What You Do When the Boss Isn't Looking

By Rachel Zupek, CareerBuilder.com writer

"When the cat's away, the mice will play," is a term most of you can relate to. As employees, when your manager is gone be it on vacation or just away from her desk you're like a teenager whose parents are out of town.

You sneak out early or come in late. You chitchat with co-workers more frequently, usually about nonwork-related things. You make personal phone calls, take extra-long lunches – heck, maybe you'll even enjoy a cocktail with your meal.

Perhaps the most frequent misbehaviors that occur when your boss isn't looking happen on the Internet. Whether you're surfing the Net, checking your personal e-mail, paying bills, shopping or updating your personal blog – it's all happening under your boss's unsuspecting nose.

Or is it?

Fifty percent of all employers report they monitor employees' Internet usage, according to a recent CareerBuilder.com survey. Eighteen percent of employers have fired an employee for using the Internet for nonwork-related activities.

Another survey by the American Management Association and The ePolicy Institute shows more than one-fourth of employers have fired workers for misusing e-mail and nearly one-third have fired employees for misusing the Internet in general.

When the boss is gone, the world of technology is a worker's oyster. Here are the most common things we do when our bosses aren't looking.

You "research"

Sixty-one percent of workers use the Internet for nonwork-related research and activities while they're at work, according to CareerBuilder.com. On average, 20 percent of these workers spend more than an hour of their workday on nonwork-related online activities and 9 percent spend more than two hours.

With those stats, it's no wonder employers are concerned with employees searching inappropriate Web sites from work computers. Sixty-six percent of companies monitor employees' Internet connections, while 65 percent use software to block connections to inappropriate sites, according to the management association. Employers who block content are concerned workers will visit sexual or pornographic sites (96 percent); games sites (61 percent); social networking sites (50 percent); entertainment sites (40 percent); shopping sites (27 percent) and sports sites (21 percent).

Of the 30 percent of bosses who've fired employees for Internet misuse, 84 percent did so because the employee was downloading, viewing or uploading inappropriate or offensive content; 48 percent because of a violation of company policy; and 34 percent due to excessive personal use.

You e-mail

Many workers use e-mail as their only form of communication – not only with co-workers but also with friends and family. Sixty percent of workers say they send non-work related e-mails at work, with 20 percent saying they send six or more e-mails per day, according to CareerBuilder.com. Twenty-two percent of those workers spend more than 30 minutes during the workday doing so.

The 28 percent of employers who have fired workers for e-mail misuse did so for the following reasons: violation of company policy (64 percent); inappropriate or offensive language (62 percent); excessive personal use (26 percent); and breach of confidentiality rules (22 percent), according to the management association.

You instant message

Everyone engages in a little chitchat now and then, but workers are using methods other than their mouths to do so. Twenty-one percent of workers say they send instant messages while at work and 45 percent of those people say IMing makes them more productive, according to CareerBuilder.com.

You socially network

Instead of opening your Outlook first thing in the morning, do you update your Facebook status? You aren't alone – 37 percent of employees surveyed by CareerBuilder.com have a social networking profile and one-third of them spend time on their social networking page during the workday. Nine percent spend 30 minutes or more doing so.

Fifty percent of employers surveyed by the management association block social networking sites.

You talk on the phone

Are you calling Mom every morning from the office to check in? Start using your cell phone instead – 45 percent of employers monitor the time you spend on the phone and the numbers you're calling, while an additional 16 percent record phone conversations, according to the management association. Six percent of employers have fired employees for misuse or private use of their office phone.

You blog

The "blogosphere" is taking over the Internet and becoming a "must have" space for employers and employees alike. Twelve percent of workers have a personal blog and 20 percent of them update it at work, according to CareerBuilder.com. Of those people, 6 percent spend 30 minutes or more blogging.

Rachel Zupek is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.

Copyright 2008 Careerbuilder.com. All rights reserved. The information contained in this article may not be published, broadcast or otherwise distributed without prior written authority.

Tips to Launching Your Career As a Financial Advisor

By Tim Bock

They're no question that we're at a financial cross roads. Now more than ever there's a need for qualified financial advisors to help lead us down the path to financial security. These careers are not only lucrative but rewarding as well. It's important to understand everything that goes into becoming successful. Let's take a closer look at some important tips that should be followed when building your career.

Independence

With all the financial problems facing people today, there is no single best solution. By being independent of any set financial institution, you'll have the freedom to choose the right financial products to meet your client's needs.

Don't go it alone

While you should be independent of a specific financial institution, it's important to make sure you you're not totally along in your endeavors. There are several independent marketing organizations that will give you the training and tools required to succeed in this competitive business.

Build a referral network

Networking and word of mouth is the best form of advertising. By being referred by a friend, your clients will be more willing to trust your judgment. This is why it's important to team up with qualified professionals in your area.

Selling isn't import

Contrary to popular belief selling yourself isn't that important. It's all about positing and taking care of your clients needs. By satisfying your customers, not only will they keep coming back but they will tell their friends and business associates about the services you provide.

Ask the right questions
When meeting prospective clients, don't spend a lot of time talking about yourself and your qualifications. Instead focus your attention on your clients needs by asking the right questions. What are their goals? What is your risk tolerance? How do you feel about...?

Communication is key

Stay in touch with all prospective clients. It could take several meetings for them to agree to work with you. Don't be pushy. Many times this will turn people off. Always be polite and keep their needs in the forefront.

Start small

While it's true that you need to spend money in order to make money, don't go overboard when starting out. Try to keep your start up cost to under $500. Limit your risk in the beginning and then you can expand your business after it becomes profitable.

Don't be unprepared when you launch your career as a financial advisor. Get all the fact by reading: Considering a Career in Finance as soon as possible. This is an excellent article that will give you all the facts you need before launching a financial career.
http://www.topfinancecareersonline.com is dedicated to helping people find the successful career they deserve.

Solutions - To Having Questionable Job References

By Paul Godines

There may come a time when you or a friend of yours needs a new Job but you realize that you need Solutions - To Having Questionable Job References. Don't fret; this article will solve your dilemma once and for all.

It's happened; you have a former employer you feel will not be a shining reference because they fired you. So what do you do?

Begin by understanding what it is you need, begin with the end in mind, what you need is positive and enthusiastic people who can vouch for the your quality of your work and specific periods of employment. Let's start with obtaining dates of employment, well, that shouldn't be hard to get at all, right? Start there, once you have all the dates than its time to move on to finding enthusiastic people to vouch for your quality and experience of work.

Start finding enthusiastic people to vouch for your quality and experience of work by collecting contact info from anyone in the company you were fired from, start with people that you know would likely give you a positive and enthusiastic reference. Lets say your issue was with your former Supervisor, well go to another department that you have a friend in and ask that Supervisor for a written reference. Collect as many references from as many Supervisors and Managers as you can. The purpose is so that you can demonstrate that your issue most likely was with your former Supervisor and not with the overall Mission and Goals of the Company.

Every company knows they have difficult people within their ranks and that sometimes there are personality conflicts that create the need to separate employees and that's the point you want to share with your prospective employer. This is a simple get Solutions - To Having Questionable Job References, get prepared ahead of time Good Luck, let me know if I can help.

Paul Godines from Adapt on a Dime Consulting http://www.adaptonadime.com asks if you have Career Goals? Visit us at http://www.adaptonadime.com

5 Telecommuting Job Interview Tips

By Wendy Betterini

When seeking a legitimate telecommuting job, finding good leads is only half the battle. Even more important is knowing how to present yourself well during the interview process and convince the employer that you are the best person for the job. There is usually a fair bit of competition for any good job opening, but this is especially true for telecommuting jobs! Work at home positions that pay well are in high demand, so don't be surprised if you find yourself among many hundreds of applicants all vying for the same position!

The question you need to ask yourself is: How can I be sure I'm putting my best foot forward during the interview?

This article will share 5 easy tips for making your telecommuting job interview great.

Tip #1 - Be on Time

This should go without saying, but telephone and internet interviews should be taken as seriously as on-site interviews. Be sure to plan, prepare, and be there on time. If your interviewer is supposed to call you, be sitting by the phone (or computer if online) at least 15 minutes before your interview time. If you are supposed to contact your interviewer, try to call at exactly the time your interview was set for, or even just a couple minutes early - but no more than that. Calling too early will just annoy your interviewer because he or she may be trying to wrap up a few things before your interview.

Also, be prepared by having a copy of your resume and cover letter in front of you, so you can quickly reference it for answers you may be asked. You may also want to jot down some responses to common questions the interviewer may ask.

Tip #2 - NO Background Noise!

If your interview will be done by phone, I cannot stress enough the importance of having a totally quiet background. That means no children yelling or talking or begging for your attention, no dogs barking, no television or stereo blaring. This will be even more important if you are applying for a job that requires telephone work. Make arrangements to be sure you can give the interview your full attention without any background interruptions.

In addition, be sure to use a landline telephone, not a cell phone. The interview won't go well if you and your interviewer have to keep saying, "Pardon, can you repeat that?" Also be sure to TURN OFF CALL-WAITING if you have that on your phone. That would be another big annoyance if you keep getting clicks and beeps on the line while you're trying to talk.

Tip #3 - Slow and Steady

Sometimes nervousness can make you talk a lot faster than you normally would, which can make you seem scattered or flighty. Be sure to pause before answering questions and keep your rate of speech moderate. Breathing properly can help you feel calmer too, so while the interviewer is asking a question or recording your answers, take that opportunity to take a nice deep breath - quietly, you don't want to breathe heavily into the phone! ;-)

Also, keep your answers brief and to the point. Avoid rambling (another sign of anxiety!). Answer only the questions you are asked, unless the interviewer indicates he or she would like you to expand on a particular answer.

Tip #4 - Honest but Positive Answers

Probably the most challenging thing about interviews is figuring out how to respond to questions honestly without casting yourself in a negative light. For example, if the interviewer asks why you left your last job, you definitely don't want to launch into a tirade about what a jerk your old boss was and you "just couldn't take his crap anymore". Instead, you want to find a way to make all of your answers positive but still honest. This can take a little creativity sometimes!

Using the above example, you might answer: "I really enjoyed that job for the first 6 months but gradually I began to feel that the position didn't allow me to use my strongest skills to their full potential." That would be a general answer, but you could be more specific too: "I felt that the position wasn't challenging enough in allowing me to build my problem-solving skills and improve customer relations." That doesn't negate the fact that your boss may have been a jerk - but you don't have to focus on THAT aspect of the truth! :-)

Overall you want to be truthful with your answers, but also find a way to put a positive spin on them. Whatever you do, avoid blaming, pointing fingers, or expressing bitterness about previous jobs, employers, managers, or co-workers. You want to portray yourself as being mature and professional, which you can't do with a negative attitude!

Tip #5 - Be Yourself

Finally, remember that your interviewer is trying to determine one thing: whether YOU are the right person to join their team. But he or she will not be able to tell that if you're busy trying to be someone else! Interviews can be intimidating and you may think that you have to become this super-polished professional that "wows" the interviewer, but it's really not necessary.

Instead, be yourself. Certainly you want to be professional and mature in the way you communicate, but you don't have to be an emotionless robot to do so. Strive for a balance between warmth, friendliness and businesslike composure. You want to be relaxed but not too casual; friendly but not gushy; professional but not stiff.

If you would like more information about increasing your chances of being hired for telecommuting jobs, visit http://www.telecommuting123.com for step by step guidance in finding legitimate jobs, writing a powerful resume and cover letter, and more.

Cabin Crew Qualities and Suitability For the Job

By Albert Tay

Embarking on a journey to become a full fledge cabin crew is an exciting journey but not without it's challenges. Hence, it is important to be sure why, where and what the job entails in order to generate satisfaction from the career, financial and experience from the job as a cabin crew.
The objective of this chapter is to provide guidance and evaluation if this job is suitable for you. Very often, we leave this part of the job fit to the airline recruiter or interviewer. Of course, each of us would hope the interviewer accepts us regardless on whether we are a good candidate for the job. It is also possible that we try to mould ourselves to fit the job, as it is common for many to justify why the job is suitable for them.

Without proper evaluation, the journey of looking and working in this job can be frustrating and in many cases, disappointing due to the lack of understanding of the job requirements and it's implication on career growth, mindset, financial management/behavior and lifestyle. It also affects longer term career interest, transition to ground positions and personal quality of life.
In the following paragraphs, we hope to provide into insights on what the cabin crew job entails as well as some of its advantages and disadvantages.

Knowledge and Suitability for the Job

Role of a Cabin Crew

1. What do you think the role of cabin crew involves / What do you think is the primary responsibility of a cabin crew?

Cabin crew are on board an aircraft for safety reasons. In case of a real life emergency, the cabin crew must ensure that passengers follow the captains instructions, use safety equipment correctly, and stay as calm as possible.

During the flight, the cabin crew spends a lot of time looking after the comfort of the passengers. This involves giving special attention to children traveling alone, disabled people or people who are ill. Crew must appear friendly and sympathetic to anyone needing help, advise, reassurance, sympathize or even, at times, firm persuasion.

Other duties during the flight includes preparing and serving meals and drinks and cleaning up afterwards, selling duty free goods, and helping passengers use in flight entertainment system. There is also paperwork to complete, this can include flight reports, customs and immigrations documents, accounts of duty free sales and meal and drink orders.

At the end of the flight, the crew makes sure the passengers leave the aircraft safely.

2. What kind of individuals would fit this role?

An individual who has the following ideal qualities:
a. Dedication to details
b. Assertiveness
c. Adaptability
d. Cross Cultural Understanding/Sensitivity
e. Organized
f. Rule oriented
g. Good listening skills
h. Stable Emotion
i. Discipline
j. Friendliness
k. Humble disposition
l. Honesty
m. Sincerity
n. Warm personality
o. Approachability
p. Sense of humor.

The successful candidate will also need to have the ability to remain calm and level headed in emergency situations and be totally flexible about working with new people, flying different routes and working on unsociable hours.

3. Is the role of a cabin crew job glamorous?

Well, it certainly is perceived as glamorous and it certainly has its benefits of travel. People see cabin crew in action, jetting around the world and form an immediate impression of what they think the job involves. In fact, the customer sees only a fraction of what goes on in order to make each flight a success. The truth is, cabin crew has to combine working as a flying waiter or waitress, mobile shop assistant, cleaner, plus all the emergency services rolled into one. It can be an exhausting and disorienting lifestyle that places tough demands on family and social commitments. It is also physically demanding and many crew who do not have the right physical build (appropriate Body Mass Index or BMI) typically suffer lower back injuries on the job due to the amount of bending, squatting and lifting required to support the baggage, kart, trolley and equipment used on the aircraft.

Combined with the irregular flight time, sleep and meal times, cabin crew typically has irregular sleep pattern and meals. Hence it is not a glamorous job except for the perks of travel, hotels and nice uniforms for some international airlines.

With the onset of budget carriers, many cabin crew do not even travel beyond the aircraft that lands in the other countries only for transition before heading back to their home country. These are called turnaround flights and typically affects short haul flights of not more than 3 or 4 hours from the country of origin. The flight allowance, per diem, meals or layover allowance are also lower due to such quick turnaround patterns that are short haul flights.

4. What are the disadvantages of this position?

a. Jetlag
b. Irregular weight gain/loss
c. Minor cuts and injuries inflight
d. Lower back ache
e. Lack of mental stimulation in the long term
f. Physical fatigue
g. Dehydration
h. Rash due to overseas travel and weather changes
i. Allergies to hotel and aircraft environment
j. Harassment from opposite gender
k. Relationship commitment
l. Motion sickness
m. Financial and lifestyle habits
n. Hierarchy reporting structure
o. Irregular or unsociable work hours

5. What are the advantages of this position?

Working as a cabin crew member is not just a job, but a way of life and provides an alternative and very stimulating lifestyle where no two working days a likely to be the same. The sheer dynamics of different crew, passengers' profiles, destinations and roster structure ensures that there will always be variety. Furthermore, there are opportunities to visit places and experience cultures that are beyond most people reach. Cabin crew go to places they always dreamed of and find interests in destinations they would not necessarily have chosen to go to.

Additionally, it is a good feeling to deliver businessmen to their meetings on time, reunite family and friends; deliver newly weds to their honeymoon destinations, or vacation airs to their dream holiday place. There is genuine feeling of doing something worthwhile, in a unique way which not many jobs regularly produce at the end of a hard day.

p.s. From the desk of The Best Cabin Crew Recrutiment Site @ http://www.CabinCrewRecruitment.net - Latest Interview information, Answer to Myth and Rumours, ebooks, free recruitment date alert service.

Make a Successful Start on Your New Job

By Randy Place

Your Career Service presents this article about how to make a successful start on your new job because success will be judged by the impression you make during the all-important first week.
How to make a good impression and survive your first week at work? By hitting the street running in order to make a successful start and to prevent the first week from becoming your last.

When you make a great first impression at work, you'll achieve a good and lasting imprint. Just follow these four rules on your first week --

1. Make sure you and your boss are on the same page by reviewing your job description together. And talk to other employees who have held the same job. Ask supervisors for tips that will make you a better performer.

2. Your first week is also the time to develop office relationships. But do not share intimate secrets. Your co-workers are also you competitors. For example, if a dozen of you are in a training program, only a few may end up getting the super positions.

3. Remember to carry a notebook to record what goes on at meetings. Your manager will consider it a sign of respect that her words are worth writing down.

4. After meetings, take a few minutes to review what you heard. Then chat with the person who led the meeting to restate your understanding of the action plan.

For more great tips about how to start a new job, Read, "How to get ahead during your first week at work," a previous post on Your Career Service.

Randy Place, a career management consultant in private practice, and Internet host of Your Career Service -- http://www.yourcareerservice.com - Daily posts feature job-finding tips and career management advice. Topics include job interview tips, networking strategies, dealing with job loss, resume writing and personalized cover letters, getting ahead at work, how to handle standard interview questions and much more.