ELC USA

Doomsday preachers have been hell bent on spreading apocalyptic news of the world ending in December 2012. How will it end, no one really knows for certain. But if you subscribe to the idea that we might not have much time left, you might want to make some good money fast before the year ends. Here are some of the best job positions (read: high salary) you might want to apply for:

Actuary ($137,000 per year)

An actuary is a trained professional whose job is to always pinpoint the negative. Most actuaries are employed by insurance companies. They use specific algorithms and formulas to determine the probability of a disaster occurring, like fire or a hurricane. The analyses they make are then used to calculate the insurance rates of their companies’ clients. Aside from the insurance industry, actuaries are also hired by corporations who are in need of potential damage assessment and control, profit calculation, and risk evaluation.

IT Security Consultant ($99,300)

With everything now turning digital, the role of the IT security consultant has become more significant than ever. Basically, the job entails providing clients with the best security solutions to their business networks and stored information, such as data encryption and Wi-FI security. To boost your prospects, you will need certification from IT companies like Cisco and Microsoft on top of a bachelor’s degree- unless of course you are a wizard with computers and security software.

Physician Assistant ($92,200)

As the term implies, physician assistants work alongside doctors in diagnosing and treating patients in hospitals, clinics, and private practices. In rural areas, a physician assistant can also function as a primary care provider. The position also provides practitioners a route to other fields of specialization and other industries. Licensing is required and certification is needed in order to expand one’s functions.

Marketing Consultant ($87,500)

Marketing consultants are those who can help companies develop strategies that would aid them in selling their products and services. Marketing consultants, especially of the topnotch caliber, are highly in demand because of their ability to find means of getting their client’s brand out there and make it appealing to the consumers.

Certified Financial Planner ($89,000)

While the United States of America has suffered a huge setback several years back when the economy plunged to its lowest point since the Great Depression, the good news is that there have been signs of recovery as of late. Unemployment is reportedly on the decline according to several economists and business experts. That equates to people getting out of the unemployed sector and flooding the job market.

While that is great news indeed, the influx of job seekers also means competition. Now, having a remarkable resume and exquisite skill set is quite an arsenal. But sometimes, getting employed hinges on one’s ability to impress the interviewer. First impressions, as the old adage says, last. That said, you must understand that when you scored an interview with a company, you already made an impression.

Prior to scheduling interviews, companies “pre-screen” their applicants and narrow their list of candidates. If you made it to the list, then that is already a point on your scoreboard. It is important that you know that because the key to really reel the interviewer in is to present yourself in a way that will impress them more. So how will you go about once you are face to face with a person and make him give you the job instead of getting showed where the exit is?  Here are some of the most effective interview tips from people who are in the know.

Study up. Lauren Bayne Anderson-Youngblood of the Wall Street Journal says that doing your homework is essential in impressing your interviewer. You can’t just go in to your interview and know nothing of the company you might work for in the future. You start by doing a background check on the institution’s history, the chain of leadership, company’s highlights and so on. You can widen your knowledge by setting up news alert on Google or Yahoo regarding the recent news and events about the company you want to enter.

Aside from the company, you must also make an effort to know what responsibilities your job position entails. You can do this by speaking to people who have held the position. Bear in mind that your goal here is to present yourself as the most knowledgeable candidate the interviewer speaks with.

Suit up. In a reports posted by CollegeMagazine.com, job seekers are encouraged to “dress to impress”. You always have to keep in mind that it is never good to come to an interview clad in inappropriate clothing. Facing off with an interviewer dressed in torn jeans, t-shirt, and sneakers is not going to get you anywhere.

Coming to an interview all suited up and dressed for the part will make your interviewer consider your strongly way before you open your mouth. Common sense dictates that a job interview is a professional meeting and thus, it is only proper that you come in dressed professionally.

Bring what you need to bring.  Never go to an interview if you do not have a pen, paper, fresh copies of your resume, and your portfolio with you. It makes you look bad if you borrow a pen from your interviewer because you decided not to bring one. And do carry a pen that works.

Bringing all these essentials will tell your interviewer that you have come prepared and ready to take notes as well as share information about yourself.

Exude the right amount of confidence. It is normal for job seekers to feel edgy when doing job interviews. But it is also important that you don’t show it as well. Interviewers are easily wowed with applicants who know how to get themselves in proper bearing and provide them with straight and confident answers.

John Kador, author of the book 301 Questions to Ask Your Interviewer, the job interview is is the perfect opportunity for an applicant to really shine. Job seekers should remember that an interview is the right event where they can do the following:

Emphasize your qualifications;
Show the interviewer you understand the company’s needs and you are a big part of the solution;
Draw attention to your previous achievements;
Advance your application.

But be careful though, growing too confident and be counterproductive. Exuding excessive amount of confidence will make you look conceited and cocky. That can really drag even a strong application down.

Maintain eye contact all throughout the process. Eye contact is important in every job interview. Looking your interviewer eye-to-eye is an indicator that you are listening and paying attention. It also shows you are being respectful. However, do not engage your interviewer in a stare down or else, he or she might take it offensively.

Smile and shake hands when it’s all done.  As a job seeker, it is important that you end the interview in a friendly gesture. Smiling not only shows that you are happy about the interview, but that you’re a fun person to be with as well. A handshake is also expected but not required. If the interviewer extends his or her hands, take it a firm manner and give it a shake. Don’t be overzealous unless you want to break your interviewer’s hand or wrist.

One aspect in every job interview is when the interviewer asks you how much you want for your salary. Some say you should go for the minimum. Others tell that you should opt to name your price and negotiate from there. Both moves can either be productive or counterproductive, depending on the situation. But definitely, you want to be in a job that pays good money. In short, developing your salary negotiations technique is an essential aspect of a successful professional life.

When you have a company asking you to do an interview, you have reason to feel confident. They are already impressed with your credentials and your skills and they see you as a potentially perfect fit to their team. But before you name your pay rate, it is best that you do some research if you really want to squeeze more money as your starting salary.

Start your research by comparing industries and the current rates for the position you are applying. Check out the minimum pay and then include into the equation your skills and your previous work experience if you have any. Many people are resigned to accept the minimum pay. But if you believe you should be getting more than that, then you better know how your industry works and see what you can do that other candidates can’t.

One advice is never put your expected salary in application forms. This will leave little to no room for negotiations. If you have priced yourself too high, then you probably won’t be making it past the initial screening. If you have priced yourself too low, then you could end up in a position with a rate of $43,000 a year when the company has allotted an annual salary of $70,000.

Once you are in the negotiating table, it is imperative that you never begin the negotiation. As a rule, it is always the employer who starts by asking you your salary rate. Once they do, name your price. But the figure you will be saying should be backed by facts and research. If you know your worth and the demands for your expertise, skills, and experience, then you certainly have the leverage. That said, always make it a point that you mention you want to be in tied to a mutually rewarding career that offers an acceptable rate of compensation from the perspective of both parties.

If your interviewer asks if you have received offers from other companies, tell them yes. But never attempt to put yourself in a position of power. If you are in high demand, you can draw your interviewer’s attention to that fact, but never try to force your interviewer to make a decision to your favor.

Before the negotiating process begins, emphasize on what you can bring to the table. Basically cite the reasons why you will be a good asset to the company. Tell your interviewers great highlights and successes you had with your previous employers to further convince them that you are worth top dollar.  Once they get the message and are impressed with how your present yourself, this will potentially lead to a bigger starting salary even before you negotiate.

If you know through research that your interviewer’s company will not be able to afford your rate, it is sometimes best to walk away from an offer. Walking away can produce positive effects. If the company really needs someone like you, they will send you an offer with a higher salary figure that THEY CAN AFFORD. If you feel their rate is still low by your standards yet reasonable, then you can choose to accept the offer or look for something more substantial.

Radical salary negotiating moves

There are other hardball business heads who believe that you can squeeze bigger salary figures if you know how to lie. In a report by Susan Adams, writer for Forbes Business website, her interview Don suggested that lying can lead to a very rewarding career.

“Lie about your previous salary,” Don said in the interview. You can then go on and see if this could lead to a high-paying job. However, be ready to burn some bridges if you go about this particular approach.

But while Don’s method is still effective even to this day, job search experts discourage job seekers to lie so they could get a bigger starting wage rate. Orville Pierson, former senior vice president at the outplacement firm Lee Hecht Harrison, says that lying is counterproductive. Pierson, who also authored the book The Unwritten Rules of the Highly Effective Job Search, said that is unwise to not to tell the truth to a person who would probably become your superior.

“The person you’re talking to is going to be your next boss. Your career depends on your reputation.”

Rusty Rueff, former Pepsi Co. human resources head, advices job seekers to just lay it all out and explain why they need a big salary. They would probably get the job if interviewers know their reasons for working.

The hiring manager wants to know there’s a rational explanation behind what you’re asking for.”