Where the Jobs Really Are

With Friday's miserable jobs numbers came a flurry of commentary filled with phrases like "double dip recession," "expiration of unemployment benefits," and "the waning of American dominance."
David Gergen, adviser to four U.S. presidents and professor of leadership at Harvard's Kennedy School noted in a recent Tweet that employment numbers only reconfirm the need for a jobs plan. He went on to ask his Twitter followers, "Whose ideas will put Americans back to work? Clinton? GOP?"
Former President Clinton's plan, put forth in Newsweek magazine, proposes 14 steps to kick-start job growth. From speeding up start times on construction projects (by providing certain approval waivers) to a slew of energy and environment-related jobs and improvements, to states' rights to incentivize business growth, Clinton looks to government to clear the way for business opportunities to prosper and spur job creation.

The GOP's approach focuses on "America's Job Creators" that will reduce regulatory burdens on Small Business Owners, pass free trade agreements, fix the tax code to encourage investment and pay down the national debt.

Like Clinton's plan, the GOP looks to government policies and practices to create more favorable environments for business, so that these businesses will hire more people.
Here's the problem with a government-then-business approach.

First, in a society where success in business is measured by quarterly returns, it is incredibly difficult for businesses to grow at a pace that allows for long-term planning, investment in the future, and increased employee education, enrichment and retention, all of which lead to long-term sustained growth. In a shareholder-focused, short-term, buy/sell world, it's a challenge to have faith that tax incentives and reduced regulation will encourage businesses to do the "right thing" and create new jobs.

Consider Boston Scientific Corp., which in March 2011 announced that it would cut 5 percent of its staff. On a conference call with employees, Chief Medical Officer Keith Dawkins explained, "We have to be responsible to our shareholders," adding that management believes that they can increase shareholder value by 70 percent over the next three years. The implication here is that Boston Scientific can increase revenue with less people. So why, if they can do this, would they ever consider hiring more?

Second, in a government-then-business approach, American workers are ceding all responsibility for their job creation, and ultimately their livelihoods, to the companies, organizations and entities that can hire them. In this scenario, the prevailing attitude is that "the jobs are coming" and that workers should just be patient while government and business collude to create them. So why should workers even attempt to get a job when the reports are so bad and the big "plans" proposed by the vying parties never mention the duty of the worker to make things happen for him or herself? If I were the average American worker, I'd sit back on my couch, collect unemployment benefits and wait until things look rosier.
Clearly, this isn't going to work.

We are in a different world. We all know this. With ever-emerging technology replacing the need for certain job categories, many businesses have found that they can operate without those extra hands and still be productive. So what is the average American supposed to do?

Here's something that not enough people seem to know: The jobs are actually inside of each and every one of us. It is up to us to Claim Our Careers and no longer wait for others to tell us it is OK to get back to work.
Whether it is starting a home business, or identifying a company of interest and proving to management that we can help solve their problems and make them successful, the key to solving our job creation woes lies within each of us, the American worker. We can all work harder, reject laziness, and strive to be successful. We can all stop complaining about what government is or isn't doing to help us get ahead, and start doing the things we need to survive.

It is time for all of us, of every color, stripe, political orientation, education level and creed, to step up our game. Where the jobs really are ... are inside each and every one of us.
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By Susanne Goldstein
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National Call Center Hiring Telecommute Workers

lary: $12-$28/hour / Hourly                                     

Location: Sparks, TX

Type: Part-Time                                                      

TeleReach Corporate is a business development, appointment setting, teleprospecting, lead generation, data acquisition, and information gathering company. Since 1996 TeleReach has helped clients in both technology related and traditional businesses with their marketing programs. We make cold calls (M-F, 8-5) from a list of qualified prospects to set sales appointments with high level decision makers associated with companies within our clients target market. This requires the ability to feel comfortable communicating in a professional and effective manner with C level executives, presidents, directors and midlevel management.

TeleReach is seeking long term part time and full time Marketing Representatives. We are not a match for individuals seeking summer work, evening work, temporary work or supplemental income for an applicant’s other business ventures. We promote from within whenever possible. Although all of our employees work from their home offices, we encourage team interaction and provide a variety of incentives, including bonuses and contests. We offer group medical insurance and vacation pay for full time employees. All callers work on more than one program to avoid burnout. TeleReach offers performance based (quota) hourly pay. Earnings range from $12 - $28/hr. and our top FT callers earn 60K+ a year. We are a member of the Better Business Bureau and endorsed by ABC News Good Morning America and Woman's Day magazine as a recommended legitimate work from home company. 

Visit Telereachjobs.com for the links to these reports and to see our home office requirements.
All applicants must have a minimum of 1 year successful business to business (B2B) telephone cold calling experience, utilize professional verbal communication skills, have a sound understanding of general business, be self-motivated, have a dedicated follow-through attitude and demonstrate good computer skills. 

Preferred but not required: full time, college degree in a business related field, 3 years or more full time experience with a successful track record as a teleprospector, appointment setter or lead generator cold calling from home, formal sales/gatekeeper skills training, and online CRM experience (Gold Mine, Act, etc).

We receive a large number of applications each week and unfortunately can not respond to every applicant. 

We are not hiring in the following states: AK, CA, CT, FL, HI, IL, MA, MD, MI, MT, ND, NH, NV, PA, or WA.

To apply for a job, go to TeleReachjobs.com and select: Apply For A Job. 
Under Referred By, please click on the web site where you found our ad. 

You can also apply by calling 713-866-6226 and leaving a recorded verbal resume. Simply tell us about your education, experience, skills and other qualifications. The best candidates will be contacted for a telephone interview ASAP.

10 Cutting Edge Jobs

As the world continues to go forward and change technologically, we are living longer, retiring later and get higher education at a higher rate than generations before us, and the employment market is changing right next to us.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, technology is just one of the few factors in determining what's going to be the next great gig out there. Demographic shifts, legislative changes, business trends and consumer behavior also factor into what's going to be the next big thing and what's going to be history.

Here are some of today's jobs that are on the cutting edge:

1. Radiation Therapist
What they do: Work with radiation oncologists to administer treatment as prescribed and supervised by the doctor. They also maintain records and check the operations of the radiology equipment.

What you need: An associate or bachelor's degree in radiology and certification under the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Licensing may also be required.

2. Nurse Paralegal
What they do: Similar to LNCs, they are hired to assist law firms, government agencies and insurance companies with expertise on medical-related cases. Unlike LNCs, nurse paralegals have a stronger focus on the legal relations to medicine.

What you need: A bachelor's or advanced degree in nursing or another health-related field and certification.

3. Genetic Counselor
What they do: Assist families who have members with birth defects and other genetic disorders, and also aid in educational and administrative roles related to genetic counseling and inherited health issues.

What you need: A bachelor's degree concentrating on biology/biosciences, psychology, genetics or nursing and a master's degree in genetic counseling. The American Board of Genetic Counseling and the American Board of Medical Genetics offer certification.

4. Legal Nurse Consultant
What they do: Perform an analysis of medical information as related to law. They conduct legal research, interview expert witnesses and assist with legal paperwork and processes.

What you need: An RN license. Formal training as a legal nurse consultant (LNC) is not required, but helpful.

5. Art Therapist
What they do: Treat physical, mental and emotional disabilities through art expression.

What you need: A master's degree in art therapy with completed curriculum under the American Art Therapy Association's educational standards. To be a registered art therapist, 1,000 hours of direct client contact must be reached after graduation.

6. Computer Forensic Expert
What they do: Use computer investigation and analysis to determine legal evidence. They uncover deleted information and can help the legal system track down people attempting to cover their illegal actions, such as hackers and inside traders.

What you need: A wide range of computer hardware and software experience, as well as an associate or bachelor's degree in computer forensics, computer science or another related field.

7. Medical Illustrator
What they do: Create images that visually communicate bioscientific and medical discoveries. They also act as consultants, advisers, administrators and educators in biological science communications.

What you need: A bachelor's degree with a major in art and a minor in biological sciences or vice versa; a portfolio of artwork demonstrating competence. A majority of medical illustrators have master's degrees in medical illustration.

8. Veterinary Physical Therapist
What they do: Focus on animal treatment and rehabilitation methods, including hydrotherapy, swimming, exercise and massage.

What you need: Certification training is offered to licensed veterinarians, veterinary technicians and physical therapists. Some certification programs require written exams, and follow-up case reports, independent studies and take-home exams are also available.

9. Animal Defense Lawyer
What they do: Handle cases dealing with animals in cases ranging from custody in divorce cases to veterinary malpractice. While laws suggest that animals are regarded as "property," owners who are battling for the custody often regard their pets at a higher standard.

What you need: The educational degrees and requirements for a major in law, a Juris Doctorate, and a concentration and clinical work in animal law.

10. Animal Assisted Therapist
What they do: Study and identify behavioral patterns in animals and apply techniques to improve mental, social and physical issues within humans through animal/human companionship.

What you need: A bachelor's of science degree in psychology, social work, physical therapy, nursing or education. Additional training and certification in Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) is a big plus. AAT program concentrations can include elderly care, social work, education and other specialties.

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By CareerBuilder

Huge Incentives Offered to Women With Big Ideas -- Could You Be One of Them?

Remember a time when geeks were the uncool minority? For women in science and engineering fields, they're still trying to be more Bill Gates and less Mary Katherine Gallegher (the nerdy Catholic school girl played by Molly Shannon on 'Saturday Night Live').

Many women in the sciences often remain underrepresented and unrecognized. Men graduated with 585 percent more engineering degrees than women in 2002 (according to Science and Engineering Indicators). Now theKauffman Labs for Enterprise Creation is offering a huge incentive for women to put on their thinking caps.

The organization launched its first Women in Science and Engineering Business Idea Competition. The grand prize may not be a patent certificate, but it just might get the winners a step closer to getting one. Those selected will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to TED 2011 in Long Beach, Calif.

TED, which stands for technology, entertainment, and design, is an annual conference where great thinkers get a chance to spread great ideas. It's the kind of place to rub elbows with people like Peter Gabriel, Doris Kearns Goodwin, Jane Goodall, and Mae Jemison. (If those names are unfamiliar, you definitely know their work.)

The plan is to encourage women in science and engineering to think of themselves (and their fantastic ideas) as entrepreneurial. The idea is that as more women in these fields embrace entrepreneurship, they will grow more accustomed to selling their ideas, and that this evolution will allow even more women to continue to change the world.

"We know that more women than ever are leading U.S. businesses and hold a nearly three-to-one majority in undergraduate and graduate education, but too few pursue the path of huge-growth entrepreneurship," said Lesa Mitchell, vice president, Kauffman Foundation.

Entrants are invited to complete an application, which includes a video. But you better hurry: entries are due by Jan. 15, 2011.

By Carol Berman, Posted Jan 5th 2011

Jobs Rated 2010: A Ranking of 200 Jobs From Best to Worst

When launching their careers, many job seekers had a simple method of choosing the best job for them: They guessed. A job might "feel right" or "sound cool" or be considered successful according to the media, conventional wisdom or the advice of others. However, as many realtors and autoworkers will tell you, conventional wisdom can change. And with fierce competition for jobs making it tougher than ever to get a "do-over" if you make the wrong choice, guessing is not a smart approach to career management.

So if the lesson of the past year is that you need to determine the best career path for you the first time around, how exactly can you do that? For starters, having a few facts will help. CareerCast.com's 2010 Jobs Rated report offers a comprehensive analysis of 200 different jobs – from Accountant to Zoologist – giving each a unique ranking based on factual analysis and hard data, not guesswork. If you're entering (or re-entering) the job market and want to avoid selecting the wrong career, our rankings can help you make a stronger, more informed decision, both for today and the long-term.

How does Jobs Rated determine which professions rank better than others? Data on each job is broken down into five key categories: Physical Demands, Work Environment, Income, Stress and Hiring Outlook. Jobs receive a score in each individual category, and when these are added together, the career with the best overall score is ranked 1st, while the one with the worst overall score is ranked 200th.

Of course every employee is different, and what you consider a "dream job" might be someone else's idea of a career nightmare. Because of this, a simple ranking may not be enough – you need to know what a particular job is really like on a day-to-day basis. This is where the survey's individual scores and rankings can help. If you're the type who cares a lot about income but doesn't mind stress, for example, public relations executive might be a great career for you. While the job may seem less desirable with an overall ranking of 79, it ranks 19th for median income and 193rd for stress – perfect for the job seeker who wants good pay and can handle a high-stress environment.

1. Actuary

Interprets statistics to determine probabilities of accidents, sickness, and death, and loss of property from theft and natural disasters.

• Overall Score: 46.00
• Income: $85,229.00

---

• Work Environment:

• 179.440
• Stress:

• 20.187
• Physical Demands:

• 3.97
• Hiring Outlook:

• 24.79

2. Software Engineer

Researches, designs, develops and maintains software systems along with hardware development for medical, scientific, and industrial purposes.

• Overall Score: 66.00
• Income: $85,139.00

---

• Work Environment:

• 150.000
• Stress:

• 25.000
• Physical Demands:

• 5.00
• Hiring Outlook:

• 45.39

3. Computer Systems Analyst

Plans and develops computer systems for businesses and scientific institutions.

• Overall Score: 77.00
• Income: $76,162.00

---

• Work Environment:

• 90.780
• Stress:

• 24.965
• Physical Demands:

• 5.08
• Hiring Outlook:

• 29.62

4. Biologist

Studies the relationship of plants and animals to their environment.

• Overall Score: 123.00
• Income: $71,279.00

---

• Work Environment:

• 314.370
• Stress:

• 26.946
• Physical Demands:

• 4.98
• Hiring Outlook:

• 24.79

5. Historian

Analyzes and records historical information from a specific era or according to a particular area of expertise.

• Overall Score: 132.00
• Income: $62,226.00

---

• Work Environment:

• 136.410
• Stress:

• 28.419
• Physical Demands:

• 5.09
• Hiring Outlook:

• 24.26

6. Mathematician

Applies mathematical theories and formulas to teach or solve problems in a business, educational, or industrial climate.

• Overall Score: 133.00
• Income: $95,161.00

---

• Work Environment:

• 89.720
• Stress:

• 24.673
• Physical Demands:

• 3.97
• Hiring Outlook:

• 11.11

7. Paralegal Assistant

Assists attorneys in preparation of legal documents; collection of depositions and affidavits; and investigation, research and analysis of legal issues.

• Overall Score: 179.00
• Income: $46,152.00

---

• Work Environment:

• 263.820
• Stress:

• 23.084
• Physical Demands:

• 5.79
• Hiring Outlook:

• 22.52

8. Statistician

Tabulates, analyzes, and interprets the numeric results of experiments and surveys.

• Overall Score: 187.00
• Income: $73,193.00

---

• Work Environment:

• 89.520
• Stress:

• 27.975
• Physical Demands:

• 3.95
• Hiring Outlook:

• 9.93

9. Accountant

Prepares and analyzes financial reports to assist managers in business, industry and government.

• Overall Score: 190.00
• Income: $59,176.00

---

• Work Environment:

• 276.780
• Stress:

• 31.138
• Physical Demands:

• 4.23
• Hiring Outlook:

• 18.76

10. Dental Hygienist

Assists dentists in diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of a group or private dental practice.

• Overall Score: 198.00
• Income: $67,107.00

---

• Work Environment:

• 593.250
• Stress:

• 24.719
• Physical Demands:

• 7.00
• Hiring Outlook:

• 30.07

11. Philosopher

Studies questions concerning the nature of intellectual concepts, and attempts to construct rational theories concerning our understanding of the world around us.

• Overall Score: 207.00
• Income: $60,218.00

---

• Work Environment:

• 361.440
• Stress:

• 30.497
• Physical Demands:

• 6.04
• Hiring Outlook:

• 24.18

12. Meteorologist

Studies the physical characteristics, motions and processes of the earth's atmosphere.

• Overall Score: 210.00
• Income: $81,226.00

---

• Work Environment:

• 179.640
• Stress:

• 29.192
• Physical Demands:

• 6.98
• Hiring Outlook:

• 12.26

13. Technical Writer

Transforms scientific and technical information into readily understandable language.

• Overall Score: 215.00
• Income: $62,162.00

---

• Work Environment:

• 221.250
• Stress:

• 36.506
• Physical Demands:

• 5.85
• Hiring Outlook:

• 20.12

14. Bank Officer

Oversees the successful operations by assisting in the direction of policies and procedures for a financial institution.

• Overall Score: 222.00
• Income: $88,217.00

---

• Work Environment:

• 390.560
• Stress:

• 35.395
• Physical Demands:

• 4.76
• Hiring Outlook:

• 14.67

15. Web Developer

Creating and maintaining layout, navigation, and interactivity of intranet and internet websites.

• Overall Score: 229.00
• Income: $60,090.00

---

• Work Environment:

• 275.000
• Stress:

• 27.000
• Physical Demands:

• 10.00
• Hiring Outlook:

• 29.40

16. Industrial Engineer

Plans for optimum use of facilities and personnel to improve industrial efficiency.

• Overall Score: 232.00
• Income: $74,123.00

---

• Work Environment:

• 230.300
• Stress:

• 34.545
• Physical Demands:

• 8.21
• Hiring Outlook:

• 20.73

17. Financial Planner

Related to careers in portfolio management, the financial planner offers a broad range of services aimed at assisting individuals in managing and planning their financial future.

• Overall Score: 233.00
• Income: $59,353.00

---

• Work Environment:

• 225.000
• Stress:

• 38.350
• Physical Demands:

• 4.00
• Hiring Outlook:

• 16.03

18. Aerospace Engineer

Designs, develops, and tests new technologies concerned with the manufacture of commercial and military aircraft and spacecraft.

• Overall Score: 254.00
• Income: $93,133.00

---

• Work Environment:

• 230.300
• Stress:

• 34.545
• Physical Demands:

• 6.21
• Hiring Outlook:

• 10.33

19. Pharmacist

Advises physicians and patients on the affects of drugs and medications; prepares and dispenses prescriptions.

• Overall Score: 260.00
• Income: $106,070.00

---

• Work Environment:

• 788.640
• Stress:

• 25.877
• Physical Demands:

• 8.86
• Hiring Outlook:

• 22.20

20. Medical Records Technician

Maintains complete, accurate, and up-to-date medical records for use in treatment, billing, and statistical surveys.

• Overall Score: 263.00
• Income: $31,150.00

---

• Work Environment:

• 165.200
• Stress:

• 19.620
• Physical Demands:

• 7.26
• Hiring Outlook:

• 17.00

The 2010 Jobs Rated rankings serve as a guide for anyone trying to get a clearer picture of employment in an uncertain time. Whether you're graduating from college, have recently found yourself downsized or just can't stand the thought of going back to the grind for one more day, our rankings and individual category scores can help you take the guesswork out of your job search. And with facts on your side, you'll be starting out ahead of the game.

=======================

By Andrew Strieber

Internet Tips and Tricks to Help You Land Your Next Job

There's a wealth of career information on the Internet, and these resources are just a mouse-click away for any job seeker.

But as comprehensive as sites like CareerBuilder.com are, there are other resources on the Internet you can use to land a new job. Here are a few tips and tricks to help maximize your job search on the Web.

1. Career assessment tests

Career assessment tests can be engaging and fun, and the results can give you important insight into your working style to help you find the best fit.

For example, CareerPath.com has a number of helpful career tests, including a color test that gauges your reaction to colors and suggests potential career paths based on the result. Take note of any keywords that appear in your test results and use them as search terms.

2. Network, network, network

Most career experts encourage job seekers to expand their networks. You can connect with other professionals via Web sites like BrightFuse and LinkedIn, and even a personal contact on Facebook can provide an important connection to an opportunity.

Alumni groups with an online presence can also be a great place to network, since the focus of those groups is their eagerness to connect with fellow graduates.

If you're not sure where to start, sign on to a networking site.  Search for current or former co-workers and managers and invite them to join your network. Engage your network by sending messages and giving other users recommendations or kudos for the positive experience you had with them.

3. Research your prospective employer

If you're competing against other candidates with equally impressive skills, education and experience, you really need to break ahead of the pack. One way to do that is to know your prospective employer.

Start with the company's Web site; look in the "About Us," "Media" or "Press Room" sections. To be fully informed, you'll want to check out other sites with detailed information.

"Use online news sites to understand which companies are doing well or expanding," suggests Patrick Madsen, the director of professional career services at The Johns Hopkins Carey Business School. "Reading through articles and generally knowing where the world is going can open potential new doors and windows."

Madsen also suggests that job seekers research information sites like Hoover's, Vault.com or Careerbeam to learn about companies.

4. Person to person

Do an Internet search on yourself. A recent CareerBuilder.com survey found that one in four hiring managers are researching candidates online. If there's any information out there that could hurt your chances of being hired, you need to be aware of it.

Once you've landed an interview, you can also research the person you'll be talking to.  Madsen recommends doing a simple Google search on the interviewer's name, as well as checking Facebook or LinkedIn to see if he has a profile there. The interviewer may also be featured on the company's Web site.

Mark Moran, founder and CEO of Dulcinea Media in New York City, says this step is vitally important. "I've interviewed perhaps 500 people in the last five years, and I can tell you most of them failed to get the job because they did not use the Internet to research me, the company or our industry."

5. Brave the cold

It's ideal to use sites like CareerBuilder.com to reply to job postings from employers actively seeking candidates in your field. But you can also use the Internet to do a "cold" search on companies that are in your field.

Career expert Chris Russell, the founder of the Secrets of the Job Hunt blog, recalls his initial job search. He researched companies in his area (none of which were actively hiring) and compiled a list of 80. From there, he identified a contact at each company. Russell launched his own "direct mail" campaign and soon had seven interviews. One of those companies hired him.

The twist to the story? Russell's job search was in the pre-Internet days of 1993. "The Internet would have made my campaign a much easier one if I had access to it back then. Today, there is so much information on the World Wide Web it can be daunting," he admits. "But if you know where to search, you can end your job hunt that much faster."

6. Back to basics

Some important basic tips to remember when using the Internet to land your new job:

- Make sure your e-mail address is professional; a handle like "partyguy2002" will give employers a negative perception of you before you've even started. 

- Don't rely on spell check alone to capture any errors in e-mails, cover letters and résumés. The difference between the word "shift" and a common curse word is only one letter.

- Be sure to have text-only versions of any documents, so they can be easily sent or submitted to employers.

------------------

By CareerBuilder

10 Industries to Watch

Where are the jobs now and where will they be in five years?

The economy's current state might be better than it was in the tail end of 2008, but it definitely has room for improvement. The unemployment rate cracked 10 percent and companies continue to cut jobs. People want to find jobs now, and understandably so.

The march toward recovery is frustratingly slow, however, which means job seekers who are looking for work today also need to keep an eye on the future. Industries that aren't thriving today will bounce back and grow in the coming years. Therefore, you can job hunt now and still work toward your long-term career goals.

Where the jobs are now
In his new book, "Where the Jobs Are Now," Joe Watson looks at the industries that are hiring right now, despite the sluggish economy. Some sectors are booming because of increased demands -- some related to the economy. Watson identifies seven industries experiencing a boon right now: health care, biotechnology, education, green energy, government, security and information technology.

Why? Well, the answer is different for each industry. Right now, many professionals are returning to school to earn a degree, get a certification or brush up on the latest technology. Therefore an increase in education jobs, from the administrative level to teaching positions, makes sense. An aging population is putting more demands on health care workers and also emphasizing the importance of biotechnology. New technology and a cultural desire for sustainability are increasing the need for green technology. The reasons go on and on, but ultimately they all prove that certain needs don't disappear just because of a sour economy.

Which industries will grow
Meanwhile, for other industries, growth isn't happening just yet, but it will soon. The economy won't stay in its current state forever, and depending on the source, some people claim we're on an upswing right now.

Regardless, throughout the next five years some sectors will rise above others, says Toon van Beeck, senior analyst for industry research firm IBISWorld. "Some industries on the list have taken a major hit during the recessions," he explains. "But as economic conditions improve, resurgence in global demand and rising commodity prices will boost conditions in those sectors."

"Some industries on the list have taken a major hit during the recessions," he explains. "But as economic conditions improve, resurgence in global demand and rising commodity prices will boost conditions in those sectors."

Perhaps you can't predict the future, but IBISWorld analyzed more than 700 U.S. industries in order to understand where the jobs will be in the near future. Based on IBISWorld's number crunching, here are 10 industries that will have the fastest employment growth in the next five years:

1. Voice over Internet protocol providers (VoIP)
2009 employees:  17,110
Projected 2014 employees: 34,850
Annualized growth: 15.3 percent

2. Private equity, hedge funds and investment vehicles
2009 employees: 35,200
Projected 2014 employees: 58,700
Annualized growth: 10.8 percent

3. Single-family home building
2009 employees: 435,000
Projected 2014 employees: 655,000
Annualized growth: 8.5 percent

4. Car and automobile manufacturing
2009 employees: 50,756
Projected 2014 employees: 73,950
Annualized growth: 7.8 percent

5. Environmental consulting
2009 employees: 122,922
Projected 2014 employees: 176,519
Annualized growth: 7.5 percent

6. Multi-family housing construction
2009 employees: 60,000
Projected 2014 employees: 86,000
Annualized growth: 7.5 percent

7. Search engines
2009 employees: 29,530
Projected 2014 employees: 40,850
Annualized growth: 6.7 percent

8. New car dealers
2009 employees: 750,825
Projected 2014 employees: 1,033,679
Annualized growth: 6.6 percent

9. Court reporting services
2009 employees: 271,843
Projected 2014 employees: 370,993
Annualized growth: 6.4 percent

10. Mining, oil and gas machinery manufacturing
2009 employees: 45,169
Projected 2014 employees: 60,716
Annualized growth: 6.1 percent

---------------------

By Anthony Balderrama

Come to the Fair -- Prepared!

Job fairs are a great way to shop for new job opportunities, network and make personal contacts with recruiters at various organizations.

Here are some techniques recommended by experts to ensure that your performance at the fair doesn't turn into a circus:

Do some scouting. If you've never been to a job fair, attend the next one that comes to your city for observational purposes. Pay attention to recruiters and fellow job seekers to pick up some pointers on how to dress, how to approach a company's booth appropriately and how to successfully work the room.

Do some research. Find out which companies will be represented and learn about them in advance through corporate Web sites or other tools. The more you know, the more you can converse with the company representative in the booth and the more memorable you will be. You will also appear much more professional than unprepared job seekers who make the mistake of starting off their conversations with company representatives by asking, "What does your company do?"

Deliver your key messages quickly. Interviewers are very busy, so don't waste their time. Work on a "sound bite" that says what your skills are, the type of work that interests you and the kind of company with which you want to associate.

Plan some questions. If you have additional time, be ready to ask intelligent questions. Ask how departments are organized and how your skills might be utilized within the framework of the company. Also show you know something about the company by asking questions about a recent product release, acquisition or other relevant news. And make sure to ask the interviewer what he or she likes best about the corporate culture to better assess if this company is right for you.

Get the interviewer's business card. If an interview goes well, you will want to follow up with a letter that reinforces the points you made and the facts you learned. If you made a good impression at the fair, the interviewer probably has made a note to that effect and will remember that you passed his or her on-site screen.

Take advantage of the obvious. Sometimes recruiters will post job openings at their booth and provide written information. Grab all of the information you can on site before you get in line for an interview so you won't waste precious time discussing the obvious.

Dress appropriately. You are going to a job interview, so dress the part. Break out the business attire and shine your shoes. It's better to error on the side of the conservative than to be too casual.

Show your pearly whites. Smile when you meet the interviewer. Give a firm handshake. (If you are prone to sweaty palms, bring a handkerchief to use as a towel.) Keep breath mints on hand and make eye contact.

Be organized. Bring plenty of resumes with you. Keep them in a nice folder so you don't get fingerprints all over them. Have a notebook for memos to yourself.

Avoid the shopping spree. Many companies give out freebies at their booths. It's OK to pick up an item or two, but don't leave the impression that you are shopping for your kids. The main impression you want to make is that you are very interested and very qualified for a job.

Keep lively. The lines may be daunting, but don't fail to maximize this opportunity. Talk to every company that fits your experience and ambitions. If you meet with 20 recruiters, at the end of the day you will know 20 people by name. That sure beats sending a blind resume to "Personnel Director."

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By Kate Lorenz,

10 Booming Jobs in the Business Sector

Many of today's fastest-growing and most lucrative job opportunities are in business. In fact, experts predict this sizzling field will offer 2.2 million new jobs and grow by 14 percent through 2014.

College students, in particular, are in hot pursuit of these growing opportunities. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, more than 300,000 students earn a business degree each year. That's double the number of students pursuing any other major, and the rate continues to skyrocket.

Even job seekers without degrees can take advantage of growing opportunities in this expanding field. "You don't need to have an MBA to get a good job in the business world. In fact, the business jobs with the most annual openings typically require only on-the-job training, such as customer service representatives and bookkeeping, accounting and auditing clerks," write the editors at Jist in its "Business CareerVision Book and DVD."

The "Business CareerVision Book and DVD" ranks the top jobs in the business field, according to a combined score of each job's annual earnings, percent growth and annual openings. According to the book, here are the 10 best business jobs overall:

Computer and information systems managers

Annual earnings: $96,520

Percent growth: 25.9 percent

Annual openings: 25,000

General and operations managers

Annual earnings: $81,480

Percent growth: 17.0 percent

Annual openings: 208,000

Accountants

Annual earnings: $52,210          

Percent growth: 22.4 percent

Annual openings: 157,000

Auditors          

Annual earnings: $52,210          

Percent growth: 22.4 percent

Annual openings: 157,000

Medical and health services managers

Annual earnings: $69,700          

Percent growth: 22.8 percent

Annual openings: 33,000

Sales managers          

Annual earnings: $87,580          

Percent growth: 19.7 percent

Annual openings: 40,000

Management analysts

Annual earnings: $66,380          

Percent growth: 20.1 percent

Annual openings: 82,000

Financial managers

Annual earnings: $86,280          

Percent growth: 14.8 percent

Annual openings: 63,000

Marketing managers

Annual earnings: $92,680          

Percent growth: 20.8 percent

Annual openings: 23,000

Personal financial advisers

Annual earnings: $63,500          

Percent growth: 25.9 percent

Annual openings: 17,000

*Jobs 3 and 4 share 157,000 annual openings

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By Selena Dehne,