Trifling Investment: Inovation

Showing posts with label Inovation. Show all posts

Return of the Master

Return of the Master: Halo 4 a hit with critics - Even more nerve-wracking? Halo 4 is the first core Halo game to be developed by a team other than longtime franchise caretaker Bungie Studios. The new crew, 343 Industries, doesn't just have the weight of the world on its shoulders. It has the weight of an entire sci-fi universe.

But like iconic Halo hero Master Chief, 343 thrives under pressure. Currently averaging a 90 on Metacritic, Halo 4 is already a big hit with critics, opening a thrilling new chapter for franchise fans and taking pole position as the premier shooter of 2012. Master Chief is back, and he's better than ever.

Microsoft's flagship shooter series hits the frontlines again with the next week's release of Halo 4. It's more than just another sequel, however. Microsoft claims it's the most expensive game the company has ever made, and considering how rough game sales have been in 2012, a lot is riding on its success.

Not that he starts out that way. When we last saw the Spartan soldier, he was floating through space in a demolished starship accompanied only by his AI companion, Cortana. Halo 4 picks up just a few years after Halo 3 left off, but quickly paves new ground with new enemies, new weapons, and new technical tricks that take it to impressive heights.

"Halo 4 is not only a success, but a bar-raising triumph for the entire first-person shooter genre," writes IGN reviewer Ryan McCaffrey, who was knocked out by the game's stellar single-player campaign.

"All throughout, the Halo 4 campaign is paced better than any first-person shooter this side of Half-Life 2, deftly mixing on-foot combat, vehicle sequences, quiet story moments, and key Chief-and-Cortana interactions." He gives it a 9.8/10.

"It possesses a striking sense of scale," agrees Polygon scribe Arthur Gies in a 9.5/10 review, who calls the game "a technological achievement that most have assumed was outside of the reach of Microsoft's now seven-year-old console."

"But it's more than that," he continues. "Halo 4 is a return to the series' roots of discovery, of wonder and, at times, of awe. It helps that it might be the most consistently great game of the series to boot."

While you'll still trade bullets with the Covenant, Halo 4 introduces new enemies -- the wickedly smart Prometheans -- and several impressive new locations, like the lush planet of Requiem. To Joystiq's Ludwig Kietzmann, the game is significantly better for it.

"Exploring the deserted, vibrant realms of Requiem is like walking through the matte paintings of an old sci-fi film," he writes. "The immense levels open up when Halo's mammoth vehicles come in to play, and subtly hem you in when it wants more claustrophobic shootouts…in terms of consistency, scope and player motivation, this is the best Halo campaign yet." His score reflects the love: a perfect 5/5.

Most Halo fans, however, save their love not for the campaign, but for the franchise's legendary multiplayer. And again, Halo 4 delivers. IGN calls the game's multiplayer "golden," its weapon-balancing "immaculate," and its level design "outstanding."

Others agree.

"Advancing your character is a joy, as you unlock armor pieces, customizable loadouts, and bonuses to boost performance in battle," gushes Game Informer's Matt Miller in a 9.3/10 review. He also digs the game's "smooth and streamlined" interface and calls the game's dozen new multiplayer maps "impressive."

But even Master Chief's MJOLNIR armor isn't impenetrable. Though Giant Bomb's Jeff Gerstmann is quick to point out that the new developers didn't break Halo, he's also a little miffed that "the game plays it a little too safe."

"At the opening of the game it feels like Master Chief and Cortana could be set off onto some great new mystery…instead you spend a lot of time fighting old Halo enemies," he gripes, though the great gameplay and multiplayer lift it to a solid 4/5.

Perhaps Master Chief's biggest challenge, however, will come from its launch date of November 6. Releasing a game on Election Day? Pretty gutsy, though it's clear you shouldn't be undecided about picking up Halo 4 on your way back from the polls. (Plugged In)

300-Pound Pumpkin Plucked From Illinois Farm Stand

300-Pound Pumpkin Plucked From Illinois Farm Stand - Unless it magically turned into a carriage at midnight to get Cinderella safely to the ball, the 300-pound pumpkin that used to adorn an Illinois farmstand was stolen.

Or at least that's what Hammer's Farm Market owner Roger Hammer, of Peoria, Ill., believes happened.

"The last person that saw it was my brother. He drove by on 6:30 Sunday evening, and he said he saw it there. But 10 a.m. Monday when we opened, it was missing," Hammer told ABCNews.com.

Courtesy Hammer's Farm Stand

Hammer is unsure how anyone would be able to remove or steal such a large pumpkin, since it was a feat even getting it to their own farm stand.

"I picked this up from another farmer farther north in Illinois. I actually had two of them. We sold one, and I didn't want to sell the second one because I thought it would be a good attraction for kids to take pictures with. We wanted to keep one mainly as an attraction," Hammer said.

Although the pumpkin wasn't grown on their own farm, the pumpkin being stolen is still a sore subject for the Hammers.

"When we took it off the truck, we had to use the bucket of the tractor to move it. We had to use the tractor to roll it off onto the pallet," Hammer said. "They'd have to have a truck, or an SUV maybe. It'd have to be multiple people to pick it up. One person wouldn't be able to do it. I'm pretty strong myself and I wouldn't be able to pick it up."

The market is located along a river, not set too far back off the road. The Hammers had the pumpkin sitting out front with a display of mums. They weren't worried about tying the pumpkin down at night, because they thought it would be too big of a burden for anyone to steal.

"I figured someone might try to steal one of the smaller ones, but I didn't think anyone would have the guts to steal one that big," Hammer said.

Now, all that's left where the giant pumpkin used to sit are signs asking people to please be on the lookout for it.

"My mom made a couple of signs right where the pumpkin used to sit: 'Someone stole the great pumpkin, if you could please let us know if you've seen it, we'd love to get it back,'" he said.

A pumpkin this size would typically sell for $40 to $50, but money aside, the Hammers are just baffled at how it disappeared.

"It's a 300-pound pumpkin, so it can't exactly hide. No one else around has a pumpkin this size, so it's pretty obvious where they got it from if I find it," Hammer said.

No ransom money is being offered for the over-sized orange hostage, but Hammer said perhaps they would give the pumpkin-nappers a smaller one for its safe return. ( ABC News )

Goldie Starling's Awesome Halloween Makeup Tutorials

Glam Meets Gore: Goldie Starling's Awesome Halloween Makeup Tutorials - A fierce pirate wench, with puckered scars running along the side of her face. An eerie doll, with pursed lips and hauntingly oversize eyes. A grim Jack the Ripper and his final victim, Mary Kelly, her throat slashed and oozing blood.... Goldie Starling's Halloween make-up creations are a creepy combination of glam and gore—and she shares her beauty secrets in her deeply detailed video tutorials.

Goldie Starling's sultry, DIY Spider Queen look for Halloween. (Photo: Goldie Starling/Facebook)

"When I started making tutorials there weren't a lot of people uploading artistic tutorials so I decided to try it out," Starling, who lives in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, told Yahoo! Shine in an interview. "There was definitely a learning curve but after four years I feel like I've grown so much as an artist. And my subscribers have helped encourage me the most. When I learn a new technique I get excited to share it with them. That passion for learning has kept me going."

Starling, whose real name is Angie Davis, has no formal training as a makeup artist—she has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in graphic design and computer animation—but her love of drawing and painting helped her hone her makeup skills. (You can see some of her other amazing looks on her Facebook fan page.) She currently works as a freelance makeup artist, a cake decorator, and a graphic designer, she says. And of course Halloween is one of her favorite holidays.

For 2012, "I had grand plans to make a Zoltar costume from the movie 'Big' but I may actually go as Vincent Van Gogh," she says. "I just filmed a tutorial based on one of his self portraits and I really like the way it turned out, plus he is one of my favorite painters."

Her attention to detail (and her super-steady hand) is clear in every video she posts. A simple tutorial may take six or seven hours to make from start to finish, she confides in one of her videos, but the theatrical Halloween how-to's take much longer.

"For these Halloween videos, it's been quite the labor of love," she says. "At least 20 hours, 30 hours per video just from conception to visualization, going and finding products and costumes, backgrounds, things like that." And that doesn't include the days of prep work before shooting.

"It's something I just like to do, though, so it doesn't bother me," Starling adds. "I'm also a night owl, so all of my creative juices are flowing at night."

An amazingly detailed take on a watery Davy Jones. (Photo: Goldie Starling/Facebook)

Some of her Halloween looks, like her sultry Spider Queen, can be created with products many women already have in their beauty bags. But others, like her version of the horrifying deep-sea denizen Davy Jones—her all-time favorite video tutorial, Starling says—requires liquid latex and other specialized products. She made latex starfish using a candy mold and dipped cheerios in liquid latex to make barnacles, which she glued to her face using a medical-grade adhesive. A sea sponge dipped in watered-down face paint adds texture. For really complicated designs, she maps features out with a white eyeliner before filling in with face paint and white foundation, which she mixes with different pigments to get custom colors.

"I apply my foundation with a brush and a sponge," she says in that video. "I find that by doing it this way you're able to get into the cracks and crevices around the barnacles."

Her other secrets? Plenty of powder, to set the makeup and prevent smudging. Don't be afraid to use eyeshadow in unusual ways. Lipstick is awesome ("I know a lot of people think lipstick is outdated but I love the way it defines the lips," she says). And make sure to properly prep your "canvas."

"I'm all about taking care of my skin," Starling told Yahoo! Shine. "In the morning I wash my face, moisturize and apply sunscreen. Then I'll apply makeup. Mascara and concealer are great to have when you want to appear awake. At night I will cleanse my face, exfoliate if I need to and apply replenishing moisturizers and eye creams."

Though she's honed her makeup skills in a variety of ways, she says that painting has helped her the most. "You prep a canvas with gesso the way you would prep a face with primer," she explained to Styleist.com. "You paint on your design the way you would apply your eye shadow and lipstick. You add shadows and depth where you would contour. Painting translates perfectly." ( Beauty on Shine )

12 ways to survive until payday

12 ways to survive until payday. Last payday seems like a distant memory and for most of us, the wait for more cash still isn't over. Luckily with my nifty savings guide you should make it through this financial drought.

Counting the days until payday can make you feel miserable and, if you're anything like me, the wait is often even more painful in January.

Many of us got paid earlier than usual in December, which can make the gap between paydays an excruciating six weeks. What's more, you may well have spent more than you can afford on yuletide extravagances and New Year revelry.

Taking out a payday loan might seem like a tempting way to last the month but this shouldn't be necessary with my 12 top tips for scrimping and saving.

1. Don't bury your head in the sand

Work out exactly how much money you have left and how much you need to live on before you get paid. Remember to include all of your expenses such as energy bills, lunches and even bus fares.

2. Come clean to your creditors

If you know there is a good chance you will need to exceed your overdraft limit this month, approach your bank, explain the situation and ask for a temporary extension. This is much better than paying a fine for exceeding your limit without the bank's permission, damaging your credit rating in the process.

Alternatively if you have to use credit, try to do so as cheaply as possible. Using a credit card that offers 0% on new purchases could help give you some breathing space, but you must remember to pay off what you owe before the offer ends and interest rockets!

3. Cut back on luxuries

Think very carefully before going out for dinner or enjoying a post-work trip to the pub. Why not find alternative ways to amuse yourself such as watching DVDs you were given for Christmas or tackling that copy of War and Peace sitting on your bookshelf?

4. Always pay cash

It's easy to convince ourselves we're not spending when we put our purchases on the good, old plastic but the reality is harder to ignore when you hand over a crisp £20 note.

Set yourself a strict limit on how much money you can withdraw each week and try not to visit the cashpoint once it's gone. If there is a social occasion you can't miss, leave your cards at home. Budgeting is often the furthest thing from our mind after a third glass of our favourite tipple.

5. Pound the pavement

Walking to work could save you a packet on petrol. If your destination isn't within walking distance, brave public transport. Under no circumstances are you to set foot in a taxi (unless you're driving it!)

6. Watch what you eat

Shopping online is a fantastic money saver. MySupermarket.co.uk compares the prices of thousands of items sold at Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda and Ocado. Then once you've completed your selections, you can buy your shopping from the store that sells your goods at the lowest price.

Alternatively, have a rummage in your freezer. Forgotten foodstuffs can easily be transformed into delicious dinners.

7. Call in your debts

If anyone owes you money, ask for it back. You shouldn't feel like a Scrooge if you need the cash during these tough times. Casually mention you're a bit short to whoever owes you. Hopefully they'll take the hint and offer to pay you back.

8. Raid your piggybank

Spare change soon adds up. Research by esure home insurance last year found that the average sofa hides an astounding £58.20 in change during its lifetime. Just think how much could be lying around your house!

9. Have a premature spring clean

Did you really want that ceramic pig your auntie gave you this Christmas or the boxset of a TV show you haven't watched since you were 15? Flog them for a few quid on eBay. It might seem cold hearted but desperate times….

10. Don't take shortcuts

Using your credit card to withdraw money from a cash machine might seem like a good idea but beware of hidden pitfalls. The interest rate on a cash withdrawal is normally higher than standard card purchases and you'll probably be charged a fee to withdraw cash.

11. Swallow your pride

OK, it's embarrassing to admit you're having cashflow problems but a loan from friends or family could be a life saver. Plenty of us have loved ones who would be happy to help. Remember - they've probably been in a similar position at some point themselves. However, make sure you can repay them or you risk damaging your relationship.

12. Don't ignore bills

You might be tempted to forget about that whopping gas bill until after payday. This is never a good idea. You will probably end up with a late payment fee and even worse, a black mark on your credit file. This is something none of us can risk now you need a squeaky clean credit history to borrow money!

If you think you're paying too much for utility bills, you could save £430 by switching energy supplier today. One of easiest ways to compare prices from a range of suppliers is to use an online comparison service such as BeatThatQuote.com's utilities tool.

Think ahead

When your next pay packet finally does arrive, don't shout Hallelujah and hit the shops, be sensible and use this experience as an incentive to get your long term finances in order.

Try not to spend your entire salary and instead start squirreling away some savings each month. A tax free ISA can be a great way to save for a rainy day. Alternatively, easy access accounts let you have access to your savings any time without any penalties.

Finally, check you're not paying too much for other essential spends such as insurance by using our online price comparison tool. ( mailcompare.mailonline.co.uk )

Does a College Degree Really Matter?

Does a College Degree Really Matter?. If college drop-outs like Bill Gates, Michael Dell, Steve Jobs, Larry Ellison and Richard Branson all run wildly successful enterprises, why is Melissa Gerry,* a mid-level manager with years of experience -- but no college degree -- having such a hard time finding a job?

Gerry joined a Fortune 100 company right out of high school starting out as a secretary and working her way up to marketing manager. Gerry performed well and was highly regarded. But when the company she worked for merged with a larger organization and moved its headquarters across the country, Gerry found herself looking for work for the first time in 15 years. Unfortunately, after months of searching, all she's been able to land are secretarial assignments. Why? Gerry believes it's because she didn't go to college.

While in the past, a college degree may have been optional, these days it seems to have become the minimum requirement for getting a good job and succeeding in the workforce.

Jeff Blass,* a 40 year old mid-level manager at a major food company, believes his lack of degree has stalled his advancement opportunities. "It didn't keep me from moving out of the mailroom," he says. "However, it seems to be holding me back now."

Nicole McMillen, executive director for Pre-Paid Legal Services, left college to get married and start a family and just recently entered the workforce. Ostensibly, McMillen would have had several strikes against her: no degree, no experience and a late start to boot! Yet on the contrary, McMillen says she had no trouble finding work -- or getting promoted.

"I suppose it depends on the type of position you're looking for," says McMillen, who represents her firm to large corporations and other employers. "For me, it's all been about performance and results."

No one disputes that a college degree opens doors.

"Most college degrees don't necessarily qualify the graduate for anything," says Charles Murray, co-author of "The Bell Curve," a book which explores the role of intelligence in American life. Murray contends that a college education need be no more important for most white collar professions as it is for, say, a basketball player. "Walk into Microsoft or Google with evidence that you're a brilliant hacker, and the job interviewer is not going to fret if you lack a college transcript," Murray says.

Murray predicts that providing an employer with evidence that you are good at something without the benefit of a college degree is become more acceptable as companies become more sophisticated about what it takes to do the job and what a college education actually provides.

For example: Terry Jones, CEO of Travelocity, was a history major at Denison University; Murry Gerber, President and CEO of Equitable Resources, was a geology major at Augustana College; Kay Krill, CEO of Ann Taylor, majored in psychology at Agnes Scott College, while Anne Sweeney, president of Disney-ABC Television Group was an education major at the University of Rochelle.

Then there are CEOs like Carly Fiorina (formerly of Hewlett Packard) who majored in medieval history and philosophy and Michael Eisner (formerly of Disney) who majored in English and never took a single business course.

Or as McMillen puts it, "I've found that knowing and believing in your abilities, presenting yourself in an articulate, polished manner, and making an effort to connect with others can overcome -- and even make the interviewer overlook -- that missing credential at the bottom of your resume." ( msn.com )

*Last names changed.

Six Hot Shots Who Made It

Success Without a College Degree?. Six Hot Shots Who Made It. Many think the only way to succeed is through education. While piling on the degrees can earn you piles of dough -- and debt -- it's not the only option.

Some of today's most successful people don't have a college degree. But what they lack in academic credentials, they make up for in tenacity, brains, guts and strong business sense.

Richard Branson

In 1970, Richard Branson founded Virgin as a mail order record retailer, and not long afterward he opened a record shop in London. Two years later, the first Virgin artist, Mike Oldfield, recorded "Tubular Bells." Since then many household names, including Ben Harper, Fatboy Slim, Perry Farrell, Gorillaz, Lenny Kravitz, Janet Jackson and The Rolling Stones have helped to make Virgin Music one of the top record companies in the world.

Branson sold the equity of Virgin Music Group -- record labels, music publishing and recording studios -- in 1992 in a $1 billion deal, but he remains chairman of Virgin Group, which today includes Virgin Atlantic, Books, Games, LifeCare, Limousines, Megastores and Hotels.

Barry Diller

Barry Diller started his career in the mail room of the William Morris Agency after dropping out of UCLA after one semester. He was hired by ABC in 1966 where he created the ABC Movie of the Week, pioneering the concept of the made-for-television movie.

At age 32, he became president of Paramount Pictures, which produced a string of successful television shows (Laverne and Shirley, Taxi, Cheers) and feature films (Saturday Night Fever, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Beverly Hills Cop) under his helm. From 1984 to 1992, he was chairman and CEO of Fox Studios and was responsible for creating the Fox Broadcasting Company. Today, Diller is the chairman of Expedia and the chairman and CEO of IAC/InterActiveCorp, which includes Citysearch, Evite, Home Shopping Network, Lending Tree, Match.com and Ticketmaster .

Matt Drudge

Pundit, blogger and radio personality Matt Drudge is best known as the proprietor of the Drudge Report Web site. "The only good grades I got in school were for current events," he has said of his education. Drudge opted out of college and floated among a number of odd jobs including convenience store clerk, book salesman and grocery store sales assistant.

In 1989, he moved to Los Angeles and took a job in the gift shop of CBS studios, eventually working his way up to manager. The inside scoop he learned while in this position was allegedly part of the inspiration for founding his gossip rag The Drudge Report. The tabloid made gained notoriety when it was the first to break the news of a relationship between White House intern Monica Lewinsky and President Bill Clinton in 1998.

Janus Friis

Named to Time Magazine's 2006 list of 100 most influential people, Janus Friis holds no formal education. He worked at the help desk of CyberCity, one of Denmark's first ISPs and later worked at Tele2, the leading alternative consumer oriented pan-European telecom operator. It was at Tele2 where Friis met Niklas Zennström, with whom he co-founded the file-sharing application KaZaA and Skype, the peer-to-peer telephony application. In early 2006, Friis and Zennström sold Skype to eBay for $2.6 billion.

Rachael Ray

Rachael Ray's career started at Macy's department store, first at the candy counter and then as the manager of the fresh foods department. Ray quickly followed with stints in gourmet markets and restaurants in New York. At gourmet food market Cowan & Lobel, she began a series of cooking classes -- 30 Minute Meals. Those classes became so popular that she was soon doing weekly segments for the evening news.

Today, Ray is an Emmy-winning television personality who hosts a nationally syndicated talk show and four different programs the Food Network, publishes her own magazine, and has written multiple cookbooks.

Jeff Valdez

Named one of AdAge's Marketing 50 in 2005, Jeff Valdez grew up the youngest of nine children in a housing project in Pueblo, Colorado. As a young adult, he moved through several jobs and ended up as a drummer with a lounge band called Wildfire. Valdez later returned to Colorado after about 10 years of touring and opened a comedy club where he did stand-up. In 1990, he threw his hat into the political ring and made a failed bid for mayor of Colorado Springs. But in 2004, he launched Si TV, the first all-English language network targeting a Hispanic audience.

Anna Wintour

Best identified by her trademark sunglasses and pageboy hairstyle, Anna Wintour is an icon of the fashion world. She reportedly attended North London Collegiate School, but never graduated. She started in 1970 working in the fashion department of Harpers and Queen in London. In 1976, she was named fashion editor of Harper's Bazaar, followed by a brief stint at New York Magazine, three years as creative director of American Vogue, and finally named editor of British Vogue in 1986.

In 1998, she became editor-in-chief of American Vogue. Wintour's work style is so notorious, the novel "The Devil Wears Prada" and its subsequent motion picture are said to be based on her. In recent years, she's focused on many philanthropic endeavors including raising more than $10 million for AIDS, putting Vogue's support behind women-owned businesses in Kabul, Afganistan, and promoting various post-9/11 campaigns. ( msn.com )

Five Secrets to Working With a Recruiter

Five Secrets to Working With a Recruiter. As any professional who has ever been out of work knows, finding a job is no small feat. Locating positions of interest and convincing employers you are the one to hire appears simple. In reality, it can be unnerving and frustrating, particularly if the search has been a lengthy one. Enlisting the assistance of a specialized recruiter can ease some of the pressure and help you target your efforts to only the most promising opportunities.

1. Sometimes it is about who you know

Professional recruiters have deep networks of business contacts within a wide range of companies and industries. While you are diligently scouring newspaper and Internet ads, they can uncover leads and vacancies that have not been advertised or even announced, thus giving you an advantage over job seekers who rely solely on information that is posted in the public domain. Recruiters also can serve as career advisers.

For example, in Louisville, Ky., a recruiter with Robert Half International recently partnered with an information technology professional who, despite years of relevant industry experience, had been unable to generate any employment interviews of note. The recruiter helped the individual rewrite his résumé to better highlight the candidate's experience with servers and the .NET platform, leading to immediate interest from employers. In addition to working with you to refine your application materials, a skilled recruiting professional can offer guidance on everything from answering tough interview questions to negotiating the best compensation package to how to dress for your first day of work. They also can help you navigate career crossroads and explore new fields.

2. Not all recruiters are created equal

When selecting a recruiter, it's important that the individual is an expert in his or her field. For example, if you are hoping to find work as an accountant, someone who has experience in the accounting and finance field will be better able to understand your needs and the expectations of potential employers. Ask friends and colleagues for referrals. Also consider contacting a few recruiting professionals in your area to gauge the level of rapport you have with each. Above all, you must be comfortable with the person with whom you have partnered and confident that he or she has your best interests at heart. In addition, remember that you should receive a recruiter's assistance free of charge. These individuals are paid a fee by companies to locate qualified candidates, so view with suspicion any recruiter who asks you to pay for job-search services.

3. The more information, the better

When meeting with a recruiter for the first time, be open and honest about your background, experience and career aspirations. He or she needs to know as much about your professional life as possible to find the right position for you. Are you looking for a tax accountant role in a corporate or public setting? What are your salary requirements? Do you prefer working for a large or small firm? Are you willing to travel? The information you provide may prompt the recruiting professional to suggest promising positions or career paths that you had not previously considered. You also should disclose to your recruiter any aspects of your work history that may generate concern from prospective employers, such as a long period of unemployment or termination. The more upfront you are, the easier it will be for a recruiter to assist you.

4. Follow up, follow up, follow up

After each employment interview your recruiter arranges, call to let him or her know how the meeting went. Your feedback can provide information that can be leveraged in follow-up communication with the employer. This could pave the way to a second or final interview. By following up, you also may receive valuable insight into your interview skills and learn about any concerns expressed by the hiring manager. Throughout the relationship, be forthright in communicating any changes in your career needs or availability. If you're interviewing for other jobs that you've set up on your own, let your recruiting manager know. He or she may have contacts at the company and be able to help you secure the position.

5. Patience

Although using the services of a skilled recruiter can significantly improve your odds of locating employment, even the most successful recruiting professionals need time to find the perfect position for the job seekers they represent. So, don't get discouraged. Recruiters continually mine their sources for job leads and may suddenly discover an opportunity that is right for you. If you'd like a status update, don't be afraid to call your recruiter with questions. Checking in with him or her on a regular basis ensures both of you remain focused on the best opportunities for you. A skilled recruiting professional can help you find the right job faster and open doors to new opportunities. By researching firms and maintaining communication, you'll be in the best position to locate and secure your next position.( msn.com )

Four Secrets to Always Having a Job

Four Secrets to Always Having a Job. Never before have Americans been as responsible for keeping themselves skilled and employable as they are today. I tell people to expect to have as many as nine different careers in their lifetime, with an average of three jobs in every one. In short, for those who don't keep a focused eye on their abilities to adapt and grow with the changing workplace, a day could come when it becomes tough to find a "good job."

How do some people always manage to be employed and on track for continued success? They follow the four secrets to staying employable.

1. Keep your definition of a "good job" reasonable.

As we progress professionally, we acquire skills and experiences that often afford us greater opportunities in terms of salary and benefits.The problem lies in making the assumption that once we are offered a larger compensation package, it becomes the starting benchmark for any job we take in the future. The result is the "golden handcuff effect" - a sense that we are held hostage by our current job because there's no place else to go.

Smart workers know each job opportunity provides criteria that must be weighed differently against our wants and needs. Staying employable means simplifying our list and planning for the day when we won't have the same level or type of perks. This keeps job options more plentiful and movement to new positions easier.

2. Use the "3x3x3 rule" to create and implement your own professional development strategy.

Forget about waiting for your annual review; smart workers take the review process into their own hands. Assess your professional strengths and weaknesses. By building a game plan to leverage the first and minimize the second, you can identify how you plan to stay employable. I encourage individuals to follow the "3x3x3 rule" for skill development:

A. Choose three skills you want to enhance.
B. Identify three ways in which you could learn and grow each skill.
C. Articulate three examples of how you can demonstrate your enhanced skills in this area to your employer.

By taking professional development into your own hands, you remain focused and in control of your employability.

3. Be the "go-to" person for something employers need.

Like depositing into a retirement fund, employees use the early part of their careers to develop skills to accumulate professional wealth. Sadly, after a decade or so, some employees believe they've earned the right to live off of the interest accrued from their efforts. Midlife often brings about changes in how an employee wants to allocate his or her time (ie. wants more time with a spouse, family, home, hobby, etc.). Smart employees know this doesn't have to diminish the quality of the time they put into their careers. To stay employable, focus on being the "go-to" person for a particular problem, task or technique. Building subject-matter expertise in a specific area that's in demand within the workplace will create a personal insurance policy that ensures you'll always be the "go-to" employee who's in demand.

4. Create a board of advisers for your company of one.

Smart individuals don't do surgery on themselves, pull their own teeth or represent themselves in legal matters. They defer to professionals who have the training and expertise that gets the best results. Smart employees do the same with their careers. In an age where employees are in essence a company of one -- responsible for keeping the services they deliver in demand -- doesn't it make sense to seek the counsel of those who can help you make the best career decisions? Smart employees solicit the advice of individuals they think approach career success in a manner they admire. Whether it's a relative, co-worker, former manager or even a professional career coach, seeking advice from those who know more than you will give you the perspective needed to be proactive and successful at staying employable.

Career paths are full of twists and turns; they're rarely straightforward. To avoid roadblocks, use the four secrets outlined above and you'll be able to make course corrections that will help you stay employable. ( msn.com )

Six Job Hunting Myths Debunked

Six Job Hunting Myths Debunked. Everyone wants to give job seekers advice, and while much of it is useful, some guidance may miss the mark. Because the employment market is constantly changing, ideas that once worked well may no longer be effective. This doesn't mean you have to second-guess everything you hear, but do be aware of common job-hunting myths, like the following:

Myth No. 1: You should keep your resume to one page; any longer, and hiring mangers won't read it.

Few employers are so rigid that they'll toss out your resume because it's more than a page long. What's more important is that the document is interesting to read, tailored specifically to the position you are applying for -- and perhaps most important -- error free. In fact, 84 percent of executives polled by Robert Half International said it takes just one or two typographical errors on a resume to remove a candidate from consideration for a job opening; 47 percent said a single typo can be the deciding factor. While a one-page resume is preferable for entry-level candidates, those with five or more years of experience may require an additional page to describe their work history and accomplishments. Keep in mind, however, you never want to lose a hiring manager's attention by providing irrelevant details.

Myth No. 2: It's pointless to request an interview with a company that isn't hiring.

Even if a company isn't planning to add staff anytime soon, chances are you can land an informational interview. Look to set up a meeting with someone -- preferably a hiring manager -- who can tell you more about the organization and provide answers to questions you can't find online or in the company's marketing materials, such as its short- and long-term business goals. Many employers will be willing to sit down with you if you show genuine interest. An informational interview probably won't result in a job offer, but you will build your professional network and, in the process, may learn of future opportunities with the firm.

Myth No. 3: If you've applied for a position and haven't heard back, it's safe to assume the position has been filled.

Just because a company hasn't contacted you doesn't mean they aren't interested. It's not uncommon for hiring managers to be so busy they delay contacting candidates for as long as two months after posting an employment ad. Don't let this discourage you; instead take action to see where you stand. An overwhelming 94 percent of executives surveyed by Robert Half International said candidates should contact hiring managers after submitting application materials; 82 percent of respondents recommend doing it -- whether by e-mail, a phone call or personalized letter -- within two weeks of submitting a resume.

Myth No. 4: The most-qualified candidates always get the job.

While employers want to hire professionals capable of doing the job -- and carefully compare candidates' education, skills and experience against the requirements of the position -- they also depend on intuition when making a decision. Forty-six percent of executives surveyed by Robert Half International said they rely heavily on instinct when making hiring decisions; another 49 percent follow their gut at least some of the time. The traits that make an employer intuitively want to hire someone often involve soft skills -- that is, your ability to get along with the rest of the team. So, if you're interested in a position for which you meet only the minimum requirements, don't immediately dismiss it. Your personality may put you on par with someone with more experience than you.

Myth No. 5: There's no room for salary negotiation in today's job market.

Demand for skilled professionals continues to outpace supply in a number of specialties, and candidates with industry experience and expertise often receive multiple offers. Researching how much those with similar qualifications in your area are being paid will help you choose the best opportunity and negotiate a reasonable rate. The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Outlook Handbook is an excellent resource, as are industry publications, such as Robert Half International's annual Salary Guide.

Myth No. 6: When times are tough, take the first job offer you get.

An extended job search can put pressure on you to accept any offer that comes your way, but do your best to avoid accepting a position that may cause more heartache than happiness. Tolerating a job you hate -- whether for a week or year -- can set you back professionally and take a toll on your well-being. You may have to accept a "less-than-perfect" role in certain situations, but don't feel guilty holding out for a position with maximum appeal if you have the financial means to do so. Tapping a variety of sources for advice during your job search often is a smart move. But, like any investigation, you may come across clues that are somewhat misleading. Recognizing common myths early on will make your job-hunting efforts far more effective and help you land the position you seek. ( msn.com )

Seven Networking Myths

Seven Networking Myths. One of the most important career management skills you can develop is the ability to network. Unfortunately, for some, the thought of "working a room" or placing business cards into other people's hands can be downright intimidating. But networking doesn't require bold tactics to be effective. In fact, it's this perception -- and others -- that discourage many job seekers from networking in the first place.

If you let these myths deter you, you may miss out on making important professional contacts and, as a result, career advancement opportunities.

Following are some common perceptions about networking. How well can you separate fact from fiction?

It's "old school."

Fiction. To the contrary, there's clear evidence that networking is gaining popularity. Nearly half (48 percent) of professionals polled by Robert Half International said they're doing more professional networking now than three years ago, perhaps because workers know the vast majority of jobs are never advertised anywhere; instead they are filled through word of mouth.

You need to be an extrovert.

Fiction. You don't have to be especially gregarious or outgoing to make meaningful connections in your industry. If crowds make you uncomfortable, consider creating your own networking opportunities. Invite several of your friends or co-workers to lunch and request that they bring along two other contacts. A more intimate setting may help put you at ease. If you feel shy or flustered, ask questions to shift attention away from yourself. Since most people enjoy talking about themselves, you'll have no trouble keeping the discussion rolling.

Networking is time-consuming.

Fiction. Trade shows and meet-and-greet events aren't the only venues to forge new relationships. You can -- and should -- reach out to people while going about your normal routine -- waiting in line at the supermarket or pumping iron at the gym, for example. Don't miss the opportunity to make conversation with those you meet outside of professional settings; valuable contacts can come from any number of sources.

Only face-to-face interactions pay off.

Fiction. Virtual chat rooms and discussion lists are an excellent way to network with your peers and obtain specific information and advice from the comfort of your own home or office. Becoming a member of an online community, like Friendster or LinkedIn, also can lead to serendipitous -- yet useful -- connections. Just be sure to be polite in all of your interactions and offer useful information to your contacts.

Small talk is a turnoff.

Fiction. Many people cringe at the prospect of making small talk, but it's often the first step to getting a more meaningful conversation started. You don't have to limit yourself to topics like the weather or your alma mater. Ask potential contacts whether they've taken any interesting vacations or eaten at the new restaurant down the street -- anything you'd genuinely be interested in learning about. Also, prepare some stories of your own to share, such as a quirky news item you've come across or celebrity encounter you once had, in case your conversation partner is a bit bashful.

Your contacts will be annoyed if you ask for help.

Fiction. Asking people for information and advice is hardly bothersome, as long as you do so gracefully. In fact, 37 percent of workers polled by Robert Half International said the biggest mistake people make when networking is not asking for help. When soliciting assistance, make it easy for the other person. For instance, if you ask someone to serve as a professional reference, provide that person with a copy of your résumé and let him or her know when a potential employer might be calling.

It's just as important to give as it is to receive.

Fact. Consistently serving as a resource to others is the most effective way to forge long-term relationships. Offer to help whenever you can and always respond promptly to the requests you receive. Forwarding relevant news articles and information to your contacts is another way to build rapport and stay in touch. Many job seekers limit the effectiveness of their networking efforts by believing in myths more than themselves. Overcoming these misconceptions will help you make the most of your activities and develop a circle of long-lasting professional contacts.( msn.com )