'Gray' jobs: How to tap into in-demand careers that support seniors
As the population ages, related jobs in health care and housing are on the rise.
How to return to workforce after lengthy gap
For 18 years, I stayed at home to care for a child with special needs. My son now has an independent living arrangement, so I am in the process of looking for work. Before he was born, I held several retail and clerical jobs, but after being unemployed for so long, I have no idea what to put on my resume. How can I encourage someone to hire me?
Site: Actuaries have best job; reporters the worst
The recently released 2013 CareerCast.com Jobs Rated Report concluded that actuaries have the nation’s best job. The survey weighed physical demands, stress, working environment, pay and hiring outlook. The 10 best jobs and their median annual salaries*: 1. Actuary: $87,650...
How to handle hardball interview questions
Even candidates who able to make a strong sales pitch in job interviews can find themselves easily tripped up by the unexpected: hardball questions. The trick to fielding those questions is to realize that they’re asked primarily to gauge how fast you can think and how well you perform under pressure.
Is using a recruiter right for you?
When Andrew Edmond left his job last summer, he didn’t immediately look for another one. But when he was ready to get back out there, he went straight to his network of recruiters.
Q&A: Stuck in dead-end job, hitting hiring wall
By Liz Reyer / Minneapolis Star Tribune Q: The job market has been picking up, and I've been sending out a lot of resumes, but I'm not getting invited to interviews. My current job has turned into a dead end,...
Walking the personal, professional line on LinkedIn
Have you ever received a request to connect on LinkedIn from someone you didn’t know or couldn’t remember?
What employers want from job seekers
The competition is fierce in today’s job market, and standing out in the crowd is more important -- and challenging -- than ever before. How do you know you’re giving employers exactly what they are looking for? Here are some human resources hot buttons.
Career makeover: Longtime IT manager must draft new career plan
For 17 years, Barry Nichols was the IT manager at the U.S. Census Bureau’s Seattle regional office. But in 2012, the bureau office closed, forcing Nichols to look for a job for the first time in his career.
A call for human decency in hiring, job seeking
Job hunting is stressful -- more stressful than it needs to be when some simple human decency is missing.
Job seekers: Beware the background check
Don Cameron is a smart job hunter -- smart enough to know that something he experienced may affect others, too. Cameron ran a background check on himself to see what potential employers might find. One service he found online returned a shocker.
Is working for a startup right for you?
Molly Epstein loves her job. Since last May, she has been creating computer-aided 3-D models of jewelry for Ritani.com, a high-end diamond and jewelry e-commerce company. Working for a tech startup -- among user-interface designers, programmers and marketing whizzes -- has been a wonderful experience, she says.
Q&A: Is it OK to ask for interview feedback?
By Marie G. McIntyre / McClatchy-Tribune News Service Q: I recently completed a lengthy interview process for a general manager position. The first two interviews were with the owners of the company, followed by individual meetings with several mid-level managers....
Women’s coding group aims to bridge tech gender gap
With laptops open and coffee in hand, a dozen women joined a Code & Coffee session in Raleigh, N.C., recently, where they coded Web pages, shared tips on design and chatted about hobbies.
Encore careers: Program lets experienced professionals give back
After a career that had spanned a few decades with large corporations including General Electric and Hewlett-Packard, Wendy Weissman, of Portland, Ore., had transitioned into semi-retirement by 2004. She had launched her own management consulting business, but Weissman knew there was more she could do to give back to her community.
Networking apps are bumping off the business card
The business card has long since left the realm of the office Rolodex and entered the world of the Web. Business acquaintances and meeting attendees now transmit contact information between cellphones, and websites and mobile apps can connect that information to social and business networks.
Pull together an interview look for less
By Lora Shinn / Special to NWjobs When her clients are figuring out what to wear for a job interview, Seattle-based wardrobe stylist Tannya Bernadette recommends that they check their own closets first. Why spend the money on a new...
How to handle awkward interview questions
As an executive coach, I receive many questions from people who want to make a good impression in their interviews. But sometimes applicants are unsure how to handle the awkward questions. Here are some of these questions, and possible responses.
Gains from cranes: Modest job growth for Seattle area in 2013
In spite of the lingering concerns over the slow economic recovery and the 286,000 people still out of work statewide, many forecasters agree that Washington, and especially the Puget Sound region, is poised for what could be a robust 2013.
Get a free NWjobs.com career makeover
Is your job search stuck? Do you need help switching careers or networking effectively? If so, you may be selected to get free job-hunting advice from a trio of experts in exchange for having your story and photo featured in NWjobs.
Networking mistakes can kill a job hunt
Effective networking is a game changer. It’s the unofficial homework of today’s professional. It’s not just who you know -- it’s who you know who knows who you want to know.
9 ways to make yourself more marketable in 2013
Those pseudo-Mayan predictions didn’t come true, so you’ll need to prep for a new year. Why not make it one of the best so far, at least career-wise? Here are nine tips for polishing your act for 2013.
11 reasons you didn't get that job
You thought you nailed that interview, but weeks have gone by without a peep from the employer. Wondering why? Here's a list of common interview mistakes, one of which may have been your downfall.
How to ace a virtual job interview
Moments before a recent job interview with a tech company, Anna White sat in a small room in the prospective employer’s satellite office in Irvine, Calif., facing a desk. A phone rang, and the dark screen of a large monitor on the desk lit up with the faces of her interviewers, some 1,000 miles away in Seattle.
Rejection goes hand-in-hand with job seeking
For those on the job hunt, there will inevitably be setbacks. But it’s how you deal with those setbacks that can prepare you for success and leadership in your career.
Career makeover: Construction project manager retools job search
For nearly 20 years, Rita Maese-Noaker had her dream job. A project manager for a construction company, she enjoyed working with tenants and property managers and seeing multimillion-dollar building projects through to their completion.
Job-interview outfit do's and don'ts
NWjobs staff Congratulations -- you finally landed a job interview! Now, what are you going to wear? For advice, we turned to Seattle-area career experts Lisa Quast of Career Woman, Inc., and Josh Warborg of Robert Half International, who critiqued...
Don't overlook inside candidates, research suggests
By Diane Stafford / The Kansas City Star As president of the Society for Human Resource Management of Johnson County, Kan., Sue Christopher writes regular newsletter messages to the membership. The biggest reaction she has ever received came this past...
Online hiring systems frustrate applicants
After spending two years seeking full-time work, Bill Skibinski is convinced that the computerized screening systems most companies use to hire actually work against job candidates, no matter how qualified they are.
A career in gear: Demand for drivers speeds up
According to the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers between 2010 and 2020 is 21 percent growth (faster than average). A total of 330,100 jobs are estimated to be added nationally during that time period.
7 habits to learn when looking for work
By Marie Stempinski / Tampa Bay Times Stephen R. Covey, a renowned author and lecturer, recently died. He was best known for his book “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” which has sold more than 29 million copies and...
Study: Just say 'no' to alcohol at job interview
Good news. You’ve made it to the dinner interview with the company’s boss. Want to make sure that good news doesn’t become a Dear John letter? Think twice about the wine list.
Green jobs: Earth-friendly work options are growing
Do you care about making a difference as much as you care about your career?
Looking for a seasonal job? Now's the time
Summer is barely over, but the quest to hire holiday-season workers already has begun. The largest number of openings will undoubtedly be in the retail sector, and some retailers are optimistic that the economic climate is improving enough for them to hire more workers than last year.
Career makeover: Budding social worker gets help
Amanda Saab knew in high school that she wanted a career in social work. Since then, she has interned at a hospital, earned a master’s degree, participated in community activities and gained professional experience helping others as a volunteer with multiple organizations.
Career Q&A: Is this a job-search faux pas?
By Karla L. Miller / Special to The Washington Post Q: I am a college junior. I was applying for internships and had only heard back from one place. They told me the position was mine if I wanted it....
How to make it in the manufacturing industry
By Lora Shinn / Special to NWjobs Dallas Jacobson pushed papers while employed at Washington Mutual as a mortgage specialist. But in 2005, Jacobson decided he wanted to work with his hands in a completely different way. After a stint...
Get the skinny on a company before you apply
By Marie Stempinski / Tampa Bay Times How do you find out what it’s really like to work at a company you’re interested in? Plan on doing a little homework. Experts say the best information comes from people already working...
What are the best jobs in Seattle? Check out the Top 10
View CareerCast.com's full Best Jobs in Seattle report....
Career Q&A: Freelancer wants success to show on resume
By Joyce E.A. Russell / Special to The Washington Post Q: I became a freelancer through someone else's choice when I moved to take a job, then was laid off. After struggling with being legitimately unemployed for about two years,...
Seven ways to mess up a job interview
By Alesia Benedict / Salary.com Once you land a job interview, you may feel the hard work is done. You might even allow your enthusiasm to melt your inhibitions during the meeting. Don’t let your excitement rob you of a...
Survey: Fewer employers using credit checks to screen applicants
By Diane Stafford / The Kansas City Star Long-term job hunters whose credit ratings have suffered may take heart from a new employer survey that found less use of credit background checks. The Society for Human Resource Management reports that...
Job sound too good to be true? Watch out for scams
By Susan Salisbury / The Palm Beach Post With millions of Americans out of work and looking for a job, the latest scam, which preys on job seekers, is particularly despicable. A West Palm Beach, Fla., woman contacted The Palm...
No simple solutions when unemployment benefits run out
When Rick Goral was laid off from an art director position, he didn’t expect to rely on unemployment insurance benefits for long. But after months of looking for work in a field with low turnover, he realized he needed to do more than apply for openings.
One more resume thing to think about: QR codes
By Diane Stafford / The Kansas City Star Just when you think you have your resume looking pretty good, James Alexander suggests a Botox injection. Actually, he’s just using Botox as a metaphor for an infusion of youth. How so?...
Interview tip: the more research, the better
By L.M. Sixel / Houston Chronicle I tend to do a lot of research before I make decisions big and small. From reserving a hotel room to choosing new investments in my 401(k), I study traveler review websites, ask friends...
Are you an introvert? Check out these career tips
Pop personality quiz: True or false? You’re the kind of person who prefers small groups. Big networking events make you feel like you’re dying inside. Small talk isn’t really your thing.
In demand: Industry can't haul in enough truck drivers
A job seeker looking through classified advertisements in North Carolina is very likely to see trucking companies from as far away as Massachusetts and Nebraska calling for applicants for open positions they cannot fill.
Pinterest resumes: Should you get on board?
One man’s resume making the rounds on Pinterest presents previous jobs as steps along Darwin’s theory of evolution, while another lists a woman’s work experience as “entrees” on a restaurant menu.
Baby boomers: It's not too late for a career move
Think changing jobs is difficult? It can be even harder if you're a baby boomer.
Fake wedding ring at job interview a bad idea
Q: I was thinking about wearing a wedding ring to my next job interview in order to appear less as a loser and more as a connected adult who can maintain long-term relationships.
What a career coach can — and can't — do for you
You decided to hire a career coach because your job search was stuck. Or perhaps you felt your career needed to head in a new direction. But several months after meeting with your coach, you’re not one step closer to a job.
Can they ask that? Questionable interview topics
By Wendy Ryan / Salary.com A recent Salary.com poll on job interviews revealed that many people have been asked questions in an interview that were, well, questionable. This raised the question about which questions were legally off-limits. Here's what Salary.com...
Tired of looking? Get out of the unemployment rut
Looking for work is tough, particularly for the long-term unemployed.
Niche nursing: Specialties that are in demand
May 6 marks the start of National Nurses Week. The annual celebration emphasizes the value of nursing while educating the public on the important role the profession plays in meeting the country’s health-care needs.
Career makeover: Marketing consultant seeks stability
By Cody Ellerd Bay / Special to NWjobs Mary Howell has never had a problem getting hired. In fact, she does it all the time. As an independent marketing consultant, the Seattle resident has made her living hopping from contract...
Avoid these common resume blunders
A great resume can open a door, but an inferior one can just as quickly close it. Because a resume is likely the first glimpse of you that employers will get, make it an impressive one by avoiding these common mistakes.
Job seeker suspects age discrimination
By Marie G. McIntyre / McClatchy-Tribune News Service Q: I believe I have been discriminated against because of a plane ticket. After three phone interviews with an out-of-state company, I was invited to corporate headquarters to meet with the hiring...
Standing out: How to shine during job interviews
It’s incredibly important to outshine your competition in all stages of a job interview. Here is some interview advice compiled from talks with top recruiters.
Job hunting while pregnant? Mum's the word
I am in the early stages of a job search and in the early stages of pregnancy. If things go well, when do I need to let potential employers know I am expecting?
What a cover letter can still do for you
Hiring professionals are divided about cover letters. Some don’t read them. Others do.
Manufacturers struggle to find skilled workers
Doug Parsons needs to hire more than two dozen skilled workers at his manufacturing plant in Pekin, Ill., but he can't find them.
Tech jobs abound, but women still outnumbered in the field
Technology-related career opportunities are thriving in and around Seattle. But despite the region’s wealth of tech-centric companies, gender disparities persist in the candidate pool.
Spring grads: Boost your chances for job-hunt success
Graduating in May? Congrats! Reality check: Are you in a serious job search yet? It’s past time to compete with your classmates for jobs.
How to overcome a criminal record when job hunting
By Rex Huppke / Chicago Tribune Q: My son is 22 years old and will be graduating from college in a year with a degree in accounting and finance. When he was 20, he was arrested at school and convicted...
Hide your tracks when looking for another job
By Anita Bruzzese / Gannett Previously, the only way your employer might get a hint that you were looking for another job was when you showed up in a nice outfit suitable for interviewing during your lunch hour instead...
Please show courtesy to job applicants
We all know how critical it is for applicants to exhibit and maintain great manners when applying for jobs. But it’s just as important for employers to be courteous to job applicants.
Career makeover: Ex-construction worker aims to switch gears
There’s a lot in Jared McGlinchey’s academic life that he’s proud of. He was an editor of his high school and community college papers, competed on a debate team that ranked fourth in the nation, and developed a passion for public speaking and communication that led his friends to dub him “the king of wedding speeches” for his ability to turn a phrase and capture what everyone in the room is feeling.
Experts optimistic about Seattle's job market in 2012
Will 2012 be the year Seattle’s job market recovers from the recession? Arun Raha, chief economist for Washington state and the executive director of the Economic and Revenue Forecast Council, believes the Emerald City is headed in the right direction.
Good call: How to prepare for a phone interview
In today’s job market, applicants can expect to undergo numerous interviews for jobs. While savvy applicants often spend hours practicing their face-to-face interview skills, many pay less attention to their phone skills, despite the fact that many interviews start with a call.
Picture it: Drawing can help job search
Want to stand out in your job interviews? Use pictures. That’s the advice of Dan Roam, best-selling author of “The Back of the Napkin: Solving Problems and Selling Ideas with Pictures.”
Yule Job: Santa Russ
What do you do? I have the wonderful job of having my picture taken with thousands of children of all ages while they tell me what they’d like for Christmas. It’s also a good time for me to review the...
Good Job: Treehouse's Essence Batson
What do you do? I am a high school engagement coordinator [at Treehouse, a Seattle nonprofit that supports kids in foster care]. This means that I work in three different Seattle high schools (Franklin High School, Rainier Beach High School...
Interviewing tips for mature job seekers
When John Hemon interviewed for a job as a salesperson with a major electronics retailer in St. Louis, the 61-year-old father of four knew he would have to overcome perceptions about his age. He just didn’t think he’d have to do it in front of someone at least 30 years his junior.
Winning work: At area casinos, job openings are a safe bet
By Katie OrmsbySpecial to NWjobs It used to be casinos were exclusively about gambling. They had table games, slot machines, maybe a bar. These days, casinos have transformed into all-inclusive entertainment destinations. And with this trend, career opportunities have also...
Hot Job: Hotel, motel and resort desk clerks
The job: Desk clerks are the first line of customer service at hotels, motels and resorts. Desk clerks register and check out guests, assign rooms and answer guests’ questions on hotel services and other matters. A Seattleite at work: Chelsea...
Hot job: Nuclear medicine technologists
The job: Nuclear medicine technologists (NMTs) administer radiopharmaceuticals to patients and then monitor the tissues and organs in which the drugs localize. They operate cameras to detect and map the radioactive drug in the patient’s body to create diagnostic images....
How to walk the fine line between confidence and interview-killing arrogance
By Jeffrey KudischThe Associated Press As soon as you walk into an interview, you’re making an impression. Recruiters like to see self-confidence, which helps job candidates sell themselves through nonverbal communication such as body language, strong eye contact, firm handshakes...
Hot Job: Private detective and investigators
The job: Private detectives and investigators help people, businesses and attorneys by finding and analyzing information. They connect clues to uncover facts about legal, financial or personal matters. Private detectives and investigators offer many services, including executive, corporate, and celebrity...
Financial analysts, accountants can count on increased demand, experts say
By Suzanne MonsonSpecial to NWjobs At the edge of the brink of the threshold: Insiders say that’s how close the Puget Sound region is to a hiring uptick for some of the most promising finance-related jobs. It’s a sector that...
Hot Job: Actuaries
The job: Most actuaries work for insurance companies, using their knowledge of statistics, finance and business to estimate the probability and likely cost to the company of an event such as death, sickness, injury, disability or loss of property. Some...
New skills: Explore options for revamping your career
By Gregory KarpThe Associated Press As broad-based hiring in the United States slowly gains momentum, many out-of-work Americans are finding they need to retool their skills, certifications and degrees. About 36 percent of people who were re-employed after being laid...
Plan B careers aren't always the dream jobs people hope for
By Alex WilliamsThe New York Times Rona Economou was a lawyer at a large Manhattan law firm, making a comfortable salary and enjoying nights on the town when she was laid off in 2009, another victim of the recession. At...
Wide gap in skills leaves many unemployed, many open jobs
By Drew DeSilverSeattle Times business reporter At age 46, with three grown kids and nearly three decades in sales behind him, Chris Mugler of Auburn is two places he thought he'd never be: unemployed and back in school. Four days...
Five hot jobs: Digital age, aging population reshape employment projections
By Dave Carpenter The Associated Press If you’ve been fantasizing about becoming a farmer, it’s time to pick another daydream. No other occupation category has seen a bigger decline, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Twitter strategist or...
Hot job: Police, Fire and Ambulance Dispatchers
The job: Police, fire, and ambulance dispatchers, also called 911 operators, monitor the location of emergency services personnel from their jurisdiction’s emergency services departments. These workers dispatch the appropriate type and number of units in response to calls for assistance....
Talking code: Demand for programmers, software engineers outstrips supply
While the economy has made expansion difficult for many industries, Seattle-based technology companies have experienced expansion difficulty for a different reason: Namely, the pool of qualified candidates isn’t keeping up with demand. A quick search on NWjobs.com’s technology section routinely...
Hot Job: Budget analyst
The job: Budget analysts help organizations allocate their financial resources. They develop, analyze and execute budgets, as well as estimate future financial needs. Analysts also seek new ways to improve efficiency or increase profits. A Seattleite at work: Tesia Forbes...
Feeling upbeat, workers looking to move on to other jobs
For the first time in three years, several national employment firms and search agencies are reporting that a rising number of employees are voluntarily bolting for the doors to test their fate with new employers who promise less stress, higher wages or at least a fresh start and a little fun.
News from NWjobs.com's career-makeover contest
NWjobs staff Prachi Vora of Issaquah has won a career makeover, courtesy of NWjobs.com. As the winner, Vora will receive personalized advice from three local career experts: Hire Ground columnist Paul Anderson of ProLango, Recruiter’s Inbox columnist Kristen Fife and...
Hot job: Interior designers
The job: Interior designers plan, design and furnish interiors of residential, commercial or industrial buildings. They create designs that are practical, aesthetic and conducive to intended purposes, such as raising productivity, selling merchandise or improving lifestyle. A Seattleite at work:...
NWjobs Career Makeover: Targeted approach restores job seeker’s confidence
Since she went through a NWjobs career makeover, Kelli Derum has made a major change in her job-hunting strategy: She stopped applying for jobs.
Hot Job: Optometrists
The job: Optometrists examine people’s eyes to diagnose vision problems. They prescribe eyeglasses or contact lenses, perform vision therapy, treat glaucoma and monitor macular degeneration. Most optometrists are in private practices. A Seattleite at work: Dr. Helen Kim of Broadway...
NWjobs Career Makeover: IT manager gets advice to reboot job search
As part of the NWjobs career-makeover series, George Williams recently met with a team of career professionals who assessed his résumé, networking and interviewing abilities, and style and presentation.
NWjobs Career Makeover: Mother of two re-enters job market after years away
Seattle mother of two Julianne Hake was amazed by all that has changed in the job market in six years since gave up her job as an account executive with Satori Software to become a stay-at-home parent. Her first makeover meeting was with Kristen Fife, a résumé expert and NWjobs’ Recruiter’s Inbox columnist.
Hot job: Curators
The job: Curators administer museums, zoos, aquariums, botanical gardens, nature centers and historical sites. They plan and oversee the acquisition, storage and exhibition of collections. Some are in charge of research projects, educational programs, staff management, fundraising and publicity for...
Hot job: environmental science technician
The job: Environmental science technicians perform lab and field tests to monitor environmental resources and determine the contaminants and sources of pollution. A Seattleite at work: Aquatic scientist Jonathan Berg says he likes working in an innovative field and enjoys...
‘Help desk’: Admins are the original multitasking office professionals
On the eve of Administrative Professionals Week, we spend a morning with “Admina,” a made-up representative of the more than 4 million people who work as administrative assistants in this country.
Hot job: receptionists and information clerks
The job: Receptionists are on the organization’s front line, answering calls as well as greeting and screening visitors. Often, they manage mail and faxes, both incoming and outgoing. In some offices, receptionists keep appointment calendars and perform basic word processing,...
U want a job? Communication skills of ‘Generation Text’ aren’t so gr8
Corporate recruiters say they see the problem a lot these days: College juniors and seniors stepping into the job market — too casually. They’re members of “Generation Text.” Blame texting. Blame tweeting. Blame the relaxation of social norms that has left some members of this laid-back generation apt to say “hey dude” in just about any setting. Regardless of the cause, many of today’s young adults are thin on the skills and etiquette required for interviewing.
Business cards say more about you than just your name and number
Whether you’re looking for new business or a job, what you present on your business card is critical. Marketing specialist Andrea Sames says she paid careful attention to her brand while she was in the job market. “Your business card, résumé and cover letter should have the same look and feel,” she says. “The card should match the position you are seeking. For example, don’t use flowers on your card unless you are looking for a job as a florist.”
Build your brand before launching your job-search campaign
One of the best ways to articulate your skills, experience, knowledge and overall worth in today’s competitive job market is to create a personal brand that helps you stand out from the crowd.
Homegrown talent: Training programs help locals land aerospace jobs
The welcome news last month of the estimated 11,000 jobs expected to come with Boeing’s new Air Force refueling-tanker contract made quite a few eyes light up in the area’s aeronautics training programs. Local schools have been bolstering their efforts to train the kind of specific talent needed not just by Boeing, but also by an estimated 650 other aerospace suppliers in Washington state.
Think positive: staying upbeat a key to success when looking for work
It’s pretty tough to stay positive if you’ve been out of work for a while — or if you have a job but your boss makes your life miserable. But science has shown that it is possible to maintain an optimistic frame of mind even in these difficult situations, and that even the most negative people can “rewire” their brains to focus on happiness and positive thoughts more often.
Pay it forward: Offering no-strings-attached help expands your network
In a slow job market, it may seem counterintuitive to pass along job opportunities and build your network by doing favors for others. But paying it forward is exactly what some unemployed people and career advisers say is important now.
Job tryouts: How much work should you do for free to prove yourself?
By Alina Tugend New York Times News Service Many years ago, my husband learned a harsh lesson about offering too much to get a job. He was in college, trying to sell advertisements for a local newspaper. Talking to a...
Jobs in Demand: dental hygienist
Outlook: Employment of dental hygienists is expected to increase 36 percent over the 2008-18 decade, much faster than the average for all occupations. Pay: The 2,510 dental hygienists in the Seattle-Bellevue-Tacoma area earned a median wage of $94,500 in 2009....
Find your true (job) love: Soul searching can lead you to your passion
The Conference Board reported that in early 2010, job satisfaction was at a 20-year low of just 45 percent — suggesting that more than half of American workers, sadly, aren’t exactly passionate about their work. Local career experts say some strategic soul searching can go a long way in finding the love of your life, at least in terms of the right career.
Jobs in Demand: Cost estimator
Outlook: Employment of cost estimators is expected to increase 25 percent over the 2008-18 decade, much faster than the average for all occupations. Pay: The 3,430 cost estimators in the Seattle-Bellevue-Tacoma area earned a median wage of $63,360 in 2009....
Jobs in Demand: computer software engineer
Outlook: Employment of computer software engineers is expected to increase 21 percent over the 2008-18 decade, much faster than the average for all occupations. Pay: The 22,170 computer software engineers in the Seattle-Bellevue-Tacoma area earned a median wage of $88,930...
Today’s cover letter: Even paperless, a good one can give an advantage
What has happened to the traditional cover letter? Has it become obsolete? The not-so-short answer is: it depends. While the high number of job seekers has made some overwhelmed hiring managers want to reduce their paperwork as much as possible, others have found that a cover letter helps identify standout candidates.
Jobs in Demand: boilermaker
Outlook: Employment of boilermakers is expected to increase 19 percent over the 2008-18 decade, faster than the average for all occupations. Pay: The 160 boilermakers in the Seattle-Bellevue-Tacoma area earned a median wage of $45,300 in 2009. The job: These...
Newly minted lawyers eschew big firms for clerkships
Clerking for a judge is customarily a way for some young lawyers to spend a year getting their feet wet before joining a firm as an associate. These days, however, many recent law school grads who would normally bypass the law clerk route and go straight into practice are finding clerkships to be the only employment option they have.
Jobs in Demand: dental laboratory technician
Outlook: Employment of dental laboratory technicians is expected to increase 14 percent over the 2008-18 decade, faster than the average for all occupations. Pay: The 580 dental laboratory technicians in the Seattle-Bellevue-Tacoma area earned a median wage of $37,660 in...
Where the jobs are: Experts forecast growth in several sectors in 2011
Bank failures, massive layoffs, furloughed workers -- the recession has created a long string of bad news in employment in the Seattle area. But as we begin 2011, there appears to be more than a glimmer of hope for a slow recovery in jobs during the next few months -- one that might actually make a dent in the state’s 9.2 percent unemployment rate.
Six careers likely to have staying power in the years to come
What will the help-wanted ads look like in two years? In five? In 10? Based on government, industry and business research in trends and job growth, here are six professions that promise to be good bets for the future.
Flight attendant's job is hard, challenging, wonderful
_604x372-thumb-150pxxauto.jpg "Flight attendant's job is hard, challenging, wonderful")
Gone are the jet-set days where the job was its own passport to exotic shores -- when flight attendants were the stars of air carrier advertising. Now most airline flight attendants, having given back money and benefits to help keep their carriers financially aloft last decade, work more hours to earn their old salaries and face new security-related duties and planes that are fuller than ever. Kristen Heller, who has been a flight attendant for nearly two decades, still loves the job.
Jobs in Demand: personal financial advisers
Outlook: Employment of personal financial advisers is expected to increase 30 percent over the 2008-18 decade, much faster than the average for all occupations. Pay: The 1,140 personal financial advisers in the Seattle-Bellevue-Tacoma area earned a median wage of $84,630...
Puget Sound area offers plenty of opportunities for bilingual speakers
King County is a cultural goldmine for interpreters. The U.S. English Foundation tallies 118 languages spoken here, making it the nation’s second-most linguistically diverse county after Los Angeles. With so many languages spoken locally — and access to legal and some medical interpretation services required under federal and state laws — “we don’t have enough interpreters to meet the demand,” says Katrin Johnson, coordinator of the Washington Court Interpreter Program.
Jobs in demand: manicurists
Outlook: Employment of manicurists is expected to increase 19 percent over the 2008-18 decade, faster than the average for all occupations. Pay: The 940 manicurists in the Seattle-Bellevue-Tacoma area earned a median wage of $20,810 in 2009. The job: These...
Jobs in Demand: Chiropractors
Outlook: Employment of chiropractors is expected to increase 20 percent over the 2008-18 decade, much faster than the average for all occupations. Pay: The 390 chiropractors in the Seattle-Bellevue-Tacoma area earned a median wage of $87,740 in 2008. The job:...
Jobs in Demand: security guards
Outlook: Employment of security guards is expected to increase 14 percent over the 2008-18 decade, faster than the average for all occupations. Pay: The 10,570 security guards in the Seattle-Bellevue-Tacoma area earned a median wage of $25,600 in 2008. The...
How to make the most of LinkedIn, the business social network
Joanna Wiseberg began Red Scarf Equestrian, which makes handbags and other luxury goods for horse lovers, two years ago -- just as the economy plunged into recession. Nevertheless, Wiseberg was soon meeting people who invited her to showcase her goods at elite events such as the Cannes Film Festival. Now, she says, her Toronto-based business is poised to take off. Her tool was LinkedIn, the social network for business professionals. But as Wiseberg discovered, the website is more than just a place to post a résumé. “I wouldn’t be here without LinkedIn.
Political scientists frequently work as policy analysts
Outlook: Employment of political scientists is expected to increase 21 percent over the 2008-18 decade, faster than the average for all occupations. Pay: The 110 political scientists in the Seattle-Bellevue-Tacoma area earned a median wage of $61,850 in 2008. The...
With more than 22,000 members, Linked:Seattle is a force in networking
By Linda Hughes NWjobs When you invite 22,000-plus group members to a meetup, a few are bound to show. “I was actually very surprised at how many people came to our first event,” says Michael Surkan, manager of the Linked:Seattle...
Physical therapists keep patients moving and help prevent disability
Outlook: Employment of physical therapists is expected to increase 30 percent over the 2008-18 decade, much faster than the average for all occupations. Pay: The 2,090 physical therapists in the Seattle-Bellevue-Tacoma area earned a median wage of $70,730 in 2008....
Joining the ranks: Weak job market gives new appeal to military enlistment
Michael Lyons thought he had a career plan: Continue working as an equity trader on Wall Street and finish 20 years of service with the Army National Guard. Then came layoffs. Lyons, 45, turned to full-time employment in the New Jersey National Guard, where he found job security and benefits. He is among tens of thousands of men and women who looked at the vagaries of the job market and chose the military.
Pest-control workers are licensed to eliminate vermin
Outlook: Employment of pest-control workers is expected to increase 15 percent over the 2008-18 decade, faster than the average for all occupations. Pay: The 390 pest-control workers in the Seattle-Bellevue-Tacoma area earned a median wage of $37,840 in 2008. The...
No more making copies: Internships now include longer stints, startups and stipends
“The line between internships and jobs is really blurring today,” says Andrew Maguire, co-founder of Seattle-based intern-search service InternMatch.com. “It’s a great way to get hands-on experience in lots of different places. Many people today are doing several internships in a row, gaining different experiences at each position and leading up to a permanent job.”
Medical assistants keep doctors’ offices running smoothly
Employment of medical assistants is expected to increase 34 percent over the 2008--18 decade, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Job seekers can find advantages at career fairs geared toward diverse groups
Richard Velazquez doesn’t just organize diversity job fairs at Microsoft — he has first-hand knowledge how such a fair can propel a career. “Most of my major jobs [I got] were through diversity job fairs,” says Velazquez, now a senior product planning manager at Microsoft. His first position there was one of five job offers he received at one diversity job fair. Velazquez is now helping other job seekers follow in his footsteps through his role as president of the Seattle chapter of the National Society of Hispanic MBAs, a group that has been hosting semiannual diversity recruiting events at Microsoft since 2008.
Good job offer, but what about the house?
The difficulty in selling a home has prompted many people to second-guess a move — and the job offer that precipitated it. Is the job really worth it? What if the job goes away in a year? What happens then?
Volunteer your way to a job: Unpaid nonprofit work can give you an inside edge
“I really look for volunteerism on a résumé — and years of it,” says Eric Nielsen, managing director of Korn/Ferry International in Houston, which does pro bono job searches for nonprofit organizations. It not only demonstrates interest, but people who are involved in a nonprofit’s day-to-day activities are more realistic about the job.
Adult literacy teachers cover reading, writing, arithmetic and speaking English
Employment of adult literacy teachers is expected to increase 15 percent over the 2008-18 decade, faster than the average for all occupations.
Ready for your close-up? Employment of models is on the rise
Employment of models is expected to increase 16 percent over the 2008-18 decade, faster than the average for all occupations.
Jobs in store: 'Tis the season for holiday hiring
It isn’t too early to start looking for seasonal retail jobs, says Dedee Rosen, manager of the Fireworks store at Seattle’s University Village shopping center. “If people are interested in working for the holidays, they should be out there right now,” she says.
Physician Assistants practice medicine under the supervision of physicians
Outlook: Employment of physician assistants is expected to increase 39 percent over the 2008-18 decade, much faster than the average for all occupations. Pay: The 860 physician assistants in the Seattle-Bellevue-Tacoma area earned a median wage of $84,300 in 2008....
Local programs help older job hunters brush up on work and career-finding skills
Programs like the Mature Worker Job Club at the WorkSource office in Renton, AARP WorkSearch and two programs at the Seattle Mayor’s Office for Senior Citizens focus on getting older workers the skills they need to return to the work force.
Job hopping: Companies frown on it, but frequent job changers cite benefits
Mimosa Shah acts like a free agent in the working world. In the past two years, she has bounced around to four jobs. “The benefit of job hopping, so to speak, is each time I changed jobs, I moved on for something: better pay, opportunity and mobility,” says Shah, 32. With each jump, she became exposed to new people, places and mentors, she says.
Firefighters protect the public, responding to fires and medical emergencies
Outlook: Employment of firefighters is expected to increase 19 percent over the 2008-18 decade, faster than the average for all occupations. Pay: The 3,670 firefighters in the Seattle-Bellevue-Tacoma area earned a median wage of $62,620 in 2008. The job: Firefighters...
Avoid culture shock: Determine whether you’ll fit in at a company before you start
The culture of a place — how people communicate and treat each other, and its overall priorities and attitudes — is not always easy to decipher. Pose questions such as these to get more insight into how the top guns think as you go through the interview process.
Training programs, apprenticeships help workers transition to trades
The construction industry has been hit hard by the recession, but that hasn’t discouraged people like Rusty Knorr from seeking retraining in the building trades. After the 45-year-old former bicycle mechanic was laid off from his job at REI last year, he enrolled in Seattle Central Community College’s Cabinetmaking and Fine Woodworking program.
Can you hear me now? Audiologists assess hearing, balance and related ear problems
Outlook: Employment of audiologists is expected to increase 25 percent over the 2008-18 decade, much faster than the average for all occupations. Pay: The 220 audiologists in the Seattle-Bellevue-Tacoma area earned a median wage of $62,150 in 2008. The job:...
It takes more than a love of gaming for a career as a video-game designer
“We’re looking for not just game lovers but for people who are able to work in teams,” says Jenny Broome, global senior HR generalist for PopCap Games in Seattle. “You have to be understanding, flexible and diplomatic in this job.”
Financial analysts provide guidance regarding investment decisions
Outlook: Employment of financial analysts is expected to increase 20 percent over the 2008-18 decade, much faster than the average for all occupations. Pay: The 2,210 financial analysts in the Seattle-Bellevue-Tacoma area earned a median wage of $80,580 in 2008....
Barbers and cosmetologists make clients beautiful from head to toe
Outlook: Employment of barbers and cosmetologists is expected to increase 20 percent over the 2008-18 decade, much faster than the average for all occupations. Pay: The 6,300 barbers and cosmetologists in the Seattle-Bellevue-Tacoma area earned a median wage of $27,090...
Good pay, interesting work and apprenticeships draw women to skilled trades
“Beautician to electrician,” Angela Rivers quipped, when reflecting on her career change. At age 49, she’s gearing up for a second career — one where she makes $23 per hour (plus benefits), at entry level, while learning to be an electrician.
Return to earn: How to make the most of salary negotiations after unemployment
Close to a job offer? If you’ve been unemployed for several months or longer, you are likely at a disadvantage in negotiating salary. Still, knowing the rules of the game can help you navigate a competitive compensation package.
Epidemiologists develop ways to prevent or control the spread of disease
Outlook: Employment of epidemiologists is expected to increase 15 percent over the 2008-18 decade, faster than the average for all occupations. Pay: The 170 epidemiologists in the Seattle-Bellevue-Tacoma area earned a median wage of $66,320 in 2008. The job: Epidemiologists...
Insider edge: Network your way into a company that values employee referrals
With job openings few and far between, it’s more important than ever that job seekers’ strategy is on target — and networking, particularly within your company of choice, should be the basis of that strategy.
Human resources specialists attract, motivate and retain qualified employees
Outlook: Employment of human resources, training and labor relations specialists is expected to increase 22 percent over the 2008-18 decade, much faster than the average for all occupations. Pay: The 5,560 specialists in the Seattle-Bellevue-Tacoma area earned a median wage...
Corps values: Service organizations give college grads a head start
A national unemployment rate of 16.4 percent for people ages 20-24 is leading a growing number of recent college graduates such as Miranto to consider a year or two of service work. They see it as a way to gain skills, learn more about themselves and build relationships, while giving back to the community and earning enough money to get by.
Network and computer systems administrators design and support computer systems
Outlook: Employment of network and computer systems administrators is expected to increase 30 percent over the 2008-18 decade, much faster than the average for all occupations. Pay: The 7,260 network and computer system administrators in the Seattle-Bellevue-Tacoma area earned a...
As economy improves, employees gain confidence to quit jobs
More people quit their jobs in the past three months than were laid off — a sharp reversal after 15 straight months in which layoffs exceeded voluntary departures. The trend suggests the job market is finally thawing.
Experts advise college grads to focus on work experience, think long-term
Career advisers say the path to a dream job might have a few detours in the coming years, but it’s best for grads to just get on a road toward their career — because even a little progress is better than holding out for instant success.
Summer jobs for teens dwindle
This year is shaping up to be even worse than last for the millions of high-school and college students looking for summer jobs.
Online presence helps companies such as Amazon, Expedia and Microsoft notice you
Last fall, Liz Stinson, a recent graduate of Stanford’s Ph.D. program in computer science, wanted to get into the growing field of cloud computing, so she began blogging about Microsoft’s Windows Azure platform. A Microsoft recruiter was intrigued enough by the blog to arrange for Stinson, who lived in the Bay Area, to interview in Redmond. About six months later, Stinson was hired as the new security program manager for Windows Azure. For those who want to be hired by high-tech companies, Stinson’s story illustrates the immense advantage that tech-savvy job seekers can enjoy if they have a relevant online presence.
Job picture brightens; older workers struggle
Washington's economy added 5,800 jobs in April, the third monthly gain this year. Along with a drop in the state jobless rate to 9.2 percent, from 9.5 percent in March, the data suggest that Washington is finally — albeit slowly — starting to climb out of its recessionary pit.
Recession eliminated some jobs for good
Many of the jobs lost during the recession are not coming back. For the past two years, the weak economy has provided an opportunity for employers to do what they would have done anyway: dismiss millions of people — such as file clerks, ticket agents and autoworkers — who have become displaced by technological advances and international trade.
Facebook plans to open Seattle engineering office
The Seattle area's pool of engineering talent has won over another major Silicon Valley company. Facebook, the hugely popular social-media service, is planning to open an engineering office here.
These five careers support nurses and require less than two years of training
“Nursing used to be a single person taking care of a specific number of patients,” says Jennifer Graves, a nurse executive at Swedish Hospital. “Now, nurses work as a team, paired with many other medical professionals who support RNs and allow them to work at their highest skill level.” Many of the support professions can lead to rewarding careers after a short amount of training. Here are five careers that can launch you into medicine after less than two years of education at community and vocational colleges.
Home health aides help the disabled, chronically ill and elderly with daily living
Outlook: Employment of home health aides is expected to increase 50 percent over the 2008-18 decade, much faster than the average for all occupations. Pay: The 4,180 home health aides in the Seattle-Bellevue-Tacoma area earned a median wage of $23,150...
Cardiovascular technologists use equipment to assist physicians with diagnoses
Cardiovascular technologists and technicians use testing equipment to assist physicians in diagnosing and treating cardiac and peripheral vascular ailments.
Grads confront rocky job market in state
As graduation nears, an uncertain economy has come to define the Class of 2010: Many young people in Washington state will soon get a diploma, but what about a job?
Accountants and auditors prepare, analyze and verify financial documents
Outlook: Employment of accounants and auditors is expected to increase 22 percent over the 2008-18 decade, much faster than the average for all occupations. Pay: The 15,340 accountants and auditors in the Seattle-Bellevue-Tacoma area earned a median wage of $61,190...
Public relations specialists build positive relationships for clients
Employment of public relations specialists is expected to increase 24 percent over the 2008-18 decade, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Probation officers supervise offenders via personal contact, recommend sentences
Outlook: Employment of probation officers is expected to increase 19 percent over the 2008-18 decade, faster than the average for all occupations. Pay: The 1,430 probation officers in the Seattle-Bellevue-Tacoma area earned a median wage of $48,370 in 2008. The...
Pharmacy technicians count tablets and label bottles, among other duties
Outlook: Employment of pharmacy technicians is expected to increase 25 percent over the 2008-18 decade, much faster than the average for all occupations. Pay: The 2,860 pharmacy technicians in the Seattle-Bellevue-Tacoma area earned a median wage of $35,800 in 2008....
Senate extends benefits for unemployed: $138B bill supports Medicare, tax breaks
After months of wrangling, the Senate on Wednesday approved a $138 billion spending bill that would extend jobless benefits, help the states pay for Medicare and extend a bundle of tax measures designed to stimulate the economy.
Skip the middleman: Letters to the boss could get better results than résumés
To increase your chances of getting the job you want, don’t send a résumé, a local career coach says. Instead, send a value-proposition letter.
Veterinary technologists assist licensed veterinarians with clinical work
Outlook: Employment of veterinary technologists is expected to increase 36 percent over the 2008-18 decade, much faster than the average for all occupations. Pay: The 660 veterinary technologists in the Seattle-Bellevue-Tacoma area earned a median wage of $31,900 in 2008....
Washington state job numbers and payrolls grow for the first time since late 2008
Washington's January jobs numbers, reported Tuesday by the state Employment Security Department, were the most promising in a long time: 12,400 net new payroll jobs, the first increase since November 2008 and the biggest one-month gain in nearly three years.
Archivists preserve records for museums, zoos, colleges and other institutions
Outlook: Employment of archivists is expected to increase 20 percent over the 2008-18 decade, much faster than the average for all occupations. Pay: The 80 archivists in the Seattle-Bellevue-Tacoma area earned a median wage of $45,180 in 2008. The job:...
Best job of 2010: Actuary, often 'at the bottom of the geek chain,' tops study
They are the odds-makers of life. With computers, calculations and curiosity, they place a financial value on risk and can run the numbers on everything from health insurance to pensions to hurricanes. They are actuaries.
Actuaries assess the likely cost to a company for events such as death or injury
Outlook: Employment of actuaries is expected to increase 21 percent over the 2008-18 decade, much faster than the average for all occupations. Pay: The 150 actuaries in the Seattle-Bellevue-Tacoma area earned a median wage of $75,090 in 2008. The job:...
Marriage and family therapists work with clients to improve close relationships
Outlook: Employment of marriage and family therapists is expected to increase 14 percent over the 2008-18 decade, faster than the average for all occupations. Pay: The 180 marriage and family therapists in the Seattle-Bellevue-Tacoma area earned a median wage of...
Market and survey researchers use various methods to find out what people think
Outlook: Employment of market and survey researchers is expected to increase 28 percent over the 2008-18 decade, much faster than the average for all occupations. Pay: The 124 market and survey researchers in the Seattle-Bellevue-Tacoma area earned a median wage...
The 10 Worst Jobs of 2010
By Andrew Strieber CareerCast.com Roustabout is the lowest-ranked position in CareerCast.com's 2010 Jobs Rated report. Picture this as your typical workday: You wake up at 5 a.m. (or 5 p.m. for the night shift) and head to the dining...
The 10 Best Jobs of 2010
Layoffs, bankruptcies and rising unemployment -- the past 12 months have been an especially traumatic time to be looking for a new job. Yet when considering the best and worst jobs for 2010, the upheaval that spread across multiple industries last year hasn't altered the old adage: "the more things change, the more they stay the same." For the second year in a row, job hunters will want to brush up their math, science and computer skills if they want to land a top-ranked, highly rewarding position.
Counting on workers: Census Bureau recruits for thousands of local temporary jobs
It's a once-in-a-decade job opportunity: Help your community and earn some money by working as a census taker for a few weeks this spring.
Hazardous materials removal workers are essential in keeping our environment safe
Outlook: Employment of hazardous materials removal workers is expected to increase 15 percent over the 2008-18 decade, faster than the average for all occupations. Pay: The 1,010 hazardous materials removal workers in the Seattle-Bellevue-Tacoma area earned a median wage of...
Rev up downtime: Use organization, planning to make the most of your job search
If there's one thing that most unemployed job seekers have in abundance, it's time. And yet many of them misuse it.
State's jobs skid worst since "Boeing bust"
By Drew DeSilver Seattle Times business reporter Last year was the worst in recent history for job losses in Washington, the state Employment Security Department confirmed Wednesday: 106,200 jobs, or 3.6 percent of payroll employment here, were eliminated in...
Meeting and convention planners coordinate events down to the last detail
Outlook: Employment of meeting and convention planners is expected to increase 16 percent over the 2008-18 decade, faster than the average for all occupations. Pay: The 780 meeting and convention planners in the Seattle-Bellevue-Tacoma area earned a median wage of...
Agricultural and food scientists draw on diverse disciplines to study what we eat
Outlook: Employment of agricultural and food scientists is expected to increase 16 percent over the 2008-18 decade, faster than the average for all occupations. Pay: The 80 agricultural and food scientists in the Seattle-Bellevue-Tacoma area earned a median wage of...
Cautiously optimistic: Many employers predict better days for Seattle's job market
As the new decade begins, NWjobs asked area businesses and a labor expert to predict what 2010 will bring for the job market.
Groundskeepers are the skilled stewards of our environments, outdoors and in
Outlook: Employment of grounds maintenance workers, or groundskeepers, is expected to increase 18 percent over the 2008-18 decade, faster than the average for all occupations. Pay: Groundskeepers in the Seattle-Bellevue-Tacoma area earned a median wage of $30,690 in 2008. The...
Curators oversee museums' research, instructional and public outreach efforts
Outlook: Employment of curators is expected to increase 20 percent over the 2008-18 decade, faster than the average for all occupations. Pay: The 160 curators in the Seattle-Bellevue-Tacoma area earned a median wage of $60,370 in 2008. The job: Curators...
Urban and regional planners help shape land-use plans for our communities
Outlook: Employment of urban and regional planners is expected to increase 19 percent over the 2008-18 decade, faster than the average for all occupations. Pay: The 1,660 urban and regional planners in the Seattle-Bellevue-Tacoma area earned a median wage of...
Get a boost: Alumni offices beef up career services for college grads
The University of Washington and other schools are expanding alumni career services to counter the recession, including adding resources to appeal to experienced graduates.
Database administrators determine ways to organize and store information
Outlook: Employment of database administrators is expected to increase 37 percent over the 2006-16 decade, much faster than the average for all occupations. Pay: The 2,140 database administrators in the Seattle-Bellevue-Tacoma area earned a median wage of $76,290 in 2008....
Sticking around: How to turn a temporary holiday job into a permanent position
Despite the economy, hard-working seasonal employees who present themselves well may find opportunities to stay on after the New Year.
Employment prospects are on the rise for real estate appraisers and assessors
Outlook: Employment of appraisers and assessors of real estate is expected to increase 17 percent over the 2006-16 decade, faster than the average for all occupations. Pay: The 960 appraisers and assessors of real estate in the Seattle-Bellevue-Tacoma area earned...
Emergency medical technicians and paramedics are valued first responders
Outlook: Employment of emergency medical technicians and paramedics is expected to increase 18 percent over the 2006-16 decade, which is faster than the average for all occupations. Pay: The 1,880 emergency medical technicians and paramedics in the Seattle-Bellevue-Tacoma area earned...
Twitter patter: Tips on building your profile and tweeting your way into a job
More than ever, finding work is all about the networking. Peruse some dos and don'ts to help you harness the power of Twitter in your search for employment.
Construction and building inspectors examine structures from the ground up
Outlook: Employment of construction and building inspectors is expected to increase 18 percent over the 2006-16 decade, which is faster than the average for all occupations. Pay: The 1,480 construction and building inspectors in the Seattle-Bellevue-Tacoma area earned a median...
Doctors depend on medical transcriptionists to create reports and other records
Outlook: Employment of medical transcriptionists is expected to increase 14 percent over the 2006-16 decade, which is faster than the average for all occupations. Pay: The 1,270 medical transcriptionists in the Seattle-Bellevue-Tacoma area earned a median wage of $36,950 in...
State's jobless rate lets employers ask more from potential hires
By Drew DeSilver Seattle Times business reporter DEAN RUTZ / THE SEATTLE TIMES Skilled workers Jana Rekosh, right, and Tracy Lorelli are having trouble finding full-time jobs. Finding a job in Washington isn't getting harder, at least according to...
Return to routine: After long layoffs, new hires readjust to 9-to-5 schedules
If surveys and statistics are to be believed, the job market is beginning to show a pulse, which means some laid-off workers will need to adjust to the 9-to-5 routine again.
Job outlook is good for pharmacists, who distribute drugs and advise patients
Outlook: Employment of pharmacists is expected to increase 22 percent over the 2006-16 decade, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. Pay: The 3,240 pharmacists in the Seattle-Bellevue-Tacoma area earned a median wage of $107,250 in 2008....
Juggling act: Part-time 'giggers' embrace multiple-job economy
More and more Americans are getting creative with an economy that has become stingy with full-time jobs. Balancing several part-time opportunities is one way to make ends meet.
Hydrologists use sophisticated techniques to study surface and underground water
Outlook: Employment of hydrologists is expected to increase 24 percent over the 2006-16 decade, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. Pay: The 210 hydrologists in the Seattle-Bellevue-Tacoma area earned a median wage of $83,200 in 2008....
Higher jobless rates could be new normal
By TOM RAUM The Associated Press MARK LENNIHAN / AP People line up for a job fair in March in New York. Economists say weak employment may linger for years. WASHINGTON — Even with an economic revival, many U.S....
Demand increases for correctional officers, who learn largely on the job
Outlook: Employment of correctional officers is expected to increase 16 percent over the 2006-16 decade, which is faster than the average for all occupations. Pay: Correctional officers and jailers in the Seattle-Bellevue-Tacoma area earned a median wage of $54,580 in...
Animal trainers teach creatures from dogs to dolphins to assist, obey and perform
Outlook: Employment of animal trainers is expected to increase 19 percent over the 2006-16 decade, which is faster than the average for all occupations. Pay: The 160 animal trainers in the Seattle-Bellevue-Tacoma area earned a median wage of $31,220 in...
Clinical laboratory technologists help detect, diagnose and treat disease
Outlook: Employment of clinical laboratory technologists is expected to increase 14 percent over the 2006-16 decade, which is faster than the average for all occupations. Pay: The 1,930 clinical laboratory technologists in the Seattle-Bellevue-Tacoma area earned a median wage of...
Automotive service technicians use broader skills as cars grow more sophisticated
Outlook: Employment of automotive service technicians and mechanics is expected to increase 14 percent over the 2006-16 decade, which is faster than the average for all occupations. Pay: The 6,300 automotive service technicians in the Seattle-Bellevue-Tacoma area earned a median...
On the road to success: Program equips women with professional attire and more
Job hunting can cause plenty of stress even under the best of circumstances. For those who can't afford an interview outfit, it can be particularly harrowing. Dress for Success Seattle aims to help such women work toward self-sufficiency.
Registered nurses play role in patient's medical team throughout treatment
Outlook: Employment of registered nurses is expected to increase 23 percent over the 2006-16 decade, much faster than the average for all occupations. Pay: The 29,940 registered nurses in the Seattle-Bellevue-Tacoma area earned a median wage of $74,880 in 2008....
Retail safety net shrinks: Onslaught of applicants face fewer job openings
Once a refuge for those laid off in other fields, the retail landscape now presents stiff competition for employment as merchants close stores, reduce staff or go out of business completely.
Businesses, homes, hotels and more keep demand high for building cleaning workers
Outlook: Employment of building cleaning workers is expected to increase 14 percent over the 2006-16 decade, which is faster than the average for all occupations. Pay: Building cleaning workers in the Seattle-Bellevue-Tacoma area earned a median wage of $28,720 in...
Hired help for job seekers: What you need to know before you call in a pro
Given the competition, most people looking for work are also looking for an edge. A resume writer, job coach or other career-services professional could improve your chances.
Skilled court reporters earn a good salary and enjoy a range of career options
Outlook: Employment of court reporters is expected to increase 25 percent over the 2006-16 decade, much faster than the average for all occupations. Pay: Court reporters in the Seattle-Bellevue-Tacoma area earned a median wage of $74,790 in 2008. The job:...
Landscape architects plot our urban environment's functional, decorative details
Outlook: Employment of landscape architects is expected to increase 16 percent over the 2006-16 decade, which is faster than the average for all occupations. Pay: The 880 landscape architects in the Seattle-Bellevue-Tacoma area earned a median wage of $62,640 in...
Nail the interview: Preparation will help you ace common questions
Knowing how you might come across to a prospective employer could mean the difference between advancing to the next round or losing out to someone who's better prepared.
Social workers play a valuable role helping people cope with a range of issues
Outlook: Employment of social workers is expected to increase 22 percent over the 2006-16 decade, much faster than the average for all occupations. Pay: The 580 social workers in the Seattle-Bellevue-Tacoma area earned a median wage of $51,070 in 2008....
New rules: Get a leg up over job seekers who still play the old way
If it has been several years since you’ve ventured into the job market, you should make some key changes to your game plan.
Medical records and health information technicians bring order to patient records
Outlook: Employment of medical records and health information technicians is expected to increase 18 percent over the 2006-16 decade, faster than the average for all occupations. Pay: The 2,490 medical records and health information technicians in the Seattle-Bellevue-Tacoma area earned...
Diagnostic medical sonographers earn a good salary in an expanding field
Outlook: Overall employment of diagnostic medical sonographers is expected to increase by about 19 percent from 2006 to 2016, which is faster than the average for all occupations. Pay: The 610 diagnostic medical sonographers in the Seattle-Bellevue-Tacoma area earned a...
Local medical facilities reflect health care industry's strong employment outlook
By Teresa Kenney Special to NWjobs TERESA KENNEY Dr. Russell Van Gelder performs an eye exam in one of the examination rooms of the newly opened UW Medicine Eye Institute in Seattle. Its scenic setting, vibrant culture and great...
Training programs abound for surgical technologists, who assist in operating rooms
Outlook: Employment of surgical technologists is expected to grow 24 percent between 2006 and 2016, much faster than the average for all occupations. The number of surgical procedures requiring a technologist is expected to rise as the population grows and...
The employment outlook is healthy for athletic trainers who treat injuries
Outlook: Employment of athletic trainers is expected to grow 24 percent from 2006 to 2016, much faster than the average for all occupations. Job growth will be concentrated in the health care industry, including hospitals and offices of health practitioners....
Needs in homeland security and health care translate into demand for interpreters
Outlook: Employment of interpreters and translators is expected to grow 24 percent between 2006 and 2016, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth will be driven by strong demand in health care settings and work related to...
Dental assistants are smiling about their prospects in a fast-growing industry
Outlook: Employment of dental assistants is expected to grow 29 percent from 2006 to 2016, among the fastest growing occupations over the projection period. Pay: The 5,100 dental assistants in the Seattle-Bellevue-Tacoma area earned a median wage of $38,240 in...
Assisted-living facilities face increasing demand for skilled, compassionate staff
By Linda Hughes Special to NWjobs In 2011, the first baby boomers will turn 65. By the time 2050 comes around, nearly 21 million Americans will be 85 or older vs. 5.3 million in 2006, according to the U.S....
Turnover, aging population contribute to critical shortage of registered nurses
By Suzanne Monson Special to NWjobs It's going to take a lot more than a simple shot in the arm. With growing demands for qualified health care professionals needed to staff hospitals, clinics, schools and other settings in the...
By the numbers: Fast facts about health care jobs
By Suzanne Monson Special to NWjobs Now you know: Seven of the 20 fastest-growing occupations in the United States are health care-related. By 2016: Employment for home health care aides (including self-employment) is expected to skyrocket by 49 percent....
Movement toward electronic medical records will bring healthy, diverse job growth
By Linda Hughes Special to NWjobs ISTOCK The day will come when your doctor will type notes directly into a computer rather than rely on pen and paper. Some day your medical records will be in one electronic file...
Washington state is home to a host of health care education and training resources
Across Washington state and throughout the Puget Sound region, nurses are clearly in high demand. But so are the specially trained support staff, technicians and clinical specialists whose health care skills meet the needs of a growing population. An associate’s...
Colleges offer a variety of degrees to meet high demand for health care workers
Courtesy of ARAcontent Medical research, technological advancements and a population that is living longer are all reasons that the health care field continues to grow. Many new jobs are emerging in this ever-changing field each year, and to meet...
Hybrid health care careers blend medical knowledge with research, business or law
By Suzanne Monson Special to NWjobs Some 1,065 doctors and other medical staff provide award-winning care for fragile young patients at Children’s Hospital and Regional Medical Center. But far from the emergency room and a few miles from the...
Paralegals help lawyers research, investigate facts and prepare for proceedings
Outlook: Employment of paralegals and legal assistants is expected to increase 22 percent over the 2006-16 decade, faster than the average for all occupations. Pay: The 3,930 paralegals and legal assistants in the Seattle-Bellevue-Tacoma area earned a median wage of...
Veterinarians care for the health of pets, livestock, laboratory animals and more
Outlook: Employment of veterinarians is expected to increase 35 percent over the 2006-16 decade, much faster than the average for all occupations. Pay: The 650 veterinarians in the Seattle-Bellevue-Tacoma area earned a median wage of $82,190 in 2008. The job:...
Washington's robust casino industry means good odds for gaming services employment
Outlook: Employment in gaming services occupations is projected to grow by 23 percent between 2006 and 2016, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. Pay: The 4,590 gaming dealers in the Seattle-Bellevue-Tacoma area earned a median wage...
Too good to be true: Job scams promise big bucks but deliver only dead ends
With unemployment at a 25-year high, job seekers can be tempted to respond to pitches promising quick cash. But scams are one industry that is still thriving in today's economy.
Sit, stay, get paid: Love dogs? Crazy about cats? Consider pet industry sales jobs
By Suzanne Monson Special to NWjobs LINDA HUGHES Max gets some TLC from PetsHotel Manager Tracy Adamson at the Southcenter PetSmart. At a time when many retail sales employers are shedding jobs in a tight economy, applicants sniffing around...
Surveyors and cartographers map out a career path analyzing spaces large and small
Outlook: Overall employment of surveyors and cartographers is expected to increase by 21 percent from 2006 to 2016, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. Pay: The 950 surveyors and cartographers in the Seattle-Bellevue-Tacoma area earned a...
Ask what you can do for your country: Despite the recession, Uncle Sam is hiring
At a time when many companies are shedding jobs at an alarming rate to survive the recession, one employer is still hiring: the federal government.
Going green: As state industries make changes, jobs are expected to follow
Buoyed by the prospect of mixing passion with profit, growing numbers of workers are exploring “green-collar” jobs with an emphasis on respect for and protection of the environment.
Broadcast and sound engineering technicians give us entertainment and information
Outlook: Overall employment of broadcast and sound engineering technicians and radio operators is expected to grow 17 percent over the 2006-16 decade, which is faster than the average for all occupations. Pay: The 1,250 broadcast and sound engineering technicians in...
Businesses strive to improve customer service with counter and rental clerks
Outlook: Employment of counter and rental clerks is expected to increase by 23 percent between 2006 and 2016, much faster than the average for all occupations. As businesses strive to improve customer service, growth is expected in most industries, particularly...
Standing out: Job seekers need to show what they can do for a company
In tough economic conditions, finding work can get downright frustrating. Candidates need to show employers that they have not only the skills and experience for the job, but also ideas.
Employment outlook for radiation therapists is on a strong, steady rise
Outlook: Employment of radiation therapists is projected to grow by 25 percent between 2006 and 2016, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. Pay: The 180 radiation therapists in the Seattle-Bellevue-Tacoma area earned a median wage of...
Transition time: Financial squeeze at home sends 'economommies' back to work
As the recession pounds male-dominated job sectors, more stay-at-home women are returning to the workforce to help pay family bills.
Search functions: Preparation, presentation are keys to succeeding at a job fair
Knowing how best to prepare to meet dozens of recruiters — who will talk to thousands of people in several hours — is difficult. Plan your strategy to get the most out of hiring events.
Competition for management analysts heats up as firms seek to maximize efficiency
Outlook: Employment of management analysts is expected to grow much faster than average. Keen competition is expected because of the independent and challenging nature of the work and its high earnings potential. Pay: The 8,230 management analysts in the...
Time management: Staying productive, fulfilled after a layoff is an acquired skill
After a layoff, the overriding question is, “How will I support myself and my family?” But along with that comes another question, more mundane but vexing nonetheless: “How do I spend my time?”
LinkedIn helps job seekers build a network of professional possibilities
For any skeptics wondering whether online networking sites can actually lead to a job, meet Mark Donnigan. This week, the sales executive starts a new job in Seattle “that was initiated 100 percent from LinkedIn,” he says.
Business and economics majors may find security as insurance sales agents
Outlook: Employment of insurance sales agents is expected to increase by 13 percent from 2006 to 2016. In addition, Allstate recently launched a recruitment campaign in Washington to attract new agents. Pay: The 2,860 insurance sales agents in the Seattle-Bellevue-Tacoma...
Our aging population will continue to drive demand for occupational therapists
Outlook: Employment of occupational therapists is expected to grow 23 percent from 2006 to 2016, much faster than the average for all occupations. The increasing elderly population will drive growth in the demand for occupational therapy services. Pay: The...
Ever-evolving technologies keep computer support specialists plugged into jobs
Outlook: Employment of computer support specialists is expected to grow 13 percent from 2006 to 2016. The adoption of new technologies will continue to create a need for these workers to familiarize and educate computer users. Pay: The 8,550 computer...
Many resources, one WorkSource: Local organization links employees with employers
Since its inception in 1995, the umbrella organization WorkSource has helped thousands of King County residents navigate the shoals of unemployment.
After a job loss, use your personal network for leads and moral support
Job hunts are stretching even longer for the growing number of unemployed. Try not to be ashamed of losing a position, urges Jamaica Eilbes, a recruiter for staffing company Manpower Inc. “Everybody knows somebody who’s been let go,” she said....
Still hiring: Amid the economic wreckage, some sectors are moving forward
Despite the widespread downturn, industries including health care, information technology and education are poised to weather the storm and are looking for employees.
Posting your job loss online lets you share the pain -- and may lead to a new gig
By Etan Horowitz The Orlando Sentinel ORLANDO, Fla. — Just minutes after she was laid off from her job in early April, Brittany Ward pulled out her cellphone and typed a short message. "Needs a job." Ward, a 23-year-old...
Summertime blues: Teens face chilly hiring climate in seasonal job hunt
The tight economy and upswing in unemployment mean there are more job seekers and fewer jobs. Teens short on experience are going to have to work even harder to secure a position amid tough competition.
Furloughs force workers to cut their link with the office
By Cindy Krisher Goodman The Miami Herald Here's something you don't hear the boss say often: You're forbidden from checking e-mail, making work calls and peeking at your BlackBerry. In these desperate economic times, more employers are forcing thousands...
What happens when an unemployed husband finds that his next boss is his wife?
Entrepreneurial wives are finding their companies may be the best places for their out-of-work husbands. It's an employment prospect that changes the professional power dynamic while complicating the nature of marriage.
Should you send a cover letter? Definitely maybe, say hiring professionals
By Diane Stafford McClatchy Newspapers Don't you wish there was The Rule for job applications? Unfortunately, there isn't. Take cover letters. Should you write one? What should it say? How should you send it? I asked several human-resources professionals...
Down economy brings uptick in business: Bankruptcy lawyers, pawn shops thrive
By Brandon Lowrey Los Angeles Daily News LOS ANGELES — A year ago, Lauren Ross had just four or five clients a month. Now she has that many every week. Her prosperity didn't come to an end with the...
Finding a mix of short-term gigs online is a way to make ends meet
At a time when many Americans are having trouble landing one job, some intrepid folks are logging on to create a patchwork of short-term opportunities.
Jobless? Web site founder has your back -- and some lighthearted encouragement
By Mary Meehan Lexington Herald-Leader LEXINGTON, Ky. — After endlessly trolling through career Web sites such as Monster.com and never connecting with a human, Charlene Helm snapped. "Every day was a constant battle," said Helm, a May 2008 graduate...
Census jobs offer a timely boost for the sagging U.S. economy
By Michael McKee Bloomberg News The 2010 U.S. census may provide an extra kick to the economy, just as the effects of President Obama's $787 billion stimulus plan start to take hold. The census will put more than 1.4...
Cycling enthusiasts turn their hobby into a vocation by training as bike mechanics
After he lost his job last July as a commercial printer in New Haven, Conn., Jack Foley thought he might like to become a bicycle mechanic.
Career transitions in a tough job market call for ingenuity and flexibility
By Geraldine Baum Los Angeles Times CAROLYN COLE / LOS ANGELES TIMES Lois Draegin, 55, left, and Randi Bernfeld, 24, say they look up to each other as mentors. Draegin is an unpaid intern at the online site wowOwow.com,...
More immigrants finding better job prospects, higher pay back home
By Kristin Collins McClatchy Newspapers RALEIGH, N.C. — A Duke University researcher says the United States may no longer be the world's only land of opportunity. According to a study released this month, immigrants from India and China are...
Mr. Mom makes a comeback as layoffs hit hard in male-dominated job fields
As the recession grinds on, men are being laid off at a far greater clip than women, spawning a historic American emigration out of the cubicle and into the kitchen.
Jobs and perks draw Americans to India, a bright spot in a dark year
A new wave of expats find themselves thriving in India, despite the global recession. Recruiters, business owners and employees themselves say that despite its own financial woes, the country is – so far – a relative land of opportunity.
Out of work? Ready to freelance? Make a plan before you take the plunge
By Kelsey Hubbard MarketWatch NEW YORK — With layoffs rising and job opportunities scarce, more people are turning to freelance work as a temporary option to make ends meet or as a springboard to a new career. And while...
Overqualified applicants flood the job market, fighting for posts they once managed
The ranks of the unemployed swell with candidates possessing solid experience and education. Many have resorted to looking far below their previous pay scale as their job search continues.
Employerrap.com gives job hunters the inside story on potential workplaces
By TAMMY JOYNER Cox Newspapers ATLANTA — It's a familiar scenario relived over and over when you're trying to get a job. You endure the dog-and-pony show — interviews, meeting with managers, talking to a few carefully chosen workers...
Laid off and job hunting? The pink slip shouldn't make you feel un-pretty
By Cody Ellerd Special to NWjobs.com It's not as bad as being fired, but being laid off can still pack a heavy ego blow, leaving many among the pink-slipped masses wondering, why me? Getting past the perceived stigma of...
In tough times, prove your worth
Amid one of the worst economic downturns since the Great Depression, layoffs are hitting all levels of many organizations. Now is the time to stand out as a top performer to keep yourself from becoming a statistic.
In a tough job market, college grads fare better
It still pays to earn that degree. College graduates are faring better than the labor force as a whole as the recession continues. But one economist predicts that the unemployment rate for degree holders will reach record levels in 2009.
Let outfit say: I'm professional
By Lily Garcia Special to The Washington Post Q: Is there a general preference for what women should wear to job interviews; i.e., pantsuits or a skirt? I've heard that some employers prefer women to wear skirts, particularly in...
Second job now a top priority
As pay stagnates and costs rise, more people are taking second jobs to to increase their income. For many, extra work is also a backup plan in case of a fulltime layoff.
Grad school looking good to jobless
In a down economy, graduate school can be seen as a safe haven, one where young workers and those contemplating a career change can ride out the storm.
Include interests on résumé
By Mary Ellen Slayter The Washington Post Recent law-school graduate Brandon Fuller is looking for a job with a nonprofit environmental group. Fuller presents himself well, said Cathy Wasserman, a career coach and author of Idealist.org's Ask Cathy column....
Job seekers, don't take December off, experts advise
By Diane Stafford McClatchy Newspapers Do not put your job search on hold over the holidays. Yes, the job market is stinky for some people right now, and a quick turnaround isn't likely. But there are two reasons job...
Learn how to pitch yourself in less than one minute
By Barbara Rose Chicago Tribune Quick: Tell me who you are and what you do in less than a minute. What experiences do you bring to your work and how do you do your job better or differently than...
Words to guide you if you lose your job
By Lily Garcia Special to The Washington Post Readers have asked me to recommend books for people who are struggling with losing a job and finding new work. I consulted Laura Kasper, a Washington psychologist who works with clients...
Recruiters zero in on teachers in ailing states
By Nathaniel Weixel Stateline.org WASHINGTON — Debbie Johnson got her teaching degree from Michigan State University, but recruiters persuaded the 23-year-old to start her career in Georgia, where the weather is warm, the cost of living is lower and...
Facing hiring freezes? Reinvent your career
By Daneen Skube / Syndicated Columnist Q: I'm looking for a job in my field but am getting nowhere. Companies in my industry all have hiring freezes. I know the reason I can't get a job is the economy....
Revolving door for job seekers
As the economy worsens, repeat layoffs are a rising trend, stretching already challenging job searches into a long haul. Job placement agencies are seeing a frustrating uptick in repeat business.
It takes soul-searching to find a new field
By Marcia Heroux Pounds South Florida Sun-Sentinel FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — "What if today was your last day to dance? What would you do?" asks the director interviewing dancers in the Broadway show "A Chorus Line." More workers today...
Tailor résumés to catch the eye
The right resume is no longer just about high-quality paper. Today’s job hunters need to know how to employ keywords, tailor their c.v. for each targeted job, and present a mid-career change of professions.
Experts share tips for job-hunt success
Pharmacists remain in short supply across the country. Competition among retail outlets and health care facilities is fierce, and the pay is high, but demand still outstrips new recruits to the field, as an aging population in need of their services increases.
Jump in holiday applicants
By ANNE D'INNOCENZIO The Associated Press NEW YORK — The odds of landing a part-time job at department-store operator Bealls Outlet Stores this holiday season are slimmer than getting into Harvard: It's one out of every 45. Don't think...
Jobs growing if you know where to look
By JOHN GIN Newhouse News Service The U.S. economy is facing tough times. So how can a worker remain competitive? Despite market conditions, there still are some growth areas. The largest opportunity for job growth appears to be in...
The world of work: Old vs. new rules
By Daneen Skube, syndicated Columnist Q: I've lost three jobs in the last year. Two job losses were layoffs and the last one cut my salary to nothing, so I quit. I'm wondering whether I'm unemployable or if the...
Even in a tough market, you still need to pick the right job
By Marshall Loeb MarketWatch NEW YORK — The job market has seen better days. And if you're in the middle of a job search, chances are it is taking longer than you'd like. While this can be frustrating, it's...
Job seekers logging on, linking in, meeting up
By Etan Horowitz The Orlando Sentinel DANIEL ACKER / BLOOMBERG NEWS As more people get laid off, switch careers or worry about losing their jobs, networking sites have become vital tools in a job search. ORLANDO, Fla. — When...
Bad job news? Now's the time to schmooze
With job cuts expected to continue, more workers are ramping up their networking efforts. Experts say if you think you don't have time to build relationships in these bleak times, think again.
A home office away from home
The new way to work on your own is to work alone together. Spaces are springing up to meet the demands of a new work force, for whom the freedom of a home office has turned into solitary confinement.
Amid scams, some do find work at home
With gas prices and joblessness on the rise, more people are looking seriously at working from home. Also multiplying are the online scam artists who seek to profit from this trend.
Don't look for apology; state what you want
By Daneen Skube Syndicated Columnist Q: One of my co-workers has been thoughtless and rude to me. I think he owes me an apology. I always apologize when I make mistakes. How can I get the apology I deserve?...
Utilities hunt for workers to replace wave of retirees
By GABRIEL BAIRD The Plain Dealer THOMAS ONDREY / THE PLAIN DEALER Scott Simmerly, far right, a lineman with Cleveland Public Power, demonstrates for Anyanwu Davis, 18, how utility workers free their hands to work. Meanwhile, O'Bryant Jennings, 17,...
What it takes to do 5 in-demand jobs
A chance meeting with a Wachovia Bank executive introduced Andy Nino to the banking world. Now, Nino is the branch manager at a Marshall...
How to hunt for jobs when you've been out of work too long
David K. Marshall was laid off in October for the second time in two years. The 61-year-old credit manager fears the worsening economy will leave him jobless longer than his last six-month bout.
Doubling up on careers adds to job satisfaction
Early in his career as an internist at a teaching hospital and later in private practice, Jeff Gold felt he needed to add another dimension to his job to gain satisfaction. While he enjoyed his clinical work, Gold also yearned to be intellectually challenged in the business world.
Statewide payrolls up; jobless rate holds steady
Washington continued to defy the multiple drags on the U.S. economy in February, as state payrolls added 3,500 jobs and the unemployment rate held steady at 4.5 percent.
As economy grows stale, time to refresh résumé
If you're worried about losing your job as the economy weakens, it's time to update your résumé in case you need to hunt for new employment. Your goal should be making your résumé stand out from the hundreds of others employers receive.
Downshifting Washington's job growth
Turns out Washington's jobs engine wasn't revving quite as fast last year as previously thought. The state's nonfarm payrolls grew by 61,900 jobs, or 2.16 percent, in 2007 — 15,300 jobs fewer and half a percentage point slower than initially reported, according to newly revised data released Tuesday by the state Employment Security Department.
Going green at work
How green is your cubicle? Taking public transportation to the office is only the first step in leading an eco-conscious work life.
Wind energy hasn't blown in enough workers
The line of towering wind turbines stands motionless on the ridgeline above Interstate 70 in central Kansas, Y-shaped silhouettes amid the swirling snow. Despite the weather, dozens of technicians are working to get the 10-mile-long Smoky Hills Wind Farm ready to produce electricity.
From washing machines to wind turbines
When 1,800 workers lost their jobs after a Maytag appliance factory and headquarters closed last year in the small town of Newton, Iowa, a wind-turbine-blade company saw opportunity – an available, skilled work force in the middle of one of America's hardiest wind-energy-production regions.
Eco-friendly jobs fill environmental niche
In the 1970s, the environmental movement was just beginning. Today, many companies employ workers with titles such as environmental scientist, environmental engineer, hazardous-waste-management specialist, geologist and industrial hygienist.
Employers cut payrolls for first time since summer 2003; jobless rate dips
Nervous employers cut 17,000 jobs in January — the first such reduction in more than four years and a fresh sign that the economy is in danger of stalling. The Labor Department's report, released Friday, also showed that the unemployment rate dipped slightly to 4.9 percent, from 5 percent, as the civilian labor force shrank slightly
Employee benefits begin to include pet insurance
At a time when employers are scaling back on costly health benefits, pet insurance is gaining popularity as an employee benefit. Veterinary Pet Insurance, the nation's largest pet insurer, saw its corporate accounts balloon from 15 to 1,600 in the past six years. About 15 percent of Veterinary Pet Insurance's policies, or about 50,000, come from its corporate accounts.
No gobbledygook; company handbook is in plain English
How much should a company's culture reflect its chief executive, especially one who prides himself on being blunt and innovative – and, some might say, abrasive? If you're new Tribune Co. CEO Sam Zell, the answer seems to be: a lot.
Good tech, business skills give you hiring advantage
As companies work to protect their networks and in-house technology, the demand for IT professionals continues to grow. According to Robert Half Technology's 2008 Salary Guide, the workers most in demand include chief information-technology officers, project managers, database managers, Web developers and help-desk support.
State's jobless rate for 2007 sets new low
Unemployment in Washington ticked up last month, though the state still completed the year with its lowest average annual jobless rate ever. The outlook for this year, however, is less rosy.
Don't print that e-mail! Businesses watch the green line, too
Though intended to be a paperless communication medium, e-mail has felled more than its fair share of trees. To fight back, a group that includes bloggers and business folk has begun punctuating its electronic communications with a sentence that's salutation, admonishment and battle cry in one. The message? Stop sending those memos to the laserjet.
Get a life, hire someone to handle it
Initially, the busy McLean, Va., couple hired Ezra Glass for a few mundane chores, like waiting for the cable guy. But over time, they gradually began turning over more intimate tasks to him – planning their last-minute vacations and picking up their kids from time to time.
State jobless rate stays low
For most of this year, growth in year-over-year nonfarm payrolls has wavered between 2.5 percent and 3 percent – more than twice the national growth rate. Since February, the state's unemployment rate has never been lower than 4.4 percent or higher than 4.9 percent.
22% plan to add jobs in early '08
Fewer than a quarter of employers expect to add positions in the first quarter of the new year, almost the same as a year ago, according to a survey of 14,000 companies being released today. Twelve percent of companies said they expect to reduce employment in the three-month period starting in January, while 22 percent said they'll add jobs, according to the survey by Milwaukee-based global staffing firm Manpower.
Wouldn't you like to be a schmoozer, too?
At first glance, Dr. Renee Gilbert doesn't seem like the sort of person who should teach a seminar called "The Art of Schmoozing." She speaks in a quiet voice, and stray sentences trail off to a shy whisper.
In fact, the 48-year-old Seattle psychologist concedes that she was "the kind of person who sat by herself at parties." But in front of this class she manages to exude wit and charm as she jokes, smiles and coaxes students to respond to her questions. Not a born schmoozer herself, she said she relies instead on willpower and practice. Gilbert, therefore, turns out to be the perfect role model for the 18 men and women who took her class to polish their schmoozing skills.
Focus on skills and training, not troubled past on résumé
Joanne Jester has an impressive résumé. It describes her many duties as office manager for cdm eCycling, a small Baltimore company. She also lists prior employers, including State Use Industries, from 2000 to 2003. But there's a catch: State Use Industries was the prison-industry arm of Maryland's correctional system. Jester worked as a telemarketing office assistant there while serving a four-year sentence for theft and related charges. Her résumé reveals nothing about her imprisonment.
Looking for a new job? Try to keep it quiet
Two days after posting his résumé on a major job board, Jason Keith was called into his manager's office for a talk. His boss had found...
Jobless rate falls, but is it a mirage?
Unemployment in Washington state dropped unexpectedly in August, but the state's chief labor economist warned there may be less to the numbers than meets the eye.
The trendiest new office: a coffee shop with Wi-Fi
Mark Yurich and Ralph Dor-Ghali, who work in sales at Sysco Food Services, took over a corner of Panera Bread in Troy, Mich., recently. Their laptops were buzzing. Pastry remnants surrounded their tables. Steaming coffee cups were filled to the brim. They took calls and placed orders for clients from their computers, which were connected to wireless Internet that Panera provides its customers free.
The incredible shrinking vacation
This summer Erick Lopez won't be taking the two-week adventure trip he did last year to New York and Memphis. He will stay closer to home and shorten his vacation, maybe zipping down to Key West for a four-day weekend.
Jobless rate hits new low; Seattle sizzles
The region's unemployment hasn't been this low in at least 24 years, so it's no wonder Steve Singh is straining to fill openings at Concur Technologies, his Redmond-based software company.
State's 5 hot job spots
Legacy Health Systems of Portland reached across the Columbia River to open a new hospital in 2005 because Vancouver and surrounding Clark County seemed ripe for expansion.
Wanted: Police officers — and lots of them
The strong job market and Iraq war are making things tough for police recruiters in our region. Some departments are raising pay and offering bonuses, but it is still a high-risk job with relatively low pay.
Where the jobs are
Across Washington state, demand is shifting into high gear for professionals in health care, engineering and high tech - and the employment forecast looks good for those without a college diploma on their wall as well.
Welcome to the new girls' club
Think the glad-handing Old Boys hold a monopoly on networking? Think again. Today's networking landscape is dotted with mixers aimed at career women looking to swap tips, leads, war stories and everything in between.
Looking for work can be big job, even in good times
The Seattle-area economy might be running strong, but nervous faces weren't hard to find in a crowd of well-dressed job seekers in Bellevue. They were waiting for the doors to open at a recent job fair at Meydenbauer Center.
Resume writing
The purpose of your resume is to make the reader want to interview you. Resumes should be informative, concise, consistent, and should highlight intriguing skills and experience. They should grab attention early and provide a concentrated, convincing argument that you perfectly match the position at hand.
References
References can have a significant impact on the final hiring decision. Be ready at a moment's notice to provide potential employers with at least three solid ones. Approach only your natural contacts, the people who would unquestionably offer a glowing report about you.
Networking to find a job
A few years ago, Kathy met Henry in a social setting. At the time, Henry had a small business that sounded relatively intriguing to Kathy. Out of habit, Kathy made a point of getting Henry's contact information at the end of the evening even though she was content in her job.
Interview brainteasers
You've heard of those brain teaser questions that may well come between you and a job someday. No matter how much you may prepare yourself for a job interview, you may never be completely ready when that interviewer asks you why manhole covers are round.
Interview basics
Despite the etiquette, formality, and inevitable fear factor, job interviews can actually be enjoyable as well as extremely informative. In an interview, where you and the prospective employer begin a mutual relationship based on observation and communication, you have just as much power as the interviewer.
"There's no excuse for that."
Jack Goldberg knows the job market from the inside out. His Kirkland-based firm, Personnel Management Systems, not only helps other companies recruit, screen and hire employees, but he has had to do that himself recently. His company now has 20 employees.
Take a tip from the boss
With a slow economic recovery, Seattle's job market is full of smart, talented, skilled professionals still looking for work, right? Sonny Shrivastava figured as much when he began interviewing candidates for his startup, an advertising agency called Studio Seattle.
Job outlook better, not rosy
Color it a pale shade of pink. Though the 2005 jobs outlook for the Seattle area isn't the rosy picture many workers would like to see, local economists anticipate fewer people will be feeling blue about unemployment in the coming year. There are even a few plum occupations on the horizon.
What to DO when you are over qualified
Seems I continually hear this complaint... "They aren't hiring me because I'm overqualified." One man wrote this email to me concerned about just this problem. He said: "I have a lot of incredible extracurricular professional activities, publishing experience, project management experience, board leadership, etc.
Mastering the screening interview
When an employer calls to say, "We'd like discuss your qualifications a bit," what they are really saying is, "we want to know more about your skills and verify your resume before we offer you an interview." Human Resources refer to this interview as the Screening Interview.
Act like a pro when the interview spotlight shines on you
There's no instant replay when you go through an interview. One secret I've learned is that your verbal messages are enhanced by body language, facial expressions, voice intonations and props. So make your words, physical presence and voice work aid you in landing the job.
The power of a thank-you note
It's a forgotten art: handwritten thank-you notes. Not an e-mail, nor a typed letter, but an actual note card with sincere thoughts scribed on a page. Colleen Kill, a regional sales manager for Amgen, who's hired hundreds of people during her career, offers some key advice.
The ins and outs of providing references
You have 100% control over WHO you use as a reference, so be warned, never, ever, use the name of a former boss who disliked you or with whom you had conflicts. Find another manager or top executive who will say good things, and use that person as your reference.
Taking the summer off from job hunting is a BIG mistake
Mary, a former Boeing worker who attended a recent seminar I taught, said, "So many other laid-off folks are taking the summer off. They are getting unemployment so they can coast by and I think I'm going to do that too."
Networking: Why it's important
News flash: 63% of people hired in the last year found their job through contacts. In a CEO survey we conducted in 2002, 90% of top executives said networking was important to their career rise and 68% listed networking as very important. No one said it didn't matter.
Interview Quiz -- Can you ace these employer questions?
Answering an interviewer's questions can be trickier than you may think. To see how you'd perform, select the correct answer, then review the explanation and tips that follow to better prepare yourself for your next interview.
20 tips to a top-notch resume
Today's job market requires a highly effective resume to capture the employer's attention. Based on the survey I conducted of 600 hiring managers, here are 20 ways to help you improve your online resume.
Foolproof interview strategy
"Nothing is worse than having someone show up for an interview and not know a single thing about our company or how they'd perform the job-that's a fatal mistake too many people make," noted Executive VP Sue Carroll of Westar Insurance Managers.
Write a great online cover letter
Hiring managers agree: Good cover letters are very influential. Many people forget about cover letters when applying online, but taking time to craft a good one is a wise job-hunting strategy to employ. What makes up a great letter?
How to submit a resume & apply online on NWjobs
Creating a resume online that captures an employer's attention should be easy, but the process is often racked with problems. I'm going to offer you specific ways to improve your resume and its online format for NWjobs, to emphasize your skills so employers will find you.
Want to impress? Ask these questions at your interview
At some point in every interview the employer will ask, "Do you have any questions?" A top manager shared this insight: "I judge candidates by the questions they ask. That's what's most revealing to me.
Resume secret employers love
A Human Resources Manager, from a prominent Northwest company, asked for my help writing her resumé. She told me: "I see resumes all the time. Thousands have passed through my hands, but when it comes to writing my own I have a difficult time doing it. "
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