Archive for the 'Career' Category

Top 100 Financial Blogs for College Students

Jan. 8th 2011

Realm of Prosperity

This blog from a 2009 graduate “serves as a medium to connect the lively reckless nature of the younger generation with the responsible attitude that financial stability requires.” Posts focus on money management, investments, debt management, and much more. Some popular posts include College Student Bought Home Instead of Renting, Investing Now v. Removing Debt, and A Weekend in College: Zero Dollars.

I Will Teach You to be Rich

This blog — and the book of the same title — offers advice on personal finance and business for college students and recent graduates (and anyone else who might be interested). In-depth posts discuss marketing, negotiation, debt management, home ownership, starting a business, and much more. Some recent posts include Behind the Scenes of a Psychological Campaign, Wednesday Workout: Testing Your Assumptions, and How to Apply the 80/20 Rule to Earn More, Work Less, and Dominate.

Grad Money Matters

This blog is “for those of us that are well-educated, yet clueless when it comes to money matters.” Posts cover topics ranging from consumerism to personal finance to investing. Some popular posts include 10 Steps Using Which Even a Lazy Person Can Be a Millionaire, 101 Tips for Frugal Living, and 11 Things You Do Not Learn in School.

Broke Grad Student

This former grad student started this blog to document his attempts to pay back $22,000 in student loans. Along the way, he shares his tips for saving money and managing personal finances for college students. Though the blog has not been updated in some time, there are still plenty of excellent articles in the archive. We liked 5 Easy Ways for College Students to Make Extra Money, How You Can Make $25 in 10 Minutes, and Building a Car Fund for College Students.

Independent Beginnings

Olivia is a college student at Brigham Young University, and her blog discusses “issues such as budgeting, credit, financial aid, savings, investing, taxes, insurance, and smart spending.” Many of the recent posts also include links to online coupons, freebies, and other deals for products and services.

20 Something Finance

The purpose of this blog is to “entertain and help inquisitive young professionals get out of debt, build wealth, and achieve financial freedom.” Post categories include investing, career, home buying, budgeting, retirement planning, insurance, and more. There are also reviews of Web sites, books, products, and more. Some recent posts worth checking out include The 57 Best 20Something Finance Posts of 2010, The Hidden 401k Fees that Can Crack Your Nest Egg, and Obama Tax Cut Extensions and New Payroll Tax Cuts: How Much Will You Save?

Consumerism Commentary

This personal finance blog started as one man’s personal efforts to hold himself accountable for his own account balances and spending habits. It has grown into a vast blog with a team of writers and in-depth posts about all aspects of personal finance. Some interesting recent posts include Low Savings Interest Rates: Good or Bad?, How to Buy Facebook Shares Now, and The Myth of Ownership.

Stop Buying Crap

Between posts about the silly and irresponsible ways that many of us spend our money (such as $166 jeans and these 9 Weird Crap You Can Buy on Amazon.com), there are thoughtful posts about ways to save money and wisely invest your money. Some interesting recent posts include S.3247: Fair Access to Credit Scores Act, How I Made the Most Money I’ve Ever Made in My Life but Still Felt Miserable, and Teach Your Children About Money Management by Playing Shopkeeper.

Studenomics

This blog offers economic advice for students, by a student. Some of our favorite recent posts include Best of Studenomics 2010, How to Make an Astronomical Impact in 2010, and Vagabonding 101: Everything You Need to know to Travel the World.

Bargaineering

Here you’ll find guidance on financial products such as savings accounts and credit cards, as well as reviews on financial tools (such as software and phone apps) and books. Some of the most talked about posts include How to Win McDonald’s Monopoly Game, Rent Forever, Don’t Buy a Home, and $7,500 First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit.

Steadfast Finances

Here’s “a personal finance and investing 101 blog that delves into current events, consumer education, and techniques to improve your bottom line.” Categories include consumer education, frugal living, humor, index funds, infographics and chartology, investing 101, investor psychology, and real estate. Some notable recent posts include Could the Stock Market Rally Really be ‘This Simple?’ http://steadfastfinances.com/blog/2011/01/06/renting-hot-home-ownership-not/”>Renting Hot, Home Ownership Not, and The Condo Money Trap: 68% Loss and In Foreclosure.

Man vs. Debt

The man behind Man vs. Debt encourages you to “Sell your crap. Pay off your debt. Do what you love.” Baker and his family sold all of their possessions to pay off $18,000 in debt and to spend a year traveling abroad. He hopes his experiences and his blog will help others find their own path to financial health. There are extensive interviews with financial experts and reflections on what it means to live simply and how to eliminate consumerism from your life. Baker and family will even be embarking on an RV tour of the country this year.

The Sun’s Financial Diary

Sun’s Financial Diary was started as a way for Sun to track personal investments and to share tips and advice with others interested in investing. Readers will find information on credit cards, the best stock brokers, promotional items, book reviews, and more. Some notable recent posts include Does Automatic Enrollment Improve Retirement Savings? Cash in Now for Secondhand Savings, and The 2010 Year in Money.

The Learning Curve

Muckdog offers his take on current events related to finance, with a focus on the stock market and investing. Some interesting recent posts include Whoa, Market Timing Works! It’s Official: “The Most Difficult Time to Invest”, and Are the Stocks Not to Own, the Ones to Own? A bonus for all the fellas: Many of the posts include a picture of a cheerleader or model.

The Simple Dollar

Trent Hamm is the author of 365 Ways to Live Cheap and The Simple Dollar: How One Man Wiped Out His Debts and Achieved the Life of His Dreams. His blog shares the financial advice that helped him overcome financial hardship. Many of his tips center around living frugally and adjusting attitudes towards money and success. Some of our favorite recent posts include The Post-Christmas Challenge, Intimidated by the Mistakes of the Past, and Flipping the Mental Switch for Success.

Shaun’s Real Estate Adventures

Shaun hopes to let others know that investing in real estate is “really not that difficult or scary.” Through posts such as Loan Closing and Apartment Financials Improving, Hard Money Loan #14 Paid Off, and House Now on the Market, readers can get a sense of Shuan’s personal experience in real estate and how investors like him are able to make money in the market — and maybe pick up some tips along the way.

Boston Gal’s Open Wallet

Boston Gal is a “single, 30-something” who is looking for “control of her net worth.” Her current net worth is $572,941.60, and her goal is $3,376,500.00. Her posts talk about ways to live frugally (including shared coupons and promotions), saving and investing, and other money-management tips.

Frugal Zeitgeist

“Your hostess” is a 42-year-old New Yorker who started the blog with the goal to pay off her mortgage in under seven years. Now, the blog discusses a range of topics related to personal finance and money management. The author closed out 2010 with a net worth of a half million dollars (excluding real estate) and savings of $67,000. Learn about her personal secrets and pick up a few tips for developing your own personal finance strategy.

Make Love, Not Debt

This “relationship finance blog” is written by a recently married Chicago couple and tracks their attempts to reduce debt and to increase their net worth. The blog notes: “Current statistics state that half of all marriages fail. One of the top reasons for divorce is disputes over finances!” The blog covers topics that are important to managing finances as a couple, including insurance, budgeting, groceries, and more.

My Money Blog

This blog’s author shares personal investing strategies and advice on how to make more money and to spend less. Posts discuss topics such as tracking your portfolio, managing your debt, and frugal living. Some popular posts include My Favorite Rewards Credit Cards, Our Complete Home-Buying Experience: From Offers to Mortgages, and Best No Fee 0% Balance Transfer Offers.

Million Dollar Journey

Here’s another blog that was started as a way to track personal net worth but has grown to become a source of information and advice for others interested in learning how to better manage finances and investments. Some notable recent posts include Top Stock Picks for 2011: What are Your Picks? Top Stock Pick Results From 2010, and Bah Humbug! Three Ways to be More Like Scrooge.

The Smart Passive Income Blog

Pat is “not a millionaire” but is “living off passive income made online.” Learn from his experiences and pick up a few tips for how to make your own passive income and improve your financial health. To get a better understanding of how he does it, check out My 2nd Annual Passive Income Report, My Income Report – December 2010, and 22 Take Action Ways to be a Remarkable Blogger.

Christian Personal Finance

This blog is dedicated to responsible money management according to the principles outlined in the Bible. The goal is to help others make more money, save more money, invest money wisely, and use financial gains to help benefit the lives of others. Some notable recent posts include 11 Tips for Getting Out of Debt, 6 Financial Mistakes and How to Recover Quickly, and How to Teach Kids About Money.

Money Smarts

Mike Holman is the author of a book about investment accounts in Canada, and he has nearly 20 years experience in the financial industry in Canada. Posts cover investment strategies and other tips for financial management. Some recent posts include Top Stock Picks for 2011 Contest, Why are Investors Only Using GICs and High-Interest Savings Accounts in Their TFSAs? and I’m Switching to e-Bills and e-Statements.

Budgets Are Sexy

J. Money had a financial wake-up call after he bought his first house. But after making some changes to his finances and reading some popular finance books, he has figured out how to improve his financial outlook. His blog shares tips on financial management and investing, offers a “millionaire to-do list,” budget worksheets and more. Some recent posts include Frugal is Sexy. Even When It Itches, My 7 Worst Money Mistakes, and Side Hustle Series: I’m a Craps Dealer.

The Budgeting Babe

This blog is “dedicated to all the young, working women who want to spend like Carrie in a Jimmy Choo store but have a budget closer to Roseanne.” Frugality and financial management are the focus. Recent posts include Are You Paying for Your Useless Baggage? Gazing Into the Retirement Crystal Ball, and Do You 6IOL?

Counting My Pennies

Counting My Pennies shares the experiences of a 20-something looking to increase net worth and instill better financial management principles. Some popular posts include Could You Go Cashless? The Value of a Good Work Environment, and Can You Spend Irresponsibly if You’re Rich?

Debt Hater

Debt Hater is a 30-something Washington, D.C. woman who hates debt — “Not just financial debt, but debt in all areas of life — physically, emotionally, spiritually and any other -allys you can think of.” She overcame $16,000 in credit card debt and has also paid off student-loan debt. There are regular updates on net worth and income. Some recent posts include Debt Hating 101: How to Spend Your Money Where Your Heart Is, Yet Another Reason I’m Glad to Be Debt Free: Painless Car Repairs, and I Got a New Job! How I’m Managing Money Between Paychecks.

Everybody Loves Your Money

This amateur personal-finance blog offers tips and advice on financial management. Some recent posts include Are You Winning the Slow-Motion Lottery? This Just In — Stopping Smoking Can Save You a TON! and Obama Tax Cut Saves Us Over $200 a Month.

Experiments in Finance

This blog talks about different “experiments in finance” such as investing and different financial strategies. Some of the most popular posts include How to Calculate Net Present Value (NPV) — An Introduction, How to Use VLOOKUP in Excel — A Simple Tutorial, and How to Calculate an Internal Rate of Return (IRR), and When Not to Use It.

Girls Just Wanna Have Funds

A certified psychotherapist writes this blog to offer women information and advice on how to take charge of their own finances to ensure self-reliance. Some notable recent posts include 2011 Income Tax and Payroll Changes: What You Need to Know, Easy Money-Saving Tips for the New Year, and 4 Fiscal Tips for the Savvy Single Woman.

Lazy Man and Money

The blog author explains: “Lazy Man and Money is my personal journal where I explore how I can save money and make more money. I try to cover topics such as: banking, budgeting, career, credit, debt, entrepreneurship, investing, taxes, real estate, insurance, spending, retirement, and estate planning.” Some popular posts include 15 Products that Save Time, Money, and Space, Seven Things You Must Do to Prepare for an Emergency, and Top 5 Paths to a Million Dollars.

All Financial Matters

This personal-finance blog discusses topics such as “budget, asset allocation, 401K, IRA, cash flow, insurance, financial planning, portfolio management, and other areas in personal finance.” Some notable recent posts include My Advice to Those Just Starting Out: Keep Good Records, Better Think Twice Before Playing the Lottery With Friends or Co-Workers, and 10 Ways You Can Give This Season (Without Spending a Lot of Money.

Blogging Away Debt

Beks is working to pay off $40,277.36 in debt. She has managed to pay off $31,662.16, with $8,615.20 left to pay on a student loan. She shares her experiences with financial management and what she has learned. Recent topics include travel, holiday spending, monitoring credit, and more.

Wise Bread

Personal finance, frugal living, operating a small business, and more are covered on this blog, which also includes community message boards. Some recent posts include Diagnose and Improve Your Financial Health: A 10-Item Checklist, Best Money Tips: Part-Time Jobs With the Best Benefits, and Best Money Tips: How to Take a Digital Break.

Fat Pitch Financials

George is a resource economist, and he shares his personal financial discovers through his blog, especially insight he has received through the writings of Warren Buffet. There are frequent portfolio updates and features about stocks and stock performance.

My Open Wallet

In this blog, “an anonymous New Yorker tells the world how much she earns, spends, and saves.” In addition, this 40-something single mother shares “my home-buying experiences, my financial goals and ambitions, my thoughts on class and what it means to be rich or poor, and anything else that relates to money.” There are frequent updates on investment performance and income reports.

Queer Cents

This blog proclaims: “We’re here, we’re queer, and we’re not going shopping without coupons.” Regular posts discuss credit and debt management, answers to reader questions, product reviews, freelancing tips, and more. Notable recent posts include How to Write and Publish Your e-Book, Affiliate Programs for Beginners: Advertising for Your Blogs.

Dog Ate My Finances

This is the blog of a “20-something, recently debt-free, married and laid-off” woman. She has since gained employment, and her posts share her experiences with financial management, including paying extra on bills, ways to spend less, self-employment, conducting business, and more.

Mapgirl’s Fiscal Challenge

Mapgirl shares her experiences with her own financial goals (such as paying off credit card debt and increasing her savings), and offers tips for personal finance and investing. Posts include regular updates on financial goals, as well as regular updates on personal net worth.

Fabulous Financials

A 30-something single mom with two children is the author of this blog, which shares her personal experiences and offers some insights and tips on financial management. Fitness and fashion are also frequent topics of conversation.

Bad Money Advice

This blog claims that “mainstream personal finance advice is not what it should be,” and Francis X. Curmudgeon, a “bitterly unemployed hedge fund manager,” aims to change that because “surprisingly, he often knows what he is talking about.” Posts that Frank thinks should be popular include Credit Cards and Our Nation of Children, House Prices: The Long View, and Our Personal Finance Problem.

Oblivious Investor

This blog offers tips for “simple, low-maintenance investing.” Posts cover taxes, accounting principles, investing, retirement accounts, and more. A free newsletter is also available. Recent posts include Does This Count as Market Timing? Do REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts) Belong in Your Portfolio? and Teaching Kids About Investing: Giving Shares of Stock.

One Mint

Personal finance, technology and economics are explored on this blog, which offers tips and advice for personal investors. Some recent posts include Section 80C Tax-Saving Schemes, Tax-Saving ELSS Mutual Funds, and Post Office Monthly Income Scheme.

Sweating the Big Stuff

Daniel writes this blog to help educate people about ways to improve finances while maintaining a high quality of life. He notes that many bloggers suggest ways to save money that are too severe and disruptive to everyday living, and he endorses a more broad view of spending and saving. Some notable recent posts include What People Pay Shouldn’t Change Our Behavior, Comparing the Tax Cuts and Stimulus Packages, and Are You in Charge of Your Finances?

Blonde and Balanced

Amber is the writer behind Blonde and Balanced, and she writes about how to find a balance with finances and health to find happiness. Some notable recent posts regarding personal finances include When Personal Finance and Health Become Serious, Weddings: Sticking to a Budget & Vendor Customer Service, and Money Lessons from the Big Easy.

Girl With the Red Balloon

Red is a 20-something college student who blogs about her attempts to shrink debt, live simply, and spend and save wisely. Many posts reflect on simple living and the value of money and consumerism. Some notable recent posts include The Money/Power Exchange, What Have I Lost and Gained? and Are We Obsessed?

The Centsible Life

Kelly Whalen writes about personal finances, family and frugal living. She offers lots of tips for saving money, including regular posts with links to discounts and special offers. Some notable recent posts include Organizing Your Finances for the New Year, End of Year Tax Tips, and What’s Covered by a Flexible Spending Account?

Debt-Free Adventure

Learn how to become debt-free with this blog, which uses the principles of the Bible to offer tips on saving, investing, giving, managing taxes, and more. Some recent posts include The Wardrobe Mission, Does the FICO Score Matter? and Help Paying Student Loans.

Young and Thrifty

This blog was started when the author realized that her friends didn’t know what an RRSP was and that her sisters didn’t understand the difference between a debit card and a credit card. The blog aims to educated young people about personal finance and investing. Some notable recent posts include Top 4 Things to Buy After Christmas and New Year’s, How to Use the Homebuyer’s Plan, and Closing/Home Costs to Think About Before You Buy Your Home.

Paying Myself

A first-year lawyer struggles with a high student-debt load and finding financial independence. She shares her experiences and her tips along the way. There are weekly checkups and monthly goals set. Some recent posts include Thoughts from a Reformed Sales Whore, Tackling My Business Debt, and Preparing My Finances for 30 Something.

Punch Debt in the Face

This is the blog “where personal finance and stick figures meet.” Posts are populated by fun graphics and pictures. Though the blog started with a focus on reducing debt, it has grown to discuss other aspects of Boy Ninja’s life, as well. There is still plenty of talk about personal finance (with updates on net worth), there are also plenty of personal musings.

Well-Heeled Blog

This blog combines a “nerdy interest in personal finance” with savvy living. Posts often discuss strategies for frugal shopping, as well as the application of sound financial principles to other areas of life, such as health and fitness. Some interesting recent posts include SEP IRA: Have Side Income? Save for Retirement, High Cost of Healthy Groceries, and Lending to Family: The Easiest $20,000 Decision.

Dough Roller

Learn how you can be a dough roller yourself with tips on how to make more money, save more money and invest it wisely. Some notable recent posts include How Much Money is Won in the Lottery? The Dangers of No Pre-Set Spending Limit Credit Cards, and 5 Must-Follow Financial Resolutions for the New Year.

Enemy of Debt

Enemy of Debt aims to motivate and inspire others to attain financial discipline by teaching sound financial management principles and the important of personal planning. Recently, the blog issued a challenge to its readers to avoid restaurants for a full month. Other recent posts include What’s Your Debt-Free Plan? Get Organized! Homemade Wedding Tips and Benefits for 2011, and Saving Money on Renter’s Insurance.

Financial Samurai

This personal-finance blog aims to help readers “slice through money’s mysteries.” Posts also draw connections between money and current events (such as health insurance reform) and life choices (such as whether those with low incomes should have children, or how those who live at home with their parents can find dating success). Some popular posts include How Higher Taxes Saved Me a Boatload of Money, The Secret to Early Retirement, and Insuring the Uninsured is Worth It.

Five Cent Nickel

This blog offers tips for financial management and investing “because money matters.” The focus is on investing products and debt management, rather than personal experiences and goals. Some notable recent posts include Five Ways to Maximize Your Retirement Accounts, Financial Tips for Couples in 2011, and Investing for Future Income: Start Early, Save Often.

Good Financial Cents

Certified Financial Planner Jeff Rose writes this blog to help readers “make cents” of their investments. Posts offer advice for investing, saving money, instituting financial discipline, and more. Some recent posts include How to Determine the Best Banking Products for Your Small Business Needs, Easy (and Unusual) Ways for College Students to Save Money, and 7 Things You MUST Know About Roth IRA Rules for 2011.

Weakonomics

Learn about “everything that’s wrong with you and your money” with this blog, which is based on the philosophy that most people do not know enough about their money or enough about where it goes. Sometimes, posts discuss pop culture or the author’s personal experiences. Some interesting recent posts include 2011 Predictions: Here are Mine, What are Yours? Couponing Yourself Out of the Market, and Share Lock-Outs.

Suburban Dollar

Kyle describes himself as a typical, middle-class dad, and he hopes that his blog will inspire others to learn more about finance and take control of their finances as he once did. His blog includes a lot of financial information and advice for taking control of aspects of your finances, such as negotiating bills, making extra income, and investing. Some recent posts include Using Volunteer Work to Improve Your Career Prospects, 5 Tips for Using Your Home and Car to Make Money, and How to Negotiate Medical Bills.

My Journey to Millions

This blog was started as a way to track a 27-year-old’s journey from broke lawyer to multimillionaire. He’s not there yet, but in the meantime, he shares his experiences and know how from his training in economics, law, and insurance sales to offer financial tips and investing advice. Some recent posts includes How to Avoid Debt — a Guide, Using Your 401(k) to Start a Business, and 4 Common Money Mistakes to Avoid.

The Psy-Fi Blog

This blog offers “a sideways look at psychology and finance.” Don’t expect to find lots of tips for the market here, or updates about net worth or debt load. Rather, you’ll find posts about the psychology of the market and spending. Some interesting recent posts include Economics and Psychology: The Divorce, Love Your Kids, Not Your Stocks, and Weird Markets.

Money Funk

Here’s another blog that tracks one family’s efforts to minimize debt — $85,000 worth — and live more simply and frugally. There are plenty of tips for ways to save money and to make smarter choices with your finances. Some recent posts include 6 Tips for Finding a Good Mechanic Who Won’t Break the Bank, Stop Living Paycheck to Paycheck, and Frugal to Survive or Frugal to be Rich?

Mighty Bargain Hunter

The Mighty Bargain Hunter shares tips for saving money, finding deals, living frugally, making money, and investing. There is also a free newsletter to which readers can subscribe. Some recent posts include A Hack to Include Online Purchases in a Cash Budgeting System, Six Tricks to Finding Deals on Coins, and Money-Tracking Advice so Simple that it Just Might Work.

Fabulously Broke in the City

FB managed to get out of $60,000 in debt in just 18 months, and now she finds a way to balance her “shopaholic” tendencies with healthy saving habits. Some notable recent posts include How Not to Spend More Than You Make, Are People Wealthier Because They’re Business Owners or Self-Employed? and Negotiating: Why You Can Only Win When You Ask for Money.

Small Steps for Big Change

This blog aims to guide readers toward “financial freedom — one step at a time.” A “reformed spendaholic” shares her monthly budget and net worth to offer some guidance for others. There are also reflections about work and personal habits as they relate to success. Some recent posts include Why I Don’t Track Spending, Chance Favors the Prepared Mind, and Self Worth and Work — I Can’t Tell the Difference.

Frugal Law Student

Brett McKay is a second-year law student who is trying to manage tens of thousands of dollars in student debt, and he share tips and advice for students and others who are also trying to find ways to manage their debts and their finances. Articles talk about personal finance, frugality, law school, career, and productivity. Some recent posts include Is Law School Worth the Cost? 7 Ways to Save Money on LSAT Prep, and Mac on a Budget.

Poorer Than You

This blog targets college students and 20-somethings, and offers financial advice “without being boring.” “Topics include credit cards, savings, budgeting, earning more money, evaluating job offers… from big financial decisions down to small ones, from the latest news to time-tested advice.” Stephanie had to drop out of school because of poor finances, and now she shares her journey back after getting her finances in better shape and returning to school and graduating.

Single Guy Money

This single guy had over $80,000 in debt at one point, but has since managed to pay off $40,000 in credit card debt and a car loan of $22,000, and is now working on paying off student loans and a mortgage. He offers great tips for saving money and making better financial decisions. Some notable recent posts include 5 Tips on Juggling Multiple Savings Accounts, Getting the Most Out of Ebay as a Seller, and Eating Out: Finding Restaurant Vouchers and Coupons.

TeacHer Finance

A 25-year-old high-school teacher attempts to get her financial house in order and to enjoy life on a small teacher’s salary. She shares her progress with her financial goals and with reducing debt. Share in her personal experiences and find inspiration for making your own financial changes.

Always the Planner

“I work in a field where I don’t make a huge salary and probably never will. Therefore, planning for a stable financial future starts now.” This blog shares the planning process and preparation for building a secure financial future, in addition to tips for saving money and budgeting. Some useful recent posts include The Life of a Part-Time Grad Student, 10 Tips for Group Travel Planning, and Starting Out in Life: How to Pick Up Cheap Furniture.

Engineer Your Finances

This blog focuses on three principles: optimization, education, and financial security. “I feel these fundamental qualities are lost in a world of get-rich-quick schemes and as they are the basis for my own beliefs,” the blog author explains. Some notable recent posts include Top 10 Ways to Avoid an IRS Audit, 3 Strategies to Envision Your Way to Debt Freedom, and 30 Ways to Wreck Your Career.

Simolean Sense

Simolean Sense describes itself as “a multidisciplinary blog for renaissance thinkers, financiers, decision makers, business students, and consilient observers.” Some recent finance-related posts include How Not to Encourage Home Ownership, All Value Investors Must Read This! Have You Ever Tried to Sell a Diamond?, and When Being Wasteful Appears Better than Feeling Wasteful.

Generation X Finance

This blog is meant to help members of Gen X have a better understanding of financial issues to improve their personal finances. Generation X includes those born between 1965 and 1980. “That isn’t to say the topics here aren’t applicable to others, but the primary focus is to help people get their debt under control, establish a successful career, and begin to accumulate wealth.” Some notable recent posts include How Much Money Do I Need to Save for Retirement? Should You Be Investing in Gold? and The Lost Decade of Investing: Was All Really Lost?

Homeowner by 30

This blog exhorts readers to “join me as I share the strategies, trials, and tribulations of getting out of debt and saving for a down payment on a home by the end of my 30th year!” Posts discuss life as a teacher, personal savings goals, personal efforts towards debt reduction, and ideas for saving money (even low-cost recipe ideas).

Life As a Purse

This 25-year-old explain that she graduated college with no debt and was making good decisions for her finances, but then sunk into a depression that caused her to wreck her finances by overspending. She has returned to graduate school, and uses this blog to keep herself accountable for her financial habits. Find inspiration by following along with her experiences with trying to build her net worth and reduce debt — all on a limited salary.

Money Maus

This blog tells the tale of “a 20-something gal trying to save her cheese.” Follow along with her as she tracks her goals to build an emergency fund, a Roth IRA, a birthday fund, a travel fund, a car maintenance fund and a gift fund.

M is For Money

Miss M managed to clear $20,000 in credit card debt in one year by understanding the value of saving money, living more simply, and investing wisely. Some interesting recent posts include Homeownership: A Never-Ending Expensive Adventure, Maybe It’s Your Major? and How Do You Divide Your Financial Goals?

The Digerati Life

Get some personal finance insights from a true Valley Girl — a software engineer in the Silicon Valley. There is a lot of great personal-finance advice here, accompanied by lots of graphics and photos. Some notable recent posts include Bush Tax Cuts Extension: What Are the Effects? Bill Paying Strategies to Help Find Your Spending Balance, and Investing in REITs to Diversify Investments.

Penny Foolish

Learn some personal-finance tips and find motivation from a “girl bad with the pennies, who’s trying to keep from making the really big mistakes.” There are posts about her online business efforts, career development, purchases, and debt management.

Accumulating Money

This resource-rich blog has a lot of articles on various personal-finance topics, including financial basics, investing, retirement accounts, insurance, debt management, taxes, and much more. Some popular posts include Spending Money: Needs vs. Wants, 5 Simple Do It Yourself Debt Reduction Strategies, and Spend Your Money on Doing Things Rather Than Owning Things.

My 1st Million at 33

Frugal made his first million in the following way: $360,000 from savings (after working for about 9 years), $90,000 from stock investments, $260,000 from a small condo, $200,000 from a company stock option, and a $90,000 gift from his parents for his wedding. His blog offers tips and advice for how you can make your own million through smart investing and financial management.

One Million and Beyond

Matt is an average guy working to pay down debt and build savings, and he writes his blog to document his efforts to move beyond living paycheck to paycheck. Some of the most popular posts on the blog include Accepting Financial Responsibility, Net Worth vs. Cash Flow, and Social Pressures to Spend Your Money.

2 Million

Brian is an engineer with a goal of attaining $2 million in cash and assets (excluding his home) — an amount that he believes will offer him financial freedom. His current net worth is just over $750,000. He shares frequent updates on his cash flow and net worth, and shares tips for investing and saving along the way. Some interesting recent posts include Tips for Saving Money on Car Insurance, Tips for Building Your Brand on the Internet, and Low Cost, Easy Business Promotion Tip.

Money, Matter, and More Musings

The title of this blog says it all: It offers musings on money, debt, frugality and other matters. Some interesting posts include Are Americans Killing the Economy by Saving Too Much? Are Poor People More Frugal than Rich People? and Stock Market Technical Analysis — Loads of Bull Crap and Bear Crap.

Art of Money

Jon says that the two primary keys to his financial success are “1. Be open to expanding your mind: for me the best methods I’ve found to accomplish this are to interact with people who are richer or more knowledgeable than me and to play the Rich Dad board game Cashflow 101. 2. Take action! It’s a cliché, but it is way better to get started and make a ton of mistakes than to sit around and dream about getting rich.” His blog shares these principles by offering others advice for how to implement them in their own lives. Some recent posts include Ultimate Blogger’s Survival Guide, Monday Morning SEO Tip — Google Exaggerates, and Careful, This Blog Rush is Going to Hurt.

Adult ADD and Money

This blog offers personal-finance and business advice for adults with ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). There are often free webinars on various topics, and links to other resources and support groups for those with ADD and ADHD. Some recent posts include Have ADD and Out of Work? 6 Overlooked Reasons Why You are Struggling with Your Finances, and Women with ADHD — Money Issues.

Savvy Saver

“Personal prosperity depends not on how much money you make, but on how much money you keep. This personal finance blog is dedicated to making smart money decisions, living below your means, and increasing net worth.” Find tips for ways to save (including links to online promotions and discounts), regular updates on debt reduction and savings efforts, and reflections on financial management.

Adventures in Money Making

Find advice for all kinds of ways to make money, from business ventures to tax management to investing. Career advice is also offered as a means of increasing earning power. Some recent posts include Tax Havens for Retirees, Buying Silver Coins, and How to Nail an Interview.

Debt Kid

The original Debt Kid racked up over $300,000 in debt through day trading. Debt Kid and two other writers now offer advice to others about how to minimize debt. There are also thoughtful posts about current events in finance, such as legislation regulating lending and credit cards. Some recent posts include Will That be Cash or Credit? Foreclosures Could Depress Housing Prices for Decades, and Consumers May be Able to Avoid Debt with New Credit Card.

Eventual Millionaire

Though she doesn’t have a million dollars yet, Jaime says she grew up knowing that she would eventually be a millionaire. After college, she racked up $70,000 in debt and worked long hours at a job she didn’t love. Now, she works with other entrepreneurs to help them find work that they love while building their net worth. Pick up some tips here for how to do it yourself. Some notable recent posts include How to Start Tracking Your Expenses, Get Rich Quick Isn’t Always a Scam, and Increasing Your Business Confidence.

Not Made of Money

A husband and wife team offer tips on how to save money and live a debt-free life. Some notable recent posts include Got a Debt Problem? Tips to Cure a Debt Hangover, How Living Above Your Means Can Destroy Your Finances, and 8 Financial Mistakes to Avoid for 2011.

Give Me Back My Five Bucks

Krystal is on a quest for financial independence and has already eliminated $20,000 in debt in under a year. She posts about her spending habits, her progress towards further debt reduction and savings, and other personal goals. Find some tips and inspiration through her experiences.

Spilling Buckets

Ryan and Leslie started their blog after outlining some financial goals that included creating an emergency fund, buying a house, and eliminating debt. In their “manifesto,” they pose “Ask yourself this question: What would happen if instead of making a living I designed a life?” In addition to saving and investing, finding purpose and meaning is a part of their “freedom-driven lifestyle design.” Find inspiration here for designing your own life by discovering your own meaning and purpose. Some interesting recent posts include Consumer to Producer: Our Evolving Philosophy, Smart Tips to Cut Your Expenses, and What is Quantitative Easing?

No More Spending

This blog has a simple goal: To get out of debt and stay out of debt. Laura paid off approximately $65,000 in debt in under five years, and now she writes about how she lives frugally and stays under budget. Posts talk about saving, budgeting, financial management, living on a single income, planning for the future, financial independence, making extra money, and more. Notable recent posts include Paying Off Your Mortgage Early and Not Spending for a Month.

Ugly Debty

“One girl’s journey to freedom from an evil amount of personal debt. This blog is from an Australian writer with no financial smarts whatsoever. All advice should be triple checked with someone way better with money than me.” She started with a debt of about $131,000 and has whittled it down to about $42,000. She shares how she manages to reduce debt and save money through different financial strategies.

The Frugalista

Natale P. McNeal writes about “the frugal side of fabulous” on this blog, which shares tips for saving money while still living the fabulous life. The blog also talks about current events and celebrity happenings that are related to finance. McNeal is also the author of the book The Frugalista Files. Some recent posts include 5 Ways to Save Money Right Now, College Debt Rises, and Could You Live Off Coupons for a Year?

Money Mate Kate

This self-employed massage therapist is living debt-free in New York City who is often the go-to person for financial advice in her family. She writes about career experiences, her strategies for minimizing debt, and her reflections on financial management, including current events. Some interesting recent posts include Will Healthcare Reform Go the Same Route as Credit Card Reform? Frugality Blogging–>Enriched Day-to-Day Life, and Penny Experiment 2: $204 for $23.

Stacking Pennies

Follow along with this young professional and her attempts to reach financial goals. She shares some tips and reflections along the way that others can use to develop their own financial plan — and meet their own personal goals.

My Pretty Pennies

This blog is “the journal of a girl trying to change her world one pretty penny at a time.” Lately, there have been a lot of posts about her upcoming wedding and wedding planning, but there are still plenty of posts with reflections about financial goals (among them to eliminate debt, build an emergency fund, and build a wedding fund).

If your blog was featured, please feel free to display the following button on your site:

Posted by maria magher | in Career, Financial Aid | 1 Comment »

Best Paying Jobs in 2011

Jan. 6th 2011

We recently compiled research on some of the best paying jobs for 2011 and the highest paying degrees for 2011.

Best paying jobs.

Jobs Sorted By Median Annual Salary

Job Title Median Annual Salary
Chief executives $155,195.98
Airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers $123,228.48
Engineering managers $118,314.24
Computer and information systems managers $108,512.80
Judges, magistrate judges, and magistrates $107,604.00
Materials scientists $103,491.24
Petroleum engineers $103,200.00
Aerospace engineers $103,181.12
Computer hardware engineers $97,314.92
Marketing managers $97,083.94
Computer software engineers, systems software $89,503.81
Sales managers $89,347.50
Nuclear engineers $87,380.80
General and operations managers $86,200.00
Chemical engineers $85,813.00
Natural sciences managers $85,407.32
Computer software engineers, applications $85,249.22
Actuaries $82,964.91
Education administrators, elementary and secondary school $82,877.04
Financial managers $82,264.82

Best paying degrees.

Best Paying Associate Degrees

Degree Name Median Salary Return on Investment
Nuclear Engineering $75,649.60 31,797%
Medicine $67,639.94 26,073%
Information Technology $51,083.46 19,547%
Electrical Engineering $53,472.30 19,213%
Mechanical Engineering $46,766.16 18,284%
Engineering Technology $48,621.13 17,699%
Electronics $48,672.63 17,010%
Accounting $50,286.62 16,049%
Dentistry $43,857.00 15,977%
Architecture $44,881.36 15,796%

Best Paying Bachelor Degrees

Degree Name Median Salary Return on Investment
Aerospace Engineering $103,181.12 1,869%
Aviation $123,228.48 1,845%
Computer Engineering $101,710.99 1,778%
Nuclear Engineering $87,380.80 1,725%
Business Administration $102,455.84 1,604%
Engineering $89,913.98 1,582%
Information Technology $85,080.13 1,438%
Electrical Engineering $81,091.60 1,434%
Chemistry $75,265.39 1,334%
Business $85,813.68 1,304%

Best Paying Master Degrees

Degree Name Median Salary Return on Investment
Geology $74,785.88 871%
Nursing $70,491.21 800%
Public Health $60,046.64 680%
Business Administration $64,925.28 679%
Biology $59,237.40 612%
Medicine $57,854.62 593%
Business $65,127.40 589%
Physical Therapy $54,987.16 589%
Economics $75,416.06 578%
Civil Engineering $59,394.00 570%

Best Paying Doctorate Degrees

Degree Name Median Salary Return on Investment
Dentistry $94,397.60 877%
Optometry $92,270.60 654%
Law $101,400.00 577%
Veterinary Medicine $71,049.34 548%
Medicine $98,399.47 466%
Posted by maria | in Career, Degrees | No Comments »

Understanding The Gender Wage Gap

Jan. 6th 2011

Gender Wage Gap.

Male/female income disparity has long been studied over time, in rural vs urban settings, and across cultures.

As part of our degree calculator research project to help find the best paying degrees we came across data which suggests that perhaps some of the gender gap may be due to choice of major.

  • Deep blue: dominated by men. (75% or more degrees go to men.)
  • Light blue: slightly dominated by men. (65% ~ 75% of degrees go to men.)
  • Black: dominated by neither men nor women
  • Light pink: slightly dominated by women (65% ~ 75% of degrees go to women.)
  • Bright pink: dominated by women. (75% or more degrees go to women.)


Why Guys And Girls Major In, And What It Does To Earnings and degree salary calculator by Online Degrees

Posted by maria | in Career | No Comments »

Evaluating Bridge Programs

Dec. 24th 2010

Bridge programs are growing in number and influence across the country, helping students to close learning gaps or to become ready for the next level of education or to enter the job market. While their numbers are growing — through colleges and universities, post-secondary schools, technical schools, and workforce readiness programs — because they are offered by multiple agencies and their efforts are not always coordinated, there is no central data to show how many there are or what kind of influence they exert.

However, a report released last month by the Workforce Strategy Center has shed some light on the impact these programs have been making. The report surveyed 515 programs incorporating job-training efforts in 345 communities around the country.

“Bridge programs are suitable for adults who have reading and mathematics skills at or below the ninth-grade level,” the report explains. “These individuals may or may not have a high school diploma or GED. Most will have been out of school for a significant amount of time and are not positioned to succeed in postsecondary
education and training programs. Bridge programs are housed in community colleges, local school districts, or at workforce agencies or community-based organizations. Their services take the form of GED preparation,
English as a Second Language programs, developmental education, or Workforce Investment Act (WIA)-supported career-preparation programs.”

In its “Bridge program snapshot,” the survey reported that:

  • 57 percent of adults enrolled in bridge programs had educational skills below the 10th-grade level, and 19 percent had skills below the 6th-grade level.
  • 75 percent of bridge programs surveyed target allied health, with other programs serving those interested in administrative and office technologies, construction, information technology, manufacturing, and energy.
  • 67 percent of programs indicated that their participants are likely to enroll in further education within six months of completing the programl; 50 percent said that their participants were eligible to participate in a degree-track program; and 39 percent said that their participants had earned some college credit through the program.

Meeting a Need

The report tied together the work that bridge programs are conducting with the changing needs of the U.S. economy in the coming years, in response to the current economic crisis and the changing market.

Currently, “the unemployment rate for individuals with less than a high school education is 15 percent. For people with an Associate’s Degree, it is seven percent,” the report notes.

In the coming years, those statistics may be more grim.

According to the report, “some predict that by 2018, two-thirds of the jobs in the American economy will require postsecondary credentialing. At the same time, according to the National Commission on Adult Literacy, 80-90 million adult workers have low basic skills and are not prepared for 21st-century jobs—they lack a high school degree or its equivalent.”

This number of low-skilled and under-educated workers represents a significant percentage of the workforce — the report says that “almost one-half of our workforce in 2030 will be composed of today’s working adults” — and finding a way to educate them so that they have the skills to be future economic demands is crucial not only to their individual development, but also to the health of the U.S. economy and to the nation’s ability to remain competitive.

“Over the last decade, bridge programs have emerged and are often the first step on the way to career-path employment in high demand, middle- and high-skill occupations,” the report says.

One way that these bridge programs are meeting needs in ways that traditional education is not is to “offer instruction at times and places convenient to working adults, offer a ‘learning-by-doing’ format and allow students to work at their own pace. Most programs are cohort-based, allowing students to progress through their classes together. The average class size is between 10 and 19 students; the average program length is 20 weeks.”

A Question of Deficits

Some of the findings in the report certainly beg the question of how post-secondary schools are failing students. Why do we have so many adults who do not have a college education or even a high-school education? If it is so successful, why is the common structure of these bridge programs — smaller class sizes, cooperative learning, more individualized instruction — not being used in the traditional classroom?

Steve Peha, the president of Teaching That Makes Sense, wrote a commentary in response to a story about the study on National Journal and argued that “Bridge programs are a 21st-century euphemism for boondoggles that try to make up for education systems that failed kids while they were in school.”

He goes on to argue that “we don’t need ‘bridge’ programs, we need education that actually educates people to the point where ‘bridging’ is unnecessary…. The mere fact of these programs’ existence means that we are failing. And the fact that we are apparently growing more of these programs suggests that we are planning to fail even more in the future. WHY NOT JUST TRY LEARNING?”

Peha identifies the problem as a lack of adequate preparation in post-secondary schools — that students are not learning basic academic knowledge, that they are not prepared to study in college, and that they are not being taught real-world skills that will serve them in the job search and in employment.

He describes the problem as “weak curriculum that doesn’t match the world it purports to describe; weak teaching that doesn’t bring real world knowledge and skills to students; phony assessment that says people are ‘proficient’ at something but can’t define what proficiency is in meaningful real-world terms; data-driven decision-making with data so bad we drive ourselves crazy making decisions with it.”

“My concern is that if we create new levels of ancillary support systems, our main system will do less and less each year,” Peha says. “In a decade or two, kids will just mark time until they’re old enough to drop out, and then head for a ‘bridge’ program.”

Peha’s argument assumes much about the reasons that bring people to bridge programs, and where those assumptions are true, I agree with his conclusions. If the reason people must turn to bridge programs is because they are not adequately educated in the K-12 system — students dropping out because they can’t handle the academic pressures because they never learned to read, students not being able to succeed in college-level courses because they were never held to proficiency standards and were passed along through the system without adequate skills — then bridge programs are not the solution, but rather a balm.

However, the problem is not as simple as that. Students arrive at bridge programs for a number of reasons, and there is more than one type of bridge program.

Bridge programs such as Upward Bound follows disadvantaged students through the educational system and provides them the support needed to make it through to a college education. Students with little or no family support and few resources are more likely to perform poorly academically and to eventually drop out of school. Programs that work to help these students while they are still in school help to prevent gaps in education later.

When students do not participate in these programs, and they later drop out, bridge programs can help them complete their high-school education and gain the skills needed to get a necessary higher degree.

Focus Adolescent Services identifies several risk factors for students who drop out of high school:

  • External locus of control (i.e., being in agreement with others’ perceptions — believed or actual — of their individual ability, worth, or value)
  • Low self-esteem
  • At least one disability (e.g., ADHD, learning disabilities)
  • Poor peer support
  • Depression or other emotional problems
  • Early sexual activity or promiscuity
  • Substance abuse
  • Having a child
  • Must work to help support the family
  • Single-parent home
  • Poor parent-child relationships
  • Family in poverty
  • Neither parent nor guardian is employed
  • Primary language of the family is not English
  • A sibling has dropped out of school
  • Parent(s) did not graduate from high school

Even a cursory glance at this glance makes it clear that the reasons students drop out of high school are complex and deep-rooted and are not always the cause of failings by the school system. Though the school system can address some of these problems by providing additional support through counselors and tutors, many of the problems are beyond the realm of school counselors and teachers. A more wide-spread effort is required that includes the efforts of government services and mental-health-care providers that treats the problem holistically — at the family, economic AND academic level.

For the students who disengage from the educational system for these reasons, bridge programs play a valuable role in re-capturing these students and giving them a second chance at attaining a valuable education.

Other bridge programs provide training for those who have decided to change careers or to change paths of study — a valuable service for those who have had to navigate life changes or even just a change of decision.

Some programs provide services for those who need help navigating the job search and the market. Though colleges and universities typically have career services, job training and office etiquette is not typically a part of the curriculum. An argument can be made for including a course on practical job skills — writing resumes and cover letters, learning how to interview, office politics, etc. — but it should not be the primary focus of the curriculum. Knowing the substance of the work is far more important than knowing how to manage co-workers, and there are enough counseling services and other programs to provide training on these skills.

The Future of Bridge Programs

The report made several recommendations for bridge programs based on the data collected.

“The following three activities are recommended: 1. Build a bridge program community of practice to share results and promote promising practice. 2. Implement a bridge program demonstration project that is designed to meet the national standards and evaluate the results. 3. Form a Bridge Program Policy Commission to review policy and practice at the federal, state and local levels and establish national bridge program standards.”

With the valuable work that bridge programs are doing, it is important to streamline their efforts in some way, allowing for collaboration and accountability. Creating national standards and a central agency to review and monitor these programs would ensure that they have a greater impact.

This comment comes from Julian L. Alssid, the Executive Director of the Workforce Strategy Center, whose study about the types of programs that help adults, primarily, gain the remedial skills they need to get ready for college courses or technical training is the subject of today’s Education Blog question.

What our survey, the BRT program, and a number of other undertakings are showing is that education in many ways needs, and is starting to undergo, a reboot.

Let’s be clear, this is not to say that education as we have understood it on the K-graduate level is bad, but rather, while society, economy, and technology have changed, fundamentally our educational system has not kept up.

What is needed is new forms of education, new methods of delivery, and new ideas that will change education as much as the web has changed how we communicate.

Take college. Until as little a 20 years ago, college could be a “right of passage,” and if you missed that boat you were most likely excluded from the highest levels of the American promise. No more. Today college has to be more relevant to future careers and more accessible to everybody.

But here is the good news, as our survey and other programs show, many in business and educators have realized they need to work together to make education more relevant. Not dummed down. More relevant. And as America has done many times, we can close our education gap and build the next stage of this story of our country through what we have always done better than anybody else. Innovate.

Posted by maria magher | in Career, Education | No Comments »

Choosing a Career Coach

Dec. 23rd 2010

In today’s economy, you need all the help you can get to make yourself a competitive job candidate. Sometimes, that means getting professional advice for your job search — on everything from how to write the best resume and cover letter to tips for acing your interview to figuring out exactly what your career goals are. That’s where a career coach can help.

A career coach is known by many names: Career counselor, career development facilitator, job coach, and vocational counselor, to name a few. These professionals can work with you on a number of aspects involved in career planning, including:

  • Helping you understand your career goals by assessing your interests and skills.
  • Providing information about additional education and training that would advance your goals.
  • Providing information about a variety of occupations, including market conditions, trends, employment outlook, average salaries, and more.
  • Giving guidance on conducting the job search, including best practices for the search, writing resumes and cover letters, interviewing and more.
  • Offering expert advice for writing cover letters and resumes — or offering professional writing services for those documents.
  • Developing strategies for promotion or career changes.

There are many more services that a career coach can provide, and your experience will depend upon your individual needs.

Who Needs a Career Coach?

A career coach can help any person who needs assistance with the job search or with defining career goals — at any stage in their career.

Roseanne Colletti of The Huffington Post says, “Remember, you don’t have to be laid off to seek the services of a career counselor. One can help you hold onto a job or even gain a promotion by helping you reshape your professional profile.”

Students might find the services of a career coach especially helpful. Young professionals lack experience and expertise, which can set them up to make many mistakes in the course of the job search or in making decisions about professional development. A career coach can offer counseling to help students clearly define their goals, as well as guidance for how best to navigate the job search.

Hallie Crawford, a certified career coach and the founder of Create Your Career Path with Hallie Crawford.com, says, “Most people we encounter really need help conducting an effective job search. With the internet and professional networking resources like LinkedIn, there are a lot of new tools job seekers can and need to understand how to use; I haven’t come across many students who know what LinkedIn is or who are using it effectively.”

In addition to helping job seekers understand how to use all the new tools available to them, career coaches can also make over lackluster resumes and cover letters to highlight your individual strengths and to target specific career goals. They can help you role play interviews and construct winning answers to some of the toughest questions. They can help you determine what positions will advance your career goals, and how best to land them.

How to Choose a Career Coach

“An experienced and competent career counselor can keep you focused and direct your efforts to fields that are not only within your reach but have viable openings. An inexperienced and incompetent career counselor can waste your time and money,” Colletti says.

The first thing that you should look for in a career coach is professional training. Many career counselors are members of the National Career Development Association and are credentialed as a Nationally Certified Career Development Professional, or have credentials as a Global Career Development Facilitator. Certified career counselors may be identified by the letters CPCC, NCC, LPC, or RPCC.

When you find a qualified coach, call or make an appointment to get more information. Interview the counselor about training and personal style. Ask questions like “What is your training?” “How much experience do you have?” “How would you describe your counseling style?” “What kind of clients do you help?” “What are your fees?” You want to make sure that the counselor’s approach will meet your needs. For example, do you like a more exploratory style that involves a lot of discussions and exercises to help you determine your “inner passion?” Or do you prefer a more concrete process that involves creating a time line for applications, job contacts, interviewing, etc.?

Try to find a coach who has experience with clients who work in your industry or who have shared your career goals. Are you looking to change careers? Be sure your counselor has experience helping clients navigate this process. Are you looking to move up in your industry? Make sure your counselor has sufficient knowledge of that industry and experience helping clients who work in it.

Make sure that you are comfortable with the person, and that you are comfortable with the fee structure. Many counselors charge an hourly fee, and you can end up spending many hours with your career coach. Therefore, you should be comfortable with the financial investment that may be required, and you should be comfortable with the personal style of the coach.

You should think about your goals before you make your first appointment with your coach. You can brainstorm some goals for your work with the counselor, or you can brainstorm some goals for your professional development, which you can then use to advance your conversations with the counselor. Drawing a blank? Understanding that you do not have any defined goals is also useful for your counselor, who can help you determine your interests.

Resources

Talk with counselors in the career center at your school to get recommendations for career coaches in your area. Even if you are enrolled in an online program, school officials should be able to offer you some information about services in your area, or can refer you to professionals who can work with you online or over the telephone.

Next, take a look at the National Career Development Association for a listing of professionals.

Finally, contact these professionals to find out if any of them are the right match for you:

Creat Your Career Path with Hallie Crawford.com

Feroce Coaching

Possibilities Unlimited

Meredith Haberfeld Coaching

Lukas Coaching

IT Career Coach

Career Coaching by Deborah Brown-Volkman

Coach Compass

Posted by maria magher | in Career | No Comments »

Top 50 blogs for those interested in teaching abroad

Dec. 16th 2010

One of the best ways to learn about the everyday experiences of teachers working abroad is to read their personal blogs. You can get a sense of what the work is like, as well as the ups and downs of living in and adapting to a new culture. From these blogs, you can also glean what the working conditions are like in a particular country or school in which you might be interested in teaching. Reading these blogs is a great way to research the possibilities and, later, once you’ve made your decisions to work abroad, they are a great resource for learning about your new country and for finding ideas for the classroom.

Ted’s TEFL Newbie

Ted Tucker is a retired EFL teacher and trainer, and he has taught in Korea, Thailand, Taiwan and Saudi Arabia. His blog helps those who are interested in teaching English abroad get started. Posts often include advice on aspects of teaching abroad that aspiring teachers may not consider at first, such as being an overweight teacher, how socializing (and singing karaoke) can help you get a raise, and how to choose your career path (university work or private schools?). There are a lot of great tips and advice with each post. Some notable recent posts include Living Abroad is Not For Everyone?, Planning a TEFL Career Abroad: Your Education, and TEFL for Older Folks: Advice for the Job Search.

You Can Teach English

This blog is comprised of interviews from teachers living and working in countries all over the world. Some recent interviews include teachers working in Hungary, Chile, Colombia, Turkey, Costa Rica, Italy, China, Thailand, and France. Teachers share how they found their positions, what they do, and their experiences living in the country. The interviews share a lot of great insight for teachers interested in a particular location!

The Education Cafe

Parents and teachers living abroad can find resources and support here for the classroom and homeschooling. Some recent posts include recommendations for books, ideas for chemistry lessons and experiments, holiday activities, educational links, and more. There is also discussion about career development. This is a great resource for all types of educators living abroad!

Eat Your Kimchi

A married couple teaching in South Korea runs this blog, which is meant to help other teachers prepare for working and living in the country. The FAQ covers questions such as “What’s considered improper or strange?” “How do I get a cell phone?” and “What should I know about drinking culture?” There are also lots of pictures, useful resources, and, of course, blog posts exploring topics such as culture, teaching, and more.

Chris in South Korea – Travel and Life in South Korea

This blog is a great resource for foreigners living in South Korea! Posts cover practical issues for everyday living, such as Shipping Stuff Home — or, Help There’s No UPS!, 10 Survival Phrases in Korean You HAVE to Know, and Current Korean Slang Among Expats.

Thailand Delights

You’ll find the answers to many of your questions about teaching in Thailand on this informative blog — and maybe the answers to some questions you didn’t consider! Reader questions have included questions about age and teaching, discipline in schools, accent, and more. The blog includes links to job sites and some resources for learning the Thai language.

Tofugu

Tofugu explores “wonky Japanese language, culture.” There are episodes of “Tofugu TV,” as well, with some recent episodes discussing technology and travel clothing. The posts are informative and thorough. Some noteworthy recent posts include 10 Tips for Tipsy Japan, A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Learn Hiragana, and The 100 Most Important Japanese Words You Should Know. You can also search posts by category such as Japan, culture, language, news, reviews and resources.

So Handsome Teacher

There are a lot of great tips and guidance on this blog. Posts cover living in Korea, such as Having the Most Fun Tips (ie. How to Blow Your Entire Salary) and Money Management Tips (ie. How Not to Blow Your Entire Salary), as well as teaching, such as Effective Teaching in a Korean Elementary School, Confusion About “Severance Pay” and “Renewal Bonus”, and Tension Between Foreign English Teachers and Koreans. You’ll find frank (and funny) answers to all the questions you have about being a foreigner living and working in Korea.

Jonny on the Road

Jonny Finity teaches high-school students in Pohang, South Korea, and his blog chronicles his experience teaching and living there. Posts discuss Korean culture, as well as classroom experiences and activities. Some of our favorite recent posts include The Eight-Legged Playboy, sharing Korean expressions and their meanings; Evil Spirits: They Hate Red Beans, about cultural practices and superstitions; and Alliteration is Awesome, sharing some activities used in the classroom.

Postcards from Prague

Melissa has been teaching in Prague for just over four months. She shares her experiences teaching, learning about the culture of Prague, traveling, and even getting her visa. You’ll learn a little about the local history, a little about the language, and a little about the culture. Melissa even shares her experiences with TEFL training and her job search.

Kimchi for Breakfast

Danny and Katy Doerksen teach in Andong, South Korea, and their blog shares their adventures there. Reading their blog gives you great insight into what it will be like as a foreigner living in another country. Recent posts follow their experiences with the Lantern festival, a pot-luck Thanksgiving dinner, and Dr. Fish (a pedicure that uses tiny fish to nibble the dead skin from the bottoms of your feet!).

Teaching and Life — Not Necessarily in That Order

Learn about the joys of the jjimjilbang (public bath) and the hazards of not being able to find headache medicine at a convenience store in Korea with this fun blog by Audrey. You’ll get a window into the life of a foreigner here and pick up a few tips along the way about public behavior, language, and other Korean customs.

Wandering Solo

The author of this blog spent seven months teaching English in Vietnam, and is now teaching in Shanghai, China. You can read about Chinese culture and life in the classroom. Some interesting recent posts include 10 Things to Consider When Choosing a Teaching Job, 10 Things Chinese Students Think About Life in the U.S., and How to Be a Language Learning Role Model.

A Moment in the Sun

Follow along with this teacher on a one-year contract in Spain, and learn all about the culture, the ins and outs of teaching and a lot of new vocabulary! Some especially helpful posts include Links to Live By, Adventures in Tutoring, and Complication of Simple Things (about language barriers).

Adventures in Korean

“He who does not know foreign languages does not know anything about his own. ~Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Kunst and Alterthum” So titled is this blog, which documents the year that Alisa Williams has spent teaching in Suwon, just south of Seoul. Alisa’s blog also includes some Korean words (for others also interested in learning the language), Korean resources, pictures, and information on responsibly adopting or fostering a pet during your stay.

My Thai

Though this teacher’s contract in Thailand ended in October, there are still a lot of great posts in the archives to give you a window into the experience of teaching and living in “the land of smiles.” Recent posts explore Thai markets, classroom games and activities, the experience of being a foreigner in Thailand, and everyday customs.

Kristina in Korea

Learn about Korean history, language and culture as you follow Kristina’s adventures teaching and traveling in South Korea. You can also follow her on a trip to China and the Great Wall! There are lots of pictures and some great tips and insight for foreigners new to living abroad.

Rip City to Seoul

In addition to his reflections on life in Korea, Dustin’s blog is filled with video, pictures, and useful resources about Korea. Dustin has also written articles for local publications about Korean culture, and he has started a show for his blog on Arirang TV. His blog also includes an FAQ for those thinking about moving to Korea and other useful blogs.

Teaching English in Korea – ESL Blog

This blog shares lots of great ideas for teaching English. Some recent posts includes topic ideas for extra credit writing assignments, suggested videos for beginning a debate segment, and other topic ideas and stories for possible debate.

My Life! Teaching in a Korean University

You’ll find lots of helpful resources, tips, and other advice about finding a job in a university and managing your classroom. Books, podcasts and other resources are also available in the links section for further research. The author has also created other resources for living in Korea and teaching ESL, which she has also listed in the links section.

Wake Up and Dance

Danielle started her blog when she was teaching in Thailand; she went on to backpack through Asia and work in eco-tourism in Thailand, and is now teaching English in Korea. Posts take a humorous look at Korean culture and the way English is often misused, such as this notebook, this subway ad, and this shampoo bottle. There is also a lot of reflection about living in a foreign culture, often with comparisons drawn between Korea and Thailand.

Chance’s EPIK Adventure

Chance is a teacher at an elementary school on Daegu, South Korea, and her blog combines personal reflections with stories about her life as a teacher and a foreigner living in Korea. Her post Voice of Korea offers some insight into Korean culture through an interview with a Korean woman. In the Mood for Some Puppy Chow talks about the Korean practice of eating dog. You’ll find many more interesting posts about culture and teaching here!

My Korean Journey, Unfiltered

…with the caveat “OK it’s a little filtered.” Although recent posts cover trips to China and Japan, this blog is all about teaching in Korea — or at least it was. The author has finished up a teaching contract in Korea, but there are still plenty of posts in the archives to follow the experience and learn from it.

Teaching Traveling!

Read interviews with teachers and travelers all over the world for their tips and perspective on what they do. You can browse profiles and interviews for tips, info about lesson plans, or just inspiration. The site also includes useful links and a forum.

Jimbo’s English Teaching in Japan Blog

Jimbo blogs about his experiences teaching in Japan, with a focus on teacher education. Posts often discuss classroom activities and pedagogy. Some interesting recent posts include The Problem with PPP, Adapting a Task to a Junior High School, and What Do Kids Get Out of Listening to English Picture Books?.

Teaching English in Wuxi, China

Andis Kaulins is a Canadian teaching in Wuxi, China at Hylite Language School. His blog also acts as an unofficial home page for the Hylite Language School. Those interested in teaching at the school or in teaching in China in general can find plenty of information here. There are videos of language lessons, sample discussion questions, and, of course, job postings for Hylite.

A Sistah’s Seoul

Toya explains that she was a member of SISUTHS Inc. in college — which stands for Strength, Initiative, Spirituality, Tenacity, Unity, Health, Substance. She says “This women’s oraganization has taught me to embrace challenges in order to progress in life. I am forever a SISTUH. Now I’m a SISTUH in Seoul.” She shares her adventures as a teacher and foreigner living and working in Seoul, the capital of South Korea.

Teach English Abroad in Korea

This practical blog focuses on what you need to know about living and teaching in Korea, including profiles of cities and regions, information about public high schools, positions with EPIK, shopping markets, and more. There are also sections according to where you are in your journey, such as “Getting to Korea” (information on airfare, getting a visa, and more), “Living in Korea” (information on food, language, news, cost of living and much more), “Teaching in Korea” (information on public and private schools, administration, your co-teachers and more), and “Finding a Job.”

English Teaching in Japan

This blog includes frequent podcasts, videos, and video podcasts “sharing ideas and experiences about English teaching in Japan.” There are interviews with exchange students and former teachers, discussions about teaching, stories about travel and much more. This is a lively resource for any teacher interested in living in Japan!

A Girl Teaching English Abroad in Japan

Learn about things like Pocky Day (in honor of a treat of stick-shaped crackers dipped in chocolate), toilets in Japan (they are holes in the floor), Japan’s summer clothing habits and more in this fun blog that offers a Westerner’s view of living in Japan. There are some posts about teaching and classroom activities, but most of the focus is on the day-to-day experiences of living in Japan.

Roboseyo

Rob combines his name with the common expression used to answer the phone in Korea — “yoboseyo” — for the name of this blog about living and teaching in Korea. Posts are in-depth and reveal a lot about Korean culture and everyday life there. Check out OK, Lee Hyori Gets it Right This Time for an interesting discussion about Korean pop music, as well as Korean attitudes about native Koreans, and Roboseyo’s Favorite Things About Winter in Korea, and Two Rabbit Trails for a funny look at winter in Korea.

From Busan With Love

Jenna shares lots of pictures and details about her adventures in Korea and in the classroom. She teaches in Busan, which is on the southeastern coast of Korea. Some popular recent posts include The Korean Talent Show, Love Land: The Discussion of Sex in Korean Culture, and Jenna Vs. The Bus.

Marshmallow Sensei

“Born in New Jersey, raised in Yorkshire, living in Japan. Don’t worry, I’m confused too…” Matt is a freelance writer and English Language teacher working in Nagano Prefecture, Japan. He talks about Japanese culture, including karaoke, Manga, fireworks and festivals. Other recent posts also share his experiences with the Japanese winter, traveling on a budget, and classroom interactions. This detailed blog will give you great insight into what it’s like teaching in Japan!

The Escapades of the Lovely Miss Edita!

The Lovely Miss Edita is a recent college graduate who is currently teaching at a public elementary school in Suwon, South Korea. She shares lots of great photos from travels and sightseeing around Korea, as well as the stories behind those travels. There is also a lot of discussion about teaching and experiences in the classroom, as well.

Well, That is Interesting Blog

Follow along with Christine’s experiences living in Korea, and read about Korean pop music (Life and All), tensions with North Korea (What’s Going On?), and daily life as a teacher (A Day in Life), among other topics.

Green-Eyed Geisha

This blog promises to show you “Japan like you’ve never seen it before from the skewed perspective of a foreign (at least to some people) twenty-something living with her Japanese beau in Tokyo.” She doesn’t work as a teacher, but there is enough here about the ups and downs of living as a “foreigner” in Japan to be of use to many English teachers.

Shotgun Korea

Follow the story of a couple who hastily got married so they could move to Korea to teach. (They were told that in order to live together in sponsored housing, they would have to be married.) Some interesting recent posts include Imports (about the differences in American and Korean customs), Applause (about the peculiarities of Korean bathrooms), and Should Have Known (about weight issues).

inhale. exhale. repeat.

Amy Kate shares her adventures teaching in Korea, ranging from misadventures with public transportation (Exploring in the Eastern Hemisphere) to classroom experiences (These Children Exhaust Me) to getting a physical (Healthcare – Korean Style). You’ll find lots of insights and humor along the way!

Subbing in Seoul

“A naive Irish freelancer and sub-editor negotiates Korea’s capital.” Though you won’t learn much about teaching abroad, you will learn a lot about living in Korea and its culture. There is thoughtful commentary and discussion about all aspects of living in Korea, from food and culture to current events to the language. Check out Jitters in Pyongyang’s Shadow, Drinking With the Islanders, and Rating the Beer. Many of the posts have a nice narrative style that brings to life the stories they tell.

Now I’m in Japan

Beth shares her experiences living in Tokyo with a wry look at many of oddities and other quirks that stand out about day-to-day life as a Westerner. Some interesting recent posts include Golden Gai, Children’s Toys for One Coin!, and Sick_Japan.

Taiwan Teacher

Posts here range from the practical ( What to Bring, What to Buy There and TTJ Bus: A Cool Thing for Taichungers) to managing life in Taiwan (Frizzle Frazzle and Keepin’ Legal). You’ll learn a lot from the more than two years this American has spent living and teaching in Taiwan.

Hungary is Alex’s Classroom

Alex teaches English in Békéscsaba, Hungary, and this blog shares his experiences and thoughts about his time there. Alex often uses a narrative style to bring the stories to life. Some interesting recent posts include How Lucky They Are, Why Worry, and Conjugate the Verbs or Learn the Words? Each post includes a Hungarian word of the day, also!

Caveat Dumptruck

Jared has a background in linguistics, and was a database programmer for many years. He has been teaching in South Korea since 2007 in different locations. He warns: “This is not an ‘about Korea’ blog, per se. It’s a ‘whatever I happen to be thinking about’ blog, that currently takes place in Korea.” But you’ll still learn a lot about Korea and about what it’s like to teach there.

Korea: My Life, My Story

Spenser chronicles his life in Korea as a teacher and the adventures he shares with other ex-pats. This blog gives a nice snapshot into a day in the life of a foreigner living in and exploring Korea — from everyday activities to travel in and around Seoul.

Tokyo Moe

Tokyo Moe has been living in Nakano, Tokyo with his Japanese husband since 2008. The blog is not about teaching, but rather about Japanese culture and life there. Moe explains the blog this way: “It includes my interests in male fashion and hair, male vanity and crime, male romance as created by women manga artists, ikemen and pop culture.”

This is Christie

Christie shares her experiences living and teaching in Hungary, with a lot of useful information for those interested in doing the same. Some posts that gives a good snapshot into daily life in Hungary include Sometimes Hungary is So Lame, Vidor Festival, and — specifically about life as a foreigner in Hungary — New Flat! (That’s Right, I Said ‘Flat’).

Mokdong Magpie

Sarah teaches middle school at a private Haegwon in Seoul. Her blog shares many reflections about teaching and living in Korea, as well as some advice and tips. Her last three posts were especially good: Christmas in Korea, explaining the Korean word “jung;” Letter to Prospective Teachers, offering advice to those considering making the move; and Easy Rice Cooker Gingerbread, with instructions on making gingerbread with the limited resources you’re likely to have.

Lauren in San Lorenzo de El Escorial

Lauren spent two years in Budapest, but now she’s in Spain studying for her Master’s in bilingual and multicultural education while teaching. Posts go back far enough to cover both her experiences in Hungary and in Spain.

Travels, or Such

Read about teaching and living in Tapei, Taiwan, as well as other travels including numerous locations in South America, Europe, and Asia. The blog includes numerous links to other resources, including helpful web sites, blogs and more.

Will Kill for Kalbi

The bloggers formerly known as the Kimchi-Lovin’ Canucks return to Korea after a hiatus after a two-year stint. The blog shares the experiences of this couple and their two children as they explore Korea and teaching once again.

Posted by maria magher | in Career, Education | 5 Comments »

Before you go to college, figure out what you really want to do

Aug. 26th 2010

In the discussion over for-profit colleges, a lot of attention has been paid to how well these institutions are preparing students for gainful employment. Some have focused on the high debt load that students take on, while others have focused on how well students are counseled on the degrees they choose.

It is the latter point that needs more scrutiny — at all colleges, for-profit or not. Not only is there little done to counsel students on the degrees they should pursue based on their career interests, but there is little done to counsel them on how to choose those careers. Many students arrive at college — and graduate — without any idea about what they want to do with their lives. When they begin their studies, most students are just starting to live their lives independently and have little experience and little understanding of what it is they want to do. They often choose majors for careers that they end up realizing that have no passion for, or they later pursue careers that have nothing to do with their majors. And many opt for malleable degrees such as English or Liberal Studies that can be applied to a wide variety of disciplines.

In order to make the college experience — and its resulting degree — more meaningful for its purpose, it would serve students well to make career counseling a central part of the academic planning process. Thought most schools already offer these services for students who seek them out, they are not made a critical component of the educational process. They should be.

For students who don’t have access to career counseling services at their college or university — such as those attending for-profit institutions — there are some other options.

Personality testing

The Myers Briggs Type Indicator is one of the most commonly used tests to help you understand your basic personality type and what occupations it might be suited for best. There are 16 personality types identified by the test, with four different attributes: either extroverted or introverted, thinking or feeling, judging or perceiving, and sensing or intuitive. For example, the description of an INFJ reads:

Seek meaning and connection in ideas, relationships, and material possessions. Want to understand what motivates people and are insightful about others. Conscientious and committed to their firm values. Develop a clear vision about how best to serve the common good. Organized and decisive in implementing their vision.

These core personality traits can tell you about what kind of work will suit you best.

The Self-Directed Search is another test that assesses your basic interests to find out what kind of work will suit you. Test takers are asked a series of questions about what tasks interest them and how they would rate their specific skills. Then a personalized report is generated with personality analysis and career suggestions.

The Campbell Interest and Skill Survey and the Strong Interest Inventory provide similar services, assessing an individual’s personality type and interests.

These tests can often be taken individually and online, but the Myers Briggs Type Indicator must be administered by a professional who can properly explain the results.

Professional career counseling

There are numerous career counseling services available both online and in your local area. Licensed social workers, psychologists and psychiatrists can often guide you through making career decisions and finding the best career to suit your interests and goals.

Many online services are also available.

CareerCounseling.com offer career assessment and career testing, career exploration, research, coaching, and guidance on preparing a resume and finding a job. There are also ads for jobs and services to post your resume with employers.

CareerPlanner.com offers career and personality testing, as well as counseling on resume writing and changing careers.

The Career Key offers services for students, parents, adults, school counselors and teachers, college, career development professionals, and potential licensees. There are numerous resources for testing, counseling, advice, strategies, and more.

The Center for Professional Development offers counseling for individuals, corporations and organizations, and those looking to continue their education or make a career change.

Books


Also consider some of these self-help guides for career guidance:

What Color is Your Parachute? A classic book, updated.

Getting from College to Career

The Pathfinder: How to Choose or Change Your Career for a Lifetime of Satisfaction and Success Great for job seekers of all kinds!

Do What You Are: Discover the Perfect Career for You Through the Secrets of Personality Type

Now What? The Young Person’s Guide to Choosing the Perfect Career

Life’s a Bitch and Then You Change Careers: 9 Steps to Get Out of Your Funk and On to Your Future

The Career Guide for Creative and Unconventional People

I Could Do Anything if Only I Knew What it Was: How to Discover What You Really Want and How to Get It

Escape from Corporate America: A Practical Guide to Creating the Career of Your Dreams

Career Match: Connecting Who You Are with What You’ll Love to Do

Posted by maria magher | in Career, Education | No Comments »

Building your personal learning network

Aug. 3rd 2010

Networking is key to building your professional contacts and finding your next career move, but it is no longer simply about greeting colleagues over cocktails and exchanging business cards. Social-networking and the Internet have led to a myriad of new opportunities that have changed the way professionals meet and interact with one another. And networking is no longer simply about making contacts for prospective positions: Many educators are using networking as a means of continuing their professional development, exchanging ideas, improving their teaching, and learning about new strategies.

A Personal Learning Network (PLN) is created by the individual to suit individual needs. They can include your colleagues, friends, family members, and experts in your field of interest. And thanks to technology, they are no longer limited to people you know personally and have face-to-face contact with, but can be anyone from anywhere in the world.

Here are some of the many tools available to you to help build your own PLN, and some tips for how to use them:

Social Networking

Facebook and MySpace

Facebook and MySpace aren’t just for teenagers who want to tag and share photos or obsess over the details of each other’s lives. Many professionals use the sites to meet and engage one another. You can use the sites to share articles, engage in conversations about professional topics, find and shares tips and ideas, ask for advice, and more. You can find educators through keyword searches, or by looking up the names of professionals whose work you have read about in other literature, such as journals. You can also join groups on the sites according to professional interest or membership affiliation.

Twitter and Plurk

With the limitations on space — updates are limited to 140 characters — these microblogging sites can recreate the feel of a real-time conversation. Many educators use these sites to share links to blog posts, articles, resources, and more. They also engage in conversations about pedagogy and trends in education. You can find other educators on Twitter by looking at groups like http://twittgroups.com/groups/teachers.

Professional Networks

Learn Central is a forum designed especially for educators. You can share content and participate in live online meetings.

LinkedIn and BrightFuse offer a space for an online professional profile and a chance to connect with other professionals. You can add contacts that are both personal and professional, and you can find new contacts through these connections.

Blogs

WordPress, Blogger, Typepad, and Alltop are just a few of the sites that let you create and browse blogs for free.

Reading blogs is a primary tool for learning about what’s new and important in your field of interest. You’ll find articles, reviews, opinion pieces, and in-depth discussions through blogs. You can engage in the conversation, or you can simply read them to stay abreast of what’s current. Many education blogs are also rich sources of information, ideas, tips, strategies, lesson plans, and more. Once you find some blogs that match your interests and that provide the most useful information, be sure to subscribe to them or add them to a RSS aggregator like Google Reader to receive notifications for new content.

Writing and maintaining your own blog is also a good way to build your network because you control the conversation. You can solicit the kind of information and opinions you want to receive, and you can even solicit advise on techniques or lessons that you want to try out in the classroom.

Nings

Nings are online community networks that you create or join. In order to get the most out of them, you need to be an active participant. Join the discussion forums, ask and answer questions, share links and ideas, and more. Being a passive observer may result in you learning some information about your topic, but becoming actively involved will let you control the information you receive and will help you get the most out of the resource.

Browse Ning for networks that match your interests, or try starting with these: ISTE Members and Classroom 2.0.

Bookmarking

Delicious and Diigo allow you to create a collection of bookmarks that can be shared with others. You can categorize bookmarks, and look at what others have compiled. It’s a great way to discover new resources according to your interest! You can also join groups and get e-mail updates on new bookmarks that may be of interest to you.

Online Learning

Podcasts are becoming popular both for entertainment and for continued learning. iTunes U and Weblogg-ed TV offer podcasts that include lectures, audiobooks, lessons, and more. You can learn about anything anytime, creating a virtual university that can be tailored to your own interests.

Posted by maria magher | in Career, Education | No Comments »

Top 100 career advice blogs

Jul. 19th 2010

1. Career Realism – “We are the only career advice blog that ‘approves’ their experts, writes Career Realism’s founder, J.T. O’Donnell, who has been cited in The New York Times, CNN.com, MSNBC.com, and various other popular publications. “We make each expert apply to our program and we personally review their credentials and writing style to ensure they match with our goal of providing cutting-edge career advice. We have over 30 experts who provide advice on a daily basis and are currently ranked as one of the top 5 career advice blogs on the Internet.” Her tips for the unemployed? “Unemployed job seekers need to focus on connecting with people they don’t know,” she explains. “It’s easy to network with friends and family, but to find a job you have to expand your network. Start by asking people you do know to introduce you to the one person they think you should meet.” Recommended posts: “Resume Tips for a Career Change,” and “20 Powerful Action Verbs to Kick Your Resume Up a Notch!

2. WebWorkerDaily – Although most of the articles touch on unemployment and career advice, blogger Imran Ali also writes about the latest technology tools for UK-based business owners and professionals. This easy-to-use and interactive blog allows readers to click on articles related to a specific topic such as Apps, how-to guides, social media, and browsers, as well as Apple, Google, and Windows products. Recommended posts: “Sincerely, Me: What Our Email Sign-offs Say About Us,” and “DevCheatSheet: More Useful Free Reference Cards.”

3.  Position Ignition –  ”Position Ignition’s career blog offers a host of free information, advice, and guidance for people of all ages and who are serious about their careers,” writes Nisa Chitakasem, one of the co-founders of the site. “We have a number of Guides who all contribute to the blog and who have had real life and career experiences of their own to draw from. Not only are they great career guides and are highly qualified coaches –they have all had very successful careers –being HR Directors, Headhunters, CEOs, COOs, senior managers in top firms and more. The co-founder Simon North has been working in transition and change for over 25 years and has helped many individuals with their careers.” She advises the unemployed to “stay positive and also get focused…Being unfocused and untargeted in the market is the worst thing you could do. Too many people we come across have a scattergun approach – firing out CVs everywhere and applying for anything they can get hold of. What’s more effective is getting clear about what you want, why you want it, why you’re the one to do it and how to get that across effectively in the market. This is what we help people do and they all end up in the right places for them!”  Recommended posts: “5 Popular Career Personality Tests” and “Job searching: Find the Needle.”

4. Career Copilot – Career Strategist and Pro Resume Writer Dan Keller helps job seekers “navigate through the changes and challenges of the job hunt.” Keller’s background includes experience in executive search and corporate recruiting, and offers readers his advice from his own experiences and insight “from the trenches.” He is also the owner of ProResumeWriter.com Recommended posts: “How to find a job on Linkedin,” 5 tips to help you through a career change,” and “Why Job Boards are evil.

5. Punk Rock HR – Forget Sheena, Laurie Ruettimann is the true punk rocker…of the career-advice blogging world. After reading its tagline (“Team building is for suckers”), it becomes apparent that Laurie has a lot to say about the HR world, and isn’t afraid to say it. For the past ten years, she has worked as a “seasoned and cynical HR professional,” and currently serves as a member of The Society for Human Resources Management. Her blog has been listed as one of the “Top 50 Blogs” by Evan Carmichael in 2010, as well as”Top 25 HR Digital” blog awards by HR Examiner, and her writing has been featured in The New York Times, US News & World Report, CFO Magazine, and Men’s Health. Recommended posts: “Mentors: Who Needs ‘Em?” and “You Are Not Allowed to Criticize HR.”

6. Maggie Mistal – CNN has called her “one of the nation’s best known career coaches,” she has appeared several times on CNN Newsroom as a career expert, and she hosts her own weekly radio show: “Making a Living with Maggie.” She has also interviewed several big-name celebrities like Martha Stewart, Sally Field, Deepak Chopra, and Stephen Covey. “As painful as the economic challenges have been, I am positive,” writes Mistal. “Rather than just landing another job, people now need to focus on the right job for them.  They need to soul search more deeply than in the past to know what they’re passionate about, what they’re best at and what they’re truly motivated and inspired to do with their skills and talents” More and more I hear people say they just aren’t falling into jobs like they used to.  They need to be the perfect fit to get hired.  The good news: you ARE the perfect fit for your ideal career.  Don’t wait another day to do the Soul Search, Research and Job Search to find it,” she explains. Maggie recommends looking into your college alumni network to find leads on jobs: “Many alumni associations offer online search-able databases where you can find contacts in your chosen field,”  she states. “Take a genuine interest in the careers of your fellow alums and they’ll return the favor.”  Recommended posts: “What I wish I knew when I graduated” and ”How to gain respect at work.”

7. Penelope Trunk’s Brazen Careerist – Popular amongst fellow bloggers, Penelope Trunk’s career advice has appeared in more than 200 newspapers, and Business Week has even described her writing as “poetic.” When asked to explain her advice for the unemployed, she writes: “Stop waiting to be invited to do work. Make up projects for yourself, do them, and put them on your resume. A resume is a list of things you’ve accomplished, not things you’ve gotten paid to do.” Recommended posts: “5 Time management tricks I learned from years of hating Tim Ferriss,” “How to find the most fulfilling careers,” and “Make life more stable with more frequent job changes.

8. The Chief Happiness Officer – Best-selling author Alexander Kjerulf AKA “The Chief Happiness Officer” has worked with the likes of IBM, Hilton, LEGO, HP, IKEA, and many more. In the past, he has consulted with various businesses and also conducts workshops on how individuals can achieve more happiness at work. Recommended posts: “Top 5 reasons why “The customer is Always Right” is wrong,” “How to lose your fear of being fired,” and “How to handle chronic complainers.”

9. Job Mob –  This interactive blog conducts a variety of different polls and contests, such as the “Guest Blogging Contest,” or “Leave a Comment Contest.” Articles can also serve as a great introduction to the latest in employment news and trends, and provide different tips on LinkedIn and Twitter. There are also a number of different posts related to employment in Israel. Recommended posts: “Top Job Search Trends Among Graduates & Students This Year” and “Top 60 LinkedIn Groups for Job Seekers and Recruiters.”

10. The Undercover Recruiter – Author Jorgen Sundberg has over seven years of experience in recruitment and international technology, and he currently works as a personal branding and social media strategist. “Sending resumes and cover letters is a strategy that won’t work for most people, try to stand out instead,” reveals Sundberg. “Brand yourself by speaking, writing, networking or any other activity that will attract opportunities to you.” Recommended posts: “5 Tricks Recruiters Use to Find You,” “Example Cover Letter Format that gets Your Resume Read,” and “Job Interview: How to Answer the Greatest Weaknesses Question?

11. Corn on the Job – “Corn on the Job isn’t just a job search blog. It’s a community where job seekers, HR professionals, recruiters, hiring managers, and other bloggers come together to discuss all areas of the job search,” writes Rich DeMatteo. “While I may start the discussion, my community of Corn Heads take over as we continue to learn with each other.” DeMatteo has worked in both Agency and Corporate Recruiting, and has experience coaching both job seekers and hiring managers. His blog has received much recognition over the past few years: It was voted as one of the “Top Blogs to Follow” in 2010, one of the “Top 50 Career Advocate Blogs” by eCollegeFinders, made the list for the “Top 10 Gen Y Career Bloggers”, as well as NMH’s “Top 10 Blogs of 2009″. “It’s easy for your lifestyle and habits to change drastically when unemployed,” explains DeMatteo. “You can find yourself going to bed many hours later than you used to, while also waking up later in the morning.  Not only does this affect your job search, but it will also hurt you when starting the next job.  Try your hardest to maintain a healthy lifestyle, and utilize your 9-5 to hunt for work.” Recommended posts:  ”The 5 iPhone Apps That Every Job Seeker Needs” and “An example of a personal job search website.”

12. Adventures of a Job Search Ninja –  Blogger Todd Bavol has over 20 years of experience in  recruitment, HR, leadership and entrepreneurial experience. He has also written five books on career management topics, and was recently inducted into the Philadelphia CEO Hall of Fame. “I am passionate about making a difference in the lives of others,” explains Bavol.  His tips for the unemployed are to “never, ever, ever, ever, ever send the same resume out to two different jobs. A resume should sing to the job you are applying for; it should be obvious looking at the resume that you are the perfect fit.” Recommended posts: “LinkedIn – Is It Worth Being A Member?” as well as a variety of different articles which explain how to tailor your resume to a certain industry (such as retail and customer service and health care professions).

13. KODA -  Blogger Lauren McCabe’s “post-graduation job hunt” not only landed her a job as a Publicity Director at a radio station, she also found employment as a beach surf instructor. Her blog has become an “online community” aimed to help connect employers and job seekers. “Employers are receiving resumes in record numbers,” explains McCabe, “so in order to differentiate yourself from the pack you must harness all of today’s communication tools to get the attention of a living, human being.” Recommended posts: “How Mermaids and Surfing Got Me My First Job in PR” and “Why Having a Business Card When You’re in College (or Unemployed) Isn’t Lame… and how to make yours awesome!

14. The Recruiters Lounge – This blog has received countless awards since 2005, but in the past year alone it was voted as one of the “Top 50 Human Resource Blogs to Watch in 2010″ by Evan Carmichael, and made the list of the “Top 50 Bloggers” by Business Resource Master, the “Top 10 Employment Bloggers” by Monster.com, and also received a nomination for “Blogger of the Year” by Chozen Awards. The site’s founder Jim Stroud also writes for The Searchologist,and currently works as a Social Media Development Manager for EnglishCafe. Recommended posts: “Addressing Illegal Questions in Job Interviews” and “What Should Be Included Within an Employment Contract?

15. The Work Buzz –  This site is a community for CareerBuilder.com “job seekers,” which is one of the largest online job search sites on the web. The authors keep readers updated with the latest in political news, such as the economy and employment benefits, as well as monthly job reports.  Recommended posts: “Can You Disagree With Your Boss and Not Lose Your Job?,” “Do unemployment benefits deter job seeking?,” and “When Co-Workers Don’t Realize They’re Annoying You.”

16. Employment Digest – Author Bill Vick is a publisher, speaker, recruiting coach, social media and recruiting industry consultant, as well as a “HeadHunter” and “serial entrepreneur.” He has even penned two books on recruiting, and is also the founder/board member of the Pinnacle Society, (an organization which recognizes achievement in the staffing industry), and he is also on the Board of Directors for the Texas Association Staffing Services (TAPS). Recommended posts: “Finding the Right Recruiter For Your Job Search” and “How to Create a Resume That Stands Out For Manger Jobs.

17. Career Rocketeer – Founder Chris Perry is a Gen Y brand and marketing generator who has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, ABCNews, and CNNMoney. His blog is full of tips for job seekers who need professional advice on resumes, cover letters, interviews, personal branding, and job searching. Recommended posts: “You won’t hire me because I’m unemployed? REALLY???” and “Did You Wind Up in a Default Career?

18. Career Diva - Eve Tahmincioglu (AKA “The Career Diva”) is a journalist and an award-winning columnist with MSNBC.com. Her blog has been named as one of the “Top 10 Career Blogs for Women” by Forbes magazine, and was also listed as one of the “Top 9 Job Blogs You Should be Reading” by CNN and Careerbuilder. “If you’ve been looking for a job for more than six months it’s time for a reality check,” she states.”…Trash your resume, bypass job boards, and ask yourself what you’re doing wrong? Does the job you’re looking for even exist any more? If so, find the people you can network with to get you connected to a hiring manager directly. If not, think about what else you’re qualified to do; and consider updating your skills.” Recommended posts: “Should your college GPA land you a job?” and “Girls just want to network — without men.

19. Interview IQ – Blogger Karalyn Brown currently works as a career journalist, and also writes for The Australian and Management Today publications. She previously worked as a HR and recruitment consultant, and discusses employment issues and topics on late night chat shows. Her advice for the unemployed is to network and to not just rely on advertised roles: “These are such a small percentage of the market,” she writes, “Let people know you are looking for work, and get out and get active. I’ve found voluntary work helps a lot, because it gets people out of the house, increases their confidence and social circles, gives people a purpose, and often jobs come out of this. I’ve personally found lots of professional contacts come from doing voluntary work.” Recommended posts: “Social Media Background Screening” and “More weak (and pesky) resume words.

20. Cube Rules – “I advocate for the person toiling away in the cubicle, writes author Scot Herrick. “Much advice is provided to management, but little to the individual worker, trying to survive and thrive at work. I’ve had a long career as an individual contributor and manager in Fortune 100 Corporations and have seen what works and what doesn’t from both ends of the spectrum.” His tips for the unemployed? “Discouragement is easy and you must fight through [it] to continue to look for work. Re-examine your resume. Does it list accomplishments? Does it show results, done with numbers, that your work has done for the business? Most do not, yet hiring managers want to interview people that show results from their work. Regularly contact your network (even though it probably feels bad to do so since you are not working…). Most jobs are not advertised — as high as 90% — so you need to penetrate the hidden job market through talking with the people you know.” Recommended posts: “Your job mismatch will kill your career” and “3 things to do if you hate your boss.”

21. Jobacle –  Yet another blog to make it on the eCollegeFinders’ “Top 50 Career Advocates” list, Jobacle offers more edgy and realistic career advice for job seekers. “Jobacle offers realistic career advice that is a bit edgier than those HotMonsterBuilder blogs,” writes author Andrew G.T. “We don’t pretend to be experts, but we do aim to share advice that is designed to make work better. His advice for the unemployed is to “try something different – radically different!  You might never get the opportunity again…and you might discover you love doing something you had never previously considered.” Recommended posts: “How to Find Internships: A Chat With YouTern CEO,” “10 Reasons Adults Should Go Back to School,” and “7 Ways To Get A Raise.

22. JT & Dale – The two authors of this blog are two of the most highly respected authors in the career-advice blogging world. J.T. O’Donnell is the founder CareerRealism.com, and author Dale Dauten has been described as a “guru” to White House staff by government publications. The two of them write a career advice column titled “J.T. & Dale Talk Jobs” which has appeared in over 100 American newspapers. Readers can write to J.T. and Dale, who then respond to their questions in their articles and blog posts. Recommended posts: “Family Members as References?” and “How Vital is Location in Job Search?

23. Resume Bear – Job seekers could spend hours reading through the articles on this site, most of which consist of resume and cover letter tips, and how to survive the recession. The authors also provide various statistics on salaries and wages, as well as employment trends for students and interns. Recommended posts: “How to Market Yourself to Employers in a Recession,” “Top 50 Recession-Proof Industries (And What Makes Them Recession-Proof) Part 1,” and “Five Myths and Realities Behind Temporary Work.

24. The Career Makeover Coach – “My own personal work history is full of makeovers,” explained author Tai Goodwin. “I’ve been an employment coordinator, classroom teacher, training coordinator, e-learning developer and instructional designer. My goal has always been to follow my interest and passion, which worked really well, but then I had to learn how to make sure I was earning what I deserved as well. I was willing to take the risk and make the changes that would help me land a job that supports the lifestyle I want to live. The goal of the articles I post is to help others do the same.” Her tips for the unemployed include targeting your job search, (“instead of mass mailings focus on 20-25 companies that you want and then look for any and every way to get in front of someone who can hire you”); leverage all networking opportunities both online and offline, (she recommends LinkedIn and Twitter), and make your job search a full-time job. “Set goals, create a plan, measure your progress and revise what’s not working,” she writes. Her blog was also nominated as one of the top 50 career advocate blogs by eCollegeFinders, and Goodwin’s writing has also been featured in Shelfari, Amazon, Squidoo, and eZine Articles. ” Recommended posts: “Dear Executive Board: Do Something Different – Go Diverse” and “Ten Tips for Better Time Management.

25. Tim’s Strategy – So what exactly is “Tim’s strategy,” you ask? Ultimately, the author’s strategy is about ideas; as the blog’s summary states: “Ideas that can create change, encourage people and drive positive results in life.” Author Tim Tyrell-Smith writes his posts from not only the perspective of a job seeker, but a hiring manager as well. He is also the author of: “30 Ideas. The Ideas of Successful Job Search.” Recommended posts: “My Favorite Resume and CV Template: Introducing TruFocus,” “The 20 Habits of Highly Effective Networkers – Part 1,” and “10 Ways To Become A Person Of Influence.”

26. The Risesmart Blog – “Turn off CNBC and throw away the newspaper business section,” advises Sanjay Sathe, the President and CEO of Risesmart. “In times like these, the media tends to pile on the doom and gloom. Don’t let CNBC or other business media give you an excuse for not finding a job. Reduce your use of online job boards. Most job seekers are spending too much time searching online – and they’re ending up feeling frustrated and isolated as a result. According to Kelton Research, most online job seekers spend an average of 50 hours per month searching the Web for jobs. That’s too much time; restrict your searches to an hour per day, at most, so you can use your time more productively.” He also recommends that job seekers get “third-party critiques” of their resumes and interviewing skills, (“If you’re qualified for the jobs you’re applying for, there must be some reason you’re not getting them”), and to put all egos aside and ask for help from your friends or associates. “How far someone is willing to go to help you in your search is directly related to your ability to build real relationships. And that’s a far better way to spend your time than poring endlessly over job-board listings.”  He also recommends hiring a professional resume writing, “stage mock interviews,” and “widen your search parameters.” Recommended posts: “More workers quitting means shift in workforce” and “Salary hikes planned for 2011, but no guarantees.

27.  Great Leadership – This blog has been listed on several top career and leadership blogs over the past few years, such as Risesmart Career’s Top 100 list, Fistful of Talent’s “Top 25 Talent Management Blogs,” one of the “Top 50 Human Resources Blogs to Watch in 2010,”  and many, many more. The majority of the posts reflect the responsibilities and expectations for those who work in leadership positions, and provides numerous resources and tools on how to improve their leadership skills. Recommended posts: “How to Develop a Leadership Competency Model” and “How to Write a Great Individual Development Plan (IDP).

28. Keppie Careers –  Blogger Miriam Salpeter has been named as one of the “Top 10 Job Tweeters” by CNN, was the winner of the 2008 Jobacle.com Resume Writing Challenge, and she has also appeared in the Wall Street Journal as well as ABC and NBC news. She previously worked as the Vice President for a Wall Street firm, received training in career advising and counseling, and then went on to “head” the Career Action Center at the Rollins School of Public Health of Emory University. Recommended posts: “Revisiting LinkedIn – new features for job seekers and networkers” and “Twitter users are more likely to get job interviews.”

29. Escape From Corporate America – Blogger Pamela Skillings is an author and certified career coach, and she has been quoted in Newsweek, Forbes, Investors Business Daily, CNN.com, the Miami Herald, and ABC News. She has also appeared in The New York Times and several other print publications. Topics range from employment depression and innovative coaches, to entrepreneurs and creativity. Recommended posts: “Banished from Corporate America? Work for Yourself” and “Get a Life, Not a Job.”

30.  Guatam Ghosh on Organizations 2.0 – Author Guatam Ghost has been working in the corporate world of HR and Learning and Development for the past seven years, and eventually transitioned into working as an Independent Consultant. In the past four years his blog has been nominated on various top HR and career blogs, and he has been quoted in a number of different publications such as Times Ascent, the Mumbai Mirror, Mint WSJ, and many more. “There are various reasons why people are unemployed,” reveals Ghosh, “and there are no tips one can give except to say that people should learn to be brutally honest about their skills and ask for feedback post interviews they give. Sometimes the best job is not what you desire – but what is suitable for your skills and interests.” Recommended posts: “How differently do tomorrow’s workforce and today’s leadership think?” and “Leveraging Social Media for Organizational Learning and Development.

31. The Resume Chick – Each of the posts on this site are tailored to a certain profession or industry, as author Karen Flowers writes on a variety of different job positions, from construction and athletics, to writers and or military jobs. Categories include promotions, resume “do’s and don’ts,” retirement or coming out of retirement, and getting fired. Recommended posts: “How Not to be a Lifelong Student,” “The Other 5 Things People Lie About on Their Resume,” and “5 Signs You’re Ready for Retirement.”

32. Talent Culture – Talent Culture’s founder Meghan M. Biro has quite the diverse job history: She worked a Senior Consultant for a software company, designed markets for Collaborative Enterprise 2.0, Social Community, and New Media Innovation, and even pursued a career in the performing arts. The blog posts are written by a number of different authors, all of whom have a passion for helping people in their career and/or job search. Recommended posts: “Make Like Madonna And Reinvent Yourself,” and “The Power of Word of Mouth.”

33. The Change Blog –  Written by multiple authors, this site not only motivates readers to make positive career or education changes, it also provides advice on life changes as well. (For instance, some posts give tips on meditation and positive thinking, as well as discovering your passions, or using your subconscious to make changes in your life). Recommended posts: “10 Secrets for Instant Self-Confidence,” “How to Minimize Fear When Making a Major Career Shift,” and “5 Fundamentals for Success in Life.”

34. Lindsey Pollak – If you’ve been searching around the net for different career advice blogs, then you’ve probably stumbled upon Lindsey Pollak’s blog. Pollak is a best-selling author, and her words of wisdom have been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, NPR, and NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams. Her site was also named as one of the “Top 100 Websites for Women” by Forbes.com, and was also listed as Marie Claire’s “100 Twitters Every Woman Should Follow.” Recommended posts: “5 Career “Super Foods” and “Top 5 Recruiter Pet Peeves REVEALED!

35. Sklover Working Wisdom – “Career advice on our blog is based on 25+ years of assisting employees worldwide on issues of their career transitions,” explains blogger/attorney Alan L. Sklover, “from interviewing to hiring, to promotion, to dismissal. As attorneys, we have also had the unique experience of having to go ‘into the trenches,’ that is, work in difficult conditions to resolve often-bitter disputes, something traditional career blogs shy away from. In addition, the worldwide workplace has now become “infiltrated” with legal rules, regulations and considerations, which we can comment on, as well, from non-compete agreements, to licensing requirements, to rights on termination, to who owns “creations” developed on the job…We are not just lawyers, but seasoned and sophisticated negotiators, and the unemployed often have the hardest “sell” of all. Also, we assist the unemployed with crafting the ‘reasons I am now unemployed,’ something few career blogs address.” Recommended posts: “How do I pick a good employment attorney to represent me?” and “How can I collect commissions due me from my former employer and still get a good job reference?

36. The Glass Hammer – For women, by women, this site strives to “ensure gender parity and total inclusion for women of all industries.” It also won the “Blog of the Year Award” at the 2008 Stevie Awards for Women in Business, and its motto is to “inform, empower and inspire professional women.” The Glass Hammer’s publisher and editor-in-chief is originally from Belfast, and is involved in various other online career websites. The Associate Editor, Melissa Anderson, is a writer, editor, and “social media expert,” and has a passion for “fostering gender equality” and improving workplace satisfaction. Recommended posts: “Incentivizing the Return to the Office after Childbirth” and “More Women Leaders: Time For A Different Approach.”

37. Blogging4jobs – “All too often career experts are providing the safe and cook cutter answers to the job search,” writes Jessica Miller-Merrell, the site’s main author. “In this competitive market, being cookie cutter no longer gets you noticed by hiring managers or recruiters. [Our] site seeks to provide job seekers a realistic point of view about their job search and feedback on how they can improve.” Her advice for job seekers, which can also be applied to those who are currently employed, is to “consider themselves brands and evaluate how, when, why, and if they are reaching their target audience…The market is extremely competitive. Their target audience should be recruiters, HR professionals, and hiring managers. The best case scenario is for job seekers to start building their brand before they are in the market for a job no less than 6 months prior.” Recommended posts: “Beyond Niche Networking” and “Smile…You’re Underqualified.”

38. Three Star Leadership – “If you are a boss at any level, this blog will give you insight, information, and pointers to resources to do a better job and live a better life,” writes blogger Wally Bock. Bock covers everything bossy-related: from mentoring and working as a team, or leadership and customer service. Some of the posts cover various books, articles, or other blogs he has come across as well. Recommended posts: “Be the boss, but don’t be a jerk” and “Making the Move to Boss: Three Phases of Transition.”

39. All Things Workplace –  Recognition for this blog includes winning the #1 spot for the “Best of Leadership Blogs” in 2008, a nomination for one of the “Top 100 Career Blogs” by RiseSmart, and another nomination as one of the “Top 50 Blogs in 2009″ by Evan Carmichael. Author Steve Roesler worked as a Drill Instructor in the U.S. Army, and then went on to become an award-winning author and speaker on leadership and career management. He is also a member of the American Society for Training and Development, and is certified in Situational Leadership and “Problem-Solving/Decision Making Methodologies.” Recommended posts: “Six Steps To Getting Your New Idea Accepted” and “About To Speak? First Impressions.”

40. Escape from Cubicle Nation – Blogger Pamela Slim has appeared in several news media outlets and publications, like ABC News, Time, Forbes, BusinessWeek, CNN Money, Los Angeles Times, Wall Street Journal, and the New York Times, U.S. News & World Report, San Francisco Examiner, Psychology Today; (just to name a few…). Believe it or not, Smith used to be (in her words) a “corporate prisoner,” but today she has become a world renown career coach whose advice is featured in O Magazine. Recommended posts: “Find joy in the terror of starting something new” and “Sales tip: work a little old school outreach into your new school marketing.”

41. Personal Branding Blog –  Take MC Hammer’s advice: this is a blog that’s worth looking into. (MC Hammer listed this site as one of his top favorite blogs. Really, it’s true). Not only that, this blog was also voted as one of the “Top 50 Media and Marketing Blogs” by AdAge, was nominated as one of the “The 9 Job Blogs You Should be Reading” by CareerBuilder, and it also placed 28th in Technorati’s Top Small Business Blogs. Recommended posts: “Are You Making These 5 Personal Branding Mistakes?” and “How to Align Your Business Cards with Your Brand.”

42. Boomers Next Step – Feeling out of touch in the technology age? The posts on this site not only give great career advice and job searching tips, they also provide introductory articles so readers can get educated on LinkedIn, online resumes, and even top retirement destinations. The unique and interactive format allows readers to look into other article topics such as age biases, and franchising, and a list of different video and audio resources is also provided. Recommended posts: “How to Keep Your Age a Secret in an Executive Resume,” “Best Mid-life Career Change Tips,” and “10 More Tips For Finding Jobs Over 40.”

43. Ask a Manager – Have you ever wished you had telepathic powers so you could see into the mind of your boss or hiring manager? Well the popular Ask a Manager blog allows you to do just that, (minus the telepathic powers).  Blogger Alison Green answers her readers’ questions which range from how to answer tricky interview questions, to what to do if you’re about to get fired. Green is the former chief of staff for a successful nonprofit organization, and currently writes a weekly column for the U.S. News & World Report’s website. She also co-authored the book “Managing to Change the World: The Nonprofit Leader’s Guide to Getting Results.” Recommended posts: “How long should it take a new hire to get up to speed?” and “Does ‘we’ll keep your resume on file’ really mean anything?

44. Career Goddess -  Blogger Susan Guarneri is the only National Certified Career Counselor in the world who is also certified in personal branding, online identity management, resume writing, career coaching, job/career transitioning, and interviewing. When asked about her advice for the unemployed, Susan explained that job seekers should update their education with technical, computer, and soft skills training that is relevant to their field: “Employers do not pay a premium for ‘old knowledge,’” she writes, “maximize the extent of your networking AND show that you are current with the times…Generic anything (resume, cover letter, online profile, etc.) does not win employer notice.” She also explained that LinkedIn is a “MUST” for any serious career professional. Recommended posts: “Upgrade Your Bare-Bones LinkedIn Profile” and “Social Networking & Blog Links in Your Resume?

45. Anne Headley – Voted as one of the “Top 50 Career Advocates” by eCollegeFinders, author Anne Headley is a career counselor who provides support in career decision-making, interview techniques, effective resume and interview techniques, and work adjustment. Her tips for the unemployed are to spend less time online and more time in the real world:  “Hiding out at home just doesn’t generate a job offer,” she writes, “get out there, make yourself useful, have some fun, meet some new people.  This is how the best opportunities happen.” Recommended posts: “The resume: keywords to the future” and “From CV to Resume: what’s a graduate to do?

46. Water Cooler Wisdom –  Alexandra Levit is an author, speaker, columnist for the Wall Street Journal, and blogger for HuffingtonPost.com. Her books include “They Don’t Teach Corporate in College,” “How’d You Score That Gig?” and “Success for Hire.” Her advice has also been featured in The New York Times, USA Today,  ABC News, Fox News, CNBC,  Cosmopolitan, CNN, MSN, Yahoo!, and many many more. Recommended posts: “How to Communicate Across Generations” and “Should You Start a Business While You Still Have a Job?

47. Career Alley – Also nominated as one of the “Top 50 Career Advocates,” topics on this blog include job searching tips for college graduates, career changes and transitions, how to use LinkedIn, as well as various facts and statistics on different on the different types of professions and industries. Recommended posts: “College Job or Stepping Stone?,” “Caps, Gowns and Jobs,” and “Paragraphs vs. Bullets On Your Resume: Why Too Much of a Good Thing is Bad.”

48. The Job Stalker – Articles on this blog are a combination of the blogger’s personal thoughts and experiences, as well as links to various other informative career-advice articles. Author Brendan Tripp has experience working in public relations, management, promotion, meeting planning, publishing, social media, and Virtual World development, but admits that his credentials are more “battle scars.” He provides a list of useful resources for job seekers such as starting up a domain, (he recommends “NAME.info format/url) to write up an HTML version of your resume along with a .pdf link and your LinkedIn profile. He also suggests designing some networking cards, and spend some money with VistaPrint to get your “elevator speech,” (such as your background, skills, and what you are looking for), printed on the second side. “But don’t bother with those things which put a whole roomful of unemployed people together,” he explains, “it’s depressing and usually useless.” His other recommendations include MeetUp, TweetUp, and EventBrite, Twitter and LinkedIn. Recommended posts: “What do you say when…” and “Who to follow on Twitter.”

49. Career Hub – Articles on this blog are written by multiple authors, all of whom have experience in the personal branding or career coaching field. Posts range from motivational tips for the employed, to job searching tips for the unemployed. The site’s founder Louise Fletcher writes that she created her blog to “[connect] job seekers with the best minds in career counseling, resume writing, personal branding and recruiting.” Recommended posts: “Stop Comparing Yourself To Others” and “The Cloud Approach To Writing Your Resume.

50. Employaid – Whether you are currently employed or unemployed, this site allows readers to “rave and rant” about work and the recession. Both humorous and informative, topics on this blog cover everything from how to change careers, how to build your personal brand, or how to deal with crazy co-workers. Recommended posts: “Ten Fast Track Ways to a Lay Off List,” “Are You Desirable?” and “The New Economy of Work.”

50. Jibber Jobber – Popular amongst fellow bloggers, Jason Alba understands how easy it is to waste time while unemployed, and through his blog he hopes to “provide tools and information to job seekers” during their unemployment. Categories on this blog include income security, social networking, personal branding, as well as various books and resources. Recommended posts: “Getting Help From Your Career Center,” “Email Signature: Make It Count!” and “College Graduate’s Job Search Going Bad?

52. Career Brander – This site offers step-by-step instruction on how to organize your cover letters, resumes, and online profiles. The posts also include statistics, studies, excerpts from books, interviews with professionals, as well as questions from their readers. As explained on their site, this blog’s sole “mission” is to help individuals manage their career marketing skills, and help the unemployed excel at their job search in a time-efficient manner. Recommended posts: “LinkedIn and cover letters,” “Online Personal Brand,” and “Fantasy Job Search.”

53. CV Resume Blog –  The authors of this blog write about various ways to simplify your resume and cover letter, and also keep readers updated on the latest technology tools and gadgets, such as cover letter or resume writing software. Recommended posts: “Format System upon Writing a Resume,” “Cover letter generated software,” and “Upon creating Resume Cover Letter with one click using new Software.”

54. Careershifters –  ”Careershifters offers a mix of expert advice from professional career coaches, and ‘success stories’ which are interviews with people who have made career changes themselves and have experienced-based tips for our site users,” writes blogger Sarah Byrne. “[We encourage] comments and feedback from our users, who are often going through their own career changes, and the insights they can provide also helps our site users.” Byrne also explains that they run a “fortnightly” career change workshop which is run by two professional career coaches, all of whom “share their own wisdom from changing careers themselves.” Recommended posts: “Redundant or lost a job? Out of work, not out of time,” “Changing career in a hurry,” and “Making The Most Of The “In Between” Times.”

55. Resume to Referral - Blogger Teena Rose currently works as an Executive Resume Writer, and her site was voted as one of the “Top 100 Job Board Niches” in 2009 by Internetinc.com, this site focuses on a variety of different topics such as personal branding, content management, resumes, cover letters, and “career forecasting and planning.” Recommended posts: “How do I handle lack of education in my resume?” and “Bullied On-the-Job…How Do I Fight Back?

56. The Job Quest – Career consultant Melissa Cooley understands the importance of personal branding because she used to help organizations market themselves through newsletters, websites, and press releases. “It was imperative that each of those pieces used consistent messaging that readily communicated the organizational missions and value propositions to the community,” states Melissa. “Those experiences, combined with the knowledge I gained through my MBA program, translate quite well to the personal branding efforts that job seekers should implement.  With personal branding, individuals can effectively convey a singular message about who they are and what they can bring to a prospective employer.” Her sole advice for the unemployed is to network while looking around for jobs: “Roughly 80% of all jobs are found through networking,” she explains, “so scouring the job boards and sending out resume after resume is an ineffective use of your time.  You need to connect with people both online and offline. Also, don’t make the connections all about you and your need for a job.  You should be building solid professional relationships that involve giving, not just taking. Doing so will encourage others to think of you when they hear of a job opening.” Recommended posts: “How to build your authentic personal brand,” and “Are you letting your comfort zone limit you?

57. 45 Things – Anita Bruzzese has been covering workplace issues for almost 25 years, and converses with hundreds of experts and employers who give her insider information on how to become a successful employee. Her advice for the unemployed is to “network, network, network…Tell everyone you know you’re looking for a job – your aunt’s neighbor, your college roommate and former colleagues,” she explains. “While it’s good to connect with people online, that should only be part of your networking efforts. Every single week you should schedule some face-to-face time with other people who can offer you a job. Attend Chamber of Commerce lunches. Join industry groups. Volunteer at community events that employers will attend. Employee referrals are very important – the more employees you can connect with, the better.” Recommended posts: “6 Tips for Getting More Rest at Work” and “7 Considerations for Taking a Job Overseas.”

58. Grad to Great – Let’s face it, graduating from college and university can be tough, especially during the recession. Before sending off countless resumes, now, more than ever, grads should be taking advice from professionals who know what they’re talking about. Voted as one of the “Top 50 Career Advocates” by eCollegeFinders, authors Anne Brown and Beth Zefo have a combination of experience in career development and resources, and have worked with both small and large corporations, as well as labor unions and college recruiters. Recommended posts: “How Much Time Should I Spend Networking Online?,” and “Getting Into the Real World Mentality.”

59. Career Jockey – “Going through a job hunt can be terrible. Let me tell you, I know,” writes blogger Jorge Lazaro Diaz. “Network, network, network, I cannot say that enough. Your chances of getting a job through the job boards is next to nil.  You have personal contacts of all types.  Leverage them to gain access to hiring managers that need you in an open position they need to fill.” After going through a tumultuous career transition, he was invited to a career support meeting by one of the Back on Track Network co-founders, and learned how to improve his resume, network and “work through the internal struggles that go with losing a job and getting a new one.” He ended up joining the Back on Track Network as a volunteer career advisor and coach, and received formal training through the International Coaching Federation. He later accepted a position on their board of directors and has worked in career advising and coaching ever since. “I had accumulated all this information and knowledge through my research, coaching, speaking, and involvement with out of work people,” he explains. “It seemed like a shame to have it all locked up in my head and in my laptop. That’s how CareerJockey.org was born.” Recommended posts: “Is Your Resume Missing These 5 ‘Must Haves’?” and “The 7 Mistakes People Make When Networking Online.”

60. Great Resumes Fast – Author Jessica Holbrook Hernandez has over 10 years of experience as a human resources manager and recruiter, and offers readers insider advice on what employers look for on a resume and cover letter. “Spend as much time as you can customizing each resume to each different position you apply to,” she explains. “Sure, it may take an extra 10-20 minutes now but it will save you weeks in your job search. General resumes only get thrown in the no pile. Customized resumes will get the hiring manager’s attention and ultimately the interview.” Recommended posts: “How NOT to Start Your Cover Letter” and “Resumes for Every Generation.”

61. Life @ Work - Nominated as one of the “Top 50 Career Advocates” by eCollegeFinders, this blogger motivates her readers on how to maintain a level of happiness while at work, and gives advice on how to find the perfect job that suits your personality. Author Heather Mundell currently works as a life and career coach, and decided to launch her own business after becoming a parent. Recommended posts: “Career Advice for New Grads” and “Is It Your Boss That’s Bad, or Are You Just Hard to Get Along With?

62. Gradversity – This blog was designed to help ease the transition for college and university graduates during the initial stages of their job search. The site is described as being “dedicated to helping new graduates find rewarding careers,” and addresses various questions, issues, and concerns graduates find themselves dealing with once they complete their schooling. Recommended posts: “The Dark Side Of Internships,” “Top Entry Level Employers Of 2010,” and “Never Use The Third Person On Your Resume.”

63. Make it POP Resume – Blogger Mandy Marchitello has “been there, done that.”  She worked in the travel industry post 9/11, and explains how she was “subjected to many layoffs and forced to reinvent myself in a professional sense, time and time again.” Her advice for the unemployed is to write resumes that “get to the point,” design a creative layout, and organize a “work day” so you can spend at least 6 hours a day job searching: “Allow yourself to feel frustrated no more than ’1 hour’ a week,” she explains, “keep very detailed records of all your search attempts, (the “who/what/where/when”). If you need to, accept a part-time job while trying to secure full-time employment.” She also recommends that job seekers “tell absolutely everyone you come into contact with that you’re searching for a job; even your mailman.” Recommended posts: “3 Resume Formats – Which one is best for you?” and “Like A Speeding Train, A Resume That POPS Cannot Be Stopped – (3) Easy Steps!

64. Rita Ashley, Career Coach – Rita Ashley is a “technology recruiting veteran” and is “armed with an insider’s view of how hiring gets done.” Ashley’s expertise is in technology, counseling, psychology, and education, and previously worked with investors, executives, and hiring authorities. Her advice is not only directed towards young professionals looking for employment, but individuals over 45 as well. Recommended posts: “Is ageism hurting your job search?” and “Do your references work for you?

65. Work Bloom - This blog not only provides informative and factual information through its postings, it also links to other articles related to post topics around the career blogging world. Topics on this blog range from technology tips and personal branding, to retirement, recruiting, and career advancement. Recommended posts: “Mommy or Daddy Guilt and How to Fight It,” “Friendly Workplaces for Women and Minorities,” and “A Good Exit Plan and Why You Need One.”

66. Work Coach Cafe – The Work Coach Cafe isn’t just a site dedicated to helping the unemployed, it also gives great advice to those who are currently working and on the brink of a career breakdown. The authors also recently designed a “Career Dictionary” so readers can look up terms like “resume screener” and “transferable skills.” Recommended posts: “Zen and the Art of Being a Receptionist (and Other Under-Appreciated Jobs),” “7 Ways You Can Put Emotional Intelligence to Work,” and “7 Ways to Rev Up Your Recession Job Search.”

67. Blanchard Leader Chat – Voted as one of the “Top 50 Career Advocates” by eCollegeFinders, this blog is a great resource for those in management or leadership positions, as the articles discuss solutions from the point of view of workplace culture, performance management, and organizational development. This site is essentially about “managing in today’s work environment,” and provides a form for readers to “explore, consider, and comment on some of the pressing issues that leaders face.” Recommended posts: “Don’t Let A Big Ego Get in the Way of Collaboration” and “The Leadership-Profit Chain–How Leadership Impacts Employee Passion and Customer Devotion.”

68. Pongo Resume –  Get educated on what to do “before, during, and after their job hunt” by reading up on the various resources and statistics provided in the articles. Some topics include advice on work-relation issues, personal branding, interviews, and job searching, specifically for recent college or university graduates. Recommended posts: “7 Resume Writing Tips for Your Education Section,” “Rerun: What Counts as Experience on a New Grad’s Resume,” and “8 Dumbass Interview Mistakes New Grads Make.”

69. George’s Employment Blawg – Categories on this blog cover all the nitty-gritty details and legalities of the employment world, such as human resources, employment law, (hence the misspelling of “bLAWg”), workplace trends, and the labor market. George Lenard has over twenty years of experience in labor and employment law, and uses his expertise and work experience to provide tips and insider advice to his readers. Recommended posts: “Male Sex Stereotyping: Going Where No Man Has Gone Before” and “A Tale of Two Reference Check Responses — Liability for One, But Not the Other.”

70. Guerrilla Job Hunting – Take your job searching to a whole other level, guerrilla job hunting style. Canadian author David Perry currently works as a HR policy adviser for the Canadian Advanced Technology Alliance (CATA), and has previously worked as an acting vice-chair on the Canadian Technology Human Resources Board, was as a board member of the Software Human Resources Council, and was also a fundraising director for the Western Quebec Education Foundation. Recommended posts: “Gift Certificate,” “Coffee cup,” and “What We Can Learn about Successful Job Seeking from the Game of Golf.”

71. Evil HR Lady – All of the posts on this blog consist of answers to questions readers have sent in to the author. The questions cover some pretty controversial topics like firing policies, drug addicts, and how to deal with idiot co-workers. “I spent 10 years in HR and am passionate about the profession and about demystifying what goes on behind the scenes,” writes the “Evil HR Lady.” Her tips for the unemployed include networking, changing careers, taking a pay cut, learning a new skill, re-writing your resume, or considering relocation. Recommended posts: “My Coworkers are Taking Advantage of the System” and “Managers: Stop the Shuffling and Just Fire the Person.”

72. Movin’ On Up – “Most people spend the majority of their lives at their jobs,” the authors write, “…for that reason, it makes sense to enjoy work and to do what you love. At Movin’ On Up, we want to discuss how we can make our work lives more financially, mentally and emotionally rewarding.” Recommended posts: “Getting to Know the C Suite – Advice for Dealing with Upper Management and Executives” and “Is Your Morning Routine Hurting Your Career?

73. Quick Study Blog – “My aim is to provide advice that is smart and succinct,” writes author Leslie Whitaker, a former Time reporter and co-author of “The Good Girl’s Guide to Negotiating.” “While I provide practical strategies for coping with common concerns, such as asking for a promotion and getting along with a difficult colleague, I also try to inspire readers to tap into their creative sides. A little uniqueness can go a long way.” Recommended posts: “Give Us an “I” for Intern,” “Surprised by an Applicant’s Criminal History?,” and “Surviving Job Stress.”

74. The Career Key Blog – Nominated as one of the “Top Blogger Interviews on Good Career Choices” by BizyMoms.com, topics on this blog cover everything from historic career pioneers, women’s rights, internships for college and university graduates, and career portfolios. Specifically, however, the author explains that most of the articles touch on difficult education or career-making decisions, such as choosing a major or degree, or identifying “career pathways.” Recommended posts: “Want to graduate on time? Choose a college major or training program that matches your Holland personality” and ”5 Tips for Handling Internships in Career Exploration & Career Development.”

75. Resume Edge – Resume-writing expert Darlene Zambruski, the blog’s main author, entertains her readers with factual and informative advice on everything from resumes and cover letters, to interviews and career transitions. Darlene has experience assisting many individuals with their careers, ranging from entry-level workers, and even future CEO’s. Zambruski is a certified resume writer, author, and co-owner of the JP Literary Agency. Recommended posts: “Functional versus Reverse-Chronological Formats” and “The Only Way to Compete Against Hundreds of Equally-Qualified Candidates.”

76. Your Success Network – YSN’s founder and President Jennifer Kushell  is also the NY Times best-selling author of “Secrets of the Young & Successful.” She has been coined as the “Career Doctor” by Cosmopolitan and a “Guru” of her generation by US News & World Report. Jennifer’s advice for the unemployed is to give your online identity a makeover: “Take control of what potential recruiters and hiring managers find when they google your name…even the social and personal stuff! Your online identity is often your first impression to hiring managers.  And it certainly can make or break your chances.” She also illustrates the importance of networking: “You probably have a lot more friends, colleagues and supporters than you realize.  Survey your address books, business card piles and social networks to see who’s really in your inner circle and wider network and who might be able to help lead you to some new prospective opportunities…It is a simple, yet highly underutilized tactic for getting high quality referrals and prospects. Also, she advises to pay close attention to your finances:  ”While you may have to settle for something that isn’t as exciting or doesn’t pay as well as your previous job – take what you can get for now and continue looking for opportunities that better suit your personality and experience.” Recommended posts: “How to Get Publicity In 5 Simple Steps” and “Pursuing the ULTIMATE in Flexible Work Hours.”

77. The Career Doctor Blog – Dr. Randall Hansen is an expert career coach, and has over 20 years of experience working with teens, college/university students or grads, “career changers,” and senior executives. He is certified to help individuals with their online job searches, and educates readers on how to design market electronic resumes, or Web-based career portfolios. Dr. Hansen puts in a great deal of effort to research the latest employment news and trends, and also answers a number of different questions from his readers. Recommended posts: “Include Irrelevant Jobs on Resume?” and “Yes, Bullet Points are Expected on Resumes.”

78. Daily Career Connection – The majority of posts on this blog are generally industry-specific, and provide background information on resume and cover letter expectations, as well as career recommendations. The author also branches off to discuss some book reviews, and degree/certification programs, but most of the articles are aimed towards individuals who are in the process of changing careers. Recommended posts: “Information on a Careers in Events Management,” “A Career Change With Technical Training,” and “Careers in Audio Engineering – Ten Tips That Will Get You That Job Offer.”

79. Jennifer Anthony’s Official Blog – Jennifer Anthony is a career strategist who has been a professional resume writer since 1999 and online since 2003. Jennifer has extensive experience and her clients hold senior leadership, management, operations, sales, marketing, and technical positions in diverse industries. Some of her work has been featured in various career-related books and on various media outlets such as CareerBuilder, CNN, and NetTemps. Not only does she write some of her own blog posts, but she also shares articles of interest from other career experts that she finds helpful to job seekers. Some of the topics on her blog include resume tips, social media, lay-offs, job interviews, hiring trends, and job searching. Occasionally, she goes on humorous rants about resume writing faux pas (such as using marketing fluff words). Recommended posts: “How to Bounce Back After a Lay-Off,” “Can There Be a Worse Way to Apply For a Job Than to Attend a Cattle Call?” and “Stupid and overly used resume word of the day: ‘impactful‘”

80. Hiring Technical People – Technically speaking, this blog is for hiring managers or employment recruiters, but readers can also get tips on how to find jobs or change careers. “Hiring technical people and being hired can be difficult, no matter what the economy is doing,” writes author Johanna Rothman, who also wrote “Hiring the Best Knowledge Workers,” and “Techies & Nerds: The Secrets and Science of Hiring Technical People.” “I was a hiring manager for years inside software organizations and hired about 100 people then. Since I’ve been a consultant, I’ve advised managers about how to interview and hire, and have coached those managers into how to make good choices.” Her advice to the unemployed is to “treat your job search as if it is a job,” and to keep track of every phone call, e-mail, and job application. “Develop a rhythm to your day. Maybe you look for jobs for an hour, make networking phone calls for an hour. Whatever you do, make sure you have some structure to your day.” Recommended posts: “Hiring for Diversity, pt3: New College Grads” and “What Your Job Ad Can Do For You.”

81. College Surfing Insider – Are you in need of a “bloggin’ classmate?”  If you are, the authors of this blog can provide informative and motivational support for those currently enrolled in college and university, or even high school. With a combination of career and education advice, the articles on this blog tap into the youngster market, and even post on topics like Twilight, Betty White, Lost, and Disney World. Recommended posts: “Promoting Non-Credit Lifelong Learning” and “Top 10 Tools Grads Need to Get a Job.”

82. Executive Career Brand – Meg Guiseppi was New Jersey’s first certified Master Resume Writer, and writes about a variety of different topics such as personal branding, online identity, and social media. Her blog also focuses on resume tips for executives, due to the fact that the market is “constantly changing [the] needs of recruiters and hiring decision makers.” Recommended posts: “Does Your Twitter Bio Pack an Executive Brand Punch?” and “10 Brand-Diluting Phrases That Can Ruin Your Executive Resume.”

83. Telecommuting Journal – “My blog is all about what it’s really like to fine legitimate work you can do from home,” explains Lisa, the site’s author. “I entered the world of telecommuting as a solution to starting a family but continuing to work and with so many scams out there targeted at parents looking to find that balance, I felt a strong need to talk about how I found my way and how I avoided scams along the way.” She explains that she has been working from home for over a decade, and understands how difficult it is to find one’s “niche.”  “Always be looking and networking, in real life and online,” she adds. “Online work is much like real life in that you never know where a great job-lead will come from! Use common sense to avoid the get-rich-quick schemes and concentrate on the things you love to do. What makes you happy? If you follow that, and form relationships with others around those things, you never know what kinds of ideas and opportunities start to present themselves.” Recommended posts: “8 Differences Between Working Freelance vs. Salary in the Entertainment Industry” and “For Businesses to Grow in a Fledgling Economy, Turn to Technology and Telecommuting, Says E-Geniuses.”

84. Career Tips Blog – Stephanie (AKA “Stevie”) Puckett earned her Career Counseling Certificate from the University of California, and has a passion for career and entrepreneur development. Her topics strive to motivate readers to make the most of their careers, regardless of whether they are unemployed or not. Her posts tend to stray away from the usual articles posted on most career advice blogs, for instance, some of the topics listed in her tag cloud include “boldness,” “burnout career,” “rejuvenation,” and “flow.” Recommended posts: “Job Search Self Esteem” and “Get Organized to Reduce Stress.”

85.  Amazing Adventures of a Working Girl - Author Karen Burn has worked as a dishwasher, teacher, waitress, editor, secretary, envelope sorter, journalist, seamstress, bank teller, model, ditch digger, and many more. (In total, she’s had 59 jobs in 22 cities and four different countries during her lifetime, and has only been fired once!). She also penned an illustrated book, “The Amazing Adventures of Working Girl: Real-Life Career Advice You Can Actually Use,” and offers “simple yet effective tips for surviving and thriving in the work place, no matter what your job or where you are on the career ladder. (Oh, and she’s funny, too).” Burns explains that a job hunt requires a great deal of time, energy, “inventiveness,” enthusiasm, intelligence, as well as persistence. “Approaching your search with this mindset is key to finding that new job…What nobody tells job seekers is that looking for work is much more difficult than actually working,” reveals Burns. Recommended posts: “Find The Job Before It Even Exists” and “Who’s Hiring For Entry Level Jobs & College Grads.”

86. Susan Ireland’s Job Lounge – Author of “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to the Perfect Resume”, blogger Susan Ireland writes on a variety of different topics like internships, self-employment, green careers, age discrimination, employer references, and even office romance. Every once in awhile she includes videos of a career expert discussing tips and advice for job seekers and the unemployed. Recommended posts: “Could It Pay to Say “I’m Unemployed”?” and “Bad Body Language That Can Hurt Your Job Interview.”

87. The Working Geek – It may not be the fanciest blog in  the world, but the post topics touch on some pretty important issues all job seekers should be aware of. (Like the recession, people/social skills, and how to balance work and life). Every once in awhile the author published an “Ask Andy” series, so readers can send in their questions and get some career or education advice. Recommended posts: “Don’t confuse ‘qualifications’ with ‘skills assumed of everyone’” and “How to do a web resume right.”

88. Green Career Central – Is the recession making you feel blue? Then you should start “thinking green” and explore the future of the “green economy.” Blogger Carol Mclelland updates her readers on the latest green trends, popular green businesses, green books, and even green cities. She is also the author of “Green Careers for Dummies” as well as “Your Dream Career for Dummies.” Recommended posts: “Green Career Tip – Transitioning to a Green Career – When You Are Currently Unemployed,” “Green Careers for Gulf Clean Up and Remediation,” and “Enhance Your Creativity: Increase Your Value to a Green Company.”

89. Job Interview Wisdom – Author Michael Petras has been working as an Executive Recruiter for the past 14 years and also spent 20 years in the Recreational Vehicle Industry as a Regional Sales Director. He has hired and trained over 50 sales professionals, many of whom have since gone on to become Directors, Executives, and Presidents of companies both inside and outside the RV Industry. Petras is also involved in various volunteer projects, and conducts community workshops for job seekers and career changers. Recommended posts: “Top 10 Situational Interview Questions” and “Top 10 Behavioral Interview Questions.”

90. Modite – Selling toilet paper and working in PR and design are some of the many talents Rebecca Thorman has to offer. Her blog has also been featured in various media outlets such as the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal. Topics on this site include employment news and trends for Generation X and Generation Y, volunteers, career politics, time-management, and marketing. (And for the record, her favorite brand of toilet paper is Cottonelle). Recommended posts: “Re-Thinking Workaholism” and “No “A for Effort:” How Colleges Fail Generation Y.”

91. Secrets of the Job Hunt - This blog-version of the podcast “Secrets of the Job Hunt” keeps listeners, as well as readers, updated on the latest employment trends, tips, and topics. The authors also identify the various booming industries, as well as how to deal with unemployment during the recession. Recommended posts: “Do You Recognize These Early Warning Signs of an Egocentric Resume?,” “RESUMES: 1 Page or 2?,” and “See How Easily You can Master Non-Verbal Interviewing.”

92. Career Chaos – The motto of this blog is: “Change happens – so grows a career!” And the various topics on the blog reflect just that. Author Meg Montford writes about everything from how to deal with office politics, how to search for jobs during the holidays, or how to transform your online identity.  But Montford isn’t just a career coach – she’s a career coach who mentors career coaches! Recommended posts: “#Career Coach Musings on Office Politics,” “#Jobseekers: Want to Maximize Your Salary Offer?,” and “Is Your #Career in Recovery or Retreat? (All Joking Aside).

93. reCareered – Readers of this blog get updated on how to find work, what work to avoid, and the latest in social media and technology software. The majority of the posts touch on the latest economic and career trends, and the author Phil Rosenberg also provides updates on the best (and the worst) employers of the week.  Recommended posts: “Best Job Search Tools On Linkedin 2010,” “Job Seekers – Who’s Your Competition?,” and “What Salary Should You Expect For Your Next Job?

94. Here We Are. Now What?- “I am a veteran of corporate downsizing, as well as a career transition facilitator who has helped  many executives and professionals with their job searches” explains Terrence Seamon. He is also the co-founder of the St. Matthias Employment Ministry in Somerset, New Jersey, and also writes a column for the Examiner.com. Through his blog posts he includes his own personal reflections and experiences, and also provides quotes from career-advice experts and famous authors. Recommended posts: “The Five Stories Every Job Hunter Must Be Ready to Tell” and “The Engaging Leader.”

95. Jobs at Adam –  Catherine Palmiere is an employment industry expert, President of the New York-based Adam Personnel, Inc. and Adam Temporary Services, Inc., and has over 29 years of professional staffing experiences. She is also certified as a Personnel Consultant (CPC),  a Temporary Staffing Specialist (CTS), a Search Specialist (CSS), an Employment Interview Consultant (CEIC), a Professional Behavioral Analyst (CPBA), a Professional Career Coach (CPCC), and an Empowerment and Motivational Coach (CEMC). Not only that, she is also a member of the Society of Human Resources Management, Career Directors International, Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches, and the National Resume Writers Association, and has been listened in various editions of Marquis’ Who’s Who. “Since I am in the trenches every day when I talk to potential employers about their staffing needs and hear what is important to them when they hire I am able to share these experiences first hand on my blog,” adds Palmiere. When asked about her advice for the unemployed, she explained that job seekers should put themselves on weekly schedules, and decide how many hours you want to put into their “job campaign.” She also recommends doing something fun to take some time away from your job search. “Do not pay attention to the media if you hear them say unemployment is up or companies are scaling back,” she explains. “Remember, for all the firms who are not hiring there is always a firm who is.” Recommended posts: “More Top Tips for Updating Your Resume, from NY Career Coach, Catherine Palmiere

96. The Career Clinic – In her articles, author Maureen Anderson provides a combination of quick, honest, and unique career advice, and mixes it together with what other career experts are discussing around the web. “It’s not even my advice I’m offering most of the time,” admits Anderson. “Generally I cite other experts, weave their advice into stories about my own work experience, and hope people find it inspiring.” Anderson includes her own personal experiences in the articles, and recently wrote a book titled “8 Simple Rules for Finding Work You Love.” Recommended posts: “take a shot” and “look around.”

97. Resume Power Blog – Updates on this blog may be scarce, but the author writes numerous interesting and humorous articles reflecting anything and everything resume-related. The blog’s sole author Karen Hofferber is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) who has a passion in offering resume tips using MS Word. She also used to work as a Resume Advisor on Monster.com’s Resume Tips message board. Recommended posts: “Is Your Resume a Lion or a Lamb?,” “5 Ways to Recession-Proof Your Resume,” and “Resume Writing Tip: Don’t Drop Jobs from Your Resume.”

98. Spherion blog – Topics on this blog cover everything from post-graduation job hunts, how to find a job in the recession, new and upcoming careers, how to be successful at your work, and how to balance your life and career at the same time. The articles are written by a group of authors, all of whom work in the recruiting, business, marketing, and staffing industries. Recommended posts: “Too Shy to Job Hunt?,” “10 phrases to ban from your resume,” and “How to Fill in Resume Gaps.”

99. Social Matchbox Jobs –  Targeted towards “emerging technology and startup community insiders,” readers get updated on the latest job openings in their area, as well as employment news and trends. Categories include employment benefits and salaries, diversity, identity management, personal branding, and career transitions. Recommended posts: “Mastering Job Description Copy Is Hard Work” and “Why You Should Not Lie On Your Resume.”

100. Pink Slip Blog –  ”Having gone from being an office temp and waitress, to acceptance in a tier-one business school (MIT-Sloan), to a long and decent career in high tech, I know what it’s like not to born knowing what you want to do with your life – and how to figure something out that turned into a good, solid career with interesting work,” writes blogger Maureen Rogers. “Along the way, I developed a set of skills and a network that enable me to freelance at an age when there are few people my age still working in high tech marketing. Over the years, I’ve done a lot of informal career mentoring. I’ve made a lot of mistakes, and have figured a lot of things out, and I like sharing with folks (which I do in my blog Pink Slip, which frequently addresses workplace and career issues).” Her tips for the unemployed? “There’s nothing original about saying make sure to network, but, with the exception of one terrible job, every full time and freelance job I’ve had has been gotten through my network, and this is typical of many/most professionals…Take a course – online, adult ed, community college – in a professionally related area (or even something just for fun; you never know who you’ll meet in Sanskrit class). Volunteer – you’ll feel better and you never know who you’ll meet…Come up with a list of personal/house projects you didn’t have time for and start working through it. Use the time you’re no longer spending surfing the ‘net pretending to look for work.” Recommended posts: “Aging mutant ninja marketer” and “Location, location, location.”

“I spent 10 years in HR and am passionate about the profession and about demystifying what goes on behind the scenes,” explains the “Evil HR Lady.”
I spent 10
years in HR and am passionate about the profession and about
demystifying what goes on behind the scenes.
Posted by alexis | in Career | 11 Comments »

Top 10 jobs for slackers

Jul. 12th 2010

Let’s face it: Medical school isn’t for everyone. Becoming a lawyer isn’t for everyone. For some, long demanding hours at school or in the office aren’t an exhilarating challenge; they’re tedious and draining. And we can’t all be born Paris Hilton. Some of us have to go to work and do something. For those people, we’ve compiled a list of the Top 10 jobs for “slackers” — or those people who don’t want to log long hours at a stressful, demanding job.

Here are our picks:

1. Radio DJ
Talk about the latest celebrity gossip, share your opinions with the world, participate in on-air antics. Doesn’t sound like a hard day’s work. Many radio personalities went to school to get a bachelor’s degree in communications or something similar, but some manage to get by on their charms alone. Average salaries are $23,807 to $43,642 nationwide, but really, the opportunities are endless. Look at celebrity radio hosts such as Howard Stern and Don Imus. If you’ve got the personality, you could become a star. If not, at least you’ve got an easy job chatting with colleagues and listening to tunes.

2. Freelance Writer
English isn’t one of the most popular undergrad majors for no reason: Seems like almost everyone shares a bit of the writing bug. Maybe you like writing short stories, or perhaps you prefer short stories. Maybe you fancy yourself the next David Sedaris, or George Will. Whatever the case may be, there are endless opportunities for writers in a range of mediums. For some, a bachelor’s degree in English or a related field will get you in the door, but for most, your chances boil down to your writing ability. Potential employers will ask for writing samples, and if they like what they see, chances are that you’ll be hired. The life of a freelance writer includes working from home, writing on multiple subjects and making your own schedule. Average salaries are $27,000 to $49,000, but how much you make depends on your ability and a little on luck. You’ll have to have a bit of ingenuity or perseverance to find the jobs.

3. Personal Shopper
It may sound like a made-up job that only exists in the realm of celebrities indulging their whims (um, personal umbrella holder?), but this is a real job that can become a long-term career. Personal shoppers can work for corporations or individuals, shopping for anything from product lines to executive and personal gifts. They can shop for gift bags and other favors for fundraisers and other corporate events. There is no education required to become a personal shopper, and you can start building experience through volunteer and “freelance” activities. And you can expect to have enough to do your own fair share of shopping: Salaries range from $30,000 to $57,000 per year.

4. Driver
Whether it be a personal driver, delivery driver, or long-haul driver, there are numerous opportunities if what you like is a life on the road. The job couldn’t be easier: Sit behind the wheel, remain alert, cruise the radio for good songs, maybe make the occasional small talk if you have a passenger, drop off your load if you have one, repeat, go home. Salaries vary according to what kind of a driver you are, but truck drivers can make up to $50,000 per year. The only education you’ll need is to study for your driving test.

5. Critic
It’s certainly easier to point out what’s wrong with something than it is to create something without flaws. And there are dozens of opportunities for critics based on your interest: art, movies, books, restaurants, music, Web sites, etc. If there is a product, there is a critic for it. Education and training depends on the genre for criticism: Art critics will likely major in art history or a related field, film critics will likely have a bachelor’s degree in film, and so on. But personal experience and knowledge go a long way, and if you can produce knowledgeable reviews that show competency, education will become secondary. Just remember: Critics are judged by their reputation and credibility, so do what you can to cultivate yours. Salaries will vary depending on your genre, but know that you are only limited by your talent and your reputation. Some critics have become celebrities in their own right: Siskel and Ebert, Leonard Maltin, etc.

6. Consultant
Just as there’s a critic for everything, there’s also a consultant for everything. If you have the know-how, but you don’t want to be chained to the corporate 9 to 5, you can act as a freelance “expert for hire.” Companies and individuals can hire you to offer advice or guidance on everything from marketing to business principles to computer systems. Education and salary will vary, depending on your field.

7. Photographer
Do you have a keen eye? Then maybe you have what it takes to be a photographer. Attending weddings and parties are just a few of the rigorous demands of the photographer, as well as taking product shots and portraits. The most demanding part of the job can be the customer, but choosing to avoid high-stress, high-demand events such as weddings can help alleviate that part of the job. One of the best parts of the job is that it can be done anywhere and in any setting. You can choose the corporate or the artistic, the personal or the impersonal, the glamorous or the ordinary. Photographers can get formal training at an art school or undergraduate institution, but it’s not necessary. If you have natural talent, you can make it on your own abilities. Average salaries are $29,440 to $42,000 per year. Possibilities are unlimited, however, as many celebrity photographers can make much, much more.

8. Personal Chef
A slacker job for those who are slackers in the kitchen. If you like to cook, then this is an easy job. You can work as the personal chef for an in-house kitchen, or for individuals in their homes. Cook meals as they are needed, or cook ahead for the week for clients who want the convenience of ready-cooked meals at their leisure. Get your training at culinary school, which can take as little as a couple of months to as much as two years. Or just wow clients with your natural talent and your great-grandmother’s secret recipes. Average salaries are $30,000 to $50,000 per year.

9. Tutor
You can tutor just about anyone in just about any subject: from the traditional school subjects such as English and math to pet projects and hobbies such as guitar, singing, sewing and more. If there’s a hobby that you’re good at, or you just have a little expertise in your chosen field, you can easily parlay that into a full-time tutoring job. Set your own schedule and charge your own rates. You’ll be in charge of finding your own clients and doing your own advertising. Education and salary will depend on your choice of subject.

10. Teacher’s Assistant
Forget about planning lessons or taking responsibility for leading a class: Your job would be to offer support where needed. If you’re an assistant in a younger class, this can include leading activities and supervising play time. What’s better than getting paid to finger paint and read stories? Some schools will require assistants to have a bachelor’s degree, but others won’t even require you to have a high-school diploma. Depending on your education and your responsibilities, teacher’s assistants can make up to $45,000 per year.

Disagree with the list? Think something should be added? Do you have one of these jobs? Let us know what you think!

Posted by maria magher | in Career | No Comments »