Tips and guidelines to avoid overseas employment scams

It is not easy to spot a scam, especially about something unknown like jobs supposedly available overseas. You will see advertisements in prestigious newspapers and magazine, which make legitimate sounding claims of excitement and excellent salaries. The ads sound like others you might find in your local employment classifieds. But there are telltale signs that may indicate a scam.

1. They ask for money up front.
2. They use post office boxes, instead of office addresses.
3. They make promises of employment and guarantees of refunds.
4. They charge fees for giving you a job lead.


According to the Better Business Bureau and the Federal Trade Commission, you can protect yourself against overseas employment scams by using common sense, and following a few basic rules.

1. You should ask for references.
2. Check them out in the state they list as an address.
3. Get everything in writing.
4. Forget about companies with no legitimate street address.
5. Be very skeptical of overseas employment opportunities that sound "too good to be true."
6. Never send cash in the mail, and be extremely cautious with firms that require a money order. This could indicate that the firm is attempting to avoid a traceable record of its transactions.
7. Do not be fooled by official-sounding names. Many scam artists operate under names that sound like those of long-standing, reputable firms.
8. Avoid working with firms that require payment in advance.
9. Do not give your credit card or bank account number to telephone solicitors.
10. Read the contract very carefully. Have an attorney look over any documents you are asked to sign.
11. Beware of an agency that is unwilling to give you a written contract.
12. Do not hesitate to ask questions. You have a right to know what services to expect and the costs involved.
13. Do not make a hasty decision. Instead, take time to weigh all the pros and cons of the situation. Be wary of demands that "you must act now."
14. Keep a copy of all agreements you sign, as well as copies of checks you forward to the company.

Being beautiful doesn't always get you job

WASHINGTON: While being beautiful may have opened a lot of doors for you, getting a job may not be as easy, according to a new study

A new University of Colorado Denver Business School study reveals that attractive women face discrimination when it comes to landing certain kinds of jobs.

For titles like manager of research and development, director of finance, mechanical engineer and construction supervisor, attractive women are considered 'too masculine'.

"In every other kind of job, attractive women were preferred. This wasn't the case with men which shows that there is still a double standard when it comes to gender," said Stefanie Johnson.

The study showed that in job categories like director of security, hardware salesperson, prison guard and tow truck driver, attractive women were overlooked.

However, attractive people do tend to score when it comes to salaries, performance evaluations and college admissions.

"In jobs involving face-to-face client contact, such as sales, more physically attractive applicants could conceivably perform better than those who are less attractive," said Johnson.

The results indicate that attractiveness was more beneficial for women applying for feminine sex-typed jobs than masculine sex-typed jobs.

The authors said that managers have to rely more on information from the individual rather than on
stereotypes about physical appearance.

The study is released in the May/June Journal of Social Psychology

Comparing salary with others makes you sad: Study

People who compare their income with those of family and friends are less happy than those who do not, according to a new study.
Using a Europe-wide survey, researchers at the Paris School of Economics found that those who compared their incomes with others tended to be less happy.

The responses showed that the greater the importance people attached to such comparisons, the lower they ranked themselves on measures of satisfaction with life and standard of living, as well as on feeling depressed, the BBC reported.

According to the researchers, three-quarters of respondents in the European Social Survey, which covered 19,000 participants in 24 countries, thought it important to compare their incomes with others.

But those who compared salaries seemed less content, especially if they looked at those of friends and family rather than work colleagues.

There was no difference seen between men and women in how much they compare their income with those around them.
But limiting comparisons to work colleagues seemed to be the most innocuous -- as comparisons with friends appeared to be twice as painful as comparisons with colleagues.

The research paper appeared in the Economic Journal also found the poor were most affected.

People in poorer countries were found to compare their incomes more than people in richer ones and, within countries, poorer people were more likely to compare their incomes than richer people.

The researchers suggest that when it comes to comparing your salary with colleagues' earnings, it may help boost feelings about the prospects for potential future income.

They concluded: "Constantly looking over one's shoulder seems to make the world a less happy -- and more unequal -- place."
Study leader Professor Andrew Clark added that the larger effect seen in poorer groups was a surprise.
"I had thought that richer people would compare more because if you're down towards the bottom what really matters is just getting the minimum required, but it didn't come out that way."

Professor Cary Cooper, an expert in organisational psychology and health at Lancaster University Management School, said the kind of people who constantly compare themselves with others tend to be unsure of themselves.
"We need to know what comes first -- is it those who are glass half empty types who do the comparisons as a consequence of that, or is it the comparison that makes them unhappy?"

He said comparisons with school and university friends were probably most damaging.
"With work colleagues it's a fairness issue, but with school friends who had the same opportunities as you you might think 'They've done much better than me so I must be less competent'.
"I would advise people to not compare themselves and be happy with who they are and the situation they're in - remember those you're comparing yourself with may not actually be more content."
 

How To Negotiate Your Salary

Demonstrate your value, do your homework, and make sure you meet face to face

I mentioned to an advertising honcho friend of mine that I was thinking of writing a story on how to negotiate salary in job interviews. My friend, who is in his 50s--we'll call him Don--was inspired to write me a 10-point memo on how he's done it. Don likes to play hardball.
Don's tips include such advice as "If they've decided on you, you got 'em by the balls," and "Lie about your previous salary." Among other things, he suggests, go to your present boss, tell him you have an offer, and then "lie about how much the new job is offering and see if you can get more.

Negotiate back and forth, depending on which company you want to end up with and how many bridges you want to burn."

So successful has Don been at manipulating employers that one year he wangled two different six-month severance packages. "I made 12 months in severance pay and worked only five months," he wrote.

But then at the end of his advice laundry list, he included a coda: "Of course, this was all then." He continued: "Now, I beg. I grovel. I take whatever anyone wants to give me. I suck up in ways that would shock others. I thank them profusely, lie to make myself younger and tell them about my nine sick kids so they don't fire me." One more thing: "If they make a cultural reference you don't get, just say, 'Whatever.' Apparently, that means you know."

New Rules for a New Job Climate

What's a job seeker to do in the current, brutal climate? I interviewed three job search experts and found that Don's old tricks are not completely obsolete. Though none of my sources liked the idea of lying to an employer, they all agreed that some of his advice had merit, like demonstrating to an employer that you are valued by other employers and using severance pay as a bargaining chip.
First, about lying. "It's highly counterproductive," says Orville Pierson, senior vice president at the outplacement firm Lee Hecht Harrison and the author of "The Unwritten Rules of the Highly Effective Job Search." "The person you're talking to is going to be your next boss. Your career depends on your reputation."

Rusty Rueff, the author of "Talent Force: A New Manifesto for the Human Side of Business" and a former head of human resources at PepsiCo and Electronic Arts, agrees. Rueff says job seekers should be transparent about why they need to make a particular salary. "It's just like applying for a mortgage or a student loan," he says. "The hiring manager wants to know there's a rational explanation behind what you're asking for." For example, if a company wants you to move from San Jose to New York City and you have two kids in private school, go ahead and tell the hiring manager that you're going to be needing $68,000 to cover tuition.

Nevertheless, Pierson and Rueff add--and Roy Cohen, a veteran career coach, agrees--the salary discussion is most certainly a negotiation, and it pays to establish yourself as a valuable commodity desired by others. "It's all about demonstrating that you are the best person to help the employer address any challenges that may exist," Cohen says, "that you are going to change the course of history at the organization." He advises you to continue to demonstrate your value throughout the negotiation period, by offering solutions and strategies at meetings and in follow-up e-mails.

Cohen, the author of the forthcoming "Wall Street Professional's Survival Guide," also says it's good to have competing offers, or at least competing conversations with prospective employers, and to let hiring managers know about it. "The only way you remain exciting to an employer is by giving the impression that you are dynamic and busy, that you're consulting and you have other conversations going on," Cohen says.

At the same time Rueff and Pierson advise applicants to appear humble. You should be confident, but not cocky, Rueff says. "If you look like an egomaniac, you're going to turn people off," notes Pierson. He suggests that you go to interviews prepared with stories to tell that illustrate your accomplishments and your values.

Be Prepared to Negotiate

When you start negotiating, be well prepared for that, too. First, think hard about what's most important to you, including salary and anything else from the non-compete clause to the office where you'll sit. What are you willing to give up? What is make or break? For some applicants, the size of the paycheck may not be as important as vacation time. Severance is a good negotiating item, because it costs the employer nothing up front.

Then be sure to research your employer, educating yourself about perks, employee policies, and general compensation practices. Web sites like glassdoor.com can help. At glassdoor, where Rueff sits on the board, you can find the compensation levels for specific jobs at thousands of companies.

Using Social Profile can be another efficient way to get background on a company.

How should you handle it when a hiring manager asks how much you currently make? Cohen says it often makes sense to use a delaying tactic, like saying, "I want to figure out if there's an opportunity for me here." Or if you're coming from a low-paying job, for instance at a nonprofit, and want to make a lot more, you can say to the hiring manager, "I'm sure you know I'm coming from a lower-paying industry where salaries are not in line with the private sector."

Finally, negotiate in person whenever possible. Once you get to the salary discussion, the employer has decided she wants to hire you. Nevertheless, if you're sitting in front of her, says Cohen, "there's more of a commitment." It's a lot easier to get someone off the phone than to dismiss a prospective employee from your office. Stand your ground.

Breaking Out of Long-Term Unemployment

6 ways to prevent being unemployed from hurting your resume and your outlook

Long-term unemployment can wreak havoc on a person's sense of self-worth and well-being. Worse, big resume gaps, or current unemployment, may also mark a job seeker as "damaged goods" and make a long job search even longer.

"I wouldn't say the bias [against hiring the unemployed] is pervasive, but too many hiring managers don't realize that the world has changed and that people have had a hard time finding jobs through no fault of their own," says Cheryl Ferguson, president of Recruiter's Studio and recruiter for Decision

Toolbox.

Throw in the towel? Don't even think about it, career experts say. They suggest these practical steps to help even the most discouraged unemployed job seeker get motivated and beat the odds.

1. Check your mental attitudes.
It's a vicious circle: the longer you're out of work, the more anxious, insecure, or depressed you may be--and this can hurt your chances of landing a job. "Attitude is a crucial part of the job search, and unfortunately it's easy to be caught up in negative mental self-talk, especially with the media telling us how terrible everything is," says Helaine Z. Harris, a Los Angeles-based psychotherapist.
If anxiety or depression is significant, don't be afraid to seek counseling. If that's not an option, simple calming breaths and even meditation can be effective, Harris says. "It's essential to relax and clear the mind, so you'll know the right actions to take and be able to magnetize the opportunities you want." Connecting with nurturing friends and sharing your feelings about being unemployed can also help if you're feeling isolated.

2. Move your body.
There's documented evidence that physical exercise improves mental health and reduces anxiety. And a gym regimen or even daily walks around the neighborhood can help your job-search efforts by adding structure to your day. "Regular exercise creates more self-discipline and shows that you can do hard things, which makes it easier to handle tasks like making difficult phone calls," says Penelope Trunk, creator of the social network site Brazen Careerist.

3. Step away from the computer.
Job boards and social networking sites such as Twitter can be helpful, but they are not the only ways to connect. And relying on them can perpetuate the unemployment "hermit" trap. "If you've been out of circulation for a while, you have to remind people you're still around," Ferguson says. "You're also likely to be a little rusty in networking, so it's important to get out once or twice a week, at least, for a face-to-face meeting, lunch, or networking event."

4. Re-examine employment strategies and tactics.
With a clearer mind, an energized body, and a fuller social calendar, you can better gauge the effectiveness of your search. Career coach and author Dr. Marty Nemko urges unemployed job hunters to not assume they've been doing everything right:
"Are you really spending 30 hours a week job searching? Do you have a job-search buddy, so you can be accountable to each other? Are you active in your professional association, in-person and online? After an interview, have you sent a proposal that explains what you'd do for the employer? Have you followed up relentlessly with warm leads? If you've done all of those things and still aren't getting a job, you probably need to change your job target to a more in-demand job title or a lower-level job," says Nemko.

5. Fill the resume gap.
A resume should be a history of things you've accomplished, not necessarily a chronology of things you've been paid for, according to Trunk. With that philosophy, there's no reason to have a gap in your resume. "There are very few professions where you have to be on the payroll in order to do the work," Trunk says. "If you're a programmer, write a patch on your own time. If you're a shoe designer, design your own shoes. Just do it. You'll have something to show on the resume, and you'll be taking back your power."

6. Don't be defensive about unemployment.
You've been out of work for a while. So what? So have many of the other candidates. "Don't hide the fact you've been unemployed," says John M. McKee, job coach and founder of
BussinessSuccessCoach.net. "People won't hire others who are prickly."

McKee adds that you might need to stop saying the word "unemployed" if the word is getting in your way. Trunk agrees: "When someone asks what you're doing now, don't say you're out of work, because you're not. You're just not getting paid. Talk about the projects you've done and what you're learning, and then mention, 'I'm looking for a paid position like this.'"

After the Recruiter Says No

You had high hopes for this job: The job requirements matched your skill set perfectly. You aced your interviews. And you imagined hearing those sweet words so many of us long to hear:
"You're hired."

Instead, you got another rejection letter. According to recent U.S. Labor Department data, 5.5 unemployed Americans, on average, are vying for each job opening--so most interviews will end in rejection.

And that can be a crushing blow--but it can also be a career-making moment. When you don't get the job, what should your next steps be?

Don't beat yourself up about it.
John Kador, the author of "301 Best Questions to Ask on Your Interview," second edition (McGraw-Hill), recommends that you try to learn from each rejection-while understanding that it may not be your fault. "Sometimes you didn't do anything wrong," he says. "Someone else was more qualified or more connected. Companies sometimes go through the motions of interviewing applicants when they've already selected a candidate."

While the experience is still fresh in your mind, writing down what you've learned may help you put a positive spin on the experience--and give you something to refer to later, according to Lewis Lin, of
SeattleInterviewCoach.com.

Be gracious in defeat.
How you conduct yourself after a rejection letter can determine whether that recruiter will consider you again--or perhaps refer you to another recruiter. Liz Lynch, the author of "Smart


Networking" (McGraw-Hill), says, "Send a handwritten card thanking them again for their time, reiterating your interest in the company, and expressing your hope that they'll keep you in mind for future positions. And whatever you do, do not diss them on your blog!"

Ask for feedback.
Kador advises saying that you accept the recruiter's decision before you ask for feedback: "No one will talk to you if they think you're going to argue or appeal."

If you don't trust yourself to keep your cool, you may want to skip asking for feedback. If you do ask, email is the best medium. "Telephoning is probably too intrusive," says Lynch. "And whatever feedback you hear, don't be defensive."

Lin cautions that "you'll get canned responses most of the time" due to fears about legal issues, but he recommends phrasing your request for feedback like this: "If you don't mind me asking, do you have any feedback on how I can improve for future interviews?"

He adds, "You want to keep the conversation as professional as possible. Who knows? You could be their backup candidate."


Keep trying.
In most cases, you should actively pursue new openings at the company. The phrase "we'll keep your resume on file" is usually an attempt to soften the rejection, according to Kador, who says you should keep applying for relevant jobs and staying in touch with the recruiters you've met. "If a posting says no calls,' I wouldn't call," he says. "But that doesn't mean you can't write."

Bring the recruiter into your professional network.
If, down the road, you can help the interviewer or recruiter by recommending a candidate, for instance, or forwarding a relevant article, Kador says you should "go for it--make yourself known as a resource."

Lynch, too, recommends keeping in touch with the hiring manager in a "low-key way" and says that, when you do land a position, you should write him or her a note and include your new business card.

Then you can send the manager an invitation to connect on LinkedIn so you can easily stay in touch.

10 Job-Search Mistakes

Although this year's college graduates are facing a tough job market (and the smart ones are facing it now, rather than waiting until after graduation), they have an advantage over other job seekers, according to Andy Chan, vice president of career development at Wake Forest University: they are among the age group most likely to be hired in coming months.

"Organizations are very interested in hiring young people because they have a lot of energy and are willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done," Chan says.

But no matter how well-positioned these young people are, they--and all job seekers--will have a better chance of success if they avoid these common job-hunting mistakes of new college grads:

1. Not being proactive enough
Emily Bennington, the author of "Effective Immediately: How to Fit In, Stand Out, and Move Up at Your First Real Job," says, "This isn't the time to sit back and be casual in your approach. Create a hit
list of five to ten target companies, and really utilize your network to locate an 'in' at each."

2. Relying solely on the Internet
In a recent Yahoo! HotJobs poll, 57% of respondents said networking was a factor in landing their current or most recent job. Brad Karsh, president of JobBound, says, "When thousands of candidates are applying to the same jobs online and posting their resume to the same job boards, candidates need to stand out by making connections and networking their way into a company." Job boards are an important tool, but Karsh says new grads also need to focus energy on networking.

3. Not creating wide networks
Career expert Liz Ryan agrees: "Use your parents', grandparents', and friends' networks to help you in your post-graduation job search," she says. "Don't be shy--reach out to any long-ago Scoutmaster, choir director, or babysitting or leaf-raking boss. ... There's no statute of limitations on networking."

4. Not creating customized resumes
Ryan says, "Don't send out any resumes that simply list your courses, the degree you've earned, and your part-time and summer jobs--use this opportunity to make a stronger statement about what you want to do with your adult life." And according to Jay Block, the author of "101 Best Ways to Land a Job in Troubled Times," younger job seekers often haven't thought about what they have to offer an employer (as opposed to what they want to get from one). With this mindset, they create resumes that are "boring biographies" instead of effective marketing tools.

5. Misusing the Internet
Tory Johnson, CEO of Women For Hire and the author of "Fired to Hired," says, "New grads don't use LinkedIn--it's not sexy like Facebook or Twitter. But it's the best resource for getting names and building a professional identity. Don't overlook it."

6. Failing to follow up
Johnson says, "It's not enough to send resumes and pray the phone rings." She cautions that job seekers can't expect a resume to be discovered in that "big black online hole." "Hustle to follow up," she says.

7. Setting expectations too high
Johnson says new graduates too often focus on looking for the perfect job, instead of a first job: "Especially in this economy, the first job should be about finding a position where you'll learn a great deal, you'll be super busy, and you'll be surrounded by lots of people."

8. Appearing unprofessional
Make sure you're ready for employers' scrutiny, says Tim McIntyre, president and CEO of The Executive Search Group. That means you should "sanitize your MySpace page--right now. It will be checked," he says. He notes that many college students will need to change off-color voicemail greetings. Ryan adds, "Don't assume that Facebook's privacy settings will keep your youthful antics away from curious eyes. Rid your profile page of any photos of the 'three Bs' (beer, bongs, and bikinis)."

9. Not taking the job interview seriously
Even when you're applying for an unpaid internship, you need to adhere to common standards of professionalism. McIntyre says those standards include demonstrating you've done your research on the company and dressing appropriately. Block adds that new grads are often unprepared for tough (but standard) interview questions, such as "Where do you see yourself in three years?" and "What are your weaknesses?"

10. Not using the college's career office
"A career office can help [students] identify networking contacts, learn important job-search skills, and significantly improve their resume and cover letter," says Wake Forest University's Chan. Ryan agrees, but adds that this is just a first step. The career office's job is to "to prepare you for your job search, not to conduct it for you," she says. "Use LinkedIn, reach out to everyone you can, and begin researching employers who'd be likely targets for your job-search."

How to avoid Online Job Scams?

Introduction

Job seekers who use online job search web sites must be careful to avoid a type of job scam in which the applicant is asked to accept payment to his or her own bank account. These are known as payment-forwarding or payment-transfer scams.

Payment-transfer scams involve a con artist who pretends to be an employer. The con artist uses a job ad to lure an unsuspecting job seeker, or they may use information from a resume they have found online. Such con artists can be quite convincing, and may even steal company names and corporate logos to convince victims that they are legitimate employers.

After the con artist has won the job seeker's trust, the con artist tricks the job seeker into giving up bank account numbers. The reasons given for this can be clever. One ploy is to tell the job seeker they can only deliver paychecks by "direct deposit.

"The "job" a job seeker will be asked to do involves forwarding or wiring money from a personal bank account, a PayPal account, or from Western Union to another account. The other account is often overseas. As part of their pay, the job seeker is instructed to keep a small percentage of the money as their payment. Sometimes the payment for making the money transfer is as low as $15. Sometimes it is as high as several hundred or several thousand dollars. Almost always, the money the victims are transferring is stolen, and therefore, the victims are committing theft and wire fraud.

Usually, this kind of scam involves at least two or three victims.

There are many variations of payment-forwarding scams. Following are very simple tips that will go
far to protect you from falling victim with some clarifications noted below. Again, this scam can be quite clever and refined.

Do not give personal bank account, PayPal account, or credit card numbers to an employer.
Do not agree to have funds or paychecks direct deposited to any of your accounts by a new employer.
Do not forward, transfer, or "wire" money to an employer.
Do not transfer money and retain a portion for payment.
Legitimate employers do not usually need your bank account numbers. While direct deposit of a
paycheck is a convenience, if that is the only option an employer offers, then you should not accept the job. A legitimate employer will give you the option of direct deposit, but not demand that it is used. You should wait until you have met the employer in person before agreeing to a direct deposit option.

There is one exception to this: the U.S. government typically does require that employees agree to direct deposit. If you have been interviewed in person, and you are sure that you are dealing with a government agency, then agreeing to direct deposit is not a problem. Also, if you have been working for an employer for a while and you are very sure about their legitimacy, then agreeing to a direct deposit is usually fine. This is especially true if you have received a number of paychecks from the employer and you have met the employer in person. "Work from home" and telecommuting jobs are most at risk when agreeing to direct deposit, especially from brand new employers. Use caution and good sense.

Regarding payment transfers, while some jobs may require an employee to make transfers for employers, legitimate employers making this request will go to extraordinary efforts to check the job seeker prior to making the hire. This would involve meeting the jobseeker in person and conducting rigorous interviews. This kind of job hire would not be made via email or even the telephone or a single meeting. And a legitimate employer would typically ask you to make transfers from their business accounts, not yours. You need to draw a line and understand that transferring money for employers from your personal bank account or personal PayPal account is off-limits, period.

5 Ways To Make Your Resume Stand Out

All those resumes you sent out may have been a waste of time. Chances are, if you only received a canned email reply or no acknowledgment at all, nobody even read your resume.
So, what should you do to get noticed? You have to be creative if you want to get an interview these days. Here are a few ideas designed to get you a call back from recruiters: (Be a viable candidate, not a working resume. Learn how in Business Grads: Land Your Dream Job.)


1 - Advertisement for Yourself
Professionals agree that each individual needs a personal brand. If you're going to have a brand, you may as well advertise it. Create a one page highlight of what you could do if hired. Just like any ad, use well thought-out tag lines that quickly get the recruiter's attention. Don't tell everything, as you want the reader to call you for additional information. Post the ad everywhere your future employer may be looking; hand them out at industry conferences, and mail them directly to the hiring manager at perspective companies.

2 - Business Cards
Business cards were designed to be simple references that people use to contact you. In addition to your name, phone number and e-mail address, include a short phrase that describes your expertise. The job title should be the same as the one you're interested in interviewing for. Use the back to list keywords, certifications and accomplishments. Mail the business card with a note card referencing the job title you're interested in, and a short paragraph requesting an interview. (Learn to land on your feet when leaving a job in Preparing For Unemployment.)

3 - Professional Website
Your professional website should highlight your professional accomplishments. Include the web address on resumes and all correspondence including emails. Don't include too much personal information (remember, it is posted for the world to see). Provide a contact email address. Link your professional website to industry organization websites, alumni organization websites and blogs related to your profession.

4 - Presentation on a DVD
Create a presentation complete with highlights of what you could do for the company if hired. Include examples of your accomplishments and awards. The DVD method works best for creative type employment because it allows you to showcase your skills.

5 - Pre-Interview "Thank You" Note
Thank the recruiter for taking the time to read your resume and schedule an interview. Include the
times and dates you are available, and contact information. The note should reference the job title you wish to interview for and the date your resume was sent.

Don't keep sending out that old non-response resume, hoping to someday receive a call back. Getting hired during a recession requires a much more more savvy approach.
 

10 Strategies for managing job stress

Dr Kamran:  Stress is something we all face as workers -- and we all handle it differently. There is no getting around it. But, not all stress is bad, and learning how to deal with and manage stress is critical to our maximizing our job performance, staying safe on the job, and maintaining our physical and mental health. For workers like Melissa, infrequent doses of job stress pose little threat and may be effective in increasing motivation and productivity, but too much -- and too prolonged -- can lead to a downward spiral -- both professionally and personally.

Some jobs, by definition, tend to be higher stress -- such as ones that are in dangerous settings (fire, police), that deal with demanding customers (service providers), that have demanding time pressures (healthcare), and that have repetitive detailed work (manufacturing) -- but stress is not limited to any one particular job or industry.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, states that job stress, now more than ever, poses a threat to the health of workers –- and the health of organizations. NIOSH defines job stress as the harmful physical and emotional responses that occur when the requirements of the job do not match the capabilities, resources, or needs of the worker. Stress also occurs when the situation has high demands and the worker has little or no control over it. Job stress can lead to poor health and injury.

 

Job Stress Statistics

Numerous studies examining job stress sound an alarming bell about the mental and physical health of American workers:

• A Northwestern National Life study found that 40 percent of workers report their job is “very or extremely stressful.” And that one-fourth of employees view their jobs as the number one stressor in their lives.
• A Families and Work Institute study found 26 percent of workers report they are "often or very often burned out or stressed by their work."
• A Yale University study found 29 percent of workers feel "quite a bit or extremely stressed at work."
• A Princeton Survey Research Associates study reports that three-fourths of employees believe the worker has more on-the-job stress than a generation ago.
• A Gallup Poll found that 80 percent of workers feel stress on the job, and nearly half reported that they needed help in learning how to manage it.
• According to an article in Shape Magazine, women are 60 percent more likely to suffer from job stress than men.

Symptoms & Warning Signs of Job Stress

While the causes can be something other than job stress, here are the most common symptoms and early warning signs of job stress and burnout:

1. Apathy
2. Negativism/cynicism
3. Low morale
4. Boredom
5. Anxiety
6. Frustration
7. Fatigue
8. Depression
9. Alienation
10. Anger/irritability
11. Physical problems (headaches, stomach problems)
12. Absenteeism

Causes of Job Stress

 

There are two schools of thought on the causes of job stress.

According to one theory, differences in individual characteristics, such as personality and coping style, are best at predicting what will stress one person but not another. The focus then becomes on developing prevention strategies that help workers find ways to cope with demanding job conditions.

The other theory proposes that certain working conditions are inherently stress-inducing, such as fear of job loss, excessive workload demands, lack of control or clear direction, poor or dangerous physical working conditions, inflexible work hours, and conflicting job expectations. The focus then becomes on eliminating or reducing those work environments as the way to reducing job stress.

Strategies for Managing Job Stress

While many of the methods of preventing job stress need to be developed and supported by the organization, there are things that workers can do to help you better manage job stress.

 

Here are 10 tips for dealing with the stress from your job:

1. Put it in perspective. Jobs are disposable. Your friends, families, and health are not. If your employer expects too much of you, and it's starting to take its toll on you, start looking for a new job/new employer.
2. Modify your job situation. If you really like your employer, but the job has become too stressful (or too boring), ask about tailoring your job to your skills. And if you got promoted into a more stressful position that you just are not able to handle, ask about a lateral transfer -- or even a transfer back to your old job (if that's what you want).
3. Get time away. If you feel the stress building, take a break. Walk away from the situation, perhaps walking around the block, sitting on a park bench, taking in a little meditative time. Exercise does wonders for the psyche. But even just finding a quiet place and listening to your iPod can reduce stress.
4. Fight through the clutter. Taking the time to organization your desk or workspace can help ease the sense of losing control that comes from too much clutter. Keeping a to-do list -- and then crossing things off it -- also helps.
5. Talk it out. Sometimes the best stress-reducer is simply sharing your stress with someone close to you. The act of talking it out -– and getting support and empathy from someone else -- is often an excellent way of blowing of steam and reducing stress. Have a support system of trusted people.
6. Cultivate allies at work. Just knowing you have one or more co-workers who are willing to assist you in times of stress will reduce your stress level. Just remember to reciprocate and help them when they are in need.
7. Find humor in the situation. When you –- or the people around you -- start taking things too seriously, find a way to break through with laughter. Share a joke or funny story.
8. Have realistic expectations. While Americans are working longer hours, we can still only fit so much work into one day. Having unrealistic expectations for what you can accomplish sets you up for failure -- and increased stress.
9. Nobody is perfect. If you are one of those types that obsess over every detail and micromanage to make sure "everything is perfect," you need to stop. Change your motto to performing your best, and leave perfection to the God.
10. Maintain a positive attitude (and avoid those without one). Negativism sucks the energy and motivation out of any situation, so avoid it whenever possible. Instead, develop a positive attitude -- and learn to reward yourself for little accomplishments (even if no one else does).

 

Final Thoughts

 

Okay, so it's a cliche, but your health is everything. You need to take care of yourself, and no job, customer, or boss is worth putting yourself at risk. Find a way out through one or more of our 10 strategies. Take control of your situation -- and fix it -- and you will have better mental and physical health, as well as better relationships with the people around you.

10 Tips To Find Happiness At Work

Happiness is in vogue, and everyone-from psychologists to academics and career coaches--has advice on how to find it and how to keep it. Juxtapose that with a workforce that is more stressed out and cynical than ever. After a recession where millions of jobs were lost, remaining workers are doing more work with fewer resources and a heavy helping of distrust in management. Is it possible to find happiness at work these days? These experts say: Yes. Start now.

Throw Out Labels

 

We spend most of our lives instantly judging things that happen to us. It's raining: Bad. No bonus this year: Very bad. The boss is out of town: Very good. Author of Happiness At Work Srikumar Rao, Ph.D., says you can boost your sense of calm by turning off the mental labels. If you decide something is bad, it most likely will be, he says.

Let It Go

When something throws you off, being able to let it go quickly will exponentially increase your happiness at work. The ability to move on--resilience--enables you to handle work challenges with composure and strength. Instead of focusing on how bad a situation is, focus on how to fix it or the next step.

Write A To-Do List

It's hard to feel resilient when you also feel like you have no power over your work day. You can take some of that control back by writing a to-do list and completing tasks in that order. Also, limiting distractions by scheduling times to check e-mail or social networking sites will help keep you on task and feeling productive.

Focus And Engage

"The current workforce is like the cast of the Night of The Living Dead, says Rao. Disengaged worker-zombies do nothing for the company or for individual morale. If you are able to get excited about your work and focus on it with full attention, time will go by faster and the experience will be
much more pleasant.

Quiet Mental Chatter

A constant stream of negative thoughts sends many workers into a downward spiral of unhappiness. Quiet the chaos by redirecting your thoughts. Think of a positive memory and create a mental image of it. The next time you have an idle moment, instead of surfing the Web, draw up this mental screensaver. Replay this in order to reset your mind and scale back the negative.

Find Restorative Time

Workplaces are stressful and you need to cope. But "alcohol and TV won't help," says happiness
author Jessica Pryce-Jones. Instead, set aside some time each day to recharge. Taking a peaceful walk at lunch rather than mindlessly eating at your desk will restore calm. Maybe a warm bath in the evening or fun book for the commute are your fix-its. Experiment and find what works for you.

Connect To Your Values

People who feel more connected to the company's mission and feel like their work is valuable or meaningful are more likely to be happy on the job. If you begin to feel like your work is meaningless, look at the big picture: Work for a pharmaceuticals company? Think of the lives being saved. Or, consider how showing up each day aligns with your personal values. The money you earn supports your life outside of work, and whether that's your family or a hobby, it's a good reason to keep coming in with a smile.

We're The Same

It's easy to put people--colleagues, bosses, clients--into categories. People I don't like; people I do like. Me vs. them. A simple way to make work relationships more pleasant is by finding common
ground. Consider what makes you similar to your co-workers rather than different and the dynamics of the relationship will change. Social interaction play a huge part in your happiness on the job, so it should prove a good investment of your time and energy.

Feel Compassion For A Toxic Boss

The No. 1 reason employees leave a company is because of a bad boss, says Rao. They're everywhere, and you're likely working with one. See a boss for who he or she really is, he advises, and feel compassion for them: "You have to put up with her a couple hours a week, and she has to put up with herself her whole life." Rao suggests picturing a toxic boss as a child having a temper tantrum. When you remember the negativity is all about them, not you, you'll be better able to shrug it off.

Know When To Leave

You can do everything right and still be dissatisfied with your job. If you've tried everything in your power to make a situation work and you're still unhappy, that's when it's time to leave. Situations can be salvageable, and it's in your best interest to admit it and move on. Workers spend an average of 90,000 hours at work in their lifetimes. You owe it to yourself--and your health--to discover happiness on and off the clock.

- Courtesy: Forbes.com

How To Make Your Employees Love Their Work

Arsalan Raza : If you have watched ‘Office Space’ you must be familiar with all the bits that employees hate about an office. Well, they may dislike their job but not as much as the work culture, work conditions, peers and office.

Whatever they are down for, the point is unless they are motivated they won’t be efficient. End result? The office space will suffer. Here are a few ways to make your employees say: Dear Work, I love you.

· Give them a Little More

The appreciation and the perks are fine, but that’s a reward for their efforts. Give them something that is not a part of the bargain. They don’t really have to achieve something for getting some workplace flexibility. Outings and picnics also keep them engaged and committed.

 

· Show them the Way

You may or may not know this, but most of the employees working in your office, including those on the senior positions, live in confusion. The majority goes with the flow and have very little idea about what to do next. Providing career counselling and guidance will reassure them of being on the right track.

 

· Don’t Cheat (Where Money is Concerned)

You can’t act stingy when it comes to salaries and dues. They know when the bucks are due. Also, do not hesitate in giving a bonus when deserved. Don’t promise them a bigger sum next time.

· Be Cool

As far as possible, let the work atmosphere be free of stress and haste. Not to say that you can overlook the deadlines but an excessively jam-packed work schedule, that leaves no time for breaks, will only make employees think of ways to break free.

 

· Help them Be Fit

You need to groom your employees to be fit for the job and off it. You can think about offering health policies but these won’t be of use until they actually fall sick. Go for health programs instead. Weekly cricket matches or badminton tournaments will keep them motivated enough to work and happy enough to stay.

Create an organization free of politics. Bring down the work pressure (in case it is killing the happiness quotient in your organization) and take regular entertainment intervals. At least they will stop hating you that way.

Why Should You Stick to Your Job?

Arslan Raza : With a lot of uncertainty going on in the business world, jobs are hard to come by and anyone already employed well should think twice or even more times before giving

it up for some idealistic pursuits or on emotional grounds or for another job paying marginally more and decisions should be strictly based on cold logic and well thought out.

 

Drastic makeovers to be Planned

Many may question that as clichéd thinking as there are many examples of high risk takers who achieved success by a change over from routine ten to five jobs and it is widely believed that one has to put something on the line to achieve a higher goal. In many ways it is true in areas such as creative fields, inventive explorations etc. where there are many inbuilt risks within the job environment itself and an outsider hitting it off or flopping on first go is equally applicable to others. But a person having a background education and training in specific areas has a restrictive scope and success in other fields of activity is not guaranteed unless one trains in the new area of activity. Amitabh Bachhan was a sales representative before he decided to take up acting as a career and joined the Film and Television Institute to get the necessary training for a successful career as an actor.

 

Minor irritants should not be reason for quitting

Except for rare once in a blue moon type occasions like when there was a boom in the IT industry and the IT Companies went out of the way like going for Campus selections on a higher scale to recruit people and ensure adequate reserves/ bench strength to meet windfall opportunities, the job markets all over the world are not always open for sudden overnight switchovers. Anyone leaving a job suddenly on a whim or minor frictions with bosses or other authorities/peers may have a long wait on their hands to land another equally well paying or even nearly a good job as the one he/she just quit. It is better to swallow a little bit of pride sometimes to hold on to a job as, many times, criticism becomes the reason to quit. Criticisms should be taken positively as a way to improve oneself and in a worst case scenario the situation will only change for the better at some juncture. So, it is better to put up with minor irritants and take positives from it rather than taking any drastic steps like quitting the job.

 

Longevity of Experience counts as a factor for future jobs

Frequent (job) changes are not viewed upon kindly by prospective employers, who perceive the same will happen in the job under consideration also. An employee who has served with one employer for some considerable duration is always considered a better prospect as it is viewed as loyalty towards the employer and preference is given to such candidates. The frequent job changers also do not acquire the same depth of experience to deal with different situations as another experienced individual would have and therefore have better prospects of landing good jobs as and when they do make a change. The attitude of a frequent job changer is also under question and prospective employers may view this as a temperamental issue in getting along with peers and bosses.
Finally, an individual who sticks to his/her job even while facing some difficulties and challenges definitely stands a better chance to gain from it in the long run and be in the good books of his bosses and get benefits in direct proportion to the both the length of service and kind of work performance he/she has put in than a newcomer or someone who has already quit the job.

Communiction or Public Speaking

Speaking is an important method for communicating knowledge and expressing ideas. Being able to verbally communicate effectively to other individuals or to groups is essential in school, business, as well as your personal life.

Some tips for good public Communication

Feeling some nervousness before giving a speech is natural and healthy. It shows you care about doing well. But, too much nervousness can be detrimental. Here's how you can control your nervousness and make effective, memorable presentations:

Know the Room

Be familiar with the place in which you will speak. Arrive early, walk around the speaking area and practice using the microphone and any visual aids.

Know the Audience

Greet some of the audience as they arrive. It's easier to speak to a group of friends than to a group of strangers.

Know your Material

If you're not familiar with your material or are uncomfortable with it, your nervousness will increase. Practice your speech and revise it if necessary.

Relax

Ease tension by doing exercises.

Visualize yourself giving your Speech

Imagine yourself speaking, your voice loud, clear, and assured. When you visualize yourself as successful, you will be successful.

 

Realize that people want you to Succeed

Audiences want you to be interesting, stimulating, informative, and entertaining. They don't want you to fail.

Don't Apologize

If you mention your nervousness or apologize for any problems you think you have with your speech, you may be calling the audience's attention to something they hadn't noticed. Keep silent.

Concentrate on the message -- not the Medium

Focus your attention away from your own anxieties, and outwardly toward your message and your audience. Your nervousness will dissipate.
Turn nervousness into positive energy. Harness your nervous energy and transform it into vitality and enthusiasm.

Gain Experience

Experience builds confidence, which is the key to effective speaking. A Toastmasters club can provide the experience you need.

Guide lines......

• Your audience is there to hear your message. Relax and deliver that message, instead of focusing on yourself.
• Make sure that your speech is right for your audience. 
• Take your time. Don’t read your speech word-for-word and don’t rush through it. Be conversational, as if you were talking with a group of friends.
• Don’t stand up there like a stick, clenching the podium at both sides. Be natural and animated.
• Use hand gestures, drink water, move around a little. But don’t rock back and forth — that conveys nervousness.
• Keep the speach  short and simple. 
• Make eye contact with the audience. Connect with them. Get them to nod their heads to acknowledge what you’re saying. Make them pay attention to you.
• Practice your speech ahead of time. Take time to pause in the right places to make eye contact and catch your breath. 
• Don’t get into a debate if someone disagrees. Talk with him/her after your speech.

Own the Interview: Ten Questions to Ask

For many job seekers an interview can seem too much like an inquisition. That's usually because they're doing all the answering and none of the asking.

"Somewhere in the interview you have a chance to impress the employer on your own terms and see if the job is a good fit for you," says Florida-based career coach and executive recruiter Jonathan Milligan. "And you absolutely should take this opportunity. By asking the right questions you can determine if the job is right for you and also show you're engaged and interested in the job."

Employment experts identify five key question areas where you can gain insight, put yourself in a good light, and take some control in the interview.

Identify their pain.

"What is one of the biggest problems the company faces that someone with my background could help alleviate?"
"If I started in this job tomorrow, what would be my two most pressing priorities?"
Find out where the company is going.

"Where do you see this department/company in five years?"
"What are the long and short term goals of the company/department/work group?"
Determine whether you'd fit in.

"How would you describe your company's culture?
"What tangible and intangible qualities attracted you to the organization?"
Show you're really interested.

"What additional information can I provide about my qualifications?"
"What are the next steps in the selection process?"
Ask follow-ups.

"Can you clarify what you said about ...?"
"Can you give me some examples of ...?"
"By requesting clarification or examples, you show interviewers you care and that you're thinking deeply about the issues they brought up," says learning and development consultant Bill Denyer.

He suggests taking notes in the interview, using keywords to jog your memory of what was discussed but not burying your head in your notebook.

What you don't want to ask are questions with obvious answers, according to Susan RoAne, author of "Face to Face: How to Reclaim the Personal Touch in a Digital World."

"You really need to do your homework," RoAne tells Jobs. "Before the interview go to the company website and use search engines to get up to speed, and browse social networking sites  to see who knows what about the company."

"And never, never ask an interviewer, 'How long is the vacation'? or, 'What does your company do?'"

RoAne added.

Some experts suggest waiting for the inevitable "Do you have any questions for us?" at the interview, while others recommend looking for conversation openings to ask appropriate questions.
"It depends on the situation," Milligan says. "If the interviewer seems to be reading from a sheet of questions, don't interrupt. If it's a more casual conversation, you may have chances to turn the questions back on the interviewer."

"It's important to remember the job interview is a two-way street," RoAne said.

20 fastest-growing companies in the world

Although the world is going through some tough economic times, there are companies that are posting astonishing growth. Fortune magazine has just come out with a list of fastest-growing companies in the world.

Let us take a look at  them. All the figures are based on three-year average.

1. SXC Health Solutions

Revenue Growth: 151%
Profit Growth: 65%
Total Return: 105%

SXC is both a pharmacy benefits manager (PBM) and a service provider to PBMs. With some $72 billion in branded drugs losing patent protection in the next five years, sales of generic alternatives are likely to rise. SXC's PBM unit, which acts as middleman between the insurance company and the pharmacy, could be the beneficiary: It makes more money each time a person uses a generic drug rather than a branded drug. Health care reform also means more people will be covered by Medicaid, which could benefit both of SXC's business lines.

SXC also stands to gain from growth in the use of specialty drugs like those for rheumatoid arthritis. SXC expanded its contract with one of its clients, HealthSpring, which focuses on specialty drugs, and acquired MedFusionRx, a specialty pharmacy provider, in December.
Get stock quote: SXCI
Revenue ($ millions): $2593.9
Net Income ($ millions): $68.2
Industry: Health Care

2. Green Mountain Coffee Roasters
Revenue Growth: 63%
Profit Growth: 69%
Total Return: 120%

Green Mountain is known as much for its K-cups, the single-serve coffee pods that are ubiquitous in corporate offices these days, as it is for its coffee. The company dominates the single-serve market and boasts customers such as ConAgra Foods, Starbucks, and Dunkin' Donuts, which use K-cups for hot cocoa, teas and coffees. Some 82% of company sales stem from the pod and the "Keurig Brewing System."

It's lucrative for Green Mountain, which charges the equivalent of $35 a pound for coffee in K-cups, according to Greg Fraser of the GRT Absolute Return fund. But Green Mountain faces the loss of patent protection for the K-Cups in 2012, which could crimp revenues and profits going forward.

Get stock quote: GMCR
Revenue ($ millions): $1912.4
Net Income ($ millions): $113
Industry: Beverages

3. Hi-Tech PharmacalRevenue Growth: 51%
Profit Growth: 234%
Total Return: 42%

This maker of generic drugs for allergies, diabetes and pain reported 51% sales gains in 2010 and has continued strong this year with a 45% year-over-year increase in the most recent quarter. The company-which specializes in liquid and spray drugs and makes a popular generic version of the allergy medication Flonase-seems poised for continued growth: It currently has 13 pending generics applications at the Food & Drug Adminstration, addressing more than $1 billion in name-brand drug sales in 2010, according to IMS Health. Besides its generics division, Hi-Tech has two other segments: The health care products division sells branded over-the-counter products. And a line of magnesium supplements, acquired in 2010, has also contributed to sales.
Get stock quote: HITK
Revenue ($ millions): $190.9
Net Income ($ millions): $41.5
Industry: Health Care

See below for more information

Top 100

Rank Company Earnings growth Revenue growth Total return 1 SXC Health Solutions 65% 151% 105% 2 Green Mountain Coffee Roasters 69% 63% 120% 3 Hi-Tech Pharmacal 234% 51% 42% 4 Baidu 78% 65% 65% 5 Medifast 87% 49% 65% 6 Alexion Pharmaceuticals 82% 75% 37% 7 Discovery Communications 79% 105% 28% 8 Green Plains Renewable Energy 102% 299% 22% 9 Home Inns & Hotel Management 94% 46% 26% 10 Sturm Ruger & Co 848% 24% 49% 11 Cirrus Logic 340% 24% 42% 12 Priceline.com 59% 28% 64% 13 Lululemon Athletica 47% 34% 57% 14 Concho Resources 50% 41% 35% 15 MercadoLibre 72% 33% 32% 16 Silver Wheaton 51% 39% 31% 17 Ares Capital 68% 32% 35% 18 Trina Solar 68% 66% 14% 19 Ebix 48% 42% 30% 20 KapStone Paper and Packaging 39% 44% 35% 21 Apple 57% 37% 26% 22 Coinstar 81% 37% 19% 23 Illumina 95% 30% 20% 24 Netflix 48% 23% 116% 25 Acme Packet 38% 28% 108% 26 IAMGOLD 109% 17% 47% 27 Riverbed Technology 37% 29% 79% 28 Maiden Holdings 49% 49% 17% 29 Eldorado Gold 44% 61% 20% 30 Credit Acceptance 57% 22% 49% 31 VanceInfo Technologies 31% 44% 40% 32 First Financial Bancorp 42% 40% 26% 33 AboveNet 160% 16% 36% 34 Cree 77% 32% 14% 35 Salesforce.com 48% 29% 30% 36 MarketAxess Holdings 52% 19% 51% 37 Lincoln Educational Services 102% 28% 16% 38 HMS Holdings 37% 27% 53% 39 First Solar 50% 64% -21% 40 Encore Capital Group 55% 16% 52% 41 InterDigital 153% 22% 19% 42 Ctrip.com International 38% 38% 23% 43 United Therapeutics 50% 41% 4% 44 LivePerson 32% 25% 71% 45 Amazon.com 30% 31% 41% 46 Steven Madden 48% 15% 66% 47 Volterra Semiconductor 141% 24% 13% 48 F5 Networks 41% 18% 57% 49 TriQuint Semiconductor 86% 23% 19% 50 STEC 131% 19% 18% 51 O'Reilly Automotive 25% 31% 43% 52 DG 38% 33% 23% 53 Cubist Pharmaceuticals 40% 29% 26% 54 Chipotle Mexican Grill 40% 18% 55% 55 NetScout Systems 69% 18% 25% 56 Harbin Electric 34% 90% 2% 57 Celgene 56% 33% -2% 58 NetEase.com 25% 39% 27% 59 Neutral Tandem 54% 32% 0% 60 Thoratec 93% 15% 24% 61 Cninsure 43% 38% 1% 62 Insituform Technologies 61% 25% 11% 63 Research In Motion 39% 49% -37% 64 Allegiant Travel 41% 19% 39% 65 Deckers Outdoor 38% 29% 24% 66 EZCORP 28% 26% 41% 67 American Public Education 37% 40% 4% 68 TransGlobe Energy 33% 26% 31% 69 Signature Bank 42% 19% 30% 70 New Oriental Education & Technology Group 25% 38% 24% 71 HealthSpring 28% 25% 40% 72 Life Technologies 28% 48% 10% 73 Cyberonics 146% 16% 9% 74 DeVry 46% 29% 4% 75 Perrigo 36% 17% 41% 76 American Equity Investment Life Holding 17% 45% 17% 77 VistaPrint 32% 29% 21% 78 Ulta Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance 29% 16% 79% 79 Cognizant Technology Solutions 26% 27% 31% 80 Newmont Mining 69% 20% 2% 81 IPC The Hospitalist 29% 23% 35% 82 AsiaInfo Holdings 30% 37% 12% 83 FBL Financial Group 51% 17% 20% 84 Broadcom 62% 19% 8% 85 BJ's Restaurants 20% 17% 75% 86 First Cash Financial Services 26% 21% 41% 87 Intuitive Surgical 33% 30% 11% 88 Epoch Holding 22% 27% 31% 89 Sohu.com 33% 38% 1% 90 Buffalo Wild Wings 25% 23% 39% 91 Enstar Group 46% 24% 6% 92 MWI Veterinary Supply 29% 21% 35% 93 Almost Family 32% 37% 1% 94 Zhongpin 26% 42% -6% 95 Blue Coat Systems 37% 24% 16% 96 LHC Group 37% 30% 0% 97 Walter Energy 38% 27% 3% 98 ITT Educational Services 45% 24% -2% 99 American Science and Engineering 39% 19% 17% 100 Catalyst Health Solutions 26% 23% 23%

Courtesy: http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/