reference book by Michael Farr and Laurence Shatkin, Ph.D.

Many jobs that do not require a four-year degree need workers and are growing quickly. This completely updated edition of Top 100 Careers Without a Four-Year Degree identifies which of these jobs are most promising and offers extensive information about them.

With this comprehensive resource job seekers, students, career changers, and anyone else doing occupational research will:

• explore 100 careers that don’t need a bachelor’s degree.
• assess which of these careers match their skills.
• learn how to get a job quickly.

As part of JIST’s Top Careers series, this book provides current, interesting job descriptions that include information about each job’s pay, outlook, education requirements, skills needed, and much more.

A special book-within-a-book section describes the seven steps that cut job search time in half and includes sample resumes crafted by professional resume writers. In addition, an easy-to-use assessment matches readers’ personal skills with the characteristics of the jobs described in the book.

Learn more
Read an excerpt
View a job description
View the table of contents

Quick Career Exploration Guide
Booklet by Laurence Shatkin, Ph.D.

Which career is right for me?

This question stumps many students, job seekers, and career changers. Fortunately, through a step-by-step process, these individuals can discover their personality type and the careers that best match it.

This new booklet introduces readers to the Holland RIASEC personality codes in an easy-to-understand way. Then, through a short assessment, readers learn their primary and secondary personality types. With this information in hand, individuals can focus on the jobs that match their type. Brief job descriptions—organized by Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—include facts on wages, growth, and job openings. A final step urges readers to further investigate the careers that interest them and to make a tentative choice. Resources and techniques for additional exploration are provided.

Learn more.

Workplace Communication Skills
DVD by The Editors at JIST

Communication skills top the list of qualities that employers seek from job candidates, according to a recent survey conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). Individuals who possess stellar communication skills are more likely to land jobs, keep them and get promoted.

This DVD teaches viewers about the importance of good communication in the workplace and how to improve upon these skills. Viewers get guidance for developing their verbal, listening, nonverbal, and written skills. The program depicts scenarios of good and poor communication skills in action and includes expert interviews on workplace communication. This DVD also addresses communication through e-mail, voicemail, cell phones, video conferencing, and online sites like Facebook and Twitter.

Helpful pause points allow instructors to stop the program and discuss the material.

Learn more
View a video clip

Check out JIST’s Newest Catalog

2011-07-28T05:54:00.000-07:00

Many of you probably received JIST’s Workforce Development Catalog in the mail this week and we hope you enjoy browsing through it. The catalog spotlights a variety of different product types (assessments, workbooks, DVDs, references, etc.) that cover a wide range of career and education topics for people of all ages. The catalog also includes information about new and upcoming products such as

STEM Careers Inventory (assessment)

Transferable Skills Scale, Second Edition (assessment)

Quick Nontraditional Careers Guide (booklet)

Getting the Job You Really Want (workbook)

EZ Occupational Outlook Handbook (reference book)

Progressive Careers (4-volume reference set)

Getting the Job You Really Want Video Series

Good First Impressions (DVD)

Workplace Communication Skills (DVD)

If you didn’t receive our workforce development catalog, you can click on the image below to view an electronic version of it. Clicking on the product images will direct you to more information about that item on jist.com, where you’ll be able to view video clips, sample pages, tables of contents, and instructor’s guides.

To put yourself on our mail list for catalogs and brochures, sign up here.

Preview JIST’s “Green Jobs” DVD

2011-07-26T06:16:00.000-07:00

Green jobs are some of the fastest-growing opportunities in the world of work. Yet, many people are mystified about what a green job is and they’re even more confused about how to obtain one.

JIST’s DVD Green Jobs sheds light on the variety of green job opportunities available and the education and training needed to obtain these opportunities. The program features interviews with knowledgeable professionals like occupational expert Laurence Shatkin, Ph.D., author of 200 Best Jobs for Renewing America.

The DVD pinpoints which types of jobs are considered green, where the opportunities are, and how to best prepare for these growing careers. Below is a brief video clip from the DVD.

The full program is 25 minutes long (plus bonus content) and is available at jist.com.

New Specials on JIST.com

2011-07-21T07:17:00.000-07:00

Our newest special offers are ideal for teachers, counselors and workforce development professionals. For a limited time, JIST is offering discounted pricing on our two online workshops Job Search Advantage and Soft Skills Advantage.

Now you can purchase either workshop for your students or clients for just $23.95 per participant. See below for additional details about each workshop.

Job Search Advantage

Give individuals the edge they need with this new self-paced, online workshop. Job Search Advantage quickly and affordably trains clients and students without instructors, preparation, and classrooms. It covers the essential steps proven to cut job search time in half. Millions of job seekers have found better jobs faster using the techniques featured in this online workshop.

Available 24/7 from any computer with Web access, this convenient class teaches the most effective job search methods and explains how to write a resume and cover letter, score more interviews, answer any interview question, and more. Videos, checklists, examples, interactive quizzes, and downloadable content reinforce the workshop's key objectives. Learn more.

~~Price: 1–50 workshops $29.95 each~~ Now $23.95 each
~~Price: 51–200 workshops $28.95 each~~ Now $23.95 each
~~Price: 201+ workshops $26.95 each~~ Now $23.95 each

Soft Skills Advantage

This self-paced on-line workshop teaches people how to succeed at work with soft skills. Through seven lessons, individuals learn what soft skills are and why they are important for keeping a job. Many studies have identified the soft, or intangible, skills that employers want in employees, such as honesty, good communication skills, and positive attitudes. Understanding and improving soft skills will help workers at all levels and exceed employer expectations.

Available 24/7 from any computer with Web access, this convenient workshop includes videos, examples, interactive quizzes, and downloadable content that reinforce key objectives. After completing the workshop, participants can print a "Soft Skills Advantage Summary" and a Certificate of Completion. Learn more.

~~Price: 1–50 workshops $29.95 each~~ Now $23.95 each
~~Price: 51–200 workshops $28.95 each~~ Now $23.95 each
~~Price: 201+ workshops $26.95 each~~ Now $23.95 each

Struggling to Declare a College Major? Turn to Working Professionals for Advice

2011-07-20T05:32:00.000-07:00

Researching Careers Through Informational Interviews

Many people enroll in college with no idea what they want to study. Some are fortunate enough to figure it out quickly. Others struggle with indecision, and when the time comes to declare a college major they’re unprepared to make a selection. This uncertainty can lead to stress, hasty decisions and future regrets.

To overcome indecision, academic advisors and career professionals encourage students to gather as much information as they can about potential occupations and majors. According to John Liptak, Ed.D., author of College Major Quizzes, a great strategy for this research is to conduct informational interviews with professionals who have already earned their degree and spent time navigating the world of work.

He explains, “In an informational interview, you can learn about the person’s job duties, working conditions and much more. Informational interviews can be a formal scheduled meeting or an informal, quick conversation in the parking lot. You can begin this process with people you know such as friends, relatives and neighbors.”

Here are some of the tips Liptak further shares for gathering helpful information from working professionals:

• Be assertive and ask people for their help. Most people will be gracious and provide you with the information you need.

• Remember that the Career Services Center at your college or university might have a list of alumni who can provide you with information about occupations and maybe even act as mentors to you while you are in the major selection process.

• Focus on conducting occupational interviews with people in occupations of interest to you. These interviews will help you begin expanding or narrowing your options.

• Use social networking sites, such as Facebook and LinkedIn, to gather occupational information quickly and efficiently.

• Write down the information you learn from the interviews so you can refer to it later.

When conducting an informational interview, Liptak recommends asking the following questions:

• What characteristics do the people in your occupation have in common?

• What did the majority of people whom you know with this job major in?

• How did you prepare for your career?

• What did you major in?

• What was it like to major in that?

• What did you like most about your college major?

• If you had to go through college again, what would you do differently?

• What is the future of your occupation?

College Major Quizzes is available on Amazon.com, at major bookstores, and at jist.com.

Upcoming Webinar | Job Loss Crisis Management: Job Search Strategies for the Career Counselor

2011-07-18T08:08:00.001-07:00

Do you work with job seekers? Would you like to better understand the obstacles they face and discover ways to help them overcome challenges? If so, join us for a webinar on September 27th at 11 a.m. EDT.

Hosted by career expert Jean Baur, this webinar takes a careful look at the common obstacles and pitfalls that often frustrate job seekers. After reviewing these barriers, Jean will discuss the shock of job loss, explain the best ways to overcome common obstacles, and identify what individuals need to run an effective search. She’ll also introduce case studies that demonstrate the kinds of experiences others have had in their quest for employment. She’ll tie all of this together with practical tips for moving forward.

The webinar costs $79.00, which includes a free copy of Jean’s book Eliminated! Now What?.

For more information about the webinar or to register for it, click here.

Federal Resume Checklists

2011-07-14T05:38:00.000-07:00

Quick Tips from Federal Resume Expert Kathryn Kraemer Troutman

The Hiring Reform Initiative has prompted many changes in the federal hiring process.

“President Obama’s Memorandum to Agency Heads states that essay-style questions, or KSAs, will be eliminated and individuals will be able to apply for federal employment by submitting resumes and cover letters,” explains Kathryn Kraemer Troutman, author of the recently released fifth edition of Federal Resume Guidebook. “What this really means to the federal resume writer is that the resume will now need to cover the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities, along with accomplishments in a shorter version of the federal resume.”

Troutman further explains that since she released the last edition of Federal Resume Guidebook in 2007, the average federal resume length has grown to five to seven pages. “With the larger number of applicants—100 to 1,000 for each job—Human Resources specialists are unable to read longer resumes because of time management. They are scanning for the education, experience and specialized experience they are seeking. So now we are recommending a more concise federal resume, with keywords from the announcement and more accomplishments.”

In addition to this advice, Troutman provides the following checklists in her book to help federal job seekers develop an outstanding resume that proves they possess the qualifications and experience needed to do the job.

Critical Content in Work Experience
According to Troutman, the Work Experience section is the most important section in the entire federal resume. Here are some facts she encourages you to keep in mind as you prepare to write your resume:

• Focus on relevant work experience that demonstrates your One Year Specialized Experience (or more) from the announcement.
• Include keywords from the announcement.
• Include accomplishment examples that support the KSAs in the announcement.
• Include education, certification and training that is relevant to the position.

Time Management Strategies
Troutman advises you to set aside enough time to prepare your resume:

• Thirty minutes to one hour to analyze the target job announcement for your list of keywords and to study the Duties and Specialized Experience
• One hour to find versions of resumes, accomplishments and other documents
• One hour to set up your account/profile in USAJOBS
• Four to five hours to write, edit and proofread the federal resume

Typical Length
According to Troutman, the typical length of a federal resume is

• Four to six pages in the USAJOBS format
• Five pages in Microsoft Word with one-inch margins

Methods for Writing
Here are some of Troutman’s top tips for writing your federal resume:

• Create the Outline Format with all-cap headings using keywords and KSA language.
• Cover the specialized experience from the announcement.
• Focus on the last 10 years of dates and employers.
• Summarize or write short paragraphs for positions for the prior 10 years.
• Maximum length of paragraphs should be between 5 and 10 lines.
• Do not include positions from 20 years ago unless they are very short descriptions.
• Eliminate positions that are short-term or irrelevant.
• Write well, edit well and proofread it.
• Include at least one interesting, quantified accomplishment on page one of the federal resume to grab the HR specialist’s or supervisor’s attention.

Federal Resume Guidebook, Fifth Edition is available at Amazon.com, in major bookstores and at JIST.com.

10 College Majors for People Who Want to Change the World

2011-07-12T07:20:00.000-07:00

Majors that Matter

Many professionals long for a more fulfilling job, and when many students envision their future they see themselves making a difference in their community and the lives of others.

Jobs that matter are in high demand, and few people fall into them. If you’re already in the workforce and want a more meaningful career, you may need to acquire new training or return to school. If you’re a student, you’ll want to choose a major that complements the purpose you feel passionate about—that may be helping others, improving the environment or changing policies for the greater good.

Occupational expert Laurence Shatkin, Ph.D., identified college majors that tend to put people on paths to world-improving jobs in his recently released book 10 Best College Majors for Your Personality, Second Edition. Here are 10 of the college majors he selected, based on data he gathered from the Department of Labor.

Computer Science
Annual earnings of related jobs: $99,000
Percent growth of related jobs: 23. 6 percent
Annual openings of related jobs: 7,023

Physician Assisting
Annual earnings of related jobs: $84,000
Percent growth of related jobs: 39 percent
Annual openings of related jobs: 4,280

Physical Therapy
Annual earnings of related jobs: $74,000
Percent growth of related jobs: 30.3 percent
Annual openings of related jobs: 7,860

Nursing (R.N. Training)
Annual earnings of related jobs: $64,000
Percent growth of related jobs: 22.2 percent
Annual openings of related jobs: 103,900

Biochemistry
Annual earnings of related jobs: $82,000
Percent growth of related jobs: 36.9 percent
Annual openings of related jobs: 3,498

Business Management
Annual earnings of related jobs: $116,000
Percent growth of related jobs: 2.1 percent
Annual openings of related jobs: 28,909

Law
Annual earnings of related jobs: $112,000
Percent growth of related jobs: 13 percent
Annual openings of related jobs: 24,392

Pharmacy
Annual earnings of related jobs: $109,000
Percent growth of related jobs: 17 percent
Annual openings of related jobs: 10,580

Veterinary Medicine
Annual earnings of related jobs: $81,000
Percent growth of related jobs: 32.9 percent
Annual openings of related jobs: 3,020

Communications Studies/Speech
Annual earnings of related jobs: $52,000
Percent growth of related jobs: 23.3 percent
Annual openings of related jobs: 14,170

10 Best College Majors for Your Personality, Second Edition, is available at Amazon.com, in major bookstores, and at JIST.com.

Preview JIST's DVD "RIASEC at Work: Match Your Personality to Careers"

2011-07-07T05:55:00.001-07:00

Not everybody is right for every job, and not every job is right for everybody. In fact, your personality—those characteristics, traits and preferences that make you who you are—is a major factor in determining which occupations are best for you. People who follow career paths that match their personalities are more likely to be both satisfied and successful.

JIST’s DVD RIASEC at Work introduces viewers to one of the best ways to discover which jobs are right for their personality. It’s called the RIASEC personality theory, and it is a time-tested tool for exploring and deciding on a career. The RIASEC theory was developed by psychologist John Holland and features the six personality types: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising and Conventional.

Throughout this program, viewers will learn how the tasks and work environments of several different jobs correspond to various personality types. They’ll also discover which jobs are a better fit for each personality type and which careers match their own personality type the best. Here’s a brief clip from RIASEC at Work that explains why it’s so important to consider your personality type when making decisions about your career.

RIASEC at Work is available at jist.com.

Recently Released from JIST Publishing: College Major Quizzes

2011-07-05T06:05:00.000-07:00

We’re thrilled to announce that College Major Quizzes hits shelves this month! This book was written by John Liptak, Ed.D., who has developed dozens of JIST’s assessments. Liptak is also the Director of Career Assessment and Counseling at Radford University and has written other books for JIST including Career Quizzes.

Here are some details about College Major Quizzes as well as a glimpse at the book’s table of contents and Chapter One.

College Major Quizzes
by John Liptak, Ed.D.

Choosing a college major is a fundamental step in building the foundation for a successful future. Yet, it also poses a dilemma for current college students and college-bound individuals fraught with uncertainty. Some are torn between multiple majors. Some have already chosen a major, but later realized it was a poor fit. Others know exactly what they want to be after graduating from college, but don’t know which major will prepare them best. And there are also those who are completely clueless about what they want to be and what they want to study.

Regardless of their degree of uncertainty, students need a methodical way to explore their options, assess themselves, and select a major that’s a great fit for their interests and goals. JIST Publishing’s newest book, College Major Quizzes, gives individuals this essential direction.

The book provides a step-by-step system for choosing a rewarding college major and career path. It provides checklists for identifying majors that fit the reader’s personality, strategies for researching options and making choices, and descriptions of hundreds of college majors. It also provides these 12 engaging quizzes to aid readers in their decision-making.

1. The College Major Stress Assessment Scale
2. Barriers to Choosing a Major Scale
3. Creative Insights Inventory
4. Career Interest Inventory
5. Career Skills Inventory
6. The Favorite Subjects Scale
7. The Career Personality Inventory
8. The Work Values Scale
9. The Leisure Activities Scale
10. The College Majors Research Scale
11. The Decision-Making Style Scale
12. The Educational Motivation Scale

Liptak explains that the purpose of these quizzes is not to pigeonhole readers, but to allow them to explore their personal preferences and characteristics and how they impact career development.

“Many career professionals say that the choice of a major, and the occupations that are tied to this major, is the second most important decision a person will make in a lifetime, only second to the choice of a life partner!” he says. “Because of the importance of this decision, students should engage in a logical process to make it, one that helps them assess their personal characteristics and match them to specific majors at the colleges they attend.”

College Major Quizzes published this month and is available in major bookstores, at Amazon.com and from the publisher.

Click on the images below to view the table of contents and to read an excerpt from the book.

New: Special Offers on JIST.com

2011-07-01T07:18:00.000-07:00

This month JIST is offering discounted pricing on the following items. These products must be purchased through jist.com to qualify for the special pricing.

Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-2011

This best-selling reference features well-written, interesting descriptions for more than 300 major jobs in the U.S., plus summary information on additional jobs. In each description, the book discusses the nature of the work, work environment, job outlook through 2018, required training and education, earnings, related occupations, and additional information sources, including websites. Packed with practical, current information, the OOH is a valuable resource for anyone doing career research, making career decisions, writing resumes, and preparing for interviews. Learn more.

Hardcover Price:
~~1— 4 copies $25.95 each~~ Now 1—4 copies $18.16.each
~~5+ copies $21.95 each~~ Now 5+ copies $15.36 each

Softcover Price:
~~1— 4 copies $19.95 each~~ Now 1—4 copies $13.96 each
~~5+ copies $16.95 each~~ Now 5+ copies $11.86 each

Getting the Job You Really Want, Sixth Edition

This complete curriculum provides the core materials that thousands of schools, colleges, and workforce development programs have used successfully for many years—plus new and enhanced content! Using this workbook, readers learn proven techniques on all major job search topics. They gain results-oriented, step-by-step instructions for identifying skills, determining ideal jobs, exploring career alternatives, finding unadvertised jobs, preparing for interviews, creating resumes, and much more. Learn more.

Price: ~~$21.95~~ Now $20.95!

Getting the Job You Really Want Video Series, Sixth Edition

This comprehensive set of DVDs takes you step-by-step throughout every phase of the job search, plus keeping it! The series teaches how to identify what you want in a job, find the job in less time, interview effectively, negotiate pay and benefits, keep that job, and move up. This series is an ideal supplement to the Getting the Job You Really Want workbook and other job search books available from JIST. Learn more.

Price: ~~$995.00~~ Now $795.00!

Additional Web Specials

For a limited time, JIST is offering 50% discount on more than a dozen reference books and trade titles. Click here to learn more about these great deals.

7 Ways to Strengthen Your Federal Resume

2011-06-29T05:39:00.000-07:00

Specialize your resume with advice from federal resume guru Kathryn Kraemer Troutman

If you’re seeking an in-demand federal job, you’re going to need a strong resume.

According to Kathryn Kraemer Troutman, author of the best-selling book Federal Resume Guidebook, “Competition is growing for federal jobs. In today’s job market, hundreds and thousands of job seekers are sending resumes for federal positions. It’s well publicized in the media that federal jobs pay better, and benefits and retirement are better than in the private industry.”

Troutman says that to stand out from the competition, you’ll need a federal resume that’s specialized for the position that interests you. In her book, she shares these tips for doing just that:

Read the Occupational Groups and Families description of your target job. Target your resume toward one occupational series at a time (or two at the most). Be careful to include the specialized experience and skills for each series in your federal resume.

Add your KSAs (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities statements) into the resume. Applications will ask you to demonstrate your KSAs in your resume. The KSAs to be added into your resume will be different for each vacancy announcement even if you are applying for generally the same types of jobs. Make your resume super specialized by adding these KSAs right into the text of your resume in the Work Experience section to get the best score.

Highlight your Specialized Experience. Human resources specialists are overwhelmed with resumes. Because they have so many resumes to review, they are looking for quick ways to eliminate you from consideration. You will want the initial human resources reviewer to see your Specialized Experience quickly. He or she will give you more consideration because your resume clearly demonstrates your qualifications. This could result in a better score on your federal resume (best scores are 90+).

Add keywords from the Specialized Experience section. Change at least 10 to 20 keywords and phrases in your federal resume for each announcement so that the resume clearly hits the Specialized Experience requirements. Find the keywords in the Mission, Duties and Qualifications sections of the vacancy announcements.

Give examples to prove that you have the Specialized Experience. Vacancy announcements will request examples, so you should include them in your federal resume. These examples are your Accomplishment Record; they use your past performance to prove that your future performance will be good.

If possible, add your Specialized Experience to the first page of your resume. The most valuable real estate in your federal resume is the first page. If your last job or current job is your most relevant, list this one first.

Readability counts—add the Specialized Experience in the Outline Format. Use all caps and spacing to help the HR specialist find this important information. A resume that is easy for busy HR specialists to read can help you get a better score and get referred.

Federal Resume Guidebook, Fifth Edition, can be found at Amazon.com, in major bookstores and at jist.com.

Dos and Don’ts for a Midlife Career Change

2011-06-27T05:55:00.000-07:00

Mind these tips before leaping into a new career

Have you been thinking about making a midlife career change? If so, you’re probably experiencing a wide range of emotions. Part of you feels motivated and excited. You’re hungry for change. You crave more fulfillment. You’re prepared to reinvent yourself in the world of work. Yet another part of you is starting to sweat. Your stomach is in knots. What if you fall into the wrong job? What if nobody wants to hire you?

Many people who contemplate changing careers experience this battle of mixed emotions. To help you decide whether you’re truly ready for a career change, JIST turned to Kristin Cardinale, author of The 9-to-5 Cure, for advice. Her tips below address the dos and don’ts you should keep in mind when deciding whether and how you should pursue a new career path.

Q: What should a person do or think about when contemplating a midlife career change?

A: First, clearly define your priorities. Know what the keys are to feeling accomplished, passionate and fulfilled.

Next, have a big-picture goal for your career and your lifestyle in mind. From there, begin to compartmentalize that vision into an actionable plan. Knowing that you want to make a change is the first step in the process, but be sure not to get stuck there. Take the next step by identifying specifically what you would like to see in your next career, taking into consideration the type of work, environment, schedule and intensity level of the field or position that you have in mind.

Also, know what you are hoping to achieve this time around that is different from what you have already done up to this point. What are the gaps in your previous career endeavors that left you feeling unsatisfied?

Q: How can someone change careers without going back to school or starting over?

A: First, inventory all of your traditionally marketable skills. Create a laundry list of any nontraditional skill set you may have obtained through life experience, military training or while in pursuit of a hobby. Oftentimes, these nontraditional skills offer new opportunities in career fields that you may not have previously considered. Be willing to try out multiple career avenues simultaneously until seems to “click” for you. Success comes from trying out new ideas until you find what works for you.

Also, don’t underestimate the power of volunteer training and internships. Nonprofit organizations and corporations often provide on-the-job training opportunities that would otherwise be too pricey for you to afford when you are testing the waters in a new field. Additionally, these opportunities allow you to access decision-makers within the organization who get to see you in action and may consider you for future opportunities ahead of an unknown applicant. Access is power.

Q: What would you caution a career changer from doing?

A: Don’t give up too soon on a great idea. New endeavors take time to blossom. Give yourself permission to have a few failures, learn from them and come out of the experience stronger, smarter and more confident.

Don’t forget to keep the big picture in mind. This is an easy mistake that many newcomers to career change make, and it can spell disaster for some people. To keep your new career path clearly in focus, create a written list, outline or plan that you can refer back to on a regular basis to be sure you’re still on track. Getting caught up in the day-to-day activities of your new career is necessary, but don’t forget to remind yourself along the way about why you made this career change.

Don’t ask too many people for their opinion. If you know in your heart that it’s time for a change, listen to what your intuition is urging you to do. You know yourself better than anyone else. Remember, career change, especially in midlife, goes against the traditional framework with which we are all so familiar. As a result, some people may try to persuade you to just “ride out” your current career path despite the circumstances rather than to reinvent yourself. However, midlife is the perfect time to take the skills and accomplishments you have earned up to this point in your career and charge boldly in the direction of your dreams for this next, best stage of life.

The 9-to-5 Cure is available in print at Amazon.com, in major bookstores, and at jist.com. A Kindle e-book is also available at Amazon.com.

College Majors Related to “Deskless” Jobs

2011-06-23T06:08:00.000-07:00

Often, young people are indecisive about their career goals. They don’t know what they want to be, and so they don’t know what to study while they’re in college.

Yet, despite their indecision about specific jobs and college majors, some young people are certain that they don’t want to end up working behind a desk all day. This bit of self-awareness can help these individuals choose a major that eventually prepares them for active, appealing jobs.

Occupational expert Laurence Shatkin, Ph.D., identifies college majors that relate to jobs not behind a desk in the new edition of his book 10 Best College Majors for Your Personality. To select these majors, Shatkin identified high-activity jobs using occupations’ O*NET ratings for Physical Activity and (lack of) Sitting. He then created a list of college majors that are related to jobs with high levels of activity.

In his book, Shatkin also issues a reminder that even though a job requires a great deal of physical activity, some work tasks may still be conducted behind a desk.

“We live in an information-based economy, with much of the growth in Dilbert-type settings, so any list of the best jobs or best majors includes many options that are not highly active. Nevertheless, a list such as the following can help you avoid the most sedentary choices,” explains Shatkin.

Here are college majors related to jobs not behind a desk featured in 10 Best College Majors for Your Personality, Second Edition.

Medicine
Annual earnings of related jobs: $164,000
Percent growth of related jobs: 21.8 percent
Annual openings of related jobs: 26,050

Physician Assisting
Annual earnings of related jobs: $84,000
Percent growth of related jobs: 39.0 percent
Annual openings of related jobs: 4,280

Bioengineering
Annual earnings of related jobs: $108,000
Percent growth of related jobs: 23.2 percent
Annual openings of related jobs: 2,708

Civil Engineering
Annual earnings of related jobs: $83,000
Percent growth of related jobs: 21.7 percent
Annual openings of related jobs: 12,678

Biochemistry
Annual earnings of related jobs: $82,000
Percent growth of related jobs: 36.9 percent
Annual openings of related jobs: 3,498

Law
Annual earnings of related jobs: $112,000
Percent growth of related jobs: 13.0 percent
Annual openings of related jobs: 24,392

Economics
Annual earnings of related jobs: $65,000
Percent growth of related jobs: 24.1 percent
Annual openings of related jobs: 4,081

Accounting
Annual earnings of related jobs: $60,000
Percent growth of related jobs: 21.5 percent
Annual openings of related jobs: 50,818

Veterinary Medicine
Annual earnings of related jobs: $81,000
Percent growth of related jobs: 32.9 percent
Annual openings of related jobs: 3,020

Biology
Annual earnings of related jobs: $115,000
Percent growth of related jobs: 15.5 percent
Annual openings of related jobs: 2,010

10 Best College Majors for Your Personality, Second Edition, is available at Amazon.com, in major bookstores, and from JIST Publishing.

Despite Federal Hiring Reform, Job Seekers Should Still Address KSAs

2011-06-21T05:32:00.000-07:00

Last year, the federal hiring process underwent many changes. Most notably, federal agencies were instructed to “eliminate any requirement that applicants respond to essay-style questions when submitting their initial application materials for any federal job.”

These questions are known as KSAs, which stands for Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. Although these essay-style questions have been eliminated from the federal application, job seekers should still address their knowledge, skills and abilities in their federal resume.

In the new fifth edition of her best-selling book Federal Resume Guidebook, Kathryn Kraemer Troutman explains, “In the past, KSAs took the form of long, one-page, 8,000-character narratives that described experiences that served as proof of an applicant’s knowledge, skill or ability in each required area of expertise. These narratives were then formally ‘rated and ranked’ with a scoring system based on the complexity of the experience. The difference that has come as a result of President Obama’s federal hiring reform is the way KSAs are incorporated into federal applications.”

According to Troutman, most federal applications now are composed of two or three parts:

The federal resume with KSA-style accomplishment statements.

A questionnaire with self-assessment questions, which cover the KSAs for the position.

Additional requested documents, such as transcripts and veteran’s documents.

Troutman further explains, “KSAs now go into the resume in the form of accomplishment statements of up to 150 words, and the questionnaires are graded, serving a similar purpose to the old KSA narratives. Occasionally, you might also see the request for short—4,000 characters—essay answers about KSAs as part of the questionnaire. The highest-scoring applicants could achieve status as Best Qualified. Next, these applicants may be referred to a supervisor for consideration, which includes being placed on the ‘List of Certified Eligibles.’”

Throughout Federal Resume Guidebook Troutman offers a wealth of advice for addressing KSAs in federal resumes and questionnaires. Here are a few of the tips she shares with readers:

• KSAs written in the first person (“I did this and that”) are more compelling and real to the human resources reviewer and the supervisor.

• Some agencies are listing their KSAs in the announcement and are telling job seekers to include them directly in the resume. Other agencies are not so clear about where to cover KSAs. Troutman recommends that job seekers cover the KSAs in the resume no matter what the instructions are in the announcement.

• Whether job seekers are writing KSAs in their resume or questionnaire essays, they should provide specific examples of paid and nonpaid work experience, education, training, awards and honors that support the skills required for the position.

• KSAs should include the elements of a good story: an appealing opening that makes some general statement about the job seeker and his or her experience or opinions; an effective example that demonstrates the KSA; and a closing that draws it all together.

In Federal Resume Guidebook Troutman also provides 21 sample USAJOBS federal resumes. These examples include KSAs.

Additional information about KSAs, federal resumes and the federal hiring reform can be found in Federal Resume Guidebook. The book is available at Amazon.com, in major bookstores, and from JIST Publishing.

10 College Majors That May Appeal to Introverts

2011-06-16T05:27:00.000-07:00

Consider your personality when choosing a college major

If you’re struggling to choose a college major, you’re not alone. This is a decision that overwhelms and mystifies students of all ages and backgrounds.

One way to overcome your indecision is to start thinking about whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert. This self-assessment can help you evaluate the kind of job and work environment you might enjoy after earning your degree, which is a critical consideration for choosing a college major.

According to Laurence Shatkin, Ph.D., author of 10 Best College Majors for Your Personality, “Psychologists still speak of introverts and extroverts, and in the field of career development it can be useful to consider whether you lean toward one of these personality types. Some people are stimulated by social settings and feel most comfortable there, whereas others are more energetic and productive when they can escape distractions caused by other people. If you are an introvert, you are likely to fit better in a job where you can focus on the task without being distracted by ringing telephones, office chit-chat and frequent meetings. If you are an extrovert, you probably don’t mind multitasking and enjoy chatting up your coworkers and clients.”

In 10 Best College Majors for Your Personality, Shatkin pinpoints some of the best college majors for introverts, based on their related jobs which are likely to appeal to introverts. Here are some of the college majors he suggests that introverts consider.

Computer Science
Annual Earnings of Related Jobs: $99,000
Percent Growth of Related Jobs: 23.6 percent
Annual Openings of Related Jobs: 7,023

Computer Engineering
Annual Earnings of Related Jobs: $92,000
Percent Growth of Related Jobs: 23.1 percent
Annual Openings of Related Jobs: 10,109

Bioengineering
Annual Earnings of Related Jobs: $108,000
Percent Growth of Related Jobs: 23.2 percent
Annual Openings of Related Jobs: 2,708

Law
Annual Earnings of Related Jobs: $112,000
Percent Growth of Related Jobs: 13 percent
Annual Openings of Related Jobs: 24,392

Civil Engineering
Annual Earnings of Related Jobs: $83,000
Percent Growth of Related Jobs: 21.7 percent
Annual Openings of Related Jobs: 12,678

Biochemistry
Annual Earnings of Related Jobs: $82,000
Percent Growth of Related Jobs: 36.9 percent
Annual Openings of Related Jobs: 3,498

Management Information Systems
Annual Earnings of Related Jobs: $106,000
Percent Growth of Related Jobs: 14.6 percent
Annual Openings of Related Jobs: 11,712

Accounting
Annual Earnings of Related Jobs: $60,000
Percent Growth of Related Jobs: 21.5 percent
Annual Openings of Related Jobs: 50,818

Environmental Science
Annual Earnings of Related Jobs: $59,000
Percent Growth of Related Jobs: 28 percent
Annual Openings of Related Jobs: 5,470

Economics
Annual Earnings of Related Jobs: $65,000
Percent Growth of Related Jobs: 24.1 percent
Annual Openings of Related Jobs: 4.081

10 Best College Majors for Your Personality, Second Edition, is available at major bookstores, Amazon.com, and jist.com.

Special Discounts on JIST.com

2011-06-14T05:34:00.000-07:00

For a limited time we’re offering discounted pricing on the following items. These products must be purchased through jist.com to qualify for the special pricing.

Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-2011
This best-selling reference features well-written, interesting descriptions for more than 300 major jobs in the U.S., plus summary information on additional jobs. In each description, the book discusses the nature of the work, work environment, job outlook through 2018, required training and education, earnings, related occupations, and additional information sources, including websites. Packed with practical, current information, the OOH is a valuable resource for anyone doing career research, making career decisions, writing resumes, and preparing for interviews. Learn more.

Hardcover Price:
~~1— 4 copies $25.95 each~~ Now 1—4 copies $18.16.each
~~5+ copies $21.95 each~~ Now 5+ copies $15.36 each

Softcover Price:
~~1— 4 copies $19.95 each~~ Now 1—4 copies $13.86 each
~~5+ copies $21.95 each~~ Now 5+ copies $11.86 each

Getting the Job You Really Want, Sixth Edition
This complete curriculum provides the core materials that thousands of schools, colleges, and workforce development programs have used successfully for many years—plus new and enhanced content! Using this workbook, readers learn proven techniques on all major job search topics. They gain results-oriented, step-by-step instructions for identifying skills, determining ideal jobs, exploring career alternatives, finding unadvertised jobs, preparing for interviews, creating resumes, and much more. Learn more.

Price: ~~$21.95~~ Now $20.95

Getting the Job You Really Want Video Series, Sixth Edition
This comprehensive set of DVDs takes you step-by-step throughout every phase of the job search, plus keeping it! The series teaches how to identify what you want in a job, find the job in less time, interview effectively, negotiate pay and benefits, keep that job, and move up. This series is an ideal supplement to the Getting the Job You Really Want workbook and other job search books available from JIST. Learn more.

Price: ~~$995.00~~ Now $795.00

Additional Web Specials
For a limited time, JIST is offering 50% discount on more than a dozen reference books and trade titles. Click here to learn more about these great deals.

New Book Helps Job Seekers Navigate the Federal Hiring Process

2011-06-09T05:28:00.000-07:00

Federal jobs are some of the most coveted opportunities in today’s job market. Many of these jobs offer high pay, great benefits and a strong employee support system.

Yet securing a federal job can be tricky. Competition among job seekers is fierce, and the hiring process for federal jobs is much more complex than for civilian jobs. That process has become even more challenging in light of the Hiring Reform Initiative—enacted on November 4, 2010—which has changed the protocol for federal hiring.

In the new, fifth edition of her best-selling book Federal Resume Guidebook, federal resume expert Kathryn Kraemer Troutman reveals everything job seekers need to know about the Hiring Reform Initiative, federal resumes and the federal hiring process. Troutman explains how to

Write your federal resume in the Outline format.

Add Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) to your federal resume.

Analyze vacancy announcements for keywords.

Maximize the readability of your USAJOBS federal resume.

Match your federal resume to a USAJOBS vacancy announcement.

Be rated Best Qualified and referred to supervisors for federal positions.

Write Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and apply for Senior Executive Service appointments.

Respond to questionnaires that determine your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and competencies for the job.

Prepare for the Behavioral Interview process.

In addition to this essential advice, Troutman offers detailed procedures, tips and sample resumes for applying for the most popular occupational series: science, medicine and health policy; information technology; contract specialists; administrative assistants; administrative officers; management and program analysts; and human resources. She also provides tips for military spouses and applicants with disabilities and advice for those who are transitioning from the military to a federal career.

John M. Palguta, Vice President for Policy of the Partnership for Public Service, praised Troutman and her book, saying, “Kathryn Troutman has literally made a career out of understanding and tracking the evolution of the federal hiring system and translating that understanding into practical advice for the job seeker. The federal government and the public it serves have a vested interest in ensuring that federal jobs are carried out by highly talented, motivated employees. If you have the talent and an active interest in being one of those employees—I commend this book to your attention!”

Federal Resume Guidebook, Fifth Edition, is available at Amazon.com, in major bookstores, and from JIST Publishing.

Connecting Your Personality to College Majors

2011-06-07T05:40:00.000-07:00

Research has proven that matching your personality to a major improves your satisfaction and success in college and in your future career.

In his new book 10 Best College Majors for Your Personality, Second Edition, Laurence Shatkin, Ph.D., explains this concept, saying, “Personality theorists believe that people with similar personality types naturally tend to associate with one another in the workplace, the classroom and other places. As they do so, they create an environment that is hospitable to their personality type. Therefore, your personality type not only predicts how well your skills will match the demands of the major or job; it also predicts how well you will fit in with the culture of the classroom or work site as shaped by the people who will surround you and interact with you. Your personality type is a key to career choice because it affects your satisfaction with your job, your productivity in it, and the likelihood that you will persist in this type of work. Likewise, your personality indicates which majors might be good choices for you because most college students choose their majors to help advance their careers.”

In 10 Best College Majors for Your Personality Shatkin provides more than 90 “best majors” lists that connect the six RIASEC personality types to specific college majors. These lists include “Best Majors with the Best Income Potential,” “Best Majors with the Best Job-Growth Potential,” “Best Majors with the Best Job Opening Potential” and many more. Below are some examples of the “best majors” Shatkin links to each of the RIASEC personality types.

Majors for a Realistic Personality
Computer Engineering, Civil Engineering, Dentistry, Environmental Science, Veterinary Medicine

Majors for an Investigative Personality
Medicine, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Pharmacy, Biochemistry

Majors for an Artistic Personality
Architecture; Classics; Graphic Design, Commercial Art and Illustration; Interior Design; Modern Foreign Language

Majors for a Social Personality
Nursing (R.N. Training), Physical Therapy, Physician Assisting, Communications Studies/Speech, Graduate Study for College Teaching

Majors for an Enterprising Personality
Law, Business Management, Bioengineering, Management Information Systems, International Business

Majors for a Conventional Personality
Pharmacy, Computer Science, Accounting, Management Information Systems, Business Management

10 Best College Majors for Your Personality, Second Edition, is available at Amazon.com, in major bookstores, and from JIST Publishing.

Preview JIST's Newest DVD “Good First Impressions”

2011-06-03T05:39:00.000-07:00

Earlier this week we announced that we recently released a new DVD titled Good First Impressions: Proven Tips and Techniques for Successful Job Interviews. Today we’re giving you a sneak peek of that DVD. This two-minute clip explains how quickly first impressions are made and why it’s so important to make a great one.

For additional information about the DVD, click here.

Recently Released from JIST Publishing

2011-06-01T06:41:00.000-07:00

We’re pleased to announce that we’re releasing a brand new DVD and new editions of some of our best-selling products this month! See below for details about these items.

Good First Impressions
Proven Tips and Techniques for Successful Job Interviews
DVD by The Editors at JIST

Most employers form an impression of a job seeker in the first few seconds of the interview. If that impression is negative, few job seekers are able to change the employer's mind. Armed with the guidance in this DVD, job seekers won't have to worry about recovering from a bad first impression. They'll know just what it takes to make a great impression right from the get-go.

This DVD teaches viewers about the importance of appearance, confidence, maturity, emotional stability, and enthusiasm, and reveals how to improve upon these areas before an interview. The video also covers interview taboos, such as being late, answering cell phones, and revealing tattoos. Group interviews, bad interviewers, and phone interviews will also be covered.

The program offers scenarios of interviews in action and includes the insights of job search experts and employers. Convenient pause points let instructors stop the program for discussion.

Federal Resume Guidebook, Fifth Edition
Strategies for Writing a Winning Federal Resume
Reference book by Kathryn Kraemer Troutman

Federal jobs are some of the most coveted opportunities in today's job market. As a result, competition for these jobs is at a record high. To survive the initial resume screening, let alone achieve one of these in-demand jobs, candidates must understand how federal resumes are different from resumes for other occupations and know how to write them effectively.

Federal Resume Guidebook reveals this essential information and much more. Recently, the Hiring Reform Initiative completely changed the federal hiring process. The new edition of this best-selling book explains these new processes and procedures and teaches people how to write winning federal resumes.

Readers learn how to effectively include KSAs in their resume, maximize their resume's presentation in Online Format, and maximize the readability of their USAJOBS federal resume. Readers also gain guidance for analyzing vacancy announcements to pinpoint keywords, mastering the Assessment Questionnaire, and applying for federal jobs. In addition, this book showcases more than a dozen federal resume samples to demonstrate which components stand out best to HR specialists and hiring supervisors.

10 Best College Majors for Your Personality, Second Edition
Reference book by Laurence Shatkin, Ph.D.

By choosing a major that fits their personality, college students may improve their career certainty, graduation rates, and even school involvement and satisfaction, according to research. With this best-selling book, students discover their personality type and the 10 best majors that relate to it.

This completely updated resource covers nearly 50 majors total for the six personality types: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional. A self-assessment helps readers quickly determine their personality type. Next, more than 90 “best majors” lists reveal the 10 best majors overall for each personality type plus many must-know facts and figures not found elsewhere.

The college majors are organized by personality type and described in an easy-to-digest format with information on typical sequences of high school and college courses, specializations in the major, related Classification of Instructional Programs, full descriptions of related jobs, earnings, growth, openings, verbal and math skill ratings, and other helpful details.

Career Exploration Inventory EZ, Second Edition
A Quick Guide for Exploring Work, Leisure, and Learning Activities
Assessment by John Liptak, Ed.D.

This is the perfect interest inventory if you have limited administration time or work with individuals who need an easy-to-read format. Like the best-selling Career Exploration Inventory, the CEI EZ guides students and job seekers in exploring and planning three major areas of life—work, leisure activities, and learning. But the CEI EZ has fewer items and five steps, making the benefits of the CEI accessible to everyone.

With the CEI EZ, individuals reflect on 96 activities and consider their past, present, and future interest in them. Scores connect to 16 career interest areas based on the U.S. Department of Education career clusters. Related jobs, education and training options, and leisure activities are listed for each interest area. An action plan helps individuals focus on their top interest areas and consider short- and long-range goals.

For this new edition, the items have been revised to reflect changes in technology and society, job titles have been updated, and steps and wording have been streamlined for even easier reading.

Picture Interest Career Survey, Second Edition
Assessment by Robert P. Brady, Ed.D.

This assessment provides a quick way for people to identify occupational interests by using pictures of people at work rather than text-based items.

Test takers are presented with 36 sets of 3 pictures and choose which of the three portrayed occupations seems most interesting. Based on the number and kind of picture selected, PICS creates a profile of the individual which then can lead directly to career information and potential job matches. The assessment takes less than 15 minutes to complete and score and is suited to both genders and all backgrounds. It can be self-administered and self-scored, given individually or in groups, and is ideally suited to today’s changing workforce. PICS has solid reliability and validity, and has been tested on a wide variety of populations.

PICS uses two of the most widely accepted occupational coding systems—RIASEC and people, data, things, and ideas.

Connecting Your Skills to College Majors

2011-05-25T05:28:00.000-07:00

With more than a hundred college majors to choose from, how can you possibly pick the one that’s right for you?

According to Laurence Shatkin, Ph.D., author of Panicked Student’s Guide to Choosing a College Major, it helps to consider your top skills and how they relate to specific majors and related jobs. “Based on your experiences in school, you probably have a good idea of which skills you learn easily and which come harder. You may also have work experience that indicates some of your skills,” he explains.

In his book, Shatkin identifies which college majors relate to the skills that are included in the U.S. Department of Labor’s O*NET database. The list below pinpoints some of these skills and the majors that Shatkin connects to them. To generate some ideas about your college major options, scan this list for your strongest skill(s).

Skill: Writing

Shatkin’s skill summary: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Related majors: African-American Studies; American Studies; Anthropology; Archeology; English; Journalism and Mass Communications; Law; Political Science; Sociology; Urban Studies; Women’s Studies

Skill: Speaking

Shatkin’s skill summary: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Related majors: International Relations; Law; Philosophy; Political Science; Religion/Religious Studies; Sociology; Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology; Zoology

Skill: Social Perceptiveness

Shatkin’s skill summary: Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react the way they do.

Related majors: Elementary Education; Hospital/Health Facilities Administration; International Relations; Law; Marketing; Public Relations; Social Work; Special Education; Transportation and Logistics Management

Skill: Service Orientation

Shatkin’s skill summary: Actively looking for ways to help people.

Related majors: Dietetics; Health Information Systems Administration; Hospital/Health Facilities Administration; Law; Library Science; Medicine; Nursing (RN Training); Optometry; Pharmacy; Psychology; Religion/Religious Studies; Social Work; Special Education; Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology

Skill: Repairing

Shatkin’s skill summary: Repairing machines or systems, using the needed tools.

Related majors: Agricultural Business and Economics; Agronomy and Crop Science; Animal Science; Computer Engineering; Computer Science; Electrical Engineering; Environmental Science; Management Information Systems; Mechanical Engineering; Medical Technology; Operations Management

Skill: Negotiation

Shatkin’s skill summary: Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.

Related majors: Advertising; Architecture; Business Management; Hospital/Health Facilities Administration; Hotel/Motel and Restaurant Management; Insurance; International Business; International Relations; Law; Marketing; Operations Management; Psychology; Public Relations

Skill: Mathematics

Shatkin’s skill summary: Using mathematics to solve problems.

Related majors: Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering; Agricultural Engineering; Architecture; Astronomy; Bioengineering; Materials Science; Mathematics; Mechanical Engineering; Metallurgical Engineering; Physics; Statistics

Skill: Installation

Shatkin’s skill summary: Installing equipment, machines, wiring or programs to meet specifications.
Related majors: Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering; Agricultural Business and Economics; Animal Science; Art History; Computer Engineering; Computer Science; Dentistry; Electrical Engineering; Forestry; Graphic Design, Commercial Art and Illustration; Operations Management; Soil Science

Skill: Critical Thinking

Shatkin’s skill summary: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions and approaches to problems.

Related majors: Actuarial Science; African-American Studies; American Studies; Anthropology; Area Studies; Law; Medicine; Microbiology; Physics; Religion/Religious Studies; Urban Studies; Women’s Studies

Skill: Management of Financial Resources

Shatkin’s skill summary: Determining how money will be spent to get the work done and accounting for these expenditures.

Related majors: Hotel/Motel and Restaurant Management; Industrial and Labor Relations; International Business; International Relations; Marketing; Operations Management; Public Administration; Transportation and Logistics Management

Panicked Student's Guide to Choosing a College Major is available at Amazon.com, bookstores, and jist.com.

Four Ways to Wimp out During Salary Negotiations

2011-05-23T06:40:00.000-07:00

Don’t underestimate the importance of negotiating in the job search. In their book Next-Day Job Interview, Michael Farr and Dick Gaither share the following example of how powerful a seemingly small boost to a job offer can be.

1. An 18-year-old high school graduate negotiates for $21,000 per year instead of accepting the $20,000 per year that was initially offered.

2. That graduate then gets an average 3 percent raise each year.

3. He or she works for 50 years (normal in today’s world).

4. The result is that this person ends up with at least $112,000 more during the course of his or her career lifetime than a person who didn’t negotiate for that extra $1,000.

That’s a pretty substantial difference, wouldn’t you say? A mere $1,000 increase to a job offer can prove to be quite rewarding over time. That’s why it’s so important that you give negotiations a chance, rather than skipping the process because you’re too uncomfortable to attach a value to your talents and skills.

As you negotiate, avoid the following mistakes. According to Farr and Gaither these are some of the most common ways to botch the process.

Mistake #1: Assume that nothing is negotiable.

If you’re concerned that an attempt to negotiate you job offer will offend the potential employer or make you look greedy, don’t fret. According to Farr and Gaither, “More than 80 percent of employers expect some form of negotiation for pay, benefits, perks, work schedules, work locations and so on. If you don’t ask for it, you won’t get it.”

Mistake #2: Throw in the towel too quickly.

“Just because you’re told no, that doesn’t mean the negotiation is over,” say Farr and Gaither. “Salespeople know that the first no is just the start of the sale. Keep plugging away. Patience and persistence are paths to success.”

Mistake #3: Say “yes” too soon.

“Most of the time the first offer isn’t the last offer. And the first offer will usually be lower than the last offer. One theme running through every book on salary negotiation is that interviewees need to delay talking about salary expectations. The longer that an interviewer talks to you, the more likely you’ll be to negotiate better compensation,” explain Farr and Gaither.

Mistake #4: Negotiate just for money.

The employer may not be able to boost your salary or hourly rate, but there are additional ways to sweeten your job offer. According to Farr and Gaither, “If you can’t get the money, you should negotiate for things that translate into money or that make your life easier such as extra vacation time; educational reimbursements; flexible schedules; help in buying tools, computers or software; travel allowances; and so on.”

Next-Day Job Interview is available at Amazon.com, bookstores, and jist.com.

Interested in a Green Career?

2011-05-20T07:07:00.000-07:00

By Darlene Divine, Marketing Communications Writer at JIST Publishing

The field of green technology is much more diverse than a few job opportunities at your local recycling plant. It is growing fast and can be found in nearly every industry, most notably within energy and construction. Green technology is essential to the economic competitiveness of the United States.

According to Laurence Shatkin, Ph.D., one of the nation’s leading occupational experts and author of 200 Best Jobs for Renewing America, green technologies affect every industry, because every industry uses energy and water, needs workers to eat well and breathe clean air, and needs to find something to do with waste products.

Based on Shatkin’s research, the following list outlines the top 10 jobs within this exciting field that offer the highest pay, fastest growth and most openings.

Construction Managers
Average Annual Earnings: $76,230
Percent Growth: 15.7 percent

Industrial Engineers
Average Annual Earnings: $71,430
Percent Growth: 20.3 percent

First-Line Supervisors/Managers to Construction Trades and Extraction Workers
Average Annual Earnings: $55,950
Percent Growth: 9.1 percent

Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
Average Annual Earnings: $58,380
Percent Growth: 25.1 percent

Construction and Building Inspectors
Average Annual Earnings: $48,330
Percent Growth: 18.2 percent

Environmental Engineers
Average Annual Earnings: $72,350
Percent Growth: 25.4 percent

Plumbers, Pipefitters and Steamfitters
Average Annual Earnings: $44,090
Percent Growth: 10.6 percent

Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
Average Annual Earnings: $75,800
Percent Growth: 21.9 percent

Carpenters
Average Annual Earnings: $37,660
Percent Growth: 10.3 percent

Electricians
Average Annual Earnings: $44,780
Percent Growth: 7.4 percent

New on JIST.com: A special discount on the Occupational Outlook Handbook

2011-05-18T05:57:00.000-07:00

In addition to discounted pricing on the new Getting the Job You Really Want workbook and video series, we’re offering a special discount on the Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010–2011. From now until June 30, the OOH will be offered at a 30 percent discount exclusively on jist.com.

Hardcover
~~1–4 copies • $25.95 each~~ Now 1–4 copies • $18.16 each
~~5+ copies • $21.95 each~~ Now 1–4 copies • $15.36 each

Softcover
~~1–4 copies • $19.95 each~~ Now 1–4 copies • $13.96 each
~~5+ copies • $16.95 each~~ Now 1–4 copies • $11.86 each

About the OOH

The OOH is a valuable resource for anyone doing career research, making career decisions, writing resumes, and preparing for interviews.

This best-selling reference features well-written, interesting descriptions for more than 300 major jobs in the U.S., plus summary information on additional jobs.

In each job description, the OOH discusses the nature of the work, work environment, job outlook through 2018, required training and education, earnings, related occupations, and additional information sources, including websites.

JIST’s OOH offers three exclusive bonus sections:

A brand-new supplement provides facts on emerging green jobs.

The Personality-Career Quiz helps readers match themselves to OOH jobs. This quiz is based on the six personality types: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional.

Special content titled How Educators, Counselors, Librarians, and Business Professionals Can Best Use the OOH.

For additional information or to view the table of contents and sample pages, click here.

New Book Helps Panicked Students Choose a College Major

2011-05-16T07:18:00.000-07:00

Young people are often plagued with uncertainty about their future. Many have no idea what they want to study in college or what kind of career they’d like to pursue. Without help, this indecision can cause students to panic—particularly when academic advisors and parents are pressuring them to define their college major.

Laurence Shatkin’s new book, Panicked Student’s Guide to Choosing a College Major, helps students plan their education and make other important decisions about their future with confidence and ease. Shatkin addresses the problems many undeclared students have, including the fear of making the wrong decision, little awareness about their skills and interests, and a lack of information about majors and careers.

Readers will learn about the key parts of a college major decision. Then they'll quickly and systematically pinpoint the best majors for their skills and personality type. Next, they’ll be able to narrow their options into a personal “hot list.” Finally, readers will learn all about the majors that interest them most, as well as careers that relate to them.

Packed with information, this book covers 120 majors that link to 250 careers. Shatkin provides an overview of each major and additional information about specializations, the typical sequence of high school and college courses, and related CIP program codes—everything students need to know to overcome panic and lay the foundation for a rich and rewarding future.

Panicked Student’s Guide to Choosing a College Major is available at Amazon.com, major bookstores, and jist.com.

Praise for Panicked Student’s Guide to Choosing a College Major

“This bible for choosing the right major will help guide you figure out what you might like to do with the rest of your school life as well as what field of work you could step into.”
—Campus Circle

“I really liked how this book helped me discover the careers and majors that I'd be good at and enjoy. There was also some very helpful research—especially the part about predicted job openings and salaries....I'd recommend this book to anyone who's planning to go to college or is searching for a satisfying career.”
—Hilary L., age 17, for School Library Journal’s e-newsletter SLJTeen

Special Offers on JIST.com

2011-05-06T06:21:00.000-07:00

For a limited time JIST is offering discounted pricing on the following items. These products must be purchased through jist.com

Getting the Job You Really Want, Sixth Edition

This complete curriculum provides the core materials that thousands of schools, colleges, and workforce development programs have used successfully for many years—plus new and enhanced content! Using this workbook, readers learn proven techniques on all major job search topics. They gain results-oriented, step-by-step instructions for identifying skills, determining ideal jobs, exploring career alternatives, finding unadvertised jobs, preparing for interviews, creating resumes, and much more. Learn more.

Price: ~~$21.95~~ Now $20.95!

Getting the Job You Really Want Video Series, Sixth Edition

This comprehensive set of DVDs takes you step-by-step throughout every phase of the job search, plus keeping it! The series teaches how to identify what you want in a job, find the job in less time, interview effectively, negotiate pay and benefits, keep that job, and move up. This series is an ideal supplement to the Getting the Job You Really Want workbook and other job search books available from JIST. Learn more.

Price: ~~$995.00~~ Now $795.00!

Upcoming Webinar: Job Loss Crisis Management

2011-05-04T05:38:00.000-07:00

Do you work with job seekers? Would you like to better understand the obstacles they face and discover ways to help them overcome challenges? If so, join us for a webinar on June 7th at 11 a.m. EDT.

Hosted by career expert Jean Baur, this webinar takes a careful look at the common obstacles and pitfalls that often frustrate job seekers. After reviewing these barriers, Jean will discuss the shock of job loss, explain the best ways to overcome common obstacles, and identify what individuals need to run an effective search. She’ll also introduce case studies that demonstrate the kinds of experiences others have had in their quest for employment. She’ll tie all of this together with practical tips for moving forward.

The webinar costs $79.00, which includes a free copy of Jean’s book Eliminated! Now What?.

For more information about the webinar or to register for it, click here.

Five Factors to Consider When Selecting a College Major

2011-05-03T05:52:00.000-07:00

Declaring a major is one of the most pivotal decisions students make during their college career. Yet, many make frivolous choices because they don’t put enough thought or effort into assessing which college major is a good fit. Others panic because they are afraid that they won’t enjoy the coursework associated with the major or the career that it eventually leads to.

In his new book Panicked Student’s Guide to Choosing a College Major, Dr. Laurence Shatkin gives students the information they need to research their options, make practical choices, and overcome the anxiety associated with the college major decision. Shatkin explains that before choosing a college major, students should first consider the following factors:

Time and expense required. “Some majors take longer than others to bear fruit as a career,” says Shatkin. “Before you commit to a career goal, you have to be sure you have the determination and ability to go through the long preparatory process. College tuition keeps getting more and more expensive. Also, you need to be confident that you will enjoy the major itself, not just the rewards at the end of the road.”

Competition. According to Shatkin, “Rewarding careers often attract large numbers of job seekers. The competition can begin in college or, for some careers, even earlier. As part of the decision about a major and a career, you need to get a realistic sense of your chances of entering and succeeding in school.”

Personality type. “The most widely used personality theory about majors and careers was developed by John L. Holland. The theory rests on the principle that people tend to be happier and more successful in jobs where they feel comfortable with the work tasks and problems, the physical environment, and the kinds of people who are co-workers,” explains Shatkin. “Holland identified six personality types that describe basic aspects of work situations: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising and Conventional.”

Skills. “Part of a good career decision, which will shape your decision about your major, is matching your skills with a career’s demands for skills. Your past experiences in school and work can help you understand which skills you are good at and enjoy using,” says Shatkin.

Favorite high school courses. According to Shatkin, “A good way to predict how well people will like college courses is to ask them how much they liked similar high school courses. In addition, most people earn their highest grades in college courses that are similar to the high school courses in which they did well. Your high school experiences can help you predict your satisfaction and success in various careers.”

Additional advice for selecting a college major and career can be found in Panicked Student’s Guide to Choosing a College Major. The book is available at Amazon.com, in major bookstores, and from JIST Publishing.

Recently Released from JIST Publishing

2011-05-02T07:07:00.000-07:00

This month we’re release two college guides, a new edition of one of our best-selling assessments, and a new addition to the Quick series.

See below for details about these materials.

College Success Guide
By Karine Blackett and Patricia Weiss

College Success Guide is designed to walk college students through steps that are proven to make them successful in college and life. Authors Karine Blackett and Patricia Weiss have successfully taught thousands of college students using the lessons in this book. In this guide, they reveal the 12 keys that make students successful in college. These 12 secrets will help students be better prepared for college and to protect their significant investment. The second edition includes:

More content — including games and activities—on learning styles and personality testing.

New activities teaching students how to find answers at their new university or college.

More content on study skill ideas, including chunking and the murder methods.

More information on finding scholarships, the importance of getting financial aid

Additional wellness content regarding eating the right foods to reduce stress.

Expanded APA material and new sample reference pages for APA, covering the new sixth edition of APA style.

Material on how to avoid plagiarism.

Sample self-talk affirmations for each chapter.

College Success Guide Instructor’s Resources CD-ROM
By Karine Blackett and Patricia Weiss

Now instructors have the resources they need to make their use of College Success Guide even easier and more effective. College Success Guide walks college students through steps that are proven to make them successful in college and life. Instructors using that book with their classes will appreciate the valuable additional activities, tests, and PowerPoint slides on this Instructor's Resources CD-ROM.

Key Features

Engaging activities

Well-constructed tests that provide the academic rigor many institutions require of their instructors

PowerPoint slides that emphasize key points in each chapter

Panicked Student’s Guide to Choosing a College Major
By Laurence Shakin

This step-by-step guide provides the information and tools you need to decide on a major. First, you’ll find out about the key parts of a college major decision. Then you’ll quickly and systematically pinpoint the best majors for your skills and personality type. Next, you’ll narrow your options into a personal “hot list.” Finally, you’ll learn all about the majors that interest you most, as well as careers that relate to them.

Praise for the Book

“This bible for choosing the right major will help guide you figure out what you might like to do with the rest of your school life as well as what field of work you could step into.”
—Campus Circle

“I really liked how this book helped me discover the careers and majors that I'd be good at and enjoy. There was also some very helpful research—especially the part about predicted job openings and salaries....I'd recommend this book to anyone who's planning to go to college or is searching for a satisfying career.”
—Hilary L., age 17, for School Library Journal’s e-newsletter SLJTeen

Transferable Skills Scale
By John Liptak and Laurence Shatkin

The Transferable Skills Scale is a brief assessment designed to identify an individual's strongest transferable skills. Based on the data, people, things, and ideas model used extensively by career counselors and the Department of Labor, it asks individuals to rate their skill levels on a total of 96 tasks. The resulting score helps define their skill levels in eight categories: Analytical, Numerical, Interpersonal, Organizational, Physical, Informational, Communicative and Creative skills. Each skill set is specifically linked to O*NET job titles. An Occupational Exploration worksheet helps individuals further research the jobs that match their transferable skills.

Quick Nontraditional Careers Guide
By Laurence Shatkin, Ph.D.

This new booklet helps students and job seekers consider careers that defy traditional gender roles. The author discusses why a nontraditional career may be a good choice and why conventional beliefs about "women's work" and "men's work" are erroneous. Readers weigh the pros and cons of going against tradition, plus assess whether they have the traits to purse a nontraditional job. Approximately 75 brief descriptions of nontraditional jobs—50 for women and 25 for men—include facts on wages, growth, job openings, and required training.

Recommended Resources for Summer Youth Programs

2011-04-29T06:32:00.000-07:00

The foundation for a successful career is best laid at an early age. That's why JIST is committed to helping young people explore career pathways, achieve summer jobs, and build fundamental skills for success in the world of work. Special resources, like the items featured below, help make these goals a reality.

Of our entire collection of career and job search material, we believe these items are the best fit for summer youth work readiness programs. For additional information about these materials, click on the links below or call 1.800.648.5478 to speak with a JIST representative.

Career Planning and Exploration

Career & Life Explorer
Quick Education and Training Options Guide
Your Career and Life Plan Portfolio
Career Planning Scale
Pathfinder
Career Exploration Inventory EZ

Job Search

Getting the Job You Really Want
Getting the Job You Really Want Video Series
Young Person's Guide to Getting and Keeping a Good Job
Creating Your High School Resume
Creating Your High School Portfolio
Pocket Book of Job Search Data & Tips
Work Readiness Inventory
Job Search Knowledge Scale
Job Search Attitude Inventory
Job Search Advantage

Job Retention

Barriers to Employment Success Inventory
Overcoming Barriers to Employment Success
Job Savvy
Employability Skills Inventory
Soft Skills in the Workplace DVD
Dress and Groom for the Workplace DVD
Soft Skills Advantage

Follow JIST Publishing on Twitter

2011-04-28T06:01:00.000-07:00

JIST’s authors and staff members have been tweeting for quite some time, but this week JIST Publishing launched its own Twitter account. Follow us for

• news about our products and authors.
• announcements about special offers and contests.
• references to helpful information around the Web.
• and tips for finding jobs, excelling in school, and succeeding in your career.

To start following us today, click here.

To find out which of JIST’s authors and staff members are on Twitter, click here.

Will Working from Home Hinder Your Productivity and Hurt Your Image?

2011-04-26T06:36:00.000-07:00

If you’re thinking about freelancing or starting your own business, you need to consider which type of work setting is best for your situation. Can you afford to lease a space? If so, should you or would it be a better idea to work from home and redirect your money elsewhere? If you do work from home, will you actually be productive or will you wind up running errands and watching TV all day?

Dr. Kristin Cardinale, author of The 9-to-5 Cure: Work on Your Own Terms and Reinvent Your Life, says there are two key questions to ask yourself when evaluating these issues.

Will receiving clients into your office be a core piece of the work?

“For example, if you will be operating as a life coach for part of each day, then securing an office space may be necessary to make your clients feel comfortable. However, if you are doing graphic design work, then perhaps a laptop and a café are all that you need to conduct successful client meetings. The acceptable norms of each industry are unique, and you have to determine for yourself what is appropriate for you, your business and your clients,” she explains.

“Also, keep in mind that the work you do may change over time as you identify viable sources of income and learn more about the type of work you most enjoy doing,” she adds.

Will working from home result in you sitting on the couch in your pajamas and watching infomercials for hours on end?

According to Cardinale, “If you know going in that you lack the discipline to focus on the work at hand and ignore the television, refrigerator and other distractions, then you may want to consider leasing some space. However, remember that you will need to be much more productive at bringing in business to cover the costs of your lease each month.”

If you do ultimately decide to work from home, here are a few of Cardinale’s tips that you’ll want to keep in mind.

Minimize noise pollution.

Will you be calling clients? Is there a possibility you’ll conduct business through Skype or other video conferences? If so, you need to ensure that your work space is free of noise. “In other words, avoid a situation where an important meeting is interrupted because your dog starts barking wildly at the mailman,” says Cardinale.

Create a conversation corner.

According to Cardinale, the space you set aside for face-to-face client meetings and video conferences should be neat, clean and appropriately decorated. “For example, in your home office you may wish to dedicate one corner to virtual meetings, complete with a small table for a webcam, a comfortable chair and a lamp that provides appropriate lighting. Be sure to evaluate any photos, artwork or other decorations that would be in view of the client for appropriateness based on your industry. Remember, when you work with people in a virtual environment, these few images they see may be the only evidence they have available to build a mental picture of who you are in real time,” she explains.

Look the part.

“Although you may be sitting around in your track suit all day long, it is important to dress and act the part of a professional when on camera,” advises Cardinale. “Clients will develop an image of who you are based on those brief on-camera interactions, so be prepared to dress and act the part of the consummate professional, however that is defined within your industry.”

The 9-to-5 Cure is available on Amazon.com, at major bookstores, and from JIST Publishing.

Seven Areas to Stage Your Sequel Career

2011-04-22T06:22:00.001-07:00

If you’ve been grappling with the idea of making a career change, but have been too afraid to move forward, you’re not alone. Many people assume that a career change implies “starting from scratch,” and that they’ll have to invest thousands of dollars and years of their time to obtain the education and training needed to launch their new career.

Do you count yourself as one of these people? If so, abandon your assumptions and consider the advice of occupational expert Laurence Shatkin, Ph.D. In his new book The Sequel: How to Change Your Career Without Starting Over, he explains how a “sequel career” enables you redefine your role in the work world, while leveraging the knowledge and skills you already possess. According to him, “A sequel career has a different use for the knowledge and skills you’ve acquired in your old job. Like a movie sequel, it carries over much that is familiar from your first effort.”

Shatkin further explains that in a sequel career you’ll already be familiar with key considerations every worker should be aware of, such as industry terminology, trends, problems, products and standards—just to name a few.

So where can you find a job that requires this knowledge, yet feels like a new and exciting career change? Here are seven areas Shatkin encourages you to consider.

Management

“Management is probably the most common sequel career of them all. Every industry has managers, and competent workers are often encouraged to make a career move to management,” explains Shatkin.

Teaching

Schools, colleges and universities aren’t the only places to earn a living while educating others about the knowledge you possess. According to Shatkin, you can also launch a teaching career in the following settings: career-oriented postsecondary schools, corporate training centers, seminars and night classes.

Advocacy

If you want a job that matters, you may want to pursue a career in advocacy. This path will allow you to fight for a cause that’s important to you, while leveraging your past experience and skills. As an advocate you can interact with all kinds of professionals: legislators, lobbyists, stakeholders, individuals who oppose the cause you support and even the media.

Standards Enforcement

“From your experience in a previous job, you understand the difference between good work and hack work in your field. Perhaps you know harmful results that substandard business practices or products can produce. This knowledge can be the basis for your next job,” explains Shatkin.

He describes some standard enforcers as cops, because they protect the public from illegal acts such as hiring discrimination, air pollution and buildings that are firetraps. He adds, “Not all standards enforcers are responsible for upholding the law; some help a business to ensure the quality of its products or services. They make certain that your food will not make you sick, that your car will run properly and that your pants will not split the first time you wear them.”

Communications

Shatkin says this area overlaps with two that have already been mentioned: teaching and advocacy. “If you’re communicating to help people master new skills, you’re engaged primarily in teaching. If you’re communicating to express a point of view, the job may fall into the category of advocacy,” he explains. Regardless of the message, Shatkin says communicators must be able to increase people’s understanding, without boring and confusing their audience.

In communications, you one may be able to find work in journalism, editing, analysis, interpreting, translating and advertising.

Sales

Selling products and services you’re already familiar with is a practical way to refocus the knowledge and experience you possess. In fact, this knowledge may even give you an advantage over other sales workers. According to Shatkin, “The basic function of a sales worker is to convince the buyer that a product of service meets the buyer’s needs. That means a good sales worker has a thorough knowledge of the product or service being sold, is able to determine what the buyer’s needs are, and has the persuasive skill to sway the buyer to value the benefits of the product or service.”

Brokerage

If you’re in-the-know when it comes to the process of buying and selling within your industry, brokerage may be a viable career option. Shatkin asks, “Through your work experience, have you become well informed about how these deals get made? Do you know how the main sellers are, what they have to offer, how much they’re likely to ask for in a payment, and what makes the difference between a good deal and a bad one?” If so, he believes you may be able to make a career of bringing buyers and sellers together and earning a commission on the sales.

The Sequel: How to Change Your Career Without Starting Over is available on Amazon.com, from JIST Publishing, and at major bookstors.

Fives Uses for the OOH in Career Planning and Job Seeking

2011-04-20T05:32:00.000-07:00

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Outlook Handbook is a rich source of information that can greatly help you plan your education and career and excel in the job market. But unless you’re a career development professional, librarian or an educator, you might not even know what the OOH is, let alone how to use it.

Here’s a crash course in what you’ll find in the OOH and how to benefit from its information.

The leading source of critical decision-making information

The OOH contains information-packed descriptions of nearly 290 major jobs in the United States. These descriptions discuss the nature of the work, work environment, job outlook through 2018, required training and education, related jobs, earnings and more.

The OOH can be accessed online at www.bls.gov/oco. You can also find this information in book format from JIST Publishing at your local library or nearest bookstore. For a format that’s even more engaging and reader-friendly, check out the EZ Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Five ways to use the OOH

Michael Farr, renowned as America’s Career Expert, said, “I consider the Occupational Outlook Handbook one of the most helpful books on career information available. I urge you either to buy one or to access it online because it is so useful in a variety of ways.”

In his latest book, The Quick Resume & Cover Letter Book, Farr pinpointed the following five ways to use the OOH in the career planning and job seeking process.

To identify the skills needed in the job you want. Look up a job that interests you, and the OOH will tell you the transferable and job-related skills it requires. Assuming that you have these skills, you can then emphasize them on your resume and in interviews.

To find skills from previous jobs to support your present objective. Look up OOH descriptions for jobs you have had in the past. A careful read will help you identify skills that can be transferred and used in the new job. Even earlier jobs can be valuable in this way. For example, if you waited tables while going to school, you would discover that this requires the ability to work under pressure, deal with customers and work quickly. If you are now looking for a job as an accountant, you can see how transferable skills used in an apparently unrelated past job can support your ability to do another job.

To identify related job targets. Each major job described in the OOH lists other jobs that are closely related. Each description also provides information on positions that the job might lead to through promotion or experience. And, because the jobs are listed within clusters of similar jobs, you can easily browse descriptions of related jobs you might have overlooked. All of this detail gives you options to consider in your job search as well as information to include in the Summary section of your resume.

To find out the typical salary range, trends and other details. Although you should almost never list your salary requirements in a resume or cover letter, the OOH will help you know what pay range to expect and which trends are affecting the job. Note that local pay average and other details can differ significantly from the national information provided in the OOH. You can get more localized salary information from sites such as http://www.careeronestop.org/.

To get more specific information on related jobs. If a job interests you, it is important to learn more about it. Each OOH job description provides helpful sources, including a cross-reference to the O*NET career information, related professional associations, Internet sites and other sources.

JIST Publishing's version of the Occuational Outlook Handbook is available on Amazon.com, at major bookstores, and at jist.com.

Laurence Shatkin Reveals Three Ways to Test-Drive a New Career

2011-04-18T06:33:00.000-07:00

The world of work is packed with people who are unhappy in their current career. They dream about making a change, but are wrought with indecision. “What else can I do with the knowledge and skills I already have,” “what if nobody is willing to hire me” and “what happens if my new career is even worse than the one I left?” These are just a few of the questions that prompt people to think twice about changing careers.

In his new book The Sequel: How to Change Careers Without Starting Over, Dr. Laurence Shatkin points out that there are a number of ways people can test-drive a career before they begin to pursue it. This exploration process is important because it gives an individual a glimpse into whether their new career interests are a good fit and also provides opportunities to gain relevant experience that may ease the career transition.

Here are three strategies Shatkin recommends for trying out a career before diving into the job market.

Request an experimental job assignment.

In your present job, ask your boss to give you a new task or assignment—one that allows you to tackle work you wouldn’t typically do in your current career. After you’ve completed this task successfully, revise your resume to reflect your new experience and skills.

Shatkin offers some additional words of warning: “It’s a good idea to consider how your boss will react to this kind of request. He or she may feel threatened by the possibility of losing you or facing competition from you.”

Work on the side.

Moonlighting is a practical way to try out a new career while staying employed in your current job. You can blog, freelance, consult, take on a part-time job or start your own business.

Again, Shatkin warns individuals to be careful while navigating this strategy. “Be careful not to choose an activity that will compete in any way with the business of your regular employer. Competitive activity will endanger your day job and may violate your terms of employment, exposing you to the risk of a lawsuit. Also, don’t let your moonlighting work spill over into your day job.”

Volunteer

“Volunteer organizations are always looking for willing workers,” says Shatkin. “You can gain experience doing new work as a volunteer and can chalk up accomplishments that can find a place on your resume.”

Shatkin encourages you to find a volunteer role that helps you improve a specific skill needed for the new career you are thinking about pursuing.

Additional advice for changing careers without starting over can be found in The Sequel. The book is available at Amazon.com, in major bookstores, and from JIST Publishing.

Preview the Soft Skills Advantage Online Workshop

2011-04-13T06:41:00.000-07:00

Do you have a habit of being late to work, squabbling with coworkers, or complaining when new responsibilities are assigned to you? Has your boss dropped hints that you need to work on your professionalism? Do you tend to be a “Debbie Downer” while at work?

If your answer to any of these questions is “yes,” you may want to check out our new online workshop Soft Skills Advantage. This brief and inexpensive workshop explains what soft skills are and why they are essential for success in the workplace. Plus, you’ll gain the knowledge needed to immediately begin improving your own soft skills.

Soft Skills Advantage is available 24/7 from any computer with Web access and includes videos, examples, interactive quizzes, and downloadable content that reinforce key objectives. For additional information about the workshop, click here.

Watch the clip below to take a virtual tour of Soft Skills Advantage.

Note: This clip is intended for individuals interested in participating in the workshop. If you represent an organization that would be interested in having your clients or students participate in the workshop, click here.

April Web Specials

2011-04-11T06:18:00.000-07:00

For a limited time we're offering discounted pricing on the following items. These special offers expire on April 30, 2011, and must be purchased through jist.com.

Barriers to Employment Success Inventory

This best-selling assessment gives individuals a quick and easy way to identify the hurdles and obstacles that stand in the way of their job success. Test takers rate 50 simple statements covering five categories: Personal and Financial, Emotional and Physical, Career Decision-Making and Planning, Job-Seeking Knowledge, and Training and Education. After users have identified their barriers, BESI suggests ways to overcome them and helps individuals develop an action plan that can be used in group or individual career counseling. Learn more.

~~Price: 1—9 packages $51.95/package~~
Price: 1—9 packages $46.95/package

50 Best Jobs for Your Personality, Second Edition

With this best-selling reference readers can identify their personality type and learn about the 50 best jobs that relate to it. First, readers complete a self-assessment to determine their personality type; Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, or Conventional. Next, readers explore 145 best jobs lists that rank the best jobs for each personality type. Then readers will find more that 300 helpful job descriptions to help them learn more about the jobs that interest them. Learn more.

~~Price: $17.95~~
Price: $15.95

Getting the Job You Really Want, Sixth Edition

This complete curriculum provides the core material that thousands of schools, colleges, and workforce development programs have used successfully for many years—plus new and enhanced content! In addition to showing students and adults how to find a job fast, Getting the Job You Really Want helps them keep their jobs and advance their careers with up-to-date content on etiquette, ethics, personal finance, and more. Learn more.

~~Price: $21.95~~
Price: $20.95

Getting the Job You Really Want Video Series, Sixth Edition

This comprehensive set of DVDs takes you step-by-step throughout every phase of the job search, plus keeping it! The series teaches how to identify what you want in a job, find the job in less time, interview effectively, negotiate pay and benefits, keep that job, and move up. This series is an ideal supplement to the Getting the Job You Really Want workbook and other job search books available from JIST, but it can also reinforce training on virtually any job search topic. Learn more.

~~Price: $995.00~~
Price: $795.00

Additional Web Specials
For a limited time, JIST is offering a 50% discount on many of our books and references including titles such as Salary Facts Handbook, Great Jobs in the President's Stimulus Plan, O*NET Dictionary of Occupational Titles and many others. Click here to learn more.

Redefine Your Work Life in a Sequel Career

2011-04-08T05:50:00.000-07:00

If you’re stuck in a dead-end job, longing for more fulfillment in your career, or are struggling to find work in your occupation or industry, it may be time to make a major change. But before you jump to the conclusion that “changing careers” implies “starting from scratch,” know this: There are many opportunities to reroute your career without starting over.

In his new book The Sequel: How to Change Careers Without Staring Over, Dr. Laurence Shatkin explains how a “sequel career” can help you redefine your career, while leveraging the skills, knowledge and education you already possess. Shatkin defines a sequel career as a “Career that is a different use for the knowledge and skills you’ve acquired in your old job. Like a movie sequel, it carries over much that is familiar from your first effort.”

Throughout the book, Shatkin pinpoints seven major career groups where you can stage your career sequel. These groups include Management, Teaching, Advocacy, Standards-Enforcement, Communications, Sales, and Brokerage. Additional paths you may pursue in your sequel career include Recruitment and Agency, New Product Development, Entrepreneurship, Management Analyst, and Forensic.

Before pursuing one of these paths, Shatkin says you must appreciate why a sequel career may be the right move for your future. Here are a few of advantages he says you can bring to a sequel career.

You know the terminology of your industry and can “speak the language” of people in the field.

You know common problems that workers deal with, along with shortcuts and resources that help get the job done.

You know the standards of quality in the industry and can tell the difference between good and bad output.

You know the features that purchasers look for in the products and services of the industry.

You know who and where the major buyers and sellers are: where the industry gets its inputs and where it markets its outputs.

You know the typical range of prices in the industry.

You know which organizations dominate the industry and who the up-and-coming outfits are.

You know how and why the industry is changing, both in its yearly cycle and in its long-term trends.

You know the regulator and infrastructure environments of the industry.

You know what kinds of workers the industry employs and what backgrounds they tend to come from.

You know the channels of communication that the industry uses.

You know a lot of people in the industry.

“That’s a lot of useful knowledge,” says Shatkin. “Any one of these types of knowledge could serve as the foundation for a new job—a job that’s different from your old job but that carries over a lot of this knowledge that is familiar to you. In other words, it could be the basis of a sequel career.” Shatkin adds that this knowledge can also help you when you hunt for a job opening in a sequel career:

You’ll have an excellent network of people in the industry to feed you information about job openings, including those that are not yet advertised.

You’ll know which employers are the best to work for and the most likely to be hiring.

You’ll know what language to use in your resume and cover letter that will be most impressive to employers in the industry.

Additional information about sequel careers and the areas to stage them in can be found in The Sequel: How to Change Careers Without Starting Over. The book is now available on Amazon.com, at major bookstores, and from the publisher (www.jist.com).

Preview Clips from JIST’s New Getting the Job You Really Want Video Series

2011-04-07T06:04:00.000-07:00

Recently, we announced the release of our new Getting the Job You Really Want Video Series. This 10-part series teaches individuals the self-directed strategies needed to find a great job and keep it. The DVDs explain how to identify what you want in a job, find the job in less time, interview effectively, negotiate pay and benefits, keep the job, and move up.

Career experts featured in the series include JIST authors Laurence Shatkin, Susan Whitcomb, Katy Piotrowski, Wendy Enelow, John Liptak, Jean Baur, Vicki Salemi, Sandra Naiman, and Laverne Ludden. Throughout informative interviews, these experts reveal effective strategies for finding jobs, balancing work and life, tapping into little-known resources that can speed up your career transition, and more.

For a sneak peek at the series, check out JIST Publishing’s channel on YouTube. You’ll find previews of each DVD in the series, as well as previews of many of our other DVDs and video series. Here is a video clip of “Introduction to Getting the Job You Really Want” the first DVD in the series. To view others, click here.

Recently Released from JIST Publishing

2011-04-04T10:12:00.001-07:00

Occupational expert Laurence Shatkin sure has been busy! In addition to the dozens of other materials he’s written for JIST, he’s also the author of two new books and a new assessment we’re releasing this month.

Here are some details about each product.

The Sequel: How to Change Your Career Without Starting Over
By Laurence Shatkin, Ph.D.

In today's economy few professionals can afford to start over. Many of them need to switch careers quickly and conveniently without returning to school, experiencing a pay cut, or investing in extensive work training. This new book, written by one of America's leading occupational experts, teaches people how to do just that.

Author Laurence Shatkin, Ph.D., transforms the way readers approach their career change, teaching them to redirect their path based on what they already know rather than start from scratch. He explains nine routes readers can take to redefine their career; management, teaching, advocacy, standards-enforcement, communications, sales, brokerage, analytical, and recruitment.

To help readers pinpoint which of these routes is right for them, Shatkin provides details about each route's related skill requirements, personal traits, work environment, and more. He also describes jobs in each of these routes, offering information about earnings, projected growth, and additional coursework or training that may be necessary to work in the occupation.

Readers are given job-hunting guidance specific to Shatkin's "reroute" strategy and will learn how to take advantage of their existing network and channels of communication to redefine their future in the world of work.

Panicked Student’s Guide to Choosing a College Major
By Laurence Shatkin, Ph.D.

College students are often wrought with indecision about who they are, their future, and their interest. Without help, this uncertainty can cause students to panic— particularly when they are being pressured to define their college major.

This new guide helps college students make that decision and many more with confidence and ease. It addresses the problems many undeclared students have, including the fear of making the wrong decision, little awareness of their skills and interests, and a lack of information about majors and careers.

First, readers will learn about the key components of a college major decision. Next, they will quickly and systematically pinpoint the best majors for their interest and skills. Finally, readers will be able to learn more about the college majors that interest them most, as well as careers that relate to these majors.

Packed with information, this book covers 120 majors that link to 250 careers. Author Laurence Shatkin, PH.D., gives readers an overview of each college major and provides additional information about specializations in the majors, the typical sequence of high school and college courses, and related CIP program codes–everything students need to know to overcome panic and lay the foundation for a rich and rewarding education.

STEM Careers Inventory
By Laurence Shatkin, Ph.D.

STEM and green careers promise growth and opportunity, and are key to U.S. competitiveness in the global marketplace.

But how do you know which STEM occupations suit you best?

In just five steps, this easy-to-use assessment helps students and young people discover their personality type and then match it to STEM and green careers.

Users respond to 72 brief items, total their scores, and identify their Holland RIASEC personality type. Next they identify appealing jobs that align with their top personality types. Green job titles are in a green typeface for quick and easy recognition. Another step features a worksheet for researching careers of interest and lists career exploration resources. In the final step, students match their personality to education-related career clusters and career academies. All job titles in the STEM Careers Inventory are from the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Information Network (O*NET) database.