Flex Spending Accounts Offer Tax Savings

Should You Reconsider the Often-Overlooked Benefit?
by Margaret Steen, for Yahoo! HotJobs


Your employer may be offering you a way to cut your tax bill -- and if so, it's likely you are turning it down.

More than 80 percent of large employers offer flexible spending accounts in which workers set aside pre-tax money to pay for medical expenses or dependent care. But according to Mercer Health & Benefits, only about 20 percent of eligible workers use the medical accounts, and just 7 percent use the dependent care accounts.

"Some just don't think it's worth the trouble," said Christopher Renz, principal of Mercer Health & Benefits in San Francisco.

Flexible spending accounts aren't for everybody. But knowing how to use them could save you hundreds of dollars in taxes.

Medical Flex Accounts

To use a medical flexible spending account, you choose an amount at the beginning of the plan year to have withheld from your paychecks. It's taken out in installments each pay period, and the amount is subtracted from your pay before taxes are calculated.

The average amount people choose to have taken out is $1,261, according to Mercer. For someone in the 28 percent federal tax bracket, that's a savings of more than $350.

Any time during the year, you can turn in receipts for medical expenses -- including glasses and over-the-counter drugs -- and be reimbursed. The key points to remember:

* If you don't spend all the money by the end of the year, you lose it. Most employers allow a grace period in which to submit receipts after the plan year ends, said Robert W. Schulte, benefits marketing representative for Allegiance Benefit Plan Management in Missoula, Montana. But after that, you have no way to get the money back.

* If you leave your job mid-year and have received more in reimbursements than you've had taken out of your check so far, you don't have to pay the money back.

The hassle of figuring out what's covered and submitting receipts keeps many employees from enrolling despite the tax savings, said Laura Noble, president of the Cincinnati affiliate of the National Human Resources Association.

"If you have a good year, which everybody wants, health-wise, it's kind of detrimental because now you've got this money sitting there and you've not spent it," she said.

Dependent Care Flex Accounts

Dependent care flexible spending accounts work basically like the medical accounts, except the money goes to pay a day care provider.

However, with dependent care accounts, you can get money back only after it's been taken out of your paycheck. This means you have to live with a smaller paycheck and pay your day care provider before you can get reimbursed.

Other important details: The care-giving arrangement has to be legal and reported to the IRS. The care has to be for your children under age 13, or dependents who are unable to care for themselves. Overnight camps and private elementary schools, for example, cannot be paid with the account's pre-tax dollars.

Finally, dependent care accounts replace the federal childcare tax credit. Your employer can probably give you a worksheet to see which is better in your situation, but in general, higher earners are better off using the flexible spending account.

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Stand out Online to Land the Job

Do's and Don'ts for Online Resumes
by Denene Brox, for Yahoo! HotJobs


As a job seeker in the electronic age, it's important to be savvy when it comes to online tools that will help you land your next job.

Online and "traditional" off-line resumes share some similarities. Both serve to show potential employers why you are the best candidate for the job.

"The content of online and off-line resumes is basically the same," says Hannah Seligson, author of "New Girl on the Job: Advice from the Trenches." "But it's even more important that your online resume stand out. With an online resume, you are dealing with a critical mass, as opposed to an off-line resume that is usually handed to a personal contact."

So what can you do to ensure that your online resume will impress employers? Here are some do's and don'ts for creating a winning online resume.

Do: Make Your Online Resume Keyword-Rich

Meg Montford, of the career coaching firm Abilities Enhanced, says that keywords are vital for online resumes. Montford suggests searching through job postings for your industry to find common terms, and make sure those words are in your resume. Montford also advises job seekers to spell out acronyms to increase hits to your resume.

Lindsey Pollak, author of "Getting from College to Career: 90 Things to Do Before You Join the Real World," agrees. "Since a computer will be scanning your resume before a human being ever sees it, you need to 'speak' in a language a computer can understand."

Don't: Embellish

Just because you're posting a resume online doesn't mean its OK to embellish your qualifications.

"Don't over-inflate what you've done," cautions Seligson. "There's a funny scenario where a vice president of the company, who is doing the hiring for an entry-level position, reads the job applicant's resume and says (sarcastically),'Wow, sounds like you've already had my job. It doesn't seem like you need to start at entry-level.' It's better to say less and have it accurately reflect what you did in previous jobs than to over-inflate -- something most hiring managers can see right through."

Do: Be Positive

Many disgruntled employees have been fired for airing their frustrations about their jobs online for the entire world to read. Montford warns that it's important not to accumulate digital dirt that could cost you your current and future jobs. "Keep your online identity positive. Recruiters and companies go to the web first to screen candidates, so it's vital to have a positive presence," says Montford.

Don't: Overlook the Power of the Web to Sell Yourself

There are numerous options available on the Internet for promoting yourself to employers. Don't overlook blogs and your own resume web site as unique ways to reach out to potential employers.

"Every job seeker should have a blog and a keyword-rich resume on their own web site," says Montford. "You can blog about your industry and comment on articles and issues related to your field. Just remember to keep your comments positive."

Do: Be Cautious

Finally, realize that your current employer could be privy to your job search when using online resumes. Keeping a low online profile while employed may be your safest bet.

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Four Ways to Overcome Boredom at Work

by Caroline Levchuck, Yahoo! HotJobs

Even if you really enjoy your job, it's still possible to battle boredom as you work your way toward the boardroom. You may not be able to make big changes -- or change your job -- but you can make small adjustments to your routine that can make every day seem, well, a little less routine.

1. Switch Your Seat

Change your outlook at the office by changing your office -- literally. Ask your supervisor to help you find a new desk, office, or cube to call home. Even switching desks with a neighboring coworker can offer a fresh perspective.

If it's not possible to change your location, see if you can change how your desk is oriented. A new perspective can be just as refreshing as a new location.

2. Change Your Commute

Start and end your day in a different way by making changes to your commute. Consider a new mode of transportation, if it's possible. Take a subway. Ride a bike on sunny days. Carpool with a coworker. Use a new route to get to your job. You needn't change your commute permanently -- just long enough to help you escape the doldrums.

3. Find a New Way to Work

Shake things up at the office by changing how things get done.

Sick of attending that long-standing Monday morning meeting? Try to rally your boss to change it to the afternoon.

If you find yourself feeling most bored in the afternoons, try to arrange to do your favorite tasks then and tackle less desirable projects in the mornings.

If you usually communicate with coworkers via email and instant messaging, start dealing with people face to face. Increased interaction with coworkers may help improve your mood.

4. Get and Set a Goal

If you're not working toward something, it's no wonder that work has become boring. Identify a goal and set an "achieve by" date for it.

Your goal needn't be lofty as long as you have sufficient enthusiasm for it. Perhaps you want to tackle a new project. Maybe you'd like to pursue a promotion. Or you may even set a goal of finding a new job altogether. Whatever it is, actively moving toward an objective will make work much more interesting.

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Is There a Slogan in Your Resume?

by Joe Turner, for Yahoo! HotJobs


Too often, candidates think a job search is all about selling their specific skills. Skills are only commodities. They get you in the door, but they don't win you the job. HR managers now receive 100 or more resumes per job posting, so it's easy to get lost in the resume shuffle with dozens of other candidates. How can you stand out and get selected?

A great way to do that is to take a lesson from Madison Avenue, the masters of marketing, and develop a "slogan" of your own. Slogans -- or "branding images" or "taglines" -- work by promising you a benefit for using a particular product.

What's Your Benefit?

Employers don't buy just skills. They want to know how you can be an asset to their bottom line. This boils down to only two areas where you can provide a benefit:

    * How will you help an employer make money?, or
    * How will you help an employer save money?

When you answer this question, you set yourself apart from most of your competitors. The best way to accomplish this is to develop your own slogan. Called a "Unique Selling Proposition" (USP), this is a short sentence that describes a major, unique benefit that you can offer your next employer.

Add Strength to Skills

For example, if you're a project manager you have a number of skills, such as software, hardware and management expertise. Trouble is, most other project managers competing with you have the same skills. If you think further, though, you find your particular strength might be your ability to identify and solve problems early in your projects.

So your USP goes something like this:

"Seasoned project manager with a strength in identifying and solving problems."

Find the Money

Now add one more item, and that's the benefit to the employer. Since employers buy "making money" or "saving money," try to find a way to attach dollars to it. This is called monetizing your benefit and it's what will separate you from every other project manager you compete with. It may take some research or calculations but it's well worth the effort.

Try to arrive at a conservative figure for how much money you helped your employer make or save on a given project, sale or time period. In this case, our project manager calculated that he helped save his employer over $3 million in a three-year period while he completed over $12 million in projects. His USP becomes this:

"Seasoned project manager whose strengths in identifying and solving problems have saved my employer over $3 million while completing over $12 million worth of projects during the past 3 years."

By placing this one sentence front and center at the top of his resume (as a "summary" statement), magic can start to happen. No longer is this candidate a commodity. The employer can clearly see the benefit of having an employee who can bring their special talent to help save $3 million.

As a recruiter, Joe Turner has spent the past 15 years finding and placing top candidates in some of the best jobs of their career. He makes it easy for anyone to find and land the job they really want all on their own in the shortest time possible. Discover more insider job search secrets by visiting jobchangesecrets.com.

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Five Elements of Effective Business Emails

by Caroline Levchuck, Yahoo! HotJobs


Email took the place of the business letter a long time ago, and it takes a lot less effort to answer an email. So why does the response rate for emails seem to be declining?

Consider that in an age of information inundation, it's getting more and more difficult for anyone to answer every message in their inbox, even when it's important. You can make it easier on your recipients by making sure your business emails include these five essential elements.

1. A Concise, Direct Subject Line

Every email you send for business should have a succinct yet descriptive subject line. This will help recipients determine its importance. Avoid relying on the "Importance: High" flag as so many people overuse this feature that its impact has diminished.

2. A Proper Greeting

It's become common for people to eliminate greetings in emails altogether. However, a greeting can help people easily determine to whom a message is directed, especially as cc'ing and replying to all have become common.

That being said, avoid replying to all unless everyone on the email chain really needs to read your reply. The same goes for cc'ing too many people on a single email. Be selective with your information, as most folks are dealing with overloaded inboxes.

3. Proper Grammar, Correct Spelling

Lingo and abbreviations that originated in the realm of instant messaging and texting have made their way into email. Even if your coworkers and clients don't call you out on your use of such shortcuts, avoid using them. An email could get forwarded to another client or a supervisor who may be appalled at your seeming lack of written communication skills.

4. Only Essential Information

It's fine to be friendly and a bit familiar in business emails; however, try not to be too chatty. Put vital information as close to the beginning of your email as possible to ensure that your recipient actually reads it. If your messages run longer than a paragraph or two, they may not get read in their entirety.

5. A Clear Closing

End your email so that it's clear what you're expecting of the recipient and when. If you aren't specific, you probably won't get the response or action you need. If you want an opinion or permission, ask for it. If you need it by Tuesday, say so.

Finally, only use return receipts when sending a critical message that requires you to know when a message has been received and read; it's an invasive tool that could rub colleagues the wrong way.

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When the New Job Is a Letdown

by Caroline Levchuck, Yahoo! HotJobs


Starting a new job can be exciting, nerve-wracking, and even scary. Unfortunately, it can also be disappointing. Perhaps you're being asked to work too many hours. Maybe you're not receiving any training. Or, worse yet, the job you accepted doesn't look anything like the job you're actually doing.

As a new hire, what should you do when a new job isn't what you thought it would be? Use these tips to navigate the rough waters in your first weeks.

1. Don't panic!

If things aren't going at all as you'd planned in your first few days or weeks in a new position, your instinct may be to hit the panic button and quit or begin a covert job search. Resist the urge to make a dramatic decision or rush to judgment. Rather, analyze what's making you feel like you've been duped. Create a document you can refer to, listing out what you were told or had expected versus what the reality of your day-to-day at a company is.

2. Speak with your supervisor.

Talent retention is an issue these days, and your manager likely doesn't want to be short-staffed. Debbi Titlebaum, the human resources director for Zingy, Inc., a mobile media company, advises opening a dialogue with a manager. She says, "Go to your boss and say, 'I've only been here for a few weeks and it's not what I was expecting. Can we talk about what my responsibilities are and how we can change them to include more of what we agreed upon?'"

If your boss is unable or unwilling to help you, you should then seek advice from human resources.

3. HR is there to help.

No one understands how difficult it is to find talented employees better than a human resources professional -- which gives you a valuable and knowledgeable ally in your plight. Titlebaum, who has worked in human resources for more than 12 years, advises, "If a job isn't exactly what you expected there can be a lot of valid reasons. If you communicate your dissatisfaction to your manager and to HR, there's probably a way to make it work."

Are long hours conflicting with child care? Ask about flex time. If you need more training, find out how you can get that. Is a position less glamorous than you thought? Ask for some additional, more compelling responsibilities.

If the position itself remains a bust despite everyone's best efforts, you may still have a future at the company. "If an employer is dealing with a good employee, they are going to want to hold onto her. Depending on the size of the company, they may be able to use her in another capacity," notes Titlebaum.

4. Move on to another opportunity.

Sometimes when a job isn't what you thought it would be, leaving may be your only option. If this is true, find another job first to avoid a gap on your resume. Also, treat your employer with respect and professional courtesy (even if you weren't treated that way) when leaving, so you don't burn any bridges.

To avoid a similar situation in the future, Titlebaum suggests that you always request a comprehensive job description before accepting an offer. "A written job description ensures that you and your supervisor know what your responsibilities will be," she says. And, be sure to ask your future manager to describe a typical workday and work week so that you have a better understanding of what your daily professional life will be like.

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How Second Careers Start

Pursue Other Interests While Getting Ahead
by Saira Rao, for Yahoo! HotJobs


So you've got it all -- great job, great office, great perks. You're thrilled, right? Not exactly. Your flabby stomach, weak social life, and unwritten screenplay could be nagging signs of dissatisfaction.

Welcome to 2007, where you're more likely to spot a live dinosaur than a 9-to-5 job. Today, work and its myriad demands can leave you feeling completely overwhelmed, with nary a moment to focus on you -- the you who used to have hobbies, friends, and -- gasp! -- a life.

But it doesn't have to be this way. If you are someone who has always dreamed of running a marathon, writing a novel, or sharpening your culinary skills, there are ways to pursue such interests -- or even a second career -- while still getting ahead at the office.

Finding the Time

While it's not easy to find extra time, it is possible. Marci Alboher, author of "One Person/Multiple Careers: A New Model for Work/Life Success," knows a thing or two about juggling multiple careers. Before becoming an author, journalist, and speaking/writer coach, Alboher was a lawyer. Her advice:

    * Cultivate "double duty" activities. "For example, if you are interested in photography but have no time to practice because you're always at work, see if there is a way to do some photography on the job by offering to be the official photographer at a work event."
    * Creative vacations. "When you finally get a vacation, rather than kick back at the beach, consider taking an intensive class or working with a career coach."
    * Be a slacker. "Many of us give 115% at work. What's the worst thing if you just gave 100% for a while to make room for more things in your life?"

No More Excuses

You can always find an excuse for not taking action.

    * Remove "if only" from your vocabulary. For example, stop thinking "if only I didn't have that deadline, I could really focus on my painting" OR "if only my client wasn't so demanding, I could start thinking about that novel I've wanted to write."
    * Skip the blame game. It is not your boss' job to make time for you to tend to your hydrangeas or get to that yoga class. Take responsibility -- you have more control than you think.
    * Set and stick to personal deadlines.

You Can Unplug

It's true -- Blackberries and other personal digital assistants (PDAs) can feel like human GPS tracking systems. But perhaps that's more self-imposed rather than work-imposed. If you've become that person who can't stop staring at their handheld device, chances are you're doing it to yourself.

    * Turn your device off on the weekends, unless absolutely necessary.
    * Once you leave the office, check your device only once before going to bed.
    * Whatever you do -- don't sleep with your Blackberry under your pillow.
    * Remind yourself often that working during your personal time robs you of time to engage in other interests, and ultimately enhance your fulfillment.

Saira Rao's debut novel, "Chambermaid," was just published by Grove Press. Ms. Rao wrote her novel while simultaneously working as an associate at a large New York City law firm. Learn more at www.sairarao.com.

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Recruiter Roundtable: Trying Too Hard

by Yahoo! HotJobs


The Recruiter Roundtable is a monthly feature that collects career and job-seeking advice from a group of recruiting experts throughout the United States. The question we put before our panel this month is:

What was the most remarkable attempt to impress you or get your attention that actually backfired against the candidate?

Turned off by a Rival

I once had a candidate who, along with his resume, included letters from his wife and children. The 5-year-old made a cute picture, while the candidate (and father) explained what the picture was. There were two problems: 1) the candidate was completely unqualified for the role, and 2) the picture explanation included "Daddy standing in front of new office" -- and the office was our competitor.
-- Bob Hancock, independent staffing consultant

Personal Data Overload

Recently, I got a CV from a candidate: An 11-page PDF file detailing every experience in his life since he was a teenager. He also scanned and inserted every certificate he had received throughout most of his life including his certification of a computer class (MS-DOS) in 1990 and his certificate of completion of a Taekwondo class.

The final three pages were a compilation of the 100 things one should know about him, including: "I have never gone out with a model, I can't stand crybabies, I have never fractured a bone, I always stay up late watching 'Star Trek,' and I am part vampire: I live better at night than during the day and I also work better at night." Some of the more memorable on this list would be unprintable (i.e. detailed descriptions of his physical preferences, etc.).

Moral of the story: Limit your personal story in your resume to your professional experiences. It's OK to let your creativity shine, but keep it relevant and within limits of your profession. Remember your resume opens (or closes) an opportunity to interview.
-- Lindsay Olson, partner, Paradigm Staffing

Reference Letter Forgery

The perfect reference letter was written by the candidate himself! Although he was qualified for the job, this scam made him un-hirable. Employers do not expect you to be perfect; they want to know your real talents. The pluses and the minuses are very important. Actually some perceived minuses are the exact traits some might be looking for; it happened for us. In short, be truthful.
-- Yves Lermusi, CEO of Checkster

Zeal Has Its Limits!

There was an open project manager position for which I was recruiting a couple of years ago. A contractor, who was working in the role while we were searching, decided to interview for the job.

I asked him some very standard questions about his skills and also why he liked project management. He leaned forward in his chair, made a fist, shook it with emphasis and said, "I am a reckoning force!" Once he did that, all I could think of was a wrecking ball and that maybe he was going to throw something on the desk at me. I appreciated his passion for the role, but I was a little stunned by his forcefulness.

The job did go to someone else with more relevant experience, but I still remember this individual better than the one selected!
-- Ross Pasquale, owner, Monday Ventures

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Real-Life Interview Blunders to Avoid

by Robert McCauley, Robert Half International


As any job seeker can tell you, acing an employment interview is no easy feat. According to a survey by Robert Half International, nearly one-third (32%) of executives polled said job candidates make more mistakes during the job interview than any other part of the job-hunting process.

You Can't Take It Back

Consider these real-life responses from hiring managers who were asked to name the strangest things they had ever heard of happening in a job interview:

* "After answering the first few questions, the candidate picked up his cell phone and called his parents to let them know the interview was going well."

* "The job seeker halted the conversation about work hours and the office environment, saying she didn't like being confined to a building, but would consider taking the job if she could move her desk to the courtyard outside."

* "When asked by the hiring manager why she was leaving her current job, the applicant said, 'My manager is a jerk. All managers are jerks.'"

* "After arriving for an early morning interview, the job seeker asked to use the hiring manager's phone. She proceeded to fake a coughing fit as she called in sick to her boss."

Preparation Is Good Insurance

While it's unlikely you'll make mistakes as egregious as the ones above, it always helps to prepare before interviewing with a prospective employer. Here are five tips to help you make a good first impression:

* Do your homework. Before the interview, review the job description again and make sure you can describe how your skills and experience match the requirements of the open position.

* Come prepared. Bring extra copies of your resume -- printed on high-quality paper -- and a list of references to the interview. Also dress appropriately. Even if you're interviewing with a company that has a casual dress code, it's better to be slightly over-dressed than under-dressed.

* Know what to expect. In all likelihood, the hiring manager will ask you a host of standard questions, such as "Why do you want to work for this firm?" and "What makes you right for this role?" Practice your responses to these queries with a friend at home so you can provide clear and concise answers.

* Have the right attitude. Be confident during the interview but not arrogant. Also consider your body language. Making eye contact with the interviewer and nodding your head in agreement shows you're engaged; slouching in your chair indicates you're bored.

* Follow up. Sending a thank-you note after the interview may seem old-fashioned, but hiring managers always appreciate receiving one. A brief message thanking the person for his or her time and reaffirming your interest in the role shows your professionalism and desire for the job.

Above all, be yourself when interviewing with a prospective employer. Companies seek workers who not only have the skills to perform the job but also the personality to thrive within the corporate culture.

Robert Half International is the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm with a global network of more than 350 offices throughout North America, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. For more information about our professional services, please visit www.rhi.com.

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Work Friends 101. Building Productive Relationships on the Job

by Doug White, Robert Half International


Do you feel that having a close-knit bond with coworkers keeps you focused, engaged, and productive? If so, you're in good company. In a recent Robert Half International survey, 63 percent of employees and 57 percent of executives polled said that office productivity increases when colleagues are friends.

But it's important to cultivate connections with the right people. Following are a few types of colleagues to make friends with -- and some to keep at a distance.

The Best of Friends

The Handy Helper. Sustaining positive relationships with fellow employees can be a lifesaver when you're faced with challenges. For instance, it's beneficial to have a trusted and reliable friend in the office who you can lean on for support and assistance when you feel overburdened. While lone-wolf workers might be left to fend for themselves during a deadline emergency, professionals who've built rapport with coworkers have no shortage of helping hands to call upon.

The Caring Critic. Having an in-office ally who can offer feedback and constructive criticism on your ideas or projects can be invaluable. Getting an honest opinion from someone who has your best interests at heart -- and understands the inner workings of your organization -- can help you fine-tune your work so you can make the biggest impact and best impression.

The Veteran. Forging a friendship with a successful and upbeat veteran is another smart move. In times of crisis or uncertainty, a time-tested and cool-headed professional "who's been down this road before" can impart wisdom, in addition to a sense of calm and perspective. These types of tenured workers can help you hone new abilities and maintain a healthy, positive attitude.

Problem Pals

The Party Pooper. Just as the upbeat attitude of a perennial optimist will rub off, fraternizing with negative naysayers can influence your feelings about the job. Even if they are perfectly pleasant to you, be careful about aligning yourself with incorrigible whiners who constantly complain or dish dirt. They may not be entirely trustworthy, and being chummy with them could lead management to peg you as a "bad apple," too.

The Talkative Time Waster. Never forget that you are at work to, well, work. In general, be mindful of how much time you spend socializing. If you're not careful, you can unwittingly allow chatty friends to become big distractions. Don't let water cooler conversations consume too much of your time or distract you from other duties. (You can always catch up with a coworker over coffee before work or grab a bite to eat at the end of the day.)

The Favor Thief. "The only way to have a friend is to be one," said Ralph Waldo Emerson. It's an important adage to consider in the workplace. If you're constantly pitching in for a so-called "friend" who never returns the favor, it's probably time to re-evaluate the relationship. Likewise, if a colleague assisted you in your hour of need, don't forget to reciprocate -- even if the person's request for backup comes at an inopportune time.

Surrounding yourself with positive and supportive friends at work can help you be more productive and happier on the job. And while you may develop close bonds with certain individuals, remember to be nice and affable to all of your colleagues. You never know whose help you might need one day.

Robert Half International is the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm with a global network of more than 350 offices throughout North America, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. For more information about our professional services, please visit www.rhi.com.

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Send Your Job Search on a Summer Vacation

by Caroline Levchuck, Yahoo! HotJobs


You want to take a vacation, but you feel guilty for abandoning your job search. Why not combine the two?

If you can find some time (and your search isn't dire), there are ways that even a budget-conscious job seeker can pick up some skills, make new contacts, or glean new knowledge. Consider it a crash course in your job or industry of choice. You can make your job search your summer vacation.

Take a Tour

Trying to break into a particular industry? Go on a fact-finding mission: Opportunities abound to tour manufacturing facilities, corporate offices, and industry centers. Many large manufacturers offer public tours. Find a facility in the industry you're interested in at Factory Tours USA (factorytoursusa.com).

Tours are daily business at many breweries, wineries, and food manufacturing plants. Looking for work in television or film production? Tour CNN Studios or Warner Bros. Studios. If you've got a nose for news, you can see newspapers roll off the presses at The Seattle Times.

Many tours are free, but not all. Always call ahead to find out how much a tour costs, if reservations are required and, when traveling with the tykes in tow, if children are allowed.

Visit the Capital

Plan a trip to the capital of the industry in which you're looking for work.

If you're interested in government work, you may want to start in Washington, D.C. But you can also visit your state capital, which may be easier and more cost-effective.

Into advertising? Blow into the Windy City (Chicago). Is big-time finance your bag? Take a bite out of the Big Apple. Into entertainment? Head for Hollywood.

Set up some informational interviews in advance. Industry publications and company directories can help you determine who holds jobs in which you're interested. Next, contact people to explain that you're visiting and are interested in an informational interview.

You'll gain lots of insider information, have a familiarity with the "heart" of your chosen industry and perhaps make a lasting connection with someone who's well connected. Try to arrange to take tours or attend a relevant conference too.

Volunteer Vacation

There's a do-good getaway for almost any budget.

Volunteer vacations can be related to a career you're pursuing or a way to network with people from different walks of life. You can participate in vital humanitarian and preservation projects across the country, around the world, or even in your own backyard.

In you want to stay close to home, Habitat for Humanity builds simple, affordable houses in partnership with those who lack adequate shelter. You may even find yourself hammering side by side with a CEO or a celebrity.

Are exotic locales beckoning you? Help build communities, conserve landscapes or provide care while gaining skills. Most programs will match your interests, background and skills with your assignment and allow you to stretch some new muscles in your field. Visit the Care Corps (careusa.org/getinvolved/volunteer/) for more information.

Vocation Vacations

"Vocation vacations" are the gold standard for gleaning new skills on holiday.

They're ideal if you've had a hankering for a completely different career and can't make a dramatic switch or commitment right now. Vocation vacations allow you to see a job for what it really is. You'll get to do the fun stuff as well as the dirty work.

The company Vocation Vacations (vocationvacations.com) arranges for people to pursue their dream jobs while under the attentive eye of a mentor.

If you're intrigued by a vocation vacation but find it financially implausible, create your own. Ask someone who has your dream job if you can work with him for free -- even for a day. An understaffed innkeeper, for instance, might be open to the idea of having an extra pair of hands to make beds linens in exchange for letting you see how a bed-and-breakfast is run.

After all, there's no reason why you can't vacation and look for a job at the same time.

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Are You Ready for Your Big Break?

by Caroline Levchuck, Yahoo! HotJobs


There's no single formula for success in the business world. On any given day, you may be given a unique chance to prove yourself; however, you may not always recognize it as such. Don't despair; there are steps you can take to make sure you maximize every opportunity you're given at work.

1. Make your boss look good -- even when she doesn't.

Your boss may be many things, from smart and talented to irritable and disorganized. Whatever the case may be, it's likely that any raises or promotions you may receive in the future will be at her recommendation. Keep this in mind as you work alongside your supervisor and do your best to help her shine -- even when she doesn't deserve it. If you have a chance to show up your boss but don't take it, she'll always remember it.

2. Follow through even when you don't want to.

Most professionals don't always have total control of what they work on, and you're probably no exception. Your boss may give you a big project and ask you to run with it, despite the fact that you may want to run away from it. Don't. Do whatever it takes to successfully complete the project. It's likely your boss is quietly evaluating your attitude and performance.

3. Take ownership of an odd project or two.

Are resources stretched thin at your company? Is there a project that never seems to get anyone's attention or energy? Maybe it's an unruly filing cabinet or a supply closet. Or perhaps it's something bigger -- like your corporate Web site. Step up and make the project your own.

If it's outside the scope of your skills, assess how much it would cost to resolve the issue or recruit your coworkers to lend a hand. In taking this on, you'll gain unique knowledge and perhaps even forge your own relationships that will make you a more valued employee.

4. Remember that patience is a virtue.

If you've just put out a particularly big fire, you may be anxiously awaiting some serious kudos from your supervisor. Just sit tight and let your boss acknowledge you on his own terms and in his own time frame. You may not immediately receive a raise (or even a pat on the back). Don't let that deter you from continuing to seize opportunities around the office. The powers that be will notice that you identified and/or resolved a long-standing problem, which will help pave your path to management.

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The Art of Being Assertive. Your Job Advancement May Depend on It

by Denene Brox, for Yahoo! HotJobs


There are many factors that contribute to your career success, but one that's often overlooked is the art of being an assertive employee. If your idea of standing out as a good employee is to simply show up everyday and do the work put in front of you, you are losing out on many opportunities to advance your career and earnings potential.

"Assertiveness is the balance between being mousy and being aggressive," says career coach Cheryl Palmer. "It is standing up for yourself, but not at the expense of others."

For some, striking that balance may mean not being so harsh and bold. For others, it means stepping up and asking for what you want. Palmer says that taking an honest, introspective look at yourself is the first step to measuring your level of assertive self-expression.

So in what areas of your career is it crucial to become assertive? Following are three key areas where assertiveness pays.

Salary

"Being assertive can earn you more money throughout your career," says Palmer. "I have seen many clients lose thousands of dollars because they are not assertive enough to negotiate salary or speak up and ask for a raise. Women in particular tend to have issues with assertiveness when it comes to money."

Career coaches agree that if you're waiting for your boss to notice your contributions and reward you with higher pay, you're losing out. Dee C. Marshall, a career and life coach, says to put your request for a raise in writing, outlining all of your achievements, and ask for a meeting with your boss to discuss. "You must go confidently and ask. No one is going to hand you anything," says Marshall.

Meetings

"Meetings are the perfect situation to be assertive," says career coach Rebecca Kiki Weingarten. "It can be an opportunity for you to shine and show your stuff."

Using meetings to share your creative ideas and solutions to problems will help you stand out in front of key leaders. Weingarten points out that even asking the right questions in a meeting is being assertive.

"One of my clients was promoted to vice president of the company just because he contributed in meetings," says Palmer. "He had been at a much lower level in the organization, but his contributions were so salient that upper management saw his potential and promoted him. He ended up making six figures."

Setting Boundaries

If your coworkers are driving you crazy or bullying you around, it's time to put good boundaries in place. Palmer says that there are a lot of workplace bullies, and being assertive allows you to set limits without being becoming a bully yourself.

Learning to say "No" to projects when your own workload is full is an important skill for employees at all levels. Saying "No" is the hardest mode of assertiveness for some people, says Palmer.

"Assertiveness training can be beneficial not only for people's careers, but in their personal lives as well," she concludes "People who want to feel good about themselves and their work need to be assertive."

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Is Relocation a Good Strategy for You?

by Margaret Steen, for Yahoo! HotJobs


You've been offered a great job -- but it's in another state. You need to weigh the quality of life in your current city with your potential new home, along with considerations about nearby relatives, city size, and housing options. But relocating for work is also a big financial decision.

Moving costs money, and your new employer may or may not pay for it. Some new employees receive nothing for their move; others may get anything from a $500 check to a complete relocation package worth tens of thousands of dollars. These bigger packages, generally reserved for more senior employees, can include temporary living expenses or help in selling a home.

Find Room to Negotiate

"The more unique your skill set is and the longer they've looked for you, the more negotiating power you might have," said Kathryn Ullrich, an executive recruiter in Silicon Valley.

Even if an employer says in its ad that it won't pay for relocation, it can't hurt to bring it up -- once you have been offered the job and are negotiating your pay package, said Cynthia Kivland, a career coach in Prairie Grove, Illinois. Perhaps the company could reimburse for moving expenses after a certain period of time if you're meeting your performance goals, for example. If you're moving with a spouse, maybe the company will pay for career coaching to help the spouse land a new job.

Look Beyond the Dollar Amount

When you're weighing a relocation package, consider these issues:

* Is it "grossed up"? If the company pays for relocation services worth $5,000, you'll owe taxes on that money. If the check is grossed up, the company will pay you $5,000 plus the taxes.

* What's in the fine print? If your new job ends within months, will you have to pay back the relocation bonus? Does it matter if you leave voluntarily or are laid off? It can be awkward to ask for these restrictions to be removed -- there's no graceful way to say that you'd like the flexibility to quit in three months and not repay the thousands of dollars the company spent to move you. Still, you may be able to shorten the time period, or clarify that the restrictions apply only if you decide to leave.

* Is the city a viable place for a long-term career? "You can't just look at a single company," said Richard Phillips, a career coach and owner of Advantage Career Solutions in Palo Alto, California.

Consider what jobs will be available for you and your spouse, not just now but in the future. If you move to a city that's heavily dependent on just one company, you could find yourself in a tight spot -- with no job and no buyers for your house -- if that company starts struggling.

Do Your Research

Of course, you can do online research to help with decisions about relocating. Salary.com's Cost-of-Living Wizard can help you estimate how far your new paycheck will go in your new home. You can also find relevant financial calculator tools at Yahoo! Finance.

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