Dream Jobs: True Blue or Time to Wake Up?

Although usually perpetrated by employers in an employees’ market, dream jobs occasionally surface during times such as these. You know, that killer job description that seems too good to be true. Let’s say that THERE IS JUST SUCH A JOB out there. And, since it’s such a friggin’ PERFECT JOB, the employer doesn’t have to pay the major job sites to post it – they just have to get the word out about it. Well, if you can grasp that, then you can grasp how EmploymentCrossing.com is different.

EmploymentCrossing.com posts hundreds of thousands of jobs that employers aren’t paying us to post. In other words, if we don’t do it, who will? Nada. Nobody. Nothin. No where. They’ll all be on thousands of bulleting boards, internal memos, government job sites and everywhere else our hundreds of researchers find them, check them, categorize them and post them – for EmploymentCrossing members only. Throw in a free trial, and you’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain. And although it may not be that dream job, you’re probably ready for a change if you’re reading this.

Oh, and that dream job, it’s posted here, and here is a brief description:

Island Caretaker:

Duties may include (but are not limited to):

Feed the fish - There are over 1,500 species of fish living in the Great Barrier Reef. Don’t

worry – you won’t need to feed them all.

Clean the pool - The pool has an automatic filter, but if you happen to see a stray leaf

floating on the surface it’s a great excuse to dive in and enjoy a few laps.

Collect the mail – During your explorations, why not join the aerial postal service for a

day? It’s a great opportunity to get a bird’s eye view of the reef and islands.

The successful candidate will also be paid a salary package of AUD $150,000 for the six-month contract.

Seriously, is this employer going to PAY some job site to post this for you?

Tags: dream job, Employment, employmentcrossing, employmentcrossing.com, job, perfect

Pimp Out Your Job Search

From Fleshmonger to International Hero—Yes, it certainly can be done!  Just 15 years ago Tom Cruise (well really his character Joel in Risky Business) was running a brothel out of his parents’ house, and now, who would have guessed, he has become an international hero.  Even though in Valkyrie he ultimately failed to carry the slain Fuhrer off to Valhalla and negotiate a peace treaty ending World War II, his transformation as a person and the growth of his career objectives is astounding. 

But as with most things in life, upon closer inspection the transformation is actually completely predictable. One can see how Tom rose so steadily in the Third Reich.  He had all the right stuff!  Working as a pimp he had learned effective management skills. He really knew how manage his whores; he gained their loyalty and obedience, making sure no one else moved in on his territory. It was Tom’s excellent management skills that ultimately made him marketable in the military arena. After all, a Colonel needs to be capable of commanding obedience. 

His jump from loyal Colonel to would-be assassin is actually not so astounding either.  We all know pimps are protective by nature. A pimp’s entire livelihood is dependent on protecting his whores from rival pimps and from abusive clients.  It was this compassionate nature that allowed Tom to transition from military officer to international hero seeking an end to World War II.

Tom Cruise is evidence that you are the one who is in control of your life.  It’s never too late for a career change.  You just have to know how to market yourself. Transitioning the skills you already have to different settings will be the easy part.  Like in Tom’s case, sometimes change is a good thing, so why not let EmploymentCrossing help you explore new avenues and new heights. But before you go off saving the world don’t forget our free trial offer.

Tags: career change, Employment, Hero, Hitler, job, Pimp, Risky Business, Tom Cruise, Valkyrie

Vegas Baby! Friday Weatherstripping Edition

On Thursday, school kids in Las Vegas celebrated their first snow day since 1979. On the famous strip, the 3.6 inches of snow coated the flashing marquees and weighted down palm trees. Even though the residents had fun throwing snowballs, the tourists from other parts of the world hoping to escape cold, wintry weather were pretty disappointed.

And understandably so. What they wanted was sunshine and continuous poolside daquiris. What they got was guys impersonating fat Elvis who were actually happy to be wearing the heavy white jumpers actually having to the split pea soup in the 4.99 buffet.

Instead of sheer disappointment, perhaps what these tourists should have done–and what we should all remember–is to look for the novelty and fun in a situation that seems like a total inconvenience.

Ducklings crossing in your path slowing down your commute? Impromptu barbershop quartet performance in the airport? It’s easy to brush things off or roll your eyes when you have a set schedule or a certain idea of how you want things to turn out, especially when we are working or are on a mission. But perhaps taking that call from the goofy-but-sometimes-talks-too-long client might give you a new idea or a new direction in your work.

So roll with the punches and roll the dice! Get lucky and check out EmploymentCrossing for a comprehensive listing of jobs in your area. Don’t forget about the free trial, baby!

Tags: disappointment, flexible, job, Las Vegas, rolling with the punches, snow

Jobs. Cool Jobs.

When Quantum of Solace, the 22nd James Bond film, hit theaters last Friday, an old complex was revived: for two hours the glamor of international spy games with a chic facade made everything in our own lives seem, well, pretty lame. Women said their first and last names aloud–disappointed by the lack of moxie: Nancy Brown is no Christmas Jones. Guys realized just how difficult it is to think of themselves as smooth while rocking their hoodie/cargo shorts/outdoor sandals ensembles. Bond’s well-cut suits and effortless suave demeanor during even the most dangerous spy missions make us wonder. . .what if OUR jobs were that cool?

It’s not about having a job as cool as Bond. Let’s face it–most of us won’t. But having a job that makes us FEEL cool. . now that’s worthwhile. For an accountant, that may mean that you prevented a major downward financial spiral. For a call center worker–you might have solved a problem for a customer that on one else could.

Although there is not a 007Crossing.com, EmploymentCrossing.com contains over 90 job boards that list the latest and greatest positions in accounting, call centers, and much much more. Many of these positions are unavailable on paid job sites. Jetset here for the free trial.

Remember that scene in Office Space when Peter, Michael and Samir are sauntering in slo-mo away from the badly beaten printer–their confidence is high and for just a moment, they love their jobs. If we’re able to tell people what we do for a living no matter what it is–and feel proud and confident at least one moment (and hopefully many moments) in the day. . .things will be cool.

Moneypenney, my martini.

Tags: accounting jobs, Bond, call center jobs, cool, job, Office Space

Why Steppin’ Out Helps You Step Up

Whether you work in a high-stress environment , have a grueling commute, or are searching for a new job, most of us probably have a tough time breaking out of our after-hours and weekend routines.  Sometimes just the thought of tagging along to Happy Hour with the gang or showing up at the junior executives birthday party on that Saturday you really wanted to spend just re-thinking your personal finance goals makes you want to call it quits as soon as you shut down your computer for the weekend.

And, along the personal finances chain. . .can we talk about how expensive it is to go out? ESPECIALLY if you’re in a big city. Hello? My Roth IRA needs care and feeding, thanks. Going out doesn’t always have to mean spending tons of money or going only to the most exclusive places.

Going out with co-workers, participating in social events, putting yourself out there–whatever you may call it helps you enjoy your job more the closer you become with your after-hours buddies. Just like the old adage that most major deals are made on the golf courses or the smoky back room. . most truly funny inside jokes and work friendships are not formed during budget meetings.

Just like Going.com and CitySearch are great resources for finding unique events and places for you and your co-workers, EmploymentCrossing.com offers unique job sites across 90 industries and allows you find an position that’s right for you.

Now this blog post is done, I think I’ll head home for a nice date with TiVo. What’s that you say? I can hear you chanting that same phrase Mom used to tell me when I tried to bow out of a party game.

Don’t be a fuddy duddy. Ok I hear you. So I’ll repeat it back. I promise not to be a fuddy duddy, but only if you promise, too.

Tags: Career, co-workers, friendship, job, networking

Hidden Talent: Can You Dig it?

Yesterday, archaeologists announced the discovery of a new pyramid in Saqqara, an ancient Egyptian burial site. Antiquities experts believe the monument is over 4,300 years old and once belonged to the queen mother of the founder of the Sixth Dynasty.

Wow. We spend so much time gathering instant information and rushing innovation, it’s a little jarring when we discover such a tangible reminder of our past. Amazing to think that until just recently this grand structure was simply chillin under some sand. Then winds shifted, folks started digging, and here we are.

I remember wanting to be an archaeologist when I was eight (I’m sure that profession was also featured in a “When I Grow Up” segment before Saturday morning cartoons). The thought of finding something valuable beneath a swatch of plain dirt was almost too exciting to bear–I think I even asked for a metal detector for Christmas (but instead I got a Lil’ Scientists Microscope set). I didn’t end up becoming a scientist, but the idea of discovery and surprise stuck with me.

In the midst of our job searches, our career coaching, our professional evaluations, we should strive to find our own ancient pyramids within ourselves– something cool, something rare, something amazing that has been there all along.

Joining a professional organization is one key way you can discover your hidden talent(s). Being around people in your profession or that share your interests allows you a level of comfort and flexibility to branch out and learn something new. If you are a marketing professional, the American Marketing Association allows you such an opportunity.

Also, the book Is Your Genius at Work? by Dick Richards asserts that we all have a unique genius and an exceptional power that comes naturally to us. His offers suggestions for how to apply it in work and in our life.

If you feel the need to change your path once you’ve cleared some of the sand away and looked at your true talents, come to EmploymentCrossing.com and try our free trial where there’s just the right job waiting to be found.

Tags: archaeologist, Egypt, job, marketing jobs, organization, pyramid, scientist jobs, talent, work

Work-Swap: Getting in Shape to Take Their Place

Today, President-Elect Barack Obama met with President Bush in the Oval Office to discuss the transition between administrations. Mr. Bush told the media that he was seeking to make the transition as “smooth as possible” for the President-elect. The transfer of power between executives is a  well-documented performance evaluation: the outgoing presidents’ strengths and areas for growth are on display.

When we start a new job, many of us do not get the chance to have a private conversation or a one-on-one training session with our predecessor–especially one that takes place in a historic, unusually-shaped room (I think I saw a triangular bathroom display at IKEA once, but that’s a different story). If we’re lucky, we–the new kids– may get a training document or a chance to call them a couple of times for some quick questions. Otherwise, we have to use the resources available to us to make sense of our new role.

When you are vetting potential employers before accepting the offer, don’t be afraid to ask why the position is open in the first place. If you want to contact the person in the current position–filter their observations about the position, supervisors, or company through the lens of their particular experience. While their negative comments or experience may be a red flag, it does not necessarily mean this position is bad for you.  If the position is new, make sure you fully understand the rationale for its creation.

If you decide to keep your options open, EmploymentCrossing.com contains job listings for a variety of industries. Click here for the free trial.

Tags: IKEA, job, Oval Office, position, predecessor, President-Elect, transition